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Blood Diamond
Blood Diamond
Blood Diamond
The Verdict
The Verdict
The Verdict
Boogie Nights
Top Gun: Maverick
Top Gun: Maverick
Top Gun: Maverick
Speed
Obsession
The Good Son
The Good Son
Basic Instinct
To Live and Die in L.A.
To Live and Die in L.A.
Sicario
GoldenEye
Another 48 Hrs.
Another 48 Hrs.
Editorial Director, The Ringer
Chris Ryan
Chris Ryan is listed by The Ringer as editorial director.
Also referred to as Chris, CR, Christopher Ryan, Sierra
Stats
- Episodes credited in this archive
- 286
- Movies in this archive
- 271
- Attributed podcast choices
- 46
Recently watched on Letterboxd
Across the table
Appearing on these Rewatchables episodes
Eyes Wide Shut
1999 film
Bill Simmons · Chris Ryan · Sean Fennessey · Mallory Rubin
Aired August 15, 2023
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
1989 film
Bill Simmons · Chris Ryan · Sean Fennessey
Aired June 20, 2023
Displaying episodes 109 - 120 of 286 in total
Mentioned in discussions
In the discussion (8)
Approx. transcript time · 01:15:35Read transcript
- Lab-grown diamonds are added as the clearest thing that aged well. — Craig Horlbeck
- The producer had not seen the film and responds positively to its mix of action and difficult subject matter. — Craig Horlbeck
- Modern difficult-topic awards movies are contrasted as smaller and sadder rather than large star vehicles. — Craig Horlbeck
- Kanye West’s Diamonds from Sierra Leone was the producer’s first exposure to conflict diamonds. — Craig Horlbeck
- A modern Zwick might make a documentary because a hundred-million-dollar studio feature is hard to greenlight. — Chris Ryan
- DiCaprio is praised for still using stardom to mount expensive issue-oriented films. — Chris Ryan
- The Siege is used to show how quickly current-affairs films can be overtaken by history. — Chris Ryan
- Global studios’ need for broadly marketable antagonists is cited as another constraint. — Chris Ryan
Picking Nits
Danny’s perfect facial hair, cross-border arrest geography, Solomon risking death at the camp, Maddie’s photo distraction, Benjamin’s death, mountain reception, and constant Guinness drinking
In the discussion (8)
Approx. transcript time · 01:05:02Read transcript
- Danny’s facial hair remains too precisely groomed after many days on the road. — Bill Simmons
- An arrest by Liberian border guards should place Danny in Liberia rather than the Sierra Leone prison where he meets Solomon. — Bill Simmons
- Hiding diamonds inside goat skin is praised as a useful smuggling detail. — Bill Simmons
- Solomon’s public breakdown after seeing Dia through the camp fence seems likely to get him shot. — Bill Simmons
- Maddie stopping armed soldiers by taking their pictures feels like a television-movie device. — Bill Simmons
- Benjamin’s death is treated as an avoidable action detour that could be cut. — Bill Simmons
- The final cell call remains implausibly clear. — Bill Simmons
- Repeated bottled Guinness orders in tropical heat are questioned as possible product placement. — Chris Ryan
Half-Assed Internet Research
DiCaprio family cameos, Dia’s name, Jennifer Connelly’s injury, DiCaprio’s training, and the diamond industry’s objection
In the discussion (6)
Approx. transcript time · 01:01:09Read transcript
- Two women at the airport are reported as Leonardo DiCaprio’s mother and grandmother. — Bill Simmons
- Dia is reported to mean expensive in an adapted Sierra Leone language. — Bill Simmons
- Jennifer Connelly reportedly suffered a serious neck injury during a car chase. — Bill Simmons
- The injury may explain her absence from shots inside the fleeing car, though this remains an inference. — Chris Ryan
- DiCaprio reportedly gained muscle and trained with former Rhodesian soldiers. — Bill Simmons
- The De Beers company is reported as unhappy with the movie. — Bill Simmons
What’s Aged the Best?
The explanatory title cards, David Harewood’s villain, child-soldier depiction, diamond smuggling, Leonardo DiCaprio’s 2006 leap, local language, road-movie structure, goat-skin concealment, and lab-grown diamonds
In the discussion (11)
Approx. transcript time · 00:44:37Read transcript
- The opening Sierra Leone title cards efficiently establish civil war and control of diamond fields. — Chris Ryan
- The observed David Harwood villain is immediately hateful yet gains dimension while radicalizing Dia.
