Meet the Fockers (2004) with Ally Russell Shields

Jack and Nora are joined by film historian and publicist Ally Russell Shields to continue Fockvember by discussing Meet the Fockers. In this episode, Nora loves Barbra Streisand, Jack is inspired by Roz and Bernie’s relationship, and Ally’s Letterboxd history is lowbrow. Prep your truth serum, break out the fondue pot, and let’s get Fockerized!Topics include:The massive box office success of Meet the FockersThings that did not age well (a surprisingly short list)Why the twins playing Baby Jack didn’t like Ben Stiller on set–Mysteries we still haven’t solved:What advice did Roz give to Judge Ira?Would smashing your car window with a brick even be covered by rental insurance?–Where to find us:Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and Letterboxd at @whenrommetcomFollow Jack at @thejackgregsonshowFollow Nora at @norassic_parkFollow Ally on Letterboxd at @allyrussell –Find links to our Spotify playlist, the Vanity Fair list, and more here.Join the conversation! Give us your take on the films we cover, which romcoms you think should be on the list, or your best “would do/ wouldn’t do/ have done” stories on socials or at [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jack and Nora are joined by actor and theatremaker Hannah Harquart to kick off Fockvember by discussing Meet the Parents. In this episode, Nora advocates for “good breeding”, Jack cannot sanction your buffoonery, and Hannah has categorically never shit the bed. Hook up your lie detector, don’t overpack your carry-on, and let’s impress our in-laws!Topics include:The version of this movie that almost existed (starring Jim Carrey and directed by Steven Spielberg) Pre and post-9/11 filmmakingCat-related wedding shenanigans–Mysteries we still haven’t solved:Is a planted seed acceptable as a gift?Should Pam have just married Kevin, actually?–Where to find us:Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and Letterboxd at @whenrommetcomFollow Jack at @thejackgregsonshowFollow Nora at @norassic_parkFollow Hannah at @hannahharquart–Find links to our Spotify playlist, the Vanity Fair list, and more here.Join the conversation! Give us your take on the films we cover, which romcoms you think should be on the list, or your best “would do/ wouldn’t do/ have done” stories on socials or at [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jack and Nora are joined by screenwriting coach Pilar Alessandra to wrap up Romcom-oween with a discussion of the indie horror phenomenon Obsession. In this episode, Nora loves an unnecessarily deep read, Jack would let Nikki cut his hair, and Pilar is a little bit freaky. Stock up on duct tape, hug your pets, and let’s make a wish!Topics include:Adaptations of The Monkey’s Paw, from Stephen King to The Simpsons to Curry BarkerThe trope of the “psycho woman” (à la Fatal Attraction)What we would wish for–Mysteries we still haven’t solved:Is everything actually Andy Richter’s fault?Is this the highest-grossing film we’ll ever cover?Will Inde Navarette be nominated for an Oscar?–Content warning: Due to the content of the film, our conversation spans a *range* of disturbing topics including sexual assault/ non-consent, misogyny, drug abuse, self-harm, suicide, murder, and pet death. Tread carefully!Where to find us:Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and Letterboxd at @whenrommetcomFollow Jack at @thejackgregsonshowFollow Nora at @norassic_parkFollow Pilar at @onthepage (and learn more about her book, online screenwriting classes, and coaching at www.onthepage.tv)–Find links to our Spotify playlist, the Vanity Fair list, and more here.Join the conversation! Give us your take on the films we cover, which romcoms you think should be on the list, or your best “would do/ wouldn’t do/ have done” stories on socials or at [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jack and Nora are joined by writer, comedian, and host of Everyone’s a Critic Yiannis Cove to discuss iconic rom-zom-com Shaun of the Dead. In this episode, Nora is good in a crisis, Jack would vote for the zombies to take over, and Yiannis does not approve of anyone in this movie. Grab your cricket bat, head to the pub, and let’s have a pint (and some shots)!Topics include:Watching horror movies on planesLondon real estate prices (the scariest thing of all)Whether we would survive a zombie apocalypse–Mysteries we still haven’t solved:Is Shaun of the Dead a romcom?Where’s our Yvonne of the Dead spin-off ?