Movies That Make Us

Good Will Hunting was released in 1997. It was the screenwriting debut of Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. It also stars the duo, along with Robin Williams, Stellan Skarsgard, and Minnie Driver. Despite being their first screenplay, the duo of Damon and Affleck were nominated and actually won the Oscar for best original screenplay. How’s that for a debut effort?The story follows Will Hunting (played by Damon) who is a janitor at MIT (not Harvard, despite what we say on the episode, just know we meant MIT), but is smarter than everyone else there. He is struggling to find his place in the world. Socially awkward because of his intelligence, and finding himself constantly in trouble for getting in fights, Will Hunting begins to benefit from his relationship with his new therapist, Sean (played by Robin Williams).Join our team as they discuss the amazing success of Matt Damon and Ben Affleck with this film and because of this film. They also talk about finding your way in the world, finding someone you can be yoursel

Pacific Rim came out in 2013. It was directed by Guillermo del Toro and has his signature feel and look to it. It is the story of giant monsters from the sea and the giant robots we’ve created to fight them. What else do you need? The movie stars Idris Elba, Charlie Hunnam, Charlie Day, Rinko Kukichi, and even has an appearance by Ron Perlman.In this episode, Val wasn’t available, so Jake and Tracy discuss a film she doesn’t really like. Pacific Rim is full of over the top dialogue and a pretty straight forward story, but it works well, because the director and the cast know what kind of movie they’re making- it is a classic popcorn flick. And it just works with this film. In addition to talking about Pacific Rim, Jake and Tracy talk about a few upcoming films like The Joker, Ford vs. Ferrari, and It Chapter 2. What upcoming films are you excited to see? Plus Jake and Tracy talk about their panel schedules for FanX in Salt Lake City, UT on September 5-7. Find out where you can come see our hosts and enjoy the

Finding Neverland came out in 2004 and starred Johnny Depp, Kate Winslet, and Freddie Highmore. The supporting cast was also exceptionally strong. This film was directed by Marc Forster, who also directed Monster’s Ball, Stranger Than Fiction, The Kite Runner, Quantum of Solace, World War Z, and Christopher Robin. How’s that for a diverse resume? And why aren’t more people talking about Marc Forster?Join our team as we take a look at what made Finding Neverland so magical. From the performances, to the story to the look and feel of the film. We cover it all here. Kate Winslet and Johnny Depp have incredible chemistry. Freddie Highmore more than holds his own on screen with Johnny Depp. This is a film that reminds us why Johnny Depp is such a talented actor to begin with. Plus a strong performance from Kelly Macdonald (Merida, from Brave).As we discuss the film we discover the theme of not always letting go of everything as we grow up. It’s ok to hang on to the fantastic and the magic we felt as kids. And how

Up was released in 2009 and was the tenth Disney/Pixar film. It followed Ratatouille and Wall-E. It follows the adventures of 78-year-old Carl Fredrickson and stowaway scout, Russell, as they float away in Carl’s house and leave the big city for some jungle adventures. Along the way they’ll meet a talking dog named Dug and a crazy bird named Kevin. How was this movie not made for our podcast team?In this episode we talk about this film’s animation and the story, and how these two factors have contributed to the enduring quality of this film. We talk about the first seven minutes, and how that sequence sticks with you even after the movie is over. We discuss the dynamics between Carl and Ellie and how they compare to the relationship between Carl and Russell.Of course, we also talk a lot about talking dogs, and do we really want to know what our dogs are thinking? Or would we just be disappointed. We break off on some tangents, like could someone really float away with enough balloons. And Jake gets plenty of

Top Gun was released in 1986 and has been a popular culture staple ever since. This is a film that all of us have seen so many times and can quote up and down. There is a lot to unpack with this film, so much fun, so many one liners, so many men trying to woo ladies by singing “You’ve Lost that Loving Feeling” by the Righteous Brothers. And of course, all the music. So many memorable songs. Top Gun was directed by Tony Scott, younger brother of Ridley Scott. It stars Tom Cruise as Maverick Pete Mitchell, Anthony Edwards as Goose, Val Kilmer as Iceman, and Kelly McGillis as Charlie. It featured music from Kenny Loggins, Cheap Trick, Berlin and Loverboy. This had everything every 80s movie needed. And jets. Fast, high-flying, jets. Which just added to the awesomeness of this film. In this episode, our team breaks down why we loved Top Gun so much. We talk about all the lines, all the scenes, all the songs. We discuss the different performances, including the scene stealing Val Kilmer as Iceman. We even discuss

