Afleveringen
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âThis message will self-destruct in five secondsâŠâ Join your favorite TransAtlantic podcasting crew â Ian, Megs & Liam (B-Tech Kev said something about needing to catch a flight to Atlanta) â as we don our sunglasses, rev up the motorcycles, and flip our hair in the wind for our 275th episode covering Mission: Impossible 2 (2000). Weâre trading thermal vision for Chimera viruses and slow-motion stunts as we discuss:
How Mission: Impossible 2 became the most John Woo movie that ever John Wooâd.Does this sequel hold up as a stylish thrill rideâor is it just all style, no substance?Is Ethan Hunt a superspy⊠or just a shampoo commercial with explosives?What exactly does an audience want to see out of a Mission: Impossible film exactlyWhich member of Ethanâs crew weâd most likely be â and whoâs clearly channeling peak Dougray Scott vibes.Is this the weakest link in the franchiseâor an underappreciated relic of early-2000s action excess?Is Ethan Hunt a character or just an avatar for Tom Cruise to do James Bondesque filmsSpeaking of gripesâwhat exactly was Ambroseâs plan again?We've got questions about masks, voice strips, motorcycles, and why no one seems fazed by endless slo-mo doves.We talk flamenco espionage, face-swapping twists, and the importance of always removing your sunglasses dramatically.Just how many actors were only in this film for the paycheck?Was Thandiwe Newton bad in this or is she just poorly written for and poorly directed?Is this the lustiest film in the Franchise?Whether Mission: Impossible 2 is the Best Film Ever. -
You know we love our wrestling here at the BFE (well⊠some of us do). Join Ian as we once again break the BFE formatâthis time to take a deep dive into WrestleMania 41 (Night Two).
Weâre asking the big questions: how long can you keep someone a heel when the crowd is clearly with them? Was Bayley hard done by? Did WWE finally get held to account tonight after tempting fate for 20 years? Can you assign Travis Scott as a proxy for The Rock? What happens if the audience don't know your pop culture references or personalities? Is the Main Event the right time for a live read for a sponsor? Did AJ Styles just give Logan Paul his worst WrestleMania match ever? And is there a ceiling on what you can do with Drew McIntyre? Plus, what wrestling pet peeves does Ian disclose tonight?
Weâll tackle all of that and more from WrestleMania 41 (Night Two)âand of course, weâll tell you whether you should SEE IT or SKIP IT.
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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You know we love our wrestling here at the BFE (well⊠some of us do). Join Ian as we once again break the BFE formatâthis time to take a deep dive into WrestleMania 41 (Night One).
Weâre asking the big questions: what do you do when a wrestler really isn't making progress, is there a babyface team worth cheering for on Raw, without strong babyfaces how do you make believeable heels? Should WWE stop mentioning Big E if there's no chance of him being active in any capacity, is Tiffany Stratton ready for her spot? Was Charlotte Flair trying to sabotage her own match? Will Chad Gable ever get a match now that newcomers Rey Fenix and El Grande Americano have made their WrestleMania debuts and what did Paul Heyman do in the Main Event?
Weâll tackle all of that and more from WrestleMania 41 (Night One)âand of course, weâll tell you whether you should SEE IT or SKIP IT.
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FIRST 19:30: Spoiler-Free Review with our See It/Skip It VerdictAFTER 19:30: Full Spoiler Review
Give em' the old Razzle Dazzle, Razzle Dazzle 'em. This week, we dive into The Last Showgirl (2024)âa poignant and surprisingly intimate drama that shines a spotlight on the final curtain call of a forgotten performer. Starring Pamela Anderson in a career-redefining role, the film follows a seasoned Las Vegas showgirl grappling with what comes after the music fades and the makeup comes off.
Weâll examine the storytellingâDoes The Last Showgirl speak to something deeper than a typical showbiz redemption arc? How does Pamela Anderson anchor the film with surprising depth, vulnerability, and quiet power? And perhaps most importantly: how does it explore the things we tell ourselves to keep goingâthe inner monologues we cling to when chasing the happy endings we think we deserve?
Weâll also break down the filmâs tone and presentationâIs it a loving tribute to old-school showbiz, or a eulogy for what was left behind? Do the glimmers of glamour still matter when theyâre tinged with loneliness and longing? And is this a film that requires nostalgia for the pastâor is it more about the universal fear of being forgotten?Finally, could this film have been made with anyone else in the lead role or is the whole film a reflexive meta-narrative on the lead actress herself?
