Movies are Life

It’s not your fault. This week on You Had Me at Rewind, Nathan Chandler travels back to Dec. 5, 1997, to revisit Good Will Hunting, the film that made therapy cinematic and turned two childhood friends, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, into Hollywood legends.Nathan is joined by returning guest Beau Gatlin for an in-person conversation recorded deep in the heart of Texas. Together they unpack why the story of a janitor-genius from South Boston still resonates, reflect on Robin Williams’ unforgettable performance and explore how this film made emotional vulnerability cool long before it was mainstream.From Elliott Smith’s moody soundtrack to the movie’s lasting influence on pop culture (and a few laughs about AOL screen names), Nathan and Beau dig into what makes Good Will Hunting both timeless and very, very ’90s.Read Nathan's thoughts on Good Will Hunting.Support the podcast: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/moviesarelife

This job would be great if it wasn’t for the customers.We’re heading back to October 19, 1994, to talk about Clerks — the scrappy, black-and-white indie that turned convenience store chaos into cinematic history. Shot for $27,000 on maxed-out credit cards, Kevin Smith’s debut launched a generation of filmmakers (and Jay & Silent Bob) while capturing the sarcasm, boredom and pop-culture debates of ‘90s slackerdom.Nathan is joined by Marisa Boyd for a conversation about Clerks’ raw DIY spirit, its laugh-out-loud realism and why the female characters might just be the smartest people in the room. They also reminisce about video stores, Magic Eye posters, the power of the Weezer Blue Album and that unforgettable “37” scene.It’s a love letter to indie film, Gen-X humor and the jobs we couldn’t wait to quit.Read Nathan's thoughts on Clerks.Support the podcast: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/moviesarelife

Life is like a box of chocolates — and this episode has a little bit of everything. Nathan is joined by longtime friend Abel Cass to revisit Forrest Gump, the 1994 Best Picture winner that defined a decade and divided movie fans ever since.Together they look back at what made Robert Zemeckis’ sweeping Americana epic so unforgettable, from Tom Hanks’ iconic performance to its groundbreaking special effects, timeless soundtrack and endlessly quotable lines. The two also reflect on how the film hits differently as adults and parents, why it resonated so deeply in the ‘90s and how its portrayal of love, history and innocence still sparks debate today.Plus, a nostalgic 90s Pop Quiz, memories of small-town movie theaters and a few laughs about homemade Forrest Gump reenactments.Run, Forrest, Run… back to 1994 with us.Read Nathan's thoughts on Forrest Gump.Support the podcast: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/moviesarelife

The series premiere of You Had Me at Rewind kicks off with a trip back to 1999 and the comedy that defined awkward teenhood: American Pie. Nathan and Whitney Chandler revisit the raunchy classic that shocked parents, spawned sequels and gave us band camp stories, Stifler chaos and one unforgettable apple pie. Along the way, they swap first memories, share laughs and ask—why does this outrageous movie now feel so strangely innocent?Read Nathan's thoughts on ‘American Pie’.Support the podcast: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/moviesarelife

Werner Herzog’s 2005 documentary Grizzly Man tells the true story of Timothy Treadwell, the self-styled protector who spent 13 summers living among Alaskan grizzly bears before his tragic death. Using Treadwell’s own footage, Herzog transforms what could have been a simple wilderness chronicle into a haunting meditation on obsession, mortality and the fragile boundary between humans and nature.In this episode, Nathan revisits Grizzly Man nearly twenty years later to explore Herzog’s perspective, the lasting impact of Treadwell’s footage and why this film remains one of the most thought-provoking documentaries of the 21st century.Up next: Alfonso Cuarón’s Gravity (2013).Read Nathan's thoughts on ‘Grizzly Man’.Support the podcast: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/moviesarelife

