Jim Ordowich - Podcast Details

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Back to the BalconyCharley Varrick (1973)Despite the kind of crappy craftsmanship and plotting that separates the movie Charley Varrick from the films of Ed Woods by just a hair (okay, that may be hyperbole but this is a bad movie), comedian Greg Dobrowski finds it hilariously entertaining. Jimmy, not so much - and to add insult to injury, Jimmy rented it when it was available for free on YouTube. No wonder he hated this movie.2025-05-0950 min

Back to the BalconyAlien (1979)While Jimmy can't deny Alien's popularity - it made big bucks and spawned a slew of follow-ups of somethimes great, sometimes dubious quailtiy - it still strikes him as clumsy and eye-rollingly dumb. Comedian Ryan Sim begs to differ and does so with a spirited defense. Can he win Jimmy over? Listen to find out.2025-04-2543 min

Back to the BalconyMary Poppins (1964)At long last, the episode that got away, it's David Green here again to talk about 1964's Mary Poppins. Gee, who could find something not to love about a film that's a beloved classic? Certainly not David who adores this film, that leaves just...2025-04-1144 min

Back to the BalconyWizard of Oz (1939) And Meet Me In St. Louis (1944) - The Better Garland Movie?Chris Jarvie and his beautiful other half Christine Kinahan join Jimmy to talk about their favourite movies. Listeners will no doubt remember that Jarvie always comes on with the intention of championing one film but then changing his mind at the last minute. Will he sing the praises of the Wizard of Oz or will he agree with his wife that Meet Me In St. Louis is the more loveable movie?2025-03-2856 min

Back to the BalconyTrue Lies (1994)Arnold? In a romance movie? Or an action movie? Or both? Or neither? Guest Chris Wuergler sees a lot in this movie. All that plus the story of how guest engineer Ryan Sim met Tom Arnold. Now that's entertainment!2025-03-1451 min

Back to the BalconyFunny People (2009)The explanation for why we talked about a movie outside our normal range is explained within the podcast. It's also unusual because it's about the comedy business and we had four comedians in the room so the conversation drifted into what it's like to be a stand-up comedian, what the movie gets right and if the relationships seem genuine. Manolis Zontanos, Patrick Coppolino, Kristian Reimer and Jimmy England together bring over fifty years of experience to the discussion. Absolutely fascinating.2025-02-2849 min

Back to the BalconyToxic Romance - Unfaithful versus Fatal AttractionKristian Reimer and Chris Wuergler did such a great job last Valentine's Day talking about the most romantic movie. But there's more than one kind of romance, there's also those that turn out to be toxic and no more so than Unfaithful and Fatal Attraction. We got deep into the weeds about love, lust and romance. Thoughtful and funny too.2025-02-1444 min

Back to the BalconyThe Spy Who Shagged Me (1999)There are generational gaps in culture and never was it more glaring than in The Spy Who Shagged Me. Guest Mario Bernardi liked it when it came out but was appalled when he saw it again. Jimmy was no better but engineer Phil gave it a solid thumbs up. So what could be wrong with a movie that made a boatload of money? Listen to find out and see if you agree or not.2025-01-3148 min

Back to the BalconyForgotten Movies Part 2Part 2 of our episode about the great or significant movies people are in danger of forgetting about with Jimmy and guest Mario Bernardi. Give a listen to both episodes and let us know what movies you think we should have included. As you'll hear it was a lot of fun to do and uncovered a lot of surprising facts.2025-01-1743 min

Back to the BalconyForgotten Movies Part 1Okay, here's the deal, Jimmy and Mario were supposed to do an episode about ten great or significant movies people were in danger of forgetting about. Jimmy chose five and guest Mario Bernardi chose five. Good enough but nobody did the math about how long this episode would be. So this is part one featuring five of the ten. Some intriguing choices, surprising facts and a lot of fun to boot.2025-01-0336 min

Back to the BalconyWhite Christmas (1954)If there's one thing we've learned about guest Bob Kerr it's that he has a taste for the macabre. How else do you explain his love of Ernest Saves Christmas? This year we made him watch 1954's White Christmas - a movie this avowed lover of Christmas had never seen before - just to see if his head would explode. Did he find something to love? Give a listen to find out. Another fun episode.2024-12-2049 min

