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

The news says it's podcasting in New York - We attempt to solve the mystery of who is Keyser Soze as Phil takes 1995's The Usual Suspects off the shelf. Remarkably Dave had never seen this movie nor remembered anything about the twist which makes for a special opportunity. Phil gets to remember the sea-change moment in his life when he first watched this film and was blown away by the clever nature of the screenplay and the performances. Dave knew something was coming but was unsure how it would all play out. Too bad so many monsters were involved in the making of this film. 

You gotta give me one thing, I'm a scary judge of Podcasts. Dave starts 2025 off with taking 2003's The Recruit off the shelf. Dave remembers seeing this movie a number of times over the last 20 years and always enjoyed the performances and the twisting plot. While the payoff may have softened over the years, Dave still finds it isn't cheap and unearned. Phil ignored this movie when it came out and hasn't thought of it since, until now. He really enjoyed the first half of the movie at The Farm and enjoyed the manipulation of the characters. He wasn't surprised by any of the twists along the way but was a willing participant to the end. While it kind of falls apart to different trope in the last act, still an enjoyable watch. 

It's the end of the year and we take a look back at the highs and lows of the last 52 weeks. We debate the merits of some of the movies that came off the shelf this year and create a challenge to get David out to a movie this year. 

What is it you want, Mary? A Podcast? I'll lasso that podcast and bring it down for you. We release Phil's favorite Christmas movie of all time and maybe one of the best movies every released off the shelf once again. The guys are off this week but this movie should be watched every year and we believe this episode should be given the same love.

Welcome to a fun, old fashioned family podcast! Phil takes Christmas Vacation off the shelf and is the hap-hap-happiest guy this side of the nut-house. A family favorite since it came out continues to deliver the laughs and warmth and is another great Chevy Chase performance. Dave did not enjoy any of the above and isn't ashamed to admit it. He can't quite explain why Christmas movies can't get through to him but we continue to try and find out. 

Podcasting isn't believing, believing is podcasting as Dave takes 1994's The Santa Clause off the shelf. He finds little to enjoy in this holiday movie that has somehow managed to get 30 years of content out of it. 3 movies and a Disney+ series. Despite Dave's appreciation of Tim Allen, even he can't melt Dave's cold Christmas heart. However, Phil didn't enjoy much of this movie either as he felt that that North Pole wasn't cute or interesting and the portrayal of stressed out elves didn't do much to settle in to a warm Christmas classic. 

"Podcast! That's a fun word to say! Podcast! podcaaaast! Podcassssst!. Phil takes 2003's Elf off the shelf this week and is able to reconnect to the magic and wonder of Christmas. He feels it may be the last Christmas classic. Dave disagrees and finds none of the charm to be convincing and questions the blending of the real, surreal and unreal. As a result, none of the relationships connect and is happy to move on. 

"All I have are the podcasts I make...come what may" - Dave takes 2011's Adjustment Bureau off the shelf this week and is a little less than impressed with the rewatch. Phil find similarities to many other movies and feels as though it is lesser in almost every way. There is no denying the chemistry the leads have a certainly a great cast but ultimately doesn't get to the heights is could have.

"Trials are too important to be left to podcasts" - Dave takes 2003's Runaway Jury off the shelf this week. He loves getting another dose of Gene Hackman in another great performance. The rest of the cast delivers too although the movie doesn't really sustain it until the end. It's our first Grisham novel adaptation and Phil laments the lack of the glory days of the 90s where they were ubiquitous. The cat and mouse story is compelling even if some of the decisions near the end don't always add up.

"You know what I used to do at breakfast? Podcast. Know what I used to at lunch? Podcast. - Dave takes 2008's Role Models off the shelf. He feels the movie's sense of humour aligns with his and found himself yearning to join LAIRE. Phil found himself strangely moved by all the relationships in the movie. Finally enjoys a performance of Sean William Scott and completely bought in to the story of misfits finding acceptance and friendship. A movie better than it has any right to be.