Hix Nix Stix Pix - A Podcast About Robb's Movies

This episode of Hix Nix Stix Pix dives into two classic theatrical comedy shorts that define very different styles of slapstick. First up is The Music Box, starring Laurel and Hardy, featuring one of the most famous physical gags in film history as a simple piano delivery turns into a slow-burn nightmare of pride, patience, and endless stairs. Then we shift gears to An Ache in Every Stake, a classic from The Three Stooges, where subtlety is thrown out the window in favor of nonstop chaos, eye pokes, head slaps, and workplace destruction. We break down what works (and what doesn't) in each short, why both were originally made for packed movie theaters, how their comedy styles influenced generations of performers, and why audiences still argue over which approach holds up better today — patient character comedy or loud, relentless anarchy. Two shorts. Two philosophies. One very sore staircase.

This week, the guys saddle up for Support Your Local Sheriff, a Western that wins shootouts without firing a shot and proves confidence is deadlier than a six-gun. We break down why James Garner's sheriff might be the calmest man in movie history, how Walter Brennan quietly steals every scene, and why this movie's smartest jokes are the ones that barely raise their voice. From the world's most confusing jail, to standoffs that collapse into awkward conversations, to authority that only works because everyone agrees to believe in it—we dig into the biggest laughs, blink-and-you-miss-it moments, and the movie's biggest problems.

This week on Hix Nix Stix Pix, we fire up the positively charged pink slime and take a deep dive into Ghostbusters II—the sequel that split fans but somehow marched straight into pop-culture immortality. Why does this movie feel so different from the original? How much did The Real Ghostbusters cartoon influence the tone, humor, and slime-to-screen ratio? Was Vigo the Carpathian an all-time creepy villain trapped in the wrong movie? And yes… we finally ask the question movies don't want you thinking about: how did the Statue of Liberty get back to Liberty Island? We break down what people love, what people hate, the unforgettable highlight scenes (courtroom chaos, bathtub terror, and Lady Liberty getting her groove on), Winston's quiet five-year grind between busting gigs, and why "Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher and Higher" wasn't just a song choice—it was the entire thesis of the finale. Is Ghostbusters II an underrated comfort sequel, a live-action cartoon episode, or proof that sequels play it safe? Grab your mood slime, keep it positive, and join us as we find out.

This week on Hix Nix Stix Pix, we step into the shadowy world of The Maltese Falcon, the movie that basically invented film noir. Humphrey Bogart's Sam Spade lies, bluffs, and outsmarts his way through a web of double-crosses, murder, and obsession — all over a bird that may not even be real. Put on your fedora, pour a stiff drink, and remember — it's the stuff that dreams are made of.

This week on Hix Nix Stix Pix, Robb and Josh dive into the sharp, loud, and unapologetically 80s comedy Trading Places. What starts as a one-dollar bet between two cold-blooded millionaires turns into one of the most biting class-swap comedies ever made—and maybe one of the darkest comedies disguised as a crowd-pleaser.

Is Santa Claus real… and can you prove it in a court of law? This week, Josh and Robb revisit Miracle on 34th Street and dig into why this quiet, smart Christmas classic has endured for generations. They break down what people love — Edmund Gwenn's iconic Kris Kringle, the real Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and one of the boldest courtroom climaxes in holiday movie history — and what doesn't always work for modern audiences, including the slow burn, the loose legal logic, and Susan's famously restrained reactions. Along the way, they talk department store politics (Macy's vs. Gimbels), why Susan calls Fred "Uncle" to shut down a moment, how belief is portrayed without being overly sentimental, and whether this is really a kids' movie at all. It's a Christmas film that argues belief is a choice — and somehow makes you root for Santa to win… legally.

This week on Hix Nix Stix Pix, Robb and Josh unwrap one of the most beloved Christmas movies of all time: The Muppet Christmas Carol. They dive into why Michael Caine's straight-faced, Oscar-worthy performance as Ebenezer Scrooge is the secret sauce that makes this film work, how the Muppets somehow deliver the most faithful adaptation of Dickens ever put on screen, and which songs still hit just as hard decades later. From Gonzo's narration to the surprisingly terrifying Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, the guys break down why this movie isn't just a kids' film—it's a holiday classic that gets better every year. Grab some cocoa, light the tree, and join Hix Nix Stix Pix for a joyful, heartfelt, and very Muppet-y look at The Muppet Christmas Carol. 🎄🐸

This week, Robb and Josh are checking into Holiday Inn, the musical classic that gave the world "White Christmas," enough Irving Berlin bangers to fill a jukebox, and Fred Astaire literally dancing with explosives. The guys break down the holidays featured in the film (including a few that somehow didn't make the federal cut in 1942), dig into the charm of Bing Crosby and Astaire at their peak, and take a candid look at the moments that haven't aged quite so gracefully. From firecracker choreography to old-school Hollywood romance, it's a festive deep dive into one of cinema's most iconic musicals—complete with the usual Robb & Josh banter, surprises, and questionable life advice. Check in, hang your coat, and join us at the Inn

This week, Josh and Robb take a bumpy ride through one of the greatest holiday comedies ever made: Planes, Trains & Automobiles. From frozen runways to flaming rental cars, we break down every disastrous mile of Neal and Del's unforgettable journey home for Thanksgiving. We dive into: ✈️ The travel nightmares that feel way too real 😂 Why Steve Martin's F-bomb rant is a Hall of Fame meltdown 🔥 John Candy's chaotic charm and the case of the "borrowed" rental car 🏨 THAT bed scene ("Those aren't pillows!") 😢 And how a comedy somehow sticks the emotional landing perfectly It's heart. It's chaos. It's polyester. And it's a holiday classic that only gets better with age. Grab your pillow—your actual pillow—and join us for the ride.

