Reviewed Podcast

It's been 20 years since Clueless—writer/director Amy Heckerling's 90's--pop take on Jane Austen's Emma--hit theaters, but we still feel its effects on pop culture today. Rarely do films enter the zeitgeist so quickly—from catch-phrases to music to fashion accessories (knee socks!). But, despite its cultural impact, is it actually a good movie? Does it still "work" now or is its effectiveness linked to the time when it was released—-a remnant of 90s fads? As if! Dave, Mike, and Ivan dive back into Heckerling's opulent Beverly Hills high school world to find out.

Note: the audio for this episode was distorted with an accidental reverb filter. We are very sorry and promise never to do this ever again.

Before James Cameron went on to make some of the highest grossing movies of all time, he was just a scrappy, young action director with big dreams. 1984's The Terminator changed all that, proving to be a breakout hit for both Cameron and body-builder turned actor, Arnold Schwarzenegger. But, does this low budget success from 1984—a film that has since spawned multiple sequels, toys, and even an amusement park ride—still hold up when watching in 2015? As Schwarzenegger's cyborg antagonist declares: "He'll be back." But, as viewers, is it worth the return trip? This episode features special guest host and Terminator expert, filmmaker Shahir Daud.

Winner of 5 academy awards and a box office smash when it was released in 2000, Ridley Scott's Gladiator is often attributed with rekindling the movie-going public's interest in historical epics. But, now, 15 years later, as superheroes--not sandaled warriors--dominate the cineplex, does this film still feel as impressive? Mike, Dave, and Ivan re-visit this historically inspired blockbuster and ask themselves the following question: "Are we not entertained?"

As the summer heats up, we drift into a dreamy, sun-induced haze with David Lynch’s surreal neo-noir, Blue Velvet. A divisive movie when it was first released in 1986, Blue Velvet is often considered Lynch’s masterpiece. But, as the film nears its 30 year anniversary, does it still feel as intoxicating? Is it an enigmatic, substantive film? Or, is it just really, really weird? With the help of special guest and Lynch fanatic, Eric Diaz, we try to peer inside the seedy underbelly of Blue Velvet’s alluring mystery. Open up your earholes...Daddy has some gas to huff!

To chronicle director/writer George Miller's vibrant return to the big screen with Max Max: Fury Road, with special guest Chris Klimek in tow, we decided we would take a look at some of his more family friendly fare. In Babe, directed by Chris Noonan and penned by Miller, a tenacious little pig learns to herd sheep with a little help from Farmer Hoggett (James Cromwell). Critically acclaimed when it was released in 1995, Babe was even nominated for an Oscar for best picture. Does the film still charm 20 years later? More importantly, can it make a couple of dudes podcasting in a basement all weepy?

Get ready for rush hour! Dutch Director Jan de Bont's "Die Hard on a Bus" was a humongous success when it was released into theaters in the summer of 1994. Not only did it make big bucks at the box office, it launched the careers of Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock into the stratosphere. Pop quiz, hotshot: as we enter the summer blockbuster movie season 20 years later, does this action flick still hold up? Are the thrills still there? Listen to this podcast while traveling over 50mph--we're gonna do our darnedest to find out.

On today's mega-episode, we join Dr. Indiana Jones, world famous archaeologist, on his various globetrotting adventures. Amazingly (and, perhaps, not surprisingly), Mike has not seen these films. So, we go through them all—from Raiders of the Lost Ark to The Temple of Doom to The Last Crusade. Conspicuously, we ignored a certain "kingdom" with "Crystal Skulls."

In revisiting these films, do the adventures seem as big? Due the stunts and set-pieces feel as thrilling? In Spielberg's attempt to capture the fun of 1930s-40s serial adventure stories, has he crafted something that is timeless? Or, like the artifacts Indiana Jones collects, are they purely relics of a bygone era of filmmaking?

Although Reservoir Dogs actually hit theaters prior, True Romance was the first script that Quentin Tarantino sold that ended up getting made. In one of the rare films written but not directed by the ostentatious auteur (Tony Scott has that honor), it's a movie that has struck a chord with countless cinephiles. There's no doubt that in 1993 Mr. Tarantino's voice felt fresh and edgy. But, now that we live in age of countless Tarantino knock-offs, is that still the case? Does this pulp crime thriller/comedy/romance still offer the same allure? Does our love affair with Alabama and Clarence still burn as strong? Crank up the Elvis tunes. Let's find out!

When it was released in 1984, Beverly Hills Cop was a veritable cinematic sensation. It was the highest grossing film of the year, topping the box office for 14 consecutive weeks. It also became the highest-grossing R rated film of all time, a rank it would hold until The Matrix Reloaded in 2003. Over 20 years later we take a look at this classic action-comedy. Is is it still entertaining? Do the jokes still hold up? How about Eddie Murphy's fast-talking performance and Martin Brest's direction? We travel to the sun-soaked, high priced hills of Beverly to find out.

Don't you forget about me! It's been 30 years since John Hughes's teen classic, The Breakfast Club, hit theaters. Since then it's touched a chord with countless "jocks, princesses, brains, basket-cases, and criminals." Does this coming of age story of five different kids in detention hold up three decades later? Pump your fist to the sky and crank up the the synth pop: let's find out.