Reel Beans: A Film and Coffee Podcast

Top Gun (1986) — Danger Zones & Smooth Operators | Stumptown Nitro Cold Brew Today Ben is joined by Marc Pyskaty and Kathryn Horan from the Cinescare Horror Podcast for a high-flying dive into Top Gun (1986). Ben watches it for the first time. Marc and Kathryn are ready. This could go anywhere. We're drinking Stumptown Nitro Cold Brew — nitrogen-infused, creamy, cascading. Smooth operators des...

In this episode, host Ben welcomes special guests Joe Janz and Matt Speak, the hosts of the Cinescare Podcast , for a deep dive into Steven Spielberg's 1981 action-adventure classic, Raiders of the Lost Ark , paired with a Fresh Roasted Coffee LLC Peru Medium Roast . Ben shares that this was his first time seeing the film, in a sold-out 35mm screening at Quentin Tarantino's New Beverly Cinema in L...

Ben, along with Casey and Allen discuss The Truman Show and sip Starbucks Veranda Blend. Exploring the timeless themes of The Truman Show, its commentary on reality TV, societal control, and the impact of technology on privacy and authenticity. A deep dive into the film's relevance today and its cultural significance. The Truman Show (Film) - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120382/ Where to Watch: h...

SHOW NOTES Episode Title: Dorothy McGuire Double Feature: Seeing Past the Surface | Gentleman's Agreement & The Enchanted Cottage Description: What do a journalist pretending to be Jewish and a disfigured war veteran falling in love in a magical cottage have in common? They're both about learning to see what's actually there instead of what we've been taught to see. In this double-feature epis...

Season 2 kicks off with a descent into darkness. Join Ben Schneider and Kathryn Horan as they explore Neil Marshall's THE DESCENT (2005) — now in Ben's top ten horror films. Six women. One unmapped cave. Creatures that shouldn't exist. And betrayals that cut deeper than any monster ever could. We're pairing this claustrophobic nightmare with Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee, because Kathryn had a bri...

In the season one finale of Reel Beans, host Ben is joined by returning guest Josh Rozett to celebrate one year of pairing films with coffee. For this milestone episode, Josh shares Ridley Scott's 1991 landmark Thelma & Louise , paired with Mt. Comfort Coffee's Guatemala Blend - a bright, balanced cup that mirrors the film's journey from constraint to freedom. Ben and Josh explore how Geena Da...

Reel Beans — Episode 24 Clifton Webb Tribute: Laura (1944) & Sitting Pretty (1948) | Intelligentsia House Blend Welcome to Hummingbird Hill. This week we are celebrating one of Hollywood's most brilliant and wildly underrated actors — the one, the only, Clifton Webb. Frequent guest Danielle Aubuchon joins us for a tribute episode covering two sides of Webb's genius: the brooding, obsessive Wal...

EPISODE 23 - SHOW NOTES Easter Double Feature: The Easter Bunny Is Comin' to Town & It's the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown FILMS DISCUSSED: The Easter Bunny Is Comin' to Town (1977) Rankin/Bass stop-motion special narrated by Fred Astaire https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Easter_Bunny_Is_Comin'_to_Town It's the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown (1974) Peanuts holiday special with music by Vince Guar...

About This Episode Host Ben and guest Kathryn Horan pair the 1980 slasher classic Friday the 13th with Starbucks Via Instant Coffee, joined by Marc Pyskaty, co-host of the Cinescare podcast. They explore why both became massive successes by prioritizing accessibility over sophistication. Featured Guest Marc Pyskaty - Co-host of the Cinescare podcast Cinescare Podcast Resources & Links Watch th...

Reel Beans Episode 21: Now, Voyager (1942) & Brazil Coffee Featuring Danielle Aubuchon Episode Summary In this episode, Ben and Reel Beans staple Danielle Aubuchon dive into the 1942 classic Now, Voyager , starring the incomparable Bette Davis as Charlotte Vale. They explore how the film was remarkably ahead of its time in its frank discussion of mental health, the lasting damage of a domineer...

"I could not understand why men who knew all about good and evil could hate and kill each other." Join host Benjamin Schneider with guests Casey Haltom and Allen Stafford for a deep dive into Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein, based on Mary Shelley's classic novel. In this milestone Episode 20, we explore why Frankenstein transcends gothic horror—examining themes of obsession, love, ignorance, rag...

Join host Benjamin Schneider and guest Kathryn Horan for an in-depth analysis of the underrated 1980 slasher Terror Train, starring Jamie Lee Curtis. Set aboard a moving train during a New Year's Eve costume party, this atmospheric horror film offers more than typical slasher fare. We explore the film's unique claustrophobic setting, nuanced character development, and suspenseful storytelling that...

