In honor of "Hustle" a basketball drama produced by Lebron James and starring Adam Sandler, Ben Friedman decided to do a retrospect on The Sandman's career. More, specifically what makes his character's so relatable with audiences. And dare we say it? Is Adam Sandler the most underrated dramatic actor working in Hollywood? The films discussed include: Uncut Gems, Reign Over Me, Funny People, and Punch Drunk Love. But of course since it's Sandler I had to talk about some of my favorite comedic pe...
Jun 03, 2022•1 hr 6 min
This week on Ben and Bran See a Movie, Ben Friedman is joined by filmmaker and contributing writer for The Onion, The New Yorker, and McSweeney's, Spencer Roth-Rose. Recently, Spencer, alongside Zac Gelfand co-created the podcast, "Blackout Dates: The TRUE MoviePass Story" which follows the the rise and fall of beloved movie subscription service MoviePass. Today, in anticipation of "Top Gun: Maverick" Spencer and Ben have the need.. the need to discuss everything "Top Gun" and Tom Cruise related...
May 27, 2022•1 hr 34 min•Ep. 65
Welcome to Ben and Bran See a Movie, where this week Host Ben Friedman breaks down A24's impressive rise in Hollywood in anticipation of their newest release, "Men." Ben discusses the traits and sensibilities that make up an A24 film, the actors the studio works with, and a seemingly increased push to elevate diverse filmmakers voices. Then, to cap off the show Ben discusses his 10 favorite A24 films, and the 10 actors he would like to see star in an A24 production. 🔵 For more of Ben’s Movie Re...
May 20, 2022•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 64
It is finally here! Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is finally upon us, and wow is there a lot to say, and this time I can share spoilers! But wow oh wow, this movie feels like a comic book come to life, for better or for worst. The film stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen, Xochitl Gomez, Rachel McAdams, and Benedict Wong. Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is directed by Sam raimi (The Evil Dead franchise and Tobey Maguire's Spider-Man Trilogy). The sequel to Dr. Strange ...
May 17, 2022•1 hr 27 min
Welcome to the final episode of The Wild Wild Wes, where Ben Friedman and Jalaal Ahmad break down everything Wes Anderson. This week we covered Wes' 2021 Journalism Anthology film, 'The French Dispatch of the Liberty, Kansas Evening San.' The film follows a newspaper publishing their final issue. Broken into 4 anthology stories: "The Cycling Reporter," "The Concrete Masterpiece," "Revisions to a Manifesto," and "The Private Dining Room of a Police Commissioner. 'The French Dispatch' stars Bill M...
Apr 29, 2022•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 63
This week on Ben and Bran See a Movie, Jalaal Ahmad and Ben Friedman discuss Wes Anderson's second animated feature, 'Isle of Dogs.' The film follows a dystopian future where dogs have been exiled to Trash Island, until a brave young boy comes to save his beloved dog. The film stars Bryan Cranston, Scarlett Johansson, Greta Gerwig, Edward Norton, Bob Balaban, Jeff Goldblum, Akira Takayama, and Frances McDormand. So join us as we talk one of Anderson's most controversial films and break down some...
Apr 16, 2022•53 min•Ep. 62
This week on the show we are talking Wes Anderson's most critically acclaimed film, "The Grand Budapest Hotel." So join Jalaal Ahmad and Ben Friedman as they dive into the world of all things Wes Anderson 🔵 For more of Ben’s Movie Reviews check out Into the Beniverse: https://intothebeniverse.com 🔴 See More of Ben’s Videos: https://youtube.com/channel/UCFrKfnbJtkchQ4gPfcOdTxw 🔵 Tune into Ben and Bran See a Movie every Friday at 9am: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ben-bran-see-a-...
Apr 11, 2022•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 61
Ben Friedman is joined by Jeff Sneider, Editor for Below the Line and Reporter for The Ankler to discuss Wes Anderson's film 'Moonrise Kingdom.' The film stars Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Bill Murray, Frances McDormand, Bob Balaban, Jared Gilman, and Kara Hayward. Be sure to follow Jeff Sneider's work at The Ankler, Below The Line, and LA Magazine. Jeff can be found on twitter: @TheInSneider. And be sure to check out Jeff's website: http://theinsneider.blogspot.com The Ankler: https://theankler...
Apr 01, 2022•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 60
Ben Friedman and Jalaal Ahmad recap the first animated feature in Wes Anderson's filmography, 2009's "Fantastic Mr. Fox." So join Ben and Jalaal as they deal with the eccentricities of a stop motion film that bombed at the box office, but ended up finding its audience, due to word of mouth that cumulated in an Oscar nomination for "Best Animated Feature." "Fantastic Mr. Fox" follows, The Fox family who finds themselves in survival mode due to the retaliation of 3 mean farmers. "Fantastic Mr. Fox...
