Mousterpiece Cinema: Recent Episodes
Josh Spiegel and Scott Renshaw
Well, friends, this is it. They say all good things come to an end, and so too is it true for the Skywalker Saga from Lucasfilm. Oh, and also Mousterpiece Cinema, the podcast whose description you're reading right now. Yes, this really is the very last episode of the podcast, and Scott and Josh are here to close it down by looking at the latest and purportedly final episode of the Skywalker Saga, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. They're joined by the very first guest this podcast ever had, and one of the first co-hosts Josh ever had, Gabe Bucsko, to talk about this final chapter of the franchise and the podcast. Kind of a shame that The Rise of Skywalker ended up being...well, put it this way, your three hosts are all on board with not liking this movie very much at all. But make sure you check out the show anyway! So long and thanks for all the fish, friends.
Hey, folks! There are just four shopping days until Christmas Day 2019, and there are just two more episodes left of Mousterpiece Cinema before we go away for good! On our very last Revisited episode, Scott and Josh are talking about a modern Christmas favorite, the 1994 comedy The Santa Clause starring Tim Allen as a guy named Scott who turns into everyone's favorite gift-giver. Josh hasn't talked about this film for eight whole years -- has he become even more of a fan? And it turns out that Scott (from real life, not the film) hadn't even seen this before -- is this the kind of film that makes him feel jolly or just ill? You'll have to listen to find out!
Hey, folks! It's time to get ready for the holiday season, if you haven't already gotten in the Christmas spirit. With just three episodes left of Mousterpiece Cinema, two of the last three are going to be all about the most wonderful time of year. This week, Scott and Josh are joined by longtime friend of the show Scott Meslow, who becomes our final inductee into the Five-Timers' Club as we all sit down to discuss Noelle. You remember Noelle, right? The movie that came out last month with the arrival of Disney+? It stars Anna Kendrick and Bill Hader! It's a real movie! ...Kind of! What did your hosts and guest think of the new film? Is the movie an utter waste of its talent? Why did the filmmakers go to the trouble of getting Phoenix locations right if they didn't film there? And what do your hosts think of Disney+? Find out now!
Hey, folks! It's time for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and even though Scott and Josh are getting close to the end of the podcast's run, they've still got some big titles to talk about. On this episode -- our first of December, and fourth-to-last overall -- Scott and Josh are talking about what's surely going to be the biggest animated film of the year, Frozen II. They're joined by return guest Kristy Puchko of Pajiba to talk about the massive hit in which we learn even more...kind of...about Queen Elsa of Arendelle. Is this film a solid follow-up to the 2013 phenom? Does the mythology make sense? And does this film do right by fans who see Elsa as a queer-coded character? We've got a lot to talk about this week, so get to listening right now!
Hey, folks! It's time for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and as we get ready to sunset this podcast, it's high time that we discussed one of the big new offerings from the new streaming service Disney+. That film, of course, is the remake of Lady and the Tramp, featuring the voices of Justin Theroux and Tessa Thompson, and actors like Yvette Nicole Brown, Ken Jeong, and ... F. Murray Abraham? Yes, really, this has a very eclectic cast in service of a story you've probably seen before in one way or another. Scott and Josh are joined today on the podcast by longtime friend of the show and Eight-Timers' Club inductee Monica Castillo to discuss this streaming feature. Is it as good as the original, or better? What are this film's charms? Does Josh hate rescue dogs? Listen to find out!
Hey, folks! We're revving up on this new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, as Josh and Scott head to the pit and start getting into it like gearheads. Because, you see, today's episode is all about fast cars and the men who ride and build them. Specifically, we're talking about the new James Mangold film Ford v Ferrari on today's show, a 20th Century Fox film starring Matt Damon, Christian Bale, Jon Bernthal, and more. It's the story of how Americans and a prickly English race-car driver came together to take down the Ferrari machine at a 24-hour race in France in the mid-1960s. Does the film have a sleek body? Are its wheels shiny enough? Is it...y'know, any good? Listen to the new show to find out!
Hey, folks! It's time for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and the first of the post-Disney+ era. This week on the show, Scott and Josh are doing their penultimate Revisited episode as they look back at the 1970 Disney animated film The Aristocats, featuring the voices of Phil Harris, Eva Gabor, and more. Josh has already gone on record, time and again, as not remotely having liked this film in the past. Has he finally changed his mind, or is he still staunchly against this laid-back story of a prim domesticated animal who falls for a fellow from the wrong side of the tracks? And does Scott's nostalgia for the film mean he'll be fighting in favor of The Aristocats? Naturallement, you'll have to listen to find out!
Hey, folks! It's time for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and the best way for you to listen to it is just by heading into this soundproof booth here, placing these old-school headphones on and waiting to be given a question. Just one question and you could win a lot of money! OK, don't mid that you were given the answer a day ago, just do your best to make it seem exciting. That, in a way, is the premise of the movie we're talking about this week, the 1994 drama Quiz Show, directed by Robert Redford, starring Ralph Fiennes, John Turturro, Rob Morrow, and many more. Josh and Scott are joined today by Five-Timers' Club inductee Noel Murray to talk about the Best Picture nominee, Robert Redford's career as a director, and which of the three actors listed above is giving a real clunker of a performance. Listen to the show to find out who!
Hey, friends! As we say goodbye to Halloween and hello to the Thanksgiving and Christmas season, Mousterpiece Cinema is getting closer and closer to saying goodbye for good. Today on the show, we're finally talking about one of the biggest films from the Walt Disney Company filmography, one of the most popular comedies of all time: Pretty Woman. Josh and Scott are joined by longtime friend of the show Emma Stefansky of Thrillist to discuss this 1990 classic starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, directed by Mr. Marshall (please, call him Garry). So does Pretty Woman stand the test of time after nearly 30 years? And what is it like to watch this movie...for the first time? Because one of the people on this episode a) had never seen this before and b) ...uh, did not like it. You'll probably guess who! But listen to the show to find out!
Hey, folks! It's time for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and Josh and Scott are headed straight to the Moops this week. Uh...sorry, the Moors, not the Moops. That location is, as we are sure you all know, the setting for a lot of the action in the new Disney movie Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, our movie du jour. Is this sequel to the 2014 live-action revival of Sleeping Beauty enjoyable? Does it make sense for this film to even exist? Is it possible for a new movie to waste a perfectly delightful and campy performance from Michelle Pfeiffer? Check out the new show now to find out!
Hey, folks! It's time for a spooktacular new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, as Scott and Josh are revisiting a scare-ifying adaptation of Ray Bradbury's novel Something Wicked This Way Comes. The 1983 film inspired by the book, starring Jason Robards and Jonathan Pryce, is all about what happens when a mysterious new carnival comes to a small town and the havoc that it wreaks. Is the movie still worth talking about? Considering that it wasn't included in the massive announcement from Disney+ (and unfortunately, we recorded this episode before that reveal, so don't expect any chatter from us), is this a film that's worth forgetting? And how is it possible that a spooky movie like this could waste Pam Grier? Find out now!
Hey, folks! It's time for a big new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, because Josh and Scott are talking about an important piece of American history this week. Their subject this week is the Great Depression, circa the mid-1930s in New York City as anti-Communist sympathies were on the rise even as Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidency was aimed at putting people back to work in every walk of life, including the theater. So, really, our subject this week is the 1999 film Cradle Will Rock, with an ensemble cast including everyone from Paul Giamatti to Jack Black to Bill Murray to Vanessa Redgrave to Hank Azaria to Emily Watson. Does this little-seen, remarkably political film from Touchstone Pictures deserve a second life? Before you find out, Josh has some important news about the future of the podcast, so you won't want to miss this episode.
Hey, folks! It's time for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and on this week's episode, we're feeling tough and rough. Specifically, Josh and Scott are feeling like talking about Ruthless People, the 1986 comedy starring Danny DeVito, Bette Midler, Judge Reinhold, Bill Pullman, and more. They're joined by longtime friend of the show Danny Bowes, who joins the Five-Timers' Club as he discusses this 80s-era comedy from three very distinctive comedy sources, the filmmaking team behind Top Secret and Airplane!. Does this movie belong next to those two as a comic gem of the decade, or is it utterly baffling that the men behind Airplane! also made this story of what happens when a rich man tries to get his wife to be murdered via kidnapping? Find out now!
Hey, folks! It's time for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and we hope that you're prepared for a very long journey through the deepest reaches of outer space. That's where we're headed for this episode, as Scott and Josh talk about the new Brad Pitt-starring science-fiction film Ad Astra. Your hosts are joined by friend of the show and Five-Timers' Club inductee Fran Hoepfner to talk about this new James Gray film, the notable action sequences in this new film, and whether or not this features the best Brad Pitt performance of 2019. Is Ad Astra worth your time? Should Disney keep making movies like this through the Fox studio? Can Scott ever scoff at Josh's bad jokes ever again? Find out now!
Hey, folks! It's time for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and we're getting very dark and intense this week on the show. Because, you see, things are getting serious for Josh and Scott, or at least for the characters in the film that your hosts are discussing. That film is Ron Howard's 1996 thriller Ransom starring Rene Russo, Delroy Lindo, Gary Sinise, and, uh, all-around cool dude Mel Gibson. (Yes, we do acknowledge his...uh...all-around coolness. How could you not?) Has this movie stood the test of time over nearly 25 years? Is it as entertaining as it might have been all those years ago? Does Josh remember having seen this movie at all? Find out now!
Hey, friends! We hope you're prepared to go out on the high seas for some big adventure, because that's where we're headed this week on a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema. Scott and Josh are headed back to a film most piratical as they revisit the 1996 comedy Muppet Treasure Island, featuring the Muppets, Tim Curry, and more in this take on Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island. Your hosts are joined by longtime friend of the show and Seven-Timers' Club inductee Griffin Newman for an exciting, unexpectedly contentious conversation about this film and all of its intricacies. Is Muppet Treasure Island one of the great Muppet films, or just a mildly charming one? Is the music worth its salt? Are the Muppets used well? And how did this movie fare in the box office? You'll want to stick around to find out the answer to that last question, because boy, do we have a doozy of a Box Office Game. Check out the new show now!
Hey, folks! It's time for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and we're closing out our mini-series on the films of the Step Up franchise today with Step Up 3. Or, if you like, Step Up 3D, because, yes, Virginia, this 2010 threequel was released in the 3D format. Scott and Josh are joined once more by friend of the show, and Five-Timer Club member Kate Erbland of Indiewire to talk about the series, this film's many dance sequences, and how utterly ridiculous it gets when the characters stop hoofing it up and start talking to each other. Is this the best film in the series? Is it a good movie? Can it be one and not the other? Check out the new show to find out!
Hey, folks! It's time for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and we're wrapping up the dog days of summer with a real howler. This time around, Scott and Josh are talking about the 2001 comedy Corky Romano, all about a veterinarian who is tasked by his mobster family to break into the FBI and get evidence to clear his dad's name. Oh, and it stars Chris Kattan as the title character. Yes, the SNL alum and his style of humor doesn't really work for your hosts, but boy, oh boy, does it work for our guest this week, the podcast's former co-host Gabe Bucsko. Have you ever wanted to hear a legitimate fit of the giggles from Gabe? You are in luck this week, even as Scott and Josh look on in dismay. Check out the new show now!
Hey, folks! We hope that you're respecting the Shabbos, or preparing yourself for church tomorrow, because this is a very religious episode of Mousterpiece Cinema. In fact, we're talking about both Judaism and Catholicism this week, because those religions are somewhat the subject of the 2000 romantic comedy Keeping the Faith. Starring Ben Stiller, Edward Norton, and Jenna Elfman, Keeping the Faith is all about what happens when a priest and a rabbi...fall in love with the same woman! Wackiness ensues, and Scott and Josh are here to talk about all of it, from this movie's very 2000-era storytelling, its weird references, the strangeness of the fact that this is the only movie Edward Norton directed for nearly 20 years, and more. Check out the new show now!
Hey, folks! Get on your dancin' shoes, because it's time for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema. And you know what, you might not even need shoes for this one, because if you're a real dancer, you can dance anywhere, anytime. On a subway car! In the rain! Those are just two of the many locations in which dance sequences occur during Step Up 2 The Streets, the focus of this week's show. Scott and Josh are joined once again by Kate Erbland from Indiewire to talk about this 2008 sequel and its mostly entirely new cast. Plus, of course, there's discussion about movies with killer tigers, the actress Kaya Scodelario, Netflix shows, Disney earnings, and much, much more. Check out the new show now!
Hey, folks! We hope you've got some cornbread and a sweet tea at hand, because Scott and Josh are headed to the Deep South for the new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema. Specifically, they're headed back to the halcyon days of the 1960s in the Mississippi as they discuss the period drama The Help, starring Viola Davis, Emma Stone, Jessica Chastain, and an Academy-Award winning Octavia Spencer. Remember The Help? It's been eight years since this film came out and became a huge hit at the box office, before getting multiple Oscar nominations. How does the film hold up after just eight years? Is this entertaining, or just a lazy history lesson? Is the film doing poorly by its characters or by racial and gender stereotypes? Find out now!
Hey, folks! It's time for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and we're getting...well, very murky on this episode. Josh and Scott are revisiting one of the low points of Disney animation in this episode. In fact, they're talking about a film that just about ruined Disney feature animation for good, the 1985 summer release The Black Cauldron. Scott and Josh are joined by Vox critic-at-large and friend of the show Emily VanDerWerff to discuss the strange Welsh-inspired film that nearly sunk Disney because of its high budget, its dark story, and its violence. Is this a misunderstood masterpiece? Should there have been songs? Or, is it possible that there's already a song in this movie, sung by Ray Parker, Jr. himself?!? You'll have to listen to the show to find out!
Hey, folks! Are you ready for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema? Because Scott and Josh are headed back to the jungle for this one, as they're talking about the beloved animated film The Lion King, featuring the voices of James Earl Jones, Matthew Broderick, Jeremy Irons, and--wait, hold on, sorry. Scott and Josh are talking about the...animated remake of The Lion King today, featuring the voices of...still James Earl Jones, and also Donald Glover and Chiwetel Ejiofor. Yes, it's the biggest movie in the country right now, but your hosts and their guest -- the delightful Justin Chang of the Los Angeles Times -- are not remotely impressed with the photorealism, the limp story, and the lifeless songs. Why does this remake fail to get why the original works so much? Sit back and relax -- we've got a lot to say on this one!
Hey, folks! We hope you're feeling fresh and loosened up for a new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, because we're going to be putting on our ballet shoes and tutus for this one. Or maybe we should just put on a fresh beat and get to a more aggressive form of dance. That's because Josh and Scott are talking about the 2006 dance drama Step Up this week, with friend of the show Kate Erbland of Indiewire joining them to talk about the big breakout film for Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan. Does this old-fashioned throwback stand up in the year of our Lord 2019? Is it the kind of movie studios should be making more often? Or should films like this just be all about the dance sequences? Listen to the new show to find out!
Hello, programs! We hope you've prepared yourself appropriately, that you're jacked in, that you're blasting your biodigital jazz, and whatever else you need to prepare, because it's time for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema. This week, Scott and Josh are going into the computer...OK, they're just going into the world of computers as they revisit the 1982 cult film Tron. Yes, you remember Tron, right? You've seen it? Well, if you haven't, you're in for quite a treat as your hosts talk about the film's impact, its effects, and whether or not its writing and direction are salvageable enough over 35 years later. Check out the new show now!
Hey, folks! It's that time of year -- the summer. The heat is rising, baseball is in full swing, and people are getting murdered left and right. OK, well, to be fair, we're talking about a very specific summer on this brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema. The summer of 1977 in New York City, to be particular, and what an eventful summer it was. It's the subject of the Spike Lee film Summer of Sam from 1999, featuring John Leguizamo, Mira Sorvino, Adrien Brody, and more. This week on the show, Scott and Josh are joined by Roger Ebert contributor Odie Henderson to talk about this hot mess of a movie, from its extreme profanity to its orgy scene. (This is maybe the most R-rated film we've ever discussed on the show!) But is it an enjoyable hot mess or just a hot mess? Check out the new episode to find out!
Hey howdy hey, everybody! It's time for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and the toys are back in town once more as we get set to talk about Pixar's latest film, Toy Story 4. Scott and Josh are raring to go as they sit down with friend of the show Kristen Lopez to discuss the fourth entry in the now 25-year old series, and talk about whether this movie could ever possibly hope to live up to our expectations. Is the new Toy Story movie as good as its predecessors? Is it better? Is it possible that Josh is the most positive person on this episode? Does this feel like a feature or a series of shorts strung together? These are all questions we answer in the episode, so you might as well listen -- right now!
Hey, folks! It's time for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and to listen to this one, you better make sure you've gathered the whole Roundup gang, from Jessie the Yodeling Cowgirl to that trusty horse Bullseye to even Stinky Pete the Prospector. You probably already guessed, but we're talking about the Pixar Animation Studios film Toy Story 2 on the podcast this week, as yet another of our Revisited shows. Scott and Josh are joined by friend of the show and freelance writer Noel Murray to talk about the now-20-year old film, and whether or not it truly is the best Toy Story film. (One of the three of them would say not!) In advance of our Toy Story 4 podcast next week, we're looking back at the first sequel in the franchise, talking about everything from parental metaphors to the inevitable Woody prequel. Check out the show now!
Hey, folks! It's time for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and this time, Scott and Josh are forging a new frontier of the podcast as they talk about their first film during the Disney/Fox era. And what better film to start with than the latest X-Men movie? You know...Dark Phoenix? Dark Phoenix, you guys! The new X-Men movie! With Sophie Turner from Game of Thrones! It's totally a thing, a real movie that just opened last week. And we are pretty sure we saw it! Scott and Josh are joined by friend of the show and recent guest Alan Zilberman of Washington City Paper to talk about what is likely the last X-Men movie of this era, and why it's pretty damn forgettable. Plus, Josh reveals how this movie inspired him to do something he hasn't done in years in theaters! It just might shock you. Listen to the new show to find out!
Hey, friends! Get yourself a nearby spell book and some brooms and mops, because it's time for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema. On this episode of the show, Josh and Scott keep up the trend of talking about live-action remakes of Disney animated classics, by discussing the 2010 action film The Sorcerer's Apprentice, starring Nicolas Cage and Jay Baruchel as the sorcerer and his apprentice, respectively. Josh and Scott are joined by friend of the show Steve Greene of Indiewire to talk about the film, its connections to Fantasia, the work of Alfred Molina, Nicolas Cage and his automotive loves, and whether or not this is the rare live-action remake to be so different from its inspiration to be enjoyable. Listen to the new show now!
Hey, folks! It's time for you to grab a magic carpet and fly down to Agrabah so you can start listening to a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema. You might have already guessed it, but just in case you didn't, Scott and Josh are headed back to this mysterious, fictional Middle Eastern city to talk about a story that..well, they've already talked about. You know, the one about the street rat who finds a lamp and gets three wishes from a big blue genie. Of course, it's Aladdin, the 2019 live-action/CGI remake of the animated classic, this time starring Will Smith as the Genie. Scott and Josh are joined by longtime friend of the show Tim Grierson to talk about the new film, and why it either only barely works or doesn't work at all. And if you've wanted to hear Josh go off about these remakes, well, you are in luck. This one's a long episode, so sit back and get comfy and start listening!
Hey, folks! It's that time of year again -- time to celebrate dads and grads! Since school's letting out, Scott and Josh figured it was the right time to close out the Dexter Riley trilogy on this new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema. Your hosts come together -- sadly sans guest -- to talk about the 1975 film The Strongest Man in the World, starring Kurt Russell, Joe Flynn, Cesar Romero, and more. But who is the strongest man in the world, at least within this film? Why is Kurt Russell in so little of a movie that is ostensibly...about his character? More to the point, who is even the main character of this film and possibly the entire trilogy itself? All of these questions, plus at least one or two references to Arnold Schwarzenegger, can be resolved by listening to the new episode!
Hey, folks! It's time for a brand-new, inspirational, Muppetational episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, as Josh and Scott get ready to revisit one of the great all-ages movies, The Muppet Movie. No reason to hide our feelings here -- your hosts are both big fans of the 1979 classic that introduced Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, and other Muppets to the big screen with their ruminations on the rainbow connection, movin' right along, and more. Your hosts are joined by friend of the show Odie Henderson of RogerEbert.com to talk about the film, its cameo performers, its timelessness, its all-killer-no-filler songs, and more. Check out the new show now!
Hey, folks! Head with us under the sea for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema. Josh and Scott have matching wetsuits and beanies at the ready, and there's plenty more where that came from, as they talk about the 2004 Wes Anderson comedy-drama The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou. They're joined by friend of the show Alan Zilberman of the Washington City Paper to talk about all things Zissou, from the potentially off-putting lead performance from Bill Murray, the film's use of David Bowie covers, its pristine production design and cinematography, its use of stop-motion animation, and more. Does this film hold up as well now as it did in '04? Is it best left forgotten? Find out now!
Hey, folks! It's time for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and Scott and Josh are talking about...well, you know which movie we're talking about this week. It's only the biggest film of the year so far, Avengers: Endgame. Scott and Josh are joined by freelance writer Aaron Pruner on this week's episode as they assemble to discuss the culmination of the Infinity Saga in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Yes, fine, it's a movie we've all seen at least once by now -- and if you haven't, this whole episode is a spoiler -- but is Avengers: Endgame as good as its biggest fans have said? Does it all work in the end? How does this film handle its heroic women? And anyone not named Tony Stark or Steve Rogers? Listen to the new episode to find out!
Hey, folks! It's time for a very special new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema. What's so special about this one? Well, first of all, Scott and Josh are joined by their old friend and the podcast's former co-host Gabe Bucsko for this one! And even better, it's the 400th episode of Mousterpiece Cinema! So what movie are we talking about? It's the one on everyone's mind during this last weekend of April: ...Disneynature's Penguins. (We'll talk about that other movie next week.) Scott, Josh, and Gabe tackle everything under the sun about this documentary, from the treacly narration and score to its IMAX-shot photography to the Notre Dame fire and Abigail Disney's criticism of wage inequity at Disney. (Everything under the sun, we promised.) Sit back and relax: this one's a lot of fun so check it out!
Hey, folks! It's time for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and on this one, Scott and Josh are headed underwater. We're, in fact, headed under the sea. 20,000 leagues, that is, because we're talking about the 1954 sci-fi classic 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, starring Kirk Douglas, Peter Lorre, Paul Lukas, and James Mason as the mercurial and mysterious Captain Nemo of the superpowered submarine Nautilus in this adaptation of Jules Verne's iconic novel. Josh hasn't talked about this movie since the sixth episode of the podcast -- has his mind changed over nearly 8 years? What does Scott think about this early live-action hit? Is it more or less impressive in 2019? Is it truly a whale of a tale? You'll have to listen to find out!
NOTE: This episode is being posted in advance of our next Revisited show, and was originally recorded in August 2011. Josh begins a three-week sojourn into the world of Disney live-action films with 1954's 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea! He's never read the book, and this is the first time he's seen the movie. Did he marvel at the Nautilus and the mysterious Captain Nemo? Is he more like the brash Ned Land or the pensive Professor Arronax? Will he be able to properly pronounce the name "Conseil?" (Spoiler alert: probably not.) Check out this week's Mousterpiece Cinema--it's a real whale of a tale! (Easy reference, but it works!)
Hey, friends! Grab your 8-track, prepare to win a chintzy prize, and drive moodily down the roads of New Jersey with us on this brand new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema! This week on the show, Josh and Scott are headed back to the 1980s, and the life of young Scott, as they discuss the 2009 coming-of-age romantic dramedy Adventureland starring Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart, and more. This blast from the past causes Scott to reminisce a bit about his own version of this coming-of-age story, of a guy lusting after a girl who might be out of his league, and also wonder if the whole film is just about a kid no longer being a virgin. Is the film as charming as it was a decade ago? Does this movie need to be...canceled? Find out now!
Hey, folks! Take a look up there in the sky. Is that a bird? A plane? A superhero? No, it's just a flying elephant, the kind of thing you might see in the new version of Disney's animated classic Dumbo, the topic of discussion on a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema. Josh and Scott sit down with longtime friend of the show and Eight-Timers' Club inductee Keith Phipps to talk about the live-action/CG remake of Dumbo from director Tim Burton, and pinpoint exactly why it doesn't work. They discuss everything from the film's unexpected cameos, reference points to the animated film, and science. Science is great! Let's science some science, like the characters in recent Disney live-action fare do! Learn more about science, and also Dumbo on the new show now!
Hey, folks! It's time for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and we're talking about an historic film this week. In fact, Josh and Scott are revisiting another older animated film, the 1942 feature Saludos Amigos. This predecessor to The Three Caballeros is, it should be noted, barely a feature film as it runs just over 42 minutes long. This episode, though, is a little bit longer, as Josh and Scott are joined by longtime friend of the show and new Eight-Timers' Club member Monica Castillo to talk about Saludos Amigos, cultural tourism, the position of this film at the time of its release, and just a little bit of talk about a certain new Disney movie that remakes an animated classic. Check out the new show now!
Hey, folks! It's time for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and this time around, Josh and Scott are preparing themselves for some wacky hijinks. That's because we're talking about another comedy from the era of Disney's live-action films of the 1960s and 1970s, Now You See Him, Now You Don't. The title may not suggest it, but this is the second entry in the famous Dexter Riley trilogy starring Kurt Russell, so that means that your hosts are joined today by friend of the show and Five-Timers' Club inductee Rob Hunter of Film School Rejects! Is this movie an improvement on its predecessor? Is it weird for Kurt Russell to visibly not be in as much of this movie? Is Josh being too hard on movies of the era? Listen to find out!
Hey, folks! It's time for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and we're going to the stars with this one. Just like most of the world, Scott and Josh have seen the latest film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Captain Marvel, and they're going to talk about this week. They're joined by friend of the show and Five-Timers' Club inductee Emma Stefansky of Thrillist to discuss the Brie Larson-fronted superhero film, the burden of expectations for the first female-led superhero film in the MCU, the worst of the online trolls and their terminology, and more. Is this as good a film as other recent entries of the MCU? Is it fair for a film that's not about white guys to be the most amazing thing ever? Is Josh going to gag over terms like "incel"? Listen to the new show to find out!
Hey, folks! It's time for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and this is a very special and unexpected one. If it was a normal week, Josh and Scott would be sitting down to talk about a film, but oh no! Scott came down with a nasty cold that destroyed his voice, so what is Josh to do? Instead of soldiering on by himself, Josh invites friends of the show Kristy Puchko of Pajiba and Bilge Ebiri of Vulture to talk with him about the 1999 teen comedy 10 Things I Hate About You. As this film hits its 20th anniversary, how well does it hold up? Does the Shakespearean adaptation work well in 2019? Are Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles as charming now as they were back in the day? And what the hell is the failed sequel 10 Things I Hate About Life? Listen to the new show to find out!
Hey, folks! It's time for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and we're ready for the big game on this one. Josh and Scott are headed to the football field for this episode, tossing around the ol' pigskin as they talk about the 2007 family comedy The Game Plan, starring a younger, somehow less incredibly buff Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as a star football player whose life is upended when he learns that he has an eight-year old daughter he never knew existed. This comedy is all about formula, and this episode is no different! References to the Mousterpiece Cinema Bingo Card? Check. Tangents? Check. A rant about the recent recipient of the Best Picture Oscar? Check and a half, and bring your earmuffs for that one. Plus, of course, we talk about why The Game Plan's formula doesn't quite pan out, so check out the new show now!
Hey, folks! It's time for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and this week, Scott and Josh are going on a ride through Latin America. They've got their magic carpet ready, they've brought their swim suits, and now it's time to travel from Paraguay through Brazil right back to Mexico with their friends and yours, The Three Caballeros. That's right, we're revisiting this 1944 animated package film from Walt Disney Pictures, starring Donald Duck, Jose Carioca, and Panchito Pistoles! Your hosts are joined by longtime friend of the show, and Seven-Timers' Club inductee, Monica Castillo to talk about all things Caballeros, from their presence in the Disney theme parks, their hidden new TV show, the surprising diversity on screen in a period where Disney animation wasn't known for its diverse characters, the animation quality, and much, much more. Check out the new show now!
Hey, folks! It's time for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and for this show, we've drawn swords and are prepared to do battle on any field, be it grassy or icy. That's going to come in handy, because we're talking about a very unique take on one of the most memorable English-language myths of the last handful of centuries: Antoine Fuqua's 2004 action film King Arthur, starring Clive Owen, Keira Knightley, Ioan Gruffudd, Ray Winston, Mads Mikkelsen, and more. Scott and Josh are joined by Bright Wall/Dark Room editor-at-large and friend of the show Fran Hoepfner to talk about this turgid, joyless film, why it failed back in the summer of 2004, the creepiness of the key romance, misogynistic marketing, and more!
Hey, folks! It's time for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and this is an episode all about firsts. Such as, say, the first time one of the people on the podcast has to be reminded that they've seen a film before! But let's not spoil things too much, as Scott and Josh sit down post-Sundance to talk about a very deep film about coming-of-age angst, romance, Big Chemical, lake monsters, and Herman Melville. That's right, we're talking about Doug's 1st Movie on today's podcast, and your hosts are joined by friend of the show Brad Oman (AKA Ethan Anderton) from Slashfilm to discuss this adaptation of the show from Nickelodeon and ABC, and why this one feels too much like the later version than would be preferable. Are the non sequiturs worth the rest of the movie? Is this movie truly forgettable? Find out on the new show!
OK, campers, rise and shine! And don't forget your booties because it's cold out there today. Of course, it's cold out there every day! But just because this episode is releasing on Groundhog Day doesn't mean we're talking about that movie today. However, Josh and Scott are talking about a movie full of cold weather in this new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema. In fact, they're discussing Eight Below, the inspired-by-a-true-story tale of eight dogs in the Antarctic struggling to survive on their own for a few months. Co-starring Paul Walker, Moon Bloodgood, Bruce Greenwood, and lots and lots of good dogs, does Eight Below still entertain your hosts? Are they good dogs, Brent? Or is this movie a real howler? Find out on the new show!
Hey, folks! It's time to go back to school -- Medfield College, that is. Josh and Scott are headed back to the era of wacky Disney live-action comedies for this episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, as they talk about the first of three Dexter Reilly movies, The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes. Josh and Scott are joined by longtime friend (or frenemy?) of the show, Rob Hunter of Film School Rejects, to talk about this early entry in the MCU (Medfield College Universe, duh), why Josh may be mean to this film (!), and whether or not it's fair to judge movies like this on how funny they are in the year 2019. Sit back and relax, because this one's a wild ride!
Hey, folks! It's time for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and we're once again going to the dogs this week. Scott and Josh are headed into the Wayback Machine for another Revisited episode as they discuss the 1955 widescreen animated film Lady and the Tramp. Josh wasn't too hot on the film back in Episode 36, but has his perspective changed? Is Scott a fan of the film? Or is the movie too pro-dog for either of their tastes? Your hosts delve into the animation, the songs, and yes, of course, the racial and ethnic stereotypes that are impossible to avoid, and even a little discussion of The Aristocats, so check out the new show!
Hey, folks! It's time for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and the first podcast that we recorded in 2019! (Not the first episode of the year, to be fair.) It's time for one of our sporadic deep-dives into the Walt Disney Treasures collections of DVDs, this time talking about Mickey Mouse in Black and White, Volume Two. These shorts, which premiered between 1928 and 1935, span everything from the days when Mickey Mouse and his sweetheart Minnie played music and danced around in synchronized movement to...the days when Mickey and Minnie...played music...and danced around...in synchronized movement. Yes, Josh and Scott find out the hard way that a lot of the Disney shorts of the early 1930s tread similar ground, but how many of them stand out nearly 90 years later? Are there any awkward depictions of racial stereotypes? And speaking of racial stereotypes, keep an ear out for some time-specific references to the Golden Globes and how excited your hosts are when a certain film about old-fashioned race relations wins big!
Hey, friends! Happy 2019, and welcome to another year of Mousterpiece Cinema! We're kicking off the new year by commemorating the 25th anniversary of a film that opened on the first Friday in January to almost entirely harsh, very negative reviews. But is it possible that this film was unfairly maligned by critics back in early 1994? The film in question is the cult comedy Cabin Boy, starring Chris Elliott as one of the infamous fancy lads who has to go on a unique quest to become a man, encountering talk-show hosts who sell monkeys, six-armed women, giants, iceberg monsters, and, of course, Andy Richter. Scott and Josh are joined by friend of the show Charles Bramesco for the first episode of the new year to talk about whether or not this film is as good as its cult reputation suggests, if critics had it right the first time, deepfakes, and, of course, a healthy amount of U Talkin' U2 To Me? references. Check out the new show now!
Hey, folks! Get out your kites and balloons, and keep an eye out on the lovely London sky, where you just may see a proper English nanny fly down with an umbrella! It's time for a new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and to end 2018, we're talking about one of Disney's biggest gambits of the year, Mary Poppins Returns. This sequel to the 1964 classic that made a star out of Julie Andrews stars Emily Blunt, Lin-Manuel Miranda, two Paddington Bears, and a whole lot of BMX bikes. (Because why else do you make a sequel to an old movie if not to have extreeeeeeeme stunts?) Scott and Josh are joined by friend of the show Kristen Lopez to talk about this new film, and while we wish we could tell you that we think this film is practically perfect, we...uh...don't. Instead, we're digging in deep into why the film struggles, whether or not it's an impossible task to improve upon the original, and why it's not a good thing that Ben Whishaw gives the film's best performance. Check out the new show now!
Did you ever know that you're my hero? That, in fact, you're everything I would like to be? Oh, and I--well, I can fly higher than an eagle! Because you're listening to the brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, of course! And in case the song lyrics aren't enough of a hint, then you should know that Josh and Scott are guest-free this week as they commemorate the 30th anniversary of Garry Marshall's melodrama Beaches, starring Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey as friends whose relationship spans decades, romances, and more. Does Beaches stand the test of time? Is this film the wind beneath our wings? Or is it another very strange film from Mr. Marshall (please, call him Garry)? Find out now!
Hey, folks! It's time for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and we're getting ready to head off to sleepy-town. It's just so late, you know? So what we need is nothing short of a bedtime story...maybe more than one, so let's skip the actual storytelling and watch a movie all about them. Yes, on today's show, Josh and Scott are talking about your favorite Disney film from 2008, Bedtime Stories. With none other than the Sandman as the lead, you know? Adam Sandler! He really did make a Disney movie! But is it any good? Is this more than just a lazy Happy Madison production? Does the fact that Scott and Josh spend the last 15 minutes of the show talking about their end-of-year lists give you a hint? Check out the new show now!
Hey, folks! Scott and Josh are excited to welcome you into a very special episode of Mousterpiece Cinema. In fact, you might even say that this episode is supercalifragilisticexpialidocious! That's because, as you have already guessed, we're revisiting the 1964 classic Mary Poppins on this week's show. Scott and Josh are joined by special return guest Kristy Puchko of Pajiba to talk about all things Poppins, from the beloved music (and some of its darker elements) to the performances from Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke, to which of the segments is equivalent to a scene from Singin' In The Rain, to whether or not the idea of a sequel 50-plus years later is a good idea considering how charming this movie is. Check out the new show now!
Hey, folks! It's time for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and this week, Scott and Josh are diving into the world that's housed their podcast all these years. That's right, we're going into the Internet, just before it gets broken by everyone's favorite 80s-era arcade-game bad guy, Wreck-It Ralph as we discuss the new Walt Disney Animation Studios film Ralph Breaks the Internet. Scott and Josh are joined by Sean P. Means of the Salt Lake Tribune to discuss the new movie, its very timely jokes, whether or not a movie like this needs to be universal, how much of the clever humor works, whether the movie should be a little less clever, and...well, just lots of talk about this very clever--too clever by half, you might say--new film. Check out the new episode now!
Hey, folks! It's time for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and this time, we got the whole family together after so many years apart. And we're going to make sure to get all sorts of fun activities in before the big celebration is over at the lake house. We'll have a talent show, a crossword competition, some Jazzercising, and hey, wait, where are you going? We're just talking about the family at the center of this week's movie, Dan in Real Life. Yes, the 2007 dramedy with the most unlikely love triangle (Dane Cook, Steve Carell, and Juliette Binoche) is our focus this week, as Josh and Scott are joined by friend of the show Steve Greene of Indiewire to discuss whether or not this movie is charming or cloying, or somewhere in between. Does this movie suffer from having too many characters? Is the love triangle believable? And what is Emily Blunt doing in this film? Find out now!
Hey, folks! It's time for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and Scott and Josh are headed to the arcade for this one. In fact, they're diving into a movie that Josh discussed way back in 2012 all about video games. That's right, they're revisiting Wreck-It Ralph, the Walt Disney Animation Studios film featuring a bad guy who wants to be a good guy, a good guy who wants to control a video game, and more. Has Josh finally found a kindred spirit when it comes to this movie? Or is he once again out on a limb about this film, which he might still not like? And how much does the new film--which both of your hosts have seen--influence their experience of the original? Find out now!
