Best Film Ever

“You don’t get to nearly 300 episodes without making a few enemies.” Join Ian, Liam & Kev for our 298th episode as we log on, code furiously, and sue each other over The Social Network (2010). Megs? She’s not with us this week—she’s in “Facebook jail” for excessive poking (it was bound to happen). We're carrying around a chicken for a week in our 298th episode as we discuss: Our best day for downloads ever—and it’s not even close. Our trip to an award show (well… kind of). A new Patreon joins the fold—proof we’re building our very own social network. Just how much credit should the money man get vs the idea man? What is it that makes Aaron Sorkin’s writing so great—and why does this film feel like it moves at the speed of thought? What’s the one part we think the film gets wrong? Does the absence of errors make a film a masterpiece—or does it need a few rough edges to feel human? Jesse Eisenberg as Zuckerberg: sympathetic genius or socially awkward supervillain? Fincher’s precision—how much of the film’s impact comes from direction versus dialogue? And finally, whether The Social Network is the Best Film Ever—or just the sharpest film of the 2010s. Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Paul Komoroski Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/

“It’s just a jump to the left…” Join Ian, Megs & Liam for our 297th episode as we put on our fishnets, grab some toast, and throw rice in the aisles for a dive into the cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975). Kev? He makes a very late entrance—literally busting through the door in gold hotpants shouting “Don’t dream it, be it!” in our 297th episode as we discuss: Is this the greatest cult film of all time—or just the weirdest date night ever committed to celluloid? Do we forgive this film for its lack of consent based on the overall themes of inclusivity… when maybe we really shouldn’t? How Tim Curry turned Frank-N-Furter into one of cinema’s most iconic characters—and why no one else could’ve pulled it off. Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick as “the straights”—and why they’re the perfect foils for absolute chaos. We’ve got some thoughts on free speech and what’s happening with Jimmy Kimmel—because much like Rocky Horror, controversy loves a stage. Why the soundtrack still slaps nearly 50 years later—and which numbers we still belt out. How the midnight screening culture kept this film alive—and whether fan participation is more fun than the movie itself. Which jokes land, which ones haven’t aged well, and why the film still divides audiences. Is Rocky Horror satire, celebration, or just… unexplainable? And finally, whether The Rocky Horror Picture Show is the Best Film Ever—or just the best excuse to dress up and sing badly in public. Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/.

FIRST 35:45: Spoiler-Free Review with our See It/Skip It Verdict AFTER 35:45: Full Spoiler Review It’s another edition of See It or Skip It, and this time Ian is back with Liam as they dust off the clubs, lace up the skates, suddenly wish they'd stopped for Subway, and tee off for Happy Gilmore 2—the long-awaited sequel to Adam Sandler’s golf-comedy classic. But does Happy Gilmore 2 sink the putt, or does it slice straight into the water hazard? Ian and Liam dive into Sandler’s return as Happy, looking at whether this decades-later sequel is a hole-in-one of nostalgia or just another gimmicky mulligan. Does the comedy still connect? Is this cast a fresh foursome that elevates the material, or just a cart-full of familiar faces wheeled back for one more round? The lads explore whether Happy Gilmore 2 captures the heart, silliness, and sheer ridiculous charm of the original—or if it’s just hacking its way through the rough. How do you make a sequel to a cult sports comedy that already wrapped its story with a bow? Is this the long-awaited victory lap—or a movie that should’ve been left on the driving range? All this and more in this week’s See It or Skip It review of Happy Gilmore 2—and of course, Ian and Liam will let you know if you should SEE IT or SKIP IT.

“Do you feel lucky, punk?” Join Ian, Megs & Liam for our 296th episode as we prowl the streets of San Francisco, badge in one hand and .44 Magnum in the other, for a look at Clint Eastwood’s career-defining role in Dirty Harry (1971). A killer on the loose, a cop who won’t play by the rules, and a city hanging in the balance—this episode asks all the right questions, even if Harry never bothers to. It’s cops, criminals, and constitutional crises in our 296th episode as we ask: Yes, Dirty Harry is cool—but do women actually like this film? What’s with all the nudity, and how much of it serves the story? Why does Scorpio do anything he does—and why does his logic (or lack thereof) drive us mad? How has Harry never learned what actually invalidates evidence or a confession? Law 101, Callahan! Why does the mayor keep calling him like he’s on speed dial for bad PR? How deaf is the kid doing the fishing? And how long would it take for him to notice what’s going on behind him? Why is Scorpio so disparate in his understanding of the value of hostages—demanding one thing one moment, then undercutting himself the next? Why doesn’t the SFPD sit Harry home when he’s framed on regional television? What exactly does the ending mean—resignation, rebellion, or just Eastwood being Eastwood? Which line from the film is one of the most misquoted in television history? We share some thoughts on the Charlie Kirk shooting and the public’s reaction to it - are we losing our humanity? And finally: when exactly does DNA evidence become a thing—and how would it have changed the whole movie? Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE. We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/.

