Divided Films

It's the epic conclusion to the Divided Films podcast! There are still two types of movie trends for our hosts to discuss and figure out why they're so divisive. Plus, find out who we ultimately sided with more often over our 75-episode run: audiences or critics. Thanks to all our listeners for taking this journey with us. Rest assured, this will not be the last you hear of our hosts JJ and Keith!      

Divided Films is wrapping up with a two-part final bonus episode! We've discussed so many movies that audiences and critics could not agree on, and along the way, we noticed some genres are more likely to be divided than others. Let's take a look at some divided trends and find out what makes them so contentious.

We're returning to the Star Wars saga to discuss the divisive conclusion to the sequel trilogy, The Rise of Skywalker. Director J.J. Abrams' decision to bring the series back to more familiar themes and story threads pleased audiences but frustrated critics. The Star Wars universe continues to expand with more content each year, so how does this chapter measure up in the current era of the franchise?  

Coming to you at ludicrous speed is our episode on Spaceballs! Although critics say this Star Wars parody pales in comparison to Mel Brooks' earlier films, audiences still laughed heartily throughout. There are two sides to every Schwartz, so hopefully, we end up with the upside. Grab your Spaceballs flamethrower and may the Schwartz be with you!

It's time to party with the 2012 found footage film, Project X! Young viewers loved watching the crazy antics in this high school comedy, but critics had no patience for the annoying characters. Project X may have captured the ultimate party fantasy for some but for others, it was a total nightmare.

Smile you son of a... Oh wait, we're not talking about that shark movie. We're discussing the 2016 film, The Shallows! Critics say Blake Lively's performance kept this thriller afloat, but audiences complained there wasn't enough hard-biting action. Is this the best shark movie since Jaws or the worst since Jaws: The Revenge?      

We're back from our mid-season break, and while we were gone we caught a case of Cabin Fever! Critics appreciated Eli Roth's references to classic horror movies, but the gory effects grossed out audiences. It's up to us to decide if this Divided Film is infectiously good or just plain deadly.      

We're experiencing some turbulence this week as we discuss Con Air! Audiences were way more likely than critics to forgive the many flaws and plot holes in this over-the-top action movie. We better put the bunny back in the box if we want to survive this flight.      

Religion and comedy aren't always a match made in heaven, but Kevin Smith put them together anyway in this week's Divided Film, Dogma! Satirical humor and philosophical discussions meshed in a way that worked for audiences but not for critics. Who is right, and who is going straight to hell? Hopefully, Kevin Smith is right about God having a sense of humor...      

We're traveling back in time to the 1970s for our next Divided Film, Licorice Pizza! Critics admired the loose plot structure that director PT Anderson set up for this coming-of-age story, but audiences did not have the patience for the relaxed pace. Let's hop on a waterbed and get in a game of pinball as we grab a slice of Licorice Pizza.

It's the end of the world as we know it and we feel fine talking about this week's Divided Film, Don't Look Up. The social commentary in Adam McKay's apocalyptic comedy resonated with audiences, but critics say the satirical messages were predictable and unfocused. Make sure you're looking up when we decide whether Don't Look Up hits its targets.

Divided Films, in the study, with the candlestick. This is just one of the endings to our discussion on Clue! Audiences laughed more often than not throughout this mystery/comedy, but critics wished there was more focus on the mystery. Join us as we shake, rattle, and roll!

Nobody puts Divided Films in a corner! For part two of our Patrick Swayze doubleheader, we're having the time of our lives discussing Dirty Dancing. Critics rolled their eyes at this coming-of-age romance, while audiences swooned at the chemistry between Swayze and Jennifer Grey. With its 25th anniversary approaching, does Dirty Dancing still have the right moves?

This week Divided Films is giving you two episodes for the price of one! We're taking a look at two classic 80s flicks starring that decade's most iconic heartthrob, Patrick Swayze. First, we're discussing the gritty action movie Road House, which annoyed critics with its over-the-top story but pleased audiences who were looking for a rowdy good time. Let's see if Swayze can win us over with his charm like he did with viewers over twenty years ago.

Our next Divided Film is the (sort of) classic animated movie, James and the Giant Peach! Critics hailed this stop motion adventure as an inventive and charming piece of family entertainment. However, audiences did not respond as enthusiastically as they had to other 90s animated films. Let's climb aboard the giant peach and see if it's still fresh since its release 25 years ago!

Our Divided Films heroes are back! JJ and Keith are starting the year discussing the ensemble superhero film Eternals. Audiences found all the familiar beats they enjoyed in previous MCU movies, but critics didn't think the story was as powerful as its lead characters. The fate of the movie-going universe is once again in the hands of our hosts.      

We're wrapping up the year with another bonus episode! Once again, our hosts are going against the grain of popular opinion but this time they're focusing on Christmas movies. Find out which holiday classics Keith and JJ prefer to skip and which poorly received Christmas films they have a soft spot for. Hopefully, we don't end up on the naughty list going Against the Grain.

