We’re back! After an unexpected hiatus, Greg and Susan return to talk about “Ghostbusters: Afterlife.”   Greg, a massive Ghostbusters fan, had Susan watch the 2021 addition to the franchise.   The film follows a financially strapped family who inherits a run-down farm only to find that they are related to one of the original Ghostbusters.   Starring Carrie Coon, Mckenna Grace, Finn Wolfhard and Paul Rudd. Ghostbusters: Afterlife also features a few recognizable faces from the original film.    Greg and Susan discuss the tonal differences between the franchise's first installment and this one, point out Easter eggs throughout, and share tidbits of trivia -- along with our basic standards of “I Have Questions,” box office and their top three moments of the movie.

Warning: we are spoiling the Hell out of this movie and also using "adult" language, so please don't listen with your kids. We're looking at this from an adult perspective.   You can't escape Encanto! It's all over social media. So Susan decided that we needed to lean in and watch it.   Susan and Greg explore Encanto, the latest feature from Disney Animation Studios. Encanto stars Stephanie Beatriz, Maria Cecilia Botero, John Leguizamo, Wilmer Valderrama, and a host of others and features a soundtrack full of catchy little earworms by Lin-Manuel Miranda.    Susan discusses Encanto's themes of generational trauma and family dynamics, and both hosts discuss their takes on the film from the story, the design, the soundtrack, and more. They explore plot holes and posit theories in "I Have Questions" and share their top three moments of the movie.     Sources referenced in this episode: 'Encanto': Disney's portrayal of generational trauma and toxic families, 2022 https://culturacolectiva.com/movies/encanto-disney-generational-trauma-analysis   We Don't Talk About Bruno without Instrumental: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbC0m2Oz_F0   “How We Don’t Talk about Bruno Works & Why It’s Amazing” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3O28uSZxyEw     "Encanto Theory: Why Abuela Didn't Respect Luisa" https://youtu.be/S5vNBB52zK0   "Disney's Encanto | We don't talk about Bruno Dance Reference"   https://youtu.be/ugVjZtS0M2w

Stick 'em up! Because this episode covers 1976's "Bonnie & Clyde."Susan has Greg watch director William Penn's take on the story of Bonnie and Clyde and the Barrow Gang. The film stars Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty in the titular roles and features stellar performances from Gene Hackman, Estelle Parsons, Michael J. Pollard, Denver Pyle, and Gene Wilder.Your hosts discuss why Bonnie and Clyde was such a groundbreaking and influential film, explore the differences between the story of Beatty and Dunaway's characters versus the real-life criminal couple (SPOILERS ABOUND) and talk about how this film almost didn't get made. Greg and Susan always talk about Bonnie & Clyde's reception, awards, box office, and more.

t's a very, very, very late Halloween entry (just in time for Thanksgiving. Scratch that. Christmas). Susan makes Greg watch 2000's "Ginger Snaps:" the story of two outcast sisters, Ginger (Katharine Isabelle) and Brigitte (Emily Perkins), one who is becoming a werewolf and the other who is trying to save her.     The two discuss the film's themes of the horrors of adolescence and "becoming a woman." They also talk about the films that influenced "Ginger Snaps" and the films that Ginger Snaps influenced.    They explore the elements that broke the suspension of disbelief in "I Have Questions" and ranked their favorite parts of the movie.   Resources referenced in this episode:   https://morbidlybeautiful.com/ginger-snaps-feminist-horror/ https://medium.com/@wewillbethestars/together-forever-sisterhood-and-femininity-in-ginger-snaps-women-in-horror-series-64adcbfeda7dGinger Snaps

Greg and Susan discuss Greg's pick, 2009's "Let the Right One In."  This Swedish film explores the story of a bullied young boy who develops a friendship with a mysterious young girl who (spoilers) turns out be a vampire.The two hosts explore the film's themes of bullying, toxic and dependent love, disconnection, and isolation; discuss the different components of vampire lore portrayed in this film as they compare to others, and compare the book the film and compare the film to the U.S. version.  They also try to determine who are the real monsters in "Let the Right One In."

