Pick Your Take

Chris and Isaac break into The Batcave to discuss Batman Forever (1995). Is the film a satisfyingly action-packed examination of Bruce Wayne's psyche? Or does the movie fall flat because it's not dumb enough?  Swoop in with your hosts as they unmask Joel Schumacher's Batman cinematic universe, disagree over the entire 3rd Act, and admire the scene depicting the origins of Robin (and the Batnipples!). Love it? Hate it? Share your own take on X (formerly Twitter) @pickyourtake, Facebook, YouTube, or by email at pickyourtakepod@gmail.com.

Your hosts share the films they loved and didn't particularly enjoy from 2022, spend a solid twenty minutes discussing Tár (2022), and make predictions for this year's Academy Awards. Share your own take on Twitter (@pickyourtake), Facebook, YouTube, or by email at pickyourtakepod@gmail.com.

Isaac and Chris return to vivisect John Carpenter's Halloween (1978). Is the movie an indisputable horror masterpiece? Or was it merely the inspiration for better future slasher films? Stalk your hosts as they discuss director John Carpenter's unmatched ability to create tension, give the franchise's confusing timeline a stab, and provide some Pick Your Take updates. Love it? Hate it? Share your take on Twitter (@pickyourtake), Facebook, YouTube, or by email at pickyourtakepod@gmail.com.

Chris and Isaac mine for spice in Dune (2021). Is this sci-fi adaptation a singular, immersive experience that takes you to new worlds? Or is the movie dumb as sand? Join your hosts as they wrap up season one with sandworms, argue whether Denis Villeneuve's directing larger scale films has translated to an increase in quality, and celebrate 100 hours of podcasting content. Love it? Hate it? Share your take on Twitter (@pickyourtake), Facebook, YouTube, or by email at pickyourtakepod@gmail.com.

Bustin' makes Isaac and Chris feel good about Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021). Does this mystery successfully deliver its spooks, expand the mythology, and satisfy kids and adults alike? Or does this astonishingly bad movie offer nothing new? Cross over with your hosts as they marvel at the star-making performance of McKenna Grace, discuss the Ghostbusters' vocal online fan-base, and praise Jason Reitman's taking on the directing family legacy. Love it? Hate it? Share your take on Twitter (@pickyourtake), Facebook, YouTube, or by email at pickyourtakepod@gmail.com.

Chris and Isaac make contact with Prometheus (2012). Is this delightful (albeit deadly) romp a satisfying story about scientists searching for their maker? Or do you think the filmmakers must have sold their souls to get this stupid movie to succeed?  Join your hosts as they cover Ridley Scott's directing career, wonder if Michael Fassbender is an android, and admit the “Alien cesarean scene” alone is worth the price of admission. Love it? Hate it? Share your take on Twitter (@pickyourtake), Facebook, YouTube, or by email at pickyourtakepod@gmail.com.

Isaac, Chris, and Mr. Jones (2013) cross over to the dream realm. Does the film elevate the found footage genre to the next dimension? Or does the movie fail to give life to its many inventive ideas? This week your hosts explore the writing and directing style of Karl Mueller, agree over Mr. Jones' scare-value, and answer a fan mail question about performance arts billing. Love it? Hate it? Share your take on Twitter (@pickyourtake), Facebook, YouTube, or by email at pickyourtakepod@gmail.com.

Chris and Isaac build a home with mother! (2017). Does this movie rip, shred, rock, and roll? Or is the film pretentious bullshit the whole way through? Move into Darren Aronofsky's house of horrors with your hosts, appreciate Jennifer Lawrence's swift ascension to stardom, and debate what they think makes a great allegory-fantasy. Love it? Hate it? Share your take on Twitter (@pickyourtake), Facebook, YouTube, or by email at pickyourtakepod@gmail.com.

Isaac and Chris are days from retirement in Faster (2010). Is this solid action drama executed to its fullest potential? Or does the movie fail to deliver any unexpected thrills? Your hosts reunite to weigh in on Dwayne Johnson vs. Vin Diesel, compliment George Tillman Jr.'s distinct directing abilities, and dispute the effectiveness of the “bad guy” reveal in the film. Love it? Hate it? Share your take on Twitter (@pickyourtake), Facebook, YouTube, or by email at pickyourtakepod@gmail.com.

