Welcome to The Film Buffs & Gym Rats Season One Finale! Eight months and over 50 hours later we finally culminate with our final episode of season one! Thank you to each and every one of you who has been along for this ride with us as we appreciate it far more than we could ever say. When I first approached Jocelyn & Zach about doing this their willingness and enthusiasm meant and still means so much to me which is why every ounce of gratitude I offer you we must also offer them as without them, none of this would be a thing. So applause, gratitude, and all the love to you all! And now, on to the show...

On our final episode of season 1 we check ourselves into the Overlook hotel and enjoy the Stanley Kubrick classic, 1980's 'The Shining'. With a strong 8.4 on IMDB & 82% on RT join us as we share our initial reactions, favourite moments, trivia/previous knowledge, unanswered questions, favourite moments, how the film translates in 2022 where attention spans aren't what they once were, the arguably problematic casting of Jack Nicholson, the immense retro vibe the film immediately provides, how it differs from the novel, if some aspects of the film are slightly too heavy handed and if the film lands the same when you're already aware of the ending. We also discuss in depth the Overlook hotel's true objective, impact and speculate/discuss the abudnance of conspiracy theories, messaging and porposed undertones regarding the film's true message over the past forty years!

We also discover Zach's true heritage, why grapes are so important in Costa Rican culture, if the moon landing was real, the pyramids, karma (and whether or not it is real), cosmic justice, destiny/fate, how to determine when it's appropriate to apply a 'sleeper hold' and why I struggle as a man who operates in black & white to exist in a world where so many play in the ambiguity of the color grey. We also discuss climate change, my hesitancy to indulge in further MCU projects, the atrocity known as Black Adam, why I don't believe films should be graded on a curve in regards to 'when' they are released/why I am OVER post credit scenes! Also, if an actor agrees to play a superhero...look the part and do what needs to be done! Speaking of which, we also acknowledge Zach's amazing deadlifts that were accomplished earlier in the day, how much he adores his family, his experiences with ghosts, why he is hunting the golden ticket 30/30 for his upcoming film picks and naturally indulge in another round of 'Zach's Movie Versus' where they share some HOT EFFING TAKES!

Thank you for listening and consider rating and subscribing to us on Apple Podcast and/or Spotify today! Season Two coming soon...

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On our penultimate episode of season 1 we travel back to ‘good old 1955’ with the powerful and undeniable, Robert Zemeckis’ Back to the Future! Owning a confident 97% on Rotten Tomatoes and 8.5 on IMDB, Back to the Future is considered one of the only films Tarantino himself dubs a ‘perfect film’ but does it hold up to such a proclamation when watched with ‘the eye of Sauron’ by the Film Buffs & Gym Rats…?

Join us as we share our initial reactions, favourite moments, trivia/previous knowledge, unanswered questions, favourite moments, ‘Back to the Future’s immense influence/impact, the power of nostalgia, the double retro vibes experienced considering how the present is currently 2022 not 1985, how MJF is the original ‘short king’ (and is an inspiration to all who are vertically challenged) and how his charisma/confidence completely transcends his size, the gloriousness of both George AND Lorraine, debate if the sequels were necessary, and I formally propose that Back to the Future may supersede POTC & the Rocky franchise as the ultimate example of film introducing and utilizing its soundtrack correctly AND how it may do exposition better than any other movie, ever!

As always we engage in Zach Movie Versus combat, ponder why Chris Pratt is obsessed with playing prominent Italian animated characters and where we would go if we could time travel, discuss Jocelyn’s various rockstar hairstyles, VV Boutique, how much I enjoy being ‘cold called’, Zach’s 72 hour of complete Tommy Shelby-ness, foot fetishes, 'Werewolf by Night', Halloween costumes, and share how I constantly impress (while simultaneously disappointing) my father when watching movies, how Six Pines and I became best friends, and finally confirm just how tall I actually am! About time...

