The Weekly Substandard | A nerdcast on movies and pop-culture

In this latest micro episode, the Substandard discusses the nominees for this year's Academy Awards. Sonny thinks The Shape of Water is in great shape to win. JVL wonders if a movie that's not woke even has a shot. Vic fears that Darkest Hour and Dunkirk split votes? And where's Wonder Woman?

In this latest mega-episode, the Substandard discusses the works of director Paul Thomas Anderson—JVL reveals himself to be a PTA scholar. Sonny reviews Phantom Thread. Vic reveals his favorite bathroom in D.C. JVL is writing Eagles fanfiction. And Sonny still hates coconut.

The Substandard is sponsored by Casper mattresses. Get $50 toward any mattress purchase by visiting Casper.com/substandard and using promo code SUBSTANDARD at checkout.

In this latest micro episode, things get hairy (and husky!) when the Substandard debates the merits of the coconut. Sonny goes on a hate-filled tirade against the drupaceous fruit. JVL and VIc rush to its defense. Who hasn't dreamed of eating Maryanne's coconut cream pie on Gilligan's Island? Who hasn't tried to drink Coppertone suntan lotion?

On this latest episode, the Substandard talks about Bright and the sustainability of the Netflix model. Where does all that money come from and how long can this last? Sonny and JVL break it all down. Vic explains his absence.

In this latest micro episode, the Substandard takes on the ultimate Hollywood farce—the Golden Globes! Did Best Picture really deserve to go to Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, Up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain, Back and to the Left? And what is the shape of water, anyway?

On this Vic-less episode, listeners get a taste of life without JVL and Sonny’s congenial cohost as the two remaining Substandardites discuss the year that was in the movie biz, The Last Jedi’s box office success (and failure), and their favorite movies of 2017.

On this holiday micro episode, the Substandard discusses A Christmas Carol (apparently based on a book). Which version is your favorite? Who's the best Scrooge? And could the best version not even be called A Christmas Carol? Listeners' note: The Substandard is off next week so we encourage you to go back and listen to any one of our 87 illuminating episodes. Merry Christmas!

On this special year-end episode, the Substandard reviews (criticizes), dissects (tears limb from limb), and discusses (goes off on) Star Wars: The Last Jedi. JVL shares his thoughts on missed payoffs. Sonny tries to explain astral projection. Vic wonders why Snoke is wearing a gold lamé tunic. Plus a "Gene" review.

The Substandard is sponsored by Casper mattresses. Get $50 toward any mattress purchase by visiting Casper.com/substandard and using promo code SUBSTANDARD at checkout.

In this seminal episode, the Substandard discusses Darkest Hour. Is it better than Dunkirk (take a wild guess)? JVL explains to Sonny how watches work. Sonny recalls his Chris Farley-like interview with Gary Oldman. Vic's Elf on the Shelf turns into Annabelle. Plus JVL on the real Churchill and the return of "Gene"!

The Substandard is sponsored by quip, the new electric toothbrush. quip starts at just $25, and when you go to getquip.com/substandard, you'll get your first refill pack free!

In this latest micro episode, the Substandard gets ready to watch Star Wars: The Last Jedi. JVL hasn’t been this excited since Revenge of the Sith. Vic wonders if Luke will drive a Nissan. Sonny has already seen it—and what he reveals will leave you stunned. Set for stun!