- The child-soldier passages show indoctrination through several short scenes without reducing the process to one speech. — Chris Ryan
- The refugee-camp and Western-culpability material make the story more detailed than a short romance-driven version would be. — Chris Ryan
- A diamond hidden in a tooth works as portable currency that immediately funds the next step. — Bill Simmons
- The old light-blue VW bugs provide memorable period texture. — Bill Simmons
- DiCaprio’s 2006 work completes the transition from promising child actor to adult leading man. — Bill Simmons
- The film’s local language and repeated journey through the landscape strengthen the road-movie feeling. — Chris Ryan
- The road structure makes Danny, Maddie, and Solomon’s relationships change through shared travel. — Chris Ryan
- Diamonds concealed inside goat skin are praised as another effective smuggling detail. — Bill Simmons
- Lab-grown diamonds are added as the clearest missed Aged Best answer. — Craig Horlbeck
Probably Unanswerable Questions
Delayed lawsuit; Mickey’s generosity; award amount; sobriety; Laura; disbarment; higher settlement
In the discussion (10)
Approx. transcript time · 00:55:51Read transcript
- Whether Galvin would accept a 510,000 settlement is explicitly unanswerable.
- Unanswerable: why the suit took four years; family relocation needs and Galvin's long inaction are possible explanations.
- Mickey's business and motives for giving Galvin a 70,000 opportunity and extensive unpaid help are questioned; an older-generation friendship/fence-building anecdote offers context. — Sean Fennessey
- Unpaid substantial favors are contrasted with the hosts' lesser willingness to help each other,defending Mickey as an older-generation friend. — Sean Fennessey
- The award is guessed at one million,then several million,including four or five million. — Sean Fennessey
- A further estimate is three to four million,with one million for Frank. — Bill Simmons
- Whether Galvin stays sober is disputed: coffee suggests reform,but others expect continued drinking and note he never fully stops; refusing brandy at the archdiocese is admired.
- Laura is proposed as an ultimate Chris Ryan attraction,contrasting her darkness with Dana Wheeler-Nicholson's upbeat appeal.
- Whether every lawyer and the judge should be disbarred receives a joking probable yes. — Bill Simmons
- The doctor's paid disappearance renews questions about why the defense did not simply raise the settlement or locate the nurse.
What’s Aged the Best?
Afraid-to-try lawyer; camera work; opening; judge; phone bill; Rampling; dialogue; Church villain; Warden
In the discussion (18)
Approx. transcript time · 01:07:28Read transcript
- Cheap, unsuccessful lawyers afraid to enter court are praised as an effective dramatic type. — Bill Simmons
- The wide stationary camera angles are praised. — Bill Simmons
- The opening establishes a broken-down drunk while preserving sympathy. — Bill Simmons
- O’Shea’s judge is a memorably hateful villain. — Sean Fennessey
- The extreme unfairness strains credibility for one viewer,while others accept the depiction. — Sean Fennessey
- Refusing a nighttime extension is a powerful scene.
- Ebert's observation that Newman's newly tired appearance reveals his acting and foreshadows older roles is placed in aged best. — Bill Simmons
- Galvin finding a witness through a stolen phone bill is admired as clever and plausible despite being a stretch. — Bill Simmons
- Concannon's uniformly white legal team and excitement at the opposing expert being Black expose their prejudice. — Bill Simmons
- Rampling's performance improves on rewatch once her motives are known. — Bill Simmons
- Laura's alluring but damaged presence in Galvin's ordinary bar seems implausibly fortunate until her motives are revealed; Chris expresses particular admiration. — Chris Ryan
- Rampling surveying the apartment,keeping her eyes open during a kiss and acknowledging the ex-wife photograph rewards rewatching. — Chris Ryan
- Laura’s encouragement manipulates Galvin’s masculinity. — Sean Fennessey
- Mamet's repeated accusations that people do not care whom they hurt and cigarette requests are admired. — Bill Simmons
- The Catholic Church as villain is considered prescient. — Sean Fennessey
- Warden's age-weary dialogue is almost a parody of his persona but remains enjoyable. — Bill Simmons
- Lumet and Bartkowiak reportedly studied Caravaggio paintings for visual references and color. — Bill Simmons
- Galvin’s frustration at discovering the broken elevator after using eye drops is admired. — Sean Fennessey
Most Rewatchable Scene
Judge confrontation; Kaitlin’s testimony; opening
In the discussion (26)
Approx. transcript time · 00:52:44Read transcript
- The opening pinball,drinking and smoking credits are admired as an economical introduction. — Bill Simmons
- The credit graphics are criticized. — Bill Simmons
- The opening beer is guessed as Schlitz,Harp or Bud without resolution. — Bill Simmons
- The opening funeral crashing,newspaper obituary circles and shaky shot-glass hand establish Galvin without exposition or invented trauma flashbacks.
