Episodes
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Episode 298: Magic Men
Two movies released at the same time, with similar topics, will always be compared to each other. This week, we take a look at The Illusionist (2006) and The Prestige (2006). Both films delve into the world of magicians and entertainers, to show how far someone will go to have the perfect act.…
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Episode 297: He Fixes the Cable?
Every once in a while, a movie comes along that is so different and unusual, that is leaves a mark on those who experience it. For many, that movie is the The Cable Guy (1996). Jim Carrey uses is comedic talents to weave a dark and lonely tale of a unique individual who is just looking for a...
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Episode 296: Hard Boogie
At one time or another, every director was a no-name. Someone had to give them chance. Paul Thomas Anderson tested what works in Hard Eight (1996) and showcased what he could do in Boogie Nights (1997). You can see the growth of the filmmaker as well as some of the common actors used. Let us know...
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Episode 295: Marty Mauser
A tale of a hustler who wreck everything in his path is one way to describe Marty Supreme (2025). This Oscar-nominated performance from Timothee Chalamet raises the question of where Chalamet is seeking only good roles, or is he making the roles that he takes. Let us know you thought on Timothee...
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Episode 294: Triple Rip the Chip
What happens when those who protect and serve, determine they need additional compensation? That's the theme with this week's movies: Triple Frontier (2019) and The Rip (2026). And while these movies have more in common than Ben Affleck, they each take a circuitous route to similar conclusions.…
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Episode 293: Con De Relay
***Apologies for the audio issues*** Let's dive into the evolution of cinematic surveillance by comparing Francis Ford Coppola’s masterpiece The Conversation (1974) with the high-stakes thriller Relay (2024). We look at how the analog paranoia of Harry Caul's world finds its modern echo in…
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Episode 292: The Running Men
You play to win the game, especially if that game means your life. We watched The Running Man (1987) and updated interpretation, The Running Man (2025). Both give deliver the action of running for your life, but the latter is more aligned with the original source material. We also talk about the...
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Episode 291: One Leo Film After Another
With award season upon us, we reviewed one of the most discussed movie this year, One Battle After Another (2025). The latest work from Paul Thomas Anderson highlights the struggle of revolutionaries and the effects their actions have on their families, and how the challenge for change is never...
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Episode 290: Candy Crush
After the Winter Olympics, we found something that America and Canada can agree on: John Candy. This lovable goof brought humor and joy to every role that he had, including Uncle Buck (1989) and Cool Runnings (1993). He blends sincerity and warmth with instant laughs. Leave us a comment about…
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Episode 289: Days of F1
The competition between teammates is strenuous, whether its Navy fighter pilots or auto racers. Both Days of Thunder (1990) and F1: The Movie (2025), showcase how the challenge of being the best, can bring enemies together and form strong friendships. The only thing missing is the beach…
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Episode 288: Del Toro's Monster-piece
There have been over 400 versions of Mary Shelley's saga, but Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein (2025), brings multiple viewpoints, as well as a new twist. It also raises the question of why this story continues to be told. Does it hold a larger meaning, or is it just a good monster tale? Let us...
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Episode 287: Farva Beans and a nice Chianti
One of the most celebrated movies of all time, Silence of the Lambs (1991) redefined the psychological drama. From taking you into the mind of a serial criminal to enhancing the fear and tension of a criminal hunt, this movie defined how crime drama would be told. Let us know your thoughts by...
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Episode 286: If its too loud, you're too old
Pirate radio and station takeovers are sometime necessary to get your message or songs heard. This week, we watched Pump Up The Volume (1990) and Airheads (1994). Two movies show the power of your voice and how you can impact the masses. Also Play: Cinema Chain Game...
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Episode 285: What Brade Has Never Had
What better way to start the new year, than with a hangover? And no hangover has been more hilarious than the one shared by Alan, Stu, Phil and Doug, in The Hangover (2009). This comedic tour reminds everyone of the perils and pitfalls that Las Vegas can offer. Have you ever had a hangover as bad...
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Episode 284: Merry Christmas to All
Come and explore the wonders of exterior illumination. We visit The Griswolds for traditional viewing of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989). We talk about how this silly, slapstick comedy became a staple of the holiday season, and what other movies may achieve its status in the holiday...
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Episode 283: Continued Dragon Training
Come fly with us to the isle of Berk, where we will get our 2nd lesson in dragon training. We watched the live action remake of How To Train Your Dragon (2025) and remembered how much we enjoyed the original. We also discuss why so many animated films of our youth are getting the live action...
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Episode 282: The Canadian Mounted
You might not be traveling this week, so we decided to cross the country with Steve Martin and John Candy in the road trip classic, Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987). We discuss our own travel mishaps, the ridiculously long original version of this film, and our favorite Thanksgiving foods.…
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Episode 281: Mr. Submarine
Make your depth and run on silent while we review the classic submarine movies, The Hunt For Red October (1990) and Crimson Tide (1995). These two films showcase the tension and drama that lies beneath the surface. Strong cast members help deliver these intense dramas. Which is your favorite...
