Movie Memory Machine

"Somewhere between George Clooney's dance moves and Julia Roberts' headset, we found a thriller that tries hard but never quite cashes out."
 
Episode Description
In this episode of Movie Memory Machine, Landen and Truman uncover the volatile world of finance and live television with Jodie Foster's Money Monster (2016). With George Clooney as a Jim Cramer-esque TV host and Julia Roberts as his long-suffering producer, the film spirals into chaos when Jack O'Connell's working-class vigilante takes a live broadcast hostage. Together, our hosts dive into the implausibilities, missed opportunities, and undeniable star power of this financial thriller.
 
Major Cast and Crew
Director: Jodie Foster
Writers: Jamie Linden, Alan DiFiore, Jim Kouf
Main Cast:
George Clooney as Lee Gates
Julia Roberts as Patty Fenn
Jack O'Connell as Kyle Budwell
Dominic West as Walt Camby
Caitríona Balfe as Diane Lester
Giancarlo Esposito as NYPD Captain Powell
 
Film Synopsis
Financial TV host Lee Gates (George Clooney) and his producer Patty Fenn (Julia Roberts) face a life-or-death situation when disgruntled investor Kyle Budwell (Jack O'Connell) storms their live broadcast with a gun and an explosive vest. Fueled by the mysterious collapse of a "can't-miss" stock, Kyle demands answers while the world watches. As secrets unravel, Lee and Patty work against the clock to uncover a corporate conspiracy and save their own lives.
 
Episode Highlights
Breaking down George Clooney's "Jim Cramer meets Dennis Miller" performance.
The implausible financial mechanics behind the film's central conspiracy.
Julia Roberts' standout turn as the glue holding it all together.
How Money Monster reflects (and avoids reflecting) the anger of the Occupy Wall Street era.
The movie's baffling tonal shifts—boner cream jokes meet high-stakes hostage drama.
 
What’s your favorite financial thriller? Let us know on social media or in the comments—we might feature your thoughts in a future episode!
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SEO Keywords
Money Monster podcast, Jodie Foster movies, George Clooney financial thriller, Julia Roberts producer role, Occupy Wall Street films, Jack O'Connell, corporate conspiracy thrillers, Movie Memory Machine podcast
 

In this week’s Movie Memory Machine: Five For mini-episode, Landen and Truman unpack five films that more meaningfully—and sometimes more messily—explore marriage, communication, and relationship evolution than Hope Springs ever dared. From cozy golden pond chats to sci-fi couples therapy gone wrong, this list offers everything from prestige Swedish drama to 1930s slapstick divorce. Hope might spring eternal, but these movies bring the nuance.
Films Discussed:
On Golden Pond (1981)
The One I Love (2014)
Scenes from a Marriage (1973 or 2021)
The Awful Truth (1937)
Before Midnight (2013)
Topics Covered:
Sunset vibes and legacy pairings in On Golden Pond
The One I Love and the lo-fi sci-fi spin on relationship repair
Bergman’s emotionally devastating take on marriage in Scenes from a Marriage
Slapstick meets sincerity in the classic The Awful Truth
Before Midnight as the most honest depiction of midlife marriage ever captured on screen
Key Takeaways:
Hope Springs may have opened the door, but these films walk through it (and sometimes slam it)
Scenes from a Marriage is therapy before therapy
Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke prove love isn’t always quiet sunsets—it’s arguments in Greece too
The Awful Truth showed us that Hollywood’s been flirting with divorce for nearly a century
Listener Prompt:Which movie got marriage right—or hilariously wrong? Tag us with your picks using #MovieMemoryMachine.
Support the Show!Help keep Movie Memory Machine ad-free and artist-owned! Here’s how you can support us:
Become a Patreon supporter – For as little as $1/month, you get access to bonus content for all shows on the Grunt Work Podcast Network. Join at https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod
Leave a rating and review – On Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.
Like, follow, and share on social media – We’re @MovieMemoryMachine on YouTube and @MovieMemoryPod on Letterboxd.
Tell a friend – Word of mouth is how we grow.
Join our Discord – Vote on whether films stay in modern memory or are left forgotten. Visit https://www.moviememorymachine.com for access.
Follow Us: 🌐 Website: https://www.moviememorymachine.com📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MovieMemoryMachine🎞️ Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/moviememorypod/

"Wine, awkward silences, and Borat impressions—this mini-episode might have it all."
 
