Nostalgia Be Damned

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Nostalgia Be Damned takes your favorite childhood movies and asks one simple question: do they hold up?

Nostalgia Be Damned


    • Mar 11, 2022 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 1h 1m AVG DURATION
    • 124 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Nostalgia Be Damned

    The Flintstones

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2022 64:34


    YABBA-DABBA-DOO! Take a trip to Bedrock with Zach & Brandon as they revisit the live-action adaptation of the 60's beloved cartoon, The Flintstones. Released back in 1994, it banked on the nostalgia of baby boomers to massive box office success at the time. However it's rarely brought up today. Does it deserve to be forgotten or is it a misunderstood fever-dream family comedy? Tune in to hear Zach & Brandon's thoughts on all the insanity- from its impressive production design & cast to its nightmare-inducing puppets.   **DISCLAIMER** We experienced some audio issues during recording that forced us to cut some of Zach's audio. We cobbled it together as best we could. Forgive us!**

    Lake Placid

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2022 61:33


    A stacked cast. A killer crocodile. And a whole lot of sarcastic quipping. Zach & Brandon take a look back at one of the more popular creature features of the 1990s. Released just two weeks before Deep Blue Sea, 1999's Lake Placid was a modest box office success but became a hit on home video- spawning five sequels. It's blend of horror and humor left critics and audiences mixed. But everyone seemed to agree that witnessing Betty White curse like a sailor was worth a watch. Tune in to hear Zach & Brandon's thoughts on the crocodile effects, the low body count, that bear scene and much more. You'll never know what bit you!

    Holes

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2022 73:10


    Grab your shovel and get digging! Zach & Brandon revisit the acclaimed family adventure Holes, based on the best selling novel of the same name. The book's author actually wrote the script for the film. It's a densely plotted story about a boy who gets sent to a juvenile detention camp in the middle of nowhere Texas to dig holes. Why? Because it builds character. Tune in to hear if the beloved film is worthy of its nostalgia or if it deserves to be buried and forgotten. Zach and Brandon dig into all the quirks, such as the summer camp/ prison movie tropes, elaborate backstories, that D-Tent Boys single & much more. 

    Look Who's Talking Too

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2022 60:32


    Mr. Toilet Man, nightmare-fuel baby puppets, and one very dysfunctional family- there's a whole lot to cover here. Zach & Brandon take a look back at the 1990 sequel to the monster hit family comedy Look Who's Talking. John Travolta, Kirstie Alley and Bruce Willis return to yuck it up with little Mikey's baby sister, voiced by Roseanne Barr, entering the fold. Does this one hold up to the original? Was it ever a good movie? The boys debate.

    X-Men

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2022 57:40


    Before Spider-Man, Hulk, Daredevil, or Fantastic Four, Marvel kicked off the 2000's with one of their most influential comic book movie adaptations. X-Men helped shape the superhero movie formula and kicked off a trend that's even more popular today. But is it any good? Zach & Brandon revisit this beloved blockbuster of their youth to see if it holds up. Hear all their thoughts on the film's incredible cast, it's problematic director, and Storm's line about lightning and what it does to a toad.  

    Love Actually

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 24, 2021 73:40


    We feel it in our fingers, we feel it in our toes. Christmas is all around us. So kick back and enjoy this holiday episode in which Zach & Brandon revisit the ultimate romantic comedy, 2003's Love Actually. Featuring a stacked cast of character actors, this beloved rom com features several iconic scenes and remains a yearly tradition for many. But is it the holiday classic it's often touted as? The boys debate. 

    Mars Attacks!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2021 64:42


    Zach & Brandon look back at one of Tim Burton's most strange and juvenile films, 1996's sci fi comedy satire Mars Attacks! It's filled with a stacked cast of 90s all-stars, featuring the likes of Jack Nicholson (in two roles), Michael J. Fox, Danny DeVito and Glenn Close. And most are reduced to a couple minutes of screen time with not much to do! Tune in to hear Zach & Brandon's thoughts on the bizarre alien design, it's endless cavalcade of cameos, and campy yet cynical tone. Plus Sarah Jessica Parker's head ends up on a chihuahua at one point. ACK! ACK! ACK! 

