Trilogy in Theory

On this episode we take in a triple feature of Jason Bateman comedies and come to the conclusion that he is one man that you don't play games with. In COUPLES RETREAT he tricks his friends into covering some of the financial and emotional costs to save his marriage, while in his directorial debut BAD WORDS he plays a man set on revenge and destruction with the contests of spelling bees as his weapon of choice. However in new release GAME NIGHT we find the actor just simply wanting to enjoy his weekly board games with his friends... and then everything is ruined when we invite Jairo of The True Bromance Film Podcast and Mark as Played to come on and discuss the film. Listen and follow at the links below:

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On this episode we expand the definition of family films with two personal favorites in ADDAMS FAMILY VALUES and WE BOUGHT A ZOO. Guest Ben Zuk and your host have threatened to feature these two films for quite some time, and last year's release of THE COMMUNE (now available on Hulu) gave us somewhat of an excuse to do so. Hopefully we can change some hearts and minds to appreciate some of Cameron Crowe's best work, but failing that check out our new podcast launching this week: 99 from 99. A movie podcast that presents 99 episodes on the films from 1999.

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Guest Andrew of AB Film Review & The Last New Wave joins the podcast to experience first contact multiple times as we continue to feature favorite films from our guests. On this episode we learn that ANOTHER EARTH does not earn that distinction from our Australian friend, but he shares a passion for Steven Spielberg's CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND, which celebrated a 40th anniversary re-release this year. Along the way we also make time to question the existence of God when Jake Busey exists, which is the main takeaway from the Robert Zemeckis adaptation of Carl Sagan's CONTACT... right?

Facebook/Instagram/Twitter: @warmachinehorse

We return from exile, rested and with far too much blue milk for our episode on STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI. Critically applauded as a return to the peak of this franchise, a vocal minority of fans feel otherwise. Since we are aware that you waited for this podcast to advise you on a possible ticket purchase, WEB BIST of DARN THAT DREAM answers the call and tries out some new material. This is a hint to please keep listening after the cold open.

Please.

If you do make that choice, you will hear us debate the expectations we place on characters decisions depending on the type of film being sold. Previous sci-fi favorite THE MATRIX RELOADED arguably doomed the series with a hero agonizing over his options, and yet a rallying cry of defense came Jennifer Lawrence's fate in mother! What gives? We do. You're welcome.

And we're back. We wake up this podcast to discover that we are in love with Kumail Nanjiani in THE BIG SICK. Unfortunately Jairo of THE TRUE BROMANCE FILM PODCAST is also with us at his weepiest as he raves about this new film, while expressing some displeasure with our two older film selections on love stories on the external influences surrounding our onscreen couples. In AWAY WE GO Maya Rudolph and John Krasinski travel across country to find the perfect place and the perfect people to raise their unborn child with, while in I LOVE YOU, MAN Rashida Jones is happy with her upcoming marriage to Paul Rudd but has slight concerns about the groomsmen or lack thereof. We also get a bit meta as we talk about the outside influences of film discussion and how it impacts our own experiences with this medium, which leads to the creation of a brand new podcast: MARK AS PLAYED.

Facebook/Instagram/Twitter: @warmachinehorse

Back for her second straight episode Amanda Iman from Amanda Picture Show A Go Go and Culture Pop A Go Go discusses the highs and lows of seeing con men get conned in our episode inspired by Sofia Coppola's latest film THE BEGUILED. For the double feature we travel back to the more innocent (?) times of Neil Labute's IN THE COMPANY OF MEN, which without a single murder is more unpleasant than the surprisingly sweet JACKIE BROWN from Quentin Tarantino. Join us as we plot a happily ever after for Pam Grier and Robert Forster and not-so-much for Aaron Eckhart's character of Chad.

On this episode we welcome two first time guests. Amanda Iman of Amanda's Picture Show A Go Go and Culture Pop A Go Go joins the podcast for a very late ROUGH NIGHT discussion on women behaving badly in comedy. This inspires a conversation on two older films that share this premise with co-host Chris of Following Films and our second guest Christine Schiefer from And That's Why We Drink on BRIDESMAIDS and BACHELORETTE.

ALSO: We apologize to Adam Scott for the content of this podcast, but not Adam Sandler.

On this episode we plan to podcast through technical difficulties to promote our favorite film and performance of the year (so far) with THE WEDDING PLAN. This 2016 Israeli film makes its way to the States by tackling a lot of rom-com conventions we have grown accustomed to with a female lead's worth being determined by their romantic partner or lack thereof. Two previous films have also explored this idea in comedic fashion. One from our Australian friends (we promise this ends the streak of films from that penal colony) in MURIEL'S WEDDING, and the other from a gentler time when America didn't hate Adam Sandler in THE WEDDING SINGER. Join us for what is our first and last wedding season episode!

ALSO: Congratulations to friend and contributor to the show Derek Stewart for getting married this past weekend!

On this episode Andrew of AB Film Review and The Last New Wave put his Patreon dollars to use by programming a triple feature of Australian crime films. New release HOUNDS OF LOVE starts off this podcast abduction as Chris and Mike debate the merits of enjoying a film that isn't designed to be enjoyed. Thankfully we turn to the more gregarious nature of crime with Eric Bana's breakout performance in CHOPPER going up against more established Aussies in Joel Edgerton and Guy Pearce in ANIMAL KINGDOM.

ALSO we pitch future TNT television series based on Australian cinema.

We get back behind the podcast wheel for the much anticipated BABY DRIVER, Edgar Wright's latest dork-fest which takes a look at the much used trope of the stoic getaway driver. To celebrate its release we look back at other films using a character's experience or lack thereof against veteran criminals in the two action films classics SPEED and THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS. For that conversation we welcome one of our earliest podcast supporters in Jeremy from the Movie Madness Podcast, but first we consult on the perfect driving playlist with returning guest and fellow hater, Alice Bishop.

ALSO, a shoutout to Emilie Zarnow for the kick in the podcast ass!