“The future is coming.” Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting trio – Ian, Liam & Megs – for our 293rd episode as we pop our claws, don our leather suits, and revisit the film that redefined the superhero genre for the new millennium: X-Men (2000). Kev and Georgia? They’re cage fighting in Northern Alberta—because of course they are. This week we discuss: Ian and Liam get into a dust-up about what constitutes a gang—whose side are you on? What's with all the wavering accents in this film? How on earth did Magneto know that Rogue had her powers when Rogue, Wolverine, and even Professor X didn’t? Ian delights in the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it cameo by a Canadian Prime Minister (true patriot love). We reflect on Auschwitz as a tourist destination and Ian shares a story about a fashion faux pas that might have landed him on the wrong tour. Was Anna Paquin actually the biggest star attached to the film at the time of its release? You won’t guess what Bryan Singer banned from the set—and no, it wasn’t claws. Our favourite ghostwriter pops up once again—this time with a surprising link to X-Men. Alternate casting choices: the Wolverine that makes us laugh out loud, and a Professor X that would’ve been a disaster… but we still want to see it, even if the studio told him to “beat it” (not like that). How do superheroes actually get their names? That’s the class we wanted to see at Xavier’s. What exactly are the rules of Mystique’s powers again—and why is Toad weirdly overpowered? Which character has the worst trash talk despite having the perfect set-up? (Spoiler: lightning shouldn’t strike twice.) We talk about meeting up with two Friends of the Podcast this week and drinking pints no matter the occasion. One cast member opens up about a wardrobe malfunction that made mutant fashion even harder to pull off. And finally, whether X-Men (2000) is the Best Film Ever—or just the first stepping stone on the path to superhero dominance. Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE. We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/.

“Ditto.” Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting duo – Ian & Liam – for our 292nd episode as we step into the supernatural, spin the pottery wheel, and revisit one of the great romantic blockbusters of the ’90s: Ghost (1990). We’re trading dream layers for subway spirits and Whoopi Goldberg one-liners as we discuss: Which member of the cast desperately needed an advocate behind the scenes just to get the part. Are there times when being a bad actor or actress is actually the right call in casting? Ian stumbles upon an almost-casting he would’ve loved to have seen—and another rumoured choice we take great umbrage with. Is the pottery scene one of the greatest cinematic moments of all time… or do we only remember it that way? Are Molly and Sam too perfect as a couple? Or is that exactly why the film works? Who on earth came up with the name Sam Wheat for the protagonist? We’ve got questions. Why does the cat only show up in two scenes—and does it secretly hold the key to ghost physics? Speaking of which: we welcome back Ghost Physics 101 as a proud course in the ever-expanding BFE syllabus. The sad story (both in canon and real life) of the Subway Ghost—no $5 footlongs here, just heartbreak and haunting. And finally, whether Ghost is the Best Film Ever—or just the most romantic take on death since Shakespeare. Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE. We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/.

“You mustn’t be afraid to dream a little bigger, darling.” - It’s a solo mission this week as Ian takes the lead in our 291st episode, descending through dreamscapes, spinning tops, and subconscious heists in Christopher Nolan’s mind-bending Inception (2010). Liam, Megs, Kev, and Georgia? They’re all trapped in deeper dream layers, and Ian’s holding Level 1 until someone figures out how to kick them back to reality. We’re trading banana peels and baseball anthems for snow fortresses and Paris folding in on itself as we discuss: Why Inception still stands as one of Nolan’s most ambitious films—and whether the world has caught up to its complexity. Nolan is a genius of narrative construction, but are there times where genius needs governance to ensure the story remains accessible for the masses? Why do the subsequent dream layers respect the science required to access the first dream—and why do they stack so neatly when logic suggests they shouldn’t? How Inception violates the golden rule of introducing a “superpower” (in this case, a key ability) and then never using it again for the rest of the movie. The art of lucid dreaming, and how being alone this week means Ian can finally reveal what his recurring dream looks like (spoiler: it involves movie theatres). Which dream layer steals the show—and which feels like the bathroom break level. The ongoing debate: does the ending mean something definitive, or is that missing the point? Why Inception works as both a blockbuster and an intimate story about loss, guilt, and letting go. How Hans Zimmer’s score became a cultural event—and why the “BRAAAM” sound is still echoing through cinema today. And finally, whether Inception is the Best Film Ever—or just a beautiful puzzle box we’ll keep spinning forever. Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE. We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/.

