The Movie Showdown with Rock & Rob

The best way to spread Christmas cheer, is debating movies for all to hear! For this year’s Christmas movie matchup, Rock & Rob decided to see whether The Santa Clause (1994) or Elf (2003) is the better holiday family classic. They bring in their resident Christmas cheer spreader, Abbie Rocklein, to help determine which one ends up on the nice list while the other becomes a cotton-headed ninny muggins. Listen in while pouring syrup on your spaghetti as important topics are discussed such as snowball velocity; Christmas movie connections; and for some reason Arthur Christmas (2011). Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and I hope you find your dad!

This week Rock & Rob throw on the spandex and venture out into the night to battle their first superhero movies ever on the show: Batman (1989) and The Dark Knight (2008). Keaton vs. Bale; Nicholson vs. Ledger; Burton vs. Nolan – this is exactly what this show was created for. Listen in as they put the two most iconic Batman movies through seven rounds of questions to see which one died a hero and which lived long enough to see itself...be rebooted three times.

It’s almost Halloween so Rock & Rob thought it was time to debate two horror classics from the 90s: Scream (1996) and I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997). They are joined by horror expert (and Rock’s sister) Christy Adkins to determine which slasher survives and which one doesn’t make it to the sequel. Listen in as they put both films through seven rounds of questions such as best cast; better title; and which movie was ultimately scarier. They also cover important topics such as doggy doors on garage doors; 90s cool guy hair; and why there isn’t more urgency when being chased by a deranged murderer.

This week Rock & Rob head back to high school and debate whether Superbad (2007) or 21 Jump Street (2012) is old enough for what? Old enough to party! Listen in as both movies get put through seven rounds of questions while discussing important topics such as Jonah Hill movies; which scene in 21 Jump Street is possibly the funniest ever; and lawyers whose job it is to approve cartoon drawings of a certain part of the male anatomy for use in movies. Grab the laundry detergent beer and enjoy your remaining years because people don’t forget.

Rock & Rob had a lot of debate on one of their social media posts about which 80’s baseball classic was better so they thought the start of the 2024 MLB Playoffs would be a great time to put this conversation to rest and decide once and for all which movie wins the pennant: Major League (1989) or Bull Durham (1988). And, they knew if they were going back to the ballpark to battle baseball movies, they needed fan-favorite guest judge Austin Bentson to join them. Listen in as they put these movies through seven rounds of questions and discuss things such as the best fictional movie baseball players, sports announcers and TV editing of curse words. Just remember meat, don’t think, it can only hurt the ballclub.

This week Rock & Rob matchup two movies with almost identical plots: Point Break (1991) and The Fast and the Furious (2001). However, if they were going to talk about Coronas and family they knew they would need the help of their friend and Fast and Furious expert Justin Ellis to guest judge. These two movies get put through seven rounds of questions and lead to the most in-depth breakdown of the Point Break beach football scene, meatball sandwiches, street racing and more. This was a close one but just remember, it don’t matter if you win by an inch or a mile, winning’s winning.

With Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice releasing this week, Rock & Rob would like to invite you to The Burton Bowl, where they match up two of Tim Burton’s greatest films: The original Beetlejuice (1988) and Edward Scissorhands (1990). Listen in as they put these two incredibly weird and creative movies through seven rounds of questions such as best cast and bigger plot holes while also discussing things such as Edward Scissorhands’ ice guy and WHY DIDN’T THE MAITLAND’S JUST READ THE BOOK THAT EXPLAINED EVERYTHING THEY NEEDED TO KNOW! Will Edward Scissorhands cut his way to the top or will Beetlejuice prove he really is the ghost with the most? It’s showtime!

Rock & Rob are back for season 2 and they have so much room for activities! When Will Ferrell teamed up with John C. Reilly, two of the greatest comedies of the 2000s were born and it’s time to finally determine which one wins and gets a trip to the Catalina Wine Mixer while the other crashes and burns in an invisible fire. Listen in as Rock & Rob debate both movies head to head while discussing important topics such as the best sports comedies of all time, car births and Tom Cruise. Just remember there’s no second place here because if you ain’t first, you’re last.

It’s the Season 1 finale so Rock & Rob knew they had to do something special. They have had some amazing matchups so far, but they all pale in comparison to this one. In fact, some people have said this podcast was created precisely for this purpose; and that’s to determine which of these Adam Sandler classics take home the gold jacket by winning the academic decathlon: Billy Madison (1995) or Happy Gilmore (1996). Listen in as Rock & Rob put these movies through seven rounds of questions such as better cast and which is more quotable; while discussing other important topics such as best 90s comedy villains; business ethics and unrealistic athletic talents in movies. You aint cool, unless you pee your pants or listen to this episode – I know from experience dude.

