Lauren Heimbaugh - Podcast Details

Shows

Middle of the RowThe Greatest Thing About... Poor ThingsHello everyone and welcome to The Greatest Thing About Poor Things… The podcast might be coming back? IDK, we have tons of backlog, and hopefully this is the first of many more episodes to start rolling back onto this feed. We are back with Yorgos Lanthimos’ Poor Things, his latest film and one of the better films of 2023 from where I’m sitting. We discuss Emma Stone and Mark Ruffalo greatness, the ethics of brain transplants and all things Willem Dafoe. Download. Listen. Enjoy! Show Notes: (Time:Stamp) General Thoughts… (0:01:00) Star Ratings/Spoilers (0:20:00) @middleofrow #nothe Support us on Patreon! Subscribe on iTune...2024-05-0642 min

Middle of the RowThe Greatest Thing About... The Black PhoneOne of many from the archives, essentially, even though this is the first release of the podcast! The Black Phone, I thought was a bad movie, and I think I brought Lauren and Ben down with me along the way? Take a listen for yourself, as we ask a lot of questions about this quite weird, silly and not that scary movie! General Thoughts, Star Ratings, crapping on Peacock (it’s gotten better) (0:01:00) Spoilers for The Black Phone (0:18:00) The Categories: The Confounding Thing About… (0:19:00) The Ridiculous Thing About... (0:23:00) The Confusing Thing About... (0:27:45) The Uncomfortable Thing About... (0:32:00) @middleofrow #nothe 2023-02-2352 min

Middle of the RowMiddle of the Row - The Podcast - Time Capsule 2022What’s this, it’s our podcast! Starting off 2023 (shut up, it’s still January!) Trying to make this a regular thing again (we have been recording), and I’m trying to find the time to get these out. But, as we say goodbye to 2022, it’s time for our Time Capsule episode! Let’s throw some stuff into the dirt for the future... Our Picks! Ben: Cyberpunk: Edgerunners (3:30) Lauren: A Plague Tale: Requiem (13:40) Zac: Station Eleven (26:00) Random Discussion and Predictions (32:00) Predictions for 23! Game: Ben: Dead Space (Remake) Zac: Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Lauren: Assassin’s Creed Mirage Movie: ...2023-01-301h 01

Middle of the RowGoon Is Still Good EnoughGoon was a flashback pick from late last year, but it was actually a 2012 release so now it is an actual flashback for the correct year! This was picked by Jon, but he didn’t make this episode, but Ben, Lauren and Zac all really enjoyed chatting about this hockey cult classic. Though, none of us have seen the sequel, so we don’t know if we can recommend that, but Scott and Schreiber are excellent here, so more of them is probably making it worth a watch. Also, maybe the most intense E.T. Watch in podcast history... Download. List...2022-05-1242 min

Middle of the RowTake Amélie For A SpinWe are back with a flashback from last year, so it flashes back to 2001. Lauren picked Amélie, another Jean-Pierre Jeunet film from her, and its charms seemed to have won newcomer Ben over. Zac and Lauren continued to be big champions of the film, even if he thinks Amélie might be an emotional terrorist. Still, a fun chat and a lot of positive love for a movie that’s lost none of its charm all these year’s laters. Download. Listen. Enjoy. The Categories: (Time:Stamp) 8 Words or Less, The Elevator Pitch, Why So & So, General Thoughts, Star Rating...2022-04-2032 min

Middle of the RowEternals Are Not Enough?The MCU’s third entry in 2021 was Eternals and we reviewed it when it hit Disney+. Now you can buy it anywhere and wonder what the hell is Zac thinking or just take some enjoyment agreeing with Ben and Lauren on this whole endeavor. We found a lot of common ground on both sides of this coin, but came out liking it and not on quite opposite spectrums. Download. Listen. Enjoy. The Categories: (Time:Stamp) 8 Words or Less, The Elevator Pitch, Why So & So, General Thoughts, Star Ratings (1:00) You Gotta See This, Let’s Talk About That Ending..., Performance Piece (21:00) Repe...2022-02-221h 16

Middle of the RowMiddle of the Row - The Podcast - Time Capsule 2021Welcome to our Time Capsule 2021 Episode. This is where we pick our pop culture object to be stored and to be discovered by later generations, while also previewing the year ahead! Let's get to it! Zac’s Pick: Marvel’s What If... (3:00) Lauren’s Pick: Arcane (12:45) Ben’s Pick: To Your Eternity (18:50) Favorite Predictions for 2022 (24:00) Game Predictions: Ben: Tiny Tina’s Wonderland Lauren: God of War: Ragnarok Zac: BOTW 2 Movie: Ben: The Batman Lauren: Spider-Man: Across The Spider-verse Zac: Disappointment Blvd. TV: Ben: Stranger Things Lauren: The Legend of Ox Machina Zac: Station Eleven Book: Lauren: Nona the Ninth Anime: Ben: Uzuma 2022-01-1545 min

Middle of the RowThe Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It Does It For Us?Lauren, Ben and Jon discuss The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It and there is no need for any rituals or hexes upon one another. They look back at the series as a whole, even if one of them has seen none of them, discuss body contortions, and more or less enjoy themselves along the way. They also get into whether we need more of this series and have a number of But Why’s... A good discussion of a solid movie, worth a listen if you caught this on HBOMax this summer. Download. Listen. Enjoy. The Categories: (Time:St...2021-08-2357 min

Middle of the RowFighting Over The RaidBen picks The Raid this week for our flashback to “2011” as he tries to convince Zac that he is wrong about this one. He might prove him wrong, but he also loves the film as an action masterpiece. Where does Lauren fall? You’ll have to listen, but we also marvel at the fighting, argue The Raid vs. The Raid 2, and also talk about the very similar film Dredd released about the same time. Another great episode and a rare mea culpa on a film from me. Download. Listen. Enjoy. The Categories: (Time:Stamp) 8 Words or Less, The Elevator Pitch, Why So...2021-06-3054 min

Middle of the RowSpilling Our Guts On Mortal KombatA three person weave on Mortal Kombat leads to a delightful episode where we find things to appreciate (and not) about this film that we run the spectrum on enjoyment. Ben loves dumb fun, Lauren’s happy it’s not the original and Zac wishes the movie was called Kano. That said, come for some nostalgia for the gaming franchise, the first film (Ben at least) and we try to get to the bottom of why Raiden sucks so much... Download. Listen. Enjoy. The Categories: (Time:Stamp) 8 Words or Less, The Elevator Pitch, A Brief Personal History With Mortal Kombat, Gene...2021-06-281h 14

Middle of the RowWe Take A Stroll Down Mulholland Dr.We flashback to 2001 to watch the David Lynch mind-fuck, Mulholland Dr. The film was nominated for Best Director, but this podcast can’t find a lot to praise from 2/3 of the party. Zac is on watch number 3, Ben and Lauren are new to the film, and they spend a lot of time trying to wrap their heads around the film and their feelings. Are the actors bad, are they the best performances ever given, what the hell was that dude doing behind the restaurant. We might not have answers, but we certainly have thoughts. Download. Listen. Enjoy. The Categories: (Time:St...2021-06-1544 min

Middle of the RowWe Tune Into Moulin Rouge!Just in time for the anniversary, we flashback to 2001 for Moulin Rouge! Lauren picks Baz Luhrmann’s masterpiece (my words) which wins over two us by half and me from start to finish. We praise the beautiful cast, the fantastic music and the excellent filmmaking on display, all while dissecting a lot of other movie randomness around the film. Download. Listen. Enjoy. The Categories: (Time:Stamp) 8 Words or Less, The Elevator Pitch, Why So & So, General Thoughts, Star Ratings (01:00) You Gotta See This, Let’s Talk About That Ending..., Performance Prize (10:00) Repeat After Me, But, Why?, The Hot Take Theater, Expe...2021-06-021h 00

