Podcast Like It's 1999

The gang is getting Shakespearean this week as we're joined by actress Rachell Lefevre to discuss the underappreciated cinema debut of Julie Taymor, TITUS.We discuss Hollywood's hesitancy to trust female directors, especially when they are known for their distinct style, the on-set dispute over the Titus character between Taymor and Anthony Hopkins, and the way this movie is often overshadowed in Shakespeare's canon. Find Rachelle at: twitter.com/RachelleLefevrePatreon: patreon.com/podcastlikeits1989Twitter: twitter.com/podcastlikeitsInstagram: instagram.com/podcastlikeitsReddit: reddit.com/r/PodcastLikeIts See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Writer/Director Jessica Ellis (What Lies West) returns to The West Wing to discuss episode 11, LORD JOHN MARBURY.We talk about the standout performance from Roger Rees as the titular John Marbury, the way the show expertly lays out breadcrumbs that lead to its season finales, and the complexities of CJ's romances and workplace relationships. We also discuss Sorkin's comedy chops, down to his appearance on 30 Rock.Find Jessica at: twitter.com/baddestmamajamaPatreon: patreon.com/podcastlikeits1989Twitter: twitter.com/podcastlikeitsInstagram: instagram.com/podcastlikeitsReddit: reddit.com/r/PodcastLikeIts See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week, writer Emma Stefansky (Thrillist) takes us back into the DCOM library, this time with Kenny, to discuss SMART HOUSE.Emma helps us to better understand the phenomenon of Disney Channel Original Movies, and why they are held on such a high pedestal to the generation that grew up with them. We also discuss the miniscule budgets these movies were made on, the incompetent direction from LeVar Burton, and the literal fridging of the female characters. Stay until the end for an extended discussion on Jeopardy AND soup! Find Emma at: emma-stefansky.comPatreon: patreon.com/podcastlikeits1989Twitter: twitter.com/podcastlikeitsInstagram: instagram.com/podcastlikeitsReddit: reddit.com/r/PodcastLikeIts See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Senior Writer Joanna Robinson (Vanity Fair) joins us to deck the halls as we talk about the very first West Wing Christmas special, and tenth episode overall, IN EXCELSIS DEO.Phil takes some time to outline the insane social media/Emmys scandal that erupted around this episode, involving Aaron Sorkin and co-writer Rick Cleveland. Joanna recounts the dramatic rewrites that Cleveland's original script went through to protect Toby's character, and eventually lead to Schiff's only Emmy win for The West Wing. We also touch on the brief cameo from Lance Reddick, the buffoonery surrounding the Sam/Laurie storyline, and the show's pointedly unliberal way of dealing with the issue of hate crimes.Find Janna at: www.vanityfair.com/contributor/joanna-robinsonPatreon: patreon.com/podcastlikeits1989Twitter: twitter.com/podcastlikeitsInstagram: instagram.com/podcastlikeitsReddit: reddit.com/r/PodcastLikeIts See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Writer Hunter Covington returns to the show this week to discuss a film we almost refused to cover, the religious apocalyptic thriller THE OMEGA CODE.Being just one in a very long line of 1999 apocalypse flicks we've covered on the show, can this movie hold a candle to the likes of Last Night or even End of Days? We discuss how this film fits into the zeitgeist of films pushing a religious agenda, the painfully undercooked plotline that needed at least seven or eight more rewrites, and the half decent cast that can't quite manage to churn this nonsense into something watchable. Find Hunter at: twitter.com/huntercovingtonPatreon: patreon.com/podcastlikeits1989Twitter: twitter.com/podcastlikeitsInstagram: instagram.com/podcastlikeitsReddit: reddit.com/r/PodcastLikeIts See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On our second double bill of this miniseries, we're joined by writer/producer Sarah Watson (The Bold Type, Parenthood) and writer/producer Adam Karp (Once Upon a Time, Teen Wolf), making his second appearance in the past week, to discuss The West Wing's ninth episode, THE SHORT LIST.We discuss how Sorkin was ahead of his time when thinking up political issues for the show, including minority representation on the supreme court, and privacy rights on the internet. We also continue to break down the gender politics of the show, including how the program allows Allison Janney to be tall and powerful, the embarrassing way they dress down Mandy, and talk about how the nuances of the Josh/Donna relationship are beginning to come into focus. Find Sarah at: sarahwatsonwrites.comFind Adam at: twitter.com/adamjkarpPatreon: patreon.com/podcastlikeits1989Twitter: twitter.com/podcastlikeitsInstagram: instagram.com/podcastlikeitsReddit: reddit.com/r/PodcastLikeIts See acast

