Modern Classics Podcast

It's a new year! Which means it's time share our Top 10 Movies and Albums of 2025. It was such a strong season for film and music which made this task incredibly difficult. Tune in to hear if your favorites made the cut. We put together a playlist featuring songs from our album picks so listeners can enjoy them with us! Remember to rate, review and follow the show. Top 10 Albums Playlist: apple:https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/modern-classics-top-albums-2025/pl.u-9N9LLaLt3aj57qspotify:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6JWFpSALAhRF3jSfMlHhPk?si=IfyXhNGTShaRtnWGA0bVEA&pi=c6LLiM0_Q3OMSHosted by: Mike Evans & Kendell Sweeney-ThomasFollow on Instagram & TikTok@modernclassicspodcastFollow Mike on Letterboxd@ChadMichaelMann

The Darjeeling Limited (2007) vs. Unstoppable (2010)Today we tackle one of our countries oldest forms of transportation. The category is "Train Movies" and we bring you two very different locomotive based films. The Darjeeling Limited is a family drama from auteur filmmaker Wes Anderson. A somewhat "spiritual" journey that leads to more goofs than breakthroughs for Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody, and Jason Schwartzman. We also discuss Unstoppable. A non stop (pun intended) action thriller featuring Denzel Washington as a conductor having a monumentally bad day at work. With Tony Scott directing in his signature full throttle style we found ourselves at odds regarding the overall quality of the filmmaking. So sit down in the quiet car, pour some sweet lime, and find out if you have what it takes to stop this speeding engine of an episode. Will either film score 8 or more stars and make the Greatest Films of The 21st Century List? Remember to Rate, Review, and Follow the show!Hosted by Mike Evans & Kendell Sweeney-Thomas Follow on TikTok & Instagram@modernclassicspodcast Watch Along:The Darjeeling Limited (Hulu)Unstoppable (Tubi)

It's the final episode of the year. To celebrate we take a look back at some of the movies we have covered with a round of Kendell's Question. We also share some stats regarding our Greatest Films of the 21st Century List. There was even time to chat about some recent watches. Films discussed in this episode include but are not limited to : F1, Wake Up Dead Man, Hot Frosty, Andhra King Taluka, Eephus, Ready to Rumble, and A Beautiful Mind. Remember to Rate, Review, And Follow the show! Thank you so much to our loyal supporters this year! Hosted by; Mike Evans & Kendell Sweeney- Thomas Follow on Instagram and TikTok@modernclassicspodcastFollow Mike on Letterboxd @ChadMichaelMann

El Conde (2023) vs. The Girl With The Needle (2024)Battle Category: Black and White Join us as we explore Black and White films with our two featured movies going head to head for a chance to land a spot on our Greatest Films Of The 21st Century List. We will breakdown and score each movie starting with "El Conde". A horror comedy with a new twist on the vampire genre. After that is "The Girl With The Needle" which brings us on a dark journey to post war Denmark. It's a twisted and freaky look at the most horrific crimes you could imagine. Tune in but please leave the sharp objects at home. We suggest a blender full of hearts and ether to accompany this battle episode. Remember to rate, review, and follow the show! Hosted by; Mike Evans & Kendell Sweeney-ThomasFollow on Instagram and TikTok @modernclassicspodcastFollow Mike on Letterboxd @ChadMichaelMannWatch Along: El Conde (Netflix)The Girl With The Needle (Mubi)

It's time to review the results of our awards segment for the past ten films we have covered. We always have a fun time going down memory lane and finding out what movies stood out to us most. As usual we lost track of time so its actually 18 films that need to be evaluated still we kept it brief and full of ad many bits as possible. Films discussed in this episode include; Sexy Beast, Selma, The Savages, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Burn After Reading and more. Remember to rate and review if you enjoy the show. Hosted by; Mike Evans & Kendell Sweeney-ThomasFollow on Instagram and TikTok @modernclassicspodcastFollow Mike on Letterboxd @ChadMichaelMann