In this episode, Susan introduces Greg to 2014's Creep. The horror/suspense film stars its creators Mark Duplass and Patrick Brice, and is directed by Brice and produced by Jason Blum.    An interesting take on found footage films, Creep tells the story of Aaron(Brice), an unemployed man who answers an online ad to film a stranger at his remote cabin for a day. The man, Josef(Duplass), says he's dying from cancer and wants to make a movie for his unborn child, but his requests become more bizarre as the day goes along. When Aaron decides he needs to escape the arrangement, it only makes matters worse.    Greg and Susan discuss their impressions of this film, Duplass and Brice's creative choices, and how the film evolved from a relationship study to a much darker story. They also discuss the limitations of the found footage genre in horror and what works in Creep and what doesn't.   Susan also explains how Mark Duplass - who is often credited as one of the innovators of the "mumblecore" style - is an enormous supporter of independent filmmakers and strongly believes filmmakers should always create using what they have to share their vision with the world.   References cited:     SXSW Film Festival: Blum and Duplass on 'creep'. YouTube. (2014, March 9). Retrieved October 12, 2021, from https://youtu.be/yl-tNLkZzoU.   Molloy, B. T. (2020, August 26). Mark Duplass says the cavalry isn't coming for indie film. what now? MovieMaker Magazine. Retrieved October 12, 2021, from https://www.moviemaker.com/the-cavalry-isnt-coming-for-indie-film-so-what-do-you-do/#:~:text=Indie%20film%20icon%20Mark%20Duplass,dollars%20to%20make%20your%20movie.   Creep (2014 film). (2014, March 8). Retrieved October 12, 2021, from https://yamm.finance/wiki/Creep_(2014_film).html.

In this episode, Susan and Greg discuss Greg's pick, 2021's The Suicide Squad. This will be a spoiler-filled conversation in which we compare this version to 2016's Suicide Squad. The couple also discusses the best and worst of DC films and compares James Gunn's and David Ayer's directing.   Susan also busts out her poetry slam skills, which we'll share here:   Amanda Waller is at it again Sending women, creatures, and men Into dangerous situations Under the guise of protecting our nation.   Blood Sport, Harley, Rick and Gang Hit Corto Maltese to see if they could hang.   Some of them have less of a good time Infiltrating a fortress called Jötunheim. Things get dicey executing Waller's wish, Which is to destroy all traces of Project Starfish.   They have explosive chips in their necks, so they don't ask why. And spoiler alert, a lot of people die.   The Suicide Squad stars Margo Robbie, Idris Elba, John Cena, Viola Davis,  Sylvester Stallone, Joel Kinnaman, David Dastmaichian and Daniela Melchior. The movie also features Jai Courtney, Peter Capaldi, Michael Rooker, Alice Braga, Pete Davidson, Joaqin Cosio, Juan Diego Botto, Storm Reid, and Nathan Fillion.     Resources referenced in this episode:   Screen Crush, The SUICIDE SQUADs: The One Scene That Shows Why One Worked and the Other Didn't | SCENE FIGHTS!, Youtu.be. 2021. [online] Available at: [Accessed 19 September 2021].   Filmento, Why The Suicide Squad Worked Whiled the Garbage Squad Failed, Youtube.com. 2021. [online] Available at:     ScreenRant. 2021. Dave Bautista Compares James Gunn and Zack Snyder’s Directing Style. [online] Available at: [Accessed 19 September 2021].   Variety.com. 2021. JameThe 

Hold on for this episode; it's going to be a real tit flapper!  Susan made Greg watch "Barb and Star Go to Vista del Mar," and they're here to talk about it.This wacky comedy features Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo as the titular characters, Barb and Star. The film also stars Jamie Dornan and Damon Wayans, Jr and features Reyn Doi. Barb and Star Go to Vista del Mar is about middle-aged friendship, taking chances, and is also oddly a spy satire.  Your host discusses everything from the ridiculously sublime to the ridiculously ridiculous about this movie.  What did they think?  Listen and find out

Greg and Susan watch and discuss what Roger Ebert calls  a "Buddy Movie, Fish Out of Water Movie, Road Movie, Mistaken Identity Movie and Corporate Espionage Movie": 1997s "Nothing to Lose."Starring Tim Robbins and Martin Lawerence, this comedy was one of the underrated comedies of the 90s. "Nothing to Lose" features the interesting pairing of Robins and Lawrence but also a cast that includes Kelly Preston, John C. McGinley, Giancarlo Esposito, and Michael McKean.Your hosts discuss some of the highlights of the film and cast performances, have some interesting observations for "I Have Questions," and - as always - share their three favorite moments of the film.      

