Stitcher is gone, so I guess the podcasts are just gone? What a waste.

I think Amy Nicholson is a great host, and I think she really knows her stuff. Devin Ferachi on the other hand, drives me crazy. He spends his time talking down to Amy, mansplaining things to her, and just talking over her and never letting her finish a sentence. He’s more like an angry political pundant on Fox News, rather than a person who just wants to discuss and debate movies. If you’re like me, and you love podcasts about movies, and you enjoy Amy Nicholson….who is the best. Then I urge you to check out Unspooled, where she hosts with Paul Sheer, who is a phenomenal host…and actually lets her speak and treats her with the respect that she deserves.

Amy is such a great host, she really allows her guests to showcase their unique perspectives on the film(s) but still contributes and challenges them — this is not Candyland with the babysitter, she means business.

The Host makes this show. Amy has a pleasant delivery that makes you want to sip green tea and relax

I hate to give up on this show because I absolutely love the concept of it. However I just can’t take Amy anymore. In one of the early episodes the former cohost asks her if she even understands movies and I’m beginning to think that she really doesn’t. I don’t know how she’s a professional critic, her opinions are just insane. She doesn’t like so many absolutely classic films and her reasons are just mind blowing. I will say she does her research well and comes prepared with arguments but I just had to stop because those arguments infuriated me. Hope to see a similar concept of shows hosted by people I can listen to more

This podcast got even worse once Devin left, and when he was on it was pretty unbearable. Self serving drivel. Saying you work for MTV news in 2018 like it means something is something I don’t even understand, because it means absolutely nothing. Uniformed silly opinions. If you are under the age of 23 and just getting into Kubrick this podcast might hold your attention for 6 months before the hard eye rolls come.

Not to be too forward but I do. I really love Amy. I jumped into listening to this right before Amy’s old co-host Devin left. Without getting into that I want to say that Amy is so smart, so tempered, and so careful in her critique of all things film that I can’t help but come back week after week to soak up whatever challenge she presents her audience with. Even when she has some insufferable blowhard, or film-literate-poser talk about something he or she loves she always treats them with enviable patience and calculated resolve. Most of the time she talks with equally cool people who have really great things to say about the films they love. It’s a love fest more often than not. So it’s only fitting that I reiterated how much I love Amy and what she does. ❤️

After the hiatus and the subsequent switch to a guest-host format, the show temporarily lost me. However, the most recent episodes have been better than ever. The discussions feel more productive than they ever were before the switch-up, and Amy is sounding a lot more comfortable debating with her guests. It's not as..."funny"...for certain values of funny...as before the switch, but it's also a lot more on topic and the debates sound less like petty bickering than like two friends having fun together. I'm not necessarily familiar with all of the movies they've been covering lately (anything pre-80s and I've probably not seen it), but the discussions are generally interesting enough to keep my attention anyway.

They approach movies from a pretty narrow point of view that mostly revolves around social justice topics. They seem to mostly see movies through that lens and you will not hear anyone with a dissenting opinion. That being said, if you sort of just allow yourself to be transported to that slightly altered universe, it can be an interesting listen.

Missed it. It's inspiring to hear such a youthful and sweet voice discussing so much cool stuff so intellectually, and being taken seriously. Also funny.

The female host has an annoying habit of extrapolating meaning from straightforward nothings. Terrible.

The concept is good, and many of the ideas discussed are fascinating; however, the format of the show is simply not for me. It's one thing to discuss the pros & cons of something. It's another thing entirely to annouce that one person will artificially take one side and then proceed to make fun of the other person simply because they need to take the other side. It's just not for me. When I learned that one of the original hosts vanished for "reasons," I had no trouble imagining what those "reasons" might be and absolutely no doubt whatsoever that those "reasons" were true based purely on the way that host acted in the episodes I listened to before I simply couldn't take it any more.

I can no longer listen to this. I don't think I'm included in the shows demo. The talking points are way off the mark (there talking about nothing); Everything but the topic at hand. And don't mind the host going off on tangents just be interesting. Please Amy since this is your show now and not a partnership anymore; give the audience intellectual diversity. Because I'm sure everyone is missing that. And you guys just reviewed the Matrix and I thought this one can't be bad. Boy was I wrong. I don't kno what happened to Devon but he brought the best out of Amy. After he hated a movie and made me almost dislike it, Amy came in with very great points. Unless both of you hated the film. What I'm saying is balance, Ying and yang, good and evil. Amy is the greatest defenses player even. She defends like a general against Devon's attacks.

Tried 2 episodes, the host is too monotone for me. Very Ben Stein like and puts me to sleep. Not even the Paul Scheer episode about Ghostbusters could keep it interesting. The show needs to have more format and segments so that it flows. A segmented flow will work more to her strengths and cancel the monotone nature of her discussion.