    8 Mile

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2021 60:43


    It's not often Zach & Brandon review Academy Award winning films on the show, but when they do it has a main character nicknamed B-Rabbit, climactic rap battles and a glorious appearance by Michael Shannon. They take a look back on the Eminem pop cultural phenomenon of the early 2000s as well as his acting debit in 8 Mile. It's all covered here-  it's Oscar winning song, Scary Movie 3 parody references, Cheddar Bob, even mom's spaghetti. 

    Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2021 64:38


    Suit up for a trip back to 1995- at the height of Power Ranger popularity. Studio execs fast-tracked this theatrical adaptation of the hit children's TV show that licensed footage from older Japanese properties. Zach & Brandon relive this strange time in all its glory by reviewing Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie. They discuss their former appreciation of the pop culture phenomenon as well as the film's eccentricities- from the obsession with ooze to the out-of-nowhere half naked sage warrior that guides the rangers to the magic temple so they can once again obtain the powers of their ancient spirit counterparts. If that was nonsense to you, consider downloading to educate yourself. GO GO POWER RANGERS!

    Shallow Hal

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2021 59:53


    True love is worth the weight! Zach & Brandon take a look back at the 2001 romantic comedy fantasy Shallow Hal. Directed by the Farrelly Brothers, it paired Gwyneth Paltrow with Jack Black (in his first leading role) for a high concept love story about a guy who's hypnotized into seeing women's true inner beauty. More sentimental than the directors' previous efforts, it's a romcom that wears its heart on its sleeve but has taken heat in more recent years for some of its problematic subject matter. The boys attempt to wrap their heads around the confounding premise, Jason Alexander's horrific character, Paltrow's fat suit, and much more. Plus Zach learns the true meaning of the Baha Men's classic song 'Who Let the Dogs Out?' 

    The Perfect Storm

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2021 57:48


    Problematic New England accents, an all star cast and big budget special effects combine to create The Perfect Storm. Directed by Wolfgang Petersen, this disaster drama recounts the true story of a doomed commercial fishing boat caught in the storm of the century back in 1991. Join Zach & Brandon as they revisit this 2000 box office hit and discuss it in detail, from George Clooney's John Deere hat to shark kicking- it's all covered here, folks! 

    Napoleon Dynamite

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2021 64:33


    Grab your tots and chug that milk! Zach & Brandon revisit the 2004 indie comedy Napoleon Dynamite. With all its quirks and bizarre sense of humor, this was a film that both hosts disliked upon release. But over the years it grew on them more and more. They remove the nostalgia goggles to look at this sleeper hit more objectively. Tune in to learn more about the making of the film as well as the their thoughts on Jon Heder's breakout performance, the memorable title sequence, the epic dance number and much more. Just download it, GOSH!

    The Sandlot

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2021 64:00


    'YOU'RE KILLING ME SMALLS!' Take a trip back to the 1960's with Zach and Brandon as they revisit a seminal 90's baseball classic. It's the summer of 1962 and an abandoned patch of sand and grass becomes the summer oasis for a ragtag group of friends. 1993's The Sandlot is a movie built on nostalgia in the vein of Stand by Me and A Christmas Story. But does hold up today? Chewing tobacco, junkyard dog puppets, the infamous pool scene, Dennis Leary, and much more is discussed during the episode. Just remember, there's heroes and there's legends. Heroes get remembered, but legends never die. Follow your heart kid and you can never go wrong.

    National Lampoon‘s Van Wilder

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2021 69:21


    Don't graduate, celebrate! Zach & Brandon head back to school to party with the king of Coolidge College in 2002's National Lampoon's Van Wilder. In his first lead performance in a studio film, Ryan Reynolds tears into the role with his trademark sarcasm and sardonic charisma. It's a role built for the actor- a persona he'd revisit throughout the next twenty years of his career. He's a lovable underachiever who's managed to spend seven years on campus without earning a degree. But he has earned the respect and admiration of nearly everyone he meets. But is this movie as good as its star? Check out the episode to hear Zach & Brandon discuss its supporting cast, gross out comedies in general, stripper farts, the villain's comeuppance and of course the infamous bull dog scene. 

    Mortal Kombat (1995)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2021 72:18


    Zach & Brandon tackle their first video game movie adaptation! Technically the fourth film based on a video game property to get theatrically released, 1995's Mortal Kombat remains one of the best according to fans. Critically reevaluated in recent years, it's gained a resurgence in popularity. The boys discuss if it's worthy of that praise or if video game adaptations are so terrible that it's cult following is unwarranted. They discuss the lack of gore, impressive set design, shoddy visual effects and that badass theme song. Plus, they get into the inevitable comparisons to the 2021 reboot and somehow Jake & Logan Paul fights. Tune in to see if this action adventure fantasy delivers a flawless victory.