Middle of the RowZack Snyder's Justice League EnduresWe review the infamous Zack Snyder’s Justice League and we like it. Actually, I’d say we really like it! Lauren isn’t here to be the party pooper (probably), but myself, Ben and Jon find lots of praise and some insane hyperbole to throw around at this movie. Batflek, Snyder, Leto, we are here for it and we aren’t douchebags about it! No toxic fandom here, just some genuine Snyder fans enjoy some Snyder stuff. If that sounds like your thing, take a listen, we think the Snyder Cut wait was worth it. Download. Listen. Enjoy. The Categori...2021-04-191h 05

Middle of the RowGenreRama: Love Story - Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless MindWe wrap up our GenreRama: Love Story series with Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. This is Ben’s pick but I could have just as easily picked it too. Ben and Lauren are first timers this week, but we all find plenty to appreciate about the film, even if it begrudgingly won some over. High expectations going in, worried expectations going in, and confidence in its greatness collide into a fine discussion on a film that is easy to appreciate no matter where your feelings fall. Download. Listen. Enjoy. The Categories: (Time:Stamp) 8 Words or Less, The Elevator Pitch/Ge...2021-04-1250 min

Middle of the RowGenreRama: Love Story - The FountainOur third entry into GenreRama: Love Story, this time it’s Zac’s pick with Darren Aronofsky’s The Fountain. This epic tale with period and sci-fi fare stars Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz in some of their best roles of their careers, while the film ranks up there with Aronofsky’s best, for me at least. Lauren was on a second watch since the theaters and Ben was coming in with first time trepidation as he always will with Aronofsky after mother! destroyed his soul, but we all range from love to appreciate the film! We talk about the meaning...2021-03-2954 min

Middle of the RowWe Mess with The Girl with the Dragon TattooOur first flashback of 2021 is to 2011 for David Fincher’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo! Considered “lesser” Fincher, I don’t really understand how that is? Lauren, who picked the film, would probably agree with me, but Ben and Jon needed some convincing about that film’s greatness. Well, I guess we didn’t really win them over, if only the film had Heather Graham... Download. Listen. Enjoy. The Categories: (Time:Stamp) 8 Words or Less/Why “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”/General Thoughts (1:30) Star Ratings/Performance Prize (16:00) Let’s Talk About That Ending.../But, Why (26:00) The Hot Take Theater/Repeat Aft...2021-01-2654 min

Middle of the RowTime Capsule 2020It’s our Time Capsule episode for 2020! This is the episode where we all pick something we want everyone to remember from the year and save it for posterity’s sake. So take a listen, judge our picks, and listen to us ramble about the year! Download. Listen. Enjoy! 3:00 Jon - Run The Jewels - RTJ4 12:30 Ben - Final Fantasy VII Remake 24:00 Lauren - The Last of Us Part II 39:00 Honorable Mention Catch-Up/Overload!!! 44:45 Zac - David Byrne’s American Utopia 49:30 Predictions For 2021’s Time Capsule: Zac: New Paul Thomas/ Wes Anderson Movie Lauren: Horizons Zero Dawn/God of War Sequels...2021-01-051h 04

Middle of the RowGenreRama: Comedy - BridesmaidsWelcome to a new podcast! GenreRama will be a series of miniseries covering one film picked by each of us in a pre-selected genre. First up, comedies and our first film is a pick by Lauren; Paul Feig’s Bridesmaids. Download. Listen. Enjoy! The Categories: (Time:Stamp) 8 Words or Less (2:15) The Elevator Pitch (3:40) Star Ratings (11:30) The Hot Take Theater (12:30) Let’s Talk About That Ending... (27:00) Performance Prize (29:00) But, Why? (33:45) Repeat After Me (38:30) Expert Opinions (41:30) The Upgradeables n/a Would Recommend! (46:00) To Infinity & Beyond? (49:30) I’m A Changed Person (52:00) One Last Pitch (53:40) Wrap Up to Next Week... @middleofrow #nothe 2020-12-2257 min

Middle of the RowMaybe Spend Time With The Devil All The TimeYes, the podcast still exists! We don’t pack it in at 150, but we are going to change it up in a bit. This is the first of three episodes I have left in the bank before we pivot to a new format, with new episodes of this podcast dropping intermittently when there is something to discuss. For now, a Netflix new release for 2020, The Devil All The Time. The southern gothic drama is dripping with sweat and religious questioning, ripe for a discussion among our theologically inclined, Jon and Zac. Still, Ben and Lauren find plenty to discuss in be...2020-11-1053 min

Middle of the RowBest In Show Still Earns A PrizeWe flashback to 2000 for Christopher Guest’s Best In Show. Written with Eugene Levy, the improvised comedy was a breakout for the genre at the turn of the century and has been one of the major comedic influences of the last twenty years. The film has a great cast, lots of good boys, and more than a few amazing one liners we can’t help but repeat here. The film holds up quite well for Zac and Ben, but first timers Lauren and Jon aren’t quite as sold. Though, I think they might change their tune on a rewatch. Downlo...2020-09-2729 min

Middle of the RowShe Dies Tomorrow, Makes Us Feel ThingsA new release this week, this time from Neon and writer/director Amy Seimetz, She Dies Tomorrow. This black comedy/thriller thing is one of my favorite films of the year (knocked from the top spot since we recorded), but the rest of the crew isn’t quite as one over. Yet we agree on most of the film’s strengths. I don’t know... It feels like Ben and Lauren wanted something the film wasn’t trying to be, while Jon and I were a bit more on the film’s wavelength, though he was often bored by it. Either way...2020-09-0744 min

Middle of the RowStill Dancing To The Emperor's New GrooveFlashing back to 2000 for Disney Animation Studios entry, the much beloved The Emperor’s New Groove. I was a first timer to this one, and I can not join in on the praise, but the rest of the crew still adores this film. They commiserate about their favorite bits, love of Kronk and where this stands in the Disney Animated canon. Download. Listen. Enjoy! 0:02:00 Why The Emperor’s New Groove? Should Have Been A Musical? 0:10:00 Redeemable Characters?, Pick A Lane, Behind The Scenes Drama 0:17:30 Visual Style, Disney Animation, Last Minute Faves, Wrapping Up @middleofrow #nothe 2020-08-3027 min

Middle of the RowRadioactive Is Not Quite SoA new release, this time from Amazon Studios, and that is the film Radioactive. The Marjane Satrapi film is an inventive biopic about the scientist Marie Curie, and while it won over Zac, the rest of the crew had a hard time finding its glow. Pike is good, Satrapi makes some flourishes, but most here weren’t won over. Still, we discuss lots of other biopics, what makes them good, and a few other random diversions. Download. Listen. Enjoy! 0:01:00 True Story Spoiler Warnings, We Each Take A Turn At The Film 0:15:00 What Makes A Biopic? 0:22:00 Rosamund Pike Train, Other Biopics 0:38:00 Ma...2020-08-2144 min

Middle of the RowDare To Open The Book Of Eli?We flashback to 2010 for Denzel walking the earth in The Book of Eli. The genre mash up has plenty to stick up for, plenty to be disappointed in, and made us feel a broad range of feelings; or none. Everyone has a different take on this one, so it’s a good listen for a variety of takes from us four. Jon made the pick, guess why?, but I can confidently say this, we are the only podcast that will compare The Book of Eli to Angels in the Outfield... Download. Listen. Enjoy! 0:01:00 Why The Book of Eli?, Prophetism, 0:10:00 Missed Op...2020-08-1151 min

Middle of the RowStay In Palm Springs, ForeverWe have another new release, this time thanks to Neon and Hulu, as they have released the Sundance favorite, Palm Springs, on the service. Palm Springs stars Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti and J.K. Simmons, stuck in a high concept romantic comedy. Don’t peak down if you want to avoid any minor spoilers, but we all agreed on this one! Not as emphatically across the board, but, a strong positive consensus nonetheless. We talk favorite laughs, thinks we wished were better, and appreciate J.K. Simmons; as one does. Download. Listen. Enjoy! 0:01:00 Spoiler Free Takes On Palm Springs 0:08:15 Sp...2020-08-0637 min