It’s almost summer so Rock & Rob decided to grab the s’more supplies, throw on some bug spray and sit around the fire debating whether Heavyweights (1995) or Camp Nowhere (1994) is the ultimate 90's summer camp movie. Listen in as they put both films through the PerkiSystem, while also discussing important topics such as camp names; bankruptcy law; and one of the greatest 90’s villains of all time: Tony Perkis.

It’s prom season so Rock & Rob thought it was time to dust off their tuxes, buy a corsage (why is this a thing?), and revisit two of their favorite high school rom coms: 10 Things I Hate About You (1999) and She’s All That (1999). Grab your Walkman and listen in as these movies are put through seven rounds of questions to determine which will be our Prom King or Queen. Along the way, Rock & Rob discuss important issues of the time such as Heath Ledger, Hanson and people hating on people that wear glasses for no reason.

With NHL playoffs starting, Rock & Rob thought it was time to lace up the skates and debate whether The Mighty Ducks (1992) or D2: The Mighty Ducks (1994) was the best movie of the beloved 90s hockey trilogy. They discuss everything from title confusion to the hockey powerhouse known as Iceland (?) as they put these movies through seven rounds of hard checking questions to determine which duck will fly highest. Quack, Quack, Quack, QUACK, QUACK!

It’s Sandra Bullock week so Rock & Rob lose all gravity and speed off to a place that only has dial-up inter(the net) to see if Miss Congeniality (2000) or the Proposal (2009) can protect the blind side. Find out which movie uses practical magic to handle the heat and emerge victorious as they are put through seven rounds of bullet train like questions and cover a crash course of topics ranging from the infamous state of New Jersey, the unforgivable Ben & Jerry’s Bar etiquette and Canadian underwear. Bonus points for the demolition man (or woman) that can count how many Bullock movie titles are in this description. (Hint: it’s more than Oceans 8 but less than 28 Days.)

It’s Opening Day for Major League Baseball so Rock & Rob decided to celebrate the only way they know how: debating two baseball movie classics of their youth - Rookie Of The Year (1993) and Little Big League (1994). This episode was too important to discuss by themselves though so they had to bring in special guest and friend of the show, Austin Bentson, to umpire the slugfest. Grab your peanuts and Cracker Jacks (do they even still make those?) as they put these movies through seven rounds of questions and discuss key topics such as the baseball actor G.O.A.T., proper Little League attire and child labor laws.

In honor of the Road House remake, Rock & Rob take a trip back to 1989 to battle two movies that are peak 80’s cinema – Road House (1989) and Tango & Cash (1989). Find out which movie they think rises to the rank of ‘cooler’ while the other gets ‘bounced’ as they get put through seven rounds of questions such as better cast, bigger plot holes and which movie is more fun. Along the way they discuss the important things like Stallone’s body shaming habit, the famous throat rip and…Andy Dwyer from Parks and Rec?!?!

Rock & Rob pack up their video games and head for the ski slopes to debate whether Out Cold (2001) or Grandma’s Boy (2006) is king of the mountain. Find out which cult classic gets the high score as they are put through seven rounds of questions while Rock & Rob discuss important topics such as internet chatrooms; if video game tester or ski instructor is a better job; and if 'Anytime' by Eve 6 is the best opening song ever in a movie.

It’s Valentine’s Day so Rock & Rob thought it would be a great time to bring some love to the show by passionately discussing The Notebook (2004) and A Walk To Remember (2002). See which Nicholas Sparks adaption will win their hearts as they get courted through seven rounds of questions such as ‘better moments’, ‘better soundtrack’ and ‘which movie ending made you feel more emotionally’. They are joined by a very special guest judge and sparks are flying so listen in while they talk about Valentine’s Day TV episodes, why Ryan Gosling can get away with doing almost anything and much more.

Rock & Rob enter the danger zone by getting in the ring and battling Rocky IV (1985) and Top Gun (1986) to see which movie can buzz the tower. These 80s box office blockbusters are put through seven rounds of questions to see which is left standing with their arm raised while Rock & Rob also break down less important things such as Drago’s legal issues, weird movie kissing and of course...SHIRTLESS BEACH VOLLEYBALL! This episode feels the need...the need for speed! (Insert weird Maverick and Goose high five gif here.)

