Movies In A Nutshell

Join Marc, Darren and Paul as they help you decide to watch or rewatch Back to the Future Part II.

Seen It?

What Did You Miss? reveals the details, clues and moments you might have overlooked, giving you a fresh perspective on the film — which will help you decide if it’s worth a rewatch.

Not Seen It?

The Nutshell gives you everything you need to decide if this is your kind of movie. We break down its style, tone, similarities to other films and the basic plot, giving you the full picture without spoilers — which will help you decide if it’s worth a watch.

In this episode

The lads crack open Robert Zemeckis’s Back to the Future Part II (1989), the sci-fi adventure that takes Marty McFly and Doc Brown on another journey through time. With futuristic gadgets, alternate realities and the consequences of changing the past, even the smallest decisions can have enormous repercussions.

But how much of the future did the film get right? We explore its imaginative vision of 2015, the clever ways it builds on the original, and the ideas of greed, ambition and the ripple effects of our choices.

Listen & Get Involved

Listen Now: https://2ly.link/24tPI

Send Us a Voice Message: https://linkly.link/2FuSQ

Email: [email protected]

We love hearing your thoughts, stories and movie recommendations.

The Legend League — Every movie we rate, ranked.

https://linkly.link/2Bfcv

The Listener League — The leaderboard for our Listener Choice movies.

https://linkly.link/2Bi9I

Follow Movies In A Nutshell

Website: https://www.moviesinanutshell.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moviesinanut

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moviesinanut

Follow the Hosts

Marc Farquhar

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcfarquhar

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themarcfarquhar

Darren Horne

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thedarrenhorne

Paul Day

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pauldaylive23

Music & Sound Effects

Main Theme:

TV Show Intro Logo — https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/musical-tv-show-intro-logo-185797/

Music Bed:

“Protofunk” by Kevin MacLeod — https://incompetech.com

Cinema Projector:

Kakaist — https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/technology-cinema-projector-314492/

Swoosh:

Trading_Nation — https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/film-special-effects-transition-fleeting-121419/

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Join Marc, Darren and Paul as they help you decide to watch or rewatch Independence Day.

Seen It?

What Did You Miss? reveals the details, clues and moments you might have overlooked, giving you a fresh perspective on the film — which will help you decide if it’s worth a rewatch.

Not Seen It?

The Nutshell gives you everything you need to decide if this is your kind of movie. We break down its style, tone, similarities to other films and the basic plot, giving you the full picture without spoilers — which will help you decide if it’s worth a watch.

In this episode

The lads crack open Roland Emmerich’s Independence Day (1996), the blockbuster sci-fi adventure that brings an alien invasion to Earth. With enormous spacecraft, spectacular destruction and humanity fighting back, it’s a full-scale battle for the planet.

But beneath the explosions and patriotic spectacle, there’s plenty to unpack about American identity, familiar character stereotypes, and the way blockbuster films tell their stories. This Listener Choice movie was picked by long-time listener Joe Lamb... thanks, Joe!

Listen & Get Involved

Listen Now: https://2ly.link/24tPI

Send Us a Voice Message: https://linkly.link/2FuSQ

Email: [email protected]

We love hearing your thoughts, stories and movie recommendations.

The Legend League — Every movie we rate, ranked.

https://linkly.link/2Bfcv

The Listener League — The leaderboard for our Listener Choice movies.

https://linkly.link/2Bi9I

Follow Movies In A Nutshell

Website: https://www.moviesinanutshell.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moviesinanut

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moviesinanut

Meet the Hosts

Marc Farquhar

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcfarquhar

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themarcfarquhar

Darren Horne

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thedarrenhorne

Paul Day

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pauldaylive23

Music & Sound Effects

Main Theme: TV Show Intro Logo — https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/musical-tv-show-intro-logo-185797/

Music Bed: “Protofunk” by Kevin MacLeod — https://incompetech.com

Cinema Projector: Kakaist — https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/technology-cinema-projector-314492/

Swoosh: Trading_Nation — https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/film-special-effects-transition-fleeting-121419/

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Not Seen It?

