Best Film Ever

Best Film Ever

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Best Film Ever episodes

  • Episode 340 - Hello, My Name is Frank (w/ BFF of the BFE: Paul Komorowski)

    “Hello, my name is Frank.”

    Join Ian & Liam for our 340th episode as we step into the awkward, tender, and unexpectedly moving world of Hello, My Name Is Frank (2014). Megs isn’t with us this week — she agreed to supervise a road trip but abandoned the assignment after discovering nobody had prepared an itinerary. Kev? He’s currently trapped at a support-group meeting after introducing himself and accidentally agreeing to organise the next twelve sessions.

    This week we discuss:

    • Garrett M. Brown’s performance as Frank — vulnerable, funny, and painfully sincere. Does the film give its central character the depth and dignity he deserves?
    • The road-trip structure — does taking Frank away from his familiar routines allow the story to open up, or does it rely too heavily on familiar indie-film conventions?
    • The film’s depiction of Tourette syndrome — compassionate, educational, and humanising, or occasionally too eager to turn Frank’s condition into a source of comedy?
    • Ian explores the film’s narrative construction — how a collection of eccentric characters and emotional detours builds toward something more heartfelt than expected.
    • Liam examines the balance between laughing with Frank and laughing at him — and whether the film always knows the difference.
    • The unlikely group dynamic — loneliness, grief, friendship, and the strange families people create when the ones they were given cannot provide what they need.
    • The relationship between Frank and Laura — does it develop naturally, or does the film push its emotional destination before earning every step of the journey?
    • The supporting performances — which characters enrich Frank’s story, and which feel as though they have wandered in from a broader, quirkier comedy?
    • The “show versus tell” balance — does the film allow us to understand Frank through behaviour and relationships, or explain too much of what we should be discovering ourselves?
    • The tonal shifts — broad comedy, uncomfortable encounters, and genuine sadness. Does the film hold those elements together without becoming emotionally manipulative?
    • The third act identity crisis — at what point does Hello, My Name Is Frank quietly stop being about Frank? We unpack one of the strangest narrative pivots we've seen in years.
    • The ending — hopeful, sentimental, or exactly the kind of emotional release the story requires?
    • And finally, whether Hello, My Name Is Frank is the Best Film Ever — or simply a small, sincere film with more empathy than polish.

      • Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at

      https://www.patreon.com/BFE

      We are very thankful to the following Patreon backers for their generous support:

      • Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM
      • Hermes Auslander
      • James DeGuzman
      • Synthia
      • Shai Bergerfroind
      • Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most
      • Paul Komoroski
      • Duane Smith (Duane Smith!)
      • Andy Dickson
      • Aashrey
      • Chris Pedersen
      • Randal Silva
      • Nate The Great
      • Rev Bruce
      • Richard
      • Ryan Kuketz
      • Dirk Diggler
      • Stew from the Stew World Order podcast
      • NorfolkDomus
      • John Humphrey's Right Foot
      • Timmy Tim Tim
      • Youth Hosteling with Chris Eubank

        • 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/

        4 hr 5 min
      • Episode 339 - The Outsiders

        “Stay gold, Ponyboy. Stay gold.”

        Join Ian, Kev & Liam for our 339th episode as we rumble with Greasers, dodge the Socs, and revisit Francis Ford Coppola's adaptation of S.E. Hinton's The Outsiders (1983). Megs isn't with us this week — she was offered membership of both the Socs and the Greasers, refused to pick a side, and is currently attempting to negotiate peace between the two gangs over a chocolate milkshake.

        This week we discuss:

        • The extraordinary young cast — before they became household names. Cruise, Swayze, Estevez, Dillon, Macchio, Howell... has there ever been a more stacked ensemble of future stars?
        • Coppola's adaptation — does the film successfully capture the heart of the novel, or is something lost in the transition from page to screen?
        • We spend far too long talking about the World Cup — and somehow convince ourselves it's completely relevant. (It probably isn't.)
        • Ian, Liam and Kev decide whether they're Socs or Greasers — and discover that class identity may not be quite as straightforward as they first thought.
        • The floating heads... — artistic flourish, bizarre distraction, or one of the strangest stylistic choices in a major studio film?
        • Ian breaks down the film's coming-of-age themes — brotherhood, identity, and why the smallest moments often carry the greatest emotional weight.
        • Liam explores masculinity in the film — toughness, vulnerability, and whether The Outsiders was quietly ahead of its time.
        • Kev weighs in on the rivalries — are the Socs and Greasers really that different, or are they simply products of circumstance?
        • The "show vs tell" balance — does the narration enhance Ponyboy's story, or does the film work best when it simply lets the performances breathe?
        • The church sequence — heroism, tragedy, and why one of cinema's most memorable moments is still so emotionally effective.
        • The ending — hopeful, bittersweet, or quietly heartbreaking? Does Coppola earn the emotion without overplaying it?
        • And finally, whether The Outsiders is the Best Film Ever — or simply one of the finest coming-of-age dramas ever committed to film.

          • Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at

          https://www.patreon.com/BFE

          We are very thankful to the following Patreon backers for their generous support:

          • Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM
          • Hermes Auslander
          • James DeGuzman
          • Synthia
          • Shai Bergerfroind
          • Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most
          • Paul Komoroski
          • Duane Smith (Duane Smith!)
          • Andy Dickson
          • Aashrey
          • Chris Pedersen
          • Randal Silva
          • Nate The Great
          • Rev Bruce
          • Richard
          • Ryan Kuketz
          • Dirk Diggler
          • Stew from the Stew World Order podcast
          • NorfolkDomus
          • John Humphrey's Right Foot
          • Timmy Tim Tim
          • Youth Hosteling with Chris Eubank

            • 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/

            3 hr 58 min
          • Episode 338 - Big Trouble in Little China

            “It's all in the reflexes.”

            Join Ian & Liam for our 338th episode as we descend into the neon-lit underworld beneath San Francisco's Chinatown for John Carpenter's gloriously bonkers cult classic Big Trouble in Little China (1986). Megs isn't with us this week — she accidentally accepted an invitation to Lo Pan's wedding and we're told she's currently trying to escape a floating wheelchair and several unfortunate centuries-old curses. Kev? He confidently followed Jack Burton into an alley "because it'll be quicker this way" and hasn't been seen since a glowing eyeball floated past.

            This week we discuss:

            • Kurt Russell's Jack Burton — swaggering, endlessly quotable, and hilariously convinced he's the hero. Is Jack actually the greatest accidental sidekick in cinema history?
            • Who did Kurt Russell actually base his performance of Jack Burton off of?
            • Dennis Dun's Wang Chi — the film's true protagonist hiding in plain sight. How does Carpenter brilliantly disguise whose story this really is?
            • What 1990s video game phenomenon was heavily inspired by this film?
            • John Carpenter's genre mash-up — martial arts, fantasy, horror, comedy, and action. Why should this film never have worked... yet somehow works perfectly?
            • Kim Cattrall's Gracie Law — fearless, funny, and game for absolutely anything the film throws at her.
            • Ian breaks down the screenplay — how the film constantly subverts audience expectations by making its loudest character the least competent person in the room.
            • Liam explores the film's mythology — ancient curses, Chinese folklore, and why the exposition somehow makes less sense the more attention you pay.
            • Lo Pan — one of the most delightfully eccentric villains of the 1980s. Menacing, theatrical, and completely unforgettable.
            • The action choreography — practical effects, flying warriors, and glorious 1980s excess. Does the film know exactly how ridiculous it is?
            • The "show vs tell" balance — does the film overwhelm us with mythology, or does its sheer confidence carry us through the chaos?
            • The ending — triumphant, absurd, and leaving just enough mystery for one final sting in the tail.
            • And finally, whether Big Trouble in Little China is the Best Film Ever — or simply one of the greatest cult movies ever made.

              • Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at

              https://www.patreon.com/BFE

              We are very thankful to the following Patreon backers for their generous support:

              • Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM
              • Hermes Auslander
              • James DeGuzman
              • Synthia
              • Shai Bergerfroind
              • Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most
              • Paul Komoroski
              • Duane Smith (Duane Smith!)
              • Andy Dickson
              • Aashrey
              • Chris Pedersen
              • Randal Silva
              • Nate The Great
              • Rev Bruce
              • Richard
              • Ryan Kuketz
              • Dirk Diggler
              • Stew from the Stew World Order podcast
              • NorfolkDomus
              • John Humphrey's Right Foot
              • Timmy Tim Tim
              • Youth Hosteling with Chris Eubank

                • 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/



                2 hr 28 min
              • Episode 337 - The Devil Wears Prada

                “Everybody wants to be us.”

