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

Monster-in-Law

This week, Monster-in-Law is on trial. Is it a white wedding, or a sham marriage? Gav and Dave argue that this is a charming film and a fine cinematic return for Jane Fonda. Joel counters that it lacks charisma and is very forgettable. There's an impression(?) of Jane Fonda, and a quiz all about movie in-laws www.filmsontrial.co.uk/209

Feb 28, 20221 hr 4 minSeason 5Ep. 209

Clueless

Clueless is in the hot seat this week. Should we take pride in it, or terminate with prejudice? Ausy and Gav say this is an essential 90s movie, with surprising depth to the characters and top notch actors. Dave says this film is trapped in the decade it was made and takes playing happy families a little too far. All this with a spot on impression of a 90s valley girl! www.filmsontrial.co.uk

Feb 14, 20221 hr 1 minSeason 5Ep. 208

Don't Look Up

Don't Look Up is on trial this week. A shooting star or does it fall to earth with a crash? Ausy and Alex say this film manages the near impossible task of being entertaining whilst showing the end of all life on earth. Dave and Gav say that a lack of subtlety and heavy handed swipes at pretty much everything mean any message is completely lost. All this with an impression of an insane tech mogul and a quiz based on apocalyptic movies! www.filmsontrial.co.uk

Jan 31, 20221 hr 9 minSeason 5Ep. 207

Matrix: Resurrections

Matrix Resurrections is on trial this week. Does it wash away the sins of Matrix Revolutions or sometimes, is dead better? Joel and Gav go before Judge Dave and plead that an ambitious story that isn't afraid to take risks makes this a winner. Alex and Ausy point to a nonsensical, self-indulgent plot that manages to further destroy the legacy of the first film. All this with an impression and quiz based all around main man Keanu Reeves. www.filmsontrial.co.uk

Jan 17, 20221 hr 6 minSeason 5Ep. 206

Spider-Man: No Way Home

Spiderman: No Way Home is on trial this week. A delicately woven plot or a tangled sticky web? Gav defends, looking at an ambitious plot that doesn't play it safe and brings a great resolution to not just one but three story arcs spanning 20 years. Dave says this is a fat cash cow that Sony and Marvel intend to milk for many years and that paying fan service like this is a cheap and lazy way to make a film. All this with a frighteningly good impression of Willem Defoe and a quiz all about spider...

Jan 01, 20221 hr 7 minSeason 5Ep. 205

West Side Story (1961)

This week West Side Story (1961) is on trial. Is it jet setting or swimming with sharks? Alex and Dave are prosecuting and think that the film is dated and underpinned by a weak story, whereas Gav and Ausy are defending and argue that it is a technically one of the greatest musicals ever made. There's a quiz about Christmas films, an impression of a 'Jet' and lots of great banter. Let us know what you think in the comments below. www.filmsontrial.co.uk

Dec 20, 20211 hr 8 minSeason 5Ep. 204

Home Sweet Home Alone

Home Sweet Home Alone is in the stand this week www.filmsontrial.co.uk

Dec 13, 20211 hr 4 minSeason 5Ep. 203

Red Notice

Red Notice is on trial this week. Will it steal our heart or is it as thick as a thief? Gav defends, saying this deserves to be one of the most popular films on Netflix, with three stars at the top of their game and a fun-filled action plot to boot. Alex points out a story that twists itself into knots and that this much star power can be difficult to rein in. All this with a terrible Russian accent and a quiz at the end! www.filmsontrial.co.uk/202

Dec 06, 20211 hr 9 minSeason 5Ep. 202

Jumanji: The Next Level

Jumanji: The Next Level is in the hot seat this week. King of the jungle or a piece of cake? Dave and Gav passionately defend, saying this expands on a winning formula, adding interesting new elements whilst keeping fans happy. Alex does not agree, saying that constant character swapping means you can't suspend your disbelief and that by the end you are fed up of actors doing a Danny Devito impression. All this with an impression of Danny Devito and an in-depth quiz based on the characters of Ju...

Nov 29, 20211 hr 7 minSeason 5Ep. 201

No Time To Die - Part 2: The Quiz

This week we conclude our 200th episode celebration with a very special quiz all about Films on Trial. Apologies in advance, it's very self-indulgent, but you'll hopefully find it as fun to listen to as we did to record it. Hope that you all enjoy it! www.filmsontrial.co.uk Special Guest: Big Dave.