Burn After Reading (2008) Vs Big Eyes (2014)The category is "Scammers" as two films go head to head for a spot on the Greatest Films of The 21st Century List. First up is the Coen Brother's goof ball caper "Burn After Reading". It gave us plenty to chat about including a surprisingly wacky performance by Brad Pitt. Then it's Tim Burton's " Big Eyes". A bio-pic of sorts about a character whose art and identity has been stolen in a most unexpected way. We had a great time recording so enjoy. We do not suggest listening to this episode hiding in a closet with no I.D. or tags on your clothing. Trust us and remember to rate/review! Hosted By; Mike Evans & Kendell Sweeney-ThomasFollow on Instagram and TikTok@modernclassicspodcastFollow Mike on Letterboxd@ChadMichaelMannWatch AlongBurn After Reading (Prime)Big Eyes (Rent Anywhere)

This week we catch up on what we have been watching lately. Films discussed include; A House Of Dynamite, Lurker, Frankenstein, Friendship, Jurassic World: Rebirth, Bring Her Back, Oceans 8, Confessions of a Shopaholic, The Lovebirds and more. We also play a round of "A24 questions" (our movie guessing game) and "Making The Cut" (our movie release year trivia game). Make sure you rate, review, and follow the show! Hosted by: Mike Evans & Kendell Sweeney-ThomasFollow on Instagram and TikTok @modernclassicspodcastFollow Mike on Letterboxd@ChadMichaelMann

Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind (2004) vs. The Savages (2007)It's a battle of words as the category for this week's episode is "Best Original Screenplay Nominees". Out of all the possible contenders we settled on two very different films. Eternal Sunshine of The Spotless Mind is an irreverent sci-fi dramedy starring a very subdued Jim Carey along with a very animated Kate Winslet. Director Michel Gondry and writer Charlie Kaufman prove to be a very complimentary duo with a surreal story to match Gondry's avant-garde imagery. The Savages on the other hand is a grounded comedy written and directed by Tamara Jenkins. The low key script is brought to life by outstanding performances from Laura Linney and Phillip Seymour Hoffman. It's a strong pair of movies. Neither of which are to be missed. This episode is so long it might be hard to remember where it even started. We suggest getting comfy. With an Urban Outfitters pillow perhaps? Tune in to find out if either movie scores 8 or more stars to make the "Greatest Films Of The 21st Century List". Rate, Review, and enjoy the show!Hosted By Mike Evans & Kendell Sweeney-ThomasFollow on Instagram and TikTok@modernclassicspodcastFollow Mike on Letterboxd@ChadMichaelMannWatch Along:Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind (rent anywhere)The Savages (rent anywhere)

Today leading up to our Best Original Screenplay Nominees battle episode we discuss every film nominated for Best Original Screenplay since the year 2001. The prompt lead to many great ideas on what films to cover next and some solid bits as usual. Films discussed include; Banshees Of Inisherin, Up, Get Out, The Squid and The Whale, Gosford Park, Manchester By The Sea, Amelie, Gangs of New York, Lars and The Real Girl, Inception and many more. So tune in to hear our thoughts and to hear us make fun of John Travolta. Remember to rate, review and subscribe. Hosted By ; Mike Evans & Kendell Sweeney-ThomasFollow on TikTok and Instagram@modernclassicspodcastFollow Mike on Letterboxd@ChadMichaelMann

Inside Man (2006) vs. Thunivu (2023)The category is "Heist Movies". Join us as two films go head to head and possibly earn a spot on our Greatest Films of the 21 Century List. First we tackle 'Inside Man' the Spike Lee joint from 2006. With Denzel Washington , Clive Owen, Jodie Foster, Christopher Plummer and Willem Dafoe going toe to toe in a taut thrill ride. Then it's 'Thunivu' from 2023. A Bollywood style action film with plenty of twists and turns. So break on in to this episode and make sure you bring the get away car. Both movies are currently available on Netflix. Remember to Rate, Review, Subscribe and Follow! Hosted by; Mike Evans & Kendell Sweeney - Thomas Watch AlongInside Man (Netflix)Thunivu (Netflix)Follow on TikTok and Instagram@modernclassicspodcastFollow Mike on Letterboxd@ChadMichaelMann

