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PODCAST

Midday Movies

Laura Fones and Stephen Frothingham

Welcome to the Midday Movies podcast, provider of fun, funny, and thoughtful media reviews 2-3x a week. Streaming on @radiotacoma101.9 every Tues/Thurs/Sat at 3pm.

tv & film

All Episodes

00:33:43

Ep 290: 10 Films You Must See For the Screenwriting...

Midday Movies ·

2026/01/20

In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen are taking you back to Film School, diving into the essential 10 films aspiring screenwriters must see, as outlined in the newly released "Filmmaker's Book of Ten" by Steven Bernstein. With a focus on compelling dialogue and innovative narrative structures, they explore ten cinematic masterpieces that evidence elevated screenwriting and innovation in the art form. From the meta-narrative genius of "Adaptation" to the timeless classic "To Kill

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00:40:14

Ep 289: Reviewing “Paris, Texas” (1984, dir. Wim...

Midday Movies ·

2026/01/15

In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen embark on a deep dive into the 1984 cinematic masterpiece "Paris, Texas," directed by Wim Wenders and penned by Sam Shepard. This visually stunning film, which won the prestigious Palme d’Or at Cannes Film Festival when it premiered, tells the poignant story of Travis Henderson, a man who reemerges after four years of wandering the Mojave Desert, attempting to reconnect with his estranged wife and young son. With its breathtaking landscapes

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00:23:35

Ep 288: Top 10 Directors Whose Work You Must See (...

Midday Movies ·

2026/01/13

In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen take listeners on an enlightening journey through the world of cinema by exploring the soon-to-be-released “Filmmaker's Book of Ten” — a practical handbook for filmmakers at all levels by Steven Bernstein (book coming out officially next week). They unveil a unique list of ten directors whose work promises to reshape your understanding of film and elevate your dinner party conversations. From the provocative storytelling of Gaspar Noe to

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00:37:19

Ep 287: 25 Motivational Films to Kickstart Your 2026...

Midday Movies ·

2026/01/08

In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen ring in the New Year with part two of Rotten Tomatoes' list of the 25 most inspirational films. They explore 13 modern classics that encourage listeners to cherish family moments, learn new skills, and embark on new adventures. From the whimsical storytelling of “Big Fish” (2003) to the transformative journey in “Wild” (2014), this episode is a treasure trove of cinematic gems that promise to nourish your soul for 2026. Join Laura and Stephen

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00:28:42

Ep 286: 25 Motivational Films to Kickstart Your 2026...

Midday Movies ·

2026/01/06

In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen celebrate New Year’s 2026 by exploring Rotten Tomatoes' list of the 25 most inspirational films. They dive into 12 movies that motivate viewers to improve their fitness, navigate career challenges, and inspire mindset shifts for the upcoming year. From the heartwarming journey of “Brittany Runs a Marathon” (2019) to the classic intensity of “Rocky” (1976), this episode is packed with insights and not-so-common recommendations to help you

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00:38:50

Ep 285: Reviewing “Die Hard” (1988) The Ultimate...

Midday Movies ·

2025/12/23

In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen dive into the 1988 action classic 'Die Hard', starring Bruce Willis and Alan Rickman. They discuss the film's unique contribution to the action genre, its strong anti-establishment themes, and whether it qualifies as a Christmas movie. They also explore the impact of Bruce Willis' casting, Alan Rickman's debut performance, and the film's lasting influence on Hollywood. Perfect for holiday viewing, this episode is a must-listen for movie

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00:39:31

Ep 284: Reliving “A Christmas Story” (1983) AFI’s...

Midday Movies ·

2025/12/18

Join Laura and Stephen on 'Midday Movies' as they continue their holiday guide exploring AFI's greatest holiday movies with the timeless classic, 'A Christmas Story'. Adapted from Jean Shepherd's short stories and narrated by Shepherd himself, this episode dissects the film's portrayal of a 1940s holiday season. They delve into Ralphie's epic quest for a Red Rider BB gun, his vivid fantasies, and the quirky Parker family dynamics. Along the way, they explore thematic elements like capitalism,

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00:31:19

Ep 283: Reviewing Hulu’s Holiday Hit, “Happiest...

Midday Movies ·

2025/12/16

In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen analyze 'Happiest Season,' a 2020 Hulu rom-com written and directed by Clea DuVall. Set against the backdrop of the Christmas holidays, this film stars Kristen Stewart, Mackenzie Davis, Alison Brie, and Dan Levy. The hosts discuss the movie’s exploration of love, personal identity, and maintaining appearances within the complexities of familial expectations. They highlight the film's rich cast, including standout performances by Victor

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00:43:30

Ep 282: Reviewing “An American Tail” (1986) AFI’s...

Midday Movies ·

2025/12/11

In this episode of Midday Movies, Laura and Stephen kick off their 2025 holiday film coverage by diving into the animated classic “An American Tail” (1986). Directed by Don Bluth and produced by Steven Spielberg, this film follows the immigrant journey of the Mousekowitz family in 1880s New York City. The hosts explore the film's economical storytelling, its historical context, and its whimsical yet dark narrative. They discuss themes such as the Jewish immigrant experience, societal power

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00:32:02

Ep 281: Top 10 Holiday Movies According to American...

Midday Movies ·

2025/12/09

In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen take a lunch break to delve into the American Film Institute's (AFI) Holiday Movie Guide, covering the top 10 of the 21 best US holiday films. They discuss a range of historically great holiday films touching on Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. Highlights include 'Love Actually,' 'Miracle on 34th Street,' 'The Muppet Christmas Carol,' 'White Christmas,' and the number one pick, 'Yentl.' The episode

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00:29:44

Ep 280: AFI's Top 21 Classic Holiday Movies to...

Midday Movies ·

2025/12/04

Join hosts Laura and Stephen on 'Midday Movies' as they dive into the first half of the American Film Institute's list of top 21 holiday films. From the beloved 'A Christmas Story' and 'Home Alone' to lesser-known gems like 'Crossing Delany', this episode covers movies for Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. Listen in for lively discussions, personal anecdotes, and holiday cheer. Stay tuned for Part 2 where they reveal the top 10 films on the list!00:00 Introduction to Midday Movies Podcast00:08

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00:51:56

Ep 279: Reimagining “Frankenstein” (2025, Guillermo...

Midday Movies ·

2025/12/02

Guests: Jen and Sarah of the “Movies & Us” Podcast In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen, are joined by Jen and Sarah from the Movies & Us Podcast, to explore Guillermo del Toro's reimagining of Mary Shelley's 1818 novel, “Frankenstein” (2025). The movie stars Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, and Mia Goth, and presents themes of mad ambition, family trauma, and the inhospitable Arctic Circle. The discussion touches on del Toro's unique approach to humanizing monsters, the film’s

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00:53:43

Ep 278: Reviewing “Blade Runner 2049” (2017) with...

Midday Movies ·

2025/11/26

Guest: Steven Bernstein (Writer, Director, Cinematographer)In this special episode of Midday Movies, Laura and Stephen are joined by acclaimed cinematographer Steven Bernstein (Monster, White Chicks) to deconstruct the visually haunting masterpiece, Blade Runner 2049 (2017).Moving beyond simple plot summary, the trio dives deep into the philosophy of filmmaking, challenging the modern orthodoxy that "everyone is a storyteller." Steven Bernstein offers a masterclass on visual language, explaining how

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00:10:43

Ep 277: Reviewing “Weapons” (2025) and The...

Midday Movies ·

2025/11/20

In this episode, Laura and Stephen discuss the 2025 film “Weapons,” a spooky and mysterious movie featuring a unique plot and stellar performances from actors linked to the MCU. They delve into the film's strange story about the disappearance of 17 third graders, the intriguing roles played by Julia Gardner, Benedict Wong, and Josh Brolin, and the unexpected horror elements that make it a standout. Tune in to hear more about the film's peculiar scenes, character dynamics, and the upcoming prequel

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01:07:24

Ep 276: Industry Insights & “GRQ the Movie” with...

Midday Movies ·

2025/11/18

Insights on Filmmaking and Creativity with Steven BernsteinIn this episode of “Midday Movies,” hosts Laura and Stephen are joined by veteran filmmaker Steven Bernstein. Known for his work on seminal films like “Monster” (2003) and “Like Water for Chocolate” (1992) (as well as fan favorites like “Water Boy” and “White Chicks”) Bernstein shares his deep insights into the filmmaking industry. The discussion delves into the importance of character over story, the chaotic nature of creation, and

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00:14:12

Ep 275: Reviewing “The Unbinding” (2023, Documentary)...

Midday Movies ·

2025/11/13

The Unbinding: A Paranormal Dive Into Haunted ArtifactsIn this episode of Midday Movies, Laura and Stephen discuss their latest Halloween recommendation, “The Unbinding,” a gripping 2023 documentary available on Tubi. They delve into the story discovered on the r/Paranormal subreddit, featuring husband-and-wife supernatural investigators Greg and Dana Newkirk. The documentary explores the terrifying events following the discovery of a haunted statue in the Catskills. Listen as Steven and Laura

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00:34:27

Ep 274: Reviewing “28 Years Later” (2025, Danny...

Midday Movies ·

2025/11/11

In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen delve into '28 Years Later', the latest addition to Danny Boyle and Alex Garland's iconic zombie series. Set in a quarantined British Isles, the film follows 12-year-old Spike on his journey through a post-apocalyptic world. The duo discuss the film's medieval undertones, stunning iPhone cinematography, and rich connection to English history. They analyze the character dynamics, especially focusing on Spike's relationship

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00:20:18

Ep 273: Reviewing “1923” (2022) The “Yellowstone”...

Midday Movies ·

2025/11/06

Laura and Stephen delve into the historical drama series “1923,” (2022-2025) a prequel to the popular Paramount show “Yellowstone.” This discussion covers the main plotlines involving the 1920s Dutton family's struggle during an economic crash and a range war in Montana, a World War I veteran's survival and romance in Africa, and the harrowing realities of a Native girl's life in a Catholic residential school. The show features notable performances by Helen Mirren and Harrison Ford and blends themes

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00:18:52

Ep 272: Exploring HBO's “John Adams” (2008) We Talk...

Midday Movies ·

2025/11/04

In this episode of “Midday Movies,” Laura and Stephen delve into HBO's acclaimed 2008 mini-series “John Adams.” They highlight the series' meticulous historical accuracy and its nuanced portrayal of key historical figures like John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and George Washington. They discuss favorite scenes, including John Adams' diplomatic encounter with King George III and Benjamin Franklin's unique fashion choices in the French court. The hosts also touch on the broader theme of America's

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00:23:58

Ep 271: Ode to “Scream” (1996, Wes Craven) Harper...

Midday Movies ·

2025/10/30

In this final installment of their Halloween series for 2025, Laura and Stephen discuss the iconic horror film “Scream,” directed by Wes Craven. They delve into its meta-commentary on the horror genre, its memorable characters like Ghostface, Sidney Prescott, and Gale Weathers, and how it subverted the established rules of slasher films. The hosts also touch on the film's impact on the horror genre, its timeless appeal, and why it remains a standout classic. The episode wraps up with musings on the

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317 results

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