Shows
MacGuffin Podcast150 - You Are So Not Invited to My Bat MitzvahThis week, we reviewed the Netflix original teen comedy You Are So NOT Invited to My Bat Mitzvah. For the streaming homework, we look back at the 2018 comedy Game Night and Keith gets quizzed on what older movies are remakes or originals.
2023-09-251h 13
MacGuffin Podcast146 - BarbieThis week, we review the new Barbie movie, and for the streaming homework, we review the 1994 Hong Kong romantic comedy, Chungking Express. Keith also gives us details about last weekend at San Diego Comic-Con.
2023-07-311h 12
MacGuffin Podcast142 - Flamin Hot & Transformers Rise of the BeastsFor this episode of the podcast, we review the Hulu original biopic, Flamin Hot, and Keith gives us a solo review of Transformers: Rise of the Beasts. We also celebrate Pride month with a review of the 1994 Aussie drag comedy, The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.
2023-06-191h 24
MacGuffin Podcast141 - Spider-Man: Across the Spider-VerseThis episode features our review of the animated superhero sequel, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. Cassidy quizzes Keith on his knowledge of celebrity voice performances for other animated classics, and we also discuss the 1981 fantasy cult movie, Dragonslayer.
2023-06-121h 14
MacGuffin Podcast135 - Creed IIIFor this podcast, we catch up with Creed III, the third installment of the boxing drama starring Michael B. Jordon. Keith also brings to the table a draft segment where we list our favorite movie goons. And for our streaming homework, we review the 1989 Patrick Swayze schlock-fest, Road House.
2023-03-271h 25
MacGuffin Podcast130 - Infinity PoolFor this episode of the podcast, we review Brandon Cronenberg's sci-fi thriller, Infinity Pool. We also discuss the 2023 Oscar nominations and make a few predictions. At the end of the show, we review the 2011 psychological drama, Take Shelter, starring Michael Shannon and Jessica Chastain.
2023-02-061h 30
MacGuffin Podcast129 - M3GANFor this week's podcast, we review the new Blumhouse horror movie M3GAN, starring Allison Williams and a creepy rubber doll. We also discuss the 1985 Chevy Chase comedy, Fletch, and Keith shares his thoughts on the debut episode of The Last of Us.
2023-01-231h 03
MacGuffin Podcast128 - Top Films of 2022For this podcast episode, we countdown our lists of the top 10 films released in 2022. We also throw in a few honorable mentions and count down our bottom five movies from last year.
2023-01-161h 31
MacGuffin Podcast127 - Avatar: The Way of Water & Glass OnionFor this week's episode, we review the long-awaited blockbuster sequel Avatar: The Way of Water by James Cameron and Rian Johnson's Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery. Also, for our streaming homework, we discuss Richard Linklater's animated love letter to 1960s suburban life, Apollo 10 1/2: A Space Age Childhood.
2023-01-021h 36
MacGuffin Podcast126 - The FabelmansThis week, we review Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio adaptation for Netflix and Steven Spielberg's semi-auto-biographical film, The Fabelmans. For our streaming homework, we also catch up with David Cronenberg's latest sci-fi horror movie, Crimes of the Future.
2022-12-261h 31
MacGuffin Podcast125 - Bones & AllFor this podcast episode, we break down Sight and Sound's updated list of the 100 Greatest Films of All Time and add five of our own entries. We also review the new cannibal teen romance, "Bones and All." For the streaming homework, we discuss the 1987 flop, "Ishtar," starring Dustin Hoffman and Warren Beatty.
2022-12-121h 32
MacGuffin Podcast124 - The MenuAshlee joins the podcast this week to review the new dark comedy, The Menu, starring Ralph Fiennes and Anya Taylor-Joy. We also reminisce about our days as video store clerks, just before the DVD market bottomed out. Finally, as our streaming homework, we review the 1944 gothic noir, Gaslight.
2022-11-281h 18
MacGuffin Podcast123 - Banshees of Inisherin & Black Panther: Wakanda ForeverThis week Keith reviews the new Marvel sequel "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Collectively, we review the period dramedy, Banshees of Inisherin, starring Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson. As for this episode's streaming homework, we catch up with Baz Lurhman's rock biopic, Elvis.
2022-11-211h 18
MacGuffin Podcast122 - Weird: The Al Yankovich Story & Black AdamIn this week's podcast, we list our favorite Weird Al parodies and review his new comedy biopic, Weird: The Al Yankovich Story. Keith also gives us his solo review of the new DC super hero movie Black Adam. For our streaming homework, we review the 1996 family dramedy, The Daytrippers, written and directed by Greg Mottola.
