The Movie Breakdown

It has been a crazy year and for a long portion of it, there weren't any theatrical movies to review. But we still had movies and some of them were really good. This is why that even if it is a few months late, we've decided to do our annual look at the best movies at the mid-year point (plus two months). It is The Breakdown of the Best of 2020 So Far, and for long-time listeners, you know this is a show where we bestow some awards on our favourite moments, performances, surprises and movies. As well, we both list our top five movies of the year. It has been an odd year and maybe we don't have the same bounty of great movies to select but this episode will prove there are still some real gems worth tracking down. As always, we had a great time recording the episode, and like all our Best of shows, this one is super-sized. We really hope you love it as well, and if you do, please help us out by spreading the word on social media so other movie fans can track us down. Reminder that you can subscribe either to The Movie Breakdown feed (a subscription link is at the top right hand of this site), or subscribe on sites like Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, CastBox and iTunes. The Movie Breakdown Awards for 2020 So Far: The Best Scene:  The Lovebirds - a comical handling of vehicular homicide (CS) The Trip to Greece - Steve Coogan impersonated Ray Winstone impersonating King Henry VIII (SM) Best Supporting/Cameo:  Keanu Reeves - The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run (CS) Dan Stevens - Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga (SM) Best Performance: Ben Affleck - The Way Back/Elizabeth Moss - The Invisible Man (CS) Riley Keough - The Lodge (SM) The Most Delightful Surprise: Sonic the Hedgehog (CS) My Spy (SM) Best Underrated/Under-seen Movie: The Rhythm Section (CS) Sputnik (SM) Worst Movie: The Last Days of American Crime (CS & SM) Top Five Movies of 2020 So Far: Christopher: 5. The Vast of Night 4. Blow the Man Down 3. The Way Back 2. Da 5 Bloods 1. Onward Scott: 5. Da 5 Bloods 4. The Lodge 3. Sputnik 2. The Vast of Night 1. Blow the Man Down

The movie theatres are opening up again in Ontario, so that means that for the first time since March that we are reviewing some theatrical releases. This includes an animated adventure that isn't coming to the United States until next year but is the big new release in Canada in The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run. The other theatrical release is the Russel Crowe starring thriller, Unhinged. We also review two 2020 movies that are streaming on Netflix including the Jamie Foxx starring twist on the superhero genre mixed with police procedural in Project Power and a different take on the romantic teen comedy with Banana Split. Plus, we look at talented female directors like Olivia Wilde and Nia DaCosta being hired to helm big tentpoles and discuss if this is true change in Hollywood or just a fad. As always, it was a great time recording the episode and we are so thankful for your weekly support. We hope you love the show as much as we do, and if you do, please help us out by spreading the word on social media to other movie fans. Reminder that you can subscribe either to The Movie Breakdown feed (a subscription link is at the top right hand of this site), or subscribe on sites like Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, CastBox and iTunes. The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run *** (CS) Project Power ** (CS) & **½ (SM) Unhinged ** (CS) Banana Split *** (CS) & **½ (SM)

This week we get personal with The Breakdown of Our Influences, as we look at the things in our life that have formed how we watch and review movies. We have said on many occasions that film criticism is subjective and this is the week we reveal some of the things that have formulated and informed the way we approach motion pictures, We look at things like our experience in high school, parenting, mental health, being creative writers and a place called slum house that have all impacted how we view movies. If you want to know us better than this is the episode you've been waiting for all this time. We had a great time recording it and we really hope you love it. If you do then please share it on social media for other movie fans to discover. Reminder that you can subscribe either to The Movie Breakdown feed (a subscription link is at the top right hand of this site), or subscribe on sites like Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, CastBox and iTunes.

This week is about the sequels and long-delayed films, as we review the follow-up to a teen romance smash-hit for Netflix in The Kissing Booth 2.  Have you ever wondered what an underwater Aztec temple would be like if it had blind sharks swimming around in it? Your dreams are realized in the horror sequel, 47 Meters Down: Uncaged. Then we have an animated feature about magical cookies that has had a very long road to being released in the new Netflix original, Animal Crackers. After that, we look at the life and career of one of the most recognizable faces of the 1980s in Wilford Brimley. We also look at Disney recently announcing Mulan is going to Disney Plus at a premium price and discuss what type of implications that will have for the movie industry amidst Covid-19. We had a blast recording this week's show and we really hope you love it as well. Please if you enjoy the episode, share it on social media so other movie fans can find us. Reminder that you can subscribe either to The Movie Breakdown feed (a subscription link is at the top right hand of this site), or subscribe on sites like Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, CastBox and iTunes. The Four-Star Movie Rating: The Kissing Booth 2 * (CS & SM) 47 Meters Down: Uncaged ½* (CS & SM) Animal Cracker *½ (CS) & * (SM)

This week is a jam-pack episode of The Movie Breakdown even though we only have two movie reviews for you, but they are both 2020 releases. We've got a girls' road trip mixed with romantic comedy in Desperados and Nicolas Cage starring in an adaptation of a H.P. Lovecraft horror, Color Out of Space. We also remember true Hollywood greats in major movie star of the Golden Age and two-time Oscar winner, Olivia de Havilland and the director of a diverse slate of great movies in filmmaker, Alan Parker. As well, we look at the historic pact between AMC Cinemas and Universal studios that shortens the theatrical window to 17 days, and we discuss those implications. As always, we had a great time recording the show and if you love it, please spread the word on social media. Reminder that you can subscribe either to The Movie Breakdown feed (a subscription link is at the top right hand of this site), or subscribe on sites like Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, CastBox and iTunes. The Movies' Rating Out of Four Stars Desperados ** (CS & SM) Color Out of Space *** (CS & SM)

After several very special episodes of The Movie Breakdown, we return to our traditional format with four movie reviews this week. We have what Netflix is touting as a summer blockbuster in the Charlize Theron starring immortal mercs actioner, The Old Guard. It isn't summertime without a star-driven comedy, Will Ferrell teams up with Rachel McAdams in Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga. We also have a horror comedy where Lupita Nyong'o protects her Kindergarten students from zombies in Little Monsters. In one of the most revered movies of the 2000s, we discuss David Fincher's based on true events thriller, Zodiac. After that we discuss what we think will be the future of movie theatres and new releases for the remainder of 2020. As always, we had a blast recording this week's show and we really hope you love it. If you do, we would really appreciate you spreading the word on social media to other movie fans. Reminder that you can subscribe either to The Movie Breakdown feed (a subscription link is at the top right hand of this site), or subscribe on sites like Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, CastBox and iTunes. The Movies' Rating Out of Four Stars The Old Guard *** (CS) & **½ (SM) Zodiac ***½ (CS & SM) Little Monsters *** (CS & SM) Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga **½ (CS) & *** (SM)

Oh boy, was it a journey to get the show posted this week. The technology gods really did not want us to return to the year 2013. but we did and it is now here for you to listen to today (or any day you decide). 2013 was our first year of The Movie Breakdown. As is the duty of every movie podcast or movie reviewer/critic, we had to do our top ten favourite movies of the year. As we've said many time on the podcast, movie reviews and best of lists of movies are not objective but rather a snapshot of how a movie spoke to us at that time. We wanted to revisit our lists from that year and see how we feel about it now. How do the 2013 movies speak to us in 2020? It was no surprise to see that they speak to us very differently in 2020, because we've changed a lot since 2013. This means that some movies mean a lot more to us now and some movies mean a lot less. We created new 2013 Top Ten Movie lists, and there are definitely some new movies on there but also some stood the test of time. I should also note that some of the new movies made the list not because our opinion changed on them, but we had not seen them yet when we made the list back then. Some of our new movies that ranked really high on the list were films that we loved the first time we saw them but just saw them too late to make the list the first time we did the show. It was a blast talking about great movies from 2013. We really enjoyed this concept of revisiting old lists, so let us know if you like it as well and want us to try it for the other years as well. This ended up being a super-sized episode and we really hope you love it as much as we did recording it for you. We believe it was worth the extra wait and please let us know what you think. If you love it, take a little time to promote it on social media for other movie fans to find. Reminder that you can subscribe either to The Movie Breakdown feed (a subscription link is at the top right hand of this site), or subscribe on sites like Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, CastBox and iTunes. Christopher's Top 10: 10. Wadjda (previously Monster's University) 9. This is the End (previously No) 8. Frozen (previously 42) 7. Philomena (remained the same) 6. Nebraska (previously Enough Said) 5. 12 Years a Slave (previously The Places Beyond the Pines) 4. Gravity (remained the same) 3. Her (previously The Wolf of Wall Street) 2. Inside Llewyn Davis (previously 12 Years a Slave) 1. The Wolf of Wall Street (previously American Hustle) Scott's Top 10: 10. Iron Man 3 (previously You're Next) 9. The Place Beyond the Pines (remained the same) 8. Before Midnight (previously Upstream Color) 7. Mud (previously Captain Phillips) 6. Short Term 12 (previously Mud) 5. Fruitvale Station (previously Gravity) 4. Gravity (previously Before Midnight) 3. The Wolf of Wall Street (previously 12 Years a Slave) 2. American Hustle (previously The Way Way Back) 1. Inside Llewyn Davis (previously American Hustle)

The Movie Breakdown has been around since 2013 and talking about movie on a weekly basis has meant that not only have we watched a lot of movies, but we've learned a lot about the movie business. This week we're sharing some of the things that we've learned by debunking some of the myths about the movie business that not only many believe but in some cases. we once believed. We will destroy lies like a director is solely responsible for the movie you are seeing or that foreign movies are pretentious or that for some movies you need to 'turn off your brain' to enjoy it. As always, we had a great time recording this episode and if you love it, please help us out by spreading the word on social media, so that other movie fans can discover us. We also want to thank David Wierzbicki for the amazing illustration this week, and if you want to see more of his great artwork then please check out his Facebook and Instagram pages. Reminder that you can subscribe either to The Movie Breakdown feed (a subscription link is at the top right hand of this site), or subscribe on sites like Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, CastBox and iTunes.

The superhero movie is without a doubt the biggest and most successful genre right now, but that wasn't always the case and history says that won't be the case in the future. Even the biggest genre making enough money to cover a small island eventually runs out of steam. This week we look at genres that were once the box office powerhouse that now are either small niches or completely gone as big studio fare. We look at a genre that at its heights was bigger than the superhero genre ever has been in the Western. We also look at two types of comedies in the team-up and the parody. If you want blockbusters, then very little ever got bigger than the sweeping historical epic. It isn't a genre show without a little horror, so we also talk about found footage movies. This is a real fun show if you enjoy a look back at history and we also have a slew of movie recommendations for you. Thank you so much for listening to the show and if you love it, then please spread the word. Reminder that you can subscribe either to The Movie Breakdown feed (a subscription link is at the top right hand of this site), or subscribe on sites like Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, CastBox and iTunes.

We may only have two movies to review this week but it's still a huge episode. We discuss not only one of the most iconic horror movies but also one of the movies that kicked off the popular possession and demonic subgenre in Rosemary's Baby. The thrills continue with the hijacking thriller starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, 7500. We also pay tribute two significant Hollywood stars in acclaimed theatre actor and major lead in moves like Alien, Chariots of Fire and the Lord of the Rings, Ian Holm, and the filmmaker who has given us a diverse array of movie in The Lost Boys, Falling Down, Phone Booth and yes, Batman and Robin, Joel Schumacher. We also discuss if problematic movies should be banned or at least have warnings before being screened. As always, we had a great time recording this week's show, and we really hope you love it as well, If you do, the best thing you can do is share it on social media, so other movie fans can know about us. Reminder that you can subscribe either to The Movie Breakdown feed (a subscription link is at the top right hand of this site), or subscribe on sites like Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, CastBox and iTunes. The Movies' Rating Out of Four Stars 7500 *** (CS & SM) Rosemary's Baby **** (CS & SM)

One of the main goals we've had for The Movie Breakdown podcast has been to explore and review a diverse range of movies from all genres and from as many different perspectives and voices as possible. It felt like the right time to devote an episode to five movies that look at Black stories and are either made by black filmmakers or star black leads. A show like this needs to have Spike Lee's latest movie in the returning to Vietnam drama and thriller, Da 5 Bloods. We also have the break-out movie for director Ryan Coogler and lead Michael B Jordan in the based-on tree events drama, Fruitvale Station. Then we have a movie that still explores things like systemic racism and prejudice but also is a thriller and funny coming of age tale in Dope. It wouldn't seem proper to not have a movie with music as a central part, so there is the Terrence Howard starring drama about a pimp and drug dealer trying to launch a rap career in Hustle & Flow. We top it off with the story about a girl whose two worlds collide after her friend is shot dead by a cop in The Hate U Give. I'll be honest, all the movies are very emotional, and I was really hit by most of them, but as you'll find out after listening to the show, they are all worth tracking down. We are so thankful that you support and listening to us. We had a blast recording it this week and if you enjoy it, then please spread the word on social media. Reminder that you can subscribe either to The Movie Breakdown feed (a subscription link is at the top right hand of this site), or subscribe on sites like Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, CastBox and iTunes. The Movies' Rating Out of Four Stars Da 5 Bloods **** (CS) & ***½ (SM) Fruitvale Station **** (CS & SM) Dope **** (CS) & ***½ (SM) Hustle & Flow ***½ (CS & SM) The Hate U Give ***½ (CS) & *** (SM)