Natalie and Chris sync up with All That Jazz (1979). Is the film a meaningful exploration of sex, art, and death? Or are the unengaging story and characters overwhelmed by glitz and tits? Follow your hosts as they give their respect to choreographer and director Bob Fosse, wonder if Roy Schneider can craft a likeable main character, and mention some of their most-loved movies. Love it? Hate it? Share your take on Twitter (@pickyourtake), Facebook, YouTube, or by email at pickyourtakepod@gmail.com.

Chris and Isaac race for pink slips in F9: The Fast Saga (2021). Does this movie rev your engine? Or is this film (and franchise) running on fumes? Drift with your hosts through the careers of the iconic cast, discuss director Justin Lin's detour from the Fast universe, and marvel at how far Dom and his crew have come since their humble beginnings. Love it? Hate it? Share your take on Twitter (@pickyourtake), Facebook, YouTube, or by email at pickyourtakepod@gmail.com.

Isaac and Chris draw claws with The Wolverine (2013). Is this the most satisfying film in the X-Men franchise to-date? Or did they drag Huge Jackedman around Japan (slash Australia) for a whole lotta nothing?   Join two bubs as they grovel at the feet of a living Adonis, flip through James Mangold's directing catalogue, and share their candid reviews of The Batman (2022). ***SPOILERS to The Batman (2022) from 52:30 to 68:54*** Love it? Hate it? Share your take on Twitter (@pickyourtake), Facebook, YouTube, or by email at pickyourtakepod@gmail.com.

Chris and Isaac take the plunge with Lady in the Water (2006). Is Story's story an instant bedtime classic? Or does the movie simply not hold water? Cross over with your hosts into the (sometimes unreliable) imagination of M. Night Shyamalan, discuss when they find camerawork effective versus distracting, and commend Bryce Dallas Howard's inevitable ascent to directorhood. Love it? Hate it? Share your take on Twitter (@pickyourtake), Facebook, YouTube, or by email at pickyourtakepod@gmail.com.

Isaac and Chris hear the word of Bruce Almighty (2003). Is this one of Jim Carrey's most memorable comedic performances? Or does the film's easy laughs and uncomfortable moments barely clear a low bar?  Join your hosts as they acknowledge that yes, Jennifer Aniston and Morgan Freeman do act their butts off, explore the directing career of Tom Shadyac, and mourn what could have been with Evan Almighty. Love it? Hate it? Share your take on Twitter (@pickyourtake), Facebook, YouTube, or by email at pickyourtakepod@gmail.com.

Chris and Isaac squint at the grandeur of Hail, Caesar! (2016). Does this Coen comedy consistently poke fun at classic Hollywood and leave you in stitches? Or does the movie bore you to tears? Follow your hosts as they admire the film's beautiful production design, acknowledge the Coen Brothers' love for old cinema, and compare George Clooney and Robert Pattinson's Batman. Love it? Hate it? Share your take on Twitter (@pickyourtake), Facebook, YouTube, or by email at pickyourtakepod@gmail.com.

Isaac and Chris whisper through a Gran Torino (2008). Is the film a moving tale of one flawed man's redemption? Or is the movie simply painting broad strokes with a palette of stereotypes? Join your hosts this week as they debate the filmmaking style of Actor/Director Clint Eastwood, learn about the population of Hmong Americans, and discuss Bee Vang speaking out against the project. Love it? Hate it? Share your take on Twitter (@pickyourtake), Facebook, YouTube, or by email at pickyourtakepod@gmail.com.

Chris and Isaac go to battle with Pacific Rim (2013). Does this action spectacle balance the silly and the epic? Or is this film about giant robots punching monsters in the face, somehow, boring? This episode, these two friends drift through Guillermo del Toro's masterful career, work to pinpoint the origin of Charlie Hunnam's accent, and honor War of the Monsters from PS2. Love it? Hate it? Share your take on Twitter (@pickyourtake), Facebook, YouTube, or by email at pickyourtakepod@gmail.com.

