“I just want to be loved… preferably by Christmas.” Join Ian, Liam (always listed second), Megs & Kev for our 310th episode as we swap mirror-lined jealousies and boxing-laden family dramas for frosted cottages, floppy fringes, and Nancy Meyers’ warm, impractical kitchens with The Holiday (2006). Crack open the mulled wine, argue about accents, and prepare to answer the most important seasonal question of all: is this even a Christmas film… or is it secretly a New Year’s movie pretending to care about tinsel? This week we discuss: Whether The Holiday qualifies as a Christmas film at all — or if it’s really a New Year’s movie wearing a festive jumper, pressed into service only because our Patreon members voted it in as the Christmas review. How Ian possibly survives reviewing a film starring Cameron Diaz — given his long, storied, and deeply felt loathing toward her screen presence. How Megs approaches a film built around Jack Black — an actor she famously does not enjoy - despite her choices of undergarments - especially when he’s positioned as a romantic lead. Nancy Meyers’ world-building — does the film ever show us emotion, or does it rely entirely on characters telling us exactly how they feel at all times? Cameron Diaz’s Amanda — chaotic, guarded, and allergic to crying. Is this performance misunderstood… or exactly why Ian struggles? Kate Winslet’s Iris — earnest, wounded, endlessly self-sacrificing. Is she the emotional heart of the film or a fantasy of suffering femininity? Jude Law’s Graham — peak Meyers male fantasy, or walking red flag wrapped in knitwear? Jack Black’s Miles — pretentious douchebag, charming underdog, or the film’s secret emotional MVP? The dual-location structure — England vs. LA, coziness vs. confidence. Does the contrast deepen the story or just sell vibes? The film’s relationship with grief, loneliness, and romantic recovery — is it sincere, or comfort-food cinema avoiding real mess? Kev weighs in on the soundtrack and score cues — emotional shorthand or effective storytelling tool? Can we get over the plotholes? Who goes to LA to visit a house sight unseen and who leaves their dog behind for someone else to look after? The ending(s) — festive payoff, narrative convenience, or emotional earnedness? Haven't they just chosen a false ending once you really look at it? And finally, whether The Holiday is the Best Film Ever — or simply the most aggressively rewatchable seasonal comfort movie ever made. 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/
“I’m not a stepping stone.” Join Ian, Liam & Megs for our 309th episode as we step into the sweat-soaked gyms, fractured families, and hard-won resilience of David O. Russell’s The Fighter (2010). Lace up the gloves, tape the wrists, and prepare for a story about loyalty, damage, and the cost of fighting your way out of the place you came from. We're bragging about knocking down Sugar Ray Leonard this week as we discuss: Christian Bale’s extraordinary, Oscar-winning transformation — volatile, compulsive, heartbreaking. Is this one of the great supporting performances of modern cinema? Mark Wahlberg as Micky Ward — or is he just playing Mark Wahlberg with less swearing? Amy Adams’ breakout performance — sharp, grounded, and unflinching. Did the camera take advantage of her though? The family dynamic — love, obligation, manipulation, and control. When does support turn into sabotage? Megs breaks down the portrayal of working-class women — authenticity, resilience, and why the female characters feel unusually real for a boxing movie. Ian explores how The Fighter subverts the sports-film formula — less about glory, more about survival and self-definition. Is it even a boxing film? The documentary-style camerawork — raw, intimate, and invasive. How does the film blur the line between sports drama and social realism? The ethics of redemption — does Dicky earn his comeback, or does the film soften the damage he’s done? Which member of the cast just couldn't forgive him The boxing itself — brutal, unromantic, and exhausting. Does stripping away spectacle make the fights hit harder? The ending — triumphant, restrained, emotionally complicated or underwhelming? We unpack what “winning” actually means here. And finally, whether The Fighter is the Best Film Ever — or simply one of the most honest American sports dramas of the 21st century. 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/