2022-11-141h 21
MacGuffin Podcast121 - Halloween Ends & Dario Argento retrospectiveThis week, we bring on guest Richard Wolley to review the final chapter in David Gordon Green's Halloween reboot trilogy, Halloween Ends. Before that, we also discuss the career highlights of the Italian horror auteur, Dario Argento. Deep cuts include Giallo classics such as Deep Red (1977), Inferno (1980), and Opera (1987).
2022-10-301h 36
MacGuffin Podcast120 - Hellraiser (2022)This week, we review Hulu's reboot of the classic Clive Barker horror film, Hellraiser. We also do a deep dive into the career of the Canadian master of body horror, David Cronenberg, including individual reviews of Rabid (1977), Dead Ringers (1988), and Cosmopolis (2012).
2022-10-171h 25
MacGuffin Podcast119 - BarbarianFor this week's episode, we kick off our month-long horror directors' profiles, beginning with the deep cuts of Wes Craven. We also catch up with the recent horror hit, Barbarian, written and directed by Zach Cregger.
2022-10-101h 15
MacGuffin Podcast118 - PearlFor this week's podcast, we review Ti West's follow-up to the horror film X, Pearl, starring Mia Goth. We also discuss a few movie opinion changes we have undergone over the years. As for this week's streaming homework, we talk about the 1997 Japanese animated thriller, Perfect Blue, which is currently listed on Shudder.
2022-09-261h 15
MacGuffin Podcast117 - PinocchioFor this podcast episode, we review Disney's live-action update on their 1940 classic, Pinnochio, starring Tom Hanks. We also discuss the latest movie news, and for our streaming homework, we review the Amazon Prime original romantic comedy, I Want You Back.
2022-09-191h 11
MacGuffin Podcast116 - Three Thousand Years of LongingFor this week's episode, we review George Miller's fantasy epic, Three Thousand Years of Longing, starring Idris Elba and Tilda Swinton. We also have a lengthy discussion about what properties since 2000 have garnered the most devoted fandoms. And for our streaming homework, we review the 2015 western/horror hybrid, Bone Tomahawk.
2022-09-121h 31
MacGuffin Podcast115 - BeastIn this podcast episode, we review the Idris Elba versus a rogue lion thriller, Beast. We also extensively discuss the best post-peak performances by actors working past their prime. Finally, for the streaming homework, we review the 1963 psychological thriller, Shock Corridor, written and directed by Sam Fuller.
2022-08-291h 21
MacGuffin Podcast114 - PreyFor this podcast episode, we discuss all of the movies in the Predator franchise and conclude with a full review of the latest entry, Prey. We also discuss the new Netflix adaptation of Neil Gaiman's The Sandman. And for our streaming homework, we review Hayao Miyazaki's 1984 anime epic, Nausica of the Valley of the Wind.
2022-08-151h 23
MacGuffin Podcast113 - The Gray ManOn this week's pod, we review the Netflix action-thriller, The Gray Man, starring Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans. We also talk in-depth about the Discover+ HBOMAX merger and the content changes scheduled for the app. Speaking of streaming platforms, for our streaming homework, we review last year's documentary, A Glitch in the Matrix.
2022-08-081h 25
MacGuffin Podcast112 - NopeFor this week's episode, we review Jordan Peele's latest science-fiction horror film, Nope. And for our streaming homework, we discuss this year's buzzed-about Hindi action-musical, "RRR." Keith also gives us all the details about his weekend spent at San Diego's 2022 Comic Con.
2022-08-011h 27
MacGuffin Podcast111 - Thor Love and ThunderThis week, we review the latest saga starring Chris Hemsworth as Marvel's nordic hero in Thor: Love and Thunder. We also suggest our fan casting for a hypothetical live-action Jetsons movie. Lastly, we discuss the 1984 Red Riding Hood-themed horror fairytale, The Company of Wolves, directed by Neil Jordan.
2022-07-181h 19
MacGuffin Podcast110 - The Black PhoneFor this episode, we review Scott Derrickson's latest horror film, The Black Phone, starring Ethan Hawke. We also talk about movies with especially bad titles. And, from HBOMax, we discuss the 1990 sequel to Chinatown, The Two Jakes.
