Off The Shelf

There are no perfect podcasts in the world; only perfect intentions - Dave takes 1991's Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves off the shelf this week and remembers that this was a common movie to watch in his household growing up. Phil enjoys thinking about the original toys that came out around the time of release and both agree that the soundtrack may be the highlight of the whole movie. Dave enjoys the humor and finds the action to be good when it gets going but Phil found this watch to be a little less exciting than he remembered it. 

"Always be Podcasting" - It's an action movie of words as Phil takes 1992's Glengarry Glen Ross off the shelf this week. Dave remembers watching this movie at the old apartment and remembering some of the highlights. Phil recounts his time discovering the movie and being transfixed by the performances, the words, the lighting. David Mamet's writing is incredibly memorable and these are some of the best actors doing some of their best work. Dave can't help but feel that Jack Lemmon's performance is the most deserving of an Oscar despite it being Pacino that was nominated.  

A re-release of a season 2 episode. New exciting episode coming out next week!

"You're a liar and a podaster. - I only lied about being a Podcaster." We hit the strip as Dave takes 2001's Ocean's Eleven off the shelf. Phil remembers seeing this soon after moving to Vancouver and years before ever visiting Vegas. He thought it was the coolest movie ever and finds that it still may be true. Dave enjoys the banter and dialogue even if some of the lines feel written. Both find the movie enjoyable and look forward to the sequels.

Ready! Setty! Podcast!! - It's time to go back into the desert as Dave takes 2024's Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga off the shelf. Phil looks back on their Fury Road episode and remarks that both were kind of interested to see this world expanded. However, he found the movie dull and the CGI to be sub-par. Dave enjoyed the action scenes well enough but felt a little let down with the length of the film and how certain set-pieces failed to deliver the way the original did.

If you podcast, he will come. Phil and Dave get romantic about baseball again as Phil takes 1989's Field of Dreams off the shelf. Phil remembers this cable tv staple and is still touched by the heart of the movie. Dave didn't have the same experience growing up but enjoys Costner's performance and buys into the magic.

Jet lag has set in and the last gasp of vacation holds on - we re-release, for your listening pleasure, a brilliant movie about the power of journalism and the need for an informed electorate! It's a great look at the people on the "inside"

Still on vacation but since the boys of summer are back on the field and our baseball dreams will be answered when we return we figured it would be a great time to get romantic about baseball. We're reminding our listeners that we celebrate the beauty of a baseball movie as we take 2005's Fever Pitch off the shelf of our archives for your listening pleasure. A great double header as we head to Iowa in the near future. 

2015's Mad Max: Fury Road - Re-release   It's vacation time and since we're off to the desert again when we return, we thought we'd remind you that we spoke about 2015's Mad Max: Fury Road in our archives. Join us as we discuss what we loved about this movie and also what we felt missed the mark. It's a good refresher as we have Furiosa on the horizon.

The culmination of the most influential work of dramatic literature is "He podcasts." - Phil takes 2007's Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium  off the shelf this week and is reminded just how sweet this kid's movie is. Phil bemoans the criticism it has received in the past and hopes to shed some light on this forgotten film. He enjoys the cast and finds the story to be a good reminder of the power of belief. Dave struggled to find the humour in it and didn't share fully in Phil's enjoyment. However, he did find the performances to be enjoyable and the pacing of the film meant he was never bored. In the end, he found a little magic. 

Whatever you do, don't podcast asleep - Phil offers option 2 to Dave as he takes 1984's A Nightmare on Elm Street off the shelf. They further discuss the changes to the genre as well as filmmaking overall since 1980, the advent of MTV as well as advances in special effects. Ghostbusters, Gremlins and Temple of Doom came out this same year. Phil finds great joy in watching the original movie of his favorite slasher icon and enjoys a script that manages to balance some great characters and great kills to create a character that permeated pop culture in ways that Jason and Michael were not able to. Dave, however, found it challenging to sort out what was happening in the real world and the dream world and found a few gaps in logic that were tough to overcome. The gore was a little too much too as some of the over the top kills were great reminders of why he's not a fan of the genre to begin with. Now that he has watched these movies, which franchise will be the next we tackle in October, tune in to find out. 