Nov 22, 202152 min

No Time To Die - Part 1: The Trial

For our 200th episode 2 part special, the gang put No Time To Die on trial. Is it a thunderball or does it (sky)fall from grace? Part 1 will cover the trial. Gav and Ausy are on defence and state that it's a textbook James Bond movie. The Daves are prosecuting and argue that it's too serious and shooting itself in the foot. There are lots of great arguments, banter and impressions. So do be sure to check it out, because you only live twice! And check out part 2 next week, when we'll be covering ...

Nov 15, 20211 hr 22 minSeason 5Ep. 200

Free Guy

Free Guy is on trial this week. Does it pwn everything or was it made by noobs? Gav and Joel defend, pointing to a fun premise and performances by actors who look like they are enjoying themselves. Dave and Alex say the second half doesn't live up to the promise of the first and some cgi heavy sequences drag it down even further. All this with an impression of Mario and a quiz based on lead actor Ryan Reynolds! www.filmsontrial.co.uk

Nov 08, 202157 minSeason 4Ep. 199

Don't Look Now

Don't Look Now is on trial this week. Does it keep it's head above the water or should we be on red alert? Dave and Alex defend, saying that it is a cinematic classic with intriguing performances and masterful direction. Gav and Joel say the symbolism becomes a dead weight and that it is severely lacking by modern horror standards. All this with an impression of an Italian bishop and a quiz all about films set in Venice. www.filmsontrial.co.uk/198

Nov 01, 202158 minSeason 4Ep. 198

A Nightmare on Elm Street

This week a Nightmare on Elm Street is on trial. Is it bloody nightmare or a wet dream? There are lots of great arguments for and against, banter, and an impression of the main man himself, Freddy Krueger www.filmsontrial.co.uk/197

Oct 25, 20211 hr 2 minSeason 4Ep. 197

Eden Lake

Eden Lake is on trial this week. Will it tempt us or should it be banished? Gav and Joel point out a top cast and a gore-filled plot that is as believable as it is horrific. However, Dave and Ausy say this is a cheap use of shock violence that has a tone deaf attitude to youth gang culture. All this with an impression of a young scallywag and a quiz all about gangs in films! www.filmsontrial.co.uk/196

Oct 18, 202158 minSeason 4Ep. 196

The Taking of Deborah Logan

The Taking of Deborah Logan is on trial this week. Does it compel us or should it be cast out? Joel and Gav say this is a stand out performance for Jill Larson and a fresh take on possession films with the use of found footage. Ausy and Alex say that putting two tired horror genres together does not make it original and that an interesting look at Alzheimer's gets lost in a standard demon possession story. All this with a slightly Irish impression of a demon and a quiz based on horror films! www...

Oct 11, 20211 hr 1 minSeason 4Ep. 195

The Night of the Hunter

The Night of The Hunter takes the stand this week. Will we love it with all our heart or hate it's guts? Alex and Dave defend, saying a masterful performance by Robert Mitchum is the cherry on top of a film packed with thrills and chills. Gav prosecutes, saying that a promising start ends up turning into farce and that there's a good reason why this was director Charles Laughton's only film. All this with an impression of Robert Mitchum and a quiz all about killed priests www.filmsontrial.co.uk/...

Oct 04, 20211 hr 3 minSeason 4Ep. 194

The Bodyguard

This week, The Bodyguard is on trial. Is it a bulletproof vest, or is it a bullet in the chest? Joel and Ausy argue that it's a timeless classic, with a great central love story and a fantastic soundtrack. Gav and Alex argue that it's a got a weak story and a uninspiring romance. There's a quiz about Kevin Costner and other cinematic Kevins, plus impressions of Gary Kemp, and a lot of banter. www.filmsontrial.co.uk/193

Sep 20, 202158 minSeason 4Ep. 193

The Postman

This week The Postman is on trial. Is it 'next day delivery', or is it "sorry we missed you"? Dave and Ausy praise the direction and the message of hope in this post apocalyptic film, whereas Gav and Joel argue that the film is too long and self-indulgent. There's a quiz about correspondence in movies, an impression of Postman Pat, plus lots of great film chat. Check is out and let us know what you think. www.filmsontrial.co.uk/192

Sep 06, 20211 hr 4 minSeason 4Ep. 192

Waterworld

This week Waterworld is on trial. Is it a lifeline or a sinking ship? Dave and Ausy defend that it is a misunderstood film with fantastic action and a not-so hidden warning about climate change. Gav argues that it's reputation as a cinematic failure is well-deserved. www.filmsontrial.co.uk/191