                Join Ian & Liam for our 337th episode as we slip into designer shoes, grab the garment bags, and survive another impossible day at Runway magazine with The Devil Wears Prada (2006). Megs isn't with us this week — Miranda Priestly spotted her wearing cerulean before she'd learned why it was cerulean and immediately reassigned her to the Paris office. Kev? He's still trying to fetch the unpublished Harry Potter manuscript, a flight to Miami, and a steak for Miranda... all before lunch.

                This week we discuss:

                • Meryl Streep's iconic performance — restrained, terrifying, and endlessly quotable. Is Miranda Priestly one of the greatest screen bosses ever created?
                • Anne Hathaway's Andy Sachs — idealistic, ambitious, and increasingly compromised. Is her transformation inspiring, tragic, or somewhere in between?
                • Emily Blunt steals every scene — razor-sharp timing, impeccable delivery, and why Emily Charlton remains one of the film's most beloved characters.
                • Stanley Tucci's Nigel — warmth, wit, and heartbreak. Does he quietly become the emotional centre of the film?
                • Ian breaks down the screenplay — how the film effortlessly balances workplace comedy, character drama, and biting satire.
                • Liam explores the film's central question — is success worth sacrificing the people and principles that got you there?
                • The fashion world — superficial excess, genuine artistry, or something much more complicated than the film's critics often admit?
                • The "cerulean sweater" speech — one of the great monologues of modern cinema. Does it completely redefine how we understand Miranda?
                • The "show vs tell" balance — how the film uses costume, performance, and visual storytelling to chart Andy's evolution without ever needing to announce it.
                • The ending — personal victory, professional failure, or exactly the compromise Andy needed to make?
                • And finally, whether The Devil Wears Prada is the Best Film Ever — or simply one of the smartest and most rewatchable comedies of the 21st century.

                  • Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at

                  https://www.patreon.com/BFE

                  We are very thankful to the following Patreon backers for their generous support:

                  • Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM
                  • Hermes Auslander
                  • James DeGuzman
                  • Synthia
                  • Shai Bergerfroind
                  • Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most
                  • Paul Komoroski
                  • Duane Smith (Duane Smith!)
                  • Andy Dickson
                  • Aashrey
                  • Chris Pedersen
                  • Randal Silva
                  • Nate The Great
                  • Rev Bruce
                  • Richard
                  • Ryan Kuketz
                  • Dirk Diggler
                  • Stew from the Stew World Order podcast
                  • NorfolkDomus
                  • John Humphrey's Right Foot
                  • Timmy Tim Tim
                  • Youth Hosteling with Chris Eubank

                    • 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/

                    3 hr 50 min
                  • Episode 336 - The Descent

                    “There’s something down there…”

                    Join Ian & Megs for our 336th episode as we squeeze into the claustrophobic darkness, extinguish every source of comfort, and descend into Neil Marshall’s modern horror masterpiece The Descent (2005). Liam isn’t with us this week — he confidently insisted he'd found a shortcut through an unexplored cave system and, according to his last voicemail, is "pretty sure this is still the right way." Kev? He volunteered to be the group's map reader despite never actually bringing a map. We haven't seen either of them since they crawled into the first tunnel.

                    This week we discuss:

                    • Neil Marshall's masterclass in tension — how The Descent spends almost an hour terrifying us before the monsters even become the biggest problem.
                    • The all-female ensemble — authentic friendships, believable conflict, and why the characters feel so much more than horror archetypes.
                    • Claustrophobia as horror — does the cave itself remain the film's scariest antagonist, even after the Crawlers arrive?
                    • Megs explores the group's dynamics — grief, guilt, betrayal, and how fractured relationships become just as dangerous as the environment.
                    • Ian breaks down the film's visual storytelling — darkness, colour palettes, practical effects, and why the audience never loses its sense of geography despite the labyrinth.
                    • The Crawlers — perfectly revealed monsters, or does the film become less frightening once it shows its hand?
                    • The balance between psychological horror and creature feature — is Sarah fighting monsters, trauma, or both simultaneously?
                    • The infamous UK and US endings — which version better serves the story, and does changing the ending fundamentally alter the film's message?
                    • The "show vs tell" balance — how little exposition the film needs before we're completely invested in every decision the group makes.
                    • The jump scares — expertly earned or simply proof that sound design can make anyone leap out of their seat?
                    • The ending — hopeless, empowering, hallucinatory, or one of the bleakest finales horror has ever produced?
                    • And finally, whether The Descent is the Best Film Ever — or simply one of the greatest horror films of the 21st century.

