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

Army of the Dead

This week, Army of the Dead is on trial. Is it an ace up the sleeve? Or does it break the bank? In a stripped back episode this week, Gav argues that the Zack Snyder is having a blast and the result is a big, fun movie. Dave disagrees and says that it lacks character developments and that the plot is all over the place. There's no quiz this week, but lots of facts about the film, and questionable impressions of Dave Bautista. Hope that you enjoy! www.filmsontrial.co.uk/180

Jun 04, 202159 minSeason 4Ep. 180

Mortal Kombat (2021)

Mortal Kombat (2021) is on trial this week. Will we throw our hats in the air or give this the sub-zero shoulder? Alex defends, pointing out that this is a mindless action gore fest involving people getting cut in half by a hat and being clapped to death. Gav and Dave prosecute, saying that the lack of a tournament in a movie about a combat tournament is problematic. All this and an impression of the Mortal Kombat fight announcer and a quiz about films with misspelled titles. www.filmsontrial.co...

May 28, 202157 minSeason 4Ep. 179

Conan the Barbarian

Conan the Barbarian is in the dock. As smooth as a well oiled bicep or the punch that broke the camel's jaw? Alex defends, saying that excellent direction and simple story make this a classic of the sword and sorcery genre. Dave prosecutes, saying that this is a film that involves snakes being rubbed straight into arrows that somehow manages to take itself too seriously. All this with an impression of the great Max Von Sydow and a quiz all about frequent Arnie collaborator Sven-OleThorsen. www.f...

May 21, 20211 hr 2 minSeason 4Ep. 178

Terminator Genysis

This week Terminator: Genisys is in the hot seat. The beginning of something good or a rotten apple? Gav and Joel defend, arguing that this action film is packed with great action and manages to reinvigorate the tired franchise. Ausy and Alex do not agree, pointing out the incomprehensible plot and wooden performances that will annoy die-hard fans as well as confuse newcomers. All this with another installment of our Schwarzenegger impressions and a Terminator quiz. www.filmsontrial.co.uk

May 14, 20211 hr 3 minSeason 4Ep. 177

Raw Deal

Raw Deal is in the hot seat this week. Cordon bleu or undercooked? Dave defends this week and points out the cracking action and fun plot which make this a deserving entry in Arnie's catalogue. Alex prosecutes, mainly focusing on the idea of Arnold Schwarzenegger infiltrating the mafia. All this with a quiz about jobs the big man has had in his films and an impression of him by Alex this week. www.filmsontrial.co.uk/176

May 07, 20211 hrSeason 4Ep. 176

The Running Man

The Running Man is up in the dock this week. A sprint finish or should it jog on? Gav manages to discuss the great action and prescient sci-fi themes in the film as well as his enduring love and respect for Arnold Schwarzenegger. Dave argues that Arnie spoils the story, taking away some of the threat in the plot by being too strong and not having the acting chops this story needs. All this with an impression of the big man himself and a quiz all about game shows in films. www.filmsontrial.co.uk/...

Apr 30, 20211 hr 6 minSeason 4Ep. 175

The Dark Tower

The Dark Tower is on trial this week. Is it locked and loaded or firing blanks? Alex defends, saying that this film keeps the spirit of the books it is based on alive whilst making some much-needed changes for the big screen. Dave and Gav very much disagree, saying that an atrocious script and impenetrable plot make this a dud. And as if that wasn't enough, we have an impression of Matthew McConaughey and a discussion of Gav's new DIY projects that is longer than it should be. www.filmsontrial.c...

Apr 23, 20211 hrSeason 4Ep. 174

Pet Sematary (2019)

Pet Sematary is in the stand this week. Heaven sent or does it buy the farm? Gav has another crack at getting a Pet Sematary film on the hit list after failing with the 1989 version. He points to interesting changes that keep the plot fresh and a solid cast. Alex and Ausy disagree, saying that there is just something wrong about the basic story to Pet Sematary which makes it impossible to adapt. All this with an impression of Fred Gwynne from the original and a quiz all about Stephen King charac...