The Nutshell gives you everything you need to decide if this is your kind of movie. We break down its style, tone, similarities to other films and the basic plot, giving you the full picture without spoilers — which will help you decide if it’s worth a watch.

Seen It?

What Did You Miss? reveals the details, clues and moments you might have overlooked, giving you a fresh perspective on the film — which will help you decide if it’s worth a rewatch.

In this episode

Join Marc, Darren and Paul as they crack open Steven Spielberg’s Ready Player One (2018), a sci-fi adventure packed with virtual reality, puzzles and a world of pop culture references. In a future where escaping reality is just a headset away, one extraordinary quest offers the promise of changing everything.

But beneath the spectacular visuals and nostalgic nods, there’s more to explore about our relationship with technology, the real world and the corporations competing for our attention.

Listen & Get Involved

Listen Now: https://2ly.link/24tPI

Send Us a Voice Message: https://linkly.link/2FuSQ

Email: [email protected]

We love hearing your thoughts, stories and movie recommendations.

The Legend League — Every movie we rate, ranked.

https://linkly.link/2Bfcv

The Listener League — The leaderboard for our Listener Choice movies.

https://linkly.link/2Bi9I

Follow Movies In A Nutshell

Website: https://www.moviesinanutshell.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moviesinanut

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moviesinanut

Meet the Hosts

Marc Farquhar

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcfarquhar

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themarcfarquhar

Darren Horne

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thedarrenhorne

Paul Day

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pauldaylive23

Music & Sound Effects

Main Theme: TV Show Intro Logo — https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/musical-tv-show-intro-logo-185797/

Music Bed: “Protofunk” by Kevin MacLeod — https://incompetech.com

Cinema Projector: Kakaist — https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/technology-cinema-projector-314492/

Swoosh: Trading_Nation — https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/film-special-effects-transition-fleeting-121419/

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Not Seen It?

The Nutshell gives you everything you need to decide if this is your kind of movie. We break down its style, tone, similarities to other films and the basic plot, giving you the full picture without spoilers.

Which will help you decide if it's worth a watch.

Seen It?

What Did You Miss? reveals the details, clues and moments you might have overlooked, giving you a fresh perspective on the film.

Which will help you decide if it's worth a rewatch.

Join Marc, Darren and Paul as they crack open Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner (1982), the iconic sci-fi noir starring Harrison Ford. Step into a dark, rain-soaked future where humanity and artificial intelligence collide, and a gripping detective story raises questions that remain relevant decades later.

Is Blade Runner a timeless classic, or does its reputation outshine the film itself? Let’s find out.

Listen & Get Involved

Listen Now: https://2ly.link/24tPI

Send Us a Voice Message: https://linkly.link/2FuSQ

Email: [email protected]

We’d love to hear your thoughts on the movies we cover!

What’s in the Episode?

The Nutshell

A spoiler-free breakdown of the film’s premise, style, tone and genre, helping you decide whether it deserves a place on your watchlist.

The Unboxing

We dig deeper into the film, exploring its story, themes, filmmaking and place in cinema history.

What Did You Miss?

We look at the details, clues and moments that might have passed you by the first time around.

Paul’s Facts of the Day

Behind-the-scenes facts and production insights that add another layer to the movie.

Hate It or Rate It?

Marc, Darren and Paul give their verdicts and score the film out of 10. The results go into the Legend League leaderboard.

League Tables

The Legend League — Every movie we rate, ranked.

https://linkly.link/2Bfcv

The Listener League — The leaderboard for our Listener Choice movies.

https://linkly.link/2Bi9I

Follow Movies In A Nutshell

Website: https://www.moviesinanutshell.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moviesinanut

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moviesinanut

The Hosts

Marc Farquhar

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcfarquhar

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themarcfarquhar

Darren Horne

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thedarrenhorne

Paul Day

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pauldaylive23

Music & Sound Effects

Main Theme: TV Show Intro Logo — https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/musical-tv-show-intro-logo-185797/

Music Bed: “Protofunk” by Kevin MacLeod — https://incompetech.com

Cinema Projector: Kakaist — https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/technology-cinema-projector-314492/

Swoosh: Trading_Nation — https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/film-special-effects-transition-fleeting-121419/

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

This week, Marc finally takes on a movie from one of Hollywood’s biggest action franchises Mission: Impossible (1996), directed by Brian De Palma and starring Tom Cruise.

