Movie of the Year: 1999The Grand Finale (Part 2)The Road to the Finals

The bracket heats up in Part Two of the 1999 Movie of the Year Finale, and the Taste Buds—Mike, Ryan, and Greg—are back to call every twist, turn, and cinematic takedown. The stakes are higher, the drama is bigger, and the films are fighting harder than ever for a shot at the crown.

The Matchups: Semi-Final Showdowns

Only four films remain, and the battles are fierce:

• Election vs. The Blair Witch Project – Tracy Flick’s cutthroat ambition goes head-to-head with supernatural terror in the woods. It’s satire vs. found footage, politics vs. paranoia.
• The Limey vs. The Green Mile – Steven Soderbergh’s stylish revenge story steps into the ring with Frank Darabont’s heartbreaking prison epic. Vengeance clashes with miracles, grit with grace.

The Taste Buds don’t just break down the movies—they hype them up like a championship bout, with every argument landing like a body slam.

Special Awards: Comedic Performance, On-Screen Duo & Biggest Shithead

As if the semi-finals weren’t enough, the Taste Buds also reveal the winners of three special 1999 honors:

• Best Comedic Performance
• Best On-Screen Duo
• Biggest Shithead

The nominees are under wraps, but the winners will spark laughs, debates, and maybe even outrage.

Conclusion: The Fight Isn’t Over Yet

The road to the 1999 Movie of the Year crown gets narrower, but the drama only intensifies. Will Election’s political claws cut down the terror of The Blair Witch Project? Can The Limey’s revenge stand tall against The Green Mile’s miracles?

🎧 Listen now to Part Two of the 1999 finale, subscribe to Movie of the Year so you don’t miss the grand conclusion, and email your predictions to [email protected]—because only one movie will survive.

Movie of the Year: 1999The Grand Finale (Part 1)The Bracket Battles Begin

In this high-stakes episode of Movie of the Year, the Taste Buds—Mike, Ryan, and Greg—step into the ring for Part One of the 1999 Finale. The mission: to complete the bracket and crown the ultimate 1999 Movie of the Year. The energy is off the charts, the drama is turned up to eleven, and every matchup is a fight for cinematic survival.

The Matchups: Clash of the 1999 Titans

Eight legendary films enter, but only four will survive this round:

• Fight Club vs. The Iron Giant – A brutal, brawling philosophy lesson takes on animated heart and heroism.
• Run Lola Run vs. Notting Hill – Adrenaline-fueled German precision sprints headlong into British charm and rom com delight.
• Election vs. The Blair Witch Project – Satire and scheming clash with found-footage horror that redefined fear.
• The Limey vs. The Green Mile – Soderbergh’s fractured revenge tale faces off against Darabont’s prison-set epic of miracles and loss.

The Taste Buds call every blow, every twist, every knockout punch on the way to the semifinals.

Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress Awards

As if the bracket wasn’t enough, the Taste Buds also hand out their 1999 Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress Awards. The nominees? You’ll have to listen to find out—but expect iconic performances, shocking picks, and plenty of heated debate.

The Drama of 1999 Cinema

This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a war for cinematic supremacy. With every argument, joke, and hot take, the Taste Buds bring the kind of passion that only 1999 movies deserve. These films didn’t just entertain—they defined an era, and now they fight for the ultimate crown.

Call to Action: Who Wins Your Bracket?

Now it’s your turn, listeners! 🎧

• Listen now to the 1999 Movie of the Year Finale, Part One.
• Subscribe to the Movie of the Year Podcast for the next two parts of the finale.
• Email us at [email protected] with your predictions, your favorite supporting performances, and your pick for the 1999 Movie of the Year.

Conclusion: The Road to the Crown Begins Here

From Fight Club to The Green Mile, from supporting legends to surprise underdogs, Part One of the 1999 Movie of the Year Finale has it all. The Taste Buds bring the drama, the laughs, and the ultimate passion as the greatest year in movies fights for its champion.

🎧 Step into the ring—because this is only the beginning.

