Binge Movies: Rankings and Reviews

EP #201: 2009, Part II — Conspiracy Season 2009 didn’t just entertain—it reflected a culture already steeped in paranoia and conspiratorial thinking. Jason and Chauncey Telese (La Podfidential) rank five box office giants that, in hindsight, reveal how stories of secret cabals, engineered crises, and “truth” shaped by vibes over facts were already dominating the mainstream. The Lineup: 10. The Hangover (2009) 9. Angels & Demons (2009) 8. Sherlock Holmes (2009) 7. The Twilight Saga: New Moon (2009) 6. Up (2009) What seemed like harmless fun at the time now reads as a cultural preview of the conspiratorial mindset that would escalate throughout the next decade. The conversation also touches on the death of Hulk Hogan, the paranoia baked into Dan Brown’s novels, Ron Howard’s attempt to give pulp a prestige sheen, and Peter Thiel, who secretly bankrolled Hogan’s lawsuit against Gawker, a real-world conspiracy that toppled a media empire. Which film deserves preservation in the Vault, and which one feels like prophecy for America’s conspiratorial future? Credits Host: Jason Guest: Chauncey Telese (LA Podfidential) Produced by: Binge Movies Franchisees: Heather, Dan, Jason, Matt, Pete Support: patreon.com/bingemovies [http://patreon.com/bingemovies]

EP #200: VHS Summer V–80s Sex Comedies 200 episodes! To mark the milestone, Jason is joined by Clare from W-Rated to rewind to the neon-soaked heyday of 1980s sex comedies. From locker room pranks to ski slope stripteases, these raunchy relics of VHS culture pushed boundaries and buttons. Along the way, friends and fans drop in with special messages to celebrate the journey so far. This week’s lineup: * Porky’s (1981) * The Last American Virgin (1982) * Hardbodies (1984) * Revenge of the Nerds (1984) * Hot Dog...The Movie (1984) Which film earns a spot in the Vault, and which ones get left in the bargain bin? Credits Host: Jason Guest: Clare (W-Rated) Produced by: Binge Movies Franchisees: Heather, Dan, Jason, Matt, Pete Support: patreon.com/bingemovies [http://patreon.com/bingemovies]

EP #199: John Hughes, Ranked John Hughes gave us the dream of teen freedom, family bonding, and life lessons wrapped in pop hits. But in 2025, do his movies still hold up—or are they time capsules better left sealed? Jason and guest Kristin Battestella (Women InSession; I Think, Therefore I Review) rank five Hughes classics, from road-trip chaos to suburban rebellion, deciding which deserves the Vault…and which buckle under the weight of modern eyes. * National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983) * Sixteen Candles (1984) * Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986) * She’s Having a Baby (1988) * Career Opportunities (1991) Bonus conversations dive into The Great Outdoors, Home Alone, and Some Kind of Wonderful. Credits Host: Jason Guest: Kristin Battestella (Women InSession; I Think, Therefore I Review)  Produced by: Binge Movies Franchisees: Heather, Dan, Jason, Matt, Pete Support: patreon.com/bingemovies

INSTANT REACTION: Seventeen kids vanish at 2:17 a.m., and that’s only the start of the nightmare. Director Zach Cregger (Barbarian) returns with Weapons — a chilling, multi-chapter descent into paranoia and dread. In this spoiler-free instant reaction, we break down the film’s tone, tension, and craft without giving away a single twist. No plot summaries. No safety nets. Just the gut-level verdict from the last video store in the universe. Director: Zach Cregger Starring: Julia Garner, Josh Brolin, Alden Ehrenreich Genre: Horror / Mystery / Thriller Credits Host: Jason Guest: Evan Crean Produced by: Binge Movies Franchisees: Heather, Dan, Jason, Matt, Pete.  Support: patreon.com/bingemovies Merch: bingemovie.threadless.com

EP #198: VHS Summer V – Val Kilmer Season Premiere VHS Summer returns for its fifth and final installment! Jason is joined by Evan Crean (Spoilerpiece Theater) to rank and review five of Val Kilmer’s most iconic performances. From boy genius to gunslinging legend, Kilmer’s range is on full display in this eclectic lineup: * Real Genius (1985) * Willow (1988) * Thunderheart (1992) * Tombstone (1993) * Heat (1995) Which film enters the Vault, and which get left out in the summer sun? Credits Host: Jason Guest: Evan Crean Produced by: Binge Movies Franchisees: Heather, Dan, Jason, Matt, Pete.  Support: patreon.com/bingemovies