Weâll tackle all these questions as we dissect the film and tell you if we think you should SEE IT or SKIP IT!
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You know we love our wrestling here at the BFE (well some of us...). Join Ian from Best Film Ever and Stew from The Stew World Order podcast as we break the BFE format by looking ahead to WrestleMania 41 which Stew will watch from Reliant Stadium in Las Vegas and Ian will watch from his couch at a horrendous time difference. We discuss whether the build has been good this year? Did that car crash of a segment help or hurt the Flair/Stratton feud? Why do so many of the booking decisions feel so predictable (and is that a bad thing?) We'll preview each match on the card as well as try to find space for Randy Orton among the festivities as we discuss how to build a character, how to build a feud, and where WWE goes after the big weekend.Catch more of Stew on his own podcast: Stew World Order athttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stew-world-order/id1559913522You can also catch him at his website where he writes about all sorts of fun things:https://swoproductions.com/
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âIf it bleeds, we can kill it.â Join your favorite TransAtlantic podcasting crew â Ian and Liam (Megs & B-Tech Kev said something about climbing trees) â as we strap on our gear, light our cigars, and head deep into the Central American rainforest for our 274th episode, tackling the musclebound mayhem of Predator (1987). Weâre trading reservations at Dorcia for thermal vision and going toe-to-toe with one of cinemaâs deadliest hunters as we discuss:
How Predator blurred the lines between action, horror, and sci-fi to create something original.
Does the film still pack a punch nearly 40 years laterâor is it just macho nostalgia on steroids?
How manly are the manly men in this film both on and off the set?
Which team member weâd most likely be â and whoâs 100% Billy with that intense stare.
Is Predator secretly a slasher film in disguise? And does that make the Predator the villain... or the star?
Whatâs Liam's main gripe about the Predator's rules of engagement?
Why was this film so insistent on telling rather than showing
We've got questions mud camouflage, heat vision, and respecting the preparation montage
We get personal about Arnoldâs peak era, and childhood memories of watching this way too young.
Whether Predator is the Best Film Ever.
Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE.
We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support:
Juleen from It Goes Down In The PMHermes AuslanderJames DeGuzmanSynthiaShai BergerfroindAriannah Who Loves BFE The MostAndy DicksonChris PedersenDuane Smith (Duane Smith!)Randal SilvaNate The GreatRev BruceCheezy (with a fish on a bike)RichardRyan KuketzDirk DigglerStew from the Stew World Order podcastNorfolkDomusJohn Humphrey's Right FootTimmy Tim TimAashrey
Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/.
Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor.
Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/.
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âDo you like Huey Lewis and the News?â Join your favorite TransAtlantic podcasting crew â Ian & Liam (B-Tech Kev & Megs had to return some videocassettes) â as we slick back our hair, slip on the raincoats, and axe our way into our 273rd episode with a deep dive into American Psycho (2000). Weâre trading poisoned apples for reservations at Dorsia (try the Sea Urchin Ceviche) as we discuss:
How American Psycho satirized toxic masculinity, consumer culture, and Wall Street excess with a killer smile.Does Patrick Bateman still hold up as a characterâor has society caught up with his brand of narcissistic nihilism?Is the filmâs horror in the violence⊠or in the soulless perfection?How American Psycho explores identity, superficiality, and the slippery slope of sanity.Which character weâd most likely be cast as â and whoâs definitely the Paul Allen of the group.Is American Psycho misunderstood because of its violence, or revered because of how it frames it?This film gives us a chance to talk about two concepts we touched on last week: unreliable narrators and what exactly makes a character a protagonistSpeaking of complaintsâwhat about the other men in Batemanâs world? Are they any better?We've got questions about how soundproof the apartments by the park are that they don't hear chainsaws in hallwaysWe talk about whether all traditional masculinity is essentially toxic and Liam discusses his need for closureLast week one of us made a prediction about the other's likely verdict on the film. Did they pull it off?Whether American Psycho is the Best Film Ever.Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE.