                      • Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at

                      https://www.patreon.com/BFE

                      We are very thankful to the following Patreon backers for their generous support:

                      • Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM
                      • Hermes Auslander
                      • James DeGuzman
                      • Synthia
                      • Shai Bergerfroind
                      • Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most
                      • Paul Komoroski
                      • Duane Smith (Duane Smith!)
                      • Andy Dickson
                      • Aashrey
                      • Chris Pedersen
                      • Randal Silva
                      • Nate The Great
                      • Rev Bruce
                      • Richard
                      • Ryan Kuketz
                      • Dirk Diggler
                      • Stew from the Stew World Order podcast
                      • NorfolkDomus
                      • John Humphrey's Right Foot
                      • Timmy Tim Tim
                      • Youth Hosteling with Chris Eubank

                        • 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/

                        2 hr 36 min
                      • Media Madness #06 - What is the Greatest Action Film of All-Time?

                        Die Hard or Mad Max: Fury Road? Terminator 2 or Raiders of the Lost Ark? Aliens or The Matrix? Heat or John Wick? People have been arguing about the greatest action film ever made since cinema first discovered that explosions, car chases and impossible heroes could pack audiences into theatres. Even now, nobody can quite agree which film deserves the crown. Joined by some of our Friends of the Podcast – Ariannah, JDG, Aashrey, Paul Komorowski and the horseshoe himself, JDG – we've loaded up 32 of the greatest action films ever made into one winner-takes-all knockout tournament. Expect impossible choices, heartbreaking upsets, blockbuster heavyweight clashes, a few controversial calls, and enough gunfire, one-liners and practical explosions to level an entire city as we crown the Best Action Film of All Time.

                        1 hr 43 min
                      • Episode 335 - Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves

                        “Locksley! I'm going to cut your heart out with a spoon!”

                        Join Ian, Liam, Kev & Debbie for our 335th episode as we celebrate the 35th anniversary of Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991). Grab your bow, avoid the Sheriff’s dinner invitations, and prepare for a film packed with accents of varying legality, spoon-based violence, and enough Alan Rickman scenery-chewing to feed Nottingham for a winter.

                        Megs isn’t with us this week — she was scheduled to record, but unfortunately entered an archery tournament disguised as a peasant and is currently hiding from the Sheriff’s tax collectors.

                        This week we discuss:

                        • Kevin Costner’s Robin Hood — movie star charisma, questionable accent, and whether audiences have ever really cared.
                        • Alan Rickman’s Sheriff of Nottingham — one of cinema’s great villains. Does he completely hijack the film from everyone around him?
                        • Morgan Freeman’s Azeem — wisdom, dignity, and why he often feels like the smartest person in every scene.
                        • The 1991 blockbuster formula — action, romance, comedy, spectacle. Is this the perfect example of a film designed to entertain first and ask questions later?
                        • Ian explores the film’s historical accuracy — or more accurately, the complete lack of concern anyone involved seems to have had about it.
                        • Liam questions whether the film is secretly two films at once — a sincere Robin Hood adventure and a dark comedy starring Alan Rickman.
                        • Kev dives into the action sequences — archery, sword fights, castle assaults, and how well they hold up three and a half decades later.
                        • Debbie weighs in on the romance — does Robin and Marian’s relationship actually work, or is it simply required by law in a Robin Hood movie?
                        • The supporting cast — Michael Wincott, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Christian Slater, and one very famous cameo that audiences still cheer for.
                        • The accent debate — does Costner’s performance improve if you simply accept that nobody in this film comes from the same county, let alone country?
                        • The “show vs tell” balance — does the film earn its emotional moments, or rely on Bryan Adams to do the heavy lifting?
                        • The ending — triumphant, excessive, and unapologetically crowd-pleasing. Is this blockbuster filmmaking at its purest?
                        • And finally, whether Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves is the Best Film Ever — or simply one of the most entertaining adventure films of the 1990s.