Tim Burton’s Batman came out in 1989 and changed everything about the Batman image in the mainstream consciousness. And it was all pretty interesting, from bringing on a director who had never done any kind of major action film, to hiring a lead actor who had been known up to that point for his major comedic roles. And somehow it all worked. Prior to Batman, the way the caped crusader had been typically portrayed outside of the comics was based on Adam West’s version. It was campy and fun and colorful, but it wasn’t the Batman we know today. From the acclaimed 1990s animated series to Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy, all of it can be traced back to the success of this film.The film was not just a box office hit, but a huge marketing and merchandising success. Seriously, what did not have a Batman logo on it in 1989? It was everywhere. Batman toys were found in toy stores and fast food restaurants and just everywhere. Black Batman shirts were seen on everybody, and hats and mugs and everything. Warner

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory was released in 1971. Since then it has become a beloved classic for many. There are many adults who grew up on a steady diet of Willy Wonka. That might explain quite a bit, actually. This is a strange, fun, and imaginative film that has shaped children for decades. Our team takes a look at what has made this film endure for so many years and have such a huge impact on so many lives.The cast in this film is incredible and all the actors definitely look the part and played their roles perfectly. The music is beautiful and catchy and memorable. The sets were amazing, and because it was all before CGI, so it was all physical and real and there’s something tangible about it on film. All of these things contribute to what has made this film last and stand the test of time.So join us on a perilous boat ride down the chocolate river, lick the walls, drink the fizzy drink and enjoy Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory!What are your thoughts about this film? Did you love Willy Wo

Spider-Man Far From Home was released on July 2, 2019. It is the sequel to Spider-Man Homecoming and the highly anticipated follow up to the events of Avengers Endgame, wrapping up phase 3 of the MCU and is the epilogue to the Infinity Saga. It has been shattering records and is a bona fide hit. But, here’s the question, was it any good? We are here to answer that for you.Spoilers- before you listen to this episode we highly recommend that you see the movie first. We will be talking spoilers on this episode, so you have been warned.In this film we see how the world has adapted to post “blip” life. We get to see how the world is moving on after the major events in Endgame. And we get to see more teenage, high school drama. Oh, and stuff blows up. Far From Home delivers everything we were expecting from this sequel. More humor, more action and more Tom Holland.What did you think of Spider-Man Far From Home? Did it live up to the hype, or did it fall short? Let us know on our Facebook page or Tweet at us or send

Everything old is new again, and nowhere is that more true than in Hollywood. Remakes, reboots, and sequels abound, and Disney is no exception. It seems like every week a new Disney live action remake of a beloved animated classic is announced. But are they any good? Tracy, Val, and Jake are going to discuss just that in this fun filled, Disney edition of Movies That Make Us.In this episode, the movies we discuss include:Alice in Wonderland (2010)Maleficent (2014)Cinderella (2015)The Jungle Book (2016)Alice Through the Looking Glass (2016)Beauty and the Beast (2017)Christopher Robin (2018)Dumbo (2019)Aladdin (2019)The Lion King (2019)Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019)And announced projects:Mulan (2020)Cruella (2020)The Sword in the StonePinocchioThe Hunchback of Notre DameLilo and StitchThe Little MermaidWhich ones are good? Well, it’s a mixed bag, so you’ll have to listen to the episode to hear our thoughts. And there is singing- more than you probably wanted. Sorry, not sorry.Have feedback for this episode

Toy Story 4 is the latest installment in the beloved Disney/Pixar franchise. The first three Toy Story movies are considered modern classics that revolutionized the way animation is done and the way family friendly stories are told. Can this fourth chapter live up to that kind of pressure? Tracy, Val, and Jake are together again to answer that question. In this episode, they also welcome special guest, Collin, from the Stolendroids Podcast.For Toy Story 4, all the classic characters we know and love are back, from Woody and Buzz to Jessie and Bullseye, and everyone in between. Even Bo Peep makes a heroic return. But, there are plenty of new characters to love as well, from Canada’s greatest daredevil, Duke Caboom, to the ultra-loveable duo of Ducky and Bunny, there are lots of new faces to love.Does the story hold up to the quality we have come to expect? Is there more to tell with these characters we have come to know over the last 24 years? Listen as we discuss how this story compares to the other three fil