Hey, folks! It's time for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and this week, Scott and Josh are headed to a magical land full of strange creatures, exciting stories, and plenty of adventure. No, not Narnia. No, not Wonderland. No, not Oz. Why, it's...the land of the Four Realms, of course! Specifically, your hosts are talking about the new Disney film The Nutcracker and the Four Realms on the podcast, and they're joined by friend of the show Karen Han of Polygon to discuss this new movie and why, exactly, it is so damn strange. What's with the sexy baby voice Keira Knightley's sporting in this film? Is John Lithgow a classic Karen's Boy? And which famous meme does Karen learn about for the first time in this episode? It's a wild one, so check out the new show now!
Hey, folks! Are you ready for a raucous, wild episode of Mousterpiece Cinema? Well, dive into your nearest off-the-grid cage after downloading the show so you can dive right in! This week, we're celebrating the 20th anniversary of a film featuring Will Smith, Gene Hackman, Jon Voight, Regina King, Seth Green, Jack Black, Jamie Kennedy, Scott Caan, Jason Robards, and we could keep listing actors, but we'd be here all day. The movie, of course, is Enemy of the State, from director Tony Scott, and your hosts are joined by two old friends of the show: Danny Bowes and Jason "Five-Timers' Club" Bailey! Fair warning: not only is this a raucous episode, but it is peak Earmuffs. (So...y'know: lots of swearing.) But this one's a lot of fun, as we talk about all sorts of important things, like whether or not we love films like The Conversation, and, of course, the names of characters in the film. So check the new show out!
Hey, friends! It's that time again--time for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema! This week, as the merger between the dual monoliths of Disney and Fox grows ever closer, Scott and Josh are nostalgic for a period barely 20 years ago when the Walt Disney Company released a film that was all about how corporate greed nearly toppled the publication of the honest, unvarnished truth about cigarettes. Remember Michael Mann's 1999 film The Insider? You should! It's our film of the week, and Scott and Josh are joined by freelance film writer and critic Bilge Ebiri to discuss all things Insider, from Russell Crowe's remarkably intense performance to the state of journalism in the 1990s, and with just a smidgen or two of Josh's very, very bad impression of Al Pacino. (But no "Hoo-ah!" reference. Except in this description.) Listen to the new show now!
If you had to be honest with yourself, would you be able to provide the answer to Life, the Universe, and Everything? Do you even know the question of Life, the Universe, and Everything? Well, if you need a place to start, consider this brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema! In this week's show, Josh and Scott are hanging out, just a couple of super chill bros, talking about the 2005 adaptation of Douglas Adams' iconic piece of science-fiction comedy, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, starring Martin Freeman, Sam Rockwell, and more. Does this film hold up to the beloved novel, and to the BBC radio series that Scott loved when he was a little boy who wanted to be a big boy? Is it possible that there's such a thing as too much Sam Rockwell? How adorkable is Zooey Deschanel in this film, anyway? Find out now!
Hey, folks! It's time for Scott and Josh to head into their special spaceship and approach another Revisited episode of Mousterpiece Cinema. This week, they're in deep space with their special guest, freelance writer and podcaster Keith Phipps (now a member of the Seven-Timers' Club!), as they discuss the 1979 cult favorite The Black Hole. Remember? The big-budget film that served as Disney's first PG-rated film that Josh discussed in Episode 10 of this show! Yes indeed, and boy, is this a special movie. But not in the right way. For Keith and Scott, who grew up with this film in ways Josh didn't, does The Black Hole resonate? And what of the amazing dialogue that is in no way exposition-heavy? And what the hell happens in the ending? You'll have to find out on the new show!
Hey, folks! It's time for another brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and this week, we're talking about a very big movie, even if it's one that got ignored by audiences back in 1998. Scott and Josh are headed back to the Reconstruction era of the United States to talk about a film depicting the aftermath of slavery among African-Americans of the 1870s, Jonathan Demme's adaptation of Beloved starring Oprah Winfrey, Danny Glover, and more. Scott and Josh are joined by longtime friend of the show and Six-Timers' Club inductee Monica Castillo to discuss the weighty impact of Beloved, the film's epic and unique qualities, exactly how terrible of a person Josh is, and also...bingo! (It'll all make sense, promise.) Check out the new show now!
Hey, folks! It's time for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and this week, Scott and Josh are drinking from this very special well of water they found while wandering in the forest, and you can't tell anyone! It's very secret water, and if you let anyone know about it, you'll....be in trouble! Or we will! One of those! OK, we might have just seen a movie about people who have had a sip or two from a fountain of youth. In fact, it's our movie of the week, Tuck Everlasting, the 2002 adaptation of the Natalie Babbitt novel starring Alexis Bledel, Jonathan Jackson, a very weird Ben Kingsley and more. Scott and Josh are joined by friend of the show Fran Hoepfner of Bright Wall/Dark Room to talk about the story, the film's brief running time, the heat or lack thereof between Bledel and Jackson, Kingsley being a real creeper, and lots more. Check out the new show now!
Hey, folks! It's time for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and for this episode, Scott and Josh are getting ready to sit down and play some mah-jong, and listen to some epic stories about the Chinese-American experience in the 20th century. Yes, this week, we're celebrating the 25th anniversary of The Joy Luck Club, the film adaptation of the iconic Amy Tan novel, featuring Ming-Na Wen, Rosalind Chao, Tamlyn Tomita, and...Andrew McCarthy. Josh and Scott are joined by Inkoo Kang of Slate to talk about the impact this film has had on modern culture, its depiction of very different mothers and daughters, and whether or not there's such a thing as too much narration. Does The Joy Luck Club still hold up, especially in light of the recent phenomenon Crazy Rich Asians? Find out now!
Hey, folks! We're taking to the skies this week for a very special episode of Mousterpiece Cinema. Josh and Scott are revisiting one of the vaunted classics of the Golden Age of Disney Animation, the short but memorable 1941 film Dumbo. They're joined by National Catholic Register film critic Steven Greydanus for this Revisited episode of the show, as Josh looks back on a film he hasn't discussed in full in seven years. Is Dumbo one of the true classics of Disney lore? Does "Baby Mine" still have the same emotional power for adults as it did for all of us as little boys who wanted to be big boys? Or does Dumbo feel like the weak link in the Golden Age? Find out more on the new show!
Hey, folks! It's-a us, the hosts of Mousterpiece Cinema! We're getting into character this week as we talk about one of the truly memorable video-game adaptations, the 1993 film Super Mario Bros. starring Bob Hoskins, John Leguizamo, Dennis Hopper, Samantha Mathis, and more. Yes, to commemorate the 25th anniversary, we're talking about a movie with a truly awful reputation, and are joined by longtime friend of the show Scott Meslow of GQ to talk about whether Super Mario Bros. deserves its bad reputation. Is this film really as bad as everyone, including its very lead actors, say it is? Do you need to know the game to like the film, or does that make it worse? Can your hosts do a serviceable Brooklyn accent? Find out now!
Hey, folks! It's that time once more, time for another new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema! And this episodes marks yet another special occasion, as it's time for Scott and Josh to delve into another of the direct-to-DVD sequels made by DisneyToon Studios. They're heading back to the valley to get into the groove, or trying to get into the groove, with Kronk's New Groove. (Sorry, all you hopeful fans of Bambi II. We know we had it scheduled, but you'll just have to wait.) Longtime listeners will remember that Scott's a big fan of The Emperor's New Groove, while Josh was a bit cooler on the 2000 original. But what did they think of the 2005 sequel? Is it as funny as the original? Is it better for Kronk to be a sidekick? Does anyone care about his daddy issues? You'll have to listen to find out!
Hey, folks! It's time for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and it's another episode all about little boys who want to become big boys, and big boys who come into contact with their little-boy selves. OK, that last part might be unique to today's movie, Disney's The Kid (not to be confused with the Charlie Chaplin classic, which you all were going to do, DON'T LIE). Josh and Scott talk in-depth about the 2000 comedy featuring a very young Spencer Breslin playing the young version of a very grouchy Bruce Willis. This one's got a very overqualified cast, including Jean Smart, Chi McBride, and Lily Tomlin, and is from longtime Disney journeyman director and recent The Meg filmmaker Jon Turteltaub. But is it any good? Should The Kid be remembered as an underrated gem, or has it been rightly forgotten? And how hard does this movie's score need to chill out? Find out on the new episode!
Hey, folks! It's time for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and Scott and Josh are headed to the truly magical world of spirits this week. We're revisiting a film that many critics and fans might call one of the very best of the 2000s, Hayao Miyazaki's Spirited Away. Scott and Josh are joined by freelance writer and still the most frequent guest on the show, Alexander Huls, to talk about this 2001 animated film and whether or not it's as wonderful as everyone else says. If you've never heard Josh talk about the film--and since it was the topic of the fifth episode of the show, way back in 2011, you may not have!--you may not be shocked to hear his grumpy side rear its ugly head. Do Scott and Alex love the film? Are they less warm to its charms? Find out now!
Hey, folks! It's time for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and for this show, we're headed deep in the Hundred Acre Wood, where a little boy who wants to be a big boy plays with his stuffed animals. Specifically, Scott and Josh are talking about a new Disney film about what happens when that little boy a) becomes a big boy and b) has to act like a little boy all over again! Yes, we're talking about Christopher Robin, the new film starring Ewan McGregor and lots of CGI stuffed animals, all about an adult version of everyone's...uh...favorite Winnie the Pooh character. Scott and Josh are joined by Hoai-Tran Bui of Slashfilm to talk about the new film, the way that Winnie the Pooh and his friends inhabit Taoist tendencies, and why the hell everyone in the world hasn't fallen completely in love with Paddington 2. Check out the new show now!
Hey, folks! It's the dog days of summer, and we're mixing things up on this new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema. Sure, it's about to be the NFL preseason, and America's true pastime, baseball, is in full swing. But this week, we're talking about a movie that's all about another big American sport, basketball. Specifically, Scott and Josh are talking about the 1998 Spike Lee sports drama He Got Game, starring Denzel Washington and a young Ray Allen as a man let out of prison and the frustrated but talented son he tries to convince to go to college, respectively. After twenty years, how well does He Got Game hold up? How shocking is it, especially in light of recent events at Disney, for a movie as adult as this one and a director as fiery as Spike Lee to have found at home at the Walt Disney Company? And which sport is truly America's greatest? Find out the answers to these questions and more on the new episode!
Well, folks, it's time to rip off a particularly painful Band-Aid on this week's episode of Mousterpiece Cinema. Josh and Scott are headed back in time about 20 years to talk about one of Michael Bay's earliest, and possibly worst, films, the sci-fi action film Armageddon. Josh and Scott are joined by friend of the show Emma Stefansky of GQ and Vanity Fair to talk about this Baysterpiece, its massive ensemble cast, and its utter disregard for all logic, common sense, or joy. (It's possible that one of your two hosts really hated this movie.) What good is there in this film? Is it secretly enjoyable in spite of its bad scriptwriting? Does Michael Bay even deserve all of the blame? And do your hosts and guest indulge in a fair bit of profanity this week? The answer to that last one is yes, so...earmuffs, children! Now, go listen to the new show!
Hey, folks! It's that time of the month again, as Scott and Josh head back into the annals of Mousterpiece Cinema episodes to do a Revisited show! This week, Scott and Josh are headed into the reaches of deep space and hundreds of years into the future to spend time on a luxury space cruise liner with lots of overweight humans and a couple of plucky robots. Yes, that's right, we're talking about the 2008 Pixar film WALL-E on this episode, and your hosts are joined by friend of the show Angie Han of Mashable to talk about the now-decade-old film. Is WALL-E still an adorable masterpiece? Is this Pixar's boldest film to date? Does it make a lot of sense how and why human babies are still getting churned out in the 2800s? You'll have to listen to the show to find out!
Hey, folks! No, we haven't gone invisible on you--we've just shrunk this brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema down to a miniscule size for your entertainment. Yes, you might have already guessed it, but this week on the show, Scott and Josh are headed to the quantum realm of the Marvel Cinematic Universe to discuss the MCU's 20th movie, Ant-Man and the Wasp. They're joined by longtime friend of the show and new member of the Six-Timers' Club, film critic and podcaster Tim Grierson, to talk about whether this sequel measures up to the 2015 original, how well the movie handles making Evangeline Lilly a bigger part of the story, and whether or not this movie has enough Michelle Pfeiffer. Should more MCU movies be low-stakes? Should Scott Lang hang out with the Avengers more often? Do the post-credits scenes live up to their promise? You'll have to find out on the new show!
Hey, folks! It's time for yet another brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and this week, Scott and Josh are taking the spotlight for a musically themed movie. Specifically, they're talking about the 1993 biopic of Tina Turner, What's Love Got To Do With It, which depicts the rise of young Anna Mae Bullock into one of the biggest rock stars in the world, but only after surviving an intensely abusive relationship with songwriter/guitarist Ike Turner. Scott and Josh are joined by Craig Lindsey of Nashville Scene and The Village Voice to talk about the blend of musical performances and harrowing display of spousal abuse, and why Scott dislikes how biopics end with the real person showing up at the end. Does this movie hold up after 25 years? Is it remotely fair that Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne have only ever been nominated for Oscars for just this film? Will Proud Mary keep on turnin'? You'll have to check out the show to find out! Note: Apologies in advance for the fact that you're going to hear some outside background noise in this episode--as much as possible has been removed (without making it impossible to hear the conversation), but you can blame Skype for this one.
Hey, folks! It's time for a rootin', tootin', brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, so git your six-shooters, rustle up some grub, and shoo away any nearby varmints so you can enjoy this episode. As you may have guessed, this is a Western-themed episode, because Scott and Josh are celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Western drama Tombstone, featuring Kurt Russell, Val Kilmer, Bill Paxton, Sam Elliott, and a whole lot more actors. Scott and Josh are joined by return guest Libby Hill of the Los Angeles Times to talk about this film, its shaky production history, and whether or not that production history translated into an equally shaky film or if the movie has earned its mild cult status in the late-2010s. Does this movie hold up? Is it too earnest for its own good? Does it do poorly by the women folk? Are we your huckleberry? You'll have to listen to the show to find out!
Hey, folks! Get suited up, because it's time for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and this one is going to be particularly...super. That's right, Scott and Josh are headed back to Municiberg to talk about Pixar's new film Incredibles 2. (Why, Brad Bird? Why have you forsaken the "The" in the title of this sequel?) Your hosts are joined by Kristy Puchko of Pajiba to talk about the biggest movie from Pixar (at least at the box office). It's been 14 years since the original film--does this movie pay off on the promise of the 2004 film? Has it been too long? Is this a case where, like Finding Dory, Pixar should have left well enough alone, or is this more like Toy Story 2 or Toy Story 3? Only one way to find out--check out the new show!
Hey, folks! It's time for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and p-p-p-p-p-p-p-please believe us, you'll want to check it out. Yes, this week, Scott and Josh are revisiting the 1988 classic hybrid of live-action and animation, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, from director Robert Zemeckis and featuring Bob Hoskins, Christopher Lloyd and more. Scott and Josh are joined by not one, but two return guests this week: Todd Van Der Werff of Vox and Monica Castilo of The Lily (the latter of whom joins the Five-Timers' Club!). All four of them struggle to find a whole lot to criticize about this wonderful film, instead talking about the unique acting on display, the visual effects, the message about civil rights embedded in the story, and more. It's a fun-filled episode, so check it out now!
Hey, folks! It's time to suit up for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and this one is a corker. This week, even though it's summer time, Scott and Josh are headed back to school. To a superheroic school, that is: they're discussing the 2005 superhero comedy Sky High on the show this week, with a bona fide superhero himself! They're joined by longtime friend of the show Griffin Newman of Amazon's The Tick to talk about how Sky High stands out amidst the epic-size Marvel Cinematic Universe and other self-serious superhero films of the 2010s. Does Sky High still hold up in spite of being a bit goofy and low-rent? Is the quirkier film at the periphery better than the actual story? And can Griffin ace a special Box Office Game (for all you Blank Check fans)? You'll have to listen to find out!
Hey, folks! It's time for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and we just want you to punch it! Because we've got a good feeling about this! See? We're making references to the movie we're discussing this week, the new Lucasfilm entry Solo: A Star Wars Story. This week, Scott and Josh are headed back to that galaxy far, far away to discuss whether or not this prequel to the original Star Wars trilogy works at all, especially after all of the upheaval behind the scenes over the last year. They're joined by friend of the show Karen Han to talk all things Solo, Alden Ehrenreich (would that it were so simple), the supporting cast, the grim visual palette, and more! Check out the new show now!
Hey, friends! It's time for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and this time around, Josh and Scott are headed to the woods to explore the long-ago past when man and bear...weren't able to co-exist very peacefully without the help of a few Phil Collins songs and a magical spell or two. Yes, this week, your hosts are talking about the animated film in which a character is surprisingly transformed into a bear only to learn some valuable life lessons from someone younger than them. No, not Brave. You know, the movie where a character wants to put their mark on a family wall, and is forced to join up with someone radically different from them who's lost their own family, against the backdrop of the post-Ice Age world. No, not The Good Dinosaur. For real: we're talking about Brother Bear this week with special guest Kristen Lopez, and spoiler alert: we could bearly stand it. What redeeming value does this film have? Was Patton Oswalt right when he mocked the film in his stand-up? Find out now!
Hey, folks! It's time for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, one that's swimming your way. Because, you see, you have to keep swimming. That's what our good friend Dory tells us, or so we think. We think that's what she said, but we already forgot. Anyway, you may have guessed that this week's movie is another Revisited title, the 2003 Pixar film Finding Nemo. Josh and Scott are joined by freelance writer Alan Zilberman to talk all things Nemo, from the aquarium fish to Albert Brooks' performance to the inexplicable success of the Will and Grace reboot on NBC. (It does tie in somehow, promise.) Does Finding Nemo hold up in the aftermath of the Finding Dory phenomenon? Should there have been flashbacks? Is this one of Pixar's very best films? Find out the answers to these and other questions on the new episode now!
Hey, folks! It's time for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and this week, Scott and Josh are back on the ranch as they celebrate another milestone: 350 episodes! To celebrate, what better film than The Horse Whisperer, which may feel like it's roughly 350 hours long? Scott and Josh are joined by a truly special return guest: Josh's old co-host Gabe Bucsko! These three dive right into a true bro-down hoedown to debate the merits of Robert Redford's adaptation of the popular romance novel, from whether or not the aspect ratio shift was a good idea, whether the movie should be so long, if the romance works, and how staring at a person through ropes can or cannot be super-sexy. Check out the new show now!
Hey, folks! It's time for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and this one's a doozy. As promised, Scott and Josh have come together to talk about the film kicking off the summer movie season, Avengers: Infinity War. They're joined by return guest Jacob Hall of Slashfilm to talk all things Marvel, the Avengers, and yes, that big, crazy ending. (If you haven't seen the movie yet, be warned; spoilers start coming fast and furious in the episode early on.) Does the latest MCU movie pay off on years of build-up? Could it possibly work if there are other MCU movies in the works? Does this even feel like a whole film versus the first half of a larger two-parter? It's a spirited debate this week, so sit down, relax, and enjoy the show!
Hey, folks! It's time for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and we're closing out April talking about the movie everyone's discussing online: the 1968 comedy Blackbeard's Ghost! (Yes, we know, the new Avengers movie is out. We'll be discussing it on next week's episode.) This week, Scott and Josh are headed back to the 60s to talk about yet another Robert Stevenson comedy set in the world of college sports, but this time, the twist is that the college-bound hero is helped along by...well, just look at the title of the movie. And it turns out that one of your hosts was more charmed by this film than he would have expected, or at least by the boisterous performance from Peter Ustinov. Is this movie better than you might think? Is it more atmospherically satisfying? Or are the aesthetic choices not enough to save the movie from walking the plank? Listen to the new show to find out!
Hey, folks! It's time for a new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and this week, Scott and Josh are teaming up to revisit a pinnacle of superhero cinema, Marvel's 2012 film The Avengers. Your hosts are joined by return guest Emma Stefansky to talk all things Avengers, like, for instance, that one hero in the group. You know, the guy who fires arrows really fast? Green Arrow? Something like that. Anyway, they talk a bit more about Iron Man, Captain America, and whether or not this Hulk really did smash. And does rewatching this movie so soon before Infinity War raise their interest in the next team-up, or make them dread the experience? Find out now!
Hey, folks! It's time for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and we are changing things up. Sure, we told you last week that we'd be talking about Super Mario Bros., but things have shifted since then, so Scott and Josh are calling an audible and talking about a totally different film instead: Holes. You know, the 2003 family film starring a young Shia LaBeouf, pre-crazy Jon Voight, and Sigourney Weaver! This film celebrates its 15th anniversary this month, and features a pretty impressive cast even beyond those three names, but does it hold up? Is this movie unexpectedly overstuffed? Is there too much going on in a film from the director of one of Josh's favorite movies of all time? Or should your two hosts get to digging holes of their own? Check out the new show to find out!
Hey, folks! It's time for a very special brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and we hope you've prepared by putting together a series of Top Five lists regarding your favorite and least favorite episodes of the podcast. See, the concept of the Top Five is a big part of this week's movie the 2000 comedy High Fidelity, starring John Cusack, Jack Black, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and many, many more. Josh and Scott are joined this week by friend of the show Rob Hunter of Film School Rejects to talk about another Rob, the lead character of High Fidelity, whose sexploits might not be quite as charming to at least one of your hosts as it may have been in 2000. Does this movie sour in the year 2018? Is there enough liveliness and humor to balance out anything overtly toxic? And what happened to John Cusack's career? Find out now!
Hey, friends! It's time for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and this one's strictly for the birds. This week, Scott and Josh are heading back to the well of Patreon requests, as one of their listeners has literally paid for the privilege of making them talk about Valiant. You remember Valiant, right? The 2005 animated film featuring the voices of Ewan McGregor, Ricky Gervais, John Hurt, Jim Broadbent, and John Cleese? The one about homing pigeons in World War II? The one that looks real gross? Yes, that one. Our Patreon donor wanted to torture us, and Valiant may well do the trick. Which other movies do Scott and Josh talk about so they can avoid this movie? Do the pigeons look at all natural? Is this movie reminiscent of Finding Nemo? Find out now!
Hey, folks! It's time for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and it's yet another one of our Revisited titles. This time, Josh and Scott are headed to the big orchestra in outer space to enjoy the long-awaited follow-up to one of Disney's most ambitious films, Fantasia 2000. Josh and Scott are joined by two very special guests, Fran Hoepfner of The Onion and Steve Greene of Indiewire, to talk about this briefer return to the world of Fantasia, the wonder of that Quincy Jones interview, the ambition or lack thereof of this new film, and what we'd want to see out of a third Fantasia if one ever materialized. Check out the new show now!
Hey, folks! It's time for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and we're headed on a big journey this time around. Josh and Scott are talking about Disney's latest big-budget venture, A Wrinkle in Time. It's got everything: Oprah Winfrey! Zach Galifianakis! Reese Witherspoon! Oprah Winfrey! The Best Chris! Oprah Winfrey! Josh and Scott are joined by freelance writer Esther Zuckerman to talk about Ava DuVernay's big adaptation of the classic Madeleine L'Engle novel, the performances from the big-name actors, the importance of diversity and representation, and more. It's big movie, so this is a big episode, too! Get ready to tesser into the new episode now!
Hey, folks! We hope you're prepared to go back to school, because that's exactly where Josh and Scott are headed on this brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema. OK, technically, they're going back to high school for a reunion, and not even their own. This week on the show, your hosts are talking about the 1997 comedy Romy and Michele's High School Reunion, starring Mira Sorvino, Lisa Kudrow, Janeane Garofalo, and more. With more than 20 years since this 10-year-reunion movie opened, has Romy and Michele grown over time? Does its mild cult status feel deserved? Does the film's candy-colored version of the real world resonate, or did your hosts find themselves a bit un-charmed by its goofy personality? Listen now to find out!
Hey, friends! It's time for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and this week, Josh and Scott are headed to a world of fantasy, wizards, and dragons: Earthsea. Specifically, we're talking about the 2006 Studio Ghibli film Tales from Earthsea on this episode, and we're trying to figure out how the heck a movie with dragons fighting each other and one of the lead characters killing his father in the opening section could be this boring. Your hosts are joined by Daniel Thomas MacInnes of Ghibli Blog to talk about the intense family drama that fueled the making of this not-so-loved Ghibli film, whether or not the movie has some secret or hidden charms, and more. Hop on your nearest dragon and head over to Earthsea with us!
Hey, folks! It's time for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and Josh and Scott are headed to a land shrouded in mystery and myth, the country of Wakanda. That's right, we're talking about the cinematic cultural event known as Black Panther on this week's show. Your hosts are joined by Kameron Collins of The Ringer to talk about this big new entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the state of the MCU, the story of T'Challa and Killmonger, and the various ways in which this film really does feel like a major event unlike most other blockbusters. Grab some vibranium, avoid that arms dealer's SoundCloud page, and listen to the new show!
Hey, friends! It's time for another episode of Mousterpiece Cinema in which Josh and Scott go back and revisit a title that was already discussed on the podcast. This time, they're going back to a movie that Josh talked about in 2012, the 1940 animated classic Fantasia. They're joined on the new show by Charles Bramesco of Vulture, The Guardian, and the New York Times, to talk all things Fantasia, from the film's ambition to its animation style, Deems Taylor, and yes, the problematic elements of the "Pastoral Symphony" sequence. Has Josh's take on the film changed in 6 years? Is he once again the most critical of the film? Does it even matter to be critical of a film as remarkably daring as this one? Find out now!
Hey, folks! It's time for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and boy, is this one something special. Scott and Josh are headed back to the halcyon days of 2003, when mainstream movies featuring Steve Martin and Queen Latifah felt a lot more comfortable in dropping racial and homophobic epithets with aplomb! Yes, it's time to talk about the supposed comedy Bringing Down the House, and Scott and Josh are joined by RogerEbert.com contributor Odie Henderson to debate exactly how embarrassing and unfunny this movie is. In spite of some unfortunate late-episode Skype audio issues (apologies!), this episode's full of Scott, Josh, and Odie laughing through the pain of this wince-inducing movie that was inexplicably popular 15 years ago. Check out the new show now!
Hey, friends! It's time for a very...uh...unique episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, as Josh and Scott head out to the wilderness of Oregon to watch the exploits of two young runaways and the circus lion they keep as a pet. Yes, they're talking about the 1972 film Napoleon and Samantha on this week's show, and if you haven't seen this movie before, trust us: you are in for a doozy this week. Napoleon and Samantha is notable for a few reasons: it's the feature-film debut of Jodie Foster, it features one of the earliest lead performances from Michael Douglas, and it also asks the age-old question: "What do you do when you realize that the hippie/sheep-herder who you paid to help bury your grandfather has inadvertently left you alone in his shack in the woods with only an escaped patient from a mental institution as your babysitter?" ...Yeah. This is a weird one. Sit back, relax, and let Josh and Scott try to explain how Napoleon and Samantha reaches this strange point on the new show!
Hey, folks! It's time for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and we're heading down South for this one. The good news is that Josh and Scott are tackling another one of Joel and Ethan Coen's movies on this episode! The bad news is that they're discussing...The Ladykillers, the 2004 remake of the British dark comedy, this one featuring Tom Hanks, Irma P. Hall, J.K. Simmons, and more. Josh and Scott are joined by friend of the show (and Five-Timers' Club inductee!) Keith Phipps of Uproxx to talk about this oft-derided Coen film, to discuss whether or not it's getting a fair shake or if this might be a diamond in the rough. (Or, perhaps, a diamond in the floating trash island.) Have people inadvertently missed out on The Ladykillers or is this truly the worst film from Joel and Ethan Coen? Listen now to find out!
Hey, folks! It's time for Mousterpiece Cinema to have its first Revisited episode of 2018, and this one is a doozy. Josh and Scott are also opening up the doors to guests for the Revisited shows this year, so it's even bigger than before! To kick off the year, they're talking about the 2000 animated film The Emperor's New Groove, the underrated movie that has a lot of passionate fans, including our return guest Alexander Huls. But not all three of the people on today's episode are all fans of this movie, especially in light of recent real-world events. Is Josh going to be able to embrace the film with his heart? Or is he going to be "desperately wrong"? Does it matter if the lead character is annoying if the supporting cast is so much fun? Find out now!
Hey, friends! It's time for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and Scott and Josh are headed back, way back, a hundred years for this week's movie. In fact, they're heading to World War I to talk about Steven Spielberg's 2011 epic War Horse, all about the relationship between a boy and his horse in the United Kingdom as the war begins. It's only been six-plus years, but most people would say this is not one of Spielberg's finer films. And yet! Josh and Scott, along with our returning guest Corey Atad, might disagree! Does this movie get its fair shake, or does it have too many...naysayers? (#sorrynotsorry). We dive into all the important questions here, plus make at least one comparison to Equus, because how could we not. So check out the new show now!
Hey, friends! Happy New Year to everyone from the bottom to the top of the world! We're diving into a brand-new year of Mousterpiece Cinema this week by shaking things up with one of our Patreon donor request episodes. This time, Scott and Josh are on the hunt for a mysterious place of myth where whales supposedly travel to die after their long lives. Yes, that's right, we're discovering The Island at the Top of the World on this new episode of the show, the 1974 film directed by Disney stalwart Robert Stevenson, about a motley crew of explorers who go searching for a lost young man north of the Arctic. Does this 70s-era film remind your hosts of the cruddy Disney live-action films of the era? Would the movie have led to a great theme-park attraction? Does it matter that the movie doesn't know who it's about, or who the ideal audience is? Find out on the new episode!
Hey, folks! It's time for your hosts to close out 2017 on Mousterpiece Cinema, and what better way to do it than by returning to a land of fantasy and wonder, only to find that its denizens have been hardened and hollowed out to the point of losing their humanity? Yes, maybe that's a bit of a stretch, but that premise is kind of part of the focus of our film this week, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, in which the four Pevensie siblings return to the land of Narnia after a year away in real-world time and 1300 years away in Narnia time. The world they find is radically different, and Josh and Scott talk a lot about those differences, from a lack of Mr. Tumnus and Aslan, to the lifeless performances, and more. Also, stick around to hear your hosts talk about what the Disney/Fox merger means for the show (if it will impact the show at all). Check out the new show and have a happy new year!
Hey, friends! We hope that as the Christmas holiday approaches, the Force is with you because we've got a big new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema coming your way. And yes, we're talking about the biggest movie of the end of the year this week, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, the eighth episode in the Lucasfilm franchise. Josh and Scott are joined by return guest Emma Stefansky of Vanity Fair and ScreenCrush to talk about the new adventures of Rey, Finn, Poe Dameron, Kylo Ren, and Luke Skywalker on the new podcast. Does The Last Jedi feel like a Rian Johnson movie as much as it feels like a Lucasfilm brand deposit? Is the movie too long? Does it feel like a true Star Wars film? (Spoiler alert: all three people on the podcast liked this movie, so...y'know.) Listen to the new episode now to get into a Force-ful mood!
Hey, friends! We hope you're in the Christmas spirit, because this episode of Mousterpiece Cinema will go nicely with the holiday season. To celebrate its 25th anniversary, Scott and Josh are revisiting an old favorite, the 1992 film The Muppet Christmas Carol. After a quarter-century, how does this take on the iconic story of Ebenezer Scrooge hold up? Does it hold up that well at all? Is it possible that Scott and Josh have not-nice things to say about the Muppets? Yes, it is possible, so prepare yourself to hear a couple of slightly Scrooge-y hosts this week, even though they do take out time to talk about a certain moment in the film that Josh loves so dearly that he's used it in GIF form maybe a thousand times. You know which moment. Anyway, check out the episode now!
Hey, friends! It may be December, but we're not exactly getting in the spirit of the holiday with this big new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema. Instead, Scott and Josh are headed back to the early part of the 20th century to talk about the 2007 epic There Will Be Blood, starring Daniel Day-Lewis as an ambitious oil man in California. Your hosts are joined by two guests this week: returning favorite Tim Grierson of Paste Magazine and Screen International, and Vadim Rizov of Filmmaker Magazine. This quartet digs deep into Paul Thomas Anderson's singular character study, the memorably iconic Daniel Day-Lewis performance, that instantly discordant Jonny Greenwood score, and more. We hope you've got your milkshakes handy, so get ready to drink them and listen to the new show!
Hey, friends! It's time for a big new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, so strap yourself in (preferably with a guitar strap) and start listening! Josh and Scott are ready to talk about Pixar Animation Studios' new film Coco, all about a little boy who travels to the Land of the Dead during the Mexican celebration of Dia de los Muertos. They're joined by longtime friend of the show Griffin Newman, who enters the Five-Timers' Club on this episode, and boy, is it a doozy. Fair warning: before digging into Coco, Josh, Scott, and Griffin talk about the recent allegations surrounding Disney/Pixar leader John Lasseter. After that discussion, they talk about Pixar's new film, the value of original filmmaking, the beauty of Coco's animation, music, Olaf's Frozen Adventure, and more! Don't wait any longer--start listening now!
Hey, friends! We're closing out November 2017 with another of our patented b-b-b-b-b-b-bonus episodes here at Mousterpiece Cinema HQ! As we did hit the 800-Like threshold on Facebook this month, Scott and Josh are getting together to talk about one of this year's most acclaimed new films: The Florida Project, from director Sean Baker. Don't let that title fool you, though: this movie isn't about the making of Walt Disney World. Instead, The Florida Project focuses on a group of little kids growing up in relative poverty a few miles away from the Happiest Place on Earth, and how they try to have fun one crazy summer. Scott and Josh are joined by return guest Monica Castillo of The New York Times to discuss The Florida Project, getting the local details right, child performers, Willem Dafoe's performance as a kindly hotel manager, and more. If you haven't seen this movie yet, there may be spoilers in the final section of the episode, but otherwise, dig in!
Hey, friends! We hope you all had a fun Thanksgiving, which means only one thing: Christmas is right around the corner! While Scott and Josh hold off on their Coco discussion until next week, they're getting in the holiday mood appropriately! Because what better way to start off the Christmas season than with a movie adapted from a book with the word "Christmas" in the title, right? There's no way that movie...wouldn't have anything to do with Christmas, right? Well, it turns out that's the case, as Scott and Josh head back to the 1970s with Candleshoe, starring a young Jodie Foster, David Niven, and Helen Hayes. Though it's based on a book called Christmas at Candleshoe, this British-set scavenger hunt adventure has nothing to do with the holiday. But is it one of the rare Disney live-action films of the 1970s that isn't horrendous? Does this movie have a more tender heart than either Scott or Josh would have thought? Would kids from the 1970s ever have referenced Rudolph Valentino when they spoke? Find out now!
Hey, friends! We hope you're in the mood for a happy working podcast, because that's exactly what we're giving you this week on a new Mousterpiece Cinema! As you might be able to tell, Scott and Josh are revisiting a decade-old Disney live-action/animated film, Enchanted, starring Amy Adams, Susan Sarandon, James Marsden, and Timothy Spall. OK, yes, fine, Patrick Dempsey is also in this film, but his performance as the fairly unexciting love interest is one of the key points on which Josh and Scott agree, even if Scott's a bit warmer on the film overall. Does this movie, though, hold up after a decade? Has Josh softened towards what he saw as its flaws before? Do either of your co-hosts have interest in a purported sequel to the world of Princess Giselle and Andalasia? Find out now!
Hey, friends! It's time for the main event, as Mousterpiece Cinema travels to a whole new world to talk about the latest adventure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Thor: Ragnarok. On this episode, Josh and Scott are joined by friend of the show Angie Han of Mashable to talk about the latest entry in the world of the God of Thunder, specifically because it's so extremely different from the two previous Thor films. Does Chris Hemsworth have the comic chops to pull the shift off? Do we want to see a new Hulk film? Could this movie stand to have more Jeff Goldblum? (That's a trick question: the answer is always yes.) Check out the new show to find out the answers to some of these questions! (And stick around to the end to hear a fun tease for next week's episode.)
Hey, friend-o! It's time for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and listening to it will be as simple as calling a coin toss. Just call it. You have to call it. OK, we're in a mood this week, because Scott and Josh are celebrating the 10th anniversary of one of the great American neo-noirs, No Country for Old Men, written and directed by Joel and Ethan Coen, adapted from the iconic Cormac McCarthy novel. They're joined by author and editor Adam Sternbergh to talk about the 2007 thriller, the instantly memorable performance from Javier Bardem, the meaning of the implacable final scene, and whether or not Llewellyn Moss hooked up with the mysterious lady by the pool near the finale or not. Does No Country hold up after a decade? Is it the Coens' best film? Does the Mike Yanagita scene in Fargo make sense? (You know it does.) Find out the answers to these questions and more in the new episode!
