Gladiator II

Groundhog Day and its relation to Simulation Theory, the stages of grief, and the importance of choice

With Groundhog Day just a few days away, it's time to get your booties on, get out in the cold, and relive Groundhog Day over and over and over and over. Zach and Germ discuss the classic Bill Murray comedy and how it connects to various philosophies and spiritual thought. In addition, math is involved (apologies), as the duo discuss just how many Groundhog Days it's belived Phil Connors experienced before finally moving on to February 3rd. Zach also drops some writing-related lessons taken from the film. Groundhog Day, at its core, is a movie about life and the importance of the choices we make. It's also very funny. Which always helps.

The Mummy and an Ode to Brendan Fraser

It's time to party--again--like it's 1999, with a look back at The Mummy and the franchise it spawned. While spending some time on the movie itself, the coversation turns to a love fest for Brendan Fraser and his underrated list of films, his range in Bedazzled, and his powerful performance in The Whale, which deservedly earned him an Oscar in 2023. Also, Zach rails on Tom Cruise, leading to a debate on the merits of the Mission Impossible and Fast and the Furious films.

The Fifth Element, A Chris Tucker masterpiece

Zach and Germ head back to 1997 to discuss the sci-fi cult classic, The Fifth Element. Chris Tucker's performace as Ruby Rhod steals a good portion of the opening, but the duo work through the amazing cast, disagree on the idea of a remake (and the remake of Aladdin), and reference another dozen or so movies (and a moon landing) along the way. The Fifth Element was a fantastic film. This episode is up for debate.

Gladiator II

Following up on their recent episode on Gladiator, Zach and Germ discuss Gladiator II and offer their takes on the film. In addition they cover the flawed marketing campaign, Denzel has Germ saying "My man!" a dozen times or so, the battle of the soundtracks, the near disaster of a potential sequel, and a breakdown of the film's historical inacuracies leads to a conversation on the "dream of Rome," Roman history, and (spoiler alert!) the fall of the Roman Empire. Also, it appears Target's aisle 31 of dvd's disappeared overnight and Germ is convinced there's a conspiracy afoot. You know, in that "parallel worlds overlapping" kind of way.

Christmas Favorites: A Christmas Story

While you enjoy the marathon of A Christmas Story this Christmas Eve, Germ and Zach discuss the classic tale of Ralphie, his quest for a Red Ryder Carbine Action BB gun, and his overactive imagination (lookin' at you, Bad Bart). As always, there are detours, including stories of bb guns, hunting carpenter bees and Star Wars figures, and how HBO gave an entire generation of boys an easier way to see nudity. And Fraggles. When on topic, the duo also chat about Peter Billingsley's iconic role and where his career went from there, how the film inspired the creation of The Wonder Years, and Darren McGavin's made-up gibberish of swearing rants. Enjoy revisiting Cleveland Street with Germ and Zach, then go watch a Christmas Story! Merry Christmas all!