Maltin on Movies

AL PACINO needs no introduction. In 2018 he joined us for a relaxed conversation that centered on his documentary “Wilde/Salome,” about his stage production of an Oscar Wilde play featuring a newcomer named Jessica Chastain. But without much prompting he also discussed his career at large, from The Godfather and Dog Day Afternoon onward. His recently published autobiography taps into his way of thinking…but you’ll get a taste of that here, as Leonard and Jessie chat up one of the greatest actors of our time.

The man whose latest film, Anora, is an awards-season favorite and an Oscar candidate, first joined us in 2017 to discuss his unpredictable career, which began on public-access television in Manhattan. He caused a stir when he shot his feature, Tangerine, on iPhones, and he won new fans with The Florida Project, which featured Willem Dafoe. He has a big heart, which is evident in every one of his films (including Red Rocket and Anora, which were still in the future when this interview took place).  

Billy Bob Thornton is in a class by himself. If you haven’t seen Season 1 of his new show Landman on Paramount Plus, you’re missing out. It’s a perfect follow-up to his earlier seriesGoliath and his unforgettable turn on the first season of Fargo. Leonard and Jessie are longtime fans and delight in talking to him about finding his place in Hollywood, working with the Coen Brothers, playing the President of the United States in Love, Actually, and much, much more. This 2017 conversation doesn’t cover his most recent work but it’s a pleasure to listen to.

On the heels of a terrific new Apple+ TV series, BAD MONKEY (which will film its second season in the near future), let’s revisit our last chat with him, recorded in front of a live audience at Fantastic Fest in Austin, Texas in September of 2017. Vince was at the festival with his then-brand-new movie Brawl in Cell Block 99, but had no hesitation in reviewing his career and the film that launched it, Swingers.

Doug Jones’s face is often hidden behind elaborate makeup, yet somehow, through his eyes and body language he always create memorable characters. A favorite of filmmaker Guillermo Del Toro, he was the sea creature inThe Shape of Water and had key roles in Hellboy, Hellboy II: The Golden Army, and Pan’s Labyrinth. He spent five seasons on Star Trek: Discovery and is currently having a ball making the last season of What We Do in the Shadows. He is also proud of Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror, now streaming and available on Blu-ray—and not to be confused with the other current remake of the German silent classic. Doug is as nice as he is talented, and Leonard and Jessie are delighted to have him on the podcast.  

In recent times, David Krumholtz has appeared in Oppenheimer onscreen and Leopoldstadt on Broadway…but Jessie and Leonard first became fans watching him in films like The Santa Clause, Liberty Heights, 10 Things I Hate About You, and Slums of Beverly Hills. He is the very definition of a working actor—on stage, film and television (where he spent five years as the star of NUMB3RZ), with a healthy outlook on his profession and its peccadilloes.

Becky Ann Baker has played moms—on popular shows like Girls, Ted Lasso and Freaks and Geeks. But pigeonholing her is foolish given her theatrical training and can-do approach to life and career (alongside her equally talented husband, Dylan Baker). She’s worked for everyone from Sam Raimi to Steven Spielberg to You can see her right now with Rob Huebel in All Hapy Families on VOD, but if you just wait a bit she’ll turn up in another high-profile movie or TV show. What a delight for Leonard and Jessie to spend time in her company.

Rob Huebel can currently be seen in the comedy feature film All Happy Families (costarring Josh Radnor and Becky Ann Baker) on VOD, but he is never out of sight for long. An improv comedian and actor par excellence who honed his chops at Upright Citizens Brigade, he frequently works with such pals as Rob Riggle, Paul Scheer, and Will Arnett. His movie credits include I Love You, Man, The Descendants and Keanu and his TV resume is packed with shows like Transparent, Arrested Development and Curb Your Enthusiasm. Leonard and Jessie found Rob to be whip-smart, warm and funny…in short, a perfect guest.  

It’s been decades since Lucy Lawless became world-famous as Xena, the Warrior Princess. Since then she’s done everything from appearing on Broadway in Grease to starring in an eye-opening Spartacus TV series. Now she’s made her directorial debut with a compelling documentary called Never Look Away, about videographer Margaret Moth, who thrived on the adrenaline of shooting in war zones. It played at this year’s Sundance Film Festival and South by Southwest and is now opening in theaters and on many streaming services. Lawless is justifiably proud of her achievement and Leonard and Jessie were impressed with her—as an interviewee and as a filmmaker.  

Lou Diamond Phillips has an old-school, theater-based work ethic, which is why there’s almost nothing he can’t or won’t do—from appearing on The Masked Singer to imitating the look of Buffalo Bill Cody for his newest film Get Fast, now available on VOD. He doesn’t mind that people still talk to him about playing Ritchie Valens in La Bamba because he’s (justly) proud of the film and his performance in it, as you will hear. Leonard and Jessie also have a personal connection to this gracious and talented man.