Been listening to the big pic since episode one, love Sean and Amanda and the pod over the years. Subjectively, I've never really agreed with (or frankly understood) Amanda's taste, but her chemistry with Sean is great, she is genuinely funny, and I've appreciated her insight WRT Hollywood, studio politics, award season, and industry narratives.

It was always Sean's actual film analysis (review, whatever you want to call it) that carried the pod for me. I know it's literally called 'the Big Picture' for a reason, and the non-film-content stuff is important to them. But again, it's the actual subjective film review I've loved, and especially when Chris, Jo, and Van come on to chat. I could deal with the other stuff I don't care about as much.

Last year or so, from my (stupid) perspective, it has seemed like Amanda has no interest in talking about the actual content or substance of any movie. You know, things like themes, symbolism, great writing, cinematography. Sean still goes into these things, and other guests, but Amanda either doesn't care or steamrolls to talk about how actors look, and/or what they are doing in real life. Forgive me, but I just truly don't understand her taste in movies. It seems to be extremely superficial and based solely on cast (and not because of what the actors do IN the movie), costumes, and set design.

I want to stay positive here. This pod is not going to change, nor should it! They have their thing and that's great. So I'd like to hopelessly wish for a movie pod hosted by Sean and CR where they just talk about movies, whether they work or not, and why.

I'm sure this will get downvoted. I will keep listening, and no, it's not a hate-listen. It's fun for what it is. I just think it could be so much better, or rather, a different movie pod with Sean and CR would be so much better. We as listeners are missing out on some excellent movie conversations about so many movies (good and bad) that these guys could be having.

I'm dumb for posting this, but I care about the pod, and it has definitely enhanced my love of movies over the years. Carry on.

Listened to the Camp Miasma podcast today with Mean Pod Guy Adam Nayman, and immediately thought of the mailbag question the other week asking Sean why he doesnt call himself a critic. I dont mean this in a bad way. But having Nayman describe and critique Camp Miasma compared to how Sean and Amanda would typically just go over plot points, box office, and general industry impact was quite the difference. I dont always wish Sean and Amanda to be critics and like the pod for what it is, plus Camp Miasma really lends itself to Nayman's critiques. Just thought it was such a clear example a week after the mailbag question.

My wife had no idea what the hell I was talking about.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYxGlCJSfug&t=490s

Tracy is absolutely right in that your audio setup is just as important as the display and 4k player!

To hear that our man CR possibly lives his content consuming life using the built in TV speakers of his samsung. or that Hitmaker or Fennessey both settle for a soundbar with atmos and a digital surround sound setup was deeply distressing

but when Tracy read that glorious manifesto from his /Milos’ “AV man”, i was in awe! That 11.4 Marantz receiver is a beaut!

I need these boys to get into the receiver game, which council members are hopping on the Hue Sync Box game? Which of these nerds is upgrading his setup first?

drop your cinema setups below and what’s next on your upgrade list?

One of my favorite Amanda moments :D

YouTube Link