Join us as we determine the scariest movie we have covered in our battle episodes. We have put together a bracket of all 12 horror films from Modern Classics history and judged them based on what we like to call the "Scream Scale". Movies discussed include The Host, The Village, Shaun of the Dead, Another, I Am Mother, Possessor, Escape Room, Nope, Pulse, A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night, and Battle Royale. Makes sure to rate the show and leave us a review! Hosted by Mike Evans and Kendell Sweeney-Thomas Follow on TikTok and Instagram@modernclassicspodcastFollow Mike on Letterboxd @ChadMichaelMann

Arrival (2016) vs. Landscape With Invisible Hand (2023)The category for today's Battle Episode is "Alien Invasions". It's time to explore a robust genre of 2000's film. We had the tough task of choosing two films to go head to for a chance of placing a spot on the Greatest Films 21st Century List. First up is 2016's "Arrival" a sweeping epic on the linguistic barriers of first contact. Then it's "Landscape with Invisible Hand" from 2023. This pick brought us a family comedy with a heavy dose of social commentary the likes of which he hadn't quite seen before. Tune in and make sure you don't get beamed up before the end of the episode. If you enjoy the show give us a 5 star rating and a review. Thanks for listening! Hosted by Mike Evans & Kendell Sweeney-ThomasFollow on TikTok and Instagram@modernclassicspodcastWatch AlongArrival (Paramount +)Landscape with Invisible Hand (Rent Anywhere)Follow Mike on Letterboxd@ChadMichaelMann

Today's episode is all about villains as we explore the subject in our segment Keep It 2000. We also play a round of 2000 or More where Mike's knowledge of Ang Lee's filmography will be put to the test. Movies discussed in this episode include No Country For Old Men, XMen, Whiplash, Lord of The Rings, Us, Whiplash, Finding Nemo, Gangs of New York, There Will Be Blood, Training Day, Gangs of New York, The Dark Knight, and more. Remember to rate, review and follow the show!Hosted by: Mike Evans & Kendell Sweeney-ThomasFollow on Instagram and Tik Tok@modernclassicspodcastFollow Mike on Letterboxd @ChadMichaelMann

Whale Rider (2003) vs Kontroll (2003)The Category is “Movies From 2003” and your hosts are bringing two lesser known films to the battle arena. First up is “Whale Rider”. A coming of age tale out of New Zealand with a stunning performance from Keisha Castle-Hughes. Next up is the Hungarian indie thriller “Kontroll”. A wild ride into the depths of Budapest’s underground metro system. Mike and Kendell will discuss both films ending with a star score for each pick. If the combined star score of either movie total 8 or more then that film will be inducted onto the Greatest Films of The 21st Century List! Tune in to find out what movie and what host scores the most to win this week’s battle episode. If you enjoy the show make sure you rate, review and follow so we can grow the show! Hosted By: Mike Evans & Kendell Sweeney-ThomasWatch Along:Whale Rider (Tubi)Kontroll (Tubi)Follow on Instagram and TikTok @modernclassicspodcastFollow Mike on Letterboxd @ChadMichaelMann

Welcome to another Prequel Episode. Mike and Kendell tackle movies in 2003. Do you remember some of your favorites from that year? Tune in to see if any are discussed. Movies covered include Head of State, Big Fish, Lost In Translation, League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Master and Commander plus a lot more. Your Hosts also had some time to catch up on some films they recently got the chance to see including Weapons (2025) and Toxic Avenger (2025). If you enjoy the show make sure to follow, rate and review! Hosted by Mike Evans And Kendell Sweeney-Thomas Follow on Instagram and Tik Tok @modernclassicspodcastFollow Mike on Letterboxd @ChadMichaelMann

Seven Psychopaths (2012) vs. Under The Silver Lake (2018)The category for today's battle is "Encore Performances". Both hosts chose a film starring an actor that was covered in a previous battle episode. Kendell's actor was Christopher Walken who was previously discussed in "The Rundown". His encore performance is in the Martin McDonagh's "Seven Psychopaths" a meta action/comedy with some unexpected twists. Mike went with "Under The Silver Lake". His encore performer being Andrew Garfield who was previously discussed in "The Social Network" and "The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnasus". This one follows a hapless loser through the deep dark mysteries of LA sub-cultures. Today's episode is one you don't want to miss. Just try not to get lost deciphering all the hidden message below. Hidden Message:🕆︎■︎♎︎♏︎❒︎❄︎♒︎♏︎⬧︎♓︎●︎❖︎♏︎❒︎●︎♋︎🙵♏︎⬧︎♏︎❖︎♏︎■︎◻︎⬧︎♒︎⍓︎♍︎♒︎□︎◻︎♋︎⧫︎♒︎⬧︎Hosted by; Mike Evans & Kendell Sweeney-Thomas Follow on TikTok and Instagram@modernclassicspodcastWatch AlongSeven Psychopaths (Pluto)Under The Silver Lake (Tubi, Pluto) Follow Mike on Letterboxd@ChadMichaelMann