Hey, friends! It's time for another spooktacular episode of Mousterpiece Cinema! Josh and Scott are getting in the Halloween mood once again by looking back at what may be Tim Burton's best film, the 1994 biopic Ed Wood, starring Johnny Depp, Patricia Arquette, Martin Landau, and more. Josh and Scott are joined by friend of the show Danny Bowes to talk about all things Ed Wood, from his angora sweaters to Plan 9 From Outer Space. Plus, you might well be wondering why we changed our minds and aren't talking about Scream 2 this week. Good news: we answer that question in great detail, and with...uh...a lot of profanity. Seriously: this episode has enough language in it that Josh recorded a brief intro to make sure you're not taken off-guard. But now that you know, if you dare, check out the new show!
Hey, friends! It's time for a spooktacular new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and this week, Scott and Josh are headed to the Las Vegas Strip for a scarifying discussion all about the 2011 remake of Fright Night, starring Anton Yelchin, Colin Farrell, Imogen Poots, David Tennant, and more. They're joined by friend of the show Louis Peitzman of Buzzfeed to talk all about the remake's presentation of toxic masculinity, why the movie struggled at the box office in the summer of 2011, the legacy of the late Anton Yelchin, and more! Is this better than the original? Is its faux-Children of Men car chase a successful stylistic choice? And what's so fun about Imogen Poots' name? Find out on the new episode!
Gooooooooooooooooood morning, podcast listeners! It's time for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and Josh and Scott are in the mood for some wacky comedy and rock 'n' roll. So it's a good thing they're discussing the 1987 film Good Morning, Vietnam on the new podcast. Josh and Scott are joined by friend of the show Kate Kulzick of The Televerse to talk about the Barry Levinson film, and its seminal Robin Williams performance. Does this movie still hold up after 30 years? Is it surprisingly tone-deaf? Can Barry Levinson actually direct worth a damn? Find out now!
Hey, folks! It's another October, which means it's time for a scare-ifying new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema! Josh and Scott are getting into the seasonal mood as they revisit the 1993 stop-motion animated film The Nightmare Before Christmas this week. It's been six years since Josh discussed the Henry Selick film on the podcast, and his opinion has indeed changed a little bit. Is this a film deserving of its cult status? Is it mystifying that a movie so slight never got turned into a Broadway show? Is Jack Skellington just kind of a whiner? All the answers to those questions, plus a little Blade Runner 2049 talk, in the new show!
Hey, folks! It's time for a very special new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema. Scott and Josh are closing out the month of September with a first: our first episode title requested by one of our Patreon pledges! And yes, you read the title correct: we're talking about the 2003 feature film The Lizzie McGuire Movie, based on the Disney Channel show starring Hilary Duff. Would you believe that this movie inspires some of the more spirited debate between Scott and Josh? Who's on the side that argues this is a charming and light depiction of a tweenage girl falling in love with the experience of traveling to Rome? Who thinks the film's too light to even be a theatrical feature? And who thinks Skype is the true trickster here for the various audio issues at play during the episode? (Sorry, but fair warning.) Listen to the new show to find out the answers to these and more questions!
NOTE: This episode was originally recorded in 2011, and is being revived from the vault in advance of our Revisited show this coming month. Boys and girls of every age, wouldn't you like to hear something strange? It's Halloween time, and what better way to celebrate this spooky holiday than by watching the 1993 Disney film The Nightmare Before Christmas? Josh revisits this now-iconic stop-motion animated film about what happens when Jack Skellington, King of Halloween Town, decides that he wants to give Christmas a try, too. There's a bit of discussion about Tim Burton, too, so why not try out this show, right in time for the beginning of the holiday season? Everybody, sing! "This is Halloween, this is Halloween..."
Hey, friends! It's time for a new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and this week, Scott and Josh are headed, once again, for the dogs. Well, for a dog. A shaggy one, specifically. Yes, on the new episode of the podcast, Scott and Josh wrap up their discussion on the series of feature films all about The Shaggy Dog. This time, they're discussing the 2006 remake starring Tim Allen, Kristin Davis, Robert Downey, Jr., and...wait, Robert Downey, Jr.? Yes, really, before he was Tony Stark, RDJ was...barking like a dog at one point in this movie. Is it an improvement on the original? Dumber than the sequel? Overly conventional? Or is this one...a real howler? Find out on the new show!
It's time once more to fly to a whole new world, friends. On this week's episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, Josh and Scott are revisiting one of the most beloved modern Disney animated films, Aladdin. The 1992 film celebrates its 25th anniversary this fall, and is now being remade as a live-action/computer-animated hybrid starring Will Smith. So what better time than now to discuss the film, and whether it works as well as other Disney Renaissance films after all these years? Are the lead characters too dull for this film to work? Do the villains stand out as much as the Genie does? Does the plot make enough sense, or is Josh too focused on the nuts and bolts to be swept up off his feet? Find out on the new show!
Hey, friends! It's time for a new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and this week, Josh and Scott are going old school. Well, Josh is, at least, because he busts out at least one rap during this week's discussion of the 1990 sequel Three Men and a Little Lady. Despite Scott's horror at this turn of events, there's sadly good reason to invoke old-school rapping in this discussion of the sequel to Three Men and a Baby. Though they're guest-free this week, Josh and Scott are both able to dig into this sequel and its many, many problems. Yes, even though Scott was higher on the original than Josh was, both of your hosts found lots of faults with this follow-up. Should the film have focused more on the 5-year old Mary? Is the Nancy Travis character too stupid to function? And how does Scott's Michael Caine impression measure up to anyone else's? Find out on the new show!
Hey, friends! Head on over across 110th Street, because it's time for a new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema. This week on the show, Josh and Scott invite friend of the show Jason Bailey of Flavorwire to help commemorate the 20th anniversary of Quentin Tarantino's Jackie Brown, based on the Elmore Leonard novel Rum Punch. This story of a flight attendant playing a con on ATF agents as well as a menacing gun-runner didn't get quite the fanfare of Pulp Fiction (also a Miramax release in the 1990s, back when Disney owned that studio, in case you're wondering why this movie counts!), but is it secretly Tarantino's best film? Should people give it more of a chance in 2017? Or is it more sluggish than expected? (Maybe Josh is the only one who thinks that.) Find out now!
Hey, folks! It's time for a new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and this one's for the dogs. Well, it's for a dog, at least. A shaggy one! In this episode, Scott and Josh are talking all about the 1976 film The Shaggy D.A., the sequel to the 1959 film The Shaggy Dog. What took Disney more than 15 years to return to the story of Wilby Daniels, the boy (now man) who can turn into a sheep dog? Was it a smart move to have Wilby run for office while also being a dog? And giving just as much time to Tim Conway the Ice Cream Salesman? Your hosts are joined by return guest Anthony Strand of Tough Pigs to answer these hard questions, along with a more general: what the hell is going on in this movie? Find out by listening to the new show!
Hey, friends! It's time to fly the unfriendly skies with a new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, as Scott and Josh strap in to talk about another of the mid-1990s Jerry Bruckheimer productions from the Walt Disney Company, Con Air. This Die Hard-esque action film starring Nicolas Cage, John Cusack, and John Malkovich is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, and has gotten some pretty strong praise around the Internet as of late, but is it as good as its recent reputation? Zack Handlen of the A.V. Club returns to the show to help talk about the film, the racial politics on display, the Trisha Yearwood song, and of course, all things Cage. Check out the show now!
Hey, friends! It's time to mosey on down to the darkest parts of your nearby jungle and make sure that have all the bare necessities in life to begin your journey. In other words, on this episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, Scott and Josh are talking about the 1967 animated film The Jungle Book, based on the novel by Rudyard Kipling. And if that title sounds familiar, it's because this is another Revisited episode of the podcast! This time around, Josh is watching the film with the Jon Favreau movie from last year in his head, and Scott's comments are new overall. So what do they think of the film? Is it one of Disney's best? A standout from the Xerographic Era? Does it read as racist 50 years later? Find out the answers to these and other questions on the new podcast!
Hey, friends! It's time for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and Josh and Scott are once again talking about a film celebrating a big anniversary this year. This time around, they're discussing the Spike Lee joint 25th Hour, starring Edward Norton, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Barry Pepper, and more. The intense drama celebrates its 15th anniversary this year, and in spite of the film being widely lauded online as one of the best films of the new century, it's the source of some spirited debate this week! Josh and Scott are joined by return guest Scott Tobias of NPR and the New York Times to talk about Lee's career, the film's connection to Martin Scorsese, its liberal usage of 9/11 imagery, the infamously profane monologue in the early going (earmuffs, folks), and more. So don't wait--listen to the new show now!
Hey, friends! It's time for a new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and this one is a doozy. Josh and Scott are gearing up to discuss another film celebrating a big milestone in 2017: the warm-hearted comedy Three Men and a Baby, turning 30 this year. But is it actually fair, or even accurate, to call Three Men and a Baby a comedy when a good chunk is dedicated to a subplot about smuggling heroin? (You did not read that question wrong.) Josh and Scott are joined by not one, but two guests to discuss the film: Todd VanDerWerff of Vox and Libby Hill of the Los Angeles Times. Is Three Men and a Baby an actor's film? Should Leonard Nimoy (y'know, Spock) have gotten a bigger boost from directing this film? Can you believe it was the highest-grossing film of 1987? Prepare yourself for all these and other surprises, and listen to the show!
Friends, as we wade slowly through the dog days of summer, there's really no better time to talk about Disney's first live-action comedy feature on a new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema. That, of course, would be the 1959 mix-'em-up comedy The Shaggy Dog! Josh and Scott hunker down to talk about a movie that looks like it's going to be all about a grumpy mailman and his grudge against canines right before it turns into a wacky story about two rival teenagers fighting over a pretty foreign exchange student. Is The Shaggy Dog as crazy as the live-action comedies of the 1960s and 1970s from Disney? Was it a mistake to focus on Tommy Kirk's character? Are Josh and Scott "feelin' sore"? Listen to the show to find out!
Hey, friends! It's time for a new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and this week on the show, Josh and Scott are headed into the beautiful but terrifying forest to revisit one of Disney's most beloved and heartbreaking classics of all, Bambi. After discussing this movie on the show five years ago, Josh is ready once again to see if this story of a little deer who wants to become a big deer still tugs on his heartstrings. And Scott is ready to reveal where this places among the first Golden Age of Disney Animation. Is the film's light plot enough to make it memorable? Should there be more dialogue? Less? What's the deal with Ronno? Listen to the new show to find out!
Do you have a full backpack? Have you remembered to bring your Mighty Thor action figure? Do you have a spare tire handy? If so, you might be ready to listen to this week's episode of Mousterpiece Cinema. On this episode, Josh and Scott are heading back to the heady days of 1987 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Chris Columbus' debut feature film Adventures in Babysitting, starring a young Elisabeth Shue, a young Anthony Rapp, a young Vincent D'Onofrio, a young Bradley Whitford, and...well, lots of young versions of well-known actors. Josh and Scott are joined by longtime friend of the show Eric Goldman of IGN TV to talk about this 80s teen comedy, and whether or not it holds up after three decades. Plus: stick around until the very end to hear what you can do to get Josh and Scott to talk about Spider-Man: Homecoming on a future episode!
Hey, friends! It's time for another new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and this week, Scott and Josh are entering the confessional chamber to reveal a dark, dirty secret: they might not be the biggest fans of Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit. The 1993 sequel to the wildly popular 1992 film is our topic of discussion this week, and while we might have found some of the first movie, where Whoopi Goldberg dons a nun's habit to hide from her gangster boyfriend, enjoyable, second time wasn't exactly the charm. Josh and Scott are joined by Marc Snetiker of Entertainment Weekly to discuss the film's illogical structure, the musical performances, the work of a young Lauryn Hill, and more. Check out the show now!
If you've positioned yourself in the fast lane, and you know how to turn left to go right, then you might just be ready to listen to the new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema. This week on thte podcast, Josh and Scott are talking about the newest film from Pixar Animation Studios, Cars 3, the third film in the trilogy that's been Josh's favorite for nigh on....well, OK, longtime listeners know he's no fan. But did the newest adventures of Lightning McQueen win him over? Your hosts are joined by ScreenCrush editor-in-chief/Filmspotting SVU co-host Matt Singer to talk all things Cars 3, from the rip-roaring racing, the meditation on death, and whether or not the world of these cars makes any more sense now than it did before. If you want to know the answers to these deep questions, and even if you don't, check out the new show now!
If you're a true Son or Daughter of Liberty, friend, you're going to want to listen to this week's new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, On the new show, Josh and Scott are headed back to the American Revolution to discuss the trials and tribulations of the eponymous young hero Johnny Tremain. This film is celebrating its 60th anniversary in June, and has partially inspired a land in the Magic Kingdom, plus it even has a clean-shaven Sebastian Cabot and pre-West Side Story/Twin Peaks Richard Beymer. And it's the Disney debut of Mary Poppins director Robert Stevenson! But is it any good? Does the film hold up like early Disney live-action classics, or is it utterly forgettable? And you should be smithing on the Sabbath? Listen to find out!
Hey, friends! It's a new month, which means it's time for a new title for Josh and Scott to revisit on an episode of Mousterpiece Cinema. This month, Josh is looking back at a film he first discussed in Episode 17, the Brad Bird film Ratatouille. Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, Ratatouille is widely seen as one of Pixar's masterpieces, but does Josh still think that's true? And more importantly, does Scott feel that way? Or could this be one of the first times since he joined the podcast that Scott disagrees with Josh? There might be a drag-down brawl impending on the podcast! (Or just a polite but firm disagreement. ONE OF THOSE.) You'll have to listen to find out the details!
NOTE: In advance of our upcoming Revisited episode, Josh has opened up the podcast vault to unleash his original, solo episode from 2011 on Ratatouille. Enjoy! What kind of ingredients does it take to make a great podcast episode? For starters, make sure you have a great topic. This week's episode of Mousterpiece Cinema has just the movie to create a great episode: 2007's Ratatouille from Pixar Animation Studios. Next, put in two dashes of honesty, a pinch of analysis, and a sprinkle of cinematic pretension. (Hey, it's just a sprinkle.) The final ingredient is for you to listen and let the chef know what you think of this new episode! Bon appetit!
Avast, mateys! It's time for you to make a choice: walk the plank or watch the newest Pirates of the Caribbean movie, Dead Men Tell No Tales. OK, here's the compromise: just listen to the new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, where Josh and Scott forced themselves to get through the latest adventures of Captain Jack Sparrow, played as ever by Mr. Fun-Time Family Guy himself, Johnny Depp. Yes, there's no bones about it: neither of your hosts were big fans of this movie, but maybe their guest, Emma Stefansky of Vanity Fair and ScreenCrush, enjoyed it more! Is this really as bad as Josh says? Are there bright spots within? Does it make any sense for there to be a sea witch in this movie? And what is going on with that post-credits scene? Find out the answers in the new episode!
Hey, friends! It's time to celebrate because Mousterpiece Cinema has reached a big milestone: this is our 300th episode, and we're singing to the rafters with joy. Specifically, Josh and Scott are talking about a movie all about music of joy this week, Sister Act, which is about to celebrate a milestone of its own, its 25th anniversary. Josh and Scott are joined by culture writer/author Nathan Rabin to discuss Sister Act, its writing, its ensemble, and, of course, all things Whoopi. Does Sister Act stand the test of time after a quarter-century? Is there not enough singing? Is this the finest film of 1992 for Harvey Keitel? Find out the answers to those and more questions on this episode of the podcast!
Hey, folks! Get as much ham as you have nearby, stuff it into your mouth, and start listening to the new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, as quickly as you can! On today's show, Scott and Josh are talking about Hayao Miyazaki's 2008 film Ponyo, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's famous fairy tale The Little Mermaid. Your hosts are joined by David Sims of The Atlantic to discuss the Studio Ghibli film, the stentorian tones of one Liam Neeson, and yes, of course, ham. (And also things like the English-language dub of the film.) Is Ponyo secretly one of Miyazaki's great works? Has it been properly rated? Are the ham jokes coming off too...hammy? Gotta listen to find out!
OK, folks, strap in and get ready for a wild ride, because on this episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, Josh and Scott are headed to the far reaches of the galaxy to get into some scrapes and messes. This week on the show, they're headed back to the Marvel Cinematic Universe to discuss Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2, the new film starring Chris Pratt, Kurt Russell, Zoe Saldana, Bradley Cooper as a talking raccoon, and Vin Diesel as Baby Groot. Josh and Scott are joined by Brad Oman (aka Ethan Anderton) of Slashfilm to talk about Marvel's new hit, and whether it surpasses the 2014 original. Is it still as fresh as the first film? Are the characters as lovable? And are babies jerks? Answers to these and other burning questions await you!
Avast, ye landlubbers! Now that we have your attention, it's time for a new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema. This week, Josh and Scott are doing another Revisited episode of the podcast, wherein they discuss the 2003 blockbuster Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. This smash hit launched the movie-star career of one Johnny Depp, best known as Captain Jack Sparrow, but after 15 years and countless sequels, does the iconic character and the film in which he first appeared hold up? Are Josh and Scott able to separate art from the artist? Will we offend the Orlando Bloom fans out there? (Or, as they're best known, the Or-fan-dos?) Find out now!
Hey, friends! Earth Day was a week ago, but we're still celebrating on a new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema. On last week's show, Scott and Josh talked about the first feature-length nature documentary from Disney, so it's only fitting that on this week's show, they talk about the newest Disney nature documentary, Born in China. The film, narrated by everyone's go-to person on Chinese culture, John Krasinski, tells four different stories and might even include some drama, but is it any good? Scott and Josh are joined by freelance writer Karen Han to talk about the film, its accuracy, its narrator, and kids' favorite, Amazon's Jack Ryan. (It'll all make sense in the end.) Check out the show now!
Happy Earth Day, friends! Scott and Josh are celebrating this important day in style by talking about a nature documentary on a new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema. It's not just any documentary, either: it's the first feature-length documentary from Walt Disney Pictures, The Living Desert, from 1953. Though Josh has discussed a few new DisneyNature films on the program in the past, this is the first time we're going back to the era of the original True-Life Adventures, which had everything: bitter battles among insects, delicate mating rituals, and...square dancing. Yes, this old documentary may have some familiar tricks up its sleeve, as your hosts find out. But does it hold up to 60-plus years of scrutiny? Find out on the new show!
Hey, friends! As Easter recedes into the rearview, there's no better time for a very special b-b-b-b-b-b-bonus episode of Mousterpiece Cinema! This time, Josh and Scott are celebrating the 29th anniversary of one of the greatest and saddest films of all time, the Studio Ghibli classic Grave of the Fireflies, one of the rare Ghibli films that Disney doesn't own. Fair warning, friends: this movie, which begins with its protagonist, a Japanese boy, dying destitute and alone, is a big ol' downer. Here's how much of a downer it is: just talking about this movie on the show made Josh get teary-eyed! Really. Does Scott join him in collapsing in a puddle of tears? Is the film's sadness enough to make the film worth watching? Should you ever watched a dubbed Ghibli film? Find out the answers on this special supplemental episode!
Well, it took until April, but this episode of Mousterpiece Cinema represents something of a rite of passage for Josh's still-new-ish co-host Scott. This week on the podcast, they're discussing the 1967 film The Happiest Millionaire, which some people may know best as the last film in which Walt Disney had any serious involvement before he passed away. But for this episode, it represents something of slightly less importance: it's Scott's first time talking about one of the batty live-action films from the Disney studios in the 1960s and 1970s. Because, make no mistake: this is a weird, weird movie. Even if you haven't seen the film--especially if you haven't--make time for this episode: there's alligators and cars and jiu jitsu. And more! Check it out now.
Friends, we encourage you to look to the skies for this week's episode of Mousterpiece Cinema. Josh and Scott are going to be flying high because they're revisiting a cult classic from the Walt Disney Company: The Rocketeer, the Joe Johnston adaptation of the Dave Stevens graphic novel, starring Bill Campbell, Jennifer Connelly, Timothy Dalton, and more. The real question this week is not if the movie holds up for either Josh or Scott. The real question is: which of them is a bigger super-fan of this movie? The 1991 film may have been unjustly forgotten by some, but both of your hosts are huge fans, so this is a top-to-bottom gushfest. But what of the future for The Rocketeer? Does this movie stand out even more in an era of grimdark superhero films? Only one way to find out: listen to the new show!
Get your tuxes ready, prep your hair in the right kind of wave, and polish off your gun, too: we're going to a high school reunion! That's right, folks: on this episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, Scott and Josh are heading back to the 'burbs for a reunion as they discuss the 1997 hitman comedy Grosse Pointe Blank, starring John Cusack, Minnie Driver, Dan Aykroyd, and more. They're joined by Mike D'Angelo of Las Vegas Weekly and The A.V. Club to talk about this cult favorite that helped push Cusack a little further towards the always beloved High Fidelity. Does Grosse Pointe Blank still hold up after 20 years? Is John Cusack still better suited to characters like Martin Blank or did his paycheck-heavy work in later years fit him better? And are all three of the gentlemen on today's show madly in love with Minnie Driver? Find out now!
Hello, friends! It's time for Scott and Josh to discuss a tale as old as time...a song as old as rhyme! ...Again! Yes, this episode of Mousterpiece Cinema talks about Beauty and the Beast for the second time in two straight weeks, but this one's all about the new live-action film starring Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, and more. Scott and Josh are joined by friend of the show Monica Castillo of the New York Times to review this monster box-office hit; money aside, does it live up to our expectations? Could it ever hope to compete? Is this a surprise success or surprisingly painful? There's a lot to discuss in this one, so get ready and start listening!
Gather 'round, friends, as Scott and Josh revisit a tale as old as time on this week's episode of Mousterpiece Cinema. You know, some say it's even a song...well, as old as rhyme. Yes, that's right, we're discussing one of Disney's finest animated films on this week's show, the 1991 adaptation of Beauty and the Beast, featuring some of the studio's most memorable songs, characters, and sequences. Longtime listeners won't be surprised to know that Josh remains an ardent fan of the story, but is Scott also on board? Is this Disney's best animated film? Does LeFou seem like he was written as gay from the very beginning? And, related to that last question, does Scott's opinion of the live-action remake (which he, unlike Josh, had seen by the time of this recording) color his view of the animated film? You'll have to listen to find out!
NOTE: To tie into our upcoming Revisited show, we're publishing this early episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, with just Josh and no co-host. Enjoy! Tale as old as time, song as old as rhyme, beauty and the beast. Yes, friends, just in time for its 20th anniversary, Josh takes a look back at the pinnacle of the Disney Renaissance, 1991's Beauty and the Beast! After the last couple of weeks, and with the holidays right around the corner, nothing could be better than revisiting this old-fashioned classic. But you might find a few surprises here, such as a discussion of the alternate 18-minute opening or Josh wondering about the origins of the Beast. You'll have to check out the new Mousterpiece Cinema, though; just make sure you don't go into the West Wing!
For six long years, we've been in trouble, friends. No pleasure here on Earth we've found! We are truly men of constant sorrow. OK, not really, but the lyrics to "Man of Constant Sorrow" are rattling around Josh and Scott's brains this week as they discuss the Joel and Ethan Coen Depression-era comedy O Brother, Where Art Thou? on this new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema. They're joined by Sam Adams of Slate to discuss George Clooney's first major foray into film comedy as the wordy escaped convict Ulysses Everett McGill, the Coens' relationship with non-white characters, the soundtrack, and the unexpected resonance of the film's political subplot. Lucky for you, you're not in a tight spot--just dive into the new show!
Hey, friends! It's time to get your trusty space helmets on and suit yourself up, because this week on Mousterpiece Cinema, Josh and Scott are on a mission. A mission...to Mars. (Sadly, not one from God, because the Blues Brothers aren't a Disney property. Oh well.) In fact, Josh and Scott are talking about the 2000 sci-fi epic Mission to Mars, starring Gary Sinise, Tim Robbins, and Don Cheadle, directed by Brian De Palma. (Yes, the Brian De Palma.) They're joined by longtime friend of the show Peter Labuza of The Cinephiliacs to discuss the important questions. Is Mission to Mars an underrated De Palma film? Is it better than the other 2000s-era Mars movie, Red Planet? Are the allusions to 2001: A Space Odyssey earned? And what would cause Peter to say "I want to die"? Gotta listen all the way to the end to find out!
Hello, friends! It's time for another new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, as Josh and Scott dive back into the extensive career of one of America's finest filmmakers, Martin Scorsese. Though it was little-seen originally, Scorsese's story of the young Dalai Lama, Kundun, is our topic for this week's show. Josh and Scott are joined by Bilge Ebiri of The Village Voice to talk about this artful, gorgeous, yet potentially emotionally distant story and its place in Scorsese's filmography. Is this movie too unlike the rest of his career, or does it fit right in? And what's more, is it really necessary that Disney's executives had to literally apologize to the Chinese Prime Minister for this film? Only one way to know for sure: check out the new show!
Hey, friends! We're going back in time for this week's episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, because Josh and Scott are revisiting yet another Disney classic for the show. This time around, to tie into its recent Blu-ray re-release, your hosts are talking about the 1940 animated classic Pinocchio, all the way from Jiminy Cricket to Monstro and all the other animals and characters in between. Plus, Josh is rectifying a grievous error he made last month so that all of you listeners know for sure that Revisited episodes are a little bit different from all the rest. (It involves Albert Brooks.) But the more important question: is Pinocchio still as good as people say? Does Scott think this is a leap forward from Snow White? Which of your co-hosts is dubbed a living Wikipedia? And how did it take six episodes for Scott to wonder if Josh must hate him? Find out now!
Time for a new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, friends! This week, Josh and Scott are going it alone again as they return to the scene of a very dastardly crime. Last month, the crime was that of a defenseless woman being abducted by two nefarious bank robbers; this month, the crime is that of a defenseless woman being abducted by two nefarious...people whose identities are obscured. That's right, we're talking about the 1997 remake of That Darn Cat on this episode of the show, and both Josh and Scott are amazed at how different so much of the film is aside from the title and very basic premise. Sure, there's a teenager (Christina Ricci) and an FBI agent (Doug E. Doug), but the original film didn't have warring mechanics, two nagging parents, a pair of doofus security guards, a wig-wearing butcher, and references to the films of Budd Boetticher! How much can be attributed to the film's writers, who also wrote Ed Wood and last year's American Crime Story: The People vs. O.J. Simpson? Is this film an improvement on the original? Is there a way for Josh to shoehorn in political references this week? Find out now!
Hey, folks! It's time for a very exciting, fancy, bedazzled new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and we hope you've gotten yourselves dressed up to the nines. See, it's time for a royal wedding! At least, that's the subject of the film up for discussion on this week's show, the 2004 sequel The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement, starring Anne Hathaway, Julie Andrews, and Chris Pine in his feature film debut. Josh and Scott are prepared with their tuxes and tails to talk about a lighthearted film, especially after another week of such tumult and turmoil in the world, so what better film than a story of a strong, intelligent woman poised to take a seat of power who is threatened with overthrow by a fatheaded lout--um...OK. Well, even with that plot, Josh and Scott are ready to discuss this sequel, whether it improves on its predecessor, if its characterization of the heroine is consistent, and what the hell Stan Lee (yes, really) is doing in this movie. Check it out now!
Hey, friends! It's time for another episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and this week, Josh and Scott are going all the way back to the beginning. We're not going back to the beginning of the Disney animated canon, but to just about the beginning of history to discuss Disney's take on the Greek myth of Hercules. The 1997 film is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, so maybe it's time to reconsider it as unfairly underrated, at least compared to the rest of the Disney Renaissance. Here to help review the film with Josh and Scott is Fran Hoepfner of The Onion, and discuss the important things: does this film feature one of James Woods' best performances? Is it truly an underrated gem? Is Hercules too dumb of a character to fall in love with? And how gross is this movie? Find out now!
Hey, folks! It's time for an all-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and don't worry--you're not seeing things. We really are discussing the very first Disney film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, on today's podcast. This is the first in what will become a monthly mini-series within the overall podcast, wherein Josh revisits some big-name films from past episodes while new co-host Scott Renshaw talks about them for the first time. So what better way to kick off this Revisited mini-series than with the first Disney film? Longtime listeners may remember that Josh respects, but doesn't love, this film; is Scott more of a fan? Does he like it less? Is it insulting to single dimensions to call Snow White single-dimensional? Find out now!
Hey, folks! It's time for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and for this one, Josh and Scott are heading back to the 1960s for a momentous occasion in Disney live-action history. This week, they're talking about the original That Darn Cat!, starring Hayley Mills in her final Disney role and Dean Jones in his first Disney role, as a smart young woman and straight-arrow FBI agent, respectively, both of whom get entangled in a kidnapping plot thanks to her...well, darn cat. Josh and Scott are joined by return guest Alan Scherstuhl of The Village Voice to talk about all things feline, the presentation of women 50 years ago in Disney films, and why it might have made sense for Disney to ever remake this in the first place. Check out the show now!
Happy New Year, friends! As we step into 2017, it's time for Mousterpiece Cinema (and Josh) to welcome its first new co-host in a long time, Scott Renshaw of Salt Lake City Weekly. This week on the show, Josh and Scott talk about the 2001 comedy from director Garry Marshall, The Princess Diaries. These days, The Princess Diaries, all about a dorky teenager who is shocked to discover that she's the heir of a European throne, is best known as the film that introduced Anne Hathaway to the world. Plus, Julie Andrews in a non-cringeworthy late-era performance! But is this lighthearted comedy funny enough? Is it too long, or not long enough? Josh and Scott are joined by Max Weiss of Baltimore Magazine to debate the film's qualities, as well as that true head-scratcher: why do people hate Anne Hathaway now? Only one way to find out the answer: listen to the show!
Hey, friends! It's time for a very momentous episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, so you'd best start listening ASAP. It's not just the final episode of 2016, but this is Gabe's last episode as co-host of the podcast. As Gabe's swan song, we're talking about the 1995 Nancy Meyers-Charles Shyer comedy Father of the Bride, Part II, starring Steve Martin, Diane Keaton, and Martin Short. But leaving aside the inevitable final argument between Josh and Gabe about the quality of this film, there's a much more important question on everyone's minds: who is going to be the new co-host of Mousterpiece Cinema? The answer is in this episode, and it just might have something to do with our guest this week, Scott Renshaw of Salt Lake City Weekly and the new book Happy Place: Living the Disney Parks Life. But we don't want to tell you anything else just yet--check out the show to find out more!
There has been an awakening, friends. Can you feel it? It's--wait, that was last year's movie from the Star Wars franchise, The Force Awakens. We already discussed that on Mousterpiece Cinema! This time around, Josh and Gabe (in his penultimate episode of the show) are talking about the first stand-alone film in the SW franchise, Rogue One. They're joined by return guest and critic for The New Republic, Tim Grierson, for a mammoth-size episode all about Rogue One, the diverse cast, the bleak ending of the film, and, of course, That Special Effect. (If you've seen the movie, you know what we mean.) Is this the best Star Wars movie in over 30 years? Is it just the best one in a year? Is it OK for Tim to bad-mouth The Rocketeer in any form or on any podcast? And can you handle a 2-hour episode of the show? Find out now!
Hey, friends! Christmas is almost here, and this year, that can only mean one thing: we are one episode closer to Gabe's last as co-host of Mousterpiece Cinema. This week, Josh and Gabe are talking about a now-15-year old film that set the standard for countless indie films along with a very well-known TV show: The Royal Tenenbaums, from director Wes Anderson and featuring Gene Hackman, Luke Wilson, Gwyneth Paltrow, Anjelica Huston, and more. Josh and Gabe are joined by Keith Phipps of Uproxx (and now a member of the podcast's Five-Timers' Club) to talk about Tenenbaums, its cast, its style, and more. Is it possible that this is one of your hosts' favorite movies ever? Is it possible that your other host thinks it's...not nearly that good? (But pretty good, still.) Find out now!
Hey, folks! It's time for a very important episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, so you'd best prepare yourself. This week, as we approach the holidays, Josh and Gabe are traveling to the magical land of Narnia to celebrate the season with Father Christmas, the White Witch, Mr. Tumnus, and the Pevensies (also Aslan), as they discuss Disney's 2005 adaptation of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. But hold on: there is big news in the early going here that you're going to need to listen to. (No joke.) Once the big news is out of the way, and once you all get to wonder what it means for the show in 2017, it's time for Josh and Gabe to discuss this version of Narnia, and whether or not it works outside of Tilda Swinton and James McAvoy's performances. Plus, there's a nice, long takedown of recent comments on female directors in the Star Wars universe, and more. Check out the new show right now!
Hey, friends! It's time for our first episode of December, and we're celebrating by talking about Walt Disney Animation Studios' second film of 2016, Moana. While Zootopia was a big hit back in the spring, hopes are pretty high for Moana, because...well, how could they not be? A new movie from the directors of The Princess and the Frog and The Little Mermaid? Songs from Lin-Manuel Miranda? Co-starring The Rock? The question for Josh and Gabe may not be whether or not this is any good, but how good it is. Josh and Gabe are joined by Angie J. Han, managing editor of Slashfilm, to talk about Moana, the new short Inner Workings, the new songs in this big new movie, diversity, and more. Hop on the nearest boat--you're gonna get hop-ons, you know--and check out the new podcast!
Hey, folks! The holidays are upon us, and Black Friday is in the rearview mirror; with that comes a festive new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema! This week, Josh and Gabe are ringing in Thanksgiving Weekend with...a direct-to-DVD sequel. OK, it's not a very holiday-specific episode of the podcast, but if you listen closely enough, it may well sound like both of your hosts have had some of that classic spiked eggnog in discussing 101 Dalmatians II: Patch's London Adventure. Is this adventure deserving of its own film? Do Douglas Sirk references make a movie good? Should voice acting be treated as seriously as live-action acting? Find out the answers to these questions and more on the new podcast!
Hey, friends! It's time for a new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and this week, Josh and Gabe are in a festive mood! Well, honestly, it's more accurate to say that Josh and Gabe are in a particularly punchy mood as they discuss the 1991 remake of Father of the Bride, starring Steve Martin, Diane Keaton, Martin Short, and more. Why so punchy? In spite of this being our second post-election podcast, it's the first one we recorded after the 8th, and if you were hoping that meant we'd avoid talking about non-upbeat stuff...well, just skip ahead to 10 minutes into the podcast. (You've been warned.) But don't worry: Josh and Gabe found plenty to argue about regarding Father of the Bride, as well as Diane Keaton. And also Barbra Streisand. What does Babs have to do with this movie? Is this movie actually funny? Does it make sense to sell more hot dog buns than hot dogs? Find out the answers to all these questions on the new episode!
Well, friends, it's time to dust ourselves off after a very long, strange, and painful week and get back to the important business of talking about Marvel movies. Yes, that's right: this episode of Mousterpiece Cinema is all about the latest entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Doctor Strange, starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Tilda Swinton, Mads Mikkelsen, and more. It's the story of a cocksure white guy with quirky facial hair who gains special abilities after he's disabled in an intense accident. But no, it's not the story of Tony Stark this time, even though it might feel that way. Josh and Gabe are joined by freelance writer Angelica Jade Bastién to talk about this film's character arcs, whitewashing, the notable cast members being misused, and more. Check out the new show now!
We hope you're ready for an exciting episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, friends. With the election bearing down us, what better film to discuss than Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, featuring one of the presidential candidates himself in a very prominent cameo! Why, many people are saying that--wait, hold on a second. Oops, we're actually discussing Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco on this week's podcast, which is a fairly easy mistake to make, seeing as both of these movies are pretty similar. In fact, Josh and Gabe spend a great deal of time on this week's show debating whether or not a repeat of the first film's premise could possibly work, especially with the late Don Ameche replaced here by Ralph Waite as the elderly Shadow. Plus, they debate pop-culture references, big-name cameos, friend-zoning, and yes, there's an earnest plea regarding the election at the very end of the episode. Check the whole thing out now!
We've put a spell on you, listeners, and now, you're ours. That's right, it's time for another scare-ifying episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and we're closing out Shocktober with a bang and a half. After many long years, Josh and Gabe are finally facing off over a Disney cult favorite, the 1993 film Hocus Pocus, starring Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy as three sisters who are also witches looking to take over the lovely New England hamlet of Salem. But you already know the story, because this is a true classic for many Millennials...so is it actually any good? Josh and Gabe are joined by Louis Peitzman of Buzzfeed to debate the film's quality, the teeth of Bette Midler, and whether the Garry/Penny Marshall cameo is weird or funny. Check out the new show now!
