The Woody Allen Retrospective Podcast

Donald Wunder & James Daniel Walsh
  • 3.7 (34)
  • FILM REVIEWS
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Cinema loving schlubs that discuss, review, critique and debate the finer points of EVERY Woody Allen production. Alternatively, we also talk about other film projects we find has adjacent qualities to Woodys work or writing style - this includes submissions and suggestions from our lovely subscribers and humble listeners

  1. Woody Adjacent – Jim Carrey, Ed Harris & Peter Weir – The Truman Show (1998)

    JAN 30

    Woody Adjacent – Jim Carrey, Ed Harris & Peter Weir – The Truman Show (1998)

    Welcome everybody, to 2026, here at the Woody Allen Retrospective Podcast we are very excited to start the year off with a HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT!   Well.. this announcement is actually something our listeners have been asking for pretty vocally in recent years.. and after much dilberation and calculation.. it actually makes a crazy kind of sense   WHAT THE HELL ARE WE TALKING ABOUT?!?!.. lol   Well… I am happy and a bit overwhelmed to let you all know that Myself (Don) and James Daniel Walsh are planning a RE-RETROSPECTIVE look at Woody Allens entire Filmography… yup it’s hapeening!   Well… its happening in October 2026 to be precise… why such a long wait.. well, there is a bit of prep work that is involved this time around, including creating a new YouTube channel and maybe even getting a fellow collaborator involved – its exciting on one hand and a bit stressful on the other.   Let’s leave it at that for now.. more updates will follow as things develop  we do hope you are happy with this announcement though!   Anyhow… putting that aside FOR NOW.. another year.. another adjacent episode ahoy!     Todays adjacent pick is from James and it is one we have put off for a few months due to one thing or another.. well, todays the day for us to talk about: The Truman Show (1998)   ================================================================   For full cast details, user reviews, and more background on the film, check out:   📌 Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Truman_Show   📌 IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120382/   📌 Rotten Tomatoes: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/truman_show   =================================================================   A VERY Special Thanks to The Woody Allen Pages Website & The Woody Allen Subreddit for their continued support and info - check them out for the latest from the Woody Allen Fan Community!   https://www.woodyallenpages.com & https://www.reddit.com/r/woodyallen   PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT on this or any other episode using our comment section video link here >>> https://bit.ly/warpcom   If you like the show, please consider buying us a coffee / giving us a tip via our Patreon campaign >>> https://www.patreon.com/woodyretro   Thanks for listening as always! We would also LOVE a review on iTunes or a 5-star rating via Spotify or whichever podcast platform you are listening on. Please fin

    1h 30m
  2. Woody Adjacent – Liev Schreiber, Eugene Hutz & Elijah Wood - Everything Is Illuminated (2005)

    12/26/2025

    Woody Adjacent – Liev Schreiber, Eugene Hutz & Elijah Wood - Everything Is Illuminated (2005)

    Welcome back to another episode of Woody Allen Adjacent… in fact… we made it to the end of 2025, baby!   Unfortunately, we have to start this episode by addressing the terribly tragic passing of a true Hollywood legend, Rob Reiner.   It’s a genuinely awful turn of events, and one that’s still unfolding. We felt it was important to speak on it briefly before getting into our final Adjacent episode proper, but before we even get there, we just want to give a MASSIVE shout-out to all our listeners, subscribers, and Patrons for your continued love and support. Whether you’ve been rocking with us all the way back in 2017, or you’ve only just recently joined the show, we truly appreciate your time, your messages, and your well wishes.   Looking ahead, next month we’ve got a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT coming - one that will mark the beginning of the end of this podcast in the best possible way. So definitely stay tuned for that!   Moving on…   For the last Adjacent episode of this year, we defer to our AI Assistant for the movie pick - and we ended up having quite a fun discussion with this one.   We’re talking about Everything Is Illuminated (2005), a thoughtful, darkly comic road-trip film that might honestly need a little justification for today’s conversation…   AND it just so happens to be celebrating its 20-year anniversary too — great timing, aye :P   ================================================================   For full cast details, user reviews, and more background on the film, check out:   📌 Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Everything_Is_Illuminated_(film)   📌 IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0404030/?ref_=nm_knf_t_1   📌 Rotten Tomatoes: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/everything_is_illuminated   ======================================================   A VERY Special Thanks to The Woody Allen Pages Website & The Woody Allen Subreddit for their continued support and info - check them out for the latest from the Woody Allen Fan Community!   https://www.woodyallenpages.com & https://www.reddit.com/r/woodyallen   PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT on this or any other episode using our comment section video link here >>> https://bit.ly/warpcom   If you like the show, please consider buying us a coffee / giving us a tip via our Patreon campaign >>> https://www.patreon.com/woodyretro   Thanks for listening as always! We would also LOVE a review on iTunes or a 5-star rating via Spotify or whichever podcast platform you are listening on. Please find all our connected links below: https://linktr.ee/woodyretro

