Films on Trial - podcast cover

Films on Trial

Films on Trialwww.filmsontrial.co.uk
Each week we will act as judge, prosecution, and defence as we recreate a courtroom scenario, and decide whether a much loved (or hated) film should end up on the Hit List or not. Film trivia, quizzes, banter, terrible impressions, musical interludes, and lots of debating ensue as we put Films on Trial.

Episodes

Doom

Doom is on trial this week. A ripping tale or one to make us tear up? Gav and Ausy argue this film took what is a very basic game concept and fleshed it out with exciting action and a solid cast. Joel and Alex say they took a very basic game concept and ignored it completely, deciding to rip off Aliens and Resident Evil instead. All this and an impression of both the Rock and a gritty Karl Urban with a quiz all about famous weapons in movies. www.filmsontrial.co.uk/236

Aug 19, 20231 hr 6 minSeason 5Ep. 236

What Dreams May Come

What Dreams May Come is in the hot seat this week. Is it heaven sent or hell bent? Dave and Ausy say incredible visuals and a deeply emotional story make this a unique take on what comes after. Gav and Joel would rather not find out, with shallow sentimentality and weak characters making this a dud. All this with an impression of Robin Williams and Max Von Sydow and a quiz all about Joel's guilty pleasures. www.filmsontrial.co.uk/235

Aug 04, 20231 hr 11 minSeason 5Ep. 235

Top Gun: Maverick

Top Gun: Maverick is on trial this week. Does it take our breath away or is it in the danger zone? Ausy and Alex say spectacular practical action sequences with a tight story and great cast hit the target dead on. Gav says it misses the mark, with a tired rehashed plot, lack of interesting characters and constant jingoism. All this with a quiz based around the Top Gun movies! www.filmsontrial.co.uk/234

Jul 24, 20231 hr 19 minSeason 5Ep. 234

Fast & Furious 7

Fast & Furious 7 is on trial this week. Has it got a full tank of diesel or are we going for a walk? Alex and Ausy say this is a mad action blockbuster that continually outdoes itself. Gav and Joel can't get past how insance the action is and find the lack of any attempt of character or plot too much to handle. All this with an impression of Vin Diesel and a quiz all about movie sevens. www.filmsontrial.co.uk/233

Jul 01, 20231 hr 11 minSeason 5Ep. 233

Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

Lord of the Rings: Return of the King is on trial this week. A light in the darkness or a web of lies? Ausy and Dave say this is the most faithful and beloved adaptation of the classic fantasy novel we are ever going to get. Joel and Alex counter that there are unavoidable flaws in the original story that make this film dull and never-ending. All this with an impression of Gollum and a quiz all about Lord of the Rings! www.filmsontrial.co.uk/232

Jun 09, 20231 hr 17 minSeason 5Ep. 232

The Phantom Menace

Star Wars: The Phantom Menace is on trial this week. Is this the way or do we have a bad feeling about this? Alex and Joel defend, comparing this original and lovingly made prequel to the more focus grouped fan service films that came after. Gav and Dave list a multitude of basic filmmaking errors, adding that Lucas may have been wrong in thinking his audience was interested in galactic taxation as a central plot point. All this with an impression of a Sith lord and a quiz all about Star Wars! w...

May 26, 20231 hr 17 minSeason 5Ep. 231

What's Love Got To Do With It

What's Love Got to Do with It? is on trial this week. Is it simply the best biopic ever? Dave and Ausy say phenomenal, career-defining performances from Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne take this to the very top. Joel and Alex say that this is only for diehard fans of Tina Turner, with some poor direction and plot points that even Tina herself was not happy about. All this with an impression of David Bowie and a quiz on musicians in film. www.filmsontrial.co.uk/230

May 12, 20231 hr 15 minSeason 5Ep. 230

Black Panther 2: Wakanda Forever

This week we put Black Panther: Wakanda Forever on trial. A cat-astrophe or positively paw-some? Joel and Dave aren't kitten around when they say this is the best Marvel film in a long time that has great action and furmidable performances. Gav and Ausy have their claws out as they say this is far infurior to what came before and that the plot had them chasing their tail. All this with an impression of Ulysses Klaue and a hissterical quiz about the making of this film. www.filmsontrial.co.uk/232...