You know we love our wrestling here at the BFE (well… some of us do). Join Ian as he's joined by Stew from the Stew World Order as we once again break format and lace up the boots for a deep dive into SummerSlam 2025. We’re asking the big questions: were we fooled by a worked injury? Has Cody Rhodes finally stopped crying? Should Johnny Gargano and Candace LaRae be in couples counselling? What do you do when what's called "literal handcuffs" aren't actually handcuffs on a card that will have actual handcuffs later in the night? Why is SmackDown's tag roster so strong compared to Raw and the same for Raw's women's division vs Smackdown? How do we feel about the John Cena heel turn, it's subsequent babyface turn and the big surprise ending to both nights?  Plus, Ian reveals a punny future feud for Big Bronson Reed. We’re unpacking all that and more from WWE SummerSlam 2025—and of course, we’ll tell you whether you should SEE IT or SKIP IT. Hear so much more of Stew on his website - https://swoproductions.com/ and on his podcast: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stew-world-order/id1559913522 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6fLcKIHFrYBwMqhFryFMM6

“Nice beaver.” / “Thanks, I just had it stuffed.  Join Ian & B-Tech Kev for our 290th episode as we suit up, slip up, and dive headfirst into the gloriously ridiculous world of The Naked Gun (1988). We’re trading time-travelling dystopias for banana peels, police files, and a barrage of visual gags as we discuss: In slapstick, how silly is too silly? Is there a line—or is the whole point to obliterate it with a steamroller and a tuba? Kev shares stories from his recent trip to New York City: the sights, the sounds, and whether each of us are New York or Los Angeles people Ian talks about the return of the weight game and how this is a summer of inward reflection Ian also shares some personal stories about his father—and how certain films like The Naked Gun carry more than just laughs; they carry memories. We explore Leslie Nielsen’s genius—how his straight-faced absurdity became the gold standard for parody. Can a film this silly still resonate in today’s comedy landscape? Or is this brand of humour an extinct species? Do background jokes, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it sight gags, and tightly wound chaos make this more than just a spoof—Does it become precision parody? Baseball anthems, the Queen in peril, exploding toilets, and a police officer with the worst undercover skills in cinematic history. And finally, whether The Naked Gun is the Best Film Ever—or just a walk down memory lane Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE.

“Welcome to Costco. I love you.” Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian & Liam – with BFF of the BFE: Synthia beaming in from the not-so-distant future as we crack open the absurd, prophetic, and depressingly accurate Idiocracy (2006). We’re trading shark-infested waters for Gatorade-irrigated crops and President Camacho in our 289th episode as we ask: Was Idiocracy always this smart, or has the world just gotten that dumb? We explore how a film that bombed at release has somehow become the most referenced dystopia not named Orwell. What does it say about society that Mike Judge’s lowbrow future doesn’t seem that far off? Synthia breaks down the subtle and not-so-subtle satire—and why this film still hits different in a post-algorithm world. Ian wonders whether the comedy lands… or whether it’s just too bleak to laugh anymore. Liam confesses which part of the film made him physically cringe (hint: it's not just the opening montage). We talk about the difference between satire and smugness, and where Idiocracy walks that tightrope. Is the film's central conceit plausible… or offensively oversimplified? With the film's conceit being that everyone is stupid, are we allowed to get frustrated with the tone for being too stupid? Why Terry Crews as President Camacho might be the most pitch-perfect casting choice in a dystopian comedy ever. What modern products or trends Idiocracy weirdly predicted (we’re looking at you, reality TV and clickbait). And finally, whether Idiocracy is the Best Film Ever—or just the most important film people still haven’t seen. Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE. We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/.  

FIRST 43:15: Spoiler-Free Review with our See It/Skip It VerdictAFTER 43:15: Full Spoiler ReviewIt’s another edition of See It or Skip It, and this time Ian is back with Stew from SWO Productions as they stretch, flame on, go invisible, and rock up for Fantastic Four: First Steps — Marvel’s long-awaited reboot of its first family. But does First Steps finally get the formula right, or are we in for another cosmic misfire? Ian and Stew dive into Marvel’s bold new take on Reed, Sue, Johnny, and Ben to see whether this origin story is a launchpad for greatness or just another lab experiment gone wrong. Is the chemistry there? Does this new cast feel like a family, or a focus group-approved placeholder for bigger MCU plans? The lads explore whether First Steps captures the heart, weirdness, and wonder of Marvel’s most important team—or if it's just spinning its wheels in the Negative Zone. How do you reboot a franchise that’s already had multiple false starts? Is this a fresh coat of cosmic paint, or more of the same with shinier suits? All this and more in this week’s See It or Skip It review of Fantastic Four: First Steps—and of course, Ian and Stew will let you know if you should SEE IT or SKIP IT. Here so much more of Stew on his website - https://swoproductions.com/ and on his podcast Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stew-world-order/id1559913522 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6fLcKIHFrYBwMqhFryFMM6