This week The Movie Breakdown is coming at you with four reviews of very different movies. Speaking of different, we look at a Martin Scorsese movie that some may say goes against his reputation with the film adaptation of the Edith Wharton novel about upper class life in 1870s New York, The Age of Innocence. I also argue in the review that it actually is very much a Scorsese movie while also showing his wide range of talents and skill by tackling different subject material as well. Another director with a reputation is Olivier Megaton and we review his latest action picture, The Last Days of American Crime. We also have a slice of life 1950s period piece sci-if thriller -- yes, you read that right and no, I can't think of another movie from this specific newly created genre but here is The Vast of the Night. I need to mention that this is the first movie where a character has my son's name, Everett. If you want drastically different, then we end the movie reviews with one of the movies that launched the Asylum B-movie empire, Mega Shark vs. Giant Octopus. After all that, we look at some of the Academy's recent announcements for moves and initiatives they are going to launch that will create more diversity and inclusiveness in the Academy Awards and hopefully, the movie industry. As always, we had a great time recording the show and we really hope you love it as well. If you do, then please help us out by spreading the word on social media. We also want to thank David Wierzbicki for the amazing illustration this week, which is a depiction of the Academy trying peel away their image and reputation for something brighter and more inclusive. If you want to see more great artwork then please check out his Facebook and Instagram pages. Reminder that you can subscribe either to The Movie Breakdown feed (a subscription link is at the top right hand of this site), or subscribe on sites like Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, CastBox and iTunes. The Movies' Rating Out of Four Stars The Last Days of American Crime ½* (CS) & 0 stars (SM) The Vast of the Night ***½ (CS & SM) The Age of Innocence ***½ (CS & SM) Mega Shark versus Giant Octopus * (CS) & **½ (SM)

We're travelling all the way to the 1990s where we dare to review some movies that were considered our favourites back then. We are looking at the sweeping sword and kilt war epic directed and starring Mel Gibson in Braveheart. Then we explore war in another era with the Cold War espionage thriller in The Hunt for Red October. Since it is the month that has Father's Day, then why not look at two movies about dads that really mess their kids up. We have the Shia Labeouf written semi-autobiographical tale in Honey Boy and a drama about how some are destined to repeat the sins of the father in All Day and a Night. There has also been some major social unrest in the last few weeks, and I think some historic changes are on their way. So, we ask what responsibility do filmmakers have in exploring and looking at major modern social issues? It is almost two hours of movie talk and we had a great time recording it. If you love the show, then could you please help us out by spreading the word on social media. Reminder that you can subscribe either to The Movie Breakdown feed (a subscription link is at the top right hand of this site), or subscribe on sites like Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, CastBox and iTunes. The Movies' Rating Out of Four Stars Honey Boy ***½ (CS & SM) All Day and a Night ** (CS) & *** (SM) The Hunt for Red October **** (CS & SM) Braveheart **** (CS & SM)

You can trust me that we had a blast recording this week's episode of The Movie Breakdown and that it has four movie reviews for you to enjoy. Speaking of trust, you need that for a healthy relationship, especially when you have a killer chasing you, which is exactly what happens in the new Kumail Nanjiani and Issa Rae action-comedy, The Lovebirds.If you're living somewhere away from home then you really want to trust your host to not go crazy, and that just might be an issue in Lin Shaye's latest horror, Room for Rent. After all the crazy political news stories of the past 20 years, can we trust our government anymore? We have two based-on-true-events political dramas in the Adam Driver starring The Report and the Keira Knightley starring Official Secrets. After the movie reviews, we discuss how the current escalating streaming war will impact the movie industry and we think there will be major changes. If you love the show, then please help us by spreading the word on social media. We also want to thank David Wierzbicki for the amazing illustration for The Lovebirds, and please check out his other artwork at his Facebook and Instagram pages. Reminder that you can subscribe either to The Movie Breakdown feed (a subscription link is at the top right hand of this site), or on sites like Spotify, Google Podcasts and iTunes (if you enjoy the show, please help us by giving us a five star review). The Movies' Rating Out of Four Stars The Lovebirds *** (CS) & ***½ (SM) The Report **½ (CS) & *** (SM) Official Secrets *** (CS & SM) Room for Rent **½ (CS) & *** (SM)

It is another big episode of The Movie Breakdown as we have four movie reviews for you. You just know you've been begging to hear about the latest David Spade comedy, and we have it in The Wrong Missy. We also have a spy-thriller when director Tony Scott and actors Robert Redford and Brad Pitt team-up in Spy Game. Did you know that Francis Ford Coppola directed a biopic starring Jeff Bridges in 1988? The box office says you did but we talk all about Tucker: The Man and His Dream. We also have a high school drama with adult themes in Selah and the Spades. There was also a big piece of news this week as the infamous Snyder Cut is going to become a real thing as the director's cut of Justice League is coming to HBO Max and we walk all about the repercussions and fall-out from this event. As always, we had a great time recording this episode and we really hope you love the episode. If you do, please spread the word on social media, so other movie fans can find us. Reminder that you can subscribe either to The Movie Breakdown feed (a subscription link is at the top right hand of this site) or on iTunes (if you enjoy the show, please help us by giving us a five star review). The Movies' Rating Out of Four Stars The Wrong Missy ½*(CS) & *½ (SM) Selah and the Spades ** ½ (CS & SM) Spy Game ***½ (CS & SM) Tucker: A Man and His Dream **½ (CS) & *** (SM)