“But I tried, didn’t I? Goddammit, at least I did that.” Join Ian & Liam for our 305th episode as we get ourselves committed to one of the greatest American films ever made: One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975). Kev and Megs? They won’t be joining us this week — Megs was last seen challenging Nurse Ratched’s medication schedule and Kev tried to lift the hydrotherapy console to escape. Security is “having a chat” with both of them. This week we discuss: How Miloš Forman’s direction created a sense of art imitating life. But who was Miss Ratched and who was Mac? Jack Nicholson’s legendary performance as R.P. McMurphy — charming, chaotic, and dangerously alive.  But is it just Jack playing Jack? Louise Fletcher’s cold, controlled terror as Nurse Ratched — is she evil, institutionalised, or the product of her system? The film’s astonishing supporting cast — from Danny DeVito to Brad Dourif — and why the ensemble might be one of the best ever assembled.  Who asked for asshole Doc Brown? The real power struggle at the heart of the film: rebellion vs. routine, individuality vs. institution. Ian breaks down the film’s narrative structure and why one sequence isn't necessary Liam reflects on the humour, the heartbreak, and the explosive final act — does any other ending hit quite like this one? Is Mac crazy? How would someone pretending to be crazy present themselves in this environment? We discuss the film’s legacy: its Oscars sweep, its influence on pop culture, and its place in the “Great American Films” canon. Is McMurphy a hero, a catalyst, or a cautionary tale? What was Milos Forman trying to say in the film based on his personal lifestory? And finally, whether One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest is the Best Film Ever — or simply one of the boldest critiques of power and conformity ever committed to screen. Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE. Find out more about Juleen's nephew, Castor, and how you can help at https://gofund.me/73a67a9d6 We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Paul Komoroski Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/

At last… our pod is complete again.” Join Ian, Liam & Megs (she always goes last), along with Friend of the Podcasters: Beadle Steve, for our 304th episode as we sharpen our razors, roll out the pie dough, and dive into the gothic, gory glory of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007). This week, we’re not just talking Burton’s blood-soaked macabre attempt at a masterpiece — we’re also sharing our collective memories from our very own recent production of Sweeney Todd! Expect behind-the-scenes stories, backstage laughs, and maybe a few stories about trap doors and jettisons of blood This week we discuss: How Tim Burton’s adaptation balances musical theatre grandeur with cinematic horror — and where it falls short. Johnny Depp’s take on the title role: tortured genius or just Burton doing Burton again? Helena Bonham Carter’s Mrs. Lovett — delightful, deranged, and determined to make the worst pies in London. How Alan Rickman and Timothy Spall manage to be both repulsive and magnetic - but can they sing?  Who do we think could've done it better? The use of colour, lighting, and sound — and why did the crew need so many garbage bags? How Sweeney Todd manages to turn tragedy into operatic spectacle without losing its emotional sting. We discuss at great length a couple of elements that one of us just couldn't overlook We share our favourite moments (and biggest mishaps) from our own stage production — from what it's like to be reviewed ourselves to unexpected laughter in the wrong places and if you can imagine it - Ian flexing in the spotlight What it’s like performing Sondheim’s music live — the challenge, the rhythm, and the glorious chaos. Beadle Steve joins us to talk about his experience, his favourite scenes, and whether he’s still hearing “Ding Dong!” in his sleep... and what happened to the ensemble anyway? And finally, whether Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is the Best Film Ever — or just the bloodiest musical we’ve ever loved. Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Paul Komoroski Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/

