Scene Weekly

by Jonathan and Stephen

Visual Arts Film Reviews

Season 3

60. Mission: Impossible (1996)

"Scene Weekly" For our 60th episode, we’re trying something new: focusing on one iconic film—Brian De Palma’s Mission: Impossible (1996). We break down Tom Cruise’s star-making turn as Ethan Hunt, the legendary CIA heist, and how this franchise-starter balanced suspense with blockbuster spectacle. Does it hold up? Is it the best M:I? Press play and find out!

59. "USA Underdog Movies" - Miracle vs Rocky

"Scene Weekly" - This week Jonathan and Stephen dive into the exhilarating world of USA underdog stories, comparing two iconic films that define heart, determination, and against-all-odds victories. On one side, there’s Miracle (2004), the gripping true story of Herb Brooks and the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team’s miraculous defeat of the Soviet Union. On the other, Rocky (1976), the timeless classic about a small-time boxer who gets his "one shot" at glory.

58. "For You Films Part 5" - The Gods Must Be Crazy vs Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai

"Scene Weekly" This week on Scene Weekly, Jonathan and Stephen dive into "For You Films," where each host assigns the other a movie they've never seen before. The challenge? Find unexpected connections and argue for their film’s unique brilliance! Jonathan brings The Gods Must Be Crazy (1980), a wildly inventive South African comedy that turns a simple Coca-Cola bottle into a cultural clash of epic proportions. Meanwhile, Stephen counters with Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai (1999), Jim Jarmusch’s meditative crime drama about an enigmatic hitman living by the samurai code. From slapstick to stoicism, chaos to contemplation—how do these two wildly different films stack up? And which one wins the week? Tune in as we debate, discuss, and maybe even change each other’s minds.

57. "Hawaiian Dramas" - The Descendants vs Aloha

"Scene Weekly" - Jonathan and Stephen dive into the sun-soaked world of Hawaiian dramas as they debate The Descendants (2011) and Aloha (2015). One is a heartfelt, Oscar-winning story about family, loss, and legacy, while the other... well, let's just say it sparked plenty of controversy. Is The Descendants the ultimate Hawaiian drama, or does Aloha deserve more credit than it gets? From performances to cultural representation, our hosts break down what works, what doesn’t, and which film truly captures the spirit of the islands. Grab your leis and join the discussion—because this one’s a tropical showdown!

56. "Hawaiian Comedies" - Forgetting Sarah Marshall vs 50 First Dates

"Scene Weekly" Aloha, movie lovers! This week on Scene Weekly, Jonathan and Stephen dive into the tropical world of Hawaiian comedies, pitting two beloved rom-coms against each other: Forgetting Sarah Marshall and 50 First Dates. Which film delivers the biggest laughs, the most heart, and the best use of its island setting? Is Forgetting Sarah Marshall the ultimate breakup comedy, or does 50 First Dates take the crown for its unique love story? From Jason Segel’s heartbreak to Adam Sandler’s daily romantic challenges, your hosts break down the performances, the humor, and which film best captures the spirit of Hawaii.

55. "Oscars 2025 Best Picture Picks" - Anora vs A Complete Unknown

"Scene Weekly" - We have two movies going for the golden statue in this Oscar season. The first is a darkly comic/screwball comedy/human drama and just plain fun movie in Anora. The second, we tackle the greatness that is Bob Dylan in the biopic A Complete Unknown. Which movie do we think has the best chance at winning the Academy Award for Best Picture? Tune in and find out!

54. "Wedding Movies" - Father of the Bride "(1991) vs 27 Dresses

"Scene Weekly" Love, laughter, and a whole lot of wedding chaos! This week on Scene Weekly, Jonathan and Stephen dive into the world of wedding movies with a very special guest—Carolyn, who’s about to tie the knot in beautiful Maui! 💒✨ Together, we debate the ultimate big-day dilemmas: Is Father of the Bride the most heartfelt take on wedding jitters, or does 27 Dresses capture the modern rom-com magic of being "always the bridesmaid, never the bride"? From overprotective dads to an outrageous collection of bridesmaid dresses, we break down the iconic moments, rom-com tropes, and emotional gut punches that make these films wedding-movie royalty.

53. "Motel Movies" - Psycho (1960) vs Memento

"Scene Weekly" This week on Scene Weekly, Jonathan and Stephen check into the eerie world of "Motel Movies" with two psychological thrillers that redefine suspense: Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho (1960) and Christopher Nolan’s Memento (2000). Jonathan argues that Psycho is the ultimate motel nightmare, with its iconic twists, chilling score, and Norman Bates’ haunting performance. Stephen makes the case for Memento, a mind-bending tale of memory and revenge, where the seedy motel setting mirrors the fractured psyche of its protagonist.

52. "Poker Movies" - Rounders vs Casino Royale (2006)

"Scene Weekly" This week, Jonathan and Stephen ante up to debate two poker heavyweights: Rounders (1998), the underground grind with Matt Damon, and Casino Royale (2006), Bond’s high-roller showdown. Stephen goes all in on Rounders for its gritty realism and slow-played drama, while Jonathan raises the stakes for Casino Royale, calling its bluffs, bombs, and Bond-level action a royal flush. Who’s holding the winning hand? Shuffle up and listen to find out!

51. "Spaghetti Westerns"- A Fistful of Dollars vs The Good, The Bad and the Ugly

"Scene Weekly" This week, Jonathan and Stephen saddle up to debate two Sergio Leone classics: A Fistful of Dollars (1964) and The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966). Which Clint Eastwood-led Spaghetti Western reigns supreme? They’ll compare gritty storytelling, iconic scores, and Leone’s revolutionary style. Tune in for a lively discussion on greed, morality, and the Wild West!

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