Season Finale | Round of 8, Final Four, & Championship | Hugh Hamer Bourbon Review | Top 5 Whiskeys Countdown The epic conclusion is here! In Part 3 of our annual Film & Whiskey Bracket Challenge , Bob and Brad wrap up the tournament by diving into the Elite Eight , Final Four , and ultimately crowning this season’s champion film . As the movies battle it out, expect passionate debates, surprising upsets, and maybe a few wounded egos. Will a dark horse make it to the end? Or will a class...
Jun 03, 2025•1 hr 8 min
It's part 2 of the bracket challenge, where Bob and Brad are taking this season's 32 movies and throwing them into a no-holds-barred tournament. Today, we take on the round of 16 to determine our final 8 movies, and we try a wonderful Cask Strength bourbon from Old Hamer. Download the Bracket & Play Along: filmwhiskey.com/p/season-9-bracket/ Share Your Winner: We want to know who YOU would crown as champion ! Tag @FilmWhiskey and use #FilmAndWhiskeyBracket We'll share your picks and shout ou...
May 30, 2025•52 min
The bracket is back—and this time, it’s personal. We’ve taken 32 of the most acclaimed, beloved, and debated films from the last 15 years and thrown them into a no-holds-barred tournament. Over the course of three episodes, Bob and Brad will argue, agonize, and occasionally flip the Coin of Destiny to crown one champion in the Film & Whiskey Season 9 Bracket Challenge. In Part 1, we dive into the round of 32, and some of these decisions get brutal. Early favorites fall. Friendships are teste...
May 27, 2025•57 min
In this high-octane season finale, Bob and Brad return to 2014’s John Wick , a film that redefined modern action movies and catapulted Keanu Reeves back into superstardom. They break down Chad Stahelski's slick, violent, and surprisingly economical revenge thriller and ask the question: does John Wick deserve to be considered a modern classic, or is it all style and no substance? Alongside the mayhem, Bob and Brad sip on Heaven's Door Revival Tennessee bourbon , an expression from Bob Dylan's aw...
May 20, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Season 9Ep. 32
Bob and Brad dive into one of the most acclaimed international releases of 2023: Godzilla Minus One . They’re joined by special guest Michael Kelingus, Brad’s longtime friend and a lover of Japanese cinema, especially kaiju films. Together, they break down how Godzilla Minus One reimagines the iconic monster, explore its emotional core, and debate whether it sets a new high bar for the franchise. In the second half, Bob and Brad crack open a bottle of Hardin's Creek Jacob's Well bourbon , a prem...
May 13, 2025•1 hr 20 min•Season 9Ep. 31
Bob and Brad dive into DreamWorks’ animated masterpiece How to Train Your Dragon , a film that has captured audiences young and old since its release in 2010. They explore why this coming-of-age tale of Hiccup and his dragon Toothless continues to resonate emotionally and visually. Alongside their film discussion, Bob and Brad pour a dram of Glengoyne 15 Year Single Malt Scotch , a beautifully crafted Highland whisky known for its unpeated, sherry-cask richness. Will this pairing of dragon fire ...
May 06, 2025•59 min•Season 9Ep. 30
Bob and Brad head to the front lines of World War I cinema as they dissect 1917 (2019), Sam Mendes’ immersive and technically daring war film. With its faux one-take presentation and gripping narrative, 1917 has become a modern benchmark for war storytelling. The guys examine whether it’s all style or if the film has the emotional weight to match. Then, they taste and review Hirsch The Departure Single Malt Whiskey , a bold release from a legendary whiskey name that’s setting out in a new direct...
Apr 29, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Season 9Ep. 28
Bob and Brad dive into the brooding, morally complex thriller Prisoners (2013), directed by Denis Villeneuve. With towering performances from Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal, the film explores justice, vengeance, and the disturbing gray areas in between. Then, they uncork a bottle of Almost Old Bones Bourbon , a high-proof expression with deep flavor and plenty of mystery—just like the film. Does this small-batch whiskey hold its own on the Film & Whiskey flavor scale? (0:00) Intro (4:59) B...