Isaac and Chris get apocalyptic with Hellboy (2019). Does this macabre roller coaster deliver the gory goods? Or does it rock your world how truly bad this movie is? Meet your hosts in the middle as they compare Harbour and Perlman's Hellboy, admire genre legends Milla Jovovich and Ian McShane, and spill their love for director Neil Marshall. Love it? Hate it? Share your take on Twitter (@pickyourtake), Facebook, YouTube, or by email at pickyourtakepod@gmail.com.

Chris, Isaac, Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar (2021)… and meet a turtle! Does Josh Greenbaum's confident feature film debut earn its shimmer? Or does this comedy play like a sketch that never ends? This episode, come travel to the magical peninsula with your hosts as they admire Annie Mumolo and Kristen Wiig's chemistry, play some Kevin Bacon game, and reflect on the first time they were ever introduced to culottes (hint: it was this movie). Love it? Hate it? Share your take on Twitter (@pickyourtake), Facebook, YouTube, or by email at pickyourtakepod@gmail.com.

Isaac and Chris take on Black Widow (2021). Is Marvel lucky to be associated with this masterful action film? Or is the movie a frustrating case of too little, too late? Team up with your hosts as they bow down to Scarlett Johansson's action-heroin status, discuss whether Cate Shortland's directing style shines through, and consider the film's overall standing in the cosmic MCU. Love it? Hate it? Share your take on Twitter (@pickyourtake), Facebook, YouTube, or by email at pickyourtakepod@gmail.com.

Chris and Isaac enter The Matrix Resurrections (2021). Does this sequel hold a gooey mirror to the (over)commercialization of film? Or does Resurrections' tone feel stale in today's sea of self-aware content? Tumble down the rabbit hole into The Matrix Metaverse, admire Lana Wachowski's confident direction, and celebrate the triumphant return of Trinity and Neo with your hosts in Episode 33. Love it? Hate it? Share your own take on Twitter (@pickyourtake), Facebook, YouTube, or by email at pickyourtakepod@gmail.com.

Isaac and Chris let From Hell (2001) freeze over. Is this a sympathetic reimagining of the tragic Jack the Ripper story? Or is the movie, macabre as it is, somehow surprisingly dull?   Follow your hosts as they ride out Johnny Depp and Heather Graham's fluctuating accents, concede to the fact that this movie flat out has one of the best carriage crashes to grace the silver screen, and explore directors Albert and Allen Hughes' visionary filmography. Love it? Hate it? Share your own take on Twitter (@pickyourtake), Facebook, YouTube, or by email at pickyourtakepod@gmail.com.

Your hosts share the films they loved and hated from 2021. Share your own take on Twitter (@pickyourtake), Facebook, YouTube, or by email at pickyourtakepod@gmail.com.

Chris and Isaac pay a visit to The Family Stone (2005). Is this Christmas movie a genuine heart-warmer? Or does this Stone equate to a lump of coal? Celebrate the holidays as your hosts admire Thomas Bezucha's cast of legends, shout out their undergraduate campus, and wish their audience a Merry Christmas! Love it? Hate it? Share your own take on Twitter (@pickyourtake), Facebook, YouTube, or by email at pickyourtakepod@gmail.com.

Isaac and Chris unbox How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000). Is the film a near-perfect adaptation of Dr. Seuss' classic tale? Or given the choice between two, would you take the seasick crocodile? Follow your hosts as they admire Ron Howard's Whoville, share their varied emotions over Jim Carrey's performance, and bond over their love for the glow of Christmas. Love it? Hate it? Share your take on Twitter (@pickyourtake), Facebook, YouTube, or by email at pickyourtakepod@gmail.com.

Chris and Isaac search for hidden treasure in The Goonies (1985). Is this silly quest the ultimate kids' film? Or have these award-winning filmmakers failed to capture our hearts?   Join your hosts as they reminisce over their favorite movies starring kids, marvel at how far The Goonies cast has come, and compare the work of directors Richard Donner and Chris Columbus.   Love it? Hate it? Share your own take on Twitter (@pickyourtake), Facebook, YouTube, or by email at pickyourtakepod@gmail.com.

