Why Wasn't It Better?

Don Bluth's Anastasia brought lush animation, catchy songs, and a not-so-historically-accurate fairy tale to the late 90s — and for many, it was the non-Disney princess movie. Producer Eric Taylor and his wife Catelyn join the pod to explore this fan favorite to explore its strange blend of royal tragedy, undead villains, and Broadway ambition. Was it a worthy competitor to Disney, or a beautifully animated mess with an identity crisis? Together, we journey once upon a December to find out.___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterLetterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/wwibpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialX: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!

It's peace in our time… or is it? The original Enterprise crew faces their final frontier with political intrigue, Shakespeare-quoting villains, and a surprisingly topical Cold War allegory. Guest and casual Trek fan Ben Hill returns to the podcast to talk about Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country.___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterLetterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/wwibpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialX: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!

It's morphin' time! This week we dive into the mid-90s explosion of spandex, sparks, and nostalgia with Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie. From Angel Grove to the planet Phaedos, the Rangers face their biggest threat yet in the wise-cracking villain Ivan Ooze. Guest Ivan Calixto joins to talk about the film's place in the Power Rangers phenomenon, how it stacks up against the hit TV show, and why it felt both bigger and cheesier on the big screen. ___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterLetterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/wwibpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialX: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!

Presumed Innocent had all the makings of a gripping legal thriller: a best-selling novel, Harrison Ford at his dramatic peak, and a twisty murder mystery. This 1990 courtroom drama was a major box office hit but somehow left a surprisingly faint cultural footprint. Was it too slow, too serious, or just overshadowed by slicker thrillers that followed? We dig into the performances, the plotting, and why this prestige drama feels more forgotten than it should. Patrick and Anton are joined by special guest Jay Skipworth, one of the hosts of The Film Strip Podcast!___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterLetterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/wwibpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialX: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!

A House of Dynamite turns seventeen minutes of nuclear uncertainty into a Netflix thriller. Kathryn Bigelow delivers a fractured, overlapping narrative where a single anonymous missile forces the American government into a race against time—and against its own instincts. This episode digs into the film's structure, its unsettling realism, and why it may or may not be a pointless pyramid scheme.___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterLetterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/wwibpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialX: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!

Peter Jackson's follow up to his Lord of the Rings triumph was his most personal project, a remake of his favorite film. King Kong was an enormously expensive, massively hyped monster movie that performed well but has a mixed legacy twenty years later. Should it have been better? Guest Peter Baldeo returns to talk Kong.___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialTwitter: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastLetterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/wwibpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!

Pixar's latest entry has unfortunately turned out to be its biggest loser at the box office. Whether it was the delay in production, controversy around its content, or a lack of marketing, audiences flatly ignored Elio when it was released a few months ago. It's doing better on Disney+ but how does it stack up in the totality of Pixar's filmography?___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterLetterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/wwibpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialX: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!

He's baaaaack! After the poorly-received bizarre third film, the studio decided to bring back Michael Myers. The fact that he died in the second film didn't matter. In what is now a yearly tradition for this podcast, guest Sean O'Connor returns to discuss Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers.___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterLetterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/wwibpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialX: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!

Edgar Wright's stylish dive into psychological horror had fans buzzing — but Last Night in Soho left audiences split. Was it a bold genre experiment or a beautiful mess? Patrick and Anton unpack the film's aesthetic highs, narrative lows, and whether it actually delivers on the scares. Guest Zion Parker returns to discuss Giallo vibes, ghost girls, and one very confused third act.___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialTwitter: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastLetterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/wwibpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!

It's gothic, it's moody, and it's kind of a mess. We sink our teeth into Neil Jordan's adaptation of Anne Rice's Interview With the Vampire. Tom Cruise goes full glam rock as Lestat, Brad Pitt pouts for two hours, and Kirsten Dunst steals the whole movie. We talk tonal whiplash, tragic wigs, and why this movie is equal parts fascinating and frustrating with return guest Jake Valkusky.___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialX: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastLetterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/wwibpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!

Perhaps John Carpenter's finest work, The Thing may be beloved now but was completely ignored by audiences upon its release in 1982. It's a perfect choice to talk about as we get into spooky season. Guest Sean O'Connor returns to the podcast to discuss.___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialTwitter: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastLetterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/wwibpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!

