Moving The Needle Podcast

It's Belle De Jour versus The Piano Teacher. Henno, Sean, and Carmelita come together to discuss these women coming undone, and/or becoming whole? You can find Camelita on both twitter, and letterboxd  @CamelitaSays find us @mtnpod or mtnpodcast.com

Our special purpose on this episode is to see if Steve Martin's first film foray holds up to the test of time. Is this Thermos still full of fresh wine? we are joined this episode by new guest Brianna and returning guest Kiki. who has an Instagram account you should check out : https://www.instagram.com/kikicovet/

We have such sounds to show you as Carmelita joins us to rate, review and revel in the suffering brought forth by two distinct sets of spine chilling (and sexy?) Cenobites. we compare the original 1987 to the 2022 Hulu Exclusive.  You can find Camelita on both twitter, and letterboxd  @CamelitaSays find us @mtnpod or mtnpodcast.com  

This week we dig deep.. like literally. It's a battle of subterranean scourges. Subway V Southwest, Graboid V C.H.U.D. Dan joins us to rate & review both, and we arrive at a clear consensus of which film most deserves your time and attention.  Dan has a blog, and you should check it out: The Danman Can Blog  

We are joined by Jo for some gatronomy gone ghastly and galactic as we discuss Coherence Vs The Invitation (2015). These Dinner Parties serve up some serious questions, and some well deserved side eye. We hope you enjoy! Connect with Jo!Website Instagram

Can Jack Flack escape the test of time? We are joined by Dan & Ryan to unpack this suprisingly bloodthirsty kids movie from 1984. With a screenplay by Tom Holland (not that one) and music by Brian May (not that one either) this film has some indelible characters and moments. We have about 1,329,542 questions about this movie, and hope to unlock at least a few answers tonight. Dan also has a blog you should check out: The Danman Can Blog

Camelita returns, and we each bring a case of cursed cinema to the table. Some might be outrageous, other maybe manipulative, or banal, or tryhard level transgressive. There's something for everyone... maybe? Join us as we rate and review some things that may be unwatchable for you.

Just in time for primary season, we get all political with Professor Sara Netzley as we  discuss the difference between good flan and bad flan. The importance of a good nights's sleep, and whether any of this will delay the B3 bomber. Connect with SaraPersonal Twitter: @saranetzley Sara Whitney, her author alter-ego's Twitter: @sarawhitney_ Connect with Us@mtnpod

It's a Jaws rip off... off. Tonight we defer to Carmelita for our latest versus, and it's Orca vs Piranah! We got Dante! De Lorentiis!!, and Derek!!! Is it better laughing with, or at your late 70s aquatic antagonists? You can find Camelita on both twitter, and letterboxd  @CamelitaSays find us @mtnpod or mtnpodcast.com

We'll Forkgive you, if you forkgot about these cult comic book movies. Mystery Men was released before the Marvel juggernaut took hold, and Kick-Ass has been eclipsed by some even more ultra violent Mark Millar adaptations. Carmelita joins us to compare and contrast these dilettante defenders of justice. You can find Camelita on both twitter, and letterboxd  @CamelitaSays

We like to remember this often overlooked, somewhat overshadowed, and most probably problematically cast 1997 David Lynch surrealist romp our own ways, and we brought Dan, who we've met before on our Almost Famous episode back to discuss. Dan also has a blog we highly recommend: The Danman Can Blog

It's a Donner Party, and you're invited to join us with Carmelita to discuss and delineate some "deep" Richard Donner cuts. It's Conspiracy Theory versus Assassins. Wheelchair getaways, homoerotic gunplay, and problematic hindsight abounds. Connect with Carmelita! @CarmeliaSays

We're back, and we've brought some surrealism! We are joined again by Sara Netzley to plumb the depths of Luis Buñuel's final film. Don't forget your sack! Connect with Sara!Personal Twitter: @saranetzley Sara Whitney, her author alter-ego's Twitter: @sarawhitney_

We are joined by Sara Netley, and Jo to discuss Sara's pet film, the 1996 Geena Davis starring, Shane Black scripted, Samuel L. Jackson co-starring, Brian Cox'd cameo'd, uzi laden blockbuster (of Sara's heart). Join us as our reviews are nearly as varied and confounding as the film's villains. Connect with Sara!Personal Twitter: @saranetzley Sara Whitney, her author alter-ego's Twitter: @sarawhitney_ Connect with Jo!Website Instagram

This Episode we are joined by Sara Netzley to discuss Takashi Miike's 1999 film Ōdishon (Audition). We unanimously agree that this film is best experienced devoid of expectations and foreknowledge, so please, go see it before you hear us discuss it.  find Sara on twitter @saranetzley  