Isaac and Chris unwrap The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (2008). Does this silly adventure harken back to classic cinema? Or is this a tomb that should have remained undisturbed? This week your hosts go to war for Evelyn O'Connell, swoon over the undeniable Brendan Fraser, and respond to some fan mail. Love it? Hate it? Share your own take on Twitter (@pickyourtake), Facebook, YouTube, or by email at pickyourtakepod@gmail.com.

Pick Your Take would like to wish a Happy Thanksgiving to all the friends and families of our listeners! Your hosts will be back next week with an all-new and exciting full-length episode. This week may all your turkeys be well stuffed and your holidays restful. Love it? Hate it? Share your own take on Twitter (@pickyourtake), Facebook, YouTube, or by email at pickyourtakepod@gmail.com.

Chris and Isaac let Good Time (2017) drag them through the night. Does this anxiety-inducing crime-thriller deliver a good time? Or a bad one?  Hang out with your hosts as they discuss the Safdie Brothers as directors, admire actors Barkhad Abdi and Jennifer Jason Leigh, and share their love of folk music and Irish cream. Love it? Hate it? Share your own take on Twitter (@pickyourtake), Facebook, YouTube, or by email at pickyourtakepod@gmail.com.

Isaac and Chris stare down the Joker (2019). Is this Oscar-winner a top-notch comic book adaptation? Or does it paint Gotham's famed villains, violence, and decay in too broad of strokes? Tune in as your hosts work their way through the film's controversy, acknowledge Todd Phillips' cross-genre accomplishments, and discuss Joaquin Phoenix's contribution to the pantheon of actors who have portrayed the Clown Prince of Crime. Love it? Hate it? Share your own take on Twitter (@pickyourtake), Facebook, YouTube, or by email at pickyourtakepod@gmail.com.

Chris and Isaac scan Blade Runner 2049 (2017). Does 2049 successfully expand on (or improve) the dark sci-fi themes of the original? Or do you find yourself wishing for the characters to shut up about miracles already?   Listen as your hosts discuss Denis Villeneuve's exciting body of work, admire Harrison Ford's ability to reprise iconic characters from his past, and finally answer the question of whether or not Jared Leto is, indeed, a good actor. Love it? Hate it? Share your own take on Twitter (@pickyourtake), Facebook, YouTube, or by email at pickyourtakepod@gmail.com.

Isaac and Chris investigate Hubie Halloween (2020). Is this family-friendly mystery a worthy addition to Adam Sandler's comedic pantheon? Or does the film just suck?  You can do it with your hosts as they reminisce over their favorite Happy Madison Productions, recognize the often-unsung contributions of director Steve Brill, and admire the eclectic casts that Sandler assembles for his movies. Love it? Hate it? Share your own take on Twitter (@pickyourtake), Facebook, YouTube, or by email at pickyourtakepod@gmail.com.

Chris and Isaac cut into Scream 2 (1997). Does this meta horror-whodunit keep you guessing until the end? Or does this sequel fail to achieve the humor and fun of the original?  This episode, your hosts take a deep dive into the Scream movies, discuss director Wes Craven's genre-bending filmography, and celebrate your favorite actors from the 90s.  Love it? Hate it? Share your own take on Twitter (@pickyourtake), Facebook, YouTube, or by email at pickyourtakepod@gmail.com.

Isaac and Chris wander the halls of The Shining (1980). Is Kubrick's film a successful study in human nature? Or is the movie more like a math equation that doesn't add up to much? Drink some redrum with your hosts as they discuss their favorite Stanley Kubrick films, address how many takes is too many takes, and share which stories in the Stephen King-Verse keep them up at night. Love it? Hate it? Share your own take on Twitter (@pickyourtake), Facebook, YouTube, or by email at pickyourtakepod@gmail.com.

Chris and Isaac lose their heads over Hereditary (2018). Does the film successfully explore family tragedy as a source of horror? Or does the movie struggle to find its tone and genre, as well as its scares? Get spooky with your hosts as they begin their first Halloween-themed episode of October. Chris and Isaac discuss the similarities between the horror and comedy genres and acknowledge the accomplishments of filmmaker Ari Aster. Love it? Hate it? Share your own take on Twitter (@pickyourtake), Facebook, YouTube, or by email, at pickyourtakepod@gmail.com.