Early on, I gave this podcast one star because the approach Nicholson and Faraci took (furiously contentious debate) drove me up the wall. Since Faraci left, Nicholson has reshaped The Canon as a conversation with series of guests and the show is so much the better for it. Recent eps about "Putney Swope" and "Seconds" are insightful chats about great films but they also tell us a lot about the movie in relation to Nicholson and the person being interviewed. This is not to say Faraci's departure alone made the show better -- he's a divisive figure facing issues that are still being addressed, but my problems with their prior dymanic were divided almost equally between him and Nicholson -- but what she's done with it is a dramatic and worthwhile improvement. So much so that I'm willing to cast aside 27 helpful votes in order to say so.

Thank you for returning. I wish you hadn't made a ton of episodes premium, but I get that you need to make money. Keep up the great work!

Amy Nicholson's podcast has gotten me to watch movies I would have never seen otherwise and most of the time they pay off. What other podcast would have a conversation about "Z"?

I've listened mostly to the episodes during Amy's revival, but she's great and always has good guests and insight. Great voice too.

Really good and precious talk about films.

I listened to the episode about Ghostbusters. The girl "critic" has no right discussing movies because she said Ghostbusters was better to watch as a kid and lame as an adult. What planet are you from? Obnoxious. They'll give anyone a podcast these days

Amy Nicholson has been through it. Her opinions and reviews are thorough, researched, passionate, and moving! I disagree with her sometimes, but her arguments for films in the ill-defined Canon have always been thought-provoking. Amy has taught me to look at movies from a different perspective; she doesn't coddle her audience and sometimes can be rude and "way harsh, Tai." 2 things I love from her: 1. She is able to. break. a. film. down. 2. She is always able to find something of value in a movie she reviews and not just because she feels like she needs to. All Amy and her weird speech patterns (me too.)

Forest Gump has an 8.8 out of 10 on IMDB and a 72% fresh on Rotten tomatoes, not to mention this movie makes me cry like a baby. This podcast is garbage; 1 star.

Currently struggling to get through episode 1. I was hoping for interesting film discussions to give me more insight into the classics and the nuances of storytelling. Instead it sounds like two jerks with ego issues trying to shame each other. They can't stop talking over each other and looking for every opportunity to jam in a contrarian jab long enough to make an interesting point. I feel like this had the potential to be great. It's a good concept with people that seem to know the subjects well. They just need to take some speech and debate classes to learn how to conduct these episodes in an enriching and presentable manner. I might just skip ahead and see if they figure this out... Update: the show gets much better once Faraci gets booted. In the episode with Paul Sheer, Nicholson is much better about getting her ideas across(even if challenging her guest) without getting obnoxious or disrespectful. Still keeping the 1 star because you shouldn't have to skip 2/3s of a podcast's library to get to the good part.

Double threat of unfunny and ignorant. This is best enjoyed by recommending to people you don't like.

I came in on ghostbusters and will never listen to this podcast again. Of course ghostbusters deserves on your list.

The idea of arguing a movie as a cultural milestone sounds like fun, but can become tedious when trying to fill-out a full podcast. Too bad the host(s) can't resist forwarding obligatory, cliche entertainment industry politics by bashing Trump and the GOP. For the most part, it's forced and borders on self parody.

three weeks in and the cannon seems to have returned from the abyss without any hear or reason for existing. Instead of trenchant sometimes full throated arguments about culture, film history and aesthetics the New Cannon lives only to service the tastes of the guests. Amy has yet to push back in any serious way on guests picks and when she does it is without any of the passion or insight of the previous incarnation.

Hearing someone with little to no talent (other than maybe a journalism degree) saying what a director of a classic should have done is sickening. Worse than a road trip with your friend's spoiled children. The old show was such a turnoff that there is no way on this planet I would listen to the new version.

Amy Nicholson is an intelligent critic who is able to place herself on both sides of the argument and consider each. Devin Faraci, in my opinion, completely ruins this podcast. Discussing modern films can be invigorating and thought provoking. However, Faraci is a literal man child claiming that movies are good because of their rampant misogyny, racism, etc, and he has forever turned me off to The Canon podcast. I am thoroughly disappointed as cinema deserves to be critically discussed and viewed, and unfortunately, Faraci is utterly incapable of abstract or elevated thought. If he can pull his head out of his "3rd grade boy" preferences, I may reconsider this podcast in the future.

Instead of just discussing the finer elements of great movies, helping listeners understand why, for example, they love great movies - this is a painful, argumentative podcast with no point.

