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

Moving The Needle Podcast

Episode 56 - Goodfellas vs. Boogie Nights

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

Episode 55 - Demolition Man Vs The Fifth Element

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

Episode 54 - Old

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

Episode 53 - Dead Alive/Braindead

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

Episode 52 - Armageddon

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

Episode 51 - Speed 2 vs. A Good Day to Die Hard

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

Episode 50 - The Sting

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

Episode 49 - Point Break vs. Speed

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

Episode 48 - Spy

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

Episode 47 – Pumped Up Jams

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

Episode 46 – Being There

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

Episode 45 – Big vs. 13 Going on 30

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

Episode 44 – This is Spinal Tap vs. Best in Show

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

Episode 43 - Predator

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

Episode 42 - How to with John Wilson

Sean, Roy, Stefanie, Henno and guests tackle movies, TV, news, human interest. we discuss what moves us, and ask what moves you?

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Moving The Needle Podcast

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