It’s another edition of See It or Skip It, and this time Ian is back with Friend of the Podcast Ryan Kuketz as they grab their scorecards, pack their peanuts, and head north for Who Killed The Montreal Expos? — Netflix’s deep-dive documentary into the tragic rise and fall of Canada’s lost baseball team. But does Who Killed The Montreal Expos? knock it out of the park, or is it just another rain-delayed nostalgia trip? Ian and Ryan dig into the story of how a beloved franchise went from fan favourite to relocation heartbreak — and whether this doc truly gets to the bottom of who’s really to blame. Is this a gripping investigation into corporate greed, MLB politics, and fan betrayal — or just a sentimental bunt down memory lane? The lads examine how the film balances hard facts with heart, whether it gives Montreal’s baseball faithful the justice they deserve, and if it finally answers the question that’s haunted Canadian sports fans for two decades. How do you tell the story of a team that died twice — once in the standings, and once in spirit? Is this a love letter, a post-mortem, or both? All this and more in this week’s See It or Skip It review of Who Killed The Montreal Expos? — and of course, Ian and Ryan will let you know if you should SEE IT or SKIP IT.

“Sometimes the most beautiful things in life don’t make sense.” Join Ian & Liam, along with BFF of the BFE: Ariannah (Who Loves BFE the Most™), for our 303rd episode as we ride through the heart and humanity of Peter Bogdanovich’s Mask (1985) — the moving, funny, and unforgettable story of Rocky Dennis, his extraordinary mother, and the people who refused to let difference define them. This week we discuss: How Mask walks the perfect line between sentiment and sincerity without tipping into melodrama. Cher’s powerhouse performance — fierce, fragile, and absolutely magnetic but was she well directed (or even well written?) Eric Stoltz’s stunning transformation and how the film lets his humanity shine through the prosthetics. Why this might be the most compassionate film of the 1980s — and what it still teaches us about empathy today. Ariannah joins us to talk about how disability and difference are portrayed on screen, and why this one hits harder than most. The use of music (and that classic Springsteen debate) — how the soundtrack shapes the film’s emotional DNA. We rip on Bogdanovich’s simplistic direction and how his brevity is far from the film's greatest strength. Ian wonders whether the film’s emotional punches still land as powerfully for modern audiences. We talk about how Mask redefined expectations for family drama and biopic storytelling. And finally, whether Mask (1985) is the Best Film Ever — or just one of the most human films we’ve ever covered. Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE. We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Paul Komoroski Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/

“We all float down here.” Join Ian & Kev, along with BFF of the BFE: James DeGuzman, for our 302nd episode as we descend into the sewers of Derry, Maine, and confront childhood trauma, red balloons, and Stephen King nightmare fuel with It: Chapter One (2017). Megs and Liam? They said they weren’t afraid of clowns… right up until Pennywise offered them a balloon. We’re hoping they resurface soon. This week we discuss: Why It tapped into a new generation’s fear of clowns — and whether it’s earned or just clever filmmaking. Bill Skarsgård’s terrifying turn as Pennywise — physicality, psychology, and drool.  How the film balances coming-of-age warmth with soul-shaking horror — friendship vs. fear. King’s original novel vs. the adaptation — what gets streamlined, what gets lost, and what gets under your skin. Does this film prove that horror is strongest when it’s tied to universal childhood anxieties? How the film is able to position that early coming-of-age feelings of romance without coming across as creepy The Losers’ Club: perfect casting? We break down who stands out and who feels underserved. Why the sewer sequences and the house on Neibolt Street raise the bar for modern horror set pieces. Ian talks about narrative structure and why splitting the story into “kid chapter” and “adult chapter” was the smartest possible move. James brings the expert scare analysis — and takes the BFE to task over their anti-horror bias Does Pennywise’s final reveal hold up — or does CGI drain the fear away? And finally, whether It: Chapter One is the Best Film Ever — or just the best nightmare you’ll keep watching anyway. Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Paul Komoroski Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/