Aug 30, 20211 hr 4 minSeason 4Ep. 191

Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves

This week Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves is on trial. Is it robbing from the rich to give to the poor? Or is it robbing from the poor to give to the rich? There are lots of great discussions, plus a quiz about movie soundtracks that have been number one in the UK music charts. www.filmsontrial.co.uk/190

Aug 23, 20211 hr 4 minSeason 4Ep. 190

The Suicide Squad

The Suicide Squad (2021) is in the hot seat this week. Does James Gunn hit the bullseye or has he jumped the shark? Ausy and Gav defend, pointing out a stellar cast and refreshing take on the dark side of superhero comics. Alex and Dave disagree, looking instead at the lack of emotional depth between the characters and the excessive violence. All this with an impression of Harley Quinn and a quiz based on the cast! www.filmsontrial.co.uk/189

Aug 16, 20211 hr 2 minSeason 4Ep. 189

Seven

Se7en is on trial this week. A blessing to behold or a terrible transgression? Dave and Joel argue that stunning direction and a thrilling plot make this a classic. Gav and Alex point out that the mystery gets lost in gore and a certain terrible performance tanks the entire film. All this with an impression of one of the sinners in the film and a quiz based on the seven deadly sins! www.filmsontrial.co.uk/188

Aug 09, 20211 hr 6 minSeason 4Ep. 188

Clue

This week, Clue is on trial. Is it a board game adaptation? Or a bored game adaptation? Dave is defending and states that this zany comedy is elevated by its tremendous cast of comedy greats. But Gav is prosecuting and argues that the film doesn't channel the spirit of the game and is screwball comedy instead of a good whodunnit. There are failed attempts of impersonating Tim Curry and Christopher Lloyd, and a quiz all about movie butlers! www.filmsontrial.co.uk/187

Aug 02, 202158 minSeason 4Ep. 187

Knives Out

Knives Out is in the hot seat this week. A cut above the rest or a stab in the dark? Gav is in defence, looking at a stellar story that balances a clever whodunnit with fascinating insights into American society. Joel and Alex are on offence, pointing out a bloated A-list cast that defies belief and weak core to the story. All this with our go at a Louisiana drawl and a quiz all about whodunnits! www.filmsontrial.co.uk/186

Jul 16, 20211 hr 2 minSeason 4Ep. 186

Akira

Akira is in the hot seat this week. Does it put the pedal to the metal or is it a bumpy ride? Joel and Alex defend, bringing up the fact that the groundbreaking animation and gloriously bloody action made this the first anime film to cross over to western audiences. Gav and Dave argue that the plot is not easy to figure out and being hugely influential does not necessarily make for a great watch. All this and a quiz about anime films. Which is the highest grossing anime of all time? Tune in to f...

Jul 09, 202157 minSeason 4Ep. 185

50 First Dates

We put 50 First Dates in the dock this week. Something to bear in mind or completely forgettable? Ausy and Alex defend, saying that this is a solid Adam Sandler vehicle with a unique premise and good lead actors. Dave does not agree, saying the the plot is morally questionable and many of the jokes morally bankrupt. All this with an impression of Adam Sandler and a quiz about romance and Hawaii! www.filmsontrial.co.uk/184

Jul 02, 20211 hr 8 minSeason 4Ep. 184

Sleepless in Seattle

This week Sleepless in Seattle is on trial. Is it a peaceful nights sleep, or is it a bad case of insomnia? Alex and Dave argue that the film is a timeless classic, with a brilliant and funny script. Gav and Ausy disagree and say that it's not funny or romantic, and has dated very badly. There's a Six Degrees of Separation quiz, impressions of Cary Grant, and a very lively debate. www.filmsontrial.co.uk/183

Jun 25, 20211 hr 2 minSeason 4Ep. 183

The Proposal

The Proposal is on trial this week. An acceptable romcom or just indecent? Gav defends, saying that Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds lead a classic romcom that is exactly what you expect. Dave and Joel argue it is a little too predictable with a dud script holding the cast back. All this with an impression of Betty White as well! www.filmsontrial.co.uk/182

Jun 18, 202154 minSeason 4Ep. 182

Four Weddings and a Funeral

Four Weddings and a Funeral is on trial this week. Will your heart skip a beat or will it explode in your chest? Gav defends, looking at excellent performances and a winning script that revitalised British cinema at the time. Joel and Alex point out a weak central romance and characters that are so posh you don't care what happens to them. All this and an impression of a bumbling English gent and a quiz about stock Richard Curtis characters: Kook or Duke? www.filmsontrial.co.uk/181

Jun 11, 20211 hr 12 minSeason 4Ep. 181