Movies That Make Us

Tracy, Val and Jake welcome special guest Craig Price from Matinee Heroes, CastOff and new Stolendroids Network show Monday Morning Memory Wipe! We had a couple of rules- we could not pick any superhero movies and we couldn't pick Star Wars because we all know Star Wars had a huge impact on pop culture. Other than that, we could pick anything we wanted.We have each picked a movie that has had a huge impact on popular culture, not just when it was released but also over time. Tracy picked the classic sci-fi horror Alien, as well as the sequel Aliens. Our guest Craig picked Top Gun, the film that led to a 500% increase in Naval enlistment. Jake picked Jurassic Park, the film that made you believe they could actually clone dinosaurs. Finally, Val picked Fight Club, which is something we can't really talk about because the first of rule of Fight Club and all of that.What is a film you think had a huge impact on pop culture? Let us know in the comments below. Also, check out episode 23- Sock Puppets- where we disc

Welcome to another episode of Movies that Make Us! We’re finishing up our month long theme of growth, change, overcoming obstacles, and movies that make us feel good with this week’s episode Rudy.This biographical film centers around Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger who has dreamed of playing football at the University of Notre Dame since he was a child. He has to overcome obstacles of learning disabilities, the expense of attending the University, and people constantly questioning if he has the ability to achieve his dream. It’s a stirring true story that made our group want to punch a priest in the face as well as shed a few tears at the end.What are your thoughts on the film? As always, you can reach us at podcast@moviesthatmakeus.com. Did you miss the video premier of this episode? Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel, and then click the little bell to receive notifications when we add a new video or go live.You can also follow our Facebook page so you can receive notifications for new audio or video o

Welcome to another episode of Movies that Make Us! We’re continuing ourtheme of growth, change, overcoming obstacles, and movies that make usfeel good with this week’s episode featuring Brittany Runs a Marathon.In this film, Brittany (Jillian Bell) lives in New York City and struggles withher weight and self esteem. She sets out to better herself and eventuallywants to run in the New York Marathon. It’s much more than the typical outof shape funny character that then changes and loses a ton of weight andeverything is perfect. Brittany struggles and there are times where she isnot a good person, but she overcomes the setbacks and struggles tocontinue to grow. It has more language than the typical movies we review,so we want to alert you in case that is something you are cautious of. It’sfunny, it’s heartbreaking, it’s got some real depth and is one heck of a filmdebut for director Paul Downs ColaizzoWhat are your thoughts on the film? As always, you can reach us atpodcast@moviesthatmakeus.com.Did you miss the

It’s April and the Movies that Make Us team has caught a case of springfever! We’re excited to spend the month talking about films that deal withgrowth, change, and that make you feel good.Our first selection is the 2014 film Chef that was written, co-produced,starring, and directed by Jon Favreau. Favreau plays a chef who, after apublic altercation with a food critic, loses his job at a popular Los Angelesrestaurant and begins to operate a food truck with his young son. The scriptwas semi-autobiographical, incorporating parts of Favreau's life into themain character, such as being a father while having a busy career andcoming from a "broken home"; Favreau also drew a comparison betweenhis career as a director and Carl's career as a chef; he stepped down fromdirecting major studio films to go "back to basics" and create Chef on asmaller budget, much like Carls resignation from a popular restaurant towork in a food truck.What are your thoughts on the film? As always, you can reach us atpodcast@

Welcome to a very special episode of Movies That Make Us! It is our 100th episode! Join Tracy, Val, and Jake as they take a stroll down memory lane and talk about some of their favorite memories over the last 100 episodes, and even some forgotten memories, including the legendary lost episode- Ready Player One.Whether you have been a long time listener of the show, or a recent fan, join us for this special episode and look forward to the next 100 episodes!Do you have a suggestion for an upcoming episode? Did Tracy say something you disagreed with? You can send all of that feedback to podcast@moviesthatmakeus.com. Did you miss the video premier of this episode? Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel, and then click the little bell to receive notifications when we add a new video or go live.You can also follow our Facebook page so you can receive notifications for new audio or video of our episodes. Sometimes we are even live on Facebook, so you can give us feedback right then and there. It’s pretty s

