Ho, ho, NO? In this holiday episode, Rachel, Trae, and Josh discuss the 2016 Hallmark Hall of Fame film A Heavenly Christmas , starring Kristin Davis, Eric McCormack, and Shirley MacLaine. In this somehow more bland retooling of the basic plot in the 2010 movie Christmas Mail , a talented (wink) musician is miserable because he has to take care of his orphaned niece while also running a successful diner in Chicago. Luckily, Kristin Davis falls on ice, goes into a coma, and is recruited to be a C...
Dec 07, 2023•1 hr 52 min•Season 1Ep. 47
In this episode, we explore what happens when a Rom-Com is produced that has no romance and no comedy -- it gets released as the film Table 19. Join Rachel and Josh as they wade through the passive-aggressive tones, the lifeless dialogue, and the complete lack of character development that plagues this movie and ask the question: is this a genuine attempt at art, or a soulless Cash Grab? You can support Cash Grab Cinema by leaving a review and rating us on iTunes, Apple Podcast, or anywhere you ...
Oct 12, 2023•40 min•Season 1Ep. 46
In this very special episode, Rachel, Trae, and Josh recount the experience of making Lookout Point, a short film for the 48 Hour Film Project. We discuss what it was like to make a film in a frantic, sweaty panic and what we think of the end result. Spoilers -- we don't consider our own film to be a shameless Cash Grab (confirmation bias abounds). You can support Cash Grab Cinema by leaving a review and rating us on iTunes, Apple Podcast, or anywhere you download your podcasts. Also share the s...
Sep 12, 2023•33 min•Season 1Ep. 45
Ahoy mateys! In this episode, we jump the shark and dive into the 2018 summer blockbuster The Meg! Join Rachel, Trae, and Josh on this fin-tastic adventure in which we unravel jaw-dropping scenes, dissect fishy dialogue, and of course, sit in awe of the force of nature we call Jason Statham. Does this movie gill-iver a sincere attempt at art, or is this just another smelly Cash Grab? You can support Cash Grab Cinema by leaving a review and rating us on iTunes, Apple Podcast, or anywhere you down...
Aug 05, 2023•2 hr 17 min•Season 1Ep. 44
In a world full of media like 28 Days Later , Mad Max , and The Last of Us , we often forget that ancient apocalyptic IP - the book of Revelation. In this episode Rachel and Josh discuss the 2001 film Left Behind , a movie that started a direct-to-video saga that did little to inform or warn non-Christians of their fate during the end of days, and did much to comfort those who think they will be taken that if nothing else, at least they'll no longer have to share a planet with Kirk Cameron. We c...
Mar 10, 2023•52 min•Season 1Ep. 43
Load up your favorite snack cracker with a dollop of pâté and put on your best revolutionary costume of the day! In this episode, Rachel, Trae, and Josh discuss the 1975 documentary Grey Gardens . This film focuses on a mother and daughter who were once members of the wealthy East Hampton, NY aristocracy, but have spent decades living in forgotten squalor in their ever-deteriorating estate. While this film and its directors are widely celebrated, this film raises many issues around misogyny, exp...
Dec 24, 2022•1 hr 31 min•Season 1Ep. 42
Quan su, dudes! In this episode, Rachel, Trae, and Josh wax up their boards and head out into open water to explore the maddening mysteries and cacophony of cultural insensitivities of the 1993 film Surf Ninjas. This movie has it all: the martial arts talents of Ernie Reyes Sr. and Jr., a Sega Game Gear that can foresee the future, Rob Schneider as the unfunny sidekick, Tone Loc as a fish-out-of-water LAPD detective, and Leslie Nielsen as a cyborg samurai warlord who eats up 10 minutes of the mo...
Jul 21, 2022•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 41
Squeeze into your ball gowns and sharpen your fighting blades because in this episode we discuss the horror & action & comedy film Pride & Prejudice & Zombies . It's the same old story - a family on the brink of becoming too poor to remain in the aristocratic class are desperate to marry off their daughters, all while a zombie outbreak is spreading through the English countryside. Rachel and Josh investigate this derivative piece of cinema and ask the question: was this a genuine...
May 26, 2022•51 min•Season 1Ep. 40
In this episode we delve into the surreal with The Peanut Butter Solution , a 1985 children's fantasy film. Mike is a typical 11-year-old kid living in the suburbs of Montreal until he witnesses a sight so frightening that all of his hair falls out. After getting the recipe for a magic potion from a couple of ghosts in a dream, Mike is able to regrow his hair -- but it's too much too fast, and now he can't get it to stop! Join Rachel, Trae, and Josh as we comb through the strands of this odd pie...
May 09, 2022•1 hr 23 min•Season 1Ep. 39
In this episode Rachel and Josh discuss God's Not Dead 3: A Light in Darkness, a film that finally addresses Christian persecution in the US and pits a callous, secular educational system against the single greatest hero of our time - David A.R. White. In this final chapter of the "God's Not Trilogy" we return to Hadleigh University, where the school's administration wants to demolish the on-campus chapel, partly because of the controversy that the resident clergy member (Pastor Dave) brings to ...
