The Munsons shift gears from one of Hollywood’s biggest stars to one of its most grounded character actors—Robert Forster. After Kyle recounts a run-in with Thomas McKenzie (and maybe the Bird Lady, Brenda Fricker?), we dive into Forster’s remarkable and often overlooked career. The box office spreadsheet shows a stark contrast from Harrison Ford—going from first to nearly last—but Forster’s story is anything but small. Entering Hollywood completely naive, he built a career on perseverance, a little luck (as he himself admitted), and an unshakable authenticity. We unpack the tragic and surreal story of his mother’s self-immolation, his complete comfort with full frontal nudity on screen (respect), and his uncanny ability to ground films—whether they were good, bad, or somewhere in between. Was he one of the few actors who could have brought Max Cherry to life in Jackie Brown? The Munsons think so. Along the way, we discuss his repeated turns as law enforcement officials, debate whether “perfectly cromulent” defines his acting style, and reflect on his late-career roles before his passing from a brain tumor in 2019. This episode celebrates a man who may not have been a box office titan, but was the quiet engine behind some truly great films. Where does Robert Forster rank on the Munson Meter? Listen and find out.
In this episode, the Munsons take flight with one of Hollywood’s most iconic stars—Harrison Ford, and hope he doesn’t take the plane down with us. With two animal species named after him and a box office career that towers over our box office snapshot spreadsheet, we dig into every angle of Ford’s legendary run. How much does Case really hate him, and how will that play into his final score? We weigh the burden of carrying roles like Han Solo, Indiana Jones, Rick Deckard, and Jack Ryan, and debate whether being born during World War II influenced his knack for fighting Nazis on screen. We look at his real-life, death-defying stunts as a pilot, the impact of Han Solo as the first in a line of action-hero archetypes, and whether Indiana Jones paved the way for the Gates family in National Treasure. The crew dissects his comparison to Jake Gyllenhaal in Presumed Innocent, relives The Fugitive (and our collective hatred of PlutoTV), and questions why Ford took a voice role in The Secret Life of Pets—and if there’s more animated work in his future. Plus, we talk about his long-overdue Razzie nom in 2020. How does he rank on the Munson Meter? Listen to find out.
The Munsons take on the towering, eclectic career of Tim Robbins—actor, director, activist, and, depending on who you ask, an unofficially blacklisted MLB Hall of Fame figure. We explore Robbins' deep New York sports fandom—Mets, Rangers, and maybe Jets?—and revisit his Quarterback Princess days to assess whether he’s believable as a 6’5 high school QB. James weighs in with a definitive take on whether Robbins could ever convincingly pull off a frat bro, while the rest of the crew debates if he carries enough charisma to be a true leading man. We trace a recurring theme in his filmography: playing the broken husband, and dive into his Oscar-winning turn in Mystic River—should he have won over two former Munsons? Plus, we’re all surprisingly intrigued by the dystopian mystery series Silo on AppleTV, and wonder if it might be Robbins’ next great chapter. How does he rank on the Munson Meter? Listen to find out.
The Munsons assemble to break down the career of Chris Pine, Hollywood's soulful blue-eyed heartthrob who may just be the most charismatic of all the Chris’s. We dive into how he stacks up against the likes of Hemsworth, Pratt, Rock, O’Dowd and others—and what makes him stand out in a crowded field of cinematic superheroes and leading men. From his plastic-perfect fame in the Barbie/Ken doll universe to his raw and gritty turn in Hell or High Water (which we absolutely fawn over), Pine continues to defy expectations. We discuss the surprising insights he’s shared about his career in interviews, his impressive pipes as a singer, and his natural ability to command the screen no matter the role. Kyle successfully converts the crew into Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves fans, and we share our reactions to the fun, fantasy-packed adventure. We also explore whether Poolman is just the beginning of Pine's journey toward becoming a prolific Hollywood director. How does he rank on the Munson Meter? Listen to find out.