Podcast, Mommy! Podcast! - Phil issues a challenge to Dave as he takes 1980's Friday the 13th off the shelf and discusses the changes to the genre since Halloween and how the modern slasher film owes a lot to this film. Dave wonders where the heck Jason is as he watches for the first time. Phil forgives the stiff performances and thin dialogue since the kills are great and even Dave enjoys some of the gore effects of Tom Savini. They discuss the "who dunnit" model and try to determine if it was ultimately successful as well as ask why Kevin Bacon won't discuss this role 45 years later. 

I was old 10 podcasts ago - It is tax season, and Dave takes 2016's The Accountant off the shelf this week. He remembers seeing it and enjoying the action and being intrigued by the twists in the plot. Years later, he isn't quite as enamored of the movie and not entirely sure where he lands on its quality. Phil vaguely remembers seeing it upon release but finds himself fully engaged. This isn't the silly Affleck that he usually prefers, but likes the performance and is interested in the upcoming sequel.

I see dead podcasts - Dave takes 1999's The Sixth Sense off the shelf this week as he decides it has been too long since we've visited two favorites; M. Night and Bruce Willis. Dave relishes the chance to watch one of Bruce's movies he has seen the least though remembers fondly. He find the fact that this is M. Night's "first" movie to be impressive and is blown away by Toni Colette performance. Phil remembers too well that he hated this movie upon release as he was one step ahead of the movie pretty early on and just couldn't get caught up in the drama that was unfolding. Leaving the "twist" to be less than successful. He also remember this to be the downfall of his appreciation of Bruce as he did not connect to his performance. However, Phil enjoyed it more than he thought he would even if it still rings a little hollow. 

Ritchie Valens and his flying podcast! - Phil takes 1987's La Bamba off the shelf this week as he remember the day the music died for the second time. Phil is so captivated by the performance of Esai Morales as Bob that it threatens to take the attention away from Lou Diamond Phillips. That being said, the movie is successful in taking a different approach to similar material as the 1979's The Buddy Holly Story (available in the archives) Dave found it challenging to get into the story overall as the characters were too thinly drawn to be understood without knowing the story previous. The performances and structure of the movie start to be a little melodramatic by the end. Phil, of course, is moved to tears. 

I'm podcasting through silk... Dave is breaking all the rules as he takes 2023's Mr. Monk's Last Case off the "shelf". The first time we tackle a made for streamer movie and Phil is not pleased. Frustrated that it's the series finale and looks like a TV show is a challenge to get over as he watches it. Dave enjoys the character and performance of Tony Shaloub while he may end up going back to watch the show. Phil wishes a TV show never ended up on a movie podcast.

Of all the podcasts in all the world... We wish you a Happy Valentine's Day as Phil takes 1942's Casablanca off the shelf. David must vaguely remember this movie before as he certainly remembered all the iconic lines. Phil gushes over the performances, the characters, the dialogue and one of the greatest scenes of patriotism ever on film.  The movie continues to work 80 years later and will continue to work as time goes by

Looks like we're going to be here a while, let's get going on some podcast - Dave takes 2003's Hollywood Homicide off the shelf. Phil wonders how so many talented people could make such a waste of time. Harrison Ford phoning it in, literally! Ron Shelton losing the charm of his early films by delivering a sloppy plot. Dave remembers this movie more fondly and tries to defend the choices made (but fails) and may drive Phil crazy by the end. 

Just because they're gone doesn't mean they can't podcast - that line may be clunky but Phil is delighted to take 1995's Things to do in Denver When You're Dead off the shelf. He shares a wonderful memory of choosing to stay over an hour after work to finish the movie. Dave can't help himself but laugh as Phil bares his heart to Christopher Lloyd's performance. Somehow Dave claims to like the film but thinks it would be better if nothing went wrong and it had a happy ending and a different cast. This may be biggest fight yet.  

