In Praise of InSession Film
In the 2 years or so since I discovered podcasts, many of my favourites have disappeared. Sadly, such is the nature of podcasting, done by most as a hobby and not a money-making venture. It would be difficult finding the time to keep the output coming, while trying to maintain a real job, family and life's committments. I would love to do a podcast dedicated to my favourite films of the 30's and 40's, but I fear a lack of time (and discipline) would see it quickly fall by the wayside, like so many other shows I have gotten into, which have vanished without a trace. Thankfully, "InSession Film" is NOT one of them! JD Duran has managed to keep his baby alive, recently clocking up 100 episodes (plus "extra film" episodes), with his co-hosts changing over time before settling on long-time contributor Brendan Cassidy. These guys and their guests are very competent at voicing their opinions on what makes the films up for review good or bad. Their discussions (and sometimes arguments) are eloquent, illuminating and entertaining. I now look forward to the familiar opening montage of classic movie lines (another bonus- the show is well-produced) signalling the start of another episode. After the bunch have dissected the films on offer, they launch into a "Top 3", sometimes inspired by one of the movies they have just covered (ie, The Top 3 Child Performances in "The Babadook" episode), sometimes not (ie, the most-anticipated films of 2015). But wait, there's more! In addition to the regular podcast, each Friday there's an "extra film" edition, (JD's new co-host for this is unannounced at the time of writing), in which an independent, small, or classic film is discussed. For me, who became a film buff growing up in the 1960s, discovering many classic movies on TV and then even more in the 1970's in high school film appreciation class, it's interesting hearing "the younger generation" opining on the same films. It can also be frustrating when they don't understand WHY these films are so great (a lot having to do with what was being done at the time and how innovative they were). That's why I really appreciate JD (and in this case, Brendan and guest Adam from the "Attaboy Clarence" podcast), discussing "Citizen Kane". I have loved this film for years and have been disappointed in recent times by (young) detractors who believe it to be over-rated. Considering "CK" was innovative in so many ways and is responsible for so much that came after (kind of like the Beatles of movies), it was wonderful to hear JD and the gang confirming this. Even greater was discovering new facts about and insights into "Citizen Kane", which for someone who considers himself quite the film buff and who has seen the film many times, was not only illumnating, but kind-of embarrassing! I also liked how they bleeped the meaning of Kane's dying word ("Rosebud"), not wanting to spoil a film that may be over 70 years old, but is yet to be discovered by many. Such respect for the film is also evident in JD's admitted nervousness in dedicating a show to it- obviously wanting to give a movie he loves the justice it deserves. I can assure him and his colleagues they did just that (I must admit though, I would have liked one of them to question, as I always have, how anyone else in the film knows what Kane's last word was, seeing as he whispered it in a closed room occupied by only himself, before dropping the snow globe and rousing his nurse!) What makes the majority of film podcasts amazing to me is the quality work of "amateur" critics. They really put many of the "professionals" to shame and "InSession Film" is a great example of this. I am so privileged to give the show its first iTunes review, but saddened too- the programme was recently nominated one of the Best Movie Review Podcasts in the Geekcast Radio Network Awards. These are voted by listeners, so where are all the reviews? If we can't afford to give these guys money, at least we should be giving them our praise. Thanks guys- long may you podcast!Read full review »
Bren61 via Apple Podcasts · Australia · 01/30/15
More reviews of InSession Film Podcast
The passion these guys show and the amount of detail with every film they watch is amazing. It's nice to hear intellectual conversations about the art of film and film making! Love these guysRead full review »
Brettowens1212 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 07/26/17
in session are dedicated movie geeks with an encyclopedic passionate knowledge of every genre of movie and i often agree with them as well
stephie794 via Apple Podcasts · Canada · 09/25/15
Insightful, hilarious, poignant, woke. These guys, with various guests, cover the big releases and small indie films, too. Try it!
Bmjmn3 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 10/25/17
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