Mission 250 Podcast

EPISODE 250! This week, we continue watching what might be the greatest horror movie ever made. Stanley Kubrick butchers Stephen King's original novel into a film that confused some viewers at the time of its release, but now is considered by most to be a standalone masterpiece. The Shining (1980), directed by Stanley Kubrick.

This week, we are watching what might be the greatest horror movie ever made. Stanley Kubrick butchers Stephen King's original novel into a film that confused some viewers at the time of its release, but now is considered by most to be a standalone masterpiece. The Shining (1980), directed by Stanley Kubrick.

This week, we watch a story about two idiots who find a giant fly in the back of a stolen car. Part Bill and Ted, part Dumb and Dumber, part Beavis and Butthead….insert any dumb pair of guys in comedy history… this film does enough to stand out from its influences. At just over an hour long, this film will make you laugh and wish for more once the credits roll. Mandibles (2020), directed by Quentin Dupieux .

This week, we watch what many consider to be the saddest animated movies every drawn to film. Studio Ghibli animates this adaptation of a true story of the terrible aftermath of children attempting to live in a post-war Japan in the 1940's. Grave of the Fireflies (1988), directed Isao Takahata.

This week, we watch the worldwide highest grossing movie of 2020, marking the first time in movie history a Hollywood film didn't rank number one. This Chinese film aims to portray an important event leading into the second World War, but what ends up on screen is incoherent violence and death. The Eight Hundred, directed by Hu Guan.

This week, we watch the highest rated Pixar film on the list! Even John, who has frequently mentioned a "dragging middle third" in Pixars story structure, didn't see that happening here. Lovable robots, funny slapstick, and heartwarming relationships fill this visual and design masterpiece. WALL-E (2008), directed by Andrew Stanton.

This week, we watch a movie in anticipation for the upcoming Dune film adaptation. This movie has no buisness not being on the list. Amy Adams gives one of her best performances, and all other aspects of the film are amazing on their own, but together they create something very special that we'd recommend to everyone. Arrival (2016), directed by Denis Villenueve.

This week, we watch the film that shows a trashbag swirling in the wind and makes teenagers think real hard about it. This film contains an amazing ensemble cast alongside great cinematography, editing, and score. It holds up even though some recent stories on one of the main actors makes it a tough watch, especially given the content of the movies main storyline. American Beauty (1999), directed by Sam Mendes.

This week, we Aamir Khan's directorial debut. A strong message about learning disabilities makes this an important piece of work. Like Stars On Earth (2007), directed by Aamir Khan.

Part 2

This week, we watch Studio Ghibli try their hand at gore effects. This film stands out as being one of the studios most violent films, but the trademark animation, score, and scenery are in full view. Princess Mononoke (1997), directed by Hayao Miyazaki.