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Podcast Manager, The Ringer
Craig Horlbeck
Producer who contributes to the discussion. In the Chicago live episode, he chooses Harrison Ford.
Also referred to as Craig, Bangkok Craig, Craig Grobeck, Craig Gahau
Stats
- Episodes credited in this archive
- 220
- Movies in this archive
- 217
- Producer credits
- 217
- Attributed podcast choices
- 13
Across the table
Appearing on these Rewatchables episodes
Mission: Impossible – Fallout
2018 film
Bill Simmons · Chris Ryan · Craig Horlbeck
Aired December 27, 2022
Displaying episodes 133 - 144 of 220 in total
Mentioned in discussions
The Stephen A. Smith Hottest Take Award
Pacino is actively bad; his performance plays like a parody
In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:24:15Read transcript
- The producer says he did not enjoy the movie and calls Pacino actively bad. — Craig Horlbeck
- He says the performance feels like a parody of someone playing a blind role and blames Pacino for dialing it up too far. — Craig Horlbeck
- He also says Chris O'Donnell is not very good and calls both central performances one-note. — Craig Horlbeck
In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 02:03:04Read transcript
- Sean selects PTA as writer, director, producer, conceiver, and career-transforming author of the whole work. — Sean Fennessey
- The other two hosts choose Day-Lewis because no substitute could reproduce the singular performance or the movie’s rewatchability.
- Craig evaluates the arguments without declaring his own candidate, and the panel acknowledges that PTA may own the film’s longer historical legacy.
Podcast choices
- Speaker not identified
- Daniel Day-Lewis
- Speaker not identified
- Daniel Day-Lewis
Producer review
Craig praises the movie’s cross-generational appeal
In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:48:05Read transcript
- Craig is explicitly invited for closing thoughts — Chris Ryan
- He argues the movie unites viewers across generations — Chris Ryan
- The hosts agree and discuss the broadly enthusiastic response — Chris Ryan
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
What’s Aged the Worst?
The publishing-business lunch, painful hobbling, typewriter workflow, and slower rewatch pace
In the discussion (5)
Approx. transcript time · 00:56:29Read transcript
- A literary agent taking an author to the Four Seasons now feels implausible — Bill Simmons
- The hobbling remains painfully difficult to watch — Brian Koppelman
- Writing and revising on a typewriter has aged poorly — Bill Simmons
- One host finds the first hour slow on rewatch — Bill Simmons
- Producer Craig says the movie did not feel slow on his first viewing
Producer review
Loved it; favorite moment is the house takeover
In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:06:50Read transcript
- Producer Craig, born years after the film’s release, loved both films though he is unsure the sequel beats the first. — Craig Horlbeck
- His favorite Eddie moment is stealing the Andersons’ house. — Craig Horlbeck
Picking Nits
Unnoticed powers; slow Mary Jane recognition; outburst at Uncle Ben; Harry dating Mary Jane; Harry's spider flirting; gun in drawer
In the discussion (6)
Approx. transcript time · 01:16:25Read transcript
- After webbing the tray and flipping over Flash in front of the school, no one, including Mary Jane, figures out he is Spider-Man. — Van Lathan
- Mary Jane only connects the kisses at the cemetery, after more than a year of obvious clues. — Charles Holmes
- Peter blows up at Uncle Ben for no reason when he is only being dropped at the library. — Van Lathan
- Harry dating Mary Jane without telling Peter is criticized; Craig is asked whether that is acceptable and the answer is obviously not. — Van Lathan
- Peter is called a nerd by Harry, who then uses his spider facts to flirt with Mary Jane. — Charles Holmes
- Harry pulling a gun from a drawer in the Osborn mansion is questioned, countered by the argument that Norman sells weapons to the military. — Van Lathan
In the discussion (5)
Approx. transcript time · 01:02:35Read transcript
- J.K. Simmons's J. Jonah Jameson is one of two contenders, overacting but in the right movie after his brutal Oz role. — Van Lathan
- The Green Goblin performance is called a runaway choice for snarling and giving every cell, making Jack Nicholson's Joker look subtle. — Van Lathan
- Craig is reported to have messaged that the Goblin actor is going all out. — Van Lathan
- A counterpoint: that Goblin performance has aged well, and Simmons may not be overacting since he embodied the comics' Jameson; overacting is not acting poorly. — Van Lathan
- Favorite Jameson lines are quoted, including the slander-versus-libel joke. — Van Lathan