Not seen it?

Our spoiler-free Nutshell gives you everything you need to decide whether this 90s spy thriller is your kind of movie.

Seen it?

Then join us as we dig deeper into the movie, uncover things you may have missed and see whether it stands up nearly 30 years later.

The Nutshell

A spoiler-free breakdown of the movie’s story, tone, style and influences, with comparisons to other films to help you decide if Mission: Impossible is worth your time.

The Unboxing

Everything you need to decide if this is your kind of movie — from its style, themes and plot to its espionage, mystery, tension and place in the action-thriller genre.

What Did You Miss?

We take a closer look at the details, filmmaking techniques and clues that might have passed you by — and ask whether they give you a reason to watch it again.

Facts of the Day

Discover fascinating trivia, behind-the-scenes stories and production insights from the making of Mission: Impossible.

Hate It or Rate It?

The hosts give their brief opinions, score the movie out of 10 and see where it lands in the Legend League.

https://2ly.link/24tPI

Every movie featured/rated:

https://linkly.link/2Bfcv

Movies chosen by listeners:

https://linkly.link/2Bi9I

Join the Conversation

Voice Message:

https://linkly.link/2FuSQ

Email: [email protected]

Website:

https://www.moviesinanutshell.com

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/moviesinanut

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/moviesinanut

Your Hosts

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/marcfarquhar

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/themarcfarquhar

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/thedarrenhorne

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/pauldaylive23

Music & Sound Effects

TV Show Intro Logo

https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/musical-tv-show-intro-logo-185797/

Protofunk

Attribution Code

"Protofunk" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Kakaist

https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/technology-cinema-projector-314492/

Trading_Nation

https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/film-special-effects-transition-fleeting-121419/

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

It's time for another Movies In A Nutshell Top 10 Quiz!

This time, we're heading to the Academy Awards to find out just how much Darren and Paul really know about Oscar history.

THE CHALLENGE

The boys go head-to-head trying to name 10 of the top 25 actors and actresses with the most acting Oscar nominations of all time.

Every correct answer scores a point, with the first player to reach 10 points taking the win.

And yes, you can play along too!

Grab a pen, make your own list and see if you can beat Darren and Paul.

THE QUIZ

Expect plenty of wrong answers, surprising omissions, Oscar trivia and the usual amount of arguing, confusion and questionable confidence from the boys.

How many can you get before they do?

PLAY ALONG

Keep track of your own score while you listen, then let us know how you got on!

And if you've got an idea for a future Top 10 Quiz, send it our way.

Listen Now

https://2ly.link/24tPI

Join the Conversation

Voice Message:

https://linkly.link/2FuSQ

Email: [email protected]

Socials

Website:

https://www.moviesinanutshell.com

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/moviesinanut

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/moviesinanut

Your Hosts

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/marcfarquhar

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/themarcfarquhar

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/thedarrenhorne

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/pauldaylive23

Music & Sound Effects

TV Show Intro Logo

https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/musical-tv-show-intro-logo-185797/

Protofunk

Attribution Code

"Protofunk" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Kakaist

https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/technology-cinema-projector-314492/

Trading_Nation

https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/film-special-effects-transition-fleeting-121419/

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

This week, We held our latest Cinema Social and as always we met some of our listeners for food, drinks and lots of movie chat before heading to our local independent cinema The Alhambra to watch a movie.

This time we crack open The Dog Stars, a post-apocalyptic survival story set in a world where a deadly flu has wiped out much of the population.

Not seen it?

Our spoiler-free Nutshell gives you everything you need to decide whether Dog Stars is your kind of movie — and whether it’s worth your time.

Seen it?

Then it’s time to go deeper and find out what you might have missed, what the movie has to say and whether it deserves another watch.