Although I found this podcast entertaining, I can no longer listen due to recent revelations on twitter that Devin Faraci sexually assaulted a female. I just won't be able to get past that when I hear his voice. What's worse is he has an obviously phony persona as a feminist. He is a knowledgeable film critic, but unfortunately a disgusting human being. Amy Nicholson is a tremendous talent and I love the concept of this podcast. I really hope she finds a new cohost who isn't a sexual predator, so I can resume listening. When that happens I will adjust my rating accordingly.

I love The Canon. I rarely get to re-watch the movie before listening, but that's okay. I like the conversation. Even when I have never seen the movie they're discussing I enjoy listening. Don't start with episode 1, pick a movie you like and listen to that episode. I have gone back and listened to every episode but not in order and it didn't matter. Love the show. Guest episodes and live shows are fun.

As a movie geek, The Canon is a top 5 must download, imho. Great idea for a show & both Devin & Amy are 2 hosts that always keep things interesting, even when they're insulting each other's film knowledge & taste. Seems some reviewers disagree about how they argue, but their rapport reminds me of the Jerry Maguire line: "That's the difference between us. You think we're fighting. I think we're finally talking!" Cheers guys! Great work!

devin and amy are really fun. i really enjoy their rapport and insights.

What a blessing this podcast is, to someone who needs something consistently lively, funny, and thought-provoking for a long commute to and from work. I know I can always rely on The Canon to be entertaining, dynamic, and to offer plenty of food for thought about movies, movie culture, and why movies matter. Both hosts are engaging, opinionated, and their banter always feels fresh, natural, and unforced (though I will totally admit that I enjoy it more when they disagree, then when they "harmoniously agree," if only because their Movie Bickering is so entertaining.) The hour or so always flies by--always smart, funny, incisive listening! (My most favorite episode, like, ever might be the one on Labrynith--more "Girl Movies," please!) Thanks for a consistently thought-provoking and fun listen (which always send me off to watch or re-watch the intriguing films they consider!)

Devin: intelligent, belligerent critical analysis while he's trying to be less rude. Amy: unintelligent, unimaginative, superficial bordering on pre-verbal. I can not stand her vapid and nearly incoherent analysis of these films. Get a clue or a new co-host. Ugh.

Like so many other reviewers (including the person who recommended this podcast to me), I LOVE the idea of this podcast, and am very troubled by the execution. If this were a podcast where Amy was the host and she invited others to debate the films with her, this show would be an instant 5/5. Amy is incredibly knowledgeable about film, film construction and film history, she is well-spoken and passionate without ever veering into "know-it-all" territory. Her co-host, on the other hand? I find Devin, frankly, sickening. Without doing any research on the film (something he readily, often and proudly admits, like that annoying kid from high school who walks in before an exam bragging that he didn't study), he speaks down to and condescends to Amy CONSTANTLY, even on films and arguments about which they agree. He speaks as though his opinion is 100% gospel, even when Amy's facts and research directly contradict his opinion. Of course, Amy does NOT take his condescension lightly, and will fight back when he openly insults her (take, for example, this week's episode on Stand By Me. When he told her that she was unable to appreciate the movie because she was unable to see the movie's small moments, Amy rightly and valiantly fought back, putting her foot down and standing up for herself against such a rude and insulting argument), however, it's so hard to listen to someone who knows what she's talking about just get repeatedly talked down by a school yard bully, which is about all that Devin amounts to, at the end of the day. I really hope Amy starts her own podcast soon, because that would be a podcast worth listening to and sharing with others. This, though, is just a waste of her supreme talent and passion.

I've only listened to a few recent episodes, but I really enjoy this so far. It's knowledgeable, insightful film discussion conducted in the casual, bickering manner you'd use with friends. I'm slightly bewildered by all the negative reviews; since most of them are from 2014 when this podcast was just starting out, I can only assume Amy & Devin have fine-tuned their chemistry and debating skills, because I don't sense any serious hostility - only some light ribbing - and find their arguments strong and eloquently conveyed. I appreciate that they tackle the ideological issues a film raises rather than sidestepping them, even though that's bound to ruffle some feathers (as we see here in some of the comments/reviews)

I may not agree with the hosts all the time but I always come away feeling like I learned something.

The hosts are both deeply knowledgeable critics with a lot of unique insight that comes out in this podcast. I also find them both hilarious, charismatic, and courageous. Devin is one of the funniest and wittiest personalities I've ever listened to, but I wouldn't find him nearly as engaging without the poised, classy, cerebral Amy Nicholson. The hosts disagree. A lot. Thank God. When they argue, it's about the work. Within that constraint, they have the courage, confidence, and history to hold nothing back in fear of giving offense to each other or the audience. They get constant crap for it, I'm sure. When you find people this talented who are willing to put themselves out like that, it's a treasure. I know and appreciate movies so much more because of this podcast. Thanks Amy and Devin.

This podcast seems to exist only so Amy Nicholson can make sure you know where she stands politically.

One of my favorite movie podcast

I was so glad to hear a critic who didn't just wax nastolgic about the quasi-feminist statement of this film, but was disturbed by the stark classist themes. So many women love this film, and ignore the fact that this woman's aspirations are to essentially whitewash away her roots and amass weath through the hostile takeovers of other people's dreams. Sure, as a woman she should have that right just as much as a man should, but should we be applauding someone of ANY gender who wants these things in a light hearted "feel-good" film?

I rarely agree with anything Amy says, but it still makes for fun listening. Great show! Thanks for the cool content.

It's almost impossible to listen to this podcast, which has a very integuing premise, because Devin Faracci ABSOLUTELY WILL NOT allow Amy Nicholson to express a complete thought without interrupting her. He shifts the goal posts with an almost pathological zeal, he refuses to engage Amy's points and will often create absurd, childishly reductive strawmen in order to try to discredit her points...which I'm sure he thinks is really amusing, but really just demonstrates his incredibly immaturity as an intellect and a critic. If Amy had another adult on this podcast it could really be something, but Devin is just too juvenile for it to work the way it should

Fasten your seatbelts. This is going to be a bumpy review. I like the premise of the show and have seen most of the movies and some of them are favorites of mine. I started with Pan's Labyrinth episode because it is in my canon for sure and it blew my mind that there is a working film critic who thinks this is less than an absolute masterpiece. The reason Devin "mansplains" is because Amy is simply wrong wrong wrong about the things she does not agree with him on. I am a woman and I so felt Devin's frustration. My husband and I saw it in the theater and talked about it for weeks afterward. There is just so much in that movie that even Devin barely scratched the surface. Amy's muddle headed comparison to Alice in Wonderland was so off target and I was baffled by her complete lack of understanding of why a young girl would want to escape into fairy tales to avoid the dismal realities of a war torn fascist society. Del Toro spent a very long time mulling over ideas and sketching out the fantasy world and it shows in the stunningly beautiful imagery of the fantasy portion of the film. Why would an 11 year old girl get her dress dirty or do other irrational childish things like steal grapes. Because the character is a CHILD! I mean of course she is entitled to her own but her take on this multi dimensional film is so simple minded, unimaginative, and literal it is nearly painful to listen to this episode. Then I went over to the Woody Allen episode and her meh reaction to the cinematography of Manhattan, which is a visually stunning love letter to NYC was absolutely nonsensical. You are a film critic Amy, do not watch movies known for their visual impact in ways that ruin the visuals. Animal House is far far superior as a comedy and cultural icon to Revenge of the Nerds. No, we should not forgive the rapey stuff Amy. That should disqualify it. We have all had to throw some of our childhood faves into the trash upon attaining adulthood and seeing how bad or outdated a film is. BTW baby feminists, feminism is not about men being polite in heated conversations. And mansplaining refers to the phenomenon of a man explaining why a sexist thing is not actually sexist. Devin is not a sexist. And he is not a mansplainer. He is a New Yorker. All is forgiven with the All About Eve episode. Both nailed that one. I made both my daughters watch that one. I will keep listening.

Who wouldn’t enjoy two regular people discussing movies? How could you mess up this concept? Start off by taking two people who don’t know nearly as much about movies as they think they do. Have them make incoherent and incomplete arguments. Make sure they are thoroughly versed in millennial political correctness. Give them terrible opinions (Anyone who thinks Temple of Doom is a “perfect” movie is clinically insane, and thinking that Manhattan is not a cinematically gorgeous picture is simply objectively wrong if you have eyes). And make sure they insult each other in ways that only highlight the fact that they don’t know how to craft strong arguments.

There is a lot to like in this podcast - thoughtful reviews, real knowledge of movies, how they are made and who is making them - but there is also a lot that is cringe-worth. I perceive Devin's attacks on Amy (I don't hear her returning them) are contemptuous, demeaning and misogynistic. It's possible to have a lively disagreement without contempt -- witness "Cinemajaw" for lots of disagreement and snotty comments between people who clearly like each other -- vs. Devin's nasty, demeaning comments. I don't understand why Amy puts up with it.

This is by far my favorite podcast. I just wish they didn't take the Lord's name in vain so much. Otherwise it would get a higher rating from me.

One of my favorite film podcasts. I hear things I agree with and disagree with. What more can you want from a criticism podcast?