Movie of the Year: 1999Notting Hill (feat. John Brooks from 1999: The Podcast!) Revisiting Notting Hill (1999)

In this episode of Movie of the Year, the Taste Buds watch Notting Hill (1999), the beloved romantic comedy pairing Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts. More than just a love story, Notting Hill combines sharp humor, traditional rom-com tropes, and a commentary on celebrity culture that remains resonant today. The Taste Buds break down why this film remains one of the defining romantic comedies of the late 1990s.

The Ensemble in Notting Hill (1999)

While the romance between Grant and Roberts takes the spotlight, Notting Hill is also a showcase for its ensemble cast. From Rhys Ifans’ unforgettable turn as Spike to the quirky group of friends who surround William Thacker, the ensemble adds heart, comedy, and texture to the story. The Taste Buds highlight how this cast transforms the film into a community tale, grounding the romance in authentic relationships.

Rom Com Tropes in Notting Hill

As a romantic comedy, Notting Hill embraces—and occasionally subverts—the genre’s staples. The Taste Buds dissect the meet-cute, the “will they/won’t they” dynamic, and the grand romantic gesture, exploring how Notting Hill both honors and updates these familiar rom-com beats. They also discuss how it compares to other best 1990s romantic comedies and why its formula still works today.

Celebrity Culture and Notting Hill’s Love Story

At its heart, Notting Hill is about ordinary life colliding with the world of celebrity culture. Julia Roberts’ character Anna Scott, a Hollywood superstar, struggles to build a relationship with William, a humble bookshop owner. The Taste Buds unpack how the film uses fame, privacy, and the media spotlight to complicate romance, showing both the allure and the challenges of dating under public scrutiny.

Guest Panelist: John Brooks from 1999: The Podcast

Special guest John Brooks, host of 1999: The Podcast, joins the panel to offer his expertise on late-‘90s pop culture and cinema. John provides insight into why Notting Hill connected so deeply with audiences in 1999, how it stacks up against other rom coms of the decade, and its lasting cultural impact. His contribution adds depth and historical perspective to the conversation.

Bonus Segment: Eyes Wide Shut (1999)

For a completely different take on love and intimacy in 1999, the Taste Buds dive into Stanley Kubrick’s enigmatic final film, Eyes Wide Shut. They explore its surreal look at marriage, secrecy, and desire, and contrast it with the lighthearted optimism of Notting Hill. Together, these two films showcase the remarkable range of cinema in 1999.

FAQ About Notting Hill (1999) Podcast Episode

What is Notting Hill about?

It follows William, a bookshop owner, whose life changes when he falls for Anna Scott, a world-famous actress.

Why is Notting Hill considered a classic rom-com?

Its witty dialogue, memorable characters, and blend of romance and social commentary helped define the romantic comedy genre for a new era.

Who stars in Notting Hill (1999)?

Hugh Grant, Julia Roberts, Rhys Ifans, and a strong ensemble cast.

Conclusion: Why Notting Hill Still Charms

More than two decades later, Notting Hill (1999) remains one of the quintessential romantic comedies. With its ensemble cast, timeless rom-com tropes, and thoughtful take on celebrity culture, the film continues to resonate with audiences around the world. With guest John Brooks and a bonus look at Eyes Wide Shut, this episode of Movie of the Year is a must-listen for rom-com fans and cinephiles alike.

🎧 Listen now to our Notting Hill podcast review, subscribe to Movie of the Year, and email us your thoughts at [email protected].

Movie of the Year: 1999The Limey (feat. Adam Kempenaar from Filmspotting)Why The Limey Still Packs a Punch

In this episode of Movie of the Year, the Taste Buds turn their sights on The Limey (1999), Steven Soderbergh’s sharp revenge thriller about grief, family, and memory. Mixing classic crime tropes with experimental editing, The Limey is both a gripping noir and an impressionistic meditation on loss. With Terence Stamp delivering a career-defining performance, the film remains one of Soderbergh’s most daring works.

1960s vs 1990s in The Limey

At the heart of The Limey lies a conversation between two eras. Terence Stamp’s Wilson—a hardened ex-con from the swinging London of the 1960s—arrives in neon-soaked Los Angeles of the 1990s to uncover the truth about his daughter’s death. The Taste Buds discuss how the film contrasts the ideals, aesthetics, and morality of these decades, using Wilson’s journey as both a cultural clash and a generational reckoning.