Two films one book, or is it? This week we contrast Dune 1984 with Dune 2021. Frank Hebert's complex novel continues to attract top shelf talent, and disparate visions, does either succeed? David Lynch has all but disowned his effort, while Denis Villeneuve has already spent more time telling half the story. It's hard to overstate the influence this story, and theequally fascinating story of its would be creators and collaborators have had in shaping modern sci fi cinema.  Steve joins us to add some spice as we decide which space opera might just turn your brown eyes blue.  Steve: Not Just Another Geek Podcast

This week week's film will DOMINATE most others in its ability to INDUCE thoughtful discussion of the alternative lifestyles of Professor William Marston, his wife Elizabeth, and their partner and ingénue Olive, who became the primary inspiration for Marston's creation of Wonder Woman. We SUBMIT to you this film is well worth your time, and as always we thank you for your COMPLIANCE.  We are joined this week by Kiki, Steve, and Jeanie. More from Jeanie: https://twitter.com/tjlhigh Steve: Not Just Another Geek Podcast Kiki: Instagram

This week, we lined up two great Hollywood films for your listening pleasure, 1990's, “Goodfellas” and 1997's, “Boogie Nights.”  Tonight, we are joined again by Steve from both the Not Just Another Geek and Not Just Another Disney podcasts. Both films explore the concepts of family, loyalty, and hubris. But is they share an ethos as well?  Sean and Henno sent Roy home to get his fu**ing shine box this week, and what an episode he missed!  How to connect with Steve:Not Just Another Geek Podcast Not Just Another Disney Podcast    

Grab your Multipass, and brush up on your shell game as we discuss Demolition Man versus the Fifth Element. Aging action heroes from the past, resurrected to bring peace to the future while occassionally reflecting, on what exactly is worth saving here on Earth. From Chris Tucker to Bill Hick... Denis Leary, there's a lot to unpack here and we hope this episode brings you joy joy feelings. This week we are joined by Ben from the Film Floggers podcast as well as Jeanie, returning to share her perspective on these very very male movies. You can find Ben here : https://filmfloggers.buzzsprout.com/ More from Jeanie: https://twitter.com/tjlhigh Thanks for Listening! find us @mtnpod most everywhere mtnpodcast@gmail.com mtnpodcast.com  

We are back with our second new release film discussion of the modern MTN era (the other was ‘On the QT' when Once Upon a Time in Hollywood released in theaters).  This time, it's the M. Night Shyamalan thriller, ‘Old.'  There is lots to unpack here.  We ask why we constantly see Shyamalan's films knowing many of them are underwhelming.  Is Night simply a master of creating trailers?  Should he collaborate with better writers or directors, and if so, whom?  We have a lot to say about his ego sabotages much of his films.     We are joined by Steve, host of the currently on a semi-annual break, Not Just Another Geek and Not Just Another Disney podcasts.  Sean, Roy, and Steve worked together at a movie theater over 25 years ago, and they have podcasted together over 100 times.  Steve is one of the nicest people in the world, but that may not help M. Night Shyamalan tonight.    We hope you enjoy the show!    How to connect with Steve: Not Just Another Geek Podcast Not Just Another Disney Podcast             Connect with us! Facebook: Moving the Needle  Twitter: @mtnpod Instagram: @mtnpod E-mail us at mtnpodcast@gmail.com Our website is: http://mtnpodcast.com/  

We are re-joined by Jo to discuss Peter Jackson's 1992 (1993 in the U.S.) tour-de-force gore-fest, Dead Alive.  This movie is hard to find (unless you shop on eBay, are willing to take it from YouTube, or you're a pirate), but it is available if you do the work.  If you haven't seen it, most of us think you're missing out. This film has both past horror references and is referenced by many as well.  We have a mother who smothers her son, zombies, stop-motion animation, violence, gore, gag-inspiring moments, and so much more.  If you love blood, gore, fun and interesting characters, and gross-out moments, this film is for you.     We hope you enjoy the show!  If you feel moved, please write us a review on your pod-player of choice.  Connect with Jo! Website Instagram Twitter Connect with us! Facebook: Moving the Needle  Twitter: @mtnpod Instagram: @mtnpod E-mail us at mtnpodcast@gmail.com Our website is: http://mtnpodcast.com/ Episode 54 is going to be a discussion about M. Night Shyamalan's new release, Old.  Is this another good M. Night picture or an intriguing trailer wasted?  We welcome back Steve from @notanothrpod on this episode.