You didn't read that title wrong, friends. This week, on a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, Gabe and Josh are going back in time to 1996 to talk about one of the most iconic horror films of modern history, Scream. (In case you're wondering, yes, Scream does count for a Disney movie podcast. It does! Promise.) Your hosts are joined by friend of the show Eric Goldman of IGN, who gets into the spooky mood by having a particularly booming, echo-y voice throughout the episode. (Or, Skype was being ornery. That might be it too.) Josh, Gabe, and Eric debate the major issues: is Scream still a potent horror film? Where does it land in Wes Craven's legacy? And what is the deal with Matthew Lillard's performance in this film? Find out the answers now!
Do you have what it takes? Can you pick up the cue and knock in the nine-ball at the right time? It's time to head into the pool hall for a new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, as Josh and Gabe are joined by friend of the show Noel Murray to talk about The Color of Money, from some dude named Martin Scorsese. Yes, really, we can talk about a Scorsese movie on the show, and you'll find out why here. As The Color of Money celebrates its 30th anniversary, it's high time to ask if this movie gets an unfair shake from cinephiles and Scorsese fans, or if its status as a good-but-not-great film remains correct. The question is answered on the episode, so listen to find out!
Make sure to keep a weather eye for the next five or ten moves in front of you before you begin listening to this new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema. What are you going to do while listening? Exercise? Eat? Do laundry? What about what comes after that? It's thinking like this that lends itself to the game of chess, which is at the heart of this week's film for discussion, Queen of Katwe, Disney's latest true-story film. This one's directed by Mira Nair, and stars Lupita Nyong'o and David Oyelowo; it's set and shot in Uganda and focuses on a girl living in the slums who can make her way out thanks to her gift of playing chess. Gabe and Josh are joined by friend of the show Jason Bailey of Flavorwire to discuss Queen of Katwe, though maybe it's better to say the trio debate the film, and you might be surprised where the dissent comes from. Is this movie worth your time? Is it time for Disney to focus solely on brand deposits? Check out the show to find out!
Hey, friends! It's time for another spooktacular episode of Mousterpiece Cinema as we enter the scare-ifying month of Shock-tober! Boooooo! Anyway, we're kicking the month off appropriately, with another film from once-popular and beloved filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan. This time, we're talking about his 2004 film The Village, well-known now for being the beginning of Shyamalan's fall from grace after a trio of successes. But is that a fair estimation 12 years after the fact, or did people treat the film too harshly? Gabe and Josh are joined once again by Alexander Huls to debate another Shyamalan film, as well as important things like the J. Geils Band, Jurassic World, and the career of Judy Greer. So make sure to avoid the woods and Those We Don't Speak Of, and listen to the new show!
Josh rules, and Gabe drools! Or, if you like, Gabe rules and Josh drools! If that means anything to you, friends, then you are in for an incredible journey on this new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema. This week, your hosts talk about the 1993 film Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey, the remake of the 1963 film all about two domesticated dogs and a domesticated cat who traverse the wilderness of North America to return to their loving owners. Only this time, those animals have voices, provided by Don Ameche, Michael J. Fox, and Sally Field. So that must mean this movie is a huge leap above the original with its excessive narration, right? Or is Homeward Bound losing something by having performances, and also by not being about Simon and Garfunkel? And how did Gabe spend last weekend? How wild was he? Find out now!
Hey, friends! Time for a new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, after a few weeks off. (Yes, really, we're back!) Josh and Gabe are reunited after Josh's unexpected stay in the hospital--don't worry, he's fine--to talk about one of the biggest films they've managed to never cover on the show: the 2010 Disney animated film Tangled. Yes, the story of Flynn Rider, the daring rogue who one day meets a beautiful girl with a lot of hair! OK, fine, this is Disney's long-awaited adaptation of the "Rapunzel" fairy tale, and it sets Josh and Gabe on opposite sides almost immediately. Is this one of Disney's best new animated films? Is it one of their more forgettable? Take a listen to find out which side you're on!
Friends, we hope that you're prepared. We hope you're mentally ready. We hope you are set to embark upon a journey. An exciting journey. A trepidatious and perilous journey. Perhaps even...an incredible journey. If that wasn't enough of a hint, this episode of Mousterpiece Cinema is all about the 1963 film The Incredible Journey, featuring a heroic Siamese cat, a heroic Labrador Retriever, and a heroic English Bull terrier, and very little else. What happens when these three domesticated animals are on their own in the Canadian wilderness? Is it exciting? Is it fascinating? Do Gabe and Josh even care? This one might be more of a howler for them than they'd hoped. Listen to the new show to find out!
Friends, your eyes don't deceive you--this episode of Mousterpiece Cinema is indeed focused on the Disney film about a boy and his dragon in the forest, Pete's Dragon. Of course, there's an important distinction to make--this is the 2016 remake of the 1977 film! (Josh talked about the 1977 film all on his lonesome way back in 2011.) On the bad-news front, Gabe was under the weather and unable to unleash his typical #hottakes for this episode; on the good-news front, Josh was joined by friend of the show Adam Kempenaar of the prolific Filmspotting podcast! Josh and Adam talk about the surprising quality of the 2016 film, the emotionally visceral friendship between Pete and his CGI dragon Elliot, the work of David Lowery (and whether them bodies really are saints), and more! Check it out now.
Hey, friends! Are you ready for another very special b-b-b-b-b-b-bonus episode of Mousterpiece Cinema? It's been a little while since Gabe and Josh got together for a bonus recording, but they did so last month--in fact, they recorded this episode in the same place for the first time in the show's history. And this Lucasfilm-centric bonus episode is all about the last film that George Lucas had any direct say over in the Star Wars franchise, the 2008 animated film Star Wars: The Clone Wars, starring Samuel L. Jackson and Christopher Lee, among others. (Really!) But even though the TV show of the same name has garnered praise, this movie that kickstarted the Cartoon Network program isn't so hot, at least to Josh and Gabe. Listen for more details on just how surprising this movie is!
It's time for a new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, friends! This week, Josh and Gabe are going back to the beginning of the era of Studio Ghibli. In fact, they're going back before the beginning, to the film that led to the creation of Studio Ghibli, from director Hayao Miyazaki: it's Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. Josh and Gabe are joined by Justine Smith of Vague Visages to talk about this early Miyazaki effort, and whether or not it might be his very best film. Or is this movie not as emotionally engaging as films like Princess Mononoke or Kiki's Delivery Service? Did this movie set the foundation or raise the bar so high nothing else could clear it? Only one way to find out now--listen to the show!
Hey, friends! It's time for a new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and boy, do we have a corker for you this week. There's good news and bad news, too. Good news: this episode is all about a film from Francis Ford Coppola, director of The Godfather and Apocalypse Now! Bad news: those movies aren't from Disney, but his 1996 film Jack...is. And this Robin Williams-led film about a boy who looks like he's 40 is the subject of this week's podcast. Josh and Gabe are joined by friend of the show and soon-to-be co-star of the Amazon revival of The Tick, Griffin Newman. Josh, Gabe, and Griffin debate the important issues, like: how bad is this movie? No, really...how bad is this movie? Plus, Griffin talks a bit about working on the pilot for The Tick, and reveals one of the all-time great stories of working with a peer of Coppola. This is a long episode, so strap in and check it out now!
Hey, folks! We've got a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema available for your listening pleasure today, but there's a very important way for you to access it. Do you know the Oath of the Boy Scouts? What's their motto? Are you prepared to...be prepared? Yes, this week on the show, Gabe and Josh are talking about the Boy-Scout-centric 1966 live-action film Follow Me, Boys!, starring Fred MacMurray, Lillian Gish, Vera Miles, and a little boy who would grow into the big boy Kurt Russell. And for once, Gabe hasn't seen an old-school Disney live-action film before; was he sufficiently inspired by this would-be Goodbye, Mr. Chips? Were Gabe and Josh both ready to become Scoutmasters in real life? Or was this a colossal letdown? Only one way to find out: check out the show now! Scout's honor.
After last week's discussion of Chicken Little, Josh and Gabe are in the mood for a palate cleanser on this week's new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema. And there may be no better choice for palate cleanser--no more wildly different film, really--than the 1996 film from Danny Boyle, Trainspotting. (If you're wondering how on Earth that counts for this podcast: Miramax distributed Trainspotting, and guess who owned Miramax in 1996? Disney!) Josh and Gabe are joined by another Danny B., Danny Bowes of Film School Rejects, to discuss whether or not Trainspotting holds up 20 years after its U.S. release, whether or not its main character is nothing more than a cipher, and, of course, whether or not The Social Network is a better film than Steve Jobs. (One of your hosts thinks so. The other is crazy--er, thinks otherwise.) Check out the new show now!
It's time for a big, monumental episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, friends. Finally, after months of teasing, Gabe and Josh are talking about the 2005 film from Walt Disney Animation Studios, Chicken Little. You remember this adaptation of Chicken Little, don't you? The adaptation from the director of The Emperor's New Groove? Disney's first fully computer animated feature film? Possibly the very worst movie that Disney's animation studio has made in nearly 80 years? Yes, it's true: this movie might be the pits for Disney, at least as Gabe and Josh see it. Is it the actual worst, though? And how many Earwolf references can Josh squeeze into the show to confound Gabe? Find out now!
Welcome to all human beans, near and far, to this scrum-diddly-umptious poddin' cast of Mousterpiece Cinema. OK, talking like a giant is kind of difficult for more than one sentence, so let's get back to human-style talk. On this episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, Josh and Gabe talk about the newest movie from Walt Disney Pictures, a Steven Spielberg adaptation of Roald Dahl's The BFG, with Mark Rylance as the Big Friendly Giant himself. Josh and Gabe are joined by friend of the show Alex Dowd of The A.V. Club to discuss the film, its placement in Spielberg's career, and why on Earth it performed so weakly at the box office over the Fourth of July weekend. And they face an important question: is this Spielberg's weakest film in decades? It just might be! You'll have to listen to find out.
Hey, folks! It's time for Josh and Gabe to begin a sixth year of podcasting as the hosts of Mousterpiece Cinema, and they're starting with one of their punchiest, goofiest episodes yet. It starts with the longest housekeeping segment to date, centered around a very exciting development: Mousterpiece Cinema is now on ! Become a patron of the podcast and you might even get to tell us what to discuss on a future episode! The current episode is another patented entry of Mousterpiece Cinema After Dark--make sure to say that in your deepest voice possible--as your hosts talk about the 1996 drama Phenomenon, starring John Travolta, Forest Whitaker, Kyra Sedgwick, and Robert Duvall. Remember Phenomenon? A film that made more money than either Space Jam or Scream in 1996! It's true, but does the movie hold up as we approach its 20th anniversary? Or is it super-duper creepy? Find out now!
It's a banner day for Mousterpiece Cinema, friends. Why's that? This episode marks the fifth anniversary of the podcast! Back in June 2011, Josh sat down to record the first show solo, talking about Pixar's then-new sequel Cars 2. So it's only fitting that the best way to ring in five years of podcasting is Josh and Gabe sitting down to talk about Pixar's latest sequel: the monster hit Finding Dory, a follow-up to 2003's Finding Nemo. Has absence made our hearts grow fonder? Or was it an unwise decision for Pixar to take another sidekick and turn them into the lead character? Josh and Gabe are joined by friend of the show Monica Castillo of The New York Times to discuss our new lead character, the new world and characters of the sequel, the meta-narrative regarding director Andrew Stanton, how meta-narratives are NOT the same as fan theories, and more! Check it out, and remember to just keep listening, just keep listening, just keep listening, listening, listening...
San Francisco. A beautiful city, but with a criminal element as well, who are led to Alcatraz. Listen to the bell from the trolley--it's alerting them that prisoners are coming. "Prisoners coming. Prisoners coming. Coming, coming--" OK, not really. (Apologies to Eddie Izzard.) But though no prisoners are coming your way, there is a new Mousterpiece Cinema headed your way, and it's all about Alcatraz. Yes, this week, Gabe and Josh are talking about the 1996 action film The Rock, starring Sean Connery, Nicolas Cage, Ed Harris, and more. And your hosts are joined by return guest Mark Harris of New York Magazine to talk about all things The Rock and, of course, all things Michael Bay, AKA King of the Vulgar Auteurs, seeing as he directed the film. It's been 20 years, so does The Rock maintain its status as his best-ever film? Does that even mean it's...a good movie? Is Nicolas Cage hamming it up in this one? Find out now!
Hey, friends! We hope you're in a sporting mood, because we have a perfect summer movie to talk about on this episode of Mousterpiece Cinema. It's the 1976 comedy Gus, all about a Yugoslavian mule who plays on an NFL team! OK, fine, so maybe it's not the right time of year to talk about an NFL movie, but then, Gus is as much an accurate portrayal of NFL as it is of how to manage a supermarket in the 1970s. (If you've seen this movie, you will probably get that reference.) Gabe and Josh are joined by return guest Mark Pfeiffer of Reel Times to talk about Gus, Don Knotts, unending slapstick scenes, and, of course, our #openthedisneyvault hashtag this week, so check it out now!
Oh, frabjous day, dear friends. Callooh. Callay. Yes, there's only one reason for us to bust out the Lewis Carroll-ese, and that's because we are going back to Wonderland on this episode of Mousterpiece Cinema! Oooh, sorry, hang on, we're going to Underland, because that's what it's called in the live-action films from Walt Disney Pictures. And yes, that word is plural now, because the 2010 Alice in Wonderland now has a sequel: Alice Through the Looking Glass. It's got the whole gang back: Mia Wasikowska! Anne Hathaway! Alleged garbage fire Johnny Depp! (Were you wondering if we'd talk about Johnny Depp being an alleged piece of wife-beating trash? WONDER NO MORE.) So Gabe and Josh brought back Scott Meslow of GQ to talk about this sequel and its many, many problems. But maybe this movie's an improvement on its predecessor? Is it possible? Find out now!
Hey, folks! It's a banner day here at Mousterpiece Cinema HQ, as Gabe and Josh are celebrating their 250th episode today. And there's no better film to discuss than the 1948 package film Melody Time, featuring Donald Duck, Roy Rogers, the Andrews Sisters, and more. Don't take that as sarcasm, either: this really is an ideal movie to discuss for such a notable milestone episode, because it gives Josh and Gabe time once again to talk about the "Open the Disney Vault" hashtag and why a movie like Melody Time is unjustly ignored by the higher-ups at Disney. But whether or not it's ignored, is Melody Time an underrated package film? Is it #problematic? Could it be both? Check out the new show to find out!
This week on Mousterpiece Cinema, Josh and Gabe are ripping off yet another Band-Aid. Yes, because they talked about a gnome-centric movie earlier this year, it's time to head back to the forest to deal with some more gnomes. (Because, of course, there's no place like gnome.) OK, being fair, Josh and Gabe are actually just headed to the garden, because the movie of the week--Gnomeo and Juliet--is all about garden gnomes who might be re-enacting one of the most famous dramatic tales of all time for our pleasure. Well, that's the idea. But Josh and Gabe are both pretty...displeased with this one, even in spite of its stacked cast including Emily Blunt, Michael Caine, and Hulk Hogan. (That is not a typo.) Does the film have any redeeming value? Find out now!
Listeners, it's time to choose a side in the great battle of the year. Are you on the side of goodness and light? Or are you on the side of hatred and injustice? Are you Team Batman or Team Superman? Oh, wait, sorry, wrong comic-book movie. This week on Mousterpiece Cinema, we're talking about the big battle between Marvel superheroes, in the new film Captain America: Civil War. Josh and Gabe are joined by Alyssa Rosenberg of The Washington Post to talk about all things Cap, from whether or not this is a decent Captain America movie or just The Avengers 2.5, to Bucky Barnes' utility as a character, to whether or not shaky-cam action needs to die in a fire. (Spoiler: yes. Yes, it does.) Put up your dukes, join a side, and check out the new episode!
Friends, your eyes do not deceive you. Nor do your ears! As you'll hear when you begin listening to the new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, the plan was for Josh and Gabe to talk about the new Disney-distributed IMAX documentary A Beautiful Planet on this week's show. But then, as it turned out, life got in the way (much to Josh's surprise) and so your hosts went to a backup plan. That Plan B is none other than An Extremely Goofy Movie, a title that may be a little misleading, at least to one of your hosts. And though the debate is strong in this episode, don't you worry: this is an extremely goofy episode of the podcast, with everything from a discussion of the College X Games to a recitation of an Oscar Wilde poem. Check out the new show now!
Hey, folks! If you were hoping we'd be discussing the Disneynature film Born in China this week on Mousterpiece Cinema, we're sorry to let you down. (It's hard to review movies that haven't opened yet and were inexplicably delayed for a year.) Instead, Josh and Gabe are going back to Hannibal, Missouri to talk about the 1995 film Tom and Huck, starring Brad Renfro and...JTT! Remember JTT? Sure you do, you're a 90s kid. Yes, Jonathan Taylor Thomas plays Tom Sawyer here, but is it possible that his acting style is too...well, 1990s to work for an old-fashioned character? Does his haircut meet the smell test? And how sturdy are the female performers? Get ready for answers to these and many more questions on the new Mousterpiece Cinema!
Don't worry, folks, you're not having a flashback. We're not talking about the 1967 animated film The Jungle Book on this week's episode of Mousterpiece Cinema; instead, Josh and Gabe are talking about the live-action remake of the same name, featuring the voices of Bill Murray, Idris Elba, Ben Kingsley, Scarlett Johansson, Christopher Walken, and more! And they're joined by friend of the show Genevieve Koski of The Next Picture Show to talk all things Kipling. Or, all things Disneyfied Kipling. Does this film improve upon its animated predecessor? Are its effects as impressive as promised? Is Gabe going to continue his streak of being super-negative? Find out now!
Hey, folks! On this week's episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, Josh and Gabe are traveling to the African continent to explore a strange new society that may indeed hold a surprising link to the Jurassic period of Planet Earth. Just think: what if there were still dinosaurs walking among humanity? Wouldn't that be crazy? Wouldn't that change our perception of science? Wouldn't...you want to be the first person to reveal this discovery, damn the consequences? That's one of the lessons our lead characters learn in this week's film, Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend, which we discussed with guest Tom Nix. And guess what? This movie is...uh...well, put it this way, one of your hosts is convinced this might be one half of the worst double feature we've ever discussed on the podcast. And that's even including a crazy performance from "Downtown Abbey"'s own Julian Fellowes. ("Downtown Abbey," right? Not "Downton"?) Check out why this movie might be so bad now!
Hey, folks! This week on Mousterpiece Cinema, we have truly gone to the dogs. Forgive the obvious pun, but Josh and Gabe's discussion of the 1987 film Benji the Hunted will arguably go down as one of our oddest episodes. It's safe to say that Gabe has--spoiler alert--never hated a movie as much as this story of the famously scrappy dog surviving in the forest after a disaster at sea. And it's safe to say that Josh hasn't had quite as much joy as in going through Benji's history as the lead of a live-action kids' TV show with cheesy aliens in a long time either. So...yeah, this is a strange, strange episode. Check it out now!
Hey, friends! On this episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, Josh and Gabe are going back in history with one of the Walt Disney Treasures box sets. Specifically, Josh and Gabe are going to learn about the early history of the first Disney theme park with their discussion of the 2-disc Disneyland, USA DVD set, covering four different episodes of the Walt Disney anthology TV show from the 1950s and 1960s. Just as you might expect with an anthology TV show, there's plenty of grab-bag topics to discuss here, from the placement of Song of the South in the first episode to how white audiences contrast with black performers and employees to...a rendition from "Bye Bye Birdie." But most importantly: Josh and Gabe talk more about the idea for Disney to have a streaming service encompassing its decades of films, shorts, and TV shows, and they need your help to get Disney's attention! Find out how in this episode!
Avast, buckoes! This week on Mousterpiece Cinema, Josh and Gabe are headed to the high seas with a discussion of the 1991 Norwegian-American production of Shipwrecked, a kinda/sorta adaptation of Daniel Defoe's iconic novel Robinson Crusoe, starring Gabriel Byrne as an avaricious pirate and...lots of Norwegian people. Did we mention this was a Norwegian film? Yet it was released by Disney in the spring of 1991, and soon became one of Gabe's favorite movies of all time. Does it impress Josh? Was Gabe able to look at the film as an adult without wearing rose-colored glasses? Will an Irish accent be unveiled? (You know the answer is yes.) Listen to find out the answers to these and many more questions.
Why, y'er sittin' on a gold-mine, folks! Hee-hee-hee-hee! Oh, come on now, why shouldn't we be unveiling our best impression of one of the iconic deliverers of frontier gibberish, Walter Brennan? He's only the star of this week's film on Mousterpiece Cinema, The Gnome-Mobile. Brennan's actually playing two characters here: an eccentric modern businessman as well as an irascible old gnome who the businessman's grandchildren (played by the same precocious kids from Mary Poppins) discover in the redwood forests of California. This 1967 film holds a special place in Gabe's heart--or, it did when he was a kid. Does it hold up to the test of time? Or is the whole film as painful as its faux-"Bachelor" finale? Listen to find out--and prepare yourself for maybe Josh's worst groaner of a pun in a very long time.
This week's episode of Mousterpiece Cinema might get a bit hairy, folks. Josh and Gabe are settling in to talk about the newest film from Walt Disney Animation Studios, Zootopia, featuring the voices of Jason Bateman, Ginnifer Goodwin, Idris Elba, J.K. Simmons, Jenny Slate, and more. Is this film truly like nothing we've ever seen be-fur? (Remember that pun from the teaser?) Your hosts are joined by friend of the show Scott Mendelson of Forbes to debate the merits of Zootopia--or, more accurately, to celebrate the film. (Like pretty much everyone else, we liked it! A lot!) We're covering a lot on this episode, from Zootopia's place in the WDAS canon to comparing it to Wreck-It Ralph (per Josh's recent essay at The A.V. Club on the topic) to the film's commentary on racial stereotyping. Check it out now!
Last week on Mousterpiece Cinema, Josh and Gabe had a lengthy discussion about race in Disney films, specifically thanks to the glaring racism in Savage Sam towards Native Americans. Can they keep up the streak on this week's episode? Well, considering the film of the week is the 1993 adaptation The Adventures of Huck Finn, based on the iconic novel by Mark Twain, you can rest assured that this episode does include another patent-pending segment of Gabe 'n' Josh: Two White Dudes Talkin' 'Bout Race! But does this film, starring a young Elijah Wood and a fairly-new-to-movies Courtney B. Vance as Huck and his friend Jim, step right where other Disney films step wrong? Is it the best film from director Stephen Sommers? And will Gabe and Josh go on a tangent about...shudder..."Fuller House"? Find out now!
Bust out the Kleenex once more, everyone, because it's time to prepare yourselves for a big ol' bawl-a-thon. That has to be the case, right? See, this week's Mousterpiece Cinema is all about the 1963 sequel to one of Disney's most famously tragic live-action films, Old Yeller. What's that? You didn't know there was a sequel to Old Yeller, called Savage Sam? Hmm, that's odd. You'd think a sequel to such a beloved and iconic film would be more commonly remembered and recognized. Well, maybe it's because, as Gabe and Josh discover this week, Savage Sam is not only outrageously racist, but legitimately one of the worst films they've ever seen for the podcast. We ain't lyin', folks: as much fun as it was to take this one down a peg, there's little doubt that the film of the week is...ahem...a real dog. (Get ready for more dad jokes.) Either way, you should check the show out now!
On today's episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, Josh and Gabe are going under the sea to spend time with a beautiful mermaid who falls in love with a dashing young man from the world above water. No, not the story of Ariel, the little mermaid. No, this week on the show, we're talking about Splash, the 1984 film starring Tom Hanks and Daryl Hannah that has the distinct honor of being the first film from Touchstone Pictures. Now that it's been over 30 years, is it really the case that Splash was too adult to be released by Walt Disney Pictures proper? Or were they too gunshy? Or, on the flip side, is this movie too adult that Disney shouldn't have released it all? And does it remain charming and Oscar-worthy now? (Oh, yeah, this movie got a Best Original Screenplay Oscar nod. Really.) And how does Paul Lynde factor into the discussion? Find out now!
"Hold on a second," you're thinking to yourself. "I swear Josh and Gabe already talked about Freaky Friday on an episode of Mousterpiece Cinema. What the hell's going on here?" You're not losing your mind, friend. Back in January, we discussed the 1976 original, but now it's time to talk about the 2003 remake starring Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan. Last month, Josh guaranteed that the remake would be an improvement on the outdated original, but was he right? Gabe returns from a weeklong absence to answer this question with Josh, as well as talk about Stephen Tobolowsky, regale us all with his Boston accent, and much, much more. Get to listening! And prepare for some Veronica Mars references! (It'll make sense, promise.)
Get on your rain gear, folks, because this episode's about to get plenty wet. This week on Mousterpiece Cinema, Josh is on his own for the first time in a while; with Gabe steering clear of dark water, he invites Todd VanDerWerff of Vox on the podcast to talk about Disney's first new film of 2016, The Finest Hours. You haven't forgotten about The Finest Hours already, have you? You know the film--it stars Chris Pine and Casey Affleck as dual heroes of a daring Coast Guard rescue in Massachusetts in the early 1950s. And it's in 3D for some reason! Josh and Todd talk about the woeful 3D postconversion, the surprising performances from Pine and Affleck, and you better believe they bust out an accent or two. (Listen closely, and you'll even hear some Australian, mate.) Head over the bar--sorry, the "baaaah"--and get ready to listen to the new show!
Hey, friends! We hope you're having a good President's Day; what better way to celebrate than by listening to a bonus episode of Mousterpiece Cinema? There is none! So we hope you're excited to hear Josh and Gabe debate the ethics and expectations of documentary filmmaking. (Yes, really.) This time, the bonus show is all about the recent 4-hour documentary "Walt Disney: He Made Believe," which aired on PBS last fall as part of their "American Masters" program. Or..."American Experience"? (Yes, Josh confused them once again.) Does this documentary live up to your hosts' expectations? Could it ever have done so? Did Walt Disney really have conversations with Mickey Mouse? Or is it possible that some of the never-before-heard-of talking-heads in this documentary are talking...out of something aside from their mouths? You'd better listen to find out!
How much do you loathe the evil Dr. Calico? Are you a friend of canines, or are you a deceptive feline-like minion? It's these questions that are up for debate in the new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, as Josh and Gabe talk about the 2008 animated film Bolt, starring John Travolta and a pre-close-cropped/Woody-Allen-ingenue Miley Cyrus, about a superheroic dog and his person. Except, of course, the lead character of Bolt doesn't realize that he's actually an actor playing a superheroic dog, which makes things pretty crazy when he's let loose on the real world. Josh and Gabe are joined by past guest Tasha Robinson of The Verge to talk about all things Bolt, from its rocky production to its voice cast to its rabid loathing of cats. Plus, a tease of next week's all-Boston-accented episode! Get excited, and get listening!
We're getting small on this week's episode of Mousterpiece Cinema. Tiny, you might say. As tiny as the size of an ant or some other kind of insect. Yes, we're talking about bugs this week because our movie is Pixar's A Bug's Life from 1998. Gabe and Josh are joined by friend of the show (and this week, thanks to Skype issues, a fairly echo-y friend) Griffin Newman to talk about all things ants...and Antz. You remember Antz, don't you? The first of two 1998 computer-animated films about quirky male ants who fall in love with the princesses of their respective colonies? The rivalry between Pixar and DreamWorks Animation is a hot topic in this episode, as are outtakes, voice work, and Gabe's daring suggestion that A Bug's Life may not even be as good as the first Cars. Prepare to be shocked throughout--check out the show now!
Are you ready to go back? Back...to the future? Well, OK, it's more like back...to the end of the beginning in this episode of Mousterpiece Cinema. That's because Josh and Gabe are talking about yet another direct-to-DVD sequel, Cinderella III: A Twist in Time. As you might expect from the subtitle, this Cinderella story isn't your average, run-of-the-mill princess movie, but it's got a dash of science fiction. See, when one of Cinderella's evil old stepsisters gets her hands on the Fairy Godmother's magic wand, she and her eviller stepmother are able to turn back the clock so Cinderella never had her happily ever after. Can good triumph over evil? Does Prince Charming need to be leeched? Is this movie better than the original? Are any direct-to-DVD sequels better than the original? Someone from Slate actually made that argument, and you best believe we're citing it this week. Now check out the show!
Welcome to 2016, everyone! Movie Mezzanine's got itself a new look for the whole site, and that has even affected Mousterpiece Cinema. Once upon a time, a long while ago, Josh and Gabe aired new episodes every Saturday; for the last year and a half, we've been releasing episodes on Wednesdays. Now, as you can see, we're back to our Saturday schedule! Maybe it's fitting--kind of--that the schedule shift begins as Josh and Gabe talk about a different day of the week, and a particularly odd one. In fact, it's Freaky Friday, the 1976 film starring Jodie Foster and Barbara Harris as a daughter and mother who inadvertently switch bodies with each other on one fine Friday and get into all sorts of madcap misadventures. Could it be that this film leans too hard on old-fashioned gender norms? Is its madcap style not something that's particularly funny? Is the 2003 remake better than this one? Find out now!
It's the end of 2015, friends, and to stave off the cold weather (as well as a cold that has besieged Josh's sinuses), Josh and Gabe want to flip the old Christmas-in-July concept and talk about summer in December. Specifically, they're talking about the 1963 Disney musical Summer Magic on this episode of Mousterpiece Cinema. You know Summer Magic, right? The one with songs from Richard and Robert Sherman? Songs like, uh, "Femininity"? (Bad news: the song is as bad as you might think based on its title.) Did Josh and Gabe enjoy another Hayley Mills-led live-action film from the 1960s, or is this not a Pollyanna-esque situation? And what does "The Music Man" have to do with this? (It does figure into the show.) Find out now!
Friends, the time has finally come. Anticipation has hit a fever pitch. Crowds are lining up around the block just to see the result of years of buildup. Yes, friends, you know what we're talking about. It's the battle to end all 2015 battles: is Gabe about to eat a heaping pile of crow, or did he hate the new Star Wars movie? That's right, as we approach the end of 2015, it's time for Josh and Gabe to face the biggest movie of the year, Star Wars: The Force Awakens. As you may know, Josh has been looking forward to this one for a while, but Gabe's been obstinately against it. But now that the movie's out, did the movie surprise them? Did it win them over? They're joined by friend of the show Anthony Breznican of Entertainment Weekly to talk the big issues: are the new characters fun? Did the movie do well by our old friends Han Solo, Leia Organa, and...R2-D2? Spoilers abound here, so be warned, but if you're ready and if the Force is with you, then check out the new show!
All you hosers, eh, listen up! We got a real corker of an episode of Mousterpiece Cinema coming your way, and this week, Gabe and Josh are facing off in a colder climate than usual: the ice rink. Yep, they're back in skates again, metaphorically speaking, because this episode's all about an underdog hockey team overcoming insurmountable odds to beat a European foe. No, it's not D2: The Mighty Ducks! We're talking about the 2004 film Miracle, starring Kurt Russell as the coach who would bring the U.S. Olympic hockey team to victory over the dreaded Soviet Union hockey team. But at least one of your hosts dares to prefer a Mighty Ducks movie to a Kurt Russell-led sports drama; hear who's bold enough to say so, plus impressions of Katharine Hepburn so good, we're going to get Cate Blanchett to hand over her Oscar. (Well, maybe not yet.) Check out the show now!
'Tis the season to be jolly, to make merry, to welcome friends into your home to celebrate the holidays. And on Mousterpiece Cinema, 'tis the season for holiday-themed episodes of the podcast! And now that we're all Santa Clause-d out on the show, it's time get a bit naughty. A bit...bad, you might say. So what better film to discuss this week than Bad Santa? Yes, this 2003 comedy starring Billy Bob Thornton as a low-down-and-dirty thief who dresses up as a mall Santa is from the Walt Disney Company, so it's on the docket this week. Josh and Gabe welcome Scott Tobias back to the program to debate...well, not that much! Spoiler alert: we're all big fans of this movie, just as we're not very big fans of the idea of the impending sequel. But hey, even when we're all agreeing, the spirit of the season demands that you listen. So...you know what to do!
It's a first this week on Mousterpiece Cinema, as Gabe and Josh talk about yet another Pixar movie; what's so special is that this is the first time in a single year when there have been two new Pixar movies. This summer, of course, we had the wonderful Inside Out; for the holidays, Pixar has given us The Good Dinosaur, wherein the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs...didn't wipe them out. In fact, the dinosaurs and humans coexist in this film, but does that lead to a good story? Josh and Gabe are joined by friend of the show Scott Renshaw of Salt Lake City Weekly to answer this burning question, as well as do our due diligence and insert at least one reference to The Big Lebowski into this discussion of a movie co-starring Sam Elliott. Plus, one of us calls the movie "disappointing"! A lot! It's not who you think! Check out the show to find out who said it!
Friends, we've got no time for preamble on this week's episode of Mousterpiece Cinema. We're off to the races, heading to...which mountain? Which one? Which--we have to figure that mystery out soon, because Josh and Gabe are talking about the last film in the infamous Witch Mountain franchise, the 2009 remake Race to Witch Mountain. Once more, they're joined by IGN TV editor Eric Goldman to talk about the important questions, such as...seriously, which mountain? OK, aside from that, there's time to debate the presence of a smaller-than-expected version of The Rock, a depiction of convention culture that's not terribly friendly, and the random appearance of Garry Marshall. (Please, call him Mr. Marshall!) If you're ready for a race, then check this episode out!
Friends, if you take a look just around the riverbend, it's possible that you'll be able to discover a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema. This week, Josh and Gabe are taking another trip back to the historical period when English settlers "discovered" the New World that would become the United States of America. Last month, they discussed Squanto: A Warrior's Tale, but now, they're looking back at one of the more controversial Disney Renaissance films: Pocahontas. And they're joined by Buzzfeed's Louis Peitzman to debate the serious issues: is this film racist? Should Disney ever have made an animated version of the Pocahontas myth? Is the new Broadway show "Hamilton" any good? OK, only two of those are serious issues (unless you love "Hamilton," probably), but they're all up for discussion on this week's show. Check it out now!
Gather 'round, everyone. Step up close, and get close to all your friends and family. There's no better time than now to celebrate the greatest holiday of all. No, not Christmas. Not Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa, or Ramadan. No, it's time to celebrate Life Day! You know Life Day, right? Life Day! The Wookiee national holiday! Why, it's the centerpiece of this week's topic of discussion on a very special b-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-bonus episode of Mousterpiece Cinema: The Star Wars Holiday Special! That's right, Josh and Gabe are finally talking about this infamous TV special, which celebrates its 37th anniversary on the date of this episode's publication. And as you might expect, this is a wild, woolly, weird episode of the show, replete with Chewbacca impressions, singing, and even a dramatic reading from Gabe that will make your jaw drop. Now, grab your closest family members a handful of those famous Wookiee ookies and get to listening to this episode of Mousterpiece Cinema!
Are you listening closely? You should really be listening closely to this week's Mousterpiece Cinema, because in this episode of the podcast, Gabe and Josh reveal that there are three parts to any true podcast. The first part is the introduction, wherein they welcome you to the show and lure you into their trap. The second part is the discussion, wherein they invite a guest to the proceedings to debate the merits of a movie from the Walt Disney Company. This is where you pretend that you're trying to figure out their game. But you really aren't. And then there's the third part: The Prestige. Specifically, Christopher Nolan's 2006 film about rival magicians, starring Hugh Jackman and Christian "Gooooooooood for you!" Bale, as well as Scarlett Johansson and Michael Caine. Gabe and Josh are joined this week by friend of the show Tim Grierson, film critic and author of the new book "Martin Scorsese in 10 Scenes." Is The Prestige Christopher Nolan's best film? Has Hugh Jackman ever been better? Hell, has he even been in anything aside from superhero movies lately? (Pan doesn't count, it's not a real movie.) And does Josh impersonate Michael Caine? Only one way to know for sure: check out the new show!
All for one, and one for all! Oh, wait, no, wrong swashbuckling epic. No, no, we mean...let's rob the rich to give back to the poor! (That's more like it.) This week on Mousterpiece Cinema, Josh and Gabe are headed back to the Middle Ages in England to talk about the quintessential legend of Robin Hood. What's that? You didn't know that Disney made more than one Robin Hood movie? It's true, they didn't just make the 1973 animated film! See, this episode is about the 1952 live-action film The Story of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men, starring such actors as almost-but-not-quite-James Bond Richard Todd and mad-as-hell Peter Finch. This was Disney's second fully live-action film, but was it as good as their Treasure Island? Is it a step down? Have any of Josh's celebrity impersonations improved? Find out now!
It's almost Halloween, and so Josh and Gabe are embracing the spooky spirit of the season by facing something truly scary on Mousterpiece Cinema: a sequel. Only weeks after they watched the 1975 live-action adventure Escape to Witch Mountain, your intrepid hosts are heading back. Or...returning from. Yes, that sounds better, because this week's movie is Return From Witch Mountain, with Tony and Tia going head-to-head, courtesy of the new film's baddies, Bette Davis and Christopher Lee. Could a movie with these iconic figures as the villains be bad? The answer is a big, fat, resounding "Yuuuuuuuuuup," sadly. But there's still plenty of time for Josh and Gabe to debate the important topics, such as who's going to win the World Series, and more importantly...which mountain? Which...which one? Which mountain? (Yes, get ready for puns.) Check out the new episode now!