“The Champ… is here.” Join Ian and special guest Stew from The Stew World Order Podcast as we sit down at the Ringside Roundtable to take a deep-dive look at one of the most polarizing, celebrated, and influential wrestlers in WWE history — John Cena. Across nearly two decades, Cena went from Ruthless Aggression rookie to the face of an entire era, and this special episode breaks down every chapter of his career with honesty, insight, and maybe a few “You Can’t See Me” jokes. This week we discuss the following while debating we can be seen or not: Our Cena origin stories — Ruthless Aggression debuts, the Undertaker handshake, the F-U era, the rapper gimmick, and the pivot to PG’s Hustle, Loyalty, Respect. Which version of Cena did we meet first? What made Cena appealing — why kids adored him, whether his “Never Give Up” mantra was authentic, and if he was secretly underrated in-ring all along. Where the hate came from — the roots of the Cena Sucks movement, the difference between hating the booking and hating Cena himself, and whether fans resented how “corporate” he felt. Was the backlash justified? — did fan criticism have merit, or did Cena silence doubters with consistently strong, big-match performances later in his career? Cena’s in-ring legacy — how good he actually was bell-to-bell, the key matches that define his style, and whether “Super Cena” booking helped or hindered him. The Cena character — iconic or limiting? Should he have turned heel? And how effective was his mic work beyond the occasional goofy promo? Did Cena make stars… or bury them? — who benefitted most from working with him (Owens, Styles, Umaga) and who fans believe he held back. Was Cena good for wrestling overall? — did he grow the audience or preside over decline? Was his mainstream presence a net positive? And did WWE rely on him too heavily? Cena’s cultural footprint — is he WWE’s last true megastar? How Make-A-Wish shaped his legacy, and whether Hollywood changed how fans view him today. Cena vs. modern WWE — how he’d fare if he debuted now, how his style fits today’s product, and whether Roman Reigns is truly Cena 2.0. The endgame — did Cena step away at the right time? Should Gunther be his final opponent? Is Saturday Night’s Main Event the right farewell? Does he need one last WrestleMania moment? Defining rivalries — the feuds that shaped his career, whether he elevated or overshadowed opponents, and our Top 5 Cena Rivalries each. Cena’s legacy — where he ranks all-time, how defining he was for the PG Era, and how his longevity compares to Hulk Hogan, Steve Austin, The Rock, and Roman Reigns. And finally, the verdict — was John Cena good or bad for wrestling? Has history softened the criticism? And what is his true legacy when everything is weighed together? Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE
“I just want to be perfect.” Join Ian & Megs for our 308th episode as we step into the mirror-lined, razor-edged, emotionally fraught world of Darren Aronofsky’s Black Swan (2010). Lace up your shoes, crack your knuckles, and prepare to descend into obsession, duality, and tutu-level trauma. This week we discuss: Natalie Portman’s extraordinary, Oscar-winning transformation — fragile ingénue, ruthless perfectionist, and fractured psyche in one. Mila Kunis as the effortless chaos to Nina’s claustrophobic control — real threat or manifested paranoia? Aronofsky’s visual language: reflections, doubles, textures, and body horror. How does he trap the audience inside Nina’s deteriorating mind? The film’s depiction of artistic pressure and perfectionism — when does ambition turn pathological? What other film could we not stop referencing whilst watching this film Megs questions the ballet accuracy (and the wildly inaccurate bits) — including the culture, the training, and the psychological toll Ian asks if the film does a good enough job educating the audience about ballet to make the film accessible We talk about how Black Swan functions as a companion piece to The Wrestler — obsession as both craft and self-destruction. The boundaries between reality and hallucination — when does the film stop being literal? Or was it metaphor all along? We examine the film’s treatment of sexuality, identity, and agency through the lens of duality: White Swan vs. Black Swan, innocence vs. corruption, submission vs. liberation. The final performance — triumphant, tragic, transcendent? We unpack the film’s unforgettable ending. And finally, whether Black Swan is the Best Film Ever — or simply one of the most hypnotic psychological thrillers of the 21st century. 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/