Episode Description
Join Landen and Truman for a playful recap of Hope Springs (2012) in this mini-episode, where serious therapy sessions give way to banana-related metaphors and theater proprietor grudges. They examine the bizarre Twin Peaks-esque undertones of small-town life, the perils of bringing your therapist’s advice to the movies, and why the trailer game is their favorite thing ever—even when they get it wrong.
 
Major Cast and Crew
Director: David Frankel
Writer: Vanessa Taylor
Main Cast:
Meryl Streep as Kay Soames
Tommy Lee Jones as Arnold Soames
Steve Carell as Dr. Bernard Feld
Jean Smart as Eileen
Elisabeth Shue as Karen
Mimi Rogers as Carol
 
Film Synopsis
Kay Soames (Meryl Streep) and her husband Arnold (Tommy Lee Jones) head to Maine for an intensive week of couples therapy with the unflinching Dr. Bernard Feld (Steve Carell). What follows is a journey filled with awkward exercises, emotional breakthroughs, and some very sticky situations—literally and metaphorically.
 
Episode Highlights
Landen’s wine pairings for movies and why Hope Springs calls for nothing less than a cabernet sauvignon.
The banana scene: comedy gold or high-fiber therapy advice?
How Hope Springs subtly channels Twin Peaks vibes.
"The Trailer Game": Why Tommy Lee Jones definitely did not make it into the horny part of the trailer.
Exploring how therapy and cinema collide in the most unexpected (and sticky) of ways.
 
What’s your favorite awkward therapy moment in film? Let us know in the comments or on social media!
Enjoyed the episode? Tell us what you think by leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform—we’d love to feature your feedback in future episodes!
💡 Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod
🌐 Visit our website: http://www.moviememorymachine.com/
📱 Follow us on Social Media:
Facebook: Movie Memory Machine
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🎵 Theme Song by Porky's Groove Machine: https://porkysgroovemachine.com/
 
SEO Keywords
Hope Springs mini-episode, Meryl Streep therapy movie, Tommy Lee Jones romantic comedies, Steve Carell films, couples therapy in movies, romantic comedy podcasts, Movie Memory Machine podcast
 

"Hope Springs eternal, but this movie's intensity springs from its painfully real portrayal of a struggling marriage."
 
Episode Description
In this episode of Movie Memory Machine, Landen and Truman explore David Frankel's Hope Springs (2012), a film that blends humor and pathos to depict the journey of a couple (played by Meryl Streep and Tommy Lee Jones) rekindling their marriage through therapy. With Steve Carell as the therapist, we unpack the emotional weight, the awkward laughs, and the overall message of this overlooked dramedy.
 
Major Cast and Crew
Director: David Frankel
Writer: Vanessa Taylor
Main Cast:
Meryl Streep as Kay Soames
Tommy Lee Jones as Arnold Soames
Steve Carell as Dr. Bernard Feld
Jean Smart as Eileen
Elisabeth Shue as Karen
Mimi Rogers as Carol
 
Film Synopsis
Kay Soames (Meryl Streep) is desperate to revive the intimacy in her 31-year marriage to Arnold (Tommy Lee Jones). Despite his reluctance, they embark on an intensive week-long couples therapy retreat with the renowned Dr. Bernard Feld (Steve Carell). Through therapy sessions filled with both breakthroughs and setbacks, the couple attempts to rediscover the spark that brought them together.
 
Episode Highlights
The standout performances of Meryl Streep and Tommy Lee Jones.
Steve Carell's unexpected role as a therapist and whether it worked.
The challenges of depicting intimacy in film for older couples.
A comparison of Hope Springs to other dramedies of its time.
Why this film resonated with older audiences but struggled to find wider appeal.
 
