Ep. 114 - Alan Tudyk (feat. Mike Van de Voort)

In this episode, the Munsons are joined once again by veteran guest Munson, Cam Sully, for a deep dive into the unparalleled career of Trinidadian-American actress Lorraine Toussaint. A Juilliard graduate with over 30 years in film, TV, and theater, Toussaint consistently delivers powerhouse performances, making even small roles unforgettable. We explore her impactful work in Selma, her iconic turn as Vee in Orange Is the New Black, her underrated brilliance in Nightjohn, her chilling role in Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, her ongoing presence as Vi in The Equalizer, and her latest performance in Better Sister. Plus, we revisit the classic Dangerous Minds to see if it still holds up. How does she rank on the Munson Meter? Listen to find out.

In this episode, the Munsons are joined by first-time guest Munson, Josh Outing, and take a deep dive into the career of Andre Holland, an actor whose project choices are as calculated as his performances are captivating. With a filmography that spans critical darlings and cult TV favorites, Holland’s career showcases a fascinating contrast: sky-high critic and audience ratings paired with head-scratching IMDb scores and minimal box office returns. We break down this odd trajectory and explore how he’s still managed to carve out a niche as one of the most compelling actors of his generation. From his commanding presence in The Knick and Castle Rock to the emotional resonance of Exhibiting Forgiveness, we marvel at Holland’s control of pacing, tone, and subtlety. We also settle the battle once and for all between DJ Jazzles and DJ Request. How does he rank on the Munson Meter? Listen to find out.

In this episode, the Munsons dive deep into the career of the effortlessly cool and endlessly talented Rosario Dawson. We explore her humble beginnings on the Lower East Side of NYC, where early family struggles and imposter syndrome in film school shaped her unique path to stardom. From the moment luck literally knocked on her doorstep, Dawson's journey has been anything but typical. We discuss how Prince once dubbed her the voice of a generation at just 19, and her frequent appearances in music videos through the years. Her pop culture impact is undeniable, thanks to standout roles in Rent and Josie and the Pussycats. We were seriously impressed by her work opposite Denzel Washington in He Got Game, and we share our frustration over Rob Zombie cutting her from one of his films. Throughout her filmography, one thing remains constant: Rosario always classes up the joint. We also unpack her fascinating dating history, her inspiring decision to adopt her daughter at age 12, and her commitment to her political and philanthropic impact. How does she rank on the Munson Meter? Listen to find out

In this episode, the Munsons are joined by guest Munson, Dames Marvs, to dive into the elusive, mesmerizing world of Sir Daniel Day-Lewis. We cover it all—stories from off the screen that are just as legendary as his performances, the mystery behind why he’s so selective with his roles, and how he seemingly gives up being himself while on a set. We marvel at the bizarre twists of fate that shaped him: the schoolyard bullies, the carpenter who turned him down, and the wild journey that followed. We talk about the time he learned a foreign language for a film that wasn’t even in that language, speculate if Tarantino may have accidentally saved his life by passing on him for Pulp Fiction, and ponder the possibility of home videos of his kids asking why dad is dressed like Hawkeye from The Last of the Mohicans. Finally, we look ahead to the inevitable day Sir Daniel will defend the crown using every survival skill he's gained from decades of full-immersion acting. Do we have a new #1 rank on the Munson Meter? Listen to find out.

In this episode of Munsons at the Movies, we're joined once again by guest Munson, Matti Groll, to dive into the fascinating and unpredictable career of Aidan Gillen. From his Irish roots and struggles with auditions to his pinball-like journey through film and television, we leave no stone unturned. We rave about the impact of Sing Street, marvel at Gillen breaking Case’s box office snapshot spreadsheet, and debate whether Gillen truly nails his accents. We notice an unmistakable trend of his portrayals of small-time villains in films and explore his performances in memorable shows like Queer as Folk, Game of Thrones, The Wire, and Peaky Blinders.  How does he rank on the Munson Meter? Will the Munsons drive it like they stole it? Listen to find out.

