PODCAST · tv
Check The Gate: A Film Lovers Deep Dive
by Robert, Brandon, & Michael
We're Spinning Off! No longer tied to the constraints of the AFI Top 100.Bert, Brandon, and Michael are now deep diving any and all genres of film both old and new! For old episodes check out Check the Gate: An AFI Deep Dive!https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/check-the-gate-an-afi-deep-dive/id1525041484
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43
Minority Report
In this episode, we go unhinged on Minority Report: Tom Cruise’s PreCrime unit arrests murderers before they act—until the system declares him the next killer, flipping his world into chaos. We break down the absurd jetpack chase, the skin-crawling spider bots, and the eerie, snot-nosed doctor and nurse with their unsettling nursery rhyme as they swap his eyes. At the core is the precogs’ nightmare: three siblings drugged and caged in fluid, their minds and autonomy sacrificed for a flawless, crime-free society. Is it ethical to enslave the few for the many? The precogs’ verdict is a resounding no. Buckle up.
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42
Eyes Wide Shut
We dive into Stanley Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut as his final, veiled revelation about elite secret societies and their hidden rituals. A casual confession propels Tom Cruise into a surreal night of masked orgies, anonymous threats, and symbolic ceremonies that mirror alleged real-world power structures. We examine the Illuminati-esque masks and red cloaks, the suspicious timing of Kubrick’s death after the final cut, and that closing line as a stark warning: once you see behind the facade, there's no unseeing it.
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41
Mission: Impossible
Our Mission should we choose to accept it: Breaking down the film that kickstarted a massive franchise! From the absolute BANGER of a score, shocking mask removals, the iconic Langley repelling scene, and the explosive finale, Tom Cruise keeps us on the edge of our seats! This Podcast will self destruct in 5...4...3...
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40
Oscars 2026
It's time for our Annual Oscar Special!! The guys lock in their picks for who will take home gold at the 2026 Academy Awards!
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39
A Few Good Men
You can't handle this...podcast? Join us as we dive into this 1992 Courtroom Classic full of apple chomping, Code Red slurping, and an iconic final 30 minutes pitting Cruise v Nicholson for an epic showdown! Court is now in Session
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38
Cocktail
Mr Cruise as Brian, a dreamer with tricksServed drinks and tails, and hopefully mozzarella sticks?At TGI Fridays,And even the beach,He brightened their my-days,With bottle flips purely for kicks.When the sun rose too bright in the sky, And his smolders ooze ran unpleasantly dry,With tomato and beer,He'd make it all clear,And gulp down a curing Red Eye.
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37
Legend
Step into a world of unicorns, goblins, and pure magic. We venture into the enchanted forest to review the 1985 fantasy weird one, Legend. We break down Tom Cruise’s turn as the heroic Jack, the ethereal atmosphere of the film, and Tim Curry’s legendary, scene-stealing performance as the Lord of Darkness. Does the story hold its own against the stunning practical effects, or is it lost in the shadows? Grab your glitter and tune in.
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36
Casino Royale
We’re going all in on Daniel Craig’s first hand as 007. Parkour sprints that raise the blinds, poker tables where every river card could be fatal, Mads Mikkelsen slow-playing villainy with one perfect tell-tear, and Vesper Lynd slow-rolling Bond straight into a soul-crushing bad beat. This Bond gets stacked, reraised, and rivered by betrayal. A chip and a chair, we go all in. Ante up and deal yourself in.
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35
Die Another Day
Strap into your invisible Aston Martin—we’re revisiting the movie that pushed the franchise to its breaking point: Die Another Day. It’s the film that has everything: DNA restructuring, ice palaces, Madonna with a sword, and a CGI windsurfing scene. Join us as we try to make sense of Pierce Brosnan’s chaotic swan song and debate whether it’s misunderstood or the moment Bond lost the plot.
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34
Licence to Kill
In this episode: Timothy Dalton’s 007 goes full rogue in "Licence to Kill" (1989) after Felix gets sharked and his bride murdered. No gadgets, just brooding vengeance, and that infamous decompression scene. We unpack why it’s criminally underrated and how it still packs a serious punch.
