Grumpy Young Men

Today we’re talking about Singin’ in the Rain, widely regarded as the greatest musical of all time. This was a first-time watch for both of us so we discuss why we’ve been reticent about musicals in the past, which dance sequences were our favorites, and recap how troubled this production truly was behind the scenes. Also, why we hate Goldfish cartons shrinking. (Recorded September 10th, 2023.)

We’re back after a couple weeks away to recount our recent travel experiences. We go through the many do’s and don’t’s of travel, debate how much of a “tourist-y” vacation one should have, and mostly we just go on tangents about fantasy books and Covid and using a Segway to do your grocery shopping. Also, why we hate missing a flight. (Recorded September 9th, 2023.)

This week we’re talking about Signs of the Sojourner, an excellent roguelike game about having conversations with people… with cards? We discuss the beauty and simplicity that’s core to the gameplay, the brilliant and detailed world building, and marvel over how different our two playthroughs of the game were. Also, why we hate judgmental non-jaywalking. (Recorded August 16th, 2023.)

Today we’re talking about Emily the Criminal, the surprise indie hit from last year with tension, action, and Aubrey Plaza breaking bad. We discuss the movie’s way of commenting on the current economic climate, how much of that commentary ultimately worked for us, and we try to remember the difference between prisons and jails. Also, why we hate scheduling. (Recorded August 6th, 2023.)

We’re back and we’re talking this week about White Noise, a movie that Henry thought would be a good companion piece to Barbie. Is it though? We wind our way through this puzzling plot, and go down several tangents such as crowds doing “the wave,” orbital lasers, cat boogers, and more, but eventually we end up back in the supermarket. Also, Henry might be the a-hole in the movie theater. (Recorded July 30th, 2023.)

Today were covering Barbenheimer, the story of a theoretical stereotypical physicist doll who must fix a rip between the real world and Barbieland while trying to create an atomic bomb. Also Albert Einstein is there and all of Ken's clothes fit him! Also why we hate strike-related delays and limitations on sped-up audio playback. (Recorded July 23rd, 2023.)

After five long weeks of buildup, the end is finally here (or, at least, the first part of the end, although also Tom Cruise is willing to do more of these). Whatever the case, we’re talking about Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One today. We discuss the heightened camp throughout, the capabilities of the Entity, the pointlessness of Rome, and go on tangents about city names and the lack of food in this universe. Also, why we hate the amount of stuff constantly happening. (Recorded July 13th, 2023.)

We’re nearing the end of our Mission: Impossible series as we review the fifth film in the franchise this week: Rogue Nation. We cover the introduction of MI6 agent Ilsa Faust, the immaculate pacing and structure of this film, and how the titular Rogue Nation is a little more like a Rogue Discord Group. Also, why we hate breaking the car keys. (Recorded July 6th, 2023.)

This week we’re talking about Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol, or as we like to call it, Ghost 4rotocol. Topics discussed include Ethan’s blood, bouncy houses, weird rings, the “kaboom” list, and the logistical nightmare that is running IMF. Also, why we hate squirrels on the bird feeder. (Recorded Jun 27th, 2023.)

Today we’re talking about Mission: Impossible III, the 2006 course correction from acclaimed television director J.J. Abrams. We discuss how Henry likes this movie more than he should, how Samuel just thinks it’s forgettable, Ethan's flimsy cover story about traffic, and we pen a very special Hippocratic oath just for Julia. Also, why we hate the second life of Henry’s watch. (Recorded June 19th, 2023.)

This week we’re talking about Mission: Impossible 2, a sequel that takes a sharp left turn in the wrong direction. We discuss the poor representation of Ethan Hunt’s morals, the complete lack of interesting global set pieces, and sort of start to lose our minds around the midway point. Also, why we hate leaving your watch on in the pool. (Recorded June 11th, 2023.)

Today we’re embarking on our newest mini-series: reviewing all the Mission: Impossible films! We start at the very beginning in 1996, where we’re first introduced to Tom Cruise’s Ethan Hunt. Why did they drop the ball so hard on making him an action star with sex appeal? Why does the tech in this movie feel somehow dated and timeless? Who empties the trash can in the vault? Also, why we hate bricking disc drives. (Recorded June 4th, 2023.)

This week we’re talking about physical media and media ownership in general. We discuss the benefits and reasons behind owning media physically, how we curate our own collections of movies, music, books, and games, and also just rant about how terrible the age of streaming content has become. Also, why we hate how bad drivers have become. (Recorded May 29th, 2023.)

Today we’re talking about Princess Mononoke, the 1997 classic that is truly one of Studio Ghibli’s best outings. We spend a lot of time talking about the movie but we also spend as much time arguing about color theory and sharing our favorite experiences in Tears of the Kingdom. Also, why we hate mowing the lawn. (Recorded May 20th, 2023.)

This week we’re talking about Greta Gerwig’s 2019 remake of the beloved classic Little Women. We discuss the realistic and endearing portrayal of family bonds, the unrealistic portrayal of Florence Pugh as a 13-year-old, and ask the most important question: what’s the deal with Hannah? Also, why we hate applying for a passport. (Recorded May 13th, 2023.)

In preparation for Barbie later this summer, we’re covering Greta Gerwig’s two solo directorial efforts, starting with 2017’s Lady Bird. We discuss the flawed and familiar character of Lady Bird, the confident and mature directing from Gerwig, and we determine what physical attachment Lucas Hedges needs in each movie (in this movie, he needs a hug). Also, why we hate when characters sit in the middle seat in the back of a car. (Recorded May 7th, 2023.)

Today we’re talking about Pokemon Infinite Fusion, that fan-game that asks the question: what if you could fuse two Pokemon together, and create entirely new monsters? We discuss how fun and imaginative this game is, Samuel walks through his Elite Four-winning team, and we discuss some of our other favorite fan projects including speedruns and randomizers. Also, why we hate the death of single-minded focus. (Recorded April 30th, 2023.) (Check out the Infinite Fusion Calculator here.)

This week we’re reviewing Portrait of a Lady on Fire, one of the best films in recent memory. We discuss the picturesque setting, the sparse yet poignant script, and the yummiest thing in the movie (it’s the midnight snack Marianne makes). Also, why we hate when people read numbers in an arhythmic way. (Recorded April 23rd, 2023.)

Today we’re talking about Eyes Wide Shut, Kubrick’s final (and possibly weirdest?) film. We discuss the perfectionism on display throughout, the monetary cost of Bill’s odyssey, and we uncover the identity of the red cloak. There’s lots of other bits, it’s maybe the dumbest podcast we’ve ever recorded. Also, why we hate foreign objects entering our eyes (skip to 11:25 if you wanna avoid this). (Recorded April 16th, 2023.)

This week we’re knocking out the movie that’s been on Henry’s watchlist the longest: 1999’s Fight Club. Topics include the “we live in a society” themes and the flaws with that idea, the grungy and in-your-face attitude of the film, and we also wonder about the implications of getting your balls cut off. Also, why we hate that we can’t talk about fight club. (Recorded April 10th, 2023.)