Steven Soderbergh’s Directing Style in The Limey

Known for pushing boundaries, Steven Soderbergh infuses The Limey with fractured editing, nonlinear storytelling, and the haunting use of flashbacks. The Taste Buds break down how these stylistic choices elevate a standard revenge plot into a hypnotic piece of cinema. They also explore how The Limey connects to Soderbergh’s other 1999 classic, Out of Sight, and how his experimental style paved the way for his 2000s successes.

Family, Revenge, and The Limey’s Emotional Core

While The Limey is structured like a thriller, its true heartbeat lies in themes of family and redemption. Wilson’s grief over his daughter and his desperate search for answers give the film unexpected emotional weight. The Taste Buds explore how family drives the story forward, turning vengeance into something deeply human and heartbreaking.

Guest Panelist: Adam Kempenaar from Filmspotting

Joining this week’s episode is Adam Kempenaar, host of the long-running podcast Filmspotting. Adam brings decades of cinephile experience and critical insight to the discussion, offering a deeper look at Soderbergh’s influence and the lasting cultural relevance of The Limey. His perspective helps connect the film to both classic noir traditions and contemporary cinema.

Listen to Filmspotting here!

Bonus Segment: 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

The Taste Buds balance The Limey’s brooding intensity with a bonus discussion of 10 Things I Hate About You, the teen comedy that reimagines Shakespeare for the 1990s. They break down the film’s clever script, breakout performances from Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles, and how it epitomizes the teen movie boom of the decade. Together, the two films showcase the remarkable range of 1999 cinema.

FAQ About The Limey Podcast Episode

What is The Limey (1999) about?

The film follows Wilson (Terence Stamp), an ex-con who travels to Los Angeles to investigate his daughter’s mysterious death.

Why is Steven Soderbergh’s style in The Limey unique?

Through nonlinear editing, impressionistic flashbacks, and tonal shifts, Soderbergh transforms a revenge story into an artful meditation on grief and memory.

Why is family important in the film?

Wilson’s pursuit of justice is rooted in his love for his daughter, giving the film a core of emotional authenticity.

Why The Limey Endures

More than two decades later, The Limey (1999) remains one of Steven Soderbergh’s most powerful and stylish works. By contrasting the 1960s and 1990s, experimenting with cinematic form, and grounding the story in themes of family, the film still resonates with audiences today. With Adam Kempenaar’s insights and a bonus 10 Things I Hate About You segment, this episode of Movie of the Year is a must-listen for cinephiles and pop culture fans alike.

🎧 Listen now to the Limey (1999) podcast episode and subscribe to Movie of the Year for more deep dives into 1999 classics. Some ghosts can’t be forgotten, and some films never fade—discover why Soderbergh’s The Limey still matters.

Movie of the Year 1999The 1999 Primetime Movie Draft

The draft is back—and it’s time to finish building the ultimate 1999 TV network! In this second and final installment of the Movie of the Year Podcast’s 1999 TV Draft, the Taste Buds—Mike, Ryan, and Greg—return to battle it out for TV supremacy. With their first-round picks locked in from last week, the stakes are even higher as they fill out their lineups, argue over strategy, and fight for the crown of Prime-Time King.

The Final Rounds: Completing the Lineups

With the children’s show, network sitcom, network drama, non-network scripted show, unscripted show, and wild card categories still in play, every choice matters. The snake draft continues, and this week’s episode sees the Taste Buds strategizing, scheming, and occasionally sabotaging each other to build the most unbeatable channel of 1999.

Deep Dive: The Best TV Shows of 1999

If the first half of the draft was about setting the foundation, this finale is all about going big. The hosts revisit 1999’s best shows with fresh context and clever analysis, highlighting why this year was such a groundbreaking moment in television. From the golden age of network dramas to the wild rise of reality TV, every pick is fueled by nostalgia—and more than a few heated debates.

Who Really Won?

