About

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WelcomeToTheBasement_TitleScreenMatt catches up on his movie to-do list and brings a friend along for the ride. In a very nice basement.

This is a show about movies, featuring Matt Sloan (Chad Vader, Blame Society Productions) and a rotating series of guests. Matt chooses from a diverse plethora of movies from the cinematic past – from the Hollywood mainstream to the weirdest cult movies — for he and his co-host to watch and discuss. The movie is always a surprise for his guest and a movie that Matt has never seen.

168 Responses to “About”

  1. Mike Cronis

    Always brilliant, insightful, and above all, respectful to the genre reviewed, giving good comments and honor to each film reviewed. A legend in the making, snubs mid-’70s Siskel and Egbert’s best efforts with more heart and integrity than anything commercial. A must watch series, Welcome to the Basement is excellent on all counts.

    Reply
    • William Murphy

      You guys create great content.
      Also, have you seen “The Raid: Redemption”

      Reply
  2. robert myers

    Great stuff. Are you guys doing this under SAG’s New Media?? If so, I’m an actor/comic who would love to appear on one of your episodes. Please get back to me. Thanks.

    Reply
  3. BobbertDobbster

    Love the show. Are you doing a Season 2 wrap party? Also, how many shows are left in Season 2? Lastly, will there be a Season 3?

    Again, love the eclectic choices, the concise, funny reviews, the wit while watching, Ernesto, I want my opera!, and the commentary. Also, seen it is fun because it’s like – um, yes, great…but, seen it!

    Have you seen Happy, Matilda, Grand Canyon, Short Cuts?

    Reply
  4. Tony Izzo

    Love the show, guys. Very insightful and informative not to mention entertaining. Keep up the good work.

    Reply
  5. Daveroswell

    I really never thought about it before, but Armageddon is basically a “star stuffed” movie: it just seems casting shoved as many stars in this thing as possible. I watched your take on this film, and you touched on how the film is affected by the “star stuffing” effect: the characters seem to be mostly the actors being themselves, lending to no real unique bonding or character development.

    Reply
  6. Meat Paddy

    I just want to say that you guys make me excited for movies. Past few year my interest in movies has been waning, Thank you for rekindling my love of moving pictures.

    Meat Paddy

    Reply
  7. Mathieu Thompson

    Hi guys, I really enjoy the show, you are fantastic, intelligent, funny, knowledgeable and just the right amouint of quirky to make this a delight everytime.

    I will get around to the paypal contribution at some point but you might be interested in the Patreon model (www.patreon.com). I’ve endorsed some other content producers on there and think it’s something that you might benefit from.

    I’m not a spam-bot, just a fan who wants to help.

    Keep up the great work, I’m really looking forward to Sci-Fi month (I’m rooting for Gattacca and Starship Troopers) and Craig hosting!

    –Mat

    Reply
  8. Felzoid

    I vote for ‘Dark Star’ for sci-fi month. Saw it when I was a kid, don’t recall much but remember it being very entertaining.

    Reply
  9. Mike

    Always enjoy the show…for me it is very educational with the relationships between directors and producers and the films they made.

    I am very disappointed that I missed the SciFi survey. I would have put in Forbidden Planet. Late 50s SciFi film that worked very hard to push the limits of special effects technology of the time…and a classic story line. I would assume that both of you have seen it…but if not, put it on your list…I watch it about once a month…

    Reply
  10. Andrea M

    I have weird taste in films. Even if a story is not perfectly executed, I wish movies would be more adventurous. Some examples: Eating Raoul, Waking Ned Devine, Ma vie en rose, The Watcher in the Woods and Lady Hawk.

    Reply
  11. Brendan

    Log time fan. So long I remember watching this when it was just Matt and his cat talking about his record collection. At the risk of offending the ladies out there, I have to say that Ernesto is cuter than Craig, but Craig brings a certain something that the cat just doesn’t have. Like speech for one. Anyway, I love the show. It is far better than anything on television, and I’m not just saying that because its true. I’m saying that so you guys will listen to my “Seen It” suggestions. First off is my still favorite movie “Fresh”. Aside from that my only other suggestion is that the next time you do a genre pick, you throw Sports movies in the mix. I do not believe you have ever done one. And by “sports movie” I don’t mean some romantic comedy with a sports setting like Bull Durham (although I wouldn’t be remiss if you threw Slap Shot in the mix). I mean a sports movie about sports! Like Eight Men Out, Friday Night Lights, or Miracle. Again, thanks Matt and Craig and the rest of your crew (and even Ernesto) for the great show!

    Reply
  12. T.A. Epley

    T.a. Epley

    I just wanted to bring attention to Matt’s featured album. Every episode Mr. Sloan features an album on prominent display next to a lazy Susan full of booze. It can be seen over Craig’s right shoulder during the opening and closing talking heads segments. I just wanted to commend Matt on his choices. I’ve noticed the Modern Lovers’ eponymous Debut, “Meat is Murder” by The Smiths, and Love’s “Forever Changes” among many other great LP’s. Maybe in an upcoming episode he could acknowledge this phenomenon. I’d love to get a run-down on albums to date or just a quick shout out on an episode-by-episode basis. WELL DONE MY SON!

    Reply
  13. Roger

    Have you guys seen Francois Truffaut’s The 400 blows? I’d love to see an episode on that

    Reply
  14. Pierro

    Have either of you seen The Perverts Guide to Cinema? If you love film, psychoanalysis and critical thinking you would most certainly enjoy it.

    Reply
  15. Bayonettafanboi

    Hey, guys. I’ve been watching your shows for a while now and I wanted to know if either of you have seen “Behind The Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon”? It was released in 2006 and was referenced in the film Hatchet.
    It’s one of my favorite movies in recent years and you guys might have some fun with it..

    Reply
  16. Kirby and Josh

    You guys are the GREATEST! Thanks for bringing the magic back into movies!

    Reply
  17. jef

    Hey guys I recently started watching the show and I wanted to see if ya’ll have seen 2 movies. I use to be neighbors with the director in dallas who directed, edited, filmed, starred.and produced the score. “Primer” and “Upstream color”!! Highly recommend them and wanted your opinion on them.

    Reply
  18. lawrence carpin

    you guys are the best. cant believe i’ve not heard of you before until now..could you please review a movie called “bunny and the bull”

    Reply
  19. Marc W

    Howdy, I’ve been watching you guys since chad vader first popped up and have loved this series forever. You guys watch alot of the same movies as me and have helped me become more aware of symbolisms and things in movies. With that said have you ever seen A Band Called Death? Its a documentary about a black punk band from detroit in the early 70s. I think matt would like it, he’s got a vinyl collection therefor is a music nerd

    Reply
  20. Marc W

    p.s. donated a couple bucks cuz i only had 3 left, enjoy my dollars!

    Reply
  21. Lorne Falconer

    I have been watching your show since the beginning and I enjoy every episode, regardless of the quality of film as the banter is mostly hilarious. I write this now because I remember you included a segment about the death of Philip Seymour Hoffman. I ask, as a longtime fan of your show, that you don’t let the passing of Robin Williams go unremarked. I have grown up watching his work and it would mean allot to me if you acknowledge his work and his gift to the world on your show.