This episode is mayhem! Oh, wait. This episode is about the 2017s "Mayhem" starring Steven Yeun and Samara Weaving.  "Mayhem" also represents Joe Lynch's return to the directorial chair after a brief hiatus and a stint in the 9 to 5 workaday world.  Susan picked this movie for Greg, which she describes as "Office Space" meets "Battle Royale" meets "Die Hard" meets "Office Party." There's so much that is bat guano crazy about this film.  You'll have to listen to find just how much.  As always, we're dropping spoilers.  So if you don't want to be spoiled, watch "Mayhem" first, then listen. Mayhem

It's our 50th episode, and Greg has been threatening this movie since episode one:  1987's "Ernest Goes to Camp."  For this first half of the episode, Susan and Greg talk about the first Ernest movie starring Jim Varney, John Vernon, and Iron Eyes Cody.  Greg and Susan discuss Varney's early career and how the advertising career he pursued after quitting acting jettisoned him into the stoplight with the creation of Ernest.In the second half of the episode,  Greg and Susan reminisce over the first 50 episodes and discuss which movies delivered, which were lacking, and so much more.  

After some "backsliding," we use to rededicate ourselves to our podcast by discussing Susan's pick: 2004s "Saved!" starring Jenna Malone, Mandy Moore, Macaulay Culkin, Eva Amurri, Patrick Fugit, and Mary Louise Parker.  "Saved!" tells the story of Mary Cummings (Malone), a senior at a fundamental Christian school who learns her boyfriend is gay.  Believing that Jesus will restore her purity, Mary has sex with him in an attempt to rid him of his homosexuality. The plan doesn't work. Mary's boyfriend gets sent to a Christain rehabilitation center, and Mary ends up pregnant. Mary must deal with her shaken faith and hide her pregnancy to stay in school and avoid being bullied by her ex-friend, the uber pious Hillary-Faye (Moore.)Susan and Greg discuss the teen satire's themes of religion, faith, hypocrisy, and questioning of one's deeply held beliefs. They also disucss the performances of the cast and the much darker ending written initially for the film. As usual, Susan and Greg also talk about the one plot that took them out of the movie in "I Have Questions" and share their top three favorite scenes.

For this episode, Greg selected a gem of an 80s film. Well, it might be closer to a Diamonique of a movie with a gem of an actor.   Anyway, Susan and Greg watched "Who's Harry Crumb?" starring John Candy, Annie Potts, Jeffery Jones, and Shawnee Smith.  Being a John Candy fan, Susan wanted to love it but found it to be unsuccessfully derivative of bigger 80s hits such as "Ruthless People," "Naked Gun: Two and Half," and "Fletch."  Greg just enjoyed "Who's Harry Crumb" for what it was:  a silly 1980s film.  The two discuss Candy, Potts, and Jones' performances. They also walk through some of the film's comedic scenes and rate "funny or not funny."  As always, "have questions" about the things that took them out of the film.

Susan has Greg watch the beautiful disaster that is 2009s "Jennifer's Body." The two examine the once-maligned comedy/horror film starring Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried and written by Diablo Cody that is now enjoying a cult revival. The couple discusses how "Jennifer's Body" is prime example of how studio marketing can derail the creators' vision. They also explore how the studio did a disservice for the film's star, Cody, and its director, Karen Kuzyama.    Resources referenced: Jennifer's Body Reunion: Megan Fox and Diablo Cody Get Candid About Hollywood (Exclusive), ET Live, September 19, 2019 https://youtu.be/u2JLRtWlq0o   Framing Megan Fox: Feminist Theory Part 3 | The Whole Plate: Episode 7, Lindsey Ellis, September 23, 2017 https://youtu.be/tKyrUMUervU   Everything Wrong With Jennifer's Body In 18 Minutes Or Less, Cinema Sins, October 1, 2020 https://youtu.be/bNHjgJy8FfkJennifer's Body

After an unplanned hiatus, Greg and Susan are back!  We did not 'cast away" our podcast. Nor did we break in our recording schedule to get into castaway shape.  COVID hit our household.  We're back and raring to jump into Greg's pick for Susan: 2000's "Cast Away" starring Tom Hanks and Helen Hunt.Susan and Greg "splashdown" into the movie about FedEx Systems Executive Chuck Noland. Chuck must attend to pressing business in Malaysia on Christmas Eve.  He leaves his soon-to-be fiance, Kelly, behind, promising he'll be back soon.  The FedEx plane he's traveling in goes down over the Pacific, and, as the only survivor, Chuck must learn how to keep himself alive.  Chuck hatches a plan to escape the island, leaving with his volleyball companion, Wilson.  Once he's rescues, Chuck must switch from surviving to living, especially when those who mourned him have moved on with their lives.Your hosts discuss the unique way the movie was made, the themes of the film, the characters and their relatability and flaws. Greg does a reality check on how the crash was portrayed and, as always, we discuss trivia and other goodies,Resources referenced in this episode:CAST AWAY BEHIND THE SCENES [VHS] 2001 - https://youtu.be/0lBAiCut9JoCast Away