In this episode of Munsons at the Movies, the crew dives deep into the enigmatic and intense career of Tom Hardy, bringing back fan-favorite Guest Munson Mike Rodmaker to join the ride. From James not being able to shut up about Hardy to wild tales of Tommy #1 and Frankie Pullitzer, we explore the performer’s evolution both on and off screen. We break down his early struggles with alcoholism and drug addiction, how his near-career-ending Star Trek flop almost derailed everything, and how he used his self-proclaimed talent for lying to launch a powerful acting career. We weigh his legacy against Michael Fassbender from their drama school days, question his sometimes questionable accent work (yes, many of his films require subtitles), and highlight his breakout role in Inception, which introduced him to many American audiences. Of course, we gush over his unforgettable turns in Warrior, Peaky Blinders, The Dark Knight Rises, and Mad Max: Fury Road. Like the plot of Mad Max, Hardy’s career is a chaotic, compelling ride—just the way we like it. How does he rank on the Munson Meter? Do the Munsons feel in charge?  Listen to find out.

In this episode, the Munsons dive into the versatile and wildly entertaining career of Alan Tudyk, joined by guest Munson, Mike Van de Voort. From battling a nasty case of hives in his first film role alongside Robin Williams to shattering Case’s box office spreadsheet with his staggering number of billion-dollar films, Tudyk's career is nothing short of legendary. We explore his rigorous training at Juilliard (and pirate camp), the less-than-glamorous roles his agent forced upon him, and the (potentially) infamous Alan Tudyk bird scale. Of course, we can’t resist gushing over his iconic performances in Tucker and Dale vs. Evil and Resident Alien, while also celebrating the countless animated characters he has brought to life.  Buckle up for a deep dive into one of Hollywood’s most underrated chameleons! How does he rank on the Munson Meter? Listen to find out.

In this episode of Munsons at the Movies, guest Munson John Rigby returns for his sixth appearance, lending his Academy Awards expertise to our deep dive into the extraordinary life and career of Jeff Bridges. We marvel at his seven Oscar nominations, dissect his Oscar-winning performance in Crazy Heart, and celebrate his impressive decades-long marriage. The Munsons discuss how 10% of his films lost $10 million or more at the box office, factor nepotism into the Munson Meter, and reflect on how Fat City paved the way for Kingpin, making this podcast possible. From his undeniable charisma on screen to how his role in Starman feels closest to his real-life personality, we examine what makes Bridges such a cinematic treasure and explore the fascinating contrasts between him and his equally talented brother, Beau. How does he rank on the Munson Meter? Listen to find out.

Welcome to the Munsons at the Movies podcast. Each episode we delve into the filmography of a randomly selected actor. In this episode of Munsons at the Movies, the crew dives into the life and career of the endlessly talented Kristen Wiig. From her iconic Saturday Night Live performances that cemented her as a comedy legend to her underappreciated voice work in animated hits, Wiig's versatility is unmatched. Joined by original Munson Warren Hicks and guest Cori Wallace the Munsons explore her impressive range in project choices, from indie gems to massive-budget blockbusters, and her ability to captivate audiences with unforgettable roles like Annie in Bridesmaids. They discuss the power of her “mirror on the wall” moments that reveal her depth as a performer and why Cori dubs her the ultimate Hollywood cool girl. Whether stealing scenes in sketch comedy or shining on the silver screen, Kristen Wiig proves she's a star who defies easy categorization. How does she rank on the Munson Meter? Listen to find out.

Welcome to the Munsons at the Movies podcast. Each episode we delve into the filmography of a randomly selected actor. Ever wondered about the man behind the megawatt smile and those iconic roles? This week, we're diving deep into the fascinating life and career of Richard Gere. From the gritty streets of An Officer and a Gentleman to the glitz and glamour of Pretty Woman and the razzle-dazzle of Chicago, Gere has captivated audiences for decades. But there's more to him than just Hollywood charm. Joining us for the first time is guest Edward Chaja, and together we uncover the untold stories: the backstage drama with Sylvester Stallone, the mentorship of Telly Savalas, his headline-grabbing romances, and his passionate activism for Tibet. Did his outspoken political views impact his career and Oscar chances? And the burning question: where does he land on the coveted Munson Meter? Listen and find out!