Best Film Ever

Cleared For Takeoff? - Killing Eve

Your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting crew continue to try their hands at a little TV Pilot Analysis with a little TransAtlantic production between an Englishwoman and a  Canadian so we've got one of our own Englishwomen and our resident Canadian profiling BBC/BBC America's Killing Eve.  Ellie is in the captain's chair and Ian's riding the jumpseat as he's never seen the show.  It's a Whole New World as we discuss:

• Sandra Oh's previous career before joining the cast
• Ian and Ellie discuss a mutual love of all things Phoebe Waller-Bridge
• Which character of the main twosome does each member of the panel connect with more?
• What piece of dialogue required more thought than any other part?  Why was this?
• What was the name of the source material?  Why switch it for television?
• Ian & Ellie both share their relative strengths in speaking with accents
• Ian gives his first impressions of the series, having never seen it before
• Would we ground the Killing Eve pilot or is it Cleared for Takeoff?

Episode 63 - Titanic (w/ Debbie)

This week we're off the Road to WrestleMania and on a steam liner headed to New York with Jack and Rose in Titanic. Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian, Liam, Ellie, and Georgia - alongside friend of the podcast, Debbie - on a TransAtlantic voyage that wouldn't quite make it to the Big Apple.  We're never letting go of our 63rd episode as we discuss:

• What James Cameron sacrificed to get his version of the film made.
• Which actor/actress swore that they would never work with the legendary director again after this shoot
• Liam and Debbie share some of their background knowledge on Titanic
• We find out Celine Dion's initial reaction to her iconic song
• Which member of the cast had a near-death experience on stage
• We try another pint of Baker's Batch courtesy of How Not To Summon breweries
• Ian shares perhaps the greatest context story in the history of the pod
• Someone suggests a drastic edit to trim the runtime of the film
• Whether or not Titanic is the Best Film Ever

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/

Falcon & The Weekly Soldier (Ep 4) - The Whole World Is Watching

We're back with another episode reviewing Marvel's "The Falcon & The Winter Solider", with our analysis of Episode 4, "The Whole World is Watching" Falcon & The Weekly Soldier is designed as a companion podcast for the casual fan (but not hardcore comic spoiler types). Join Ethan and Ian for a roundtable as we discuss super soldier envy, never meet your heroes and just how exactly will I get this shield out of my beaten chest.

See It Or Skip It? - Zack Snyder's Justice League

SPOILERS PRESENT FOR ZACK SNYDER'S JUSTICE LEAGUE and (JOSS WHEDON'S) JUSTICE LEAGUE

It's another BOYS NIGHT as Ian, and Ethan are talking about the Twitter mandated return to the Snyderverse in "Zack Snyder's Justice League." Is it worth all the hype?  Which characters got more focus in the new version?  How is the third act different? Should we feel that this film is a victory or does it set a dangerous precedent for future directors and Twitter fandoms at large? We answer all these questions and more in our "See It or Skip It" review of Zack Snyder's Justice League and then we tell you whether you should SEE IT or SKIP IT.

Episode 62 - Fighting With My Family

This week we're on the Road to WrestleMania as we're locking up and hoping to avoid a receipt in a film based on a true story in Fighting With My Family. Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian, Liam, Ellie, and Georgia - as we head to Norwich, England; and then Orlando, Florida to try and crack onto the main roster of the WWE.  It's a bodyslam of a 62nd episode as we discuss:

• The bizarre true story in how Dwayne Johnson was inspired to produce this film
• Why Ricky Knight was disappointed at first when he heard it was Nick Frost playing him, as well as revealing Ricky's first choice
• Liam goes nuts over all the local (to us) locations used for the shoot
• We talk about the difference between British and American humour
• Ian nerds out massively about all things wrestling and shares his own account of some of the televised portions of the story
• We ask if the fictionalised version of Paige should've been a bit more ready for some of the elements that awaited her in Florida given her years in the business
• There's a debut tasting of Baker's Batch home brew, courtesy of Summon It Breweries
• Whether or not Fighting With My Family is the Best Film Ever

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/

Falcon & The Weekly Soldier (Ep 3) - The Power Broker

We're back with another episode reviewing Marvel's "The Falcon & The Winter Solider", with our analysis of Episode 3, "The Power Broker." Falcon & The Weekly Soldier is designed as a companion podcast for the casual fan (but not hardcore comic spoiler types). Join Ethan and Ian for a Thanos snapped roundtable as we discuss our new crush on Zemo, the logistics of having a fling with Steve Rogers and just how exactly a group chat between heroes would go.

Watch Along 01 - Tall Girl (April Fools Day Episode)

Come join us as we turn the April Fools Day joke back on ourselves with a Watch-Along of the Netflix Original Film, "Tall Girl."  Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian, Liam, Ellie, Georgia - and push play in unison with us on your own Netflix and listen to us extol the virtues (there aren't very many), and slam the criticisms.  Join us as we discuss:

• How we ended up doing the Watchalong and our own fears before pushing play
• Which actress Ian mistook as someone else (so much for Georgia's face blindness)
• The tropes that we're expecting in a teen romantic comedy
• Hear us discuss in real-time the predicted ending.
• There are some technical elements that Ian gushes over and others that are mercilessly criticised. 
• Which part had the whole panel shouting at the screen in disapproval

Episode 61 - Paddington

This week we've got a suitcase full of marmalade, a sandwich under our hat, and have stowed away on board a postal boat in search of a new home in posh London as we watch Paddington.  Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian, Liam, Ellie, Georgia - as we wait at Cockfosters train station for someone to notice the tag around our neck.  It's a 61st episode full of British cameos as we discuss:

• Who the original choice was for the titular Peruvian bear and how late in the game was the swap made
• We play BFE Bingo as Ian discovers he has 4 key things he references in every episode
• We have an absolutely uncanny Jim Broadbent fact courtesy of Ellie in Context Corner
• We all ask if this film wastes Peter Capaldi
• We marvel at the quality of the CGI as Paddington seamlessly interacts with the live-action footage in London
• There's a spirited discussion about if a film has to do more than give you the warm-and-fuzzies (pun totally intended) to be declared a great film
• We ask how an Academy Award winning actress such as Nicole Kidman can be this bad in the film and if moments of this film are a bit of a rebuke to a former partner.
• Does this film condition children against the museum and geographers in general?
• Whether or not Paddington is the Best Film Ever

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/

Falcon & The Weekly Soldier (Ep 2) - The Star-Spangled Man

We're back with another episode reviewing Marvel's "The Falcon & The Winter Solider", with our analysis of Episode 2, "The Star-Spangled Man" Falcon & The Weekly Soldier is designed as a companion podcast for the casual fan (but not hardcore comic spoiler types).  Join Ethan, Georgia, and Ian together on this one as we talk about the slow burn on John Walker, our happiness with the Shrink's continued presence, and we cast ourselves as the 3 main characters. 

Cleared For Takeoff? - Ozark

Your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting crew continue to try their hands at a little TV Pilot Analysis and we're trying to talk ourselves into a little more money laundering money for to make up for underweight gas tankers. We've got Ian in the pilot's chair and Liam is skimming a little off the top this week as he's never seen the show.  Relocate with us as we discuss:

• Jason Bateman's comedic career before looking to reinvent himself
• We talk about the benefits of being your own boss
• The part of the episode that Liam couldn't reconcile
• What does Marty Byrd want more than anything else?
• Despite the name of the series, where is it actually set?
• We discuss the Aunt Carlotta quagmire.  Do you fire a longtime employee who after 15 years is caught stealing $5 out of the till?
• Liam gives his first impressions of the series, having never seen it before
• Would we ground the Ozark pilot or is it cleared for takeoff?

Ep 60 - Coming To America (1988)

TOWARDS THE END, THERE'S ABOUT 2 MINUTES OF SILENCE.  THE PROGRAMME RESUMES AT 2:02:00 AND YOU'LL WANT TO HEAR THIS WEEK'S CODA.

This week we're heading off to McDowell's in search of two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles and onions on a seedless bun in Coming To America.  Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian, Liam, Ellie, Georgia - as we head to Queens, New York via Zamunda with Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall as our royal escorts.  It's an 8-dollar haircut of a 60th episode as we discuss:

• Why did Eddie Murphy and John Landis work together again after the friction during Trading Places
• At what point does James Earl Jones predict his own cinematic future in this film
• We share a sobering story regarding Louie Anderson's placement in this film
• Ian asks if we forgive Cleo too easily by the end
• When is a story by Eddie Murphy perhaps not a story by Eddie Murphy
• Which of the prosthetic alter-egos of Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall fooled Ellie
• Which actors did Georgia not recognise in this film as her legendary face blindness struck again
• There's a coda worth sticking around to the end for as Karma strikes one of our panel in the keester
• Whether or not Coming To America is the Best Film Ever

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/

Falcon & The Weekly Soldier (Ep 1) - New World Order

We're back with a new series reviewing Marvel's "The Falcon & The Winter Solider", our first episode by episode series review on BFE.  Falcon & The Weekly Soldier is designed as a companion podcast for the casual fan (but not hardcore comic spoiler types).  Join Ethan, Georgia, Ian, and Liam together on this one as we talk about our first impressions, expectations and if there is a rule of diminishing returns on Marvel content.

Reel Roundtable #9 - Best Vacation Films (Live at Pod vComm)

Another bonus episode for your listening enjoyment as we bring you another Reel Roundtable discussion, this time live from Pod vComm.  Ellie, Ethan, Georgia, Ian, and Liam are making up for a lack of vacation opportunities with our best of vacation and road trip films.  Comments, banter, and flat out disagreements can be found as we discuss the respective quality of vacation movies, followed by the definitive BFE Top Ten List.  You'll love it folks!

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.  

Episode 59 - Back To The Future Part II (and BFE Birthday Party)

This week we're back from rejuvenation clinic in an effort to look younger on this, our first birthday.  Join us as we head to Hill Valley in 2015 in search of Pepsi Perfect, self lacing Nikes and our very own hoverboard.  Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian, Liam, Ellie, Georgia - and Ethan from Talking The Mickey – as we travel all over the prime and alternate timelines in search of cinematic glory.  It's a celebration of a 59th episode as we hear from 21 of our fledgling fandom through audio birthday wishes.  Also, we discuss:

• Why Jennifer had to be recast and we ask why the boys are so terrible to her
• Which of the 2015 predictions made did we really wish had come true
• Ian explains some faults in the time travel logic that make our brain hurt
• How great Thomas F. Wilson is in this film
• The specifics of the Crispin Glover lawsuit
• Where Robert Zemeckis got the cars for Hill Valley 2015
• How much a Pepsi Perfect will cost you today
• Whether or not Back To The Future Part II is the Best Film Ever

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? - Borat Subsequent Moviefilm

FIRST 34:30 are a spoiler-free review with our See It/Skip It verdict

AFTER 34:30 it's a full spoiler review

It's another BOYS NIGHT as Ian, and Ethan are talking about the Golden Globe Winner for Best Musical or Comedy (seriously), "Borat Subsequent Moviefilm." It's won 2 Golden Globes but what did we make of it?  What parts worked?  What parts didn't?  It was re-written and re-edited halfway through - does it work or is it just a hot mess?  We answer all these questions and more in our "See It or Skip It" review of Borat Subsequent Moviefilm and then we tell you whether you should SEE IT or SKIP IT.

