Best Film Ever

Episode 310 - The Holiday (and BFE Christmas Party)

“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/

Episode 309 - The Fighter

“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/

Ringside Roundtable - John Cena

“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

Episode 308 - Black Swan

“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/

Episode 307 - Once Upon A Time In Hollywood

“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/

Episode 306 - Shutter Island

“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/

Episode 305 - One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest

“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/

Episode 304 - Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (feat. Beadle Steve)

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/

See It Or Skip It? - Who Killed The Montreal Expos (w/ Friend of the Podcast: Ryan Kuketz)

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.

Episode 303 - Mask (w/ BFF of the BFE: Ariannah who Loves BFE the Most)

“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/

Episode 302 - It

“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/

Episode 301 - Poltergeist

“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/

Episode 300 - 300

“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/

Episode 299 - To Die For

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/

Episode 298 - The Social Network

“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/

Episode 297 - The Rocky Horror Picture Show

“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/.

See It Or Skip It? - Happy Gilmore 2

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.

Episode 296 - Dirty Harry

“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/.

Episode 295 - Jackie Brown (w/ BFF of the BFE: Shai Bergerfroind)

“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/.

Fantasy Football Draft (2025) - THe BFE Patreon League

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.

Episode 294 - Out of the Furnace (w/ BFF of the BFE: Hermes Auslander)

“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/.

Episode 293 - X-Men (2000)

“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/.

Episode 292 - Ghost

“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/.

Episode 291 - Inception

“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/.

See It or Skip It? - SummerSlam (2025)

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

Episode 290 - The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad

“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.

Episode 289 - Idiocracy (w/ BFF of the BFE: Synthia)

“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/.

 

See It or Skip It? - Fantastic Four: First Steps

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

Episode 288 - Jaws (featuring Carlo from The Movie Loot)

“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/.

See It or Skip It? - Superman (2025)

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

 

See It or Skip It? - F1

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.

Episode 287 - The Karate Kid

“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/.

Episode 286 - Superman (1978)

“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/.

Episode 285 - Heneral Luna (w/ BFF of the BFE: Juleen)

“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/.

Episode 284 - Rush

“The closer you are to death, the more alive you feel.” Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting duo – Ian & Liam – as we rev the engines, grip the wheel, and go full throttle into our 284th episode with a look at Ron Howard’s high-octane drama Rush (2013). We’re trading poisoned apples for podium finishes as we dive into one of Formula 1’s greatest real-life rivalries:

• What is it about films that explore the pursuit of greatness that gets our hearts racing every time?
• We break down why stories with duelling personalities—like Hunt and Lauda—are so compelling, especially when each sees themselves reflected in the other.
• What elements of the true story were changed, streamlined, or dialled up to eleven for cinematic effect?
• Ian and Liam try to figure out which one of them is the reckless playboy and which is the meticulous technician… and it gets uncomfortable quickly.
• We talk about the power of respect over friendship, the blurred lines between envy and admiration, and why this film might be Ron Howard’s unsung masterpiece.
• Whether Rush is the Best Film Ever—or just one hell of a ride worth taking.

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/.

Episode 283 - Toy Story 3

“So long… partner.” Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting duo – Ian & Liam – as we stare mortality, memory, and molten doom right in the eye in our 283rd episode, covering Pixar’s emotional rollercoaster Toy Story 3 (2010). We’re trading poisoned apples for daycare drama and incinerator trauma as we ask whether this trilogy-closer really is the perfect goodbye:

• We are so very thankful for a new piece of kit that limited our downtime this week
• We talk about why Toy Story 3 might just be the best third act in any trilogy ever.
• Ian reflects on the passage of time, growing up, and how Pixar weaponised emotion in the final 20 minutes.
• Liam bravely tries to hold it together during that incinerator scene—and that goodbye with Andy.
• Is Lotso one of Pixar’s greatest villains and what is it about him that Liam hates so much but Ian loves so much?
• We talk about daycare as dystopia, Big Baby as horror icon, why Mr. Pricklepants deserved more screen time and who exactly is watching these kids at the daycare?
• Why does this hit so hard for adults? Is it just about toys—or everything we leave behind?
• Ian breaks down the film’s narrative structure and how it perfectly mirrors growing up and letting go.
• Whether Toy Story 3 is the Best Film Ever—or just the most emotionally devastating G-rated film of all time.

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/.

Episode 282 - Mr. & Mrs. Smith

“Happy anniversary, baby.” Join your favorite TransAtlantic podcasting trio – Ian, Liam & Megs (Kev's taking care of some issues in Atlanta) – as we lock and load for our 282nd episode, celebrating the 20th anniversary of Doug Liman’s bullet-riddled marital meltdown Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005). We’re trading treasure maps and Pepsi product placement for high-tech arsenals and awkward couples therapy as we discuss:

• At what point exactly did Brad Pitt's & Angelina Jolie's respective existing marriages become doomed
• The world of super spies and just how deep your cover has to be before you forget who you're actually married to.
• We get a guest review from a parent of a podcaster this week—they've certainly chosen a side
• Do our respective genders guarantee a same-gender allegiance or is it up for grabs
• One of us struggles to accept the film’s central conceit (spoiler: it involves assassins, suburbs, and how you manage to create your respective weapons stashes).
• How this film caused a minor international incident 
• We ask the big question: Was Brad Pitt a character actor trapped in a movie star’s body all along?
• What’s wrong with the narrative pacing—and why does it feel like the film ran out of bullets before the third act?
• We dive into the ongoing conversation around gender pay equality, especially when both leads aren't marquee stars.
• Is this a great film or just a very stylish couples' argument with body count.
• How much mediocrity can great chemistry overcome
• Whether Mr. & Mrs. Smith 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/.

See It or Skip It? - Karate Kid: Legends

FIRST 23:00: Spoiler-Free Review with our See It/Skip It Verdict
AFTER 23:00: Full Spoiler Review

It’s another Sunday edition of See It or Skip It and this time Ian is flying solo to crane-kick his way through Karate Kid: Legends (2025), the latest legacy sequel to join the dojo of long-dormant franchises getting a fresh coat of wax. But did we really need another Karate Kid movie?

Ian’s here to break down whether this spiritual sequel finds balance or just breaks the board. Does Legends honour the conventions we expect from a Karate Kid film—training montages, tournaments, and that moment of quiet wisdom from a mentor—or does it skip straight to a breakneck pace that leaves the heart of the series behind?

What should a legacy sequel accomplish in its first outing? Is this film content to lean on nostalgia, or does it earn its place in the Karate Kid canon? Ian explores whether the new characters bring something meaningful to the dojo or if they’re just here to bow respectfully and cash in.

All this and more in this week’s See It or Skip It review of Karate Kid: Legends—and of course, Ian lets you know if you should SEE IT or SKIP IT.

Episode 281 - The Goonies

“Goonies never say die!” Join your favorite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian, Liam, KevDog & Megs – with a surprise zipline call-in from Georgia – as we hunt for treasure, dodge booby traps, and argue over coastal real estate law in our 281st episode covering the beloved ‘80s adventure The Goonies (1985). We’re trading poisoned apples for pirate maps and Baby Ruth bars as we discuss:

• Why Ian still can’t remember androgynous character names—and what that means for Andy and the podcast’s collective patience.
• We get into a surprisingly spirited debate over what foreclosure actually means (and how much Spielberg economics we're willing to accept).
• What’s the real tragedy behind the film’s stunning set design—and the moment it all went poof.
• Which young actor accidentally ruined an iconic shot… and whether Spielberg ever truly forgave him.
• We get honest about Chunk, fat shaming, and how watching it through a 2025 lens left some of us feeling a little queasy.
• We go over some podcast metrics, because if the Fratellis can chase gold, we can at least check our download stats.
• Who far outpunches his small role in the cast—and who far outkicked his coverage romantically (we’re actually not looking at Brand).
• Kev’s brought along some exotic treats (if you’re English), and reactions range from delighted to deflated.
• Someone (take a guess) tries to do some serious heavy lifting to make the central treasure-hunting plot actually make sense.
• Ian gives what he thinks is a masterclass in narrative construction and points out where The Goonies missed a few easy wins (even with pirate ships involved).
• Whether The Goonies 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/.

Episode 280 - The Shining

“Here’s Johnny!” Join your favorite TransAtlantic podcasting duo – Ian & Liam (with Megs checking in later once she arrives from Florida) – as we snowmobile into the Overlook Hotel for our 280th episode (B-Tech Kev's not here. Doesn't he get that all work and no play make Kev a dull boy?) and crack open Stanley Kubrick’s psychological horror masterpiece The Shining (1980). We’re trading ditching the swim team for haunted hallways and axing our way through one of the most iconic films ever made as we discuss:

• Liam talks far too much about a film that we're not reviewing today (but what else is new?).
• We correct a few political misnomers from last week, because facts matter—especially when ghosts are listening.
• Ian talks about the passing of George Wendt; Liam, not to be outdone, imagines the hypothetical passing of one of his heroes.
• Megs joins us and delivers a full-on mini-episode as she trials her new sidepod and recounts her real-life triumph over the forces of nature.
• We debate whether Jack Nicholson is giving a genuinely strong performance… or just letting his charisma do all the heavy lifting.
• Is there causality in this story—or is it all just vibes? And if there isn’t, shouldn’t that break the movie?
• Ian reveals who he’s in good company with on this one—and who he most certainly is not.
• Ian also explains the origin of the iconic “Here’s Johnny!” line to, well… everyone.
• Ian asks if this movie is trying to cram two different horror movies into one
• Liam swears this isn't a horror movie and the boys try to come up with a list of what makes a film a horror film

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/.

See It Or Skip It: - Mission: Impossible - Final Reckoning

It’s another edition of See It or Skip It and this time Ian and Liam are tackling Mission: Impossible – Final Reckoning (2025), the explosive (and supposedly final?) chapter in Ethan Hunt’s death-defying saga. Does Tom Cruise still deliver jaw-dropping stunts and spy-thriller spectacle—or is the mission starting to show its age?

If it is the end, is this truly a satisfying send-off for the franchise, or are we looking at Fast & Furious–style diminishing returns? Has the series said everything it has to say—or is there still life in the IMF yet? Is the plot compelling, or just another excuse to jump off a mountain with a briefcase? Do the emotional stakes hit as hard as the explosions? And most importantly—how many masks is too many masks?

Ian and Liam break down the set pieces, the pacing, the performances, and whether Final Reckoning delivers on nearly 30 years of buildup—or if it’s time for Ethan Hunt to finally accept that some missions really are impossible.

All that and more in this week’s See It or Skip It—and then they tell you whether you should SEE IT or SKIP IT.