Apr 22, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 9Ep. 28
Bob and Brad welcome filmmaker and YouTube essayist Patrick H. Willems to the show to revisit one of Pixar’s most beloved and thematically rich films: Ratatouille (2007). Together, they explore why Ratatouille may just be one of the best movies ever made about the creative process. Later in the episode, Bob and Brad sip and review Penelope Wheated Bourbon, a soft and flavorful take on one of the fastest-growing categories in American whiskey. Timestamps (0:00) Intro (9:06) Brad Explains (11:28) ...
Apr 15, 2025•1 hr 41 min•Season 9Ep. 27
Bob and Brad dive deep into Spike Jonze’s haunting, beautiful, and eerily prescient film Her (2013), a story that explores intimacy, technology, and what it means to truly connect. As part of Season 7's "Modern Classics" theme, they ask the question: Does Her deserve that label? Then, the hosts pour a glass of Old Elk Infinity Blend Whiskey —a truly unique, solera-style whiskey that evolves with every annual release. Is it a gimmick, or does it represent the future of American whiskey blending? ...
Apr 08, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Season 9Ep. 26
Bob and Brad are joined by returning guest Zach Johnston , master blender at Blackwood Distilling , for a conversation about Taika Waititi’s 2019 film Jojo Rabbit . This genre-bending satire explores the absurdity of hatred, nationalism, and innocence lost…all through the eyes of a 10-year-old boy and his imaginary friend: Adolf Hitler. Then, the guys sip and savor one of the most premium releases to ever grace the podcast— Barrell Craft Spirits' Dovetail Gold Label . With an MSRP of $500 and pr...
Apr 01, 2025•1 hr 32 min•Season 9Ep. 25
Bob and Brad step up to the plate with Moneyball (2011) , the critically acclaimed sports drama that redefined how baseball is analyzed. Starring Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill, and Philip Seymour Hoffman , Moneyball explores how analytics and data revolutionized Major League Baseball. Is this just a great baseball movie, or does it transcend the sport entirely? Then, our hosts dive into Bardstown Bourbon Company Distillery Reserve Cathedral French Oak Bourbon , a limited-edition release with a distincti...
Mar 25, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Season 9Ep. 24
In this special edition of Film & Whiskey , Bob sits down with Logan Welk , President of BR Distilling and Blue Note Bourbon , to catch up on what’s been happening with the brand since their last feature on the show in 2020. From new expressions to expanded distribution , Logan shares insider updates on Blue Note’s rise in the American whiskey scene. But the conversation doesn’t stop at bourbon. Logan also joins us for our recurring segment, My Favorite Movie , where we ask guests to choose ...
Mar 21, 2025•29 min
This week, Bob and Brad are joined by author and film critic Daniel Joyaux to discuss Ben Affleck’s 2012 Best Picture winner, Argo —a tense, politically charged thriller that blends espionage with Hollywood satire . As part of our season-long theme of “Modern Classics,” we’re asking: Does Argo deserve to be remembered as a defining film of its era? Then, we turn to Rare Character The Exceptional Series 11-Year Kentucky Straight Malt Whiskey , an incredibly uncommon, cask-strength malt whiskey wi...
Mar 18, 2025•1 hr 22 min•Season 9Ep. 25
Bob and Brad are joined by author and critic Noah Gittell to dive deep into Quentin Tarantino’s 2019 film Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood . Then, our hosts shift gears to review one of the most anticipated bourbon releases of the year: Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Bourbon, a staple of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC). (0:00) Intro (04:21) Brad Explains (06:23) Themes, Influences, and Whether the Movie Works (40:23) Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old (2024) Review (54:45) Two Facts and a Falsehood, Perfor...