Back to the BalconyThe Matrix/Hail the Conquering HeroJimmy and Phil dare to challenge each other to watch a movie they've never seen before. Phil makes Jimmy watch The Matrix. Jim takes Phil back to WWII for Hail the Conquering Hero. Can something modern turn Jimmy's crank? And what about Phil, can he get into something - even a comedy - that came out long before he was born . You'll be surprised! An episode that wasn't really planned but just kind of happened with surprising results.2024-12-0649 min

Back to the BalconyMajor League Baseball (1989)Gerry Hall takes us out to the ballgame for his take on the greatest baseball movie of all time prior to 2000, 1989's Major League. Surprisingly, he has a criteria that coulld possibly support his argument. Contains discussion of Gerry's career and the grand-daddy of all co-incidences. Lot of fun - and not just for baseball fans.2024-11-2245 min

Back to the BalconyGrosse Point Blank (1997)Barry Carter drops by to extolls the virtues of the quirky Grosse Point Blank from 1997. Does it sell out its premise to become just another rom-com or does it never lose its edge? There's holes and Jimmy ineveitably falls into them.2024-11-0848 min

Back to the BalconyArmy of Darkness (1992)Talk about spooky! For our Halloween episode, guest Ryan Sim defends a movie that's credited with killing the Evil Dead series. What's worse, engineer Phil, loves the movie too. Stayed tuned to the very end for Ryan's challenge to Jimmy.2024-10-2553 min

Back to the BalconyThe Sandlot (1993)Not without its flawa but Jimmy actually agrees with guest Chris Jarvie that The Sandlot is not without its charm. But is it the best movie about baseball ever made? That was supposed to be Chris' position - but it's Chris Jarvie and you'll hear what that means.2024-10-1146 min

Back to the BalconyEdward Scissorhands (1990)Guest Chris Wuergler revels in this off-beat gothic-romance, while Phil and Jimmy confess they enjoyed it while being constantly confused by exactly when it's taking place. Big revelation of the episode: Chris used Avon Make-up. If you've seen the movie you'll know why that's significant.2024-09-2750 min

Back to the BalconyStreetcar Named Desire (1951)Not just a classic but considered one of the seminal films of American cinema. It stands up for guest Chris Wuergler and engineer Phil as still powerful after all this time. The big question on Jimmy's mind? Did it really happen. Just one of the intriguing ways it send this talk down a very deep rabbit hole.2024-09-0651 min

Back to the BalconyMoney Pit Versus Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream HouseMost people probably don't know that The Money Pit was actually a remake of an old Cary Grant - Myrna Loy movie called Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House - a movie that's among Jimmy's favourites. Does it hold up or will guests Mario Bernardi and Chris Wuergler see something less in it.2024-08-1652 min

Back to the BalconyPee-Wee's Big AdventureFor a twist - and to celebrate (late again) our 200th episode - Mario Bernardi and Joel Van Vliet turn the tables on Jimmy and make him the guest who has to talk about one of his favourite films: Pee-Wee's Big Adventure. Jimmy says it's a unique, cultural masterpiece. Will that be the prevailing opinion? Listen to find out if it it - and why this is such a special appearance by Joel. Mario, not so much but Joel!2024-08-0249 min

Back to the BalconyWho Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)Jimmy's new favourite episode. Guest Larry Smith and guest engineer Mitch McBeaudry bring a wealth of information and love for this movie. The result is hilarious, intriguing and hugely entertaining.2024-07-1253 min

Back to the BalconyStephen King's Cat's Eye (1985)The ever horrifying Bob Kerr is back to talk about Stephen King's Cat's Eye. Is it a horror anthology? Is it a black comedy? Is it another attempt to gross Jimmy out? Okay, it's not very gross but it has some weird ideas.2024-06-2245 min