Our last Divided Film of the year is the 2005 adaptation of Rent! Fans of the classic Broadway show were excited to see this rock musical brought to the big screen, but critics wanted a stronger vision from director Chris Columbus. It's up to us to decide if this musical adaptation gets a pass on last year's rent.

The holidays are all about getting together, like the ensemble cast of our next Divided Film, The Family Stone! There were plenty of heartfelt performances in this 2005 Christmas dramedy to impress audiences, but critics wished the story had a more consistent tone. Time to revisit this movie of Christmas past…

Those who don't know history are doomed to repeat it. That's the lesson of our next Divided Film, Night At The Museum. Critics say this adventure comedy ignored its own lesson by repeating tropes of past family movies, but audiences still had fun watching Ben Stiller get chased around by exhibits magically brought to life. Did we see history repeat itself or was this a timeless classic?

Thanksgiving is this week and all that food has us thinking of the 2016 animated comedy, Sausage Party! Critics were pleasantly surprised by the political themes tackled in this crude adult animation, but audiences were more likely to be offended than laughing. Whether or not animated food is funny, there's always actual food to look forward to during the holidays. 

We're getting in the ring with this week's Divided Film, Rocky IV! Audiences loved watching Sylvester Stallone defeat communism with his fists in this over-the-top sequel, but critics preferred the dramatic tone of the franchise's first two films. Let's see how many rounds we can last before getting knocked out by the Italian Stallion.

What an awkward situation… The 2014 fantasy Maleficent and its 2019 sequel Mistress of Evil are both Divided Films! Angelina Jolie showed us a different side of the iconic Disney villain, impressing audiences with a compelling performance in each movie. Critics were less enthusiastic about the saga and wished the writing was as thoughtful as the lead actress. Let's dive into this villainous franchise, but be sure to burn all your spinning wheels just to be safe.

We're at the halfway point of football season, so now's the best time to discuss the 2009 sports drama The Blind Side. Audiences rooted for this inspirational true story, especially Sandra Bullock's award-winning performance. However, critics were not fans of the cheesy cliches which they had seen in so many feel good movies before. Find out which team we end up playing for, and hopefully, nobody gets sacked.

For our final scary movie this Halloween season, we're discussing the 2006 comedy-horror Slither! Critics appreciated James Gunn's homage to classic B-movies but audiences didn't have the stomach for his gross-out scares. After fifteen years, it may be time for viewers to give Slither a second taste…

Do you want to play a game? How about watching our next Divided Film, the 2004 slasher movie Saw! Critics couldn't wait to escape the theater after seeing this gritty horror film, but audiences were satisfied by the graphic violence and unexpected twist. For our 50th episode, let's see if Jigsaw deserves his place in the scary movie hall of fame.

We're getting into the Halloween spirit with our next Divided Film, The Craft! This mid-90s camp classic took a witchy spin on teen dramas, with enough charm to win over audiences but not enough logic to convince critics. Let's see how strong this movie's spell is 25 years after it was first cast.

Class is in session for this week's Divided Film, School of Rock! Jack Black hit the right note with critics as the frontman of this family-friendly comedy, but not all audience members wanted to stick around for an encore. We'll be the judge in this battle of the bands.

Divided Films is back for season 5! Our hosts start this fall by sticking their teeth into the 2008 vampire romance Twilight. Devoted fans of the book series were excited to see this teen love story brought to the big screen, but awkward performances and a questionable plot made it hard for anyone else including critics to take this adaptation seriously. In the age of the vampire craze, how did Edward and Bella's story stack up?

We interrupt your summer for a Divided Films bonus episode! Keith and JJ are flashing back to their childhoods to discuss the movies they enjoyed the most (and least) when they were kids. Find out how these films made growing up better or worse for our hosts in our first ever summer bonus! 

It’s time for another bonus episode of Divided Films! We’re calling this one Underrated and Underhated. We’ve picked out movies that we feel warrant stronger opinions, whether they be positive or negative. That includes disliked movies that deserve more flack and liked movies that deserve more love. Find out why our opinions on these movies are stronger than most in this season’s bonus episode.

Supersonic! Speeding through our podcast this week is the 2020 video game movie Sonic the Hedgehog. Jim Carrey and Ben Schwartz delivered goofy humor and playful action that audiences loved but critics found to be hit and miss. This crazy movie was a lot to unpack and we may have had a few drinks to sort through it all. It’s our first drunk episode so grab a drink as we try to keep up with this speedy flick.

Since May is AAPI heritage month, we’ve chosen for this week’s Divided Film the 2005 drama Memoirs of a Geisha. Critics felt the controversial casting decisions and melodramatic direction were disservices to the source material. Audiences, on the other hand, were won over by the passionate performances and beautiful cinematography. It’s time to look back and decide if Hollywood was able to do justice for the Geishas

What would you do if you could change the past? Would you stop yourself from watching our next Divided Film, The Butterfly Effect? Critics say yes, annoyed by the shock value and lack of taste. Audiences say no because they were impressed by the concept of this time travel movie. Let’s find out if revisiting this 2004 thriller is worth the risk of changing our future.