Mar 11, 2025•1 hr 35 min•Season 9Ep. 25
Bob and Brad tackle Spotlight (2015) , the gripping Oscar-winning drama that tells the true story of the Boston Globe’s investigative team uncovering the Catholic Church abuse scandal. Directed by Tom McCarthy and featuring powerhouse performances from Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, and Rachel McAdams , Spotlight remains one of the most impactful journalistic films of the 21st century. Then, our hosts turn to the whiskey world with a review of Green River Single Barrel Wheated Bourbon . Does this...
Mar 05, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Season 9Ep. 23
Bob is joined by Oscars expert Daniel Joyaux to break down the 2025 Academy Awards, both the telecast and the awarded films. How will newly-crowned Best Picture Anora be remembered? Which films didn’t get the love they deserved? Then, Bob and Brad catch up with Troy Bolotnick from Filmland Spirits and taste their new four-grain bourbon, Quadraforce. Film & Whiskey Instagram...
Mar 03, 2025•45 min
Join Bob and Brad on as they dive deep into Martin Scorsese's controversial masterpiece , "The Wolf of Wall Street" (2013), starring Leonardo DiCaprio. They dissect the film's excessive themes , powerful performances , and moral ambiguity . Then, they switch gears to review the smooth and approachable Green River Wheated Bourbon , offering their expert tasting notes. (0:00) Intro (04:38) Brad Explains (06:50) Performances, Themes (36:23) Green River Wheated bourbon Review (44:55) Two Facts and a...
Feb 27, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Season 9Ep. 21
Bob and Brad take a deep dive into Pixar’s Inside Out (2015) , the groundbreaking animated film that explores emotions, memory, and mental health through the story of 11-year-old Riley and her personified feelings. Directed by Pete Docter and featuring the voices of Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, and Bill Hader, Inside Out remains one of the most emotionally resonant films of the 21st century. Then, in the whiskey segment, our hosts sip on BenRiach 10-Year "The Original Ten" , a Speyside single mal...
Feb 19, 2025•58 min•Season 9Ep. 20
Bob and Brad take on one of the most divisive films in recent memory— Joker (2019) —starring Joaquin Phoenix in his Oscar-winning role as the Clown Prince of Crime. While the film’s technical achievements, cinematography, and score are undeniable, our hosts remain conflicted about its themes and overall message. Does Joker present a compelling character study, or does it glorify chaos without purpose? Then, in the second half of the show, they turn their attention to the Benromach 10-Year Single...
Feb 11, 2025•59 min•Season 9Ep. 19
Bob and Brad dive into one of the most talked-about films of recent years: Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022) . They break down the film’s mind-bending multiverse concept, Michelle Yeoh’s career-defining performance, and the unique blend of action, comedy, and heartfelt drama. Alongside them is special guest Lee Diaz from ReserveBar , who joins in on the discussion about the film’s emotional themes and cultural impact. Then, in the second half of the show, the team turns their attention to...
Feb 04, 2025•1 hr 43 min•Season 9Ep. 18
In this knockout episode of Film & Whiskey , Bob and Brad take on Creed (2015), Ryan Coogler's brilliant reinvention of the Rocky franchise starring Michael B. Jordan and Sylvester Stallone. They explore the movie's themes of legacy, determination, and family, breaking down Coogler's masterful direction and Jordan's electrifying performance as Adonis Creed. Then, it's time to switch from boxing gloves to whiskey glasses as they dive into a review of Barrell Seagrass Toasted Rye . This unique...
Jan 28, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Season 9Ep. 16
In this week’s episode of Film & Whiskey , Bob is joined by longtime guest and film critic Daniel Joyaux to break down the 2025 Oscar nominations. Together, they explore the surprises and standout nominees, from Best Picture to Best Director and everything in between. Which films are leading the charge this awards season, and what does it say about the current state of cinema? Later, Bob and Brad welcome Mark McLaughlin of Old Line Spirits to discuss the recent TTB ruling that officially rec...