- Mason's first preparation meeting explains the case elegantly and includes canceling a subordinate's Bahamas vacation while sending flowers and a tanning bed. — Chris Ryan
- Galvin meeting the cardinal and noting that 210,000 divides neatly into his 70,000 fee is admired; whether the moral decision occurs in the room or with developing Polaroids is debated.
- Concannon and Galvin in the eating judge's chambers reveal the opposing lawyer's connection without heavy exposition. — Bill Simmons
- The son-in-law's furious confrontation and line about living with professionals' mistakes are admired; he knocks the briefcase aside rather than slapping Galvin, and is called the most Boston moment.
- Concannon prepping the anesthesiologist to replace jargon with plain language is another scene candidate.
- Mason coaching the doctor to dramatize heroic attempts to save mother and child is like an acting class, and receives particular praise; Wesley Addy is identified as a recurring Lumet actor.
- Galvin attacking the judge after the expert testimony is a major scene candidate,especially the bagman accusation.
- Mason’s silent reactions during Galvin’s confrontation are admired. — Bill Simmons
- The bar-booth first date and jury speech return as a favorite, with the incongruity of staying in the same bar for dinner noted.
- Concannon paying Laura reveals her betrayal; the line about being paid to win is praised and her apparently implausible interest in Galvin retrospectively explained. — Bill Simmons
- Galvin traveling to New York to seek Kaitlin's help is a scene candidate. — Sean Fennessey
- Kaitlin’s rebuttal testimony is especially loved. — Bill Simmons
- The doctor’s standing double take when he hears Kaitlin’s name is admired.
- Mason’s intimidation gives way to the revelation that Kaitlin kept a copy showing one hour rather than nine.
- The judge lets the testimony run long enough that the jury cannot unhear it; the family members' silent reactions deepen the scene. — Chris Ryan
- Galvin’s final speech is a scene candidate.
- Lumet’s commentary reportedly says a camera hair spoiled a take and Newman’s repeat was even better. — Bill Simmons
- The jury asking to exceed the requested award and Warden looking upward provide a favorite payoff.
- The judge being forced to relinquish control makes the verdict especially satisfying. — Sean Fennessey
- Chris's final scene choice is Galvin dressing down the judge in chambers.
- Kaitlin's testimony is another final scene choice, with Lindsay Crouse's performance and later House of Games praised. — Sean Fennessey
- The opening two minutes receive the remaining final scene endorsement. — Sean Fennessey
Producer review
The producer is directly invited, likes LA ensemble striving and asks old-versus-new adult film depiction; hosts see nostalgia and filmmaking ambition versus meaner video.
In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 02:44:07Read transcript
- The producer is directly invited, likes LA ensemble striving and asks old-versus-new adult film depiction; hosts see nostalgia and filmmaking ambition versus meaner video.
- Movie-house replica rentals proposed and liked with hypothetical cost/parties/wedding, not actual booking.
- The producer is thanked for producing, full name Craig Horleback explicitly supplied and Chris Ryan/Sean Fennancy/Dylan Burkey thanked; ending-show/Viking-funeral jokes remain jokes. — Bill Simmons
In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 01:24:47Read transcript
- Philip Baker Hall could play John or Sam. — Bill Simmons
- Hall could instead appear briefly as a new background character during the layoffs. — Bill Simmons
- A flashback casting Hall as Sam’s father receives agreement. — Brian Koppelman
- Wayne Jenkins replacing Dale is imagined but considered too disruptive to the movie, with a Chris Ryan impression wished for.
Recasting Couch
Jenna Ortega or Sydney Sweeney as Phoenix
In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:20:03Read transcript
- Jenna Ortega is proposed for Phoenix — Bill Simmons
- Sydney Sweeney is another proposal, including a car-restoration conversation with Penny — Bill Simmons
- Chris offers no recasting choice — Bill Simmons
The Ron Burgundy Flute Award for the Best Time for a Pee Break
Penny and Maverick’s bedroom sequence — on a rewatch
In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:09:52Read transcript
- Bill recommends leaving once Maverick takes Penny home — Bill Simmons
- Chris cautions that the sequence explains important backstory for first-time viewers — Bill Simmons
The Butch’s Girlfriend Award for the Weakest Link in the Film
The underused supporting pilots; Phoenix divides the room
In the discussion (7)
Approx. transcript time · 00:55:14Read transcript
- Bill wants more from Jay Ellis and Manny Jacinto
- Bob’s characterization and second-seat duties are questioned
- Bill considers Phoenix underdeveloped and imagines a Michelle Rodriguez-like presence
- Chris likes Phoenix and values her relationship with Rooster
- Craig is explicitly invited to break the tie and says she was good
- The discussion distinguishes the performance from the amount of character development
- The lack of a larger comic supporting personality is noted
Displaying discussions 49 - 60 of 119 in total
Flex picks
The Neil McCauley “A Book about Metals” Award for Best Line from the Movie
Poor people are crazy; Howard calls himself eccentric
Flex pick · Chris Ryan
In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:18:15Read transcript
- The distinction between crazy poor people and eccentric wealthy people is selected
- The panel enjoys Hopper’s delivery and the villain’s class consciousness
Sean Fennessey Award for Stealth Homage That Gives Every Movie Nerd a Criterion Orgasm
Nikki’s movement as an homage to Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s Pulse.