Spider-Man: Homecoming came out in 2017 and officially introduced everyone’s favorite web-slinger not the MCU. In a film that bucked Spider-Man film tradition by not giving us his origin story, we get a fully powered Spidey who is trying to figure out where he fits into the larger world of superheroes.In Homecoming, we see Tony Stark take a young Peter Parker under his wing and helps him become his own hero. This is where we see the beginning of their almost father/son relationship that just kicks us in the gut at the end of Avengers Endgame. I’m almost crying just thinking about it. But without their relationship in this film, Endgame would not have hurt so much.In this episode we talk about everything, from Tom Holland as Peter Parker/Spider-Man to Michael Keaton as the Vulture. It is all here. This movie may have taken place around Homecoming dance time in the MCU, but it was also a Homecoming for the Spider-Man character, who is finally officially here in the MCU. And we couldn’t be happier.But what about

The latest of Disney’s live action remakes, Aladdin was released on Memorial Day weekend. This new version of the 1990s classic stars Will Smith as the Genie, Mena Massoud as Aladdin, and Naomi Scott as Jasmine. As Tracy, Val, and Jake take a look at this new film, the question is asked: Does it live up to the original?Released in 1992, Disney’s animated Aladdin was right in the middle of the Disney animation renaissance, along with films like Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, and The Lion King. With memorable songs and an iconic performance by Robin Williams as the Genie, this film quickly became a beloved classic.Our three cohosts discuss the new film and compare it to the original. Was there enough nostalgia, or maybe too much? Did it do enough to stand out from the original and be its own story? Was Will Smith able to fill Robin Williams’ shoes in one of his most memorable roles? The team is somewhat divided on these issues, but they all agree that by and large, this film is worth seeing and is ov

On this very special episode of Movies That Make Us, we record at Watchtower Comics and Coffee and welcome owners Cori and Mike as our guests. Cori and Mike opened Watchtower Comics and Coffee (formerly Watchtower Café) about four years ago, and it has become a staple of the nerd and geek community here in Salt Lake City. Cori and Mike are two of the coolest people we know, and they really have put together something special at Watchtower. They are currently preparing to move to a new location on Main Street with plenty of upgrades (including an area for podcasting, which we love). To do this they have turned to the community for help in raising some of the funds. You can back this Kickstarter campaign and help them reach their goal. It ends at 9 am on June 6, so please pledge today and share with all your friends.On this episode we are discussing Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, starring Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet. This film was released in 2004, and although it was not a mainstream hit, it has become

Released June 20, 1975, Jaws forever changed the way we looked at summer movies. The term “blockbuster” didn’t really exist before Jaws. Since its release, people have spent countless hours in air-conditioned theaters watching the latest big budget summer blockbuster. And it almost didn’t happen.Join Tracy, Val, and Jake as they discuss this modern classic and the struggles Steven Spielberg and company faced as they tried to make this movie happen. From a mechanical shark named Bruce who didn’t like the cold Atlantic Ocean, to finding ways to keep the actors and crew engaged when the shark wouldn’t work. Spielberg fights through all of this and, with the help of an iconic score from John Williams, he delivers a film that redefined the suspense genre.This film is a master class in visual and audible storytelling, but is it one of Spielberg’s best films? Our three hosts debate that point, while having some fun and laughs along the way. We even mention Sharknado a few times. Why? Because Tracy. Mostly it’s Tracy

Released on June 11, 1982, E.T. the Extra Terrestrial had a theatrical run that lasted more than a year. During that time, E.T. was everywhere, from toys, to coffee mugs, and even jewelry. This little guy from parts unknown was a bona fide pop culture sensation. At the heart of all of this was the actual movie. Suitable for almost all ages, E.T. was for many an introduction to stories of other worlds.At the center of the story, is the relationship between Elliott and E.T. and the idea that we can get to know those who are different. Spielberg’s gentle storytelling here helps us embrace the ideals of tolerance and love. A lesson many of us learned as children, but we could use a refresher.Ultimately, in 1983, E.T. the Extra Terrestrial was nominated for 9 Academy Awards, including a Best Picture and Best Director nomination for Steven Spielberg. Although it did not win in those categories, It did net an Oscar for John Williams in the Best Music, Original Score category. You’re probably humming the main them ri

