Review It Yourself

Thomas Lynskey, actor, writer, and director of The Last Signals joins Sean to discuss the story behind the making of his independent film.

The film explores the actions Titanic’s wireless operators, Senior Operator John ‘Jack’ Phillips and Junior Operator Harold Bride, throughout Titanic's voyage.

The story of the making of the film is as amazing as the film itself, as Tom describes how his family and friends worked to bring the film to life!

My Guest:

The Last Signals is available on Tom's YouTube Channel 'Part Time Explorer': https://www.youtube.com/@PartTimeExplorer

Discussion Points:

-The incredible collaborative effort it took to build the sets, assemble the cast, and scout the locations over two years!

-The inspiration behind the film, the 'geeks' of 1912, the wireless operators, and why Tom didn't originally plan to star in the film. 

-The length Tom and the cast went to, to achieve historical accuracy.

Raised Questions:

-Do limited resources create the need for creative film-making?

-Where did the inspiration for the film come from?

-How did the cast end up filming from 2am-4am in a Titanic museum?

-Will the footage of Tom's Dad as Senator Smith ever be released?

-Was there a culture of defending fellow White Star crewmen who died during the disaster?

-What can you do to make your parent's pool look like the North Atlantic on screen?

Massive Thanks to Marv from 'Pods Like Us' and Ryan Walker from 'The Walk The Line Podcast' for their advice about interview podcast episodes. Go check out their awesome podcasts!

Time Stamps:

0:05-Welcome to Review It Yourself

4:01-The Last Signals Overview

9:13-Filming Challenges and Set Design

15:10-The Story Behind the Characters

23:10-Accents and Performances

31:57-Exploring Historical Accuracy

40:54-The Impact of the Collision

47:14-The Fate of the Wireless Operators

51:30-Current Projects and Future Endeavours

57:57-Closing Thoughts and Reflections

Thanks for Listening!

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X: @YourselfReview

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReviewItYourself⁠

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Sarah continues her first-time viewing of the Final Destination series, with Final Destination 2 (2003).

Discussion Points:

-The tonal shift from the first film to it's sequel.

-The truck with the log that haunts a generation.

-Changing the formula of death's design.

-Sarah discusses her love of kitchen-based deaths in films. 

-TANGENT: Sean and Sarah discuss Chinese food.

-Sarah is not happy with how Kimberley treats Clear Rivers!

-The actor who plays Officer Burke is 5 years older than the actress who plays Kimberley.

-"Right. NO. I'm going to stop you there!"-Sarah vehemently disagrees with Sean about Eugene's reaction.

Raised Questions:

-Does the tonal shift guarantee the film series longevity?

-What did Sarah think of the film?

Where's the memorial service?

-How old is Tim supposed to be?

-Do you find the character dynamics refreshing?

-Did you notice the sigh is missing?

Coming Soon:

-Final Destination 3 (2006).

-The Final Destination (2009).

-Final Destination 5 (2011).

Thanks for Listening!

Find us here: 

X: @YourselfReview

Instagram: reviewityourselfpodcast2021

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReviewItYourself⁠

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sarah had never seen a single Final Destination film. Sean cleared the schedule to get these reviews done.

Sarah will get her own back soon with 'Sarah decides'. 

Will Sarah remain unimpressed by Sean's choice of film?

Discussion Points:

-Sean nearly gets killed by a bookcase.

-Sarah was surprised by how good this film was.

-The origin of the film's premise.

-Sean tries not to spoil any of the upcoming sequels for Sarah.

-How well-written the characters are in this film.

-Sean apologises for his use of the word 're-writed'. 

-The brilliant practical effects. 

-Sarah enjoyed the lingering deaths, as opposed to the 'blink and miss it' deaths seen in Alien Romulus. 

-The depiction of survivors guilt.

-Sarah talks about looking into a bus driver's eyes.

Raised Questions:

-Where's the Woo-Woo Sarah?

-Should you set off Party Poppers during a podcast episode?

-Do you enjoy teen-focused horror films?

-Does this film feel like an extended, early season episode of Buffy for you?

-Does death have a design for us all?

-How did this avoid being another sh*tty teen-angst horror film?

-Did the Final Destination series ever drop the ball? 

*-James Wan did the Saw films, not James Wong. 

Coming Soon:

-Final Destination 2 (2003).

-Final Destination 3 (2006).

-The Final Destination (2009).

-Final Destination 5 (2011).

Thanks for Listening!

Find us here: 

X: @YourselfReview

Instagram: reviewityourselfpodcast2021

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReviewItYourself⁠

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a grim one, but it's a film you need to see!

A British kitchen sink drama set in Sheffield in 1983, which follows a young couple expecting their first child before a nuclear war interrupts their plans. 

Sean and Sarah review one of the most-unflinching and best British TV films of all time.