Do you love films? I mean, really love films? I'm talking classic movies like The Conversation and The Godfather. You do? Good, because it's time for a special episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, but it might as well be called I Love Films. Why? We're talking about U2 this week! That's right, we are talkin' U2 to you. OK, fine, so we're actually talking about the U-2 plane incident at the onset of the Cold War, as this event takes major precedence in Steven Spielberg's new film Bridge of Spies. (But still, we love films. Love 'em!) This week, Josh and Gabe are indeed discussing Spielberg's newest film, with friend of the show/host of The Cinephiliacs, Peter Labuza. Is Bridge of Spies another great collaboration between Spielberg and Tom Hanks? Has Hanks embraced his inner Jimmy Stewart? Is there an easy way to connect this to Saving Private Ryan? And, most importantly, what does Benghazi have to do with this movie? The truth is out there! In this episode of the show! Listen now.
With the holidays right around the corner, Josh and Gabe couldn't think of a better way to bring on another Thanksgiving by starting early, and going back. Way back. Further than that. No, not quite that far, just--yes, that's it. Right there, to the beginning of the period when Pilgrims attempted to coexist peacefully with Native Americans. At least, in film form, and from Walt Disney Pictures. On this episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, we're talking about Squanto: A Warrior's Tale, the 1994 film that asks the age-old question, "What would Mandy Patinkin look like if he had a bald spot on his head?" There's plenty of debate over whether or not the lead character's anguish or the Native Americans' plight is dramatized or not. And, once more, the demons of Skype strike again--noise issues plague us once more, but not next week. Promise! Now go listen to the show!
The walls are closing in on you. There's a mysterious creaking sound from the door to the spooky basement you never like to visit. You're in a room with no doors or windows. Yes, that's right, you're trapped. Welcome, foolish mortals, to a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, where Josh and Gabe are in a spooky mood as they talk about the 2003 comedy The Haunted Mansion, based on the famous theme-park attraction. Getting in on the fun is International Business Times writer Monica Castillo. How terrifying will this episode get? Is there anything scarier on this episode than the prospect of watching the Eddie Murphy comedy? Is it possible that prankish spirits got in on the fun by mucking up the sound of the conversation with spooky background noise? (That one's a definite yes, so consider yourself warned.) Check out the show now, and find out what terrors lie in store!
We're on the move this week, friends, and we're headed to a mysterious place full of wild and inexplicable happenings. (No, Burning Man was earlier this summer.) That's right, we're headed to Witch Mountain. Specifically, Josh and Gabe are watching and discussing the 1975 film Escape to Witch Mountain on this week's episode of Mousterpiece Cinema. And they're joined by friend of the show Eric Goldman of IGN to talk about this very odd, languorously paced chase film from the director of a grindhouse classic. (Yes, it's a Disney movie.) Is this too cheesy to work? Does the film hold up after 40 years? We're telepathically communicating the answers to you, but if that doesn't work, just listen to the episode!
Grab as many glasses of water as you can, a baseball bat, and your inhaler, because it's time for a very special, spook-tacular episode of Mousterpiece Cinema. (What? If Starbucks can start the Pumpkin Spice Latte in September, we can start our October theme now too.) Gabe and Josh are headed to the cornfield this week to talk about yet another film from writer-producer-director M. Night Shyamalan, the 2002 sci-fi drama Signs, starring everyone's favorite person, Mel Gibson. Plus a young, pre-beard Joaquin Phoenix! Ah, they were simpler times, the early 2000s. Joining Gabe and Josh again is longtime friend of the show and five-time guest Alexander Huls. Is Signs M. Night Shyamalan's best film? His worst? Does it portend of bad things to come? And will Josh make good on his promise from last week and sing in this episode? All...signs point to yes (sorry)! Check out the show now!
Keep a weather eye open, friends. It sounds like thunder is approaching. And you know what comes after thunder, don't you? That would be...lightning! Ka-chow! And also dad-gum! Yes, the day is finally here. We're sure you've been waiting with bated breath and/or on tenterhooks for this one: Gabe and Josh are going to talk about the Pixar film Cars. They're not alone this week, either, as friend of the show Griffin Newman joins them to talk about all things vehicular. Does Cars get a bad rap? Is it better than its reputation? Does it deserve to be the basis for its own theme-park land? Or is it pretentious to dislike this movie? All these questions and a few references to a certain fan theory await you. Now get in your car, take a slow drive, and check out the show!
Gabe and Josh are feeling lighthearted and laid-back today, so what better film to discuss on Mousterpiece Cinema than the 1947 package film Fun and Fancy Free? Your hosts tackle the two short films, about a circus bear in nature and Mickey and friends facing off against a giant, respectively, as best they can. But package film discussions almost always come with a tangent or two, and the duo don't disappoint this week. Is this one of Disney's most forgettable package films? Is Kermit the Frog a two-timing cad for leaving Miss Piggy? And what more can Josh say about his surprisingly popular essay on fan theories? Find out now!
Happy Labor Day, everyone! While you take a load off on this holiday, Josh and Gabe have been hard at work on a new bonus episode of Mousterpiece Cinema. As they pause their exploration of the Lucasfilm canon, Josh and Gabe turn their eye to some of the early Marvel Cinematic Universe movies they didn't cover on the regular show, specifically the Iron Man movies. Yes, it's time to take a look at the story of one Tony Stark, AKA Robert Downey, Jr., along with his friends Pepper Potts and Col. James Rhodes. Now that we've had more than a couple handfuls of MCU movies, do Josh and Gabe enjoy the exploits of Iron Man? Has he really learned anything or is he still an arrogant jackass? And is Iron Man 3 the best MCU movie to date? Find out in this bonus show right now!
The crack of the bat, the smell of freshly mown grass, the sound of an umpire calling a strike on a pitch that is so far outside, how could that be a strike, you bum? HOW? Oh, sorry, just got into the heat of the moment, because it's the tail end of a very good baseball season for Josh and Gabe's teams of choice. (At least, for now.) So what better way to start off a new September on Mousterpiece Cinema than by talking about a Disney baseball movie? Yes, it's time to talk about the 2002 based-on-a-true-story sports film The Rookie. (No, not the one starring Charlie Sheen.) With Dennis Quaid at the helm, as a high school teacher whose long-dormant throwing power as a pitcher turns out to get him a tryout with an MLB team, The Rookie has at least one foot in the right direction, but does it avoid the pitfalls of the sports drama? Does Rachel Griffiths get more to do than just be the henpecking wife? And will the Mets win the game that happened during this recording? Find out now!
As we fight off the summer blues, it's time for another episode of Mousterpiece Cinema! And what better way to fight off the blues than by taking to the air? This week, Josh and Gabe tackle yet another film from the Studio Ghibli filmography, Hayao Miyazaki's Porco Rosso. You know the film, right? It's the one about the Italian World War I flying ace who has the face of a pig and gets himself in a ton of trouble with a dashing and arrogant American flyer. Josh and Gabe don't come to blows like these two characters, but they have a nice debate over whether the film's a comedy or drama (or neither), and whether Michael Keaton's style of acting meant each of his performances were immensely similar. Strap in and get ready for a new podcast now!
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, welcome one and all to Mousterpiece Cinema! This blog and podcast are all about analyzing the Disney movies of the past, present, and future. I'm your host and guide, Josh, and for this inaugural episode, I'll take a look at Disney-Pixar's latest film, Cars 2. If you're concerned that this show will be a constant Disney lovefest, this episode will allay your fears. But if you're a Disney fanatic, don't fear--I love the Mouse and always have!
Hey, friends! It's time to play the glad game on this week's episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, as Gabe and Josh harken back to a simpler time in America. It's a time when kids could climb trees without a worry in the world, when the entire town attended a local bazaar, and when grouchy old men taught people about what prisms were. Yes, it's time to review the 1960 film Pollyanna, starring Hayley Mills, Jane Wyman, and Karl Malden, among others. Were Gabe and Josh won over by the boundless optimism of this film and its title character? Or were they left as cold as mean old Mr. Pendergast? This is a super-packed episode, with impersonations of Elvis and Kirk Douglas as well as Gabe recounting his experience at last weekend's D23 Expo. Check it out!
Freeze, flatfoot! That's right, we're talkin' to you, ya stick in the mud. C'mere. Yeah, c'mere. We got a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema here, right here for the taking. Yeah, sure, it's free. 'Course it's free! Ain't no coppers here to stop you from taking it. OK, fine, enough of the goofy talk, but we do have a new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema for your edification and entertainment. This time, Josh and Gabe are in the big city, facing down some of the biggest criminals as they discuss the 1990 comic-book adaptation of Dick Tracy. Warren Beatty! Al Pacino! Madonna! Mandy Patinkin! Dick Van Dyke! And more! Josh and Gabe are joined by the managing editor of Indiewire, Kate Erbland, to talk about Dick Tracy as well as its continued legacy. Will there be a new one? Will Warren Beatty wear the fedora and trenchcoat again? Did he...already? On TV? In a special filmed by Academy Award winner Emmanuel Lubezki? He...well, just listen to find out!
Have you ever watched The Little Mermaid and thought to yourself, "Yeah, but what if the stern, taskmaster parent was Ariel, and the rebellious kid was her daughter? I'd like to see that movie!" No? Too bad! Because it absolutely exists, and it's this week's movie on Mousterpiece Cinema. Gabe and Josh are headed back to the ocean blue to talk about The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea, featuring all of your favorite characters: Ariel! Sebastian! Flounder! Scuttle! Morgana! Oh, you know who Morgana is: she's Ursula's crazy sister! If none of this sounds palatable to you, how about special guest Alan Scherstuhl of The Village Voice? (We should hope so.) Get ready for a wild, strange episode that invokes everything from Milhouse van Houten to Sarah Palin. (Really.) Check it out!
This week on Mousterpiece Cinema, Josh and Gabe are going back. Way back. Further than they've gone before. Yes, further than you're thinking. They're going all the way back to the Cretaceous period to talk about the 2000 animated film Dinosaur. This hybrid of live-action and computer animation was notable upon its release in the summer of 2000, but has it held up after 15 years? Do people remember this film? Do they remember "Evening Shade"? You know "Evening Shade," right? The CBS sitcom with Burt Reynolds and Ossie Davis? Ossie Davis, from "Dinosaur"? Yes, if that wasn't clear, here's a fair warning: there are tangents aplenty in this one, mostly dinosaur-related. Plus Gabe sings. Unprompted! It's a wild one, so get ready and check it out!
Hey, friends! This week's podcast is a little smaller than usual, so you may need to keep a sharp eye out for it. Actually, this podcast is extremely small, as small as an...insect of some kind. Maybe a bee? Yes, this episode of Mousterpiece Cinema is all about the newest entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Ant-Man. That's right, Josh and Gabe are all about Ant-Man this week, and they're joined by friend of the show Jacob Hall of Screen Crush to debate whether or not this movie is a fitting capper to Phase Two of the MCU, and if Paul Rudd is the right kind of charming to play an ex-con-turned-superhero, and why the movie has a final scene lifted straight from Mac and Me. Do the post-credits scenes work? Is it enough for a superhero movie to pay lip service to a female superhero without having one? Will Gabe drown us all in puns? Find out now!
You better be listening to this episode while taking part in a solid workout, buster. Feel the burn! Push yourself! Etc.! Sorry, we're just in a very exercise-friendly mood after discussing the 1995 comedy Heavyweights on this week's episode of Mousterpiece Cinema. Gabe and Josh didn't have to go back to fat camp to prepare for this podcast, thankfully, but they did get to have a flashback to the time when Ben Stiller wasn't on top of the world of film. And they're joined in their discussion by Rob Hunter of Film School Rejects, ready to debate the important topics: is Heavyweights the best of the Disney live-action output of the 1990s? Is this an early case of co-writer Judd Apatow (yes, really, Judd Apatow) making a script too long even with a 100-minute runtime? And which host does voices this week? Find out now!
Mousterpiece Cinema. Forbidding. Aloof. Terrifying. The podcast with the biggest goofballs in the world. OK, we are referencing a classic Monty Python sketch with this opening, but for the movie of the week, it makes sense. Today, Josh and Gabe are scaling new heights as they discuss the 1959 film Third Man on the Mountain. And, as Josh warned his co-host, he is full of dumb, dumb jokes this week, as well as a few impressions. (One of those impressions is inadvertently yet exquisitely timed to the recent revival of the Bill Cosby scandal! Seriously!) Did this live-action film about mountain climbing in Switzerland thaw your hosts' hearts, or were they left cold? Or, did they stay neutral like the country in which the film is set? Or, are they too busy dancing to zither music to care? Find out now!
Grab the nearest can of spinach, friends, and get ready for this week's (sound-issue-free) episode of Mousterpiece Cinema! On this episode, Josh and Gabe are headed to the lakeside village of Sweethaven to tangle with Wimpy, the Oyl family, Bluto, and everyone's favorite sailor man, Popeye, in discussing the 1980 film Popeye, starring the late Robin Williams as the title character. And, of course, this one's directed by...the auteur Robert Altman? Yes, really, the same man behind Nashville and McCabe and Mrs. Miller directed this film, just as Robert Evans produced it. Did Josh and Gabe talk about Altman's career on this episode? You bet your ass they did. (Promise: no Robert Evans impressions on the podcast itself.) Are Josh and Gabe fans of this quirky family film, or did they find themselves unable to get on its wavelength? Short answer: they yam what they yam. Long answer: listen to find out!
Friends, with this week's episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, we have good news and bad news. The good news is that Josh and Gabe are joined by longtime friend of the show and Forbes.com film critic Scott Mendelson to talk about the latest film from Pixar Animation Studios, "Inside Out." What's more, all three of your hosts loved the film with pretty much no reservation. Unfortunately, the bad news--and it is actual bad news, not just a joke--is that the audio quality on this week's show is going to be...well, a roller-coaster ride. Due to some technical difficulties on Josh's recording, the audio on his and Scott's side of the conversation is going to be...iffy. (You may wonder if they've fallen down a well. They did not! But...yeah.) So, we encourage you to check out the show! And we warn you in advance. So...enjoy! Maybe! And sorry!
Friends, we're heading to the farm this week on Mousterpiece Cinema. Sure, you know the one, don't you? That farm where your favorite dog or cat got sent to after it was sick when you were a kid. They could run and jump and play and be happy without a care in the world at that darn farm. See, that's where all of our dogs and cats and other pets have to go when...well, when things get a bit rough. And things are getting a bit rough this week, as Gabe and Josh talk about one of the most memorable Disney movies of all time, Old Yeller. You know how Old Yeller ends, of course, and you don't even need to have seen the film. In fact, it's possible that this movie is mostly just known for its tragic ending, not the story around it. Maybe that's a good thing? Maybe Gabe and Josh didn't cry at this film? Maybe we're Ron Burgundy? (That last one may just be a teleprompter error.) Anyway, grab a box of tissues, your favorite pet, and listen to the new show!
We did it, friends! This week, we reach a podcasting plateau--200 episodes! Why, barely any other podcast has ever hit that peak before! (Don't verify our math.) And what better way to celebrate the 200th episode of Mousterpiece Cinema than with a direct-to-DVD sequel? Yes, really, thanks to issues of timing and ripping the band-aid off once and for all, Josh and Gabe are facing off with the DisneyToon Studios canon once more as they discuss the 2004 DTV release The Lion King 1 1/2. And guess what? Of all things, this one's a debate! Yes, it's true, one of your hosts didn't outright loathe this story about the budding bromance between Simba's friends Timon and Pumbaa; as they say on the Interwebs, the Answer Might Surprise You. Plus, a spirited revival of the old plea to Disney to release their old material on Blu-ray and on streaming turns into a great idea for a heist film. No fooling! Now, go listen to the show and celebrate in style!
This week on Mousterpiece Cinema, we're singing loud and proud! Or, Josh is singing loud and proud, and Gabe is trying not to cower in embarrassment at his co-host's voice. But you can't really blame Josh for feeling musical on this episode, seeing as the film up for discussion is the 1996 adaptation of the famous Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice musical Evita. Finally, Josh has a reason to playfully mock Madonna to superfan Gabe! But you might be surprised at how much of this discussion revolves less around music, or Madonna and co-star Antonio Banderas, or even director Alan Parker; instead, it's all about the debate between ambiguity and vagueness, between complexity and laziness, and where Evita fits. Arguments ahead, so get to listening to see which side you're on!
This week on Mousterpiece Cinema, we're going to the future! Or an alternate dimension! Or another planet! Or...listen, we're just going to where the jet packs are, OK? On this episode, Josh and Gabe talk about Disney's big-budget blockbuster epic from director and co-writer Brad Bird called Tomorrowland. And they're joined by friend of the show Eric Goldman of IGN TV to discuss the important questions, such as: do you remember that CBS show "Swingtown"? You know, the one about swingers in the 1970s? It matters more than you might think to this discussion! Plus, the trio will also debate if this movie, with its George Clooney-centric kinda/sorta love story, is creepy, if its message surpasses the quality of the film, and what the hell Judy Greer's even doing in this movie for all of one second. No unique pins required--just check out the new show!
To quote a line from Rainier Wolfcastle's McBain (two weeks in a row referencing that character!), this episode of Mousterpiece Cinema is Josh and Gabe: Let's Get Silly. In discussing the final monkey-themed movie of the year (for now), Josh and Gabe got very weird in this episode of the podcast. But you can't blame them for indulging in French accents, laughing fits, and more, because Monkeys, Go Home! is a very, very weird movie. Or it's a bad movie. Or it's so bad, it's good. WHICH IS IT? Find out now!
For this week's episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, we're requiring all listeners to get their space gear in check, test their oxygen tanks, and prepare for a trip beyond Earth, beyond space, and maybe even beyond our solar system! But in case you're not ready for space travel just yet, you can still listen to the episode. This week, Josh and Gabe dig into another of the two-disc Walt Disney Treasures DVD sets, specifically the Tomorrow Land set, focusing on the way our 1950s society portrayed the future of space travel and science. Are Josh and Gabe able to embrace the optimistic futurism of this set or do they find it too quaint and dated? In short, are they ready to travel up (and at them/atom)? Or do they want to ponder their place in the dirt instead? Find out now!
It's time to assemble your team, friends, because this week, Gabe and Josh are facing off against a terrifying prospect, something more fearsome than what they've faced before: another big-budget superhero movie. Yes, of course, like everyone else in the Western world, we're discussing Avengers: Age of Ultron today. Gabe and Josh are joined in this titanic quest by friend of the show Tim Grierson, author of Public Enemy: Inside the Terrordome. The trio answer some important questions this week: is superhero-movie fatigue real? Does this movie improve on the 2012 Joss Whedon film? Are the female characters multi-dimensional and complex, or are they closer to a certain s-word Jeremy Renner's been using lately? And how is Ant-Man like Cars 2? Find out on the new show!
May the Third be with you! No, wait, hang on, that's not right. May the Fifth be with you! Hmm...still sounds funky. Oh, right, May the Fourth be with you! And what better way to celebrate this day than a two-hour discussion of the trilogy that started it all? There is no better way, trust us. Yes, for this bonus episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, Josh and Gabe spend entirely too much time talking about Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi. Plus, because of our recording date, Gabe and Josh are able to dredge up the debate they tabled in the last bonus show: are they excited for The Force Awakens? Did the new teaser rouse them with interest or bore them? Or is it just Gabe who's a Debbie Downer? And, of course, what of the original trilogy? Did George Lucas make good films or did he just fool our childhood selves? And will there be cursing? (Yes. Earmuffs, children.) Fuzzballs, get ready to laugh it up--and listen!
Hey, bros! Get ready for a full-on Brodown Hoedown on this week's Bro-sterpiece--OK, fine, Mousterpiece Cinema. This week, your top bros Josh and Gabe are getting ready to go back to college to talk about the important things about higher learning: beer, football, frat parties, and--and--AND TWINS! Maybe we're exaggerating a wee bit, but boy oh boy, does this week's movie, the 1965 film The Monkey's Uncle, feel super bro-y and misogynistic. It's so hard to avoid that Josh and Gabe go deep on this one, musing on the conservative streak in old-school Disney films, the way Walt Disney and his executives treated lead actor Tommy Kirk after his homosexuality became a flashpoint of controversy, and whether NCAA football players should be paid. Plus, Gabe brings back his Serial-esque cold-case podcast! And a bit of swearing! And Josh does a Beach Boys impression! No more talk--get to listening!
In the face of the brand-new Disneynature documentary Monkey Kingdom, here's a painful admission: I hate every ape I see, from Chimpan-A to Chimpan-Z. No, you'll never make a monkey out of me. OK, fine, this may not be that specifically related to Planet of the Apes (the movie, not the planet), or any musicals about said environment, but can you resist a good Simpsons reference. Neither can we! Anyway, on this week's episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, Josh and Gabe go up against this new, Tina Fey-narrated nature film, along with their guest, Genevieve Koski of The Dissolve. Does Monkey Kingdom play fast and loose with the facts? Is it unethical to have monkeys destroy a child's birthday party? Basically, is it actually about ethics in documentary journalism? You'll have to listen to find out!
On today's episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, we're making specific and loud declarations. Such as "I DON'T WANT YOUR LIFE." Yes, that's right, you're going to get to hear Josh's impression of James van der Beek in the true classic Varsity Blues. Why, you may ask? Well, this week's movie is the Hayao Miyazaki film Castle in the Sky! (van der Beek provides a voice in the English dub, of course. But you knew that.) One of your hosts, in fact, loves the movie so much that it might be their favorite Studio Ghibli film overall. And the other host...well, he DON'T WANT YOUR LIFE. (That might spoil which of us loved the movie more.) Take a listen for more Ghibli/Dawson-cry-face talk!
The smell of the grass, the sound of a ball being hit by a wooden bat, the cries of "Get your popcorn and Cracker Jack!," and, of course, the unavoidable use of steroids. Yes, that's right, friends, it's baseball season once again! And this week, to celebrate the return of their beloved Mets and Pirates, Josh and Gabe step into the batter's box with one of Disney's modern baseball movies, the 1994 remake of Angels in the Outfield. (If only the Mets or Pirates made appearances in this one!) It's been over 20 years since this film came out, and many of its performers have gone on to massive careers, from child lead Joseph Gordon-Levitt to supporting players Matthew McConaughey and Adrian Brody. But does the movie hold up as more than a curio of expert casting? Do Josh and Gabe believe after revisiting this somewhat religiously-themed film? And how the hell did Gabe not hear about the Netflix revival of Full House yet? Find out now!
Thanks to a unique case of electromagnetism (or some such), we've been gifted temporarily with the ability to read your thoughts, friend. And so we promise, this episode is completely April Fools Day prank-free. Pinky swear! Unfortunately, in some ways, Gabe and Josh got pranked this week by their choice of film, the 1964 comedy The Misadventures of Merlin Jones, which is all about a nerdy college kid being able to read people's thoughts! Until...he can't. Yes, this movie is surprising, but in a lot of the wrong ways. Even more so, Gabe's presumption that this movie would be monkey-heavy may have been equally misguided! What mysteries await? What happened in this movie that bothered Gabe so much that he cracked open his Sherlock Holmes costume to solve a cold case? Find out in the new show!
It's bear-ly spring, friends, but for some of us, the weather has become truly unbearable! Oh, come on, you're not really that surprised that it took bear-ly two words for some choice bear puns in this podcast description, are you? And why would you be, with our film of the week, The Country Bears from 2002? Yes, Mousterpiece Cinema has gone for the easy pun this week, as Josh and Gabe are joined by return guest Mark Pfeiffer to talk about all things Country Bears, from the famous Jamboree at Walt Disney World to Don Henley. (Yes, that Don Henley.) Does Mark still appreciate this oddball film as much as he did originally? Was Josh able to resist bear puns, or did he stand above his co-host? And what opinion of Josh's is likely to infuriate a subset of fans? Listen to find out!
Make sure you're dressed to the nines, dear listeners, because we've got quite the high-class tale to talk about on this week's episode of Mousterpiece Cinema. Did you ever see the film about the beautiful, kind, and silently suffering young woman who, with the help of a fairy godmother, falls in love with a handsome prince and gets to go to a fancy royal ball in a pumpkin-cum-coach? No, silly, we don't mean the 1950 animated film Cinderella; we mean the all-new, live-action Disney film Cinderella, from director Kenneth Branagh! Yes, the 2015 remake is on the docket today, and Josh and Gabe are joined by friend of the show Tasha Robinson of The Dissolve to talk about saying yes to the dress (and goodbye to swallowing food), how Robb Stark looks like Michael Fassbender clean-shaven, talking mice, and the gloriousness of Cate Blanchett. But did they like the new Cinderella? Did it prove its worth as more than a brand deposit? Or is this just another sign of the poor quality of live-action reboots? Put on both of your shiny glass slippers and find out now!
OK, friends, sit up straight. Backs up. Instruments high. And a-two, and a-three, and a-...OK, fine, no actual performing required today, but we are in a musical mood thanks to the movie of the week on Mousterpiece Cinema: Mr. Holland's Opus, starring Richard Dreyfuss as a music teacher in Oregon trying to improve the lives of his students over a three-decade period through an appreciation of the Terpsichorean muse. But is his Glenn Holland actually a good and/or inspirational teacher? Or just kind of a self-involved jackass? The answer isn't quite so simple, as Gabe and Josh are joined by Kyle Turner of The Balcony to debate the lead character and the film he occupies. Is it more than dramatic irony to have his son be deaf? Is Holland's off-key performance of "Beautiful Boy" sweet or painful? And how skeevy is the subplot about a student of his harboring a crush on him? Answers to these and more lie within. Check it out!
We'd like to tell you that this week's episode of Mousterpiece Cinema is short in keeping with the tone and scope of our topic of discussion, but does "short" sound like it fits with our podcast? Of course not. That aside, Gabe and Josh tackle the second volume of Pixar shorts this week, covering everything from Your Friend The Rat to Time Travel Mater, because...well, someone has to, right? There's only six years' worth of shorts to cover, and only four wholly original ones; is this volume nearly as exciting and entertaining, if not revealing, as the first? Are there hidden gems within this group? Or are there too many franchise extensions? And will Gabe get yet another chance to reveal his general distaste for dogs/his inability to feel joy and love? Listen to find out!
Grab your cloaks and lightsabers, folks, because the Force is strong with this special bonus episode of Mousterpiece Cinema. After months of waiting and hoping and plugging our Facebook page, we've finally reached the point where we can talk about--yes, really--all three Star Wars prequels! The Phantom Menace! Attack of the Clones! Revenge of the Shi--Sith! Yes, Josh and Gabe talk about all three of them on this supersized episode of the podcast. Plus, Gabe reveals his so-called "dark secret" about the future of the franchise, and Josh unveils two different impersonations! As you can tell, things get kind of silly, almost from the get-go, but there's only one person to blame for that: George Lucas! Why, he's so bad he might even have nefarious designs on Gabe! Find out what that could mean by listening to the new show!
The best way to listen to this episode of Mousterpiece Cinema is to do so while running, so get thee to a treadmill, listener. This week, Josh and Gabe are racing to the finish line to debate the new based-on-a-true-story Disney sports drama, McFarland, U-S-A! U-S-A! U-S..sorry about that. They're joined in this intrepid endeavor by Alan Scherstuhl of The Village Voice. Who better than three white dudes to talk about the latest White Savior movie? (Starring Kevin Costner, because of course it is!) And there's no skimping on the tangential references this week either, as everything from Batman's origin to porkpie hats to Cape Fear is up for grabs. So head on over to the local taqueria, try NOT to order a burger while you're there, then start jogging home with this episode as your soundtrack!
It's time for an episode of Mousterpiece Cinema that's 25 years in the making! That's right: this week, Josh and Gabe are going back to the beginning...of DisneyToon Studios, at least, as they review the 1990 film DuckTales The Movie: Treasure of the Lost Lamp. They're joined by past guest Andrew Daar to talk all things DuckTales (woo-oo!), but also the film's not-so-shocking similarities to Disney's future adaptation of Aladdin as well as how famed comedian Rip Taylor might, in this film, be closer to half-Joe Camel and a third-Fonzarelli in playing a particularly...loud genie. (Yes, Poochie will be invoked a lot this week. A LOT.) Does DuckTales The Movie hold up after a quarter-century? Is there still quality to be mined from the original Scrooge McDuck stories? And will one of us sing this week? Find out now!
Ladies and gentlemen, we are almost there! Actually, for longtime listeners, scratch that, we ARE there--we're finally able to talk about the 2009 film The Princess and the Frog on today's episode of Mousterpiece Cinema. If you're new to the show, you might not know, but Josh has long hinted at being a big fan of this hand-drawn animated story of a young African-American woman who kisses a frog only to turn into one herself in 1920s-era New Orleans. After all that build-up, he's able to go on and on about how much he loves this film; he loves it so much, he sings once again! (Not a song from this movie. Not a song from any Disney movie, actually.) Is Gabe on board the love train this week? Or does Josh have to invoke the infamous disapproving-dog meme to respond to his co-host? And will Gabe impersonate Tom Waits, for once and for all? Find out now!
This week on Mousterpiece Cinema, Josh and Gabe are getting ready for a trip all the way to London, circa 1940. It's the Age of Not Believing, but they've got open minds, or they're trying to. Yes, it's time for us to have some fun with Bedknobs and Broomsticks, the 1971 film starring Angela Lansbury and David Tomlinson that may owe a debt or two or twelve to Mary Poppins, from its Sherman Brothers songs to its animated sequence to everything in between. Is this movie nothing more than a knockoff, or does it have hidden charms beneath all the tomfoolery? Are we in...a tight spot? (And what does a Coen Brothers reference have to do with this film?) Find out today!
Wise men say only fools rush in. But I gotta feelin' that tonight's gonna be a good night. So come on, Marianne! OK, enough singing (for now). Time to get down to business, and on this week's episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, business equals talking about the brand-new film from the Walt Disney Company. Yes, they just released a new animated film! From George Lucas! It's got tons of songs! You may have skipped out on Strange Magic, but Josh and Gabe can definitely attest to the fact that it exists, because they both paid to see it. And so did their guest, friend of the show Keith Phipps of The Dissolve. And now, they're here to commiserate over the film, which is unique! (Uniquely bad, that is.) From the current state of computer animation to the novels of James Ellroy to Beyonce's recent surprise album, everything--really--is up for discussion this week, as these three try to wash the taste of Strange Magic away. The movie might've been a pain, but this episode's (thankfully) not. Check it out!
Avast, buckoes! It's time for Mousterpiece Cinema to start plundering some booty on this week's episode, but we're not going to be traveling for some island in the middle of the sea. Instead, we're heading for outer...space! (No more Inside Llewyn Davis references, sorry.) Josh and Gabe are traveling straight to Treasure Planet this week, discussing the 2002 effort from John Musker and Ron Clements, the same men who directed Aladdin and The Little Mermaid. But they also directed this film, arguably the biggest flop in Walt Disney Animation Studios history. What happened? Was this film worthy of such an unfortunate plight? Is it better than people might assume? And, in the words of The Goo Goo Dolls' John Rzeznik, "can you help me be a man?" CAN YOU? First step: listen to the new episode!
Are you feeling flighty today? Perhaps a bit witchy? Well, at the very least, if you're ready to have an open mind and a bit of interest, you're the perfect audience for today's episode of Mousterpiece Cinema. Josh and Gabe take flight with the Hayao Miyazaki film Kiki's Delivery Service, and they're joined by friend of the show Dan Schindel to talk about this 1989 story of a girl spending a year in the city and practicing the craft and trade of being a witch. With the recent Blu-ray release in mind, Josh, Gabe, and Dan talk about the "dubtitle" controversy plaguing Disney's Studio Ghibli home media, episodic filmmaking, the beauty of Miyazaki's animation, and Phil Hartman. (We know. You're sad now. So are we. Sorry.) Get your broomsticks ready and check out the new show!
Happy New Year, folks! We're kicking things off at Mousterpiece Cinema right in 2015, with a film from the master himself, James Cameron. (Please, call him Jim.) Following up on our discussion of Ghosts of the Abyss last year, Gabe and Josh are going down below once more with the 2005 documentary Aliens of the Deep, in which Cameron explores the sea life burrowing miles below the surface of the planet. And, as anyone who's a longtime listener may know, this episode is a fine excuse for the dynamic duo to debate the legacy of James Cameron, as well as the future of the Avatar series. Does Aliens of the Deep hold the key to why Jim Cameron is so obsessed with the world of Pandora? Is Gabe one of those diehards who got so depressed that Pandora wasn't a real place? Should this movie have been longer? Shorter? So many questions and so little time to answer them! Find out on the new show!
As we say goodbye to 2014, friends, it's time to venture into the world of musicals on Mousterpiece Cinema once more. In fact, you might say Josh and Gabe are headed into the woods/it's time to go/we hate to leave/ we have to, though/Into the woods/it's time to go/we must begin/our journey. Whoa, sorry about that. Sondheim shows have this effect on the podcast. Seriously, though, for their last show of 2014, Josh and Gabe tackle Into the Woods, the long-awaited adaptation of Stephen Sondheim's fairy-tale musical, starring Meryl Streep, Anna Kendrick, and--because he is contractually obligated to appear in Disney movies once a year or something--Johnny Depp. Joining them is longtime friend of the show Chris Dole; does this trio embrace Rob Marshall's take on the material? Are they fans of soon-to-be CBS late-night host James Corden? Does it help matters that Marshall is from Pittsburgh? You'll have to go into the woods and listen to find out! (Then out of the woods, and home before dark.)
With but one shopping day until Christmas, it's time for Josh and Gabe to open up their own gifts on this new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, as they travel back in time to the era when the Walt Disney Company was merely the Walt Disney Studios, back when live-action and animation didn't co-exist nearly as freely as they do today. On this new episode of the show, Josh and Gabe are joined by Noel Murray of The Dissolve to talk about The Reluctant Dragon, the 1941 hybrid of live-action and animation, of fiction and documentary, wherein Robert Benchley walks around the Disney studios to see how the animation process is completed, from sound effects to storyboards all the way to the finished product. Is this more than just a quaint relic? Is it a compelling look into the past? Is Robert Benchley annoying or hilarious? Or both? You can only find out by listening to the new show! (A warning/apology: due to issues on Josh's side of the recording, there is an echo that persists throughout the episode. It will sound like Josh is cutting in on either Noel or Gabe at various points, but he wasn't. Just a nasty echo/delay issue. Again, apologies!)
Are you feeling brainy? We hope so, because matters of the mind are on tap for this week's episode of Mousterpiece Cinema. Josh and Gabe are ready to tackle the 1999 adaptation of the 1980s cartoon Inspector Gadget, starring Matthew Broderick and Rupert Everett as our intrepid hero and his nefarious nemesis Dr. Claw, respectively. And it turns out that their memories of the live-action take have held up pretty much entirely--which isn't a good thing. Everything under the sun comes up on this week's show, from Smash Mouth to Anthony Perkins to old American Express ads to...Playboy. Yes. Really. (Or, one might say, "Wowsers.") How do all of these things connect to Inspector Gadget? Go-go-download/listen to find out!
Hey, folks! We hope you've been preparing all of your extracurricular activities, from fencing to beekeeping to everything in between, because this week, we're going back to prep school. More specifically, Josh and Gabe are headed to Rushmore, the 1998 film from writer-director Wes Anderson, starring Jason Schwartzman, Olivia Williams and Garfield himself, Bill Murray. They're joined by return guest Dana Stevens of Slate.com to discuss the Anderson filmography, his signature aesthetic choices, the careers of this film's two leading men, and whether or not Rushmore was Anderson's first sign of greatness, or his only sign of greatness. Yes, it's not a huge love-in today, but there's plenty of spirited debate to listen to, so check it out!
With the holidays right around the corner, we hope you're in a musical mood this week, because that's ostensibly the theme of the new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema. Josh and Gabe get in rhythm to talk about the 1946 package film Make Mine Music, which offers the viewer everything from Benny Goodman to opera to the Andrews Sisters. So, y'know, it's something for everyone. But is this package film any good? Does it hold up as a whole or are there merely parts that end up succeeding? Your hosts go all over the map this week, just like the movie in question, talking about everything from the new Star Wars trailer to the recent announcement that Disney is teaming up with Turner Classic Movies for programming and theme-park updates. So get in tune and start listening to the show!