We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support:
Juleen from It Goes Down In The PMHermes AuslanderJames DeGuzmanSynthiaShai BergerfroindAriannah Who Loves BFE The MostAndy DicksonChris PedersenDuane Smith (Duane Smith!)Randal SilvaNate The GreatRev BruceCheezy (with a fish on a bike)RichardRyan KuketzDirk DigglerStew from the Stew World Order podcastNorfolkDomusJohn Humphrey's Right FootTimmy Tim TimAashrey
Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/.
Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor.
Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/.
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âMirror, mirror on the wall...â Join your favorite TransAtlantic podcasting crew â Ian, Megs & B-Tech Kev (Liam got lost singing with woodland creatures) â as we take a bite out of Disneyâs first-ever animated feature in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937). Weâre trading in baseball gloves for poisoned apples and diving into our 270th episode as we discuss:
How Walt Disney changed cinema forever with this groundbreaking fairy tale.
Does Snow White still hold up nearly a century later?
Was the magic charming or a little too saccharine for modern tastes?
How Snow White taps into themes of innocence, envy, and female agency (or lack thereof).
Which dwarf weâd most likely be cast as â and whoâs clearly Grumpy in real life.
Is this film overrated just because it was âfirstâ?
How the Evil Queen ranks among the all-time Disney villains. What was our main complaint with her?
Speaking of complaints, what about the Prince â does he even do anything?
We've got more questions about sentient animals, and consent.
We get personal about childhood memories and Disney nostalgia.
We talk about magical mirrors, glass coffins, and the importance of whistling while you work.
Whether Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is the Best Film Ever.
Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE.
We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support:
Juleen from It Goes Down In The PMHermes AuslanderJames DeGuzmanSynthiaShai Bergerfroind
Ariannah Who Loves BFE The MostAndy DicksonChris PedersenDuane Smith (Duane Smith!)Randal SilvaNate The GreatRev BruceCheezy (with a fish on a bike)RichardRyan KuketzDirk DigglerStew from the Stew World Order podcastNorfolkDomusJohn Humphrey's Right FootTimmy Tim TimAashrey
Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/.
Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor.
Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/.
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"Mo cuishle." Join your favorite TransAtlantic podcasting crew â Ian and Liam (B-Tech Kev & Megs are off hitting the heavy bag) â as we're heading to The Hit Pit to step into the ring for a tale of grit, heartbreak, and emotional uppercuts in Million Dollar Baby (2004). Your prizefighting pair, Ian and Liam are joined by our own special trainer, BFF of the BFE: Shai Bergerfroind to teach us the ropes of this Clint Eastwood critical darling. Weâre trading in our cornfields for boxing gloves and diving into our 271st episode as we discuss:
How Hilary Swank, Clint Eastwood, and Morgan Freeman all deliver Oscar-worthy punches.
Can this movie still pack a punch if you're not a boxing fan?
Is this a sports movie or another relationship movie using sports as a backdrop?
Was the emotional KO in the final act earned or below the belt?
How Million Dollar Baby jabs at themes of ambition, identity, and the cost of chasing glory.
What is the price of excellence? What is the cost of guilt?How crucial is the final bell â does the ending seal the legacy?
Did Maggie Fitzgerald get robbed by fate? What about Frankieâs corner man heartbreak?
Who does Shai think had a vendetta against Clint Eastwood? Who do they think Shai may have as a 2nd persona?
Is there a certain type of viewer that just can't deal with the unexpected ending
Whether Million Dollar Baby is the undisputed Best Film Ever.
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FIRST 18:00: Spoiler-Free Review with our See It/Skip It VerdictAFTER 18:00: Full Spoiler ReviewThis week, we step into the world of fairy tales as we take a closer look at Disneyâs Snow White (2025)âa bold reimagining of the classic animated film that started it all. Starring Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot, this live-action adaptation promises to blend timeless magic with modern sensibilities and updated messaging for a new generation.
Join Ian (solo) as he questions the internal logic and soundtrack order of the film, dissects Rachel Zeigler's commentary about the film and if she's done critical damage to her own film as she was cast in a story she seems to dislike so much. Finally, Ian brings up his own princess problem and asks if Disney remakes can survive this?
Weâll tackle all these questions as we dissect the film and tell you if we think you should SEE IT or SKIP IT!