Episode 279 - Ordinary People (w/ BFF of the BFE: Ariannah Who Loves BFE the Most™)

“Give her the goddamn [microphone], Conrad!” Join your favorite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian & Liam (Megs and B-Tech Kev have headed off to Houston) – as we dive deep into the murky waters of grief, guilt, and WASP repression for our 289th episode, covering Robert Redford’s directorial debut Ordinary People (1980). We’re joined by BFF of the BFE: Ariannah (Who Loves BFE the Most™), as we trade poisoned apples for therapy sessions and take a long, quiet look at the cracks beneath the perfect family portrait as we discuss:

• How Ordinary People took the 1980 Oscars by storm 
• Does the film’s quiet intensity still hit home—or has its reserved style become a relic of another era?
• Is Conrad a deeply sympathetic protagonist—or a mirror too uncomfortable to look into?
• How Ordinary People explores mental health, emotional repression, and the cold war between appearance and authenticity.
• Would the film still work today or have we successfully de-stigmatized mental health, trauma, and therapy?
• Which character we most relate to – and does that change 
• Where Mary Tyler Moore lands in the pantheon of dramatic performances. And what’s someone's major gripe with her character’s arc?
• Speaking of gripes—can we talk about that family photo scene?
• We’ve got questions about golf sweaters, family breakfast tension, and how much pain can hide behind tickets to Michigan State
• We get personal about how Ordinary People affected us—and whether we saw ourselves in any of its emotional breakdowns.
• We talk quiet power, redemptive silence, and the importance of just… being there for someone.
• Whether Ordinary People 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/.

Ep 278 - Crash (2004)

“On the BFE, nobody touches you. We're always behind this metal and glass.” Join your favorite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian, Liam & Megs (Kev’s stuck in traffic... literally) – as we collide head-on with our 270th episode, diving into the Oscar-winning ensemble drama Crash (2004). We’re trading poisoned apples for tangled fender benders and uncomfortable conversations as we discuss:

• How Crash sparked intense debate in 2004 and controversially drove off with Best Picture.
• Does the film still resonate 20 years later—or has its commentary aged as awkwardly as some of its dialogue?
• Is Crash a powerful mirror to society… or a heavy-handed lecture?
• How Crash explores race, prejudice, guilt, and the unseen connections that bind us.
• Which character’s arc hit us hardest – and which character has multiple members of the BFE auditioning for the role?
• Is Crash misunderstood genius—or awards bait that tricked us all?
• Where the film sits among Best Picture winners. And what’s our biggest gripe with its storytelling choices?
• Which characters does the film tell us to forgive - and do we?
• Speaking of gripes—do any of these characters actually change?
• We get personal about when we first saw Crash, and how our take on the film has evolved over time (or crashed and burned).
• We talk intense performances, sweeping coincidences, and how this film could only have been made at this exact time
• Whether Crash is the Best Film Ever.

Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE.

Episode 277 - Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith

“You were the chosen one!” Join your favorite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian, Liam & Megs (Kev's off-planet this week, likely negotiating with the Trade Federation) – as we ignite our lightsabers, spin into some space politics, and plunge into the dark side for our 270th episode covering Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005). We’re trading poisoned apples for Order 66 and flying headfirst into the fall of Anakin Skywalker as we discuss:

• Whether Revenge of the Sith sticks the landing for the prequel trilogy—or crashes harder than General Grievous’ escape pod.
• Does the film finally deliver the emotional payoff the prequels promised?
• Is Anakin’s fall convincing… or did he turn to the dark side over some bad dreams?
• Why does the reason for Anakin's turn seem inconsistent in this one
• Are Restie award winners, Hayden Christensen and Natalie Portman any better this go around or is a back-to-back a likely result?
• We talk about our philosophical stances and what happens when 2 of them crash into each other?
• Which Jedi we’d most likely be – and who’s clearly the Palpatine of the group
• Is this film secretly the best prequel—or just the least clunky one?
• Where does the Anakin/Obi Wan light saber fight fall in the history of duels in Star Wars?
• Speaking of gripes – was Padmé done dirty by giving her nothing to do?
• Does George Lucas understand love?
• We ask how Order 66 compares to another major franchise's big emotional disaster
• Whether Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith 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/.

See It or Skip It? - Thunderbolts*

FIRST 36:00: Spoiler-Free Review with our See It/Skip It Verdict
AFTER 36:00: Full Spoiler Review

It’s another Sunday edition of See It or Skip It and this time Ian is joined by BFF of the BFE to tackle the Marvel anti-hero team-up Phase Five film Thunderbolts* (2025), Marvel’s messiest group project yet.  Does Jake Schreier bring something fresh to a story about second chances and dangerous alliances—or is it all attitude with no real heart? Does the film's central theme and newest character go to a brave place for Marvel in discussing some very real places in the very silly comic book world or is it in danger of glorifying a self-destroying pattern of behaviour. Was Bucky actually beneficial in this story or was he just some MCU star power to give the group legitimacy.  Could the film have worked if we'd made Bucky the main character? Where does Thunderbolts* fit among Marvel's post-snap catalogue?

Ian & James tackle all these questions and more in this week’s See It or Skip It review of Thunderbolts*—and then they tell you whether you should SEE IT or SKIP IT.

 

Episode 276 - Babylon (featuring BFF of the BFE: James DeGuzman)

“Make a mark... and then fade away.” Join your favorite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian, Megs & Liam (B-Tech Kev had to see a man about an elephant) – as we trade our spy gear for trumpets, film reels, and copious amounts of debauchery for our 275th episode covering Babylon (2022).

We’re swapping Chimera viruses for jazz-fueled chaos and slow-motion gunfights for full-blown cinematic mayhem as we discuss:

• How Babylon might be the most Damien Chazelle movie that ever Damien Chazelle’d.
• Does this film capture the magic and madness of early Hollywood—or is it just chaotic noise?
• Is Manny Torres a true dreamer… or just a wide-eyed bystander to Hollywood’s self-destruction... or is he a corrupted soul that we overlook?
• Apparently there's a rule about taking Class-A drugs with company (well, in Act I anyways)
• How large is the demand for sweeping, three-hour epics about the birth of movies?
• Which Babylon character we’d most likely be—and who’s definitely channeling peak "trainwreck energy" 
• Is this an underappreciated masterpiece—or an overindulgent fever dream of excess?
• Is Babylon a love letter to cinema or a cautionary tale wrapped in champagne and elephant dung?
• We’ve got questions about giant parties, sudden snake fights, drug-fueled breakdowns, and how much elephant content is too much.
• At what point is the film in on the joke it's making and at what point does that film become the joke?
• We're joined by BFF of the BFE: James DeGuzman who tells us why this film is so much more than the punchline film critics have mmade it out to be
• Whether Babylon is the Best Film Ever.

Reel Roundtable #47 - PIxar Animation Studios

Another bonus episode as we bring you another Reel Roundtable discussion for your listening enjoyment.  Ian, Liam, Megan, and KevDog and revisit the filmography of Pixar Animation Studios.  Comments, banter, and an appreciation of crying as adults can be found as we discuss:

• The seal of quality that Pixar Animation used to stand for and why has that depreciated over time
• How much of a marvel was Toy Story and why can't they let it go
• Did the success of Pixar result in the death of traditional hand-drawn animation?
• Are Pixar films meant for adult audiences over child audiences?
• We present the audience and BFE Top 10 lists for the best Pixar films ever ever

If you have any ideas about future actors/actresses or topics for future roundtables, we’d love to hear from you.  Hit us up at @BestFilmEverPod on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.  

See It or Skip It? - Sinners

FIRST 31:30: Spoiler-Free Review with our See It/Skip It Verdict
AFTER 31:30: Full Spoiler Review

It’s another Sunday edition of See It or Skip It and this time Ian is taking on Sinners (2025), Ryan Coogler’s dark new thriller starring Michael B. Jordan. Was this a smart reinvention of classic genre tropes or just another stylish slow-burn? Does Coogler bring something deeper to a story about survival and temptation—or is it all atmosphere without enough bite? Is Michael B. Jordan believable as a pair of men wrestling with his their legacies and reinventing themselves? You can see the material it draws from. Does Sinners do something new with it though or is it just a retread of places we've already been? Does Sinners lean too much into moody tension, or does it actually deliver emotional payoff? Is Sinners a future genre classic—or just an ambitious but uneven swing? Finally, does the movie stick the landing or does it just kind of suck?

Ian tackles all these questions and more in this week's See It or Skip It review of Sinners—and then tells you whether you should SEE IT or SKIP IT.

Ep 275 - Mission: Impossible 2

“This message will self-destruct in five seconds…” Join your favorite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian, Megs & Liam (B-Tech Kev said something about needing to catch a flight to Atlanta) – as we don our sunglasses, rev up the motorcycles, and flip our hair in the wind for our 275th episode covering Mission: Impossible 2 (2000). We’re trading thermal vision  for Chimera viruses and slow-motion stunts as we discuss:

• How Mission: Impossible 2 became the most John Woo movie that ever John Woo’d.
• Does this sequel hold up as a stylish thrill ride—or is it just all style, no substance?
• Is Ethan Hunt a superspy… or just a shampoo commercial with explosives?
• What exactly does an audience want to see out of a Mission: Impossible film exactly
• Which member of Ethan’s crew we’d most likely be – and who’s clearly channeling peak Dougray Scott vibes.
• Is this the weakest link in the franchise—or an underappreciated relic of early-2000s action excess?
• Is Ethan Hunt a character or just an avatar for Tom Cruise to do James Bondesque films
• Speaking of gripes—what exactly was Ambrose’s plan again?
• We've got questions about masks, voice strips, motorcycles, and why no one seems fazed by endless slo-mo doves.
• We talk flamenco espionage, face-swapping twists, and the importance of always removing your sunglasses dramatically.
• Just how many actors were only in this film for the paycheck?
• Was Thandiwe Newton bad in this or is she just poorly written for and poorly directed?
• Is this the lustiest film in the Franchise?
• Whether Mission: Impossible 2 is the Best Film Ever.

See It or Skip It? - WrestleMania 41: Night Two

You know we love our wrestling here at the BFE (well… some of us do). Join Ian as we once again break the BFE format—this time to take a deep dive into WrestleMania 41 (Night Two).

We’re asking the big questions: how long can you keep someone a heel when the crowd is clearly with them? Was Bayley hard done by? Did WWE finally get held to account tonight after tempting fate for 20 years?  Can you assign Travis Scott as a proxy for The Rock? What happens if the audience don't know your pop culture references or personalities? Is the Main Event the right time for a live read for a sponsor? Did AJ Styles just give Logan Paul his worst WrestleMania match ever? And is there a ceiling on what you can do with Drew McIntyre? Plus, what wrestling pet peeves does Ian disclose tonight?

We’ll tackle all of that and more from WrestleMania 41 (Night Two)—and of course, we’ll tell you whether you should SEE IT or SKIP IT.

See It or Skip It? - WrestleMania 41: Night One

You know we love our wrestling here at the BFE (well… some of us do). Join Ian as we once again break the BFE format—this time to take a deep dive into WrestleMania 41 (Night One).