2022-07-111h 26
MacGuffin Podcast109 - HustleThis week we discuss the best and worst of Adam Sandler's acting/producing career and we review his latest basketball movie, Hustle. For our streaming homework, we talk about the 2012 documentary How to Survive a Plague, which covers the activism around the early years of the AIDS epidemic.
2022-06-201h 23
MacGuffin Podcast108 - Top Gun: MaverickThis week, we review the long-awaited action sequel "Top Gun: Maverick," starring Tom Cruise and Miles Teller. We also cover the latest movie news, and for the streaming homework, we discuss James Mangold's 1997 crime-thriller, "Cop Land."
2022-06-131h 17
MacGuffin Podcast107 - MenThis week, we review Alex Garland's English countryside nightmare, Men, starring Jessie Buckley and Rory Kinnear. We also talk about sex scenes in movies that were necessary to the quality of the film. For our streaming homework, we ring in Pride month with the 2015 indie film, Tangerine.
2022-06-061h 31
MacGuffin Podcast106 - FirestarterThis week, we review the latest adaptation of Stephen King's sci-fi thriller, Firestarter, starring Zac Efron. We also test Keith's knowledge of films that take place in Seattle. For our streaming homework, we review John Carpenter's Ghosts of Mars, released in 2002.
2022-05-231h 14
MacGuffin Podcast105 - Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of MadnessFor this week's podcast, we review Marvel's Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, and Keith review's the new Nicholas Cage comedy, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Tallent. We also talk about the history of the American rating system and debate the merits of the PG-13 blockbuster standard. From Amazon Prime, we review the 2002 British comedy, 24 Hour Party People, which details the rise and fall of Factory Records.
2022-05-161h 32
MacGuffin Podcast104 - Everything Everywhere All at Once & The NorthmanThis week we bring you two reviews of the creative action-comedy "Everything Everywhere All at Once" and Robbert Eggers' Viking epic, "The Northman." For our streaming homework, we also discuss the 1971 crime classic, Dirty Harry.
2022-05-021h 28
MacGuffin Podcast103 - The BubbleFor this week's episode, we review Judd Apatow's star-studded COVID-era comedy, The Bubble. We talk at some length about overlooked mid-budget movies made in the last ten years. Lastly, for our streaming homework, we discuss Ken Russell's 1971 controversial cult masterpiece, The Devils, starring Oliver Reed and Venessa Redgrave.
2022-04-181h 24
MacGuffin Podcast102 - XFor this episode, we review Ti West's indie horror 70s exploitation homage, X, distributed by A24. We also discuss the casting news behind a possible reboot of The Crow, and at the end, we discuss the 1988 Steve Martin rom-com, Roxanne.
2022-04-111h 20
MacGuffin Podcast101 - Turning RedOn this week's podcast, we review Disney and Pixar's latest animated feature, Turning Red. We also cover the winners of last week's Academy Awards broadcast, and of course, we talk about the media frenzy surrounding #TheSlappening. At the end of the program, we review our streaming homework, the 2018 Natalie Portman drama, Vox Lux.
2022-04-041h 31
MacGuffin Podcast100 - The BatmanThis week, we celebrate our 100th episode with The MacGuffin. Patrick of the Consume Us Podcast helps us rank every live-action solo Batman film made since 1989, including a ranking and an official review of the latest iteration - Matt Reeve's The Batman. We go into everything that makes or breaks a Batman film, from screenplay and performances to the Batmobile and costume design.
2022-03-283h 08
MacGuffin Podcast99 - KimiThis week, Macguffin manager, editor, and lead film critic Allen Almachar joins Cassidy to review the new Steven Soderbergh feature, KIMI, starring Zoe Kravitz. We discuss the history of controversial and contentious best picture winners, which leads us into a re-review of the Paul Haggis Oscar-winning drama, 2005's Crash.
2022-02-211h 22
MacGuffin Podcast98 - Nightmare AlleyFor this week's episode, we catch up with Guillermo del Torro's gothic noir, Nightmare Alley. We also discuss the top Oscar nomination categories/snubs, and we cover some recent movie news. For the streaming homework, we take a look back at Disney's 2002 animated flop, Treasure Planet.
2022-02-141h 15
MacGuffin Podcast97 - The Tragedy of MacbethFor this episode of the podcast, we discuss the highs and lows of the Coen brothers' body of films and we review Joel Coen's solo effort, The Tragedy of Macbeth. This week's streaming homework is the 1987 brat-pack dramedy, Some Kind of Wonderful, and we mull over the wild backstory behind the making of Kangaroo Jack.
