Maltin on Movies is a great new podcast perfect for anyone on the lookout for new, fantastic movies from the past or present. Having just listened to several episodes while caring for my infant daughter in the middle of the night – I can say it is fun and informative to listen to (and I’m thankful I had it!).
This show is only just starting out (it seems to have started in November of 2014), but nails it for me on several key points:
- Has a great format: it picks a theme (e.g. sequels, holiday movies, musicals, etc.) and discusses a great movie, a terrible movie, and a sleeper movie in that theme. This format really helps you discover good new movies…and keep your attention with the dissection of the terrible ones.
- It’s just the right length – all the episodes so far are between 45 and 55 minutes. The hosts take their time – but they don’t ramble, talk about what they had for lunch, or drag themselves down into pointless debates or inside jokes.
- It is published on a regular weekly schedule (so far!).
- Features Leonard Maltin, who has a pleasant, unhurried speaking style, and has a depth of film knowledge to back him up.
- Leonard is paired with Baron Vaughn, a comedian and actor who helps keep the conversation lively.
- Its not a “What movie came out this week? What movie is coming out next week? What gossip is there this week about this or that actor or director?” show. I have a pet peeve for these shorts of shows – because there are so many of them, and they are all so very similar.
This show is part of a gaggle of start-up podcasts from a company named Wolfpop. Check it out if you get a chance!
