If you ask someone if they remember that talking toy movie from the 90s, they will probably tell you about Woody and Buzz. But in between Toy Story 1 and 2, Small Soldiers hit the big screen with a PG-13 attitude. Loaded with an incredible cast including Kirsten Dunst, Phil Hartman, and Tommy Lee Jones, we believe this movie is worthy of having a legacy outside of the Pixar shadow. The Write Note Exploring the craft of writing and its impact on pop culture. Listen on: Spotify Join the Best of th...
Apr 16, 2024•2 hr 5 min•Ep. 156
Released less than a year after The Truman Show, audiences and critics were quick to dismiss EdTV as a poor imitation. This week we take a second look at this Matthew McConaughey vehicle to find what it got right! You can catch us on the Great Game Debate podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, or on YouTube ! The Write Note Exploring the craft of writing and its impact on pop culture. Listen on: Spotify Join the Best of the Rest discord: https://discord.gg/86P7jJXNPb Merch: https://www.teepubl...
Apr 10, 2024•2 hr•Ep. 155
Despite beating Armageddon to theaters, Deep Impact almost immediately became that "other movie about an asteroid heading towards Earth." Today we take a second look to find what this one does different, and what it does well! An all star cast led by Morgan Freeman, Téa Leoni, Robert Duvall, and Elijah Wood ask the audience: What would you do if the world was ending? The Write Note Exploring the craft of writing and its impact on pop culture. Listen on: Spotify Join the Best of the Rest discord:...
Apr 02, 2024•1 hr 43 min•Ep. 154
We're taking a second look at Arnold Schwarzenegger's most infamous flop to find everything that works, and this week we are joined by Adal Rifai! After revolutionizing the action movie genre with Predator and Die Hard, director John McTiernan made a movie entirely about Arnold's movie star persona. The cameo filled romp was panned by critics, but we think there's still a joke three that land! Much of Shane Black's trademark humor from Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and The Nice Guys is present in this 90s...
Mar 26, 2024•1 hr 37 min•Ep. 153
Paul Verhoeven took a risk when he released an NC-17 movie in nationwide theaters, and after a disastrous box office performance and poor reviews it seemed the risk did not pay off. Or did it? This week we revisit the now cult classic film Showgirls, and discuss everything we like. Hairstyles, lap dances, painted nipples, that pool scene, and plenty more. It's a wild one, darling. The Write Note Exploring the craft of writing and its impact on pop culture. Listen on: Spotify Join the Best of the...
Mar 19, 2024•1 hr 48 min•Ep. 152
After making beloved animated films like The Iron Giant and The Incredibles, Brad Bird successfully made the jump to live action with Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol. His highly anticipated followup was a very expensive Disney film called Tomorrowland that, unfortunately, was a box office bomb. This week we take a second look to find what this movie does well! The visual effects have aged as well as George Clooney, and the movie's message of Hope is truly evergreen. The Write Note Exploring...
Mar 13, 2024•1 hr 31 min•Ep. 151
At long last, we are revisiting one of the most notorious flops of all time: Waterworld! As always, we are here to find the positives and celebrate the best scenes and performances of this post apocalyptic Mad Max on water film. Did you know Kevin Costner's character has gills? Then we are joined by Bob Buel of the 99 Questions podcast for three rounds of movie trivia, prepared especially for this episode! The Write Note Exploring the craft of writing and its impact on pop culture. Listen on: Sp...
Mar 06, 2024•2 hr 43 min•Ep. 150
Stanley Kubrick made his fair share of polarizing films, but perhaps none have had a greater shift in reception than The Shining. While the movie struggled at the box office and was reviled by critics at the time of its release, it has gone on to receive monumental praise and is widely considered to be one of the best horror films ever made. Today we revisit the Overlook Hotel and the wild characters that exist within to discuss everything this movie gets right! The Write Note Exploring the craf...
Feb 28, 2024•2 hr 10 min•Ep. 149
Blade Runner was a notorious box office bomb, failing to impress audiences and critics alike. But over time, and with many, many revisions to the movie, its legacy grew to be that of an all-time great sci-fi film. This week we revisit the original theatrical cut of the film and celebrate what the movie got right since day one. The visuals were always stunning, the performances top notch, and hey if you missed anything in the plot, Harrison Ford's narration was right there to fill you in. The Wri...
Feb 20, 2024•2 hr 9 min•Ep. 148
The Thing is among John Carpenter's best and most respected films.... today. But in 1982, this sci-fi classic was met with disdain from critics and a weak showing at the box office. Today we take a second look to determine what caused this movie's legacy to grow so tremendously over time. The Write Note Exploring the craft of writing and its impact on pop culture. Listen on: Spotify Join the Best of the Rest discord: https://discord.gg/86P7jJXNPb Merch: https://www.teepublic.com/user/botrcast Em...
Feb 14, 2024•1 hr 49 min•Ep. 147
When people think of Batman movies from the 90's, they usually remember rubber nipples and Michelle Pfeiffer before thinking about the animated Batman: Mask of the Phantasm. Although a fan favorite now, the movie bombed in theaters and made such a small wave, many people didn't know it existed until years later. Today we're taking a second look to celebrate this once forgotten classic to celebrate it's rich story, sharp animation, and of course the voice talents of Kevin Conroy and Mark Hammill....
