Grumpy Young Men

This week we’re talking about Mission: Impossible 2, a sequel that takes a sharp left turn in the wrong direction. We discuss the poor representation of Ethan Hunt’s morals, the complete lack of interesting global set pieces, and sort of start to lose our minds around the midway point.

Also, why we hate leaving your watch on in the pool. (Recorded June 11th, 2023.)

Today we’re embarking on our newest mini-series: reviewing all the Mission: Impossible films! We start at the very beginning in 1996, where we’re first introduced to Tom Cruise’s Ethan Hunt. Why did they drop the ball so hard on making him an action star with sex appeal? Why does the tech in this movie feel somehow dated and timeless? Who empties the trash can in the vault?

Also, why we hate bricking disc drives. (Recorded June 4th, 2023.)

This week we’re talking about physical media and media ownership in general. We discuss the benefits and reasons behind owning media physically, how we curate our own collections of movies, music, books, and games, and also just rant about how terrible the age of streaming content has become.

Also, why we hate how bad drivers have become. (Recorded May 29th, 2023.)

Today we’re talking about Princess Mononoke, the 1997 classic that is truly one of Studio Ghibli’s best outings. We spend a lot of time talking about the movie but we also spend as much time arguing about color theory and sharing our favorite experiences in Tears of the Kingdom.

Also, why we hate mowing the lawn. (Recorded May 20th, 2023.)

This week we’re talking about Greta Gerwig’s 2019 remake of the beloved classic Little Women. We discuss the realistic and endearing portrayal of family bonds, the unrealistic portrayal of Florence Pugh as a 13-year-old, and ask the most important question: what’s the deal with Hannah?

Also, why we hate applying for a passport. (Recorded May 13th, 2023.)

In preparation for Barbie later this summer, we’re covering Greta Gerwig’s two solo directorial efforts, starting with 2017’s Lady Bird. We discuss the flawed and familiar character of Lady Bird, the confident and mature directing from Gerwig, and we determine what physical attachment Lucas Hedges needs in each movie (in this movie, he needs a hug).

Also, why we hate when characters sit in the middle seat in the back of a car. (Recorded May 7th, 2023.)

Today we’re talking about Pokemon Infinite Fusion, that fan-game that asks the question: what if you could fuse two Pokemon together, and create entirely new monsters? We discuss how fun and imaginative this game is, Samuel walks through his Elite Four-winning team, and we discuss some of our other favorite fan projects including speedruns and randomizers.

Also, why we hate the death of single-minded focus. (Recorded April 30th, 2023.)

(Check out the Infinite Fusion Calculator here.)

This week we’re reviewing Portrait of a Lady on Fire, one of the best films in recent memory. We discuss the picturesque setting, the sparse yet poignant script, and the yummiest thing in the movie (it’s the midnight snack Marianne makes).

Also, why we hate when people read numbers in an arhythmic way. (Recorded April 23rd, 2023.)

Today we’re talking about Eyes Wide Shut, Kubrick’s final (and possibly weirdest?) film. We discuss the perfectionism on display throughout, the monetary cost of Bill’s odyssey, and we uncover the identity of the red cloak. There’s lots of other bits, it’s maybe the dumbest podcast we’ve ever recorded.

Also, why we hate foreign objects entering our eyes (skip to 11:25 if you wanna avoid this). (Recorded April 16th, 2023.)

This week we’re knocking out the movie that’s been on Henry’s watchlist the longest: 1999’s Fight Club. Topics include the “we live in a society” themes and the flaws with that idea, the grungy and in-your-face attitude of the film, and we also wonder about the implications of getting your balls cut off.

Also, why we hate that we can’t talk about fight club. (Recorded April 10th, 2023.)