Welcome to The Reel Schmooze with ToI film reviewer Jordan Hoffman and host Amanda Borschel-Dan, where we bring you all the entertainment news and film reviews a Jew can use.

In today’s escapism episode, movie maven Hoffman begins with a recommendation of a new, very Jewy podcast, Classical Music Happy Hour with pianist Emanuel Ax.

WATCH this episode here:

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February 14, 2026'BlacKkKlansman' and 'The Butcher's Stain': Evil racism at its most entertaining

'BlacKkKlansman' and 'The Butcher's Stain': Evil racism at its most entertaining

February 7, 2026'Melania' and 'Zelig': Mockumentary at its finest

'Melania' and 'Zelig': Mockumentary at its finest

January 31, 2026Comic neuroses in Jesse Eisenberg's 'A Real Pain'

Comic neuroses in Jesse Eisenberg's 'A Real Pain'

We then discuss the 2025 independent film, “Fantasy Life,” written and directed by Matthew Shear. His directorial debut is produced by and stars Amanda Peet, Shear, and a slew of Jewish (or Jew-ish) actors, including Alessandro Nivola, Judd Hirsch, Bob Balaban, Andrea Martin and Zosia Mamet.

Next, we turn to the classic Larry David series, “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” which Borschel-Dan had never seen. Hoffman assigned her the iconic “Palestinian Chicken” episode. See how she liked it.

Check out who got the “oy,” the “meh” and the “not bad” marks in this week’s The Reel Schmooze.

The Reel Schmooze is produced by Ari Schlacht and can be found wherever you get your podcasts.

Check out last week’s The Reel Schmooze here:

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