Middle of the RowCan't Say No To HamiltonWe review another “new release” this week, and that is the 2016 original cast recording of Hamilton on Disney+. Ben said no to this, so I watch with two Hamilton virgins (for the most part) and we are all blown away! Surprising no one. It’s Hamilton, it’s great!, but we get into how the set and stage direction works to enhance the show, how seeing the close ups adds to the performances, and heap endless other amounts of praise on this classic. So, go watch Hamiton and come share in the love fest; unless your Ben... Download. Listen. Enjoy! 0:01:00 Backgrou...2020-07-3143 min

Middle of the RowEurovision Song Contest: The Story Of Fire Saga Sings?Another Netflix new release, this time with Will Ferrell's entry to the platform, with Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga. I wasn’t here for this one, but I would have probably thrown more negativity into this one! Still, Ben was the lowest on it, but only has praise to be parsed out after his initial thoughts, so maybe it is worth your time. I’m probably a curmudgeon. They praise the performances, recount their favorite bits, and get distracted by Disney Musicals. Take a listen! Download. Listen. Enjoy! 0:01:00 Non-Spoiler Discussion On Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire...2020-07-2855 min

Middle of the RowMaybe Sign Up For Wasp Network?Another Netflix new release, Wasp Network, splits the pod down the middle. Jon and Zac enjoy the fast paced, if surface, docudrama, but Ben and Lauren were BORED. We all agree on the cast, disagree on the filmmaking, and we also learn where exactly Guantanamo Bay is! Next to Hidden Beach. A fun episode, with some solid back and forth on this one, from the often great Olivier Assayas. Download. Listen. Enjoy! 0:01:00 Spoiler Free Thoughts On Wasp Network 0:13:00 Spoilers For Wasp Network 0:13:30 Matter Of Fact, The Complaints Flow 0:17:00 Some Compliments, Where...In The World..Is..Guantanamo Bay? 0:23:00 Talking Olivier Assayas...2020-07-2433 min

Middle of the RowMaybe Don't Meet The ParentsWe flashback to 2000 for the awkward family comedy, Meet The Parents! A big hit back in the day, two whole sequels, Foker jokes. Jon picked this, and no one else can really get on his or the film’s wavelength. The film has some agreeable moments, but, as a whole, just doesn’t come together. Still, a solid talk, about a not so solid movie. Download. Listen. Enjoy! 0:01:00 Why Meet The Parents?, Justice For Naomi Watts, They Are All Liars 0:10:01 What Happened To Reality?, Giving Some Credit, Is This Entertaining? 0:18:00 Wasted Opportunities, Almost Castings, Greg Sucks... 0:25:00 Wrapping It Up, DeNiro’s Come...2020-07-2232 min

Middle of the RowHunt Down TrollhunterAnother flashback, to 2010, to review the Norwegian import Trollhunter. This found footage genre bender has a lot of fun bits, some genuine funny moments and some surprisingly solid special effects. The film hits everyone a bit different around here, but we still manage to find plenty to appreciate across the board. Check it out! Download. Listen. Enjoy! 0:01:00 Why Trollhunter?, What Worked And Didn’t 0:11:00 Nitpicks, Good Humor, Best Bits 0:21:57 Talking Øvredal, Creature Design, Budget Limitations 0:31:00 Wrap Up and Ben Stiller Convo @middleofrow #nothe 2020-07-1734 min

Middle of the RowRock On, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, Rock OnFlashing back again to 2010, this time for Scott Pilgrim vs. The World! The Edgar Wright classic has a lot of fans on this pod, and we talk a lot, and trade favs, and heap plenty of praise. It’s a lovefest, even if Jon tries to fight it. Also, everyone, but Lauren’s, audio kind of sucks this week, I don’t know what happened, we’ll do better! Anyways, if you are a fan, this is a fun listen! Download. Listen. Enjoy! 0:01:00 Why Scott Pilgrim vs. The World?, Scott Pilgrim In Real Life, Michael Cera 0:13:00 Nitpicks, The Ending Works?, Adaptati...2020-07-101h 09

Middle of the RowBonus Episode - The Last of Us: Part IIOur first ever game review on the podcast?, I think it might be, and you couldn’t ask for a much better game: The Last of Us: Part II. We (Lauren, Ben and I) all love the game, but we have a pretty fantastic discussion about what makes this game so special, while keeping realistic hype trains in check. That doesn’t mean we don’t praise it to high heaven, we do, but that’s because this is one of the greats. If you’ve played the game, take a listen, and see if you think the game is as nearly...2020-07-0359 min

Middle of the RowNo Love For The LovebirdsA new release! The dumped to Netflix comedy, The Lovebirds. Everyone, besides Jon, couldn’t really get into it, but we find some areas to appreciate in the film. A laugh or two here, a solid performance there, but all and all it feels like a missed opportunity; especially with the talent involved. Oh well? Not a trainwreck, but it feels like a solid what could have been. Download. Listen. Enjoy! 0:01:00 Spoiler Free Thoughts On The Lovebirds 0:14:00 Spoilers For The Loverbirds 0:14:10 Offensive Humor?, Likable Characters?, Treated Unfairly? 0:20:00 Some Nitpicks, No Side Characters, Where’s The Fun? 0:30:00 Some Third Act Appreciation & Wrap...2020-06-3035 min

Middle of the RowDon't Hide Crouching Tiger, Hidden DragonWe flashback to another 2000 Oscar film, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. This time, Zac is doing the picking and he loves this film a whole lot 20 years on. The rest of the crew isn’t as high, and found diminishing returns, but Zac stands up for the excellence and beauty of the picture. Jon tag teams a couple sections with him, who puts his wire-fu issues behind him, Lauren though... A good convo for a great movie! Damnit! Download. Listen. Enjoy. 0:01:00 Why Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon?, Some Spirited Disagreement 0:11:00 Fights That Talk, No Flashback? You Crazy!, Dark Cloud 0:19:00 We Promise We Ar...2020-06-1937 min

Middle of the RowWe Switch On The SwitchWe are flashing back to 2010 to review, for some reason, The Switch. This Jason Bateman/Jennifer Aniston dramedy forces a couple of us to rethink our 2010-selves, while making us wonder how the hell we ever could have found Jason Bateman appealing in this film. Jon, who picked the film, remains unphased, while Ben and Zac call the child character an asshole; repeatedly. That’s the kind of episode we have here. Download. Listen. Enjoy! 0:01:00 Why The Switch, Changing Feelings 0:09:00 Poor Patrick Wilson?, Despicable Leads 0:18:00 Sebastian An Asshole, What A Difference A Decade Makes 0:24:00 Jeff Goldblum!, OG Ending Wrapping Up @mi...2020-06-1736 min

Middle of the RowWe Brawl Over GladiatorWe flashback to 2000 for Ben’s favorite movie, Gladiator. The Ridley Scott sword and sandals epic swept the movie world 20 years ago, but how does it stack up all these years later? Ben is, obviously, still on board, as is Lauren, but Jon and Zac are having diminishing returns. How much? Listen to find out! We do agree there is some greatness in here, regardless of the returns, and the movie is iconic for a reason, even if some of us aren’t as taken. Good chat! Download. Listen. Enjoy! 0:01:00 Why Gladiator?, Talkin’ Swords & Sandals, Praise For The Leads 0:10:00 Talking Fight...2020-06-0538 min

Middle of the RowEmbrace Never Let Me GoAnother week of Covid-19, another flashback! This time, to 2010, to watch Never Let Me Go. I recently placed this high in my best movies of the last decade, and having rewatched a couple times in the past few months, it stands up as an underseen gem. We discussed the greatness of Carey Mulligan, sad feelings, world building, more sadness, compared it to Michael Bay’s The Island, and did I mention sadness. So, if this one is a blindspot for you, go see the movie first, and then come back and hear us agree on the film’s greatness. Download. List...2020-06-0332 min

