The Big Picture

We Almost Missed These 10 Movies. Should You?

September 22, 2025

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  • The passing of Hollywood icon Robert Redford prompts a discussion on his monumental career as an actor, director, and founder of Sundance, with plans for a more in-depth tribute on a future episode. 
  • The trailer for 'The Mandalorian and Grogu' sparks debate about the franchise's direction, with hosts questioning its value as a theatrical release and its reliance on established IP rather than new ideas. 
  • The current box office landscape is characterized by the success of niche animated films like 'Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle' and the struggles of original, ambitious projects like 'Him' and 'A Big Bold Beautiful Journey', highlighting a potential disconnect between audience demand and studio risk-taking. 
  • The discussion on "The Big Picture" episode "We Almost Missed These 10 Movies. Should You?" highlights the subjective nature of movie enjoyment, where personal context like watching with family or personal leave can significantly impact the experience of films like "Downton Abbey 2". 
  • The podcast delves into the challenges and nuances of adapting Stephen King's "The Long Walk," noting its unique place in his bibliography and the film's ambitious, albeit potentially flawed, execution of a grim premise. 
  • The hosts offer a critical yet appreciative review of "Freaky Friday," praising Lindsay Lohan's performance and the film's enjoyable, albeit perhaps not essential, quality, while also dissecting the peculiar casting choices regarding British accents. 

Segments

Remembering Robert Redford
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(00:02:23)
  • Key Takeaway: Robert Redford’s passing at 89 marks the end of an era for influential American filmmakers and stars who shaped modern Hollywood.
  • Summary: Sean and Amanda react to the news of Robert Redford’s death, acknowledging his significant contributions as an actor, director, and the founder of Sundance, and plan a more extensive tribute for a future episode.
The Mandalorian and Grogu Trailer
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(00:04:58)
  • Key Takeaway: The ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’ movie trailer raises questions about the franchise’s cinematic future, with hosts questioning its necessity as a theatrical release and its reliance on established characters.
  • Summary: The hosts discuss the trailer for ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu,’ with Amanda admitting limited familiarity with the series. They analyze the trailer’s implications for Star Wars cinema and the potential for it to feel like an extended TV episode.
September Box Office Trends
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(00:18:25)
  • Key Takeaway: September continues to be a challenging month for the box office, with horror films like ‘The Conjuring: Last Rights’ being the primary successes, while original films struggle to gain traction.
  • Summary: The conversation shifts to the current box office performance, noting September’s reputation as a ‘dumpster fire’ for movies, with horror being the exception. They highlight the success of ‘Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle’ and the underperformance of new releases like ‘Him’ and ‘A Big Bold Beautiful Journey’.
Analyzing ‘Him’ and ‘A Big Bold Beautiful Journey’
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(00:29:15)
  • Key Takeaway: Both ‘Him’ and ‘A Big Bold Beautiful Journey,’ despite aiming for original storytelling and featuring notable stars, failed to connect with audiences due to narrative hollowness and directorial missteps, underscoring the risks of original filmmaking.
  • Summary: The hosts delve into the disappointing performances of ‘Him’ and ‘A Big Bold Beautiful Journey.’ They critique ‘Him’ for its lack of story and uneven tone, and ‘A Big Bold Beautiful Journey’ for its lack of chemistry and perceived directorial misinterpretations, highlighting the financial risks associated with such projects.
Downton Abbey & Movie Rankings
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(00:51:19)
  • Key Takeaway: The enjoyment of a movie can be tied to its connection to a beloved show, with rankings like 2-3-1 reflecting personal preference for sequels.
  • Summary: The hosts discuss their enjoyment of “Downton Abbey 2,” noting that location matters but doesn’t detract from overall enjoyment. They rank the “Downton Abbey” movies and discuss the box office performance of the franchise.
The Long Walk Adaptation
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(00:53:53)
  • Key Takeaway: Stephen King’s “The Long Walk” is a challenging adaptation due to its simple yet brutal premise, requiring strong performances to overcome potential narrative weaknesses.
  • Summary: The hosts delve into the adaptation of Stephen King’s “The Long Walk,” discussing its origins, the screenplay, the premise (likened to “The Lottery” mixed with a marathon), the direction by Francis Lawrence, and the performances of Cooper Hoffman and David Johnson. They also critique the film’s ending.
Freaky Friday Sequel Review
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(01:00:29)
  • Key Takeaway: Lindsay Lohan’s return to form in “Freaky Friday” is a highlight, showcasing her enduring talent and comedic timing, despite the film’s overall quality being more suited for home viewing.
  • Summary: The discussion shifts to “Freaky Friday,” with hosts sharing their viewing experiences and noting the film’s glossy Disney quality. They praise Lindsay Lohan’s performance and Manny Jacinto’s acting, while also debating his accent and the film’s plot points.
Splitsville & Megadoc Analysis
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(01:07:03)
  • Key Takeaway: “Splitsville” offers a humorous exploration of relationships and failed masculinity, effectively using its attractive cast and realistic settings to amplify its comedic and dramatic moments.
  • Summary: The hosts discuss “Splitsville,” a film by Michelangelo Covino and Kyle Marvin, comparing it to their previous work “The Climb.” They analyze its exploration of relationships, failed masculinity, and the casting of Dakota Johnson and Adria Arjona. They then transition to “Megadoc,” a documentary about the making of “Megalopolis,” praising its raw access and insight into Coppola’s process.
Thursday Murder Club & Eden
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(01:18:51)
  • Key Takeaway: While “Thursday Murder Club” offers a charming ensemble cast and a cozy mystery feel, its cinematic adaptation struggles to capture the depth and chemistry of the beloved book series.
  • Summary: The conversation moves to “Thursday Murder Club,” with one host expressing disappointment in the film adaptation despite being a fan of the books. They discuss the cast, direction by Chris Columbus, and the film’s perceived lack of charm. They then briefly touch upon Ron Howard’s film “Eden,” describing it as a strange, negligible period piece.
Honey Don’t & Predators Documentary
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(01:28:51)
  • Key Takeaway: Ethan Coen’s “Honey Don’t” suffers from a weak script and inconsistent tone, failing to live up to the Coen brothers’ legacy, while the “Predators” documentary offers a compelling sociological examination of “To Catch a Predator.”
  • Summary: The hosts critique “Honey Don’t,” a film by Ethan Coen, finding its script and performances lacking. They then pivot to the documentary “Predators,” which explores the cultural impact and ethical questions surrounding the show “To Catch a Predator,” praising its insightful and upsetting examination of the topic.
Mets Baseball Meltdown
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(01:34:00)
  • Key Takeaway: The New York Mets’ dramatic collapse in the latter half of the season, attributed to pitching issues and strategic missteps, has led to fan frustration and a desperate hope for a playoff berth.
  • Summary: The final segment of the podcast is dominated by a passionate discussion about the New York Mets’ disastrous season. The hosts express their anger and disappointment over the team’s performance, particularly the pitching staff, and the slim chances of making the playoffs.