Must-listen: Kevin Smith, Seth Rogen on 'Scene Unseen' podcast
Posted Monday, November 10, 2008 at 2:14 PM Central
by Tim Briscoe
Back in July, I counted down the best movie-related podcasts. I didn't rank them. Rather, I just listed the best five alphabetically. I wussed out.
I understand now that I made a bad mistake by not ranking them. For one thing, I should turn in my license as a crappy writer on the Internet for such a diplomatic stunt. In this medium every list must be a ranked list. Even if it's the Top 10 Bodily Fluids, it is a requirement that the list be ranked.
At least now I'm coming to my senses. My bigger realization is that the Scene Unseen podcast is by far the greatest movie-related podcast.
Here's why. Hosts Chris and Jimmy have a dynamite formula with lots of intelligent film debate. They have regular installments with an entertaining episode template. Above all else, their show is also a helluva lota fun.
After my original podcast post, I pointed out to some readers via email that Scene Unseen had become my numero uno. That was before their recent Blindness episode. That installment bumped them into the stratosphere of the best podcasts -- movie-related or not.
You see, for this episode Chris and Jimmy were joined by two special guests: Kevin Smith and Seth Rogen. If you don't know these two names you should stop reading now. You have no interest in what else I have to say.
The guys chit chat with Kevin and Seth (and Seth's girlfriend Lauren) about Blindness and other topics for over an hour. They totally comply with the format (accompanying Jimmy in the usual unseen role). As a result they come off as two incredibly cool dudes -- but I, and most likely you, already knew that.
You get to learn a lot about these cats' tastes and their abundant love for movies. You also learn little things about them. You get to hear Seth's annoying-as-hell laugh and the names of Kevin's dogs. (They recorded the episode at Kev's house.)
OK, now for the kicker. No where on their web site or on in their podcast feed do Chris and Jimmy mention the inclusion of Smith and Rogen on this show. This is akin to Led Zeppelin not putting a single damn word, let alone a title, on their fourth album cover -- one of the best albums ever recorded.
If I had two of the most interesting personalities in film on my podcast (if I had one), I'd be trumpeting it from the cyber rooftops. Of course this could be an oversight on their part but I doubt it. It's just cool.
They consider these dudes ordinary guests like the other friends they've had on the show. You can tell Seth and Kevin enjoy the experience. You will too.
The Blindness episode also marks Chris and Jimmy's 100th podcast. Here's hoping they will keep recording for several hundred more. (Chris and Jimmy talk about some movie titled Zack and Miri Make a Porno on their most recent episode.)
Listen to the Blindness episode now: