Movies are Life

29/05/2024

🌞 Hope you’re having a fantastic summer! 🌞

I can’t believe it’s been two years since I started this podcast! 🎉 Your support has been incredible. 💛

I’m taking a short break to refresh and rethink things. I'm excited to explore new formats and dive deep into what you love. 🎥

I need your input! Thinking of doing another series. Maybe 80s classics? Or a deep dive into popular directors? Look out for future polls and share your thoughts! 📬

Thanks for listening and stay tuned for more great content! 🌟

24/05/2024

Sweet Home Alabama blends romance, comedy and a touch of drama into a film that, despite its occasional clichés and dated elements, remains a beloved favorite for its charm, humor and the undeniable chemistry between its leads.

Sweet Home Alabama gradually won me over with a slow burn that eventually ignited into a warm, entertaining narrative, blending humor with cultural clashes.

22/05/2024

We are bringing a little southern sass to the podcast to discuss the number 48 film on The 50 Best Rom-Coms list, ‘Sweet Home Alabama.’ Nathan’s nephew Tommy Graham visits the studio to unravel the southern charm, the allure of small-town life and the complexities of love and relationships portrayed in this Reese Witherspoon favorite. So grab your sweet tea and tune in—y'all don't want to miss this one! 🌸🍑

We are bringing a little southern sass to the podcast to discuss the number 48 film on The 50 Best Rom-Coms list, ‘Sweet Home Alabama.’ Nathan’s nephew Tommy Graham visits the studio to unravel the southern charm, the allure of small-town life and the complexities of love and relationships por...

18/05/2024

I feel as if The Idea of You could have been a standout, but it is content with staying surface-level. It's like a beach read come to life. Whether that is a good or bad thing is up to the viewer, but sometimes it's fun to dive into an unrealistic fantasy. (Prime Video)

Not that I'm expecting a lot of plausibility with my romance dramas, but 'The Idea of You' would have been better served if it were steeped in more reality.

17/05/2024

While grappling with weighty themes like illness, faith and identity, The Big Sick ultimately offers hope and laughter as sources of resilience during life's trials. 🎤 (Prime Video)

The Big Sick sets itself apart from typical romantic comedies by delving into not just the blossoming love between two individuals, but also the profound impact it has on every aspect of their lives.

15/05/2024

From the challenges of navigating cultural differences to the complexities of familial expectations, we are dissecting the themes that make the number 31 film on The 50 Best Rom-Coms list, ‘The Big Sick,’ such a relatable and impactful film. Whitney returns to the podcast to discuss this touching and hilarious Michael Showalter film and delve into his latest project, ‘The Idea of You,’ starring Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine. Whether romance blossoms when one is in a coma or gallivanting across Europe with a boy band, we’re here to break it all down!

From the challenges of navigating cultural differences to the complexities of familial expectations, we are dissecting the themes that make the number 31 film on The 50 Best Rom-Coms list, ‘The Big Sick,’ such a relatable and impactful film. Whitney returns to the podcast to discuss this touchin...

10/05/2024

Hate Tom Brady? Love sports? Love off-color humor (and I do mean off-color)? This special had it all. The highlight of television in 2024 for me thus far. I hadn’t laughed so hard in such a long time. 🏈

Who had the best set in the Netflix roast of the GOAT? Which lines landed, and which flopped? How did Brady himself fare? These are the definitive post-roast rankings.

08/05/2024

We're embarking on a moonlit romp through the bustling streets of New York City to delve into the number 23 film on The 50 Best Rom-Coms list: the iconic 'Moonstruck.' Joining Nathan is our frequent guest, Kyle Radford, as we leave no meatball unturned in this exploration of love, laughter and the quirky dynamics of Italian-American families. Tune in as we debate whether this film is worthy of its Oscar gold or, as Kyle aptly describes it, "The first film written by a plate of spaghetti." 🍝

We're embarking on a moonlit romp through the bustling streets of New York City to delve into the number 23 film on The 50 Best Rom-Coms list: the iconic 'Moonstruck.' Joining Nathan is our frequent guest, Kyle Radford, as we leave no meatball unturned in this exploration of love, laughter and the q...

03/05/2024

Despite occasional imbalance, stands as a commendable film teetering on the brink of greatness. Rather than a critique of democratic breakdown, it serves as a tribute to the unifying force required to keep a diverse group together in the face of adversity. 📷 Make sure to listen to this week's episode as we break down this decisive film!

Understanding that Civil War centers on a group of war journalists rather than the war itself can significantly alter one's perspective on Garland's intent.

02/05/2024

Join us as we delve deep into the immersive world of A24's groundbreaking film, ‘Civil War.’ Host Nathan Chandler and esteemed guest Mark Blitch, embark on a captivating exploration of one of the most talked about and polarizing films of 2024. Most importantly, listen to discover what kind of American we think we are. 🤔🇺🇸

Join us as we delve deep into the immersive world of A24's groundbreaking film, ‘Civil War.’ Host Nathan Chandler and esteemed guest Mark Blitch, embark on a captivating exploration of one of the most talked about and polarizing films of 2024. Through lively discussion and insightful analysis, w...