We want to thank you for your patience while we enjoyed a little Summertime fun.  We are back with Sara Netzley, our Dr. Fun, to watch 1998's Michael Bay film, Armageddon.  This movie is action-packed.  The question is, did they pack a colon or a film?  How many of us are going to rate this film like a vicious life-sucking bitches from which there is no escape?  Are we going to discuss the merits of animal crackers vs. cookies?  Maybe.  We are certainly going to converse about the terrible jokes (for example, calling Stamper's team The Wrong Stuff) and the frightening lack of pushback while one roughneck discusses underage girls.  Sean also unloads on Harry's dressing down of the scientists because his Dad was a rocket scientist for many years (and we don't get in the way of his rant by reminding him that it's a movie).  Our panel puts the testy in Test of Time.  We hope you listen and enjoy it! Connect with Sara! Personal Twitter: @saranetzley Sara Whitney, her author alter-ego's Twitter: @sarawhitney_ Connect with us! Facebook: Moving the Needle  Twitter: @mtnpod Instagram: @mtnpod E-mail us at mtnpodcast@gmail.com Our website is: http://mtnpodcast.com/ If you could write a review on your pod player of choice, we would appreciate it very much.   Our next episode, #53, is Peter Jackson's 1992 gore-fest, Dead Alive (AKA Braindead).  We are joined once more by Jo (@jomccunephotography – IG) to discuss the film. 

If you listened to our Speed vs. Point Break episode, you heard us kick around the concept of what if chose two terrible sequels instead.  Well, here is the result.  Mike from the Adkins Undisputed Podcast and the Dana Buckler Show joins us to answer this.  We are debating which is worse: Speed 2: Cruise Control or A Good Day to Die Hard, AKA Die Hard 5.  We kicked around some other stinkers, but this one felt right to try first. As you know, Speed 2: Cruise Control left a wake of weak ticket sales, and it was more destructive to the studio's books than the cruise liner crashing through St. Martin.  Some notable names, including Keanu Reeves and Gary Oldman, passed on this film.  A Good Day to Die Hard was successful, but who mailed it in more: the editor(s), writers, or Bruce Willis?  Jai Courtney doesn't escape criticism either.  We hope you enjoy the process as we decide which one really, really sucks and sucks even worse.  Thank you for listening!  On Episode 52, we welcome back Dr. Sara Netzley, journalism professor by day and writer by night, to cover her pet film: Armageddon.  Connect with Mike: Michael Scott Adkins Undisputed The Dana Buckler Show Connect with us! Facebook: Moving the Needle  Twitter: @mtnpod Instagram: @mtnpod E-mail us at mtnpodcast@gmail.com Our website is: http://mtnpodcast.com/

This episode we also ask: “Two for Paul Newman?”  Don't worry, we'll explain.  It's been a long time between episodes.  Our apologies for seeming like we were on hiatus. For Episode 50, we chose the granddaddy of con man films, George Roy Hill's, The Sting.  Lead by Paul Newman, Robert Redford, and Robert Shaw, this film is a revenge con game with the goal to financially cripple Shaw's Doyle Lonnegan, the mobster who murdered the partner of Redford's Johnny Hooker and gain some revenge against him.  Newman's Henry Gondorff, also an former acquaintance of Hooker's deceased partner, helps Hooker set up an elaborate a horse gambling con.  Will everyone stay on task and cheat Lonnegan of his pretty, pretty money?  If you do not know, you need to catch up on this classic film immediately and listen to our commentary. As the granddaddy of con man films, we discuss some of The Sting's influence on future cinema.  We discuss some of the Depression-era slang.  We discuss Hooker's situation in more detail because there was a lot to unpack with his character.  We explore the best reasons to have three A-list stars as a viewer.  This was a big studio picture, and we do our best to discuss the best of it.  Thank you for listening!  If you have a minute, please write us a review.  Our next episode, Mike Scott of Adkins Undisputed is back again to ask which is worse: Speed 2: Cruise Control or A Good Day to Die Hard.   Connect with us! Facebook: Moving the Needle  Twitter: @mtnpod Instagram: @mtnpod E-mail us at mtnpodcast@gmail.com Our website is: http://mtnpodcast.com/

After multiple attempts by Roy to shoehorn 1991's 'Point Break' vs. Ben Affleck's, 'The Town,' into one of our shows, HBO gives him the ultimate assist by playing 'Point Break' and 1994's 'Speed' back-to-back one Saturday night.  Since our 'Starship Troopers' vs. 'Robocop' episode, we don't dare spell action anymore without M-I-K-E-S-C-O-T-T.  Mike is the host of the most complete Scott Adkins podcast (absolutely anywhere), 'Adkins Undisputed,' and hosts the 20th Century Movie Club on the 'Dana Buckler Show.'  He is a wealth of action (and many other genres) knowledge, and we love having him on to discuss films with us. When we first introduced our Vs. series, the purpose was having to make a tough choice between two beloved movies.  Between Keanu vs. Keanu, Hopper vs. Swayze, and Bullock vs. Petty, there are so many categories to help pick your winner.  We can't wait to read what you think.  Thanks for listening! Connect with Mike: Michael Scott Adkins Undisputed The Dana Buckler Show Connect with us! Facebook: Moving the Needle  Twitter: @mtnpod Instagram: @mtnpod E-mail us at mtnpodcast@gmail.com Our website is: http://mtnpodcast.com/      