“This gun says you live, this gun says you die.”  Join Ian & Liam for our 295th episode as we step into Tarantino’s world of money drops, double-crosses, and smooth soul soundtracks with Jackie Brown (1997). Kev? He’s running a cash pickup at the mall but got distracted by an Orange Julius. Megs? She’s busy cutting a deal with Ordell Robbie that may or may not involve a new handbag. But don’t worry—we’re not flying solo. We’re joined by BFF of the BFE: Shai Bergerfroind, who slipped us a cassette tape of Delfonics tunes and insisted this was the Tarantino film to talk about. This week we discuss: How Jackie Brown might be Tarantino’s most mature film—and why it doesn’t get the same love as Pulp Fiction. Pam Grier’s powerhouse performance: is this one of the greatest star comebacks in cinema history? Robert De Niro as the quietest ex-con ever—and how a single scene changes everything. Samuel L. Jackson’s Ordell: terrifying or hilarious, or both at once? Is this the most “realistic” Tarantino film? And does that make it better or just slower? Ian and Liam debate whether this film is about survival, romance, or just getting by. Shai drops in to explain why the soundtrack is the real star of the film (and why he’s been humming Delfonics all week). Which scenes had us holding our breath—and which ones could’ve been trimmed. Why Max Cherry might be Tarantino’s most underrated character—and how Robert Forster’s quiet dignity steals the show. And finally, whether Jackie Brown is the Best Film Ever—or just the coolest hangout movie you forgot you loved. Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE. We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/.

Are you ready for some (fantasy) football?  We're back with our Patrons once again and invited a returning special guest to join us to fill out the field  We've got your BFE favourites - Ian, Liam, KevDog, Georgia and Megs drafting live.  We're also joined live by some of the BFE Patreon personalities, adding to the merriment. It's a peak behind the curtain as you catch the BFE group just kicking it as we pretend we know what we're doing with Fantasy Football.  In between bites of Pizza and Chicken Nuggets we provide commentary on the picks by our absent drafters (Rev Bruce, Duane Smith, Kevin from The Podcast That Wouldn't Die, Stew from the SWO, Ryan Kuketz, Nate the Great, Juleen, Ensign Ian Davies, and Dirk - whether they're drafting remotely or letting the computer do the heavy lifting) There's pizza, banter, and a behind-the-scenes perspective that might help you know your BFE peeps a little bit better.

“Sometimes your battles choose you.” Join Ian, Liam & Kevdog, alongside BFF of the BFE: Hermes Auslander, for our 294th episode as we head into the Rust Belt for gritty drama, family duty, and some Woody Harrelson menace with Out of the Furnace (2013). Megs? She’s away this week on a last-minute trip to Sweden after answering a classified ad for ABBA’s long-lost fifth member—working title: Mamma Mia 3: Megs Strikes Again. This week we discuss: It’s a Hermes pick, so you know what that means—another therapy session on the pod. Find out when each of us stopped supporting Woody Harrelson (and for one of us, it’s much later than you’d think). What’s the difference between simply stating your opinion and actively trying to sway someone else’s opinion? Someone forgets how time zones work in this one (and no, it’s not just Hermes). What’s the real measure of being a man: flashy success or the daily grind of quietly providing for your family? Is Zoe Saldana a much better actress than we gave her credit for—and is this her most underrated performance? Which scene impressed Ian the most with its cinematography—even though it was one of the hardest to watch. What exactly was going on with Willem Dafoe’s character—and why can none of us pronounce the name correctly? What is the definition of working a double shift, and why do we all seem to have different answers? And finally, whether Out of the Furnace is the Best Film Ever—or just a quietly powerful entry in the blue-collar tragedy canon. Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE. Catch so much more of Hermes Auslander on The Scuttlebutt Podcast at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-scuttlebutt-podcast/id1503504933 (Apple) or https://open.spotify.com/show/2n9CNB9X6QXnmvn78HBEoJ?si=1bf26c4a13cd4234 (Spotify)   We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/.

“The future is coming.” Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting trio – Ian, Liam & Megs – for our 293rd episode as we pop our claws, don our leather suits, and revisit the film that redefined the superhero genre for the new millennium: X-Men (2000). Kev and Georgia? They’re cage fighting in Northern Alberta—because of course they are. This week we discuss: Ian and Liam get into a dust-up about what constitutes a gang—whose side are you on? What's with all the wavering accents in this film? How on earth did Magneto know that Rogue had her powers when Rogue, Wolverine, and even Professor X didn’t? Ian delights in the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it cameo by a Canadian Prime Minister (true patriot love). We reflect on Auschwitz as a tourist destination and Ian shares a story about a fashion faux pas that might have landed him on the wrong tour. Was Anna Paquin actually the biggest star attached to the film at the time of its release? You won’t guess what Bryan Singer banned from the set—and no, it wasn’t claws. Our favourite ghostwriter pops up once again—this time with a surprising link to X-Men. Alternate casting choices: the Wolverine that makes us laugh out loud, and a Professor X that would’ve been a disaster… but we still want to see it, even if the studio told him to “beat it” (not like that). How do superheroes actually get their names? That’s the class we wanted to see at Xavier’s. What exactly are the rules of Mystique’s powers again—and why is Toad weirdly overpowered? Which character has the worst trash talk despite having the perfect set-up? (Spoiler: lightning shouldn’t strike twice.) We talk about meeting up with two Friends of the Podcast this week and drinking pints no matter the occasion. One cast member opens up about a wardrobe malfunction that made mutant fashion even harder to pull off. And finally, whether X-Men (2000) is the Best Film Ever—or just the first stepping stone on the path to superhero dominance. Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE. We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/.

“Ditto.” Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting duo – Ian & Liam – for our 292nd episode as we step into the supernatural, spin the pottery wheel, and revisit one of the great romantic blockbusters of the ’90s: Ghost (1990). We’re trading dream layers for subway spirits and Whoopi Goldberg one-liners as we discuss: Which member of the cast desperately needed an advocate behind the scenes just to get the part. Are there times when being a bad actor or actress is actually the right call in casting? Ian stumbles upon an almost-casting he would’ve loved to have seen—and another rumoured choice we take great umbrage with. Is the pottery scene one of the greatest cinematic moments of all time… or do we only remember it that way? Are Molly and Sam too perfect as a couple? Or is that exactly why the film works? Who on earth came up with the name Sam Wheat for the protagonist? We’ve got questions. Why does the cat only show up in two scenes—and does it secretly hold the key to ghost physics? Speaking of which: we welcome back Ghost Physics 101 as a proud course in the ever-expanding BFE syllabus. The sad story (both in canon and real life) of the Subway Ghost—no $5 footlongs here, just heartbreak and haunting. And finally, whether Ghost is the Best Film Ever—or just the most romantic take on death since Shakespeare. Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE. We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/.

“You mustn’t be afraid to dream a little bigger, darling.” - It’s a solo mission this week as Ian takes the lead in our 291st episode, descending through dreamscapes, spinning tops, and subconscious heists in Christopher Nolan’s mind-bending Inception (2010). Liam, Megs, Kev, and Georgia? They’re all trapped in deeper dream layers, and Ian’s holding Level 1 until someone figures out how to kick them back to reality. We’re trading banana peels and baseball anthems for snow fortresses and Paris folding in on itself as we discuss: Why Inception still stands as one of Nolan’s most ambitious films—and whether the world has caught up to its complexity. Nolan is a genius of narrative construction, but are there times where genius needs governance to ensure the story remains accessible for the masses? Why do the subsequent dream layers respect the science required to access the first dream—and why do they stack so neatly when logic suggests they shouldn’t? How Inception violates the golden rule of introducing a “superpower” (in this case, a key ability) and then never using it again for the rest of the movie. The art of lucid dreaming, and how being alone this week means Ian can finally reveal what his recurring dream looks like (spoiler: it involves movie theatres). Which dream layer steals the show—and which feels like the bathroom break level. The ongoing debate: does the ending mean something definitive, or is that missing the point? Why Inception works as both a blockbuster and an intimate story about loss, guilt, and letting go. How Hans Zimmer’s score became a cultural event—and why the “BRAAAM” sound is still echoing through cinema today. And finally, whether Inception is the Best Film Ever—or just a beautiful puzzle box we’ll keep spinning forever. Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE. We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/.

You know we love our wrestling here at the BFE (well… some of us do). Join Ian as he's joined by Stew from the Stew World Order as we once again break format and lace up the boots for a deep dive into SummerSlam 2025. We’re asking the big questions: were we fooled by a worked injury? Has Cody Rhodes finally stopped crying? Should Johnny Gargano and Candace LaRae be in couples counselling? What do you do when what's called "literal handcuffs" aren't actually handcuffs on a card that will have actual handcuffs later in the night? Why is SmackDown's tag roster so strong compared to Raw and the same for Raw's women's division vs Smackdown? How do we feel about the John Cena heel turn, it's subsequent babyface turn and the big surprise ending to both nights?  Plus, Ian reveals a punny future feud for Big Bronson Reed. We’re unpacking all that and more from WWE SummerSlam 2025—and of course, we’ll tell you whether you should SEE IT or SKIP IT. Hear so much more of Stew on his website - https://swoproductions.com/ and on his podcast:  Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stew-world-order/id1559913522 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6fLcKIHFrYBwMqhFryFMM6

“Nice beaver.” / “Thanks, I just had it stuffed.  Join Ian & B-Tech Kev for our 290th episode as we suit up, slip up, and dive headfirst into the gloriously ridiculous world of The Naked Gun (1988). We’re trading time-travelling dystopias for banana peels, police files, and a barrage of visual gags as we discuss: In slapstick, how silly is too silly? Is there a line—or is the whole point to obliterate it with a steamroller and a tuba? Kev shares stories from his recent trip to New York City: the sights, the sounds, and whether each of us are New York or Los Angeles people Ian talks about the return of the weight game and how this is a summer of inward reflection Ian also shares some personal stories about his father—and how certain films like The Naked Gun carry more than just laughs; they carry memories. We explore Leslie Nielsen’s genius—how his straight-faced absurdity became the gold standard for parody. Can a film this silly still resonate in today’s comedy landscape? Or is this brand of humour an extinct species? Do background jokes, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it sight gags, and tightly wound chaos make this more than just a spoof—Does it become precision parody? Baseball anthems, the Queen in peril, exploding toilets, and a police officer with the worst undercover skills in cinematic history. And finally, whether The Naked Gun is the Best Film Ever—or just a walk down memory lane Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE.

“Welcome to Costco. I love you.” Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian & Liam – with BFF of the BFE: Synthia beaming in from the not-so-distant future as we crack open the absurd, prophetic, and depressingly accurate Idiocracy (2006). We’re trading shark-infested waters for Gatorade-irrigated crops and President Camacho in our 289th episode as we ask: Was Idiocracy always this smart, or has the world just gotten that dumb? We explore how a film that bombed at release has somehow become the most referenced dystopia not named Orwell. What does it say about society that Mike Judge’s lowbrow future doesn’t seem that far off? Synthia breaks down the subtle and not-so-subtle satire—and why this film still hits different in a post-algorithm world. Ian wonders whether the comedy lands… or whether it’s just too bleak to laugh anymore. Liam confesses which part of the film made him physically cringe (hint: it's not just the opening montage). We talk about the difference between satire and smugness, and where Idiocracy walks that tightrope. Is the film's central conceit plausible… or offensively oversimplified? With the film's conceit being that everyone is stupid, are we allowed to get frustrated with the tone for being too stupid? Why Terry Crews as President Camacho might be the most pitch-perfect casting choice in a dystopian comedy ever. What modern products or trends Idiocracy weirdly predicted (we’re looking at you, reality TV and clickbait). And finally, whether Idiocracy is the Best Film Ever—or just the most important film people still haven’t seen. Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE. We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/.  

FIRST 43:15: Spoiler-Free Review with our See It/Skip It Verdict AFTER 43:15: Full Spoiler Review It’s another edition of See It or Skip It, and this time Ian is back with Stew from SWO Productions as they stretch, flame on, go invisible, and rock up for Fantastic Four: First Steps — Marvel’s long-awaited reboot of its first family. But does First Steps finally get the formula right, or are we in for another cosmic misfire? Ian and Stew dive into Marvel’s bold new take on Reed, Sue, Johnny, and Ben to see whether this origin story is a launchpad for greatness or just another lab experiment gone wrong. Is the chemistry there? Does this new cast feel like a family, or a focus group-approved placeholder for bigger MCU plans? The lads explore whether First Steps captures the heart, weirdness, and wonder of Marvel’s most important team—or if it's just spinning its wheels in the Negative Zone. How do you reboot a franchise that’s already had multiple false starts? Is this a fresh coat of cosmic paint, or more of the same with shinier suits? All this and more in this week’s See It or Skip It review of Fantastic Four: First Steps—and of course, Ian and Stew will let you know if you should SEE IT or SKIP IT. Here so much more of Stew on his website - https://swoproductions.com/ and on his podcast  Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stew-world-order/id1559913522 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6fLcKIHFrYBwMqhFryFMM6

“You’re gonna need a bigger boat.” Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian & Megs – as we head out to sea with special guest Carlo from The Movie Loot for our 288th episode, diving deep into Steven Spielberg’s blockbuster breakthrough Jaws (1975). We’re trading crane kicks for chum buckets and mechanical shark mishaps as we discuss: The real-life beef between Richard Dreyfuss and Robert Shaw—method acting, ego clashes, and barbed insults at sea. Spielberg’s first reaction to hearing the now-iconic Jaws theme from John Williams… and why he thought it was a joke. Just how crucial it is to find an actress who can tick all the boxes—especially when it comes to screaming convincingly. The urban legend behind the film’s POV shots—and whether the broken shark really made the film better. Is the actual shark reveal a thrilling payoff… or a rubbery letdown? We break down whether it holds water. We all agreed it’s a film of two halves—but did we agree on which half was better? Would Jaws still work with a female character in one (or more) of the core trio? We explore casting, gender dynamics, and cabin tension. How many big screams should a film have? Is there a magic number—or do we just love that head-in-the-boat moment too much? Does Brody have the worst wife ever for casually revealing his deepest fear to a total stranger at dinner? The key changes from the Peter Benchley novel—and why most of them were for the better (goodbye, mafia subplot). Why Spielberg was convinced he'd never work again after Jaws—and how it nearly swallowed his career whole before making him a legend. And finally, whether Jaws is the Best Film Ever.   Catch so much more of Carlo on The Movie Loot on Apple Podcasts at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-movie-loot/id1578191119 or on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/show/4o5ZvtvZ64XAoxIIxiAj1q   Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE. We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/.

FIRST 42:00: Spoiler-Free Review with our See It/Skip It Verdict AFTER 42:00: Full Spoiler Review It’s another edition of See It or Skip It and this time Ian is joined by Stew from SWO Productions as they leap headfirst into Superman (2025) — James Gunn’s bold reboot of the Man of Steel and the first official flight in the new DC Universe. But can a new Clark Kent make us believe a man can fly again? Ian and Stew suit up to explore whether this fresh take brings truth, justice, and cinematic clarity—or if it’s just another reboot weighed down by origin story fatigue. Does Superman (2025) soar with the charm and optimism fans have been craving, or does it buckle under the pressure of launching an entire universe? The lads dig into David Corenswet’s debut as the Last Son of Krypton, the tone shift from past incarnations, and whether Gunn balances heroism with humanity. What should a Superman film offer in a post-Snyder world? Are we getting a genuine symbol of hope—or just another cape in a crowd of cinematic spandex? All this and more in this week’s See It or Skip It review of Superman (2025)—and of course, Ian and Stew will let you know if you should SEE IT or SKIP IT. Here so much more of Stew on his website - https://swoproductions.com/ and on his podcast  Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stew-world-order/id1559913522 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6fLcKIHFrYBwMqhFryFMM6  

FIRST 1:00:30: Spoiler-Free Review with our See It/Skip It Verdict AFTER 1:00:30: Full Spoiler Review It’s another edition of See It or Skip It and this time Ian and Liam are trading pit stops for popcorn as they take on F1 (2025) — the high-octane feature debut of Joseph Kosinski’s long-rumoured Formula 1 blockbuster. But with Brad Pitt behind the wheel and a grid full of fictional racers, does F1 actually cross the finish line, or is it just burning fuel for two hours? Ian and Liam are here to rev their engines and break down whether this racing drama earns pole position among sports films or stalls out on the formation lap. Does F1 deliver the speed, spectacle, and spirit of the sport, or does it take a detour into Hollywood clichés, CGI corners and an extended advert for F1, Tommy Hilfiger, Las Vegas and Abu Dhabi? What should an F1 movie really accomplish in its opening lap? Is this a thoughtful love letter to motorsport fans, or a flashy pit stop for casuals with a need for speed? The boys examine whether the fictional Apex GP team is worth rooting for—or if they're just coasting off the Ferrari fumes. All this and more in this week’s See It or Skip It review of F1 (The Movie)—and of course, Ian and Liam let you know if you should SEE IT or SKIP IT.

“Wax on, wax off.” Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian, Liam, and the triumphant return of Megs (Kev’s still away… last seen jogging up a hill in a grey tracksuit muttering “No mercy”) – as we crane kick our way into our 287th episode, tackling the inspirational, emotional, and occasionally questionable The Karate Kid (1984). We’re trading crystal fortresses for dojo face-offs and dusty training montages as we discuss: Does Daniel LaRusso bring most of his problems onto himself? We break down whether he’s the underdog—or the instigator. What is the difference between a cute girl and a hot girl? And where does Elizabeth Shue’s Alli fall on the spectrum of '80s love interests? Does Ralph Macchio wear one of the all-time worst Halloween costumes in movie history? (Spoiler: Yes. Yes, he does.) Can you really learn black belt-level karate in just a few weeks? Or did Daniel unlock cheat codes under Mr. Miyagi’s tutelage? Ian goes to war with the score—and one particular song that just doesn’t belong. The film suggests America was batty about soccer in the '80s. Was that true… or just wishful screenwriting? Why the studio was reluctant to cast Pat Morita as Mr. Miyagi—and how he proved them all spectacularly wrong. Ian finds a way to shave 10 minutes off the runtime—Miyagi would approve of the efficiency. Why does Daniel’s mother uproot their entire life for a job that seems… deeply underwhelming? Does Daniel deserve Alli in the end—or was she just too good for this drama-prone karate kid? We wax (lyrically) on and off about themes, nostalgia, and tournament ethics. And finally, whether The Karate Kid is the Best Film Ever. Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE. We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/.

“You’ll believe a man can fly.” Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting duo – Ian & Liam (Megs couldn’t make it—she’s busy spinning the Earth backwards to reclaim her weekend while KevDog’s off searching for crystals in the Arctic... or just stuck in a phone booth with no signal - as we don the cape, slick back the hair, and fly faster than a speeding bullet into our 286th episode, reviewing Richard Donner’s iconic superhero origin story Superman (1978). We’re trading classical guitars and military trenches for red trunks and crystal fortresses as we discuss: We look at how Superman redefined the superhero genre before it was a genre—and why it still matters nearly 50 years later. Why Christopher Reeve may be the most perfectly cast superhero of all time, and how his dual performance still holds up. Ian dives into the film’s structure and why the three-act split (Krypton, Kansas, Metropolis) feels so bold and ambitious. We condemn and then forgive Teen Clark (Jeff East) and  do likewise for Brando but without the forgiveness at the end We discuss whether Lex Luthor is a credible villain—or just a walking punchline with a killer property portfolio. Liam marvels at the charm, the score, and the genuine sense of wonder—while struggling not to get emotional about Pa Kent. We ask: does the “reverse time” ending still fly? Or is that where the cape starts to fray? And of course: whether Superman (1978) is the Best Film Ever. Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE. We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/.

“Bayan o sarili?” Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting duo – Ian & Liam – as we ride into revolution and betrayal in our 285th episode, tackling the powerful, patriotic, and provocative Heneral Luna (2015). We’re later joined by BFF of the BFE Juleen, as we trade chequered flags for sabres and cigar smoke while we discuss: Ian shares a personal story about how his perspective on film shifted dramatically this week—and why Heneral Luna hit harder than expected. We talk about rediscovering old hobbies and how sometimes history—and a great movie—can reignite forgotten passions. We’ve got some big BFE cast news to share—don’t worry, no one got court-martialed. Was Antonio Luna an epic figure… but a deeply unlikeable man? We break down the myth and the man. At what point do patriotism and ego diverge—especially in military leadership? And how much of Luna’s downfall was self-inflicted? Why is this vital and volatile chapter of Filipino history completely absent from most American history books? Juleen joins us with powerful insights from her time living in Southern California and how Heneral Luna resonates against today’s shifting political tides. Our Rodecaster decides to go full rebellion, jumping ship mid-episode—more than once. What’s with all the Jesus imagery? From framing to posture to betrayal, Luna doesn’t hold back. One scene left Ian absolutely gobsmacked—he didn’t see it coming, and we’re still picking our jaws off the floor. Why did troop movements in this film feel like Season 8 of Game of Thrones? Can we get a map? Are Americans great marksmen… or hilariously awful? And what made standing up in battle a form of actual camouflage? Whether Heneral Luna is the Best Film Ever—or just the best film you’ve never heard of. Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE. We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/.