“They’re heeere…” Join Ian & Megs for our 301st episode as we grab the remote, face the static, and step into the spectral suburbia of Poltergeist (1982). Liam and Kev? They’re not with us this week — the house they were recording in was built on an ancient podcast burial ground. We haven’t heard from them since, but we’re getting some weird interference through the TV… This week we discuss: 301 episodes in — how did we make it this far without getting dragged into the light? How Poltergeist terrified an entire generation while redefining the modern haunted house movie. The age-old debate: how much of this film was Tobe Hooper and how much was Steven Spielberg pulling the spectral strings? Why the film’s suburban setting hits harder than gothic castles or spooky mansions — horror in the heart of normality. The infamous curse surrounding the film’s production — what’s real, what’s coincidence, and what’s just chilling. Is Poltergeist actually a family drama disguised as horror, and why does that emotional core make the scares land harder? Ian breaks down the film’s special effects and practical wizardry — how they still hold up decades later. Ian also shares about some childhood traumas regarding losing beloved toys at school while Megs reminds him that's why you don't bring valuable stuff in Why Poltergeist manages to be scary without ever really being gory — and whether that balance is what makes it timeless. Why do they have a magic remote control and was the guy costuming Dana a creep? And finally, whether Poltergeist is the Best Film Ever — or just the reason we still side-eye our static screens. Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Paul Komoroski Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/

“THIS… IS… EPISODE 300!” Join Ian, Liam, Megs & Kev as we hit a huge milestone with our 300th episode by reviewing Zack Snyder’s visually explosive, slow-motion-soaked epic 300 (2006). Four hosts, six-packs optional, and absolutely no capes required — though Kev may or may not have shown up in one. This week we discuss: 300 episodes strong — how did we get here, and who yelled the loudest doing it? How 300 redefined the look of early-2000s cinema and became the blueprint for a decade of digital epics. Is 300 the natural endpoint of a cinematic obsession with masculinity that began with Braveheart and Gladiator? Just exactly how much does this movie borrow from these films and which elements does it outright steal How the film balances mythic masculinity with questionable historical accuracy — and does it matter? Megs is here to give us some historically accurate statements on the battle of Thermopylae We've got a classic BFE taste test of a product you won't believe Several people reach out to congratulate us and some familiar voices show up to toast with us  Which one of us would make the best Spartan, and which one would be sent to tell the story? The surprising cultural impact of “This is Sparta!” — and which line from the movie we’ve all been yelling at each other for days. Ian breaks down the film’s visual language and pacing — why Snyder’s comic-book literalism both elevates and limits the story. And finally, whether 300 is the Best Film Ever—or just the most gloriously sweaty milestone we could’ve picked. Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Paul Komoroski Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/

You're not anyone unless you're on a podcast - It’s a full house this week as Ian, Liam, Megs & Kev are all actually in studio together for our 299th episode, sinking our teeth into Gus Van Sant’s razor-sharp media satire To Die For (1995). That’s right—no Zoom delays; no apologies, best wishes or excuses, just four podcasters, four microphones, and an unhealthy fascination with fame.  We're skating on thin ice in our 299th episode as we discuss: We learn the name under which Joaquin Phoenix’s early films were classified—and why it might surprise you. There’s a lot of talk about what day of the week the podcast actually comes out on (and whether any of us even know). We all want to enter the alternate casting universe to see who the producers wanted to play Suzanne—and whether that version of the film would’ve worked at all. Is Suzanne Stone one of Nicole Kidman’s greatest performances—or is she just too good at being awful? How the film predicted the age of reality TV and social media fame years before they existed. What’s the line between ambition and sociopathy—and where does Suzanne fall on that spectrum? How Van Sant uses tone to walk the line between dark comedy and true crime tragedy. Why To Die For feels both 1990s and frighteningly current in 2025. Which scene left us most uncomfortable—and which line still gets a nervous laugh. And finally, whether To Die For is the Best Film Ever—or just the most chillingly relevant film you’ve never revisited. Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE   We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Paul Komoroski Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/

