Shows
The Arniethology presents...BONUS: Friday the 13th - A Series RetrospectiveA propos of absolutely zilch, Ben has gone and watched all twelve Friday the 13th films. Do you want to know what he thought of them and how he ranked them? Give this a little listen then, child.
Ben's Letterboxd profile: Ben Highton’s profile • Letterboxd
Ben's Friday the 13th ranking: The Fridays the 13ths, a list of films by Ben Highton • Letterboxd
Send your comments, rankings and horror suggestions to: thearniethology@gmail.com
2022-10-0952 min
The Arniethology presents...Top 20 of 2020, Preview of 2021 & MailbagOne final bonus episode before we get back on track with Keanu fims - this time, a catch up on the emails you've been sending us in recent weeks, then Ben's got a top 20 list of his favourite films from last year and finally a look forward to 2021, as both Alex and Ben pick five films each they're looking forward to this year.
Think you can do better? thearniethology@gmail.com wants your suggestions. Music is Black Fly by Audionautix.2021-01-121h 03
The Arniethology presents...The Devil's Advocate (1998) - KeanucopiaThe Devil's in the house as Ben and Alex discuss the 1998 legal thriller The Devil's Advocate, which isn't really a legal thriller. It is pretty bonkers though and so the conversation goes to some strange places as The Arniethology grapples with what, if anything, the film is trying to say. Keanu is on top form, perhaps raising his game against Al Pacino and an early, excellent supporting turn from Charlize Theron. This is one of Ben's favourites, but Alex has always been lukewarm about it. Can a rewatch change that?
Music is Black Fly by Audionautix. Get in touch here...2020-11-121h 20
The Arniethology presents...Hallowe'en Special - The Invisible Man, Doctor Sleep (plus Host, Saint Maud & Swallow)It's the time of year to get out your spooky sticks and point them at scary things. And with that awful analogy out of the way, Alex and Ben are here to tell you what they think of some recent horror films, by way of trying to convert Alex... First up is Leigh Whannell's The Invisible Man, then - after a brief recap of The Shining - it's onto Mike Flanagan's Doctor Sleep. Finally, Ben quickly recaps Shudder's original production Host; the directorial debut of Rose Glass, this year's Saint Maud (now in cinemas!); and the frankly jaw-dropping Swallow starring...2020-10-291h 09
The Arniethology presents...A Walk in the Clouds (1995) - KeanucopiaKeanu returns to period romance with the gentle, warm drama A Walk in the Clouds, a film neither Alex nor Ben have seen before. Given that Speed is the runaway winner of the Keanucopia rankings to date, will a soft hug of a film such as this - never mind one that's selling an idea of fate that appeals to neither of them - have much to offer? Well, the answer, as they say, may surprise you...
Music is Black Fly by Audionautix. Get in touch here: thearniethology@gmail.com2020-09-161h 10
The Arniethology presents...Speed (1994) - KeanucopiaThe most hotly anticipated entry to the Keanucopia so far is here: 1994's action classic, Speed. As well as a bus that can't slow down, we get a new kind of Keanu (in only his second action lead role), his first collaboration with Sandra Bullock, a snarling psycho role for Dennis Hopper and Die-Hard-influenced cinematography, staging and editing from Jan De Bont. Alex and Ben both love this film, but not without some reservations. When all the pros and cons are tallied, can this land the top spot in the Keanucopia to date? And yes, there's a brief chat about...2020-09-051h 19
The Arniethology presents...Speed (1994) - KeanucopiaThe most hotly anticipated entry to the Keanucopia so far is here: 1994's action classic, Speed. As well as a bus that can't slow down, we get a new kind of Keanu (in only his second action lead role), his first collaboration with Sandra Bullock, a snarling psycho role for Dennis Hopper and Die Hard-influenced cinematography, staging and editing from Jan De Bont.
Alex and Ben both love this film, but not without some reservations. When all the pros and cons are tallied, can this land the top spot in the Keanucopia to date?
And yes, there's a brief chat...2020-09-031h 19
The Arniethology presents...Little Buddha (1993) - KeanucopiaKeanu takes on arguably his biggest challenge yet, playing Siddartha Gautama, the buddha himself. Is he up to the task? Ben and Alex have some thoughts, naturally, and are unafraid to get side-tracked into a brief discussion about Kevin Costner's The Postman along the way. Really.
Music is Black Fly by Audionautix.
Get in touch here: thearniethology@gmail.com2020-08-2754 min
The Arniethology presents...Even Cowgirls Get The Blues (1994) - KeanucopiaGus Van Sant makes another appearance on the Keanucopia, as his My Own Private Idaho collective join forces with Uma Thurman in the strange, quirky road trip that is Even Cowgirls Get The Blues.
First up, Ben and Alex are catching up with some of the recent changes affecting upcoming movies, including the imminent arrival of Bill and Ted Face The Music. Then they try and pick apart exactly what Van Sant was going for here - an even more free-wheeling and star-studded endeavour than Idaho was, but this time with a plainly comedic streak, as Uma Thurman plays a...2020-08-2048 min
The Arniethology presents...Much Ado About Nothing (1993) - KeanucopiaA first for the Arniethology, as Alex and Ben get stuck into some Shakespeare and they've got some creative notes for the young up-and-comer. A cast that includes Denzel Washington, Kenneth Branagh, Emma Thompson, Richard Briers, Brian Blessed, Michael Keaton, Imelda Staunton, Kate Beckinsale and Robert Sean Leonard breathes life into Shakespeare's classic romantic comedy and this time, Keanu is the bad guy.
But wouldn't this have been better re-cast with Jason Statham and Kathy Bates?
Music is Black Fly by Audionautix.
Get in touch here: thearniethology@gmail.com2020-08-0544 min
The Arniethology presents...Freaked (1993) - KeanucopiaA change of pace for sure this week, as Alex and Ben get into Alex Winter's directorial effort Freaked, a weird, metatextual satire, wherein the once and future Bill S. Preston plays a deformed actor and Keanu plays a half-man-half-dog hybrid (not a werewolf) called Ortiz. There are laughs to be had and horror to be horrified by and the jury is still out as to whether it's any good or not. It certainly is different though.
Get in touch here: thearniethology@gmail.com
Music is Black Fly by Audionautix.2020-07-2343 min
The Arniethology presents...Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992) - KeanucopiaAn Oscar-winning director, a formidable cast, a literary classic and a unique vision are all in the mix this week, as Alex and Ben sink their teeth into Francis Ford Coppola's ambitious adaptation of Bram Stoker's Dracula from 1992. Ben's been harping on about this one for years and Alex finally sat down to watch it. What does he think of it and how does Keanu fit into proceedings?
And then, just for fun, Jo Cardew bobs in to share her history with the film.
Music is Black Fly by Audionautix.
Get in touch here: thearniethology@gmail.com2020-07-161h 22
The Arniethology presents...My Own Private Idaho (1991)Keanu returns to his indie roots this week, as Ben and Alex try and decipher a critical darling of the early 90s independent scene, Gus Van Sant's My Own Private Idaho. A fractured narrative that emerged from multiple sources gives way to a touching story of love and friendship, street hustling and life on the road. And there's a big dollop of Shakespearean dialogue for good measure. Keanu is holding his own against River Phoenix here, but is it to the Arniethology's tastes?
Music is Black Fly by Audionautix.
Get in touch here: thearniethology@gmail.com2020-07-081h 13
The Arniethology presents...Point Break (1991) - KeanucopiaWe've finally arrived at Keanu's first action role - as Johnny Utah in the 1991 surfer-bank-robber-skydivers action thriller Point Break - and, as is tradition when dealing with an action classic with slightly homo-erotic undertones, Ben's sisters (Jo Cardew and Laura Highton) have joined us to discuss Keanu and Patrick Swayze's respective hotness, a thoroughly entertaining supporting cast that includes Gary Busey, John C McGinley and a Red Hot Chili Pepper, the wild pitch this film must have had, the pseudo-philosophy that underpins the action and the conductor of that action, the Oscar-winning Kathryn Bigelow.
Music is BlackFly by Audionautix. Get...2020-06-171h 25
The Arniethology presents...Prince of Pennsylvania (1988) - KeanucopiaAn extra short episode this time around, as Alex and Ben are somewhat underwhelmed by a romantic comedy hostage drama, that struggles to be one thing or the other. A pretty great cast gets them through, however, and is perhaps the only reason to see this film.
Music is Black Fly by Audionautix.
Get in touch here: thearniethology@gmail.com2020-04-2233 min
The Arniethology presents...Permanent Record (1988) - KeanucopiaBefore we get to the altogether unheard of and surprising film that is the focus of this week's episode, Ben and Alex have some suggestions for things to watch during the lockdown period (skip the first 13 minutes if you're not interested).
Then it's on to director Marisa Silver's Permanent Record, a teen drama (stay with us) that tenderly deals with the impact of a promising high school student's suicide, through the mechanisms of grief, support, structure, empathy and music. More than any film so far in the Keanucopia, if this one has passed you by, give it a watch before...2020-04-141h 13
The Arniethology presents...The Night Before (1988) - KeanucopiaOur exploration of the career of Keanu Reeves continues with The Night Before, a John Hughesian teen comedy about two kids who get lost on the way to prom and the journey to try and remember just what happened, before it's too late.
Some pretty heavy topics get thrown around, for such a lightweight film, but the road to Bill and Ted is clear after seeing this. Is it a gem or just a stepping stone? Alex and Ben have differing opinions.
Music is Black Fly by Audionautix.
Get in touch here: thearniethology@gmail.com2020-04-0848 min
The Arniethology presents...Review of the decade 2010-2019For no reason other than the end of a decade comes but once every, what eight or nine years? Ben and Alex are listing their favourite films of the decade from 2010 to 2019. With two picks a year, this is a 40+ list of the films The Arniethology holds dearest from this most recent decade, along with plenty of mentions for films that came close to making the list and a few major disappointments that deserve extra special mention.
Think we're nuts? Let us know at thearniethology@gmail.com
Music is "80s" by David Szesztay.2019-12-311h 56
The Arniethology presents...Forgotten Films - 1988 Part 2 (Pass the Ammo and Deadly Pursuit AKA Shoot to Kill)Ben and Alex round out the review of 1988's forgotten films with an ok religious satire and an outstanding survival thriller.
First up is the star-studded Pass the Ammo, featuring Tim Curry and a rare leading role for Bill Paxton, causing some Paxton Factor confusion.
Then (at 23m), the unduly forgotten action thriller Deadly Pursuit (AKA Shoot to Kill), starring Sidney Poitier, Tom Berenger, Kirstie Alley and Clancy Brown - as well as a handful of stunts and twists.
Music is "80s" by David Szesztay. Get in touch: thearniethology@gmail.com2019-05-091h 02
The Arniethology presents...Forgotten Films - 1988 (Saigan AKA Off Limits and Eight Men Out)In looking at 1988's Forgotten Films, Alex chooses a listener recommendation in the shape of Christopher Crowe's Vietnam cop thriller, Saigon AKA Off Limits (spoilers start at 38m30s). Then it's Ben's turn (at 51m) with John Sayles' genre-defying retelling of the 1919 'Black Sox' baseball scandal, Eight Men Out (with spoilers at 1h22m), before wrapping things up - for the first part of 1988 at least... (at 1h 27m).
Music is "80s" by David Szesztay.
Get in touch here: thearniethology@gmail.com2019-04-221h 32
The Arniethology presents...Looking AheadThanks to a pretty special piece of correspondence, this week's mini episode is not so mini, as Alex joins Ben to go through a list of potential upcoming films, as Forgotten Films moves into the 90s and beyond. Its a mixed bag, but there are some excellent recommendations here (thanks again to Cary from Vermont for taking the time).
If you want to offer your recommendations - including anything we've missed in the 1980s - do so here: thearniethology@gmail.com
Music is "80s" by David Szesztay.2019-04-1243 min
The Arniethology presents...The 100th Episode & Forgotten Films - 1987 (*batteries not included and Hollywood Shuffle)We finally did it. We reached 100 episodes.
To celebrate, we've got specially recorded clips and questions from contributors and long-time fans, as well as tackling two films from 1987 for the Forgotten Films series.
First up is "*batteries not included", one of the second tier Spielberg productions from the Amblin era, featuring adorable septuagenarians and even more adorable self-replicating robots.
Then there's a deeper dive to rediscover Robert Townsend's "Hollywood Shuffle", a semi-autobiographical satire about racial stereotyping in the film industry.
If you want two recommendations for something to watch or you want to learn more about Ben and Alex, this...2019-04-051h 54
The Arniethology presents...Forgotten Films - 1986 (At Close Range and The Wraith)Ben declares a 'twosy-doozy' and Alex has some reservations as they trawl through 1986 for a couple of Forgotten FIlms.
Ben's got Christopher Walken and Sean Penn in a tense, true life crime thriller with James Foley's At Close Range first (spoilers @ 52m30s); then Alex continues his descent into the bowels of sci-fi history (@ 1h7m) with frankly bonkers street-punk, teenage romance, sci-fi, spiritual, revenge action film, The Wraith.
You won't want to miss this one.
Music is "80s" by David Szesztay; spoiler sounds are courtesy of Ewan Robinson.
Contact us: thearniethology@gmail.com2019-03-211h 39
The Arniethology presents...Forgotten Films - 1985 (Enemy Mine and Plenty)1985 is here and we've got a listener recommendation and an awards contender, fished out from the sofa of 1980s cinema, for reappraisal.
First up, Alex has picked Wolfgang Peterson's space parable Enemy Mine, as requested by a number of listeners. A purer shot of 80s nostalgia there may not be, but did it do it for Alex and Ben? (Spoilers @ 35m 30s).
Then (@ 44m 50s) Ben is trying to go high-brow, by offering up Plenty, starring Meryl Streep. A classy, prestige film for sure, but is there anything for Ben and Alex to get their teeth into?
Two very different...2019-03-091h 33
The Arniethology presents...Forgotten Films - 1984 (Top Secret! and The Phildapelphia Experiment)Its 1984. Big Brother may be watching you, but The Arniethology is here to talk to you - about 2 films that may or may not be eligible to join the pantheon of Forgotten Films.
First up, Ben introduces the Zucker-Abrams-Zucker film that came between their 2 classics (Airplane! and The Naked Gun) - the frankly all-over-the-place, but very funny Top Secret!
Then it's Alex's turn with another sci-fi gem (or is it?), time-travel thriller The Philadelphia Experiment.
Which is better? Which is more forgotten? Which deserves to be remembered? Where does Bill Paxton fit into all this? Some of these questions might...2019-02-171h 16
The Arniethology presents...Forgotten Films Bonus - 1983 (BMX Bandits)It's a special bonus episode, as Alex joins Ben to offer up Nicole Kidman's first film, BMX Bandits, by way of apology for the, erm, lacklustre Wavelength pick from 1983. Before they get into the film itself, there's some movie news from the Fast and Furious and Mission: Impossible universes. Then its off to the bike-track for a hefty dose of 80s nostalgia, buffoonery, stunts and the start of an Oscar-winning career for Kidman.
Music is "80s" by David Szesztay; get in touch at thearniethology@gmail.com2019-02-0649 min
The Arniethology presents...Forgotten Films - 1983 (Wavelength and The Hunger)As the march through the 1980s continues, the Arniethology boys hit their first bump, as Alex makes a blind pick. Can anything good come from the obscure alien conspiracy film, Wavelength? Or is it down to Ben, with Tony Scott's The Hunger, to save the podcast from the scrapheap of forgotten films and, yes, maybe even forgotten dreams...
Music is "80s" by David Szesztay. Contact us at thearniethology@gmail.com
Intro & Wavelength, followed by The Hunger @ 33mins; spoilers for The Hunger @ 56mins; conclusion and ratings @ 1h12mins2019-02-011h 18
The Arniethology presents...Forgotten Films - 1982 (The Beastmaster and Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid)A truly outstanding year for genre films causes Alex and Ben to look a little bit harder for a couple of gems that aren't held up as highly as the classics that came out in 1982.
Alex has chosen the sword and sorcery franchise-starter The Beastmaster, causing Ben to reveal perhaps his earliest hero worship... before Ben introduces Alex to the Carl Reiner-Steve Martin collaboration Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid and hilarity ensues.
Which one will win out for their affections and earn the "highly coveted" (ahem) recommendation of The Arniethology, let alone be considered a lost gem?
Music is "80s"...2019-01-161h 13
The Arniethology presents...Forgotten Films - 1981 (The Entity and Wolfen)The forgotten gems of the 80s are in full swing now and Alex and Ben have a couple of beauties for you this week.
Once Ben tries pushing another Walter Hill film, its down to business with the genuinely shocking and surprisingly relevant paranormal thriller, The Entity.
Then its Alex's turn, by way of a listener recommendation, and the first novel from Whitley Streiber gets adapted in Wolfen. It is more than your average werewolf film.
Episode layout: Intro, followed by The Entity (@ 6mins); spoilers for The Entity (@ 39mins); Wolfen (@ 56mins); spoilers for Wolfen (@ 1h12mins); conclusion and wrap-up (@ 1h33...2019-01-031h 38
The Arniethology presents...Forgotten Films - 1980 (Time After Time and The Ninth Configuration)And so it begins... The first year of the 1980s kicks off with two very different films, as Ben brings time-travel romcom-thriller Time After Time to the table, before Alex serves up William Peter Blatty's The Ninth Configuration.
Everything is spoiler-free (pretty much) up to the 1-hour mark. This is our new format, let us know what you think of it at thearniethology@gmail.com
Music is "80s" by David Szesztay
Please like and subscribe on Apple podcasts by searching for The Arniethology2018-12-181h 36
The Arniethology presents...Forgotten Films - The BeginningWe're back!
It's time to kick off the third season of The Arniethology presents... and this time Alex and Ben are delving into lost treasures - and deservedly lost turds - in the annals of movies from 1980-2010.
In this inaugural episode, they try to determine which criteria guide what is eligible or not, as well as discussing some of the listener suggestions submitted over the last few weeks.
We're still on the lookout for suggestions (it's truly never too late, as you'll hear), as well as recordings of possible spoiler klaxons. If you have a thought or sound file...2018-12-0543 min
The Arniethology presents...Mission: Impossible - Fallout (Spoilers)Its part two of the Mission: Impossible - Fallout discussion and this time Ben and Alex are getting into spoilers.
All the major reveals, action scenes and character beats are fair game, along with regular features like the classic Cruise staples and Its Your Numbers.2018-08-051h 29
The Arniethology presents...Mission: Impossible - Fallout (Spoiler-free)In part one of their discussion of the latest in the Mission: Impossible franchise, Alex and Ben share their expectations over dinner and their immediate reactions after seeing the film.
Part two will get into the nitty gritty, so do not be afeared - there are no spoilers within.
Apologies to Vannessa Kirby!2018-07-2928 min
The Arniethology presents...Killing Gunther (2017)We're back with a look at Arnie's latest entry, the long-delayed action comedy Killing Gunther.
Ben and Alex get into all the usual stuff - is it an Arnie film if he's only in it for 20 minutes, what does it say about his career now he's doing straight to VOD films, does he get rip out anyone's spine - as well as assessing the film on its own terms.
This one is spoilery pretty much from the off, so think about whether you want to see this film before listening to us talk about it.
Its also pretty sweary in...2018-04-1551 min
The Arniethology presents...CruiseCast Finale - The Tom TenThe results are here - the most listened-to episodes, the biggest box office draws and, of course, the top 10 Tom Cruise films as voted for by you.
We're also giving away awards for Best Kiss, Best Shirtlessness, Best Running and many more before finally revealing what will be the focus of season three.
Thank you to everyone for contributing over the last year, especially Laura Highton for her artwork; regular theme music is Mission Improbable by Dorian Kelly; our awards jingle is Duo Fanfare News Jingle by Lobo Loco.
Keep an eye on twitter and facebook for future episodes.2018-03-171h 02
The Arniethology presents...Bonus: Going Clear - Scientology and the Prison of Belief (2015)The polls are closed, the votes have been counted. While you await the results, Alex and Ben discuss Alex Gibney's controversial scientology documentary and Tom Cruise's appearance in it.2018-03-1541 min
The Arniethology presents...American Made (2017)Its the final film for the CruiseCast and, after the disappointment of The Mummy, Alex and Ben are hoping to go out on a high. Which is appropriate, as Tom Cruise is peddling enough coke to get the entirety of America high.
Right at the end of the run, does this shift in gear for the Cruiser have a chance at troubling the top ten?
If you have a stake in making that happen or preventing it, be sure to send in your top ten to thearniethology@gmail.com or visit our facebook page and vote using the poll link.
...2018-02-281h 02
The Arniethology presents...The Mummy (2017)Our penultimate film (for now) sees Cruise attempt to kick-off another franchise, this time in the realm of Gods and Monsters. Alex and Ben are along for the ride and have some concerns...
You have a week to vote for your favourite Tom Cruise films, so either send a list to thearniethology@gmail.com or visit our Facebook page (The Arniethology) and click on the poll link and vote there.
Music is Mission Improbable by Dorian Kelly and artwork is by Laura Highton.2018-02-2456 min
The Arniethology presents...Jack Reacher - Never Go Back (2016)As the CruiseCast begins to wrap itself up, we make the mistake of ignoring Jack Reacher's advice to Never Go Back, by revisiting the character in his second screen appearance. Christopher McQuarrie is out; Ed 'Last Samurai' Zwick is in and Ben and Alex are joined by a guest and "Reacher teacher" Richard, to more accurately assess the strengths and weaknesses of the films to date.
But they're not just talking books. There is an inspired Reboot-Remake-Redact-Return suggestion for where the franchise could go next (including the introduction of Nic Cage) and a particularly sprawling and insane addition to the Cr...2018-02-141h 05
The Arniethology presents...Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation (2015)There's one big question on the lips of Alex and Ben as they watch Rogue Nation - can it compete with, or perhaps top, Ghost Protocol to become the highest ranked Mission film to date? Chris 'Jack Reacher' McQuarrie is writing and directing, so surely it has a chance.
There are many things to consider along the way, not least the balance of action and levity, the leap in female lead from Paula Patton to Rebecca Ferguson, the comparisons to the Fast and Furious franchise and a little-known Patton Oswalt sitcom called Ghost Bromance.
We take this stuff seriously, after...2018-02-071h 14
The Arniethology presents...Edge of Tomorrow (AKA Live. Die. Repeat) (2014)Tom Cruise follows up Oblivion by fighting yet more aliens in the significantly more entertaining Edge of Tomorrow (also known as Live. Die. Repeat.).
This time, he's got a little Groundhog Day action going on and we get to see what Cruise as a coward looks like, more than ably assisted by Emily Blunt in a stirring, robust role.
Comparisons to the world wars abound, as well as the source manga and what the film would look like featuring the likes of Channing Tatum or Martin Lawrence.
There's no doubt this is a fun entry, but can it end up...2018-01-301h 06
The Arniethology presents...Oblivion (2013)Its sci-fi time once more, as Ben and Alex head into the barren futurescapes of Oblivion.
There's no denying the visual beauty of the film, but is there anything under the surface, or is it an exercise in style over substance? Regardless, the implications for the Cruisiverse are vast.
If you disagree with our point of view - on this or any other Tom Cruise films - make sure you let us know by casting a vote for your favourite Cruise films. The easiest way to do so is to send an e-mail to thearniethology@gmail.com (you can also...2018-01-211h 01
The Arniethology presents...Jack Reacher (2012)As we near the end of the run of available films, we start a new franchise as Tom Cruise steps into the rather large shoes of Lee Child's quiet loner, Jack Reacher.
Christopher 'Valkyrie' McQuarrie is in the driving seat and receives nothing but praise from Alex and Ben for his tough dialogue, muscular action and smart direction. So much so, that Alex has another franchise he thinks McQuarrie (and maybe Cruise) should take on...
Can Cruise as Reacher overcome the stigma of tackling a role written for a man-mountain to have this rival his Mission: Impossible franchise, or is...2018-01-141h 10
The Arniethology presents...Rock of Ages (2012)Ben and Alex really test the Arniethology brand to the limits - watching every single film of an actor never felt so painful, well, maybe once before... have they finally found Tom Cruise's "Jingle All the Way"?
Alex - who historically dislikes musicals - is finally shown the light by Ben (Still don't think he gets it though).
In true Arniethology style, they still devote an entire episode (and an entire afternoon) to watching and discussing a film that they'd both rather forget. A fun and energetic episode, their liveliness betrays how little they had good they had to say...2018-01-1054 min
The Arniethology presents...Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol (2011)Alex and Ben get deep into the biggest, craziest mission yet with Brad Bird's live-action directorial debut, Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol.
We're going in-depth with this one, to discuss the major set-pieces and character turns in order and that means we're getting extra spoilery as we go. It's not a question of whether we like this film, its more a question of how many films in the Cruise Canon can actually top it. Alex finally admits his crush on Josh Holloway.
There's still time to send in your Tom Tens, so get to facebook to see how or e-mail...2018-01-031h 30
The Arniethology presents...Knight and Day (2010)Alex and Ben welcome Cameron Diaz back into the fold, as Tom Cruise tackles a more lighthearted guns-and-espionage tale than we're used to from him. They've teamed up with the often great James Mangold for Knight and Day and whatever you think that title means, you're wrong.
Unless you think it means nothing, in which case, well done. The same could largely be said of the film itself - not that there isn't some fun to be had - but who could have guessed that this would provoke a discussion about the place of the Bechdel test in modern cinema?
...2017-12-2058 min
The Arniethology presents...Valkyrie (2008)Cruise is off time-travelling again and this time it’s war, as Alex and Ben discuss Bryan Singer’s Hitler assassination conspiracy thriller, Valkyrie.
Cruise’s first (but not last) collaboration with screenwriter extraordinaire Chris McQuarrie, this presents him with another opportunity to play an unlikely war-time hero and raises some important questions:
How does his portrayal of Claus Von Stauffenberg compare to Ron Kovic?
Does he settle the question of if you could, would you go back and kill Hitler?
What does this mean for the Cruisiverse?
And just how do you say, ‘Woo!’ in German?
All this and some other...2017-12-131h 02
The Arniethology presents...Tropic Thunder (2008)Ben, Alex and guests spend far too much time talking about Robert Downey Jr., as we get down to taking in Ben Stiller's semi-satirical Hollywood farce, Tropic Thunder.
We're embracing gossip this week and it's time to talk about the strangest period of Cruise's career to date - and what better time, given how balls-out insane his performance in this film is?
As always, nothing we say is intended to offend so be warned, we try and tackle some of the more controversial elements the film throws up.
Don't be feared that we've gone all serious though - there's a...2017-12-071h 01
The Arniethology presents...Lions for Lambs (2007)What do Police Academy, The Simpsons, The Office and the war on terror have in common? If you guessed that they all get passing mentions in this episode, you guessed right. We can't explain it, but for such a serious film, we got the giggles discussing this film and we ran with it.
In talking about the film itself, Alex and Ben try to get into why it does or doesn't work, depending on your viewpoint and offer Hollywood some helpful tips on how to improve it (they're still not answering our phone calls).
And fret ye not, we haven't...2017-11-2955 min
The Arniethology presents...Mission: Impossible III (2006)Ethan Hunt comes back into the fray as Alex and Ben decide whether this is a step up or step down from the previous entries in the series.
This one is jam-packed with a variety of star performers, sweet one-liners, action set-pieces, running, tech, gadgets, romance, lip-reading, more running, actual physics and more product placement than you can shake a distance-measuring laser pen at.
All your favourite regular features are here too and we even factored in a bonus post-credits sting for you.
This episode gets silly.
Artwork is by Laura Highton, music is by Dorian Kelly.
Contact us! Details...2017-11-221h 02
The Arniethology presents...War of the Worlds (2005)Spielberg is back in the director's chair, taking on epic alien invasion as Ben and Alex get into Cruise's version of the classic sci-fi War of the Worlds.
Its place in the pantheon of HG Wells adaptations as well as how it stacks up against other grand-scale disaster movies is all weighed up, along with what Spielberg might be adding to the source material and what Tim Robbins might be taking away.
Most importantly, Alex has to settle the question of whether he still thinks this is Cruise's Batman and Robin.
Consider yourself a Cruisiversity graduate? Sign up for your...2017-11-151h 08
The Arniethology presents...Collateral (2004)Its hitman vs cab driver as Ben and Alex go into the night with Michael Mann's gritty psycho-thriller Collateral.
Cruise takes on villainy (or does he?) for only the second time, Foxx delivers his star-making turn and Jada Pinkett-Smith adds class to a solid cast, while the script is on a slightly different journey to the filmmaking at times.
If you think the Cruisiverse is going strange places, wait til you hear who was lined up to play these roles originally.
Contact details at the end; music is Mission: Improbable by Dorian Kelly; artwork is by Laura Highton.2017-11-0158 min
The Arniethology presents...The Last Samurai (2003)As Alex and Ben - and Future Alex and Hightron - try to figure how Cruise can leap from the near future to 2 centuries earlier, they get into a discussion that takes in historical verisimilitude in cinema, race, class and colonialism.
Such is life when you're this deep into the Cruisiverse and you get thrown The Last Samurai.
Hokey white guilt, epic action adventure or Oscar-bait slightly out of time? Some of these and more, it transpires.
Please get in touch if you have thoughts and feelings about any of this (details at the end of the episode).
Music is...2017-10-261h 04
The Arniethology presents...Minority Report & Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002)As a way of saying thanks to the fans - and because there really isn't any reason to spend a whole episode talking about Goldmember - we've got a double feature for you this week.
First up, the amuse-bouche is a quick peek at Cruise's 'sneeze and you'll miss it' cameo in Austin Powers' third outing, before getting to the main course of Cruise's first de facto pairing with Steven Spielberg in Minority Report.
Is this a bona fide Philip K Dick classic or just a good, post-Matrix sci-fi film? We've got the answers, depending on how you look at...2017-10-181h 06
The Arniethology presents...Vanilla Sky (2001)Balerdi boys unite once again as we welcome back Alex's brother Andrew - he of the epic T3 discussion - to discuss one of his favourite Tom Cruise outings, Cameron Crowe's Vanilla Sky.
As well as all the regular features and foolishness you've come to expect, we get into comparisons with Amenabar's Abre Los Ojos (Open Your Eyes), from which Vanilla Sky is based, we talk about possible readings of the film and how explicit Crowe is in trying to make it as clear as possible what is actually happening, as well as what the film says about modern love...2017-10-121h 29
The Arniethology presents...Mission: Impossible II (2000)After a couple of more introspective entries from Cruise, Mission: Impossible II feels like a South American soccer match - high-kickin' and low-scorin'.
As is becoming tradition when Alex and Ben aren't so hot on a film, they've invited a guest to offer a slightly more positive opinion, so Rob (not that one) is here to try to defend this bizarre Bond ripoff and love letter to slow motion hair adverts.
Can Ethan Hunt save the Cruisiverse, or is he becoming the (secret) agent of chaos that will destroy it? All this and more awaits you.
Music is 'Mission: Improbable...2017-10-041h 08
The Arniethology presents...Magnolia (1999)As Ben and Alex tackle the sprawling, emotional epic that is Paul Thomas Anderson's Magnolia, we have to tackle not only one of the finest films that Cruise has ever appeared in, but arguably his finest achievement as an actor.
Amidst a sea of incredible actors, listen as we endeavour to focus on Cruise - and fail, by then spending at least half the episode talking about everyone else.
This film is just too good - and the cast just too stellar - to not try and cram it all in.
And yet.
Not only are the Cruisiverse and all...2017-09-271h 12
The Arniethology presents...Eyes Wide Shut (1999)Its the third and final Cruise-Kidman collaboration as Alex and Ben tackle the last film by cinematic genius Stanley Kubrick.
Sex, dreams, fantasy, lies and allegory all come in to play as they try to pick apart exactly what this rich, odd, perplexing and frustrating film actually means.
And if you're concerned that this is about to turn into a proper film review, the Cruisiverse will convince you otherwise.
Music is Mission: Improbably by Dorian Kelly; artwork is by Laura Highton.
Contact details are at the end of the episode.2017-09-201h 27
The Arniethology presents...Jerry Maguire (1996)Alex. Ben. Cruise.
Zellweger. Gooding Jr. Hunt.
Crowe. Sports. Humour.
Romcom?
Lines. Classics. Cruisiverse.
Listen. Like. Share.2017-09-131h 09
The Arniethology presents...Mission: Impossible (1996)Alex and Ben embrace the arrival of Tom Cruise: Action Star as he dons the Ethan Hunt persona for the first time and kicks off his most successful franchise to date - both commercially and personally.
There's no room for ambiguity here - this is a love fest as De Palma's slick direction is praised, the film is assessed as both a stand-alone spy film and a revival of Mission: Impossible and Cruise himself earns the cinematic achievement of becoming a one-man movie-making machine (hint: numbers).
Plenty of classic staples are in play, the Cruisiverse goes to the next level...2017-09-0650 min
The Arniethology presents...BONUS ARNIE - T2 3D (2017)To celebrate the 20th anniversary of surviving judgment day, Alex and Ben have taken a special trip to the cinema to see the new, remastered, re-released, 3D-ified, 4K print of James Cameron's 1991 classic - and official Arniethology number 1 Arnie film of all time - Terminator 2: Judgment Day.
Rather than getting into everything they've already talked about, this is an opportunity to see it on the big screen, to assess how it holds up against today's blockbusters and whether it works as a 3D film, a presentation it has always seemed like it would fit.
Beware, those jocks among you...2017-09-0327 min
The Arniethology presents...Interview with the Vampire (1994)The Cruisiverse is broken.
Can Alex and Ben repair it? Neil Jordan's stylised Gothic drama, Interview with the Vampire, doesn't hit the usual Tom Cruise marks and so provides a quandary in assessing it against the star's other films and roles.
Simultaneously, Ben and Alex struggle to agree about what exactly the film does and doesn't achieve and whether Cruise is actually any good in it.
Banderas, Dunst, Pitt, Slater - do any get out alive?
Music (Mission: Improbable) by Dorian Kelly; artwork by Laura Highton; contact deets at the end of the episode.2017-08-3158 min
The Arniethology presents...The Firm (1993)Alex and Ben reveal whether they're Grisham enthusiasts as Tom Cruise slips into legal mode again with the 1993 surprise smash hit, The Firm.
Alex gets to wax lyrical about Sydney Pollack and Holly Hunter, Ben gets to worship Gene Hackman, the Cruisiverse starts to pull itself together now that all the heavy lifting has been done and there's finally an idea for a sequel that we can all get behind.
We talk about the film itself a bit too - beware the Pillow Truck of Convenience...
Music is Mission: Improbable by Dorian Kelly, artwork is by Laura Highton.2017-08-2356 min
The Arniethology presents...A Few Good Men (1992)Alex and Ben. A director at the end of a remarkable run. A movie star entering the peak of his powers. A legendary writer's first Hollywood screenplay. An immaculate cast firing on all cylinders. That speech from Jack Nicholson. What more could you want?
How about lines, classics, the Cruisiverse, further thoughts on the treatment of females in Hollywood and a rumination on how messages from movies are often misinterpreted?
Music by Dorian Kelly; artwork by Laura Highton2017-08-161h 00
The Arniethology presents...Far and Away (1992)As Alex and Ben are joined by a guest to discuss Ron Howard's romantic 'epic' Far and Away, we take a trip back to 19th century Ireland and Boston to watch the budding romance of Cruise and Kidman blossom.
While the quality of accents varies, so does the tone of the film, making for an uneven, but not entirely unentertaining watch. Its safe to say this isn't like anything we've discussed before, so how will our fresh eyes compare to those of someone who has seen it untold numbers of times?
Be warned: there are rude words littered throughout (including...2017-08-091h 04
The Arniethology presents...Days of Thunder (1990)An attempt to follow up the glory of our Top Gun episode:
A returning guest from last season
a Tony Scott/Tom Cruise team up
and basically all the same beats as Top Gun.
Ben & Alex are joined by former superfan Rob Marland to discuss the merits or otherwise of the NASCAR rehash of Top Gun, but mainly to promote Rob's shit.
We also have the arrival of Nicole Kidman into the Cruisers life, classic lines, numbers, and the all important Cruisiverse.2017-07-261h 13
The Arniethology presents...Born on the Fourth of July (1989)As Tom Cruise receives his first Oscar nomination for playing Vietnam war veteran Ron Kovic - under the tutelage of conspiracist supreme Oliver Stone - Ben and Alex seek to answer the following questions:
- How does Cruise's performance hold up?
- How does this deeply dark and upsetting film rank with his other more entertaining films?
- How nuts exactly is Oliver Stone?
- And in playing a real person, how does that affect the Cruise Classics we've come to know and love and - perhaps most importantly - the Cruisiverse?
The answers may shock you.
Artwork by Laura...2017-07-1946 min
The Arniethology presents...Rain Man (1988)Alex and Ben have watched what may remain Cruise's "Best" film and argue the toss on how his performance stacks up against the Oscar-winning Dustin Hoffman, in Rain Man.
This one is close to their hearts, so they take it a bit more seriously. But fear ye not! There's still room for lines, classics and the all-important Cruisiverse.
And once they've got all the feels out of the way, there's a right sweary message for listeners.
Music is by Dorian Kelly; artwork is by Laura Highton; contact details are at the end of the episode.2017-07-121h 05
The Arniethology presents...Cocktail (1988)Without saying whether we liked Cocktail or not, long-term fans might have found this season's Jingle All the Way...
Just what is this film about? If you've come here for answers, you're going to be disappointed.
If you've come to listen to Alex and Ben make drinks and sell you a gay bar, you just might be in luck...
Music is 'Mission: Improbable' by Dorian Kelly; artwork is by Laura Highton. Contact details at the end of the episode.2017-07-0551 min
The Arniethology presents...The Color of Money (1986)Following up the classic Top Gun chat from last time, Alex and Ben debate the status of the pseudo-sequel to 1961's The Hustler with Martin Scorsese's The Color of Money.
It may be Newman's film, but the topic of conversation is just as much on what the film has to say about Cruise and Scorsese.
Coming off the back of a film we both loved so much, what did we make of this very different kind of film? Take a listen and find out.
Don't forget to like, subscribe, share and get in touch - details of how to at...2017-06-2854 min
The Arniethology presents...Top Gun (1986)Alex and Ben sit down with Ben's sisters - of last season's Commando episode - to discuss the film that has variously been described as, 'one of the best films of the 80s', 'a true classic', 'the greatest fighter plane film ever made' and 'hotter than actual male-on-male sex'.
Butts are counted, abs are lusted over, camp derision is tossed aside and the case for Top Gun being re-evaluated as a bona fide brilliant film is casually made.
We think this film is special - and we think this episode is too.
Laura 'Arniethology Artwork' Highton just about steals the...2017-06-211h 25
The Arniethology presents...Legend (1985)Alex and Ben have their first guest of the season on to discuss Ridley Scott's much-maligned 80s fantasy epic, Legend.
Screeching Goblins, dancing swans, whale-voiced unicorns, killer latex, back-flips a go-go, a demon design for the ages and the best damn excursion to the Cruisiverse you may ever hear.
Before all that, they have to answer one of their critics as guest Ewan brings an opposing view on Arnie's Maggie.
Music is by Dorian Kelly, artwork is by Laura Highton.
Get in touch at the places :
facebook/arniethology
twitter @ thearniethology
thearniethology@gmail.com2017-06-141h 06
The Arniethology presents...Risky Business (1983)The awkward early ones are no more - behold the arrival of Tom Cruise, Superstar.
As Alex and Ben get into this oft-mimicked teen classic, they cover such diverse topics as 'Shirts Without Pants - Which Gender Looks Hotter', 'Can you ever truly trust a call girl?', 'Risky Businesses in the modern economy' and 'Where exactly would you rank All The Right Moves?' (because we completely forgot last time around).
Don't worry, we haven't changed the format - numbers, spoilers and a trip to the ever-expanding Cruisiverse all await inside. Join us.2017-06-0752 min
The Arniethology presents...All the Right Moves (1983)SPORTS!
This week we talk sports movies. Sports sports sportsy sports. Specifically, American Football - or, if you're American, 'Football' - in Tom Cruise's high school, small town, not-really-about-football, football movie All the Right Moves.
Ben likes sports movies, Alex does not. How will this fare in their critical appraisal at this point in Cruise's career? And how many jingles will they fit into 1 hour? All this and a few things more, as we talk SPORTS.
Get in touch in all the usual places (details at the end of the episode); music is by Dorian Kelly, artwork is by Laura...2017-05-3153 min
The Arniethology presents...The Outsiders and Losin' It (1983)Its a 60s drive-in double feature as Ben and Alex take in Francis Ford Coppola's period melodrama The Outsiders and chase it down with Porky's wannabe sex "comedy" Losin' It.
The classic Cruise tropes are getting more firmly entrenched now and the 'Thology boys are starting to piece together the theory that has come to be known as The Cruisiverse.
Sadly, neither film is engrossing enough to prevent both of them getting very silly indeed. You've been warned.
Music by Dorian Kelly, artwork by Laura Highton and contact details are at the end of the episode.2017-05-241h 02
The Arniethology presents...Endless Love & TAPS (1981)Tom Cruise's first 2 roles get The Arniethology treatment - with mixed results.
In Endless Love, he shows his propensity for taking his shirt off and disrupting the cosmic course of events...
...and does much the same in TAPS, but to greater effect, giving way to the theory that shall come to be known as the Cruisiverse.
Music is Mission Improbable by Dorian Kelly; artwork is by Laura Highton.
Get in touch at the places discussed at the end of the episode - we want your ideas for where the Cruisiverse will take us in subsequent films.2017-05-1753 min
The Arniethology presents...Aftermath (2017)WE'RE BACK!
And so is Arnold, as Alex and Ben look at his latest, Aftermath, the drama where Schwarzenegger tries to cope with the death of his family, caused by a freak air disaster thanks to Scoot McNairy's air traffic controller.
Is it a return to form, a descent into straight-to-DVD tosh or somewhere in the middle? Listen to find out.
And as well as that, we pay brief tribute to one of our favourite actors who left us this year.
We're back more permanently very, very soon with season 2. This is just a warm-up for the main event.2017-04-2149 min
The Arniethology presents...Terminator Genisys (2015)Its the last Arnie film on our list. Are we going out on a high?
That's for you to decide, but we do our best to stay positive for as long as possible for the fifth in the Terminator franchise. Dialogue gets dumped on, JK Simmons gets some love, CG characters get dissected, helicopters get trashed and Sam Neill pops up again.
And of course, Ben and Alex continue to pine for James Cameron.
We're all done with our Top 10s now, but we're not quite done yet - we'll be back next time with the results of the poll...2016-12-141h 12
The Arniethology presents...Maggie (2015)Our penultimate film brings a bounty of riches - not only the long-awaited Maggie, somewhat heralded as one of Arnie's finest performances, but an extra special guest in the shape of Film Fandango's Marek Larwood.
Three very differing views of the film and what it represents emerge, along with a peek inside Arnold-inspired projects from Marek and Ben, a fresh perspective on the career of Schwarzenegger, his chances at the elusive Oscar and, of course, plenty of childishness.
And just when you think it's all over, another guest makes an appearance at the end.
We also recap how Alex and...2016-12-061h 11
The Arniethology presents...Sabotage (2014)As we near the end of the run, Arnold takes on something a little different - playing dark, in ultra-violent, ultra-sweary cop thriller and murder mystery, Sabotage.
David Ayer follows up End of Watch, Arnold tries to stay relevant and everyone else acts their asses off.
But amidst all the chaos and people being horrible to one another, its a cyclist and a couple of cops on a stakeout that have caught Ben's eye, while Alex tries to avert his gaze from Terrence Howard.
Last call (probably) for your top 10 lists, so get here and get them done: https://redd...2016-11-231h 00
The Arniethology presents...Escape Plan (2013)Arnie and Sly's first bona fide team up arrives and gives Ben and Alex a chance to talk about:
- writing as strictly function
- the Walken-esque bananas work of once and future Christ, Jim Caviezel
- the instant gratification of Sam Neill's face
-the luscious facial hair of Arnold Schwarzenegger
- and the triumphs and failures of building the world's greatest supermax prison.
Be warned, this one gets silly.
Last chance to send us your Arnie top 10s, people. Get on it if you haven't already.2016-11-1656 min
The Arniethology presents...Terminator 3 - Rise of the Machines: Part 2We round off Phase 4 with a more in-depth look at the successes and failures of Arnie's last Terminator film. What? No, I don't remember him doing another one. Who is that speaking?
Anyway, with Andrew out of the way, Alex and Ben are free to get into every last little bit of Rise of the Machines - the evolution of Nick Stahl's John Connor, the development of Claire Danes' Catherine Brewster, the believability of the franchise's AI supposition, talking to hands and, of course, that ending.
Stick with us - we're nearly there now folks. And there's still some surprises...2016-10-181h 01
The Arniethology presents...Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003)As the Fall phase comes to a close, we have a "special" guest join us in the shape of Alex's brother, Andrew. Why, you ask? For he is a former John Connor along with Edward Furlong, Nick Stahl and Christian Bale.
In the first of our 2-part look at this film, the Balerdi boys delve into not only their Sweded remake of T2 as teenagers, but the follow-up that predates Rise of the Machines by a whole decade.
We'll get into the actual film in more depth next time. Until then, keep sending us your comments, trivia, videos and your...2016-10-0550 min
The Arniethology presents...Collateral Damage (2002)Arnie tries to relive his Commando glory days (sort of) in the troubled, post-9/11 action film Collateral Damage. Naturally, Ben and Alex can't help but spin conspiracy theories about what was and what could have been, as they delve into the mish-mash of violence and political intrigue.
Classic staples (SVEN!) get discussed, Arnie is apparently a Geordie and they both say "Johnny Legs" far too many times. Business as usual.
Send your top 10 Arnie films to thearniethology@gmail.com or visit our facebook page for links to videos and discussions.2016-09-2858 min
The Arniethology presents...The 6th Day (2000)Does twice the Arnold equal twice the film?
As they get into Schwarzenegger's millennial clone sci-fi thriller, Alex and Ben this week detour into the worlds of Avid editing, having an open marriage with your exact double and long-running TV series Stargate.
What does that have to do with The 6th Day, you ask? Listen and find out.
We still need your Arnie top 10 lists, so visit the facebook page /Arniethology (where you'll find a link to the reddit on that subject too) or e-mail/message us via thearniethology@gmail.com or www.arniethology.com2016-09-211h 09
The Arniethology presents...End of Days (1999)After a couple of bile-filled weeks, 1999's End of Days finds Alex and Ben in a more jovial mood, given the opportunity to dig their teeth into the religious musings of Arnold's millennial horror action film.
Detours this episode include gradually remaking and recasting the film as well as discussing other favourite Y2K and end of the world movies, before Alex turns into a cross between Queen Elizabeth and Stripe from Gremlins.
Send your comments, hatemail and top 10 Arnie lists to the usual places - details at the end of the episode, as always.2016-09-141h 05
The Arniethology presents...Batman & Robin (1997)If you thought Ben hated Jingle All the Way, get a load of Alex's feelings toward Schwarzenegger's 1997 comic book foray, Batman & Robin.
Almost refusing to talk about the film itself (or indeed be credited as Alex at all), he did a foolish thing before watching this one. As a result, this is less a discussion of Arnie's role in the film as it is a dissection of why this is the worst incarnation of the Bat in the ever-growing franchise...
We still need your Arnie top 10 lists if you haven't already sent them to us, so visit the website (www...2016-09-0756 min
The Arniethology presents...Jingle All the Way (1996) & Beretta's Island (1993)Prepare for a distinct lack of Christmas spirit from Alex and Ben as they delve the depths of Jingle All the Way, Schwarzenegger's seasonal laugh-free zone.
A big sidetrack leads them to Beretta's Island, Franco Columbu's directorial effort about saving Sardinia from drugs.
