Zwick's Flicks - The Ed Zwick Podcast

About Zwick's Flicks - The Ed Zwick Podcast

Join Ryan and Craig and many featured guests as they breakdown and review a variety of Directors and their films!

Publisher

Ryan Rebalkin

Category

tv & film

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

4 May 2024

Latest episode

10 Aug 2025

Latest episodes

52 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   10 Aug 2025

   Ali

   Ever wondered what it's like to dive deep into the life of boxing legend Muhammad Ali through Michael Mann's masterful lens? "Ali" (2001) isn't just a biographical film—it's a raw, authentic journey through triumph, controversy, and resilience. Join host Ryan on this solo episode of the Director's Chair Network as he breaks down the movie's plot, stellar performances (shoutout to Will Smith's transformative role!), and behind-the-scenes trivia. From Ali's name change and draft refusal to epic fights like the Rumble in the Jungle, we explore it all with a mix of humor, honesty, and movie geek passion.In this Michael Mann season episode, Ryan shares his thoughts on watching the film in parts like a miniseries, compares it to Rocky films, and reflects on why it's more engaging now than in 2001. Whether you're a boxing fan, a Will Smith admirer, or just love great cinema, you'll gain fresh insights into Ali's complex life and Mann's directing style. Plus, discover fun facts like real boxers in the cast and the movie's box office story.The Director's Chair Network focuses on exploring iconic directors' filmographies—currently deep in Michael Mann's world of intense dramas and stylish storytelling. New episodes drop every two weeks during Mann season, alternating with other network shows to keep our movie-loving community hooked!What did you think of Will Smith's portrayal or the rope-a-dope scene? Like, comment below with your take, and subscribe for more director deep dives—next up, Collateral! Check out my other podcast, "One More Round: The Rocky Series Podcast," for more boxing film breakdowns.00:30 - Intro and welcome to Director's Chair Network's Michael Mann season00:50 - Why Ryan is flying solo today and podcast scheduling01:29 - Overview of "Ali" (2001) release and initial thoughts02:38 - Plot summary: Biographical mix of real and dramatic elements03:09 - Watching the film in parts like a miniseries04:46 - Ryan's background as a boxing film fan and Rocky podcast host06:28 - Michael Mann's filmography context and investment in projects07:25 - Detailed plot breakdown: Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali11:02 - Key fights, like vs. Sonny Liston, and real boxers in the cast17:22 - Malcolm X's role and assassination scene20:05 - Historical context around Ali's life and cultural events26:13 - Ali's Vietnam draft refusal and consequences29:33 - Marriages and personal controversies31:37 - Comeback fights vs. Jerry Quarry and Joe Frazier35:26 - Rumble in the Jungle and rope-a-dope strategy39:25 - Supporting actors like Jon Voight as Howard Cosell42:25 - Jamie Foxx's role and upcoming projects46:43 - Will Smith's performance and legacy discussion50:57 - Production trivia, budget, and Will's training56:52 - Critical reviews and final thoughtsThanks for tuning in—let's keep the conversation going in the comments!#MichaelMann #MuhammadAli #WillSmith #BoxingMovies #FilmReviewemail the show at edzwickpodcast@gmail.com

2. 