It’s the end of March Madness and we are going out with the movie Rubberthat features a sentient tire named Robert that has psychokinetic powers.Yes, you read that right, a sentient tire who can use its mind power to kill.Directed by French director Quentin Dupieux and was shown at theCannes Film Festival in 2010 to positive reviews. It’s a very meta moviethat deals with the filmmaking and viewing process, as well as being abouta killer tire. If you’re in the mood for something weird, unique, and bizarre,you can’t choose many films better than Rubber. The film is available forfree on many streaming services including Crackle and Vudu.What are your thoughts on the film? As always, you can reach us atpodcast@moviesthatmakeus.com.Did you miss the video premier of this episode? Be sure to subscribe to ourYouTube channel, and then click the little bell to receive notifications whenwe add a new video or go live.You can also follow our Facebook page so you can receive notifications fornew audio or video of our episo

Welcome to a very special, giant sized episode of Movies That Make Us! We welcome friends Blake from The Lettuce Inn Podcast, Craig from Matinee Heroes, and Josh from The (0s Kid YouTube Channel as we discuss Zack Snyder’s Justice League!We talk about what worked, what didn’t and overall how the film was. Was it an improvement over the theatrical cut? Did Zack Snyder deliver what the fans wanted? Should we restore the Snyderverse? We talk about it all, and you’ll want to hear it all!What did you think of Zack Snyder’s Justice League? Do you have a suggestion for an upcoming episode? Did Tracy say something you disagreed with? You can send all of that feedback to podcast@moviesthatmakeus.com.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week, the Movies that Make Us team continued the theme of March Madness with the 1981 cult film Time Bandits.Directed by Terry Gilliam, whose film library includes Twelve Monkeys, The Fischer King, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, and more. This is a lower budget fantasy/sci-fi film that has a star studded cast including Sean Connery, Michael Palin, Shelley Duvall, Ian Holm and deals with celestial workers who instead of patching the holes in the universe, decide to travel through time and get rich. A young boy gets wrapped up in the adventure and they must survive the Titanic, Ancient Greece, and eventually pure, unadulterated Evil.What are your thoughts on the film? It’s a gateway film to the mind of one of the most interesting and unique directors working today. Next week, we are discussing the film Rubber, yes, a film about a sentient, killer tire.  As always, you can reach us at podcast@moviesthatmakeus.com. Did you miss the video premier of this episode? Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube

Welcome to the start of March Madness here at Movies that Make Us andwe start off with the 1993 film So I Married an Ax Murder starring MikeMeyers, and Nancy Travis.Myers plays Charlie MacKenzie, a man afraid of commitment until hemeets Harriet (Travis), who works at a butcher shop and may be a serialkiller. Myers also plays his own character's father, Stuart.What are your thoughts on the film? Next week, we are discussing the filmTime Bandits. As always, you can reach us atpodcast@moviesthatmakeus.com.Did you miss the video premier of this episode? Be sure to subscribe to ourYouTube channel, and then click the little bell to receive notifications whenwe add a new video or go live.You can also follow our Facebook page so you can receive notifications fornew audio or video of our episodes. Sometimes we are are even live onFacebook, so you can give us feedback right then and there. It’s prettysweet.As always, thank you for listening, and for now, we won’t see you at themovies… See acast.com/privacy for

It’s time for Staff Picks from your Movies that Make Us crew and thismonth, we each selected a Director with offbeat, unique, and interestingpoints of view/films.Tracy discussed three films from the library of Darren Aronofsky: TheFountain, The Wrestler, and Black Swan. Three very different films, but stillwork together in excellent character development and cinematography.Jake selected Tim Burton and discusses Edward Scissorhands, BatmanReturns, and Corpse Bride. Jake talks about how these three films showthe depth and reach of Burton’s library, but each has his distinctiveflourishes. Val selected Robert Rodriguez and took a slightly differentapproach and discusses the different phases of his film library. From hisindependent work on El Mariachi and From Dusk to Dawn and moving intoSpy Kids and his work as a producer, and then into his short films withDemi Lovato, Lady Gaga, and as the director of her favorite episode of theMandolorian.What are your thoughts on these directors? Next week, it’s the start ofMa

