Long time financial supporter. Inspired me to start my own movie pod. Smart fun and honest. I actually rarely agree with the hosts, but I appreciate their challenges and perspectives on movies I love. They also really love their listeners and have given us a seat at the table for a long time. Love NP!

I love the show and all the interaction between the hosts,,,, the only,,, flaw... not every movie needs to be compared to Star Wars, that’s Arnies view, he is easily the weak link of the show

I know I’m in the minority here, but I just can’t handle listening to these guys rip apart movies I’ve loved for years over and over and over. It seems 80/20 (80-negative comments about realism in situations depicted in a medium that exists to take us out of our own realities for 2 hours or so, and 20 actually liking something of the movie) And I’m sorry, we are all God’s children, but the voices…..seriously? Two of them sound related in that they both sound like the love child of Wallace Shaw and the bunny from the old Quick Chocolate milk ads. Like someone who is trying too hard to do a nasally, wet nerd voice. It’s too much. I know…I know….just don’t listen. I did try. And I guess I’m glad I didn’t become a patron for the fact that most of my all time favorites are torn apart for paying subscribers to sit through instead. I’m thankful that I have another podcast that I love where 4 hilarious guys spend their time appreciating the films, actors, scripts, filming techniques, etc, instead of trying to think so much. Good luck. I know you will do well. As for me…..can’t do it.

I’ve been listening to podcasts for far longer than I’ve owned an iPhone. When I became aware of people releasing shows guaranteed to appeal to a limited and scattered audience—fun and serious discussions of monster movies, for instance—I made it a point to be there. At one point, I even called discovery of fanzine-audio podcasts sort of my “KDKA Moment,” named after the first commercial radio station in the US. For a few years, I enjoyed entertainment, education and fun, textured with an appealing rough edge. Things change. That first generation of podcasts began to go away. The host and prime mover of one ‘cast passed, one hopes, to become a star of the Great Broadcasting Studio, blasting his podcast from the hereafter. I’m still trying to find that channel. Another ‘cast simply faded away, without leaving a trace, other than the episodes I managed to archive. Others…well, met manifold fates. The _Now Playing_ podcast became a kind of “Bounceback Listen.” I can’t say I’ve ever been that enthusiastic about listening to three often too-loud, often too-obnoxious, often argumentative hosts going at it about mainstream movies, but sometimes there was found a nugget of interest. And this podcast is still better than most of NPR or FOX. Okay, not high bars. Yeah, I must’ve been really jonesin’ for a fix. And I still can’t tell Arnie from Stuart. One’s the grumpy one; the other seems to do the serious research. Worse, I never found reason to care which was which. Even worse, maybe they’re _both_ the grumpy one. And some things happened. Covid limited the available new movies for them to argue about. Episodes that had always been behind a paywall, became more evident with changes in Apple design. The hosts seemed to suddenly become aware of their age, and strange melancholic distracting observations began to appear in their podcasts. Slowly, I would notice I would only listen to the first few of minutes of a given podcast, wherein background about a movie was provided by the host who did the research about the making of the movie. After that segment, I’d drop out and do something productive. If I listened to an entire episode, I listened to an episode about a movie or show I wasn’t going to watch anyway. The hosts never _sold_ me on watching a movie. They’d often mock it plenty though. RiffTrax does mockery better. Then one day, I stopped listening. I revisited the Apple Podcast page recently; Apple Podcasts pushed _Now Playing_ as a suggestion, and the latest movie was about something I had mild interest in. But I didn’t bother, finally having found more fertile ground. The bounce is gone.

A few random thoughts.... I am not sure what happened but the quality has been in slow decline for years to the point where I no longer subscribe. Arnie and Jakob both sound like perverts at times. Brock was awesome. So was the toy guy...Justin I believe. They should start their own podcast. The Flash episode was so confusing I had to stop listening to it. Referring to the two Barry Allen’s on screen as “he” but Ezra Miller as “they/them” made for a cluster bleep of an episode. Don’t butcher the English language by referring to one person as multiple people for the sake of wokeness. Perhaps the multiverse hurt their brains. They went overboard with all the donation drives. I would rather listen to ads then pay for mediocre content. At some point they started bringing politics into way too many reviews. If you start listening start with the back catalogue and work your way forward.