This week your hosts discuss some recent viewings of Superman, Eddington, and Sing Sing. Then it's a breakdown of the Movies of 2010. From Oscar winners/nominees to lesser known foreign films Mike and Kendell cover a wide range of movies including Inception, The Book of Eli, Black Swan, Kick Ass, Due Date, I Saw The Devil, Macgruber, The King's Speech and more. Hosted By Mike Evans & Kendell Sweeney Thomas Follow on Instagram and Tik Tok @modernclassicspodcastFollow Mike on Letterboxd@ChadMichaelMann

Nigh Moves (2013) vs Selma (2014)The category for this battle episode is “Political Activism”. Given the current state of U.S. politics being active politically is extremely important so your host Mike and Kendell thought it would be a good time to explore how the subject is portrayed in modern cinema. The pair of films up for debate are two very different takes on how to and how not to stand up to for what you believe in. Kelly Reichardt’s “Night Moves” is a searing thriller on activism turning violent. The film raises some interesting questions on the morals of extremism. While “Selma”  (directed by Ava DuVernay) is a harrowing biopic following Martin Luther King Jr. during the marches on Alabama that lead to historical change for the mid 60’s Civil Rights Movement. Your hosts cover a lot of ground with this one (no pun intended). It’s a very informative episode but the question still remains ; will either film score 8 or more stars and be inducted onto the Greatest Films of The 21st Century List? Tune in for the answer. Make sure you rate, review and follow the show! Hosted by Mike Evans & Kendell Sweeney-Thomas Watch Along:Night Moves (Prime )Selma (Paramount + ) Follow on Instagram and TikTok@modernclassicspodcast Follow Mike on Letterboxd@ChadMichaelMann 

Macon Blair InterviewThis week we had the privilege of chatting with filmmaker Macon Blair about his new movie "The Toxic Avenger" along with the rest of his fantastic filmography. It was a joy to hear more about this much anticipated reboot of the beloved cult horror franchise. Macon Blair has carved out a his own dark and quirk corner of independent film starting with his directorial debut "I Don't Feel At Home In This World Anymore". He is also known for acting roles in films such as "Blue Ruin", "Green Room", "The Thicket" , and "Oppenheimer" . We hope you enjoy the conversation and make sure you watch "The Toxic Avenger" in theaters August 29th. Please rate, review and follow the show!Hosted by; Mike Evans & Kendell Sweeney-ThomasFollow on Instagram and TikTok @modernclassicspodcastWatch; I Don't Feel At Home in This World Anymore (Netflix)Blue Ruin (Tubi) Brothers (Prime)Green Room ( Rent Anywhere) Follow Mike on Letterboxd @ChadMichaelMann

Pulse (2001) Vs Another (2012)The category for today's battle episode is "Japanese Horror" with a frightening double feature. Kiyoshi Kurosawa's masterful internet ghost story "Pulse" from 2001 goes head to head with 2012's manga adapted "Another". Both films offered a lot to discuss when it comes to what to do and what not to do when making a horror movie. It's a ghostly episode full of jump scares that is not for the faint of heart. And of course your hosts will answer the ultimate question; Does either movie have what it takes to make the Greatest Films of the 21st Century List? Tune in to find out and please RATE , REVIEW, and SUBSCRIBE! Hosted By: Mike Evans and Kendell Sweeney-Thomas Watch AlongPulse (Tubi, Roku, Pluto TV)Another (Pluto TV, Plex, Roku)Follow on Instagram and TikTok @modernclassicspodcastFollow Mike on Letterboxd @ChadMichaelMann