Munsons at the Movies

Ep. 97 - Debra Winger (feat. John Rigby)

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 Debra Winger. Best known for her roles as Emma in Terms of Endearment (1983), Paula in An Officer and a Gentleman (1982), and Sissy in Urban Cowboy (1980), Winger is a complicated and interesting actor for us to cover. Joined once again by John Rigby, we discuss her unconventional choice in names for her son, her believability in every role, her infamous off-screen spats with co-stars and producers, and marvel at her ability as an all-time shit talker during interviews. How does she rank on the Munson Meter? Listen to find out.

Ep. 96 - Lucy Liu (feat. Cori Wallace)

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 Lucy Liu. Best known for her roles as Alex in Charlie’s Angels films, O-Ren Ishii in the Kill Bill films, and Dr. Joan Watson in Elementary (2012-19), Lucy carved out her own path in Hollywood over the last few decades. Joined once again by Cori Wallace, we discuss how she was typecast on television in her earliest days on screen, the sheer cultural impact of her role on Ally McBeal, ask questions about her representation and their lack of attention to her skillset, and marvel at her per-episode salary on Elementary. Where does she rank on the Munson Meter? Listen to find out.

Ep. 95 - Steve Buscemi (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 life and career of Steve Buscemi. Best known for his roles as Carl in Fargo (1996), Mr. Pink in Reservoir Dogs (1992), and the guy who shows up in just about every Adam Sandler film, Buscemi is just about the most prolific character actor of the past 30 years. Joined very briefly by Dan Craig, we discuss his relationship with filmmakers like Robert Rodriguez, Jim Jarmusch & the Coen Brothers, his undeniable greatness in the 90s, why he’s such a great character actor, and cover why Buscemi is the main reason Case joined the podcast. 

How does he rank on the Munson Meter? Listen to find out.

Ep. 94 - Natalie Portman (feat. Mark Gehrke)

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 Natalie Portman. Best known for her roles as Nina in Black Swan (2010), Evey in V for Vendetta (2005), and Queen Amidala in the Star Wars Prequels, Portman is widely considered one of the most talented actresses working today. Joined once again by Mark Gehrke, we discuss her early rise to stardom, her project choice tied to her Jewish heritage, rave about Gehrke’s nerdy expertise around Star Wars, Marvel, and Annihilation, and hear about James’s starstruck moment of seeing Portman on the streets of New York. 

How does she rank on the Munson Meter? Listen to find out.

Ep. 93 - Kristen Bell (feat. Lauren Hopkins Price)

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 Kristen Bell. Best known for her roles as Anna in Frozen (2013), Veronica Mars (2004-2019), and Sarah in Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008), Bell has quickly risen to Hollywood stardom. Joined once again by Lauren Hopkins Price, we discuss Bell’s Smurfette roots, her extremely fun family dynamic with Dax, Aubrey passionately defends Couples Retreat (2009), and we marvel at her incredible off-the-screen philanthropic impact. How does she rank on the Munson Meter? Listen to find out.

Ep. 92 - Mila Kunis (feat. Laura Bennecke)

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 Mila Kunis. Best known for her roles as Lily in The Black Swan (2010), Rachel in Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008), and Meg Griffin in Family Guy (1999-2023), Kunis has risen from a child actor to a mainstay in Hollywood. Joined once again by Laura Bennecke, we discuss her Ukrainian roots, her immense philanthropic impact, Case’s disdain for That 70’s Show and Laura’s unbelievable story on that set, the absurdity of American Psycho 2’s existence, and ponder whether her associations with some questionable male figures will affect her score. How does she rank on the Munson Meter? Listen to find out.

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.