Velociraptor. Good Housekeeping. John Stamos. Did we just become best friends? Sounds like it, because this week’s Divides Film is Step Brothers. Audiences had fun watching Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly team up in this outrageous comedy, but critics couldn’t handle 90 minutes of their immature antics. On a scale from white dog crap to Catalina Wine Mixer, let’s see where our consensus lands.

Were we zoning out? Sorry, we were just thinking about this week’s Divided Film, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. This dramedy’s message to live life to the fullest hit home with audiences, but the direction was too schmaltzy for critics. Is this the kind of movie we fantasize about? Sorry, we’re zoning out again...

Pump up the jam, this week’s Divided Film is the 1996 family movie Space Jam. Kids of the 90s have nostalgia for this animated/live-action mashup but critics maintain that these updated Looney Toons only appeal to younger viewers. Does this Hollywood vehicle for Michael Jordan fly like an eagle? Hopefully, we can decide without any anvils falling on our heads.

We are Venom. No wait, we’re Divided Films and we’re talking about the 2018 comic book movie Venom. Critics didn’t think this Spider-Man villain deserved his own movie, but audiences had fun watching the action-packed story led by Tom Hardy’s wild performance. In this week’s episode, we’re gonna decide if Venom is a comic book film worth sticking to.

Passover is underway and Easter is approaching, so it’s only fitting that this week’s Divided Film be Darren Aronofsky’s 2014 biblical epic Noah. Critics admired the creative direction and impassioned performances, but audiences wanted a more faithful interpretation. We’re gonna decide whether to stay on board this ark or if we rather jump ship.

Hey Jude! Our next Divided Film is the 2007 jukebox musical Across the Universe. Audiences and critics couldn’t Come Together on this homage to the Beatles and the 60s, but maybe We Can Work It Out. Figuring out whether we want this movie to Get Back or if it’s really Something, it’s just A Day In The Life here at Divided Films.

Seven days... That’s how long you have left if you DON’T listen to our episode on The Ring! Critics praised this 2002 horror film for its creepy atmosphere and Naomi Watts’ performance, but audiences were more skeptical of the story and premise. Find out if we survived this cursed video.

Don’t be nervous, but our next Divided Film is the 2019 drama Uncut Gems. This anxiety-inducing movie won over critics with its relentless pace and an impressive performance from Adam Sandler. The nerve-racking tension was too much for audiences who were overwhelmed by the chaotic energy. Did we enjoy this gritty thrill ride? Take your bets and find out in this week’s episode!

Divided Films is back! Is this the real life or is this just fantasy? That’s our question for our first movie this year, Bohemian Rhapsody. Critics say this biopic was more fantasy, giving us tired cliches instead of a deep look into the history of Freddie Mercury and Queen. Audiences didn’t care either way because they were having fun rocking out to Queen’s classic hits. Find out if we think this movie is a champion or just another one that bites the dust!

We’ve come to the end of our third season, so now it’s time for a bonus episode! We’re looking back at some movies that had surprising box office results. Whether they made a lot of money despite negative opinions or barely made any money despite positive opinions, we’re gonna dive in and figure out what happened. Divided Films is on the case to solve some box office mysteries!

Last Christmas you gave me your heart, and Hollywood gave us this would be Christmas classic that turned out to be a Divided Film! Audiences were charmed by the George Michael soundtrack and attractive leads, but critics could not go along with the cheesy story and predictable twist. For our holiday episode, we’ll see if Last Christmas deserves our hearts or if we should give it away.

Who’s the man? Amanda Bynes is in our next Divided Film, She’s The Man! Audiences couldn’t stop laughing when they saw this 2000s comedy, but critics thought this Shakespeare “adaptation” did not do its source material justice. We’re gonna give you our dirty little secret on who we side with.

Kids can be cruel, especially the teens in the 1999 drama Cruel Intentions. Audiences were drawn into this movie by the attractive cast and steamy story, but critics found the plot and direction too silly to take seriously. We’re gonna find out how cruel we need to be on this Divided Film.

Our next Divided Film is the 2017 musical, The Greatest Showman. Audiences were won over by the charming cast and hit songs, but critics wanted the real story of P.T. Barnum instead of a mere circus act. Let’s find out if this musical film truly is the greatest show!

We’re back from our mid season break to discuss the 2015 romantic comedy, Trainwreck. Critics praised Amy Schumer for her fresh take on the romcom genre, but most of the jokes did not land well with audiences. We’re gonna decide if this Divided Film lives up to its name.

Halloween is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with an episode on the witchy cult classic Hocus Pocus! This Divided Film failed to impress critics when it premiered in 1993, but over the years it built a fan following and became a holiday favorite. Did we fall for this movie’s spell? Listen in to find out!

Halloween is getting closer, so our next Divided Film is the fateful horror movie Final Destination. Audiences were on board with this franchise from the first installment, but critics say the filmmakers crashed and burned trying to execute the unique premise. Can you predict what side we’ll take? Listen in and find out if you’re premonition comes true!