“You don’t get to nearly 300 episodes without making a few enemies.” Join Ian, Liam & Kev for our 298th episode as we log on, code furiously, and sue each other over The Social Network (2010). Megs? She’s not with us this week—she’s in “Facebook jail” for excessive poking (it was bound to happen). We're carrying around a chicken for a week in our 298th episode as we discuss: Our best day for downloads ever—and it’s not even close. Our trip to an award show (well… kind of). A new Patreon joins the fold—proof we’re building our very own social network. Just how much credit should the money man get vs the idea man? What is it that makes Aaron Sorkin’s writing so great—and why does this film feel like it moves at the speed of thought? What’s the one part we think the film gets wrong? Does the absence of errors make a film a masterpiece—or does it need a few rough edges to feel human? Jesse Eisenberg as Zuckerberg: sympathetic genius or socially awkward supervillain? Fincher’s precision—how much of the film’s impact comes from direction versus dialogue? And finally, whether The Social Network is the Best Film Ever—or just the sharpest film of the 2010s. Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Paul Komoroski Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/

“It’s just a jump to the left…” Join Ian, Megs & Liam for our 297th episode as we put on our fishnets, grab some toast, and throw rice in the aisles for a dive into the cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975). Kev? He makes a very late entrance—literally busting through the door in gold hotpants shouting “Don’t dream it, be it!” in our 297th episode as we discuss: Is this the greatest cult film of all time—or just the weirdest date night ever committed to celluloid? Do we forgive this film for its lack of consent based on the overall themes of inclusivity… when maybe we really shouldn’t? How Tim Curry turned Frank-N-Furter into one of cinema’s most iconic characters—and why no one else could’ve pulled it off. Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick as “the straights”—and why they’re the perfect foils for absolute chaos. We’ve got some thoughts on free speech and what’s happening with Jimmy Kimmel—because much like Rocky Horror, controversy loves a stage. Why the soundtrack still slaps nearly 50 years later—and which numbers we still belt out. How the midnight screening culture kept this film alive—and whether fan participation is more fun than the movie itself. Which jokes land, which ones haven’t aged well, and why the film still divides audiences. Is Rocky Horror satire, celebration, or just… unexplainable? And finally, whether The Rocky Horror Picture Show is the Best Film Ever—or just the best excuse to dress up and sing badly in public. Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PMHermes AuslanderJames DeGuzmanSynthiaShai BergerfroindAriannah Who Loves BFE The MostAndy DicksonChris PedersenDuane Smith (Duane Smith!)Randal SilvaNate The GreatRev BruceCheezy (with a fish on a bike)RichardRyan KuketzDirk DigglerStew from the Stew World Order podcastNorfolkDomusJohn Humphrey's Right FootTimmy Tim TimAashreyBuy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/.

FIRST 35:45: Spoiler-Free Review with our See It/Skip It VerdictAFTER 35:45: Full Spoiler ReviewIt’s another edition of See It or Skip It, and this time Ian is back with Liam as they dust off the clubs, lace up the skates, suddenly wish they'd stopped for Subway, and tee off for Happy Gilmore 2—the long-awaited sequel to Adam Sandler’s golf-comedy classic. But does Happy Gilmore 2 sink the putt, or does it slice straight into the water hazard? Ian and Liam dive into Sandler’s return as Happy, looking at whether this decades-later sequel is a hole-in-one of nostalgia or just another gimmicky mulligan. Does the comedy still connect? Is this cast a fresh foursome that elevates the material, or just a cart-full of familiar faces wheeled back for one more round? The lads explore whether Happy Gilmore 2 captures the heart, silliness, and sheer ridiculous charm of the original—or if it’s just hacking its way through the rough. How do you make a sequel to a cult sports comedy that already wrapped its story with a bow? Is this the long-awaited victory lap—or a movie that should’ve been left on the driving range? All this and more in this week’s See It or Skip It review of Happy Gilmore 2—and of course, Ian and Liam will let you know if you should SEE IT or SKIP IT.