“We're as real as a f**king donut!” Join Ian, Liam & Beadle Steve for our 307th episode as we cruise down Sunset Boulevard, slip into our moccasins, and take a long, nostalgic look at Quentin Tarantino’s sun-drenched fairytale Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019). Megs and Kev? They’re not with us this week — Megs got invited to a last-minute audition on a Spaghetti Western set outside Rome, and Kev got lost trying to hitchhike to the Playboy Mansion. We wish them both luck. We're also waxing poetic about Jay Glennie's excellent history of the film with "The Making of Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time In Hollywood" available everywhere now. This week we discuss: How Tarantino utilises revisionist history and a clear late sixties aesthetic into his most affectionate, laid-back film yet. Leonardo DiCaprio’s turn as Rick Dalton — insecure, electric, and oddly sympathetic. Brad Pitt’s Cliff Booth — stuntman, handyman, maybe-murderer, absolute legend. Beadle Steve weighs in on the film’s leaving of breadcrumbs and its toasty payoff How the film handles Sharon Tate with grace, warmth, and unexpected emotional weight much to Liam's appreciation The Manson Family sequences — slow-burning dread done right but where is Charlie and why does Ian argue it's the right call for the film? Ian breaks down Tarantino’s structural choices: meandering brilliance or indulgent reimagining? The film’s controversial ending — catharsis, fantasy, or simply Tarantino being Tarantino? Does it help if you know the real life history? Someone argues it doesn't matter and the film still works. Nostalgia vs. narrative: does the film rely too heavily on vibes, or is that the point? We question whether OUATIH is a buddy film, a fairy tale, a love letter, or all of the above. The “Rick Dalton meltdown” scene — one of the great comedic acting moments of the decade? Which parts got combined and then split again on account of scheduling conflicts Who was supposed to be in the film if not for tragedy occurring? And finally, whether Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is the Best Film Ever — or just Tarantino’s most beautifully crafted hangout movie. Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE. Buy Jay Glennie's book at https://amzn.eu/d/fTGfDBu 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/
“Which would be worse… to live as a monster, or to die as a good man?” Join Ian, Liam & Kev for our 306th episode as we board the ferry to Ashecliffe and plunge headfirst into the mist, trauma, and unreliable memories of Martin Scorsese’s Shutter Island (2010). Megs? She’s not with us this week — she insisted on exploring Ward C “just for a quick look” and the gates slammed shut behind her. We’re hoping she’ll be released pending evaluation. This week we discuss: How Scorsese blends noir, horror, and psychological drama into one of the most atmospheric films of the 2010s. Leonardo DiCaprio’s performance — genius unraveling, or a masterclass in controlled chaos? Mark Ruffalo’s deceptively calm presence — partner, puppet, or something much more unsettling? Are we naturally prejudiced to think Ben Kingsley is the villain because he's British? How does Scorsese take a psychological thriller and masquerade it within both a whodunnit and a conspiracy film Which special effects had us marveling at their ingenuity and which ones had us reaching for our Resties ballots? How could the narrative alignment choices made by Scorsese have gone terribly wrong Ian breaks down the film’s narrative structure — why repeated viewings make the film richer, not clearer. Liam asks whether the film asks too much from the viewer How trauma, denial, and memory shape the film’s psychological core — and why the story hits different every rewatch. B-Tech Kev picks up on some subtleties and asks if we saw what he saw whilst Ian talks about how the ability to pause and rewind has changed cinema Genre blending: is Shutter Island a detective mystery, a horror film, or a psychological portrait of grief? The lighthouse reveal — one of Scorsese’s most tension-filled sequences. We debate the meaning of the ending, Teddy’s awareness, and that final chilling line. And finally, whether Shutter Island is the Best Film Ever — or simply the most beautifully disorienting mind maze Scorsese ever built. Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE. Find out more about Juleen's nephew, Castor, and how you can help at https://gofund.me/73a67a9d6 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/