As the film states, “well-behaved women seldom make history,” so we invited two of our favorites on to discuss 2015’s, Spy.  Jo usually joins us for art films, but this time she joins us for a comedy.  Jo’s past episodes are The Discrete Charm of the Bourgeoisie, Oldboy, and Being There.  Carmelita is also back for more fun with us.  She was with us for, Blues Brothers, Boughs of Folly, and 1941.  As always, we are gifted beyond measure with wonderful guests, and they shine throughout the episode. Since Bridesmaids, Melissa McCarthy’s movies were a letdown.  Spy came out on the heels of Tammy, a film where Roy, who chose Spy as his pet film, said he didn’t laugh for over an hour.  The marketing for Spy was ineffective as well.  They made it look more like another heaping helping of McCarthy fat jokes instead of the female-empowering film that It’s no surprise that our panel is once again somewhat far apart over their approval (*cough* Henno, *cough*), but this movie was a hit.  Over the episode we discuss how much fun Jason Statham was and what a pleasant surprise Miranda Hart was.  We are almost 100% on the casting.  This movie is so fun to quote as well.  So, clutch your crazy cupcake toggle necklace, grab your rape whistle, and join us on this fun episode! And no, we do not refrain from using the term thunderc**t.  Connect with Jo! Website Instagram Connect with Carmelita! @CarmeliaSays

We are back with another musical hit squad show!  Kyle, who has been in the co-host chair with us several times over the years, suggested we discuss songs that pump us up.  Sean presents an interesting wrinkle by offering songs that motivates him during Pelton interval training.  Will different musical protocols mean peaceful discord among the group?  If you listen to us, you know that isn’t possible.  Be sure to stay for Kyle’s second song, and let us know what you think of it.  Trust us.  It's worth it. Thanks for listening!  Please consider giving us a five-star review, so more people get the word about us.  Connect with Kyle Twitter Connect with us! Facebook: Moving the Needle  Twitter: @mtnpod Instagram: @mtnpod E-mail us at mtnpodcast@gmail.com  

We are back!  We are joined again by Jo to discuss 1979’s, “Being There.”  Adapted from the novel by Jerzy Kosinski, this film is a satire about a developmentally disabled and sheltered gardener who is forced to leave the only home he ever knew and almost instantly becomes an advisor to the Washington elite.  In his travels, the wife of a high-powered financier and trusted advisor to the president of the United States bumps into him, and he cultivates the best out of his new friends.  If you have not seen this film, it is streaming on HBO Max in March 2021.  We have so much to say about Chance and the Rands.  We explore his autism, how and possibly why the Washington elite took to him, learning cultural norms from television, and if we should consider him a Christ figure.  We do not go deeply into the changes between the book and film, but we make it part of the discussion. Jo has been a guest on our show many times over both Moving the Needle periods.  She is also on our “Oldboy” and “Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie” episodes.    Thanks for listening!  Please consider giving us a five-star review, so more people get the word about us.  Connect with Jo! Website Instagram Connect with us! Facebook: Moving the Needle  Twitter: @mtnpod Instagram: @mtnpod E-mail us at mtnpodcast@gmail.com

Your wish is granted.  Our professor of fun, Sara Netzley, is back to discuss which one is at least slightly better: Big or 13 Going on 30.    Big was released in 1988, which puts Roy and Sean at the same age of Josh Baskin.  Will this and the humor of Tom Hanks be enough to kick Jennifer Garner, with all her pluck and beauty, out of Jenna Rink’s custom dream house?  We ask if either film does more than buzz the cringe tower, and what about the Thriller dance scene choice?  The guys put on their best bedazzled tuxedos to join Sara in a fun episode.  We hope you enjoy it as much as the other old man MacMillan's and Baskin's FAO Schwartz display.   Connect with Sara! Personal Twitter: @saranetzley Sara the author's Twitter: @sarawhitney_ Connect with us! Facebook: Moving the Needle  Twitter: @mtnpod Instagram: @mtnpod E-mail us at mtnpodcast@gmail.com Our website is: http://mtnpodcast.com/ If you could write a review on your pod player of choice, we would appreciate it very much.   Our next episode, #46, is 1979’s Being There with Peter Sellers and Shirley MacLaine.  We are joined once again by Jo (@jomccunephotography – IG) to discuss this multi-award-winning film. 

You Guest it, this is a cage match between two all-time great mockumentary films.  This is Spinal Tap is a documentary about the band’s American comeback tour that starts badly and builds momentum to what could be the band’s undoing.  Best in Show follows several dog owners as they prepare for the prestigious Mayflower Dog Show.  Both films are quality films, so we argue over which one we like just a little bit more.  We are joined by Steve from both the Not Just Another Geek and Not Just Another Disney podcasts.  Sean, Roy, and Steve worked together at a movie theater over 25 years ago, and they have podcasted together over 100 times.  We hope you enjoy the show!    How to connect with Steve: Not Just Another Geek Podcast Not Just Another Disney Podcast             Sean and Roy joined Steve for a retrospective X-Men (2000) episode Connect with us! Facebook: Moving the Needle  Twitter: @mtnpod Instagram: @mtnpod E-mail us at mtnpodcast@gmail.com Our website is: http://mtnpodcast.com/

