Platoon (1987) vs The Deer Hunter (1979)

The Departed (2007) vs. The French Connection (1972)

It’s been another little while, but Bestest Picture is back AGAIN, baby! And this episode gets into some classic conflicts: We’ve got Cops pitted against Crime, Boston versus New York, Quick Cut editing and Slick Choreography versus Slow Burn Cinema and Standing in the Snow on a Street Corner All Night Watching a Hotel Front Door.  Oh... there’s also a car chasing a train.  Yup, Bestest Picture is taking it to the mean streets for two Best Picture-Winning crime dramas: THE DEPARTED from 2007 and THE FRENCH CONNECTION from 1972.  Join Sam and Darren as they talk it all through to arrive at a decision about which of these Best Pictures is today’s “Bestest.”  ------------- - Subscribe to the Show and Leave a Review or a Rating! - Follow the Show on Facebook and Instagram - Email Us! bestestpicturepod@gmail.com [bestestpicturepod@gmail.com]

Terms of Endearment (1984) vs. Ordinary People (1981)

It’s been a little while, but Bestest Picture is BACK, baby! And we’re getting back in the saddle by responding to that age-old question, “Why read books when you can just watch the movies that the books tell you stuff about?”  In Episode 7, Darren Jenn, and Ben pit two Best-Picture-winning novel adaptations against one another: 1984’s TERMS of ENDEARMENT and 1981’s ORDINARY PEOPLE. It’s all about family.. but not necessarily in the Fast and Furious kind of way.  Regardless, hop in and go on this journey with us, as Bestest Picture Rides Again!    ------------- - Subscribe to the Show and Leave a Review or a Rating! - Follow the Show on Facebook and Instagram - Email Us! bestestpicturepod@gmail.com [bestestpicturepod@gmail.com]

Going My Way (1944) vs. The Great Ziegfeld (1936)

Episode 6 takes us from the Saccharine to the Spectacle; from the Priesthood to the Playhouse. We’ve got iconic songs, burning buildings, a street-rat choir, and stairs... lots of stairs. And a little bit of debate about the best animated show theme song.  Listen in as Darren, Kendall, and Sam work through GOING MY WAY (1944) vs. THE GREAT ZEIGFELD (1936) -- two musicals that took home a whopping 10 Oscars between them!   ------------- - Subscribe to the Show and Leave a Review or a Rating! - Follow the Show on Facebook and Instagram - Email Us! bestestpicturepod@gmail.com [bestestpicturepod@gmail.com]

Cimarron (1931) vs. Dances with Wolves (1991)

It’s a New Year, and we’re back in the saddle again! That’s right, Episode 5 is all about WESTERNS (which, incidentally, is one of the top 7 genres of film). Join Darren and Kendall as they dive into the first - and second - westerns to win Best Picture: CIMARRON (1931) and DANCES WITH WOLVES (1991). When you put them together, these two films have it ALL - the Good, the Bad, and the Problematically Ugly. And the Shaws are going to get into every bit of it, plus some additional stuff: movie recommendations, family trip anecdotes, NEXT-LEVEL literary criticism and genre study, and encouragement for students to use more wikipedia. So get on them spurs, don your hat, and mount up! (it means, “get on your horses”) as THE BESTEST PICTURE PODCAST RIDES AGAIN!  ------------- - Subscribe to the Show and Leave a Review or a Rating! - Follow the Show on Facebook and Instagram - Email Us! bestestpicturepod@gmail.com [bestestpicturepod@gmail.com]

Platoon (1987) vs The Deer Hunter (1979)

It’s CHRISTMAS! And what could get us into the spirit of a jolly holiday season better than two gritty, somber, and heavy Vietnam War epics? Yes, for some reason we can’t quite explain, it’s a Bestest Picture Christmas where Darren, Sam, and Ben talk about Platoon (1987) and The Deer Hunter (1979). We’ll also introduce a completely original and totally unique game to the show called “To Be (a Fact) or Not to Be (a True Fact)."  So grab your cup of cocoa or wassail, get someplace cozy, and join us. And remember... You can’t spell “Nativity Time” without v, i,e,t,n,a, or m.  Merry Christmas and Happy To It!  ------------- - Subscribe to the Show and Leave a Review or a Rating! - Follow the Show on Facebook and Instagram - Email Us! bestestpicturepod@gmail.com