Middle of the RowBonus Episode - Star Wars: The Clone Wars - Season 7Ben and I take one last trip to Star Wars: The Clone Wars universe to review the final season that just wrapped up. We spend a lot of time praising the third group of episodes, but take a look at the pluses and minuses of the first two arcs. We are on the same page for the most part, with discussions on Maul and Ahsoka’s greater arcs being the highlights. Anyways, if you are a fan of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Ben and I had a good discussion on The Clone Wars last hurrah. Download. Listen. Enjoy! 0:01:00 A Ta...2020-05-1932 min

Middle of the RowWe Upload TRON: LegacyWe are flashing back to the futuristic TRON: Legacy! An almost great reboot that wanted to make a new series, but never quite got there. The score! The action! The effects! There is a lot to like, but what got in the way? Generic story? Generic characters? Where was the creative muscle put into the look when it comes to the story? At least we all agree Olivia Wilde is a blast and watching The Dude (Jeff Bridges) perform biodigital jazz is a lot of fun! Download. Listen. Enjoy! 0:01:00 Why Tron: Legacy, Deaging Tech, A Great Start?, Not What You...2020-05-1333 min

Middle of the RowBring It On, Or BustFlashback time in Covid-19 takes us to 2000 for Bring It On! Lauren picked this cheerleading comedy and we aren’t quite sure what to think about it. Kirsten Dunst and Eliza Dushku star, and try their best, but time hasn’t been kind to the film’s sense of humor. There is some decent stuff in here, a good movie even, maybe, but we can’t quite give what we got that credit. Still, a fun conversation to be had. Download. Listen. Enjoy! 0:01:00 Why Bring It On?, Tone, Fast Character Growth 0:08:00 Problematic?, Expand The Woke! 0:15:00 The Bones Are Good, Peyton Reed @mi...2020-05-0726 min

Middle of the RowAre We Still With I'm Still Here?Flashing back to 2010! This time, to review the Joaquin Phoenix “documentary” I’m Still Here. Sure, it wasn’t a real breakdown/pivot to rap, but it is one of the great performances (IMO) from one of our great actors. The shenanigans don’t always work, the whole film doesn’t for some of us here too, but we debate the merits of the film, the performance, and even rank Phoenix against some of his male counterparts (Ben picks Russell Crowe!). So, check it out! Download. Listen. Enjoy! 0:01:00 Why I’m Still Here, Who Knew?, Letterman 0:14:00 The Co-Stars, Too Much, Too Far? 0:21...2020-04-2940 min

Middle of the RowThe Virgin Suicides Lives OnFlashing back to 2000 this week, for Sofia Coppola’s feature debut The Virgin Suicides. I made this pick, as Coppola is one of my favorite filmmakers, and I really just adore this movie. Everyone else came to it with really fresh eyes, Lauren had seen it a long time ago, while Ben and Jon were virgins (sorry). We discuss Kirsten Dunst, POV’s, is this a depressing or fun movie? We cover a lot, and remind Lauren that there was a narrator in this movie. Download. Listen. Enjoy! 0:01:00 Why The Virgin Suicides, What Does It All Mean? 0:10:00 Jon Has Thoughts, Fun...2020-04-2344 min

Middle of the RowMiddle of the Dial: Episode 009 - Stephen ChristianThe 9th episode of Middle of the Dial is a conversation with musician Stephen Christian. Stephen is known for being the front man for the band Anberlin, but has also been putting out solo material under the moniker of Anchor and Braille since 2004. He has recently released the song "Dangerous" (which you can listen to below) which will be on his next full length album Tension and will be released May 22nd, on Tooth and Nail Records. We had a chance to talk about the creative process for this record and his previous releases and also the recent Anberlin tours...2020-04-2239 min

Middle of the RowGet Stranded With Cast AwayFlashing back to pre Covid-19 times, to get stranded on an island with Tom Hanks in Cast Away. Zemeckis’ film holds up, as does Hanks’ performance and his title as best everyman actor. He really is incredible in this film and the film knocks it out of the park at its highest points. Where those points are in the movie vary greatly among the crew, so take a listen to see who you agree with the most. Download. Listen. Enjoy! 0:01:00 Why Castaway, Pacing, Tone, Wilson 0:10:00 Opening Scenes, Zemeckis Tech, Last Act Debate 0:20:00 Who Else Could Have Played This? @middleofrow #nothe 2020-04-2133 min

Middle of the RowPredators, What Are They Good For?We flashback again as Covid-19 continues to keep us inside. This week, we honor the release of The Hunt with a flashback to Predators! The 2010 film is also an homage to The Most Dangerous Game and is also a pretty good sequel to boot. Ben gets a bit beat up defending the movie, but he’s not alone in his appreciation, even if we pick nits. Lauren remains unphased by this alien race, and all aliens? Jon, well, I don’t know what he thinks when this is all said and done. A fun episode for an underseen movie. Download. List...2020-04-0929 min

Middle of the RowGo Questing With OnwardHey friends, a short staffed review, again, just Ben and I, as we review Onward. Pixar’s latest is the studio’s first foray into the fantasy realm (sorry, Brave) and the results are pretty good. Editing this made me appreciate the film a bit more, though neither Ben nor I are putting it in the top tiers of Pixar’s filmography. Still, a good time and well worth you checking out on Disney+ this weekend! Already! Check it out! Download. Listen. Enjoy! 0:01:00 Spoiler Free Thoughts On Onward, A Tale Of Two Halves, A Pointless Arc 0:08:00 Pixar Ranks, Masters Of Pixar...2020-03-3131 min

Middle of the RowBirds of Prey Flies AlrightAnother “new” release for the podcast, as I use Covid-19 social distancing to get this podcast back on track, release wise. We review the latest DC Films release, Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn), and we all like it, some more than others, but we mostly throw praise at this thing. Lauren and Zac try to figure out how to make it a bit better, Jon loves to be woke about it, and Ben is just loving it. A fun episode, for a fun movie. Download. Listen. Enjoy! 0:01:00 Spoiler Free Thoughts On Birds Of Prey 0:15:30 Spoi...2020-03-1635 min

Middle of the RowDoes Easy A Still Ace It?We are back with another flashback, this time Lauren picks, to 2010’s Easy A. This Emma Stone career launcher holds up well, but also feels a bit dated and safe by todays standards. Still, a fun cast and we hash out our favorite lines and what it does do for the teen sex comedy that’s worth keeping around. Download. Listen. Enjoy! 0:01:00 Not Standing Up To Time?, THC (Not The Drug), Parent Praise 0:12:30 Perspectives On Patriarchy, Ain’t Mean Girls 0:19:00 Is This Real Life?, Weird Messaging, Bynes and Badgley, Jena Malone? @middleofrow #nothe 2020-03-1432 min

Middle of the RowWe Like The Social NetworkOur first flashback for 2020 is to 2010 for The Social Network. I consider this one of the best films of the decade, it is Top 3 David Fincher, and maybe Top 3 for everyone involved with anything in this movie. It’s really great, and we had two virgin eyes on this film. Ben and Jon are both impressed, while Lauren looks past her hate of dicks to enjoy the film on it technical proficiency. A great start to 2020, where I am sure we will all agree on everything. Well, a couple lively diversions might prove otherwise at the end of this thing.... Do...2020-02-2042 min

Middle of the RowMiddle of the Row: The Podcast - 2019 Time CapsuleWe are officially wrapping up 2019, a month and a half late (my bad), with our 2019 Time Capsule. Besides Jon falling asleep after he went, a pretty great episode. The remaining trio go on without him and make his predictions for him for 2020. A lot of fun conversations here around the topics at hand as we break format a bit and pick things to highlight rather than our stone cold favorites. Thanks for listening for another year, and 2020 content is coming soon! Download. Listen. Enjoy! 0:02:00 Ben: Sonic The Hedgehog Redesign And Fan Influences 0:13:40 Jon: POC’s And Breaking Barriers With Lil Na...2020-02-1751 min