Episode 58 - Fargo

This week we're joining the Minnesota State Police (our prowler might need a boost) as we check out Siskel & Ebert (Ebs!)'s 1996 film of the year in the Coen Brothers' Fargo.  Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian, Liam, Ellie - and Ethan from Talking The Mickey – as we head to Siberia with Family restaurants with pseudo-Scandanavian accents before snuggling up with a nature documentary before bed.  It's definitely not a lemon of a 58th episode as we discuss

• Why the credits only list Joel Coen as director
• If the 'Minnesota Nice' accent is harder for British ears to distinguish than Canadian/Kiwi ones
• Whether Marge & Norm have hollow lives
• The tropes that the Coens were trying to dismantle regarding how pregnant women are presented in Hollywood
• The power play that William H. Macy put forth to get the part
• The purpose of dealer plates in North America
• Why Carl was cheaping out over the Sierra when he had $920,000 stashed away elsewhere
• Whether or not Fargo is the Best Film Ever

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/

Cleared For Takeoff? - Grey's Anatomy

Your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting crew continue to try their hands at a little TV Pilot Analysis and we're having our first day as surgeons at Seattle Grace as we take a Ferry Boat over to Grey's Anatomy. We've got Ian in the pilot's chair and Ellie is scrubbing inthis week as she's never seen the show.  Relocate with us as we discuss:

• ABC's movement to target a female audience in Primetime in the early 2000s
• Ellie gushes over Canada's own Sandra Oh for a while
• We discuss the unique (but way overdue) casting process that Shonda Rhimes decided should occur for this show
• We discuss which character was added after the majority of footage had been completed
• Is this the perfect combo pack for Desperate Housewives?
• Who was the character of Meredith Grey supposed to be romantically involved with originally?
• Ellie gives his first impressions of the series, having never seen it before
• Would we ground the Grey's Anatomy pilot or is it cleared for takeoff?

Episode 57 - The Silence of the Lambs

This week we're joining the FBI (our ID expires next week) as we check out only the 3rd film to win The Big Five Academy Awards in Jonathan Demme's The SIlence of the Lambs just a couple of weeks after its 25th anniversary.  Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian, Liam, Ellie - and Ethan from Talking The Mickey – as we head to Quantico with lots of questions as we head for the last cell on the left.  It's an obstacle course of a 57th episode as we discuss

• How much was spent on the rights to the character of Hannibal Lecter
• Why the FBI gave the film their full cooperation
• If Hannibal Lecter is the most honest character in the film
• Why the filmmakers chose to dress Hannibal in white once he relocates to the federal facility
• Ian goes on a tangent about the meaning of the word 'quite'
• We debate who gives the better performance, Hopkins or Foster
• We debate which biopic is better: Bohemian Rhapsody or Rocketman
• Whether or not Silence of the Lambs is the Best Film Ever

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/

After 82: A BFE Interview

After 82: The Documentary presents the history of the HIV epidemic in the UK in the 1980s and we at BFE are beyond fortunate to have been granted an hour with the directors, Steve Keeble and Ben Lord, and two of the participants, Jonathan Banks and Patrick Lyster Todd.  In a move unusual for this podcast, we take a backseat and let those involved in the film explain the motivation, process, and legacy of the documentary - including the impact it had on the recent Russell T Davies series, It's A Sin.

After 82 is readily available and definitely deserves both your time and attention.  You can find the full range of platforms the documentary is available on at https://www.after82movie.com/download-after-82

Episode 56 - Knives Out

For this bonus episode we commemerate the career of Christopher Plummer by reviewing one of his very last films, in the whodunnit from Rian Johnson, Knives Out.  Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian, Liam, Ellie, and Ethan – as we act as deputies for Benoit Blanc in hunting down the killer of Harlan Thrombey.  We’re looking for donut holes in our 56th episode as we discuss:

• How Rian Johnson could make something as universally satisfying as Knives Out after something as divisive as The Last Jedi
• Which character may prove that the corruption of inherited wealth has little to do with ethnicity
• Does Marta always act in the moral good, as the film would suggest?
• How great Chris Evans is when acting against type
• How great Daniel Craig is in general.  Is he a great actor?
• Ethan has some thoughts on performative wokeness and Ian slams someone for referencing Hamilton 
• How insensitive it is for the interviews to take place on a chair of knives after the patriarch has just slit his own throat with a knife
• How fantastic the casting and acting in this film is overall
• Whether we would want to see another Benoit Blanc film
• Whether or not Knives Out is the Best Film Ever

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 55 - Trainspotting

Warning: Sensitive Content discussed between 1:02:45-1:05:45 (Infant Death)

This week we're going to Edinburgh (or is it Glasgow) as we check out the film that launched Ewen McGregor into the Mainstream with Danny Boyle’s Trainspotting on the exact day of its 25^th anniversary.  Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian, Liam, Ellie, and Georgia – as we return to 1990s Britain with one hell of a soundtrack backing us up. We’re choosing life in our 55th episode as we discuss:

• The iconic opening running scene and how it almost wasn’t the start of the film
• Why didn’t Noel Gallagher allow any songs from Oasis to appear on a heavy BritPop soundtrack?
• Does Renton take enough responsibility for his actions?
• Do you recognise Tommy from something else?
• The BFE gang share some exciting news about another project that’s coming up imminently
• We reimagine the Lust for Life “Choose Life” sequence with a few other songs
• Somebody gives this film either their highest or lowest score to date. Who was it and what was it?
• We have a definitive answer (I suppose) on whether 10 Things or Clueless is the teen film of the 90s
• We discuss the morality of finding escapism through characters who commit illegal and immoral acts
• Whether or not Trainspotting is the Best Film Ever

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 54 - Wall-E (Crossover w/ Talking The Mickey)

This week we're going to the dystopian future for a love story between Johnny Five and the latest Apple HomePod in Wall-E.  Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian, Liam, Ellie, and Georgia - alongside Ethan from Talking the Mickey - as we allow Disney/Pixar to lecture us about the dangers of big corporations taking over the world. It's a humanity-filled 54th episode as we discuss:

• How a single lunch meeting brought us a decade of Pixar releases
• We discuss the similarities between Wall-E's character design and the main attraction from the Short Circuit series of films
• We ask if children from 7-14 would love a dialogue free (and therefore, largely joke-free) film
• We gush over some of the visual sequences both on Earth and off
• Does Pixar just repurpose The Little Mermaid for their own use (that's an awfully Wall-E thing to do actually)
• Ian imagines a remaking of the film with American rapper Wale in the titular role
• We all start to feel a bit hypocritical about our own screen usage.
• Ian discusses the ridiculousness of burger imagery to a society that's never eaten a proper hamburger
• Whether or not this a glorified silent film
• Whether or not Wall-E is the Best Film Ever

Massive thanks to Lex Van Der 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 53 - Ten Things I Hate About You

I know you can be overwhelmed, and you can be underwhelmed, but can you ever just be whelmed? - This week we're going back to English class via way of 1990s Seattle in 10 Things I Hate About You.  Grab an aqua and join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian, Liam, Ellie, and Georgia as we consider a retelling of Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew.  We couldn't take our eyes off of this film in our 53rd review as we discuss:

• Just how much does this film have to thank Shakespeare for in its characters, locations and overall plot?
• How much does this film owe Clueless, another retelling of a classic literary tale given the 90s teen film treatment
• How many feet of clearance is needed if you're going to dance on top of a table?
• How many instances were there that made us feel uncomfortable in 2021.  Also, how many situations would we refuse to allow if the gender roles were reversed?
• Is Julia Stiles the best thing about this or the worst thing about this film?
• Which member of the production crew do we determine is far too talented for this film?
• Do concussions just heal themselves once you vomit?
• Which camera shot cost a half a million dollars and was done in defiance of Disney's orders?
• How many characters in this film change on a dime?
• Whether or not 10 Things I Hate About You is the Best Film Ever?

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 #8 - The Romcom Roundtable

Happy Valentine's Day! 

Another bonus episode for your listening enjoyment as we bring you another Reel Roundtable discussion.  Ellie, Ethan, Georgia, Ian, and Liam are all loved up in the spirit of corporate romantic obligation and are back to talk about the films that send their hearts-a-flutter.  Comments, banter, and flat out disagreements can be found as we discuss the respective quality of the much maligned 'chick flick' before revealing our audience Top Ten list followed by the definitive BFE Top Ten List.  You'll love it folks!

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.  

Cleared For Takeoff? - Schitt's Creek

Your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting crew continue to try their hands at a little TV Pilot Analysis and we're taking the doors off in this episode as we leave the big city for the titular hamlet of Schitt's Creek. We've got Ian in the pilot's chair and Ethan is on training duty this week as co-pilot as he's never seen the show.  Relocate with us as we discuss:

• The microscopic legacy of Canadian original programming
• What is it about Eugene Levy that is so likeable - and stylish?
• Some of the real-world locations of the Schitt's Creek set
• Who was the original Alexis and why didn't she make it to air?
• Who's the only American among the principal cast?
• Who turned down the series at first only to have second thoughts and agree to sign on
• Ethan gives his fire impressions of the series, having never seen it before
• Would we ground the Schitts Creek pilot or is it cleared for takeoff?