I'm the Gringo who always podcasts - Dave pulls 2017's American Made off the shelf this week and enjoys the Tom Cruise-ness of it. There is an energy and performance style that takes up the whole frame when he is on screen. Phil finds the movie a little disjointed and ultimately disappoints by the time it ends despite some solid scenes. There is a problem with Domhnall Gleeson's hair and the voiceover (video cassette recordings) that is tough to get over. Dave questions the validity of the claim of "based on a true story" 

The news says it's podcasting in New York - We attempt to solve the mystery of who is Keyser Soze as Phil takes 1995's The Usual Suspects off the shelf. Remarkably Dave had never seen this movie nor remembered anything about the twist which makes for a special opportunity. Phil gets to remember the sea-change moment in his life when he first watched this film and was blown away by the clever nature of the screenplay and the performances. Dave knew something was coming but was unsure how it would all play out. Too bad so many monsters were involved in the making of this film. 

You gotta give me one thing, I'm a scary judge of Podcasts. Dave starts 2025 off with taking 2003's The Recruit off the shelf. Dave remembers seeing this movie a number of times over the last 20 years and always enjoyed the performances and the twisting plot. While the payoff may have softened over the years, Dave still finds it isn't cheap and unearned. Phil ignored this movie when it came out and hasn't thought of it since, until now. He really enjoyed the first half of the movie at The Farm and enjoyed the manipulation of the characters. He wasn't surprised by any of the twists along the way but was a willing participant to the end. While it kind of falls apart to different trope in the last act, still an enjoyable watch. 

It's the end of the year and we take a look back at the highs and lows of the last 52 weeks. We debate the merits of some of the movies that came off the shelf this year and create a challenge to get David out to a movie this year. 

What is it you want, Mary? A Podcast? I'll lasso that podcast and bring it down for you. We release Phil's favorite Christmas movie of all time and maybe one of the best movies every released off the shelf once again. The guys are off this week but this movie should be watched every year and we believe this episode should be given the same love.

Welcome to a fun, old fashioned family podcast! Phil takes Christmas Vacation off the shelf and is the hap-hap-happiest guy this side of the nut-house. A family favorite since it came out continues to deliver the laughs and warmth and is another great Chevy Chase performance. Dave did not enjoy any of the above and isn't ashamed to admit it. He can't quite explain why Christmas movies can't get through to him but we continue to try and find out. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Podcasting isn't believing, believing is podcasting as Dave takes 1994's The Santa Clause off the shelf. He finds little to enjoy in this holiday movie that has somehow managed to get 30 years of content out of it. 3 movies and a Disney+ series. Despite Dave's appreciation of Tim Allen, even he can't melt Dave's cold Christmas heart. However, Phil didn't enjoy much of this movie either as he felt that that North Pole wasn't cute or interesting and the portrayal of stressed out elves didn't do much to settle in to a warm Christmas classic. 

"Podcast! That's a fun word to say! Podcast! podcaaaast! Podcassssst!. Phil takes 2003's Elf off the shelf this week and is able to reconnect to the magic and wonder of Christmas. He feels it may be the last Christmas classic. Dave disagrees and finds none of the charm to be convincing and questions the blending of the real, surreal and unreal. As a result, none of the relationships connect and is happy to move on. 

"All I have are the podcasts I make...come what may" - Dave takes 2011's Adjustment Bureau off the shelf this week and is a little less than impressed with the rewatch. Phil find similarities to many other movies and feels as though it is lesser in almost every way. There is no denying the chemistry the leads have a certainly a great cast but ultimately doesn't get to the heights is could have.

"Trials are too important to be left to podcasts" - Dave takes 2003's Runaway Jury off the shelf this week. He loves getting another dose of Gene Hackman in another great performance. The rest of the cast delivers too although the movie doesn't really sustain it until the end. It's our first Grisham novel adaptation and Phil laments the lack of the glory days of the 90s where they were ubiquitous. The cat and mouse story is compelling even if some of the decisions near the end don't always add up.