Will they remain unimpressed by their choice of film?

Warning: This podcast episodes contains descriptions of some of the shocking events in the film. 

Discussion Points:

-Sarah and Sean forgot how bleak this film is.

-How timely this film feels in 2024, even though it was made in 1984.

-The impact of this film when it was first released.

-How unnerving this film is. 

-Sean wonders whether they should have chosen this film.

-The British Soap Creme-de-le-creme of actors. 

-Just how much the British underestimated the impact of a nuclear bomb.

-Sarah debuts her Northern impression.

-Sarah discusses the power of background events bubbling over so "abruptly and quickly", describing it as "masterful" and "amazing".

-Sarah describes the power of the small character moments, which make the film so special.

-The effects on the post-war generation and the complete lack of social cohesion is highlighted by Sarah. 

-Sean wonders if humans would become functionally extinct; when a species reaches such a low level of members that it will inevitably become extinct, as it is unable to replenish it's numbers.

Raised Questions:

-Will this film change the trajectory of your day?

-How bad is Sean's Sheffield accent?

-Is there anything better than an upper class English voice heralding your doom? 

-Does watching this film make you extra British?

-Why did they show Threads (1984) to school children?

-Does this film make you want to stop making jokes?

-Was this film the death knell for many high street shops?

-Did they need to make it seem survivable?

-It's not good when they quietly store away the paintings is it?

-Is this the best thing that the BBC has ever made?

Thanks for Listening!

Get in touch:

We would love to hear your thoughts on Threads (1984). Let us know what you thought of the film and our podcast review!

Find us here: 

Twitter: @YourselfReview

Instagram: reviewityourselfpodcast2021

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReviewItYourself⁠

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Randy and Steve return to continue the Rush Hour reviews with Rush Hour 2 (2001).

Watch your egg rolls, we're going in!

Discussion Points:

-Sean's notes are abysmal again.

-The lack of seriousness in this film.

-Chris Tucker's dancing.

-The reason Jackie Chan doesn't like the way he speaks in English in this film.

-A brief history of '7 11' shops (Not Sponsored).

-Behind the biggest mouth in the West is a damn good cop with Tucker. 

-Steve thinks this film is better than the original film.

Raised Questions:

-Does this film start straight after Rush Hour?

-The most obvious bomb-planting scene ever?

-What is the British version of a '7 11'?

-Where did they park the SS Minnow Johnson?

-How has Randy never seen The Terminator (1984)?

The impressions of Chris Tucker, Jackie Chan, Owen Wilson, Christopher Walken and President Donald Trump (You weren't expecting him were you!) are purely imitations of the performances in the film, or in real life, and not said with any malicious intent and no offence is meant. 

The impressions of President Donald Trump are not any remark about American Politics, this is a English podcast, we're not interested. 

Thanks for Listening! 

Review It Yourself is now on YouTube!

Find us here:

Twitter: @YourselfReview

Instagram: reviewityourselfpodcast2021

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReviewItYourself⁠

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Luke from 'The Nerdstalgic Podcast' returns to join Sean and discuss the Disney-Pixar short film, Float (2019).

Float is a short six-minute film which highlights the importance of difference and acceptance, by following a Father coming to terms with his young son, who 'floats'.

Chapters:

0:00-Welcome and Introduction of this Week's Guest.

25:51-The Power of Acceptance.

45:07-The Impact of Representation.

50:20-Closing Thoughts and Recommendations.

Thanks for Listening!

Find us here: 

X: @YourselfReview

Instagram: reviewityourselfpodcast2021

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReviewItYourself⁠

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Jackson from 'History with Jackson' joins Sean to discuss one of his favourite films: 

Jojo Rabbit (2019).

Jackson and Sean use the film as a framework to delve into the world of Nazi Germany, totalitarian regimes and how this film stays funny and effective, whilst dealing with such a grim subject matter. 

Guest: https://historywithjackson.co.uk/

Discussion Points:

-The unique and weird tone of the film.

-Jackson and Sean discuss some of the criticism aimed at the film.

-The power of humour.

-Sean compares the films opening to Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997).

-Sean and Jackson dive into totalitarian regimes, indoctrination and the cult of personalities.

-Taika Watiti's portrayal of Adolf Hitler. 

-The lasting memory of Occupation.

-The role of women in Nazi Germany.

-The strong performances and dialogue of Jojo Rabbit.

-The power of 'doing what we can' and the power of love.

Raised Questions:

-Do overwhelming positive reviews put you off seeing a film?

-How do you tackle such a depressing and serious subject?

-Is this film a good place to introduce this subject to new generations?

-Does a good cast guarantee a good film?

-Which line did Sean really not like?

-Why didn't Nazi Germany collapse sooner?

-Did you expect an Augustus Gloop impression in this review?

-How is this film THIS funny, given the subject matter?

