We conclude Season Eight with Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, where the series took a darker turn. The stakes were higher and the hair was longer, but should this fourth entry in the series have been better? Guest Taylor Schuurmans is back to talk about the return of Lord Voldemort.___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialTwitter: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wwibpodcastLetterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/wwibpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!
This animated reboot fell flat at the box office despite stellar reviews. Despite being part of such a recognizable franchise, why did Transformers One fail to make an impact with audiences? Does it deserve more love? Guest and Transformers fan Kai Wang returns to defend this film's honor.___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialTwitter: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wwibpodcastLetterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/wwibpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!
One of the most unique comic adaptations ever, Warren Beatty's Dick Tracy is fascinating to watch. The cast is stacked. The visuals are eye-popping. But could it have been better? Disney was hoping it would be. Noted guest and Marvel consigliere Garret Ohringer joins to talk about Warren Beatty's conquests.___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialTwitter: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wwibpodcastLetterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/wwibpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!
According to some, The Color Purple was Steven Spielberg's first "serious" drama. It made Whoopi Goldberg into an overnight star. Spielberg got the awards attention but not in the way he wanted. How does this acclaimed but controversial adaptation of Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel hold up after forty years? Guest Zion Parker joins to give his thoughts.___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialTwitter: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wwibpodcastLetterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/wwibpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!
Continuing our tradition of covering 1970s disaster movies, The Hindenburg is an (un)interesting one. Despite being based on the famous historical event and being released during the height of the disaster movie craze, it was hardly a success for Universal. Should it have done better or did it deserve its fiery fate?___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialX: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastLetterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/wwibpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!
Doctor Strange was never the first name that came to mind when you thought of Marvel heroes yet somehow, this mind-bending, trippy addition to the MCU became a smash hit. First-time guest and patron Daniel Ake joins the podcast to break down the film that turned a B-list sorcerer into a fan-favorite, and why the visuals, cast, and unexpected blend of mysticism and sci-fi hit so hard.___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialTwitter: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wwibpodcastLetterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/wwibpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!
The Black Cauldron was released during the darkest period in Disney's history. It flopped so badly that it nearly killed the studio's animation department. Just thinking about that alone is wild enough. Yet some fans defend this as a misunderstood classic. One thing is for sure. It should have been better.___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialTwitter: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastLetterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/wwibpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!
Zabba zabba zabba. The second and almost certainly the last Steven Seagal movie we're covering. Under Siege 2: Dark Territory is the sequel to what most fans agree is Seagal's best work. Is this sequel somehow underrated? Does it work as a guilty pleasure 90's action cheesefest? Guest Sean O'Connor returns to weigh in for the 30th anniversary of Under Siege 2: Dark Territory.___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialTwitter: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastLetterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/wwibpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!
The Man of Steel has recently soared back to the big screen in a reboot that promises hope, heroism, and a fresh start for DC? The studio has entrusted James Gunn with reviving their iconic hero, but does the new Superman deliver? Industry insider and comic book fan Ivan Calixto returns to the podcast to share his thoughts.___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialTwitter: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastLetterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/wwibpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!
What would God need with a starship? William Shatner's first directorial effort turned out to be his last. Star Trek V: The Final Frontier is the black sheep of the original film series, and it's not hard to see why. Does it deserve its bad rap? Trekkie and guest Paul Kind returns to vent his feelings. ___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialTwitter: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastLetterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/wwibpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!
Our first Hitchcock film! It’s been a long time coming. Dial M for Murder is well-regarded but somehow sits just outside the top tier of Alfred Hitchcock’s legendary catalog. It’s often overlooked by some of Hitchcock's other works. This was also his first collaboration with Grace Kelly, a pairing that would define much of his work in the '50s. Does this early thriller deserve more attention, or is it overshadowed by its more famous suspenseful siblings?___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/72nZWQLXOJsxbkgpiqOffuApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-wasnt-it-better/id1716624431Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialTwitter: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastLetterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/wwibpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!
Nothing beats a summer murder mystery. The second of Rian Johnson's Knives Out series, Glass Onion once again features Daniel Craig headlining an all star cast. Not as well-received as its predecessor, we thought this would be fun to cover since the third one releases later this year. ___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialTwitter: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastLetterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/wwibpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!
This season's worst Best Picture winner. Chariots of Fire is probably best remembered for the main theme to its score, and yet this tale of the 1924 English track Olympians somehow won Best Picture in 1981. Guest Nathan Perry is back to talk some Olympic sports drama.___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialTwitter: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastLetterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/wwibpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!
It's the 30th anniversary of Waterworld! One of the most infamous blockbusters of all time, as well as one of the most requested films we've gotten. Kevin Costner's absurdly expensive, water-logged misadventure that all but ended his status as one of Hollywood's A-list stars. Waterworld has quite the reputation. It is undeserved? Or should it have been better? Guest Ivan Calixto returns to share his thoughts.___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialTwitter: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastLetterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/wwibpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!
Back by Patreon request, and the second part of our Tron double feature. Tron: Legacy was released nearly thirty years after the original cult classic. Like the first one, it was successful but not nearly as much as Disney had hoped for. Since the third one is being released this October, we thought this was perfect to revisit. Guest Tom Paradiso joins us on the Grid.___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialTwitter: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastLetterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/wwibpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!
Greetings, programs! The first part of our Tron double feature. The original 1982 film was a disappointment for Disney but has since become a cult classic. Its iconic imagery has inspired countless other works. Patrick and Anton go into the Grid to talk Tron.___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialTwitter: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastLetterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/wwibpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!
The Timothy Dalton chapter in the James Bond series concluded with Licence to Kill. Released in the summer of 1989, it underperformed but later found favor with Bond fans for its dark, gritty themes. Special guest Joseph Darlington of Being James Bond joins the podcast to discuss.A link to his channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Beingjamesbond___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialTwitter: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastLetterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/wwibpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!
One of the most obscure films we've covered, Proof of Life should have been a success. Russell Crowe had just starred in Gladiator and was at his peak. Meg Ryan was still America's sweetheart. And yet it completely bombed at the box office. Almost nobody remembers it now. Except us. Guest Garret Ohringer returns to negotiate to bring this film back to popularity. ___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialTwitter: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastLetterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/wwibpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!
Let's get weird with our first listener request of the season. Summer horror can be some of the best horror. Headlined by Natalie Portman, Alex Garland's sophomore effort impressed critics and almost everyone that saw it, but curiously made no money upon release. Producer Eric Taylor and guest Kai Wang join to discuss Annihilation.___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialTwitter: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastLetterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/wwibpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!
Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water. Jaws 2 is a film that realistically should have been worse than what it was. Often lumped together with the two sequels that followed, Jaws 2 seems to have been the first shameless "it happened again" sequel. But we have a lot of time for it. Patrick and Anton discuss summer horror.___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialTwitter: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastLetterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/wwibpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!