Episode 52 - Jurassic Park (with Debbie)

Life finds a way - This week we're going back to the Jurassic Era (or is that the Cretaceous period?) via way of 1990s Central America in Jurassic Park, a review 52 episodes in the making.  Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian, Liam, Ellie, and Georgia - alongside friend of the podcast, Debbie as we became so preoccupied with whether we could review it that we never considered if we should have reviewed it.  It's a chaos theory inducing 52nd episode as we consider

• The multiple offers for the film rights to Michael Crichton's book, before the book had even been published
• We go over an alternate cast list that Ian & Liam would kill for
• We ask if the acting among the principals is any good.  We also ask whether it matters in this film?
• We gush over John Williams' score. This is an all-time Top 10 composition.
• There are a few plot inaccuracies/continuity errors that we pick apart
• Just how much money Steven Spielberg made from this film? 
• What is with that shot with Goldblum's open shirt in this film?
• Is Ellie a feminist character based on her telling us that she is or does she revert to damsel-in-distress closely after?
• Why is Doctor Grant so unsure about certain elements of dinosaurs but will stake his life on his T-Rex knowledge
• Whether or not Jurassic Park is the Best Film Ever

Massive thanks to Lex Van Der 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? - One Night In Miami

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

AFTER 34 MINUTES full spoiler review

It's another BOYS NIGHT as Ian, Liam, and Ethan are talking about the Amazon Prime original film (and heavily touted Oscar contender), "One Night In Miami" It's been nominated for THREE Golden Globes but what did we think about it?  What parts worked?  What parts didn't?  It was originally a play, how did it transfer over to the big screen? What do we know about the 4 men?  This is Regina King's debut, how did she make this happen? Does a film need pretty cinematography to be powerful? Will Ian ever be able to stop confusing Leslie Odom Jr with NBA star Lamar Odom?  We answer all these questions and more in our "See It or Skip It" review of One Night in Miami. and then we tell you whether you should SEE IT or SKIP IT.

Episode 51 - Groundhog Day (w/ Tom from PodJerky)

Watch that first step, it's a doozy - This week we're stormstayed in Punxsutawney - with the weather crew from WPBH as we have a look at the Bill Murray-Harold Ramis classic, Groundhog Day.  Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian, Liam, Ellie, and Georgia - alongside friend of the podcast, Tom from Podjerky (they're awesome, check them out) as we analyse a a case study in life without consequences.  It's a 51st episode that's got you babe, as we discuss:

• The backstory leading to Danny Rubin's development of the story and how his initial vision was changed by Harold Ramis
• The falling out between Bill Murray and Harold Ramis that sadly became the stuff of legend
• What exactly is Groundhog Day?  Why do we celebrate it at all?
• Why do we forgive Phil?  Should we?
• Is Andie MacDowell a good actress?
• How many Schitt's Creek alumni can you spot among the cast?
• What was one major selling point for Woodstock, IL to be chosen as the reimagined Punxsutawney? 
• There's a few first casting thoughts for Phil that you're not going to believe, and one that we wouldn't mind seeing.
• Whether or not Groundhog Day is the Best Film Ever

You can catch more of Tom on PodJerky at linktr.ee/podjerky

Cleared For Takeoff? - WandaVision

Forget the past; this is your future - Your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting crew continue to try their hands at a little TV Pilot Analysis and we're heading all the way back to 2021 (so not that far back) and yet we're also in the 1950s as we tackle the cultural juggernaut that is WandaVision. Why not fly with us this week as we discuss:

• When is a pilot not a pilot?
• Is this enjoyable if you haven't watched any MCU films?  
• Is this episode just a love letter to 1950s sitcoms
• We gush over the casting of the new characters
• Are you able to enjoy this if you don't dive into the Easter Eggs?
• Does a guaranteed series run take away the enjoyment of a pilot episode?
• Ian gives some predictions for the rest of the series as the only member not to have seen episode 2 yet
• Would we ground the WandaVision pilot or is it cleared for takeoff?

Episode 50 - Almost Famous (Director's Cut)

It's All Happening - This week we're getting on the bus - not the plane - with 70s rockers Stillwater as we go on tour with Cameron Crowe's semi-autobiographical Almost Famous.  Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian, Liam, Ellie, and Georgia as we analyse a love letter to classic rock.  We hope you have your final words for Rolling Stone in our landmark 50th episode as we discuss:

• Which events undertaken by the fictional Stillwater are based on real-life rock band legends
• Which events undertaken by William are actually memories of writer/director Cameron Crowe from his time as a Rolling Stone journalist.
• What is the appeal of Penny Lane?  How does Kate Hudson steal the show as she does.
• Why does the film want us to forgive Russell?
• Why does the film want us to forgive William?
• We go through some initial casting decisions and talk about the ramifications that these changes had on the end product
• We hear a funny story about Frances McDormand and Cameron Crowe's mother
• Whether or not Almost Famous is the Best Film Ever

BFE Presents: Untitled TV Pilot Analysis Show - FRIENDS

So no-one told you life was gonna be this way - Your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting crew are trying their hands at a little TV Pilot Analysis and we're heading all the way back to 1994, Central Perk and FRIENDS in a show that we've yet to name.   Join us for this pilot episode of the unnamed pilot show as we discuss:

• The development of FRIENDS as a television show when it had a couple of different names
• Some behind-the-scenes tidbits about casting your favourite six
• Ian has a bit of an episode as he tries to justify why the harmony for the theme song should be considered the melody
• We break down the rules for what a good television pilot should do
• Which of the FRIENDS made the best impression on day 1
• Don't we all just want to jump around in a fountain at midnight?
• Why did they give Joey the first punchline of the series when Matthew Perry is sitting right there?
• Are Ross & Monica a little too touchy feely to be brother and sister?
• Where we can sign up for a game of telenovella translation?
• Which characters seemed to change the most from Episode 1 to later on in the series run
• We ask you to help us name this unnamed show
• Would we clear the FRIENDS pilot be grounded or cleared for takeoff?

Episode 49- Catch Me If You Can (w/ Alex from Main St. Finance)

Knock Knock - Who's There? - It's no joke that we're giving 2002's "Catch Me If You Can" the BFE treatment this week as we're heading all over North America hitching a ride in the JumpSeat.  Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian, Liam, Ellie, and Georgia - as we're joined by Alex from Main St Finance.  We hope you concur that it's a fun 49th episode as we discuss:

• The 22 year journey this film underwent from development to screen
• Some of the initial cast and how this film would look very different if they had made the cut
• We have some disagreements about the quality of the film theme and title sequence
• We try to guess which of the actors/actresses were nominated for their performance
• Is Tom Hanks icky?  Really?
• We go off on some diatribes about writing cheques, WalMart, and return addresses on mail
• Is this film pretty terrible to its female characters?
• We discuss whether Frank Jr is a little too into watching his parents be romantic with each other
• Whether or not Catch Me If You Can is the Best Film Ever

See It Or Skip It? - TENET

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

AFTER 34 MINUTES full spoiler review

It's a BOYS NIGHT as Ian, Liam, and Ethan are holding their heads and trying to articulate exactly what happened in TENET. What did we think about it?  What parts worked?  What parts didn't?  How do you pronounce the blasted word properly?  Is this Nolan at his best or Nolan at his Nolanist? What does this newest entry do for his legacy?  We answer all these questions and more in our "See It or Skip It" review of TENET. and then we tell you whether you should SEE IT or SKIP IT.

Episode 48 - Angels With Dirty Faces

"What do you do? What do you say?" - We're going all the way back to 1938 for this year's selection as Liam brings Angels With Dirty Faces to the table. This week we're headed to Hell's Kitchen and learning about two boys, one who ran just a bit faster than the other and the impact it had on our lives.  Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian, Liam, Ellie, and Georgia.  It's a debatably yellow 48th episode as we discuss:

• Which of these classic actors made the best impression on us
• Some great stories about the Dead End Kids and a run in with James Cagney
• Whether or not all the principal players in this film are necessary
• What's the likelihood these kids can read these newspapers in order to give so much exposition to the audience
• How important are the secondary characters in this film?
• There's an all-time argument about whether something occurred or not
• Which Hollywood legend left an extremely underwhelming impact on us
• A crazy story about special effects in Hollywood in the 1930s
• What do we make of the ending.  Was Cagney actually cowardly in the end?
• Is this the greatest last 10 minutes in cinematic history?
• Whether or not Angels With Dirty Faces is the Best Film Ever

Reel Roundtable #7 - 2020: The Resties

Merry New Year!  Another bonus episode for your listening enjoyment as we bring you another Reel Roundtable discussion.  Ellie, Georgia, Ian, and Liam look back on the films they've reviewed in 2020 and have some less prestigious awards to hand out this week in the form of The Resties.  We all tried to stay friends as we debate the worst that we saw in 2020.  Just because the films are rated highly doesn't mean they're everyone's cup of tea.  (A full list of award categories and eligible films are located at the bottom of these notes)

Plus, there's a few from the blooper reel as we point out some of our own 'Worst of' moments from the past calendar year. 

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.  

 

AWARDS

• Worst Script
• Worst Special Effects
• Worst Score
• Worst Song
• Worst Musical
• Worst Costume Design
• Worst Set Design
• Worst Villain
• Worst Plothole
• Worst Cinematography
• Worst Duo
• Most Unlikeable
• Worst Child
• Worst Context Corner Moment
• Worst First Watch
• Biggest Fall From Grace
• Most Unnecessarily Sexualised Moment
• Worst Aged Moment
• Most Overhyped
• Worst Supporting Actor
• Worst Supporting Actress
• Worst Actor
• Worst Actresss
• Worst Film

 

ELIGIBLE FILMS

• Back To The Future
• Amelie
• In Bruges
• The Dark Knight
• Joker
• The Theory of Everything
• The Princess Bride
• Moulin Rouge
• Star Wars - A New Hope
• Chicago
• Some Like It Hot
• Gladiator
• Die Hard With A Vengeance
• The Breakfast Club
• Fight Club
• Days of Thunder
• Apollo 13
• Grand Budapest Hotel
• The Crow
• Clueless
• Toy Story (Crossover)
• Dangerous Minds (with Debbie)
• The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo
• Speed (with Ethan)
• The Usual Suspects
• Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure
• Braveheart
• Iron Man
• The Hitman's Bodyguard
• Se7en
• Rocky
• Bridget Jones' Diary
• A League of Their Own
• The Muppet Movie
• Goodfellas
• Scream (Halloween Special)
• The American President
• Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
• Goldeneye
• Pirates of the Caribbean
• Pretty Woman
• Coraline
• Trading Places
• Home Alone
• The Muppet Christmas Carol
• Babe

Episode 47 - Wonder Woman

"We're headed to the front. We're probably going to die. This is a terrible idea!" - Is this a quote from the movie or one of the panellists after watching this film? This week we're headed back to WWI for the shining jewel in the DCEU's tarnished crown in Wonder Woman. Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian, Liam, Ellie, and Georgia as we go to war with a God in our 47th episode as we discuss:

• Patty Jenkins past with Marvel before jumping to DC
• The difference between being a movie star and a good actor
• Sexualisation, Objectification, and who speaks on behalf of a demographic
• How important is representation in a film?  Does it cover all manner of sins?
• How important are the secondary characters in this film?
• Is David Thewlis capable of being threatening
• Should Robin Wright just give up on doing other accents?
• Is Diana's ultimate reveal some of the laziest writing in a film we've seen to this point?
• What do we expect from a Comic Book movie?  Did Iron Man ruin everything?
• Is there a stupider name for a weapon than 'god-killer'?
• Whether or not Wonder Woman is the Best Film Ever

Reel Roundtable #6 - 2020: The Besties

Happy New Year!  Another bonus episode for your listening enjoyment as we bring you another Reel Roundtable discussion.  Ellie, Georgia, Ian, and Liam look back on the films they've reviewed in 2020 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 2020 (A full list of award categories and eligible films are located at the bottom of these notes)

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.  

