Movie Moan 2015: Episode 15 - Congratulations England, Ya Just Ruined Buffalo Wings
Tue, August 4, 2015 It's Phil's birthday and, as usual, there are no people he would rather spend it with than you. The only problem is, some bloody restaurant chain has been screwing with Phil's favourite food.
Classic Movie Moan
Even though we are late to the party, 'Inside Out' has finally opened in the UK and we hope you will indulge Phil, Jamie and Matt while we finally talk about it in some detail (huge whopping Bing Bong shaped spoilers in this review - 6:03).
After a unique journey of taking a peek at a really rubbish script and then being really impressed by the trailer, one final question remains - is 'Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation' any good? Would you mind if Phil proper nerdgasms about it? Didn't think you would (23:35).
And we wrap with a rational discussion of 'Pixels' and try to explain how there was a genuinely great movie somewhere in this tonally inconsistent mess of a film (55:14).
Marveling At The Future
Join Phil, Spencer, and special guest Jen Mayhew as we discuss why 'Wolverine: The Last One (honestly)' has the potential to be the most interesting and emotionally affecting of all the X-Men movies as we say goodbye to Hugh Jackman in the role that defined him (1:07:55).
Phil has had a few months to think about this and, despite what Latino Review is saying (Billy Zane as the Vulture? Really?), he is 100% convinced that Mysterio will be the villain in 2017's 'Spider-man Rides Again'. Let us tell you why (1:36:07).
And Spencer opens up the debate to settle once and for all what we believe is a misunderstood notion - do Marvel's Cinematic Universe baddies suck? (1:44:44)
Don't just watch the video version above. Play the podcast via Soundcloud or download the MP3 version right here:
Reader Comments (7)
Great, great discussion about INSIDE OUT. It’s my favorite movie of the year so far, and I think it’s an uncommonly smart, delicate, and lovely look at the human condition. Top tier Pixar. I’m also with you on LAVA, Phil. Absolutely insufferable and trite schmaltz of the worst sort. Let’s get some shorts from Disney/Pixar that aren’t about pairs of potential lovers finding each other.
As for Spider-Man, I’d LOVE to see Mysterio finally get his cinematic shot. The opportunity is there for some really cool visuals, and he’s such a distinctive character that would really stand out.
And happy belated birthday, Phil!
Caught the latest Mission Impossible movie – Rogue Nation – over the weekend. Easily my favorite of the franchise even it was the least spectacular in scope as the film makers decided to go for intimacy this time.
And it pays off big time.
Rogue Nation harkens back to the team concept of the TV show and avoids any type of global catastrophe storylines. Simon Pegg and Tom Cruise play off of each other to great effect and Pegg’s Benji makes Cruise’s Ethan all the more human and relatable for it. Cruise not only plays Ethan Hawke as a more grounded character emotionally but physically too. Cruise, whom I’ve never been a big fan of as an actor, is a bona fide action/movie star and, given he’s in his fifth decade, you have to respect his work ethic in how he approaches these pictures and the shape he keeps himself in to keep doing them.
The script is tight, smart and deftly written. You are never sure of the loyalties of some of the characters but the script avoids cliches. Alec Baldwin’s head of CIA character could easily sail through the flick playing an one note pompous blowhard but he is given a nice arc – with a clever and funny pay off – and is positioned to become part of the IMF family in the next installment if the creators so decide to do so.
Speaking of a more grounded Hawke, he runs into several scenarios where outside aid is needed and it comes in the form of this picture’s biggest find – rouge MI6 agent Illsa Hunter played by Swedish star – Rebecca Louisa Ferguson Sundström – billed simply as Rebecca Ferguson. She brings an allure and energy to the role that will surely see her vault to the top of movie studio lists for action stars and comic book heros.
Ferguson is the complete package. She’s a terrific actress and has the look of a classic movie star. (She reminds me of Ingrid Bergman.) Definitely one to keep an eye out for.
Five flicks in and the IMF franchise is running stronger than ever. Highly recommended.
I made a determined effort to see this before it disappears from the cinema and I'm sure glad I did.
Once again, Ian McKellan proves the best special effect is, and always be, an extraordinary actor. McKellan deftly switches between Holmes of two time periods - one a frail 93 year old and the other - a still old but still very hearty 60 something year old. The depth and complexity of emotions he can convey with a look or slight tilt of the head or a tic or a .... well you get the idea - is astounding.
Laura Linney does well here but the boy - Milo Parker - gets the showy role and acquits himself admirably.
This is very much a character study and a study of regrets so don't go in expecting a big mystery to be solved. Do go in to see a master actor at work. You will thank yourself afterwards.
I would love see to see McKellen reprise the role of Holmes in a more traditional manner.
Happy Belated Birthday Phil!
PS - my post after the Highly Recommended for MI5 is for Mr. Holmes in case anyone wonders.
Hugh Jackman as Wolverine as a concept holds way more reverence than any execution of it that has taken place.
Perplexing, that despite how bad most of the Wolverine appearances have been, how high the esteem for the Wolverine character has remained.
Because of the disconnect between concept and execution, Jackman hanging up the claws doesn't hold much emotional weight for me. To be honest, I look forward to it for upcoming X-Men movies because Wolverine has taken center stage in stories that could have been better served by another character.
As far as Spidey goes, I love your Mysterio idea. Definitely better than the Vulture.
Though personally Kraven trumps both of those two.
Happy belated birthday, Phil. I still haven't actually listened to this show yet, real life gone crazy hectic suddenly, but I hope it was a good one. :)
Happy Birthday Phil for whatever it's worth. Or should I say Happy Belated Birthday?