    Reply
  22. T DeAnna

    Love the show. PLEASE watch Dead Man – Jim Jarmusch ( Johnny Depp), Also by JJ – Ghost Dog. I would love to hear your commentary about these movies.

    Reply
  23. A Living Moviefreak

    New guy, yet long time fan here. I just want give a big shoutout to you guys, and tell how much I freaking love this show. It’s always such a great experience sharing the different emotions, such as the laughter, the agony and the passion through out the movies. Keep up the good work.

    Reply
  24. gwen

    Hi guys!
    So here we are watching your most recent show and loving it as always. Our daughter got us hooked on this shortly after you started and it is our family’s favorite thing to do. It has been fun to revisit with some of the old movies with our daughter, both the ones you play or talk about on seen it. We are always trying to think of some obscure flick from the past and when you talked about Fantasia, it reminded me of a movie with a similar name but far removed from Disney. Phantasm. Remember freaking out to it in college.
    Gwen,Shelby and Misty

    Reply
  25. Amy Viehweg

    For your Halloween Special or when you are feeling the need to be scared. Have you the film: Pontypool – A film that takes place in Canada. A radio host is locked in his booth closed off from the world with only the voices from callers to inform him of the horror going on just right out side the building in the small town. It really plays upon your imaginations ability to create such horrific images.

    Love the show and Have a beautiful October!

    Reply
  26. kari reavis

    hey you guys… i think this might be too late but you guys should absolutely watch “The Abominable Dr. Phibes”… if you’ve already watched it, talk about it on “seen it”! i remembered my 8th grade history teacher showed us this but i didn’t know why… anyway i would like to see what you guys think about it so i can have a better preference on it before i watch it again.

    Reply
  27. ED Sanchez

    LOVE THE SHOW, KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK, DECIDED TO SUPPORT ON A MONTHLY BASIS(50 BONES)WOOF,WOOF!!! WHILE I DON’T ALWAYS AGREE WITH YOU TWO, THE SHOW IS ALWAYS ENTERTAINING…HAVE YOU SEEN SERGIO LEONE’s ‘DUCK YOU SUCKER’??? LOVE, ‘LUCK and ALL THAT JAZZ!!!

    Reply
  28. Tom Byrne

    Hey!! This show is great !!! I’ll PAYPAL when my screenplay is sold =)

    Have you seen “The Lonely Lady” featuring Pia Zadora?
    And, or, more importantly, the original version of “The Stepfather”
    ?
    Oh and “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels”?

    Reply
  29. Spencer Wilson

    Hey there guys. I love the show and have seen every episode. Have you seen Sergei Eisenstein’s cinematic masterpiece “Ivan the Terrible”? Its a 2 part series ommissioned in 1944 by none other than Joseph Stalin. The film portrays the life of 16th century Tsar: Ivan Grozny. Obviously Stalin was using the film to make a thinly veiled reference to himself. Like many Soviet films of the Stalin era, despite the intrinsic State idolatry, the film remains a monument to cinema and a truly breathtaking work of art. You just have to sit through the film and stomach the Stalinist pablum to get to it.

    Reply
  30. Joel

    Hey guys. Donated some money. Wish you fortune and glory.

    Reply
  31. Joel

    Also, have you seen it: Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. The plot was a bit disjointed but I thought Kilmer and RDJ were great together in it.

    Reply
  32. MrCrarnyfex (Max)

    Hi Matt and Craig,
    Have you ever watched a movie and never knew its name, then you found it out then watched it again and found “Finally i found you”! This was the case with me and the movie “Lifeforce”! I personally think the Movie is great! Did you watch it? Dit you Like It?

    greetings from Germany! Weiterhin viel Spass beim Filme schauen!

    Reply
  33. frank grimes

    you guys analyze so many seemingly forgotten classics, have you ever thought about watching a couple of underground movies? specifically the Kuchar brothers or Kenneth Anger (Scorpio Rising, Inauguration of the Pleasure Dome)? i say a couple, since they are all pretty short.

    also i think you guys can benefit from Small Apartments. beautiful and sad.

    you guys are great, hope to see you read this next month, as i have little else to look forward to.

    Reply
  34. J. Nathan Fulk

    If you guys haven’t seen it, you should watch “Cannibal: the Musical” I remember the first time I watched it. I was laughing through the entire thing. Plus, you have never watched a Matt Stone and Trey Parker film, which i think are all hilarious.

    Reply
  35. Keith Fredrickson

    I would like to see an episode where you watch any of the (Budd Spencer- Terrence Hill) movies. They call me Trinity, They still call me Trinity, Super Cops. They were HUGE in the 70’s. Thank you. 🙂

    Reply
  36. Steve in Ohio

    Hey guys, love the show. I just donated 50 big ones in honor of my brother’s 50th birthday. Please wish Tyler in Stow a Happy Birthday, with a Megaforce thumb-kiss. Thanks!

    Reply
  37. Nestornajwa

    Hey, guys. I really enjoy your show and look forward to every new installment. But could you say something about the album covers featured behind Craig? Not every show features a cover and I can’t identify all of them, but they always seem to relate to the movie you’re watching, even if I haven’t figured out all the connections. So does Craig get to see the cover before he tries to guess the movie? Sometimes the cover clue is subtle (“Some Girls” for “The Bigamist”; “Revolver” for “Dial M For Murder”) and sometimes they are very much “on the nose” (“The Basement Tapes” for “Masked & Anonymous”; “Bark at the Moon” for “The Wolf Man”). And there are some covers that I can’t figure out. “Sticky Fingers” for “Fritz the Cat”? “Ghost In the Machine” for “Starship Troopers”? “Aja” for “Help”? “Live Rust” for “The Wicker Man” — and why the live album and not “Rust Never Sleeps,” or is that part of the clue? I can’t say I like all of the albums you’ve chosen, but I respect your choices — except one. That would be Boston’s first record (bland) for “Akira”? Otherwise, you’ve got a nice blend of punk, classic rock and other genres. I look forward to the cover selection almost as much as the film and I keep hoping to see some vintage Kinks or Zappa. I have become a little obsessed with this (you may have figured that out already). Any further information would be deeply appreciated. Thank you, and all the best to both of you and your families.

    Reply
    • Craig Johnson

      [Sorry for the delayed response]
      Matt would be better at answering this one, but since I’m here…
      Most of the time I see the album cover before the filming. There are times that Matt has Tona put the album in place after I am sitting down because it would be too much of a clue (as he did for the Basement Tapes), and I’m not allowed to turn around or look at the monitor until after the Reveal. Usually, when I do I inform Matt that I would never have guessed (as with the Rick James album behind me for “Dungeons & Dragons”). Sometimes it is really obvious so its best that I couldn’t see it. The Nichols and May album for Elaine May’s “Ishtar” It was female director month, so it couldn’t be Nichols; May only directed so many movies; Matt had already seen “Mikey and Nicky;” etc, until I would inevitably gotten to “Ishtar.”