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Episode 280: Serials
After visiting old Hollywood, we went more modern, but still on the noir vibe. We watched Copycat (1995) and The Bone Collector (1999). The rise of the sociopath started in the 1990s but continued on with these two films. And the similarities don't stop there. Lets us know your thoughts in the...
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Episode 279: The Pictures Got Small | Noirvember
This week, we celebrate the 75th anniversary of Sunset Boulevard (1950), the classic film noir that showcased the darker side of the Hollywood lifestyle. The film has inspired many movies that have followed and probably would have been made as a horror film today. Let us know what your thoughts...
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Episode 277: Hereditary Weapons | Octobereding, Pt. 5
As we come to the end of Octobereding, we saved the best for last. Hereditary (2018) follows a family journey into madness, after suffering several traumatic events. And Weapons (2025) is the latest from Zach Cregger, which provides several viewpoints of events to lead you to what actually...
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Episode 276: Pet Monkey | Octobereding, Pt. 4
It is Stephen King week, as we watched Pet Sematary (1989) and The Monkey (2025), both inspired by King's work. The prolific author has influenced many in the horror genre, with his works of suspense and sometimes gore. Let us know what your favorite King book or adaptation is, in the comments....
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Episode 275: Killer Blob of 1988 | Octobereding, Pt. 3
The campiness and cheesiness of the 80s and & 90s are on full display in the two movies we saw this week: The Blob (1988) and Killer Klowns from Outer Space (1988). Both appear to be made on a shoestring budget, with unseasoned actors. And that is why we love them. Or at least some of us do. Let…
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Episode 274: So Descent | Octobereding, Pt. 2
The journey into the unknown and mysterious drives many a horror film. The two that we watched this week, The Descent (2005) and As Above, So Below (2014), travel in different methods, but hit some of the same milestones. Is the journey real, or all in your head? Is there ever any possibility of...
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Episode 273: Horrarious | Octobereding, Pt. 1
We kick off Octobereding, with guest Tom Reding (@antifoodiex) with a search for Horror Comedies. Horror needs a little levity to balance out the suspense and terror. So we thought we would try Tucker and Dale versus Evil (2010) and Werewolves Within (2021). Each of them had a framework that…
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Episode 272: Three Days of Sneakers | Remembering Robert Redford
We wanted to celebrate the work of Robert Redford. He provided so many wonderful films and opportunities for new filmmakers to showcase their talents, with the Sundance Film Festival. We watched two of his spy-centric films in Three Days of the Condor (1975) and Sneakers (1992). But also check…
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Episode 271: Find Your Happy Place
The Sandman is back. Adam Sandler returns to the links with Happy Gilmore 2 (2025) which does a lot to remind us all of the original Happy Gilmore (1996), perhaps too much. The nostalgia-leaning and cameo-fueled sequel doesn't deliver as well, but it has its moments. So grab your golden jacket…
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Episode 270: Football Season...with Bob Hansen
As the weather cools and the pigskins start to fly, we thought it would be great to bring on fellow dad and youth football coach, Bob Hansen to talk about Friday Night....I mean Varsity Blues (1999). High school football in Texas, highlighted by career-altering injuries, the rise of underrated...
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Episode 269: SmokeStack Lightning
Original stories often lead to excellent films, and with Ryan Coogler at the helm, Sinners (2025) was bound to be a hit. We didn't know it would be this good. It covers so many stories, ideas and topics that we needed to bring in help, with friend of the pod, Charlie C. joining us. Make sure you...
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Episode 268: Industry of Cool
What would a 15-year old, you remember if you traveled the country with a rock-n-roll band, their "band-aids", and all the wild characters along the way? How would that shape your view on life, love, and overall sense of the world? Cameron Crowe lays out this scenario in his acclaimed classic,...
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Episode 267: A-Guy
Movies based on TV shows don't always succeed, but we love it when an idea comes together. In this case, two ideas worked: The A-Team (2010) and The Fall Guy (2024), both deliver on the enjoyment of the original show with updated action and comedy. Settle in as we discuss the fun experiences we…
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Episode 266: Is This Heaven?
Trusting that little voice in your head, or your cornfield, can be a daunting task. But sometimes, it leads to the most rewarding things you will ever do. Field of Dreams (1989) showed that believing in yourself will never steer you wrong. It also highlighted the connection with family, purpose…
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Episode 265: Feig Fest
Graduating from goofy side character to in-demand comedy director, Paul Feig launched his career with the groundbreaking film, Bridesmaids (2011) and then reunited with its breakout star, Melissa McCarthy, in Spy (2015). Both films show the comedic range of talented actresses, while avoiding...
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Episode 264: Guy Movies
When you start your film making career with two films like Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels (1998) and Snatch (2001), its a pretty good foundation. Guy Ritchie enhanced the crime and heist genre, with his unique British styling. And paving the way for more exciting interpretations of famous...