They're heeeere! Does this count as a Steven Spielberg film? We like to think it does. Is Poltergeist really the horror classic that many claim, or is it somehow overrated by its fans? Guest Paul Kind is here to figure it out in the first of our 2025 spooky mini-season episodes.___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialTwitter: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastLetterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/wwibpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!

It's been thirty years since Pierce Brosnan first suited up as 007 — and GoldenEye still hits like a tank-driving, bungee-jumping, post-Cold War reset button. After a six-year hiatus, James Bond was back with a new face, a new attitude, and a whole lot of mid-'90s tech action. Guest Kai Wang joins the podcast to revisit the film that made Bond relevant again and ask: was this the last great reinvention before things got a little too shaken and stirred?___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialTwitter: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wwibpodcastLetterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/wwibpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!

In honor of the recently-deceased screen legend Robert Redford, we discuss one of his most iconic films, The Natural. Join us for a special bonus episode.___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterLetterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/wwibpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialX: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!

That's it for Season Eight! Join us as we give our traditional recap and preview what's on deck for next season.___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialTwitter: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wwibpodcastLetterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/wwibpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!

We conclude Season Eight with Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, where the series took a darker turn. The stakes were higher and the hair was longer, but should this fourth entry in the series have been better? Guest Taylor Schuurmans is back to talk about the return of Lord Voldemort.___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialTwitter: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wwibpodcastLetterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/wwibpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!

This animated reboot fell flat at the box office despite stellar reviews. Despite being part of such a recognizable franchise, why did Transformers One fail to make an impact with audiences? Does it deserve more love? Guest and Transformers fan Kai Wang returns to defend this film's honor.___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialTwitter: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wwibpodcastLetterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/wwibpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!

One of the most unique comic adaptations ever, Warren Beatty's Dick Tracy is fascinating to watch. The cast is stacked. The visuals are eye-popping. But could it have been better? Disney was hoping it would be. Noted guest and Marvel consigliere Garret Ohringer joins to talk about Warren Beatty's conquests.___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialTwitter: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wwibpodcastLetterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/wwibpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!

According to some, The Color Purple was Steven Spielberg's first "serious" drama. It made Whoopi Goldberg into an overnight star. Spielberg got the awards attention but not in the way he wanted. How does this acclaimed but controversial adaptation of Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel hold up after forty years? Guest Zion Parker joins to give his thoughts.___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialTwitter: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wwibpodcastLetterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/wwibpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!

Continuing our tradition of covering 1970s disaster movies, The Hindenburg is an (un)interesting one. Despite being based on the famous historical event and being released during the height of the disaster movie craze, it was hardly a success for Universal. Should it have done better or did it deserve its fiery fate?___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialX: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastLetterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/wwibpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!

Doctor Strange was never the first name that came to mind when you thought of Marvel heroes yet somehow, this mind-bending, trippy addition to the MCU became a smash hit. First-time guest and patron Daniel Ake joins the podcast to break down the film that turned a B-list sorcerer into a fan-favorite, and why the visuals, cast, and unexpected blend of mysticism and sci-fi hit so hard.___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialTwitter: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wwibpodcastLetterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/wwibpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!

The Black Cauldron was released during the darkest period in Disney's history. It flopped so badly that it nearly killed the studio's animation department. Just thinking about that alone is wild enough. Yet some fans defend this as a misunderstood classic. One thing is for sure. It should have been better.___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialTwitter: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastLetterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/wwibpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!

Zabba zabba zabba. The second and almost certainly the last Steven Seagal movie we're covering. Under Siege 2: Dark Territory is the sequel to what most fans agree is Seagal's best work. Is this sequel somehow underrated? Does it work as a guilty pleasure 90's action cheesefest? Guest Sean O'Connor returns to weigh in for the 30th anniversary of Under Siege 2: Dark Territory.___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialTwitter: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastLetterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/wwibpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!

The Man of Steel has recently soared back to the big screen in a reboot that promises hope, heroism, and a fresh start for DC? The studio has entrusted James Gunn with reviving their iconic hero, but does the new Superman deliver? Industry insider and comic book fan Ivan Calixto returns to the podcast to share his thoughts.___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialTwitter: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastLetterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/wwibpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!