Apr 11, 2022•1 hr 53 min•Season 1Ep. 38
In this episode Rachel, Trae, and Josh attempt some good old-fashioned Hollywood clairvoyance as they try to predict the winners of the 94th Academy Awards. Along the way we discuss the artistic merits of the nominated films and ask the question: are these films a genuine attempt at art, or just a group of shameless Cash Grabs? You can support Cash Grab Cinema by leaving a review and rating us on iTunes, Apple Podcast, or anywhere you download your podcasts. Also share the show with your friends...
Mar 21, 2022•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 37
Great Scott! In this episode, Rachel and Josh talk about Back to the Future, a quintessential 80's film that redefined science fiction comedy. This episode was recorded several years ago; we reached way back in the vault to unearth it. We talk about the cultural significance of the film and weigh that against the cacophony of product placement littered across the screen, ultimately asking the question: is this a genuine attempt at art, or just a shameless Cash Grab? You can support Cash Grab Cin...
Mar 01, 2022•44 min•Season 1Ep. 36
In this episode, we delve into the thrilling world of involuntary BASE jumping with the 2018 film What Keeps You Alive . This movie has it all: eerie atmosphere, foreshadowing that seems to be important but ends up going nowhere, romantic serenades that include violent inner demons, and characters who just can't seem to make a single rational decision. Join Rachel, Trae, and Josh as we pick apart this Canadian psychological thriller and ask the question: was this a genuine attempt at art, or jus...
Jan 10, 2022•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 35
In this episode we delve into the deliciously twisted 2020 film Black Lake -- an independent horror film that involves a haunted scarf, a malevolent witch, and a troubled artist wandering around Scottish moors. Rachel, Trae, and Josh analyze this incredibly unique film and ask the question: is this a genuine attempt at art, or just a soulless Cash Grab? You can support Cash Grab Cinema by leaving a review and rating us on iTunes, Apple Podcast, or anywhere you download your podcasts. Also share ...
Oct 22, 2021•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 34
It's been a long journey. Pointless? Maybe. Mind-numbing? Absolutely. Either way, we have finally come to the last two installments of the Twilight Saga, which -- unlike the cynical money-grubbing producers of these films -- we are graciously releasing as a single episode. Join Rachel, Trae and Josh as we rip apart the pieces and burn the body of this bewildering romance/action/supernatural franchise. As ever, we ask the question: are these films a genuine attempt to create art, or just a soulle...
Sep 20, 2021•2 hr 21 min•Season 1Ep. 33
"Could you at least *attempt* to control your thoughts?" In this episode we continue our epic quest to review all of the Twilight movies (not counting the first Twilight film -- we covered that long ago ) to try and get to the heart of why this YA series turned film franchise became such a pop culture phenomenon throughout the twenty-aughts and early teens. Join us as we giggle through the shoddy dialogue, nonsensical plot, cartoonish special effects, extremely toxic relationships, and of course...
Jul 12, 2021•2 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 32
Grab a satchel of vampire glitter and slip into a fresh pair of jorts because in this episode we discuss Twilight: New Moon. Rachel, Trae, and Josh embark on an epic quest to review all of the Twilight movies (not counting the first Twilight film -- we covered that long ago ) to try and get to the heart of why this YA series turned film franchise became such a pop culture phenomenon throughout the aughts and early teens. Join us as we giggle through the shoddy dialogue, nonsensical plot, cartoon...
May 24, 2021•1 hr 45 min•Season 1Ep. 31
From the depths of our dusty archives comes the very first, original episode of the show, recorded way back in 2017. In this episode Rachel and Josh discuss The Seeker: the Dark is Rising, a 2007 film adaptation of one of the Dark is Rising book series from the 1970s. With an impressive cast and sterling source material, one would expect this film to be full of adventure and a delight to the senses... We are here to confront those expectations with grim, brutal reality. We ask the question: is T...
May 04, 2021•39 min•Season 1Ep. 30
In this episode our ragtag team takes on the Galactic Empire, by which we mean the corporate media behemoth Disney. We discuss Star Wars Episode 8: The Last Jedi, a film that is incredibly divisive and prompted some diehard Star Wars fans to proclaim that this movie "broke Star Wars". Listen as we make the case for why this film is either a brilliant achievement or a dismal failure, and as always we ask the question: was this film a true attempt at art or a soulless Cash Grab? You can support Ca...
Apr 13, 2021•2 hr 6 min•Season 1Ep. 29
In this episode we explore the strange and confusing world of Guardians - a 2017 film that is Russia's answer to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Forget about your tired old superheroes, and get pumped to see Rock Dude, Water Lady, Murder Blades, and of course, Man Bear Pig fight the forces of evil. Those aren't their actual superhero names, but it's the quickest way to sum up this motley crew. We pick apart the disparate madness of this movie which can only be described as "Bargain Bin Avengers" ...