Predator was released on June 12, 1987, and Roy has been in love with this film since day one of its release.  Is this another occurrence of what Sean calls being mugged by nostalgia?  We unpack this and other discussions and disagreements over the quality of this sci-fi action masterpiece.   Predator gives many gifts to movie-goers of all ages.  The action and explosions are first rate.  We are treated to many of the best one-liners in action cinema history and the genius of Stan Winston and his team.  We see the magic of ‘Old Painless,’ the M-134 machine gun used by Blaine.  Though you do not get much of a back story on the soldiers, the squad of Dutch, Blaine, Mac, Hawkins, Billy, and Poncho are an all-time team.  Adding Dylan, pusher of pencils, adds to the joy as well.    To complete the discussion, we mention some of the stories behind the production.  The lengths they had to go to keep Sonny Landham on set is interesting.  Did you know the director, John McTiernan, served time?  There is a story behind a bet between future governors, Arnold and Jesse Ventura.  It is funny and a little ridiculous.  Add Carl Weathers’ sneaky gym stories, and you have some great behind the scenes stories.   As our gift to the listeners (and ourselves), we are re-joined by Mike Scott.  He is the host of Adkins Undisputed and co-host of the Dana Buckler Show.  He has an encyclopedic mind for multiple genres of movies, but even without asking him, we have the utmost confidence that action is his favorite.  We thank Mike for joining us and look forward to future episodes with him as our guest.    Kiki is also back.  She was on our Cuties episode.  She is a podcast free agent with a lot of good value for different genres of movies.     We hope you enjoy Predator!  Next episode is This is Spinal Tap vs. Best in Show with special guest Steve from the Not Just Another Geek Podcast and the Not Just Another Disney Podcast.    Connect with Michael: Michael Scott Adkins Undisputed The Dana Buckler Show   Connect with Kiki: Instagram   Connect with us! Facebook: Moving the Needle  Twitter: @mtnpod Instagram: @mtnpod E-mail us at mtnpodcast@gmail.com Our website is: http://mtnpodcast.com/    

In 2020, HBO released, “How to with John Wilson.”  For those who are unfamiliar, “How to,” is a six-episode series about a New York City resident and some of the challenges he experiences by living there.  Some of them are: protecting furniture from a scratch-happy cat, making small talk, how accurate some of the memory we rely on is, splitting a restaurant check, NYC and its scaffolding, and making the perfect risotto from scratch without any inclination how to make it.  The show takes many hard right turns.  Some are wild, a few poignant, and at least interesting.  There are only six episodes at the moment, and they are around thirty minutes each.  We hope you check it out and listen to our commentary.  Three out of four of us believe this show is very good to great.  You will have to listen to decide if the fourth one supported his claim that it was average.  We are joined once again by Steve from the Not Just Another Geek (and a Disney one, too) Podcast!  Steve has been a friend of Sean and Roy’s for over 25 years, and Sean and Roy were part of his previous podcasts.  We have fun discussing movies and pushing each other’s buttons. How to connect with Steve: Not Just Another Geek Podcast Not Just Another Disney Podcast             Sean and Roy joined Steve for a retrospective X-Men (2000) episode Connect with us! Facebook: Moving the Needle  Twitter: @mtnpod Instagram: @mtnpod E-mail us at mtnpodcast@gmail.com Our website is: http://mtnpodcast.com/    

It comes earlier and earlier every year, and here we are.  It's Christmas music time.  Rather than prattling on about the good stuff, we decided to set our sights on the worst of the season.  We are joined by special guests, Carmelita and Stef.  Carmelita joined us for our Blues Brothers and 1941 episodes, and Stef was a guest in our first MTN run and was a former co-host in our comeback.  Did we find ten songs that will light your holiday ire?  We hope you listen and find out! Thank you for listening! Connect on Carmelita and Stef on Twitter: @CarmeliaSays @BadWolfBay87 Connect with us! Facebook: Moving the Needle  Twitter: @mtnpod Instagram: @mtnpod E-mail us at mtnpodcast@gmail.com Our website is: http://mtnpodcast.com/

Tonight we ask, can you judge a film by its poster? This is a film you've likely heard a lot about, likely from sources that haven't seen it. Sean and Henno are joined by first time podcast guest Kiki to discuss the independent and award winning French film, from Maïmouna Doucouré, Cuties (Mignonnes) and the subsequent fallout from its notorious cover art revamp. You can find Kiki and her art on Instagram @kikicovet  Be sure to keep your podcatcher focused on Moving The Needle for fun new episodes. Connect with us! Facebook: Moving the Needle  Twitter: @mtnpod Instagram: @mtnpod E-mail us at mtnpodcast@gmail.com Our website is: http://mtnpodcast.com/