While listening to an episode the other day I realized I’ve been enjoying this podcast and its hosts for more than 7 years now and even at that, I’d be considered late to the party. It’s been a part of so many different moments in my life along the way. I’ll remember episodes I listened to and where I was living, working, things I was going through, etc. That’s when you know a podcast is truly special. Arnie, Stewart and Jacob are my favorite trio, but any combination of the hosts is always a delight. I’ve been a paid subscriber on and off through the years and their backlog and release frequency is truly amazing. I can’t recommend this pod enough and I look forward to looking back after another 7+ years at all the top notch content Arnie and crew continue to deliver! Thanks and cheers to you, Now Playing!

You have like one K and that’s like insane

I obviously haven’t listened to the entirety of the catalog here (there’s over 1000 episodes) but of the episodes I have listened I’ve always walked away stimulated. There hasn’t been a time that I haven’t completely disagreed with everything they have to say. I may disagree with the hosts individually (Stewart hates Shang Chi…are you nuts?!) or (Arnie recommended Batman Forever but gave a strong not recommend to Batman Begins…huh?) but they express their points in such a way that if I do end up disagreeing I don’t think they’re unintelligent. This is a very smart podcast for those who are interested in film.

…a huge catalog of shows so they’re a go-to for when I need entertainment to justify watching poor movies like 2Fast, Saw 4, …you get the idea! I just heard one of the hosts say she’s from central IL so she’s a fellow home girl too. Keep recording and I’ll keep listening.

Stuart: While watching the scene where the wife and husband argue, I saw a barely noticeable frog cookie jar sitting on the table in the background, and because of that I took this scene to be the director mimicking the animosity during the mating ritual of the Cambodian spotted tree frog. Arnie: And did you see how hot the wife was?! Man, I would NOT be starting any arguments with her *giggles*. The book this is based on doesn't really say she's that hot. Sooo hot. Jakob: Based on a book?? Well I didn't know it existed. Not the book this movie is based on, I mean books in general. Never heard of'em. What are they? ---- I love the pod. Keep up the great work, guys 😁

Yet another entertainment podcast that is really just a vehicle for leftist propaganda. Also not everything is a phallus.

Great camaraderie, insightful analysis, and differing opinions (at times) allows me to enjoy their podcast. I skip around episodes bc I don’t see as many movies as they appear to do. If I may, a wish I have is that more dramatic, comedic or action movies would be reviewed. And but less horror and movies. Irregardless, thanks to all the guys

You are woefully wrong about Fire Walk with Me. Film is a better format than TV and aside from Kyle, Sheryl Lee as Laura along with the Black Lodge and the first half hour of the film are the best things in Twin Peaks franchise.

Great podcast Arnie got a little weird calling a celebrity a trash human being on a recent episode, i mean let’s just focus on the movies and not cancel culture. Other than that 5 stars

Why have an episode appear on a search if you are going to charge for it?

I was just wondering if you guys could make all four home alone movie reviews available to people that are not subscribed? If you guys don’t do that I’m never ever ever ever ever ever ever ever again listen to you guys but if you guys make it so it is available for people that are not subscribed then I will subscribe to you guys if you do all 4 movies.

I love movies, and enjoy listening to the host’s perspectives and thoughts on movies I have seen. I generally won’t listen to an episode until I’ve seen the movie, so it provides a good opportunity to watch something that I wouldn’t ordinarily watch. I especially love the rapport of the hosts, and the interplay between them and their different tastes. Arnie and Stuart and Jakob, and the rest of the team: keep up the great work!

It would be better without the whiney voice of Stewart who never seems to know what’s going on in the movies they review anyway. And if you listen to the phantom menace episode, he says this really creepy thing about Anakin and Padme having sexual tension. They’re kids!!! Creepster

The Now Playing Podcast is a gem for movie lovers. With its insightful reviews, engaging hosts, and ad-free format, it's a must-listen for anyone who wants to dive deeper into the world of cinema. If you're looking for a movie podcast that is intelligent, entertaining, and ad-free, then the Now Playing Podcast is definitely worth checking out.

I can’t express enough how grateful I am to have found this podcast. Great on long car drives, playing video games or when I don’t want to be alone with my racing thoughts. These guys are so much fun to listen to and I hope to hear many more in the future!

Not only is this my favorite film review podcast, it’s my favorite podcast, period! Their reviews go beyond whether a film is good or bad. It’s in-depth, nuanced, informative, and entertaining. I go back and re-listen to old podcasts, all the time. Do yourself a favor, just click on any episode and you’ll hear what I mean (I recommend Taxi Driver, Face/Off, or any of the Batman films). This podcast is a green arrow, a solid recommend!