Flex pick · Chris Ryan
In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:12:33Read transcript
- Nikki’s possessed movement is compared with the haunted movement in Pulse. — Chris Ryan
The Sean Penn “I Brought My Own Pack” Award for Excellence in On-Screen Smoking
Henry smoking at the well
Flex pick · Chris Ryan
In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:59:37Read transcript
- Henry brings cigarettes to the well and dismisses cancer because everyone dies. — Chris Ryan
“OK, Motherfucker” Award for When the Movie Goes Up a Notch
Henry holding his hand just out of Connie’s reach beneath the ice is the moment the movie rises another level.
Flex pick · Chris Ryan
In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:25:11Read transcript
- The segment is introduced by asking for a flex selection. — Chris Ryan
- The shot first suggests Henry might save Connie, then reveals his deliberate refusal. — Chris Ryan
Did This Movie Need a Random Sports Scene?
A 49ers connection: George Seifert, Young or Montana, Gus’s bets, or Jerry Rice
Flex pick · Chris Ryan
In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:07:07Read transcript
- The sports-scene flex proposes 49ers connections: George Seifert, practice with Young or Montana, Gus losing bets, or Catherine’s former lover Jerry Rice being interviewed. — Bill Simmons
Flex pick · Chris Ryan
In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:55:31Read transcript
- Chris’s Vincent Chase flex questions Frank’s lyrics, musicianship, betrayal of a bandmate and contribution to the disastrous artistic direction; his class affectation is also mocked.
The Dennis Peck Relationship Test
Masters, Bianca and Serena’s openness
The panel proposes a new category here.
Flex pick · Chris Ryan
In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:24:12Read transcript
- Chris’s Dennis Peck relationship test concludes that Masters, Bianca and Serena’s openness would defeat Peck’s usual destructive power. — Chris Ryan
Did This Movie Need a Random Sports Scene?
Masters joining the pickup basketball game
Flex pick · Chris Ryan
In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:24:12Read transcript
- Chris’s random-sports flex proposes Masters joining the pickup basketball game; a possible White Shadow court connection remains uncertain.
“OK, Motherfucker” Award for When the Movie Goes Up a Notch
The border-operation escalation
Flex pick · Chris Ryan
In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:05:12Read transcript
- Chris explicitly selects the Okay Motherfucker flex and describes seven escalation beats around the border operation: Cartagena, folding the jacket, trucks over bumps, spotter warning, drawing weapons, gun warning and shooting. — Chris Ryan
Most Memorable Death by a Security Guard or Other Bystander
The train driver
Flex pick · Chris Ryan
In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:00:18Read transcript
- Chris explicitly selects the Rick Trichet guard-death flex for the train driver forced toward the tank, imagining the forgotten bystander’s life. — Chris Ryan
Most Memorable Death by a Security Guard or Other Bystander
The female cop; hotel bystander alternative
Flex pick · Chris Ryan
In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:10:03Read transcript
- The female cop shot through the car window is the selected inconsequential death. — Chris Ryan
- The hotel guest who steps outside and is shot is another candidate; the award’s namesake pronunciation remains uncertain. — Van Lathan
Sean Fennessey Award for Stealth Homage That Gives Every Movie Nerd a Criterion Orgasm
Once Upon a Time in the West
Flex pick · Chris Ryan
In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:10:03Read transcript
- The bikers arriving at the opening bar echo Once Upon a Time in the West. — Chris Ryan
Displaying flex picks 1 - 12 of 41 in total
From other episodes
Sourced picks from episodes not yet fully included in the archive.
The Neil McCauley “A Book about Metals” Award for Best Line from the Movie
Han Solo’s speech rejecting a mystical force controlling his destiny
Flex pick · Chris Ryan
Transcript excerpt · Targeted transcript check; recording not verified
Star Wars: A New Hope — Part Two
· May 6, 2025