"You know what I used to do at breakfast? Podcast. Know what I used to at lunch? Podcast. - Dave takes 2008's Role Models off the shelf. He feels the movie's sense of humour aligns with his and found himself yearning to join LAIRE. Phil found himself strangely moved by all the relationships in the movie. Finally enjoys a performance of Sean William Scott and completely bought in to the story of misfits finding acceptance and friendship. A movie better than it has any right to be.

"I can almost see it from here...podcast" - Dave takes 2017's Dunkirk off the shelf this week and finally reveals what we already knew; he's a Nolan guy. The manner in which this film is told is unique to Nolan and his skill. Piecing together the timelines makes the second and third watches enjoyable but it's the visceral experience of that first watch that is magic. Phil finds the movie making skill to be on full display and they both agree that the cast in this movie is incredible with a special shout to Mark Rylance who may be the best in the movie. 

"Lonesome Rhoads is the podcast. The Podcast is Lonesome Rhoads" - Phil takes 1957's A Face in the Crowd off the shelf this week and wonders why, in this political climate, it is not talked about more. A movie that despite it being made almost 70 years ago still bites as hard as it did then. A brilliant movie about the influence of the media and the disdain some of the people in power have for the people.  Dave loves getting into another black and white film and enjoys another opportunity to se Lee Remick but captivated the great performance of Andy Griffith and the movies brilliant screenplay. 

The Halloween series was more of a trick than a treat for Dave but as all the original films were taken off the shelf, Phil and Dave casually revisit the original and those that followed in the context of the series. Join us as we go back to Haddonfield.

"Michael Myers is not a podcast. He's a killer shark" - Phil takes 2002's Halloween Resurrection off the shelf and fondly remembers working at the video store when this was shot and shares some stories of hanging out with the actor who plays Michael. The fond memories end there as Dave discovers that whatever good will may have been earned last time is sorely wasted in the first 15 minutes. The franchise struggles to redefine itself and neither Phil nor Dave think it succeeds at all. Stick around to the end as they rank the series as well.

"Has anyone ever told you that second hand podcasts kill?" - Phil takes 1998's Halloween H20 off the shelf. Dave wonders why this movie doesn't have a water theme and continues to wonder what is happening in this franchise. Phil explains that 6 was a mess and this is an attempt to clean it up by turning to the Scream model. Phil still finds this movie lacking but with some really good scenes and Dave grants the series a little bit of good will by the end of it.

"It's his podcast now, and I know where he wants to play it" - Phil takes 1995's Halloween 6 off the shelf. Dave wonders if the curse of Michael Myers is that he has to watch this nearly incoherent sequel. Phil remembers really enjoying this entry upon it's release but time has not been kind. There is a deal made to revisit the movie with the producer's cut with pizza to make more sense of this mess.

Dave tries to stay out of Phil's personal affairs as he brings 1994's Ace Ventura: Pet Detective off the shelf. Phil didn't find the over the top antics of Jim Carrey appealing as he once did unless it got cold enough. Dave shares memories of high school in 1994 and the impact the movie had on him.

"Dad, do you think there are podcasts on other planets?" - Dave takes 1997's Contact Off the Shelf this week. Phil thinks Matthew McConaughey is terribly miscast and the movie suffers as a result. Dave doesn't have as many problems with it but makes it harder to get into. The movie asks questions but doesn't have the strength to answer them.

"I'm going to tell you about a time I almost podcasted" - Phil takes 1998's Fallen Off the Shelf and remembers seeing it in theatres, in Winnipeg! He loved it then, loves it now. Dave had never seen it before and was impressed by performances and the twists along the way. A few scenes so good, Phil can't pick just one.

"That's what makes you that podcast" - Dave attempts to get even with Phil by taking 2007's Live Free or Die Hard Off the Shelf. Phil remembers why he hasn't seen this movie before but doesn't blame Bruce by the end. A bland action movie with a bland villain makes the movie far less enjoyable than its predecessors. Dave enjoys Bruce as always, doesn't care that the plot is a little thin and doesn't hate Kevin Smith's involvement as much either. He does appreciate Mai Ling and Mary Elizabeth Winstead though and finds some of the action sequences to be exciting if not a little over the top.