27/04/2024

Dermot Mulroney 'didn't work for a year' because he looked 'so tiny' on the 'My Best Friend's Wedding' movie poster: Like 'the little guy on the cake.'

26/04/2024

Director Sharon Maguire paints scenes of memorable moments and though the characters are fully fleshed out, I never felt a strong connection between either of Bridget's suitors in 'Bridget Jones's Diary.' Were you out on Mark Darcy or Daniel Cleaver like I was? ❓❣️

It took me a bit to settle into the vibe of Bridget Jones's Diary. I enjoyed seeing the twist of the main character in the genre, but I never completely invested in the love triangle that dominates this film.

24/04/2024

🩲 Get ready to pull out your granny panties because we're diving deep into all the cringe-worthy encounters of the number 18 film on The 50 Best Rom-Coms list, 'Bridget Jones’s Diary!’ Ann Schafer returns to the podcast to help Nathan explore the film's infamous love triangle and the depiction of body image issues and societal expectations, considering how these themes have evolved since the film's release in 2001. Whether you're a die-hard fan of the film or just discovering the magic of Bridget's world for the first time, you won’t want to miss this delightful conversation about the enduring legacy of this quirky franchise, faults and all. 🌟

🩲 Get ready to pull out your granny panties because we're diving deep into all the cringe-worthy encounters of the number 18 film on The 50 Best Rom-Coms list, 'Bridget Jones’s Diary!’ Ann Schafer returns to the podcast to help Nathan explore the film's infamous love triangle and the depictio...

19/04/2024

As a straight-up rom-com, Something's Gotta Give hits all the notes, but what propels it a little higher in the genre is the ability to get better with age. Is this one of your favorite rom-coms?

As I am growing older, I think I'm becoming a sucker more and more for the world of Nancy Meyers. I was completely charmed and immersed in this story.

17/04/2024

After watching the number 11 film on The 50 Best Rom-Coms list, ‘Something’s Gotta Give,’ we are heavily considering investing in turtlenecks and a beach house ASAP. 🏖️🐢 Nathan’s father-in-law, Steve Graham, visits the studio to talk about how this beloved Nancy Meyers film challenges stereotypes about relationships, the humor that arises from unexpected situations and the poignant moments that remind us of the importance of embracing change.

After watching the number 11 film on The 50 Best Rom-Coms list, ‘Something’s Gotta Give,’ we are heavily considering investing in turtlenecks and a beach house ASAP. 🏖️🐢 Nathan’s father-in-law, Steve Graham, visits the studio to talk about how this beloved Nancy Meyers film challenge...

12/04/2024

Without the anchor of Julia Roberts, My Best Friend’s Wedding could have really gone off the hinges. 😬 Read my tepid review and make sure to listen to this week's episode. What do you think? Rom-com classic or dud?

Something felt off to me while watching My Best Friend's Wedding (yes, for the first time). I appreciated the story that it set out to tell, but tonally the pieces weren't fitting together.

10/04/2024

We’ve watched the number 8 film on The 50 Best Rom-Coms list, ‘My Best Friend's Wedding,’ and let's just say, we have some thoughts - we didn't exactly fall head over heels for this one, unlike most people seem to. 👀🤷‍♂️ Returning guest, Sarah Medin, joins Nathan to unpack the charming chaos of the Julia Roberts vehicle and explore why it might not be as picture-perfect as it seems. Plus, Whitney pops in to give her quick take on the film and dish out some juicy reactions to the latest Bachelor finale. Settle in and get ready for a rollercoaster ride of rom-com revelations. 🤔👰

We’ve watched the number 8 film on The 50 Best Rom-Coms list, ‘My Best Friend's Wedding,’ and let's just say, we have some thoughts - we didn't exactly fall head over heels for this one, unlike most people seem to. 👀🤷‍♂️ Returning guest, Sarah Medin, joins Nathan to unpack the char...

04/04/2024

After 25 years, is still revolutionary. It's unique and captures your imagination with scenes that you'll never forget. (Netflix) Make sure to listen to the companion episode that was released yesterday covering this iconic film! 💻

In celebration of its 25th anniversary, The Matrix still completely stands as one of the most original sci-fi films to ever come out in my lifetime.

03/04/2024

Red pill or blue pill? Join us as we celebrate a quarter-century of mind-bending action, iconic trench coats and the eternal quest to free our minds from the machines with the Wachowskis' sci-fi masterpiece, ‘The Matrix.’ First-time guest Phil Keith joins Nathan to explore how Neo, Trinity and Morpheus became cultural touchstones and influenced everything from fashion to filmmaking. 😎

Red pill or blue pill? Join us as we celebrate a quarter-century of mind-bending action, iconic trench coats and the eternal quest to free our minds from the machines with the Wachowskis' sci-fi masterpiece, ‘The Matrix.’ From its revolutionary bullet time effects to its philosophical ponderings...