Before Parasite made Bong Joon-ho a household name, he delivered one of the most haunting detective stories of the 21st century. Memories of Murder follows a trio of detectives in 1980s South Korea as they chase a serial killer—and slowly unravel in the process.In this episode, Nathan digs into how the film blends procedural drama with social critique, why it feels so influential on works like Zodiac and True Detective and why that final scene still lands like a gut punch.Bleak, brilliant, and unforgettable—this is Bong Joon-ho at his best.Up next: Werner Herzog’s Grizzly Man—a documentary as mesmerizing as it is unsettling.Read Nathan's thoughts on ’Memories of Murder’.Support the podcast: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/moviesarelife

The countdown begins! In this first episode of Reel 21, Nathan revisits Superbad—Greg Mottola’s 2007 teen comedy that launched a thousand McLovin jokes—and asks: does it really deserve a spot on The New York Times’ list of the 100 Best Movies of the 21st Century?What starts out as a raunchy teen comedy reveals surprising layers of sweetness, friendship and emotional honesty. Nathan reflects on the film’s legacy, standout performances from Jonah Hill and Michael Cera, and why Superbad might just be more essential than it gets credit for.Plus: Does the cop subplot still work? And what makes this movie actually hold up nearly two decades later?Next up: Bong Joon-ho’s Memories of Murder—which Nathan’s never seen.Read Nathan's thoughts on ’Superbad’.Support the podcast: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/moviesarelife

The New York Times named them the 100 best movies of the 21st century. But what about the ones they left off?Reel 21: 100 Essential Films of the 21st Century is a new movie podcast from Nathan Chandler. From Parasite to The Dark Knight to La La Land, Nathan counts down from #100 to #1—watching every film on the NYT’s list and the ones audiences believe deserved a spot.Each episode of Reel 21 quickly unpacks one essential film: what makes it unique, how it holds up and where it fits in the cinematic story of our century.It’s the best of the century—curated by critics, completed by the crowd.

In this episode, Nathan sits down with documentary filmmaker Jonathan Berman to discuss the newly restored 20th anniversary release of his 2005 film Commune—a fascinating portrait of Black Bear Ranch, a real-life countercultural commune founded in 1968 with help from rock legends like The Doors, Frank Zappa and The Monkees.Together, they explore the ideals and contradictions of communal living, what it means to build something outside the system and why Commune feels more relevant than ever in today’s fractured world. Jonathan shares the behind-the-scenes journey of tracking down former residents, preserving decades-old archival footage and telling a story that still sparks conversation and curiosity.Whether you're drawn to the 1960s counterculture, alternative living experiments or just love thoughtful documentary filmmaking—this is a conversation worth tuning into.Watch the film / Learn more: communethemovie.comFollow the film on Instagram: @communethemovie More from Jonathan Berman: OpenSignalStudios.comRead Nathan's thoughts on ‘Commune.’Support the podcast: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/moviesarelife

In this episode, Nathan and Whitney break down the gripping four-part Netflix drama Adolescence, a British psychological crime series filmed entirely in one take per episode. The story follows 13-year-old Jamie Miller, who’s arrested for the murder of a classmate — but what unfolds is a chilling, timely examination of bullying, toxic masculinity, social media and the emotional lives of boys.They discuss what makes the show a standout of the year so far, how the one-shot format heightens the intensity and why it’s both an artistic and emotional achievement worth watching — especially with teens.🎬 Starring: Owen Cooper, Stephen Graham, Erin Doherty🎥 Directed by: Philip Barantini✍️ Created by: Jack Thorne & Stephen Graham📺 Streaming on: Netflix📦 Episodes: 4 | Each filmed in one continuous takeSupport the podcast: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/moviesarelife