                          • Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at

                          https://www.patreon.com/BFE

                          We are very thankful to the following Patreon backers for their generous support:

                          • Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM
                          • Hermes Auslander
                          • James DeGuzman
                          • Synthia
                          • Shai Bergerfroind
                          • Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most
                          • Paul Komoroski
                          • Duane Smith (Duane Smith!)
                          • Andy Dickson
                          • Aashrey
                          • Chris Pedersen
                          • Randal Silva
                          • Nate The Great
                          • Rev Bruce
                          • Richard
                          • Ryan Kuketz
                          • Dirk Diggler
                          • Stew from the Stew World Order podcast
                          • NorfolkDomus
                          • John Humphrey's Right Foot
                          • Timmy Tim Tim
                          • Youth Hosteling with Chris Eubank

                            • 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/

                            4 hr 24 min
                          • Episode 334 - The Woman King (w/ BFF of the BFE: Juleen)

                            “We are the spear of victory.”

                            Join Ian & Liam for our 334th episode as we march into battle, confront history, and revisit Gina Prince-Bythewood’s epic The Woman King (2022). Megs isn’t with us this week — she’s reportedly been recruited into military service and informed us that podcasting now ranks somewhere below her training and defending the kingdom. Kev? He attempted to negotiate a peace treaty with a rival podcast and accidentally got himself appointed as a trade envoy. We wish them both luck.

                            Later, we’re joined for The Endgame by BFF of the BFE: Juleen, who helps us unpack the film’s legacy, historical context, and emotional impact.

                            This week we discuss:

                            • Viola Davis’ commanding performance — fierce, disciplined, and deeply human. Is this one of the great action-drama performances of the modern era?
                            • The balance between history and storytelling — where does the film take liberties, and what responsibilities come with doing so?
                            • Ian shares some exciting casting news — as he finds out the result of an audition while simultaneously trying out for a second production.
                            • The action sequences — visceral, kinetic, and grounded. How does the film distinguish itself from other historical epics?
                            • Liam explores the film’s treatment of leadership — strength, sacrifice, and the burden of responsibility.
                            • Ian makes what may be his most unexpected comparison yet — drawing a connection between The Woman King and The Notebook that somehow makes more sense than it should.
                            • The supporting cast — who stands out alongside Viola Davis, and which relationships give the story its emotional core?
                            • We discuss the passing of Anthony Head — reflecting on a career that touched everything from cult television to stage productions and beyond.
                            • The “show vs tell” balance — does the film trust its audience enough, or does it occasionally over-explain its themes?
                            • Juleen joins us for The Endgame — bringing perspective on the film’s historical representation, emotional resonance, and where it sits among modern epics.
                            • The ending — triumphant, bittersweet, or something in between? What does victory actually look like in this story?
                            • And finally, whether The Woman King is the Best Film Ever — or one of the most compelling historical dramas of the last decade.

                              • Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at

                              https://www.patreon.com/BFE

                              We are very thankful to the following Patreon backers for their generous support:

                              • Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM
                              • Hermes Auslander
                              • James DeGuzman
                              • Synthia
                              • Shai Bergerfroind
                              • Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most
                              • Paul Komoroski
                              • Duane Smith (Duane Smith!)
                              • Andy Dickson
                              • Aashrey
                              • Chris Pedersen
                              • Randal Silva
                              • Nate The Great
                              • Rev Bruce
                              • Richard
                              • Ryan Kuketz
                              • Dirk Diggler
                              • Stew from the Stew World Order podcast
                              • NorfolkDomus
                              • John Humphrey's Right Foot
                              • Timmy Tim Tim
                              • Youth Hosteling with Chris Eubank

                                • 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/

                                3 hr 41 min
                              • Episode 333 - Soapdish

                                “The drama doesn’t stop when the cameras do.”

                                Join Ian, Liam & Kev for our 333rd episode as we step behind the scenes of daytime television, backstage rivalries, and gloriously oversized egos with Soapdish (1991). Megs isn’t with us this week — she’s reportedly accepted a surprise role as the long-lost twin sister of a character who was presumed dead after falling into a volcano. We expect her dramatic return during sweeps week.