    109 - Phone Booth

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2021 58:35


    Zach & Brandon debate if a ringing phone needs to be answered in the 2003 thriller 'Phone Booth.' Colin Farrell loses his Irish accent to portray a New York City publicist trapped in a phone booth, pinned down by a sniper voiced by Kiefer Sutherland. A relic of the early 2000s, it's a dated premise that might feature just enough clever direction and plot contrivances to keep it moving at a breakneck speed. Plus it has everything we know and love about NYC- prostitutes in need of phone booths, pizza delivery guys delivering to phone booths, and weapons stashed inside phone booths. The boys discuss the film from start to finish and highlight a few of its quirks, from the amount of times the sniper cocks his rifle, to Forest Whitaker's character's troubled marriage, to the hilarious fact that only 3 million people had cell phones in NYC in 2003. 

    108 - Any Given Sunday

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2021 51:40


    Join Zach & Brandon as they revisit the testosterone-fueled football epic, 1999's Any Given Sunday. It's a sprawling drama touching all corners of the industry and everyone involved. Directed by controversial filmmaker Oliver Stone, the boys discuss whether this film attempts to condemn or glamorize the sport. They discuss the all-star cast, the aggressive editing & shot selection, as well as Jamie Foxx's rap song, Al Pacino's droopy peepers and the balls-to-the-wall energy of it all. 

    107 - Air Bud

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2020 61:52


    'Ain't no rule that says the dog can't play basketball!' With that sound logic, Zach & Brandon revisit a seminal 90's favorite, Air Bud. Spawning 13 sequels/spinoffs, the boys discuss what audiences saw in the original to make this largely direct-to-video franchise so popular. Was it the alcoholic animal abusing clown played by Michael Jeter? Was it the coach violently pelting one of his players with basketballs in an attempt to make him catch better?  Or could it have been the sheer talent of an escaped circus dog sinking free throws? They answer those questions and raise many more on this week's episode!

    106 - The Ring

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2020 61:33


    Zach & Brandon revisit the movie everyone was hyping up back in middle school as one of the scariest films ever, 2002's 'The Ring.' An English language remake of an Asian horror hit, this box office juggernaut was dubbed my many as one of the best horror films of its decade. But how does it hold up nearly two decades later? The boys discuss their general disdain for the wave of remakes this film ushered in, as well as the disturbing urban legend at its core, the one scene everyone remembers, stretchy face filters, horse suicide, and much more! 

    105 - Sleepy Hollow

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2020 54:38


    HEADS WILL ROLL! The boys celebrate Halloween with one of Brandon's favorite films to watch to get into the holiday spirit, 1999's Sleepy Hollow. Johnny Depp and Christina Ricci star in this big budget adaptation that became a box office hit and even earned a few Academy Award nominations. Tackling their second Tim Burton feature on the show, it's a first time viewing for Zach. They discuss their introduction to the Headless Horseman legend as well as this film's Oscar winning art direction, solid doses of gore & child murder, its cast of Harry Potter and Star Wars prequel alums, and much more! 

    104 - Hitch

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2020 57:18


    The boys revisit the 15 year old romantic comedy Hitch, starring NBD all-star Will Smith. He plays the smooth-talking date doctor who's responsible for hundreds of relationships across New York City. Kevin James enlists his help to woo Amber Valetta while Smith falls hard for gossip columnist Eva Mendes. Join Zach & Brandon as they take a look back at the dating game in 2005, as well as the film's slightly problematic premise, the tropes of the romcom genre, and they're disdain for the name Vance, among much more. Is the third highest grossing romantic comedy of all time just as charming as it was upon release or does the date doctor feel less cute in 2020?

    103 - School of Rock

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2020 62:32


    Zach & Brandon revisit indie auteur Richard Linklater's mainstream comedy hit School of Rock. Featuring one of Jack Black's most iconic performances, it's a movie that's stuck with the boys for a variety of reasons. Zach watched it in school. Brandon saw it in theaters. But does the rock 'n roll musical comedy hold up? They discuss the tween cast, the legendary soundtrack, their love of Joan Cusack, and the legal consequences of the lead character's actions if this were real life. They don't need no education.

