Is "The Great Gatsby" great? It's been the question on movie enthusiasts' minds for the past several months. Rafer and Kristen weigh in on the Leonardo Di Caprio-led movie, share their knowledge of the book, and compare the film to prior adaptations. They also weigh in on another Long Island movie about class differences hitting theatres this week: "Peeples," starring Kerry Washington and Craig Robinson.

In this week's Movie Date podcast, Rafer and Kristen discuss Gwyneth Paltrow's abs, Kate Hudson's divisive acting skills, action sequences that make Kristen clap, and the best terrorism-themed movies for making out during. It's all in honor of this week's two terrorism-themed films: "The Reluctant Fundamentalist" and "Iron Man 3."

In this week's Movie Date podcast, Rafer and Kristen talk about why we should all aspire to the motto, "do be a doer," as opposed to "don't be a don'ter." They also discuss middle-aged sex, wedding hook-ups, and Chef Boyardee. Special guest Cate Contino Cowit gives her insights as well. It's all in honor of the new action-crime-comedy, "Pain and Gain" starring Mark Wahlberg, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, and Anthony Mackie; and the romantic comedy, "The Big Wedding," starring Robert De Niro, Susan Sarandon, Diane Keaton, Amanda Seyfried, Robin Williams, and Topher Grace.

This week's Movie Date podcast is arriving a few days late, as Kristen was dedicating all of last week's working hours to covering the news in Boston. But it's still packed with Rafer and Kristen freshness! On the chopping block: "The Company You Keep," a thriller about what happens when radical terrorists hit middle age; and "Oblivion," a sci-fi adventure about what happens when Tom Cruise refuses to mature beyond his "Top Gun" years. Thanks for your patience, Movie Daters!

In this week's Movie Date podcast, Rafer and Kristen debate whether the new movie "42" is the story of Jackie Robinson, the story of the integration of baseball, or another story all together. They also discuss the new film, "The Place Beyond the Pines," which stars Ryan Gosling, Eva Mendes, and Bradley Cooper as a bunch of sad people living extremely sad lives. Guess which one made Kristen cry? And guess which one helped Rafer teach his son an important lesson?

In this week's Movie Date podcast, Rafer and Kristen look at three very different stories of survival, one of which is a reboot ("Jurassic Park 3D"), one of which is a remake ("Evil Dead"), and one of which is a serious documentary ("No Place on Earth").

This week's Movie Date podcast explores the complexities of "G.I. Joe: Retaliation," the cultural implications of "The Host," the role of geometry in romantic entanglements, and the race of ninjas in ancient Japan. Along the way, Rafer and Kristen ask: What the hell is going on at this moment on screen? Is that a good guy or bad guy? And can I make out during this film?

In this week's Movie Date podcast, Rafer points out a certain animated character's skimpy clothing, Kristen admits to more than Rafer can handle, and both of them sing the praises of Olivia Newton-John. It's all in honor of this weekend's big releases: "Admission," "The Croods," and "Olympus Has Fallen."

In this week's Movie Date podcast, Rafer confesses to being a magic nerd, Kristen talks about girl-on-girl action, Rafer admits to liking big beds, and Kristen uses some barnyard language. It's all in honor of "The Call," "The Incredible Burt Wonderstone," "Ginger and Rosa," and "Spring Breakers.

In this week's Movie Date podcast, Rafer and Kristen review "Dead Man Down," "Emperor," and "Oz: The Great and Powerful." Along the way, they contemplate the power of Tyler Perry, the scariness of The Incredible Hulk, and the style choices of Joan Crawford. A warning: this week's trivia question refers to a certain college past time involving marijuana, "The Wizard of Oz," and Pink Floyd.  

In this week's Movie Date podcast, Rafer and Kristen are joined by Jeff Yang, who writes the Wall Street Journal's Tao Jones column. Jeff shares his thoughts on the new movie, "21 and Over" - from its depiction of race, to whether it's just a cheap mash-up of "Weekend at Bernie's" and "The Hangover." Along the way, Rafer admits he doesn't remember his twenty first birthday, Kristen falls asleep, and Jeff clarifies that he's not really Jackie Chan (even though he wrote a book called, "I Am Jackie Chan"). Other films discussed in this podcast include the Cold War thriller, "Phantom" and the fairy tale reboot "Jack the Giant Slayer."

In this week's Movie Date podcast, Rafer and Kristen's bickering isn't restricted to the online world. Instead, it's made available to radio listeners all over the country. It's their first hour-long special for the airwaves, and it's all in honor of Hollywood's biggest night. Ladies and gentleman, "Movie Date Presents: Oscar...Totally Naked." 

And yes, Rafer and Kristen are naked throughout.

In this week's Movie Date podcast, Kristen and Rafer debate whether today is, in fact, a good day to die hard, or merely a fine one. They also discuss the merits of cuddling, creamy white stationary, witchcraft, and weird sexual hang-ups. It's all in honor of this week's releases: "Safe Haven," "Beautiful Creatures," and "A Good Day to Die Hard." Warning: if you don't know what plushies are now, you might after this podcast. Also, if you haven't already, check out this very special Valentine to Rafer, on Babes of NPR.

In this week's Movie Date podcast, Rafer and Kristen compare notes on their favorite pharmaceutical drug names. They also ask some big questions, including: Does volleyball really need to be seen in 3D? Should Steven Soderbergh retire? And if the only good part of a date is the kissing at the end...is it really a good date? It's all in honor of this week's big releases: "Top Gun 3D," "Side Effects," and "Identity Thief."

In this week's podcast, Rafer and Kristen play a game of would you rather involving racist hitmen versus zombie kidnappers. Will Rafer choose to be kidnapped? Will Kristen decide on racism? Find out, and along the way, get their thoughts on "Stand Up Guys," "Warm Bodies," and "Bullet to the Head."

In this week's Movie Date podcast, Rafer and Kristen review "Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters," and in the process, are forced to explore one of Rafer's least favorite movie themes in recent years: the sibling romance. Other movies discussed this week are "Parker," starring Jason Statham and Jennifer Lopez; and "Movie 43," starring Kate Winslet, Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry, Emma Stone, Kate Bosworth, Uma Thurman, and everyone else in Hollywood. Warning to the easily queasy: this podcast includes talk of fecal matter, brother-sister romance, brother-brother romance, misogyny, and menstruation.

Welcome to the third Movie Date Award Season Dispatch - in which Rafer and Kristen do not talk about award season at all, and instead focus on the strange intersections of politics and performance. Each dispatch is taken from a live interview, led by WNYC's Amy Eddings, and broadcast during All Things Considered on WNYC.

In this week's Movie Date podcast, Rafer responds to one of Kristen's harshest critics - with a giant spoonful of sugar. Rafer and Kristen also give their thoughts on this week's big releases: "Mama," starring Jessica Chastain; "Broken City," starring Russell Crowe, Mark Wahlberg, and Catherine Zeta Jones, and "The Last Stand," starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. Advanced warning: if you can't stand sincere soft rock, you might want to fast-forward through this week's trivia question.    

Welcome to the second of several Movie Date Award Season Dispatches. Each dispatch is taken from a live interview, led by WNYC's Amy Eddings, and broadcast during All Things Considered on WNYC. In this dispatch, Rafer and Kristen share their thoughts on the Golden Globes - from the hosting to the winners to that speech by Lifetime Achievement winner Jodie Foster.