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33
The Spy Who Loved Me
This week we dissect Roger Moore's suave performance, the exotic locales, the most gimmicky henchmen, and that unforgettable theme song. Was it a high point for 007, or did it miss the mark? Join us as we explore the gadgets, the plot twists, and the groovy 70s flair that prove Nobody Does It Better!
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32
On Her Majesty's Secret Service
We’re hitting the slopes to discuss the divisive: On Her Majesty's Secret Service. Is George Lazenby an unfairly maligned Bond, or just a blip in the franchise's history? Join us as we break down the ski chases, Telly Savalas’s Blofeld, and the heartbreaking romance that changed James Bond forever. Come help us figure out if this is actually one of the better films of the series.
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31
Goldfinger
Join us as we delve into the shiny world of Goldfinger, a villain with a Midas touch. We'll examine the film's iconic song, gadgets, flying circus, and lasting impact on the Bond franchise. We'll discuss everything from Oddjob's lethal skills to Bond's suave charm, and debate whether this is the gold standard of Bond films!
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30
Batman Returns
For our Christmas finale, we dive into the shadowy, snow-dusted streets of Gotham as we unwrap Tim Burton's deliciously deranged 1992 masterpiece, Batman Returns. Michelle Pfeiffer's Catwoman slinks, Danny DeVito's Penguin oozes, and Michael Keaton's Batman broods harder than ever in this twisted holiday fairy tale of freaks, fetishes, and corporate corruption. Is it the best Batman film ever made? Quite possibly. Grab your umbrella... it's about to get weird.
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29
Home Alone
Kevin McCallister gets his wish when his family flies to Paris, leaving him to defend his fortress with a level of creativity that would make a horror movie villain proud. It’s a heartwarming mix of junk food, questionable parenting, and brutal slapstick against the Wet Bandits. We break down how this chaotic home invasion story became the ultimate Christmas staple. Also, how do 15 adults manage to forget a child?
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28
Die Hard
You are cordially invited to the Nakatomi Plaza Christmas Party! John McClane hits Santa with a Stone Cold Stunner as we dive into the Christmas Classic that promises cocaine, what's actually in a Twinkie, great one liners, and just enough Holiday Spirit to make any Grinch's heart grow 3 sizes
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27
A Christmas Story
We break down Ralphie's war against the bullies, his mother's soap-poisoning discipline, and the most fragile lamp in cinema history. Whether you watch this movie every year or haven't seen it since childhood, join us for a deep dive into the Parker family Christmas.
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26
The Lost Boys
Sleep all day, Sax all night (We wish). Join us as we sink our teeth into Joel Schumacher's stylish vampire flick, The Lost Boys. We break down the perfect blend of horror and humor, the iconic soundtrack, and Kiefer Sutherland's legendary performance as David. Is it the greatest vampire movie ever made, or just a cheesy 80s relic? Grab your holy water and tune in.
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25
Nightmare on Elm Street
The Man of your dreams is here to cut it up! We are slashing our way through the 1984 Classic where we discuss the Horror Film Icon Freddy Krueger's first outing in A Nightmare on Elm Street. From amazing practical effects to a delicious meal of caffeine pills washed down with black coffee, this Episode has it all. Just remember....don't fall asleep!
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24
Carrie
In a world where high school cruelty meets supernatural fury, join us as we dissect the blood-soaked brilliance of Brian De Palma's 1976 classic, Carrie. From telekinetic tantrums to that infamous prom night meltdown, we'll explore how Stephen King's debut novel exploded onto the screen—and why it still leaves audiences drenched in chills. Grab your pig's blood bucket; this episode's about to get messy.
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23
Grown Ups
We dive into Adam Sandler’s "Grown Ups" (2010), a rowdy reunion of old pals, lake house antics, and classic Sandler silliness. Nostalgic gem or comedic misfire? We hash it out with sharp quips and playful jabs in this snappy, fun-filled rundown!
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22
Funny People
Don't let the name fool you, this Episode we're diving into the 2009 Dark Comedy Funny People. We'll discuss real Stand-Up, if it's Joe or Seth Rogan, and good-ole fashioned Freindship!
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21
The Longest Yard
We're doing hard time this Episode. Join us as we stick on our Nelly band-aid and hit the Gridiron in this very 2005 Remake that sees Adam Sandler putting together a rag-tag group of inmates to take on the guards. It's an Underdog story as old as time!
