Back to the Pictures

We just hope it's been worth the wait!

After an extended absence - Back to the Pictures delivers the final episode of season 4! At least we go out with a bang by bringing you our Iron-clad review of the movie that launched an entire Universe. The film that laid the foundations for a bolder, brighter cinematic future. The one that jump-started the Star Wars of the Millennial Gen. And just as fittingly, a movie that also caps off a wonderful trip down memory lane that has been Season 4 of Back to the Pictures.

Yes, we are talking about 2008's (God, has it been that long?!) superhero epic - Iron Man.

Hard one, this.

An absolute staple of our boys movie watching uni years.

Where does it sit today? Test of time/has it aged/in hindsight...

All the cliches.

Kevin Smith is a talented filmmaker. He is an even better writer. Let's see what Back to the Pictures thinks in this deeeep analysis of 1997's comedy...romcom? stoner flick? What was it? And what is it today?

Chasing Amy. Guest Starring our own Amy Fergus Fuller.

Part 2 of 2.

Hard one, this.

An absolute staple of our boys movie watching uni years.

Where does it sit today? Test of time/has it aged/in hindsight...

All the cliches.

Kevin Smith is a talented filmmaker. He is an even better writer. Let's see what Back to the Pictures thinks in this deeeep analysis of 1997's comedy...romcom? stoner flick? What was it? And what is it today?

Chasing Amy. Guest Starring our own Amy Fergus Fuller.

There has been a lot thrown at Batman and Robin over the past 28 years. The question we try to break down in this episode is - is the hate and vitriol deserved? Actually, that question takes less than a minute to answer. The review itself is more focused on how on earth certain decisions were made, agreed on and survived cross-examination from all involved. And despite the negativity surrounding a movie that single-handedly put the Batman franchise - ahem - on ice - for 8 years is how it could, if possible, have worked.

Is this the most controversial movie reviewed on Back to the Pictures? It certainly feels like it. Tune in this week as our three movie sommeliers react to a movie that was already prime for Cancelation in 2008, let alone in 2025. Ben Stiller leads the way in a movie so incredibly difficult to process, as Grossman points out, will need to get a fucking binding resolution from the United Nations!

Someone once wrote "This podcast is a fine thing and worth fighting for". We agree with the second part.

A decaying megacity. Perpetually dark, rain soaked and its streets are unforgiving. No, we are not reviewing Salford. This is 1995's incredibly twisted (trust us) crime noir thriller (horror?) SE7EN. The movie that made a certain David Fincher a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood. Not just Fincher, this movie is filled with quality - including Back to the Pictures Alumnus like Brad Pitt, Morgan Freedman and...Kevin Spacey (Yep, this shit is dark!). A movie 30 years old already, yet its bleak, despondent and altogether nihilistic tone feels uncomfortably close to now.

This episode is so Fetch.

Drop in for a banterful review of an early naughties cultural phenomenon - it's Tina Fey's Mean Girls. And to help the terrific trio of Ben, Anthon and Ian navigate through this reevaluation of high school social dynamics and clique culture is a special guest of the week - May To. This is a teen comedy known for its ability to be analysed on many unique levels - are the lads (and lady) up for it? You decide.

Rarely does a movie come along that encapsulates the BTTP's 30-somethings sensibilities. Here, this episode, Ben, Ian and Anthon are faced with the ultimate franchise from their childhood and beyond. What do they make of the bodacious, tubular and spectacular looking animatronic Ninja (sorry, Hero) Turtles from the 1990 independent Comic Book-Superhero-action movie that would have defined their movie-watching habits in the early 90s. And what on earth do they make of a horrific, unprecedented crime spree of teenagers (with head stockings) stealing TV's from OAP's? This shit is dark. And this time round, can even Master Splinters sage advice and wisdom stop this once beloved childhood classic from falling down against the times? Cowabunga!

It's a long walk, the Green Mile. Yes, it is. But in a change of pace from recent outings, this go around sees the BTTP lot inducted into a story of compelling narratives, profound themes and complex characters - not to mention a balls-to-the-wall performance by the late MCD! This is all true. But, fuck, this movie is long! This episode, Ben, Ian and Anthon refrain from throwing too much shade at this flick, because as we soon learn, some people are afraid of the dark.

You want to remember something a certain way, but that memory can only preserve as long as you do not revisit it. In 2025, the BTTP fellas are at it again - rewatching a long-time favourite Vampire-Superhero-Action-Horror flick, Blade (1998). It's going to be a tough one.

This episode, Anthon, Ian and Ben prepare to enter the Temple of Eternal Night and attempt to figure out the art of applying sun cream to stop yourself bursting into flames, assaulting uniformed police officers in broad daylight (with swords strapped to ones back) with no repercussions. Along the way, they are tested by the nebulous bromance between Frost and La Magra, the wildly tacked on inclusion of Oedipus themes and more! The answers may upset long term fans of the Day Walker! You have been warned.