Now Playing - The Movie Review Podcast

The Devil Wears Prada has become iconic. Anne Hathaway’s cerulean sweater. Meryl Streep’s silver hair and clipped “that’s all” dismissal. The pop songs, the score, the fashion world excess. Just hearing the title instantly conjures images from the film for millions of people.

And while it’s common knowledge that Streep’s Miranda Priestly was inspired by Vogue editor Anna Wintour, fewer people realize the story began as a novel: a lightly fictionalized account written by Wintour’s former assistant, Lauren Weisberger.

Now, with a movie sequel hitting theaters, Arnie looks back at Weisberger’s original 2003 novel and its follow-ups, Revenge Wears Prada and When Life Gives You Lululemons. Join him as he dives into the world of chick lit and reveals just how dramatic a makeover the original book received on its way to becoming a Hollywood phenomenon.

Temuera Morrison is ready to throw The Book at Tatooine spice dealers as he steps from his Bacta tank and back into the role of Boba Fett for a 2022 Disney+ miniseries. But how did the badass bounty hunter escape Return of the Jedi’s Sarlacc Pit to claim Jabba the Hutt's throne from Bib Fortuna? And does he really need to interrupt Grogu’s Force training with Luke Skywalker and call in Pedro Pascal’s Mandalorian to win a showdown with outlaw Cad Bane? Join Arnie, Stuart, and Justin now for this next chapter in the Star Wars saga.

Sachs And The City

Anne Hathaway’s wannabe writer Andy finds both her outfits and work ethic clashing with boss-from-hell Meryl Streep in the 2006 comedy The Devil Wears Prada. Can bitchy first assistant Emily Blunt and diva fashion director Stanley Tucci help the aspiring journalist dress the part and fit in at high-pressure Runway magazine? And will boyfriend Adrian Grenier (Entourage) get tossed out with last season’s wardrobe once Andy connects with smooth operator Simon Baker (The Mentalist)? Gird your loins and join Marjorie, Arnie, and Brock for this free bonus podcast.

Stuart went back in the hospital this month for another surgery. But he's back home and ready to tell all his Stu Cru supporters about it on the third episode of Intermission. He gives more detail on his health, the complications that followed his initial surgery, and the major procedure he recently underwent to reclaim his life.

It's a harrowing story but one with an uplifting end, and maybe even a xenomorph!

Then Stuart, Arnie, Justin, and Jason hit pause on movie reviews to catch up on everything happening behind the scenes. Arnie talks about launching the new Now Playing website, what took so long, and what listeners can finally explore. The hosts welcome a longtime listener for a round of trivia covering I Spit on Your Grave, Star Wars, and a deep-cut Mortal Kombat question that actually stumps the room. Jason shares a new creative hobby that turns movies into ambient experiences, Justin talks hockey and the latest in Star Wars and superhero TV, and Arnie recounts a trip to Pittsburgh’s Monroeville Mall—including a surprisingly great horror museum filled with Dawn of the Dead history.

It’s a mix of fun, behind-the-scenes insight, and real-life perspective, and we hope you'll enjoy this Intermission between our movie reviews!


 

Show Links:

The all-new Now Playing Podcast Website

The Living Dead Horror Museum and Gift Shop in Monroeville, PA

Photogallery of The Living Dead Horror Museum.

Jason's Ambiance Videos on YouTube

Actor Thomas Dekker (The Sarah Connor Chronicles, A Nightmare on Elm Street 2010) joins Now Playing Podcast to revisit the Elm Street remake on its anniversary. He shares how he landed the role, what it was like filming in Chicago, and how the movie evolved from a darker original script into the final theatrical version. Dekker discusses reshoots, studio notes, changes to Freddy’s performance, and why he chose to play his character as genuinely afraid rather than heroic. He also reflects on fan reactions, working with Jackie Earle Haley, and what the experience taught him about big studio horror.