Back to the BalconyMeet Joe Black (1998)Guest Nik Duncan surprises Jimmy with a rigorous defense of the virtues of Meet Joe Black. Includes a brief interlude where they may have been visited by the ghost of Barry White. Actually the 200th episode of Back to the Balcony - just not the 200th anniversary celebration of the show.2024-06-0746 min

Back to the BalconyRear Window (1954)Better late than never (explanation for why we're a weak late will be in the next expisode). Chris Wuergler revisits her Hitchcock obsession with 1954's Rear Window, a fascinating movie that seems so unlikely to work but somehow does. Jimmy tries to poke holes but it's hard because this movie forces you to suspend your disbelief. Funny, as always but with some fascinating sidebars about eavesdropping. Are we alll guilty of it? Listen and decide for yourself.2024-05-1045 min

Back to the BalconyAll The President's Men (1976)We spend just about as much time talking about the political and social ramifications of this movie and events as we do about the movie itself. Like always it's funny but Jimmy and guest Mario Bernardi meander in a lot of directions with this one.2024-04-1948 min

Back to the Balcony196 Groundhog DayIt's hard to review funny movies but Groundhog Day may be the most hilarious and the most well thought out comedy movie of all time. Guest Scott Faulconbridge makes a compelling argument for why it's so good and what we respond to in the movie.2024-04-0545 min

Back to the BalconyTwo Generations on the Road to Morocco (1942)What happens two distant generations meet a movie hit from the 40's? Will it stand up or was this a huge mistake? Mario Bernardi guests with Chris Jarvie (who is literally, half his age) to talk about the best of the Bob Hope and Bing Crosby road pictures, The Road to Morocco. Is here a renaissance coming, will a new generation embrace it? Will the old generation ev en remember it? Turns out to be a pretty fascinating discussion with an unexpected obstacle to universal acceptance.2024-03-2251 min

Back to the BalconyBack to School (1986)Bret Measor joins Jimmy along with guest engineer Kristian Reimer (who forgot to turn his microphone on) to talk about the legacy of Rodney Dangerfield and his 1986 movie, Back to School. Bret loves it, Jimmy likes it but wishes it could have revealed more of Rodney and less shenanigans. Is he right or Bret? Give it a listen to find out. 2024-03-0845 min

Back to the BalconyLeslie Nielsen - Comedian?Ryan Sim and Mitch McBeaudry join Jimmy to figure out if Leslie Neilen is a great comedian or someone who just got lucky a couple times and coasted on that career ever afterwards. Ryan Sinm says he was a natural comedian and 1988's The Naked Gun proves it. Mitch says no, just look at 1995's Dracula: Dead and Loving It. Somewhere's along the way Mel Brooks gets bashed.2024-02-2346 min

Back to the BalconyMost Romantic - The Notebook (2004) Or Casablanca (1942)Just in time for Valentine's Day it's Chris Wuergler and Kristian Reimer the most romantic movie. Is it 2004's paean to gooey love The Notebook or that tale of gritty sacrifice, 1942's Casablanca? A fun episode that also speaks to the romance in all of us.2024-02-0950 min

Back to the BalconyUncle Buck (1989)Mario Bernardi and guest engineer Ryan Sim join Jimmy to re-visit Uncle Buck and the curious idea that no one understands children like somebody who doesn't have any. That's just one of the plot holes in a movie that still stands up surprisingly well. Listen to find out why.2024-01-2650 min

Back to the BalconyThe Fugitive (1993)Guest Chris Wuergler and engineer Phil are totally in love with this movie. No, I mean really. I've never seen so much enthusiasm coupled with amazement that Jimmy doesn't share their infatuation.2024-01-1252 min

Back to the BalconyWhat About Bob? (1991)Mario Bernardi revisits a movie he hated the first time around. His reaction this time is completely different. So what caused the change because it didn't have that effect on Jimmy.2023-12-2942 min

Back to the BalconyErnest Saves Christmas (1988)Bob Kerr is one of our most thoughtful, insightful, truly original guests and a man who loves the magic of Christmas. And yet, his favourite Christmas movie is Ernest Saves Christmas. Jimmy thinks the only magic is what kept the franchise going to this point. A funny review that takes us all back to our younger days when the standards weren't as high.2023-12-1550 min