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(Deep Dive begins at 46:00)
"If you build it, they will come." Join your favorite TransAtlantic podcasting crew â Ian, Liam & B-Tech Kev (Megs got lost walking through the cornfield) â as we step into the world of baseball, nostalgia, and ghostly whispers in Field of Dreams (1989). Weâre trading in our hazmat suits for baseball gloves and diving into our 270th episode as we discuss:
How Kevin Costner, James Earl Jones, and Ray Liotta bring heart to this sentimental classic.Does this movie work if you're not a baseball fan?Was the mystical element beautifully executed or just overly sentimental?Which actor wasn't actually into baseballHow Field of Dreams taps into themes of regret, reconciliation, and belief.Which actor was referred to as 'Richard Dreyfuss from wish.comIs this film overrated just because it's men talking about feelings?How is James Earl Jones at the heart of two of the most Mandela Effected quotes of all time?Did Shoeless Joe Jackson deserve better? What about Moonlight Graham?We've got more ghost physics to talk aboutWe get really personal about our own dreamsWe talk about magical cornfields, cryptic voices, and the importance of playing catch.Whether Field of Dreams is the Best Film Ever.Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE.
We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support:
Juleen from It Goes Down In The PMHermes AuslanderJames DeGuzmanSynthiaShai BergerfroindAndy DicksonChris PedersenDuane Smith (Duane Smith!)Randal SilvaNate The GreatRev BruceCheezy (with a fish on a bike)RichardRyan KuketzDirk DigglerStew from the Stew World Order podcastNorfolkDomusJohn Humphrey's Right FootTimmy Tim TimAashreyAriannah Who Loves BFE The Most
Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/.
Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor.
Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/.
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FIRST 40:20: Spoiler-Free Review with our See It/Skip It VerdictAFTER 40:20: Full Spoiler Review
We do musical theatre together. This week we dive into the world of rom-coms this week, and take a closer look at Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy, the latest chapter in the iconic, heartwarming saga of everyone's favorite single woman, now 50-something and navigating life, love, and motherhood. Starring Renée Zellweger this film promises to explore the joys and challenges of middle-aged romance with all the humor and vulnerability we've come to expect from the Bridget Jones series.
Join Ian and Liam as we step into Bridget's world again to see if the film delivers the nostalgic charm weâve missed or if it falters in its attempt to explore the realities of aging, dating, and starting over. Can this film still capture the essence of what made the series so beloved, or does it try too hard to stay relevant in a modern world?
We'll examine the storytellingâDoes the film successfully blend the humor and emotional depth of Bridgetâs character with the complexity of her new life? Is it a satisfying conclusion to her journey or just another chapter that tries to recapture the past? Does Bridget's storyline still resonate with audiences after all this time, and how has her character evolved?
Weâll also break down the filmâs tone and styleâDoes the film manage to balance its emotional beats with the signature quirkiness of the franchise, or does it lean too heavily into sentimentality? Does it still feel fresh, or does it rely too much on nostalgia? Do you have to have seen the other films in the series? Do you have to have grown up with the films in real time?
Finally, we'll debate whether Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy strikes the right balance between the lighthearted and the heartfelt. Does it deliver a satisfying and meaningful update to Bridgetâs story, or does it feel like an unnecessary revisit that doesnât add much to the series?
Weâll tackle all these questions as we dissect the film and tell you if we think you should SEE IT or SKIP IT!
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(Deep Dive begins at 56:15)"That monkeyâs infected, Sam!" Join your favorite TransAtlantic podcasting crew â Ian and Liam (B-Tech Kev & Megs are in quarantine) â as we head to the world of deadly diseases, military cover-ups, and Dustin Hoffman yelling at Morgan Freeman in Outbreak (1995). Weâre trading in our tiny law office for a hazmat suit and diving into our 269th episode as we discuss:
How Dustin Hoffman, Rene Russo, and Morgan Freeman bring gravity to this viral thriller.Kevin Spacey might be a substandard person but he's an exceptional actorDid this film need a love story?Was Donald Sutherland the perfect villain, or just chewing the scenery?Which actor surprisingly didnât capture the essence of the part for one of us.How realistic is Outbreak, and does it hit differently after recent real-world events?How this movie has the ultimate magic do-hickeyHow important is the final scene in a film?Did Kevin Spaceyâs character deserve better? What about the monkey?We talk about containment protocols, rogue helicopters, and the ethics of bombing a small town.Just how easy is it to steal a military helicopter?Why does it take 3.5 hours to fly to a target to drop a bomb?Whether Outbreak is the Best Film Ever.Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE.