We’re asking the big questions: what do you do when a wrestler really isn't making progress, is there a babyface team worth cheering for on Raw, without strong babyfaces how do you make believeable heels?  Should WWE stop mentioning Big E if there's no chance of him being active in any capacity, is Tiffany Stratton ready for her spot? Was Charlotte Flair trying to sabotage her own match? Will Chad Gable ever get a match now that newcomers Rey Fenix and El Grande Americano have made their WrestleMania debuts and what did Paul Heyman do in the Main Event?

We’ll tackle all of that and more from WrestleMania 41 (Night One)—and of course, we’ll tell you whether you should SEE IT or SKIP IT.

See It or Skip It? - The Last Showgirl

FIRST 19:30: Spoiler-Free Review with our See It/Skip It Verdict
AFTER 19:30: Full Spoiler Review

Give em' the old Razzle Dazzle, Razzle Dazzle 'em. This week, we dive into The Last Showgirl (2024)—a poignant and surprisingly intimate drama that shines a spotlight on the final curtain call of a forgotten performer. Starring Pamela Anderson in a career-redefining role, the film follows a seasoned Las Vegas showgirl grappling with what comes after the music fades and the makeup comes off.

We’ll examine the storytelling—Does The Last Showgirl speak to something deeper than a typical showbiz redemption arc? How does Pamela Anderson anchor the film with surprising depth, vulnerability, and quiet power? And perhaps most importantly: how does it explore the things we tell ourselves to keep going—the inner monologues we cling to when chasing the happy endings we think we deserve? 

We’ll also break down the film’s tone and presentation—Is it a loving tribute to old-school showbiz, or a eulogy for what was left behind? Do the glimmers of glamour still matter when they’re tinged with loneliness and longing? And is this a film that requires nostalgia for the past—or is it more about the universal fear of being forgotten?

Finally, could this film have been made with anyone else in the lead role or is the whole film a reflexive meta-narrative on the lead actress herself?

We’ll tackle all these questions as we dissect the film and tell you if we think you should SEE IT or SKIP IT!

 

WrestleMania 41 Preview

You know we love our wrestling here at the BFE (well some of us...). Join Ian from Best Film Ever and Stew from The Stew World Order podcast as we break the BFE format by looking ahead to WrestleMania 41 which Stew will watch from Reliant Stadium in Las Vegas and Ian will watch from his couch at a horrendous time difference.

We discuss whether the build has been good this year? Did that car crash of a segment help or hurt the Flair/Stratton feud? Why do so many of the booking decisions feel so predictable (and is that a bad thing?) 

We'll preview each match on the card as well as try to find space for Randy Orton among the festivities as we discuss how to build a character, how to build a feud, and where WWE goes after the big weekend.

Catch more of Stew on his own podcast: Stew World Order at
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stew-world-order/id1559913522

You can also catch him at his website where he writes about all sorts of fun things:
https://swoproductions.com/

Episode 274 - Predator

“If it bleeds, we can kill it.” Join your favorite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian and Liam (Megs & B-Tech Kev said something about climbing trees) – as we strap on our gear, light our cigars, and head deep into the Central American rainforest for our 274th episode, tackling the musclebound mayhem of Predator (1987). We’re trading reservations at Dorcia for thermal vision and going toe-to-toe with one of cinema’s deadliest hunters as we discuss:

• How Predator blurred the lines between action, horror, and sci-fi to create something original.

• Does the film still pack a punch nearly 40 years later—or is it just macho nostalgia on steroids?

• How manly are the manly men in this film both on and off the set?

• Which team member we’d most likely be – and who’s 100% Billy with that intense stare.

• Is Predator secretly a slasher film in disguise? And does that make the Predator the villain... or the star?

• What’s Liam's main gripe about the Predator's rules of engagement?

• Why was this film so insistent on telling rather than showing

• We've got questions mud camouflage, heat vision, and respecting the preparation montage

• We get personal about  Arnold’s peak era, and childhood memories of watching this way too young.

• Whether Predator 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/.

Episode 273 - American Psycho

“Do you like Huey Lewis and the News?” Join your favorite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian & Liam (B-Tech Kev & Megs had to return some videocassettes) – as we slick back our hair, slip on the raincoats, and axe our way into our 273rd episode with a deep dive into American Psycho (2000). We’re trading poisoned apples for reservations at Dorsia (try the Sea Urchin Ceviche) as we discuss:

• How American Psycho satirized toxic masculinity, consumer culture, and Wall Street excess with a killer smile.
• Does Patrick Bateman still hold up as a character—or has society caught up with his brand of narcissistic nihilism?
• Is the film’s horror in the violence… or in the soulless perfection?
• How American Psycho explores identity, superficiality, and the slippery slope of sanity.
• Which character we’d most likely be cast as – and who’s definitely the Paul Allen of the group.
• Is American Psycho misunderstood because of its violence, or revered because of how it frames it?
• This film gives us a chance to talk about two concepts we touched on last week: unreliable narrators and what exactly makes a character a protagonist
• Speaking of complaints—what about the other men in Bateman’s world? Are they any better?
• We've got questions about how soundproof the apartments by the park are that they don't hear chainsaws in hallways
• We talk about whether all traditional masculinity is essentially toxic and Liam discusses his need for closure
• Last week one of us made a prediction about the other's likely verdict on the film. Did they pull it off?
• Whether American Psycho 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/.

Episode 272 - Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)

“Mirror, mirror on the wall...” Join your favorite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian, Megs & B-Tech Kev (Liam got lost singing with woodland creatures) – as we take a bite out of Disney’s first-ever animated feature in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937). We’re trading in baseball gloves for poisoned apples and diving into our 270th episode as we discuss:

• How Walt Disney changed cinema forever with this groundbreaking fairy tale.

• Does Snow White still hold up nearly a century later?

• Was the magic charming or a little too saccharine for modern tastes?

• How Snow White taps into themes of innocence, envy, and female agency (or lack thereof).

• Which dwarf we’d most likely be cast as – and who’s clearly Grumpy in real life.

• Is this film overrated just because it was “first”?

• How the Evil Queen ranks among the all-time Disney villains. What was our main complaint with her?

• Speaking of complaints, what about the Prince – does he even do anything?

• We've got more questions about sentient animals, and consent.

• We get personal about childhood memories and Disney nostalgia.

• We talk about magical mirrors, glass coffins, and the importance of whistling while you work.

• Whether Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs 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/.

Episode 271 - Million Dollar Baby (w/ BFF of the BFE: Shai Bergerfroind)

"Mo cuishle." Join your favorite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian and Liam (B-Tech Kev & Megs are off hitting the heavy bag) – as we're heading to The Hit Pit to step into the ring for a tale of grit, heartbreak, and emotional uppercuts in Million Dollar Baby (2004). Your prizefighting pair, Ian and Liam are joined by our own special trainer, BFF of the BFE: Shai Bergerfroind to teach us the ropes of this Clint Eastwood critical darling. We’re trading in our cornfields for boxing gloves and diving into our 271st episode as we discuss:

• How Hilary Swank, Clint Eastwood, and Morgan Freeman all deliver Oscar-worthy punches.

• Can this movie still pack a punch if you're not a boxing fan?

• Is this a sports movie or another relationship movie using sports as a backdrop?

• Was the emotional KO in the final act earned or below the belt?

• How Million Dollar Baby jabs at themes of ambition, identity, and the cost of chasing glory.

• What is the price of excellence?  What is the cost of guilt?

• How crucial is the final bell – does the ending seal the legacy?

• Did Maggie Fitzgerald get robbed by fate? What about Frankie’s corner man heartbreak?

• Who does Shai think had a vendetta against Clint Eastwood?  Who do they think Shai may have as a 2nd persona?

• Is there a certain type of viewer that just can't deal with the unexpected ending

• Whether Million Dollar Baby is the undisputed Best Film Ever.

See It or Skip It? - Disney' Snow White (2025)

FIRST 18:00: Spoiler-Free Review with our See It/Skip It Verdict
AFTER 18:00: Full Spoiler Review

This week, we step into the world of fairy tales as we take a closer look at Disney’s Snow White (2025)—a bold reimagining of the classic animated film that started it all. Starring Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot, this live-action adaptation promises to blend timeless magic with modern sensibilities and updated messaging for a new generation.

Join Ian (solo) as he questions the internal logic and soundtrack order of the film, dissects Rachel Zeigler's commentary about the film and if she's done critical damage to her own film as she was cast in a story she seems to dislike so much. Finally, Ian brings up his own princess problem and asks if Disney remakes can survive this?

We’ll tackle all these questions as we dissect the film and tell you if we think you should SEE IT or SKIP IT!

Episode 270 - Field of Dreams

(Deep Dive begins at 46:00)

"If you build it, they will come." Join your favorite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian, Liam & B-Tech Kev (Megs got lost walking through the cornfield) – as we step into the world of baseball, nostalgia, and ghostly whispers in Field of Dreams (1989). We’re trading in our hazmat suits for baseball gloves and diving into our 270th episode as we discuss:

• How Kevin Costner, James Earl Jones, and Ray Liotta bring heart to this sentimental classic.
• Does this movie work if you're not a baseball fan?
• Was the mystical element beautifully executed or just overly sentimental?
• Which actor wasn't actually into baseball
• How Field of Dreams taps into themes of regret, reconciliation, and belief.
• Which actor was referred to as 'Richard Dreyfuss from wish.com
• Is this film overrated just because it's men talking about feelings?
• How is James Earl Jones at the heart of two of the most Mandela Effected quotes of all time?
• Did Shoeless Joe Jackson deserve better? What about Moonlight Graham?
• We've got more ghost physics to talk about
• We get really personal about our own dreams
• We talk about magical cornfields, cryptic voices, and the importance of playing catch.
• Whether Field of Dreams 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
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
Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most

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/.

See It or Skip It? - Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy

FIRST 40:20: Spoiler-Free Review with our See It/Skip It Verdict
AFTER 40:20: Full Spoiler Review

We do musical theatre together.  This week we dive into the world of rom-coms this week, and take a closer look at Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy, the latest chapter in the iconic, heartwarming saga of everyone's favorite single woman, now 50-something and navigating life, love, and motherhood. Starring Renée Zellweger this film promises to explore the joys and challenges of middle-aged romance with all the humor and vulnerability we've come to expect from the Bridget Jones series.

Join Ian and Liam as we step into Bridget's world again to see if the film delivers the nostalgic charm we’ve missed or if it falters in its attempt to explore the realities of aging, dating, and starting over. Can this film still capture the essence of what made the series so beloved, or does it try too hard to stay relevant in a modern world?

We'll examine the storytelling—Does the film successfully blend the humor and emotional depth of Bridget’s character with the complexity of her new life? Is it a satisfying conclusion to her journey or just another chapter that tries to recapture the past?  Does Bridget's storyline still resonate with audiences after all this time, and how has her character evolved?