After all the picks are in, the Taste Buds compare their completed lineups and make their cases for victory. Who built the channel that would have crushed the Nielsen ratings in 1999? Which draft choices aged like fine wine, and which ones were pure Y2K panic? Listen in to hear their verdicts—and then cast your own vote by emailing [email protected] with your pick for the winner.

Nostalgia, Laughs, and the End of the Draft

This finale isn’t just about competition; it’s a celebration of the year that changed TV forever. The Taste Buds look back on the cultural impact of these shows, share behind-the-scenes trivia, and crack each other up along the way. It’s a perfect blend of humor, pop culture insight, and pure 1999 nostalgia.

FAQ About the 1999 TV Draft

What is a TV draft?

Just like fantasy sports, but instead of athletes, you’re drafting TV shows to build your dream lineup.

What categories do they draft?

Each Taste Bud must pick:

• A children’s show
• A network sitcom
• A network drama
• A non-network scripted show
• An unscripted show
• A wild card

Who are the hosts?

The Taste Buds—Mike, Ryan, and Greg—are your guides through all things pop culture, blending expertise and comedy in every episode.

How can I join the fun?

Subscribe to the podcast and email your own 1999 lineup—or vote on the winner—at [email protected].

The Grand Finale: A Trip Back to 1999

Whether you’ve been following since Part 1 or are just jumping in now, this second episode delivers the laughs, debates, and nostalgia that make Movie of the Year a must-listen. From the draft drama to the final showdown, this is your ticket back to the golden era of television.

Listen now, subscribe to the Movie of the Year Podcast, and share this epic two-part draft with every pop culture fan you know.

Movie of the Year 1999The 1999 Primetime Movie Draft

What happens when you take the rules of fantasy sports and apply them to television? In this special Movie of the Year Podcast episode, the Taste Buds—Mike, Ryan, and Greg—compete in the 1999 TV Draft to create the most unbeatable prime-time lineup. Using a snake draft format, each Taste Bud must carefully choose shows across categories to form the ultimate channel designed to dominate ratings and win over viewers.

How the 1999 TV Draft Works

Here’s the setup: each participant must draft six shows from 1999. The categories include:

• A children’s show
• A network sitcom
• A network drama
• A non-network scripted show
• An unscripted show
• A wild card

By the end, the Taste Buds will have created three competing networks—and the audience gets to decide who built the strongest lineup.

Best TV Shows of 1999: A Year of Prime-Time Gold

The year 1999 wasn’t just about Fight Club and The Sixth Sense—it was also a landmark year for television. From beloved children’s programming to edgy dramas and reality TV’s first wave, 1999 offered a wide spectrum of shows that shaped culture. This episode dives deep into the best TV shows of 1999, giving each pick context, nostalgia, and plenty of jokes.

Who Won the Draft? Competitive Spirit in Action

The Taste Buds argue passionately for their picks, roasting each other’s choices and defending their own. Which fictional lineup would have pulled the biggest Nielsen ratings? Which network would have ruled the late ‘90s? Tune in to hear who the panel thinks came out on top—and then email in your thoughts to [email protected].

Bonus Laughs and Nostalgia

Like all good Movie of the Year episodes, this draft is more than competition—it’s a love letter to pop culture. The Taste Buds reflect on the impact of these shows, debate their legacies, and remind listeners why 1999 remains one of the most exciting years for TV.

FAQ About the 1999 TV Draft

What is a TV draft?

A TV draft works just like a fantasy sports draft, except instead of players, you’re drafting TV shows to build the best possible lineup.

What are the categories for this draft?

Each Taste Bud must pick a children’s show, a network sitcom, a network drama, a non-network scripted show, an unscripted show, and a wild card.

Who are the hosts of Movie of the Year?

The Taste Buds—Mike, Ryan, and Greg—are longtime podcasters and pop culture experts who debate and laugh their way through movies, TV, and more.

How can listeners participate?

Subscribe, email in your own line-ups, or vote on who you think won by emailing [email protected].

Final Thoughts: The Ultimate 1999 Nostalgia Trip

Whether you grew up watching these shows or you’re discovering them for the first time, the 1999 TV Draft is a hilarious trip back to one of television’s most iconic years. With categories spanning all of prime time and a competitive snake draft format, the Taste Buds bring humor, analysis, and nostalgia to every pick.