      As for odd matches, sometimes the album might tie into a theme for the show not the movie itself. This is the case of the Boston album for “AKIRA.” It was sci-fi July, so a UFO was on the nose for the theme, but far afield for the movie. I chose that one. I have to take it from Matt’s collection and I don’t know if he has any Japanese albums, and I couldn’t ask because that would have been a big red flag.

      Some I don’t get. Aja for “Help” (which in hindsight would have been more appropriate for “AKIRA”). In the early days, I think Matt was just showing off his collection. So, assume that if you can’t figure it out: Matt is showing off his collection.

      As for the quality of the Boston album. Let’s agree to disagree. But, that guy’s voice is crazy good.

      Thanks for writing–
      –Craig

      Reply
  38. pip

    Have you ever seen
    THE BLISS OF MRS. BLOSSOM
    or
    THE WORLD OF HENRY ORIENT
    ?

    Reply
  39. Ed

    Hello WTTB!
    I noticed Craig was wearing a Death Records t-shirt in the Dungeons and Dragons review. Where did he get it? Did he made it to order?

    Reply
  40. Cameron Rapp

    This show is my absolute favorite. Thank you all for all the work you do, and for being so fair in your movie judgments. I look forward to every episode. Have you guys seen Joe Dirt? It’s one of my favorite movies and since the sequel is coming out what better time to discuss it.

    Reply
  41. Julie Marie Howey

    Have you guys seen Buried(2010) with Ryan Reynolds? It’s a very jarring bottle movie that plays with your emotions and keeps you on the edge of your seat.

    Reply
  42. Ben

    Great show guys, thank you for the content. I always throw out Mating Habits of the Earthbound Human to anyone who asks, just a thought.

    Reply
  43. Dustin

    Have you seen Logan’s Run?

    Reply
  44. Benoit

    Have you seen A Town Called Panic? It didn’t get much recognition in the states but is a very original and I believe great movie.

    Reply
  45. Benoit

    Have you seen the French animated film A Town Called Panic? It is very original and I believe pretty good. Take a look.

    Reply
  46. Ralph

    Matt, you’ve mentioned your dad’s love of westerns in the past and your own appreciation of Dan Duryea. Have you seen the Jimmy Stewart western Winchester ’73 (1950), which also stars Dan Duryea? It’s pretty dark for a Jimmy Stewart film.

    If you want a war film suggestion for the show, how about Sahara (1943)? It’s a Bogart film about a tank crew cut off from the rest of the army. They pick up other allied stragglers and make a stand at a well in the desert at the beginning of the US’s involvement in the war.

    Reply
  47. Stafford Huyler
    • Regent St Claire

      Brainstorm – luvs me sum David Patrick Kelly! Demon Seed – Garrett Graham sat at my kitchen table several years ago and regaled me with awesome stories about making Phantom Of The Paradise and Demon Seed! 200 Motels – my kingdom for that last tab of acid! And Outland – Q: “What about your men?” Connery: “My men? My men are sh*t!” Love love love the show, BTW!

      Reply
  48. Rick

    Wasn’t quite sure where to ask you guys this, but have you ever watched the 1981 documentary “Vernon Florida” by Errol Morris? I feel like anyone who is a fan of movies like “Best In Show” or “True Stories” would find some hilarity in this quirky documentary about a small town in the Florida Panhandle filled to the brim with strange and quirky people.

    Reply
    • Rick

      Oh sorry, I forgot to ask about the other movie I was going to mention, the 1972 version of “Bartleby” starring Paul Scofield and directed by Anthony Friedman. I remember watching this the first time in the 10th grade and it being one of the first movies to have a truly profound emotional effect on me after seeing it. I would love to hear your guys’ thoughts on both of these movies if you’ve already seen them!

      Reply
  49. Joel R

    Have you guys seen All Through the Night? It’s a film-noir/comedy staring Humphrey Bogart, Conrad Veidt and my favorite, Peter Lorre. I had a blast watching it and so could you.

    Reply
  50. Harry

    After watching the Premium Rush episode, I wonder if you’ve seen Brick, an earlier movie starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt (or “JoGo”). It’s a cool high-school noir directed by Rian Johnson, who is now directing Star Wars Episode VIII.

    Reply
  51. Victor the Gopher

    You like weird, you like disturbing, you like foreign, don’t read about it just watch this movie, 13 (Tzameti) from 2005. It left a scar in my brain that has not healed 10 years later. I knew very little about it before I watched it and left me forever changed.
    Look it up IMDB. Cover it in SEEN IT or on a full episode if possible. Thanks for the hard work and great shows…

    Reply
  52. Rhen_the_Liongirl

    Have you two seen Van Helsing? It’s my favorite movie of ALL TIME! It’s epic, amazing, and dark at the same time. It has a nice plot line that everything fits together perfectly and everything makes since. The characters are awesome and they chose the right cast members to fit the bill. My favorite is Frankenstein and who knew Oklahoma!’s Tony Award winner Shuler Henlsey could play a monster that I can feel sorry for and his preformce reflected on my real life troubles. If you seen it please tell me who are your favorite characters or if you haven’t I HIGHLY recommend it because your in for a ride of your life! Please do an episode on it before the remake of it comes out!

    Reply
  53. Nicole Foster

    Have you two seen the cult classic Two Lane Blacktop? It stars Dennis Wilson and James Taylor as two drag racers who travel to California.

    Reply
  54. Ellery Esquire

    I’d really like to hear your thoughts on a couple films, Southern comfort (1981), Brick ( a personal favorite), and Hard Ticket to Hawaii ( an Andy sidaris b-movie).

    Reply
  55. Bazooka Universe

    Hey guys I was wondering if either of you have seen Rebecca by Alfred Hitchcock. I watched it in my French class and it was the first Alfred Hitchcock movie I had seen. What are your thoughts on it?

    Reply
  56. Sam Hertenstein

    My boyfriend had me sit down last month and watch an episode of Welcome to the Basement and I’ve been obsessed ever since! Have you guys ever seen Yellowbeard (1983)? It’s a bit insane and definitely not for everyone, but if it’s for you it’s one of the funniest and most quotable movies ever made. It’s one of the first movies I remember watching (talk about seeing a movie WAYYYYY too young!) and am curious if you guys have seen it. Keep being amazing guys, thanks for all the hard work for our entertainment!!

    Reply
  57. Victor Mas

    I’d love it if you could review one of my favorite movies as a kid, Mio in the Land of Faraway with Christopher Lee and a 13-year-old Christian Bale. Watching this movie again as an adult is painful, but oh, the memories.

    Reply
    • Victor Mas

      I really hope they come out with a remake, because it’s actually a good story.

      Reply
  58. Richard

    Hello guys.
    Have you seen the movie Splice?
    I just loved the way it made me care about the characters, feel happy and forget that i was watching a horror movie, until it all went downhill.

    Reply
  59. Claire
  60. Madelynn Mackenzie

    I know it’s not quite fit for “Seen It”, but I have to ask, have either you read Stephen King’s “The Shining”? You’ve talked about the Kubrick’s interpretation several times and would like to know what you thought of the original story. Personally, I loved it, although I think reading it before seeing the film was a mistake, as I didn’t find scary so much as intriguing.

    Reply
    • Madelynn Mackenzie

      *didn’t find it (the Kubrick film) scary, so much as intriguing.

      Reply
  61. Lanny
  62. Jason G

    Have you seen The Search for One-eye Jimmy (1994)? It’s one of the few movies that I can say that nobody has heard of that I saw in the movie theater.

    Reply
  63. Anthony Dyson

    Have you seen it!?!? Frailty with Bill Paxton and Matthew McConaughey. A very good film, one of my favorites, would love to see an episode or a seen it comment on this movie!

    Reply
  64. Emilia H

    Firstly, thank you for your brilliant shows, they are the highlight of my week!

    I currently work in an academic library which caters to Film Studies students and one of the main advantages of this is that processing the DVDs is a great source for inspiration for films to add to my To Watch-list. Recently we had an influx of films by Japanese director Takashi Miike and I thought that one of his seemingly delightfully weird films would be suitable if you haven’t grown tired of Japanese films! For instance, The Happiness of the Katakuris looks very intriguing.

    Reply
  65. Julia N

    Just recently started watching your show and I love it! I was wondering if you’ve seen the film ‘This Is England’ (Dir. Shane Meadows). It’s a great film that explores the grittiness of working class Northern England during the Thatcher years in the 80s and the rise of the British Nationalist Party, a part of British history that is often over-looked! (Also in a similar vain there is ‘The Selfish Giant’, which came out a couple of years ago, which I highly recommend!)

    Reply
  66. Jeremy Roberts

    Hey guys! Just started watching the show regularly, my brother watches the show everyday and therefore now I do! Just wanted to know if you have seen the movie The Court Jester with Danny Kaye? I have seen this movie so many times I cant count and it is one of my favorite movies and would love to see what you think (or see you guys watch it if you havent)

    Reply
  67. Charles Simoneau

    Greetings form Canada! Have you guys seen Centurion by Neil Marshall? I like how it use the legend of the Ninth Roman Legion, though I can’t say is a prefect movie. PS, try to say my name correctly.

    Reply
  68. Foster R.

    Have you seen it? Redline (2009) directed by Takeshi Koike. I never considered myself an avid anime watcher but after seeing this movie it had my adrenaline pumping and left me stunned by the quality of its animation. The best way to describe it is an intergalactic Death Race 2000 on speed.

    Reply
  69. Karol Bartos

    Hey guys, i’ve been watching your show from the very beginning but just now decided to send you a message. I would really like you to watch (not necessarily on the show because it’s pretty long film) “Potop” (“The Deluge”) from 1974. It’s great war/romance/adventure film based on polish novel from XIX century, with great fictional and real characters, authentic costumes and weapons, big battles and very acquiring story taking place during the swedish deluge (It was called the deluge because the Swedes in a very short period of time occupied practically the whole of the Commonwealth, it was a flood as water destroys everything on the way so the Swedes were destroying everything. Sorry, i’m a bit of a history nut.) I hope you will pick it up and let me know if you liked it.
    Best wishes from Poland.

    Reply
    • Craig Johnson

      I have never heard of Potop, but it sounds fascinating. Of course, at 5 hours, 15 minutes, it’s a bit long for the show, and it might be a little hard to track down in this part of the world, but if I find it and a few spare hours at the same time, I’ll keep it in mind. Thanks for the tip.

      Reply
  70. James P

    I was wondering if you have ever seen the Clint Eastwood movie ‘The Gauntlet’?. It’s pretty ridiculous but something about the mid-afternoon lighting of the movie has stuck in my mind since.

    Reply
  71. pdshiff

    What size donation is needed for a requested “Welcome To The Basement” episode? I have a forgotten gem of a film from the early 80s that I think you gents would love and I am willing to pay a reasonable price to listen to your opinions on it. Thanks, love the show.

    Reply
    • pdshiff

      And I forgot to mention Nicholas Cage is in it. Not “Vampire’s Kiss” Or the bees.

      Reply
      • pdshiff

        And Peter Gabriel did the soundtrack as well. Resistance is futile.

        Reply
  72. Lori Mitzel

    I watched a very intriguing German movie a few weeks ago called “Look Who’s Back” (currently on Netflix). The plot is Hitler comes back to the present. People think he’s an impersonator. It’ s kinda like Borat- real people and their reactions are the most interesting part of the movie. Parts are chilling. I highly recommend it if you like movies with a political/social aspect.

    Reply
    • T.A. Epley

      Although there may be an unscripted element to the film, I just thought I would point out that “Look Who’s Back” is based on the controversial German novel of the same name. In this way it differs from the shock-jock type of film such as Borat or Bad Grandpa. The elements of the film that come directly from the screenplay were, for me, the reason to watch the film. Either way, it’s a very smart story with very profound implications.

      Reply
  73. Julia N

    Was wondering if you guys have seen Spike Jonze’s ‘Where The Wild Things Are’? It’s a beautiful (very underrated!) film and the only movie that makes me cry every time I watch it. Would love to hear your thoughts!

    (Also have you seen ‘Midnight Special’ with the one and only Michael Shannon?!.)

    Reply
  74. Mike Cronis

    Michael Shannon in “Take Shelter” (2011) was such a tiny film but his breakdown-performance scene is the most convincing since Doris Day’s in Alfred Hitchcock’s remake of his own film, “The Man Who Knew Too Much” (1956). Michael Shannon is truly amazing.

    Reply
  75. Colby Nelson-Betz

    Just saw “The Indian Runner”, directed by Sean Penn, starring Viggo Mortensen and loosely based on the Bruce Springsteen song “Highway patrolman”. had very high expectations going in and they were met completely. Its a very good hidden gem of a film that I highly reccomend

    Reply
  76. Steve

    Hey guys, stumbled on your youtube searching for Lost Highway analysis after finally seeing it. Your videos are a great surprise, witty, intelligent, unique. I’ve been binge watching and will try to come up with a clever gift to send you guys. Keep up the great work. You’re one of the best things on youtube.

    Reply
    • steve

      Wow, never saw you replied to this, but yes, I binge watched your entire history and did some other analysis to make sense of Lost highway. Your videos certainly helped.

      Now I’ve asked before and got no answer even after Gene Wilder died episode. “The adventures of Sherlock Holmes smarter Brother”? A hidden gem of laughs and entertaining music.

      Reply
  77. Alec

    Hey guys. I was just wondering if there is a size limit to your P.O. Box

    Thanks!

    Reply
  78. julia linnea

    Have you guys seen The Horse’s mouth? It has Alec Guinness (who also wrote the screenplay) and it’s a really good film who people rarely mention.

    Reply
  79. Dan Billington

    Have you seen ‘Withnail and I’? Very funny but with a melancholy, elegiac tone.

    Reply
    • Craig Johnson

      You have to go pretty far back, but we discuss that in episode 5: Paint Your Wagon. It is only appropriate we discuss W&I with that movie, because it is the only episode we legitimately (and unintentionally) got drunk during filming. Withnail would approve.