-Has the term 'Nazi' been diluted and devalued?

Thanks for Listening!

Find us here: 

X: @YourselfReview

Instagram: reviewityourselfpodcast2021

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReviewItYourself⁠

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Sarah is feeling under the weather, Sean is joined by Peter Rose to review Bram Stoker's Legend of the Mummy 2 (2000). 

The film was originally released as 'Ancient Evil: Scream of the Mummy' in America and Mexico, and has no links to 'Bram Stoker's Legend of the Mummy' (1998).

Welcome to Review It Yourself: The Podcast with the Sigh. Film reviews for the eternally unimpressed.

Will Sean and Peter be impressed or unimpressed?

Discussion Points:

-Sometimes you've just got to be brutally honest.

-Peter and Sean do their best to find the positives. 

-The DVD blurb reading returns, and the DVD chapters are discovered. 

-The sheer lack of preservation protocol in this film.

-Peter brings interesting facts about Aztecs.

Raised Questions:

-How did Sean watch this multiple times on Sky Movies?

-Is this a "So-bad-it's-good" film?

-How can an 85 minute film feel so slow?

-When did 'Animated Menu' stop being classed as a DVD Special Feature?

-Is this film a "Pound Shop Version of Halloween H20"?

-Why would you kick a door open when you're trying to put something back secretly?

-After 100 Mummy film reviews, what is the worst film Peter has watched? 

Recommendations:

-Rough Air: Danger on Flight 534 (2001). Sean has already reviewed this film if you want to check it out.

Thanks for Listening! 

Review It Yourself is now on YouTube!

Find us here:

Twitter: @YourselfReview

Instagram: reviewityourselfpodcast2021

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReviewItYourself⁠

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Which film trailer/previews make you want to spend your hard earned cash at the cinema?

Let Sean and Sarah help with that, by reviewing trailers for upcoming films and a few old favourites.

Welcome to Preview it Yourself.

This time around, Sean decides to show Sarah the trailer for Gladiator II (2024). He apologises first.

Discussion Points:

-Lower your expectations. 

-The long muted Gladiator sequel ideas. 

-The justification for making the film. 

-The horrendous soundtrack for the trailer and why Hans Zimmer hasn't returned to score this film.

-Whether the cast can elevate this film like Russell Crowe did with the original.

-Sean and Sarah also review the Gladiator (2000) trailer.

-A mini-review of The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (2008).

-Sarah and Sean try to remain positive.

-The downgrade from tiger to rhinoceros.

-Sean and Sarah agree to eat humble pie if the film is good. 

Raised Questions:

-Is it mean to make someone watch this trailer?

-Have we gone backwards in making films?

-Who the hell signed off on the music?

-Why does the trailer make the film seem like a pantomime?

-Why would you even dare to make a sequel to such a behemoth of cinema?

-Would you watch "Aqueduct Shark"?

-Did the Romans ever have two Emperors at once?

-Is the cast of Gladiator II too big?

-Why does Sarah refuse to go camping?

Quotes of the episode:

-"What the f**k is this film meant to be?".

-"If this film is better than Gladiator (2000) then I will shut the podcast down".

-"This is so 2024 it hurts...what are you doing!?".

-"I'm making a lot of assumptions on [an awful] trailer".

-"I don't think people know how to make trailers anymore".

Shout-out to Dan from Casting Views for his feedback on this Preview It Yourself side-series. 

Thanks for Listening! 

Review It Yourself is now on YouTube!

Find us here:

Twitter: @YourselfReview

Instagram: reviewityourselfpodcast2021

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReviewItYourself⁠

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sean, Sarah and Paul from 'History Rage' reach the final, pitiful end of the Jaws franchise. 

Discussion Points:

-Sean didn't feel this was that bad.

-The DVD read-through returns. 

-Paul finds the DVD cover description hilarious.

-The serious lack of deaths in this film.

-Sarah sends her thoughts in for Paul and Sean to discuss.

-Sean was really with the film... for 12 minutes.

-Sean compares the sharks in Jaws and Jaws: The Revenge to pigeons.

-Paul and Sean can't abide the Michael Brody character.

-Sean doesn't like being pestered.

Raised Questions:

-Did Sean watch a different film?

-Has Sarah binned off the podcast for work or because it's Jaws: The Revenge?

-Where are the deaths?

-Can Ellen Brody actually cry?

-How many flashback does a 90-minute film need?

-How much do they love Christmas in Amity?

-Why does the coffin look so fake?

-Is the shark nose-heavy?

-Is your Dad a binfluencer?

-Why "Tourist on the Loose"?

Thanks for Listening! 

Review It Yourself is now on YouTube!

Find us here:

Twitter: @YourselfReview

Instagram: reviewityourselfpodcast2021

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReviewItYourself⁠

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.