What are your favorite films that explore marriage and intimacy? Share your thoughts and reviews on our socials or website!
💡 Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod
🌐 Visit our website: http://www.moviememorymachine.com/
📱 Follow us on Social Media:
Facebook: Movie Memory Machine
Instagram: @MovieMemoryMachine
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🎵 Theme Song by Porky's Groove Machine: https://porkysgroovemachine.com/
 
SEO Keywords
Hope Springs podcast, Meryl Streep movies, Tommy Lee Jones films, Steve Carell roles, David Frankel director, marriage and intimacy in film, Movie Memory Machine podcast
 

In this Movie Memory Machine: Five For mini-episode, Landen and Truman attempt to recover from Simone (aka S1M0NE) by spotlighting five films that do a better job exploring fame, technology, artificial intelligence, and the surreal nightmare of modern media. From the precision of The Truman Show to the spiraling ego of Synecdoche, New York, these picks offer richer commentary, stronger characters, and (most importantly) more compelling digital women.
Films Discussed:
The Truman Show (1998)
Synecdoche, New York (2008)
Frankenstein (1931)
Being There (1979)
The Player (1992)
Topics Covered:
Jim Carrey’s earnest turn and how Truman Show aged like fine satire
Philip Seymour Hoffman’s artistic self-destruction in Kaufman’s meta masterpiece
Frankenstein as a proto-AI cautionary tale (and union icon!)
Being There’s commentary on projection, media, and perceived intelligence
Altman’s The Player and why Simone couldn’t touch its Hollywood cynicism
Key Takeaways:
Simone isn't about AI—it’s about Al Pacino making excuses
The Truman Show actually follows through on its premise, unlike Simone
Frankenstein walked so Simone could... trip over its own concept
Being There proves how we project meaning onto blank slates
The Player exposes Hollywood without needing a fake digital actress
Listener Prompt:Which movie better captures our current relationship with fame, technology, and projection: Truman Show or Being There? Let us know using #MovieMemoryMachine.
Support the Show!Help keep Movie Memory Machine ad-free and artist-owned! Here’s how you can support us:
Become a Patreon supporter – For as little as $1/month, you get access to bonus content for all shows on the Grunt Work Podcast Network. Join at https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod
Leave a rating and review – On Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.
Like, follow, and share on social media – We’re @MovieMemoryMachine on YouTube and @MovieMemoryPod on Letterboxd.
Tell a friend – Word of mouth is how we grow.
Join our Discord – Vote on whether films stay in modern memory or are left forgotten. Visit https://www.moviememorymachine.com for access.
Follow Us: 🌐 Website: https://www.moviememorymachine.com📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MovieMemoryMachine🎞️ Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/moviememorypod/

"Al Pacino creates the perfect virtual actress, but the real illusion? Convincing us this 2002 satire isn’t still relevant."
 
Episode Description
Landen and Truman continue their exploration of Simone (2002) in this mini-episode, analyzing its take on virtual stardom and Hollywood’s obsession with perfection. From Sharon Stone gum anecdotes to Al Pacino’s foreshadowing of deepfake culture, they discuss the absurdity and foresight of this Andrew Niccol film. Plus, they revisit moments that left them questioning: Did Simone invent influencer culture?
 
Major Cast and Crew
Director & Writer: Andrew Niccol
Main Cast:
Al Pacino as Viktor Taransky
Catherine Keener as Elaine Christian
Evan Rachel Wood as Lainey Christian
Rachel Roberts as Simone
Jay Mohr as Hal Sinclair
Winona Ryder as Nicola Anders
 
Film Synopsis
After a temperamental actress storms off his set, director Viktor Taransky (Al Pacino) creates Simone, a virtual actress who becomes an overnight sensation. As Simone’s fame grows, so does Viktor’s struggle to conceal the truth, blurring the lines between real and artificial in this biting satire of celebrity culture.
 
Episode Highlights
Landen’s Hollywood anecdote: Sharing gum with Sharon Stone during an extra gig.
Why Simone’s commentary on AI and authenticity feels more relevant in 2024.
Truman’s Eurovision tangent: What virtual ABBA and Simone have in common.
AI actors vs. the real deal: Predicting which stars might live on digitally forever.
The “trailer guessing game” returns: How much of the film’s absurdity made it into its marketing?
 
What’s your favorite movie about artificial intelligence? Share your thoughts in the comments or on social media!
Enjoyed the episode? Drop us a review on your favorite podcast platform—we’d love to feature your feedback in future episodes!
💡 Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod
🌐 Visit our website: http://www.moviememorymachine.com/
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🎵 Theme Song by Porky's Groove Machine: https://porkysgroovemachine.com/
 
SEO Keywords
Simone mini-episode, Al Pacino AI satire, Andrew Niccol films, early 2000s tech movies, virtual celebrity culture, Movie Memory Machine podcast
 

"Al Pacino gets meta in Simone, a movie about creating the perfect virtual star, proving Hollywood really can build a woman better, faster, and more agoraphobic."
 