🎧 Listen now, subscribe to the Movie of the Year Podcast, and share this episode with fellow TV and pop culture fans.

Movie of the Year: 1999Three Kings (feat. Best Movie Year Ever author Brian Raftery!)

In this episode of Movie of the Year, the Taste Buds dive deep into Three Kings, the 1999 Gulf War satire movie directed by David O. Russell. Set in the aftermath of the Persian Gulf War, the film follows a group of U.S. soldiers—played by George Clooney, Ice Cube, and Mark Wahlberg—as they set out on a gold heist and instead face the moral complexities of war. This Three Kings movie blends action, comedy, and political commentary while paying homage to war films of the past.

War and Morality in the 1999 Three Kings Movie

We explore how Three Kings uses the Gulf War setting to comment on U.S. foreign policy, the chaos of post-war Iraq, and the blurred lines between heroism and self-interest. The film is not just a war movie—it’s a war satire and a war comedy-drama rolled into one, making it a unique entry in late-90s cinema.

David O. Russell’s Bold Directing Style

From unconventional camera techniques to sharp tonal shifts, Three Kings is a prime example of David O. Russell’s fearless filmmaking. We discuss how his approach, both on and off set, shaped the movie’s lasting legacy and why it stands apart from other Gulf War movies.

Three King's Multicultural Cast Redefines the War Genre

With a diverse lineup that includes Clooney, Wahlberg, and Ice Cube, Three Kings challenges typical casting for war movies. We break down how the characters’ backgrounds and performances enhance the story’s authenticity and cultural reach.

Guest Panelist: Brian Raftery

Joining us is Brian Raftery, author of the upcoming book on Hannibal Lecter’s cinematic history. Brian also created the acclaimed Ringer mini-series Mission Accomplished, chronicling the making of Three Kings and the tension between David O. Russell and his cast. His behind-the-scenes insight adds depth you won’t find anywhere else.

Find all of Brian Raftery's everything here, including his book Best. Year. Ever. How 1999 Blew Up The Big Screen. 

Bonus Segment: Magnolia (1999)

As a special treat, the Taste Buds also discuss Paul Thomas Anderson’s sprawling epic Magnolia, another standout from the cinematic powerhouse year of 1999. They examine how both Magnolia and Three Kings reflect the ambitious, risk-taking spirit of late-90s filmmaking.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering it for the first time, our Three Kings podcast episode offers fresh insights into one of the boldest war films of the decade. Listen now to hear how this Gulf War satire still resonates today.

Movie of the Year: 1999The Sixth Sense (feat. Jay Sherer!)Chilling Classics and Narrative Genius in The Sixth Sense

In this spine-tingling episode of Movie of the Year, the Taste Buds turn their third eyes toward M. Night Shyamalan’s unforgettable thriller, The Sixth Sense. Released in 1999, this film didn't just scare audiences—it redefined what moviegoers expected from psychological thrillers and suspenseful ghost stories. The Taste Buds examine what made The Sixth Sense an instant classic and how it continues to haunt and inspire audiences to this day.

The Sixth Sense's Twist Ending: Spoiler Alert (Sort Of)

You know the twist—but how did we get there? The Taste Buds break down the legendary ending of The Sixth Sense, discussing how Shyamalan masterfully planted clues throughout the film. This segment explores how the reveal reshaped the entire narrative, altered how we engage with movies, and elevated twist endings to a pop culture staple. It’s one of the most talked-about twist endings in cinematic history, and for good reason.

Death and Horror in The Sixth Sense: What Scares Us Most

At its core, The Sixth Sense is a meditation on death, grief, and unresolved trauma. The Taste Buds explore how the film uses horror to probe deeper emotional truths, crafting scares not from jump cuts alone, but from the deeply human fear of being unseen and unheard. This is horror with heart—and it hits hard, echoing themes found in other 1999 horror films like The Blair Witch Project.