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Theme song created by local prodigy CAE (Spotify/AppleMusic/Soundcloud)

Cover Art created by the masterful animator and illustrator Girish Manuel

And on episode 28 we finally embark on the adventure of the collective Dyer family’s childhood in 1985’s ‘The Goonies!’ Boasting an Angelo Manfredi junior high average of mid seventies across both IMDB (7.7) and Rotten Tomatoes (76%) 'The Goonies' is a jovial swashbuckling adventure that may or may not hold up to the eye of Sauron much to the dismay of our very own Zachary Dyer…

Join us as we share our initial reactions of both films, favourite moments, trivia/previous knowledge, unanswered questions, favourite moments, ‘The Goonies’ influence on modern media (POTC, Stranger Things), if the proposed classification of a film being a ‘children’s movie’ holds any merit in regards to certain allowances being provided, if a film’s quality is significantly lessened if not viewed with reverent nostalgia, and confirm just how obvious it is none of the kids in this movie are Italian or live in Winnipeg! We also discuss in depth the characters of ‘Chunk’, ‘Data’ and ‘Sloth’ and all the many emotions, thoughts, and questions that each provides (CHUNK DESERVES BETTER), we also contemplate how asthma actually works, and recognize how every week my dad loses more faith in the podcast due to our compulsion to avoid what he considers ‘good movies’ aka Steven Segal’s greatest hits.

We also hear about Jocelyn’s bachelorette weekend, ‘Chelsea boots’ & ‘Black Air Force Energy’, how I can no longer play video games (and the great badge accumulation of ‘98), my Blake Shelton approach to 24 hour Tinder, consumer math, Thanksgiving-gate, 'Captain America: the winter soldier', Netflix’s ‘The Circle’, Kid Cudi’s new movie, how everyone loves Chris (Sweat Equity Fitness' resident 'big guy'), if $80 a month is either genius or dangerous as the maximum amount dedicated to a monthly relationship fund and if this math applies when ‘the Pros & Krahns’ of life are applied!

With a special acknowledgment to Kaitlyn Dyer as she joins us remotely to offer her touching review of the film and her passionate & adoring attachment to Chunk! As I told her later on, I enjoyed hearing her talk about The Goonies far more than I enjoyed the film itself (which is 100% a testament to her passion and not an indictment of the film)!

Thank you for listening and consider rating and subscribing to us on Apple Podcast and/or Spotify today!

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And on Episode 27 of ‘The Film Buffs & Gym Rats’ podcast we are (somewhat unexpectedly) joined by an incredibly special guest, the prince of all Saiyans himself, Kyle Wong! A local filmmaker himself, Kyle was shooting a passion project upon the roof of 675 Archibald Street and temporarily joins us as we review a double feature of 2014’s ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’ and ‘Don’t Worry Darling’! The Wes Anderson classic boasts a confident 8.1 on IMDB and a 92% on Rotten Tomatoes and is without a doubt my favourite Wes Anderson experience so far! Meanwhile 2022’s ‘Don’t Worry Darling’ maintains a mediocre 6.3 on IMDB and 39% on Rotten Tomatoes and will more than likely be remembered more for its backstage shenanigans than anything that occurred during the film…although James T Kirk, absolute flamethrower of a person!

Join us as we share our initial reactions of both films, favourite moments, trivia/previous knowledge, unanswered questions, favourite quotes, the ‘Don’t Worry Darling’ drama in its entirety, determine if the premise was concise enough to justify a two-hour runtime, compliment the banger soundtrack/incredible aesthetic, debate if Harry Styles was the correct choice to replace Shia, and if our review of the film would improve after an additional watch! Meanwhile on a budget of 25 million ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’ generated 172.9 million in box office revenue meaning that people adored it, immediately! Its recipe of clever execution, powerful spontaneity, sensational cameos, poetic cinematography, extraordinary color palette and chemistry between the fabulously well thought out characters. Especially the wonderful dynamic between Ralph Fiennes’ M. Gustave (a role that was written solely for him) and Tony Revolori’s Zero as their unexpected mentor/mentee relationship truly is the heartbeat of this film pumping the love into every scene and the narrative forward through every moment!