“You’re gonna need a bigger boat.” Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian & Megs – as we head out to sea with special guest Carlo from The Movie Loot for our 288th episode, diving deep into Steven Spielberg’s blockbuster breakthrough Jaws (1975). We’re trading crane kicks for chum buckets and mechanical shark mishaps as we discuss: The real-life beef between Richard Dreyfuss and Robert Shaw—method acting, ego clashes, and barbed insults at sea. Spielberg’s first reaction to hearing the now-iconic Jaws theme from John Williams… and why he thought it was a joke. Just how crucial it is to find an actress who can tick all the boxes—especially when it comes to screaming convincingly. The urban legend behind the film’s POV shots—and whether the broken shark really made the film better. Is the actual shark reveal a thrilling payoff… or a rubbery letdown? We break down whether it holds water. We all agreed it’s a film of two halves—but did we agree on which half was better? Would Jaws still work with a female character in one (or more) of the core trio? We explore casting, gender dynamics, and cabin tension. How many big screams should a film have? Is there a magic number—or do we just love that head-in-the-boat moment too much? Does Brody have the worst wife ever for casually revealing his deepest fear to a total stranger at dinner? The key changes from the Peter Benchley novel—and why most of them were for the better (goodbye, mafia subplot). Why Spielberg was convinced he'd never work again after Jaws—and how it nearly swallowed his career whole before making him a legend. And finally, whether Jaws is the Best Film Ever.   Catch so much more of Carlo on The Movie Loot on Apple Podcasts at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-movie-loot/id1578191119 or on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/show/4o5ZvtvZ64XAoxIIxiAj1q   Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE. We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/.

FIRST 42:00: Spoiler-Free Review with our See It/Skip It VerdictAFTER 42:00: Full Spoiler ReviewIt’s another edition of See It or Skip It and this time Ian is joined by Stew from SWO Productions as they leap headfirst into Superman (2025) — James Gunn’s bold reboot of the Man of Steel and the first official flight in the new DC Universe. But can a new Clark Kent make us believe a man can fly again? Ian and Stew suit up to explore whether this fresh take brings truth, justice, and cinematic clarity—or if it’s just another reboot weighed down by origin story fatigue. Does Superman (2025) soar with the charm and optimism fans have been craving, or does it buckle under the pressure of launching an entire universe? The lads dig into David Corenswet’s debut as the Last Son of Krypton, the tone shift from past incarnations, and whether Gunn balances heroism with humanity. What should a Superman film offer in a post-Snyder world? Are we getting a genuine symbol of hope—or just another cape in a crowd of cinematic spandex? All this and more in this week’s See It or Skip It review of Superman (2025)—and of course, Ian and Stew will let you know if you should SEE IT or SKIP IT. Here so much more of Stew on his website - https://swoproductions.com/ and on his podcast Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stew-world-order/id1559913522 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6fLcKIHFrYBwMqhFryFMM6  

FIRST 1:00:30: Spoiler-Free Review with our See It/Skip It VerdictAFTER 1:00:30: Full Spoiler Review It’s another edition of See It or Skip It and this time Ian and Liam are trading pit stops for popcorn as they take on F1 (2025) — the high-octane feature debut of Joseph Kosinski’s long-rumoured Formula 1 blockbuster. But with Brad Pitt behind the wheel and a grid full of fictional racers, does F1 actually cross the finish line, or is it just burning fuel for two hours? Ian and Liam are here to rev their engines and break down whether this racing drama earns pole position among sports films or stalls out on the formation lap. Does F1 deliver the speed, spectacle, and spirit of the sport, or does it take a detour into Hollywood clichés, CGI corners and an extended advert for F1, Tommy Hilfiger, Las Vegas and Abu Dhabi? What should an F1 movie really accomplish in its opening lap? Is this a thoughtful love letter to motorsport fans, or a flashy pit stop for casuals with a need for speed? The boys examine whether the fictional Apex GP team is worth rooting for—or if they're just coasting off the Ferrari fumes. All this and more in this week’s See It or Skip It review of F1 (The Movie)—and of course, Ian and Liam let you know if you should SEE IT or SKIP IT.