    102 - Honey, I Blew Up the Kid

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2020 58:16


    The Szalinski family is back and bigger than ever! Following the massive success of 1989's Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, Disney jumped at the opportunity to franchise the sci-fi family comedy. Two sequels followed, one hit theaters while the other went straight-to-video. Returning guest Jamie Gagnon joins Zach & Brandon to discuss 1992's Honey, I Blew Up the Kid. They get into its production history, insane plot and special effects. They've also got questions like why does every woman in this movie faint? Or why didn't the filmmakers explore this giant baby's diaper situation? 

    101 - From Dusk Till Dawn

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2020 52:38


    Cheap drinks. Loud music. Vampires. This'll be one hell of a night. Zach & Brandon revisit one of the most notable bait and switch genre films of the 1990's, From Dusk Till Dawn. They discuss watching this action horror crime thriller at such a young age, and the shock that came from the film's twist, and over the top gore, vulgarity, and nudity. Topics of discussion include Quentin Tarantino's script & performance, Cheech Marin's multiple characters, the triple digit body count and that Salma Hayek snake scene. You know the one. 

    100 - Batman & Robin

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2020 71:18


    Zach & Brandon celebrate their 100th episode by revisiting one of the most notoriously reviled films of the 90s. Following the massive success of Batman Forever, the late Joel Schumacher upped the manic energy, neon lighting and campy tone for his followup, 1997's Batman & Robin. The boys discuss George Clooney's utter contempt for his character, Mr. Freeze's nonstop ice puns, Poison Ivy's sexual innuendos, and much more! It ranks among IMDb's bottom 100 films of all time... but does it deserve the hate?

    99 - Jungle 2 Jungle

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2020 56:24


    Zach & Brandon are headed back to 1997 for the live-action Disney family comedy, Jungle 2 Jungle! Tim Allen stars as your typical 90's hard working Wall Street dad who finds out he has a long lost son living in the jungles of Venezuela. Mimi-Siku is his name and wacky jungle antics is his game. This week the boys discuss the problematic plot, puppet spiders, coffee stocks, and the importance of the financial service industry in children's entertainment.

    98 - Clockstoppers

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2020 60:37


    Tackling one of the more obscure and forgotten flicks from the early 2000's, Zach & Brandon revisit a sci-fi action comedy they each saw once and then never again... until this episode. Zak Gibbs is your typical 2002 high schooler- he likes to shred on his BMX bike, he loves wearing baggy cargo pants, and his wristwatch enables him to speed up his body so that other people seem to be standing still. Throw in French Stewart, some Matrix-inspired gimmick effects, and one helluva soundtrack and you get Clockstoppers. The boys discuss this Nickelodeon joint in great detail, including DJ battles, the least intimidating bullies imaginable, and its Star Trek director. 

    97 - The Spongebob Squarepants Movie

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2020 55:19


    Based on one of the most popular television series of their generation, Zach & Brandon revisit 2004's The Spongebob Squarepants Movie. As huge fans of the first few seasons of the show well into their adult years, they discuss the character's appeal, their favorite episodes, and how best to enjoy the series all grown up (typically with a beer in hand or some herbal enhancements at the ready). But how does America's favorite sponge hold up after all these years in his first feature length outing? Tune in to hear all their thoughts on the Goofy Goober song, David Hasselhoff's 12-foot replica, and the epic voice work of it's talented cast. It's bigger, better, and more absorbent. 

    96 - Can't Hardly Wait

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2020 63:56


    Zach & Brandon revisit a seminal late 90's teen favorite, Can't Hardly Wait. Following in the footsteps of similar one-night high school party classics like American Graffiti and Dazed and Confused, this coming of age comedy is a real time capsule of its generation. The boys discuss its impact on them as pre-teens, as well as some of the outdated character stereotypes, clever subversion of genre tropes, and the quintessential 90's mixtape soundtrack. So blast some Guns 'N Roses, get ready to lose your virginity, and scream to the heavens 'Mike Dexter is a GOD!' Yesterday's history. Tomorrow's the future. Tonight's the party. 