      Reply
  80. Graham

    Hi guys. Love the show. Thank you for pronouncing “Regina” correctly in your last unboxing episode. I was down in PA for business a couple of years ago and drove all the way back to Regina when I was done. It took me three days of hard driving but I have to say I loved driving through Wisconsin. It was beautiful. All the best.

    Reply
  81. Anthony

    I’m trying to find that episode with the movie recommendations for someone who’s not sure what to do with their life. Do you know which one it was? I’ve re-watched all seasons but I keep missing it.

    Reply
  82. dustin from olympia

    some films I think would be cool for an ep! SURF II , THE HIDDEN , MATINEE , THE MONSTER SQUAD , BAD TASTE , CRONOS , STRAIGHT TO HELL , SUBURBIA [84] , FORBIDDEN ZONE , THE 5000 FINGERS OF DR T , HEARTBEEPS , THE MAFU CAGE , THX1138 , TERROR VISION , STREET TRASH , HAPPINESS , KINGDOM OF THE SPIDERS , THE ADVENTURES OF FORD FAIRLANE , FEMALE TROUBLE , HOUSE , THE GUMBALL RALLY , HAIKU TUNNEL , THE WIZARD OF SPEED AND TIME !!

    Reply
  83. Dan C

    Have you seen Inland empire? For the first few minutes the standard definition video threw me off but then the movie really engrossed me. I’d like to know if you can recommend any other movies with strange camera choices which are worth seeing.

    Reply
  84. Joshua Advincula

    Hey guys! I’ve been watching your show since I was in middle school and now a sophomore in High School I’ve really taken notice on how you guys talk about the show and movies you watch. Just wanted to say I love what you guys are doing. The show is entertaining and funny to watch with your witty comments whenever you guys are watching the movies and it always brightens up my day. Keep on doing what you are doing!

    Also I have a couple of movies that you may or may of not have seen.
    The first one is called The Stuff. It was made in 1985, Directed by Larry Cohen and watched it out of curiosity.
    The other is Pleasantville in 1998 with Toby Maguire. I just watched it when my World History teacher mentioned it in one of our lessons and I thought it was a delightful movie.

    Reply
  85. Noah

    Hey guys, have you seen A Beautiful Mind? I really found it a fascinating movie and Russel Crowe is really good in it.

    Reply
  86. Spencer Hensley

    I recently watched a show where Matt said his dad liked Westerns. Matt what is your take on Westerns, and have you seen my personal favorite western the 1989 six hour miniseries “Lonesome Dove?” If so, what is your opinion of it?

    Reply
  87. Michael C

    Hey Guys I really love your show, and truly appreciate the amount of wonderful films you have exposed me to. One of my personal favorite episodes being The Holy Mountain, I would love to see more surreal movies/psychedelic movies. So my main question is “Have you seen Un Chien Andalou, and if you have, what are your thoughts on it?” This is a movie that I have recently discovered after doing some in depth research Salvador Dali himself and I would like to hear your thoughts

    Reply
  88. Manny

    Hey guys, have you seen the 1980 movie “Up the Academy” ?

    Reply
  89. Patrick

    Hi Matt and Craig,

    I’ve seen every episode and really appreciate your witty and insightful commentary! I beg you to watch and review Yor The Hunter From The Future which shines with a brilliant performance by Mr. Reb Brown. Bask in its majesty and share your thoughts with we the basement dwellers…please!

    Reply
  90. m.r. kitty

    Hey guys! My wife and I recently discovered your show and are hooked.

    I want to know if either of you have seen Johnny Stecchino (written and directed and starring Roberto Benigni). When I was a teenager I worked in a local video store chain, which sucked, but was somewhat redeemed by the fact that I was introduced to this ridiculous movie.

    My wife would like to know if you all have seen Teen Witch, from 1989. It’s got that tiny lady from Poltergeist in it as well as a musical rap(?) interlude, “Top That!” which is often the punchline to our inside jokes.

    Reply
  91. Ed Eastwood

    Hey guys! I have a burning question for you. A few seasons ago Craig brought up Heaven’s Gate, which Matt seemed extremely hesitant to watch! I don’t remember if Craig had seen it, so I gotta ask. Heaven’s Gate: Seen it? P.S. I own the Criterion collection version, and I enjoyed it immensely.

    If you have seen it, then what about a second chance with Biutiful! Probably the most depressing movie I have ever seen; I actually sat on the edge of my bed and experienced some kind of depression afterwards. Still a good movie, one of my favorites! Seen it?

    Reply
    • steve

      Oh god yes. I had to Fast forward parts to make it through to the end. It started out intriguing though.

      Reply
  92. pdshiff

    Chat Conversation Start
    12:09am
    Hey guys. long time fan of the show. Just a heads up that you’ll be receiving 2 or 3 packages from Amazon over the next week or so including 4 DVDs of “pre popular Vietnam War movies” that were made before “Platoon”. I’ve also just donated $100 via paypal to hopefully see both of your takes on what I think are interesting films. If I had to pick one from the four films I’ve sent you, it would be “Birdy” with Nicholas Cage and Matthew Modine and a soundtrack by Peter Gabriel. Haunting and unforgettable forgotten gem.

    Reply
  93. pdshiff

    Chat Conversation Start
    12:09am
    Hey guys. long time fan of the show. Just a heads up that you’ll be receiving 2 or 3 packages from Amazon over the next week or so including 4 DVDs of “pre popular Vietnam War movies” that were made before “Platoon”. I’ve also just donated $100 via paypal in order to see both of your takes on what I think are interesting films. If I got to pick from the four films I’ve sent you, I’d pick “Birdy” with Nicholas Cage and Matthew Modine and a soundtrack by Peter Gabriel. Haunting and unforgettable forgotten gem.

    Reply
  94. LaNicotin Lincoln

    Some obscure movies I was wondering if you have seen …
    the crazy world of julius vrooder
    Spaceman 1998 (David ghilardi) *****
    Lazerblast 1978
    Star Wars 1977
    Ya’ll have a g00d un’!

    Reply
  95. Julia Narowlansky

    Hi guys, big fan of the show! I introduced my mum to it recently and she is now hooked, it’s become a bit of a ritual for us to watch together when I’m home from university.

    Was wondering if you’ve had a chance to see Macon Blair’s new film ‘I Don’t Feel At Home In This World Anymore’? If so, would love to hear your thoughts!

    Reply
  96. Michael Davila

    I would love to see an episode of WTTB where y’all watch “Urgh! A Music War”.
    Thanks

    Reply
  97. Scott Goodhart

    I really like the show. Been watching Blame Society since the early days, but this seems like a realy show! I know I’ve heard one of you mention it..somewhere…but have you considered “The Dark Backward”? It’s truly weird. Perhaps not as weird as “Funky Forrest, the first contact” (2nd suggestion) – a series of somehow related Japanese vignettes…again, bizarre. Both are kind of difficult to sit through, though ‘Backward” would be easier, plus no subtitles to read.

    Reply
  98. Abigail Cleveland

    I would love if Matt and Craig watch The Room by Tommy Weseau and Fateful Finding by Neil Breen.