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Writer Jamie Rosengard joins us to discuss season one, episode eight of The West Wing: Enemies.Being one of the few episodes of the show not credited to Sorkin, we discuss how surprisingly well it captures the essence of his writing, especially considering the last minute script deliveries. We also take a deeper look at CJ and Danny's relationship, the ever growing jumbled mess that is Sam's relationships, and how this episode manages to course correct President Bartlet and Leo's relationship to women, at least to a certain extent.Find Jamie at: twitter.com/jamieerosPatreon: patreon.com/podcastlikeits1989Twitter: twitter.com/podcastlikeitsInstagram: instagram.com/podcastlikeitsReddit: reddit.com/r/PodcastLikeIts See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week we are joined by Ryan Marker of Screendrafts to talk about (In his opinion) one of the great, underrated, pre 9/11 airplane movies of all time. Place your trays in their upright positions, fasten your seatbelts, and enjoy today's in flight conversation on PUSHING TIN.As we work our way throught the plot of Mike Newell's air traffic control film, you may start to think you're losing your mind, but rest assured, this is actually the very literal plot of this film. Ryan shares his thoughts on why he thinks this movie is a hidden gem, Kenny ranks his hottest movie takes, from Tootsie to The Departed, and we do our best to reimagine this movie through the lens of a more capable director. We also pick apart Cate Blanchett's career (and rank our top 5 performances from her), as well as the strange masculinity of Billy Bob thornton.Find Ryan at: twitter.com/MarkerRyan625Patreon: patreon.com/podcastlikeits1989Twitter: twitter.com/podcastlikeitsInstagram: instagram.com/podcastlikeitsReddit

Joe Reid, host of This Has Oscar Buzz, joins Phil in watching episode seven of The West Wing, THE STATE DINNER.We talk about the first appearance of Stockard Channing as Abigail Bartlet, CJs flirtatious relationship with reporter Danny Concannon, and the first time the show has acknowledged Mandy in five episodes. We also break down the national and personal crisis' the escalate over the course of this episode, including the return of Sam Seaborn's unfortunate subplot, and a horrific act of god.Find Joe at: twitter.com/joereidPatreon: patreon.com/podcastlikeits1989Twitter: twitter.com/podcastlikeitsInstagram: instagram.com/podcastlikeitsReddit: reddit.com/r/PodcastLikeIts See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It the the apocalypse!! So we brought on returning guest Chandler Levack to talk about the Canadian film, Last Night.We talk about Canadian film as a whole, what would you do with your last day, and how optimistic this movie looks into the apocalypse. Kenny even rant about greatness of Canadian films and thanks Phill and Chandler for being Canadian!!Find Jordan at: twitter.com/clevackPatreon: patreon.com/podcastlikeits1989Twitter: twitter.com/podcastlikeitsInstagram: instagram.com/podcastlikeitsReddit: reddit.com/r/PodcastLikeIts See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Screenwriter Liz Hannah (The Post, Longshot, All the Bright Places) joins Phil in watching episode 6 of The West Wing, Mr. Willis of Ohio.We discuss how Sorkin learns on the job, the degrees of sexism president Bartlet displays, and how his relationship with Leo is the heart of the show. We also compare this episode's viewership to modern television successes at the time, and today.Find Liz at: twitter.com/itslizhannahPatreon: patreon.com/podcastlikeits1989Twitter: twitter.com/podcastlikeitsInstagram: instagram.com/podcastlikeitsReddit: reddit.com/r/PodcastLikeIts See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Corinne Stikeman is back on the show to discuss yet another romance film with a great concept, but a terrible execution: THE LOVE LETTER.We discuss this movie's failed attempt at counterprogramming, the questionable casting choices, and the faux french atmosphere it tries to squeeze out of its New England setting. We also theorize how and why this movie got made, and Kenny gets into a heated debate with Corinne when we compare the film to You've Got Mail.Find Corinne at: twitter.com/cocostikemanPatreon: patreon.com/podcastlikeits1989Twitter: twitter.com/podcastlikeitsInstagram: instagram.com/podcastlikeitsReddit: reddit.com/r/PodcastLikeIts See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Writer/Director Jessica Ellis is back on the show to discuss The West Wing's fifth episode, The Crackpots and These Women.We talk about how Sorkin writes women, and how this episode's script airs out a lot of his dirty laundry regarding his own scriptwriting. We also discuss the (strangely) relevant plots surrounding the government's relationship to space aliens, potential world shattering plagues, and a proposed coyote highway, and finally get our first glimpse