    95 - Ice Age

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2020 57:00


    Nominated for the Best Animated Feature Oscar as well as spawning four theatrical sequels, 2002's 'Ice Age' became a pop culture phenomenon at the start of the 21st century. The animated comedy's one minute long teaser featuring a strange looking squirrel trying to bury his nut took the world by storm. Little did we know, we'd spend the better part of two decades with Scrat and his mostly extinct mammal pals. Brandon & Zach revisit the first 'Ice Age' to discuss the history of the project, the ray tracing animation, Rusted Root, 'Joe' Leguizamo, and Dodo bird mass suicide. 

    94 - The Patriot

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2020 63:49


    Zach & Brandon tackle their third Roland Emmerich film on the show (following previous episodes on Independence Day & Godzilla). 2000's The Patriot earned three Oscar nominations despite receiving mixed reviews upon release. The boys break down the historical epic's plot and the impact of seeing it at such a young age. Highlights include cannonball decapitations, a roster of Nostalgia Be Damned child actors, Mel Gibson's 'I'm not going to cry' face, and the film's massive production. Twenty years later, is this American Revolutionary War drama closer in quality to Steven Spielberg's Saving Private Ryan or Michael Bay's Pearl Harbor?

    93 - Spy Kids

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2020 71:27


    Join Zach & Brandon to revisit a film neither of them particularly enjoyed as kids, but have received several requests to cover on the show. 2001's 'Spy Kids' was director Robert Rodriguez's first foray into children's entertainment, marking a bizarre turn for the 90's indie auteur. A favorite among their generation, the boys check back in on the action/adventure family comedy as adults to see what critics and kids alike loved. Does it hold up nearly two decades later? They get into their hated of the kid-spy genre, Danny Trejo's introduction as Machete, the terrifying Pee Wee Herman meets Telletubbies nightmare villain show, and the insanity of thumb henchmen. 

    92 - Balto

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2020 45:15


    Join Zach & Brandon as they revisit a (mostly) animated tale steeped in controversy. 1995's 'Balto' was a box office failure upon release, but grew in popularity on home video. It's VERY loosely based on the true story about the dog who helped save children infected by the diphtheria epidemic in the 1925 serum run to Nome, Alaska. But 25 years later, the record's been set straight regarding the historical inaccuracies of Balto's heroism. But how does the movie hold up? The boys discuss its distracting side characters, quality of animation and the subtle sexual innuendos hidden in this G-rated kid's flick. Balto... he's part dog. Part wolf. All lies.  

    91 - Mrs. Doubtfire

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2020 60:06


    It's Zach & Brandon's third Robin Williams family comedy, as well as their third episode covering a feature directed by Chris Columbus! They revisit their memories of 1993's 'Mrs. Doubtfire,' as well as alternate casting ideas, scrapped sequel premises and the film's cultural significance. Join the boys as they run through the entire crazy plot, beat by beat. They discuss the Oscar winning makeup, their favorite Lawrence brother, and the overall insanity of the protagonist's plan. 

    90 - Heavyweights

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2020 58:37


    1995's 'Heavyweights' IMDb synopsis reads: Plump kids are lured into joining a posh fat camp with the promise of quick weight loss and good times, only to find that the facility is a woodland hellhole run by a psycho ex-fitness instructor. Zach & Brandon take their first trip to Camp Hope and are surprised to see a stacked cast of three Mighty Ducks, the director of Bridesmaids, Grandma's Boy himself, Buster Scruggs, and Ben Stiller in an underrated villain turn. Both a sardonic spoof of 90's fitness gurus and a traditional Disney rag tag sports team flick, the boys discuss the pros and cons of this cult hit that's become a favorite of their generation. 

    89 - John Q.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2020 51:14


    Hot off his Oscar win as the corrupt cop in 'Training Day,' Denzel Washington turned in an overlooked performance as a father forced to take an ER hostage when the hospital refuses to perform his son's lifesaving heart surgery. Although a modest box office success, critics panned the film. Zach & Brandon revisit 2002's 'John Q.' to determine whether or not it deserves it's shockingly low Rotten Tomatoes score. Although a deeply serious film, they manage to find plenty to jab at, including news reporter Tuck Lampley's questionable methods, the motley crew of hostages, and a heart rate monitor countdown to death. And remember, it's not goodbye. It's see you later.