“Wax on, wax off.” Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian, Liam, and the triumphant return of Megs (Kev’s still away… last seen jogging up a hill in a grey tracksuit muttering “No mercy”) – as we crane kick our way into our 287th episode, tackling the inspirational, emotional, and occasionally questionable The Karate Kid (1984). We’re trading crystal fortresses for dojo face-offs and dusty training montages as we discuss: Does Daniel LaRusso bring most of his problems onto himself? We break down whether he’s the underdog—or the instigator. What is the difference between a cute girl and a hot girl? And where does Elizabeth Shue’s Alli fall on the spectrum of '80s love interests? Does Ralph Macchio wear one of the all-time worst Halloween costumes in movie history? (Spoiler: Yes. Yes, he does.) Can you really learn black belt-level karate in just a few weeks? Or did Daniel unlock cheat codes under Mr. Miyagi’s tutelage? Ian goes to war with the score—and one particular song that just doesn’t belong. The film suggests America was batty about soccer in the '80s. Was that true… or just wishful screenwriting? Why the studio was reluctant to cast Pat Morita as Mr. Miyagi—and how he proved them all spectacularly wrong. Ian finds a way to shave 10 minutes off the runtime—Miyagi would approve of the efficiency. Why does Daniel’s mother uproot their entire life for a job that seems… deeply underwhelming? Does Daniel deserve Alli in the end—or was she just too good for this drama-prone karate kid? We wax (lyrically) on and off about themes, nostalgia, and tournament ethics. And finally, whether The Karate Kid is the Best Film Ever. Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE. We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/.

“You’ll believe a man can fly.” Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting duo – Ian & Liam (Megs couldn’t make it—she’s busy spinning the Earth backwards to reclaim her weekend while KevDog’s off searching for crystals in the Arctic... or just stuck in a phone booth with no signal - as we don the cape, slick back the hair, and fly faster than a speeding bullet into our 286th episode, reviewing Richard Donner’s iconic superhero origin story Superman (1978). We’re trading classical guitars and military trenches for red trunks and crystal fortresses as we discuss: We look at how Superman redefined the superhero genre before it was a genre—and why it still matters nearly 50 years later. Why Christopher Reeve may be the most perfectly cast superhero of all time, and how his dual performance still holds up. Ian dives into the film’s structure and why the three-act split (Krypton, Kansas, Metropolis) feels so bold and ambitious. We condemn and then forgive Teen Clark (Jeff East) and  do likewise for Brando but without the forgiveness at the end We discuss whether Lex Luthor is a credible villain—or just a walking punchline with a killer property portfolio. Liam marvels at the charm, the score, and the genuine sense of wonder—while struggling not to get emotional about Pa Kent. We ask: does the “reverse time” ending still fly? Or is that where the cape starts to fray? And of course: whether Superman (1978) is the Best Film Ever. Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE. We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/.

“Bayan o sarili?” Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting duo – Ian & Liam – as we ride into revolution and betrayal in our 285th episode, tackling the powerful, patriotic, and provocative Heneral Luna (2015). We’re later joined by BFF of the BFE Juleen, as we trade chequered flags for sabres and cigar smoke while we discuss: Ian shares a personal story about how his perspective on film shifted dramatically this week—and why Heneral Luna hit harder than expected. We talk about rediscovering old hobbies and how sometimes history—and a great movie—can reignite forgotten passions. We’ve got some big BFE cast news to share—don’t worry, no one got court-martialed. Was Antonio Luna an epic figure… but a deeply unlikeable man? We break down the myth and the man. At what point do patriotism and ego diverge—especially in military leadership? And how much of Luna’s downfall was self-inflicted? Why is this vital and volatile chapter of Filipino history completely absent from most American history books? Juleen joins us with powerful insights from her time living in Southern California and how Heneral Luna resonates against today’s shifting political tides. Our Rodecaster decides to go full rebellion, jumping ship mid-episode—more than once. What’s with all the Jesus imagery? From framing to posture to betrayal, Luna doesn’t hold back. One scene left Ian absolutely gobsmacked—he didn’t see it coming, and we’re still picking our jaws off the floor. Why did troop movements in this film feel like Season 8 of Game of Thrones? Can we get a map? Are Americans great marksmen… or hilariously awful? And what made standing up in battle a form of actual camouflage? Whether Heneral Luna is the Best Film Ever—or just the best film you’ve never heard of. Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE. We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/.