into the interior lives of our favorite characters. Find Jessica and her new film at: whatlieswest.comPatreon: patreon.com/podcastlikeits1989Twitter: twitter.com/podcastlikeitsInstagram: instagram.com/podcastlikeitsReddit: reddit.com/r/PodcastLikeIts See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Jordan Crucchiola (Aughsterion, Disaster Girls) joins us to champion one of the more bizarre movies of 1999, THE GENERAL'S DAUGHTER.We break down John Travolta's career, from his highest highs, to his lowest lows, and where he could have been today, had he made the right choices. Jordan defends the whole of this film as being better than its parts, and explains how its unapologetic depiction of rape and murder gives it a surprisingly feminist viewpoint. Can she sway Phil and Kenny in the direction of liking this overtly scientologist movie? Tune in to find out!Find Jordan at: twitter.com/JorCruPatreon: patreon.com/podcastlikeits1989Twitter: twitter.com/podcastlikeitsInstagram: instagram.com/podcastlikeitsReddit: reddit.com/r/PodcastLikeIts See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Writer/Producer Bryan Cogman joins us to discuss the fourth episode of The West Wing, FIVE VOTES DOWN.We compare and contrast different mediums to discuss where we think Sorkin's writing shines, and talk about how this episode showcases the original premise of the show. We also discuss some stand out comedic performances from Richard Schiff and Allison Janney, the realtively chill stakes of the plot, and break down the once in a lifetime oner this episode opens on.Find Bryan at: twitter.com/cogman_bryanPatreon: patreon.com/podcastlikeits1989Twitter: twitter.com/podcastlikeitsInstagram: instagram.com/podcastlikeitsReddit: reddit.com/r/PodcastLikeIts See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week, we're talking clever kills, Stephen King, and Jason London with Too Stupid To Live's Becky Feldman, as we cover one of the most 90s horror movies out there, THE RAGE: CARRIE 2.We talk about how Carrie 2 is a completely different beast than its masterpiece of a predecessor, and how the connection to the first doomed it before it even hit theaters. We also break down how violence is portrayed in either movie, and how either direction isn't necessarily the wrong direction. Becky shares her thoughts on how these films play through the eyes of a woman vs. the eyes of a man, and we compare it to movies with similar viewpoints, such as Teeth and Promising Young Woman.If you enjoyed the conversation, definitely check out Phil's appearance on TStL, talking about cowboy dragons and love at: apple.co/3iPqkx4Find Becky at: beckyfeldman.comPatreon: patreon.com/podcastlikeits1989Twitter: twitter.com/podcastlikeitsInstagram: instagram.com/podcastlikeitsReddit: reddit.com/r/PodcastLik

For the third episode of West Wing Wednesdays, we brought on Alex Berger, writer on the upcoming Law & Order offshoot, For the Defense, to talk about A PROPORTIONAL RESPONSE.We talk about how the audience must suspend their disbelief in the show's bombastic dialogue, and view the characters more like superheroes than real life political figures, to better tune into what it's trying to achieve. We also discuss the cycling between optimism and pessimism toward real world politics that affect that era's fictionalized representation of the white house. Find Alex at: twitter.com/alexbergerlaPatreon: patreon.com/podcastlikeits1989Twitter: twitter.com/podcastlikeitsInstagram: instagram.com/podcastlikeitsReddit: reddit.com/r/PodcastLikeIts See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Actor Talia Tabin (Host of Friends Talk Frasier and Feelings) joins Phil in discussing pop icon Christina Aguilera.We talk about how Aguilera's music spoke to a generation of pre-teen girls, compare and contrast her career to similar pop stars and actresses, such as Britney Spears, and break down some of her more popular songs and music videos. We also talk Kristen Stewart, Moulin Rouge, and some VERY outdated 90s fashion choices.Find Talia at: taliatabin.comPatreon: patreon.com/podcastlikeits1989Twitter: twitter.com/podcastlikeitsInstagram: instagram.com/podcastlikeitsReddit: reddit.com/r/PodcastLikeIts See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Writer/Producer Anupam Nigam is back on the feed to talk about the second episode of The West Wing, "Post Hoc, Ergo Propter Hoc".In this episode, we discuss the poorly aged Sam Seaborn subplot of 'rescuing' a call girl, as well as some of the shameful gender roles at play. We also contemplate how this show changed the American view of politics, and how much we expect from our political leaders. Find Anupam at: twitter.com/anupamnigamPatreon: patreon.com/podcastlikeits1989Twitter: twitter.com/podcastlikeitsInstagram: instagram.com/podcastlikeitsReddit: reddit.com/r/PodcastLikeIts See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.