Mar 29, 2022•1 hr 10 min
This week on our show, Jalaal and Ben break down Wes Anderson's most critically maligned film, The Darjeeling Limited. Yet, does it deserve the hate and bad reputation it has received this past decade? The film tells the story of 3 brothers who reconnect in India on a search to find their mother. The film stars Owen Wilson, Jason Schwartzman, and Adrien Brody. 🔵 For more of Ben’s Movie Reviews check out Into the Beniverse: https://intothebeniverse.com 🔴 See More of Ben’s Videos: https://youtub...
Mar 25, 2022•58 min
The 94th Academy Awards will air March 27, 2022 on ABC. And who will be the big winners? Can Dune Win best Picture? Is Jessica Chastain the front runner? Will Power of the Dog win a single award? Hear my predictions now! 🔵 For more of Ben’s Movie Reviews check out Into the Beniverse: https://intothebeniverse.com 🔴 See More of Ben’s Videos: https://youtube.com/channel/UCFrKfnbJtkchQ4gPfcOdTxw 🔵 Tune into Ben and Bran See a Movie every Friday at 9am: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Mar 25, 2022•1 hr 13 min
Welcome back to our 4th installment of The Wild Wild Wes, where we talk all things Wes Anderson. This week Jalaal and Ben discuss Wes' first real flop, with The Life Aquatic. This was a film that cost nearly 50 million to make and only grossed about 35 million. Yet, Wes Anderson fans are fervor in their love for this movie. So, let us dive in and discuss what makes The Life Aquatic so unique.
Mar 23, 2022•1 hr 14 min
In this week’s preppy episode, Jalaal is here taking Branson's place, get used to it for a bit, nerds <3 It's a discussion on the second Wes Anderson film, and the first week with the bracket fully released! Fill it out for a chance to win our FIRST EVER GIVEAWAY! Free stuff, guys, come on! That's rad, right? Find us elsewhere: Twitter: @the_beniverse Instagram: @the.beniverse and @bind_media Youtube: The Beniverse See more podcasts and reviews at intothebeniverse.com...
Mar 16, 2022•1 hr 41 min
Welcome to The Wild Wild Wes, pardner. And that'll be enough cowboy crap. In this week’s criminally dumb episode, we're taking a look at Wes Anderson's first full-length feature, and bristling with excitement for the huge 64-character bracket we have cooked up! Find us elsewhere: Twitter: @the_beniverse Instagram: @the.beniverse and @bind_media Youtube: The Beniverse See more podcasts and reviews at intothebeniverse.com...
Mar 11, 2022•1 hr 15 min
In this week’s vengeful episode, we're pretty excited for R-Pat's "The Batman". In anticipation for it, we're talking "The Dark Knight," the highly- acclaimed second outing for Christian Bale as everyone's favorite Comic-Con attendee. Also featuring everyone's favorite Joker performance, and a lot of other good stuff. Find us elsewhere: Twitter: @the_beniverse Instagram: @the.beniverse and @bind_media Youtube: The Beniverse See more podcasts and reviews at intothebeniverse.com...
Mar 04, 2022•1 hr 22 min•Season 2Ep. 53
I was given the awesome opportunity to interview director Gia Elliot, in anticipation of Take Back the Night which opens March 4. Take Back the Night is a powerful thriller and eye-opening exposé about sexual assault, Gia Elliott's impressive feature debut includes an all female-led cast and crew. Take Back the Night has won numerous awards including Audience Award for Best Dramatic Feature at Another Hole in the Head, Best Feature Film at Horror Imaginings Film Festival, Best Director at Nightm...
Mar 03, 2022•30 min
In this week’s deep southern episode, we're capping off Black History Month, and honoring the late Sydney Poitier, at the same time. Efficiency! This film is a really interesting look at the racial climate of Mississippi in the 1960's, and a great performance by Sydney, so let's put our detective caps on, kids. Find us elsewhere: Twitter: @the_beniverse Instagram: @the.beniverse and @bind_media Youtube: The Beniverse See more podcasts and reviews at intothebeniverse.com...
Feb 25, 2022•1 hr 15 min•Season 2Ep. 38
In this week’s presidential episode, we're celebrating the 16th President's birthday the only way we can: by watching a movie that shares his name, and tells his story. It's about to get historical, folks. Find us elsewhere: Twitter: @the_beniverse Instagram: @the.beniverse and @bind_media Youtube: The Beniverse See more podcasts and reviews at intothebeniverse.com...
Feb 18, 2022•1 hr 20 min•Season 2Ep. 51
In this week’s sparkly episode, Jalaal takes over Bran's throne (because Bran was too busy putting things into moving boxes then taking them out someplace else) and joins at the right hand of the Ben to make fun of Twilight. Marvel with us all as we point and laugh at the silly teen monster romance film, and its problematic depictions of both romantic relationships and vampires. Find us elsewhere: Twitter: @the_beniverse Instagram: @the.beniverse and @bind_media Youtube: The Beniverse See more p...