 

Award Categories

• Best Script
• Best Special Effects
• Best Costume Design
• Best Set Design
• Best Cinematography
• Best Context Corner Highlight
• Best Duo
• Best Villain
• Best Plot Twist (no spoilers)
• Best Animated Film
• Best Musical
• Best Score
• Best Song
• Best Soundtrack
• Best Tearjerker
• Funniest Movie
• Best Rant/Quote by a BFE panellist
• Michelle Pfeiffer Memorial Award
• Ryan Reynolds Memorial Award
• Episode of the Year
• Best First Watch
• Most Improved Viewing Experience
• Best Supporting Actor
• Best Supporting Actress
• Best Actor
• Best Actress
• Best Film

 

ELIGIBLE FILMS

• Back To The Future

  Amelie

  In Bruges

  The Dark Knight

  Joker

  The Theory of Everything

  The Princess Bride

  Moulin Rouge

  Star Wars - A New Hope

  Chicago

  Some Like It Hot

  Gladiator

  Die Hard With A Vengeance

  The Breakfast Club

  Fight Club

  Days of Thunder

  Apollo 13

  Grand Budapest Hotel

  The Crow

  Clueless

  Toy Story (Crossover)

  Dangerous Minds (with Debbie)

  The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

  Speed (with Ethan)

  The Usual Suspects

  Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure

  Braveheart

  Iron Man

  The Hitman's Bodyguard

  Se7en

  Rocky

  Bridget Jones' Diary

  A League of Their Own

  The Muppet Movie

  Goodfellas

  Scream (Halloween Special)

  The American President

  Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

  Goldeneye

  Pirates of the Caribbean

  Pretty Woman

  Coraline

  Trading Places

  Best Christmas Films

  Home Alone

  The Muppet Christmas Carol

  Babe

 

Episode 46 - Babe

If I had words to make a day for you - that certainly sounds like the prayer of the podcaster.  This week we're headed to Hoggett farm for a healthy dose of charm, heart, and optimism to bring 2020 to a close. Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian, Liam, Ellie, and Georgia as we put a bow on the prize-winning Australian export, Babe. It's a carnage-free post-Christmas 46th episode as we discuss

• How many words did James Cromwell have to memorise to play the part of Famer Hoggett
• Ian talks about missing the forest for the trees sometimes
• Some of the panel discover a surprising link between Babe and Shrek that they hadn't considered
• We talk about the Jim Henson link to this film
• Is this the best film with talking animals that Hollywood has ever made?
• There's some confusion about both the time and place of the setting of Babe.  There's a lot of inconsistencies.
• We dissect what exactly is going on with that dancing scene between Farmer Doggett and Babe
• There's some great discussion about cinematography in a film that absolutely could have mailed it in
• Ian has some thoughts about how hard it is to convey a feeling of absolute warmth to an audience in a post Nirvana world
• Whether or not Babe is the Best Film Ever

Episode 45 - The Muppet Christmas Carol (Christmas Party with Talking The Mickey & Friends)

Tis the season to be jolly and joyous!  Fa la la!.  Charles Dickens’ timeless tale of redemption and the Christmas Spirit never looked or sounded as fun, as charming, and dare I say, as Christmassey as it does in Jim Henson Productions’ The Muppet Christmas Carol.  Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian, Liam, Ellie, and Georgia – along with Talking The Mickey’s Ethan - as we conclude our trilogy of Christmas Themed reviews with this the film that we declared to be the best Christmas film of all time in our most recent Reel Roundtable episode. There is no ignorance or want in our 45^th review as we discuss

• The big shoes that the director and some of the voice cast had to fill after the death of Muppets creator, Jim Henson
• Michael Caine's perspective on how he played the character
• Which muppets were originally supposed to portray the three Christmas spirits
• If there a better Muppets pun than Fozziwig
• How is it possible that a bunch of puppets present death to children in a manner better than many other writers or actors should envy
• How exactly did Brian Henson & company pull off some truly magical Muppet moments on screen
• We discuss the changes made to Charles Dickens' story by Henson and those made by Disney and if they did the film a disservice
• We get into a debate on loneliness that we ask for your viewpoint on
• Whether it's fair or not to compare Muppet adaptations such as this to Original Muppet scripts
• We hear from many friends of the podcast as they send in their Christmas messages
• Whether or not The Muppet Christmas Carol is the Best Film Ever

Episode 44 - Home Alone (Crossover w/ Talking The Mickey)

I made my family disappear.  This week we tackle the John Hughes holiday classic, Home Alone on its 30^th anniversary. Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian, Liam, Ellie, and Georgia – along with Talking The Mickey’s Ethan - as continue our trilogy of Christmas Themed reviews with this the film that Ellie declared to be the best Christmas film of all time in our most recent Reel Roundtable episode. We hope you don’t give up and that you’re thirsty for more in our 44th review as we discuss

• How this film ended up jumping from Warner Brothers to 20^th Century Fox
• The many safety precautions that were in place to protect Macauley Culkin, and the one injury he did receive
• What significant character was missing from the first draft of the screenplay
• Christopher Columbus said that forgetting Kevin was free of plotholes. Ian begs to differ.
• Which actor apologised to Chris Columbus on the first day of shooting Home Alone 2 for mailing it in on the original
• Which actor adlibbed the entirety of their lines
• Did you know there’s a swear word that made it into this film? We’ll tell you where it is
• Is there a less believable bully than Buzz?
• Ian’s done some research on flight times from Chicago to Paris and how the film defies the laws of time and space (literally)
• Once again, we ask: Is suicide ever funny?
• We ask if there’s any likeable characters in this film
• Whether or not Home Alone is the Best Film Ever

Reel Roundtable #5 - Best Christmas Movies

Another bonus episode as we bring you another Reel Roundtable discussion for your listening enjoyment.  Ellie, Ethan, Georgia, Ian, and Liam visit Christmastown and are back to talk about their favourites from today and the land of nostalgia  Comments, banter, and flat out disagreements can be found as we discuss the movies of the Holiday Season before revealing our audience Top Ten list followed by the definitive BFE Top Ten List.

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.  

Episode 43 - Trading Places

The best way to hurt rich people is to turn them into poor people.  So said the immortal Billy Ray Valentine as.this week we've woken up in our manor house to a smiling Eddie Murphy in Trading Places.  Half social-commentary, half racially inappropriate and an ending that needs more than half of an explanation.  Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian, Liam, & Ellie as we begin a trilogy of Christmas Themed reviews with this John Landis classic. Nobody wants to buy Louie’s drugs in our 43^rd review as we discuss

• The original pairing that was supposed to headline this film
• The pay cuts that several actors had to take to get in the movie
• Does the presence of black cast members excuse some of the racially inappropriate parts of this film or does it make it worse.
• Ian & Liam once again gush over how great the score to a film is
• What was Don Ameche so uncomfortable saying that he only allowed the crew to film one take
• What’s the deal with the 15 foot high clothes peg?
• Who’s the only person involved in this film whose career doesn’t take off on account of the film
• We’ve got a casting story you’re not going to believe.
• Ian explains the confusing ending and we come to the conclusion that Billy Ray & Lewis commit several federal crimes.
• Is suicide ever funny
• Whether or not Trading Places is the Best Film Ever

Episode 42 - Coraline

To paraphrase Better Father:

Making up a review about Coraline.
Was the film a peach, was it a doll or just a waste of time?
The animation's cute as a button
In the eyes of everyone's who's ever viewed Coraline. 
When she went round exploring,
Was it fun or did they just make it boring
This week our eyes they were on Coraline.

 

Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian, Liam, and Ellie as we enter the other world (better world?) of Coraline. It's a literal gravy train of a 42nd episode as we discuss:

• We can't get over how good the stop motion animation is
• Ian McShane and the uniquely British programme that was Lovejoy
• The voice casting
• Other mother has a few comparisons to Jadis from C.S. Lewis' The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe to overcome
• We talk about which character wasn't even in the source book
• We have a frank conversation about whether nudity (or near nudity) automatically suggests sexualisation
• We discuss representation on film and what does it mean to have positive representation.  Is it just the number of characters, or is it their morality?  Is there something more nuanced.
• We love Cat David.
• We discuss the merits of this animated film against a Studio Ghibli film with similar themes.
• We debate whether Coraline is a good kid and whether her parents are good parents
• What is the deal with the Pumpkin Spice Latte that is Other Father?
• How great is the song Other Father delivers
• Whether or not Coraline is the Best Film Ever.

Episode 41 - Pretty Woman

This is Hollywood. Always time to dream, so keep on dreamin'. This week we've woken up half in a cocaine-fuelled drama, half in a modern-day fairy tale and half in a My Fair Lady homage in Pretty Woman. Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian, Liam, Ellie, & Georgia as we need a little pick-me-up and so we're headed for the spiritual prequel to Runaway Bride.  We're gonna treat you so good you're not gonna want to let us go in this 41st episode as we discuss:

• The murderers row of actresses who were at some point linked to the roles of Vivian and Edward
• How Julia Roberts convinced Richard Gere to take the role
• If the story is problematic in a 2020 lens - especially Vivian's introduction
• Ian & Liam gush over how great the soundtrack to this film is
• We talk more about condoms and dental floss than you'd expect
• We ask why we forgive Julia Roberts so quickly for a massive indiscretion in Act I
• We reveal Disney's desired finish for the film
• There's a link between this film and Norwich, England that you might not expect
• We discuss the many fantastic outfits of Julia Roberts in this film
• There's a lot of tie-ins to NBC sitcoms of the 1990s
• We talk about piano cleanliness more that we thought we would
• Whether or not Pretty Woman is the Best Film Ever.