    Reply
    • Abigail Cleveland

      Sorry, *Tommy Wiseau and *Fateful Findings lol 😛 🙂

      Reply
  99. Chris Hicks

    Based on a recommendation in an older Welcome to the Basement episode, I decided to finally watch And Justice For All. I have to say, I haven’t been this disappointed in a film in quite some time. How is this a classic? It lacks an identity. Half of it plays like Mr. Mom… “He’s a loony lawyer who hates the system! Watch him get flustered by his day job! Wacky!” and parts of it almost become a courtroom drama, but they’re hampered by eighteen sidekicks who each have a zany personality. Suicidal judge! Ha! Overzealous Prosecutor! Ha! Convenient love interest who has no purpose! Ha! The biggest offense (ha) might be the music, however. From the opening notes, the music plays like leftovers from an unused WKRP In Cincinnati opening theme, and this carries through the whole film. Then the ending. We all know that scene, even if we haven’t seen the film. But then the last scene/shot of the movie is his friend tipping his toupee and then a freeze frame of a goofy Pacino like the whole preceding movie was a Benny Hill skit. WTF? Only one, yes ONE, scene in the movie was genuinely powerful and well done. It’s the scene where Pacino accosts his friend for bumbling up Aggie’s case, **SPOILER WARNING** and we find out Aggie is dead. This scene alone was brilliant and showed why Pacino is Pacino. This movie really felt like someone had a decent idea. “Wouldn’t it be interesting to have a Judge on trial, and his lawyer is his biggest enemy? Pacino can be the lawyer!” I’m sure the studios loved this… but then no one had any clue how to take that kernel and make it pop. Still love your show, and of course, this is just my opinion. Cheers!

    Reply
  100. Chris Hicks

    Oh, and I forgot to ask… Have either of you seen the 2005 Roberto Benigni film “The Tiger and The Snow?” I never hear anyone mention it, and I’m quite fond of it. Plus, any Tom Waits in film is worth checking out.

    Reply
  101. Chris Hicks

    1999’s The Corndog Man. Seen it? If not, you should. It stars the late Noble Willingham, who is a man we all recognize from something. Go in as blind about the film as you can, as I did. I refrain from divulging details as it’s best to just be taken in by this one. Back in ’99 I was working at a Blockbuster, and we were allowed to take home movies the weekend before they were to be put on shelves. Being an avid movie fan, I took home all the titles. Knowing nothing about The Corndog Man, I put it in, and for eighty-five minutes or so, I was wholly entertained. I still quote the film to this day… and no one has yet understood what the heck I’m on about.

    Reply
  102. Martha

    For “Seen It”: Have you seen the 1947 noir film “Nightmare Alley” with Tyrone Power, Coleen Gray, Joan Blondell?

    Reply
  103. Chris Hicks

    1962’s The Intruder starring William Shatner. Seen it? Directed by Roger Corman, which coupled with that title may lead people to believe it’s something it’s not. Anyone who has ever claimed or felt that William Shater was a bad or hammy actor should watch this film. He’s fantastic in it and 1962 Shatner was one heck of a handsome man, I’m not afraid to say. Big fan of the Basement and Board Games shows, but particularly Basement. I hope it lasts until the end of days. Thanks for all the fun, the laughs, the insights and the introductions to several films I may never have heard of otherwise. Cheers!

    Reply
  104. Chris Hicks

    1995 Swedish horror film “Evil Ed.” Seen it? It just might lead Craig into rethinking allowing Matt to edit all the Basement episodes. It’s a pretty fun flick, if you like the type, but knowing some of the background about the film makers making this film as an attempt to battle the Swedish censors helps, too.

    Reply
  105. John Beaubien

    This is Youtube’s best kept secret.
    am proud to support such a well thought out, entertaining, hilarious and enlightening show.
    A great romp through the history of a media

    Very enjoyable

    Reply
  106. Chris Hicks

    Anyone ever notice that during Queen’s performance of Radio Ga Ga during the Live Aid concert in 1985, Freddie Mercury gives the audience a thumb kiss? One can only surmise that Mercury watched Megaforce (which came out in 1982) at least once a week.

    Reply
  107. SĂ©bastien

    Hi! SĂ©bastien here, I’m a long time fan of your show.
    Have you seen the French-Polish-Norwegian (!) movie “La double vie de VĂ©ronique”, directed by Krzysztof Kieƛlowski?
    I would love to have your thoughts on it.
    Thanks and bravo again for the show!

    Reply
  108. Chris Hicks

    Good morning, gentlemen. You will never know how ecstatic I was to find out there were others who felt the same way about Michael Shannon. All the praise and sentiments you’ve given him on your show is exactly what I’ve been saying to anyone who’d listen when discussing film. How about spending seven minutes with the man walking around the store Amoeba picking out and discussing music? Enjoy!
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfR8pmyXF0A

    Reply
  109. Chris Hicks

    My sincerest condolences regarding Ernesto. I kid you not… as great as the episodes always were, my absolute favorite parts were the final Ernesto moments with an audio clip from the movie. They always made me smile. I don’t know if these will continue, but here’s a big thumb kiss from me to Ernesto all the same.

    Reply
  110. Chris Hicks

    How can an intelligent and music loving man such as Craig misquote I Am The Walrus? It drives me crazy when anyone does it, but to see Craig do it breaks my heart a little. It is NOT “coo coo ca choo.” It is, always has been, and shall remain “Goo goo g’joob.” The line ‘Coo Coo Ca Choo’ does appear in Simon & Garfunkel’s song Mrs. Robinson, however. There is also “My Coo Ca Choo by Alvin Stardust. Or perhaps Craig is a secret L.A. Guns fan and prefers “My Koo Ka Choo.” Carry on all the same, gents. Cheers.

    Reply
  111. Chris Hicks

    It’s Michael Shannon’s birthday! Grab your cleanest Razzle Dazzle mug, raise it and ask the nearest female “So what?” in his honor!

    Reply
  112. Chris Hicks

    Evening, gents! 1962’s “Gigot.” Seen it? Story by Jackie Gleason! Music by Jackie Gleason! A sublime performance by… Jackie Gleason! Worth a look, for sure. Cheers!

    Reply
  113. Chris Hicks

    Whoops. Forgot to add about Gigot… Directed by… Gene Kelly! Yes, THAT Gene Kelly. Surprise!

    Reply
  114. Chris Hicks

    Burt Reynolds’ 1973 album “Ask Me What I Am.” Heard it?

    Reply
  115. Chris Hicks

    1996 French film “Ponette.” Seen it? Beautiful, and achingly moving film about loss with a gripping and genuine performance by a four year old.

    Reply
  116. Julius Masri

    Greetings. Have you seen “The Furies” by Anthony Mann, with Barbara Stanwyck and Walter Huston (Last movie role)?

    Reply
    • Julius Masri

      I would also add, “Performance”, by Donald Cammell. James Fox and Mick Jagger. Nicolas Roeg on cinematography (pre Walkabout). Movie was originally intended as a Rolling Stones version of Help!, and evolved into a pre Lynchian David Lynch movie. Both Cammell and Jagger were also in the midst of their Kenneth Anger/ Crowley phase.