We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support:
Juleen from It Goes Down In The PMHermes AuslanderJames DeGuzmanSynthiaShai BergerfroindAndy DicksonChris PedersenDuane Smith (Duane Smith!)Randal SilvaNate The GreatRev BruceCheezy (with a fish on a bike)RichardRyan KuketzDirk DigglerStew from the Stew World Order podcastNorfolkDomusJohn Humphrey's Right FootTimmy Tim TimAashreyAriannah Who Loves BFE The Most
Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/.
Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor.
Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/.
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Happy New Year! (it still counts, right?) Another bonus episode for your listening enjoyment as we bring you another Reel Roundtable discussion. Ian, Liam, Megan, and B-Tech Kev look back on the films they've reviewed in 2024 (with a mail-in ballot from Georgia) and have some awards to hand out in the form of The Resties. Comments, banter, and flat out arguments can be found as we debate the worst that we saw in 2024 (A full list of award categories and eligible films are located at the bottom of these notes)
This year we're thrilled to have ballots from nine of our patrons (Shai, Foot, James DG, Hermes Auslander, Cheesy, Dirk, Ariannah, Norfolk Domus, and Richard) to help determine the winners and a couple of them cast some live tie-breaking votes.
The Awards:
Worst ScreenplayWorst Special EffectsWorst ScoreWorst SongWorst MusicalWorst Costume DesignWorst Art DirectionWorst VillainLeast Funny Movie (That was supposed to be funny)Worst PlotholeWorst CinematographyWorst DuoMost Unlikeable (for a character weâre supposed to like)Worst ChildWorst Context CornerWorst First WatchWorst Fall From GraceMost Unnecessarily Sexualised MomentWorst Aged MomentMost OverhypedSecond Opinion (Down)Biggest BFE BlunderWorst Supporting ActorWorst Supporting ActressBiggest Therapy SessionWorst ActorWorst ActressWorst FilmEligible Films:
(500) Days of Summer3:10 to YumaA Bronx TaleA Patch of BlueAmadeusAmerican BeautyAustin Powers in GoldmemberBeyond the MatBeverly Hills CopBoyhoodChefClerksCrazy Stupid LoveDaveDead Poets SocietyDumb and DumberGalaxy QuestGhostbustersGone GirlGremlinsHarry Potter & The Prisoner of AzkabanHerIn the HeightsIndiana Jones & The Last CrusadeInterstellarKramer v KramerLock, Stock and Two Smoking BarrelsLoganLOTR: The Return of the KingMad MaxMoanaMrs. DoubtfireMystic RiverNightcrawlerPatch AdamsPulp FictionSay AnythingSheâs All ThatShrek 2Spider-Man 2Star TrekStar Wars: Attack of the ClonesThe Fifth ElementThe HelpThe Lego MovieThe Lion KingThe Santa ClauseThe Shawshank RedemptionThe Sixth SenseTrees of PeaceUpWhen Harry Met Sally -
(Deep Dive beings at 16:55)
"They're called boobs, Ed." Join your favorite TransAtlantic podcasting crew â Ian and Megs (B-Tech Kev & Liam are off investigating contaminated water) â as we head to the world of legal battles, corporate corruption, and powerhouse performances in Erin Brockovich (2000). Weâre trading in our Edinburgh flat for a tiny law office and diving into our 268th episode as we discuss:
How Julia Roberts delivers a career-defining performance.The filmâs balance of drama, humor, and real-world impact.Was Albert Finney the perfect counterbalance to Erinâs fiery personality?Which actor really didn't capture the essence of the part for one of usHow accurate is the filmâs portrayal of the real-life case?Would this movie work as well if it werenât based on a true story?Does Erin Brockovich deserve to be correct every step of the way?Did George deserve better? What about the real life Jorge?We talk about love languages, princesses, and saying goodbye to a friendWhether Erin Brockovich is the Best Film Ever.Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE.
We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support:
Juleen from It Goes Down In The PMHermes AuslanderJames DeGuzmanSynthiaShai BergerfroindAndy DicksonChris PedersenDuane Smith (Duane Smith!)Randal SilvaNate The GreatRev BruceCheezy (with a fish on a bike)RichardRyan KuketzDirk DigglerStew from the Stew World Order podcastNorfolkDomusJohn Humphrey's Right FootTimmy Tim TimAashreyAriannah Who Loves BFE The Most
Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/.
Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor.
Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/.
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(Deep Dive begins at 43:35)
"Every underdog has his day." Join your favorite TransAtlantic podcasting crew â Ian and BFF of the BFE from The Scuttlebutt Podcast (Megs, B-Tech Kev & Liam are off training for their next big fight) â as we step into the ring for grit, determination, and Depression-era boxing in Cinderella Man (2005). Weâre swapping a grimy Edinburgh flat for Madison Square Garden and diving into our 267th episode as we discuss:
How Russell Crowe delivers a knockout performance as James J. Braddock.RenĂ©e Zellwegerâs role as the supportive yet strong Mae Braddock â does she get enough credit?Does Paul Giamatti steal the show as the passionate manager, Joe Gould?The realism of the boxing sequences â do they hold up in 2024?Is it fair to call this film a boxing film or is it something else?Who is the biggest villain of the movie: the Great Depression, Promoter James Johnston, Max Baer, or the system keeping Braddock down?Could this be Ron Howardâs most underrated film?We talk about hockey's Four Nations tournament and why sports make the best narratives. Whether Cinderella Man is the Best Film Ever.Catch so much more of Hermes Auslander on The Scuttlebutt Podcast at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-scuttlebutt-podcast/id1503504933 (Apple) or https://open.spotify.com/show/2n9CNB9X6QXnmvn78HBEoJ?si=1bf26c4a13cd4234 (Spotify)
Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE.
We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support:
Juleen from It Goes Down In The PMHermes AuslanderJames DeGuzmanSynthiaShai BergerfroindAndy DicksonChris PedersenDuane Smith (Duane Smith!)Randal SilvaNate The GreatRev BruceCheezy (with a fish on a bike)RichardRyan KuketzDirk DigglerStew from the Stew World Order podcastNorfolkDomusJohn Humphrey's Right FootTimmy Tim TimAashreyAriannah Who Loves BFE The Most
Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/.
Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor.
Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/.
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FIRST 37:00: Spoiler-Free Review with our See It/Skip It VerdictAFTER 37:00: Full Spoiler ReviewAnother Oscar week See It or Skip It has us exploring this year's Best Picture field a little deeper by diving into the striking The Brutalist (2024), now playing in select theaters. Directed by Brady Corbet and starring Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, and Guy Pearce, this sweeping historical drama promises to blend grand ambition with intimate storytelling.
Join Ian and Hermes as we step into the austere world of The Brutalist to see if it delivers a compelling, thought-provoking portrait of art and survival or if it buckles under the weight of its own vision. Does it bring a fresh perspective to historical dramas while exploring deeper themes, or does it rely too heavily on its style without enough structural integrity?
Weâll examine the filmâs storytellingâWhat larger themes and ideologies does it lean into? Is it a deeply personal immigrant story, a meditation on artistic resilience, or something else entirely? How does Adrien Brodyâs performance anchor the film, and does he bring the emotional depth needed for such a role? And how does Felicity Jones complement or contrast him?
Weâll also break down the filmâs visual and atmospheric elements. Did the stark cinematography and production design elevate the filmâs themes, or did they overshadow its emotional core?
Finally, weâll debate whether The Brutalist achieves its ambitious goals. Does it leave a lasting impact as a modern cinematic statement, or does it feel too detached for its own good? Yes, it's clever but is it fair to ask a film to 'get' a movie on such an abstract level?
Weâll tackle all these questions as we dissect the movie and tell you if we think you should SEE IT or SKIP IT!
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FIRST 33:00: Spoiler-Free Review with our See It/Skip It VerdictAFTER 33:00: Full Spoiler ReviewThis week's See It or Skip It has us exploring this year's Oscar field a little deeper by diving into the mind-bending The Substance (2024), now playing on MUBI (in the US/UK). Directed by Coralie Fargeat and starring Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, and Dennis Quaid, this psychological body horror promises to push boundaries and challenge audiences with its bold, unsettling vision.
Join Ian and Shai as we step into the eerie world of The Substance to see if it delivers a chilling, thought-provoking experience or if it crumbles under the weight of its ambition. Does it bring a fresh perspective to horror while exploring deeper themes, or does it lean too heavily on shock value without enough... substance?