Welcome to the final week of Rick Moranis month here at Movies that MakeUs! This week we are discussing the 1987 film Spaceballs: The Moviestarring Rick Moranis, John Candy, and Bill Pullman.Make sure to buckle your seatbelts because we are going to Ludicrouslevels of silliness in this episode. A screwball comedy that gently mockssuch sci-fi classics as Star Wars, Star Trek, Alien, and Planet of the Apes.There are so many groan worthy jokes but the majority land and it’s a fun90 minute film. It’s not on the same level as Blazing Saddles or YoungFrankenstein, but it holds up pretty well and it was a pleasant trip tonostalgia for us.What are your thoughts on the film? Next week it’s staff picks as we startMarch Madness films and we’ll each discuss a director that is unusual anddifferent and three films of theirs you should check out. Will Tracy darepick Anthony C. Ferrante and three of the best Sharknado films? Tune inand find out! As always, you can reach us atpodcast@moviesthatmakeus.com.Did you miss the vide

Welcome to week two of Rich Moranis month here at Movies that Make Usand we are discussing the 1989 film Parenthood starring Rick Moranis,Steve Martin, and Dianne Wiest, Keanu Reeves and Joaquin Phoenix.The film follows multiple families and how they deal with raising childrenand overcoming the obstacles live throws their way. Much of the film isbased on the family and parenting experiences of director Ron Howard,Producer Brian Grazer, and screenwriters Lowell Ganz and Babloo Mandelwho had 17 kids between them. A comedy with heart that isn’t afraid to diveinto some difficult subjects that’s worth either viewing for the first time, orrevisiting again.What are your thoughts on the film? Next week, we are closing out RickMoranis February with the screwball comedy Spaceballs. As always, youcan reach us at podcast@moviesthatmakeus.com.Did you miss the video premier of this episode? Be sure to subscribe to ourYouTube channel, and then click the little bell to receive notifications whenwe add a new video or go live.

Welcome to the start of Rich Moranis month here at Movies that Make Usand we start off with the 1990 film My Blue Heaven starring Rick Moranis,Steve Martin, and Joan Cusack.Based on the life of Henry Hill (renamed Vinnie Antonelli), a mobster whowas placed into the witness protection program who you might know fromthe film Goodfellas. The film follows FBI Agent Barney Coopersmith (RickMoranis) as he tries to keep Vinnie (Steve Martin) out of trouble whilewaiting for him to testify for the government.What are your thoughts on the film? Next week, we are discussing the filmParenthood. As always, you can reach us atpodcast@moviesthatmakeus.com.Did you miss the video premier of this episode? Be sure to subscribe to ourYouTube channel, and then click the little bell to receive notifications whenwe add a new video or go live.You can also follow our Facebook page so you can receive notifications fornew audio or video of our episodes. Sometimes we are are even live onFacebook, so you can give us feedback right then a

This week, the Movies that Make Us team is introducing staff picks. Once a month, we’ll recommend films to check out based on a theme. For February, we each selected three films from the a cinematographer that we enjoy.Val recommends checking out the work of American cinematographer Rachel Morrison, and the three films she chose are Black Panther, Cake, and Mudbound. She was the first woman nominated for the Academy Award for Best Cinematography.Tracy selected the British cinematographer Roger Deakins and his films The Shawshank Redemption, No Country for Old Men, and Blade Runner 2049. Nominated for 15 Academy Awards and winner of two Oscars.Last, but certainly not least was Jake’s selection of French cinematographer Philippe Rousselot and his films A River Runs Through It, Remember the Titans, and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. He’s been nominated for three Academy Awards and won one.We hope you’ll check out some of these films and for the next three months, we’ll be discussing films starring Rick