   3 Aug 2025

   National Lampoon's Vacation

   Buckle up for a wild ride with the Griswolds in our summer kickoff episode of Retro Made! Join host Katie as she teams up with Jim and Kevin from the Pool Scene Podcast to dive into the 1983 screwball comedy classic, National Lampoon's Vacation. From Chevy Chase’s iconic rants to Cousin Eddie’s cringe-worthy moments, we’re unpacking all the nostalgic hilarity of this John Hughes-written, Harold Ramis-directed gem. Ready for a trip down memory lane? Let’s hit the road! Hop in the Wagon Queen Family Truckster for a cross-country adventure filled with 80s pop culture, behind-the-scenes trivia, and laugh-out-loud moments. We’re spinning the 1983 time capsule wheel, testing Jim and Kevin’s knowledge on everything from Dallas to Fruit Roll-Ups, and diving deep into why this film is a comedy legend. Expect fun discussions about Clark Griswold’s quest for the perfect vacation, the iconic Holiday Road soundtrack, and some surprising casting what-ifs (Bill Murray as Clark?!). Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to Wally World, this episode is packed with retro goodness!0:00 - Intro: Welcome to Retro Made and the summer kickoff!1:59 - Episode overview: Why National Lampoon’s Vacation is a comedy classic2:16 - Guest intro: Jim and Kevin from Pool Scene Podcast6:20 - 1983 Time Capsule: Spinning the wheel for retro trivia7:08 - Prime Time Rewind: 1983 TV trivia (60 Minutes, Dallas, A-Team)10:26 - Totally Tasty: 1983 food and drink trivia (Fruit Roll-Ups, Tostitos)12:16 - Return to Toon Time: 1983 cartoon trivia (She-Ra, Jem)15:03 - Boombox Bangers: 1983 music hits (Billie Jean, Karma Chameleon)20:01 - Deep dive into National Lampoon’s Vacation: Plot, characters, and chaos33:47 - John Candy’s iconic cameo and the alternate ending reveal58:03 - Alternate ending discussion: What could’ve been?1:14:46 - Casting what-ifs: Bill Murray, Kim Cattrall, and more1:26:44 - Wrap-up: Final thoughts and where to find Pool Scene PodcastThis episode is your ticket to reliving the 80s through one of the most iconic road trip comedies ever made. Perfect for fans of National Lampoon, John Hughes, or anyone who loves a good laugh with a side of nostalgia. Learn fun facts, like how Chevy Chase adopted Dinky the dog, and why this film inspired countless comedies like The Hangover. RetroMade is your go-to podcast for all things retro movies and 80s/90s pop culture. Hosted by Katie, we dive into the films, music, and moments that shaped a generation.

3. 

   27 Jul 2025

   The Insider

   Dive into the gripping world of Michael Mann's 1999 masterpiece, *The Insider*! "Hello and welcome to another episode of the Director's Chair Network. This is the season where we're covering Michael Mann films. And today is the Michael Mann film, "The Insider." Join host Ryan Rebalkin and returning guest Craig Cohen as they unpack this intense drama about whistleblowing, journalism, and corporate power.In this episode, we explore how *The Insider* stands as Michael Mann's crowning achievement so far, blending authentic storytelling with powerhouse performances from Al Pacino and Russell Crowe. From the real-life Vanity Fair article that inspired it to parallels with modern media controversies, we dive deep into the film's themes, character development, and why it's a must-watch for film buffs. Discover what makes this Michael Mann film a timeless commentary on truth, ethics, and the high-stakes world of investigative journalism.Fresh insights into Michael Mann's directing style, behind-the-scenes details on the cast's transformations, and connections to current events like media mergers and free speech battles. Whether you're a longtime fan of Michael Mann films or new to his work, this discussion highlights the value of honest cinema that challenges the status quo.The Director's Chair Network focuses on in-depth director retrospectives, celebrating visionary filmmakers like Michael Mann. New episodes drop regularly—stay tuned for more on his iconic catalog!- 00:00 - Introduction to the episode and Michael Mann season- 00:10 - Welcoming guest Craig Cohen and excitement for *The Insider*- 00:37 - Craig's preparation and recent watches of the film- 02:56 - Transition back to single-film episodes post-*Heat*- 03:15 - Overview of *The Insider* as Michael Mann's sixth film- 04:09 - Reflections on the film's age and cast in 1999- 05:21 - Tangent on the new Superman film and James Gunn- 11:23 - Background on the Vanity Fair article and real events- 12:08 - Praise for Michael Mann's authentic depiction of professionals- 17:28 - Parallels to modern media censorship and corporate influence- 19:52 - Discussion of the film's music and directing style- 22:51 - Themes of heavy decisions and family responsibility- 25:29 - Cast breakdown starting with Michael Gambon- 44:28 - Christopher Plummer's performance as Mike Wallace- 47:56 - Al Pacino's nuanced role as Lowell Bergman- 53:48 - Russell Crowe's transformative portrayal of Jeffrey Wigand- 01:00:41 - Final thoughts on the film's structure and Oscar nodsCheck out Ryan's quick Superman review on his YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/kbjt7xaD9dA?si=VjLKYgK8bpn4caRk For more Michael Mann coverage, explore our network playlist.#MichaelMann #TheInsider #FilmAnalysis #WhistleblowerDrama #alpacino Discover Craig Cohen here https://craigcohenmusic.blogspot.com/p/links.htmlF/X (1986) - Movie Review https://youtu.be/wOtvShWtaKAemail the show edzwickpodcast@gmail.com

Who has been a guest on Zwick's Flicks - The Ed Zwick Podcast

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Jamie
• Milo
• Kyle
• Pete Gelderblom
• Sully

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

4,657,723,781

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 67 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

83

Social presence

0

YouTube

93

Engagement

32

Contact Zwick's Flicks - The Ed Zwick Podcast

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.