This episode is a lot of fun.  Henno improved an idea Roy wanted to borrow from a friend on Facebook, which was: Change My Mind: Galaxy Quest is better than every Star Wars movie.  We have no guest this week, but we discuss: Who prefers Spaceballs over Galaxy Quest? Tim Allen hate, but is it deserved? Alan Rickman love because it is deserved Is it ok to like Spaceballs because pre-teen us loves Spaceballs? Is it ok to dismiss Spaceballs because it is not top-tier Mel Brooks humor? Was Rick Moranis the only good thing about Spaceballs? And much, much more! In this season of Thanksgiving, we thank you so much for supporting our podcast.  If you feel moved to, please rate and review us.  Our next episode is the controversial French film, Cuties.  Find out if the film is worthy of the negative attention Netflix received and still receives for putting it in their library. Connect with us! Facebook: Moving the Needle  Twitter: @mtnpod Instagram: @mtnpod E-mail us at mtnpodcast@gmail.com Our website is: http://mtnpodcast.com/

This week, we celebrate the return of Dr. Sara Netzley to discuss past film presidents in our latest versus: "Dave" vs. "The American President."   We travel back to a kinder, gentler time...the 1990s.  In "The American President," election polls are actually accurate, and widowed President Andrew Shepherd (Michael Douglas) is waltzing to re-election with a favorable approval rating (63%), until he begins dating Sydney Ellen Wade of Virginia (Annette Benning) and is willing to seal the deal on a environmental bill that could undo his re-election.  "Dave" is a story about a president's look-alike who assumes the job after a stroke cripples the president.  He is brought to the White House to allow a corrupt senator (Frank Langella) to use scandals to take the top job.  Dave (Kevin Kline) is kind and thoughtful, and now, he's the leader of the free world where corruption and unkindness are not only in every corner, but right in front of him.  Unfazed, he uses his position to help people and win over the first lady of the United States (Sigourney Weaver).   For the second straight episode, we are split down the middle over these two wonderful films.  Sean discusses how much he hates the Shepherd administration, and we take a deep dive as to why.  We argue over some Aaron Sorkin scripts and give some love to Ving Rhames' wonderful hair.  I'm sure we even give some love to Meathead, otherwise known as Rob Reiner.   We hope you enjoy this episode!  Thank you for listening! If you can help us with a rating or review on your pod player of choice, that would help us a lot! Connect with Sara! Personal Twitter: @saranetzley Sara the author's Twitter: @sarawhitney_ Connect with us! Facebook: Moving the Needle  Twitter: @mtnpod Instagram: @mtnpod E-mail us at mtnpodcast@gmail.com Our website is: http://mtnpodcast.com/

We have a mega-versus this week, and we bring in an action movie expert to meet the challenge.  We welcome Michael Scott from both the Dana Buckler Show and Adkins Undisputed Podcast to help figure out which one of these Paul Verhoeven films is just a bit better. Robocop and Starship Troopers are two Paul Verhoeven films made ten years apart.  Robocop is a look at crime-ridden Detroit and a new cyborg creation trying to reduce crime where the corporation who runs the police is worse than the criminals Robocop is trying to arrest.  Starship Troopers is about four high school friends who join the military and find out young that they are underprepared to fight an alien bug army of undetermined size.  We are split evenly on the films.  We hope you do your part and reply to us with your pick.  Connect with Michael: Michael Scott Adkins Undisputed The Dana Buckler Show Connect with us! Facebook: Moving the Needle  Twitter: @mtnpod Instagram: @mtnpod E-mail us at mtnpodcast@gmail.com Our website is: http://mtnpodcast.com/

It’s been 29 years since the most excellent duo delivered us a movie.  Was it worth the wait, and how does the dearth of new movies recently skew what we think?  We have no guest this episode.  Sean, Henno, and Roy discuss (not in order): Changing out the medieval babes Bill and Ted’s kids (including IMDb setting Roy up for failure by switching the actors’ names – by the way, it’s STILL wrong!) Gush for Anthony Carrigan and William Sadler Appreciation for keeping most of the cast together The not very strong start What didn’t feel quite right (watching a Bill and Ted movie) How satisfying was the conclusion of the trilogy overall?    Thank you for listening! Connect with us! Facebook: Moving the Needle  Twitter: @mtnpod Instagram: @mtnpod E-mail us at mtnpodcast@gmail.com Our website is: http://mtnpodcast.com/

