Mission 250 Filmcast

This week, we watch the highest rated Hitchcock film, and what is considered widely to be the film that modernized horror. Come for the shower stabbing, stay for the controversial use of a toilet, a woman in a bra, and the utterance of the word "transvestite". Psycho (1960), directed by Alfred Hitchcock.

This week, we Barbie'd the Heimer. The most unexpected one-two box office knockout's better (pink) half is breaking records left and right. Top Hollywood creative talent somehow managed to take corporate greed and product recognition to bring older and younger generators together with huge laughs throughout. Barbie (2023), directed by Greta Gerwig.

This week, we watch the film that is taking the box office by storm (with the help of a specific other pink-ish film). Christopher Nolan takes on the massive story of Oppenheimer and the people around him during the Manhattan Project and the race to develop a bomb that could end us all. Oppenheimer (2023), directed by Christopher Nolan.

This week, we watch the highest rated silent movie of all time. At the height of his power and the end of the silent film era, Charlie Chaplin used an exorbitant amount of his own money to create what many consider to be his masterpiece. City Lights (1931), directed by Charles Chaplin.

This week, we watch Harrison Ford's second outing as the rugged archeologist with the hat and the whip. This film was highest grossing movie of the year it came out, broke opening weekend records, and was the catalyst for the PG-13 rating (alongside Gremlins). We discuss how it compares to the other films in the franchise. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984), directed by Steven Spielberg.

Part 2! This week, we watch Harrison Ford put on a hat and whip some bad guys. The film that introduces the Indiana Jones character remains the series best, even as it is now 5 movies strong. The supporting cast (Karen Allen, John Rhys-Davies, Paul Freeman) all nearly match Ford's iconic roll, and the practical action set-pieces remain some of the best the genre has ever seen. Raiders of the Lost...

This week, we watch Harrison Ford put on a hat and whip some bad guys. The film that introduces the Indiana Jones character remains the series best, even as it is now 5 movies strong. The supporting cast (Karen Allen, John Rhys-Davies, Paul Freeman) all nearly match Ford's iconic roll, and the practical action set-pieces remain some of the best the genre has ever seen. Raiders of the Lost Ark (198...

Bonus Episode! This week, we watch the highest rated move we've watched so far. Currently sitting at the #13th best movie of all time, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is a film that has already solidified itself into movie history as one of the most successful sequels of all time. Even more impressivly, it's the highest climbing film on the Top 250 since 2008's The Dark Knight. Directed by Joa...

Bonus Episode Time! To welcome the film onto Netflix and to attempt to give it all the praise it deserves, we watch Spiderman: Into the Spider-Verse. This movie blows away all recent animated and superhero films alike. It drips originality and brims with jokes, action, and lovable characters. The creators and animators swing for the fences and succeed throughout. Directed by Bob Persichetti, Peter...

This week, we watch the final installment of Krzysztof Kieślowsk's three colors trilogy. Weather we understand it or not or are moved by the connections across the three films, the film is a masterpiece of design. 'Three Colors: Red' (1994).

This week, in our art-house drama journey, we delve into 'Three Colors: White' (1994). We spotlight the film's intriguing plot, Julie Delpy's performance, and Kieślowski's celebrated storytelling. Does this second installment of the trilogy resonate differently with our hosts? Explore 'Three Colors: White', another installment of the trilogy directed by Krzysztof Kieślowski.

This week, we venture into the emotionally charged world of the first installment in a French trilogy, "Three Colours: Blue" (1993), directed by Krzysztof Kieslowski. We dissect its compelling narrative that intertwines themes of love and loss, focusing on the film's intent, execution, and the thought-provoking elements it unveils. Join us as we navigate the captivating storytelling and distinctiv...

Join us this week as we explore the acclaimed film "Modern Times" (1936) directed by Charlie Chaplin. Delve into its humor, storyline, and production, including the intriguing visa controversy that shaped Chaplin's career. Don't miss this captivating episode as we uncover the enduring legacy of Charlie Chaplin.

This week, we're diving into an extraordinary narrative of mental freedom amidst physical paralysis. We analyze 'The Diving Bell and the Butterfly' (2007), directed by Julian Schnabel, focusing on its compelling storytelling, emotional depth, and the profound human resilience it showcases.

This week, we delve deep into a poignant French drama that explores an unconventional friendship crossing boundaries of class, race, and physical disability. We dissect The Intouchables (2011), directed by Olivier Nakache and Éric Toledano, focusing on its intent, execution, and the social implications it portrays. 

This week, we watch the only film in history where you can see Bugs Bunny and Mickey Mouse together on screen. Its also contains the most distributing scene of cartoon shoe murder. Melding animation and live action like never before, this movie remains a unique masterpiece of mixed genres and styles. Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988), directed by Robert Zemeckis.

This week, we watch the follow-up prison movie from the director of the #1 best movie of all time. Stephen King bleeds his ideas into a fantasy about healing people at a cost. It takes place on death row. The Green Mile (1999), directed by Frank Darabont.

This week, we watch the newest war film to get nominated for (and win) some Oscars. The German language, Netflix produced film takes a very stark, muddy, bloody, and wet look at war and what it puts young people through. All Quiet on the Western Front (2022), directed by Edward Berger.

This week, we watch the newest war film to get nominated for (and win) some Oscars. The German language, Netflix produced film takes a very stark, muddy, bloody, and wet look at war and what it puts young people through. All Quiet on the Western Front (2022), directed by Edward Berger.

This week, we introduce Robob (Pronounced row-bob. You know, like robot Bob). John has created a program to work with a large-language-model (artificial intelligence that has been making waves in the news recently) and we talk with it to see what it thinks about Rear Window.

This week, we watch Jimmy Stewart sit in a chair and stare out his back window. This film holds up as a tight thriller, which blends mystery with comedy in a fantastic way. It doesn't feel like a film that is nearly celebrating its 70th birthday. Rear Window (1954), directed by Alfred Hitchcock.

This week, we watch the "narrative" / feature length music video by one of the biggest bands of all time, Pink Floyd. Even if you're not the biggest Floyd fan, there is a lot to appreciate in this arthouse smattering of imagery and animation. The Wall (1982), directed by Alan Parker.

This week, we watch the sci-fi / horror / action masterpiece by the director that would go on to have three of the top five grossing movies of all time. The action in this movie remains top tier, the performances are stellar, and even the CG holds up pretty well. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991), directed by James Cameron.

Since Everything Everywhere All At Once swept the major categories at last nights Oscars (best picture, best director, best original screenplay, best editing, best actress, best supporting actress, and best supporting actor), we are reposting our EEAAO episode from last August.  Congrats to everyone involved on the historic win!

This week, we watch the sci-fi / horror / action masterpiece by the director that would go on to have three of the top five grossing movies of all time. The action in this movie remains top tier, the performances are stellar, and even the CG holds up pretty well. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991), directed by James Cameron.