A quick, spoiler-free breakdown covering the movie’s premise, tone, style and the films it can be compared to — helping you decide if Dog Stars is worth your time.

The Unboxing

Everything you need to decide if this is your kind of movie and whether it’s worth your time. From its tone and style to its themes, basic plot and comparisons to other films.

What Did You Miss?

We reveal the details, moments and clues you might have missed, helping you decide whether there’s enough hiding beneath the surface to make it worth a re-watch.

Facts of the Day

Discover fascinating facts, trivia, behind-the-scenes stories and production insights that give you a whole new appreciation of the movie.

Hate It or Rate It?

The lads give their brief opinions, score the movie out of 10 and see where it lands in the Legend League.

https://2ly.link/24tPI

The Legend League

Every movie featured/rated:

https://linkly.link/2Bfcv

The Listener League

Movies chosen by listeners:

https://linkly.link/2Bi9I

Join the Conversation

Voice Message:

https://linkly.link/2FuSQ

Email: [email protected]

Website:

https://www.moviesinanutshell.com

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/moviesinanut

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/moviesinanut

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/marcfarquhar

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/themarcfarquhar

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/thedarrenhorne

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/pauldaylive23

TV Show Intro Logo

https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/musical-tv-show-intro-logo-185797/

Protofunk

Attribution Code

"Protofunk" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Kakaist

https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/technology-cinema-projector-314492/

Trading_Nation

https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/film-special-effects-transition-fleeting-121419/

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Not seen it?

We'll help you decide if this supernatural sports drama is your kind of movie — completely spoiler free.

Seen it?

We reveal things you may have missed, the details you didn't notice and uncover the hidden layers behind the film.

A spoiler-free breakdown designed to help you decide if this unusual blend of family drama, fantasy, sport and nostalgia is your kind of film and worth your time.

We explore the film's tone, style and unique mix of dreams, family, baseball and the supernatural.

By the end of Part 1, you will have made a decision!

We dig deeper into the film and explore some of the details and ideas you may not have noticed.

Paul brings us some fascinating behind-the-scenes facts and stories from the making of the film.

The guys give their opinion on the movie and score it out of 10.

Find out where Field of Dreams takes its place among every movie we've featured and rated on the podcast.

Another chance to hear from our listeners and get involved in the conversation.

Another question for you to answer and get involved with.

A look ahead to what's coming up on the podcast next week.

https://2ly.link/24tPI

Every movie featured/rated:

https://linkly.link/2Bfcv

Movies chosen by listeners:

https://linkly.link/2Bi9I

Voice Message:

https://linkly.link/2FuSQ

Email: [email protected]

Website:

https://www.moviesinanutshell.com

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/moviesinanut

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/moviesinanut

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/marcfarquhar

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/themarcfarquhar

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/thedarrenhorne

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/pauldaylive23

TV Show Intro Logo

https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/musical-tv-show-intro-logo-185797/

Protofunk

Attribution Code

"Protofunk" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Kakaist

https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/technology-cinema-projector-314492/

Trading_Nation

https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/film-special-effects-transition-fleeting-121419/

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Not seen it?

We'll help you decide if this 90s supernatural romantic fantasy is your kind of movie — completely spoiler free.

Seen it?

We reveal things you may have missed, the details you didn't notice and uncover the hidden layers behind the film.

This week, Marc, Darren and Paul crack open Practical Magic (1998), the supernatural fantasy starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman as sisters from a long line of witches.

A spoiler-free breakdown designed to help you decide if this supernatural fantasy is your kind of film and worth your time.

We explore a story centred around two sisters, a family legacy and a world where magic is very much part of everyday life.

We'll help you quickly understand the tone, style and experience of the film, from its distinctive 90s aesthetic and autumnal atmosphere to its blend of romance, comedy, fantasy and darker supernatural elements.

By the end of Part 1, you will have made a decision!

The things you missed, the details you didn't notice and the hidden layers behind the film.

The lads explore the film's distinctive aesthetic, the relationship between its central sisters, its themes of family, acceptance and belonging, and why Practical Magic has developed such a strong cult following.