Middle of the RowTake A Trip With Away We GoThe Podcast Is Back! We are still going strong and have plenty of more episodes to look forward to. This is the last of two podcasts we recorded in 2019, and we will follow those with our 2019 Time Capsule episode before springing into 2020. The Decade’s Best and Illness got in the way of editing, but, we should be back on track to get caught up and make this more consistent in the year ahead. Apologies, to all. So what are we watching this week? Our last flashback from 2019, to 2009 for Away We Go. Sam Mendes is about to win a bu...2020-02-0444 min

Middle of the RowWe Talk About Fight ClubWe flashback to 1999 one last time to discuss Jon’s pick, Fight Club. A classic of the year, one of Brad Pitt’s best and David Fincher’s breakthrough? We discuss religiosity, classism, toxic masculinity, abs, we got it all. Everyone appreciates something in Fight Club here, it’s Jon’s favorite movie, but somehow Zac has given it a better score on Letterboxd. Who knows. Download. Listen. Enjoy! 0:01:00 Why Fight Club?, Jon’s Connection 0:11:00 Lauren Fights Back, How Did We Get Here?, Debating Dicks 0:26:00 Marla, Nihilists, Fincher Filmmaking 0:40:00 Classism?, Randomness @middleofrow #nothe 2019-12-2255 min

Middle of the RowTerminator: Dark Fate Can't Change Its OwnThis week we, finally, watch a new release, Terminator: Dark Fate! This film has bombed and left most theaters by now, but our conversation on this one might be one of our most lively and fun conversations. Ben is a BIG fan, Lauren and Zac are not, but it works well for our discussion as we bounce back and forth with ease. So join us for one last trip down Terminator lane, as we might not see another entry in this franchise for some time. Download. Listen. Enjoy! 0:01:00 Assessing Our Sequel Feelings On Terminators, Spoiler Free Thoughts 0:15:00 Ben Pitches Positivity...2019-11-2753 min

Middle of the RowSeriously A Serious Man?This week we flashback to 2009 for some Coen Brothers with A Serious Man! one of Zac’s favorites from the duo, nobody else is really on board? Jon has a lot to say but falls somewhere between Ben and Lauren, who weren’t fans. I think I coax out some appreciation where I can, but chalk this up as another Zac classic that no one else is down with. Oh well, I try... Download. Listen. Enjoy! 0:01:00 Why A Serious Man?, Boring? 0:06:00 Jon Finds Religion, But Not Anybody's Actual Names 0:13:00 What Do People Appreciate? 0:19:00 Sy And Columbia Music Club @middleofrow #nothe 2019-11-2527 min

Middle of the RowMake Time For MicmacsThis week we flash back to 2009 for the Jean-Pierre Jeunet film, Micmacs. His follow up to Amélie and A Very Long Engagement didn’t gain the stateside traction that those films did, but it stuck in Lauren’s memory from way back when. Packed full of beautiful images, lovely music and whimsy, Micmacs, at its best, sings. At its worst, it feels like it could have gone deeper. Still, Junet executes what he’s going for here, and you will be hard pressed to find many films more charming; unless you can’t handle shenanigans. Download. Listen. Enjoy! 0:01:00 Why Micmacs...2019-11-2029 min

Middle of the RowWe Head Back For IT Chapter TwoWe are back, after some delays, with a sequel to a film we have already filmed on the podcast, IT Chapter Two! A new release that did perform as well as its original, this adaptation of the other half of Stephen King’s novel did go down a bit from the original in quality with everyone, except me. Jon’s down a bit, Ben too (though still LOVES!), Lauren is even, and I thought this was a huge step up. We discuss all of this, favorite scenes and I fail to pronounce James McAvoy’s name, again. Download. Listen. Enjoy! 0:01:00 Genera...2019-10-0843 min

Middle of the RowMalkovich Malkovich Being John MalkovichWe flashback to 1999 the week, for the Spike Jonze & Charlie Kaufman head trip, Being John Malkovich! An amazing movie that has aged wonderfully, becoming more complex and sad with each subsequent viewing. This is Ben’s first crack at it, Lauren’s second, and I’ve lost count, which is why it is probably my pick! So open the door on the 7 & 1/2 floor with us, as we dive in and hope we don’t end up on the side of the New Jersey Turnpike. Download. Listen. Enjoy! 0:01:00 Why Being John Malkovich 0:05:00 “Both Hilarious and Super Depressing”, Praise For Diaz & Malkovich 0:10:00 WTF, The End...2019-09-2536 min

Middle of the RowWe Won't Hide From Ready or NotIt’s a new release! Our first post 100 episode dives into the horror comedy Ready or Not. Are feelings are across the board here, but we ultimately fall on a solid recommend on this one. The film is full of great moments, a great lead turn by Samara Weaving and a really fun premise, but it only came together in totality for Ben. Jon is less enthusiastic, but more appreciative than Zac and Lauren, who wish they could have gotten a bit more into the film. Download. Listen. Enjoy! 0:01:00 Spoiler Free Thoughts On Ready Or Not 0:20:35 Spoilers For Ready Or No...2019-09-1340 min

Middle of the RowWe Don't All Ride For Hobbs & ShawThis week’s episode is a new release, Hobbs & Shaw! This is the first spinoff of the Fast & Furious franchise, excising it’s worst element (Vin Diesel) and building itself around two of its most fun. Ben and Lauren had fun, but do a lot of nitpicking, while Jon... Well, Jon saw some of the movie, and sometimes talks on this podcast. Zac is MIA, but he was thumbs down on this one overall. I think we can all agree, more Vanessa Kirby in everything. Download. Listen. Enjoy! 0:01:00 Spoiler Free Thoughts On Hobbs & Shaw 0:10:00 Spoilers For Hobbs & Shaw & Vanessa Kirby 0:10:30 Came...2019-08-1332 min

Middle of the RowBonus Episode - Stranger Things 3Welcome to this bonus episode where three-fourths of the gang talk about Stranger Things season 3! After writing up his thoughts on the website, Jon really wanted to talk about it with Lauren and Ben, so that’s what they did! Lot’s of praise for this past season and the show in general, especially the per fun team-ups of El and Max, Dustin and Steve, and to a certain degree Hop and Joyce (although Hop is angry all the time for some reason). And how about that post-credits scene?! Everyone is in agreement that this is the best season so take...2019-08-081h 17

Middle of the RowOnce Upon a Time...in Hollywood Casts A SpellThis week, we dive into Quentin Tarantino’s latest, Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood! The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie and gives us plenty to talk about. Great acting, slighted characters, Manson murderers, this one has it all. Everyone is, ultimately, a fan of the film, but Lauren might have needed a bit of convincing? You get to hear her work through her feelings on this one. Also, Brandy, the bestest dog ever... Download. Listen. Enjoy! 0:01:00 Spoiler Free Thoughts On Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood 0:05:30 The Sharon Tate Of It All, Leo or Pitt, Brandy 0:15:33 Sp...2019-08-0657 min

Middle of the RowDive In To Deep Blue Sea?Deep Blue Sea! That’s the movie this week, as Ben and Lauren are big fans and both really wanted to flashback to it. Jon and Zac are Deep Blue Sea virgins, and they have doubts... Jon can enjoy it a bit more, but Zac is out; big surprise. Lots of reminiscing on nostalgic love from the fans, while the others struggle to figure out how this became the cult classic that it is. Download. Listen. Enjoy! 0:01:00 Why Deep Blue Sea? 0:11:00 A Letterboxd Diversion 0:12:24 Dumb And Stupid 0:24:00 A Meg Diversion 0:26:25 Back To Deep Blue Sea, Still Dumb....And Stupid @middleofrow #no...2019-07-2642 min

Middle of the RowTake Us Away To MidsommarThis episode takes us to Midsommar, Ari Aster’s latest horror masterpiece? Lauren says no, HARD NO!, but Zac thinks Aster is on to something. Ben and Jon have complicated feelings, though their feelings are growing? Aster is growing in this new film, but there is still a lot of grief and bodies to wade through as he deals with all that. So buckle up, head off to Sweden and don’t piss on the ancestral tree... Download. Listen. Enjoy! 0:01:00 Spoiler Free Thoughts On Midsommar 0:12:46 Spoilers For Midsommar 0:12:46 A Date Movie? or Do They Deserve It? 0:20:00 Lauren’s Got Doubts! 0:25:00 For Th...2019-07-2443 min

Middle of the RowThe Boondock Saints Aren't Good EnoughThis week, we flashback to 1999 to discuss The Boondock Saints. Oh boy, this was an eye opener. Lauren never liked it. Zac has fallen to rock bottom after some younger appreciation. Jon’s not as far down the negativity hole since his youth love. And Ben, Ben is burying us with enjoyment, after he throws Rocco down with us. Oh, Rocco... How did this gain such acclaim. Are boys just dumb? (yes) Anyways, lively chat about the crappy filmmaking, the crazy acting and how this could only exist in a pre-woke world. Download. Listen. Enjoy! 0:02:00 Why The Boondock Saints? 0:07:17 Satire or...2019-07-1947 min

Middle of the RowAvatar Still Endures?This week, we are flashing back to 2009 to discuss James Cameron’s Avatar. Do the characters hold up? How cool is Pandora a decade later? What about all of those effects? Some agreements and disagreements across the board here, with a lot of discussion on James Cameron sprinkled across the podcast. Where do you stand on Avatar all these years later, and before we get four more? Come find out what Lauren, Ben and Zac think. Download. Listen. Enjoy! 0:01:00 Why Avatar and Problematic Material? 0:05:00 World Building Ambition And Original Material 0:09:00 Lauren Dissents And Back And Forth On Character Depth 0:16:00 Pandora Is...2019-07-1037 min

Middle of the RowIs The Mummy Still On Its Feet?This week, we flashback to 1999 to discuss Lauren’s pick, The Mummy! This swashbuckler was one of the first blockbusters to really try to embrace a ton of CGI, but we don’t hold that against it. In fact, most of the podcast is filled with praise, as Ben and Lauren take a trip down nostalgia road. Zac can’t really join them though, but he does nod along when warranted and defends some of his favorite adventure films that nobody else loves. Download. Listen. Enjoy! 0:01:00 Why The Mummy? 0:05:00 Discussing Action Filmmaking, Good vs. Bad & CGI 0:11:00 Getting Nitpicky? The Adventure Film G...2019-07-0339 min

Middle of the RowGodzilla: King Of The Monsters Reign Won't LastThis week, we check in with the monsters in the Monarchy Universe, this time with the sequel to 2014’s Godzilla, Godzilla: King of the Monsters! Ben thinks its on par with the other films in the franchise, Lauren is experiencing diminishing returns, and Zac, well, he called it “one of the worst movies I’ve ever seen in a theater.” So, pick your poison with this one, because it could be deadly. Come for the discussion on whether this movie sucks or not, stay for Ben nerding out over giant monsters. Roar! Download. Listen. Enjoy! 0:01:00 Godzilla (2014) and Kong: Skull Island Thoughts...2019-06-2847 min

Middle of the Row10 Things To Hate About You Is FineThis week we dive into the 1999 teen classic? 10 Things I Hate About You! This Shakespeare adaptation of Taming of the Shrew, set in a Seattle high school, won the hearts of a generation, but how does it stand up? Beyond launching Heath Ledger into the stratosphere and letting us know Julia Stiles can dance, I don’t know what the hype was about. Jon and Lauren put up a bit of a fight for it, but it probably needed a stronger champion in Ben; who sadly wasn’t on this episode. Anyways, check your nostalgia at the door and join us i...2019-05-2341 min

Middle of the RowRevive Drop Dead Gorgeous!In the latest Middle of the Row: The Podcast, we flashback to 1999 for Drop Dead Gorgeous. The underseen, underappreciated and absolutely hilarious mockumentary has minor cult status, aka my wife, but it should have higher status! Lauren picked this one, and we converted Ben, but Jon isn’t quite sold. We reminisce on many of the best lines, address the P-word (Problematic) and appreciate the stacked cast. Check it out! Download. Listen. Enjoy! 0:01:00 Why Drop Dead Gorgeous? 0:06:00 Jon’s Not Sure... 0:08:30 Some Favorite Bits 0:14:00 A Lost Classic? & Talking Christopher Guest 0:18:30 Problematic? & Discussing The Twist 0:25:00 An Ode To Denise Richards? Amy Adam...2019-05-0137 min

Middle of the RowSpending Time With (500) Days of SummerThis week we flashback to 2009 for (500) Days of Summer, a romantic movie with a male lead twist, that doesn’t hold up? We are a bit split on this one, with Lauren and I waning, while Jon and Ben are rising. We praise the filmmaking, Zooey Deschanel, and debate whether Tom is terrible, terribly written, or just terrible on purpose. A fun film to revisit, and one everyone enjoys, we just might not be as high on it as we were a decade ago... Download. Listen. Enjoy! 0:01:00 General Talk On 500 Days of Summer 0:05:00 Summer Is The Best/Tom Sucks 0:10:00 Diminishing Re...2019-04-0934 min

Middle of the RowWe Waffle Over Mystery MenBen picked Mystery Men as our latest flashback, this time to 1999, and, well, we should have watched The Matrix? Mystery Men came out pre-Superhero boom, and this didn’t help get it going. We dive into behind the scenes drama, shitty direction, horrible cinematography, wasted opportunities, and discuss the merits of dumb humor. Ben stands by his pick, Lauren and Zac stand strong, and Jon waffles. It’s quite the listen! Download. Listen. Enjoy! 0:01:00 Ben Tells Us, Why Mystery Men 0:08:00 Who Needs A Director? Or Actors Who Like Each Other? 0:15:00 The Magical “Indian”, Racist? And Struggling To Praise 0:20:00 Captain Amazing, And Miss...2019-03-1735 min

Middle of the RowWe Aren't That Into He's Just Not That Into You?New Podcast! This week we flashback to 2009’s He’s Just Not That Into You. Jon picked this supposed Rom-Com, that was probably better served as a Dramedy, and maybe 5 less characters, but I think we find a lot to appreciate in this thing. There is also some healthy debate, especially surrounding Scarlett Johansson and Bradley Cooper. We all agree Ginnifer Goodwin’s character sucks... So, sit back, get depressed, as romance fails at almost every turn. Download. Listen. Enjoy! 0:01:00 Why He’s Just Not That Into, Jon? 0:06:00 What’s Holding This Back? (Lauren’s Confused About Which Jennifer We Are Discussi...2019-03-1536 min

Middle of the RowWe Chew On GlassM. Night Shyamalan is back on the podcast for another week with his Unbreakable and Split follow up Glass! I think it starts off 2019 with a bang, Lauren’s a fan too, Ben and Jon, not so much. Still, A LOT to discuss this episode, especially breaking down the ending(s) and everyone’s takes and interpretations on the craziness. So rewatch the previous films and dive into Glass. Download. Listen. Enjoy! 0:01:00 General Thoughts On Glass 0:08:00 Bringing Back Casey Cook 0:15:00 Spoilers For Glass 0:15:15 Debating The Ending(s) Of Glass / Buying Into Staple’s Plan 0:27:45 We Briefly Entertain Jon’s M. Night Sh...2019-02-0353 min

Middle of the RowWe Take In The Imaginarium of Doctor ParnassusIt is our first flashback review of 2019, to 2009, with The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus! Lauren nominated Terry Gilliam’s ill fated Heath Ledger film and she’s not really to sure about it anymore. Jon is a Parnassus virgin and enjoys the film, while Ben and Zac wonder if this should be just a one time only movie. Thanks for coming back to the pod and enjoy 2019 with us! Download. Listen. Enjoy! 0:02:00 Reflecting Back On The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus 0:12:00 What Is The Point Of All Of This? 0:15:45 Practical Vs. CG Imaginarium / Gilliam Get Weird 0:17:20 The Heath Ledger Impersonations 0:19:00 Talking Gill...2019-01-2240 min

Middle of the Row2018 Time CapsuleThis week, the last episode of 2018 (but releasing in 2019), it’s the 2018 Time Capsule! Each of us picks one thing to save in the time capsule and chuck it in there. Will Zac pick a movie? Will Ben pick a meme? Does Lauren choose nothing? Listen to find out! And don’t forget to keep coming back in 2019 as we continue to look back to the previous years (2009 & 1999) and review some of our most anticipated movies of this year. Thanks for listening! Download. Listen. Enjoy! 0:02:00 Thoughts On Picking This Year 0:07:00 Looking Back At 2018 Predictions 0:09:20 Jon Chooses Eighth Grade 0:16:30 Zac Is A So...2019-01-1956 min

Middle of the RowWe Audit American History XThis week, the podcast looks at the 1998 flashback American History X. Zac is out this week, so Jon leads Lauren and Ben through his pick, which was in his Top 5 films of all time! Will it stay there, find out and listen. The group discusses Norton’s arc, Edward Norton in general and how those hard scenes to watch stack up 20 years later. Download. Listen. Enjoy! 00:30 Overall Impressions 17:00 Earned Reformation 28:00 The Point Of View And Filmmaking Styles 34:00 Edward Norton And White Supremacy Today 38:00 The Ending And Shortcomings 43:00 Hardest Scenes To Watch 50:00 Grappling With Reality @middleofrow #nothe 2018-12-1458 min

Middle of the RowWill You Follow This Overlord?On this week’s episode, we discuss the new Bad Robot produced, Nazi zombies horror film, Overlord. I am on the outside looking in here, I think it’s terrible, and I wasn’t really convinced otherwise. Still, there is some support here from Ben, Lauren and Jon, and it is worth a listen to see what really stuck out in the film for them. So, strap in and get ready to dodge some bombs, as we discuss Overlord! Download. Listen. Enjoy! 0:02:00 Initial Thoughts 0:14:13 Spoilers For Overlord 0:14:30 Boyce’s Shortcomings, Or Overlords? 0:19:40 Shortcomings, Abound... 0:30:00 Jon Defends Overlord And The Gang Tries To...2018-11-3048 min

Middle of the RowSuspiria Cast Its SpellThis week, the boys discuss Suspiria as Lauren is a bit under the weather. While we aren’t all over the moon about it, a range from Zac’s love to Jon’s curiosity, but I think we all enjoyed and appreciated the film. It is a film that isn’t for everyone, surely, but I think it can suck almost any viewer in to its mystery and mood. This might not be easy to recommend, but it is one of the most interesting experiences you’ll have with a movie this year. Take that for what you will. Download. Listen. En...2018-11-1657 min

Middle of the RowDoes The Waterboy Quench Your Comedy Thirst?This episode we flashback to 1998 and discuss the Adam Sandler hit, The Waterboy. Ben elected this film, and is the only one to genuinely like it. Jon musters some support, but Lauren and I come out fighting. Still, we have some interesting talk about the portrayal of Bobby Boucher, Forrest Gump and the rubbing of nipples. Take a listen and see if The Waterboy holds up for you 20 years later... Download. Listen. Enjoy! 0:01:30 Discussing Sandler’s Box Office Clout 0:03:10 Ben Tells Us, Why Waterboy? And Some Of Us Disagree 0:09:30 Too Many Forrest Gump Connections... 0:10:30 It’s Not Great, Say Zac and...2018-10-2831 min

Middle of the RowShould The Spirit Be Redeemed?This week’s episode is another 08 flashback to Frank Miller’s adaptation of Will Eisner’s The Spirit! I sort of get left on an island here, but I think this film got unfairly maligned and, ten years later, deserves another look. Still, not everyone agrees here, and I find myself defending the film like The Spirit defends his city. The rest of the crew isn’t without their fair points, but give the film a watch and come back and see whose side you are fighting on. Download. Listen. Enjoy! 0:01:00 Why The Spirit Lauren? 0:04:00 The Spirit And His Womanizing 0:14:30 Ben Shar...2018-10-1639 min

Middle of the RowAssassination Nation Misses The Mark?This week on the podcast we dive into a possible cult classic in the making, Assassination Nation. Ben is the only one right out on the movie, but I think you will find that this film offered up a lot to be discussed and analyzed; both on filmmaking and social commentary levels. The characters are also rather complex at times and we had a lot of back and forth on that as well. Anyways, a film worth seeing for the discussion alone, and a podcast worth listening to even if you haven’t seen the film. I really enjoyed our ta...2018-10-101h 02

Middle of the RowFear Watching The PredatorThis week, Lauren, Jon and Zac take on The Predator and come out victorious against this garbage fire of a movie. Ben isn’t here to defend the dumb fun of it all, Jon attempts his own defense, but the movie serves as mostly a punching bag of disappointment. Shane Black, what happened? Also, Jon hates Sterling K. Brown... Download. Listen. Enjoy! 0:01:00 Predator Backgrounds And Some Alien Talk 0:05:00 Talking The Predator 0:08:30 How Bad Is This Movie? *SPOILERS* 0:15:30 Jon Thinks Sterling K. Brown Is A Terrible Actor 0:19:30 Jon Tries To Praise The Movie And Discussing Lore 0:24:00 Discussing The “Action” In The Movie ...2018-09-2640 min

Middle of the RowPleasantville Stays The Same After All These YearsThe gang is down a member this week in Zac, as Jon, Lauren and Ben flashback to 1998’s Pleasantville! The film held up for this crew, but there are some things to get into along the way. Like, where are all the POC’s and what happened to Reese Witherspoon halfway through the movie? Still, new viewers and old still enjoyed this one and the crew had a nice discussion about everything that does, and doesn’t, work in the film. Download. Listen. Enjoy! 0:02:10 General Thoughts On Pleasantville 0:09:30 Shortcomings Around The Good Stuff 0:12:00 The Color of Pleasantville 0:14:45 Why No More Reese...2018-09-1749 min

Middle of the RowBabe: Pig In The City Is Not A Safe SpaceThis week we flashback to 1998 again for Babe: Pig in the City! The sequel to the Oscar winning film is directed by Mad Max’s George Miller, has some decent set pieces and traumatized Lauren enough for her to turn off the movie! Jon and Zac fill her in on what she missed and discuss some of the morals and parables of the film. Good talk, interesting movie. Download. Listen. Enjoy! 0:01:30 The Morality Of Filmmaking In Babe: Pig in the City 0:08:00 The Themes Of The Babes 0:14:00 Why Was Thelonius So Terrifying? 0:16:41 We Tell Lauren What Horrible Animal Cruelty She Missed... 0:22:00 Ba...2018-09-1737 min

Middle of the RowThe Mask Of Zorro Is Still SharpThis week we flashback to 1998 again, this time to discuss The Mask of Zorro! Hopkins! Banderas! Zeta-Jones! Stunts! The movie is packed, but maybe with a bit too much drama? Either way, Lauren enjoyed this growing up and I think most of us still do, quibbles and all. So throw on that mask and join us in one of the last big practical action blockbusters of the 90’s. Download. Listen. Enjoy! 0:01:00 Why Zorro, Batman Connections And Banderas! 0:09:45 Martin Campbell And What Is Working 0:12:05 Jon Connects To The Past With Terrible Audio To Boot 0:15:00 We Start Picking Things Apart A Bit, To...2018-09-1042 min

Middle of the RowDoes Slumdog Millionaire Still Feel Rich 10 Years Later?Slumdog Millionaire was the best picture winner of the films released in 2008, but does it still stand up ten years later? Lauren had never seen the film, and is taken with it as many of the audiences were back then, but Zac and Ben aren't quite as sure anymore. Jon tells his life story in case you were curious about that, too. So jump in the hot seat, and revisit Slumdog Millionaire Download. Listen. Enjoy! 0:01:00 Jon Monologues About Slumdog Millionaire 0:08:30 Lauren Discusses Being Our Only First Time Viewer 0:11:33 The Flame Burns Dimmer This Time For Ben and Zac 0:21:00 The Morality...2018-09-0355 min

Middle of the RowWe Take A Bite Out Of The MegWhen Zac is away, the giant killer fish come out to play. For this week's episode, Ben, Jon and Lauren strike out on the high seas (or, super low seas), as they sink to the deppest trench of the world's oceans. But They're not alone down there. At this depth the ocean is dark and full of ancient terror and one of them is hangry. Come along and...sea...how The Meg fares with this crew. Download. Listen Enjoy! 0:09:51 Spoilers for The Meg @middleofrow #nothe 2018-08-2544 min

Middle of the RowWhere Does Speed Racer Place For You?This week’s episode flashes back to 2008 for the Wachowskis’ Speed Racer! Zac’s excited, Ben and Lauren aren’t, and Jon, well, he’s not quite sure. I still love it, but I don’t really have a lot of luck turning anyone to my side. Still, if you are a fan, or not, we have a lot of fun going back and forth on this. Plus, there is some Michael Giacchino score in there. Download. Listen. Enjoy! 0:01:30 Some General, Positive, Thoughts On Speed Racer 0:09:15 Some Negative Thoughts On Speed Racer From Lauren And Ben 0:11:20 Chim Chim and Spritle, The Effects...2018-08-0140 min

Middle of the RowThe Big Lebowski Is Still, Like, Good, ManWe flashback to 1998 this week, to revisit the Coen Brothers Comedy Classic, The Big Lebowski! Lauren and Jon hadn't seen it before, which I find remarkable, and we have a good conversation between Ben and I dropping quotes. Also, if you think Jon is more quiet this episode, it's because he had a few, early, technical difficulties; which you shouldn't notice. But, know that he wasn't being punished for rambling on about The Dark Knight viral marketing last episode. Download. Listen. Enjoy! 0:02:30 General Thoughts On The Big Lebowski 0:16:00 Is This Movie Too Weird/Too Confusing? 0:20:00 Discussing The Fantastic Ensemble! 0:24:41 Favorite...2018-05-2341 min

Middle of the RowAvengers: Infinity War Should Have Dusted?We Are Back! We are going to dive in one more time into Avengers: Infinity War, that is unless I have to write an article about how The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2 did this ending better?, with a full podcast breakdown of the film. A good conversation with Zac and Lauren on one side and Ben and Jon on the other. It's a good talk, guys. So keep getting those MCU jones taken care of with one more discussion on Infitiy War! Download. Listen. Enjoy! 0:02:00 General Thoughts - Spoiler Free 0:13:15 Resolution In The Ending 0:15:30 Should Movies Be More...2018-05-051h 19

Middle of the RowWe Can't Shut Up About A Quiet PlaceWelcome to another episode of Middle of the Row: The Podcast! This week, Lauren, Ben and Jon discuss A Quiet Place and they all really love it! As for me, let's just say I wish I could have been on this episode. I would have provided a nice counter to the discussion, as I thought this movie was not good, and actively got worse with the runtime. Maybe there will be room for me to have my say on the podcast some other time. But know, I am in the minority on this one, and the group has a great...2018-04-201h 05

Middle of the RowSteven Spielberg Double Feature: Part 2 - Ready Player OnePart 2 of our first foray into discussing Steven Spielberg! We split the episode into two parts, the second one here focusing on the new release, Ready Player One! If you missed our episode on Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, you can find that in your podcast feed or on the site! I didn't enjoy Ready Player One, but I'm kind of alone on this one. Check out our discussion for more. Download. Listen. Enjoy! 0:01:15 Ready Player One General Thoughts 0:03:00 Olivia Cooke is Great! 0:13:09 Ready Player One Spoilers 0:17:00 Privilege and Economics In The Oasis 0:24:00 Problematic Female Representation...2018-04-1257 min

Middle of the RowWe Stand With Pacific Rim: UprisingPacific Rim: Uprising is a sequel many people didn't think would ever happen, but I think the three of us (No Lauren this week) appreciate what we got. There is a lot to discuss with the approach between the two films, but if you are coming just for the giant robots, like Ben, then you will be more than satisfied. 01:40 Thoughts on Pacific Rim OG 08:25 Pacific Rim: Uprising Non-Spoiler 13:10 Attack the Block Shout Out! 13:50 Back to Pacific Rim: Uprising 25:50 Spoilers! 29:10 No Justice for Mako Mori 2018-03-3145 min

Middle of the RowShould You Get Stuck With This Tomb Raider?Tomb Raider is the latest video game to attempt to make the leap to the big screen, well, I guess, for a second time, as this is a reboot of a reboot. And the film certainly clears the low bar set for the genre for some of us, but maybe not all. Either way, Alicia Vikander is great! Give it a listen, download, enjoy. 00:00 A Very Long Into To “Laura” Croft 05:00 History With The Tomb Raider Games 08:11 A Journey Into Jon’s Fan Art Past With “Lauren” Croft 09:45 Spoiler Free Thoughts On Tomb Raider 16:30 Mission: Impossible & Some Other Video Game Movie Talk...2018-03-2554 min

Middle of the Row2017 Time CapsuleThis is the podcast's inaugural year in review episode, of sorts, where each of us picks one thing to throw into the time capsule for 2017. We didn't tell each other before hand and were able to have some nice conversations, besides us just throwing around monologues. Enjoy, and keep listening in 2018. 3:30 Jon: Julien Baker - Turn Out the Lights 11:20 Ben: Horizon: Zero Dawn 21:00 Zac: Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 33:00 Lauren: Atomic Blonde 44:15 Randomness 47:00 2018 Time Capsule Predictions @middleofrow #nothe 2018-01-1656 min

Middle of the RowNo Fighting Over Thor: Ragnarok In This Arena0:30 South Park: The Fractured But Whole, Cuphead, Zelda: Breath of the Wild Catch Up 8:00 The Big Sick 16:35 Baby Driver, We’ve finally all seen it! (Spoilers) 26:30 Slasher S:2 26:45 Super Mario Odyssey, Again 33:21 Thor: Ragnarok 48:00 Thor: Ragnarok Spoilers 54:00 Interlude: Jon Melts Lauren & Zac’s Brains Over Trailer Rules 58:15 Back To Spoilers @middleofrow #nothe 2017-11-091h 21

Middle of the RowYou Might Flatline If You See FlatlinersListen to us talk about Flatliners! It's not a good movie (sorry Ben), but this is a fun listen. 0:30 Jon See’s Wonder Woman 4:15 Lauren Read’s Girl With All The Gifts 7:50 Ben See’s American Made, Battle of the Sexes, and Brawl in Cell Block 19 12:50 Curb Your Enthusiasm is back! 16:45 Flatliners 23:50 Flatliners Spoilers @middleofrow #nothe 2017-10-051h 01

Middle of the RowCircling Kingsman: The Golden CircleCircling Kingsman: The Golden Circle by Zac Oldenburg, Lauren Heimbaugh, Ben Grigsby, Rahul Jay 2017-09-2855 min

Middle of the RowDo You Love or Hate mother!?The most controversial movie of the year finds plenty of Middle of the Row The Podcast, Episode 8, where we discuss mother! 0:30 - The Strain, Destiny 2, and Future Viewings 7:15 - Jon sees Baby Driver & John Wick 10:30 - American Vandal 15:00 - Lauren’s Nuptials 16:30 - mother! 23:10 - No one has seen Aronofsky movies, except the “movie snob” 28:00 - Spoilers of mother! @middleofrow / middleofrow.com 2017-09-181h 13

Middle of the RowTop 10 Video Games: Part 1A conversation about what random things intriguing us, with an extended bit on Scott Pilgrim (1:30). Then we get on to what we've seen/played in the last week: 24:00 - Ben - Telltale’s Batman, Room 104, Rick and Morty, The Sinner 15:45 - Jon - Whose Streets?, Flatball, Atypical 19:50 - Lauren - Batman A Telltale Series, You’re the Worst 28:40 - Zac - The Great British Baking Show, Sideways, Raising Arizona, Everything Now Then we move on to the first half of our Top 10 Video Games of all time! (34:00) @middleofrow 2017-08-141h 31