Jan 24, 2025•1 hr 4 min
In this episode of Film & Whiskey , Bob and Brad dive into Past Lives (2023), the highly acclaimed debut film by Celine Song. They explore the movie’s poignant themes of love, destiny, and cultural identity, and discuss standout performances by Greta Lee and Teo Yoo. With its deeply emotional narrative and striking cinematography, Past Lives has quickly become one of 2023’s most talked-about films. Later, the duo transitions to whiskey, reviewing Jack Daniel’s 12-Year Tennessee Whiskey. As a...
Jan 21, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Season 9Ep. 16
Bob and Brad dive into the world of Wall Street greed and financial collapse with their review of Adam McKay’s critically acclaimed 2015 film The Big Short . They unpack the movie’s performances, biting humor, and the sobering truths behind the 2008 housing market crash. Then, they shift gears to review the Jack Daniel’s 10-Year Tennessee Whiskey, a rare gem in the whiskey world. With its bold flavor profile and rich aging process, this whiskey provides plenty to discuss. (0:00) Intro (07:57) Br...
Jan 14, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Season 9Ep. 15
In this explosive episode of Film & Whiskey , Bob and Brad take on Mad Max: Fury Road , George Miller's 2015 action-packed masterpiece. From Charlize Theron's groundbreaking role as Furiosa to Tom Hardy's portrayal of the enigmatic Mad Max, they dive into the film's high-octane performances, themes, and world-building. Later, they review the rare and exquisite Bushmills Rare Cask 29-Year Irish Whiskey, discussing its unique flavor profile and heritage. Don’t miss their signature segments, in...
Jan 07, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Season 9Ep. 13
It's DUNE YEAR'S EVE, and in this thrilling episode of Film & Whiskey , Bob and Brad are joined by David Thomas Tao to review this year's sci-fi epic Dune: Part Two , directed by Denis Villeneuve. They discuss Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya's standout performances, Hans Zimmer's breathtaking score, and the movie's stunning visuals of Arrakis. Then, they dive into the world of premium whiskey with a detailed review of Bushmills 30-Year Single Malt Irish Whiskey, exploring its unique flavor pro...
Dec 31, 2024•1 hr 40 min•Season 9Ep. 12
It’s time for Cruisemas, Vol. 3 ! Bob and Brad return to celebrate Tom Cruise by diving into one of his most action-packed films, Mission: Impossible - Fallout . From death-defying stunts to unforgettable characters, they explore why this 2018 entry is considered one of the best in the franchise. Later, the duo reviews Penelope Valencia Bourbon, a cask-finished, limited-edition release that’s making waves among whiskey enthusiasts. Timestamps (0:00) Intro (9:25) Brad Explains (12:14) Performance...
Dec 23, 2024•55 min
In this special bonus episode of Film & Whiskey , Bob is joined by Mike Wendt from the Greater Cleveland Film Commission to review James Mangold’s highly anticipated Bob Dylan biopic, A COMPLETE UNKNOWN . The conversation also dives into the newly released teaser for James Gunn’s Superman , exploring how Cleveland continues to play a role in Superman’s cinematic legacy. Later, Brad and Bob sit down with Joe Beatrice and Tripp Stimson from Barrell Craft Spirits. The duo shares insights into t...
Dec 20, 2024•1 hr 12 min
In this episode of Film & Whiskey , Bob and Brad dive into The Holdovers (2023), the nostalgic Christmas film directed by Alexander Payne and starring Paul Giamatti in an Oscar-worthy performance. The duo break down the movie’s heartfelt storytelling, standout themes, and its blend of humor and melancholy. Later, they sip on Stranahan's Snowflake , the limited-edition Colorado single malt whiskey with a reputation as one of the best winter releases of 2023. (0:00) Intro (06:17) Brad Explains...
Dec 17, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 9Ep. 9