–Content warning: There's a lot of in-depth zombie apocalypse discussion, which gets weirdly dark and violent (e.g., suicide, killing your friends and family, etc.) - a little different from our typical romcom chat, so tread carefully if that's not your thing!Where to find us:Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and Letterboxd at @whenrommetcomFollow Jack at @thejackgregsonshowFollow Nora at @norassic_parkFollow Yiannis at @yianniscove (and his podcast Everyone’s a Critic at @allcriticspod)–Find links to our Spotify playlist, the Vanity Fair list, and more here.Join the conversation! Give us your take on the films we cover, which romcoms you think should be on the list, or your best “would do/ wouldn’t do/ have done” stories on socials or at [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jack and Nora are joined by performer and host of Stage or Screen podcast Gregory George to discuss the musical masterpiece that is Little Shop of Horrors. In this episode, Nora wants you to shoot your shot (it could save a life!), Jack is villain-coded, and Gregory is a Seymour at heart. Sharpen your pruning shears, loosen your morals, and let’s (not) feed the plants!Topics include:The controversy around “Hot Seymour”Casting for a hypothetical remakeThe story behind the alternate ending (AKA: the deleted scene which took $5,000,000 and an entire YEAR to shoot!!!)–Mysteries we still haven’t solved:Will we ever cover another romcom with an Oscar nomination for Best Visual Effects?Would we survive if we took a shot every time someone says “strange and unusual plant”?–Content Warning: This episode contains brief references to domestic violence (and much discussion of death and murder) in the context of discussing plot points from the film.Where to find us:Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and Letterboxd at @whenrommetcomFollow Jack at @thejackgregsonshowFollow Nora at @norassic_parkFollow Gregory at @gregorygeorgeuk, and check out his podcast @stageorscreen (including his episode on Little Shop of Horrors)!–Find links to our Spotify playlist, the Vanity Fair list, and more here.Join the conversation! Give us your take on the films we cover, which romcoms you think should be on the list, or your best “would do/ wouldn’t do/ have done” stories on socials or at [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jack and Nora are joined by film podcaster and game designer Paul Costello to kick off their new spooky miniseries Romcom-oween with Warm Bodies. In this episode, Nora memorized the DVD extras, Jack won’t let you in the bed if you smell, and Paul shares the secret ingredient for a great zombie movie. Dust off your record collection, practice your zombie walk, and let’s save humanity!Topics include:What horror and romcoms have in commonThe Twilight Saga (and “teen monster romance” as a genre)Spring Breakers (2013)–Mysteries we still haven’t solved:Does John Malkovich remember filming this movie?Would R have been in love with Julie even if he hadn’t eaten her boyfriend’s brain?–Where to find us:Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and Letterboxd at @whenrommetcomFollow Jack at @thejackgregsonshowFollow Nora at @norassic_parkFollow Paul at @paulcinephile (and check out the latest episode of his podcast Fatal Attractions, on The Housemaid, here.)–Find links to our Spotify playlist, the Vanity Fair list, and more here.Join the conversation! Give us your take on the films we cover, which romcoms you think should be on the list, or your best “would do/ wouldn’t do/ have done” stories on socials or at [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The moment has finally arrived! Jack and Nora are joined by culture critic and author Scott Meslow to discuss #1 on Vanity Fair’s list of the 42 Best Romantic Comedies of All Time: When Harry Met Sally... In this episode, Nora refuses to “fake it” on principle, Jack is a Marc Shaiman stan, and Scott literally wrote the book on romcoms. Order a slice of pie, make sure it’s heated with strawberry ice cream on the side (if no strawberry then whipped cream instead, but only if it’s real – if it’s out of a can, then just the pie, but then not heated)… and let’s have what she’s having!Topics include:The “romcom soft eyes”Princess Diana’s reaction to the infamous diner sceneThe bittersweet ending this movie almost had (and how Harry and Sally ended up with their unplanned happily-ever-after)–Mysteries we still haven’t solved:Are Scott and Nora long-lost siblings?Why doesn’t Harry want to cuddle??Can men and women be friends???