Happy early Thanksgiving, folks. On this week's episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, we're thankfully not talking about a cinematic turkey; we;re going back to school with the 1989 film Dead Poets Society, starring the late Robin Williams. Gabe and Josh are joined by friend of the show, big-boy-who-was-once-a-little-boy, and Flavorwire film editor Jason Bailey to talk about Peter Weir, date-rape scenarios, Woody Allen and, obviously, the 1998 film Holy Man. (It all makes sense, we promise.) Is Dead Poets Society still a classic inspirational film? Is it secretly the cause of the eroding educational system in the U.S.? We decide for good on the new show, so check it out!
We hope you're bursting with confidence this week, listeners. You should be brimming with courage and energy and flexibility! In short, you better be feeling incredible because that's the tone of this week's Mousterpiece Cinema, wherein Josh and Gabe talk about the 2004 Pixar film The Incredibles. They're joined by comedian and actor Griffin Newman to discuss Brad Bird's debut at the Emeryville, California animation studio, a fast-paced superhero movie featuring the likes of Samuel L. Jackson and every child's favorite actor, Wallace Shawn. (You know kids love My Dinner with Andre.) There's lots to discuss this week, from Ayn Rand to Breaking Bad all the way to the recently announced Toy Story 4. If you're feeling...flexible to such tangents, then start listening!
This week on Mousterpiece Cinema, Josh and Gabe are suiting up with their best scientific superpowers to fight head-on about the new film from Walt Disney Animation Studios, Big Hero 6. This collaboration between Disney and Marvel (though the latter's involvement is fairly hidden to the regular viewer) may be garnering general acclaim from audiences and critics, but we are divided on today's show. Josh and Gabe are joined by John Gholson of Movies.com, Gutters and Panels, and the Giant Size podcast, and you might be surprised to find out which way he leans. (And, for that matter, where Josh and Gabe land on the film.) Is this film too derivative of other animated films and TV shows? Does its deliberate mixing of Asian and American cultural landmarks work in its favor? And should we rename this podcast to My Life as a Dog: The Gabe Bucsko Story? Find out in today's new show!
Today at Mousterpiece Cinema HQ, there's singing, laughing, and references to movies as disparate as Arbitrage, Mrs. Doubtfire, and Top Gun, which can only mean one thing: it's time for another freewheeling discussion of a Disney direct-to-video sequel. This time, Gabe and Josh are talking about what they consider to be the best of a meager bunch, Aladdin and the King of Thieves. And how could anything go that badly anyway with the return of Robin Williams as the Genie? Or was the true victory simply that Williams returned to voice the character, instead of giving the film a new lease on life? Is this really an improvement on The Return of Jafar? And, seriously, what the hell does Top Gun have to do with any of this? Find out if Gabe has lost that lovin' feeling by checking out the new show!
We're closing out the month of October here at Mousterpiece Cinema with a truly terrifying cinematic experience, a film that could chill your bones and send your teeth shivering with fear. What film could it be? Why, it's the 2004 fairy tale Ella Enchanted, starring Anne Hathaway, Hugh Dancy, Eric Idle, Cary Elwes, Minnie Driver, and more! While it may not sound like a scary movie for you, two of the folks on this episode would disagree. Josh and Gabe are joined by longtime friend of the show Kate Kulzick of Sound on Sight and The AV Club to debate this riff on the story of a girl named Cinderella and her evil stepsisters and stepmother. So, which one of these three didn't hate Ella Enchanted? And which one sings during the show? (Hint: it's the same person who swears a few times, and by the way...earmuffs.) Only one way to find out: check out the new show!
Who's ready for some vine-swinging action, friends? (Not the six-second videos, please note.) Josh and Gabe are ready for some high-flying fun this week as they talk about the 1999 animated film Tarzan, the so-called end of the Disney Renaissance. Some may say that, but at least one person on today's podcast would disagree! Is it Josh or Gabe, or their guest Anthony Strand of ToughPigs.com? One of these three would place Tarzan as among Disney's best animated films, but the others...would take issue with that. Plenty of debate this week, as well as a tangent or four, and a couple different renditions of the infamous Tarzan yell. So prepare yourselves and your precious ears. Seriously. Now get to listening to the new episode!
We said hey, hey, hey, hey, hey...what's going on? What IS going on, friends? And what the hell does a 4 Non-Blondes song have to do with today's episode of Mousterpiece Cinema? Turns out more than you might think, as Josh and Gabe prepare to discuss Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, the new Disney live-action family film co-starring Steve Carell, Jennifer Garner, Megan Mullaly, Donald Glover, and...Dick Van Dyke. Yes. Really. There's a lot for Josh and Gabe to scratch their heads over, and they're joined in befuddlement by longtime friend of the show, Entertainment Weekly senior writer, and author of the new novel Brutal Youth Anthony Breznican. Would this film have been better if it was more mature? Did it need more penis talk? Are penises really that funny? (Please, don't be shy.) Somehow, all of this really will be resolved on this week's show, so check it out!
IMPORTANT UPDATE: A loyal listener of the show informed me (Josh) that a handful of old episodes--from when it was just me recording on my own, sans website or co-host--were missing from iTunes, so here's one of those, coming out of...let's say the Disney vault. Enjoy! Has it really been 30 years since Disney introduced us to Tod and Copper, a fox and hound who become unlikely pals? You bet, and Disney just released The Fox and the Hound to commemorate the anniversary. This week on Mousterpiece Cinema, Josh takes a look back at this unusual friendship. Was he charmed by Tod and Copper, as voiced by Mickey Rooney and Kurt Russell? (Really.) You may be surprised! Check out the show, and make sure to rate and review it on iTunes!
IMPORTANT UPDATE: A loyal listener of the show informed me (Josh) that a handful of old episodes--from when it was just me recording on my own, sans website or co-host--were missing from iTunes, so here's one of those, coming out of...let's say the Disney vault. Enjoy! Greetings, programs! It's time to get sucked into the world of computers and video games as, for this week's episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, Josh looks back at the 1982 action-adventure Tron. This was Josh's first time seeing the movie, so you may be surprised at what he thinks. Those 80s-era special effects may not be the biggest problem with the world of Tron, but you'll have to listen to this week's show to find out what Josh thought!
IMPORTANT UPDATE: A loyal listener of the show informed me (Josh) that a handful of old episodes--from when it was just me recording on my own, sans website or co-host--were missing from iTunes, so here's one of those, coming out of...let's say the Disney vault. Enjoy! It's been 20 years since Walt Disney Pictures released The Rocketeer ("The Rocke-Who?"), and Josh rediscovers it on this week's Mousterpiece Cinema! You'll have to listen to the show to find out his full opinion, of course, but it's a lovefest all around! Watching Cliff Secord don a rocket suit in the Los Angeles of 1938 was so much fun, Josh couldn't help but gush. Check out this week's show for more!
IMPORTANT UPDATE: A loyal listener of the show informed me (Josh) that a handful of old episodes--from when it was just me recording on my own, sans website or co-host--were missing from iTunes, so here's one of those, coming out of...let's say the Disney vault. Enjoy! This week, Josh takes a look at a whole new world of animation, from Japanese auteur Hayao Miyazaki from Studio Ghibli. Pixar honcho John Lasseter introduced Americans to Spirited Away in 2002; nearly ten years later, can Josh share Lasseter's enthusiasm? Does admiring something equal liking it? Is Miyazaki a modern successor to Walt Disney? Can river spirits be dragons? Find out on this week's Mousterpiece Cinema!
IMPORTANT UPDATE: A loyal listener of the show informed me (Josh) that a handful of old episodes--from when it was just me recording on my own, sans website or co-host--were missing from iTunes, so here's one of those, coming out of...let's say the Disney vault. Enjoy! This week, Josh takes his first look at one of the fabled Disney princess movies, 1950's Cinderella. Is he charmed by Cinderella's mice friends, Jaq and Gus? Did he tremble and quake at the villainous Lady Tremaine? Will his love for cats make him love Lucifer the big, black cat? You'll have to listen to this week's show to find out!
We hope you're carefully bundled up for this new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, because we wouldn't want any creepy-crawlies to make their way across your arm or foot or hand, skittering up your body before it's too late OH NO. Whew, false alarm. Anyway, eight-legged creepy-crawlies are the matter of the day on this week's show, as Gabe and Josh talk about the first film from Hollywood Pictures, 1990's Arachnophobia, starring Jeff Daniels, John Goodman, and a whole lot of spiders. There's plenty to talk about this week, though of course, your two hosts found their way into a discussion of all things Ernest P. Worrell and Ron Howard. (Not at the same time.) Is Arachnophobia a fittingly spooktacular film for the month of October? Is Jeff Daniels' laugh scarifying? The only way to find out is to face your fears and listen to the show!
Friends, it's that time of year again: time for some scarifying movie talk on Mousterpiece Cinema! Yes, it's Shock-tober, so you better boo-lieve that Josh and Gabe are back at it with some Halloween-appropriate movies. First up, it's M. Night Shyamalan's follow-up to his iconic ghost story The Sixth Sense, the 2000 thriller Unbreakable. (It's Bill Cosby's favorite film! Kind of! Not really! Josh will explain what that means.) And who else could talk about this film than our old friend Alexander Huls? He's back, and so's Gabe, who was willing to talk Shyamalan this time. It's another wide-ranging discussion, as everything from the Dardennes brothers to Werckmeister Harmonies to a delightfully profane Audible recommendation comes up this week. That's right: earmuffs, kids. Now, wrap yourself up tight so your bones don't break, and check out the new show!
Autumn may be upon us, but at Mousterpiece Cinema HQ, Gabe and Josh are still a bit hot under the collar. If you were satisfied with last week's heated debate of the career of cinematographer-turned-director Dean Cundey, then you are in for a treat with the new episode of the show. Your dynamic duo enter the world of direct-to-DVD sequels once again, but back in animation with The Return of Jafar, the Patient Zero of the Disney direct-to-DVD sequel. Is this return to the world of Aladdin not as bad as people presume it is? Is it worse? Does Gilbert Gottfried sing in this movie? And how heated must the discussion be if Josh wonders if it's time for a new co-host? (Don't worry, Gabe's job is safe. FOR NOW.) Get ready for a thrilla in...Agrabah, folks. Check out the new show now!
The summer's just about over, and one of our unintentional summer mini-series is about to come to close. This week on Mousterpiece Cinema, Josh and Gabe wade into the world of direct-to-video sequels once more, but with a twist: this one's a live-action DTV sequel. Yes, they're closing out the Rick Moranis-led trilogy of wacky sci-fi comedies about shrinking and enlargening people, with a discussion of Honey, We Shrunk Ourselves. (Don't you just hate it when that happens?) But seeing as the film was directed by the prolific cinematographer Dean Cundey, Josh and Gabe go on quite the tangent about his career with Steven Spielberg, Robert Zemeckis, and John Carpenter, among others. If you've wanted to hear a good old-fashioned argument between your hosts, then, friend, this one's the episode for you!
We're going back in time once again on Mousterpiece Cinema, so get set. This week, Josh and Gabe take on one of the most dynamic duos in Disney history: Frank and Ollie. That's Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston, two of the venerated Nine Old Men, to all of you who might be unfamiliar. They're the focus of this 1995 documentary about their four-plus decades at the Walt Disney Company, covering films as diverse as Bambi and Robin Hood, and everything in between. Does this documentary rise above the simple, in spite of being directed by Frank's son? What kind of detail might be missing from the final product? And how does Ken Burns ("Kenny baby" to his friends, of course) figure into all of this? Find out on the new show!
It's time for a new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema; this week, Josh and Gabe are getting their Zen thing back on track and gearing up to groove on some biodigital jazz, man! That's right, they're talking about the 2010 holiday blockbuster Tron Legacy this week. It's a fascinating journey into the recent past, as your hosts answer questions like: Is Jeff Bridges' Lebowski-as-Obi-Wan take on a hero worthwhile? What's with James Frain's American accent? And what the hell IS biodigital jazz? (Man.) Plenty of fun within, so get ready to hook in, program, or else it's the end of line. Or, in non techie-speak, check out the new show! (Man.)
Well, friends, it's that time again. You've brought the podcast to another threshold on Facebook, and so it's up to Josh and Gabe to deliver another bonus episode. As promised, once the show passed 400 Likes, your heroic co-hosts would tackle three more films from the now-Disney-owned Lucasfilm empire: Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and Radioland Murders. ...OK, fine, the last one is really Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. And so, in this extra-special, extra-long podcast, Josh and Gabe debate the big questions: is Willie Scott the most obnoxious character in film history? Are the sequels too heavy on fan service? Will Josh reveal more painful vocal impressions? (Of course.) And finally: what's on the slate for the next bonus show? Well, you'll have to listen to find out!
Don't you just hate it when one of your experiments at the high-tech laboratory near Las Vegas goes horribly wrong and your 2-year old son grows to a hundred feet tall? Right? It's the worst! OK, so maybe not all of us can share Wayne Szalinski's pain, but it's there to see in the 1992 sequel Honey, I Blew Up The Kid starring Rick Moranis, Lloyd Bridges, and Keri Russell. Yes, really, the pre-Felicity Russell plays the romantic interest of Wayne's son, which is why he ends up tying her up at one point in this movie, bound and gagged. (Maybe that's not exactly why. But still.) Gabe and Josh are taking on this big baby for the new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and as you might expect, there's a bit of disagreement about what kind of sequel this is: not bad or all bad. Plus, another round of Gabe's Celebrity Crushes, which is distressingly becoming a thing on the show. Check it out now!
Get ready for a real ruff episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, friends. This week, Josh and Gabe are dog-paddling back into the waters of the direct-to-video sequels from the Walt Disney Company. What's on the dog-cket? Lady and the Tramp II: Scamp's Adventure, featuring the dulcet tones of Scott Wolf, Alyssa Milano, Chazz Palminteri, Bronson Pinchot, Cathy Moriarty, and Mickey Rooney. (Because of course.) Is this the rare direct-to-video sequel to warm Josh and Gabe's hearts, or is it barking up the wrong tree? How squicky is it that an adult dog is alluding to hooking up with what amounts to a pre-adolescent pooch? And how quickly can Gabe gross Josh out when talking about that iconic moment from the 1955 original romance? (Very.) Get out of the junkyard and download the new show to find out!
Are you hungry for a serious discussion of the new Helen Mirren film? Have you been starving for a debate about the merits of how excitable Oprah Winfrey gets? Have you cleared your plate of big-budget superhero movies in the hopes of something lighter and easier to digest? Are you overstuffed with food puns in this post? Well, loosen your belt a bit, because there may be at least one more before it's over. This week on Mousterpiece Cinema, Josh and Gabe travel to the villages of France to talk about Lasse Hallstrom's new film The Hundred-Foot Journey, all about an extra-talented young man from India who gets a chance to prove himself to a stuffy French restaurateur played by Dame Mirren herself. Joining the duo is Kate Erbland of Film School Rejects, who made a hundred-foot journey of her own to accept this film, even if its romantic storyline is somewhat curdled. But no more spoilers here! Dive right into this new episode (but don't talk while your mouth is full)!
We hope you've got an awesome mix tape at hand, and your weapon of choice at the ready, because it's time for an action-packed new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema. This week, Josh and Gabe go guest-free to get ready...for a dance-off, bro! Once more, they dive into the Marvel fray to talk about Rise of the Guardians of the Galaxy Quest: The Owls of Ga'Hoole. (Or just Guardians of the Galaxy.) Were your dynamic duo wowed by this space opera starring Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Bradley Cooper the Raccoon, Vin Diesel the Tree, Glenn Close's hairdo, and Benicio Del Toro's fright wig? Could it be that one of your hosts found nits to pick? Could it be that...Josh is NOT the nitpicky one this week? Lots of fun to be had this week as Josh and Gabe debate the important topics like mythology, character development, and, of course, John Stamos. Don't wait any longer--check it out!
This week on Mousterpiece Cinema, we're getting straight down to the bare necessities. Yep, that's right, Josh and Gabe are headed to the jungle to talk about The Jungle Book, the 1967 animated classic with a jazz-loving bear, a stuffy panther, and a proper English tig--what's that? We did an episode on The Jungle Book 2 years ago? Then what is...oh, right, this episode's about the 1994 live-action adaptation directed by Stephen Sommers and starring Jason Scott Lee, Cary Elwes, a young Lena Headey, and John Cleese! You remember that, don't you? Well, it turns out you should. There's notalking animals, no cheap CGI, and a good old-fashioned sense of adventure, as Josh and Gabe find out. Of course, since they're guest-less this week, there are tangents aplenty, including one in which Gabe reveals his true passion for the films of James Cameron. (Yes, really.) So get ready for another wild episode! Check it out now.
Please sit back, with your tray tables in their upright and locked positions and your seat belts fastened. This episode of Mousterpiece Cinema will be a wild flight indeed. What's that? You think it's super-creepy to imagine yourself, a human, taking a ride in an anthropomorphic plane? OK, fine, it's weird, but is it weirder than one plane fearing that he'll suffocate? Or the possibility of a Trail of Tears in a world of planes? How about birds that are apparently made of wood? Yes, it's that time again: time for Josh to scratch his head in befuddlement over the "world of Cars." And this time, Gabe is back to join him in a discussion of the new DisneyToon Studios film Planes: Fire and Rescue. Along with return guest Scott Mendelson of Forbes, Josh and Gabe set out to answer the important questions. Is Planes: Fire and Rescue better than its predecessor? Is it a good movie? Is "George Lexus" a good pun-style version of George Lucas? Lots of laughs in this discussion--so it's funnier than the movie, you might say. Take a listen!
Hold on to your hats (and other necessary items), folks. We're getting small on this week's episode of Mousterpiece Cinema as we tackle a genre classic from June of 1989. No, it's not Batman; it's Disney's try at B-movie science-fiction, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. Remember? The days when Rick Moranis could headline a movie of his own? Ah, those were the good times. Anyway, on this episode, Josh and Gabe debate whether Moranis is enough to make this hold up after a quarter-century. Are the effects any good? Were they ever? (The answer, as Buzzfeed would say, may surprise you.) And will Gabe reveal another Disney-related crush in this week's show? What's more, how the hell does a series of chintzy dinosaur movies called Prehysteria! figure into this discussion? Things get crazy pretty quickly on this one, so get ready for a wild and weird episode of Mousterpiece Cinema!
It's time for a new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, friends. And this week, we can open your eyes and show you a whole new world. Scratch that, we will open your eyes regarding a little film called Aladdin. Josh and Gabe are joined on the show this week by past guest Marc Vibbert of the Animation Fascination podcast to discuss the 1992 film that one of these three folks considers the best Disney animated film ever made. That's high praise, and someone else in the discussion doesn't think it's merited. But more to the point: is Robin Williams still funny? ...In this movie, that is. From Williams to Howard Ashman to the depiction of Middle Eastern culture all the way to watching a movie on VHS in 2014, this episode of Mousterpiece Cinema careens from one topic to another, almost like a comedian's endless, improv-heavy riffs. So jump on your magic carpet and take a listen!
Don't worry, friends, you haven't broken your concentration. Yes, this is a new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema. And yes, this week, Josh and Gabe are talking about one of the most influential and iconic films of the 1990s, the decidedly family-unfriendly Quentin Tarantino epic Pulp Fiction. Why does Pulp Fiction count for this podcast? Well, Josh will explain everything in due time. And who better to join your very own Jules and Vincent on the show this week than Jason Bailey, film editor of Flavorwire and author of a book on a certain film called Pulp Fiction? And in case you're concerned that a few guys talking about how much they love Pulp Fiction would get boring, you might be happy to learn that one of the participants...well, he's not so enamored anymore. Who doesn't love Pulp Fiction? You'll have to listen to the show to find out!
It's a big day here at Mousterpiece Cinema HQ, as we're celebrating our third anniversary with our 150th episode! Yes, friends, it's really been three years since Josh started a podcast about Disney movies all on his own by ranting about Cars 2. Things have changed a ton, of course, since those halcyon days, and today, we've got a corker of a show for you. Josh and Gabe couldn't help but ring the bell for the 1996 animated adaptation of Victor Hugo's The Hunchback of Notre Dame, which might be the most underrated film of the Disney Renaissance. And they're joined in their conversation by Grantland/Entertainment Weekly writer Mark Harris, who's also the author of the new film history book Five Came Back: A Story of Hollywood and The Second World War. Come for the discussion about Quasimodo's struggle for acceptance as being an encoded gay story, and stay for Josh's mini-interview with Mark during the Audible section of the show. This episode's a big one, so check it out!
This week on Mousterpiece Cinema, Josh and Gabe are going back to the jungle with one of the most iconic vine-swingers of all. He's daring, he's brave, and he's...probably about to hit some tree that's in his way. Yes, we're not talking about Tarzan this week, but his goofier counterpart, George of the Jungle. Specifically, we're talking about the agreeably silly live-action adaptation of this Jay Ward creation from Walt Disney Pictures, starring a young Brendan Fraser, a young Leslie Mann, a young Thomas Haden Church, and a...well, not-young John Cleese, among others. And to add to the fun, Josh and Gabe are joined by IGN TV Executive Editor Eric Goldman in a typically free-form discussion that covers the ins and outs of proper physical comedy, the consistency of various poop jokes, widescreen vs. pan-and-scan DVDs, and, of course, the Cheers spin-off Wings. Don't worry, it all ties into George of the Jungle, so check it out! But...oh, no, watch out for that tree!
We've finally reached our conclusion of the not-so-esteemed franchise all about an absent-minded professor, his bouncy green creation, and all of the sports games he rigs so he can secretly take home a ton of cash from gambling. (OK, maybe that last part isn't entirely true.) Yes, on this week's Mousterpiece Cinema, Gabe and Josh--sans guest--tackle the 1997 remake of The Absent-Minded Professor known as Flubber. (If you're a new listener, don't worry: we've already discussed the 1960s movies about Professor Brainerd. Just closing things out!) And, as you might expect, Flubber isn't exactly the best of the series. Josh uses this film as a chance to discuss his opinion of the John Hughes oeuvre/alienate pretty much everyone in the living world, and Gabe uses it as a way to figure out the logic of getting married on a college campus during the middle of the week. In short, it's a good, old-fashioned episode of the podcast, so check it out now!
Listen well, all of you! OK, maybe that's a bit of a rude welcome, but it does fit with the film in question on today's new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema. For our first episode here at Movie Mezzanine, hosts Josh Spiegel and Gabe Bucsko traveled to a world of magic, fantasy, and extraordinary cheekbones by discussing the newest film from Walt Disney Pictures, Maleficent. Josh and Gabe invited two of The Dissolve's senior editors, Tasha Robinson and Genevieve Koski, onto the show to debate the merits of this reinvention of the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale featuring Angelina Jolie as the self-proclaimed Mistress of All Evil. Were they impressed by the CGI backgrounds, the fantasy, and the romance? Or were they terrified by Jolie or the truest terror of all, Sharlto Copley and his Scottish accent? Don't wait any longer to find out--check out the show pronto!
It's a big week here on Mousterpiece Cinema, as Gabe and Josh take a look back at the shared and separate lives of Richard and Robert Sherman, the two men responsible for some of the most memorable pieces of music in the Walt Disney Company. If you've ever had "It's a Small World" stuck in your head (and you probably do now; sorry for that), you can thank the Shermans. If you love the music in Mary Poppins, that the Shermans, too. But you may not know that the two men had a fractious and contentious relationship as brothers from almost the very beginning. Gabe and Josh tackle their lives and the documentary, but leave with a song in their heart. And speaking of leaving, you'll want to stick around to the end of the episode to hear about where Mousterpiece Cinema is headed starting in June. Listen and find out!
There are few things more associated with summer in America than our national pastime of baseball. So there's no better time for Walt Disney Pictures to release a baseball drama based on a true story, right? Well, while that may be true in theory, in execution, their latest film, Million Dollar Arm, is missing the right stuff. At least, according to Josh and Gabe as well as this week's guest, Scott Tobias of The Dissolve. In fact, this trio spent far more time wondering what could have been. Would a story about the two young Indian men Jon Hamm's J.B. Bernstein finds to play American baseball have worked? Or what about a story featuring their coach, played here by Bill Paxton? How about a loose romantic comedy with Hamm and Lake Bell? Ah, perchance to dream. But even if you haven't seen Million Dollar Arm, you should check out this week's episode. Come for the Mad Men references and stay for the in-depth Jerry Maguire discussion!
Welcome, everyone, to a very important podcast-cum-intervention, wherein Josh finally gets Gabe to open up about why exactly he hates dogs. Sure, this episode is ostensibly about the 2004 Disney film Teacher's Pet, but it's all just a ruse to get Gabe to reveal his past childhood traumas. It turns out that neither Josh nor Gabe were terribly familiar with this film, based on a Disney animated TV series from the early 2000s. As such, Josh probes Gabe's psyche, and Gabe pushes back, especially when debating the merits of Hocus Pocus and Newsies. You can tell, clearly, that this is a loopy, tangential episode, but how could it not be? Strap in for a goofy episode; you just might hear a bit of singing from Gabe if you stick around long enough.
A fine oo-de-lally to you, friends, as Robin Hood and Little John would say. Yes, those two scoundrels and some of their friends are at the center of this week's new Mousterpiece Cinema, which is all about the 1973 Disney animated film Robin Hood. Josh, in the past, hasn't made any bones about the fact that he's not too hot on this adventure, but Gabe and return guest Alexander Huls both have nostalgic love for this movie, even if they don't have nostalgic love for the song "Love," which is also from this movie. (In fact, Gabe chose to compare that scene to, of all things, Play Misty For Me.) Has Josh softened on the film or is he put off by a potential laziness in the storytelling and animation? Or have Gabe and Alex hardened a bit? And how early does Alex's pet peeve of whistling get brought up? Listen to the show to find out!
This week on Mousterpiece Cinema, we're feeling a bit silly. A bit wacky, you might say. Possibly even a bit...goofy. Yes, it's time for Josh and Gabe to goof off while talking about the 1995 film A Goofy Movie. And, as you might expect with a subject like Goofy as well as his son Max, Josh and Gabe go off topic quickly and frequently. From Prince to Space Jam to Pauly Shore, they're bouncing off the walls this week. (And, OK, fine, Pauly Shore is in A Goofy Movie, so that's technically on topic, but why in God's name is Pauly Shore in this movie? Why?) There's tons of tomfoolery and general goofiness this week, as you might expect, so start listening!
It's been one week since the last episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, but just barely. On this week's show, Josh and Gabe had to grin and bear it while discussing the new Disneynature documentary Bears. They're joined by Sound on Sight contributor Zach Lewis to debate some of the big questions: how much do documentarians owe to telling the truth in their films? Is it OK to tell a story of the real world, with animals, and have it not be a documentary? Should Werner Herzog direct the next Disneynature film? (The answer, at least to the last one, is a clear yes.) Bears may not have made a great showing at the box office, but your hosts spent a fair bit of time this week parsing through the John C. Reilly narration, twinkly score, and an interview that shattered some of our illusions of what in the film really happened. But all you need are the bare necessities: headphones, iTunes, and this episode. So get to it!
It's time for a first on Mousterpiece Cinema, as Josh and Gabe discuss the first-ever live-action sequel in the Disney canon of films, Son of Flubber, the presumably anticipated sequel to The Absent-Minded Professor. Josh wasn't keen on the first film, but Gabe was, so the question is: did this sequel satisfy or was it a letdown like most sequels are? We won't answer the question here, but consider this much (and consider it a warning for families): it took Gabe only a few minutes to start using profanity in discussing Son of Flubber. Yes, that's right, it's an Earmuffs Special this week! (All thanks to Gabe. Send him your hate mail.) Also, stick around to the end to hear Gabe commit to appearing on another sequel-centric episode later this year. You may be shocked by which movie he's willing to pay to see!
News team...assemble! ...What's that? Oh, right, we're not talking about Ron Burgundy and his anchormen friend this week, we're talking about The Avengers! OK, just one of the Avengers in his latest solo picture: Captain America: The Winter Soldier. (Of course, as Josh found out, Captain America isn't actually the Winter Soldier. Oh well.) This week, Josh and Gabe are joined by Marvel aficionado and TV.com contributor Andy Daglas to talk about this new entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe starring Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L. Jackson, Anthony Mackie, and Robert Redford. So yes, it's a big episode full of discussions of dudebros, high-fiving at action movies, and co-star reunions. Oh, and there's talk of post-credits scenes, because Josh couldn't resist. And you shouldn't resist either....to download this episode. (Obviously.)
It's Mousterpiece Cinema's 138th episode spectacular! Get ready for guest stars galore, clips, and surprises! ...OK, fine, we're not going to ape the style of that great clip show from The Simpsons, but it is our 138th episode anyway. This week, Josh and Gabe take a trip back in time to dynastic China to discuss one of the entries in the Disney Renaissance, Mulan. They brought back past guest Dan Schindel of Film School Rejects, Nonfics, and Movie Mezzanine to debate the important issues such as: what the hell is Harvey Fierstein doing in this movie about Asian culture? (Quick note: there are a couple of earmuff-worthy moments here, if the little ones are listening.) Will this movie make men out of the trio of hosts? Do they see their reflection staring back at them? Listen to the show to find out!
Hi-lo, friends, time for a fun new Disney movie podcast episode! OK, OK, maybe Constantine won't take over the podcast anytime soon. But the new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema is all about the newest Muppet adventure, Muppets Most Wanted, with everyone's favorite frog, pig, bear, dog, and...whatever back in fine form. Josh and Gabe are joined by Muppet expert and past guest Estelle Hallick of This Happy Place to talk about this sequel and if, like the opening song says, it's not quite as good as the 2011 film. Turns out that maybe one or more of your hosts have soured, ever so slightly, on the Jason Segel-led nostalgia-fest. Is Muppets Most Wanted better than The Muppets? Is it worse? Could they do it all again? Is the entire episode spoken in question form? Will you find out by listening to this new episode?
Friends, do you feel the need? The need for...a new video-game adaptation? Well, good! (You did say "Yes," right?) Because on the new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, Gabe and Josh are putting the pedal to the metal to discuss the new action film from Touchstone Pictures, Need for Speed. With Aaron Paul of Breaking Bad fame, as well as Michael Keaton, and Imogen Poots--whose name is so delightful to say, Josh can't help but say it a few extra times--how could this movie go wrong? Well...it turns out that the filmmakers found a few ways to screw up, at least according to Gabe. Josh's a little more willing to give the film leeway, but as you'll hear, it all comes down to what they think of The Fast and the Furious franchise. So sit back and enjoy the ride, because this episode's racing to the finish line! [Insert at least fourteen more racing puns here.]
Faith and begorrah! Time to grab your blarney stone or find a four-leaf clover, dearies, because just in time for St. Patrick's Day, Mousterpiece Cinema is celebrating in style. (Here, "style" means doing goofy Irish accents a fair bit.) Only two days before the holiday when everyone's Irish, Josh and Gabe look back at one of the earliest Disney live-action films, Darby O'Gill and the Little People. They're joined this week by Andrew Welch, co-founding editor of To Be (Cont'd.), to decide if this film has charm outside of being one of the first appearances from a pre-007 Sean Connery. And how, exactly, does this quaint little story about leprechauns and their pots of gold connect to...Buffy the Vampire Slayer? You'll have to get lucky and listen to the show to find out!
Get out a box or two of tissues, friends, because if you're like Gabe or Josh, you're probably going to need them as we discuss Toy Story 3 on the new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema. Closing out their trilogy of discussions about what might very well be the best American cinematic trilogy ever, Gabe and Josh invite past guest Scott Renshaw of Salt Lake City Weekly on to discuss this final chapter in the saga of Sheriff Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and the rest of their pals. Is this the greatest of all the Toy Story films? Does the ending hit on the same emotional level now as it did in 2010? Will Gabe drop any more crazy movie-related theories this week? You can only find out if you listen! (Note: There's a bit of wonky sound issues in this episode, thanks to the ever-fickle Skype. Apologies!)
This is what's called serendipitous timing, folks. If you're downloading this episode the day it drops on iTunes, then we're just one day away from the Academy Awards, and the film we're talking about on the new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema may very well walk away with an Oscar this year. No, we're not going over Frozen again; instead, it's time to discuss Hayao Miyazaki's newest, and possibly final, film, The Wind Rises. Gabe and Josh are joined by Film School Rejects' Rob Hunter to debate Miyazaki's fictionalized biopic of Japanese airplane designer Jiro Horikoshi. Did Miyazaki need to be more strident in his criticism of the man who helped Japanese fighters fly in World War II? Is this film more than just a bunch of beautiful animation, or hollow aside from the visuals? And is the English-language dub going to be worth watching aside from hearing Werner Herzog as an animated character? Find out on the new episode!
Well, friends, as you can tell from the title, this episode's a mouthful. We hit the 350-Like threshold on Facebook a few weeks ago, and you know what that means: time for another b-b-b-b-b-b-b-bonus episode! This time, per Gabe's suggestion, your intrepid co-hosts tackle not one, not two, but three movies, all from the now-Disney-owned Lucasfilm: Willow, Ewoks: The Battle for Endor, and Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure. Yes, really, these are movies that we sat down and watched willingly. (OK, some less willingly than others.) And, as you might expect from a bonus show, this one's full of goofy tangents as well as a few impersonations. Listen carefully, and you'll hear Josh impersonate Wilford Brimley, and Gabe may even impersonate...Taylor Lautner? Yup. Now go forth on your own caravan of courage and check out the new show!
Well, friends, it's about that time again: time for the sexism talk. Not the sex talk, mind you. That's...well, we're not going to have that talk with you ever. You're on your own. But the sexism talk, specifically sexism in Disney movies, is something we're a bit more prepared to tackle. And we do so in the new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, focusing on the 1961 comedy The Absent-Minded Professor, starring Fred MacMurray, Keenan Wynn, and a whole lot of flubber. Between Gabe and Josh, one of your co-hosts enjoyed the film and laughed at its many slapstick sequences; the other one was turned off by the main character's treatment of his fiancee. Can you guess who's who? No? Well, then, get to downloading the new episode! Don't bounce off the walls, just listen to the new podcast. Get it? Bounce? Because flubber...never mind.
Who's ready to go back to Never Land? Well, if this new episode is any indication, the answer may not be your intrepid co-hosts Gabe and Josh. While they still believe in faith and trust and pixie dust, they're not totally on board with Return to Never Land, the theatrically released sequel to Peter Pan from 2002. In fact, they're so not on board that, eventually, the conversation turned to a ranking of the films of Steven Spielberg. (Blame Hook for that.) And so, what begins as a frustrated discussion about why this DisneyToon Studios release falls so flat--hint: don't set your whimsical story during World War II--ends as Josh wondering if Gabe's lost his mind by ranking Hook over Jurassic Park. Yes, really. Anyway, think happy thoughts and listen to the new podcast!
As we quickly approach the American release of Hayao Miyazaki's latest film, The Wind Rises, it's time once more for Mousterpiece Cinema to wade into the past of Studio Ghibli. This week, Gabe and Josh focus their sights on Howl's Moving Castle, with two special guests: Simon Howell of The Televerse and Andrew Daar of This Was TV. Both guests are huge Miyazaki buffs, and Josh is well-known for not being an ecstatic fan of every Miyazaki film. BUT. If you think you know where this conversation is going, trust us, you don't. Unless you presume this conversation is heading down tangential avenues, talking about Jeff Daniels, Werner Herzog, and Poochie the rappin' dog. In that case, you're right. But still! Listen to the show, because you won't know for sure until you hear it, not just read it in a description.
Get the Roundup gang together and put on the record player, because it's time for a new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema! (We're not making any promises about whether or not you can hear the episode on a record player.) Yes, it's time for Gabe and Josh to move on from the first adventures of Sheriff Woody and Buzz Lightyear, and onto the sequel, Toy Story 2. This 1999 release was totally redone by Pixar's animators within just nine months, but is widely considered one of the best sequels ever made; in this episode, Gabe and Josh, along with guest Dan Schindel, debate whether that consensus still holds up. Is Toy Story 2 the best film in the trilogy? Are there too many pop-culture references? And, let's answer that age-old question: is Estelle Harris really a goddess? Find out on the new episode!
Yes, friends, as you can see from the title of this episode, it's time for a good old-fashioned "Pull off the bandage" episode of Mousterpiece Cinema. Gabe and Josh, first-timers to the 2002 comedy Snow Dogs went in as open-minded as possible, but this dumb, goofy movie about an uptight dentist dealing with dogs in Alaska wore them down quickly. They're joined by Sound on Sight contributor Zach Lewis to discuss many important matters, such as the acting talents of Sisqo and James Coburn, a 1970s mystery co-written by Stephen Sondheim and Anthony Perkins, 1980s pop stars making cameo appearances in new movies, Terrence Howard's reference to War Machine in the first Iron Man, and the qualitative merits of Jingle All The Way. Also, Snow Dogs. We promise, we did talk about Snow Dogs in this episode. But we also went on a few tangents. Can you blame us?