In the discussion (5)
Approx. transcript time · 00:59:00Read transcript
- Michael Papajohn, the robber with 124 IMDb credits who usually plays goons, is the first nominee in what is called the greatest That Guy battle ever. — Van Lathan
- Joseph D'Onofrio, the cop who played young Tommy in Goodfellas, is a rival nominee with 114 credits. — Van Lathan
- Papajohn is chosen for having the bigger part, with Craig invoked as a possible tiebreaker. — Van Lathan
- Joe Manganiello as Flash is an extra, non-counting mention: beardless and unrecognizable, and reportedly his first screen role. — Charles Holmes
- A crew member reportedly offered Manganiello $100 to really punch the lead during their fight, prompting speculation about his on-set reputation. — Van Lathan
Producer review
Rebuttal defending Rose against each demerit
In the discussion (13)
Approx. transcript time · 01:36:43Read transcript
- Producer Craig is brought in because he objected to the segment, calling it Rose slander. — Bill Simmons
- He says he switched on a proper mic, calls the demerits baseless slander after obligatory praise, and offers a rebuttal to each. — Craig Horlbeck
- The cheating charge is rebutted because her fiance was abusive and practically arranged. — Craig Horlbeck
- The hosts concede the cheating rebuttal is fair. — Craig Horlbeck
- Her delay in defending Jack is attributed to a lifetime of being told to stay quiet and difficulty explaining a suicide attempt. — Craig Horlbeck
- The hosts reject the delay defense, insisting a friend should be defended without waiting. — Van Lathan
- Seeing Jack first in heaven is defended because he urged her to have babies and a long life, which she did. — Craig Horlbeck
- The hosts counter with marital commitment and the brevity of the two-day romance.
- A nightstand photo does show her husband and two children at the beach. — Craig Horlbeck
- The other photos are described as adventures Jack urged, and the reply is that the husband barely appears in them.
- Dropping the necklace is defended as closure, finally letting go of Jack before she dies. — Craig Horlbeck
- The hosts argue it makes no difference to Jack and the necklace could have been donated or displayed.
- The hosts note the defense skipped Rose letting Jack freeze and remain unconvinced; other complaints are said to have been let slide.
Producer review
Hated the movie
In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:31:42Read transcript
- The hosts call this the most negative response they have ever gotten from Craig. — Sean Fennessey
- The reaction offered for the segment sits the movie out, indifferent to its cultural moment and unwilling to watch children drinking vodka in bed; the speaker is not identified in the transcript.
- The closing credit says he hated this movie. — Bill Simmons
In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:39:07Read transcript
- The answer has to be George Coe, who plays Ted's boss and appeared in first-season SNL sketches when older actors were needed; he is also remembered as the judge in The Mighty Ducks. — Bill Simmons
- Craig is cited as always saying the category gets really tough when they go this late for a movie. — Bill Simmons
- Howard Duff is floated as an alternative and praised for one of the great voices; a possible Dallas run is raised but not confirmed.
Displaying discussions 85 - 96 of 110 in total
Flex picks
Flex pick · Craig Horlbeck
In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:10:39Read transcript
- Craig introduced Christopher McDonald as a mini-version of the category and praised his timing, looks, humor, and versatility.
- The hosts agreed McDonald occupied an awkward space between leading man and character actor.
- His work as Jack Barry and his tape-viewing double take were praised.
The Den of Thieves Benihana Award for Scene-Stealing Location
San Francisco and the Bay Area.
Flex pick · Craig Horlbeck
In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:28:07Read transcript
- Chooses the location flex category and praises San Francisco’s varied landscape and cinematic range. — Craig Horlbeck
- Other Bay Area films, recognizable landmarks, and the city’s advantage over Boston are discussed as support. — Joanna Robinson
Flex pick · Craig Horlbeck
In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:12:29Read transcript
- Romeo is a terrible caddy: drinking, broken equipment, abandonment and failure to stop disastrous choices undermine Roy; the needy bromance could be shortened. — Bill Simmons
The Rick Dalton Award for the Greatest Fucking Acting I’ve Ever Seen
Ledger’s distinct performances in10 Things, A Knight’s Tale, Brokeback and Dark Knight make the actor disappear.