The Sixth Sense Performances: Toni Collette Deserved an Oscar

Beyond its eerie mood and smart script, The Sixth Sense shines thanks to stunning performances. Haley Joel Osment delivers one of the most iconic child performances in movie history, and Bruce Willis brings a quiet depth to a role that surprises in more ways than one. The Taste Buds also spotlight Toni Collette’s heartbreaking turn as a mother grappling with the unknown. The performances anchor the film’s emotional weight and elevate the ghost story to something transcendent.

Guest Panelist Jay Sherer: Talking Story with The Story Geeks

This week’s episode features special guest Jay Sherer, host of The Story Geeks Podcast. Jay brings his storytelling expertise and love for genre film to help unpack why The Sixth Sense is more than just a horror movie—it's a masterclass in character, pacing, and emotional resonance. Jay also draws fascinating comparisons to other narrative-driven films, such as Unbreakable and Signs.

Bonus Segment: Enter Fight Club

In a special bonus segment, the Taste Buds take on another 1999 mind-bender: Fight Club. What connects Fight Club and The Sixth Sense beyond their jaw-dropping endings? The Taste Buds compare their thematic undercurrents, narrative structures, and cultural impacts, offering fresh perspectives on how these two films reflect the anxieties of the late 1990s. It’s a one-two punch of psychological cinema that still packs a wallop.

FAQ About The Sixth Sense Podcast Episode

Who is Jay Sherer?

Jay Sherer is the host of The Story Geeks Podcast, a show that dives deep into the themes and structure of genre storytelling.

Why is The Sixth Sense still relevant today?

Its emotional core, brilliant performances, and unforgettable twist make it a timeless classic that continues to inspire filmmakers.

Final Thoughts: We See Greatness in The Sixth Sense

Whether you're revisiting The Sixth Sense for the first time in years or analyzing its ghostly layers for the hundredth time, this episode of Movie of the Year delivers sharp analysis, lively discussion, and plenty of surprises. From death and horror to unforgettable performances and twist endings, the Taste Buds see what others might miss.

🎧 Listen now, subscribe to Movie of the Year, and share this haunting episode with fellow movie lovers.

Check out the rest of the 1999 season, which includes movies like 

Run Lola Run!

South Park!

The Iron Giant!

Movie of the Year: 1999All About My Mother vs. The MummyWhen Pedro Met Popcorn

In this special bonus podcast episode of Movie of the Year, the Taste Buds take a detour from draft formats and single-film deep dives to bring you a dynamic double feature: Pedro Almodóvar’s All About My Mother (1999) and Stephen Sommers’ The Mummy (1999). One is an emotionally complex, internationally acclaimed art film. The other is a crowd-pleasing adventure spectacle. And yet—they share more than you might think.

This podcast review examines how both films, in vastly different genres and tones, serve as love letters to the movies that came before them. Whether referencing classic melodrama or 1930s monster movies, All About My Mother and The Mummy demonstrate that the films of 1999 have a cinematic legacy as enduring as their memory.

All About My Mother (1999) Movie Review: The Emotional Epic

Pedro Almodóvar’s All About My Mother is an intricate, compassionate examination of motherhood, identity, and grief. The film is suffused with references to cinema—from All About Eve to A Streetcar Named Desire. The Taste Buds analyze how Almodóvar uses visual language and character archetypes to update and honor classic Hollywood and European melodramas, while giving voice to marginalized characters rarely centered on screen.

The Mummy (1999) Movie Discussion: A Popcorn Adventure with Classic Roots

In contrast, The Mummy updates the 1930s Universal monster movies for a late-’90s audience. With Brendan Fraser as a swashbuckling hero and Rachel Weisz as a brainy librarian-turned-explorer, the film balances horror, comedy, and romance in a pulpy, action-packed romp. The Taste Buds explore how The Mummy evokes the spirit of early adventure films while reinventing its archetypes for a modern audience.

Cinema About Cinema: Film History as Foundation

Despite their differences, All About My Mother and The Mummy are united by their referentiality. Both films use a rich knowledge of film history—not as a crutch, but as a launching point. Almodóvar weaves old film tropes into new emotional truths. Sommers crafts a blockbuster that lovingly revives and retools a genre. The Taste Buds discuss how both directors use nostalgia not as imitation, but as inspiration.

