Paycheck Review
This Film Is Not Yet Rated Review
Guardians of the Galaxy Review
Shaft Review
Beetlejuice Review
Dredd Review
Summer 2014 Films Recap
S.W.A.T. Review
The Thomas Crown Affair (1999) Review
Mike and Doug revisit John Woo's 2003 sci-fi thriller Paycheck, starring Ben Affleck, Uma Thurman, and Aaron Eckhart. They discuss the film's Philip K. Dick source material, its near-future premise involving memory erasure and reverse engineering, the standout action sequences, and how it holds up over a decade later. The hosts examine the movie's plot mechanics, cast performances, and compare it favorably to similar early-2000s spy thrillers.
TFG1Mike and MovieRevolt Dan discuss the documentary that investigates the secretive MPAA rating system. They explore how the board operates, the lack of transparency around who rates films and why, and how the system treats independent films differently from studio productions. The hosts examine specific examples from filmmakers like Trey Parker and Kevin Smith, and discuss the broader impact on cinema and censorship in Hollywood.
TFG1Mike and Mike Booninja Powers discuss Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy—a film that subverts the superhero genre by centering on ordinary criminals thrust into an extraordinary situation. They explore James Gunn's direction, the film's exceptional 70s and 80s soundtrack, standout performances from Bradley Cooper (Rocket) and Vin Diesel (Groot), and how the ensemble cast works together to make the movie succeed. They also touch on Gunn's filmography, the absence of traditional superheroes, and what they'd like to see in the sequel.
TFJR Mike and Doug Abel revisit John Singleton's 2000 action film starring Samuel L. Jackson as the titular detective. They discuss the plot involving racist heir Walter Wade Jr., the cast including Christian Bale and Jeffrey Wright, and David Arnold's exceptional score. The hosts praise the film's storytelling, action sequences, and how it balances being both entertaining and thought-provoking, with Mike giving it five stars and Doug a four.
TFG1Mike and Steve Megatron revisit Tim Burton's 1988 comedy-fantasy classic, examining Michael Keaton's chaotic performance as the Ghost with the Most, the film's enduring charm nearly three decades later, and why it remains one of the few horror-adjacent films they can actually enjoy. They discuss the casting of Jeffrey Jones and Catherine O'Hara, the various ghosts and afterlife bureaucracy, and address decades-old speculation about a potential sequel.
TFG1Mike and Revolt Dan revisit the 2012 Judge Dredd starring Karl Urban, comparing it to Stallone's 1995 version and examining how this darker take stays truer to the comics. They discuss the film's simple but effective plot structure, Urban's stoic performance, the heavy use of slow-motion violence, and why it got buried at the box office alongside The Dark Knight Rises and The Avengers. Both hosts rate it 3.5 stars—a solid action film that knows what it is.
The hosts rewind through the summer 2014 blockbuster season, discussing what worked, what didn't, and what stood out—both positively and negatively. They break down the year's most diverse comic book slate, explore how different genres fared, and offer recommendations for what to watch or skip as films hit home video platforms.
TFG1Mike and Doug Abel dive into the 2003 action film S.W.A.T., discussing its standout ensemble cast—Colin Farrell as Jim Street, Samuel L. Jackson as Hondo, LL Cool J, Michelle Rodriguez, and Jeremy Renner—and the film's impressive opening sequence inspired by real LAPD events. They explore the dual plot threads, the chemistry between characters, and what makes this TV-to-film adaptation work better than expected, before landing on their final ratings.
TFG1Mike welcomes Doug Abel from Talkin' Bout My Generation to discuss the 1999 heist thriller starring Pierce Brosnan and Rene Russo. They compare it to the 1968 Steve McQueen original, break down the clever art heist plot and the chemistry between the leads, and explore why the film's pacing, soundtrack, and supporting cast make it a rewatchable classic. Both hosts give it a perfect 5-star rating.
Jeremy Fein and Mike conclude their three-part series on The Thin Man franchise by diving into the final two films. They discuss the memorable train sequence in The Thin Man Goes Home, its hometown mystery plot, and the family dynamics between Nick and his father. Then they move to Song of the Thin Man, exploring how it brings the series full circle with Nicky Jr. now grown, the darker stakes Nick faces when his family is in danger, and why it ranks among the strongest entries. The hosts rank all six Thin Man films from least to most enjoyable and reflect on why the series remains culturally significant.