Feb 06, 2024•2 hr 4 min•Ep. 146
In this BONUS episode, we discuss every M Night Shyamalan movie we didn't cover, try to define what a twist ending actually is, and then rank his entire filmography. Spoiler warning every M. Night movie, Knives Out, 10 Cloverfield Lane, and New X-Men by Grant Morrison. The Write Note Exploring the craft of writing and its impact on pop culture. Listen on: Spotify Join the Best of the Rest discord: https://discord.gg/86P7jJXNPb Merch: https://www.teepublic.com/user/botrcast Email: bestoftherestpo...
Feb 01, 2024•1 hr 54 min
After a string of critical and box office dissapointments, M. Night Shyamalan finally bounced back with The Visit, and gained back audience's faith with Split. Despite the renewed interest and higher expectations, Glass failed to impress critics and general audiences. But today we take a second look at the conclusion of the Unbreakable trilogy to discuss everything it got right! Samuel L Jackson is as on point as ever, James McAvoy continues to eat the hell out of that scenery, and boy oh boy is...
Jan 30, 2024•1 hr 48 min•Ep. 145
After The Happening came The Last Airbender, and after The Last Airbender came... After Earth. Will Smith teamed up with M Night Shyamalan to bring his epic father and son tale of survival to life, and the result was career lows for both of their careers. But we're just here to take a second look and determine what the movie did well! The visuals often impress, the set pieces are fun, and that bird is a real bro. The Write Note Exploring the craft of writing and its impact on pop culture. Listen...
Jan 23, 2024•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 144
For many fans, The Happening was the final nail in the coffin for the M Night Shyamalan hype. Both the story and performances have been endlessly mocked, and critics were not at all kind to the film. But today we take a second look at the director's self proclaimed B movie to find what works! (A bonus discussion on The Iron Claw is included after the credits!) Join the Best of the Rest discord: https://discord.gg/86P7jJXNPb Merch: https://www.teepublic.com/user/botrcast Email: bestoftherestpod@g...
Jan 17, 2024•2 hr 18 min•Ep. 143
While some movie goers and critics were disappointed with The Village, it's safe to say M. Night Shyamalan's hot streak was officially over when Lady In The Water flopped in theaters. But this week we take a second look at the Paul Giamatti led bedtime story to find all the things it does well! Join the Best of the Rest discord: https://discord.gg/86P7jJXNPb Merch: https://www.teepublic.com/user/botrcast Email: bestoftherestpod@gmail.com Social Media @BotRCast on Twitter , Instagram , Facebook B...
Jan 10, 2024•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 142
After a trio of hit films and critical acclaim, the next movie from M. Night Shyamalan failed to impress in the same way. The Village may have its defenders, but their praise was quickly drowned out by movie goers mocking the multiple twist endings of the story. Today we just want to talk about what this movie got right, like a wild creature design, commanding performances by Bryce Dallas Howard and Joaquin Phoenix, and a tight script full of tasty breadcrumbs. Join the Best of the Rest discord:...
Jan 03, 2024•1 hr 54 min•Ep. 141
After starring in Armageddon, but before Pearl Harbor (the movie) Ben Affleck starred in the infamous Reindeer Games. This week we're taking a second look at this twisty movie to find what it does well! A rather stacked cast, including Charlize Theron and Gary Sinise, gives mostly memorable performances, and the plot isn't short on good ideas. Also Ben Affleck plays a character named Rudolph. Join the Best of the Rest discord: https://discord.gg/86P7jJXNPb Merch: https://www.teepublic.com/user/b...
Dec 27, 2023•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 140
Writer, actor, podcaster, and friend of the show Justin Michael returns for our third annual holiday special! This year we're talking all things HOOK, the weird dark Peter Pan legacy sequel that came out decades before that stuff was popular. Critics weren't impressed, but audiences have turned this one into a nostalgic favorite. Robin Williams has shaved arms, Glenn Close has a beard, and Julia Roberts is very tiny. Listen to Nature Talks To Itself wherever you get your podcasts! Join the Best ...
Dec 19, 2023•1 hr 49 min•Ep. 139
The character of Ernest had humble beginnings in television commercials, but soon made the leap to the big screen. Although critics were never a big fan, his movies were staples video rental stores in the 80's and 90's. We talk all the positives in this holiday classic, including how Ernest has influenced everyone from Jim Carrey, to Michael Scott and The Briscoe Brothers. RIP Andre Braugher. Join the Best of the Rest discord: https://discord.gg/86P7jJXNPb Merch: https://www.teepublic.com/user/b...
Dec 12, 2023•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 138
After launching into superstardom with movies like Billy Madison and Happy Gilmore, Adam Sandler attempted to make an animated holiday classic with Eight Crazy Nights. Although the movie has its defenders, it was a major box office bomb and has been panned by critics. Today we're taking a second look at the Hanukkah classic to find out what exactly it does well! Join the Best of the Rest discord: https://discord.gg/86P7jJXNPb Merch: https://www.teepublic.com/user/botrcast Email: bestoftherestpod...