After the Sugarland Express, Steven Spielberg directed two mega-successes, Jaws and Close Encounters of the Third Kind.  Combined, Jaws and Close Encounters earned almost $750,000,000 at the box office.  That is in 1970s money.  At this point, Universal, Spielberg's clout could get anything made.  So why not make a comedy?  Surely, he can climb the comedy hill as well as suspense and science-fiction.   Fast-forward to the late 1970s.  Spielberg decides to direct a comedy about further attacks by the Japanese in World War II.  This movie is loaded with talented writers and actors.   Robert Zemekis, Robert Stack, Bob Gale, Toshirô Mifune, Christopher Lee, Murray Hamilton, Lorraine Gary, John Belushi, Ned Beatty, John Candy, and much, much, more.  Spielberg is the hottest director leading one of the (if not the) finest casts in movie history.   Contrary to popular opinion, this movie did not flop.  However, it was only a minor success.  We are re-joined by Carmelita (from our Blues Brothers episode) to grade and discuss what some consider a well-made film and one of us graded much lower (and everyone else in-between).  Be sure to give our 1941 episode a listen and let us know what you think!   Thank you for listening! Connect with us! Facebook: Moving the Needle  Twitter: @mtnpod Instagram: @mtnpod E-mail us at mtnpodcast@gmail.com Our website is: http://mtnpodcast.com/

Every so often, we dive into art house cinema; and we are joined by our dear friend Steve from the Not Just Another Geek Pod Podcast to dive into a tale of turn-of-the-century Alaska.  This films stars one of Sean's favorite actors, David Strathairn, so expect him to gush heartily about him.  Limbo also stars Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Vanessa Martinez, and Kris Kristofferson, and is written and directed by John Sayles. This film is worth the watch, but Roy has a problem with the way it ends.  He feels like Sayles owes the audience something that he doesn't provide.  There is also a Gone Girl-like moment that changes the movie completely, and we talk about how well that decision works.   We also ask if a 1990s-like indie movement would be good for Hollywood in the way low budget horror films work for studios like A24 and Blumhouse.   **As of late August 2020, Limbo (1999) is not streaming anywhere for free.  All the major streaming rental services start at $3.99**

Dude!  We’re 33 episodes in!  This time, we dive into two sports fit for the Ocho: Dodgeball and Baseketball.  With two movies rife with mediocre characters (at best), we had to turn the MTN Batsignal on for a member of the world’s sexiest podcast, Bryan from the Salty Language Podcast, to pump up the appeal like White Goodman’s codpiece.    We argue over which is the better movie and if Ben Stiller’s performance is any good.  We make each other bleed each other’s blood while we hope nobody in the audience chooses none of you choose scenario number one. 

Almost Famous turns 20 this year, and Roy is very excited.  He is a shameless Cameron Crowe fan.  We welcome two new guests to Moving the Needle 2.0: Dan, who is a film blogger and musician who joined us for the Mad Max episode in May 2015.  He was also a co-host on his former Criterion-focused film podcast, Focus on Film.  Amy, a rock & roll insider, is both a chronic illness and entertainment blogger.  She joined Roy as a guest even further back in Roy and Sean’s earlier podcast, Synesthesia.  They were great guests separately, but they are exponentially better together! Almost Famous is a fictionalized account of writer/director Cameron Crowe’s experiences writing about the Allman Brothers Band.  William Miller is a 15 year-old high school graduate who leaves a dysfunctional home to an even worse situation, near total access to an up-and-coming rock and roll band.  His challenges for the movie are breaking through to his harshest critics: his mother and guitarist Russell Hammond and affecting positive change in both situations.   Sean and Roy open the show and introduce the movie, but they happily become shaded like the t-shirt after.  We interweave discussions about the movie with Henno’s, Dan’s, and Amy’s stories about famous musicians they know and life on the road.  They discuss band rifts as well.  Roy was never much of a concert guy, but he tells a story about the last concert he may ever go to. Join us for some really cool road stories and split opinions about the quality of the movie.  We thank you for listening! Please consider writing Moving the Needle a review on your podcast player, so we can reach out to a wider audience.    Learn more about our guests: Dan’s The DanMan Can blog   Dan on Instagram Amy’s Demystification Blog Amy’s Close Encounters of the Nerd Kind Blog Amy on Instagram Amy on Twitter PELT

This week, we double down on guests and go after more earworms.  We invite past guests Kristin from the How Was Your Week, Honey Podcast and Kyle from our first round of Moving the Needle.  This time, we create a new earworm vocabulary.  As for the hosts, the tables turn a little between songs that worked this time but not last time (and vice-versa).  Please join us for 12 fun and/or torturous songs, and let us know what you think!    Did you enjoy our guests?  Here is how to find more of them.   Kristin on Twitter How Was Your Week, Honey? on Twitter How Was Your Week, Honey? Podcast Kristin’s blog   Kyle on Twitter