Back to the BalconyRush Hour (1998)Guest Ronald Hae sees Rush Hour as more comedy than drama. Phil leans towards the suspense. Jimmy leans towards end of life therapy if he ever has to watch it again. 2023-12-0147 min

Back to the BalconyBack to the Future Versus Hot Tub Time MachineSomehow this got away from Jimmy when Patrick Coppolino admitted that Manolis Zontanos was right and Back to the Future was the better movie. But he still found enough redeeming value in Hot Tub Time Machine to put up a spirited defence. And then Manolis starts definding it. Very funny episode with a couple of naturally funny people.2023-11-1747 min

Back to the BalconyTime Bandits (1981)Guest Greg Dobrowski wants to talk about a most unusual movie, 1981's Time Bandits. it's kind of like the Wizard of Oz on acid. It's kind of like a lot of things, but is it a good movie? Jimmy has some strong feelings here.2023-11-0345 min

Back to the BalconyFriday the 13th Versus Nightmare on Elm StreetGuests Ryan Sim and Mitch McBeaudry face off again to determine not just the best movie but the best movie franchise, Friday the 13th versus Nightmare on Elm Street. Jimmy found both movies so scary he hosted the show from under the covers.2023-10-2047 min

Back to the BalconyWhatever Happened to Baby Jane (1962)Guest Keh Dee dips way back in the past to the birth of Hag Horror for the classic tale of sisters and fame with 1962's Whatever Happened to Baby Jane starring two of classic Hollywood's screen divas - who happened to share a mutual hatred in real life. Jimmy can't believe she chose a movie he's wanted to talk about for eight years.2023-10-0646 min

Back to the BalconyTerminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)Bob Kerr returns with a new kind of horror, 1991's Terminator 2: Judgment Day. Funny as always but there's also an interesting segment about whether The Terminator movies are the source of everyone's anxiety about AI. Jimmy's not worried but then he's still getting over the shock of moveable type. That's a really smart joke.2023-09-2251 min

Back to the BalconyLicense to Kill VS Casino Royale - The Best James BondChris Jarvie and Ryan Schnider join Jimmy to decide the best James Bond movie of all time, 1989's License to Kill or 2006's Casino Royale. Weird fact: License to Kill has nothing to do with Bond's license and outside of the card game taking place there, Casino Royale has nothing to do with the casino. Where do they get these names?2023-09-0848 min

Back to the BalconyBreaking Away (1979)Quick, name another movie where bicycle racing played a major part? Yeah, Jimmy and Mario couldn't either. Mind you, Mario contends this isn't a sports movie, it's a coming of age movie. Jimmy's not so sure. Special guest engineering by Len Perdic.2023-08-2543 min

Back to the BalconyA Star Is Born Vs. Tropic ThunderWhat's the best movie about show business? Chris Wuergler thinks it's 2018's A Star is Born. Barry Carter disagrees, he says it's 2008's Tropic Thunder. You couldn't get two movies that were further apart yet they both make a convincing argument. And Jimmy will say? Listen to find out.2023-08-1144 min

Back to the BalconyMurder By Death (1976)This could very well be the companion episode to the one we did a couple months ago about the movie Clue (with Dave Sokolowski). This time Mario Bernardi praises Murder By Death and Jimmy finds it's not the comic gem he remembers. Whose right? You may be surprised.2023-07-2844 min

Back to the Balcony100th Anniversary ShowWe know our 100th anniversary was a couple years ago but thanks to Covid we had to put off our big celebration - until now! So much fun, so many great memories - plus ice cream cake and champagne. Stories, insights, jokes - even a quiz. What a great way to kick off season 8.2023-07-141h 03

Back to the BalconyMighty Ducks (1992) Vs. Slap Shot (1977)The gloves come off when comedians Gerry Hall and Chris Jarvie try and decide what's the greatest hockey movie of all time. Both are big sports fans - which begs the question why talk about the most under-represented sport in cinema history? According to Wikipedia, there's more films about bull fighting. Funny episode.2023-06-3044 min