“Do you feel lucky, punk?” Join Ian, Megs & Liam for our 296th episode as we prowl the streets of San Francisco, badge in one hand and .44 Magnum in the other, for a look at Clint Eastwood’s career-defining role in Dirty Harry (1971). A killer on the loose, a cop who won’t play by the rules, and a city hanging in the balance—this episode asks all the right questions, even if Harry never bothers to. It’s cops, criminals, and constitutional crises in our 296th episode as we ask: Yes, Dirty Harry is cool—but do women actually like this film? What’s with all the nudity, and how much of it serves the story? Why does Scorpio do anything he does—and why does his logic (or lack thereof) drive us mad? How has Harry never learned what actually invalidates evidence or a confession? Law 101, Callahan! Why does the mayor keep calling him like he’s on speed dial for bad PR? How deaf is the kid doing the fishing? And how long would it take for him to notice what’s going on behind him? Why is Scorpio so disparate in his understanding of the value of hostages—demanding one thing one moment, then undercutting himself the next? Why doesn’t the SFPD sit Harry home when he’s framed on regional television? What exactly does the ending mean—resignation, rebellion, or just Eastwood being Eastwood? Which line from the film is one of the most misquoted in television history? We share some thoughts on the Charlie Kirk shooting and the public’s reaction to it - are we losing our humanity? And finally: when exactly does DNA evidence become a thing—and how would it have changed the whole movie? Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE. We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/.

“This gun says you live, this gun says you die.”  Join Ian & Liam for our 295th episode as we step into Tarantino’s world of money drops, double-crosses, and smooth soul soundtracks with Jackie Brown (1997). Kev? He’s running a cash pickup at the mall but got distracted by an Orange Julius. Megs? She’s busy cutting a deal with Ordell Robbie that may or may not involve a new handbag. But don’t worry—we’re not flying solo. We’re joined by BFF of the BFE: Shai Bergerfroind, who slipped us a cassette tape of Delfonics tunes and insisted this was the Tarantino film to talk about. This week we discuss: How Jackie Brown might be Tarantino’s most mature film—and why it doesn’t get the same love as Pulp Fiction. Pam Grier’s powerhouse performance: is this one of the greatest star comebacks in cinema history? Robert De Niro as the quietest ex-con ever—and how a single scene changes everything. Samuel L. Jackson’s Ordell: terrifying or hilarious, or both at once? Is this the most “realistic” Tarantino film? And does that make it better or just slower? Ian and Liam debate whether this film is about survival, romance, or just getting by. Shai drops in to explain why the soundtrack is the real star of the film (and why he’s been humming Delfonics all week). Which scenes had us holding our breath—and which ones could’ve been trimmed. Why Max Cherry might be Tarantino’s most underrated character—and how Robert Forster’s quiet dignity steals the show. And finally, whether Jackie Brown is the Best Film Ever—or just the coolest hangout movie you forgot you loved. Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE. We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/.

Are you ready for some (fantasy) football?  We're back with our Patrons once again and invited a returning special guest to join us to fill out the field  We've got your BFE favourites - Ian, Liam, KevDog, Georgia and Megs drafting live.  We're also joined live by some of the BFE Patreon personalities, adding to the merriment. It's a peak behind the curtain as you catch the BFE group just kicking it as we pretend we know what we're doing with Fantasy Football.  In between bites of Pizza and Chicken Nuggets we provide commentary on the picks by our absent drafters (Rev Bruce, Duane Smith, Kevin from The Podcast That Wouldn't Die, Stew from the SWO, Ryan Kuketz, Nate the Great, Juleen, Ensign Ian Davies, and Dirk - whether they're drafting remotely or letting the computer do the heavy lifting) There's pizza, banter, and a behind-the-scenes perspective that might help you know your BFE peeps a little bit better.