Reel Roundtable #4 - Leonardo DiCaprio

Another bonus episode as we bring you another Reel Roundtable discussion for your listening enjoyment.  Ellie, Ethan, Gerogia, Ian, and Liam revisit the career of Leonardo DiCaprio.  Comments, banter, and a more than slight dose of nostalgia and appreciation can be found as we discuss:

• When did Leo transform from pretty boy movie star to a great actor
• Whether Leo's greatest talent is his versatility
• Find out which one of us hates Leo and thinks he looks like a naked molerat
• Whether Leo deserved to win the Oscar for The Revenant
• Whether Leo is a great actor or made great by a supporting cast
• Leo's talent for capturing the essence of those he portrays from biopics
• One of the panel goes off on Inception
• One of the panel goes off on Once Upon A Time In Hollywood...and is challenged
• We present the audience and BFE Top 10 lists for the best Leonardo DiCaprio Performances 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.  

Episode 40 - Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (Crossover Ep with Talking The Mickey)

Bring us that horizon!  We're sailing the Seven Seas with the worst pirate you've ever heard of... but you have heard of him in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian, Liam, Ellie, & Georgia – along with Ethan from Talking the Mickey -  as we head into Crossover infested waters.  It's anything but a mutiny in this 40th episode as we discuss:

• How did a film based off of theme park ride have any business being this good?
• The parts of the Jack Sparrow character that Johnny Depp was successful in petitioning for and the nonsense that he was overruled on.
• The many alternate versions of this film that could've hit cinema screens if other casting choices had gone ahead
• What other cinematic swordfight the Sparrow/Turner clash reminds us of
• Why you can't read the sub-title on the film's poster
• Where Hans Zimmer got inspiration for the film's theme
• We talk about if we want to see another Pirates film with Depp?  Without Depp?
• We rave about the introduction Verbinski gives us to Captain Jack
• We gush about the character development and the intelligence of the script
• Whether or not Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl is the Best Film Ever.

Episode 39 - GoldenEye (with Richard)

We're in Bond withdrawal facing the perpetual delay of Daniel Craig's swan song in No Time To Die so Ian dug out a calendar and figured it had been 25 years since GoldenEye hit our movie screens. Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian, Liam, Ellie, & Georgia – and our very special guest (and Bond connoisseur), Richard -  as we head to the Soviet Union, The UK, France, Florida, and Cuba all while trying to stay onatop of things. Our 39th episode is shaken, not stirred as we discuss:

• The original idea for this film and how very different a film this could have been
• Those who auditioned to be Timothy Dalton's successor and someone who actually turned the role down
• We discuss if Bond is an outdated character for 1995, let alone 2020
• Liam tells us all about Sean Bean in Sharpe and expresses a word or two of admiration for Famke Janssen
• Richard casts a deciding vote in whether a certain pun is funny
• We praise the theme song and bury the score
• We talk about our Favourite Bonds and where Brosnan stacks up
• You'll never guess why they gave Alec Trevalyan his surname
• The request the American military gave 007 and the compromise they made.
• Whether or not GoldenEye is the Best Film Ever.

Episode 38 - Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse (with Ethan from Talking The Mickey)

With great power comes great responsibility but we won’t give you that while you’re glitching out. Georgia’s final selection of 2020 brings us the animated masterpiece Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse.  Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian, Liam, Ellie, & Georgia – and our very special guest (and Halloween poll ruiner) Ethan -  as we watch a film that is an assault on the senses (in both the positive and negative senses). We're throwing our tag around Brooklyn in our 38th episode as we discuss:

• The original idea for this film and how very different a film this could have been
• The painstaking detail that went into animating this film
• We discuss how the filmmakers were able to make us care about 5 separate relationships in this film
• We're pretty sure Ethan makes up a few Spider-Men in his research
• We all wax poetic about the score and animation
• Ian learns what a "Post Malone" is
• We once again learn about a villain who just doesn't learn the order in which you kill the heroes in
• We try and keep up with the amount of Easter eggs in this film
• Somebody has to fess up that they fell asleep watching the film
• We debate whether execution of technical elements makes up for story shortcomings
• We determine which of the Spider-Men could have stayed out of the Spider-Verse
• Whether or not Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse is the Best Film Ever.

 

Episode 37 - The American President & Remembering Sean Connery (with Debbie)

Do you fight the fights you can win or do you fight the fights worth fighting? In honour of our American friends who are heading to the polls on Nov 3rd, we review the Aaron Sorkin test run for The West Wing in The American President.  Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian, Liam, Ellie, & Georgia – and our very special guest (and Sorkin expert) Debbie -  as we watch a political romance that Liam had very little interest in going into the episode. We also chat nostalgically about the Scottish force of nature that was Sean Connery by listing our favourite non-Bond roles.  We're taking our approval rating for a spin in our 37th episode as we discuss:

• The original idea for this film and how very different the casting could have gone
• Which Hollywood icon gave up on the title role due to reported personality conflicts with director Rob Reiner.
• We discuss which of the 3 F-Bombs in this film were most impactful, and how come the film avoided an R rating after the 2nd one.
• Is Andrew Shepherd an appeaser?  Is he a bad boyfriend?
• Should we challenge Sydney more about her conflict of interest
• We see how Martin Sheen argues both sides of a proportional response
• We wish there was a mash-up of Sydney Ellen Wade speaking to Ghostface from Scream
• Some of us get distracted by some lousy 90s blue screen
• Ian might just have to eat his words after the age game
• How Annette Benning is presented as professional and stunning without ever being objectified
• We debate whether the script is wooden or if it's genius
• Whether or not The American President is the Best Film Ever.

Episode 36 - Scream (Bonus Halloween Episode)

Do you like scary movies?  For Halloween, we review the (arguably controversial) winner of our Halloween audience poll in Scream . Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian, Liam, Ellie, and Georgia – as we watch a horror movie that makes fun of horror movies while still being an excellent horror movies. We're locking all the doors in our 36th episode as we discuss:

• The impact of Drew Barrymore's opening scene and the clever marketing of this film (that couldn't be replicated today)
• How many cameos and allusions to other horror films show up
• Forget the body count, how many people were presented to us as potential victims
• What exactly was Stew's motive actually?
• Does Sydney have the worst group of friends ever?
• Is the Fonz the worst principal ever?
• How many times did they double bluff the audience by telling us exactly who the killers were
• We debate how soft a fall into a boat would be
• We present our favourite kills in the movie
• Whether or not Scream is the Best Film Ever.

Reel Roundtable #3 - Julia Roberts

Another bonus episode as we bring you another Reel Roundtable discussion for your listening enjoyment.  Ellie, Ian, and Liam revisit the career of Julia Roberts.  Comments, banter, and a more than slight dose of nostalgia and appreciation can be found as we discuss:

• Is Julia Roberts more of a movie star than a great actress?
• Has Julia Roberts done anything of merit since Erin Brockovich?
• Why does Julia Roberts play characters with exotic jobs so often?  Is she relatable?
• What is it about Julia Roberts that makes her so good at playing the victim?
• Does Julia Roberts make her co-stars better or is it the other way around?
• We go over our audience input as to which Julia Roberts performances they held in highest regard
• We present the BFE Top 10 list for the best Julia Roberts Performances 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.  

 

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Episode 35 - GoodFellas

Funny how?  Do I amuse you?  Am I a clown?  Do I make you laugh?  This week we've the film that made Martin Scorsese a made man in GoodFellas. Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian, Liam, Ellie, and Georgia – as we join the mob for over three decades and watch the rise and fall of Henry Hill, Karen Hill, Jimmy Conway, and Tommy DeVito. We're all feeling like wiseguys in our 35th episode as we discuss:

• Who turned down the role of Jimmy Conway, to his regret in later years
• How did the director manage to get his parents cameos in the film
• How did Martin Scorsese incorporate actor adlibbing into a final script?
• The real life egomania of Henry Hill
• How did Jimmy Burke apply his ketchup and why is that so important
• The genius of the dolly zoom
• How do you know when you’re paying your prop master too much
• The filmography of Martin Scorsese and where GoodFellas falls into it
• Which legendary actor appears in a bit role in GoodFellas without any of his trademark profanity
• How high is the swear count on this film?
• Whether or not GoodFellas is the Best Film Ever.

 

Episode 34 - The Muppet Movie (Crossover with Talking The Mickey)

Why are there so many song about rainbows? This week we've got a bonus episode that gets us aboard the nostalgia bus, The Muppet Movie.  Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian, Liam, Ellie, and Georgia – as we road trip across America with Kermit, Fozzy, and the gang on the way to become rich and famous in Hollywood. It's a  of a 34th episode as we discuss:

• All the magical ways that Henson & co. brought us full body shots of muppets without exposing the puppeteers
• Where exactly is a bear's natural habitat?
• Which of the cameos was our favourite?
• Whether Piggy and Kermit's relationship is toxic and which famous musician does Ian compare Piggy to?
• Which of the many outstanding songs in the film is our favourite?
• Whether or not The Muppet Movie is the Best Film Ever.

Episode 33 - A League Of Their Own

There's no crying; There's no crying in baseball!  This week we go deep in the count with Ian's wild card choice with the 1992 baseball classic, A League of Their Own.  Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian, Liam, Ellie, and Georgia – as we head to the ballpark in Rockford. It's a Grand Slam of a 33rd episode as we discuss:

• Which major actor/actress was cast just days before shooting began?
• Was Kit supposed to be this unlikeable?
• Whether or not Madonna was a good teammate
• Who were the best actual baseball players in the cast?
• Which cast member was told to keep eating?
• Why do the girls keep saying Canada is in America?
• Did Dottie drop the ball on purpose?
• We update you one final time on our upcoming Halloween episode and how you can be involved in deciding what we review for a special Oct 31st episode
• Whether or not A League of Their Own is the Best Film Ever.

Episode 32 - Bridget Jones's Diary

Have you met Miss Jones?.  This week we go Mid-Atlantic with Ellie’s wild card choice in Bridget Jones’ Diary.  Join your favourite transatlantic (Mid-Atlantic?) film review crew – Ian, Liam, Ellie, and Georgia – as we head to the bustling streets of London (where only 12 people live) to write crap in our audio diary.  It’s a fun 32^nd episode as we discuss:

• The many similarities between this and the BBC production of Pride & Prejudice
• Ian’s dislike for the Keira Knightley P&P
• What exactly is the Working Title formula
• Which other actress in the film was on the shortlist to play Bridget Jones?
• Could you make this film in 2020?
• What is a tarts and vicars party and why do they have such things in England?
• Who is the titular character of this film after all?
• Does this film have the best fight scene in the history of cinema?
• There’s some hot debate about who is the best character in this film
• We update you on our upcoming Halloween episode and how you can be involved in deciding what we review for a special Oct 31st episode
• Whether or not Bridget Jones’s Diary is the Best Film Ever.

Episode 31 - Rocky

His whole life was a million to one shot.  This week we go the distance with Liam's choice of Rocky.  Join your favourite transatlantic film review crew – Ian, Liam, Ellie, and Georgia – as we head to the bustling streets of Philadelphia to catch oranges and run some steps.  We're in deep training for our 31st episode as we discuss:

• The backstory behind how the financing for Rocky came out
• How many Stallones are in this film
• Who else was up for the role of Adrian before it went to Thalia Shire
• What cinematic innovation was showcased for one of the first times in the famous theatre steps scene
• How profoundly problematic some of the scenes in this film are
• What were some of the last minute budgetary changes that changed scenes for the better
• The closure of Cineworld and the delay of No Time To Die
• We talk about our upcoming Halloween episode and how you can be involved in deciding what we review for a special Oct 31st episode
• Whether or not Rocky is the Best Film Ever.

Episode 30 - Se7en

What's in the box?  We get ahead of the game by reviewing what is arguably David Fincher's masterpiece in Se7en on it's 25th anniversary.  Join your favourite transatlantic film review crew – Ian, Liam, Ellie, and Georgia – as we head to the thriving metropolis of "City Limits."  We think outside of the box in our 30th episode as we discuss:

• How stupid the spelling is for this film's title
• How different this film would have turned out if the studio hadn't sent David Fincher an earlier draft of the script.
• Some of the truly bizarre alternate endings producers tried to shoehorn in.
• Which actor was only cast 2 days before shooting.
• Is Brad Pitt's performance amazing or consistently one note?
• Is this just a real dark reimagining of a classic 80s buddy cop movie?
• The mandela effect and how it applies to this film.
• Which actor receives double billing on the end credits
• Some of the sick jokes played on visitors and some of the cast
• We talk about our upcoming Halloween episode and how you can be involved in deciding what we review for a special Oct 31st episode.
• Is Somerset intentionally established as John Doe's polar opposite
• Whether or not Se7en is the Best Film Ever.

Episode 29 - The Hitman's Bodyguard (and James Bond casting news)

So they put Deadpool and Nick Fury in a film together but they're not playing Deadpool or Nick Fury... kind of. Georgia's wild card pick brings us to 2017 and "The Hitman's Bodyguard": a film that wanted all the James Bond with all of the Deadpool 2 different actors doing their best Samuel L. Jackson impression (hint: one of them is Samuel L. Jackson).  Join your favourite transatlantic film review crew – Ian, Liam, Ellie, and Georgia – as we head to Amsterdam and pretend it's England.  It's a Triple A rated 29th episode as we discuss:

• The recent casting buzz about Tom Hardy and Ian makes a case for a 1-off Idris Elba Bond film.
• What was the budget for Hitman's Bodyguard and why did they shoot in Amsterdam
• What key decision was made about the script 2 weeks before shooting
• What's the swear count on Samuel L. Jackson in this film
• Is it accurate to call Ryan Reynolds the straight man in this film?
• Can anyone recall the actual story?
• Who has given Michelle Pfeiffer competition for a special place in Liam's heart
• Is the correct term inoffensive or unoffensive
• We pull double duty on media theorists this week
• Whether or not The Hitman's Bodyguard is the best film ever

See It Or Skip It? - Bill and Ted Face The Music

FIRST 24 MINUTES are a spoiler-free review

AFTER 24 MINUTES full spoiler review

The whole BFE/TTM gang are back from seeing Bill & Ted Face The Music and we're here to hold them to that title.  What did we think about it?  What parts worked?  What parts didn't?  Who showed up and who just showed up for a paycheque?  What does this newest entry do for the legacy of Bill & Ted and their excellent adventures?  What were the stakes in this film?  We answer all these questions and more in our "See It or Skip It" review of Bill & Ted 3.  

Episode 28 - Iron Man (Crossover with Talking The Mickey)

Podcasters… Assemble!  We were remarkably good and held off on any Marvel content for over half a year.  So now we’re breaking the seal and giving our full attention to the film that started it all in back in 2008 with Jon Favreau’s Iron Man .  Join your favourite transatlantic film review crew – Ian, Liam, Ellie, and Georgia – as we head to Burger King in our Audi in search of a classic American Cheeseburger.  It's a gamechanger of a 28th episode as we discuss:

• How much did Robert Downey Jr & Terrence Howard made for Iron Man
• What other directors were attached to the film before Jon Favreau was hired.
• Why Jeff Bridges referred to Iron Man as a “$200 million student film”
• Is Iron Man just a reimagined James Bond?
• How Ramin Djawadi composed the score for Iron Man
• What was the first thing Jon Favreau did when he found out he would be directing Iron Man?
• Ian & Liam come up with a great sitcom spin-off for SHIELD agent Phil Coulson
• How Favreau pulled off the scene where Pepper puts her hand in Downey’s chest
• What unique rehearsal trick did Bridges & Downey do together
• How many soundbytes/easter eggs were presented here that wouldn’t show up until much later?
• What do the voices of Jarvis and Karen (Spider-Man: Homecoming) have in common?
• Whether or not Iron Man is the Best Film Ever

 

Episode 27 - Braveheart

Every man dies; not every man truly lives - They make take our lives but they will never take our freedom! - The almighty says he can get me out of this but he's pretty sure you're f------d!  It's been 25 years since the UK release of Mel Gibson's opus, Braveheart, and if you're like us, you can still say all the lines.  Join your favourite transatlantic film review crew – Ian, Liam, and Ellie – as we head in search of a bridge to Stirling and ask Mel's son to make us a cup of tea.  It's a revolution of a 27^th episode as we discuss:

• Just how much creative license was used in the making of Braveheart (spoiler: a lot)
• Why should you stay away from medieval windows.
• What are the perks of being an accountant for a feature film
• Who was Mel Gibson's first choice to play William Wallace?
• What changes had to be made in order to placate the MPAA
• Just how manic is Scottish weather?
• Why doesn't Mel Gibson have nice things
• Just how badly does Robert the Bruce want William Wallace to be his friend
• Who got frightened by the speech by Gibson at Stirling
• How did a film that worked as a tourism advert for Scotland get so much Irish content in it?
• Whether or not Braveheart is the Best Film Ever

Reel Roundtable #2 - Remembering Robin Williams

Another bonus episode as we bring you another Friday Reel Roundtable discussion for your listening enjoyment.  Ethan, Ellie, Ian, and Liam revisit the career of the legendary tour-de-force that was Robin Williams.  Comments, banter, and a more than slight dose of nostalgia and appreciation can be found as we discuss:

• Why did Robin Williams effect so many in such a profound way
• How large a part of our collective childhoods were the films of Robin Williams
• Did Robin work best when there were narrative restrictions that limited his creativity to a point
• How often could it be said that Robin Williams’ performances were better than the films he was a part of
• We go over our audience input as to which Robin Williams performances they held in highest regard
• We present the BFE Top 10 list for the best Robin Williams Performances 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.  

Episode 26 - Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure (w/ Nick & Russ Don't Know Anything)

We’ve got a most un-heinous line-up for this week’s review of the film that Keanu Reeves was afraid would be etched on his tombstone in Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure.  Due to the imminent premiere of Bill & Ted 3, we felt it fitting to head back into the circuits of time and revisit not only Bill & Ted but our past us’s Join your favourite transatlantic podcasting crew – Ian, Liam, and Ellie – and our very special guests from Nick & Russ Don’t Know Anything as we head to the Circle K in search of pudding cups, bubble gum and socratic method.  It’s a trip to the mall of a 26^th episode as we discuss:

• Who was supposed to be the first historical figure picked up into the Not-Tardis?
• What was the original prop that was to act as the device to carry them through time?
• Where is the phone booth from the movie now?
• How did George Carlin end up in the film?
• Who were the preferred choice for The Three Most Important People
• How did Sigmund Freud learn English so quickly and how did Beethoven suddenly regain his hearing?
• Wasn’t a buddy movie between Billy The Kid & Socrates the sequel/spin-off we all wanted to see?
• Whether or not Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure is the Best Film Ever

Catch more of Nick and Russ on their podcast "Nick and Russ Don't Know Anything" available on fine podcatchers everywhere as well as on Twitter (@realNickandRuss), and YouTube.

Episode 25 - The Usual Suspects

Who is Keyser Söze?  Is Keaton alive or dead?  Where is Kobayashi's accent from?  Are we still allowed to love this movie?  All very good questions and ones that we dive into as we tackle the Christopher McQuarrie penned script that had 'the best plot twist of all-time' according to the voters at IMDb, in "The Usual Suspects."  Join your favourite transatlantic podcasting duo - Ian & Liam – as we lean back and take it all in from coagulated urine to cigarette flicks, location shifts and behind-the-scenes drama, and somehow we ended up with a film that is a very real contender for best film ever.  We've got Ellie joining visiting us as a special agent as we interrogate the Brian Singer/Kevin Spacey mob movie.  It's a red herring of a 25th episode as we discuss:

• How exactly do you pronounce Kaiser Soze, and what is its origin?
• Why did the location jump from New York to Los Angeles really?
• Which two members of the cast openly admit to hating each other in real life due to events that happened on the set of this film?
• Is there a better walking sequence filmed than the one featured in this film?
• The problem with unreliable narrators and how The Usual Suspects is more satisfying with this technique than Joker was 
• How can you call Kevin Spacey a supporting actor in this film?
• Whether or not The Usual Suspects is the Best Film Ever

Episode 24 - Speed (with Ethan from Talking The Mickey)

Pop quiz, hot shot - You hear that and instinctively know that we're talking about the 1994 public transit thriller, Speed.  Join your favourite transatlantic podcasting duo - Ian & Liam – as we take a look at a film that was likely much bigger (and better) than it had any reason to be.  Also on the bus we've got Ellie in fact-check corner, and Ethan is our replacement Bus Driver.  It's an adrenaline-filled 24th episode as we discuss:

• Which famous writer was brought in to fix the dialogue in this script (similar to Joss Whedon in Toy Story)
• The eerie similarities between Jack's pursuit of the bus in his Ford Bronco and the real-life chase of O.J. Simpson in a Ford Bronco just 7 days later.
• How Ian keeps calling Jeff Daniels, Jeff Bridges
• Just how similar to Die Hard is this movie
• Ethan taps into the hair energy of Sandra Bullock and correctly comes up with the original actress they wanted for the role.
• Find out who the original choice for Jack Travern was and what qualities Keanu Reeves had that made him Jan De Bont's choice
• Which stunt Keanu Reeves never told the director he was going to do before he did it.
• What special skill did one of the cast learn in preparation for this movie
• Whether Speed is the Best Film Ever.

Episode 23 - The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (2011 - English Language)

Did a Swedish Book released in 2008 really need 2 films based on the same novel released just 2 years apart, both based in Sweden but one in Swedish and one in English?  That's the question we ask as we look extensively at the 2011 English language Daniel Craig fronted version of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo.  Join your favourite transatlantic podcasting duo - Ian & Liam – as we take a look at a film that Sony had very big hopes for but never continued with the planned trilogy despite critical acclaim.  We're joined by our Ellie is in fact-check corner.  It's a wintery 23rd episode as we discuss:

• Why wasn't there more focus drawn to Lisbeth's titular dragon tattoo?
• The differences between the Swedish Film's 3 act structure and the American film's 5 Act Structure?
• Whether having an elaborate Bond-like title sequence was a good idea considering the film's leading man was the current 007
• Which of Rooney Mara's aesthetic changes were undertaken by the American actress and which were pretend
• The harrowing inspiration for the story itself in the mind of the author, Steig Larsson.
• Who was so close to getting the part of Lisbeth, and why did director David Fincher ultimately decide not to cast her.
• Who had a chance meeting with the film crew and managed to get herself in the film, and what is her connection to the original film?
• Which actor/actress was so disturbed by filming one of the more extreme scenes that they spent the whole next day crying in their hotel room.
• Whether The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo is the Best Film Ever.

Reel Roundtable #1 - Worst Films Ever

Some bonus content for you this week as we dust off the Roundtable discussion we had in support of Pod vCon (where the V stands for virtual).  Ethan, Ellie, Ian, and Liam flip the gimmick on its head as we talk about what elements make up terrible films.  Comments, banter, and disagreements can all be found inside as we discuss

• Which actors tend to show up in bad movies
• What genres are most guilty of producing the worst films
• The dangers of fulfilling corporate sponsorship to create your film
• Ian walks us through the formula that made Hollywood studios a ridiculous amount of money with one specific actor in the nineties
• We discuss the merits of fictional retellings of history (especially when the outcome has changed)
• We all bring a nomination for the worst film ever

If you liked this format, let us now and we can consider bringing it on a semi-regular basis.  Hit us up at @BestFilmEverPod on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.  

Episode 22 - Dangerous Minds (With Debbie)*

WE ARE SO SORRY FOR THE MISTAKES IN THE ORIGINAL DANGEROUS MINDS EPISODE.  I HAVE NO IDEA HOW THIS HAPPENED.  THE UPDATED FILE IS FREE OF ANY CONTENT FROM OTHER EPISODES.

 

Admit it, you've seen the poster and Gangsta's Paradise is already going through your head.  Join your favourite transatlantic tambourine men - Ian & Liam – as we take a look at the Michelle Pfeiffer teacher pseudo-biopic "Dangerous Minds."  We're joined by our very special friend Debbie, and Ellie is in fact-check corner.  It's a choice-filled 22nd episode as we discuss:

• The captivating real-life story of LouAnne Johnson - one that probably made for a better movie if they had read it.
• Why Michelle Pfeiffer teaches karate to a group of students who are shown to have already established violent tendencies
• If Michelle Pfeiffer seems at all believeable as a marine
• What parts of being a teacher Pfeiffer gets right and dozens she gets wrong
• The inaccuracies of the inspirational teacher trope in movies.
• How much more scandalous Bruckheimer and Simpson wanted the plot to be
• Real-life follow-up on several of the students from the film
• Why does Pfeiffer try to link poetry to Bob Dylan when the group likely has never heard of him before.
• Paul Gilroy's post-colonial theory and the dangers of the white saviour complex that showed up in Hollywood films in the late 80s and 90s
• Whether Dangerous Minds is the Best Film Ever.

Episode 21 - Toy Story (Crossover with Talking The Mickey)

To infinity and beyond!  Catch us on a very exciting crossover episode this week as the BFE & TTM teams combine to provide a deep dive into the toy box for the 25th birthday of Toy Story later this year.   Join your favourite transatlantic podcasting duo - Ian & Liam – as we try and figure out how Toy Story could possibly be anywhere near that old.  We’re joined by our party guests from Talking The Mickey, Ethan and Ellie, and we've all got our moving buddies as we're headed to Pizza Planet (only 1 toy allowed).  It's an existentially critical 21st episode as we discuss:

• What happens when pitch meetings go badly at Walt Disney Studios
• Which actor declared his character to be a jerk early on during recording sessions
• The three departments of a film's production cycle
• At what point are toys born?  When do they receive consciousness?
• Someone gets way too excited about a countdown from 10
• Did Pixar get too dark in some of the sequences from this film?
• Does Woody forgive the rest of the gang too easily?
• Ian's hatred for Tim Allen that was put to the test during the screening of this film
• Ask ourselves if Toy Story is the Best Film Ever.

Episode 20 - Clueless

Last week we called The Crow, “perhaps the most 90s movie ever made.”  This week, Clueless says “that’s totally harsh.”  Join your favourite transatlantic podcasting duo - Ian & Liam – as we return to the mid-nineties for an Amy Heckerling picture that simultaneously satirises 90s culture amongst the ‘it crowd’ while also acting as a faithful adaptation of a 19^th Century Jane Austen piece.  We’re rolling with the homies (in the form of our permaguests, Ellie and Georgia) all the way to the mall  as we discuss a moment frozen in time in Clueless.  It's a Betty of a 20^th episode where we:

• Play ‘Real or Fake 90s slang”
• Discuss the legacies of the O.J. Simpson case in popular culture
• Try to figure out why Brittany Murphy is so hard to recognise
• Georgia weighs in on the great egg debate.
• Marvel at why so many of the cast don’t seem to age in a quarter of a century.
• Gush over the greatness of Wallace Shawn who seems to have aged in reverse since Princess Bride.
• Talk about the consequences of satire if the audience doesn’t pick up that it’s a satire.
• Talk about that iconic Alicia Silverstone outfit that was borrowed for a 2014 chart-topping homage
• Ask ourselves if Clueless is the Best Film Ever.

Episode 19 - The Crow

Eric Draven tells us that nothing is trivial.  Keep that in mind when we start talking about the perfect way to assemble a hot dog.  Join your favourite transatlantic podcasting duo - Ian & Liam – as we return to perhaps the most 90s film ever in Brandon Lee’s final film, The Crow.  We’re joined on our mission by our permaguest Ellie as we discuss one of the most bizarre films we’ve looked at yet.   It's a 19^th Episode where no-one was doing things by half-measures and we discuss:

• Why you should never mess with a Benedict Cubmerbatch fan community
• The specifics surrounding the tragic death of Brandon Lee
• Which studio was originally going to distribute the film direct to video and which studio picked up the project after the death of Brandon Lee
• How multiple generations of Batman films seemed to be an influence on and influenced by The Crow
• How Ian would have ended the film differently
• Liam tries to make a case that The Crow is a Romantic Comedy
• Is this Ernie Hudson’s best role ever?
• How do we each take our eggs?
• Which actor in this film may have worse line delivery than Marilyn Monroe in Some Like It Hot
• If “The Crow" is it the best film ever.

Episode 18 - The Grand Budapest Hotel (Audience Request)

Wes Anderson is like marmite; you either love him or you hate him.  The question is, "what did we think?"  Join your favourite transatlantic podcasting duo - Ian & Liam - as we take up residence in the 2014 Wes Anderson critical favourite, The Grand Budapest Hotel.  We're joined in the lobby by our two would-be lobby boys Ellie and Georgia to discuss an audience request which had us asking some rather unique questions.   It's an 18th Episode that borders on the absurd as we discuss:

• Just how severe is Wes Anderson's rule against adlibbing?
• Which scene required over 40 takes to get right
• What is it with directors kicking their actors in the face.
• How much creepier is Monsieur Gustave if Anderson had his original choice for Tilda Swinton's part
• What's the difference between a cheap cut and a prime fillet
• Is this the best Ralph Fiennes films that we've reviewed on the podcast?
• Can a film be too clever for its own good
• What 2 moral stands does the podcast take during this episode.
• If "The Grand Budapest Hotel" is it the best film ever.

Episode 17 - Apollo 13

Houston may have a problem but for us, failure is not an option.  Join your favourite transatlantic podcasting duo - Ian & Liam - as we blast off on the 1995 Ron Howard spectacular, Apollo 13.  We're short a permaguest as Georgia is off this week but we've got Ellie riding shotgun to discuss a film with 2 distinct takes (and we discuss them both in depth).  It's a 17th Episode that shoots us around the moon.  Join us as we discuss:

• How exactly do you pronounce Gary Sinise's name?
• The lengths that Ron Howard went to in order to preserve historical accuracy
• Early casting choices for Jim, Fred, and Jack's characters
• When the film is called 'Apollo 13', how much do we really care about what's going on back down on Earth?
• Which member of our cast cried multiple times viewing this film?
• The history of chalkboards and whiteboards in various country's school systems
• Tom Hanks' impressive filmography
• If "Apollo 13" is the best space film ever.
• If "Apollo 13" is the Best Film Ever.

Episode 16 - Days of Thunder (with Richard)

 Join your favourite Transatlantic podcasting duo - Ian & Liam - as we take the 1990 NASCAR-based sequel to Top Gun, Days of Thunder, around the track for a couple of hours.  This week we're delighted to have BFE's resident gearhead, Richard, joining us and riding shotgun.  We've got our permaguests, Ellie & Georgia, hunkering down the team in pit lane to discuss a movie that proved as divisive as ice cream on race day.  Join us as we watch Days of Thunder with 2020 vision, which yet again proves to be somewhat problematic.  Join us as we discuss:

• How much blame for some of the content goes to story writer Tom Cruise?
• Roger Ebert's 1990 thesis of the 'Tom Cruise movie theory'
• What is Mello Yello anyways?
• How much of Cole Trickle's character development was just Harry Hogg explaining things to other characters.
• Can there be too much racing in a racing movie?
• How young you can get a neurology degree in Australia.
• Does talking to a car actually make it run faster?
• How great Hans Zimmer is as he makes his 3rd appearance on our list
• If "Days of Thunder" is the best racing film ever.
• If "Days of Thunder" is the Best Film Ever.