Back to the BalconySilence (2016) Vs. The Departed (2006)Guests Joel Van Vliet and Allie Moore insisit that Martin Scorsese makes the most intense movies - they just can agree about which one is best. Joel says it's 2016's Silence, Allie says it's 2006's The Departed. So essentially a movie about priests in Japan is more intense than a movie about infiltraters in the police and gangs of Boston. Jimmy doesn't say much in this one - they do all the work for him. Our most fast paced episode.2023-06-1650 min

Back to the BalconyClue (1985)Comedian Dave Sokolowski considers Clue a great movie because it so seamlessly builds on the characters of the board game. Jimmy thinks that's a liability. Funny for what it is or not funny because of what it is? Give it a listen and tell us what you think.2023-06-0245 min

Back to the BalconyAustin Powers, International Man of Mystery Vs. MoonrakerThis shaped up to be a cakewalk deciding which was the best spy spoof movie of all time. Instead, things got turned around in one of our funniest episodes with guests Ryan Sim and Mitch McBeaudry.2023-05-2051 min

Back to the BalconyFahrenheit 451 (1966)Is it about books or TV or censorship or ridiculous ideas? Mario Bernardi and Jimmy go back in time to talk about the movie based on a book they had to read in high school. While they don't reveal how they did when tested on it you get a pretty good idea based on their discussion. Surprisingly insightful.2023-05-0546 min

Back to the BalconyLawnmower Man Versus Star Wars - A New HopePatrick Coppolino and Kristian Reimer join Jimmy to determine once and for all which movie has the worst special effects. Patrick Coppolino makes a pretty convincing argument for 1992's The Lawnmower Man. Kristian Reimer makes a surprisingly convincing argument for every tampered version of 1977's Star Wars - A New Hope. Most shocking reveleation: Patrick has never seen Star Wars.2023-04-2151 min

Back to the BalconyA Day at the Races (1937)Will anybody remember the Marx Brothers in fifty years? That's just one of the things Jimmy and guest Mario Bernardi ponder as they talk about a movie that isn't even the best Marx Brothers movie. So why not talk about their best? According to Mario, it's only for one reason: Tuttsi-fruittsi. If that doesn't mean anything you definitely have to give a listen. Fun and you might even learn something about some comedians who deserve to be remembered.2023-04-0744 min

Back to the BalconyThe Bodyguard (1992)Once in a great while a movie comes along that makes Jimmy appreciate how good Love Story was. Chris Wuergler does it again with The Bodyguard, part Whitney Houston music video, part Kevin Costner trying to remember how many emotions he knows.2023-03-2455 min

Back to the BalconyThe Shawshank Redemption (1994)Okay, it's a sexist comment but would you really expect Chris Wuergler to bring us 1994's The Shawshank Redemption? Traditional wisdom is women don't want to see a movie that doesn't have women in it but Chris has a deep and abiding affection for this one. Jimmy is hard pressed to disagree and Phil goes missing in action for a while.2023-03-1051 min

Back to the BalconyJohnny Dangerously (1984)Comedian Larry Smith tries to convince Jimmy there's something beautifully funny about the movie Johnny Dangerously even if it's not great art. It's fascinating how two individuals can look at the same thing and see two different things. A funny look at a movie that may or may not be funny.2023-02-2448 min

Back to the BalconyRocky III (1982)Good grief, guest Bret Measor can't stop talking about the Rocky movies! This time it's Rocky III. Jimmy says it's just another formula fight movie, Bret begs to differ - then insists Rocky IV has to be next. Nice try, Bret.2023-02-1046 min

Back to the BalconySpaceballs Versus Shaun of the DeadAnd now for something entirely different - that isn't Monty Python. Mitch McBeaudry and Ryan Sim face off to determine the best movie parody of all time. Is it Spaceballs or Shaun of the Dead? Or something entirely different (that still isn't Monty Python). Give a listen and then let us know your candidate.2023-01-2747 min