“But I tried, didn’t I? Goddammit, at least I did that.” Join Ian & Liam for our 305th episode as we get ourselves committed to one of the greatest American films ever made: One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975). Kev and Megs? They won’t be joining us this week — Megs was last seen challenging Nurse Ratched’s medication schedule and Kev tried to lift the hydrotherapy console to escape. Security is “having a chat” with both of them. This week we discuss: How Miloš Forman’s direction created a sense of art imitating life. But who was Miss Ratched and who was Mac? Jack Nicholson’s legendary performance as R.P. McMurphy — charming, chaotic, and dangerously alive. But is it just Jack playing Jack? Louise Fletcher’s cold, controlled terror as Nurse Ratched — is she evil, institutionalised, or the product of her system? The film’s astonishing supporting cast — from Danny DeVito to Brad Dourif — and why the ensemble might be one of the best ever assembled. Who asked for asshole Doc Brown? The real power struggle at the heart of the film: rebellion vs. routine, individuality vs. institution. Ian breaks down the film’s narrative structure and why one sequence isn't necessary Liam reflects on the humour, the heartbreak, and the explosive final act — does any other ending hit quite like this one? Is Mac crazy? How would someone pretending to be crazy present themselves in this environment? We discuss the film’s legacy: its Oscars sweep, its influence on pop culture, and its place in the “Great American Films” canon. Is McMurphy a hero, a catalyst, or a cautionary tale? What was Milos Forman trying to say in the film based on his personal lifestory? And finally, whether One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest is the Best Film Ever — or simply one of the boldest critiques of power and conformity ever committed to screen. Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE. Find out more about Juleen's nephew, Castor, and how you can help at https://gofund.me/73a67a9d6 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/
At last… our pod is complete again.” Join Ian, Liam & Megs (she always goes last), along with Friend of the Podcasters: Beadle Steve, for our 304th episode as we sharpen our razors, roll out the pie dough, and dive into the gothic, gory glory of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007). This week, we’re not just talking Burton’s blood-soaked macabre attempt at a masterpiece — we’re also sharing our collective memories from our very own recent production of Sweeney Todd! Expect behind-the-scenes stories, backstage laughs, and maybe a few stories about trap doors and jettisons of blood This week we discuss: How Tim Burton’s adaptation balances musical theatre grandeur with cinematic horror — and where it falls short. Johnny Depp’s take on the title role: tortured genius or just Burton doing Burton again? Helena Bonham Carter’s Mrs. Lovett — delightful, deranged, and determined to make the worst pies in London. How Alan Rickman and Timothy Spall manage to be both repulsive and magnetic - but can they sing? Who do we think could've done it better? The use of colour, lighting, and sound — and why did the crew need so many garbage bags? How Sweeney Todd manages to turn tragedy into operatic spectacle without losing its emotional sting. We discuss at great length a couple of elements that one of us just couldn't overlook We share our favourite moments (and biggest mishaps) from our own stage production — from what it's like to be reviewed ourselves to unexpected laughter in the wrong places and if you can imagine it - Ian flexing in the spotlight What it’s like performing Sondheim’s music live — the challenge, the rhythm, and the glorious chaos. Beadle Steve joins us to talk about his experience, his favourite scenes, and whether he’s still hearing “Ding Dong!” in his sleep... and what happened to the ensemble anyway? And finally, whether Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is the Best Film Ever — or just the bloodiest musical we’ve ever 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 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 another edition of See It or Skip It, and this time Ian is back with Friend of the Podcast Ryan Kuketz as they grab their scorecards, pack their peanuts, and head north for Who Killed The Montreal Expos? — Netflix’s deep-dive documentary into the tragic rise and fall of Canada’s lost baseball team. But does Who Killed The Montreal Expos? knock it out of the park, or is it just another rain-delayed nostalgia trip? Ian and Ryan dig into the story of how a beloved franchise went from fan favourite to relocation heartbreak — and whether this doc truly gets to the bottom of who’s really to blame. Is this a gripping investigation into corporate greed, MLB politics, and fan betrayal — or just a sentimental bunt down memory lane? The lads examine how the film balances hard facts with heart, whether it gives Montreal’s baseball faithful the justice they deserve, and if it finally answers the question that’s haunted Canadian sports fans for two decades. How do you tell the story of a team that died twice — once in the standings, and once in spirit? Is this a love letter, a post-mortem, or both? All this and more in this week’s See It or Skip It review of Who Killed The Montreal Expos? — and of course, Ian and Ryan will let you know if you should SEE IT or SKIP IT.
