Buddy Movies

In our first Christmas Special, we discuss Joss Whedon's cult hit, "Firefly," a sci-fi western TV series that was shockingly cancelled after just 1 season. We discuss the merits of the series, why it's still beloved almost 2 decades later, and reasons for its early cancellation.

In our Season 3 finale, we discuss Christopher Nolan's "The Dark Knight," a film often regarded as one of the best superhero films ever made--and one that Anthony thinks is the best in the superhero genre due to its perpetually culturally relevant story, excellent writing, directing, and an iconic performance from the late Heath Ledger as the Joker. Mark, however, believes the film has some problematic plot holes and argues The Dark Knight Trilogy as a whole mischaracterizes Batman from the comics. Who will you side with in our finale?

Jon Watts' Spider-Man: Homecoming is the MCU's first solo Spider-Man film, and it's one that Mark believes is the best Spider-Man film to date--filled with great characterization of its title character (and a properly aged actor to go with it)and a fantastic villain in Michael Keaton. Anthony, meanwhile, thinks the film suffers greatly from its story's over reliance on Iron Man, comedy overdose, and several problematic plot holes. Who will you side with today?

0:00-Intro

0:30-Opening Banter

10:48-Pro Argument

24:32-Con Argument

49:05-Trivia

53:48-Closing

Forrest Gump won 6 Oscars back in 1995, including Best Picture, but Mark believes this film has aged very poorly and is filled with a problematic main character, racism, and dated visual effects. Anthony, meanwhile, thinks the film is a masterpiece, filled with an extremely well written main character, thought-provoking themes and visual metaphors, and great visual effects. Whose side will you take?

0:00-Intro

0:24-Opening Banter

9:35-Pro Argument

23:54-Con Argument

54:38-Trivia

56:30-Closing

Taika Waititi's Jojo Rabbit, a comedy-drama satire about a young boy in Hitler's Youth toward the end of WW2, features some truly dark humor, but does it go too far? Anthony and Mark make arguments for both sides. Note: This episode was recorded during the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, and as a result we heavily discuss the event and the content gets pretty political. We still appreciate your thoughts and opinions you may have on the matter.

0:00-Intro

0:26-Opening Banter (Afghanistan withdrawal)

18:09-Pro Argument

43:54-Con Argument

1:05:00–Closing

X-Men: The Last Stand, the final chapter in the original X-Men trilogy, was vastly met with criticism upon its release, and Mark believes that criticism is warranted, believing the film suffers from weak character development and several negative character changes from the comics. Anthony, meanwhile, believes the film is underrated and is filled with poignant and relevant themes (especially for 2021), great action sequences, and a satisfying Dark Phoenix storyline. Who will you stand with on this episode?

0:00-Intro

0:28-Opening Banter

12:10-Pro Argument

23:02-Con Argument

52:52-Trivia

58:45-Closing

Toy Story 2 is the first sequel in Pixar's now famous backlog of films. Mark argues that it's the best sequel, Anthony argues that this film is just too disturbing to be a favorite kids film. Which side will you take?

0:00-Intro

0:33-Opening Banter

17:21-Pro Argument

32:40-Con Argument

43:14-Trivia

54:02-Closing

The fourth Indiana Jones film is vastly regarded as the worst in Spielberg's beloved Indiana Jones franchise. But is it actually the worst? Anthony argues that there's actually one installment that's worse, while Mark still holds that this film is the worst. Who will come out on top and who will you side with in this debate?

0:00-Intro

0:30-Opening Banter

14:52-Pro Argument

35:22-Con Argument

49:01-Trivia

56:18-Closing

In today's episode, Mark is arguing in favor of Thor: Ragnarok, saying the film saves Thor's character and successfully develops him, while also infusing great comedy that (for the most part) doesn't interfere with the real drama. Anthony, however, argues that the film's humor (while great) handicaps the emotional beats, undercutting them and defeating any kind of drama we might feel in the story. Who will you side with on this one?

0:00-Intro

0:30-Opening Banter

12:27-Pro Argument

25:30-Con Argument

47:59-Trivia

55:57-Closing

In today's episode, we discuss Mike Nichols' 1967 film, "The Graduate." Anthony--who's pro for this film--discusses the film's technical achievement and sharp direction, especially as the film was at the forefront of the New Hollywood period. Mark argues against the film's out of touch subject matter, characters, and more. Who will you side with?

0:00-Intro

0:22-Opening Banter

11:11-Pro Argument

20:50-Con Argument

41:14-Trivia

51:25-Closing