What would God need with a starship? William Shatner's first directorial effort turned out to be his last. Star Trek V: The Final Frontier is the black sheep of the original film series, and it's not hard to see why. Does it deserve its bad rap? Trekkie and guest Paul Kind returns to vent his feelings. ___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialTwitter: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastLetterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/wwibpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!

Our first Hitchcock film! It's been a long time coming. Dial M for Murder is well-regarded but somehow sits just outside the top tier of Alfred Hitchcock's legendary catalog. It's often overlooked by some of Hitchcock's other works. This was also his first collaboration with Grace Kelly, a pairing that would define much of his work in the '50s. Does this early thriller deserve more attention, or is it overshadowed by its more famous suspenseful siblings?___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/72nZWQLXOJsxbkgpiqOffuApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-wasnt-it-better/id1716624431Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialTwitter: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wwibpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!

Nothing beats a summer murder mystery. The second of Rian Johnson's Knives Out series, Glass Onion once again features Daniel Craig headlining an all star cast. Not as well-received as its predecessor, we thought this would be fun to cover since the third one releases later this year. ___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialTwitter: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wwibpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!

This season's worst Best Picture winner. Chariots of Fire is probably best remembered for the main theme to its score, and yet this tale of the 1924 English track Olympians somehow won Best Picture in 1981. Guest Nathan Perry is back to talk some Olympic sports drama.___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialTwitter: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wwibpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!

It's the 30th anniversary of Waterworld! One of the most infamous blockbusters of all time, as well as one of the most requested films we've gotten. Kevin Costner's absurdly expensive, water-logged misadventure that all but ended his status as one of Hollywood's A-list stars. Waterworld has quite the reputation. It is undeserved? Or should it have been better? Guest Ivan Calixto returns to share his thoughts.___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialTwitter: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wwibpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!

Back by Patreon request, and the second part of our Tron double feature. Tron: Legacy was released nearly thirty years after the original cult classic. Like the first one, it was successful but not nearly as much as Disney had hoped for. Since the third one is being released this October, we thought this was perfect to revisit. Guest Tom Paradiso joins us on the Grid.___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialTwitter: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wwibpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!

Greetings, programs! The first part of our Tron double feature. The original 1982 film was a disappointment for Disney but has since become a cult classic. Its iconic imagery has inspired countless other works. Patrick and Anton go into the Grid to talk Tron.___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialTwitter: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wwibpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!

The Timothy Dalton chapter in the James Bond series concluded with Licence to Kill. Released in the summer of 1989, it underperformed but later found favor with Bond fans for its dark, gritty themes. Special guest Joseph Darlington of Being James Bond joins the podcast to discuss.A link to his channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Beingjamesbond___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialTwitter: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wwibpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!

One of the most obscure films we've covered, Proof of Life should have been a success. Russell Crowe had just starred in Gladiator and was at his peak. Meg Ryan was still America's sweetheart. And yet it completely bombed at the box office. Almost nobody remembers it now. Except us. Guest Garret Ohringer returns to negotiate to bring this film back to popularity. ___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialTwitter: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wwibpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!

Let's get weird with our first listener request of the season. Summer horror can be some of the best horror. Headlined by Natalie Portman, Alex Garland's sophomore effort impressed critics and almost everyone that saw it, but curiously made no money upon release. Producer Eric Taylor and guest Kai Wang join to discuss Annihilation.___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialTwitter: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wwibpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!

Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water. Jaws 2 is a film that realistically should have been worse than what it was. Often lumped together with the two sequels that followed, Jaws 2 seems to have been the first shameless "it happened again" sequel. But we have a lot of time for it. Patrick and Anton discuss summer horror.___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialTwitter: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wwibpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!

The jury is still out on the legacy of this recent Pixar film. Elemental was minor hit for the studio but seems to divide fans. It's certainly ambitious, but could it have been better? Producer Eric Taylor wanted to join and share his thoughts.___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialTwitter: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wwibpodcastLetterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/wwibpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!

The Timothy Dalton chapter sadly only lasted for two films, but it began on a high note with The Living Daylights. Dalton's deadly serious approach to James Bond was something entirely different from his predecessors. Has it withstood the test of time? Guest Peter Baldeo is back to talk some Bond.___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialTwitter: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wwibpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!

