Off The Shelf With Phil and Dave- A Movie Review Podcast

"Hey, guys. Whoa, Podcasts, huh? All right! Well, see you later" - The boys are back to lighten the mood a bit after last week as Dave takes 1994's Dumb and Dumber off the shelf this week. Phil admits to not having watched it in many years but can still remember so much of the movie. He shares that he probably quotes this movie once a week. Dave recalls his love of Jim Carrey and how it related to hie "peak Dave" period of the mid-90's. They both agree that the plot of the film is inconsequential and the performances of Daniels and Carrey are the key to his hilarious film. It is surprising that one of the directors has an Oscar considering how few of their movies are any good after this one.  

"That's the way it crumbles... podcast-wise" - The boys like their black and white with a dash of Lemmon as Phil takes 1960's The Apartment off the shelf this week. Dave had never seen it before but enjoyed seeing another Jack Lemmon performance though he thinks the first half to be stronger than the second. Phil loved watching another Billy Wilder film and enjoys the great writing and a stand out performance by Shirley Maclaine. While both agree the film isn't as funny as it may have been marketed as, they find the willingness to tackle some edgy material to be a surprise and ultimately make it a compelling watch.

"Pray for the best, prepare for the podcast" - Dave decides to watch a "feel good" movie as he takes 2013's Prisoners off the shelf this week. Phil vaguely remembered seeing it when it first came out but was quickly taken by the film, the performances and the direction. He proclaims that Villeneuve is one of his guys and Dave can't help but agree that Roger Deakins is incredible. Dace also (fill in blank) - There aren't really any likable characters here but we liked it anyway.  

"You're going to destroy Podcasts, where Podcasts began" - As the world deals with some questionable decisions, Phil's takes 1999's Deterrence off the shelf this week. Dave appreciates and admires what it can pull from the this tiny diner but doesn't necessarily like what's on the menu. Phil remembers being enthralled by this movie upon first viewing. He recounts how he began the film lying down, then sat up and leaned forward as the story unfolded. Both find the director makes the single setting to be interesting if not dynamic. The final message of the film is a little lost in the 26 years since it was made. 

"I'm just here for the podcast" - Dave is heading to the outback again as he takes 1981's Mad Max 2: Road Warrior off the shelf this week. Phil was left so unimpressed with Mad Max last month that he was hesitant to go back in the world. Luckily for him it is far more in line with Fury Road than Mad Max. He finds that it more closely resembles the tone and style of the later film but still wonders how good at his job Max really is. Dave is happy to revisit the franchise and finally watch what has been on his shelf for a long time. He does questions if it is necessary to watch the first movie to get all that this movie has to say, enjoys the structure and leaves curious about what lies ahead. 

This week, Phil brings Glory Daze (1995), a story about college friends facing graduation, uncertain futures, and whether to move on or stay stuck.

We dive into relationships, drinking culture and the inability to ignore advice from everyone except our future selves.

"How is it that the ultimate prize in the most macho podcast ever invented is a piece of jewelry?" - Dave addressed one of hit obsessions as he takes 2016's Draft Day off the shelf this week. Phil acknowledges that he has barely heard of this as it came out during a period of time when he wasn't watching as many new movies. However, Phil finds a few things to enjoy in this football film. Dave enjoys the relationships and finds the setting in and around a draft to be exactly what he needs right now. Overall, the two have a pleasant conversation until it blows up at one particularly ridiculous scene. 

"First prize at the World Series of Podcasts is a million bucks. Does it have my name on it? I don't know. But, I'm gonna find out" - Phil is down to the felt as he takes 1998's Rounders Off the Shelf this week. Dave is a little less than excited to hear John Malkovich's performance as KGB and questions how Phil can tolerate his accent considering his opinion of Damon's last week. Meanwhile, Phil and Dave fight over Jo's reactions and Phil explains how this movie continues to be both watchable and ridiculous in equal measure. He struggles to determine if it stays on the shelf.  

"Only you would carry a stupid magnet through the desert. I can use it to make a podcast" - We talk dangers and legends as Dave takes 2016's "The Great Wall" off the shelf this week. Phil has never seen it and ultimately wonders why it was ever made. He wonders why so many talented actors choose to use an accent they clearly can't do. Dave marvels at the action and finds the banter between the two leads to be humorous enough to keep the mood light but is so enamoured of Commander Lin, Phil can't trust anything he says. There is a great wall between the two opinions on this one.  

"If you don't play the podcast, you're a sap." - It's spring training and Phil takes 1988's Eight Men Out off the shelf this week. Dave remembers seeing this movie one other time but is stunned by the amount of 2nd tier actors in the cast. He marvels at an opportunity to talk about John Mahoney and is impressed that John Sayles, writes,  directs, acts and sings in the film. Phil remembers loving this from the first time he watched it and thinks it may be the best cast of any movie we've done. He is particularly impressed by David Strathairn, as usual. Later, we test the theory that a movie "based" on a true story with embellishments makes the movie less appealing.