2022-02-071h 21
MacGuffin Podcast96 - The Tender BarFor this week's episode, we review the coming-of-age drama, The Tender Bar, starring Ben Affleck and directed by George Clooney. We also attempt the impossible by recasting all of the principal lead characters in Back to the Future with modern actors. For our streaming homework, we examine the 2004 documentary, Metallica: Some Kind of Moster. In this segment, we ponder bad drum production, the merits of occupational group therapy, and Kirk Hammett's horse ranch.
2022-01-241h 30
MacGuffin Podcast95 - EncantoFor this episode, we review Disney's latest animated fantasy film, Encanto. We also play a new game in which we decide the definitive works of a handful of famous directors. At the end of the program, we discuss the 1967 crime drama, Le Samourai, by the French auteur Jean-Pierre Melville.
2022-01-171h 09
MacGuffin Podcast94 - Best and Worst of 2021To put a bow on last year's cinema, we rank our top 10 and bottom 5 films of 2021. We also read social media comments from listeners about their favorite movies. Listen up and find out if your favorite movie from last year made it on one of our lists!
2022-01-101h 36
MacGuffin Podcast93 - Spider-Man No Way Home & Matrix ResurrectionsThe first episode of 2022 features reviews for Spider-Man: No Way Home and The Matrix Resurrections. We also think of a couple of pitches for buddies movies starring actors of our choice. For our streaming homework, we review the 1995 cyber-punk action movie, Johnny Mnemonic, which also stars Keanu Reeves.
2022-01-031h 34
MacGuffin Podcast92 - King RichardFor this episode of the podcast, we review the Venus and Serena Williams sports biopic, King Richard, starring Will Smith. We also list a few film franchises we think could use a Christmas entry. For the streaming homework, we review the 1988 crime-comedy, Midnight Run.
2021-12-201h 20
MacGuffin Podcast91 - House of GucciFor this episode, we review Ridley Scott's lurid biopic, House of Gucci, starring Adam Driver and Lady Gaga. We also compare other musicians who became actors and rank them on our own special scale. For the streaming homework, we review the 2012 Tom Cruise action movie, Jack Reacher.
2021-12-131h 26
MacGuffin Podcast90 - Power of the DogFor this episode of the podcast, we review Jane Campion's latest period drama/western, Power of the Dog. We also talk about the paranoid 1982 TV movie, Mazes & Monsters, starring a young Tom Hanks. For this episode's special segment, we compare what fictional movie toys and games we wish were real.
2021-12-051h 16
MacGuffin Podcast89 - Last Night in SohoFor this week's podcast, we bring you an Edgar Wright double feature. We review his latest thriller, Last night in Soho, and from Netflix, his music documentary, The Sparks Brothers. We also discuss the films that we and our listeners deem underrated.
2021-11-221h 20
MacGuffin Podcast88 - Eternals & TitaneFor this podcast episode, we review Marvel's new team-up adventure, Eternals, as well as this year's much-buzzed-about Palme d'Or winner, Titane. We also discuss the recent movie news, and for our streaming homework, we review the 1955 Frank Sinatra drama, The Man with the Golden Arm.
2021-11-151h 24
MacGuffin Podcast87 - DuneOn this episode of the podcast, we review Denis Villeneuve's adaptation of the epic science fiction novel, Dune. We also list our all-time favorite title sequences and movie openings. For our streaming homework, we review the 2020 Danish drama, Another Round, starring Mads Mikkelsen.
2021-11-081h 29
MacGuffin Podcast86 - Halloween KillsWith this week's podcast, we ring in Halloween with our review of David Gordon Green's Halloween Kills. We also discuss the horror films that never scared us and compare our answers to listeners' personal experiences. For the streaming homework, we talk about the 2008 British horror movie, Eden Lake, starring Michael Fassbender.
2021-10-251h 35
MacGuffin Podcast85 -VHS94For this episode of the podcast, we review Shudder's new entry in the anthology V/H/S franchise, V/H/S94. We put forth a few ideas of horror tropes we'd like to see more of, and at the end, we review the 2006 documentary, Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon.
2021-10-181h 21
MacGuffin Podcast84 - Fear Street: Part One - 1994For this horror-themed episode, our special guest, filmmaker, blogger, and podcaster, Julia Marchese, joins us to review the first part of the Netflix horror trilogy, Fear Street: Part One - 1994. We talk about Julia's upcoming Stephen King short, I Know What You Need, as well as her past work as a staff member of the Los Angeles repertory movie theater The New Beverly. We discuss her feature documentary Out of Print, and to close things out, we review the 1980 cult thriller, Fade to Black.