Back to the BalconyThe Big Lebowski (1998)Guest David Green spares us some time (that's a very clever pun when you see what the movie is), to talk about The Big Lebowski. Okay, maybe it's not all that clever but it is a fun podcast. A real treat for Coen brothers fans.2023-01-1347 min

Back to the BalconyHeathers (1989)The ever insightful Bob Kerr joins Jimmy to talk about 1989's Heathers. Besides movie talk there's speculation on the state of croquet and a fascinating discussion on the viability of cow tipping. 2022-12-3050 min

Back to the BalconyDie Hard (1988)It's a Christmas miracle! That's guest Chris Jarvie's explanation for all the insanity in 1988's Die Hard, a movie requiring millions of dollars worth of destruction to repair a marriage and help a cop learn to kill again. What a heart-warming Christmas movie.2022-12-1646 min

Back to the BalconyTrains, Planes and Automobiles (1987)Planes, Trains and Automobiles is one of the most beloved holiday movies that everybody forgets. People generally forget it but when you bring it up they go, "Oh yeah, I really like that movie." It's such a perfect movie that even Jimmy is hard pressed to disagree with guest Mario Bernardi.2022-12-0249 min

Back to the BalconyThe Jerk (1979)The Jerk was either ground-breaking or destroying. Guest Mario Bernardi is of two minds, he remembers it with fondness from his youth but finds much to cringe about today. Did it show us the Steve Martin we'd later come to love? Download to find out.2022-11-1846 min

Back to the BalconyNothing But Trouble (1991)Having plummed the quality level with Howard the Duck, it was thought all but impossible to find anything worse this side of Ed Wood. Then along comes Bobby Knauff with Nothing But Trouble. Blew the budget making it slick, just forgot to make it worth watching - but that's just Jimmy's opinion.2022-11-0444 min

Back to the BalconyGremlins (1984)The seasonally challenged but still lovable Kristian Reimer brings us 1984's Gremlins - a movie that insists they aren't called Gremlins for some reason. They insist on a lot of unbelievable stuff that Jimmy finds less than believable. 2022-10-2146 min

Back to the BalconyYou've Got Mail (1998)People like Tom Hanks in You've Got Mailed give love a bad name. Meg Ryan doesn't have the business accumen to run a lemonade stand. Hard words but food for a lively debate on the merits of the movie with guest Chris Wuergler.2022-10-0739 min

Back to the BalconyRomancing The Stone (1984)Chris Wuergler joins us to talk about Romancing The Stone. Is it a movie about romance or adventure? And about that ending - who should get the money. JImmy has thoughts but then when hasn't he?2022-09-2346 min

Back to the BalconyNorth by Northwest (1959)Guest Pat Ordowich joins Jimmy to consider what made North by Northwest a great movie. Turns out it was one of the actors. Hint: It wasn't James Mason.2022-09-0943 min

Back to the BalconyPulp Fiction (1994)Is Pulp Fiction a comedy or a gangster film. Jimmy says comedy but guest Manolis Zontanos disagrees. As usual Phil takes the guest side. Is he wrong? Listen to find out.2022-08-2646 min

Back to the BalconyMy Cousin Vinny (153)My Cousin Vinny pits Jimmy's notorious dislike for leaps of logic and guest Scott Faulconbridge's equally notorious willingness to enjoy anything that's put in front of him. Interesting sidebar about why comedy doesn't get enough respect from the movies.2022-08-1249 min

Back to the BalconyBack to the Future (1985)Guest host Joal Van Vliet mercilessly grills a surprise guest on what makes Back to the Future so bad. Turns out he's out of his mind. Give a listen and see if you don't agree.2022-07-2952 min

Back to the BalconyHoward The Duck (1986)Ryan Sim provides a vigorous defence of the movie Howard the Duck while admitting he fell asleep three times while watching it. He also demonstrates an appalling ignorance of pop culture when he admits to not knowing who H. R. Pufnstuf is. 2022-07-1542 min

Back to the BalconyKentucky Fried Movie (1977)A weird movie that enjoyed a vogue in the seventies and eventually spawned the beloved Airplane! Guest Mario Bernardi keeps saying he didn't like it but he keeps finding moments to enjoy. Jimmy revels in it.2022-07-0143 min