Schindler's List opened on December 15, 1993, and was in theaters until September 29, 1994. During that time, it had grossed $96.1 million in the United States and over $321.2 million worldwide. In Germany, it was shown in 500 theaters and was viewed by over 100,000 people in its first week alone and was eventually seen by six million people. It would go on to win numerous awards and accolades including Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography, and Best Original Score to name a few. Schindler's List is also featured on a number of "best of" lists, including the TIME magazine's Top Hundred, Time Out magazine's 100 Greatest Films Centenary Poll, and Leonard Maltin's "100 Must-See Movies of the Century." The Vatican even named it among the most important 45 films ever made.Whether you enjoyed it or not, there's no denying that Schindler's List is important. Why? Because we need to remember what happened to ensure that these types of things never happen again. Recent surveys in both the

Saving Private Ryan is Steven Spielberg's 1998 World War II epic set during the Invasion of Normandy. It tells the story of United States Army Rangers Captain John H. Miller (Tom Hanks) and a squad (Tom Sizemore, Edward Burns, Barry Pepper, Giovanni Ribisi, Vin Diesel, Adam Goldberg, and Jeremy Davies) as they search for a paratrooper, Private First Class James Francis Ryan (Matt Damon), who is the last surviving brother of four servicemen.The film's graphic portrayal of war, according to many World War II veterans, was the most realistic depiction of combat they had ever seen. In fact, it was so realistic that some combat veterans of D-Day and Vietnam had to leave theaters during the opening scene depicting the Normandy invasion. This led to many counselors advising "more psychologically vulnerable" veterans to avoid watching it. The scene was named the "best battle scene of all time" by Empire magazine and was ranked number one on TV Guide's list of the "50 Greatest Movie Moments."Ultima

Avengers: Endgame opened to record-breaking numbers. Wait. Not record-breaking. Record-shattering.It was generally assumed that Endgame would break records in its first weekend; however, it decimated previous box-office records. Not only did Marvel's latest offering deliver an estimated $350 million over the course of its first three days in the United States, but it also raked in a massive $1.2 billion at the global box office in just five days!  There is no way that the Movies That Make Us team could let a movie this big go without doing a spoiler-filled review of Avengers: Endgame and they hold nothing back. They even brought in special guests! (Although at this point, are the guests really special? And can they even be considered guests anymore?) And to mark the occasion, the MMU MPU (Movies That Make Us Mobile Podcasting Unit) makes its debut! Listen as Val, Jake, and Tracy celebrate their tenth episode from the "comfort" of a van while spoiling Endgame for those who haven't seen it yet. Are th

The first trailer for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker has been out for a little more than a week now giving us time to over analyze it and come up with all sorts of wild theories. Is Rey Kylo Ren's secret twin sister? Maybe she's a clone made from DNA collected from Luke Skywalker's cut off hand? Is she Lando's secret love child with Leia? And how does Emperor Palpatine factor into all of this? Is he really The Joker? See? Wild theories...The Movies That Make Us crew is back in full force this week and they have guests! So. Many. Guests. It's only appropriate though since they're recording in the press room at FanX Salt Lake Comic Convention. And just like the last time some of these individuals were in a similar situation discussing another Star Wars related topic, things go off the rails in some of the most entertaining ways possible.So what do you think of The Rise of Skywalker? Do you have any favorite theories about the title or any plot points? send them to us at podcast@moviesthatmakeus.com.

Few movies have come out over the course of cinema history that have been able to inspire a generation the way that Rocky did when it hit theaters in 1976. Written by and starring Sylvester Stallone, the film tells the rags to riches story of Rocky Balboa, an uneducated but kind-hearted working-class boxer from the slums of Philadelphia who gets a shot at the world heavyweight championship. The film was made for just over $1 million, but it went on to earn $225 million globally. It was critically acclaimed and received ten Academy Award nominations, winning three, including Best Picture and in 2006, Rocky was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant." Why is Rocky so "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant?" And how is it that a movie that had no business being as successful as it was,