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20
50 First Dates
Join us for the Amnesia filled 50 First Dates where Adam Sandler helps Drew Barrymore recreate Groundhog day.. just with penguins, an endless loop of awkward encounters, and of course, Rob Schneider! Out Now!
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19
Big Daddy
Join us on this 1999 Sandman adventure featuring Julian (aka Frankenstein) and the lazy man-child Sonny as he navigates his way through being a father(?). Through peeing on walls, learning to tie our shoes, and the Kangaroo song...emotional growth can and will occur.
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18
Billy Madison
Buckle up for a wild ride through 1995’s Billy Madison! We dissect Adam Sandler’s unhinged man-child quest to redo grades 1-12. Is it comedy gold or gloriously dumb? We debate, cackle, and salute Norm Macdonald’s epic cameos, unpacking why this absurd flick still slaps. "Back to school, to prove to Dad I’m not a fool!"
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17
I Love You, Man
In this episode, we dive into the charming Romantic Comedy "I Love You, Man" that has us embark on a hilarious journey of friendship and navigating the ups and downs of male bonding. Join us as we explore how this movie perfectly balances humor and heart, making it a standout in the Rom-Com genre!
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16
Wedding Crashers
We crash into the 2005 comedy hit Wedding Crashers, where Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn scam their way through weddings. Expect witty takes on iconic lines, Bradley Cooper’s wild Sack, and Rachel McAdams’ charm. We debate its 2000s comedy legacy and if you can consider this is a rom-com!?!
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15
Garden State
In this episode, we explore Garden State, Zach Braff’s 2004 indie hit. We discuss its iconic soundtrack, quirky characters like Natalie Portman’s Sam, and its take on mid-2000s angst. Heartfelt classic or overrated trope-fest? Tune in to find out!
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14
Say Anything...
What's that sound coming from outside your window? Oh that's just us across the street blasting this All New Episode from a Boombox held defiantly over our heads! This Summer Lovin' RomCom has us feeling all the feels!
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13
BIG
Wish carefully! A comedy about a 12 year old turned 30 year old toy Vice President? Turns out being an adult is harder than it looks and we venture on a journey to get our life back. Growing up is overrated!
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12
The Princess Bride
An inconceivable tale including rodents of unusual size, whiney princes and six fingered men. WARNING: Swashbuckling sass and happily ever after to ensue!
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11
Mad Max Fury Road
WHAT A LOVELY DAY!! Load up the War Rig and fasten your seat belts as this Berts pick has the War Boys careening down the Fury Road to the Gates of Valhalla discussing the greatest Film ever made!!
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10
Ex Machina
Step into the mind-bending world of Ex Machina, where a programmer plays God with a robot, and the AI... might just outsmart us all! A Brandon Pick!
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9
2025 Oscars Special
It's time for our Annual Oscar Special! The guys lock in their picks for who will take home the gold for the 2025 Academy Awards
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8
Interstellar
An Epic Christopher Nolan film about Love, Sacrifice, and the human spirit.. featuring a wormhole... A Michael Pick!
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7
Avatar
A billion dollar CGI masterpiece featuring a familiar story about environmentalism and connectedness.. A Michael Pick!
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6
Training Day
Ladies and gentlemen..... buckle up for a wild ride through the streets of Los Angeles with the 2001 crime thriller, 'Training Day'. This film dives deep into the murky waters of police corruption and moral ambiguity. A Brandon Pick!
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5
Memento
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4
Sleepers
A Michael pick featuring this haunting yet powerful watch about friendship, trauma, and justice(?)
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3
Dead Presidents
A 90% life post Vietnam, 10% Heist Film is the topic of discussion for this Jacob's Pick.
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2
Who Framed Roger Rabbit
Join us on this animated, whimsical journey - A Bert pick!
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1
Back To The Future
Diving into the 1985 classic. A Brandon pick!
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
We're Spinning Off! No longer tied to the constraints of the AFI Top 100.Bert, Brandon, and Michael are now deep diving any and all genres of film both old and new! For old episodes check out Check the Gate: An AFI Deep Dive!https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/check-the-gate-an-afi-deep-dive/id1525041484
HOSTED BY
Robert, Brandon, & Michael
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