“Sometimes the most beautiful things in life don’t make sense.” Join Ian & Liam, along with BFF of the BFE: Ariannah (Who Loves BFE the Most™), for our 303rd episode as we ride through the heart and humanity of Peter Bogdanovich’s Mask (1985) — the moving, funny, and unforgettable story of Rocky Dennis, his extraordinary mother, and the people who refused to let difference define them. This week we discuss: How Mask walks the perfect line between sentiment and sincerity without tipping into melodrama. Cher’s powerhouse performance — fierce, fragile, and absolutely magnetic but was she well directed (or even well written?) Eric Stoltz’s stunning transformation and how the film lets his humanity shine through the prosthetics. Why this might be the most compassionate film of the 1980s — and what it still teaches us about empathy today. Ariannah joins us to talk about how disability and difference are portrayed on screen, and why this one hits harder than most. The use of music (and that classic Springsteen debate) — how the soundtrack shapes the film’s emotional DNA. We rip on Bogdanovich’s simplistic direction and how his brevity is far from the film's greatest strength. Ian wonders whether the film’s emotional punches still land as powerfully for modern audiences. We talk about how Mask redefined expectations for family drama and biopic storytelling. And finally, whether Mask (1985) is the Best Film Ever — or just one of the most human films we’ve ever covered. 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/
“We all float down here.” Join Ian & Kev, along with BFF of the BFE: James DeGuzman, for our 302nd episode as we descend into the sewers of Derry, Maine, and confront childhood trauma, red balloons, and Stephen King nightmare fuel with It: Chapter One (2017). Megs and Liam? They said they weren’t afraid of clowns… right up until Pennywise offered them a balloon. We’re hoping they resurface soon. This week we discuss: Why It tapped into a new generation’s fear of clowns — and whether it’s earned or just clever filmmaking. Bill Skarsgård’s terrifying turn as Pennywise — physicality, psychology, and drool. How the film balances coming-of-age warmth with soul-shaking horror — friendship vs. fear. King’s original novel vs. the adaptation — what gets streamlined, what gets lost, and what gets under your skin. Does this film prove that horror is strongest when it’s tied to universal childhood anxieties? How the film is able to position that early coming-of-age feelings of romance without coming across as creepy The Losers’ Club: perfect casting? We break down who stands out and who feels underserved. Why the sewer sequences and the house on Neibolt Street raise the bar for modern horror set pieces. Ian talks about narrative structure and why splitting the story into “kid chapter” and “adult chapter” was the smartest possible move. James brings the expert scare analysis — and takes the BFE to task over their anti-horror bias Does Pennywise’s final reveal hold up — or does CGI drain the fear away? And finally, whether It: Chapter One is the Best Film Ever — or just the best nightmare you’ll keep watching anyway. 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/
“They’re heeere…” Join Ian & Megs for our 301st episode as we grab the remote, face the static, and step into the spectral suburbia of Poltergeist (1982). Liam and Kev? They’re not with us this week — the house they were recording in was built on an ancient podcast burial ground. We haven’t heard from them since, but we’re getting some weird interference through the TV… This week we discuss: 301 episodes in — how did we make it this far without getting dragged into the light? How Poltergeist terrified an entire generation while redefining the modern haunted house movie. The age-old debate: how much of this film was Tobe Hooper and how much was Steven Spielberg pulling the spectral strings? Why the film’s suburban setting hits harder than gothic castles or spooky mansions — horror in the heart of normality. The infamous curse surrounding the film’s production — what’s real, what’s coincidence, and what’s just chilling. Is Poltergeist actually a family drama disguised as horror, and why does that emotional core make the scares land harder? Ian breaks down the film’s special effects and practical wizardry — how they still hold up decades later. Ian also shares about some childhood traumas regarding losing beloved toys at school while Megs reminds him that's why you don't bring valuable stuff in Why Poltergeist manages to be scary without ever really being gory — and whether that balance is what makes it timeless. Why do they have a magic remote control and was the guy costuming Dana a creep? And finally, whether Poltergeist is the Best Film Ever — or just the reason we still side-eye our static screens. 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/