Episode Description
In this episode of Movie Memory Machine, Landen and Truman delve into Andrew Niccol's Simone (2002), a satirical take on Hollywood, technology, and our obsession with image. From Al Pacino’s megalomaniacal director to the eerily prescient questions about AI actors, they debate whether Simone is a misunderstood gem or just another movie best left in 2002.
 
Major Cast and Crew
Director & Writer: Andrew Niccol
Main Cast:
Al Pacino as Viktor Taransky
Catherine Keener as Elaine Christian
Evan Rachel Wood as Lainey Christian
Rachel Roberts as Simone
Jay Mohr as Hal Sinclair
Winona Ryder as Nicola Anders
 
Film Synopsis
After temperamental actress Nicola Anders (Winona Ryder) walks off his latest project, struggling director Viktor Taransky (Al Pacino) uses cutting-edge technology to create Simone, a fully virtual actress. Simone becomes a sensation, skyrocketing Viktor to fame, but he soon struggles to keep her true identity secret as Hollywood and the world obsess over his digital star.
 
Episode Highlights
The satirical bite of Simone and its uncanny relevance in today’s AI debates.
Al Pacino’s Viktor Taransky: brilliant auteur or insecure megalomaniac?
Why Simone is the Hudsucker Proxy's evil twin.
The film’s striking aesthetic: minimalist backlots and surreal visuals.
Landen’s hot take: Did Simone invent influencer culture?
 
What’s your take on Simone? Misunderstood satire or clunky Hollywood oddity? Let us know in the comments or on social media! And if you’re enjoying the show, leave a review—your feedback could make its way into future episodes!
💡 Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod
🌐 Visit our website: http://www.moviememorymachine.com/
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Facebook: Movie Memory Machine
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SEO Keywords
Simone podcast episode, Andrew Niccol movies, Al Pacino 2002, Hollywood AI satire, virtual actors in film, Rachel Roberts Simone, Movie Memory Machine podcast.
 

In this week's Movie Memory Machine: Five For mini-episode, Landen and Truman conjure up five hauntingly memorable films that connect thematically or spiritually to the 2015 Poltergeist remake (and its vastly superior 1982 predecessor). From analog tech horror and haunted houses to emotionally resonant ghost stories, this list bridges spectral dread and storytelling depth—plus a little Dan Harmon chaos and a found-footage gem that’ll leave you quietly unnerved.
Films Discussed:
Poltergeist (1982)
Pulse (2001)
One Missed Call (2003)
Lake Mungo (2008)
Monster House (2006)
Topics Covered:
Why Poltergeist (1982) still hits harder than any remake
Japanese horror's early warnings about tech-induced soul erosion
Lake Mungo as one of the quietest, most devastating ghost stories ever filmed
The tonal whiplash and cursed animation era of Monster House (but it works!)
Horror as a genre of emotional resonance vs. haunted house theme park rides
Key Takeaways:
The 1982 Poltergeist is about characters. The 2015 one is about jump scares and... squirrels?
Pulse remains one of the only films that still scares Landen
One Missed Call proves Miike can do horror restraint when he wants to
Lake Mungo is found-footage meets emotional sucker punch
Monster House is the most thematically faithful Poltergeist remake—and it’s animated
Listener Prompt:What’s the scariest movie you’ve ever watched? And do you think haunted house movies need more vibes or more jump scares? Let us know using #MovieMemoryMachine.
Support the Show!Help keep Movie Memory Machine ad-free and artist-owned! Here’s how you can support us:
Become a Patreon supporter – For as little as $1/month, you get access to bonus content for all shows on the Grunt Work Podcast Network. Join at https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod
Leave a rating and review – On Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.
Like, follow, and share on social media – We’re @MovieMemoryMachine on YouTube and @MovieMemoryPod on Letterboxd.
Tell a friend – Word of mouth is how we grow.
Join our Discord – Vote on whether films stay in modern memory or are left forgotten. Visit https://www.moviememorymachine.com for access.
Follow Us: 🌐 Website: https://www.moviememorymachine.com📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MovieMemoryMachine🎞️ Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/moviememorypod/

"Is it still a haunted house if the only thing scaring you is the remake itself?"
 
Episode Description
This week, Landen and Truman revisit Poltergeist (2015) in a quick debrief, pondering why Hollywood thought a beloved classic needed a remake. From haunted closet doors to awkward dinner parties, they break down the film’s failed attempts at capturing the magic of the 1982 original. Plus, the trailer guessing game returns—this time with more clown content than anyone wanted.
 
