Reviewed Podcast

We're doing our part and are FINALLY bringing you a new episode! It has been over 20 years since Paul Verhoeven's big budget sci-fi action film Starship Troopers hit theaters. Back in 1997, it was both panned by critics and ignored by audiences. But, over the past few decades, public perception around the film has shifted. What was initially viewed as a shallow gore-fest targeted at teenage boys is now considered by many critics to be a strong work of satire intentionally created to mock right-wing militarism. In this new age of modern authoritarianism is Starship Troopers more relevant than ever?

Ready to feel old? High Fidelity—the charming film about life and love seen through the eyes of a music-obsessed record store owner—is 17 years old. So, as is the theme of this podcast: does it hold up? Would it make our personal top five lists today? We revisit Stephen Frears's film (starring John Cusack and Jack Black just to name a few) to find out.

Finally...a new episode! It's a Christmas miracle! Dave, Mike, and Ivan re-visit the 1984 comedy-horror film, Gremlins, directed by Joe Dante and written by Chris Columbus. The puppet effects are memorable, but does the film itself hold up? Or, is it simply another victim of "nostalgia goggles"? Download the episode to find out (just don't eat aything after midnight).

A remake of a 1951 film (with a prequel that came out in 2011), John Carpenter's 1982 version of The Thing is considered by many to be a horror classic, combining practical make-up, horror, and sci-fi elements into a satisfying genre package. But, although history looks upon the film kindly, original reviews found the film "excessive" and over-the-top. So, looking back 35 years since it's initial release, how does the film hold up?

In honor of its 25th anniversary, Dave, Ivan, and Mike re-visit Clint Eastwood's Oscar-winning western, Unforgiven. The film has been much lauded by both critics and audiences (it took home 7 Academy Awards). Does this classic Western still impress a quarter of a century since its initial release?

Writer/director Christopher Nolan is one of the most successful filmmakers currently working today. From The Dark Knight Trilogy to big budget epics like Interstellar and Dunkirk, his films have grossed billions. But, back in the late 90s, he was just a scrappy indie filmmaker trying to make a name for himself. We revisit Nolan's second feature film—Memento, a psychological thriller about a man who is attempting to solve the murder of his wife despite the fact that he suffers from short-term memory loss. The film's "reverse" structure stunned audiences upon its release and had a huge impact on the indie film scene in the aughts. But, 17 years later now that we know the answers to its puzzles, is the film still as engaging? Has the novelty of the gimmick worn off? Or, is it a film that, unlike its protagonist, we'll be destined to remember for a long time?

In the second iteration of "Re-viewed Film School" Ivan brings back filmmaker and cinephile Shahir Daud to talk about David Gordon Green's George Washington, which—with its depiction of a lazy summer hanging out with impoverished kids in the rural south—had a huge impact on me personally at the turn of the millennium. The goal of this "film school" series is simple: revisit classic movies that often comprise a cinematic education and determine if they work beyond a purely intellectual capacity. In that regard, does George Washington still feel as profound 17 years later? What makes a movie pretentious? When does something transcend into art? Once again, Shahir provides a wide breadth of knowledge about the indie film scene and the prototypical "Film School" movie.

If you have movie suggestions for future "film school" episodes, email us at [email protected]

Originally released in 1988, My Neighbor Totoro is often considered to be the seminal film from acclaimed writer/director Hayao Miyazaki and his animation team at Studio Ghibli. It's a film that changed the face of anime and had a profound cultural impact, both in its native Japan and across the world. But, how does it fare when viewed from the lens of three anime-ignorant film enthusiasts? Does the style prove distancing? Or, did we fall for Totoro's simple charms?

In the wake of his recent sci-fi epic (and flop), Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets, we turn to French director Luc Besson's previous big budget sci-fi epic (and flop), The Fifth Element. Yes, when it was first released in 1997, the Fifth Element polarized critics and did meager box office numbers in the US. But, it has since gone on to be revered amongst the sci-fi community, and, with the help of international receipts, eventually became a financial success. But, where do Dave, Ivan, and Mike stand on Besson's goofy, colorful version of the future? Worthy of cult status? Or, a loud, annoying, tonal misfire?

A classic underdog story, The Karate Kid holds a special place in pop culture (SWEEP THE LEG!). But, three sequels and one remake later, do we have Karate Kid fatigue? In remembrance of director John G. Avildsen, we revisit this 1984 martial arts classic to see how it holds up!