We’ll also break down the film’s tone and style—Does the film manage to balance its emotional beats with the signature quirkiness of the franchise, or does it lean too heavily into sentimentality? Does it still feel fresh, or does it rely too much on nostalgia?  Do you have to have seen the other films in the series?  Do you have to have grown up with the films in real time?

Finally, we'll debate whether Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy strikes the right balance between the lighthearted and the heartfelt. Does it deliver a satisfying and meaningful update to Bridget’s story, or does it feel like an unnecessary revisit that doesn’t add much to the series?

We’ll tackle all these questions as we dissect the film and tell you if we think you should SEE IT or SKIP IT!

 

Episode 269 - Outbreak (and Five Year BFE Anniversary Musings)

(Deep Dive begins at 56:15)

"That monkey’s infected, Sam!" Join your favorite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian and Liam (B-Tech Kev & Megs are in quarantine) – as we head to the world of deadly diseases, military cover-ups, and Dustin Hoffman yelling at Morgan Freeman in Outbreak (1995). We’re trading in our tiny law office for a hazmat suit and diving into our 269th episode as we discuss:

• How Dustin Hoffman, Rene Russo, and Morgan Freeman bring gravity to this viral thriller.
• Kevin Spacey might be a substandard person but he's an exceptional actor
• Did this film need a love story?
• Was Donald Sutherland the perfect villain, or just chewing the scenery?
• Which actor surprisingly didn’t capture the essence of the part for one of us.
• How realistic is Outbreak, and does it hit differently after recent real-world events?
• How this movie has the ultimate magic do-hickey
• How important is the final scene in a film?
• Did Kevin Spacey’s character deserve better? What about the monkey?
• We talk about containment protocols, rogue helicopters, and the ethics of bombing a small town.
• Just how easy is it to steal a military helicopter?
• Why does it take 3.5 hours to fly to a target to drop a bomb?
• Whether Outbreak 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
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
Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most

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/.

 

Reel Roundtable #46 - The Resties (2024)

Happy New Year! (it still counts, right?)  Another bonus episode for your listening enjoyment as we bring you another Reel Roundtable discussion.  Ian, Liam, Megan, and B-Tech Kev look back on the films they've reviewed in 2024 (with a mail-in ballot from Georgia) and have some awards to hand out in the form of The Resties.  Comments, banter, and flat out arguments can be found as we debate the worst that we saw in 2024 (A full list of award categories and eligible films are located at the bottom of these notes)

This year we're thrilled to have ballots from nine of our patrons (Shai, Foot, James DG, Hermes Auslander, Cheesy, Dirk, Ariannah, Norfolk Domus, and Richard) to help determine the winners and a couple of them cast some live tie-breaking votes.

The Awards:

• Worst Screenplay
• Worst Special Effects
• Worst Score
• Worst Song
• Worst Musical
• Worst Costume Design
• Worst Art Direction
• Worst Villain
• Least Funny Movie (That was supposed to be funny)
• Worst Plothole
• Worst Cinematography
• Worst Duo
• Most Unlikeable (for a character we’re supposed to like)
• Worst Child
• Worst Context Corner
• Worst First Watch
• Worst Fall From Grace
• Most Unnecessarily Sexualised Moment
• Worst Aged Moment
• Most Overhyped
• Second Opinion (Down)
• Biggest BFE Blunder
• Worst Supporting Actor
• Worst Supporting Actress
• Biggest Therapy Session
• Worst Actor
• Worst Actress
• Worst Film

 

Eligible Films:

• (500) Days of Summer
• 3:10 to Yuma
• A Bronx Tale
• A Patch of Blue
• Amadeus
• American Beauty
• Austin Powers in Goldmember
• Beyond the Mat
• Beverly Hills Cop
• Boyhood
• Chef
• Clerks
• Crazy Stupid Love
• Dave
• Dead Poets Society
• Dumb and Dumber
• Galaxy Quest
• Ghostbusters
• Gone Girl
• Gremlins
• Harry Potter & The Prisoner of Azkaban
• Her
• In the Heights
• Indiana Jones & The Last Crusade
• Interstellar
• Kramer v Kramer
• Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels
• Logan
• LOTR: The Return of the King
• Mad Max
• Moana
• Mrs. Doubtfire
• Mystic River
• Nightcrawler
• Patch Adams
• Pulp Fiction
• Say Anything
• She’s All That
• Shrek 2
• Spider-Man 2
• Star Trek
• Star Wars: Attack of the Clones
• The Fifth Element
• The Help
• The Lego Movie
• The Lion King
• The Santa Clause
• The Shawshank Redemption
• The Sixth Sense
• Trees of Peace
• Up
• When Harry Met Sally

Episode 268 - Erin Brockovich

(Deep Dive beings at 16:55)

"They're called boobs, Ed." Join your favorite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian and Megs (B-Tech Kev & Liam are off investigating contaminated water) – as we head to the world of legal battles, corporate corruption, and powerhouse performances in Erin Brockovich (2000). We’re trading in our Edinburgh flat for a tiny law office and diving into our 268th episode as we discuss:

• How Julia Roberts delivers a career-defining performance.
• The film’s balance of drama, humor, and real-world impact.
• Was Albert Finney the perfect counterbalance to Erin’s fiery personality?
• Which actor really didn't capture the essence of the part for one of us
• How accurate is the film’s portrayal of the real-life case?
• Would this movie work as well if it weren’t based on a true story?
• Does Erin Brockovich deserve to be correct every step of the way?
• Did George deserve better? What about the real life Jorge?
• We talk about love languages, princesses, and saying goodbye to a friend
• Whether Erin Brockovich 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
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
Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most

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/.

Episode 267 - Cinderella Man (w/ BFF of the BFE: Hermes Auslander)

(Deep Dive begins at 43:35)

"Every underdog has his day." Join your favorite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian and BFF of the BFE from The Scuttlebutt Podcast (Megs, B-Tech Kev & Liam are off training for their next big fight) – as we step into the ring for grit, determination, and Depression-era boxing in Cinderella Man (2005). We’re swapping a grimy Edinburgh flat for Madison Square Garden and diving into our 267th episode as we discuss:

• How Russell Crowe delivers a knockout performance as James J. Braddock.
• Renée Zellweger’s role as the supportive yet strong Mae Braddock – does she get enough credit?
• Does Paul Giamatti steal the show as the passionate manager, Joe Gould?
• The realism of the boxing sequences – do they hold up in 2024?
• Is it fair to call this film a boxing film or is it something else?
• Who is the biggest villain of the movie: the Great Depression, Promoter James Johnston, Max Baer, or the system keeping Braddock down?
• Could this be Ron Howard’s most underrated film?
• We talk about hockey's Four Nations tournament and why sports make the best narratives. 
• Whether Cinderella Man is the Best Film Ever.

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)

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
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
Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most

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/.

See It or Skip It? - The Brutalist (w/ BFF of the BFE: Hermes Auslander)

FIRST 37:00: Spoiler-Free Review with our See It/Skip It Verdict
AFTER 37:00: Full Spoiler Review

Another Oscar week See It or Skip It has us exploring this year's Best Picture field a little deeper by diving into the striking The Brutalist (2024), now playing in select theaters. Directed by Brady Corbet and starring Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, and Guy Pearce, this sweeping historical drama promises to blend grand ambition with intimate storytelling.

Join Ian and Hermes as we step into the austere world of The Brutalist to see if it delivers a compelling, thought-provoking portrait of art and survival or if it buckles under the weight of its own vision. Does it bring a fresh perspective to historical dramas while exploring deeper themes, or does it rely too heavily on its style without enough structural integrity?

We’ll examine the film’s storytelling—What larger themes and ideologies does it lean into? Is it a deeply personal immigrant story, a meditation on artistic resilience, or something else entirely? How does Adrien Brody’s performance anchor the film, and does he bring the emotional depth needed for such a role? And how does Felicity Jones complement or contrast him? 

We’ll also break down the film’s visual and atmospheric elements. Did the stark cinematography and production design elevate the film’s themes, or did they overshadow its emotional core? 

Finally, we’ll debate whether The Brutalist achieves its ambitious goals. Does it leave a lasting impact as a modern cinematic statement, or does it feel too detached for its own good?  Yes, it's clever but is it fair to ask a film to 'get' a movie on such an abstract level?

We’ll tackle all these questions as we dissect the movie and tell you if we think you should SEE IT or SKIP IT!

See It or Skip It? - The Substance (w/ BFF of the BFE: 'The Shy Guy' Shai Bergerfroind)

FIRST 33:00: Spoiler-Free Review with our See It/Skip It Verdict
AFTER 33:00: Full Spoiler Review

This week's See It or Skip It has us exploring this year's Oscar field a little deeper by diving into the mind-bending The Substance (2024), now playing on MUBI (in the US/UK). Directed by Coralie Fargeat and starring Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, and Dennis Quaid, this psychological body horror promises to push boundaries and challenge audiences with its bold, unsettling vision.

Join Ian and Shai as we step into the eerie world of The Substance to see if it delivers a chilling, thought-provoking experience or if it crumbles under the weight of its ambition. Does it bring a fresh perspective to horror while exploring deeper themes, or does it lean too heavily on shock value without enough... substance?

We’ll examine the film’s storytelling—What larger themes and ideologies does this lean into or is it just a straight up horror film? How does Demi Moore’s performance anchor the film, and does she reinvent herself in this daring role? And how does Margaret Qualley complement or contrast her, adding to the film’s psychological intensity?  And do you know whose kid she is?  Ian couldn't believe it.

We’ll also break down the film’s striking visuals and grotesque horror elements.  Did the film’s themes of identity and transformation resonate, or did they get lost in the chaos? And how does the film’s score heighten the unsettling atmosphere?  And how was this film snubbed in the cinematography category? Shai couldn't believe it.

Finally, we’ll debate whether The Substance can overcome some questions in its own internal logic. Does it deliver a profound, lasting impact, or does it leave you more confused than captivated? 

We’ll tackle all these questions as we dissect the movie and tell you if we think you should SEE IT or SKIP IT!

Episode 266 - Shallow Grave (w/ KevDog from The Podcast That Wouldn't Die)

(Deep Dive begins at 44:45)

"Some friendships are worth killing for." Join your favorite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian and Official KevDog from The Podcast That Wouldn't Die (Megs, B-Tech Kev & Liam are off trying to dispose of a suitcase full of cash) – as we head to the world of twisted morality, paranoia, and early Danny Boyle brilliance in Shallow Grave (1994). We’re swapping the peaceful Amish countryside for a grimy Edinburgh flat and diving into our 266th episode as we discuss:

• How Ewan McGregor, Kerry Fox, and Christopher Eccleston create one of the most dysfunctional trios in cinema.  Are any of them likeable?
• Danny Boyle’s energetic directing style and how it shaped his career.
• Would we call ourselves hard boyled or medium boyled
• The film’s dark humor – does it still land in 2024?
• Is Kerry Fox doomed to be the answer to an obscure trivia question
• Who is the biggest villain of the movie: greed, paranoia, or one of the three roommates?
• Would you ever trust your roommates with this much money?
• We talk about The Kansas City Chiefs getting destroyed in the SuperBowl and discuss the price of eggs
• Whether Shallow Grave is the Best Film Ever.