“Sometimes your battles choose you.” Join Ian, Liam & Kevdog, alongside BFF of the BFE: Hermes Auslander, for our 294th episode as we head into the Rust Belt for gritty drama, family duty, and some Woody Harrelson menace with Out of the Furnace (2013). Megs? She’s away this week on a last-minute trip to Sweden after answering a classified ad for ABBA’s long-lost fifth member—working title: Mamma Mia 3: Megs Strikes Again. This week we discuss: It’s a Hermes pick, so you know what that means—another therapy session on the pod. Find out when each of us stopped supporting Woody Harrelson (and for one of us, it’s much later than you’d think). What’s the difference between simply stating your opinion and actively trying to sway someone else’s opinion? Someone forgets how time zones work in this one (and no, it’s not just Hermes). What’s the real measure of being a man: flashy success or the daily grind of quietly providing for your family? Is Zoe Saldana a much better actress than we gave her credit for—and is this her most underrated performance? Which scene impressed Ian the most with its cinematography—even though it was one of the hardest to watch. What exactly was going on with Willem Dafoe’s character—and why can none of us pronounce the name correctly? What is the definition of working a double shift, and why do we all seem to have different answers? And finally, whether Out of the Furnace is the Best Film Ever—or just a quietly powerful entry in the blue-collar tragedy canon. Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE. Catch so much more of Hermes Auslander on The Scuttlebutt Podcast at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-scuttlebutt-podcast/id1503504933 (Apple) or https://open.spotify.com/show/2n9CNB9X6QXnmvn78HBEoJ?si=1bf26c4a13cd4234 (Spotify)   We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/.

“The future is coming.” Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting trio – Ian, Liam & Megs – for our 293rd episode as we pop our claws, don our leather suits, and revisit the film that redefined the superhero genre for the new millennium: X-Men (2000). Kev and Georgia? They’re cage fighting in Northern Alberta—because of course they are. This week we discuss: Ian and Liam get into a dust-up about what constitutes a gang—whose side are you on? What's with all the wavering accents in this film? How on earth did Magneto know that Rogue had her powers when Rogue, Wolverine, and even Professor X didn’t? Ian delights in the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it cameo by a Canadian Prime Minister (true patriot love). We reflect on Auschwitz as a tourist destination and Ian shares a story about a fashion faux pas that might have landed him on the wrong tour. Was Anna Paquin actually the biggest star attached to the film at the time of its release? You won’t guess what Bryan Singer banned from the set—and no, it wasn’t claws. Our favourite ghostwriter pops up once again—this time with a surprising link to X-Men. Alternate casting choices: the Wolverine that makes us laugh out loud, and a Professor X that would’ve been a disaster… but we still want to see it, even if the studio told him to “beat it” (not like that). How do superheroes actually get their names? That’s the class we wanted to see at Xavier’s. What exactly are the rules of Mystique’s powers again—and why is Toad weirdly overpowered? Which character has the worst trash talk despite having the perfect set-up? (Spoiler: lightning shouldn’t strike twice.) We talk about meeting up with two Friends of the Podcast this week and drinking pints no matter the occasion. One cast member opens up about a wardrobe malfunction that made mutant fashion even harder to pull off. And finally, whether X-Men (2000) is the Best Film Ever—or just the first stepping stone on the path to superhero dominance. Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE. We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/.

“Ditto.” Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting duo – Ian & Liam – for our 292nd episode as we step into the supernatural, spin the pottery wheel, and revisit one of the great romantic blockbusters of the ’90s: Ghost (1990). We’re trading dream layers for subway spirits and Whoopi Goldberg one-liners as we discuss: Which member of the cast desperately needed an advocate behind the scenes just to get the part. Are there times when being a bad actor or actress is actually the right call in casting? Ian stumbles upon an almost-casting he would’ve loved to have seen—and another rumoured choice we take great umbrage with. Is the pottery scene one of the greatest cinematic moments of all time… or do we only remember it that way? Are Molly and Sam too perfect as a couple? Or is that exactly why the film works? Who on earth came up with the name Sam Wheat for the protagonist? We’ve got questions. Why does the cat only show up in two scenes—and does it secretly hold the key to ghost physics? Speaking of which: we welcome back Ghost Physics 101 as a proud course in the ever-expanding BFE syllabus. The sad story (both in canon and real life) of the Subway Ghost—no $5 footlongs here, just heartbreak and haunting. And finally, whether Ghost is the Best Film Ever—or just the most romantic take on death since Shakespeare. Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE. We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/.