Episode 15 - Fight Club (Audience Request)

Rule #1: You do not talk about Fight Club.  Rule #2. You do not talk about Fight Club.  Join your favourite Transatlantic podcasting duo - Ian & Liam - as we break these two rules all over the place as we look at David Fincher's Counterculture Classic, Fight Club.  We're joined once again by our permaguests, Ellie & Georgia to discuss a movie that we hold near and dear to our hearts and view it again through a 2020 lens, which again proves to be somewhat problematic.  Join us as we discuss:

• Who else was the main competition for the role of Tyler Durden?
• Is this a glamourisation of violence or a critical attack on conventional masculinity (could it be both?)
• Which controversial line from the script was actually a re-write for a different censored line.
• Is the best part of this film the reveal of the twist?  Does the film lose something after it occurs?
• If Ed Norton actually good in this?
• Does Tyler Durden's Act I look still hold up as cool in 2020?
• If "Fight Club" is the Best Film Ever?

Episode 14 - The Breakfast Club

We've only got 1 question for you: Does Barry Manilow know that you raid his wardrobe? Join your favourite Transatlantic podcasting duo - Ian & Liam - to review what has been called the quintessential film of the 1980s and the birth of the modern teen movie genre, The Breakfast Club on the 35th anniversary of its UK release. We're joined once again by our permaguests, Ellie & Georgia to discuss a movie that we hold near and dear to our hearts and view it again through a 2020 lens, which proves to be somewhat problematic.  Join us as we discuss:

• The distinctions between this film and John Hughes' other masterpiece: Ferris Bueller's Day Off
• Which actors were originally offered the parts of John Bender and Allison
• How close did we come to a thick-bearded Russian janitor
• What lock-picking skills did Clare, The Princess, have to have to visit a fellow Breakfast Clubber
• How much is $31,000 USD in today's economy
• Does Emilio Estevez give the least realistic portrayal of the effects of marijuana ever?
• If "The Breakfast Club" is the Best Film Ever?

Episode 13 - Die Hard With A Vengeance

This week it's all about what Simon Says as we discuss perahps the most fun film in the Die Hard fracnhise in Die Hard With A Vengeance. Join your favourite Transatlantic podcasting duo - Ian & Liam - to review the first film in the Die Hard franchise where John McLane is home in New York.  We're joined once again by our permaguests, Ellie & Georgia to discuss the movie that had a script that was called 'frail & ridiculous' - and that was by the director himself   It's an adrenaline filled 13th episode as we discuss:

• Are the Die Hard films really Christmas films?
• Which actor was the character of Zeus written in mind for, only for the actor to turn it down
• What other film franchise was this script orginally purposed for
• Which character's look was described as 'mid-life crisis' by their co-stars
• How hard was it to write a believeable shrink in the 90s?
• How exactly do you get precisely 4 gallons of water in a 5 gallon jug (we did the math)
• If "Die Hard With A Vengeance" is the Best Film Ever?

 

 

Episode 12 - Gladiator

Are you not entertained? If so, feel free to leave us a 5* review - but we digress. Join your favourite Transatlantic podcasting duo - Ian & Liam - to review our second Best Picture winner to date in Ridley Scott's 2000 Roman war epic, Gladiator.  We're joined once again by our permaguests, Ellie & Georgia to discuss the movie that single-handedly revived the 'sword & sandles genre.  It's a 12th episode full of strength & honour as we discuss:

• Just how problematic was the writing process for this film?
• Which actor refused to learn his new dialogue
• Who on the cast begged Russell Crowe to rough him up before big scenes
• Which piece of the score seemingly showed up in another box office smash just years later
• Who on the cast the producers counted on as an expert to preserve historical authenticity
• Who was the first choice for Maximus?
• If "Gladiator is the Best Film Ever?

Episode 11 - Some Like It Hot (Feat: Lil' Bitch Podcast) - Audience Selection

AUDIO GREMLINS AGAIN - LIAM'S MIC VANISHES FOR 90 SECONDS BUT I PROMISE IT DOES COME BACK

I Wanna Be Loved By You - no that's not us begging for a 5* review, that's Marilyn Monroe in the 1959 classic, Some Like It Hot.  Join your favourite Transatlantic podcasting duo - Ian & Liam - to review our oldest film to this point.  This week we're delighted and honoured to welcome Marshall & Dan from the Lil' Bitch Podcast to discuss the film, which was Dan's suggestion to us.  We're joined once again by our permaguests, Ellie & Georgia to discuss Billy Wilder's second pairing with Marilyn Monroe after 'Some Like It Hot.'  It's a type-O 11th episode as we discuss:

• How Tony Curtis & Jack Lemmon tested their female costume & make-up in the real world
• The studio's original choice of casting for the part of Gerry
• If Marilyn Monroe is actually a good actor.  What makes a good actor?
• Which member of the cast was not invited to the wrap party
• How a line thrown into the script as a placeholder became one of the most infamous lines of all time
• If "Some Like It Hot" the Best Film Ever?

Episode 10 - Chicago

THERE IS 20 SECONDS OF SILENCE IN THE OPENING AND THEN IT'S ALL GOOD

Give 'em the old razzle dazzle, razzle dazlle 'em.  Join your favourite Transatlantic podcasting duo - Ian & Liam - to review our first Academy Award Winner for Best Picture in Chicago.  We're joined once again by our permaguests, Ellie & Georgia to discuss Rob Marshall's theatrical directorial debut and consider how he spun a meeting with Miramax over a different musical to a 6-Time Academy Award winner.  It's a jazz-filled 10th episode as we discuss:

• Original casting desires for Roxy, Billy, and Mamma
• Who Harvey Weinstein wanted to play Kitty
• How Catherine Zeta-Jones auditioned for the role she would win her Oscar for
• Who from the 1975 and 1996 stage shows make their way into the film
• If Chicago is the Best Film Ever?

Episode 9 - Star Wars (A New Hope)

May the Fourth Be With You... Always.  Just as Disney Plus releases the film that ends the Skywalker Saga, there is no better time for your favourite Transatlantic podcasting duo - Ian & Liam - to review the film that started it all with Star Wars (A New Hope).  We're joined by our good friend and special guest Ethan from 'Talking The Mickey' alongside our permaguests, Ellie & Georgia.  It's an epic 9th episode as we consider:

• Just how bad was the first cut of Star Wars?
• Which studios turned down George Lucas' 'Untitled Space Opera'
• Which cast member once paid another cast member £20 to go away
• Can you write a good story without writing a good script?
• Is Star Wars the Best Film Ever?

Episode 8 - Moulin Rouge (with Debbie)

Spectacular, Spectacular - those are the only two words to describe this week's review of Moulin Rouge, brought to us by our very special guest, Debbie.  Listen along to your favourite transatlantic podcasting duo - Ian & Liam - as we follow Christian & Satinne, another dynamic pairing at the turn of the 20th Century. Join our permaguests, Ellie & Georgia around the digital roundtable. It's a Bohemian 8th episode as we consider:

• Just exactly how many songs were mashed-up in Elephant Love Medley
• Does it add or take away from our experience when the director purposefully jars us from our immersion in the film
• Who never forgave Baz Luhrman over not being cast in the film
• Is Moulin Rouge the Best Film Ever

Episode 7 - The Princess Bride

A deeper dive than this on 'The Princess Bride'?  INCONCEIVABLE!  Join your favourite transatlantic podcasting duo - Ian & Liam - as we let Grandpa Columbo regale us with the tale of Westley, Buttercup, Inigo, Fezzik & co. Join our special guests, Ellie & Georgia around the digital roundtable. It's a wish-filled 7th episode as we consider:

• What Mandy Patankin used as his motivation to play Inigo Montoya
• Which actor thought he was being fired every time Rob Reiner shouted 'cut'
• Who did Billy Crystal use as inspiration for the make-up on Miracle Max
• Is The Princess Bride the Best Film Ever?

Episode 6 - The Theory of Everything

Join your favourite transatlantic podcasting duo - Ian & Liam - as we wind back the clock on the story of Jane & Stephen Hawking in 'The Theory of Everything'. Join our special guests, Ellie & Georgia around the virtual roundtable. It's a heartbreaking 6th episode as we consider:

• Is this film actually the tale of 2 love stories?  (Three?)
• What is it about Tide that makes a bowtie sparkle under UV light?
• How much credence do we give those telling the story when it comes to its authenticity?
• Is The Theory of Everything the Best Film Ever?

Episode 5 - Joker

We live in a society, or at least that's what Arthur Fleck tells us.  Join your favourite transatlantic podcasting duo - Ian & Liam - as we tackle our 2nd Oscar winning portrayal of the Joker in as many weeks. Join our special guests, Ellie & Georgia around the virtual roundtable. It's an epic 5th episode as we consider:

• How close is too close for a mother and son?
• What is it about a gun that makes you want to take your shirt off and dance?
• What if the entire film never actually happened.  Was it worth watching it?

Episode 4 - The Dark Knight

If you either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain, we hope we're solidly in the hero phase.  Join your favourite transatlantic podcasting duo - Ian & Liam as we tackle what is arguably Christopher Nolan's masterpiece with a special guest (Ellie) and Georgia in fact-check corner. It's an epic 4th episode as we learn:

• One of our members finds Batman dull
• The Jim Gordon's plan is crazier than anything The Joker comes up with
• Which character is 'The Dark Knight' about really?

Episode 3 - In Bruges

International travel may be on lockdown but join your favourite transatlantic podcasting duo - Ian & Liam - as we engage on a Belgian work-vacation with our friend Ellie in fact-check corner.  It's a fun third episode as we learn:

• How many times you have to see a film before you can say you like it
• That Liam really likes Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
• Whether or not In Bruges is in fact, the Best Film Ever

Episode 2 - Amelie

If you're looking for a little optimism in these uncertain times, join your favourite transatlantic podcasting duo - Ian & Liam - as we engage on a Parisian vacation with our friend Georgia in fact-check corner.  It's a fun second episode as we learn:

• The particulars of urinal etiquette
• Which of our hosts would prefer a comforting lie over a harsher truth
• Whether or not Amelie is in fact, the Best Film Ever

Episode 1 - Back To The Future

Great Scott!  Join your favourite transatlantic podcasting duo - Ian & Liam - as we travel back in time with Doc Brown & Marty McFly first to 1985 and then to 1955.  It's a fun debut as we learn:

• How your new favourite film review podcast came to be
• Which of Marty's parents were actually older than Michael J. Fox during recording
• Whether or not Back To The Future is in fact, the Best Film Ever