It’s Stallone week! Rock and Rob take a trip to the 80s to determine whether the one liner filled action classic Cobra (1986) or the ridiculously premised but uplifting arm wrestling movie Over the Top (1987) takes the underappreciated title. Listen in as they battle these two classics through seven rounds of questions and discuss the important things like underground arm wrestling at diners, last name changes mid movie and…Stallone’s pizza eating?!?!

Rock and Rob start the new year off by talking about some of their favorite, least favorite and surprising movies, TV shows and books they consumed in 2023. They are then joined by a very special EXPERT guest before discussing which movies they are most anticipating in 2024 and some potential episode ideas for the upcoming year.

Rock and Rob take a break from battling underappreciated movies to match up two Christmas classics, Home Alone (1990) and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989). Find out which one of these movies will make the nice list as they are put through seven rounds of questions such as ‘better cast’, ‘better sledding scene’, and ‘which movie had the most iconic moment.’ Have the hap hap happiest Christmas ya filthy animals!

It’s the holiday season so Rock & Rob thought it would be a terrific idea to spike the eggnog and decide whether Four Christmases (2008) or Fred Claus (2007) wins the Vince Vaughn Christmas movie showdown. Hop aboard the sleigh (or bounce into the jump jump) as they debate these movies through seven rounds of questions such as ‘better cast’, ‘bigger plot holes’ and ‘which movie used Christmas music the best.’

Rock and Rob are joined by Jonny from 90s.Era.Nostalgia for a spoof showdown between two of the best modern parody movies, Scary Movie (2000) and Not Another Teen Movie (2001). They each present their case to Judge Jonny through seven rounds of questions including ‘better lines’, ‘most cringey’ and ‘better parodied scene’ to see which movie emerges as the superior spoof. Listen in as we debate that and more while hitting upon popular 90’s topics such as Jennifer Love Hewitt, Power Rangers and…Kazaam?!?!

In 1998 Hollywood released two movies with almost identical ‘a meteor is going to destroy the earth’ plots. 25 years later, Rock & Rob decide to end the debate once and for all and find out whether Armageddon (1998) or Deep Impact (1998) is the superior ‘do an outlandish thing to stop the disaster’ movie. Find out which film will blast off into space to save the day as they are put through seven rounds of questions such as ‘better title’, ‘bigger plot holes’ and ‘which movie had the better President?’

Rock & Rob wanted to honor Matthew Perry after his tragic passing on this week’s episode by facing off two great movies he starred in: The Whole Nine Yards (2000) and 17 Again (2009). While there is a winner in the end, there are no losers when discussing how fun these movies are and how underrated of an actor Perry was. Listen in and smile at the laughter Matthew Perry brought us all as the movies go through seven rounds of questions including ‘better lines’, ‘better trivia’ and ‘who would have made a better seventh member of the friends crew’.

Alex Rocklein and Rob Mansfield check the specs on the end line for the rotary girder while debating Tommy Boy (1995) and Black Sheep (1996). They put these Chris Farley classics through seven rounds of questions such as 'better quotes', 'better scenes' and 'better title' to see which film takes one small step for man, one giant...I HAVE A DREAM!

It’s the Halloween Episode! Alex Rocklein and Rob Mansfield try to put a spell on you as they conjure up arguments for Hocus Pocus (1993) and Jennifer’s Body (2009). How will each of these monstrous movies fare as they go through seven rounds of questions like 'better cast', 'better soundtrack/score' and 'which teenage boy was dumber.'

Alex Rocklein and Rob Mansfield throw on the pads to battle out Varsity Blues (1999) and The Replacements (2000). Find out which movie emerges victorious as they are put through seven rounds of questions such as 'better lines or moments', 'bigger plot holes' and 'which cast would win in a real football game.'

Alex Rocklein and Rob Mansfield frost themselves (?) as they fight over How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days (2003) and Sweet Home Alabama (2002). Which Rom-Com will earn their love as they debate seven rounds of questions including 'better cast', 'least cringey' and 'which couple would they prefer to double date with.'

Alex Rocklein and Rob Mansfield STEAL THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE - oh, that's been done? How about Rock & Rob argue whether National Treasure (2004) or Gone In 60 Seconds (2000) is the better heist movie as they work their way through seven rounds of questions such as 'better lines', 'better title' and 'better story'.

The Movie Showdown with Rock & Rob takes two underappreciated movies with similar themes and puts them through seven rounds of questions to see which one will emerge victorious! Get to know your cohosts Alex Rocklein and Rob Mansfield with this trailer for the show. New episodes each Wednesday!