Back to the BalconyAn American Werewolf in London (1981)Guest Mitch McBeaudry takes a $25,000 film school education and tries to explain why An American Werewolf in London is a great movie. Jimmy restrains himself from suggesting he's owed a refund.2022-06-1747 min

Back to the BalconyThe Man Who Fell To Earth (1976)Mario Bernardi brings The Man Who Fell to Earth - a movie he saw on first release but which he remembers virtually nothing. But something spoke to him this time. It spoke to Jimmy too and he wanted to turn on something else.2022-06-0347 min

Back to the BalconyIndiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)Now would could be wrong with a great movie like this? A lot, surprisingly - but is it still entertaining once the band-aids come off (that's a great mummy pun - too bad there isn't a mummy in the movie)? Give a listen and be the judge.2022-05-2047 min

Back to the BalconyDirty Dancing (1987)Chris Wuergler and a surprise guest try and convince Jimmy that Dirty Dancing is more than cliches and convenient dialogue. First of two episodes with a guest engineer - who still sides with the guests despite Jimmy's instructions.2022-05-0647 min

Back to the BalconyJurassic Park (1993)Nothing like a light and fluffy episode about hubris, dinosaurs running amuck and chaos theory. Comedian Patrick Coppolino talks with Jimmy England about his favourite movie and how he did it live in Levity, his comedy club.2022-04-2247 min

Back to the BalconyRe-Loaded Texas Chainsaw MassacreIf this shows up twice in your downloads our apologies but the first attempt never got released. Luckily, we're trying again because this was an unusual episode on a genre we've never done before. With comedian Bob Kerr.2022-04-1154 min

Back to the BalconyBeverley Hills Cop (1984)Kristian Reimer returns to plead the case for Beverley Hills Cop and the cult of Eddie Murphy. To Jimmy it has all the depth of cotton candy. Will Jimmy finally give ground when it comes to a movie with no pretensions beyond entertainment? Download and listen.2022-03-2549 min

Back to the BalconyCarlito's Way (1993)Jimmy interviews Dan Brennan who was in the movie Carlito's Way. Well, sort of but probably not. An enigmatic introduction for a fascinating movie and an even better podcast.2022-03-1149 min

Back to the BalconyOrdinary People (1980)The movie Jimmy wasn't looking forward to turned out to be not the tissue fest he expected. Maybe that's because it resonated with him and guest Mario Bernardi. 2022-02-2543 min

Back to the BalconyTootsie (1982)A few hours late getting this posted which would have been a tragedy because this talk about Tootsie with comedian Scott Faulconbridge was one of our best. Worth it if not to hear about Scott's grand romantic gesture.2022-02-1148 min

Back to the BalconyCactus Flower (1969)Guest Mario Bernardi and Jimmy wallow in nostalgia with 1969's Cactus Flower. Phil disappears half-way through but nobody notices until the end. Doesn't bode well for Phil. 2022-01-2839 min

Back to the BalconyWaiting For Guffman (1996)Comedian and wild man Joel Van Vliet returns to gleefully sing the praises of the mostly improvised movie Waiting For Guffman while poo-pooing improv in general. Unexpected hi-light is when he tries to convince Jimmy he was the star in his church play and not just sheep number 2.2022-01-1447 min

Back to the BalconyExcalibur (1981)Swords, sorcerers and guest Barry Carter to talk about 1981's Excalibur.This movie about the King Arthur legend is one of Barry's favorite films of all time. Jimmy found it as believable as professional wrestling - which it strongly resembled.2021-12-3145 min

Back to the BalconyNational Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)Halfway through the podcast Chris Wuergler realizes she could have talked about something other than National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. Not to worry, Jim and Phil find plenty to talk about and even Chris comes around to admitting there's something of value here. 2021-12-1753 min

Back to the BalconyMoonstruck (1987)When the moon hits your eye does it drive you daffy? Chris Wuergler insists it can, Jimmy insists that's not science. But will they agree on 1987's Moonstruck? You might be surprised.2021-12-0350 min