Check out more of Kevin on The Podcast That Wouldn't Die at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-podcast-that-wouldnt-die/id1477564319 (Apple) or https://open.spotify.com/show/4PRyIb1RwESq7YvAfnJMiX (Spotify)

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
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
Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most

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/.

See it or Skip It? - Captain America: Brave New World (w/ BFF of the BFE: James De Guzman)

FIRST 35:00: Spoiler-Free Review with our See It/Skip It Verdict
AFTER 35:00: Full Spoiler Review

This week's See It or Skip It has us diving into the highly anticipated Captain America: Brave New World (2025), now playing in theaters. Directed by Julius Onah and starring Anthony Mackie and Harrison Ford, this latest entry in the MCU marks a new chapter for the Star-Spangled Avenger.

Join Ian and James as we step into a post-Endgame world to see if Brave New World soars as a worthy successor to the Captain America legacy or if it stumbles under the weight of expectation. Does it honour Steve Rogers' past while firmly establishing Sam Wilson as his own Cap, or does it play it too safe without enough bold ambition?

We’ll examine the film’s storytelling—Does it justify its place in the MCU after so much time since Falcon and the Winter Soldier? How does Anthony Mackie fare in his first solo Captain America outing, and does he bring the same leadership and presence as Chris Evans once did? And how does Harrison Ford’s debut as Thunderbolt Ross shake up the Marvel landscape?

We’ll also break down the action and spectacle—Are the fight sequences and choreography on par with the intense, grounded combat of The Winter Soldier? Does Julius Onah bring a fresh visual style to the franchise? Did Marvel choose the right villain to challenge Sam Wilson’s Cap? 

Finally, we’ll debate whether Brave New World stands strong as a new era for the character or if it struggles to break free from Steve Rogers’ shadow. Does the film move the MCU forward in an exciting way, or is it another formulaic installment? 

We’ll tackle all these questions as we dissect the movie and tell you if we think you should SEE IT or SKIP IT!

Episode 265 - Witness (w/ Hermes Auslander)

(Deep Dive begins at 33:05)

"Some podcasts are proud and not plain" Join your favorite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian and Hermes Auslander (Megs, B-Tech Kev & Liam are off learning Pennsylvania Dutch) – as we head to the world of Amish country, undercover cops, and barn-raising in Witness (1985). We’re trading in our Smart Tech polo shirts for traditional Amish garb and diving into our 265th episode as we discuss:

• How Harrison Ford’s performance showcases his range beyond Han Solo and Indiana Jones.
• The film’s blend of crime thriller and romance – does it work?
• In what ways was Harrison Ford the perfect actor for this role
• Which one of us REALLY hated the 3rd act
• Which actor was REALLY hated by one of us in this film
• Was this movie ahead of its time, or does it feel dated in 2024?
• Is John Book fair to Rachel in this film?  Is Rachel fair to John Book?
• Is John Book a great protector or just dragging danger into the Amish community?
• Why didn't 20th Century Fox want to make this film
• Hermes and Felix continue their blood feud
• Whether Witness 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
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
Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most

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/.

WWE Royal Rumble (2025) - Review & Reflections

Join Ian from Best Film Ever and Stew from The Stew World Order podcast as we break the BFE format by counting down to chaos at WWE Royal Rumble 2025 from Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. We discuss whether the Rumble matches delivered on surprises and storytelling—or if they were just a numbers game. Did WWE make the right call in crowning their Rumble winners? How did the championship matches shake up the road to WrestleMania? We also debate the physics of a luchador dodging an elimination, whether there's a limit on deferred gratification and the Greatest Royal Rumble's hybrid identity as both canon and non-canon. We'll answer all these questions and hand out post-event superlatives celebrating the night's best (and worst).

Catch more of Stew on his own podcast: Stew World Order at
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stew-world-order/id1559913522

You can also catch him at his website where he writes about all sorts of fun things:
https://swoproductions.com/

Episode 264 - The 40 Year-Old Virgin

(Deep Dive begins at 27:45)

"You know how I know you're a BFE fan?" Join your favorite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian and B-Tech Kev (Megs & Liam are off improving their chest-waxing techniques) – as we head to the world of awkward firsts, questionable dating advice, and a whole lot of Kelly Clarkson-ing in The 40-Year-Old Virgin. We’re putting on our most fashionable Smart Tech polo shirts and diving into our 264th episode as we discuss:

• How Steve Carell’s breakout performance perfectly balances cringe and charm.
• The all-star supporting cast and how they elevate the comedy.
• The film's surprisingly heartfelt take on relationships.
• Does the waxing scene still hold up as one of the greatest physical comedy moments?
• Was this movie ahead of its time, or does it show its age in 2024?
• Should Andy have told Trish about his almost cheating with Beth or were they on a break?
• Is Trish a fair and understanding partner?
• How much of this movie was improvised, and does it work?
• Whether The 40-Year-Old Virgin is the Best Film Ever.

Check out our partnership with Magic Mind at www.magicmind.com/bfeJAN.

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
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
Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most

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/.

Rumble Roundtable: 1988

This month, we’re stepping into the squared circle to break down the very first Royal Rumble match, which aired on January 24, 1988, on the USA Network. While it wasn’t a pay-per-view event just yet, this historic match laid the foundation for one of WWE’s most beloved annual traditions.

Join Ian and Stew as we revisit the 20-man battle royal that changed wrestling history. Does the original Rumble still hold up today, or does it feel like a rough draft of the chaos to come? Was it a revolutionary concept right out of the gate, or did WWE take a few years to truly perfect the formula?

We’ll examine the match’s key storytelling choices—Did the right man win? How did the pacing and eliminations compare to future Rumbles? Was this truly the best way to showcase future main eventers, or was it just a fun TV special with little long-term impact?

Also, our big burning questions this month: Was Jake Roberts super-over or was it the DDT that was super-over? Does Bret Hart work as a heel? Why would they put Bret in the first ironman slot as a heel.  Also, why book him as a heel in Canada?

We’ll also take a closer look at the match structure and in-ring action—Did the 20-man format feel too small? How did the action flow without entrance music and countdown clocks? Were there standout performances, or was this more about the novelty than match quality? And did WWE miss an opportunity by not putting this on pay-per-view?

Finally, we’ll debate whether this first-ever Rumble is a must-watch piece of wrestling history or if it’s more of a curiosity for hardcore fans. Was it a game-changer at the time, or just another battle royal with a fancy name? 

Catch more of Stew on his own podcast: Stew World Order at
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stew-world-order/id1559913522

You can also catch him at his website where he writes about all sorts of fun things:
https://swoproductions.com/

Reel Roundtable #45 - The Besties (2024)

Happy New Year!  Another bonus episode for your listening enjoyment as we bring you another Reel Roundtable discussion.  Ian, Liam, Megan, and B-Tech Kev look back on the films they've reviewed in 2024 (with a mail-in ballot from Georgia) and have some awards to hand out in the form of The Besties.  Comments, banter, and flat out arguments can be found as we debate the best that we saw in 2024 (A full list of award categories and eligible films are located at the bottom of these notes)

This year we're thrilled to have ballots from ten of our patrons (Hermes Auslander, Richard, Aashrey, Timmy Tim Tim, Ariannah who loves BFE the most, James De Guzman, Andy Dickson, Johnny H's Right Boot, Cheesy and Rev. Bruce) to help determine the winners.

The Awards:

• Best Screenplay
• Best Special Effects
• Best Costume Design
• Best Art Direction
• Best Cinematography
• Best Context Corner Highlight
• Best Duo
• Best Villain
• Best Animated Film
• Best Voice Actor
• Best Musical
• Best Score
• Best Song or Theme
• Best Soundtrack
• Best Tearjerker
• Funniest Film
• Best BFE Moment/Rant/Quote
• Best BFE Argument
• The Steel Magnolias Award for Best Representation of Women
• Kate Beckingsale Memorial Award
• Harrison Ford Memorial Award
• Best Plot Twist (no spoilers)
• Episode of the Year
• Best First Watch
• Most Improved Viewing Experience
• Best Supporting Actress
• Best Supporting Actor
• The Frances McDormand award for Best Actress
• Best Actor
• Best Film

 

Eligible Films:

• (500) Days of Summer
• 3:10 to Yuma
• A Bronx Tale
• A Patch of Blue
• Amadeus
• American Beauty
• Austin Powers in Goldmember
• Beyond the Mat
• Beverly Hills Cop
• Boyhood
• Chef
• Clerks
• Crazy Stupid Love
• Dave
• Dead Poets Society
• Galaxy Quest
• Ghostbusters
• Gone Girl
• Gremlins
• Harry Potter & The Prisoner of Azkaban
• Her
• In the Heights
• Indiana Jones & The Last Crusade
• Interstellar
• Kramer v Kramer
• Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels
• Logan
• LOTR: The Return of the King
• Mad Max
• Moana
• Mrs. Doubtfire
• Mystic River
• Nightcrawler
• Patch Adams
• Pulp Fiction
• Say Anything
• She’s All That
• Shrek 2
• Spider-Man 2
• Star Trek
• Star Wars: Attack of the Clones
• The Fifth Element
• The Help
• The Lego Movie
• The Lion King
• The Santa Clause
• The Shawshank Redemption
• The Sixth Sense
• Trees of Peace
• Up
• When Harry Met Sally
  
  

Episode 263 - V for Vendetta (w/ BFF of the BFE: Synthia)

Check out our partnership with Magic Mind at www.magicmind.com/bfeJAN

Deep Dive begins at 37:00

"Remember, remember the 5th of November!" Join your favorite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian and Liam (Megs & B-Tech Kev are off plotting revolutions elsewhere) – as we head to a dystopian future to dive into the political thriller V for Vendetta. We're also joined by a new and enigmatic revolutionary in BFF of the BFE: Synthia. We're donning our Guy Fawkes masks and questioning authority in our 263rd episode as we discuss:

• The powerful themes of rebellion, freedom, and identity at the heart of the film.
• How the performances of Hugo Weaving and Natalie Portman bring emotional depth to this dystopian tale.
• The visual style and how it blends comic book origins with cinematic storytelling.
• The film's commentary on government surveillance and authoritarianism.
• If the romantic subplot was necessary (or even beneficial)
• Is this where Hermes gets his entire identity from
• What is with the links between Gordon & V?
• Do V's actions justify the means?  Isn't that also the same logic the government makes?
• Whether V for Vendetta remains as relevant today as it was upon release.
• Whether V for Vendetta is the Best Film Ever.

Check out our partnership with Magic Mind at www.magicmind.com/bfeJAN.