This week on Hix Nix Stix Pix, we crack open Netflix's 2025 reimagining of Frankenstein. Guillermo del Toro's modern monster tale delivers big atmosphere, big performances, and even bigger debates from your hosts.  The guys break down what works (the gorgeous visuals, the creature's emotional core), what absolutely doesn't (some questionable pacing, a few head-scratchy plot choices), and the scenes that had them yelling at the screen for very different reasons. If you watched the movie, you'll want this conversation. If you didn't… we might convince you either way. Tune in, charge up the lightning rods, and let's get into it.

This week on Hix Nix Stix Pix, we check into the Bates Motel for a deep dive into Alfred Hitchcock's legendary thriller, Psycho. We break down the film's iconic moments, the filmmaking innovations that changed cinema, what still holds up, what doesn't, and why audiences in 1960 absolutely lost their minds. From Janet Leigh's unforgettable shower scene to Anthony Perkins' chilling performance as Norman Bates, we explore the craft, the controversy, and the legacy of one of Hollywood's most influential horror films. Whether you love classic cinema, Hitchcock's genius, or just want to revisit a creepy classic, this episode brings fun conversation, surprising insights, and plenty of laughs along the way. Grab your room key — and avoid the showers — because Psycho is on the reel this week.

Josh and Robb fire up the motorcar and head straight into The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad! In this episode of Hix Nix Stix Pix, the guys take on Disney's two-part classic — from Mr. Toad's wild ride and obsession with speed to Ichabod Crane's creepy encounter with the Headless Horseman. Expect laughs, nostalgia, and a few chills as Josh and Robb debate which story holds up, which character steals the show, and whether this forgotten Disney oddity deserves a place among the greats.

This week, Robb and Josh dust off a true monster mash classic — Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein! Watch as the boys stumble their way through Dracula's schemes, Wolfman's howls, and Frankenstein's bolts, all while trying not to scream louder than the audience. Expect vintage gags, spooky laughs, and enough classic horror cameos to fill a haunted mansion. Who's scarier: the monsters… or Robb's old-timey impressions?

This week on Hix Nix Stix Pix, Josh and Robb invite you into the unsettling world of Rosemary's Baby — and honestly, one of them might be part of a cult now. Josh can't decide if the movie is terrifying or just a really weird way to make love, while Robb keeps insisting the real horror is the neighbors. They break down Mia Farrow's haircut, devilish deals, and how to politely decline when your building starts worshipping Satan. It's paranoia, pregnancy, and plenty of popcorn on this week's spooky classic!

This week we dive into Duck Soup (1933), the Marx Brothers' chaotic masterpiece of political satire, slapstick, and pure nonsense. From peanut stands to mirror gags, we're unpacking the madness of Freedonia, laughing at the absurdity of war, and wondering if Groucho should really be trusted to run a country. Spoiler: probably not. Whether you're a Marx Brothers superfan or just ducking in for the first time, this one is a quack-up you won't want to miss.

This week on Hix Nix Stix Pix: We step into the batter's box with The Natural! We chose this classic to honor Robert Redford, but here's the curveball—Josh, our resident baseball nut, has never seen it. Will "Wonderboy" knock it out of the park, or is this movie more of a swing-and-miss? We're talking exploding stadium lights, silver bullets, Bump Bailey running through the wall, and whether Roy Hobbs is truly the best there ever was. Grab your peanuts and Cracker Jack—this episode goes all nine innings.

This week on Hix Nix Stix Pix, Robb brings a true slice of Americana to the table with the classic Yankee Doodle Dandy. George M. Cohan struts, sings, and taps his way through history, while Josh gets his very first taste of this patriotic showstopper. Expect fireworks, flag-waving, and maybe even a little eye-rolling as we dive into whether this old-school musical still hits the right notes today.

Episode 1: Return to Oz Welcome to the very first episode of His Nix Stix Pix! Each week, Robb picks one of his favorite movies — a film he's loved for years — and Josh experiences it with fresh eyes. Together, they dive into the magic, the madness, and the memories these movies create. For our debut, we're heading back to Oz… but not quite the way you remember it. We're talking about Disney's 1985 cult classic Return to Oz — a darker, stranger follow-up to The Wizard of Oz. From talking chickens to terrifying wheelers, to stone kings and head-swapping queens, this film is filled with unforgettable moments. Join us as we break down what makes Return to Oz so unique, why Robb holds it close, and what Josh thinks seeing it for the very first time.