Back to the BalconyHalf Baked (1998)In a first for Back to the Balcony, Jimmy and Phil are joined by Ryan Sim to talk about the stoney flick Half Baked. Phil and Ryan know what's going on, Jimmy thinks it's an expose on incompetent bakers.2021-11-1945 min

Back to the BalconyUnforgiven (1992)In a complete reversal Phil the engineer is the guest - while Mario Bernardi is the guest engineer - so he can talk about 1992's Unforgiven (not to be confused with The Unforgiven which is a different movie entirely). This might actually be a great movie but Jim has trouble coming to grips with Phil being the one who chose it.2021-11-0547 min

Back to the BalconyThe Mouse That Roared (1959)A treasured memory of Jimmy and guest Mario Bernardi comes crashing down when a movie from their youth doesn't hold up for them. They've also don't like Tootsie Rolls either so take that with a grain of salt. A surprisingly funny episode for one where Jimmy and the guest agree.2021-10-2244 min

Back to the BalconyRaging Bull (1980)Comedian and actor Val Cole joins Jimmy to talk about her favorite movie, 1980's Raging Bull, a movie about boxing with very little boxing. Val loves its gritty realism - the same quality Jimmy admired in The Little Mermaid.2021-10-0843 min

Back to the BalconyWhat's Up Doc? (1972)Joel David Van Vliet was raised on the movie What's Up Doc?. In an episode that proves the harm that comes when you do something like that he insists it's the finest movie ever made - even when compared to a similar Cary Grant movie. Jimmy's so nonplussed he doesn't know how to respond half the time. One of the craziest episodes ever.2021-09-2451 min

Back to the BalconySoylent Green (1973)Bret Measor is all agog with the sci-fi classic Soylent Green. After Jimmy admits to having seen it when it came out Bret was less enthusiastic about the snacks Jimmy put out. Creepy foreshadowing or overblown fear-mongering, watch the movie, listen to the debate and then decide.2021-09-1050 min

Back to the BalconySweet Charity (1969)Shades of Jimmy's past when guest Ashley Grace visits to talk about her favorite movie, Sweet Charity. Co-incidentally Jimmy was in a production of it. Unfortunately, that doesn't mean he understood what it was about.2021-08-2745 min

Back to the BalconyA Shot in the Dark (1964)`Comedian David Green delights in the comic genius of Peter Sellers. Jimmy wonders if they both watched the same music. A fascinating look at the chameleon powers of Sellers and the delusional powers of Green.2021-08-1347 min

Back to the BalconyThe Poseidon Adventure (1972)Chris Wuergler turns the podcast upside down (that's a clever pun - I don't care what anybody says) when she visits to talk about 1972's The Poseidon Adventure, a movie where the stars chew up the scenery like it's lobster at a buffet. And yeah, that's a Jimmy joke.2021-07-3049 min

Back to the BalconyThe Sound of Music (1965)Chris Wuergler joins Jimmy and Phil to extol the virtues of The Sound of Music. But Jimmy's having none of it, insisting the music's irritating and the story ridiculous. Then he brings up Julie Andrews most scandalous performance. An hilarious review of one of the most beloved movies of all time.2021-07-1651 min

Back to the BalconyFritz the Cat (1972)Barry Carter actually likes 1972's Fritz the Cat. He thinks it a ground breaking cartoon bringing the underground comic to the attention of the masses. Jimmy thinks it an outrage that it traded on an undeserved X-rating. In between there's a lot of discussion about what made this the first - and some would say only - breakout adult animated movie.2021-07-0251 min

Back to the BalconyThe Goodbye Girl (1977)Jimmy was thrilled when comedian Scott Faulconbridge came back for a third visit to talk about The Goodbye Girl. The result reminds us to be careful what you wish for. A very funny episode with some fascinating insights of a movie that deserves to be better known.2021-06-1852 min

Back to the BalconyAnimal House (1978)Comedian Ryan Sim returns to relive his college days with 1978's Animal House and answer the question was John Belushi a one note comedian? Jim has trouble relating because his reform school had gangs not fraternities.2021-06-0443 min