There's really not much more to say except buckle up, Jingle fans. This one gets ugly.2016-09-011h 08
The Arniethology presents...Eraser (1996) & Phase 3 Wrap-upNew levels of frustration are unearthed as Alex and Ben reach the end of the Planet Hollywood years and struggle to understand how so many writers - some award-winning - so consistently fail to produce much worthy of calling entertaining in one of Schwarzenegger's mega-budget actioners, Eraser.
They also take the opportunity to wrap-up this particular phase by looking backwards at some of the projects they've skipped over and forwards at what there is left to look forward to.
We're beginning to compile your Arnold top 10 lists so keep getting in touch in these places:
facebook/Arniethology
www.areniethology.com
...2016-08-241h 06
The Arniethology presents...Junior (1994)Ever wondered how a man could get pregnant? Ben and Alex have seen Junior and are no closer to an answer. Probably further than ever, once you hear their understanding of human biology.
Is third time the charm for the Twins gang of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Danny Devito and Ivan Reitman? Can Emma Thompson add the crucial ingredient to push it over the top? Or will Pamela 'Kindergarten Cop' Reed simply steal the show - again?
Find out here. And share your Arnie movie rankings here:
facebook: Arniethology
twitter: @thearniethology
web: www.arniethology.com
e-mail: thearniethology@gmail.com2016-08-1756 min
The Arniethology presents...True Lies (1994)Its a right old love-fest this week. Alex and Ben discuss Schwarzenegger's last (?) truly great film on this list and along the way fall head over heels all over again for Arnie, James Cameron, Jamie Lee Curtis and especially Bill [EXPLETIVE] Paxton.
All the regular features are here - action scene run-downs, imaginative kill discussions, favourite line lists, bad impressions, that beautiful scowl and increasingly ridiculous jingles. And like Cameron's structural daring within the film, we stop everything for quite a while to talk about just how great Helen Tasker's character and portrayal here is.
Are we on CRACK? Let...2016-08-101h 11
The Arniethology presents...Dave & Last Action Hero (1993) plus bonusArnold's brand comes to bite him in the butt in his biggest miss in years. Before they get into that though, Alex and Ben have a brief chat about the delightful Ivan Reitman comedy Dave from the same year, in which Schwarzenegger cameos.
Then its onto the main course and trying to find exactly where the somewhat meta, somewhat satirical, kinda action, kinda comedy Last Action Hero ultimately comes apart.
There's more though! Because we love you, we went the extra mile to give you a little bonus something this week - another film that has nothing to do with...2016-08-031h 08
The Arniethology presents...Kindergarten CopAs Arnold Schwarzenegger and Ivan 'Twins' Reitman re-team for the first time, Alex and Ben get into whether tis nobler to have scenes of kids being hilarious or to tackle more affecting subjects, such as dealing with a broken family learning to be a better person. And they both feel quite differently about it.
Kindergarten Cop come close to breaking the ranking system, delivering a confessional moment from Alex, a couple of classic moments, some sterling comedic work from Arnold and yet another discussion about his leading ladies at this time in Hollywood.
Sit down and SHUT UP and get...2016-07-1353 min
The Arniethology presents...Total RecallWe're back on sci-fi turf, Martian terrain and Venusville with the 1990 classic, Total Recall.
Alex and Ben can barely contain themselves as they talk through pretty much every possible reading of the film, run through every single action beat and recite half of the script in praise of not just one of Arnold's most beloved films, but also one of his best performances.
it's not so much a question of whether they love it as it is a question of whether it can topple The Terminator from the long-held top spot.
Get your ears to Mars and get your thoughts...2016-07-061h 00
The Arniethology presents...Phase 2 Wrap - UpAlex and Ben take a break from Schwarzenegger's films - just for one week - to reflect on the golden age of Arnie's 80s films, classic and otherwise. They chat about female agency in the era of materialism, the unwatched (by Ben at least) and unreviewed The Comeback - a short documentary charting Arnold's return to Mr Universe after several years away from professional bodybuilding - and briefly discuss his heretofore ignored side-career in bricklaying with his good buddy, training partner and sometime co-star Franco Columbu.
They also look forward at where Arnold's career is about to go and, indeed...2016-06-2235 min
The Arniethology presents...PredatorAn absolute Arnold Classic is served up, as Ben and Alex struggle with only wanting to watch Schwarzenegger movies ALL THE TIME.
John "Die Hard" McTiernan's deft hand is adored, the predator's design and character is worshipped, Shane Black's terrible jokes are Ben's cup of tea, Sonny "Billy" Landham is Alex's crowning impression and Arnold plays an absolute blinder in this 1987 classic.
But there's more! Lines are misheard and misinterpreted, the best way to end any film ever is declared, the whole Predator franchise is discussed and there's even room for a discussion of just why Alan Silvestri's score is...2016-06-011h 01
The Arniethology presents...CommandoAlex Balerdi and Ben Highton are joined for this week's discussion by life-long Arnold Schwarzenegger fans... Ben's sisters. The topic? The quippiest, possibly the craziest of the big man's 80s classics.
Skimpy speedos, deer-feeding, sassy ladies, short dudes and death counts all get the Arniethology treatment as well an answer, at last, to the question: just who is the sexiest Planet Hollywood patron - Arnie, Sly or Bruce Willis?
Get in touch at these places:
facebook: /Arniethology
twitter: (at)thearniethology
e-mail: thearniethology@gmail.com
web: www.arniethology.com2016-05-181h 12
The Arniethology presents...Red SonjaArnold Schwarzenegger gets top-billing and a surprising amount of screen time, regardless of how you look at it, in this week's "epic", Red Sonja. Ben Highton and Alex Balerdi compare Brigitte Neilsen to Sandahl Bergman and bemoan what could have been, along the way seeing lovely sights, awful sounds and a whole lot of "AYAH! AYAH! AYAH!".
Join the conversation:
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Subscribe, share and like on Soundcloud and iTunes.
Thanks for listening!2016-05-1156 min
The Arniethology presents...Conan The DestroyerFollowing on from being a Barbarian, Arnold Schwarzenegger becomes the Destroyer (sort of). Alex and Ben's will is the main thing destroyed as they ruminate on unfunny comedy, unexciting action and unfantastic fantasy. Things get stressful for Ben in particular as he confronts the wasted opportunity the film represents, while Alex wishes Grace Jones had more to do.
Let us know what you think, which Arnie films you love and what your top 5 of his films looks like here:
e-mail: thearniethology@gmail.com
facebook: /Arniethology
twitter: (AT)thearniethology
web: www.arniethology.com
Music by Tony Gage here:
http://freemusicarchive.org...2016-04-2752 min
The Arniethology presents...Pilot - From Herc to MaggieTheir mission: to watch every Arnold Schwarzenegger movie in chronological order.
In their introductory ramblings, Alex Balerdi and Ben Highton discuss their personal histories growing up with Arnie, they run down the list of films that will be viewed and picked apart over the coming months and try to break the great man's career into distinct phases.
Join the conversation at https://www.facebook.com/Arniethology/ by letting us know what you think and which are your favourite Arnold movies.2016-03-1348 min