    88 - The Parent Trap (1998)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2020 76:04


    Twice the fun, double the trouble. Zach & Brandon revisit the film their sisters had in heavy rotation back in the day. They grew up loving the 1998 remake of 'The Parent Trap,' which introduced the boys, and the world, to Lindsay Lohan. Tackling a rare genre for the show, they break down the plot of this romantic comedy and all their favorite bits- including summer camp prank wars, elaborate secret handshakes, and the near blinding charisma of American legend Dennis Quaid. So grab your stuffed Cuppy and some Oreos & peanut butter to once again experience the joys of this Disney classic from a different perspective.

    87 - Drumline

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2020 64:05


    Half time is game time in this 2002 teen dramedy starring Nickelodeon's favorite rapper, Nick Cannon! Zach & Brandon revisit the pseudo-sports flick they loved as preteens to see if it holds up nearly twenty years later. They cover 'the original Whiplash' to discuss Brandon's appreciation of Orlando Jones, Zach's obsession with drumlines in general, as well as their confusion over the amount of rapper/actor GQ's screen time. From Full Metal Jacket training regimens to Petey Pablo's musical performance- there's a lot to talk about. So grab your sticks, polish your kit, and remove the nostalgia goggles before hitting the field for this week's episode!      

    86 - The Replacements

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2020 69:29


    'Pain heals. Chicks dig scars. Glory lasts forever.' Zach revisits one of his favorite football flicks from childhood, while Brandon gets to see his beloved Keanu Reeves in a whole new light. They're discussing 2000's sports comedy 'The Replacements' and all its quirks. From its recruitment montages, to its obsession with 'I Will Survive,' to its barnacle scrubbing quarterback- this is a film built on quirkiness. When professional football players start striking for more pay, the league hires replacement players to finish out the season, and boy howdy do they know how to pick 'em! So hit the locker room with the boys, flip a couple trucks, learn the Electric Slide, and grab your favorite trophy from the bottom of the ocean. Suit up for 'The Replacements!' 

    85 - Stuart Little

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2020 66:37


    Little high little low, little hey little ho! 1999's 'Stuart Little' was a box office success and a family favorite amongst 90s kids. Zach & Brandon revisit this beloved adaptation of E.B. White's classic children's book about a talking mouse and his human family. Of course in M. Night Shyamalan's script, Stuart is adopted by the Littles- which raises many questions for the boys. Why did this upper-class family choose to waste their resources on adopting a rodent instead of the many children at the orphanage in desperate need of care? Why does this family look as though they live in a Wes Anderson movie in late-90's New York? Why does no one react to this talking mouse like a rational human? So the cats can talk to the mouse, the mouse can talk to humans and cats, but the cats don't speak to humans? That, and so much more, on this week's episode!

    84 - War of the Worlds (2005)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2020 64:34


    Travel back to 2005 with Zach & Brandon to the year that brought us Tom Cruise jumping on Oprah's couch to promote his latest collaboration with Steven Spielberg. 'War of the Worlds' became one of the highest grossing films of that year, further proof that Americans love some good ol' fashioned disaster porn. The boys discuss everything about this alien invasion epic, including Dakota Fanning's MTV Movie Award nominated performance, blood vegetation, humans harvested via alien anus mouth, Morgan Freeman's narration and Tom Crusie playing a terrible father/ badass Brooklyn dock worker. So crank that camera iris open, overexpose them whites, disintegrate into dust or suddenly decide to join the military because it's time to revisit this sci-fi blockbuster!

    83 - Flubber

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2020 52:37


    Zach & Brandon revisit 1997's sci-fi family comedy 'Flubber.' A remake of a Disney classic, 'Flubber' was marketed as a children's chucklefest about Robin Williams befriending a glob of sentient green goo. What we got dealt a lot more with a robot's infatuation with its human master, a scientist with a degenerative brain disorder that causes him to forget to marry his fiance multiple times, and a pair of Wet Bandit wannabees attempting to steal intellectual property. Does it hold up? Was it ever good? The boys debate.

    82 - Austin Powers in Goldmember

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2020 58:10


    He's got the Midas touch, but he touched it too much. Zach & Brandon revisit one of their favorite characters from their childhood, and one of the most recognizable pop-culture creations of the 1990s, Austin Powers. Yeah, baby! Rather than dissect the original, or its shagadelic sequel, they tackle the third entry in this popular spy parody franchise. Austin teams up with Foxxy Cleopatra to take down Dr. Evil & Goldmember while also making a whole lot of mole puns, fart jokes, and quintessential early 2000s references. The boys get into everything that works and doesn't work about this sequel, including the legendary Michael Caine as Austin's 'Faja,' the hilarious meta opening, the strange amount of musical interludes, recycled gags, and Mini- Me's kickstand talents. GROOVY!