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
• 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
• Shai Bergerfroind
• Stew from the Stew World Order podcast
• NorfolkDomus
• John Humphrey's Right Foot
• Timmy Tim Tim
• Aashrey
• Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most

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/.

Episode 262 - Tremors

Check out our partnership with Magic Mind at www.magicmind.com/bfeJAN

Deep Dive begins at 33:20

 

"They're under the ground!" Join your favorite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian and Megs (Liam & B-Tech Kev weren't invited to Perfection) – as we're heading to the Nevada desert to dig into the cult classic monster mayhem of Tremors. We're dodging Graboids and figuring out how to survive in our 262nd episode as we discuss:

• This film claims to be both comedy and horror but is it either?
• We discuss the practical effects and how they hold up (save for one shot)
• Did they choose the wrong character to be the protagonist in this film?
• What makes an enjoyable horror film to the members of the pod?
• Was the romantic storyline necessary?
• Megs doesn't help her reputation of not having seen any films
• Whether Tremors 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
• 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
• Shai Bergerfroind
• Stew from the Stew World Order podcast
• NorfolkDomus
• John Humphrey's Right Foot
• Timmy Tim Tim
• Aashrey
• Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most

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/

Episode 261 - What We Do In The Shadows

"We're werewolves, not swearwolves!" Join your favorite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian and Megs (Liam & B-Tech Kev weren't invited in) – as we're heading to Wellington, New Zealand, to explore the undead hilarity of What We Do in the Shadows.  We're sharpening our fangs and settling the house chores in our 261st episode as we discuss:

• The brilliance of blending mockumentary style with supernatural comedy.
• How this film made vampires (and werewolves) relatable, if not downright hilarious.
• The dynamics between Viago, Vladislav, Deacon, and Nick as they navigate immortal roommate drama.
• How the film's entire identity centers around the juxtaposition of the fantastic and the mundane
• The art of creating low-budget effects that still pack a punch.
• Whether What We Do in the Shadows is the Best Film Ever.

Check out our partnership with Magic Mind at www.magicmind.com/bfeJAN

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
• 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
• Shai Bergerfroind
• Stew from the Stew World Order podcast
• NorfolkDomus
• John Humphrey's Right Foot
• Timmy Tim Tim
• Aashrey
• Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most

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/

Episode 260 - Moneyball (w/ BFF of the BFE: Ryan Kuketz)

Now you have another reason to get into the summer spirit as we close out 2024! Join your favorite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian, and Megs (we've traded Liam & B-Tech Kev to Detroit) – as we're heading to Northern California to use computers and math to turn the Oakland Athletics into a winning ballclub in Moneyball.  We're joined by Best Friend of the podcast and our star trade deadline acquisition in Ryan Kuketz who picked today's film. We're avoiding jinxes and paying a dollar for Cinnamon Cokes in our 260th episode as we discuss:

• The challenges of making a film about baseball that features so little on field action
• Whether this film was accessible to non-baseball fans
• Some of the historical inaccuracies in the film. But hey, movie's gotta movie, right?
• Ian has the nerve to think that he can improve Aaron Sorkin's final script
• The chemistry between Brad Pitt (playing to type) and Jonah Hill (playing against type)
• The storytelling shortcut present in the ending of this film
• What a pivotal changing of the zeitgeist this film was in professional sports
• We see a first happen with this film
• Whether Moneyball 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
• 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
• Shai Bergerfroind
• Stew from the Stew World Order podcast
• NorfolkDomus
• John Humphrey's Right Foot
• Timmy Tim Tim
• Aashrey
• Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most

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/

F**k your revolution, Ian's voice is clear
F**k your revolution, Hermes goes nowhere near

See it or Skip It? - Gladiator II

FIRST 26:00: Spoiler-Free Review with our See It/Skip It Verdict
AFTER 26:00: Full Spoiler Review

This week's See It or Skip It has us diving into the highly anticipated sequel Gladiator II (2024), now playing in theaters. Directed by Ridley Scott and starring Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, and Pedro Pascal, this follow-up to the 2000 epic seeks to recapture the grandeur and intensity of its predecessor.

Join Ian and Megan as we journey back to ancient Rome to see if Gladiator II stands victorious in the Colosseum of cinematic sequels or if it falls beneath the weight of high expectations. Does it honor the legacy of the original while carving out its own identity, or does it merely retread old ground without fresh ambition?

We’ll examine the film’s bold storytelling choices—Does it justify its existence nearly 25 years after the original? How does Paul Mescal fare as the new lead, and does he bring the same gravitas Russell Crowe once did? And how do Denzel Washington and Pedro Pascal elevate (or overshadow) the narrative?

We’ll also explore the visual spectacle and action sequences—Does Ridley Scott still reign as the master of historical epics? Are the battle sequences and cinematography breathtaking enough to rival the Academy Award-winning original? Did the filmmakers choose the wrong character to center the film around? And does the film’s score, now helmed by a new composer, evoke the same emotional resonance as Hans Zimmer’s legendary Gladiator soundtrack?

Finally, we’ll debate whether Gladiator II benefits from its legendary namesake or if it struggles under the pressure of following such an iconic film. Does the weight of expectation help or hinder its storytelling? And, of course, we’ll discuss the one scene that Megan just can’t forgive—will you feel the same way?

We’ll tackle all these questions as we dissect the movie and tell you if we think you should SEE IT or SKIP IT!

See It or Skip It - Wicked

FIRST 39:00: Spoiler-Free Review with our See It/Skip It Verdict

AFTER 39:00: Full Spoiler Review

This week's See It or Skip It has us diving into the highly anticipated musical adaptation Wicked (2024), now playing in theaters. Directed by Jon M. Chu and starring Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, and Jonathan Bailey, 

Join us in the magical land of Oz as we explore whether Wicked (2024) soars on its broomstick or crashes under the weight of its lofty ambitions. Does it deliver a spellbinding tale of friendship, morality, and societal expectations, or does it struggle to transition its stage-bound magic to the big screen?

We’ll delve into the controversy surrounding the viral fan-made poster—Was it intentionally hurtful, did it mislead audiences and did itovershadow the film’s official marketing? And how does our deep familiarity with the iconic musical affect our ability to judge it as a film rather than a successful stage adaptation?

Does Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba anchor the film with the emotional gravitas the story demands? Can Ariana Grande’s Glinda strike the perfect balance between charm and depth? Were these casting choices legitimate or mere stunt casting designed to draw headlines?

Finally, we’ll debate The Guardian's scathing critique of the film as “self-indulgent.” Does Wicked lean too heavily on nostalgia and grandeur at the expense of narrative cohesion? And does the film fulfill the promises it sets up in its breathtaking opening sequences, or does it falter as it nears the final curtain?

We’ll tackle all these questions as we dissect the movie and tell you if we think you should SEE IT or SKIP IT!

Episode 259 - In The Heights (w/ BFF of the BFE: Juleen)

Now you have another reason to get into the summer spirit as we close out 2024! Join your favorite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian, and B-Tech Kev (we got separated from Liam and Megs at the club) – as we're heading to Washington Heights to pay a champagne debt in the Lin Manuel-Miranda musical theatre adaptation In The Heights. With music in the air and dreams on the line, we're joined by BFF of the BFE, Juleen as we dive into the vibrant 2021 musical. We're belting out tunes and dancing no matter how hot it gets through our 259th episode as we discuss:

• The electric energy of the film’s choreography and how it elevates the story as well as who may have had a hand in placing it there
• What practical decisions were made to adapt the stage musical to the big screen
• There's a big name in this that someone guesses once of the cast won't recognise
• A stylistic choice in the 3rd act had us questioning its inclusion. Was it a stylistic step too far?
• Ian questions whether one particular storyline could have been explored further
• We reminisce about our favorite tracks and standout performances
• We also conclude that one character is just a d!ck
• Whether In The Heights 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
• Andy Dickson
• Chris Pedersen 
• Duane Smith (Duane Smith!)
• Randal Silva
• The Yeetmeister
• Nate The Great
• Rev Bruce
• Cheezy (with a fish on a bike)
• Richard
• Ryan Kuketz
• Dirk Diggler
• Shai Bergerfroind
• Stew from the Stew World Order podcast
• NorfolkDomus
• John Humphrey's Right Foot
• Timmy Tim Tim
• Aashrey
• Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most

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/

F**k your revolution, Ian's voice is clear
F**k your revolution, Hermes goes nowhere near

See It or Skip It? - Conclave (w/ Friend of the Podcast: Ryan)

FIRST 32:00: Spoiler-Free Review with our See It/Skip It Verdict

AFTER 38:20: Full Spoiler Review

This week's See It or Skip It has us diving into the newly released papal thriller Conclave, now playing in theaters. Directed by Edward Berger and starring Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, and John Lithgow, the film takes us deep into the secretive and politically charged world of Vatican intrigue, where cardinals convene to elect the next pope under extraordinary circumstances.

Ian is prepared to be the dean of the discussion when a strange new Cardinal, Ryan turns up to direct the proceedings in a different directon.  Join us in our sequestering, as we explore whether Conclave delivers a gripping tale of power, morality, and faith, or if it struggles to engage its audience with its intense but dialogue-heavy storytelling. Does Ralph Fiennes' portrayal of the conflicted Cardinal Lomeli carry the emotional weight of the film? How do the performances of Tucci and Lithgow heighten the stakes? And does the movie strike the right balance between theological reflection and political tension?  

We’ll tackle all these questions – including whether Conclave fufills the promises it makes in the first two acts as the film approaches its climax. – as we dissect the movie and tell you if we think you should  should SEE IT or SKIP IT!

Episode 258 - Gremlins (& BFE Christmas Party)

Now you have another reason to love Christmas. Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting crew fun-filled Christmas with the TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian, Liam, Megan, and B-Tech Kev (Georgia is off at an inventor's convention) as we review the Patreon pick for this year's Christmas review, Gremlins.  Also on tap is the BFE Christmas Party as we exchange a few gifts, open a few Christmas Cards, and meet some carolers whether they be Gremlin or not.  We're hankering for some Burger King in our 258th episode as we discuss:

• The wonders of practical effects and the appeasements made to the crew when they weren't 
• What famous actor does Megs compare Zach Galligan
• Which actor went 251 weeks without showing up on the BFE and now has been there 3 of the last 7 weeks
• A scene that left us scratching our heads about its placement
• What iconic scene was almost cut from the final film
• Liam and Kev both bring up some plotholes regarding the rules of the Gremlins
• Ian questions how certain lines made it in the script in 1984, let alone today
• We open up some presents, drink some spirits, read some Christmas cards and greet some carolers
• Whether Gremlins 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
• Andy Dickson
• Chris Pedersen 
• Duane Smith (Duane Smith!)
• Randal Silva
• The Yeetmeister
• Nate The Great
• Rev Bruce
• Cheezy (with a fish on a bike)
• Richard
• Ryan Kuketz
• Dirk Diggler
• Shai Bergerfroind
• Stew from the Stew World Order podcast
• NorfolkDomus
• John Humphrey's Right Foot
• Timmy Tim Tim
• Aashrey
• Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most

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/

F**k your revolution, Ian's voice is clear
F**k your revolution, Hermes goes nowhere near

See It or Skip It? - Red One

FIRST 38:20 are a spoiler-free review with our See It/Skip It verdict

AFTER 38:20 it's a full spoiler review

This week's See It Or Skip It has us diving into the brand-new Amazon Prime thriller Red One, a film that pairs Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans in an action-packed holiday adventure. Combining over-the-top stunts, Christmas magic, and plenty of jokes, Red One attempts to reimagine the holiday genre – but who exactly is it reimagining it for?