Apr 28, 20231 hr 20 minSeason 5Ep. 229

Olympus Has Fallen

Olympus Has Fallen is in the dock this week. A storming, capital film or a bunch of trumped up nonsense? Gav and Dave argue that a fine central performance from Gerard Butler and some gritty action scenes make this one to be remembered. Ausy and Alex say that there is far too much grit in a film that does not deserve such a great cast. All this with faultless impressions and a dynamite quiz! www.filmsontrial.co.uk/231

Apr 15, 20231 hr 10 minSeason 5Ep. 228

Nope

This week sees the finale of the Michael Wincott season as the gang put Nope on trial. Is it a close encounter or is it a near miss? There are lots of great arguments for and against, plus a quiz all about the many deaths of Michael Wincott. Hope that you enjoy! www.filmsontrial.co.uk/230

Mar 20, 20231 hr 16 minSeason 5Ep. 227

Oscars 2023 Review

This week we review the films and performances up for nominations at the 2023 Academy Awards. Did you agree or disagree with our picks? Let us know on Twitter @filmtrials www.filmsontrial.co.uk/229

Mar 11, 202330 min

The Crow

We put The Crow on trial this week. Does it rule the roost or have us spitting feathers? Gav and Dave argue that the dark atmosphere and moody aesthetic of the film make it a hit. Alex counters that this is a fairly unremarkable standard revenge film, propelled to cult status by tragic circumstances. As this is part of our Michael Wincott season we begin with an impression of the man himself. www.filmsontrial.co.uk/228

Feb 26, 20231 hr 12 minSeason 5Ep. 226

Violent Night

We put Violent Night on trial. Does Santa light them up like a Christmas tree or will we have stars in our eyes? Gav and Dave say this is a great mix of action and comedy that has them already excited for a sequel. Joel and Alex argue out that disappointing action scenes and unnecessary gore make this a festive turkey. All this with an impression of jolly old St Nick and a quiz all about bloodthirsty Santas in film. www.filmsontrial.co.uk/227

Feb 10, 20231 hr 5 minSeason 5Ep. 225

2022 - Review of the Year

The gang review 2022, including their best trials, their most surprising verdicts, and their favourite films of the year. Lots of banter, Kevin Costner, and Hosue of Gucci! www.filmsontrial.co.uk/226

Feb 08, 202331 min

Spirited

Spirited is on trial this week. Does it have a bright future or a dark past? Dave and Ausy say a unique take on an old classic alongside great musical numbers make this a festive classic in the making. Joel and Gav say a muddled plot and actors with no musical training in over their heads make this one to forget. All this with a quiz all about Christmas music hits! www.filmsontrial.co.uk/225

Feb 06, 202359 minSeason 5Ep. 224

Disenchanted

Disenchanted is on trial this week. A real thumper of a Disney movie or does it flounder? Alex argues that a realistic look at what comes after a 'happy ever after' ending and a compelling performance by Amy Adams makes this a sure hit. Ausy says that while the ideas behind it are good, the execution is dire and this is destined to sit alongside Hocus Pocus 2 as a dud. All this with a quiz about Disney sidekicks and an impression of a chipmunk. www.filmsontrial.co.uk/224

Dec 14, 20221 hrSeason 5Ep. 223

The Exorcist

The Exorcist is on trial this week. Does it have the power to compel us or does it make our heads spin? Gav and Ausy say this is a masterpiece to be ranked alongside the greatest films ever made, with a shocking plot and outstanding performances. Joel and Alex say that time has changed what audiences find terrifying and that the truly horrific scenes are more gross than actually scary. All this with an impression of Max Von Sydow and a demon with a quiz all about demon possession. www.filmsontri...

Nov 28, 20221 hr 1 minSeason 5Ep. 222

Hocus Pocus 2

Hocus Pocus 2 is on trial this week. Does it still have the magic or will it sink like a stone? Ausy and Dave argue that an entertaining cast and a fun plot make this a Halloween hit. Gav and Alex say that this is a standard Disney sequel cash grab with muddled characters and bad jokes. "Game of Crones" is our quiz this week and Gav gives us his best Bette Midler impression! www.filmsontrial.co.uk/222

Nov 07, 20221 hr 7 minSeason 5Ep. 221

Liverpool Film Festival 2022 Special

In preparation for the 2022 Liverpool Film Festival, which will be taking place in the Liverpool One Odeon between 3rd - 6th November, we are reviewing as many of the films as we can to try and convince the rest of the world that we are actually serious film enthusiasts. www.filmsontrial.co.uk/221

Oct 29, 202259 min

The Impossible

We put The Impossible on trial this week, starring Naomi Watts, Ewan McGregor and Tom Holland in his film debut. The defence says it details the events of the 2004 tsunami faithfully, portraying the real experience of a family that survived. The prosecution says that by focusing in on one family we lose a larger look at how this disaster affected the region and the people who live there. All this with a quiz based on the film careers of the three main stars. www.filmsontrial.co.uk/220

Oct 23, 202257 minSeason 5Ep. 220

Armageddon

Armageddon is on trial this week. Is it a triumph of a disaster movie, or is it just a disaster? Joel and Ausy say that it set the bar for disaster films, and that the action and special effects are outstanding. But Alex and Gav argue that there isn't enough of the action, and that it's too long and messy. There's a quiz all about Michael Bay, and impression of Steve Tyler, and a whole lot of banter. Do we get the verdict right? Let us know what you think! www.filmsontrial.co.uk/219