Isaac and Chris solve complex formulas together with Good Will Hunting (1997). Does Gus Van Sant's movie move you? Or do the emotional beats hit home for you with the subtly of a hammer? Join your hosts as they celebrate Episode Twenty, discuss how Ben Affleck and Matt Damon explore therapy and anger in their screenplay, and acknowledge the magic that is Robin Williams. Love it? Hate it? Share your own take on Twitter (@pickyourtake), Facebook, YouTube, or by email, at pickyourtakepod@gmail.com.

Chris and Isaac idolize the rhino in Death to Smoochy (2002). Does the movie sing and dance its way to your heart? Or do some of its notes feel out-of-sync? Listen to your hardened hosts acknowledge the movie's endearing qualities, commend Danny DeVito's directing career, and re-experience their repressed childhood memories of Miss Trunchbull. Love it? Hate it? Share your own take on Twitter (@pickyourtake), Facebook, YouTube, or by email, at pickyourtakepod@gmail.com.

Isaac and Chris get juvenile with Tom and Jerry (2021). Is this family comedy one of the best blendings of live-action and animated characters to-date? Or would the movie have been better off ditching the human characters entirely? This week, your hosts admire the timeless works of William Hanna and Joseph Barbera, applaud Tim Story's directing career, and agree on the scariest Scooby Doo movie ever made. Love it? Hate it? Share your own take on Twitter (@pickyourtake), Facebook, YouTube, or by email, at pickyourtakepod@gmail.com.

Chris and Isaac brace for Deep Impact. Does the film successfully explore humanity's resilience in the face of peril? Or is it more of a TV movie we catch and secretly root for the comet?  This week, your hosts finish telling you everything there is to know about 1998's two biggest disaster films, discuss Mimi Leder's varied directing career, and finally reveal Elijah Wood's path to the Shire. Love it? Hate it? Share your own take on Twitter (@pickyourtake), Facebook, YouTube, or by email, at pickyourtakepod@gmail.com.

Isaac and Chris dig into Armageddon (1998). Does the explosive Hollywood blockbuster punch science in the face? Or does this explosive Hollywood blockbuster punch you, its audience, in the face? Don't miss a thing as two action-buffs swim in Michael's Bay, discuss the slew of writers it took to get these oil drillers into space, and dive deep into the glory of Michael Clarke Duncan. Love it? Hate it? Share your own take on Twitter (@pickyourtake), Facebook, YouTube, or by email, at pickyourtakepod@gmail.com.

Chris and Isaac get biblical with A Serious Man (2009). Does this modern-day parable successfully explore the meaning of suffering? Or, simply put, does The Bible do it better? Listen to two friends and film-lovers applaud Joel and Ethan Coen's extensive careers, juxtapose the film with another suburban dramedy from ten years earlier, and acknowledge their own personal faith in the Schwartz. Love it? Hate it? Let's debate it. Share your own take on Twitter (@pickyourtake), Facebook, YouTube, or by email, at pickyourtakepod@gmail.com.

Isaac and Chris duel over Six-String Samurai (1998). Does its inventive production design and fight choreography help bring its apocalyptic story to life? Or do the film's low-budget limitations cut into the movie's magic? Journey through the podcast wasteland with your hosts as they reminisce about their experiences working together on past productions, discuss the writer and director Lance Mungia, and share the unique relationship one of them has with the Red Elvises. Love it? Hate it? Let's debate it. Share your own take on Twitter (@pickyourtake), Facebook, YouTube, or by email, at pickyourtakepod@gmail.com.

Chris and Isaac take on the Birds of Prey (2020). Is this a campy action-comedy romp through the flowers? Or is the film a tame, tonally confused mess? Two movie buffs discuss the promising directing career of Cathy Yan, argue over the quality of action and stunt work in the film, and learn of a connection they have with Steven Williams. Love it? Hate it? Let's debate it. Share your own take on Twitter (@pickyourtake), Facebook, YouTube, or by email, at pickyourtakepod@gmail.com.