Dec 05, 2023•1 hr 33 min•Ep. 137
Disney month comes to a close with one of our biggest episodes yet: The conclusion to the STAR WARS SKYWALKER SAGA, aka Star Wars Episode IX, aka The Rise of Skywalker. We're diving into everything we love about all things Disney Star Wars. Join the Best of the Rest discord: https://discord.gg/86P7jJXNPb Merch: https://www.teepublic.com/user/botrcast Email: bestoftherestpod@gmail.com Social Media @BotRCast on Twitter , Instagram , Facebook Bonus content: Youtube Theme song (vocals) by Mark Benav...
Nov 29, 2023•2 hr 44 min•Ep. 136
Robin Williams starred in Flubber, the 1997 remake of the film The Absent Minded Professor. The movie was a box office success, but did not garner positive critical attention and has all but completely fallen out of the pop culture. Today we take a second look to determine what this movie does well, and are surprised to see the visual effects hold up remarkably well. The AI romance, maybe not as much. Join the Best of the Rest discord: https://discord.gg/86P7jJXNPb Merch: https://www.teepublic.c...
Nov 21, 2023•1 hr 55 min•Ep. 135
Most people think of Disney as an all powerful juggernaut of entertainment, especially in the realm of animated features. But in the mid-80's things weren't so certain when The Black Cauldron failed to make a profit against the biggest budget for an animated movie at the time. Today we revisit this infamous movie to determine what all it does well! Join the Best of the Rest discord: https://discord.gg/86P7jJXNPb Merch: https://www.teepublic.com/user/botrcast Email: bestoftherestpod@gmail.com Soc...
Nov 14, 2023•1 hr 32 min•Ep. 134
Ever since 1995's Toy Story, Pixar has been a force to reckoned with in western animation. In 2006 however, most people seemed to believe the studio released their first mis-step with Cars. Today, we're taking second look at the black sheep franchise of Pixar to examine everything it gets right! Like casting Michael Keaton, KA-CHICKA! Join the Best of the Rest discord: https://discord.gg/86P7jJXNPb Merch: https://www.teepublic.com/user/botrcast Email: bestoftherestpod@gmail.com Social Media @Bot...
Nov 07, 2023•2 hr 5 min•Ep. 133
Two decades after the original Halloween, the horror genre receives one of its first legacy sequels with Halloween H20. Despite the return of Jamie Lee Curtis, the movie was a mild box office success and failed to win over critics. But today we just focus on what the movie does well! Josh Hartnett with unbrushed hair? It's 1998 baby! Join the Best of the Rest discord: https://discord.gg/86P7jJXNPb Merch: https://www.teepublic.com/user/botrcast Email: bestoftherestpod@gmail.com Social Media @BotR...
Oct 31, 2023•1 hr 46 min•Ep. 132
Final Destination mixes up the slasher formula by removing the slasher. Audiences loved it but critics were not so kind. Today we take a look at everything that works in the inventive teen thriller. Also, find out which cast member Andrew has interviewed before.... Join the Best of the Rest discord: https://discord.gg/86P7jJXNPb Merch: https://www.teepublic.com/user/botrcast Email: bestoftherestpod@gmail.com Social Media @BotRCast on Twitter , Instagram , Facebook Bonus content: Youtube Theme so...
Oct 25, 2023•1 hr 58 min•Ep. 131
Released two years after Scream, and one year after I Know What You Did Last Summer, Urban Legend quickly received the reputation as being just another teen slasher. But this week we're here to tell you maybe that's a mistake! Did you hear the one about the Scream knock-off that was actually good? Join the Best of the Rest discord: https://discord.gg/86P7jJXNPb Merch: https://www.teepublic.com/user/botrcast Email: bestoftherestpod@gmail.com Social Media @BotRCast on Twitter , Instagram , Faceboo...
Oct 18, 2023•1 hr 55 min•Ep. 130
In the wake of Scream, another cast of young attractive people get killed one by one in a movie with a very long title. It may not have had the same cultural impact as the movie that influenced it, but today we discuss what it does well! Join the Best of the Rest discord: https://discord.gg/86P7jJXNPb Merch: https://www.teepublic.com/user/botrcast Email: bestoftherestpod@gmail.com Social Media @BotRCast on Twitter , Instagram , Facebook Bonus content: Youtube Theme song (vocals) by Mark Benavide...
Oct 11, 2023•1 hr 44 min•Ep. 129
SCREAM month begins with what many fans consider to be the first misstep of the franchise. But we're here to celebrate what we love about this slasher sequel! When your cast includes David Arquette, Parker Posey, Scott Foley, AND Liev Schreiber, how can you go wrong?! Join the Best of the Rest discord: https://discord.gg/86P7jJXNPb Merch: https://www.teepublic.com/user/botrcast Email: bestoftherestpod@gmail.com Social Media @BotRCast on Twitter , Instagram , Facebook Bonus content: Youtube Theme...
Oct 03, 2023•2 hr 18 min•Ep. 128