                                This week we discuss:

                                • Sally Field’s performance as Celeste Talbert — charming, chaotic, insecure, and impossible not to root for. Is this one of the great comedy performances of the early '90s?
                                • The ensemble cast — Kevin Kline, Robert Downey Jr., Cathy Moriarty, Elisabeth Shue, Whoopi Goldberg. How does a film with this much talent avoid collapsing under its own weight?
                                • The satire of television production — petty feuds, ratings desperation, and the beautiful absurdity of soap-opera storytelling.
                                • Ian breaks down the film’s narrative structure — twists, reveals, mistaken identities, and why the screenplay commits so fully to the bit.
                                • Liam explores whether the film works better as industry satire or outright farce — and whether those are even different things.
                                • Kev weighs in on the performances — who understands exactly what movie they're in, and who steals every scene they enter.
                                • The soap-opera influence — evil twins, secret children, miraculous survivals, and why audiences keep coming back for more.
                                • The “show vs tell” balance — does the film cleverly parody melodrama, or occasionally become the thing it’s mocking?
                                • The surprisingly sharp commentary — beneath the silliness, what is the film actually saying about fame, aging, and relevance?
                                • Elisabeth Shue’s role — innocent newcomer, plot device, or the emotional anchor holding the madness together?
                                • The ending — ridiculous, heartfelt, and exactly as over-the-top as it needs to be or low hanging fruit in a moment that's aged terribly?
                                • And finally, whether Soapdish is the Best Film Ever — or one of the most underrated ensemble comedies of its era.
                                • Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at
                                  • https://www.patreon.com/BFE

                                  We are very thankful to the following Patreon backers for their generous support:

                                  • Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM
                                  • Hermes Auslander
                                  • James DeGuzman
                                  • Synthia
                                  • Shai Bergerfroind
                                  • Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most
                                  • Paul Komoroski
                                  • Duane Smith (Duane Smith!)
                                  • Andy Dickson
                                  • Aashrey
                                  • Chris Pedersen
                                  • Randal Silva
                                  • Nate The Great
                                  • Rev Bruce
                                  • Richard
                                  • Ryan Kuketz
                                  • Dirk Diggler
                                  • Stew from the Stew World Order podcast
                                  • NorfolkDomus
                                  • John Humphrey's Right Foot
                                  • Timmy Tim Tim
                                  • Youth Hosteling with Chris Eubank

                                    • 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/

                                    4 hr 8 min
                                  • Episode 332 - Stand By Me (with BFF of the BFE: Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most)

                                    “I never had any friends later on like the ones I had when I was twelve... does anyone?”

                                    Join Ian, Kev & Megs for our 332nd episode as we walk the tracks, dodge leeches, and revisit Rob Reiner’s coming-of-age classic Stand By Me (1986). This week is all about friendship, memory, growing up, and the strange sadness of knowing some moments only become important once they’re already gone. Liam drops in later for a special bonus segment, while BFF of the BFE: Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most™ joins us for The Endgame.

                                    This week we discuss:

                                    • River Phoenix’s extraordinary performance — vulnerable, intelligent, and quietly devastating. Was this the role that proved he was destined for greatness?
                                    • The chemistry of the four boys — natural, funny, chaotic, and deeply believable. Is this one of the strongest young ensembles ever put to film?
                                    • The film’s relationship with memory — nostalgia, grief, and the way adulthood reshapes childhood stories.
                                    • Ian breaks down the narration structure — reflective storytelling, emotional hindsight, and why Richard Dreyfuss’ voiceover works where so many others fail.
                                    • Megs explores the emotional honesty of the film — masculinity, vulnerability, and the fear of being left behind.
                                    • Kev weighs in on the pacing and atmosphere — quiet moments, campfire stories, and why the journey matters more than the destination.
                                    • The balance of humour and sadness — how the film pivots effortlessly between childhood comedy and existential dread.
                                    • Ian talks about the short story in the middle of this bigger story and what Stephen King is really doing with it
                                    • Liam joins us for a bonus segment — dropping in to talk about the film’s legacy, Stephen King adaptations, and why stories about friendship hit differently as you get older.
                                    • The “show vs tell” balance — does the film earn its emotional resonance through subtle character work, or does nostalgia do some of the lifting?
                                    • Ariannah joins us for The Endgame — helping us unpack why Stand By Me continues to resonate across generations and whether its emotional simplicity is actually its greatest strength.
                                    • The ending — bittersweet, perfect, and quietly heartbreaking. Does any closing narration hit harder than this?
                                    • And finally, whether Stand By Me is the Best Film Ever — or simply one of the most emotionally truthful coming-of-age films ever made.

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                                      We are very thankful to the following Patreon backers for their generous support:

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                                        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/

                                        4 hr 29 min

                                      About Best Film Ever

                                      From the publisher's feed

                                      Your new favourite transatlantic film review podcast, trawling through the blockbusters and critical darlings in search of the best film ever.

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