In this episode, the Munsons are joined once again by veteran guest Munson, Cam Sully, for a deep dive into the unparalleled career of Trinidadian-American actress Lorraine Toussaint. A Juilliard graduate with over 30 years in film, TV, and theater, Toussaint consistently delivers powerhouse performances, making even small roles unforgettable. We explore her impactful work in Selma, her iconic turn as Vee in Orange Is the New Black, her underrated brilliance in Nightjohn, her chilling role in Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, her ongoing presence as Vi in The Equalizer, and her latest performance in Better Sister. Plus, we revisit the classic Dangerous Minds to see if it still holds up. How does she rank on the Munson Meter? Listen to find out.
In this episode, the Munsons are joined by first-time guest Munson, Josh Outing, and take a deep dive into the career of Andre Holland, an actor whose project choices are as calculated as his performances are captivating. With a filmography that spans critical darlings and cult TV favorites, Holland’s career showcases a fascinating contrast: sky-high critic and audience ratings paired with head-scratching IMDb scores and minimal box office returns. We break down this odd trajectory and explore how he’s still managed to carve out a niche as one of the most compelling actors of his generation. From his commanding presence in The Knick and Castle Rock to the emotional resonance of Exhibiting Forgiveness, we marvel at Holland’s control of pacing, tone, and subtlety. We also settle the battle once and for all between DJ Jazzles and DJ Request. How does he rank on the Munson Meter? Listen to find out.
In this episode, the Munsons dive deep into the career of the effortlessly cool and endlessly talented Rosario Dawson. We explore her humble beginnings on the Lower East Side of NYC, where early family struggles and imposter syndrome in film school shaped her unique path to stardom. From the moment luck literally knocked on her doorstep, Dawson's journey has been anything but typical. We discuss how Prince once dubbed her the voice of a generation at just 19, and her frequent appearances in music videos through the years. Her pop culture impact is undeniable, thanks to standout roles in Rent and Josie and the Pussycats. We were seriously impressed by her work opposite Denzel Washington in He Got Game, and we share our frustration over Rob Zombie cutting her from one of his films. Throughout her filmography, one thing remains constant: Rosario always classes up the joint. We also unpack her fascinating dating history, her inspiring decision to adopt her daughter at age 12, and her commitment to her political and philanthropic impact. How does she rank on the Munson Meter? Listen to find out
In this episode, the Munsons are joined by guest Munson, Dames Marvs, to dive into the elusive, mesmerizing world of Sir Daniel Day-Lewis. We cover it all—stories from off the screen that are just as legendary as his performances, the mystery behind why he’s so selective with his roles, and how he seemingly gives up being himself while on a set. We marvel at the bizarre twists of fate that shaped him: the schoolyard bullies, the carpenter who turned him down, and the wild journey that followed. We talk about the time he learned a foreign language for a film that wasn’t even in that language, speculate if Tarantino may have accidentally saved his life by passing on him for Pulp Fiction, and ponder the possibility of home videos of his kids asking why dad is dressed like Hawkeye from The Last of the Mohicans. Finally, we look ahead to the inevitable day Sir Daniel will defend the crown using every survival skill he's gained from decades of full-immersion acting. Do we have a new #1 rank on the Munson Meter? Listen to find out.
In this episode of Munsons at the Movies, we're joined once again by guest Munson, Matti Groll, to dive into the fascinating and unpredictable career of Aidan Gillen. From his Irish roots and struggles with auditions to his pinball-like journey through film and television, we leave no stone unturned. We rave about the impact of Sing Street, marvel at Gillen breaking Case’s box office snapshot spreadsheet, and debate whether Gillen truly nails his accents. We notice an unmistakable trend of his portrayals of small-time villains in films and explore his performances in memorable shows like Queer as Folk, Game of Thrones, The Wire, and Peaky Blinders. How does he rank on the Munson Meter? Will the Munsons drive it like they stole it? Listen to find out.