Flex pick · Craig Horlbeck
In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:50:06Read transcript
- Ledger’s distinct performances in10 Things, A Knight’s Tale, Brokeback and Dark Knight make the actor disappear. — Craig Horlbeck
- Comparisons with Pattinson, Chalamet, DiCaprio and others emphasize unusually wide range at a young age; the point is accepted. — Wesley Morris
Flex pick · Craig Horlbeck
In the discussion (5)
Approx. transcript time · 01:16:32Read transcript
- Architect, pediatrician, journalist, chef and a grounded rich heir are attractive romantic-comedy jobs; architecture combines creativity and practicality. — Craig Horlbeck
- Advertising evokes Don Draper’s womanizing; lawyer, businessman and widowed stay-at-home dad are considered, but unemployment is a barrier.
- Chef, vet, urban planner and sports doctor are considered; plastic surgeon is too vain. Architect remains favored, with oil billionaire dismissed.
- Realtor and marine biologist are added; marine research risks romantic unavailability.
- Female sportswriter examples lead to sideline reporter as the best ESPN rom-com job; Trainwreck’s sports-doctor role enabled comic athlete interactions. — Mina Kimes
I Used to Fuck Guys Like You in Prison Award for Craziest Quote
“Tits like a sparrow.”
Flex pick · Craig Horlbeck
In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:09:33Read transcript
- “Tits like a sparrow” is unexpectedly crude in this otherwise PG movie. — Craig Horlbeck
The Stephen A. Smith Hottest Take Award
Babe misses clues and refuses to shoot Szell
Flex pick · Craig Horlbeck
In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 01:07:35Read transcript
- Babe should recognize that being attacked by two older men in suits is unusual. — Craig Horlbeck
- He is criticized for ignoring the connections among his murdered brother, Szell, and Elsa’s concealed German identity. — Craig Horlbeck
- His refusal to shoot Szell is criticized as inconsistent after he shoots others at the farmhouse.
- The novel reportedly has Babe shoot Szell and discard the diamonds before police take him away. — Bill Simmons
The Tom Cruise Award for Most Valiant Attempt to Emulate a Normal Human
Seagal pretending to know how to play catch
Flex pick · Craig Horlbeck
In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 00:23:40Read transcript
- Craig selects Seagal's attempt to look like he knows how to play catch with his son. — Craig Horlbeck
- The way Seagal holds the glove and inventories the bat and ball is treated as visibly inauthentic. — Craig Horlbeck
The Stephen A. Smith Hottest Take Award
The five-note musical exchange works, but the extended mothership improvisation becomes awkward.
Flex pick · Craig Horlbeck
In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:35:36Read transcript
- Craig says the initial five-note exchange works but the extended musical improvisation becomes awkward. — Craig Horlbeck
- He argues that Spielberg and John Williams overextended the sequence once the brass and tuba-like sounds begin. — Craig Horlbeck
The Dan Campbell Scale for “Holy Shit, Are They Really Going for It Right Now?”
The apartment attack: an unexpectedly escalating trick play
Flex pick · Craig Horlbeck
In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:07:58Read transcript
- The apartment invasion is compared to a trick play that escalates unexpectedly from vandalism into extreme violence. — Chris Ryan
Apex Mountain
Science-fiction movies, galaxy adventures, fictional mythology, Mark Hamill, 20th Century Fox, and Apex categories: yes
Flex pick · Craig Horlbeck
In the discussion (11)
Approx. transcript time · 01:15:55Read transcript
- Lucas’s apex is placed around 1981 after Empire and Raiders, though selling Lucasfilm for four billion dollars is another candidate.
- Star Wars is judged an apex for science-fiction movies, galaxy adventures, and film-created fictional mythology.
- The movie is accepted as Mark Hamill’s apex and a possible early apex for Carrie Fisher. — Bill Simmons
- John Williams is difficult to pin to one apex, but Star Wars is preferred over later cultural competitors.
- James Earl Jones is placed closer to Field of Dreams, Coming to America, or Mufasa than to his uncredited Vader voice. — Bill Simmons
- Harrison Ford receives an explicit apex check and is rejected because his apex had already been named earlier. — Bill Simmons
- The movie is an apex for 20th Century Fox because profits and stock value rose sharply. — Bill Simmons
- The film is credited with beginning the cultural ascent of nerd fandom rather than representing its final apex in 1977. — Sean Fennessey
- Its sound effects remain exceptional, including Vader breathing, TIE fighters, droids, and lightsabers.
- The saga is called a leading story of absentee fathers because Vader reappears only after Luke becomes powerful. — Van Lathan
- The film is declared the apex of Apex Mountain categories because so many people, crafts, objects, and institutions peak around it. — Chris Ryan
Displaying flex picks 25 - 35 of 35 in total