Ben and Corey go mano-a-mano over their favorite movie comedy duels à la the new so-so political comedy “The Campaign,” starring Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis. “Election,” “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” “Rushmore” and “Bridesmaids” are among the titles listed that featured fantastically bitter movie rivalries. We’d love to hear your favorites, too! The guys also spend a few minutes on “The Campaign,” agreeing it’s an ultimately unmemorable exercise in absurdity that has enough laughs to surviv...
Aug 17, 2012
Holy Epic Podcast, Batman! Wonder Mill Films co-founder and “The Nocturnal Third” director Ben Stark , a frequent “Aspect Radio” guest, organized a mammoth three-plus hour dissection of the Caped Crusader and all of the superhero’s film incarnations. Corey joins Ben and FilmNerds.com and AR contributor Craig Hamilton to sift through Tim Burton, Joel Schumacher and Christopher Nolan’s treatment of our beloved Batman and ultimately put the spotlight on the latest film, “The Dark Knight Rises.” So ...
Aug 15, 2012
Ben and Corey dive into the pit of Christopher Nolan’s conclusion to his Batman trilogy, “The Dark Knight Rises.” One thinks Nolan fell short of his previous two Batman movies, while the other thinks its the best one yet, even surpassing its beloved and record-breaking predecessor. The guys also look at what’s next for the Caped Crusader, mulling over possible casting and directing prospects as well as which villain to launch another reboot with. Rounding things out, the guys take a look back at...
Aug 10, 2012
Ben and Corey talk about modern movie marketing for blockbusters like “Prometheus,” “The Dark Knight Rises” and “The Amazing Spider-Man,” as well as some fancy new trailers out in the world from Paul Thomas Anderson, James Bond and Ron Burgundy. Also, is “The Avengers” a box office bully that is hurting Hollywood? Ben’s brother and Bloomberg producer Graham Flanagan gives us an early look at Wes Anderson’s “Moonrise Kingdom,” which he saw on vacation in Paris, France. The guys also give thoughts...
Jun 01, 2012
Ben and Corey assemble for Joss Whedon’s Marvel casserole “The Avengers,” which just cleared $740 million worldwide, so they feel comfortable going into spoiler territory, so beware . Producer Andrew Richardson chimes in as well, and look, it’s mostly a love fest. There’s little doubt left that Whedon hit a home run, combining Marvel’s major heroes into an amalgam of comic book movie glory. Ben’s brother and Bloomberg producer Graham Flanagan reports back from the Tribeca Film Festival in New Yo...
May 09, 2012
Ben and Corey take a trip to “The Cabin in the Woods,” where filmmakers Drew Goddard and Joss Whedon write a love/hate letter to their beloved horror genre. One loves it, while the other likes a lot about it but has issues with the mixed tone and the film’s knack for using the same tired horror conventions it chastises the genre for using in recent years. They also dig into “The Three Stooges,” though there ain’t that far to dig. But, surprise, they both like Peter and Bobby Farrelly’s tribute. ...
Apr 20, 2012
Ben and Corey laugh it up with their Top 10 comedies of the last 10 years , both picking several you might expect. But you know these guys, so watch out for a few surprises. They also review one that didn’t quite make their list, “American Reunion,” the fourth installment of that series where that guy molested that pie. Surprisingly, they disagree, but one is more passionate on way than the other. Ben’s brother an Bloomberg Network producer Graham Flanagan stops by to share his thoughts on Whit ...
Apr 14, 2012
Ben and Corey catch up on a handful of new film releases, including blockbusters like “The Hunger Games” and foreign independent movies like “The Kid with a Bike.” They both enjoyed the smash hit “Hunger Games,” noting it’s smarter than your average studio action adventure, regardless of its place in the young adult adaptation genre. This ain’t “Twilight.” The guys then turn to “Goon,” a profane and violent hockey comedy about a simple-minded but kind enforcer who finally finds his direction in ...
Apr 06, 2012
Ben and Corey butt heads this week but not on Andrew Stanton’s science fiction adventure “John Carter,” which delivers like a blockbuster should despite falling into the dreaded all-time box office disaster category. The guys don’t get the backlash in the wake of a befuddling marketing campaign that failed to connect with audiences, even when the $250 million-budgeted film has mainstream appeal. Where the hosts disagree is on the cop comedy “21 Jump Street,” starring Jonah Hill and Cullman nativ...
Mar 22, 2012
Ben and Corey look ahead to the rest of the 2012 film year and highlight the releases they’re most looking forward to, given the year has the makings of another one for the ages. Some of their picks and omissions may surprise you, but most of the ones you’ve probably heard of by now will wind up on their lists, including works from Quentin Tarantino, Paul Thomas Anderson, Christopher Nolan, Steven Spielberg, Wes Anderson and Ridley Scott. Because they couldn’t help themselves, they say one final...