“THIS… IS… EPISODE 300!” Join Ian, Liam, Megs & Kev as we hit a huge milestone with our 300th episode by reviewing Zack Snyder’s visually explosive, slow-motion-soaked epic 300 (2006). Four hosts, six-packs optional, and absolutely no capes required — though Kev may or may not have shown up in one. This week we discuss: 300 episodes strong — how did we get here, and who yelled the loudest doing it? How 300 redefined the look of early-2000s cinema and became the blueprint for a decade of digital epics. Is 300 the natural endpoint of a cinematic obsession with masculinity that began with Braveheart and Gladiator? Just exactly how much does this movie borrow from these films and which elements does it outright steal How the film balances mythic masculinity with questionable historical accuracy — and does it matter? Megs is here to give us some historically accurate statements on the battle of Thermopylae We've got a classic BFE taste test of a product you won't believe Several people reach out to congratulate us and some familiar voices show up to toast with us Which one of us would make the best Spartan, and which one would be sent to tell the story? The surprising cultural impact of “This is Sparta!” — and which line from the movie we’ve all been yelling at each other for days. Ian breaks down the film’s visual language and pacing — why Snyder’s comic-book literalism both elevates and limits the story. And finally, whether 300 is the Best Film Ever—or just the most gloriously sweaty milestone we could’ve picked. 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/
You're not anyone unless you're on a podcast - It’s a full house this week as Ian, Liam, Megs & Kev are all actually in studio together for our 299th episode, sinking our teeth into Gus Van Sant’s razor-sharp media satire To Die For (1995). That’s right—no Zoom delays; no apologies, best wishes or excuses, just four podcasters, four microphones, and an unhealthy fascination with fame. We're skating on thin ice in our 299th episode as we discuss: We learn the name under which Joaquin Phoenix’s early films were classified—and why it might surprise you. There’s a lot of talk about what day of the week the podcast actually comes out on (and whether any of us even know). We all want to enter the alternate casting universe to see who the producers wanted to play Suzanne—and whether that version of the film would’ve worked at all. Is Suzanne Stone one of Nicole Kidman’s greatest performances—or is she just too good at being awful? How the film predicted the age of reality TV and social media fame years before they existed. What’s the line between ambition and sociopathy—and where does Suzanne fall on that spectrum? How Van Sant uses tone to walk the line between dark comedy and true crime tragedy. Why To Die For feels both 1990s and frighteningly current in 2025. Which scene left us most uncomfortable—and which line still gets a nervous laugh. And finally, whether To Die For is the Best Film Ever—or just the most chillingly relevant film you’ve never revisited. 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/
“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.
DiscoPrince1977
My guess was that the tracking device was intended to allow them to track Fat Bastard back to Dr. Evil’s lair
DiscoPrince1977
Just to clarify: whenever Felicity shows up in the movie, it’s NOT the Lenny Kravitz version, it IS the original Guess Who version. Kravitz’s cover only plays in the credits. Whenever they play it for Felicity, it’s the original song
Angela Serena Gilmour
worst podcast ever. loud Canadian Film Studies teacher imposes his opinion on a group of young, squabbling students , and with all the sidetracks and waffling it takes nearly 3 hours. For a much more intelligent review of Bullitt by a professional critic and an actor, checkout the podcast Unspooled.
elliott s
No Curb, UK Office, Blackadder! Joke of a podcast
Scott Guerin
usually love the podcast, but this was woeful. so many poor takes. had a serious look at a movie meant for fun