In this episode, Nathan and Whitney recap Season 1 of Netflix’s smart, heartwarming ensemble dramedy starring Tina Fey, Steve Carell, Colman Domingo, Will Forte and more.Based on the 1981 film, the series reimagines the story of three longtime couples who vacation together each season — until divorce, a new girlfriend and emotional baggage disrupt the balance. Over eight episodes, the show explores friendship, marriage, parenting and identity with honesty, humor and just enough awkward tension.Nathan and Whitney discuss what makes The Four Seasons feel so real (even to their teen daughter), why the seasonal structure and cast dynamics work so well and whether a second season is even necessary.🎭 Starring: Tina Fey, Will Forte, Steve Carell, Kerri Kenney-Silver, Colman Domingo, Marco Calvani, Erika Henningsen📅 Created by: Sarah Haskins & Emily Halpern | Inspired by Alan Alda’s original film📺 Streaming on: NetflixSupport the podcast: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/moviesarelife

Oil fields, family drama and Billy Bob Thornton in a cowboy hat — what more do you need?In the very first episode of Not Caught Up, Nathan and Whitney break down Season 1 of Landman, the latest series from Taylor Sheridan (Yellowstone, 1883) now streaming on Paramount+. Based on the Boomtown podcast, Landman dives into the high-stakes world of Texas oil deals and the people caught in the middle — from crisis managers to reluctant heirs.We cover what it’s about, who’s in it, what works (and what doesn’t), and whether you should finally catch up.Starring: Billy Bob Thornton, Ali Larter, Michelle Randolph, Jacob LoflandSupport the podcast: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/moviesarelife

Nathan chats with the team behind Close Enough to Burn, a breakout indie drama from the 2025 deadCenter Film Festival. Writer/director Benjamin Tefera, producer/composer Slyrex and producers Benjamin White and Gared Reinke share how they brought this story of music, obsession and identity to life—right here in Oklahoma.(00:00) Intro: 2025 deadCenter Film Festival(04:27) Interview with the filmmakers behind Close Enough to BurnView Close Enough to Burn via the dC 25 Virtual Festival - https://watch.eventive.org/dcffFollow the film on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/closeenoughtoburnRead Nathan's thoughts on ‘Close Enough to Burn.’ Support the podcast: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/moviesarelife

You Had Me at Rewind: The ’90s Flicks That Raised Us is a nostalgia-soaked rewatch series from Movies are Life, diving deep into the movies that shaped a generation. From sleepovers and mall dates to awkward middle school crushes, these ’90s classics weren’t just entertainment—they were a rite of passage. Join host Nathan Chandler and a rotating crew of guests as they rewatch the films that filled our VHS shelves and our hearts. Whether it was a rom-com, a teen comedy or a blockbuster that made you feel something, this is where we rewind the memories and relive the magic.

Not Caught Up is the TV review podcast for people with lives. Hosted by Nathan Chandler (of Movies Are Life) and his wife, Whitney, this show is all about sharing smart, funny takes on the shows everyone was talking about—whenever we finally get around to watching them. We're two tired parents squeezing in one episode at a time, catching up late but always showing up with opinions. Whether you're behind like us or revisiting your favorites, pull up a couch cushion—we’ve got thoughts.

Nathan and Whitney are back! After a short break (and a few trips to the movie theater), they return to wrap up Movies Are Life’s The 50 Best Rom-Coms series with a fast, fun breakdown of the Top 10 and Bottom 10 across six essential categories: Ranking, Chemistry, Best Friend, Soundtrack, Chase Scene and Rewatchability.They also share what they’ve been watching lately, talk about Nathan’s exciting role as a jury member at the 2025 deadCenter Film Festival and tease two upcoming podcast projects that are just around the corner.Whether you're a sucker for slow burns, ride-or-die best friends or just love a good stat-packed breakdown of your favorite rom-coms, this episode has something for you.🎟️ Learn more about deadCenter Film Festival: deadcenterfilm.orgView the full list of The 50 Best Rom-Coms at moviesarelife.com.(00:00) Intro with Whitney Chandler(01:44) ‘Lily & Stitch’ Quick Review(04:33) The 50 Best Rom-Coms Recap(19:08) Big AnnouncementSupport the podcast: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/moviesarelife

Who says the calendar gets to decide when the year is officially over? Nathan and Mark Blitch are back to give 2024 the send-off it deserves—with a Top Ten list that’s fashionably late! For the third year running, Mark joins the podcast to recap the best films of the year gone by.But first, co-host Whitney Chandler kicks things off with her top movie pick of 2024, and then Mark shares the hilarious journey of his commercial “Charades", which is in the top three of the Doritos Crash the Super Bowl Contest! Voting is open until Jan. 28, so head to DoritosCrash.com to cast your vote daily.From indie surprises to blockbuster hits, Nathan and Mark break down the year in film, debate their favorites and throw in some honorable mentions that deserve a little love.(00:00) Intro with Whitney Chandler(07:11) Vote for ‘Charades’ at DoritosCrash.com(15:22) 2024 in Film(19:08) Top Ten Films of 2024 with Mark Blitch(01:19:04) Honorable Mentions(01:27:05) OutroSupport the podcast: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/moviesarelife

Movies are Life wraps up its 50 Best Rom Coms series with a bang, diving into the iconic #1 film, ‘When Harry Met Sally…’! Nathan is joined by Kyle Radford and Brandon McMinn, the witty hosts of the Second Best Picture podcast, for a thoughtful (and hilarious) discussion about what makes this timeless classic the ultimate romantic comedy. The trio explores why Harry and Sally’s journey from strangers to soulmates continues to resonate decades later. Frequent collaborator Whitney Chandler also makes a special appearance to share her quick thoughts and help close out this milestone series. Don’t miss this celebration of love, friendship and deli orders done right! 🥪💘(00:00) Intro(01:38) Review: ‘When Harry Met Sally…’ with Kyle Radford & Brandon McMinn(42:56) Movie Musings(51:04) Rom-Com Rankings(01:07:02) Final Thoughts(01:11:18) Whitney’s Quick Thoughts on ‘When Harry Met Sally…’(01:15:54) OutroRead Nathan's thoughts on ‘When Harry Met Sally…’ and view the full list of The 50 Best Rom-Coms.Support the podcast: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/moviesarelife

✨ What’s your dream??? ✨ Nathan and Whitney, with the help of their sister-in-law, Debbie Graham, dive into the romantic and iconic world of the 1990 classic ‘Pretty Woman,’ number 2 on the 50 Best Rom Coms list! Together, they explore Julia Roberts' timeless charm, Richard Gere’s undeniable allure and the film's unforgettable Cinderella story that redefined rom-coms for a generation. With fresh perspectives and personal reflections, this episode will have you laughing, reminiscing and maybe even humming "Pretty Woman" all over again. 💃🎬(00:00) Intro(02:24) Review: ‘Pretty Woman’ with Whitney Chandler & Debbie Graham(24:28) Movie Musings(34:00) Rom-Com Rankings(43:09) Final ThoughtsRead Nathan's thoughts on ‘Pretty Woman’ and view the full list of The 50 Best Rom-Coms.Support the podcast: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/moviesarelife

On this episode of Movies are Life, we spin the number 20 film on the 50 Best Rom Coms list, ‘High Fidelity’! Returning guest Abel Cass joins the conversation, along with first-time guest and vinyl collector Marisa Boyd, who brings her insider’s take on record store culture. Tune in for plenty of Top Five lists, relationship rewinds and all things music as we dive into this cult classic! Get ready to drop the needle on some seriously fun banter.(00:00) Intro(02:48) Review: ‘High Fidelity’ with Abel Cass(37:48) Movie Musings: Top Fives(51:00) Rom-Com Rankings(01:02:07) Final Thoughts(01:10:11) Review: ‘High Fidelity’ and Vinyl Talk with Marisa BoydRead Nathan's thoughts on ‘High Fidelity’ and view the full list of The 50 Best Rom-Coms. Also, don’t forget to listen to Abel’s Spring 2024 playlist!Support the podcast: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/moviesarelife