Check out all of Julia's projects at this link.
2021-10-111h 13
MacGuffin Podcast83 - Werewolves WithinFor this episode, we check out Josh Ruben's horror-comedy whodunit, Werewolves Within, based on the popular computer game. We also list a few of our choices for the scariest non-horror movies. For this week's streaming homework, we discuss Troma's 1990 release, the cult-comedy, Frankenhooker.
2021-10-041h 19
MacGuffin Podcast82 - Candyman (2021)For this episode of the podcast, we review the horror sequel/reboot, Candyman, produced by Jordan Peele's company, Monkeypaw. We also discuss why some online haters love to complain about the popularity of A24. As our streaming homework, we review the 1998 X Files movie and judge if it stands alone well enough apart from the television series.
2021-09-271h 18
MacGuffin Podcast81 - MalignantFor this episode, we review James Wan's latest horror feature, Malignant. We cover the latest movie news. For our streaming homework, we also discuss the 1983 punk drama, Suburbia.
2021-09-201h 29
MacGuffin Podcast80 - Shang-Chi and ReminiscenceFor this podcast episode, we review Marvel's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, as well as the HBO sci-fi/noir, Reminiscence, starring Hugh Jackman. We also list our picks for the best science fiction films since the year 2000. For our streaming homework, we discuss the 2018 sports documentary, Andre The Giant, which chronicles the life of the charismatic pro-wrestler.
2021-09-121h 35
MacGuffin Podcast79 - The Suicide Squad & The Green KnightOn this podcast episode, we come back with reviews for James Gunn's R-rated superhero comedy, The Suicide Squad, as well as the dark fairy-tale adaptation, The Green Knight. We also catch up with the movie news, and for our streaming homework, we discuss David Lynch's 1999 family movie, The Straight Story.
2021-08-291h 07
MacGuffin Podcast78 - Jungle CruiseFor this week's podcast. Alice and Buddy from the theme park podcast Those Happy Places join us to talk about Disney's Jungle Cruise movie. We talk about the narrative possibility of rides, and for our streaming homework, we discuss Disney's 2003 Eddie Murphy vehicle, The Haunted Mansion.
Check out Those Happy Places here.
2021-08-081h 43
MacGuffin Podcast77 - No Sudden MoveFor this episode of the podcast, we review Steven Soderbergh's latest crime noir, "No Sudden Move." We also talk about some of our favorite and least favorite movies from Soderbergh's extensive and diverse film catalog. For our streaming homework, we discuss the 1988 cult sci-fi/comedy, "Hell Comes to Frogtown," starring Rowdy Roddy Piper.
2021-08-011h 32
MacGuffin Podcast76 - Space Jam: A New LegacyFor this episode, we review the long-awaited Looney Tunes sequel, Space Jam: A New Legacy, starring LeBron James. We also debate the quality of comedy sequels over horror film sequels, and for our streaming homework, we review the 2017 surrealist thriller, The Killing of a Sacred Deer.
2021-07-251h 14
MacGuffin Podcast75 - Black WidowWe are joined this week by a friend of the podcast, Patrick. We review Marvel's Black Widow, and for our streaming homework, we review the 2012 South Korean crime drama, Nameless Gangster. Keith and Patrick go deep into their Marvel Thunderbolts theories, and they both compete in a quiz all about films set in Detroit.
Check out Patrick's new podcast, Consume Us.
2021-07-181h 39
MacGuffin Podcast74 - F9 & LucaFor this episode, we review the latest entry in the Fast and Furious saga, F9, and we review Pixar's recent release, Luca. We also list six of our favorite summer-time movies, and at the end of the podcast, we discuss the 1987 classic, The Princess Bride.
2021-07-111h 37
MacGuffin Podcast73 - In The HeightsFor this episode of the podcast, we review the film In The Heights, based on the broadway musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda. We also read responses by our listeners about their favorite movie musicals. At the end of the show, we discuss the 1984 cult-film, Streets of Fire, an action, crime, rock-and-roll musical.
2021-06-271h 19
MacGuffin Podcast72 - Cruella & A Quiet Place 2For this episode of the podcast, we review Disney's new live-action prequel, Cruella, and the creature feature sequel, A Quiet Place 2. We also discuss Bo Burnham's new comedy special Inside, and at the end of the pod, we take a look back at the classic anime feature, My Neighbor Totoro.