Major Cast and Crew
Director: Gil Kenan
Writers: David Lindsay-Abaire (screenplay), Steven Spielberg (original story)
Main Cast:
Sam Rockwell as Eric Bowen
Rosemarie DeWitt as Amy Bowen
Jared Harris as Carrigan Burke
Jane Adams as Dr. Claire Powell
Saxon Sharbino as Kendra Bowen
Kyle Catlett as Griffin Bowen
Kennedi Clements as Madison Bowen
 
Film Synopsis
A suburban family discovers their new home is built on a former cemetery and that their youngest daughter has been abducted by malevolent spirits. With the help of a paranormal investigator, they fight off CGI clowns, ghostly TV hands, and a complete lack of narrative tension.
 
Episode Highlights
The lost art of haunted house tension: What this remake forgot about subtlety.
A deep dive into the ridiculous closet door scene and other baffling moments.
Sam Rockwell’s journey from Oscar-worthy to "Why is he here?"
The film’s inexplicable obsession with ropes and their supernatural importance.
The return of the trailer guessing game—and why we totally missed the clown content.
 
What’s your favorite haunted house trope? Let us know in the comments or on social media!
Enjoyed the episode? Drop us a review on your favorite podcast platform—we might even feature your thoughts in our next episode!
💡 Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod
🌐 Visit our website: http://www.moviememorymachine.com/
📱 Follow us on Social Media:
Facebook: Movie Memory Machine
Instagram: @MovieMemoryMachine
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🎵 Theme Song by Porky's Groove Machine: https://porkysgroovemachine.com/
 
SEO Keywords
Poltergeist 2015 mini-episode, haunted house tropes, Sam Rockwell movies, horror remakes podcast, bad CGI in movies, clown horror tropes, Movie Memory Machine podcast
 

"The scariest thing about this Poltergeist remake? Realizing Sam Rockwell starred in it and doesn’t even remember."
 
Episode Description
This week, Landen and Truman venture into haunted suburban basements to tackle the 2015 remake of Poltergeist. From Sam Rockwell’s detached performance to the film’s baffling creative choices, they dissect how this remake compares (spoiler: not well) to the original 1982 classic. Along the way, they unpack horror’s obsession with suburbia, the legacy of haunted house tropes, and the real villain—2015’s CGI.
 
Major Cast and Crew
Director: Gil Kenan
Writers: David Lindsay-Abaire (screenplay), Steven Spielberg (original story)
Main Cast:
Sam Rockwell as Eric Bowen
Rosemarie DeWitt as Amy Bowen
Jared Harris as Carrigan Burke
Jane Adams as Dr. Claire Powell
Saxon Sharbino as Kendra Bowen
Kyle Catlett as Griffin Bowen
Kennedi Clements as Madison Bowen
 
Film Synopsis
A financially struggling family moves into a foreclosed suburban house, only to discover their youngest daughter has been abducted by malevolent spirits. With the help of a TV ghost hunter and his paranormal team, the family faces haunted trees, creepy clowns, and questionable CGI to rescue their child before she’s lost forever.
 
Episode Highlights
Why the 2015 remake lacks the charm and depth of the original Poltergeist.
Sam Rockwell’s bizarrely disengaged performance as a haunted suburban dad.
The haunting suburban isolation of foreclosed neighborhoods.
How the film’s CGI turned terrifying concepts into comedy.
Why the original Poltergeist remains a haunting masterpiece.
 
What’s your favorite haunted house movie? Share your pick in the comments or on social media!
Enjoyed the episode? Drop us a review on your favorite podcast platform—we might even feature your thoughts in our next episode!
💡 Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod
🌐 Visit our website: http://www.moviememorymachine.com/
📱 Follow us on Social Media:
Facebook: Movie Memory Machine
Instagram: @MovieMemoryMachine
Threads: @MovieMemoryMachine
Bluesky: @MovieMemoryMachine
YouTube: @MovieMemoryMachine
🎵 Theme Song by Porky's Groove Machine: https://porkysgroovemachine.com/
 
SEO Keywords
Poltergeist 2015 review, Poltergeist remake podcast, Sam Rockwell haunted house, modern horror remakes, suburban horror tropes, Movie Memory Machine podcast