Stuart finding out that clones aren’t storm troopers might be the funniest moment in podcast history.

This podcast is really well done and I love the variety of retrospectives. Stuart is a national treasure and should be protected at all costs. His insight, perspective and opinions just resonate and it takes the experience of the movie to another level. Agree too with many others, episodes can be listened to again and again and they’re still entertaining.

Stuart = greatest taste in movies ever!

I’ve been listening to now playing for years. At first the hosts were insightful and it seemed like they actually cared about their reviews. Now it feels like they hate every movie (especially marvel) and go in with preconceived notions of the movie being bad. If it’s not an 80’s or 90’ action flick, chances are it’s a not recommend. I would only listen to this pod if you’re bored.

I have been listening for a long time. I relisten to podcasts on road trips and find them enlightening. But most important, in today’s pandemic, it is like watching a movie with a few good friends and discussing what you got out of it. They are great bringing different perspectives. Very entertaining. Butttttt .. y’all are so brutal on todays horror it comes off like old man yelling at the sky. Hate to tell you, insidious and conjuring are really good. It’s you.

There are so many film review podcasts out there and most of them aren't very good. But these three guys really stand out. They're insightful and funny. This show gets a big thumbs up from me.

This is one of (if not the best) podcasts for film reviews I’ve ever heard in my search. The panel comes off as relaxed and friendly and yet know what they’re talking about in regards to the films they review, and man what an extensive library of film reviews they have. I have already put them in my circulation of regular podcasts.

I have been bouncing around from film podcast to film podcast. Some are little more than a casual conversation. Some are insightful but extremely profane. However, “Now Playing” is that rare perfect balance of listenability, depth, and fun! Highly recommend!

I think this show is wonderful and is in my regular podcast rotation. I have listened for years and donated more than once. Some episodes have been listened to half a dozen times. So, why four starts and not five? The only reason I’m holding back on a perfect score is that sometimes Arnie offers his opinion on how hot actresses (and sometimes even extras) are, and the needless objectification makes me uncomfortable. Every other host on the show manages to keep it professional except for him. Arnie is always the one ogling and it’s always cringey when he does it. That said, it’s a recommend for Now Playing.

I look forward to this every week!

I may not agree with all their opinions, I appreciate their chemistry and knowledge of movies.

If you’ve ever seen High Fidelity where a customer makes the observation that the three geeks who run the record store all feel like unappreciated scholars who dump on people who know less than them (which is everyone in their minds), then you know what this podcast is about. Especially Arnie. He comes off as a person with no experience in film who relishes in his self-appointed role as an “expert”. While I’ve enjoyed some of the takes and love the film choices, he is just too much to take. A nasally and at times whiny voice but-picking films in a desperate attempt to seem…cool? Relevant? Knowledgeable?

I’ve listened to Now Playing for years a fan of it but I kinda find it annoying that every episode contains a 9/11 reference guys every movie doesn’t contain a 9/11 scene I could put a whole 2 hour podcast with every reference. The other thing is KEEP YOUR POLITICS OUT if you don’t like someone cool keep it off the mic. Next is they say their completest I’m sorry but their not Arnie has yet to complete something he set out to do (Incredible Hulk/Stephen King) don’t say that you are a completest and not finish what you started. Finally there’s an episode of Family Guy where Peter goes up to someone with a violin and says “Give me money Give me money Give me money” that’s how I feel when their at the end of the episode we need money we need money. Final thought they put out a book back in 2017 why in 2022 as a backer I finally got it STRONG NOT RECOMMENDED for that. But I do like their reviews don’t get me wrong I find them entertaining but with all those problems I still listen just chill with all of that and complete something

While I enjoy listening to these guys, inevitably one of them will make an offense stereotypical remark which diminishes their credibility. I use to support this show through donations but no more. I’m tired of these unnecessary offense remarks. Maybe they will learn one day.

Please don’t use nonsensical pronouns. It’s confusing to the flow of the conversation

I’ve been listening for a few years now. Arnie and the gang are awesome. They stick to mostly mainstream franchises (pretty much anything that has a sequel) and they approach their films with sometimes entirely different perspectives. Definitely a collection of arthouse flicks in there as well, their catalogue is pretty extensive! Every review is roughly the length of the film, edited very well, and recorded with care and love for movies. Strong green arrow for Now Playing.

Excellent podcast. One of my favorites, if not favorite. Very entertaining and informative. I really enjoy listening in my day to day. Just a quick thank you and well wishes to all.

Very well done podcast. Time is put into putting very good shows together. Very knowledgeable. Can be a little harsh sometimes, but that comes with being movie critics. One of my favorite podcasts. I love these guys.

I just listened to The Two Jakes episode. That’ll do it for me. They’ve seen the film once, didn’t follow the basic plot, and don’t know about basic things like wire recordings. The film is a 90s take on noir, just like Chinatown is a 70s take. It’s a simulacrum. These guys need to read some books (start with Frederic Jameson’s Postmodernism) and not “give up halfway through the film.” There are too many characters, really? It’s no Chinatown, but as many have noted, like Roger Ebert, it’s a great film. It’s not about the mystery, it’s about characters. Both Jakes are incapable of doing what they think men should be able to do. One gives up, one keeps trying.

The Star Trek series hooked me in. And their other reviews are just as good. Having three opinions makes for a better review. These guys are great! 2023 Update: sound quality has gotten worse, maybe from more remote recording?

This used to be my movie review go to podcast. The chemistry used to be great but it seems like ever since they added Marjorie the show is not enjoyable at all. She is only on the show because of her husband and honestly her voice and contribution to the episodes bring nothing to the table. She is super annoying and try to be funny but fails. For the love of god you need to get rid of marjorie. I know I'm not the only one with the annoyance of Marjorie

I really appreciate this podcast for how they make sure to have a newbie, a moderate familiar and a fan on every show. Though u may not always agree with all of them I like to listen to how and why their opinions differ and why. This also leads to some good comedic arguments. They also do so many ad on reviews to movie series that aren’t really necessary but amazing. They are also pretty fearless in the face of the fan bases of franchises. Giving “not recommend’s” regardless of the fall out. They express their true opinions. If you really deep dive some of them even change their opinions after a few years to reflect or a reboot is so bad it makes the old ones look better lol. 🎟🎟🎟

This might be my favorite podcast. Incredible backlog, which is made even better by their format. Not much “what you been up to?” talk, just solid reviews. I don’t always agree with the hosts but almost always enjoy hearing the differing opinions. If you like movie podcasts give them a follow and maybe a few bucks.

I appreciate the points of views and the ground they cover. My only gripe is that it sounds like a bunch of Quentin Tarantinos yelling at each other. Interrupt that as you will.

Once upon a time I enjoyed listening to this podcast. Then came the time when they felt like everything needed to be ridiculed and hated on. If you don’t enjoy watching certain movies then don’t do series on them. It gets old listening to people complain about things.

I am a musician and comic book enthusiast. I say that to say this/ I actually have to make myself listen to music sometimes, because I listen to Now playing so much. If there is a movie you don't care for, it is exponentially more entertaining to listen to this team of reviewers "rip it a new one". Great podcast. (Btw, I didn’t think this podcast could get any better until I read some of the ridiculous whining in the reviews which were almost as entertaining!🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣)

I just discovered these guys! And what fantastic content they produce— in contrast to some other movie podcasts that tend to just de-evolve in to a lot of circular, mindless chit chat — — the ‘Now Playing’ crew keeps their pod episodes trimmed and focused. These guys are definitely humorous, but they go deep on every movie they cover as well. It’s obvious this team does a lot of research for each episode, so you get great trivia along side winsome delivery and impassioned opinions. Example: I highly recommend their series on David Lynch. I’m a huge Lynch-Head, and I’m still learning a lot (all the while, getting a great mix of informed yet varied opinions on Lynch’s filmography & importance as a auteur). These guys deserve to be at the forefront of the ‘greatest movie podcasts’ conversation Keep it up ‘Now Playing’ Team!

I’ve been listening to Now Playing since 2009. That’s some serious staying power for a podcast when there are so many movie review podcasts out there. I still look forward to new episodes.

These dudes are great, and they’re always my go-to for work and other down time. They always offer great insight into films, have well put together arguments, and offer plenty of behind the scenes facts. All of the hosts are great, and I especially appreciate Stuart’s filmmaking knowledge. I feel like I learn a lot when I listen to these guys and I’m usually always engaged with what they’re talking about, even if I don’t care to see the movie they’re reviewing! Give them a listen!