Join host Benjamin Schneider for a deep dive into three beloved adaptations of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol: the charming animated Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol (1962), the musical Scrooge (1970) starring Albert Finney, and the acclaimed 1951 version with Alastair Sim. We explore how each film retells Ebenezer Scrooge's transformative journey from greed and isolation to compassion and redempti...

Settle in for a cozy holiday special as host Benjamin Schneider and guest Danielle Aubuchon explore two heartfelt Christmas classics: the gentle animated charm of Santa and the Three Bears and the found-family spirit of It Happened on Fifth Avenue (1947). In this warm conversation, we discuss themes of kindness, compassion, and the joy of holiday storytelling that makes these films enduring favori...

Join host Benjamin Schneider with returning supporters Casey Haltom and Allen Stafford for a heartfelt deep dive into John Hughes' 1987 holiday comedy classic Planes, Trains & Automobiles. We explore this chaotic, tender journey through travel nightmares and unexpected friendship, unpacking the film's perfect blend of humor and heart. From Del Griffith's lovable chaos to Neal Page's stressed-o...

Join host Benjamin Schneider for an emotional deep dive into the 1994 film adaptation of Little Women, directed by Gillian Armstrong. We explore what makes this version so deeply moving: standout performances from Winona Ryder, Claire Danes, Susan Sarandon, and Kirsten Dunst; Thomas Newman's unforgettable score; and the film's quiet realism that brings Louisa May Alcott's classic to life. Through...

Join host Benjamin Schneider with guests Casey Haltom and Allen Stafford as we dive into Alfred Hitchcock's groundbreaking thriller Psycho (1960). We explore the film's tight narrative structure, why the iconic shower scene still resonates with modern audiences, and Hitchcock's masterful storytelling pivot from Marion Crane to Norman Bates. Casey shares first-time reactions while Allen provides de...

Join host Benjamin Schneider and guest Danielle Aubuchon for a nostalgic Halloween special exploring two cult animated classics: the psychedelic 1978 short Witch's Night Out and Rankin/Bass's stop-motion gem Mad Monster Party (1967). We dive into voice cast highlights (including Boris Karloff), stop-motion craftsmanship, and why these quirky specials continue to resonate with Halloween lovers. Alo...

"No Michael Myers. Just masks. And mayhem." Join host Benjamin Schneider with special guests Kathryn Horan and Rob Kyle as we dive into one of horror's most infamous cult classics: Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982). We explore the cursed masks of Silver Shamrock, the bizarre blend of witchcraft and sci-fi, and why this controversial Myers-less sequel was reviled upon release but has since...

Here's an SEO-optimized version under 4000 characters: TITLE: Horror of Dracula (1958) - Christopher Lee & Hammer Films' Gothic Masterpiece DESCRIPTION: Join host Benjamin Schneider as we sink our teeth into Hammer Films' Horror of Dracula (1958), where Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing redefined Gothic horror for a new generation. We explore how Hammer Films revolutionized the vampire genre b...

Join host Benjamin Schneider and guest Danielle Aubuchon for Part Two of Episode 10 as we continue exploring This Island Earth (1955). We dig deeper into alien encounters, behind-the-scenes stories, and the film's lasting influence. We also explore the broader 1950s sci-fi landscape, discussing War of the Worlds (1953), Forbidden Planet (1956), Invaders from Mars (1953), The Mole People (1956), an...

Join host Benjamin Schneider and special guest Danielle Aubuchon for this milestone 10th episode of Reel Beans as we explore the 1955 sci-fi cult classic This Island Earth. We dive into the film's groundbreaking Technicolor visuals, the iconic mutant Metalunan design, and the mysterious interocitor that captured imaginations for generations. From its influence on future sci-fi to its memorable app...

You're right! Let me condense it further: TITLE: Dinner at Eight (1933) - George Cukor's All-Star Screwball Comedy Classic DESCRIPTION: Join host Benjamin Schneider as we step into the glittering world of 1930s high society with George Cukor's Dinner at Eight (1933), featuring Jean Harlow, Marie Dressler, Billie Burke, Lionel Barrymore, and John Barrymore. We explore social facades, Depression-era...

Join host Benjamin Schneider as we delve into Ingmar Bergman's 1972 masterpiece Cries and Whispers, one of cinema's most profound explorations of mortality, pain, and human connection. We explore the film's striking use of color symbolism—particularly the all-consuming red that dominates the film—and the themes of sickness, vanity, death, and the afterlife. From the powerful performances of Harrie...

Join host Benjamin Schneider as we dive into High Noon (1952)—a Western that trades spectacle for substance, delivering a powerful story about moral courage, standing alone, and the quiet weight of doing what's right when no one else will. We explore the film's powerful allegory to the McCarthy era and HUAC blacklist, screenwriter Carl Foreman's real-life persecution, Grace Kelly's understated yet...