Isaac and Chris grapple over Gods of Egypt (2016). Does this fantasy flick take us on a satisfying adventure through pre-history Egypt? Or does the movie live up to its poor reputation as a big fat flop? Listen to your hosts explore Alex Proyas' eclectic filmography, discuss just how bad the film's visual effects are, and share exactly what they have in common with Brenton Thwaites. Love it? Hate it? Let's debate it. Share your own take on Twitter (@pickyourtake), Facebook, YouTube, or by email, at pickyourtakepod@gmail.com.

Chris and Isaac dance with La La Land. Does the 2016 film sashay its way to Oscar stardom? Or does this love letter to LA barely pass as a musical? This week, two former stage-actors discuss their favorite musicals, the ins-and-outs of Damien Chazelle's directing career, and the dancing and singing skills of Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone. Love it? Hate it? Let's debate it. Share your own take on Twitter (@pickyourtake), Facebook, YouTube, or by email, at pickyourtakepod@gmail.com.

Isaac and Chris tackle Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. Does this 2017 drama successfully explore its painful themes of loss and hatred? Or does its attempts to arrest these tough topics go up in smoke? In honor of Episode Ten, your hosts share their top-ten favorite films, discuss Martin McDonagh's very Irish filmography, and acknowledge the accomplishments of its award-winning cast. Love it? Hate it? Let's debate it. Share your own take on Twitter (@pickyourtake), Facebook, YouTube, or by email, at pickyourtakepod@gmail.com.

Chris and Isaac face off against Paycheck. Does John Woo's bag of tricks help his final American film dodge the bullet? Or does the 2003 thriller explode with endless plot conveniences?   Listen to your hosts debate who would win the battle of the butt chins, praise John Woo's Chinese and American movies, and whether Paycheck holds up against other Philip K. Dick adaptations.   Love it? Hate it? Let's debate it. Share your own take on Twitter (@pickyourtake), Facebook, YouTube, or by email, at pickyourtakepod@gmail.com.

Isaac and Chris get together and have a few laughs over Live Free or Die Hard. Does the 2007 film successfully pit Timex McClane against its vindictive, digital-age villain? Or was this once-R-rated summer blockbuster cut to pieces for the sake of that sweet, sweet PG-13 money?   This week, our two action-aficionados pay their respects to the Die Hard franchise, reminisce over Len Wiseman's directing career, and try to assess just how 2000s this movie truly is. Love it? Hate it? Share your own take on Twitter (@pickyourtake), Facebook, YouTube, or by email, at pickyourtakepod@gmail.com.

Chris and Isaac suit up and square off with Zack Snyder's Justice League. Does visionary intent save the day in the 2021 film? Or will it be unmasked as quantity secretly disguised as quality?   In this extended episode, two film-lovers discuss how much slow-motion is too much slow-motion, the strengths and weaknesses of Zack Snyder as a director, and the DC Cinematic Universe to-date.   Love it? Hate it? Share your own take on Twitter (@pickyourtake), Facebook, YouTube, or by email, at pickyourtakepod@gmail.com.

Isaac and Chris take it into overtime with Space Jam. Is Joe Pytka's 1996 film a modern American classic? Or is its cast of characters painfully two-dimensional?   This week, these old friends discuss Joe Pytka's award-winning commercial work, the cartoons that defined the 90s, and the man, the myth, the legend: Bugs Bunny! …Oh, and also, Michael Jordan.   Love it? Hate it? Share your own take on Twitter (@pickyourtake), Facebook, or by email, at pickyourtakepod@gmail.com.

Friends and independent filmmakers Chris and Isaac navigate Chloé Zhao's Nomadland (2020). Does Zhao's film successfully integrate its non-actor stories with its scripted ones? Or does its vague main character fade away against the landscape of true, textural human stories?   Listen to your hosts discuss the real-life issues behind Chloé Zhao's empathetic filmmaking, share their Top Five most-loved movies, and explore Frances McDormand's and David Strathairn's filmographies.   Love it, hate it? Let's debate it. Reach out and pick YOUR take on Twitter (@pickyourtake), Facebook, or by email, at pickyourtakepod@gmail.com.