Susan and Greg look towards "a Northwesterly direction" as they discuss Susan's pick, Alfred Hitchcock's "North by Northwest." The film, starring Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint, James Mason, and Martin Landeau, is considered one of the greatest films of all time. Do your hosts feel the same way? Listen and find out!   The Ultimate Fashion History. (2017, January 11). FAVE FILM FASHION: “North by Northwest” (1959). YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?   Turner Classic Movies. (2020, April 16). Eva Marie Saint and Martin Landau Discuss Alfred Hitchcock’s North by Northwest. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwIZoD7r8H8   Cary Grant Calls Jamie Lee Curtis. North by Northwest Meets Halloween.  https://youtu.be/HiCHeZNxMxwNorth by North West

Along with their friends Barb and Jacob, Greg and Susan get lost in the fantasy, horror craziness that is the film "Dave Made a Maze."   The movie stars Nick Thune as Dave, an artist that can't seem to finish what he starts, and Meera Rohit Kumbhani as Dave's long-suffering girlfriend, who must put her and their friends' lives in peril to rescue Dave from his latest creation.   Dave Made a Maze was written and directed by Bill Watterson (the actor, not the cartoonist) and featured a gallery of wonderfully imaginative and artistic set pieces. The group discusses the cast, the script, and the movie's meaning in a "no holds barred" conversation.   Resources referenced in this episode:   Bill Watterson and cast talk "Dave Made A Maze" at Sundance 2017, BeyondCinemaMagazine, YouTube, https://youtu.be/ItXFogIbSwo   Dave Made a Maze Is a Wacky Fairy Tale About the Folly of Trying to Make Something Perfect, Evan Narcisse, August 18, 2017, Gizmodo https://io9.gizmodo.com/dave-made-a-maze-is-a-wacky-fairy-tale-about-the-folly-1797990367   DAVE MADE A MAZE; Or, the Artist Matures, Words: C.H. Newell, September 18, 2017, Fathers of Holy Gore, https://fathersonholygore.com/2017/09/18/dave-made-a-maze-or-the-artist-matures/   Dave Made A Maze - preproduction behind-the-scenes, Dave Made a Maze, April 30, 2015, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpNb4-k-RSU  

In this episode, Susan and Greg discuss another Coen Brother's film and  Greg's pick 2007's "No Country for Old Men."  The 2008 Academy-Award Best Picture winner stars Tommy Lee Jones, Javier Bardem, and Josh Brolin with a featured performance by Woody Harrelson.Greg and Susan discuss the movie's themes, the nuanced and award-winning performance by Bardem, and dive into parts of the film that stuck with them.  They also discuss the choices the Coens made to translate the story from book to film.As always, trivia about the movie is shared along with Greg and Susan's top three scenes.   The Philosophy of NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN – Wisecrack ... YouTube · Wisecrack,  Nov 23, 2019 IEW       12:19 No Country for Old Men — Don't Underestimate the Audience YouTube · Lessons from the Screenplay, Aug 24, 2018      

Do Susan and Greg continue with 90s movies in this episode? Oh ya, you betcha! Susan selected 1996's "Fargo" starring Frances McDormand, William H. Macy, Steve Buscemi, Peter Stormare, and Harve Presnell and written and directed by the Coen brothers.   In this episode, the couple discusses the Academy Award-nominated film's key themes, the original casting decisions by the Coen Brothers, and other trivia about the film.   Resources referenced in this episode:    Cobb, K. (2020, December 28). Is the Coen Brothers’ Movie “Fargo” a True Story? Decider. https://decider.com/2020/12/28/is-fargo-movie-based-on-a-true-story/   VanDerWerff, E. (2016, March 8). Fargo turns 20 today. Its fans are still arguing about this scene. Vox. https://www.vox.com/2016/3/8/11177872/fargo-movie-mike-yanagita-anniversary      

Whatcha' going. Whatcha' going to do? Well, Greg wanted Susan to watch 1995's "Bad Boys." And that's what she did! The blockbuster action-comedy stars Will Smith and Martin Lawrence in their first leading film roles. It is the first feature film directed by Michael Bay.  "Bady Boys" also stars Téa Leoni and Tchéky Karyo. As usual, Greg and Susan discuss their impressions of the film, discuss trivia about it, and share their top three moments. Bad Boys