“You mustn’t be afraid to dream a little bigger, darling.” - It’s a solo mission this week as Ian takes the lead in our 291st episode, descending through dreamscapes, spinning tops, and subconscious heists in Christopher Nolan’s mind-bending Inception (2010). Liam, Megs, Kev, and Georgia? They’re all trapped in deeper dream layers, and Ian’s holding Level 1 until someone figures out how to kick them back to reality. We’re trading banana peels and baseball anthems for snow fortresses and Paris folding in on itself as we discuss: Why Inception still stands as one of Nolan’s most ambitious films—and whether the world has caught up to its complexity. Nolan is a genius of narrative construction, but are there times where genius needs governance to ensure the story remains accessible for the masses? Why do the subsequent dream layers respect the science required to access the first dream—and why do they stack so neatly when logic suggests they shouldn’t? How Inception violates the golden rule of introducing a “superpower” (in this case, a key ability) and then never using it again for the rest of the movie. The art of lucid dreaming, and how being alone this week means Ian can finally reveal what his recurring dream looks like (spoiler: it involves movie theatres). Which dream layer steals the show—and which feels like the bathroom break level. The ongoing debate: does the ending mean something definitive, or is that missing the point? Why Inception works as both a blockbuster and an intimate story about loss, guilt, and letting go. How Hans Zimmer’s score became a cultural event—and why the “BRAAAM” sound is still echoing through cinema today. And finally, whether Inception is the Best Film Ever—or just a beautiful puzzle box we’ll keep spinning forever. Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE. We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/.

You know we love our wrestling here at the BFE (well… some of us do). Join Ian as he's joined by Stew from the Stew World Order as we once again break format and lace up the boots for a deep dive into SummerSlam 2025. We’re asking the big questions: were we fooled by a worked injury? Has Cody Rhodes finally stopped crying? Should Johnny Gargano and Candace LaRae be in couples counselling? What do you do when what's called "literal handcuffs" aren't actually handcuffs on a card that will have actual handcuffs later in the night? Why is SmackDown's tag roster so strong compared to Raw and the same for Raw's women's division vs Smackdown? How do we feel about the John Cena heel turn, it's subsequent babyface turn and the big surprise ending to both nights?  Plus, Ian reveals a punny future feud for Big Bronson Reed. We’re unpacking all that and more from WWE SummerSlam 2025—and of course, we’ll tell you whether you should SEE IT or SKIP IT. Hear so much more of Stew on his website - https://swoproductions.com/ and on his podcast: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stew-world-order/id1559913522 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6fLcKIHFrYBwMqhFryFMM6

“Nice beaver.” / “Thanks, I just had it stuffed.  Join Ian & B-Tech Kev for our 290th episode as we suit up, slip up, and dive headfirst into the gloriously ridiculous world of The Naked Gun (1988). We’re trading time-travelling dystopias for banana peels, police files, and a barrage of visual gags as we discuss: In slapstick, how silly is too silly? Is there a line—or is the whole point to obliterate it with a steamroller and a tuba? Kev shares stories from his recent trip to New York City: the sights, the sounds, and whether each of us are New York or Los Angeles people Ian talks about the return of the weight game and how this is a summer of inward reflection Ian also shares some personal stories about his father—and how certain films like The Naked Gun carry more than just laughs; they carry memories. We explore Leslie Nielsen’s genius—how his straight-faced absurdity became the gold standard for parody. Can a film this silly still resonate in today’s comedy landscape? Or is this brand of humour an extinct species? Do background jokes, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it sight gags, and tightly wound chaos make this more than just a spoof—Does it become precision parody? Baseball anthems, the Queen in peril, exploding toilets, and a police officer with the worst undercover skills in cinematic history. And finally, whether The Naked Gun is the Best Film Ever—or just a walk down memory lane Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE.