The Freshman Fifteen

It took 29 episodes to get to our very first foreign language freshman film: 1993's Cronos, directed by cinematic legend Guillermo del Toro. Daniel delves into the how Mexican culture translates to f…

Episode 28 takes us to the 1998 freshman film of director Darren Aronofsky, the mind-bending, mathematical thriller Pi. Jeremy breaks down the mechanics of the SnorriCam while Daniel makes the case f…

Breaking from the norm, the boys go current-events-crazy to weigh in on the recent misdoings of space-hero-action-flick director James Gunn. What’s more important, art or the artist? Where’s the line…

In Episode 27, the third in our summer blockbuster trilogy, we visit the freshman film of comic book action director Zack Snyder and his freshman film, 2004’s zombie remake: Dawn of the Dead. Daniel …

Episode 26! It’s Mission: Impossible III time, the 2006 freshman film of blockbuster director J.J. Abrams. Daniel attempts to decipher the magic of Tom Cruise, while Jeremy caustically plants a flag …

With Episode 25, it’s the arrival of three summer blockbuster directors, and there's no better candidate to get us started than bombastic director Michael Bay and his 1995 freshman film, Bad Boys. Af…

Episode 24 brings us to She’s Gotta Have It, the 1986 freshman joint of the original b-boy provocateur director, Spike Lee. In their most open and raw discussion yet, Jeremy breaks down what it takes…

It’s Episode 23, which means it’s time to deep-dive into the freshman film of mega-budget director James Cameron, 1981’s Piranha Part Two: The Spawning. Jeremy compares Cameron films to avocados, whi…

Episode 22! The freshman film of oft-lauded maestro Robert Cummings, 2003's House of 1000 Corpses is up for discussion this time around. Nelson explores the divide between suspense and horror while …

Episode 21 brings us to Following, the no-budget 1998 freshman film of mega-director Christopher Nolan. Daniel wonders if limitations can sometimes be the secret sauce to great directing, while Jerem…

It’s that time of year again and The Freshman Fifteen is back with this year’s Oscars Special. Sitting in for Daniel is returning guest Jeff Jensen, weighing in with spoiler-free thoughts and opinion…

Special guest Jeff Jensen makes his case for Lynch's biggest flop, DUNE, in a conversation deleted from Episode 20: David Lynch's ERASERHEAD.

The Freshman Fifteen's 20th episode visits pioneer artist David Lynch and his first feature film - 1977's Eraserhead. Daniel sermonizes on the virtues of great sound design, Jeremy decides that Lynch…

Episode 19: The Freshman Fifteen takes a look at the 1975 freshman film of director Terry Gilliam, the comedy perennial Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Jeremy declares his favorite Holy Grail scene …

Extended and uncut, Jeremy and Daniel's Batman discussion (recorded for Episode 18: Tim Burton's PEE-WEE'S BIG ADVENTURE) is presented here as a special for faithful listeners.

Episode eighteen! Jeremy and Daniel take a swirly, bug-eyed trip through the freshman film of the inimitable Tim Burton, 1985’s Pee-wee’s Big Adventure. Daniel describes how the guy from Oingo Boingo…

Confirmed Gentiles Daniel and Jeremy choose a couple of films celebrating Jewish history, tradition, people and culture in a special episode to kick off the week of Hanukkah. From anti-kosher childho…

In Episode Seventeen, Daniel and Jeremy sit down with the freshman film of director Ridley Scott, 1977's The Duellists. Jeremy declares Ridley Scott filmmaking's Renaissance man while Daniel wrestles…

The Freshman Fifteen returns at last! Episode Sixteen takes a look at Terrence Malick’s Badlands. Daniel digs into the good and the bad of waiting for the editing room to decide what sort of film you…

Proud papas Daniel and Jeremy recommend and discuss two films to entertain your little ones during these hazy summer months. Daniel goes dark while Jeremy goes obscure, but both co-hosts keep their f…