    1h 20m
  3. Not Woody Actually 06: Diane Keaton - The World Without Annie Hall - A Tribute

    11/24/2025

    Not Woody Actually 06: Diane Keaton - The World Without Annie Hall - A Tribute

    In this special episode, Don and James take a heartfelt pause to honour the life and legacy of the incomparable legend that is… was… Diane Keaton (1946–2025).   This outstanding actress, creative force, and undeniable muse to Woody Allen was one of the most charming and lovable souls ever to grace the world of acting - let alone walk the halls of Hollywood with her unmistakable wit, presence, style and charisma.   Her passing was truly shocking and deeply sad… and even though a few weeks have now gone by, we still feel the void left by her absence.   It was fascinating revisiting all the projects Diane created outside of her work with Woody.. and in this episode, our trusty AI Assistant also jumps in to deliver a thoughtful tribute, spotlighting her lesser-known pursuits as a photographer, director, author, and style icon.   Honestly, we could have spoken about her for hours… but we tried to keep this episode concise, knowing we’ll certainly be returning for future Diane-focused discussions. Stay tuned for that!   For now, we simply say: Rest in peace, Diane Keaton. You will be sorely missed. XXX   Please check out the related links below for everything we discussed on this episode, as well as additional materials we think you’ll enjoy.   _____________________________________________   This Cool Ai Time Lapse of Diane Keatons life!   E! Hollywood DK Tribute Video   The 'Heaven' Documentary (1987)   David Letterman Heaven / Hell Interview   A Charmingly Chaotic Interview On "The Colbert Report"   Keanu Reeves Recalls Diane Keaton's "Extraordinary, Unique" Acting Style   ___________________________________________   A VERY Special Thanks to The Woody Allen Pages Website & The Woody Allen Subreddit for their continued support and info - check them out for the latest from the Woody Allen Fan Community!   https://www.woodyallenpages.com & https://www.reddit.com/r/woodyallen   PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT on this or any other episode using our comment section video link here >>> https://bit.ly/warpcom   If you like the show, please consider buying us a coffee / giving us a tip via our Patreon campaign >>> https://www.patreon.com/woodyretro   Thanks for listening as always! We would also LOVE a review on iTunes or a 5-star rating via Spotify or whichever podcast platform you are listening on. Please find all our connected links below: https://linktr.ee/woodyretro

    1h 46m
  4. Woody Adjacent - Zach Braff, Evelyne Brochu & Vanessa Hudgens — French Girl (2024)

    10/27/2025

    Woody Adjacent - Zach Braff, Evelyne Brochu & Vanessa Hudgens — French Girl (2024)