Feb 11, 2022•1 hr 21 min•Season 2Ep. 50
In this week’s episode, we're cutting back on the jokes to take a serious look at The Fallout, a film about a school shooting, and the trauma and healing in its wake. This is a heavy one, so tread carefully. Trigger Warning! Find us elsewhere: Twitter: @the_beniverse Instagram: @the.beniverse and @bind_media Youtube: The Beniverse See more podcasts and reviews at intothebeniverse.com...
Feb 07, 2022•1 hr 19 min•Season 2Ep. 49
Doesn’t the title describe this video enough?
Feb 07, 2022•44 min
In this week’s saddled-up episode, the guys celebrate almost a year of making this dumb podcast by doing another Mel Brooks film, just like the first ever episode! Join us as we have a serious discussion about this movie that's witty, goofy, and not nearly as racist as it may seem. Read Bran's college paper on the subject here Find us elsewhere: Twitter: @the_beniverse Instagram: @the.beniverse and @bind_media Youtube: The Beniverse See more podcasts and reviews at bentothemovies.com...
Jan 28, 2022•1 hr 20 min•Season 2Ep. 48
In this week’s symmetrical episode, we're breaking into the wonderful world of Wes, with this lovely story about a broken family, and the father who fakes a grave illness to try and fix it in his own strange way. Find us elsewhere: Twitter: @the_beniverse Instagram: @the.beniverse and @bind_media Youtube: The Beniverse See more podcasts and reviews at bentothemovies.com
Jan 21, 2022•1 hr 41 min•Season 2Ep. 47
In this week’s vengeful episode, we decide to reminisce and honor some great icons of comedy we lost recently, Bob Saget, and Norm Macdonald, by talking about this insane movie, directed by Saget, and starring a whole lot of comedians. Rest in peace, Danny Tanner. Find us elsewhere: Twitter: @the_beniverse Instagram: @the.beniverse and @bind_media Youtube: The Beniverse See more podcasts and reviews at bentothemovies.com
Jan 14, 2022•53 min•Season 2Ep. 46
In this week’s goose-stepping episode, the boys say things that, without context, wouldn't be good things to say. But there is context, we promise. We're talking Taika Waititi's 2019 "anti-hate satire" flick all about how wrong the Nazis were, and how a young German fellow learns just that from an unexpected place. Join Jojo on his bizarre adventure and join us as we kick off the new year with a great film. SEASON 2, movie-seers, here we go! Find us elsewhere: Twitter: @the_beniverse Instagram: ...
Jan 07, 2022•1 hr 39 min•Season 2Ep. 45
In this week’s web-slinging episode, we are delighted to be joined by KTLA film critic, writer, podcaster, Q&A moderator, and huge Star Trek fan, the amazing Scott Mantz! And yeah, we're spoiling the heck out of No Way Home, so be warned! SPOILERS AHEAD! What a way to close out the year. Check out Scott Mantz's slick website for reviews, Q&As, Videos, and more! See him on twitter: @moviemantz Check out his podcast all about Star Trek, Enterprise Incidents And check out "For Your Consider...
Dec 31, 2021•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 44
B-Roll is BACK! This time we're talking A Christmas Story, Christmas Vacation, and more movies, as well as some other festive topics. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everybody. Go drink an eggnog or somethin'. Check out the song at the end here: "Snow Time For Vince" Find us elsewhere: Twitter: @the_beniverse Instagram: @the.beniverse and @bind_media Youtube: The Beniverse See more podcasts and reviews at bentothemovies.com...
Dec 25, 2021•56 min
In this week’s unsupervised episode, we're joined by Brian Rowe, host of the podcast Film at Fifty, to discuss the last contender of "Christmas?", everyone's favorite movie about child abandonment and burglary, Home Alone! Merry Christmas, ya filthy animals <3 Check out Brian Rowe and his stuff here: Film at Fifty Find us elsewhere: Twitter: @the_beniverse Instagram: @the.beniverse and @bind_media Youtube: The Beniverse See more podcasts and reviews at bentothemovies.com...
Dec 24, 2021•1 hr 46 min•Ep. 43
In this week’s barefooted and bloody episode, come with us to Nakatomi Plaza for the worst "Christmas?" party ever. We're talking one of the most hotly debated movies for the holiday season. Strap in and get ready for explosions and guns, ya'll. Find us elsewhere: Twitter: @the_beniverse Instagram: @the.beniverse and @bind_media Youtube: The Beniverse See more podcasts and reviews at bentothemovies.com...
Dec 17, 2021•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 42
In this week’s prayerful episode, the fellas continue the "Christmas?" season with just a classic movie sure to melt ya heart. Starring Jimmy Stewart, Donna Reed, and subtle 40's sexism, we're talking It's A Wonderful Life. Hey, what do y'know? my mouth's bleedin', Bert! MY MOUTH'S BLEEDIN'!! Find us elsewhere: Twitter: @the_beniverse Instagram: @the.beniverse and @bind_media Youtube: The Beniverse See more podcasts and reviews at bentothemovies.com...
Dec 10, 2021•1 hr 31 min•Ep. 41