Be sure to check out Rod and Denise's new podcast Talk-O-Tuesday.
2021-06-131h 15
MacGuffin Podcast71 - Army of the DeadFor this week's podcast, we review the ups and downs of Zack Snyder's Netflix original movie, Army of the Dead. We also discuss JJ Abram's recent admission that the latest Star Wars trilogy was ill-conceived. Before the reviews, we retool classic movie plots in a different genre context, and at the end of the podcast, we discuss Pedro Almodovar's dark rom-com, 1989's Tie Me Up Tie Me Down!
2021-05-301h 41
MacGuffin Podcast70 - Those Who Wish Me DeadFor this week's podcast, we review the new thriller by Taylor Sheridan, Those Who Wish Me Dead, starring Angelina Jolie. We also discuss this week's movie news and deliberate on what animals aren't cute enough to feature on Reddit's "aww" subreddit. For our streaming homework, we talk about the rowdy 2014 cult film, The Guest, directed by Adam Wingard.
2021-05-231h 04
MacGuffin Podcast69 - Mortal KombatFor this episode of the podcast, we discuss last week's Oscar snafu and we review the latest Mortal Kombat film. We also talk about the best and worst video game adaptations. As streaming homework, we review the 2006 musical comedy, Tenacious D and the Pick of Destiny.
2021-05-021h 21
MacGuffin Podcast68 - SlaxxFor this episode, we review the Shudder exclusive horror-comedy, Slaxx. We also compare both miniseries of The Stand, and as our streaming homework, we review the 2017 Hulu documentary, Batman and Bill. If you like comic book talk, we do a lot of it this week.
2021-04-251h 06
MacGuffin Podcast67 - Godzilla vs KongFor this episode, we review the blockbuster crossover, "Godzilla vs. Kong," and we list a few movie match-ups we'd like to see in the future. For our streaming homework, we also review Terry Gilliam's long-awaited passion project, "The Man Who Killed Don Quixote."
2021-04-121h 17
MacGuffin Podcast66 - Justice League Snyder CutFor this episode of the podcast, we reevaluate Zack Snyder's Justice League in the context of his four-hour director's cut, now available on HBO Max. We also discuss which concept albums we'd like to see as feature-length movie adaptations. For our streaming homework, we review the 80s slasher film, Maniac Cop.
2021-03-291h 26
MacGuffin Podcast65 - Raya and the Last DragonFor this episode, we review Disney's new animated fantasy epic, Raya and the Last Dragon, and for our streaming homework, we discuss Paul W.S. Anderson's 1994 debut, Shopping, starring Jude Law. We also go over this year's Oscar nominations and Keith tells us all about watching the X-Files for the first time.
2021-03-221h 18
MacGuffin Podcast64 - I Care a LotFor this episode of the podcast, we review the Netflix crime film, "I Care a Lot," and for our streaming homework, we discuss the 2019 film, "Queen & Slim." We also ponder the canonization of our childhood pop-culture and weigh in on the latest movie news.
2021-03-151h 21
MacGuffin Podcast63 - NomadlandFor this episode, we review Hulu's realist drama, Nomadland, starring Francis McDormand as a house-less traveler. We also propose our own dream casts for the imminent Wizard of Oz remake, and at the end of the episode, we discuss the 1984 cult-film, C.H.U.D.
2021-03-011h 15
MacGuffin Podcast62 - Judas and the Black MessiahFor this very special episode, we review the HBOMax thriller, Judas and the Black Messiah. We talk at length about the painful history and the cinematic tension behind the Fred Hampton biopic starring Daniel Kaluuya and LaKeith Stanfield. For our streaming homework, we discuss the 2015 horror-comedy Bloodsucking Bastards along with this week's guest, writer/director/comedian Brian James O'Connell. We get into on-set stories, Brian's filmmaking process, and what it was like casting pre-Game of Thrones/Mandalorian/Narcos star, Pedro Pascal.
2021-02-221h 35
MacGuffin Podcast61 - The Little ThingsFor this week's episode, we review the new thriller, The Little Things, now available on HBOMax, which stars starring Denzel Washington, Rami Malek, and Jared Leto. We also discuss the latest movie news and for our streaming homework, we review Sam Raimi's Darkman from 1990.
2021-02-151h 20
MacGuffin Podcast60 - Promising Young WomanThis week's podcast discusses the new dark comedy "Promising Young Woman," starring Carey Mulligan and Bo Burnham. We also list the 6 coming-of-age films that defined us, and for our streaming homework, we review the 2009 South Korean thriller, "Mother," directed by Bong Joon-Ho.