Ian is joined by his head of security, Liam, as we unpack whether Red One delivers enough thrills and holiday cheer to captivate audiences or if it leaves viewers wondering who this film is really meant to please. Is it a family-friendly romp, an edgy action-comedy, or something awkwardly caught in between? Does Dwayne Johnson’s larger-than-life charisma mix well with Chris Evans’ charm, or do they feel mismatched? And how does the film’s tone juggle Santa Claus lore, epic battles, and heartwarming moments without losing the plot?

We’ll tackle all these questions – including whether Red One truly understands its audience – as we dissect the movie and decide if you should SEE IT or SKIP IT!

See It or Skip It? - Carry-On

FIRST 34:00 are a spoiler-free review with our See It/Skip It verdict

AFTER 34:00 it's a full spoiler review

This week's See It Or Skip It has us diving into the brand-new Netflix thriller Carry-On, a film that sees Taron Egerton stepping into the high-stakes world of airport paranoia and suspense. Join us as we break down this intense, edge-of-your-seat story of a TSA agent blackmailed into smuggling something dangerous onto a Christmas Eve flight.

Ian is joined by Bootleg Kev as we discuss whether Carry-On delivers enough tension to keep us gripped, how Taron Egerton holds up in this darker role, how this film may have borrowed a particular action sequence aesthetic from another Taron Edgerton film, and if the plot stays airborne or crashes under the weight of its premise. Plus, Ian keeps drawing parallels to a pair of 90s action thriller classics – but which ones?

We’ll answer all these questions and more as we dissect Carry-On and then tell you whether you should SEE IT or SKIP IT!

Episode 257 - Galaxy Quest (w/ Friend of the Podcast: Norfolk Domus)

(Deep Dive begins at 1:06:50)

Grab your thermian communicator and a Coca-Cola and get ready for a role that's out of this world. Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasters, Ian, and Liam, (Megs is lost in the Omega 13, Kev's hosting a session at ComicCon and Georgia’s negotiating with Sarris) as we're heading to the stars to protect our fandom in Galaxy Quest with our favourite Thermian, Norfolk Domus. We're warping through space with a dash of courage, a lot of laughs and somebody's hammer in our 257th episode as we discuss:

• How many big stars are in this film?
• Some more pre BFE lore for Ian or Liam
• Ian and Liam needs some therapy as they go toe to toe
• How can a film have both excellent CGI for the time it was made and terrible CGI for the time it was made
• We discuss whether a film that satarises a point owes it to then correct that trope
• Somebody reveals a bizarre talent as producing alien voices
• We update everyone on Mariahgeddon
• Someone settles a score as the revolution expands
• Ian finds a way to compare this film to 3:10 to Yuma (legitimately)
• Whether or not Galaxy Quest 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
• Andy Dickson
• Chris Pedersen 
• Duane Smith (Duane Smith!)
• Randal Silva
• The Yeetmeister
• Nate The Great
• Rev Bruce
• Cheezy (with a fish on a bike)
• Richard
• Ryan Kuketz
• Dirk Diggler
• Shai Bergerfroind
• Stew from the Stew World Order podcast
• NorfolkDomus
• John Humphrey's Right Foot
• Timmy Tim Tim
• Aashrey
• Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most

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/

F**k your revolution, Ian's voice is clear
F**k your revolution, Hermes goes nowhere near

Episode 256 - Kramer vs. Kramer

(Deep Dive begins at 45:00)

You take one bite out of this episode and you're in big trouble! Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasters, Ian, Liam and Kev (Megs is waiting in a coffee shop and Georgia is being parented by Margaret) as we're heading to New York City to fight over the custody of Liam in Kramer vs. Kramer. We're falling off of jungle gym equipment in our 256th episode as we discuss:

• Our own personal histories with divorce
• Ian and Liam needs some therapy as they go toe to toe
• We talk about Antonio Vivaldi
• We talk about how society has shifted since 1979
• Why does Ted choose Margaret as a godparent for Billy when we never see her parent her own child
• What's the deal with the nude scene in front of a child?
• Does Joanna have the worst lawyer ever?
• Is Dustin Hoffman a good actor? Is he a good man?
• Liam addresses criticism of him from Richard re: Beverly Hills Cop
• Megs joins us for the third act after filling up on coffee
• Bootleg Kev asks if we'd be better off if a parent (regardless of gender) stayed at home to raise the kids
• Whether or not Kramer vs. Kramer 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
• Andy Dickson
• Chris Pedersen 
• Duane Smith (Duane Smith!)
• Randal Silva
• The Yeetmeister
• Nate The Great
• Rev Bruce
• Cheezy (with a fish on a bike)
• Richard
• Ryan Kuketz
• Dirk Diggler
• Shai Bergerfroind
• 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/

Join Hermes in his revolution; he is trying so very hard.

See It or Skip It? - Moana 2 (w/ BFF of the BFE: Juleen)

FIRST 29:00 are a spoiler-free review with our See It/Skip It verdict

AFTER 29:00 it's a full spoiler review

This week's See It Or Skip has us talking about the sequel to one of Disney's most beloved films of the computer animated era. Join us as we look at Moana 2 as Moana is on a quest to unite all the people of the ocean with the help of Maui, Hey Hey, Pua, but not Ron Clements, John Musker or Lin-Manuel Miranda.  Ian is joined by BFF of the BFE: Juleen as we discuss whether the original film needed a sequel, do the new songs hold up with the old ones, if they're creating a Moana Cinematic Universe and Ian keeps comparing Moana to a high-concept film of a much different genre - but which one? We'll answer all these questions on Moana 2 and then we tell you whether you should SEE IT or SKIP IT.

 

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Episode 255 - Beverly Hills Cop

(Deep Dive begins at 58:30)

You may have heard of pods but have you heard of Super Pods? Get the f**k out of here! Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasters, Ian, Liam and Kev (Megs and Georgia are trapped in the back of a cigarette truck) as we're heading to the Left Coast to avenge a childhood friend in Beverly Hills Cop. We're not falling for bananas in our tail pipes in our 255th episode as we discuss:

• If Oscar worthy films are Steak and Marvel is Pizza, what is Beverly Hills Cop?
• We've got an age game for the record
• We have a really hard time forgiving Axel for something in this film
• You won't believe who was initially supposed to play Axel
• We talk about where the iconic theme was originally supposed to feature in this film
• The bad guys could've won this movie about 10 times (and in the first 10 minutes too)
• One of us has a totally wrong read on this film
• Why are all 80s damsels in distress the same?
• Liam demonstrates some growth while Ian almost spits out his drink in the process
• Whether or not Beverly Hills Cop 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
• Andy Dickson
• Chris Pedersen 
• Duane Smith (Duane Smith!)
• Randal Silva
• The Yeetmeister
• Nate The Great
• Rev Bruce
• Cheezy (with a fish on a bike)
• Richard
• Ryan Kuketz
• Dirk Diggler
• Shai Bergerfroind
• 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/

Join Hermes in his revolution; he is trying so very hard.

WWE Survivor Series 2024: Review & Reflections

Join Ian from Best Film Ever and Stew from The Stew World Order podcast as we break the BFE format by getting ready for war in WWE Survivor Series: War Games from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. We discuss whether either War Games match actually had stakes and whether both of them even had a story. Did WWE do the right thing by having a third match in the Gunther-Damian Priest rivalry? Where does the WWE go in the aftermath of tonight's event? We also discuss how a birthday hat might not sync up with the supposed danger of the stipulation and discuss the differences between a kendo stick and a baseball bat. We'll answer all these questions on Survivor Series and give out some post-event superlatives celebrating the night's best (and worst).

Catch more of Stew on his own podcast: Stew World Order at
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stew-world-order/id1559913522

You can also catch him at his website where he writes about all sorts of fun things:
https://swoproductions.com/

Episode 254 - Dumb and Dumber (w/ BFF of the BFE: James DeGuzman)

(Deep Dive begins at 48:30)

Do you want to hear the most annoying sound in the world? You're in luck! Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasters, Ian, Liam and Megs (Kev and Georgia are left to play with their new parakeet) as we're travelling across the American midwest to return a briefcase in Dumb and Dumber. We're sharing our backup gloves in our 254th episode as we discuss:

• What is Jim Carrey's appeal?
• Which one is dumb and which one is dumber
• Do we prefer slapstick or clever writing
• What causes things to age badly and why were we ok with them back in the day?
• Megan gets to talk about manchildren some more
• What exactly is the FBI's plan in this one?
• How this film has plot armour because its two protagonists are idiots
• Whatever happened to Lauren Holly
• James DeGuzman joins us to discuss why he's trying to dominate the Resties this year
• Whether or not Dumb and Dumber 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
• Andy Dickson
• Chris Pedersen 
• Duane Smith (Duane Smith!)
• Randal Silva
• The Yeetmeister
• Nate The Great
• Rev Bruce
• Cheezy (with a fish on a bike)
• Richard
• Ryan Kuketz
• Dirk Diggler
• Shai Bergerfroind
• 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/

Join Hermes in his revolution; he is trying so very hard.

Episode 253 - Moana

(Deep Dive begins at 42:10)

What can we say except you're welcome? Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasters, Ian and Megs (we've left Liam, Georgia, and Kev back on the island) as we're travelling across the great sea to return the heart of Te Fiti in Moana. We're seeing how far we'll go in our 253rd episode as we discuss:

• Why the film had to have a different name in Italy
• Maui's original story design
• Which screenwriter wrote the first draft
• Whether this is the best of the computer animation era
• If there are too many non-speaking sidekicks
• What are the pacing issues in this film
• How big a draw is The Rock on the blokes
• Ian's joined by a very special guest to talk about Twitter, Tyson vs Paul and Hermes
• Whether or not Moana 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
• Andy Dickson
• Chris Pedersen 
• Duane Smith (Duane Smith!)
• Randal Silva
• The Yeetmeister
• Nate The Great
• Rev Bruce
• Cheezy (with a fish on a bike)
• Richard
• Ryan Kuketz
• Dirk Diggler
• Shai Bergerfroind
• 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/

Join Hermes in his revolution; he is trying so very hard.