We also learn quite a bit as both Kyle and Zach share insight into the movie creating process from initial conceptualization to translating what’s inside onto the page! Naturally we also eagerly engage in another esteemed round of Zach’s movie versus, Adam Levine’s DM failures (and in contrast Zach’s DM etiquette #noemojis), likes VS super likes, perms, Edward Norton, Hugh Jackman’s return as the Wolverine, The Winter Soldier, how Jocelyn and I channel our inner Gustave in our professions, Jocelyn’s Hollywood top 5 & theatre snack order, Landmark Cinema’s amazing seats, Cineclub, 'Owen', my grandma being a gangster on the bus, how Jocelyn made me fall in love with her all over again at the gym, and contemplate what’s ahead for the FBGR’s as we head towards season 2 and all the changes that come with it…

Thank you for listening and consider rating and subscribing to us on Apple Podcast and/or Spotify today!

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Episode 26. The Dark Knight versus Maximus Decimus Meridius. What more even need be said? Released in 2007 and boasting an impressive 7.7 on IMDB and 89% on Rotten Tomatoes director James Mangold reimagines, revamps, and completely revitalizes the ‘cowboy/western’ for the modern world of cinema with the wonderful '310 to Yuma'!

Join us as we share our initial reactions of the film, favourite moments, trivia/previous knowledge, unanswered questions, the sheer magnetism of Russell’s ‘Ben Wade’ and Bale’s ‘Dan Evans’ sharing the screen – arguably the greatest pairing since DeNiro & Pacino in Heat – along with how the film truly excels due to their constant debate/exchange of philosophies and their joint ability to completely embody whatever character their portray aka never falling into the ‘Tom Cruise Trap’ of only seeing the actor regardless of the role. We also heap heavy praise upon the wonderful Ben Foster who truly is irreplaceable when casted as an off kilter/animalistic number two, how both Red Read Redemption video games were heavily inspired by this film, the hand of god, the beauty in the slow burn reveal of ‘Dan Evans’ backstory, how Crowe’s rugged yet handsome demeanour greatly add to the charm/mystique of ‘Ben Wade’ and question if in fact he is ‘all bad’…

In summary, let the quality of this movie be punctuated by the fact that even though none of the three of us are exceptionally fond of cowboy/western movies we invest considerable time into speculating how we would fare if were to live in the Wild Wild West!

We also discuss Zach’s recent near (hair) death experience/potential rebranding, how my grandmother initiated a citywide search for my father (and the steps required to locate him), Spiderman No Way Home, Don’t Worry Darlin, Zach’s alleged underground invasion of Polo Park, 'Arrested Development', the definition of the word ‘bussin’, Kevin Spacey, Westworld, how to handle shit talkers/how my journey towards engaging combatants/opposition with compassion instead of anger and of course, another esteemed round of Zach’s movie versus!

Thank you for listening and consider rating and subscribing to us on Apple Podcast and/or Spotify today!

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And 'The Film Buffs & Gym Rats' have reached their 25th episode! It has been a joy to share our love of fitness and film with you all and what better representative of cinematic achievement to celebrate our milestone episode with than 1999’s The Sixth Sense? Boasting an impressive and somewhat surprising 8.2 on IMDB and 86% on Rotten Tomatoes this is now the third movie we’ve reviewed starring Bruce Willis and we hope it fares better than Armageddon (tune in to find out) #justiceforarmageddon

Join us as we share our initial reactions of the film, favourite moments, trivia/previous knowledge, unanswered questions (of which there are many) and perform an overall deep dive into the film that put M. Night Shyamalan on the map! Specifically, if the *twist* still truly lands for an ending that is so famously spoiled, the plethora of Bruceisms this movie contains, if the film would have been improved if Shyamalan leaned further into the horror or religious aspects and if the overall viewing experience is lessend with each additional rewatch.

As per usual we also diverge from the film on hand and engage in another round of ‘Zach’s Movie Versus’ as a matter of fact the very same versus from our long-lost episode 19: Pirates of the Caribbean! (a moment of silence for long lost episode 19…) We also attempt to initiate a new segment called ‘Valid? With cousin Tyler’ but it failed due to…reasons followed by a dicussion about Nate Diaz’ most recent victory, House of Dragons, if Harry Styles did in fact spit on Chris Pine, my main man Stan, Zach’s reaction to Sweat Equity’s Sunday tradition, how Jocelyn overcame smoking, dentists, my shameful obsession of Reboot, the 'Don't Worry Darling' drama, and of course one my favourite topics ever, Brendan Fraser and his Rick O'Connellsaince!