2021-02-081h 05
MacGuffin Podcast59 - SoulFor this episode, we review the new Pixar animated film, Soul, starring Jamie Foxx and Tina Fey. We also discuss the best and worst performances by Leonardo DiCaprio. At the end of the program, we review last year's sci-fi horror film, Underwater.
2021-01-251h 21
MacGuffin Podcast58 - Wonder Woman 1984For this podcast episode, we review Wonder Woman 1984, and for our streaming homework, we review the 1983 rom-com, Valley Girl. Due to the 80s nature of our reviews, we pick four movies that best invoke an 80s aesthetic.
2021-01-111h 16
MacGuffin Podcast57 - TenetFor this episode of the podcast, we discuss all of the feature films by director Christopher Nolan, including his latest sci-fi epic, Tenet. We also get to our last Christmas movie review of 2020, Bad Moms Christmas, which is available to stream on Netflix. Keith updates us with his latest cat drama as well.
2021-01-041h 42
MacGuffin Podcast56 - Sound of MetalFor this episode of the podcast, we review the Amazon Prime indie drama, The Sound of Metal, starring Riz Ahmen and Olivia Cooke. We also pitch four new ideas for Christmas movies, and at the end of the show, we review the 2010 Finnish holiday horror film, Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale.
2020-12-2159 min
MacGuffin Podcast55 - MankFor this episode of the podcast, we review the new David Fincher film, "Mank," based on the writing process that developed "Citizen Kane." We also talk about the casting news behind Sony/Marvel's Spider-Man 3, and we discuss the future of post-Covid cinema. At the end of the podcast, we review the 1994 Christmas comedy, "Mixed Nuts," which is available to stream for free on Tubi.
2020-12-141h 23
MacGuffin Podcast54 - RunIn this episode, we review the direct-to-Hulu thriller "Run," starring Sarah Paulson. We also catch up with the movie news, and at the end of the program, we review the Coen brother's 1984 debut, "Blood Simple."
2020-11-301h 10
MacGuffin Podcast53 - Borat Subsequent MoviefilmFor this week's podcast, we discuss Sacha Baron Cohen's latest satirical comedy, Borat Subsequent Moviefilm. From Disney Plus, we also review 2006's The Simpson Movie, and we say farewell to the original James Bond, Sean Connery.
2020-11-161h 10
MacGuffin Podcast52 -What Lies Beneath & Music of the HeartFor this episode, we do something a little different. We review a horror film made by a director that's not known for the genre, What Lies Beneath by Robert Zemeckis. We then review a non-horror film made by a horror director, Music of the Heart by Wes Craven. We also name our favorite and least favorite Stephen King adaptations.
2020-10-301h 24
MacGuffin Podcast51 - Scare Me & The Babysitter: Killer QueenFrom Netflix, we review the original sequel, The Babysitter: Killer Queen, and from the horror app Shudder, we review the newly released horror-comedy, Scare Me. We also discuss some of our favorite horror movie scores, and as streaming homework, we check out the 1990 sequel, Exorcist III: Legion.
2020-10-251h 21
MacGuffin Podcast50 - Boys in the BandFor this episode of the podcast, we discuss the Netflix remake of the 70s classic, "The Boys in the Band." We also talk about our favorite horror sequels, and at the end of the show, we review the 1985 horror-comedy, "Fright Night."
2020-10-191h 19
MacGuffin Podcast49 - Feels Good ManFor this week's episode, we review the 2020 documentary, Feels Good Man, which chronicles the origins of the maligned meme, Pepe the Frog. We also discuss the best movies to introduce kids to horror, and at the end of the show, we review the 1972 psychological drama Images, directed by Robert Altman.
2020-10-051h 27
MacGuffin Podcast48 - I'm Thinking of Ending ThingsFor this episode of the podcast, we review Netflix's new Charlie Kaufman film, I'm Thinking of Ending Things. We also play the franchise prequel edition of F-Marry-Kill. At the end of the podcast, we review the 2013 Nicholas Cage thriller, The Frozen Ground.
2020-09-211h 21
MacGuffin Podcast47 - Bill & Ted Face the MusicThis week we review the long-awaited comedy sequel, Bill & Ted Face the Music, and for our streaming homework, we discuss the 2008 documentary, Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father. We also talk in-depth about the safety and ethics of going to see movies in the theater again under the new COVID guidelines, and we say farewell to actor Chadwick Boseman.
