Mission 250 Podcast

This week, we watch a movie that takes a uniquely positive spin on the atrocities of the holocaust. Aiming to and arguably achieving the goal of telling a story of unfazed positive outlook on life, this film is somewhat divisive in its decision to potentially lighten the historical events. Life is Beautiful (1996), directed by Roberto Benigni.

This week, we watch Natalie Portman's first film, where she plays the daughter of a slaughtered family who is taken in by a professional hitman who lives next door. This film elevates its B-movie potential with iconic performances by all of the leads. Leon: The Professional (1994), directed by Luc Besson.

This week, we watch Sergio Leones final western film. This film's cinematography and set pieces are among the best we've seen, and its easy to see why so many directors have been influenced by its style. Once Upon a Time in the West (1968).

"Point Break" from 1991, directed by Kathryn Bigelow. Denny won the oscars contest, so Denny could pick any film he wanted for us to watch. He picked this one. There's some great action sequences here, and also some of the most laughably bad acting we've seen in the history of this podcast.

This week, we watch a slow burn historical drama, that could also be classified as an art-house horror movie. Based on much researched real events and people, this film is broken into two - the one you see, and the one you hear. The results are astounding and hard to watch. The Zone Of Interest (2023), directed by Jonathan Glazer.

This week, we watch the film that makes Scorsese the oldest director to be nominated for best director at the oscars. This epic (read: long) film takes on the story of the murders of members of the Osage nation a century ago, and the birth of the FBI. Killers of the Flower Moon (2023), directed by Martin Scorsese.

We've watched all of the Academy Awards best picture nominated movies from 2023! This week, we have a special episode where we three give our top 10 lists of these mostly great films, and also attempt to predict the winners of the other Oscar categories (which we now know).

This week, we watch the film that has just released and is currently sitting at the #10 best movie of all time. See it on the biggest screen and loudest speakers you can find. Dune: Part 2 (2024), directed by Denis Villeneuve.

This week, we watch a multi-oscar nominated drama about a deadly fall and the trial that ensues. This film stands out as one of the most starkly realistic dramas we have had the pleasure of watching on our mission, and we'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys an unrelentingly heavy story. Anatomy of a Fall (2023), directed by Justine Triet.

This week, we watch a rare comedy that is also scooping up award nominations. Writer / Director / Producer Cord Jefferson nails directorial debut, which balances heavy themes with laugh out loud moments, while leaving the viewer with lots to think about once the credits roll. American Fiction (2023), directed by Cord Jefferson.