Thank you for listening and consider rating and subscribing to us on Apple Podcast and/or Spotify today!

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NachoOOoOOoOOOoOoOOoOo! For our 24th episode we celebrate with a film that showcases not only an immensely average IMDB rating of 5.8 but a bold 40% on on Rotten Tomatoes! Was it judged too harshly? Has it aged like fine Mexican wine? Should Nacho have kissed her at the end of the movie? Does it even hold a candle to other Jack Black performances...? Only one way to know so join us as we share our initial reactions of the film, favourite moments, trivia/previous knowledge, acknowledge just how much 'classic Jack Black face' there is, the huge box office success Nacho Libre was, how it follows the 'Napolean Dynamite' playbook beat for beat, it's immense 'quotability', if sliding toast under the door is A+ game or not, the absurdity of the training montage, and debate whether there should be more controversy regarding the film's portrayal of lucha libre wrestling.

We also began our episode with a full Good Will Hunting moment as our very own Zach Dyer reveals that he has been creating his very own film! NO BIG DEAL OR ANYTHING! Hear how the inspiration occurred, the creativity spiked and the majesticness flowed as he transferred his vision to paper (A24 be ready to place, your, bid!) naturally we also engage in another round of Zach's movie trivia, discuss how Jocelyn once worked at the movie theatre (take a shot), decide what we would prefer to clean up: semen or barf, the correlation between enemas and sex, the downside of being the 'boss', Sweat Equity's resident 'Brad Pitt' Keith, Alexandre Dumas, Syd the Sloth, custom made sleevless tees, Super Saiyan 2, horror movies, why I am finally implementing the full power of Sweat Equity Fitness' billing agreement, my sister's wedding planning, how I almost got an Olaf the snowman tattoo and what the best course of action is if someone sleeps with one of your parents...

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On our 23rd episode we embody & personify focus, commitment and sheer f*cking will as we review 2014’s John Wick! Directed by Chad Stahelski & David Leitch John Wick is seemingly/shockingly underrated as IMDB has it at 7.4 and Rotten Tomatoes has it at 86%! Fortunately, the FBGR’s are here to right this wrong and provide this film the quality and accurate review it deserves!

Join us as we share our initial reactions of the film, favourite moments, trivia/previous knowledge and absolutely rave at the epic experience that is watching John Wick! This film exceeds and shines through an exquisite combination of pace, casting, fight choreography, soundtrack, fashion and quotability. From the moment it begins you are instantly immersed in the plot the way you should be, by showing not telling! Chef’s kiss! The legend of John Wick, the underworld currency that drives the criminal economy, the continental, Winston, even when John Wick is literally killing 6 people per minute do you find it outrageous or illogical! This film is pristine in execution and as this is the debut of the directors who made their bones as stuntmen, it truly is poetry in motion to witness John Wick murder death kill so many deserving fools from first scene to last. This could very well be Keanu’s best work and is arguably his ‘Jack Sparrow’, but if further testament to its quality were required, allow me to state for the record that John Wick is the only movie in cinema history that can feature the murder of a puppy and get away with it! Sorry not sorry Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom… (they left a dinosaur behind to die on the island – and received 47% on RT because of it).

We also engage in another round of Zach’s movie trivia, share our weekend experiences, update each other on the current state of our respective lives, discuss Jocelyn’s trip and official engagement, offer opinions on marriage/weddings in general, fashion, Aubrey Plaza, how I once drove like John Wick for an entire summer (breakup vibes), Knockaround Guys, peeing at movie theatres, California, why Zach doesn't change his mind once he's given his review, and discuss our absolute all time crushes and respectful infatuations of popular actors and actresses! Shoutout to Brendan Fraser as Rick O'Connell in the original Mummy! Hot-tie.

Thank you for listening and consider rating and subscribing to us on Apple Podcast and/or Spotify today!

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Cover Art created by the masterful animator and illustrator Girish Manuel

On our 22nd episode we come at you with a steady one two combo as we cover 2011’s Warrior! Directed by Gavin O’Connor and maintain a solid 8.2 on IMDB & 84% on Rotten Tomatoes, Warrior stars Joel Edgerton and (the all-time basement flooder himself) Tom Hardy in the most ineligible role of his career as one half of a pair of brothers fighting for a 5 million dollar MMA prize! But the true star of this film is their father portrayed by the ‘Rich Man, Poor Man’ himself Nick Nolte!