2020-09-071h 19
MacGuffin Podcast46 - An American PickleFor this episode of the podcast, we review the new Seth Rogen HBOMax comedy, An American Pickle, a film in which Rogen plays opposite himself. We also discuss our favorite documentaries and we both suggest a modern recasting of Jaws. At the end of the show, we review the 2004 romantic melodrama, The Notebook, which is currently available to stream on Netflix.
2020-08-241h 21
MacGuffin Podcast45 - The Old GuardIn this episode of the podcast, we review the latest Netflix action movie, The Old Guard, starring Charlize Theron. We try to revive the careers of some of our favorite inactive actors, and from Amazon Prime streaming, we review the 1982 cult film, Liquid Sky.
2020-08-031h 26
MacGuffin Podcast44 - Eurovision Song ContestIn this episode of the podcast, we review the latest Netflix original comedy, "Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga," starring Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams. We also discuss recent movie news and the best and worst Oscar losers of 2012. For our streaming homework, we take a look at another Netflix original film, 2017's "Gerald's Game," based on the novel by Stephen King.
2020-07-181h 22
MacGuffin Podcast43 - Da 5 BloodsIn this episode of the podcast, we say goodbye to award-winning film composer Ennio Morricone and we talk about our all-time favorite soundtracks and scores. We also review Spike Lee's latest Netflix original, The 5 Bloods, and from Amazon Prime, we review the 1969 version of The Italian Job, starring Micheal Caine.
2020-07-101h 04
MacGuffin Podcast42 - King of Staten IslandOn this week's podcast, we review the new Judd Apatow film, The King of Staten Island, starring SNL cast member, Pete Davidson. For our streaming homework, we also review Taika Waititi's 2016 film, Hunt For The Wilderpeople, which is available to watch on Hulu. Before the reviews, we discuss our favorite media to consume as we're falling asleep.
2020-06-191h 02
MacGuffin Podcast41 - Donnie Darko & Emo: The MusicalOn this episode, Kyle and Ellie of the E-Word Podcast guest on our show to talk all about how "emo" has been depicted on screen. We discuss the importance of the 2001 sci-fi psycho-drama Donnie Darko within the emo scene, and for laughs, we review the 2016 Australian teen comedy, "Emo: The Musical."
2020-06-021h 28
MacGuffin Podcast40 - ExtractionFor this week's podcast, we review the Chris Hemsworth action rescue movie, Extraction, recently released directly to Netflix. Also on Netflix, we review the 2015 psychological thriller, The Gift, starring Joel Edgerton, Jason Bateman, Rebecca Hall. We also discuss more good movies made by bad directors, and we cover the last few weeks of movie news.
2020-05-221h 09
MacGuffin Podcast39 - The Ladykillers & Event HorizonFor this episode of the podcast, we take a look at two films that defy the reputations of their filmmakers. We review the Coen brother's 2004 dark comedy, The Ladykillers, which represents a "bad" film made by traditionally "good" directors. Conversely, review the 1997 sci-fi/horror film, Event Horizon, which is widely considered to be the best film by noted "bad" director, Paul W.S. Anderson. We also discuss musicians who became actors, actors who become musicians, and our favorite animals.
2020-05-011h 22
MacGuffin Podcast38 - A Quiet Place vs. Bird BoxIn this episode of the podcast, we take a look back at two sci-fi horror releases from 2018, A Quiet Place, and Bird Box. Instead of doing our regular reviews, we compare and contrast these two films in terms of how they tackle similar themes and similar apocalyptic horror premises. Come along with us as we dig deep into the nuances of B-movie possibilities. We also discuss our latest quarantine media discoveries.
2020-04-241h 17
MacGuffin Podcast37 - Never Rarely Sometimes AlwaysDespite extenuating circumstances and theater closures, we bring you this week's podcast in which we review the recently released indie drama Never Rarely Sometimes Always. We also discuss the latest movie/media highlights from our twitter feeds. At the end of show, we talk about the 2015 thriller, Cop Car, starring Kevin Bacon.
2020-04-101h 01
MacGuffin Podcast36 - OnwardIn this episode of the podcast, we review Disney/Pixar's latest animated film, "Onward." We also discuss our go-to content for when we're sick at home, as well as our current quarantine media obsessions. At the end of the show, we review the independent comedy "Don't Think Twice," which is available to stream on Netflix.
2020-03-271h 07