      Reply
  117. Clinton

    Have you seen Magic, the 1978 American psychological horror film starring Anthony Hopkins, Ann-Margret and Burgess Meredith? The trailer that ran on TV scared the bajesus out of me, giving me nightmares the reoccurred for the next 20 years.

    Reply
  118. Neo

    Do you think the time you watch a movie can affect your perception of a film. Example I was watching race with the devil late at night by myself and was really creeped out by it but a few weeks later watching with a group of friends in the middle of the day and it just didn’t feel creepy at all just extremely cheesy. What are your thoughts on this?

    Reply
  119. paintedjaguar

    In 1975 John Milius wrote and directed the sometimes wacky but altogether wonderful historical adventure/comedy/romance thingy “The Wind and the Lion”, in which Sean Connery plays an Arab chieftain with a thick Scots accent and Brian Keith plays the best Teddy Roosevelt ever. Also starring a very plucky Candace Bergen (at the peak of her extremely beautiful phase), and Deborah Baxter in a small but standout turn as Alice Roosevelt. Plus John Huston and a bunch of other fine performers. If you haven’t seen this one, run don’t walk to watch Milius simultaneously celebrate and subvert his whole macho thing. Oh, and the soundtrack and cinematography are both absolutely gorgeous.

    Reply
  120. paintedjaguar

    Speaking of good flicks that have somehow slipped by most people, did you know that Tom Hanks had both written and directed a movie (and even some of the songs)? In “That Thing You Do” (1996), Hanks also stars as a record producer who shepherds a one hit wonder garage band all the way to the top of the charts. The movie not only looks and sounds great, but it perfectly captures the period of the early 1960s when both Hanks and I were young. All the spot-on rock & roll numbers were written for the movie and the eponymous and omnipresent title song is a real earworm, but you won’t mind as it is also a genuinely great pop song. The script is witty and all the actors are good, including the young versions of Steve Zahn, Liv Tyler and Charlize Theron.

    * Warning * Make sure you watch the Director’s Cut of “That Thing You Do”, which is a full 40 minutes longer than the theatrical cut and shows some of the characters and situations in a less Disneyfied perspective. It’s still a feelgood movie but more satisfying, and the story still moves along at a quick pace.

    Reply
  121. Chris Hicks

    How can you say Kumail couldn’t “hit the high notes” in The Big Sick? Did you miss the fact that the film is the true story of him and his wife? I think he pulled off the role of himself fairly well.

    Reply
  122. Chris Hicks

    1980’s sci-fi film “Saturn 3.” Seen it? Woefully miscast leads. Confusingly dubbed Harvey Keitel. Yet… I have loved the film since I was a lad. There are a few moments that still feel wonderfully sinister. If you can get past a sixty-four year old Kirk Douglas being showcased (as in… nude… it’s true) as a sexy heartthrob of an action man, that is.

    Reply
  123. Verlaine de Wit

    Hi
    My name is Verlaine de Wit and I live in South Africa.
    I have recently started to watch your show. It is really entertaining because you are both witty, share a great chemistry and make funny, on-target wisecracks during the movies.
    Keep up the good work.

    Reply
  124. Chris Hicks

    The Spanish version of 1931’s Dracula. Seen it? Same script (even retaining some bits eventually excised from the American version, leaving the Spanish version more “complete” and with a longer run time)… same sets… made at night after the American crew/actors were done. Directed by a man who didn’t speak Spanish. Critically lauded as the far superior version.

    Reply
  125. Chris Hicks

    Evening, gents. Is there a film that you enjoy (any genre or year of release) that the “popular” consensus disagrees with you on, yet you maintain your liking of it regardless? For me, and I’m only going back a few years to keep it simple, it would be The Lone Ranger with Armie Hammer and Johnny Depp. I don’t understand the hate for it. I thought it was fun, interesting, well made and I simply enjoyed the ride. It’s solid all around. Cheers!

    Reply
  126. David Glenn

    Looking for a film with WTTB Hall of Famer, Ray Milland, that has been so forgotten that its Wikipedia entry’s “Plot” section is blank? The Trouble with Women (1947) also includes notable acting talents Teresa Wright and Brian Donlevy. A quirky comedy about a psychology professor who over-analyzes himself while provoking general disgust by his views on women mixes with romantic and journalistic entrapment plot elements. Not a classic from the Golden Age, but a specimen ripe for Matt & Craig’s consumption and witty analysis.

    Reply
  127. Chris Hicks

    Any of the eight Roger Corman Poe adaptations. Seem ’em? Loved ’em all as a lad. I recently re-watched two of them. 1962’s The Premature Burial and 1964’s The Tomb Of Ligeia. Premature Burial was the only one not to star Vincent Price. It stars Ray Milland (you know him!) and is kind of weak. Tomb of Ligeia was the last in the series and is pretty good. Corman himself holds it in high regard, while admitting the series was running out of steam by this point. I seem to recall The House Of Usher an The Masque of the Red Death being the best of the bunch, but I just might revisit all of them to see how my aged mind perceives them now.

    Reply
  128. Chris Hicks

    British series Are You Being Served? or Last of the Summer Wine. Seen ’em? I bring these up because both starred Frank Thornton, who also appears in the aforementioned The Tomb of Ligeia. AYBS and LOTSW were mainstays on the PBS station I watched as a kid. Loved both of them. I even liked “Grace & Favour.” (rebranded in the US as Are you Being Served? Again!) LOTSW has also been declared the longest running sit-com. Airing from 1973 to 2010, as well as officially declared Her Majesty the Queen’s favorite program!

    Reply
  129. Mr.krinkle82 (Mike davila)

    Thanks for singing the theme to Midnight Madness for me I really did enjoy it. Have you guys seen No Retreat, No Surrender,starring Jean Claude Van Damme. It’s on the same level of quality as the Miami connection.
    Thanks guys. Keep up the good work.

    Reply
  130. Chris Hicks

    Father’s Day is nigh! 1986’s Nothing In Common, starring Jackie Gleason and Tom Hanks. Seen it? I feel no one pays this film the attention it deserves. In the other parental realm, 1996’s Mother, starring Debbie Reynolds and Albert Brooks. Seen it? Arguably Brooks’ best. I think it is. Original choice for the lead role was Nancy Reagan! And she ALMOST signed on, but Ronald was a bit too ill at the time, so she declined to stay by his side.

    Reply
  131. Zachary Keane

    You guys should check out the 1913 Universal production of Ivanhoe, starring King Baggot. It was the first feature to have the actors and crew travel overseas to the filming location in England.

    Reply
  132. Erin F.

    Hi guys! I have been watching your show for a few years now and I am still enjoying your content. The both of you have a great friendship and chemistry that balances well with your in-depth discussions. Your humor never gets old! Anyways, I was wondering if you’d ever seen the film Beyond the Black Rainbow (2016)? It’s a mix of moody artistry, trippy visuals, and cinematic homages that I think the both of you would enjoy (or at least would find something interesting to talk about). Also, please give my best to Tona and the kitties. 🙂

    Keep on being awesome,
    Erin F.

