The Criterion Connection

Ian & McKenzie

Two friends explore the Criterion Collection by connecting the iconic films to each other through the greater tapestry of cinema.

  1. 13 Apr

    126 - LONE STAR (1996)

    On this episode of the Criterion Connection, we discuss John Sayles' generation spanning neo-western/mystery-drama dissecting themes as vast as the desert itself, Lone Star (1996). We also chat the 50th Anniversary of All The President's Men and Meiko Kaji in Lady Snowblood. Thanks to our friend Nathan for his voicemail! NEXT TIME: THE RUNNER (1984) ---- McKenzie on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Austin Danger Pod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Letterboxd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ian on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Letterboxd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen to Ian & McKenzie's other show about contemporary cinema, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Above The Line⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. ---- Send us your emails and voicemails to have them read/played on the show to thecriterionconnection@gmail.com ---- The Criterion Connection is edited & mixed by Ian.

    126 - LONE STAR (1996)

  2. 31 Mar

    125 - NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN (2007), plus Criterion Collection Announcements for June '26

    On this episode we discuss one of the biggest additions in recent memory - Joel & Ethan Coen's 2007 Best Picture winning thriller No Country for Old Men. But, be warned: we don't love this movie. We also chat about the most gorgeous film-acting couple in the world, the new additions to the Criterion Collection for June 2026, and Ian recommends Magic Mike's Last Dance. NEXT TIME: LONE STAR (1996) ---- McKenzie on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Austin Danger Pod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Letterboxd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ian on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Letterboxd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen to Ian & McKenzie's other show about contemporary cinema, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Above The Line⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. ---- Send us your emails and voicemails to have them read/played on the show to thecriterionconnection@gmail.com ---- The Criterion Connection is edited & mixed by Ian.

    125 - NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN (2007), plus Criterion Collection Announcements for June '26

  3. 16 Mar

    124 - THE KILLER (1989)

    On this episode, Ian & McKenzie continue their double feature of films made up of two Hong Kong action classics. This week we discuss our first John Woo film by breaking down the melodrama, homoerotic undertones, and graceful thrills of one of his many collaborations with the amazing Chow Yun-fat. Join us as we talk THE KILLER (1989). Also discussed is Ian finally completing the filmographies of Michael Mann and Danny Boyle, plus McKenzie is playing more video games and caught an early screening of Project Hail Mary. NEXT TIME: NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN (2007) ---- McKenzie on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Austin Danger Pod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Letterboxd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ian on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Letterboxd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen to Ian & McKenzie's other show about contemporary cinema, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Above The Line⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. ---- Send us your emails and voicemails to have them read/played on the show to thecriterionconnection@gmail.com ---- The Criterion Connection is edited & mixed by Ian.

    124 - THE KILLER (1989)

  4. 2 Mar

    123 - THROW DOWN (2004)

    On this episode, Ian & McKenzie are going to Hong Kong for an action double feature from two great Chinese auteurs. To kick things off, we are chatting about Johnnie To's THROW DOWN (2004). We talk about the film's reliance on vibes over plot, it's amazing aesthetic, and the relationships among the core trio. There's also lots of chat about John Waters, Mink Stole, Michael Bay, and the fight for Irish Independence. NEXT TIME: THE KILLER (1989) ---- McKenzie on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Austin Danger Pod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Letterboxd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ian on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Letterboxd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen to Ian & McKenzie's other show about contemporary cinema, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Above The Line⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. ---- Send us your emails and voicemails to have them read/played on the show to thecriterionconnection@gmail.com ---- The Criterion Connection is edited & mixed by Ian.

    123 - THROW DOWN (2004)

  5. 16 Feb

    122 - CROSSING DELANCEY (1988)

    We finally complete our first double feature of 2026 by following up Saving Face with Joan Micklin Silver's lovely NYC rom-com, Crossing Delancey (1988). We get into the cultural specificity of the film, its laughs, its touching moments, and how gorgeous Amy Irving is throughout. We also chat about James Bond on Netflix, the new Criterion Collection editions coming in April & May of 2026, as well as have an impromptu digression on a couple cable classics from the late-90s and early-00s. NEXT TIME: THROW DOWN ---- McKenzie on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Austin Danger Pod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Letterboxd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ian on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Letterboxd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen to Ian & McKenzie's other show about contemporary cinema, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Above The Line⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. ---- Send us your emails and voicemails to have them read/played on the show to thecriterionconnection@gmail.com ---- The Criterion Connection is edited & mixed by Ian.

    122 - CROSSING DELANCEY (1988)

  6. 2 Feb

    121 - SAVING FACE (2004)

    We're back to our regular schedule and we're starting 2026 off with a favorite of both of ours! We both jumped with joy when Alice Wu's Saving Face (2004) was added to the collection because so few romantic comedies come close to the perfection that is this gem. We also chat a little bit about Todd Haynes and Steven Spielberg up top before we get deep into our love and admiration for Alice Wu's mesmerizing film. NEXT TIME: CROSSING DELANCEY ---- McKenzie on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Austin Danger Pod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Letterboxd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ian on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Letterboxd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen to Ian & McKenzie's other show about contemporary cinema, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Above The Line⁠⁠⁠⁠. ---- Send us your emails and voicemails to have them read/played on the show to thecriterionconnection@gmail.com ---- The Criterion Connection is edited & mixed by Ian.

    121 - SAVING FACE (2004)

  7. 20 Jan

    120 - EYES WIDE SHUT (1999)

    At long last, Ian and McKenzie return to finish out their Kubrick Double feature with his final film, Eyes Wide Shut (1999). On our long delayed episode, we discuss how little we both actually like this film and further excavate our mixed feelings on a filmmaker so many revere as a cinematic genius. We chat about the odd performances in this movie, some different interpretations of the themes, and try to unpack why it feels so cold and distant. NEXT TIME: SAVING FACE ---- McKenzie on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Austin Danger Pod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Letterboxd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ian on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Letterboxd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen to Ian & McKenzie's other show about contemporary cinema, ⁠⁠⁠Above The Line⁠⁠⁠. ---- Send us your emails and voicemails to have them read/played on the show to thecriterionconnection@gmail.com ---- The Criterion Connection is edited & mixed by Ian.

    120 - EYES WIDE SHUT (1999)

  8. 08/12/2025

    119 - BARRY LYNDON (1975), plus Criterion Collection Announcements for February 2026

    Ian and McKenzie begin a double feature focused on the cinema of Stanley Kubrick. First up? Barry Lyndon (1975). They discuss their opinions on the filmmaker himself and how they go somewhat against the grain when it comes to their opinions of his body of work, the majesty of Barry Lyndon's compositions, the performances that work and don't work for each of them, and how funny the film can be. Also discussed, Ian and McKenzie run down what they got at the bi-annual Barnes & Noble 50% Criterion Collection sale and what is coming to the Criterion Collection in February 2026. NEXT TIME: EYES WIDE SHUT ---- McKenzie on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Austin Danger Pod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Letterboxd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ian on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Letterboxd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen to Ian & McKenzie's other show about contemporary cinema, ⁠⁠Above The Line⁠⁠. ---- Send us your emails and voicemails to have them read/played on the show to thecriterionconnection@gmail.com ---- The Criterion Connection is edited & mixed by Ian.

    119 - BARRY LYNDON (1975), plus Criterion Collection Announcements for February 2026
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About

Two friends explore the Criterion Collection by connecting the iconic films to each other through the greater tapestry of cinema.

Information

  • Creator
    Ian & McKenzie
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    119
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Ian & McKenzie
  • Show Website
    The Criterion Connection

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