Mar 18, 2021•1 hr 16 min•Season 1Ep. 28
Grab your Coca-Cola and Skittles, because in this episode we explore the 1988 film and product placement powerhouse, Mac and Me. In this film, a boy named Eric befriends a mysterious visitor from beyond the stars. The federal government is after Eric's new alien friend, but will Eric, his brother, and their motley crew of neighborhood kids be able to keep Mac's whereabouts under raps? If you think this sounds like a familiar plot, you would be correct. Listen as we take a deep dive into the worl...
Feb 04, 2021•1 hr 9 min
Grab a plate of lutefisk and hold on to your Lutheran Sisterhood Gun Club membership card as we discuss the 1999 film Drop Dead Gorgeous, a mockumentary about a rural Minnesota beauty pageant that turns deadly (think Waiting for Guffman meets Heathers). This film features an ensemble cast of very funny women and is chocked full of classic lines (like "Jesus loves winners"). We ask the question: was this movie a genuine attempt at art, or just a soulless cash grab? You can support Cash Grab Cinem...
Jan 08, 2021•2 hr 3 min
Let us pause to give thanks that Lifetime recently released 'Deadly Mile High Club' - an awkwardly constructed "sexy thriller" that asks the ultimate question: can a pink fedora actually drive a movie plot? Join us as we pick this film apart and ask the question: is this movie a cash grab or a genuine attempt at art? You can support Cash Grab Cinema by leaving a review and rating us on iTunes, Apple Podcast, or anywhere you download your podcasts. Also share the show with your friends, loved one...
Nov 27, 2020•2 hr
G'day, mates! In this episode we're heading down under to discuss the somewhat wholesome, somewhat beleaguering zombie movie Little Monsters. A schoolteacher named Audrey Caroline (played by Lupita Nyong'o) takes her class for a field trip to a local farm, which happens to be located next door to a US Army biological testing facility. When the zombies show up, Ms. Caroline has to ward off the undead, while also maintaining calm control over a group of kindergartners (along with a couple of haple...
Sep 25, 2020•1 hr 30 min
In this episode we review a zombie movie that defies all reason: the acting is atrocious, the camerawork is awful, the plot is nonsensical, each of the characters are a combination of racist, misogynistic, or in some other way bigoted, and the zombies feel like they were an afterthought, tacked on in the third act. However, for all that is wrong with Victor McGlothlin's Texas Voodoo Zombies, we found this to be one of the most entertaining movies we've watched in a while. Join us as we attempt t...
Aug 28, 2020•2 hr 16 min
Grab a meat pie and get comfy as we explore one of the most unusual films to come out of 2018. Attack of the Southern Fried Zombies (or as we have come to regard it: Kudzu Zombies) is an independent horror film that begs the question: what would happen if a toxic herbicide found its way to humans by way of consuming goat meat? Lonnie and his ragtag group of friends have to fight to stay alive in this low-rent zombie tale that seems strangely ahead of its time. But the question remains: is this f...
Aug 03, 2020•1 hr 44 min
Tracers, a film that begs the question: "What if you wanted to make a Fast and Furious movie...but you didn't have any money?" This 2015 action-thriller starring Taylor Lautner parkouring all over New York City going in strong. You can support Cash Grab Cinema by leaving a review and rating us on iTunes, Apple Podcast, or anywhere you download your podcasts. Also share the show with your friends, loved ones, or enemies - we're not picky! Email us at: cashgrabcinema@gmail.com Follow us on Twitter...
Jul 06, 2020•1 hr 32 min
Finally, a new episode with Rachel, Josh, and Trae! After a few technical issues we are back together even if we aren't all in the studio. The Darkest Minds; is this the YA book that Hollywood finally gets right? It has Amandla Stenberg, kids taking control of their futures, Mandy Moore, and an award winning director; so what's not to like?! Listen with us as we decide if this 2018 film was the best YA adaptation yet. Forgive the lower quality audio, or be over joyed that we're here again You ca...
Jun 09, 2020•1 hr 55 min
Howdy, y'all! In this episode we took a gander at Adam Sandler's 2015 direct-to-Netflix western "comedy" The Ridiculous 6. Featuring culturally insensitive racial stereotypes, a cacophony of jokes that consistently fall flat, and a donkey with explosive diarrhea. This movie begs the question: was this an earnest attempt at making art, or a shameless cash grab? This episode is our fall-back for having technical issues recording a new episode on the 1970's Chrysler sales team informational film Se...
May 04, 2020•1 hr 18 min
What's better than a sci-fi comedy starring Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones? Not sure, but it certainly isn't the sequel. Join us as we peel back the surprisingly few layers of this 2002 follow up to the 1997 original and ask the question: was this a genuine attempt at art, or just a shameless cash grab? You can support Cash Grab Cinema by leaving a review and rating us on iTunes, Apple Podcast, or anywhere you download your podcasts. Also share the show with your friends, loved ones, or enemies ...
Apr 17, 2020•1 hr 39 min