    Reply
  133. Chris Hicks

    Evening! Is there a film you absolutely refuse to watch a second time for fear it may diminish what you loved and so enraptured you about it? Craig just mentioned a similar notion regarding Donnie Darko, but I don’t think he was actively against seeing it again. For me, the one film I can’t bring myself to watch again (even though I own the blu-ray) is There Will Be Blood. I was so swept up and involved with this film when I initially saw it. Just mesmerized. There was no outside world or immediate surroundings. I was HOOKED on the screen. Daniel Day Lewis does something simply and cosmically beyond acting. He is truly a remarkable revelation in TWBB. Is it silly to want to preserve that feeling of elation when a film engulfs and transports you? It’s such a rare experience in this day and age of film watching.

    Reply
  134. Seth Radabaugh

    Have you guys seen The Black KKKlansman? I recently saw it in theaters and loved it. I think it could even win this year’s Best Picture. Your thoughts?

    Reply
  135. Clyde

    The two of you seem to know a lot about theatre – it makes me wish maybe you’d devote a month sometime to four movies adapted from plays.

    Reply
  136. Tyler Ford

    Been watching the show since the beginning and I am currently doing a full watch through all over again and its a delight. Decided to pick a black and white move at random and watch it, have you seen The Third Man?

    Reply
  137. Chris Hicks

    Regarding your recent Popeye comment… I suppose one could say not many “like” it… but conversely those who do appreciate it absolutely LOVE it. I am one of those people. It’s a great film, Williams (even though he routinely dismissed the film) and Duvall are perfectly cast and Duvall especially is superb, the sets and supporting cast are top notch and the Nilsson soundtrack is absolutely sublime. I still watch it at least once a year and am always happy to defend it.

    Reply
  138. Paul Azhocar

    Good day gents! I am excited that I am finally in a place to help support the show. Your reviews are earnest and take me back to some of the great conversations I had with customers when I managed an independent video store. Plus, I didn’t believe anyone could plug in a Belle and Sebastian joke into film critique as seamlessly as Matt. You are a cultured man Matt. I look forward to many more seasons of Craig’s well-coiffed hair and both of your views on film. Thank you!

    Reply
  139. Aleks Ambrosio

    I discovered this show just a couple weeks ago after watching “Saturday Night Fever” for the first time ever. I was surprised and kind of blown away and I wanted to get some commentary on it to help me process what I had see.

    Back when Roger Ebert was still alive, I’d always look for his reviews after seeing a movie. Your commentary was just the kind of intelligent and engaged conversation I needed.

    Since then, I’ve been burning through the episodes in whatever order YouTube decides to give them to me. Regardless of whether I’ve seen the featured movie or whether it was good or bad, I always learn something from your conversations. I’ve even watched a few movies after hearing you talk about them, including “The Third Man” and “Angel Heart.”

    And after so many episodes, you still have the ability to surprise me, because just now I saw your episode on “Aandhi.” I wasn’t expecting to see an Indian movie, and as usual you offered something to think about.

    Now that I am aware of the broad scope of your net, I’d love to see you do a Satyajit Ray movie. Everyone always talks about The Apu Trilogy, but I’d love to see you do one of his other films.

    Unlike Bollywood musicals, with a Ray movie you won’t have to wonder whether you’re missing some subtext or culture-specific cinematic language. Many of his films are very passionate romances, but they aren’t the cartoonish romances of Bollywood films. They feel very adult and real, even if (or especially because) there’s very little explicit physicality.

    Here are several Ray movies I like better than The Apu Trilogy—

    “The Home and the World” (Ghare-Baire) (1984) — Set in the time of the Bengali uprising after the Partition of Bengal in 1905, a man seeking a more modern and enlightened relationship with his wife breaks the upper-class tradition of secluding women from outsiders and introduces her to his best friend, a revolutionary.

    “The Music Room” (Jalsaghar) (1958) — A Bengali zamindar (landlord) loses everything in his bid to show up his new neighbor—who made his money in business rather than inheriting it.

    “The Goddess” (Devi) (1960) — The aging head of an extended family decides that his younger son’s wife is a manifestation of the Mother Goddess, and makes his family and the local community worship her as a living god. And the family members, including the young girl who is being treated as a god, now has to figure out how to live in this situation.

    “Charulata” (1964) — The wife of a political newspaper publisher lives a very sheltered life, until her husband’s young cousin comes to visit, and shares her interest in literature and poetry. This movie doesn’t sound like much when you sum it up, but it’s possibly one of his most subtle explorations of love and romance.

    “Nayak” (The Hero) (1966) — A movie star takes an overnight train from Calcutta to Delhi to accept an award. Along the way he meets a beautiful young journalist, whose questioning reveals his deepest secrets and regrets.

    “Days and Nights in the Forest” (Aranyer Din Ratri) (1970) — Four friends — A businessman, an aspiring author, a jock, and a goofball — go to the countryside to party down and meet chicks. The women they meet teach them more than they bargained for.

    “The Middleman” (Jana Aranya) (1975) — A recent college graduate decides to go into the office supply business after his exam scores fail to help him get a respectable job. He learns that success in business requires the kind of moral compromises that he can’t tell his middle-class family about.

    “The Chess Players” (Shatranj Ke Khilari) (1977) — Set in Awadh (Oudh) in 1856, this movie is in Hindi/Urdu and English rather than Bengali. Two courtiers of the Nawab of Oudh become obsessed with playing chess while the East India Company schemes to annex the kingdom.

    “The Big City” (Mahanagar) (1963) — The son of a lower-middle class family loses his job in a bank and his wife gets a job to help pay the bills, disturbing the conventions of traditional family life.

    Reply
  140. Henry R Seymour

    How is it possible that neither Blindspotting or Sorry to Bother You, got ANY Oscar nominations? Blindspotting is my favorite movie of all time and Sorry to Bother You definetly deserves some kind of awards. I can’t help but feel there was some racism involved (speaking as a white cis male).

    Reply
  141. Joey Messina

    Is there a list of ‘seen it’ movies I can reference so I don’t suggest movies already discussed?

    Reply
  142. Robert Feyerharm

    Have you guys watched the 1987 comedy “Withnail and I” starring Richard Grant and Paul McGann? Thoughts? My wife and I couldn’t get through it.

    Reply
  143. James McNeely

    Hey guys ever seen the Mouse that Roared. Sellers is a genius. Have you seen JC Superstar

    Reply
  144. Mike Fane

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    Reply
  145. Paul Carroll

    Howdy, Guys,
    Recently I sent y’all a DVD of “King Rat”. I was very gratified to see it on the unboxing segment, and to realize that it was a film that you weren’t familiar with. I highly recommend that you watch this film, because it is very good! Of course I would love it if you would review it on your program, but regardless, please watch this superior movie. War is so fascinating because it brings out the extremes of human behavior. Self sacrifice, evil, honor, and cowardice, and the incredible lengths that people will go to, to survive horrendous pain and misery! King Rat is just one of these stories, but it’s a good one!

    Reply
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    Regards
    Mike Webster

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