The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz Episode: Local Hour: That's Why They Call Me Marco
Release Date: March 3, 2025

Overview

In this engaging episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz, hosts Dan Le Batard and Stugotz dive deep into the recent Academy Awards, dissecting its impact on the film industry, particularly focusing on the state of movie theaters in the post-COVID era. Joined by contributors Mike Ryan, Greg Cody, Adnan Virk, and Jessica, the team navigates through critiques of the ceremony's execution, the challenges faced by independent films, and proposes innovative solutions to rejuvenate the theatrical experience.

1. The Oscars: Triumphs and Tribulations

Discussion Highlights: The conversation kicks off with Adnan Virk and Jessica analyzing the outcomes of the recent Oscars. They commend the success of independent films like Nora and The Brutalist, highlighting their achievements amidst a competitive field. However, they also express disappointment over perceived snubs, particularly concerning actors like Demi Moore and the controversial moves by Adrien Brody.

Notable Quotes:

• Adnan Virk ([02:14]): "As I said before, cinema in general really did well. The Brutalist still did very well to be able to say we got best actor, best score, and best cinematography."
• Jessica ([03:00]): "Demi Moore... she's got to be the biggest loser of the night."

2. The Decline of Movie Theaters

Discussion Highlights: A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the precarious state of movie theaters. Jessica articulates concerns over the industry's reliance on box office revenues and the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The hosts argue that the shift towards streaming services has undermined traditional theatrical releases, threatening the lifeblood of cinematic art.

Notable Quotes:

• Jessica ([05:04]): "The importance of going to the movies... that is the lifeblood of the industry that you and I love so much."
• Mike Ryan ([08:54]): "What's happening in Hollywood right now will kill the movies unless the theaters keep it alive."

3. Proposals for Revitalizing Theatrical Releases

Discussion Highlights: Stugotz and the team brainstorm potential solutions to revitalize movie theaters. Suggestions include segregating streaming releases from theatrical-only films in award categories to emphasize the unique value of the cinema experience. Additionally, they contemplate restructuring the Oscars to be more concise and engaging, possibly by adopting a segmented format akin to a television series.

Notable Quotes:

• Stugotz ([08:54]): "The Oscars need to recognize that and resuscitate the whole theater experience by making theatrical releases their own category."
• Billy ([34:18]): "What if instead of, you know, a four hour, five hour ceremony, you release the Oscars on Netflix as a four part award ceremony with cliffhangers at the end of every episode?"

4. Critique of the Oscar Ceremony Structure

Discussion Highlights: The hosts critique the traditional format of the Oscars, labeling it as excessively long and outdated. They discuss how the prolonged runtime alienates younger audiences and fails to maintain engagement. The conversation points to specific moments in the ceremony, such as Adrien Brody's speech, which they felt detracted from the event's overall quality.

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Ryan ([02:30]): "The runtime, the whole point of 7:00pm Eastern... I know maybe it sounds like I'm quibbling over 15 minutes, but it felt bloated."
• Dan Le Batard ([14:28]): "He didn't waste our time and it didn't run late because he was just bullshitting in the middle of the show. It ran late because they did a random 10 minute ode to James Bond."

5. The Future of Action Franchises

Discussion Highlights: A spirited debate ensues over the future of long-standing action franchises like James Bond and Jason Bourne. The hosts express mixed feelings about the recent directions these franchises are taking, with concerns about the dilution of their original essence due to continuous resurrections and ownership changes.

Notable Quotes:

• Greg Cody ([17:42]): "There have been too many [James Bonds]."
• Mike Ryan ([15:50]): "Daniel Craig... gave up on us. Decided, you know what? I'm gonna be selfless and I'm gonna sacrifice myself and I'm gonna die."

6. Technical Glitches and Flow of the Show

Discussion Highlights: Intermittent technical issues and interruptions are briefly touched upon, with the team humorously addressing the challenges of maintaining a seamless broadcast. These moments add a layer of authenticity and camaraderie among the hosts.

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Ryan ([05:04]): "The Hulu feed crash, that's one of the biggest losers of the night."

7. The Role of Journalism in Sports Broadcasting

Discussion Highlights: Towards the episode's conclusion, the conversation shifts to the intersection of journalism and sports broadcasting. Mike Ryan grapples with his journalistic integrity while being honored to support local sports teams, highlighting the delicate balance between professionalism and fandom.

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Ryan ([36:17]): "I'm at a journalistic crossroads today."
• Stugotz ([36:43]): "You are abdicating all sense of journalism by literally becoming a cheerleader for the Panthers."

Conclusion

This episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz offers a multifaceted exploration of the current state of the film industry, particularly emphasizing the challenges faced by movie theaters and independent films. Through incisive critiques and creative brainstorming, the hosts advocate for meaningful changes to preserve the cinematic arts. Their candid discussions, enriched with humor and personal insights, provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the evolving landscape of entertainment.

Notable Moments:

• Adrien Brody's Oscar Speech ([26:17]): The team criticizes Brody for perceived self-importance and interfering with the show's flow.
• Creative Solutions for the Oscars ([34:18]): Billy proposes transforming the Oscars into a multi-part series on streaming platforms to enhance engagement.

Key Takeaways:

• The necessity to preserve and support movie theaters against the rise of streaming platforms.
• The potential overhaul of the Oscars to make them more concise and audience-friendly.
• The importance of maintaining journalistic integrity within sports broadcasting.