Mar 04, 2012
Ben and Corey, joined by Graham Flanagan, finish wrapping up the 2011 film year with the rest of the top 10 favorite movies along with their top five favorite scenes. The guys run through the top five films that stayed with them throughout a stellar 2011, one of the better film years in recent memory. Films like “Midnight in Paris,” “Tree of Life,” “War Horse,” “Contagion” and some others you might not expect wind up on the lists. They also single out their favorite individual scenes, many comin...
Feb 25, 2012
Ben and Corey finally close the book on the 2011 film year, naming their favorite films, performances and scenes in a two-part podcast wrap-up. Joined by Ben’s brother and Bloomberg network producer Graham Flanagan, the guys look back at a stellar year that offered a diverse crop of films spanning several formats and languages. In part one, they offer up the first half of their top 10 films of 2011, as well as their top five favorite performances. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN/DOWNLOAD!!! You can follow ...
Feb 24, 2012
Ben and Corey exercise their voices on the silent sensation “The Artist,” frontrunner to win best picture and other major Oscars. Despite the hype, both find it to be a charming love story and invigorating technical achievement, capped with showstopping performances from nominees Jean Dujardin and Berenice Bejo . Also on tap is Steven Soderbergh’s latest, “Haywire,” a spy thriller about a mercenary on the run and thirsty for payback. Starring MMA fighter Gina Carano , the film has enough style a...
Feb 06, 2012
Corey is joined by FilmNerds.com’s Matt Scalici could tell you what they thought of two recent spy movie releases…but then they’d have to kill you. Not really, of course. With Ben absent this week, the guys took in a pair of new entries into the genre that are sure to titillate the mind, albeit in different ways. “Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol” succeeds on the blockbuster front, thanks to eye-popping stunts and other exciting action set pieces under the direction of live-action newcomer Bra...
Jan 24, 2012
Ben and Corey give a rising star a chance, as indie newcomer Steven Spielberg released two movies worth taking a look at in 2011. First up is WAR HORSE, the sprawling and episodic WWI tale of bravery and perseverance. One of us is over the moon for it and even files it alongside other Spielberg classics, while the other finds some inconsistencies but digs it immensely. Also on tap is Spielberg’s venture into motion-capture with THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN, a rollicking and globetrotting adventure t...
Jan 09, 2012
Ben and Corey take an early look at David Fincher’s gritty adaptation of the Swedish novel “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” and have mixed reactions. One digs it and thinks Fincher picks up right where he left off after 2010’s “The Social Network,” while the other thinks the director all but phones this one in. The guys also happily watch their first Alexander Payne movie in seven years, “The Descendants,” with George Clooney and Shaline Woodley, and see why it’s in the awards conversation thi...
Dec 18, 2011
Ben and Corey are joined by producer Andrew Richardson to wander into Martin Scorsese’s family film “Hugo,” a love letter to film history. Without giving too much away, Scorsese reinforces why you better pay attention and respect during those first few weeks of intro film courses in college. The guys then welcome back “The Muppets,” as writer/star Jason Segel revitalizes Jim Henson’s beloved franchise, still in peal form. Also on tap is a discussion on actor/director reunions Ben and Corey would...
Dec 02, 2011
Ben and Corey pick a side between Teams Edward and Jacob in the latest in this “Twilight” saga, “Breaking Dawn – Part 1.” Sigh. Bear with us. Surprisingly, the guys find some things to like about Bill Condon’s first half of his finale adaptation of Stephenie Meyer’s book. Speaking of young adult literature, the guys take a look at director Gary Ross’ take on Suzanne Collins’ novel “The Hunger Games,” due next spring. Rounding it out is a discussion on favorite films released and seen on Thanksgi...
Nov 23, 2011
Ben and Corey investigate Clint Eastwood’s private stash to find his latest film J. EDGAR, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and written by Dustin Lance Black (MILK), to be a muddled biopic with fine performances and distracting makeup. As Eastwood continues to churn out one or two movies per year, the grizzled director seems to miss more than hit these days, with his Hoover film falling somewhere in between. The guys also revisit Sean Durkin’s MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE, upon Ben’s brother Graham’s glow...
Nov 17, 2011
Ben has the week off, as Corey is joined by show producer Andrew Richardson and GameFront.com writer Phil Owen to talk about Roland Emmerich’s new film ANONYMOUS , a film that presupposes that William Shakespeare might not have written any of his masterworks. The guys also take on financial meltdown drama MARGIN CALL , starring Kevin Spacey, Zachary Quinto, Jeremy Irons, Stanley Tucci and Demi Moore. Closing it out is a discussion on their favorite costume dramas. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN/DOWNLOAD!!...
Nov 02, 2011
Ben and Corey lurk into some haunted houses, dark alleys and twisted minds just in time for Halloween as they break down their top 10 horror movies of the last decade. Each cheats a bit at the risk of betraying the laws of nomenclature, pilfering a title or two from 2010. But they belonged. Also on tap are Corey’s takes on recent contemporary horror releases “Paranormal Activity 3” and “The Thing,” both currently playing in theaters nationwide. Ben’s brother Graham also appears to talk about “Ma...
Oct 27, 2011
Ben and Corey aspire to avoid sinking into their own depression but accept the impending reality that is Lars von Trier’s operatic MELANCHOLIA , with Kirsten Dunst, Charlotte Gainsbourg and Kiefer Sutherland. Producer Andrew Richardson and gaming critic Phil Owen join Corey to discuss Craig Brewer’s FOOTLOOSE remake, which all insist is more awesome than you know. The latest AVENGERS trailer also goes under the microscope, as the guys break down the available footage from director Joss Whedon. R...
Oct 18, 2011
Ben and Corey beware George Clooney’s latest directorial effort THE IDES OF MARCH , starring the director, Ryan Gosling, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Paul Giamatti and Evan Rachel Wood. They also share some thoughts on Kevin Smith’s RED STATE , a violent horror flick blended with a little political conspiracy theory. Corey and show producer Andrew Richardson then discuss which actors-turned-directors they like, dislike and want to give another crack at it. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN/DOWNLOAD!!! We are now ...
Oct 12, 2011
Ben is on vacation in NYC, so “Aspect Radio” producer Andrew Richardson fills in as he and Corey discuss Jonathan Levine’s “50/50,” new movie trailers and their Top 5 “You’ll Laugh, You’ll Cry” movies. Bring your tissues, folks. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN/DOWNLOAD!!! We are now on iTunes! Be sure to search for us and subscribe. Tell your friends! You can follow the show on Twitter , or email any feedback to AspectRadioShow@gmail.com . Please “Like” us on Facebook ! Thanks for listening!!!...
Oct 05, 2011
Ben and Corey strap in for director Nicolas Winding Refn’s superb, violent character study “Drive,” starring Ryan Gosling and Carey Mulligan . Both agree “Drive” is one of the best films of 2011 so far, and if it’s any indicator of how the rest of the fall season will shape up, we’ve got plenty of good things to anticipate. With FilmNerds.com editor Matt Scalici , Corey takes an early look at Bennett Miller’s “Moneyball,” an adaptation of Michael Lewis’ book about Oakland Athletics general manag...
Sep 20, 2011
After a two-week hiatus thanks to the Sidewalk Film Festival and Labor Day, Ben and Corey catch Steven Soderbergh’s CONTAGION , starring an A-list cast taking on a deadly worldwide virus in what Ben calls one of the year’s best so far. The guys also step into the octagon for Gavin O’Connor’s mixed martial arts family drama WARRIOR , with Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton. Joining this discussion are new show producer Andrew Richardson and friend to the program (and Anniston Star entertainment columnis...
Sep 12, 2011
Director Terrence Malick rarely wastes a frame with whatever puts on the screen, especially in his latest feature film “The Tree of Life.” Ben and Corey, joined by Ben’s dad Steve Flanagan, dissect Malick’s exploration of childhood, memory, loss of innocence and existence. Deep stuff, we know. The film brought home 2011’s Cannes Film Festival Palme d’Or and still finds itself in the Oscar discussion this year. You can bet it will end up on plenty of top 10 lists later this year, perhaps includin...
Aug 23, 2011
Ben and Corey are just as pleasantly surprised as the rest of American audiences who thought “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” looked downright stupid. The concept may still be, but the result is a gripping science fiction story that may be the best of the overloaded series, with respect to the great Charlton Heston , and one of the best films of 2011 so far. It at least helps us forget about that awful Tim Burton remake from 2001, so that’s a plus. Ben and Corey then caulk the wagon and ford the...
Aug 08, 2011
Corey and guest host Phil Owen take on the latest in cowboys fighting aliens movies, ahem, “Cowboys & Aliens,” director Jon Favreau’s big budget adaptation of the lesser known graphic novel. While the film looks great and is packed with star power and special effects, it just doesn’t seem to deliver on its promising concept of mixing the two beloved genres of westerns and science fiction. Also on tap are new trailers for Peter Berg’s board game adaptation “Battleship” and producer/co-writer ...
Aug 03, 2011
Ben and Corey get all patriotic and stuff for Marvel’s latest origin story (and franchise starter) “Captain America: The First Avenger,” starring a more than capable Chris Evans . The guys liked the movie overall, as well as the little nugget that comes after the credits…[spoiler-ish]…a teaser trailer for “The Avengers.” So stick around. Also on tap is a review of the documentary “Project Nim” with Ben’s brother Graham Flanagan. Rounding it out is a discussion on active filmmakers who need a com...
Jul 25, 2011