In this episode of Munsons at the Movies, the crew dives deep into the enigmatic and intense career of Tom Hardy, bringing back fan-favorite Guest Munson Mike Rodmaker to join the ride. From James not being able to shut up about Hardy to wild tales of Tommy #1 and Frankie Pullitzer, we explore the performer’s evolution both on and off screen. We break down his early struggles with alcoholism and drug addiction, how his near-career-ending Star Trek flop almost derailed everything, and how he used his self-proclaimed talent for lying to launch a powerful acting career. We weigh his legacy against Michael Fassbender from their drama school days, question his sometimes questionable accent work (yes, many of his films require subtitles), and highlight his breakout role in Inception, which introduced him to many American audiences. Of course, we gush over his unforgettable turns in Warrior, Peaky Blinders, The Dark Knight Rises, and Mad Max: Fury Road. Like the plot of Mad Max, Hardy’s career is a chaotic, compelling ride—just the way we like it. How does he rank on the Munson Meter? Do the Munsons feel in charge? Listen to find out.
In this episode, the Munsons dive into the versatile and wildly entertaining career of Alan Tudyk, joined by guest Munson, Mike Van de Voort. From battling a nasty case of hives in his first film role alongside Robin Williams to shattering Case’s box office spreadsheet with his staggering number of billion-dollar films, Tudyk's career is nothing short of legendary. We explore his rigorous training at Juilliard (and pirate camp), the less-than-glamorous roles his agent forced upon him, and the (potentially) infamous Alan Tudyk bird scale. Of course, we can’t resist gushing over his iconic performances in Tucker and Dale vs. Evil and Resident Alien, while also celebrating the countless animated characters he has brought to life. Buckle up for a deep dive into one of Hollywood’s most underrated chameleons! How does he rank on the Munson Meter? Listen to find out.
In this episode of Munsons at the Movies, guest Munson John Rigby returns for his sixth appearance, lending his Academy Awards expertise to our deep dive into the extraordinary life and career of Jeff Bridges. We marvel at his seven Oscar nominations, dissect his Oscar-winning performance in Crazy Heart, and celebrate his impressive decades-long marriage. The Munsons discuss how 10% of his films lost $10 million or more at the box office, factor nepotism into the Munson Meter, and reflect on how Fat City paved the way for Kingpin, making this podcast possible. From his undeniable charisma on screen to how his role in Starman feels closest to his real-life personality, we examine what makes Bridges such a cinematic treasure and explore the fascinating contrasts between him and his equally talented brother, Beau. How does he rank on the Munson Meter? Listen to find out.
Welcome to the Munsons at the Movies podcast. Each episode we delve into the filmography of a randomly selected actor. In this episode of Munsons at the Movies, the crew dives into the life and career of the endlessly talented Kristen Wiig. From her iconic Saturday Night Live performances that cemented her as a comedy legend to her underappreciated voice work in animated hits, Wiig's versatility is unmatched. Joined by original Munson Warren Hicks and guest Cori Wallace the Munsons explore her impressive range in project choices, from indie gems to massive-budget blockbusters, and her ability to captivate audiences with unforgettable roles like Annie in Bridesmaids. They discuss the power of her “mirror on the wall” moments that reveal her depth as a performer and why Cori dubs her the ultimate Hollywood cool girl. Whether stealing scenes in sketch comedy or shining on the silver screen, Kristen Wiig proves she's a star who defies easy categorization. How does she rank on the Munson Meter? Listen to find out.
Welcome to the Munsons at the Movies podcast. Each episode we delve into the filmography of a randomly selected actor. Ever wondered about the man behind the megawatt smile and those iconic roles? This week, we're diving deep into the fascinating life and career of Richard Gere. From the gritty streets of An Officer and a Gentleman to the glitz and glamour of Pretty Woman and the razzle-dazzle of Chicago, Gere has captivated audiences for decades. But there's more to him than just Hollywood charm. Joining us for the first time is guest Edward Chaja, and together we uncover the untold stories: the backstage drama with Sylvester Stallone, the mentorship of Telly Savalas, his headline-grabbing romances, and his passionate activism for Tibet. Did his outspoken political views impact his career and Oscar chances? And the burning question: where does he land on the coveted Munson Meter? Listen and find out!
Welcome to the Munsons at the Movies podcast. Each episode we delve into the filmography of a randomly selected actor. In this episode, we explore the life & career of Dennis Quaid. Perhaps best known for his roles as Jack Hall in The Day After Tomorrow (2004), Jimmy Morris in The Rookie (2002), and Cap Rooney in Any Given Sunday (1999), Quaid has been stocking up leading man roles since the 70s. Joined once again by Lauren Hopkins Price, we discuss his musical abilities on and off screen as the lead singer of The Sharks, the incredible number of real-life portrayals we’ve seen from him over the years, how he has transformed his project choice in the last decade, and why his charisma lends well to understated roles. How does he rank on the Munson Meter? Listen to find out.
Welcome to the Munsons at the Movies podcast. Each episode we delve into the filmography of a randomly selected actor. In this episode, we explore the life & career of Michelle Williams. Perhaps best known for her roles as Cindy in Blue Valentine (2010), Marilyn Monroe in My Week with Marilyn (2011), and Randi in Manchester by the Sea (2016), Williams has been stocking up award-worthy performances for the past few decades. Joined once again by Laura Bennecke, we discuss her emancipation from her family, how Brokeback Mountain transformed her career, marvel at her ability to do accents, and listen to Aubrey talk about how Williams is his favorite actor. How does she rank on the Munson Meter? Will Aubrey give her less than a 100? Listen to find out.
Welcome to the Munsons at the Movies podcast. Each episode we delve into the filmography of a randomly selected actor. In this episode, we explore the life & career of Doug Jones. Best known for his roles as Abe Sapien in the Hellboy films, Amphibian Man in The Shape of Water (2017), and Fauno/Pale Man in Pan’s Labyrinth (2006), Jones has built a career as the actor who portrays the creature in the creature feature. Joined for our annual Halloween episode once again by the wonderful Stephanie Malone of the Morbidly Beautiful podcast, we discuss how he built his very unique career over the years, how films like The Shape of Water couldn’t exist without him, how he expands our understanding of what acting could be, and we liken him to Devin Hester when it comes to scoring him on the Munson Meter. How does he rank on the Munson Meter? Listen to find out!
Welcome to the Munsons at the Movies podcast. Each episode we delve into the filmography of a randomly selected actor. In this episode, we explore the life & career of Juno Temple. Best known for her roles as Keeley in Ted Lasso (2020-2023), Dot in Fargo (2023-2024) and Lola in Atonement (2007), Temple has recently taken the entertainment world by storm. Joined once again by Chip Hessenflow of the Too Much Scrolling Podcast, we discuss her punk rock hippie upbringing, her ability to play with accents, her willingness to be an ensemble player, and rave at the earnestness she brings to every role. How does she rank on the Munson Meter? Listen to find out.
Welcome to the Munsons at the Movies podcast. Each episode we delve into the filmography of a randomly selected actor. In this episode, we explore the life & career of Goldie Hawn. Best known for her roles as Judy in Private Benjamin (1980), Elise in The First Wives Club (1996), and her many on-screen collaborations with Kurt Russell, Warren Beatty, Chevy Chase, and Steve Martin, Goldie has been gracing the screen for over five decades. Joined briefly once again by Dan Craig, we discuss her comedic start on Laugh-In, her remarkable Oscar success out the gate, her famous children, her status as a movie star, and keep a Kurt Russell mention counter for Case’s favorite actor. How does she rank on the Munson Meter? Listen to find out.
Welcome to the Munsons at the Movies podcast. Each episode we delve into the filmography of a randomly selected actor. In this episode, we explore the life & career of Stephen Tobolowsky. Best known for his roles as Ned Ryerson in Groundhog Day (1993), Clayton Townley in Mississippi Burning (1988), and his appearances in just about every television show made since 1990, Tobolowsky has quiet built one of the most prolific filmographies in entertainment history. Joined once again by Cam Sully of the Jacked Up Review Show Podcast, we discuss his uncanny comedic timing, busy career as “that guy” on our TVs, his wacky stories involving Steven Seagal and Stevie Ray Vaughan, and marvel at Cam’s ability to rattle off so many of his 292 screen appearances. How does he rank on the Munson Meter? Listen to find out.