    81 - Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2020 77:56


    Anticipation was at a fever pitch back in 1999 for the latest installment in the Star Wars saga. Zach and Brandon revisit the film that introduced them to the movie hype machine courtesy of the constant bombardment of television promos, Pepsi can characters, and Taco Bell toys. They take a deep dive into one of their childhood favorite franchises to determine if The Phantom Menace deserves its reputation as one of the worst films in the series or if it's an impressive feat of imaginative filmmaking. They discuss the badass Darth Maul, the confounding Jar Jar Binks and the likelihood of them finishing the saga if this were their introduction to it. 

    80 - The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2020 71:00


    2003's 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre' ushered in a new wave of classic horror remakes throughout the remainder of the decade. Zach and Brandon revisit this box office hit to see if it remains as brutal and unflinching as they remember. Is this one of the better horror remakes of its time or is it a whole lot of desaturated style over substance?Topics of discussion include salting stump legs, the producers' desperate attempts to soak Jessica Biel's white tank top, the dolly shot through the back of that lady's head, and R. Lee Ermey's truly gross-o character. 

    79 - Zoolander

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2020 68:14


    One look? One look? I don't think so! Zach and Brandon revisit one of their favorite comedies growing up, Zoolander. Released just two weeks after the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks, Zoolander was considered a disappointment at first, but slowly built a devoted cult fanbase over the next few years. Endlessly quotable and a clever satire on the fashion industry & celebrity culture, it's a true time capsule of the early 2000s. There's runway walk-off competitions, gasoline fights, celebrity cameos galore, and one of Will Ferrell's greatest moments in front of a camera. It also taught us valuable lessons like there's more to life than being really really really ridiculously good looking. And that Hansel, he's so hot right now.

    78 - Bad Boys 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2020 72:11


    At a hefty two and half hours long, there's a lot to say. Zach and Brandon revisit a favorite from their teenage years- one that's got excessively long car chases, several factions of ecstasy obsessed villains, and charismatic leads. With 2003's Bad Boys II, Michael Bay unleashed his MOST Michael Bay creation overflowing with booty shots, fast cars, and wait, is that Michael Shannon at a KKK rally? And are those rats having sex? Are those REAL rats simulating sex in missionary position? Was that Dan Marino? Lots to cover, a whole lot to dissect. Whatcha gonna do? 

    77 - Cool Runnings

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2020 57:29


    Zach & Brandon take a look back at a childhood classic with this 90's sports comedy. 1993's 'Cool Runnings' is based on the true story of the first Jamaican bobsled team to compete at the Olympics. It's a tale as old as time filled with East German rivals, a sweet-as-can-be John Candy, and some montage perfection. Feel the rhythm! Feel the rhyme! Get on up, it's bobsled time!

    76 - Jack Frost (1998)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 25, 2019 73:11


    Zach & Brandon struggle to understand how exactly Michael Keaton turns into a snowman. A magical harmonica played on Christmas brings back Jack Frost back from the dead on the one year anniversary of his car accident. Now he's a terrifying CGI/puppet snowman that sort of resembles George Clooney. But hey, 'Snow Dad is better than No Dad.' 

    75 - Good Burger

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2019 59:05


    Welcome to Good Burger, home of the Good Burger. Can we take your order? Zach & Brandon revisit this 1997 family comedy based off a skit on Nickelodeon's sketch series 'All That.' They take off the nostalgia goggles to discuss Kenan & Kel, rollerblading, shark poison, and the scathing indictment of the fast food industry underlying this 90s cult comedy. Other highlights include the 20 year-old owner of the rival burger business, the seminal 'I'm a Dude' song, and Sinbad's wardrobe. 

    74 - Signs

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2019 59:13


    Zach & Brandon take a look back at 2002's sci-fi thriller 'Signs.' They unpack Shyamalan twists and their thoughts on his filmography. Brandon was diagnosed with Shyamalan fever back in the day while Zach was a little cold on the filmmaker, even before his later career missteps. So grab a half full glass of 'contaminated' water, wrap your tin foil hat, and tell Merrill to 'swing away,' because we're seeing Signs. 

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