"Today we decide which Podcast we want to buy" - it's the summer in the city as Dave takes 1995's Die Hard With a Vengeance off the shelf. Phil remembers loving this movie and it turns out all his favorite stuff is in the first hour. Unfortunately, the back half is a but of a struggle. Dave loves seeing the drunk and hungover Bruce and enjoys the addition of Sam Jackson as a hilarious foil. We both miss Bonnie Bedelia and that relationship though.

"What started out as a joke has now turned into a podcast" - It's East vs. West as Phil takes 1985's Rocky 4 off the shelf. He remembers seeing this movie in the theatre and admits that though not as good as Rocky, it may be his favorite. Dave misses Mr. T but enjoys the Rock of 85. Paulie still sucks.

"My Prediction? Podcast" - It's round three as Phil takes 1982's Rocky 3 off the shelf. Phil looks at the film through the lens of Stallone's career and remarks the physical and character changes that Rocky underwent between the sequels and how it keeps Phil at a distance until the back half. Dave comes to this movie fresh and enjoys the presence of Mr. T and welcomes the return of Carl Weathers but questions the benefits of slow motion running on a beach. 

"Is it possible to miss a podcast you've never heard? Dave finds out as he takes 2013's Oblivion Off the Shelf. Once again, Phil visits his dark period where movies just came and went without him barely noticing.  Some interesting ideas are not followed through enough and characters don't have any personality. Dave loves the audio and visuals but fails to uphold his commitment to defend this film and settles on lukewarm

"Sleep Now" as Phil takes 1998's Dark City off the shelf. Once again we discuss our love of the film noir aesthetic. Phil remembers an early DVD purchase and an immediate love of this somewhat forgotten film. We discuss the Career of Alex Proyas and Dave talks about his appreciation of the pace, style and performances and can't quite place his memory of seeing it before. Fitting, isn't it?

"Sleep Now" as Phil takes 1998's Dark City off the shelf. Once again we discuss our love of the film noir aesthetic. Phil remembers an early DVD purchase and an immediate love of this somewhat forgotten film. We discuss the Career of Alex Proyas and Dave talks about his appreciation of the pace, style and performances and can't quite place his memory of seeing it before. Fitting, isn't it?

"Once again we play out Dangerous game" as Dave takes 1990's The Hunt For Red October off the shelf. Phil had never seen this movie and enjoyed going back to the first Jack Ryan movie to see how the foundation that Alec Baldwin created changed throughout the series. Sen Connery delivers a great performance and Mctiernan continues his run of great films. Phil is surprised by how much he enjoyed this movie. Dave tried to explain why we are watching the first Jack Ryan movie last and delivers his Jack Ryan ranking. He confesses that this isn't a go-to movie for him but is a happy addition to his shelf. 

This is my Podcast, there are many like it but this one is mine. Phil takes 1987's Full Metal Jacket off the shelf. The first appearance of Stanley Kubrick and Phil is very excited. The unique choices the movie makes were nit fully appreciated at the time but like so many of his movies, it grows and grows with age. Dave has a memory of seeing it once before and is impressed by the structure of the film and can't help but enjoy the verbal onslaught of the first 5 minutes. However, different emotions emerge as the story develops. 

We're in it for the science, not the money as we take 1996's Twister off the shelf. Before seeing Twisters, out this week, have a listen to this tornado of an episode. New episode next week.

It's the end of the world as Phil takes 1998's Last Night off the shelf. He digs into the power and simplicity of the biggest story you can tell. What would you do? Who's feelings are more important than yours? Dave enjoys the performances and how little attention the film pays to the why of it all. However, Dave does really struggle with the timeline, listen to find out why. 

The streets of Gotham are safer as Dave takes 2022's The Batman off the shelf. We're back to honour the 35th anniversary of the return of the Dark Knight. Phil remembers seeing this more than once in theatres and how engrossed he was immediately. He is stricken by how good the movie looks and how mediocre a detective Batman is. Dave wishes he had gone to see it on the big screen but is impressed by many aspects of the film, even on a home set-up. He doesn't even mind that the film is 3 hours long.