Apr 16, 20211 hr 5 minSeason 4Ep. 173

The Green Mile

The Green Mile is in the hot seat this week. Is it capital or a punishment? Dave defends alone, calling this part of the trifecta of Stephen King adaptations by Frank Darrabont alongside the Shawshank Redemption and The Mist. Gav and Alex prosecute, saying that at over 3 hours this film begins to feel like a prison sentence itself. All this with a light hearted impression of someone with a urinary infection and a quiz all about the colour green in films. www.filmsontrial.co.uk/172

Apr 09, 202158 minSeason 4Ep. 172

Doctor Sleep

Doctor Sleep is on trial this week. Is it a dream come true or should they have let sleeping dogs lie? Ausy and Dave argue that the film had a major problem in being a sequel to both 'The Shining' book and the Kubrick adaptation, the result being a confused mess. Gav very much disagrees, pointing out the incredible work by director Mike Flanagan in melding these worlds together and still telling an important story of dealing with loss and trauma. All this with an impression of Jack Nicholson and...

Apr 02, 20211 hr 4 minSeason 4Ep. 171

Thor

Thor is in the hot seat this week. Does it deserve thunderous applause or does it strike out? Dave argues this is a great set-up to what came later, with solid character development and outstanding direction from Kenneth Branagh making it a gem in it's own right as well. Ausy and Alex do not agree, saying that the script is overwritten and the action lacklustre, with glimmers of potential but no real payoff. All this with an impression of Thor and a quiz where you must guess whether a word is a ...

Apr 02, 20211 hr 7 minSeason 4Ep. 170

Galaxy Quest

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Mar 30, 20211 hr 1 minEp. 168

Matrix Reloaded

The Matrix: Reloaded is on trial this week. Does it hit the mark or run out of ammunition? Alex argues that this film manages to successfully build on the world hinted at in the first film while offering something new at the same time. Dave disagrees, saying that this sequel becomes bloated in both script and pop philosophy, ultimately failing to entertain. www.filmsontrial.co.uk/169

Mar 30, 20211 hr 6 minSeason 4Ep. 169

Shoot Em Up

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Mar 28, 20211 hr 5 minEp. 167

Mulan

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Mar 28, 20211 hr 13 minEp. 166

New Years Eve

Gave and Joel are missing this week so Alex, Dave and Austin go a little off-piste when dealing with this star-studded 2011 movie. There's still a healthy dose of impressions and a quiz on quotes from films set at new years eve. www.filmsontrial.co.uk

Dec 31, 202044 minEp. 165

Noelle

Noelle is in the hot seat this week. Will it get on the naughty or nice list? Dave and Ausy defend, pointing out the light-hearted high jinx and joyful performances sprinkled through this festive feature. Gav and Alex prosecute, highlighting the flavourless comedy that takes no risks and boring plot. All this with a heartwarming impression of Santa himself and a quiz of quotes from Christmas films.

Dec 30, 20201 hr 9 minEp. 164

Elf

In our continuing quest to become hip, relevant, and popular enough to leave our day jobs, the FoT team will be putting Elf (2003) on trial and judging once and for all whether this is an absolute cracker or a disappointing turkey. Dave and Joel will be defending, with Ausy and Alex on the prosecution. Gav will be both judge and MC, making sure our first foray into live streaming goes without a single hitch. Check out the full facebook Live video stream here: https://www.facebook.com/filmtrials/...

Dec 30, 20202 hr 36 minEp. 163

Mank

Mank is in the dock this week. A letter away from what it really is or a satisfying release? Ausy and Alex are on the defence, talking about the beautiful direction and relevant political themes that make this a shoe in at the Oscar's next year. Gav and Joel prosecute, pointing out the dense script that takes no prisoners and chaotic plot structure. All this with an impression of Orson Welles and a quiz all about how real life figures have felt about their on screen portrayals. www.filmsontrial....

