Recorded on January 24, 2021. 

Wrapping up a trilogy of episodes dedicated to the unique year of 2020 cinema, John and Pete cover a variety of awards heavyweights in this episode, as well as some cinema news and a discussion of the new Marvel show "WandaVision". A longer episode for the podcast, this piece is dedicated to some of the best films and performances of the past year, covering a range of movies from foreign to animated features. John and Pete delve into the interesting themes that appeared in 2020 films, notably a subtle beauty that comes with indie films and the social justice aspect of films this year, wrapping up the episode with a scathing discussion on Disney's pandering to make money on shoddy remakes of their classics. 

0:23- Intro 

1:15- Warner Brothers' Films Releasing on HBO Max in 2021 

13:30- Initial "WandaVision" Reactions 

17:30- HIDDEN GEM OF THE WEEK 

25:18- "Onward" 

30:35- "Promising Young Woman" 

35:32- "One Night in Miami..." 

42:42- "First Cow" 

48:16- "Minari" 

55:20- "Nomadland" 

1:06:37- Updated Favorite Films of 2020 

1:13:40- Disney Live Action Remakes Need to Stop 

1:26:08- Outro

Recorded on January 11, 2021 

In this episode, John and Pete cover some more iconic 2020 films, good and bad. Through popular projects and more awards contenders, a conversation develops on various performances, screenplays, visuals, and other film elements that shaped 2020 in cinema. This week John and Pete bring back the fiery feces flick as well, torching one of the worst (and maybe the worst) heist movie ever made. 

0:23- Intro 

1:00- Is "Nomadland" a Lock for Best Picture? 

3:10- "Malcolm & Marie" Trailer 

5:12- "Cherry" Teaser 

6:45- "WandaVision" Premieres This Friday 

7:53- HIDDEN GEM OF THE WEEK 

13:25- "Borat Subsequent Moviefilm" 

19:44- "Feels Good Man" 

24:20- "The Devil All the Time" 

33:18- "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" 

38:22- Worst Heist Movie Ever? 

50:35- Outro

Recorded on January 3, 2021. 

In a lengthy episode, John and Pete bring on fellow film lover and Letterboxd Pro member Sam Rosevear to go over the big movies of 2020, and what stood out. Despite a year of cinemas lost to the coronavirus, 2020 brought some quality films, which are given reviews by the trio and highlighted for standout elements and performances. Exciting news and upcoming projects in 2021 are also discussed, and the episode wraps up with some early Oscar picks. 

0:20- Intro and Special Guest 

1:05- Letterboxd Stats 

9:15- "Tenet" 

16:00- "Soul" 

19:40- "Mank" 

27:25- "The Trial of the Chicago 7" 

32:45- "Sound of Metal" 

37:57- "Da 5 Bloods" 

42:45- Looking Ahead to 2021 Films 

53:55- TOP 5 FILMS OF 2020 

1:06:10- Early Oscar Predictions 

1:28:15- Outro

Recorded on December 29, 2020. 

In the spirit of the holiday season, Pete and John cover a variety of classic Christmas movies, including the hidden gem of the week. For a unique animated gem, Will Bodenman comes on to share his thoughts. From "Elf" to "Home Alone", the analysis of what makes a Christmas movie good, and what the common themes are between them, is covered thoroughly. On the flip side, Hallmark movies are torched as one of the lowest forms of cinema. 

0:23- Intro 

1:08- "Home Alone" 

3:20- "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York" 

5:00- "Elf" 

6:56- "It's a Wonderful Life" 

10:22- "Die Hard" 

13:26- "A Christmas Story" 

16:45- "Scrooged" 

19:00- "Love Actually" 

20:18- "The Santa Clause" Franchise 

23:58- Christmas TV Episodes 

24:40- Hidden Gem featuring Will Bodenman 

31:25- Card Companies Shouldn't Make Films 

41:50- 2020 RECAP NEXT EPISODE

Recorded on December 21, 2020

Following the recent finale of Season 2 of the highly lauded Star Wars show "The Mandalorian", John and Pete delve into what made Season 2 special, and how the balance was struck between entertainment value and fan appreciation. With sections dedicated to both a spoiler and non-spoiler review of the season, the big elements and details of the show are covered in depth. John and Pete also discuss a variety of upcoming Star Wars projects slated after Disney's most recent investors meeting.  

0:20- Introduction 

1:10- New Star Wars Projects Coming to Disney+ 

16:00- "The Mandalorian" Season 2 Review (SPOILERS) 

32:45- "The Mandalorian" Season 2 Review (Non-Spoiler)

Recorded on December 2, 2020

In the first installment of a series covering the fresh production company A24, John and Pete bring on their first guest, Will Bodenman. Will, John's twin brother, is a film lover and amateur critic through Letterboxd, and an ardent follower of A24 movies. In a discussion of four popular A24 movies from the up-and-coming Safdie Brothers along with horror director Ari Aster, along with a dud from the company, Will comes on to offer a unique perspective on the movies. 

0:00- Introduction and Special Guest 

1:18- Huge Character Reveal in "The Mandalorian" 

4:30- Hidden Gem of the Week 

9:50- "Uncut Gems" 

19:25- "Hereditary" 

26:15- "Midsommar" 

33:55- The Name Coppola Doesn't Always Mean Quality

Recorded on December 2, 2020 

In the first installment of a series covering the fresh production company A24, John and Peter bring on their first guest, Will Bodenman. Will, John's twin brother, is a film lover and amateur critic through Letterboxd, and an ardent follower of A24 movies. In a discussion of four popular A24 movies from the up-and-coming Safdie Brothers along with horror director Ari Aster, along with a dud from the company, Will comes on to offer a unique perspective on the movies.  

0:00- Introduction and Special Guest 

1:18- Huge Character Reveal in "The Mandalorian" 

4:30- Hidden Gem of the Week 

9:50- "Uncut Gems" 

19:25- "Hereditary" 

28:15- "Midsommar" 

37:55- The Name Coppola Doesn't Always Mean Quality

Recorded on November 25, 2020. 

In this episode, John and Peter highlight the acclaimed pair of directors, writers, and producers: The Coen Brothers. Covering seven hit films from the duo, including the hidden gem of the week, John and Peter discuss the dark humor style so iconic to the Coens and the frequent collaborators on their works. Be sure to listen in towards the end of the episode as they roast a recent work for its shortcomings. 

0:00- Introduction

1:08- "The Mandalorian" Keeps Getting Better 

6:25- Hidden Gem of the Week 

11:48- "The Big Lebowski" 

16:15- "Fargo" 

20:55- "Burn After Reading" 

26:07- "Hail, Caesar!" 

33:50- "No Country for Old Men" 

39:20- "A Serious Man" 

44:38- Our Hatred for Hubie Dubois

Recorded on November 7, 2020

In the inaugural episode, John and Pete discuss elections in movies and TV shows. They also debate whether or not Netflix will keep producing at the same rate that they currently are. News regarding the Marvel and DC Universes are discussed as well as a brief chat about award shows. Be sure to watch our hidden gem of the week! 

0:00- Introduction 

2:15- Election Movies 

5:35- Will Ferrell Chat 

8:20- Election Movies (cont.) 

12:10- The Rise of Netflix

26:15- The Mandalorian Love 

32:07- The Batman

35:45- Don't Watch Capone

37:59- James Gunn is Remaking Suicide Squad

43:35- Will DC Surpass Marvel?

45:55- HIDDEN GEM OF THE WEEK