The Taste Buds Dig In: Movie Podcast Panel Reactions

The panelists share their favorite moments from both films, comparing the emotional stakes, visual aesthetics, and thematic resonance. How does The Mummy’s big-budget spectacle stack up against the intimate drama of All About My Mother? Which film aged better? And what do they reveal about what cinema meant in 1999?

Different Genres, Same Passion for Cinema

All About My Mother and The Mummy may live in different cinematic universes, but both show how the movies of 1999 mined the rich soil of film history to grow something bold and fresh. Whether it’s Pedro Almodóvar’s poignant melodrama or Stephen Sommers’ thrilling adventure, both films prove that storytelling evolves through homage and reinvention.

🎧 Listen now to this bonus episode of Movie of the Year—your go-to movie podcast for deep dives into the greatest films of 1999—and celebrate the dual brilliance of All About My Mother and The Mummy.

📲 Subscribe to Movie of the Year for more deep dives into 1999’s most memorable films, including bonus episodes like this one covering All About My Mother and The Mummy.

Movie of the Year: 1999Run Lola Run (feat. Keith Phipps!)Why Run Lola Run Still Speeds Ahead

In this high-octane episode of Movie of the Year, the Taste Buds tackle Tom Tykwer’s groundbreaking film Run Lola Run, one of the most iconic international films of 1999. Through frenetic pacing, looping timelines, and multimedia storytelling, Run Lola Run challenged narrative norms and redefined cinematic structure for a generation.

Joined by guest film critic Keith Phipps, co-host of Your Next Picture Show, the panel examines what makes Run Lola Run a modern classic. They also revisit horror history in a bonus segment about The Blair Witch Project.

Lola: Run Lola Run’s Unstoppable Heroine

Franka Potente’s Lola is a force of nature. With her fire-red hair and relentless sprint through Berlin, she embodies urgency, love, and power. The Taste Buds explore Lola’s role as more than just a protagonist—she’s a symbol of agency, chance, and emotional propulsion. Why does Lola resonate so deeply with audiences 25 years later?

Time, Destiny, and Choice in Run Lola Run

At the core of Run Lola Run is a meditation on fate, free will, and chaos theory. Through its triptych structure—three timelines with radically different outcomes—Run Lola Run asks: what if one second could change everything? The Taste Buds dissect how the film explores the butterfly effect, choice vs. destiny, and the role of memory in shaping the future.

Multimedia Mayhem: The Visual Language of Run Lola Run

This movie was ahead of its time in visual storytelling. Tykwer fuses live-action footage, flash animation, time-lapse photography, and techno music into a pulse-pounding montage. The panel breaks down how the film’s use of multimedia created a hyper-stylized, immersive experience that continues to influence filmmakers today.

Guest Panelist: Keith Phipps from Your Next Picture Show

Film critic and podcast host Keith Phipps joins the Taste Buds to bring his expertise on European cinema, genre-bending narratives, and 1999’s cinematic landscape. As a founding editor of The A.V. Club and co-host of Your Next Picture Show, Keith provides sharp context and deep analysis that elevate the episode’s exploration of Run Lola Run.

Bonus Segment: The Blair Witch Project and Found Footage Innovation

In a special bonus segment, the Taste Buds revisit another 1999 cultural landmark: The Blair Witch Project. They discuss the film’s revolutionary use of found footage, viral marketing, and psychological horror. How did this minimalist thriller terrify a generation and launch a new genre? The Taste Buds dig into the mythology, legacy, and impact of this indie phenomenon.

Related Episodes You’ll Love

• South Park: Bigger, Longer, and Uncut – 1999 Movie Podcast
• The Green Mile - 1999 Movie of the Year
• The Iron Giant – 1999 Movie Podcast

Final Thoughts: Run Lola Run as a Cultural Sprint

This movie isn’t just a 1999 film—it’s a cultural event that captured the anxiety, optimism, and possibility of a new millennium. Through Lola’s sheer willpower and the film’s bold narrative experiments, it challenges us to rethink how stories are told—and how our choices shape the future.