–Where to find us:Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and Letterboxd at @whenrommetcomSupport the future of the show on Ko-fiFollow Jack at @thejackgregsonshowFollow Nora at @norassic_parkFollow Scott at @scott.meslow – and you can buy his books From Hollywood with Love: The Rise and Fall (and Rise Again) of the Romantic Comedy (also available as an audiobook) and A Place Both Wonderful and Strange: The Extraordinary Untold Story of Twin Peaks here .  –Find links to our Spotify playlist, the Vanity Fair list, and more here.Join the conversation! Give us your take on the films we cover, which romcoms you think should be on the list, or your best “would do/ wouldn’t do/ have done” stories on socials or at [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jack and Nora are joined by actor Daniel A. Stevens to discuss #2 on Vanity Fair’s list of the 42 Best Romantic Comedies of All Time: You’ve Got Mail. In this episode, Nora has no impulse control, Jack has no time for tea, and Daniel has no game. Grab your Starbucks, dial up your internet, and let’s go to the mattresses!Topics include:The long-lost (unproduced) sequel to You’ve Got Mail with a WILD premiseThe fine line between romcom and horrorNegging–Mysteries we still haven’t solved:Is Frank Navasky the best-written romcom supporting character of all time?A/S/L???–Where to find us:Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and Letterboxd at @whenrommetcomSupport the future of the show on Ko-fiFollow Jack at @thejackgregsonshowFollow Nora at @norassic_parkFollow Daniel at @the.other.dan.stevens (and his podcast at @theactorsbookshelf)–Find links to our Spotify playlist, the Vanity Fair list, and more here.Join the conversation! Give us your take on the films we cover, which romcoms you think should be on the list, or your best “would do/ wouldn’t do/ have done” stories on socials or at [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you've listened to our August 2025 episode on But I'm a Cheerleader (1999), you'll know all about the lore of the Hot Hot Gluer - Academy Award nominee Eddie Schmidt himself, and the brilliant production designer behind the film (and also Gilmore Girls!), Rachel Kamerman. In this clip, cut from last week's Clueless (1995) episode, Rachel and Eddie share their adorable Hollywood meet-cute (spoiler: it involves misdirected mail and a garden hose), as well as their reflections on the legacy of But I'm a Cheerleader and their advice for aspiring hot gluers.Where to find us:Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and Letterboxd at @whenrommetcomSupport the future of the show on Ko-fiFollow Jack at @thejackgregsonshowFollow Nora at @norassic_parkFollow Rachel at @rachelkamermandesign (and check out her work on IMDB)Follow Eddie at @getschmidt (and check out his work on IMDB)–Find links to our Spotify playlist, the Vanity Fair list, and more here.Join the conversation! Give us your take on the films we cover, which romcoms you think should be on the list, or your best “would do/ wouldn’t do/ have done” stories on socials or at [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jack and Nora are joined by production designer Rachel Kamerman and documentary director and producer (and famed hot gluer) Eddie Schmidt to discuss #3 on Vanity Fair’s list of the 42 Best Romantic Comedies of All Time: Clueless. In this episode, Nora requires more yearning, Jack is actually Cher, Eddie rates Amy Heckerling over Aaron Sorkin, and Rachel is fully available for all your matchmaking needs. Put on your best outfit, head to the Valley, and let’s roll with the homies! Topics include:Cher Horowitz vs. Elle WoodsThe infamous ex-stepsibling controversyClueless’s TV spinoff–Mysteries we still haven’t solved:Why wasn’t this film nominated for any Academy Awards?–Where to find us:Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and Letterboxd at @whenrommetcomSupport the future of the show on Ko-fiFollow Jack at @thejackgregsonshowFollow Nora at @norassic_parkFollow Rachel at @rachelkamermandesign (and check out her work on IMDB)Follow Eddie at @getschmidt (and check out his work on IMDB)For more about the making of Clueless, check out As If!: The Oral History of Clueless as told by Amy Heckerling and the Cast and Crew by Jen Chaney–Find links to our Spotify playlist, the Vanity Fair list, and more here.Join the conversation! Give us your take on the films we cover, which romcoms you think should be on the list, or your best “would do/ wouldn’t do/ have done” stories on socials or at [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.