It’s the final episode of Jack Black January, and this week Val, Jake, and Tracy discuss the clever and surprising film Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle.Taking the 1995 film starring Robin Williams as a starting point, this film creates its own identity and in many ways improves on the original. It’s got Jack Black, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Kevin Hart, and Karen Gilan. It’s Jack Black’s top grossing movie – followed by the Kung Fu Panda films and is likely his best known role. What are your thoughts on the film? Did you like the sequel Jumanji: The Next level. Next week, we will each pick a cinematographer we love and discuss three of their films. Send us you selection and examples to podcast@moviesthatmakeus.com. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this week’s episode, Jake, Val, and Tracy continue Jack Black January with Michel Gondry’s Sundance film Be Kind RewindThis quirky film is about two store clerks who inadvertently erase the footage from all of the tapes in their video rental store. In order to keep the business running, they re-shoot every film in the store with their own camera, with a budget of zero dollars.It’s a love letter to cinema and independent filmmaking while also being silly and a feel good comedy. What are your thoughts on the film? Have you seen it? Or did it slip past you when it came out in 2008? Send us feedback at podcast@moviesthatmakeus.com. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this week’s episode, Jake, Val, and Tracy continue Jack Black January with Jared Hess’ film Nacho Libre.This offbeat comedy film stars Jack Black as a friar in Mexico who helps feed children at an orphanage. He begins to wrestle in matches at night to earn money for the kids, and desperately works to keep his identity a secret so he won’t be forced to leave the order. It’s the follow up to Hess’ first major Napoleon Dynamite and it has the quirky and unique vibe that film had. So put on your stretchy pants and join us as we talk about Luchadore wrestling and the silliness of Jack Black’s accent. What are your thoughts on the film? Is it a favorite or one you would go back and revisit? Send us feedback at podcast@moviesthatmakeus.com. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this week’s episode of Movies That Make Us, Tracy, Val, and Jake are getting ready for a big year of podcasting, and kicking off Jack Black January with The Big Year. This 2011 comedy follows the adventures of three different birders attempting to find as many species of bird in North America between January 1 and December 31.This film stars Jack Black, Steve Martin, and Owen Wilson and is a great feel good movie to start your year with. When it came out, it flew under the radar, but it really is full of heart and warmth and is about so much more than birding. If you haven’t seen it, we recommend it.What did you think of The Big Year? Do you have a suggestion for an upcoming episode? Did Tracy say something you disagreed with? You can send all of that feedback to podcast@moviesthatmakeus.com.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this week’s episode, Val, Jake, and Tracy discuss underappreciated Christmas films. We’ve all seen National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Elf, It’s a Wonderful Life, and A Christmas Story, but there’s so much more out there. Val selected The Holiday a romantic comedy about two women who swap homes in L.A. and England over Christmas and discover themselves. Jake chose While You Were Sleeping the Sandra Bullock comedy about a women who saves a man’s life and is mistaken for his fiancé while he is in a coma also over Christmas. Tracy selected the 1976 musical Scrooge starring Albert Finney. We also have backup films we also recommend for you – 6 Christmas movies we encourage you to check out and enjoy!Do you have any Christmas movies that aren’t as well known? Or do you prefer the traditional films? You can send all of that feedback to podcast@moviesthatmakeus.com. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this week’s episode, Tracy, Val, and Jake welcome Collin from Stolendroids Podcast as we break down all the announcements from Disney Investor Day 2020. And man, there were a ton of announcements to talk about because Disney basically owns everything.From Hulu, to FX, NatGeo, Lucasfilm, Pixar, Disney Animation, Disney Plus, and Pixar, we are covering it all, and letting you know what we are looking forward to, and what we are wondering about how it will be. So buckle up and enjoy our conversation,What were some of your favorite announcements from Disney Investor Day 2020? Do you have a suggestion for an upcoming episode? Did Tracy say something you disagreed with? You can send all of that feedback to podcast@moviesthatmakeus.com.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.