“The closer you are to death, the more alive you feel.” Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting duo – Ian & Liam – as we rev the engines, grip the wheel, and go full throttle into our 284th episode with a look at Ron Howard’s high-octane drama Rush (2013). We’re trading poisoned apples for podium finishes as we dive into one of Formula 1’s greatest real-life rivalries: What is it about films that explore the pursuit of greatness that gets our hearts racing every time? We break down why stories with duelling personalities—like Hunt and Lauda—are so compelling, especially when each sees themselves reflected in the other. What elements of the true story were changed, streamlined, or dialled up to eleven for cinematic effect? Ian and Liam try to figure out which one of them is the reckless playboy and which is the meticulous technician… and it gets uncomfortable quickly. We talk about the power of respect over friendship, the blurred lines between envy and admiration, and why this film might be Ron Howard’s unsung masterpiece. Whether Rush is the Best Film Ever—or just one hell of a ride worth taking. Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE. We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/.

“So long… partner.” Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting duo – Ian & Liam – as we stare mortality, memory, and molten doom right in the eye in our 283rd episode, covering Pixar’s emotional rollercoaster Toy Story 3 (2010). We’re trading poisoned apples for daycare drama and incinerator trauma as we ask whether this trilogy-closer really is the perfect goodbye: We are so very thankful for a new piece of kit that limited our downtime this week We talk about why Toy Story 3 might just be the best third act in any trilogy ever. Ian reflects on the passage of time, growing up, and how Pixar weaponised emotion in the final 20 minutes. Liam bravely tries to hold it together during that incinerator scene—and that goodbye with Andy. Is Lotso one of Pixar’s greatest villains and what is it about him that Liam hates so much but Ian loves so much? We talk about daycare as dystopia, Big Baby as horror icon, why Mr. Pricklepants deserved more screen time and who exactly is watching these kids at the daycare? Why does this hit so hard for adults? Is it just about toys—or everything we leave behind? Ian breaks down the film’s narrative structure and how it perfectly mirrors growing up and letting go. Whether Toy Story 3 is the Best Film Ever—or just the most emotionally devastating G-rated film of all time. Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE. We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/.

“Happy anniversary, baby.” Join your favorite TransAtlantic podcasting trio – Ian, Liam & Megs (Kev's taking care of some issues in Atlanta) – as we lock and load for our 282nd episode, celebrating the 20th anniversary of Doug Liman’s bullet-riddled marital meltdown Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005). We’re trading treasure maps and Pepsi product placement for high-tech arsenals and awkward couples therapy as we discuss: At what point exactly did Brad Pitt's & Angelina Jolie's respective existing marriages become doomed The world of super spies and just how deep your cover has to be before you forget who you're actually married to. We get a guest review from a parent of a podcaster this week—they've certainly chosen a side Do our respective genders guarantee a same-gender allegiance or is it up for grabs One of us struggles to accept the film’s central conceit (spoiler: it involves assassins, suburbs, and how you manage to create your respective weapons stashes). How this film caused a minor international incident  We ask the big question: Was Brad Pitt a character actor trapped in a movie star’s body all along? What’s wrong with the narrative pacing—and why does it feel like the film ran out of bullets before the third act? We dive into the ongoing conversation around gender pay equality, especially when both leads aren't marquee stars. Is this a great film or just a very stylish couples' argument with body count. How much mediocrity can great chemistry overcome Whether Mr. & Mrs. Smith is the Best Film Ever Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE. We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/.

FIRST 23:00: Spoiler-Free Review with our See It/Skip It VerdictAFTER 23:00: Full Spoiler Review It’s another Sunday edition of See It or Skip It and this time Ian is flying solo to crane-kick his way through Karate Kid: Legends (2025), the latest legacy sequel to join the dojo of long-dormant franchises getting a fresh coat of wax. But did we really need another Karate Kid movie? Ian’s here to break down whether this spiritual sequel finds balance or just breaks the board. Does Legends honour the conventions we expect from a Karate Kid film—training montages, tournaments, and that moment of quiet wisdom from a mentor—or does it skip straight to a breakneck pace that leaves the heart of the series behind? What should a legacy sequel accomplish in its first outing? Is this film content to lean on nostalgia, or does it earn its place in the Karate Kid canon? Ian explores whether the new characters bring something meaningful to the dojo or if they’re just here to bow respectfully and cash in. All this and more in this week’s See It or Skip It review of Karate Kid: Legends—and of course, Ian lets you know if you should SEE IT or SKIP IT.

