Divided Films

Thanksgiving is this week and all that food has us thinking of the 2016 animated comedy, Sausage Party! Critics were pleasantly surprised by the political themes tackled in this crude adult animation, but audiences were more likely to be offended than laughing. Whether or not animated food is funny, there's always actual food to look forward to during the holidays. 

We’re getting in the ring with this week’s Divided Film, Rocky IV! Audiences loved watching Sylvester Stallone defeat communism with his fists in this over-the-top sequel, but critics preferred the dramatic tone of the franchise’s first two films. Let’s see how many rounds we can last before getting knocked out by the Italian Stallion.

What an awkward situation… The 2014 fantasy Maleficent and its 2019 sequel Mistress of Evil are both Divided Films! Angelina Jolie showed us a different side of the iconic Disney villain, impressing audiences with a compelling performance in each movie. Critics were less enthusiastic about the saga and wished the writing was as thoughtful as the lead actress. Let’s dive into this villainous franchise, but be sure to burn all your spinning wheels just to be safe.

We’re at the halfway point of football season, so now’s the best time to discuss the 2009 sports drama The Blind Side. Audiences rooted for this inspirational true story, especially Sandra Bullock’s award-winning performance. However, critics were not fans of the cheesy cliches which they had seen in so many feel good movies before. Find out which team we end up playing for, and hopefully, nobody gets sacked.

For our final scary movie this Halloween season, we’re discussing the 2006 comedy-horror Slither! Critics appreciated James Gunn’s homage to classic B-movies but audiences didn’t have the stomach for his gross-out scares. After fifteen years, it may be time for viewers to give Slither a second taste…

Do you want to play a game? How about watching our next Divided Film, the 2004 slasher movie Saw! Critics couldn’t wait to escape the theater after seeing this gritty horror film, but audiences were satisfied by the graphic violence and unexpected twist. For our 50th episode, let’s see if Jigsaw deserves his place in the scary movie hall of fame.

We’re getting into the Halloween spirit with our next Divided Film, The Craft! This mid-90s camp classic took a witchy spin on teen dramas, with enough charm to win over audiences but not enough logic to convince critics. Let’s see how strong this movie’s spell is 25 years after it was first cast.

Class is in session for this week’s Divided Film, School of Rock! Jack Black hit the right note with critics as the frontman of this family-friendly comedy, but not all audience members wanted to stick around for an encore. We’ll be the judge in this battle of the bands.

Divided Films is back for season 5! Our hosts start this fall by sticking their teeth into the 2008 vampire romance Twilight. Devoted fans of the book series were excited to see this teen love story brought to the big screen, but awkward performances and a questionable plot made it hard for anyone else including critics to take this adaptation seriously. In the age of the vampire craze, how did Edward and Bella’s story stack up?

We interrupt your summer for a Divided Films bonus episode! Keith and JJ are flashing back to their childhoods to discuss the movies they enjoyed the most (and least) when they were kids. Find out how these films made growing up better or worse for our hosts in our first ever summer bonus!