See It Or Skip It? - The Comeback: 2004 Boston Red Sox

This week's See It Or Skip has us talking about the sports documentary mini-series "The Comeback: 2004 Boston Red Sox." Ian is joined by the team behind Dissecting The Dynasty: 'The Cool Cat' Ryan Kuketz and Hermes 'Have You Heard of my Revolution' Auslander. We discuss whether this film can touch the lofty standards created by The Last Dance, if they overstayed with certain talking heads and were they successful in establishing the Yankees as villains in this piece.  Also, we ask that most pesky of all questions on the BFE, did they get the pacing right?  We'll answer all these questions on The Comeback: The 2004 Boston Red Sox and then we tell you whether you should SEE IT or SKIP IT.

Ep 252 - The Santa Clause

(Deep Dive begins at 56:35)

Seeing is believing but believing is seeing (both of which mean nothing in an audio-only format. Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasters, Ian, Liam and Kev, (we may have some elves waiting for us at the North Pole) as the reindeer are taking us to Santa's workshop in the Tim Allen Christmas mainstay, The Santa Clause. We're checking the naughty/nice list (twice) in our 252nd episode as we discuss:

• Why we're doing this film in early November
• The fallout from the battle of the KevDogs
• Tim Allen's star power in 1994
• The director's qualification for doing this film
• We talk about our own history with Santa Claus in our own lives
• How do we reconcile a protagonist that kidnaps his own child
• Is Tim Allen even bothering to act in this one?
• Someone reveals their first celebrity crush
• We talk about stepparent representation in family films
• We give our own BFE analysis of the U.S. Presidential Election
• Whether or not The Santa Clause 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
• Andy Dickson
• Chris Pedersen 
• Duane Smith (Duane Smith!)
• Randal Silva
• The Yeetmeister
• Nate The Great
• Rev Bruce
• Cheezy (with a fish on a bike)
• Richard
• Ryan Kuketz
• Dirk Diggler
• Shai Bergerfroind
• 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/

Join Hermes in his revolution; he is trying so very hard.

Episode 251 - 3:10 to Yuma (w/ BFF of the BFE: Hermes Auslander)

(Deep Dive begins at 1:02:40)

What does it mean to be a man?  What kind of man do you want to see in the mirror? Those are some of the questions we're asking ourselves and each other this week.. Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasters, Ian and Liam, (Kev, Megs, and Georgia are off chasing the wrong wagon) as we're joined by BFF of the BFE, Hermes Auslander for the FULL EPISODE as we're off on a BOYS' NIGHT while reviewing a modern western that's also a remake of a classic film. We're not gonna see the sun in our 251st episode as we discuss:

• How many episodes should we do before calling the BFE to a stop
• Why James Mangold drew so much attention to a prop never to pay it off
• We discover that geography isn't Liam's strongest subject
• Ian asks a bizarre trivia question
• We talk about the commitment to a storyline injury and which actor wasn't feeling it
• Ian is surprised by Russell Crowe's performance (but in what direction?)
• We also compare one of the actors to Georgia
• We discuss whether we can hold masculinity in a positive regard in modern pop culture
• Liam learns about the electoral college and we talk an awful lot about the U.S. election
• Whether or not 3:10 to Yuma 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
• Andy Dickson
• Chris Pedersen 
• Duane Smith (Duane Smith!)
• Randal Silva
• The Yeetmeister
• Nate The Great
• Rev Bruce
• Cheezy (with a fish on a bike)
• Richard
• Ryan Kuketz
• Dirk Diggler
• Shai Bergerfroind
• Stew from the Stew World Order podcast
• NorfolkDomus
• John Humphrey's Right Foot
• Timmy Tim Tim
• Aashrey

Catch more of Hermes at The Scuttlebutt Podcast at:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-scuttlebutt-podcast/id1503504933 (Apple) or https://open.spotify.com/show/2n9CNB9X6QXnmvn78HBEoJ?si=ca1784afd4874ff3 (Spotify)

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/

Join Hermes in his revolution; he is trying so very hard.

Episode 250 - Interstellar

(Deep Dive begins at 56:30)

If you're not afraid of death, you might be afraid of time - or our runtime at least. Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasters, Ian, Liam, and Kevin (Megs and Georgia have been left on earth) as we go through a wormhole to Christopher Nolan's ode to the laws of time and space in Interstellar. We're raging against the dying of the light in our 250th episode as we discuss:

• We celebrate 250 episodes of the BFE
• The enigma that is Christopher Nolan
• Why live entertainment is outpricing their audiences
• Liam puts himself in the film again
• We're gonna talk about a bootstrap paradox again
• We do challenge if one of the panel actually watched the film
• We need Kevin to do some live messaging to bring this altogether
• Ian compares this to a British sci-fi show and a Pixar film
• We again discuss the greatness of a certain actor
• Liam demonstrates his excellent recall and frustrating lack of recall in the same episode
• Whether or not Interstellar 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
• Andy Dickson
• Chris Pedersen 
• Duane Smith (Duane Smith!)
• Randal Silva
• The Yeetmeister
• Nate The Great
• Rev Bruce
• Cheezy (with a fish on a bike)
• Richard
• Ryan Kuketz
• Dirk Diggler
• Shai Bergerfroind
• 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/

Join Hermes in his revolution; he is trying so very hard.

Episode 249 - Clerks

(Deep Dive begins at 49:30)

Unlike Dante, we are supposed to be here today. Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasters, Ian, Liam, and eventually Megs in the third part of an ex-boyfriend trilogy in the Kevin Smith ode to New Jersey slackerdom in Clerks. We're bringing you a lasagne in our 249th episode as we discuss:

• Whether Kevin Smith is a manchild
• The crazy alternate ending this film ended up cutting
• Why does Randal have all the good lines?
• Which acts are more intimate than others?
• Megs shares a bit about her ex-boyfriend trilogy of films
• We share some horror stories about working in various jobs
• We propose that this film may have had an impact on another film reviewed by the BFE
• Liam's ego is out of control as we discuss Fantasy Football
• He's also incorrigible as soon as Megs shows up
• Whether or not Clerks 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
• Andy Dickson
• Chris Pedersen 
• Duane Smith (Duane Smith!)
• Randal Silva
• The Yeetmeister
• Nate The Great
• Rev Bruce
• Cheezy (with a fish on a bike)
• Richard
• Ryan Kuketz
• Dirk Diggler
• Shai Bergerfroind
• 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/

Join Hermes in his revolution; he is trying so very hard.

See It or Skip It? - Joker: Folie à Deux (w/ Andy Dickson & Norfolk Domus)

FIRST 41:15 are a spoiler-free review with our See It/Skip It verdict

AFTER 41:15 it's a full spoiler review

This week's See It Or Skip has us talking about the sequel to one of 2019's most acclaimed films. Join us as we look at Joker: Folie à Deux as Arthur Fleck is joined by Lady Gaga this go around.  Ian is joined by Scotland's finest son, Andy Dickson and Norfolk's classiest export, Dom as we discuss whether the original film needed a sequel, is this film interested in moving on from the first film, if the audience for the first film is the type of film to appreciate a musical, and what Oscar winner for Best Picture Ian keeps comparing this film to. We'll answer all these questions on Joker: Folie à Deux and then we tell you whether you should SEE IT or SKIP IT.

Episode 248 - Pulp Fiction

(Deep Dive begins at 49:30)

That is a tasty burger! Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasters, Ian, Liam, and KevDog on a BOYS NIGHT in the most Boys Night of films as we're heading to the underbelly of Los Angeles in search of a 5 dollar shake in Quentin Tarantino's magnum opus, Pulp Fiction. We'll be back before you can say 'blueberry pancakes' in our 248th episode as we discuss:

• What is PostModernism
• Why does this film speak so strongly to a certain generation of cinephile
• Kev has brought some treats back for everyone from his holiday in Greece
• An actor extends an impressive record
• When is a mistake not a mistake?
• What's the benefit of quickfire intertextual references?
• What is a meta-narrative and how can it be proven incorrect
• Ian might set a record for pushes of the yellow button
• We discuss one of the great soundtracks of all time and Ian explains what Columbia House was
• Whether or not Pulp Fiction 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
• Andy Dickson
• Chris Pedersen 
• Duane Smith (Duane Smith!)
• Randal Silva
• The Yeetmeister
• Nate The Great
• Rev Bruce
• Cheezy (with a fish on a bike)
• Richard
• Ryan Kuketz
• Dirk Diggler
• Shai Bergerfroind
• 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/

Join Hermes in his revolution; he is trying so very hard.

Episode 247 - American Beauty

(Deep Dive begins at 32:20)

We rule! Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasters, Ian and Megs (Liam, Kev, and Georgia are showing an Open House) as we're heading to suburban Chicago in search of our zeal for life as we review the Sam Mendes / Alan Ball collaboration, American Beauty. We're looking for the least amount of responsibility in our 247th episode as we discuss:

• What to do when faced with a protagonist that makes decisions that we don't agree with
• Should there be a limit to what type of stories are told
• Ian kind of gives an origin story for his journey into film analysis
• We ask some questions regarding oddities in California Labour Laws
• Are we pyjama people?
• Ian's brought a sweet dessert for a BFE taste test segment
• Megan's got an interpretation that stops the pod in its tracks
• Ian continues on a theory he postulated last week and it applies equally to this film
• Whether or not American Beauty 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
• Andy Dickson
• Chris Pedersen 
• Duane Smith (Duane Smith!)
• Randal Silva
• The Yeetmeister
• Nate The Great
• Rev Bruce
• Cheezy (with a fish on a bike)
• Richard
• Ryan Kuketz
• Dirk Diggler
• Shai Bergerfroind
• 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/

Join Hermes in his revolution; he is trying so very hard.

Episode 246 - Gone Girl

(Deep Dive begins at 46:45)

We're so cute. I want to punch us in the face. Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasters, Ian, Liam, and Kev (the girls are gone... or are they?) as we're heading to small town Missouri on a treasure hunt as we reconvene the BFE Book Club as we review the Gillian Flynn literary adaptation, Gone Girl. We're heading to the woodshed in our 246th episode as we discuss:

• Spectatorship and how this film plays both sides and gets away with it
• Liam again struggles with some choices made by the filmmmakers
• We discuss a legendary supporting actor who plays completely against type
• We ask where Rosamund Pike has been hiding all this time
• How many men are necessary before we can call something a BOYS NIGHT
• Ian's brought a beverage for a BFE taste test segment
• Liam claims he's never heard one of the biggest hits of the 2010s
• Someone take issue with one specific line near the end of the film
• Whether or not The Help 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
• Andy Dickson
• Chris Pedersen 
• Duane Smith (Duane Smith!)
• Randal Silva
• The Yeetmeister
• Nate The Great
• Rev Bruce
• Cheezy (with a fish on a bike)
• Richard
• Ryan Kuketz
• Dirk Diggler
• Shai Bergerfroind
• 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/

Join Hermes in his revolution; he is trying so very hard.