“Goonies never say die!” Join your favorite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian, Liam, KevDog & Megs – with a surprise zipline call-in from Georgia – as we hunt for treasure, dodge booby traps, and argue over coastal real estate law in our 281st episode covering the beloved ‘80s adventure The Goonies (1985). We’re trading poisoned apples for pirate maps and Baby Ruth bars as we discuss: Why Ian still can’t remember androgynous character names—and what that means for Andy and the podcast’s collective patience. We get into a surprisingly spirited debate over what foreclosure actually means (and how much Spielberg economics we're willing to accept). What’s the real tragedy behind the film’s stunning set design—and the moment it all went poof. Which young actor accidentally ruined an iconic shot… and whether Spielberg ever truly forgave him. We get honest about Chunk, fat shaming, and how watching it through a 2025 lens left some of us feeling a little queasy. We go over some podcast metrics, because if the Fratellis can chase gold, we can at least check our download stats. Who far outpunches his small role in the cast—and who far outkicked his coverage romantically (we’re actually not looking at Brand). Kev’s brought along some exotic treats (if you’re English), and reactions range from delighted to deflated. Someone (take a guess) tries to do some serious heavy lifting to make the central treasure-hunting plot actually make sense. Ian gives what he thinks is a masterclass in narrative construction and points out where The Goonies missed a few easy wins (even with pirate ships involved). Whether The Goonies is the Best Film Ever. Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE. We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/.

“Here’s Johnny!” Join your favorite TransAtlantic podcasting duo – Ian & Liam (with Megs checking in later once she arrives from Florida) – as we snowmobile into the Overlook Hotel for our 280th episode (B-Tech Kev's not here. Doesn't he get that all work and no play make Kev a dull boy?) and crack open Stanley Kubrick’s psychological horror masterpiece The Shining (1980). We’re trading ditching the swim team for haunted hallways and axing our way through one of the most iconic films ever made as we discuss: Liam talks far too much about a film that we're not reviewing today (but what else is new?). We correct a few political misnomers from last week, because facts matter—especially when ghosts are listening. Ian talks about the passing of George Wendt; Liam, not to be outdone, imagines the hypothetical passing of one of his heroes. Megs joins us and delivers a full-on mini-episode as she trials her new sidepod and recounts her real-life triumph over the forces of nature. We debate whether Jack Nicholson is giving a genuinely strong performance… or just letting his charisma do all the heavy lifting. Is there causality in this story—or is it all just vibes? And if there isn’t, shouldn’t that break the movie? Ian reveals who he’s in good company with on this one—and who he most certainly is not. Ian also explains the origin of the iconic “Here’s Johnny!” line to, well… everyone. Ian asks if this movie is trying to cram two different horror movies into one Liam swears this isn't a horror movie and the boys try to come up with a list of what makes a film a horror film Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE. We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PMHermes AuslanderJames DeGuzmanSynthiaShai BergerfroindAriannah Who Loves BFE The MostAndy DicksonChris PedersenDuane Smith (Duane Smith!)Randal SilvaNate The GreatRev BruceCheezy (with a fish on a bike)RichardRyan KuketzDirk DigglerStew from the Stew World Order podcastNorfolkDomusJohn Humphrey's Right FootTimmy Tim TimAashrey Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/.

It’s another edition of See It or Skip It and this time Ian and Liam are tackling Mission: Impossible – Final Reckoning (2025), the explosive (and supposedly final?) chapter in Ethan Hunt’s death-defying saga. Does Tom Cruise still deliver jaw-dropping stunts and spy-thriller spectacle—or is the mission starting to show its age? If it is the end, is this truly a satisfying send-off for the franchise, or are we looking at Fast & Furious–style diminishing returns? Has the series said everything it has to say—or is there still life in the IMF yet? Is the plot compelling, or just another excuse to jump off a mountain with a briefcase? Do the emotional stakes hit as hard as the explosions? And most importantly—how many masks is too many masks? Ian and Liam break down the set pieces, the pacing, the performances, and whether Final Reckoning delivers on nearly 30 years of buildup—or if it’s time for Ethan Hunt to finally accept that some missions really are impossible. All that and more in this week’s See It or Skip It—and then they tell you whether you should SEE IT or SKIP IT.