Does It Hold Up?

This week, the brothers celebrate the 30th anniversary of Robert Zemeckis' multiple Oscar-winning blockbuster, a film that instantly entered the cultural zeitgeist and, in the years since its release, has come to be reevaluated as a sort of cinematic rorschach test for how its audience views America & its complicated history; or maybe just as a simple but profound fable about destiny vs. chance and how we choose to move through our lives. You decide.

It's Forrest Gump.

Beverly Hills Cop week concludes with the brothers' take on Axel Foley's latest adventure, which left them sighing in relief & scratching their heads in equal measure, but there's no doubt it's a blast to see Eddie Murphy back in action.

It's Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.

The heat is on this week as the brothers revisit Eddie Murphy's iconic role as Detective Axel Foley, beginning with the 1984 blockbuster first installment, a movie whose smart direction, slick fusion of action & comedy, and undeniable, star-making lead performance made it a superb example of its genre.

It's Beverly Hills Cop.

For this very special DIHU episode, the brothers engage in a lively discussion about the fourth (and hopefully final) installment in the Bad Boys franchise, grappling with everything from the baffling trajectory of the series into absolute nonsense and how difficult it was to reconcile their feelings about Will Smith in a post-Slap world.

These are not our bad boys.

It's Bad Boys: Ride or Die.

The brothers kick off an ongoing series of contemporary tie-in episodes by examining the Martin Lawrence/Will Smith buddy-cop franchise, starting with the Michael Bay-directed first entry, a slick, funny blast that celebrates the undeniable chemistry of its two stars and harkens back to a time when Hollywood's premier "maximalist" filmmaker still had a modicum of restraint.

It's Bad Boys.

The brothers brave the harsh deserts of this post-apocalyptic comic-book adaptation, a truly bonkers artifact of the '90s that is as wildly off-the-rails as it is surprisingly prescient.

It's Tank Girl.

This week, the brothers get familial as they discuss Ron Howard's 1989 multi-generational dramedy, admiring the insight & truth contained in its brilliantly structured screenplay, the nuanced performances of its stellar ensemble cast, and whether or not you need to be a parent to truly relate to all of it.

It's Parenthood.

The brothers settle down on the front porch to discuss F. Gary Gray's cult comedy classic, featuring a spectacular ensemble cast, a nostalgic soundtrack, and a scene-stealing, star-making performance from Chris Tucker; also Jeff questions some of the comedic choices in the film and Matt shares his hot take on Mondays.

"Bye, Felisha!"

It's Friday.

The brothers get wicked smart as they discuss this 1997 blockbuster that became a sensation, putting its young stars (& writers) on the map with its authentic South Boston setting, its surprisingly wise dialogue, and its stellar performances (including an Oscar-winning turn from the great Robin Williams).

It's Good Will Hunting.

‎ ‎DOES IT HOLD UP? Pod Master List, a list of films by MSPENCER85 • Letterboxd

The brothers spring into action (& joy) for this 1998 swashbuckler, marveling at its astounding stunt work, the sizzling charisma & chemistry of its stars, and why the hell we don't make movies like this anymore.

It's The Mask of Zorro.