    We begin this episode by acknowledging the passing of a truly incredible actress — one who played a pivotal role in the life and legacy of Woody Allen, among many others in Hollywood and beyond. Diane Keaton (1946–2025) will be deeply missed.     She passed away the very next day after we recorded this episode, and I (Don) actually found out during the editing phase. Soon after, James and I spoke about it briefly, and we’ll be dedicating a few special episodes to Diane — the next one after this, for sure.     Until then, we send our warmest thoughts to the Keaton family as we remember and celebrate a wholly original, endlessly inspiring woman — an actress, mother, friend, and creative spirit unlike any other.     ______________________________________________________     On this episode of Woody Adjacent, we’re taking on another Reddit request — and likely the last for a while since we’ve got a long list of adjacent films ahead!     French Girl (2024), starring Zach Braff, Evelyne Brochu, and Vanessa Hudgens, directed by James A. Woods and Nicolas Wright is our focus today.     It’s a film that’s divided audiences but also carved out an interesting little niche fanbase... it certainly gave us plenty to talk about!     James and I dig into whether it’s a modern Meet the Parents, a Canadian Two Days in Paris, or something else entirely — and how its blend of sincerity and slapstick comedy tries to makes a case that love really is the most confusing language of all.   Was this case made for the film.... well... let's discuss!   Links Mentioned In This Episode__________________   Woody Allen Free Press Interview   https://youtu.be/xc9tEipzWUk?si=zFlYjWKnnfL3wExb     Diane Keaton - Remembering Diane Keaton By ET   https://youtu.be/n9M6Z8Xnmus?si=kwox6GVaTK6KM785     For full cast details, user reviews, and more background on the film, check out:   📌 Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_Girl   📌 IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt23319892/   📌 Rotten Tomatoes: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/french_girl   ___________________________________________   A VERY Special Thanks to The Woody Allen Pages Website & The Woody Allen Subreddit for their continued support and info - check them out for the latest from the Woody Allen Fan Community!   https://www.woodyallenpages.com & https://www.reddit.com/r/woodyallen   PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT on this or any other episode using our comment section video link here >>> https://bit.ly/warpcom   If you like the show, please consider buying us a coffee / giving us a tip via our Patreon campaign >>> https://www.patreon.com/woodyretro   Thanks for listening as always! We would also LOVE a review on iTunes or a 5-star rating via Spotify or whichever podcast platform you are listening on. Please find all our connected links below: https://linktr.ee/woodyretro

    1h 24m
  5. Woody Adjacent – Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal & Chris Evans – Materialists (2025)

    09/26/2025

    Woody Adjacent – Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal & Chris Evans – Materialists (2025)

    We’re back again — fresh off our little Not Woody Actually detour — with another thoughtful instillment of Woody Allen Adjacent!   This time, Donald and James turn their attention to Celine Song’s The Materialists. Marketed like a conventional romantic comedy, the film instead plays out as a melancholic character study about love, ambition, and the ways relationships risk becoming transactional rather than organic.   It’s a distinctly modern take on dating and connection — one that’s clearly split audiences, even as the critics seem to adore this one. (Critics vs. audiences… go figure. :P)   We ended up pretty mixed ourselves, but between the strong craft, the solid performances, and the themes at play, The Materialists made for another fascinating Woody Adjacent discussion.!       For full cast details, user reviews, and more background on the film, check out:   📌 Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Materialists_(film)   📌 IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30253473/   📌 Rotten Tomatoes: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30253473/   ___________________________________________   A VERY Special Thanks to The Woody Allen Pages Website & The Woody Allen Subreddit for their continued support and info - check them out for the latest from the Woody Allen Fan Community!   https://www.woodyallenpages.com & https://www.reddit.com/r/woodyallen   PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT on this or any other episode using our comment section video link here >>> https://bit.ly/warpcom   If you like the show, please consider buying us a coffee / giving us a tip via our Patreon campaign >>> https://www.patreon.com/woodyretro   Thanks for listening as always! We would also LOVE a review on iTunes or a 5-star rating via Spotify or whichever podcast platform you are listening on. Please find all our connected links below: https://linktr.ee/woodyretro

    1h 19m
  6. Not Woody Actually #05: What's With Bill?

    09/09/2025

    Not Woody Actually #05: What's With Bill?

    Well.. it seems Woody Allen just recently had a podcast 'interview' with Bill Maher which you should check out here if you have not already....   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaNryNkjPm0   Erm... this interview was a pretty big missed opportunity that the fans are quite frustrated with.. and for good reason.. i mean, you can just read the youtube comments.. anyhow.. here's our take on things before our next adjacent episode currently in the editing phase :)

    40 min

  7. 08/28/2025

    Woody Adjacent – Steven Weber, Patrick Stewart & Michael T. Weiss – Jeffrey (1995)