It's time, again, to play the music and light the lights. OK, fine, we're not actually talking about The Muppet Show on this week's Mousterpiece Cinema, but one of the Jim Henson-era Muppet movies is close enough, right? With only a couple of months away from the brand-new Muppets movie, set in Europe and focusing on a heist, Gabe and Josh take on The Great Muppet Caper, which is...set in Europe and focuses on a heist. Joining them is return guest Anthony Strand of ToughPigs.com, and the real challenge this week is getting to the bottom of a difficult question: why doesn't Josh love this movie like everyone else? It's a sad state of affairs, indeed, but Anthony and Gabe do their best to figure it out, just like the rest of you. Check it out to see if Josh embraces his inner Anglophile!
Did you know that a dream is a wish your heart makes? And we knew you, once upon such a very dream. OK, OK, we're not actually confusing the topic of this week's Mousterpiece Cinema, the 1959 Disney classic Sleeping Beauty, with the 1950 Disney classic, Cinderella, but can you blame us? The two movies, as well as the old favorite Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, maybe share a few too many similarities, all of which are unearthed and uncovered on the new show. Gabe and Josh are joined by longtime friend of the show Kate Kulzick of The Televerse and Sound on Sight's TV section to tackle this lush and artistic standby of Disney's animated canon. But is the romance of two pretty people enough to trump a surprisingly high number of plot holes and a lack of character? Or will there only be one brave soul to stand in defense of this movie in the face of at least one dragon-like opponent? You can only find out by listening to the new show, so don't wait another minute!
Happy new year, friends! We're kicking things off in 2014 right by going back to the old bedroom and playing with some of our toys. That sounded a little weird, right? Well, the non-weird thing said in a weird way may be the secret theme of the first new Mousterpiece Cinema of 2014, as Gabe and Josh journey back to the very first fully computer-animated feature film, Toy Story. For this episode, Alex Dowd of The AV Club joined Gabe and Josh as they put on their nostalgia goggles, just a bit, and praised the antics of Buzz Lightyear, Sheriff Woody, and the rest of Andy's lovable toys. BUT. It may turn out that one of these three gentlemen is a bit heartless, a bit cruel, and a bit unwilling to accept Buzz Lightyear as being a great guy. (Hint: it may be the same person who, in 2013, revealed that he doesn't like that dogs that much.) Because it's Toy Story, though, there's a happy ending. ...Again, that sounds weirder than it should. Anyway, take a listen to this episode and travel...wait for it...to infinity and beyond!
Wind's in the east...mist comin' in. Like something is brewin' and 'bout to begin. Can't put me finger on what lies in store, but I feel what's to happen, all happened before. Oh, excuse us, we were just reciting one of our favorite underrated lines from Mary Poppins, the Disney musical classic that happens to be the subject of this week's new Mousterpiece Cinema. What's that, you say? Oh, sure, Gabe and Josh have already profiled that film on the podcast, but this week, they're talking about the new Disney film Saving Mr. Banks, which is focused squarely on the making of Mary Poppins, from the perspective of the character's creator, P.L. Travers, as played here by Emma Thompson. Were Gabe and Josh as charmed by this film as they were by Mary Poppins? Did Tom Hanks' portrayal of Walt Disney himself win them over? Or are they swearing off the Disney myth entirely, throwing it to the curb like so many pears in a fruit basket? The answer is more complicated than you think, so check out the new show to find out!
"Toyland, Toyland, little girl and boy land..." Hey, why aren't you singing along? Don't you know the lyrics to Victor Herbert's operetta Babes in Toyland? Well, you'd better brush up, because the Walt Disney Pictures adaptation (in Technicolor, no less) of that operetta is in the spotlight on this week's episode of Mousterpiece Cinema. Josh and Gabe are guest-free once again as they explore Mother Goose Land and Toyland, which are adjoined by the Forest of No Return. (Don't worry, that forest isn't as terrifying as it sounds.) And after only a few minutes, your intrepid co-hosts answer a very pertinent and timely question: is this actually a Christmas movie? The answer isn't as easy as you might think, and neither is this surprisingly bifurcated film. So, in the words of the dastardly Barnaby (seriously), come. Let's pussyfoot. And check out the new show!
Friends, as we approach another Christmas, it's time to limp across the finish line, gasping for air. In 2011, by himself, Josh took a look at the 1994 holiday comedy The Santa Clause. In 2012, Josh and Gabe, along with guest Marc Vibbert, did the same with the 2002 sequel, The Santa Clause 2. And now, it's just Josh and Gabe, gaping in awe at the terror and foul horror of the 2006 end of the trilogy, The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause. On the one hand, sure, this movie has Tim Allen, Martin Short as Jack Frost, Alan Arkin, Ann-Margret, and more. But on the other hand, it has Martin Short singing a poor parody of "New York, New York," and Alan Arkin doing some of the worst acting of his life. Put it this way, there are plenty of tangents in this episode because it just got too painful to talk about this film after a while. But stay to the end, and you'll hear Josh and Gabe get more delight out of saying the name "Smaug" than they did in watching this movie. It's a painful film, but the episode inspired by it is, promise, a lot of fun. So check it out!
OK, we know that we kept you waiting for an extra week, but finally, it's time for Mousterpiece Cinema to get cold. In fact, we're so cold, we're...wait for it...Frozen! Yes, this week, Josh and Gabe take a look at Walt Disney Animation Studios' newest film, a retelling of Hans Christian Andersen's The Snow Queen featuring the voices of Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Josh Gad, and more, and music from the composers of The Book of Mormon and Avenue Q. With such high expectations and hopes, were Josh and Gabe thrilled with this frigid fairy tale? And what about their guest, returning favorite Corey Atad? Did this tale of sisterly love work magic on the trio? And what of the attached Mickey Mouse short, Get a Horse!? One of these stories inspired Gabe to say he wanted to vomit--no joke. The only way to find out what inspired such intense hyperbole (we hope it's hyperbole), though, is to listen to the show, so check it out!
We've all gathered here today not to mock him, but to express our concern and worry for Vince Vaughn. Yes, friends, you might well consider the new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema as a kind of career intervention, even if Mr. Vaughn may not be...you know, listening to the show. But he should be, because the topic of discussion is his new film, the Touchstone/DreamWorks comedy Delivery Man, a remake of the French-Canadian comedy Starbuck. The story is about a slacker whose sperm donations in the early 1990s were used to sire over 500 children, many of whom want to know the identity of their biological father, but that only inspired Josh, Gabe, and their guest, Tim Grierson of Deadspin, Paste Magazine, Screen International, and Playboy, to wonder when the Vince Vaughn they loved a decade ago is coming back. Take our word for it: even if you didn't see Delivery Man (and you probably didn't, based on the box office), you want to listen to this episode. It's a must!
Only a few days after the apparently-real, not-fake International Men's Day, it's time for your podcast co-hosts to have another one of their typical bro-hangs. And is there a better movie to bro out to than the 2003 film The Jungle Book 2? Possibly! But this movie is the subject of the new Mousterpiece Cinema, and you may not be shocked to learn that Josh and Gabe weren't too impressed with yet another entry from DisneyToon Studios. That's in spite of John Goodman and Haley Joel Osment stepping in to voice Baloo and Mowgli, too. But even though the movie's not too great, the discussion inspired by it is a ton of fun, and yes, because it's just Josh and Gabe, a bit tangential. You know what they say, though: the tangents are the best part of any discussion! (OK, we just made that up right now. But still. Check out the new show.)
Friends, it's hammer time. (Listen, someone was going to make that joke, so it might as well be made right here.) Yes, once more, your intrepid hosts of Mousterpiece Cinema jump into the ever-expanding pool known as the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This week, Josh and Gabe have their sights set on Marvel's newest, Thor: The Dark World. Joining them is return guest Keith Phipps, editorial director of The Dissolve. And it turns out that, at least in one of your hosts' perspectives, this film is the deep end of the MCU. Is this sequel better than the 2011 original? How much did Josh, Gabe, and Keith love Tom Hiddleston as Loki? And what the hell was going on with the post-credits scene? Answers lie within, so grab your nearest cape and hammer and get listening!
There's music galore in the new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and why shouldn't there be? On this week's podcast, Josh and Gabe put on their diving gear and went under the sea to swim and frolic and generally be merry with the starfish, bass, crabs, and even more sea life. Yes, it's time to talk about one of Disney's biggest, brightest, and most beloved animated classics: The Little Mermaid. Josh and Gabe were joined this week by Salt Lake City Weekly film critic Scott Renshaw to discuss the 1989 classic's influence, its animation, its character work and, of course, its many memorable songs. Do all three of your hosts love The Little Mermaid as much now as they did before? Does the film hold up to repeat viewing? And does Gabe's irrational hatred of dogs rear its ugly head once again? Only one way to find out: check out the new show!
The autumn has arrived, and with it, the grand sport of football, in which burly dudes suit up to run into each other's bodies with blunt force. Ah, football. And it's the topic of this week's Mousterpiece Cinema, as Gabe and Josh talk about the 2000 Disney sports drama Remember the Titans. They're joined by RogerEbert.com contributor Danny Bowes, who, in an interesting wrinkle, wasn't able to rewatch Remember the Titans in time for the podcast. But fear not! One of your hosts would argue that's not a bad thing, as the movie, Denzel Washington's inherent Denzel-ness aside, may not be up to snuff. There's talk of Flutie Flakes, Caleb Carr, Hayden Panettiere, Stephen King, and...well, also the movie in question. It's a grab bag this week, so take a listen to see if you too remember...well, you know.
Hi there! On this tearjerking episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, Gabe and Josh are going on a trek into the darkest reaches of the Venezuelan jungles to discover a lost species of animal to bring back to civilization, and have traveled in an old house lifted up via balloons and--squirrel! OK, fine, the truth is slightly less adventurous: they're talking about Pixar's 2009 film Up, and are joined in doing so by Slate film critic Dana Stevens. Is Up as emotional and romantic now as it was a few years ago? More importantly, are the relationships that grouchy old Carl has with the living as interesting as the one he has with his recently deceased wife? And what's this whole business about one of your hosts not...liking...dogs? (And it may not be who you think.) You can't know if you don't listen, so get some hankies ready and listen to the new show!
Today's episode of Mousterpiece Cinema is a bit different, a bit crazy, maybe even a bit surreal. Josh and Gabe decided to break from tradition even more than in the past. Yes, this episode is a first, because the film up for discussion isn't technically...a Disney movie. But Escape from Tomorrow was shot and set in the Disney theme parks, so that kind of counts, right? Right? OK, good. To join them in talking about this highly controversial new drama, Josh and Gabe are joined by Jacob S. Hall of Movies.com, ScreenCrush.Com, and OneOfUs.Net. And if you were hoping to hear a fierce debate over the moral and legal issues surrounding this movie, well, you are in luck. But if you think Josh was the most negative on the film, think again. You may hear Gabe in a whole new light. But you'll have to listen to find out!
Who's ready for a ghost story? If you're excited to get spooked a bit, to get a fright or two...well, you'll have to fast-forward to the final 15 minutes of this week's movie of choice on Mousterpiece Cinema, The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad. Sure, the Headless Horseman makes a stunning and scare-ifying appearance in this package film, but not until the very end, a source of distress in this week's conversation. Josh and Gabe are joined by Geoffrey Denson, a Mousterpiece Cinema fan who's also a recent big donor to Sound on Sight. Is one half of this two-part movie better than the other? Is the animation too cartoonish, as Walt Disney feared? Is Gabe's Bing Crosby impression up to snuff? Check out the new show to find out!
Wouldn't it be awful if this episode description invoked that most famous line from the 1999 psychological thriller The Sixth Sense? Wouldn't that be the hackiest thing ever? Of course it would be, which is why we see new podcasts! They're walking around like regular podcasts, but they don't know they're new. All right, it's out of our system, but can you blame us? Yes, the new Mousterpiece Cinema is all about M. Night Shyamalan's star-making film, catapulting him into the Hollywood stratosphere only a few years before he'd begin descending into something of a public joke. And someone who's having none of that joke is Gabe, who's a no-show this week, for reasons Josh divulges in the episode. In Gabe's place, Josh got three excellent guests: Scott Meslow of The Week, Alexander Huls of Film School Rejects and Movies.com, and Mark Pfeiffer of Reel Times. Goofy jokes aside, all four are pretty big fans of The Sixth Sense, so there will be less ragging on Shyamalan than you might think. But plenty of Dreamcatcher references. (OK, one Dreamcatcher reference.) But enough talk: take a listen to this scare-ifying new show!
It's Josh's birthday, and his wish has come true: to travel to the depths of the ocean to explore the wreck of the infamous Titanic. OK, maybe that wasn't exactly his birthday wish, but that is the topic of this week's Mousterpiece Cinema: the 2003 documentary Ghosts of the Abyss, starring and directed by Oscar-winner/cinematic titan James Cameron. Josh and Gabe are joined by Sound on Sight's very own Josh Slater-Williams to tackle this documentary, in both its theatrical hourlong version and extended DVD version. Is one better than the other? Are the scenes in the expanded version crucial enough that the hourlong version may suffer in comparison? And what does Bill Paxton peeing have to do with any of this? All these topics and more are dealt with in the new podcast, so check it out today!
All you need is faith and trust, friends. Don't you want to fly to Neverland? It's just past the second star to the right, straight on till morning! OK, maybe Josh and Gabe aren't exactly Peter Pan and Tinker Bell (or vice versa, though they haven't decided just yet which role suits each of them best), but Disney's 1953 version of J.M. Barrie's classic children's story Peter Pan is the topic of discussion on today's all-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema! Once more, the dynamic duo are guest-free, but they found plenty to talk about regarding the film's presentation of Native Americans and women, as well as the crocodile with a clock in its stomach, and even more. And you just might hear Gabe admit to--gasp!--agreeing with Josh! Wholeheartedly! No fooling! Just listen to the new show to find out!
It's all for one, one for all, all for love, and more for you. (Some of that may have been written by Alexandre Dumas. But probably not all of it.) Yes, this week on Mousterpiece Cinema, Josh and Gabe are talking about the 1993 adaptation of the classic story The Three Musketeers, starring Kiefer Sutherland, Chris O'Donnell, Charlie Sheen, and Tim Curry. And this week, it's just Josh and Gabe--they're guest-free and debating whether they're Athos and Porthos, Athos and Aramis, or some combination in between. They debate the 90s-era stardom of Chris O'Donnell, Kiefer Sutherland's young-Jack-Bauer-like line readings, and exactly who needed to die in this movie. And yes, according to at least one of your hosts, someone did need to die. Find out who in the new podcast!
Are you confused? Feeling lost, perhaps? Well, you should try Hare Krishna. But if you have and found that religion to be more of a myth (myth! myth!), then maybe it's time to move right along and discover the fabled rainbow connection on the new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema. If you haven't figured out yet what movie's on the docket today, then you really are in for an education. (And you have no excuse for not having seen it yet!) We're talking about the 1979 family classic The Muppet Movie, of course, and Josh and Gabe are raring to go in reviewing this iconic film. They're joined by Estelle Hallick of This Happy Place in debating the villains who get away, the best and worst cameos and songs in this great Muppet story, and more. Don't hope that something better will come along--it has, and it's this show! So take a listen!
It's that time of year again, as Gabe and Josh go back into the Studio Ghibli coffers to take a look at one of their Disney-distributed animated movies. This time, they tackle one of the most beloved films from director Hayao Miyazaki, My Neighbor Totoro, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. To join them in discussing this story of the imaginative spirit of childhood, Gabe and Josh brought back self-described "super-hipster" Zack Handlen of The AV Club. They discuss the difference between the film's English and Japanese-language dubs, the film's very unique connection to Troma Films (yes, really), and there's maybe a bit of singing in between. So grab your Totoro doll, hop on the catbus, and get ready for a wild ride of a show!
Which Oliver Twist-related pun should we start this description off with? There are just so many to choose from, even if this week's new Mousterpiece Cinema focuses on an Oliver Twist adaptation, Oliver & Company. So maybe we could say that this is a podcast...podcast for sale. Or we could ask, shocked, if you want...MORE? And so on. Kidding aside, this week's episode is no joke. Gabe and Josh are joined by Anthony Breznican of Entertainment Weekly to revisit this 1988 Disney animated film that represents a transitional period right before Disney's Renaissance period, to sing a few bars of a Billy Joel song or two, and to discuss the state of hand-drawn animation at Walt Disney Feature Animation. If you're a hand-drawn animation advocate--and who isn't?--you'll want to stay around for the whole show, as Anthony describes in detail his recent interview with the head honcho himself, John Lasseter. Now, if you've got just enough street savoir faire, take a listen to this week's show!
Are you ready to soar to new heights? Have you checked your mental baggage? Are your tray tables in their fully locked and upright positions? Oh, sure, you're rolling your eyes at this aviation-based puns, but if you think similar jokes aren't littered all over the new movie Planes, you've got another think coming. Yes, this week on Mousterpiece Cinema, it's time to face off against this new not-Pixar movie inspired by the Cars films from Disney/Pixar honcho John Lasseter. And once again, Gabe's nowhere to be found (though he might've made the right decision). So Josh is joined by Noel Kirkpatrick of This Was TV and Mark Pfeiffer of Reel Times to ask the hard questions: is Planes as bad as the chatter would lead you to believe? Does Dane Cook remind anyone else of Alex Rodriguez? And what kind of vehicle would Hitler be if Hitler was a vehicle in the world of Cars? (And...oh, yeah, why is World War II invoked in a kids' movie without humans? That too.) It's time to answer those burning queries and depart on the Boeing 747 known as Mousterpiece Cinema, so get on board!
You read the title right, friends. This week, Josh and Gabe tackle one of the most controversial films in American cinema, and arguably the most challenging in Disney's filmography: the 1946 live-action/animated hybrid Song of the South, which tells the tale of white and black characters living in harmony in the Reconstruction-era Deep South. To unwrap all of its complications, Josh and Gabe are joined by Noel Murray of The Dissolve, and they ask the big questions: should this movie be shown publicly? Should Disney profit as much as they do on its theme-park inspiration, Splash Mountain? And is Gabe a racist? (For liking this movie, that is.) If the bluebird is on your shoulder and you're whistling a very specific tune, tuck in and listen to the new show for the answers!
Everything's topsy-turvy on Mousterpiece Cinema this week, from top to bottom. For the first time in a while, Gabe's not on the show due to scheduling issues; in his stead, Josh got two esteemed guests--Peter Labuza of The Cinephiliacs and Jake Cole of MovieMezzanine.com--to join him to review, of all things, a David Lynch movie. Yes, David Lynch does have a Disney connection: his 1999 film The Straight Story, which is rated G, features no terrifying nightmare sequences, and is, on the surface, as un-Lynchian as it gets. But maybe not. Maybe The Straight Story is David Lynch's most centered film, his most emotional, and his heaviest. You'll have to listen to the new show to find out!
Before Robert Downey, Jr. donned the cap and pipe, before Benedict Cumberbatch deduced in the modern world, there was another revival of Sherlock Holmes back in the 1980s. And yes, it was a Disney movie. Sure, the lead characters were...mice, and sure, they weren't...called Sherlock Holmes and John Watson. But no matter! This week on Mousterpiece Cinema, Josh and Gabe take a look at The Great Mouse Detective, one of Disney's last animated features before the vaunted Renaissance period kicked in. They're joined by Doug Tilley of DailyGrindhouse.com to discuss the majesty of Vincent Price, the old-school bumbling nature of Watson (or, as he's known here, Dr. Dawson), Basil of Baker Street, and erotic fan fiction. (No joke! And if you're listening with kids, be warned: we do discuss said fan fiction in a bit of PG-13 detail around 40 minutes in.)
Take a walk back in the past with us, friends, on the new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema. This week, Josh and Gabe look back to the humble beginnings of Pixar Animation Studios, specifically its animated short films. Yes, it's time to look at the Pixar Short Films Collection, Volume One DVD set on the podcast. Josh and Gabe are joined this week by Sound on Sight contributor and Sordid Cinema co-host Edgar Chaput to discuss the awfulness of Mater the tow truck, the sadness of a lonely unicycle, and exactly how much they all kind of hate Boundin'. But there's plenty of positivity to go around in spite of those few stumbles, so make sure to check out the new show!
Hey, friends! It's time for another b-b-b-bonus episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, going along with the show having recently hit 300 Likes on Facebook. And per an old challenge laid out by our good friend Michael Ryan, Gabe and Josh are tackling the high and low of the Lucasfilm enterprise, now owned by Disney. First up, it's the 1986 disaster known as Howard the Duck; Gabe's seen it before, but Josh has not. Would you be surprised to learn that neither of the hosts was impressed with the misguided story of an anthropomorphic talking duck in 80s-era Cleveland? They were, of course, thrilled as usual by the other movie on the docket this week: Steven Spielberg's adventure classic Raiders of the Lost Ark. Come for the Lucasfilm discussion, stay for Josh's dramatic reading from the Star Wars Holiday Special!
Yes, you read that title right, friends, it's our 100th episode. The first episode of Mousterpiece Cinema focused on Cars 2, not the most auspicious film to kick off any podcast. So perhaps it's fitting that our first major milestone episode focuses on the fine old mess known as The Lone Ranger. Gabe and Josh are joined by Battleship Pretension and CriterionCast writer Scott Nye to sift through all of Johnny Depp's quirks, Gore Verbinski's excess, and William Fichtner's cannibalistic nature to discuss whether this movie is actually as bad as so many people feared, if it's halfway decent, or if it's actually a hidden gem. Plus, Gabe pulls out his patent-pending Dumb Guy Voice! Celebrate 100 episodes by giving this one a listen.
If you've had a bad day, or a bad week, or simply made a few too many bad decisions lately, follow this simple advice: keep moving forward. No, seriously, say it to yourself: keep moving forward! You feel a bit better now, don't you? You especially will if you're a fan of Disney's 2007 animated film Meet the Robinsons, as those three little words are the film's mantra. And that film is this week's topic on Mousterpiece Cinema, as Josh and Gabe are joined by Scott Mendelson of Forbes.com to discuss B-movies in Disney's animated canon, time travel, emotion, and, at the very end, Despicable Me 2. (Because why not?) Check it out!
Attention, students! The summer session has just begun at your beloved and monstrous educational institution, and now it's time for class to commence. Apologies for the academic build-up, but this week, Josh and Gabe are going back to school with Mike Wazowski and James P. Sullivan, those lovable monsters from Monsters, Inc. Mike and Sulley, though, are a bit younger this time around, of course. Yes, it's time to talk Monsters University, Pixar's newest computer-animated feature. To do so, Josh and Gabe are joined by past guest Adam Kempenaar, from the Filmspotting podcast, to discuss prequels, Pitch Perfect, and...wait, Pitch Perfect? Yes, really. And you may be surprised by which member of this motley crew is most positive about a Pixar prequel. But you'll have to tune into this scare-ifying episode to find out!
Anniversaries aplenty this week, friends. First up, we're at the two-year point of Mousterpiece Cinema's history! (Two years is a mix of silver and gold, right? We'll take all gifts of both kinds.) But more importantly, we're celebrating another anniversary on today's podcast, in which Josh and Gabe discuss the 1988 animated/live-action hybrid Who Framed Roger Rabbit with Walt Disney Imagineering intern and friend of the show Morgan Ditta. Yes, this episode is going up on the 25th anniversary of this classic, and you'd better believe that Josh, Gabe, and Morgan spent the entire show figuring out new ways in which to explain how great this movie is. Does it hold up? Is the Pope Catholic? Will we stop asking questions without answering them? Yes. (See?) Check out the new show today, and raise a glass to one of the all-time classics celebrating its birthday. (Also, make sure to honor Who Framed Roger Rabbit.)
Hey, folks! It's time for a brand-new, recurring DVD feature on Mousterpiece Cinema, as Josh and Gabe begin their long, slow wade through the world of the Walt Disney Treasures box set DVDs. This week, they start with the Mickey Mouse in Living Color, Volume Two set, covering Mickey's shorts from 1939 onward. (Had it not been for Josh's poor memory, they wouldn't be going backwards with poor Mickey in living color.) They're joined on the show by This Was TV contributor Anthony Strand, as the trio discuss Mickey's shift from being a character to being an icon, Pluto's prominence in the shorts, and how sacrilegious it is to show Mickey Mouse playing a Mortal Kombat-style video game about Dopey the Dwarf. Check it out!
What would you do if one day, you woke up, and saw a peach as big as your house in the front yard? Would you go inside of that peach? Would you make friends with whatever was inside? Would you travel to New York while fighting robotic sharks and skeletal pirates? Of course you would! Well, that is, if you were the lead character of James and the Giant Peach, the Walt Disney live-action/stop-motion-animated hybrid film based on the Roald Dahl book of the same name, the topic of this week's all-new Mousterpiece Cinema. In this new show, Josh and Gabe are joined by Andreas Stoehr of the Pussy Goes Grr film blog to discuss this follow-up to The Nightmare Before Christmas, also produced by Tim Burton and directed by Henry Selick. Did they find it soporific? Slight? Splendid? Other words that begin with "s"? Listen to find out!
We've been away for a month, but Mousterpiece Cinema is back and ready to go! Gabe and Josh are raring to go, and start off a slew of all-new episodes by tackling one of the greatest of all animated movies--let alone Disney movies: 1940's Pinocchio. This week, they're joined by Alexander Huls, contributor to The Atlantic, Film School Rejects, The New York Times Magazine, and more, to discuss the little wooden marionette who dreamed of being a real boy and son to his father, Geppetto. More specifically, the trio discuss exactly how traumatic this movie was to them as children, and as adults, as well as the film's music, animation, and style. Plus, at the end, a digression into the world of The Fast and The Furious series, because...well, why not?
Welcome back, friends, to the second part of this special two-part show. As you saw from the first part of the podcast, Mousterpiece Cinema co-host and friend Michael Ryan passed away just over a week ago, so Josh and Gabe have been spending a bit of time reminiscing about their cohort. In the second part, Josh and Gabe highlight some memorable moments from having worked with Mike, both in another clip package, and in an extended discussion segment. Plus, you'll get to hear voicemails from some past guests and fellow listeners, as well as a conversation at the end of the show about the future of the podcast going forward. You don't want to miss it. NOTE: As you'll hear, this episode eschews the typical Mousterpiece Cinema theme music, instead using snatches of familiar, fitting pieces of Disney music, all of which are owned by Disney, and are not meant to be used here for profit.
Friends, by now you may have heard, but if not, Josh and Gabe recently got some tragic news from Montreal: their Mousterpiece Cinema co-host Michael Ryan passed away just over a week ago. As such, today doesn't bring a typical episode of the podcast. Instead, Josh and Gabe have a two-part memorial show in honor of Mike, with this being Part One. For the centerpiece segment, Josh and Gabe are joined by past guest and co-host of The Televerse, Kate Kulzick, to reminisce about Mike on a general level, discussing what he meant to them and how Mike first got involved with the show. This first of two parts also includes a clip package bursting with the best of our duck-loving friend. Make sure to listen to the whole show, and stick around for part two. NOTE: As you'll hear, this episode eschews the typical Mousterpiece Cinema theme music, instead using snatches of familiar, fitting pieces of Disney music, all of which are owned by Disney, and are not meant to be used here for profit.
Arr, mateys! D'you fancy a walk on the plank? Or...oh, let's drop the charade, shall we? We're at the end of the pirate world, finally, as Josh, Mike, and Gabe review the most recent Pirates of the Caribbean film, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. You remember On Stranger Tides, right? It came out two years ago! It had Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, and Ian McShane! Plus Penelope Cruz looking like...well, Penelope Cruz! Josh and Gabe had to have their memories jogged, but...well, we bet you know what Mike thought of this movie. But our three hosts also spent a good deal of time discussing the current state of affairs in Disney hand-drawn animation, because how could they not? These are choppy waters in this week's show, but don't hesitate to check it out!
No, friends, you haven't slept past the weekend, and your calendars aren't wrong. It's time for a brand-new Mousterpiece Cinema, during the week! Aren't you lucky? (Don't get used to this kind of multiple-episode manna from heaven.) And even better, this is a totally different episode, with a Mousterpiece Cinema first! Mike and Josh wanted to review the Disney documentary Walt and El Grupo, but there's one problem: it's not accessible in any way in Canada, so Mike hasn't seen it. As such, all he could do was interview the film's director, Ted Thomas, son of the late Frank Thomas. But he stuck around to hear Josh's thoughts on the film and its place in Disney's documentary universe. Was Josh a fan? Could Mike allay his concerns? And is Ted Thomas a duck person or a mouse person? Find out by listening to this all-new, extra-special bonus podcast!
Friends, we'd like to welcome you to a new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, but we have to be honest. Nothing we say can prepare you for the terror and foul horror of what lies within this podcast. Oh, sure, you've got Josh, Mike, and special guest Scott Meslow of The Week and The Atlantic here to discuss the 2010 live-action version of Alice in Wonderland, but we're thinking of one thing specifically: the...shudder...Futterwacken. We had to discuss it--how could we avoid it? There's a lot we had to discuss this week, including how Alice in Wonderland is just like Batman and Robin, and why that's a good thing...to one of us. The movie may be terrible, but this episode is something special. Check it out!
Yarr, mateys! We caught you with yer pants down, didn't we? Yes, just because your pirate crew took an unexpected vacation last week doesn't mean we're not back this week with cannons at the ready! Today, Josh, Mike, and Gabe head back to the high seas, but not with the Pirates of the Caribbean! No, this week, we join Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, and more of the Muppets with the 1996 film Muppet Treasure Island! And prepare to be shocked--your fearsome Captain is the most positive one of all! How could Mike and Gabe not love the goofiness onboard the Hispaniola? How could the silly humor and Tim Curry's over-the-top performance as Long John Silver not be enough for them? Find out on the new show!
Time to drink up, me hearties, because your beloved (hopefully beloved) crew members of the damned ship Mousterpiece are at it again. This week, they return to the fabled Caribbean to discuss the third film in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End. For this episode, Josh, Mike, and Gabe were joined by special guest Corey Atad of Movie Mezzanine, to have a hearty, spirited debate about this 2007 blockbuster. Is it a bloated, overly bombastic action movie that's tiresome, or is its bloat and bombast exactly why it's so great? Your crew and their guest were definitely divided on the film's quality, the romance, and even Chow-Yun Fat! Drop anchor and check out the new show! (And fair warning, me buckoes: there's a bit of salty language in this episode, so be warned!)
You're...off to see the wizard! The powerful wizard of Oz! We hear he is a bit of a jerk, if ever a jerk there was! If ever, oh, ever a sleaze there was, the wizard of Oz is one because...because, because, because, because, because...because of the slimy old things he does! You're off to see the wizard! The powerful wizard of Oz! Yes, Josh and Mike are facing off against Disney's big new movie Oz the Great and Powerful. Did they find it lacking a heart, a brain, or courage? Were they sold by James Franco's turn as Oz himself? (Take a guess from the parody lyrics. You might have an idea.) You'll have to check out the new show to find out! NOTE: There is one bad word uttered during this episode--Josh takes the blame, but he also gives a bit of warning, so if you've got kids around, just fast-forward a couple of seconds after he mentions "blue" language. (The phrase he utters, sans profanity, is "Give me a break," for the curious.)
This week's episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, about the 1951 animated version of Alice in Wonderland, will be a normal, humdrum sh--well, how do you like that? It's a white rabbbit! And he's talking! Let's follow him down that rabbit hole, along with Josh, Mike, and Gabe! And look what wonderful things there are down here! A discussion of music in Disney films! A comparison of this version of Alice in Wonderland to the many others, including a TV-movie with Ringo Starr as the Mock Turtle, and Telly Savalas as the Cheshire Cat! Oh, and some singing flowers, playing-card guards, and a pothead caterpillar. But those are so boring. Check out the new show today!
Is the regret at what could have been enough to discolor what remains? Bit heavy, we know, but hold on, because we're still talking about a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema! This week, Josh, Mike, and Gabe are joined by Myles McNutt of the AV Club to discuss the 2000 animated feature The Emperor's New Groove, as well as the controversial documentary of its making, The Sweatbox. The light, fast-paced buddy comedy with David Spade and John Goodman was once a Prince and the Pauper-style, ambitious film with Spade and Owen Wilson, as crazy as that may sound. Josh, Mike, Gabe, and Myles debate the film, its placement in Disney's canon, and exactly what kind of voice Lou Diamond Phillips (yes, really) has for animation this week, so make sure to check it out!
As a great man once said, all good things must come to an end. And today, that also applies to bad things, specifically the topic of discussion on a brand-new b-b-b-b-bonus episode of Mousterpiece Cinema: the Herbie, the Love Bug franchise. Josh and Mike have discussed the six movies and the 1997 TV-movie. But finally, because the show's Facebook page hit 200 Likes a couple months ago, they go to the VW-shaped well one more time, to look at the failed 1982 TV series Herbie, the Love Bug. Wait, you...you're not familiar with the five hourlong episodes starring Dean Jones where he fell in love with a divorced mother of three, and also had a driving school, and also had Herbie to be his best friend/needy lover? Let the exhausted Josh and giddy Mike clue you in on this all-new supplemental podcast!
Drink up, me hearties, because on this week's all-new Mousterpiece Cinema, you're going to need it. Last month, your feared captain, Josh, along with his first mate Mike and bosun Gabe, took a look at the 2003 adventure Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. That only means one thing: time to head to Davy Jones' locker in more ways than one. This week, your trio of hosts review the first sequel in the franchise, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest. You'll hear some crazy ideas and pirate voices this week, but brace yourself: this week, Josh isn't the most negative person on the podcast! Don't believe me? Grab a flagon of rum, your nearest wench, and dive into the depths with new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema!
What child doesn't have the distinct memory of sitting down with their family at the holidays to watch that old perennial favorite about Dorothy Gale traveling with an animal friend to the magical land of Oz? And what child doesn't remember how that film began, with Dorothy sent to a mental institution to get electroshock therapy? Wait, what? Yes, that's really the set-up to a film about Dorothy and Oz, but not the Judy Garland film. No, this week on Mousterpiece Cinema, your intrepid trio of hosts are talking about the 1985 film Return to Oz, starring a young Fairuza Balk. They're joined by The AV Club's Zack Handlen to revel in the glorious weirdness of Dorothy interacting with a person made of branches and a pumpkin, a talking chicken, a mechanical man, and a witch who exchanges her head at will. And, believe it or not, Gabe out-crazies Mike for the first time on the podcast! You'll have to wait a bit, but it's true! So check out the new show to find out what magic lurks in Oz!
Well, you're really in the doghouse this week, folks. Get ready for a howling good time as Josh and Mike cover not one, but two films on the new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema! You can probably spot the trend in this description, but in case you can't, your hosts are reviewing the live-action version of 101 Dalmatians and its 2000 sequel, 102 Dalmatians! Don't turn your tail and run, because this is bound to be a very special episode, in which Josh and Mike debate bad rap music, Hugh Laurie's career, Glenn Close, the value of animation, and whether or not a movie can get away with copying a scene from a better film. It gets pretty rough this week, but don't be scared--the movies might've been real dogs, but this episode isn't!
Ole! You better be ready for some south-of-the-border discussion this week, because Josh, Mike, and Gabe are bringing it! (The discussion, that is.) In the new Mousterpiece Cinema, the trio tackle the 1942 film that preceded The Three Caballeros, Saludos Amigos! And once again, they're joined by Jeff Heimbuch of Communicore Weekly and MiceChat.com to delve into this truly short feature film. They discuss race, identity, and what The Birds would look like with Jose Carioca and Donald Duck as the attackers, among many other salient, insightful, and silly topics. Check out the new show!
In this week's all-new Mousterpiece Cinema, Josh, Gabe, and Mike not only return to the land of the little, but they do some surprising box-office fact-hunting. All in the name of two little mice from the Rescue Aid Society, too! Yes, it's time to discuss the 1990 sequel to The Rescuers, better known as The Rescuers Down Under. Does this forgotten film deserve a second chance? And why did it do so poorly at the box office back at the beginning of the Disney Renaissance? Your hosts delve into these issues and find some time to rant about Disney's questionable decision to remove the Little Mermaid 3D re-release from their schedule in this brand new show. Check it out, mate! And have a g'day! (It was just too silly to pass up, sorry.)
Yarr, mateys! If ye dare, climb aboard the damned ship Mousterpiece as your captain Josh, first mate Mike, and bosun Gabe raid the shores of Tortuga on a new episode of this here podcast, reviewing the 2003 blockbuster Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. The motley Mousterpiece crew tackle the most fearsome, feared pirate of all: Cap'n Jack Sparrow! (Some of ye buckos may know him as Johnny Depp.) Yer beloved captain and 'is fellow buccaneers debate, in this week's show, which of the Pirates films be the greatest, and how much they dread revisiting some of the sequels. They dread it even more than Davy Jones' locker, but no challenge be too great for this trio of pirates! Make sure to download this new episode to hear all the fun, and decide which of yer pirate podcasters' voices be most believable! (Or least!)