This week, with the help of our “Journalism professor by day, TV reviewer by night” doctor friend, @saranetzley, we double-dip two of Mike Myers’ dual-role films.  First is the well-known and quoted British spy spoof.  The other is a cult classic that should be equally well-known and quoted, but somehow slipped through the cracks during its 1993 release.  For at least two films and a great opening to the third, the Austin Powers films have delighted millions, been quoted often, and was a very popular Halloween costume in the late 90s.  So I Married an Axe Murderer is the Jan Brady of Mike Myers films.  Sandwiched between Wayne’s World and Austin Powers, SIManAM is the story of a beat poet who is terrified of marriage who might be dating Mrs. X – the lady who marries and kills her husbands.  You can argue that Jan eventually turned out to be the biggest catch of the three.  Will our panel agree SIManAM comes to the same conclusion? This episode is the bucket list cross-off for Roy, as he is a proud Mike Myers stan.  Choosing between the two is truly a Sophie’s choice for him.  What will the rest say?  Will Henno, Sean, or Stef be the one who hates both?  We hope you not only check out this fun episode but decide to give us a five-star review as a result. Next episode: A yet-unnamed Earworms Part Two with @epic_lish and @kmaemaier

This fortnight, we are back with another movie to read!  This time, it's Chan-wook Park's 2003 Korean revenge thriller, Oldboy.  Jo suggested we discuss this film, so she comes back for the second straight show.  We are so glad she returned! Oldboy gave us a lot to talk about.  We discuss revenge, justice, and guilt.  Is the protagonist a world-class villain, and is the protagonist really the antagonist?  Because this is fiction, we have fun with all these aspects.  As of June 2020, there are many free options to watch this wonderful film.  Take advantage and come and join us! Connect with Jo! Website Instagram Connect with us! Facebook: Moving the Needle  Twitter: @mtnpod Instagram: @mtnpod E-mail us at mtnpodcast@gmail.com

This week, french surrealism is on the menu, We sink our teeth into Luis Bunuel's 1972 french surrealist comedy masterpiece, The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie. We are joined this week by Jo, a friendly ghost from MTN's past to help us wade through the often ephemeral storylines, and persistently opaque meanings of this dense, playful dream world. No matter your experience or feelings towards art films, you will likely find a shared perspective within this episode. Connect with Jo! Website Instagram Connect with us! Facebook: Moving the Needle  Twitter: @mtnpod Instagram: @mtnpod E-mail us at mtnpodcast@gmail.com

This week, we welcome the return of the lovely Carmelita (@CarmelitaSays on Twitter) to discuss some of what we watched while we sheltered in place.  We discussed (in no particular order): The Hunt, I Still Believe, The Last Kingdom, Upload, Star Wars: the Clone Wars, Rectify, Little Fires Everywhere, Star Trek: Picard, and Avenue 5.  We hope you enjoy this episode and come out with some good ideas for future viewing.   Connect with us! Facebook: Moving the Needle  Twitter: @mtnpod Instagram: @mtnpod E-mail us at mtnpodcast@gmail.com

We are delighted to have Sara Netzley, (@SaraNetzley on Twitter) journalism professor by day and TV reviewer by night to discuss Nic Cage in back-to-back roles in 1996 and 1997.  Historically, our versus series asks which movie we love more knowing we really like them both.  Tonight, the rules have changed.  There are haters on both sides.  Dr. Netzley's topic brought the heat.   Where do you stand with these two films?  Be sure to let us know on your favorite social media platform below.   We hope you enjoy episode 26!  Please write us a review, so we can be recommended to new people.  Thanks if you do!!! Connect with us! Facebook: Moving the Needle  Twitter: @mtnpod Instagram: @mtnpod E-mail us at mtnpodcast@gmail.com

On our latest episode, we travel back to 1980 to discuss the first film adapted from a Saturday Night Live skit, the Blues Brothers.  Fueled by hi-jinx, car chases, copious amounts of cocaine, and superstars from both music and film; we ask if this film passes the test of time.  We are joined by serial podcast guest, Carmelita (@CarmelitaSays) We hope you enjoy episode 25!  Be sure to give us a review, so we can be recommended to new people.  Thanks if you do!!!  Connect with us! Facebook: Moving the Needle  Twitter: @mtnpod Instagram: @mtnpod E-mail us at mtnpodcast@gmail.com

This week, we dive into another Abrahams, Zucker, and Zucker film, Top Secret!  For those of you who expect another panel of A grades (like Airplane! earned last week), we’re about to violate the Geneva Convention We hope you enjoy episode 24!  Be sure to give us a review, so we can be recommended to new people.  Thanks if you do!!!  Connect with us! Facebook: Moving the Needle  Twitter: @mtnpod Instagram: @mtnpod E-mail us at mtnpodcast@gmail.com

This week, we are joined by a very special guest. Dana from the hit podcast, the Dana Buckler show, sits down with us to discuss the 1980 disaster film spoof classic, Airplane! You can find Dana on Twitter @DanaBuckler and his podcast http://www.thedanabucklershow.com/ Hopefully, you didn’t pick the wrong week to quit a fun podcast. Thanks for listening!!!! Please rate us, or write us a review! Connect with us! Facebook: Moving the Needle (https://m.facebook.com/mtnpod) Twitter: @mtnpod (https://mobile.twitter.com/mtnpod) Instagram: @mtnpod (https://www.instagram.com/mtnpod/) E-mail us at mtnpodcast@gmail.com