We also look at the film's unusual mixture of genres and the way its visual style, characters and atmosphere have helped give it such a lasting 90s identity.

Paul dives into the fascinating world behind Practical Magic with a collection of facts, trivia and stories about the making of the film.

From the creation of the iconic Owens house and the unusual story behind its production design to the casting changes, the original music being replaced and what really happened during the famous margarita scene, there's plenty to discover.

The guys give their opinion on the movie and score it out of 10.

Find out where Practical Magic takes its place among every movie we've featured and rated on the podcast.

Your chance to get involved and join the conversation.

Moviecast Web Browser Game:

https://moviecast.app/

Got a great movie question?

Send it in and you might hear it featured on the show!

The big reveal of next week's movie!

It's Field of Dreams (1989), chosen by Carlson Stanton and available on Netflix.

https://2ly.link/24tPI

Every movie we've featured and rated on the podcast.

https://linkly.link/2Bfcv

See how we rated the movies chosen by our listeners.

https://linkly.link/2Bi9I

Voice Message:

https://linkly.link/2FuSQ

Email: [email protected]

Website:

https://www.moviesinanutshell.com

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/moviesinanut

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/moviesinanut

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/marcfarquhar

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/themarcfarquhar

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/thedarrenhorne

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/pauldaylive23

TV Show Intro Logo

https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/musical-tv-show-intro-logo-185797/

Protofunk

Attribution Code

"Protofunk" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Kakaist

https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/technology-cinema-projector-314492/

Trading_Nation

https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/film-special-effects-transition-fleeting-121419/

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Not seen it?

We'll help you decide if this Japanese animated cyberpunk action film is your kind of movie — completely spoiler free.

Seen it?

We reveal things you may have missed, the details you didn't notice and uncover the hidden layers behind the film.

This week, Marc, Darren and Paul crack open Akira (1988), the hugely influential anime classic written and directed by Katsuhiro Otomo and set in a dystopian Neo-Tokyo.

A spoiler-free breakdown designed to help you decide if this animated sci-fi adventure is your kind of film and worth your time.

We explore a story of teenage bikers, government experiments, extraordinary powers and a city still rebuilding after catastrophe.

We'll help you quickly understand the tone, style and experience of the film, from its stunning hand-drawn animation and brutal action to its complex sci-fi ideas and dystopian world.

By the end of Part 1, you will have made a decision!

The things you missed, the details you didn't notice and the hidden layers behind the film.

The lads attempt to make sense of Akira's complex story while exploring its themes of power, corruption, militarisation, government control, friendship and the nature of humanity itself.

We also look at the relationships between the young characters, the different factions battling for control and the bigger ideas hiding beneath one of the most visually spectacular animated films ever made.

Paul dives into the fascinating world behind Akira with a collection of facts, trivia and stories about the making and legacy of this landmark anime.

From the incredible amount of work that went into creating its distinctive visual style to the film's groundbreaking production techniques and enormous influence on animation and science fiction, there's plenty to discover.

The guys give their opinion on the movie and score it out of 10.

Find out where Akira takes its place among every movie we've featured and rated on the podcast.

Your chance to get involved and join the conversation.

Got a great movie question?

Send it in and you might hear it featured on the show!

The big reveal of next week's movie!

https://2ly.link/24tPI

Every movie we've featured and rated on the podcast.

https://linkly.link/2Bfcv

See how we rated the movies chosen by our listeners.

https://linkly.link/2Bi9I

Voice Message:

https://linkly.link/2FuSQ

Email: [email protected]

Website:

https://www.moviesinanutshell.com

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/moviesinanut

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/moviesinanut

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/marcfarquhar

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/themarcfarquhar

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/thedarrenhorne

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/pauldaylive23

TV Show Intro Logo

https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/musical-tv-show-intro-logo-185797/

Protofunk

Attribution Code

"Protofunk" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Kakaist

https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/technology-cinema-projector-314492/

Trading_Nation

https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/film-special-effects-transition-fleeting-121419/

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/