Weâll examine the filmâs storytellingâWhat larger themes and ideologies does this lean into or is it just a straight up horror film? How does Demi Mooreâs performance anchor the film, and does she reinvent herself in this daring role? And how does Margaret Qualley complement or contrast her, adding to the filmâs psychological intensity? And do you know whose kid she is? Ian couldn't believe it.
Weâll also break down the filmâs striking visuals and grotesque horror elements. Did the filmâs themes of identity and transformation resonate, or did they get lost in the chaos? And how does the filmâs score heighten the unsettling atmosphere? And how was this film snubbed in the cinematography category? Shai couldn't believe it.
Finally, weâll debate whether The Substance can overcome some questions in its own internal logic. Does it deliver a profound, lasting impact, or does it leave you more confused than captivated?
Weâll tackle all these questions as we dissect the movie and tell you if we think you should SEE IT or SKIP IT!
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(Deep Dive begins at 44:45)"Some friendships are worth killing for." Join your favorite TransAtlantic podcasting crew â Ian and Official KevDog from The Podcast That Wouldn't Die (Megs, B-Tech Kev & Liam are off trying to dispose of a suitcase full of cash) â as we head to the world of twisted morality, paranoia, and early Danny Boyle brilliance in Shallow Grave (1994). Weâre swapping the peaceful Amish countryside for a grimy Edinburgh flat and diving into our 266th episode as we discuss:
How Ewan McGregor, Kerry Fox, and Christopher Eccleston create one of the most dysfunctional trios in cinema. Are any of them likeable?Danny Boyleâs energetic directing style and how it shaped his career.Would we call ourselves hard boyled or medium boyledThe filmâs dark humor â does it still land in 2024?Is Kerry Fox doomed to be the answer to an obscure trivia questionWho is the biggest villain of the movie: greed, paranoia, or one of the three roommates?Would you ever trust your roommates with this much money?We talk about The Kansas City Chiefs getting destroyed in the SuperBowl and discuss the price of eggsWhether Shallow Grave is the Best Film Ever.Check out more of Kevin on The Podcast That Wouldn't Die at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-podcast-that-wouldnt-die/id1477564319 (Apple) or https://open.spotify.com/show/4PRyIb1RwESq7YvAfnJMiX (Spotify)
Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE.
We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support:
Juleen from It Goes Down In The PMHermes AuslanderJames DeGuzmanSynthiaShai BergerfroindAndy DicksonChris PedersenDuane Smith (Duane Smith!)Randal SilvaNate The GreatRev BruceCheezy (with a fish on a bike)RichardRyan KuketzDirk DigglerStew from the Stew World Order podcastNorfolkDomusJohn Humphrey's Right FootTimmy Tim TimAashreyAriannah Who Loves BFE The Most
Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/.
Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor.
Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/.
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FIRST 35:00: Spoiler-Free Review with our See It/Skip It VerdictAFTER 35:00: Full Spoiler ReviewThis week's See It or Skip It has us diving into the highly anticipated Captain America: Brave New World (2025), now playing in theaters. Directed by Julius Onah and starring Anthony Mackie and Harrison Ford, this latest entry in the MCU marks a new chapter for the Star-Spangled Avenger.
Join Ian and James as we step into a post-Endgame world to see if Brave New World soars as a worthy successor to the Captain America legacy or if it stumbles under the weight of expectation. Does it honour Steve Rogers' past while firmly establishing Sam Wilson as his own Cap, or does it play it too safe without enough bold ambition?
Weâll examine the filmâs storytellingâDoes it justify its place in the MCU after so much time since Falcon and the Winter Soldier? How does Anthony Mackie fare in his first solo Captain America outing, and does he bring the same leadership and presence as Chris Evans once did? And how does Harrison Fordâs debut as Thunderbolt Ross shake up the Marvel landscape?
Weâll also break down the action and spectacleâAre the fight sequences and choreography on par with the intense, grounded combat of The Winter Soldier? Does Julius Onah bring a fresh visual style to the franchise? Did Marvel choose the right villain to challenge Sam Wilsonâs Cap?
Finally, weâll debate whether Brave New World stands strong as a new era for the character or if it struggles to break free from Steve Rogersâ shadow. Does the film move the MCU forward in an exciting way, or is it another formulaic installment?
Weâll tackle all these questions as we dissect the movie and tell you if we think you should SEE IT or SKIP IT!
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