Munsons at the Movies

Ep. 91 - Max von Sydow (feat. Stephanie Malone)

Welcome to the Munsons at the Movies podcast. Each episode we delve into the filmography and impact of a randomly selected actor.

In this episode, we explore the legendary life and career of Max von Sydow. Best known for his roles as Antonius in The Seventh Seal (1957), Emperor Ming in Flash Gordon (1980), and Father Merrin in The Exorcist (1980), von Sydow is on the list for Halloween consideration given his status as a horror icon. Joined once again by Stephanie Malone of the Fear & Loathing Podcast and so much more, we recount a wild catfishing story, explore Ingmar Bergman’s filmography through the lens of von Sydow, contemplate the amount of cultural appropriation in Flash Gordon, parse through the insane plot of Branded (2012), and complement his remarkable longevity as an actor. How does he rank on the Munson Meter? Listen to find out.

Ep. 90 - Steve Carell (feat. Chip Hessenflow)

Welcome to the Munsons at the Movies podcast. Each episode we delve into the filmography and impact of a randomly selected actor.

In this episode, we explore the life and career of Steve Carell. Best known for his roles as Michael Scott in The Office (2005-2013), Andy in The 40-Year Old Virgin (2005), and Brick in the Anchorman films, Carell is undoubtedly one of the funniest men in Hollywood. Joined once again by Chip Hessenflow of the Too Much Scrolling podcast, we discuss Carell’s sketch comedy roots at Second City Improv, his incredible project choice and box office snapshot, the earnestness & believability of his characters throughout the years, the pop culture relevance of his role as Michael Scott, and fawn over his underrated dramatic range. How does he rank on the Munson Meter? Listen to find out.

Ep. 89 - Owen Wilson (feat. Jim Evans)

Welcome to the Munsons at the Movies podcast. Each episode we delve into the filmography and impact of a randomly selected actor.

In this episode, we explore the life and career of Owen Wilson. Best known for his roles as John in Wedding Crashers (2005), Hansel in Zoolander (2001), Lightning McQueen in the Cars franchise, and his many collaborations with Wes Anderson, Wilson has become one of the most well-known actors in Hollywood. Joined for the first time by Jim of the Film Rage Podcast, we discuss his struggles in school growing up, his writing work with Wes Anderson, debate whether we like him more as a lead or supporting character, contemplate whether his voice lends well to animated roles, and tally how many times he says “wow” in his projects over the years. How does he rank on the Munson Meter? Listen to find out.

Ep. 88 - Julia Stiles (feat. Cam Sully)

Welcome to the Munsons at the Movies Podcast. Each episode we delve into the filmography and impact of a randomly selected actor.

In this episode, we explore the life and career of Julia Stiles. Best known for her roles as Kat in 10 Things I Hate About You (1999), Sara in Save the Last Dance (2001), and Paige in The Prince and Me (2004), Stiles has built a successful career on screen as the key character in romantic comedies. Joined once again by Cam Sully of the Jacked Up Review Show Podcast, we discuss her beginning in a Cyndi Lauper music video, her difference in pop culture impact based on age, our thoughts on her many Shakespearean adaptations, and contemplate her career pivot after 2004. How does she rank on the Munson Meter? Listen to find out.

Ep. 87 - Seymour Cassel (feat. Mike Rodmaker)

Welcome to the Munsons at the Movies podcast. Each episode we delve into the filmography and impact of a randomly selected actor.

In this episode, we explore the career of Seymour Cassel who passed in 2019. A prolific character actor with over 200 credits, he is best known for his many roles in John Cassavettes and Wes Anderson films, Dirt from Beer League (2006), and Joe in In The Soup (1992). Joined once again by Mike Rodmaker, we discuss his bananas early life before acting, how his career exploded pairing with Cassevettes, how things might have changed if he was cast in Reservoir Dogs, our many opinions on films like Johnny Be Goode & Bartleby, and crush over his love for independent film. How does he rank on the Munson Meter? Listen to find out.

Ep. 86 - Kevin Spacey (feat. Laura Adams)

Welcome to the Munsons at the Movies podcast. Each episode we delve into the filmography and impact of a randomly selected actor.

In this episode, we explore the career of Kevin Spacey. Most recently known for his off-screen role as a rapist/creep, he has also found himself occasionally behind the camera on projects such as The Usual Suspects (1995), American Beauty (1999), L.A. Confidential (1997), House of Cards (2013-17), and much more. Joined once again by guest Munson, Laura Adams, we discuss Spacey’s early career on the stage, his ability to play a villain flawlessly, his underrated comedic timing, remind you of his 12 sexual assault charges, and decide if we can separate the art from the artist when scoring his career. How does he rank on the Munson Meter? Listen to find out.

Ep. 85 - Jennifer Lawrence (feat. Dames Marvs)

Welcome to the Munsons at the Movies podcast. Each episode we delve into the filmography and impact of a randomly selected actor.

In this episode, we explore the career of Jennifer Lawrence. Best known for her roles as Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games films, Tiffany in Silver Linings Playbook (2012), and Raven/Mystique in the X-Men films, Lawrence has become one of Hollywood’s biggest movie stars at a young age. Joined once again by Dames Marvs of Loch 22 Productions, we discuss the family trip that changed her life in 8th grade, her wildly impressive box office snapshot and awards footprint, commend her role choices over the years, and gush over her ability to convey emotions on screen time and time again. How does she rank on the Munson Meter? Listen to find out.

Ep. 84 - William Atherton (feat. Dan Craig)

Welcome to the Munsons at the Movies podcast. Each episode we delve into the filmography and impact of a randomly selected actor.

In this episode, we explore the career of William Atherton. Best known for his roles as Richard Thornburg in Die Hard (1988), Walter Peck in Ghostbusters (1984), and Professor Hathaway in Real Genius (1985), Atherton built a career on being one of the best assholes on-screen. Joined for the 6th time by Dan Craig, we explore Atherton’s charismatic start as Clovis in Spielberg’s Sugarland Express (1974), his bizarre story coming out story on the Donahue show, his excellent character names over the years, attempt to explain why he hasn’t done more voice work throughout his career, and Kyle unironically defends Bill’s performance in Bio-Dome (1995). How does Atherton rank on the Munson Meter? Listen to find out.

Ep. 83 - Christine Baranski (feat. Krystal Clark)

Welcome to the Munsons at the Movies podcast. Each episode we delve into the filmography and impact of a randomly selected actor.

In this episode, we explore the career of Christine Baranski. Best known for her roles as Tanya in the Mamma Mia! films, Martha May Whovier in How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000), and Diane Lockhart in the Good Wife/Fight (2009-2022), Baranski has built a successful career on screen and on the stage. Joined once again by Krystal Clark, we discuss her stage acting roots inspired by her Polish grandparents, her transformation as a blue collar Buffalo native to a notoriously pompous character on-screen, contemplate what white people do on private islands, and marvel at how she classes up the joint on every one of her projects. How does she rank on the Munson Meter? Listen to find out.

Ep. 82 - Geena Davis (feat. Mike Van De Voort)

Welcome to the Munsons at the Movies podcast. Each episode we delve into the filmography and impact of a randomly selected actor.

In this episode, we explore the career of Geena Davis. Best known for her roles as Thelma in Thelma & Louise (1991), Dottie in A League of their Own (1992) and Veronica in The Fly (1986), Davis had a stranglehold on Hollywood for a stretch in the 80s and 90s. Joined once again by Michael Van De Voort, we discuss her amazingly resilient IMDb Star Meter, her surprising archery skills, the foundation she created for studying gender representation on-screen in Hollywood, her incredible transformation from mannequin to Oscar winner, and pepper in facts from her memoir: Dying of Politeness. How does she rank on the Munson Meter? Listen to find out.