    Welcome back to the Woody Allen Retrospective Podcast for another episode of Woody Allen Adjacent!   This time around, Donald and James are diving into Jeffrey (1995), Paul Rudnick’s adaptation of his own stage play — a gay romantic comedy that mixes humour, fear, and tenderness against the backdrop of the AIDS crisis.    It was another thoughtful conversation where we went a bit off script and had a mini extended chat on our first expereinces with queer cinema - as such we wanted to highlight and also recommend:   Chuck & Buck Philadelphia I Love You Phillip Morris But I'm A Cheerleader Brokeback Mountain Shortbus Dallas Buyers Club DICKS: THE MUSICAL    *We will update the list above as we remember more we wanted to spotlight!   Suffice to say we would love for you guys to jump in and leave a comment in our 'comment section video' >>> https://bit.ly/warpcom   _______________________________________________   For full cast details, user reviews, and more background on the film, check out:   📌 Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeffrey_(1995_film)   📌 IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0113464/   📌 Rotten Tomatoes: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/jeffrey     ___________________________________________   A VERY Special Thanks to The Woody Allen Pages Website & The Woody Allen Subreddit for their continued support and info - check them out for the latest from the Woody Allen Fan Community!   https://www.woodyallenpages.com & https://www.reddit.com/r/woodyallen   PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT on this or any other episode using our comment section video link here >>> https://bit.ly/warpcom   If you like the show, please consider buying us a coffee / giving us a tip via our Patreon campaign >>> https://www.patreon.com/woodyretro   Thanks for listening as always! We would also LOVE a review on iTunes or a 5-star rating via Spotify or whichever podcast platform you are listening on. Please find all our connected links below: https://linktr.ee/woodyretro

    1h 47m
  8. Not Woody Actually #04: A Travesty of a Mockery of a Sham *Book Discussion*

    07/30/2025

    Not Woody Actually #04: A Travesty of a Mockery of a Sham *Book Discussion*

    Welcome back to another episode of Not Woody Actually — where we go somewhat off the rails and discuss things even more loosely related to Woody Allen than our Adjacent series.   In this episode, Don takes a solo deep-dive into a long-overdue topic: Patrick McGilligan’s 2025 biography of Woody Allen, A Travesty of a Mockery of a Sham.   This is no light read — we’re talking 848 pages or 34 hours on Audible of dense, detailed Woody Allen history. But it might just be the most comprehensive biography of Allen ever written not by the man himself. Don lightly unpacks the book’s tone, structure, strengths, and shortcomings — and shares a few surprising insights along the way.   With help from our trusty AI Assistant, we introduce the author, explore the book’s critical reception, and — as a bonus — Don reveals how reading Sham led him to a rare, long-forgotten Woody Allen biography… which in turn became a side project that true fans will definitely appreciate.   We also want to apologize to those of you who’ve been waiting a while for this discussion. As mentioned in the intro, James and Don have been deep in conversation about the podcast’s future — and that made this the perfect moment to release this solo recording instead of another Adjacent episode.   We hope you enjoy this shorter-than-usual but long-awaited episode — and if you’ve read Sham or have thoughts of your own, we’d love to hear from you. Drop your comments in our special tracked comment section linked below.   Thanks, as always, for your continued support and patience. 😊       🔗 Links Mentioned In this Episode:   Full Interview with Patrick McGilligan on the Kingdom of Dreams Podcast https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnwW6GhLy9g   _______________________________________________   For full cast details, user reviews, and more background on the film, check out:   📌 Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrick_McGilligan_(biographer)   📌 Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Woody-Allen-Legacy-Travesty-Mockery/dp/B0BSVR9C7W   📌 Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/134283650-woody-allen   ___________________________________________   A VERY Special Thanks to The Woody Allen Pages Website & The Woody Allen Subreddit for their continued support and info - check them out for the latest from the Woody Allen Fan Community!   https://www.woodyallenpages.com & https://www.reddit.com/r/woodyallen   PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT on this or any other episode using our comment section video link here >>> https://bit.ly/warpcom   If you like the show, please consider buying us a coffee / giving us a tip via our Patreon campaign >>> https://www.patreon.com/woodyretro   Thanks for listening as always! We would also LOVE a review on iTunes or a 5-star rating via Spotify or whichever podcast platform you are listening on. Please find all our connected links below: https://linktr.ee/woodyretro

    39 min
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Cinema loving schlubs that discuss, review, critique and debate the finer points of EVERY Woody Allen production. Alternatively, we also talk about other film projects we find has adjacent qualities to Woodys work or writing style - this includes submissions and suggestions from our lovely subscribers and humble listeners

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