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Episode 263: Buddy Christ
Could a move like Kevin Smith's Dogma (1999) be made today? With its religious themes and discussion, add to the extensive cast, it would be a challenge to re-create the ideas that Smith had over 25 years ago. Much research and thought went into creating a movie that would tests existing thoughts...
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Episode 262: Don't Call Me Shirley
Do we have clearance, Clarence? This week, we revisit an all-time comedy classic, Airplane (1980). One of the trailblazers of the spoof comedy, this film shows how good writing, comedy timing, and subversion of expectation, can create a masterpiece that still holds up 45 years later. Is it the…
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Episode 261: Hey Jude
While his classical good looks have helped, Jude Law also has the acting skills to be the complete package. We watched his most recent film, The Order (2024), where is portrays a FBI agent hunting down a violent separatists. We also dug into the past to watch his earlier work in Gattaca (1997)....
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Episode 260: Necessary Sequels?
Do all good movies require a sequel? We ask that question for two recent releases, Den of Thieves: Pantera (2025) and The Accountant 2 (2025). The original films were very enjoyable and exciting, but is there enough meat on the bone for a second trip? Why is it so hard to follow up a good film?…
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Episode 259: Casino
Some consider Casino (1995), the best collaboration between Robert DeNiro, Joe Pesci, and Martin Scorsese. Others think it just a re-hash of previously told stories. So we went back and watched it. New characters and new locations bring something different to a tale about trying to find success…
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Episode 258: Mickey Good Time
As he has grown, Robert Pattinson has become one of the more versitile actor in Hollywood. His evolution has taken him to the stars and beyond with his latest, Mickey 17 (2025) from acclaimed director Bong Joon Ho. Its a wild space adventure that needs to be seen, but we cannot forget his earlier...
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Episode 257: RT Challenge 0-9% | Cobra-Dome: The Revenge
How bad can a movie truly be? We put that theory to the test with 3 movies rated in the less than 10% approval rating from Rotten Tomatoes. Those movies: Cobra (1986), Jaws: The Revenge (1987), and Bio-Dome (1996) all have poor acting, worse writing, and plot holes galore. But they may also have...
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Episode 256: Let's Go To The Mall ... Today!
Thirty years ago, the life of a teenager revolved around a common 3rd space: The mall. Whether you were a Beverly Hills trust fund baby or a suburban comic book nerd, your story was being told in Clueless (1995) and MallRats (1995), respectively. We know you are excited to revisit these movies…
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Episode 255: Consumer Recreational Services
What if everything you knew, was a trick? An elaborate scheme designed to control your thoughts, emotions, and actions? Would you be able to handle it? Decipher it? Find the puppet master without suffering a mental breakdown? These are the questions that David Fincher asks with his dark thriller,...
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Episode 254: Invisible Wolf
Is there a space for the classic monsters of Hollywood's past? Writer-Director Leigh Whannell believes so and has crafted two new entires: The Invisible Man (2020) and Wolf Man (2024). These re-imaging stories provide more than your standard horror fare, while still providing the thrills and…
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Episode 253: Keyser Soze
The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled...was creating a movie that stands the test of time. The Usual Suspects (1995) continues to amaze audiences, even if they understand the movie. The stylized story telling has been copied and imitated in movie, television, and music. Come, listen and lets…
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Episode 252: The Weird Club
While not the first, but perhaps the most memorable to highlight the life of teenagers, John Hughes made some of the most influential films of the 1980s. Two of those films, Weird Science (1985) and The Breakfast Club (1985) both dealt with teens finding out who they truly are and how to navigate...
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Episode 251: Truth and Lies, Pt. 2 | Remember Sammy Jankis
Innovative filmmakers should always be given the opportunity to showcase their talents. This is what Memento (2000) delivers from an early Christopher Nolan. Born of an idea from his brother, the unique presentation aids to the confusion, mystery, and thriller elements of this film. It will make...
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Episode 250: Truth and Lies, Pt. 1 | Defense Mechanisms
Can processing trauma lead to more intense trauma? Martin Scorsese asks this in his noir thriller, Shutter Island (2010). His exploration on the fine line between reality and delusion addresses how people deal with grief and tragedy. The amazing cast delivers an Oscar worthy performance. Let us...
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Episode 249: Pretty Ani
The more things change, the more they stay the same. Its been more than 20 years since we were introduced to the fairy tale romance that is Pretty Woman (1990), and now the most celebrated movie of the year is Anora (2024). While there are some obvious parallels, Anora digs below the surface to...
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Episode 248: Remembering Gene Hackman | Hoosiers
We recently lost the great actor, Gene Hackman, and we wanted to honor him and his legacy by reviewing the classic, Hoosiers (1986). This film paved the way for all underdog sports stories and Gene's role outline a roadmap for future movie coaches. We also talk about the range of Hackman and his...