29/03/2024

Poor Things tends to wear out its welcome, but in the same breath, I feel like much would be gained from viewing it a second time. Once the shock and awe wear out, there is a lot of philosophy to mine underneath the duck-dogs and clever vocabulary. 🦆🐕

Whether your initial response to Poor Things is visceral or in disgust, it's a film that you won't soon forget.

28/03/2024

Which is braver: Emma Stone’s performance in ‘Poor Things’ or Nathan inviting his mother-in-law as a guest to talk about the gritty, Oscar-winning film? 🧠⚡️Get ready to laugh, gasp and maybe even question your sanity a little bit. 😉 Listen to the new episode today! https://rss.com/podcasts/movies-are-life/1408339/

25/03/2024

I wouldn't be surprised if Bottoms garners cult status because it's innovative but completely relaxed in its approach. 🥊 (Prime Video)

Bottoms purposely pokes fun at its genre while providing a looking glass into how today's culture perceives popularity and identity.

22/03/2024

You know what you're going to get with a Mission: Impossible movie and though Dead Reckoning Part One isn't at the top of the pack, it's certainly not at the bottom. 🏍

Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One is incredibly fun and the action is beyond impressive. Much was made about Tom Cruise's motorcycle jump, but I particularly enjoyed the train car falling sequence.

20/03/2024

🌸 Spring break is here, so let's kick back and reminisce! Join us as we revisit one of our all-time favorite episodes, featuring the 10th-ranked film on The 50 Best Rom-Coms list: 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall.' 😄 Don't miss this laugh-out-loud episode! We'll be back next week with more fun content! 🎉

🌸 Spring break is here, so let's kick back and reminisce! Join us as we revisit one of our all-time favorite episodes, featuring the 10th-ranked film on The 50 Best Rom-Coms list: 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall.' 😄 Nathan teams up with his childhood buddy, Cody Cofer, for a lively chat about the u...

16/03/2024

I will always defend and will forever mimic Jon Lovitz's shimmy as he says, "Good luck finding a D.J. who can move and shake like this!" 🎤 Make sure to listen to this week's tubular, companion episode!

Amazing soundtrack, cute leads, a screaming Sandler, cheap ‘80s references, quotable lines. What's not to love about The Wedding Singer?

14/03/2024

We were pretty stoked to be asked to be a guest critic for The MungleShow to cover Mark Wahlberg's new adventure/drama/dog film, Arthur the King, which opens in theaters tomorrow, March 15! 🐕👑

Guest critic Nathan Chandler, host of the film podcast, “Movies are Life.” takes a run at the new film ARTHUR THE KING. Rated PG-13 and in theaters March 15th. “Runners run,” is a phrase that comes up often in Arthur the King. I like to consider myself a runner. Though I have never, nor will...

13/03/2024

We have the microphone and you don’t, so you will listen to every word we have to say! 🎤 Get ready to dial up the nostalgia meter as first-time guest Sean Crowell joins Nathan to dive into the neon-soaked world of Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore's iconic rom-com, ‘The Wedding Singer!’ 📼 https://rss.com/podcasts/movies-are-life/1386214/

08/03/2024

The scenery, dialogue and soundtrack of ‘You’ve Got Mail’ all come together seamlessly to produce a film that is nostalgic and timeless—the power of Ephron, y'all. 💌 Make sure to listen to the companion episode from this week!

How can you not get sucked into the charm and whimsy of 'You've Got Mail?' Like Kathleen Kelly's bookshop and the coffee shops these "nemesis" frequent, this film is completely warm and comfortable.

06/03/2024

Who needs Tinder when you can fall in love over dial-up? 😂💕 That’s right, we are talking about the OG version of online dating and the number 3 film on The Best Rom-Coms list, You’ve Got Mail! From the iconic AOL notification to the charming bookshop setting, acclaimed actress Katharine Everett joins Nathan to discuss the film's themes of change, adaptation and the power of human connection in an increasingly digital world. Tag your modern-day Joe Fox or Kathleen Kelly and let's celebrate the original virtual romance! 📩💑☕

Who needs Tinder when you can fall in love over dial-up? 😂💕 That’s right, we are talking about the OG version of online dating and the number 3 film on The Best Rom-Coms list, You’ve Got Mail! From the iconic AOL notification to the charming bookshop setting, acclaimed actress Katharine Ev...

01/03/2024

There have been a lot of war movies that have brilliantly showcased the senselessness of war, but Quo Vadis, Aida? hits harder because we are put in the place of the helpless, not the soldiers themselves. 📢 (Hulu) Make sure to listen to this week's episode covering this powerful film!

What a gut punch Quo Vadis, Aida? is. I had no prior knowledge about the Bosnia War of 1995 or the Srebrenica Massacre that this film depicts. This is unlike any war film that I had seen before.