Join us as we share our initial reactions of the film, favourite moments, trivia/previous knowledge, unanswered questions, our individual relationships/experiences with martial arts, Tom Hardy’s impressive physique (and how both Jocelyn and I recognize ourselves within his character), Nick Nolte’s powerful scene stealing performance and cement why ‘Warrior’ is the sole true quality MMA representative in all of cinema! It vastly exceeds its competition because it demonstrates the trials and tribulations that must be overcome to succeed at the highest level while covering universal themes that transcend the sport. In many ways MMA is merely the vessel used to tell a larger story about family, identity, and the importance of forgiveness for others and yourself.

We also engage in another round of Zach’s movie trivia, dissect modern day immoral business practices encountered in business across all industries, how ‘the customer’ is not always right and I reveal my response if I were to ever receive a one star review! We also dedicate time into sharing the moment where Jocelyn and I first met back in the day at CFC (along with our understanding of each other), what we’ve struggled with and overcome in our lives, and upon Jocelyn’s early departure Zach and I dive into relationships, friendships, careers, religion, personal evolution, our mutual/immense adoration of Jocelyn, Brad Pitt’s cool level (and why we believe Sweat Equity’s own Keith is giving him a run for his money), how my dear friend Antonio is sitting on a goldmine Oscar winning screenplay that he won’t develop for reasons that are beyond comprehension, and why we believe true happiness and success is in direct correlation with how authentically you are representing yourself and living your truth in the world.

We’ll be taking a brief hiatus as Jocelyn is heading out of town but when we return…episode 23, we go headfirst into the Keanussaince with what I am calling a 10/10 from now, the one, the only…the f*cking nobody, JOHN WICK!

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Cover Art created by the masterful animator and illustrator Girish Manuel

On our 21st episode we cover a film my dad finally would classify as ‘a good movie’, potentially the greatest sequel of all time and without question the absolute GOAT action film of all time, the 4x Oscar winner…the iconic and legendary Terminator 2: Judgement Day! Directed and written by James Cameron, T2 boasts an impressive 93% on Rotten Tomatoes and 8.6 on IMDB and for a ranking of this magnitude we knew we had to bring in the big guns! The fiancé of the century himself and our very first guest, Jocelyn’s very own partner in crime, TYSON!

Join us as we share our initial reactions of the film, favourite moments, trivia/previous knowledge, it’s 30-year impact/legacy (how many times have you said ‘I’ll Be Back’ or ‘Hasta La Vista Baby’) and how the quality of a film is intrinsically enhanced when true passion and love is invested by the team behind it. But where T2 truly shines and why it is regarded as one of the greatest sequels of all time is because it effectively built upon the foundation of the first (while respecting the original), successfully transitioned genres from horror to action, uses it’s expanded budget on a stunning combination of cutting edge/practical effects, and has a powerfully empowered female lead character long before that was all the rage, with each being ENTIRELY in service to the story! ‘Eff word’ I love this movie!

We also engage in another round of Zach’s movie trivia, contemplate if the golden age of both ‘action’ and ‘mobster’ films are truly over, and dedicate time into discussing the power of nostalgia, what makes movies 'good', if/why you feel protective of certain films, the struggle involved when ranking films of different genres, Planet Hollywood, the directors of today, Tom Cruise, artificial intelligence (and if ‘Skynet’ is something we should be concerned about), human nature, destiny/fate, Andew Tate and if the 'T800' Terminator is Arnold’s 'Jack Sparrow' aka the role he was born to play!

Shoutout to my cousin Domenico who I watched this movie incessantly with as a child to the point it would drive my uncle Phil crazy!

Thank you for listening and consider rating and subscribing to us on Apple Podcast and/or Spotify today!

Follow and Support:

Sweat Equity Fitness Winnipeg (FB/IG/TikTok)

Theme song created by local prodigy CAE (Spotify/AppleMusic/Soundcloud)

Cover Art created by the masterful animator and illustrator Girish Manuel