Sep 23, 20221 hr 8 minSeason 5Ep. 219

Twister

Twister is on trial this week. As right as rain or a perfect storm? Dave and Alex say this is a film to be enjoyed rather than taken seriously, with a surprisingly good cast and practical effects. Joel and Gav argue that a ludicrous plot and paper-thin characters made them want to storm out. All this with an impression of a southern gentleman in a tornado and a quiz about product placement in movies. www.filmsontrial.co.uk/218

Sep 08, 20221 hr 13 minSeason 5Ep. 218

Independence Day

Independence Day is on trial this week. Does a free USA work or would it have been better to remain a British colony? Dave and Ausy defend, saying that this was a huge box office smash with a big cast and special effects to match. Alex says that the use of miniatures has stopped for a reason and that two and a half hours of unfiltered patriotism is too much. All this with an impression of Jeff Goldblum and a quiz all about significant dates in film www.filmsontrial.co.uk/217

Aug 23, 20221 hr 2 minSeason 5Ep. 217

Thelma and Louise

Thelma and Louise is on trial this week. Will it soar like an eagle or fail to make an impact in the landscape? Joel and Dave argue that it was a trail blazing film at the time, with iconic scenes and incredible lead performances. Gav and Ausy argue that one iconic scene does not make up for script issues, dated dialogue and one dimensional supporting characters. All this with an impression of a southern Michael Madsen and a new take on the quiz format. www.filmsontrial.co.uk/216

Aug 05, 202257 minSeason 5Ep. 216

Gladiator

Gladiator is on trial this week. Will it conquer all or is it a big thumbs down? Dave and Alex defend, bringing up an iconic script delivered by a top shelf cast and a music score that matches the action perfectly. Gav and Ausy say the story gets bogged down in boring ancient politics, the effects are dated and that it's a shame this is how Oliver Reed went out. All this with an impression of Richard Harris and a quiz based on famous movie quotes. www.filmsontrial.co.uk/215

Jul 12, 20221 hr 4 minSeason 5Ep. 215

Alien: Covenant

Alien Covenant is on trial this week. Does it give us a good feeling deep down or will it rip us apart? Gav and Joel say this is a return to form after Prometheus, offering fans the carnage they expect but also delivering some interesting ideas along the way. Ausy and Alex point out that this is a sequel to Prometheus which does nothing to mend the wreckage that film left the franchise in. On top of that there's a quiz to test whether you are a Billy Crudup or a Billy Fuckup (part II), and an im...

Jun 27, 20221 hr 5 minSeason 5Ep. 214

House of Gucci

This week marks the first episode in our Ridley Scott season, as the guys put House of Gucci on trial. Is it the Fun House, or the House of Horrors? Alex and Dave are defending and say that the film is style and substance, with some great performances from Adam Driver and Lady Gaga. Gav is prosecuting however, and he argues that the film abandons the more interesting aspects of the story, and also features some of the worst acting in a big Hollywood production in recent memory. There's lots of g...

May 30, 20221 hr 13 minSeason 5Ep. 213

Something's Gotta Give

Something's Gotta Give is on trial this week. Is the naked truth this is a classic or is it squeaky bum time? Alex has chosen this film for romcom season as he hates it so very much. With Joel he points out a cringeworthy script and pointless plot points amongst other grievances. Dave and Ausy think he needs to calm down and enjoy an easy watch with a great cast and an interesting focus on love in later life. All this with a hybrid impression of Keanu Reeves and Jack Nicholson and a quiz about n...

May 23, 20221 hr 5 minSeason 5Ep. 212

Just Go With It

Just Go With It is on trial this week. Good advice or should we take it with a pinch of salt? Dave and Alex defend, pointing to a simple but interesting story that provides plenty of laughs. Gav could not disagree more, calling it pedestrian, outdated and, perhaps worst of all, an Adam Sandler movie. All this with an impression of Sandler himself and a quiz based on films in Hawaii. www.filmsontrial.co.uk

May 02, 20221 hr 5 minSeason 5Ep. 211

Wedding Crashers

Wedding Crashers is on trial this week. A fairytale meeting of two comedic greats or will this end in tears? Joel and Ausy argue that a strong cast keeps the laughs coming and that there's an interesting story beneath the comedy. Gav and Alex argue that Wedding Crashers does not stand the test of time, with outdated views on women, men and pretty much everything else. All this with Joel showing us his very own Walken and a quiz based on the cast. www.filmsontrial.co.uk

Apr 11, 20221 hrSeason 5Ep. 210