Phil and Emily continue their miniseries on Oscar-winning Best Director follow-ups from the 2000s with Steven Soderbergh’s effortlessly cool Ocean’s 11. Joined by screenwriter Liz Hannah and producer Brian Millikin, they unpack how this slick, stylish remake redefined the modern heist film. From its razor-sharp script and effortless ensemble chemistry to Soderbergh’s precision, tonal balance, and inventive production choices, the discussion explores how Ocean’s 11 rose above formula to become a timeless crowd-pleaser. Along the way, they dive into character dynamics, behind-the-scenes decisions, and the film’s lasting place in early 2000s cinema—all while celebrating the undeniable charm of Clooney, Pitt, and company.

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We are kicking off a brand new miniseries on Oscar-winning Best Director follow-up films from the 2000s, starting with Steven Spielberg’s bold and deeply divisive “A.I. Artificial Intelligence.” TV critic and Vulture writer Roxana Hadadi joins Phil and Emily for a wide-ranging conversation that digs into the movie’s legacy, Kubrick’s influence, and how the film hit differently post-Oscars and post-9/11.

They dive into the unique collaboration and friendship between Kubrick and Spielberg, how “A.I.” bridges fairy tale and sci-fi, and what it means for love, grief, and humanity to be filtered through the eyes of a robot boy. The group explores how the film’s themes of artificial intelligence, the uncanny valley, and the pursuit of parental love feel even more relevant today in a world grappling with AI and rapid technological change.

Other topics include Haley Joel Osment’s incredible performance, Jude Law’s scene-stealing Gigolo Joe, the eerie brilliance of Teddy, and why this film has remained both underappreciated and deeply beloved by fans. They also talk about the Oscars’ resistance to science fiction, the film’s release in a world still haunted by 9/11, and the surprising emotional impact the film has had on different audiences, including its resonance with the trans community.

It is a deep dive into one of Spielberg’s most complex and haunting films, a movie that still raises questions about love, loss, technology, and what it means to be human.

Follow Roxana Hadadi on Instagram: @roxana.z.hadadi

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Emily and Phil close out their “Films of the Todds” mini series, spotlighting the distinct visions of Haynes, Phillips, Solondz, and Field, with a thoughtful conversation about Todd Solondz’s darkly comic Life During Wartime (2009). Joining them is film critic and podcaster Chris Feil, who brings sharp insight to this follow-up to Happiness and its meditation on forgiveness, trauma, and the ways the past lingers in the present.

They explore Solondz’s unique approach to recasting characters, the film’s blend of biting humor and discomfort, and how Life During Wartime stands apart in the landscape of late-2000s indie cinema. The episode also reflects on what this film reveals about Solondz’s legacy, and why the “Todds” mini series is such a fascinating journey through some of the boldest voices in American film.

Thank you for joining Emily and Phil on this mini series ride.

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