It's the 30th anniversary of Batman Forever, which makes a perfect episode for our Season Eight premiere. Joel Schumacher's zany, neon-drenched take on the Caped Crusader was polarizing but proved very popular at the time. It's gotten a lot of hate over the years but we suspect it has its fans. Guest Ryan Moran returns to share his love for it.___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialTwitter: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wwibpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!

A bonus weekend episode! Mountainhead is the new HBO film written and directed by Jesse Armstrong, the mind behind Succession. Four super rich tech bro friends plot world domination as deepfake-fueled chaos unfolds across the world. It's lofty. But should it have been better?___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialTwitter: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wwibpodcastLetterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/wwibpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!

Season Seven is in the books! Join us as we give our traditional recap and preview what's on deck for next season.___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialTwitter: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wwibpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!

We conclude Season Seven with the film that many Potterheads consider to be the finest in the series. The third entry, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban was directed by the auteur Alfonso Cuarón. It is possible that it's somehow overrated? Or is it worthy of all the praise? Guest Jake Valkusky is back to discuss. ___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialTwitter: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wwibpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!

Did you know there was a sequel to Chinatown? Jack Nicholson starred in, directed it, and unofficially co-wrote it. And almost nobody knows it exists. You would think this would have been a bigger deal. Why wasn't The Two Jakes better?___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialTwitter: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wwibpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!

Funny People was supposed to be the crowning achievement of Judd Apatow's wildly successful 2000's run. With a great cast and an ambitious run time, audiences expected a masterpiece. What we got was an awkward blend of genuine comedy and surprising drama. Has it improved with age since its lukewarm reception? Guest Brian Anderson returns to share his thoughts.___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialTwitter: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wwibpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!

With Tom Cruise at his absolute peak, and directed by action master John Woo, Mission: Impossible 2 was a massively successful sequel upon release in 2000. It's also universally derided as the weakest entry in the series. Since there's a new one coming out we decided to cover it. Why is Mi 2 such an outlier? Guest Tom Paradiso joins to discuss.___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialTwitter: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wwibpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!

Here's something a little different. Join us for a very special episode as we rank the Roger Moore James Bond films.___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialTwitter: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wwibpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!

Ant-Man was not an A-list Marvel superhero. Paul Rudd was an unconventional choice to headline a blockbuster. And yet Ant-Man found favor with audiences. The Edgar Wright what if left others wondering if it couldn't have been better. Patrick and Anton talk about shrinkage.___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/72nZWQLXOJsxbkgpiqOffuApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-wasnt-it-better/id1716624431Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialTwitter: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wwibpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!

Our very first Jackie Chan movie is the second entry in his most beloved Hong Kong action series. Police Story 2 is often described as the least of the original trilogy. Is that actually true? Guest Kai Wang joins to discuss.___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialTwitter: https://twitter.com/WWIBpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!

The Star Wars movie that you didn't even realize was a movie. Yes, the Star Wars movie you forgot existed. To inaugurate the new animated TV series, Star Wars: The Clone Wars was indeed given a theater release in 2008. It was immediately forgotten. Does it deserve more love?___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialTwitter: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wwibpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!

Has James Bond finally met his match? We're not so sure. It's the 40th anniversary of A View to a Kill, Moore's seventh and final entry as James Bond. And it shows. At least Christopher Walken was there to play the villain. Guest Tom Paradiso returns to dance into the fire.___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/72nZWQLXOJsxbkgpiqOffuApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-wasnt-it-better/id1716624431Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialTwitter: https://twitter.com/WWIBpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!

Twenty years ago, Steven Spielberg directing Tom Cruise seemed like a match made in blockbuster movie heaven. War of the Worlds was certainly successful but didn't quite become the classic that it should have been. Why wasn't it better? Patrick and Anton try to find out.___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialTwitter: https://twitter.com/WWIBpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!

Our very first Beatles movie! United Artists was keen to capitalize on Beatlemania. Help! was released less than a year after A Hard's Day Night. None of the Beatles were really fond of their experience making it. Why not? Should it have been better? Guest Paul Kind joins to discuss.___Please consider joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wwibofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whywasntitbetterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwib_officialTwitter: https://x.com/WWIBpodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wwibpodcastSubscribe! Rate! Review! Tell a friend!