On this week's new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, Gabe and Josh are joined once again by prolific pop-culture critic Keith Phipps to talk about a film focused on a boy whose life you might call quirky. You might call it strange. In fact, you could even call it...odd. (On that pun, we have no regrets.) Yes, this week, the show rights a wrong and finally discusses the late-summer family drama The Odd Life of Timothy Green, starring Joel Edgerton, Jennifer Garner, CJ Adams, and a slew of exceptionally talented character actors such as Dianne Wiest and James Rebhorn. Cast aside, did Gabe, Josh, and Keith actually enjoy this whimsical tale of how a married couple learns life lessons through their magical new son, or were they left cold by its attempted charms? And which of the three guys actually makes the "odd"-based pun on the show? (It's not who you might think!) Check out the new podcast today to find out!
It's time to ring in a happy new year at Mousterpiece Cinema HQ! To kick off 2013, Josh and Mike travel to a whole new world: Monstropolis, where monsters work hard at scaring the bejeezus out of children. Yes, let's all travel to Monsters, Inc., the 2001 film from Pixar Animation Studios that was re-released in 3D into theaters over the 2012 holiday season. Did Mike and Josh like the 3D upconversion? Are they excited for the upcoming prequel, Monsters University? And hey, what about the movie itself? All of these questions are answered, plus a debate about the quality of The Flintstones, of all things, on the first new Mousterpiece Cinema of 2013!
Grab the closest jug of moonshine, sit back, and relax as Josh, Mike and Gabe close out 2012 with their little friends Bernard and Bianca from the Rescue Aid Society. Yes, this week, the trio discusses the 1977 Disney animated film The Rescuers, from its many songs to its Cruella De Vil-like villain Madame Medusa. Would it surprise you to learn that Josh contradicts a recent opinion regarding bleakness? Would it surprise you to learn that Mike calls Josh out for this very thing? (Only if you're a new listener!) Oh, and would you like to know what it sounds like when Gabe impersonates the sound of sad horns you might hear in a Burt Bacharach song? Of course you would! All this and more in the new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema!
There are only a few shopping days until Christmas, and what better way to ring in the holiday than by warming up by the fire, sipping on some hot cocoa, and listening to a holiday-centric episode of Mousterpiece Cinema? Don't even try to think of one! Instead, listen as Josh, Mike, and Gabe discuss the 1983 short Mickey's Christmas Carol, where Mickey Mouse plays Bob Cratchit, Goofy plays Marley's ghost, and Scrooge McDuck plays...well, who else? This week, your intrepid hosts also discuss their favorite adaptations of Charles Dickens' famous tale, along with their least favorites, and there are plenty of strange movies dropped along their path. Only here can you find out what Rich Little, Henry Winkler, and Vanessa Williams have in common. So check out the new show before the bell on the clock strikes twelve!
Is the Christmas season one tinged with bleakness? Do all the great holiday movies--It's A Wonderful Life or A Christmas Carol, for example--begin at a place of immense sadness? Is that what makes them great? And how does religion factor into our enjoyment of holiday films? Lots of heady topics to unwrap on this week's new Mousterpiece Cinema, where Josh and Mike tackle the 1985 Disney film One Magic Christmas, starring Harry Dean Stanton and Mary Steenburgen. And yes, in between all of this craziness, Mike was able to turn the show into a brand-new Ducksterpiece Theatre. Plus, at the end, a bit of chatter about the new Hobbit film, which Josh reviewed at Sound on Sight. Your early Christmas present is here--you just have to listen to it!
The most wonderful time of year is upon us once again, folks. Yes, it's the holiday season, and Josh is returning to the North Pole just like he did last December. A year ago, he reviewed 1994's The Santa Clause all by himself, but this year, he's got Gabe and special guest Marc Vibbert of the Animation Fascination podcast to discuss the 2002 sequel The Santa Clause 2. Does this sequel, where Santa Claus finds a wife in the form of Elizabeth Mitchell (also known as Juliet from Lost), deliver the goods? Is the first film still better? Has the boy playing Charlie, the son of the Tim Allen version of Santa, gotten any better? And what's with the way David Krumholtz runs? These and other questions are pondered and put to bed a new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema!
How do you know...if a movie is good? How do you know...it's for you? (I hope you're singing those questions out loud.) This week, Josh, Mike, and Gabe convene in Mousterpiece Cinema HQ with special guest (and our first returning guest, to boot) Kate Kulzick of The Televerse to review the 2007 Walt Disney Pictures live-action/animation hybrid Enchanted. Everyone agreed that Amy Adams, in her breakout starring role as the fairy-tale denizen Giselle, is excellent, but what about the rest of the film? Was everyone as enamored with Patrick Dempsey, aka McDreamy? What of the music? And would Enchanted have been better if Paul Schrader had written it? (Of course.) Plenty of spirited debates within, so check out the new show!
Yes, friends, there is no typo in the episode title. (And don't let the first few minutes of the show fool you!) Though Josh had planned, many months ago, to discuss the 1996 live-action remake of 101 Dalmatians this week, Mike pulled a fast one, a good old-fashioned bait-and-switch. So, instead of spotted dogs, the topic this week is the greatest president America has ever known: Abraham Lincoln, the subject of a new film from Steven Spielberg, appropriately titled Lincoln. Though Gabe couldn't join us for this impromptu review, Mike and Josh did welcome into the show Peter Labuza of the excellent Cinephiliacs podcast to discuss Pierre Trudeau, John Ford, Woodrow Wilson, and F. Scott Fitzgerald. Were Josh, Mike, and Peter all as ecstatic about Lincoln as most critics and audiences are? You'll have to listen to find out! Note: at one point in the show, Peter references an independent filmmaker and critic named Dan Sallitt. Though Peter said Mr. Sallitt was a former writer of LA Weekly, he meant the LA Reader.
Yes, friends, it's that time again: time for Gabe and Josh to dip into the direct-to-DVD well and see if they get oil, water, or...something in between. This week, they take a look at the highly anticipated return to Pride Rock with Simba, Nala, Timon, Pumbaa, and all our jungle friends with 1998's The Lion King II: Simba's Pride. Could any sequel to the immensely popular Lion King live up to expectations? Did the people at DisneyToon Studios even try to live up to expectations? Which accents did Gabe bust out this week? And what the hell do Nikki and Paolo from Lost--yes, the dearly departed TV series--have to do with Simba and the lioness villain of this new film? You'll have to find out by checking out the new episode!
Ladies and gentlemen, it's time to break some hearts. Or, depending on who you believe, it's time to re-evaluate Josh's sanity. This week, Josh, Mike, and Gabe delve deep into Walt Disney Pictures' newest animated feature, the video-game-set Wreck-It Ralph, featuring the voices of John C. Reilly, Jane Lynch, Sarah Silverman, and Jack McBrayer. Two of your hosts loved the movie. One of your hosts...did not. Two of your hosts found the movie endearing, moving, exciting, and purely entertaining. One of your hosts...did not. This one's packed with contentious discussion, plus you can find out exactly how far down the road Josh has the show planned out. By then, you're sure to be questioning his sanity, too, but you can only do that if you listen to the new episode!
Is The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again one of the greatest and most underrated sequels of all time? Is it a cinematic classic? Or is it a movie so bad that even Mike said it's "terrible"? You can, of course, take a wild guess, but we bet you know the answer. After discussing the 1975 original at the end of September, it's time for Mike and Josh to tackle this 1979 follow-up, placing Don Knotts and Tim Conway as leading men as well as comic relief. They don't exactly pull it off, sadly, partly because Knotts and Conway are only so funny, and partly because this movie is so packed with Western-movie cliches, it gave your hosts whiplash. But don't let that scare you away--take a listen to the new episode, to listen to, among other topics, exactly how unfortunate it is that Muppet Treasure Island made less than, of all things, The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again.
By the pricking of my thumbs...oh, how does that line end? I'm sure the answer couldn't be found in the title of this week's movie on Mousterpiece Cinema, the 1983 horror movie Something Wicked This Way Comes starring Jason Robards and Jonathan Pryce. (Forgive me, William Shakespeare's vengeful ghost. FORGIVE ME.) Yes, it's true, Walt Disney Pictures did make a few forays into the world of horror back in the 1980s, and this week, Josh, Mike and special guest Zack Handlen from The AV Club take a backwards ride on a magical carousel to the past to analyze this film. Were Robards and Pryce awesome enough to disguise the movie's flaws? What truly makes a Disney movie? And how much are Josh and Mike dreading discussing, of all things, The Haunted Mansion? Listen to the new show to find out!
The legend of King Arthur has seen many iterations in popular culture. The greatest bit of knowledge, for example, we've all learned through the British king's story is that the Earth is banana-shaped. Though we won't be discussing Monty Python and the Holy Grail in depth this week, Mike and Josh do tackle Disney's 1963 version of King Arthur's origins, The Sword in the Stone. And they're helped out by very special guest Marjorie Jensen of DoorQ.com to analyze Arthur's place in literature, his dynamism as a young character, how grim his life would be after pulling Excalibur from the stone, and how exactly Ducksterpiece Theater applies to a surprisingly duck-free movie. Check out the new show to find out!
On this week's all-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, something truly frightening happened. Oh, sure, we talked about Tim Burton's newest film, the stop-motion-animated, black-and-white, 3D expansion of his short film Frankenweenie. And sure, we welcomed onto the show a very special guest to review the film: Anthony Breznican of Entertainment Weekly. But discussing this scary kids' movie was nothing compared to finding out what it sounds like when Josh likes something, and both Mike and Gabe do not. Yes, friends, if you thought it was crazy enough to hear Mike get critical, just wait until you hear he and Gabe face off against Josh and Anthony. Is Frankenweenie a sweet, charming piece of nostalgia, or is it a lazy and soulless attempt from Tim Burton to recapture his youth? You'll have to listen to the show to find out the verdict!
Puppies, puppies everywhere, and not a drop to drink! OK, we may have that wrong, but on this week's all-new Mousterpiece Cinema, we're swimming in a sea full of adorable pooches as we cover the 1961 animated classic 101 Dalmatians. And it's a full house this week, as Josh, Mike, and Gabe are joined by the editor of The AV Club, Keith Phipps to take a trip down memory lane. You may know that Josh is an avowed cat person, but did Pongo, Perdita, Lucky and the other 98 Dalmatians warm his blackened heart? That's a hot topic in the episode, along with the xerography process that would define Disney animation during the 1960s and 1970s. Does this movie look as lazy and copied-over as The Jungle Book or The Aristocats? Is Cruella De Vil the best Disney villain of all time? And what does Calvin and Hobbes have to do with a baby Dalmatian surviving its birth? The answers to these burning questions are within--check out the new show to find out!
Don Knotts is well-known and beloved for his role as Barney Fife on The Andy Griffith Show, but was he really just a pervy old uncle in disguise? Well, if you listen to Mike talk about him, you might think so too! Somehow--yes, really--this is a point of discussion in the brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, where Josh and Mike tackle the 1975 Disney family film The Apple Dumpling Gang. Did this story of kids finding gold in an Old West town charm and delight both of your hosts? Or have the planets aligned once more, leaving Josh to be more negative about a movie than Mike? And what, pray tell, does John Wayne have to do with this goofball family comedy? The only way to know is to listen to the new podcast!
On this week's episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, hell has frozen over. To quote the great Bill Murray, cats and dogs living together--mass hysteria! Yes, it's true: Josh liked a movie more than Mike. And that movie is this week's focus: the Pixar film Finding Nemo, which has been re-released in theaters thanks to a 3D post-conversion. Is the 3D essential? Do you need to revisit the film with a new set of eyes, or should you just revisit it at all? Josh and Mike tackle this and a lot of other topics, all the way to the true meaning of what cinema is. Heady times this week, plus we make fun of Larry the Cable Guy. Check out the new show to find out what Opposite Day truly sounds like!
Today is a very special day at Mousterpiece Cinema HQ, because it's finally happened. After months of searching, after hours of discussion, we have found a film that Mike doesn't love. In fact, this is a film that Mike had an easier time nitpicking. Yes, that's right, folks, Mike can nitpick, too! In this epic episode, Josh and Mike get right into the nitty-gritty of what is currently the biggest box-office flop in film history: Mars Needs Moms, a motion-capture animated movie based on the Berkeley Breathed book of the same name. Is the movie as bad as you might think? Do cats like broccoli? Did Mike dislike a movie more than Josh for once? Could it be possible? Check out the new show to find out!
Who's your favorite member of the A-Team? Don't look so shocked! You may well be surprised how the answer to that question connects to this week's discussion of the 1970 Disney animated feature The Aristocats. Josh, Gabe, and Mike dig deep into the film, analyzing its music, its story, and its characters, including the raffish Thomas O'Malley and fancy Duchess. Does everybody truly want to be a cat? Or is Josh's love for cats in the real world not enough to translate into cats in the world of fiction? And, most important of all, what comment from Josh sends Gabe over the edge so that he finally calls Josh a "meanie"? You'll have to listen to the new Mousterpiece Cinema to find out!
Has it only been 14 years since Lindsay Lohan was a respectable child actor? Yes, friends, this week on Mousterpiece Cinema, Josh and Gabe move past the 1961 version of The Parent Trap all the way to its 1998 remake, directed by Nancy Meyers and featuring the first major role from Ms. Lohan. In this episode, you may well hear the most nitpicky things Josh has ever taken issue with, but even Gabe gets in on the fun of picking apart this film and its perhaps-questionable premise. Exactly how frustrated was Josh with this modern take on the story of identical twins conspiring to reunite their parents? And what accents does Gabe regale us with this week? Listen to the new show to find out!
It's a moment of truth on Mousterpiece Cinema this week, as Josh and Mike are joined by special guest Simon Howell from The Televerse and Sound on Sight's flagship podcast. The trio team up to tackle the 1997 Studio Ghibli release Princess Mononoke. Along with Spirited Away, it's one of writer-director Hayao Miyazaki's most beloved films. And long-time listeners know exactly how much Josh wasn't swayed by Spirited Away. Will the experience of Princess Mononoke be any different? Do Mike and Simon need to convince him of the film's epic allure, its striking animation, and its complex characters? Find out whether or not Josh once again goes to bat for the out-there minority opinion, or if he finally succumbed to Ghibli's charms on this week's Mousterpiece Cinema!
On this week's Mousterpiece Cinema, Josh and Mike are joined by special guest Casey Ryan to tackle not one, but two movies. Yes, they shoved a discussion of the 2004 adventure film National Treasure along with its 2007 sequel, National Treasure: Book of Secrets into one jam-packed episode. The double-movie package may be a blessing in disguise, as the three quickly agree that both movies are cut from the same cloth, as it were. But what of Nicolas Cage and his penchant for nutty performances? Which film is your hosts' favorite? Who's the better villain--Sean Bean or Ed Harris? And who has the crazier haircut: Nicolas Cage or Tom Hanks? You'll have to listen to find out the answers to all of these burning questions!
Ole! This week, we're in a celebratory mood at Mousterpiece Cinema HQ as Josh, Gabe, and Mike talk all about The Three Caballeros, the 1944 package film from Walt Disney Pictures that brought together Donald Duck, Jose Carioca, and Panchito Pistoles for the first time. Your three hosts are joined by perhaps the movie's biggest fan, Jeff Heimbuch, MiceChat.com columnist and co-host of the Disney theme-park video podcast Communicore Weekly. And even though he was only able to appear for the first 30 minutes, Mike manages to sneak in a drive-by Ducksterpiece Theater in honor of Disney's number-one duck. There are discussions of nostalgia, sex drives, and even The Goonies in store--check out the new episode now!
This week on Mousterpiece Cinema, Josh and Gabe head back into the past, all the way to the 1960s to discuss the original long-lost-identical-twin story, The Parent Trap, starring Hayley Mills AND Hayley Mills as twins who discover each other at summer camp and conspire to get their parents back together. There's plenty to discuss, as Gabe and Josh debate accents, gold-diggers, and try to nail down exactly how great an actress Maureen O'Hara really was. Did the split-screen effect work that well in 1961? Do your hosts put on any English accents? Or are they ready for a podcast-style divorce? Check out this week's show to find out!
Once more into the fray, dear friends. Yes, this week on Mousterpiece Cinema, Josh and Gabe return to the regular schedule by ripping off another painful bandage known as the 2006 direct-to-DVD midquel The Fox and the Hound 2. But it features the voices of Reba McEntire and Patrick Swayze! What could go wrong? Well, the unfortunate answer is quite a lot. Josh and Gabe are joined by special guest Corey Atad to talk about exactly what did go wrong with this uninvolving and dull story, to discuss whether or not these types of movies destroyed Disney's reputation, and to reveal which of them worked on The Dark Knight Rises. No, the last point doesn't have much to do with The Fox and the Hound 2, but you may be surprised by the answer. You'll have to check out the new Mousterpiece Cinema to find out!
Well, folks, there's some good news and bad news. Let's rip the bandage off first: because of some unforeseen scheduling and family issues, our National Treasure discussion has been postponed until next month. But fear not! In its place, we do have a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema for you, and it's extra-special! A month ago, Mike extended a challenge to Josh: get 100 Likes on Facebook, and discuss the 1997 TV-movie version of The Love Bug on the show. Over 100 of you have Liked us on Facebook, so your wishes have come true! This week, in our first (and hopefully not last) Herbie Challenge episode, Mike and Josh analyze The Love Bug, from Bruce Campbell to Herbie's past to Jim Douglas and his many, many wives. Check it out--and make sure to keep Liking us to keep the challenge alive!
Carry the banner! Do it for Crutchie! Dare to dream to go to Santa Fe! Some of you will recognize these as references to the 1992 flop-turned-Broadway smash hit Newsies, a cult favorite from Walt Disney Pictures. Some of you have fond memories of Christian Bale, Bill Pullman, and a cast of lovable imps and orphans singing and dancing their way through the Newsboys Strike of 1899 in New York City. So, some of you are like Gabe and Mike, ardent fans of the film. But the rest of you, those who don't recognize the film or hold it dear to your heart, may be more like Josh, who struggled to find anything to like about the movie. In what is arguably the silliest Mousterpiece Cinema yet, your three hosts delve into singing, dancing, New York accents, and yes, maybe even another hostile takeover into Ducksterpiece Theatre. Check it out!
Baloo the bear always told his friend Mowgli the man-cub to look for the bare necessities in life. Does that principle apply to movies, too? This week on Mousterpiece Cinema, Josh and Gabe are joined by the editor-in-chief of Sound on Sight, Ricky D, to take an in-depth look at the 1967 Disney classic The Jungle Book. Among other things, The Jungle Book is notable for being the last film Walt Disney had a strong producing hand in before he passed away. Does his influence show? Do Josh, Gabe, and Ricky think as fondly of The Jungle Book as adults as they did as children? And which member of the Rat Pack is the voice of Baloo, Phil Harris, most like? The answers to these burning questions and more are revealed on this week's Mousterpiece Cinema!
Do you have what it takes to change your fate? Can you possibly know the costs of damaging the bond among familial allies? This week, Josh, Gabe, and Michael go head-to-head with Disney-Pixar's newest movie, Brave, set in the Scottish Highlands and featuring the voices of Kelly Macdonald, Emma Thompson, Billy Connolly, and more. There's little complete agreement this week, but it may shock you to learn that the sole voice of dissent isn't Josh! (He's sure to remind you of his black, black heart in the weeks to come.) So, with talk of heaving bosoms, archery, bumbling men, and a few Scottish accents thrown in for good measure, the new Mousterpiece Cinema is a must-listen!
With Independence Day right around the corner, the new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema celebrates a part of the Walt Disney Company's history all about protecting America. Though you may not be as familiar with the period when Walt Disney and his animators worked on wartime propaganda, there was a time when Disney focused more on convincing America to get involved in the World War II effort instead of entertaining mass audiences with fairy tales. This week, Josh and Gabe are joined by Michael Crawford from Progress City, U.S.A. to discuss the pinnacle of Disney's propaganda, the full-length feature Victory Through Air Power. This hybrid of live-action and animation features a dry Russian narrator, an animated history of aviation, and an eagle pounding the life out of an octopus! Even if you haven't seen the film, this episode is a can't-miss affair, with discussions of Disney history, keeping historical context in mind in the modern day, and a few Edward G. Robinson impressions. So check out the new Mousterpiece Cinema!
What better way to celebrate Mousterpiece Cinema's 50th episode than with another milestone? Yes, after what feels like years but has really only been a few months, Josh and Mike have reached the end of the Herbie, the Love Bug franchise. (Or have they?) This week, they're thrilled that Herbie has finally joined the 21st century in the 2005 reboot/sequel Herbie: Fully Loaded, starring Lindsay Lohan, Michael Keaton, and Matt Dillon. Josh and Mike get loose and silly almost immediately, ping-ponging from a mini-discussion of John Carter to looking at two of the writers of Herbie: Fully Loaded, Thomas Lennon and Robert Ben Garant, to the piece de resistance: Mike throwing down a challenge to all of you listeners! Find out about the challenge and more on the new Mousterpiece Cinema!
Almost everyone can remember the moment when their childhood innocence was shattered: it's when Bambi's mom got shot by a hunter, right? (I assume you're all nodding in agreement.) This week, Josh, Gabe, and Mike honor the 70th anniversary of Walt Disney Pictures' fifth full-length animated film, Bambi, by discussing its animation style, its overall realism, and by invoking movies like Monty Python and the Meaning of Life and Speed. How do those movies relate in any way to this one? Which of your hosts loves the film more than any other Disney animated feature? And what of the malevolent Ronno? (The right answer to that is, "Who?") Discover the answers by listening to the latest Mousterpiece Cinema!
Through the magic of the Internet, we're managing to bring you a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema despite Josh currently being on vacation in the happiest place on Earth. And what better way to celebrate than by discussing one of the most magical and entertaining romantic comedies of the past decade? Yes, this week, Josh and Michael discuss Pixar's 2008 film WALL-E, which may be set in a dystopian future but is also a sweet and lovely story of two lonely robots who find love as humanity struggles to survive. They're joined by special guest Rowan Kaiser of The AV Club and Joystiq Magazine to talk about the fabled "Pixar moment," showtunes, gender coding in nonhuman characters and fascism! Heady stuff, and it's all part of another great Mousterpiece Cinema you won't want to miss!
Listeners, it's finally come to this. After four films starring the rascally Love Bug himself, Herbie, your hosts Josh and Michael have begun to question each other's sanity. The real culprit is the topic of this week's podcast, the 1980 film Herbie Goes Bananas, where the supposedly lovable VW Beetle faces off against scheming thieves, an outrageously horny older woman, a stuffy cruise-ship captain, and a fuming bull. (Absolutely none of that is a lie or a joke. We promise.) For anyone hoping that Michael would, for once, succumb to the Dark Side, you may be disappointed, but you'll get to hear Josh rage and rant like never before. This one's an episode for the pantheon, so check out the new Mousterpiece Cinema today!
Though it took sixty years for Disney to make a follow-up to the 1940 classic Fantasia, it's only taken Josh, Gabe, and Michael a month to discuss it on the podcast. This week, your three intrepid hosts join forces for the first time without guests to take a look at Fantasia 2000. What are their favorite segments? What are their least favorite segments? What do they think of the celebrity emcees? And how big of an axe does Gabe have to grind against the diva herself, Bette Midler? Check it all out with your very own Three Caballeros this week on Mousterpiece Cinema!
Head-to-head battles, a massive cast, snappy wit. Yes, this episode of Mousterpiece Cinema has it all. And what better way to discuss Marvel's The Avengers, one of the biggest, most popular films of the year? This week, it's a packed, epic-length show, as Josh, Gabe, and Michael are joined by special guest Adam Kempenaar, co-host of the essential Filmspotting podcast, to discuss the latest superhero film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Do they all love this new film from cult god Joss Whedon? Or will they have to lay waste to each other? And which one of your intrepid hosts Hulks out during the show? You'll have to listen to find out!
Grunt grunt grunt! Grunt--cough, cough--excuse me, I had a piece of hacky old shtick in my throat. Now, where was I? Ah yes, it's time for a new Mousterpiece Cinema! This week, Josh and Michael go to the jungles of Africa with the new DisneyNature documentary Chimpanzee, which is replete with beautiful imagery, a compelling day-in-the-life story about lovable chimps, and truly horrendous, movie-killing narration from Tim "The Tool Man" Taylor himself, Tim Allen. Would this movie be better if you could mute the dialogue? Does only one of your hosts indulge in a Home Improvement-style grunting impression, or both? And what would British documentarian David Attenborough sound like if he had read Allen's narration? Answers to these and other burning questions on the latest Mousterpiece Cinema!
For any fan of Disney films, discussing their many direct-to-video sequels is truly going, to quote the line, where no man has gone before. This is the final frontier, and on the new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, Josh and Gabe begin to explore it with 2002's follow-up to a movie that didn't seem to need one, Cinderella II: Dreams Come True. Listen to them discuss a movie that fellow co-host Michael dubbed a "cinematic atrocity," one so bad he refused to watch it even for the podcast. Does Cinderella II live up (or down) to such hype? Is it perhaps a diamond in the rough? Or is it as bad as Josh feared? Check out the new episode to find out!
Every once in a while, Josh takes one for the team on Mousterpiece Cinema. This is one of those times, as Josh descends into the madness of the 1979 sci-fi adventure The Black Hole, which didn't exactly blow his mind. If you want to know what really gets Josh mad, what frustrates him about some latter-era Disney movies, and how confused he got, check out this week's rollicking episode of Mousterpiece Cinema!
It's the middle of April, the heart of spring, so there's no better time to talk about a movie set at the Winter Olympics, right? If that sounds crazy, here's something crazier: bobsledders...from Jamaica! Yes, this week on the podcast, Josh and Michael take a look at the 1993 sports comedy Cool Runnings, based on the crazy-but-true story of four men from Jamaica who went to the 1988 Winter Olympics to be the first bobsledders from that country. Finally, with such a wild combination, Josh and Michael are on the same page about a Disney sports movie! There are some typically nutty tangents this week, with German accents and Bad Boys II coming into play. Check out the new Mousterpiece Cinema!
It's a momentous week at Mousterpiece Cinema headquarters, as your three hosts--Josh, Mike, and Gabe--come together for the first time! And they're joined by a very special guest, Kate Kulzick from The Televerse podcast at Sound on Sight. What's the special occasion? This week, your hosts and their guest tackle one of the biggest classics in the Walt Disney Pictures filmography: Fantasia, the 1940 classic filled with animated segments set to pieces of classical music. With such a big movie to discuss, it's no surprise that the guys and Kate had a long, expansive discussion. You'll definitely want to listen as Josh commits another act of heresy, Kate educates us on the film's musical elements, and much, much more. Check out the new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema now!
You've been waiting for weeks, and finally, we've reached the thrilling, exciting, unexpected conclusion of the epic Mighty Ducks trilogy. The mysteries of the franchise will be answered on this special episode of Mousterpiece Cinema. Did Gordon Bombay abandon his beloved Ducks? What's Charlie's favorite musical group? Did your mischievous co-host Michael once again pull off a sneaky coup d'etat of the podcast's regular format from Josh? And what are your hosts' alcoholic drinks of choice? Pull up a seat--preferably a high-backed leatherbound chair--and check out a brand-new episode of Ducksterpiece--I mean, Mousterpiece Cinema.
You have been waiting for this moment for days, weeks, even months. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, this is a very important, landmark episode of Mousterpiece Cinema. For the first time, you will hear the magic words that make Michael blow a gasket, virtually. Actually, let's up the ante. You will hear TWO different sentences that get Michael's blood boiling. Either way, this week's episode is a spirited debate, as Josh and Michael discuss the merits (or lack thereof) of the 2006 animated film The Wild, which may or may not be a shameless rip-off of Finding Nemo and Madagascar depending on which point of view you agree with. Check out this--wait for it--wild episode of Mousterpiece Cinema!
On this very special episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, Josh and Michael rejoin the many exploits and misadventures of Herbie, the Volkswagen with a mind of its own, as he finally goes racing with Jim Douglas in Europe, in Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo. But this is no average podcast; you'll find out, just as Josh did, some important information about his co-host. What torture did Michael suffer at the hand of his three sisters? How does anime or manga relate to Herbie the Love Bug? Plus, you'll also hear about the hideous fashion faux pas on display in Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo. Yes, it's another silly, wild episode of the show; when Herbie's involved, this podcast comes alive! Check out the new episode right now--you won't regret it!
Travel with Josh and Michael this week to the mysterious red planet that we call Mars, as they discuss the latest film from Walt Disney Pictures, John Carter. This science-fiction epic has been talked about for a lot of reasons--its bad marketing, its 3D post-conversion, its title change--but Josh and Michael are here to resolve the most important question of all to any moviegoer: is this movie any good? Is it worth your time? What does Mission: Impossible -- Ghost Protocol have to do with this movie? Those questions and many more are answered on this life-changing trip to Barsoom on the new Mousterpiece Cinema!
Do you have to be a dog person to like a Disney classic such as 1955's Lady and the Tramp? Do you hate dogs if you don't? These are just a couple of the questions that Josh and co-host Gabe Bucsko asked and answered while discussing the iconic film on this week's episode. And sure, we've all seen that famous moment where the two dogs eat the same strand of spaghetti and end up kissing, but how does this key romance work when the dogs are talking to each other? What does the time-travel comedy Back to the Future have to do with this relationship? And will Gabe's mother ever think Josh is nothing but a heartless fiend? Find out on the latest Mousterpiece Cinema!
It's time to return to the ice again, as Josh and Michael delve back into the world of Gordon Bombay and his ragtag team of lovable underdogs, the Mighty Ducks. Yes, friends, we're talking about 1994's D2: The Mighty Ducks this week and make no mistake: if you are expecting a normal episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, you are in for a wild ride. This episode is so crazy, breaking the rules of past episodes left and right, that Skype could barely handle our discussion. (Don't be shocked if there are a few sound glitches!) Within the madness, you'll find out about knucklepuck, short actors, how good of a hockey team Iceland would really have, and what Josh's impression of cartoony special effects sound like. Take a listen to this duckstra-special episode of Mousterpiece Cinema!
Over the four-day Presidents' Day weekend in the United States, Walt Disney Pictures unveiled the latest release from the beloved Japanese animation company Studio Ghibli, 2012's The Secret World of Arrietty. Now that a week has past, Josh and Michael can delve deep into this secret world, adapted from the well-known British kids' novel The Borrowers. Does The Secret World of Arrietty stand up to other Ghibli releases such as Ponyo and Spirited Away? What does the old Disney live-action movie Rascal, about a boy and his pet raccoon, have to do with the movie? And who do Josh and Michael think are the four animators worthy of a Mount Rushmore-like shrine? Find out the answers to these and other questions in the new Mousterpiece Cinema!
It's a very special day here on Mousterpiece Cinema, as Josh and Michael cover their very first live-action sequel to a Disney movie. The honor goes to Herbie Rides Again, one of the strangest, quirkiest, and messiest movies from Walt Disney Pictures. This 1974 sequel is something of a lemon--yes, we went there--but even in a baffling misfire, there's always some joy to unearth. Even if you haven't seen Herbie Rides Again, you'll want to check out this episode, full of silliness, an appreciation of Stefanie Powers, and the answer to the question: what is the unified film theory of Walt Disney Pictures? Check out the latest Mousterpiece Cinema now!
In the history of Walt Disney Pictures, few films have as well-known a reputation as 1985's The Black Cauldron. Unfortunately, The Black Cauldron has a...well, black mark on its record; it's known as one of the biggest flops for the studio and the animation department's lowest point. But is The Black Cauldron as bad as its reputation? On the latest episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, Josh and co-host Michael Ryan dig deep into this film's history, talking about the source material by Lloyd Alexander, the score, the characters, and a whole lot of sacrifice. Is the Horned King the best Disney villain? Is the music a carbon copy of a certain 80s-era comedy classic? And what exactly is that pesky character Gurgi? Find out the answers on the new Mousterpiece Cinema!
Just as we kicked off 2012 with the first-ever full-length animated film on Mousterpiece Cinema, is there any better way to kick off the month of February with what's possibly the most quintessential film from Walt Disney Pictures? Of course not, so with Michael Ryan taking the week off, Josh and co-host Gabe Bucsko dive straight into the movie that introduced us all to Julie Andrews: 1964's Mary Poppins. With a slew of classic songs, a mix of live action and animation, and plenty of laughs (some unintentionally inspired by a certain performer's accent), did Gabe and Josh need a spoonful of sugar to sit through this movie? Do they think it's practically perfect in every way? Are there other movie-related puns in the episode itself? Only one way to find out: check out the latest Mousterpiece Cinema!
This week on Mousterpiece Cinema, Josh and Michael ask the important question: who plays with appliances as a child? This and other burning questions arise as they discuss The Brave Little Toaster, an indie animated film Walt Disney Pictures snatched up after its 1987 release. Both of your hosts were shocked by this cult favorite, mostly because of how much it reminded them of a certain trilogy of computer-animated films about toys, but why ruin all the fun now? You should check out the latest episode of the podcast, and give the show a rating and review on iTunes while you're at it!
Even though it's been over 40 years since he first drove onto the silver screen and captured America's heart, there are a lot of questions you can ask about Herbie, that famous Volkswagen Beetle. Why does he act like a human? Where did he come from? Most importantly, why is he called The Love Bug? On this week's Mousterpiece Cinema, Josh is joined by co-host (yes, friends, you read that right!) Michael Ryan, from Sound on Sight, to debate and discuss these burning questions as well as look back on the careers of leading man Dean Jones and sidekick Buddy Hackett. But don't you worry, Herbie, Josh and Michael talked plenty about you, too. Just take a listen to the show to find out!
Quack! Quack! Quack! Yes, friends, it's time to show some team spirit and get into a Flying V, because this week's new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema takes a look at where it all began for one of Walt Disney Pictures' most popular modern franchises, The Mighty Ducks. Josh is joined by Sound on Sight contributor Michael Ryan to discuss this 1992 underdog sports movie, and gets a crash course in hockey history in the process! Does The Mighty Ducks hold up after 20 years? Is it as entertaining as The Rocketeer or as disposable as The Black Hole or Tron? You'll have to take a listen and find out for yourself!
Happy New Year, everyone! 2012 is a banner year for Mousterpiece Cinema, because the Disney movie podcast you know and love is now being presented to you by the amazing movie website Sound On Sight! Why not start off this new year than with a look back at where it all began for Walt Disney Pictures? Yes, this week, Josh commemorates the 75th anniversary of the first feature-length animated film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, but don't hold your breath if you're waiting for him to gush about the American Film Institute's choice for the best animated film ever. It may be first, but Josh wasn't as charmed as you may think. Now that he's got your attention, check out the first Mousterpiece Cinema of 2012, from Sound on Sight!
Let's close out 2011 with a bang, mateys! We may be three months past National Talk Like A Pirate Day, but Josh is ready to walk the plank with that old scoundrel Long John Silver after watching the first full-length, live-action feature from Walt Disney Productions, 1950's Treasure Island. You know he's had some rough patches in the past with live-action Disney movies, but never fear, landlubbers: Josh found more than enough to enjoy with this old-fashioned adventure. So, if your timbers are properly shivered, take a listen to the new Mousterpiece Cinema!
"It's in the singing of a street-corner choir, it's going home and getting warm by the fire. It's true, wherever you find love, it feels like Christmas." Who else knows those lyrics by heart? Admit it, you're a closet fan of The Muppet Christmas Carol, aren't you? With Christmas only 7 days away, Josh takes a look at the first Disney movie to feature Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, and the other Muppets for this week's Mousterpiece Cinema. But he may have been most impressed by a human actor in this movie!(Think of the actor who plays Scrooge.) Cuddle up with your loved ones, eat some figgy pudding, and listen to the new Mousterpiece Cinema to find out what Josh thinks of The Muppet Christmas Carol!
Across the world, he has many names: Kris Kringle, Pere Noel, and Topo Gigio. But we all know him as...Tim Allen? Yes, friends, with Christmas two weeks away, Josh takes a look at another Christmas movie from Walt Disney Pictures on the new Mousterpiece Cinema: 1994's The Santa Clause. He may have liked it as a kid, but is Josh as enamored of this holiday classic as an adult? Do the special effects still impress him? And what does he think about the Cosby sweaters Judge Reinhold wears? Find out on the new holiday-themed episode of Mousterpiece Cinema!
Some say the Christmas season is the most wonderful time of year, but there's at least one person who would disagree: Ebenezer Scrooge, that old skinflint from Charles Dickens' classic tale, A Christmas Carol. This week's Mousterpiece Cinema kicks off December by looking at the most recent adaptation of this story, from Walt Disney Pictures and Robert Zemeckis. Is Jim Carrey a great Scrooge? Does motion-capture animation work better here than in The Polar Express or Beowulf? What does Keystone Light beer have to do with any of this? Take a listen to an all-new Mousterpiece Cinema to find out!