Dec 30, 20201 hr 21 minEp. 162

The Secret Garden

The Secret Garden is on trial this week! Alex normally writes something witty here and he missed this week, so sorry :(

Nov 23, 202058 minEp. 159

Borat Subsequent Moviefilm: Delivery of Prodigious Bribe to American Regime for Make Benefit Once Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan

Borat Subsequent Moviefilm: Delivery of Prodigious Bribe to American Regime for Make Benefit Once Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan[b] is a 2020 American mockumentary comedy film directed by Jason Woliner in his feature directorial debut. The gang do some seriously bad Borat impressions, a quiz, and discuss if this is The King Of the Castle or like wizards sleeve.

Nov 16, 20201 hr 6 minEp. 158

Odd Thomas

Odd Thomas is in the hot seat this week. A dead cert or does it give up the ghost? Dave and Gav argue this is a cheesy but fun adaptation of a Dean Koontz novel that showcases Anton Yelchin and is fun for everyone. Joel and Alex very much disagree, pointing out the unbelievably bad script, awful performances and grating soundtrack. All this and an impression of Willem Dafoe and a quiz about Dean Koontz adaptations.

Nov 09, 202059 minEp. 157

The Crazies

The Crazies is on trial this week. An infectious zombie romp or does it make you lose your mind? Gav and Joel argue this remake improves on the original and has a strong lead trio that you can't help but get behind. Ausy and Dave don't believe this has enough of the social commentary of the original and plays fast and loose with the rules of zombie films. All this and a genuine, corn-fed, home-grown Iowa impression and a topical quiz all about pandemic movies.

Nov 02, 20201 hr 6 minEp. 156

Hubie Halloween

Hubie Halloween is on trial this week. The fright of your life or a yellow stain? Ausy and Gav defend this week, pointing out the fun, daft humour that we need in 2020, with an undercurrent of social commentary on America in the 21st Century. Dave and Alex could not disagree more, saying the lack of jokes and poor taste make this a shallow waste of space. All this and an impression of Hubie himself and a quiz all about Adam Sandler roles!

Oct 26, 20201 hr 15 minEp. 155

Under The Skin

Under The Skin is in the hot seat this week. Out of this world or does it go up in flames? Alex defends this sci-fi horror, talking about the beautiful imagery, a career topping performance from Scarlett Johansson and an original approach to story telling. Gav and Ausy are on the attack, pointing out the boring extended shots that go nowhere and the absence of any meaningful dialogue. All of this with a Scottish impression and a quiz all about films set in the land of the brave.

Oct 19, 20201 hr 8 minEp. 154

Crimson Peak

Crimson Peak is on trial this week. Built to last or a house of cards? Joel has picked this for Halloween Horror Month and defends it with Dave. They point out the masterful direction by Guillermo Del Toro and excellent performances by a top flight cast. Ausy and Alex look at the predictable plot and uninteresting script that make this a boring dud. On top of this we have an impersonation of an English gentleman and a quiz all about horror films!

Oct 19, 20201 hr 9 minEp. 153

Constantine

Constantine is being judged this week. On the righteous path or the highway to hell? Joel and Alex point out the interesting blend of noir with the battle between heaven and hell, as well as discussing the incredible supporting performances from Tilda Swinton and Peter Stormare. Gav and Dave prosecute, pointing out that this comic book adaptation bears little resemblance to the source material and is too sombre for it's own good. On top of this we have an impression of Peter Stormare and a quiz ...

Sep 24, 20201 hrEp. 152

Insidious

Insidious is on trial this week. A haunting experience or one that will make you see red? Ausy and Dave argue that tired horror tropes, poor sound mixing and cheap jump scares are not James Wan's best efforts. Gav and Alex disagree, pointing out the innovative direction, superb cast of villains and terrifying use of violins. All this with a quiz about James Wan and an impression of Tiny Tim! www.filmsontrial.co.uk

Sep 16, 20201 hr 12 minEp. 151