Joined by beloved actors Giovanni Ribisi, Juliette Lewis, Charlie Hunnam, David Dastmalchian, Billy Bob Thornton (I could go on), this film with a stacked cast is not one that will leave you brain for a while. It's just under 2 hours, so that's a huge bonus.

Join us for our chat about A MILLION LITTLE PIECES!

What’s your preference? 

Who knows? 

Who cares?

That and many more questions will be asked and answered in Harry Lighton’s exploration of Gay biker subculture in the UK and the dynamics of that in PILLION. Starring Alexander Skarsgård and Harry Melling, the relationship between Ray and Colin is a romantic comedy that transcends.

All made for about $1 million. It’s fun. It’s enjoyable. It is more graphic than something regarded as a “rom-com” would normally permit, but that doesn’t take away from the earnestness of the story and the connections you have to the characters.

Elmore Leonard's CAT CHASER, adapted by Abel Ferrara (covered when we uncovered BAD LIEUTENANT), starring Weller and Kelly McGillis. What could go wrong? A lot supposedly. A troubled script process. Warring co-stars. Abel Ferrara. 

For a film that depicts mostly a bunch of conversations in rooms and locations with very little action, there were a tonne of accidents and near-fatal incidents on this shoot. Kelly proclaimed, "I WILL NEVER ACT AGAIN!" and took a 6-month hiatus. This film is rare. There is even a rarer 3-hr slop print that exists on videotape in the film archives. You might have to deal with the DVD-quality version on Hoopla (support your local library).

A breakthrough in "digital filmmaking," it became the first feature to be shot on digital HD, revolutionizing what became a very popular aesthetic, especially in television. Starring Danny Huston, we follow the death and final days of Ivan, a popular talent agent in Hollywood who's all about the decadence of the lifestyle and hanging with his most popular client, played by Peter Weller. 

Oh, yeah, ROBOCOP himself! If the inclusion of Peter Weller and HD video didn't grab you, literally nothing will!

Ron Howard's EDEN kinda does that with a bunch of sexy actors enacting the true story of a group of people setting up life in the Galapagos Islands. What ensues is a pinch of madness. A crumble of humanity and plenty of foul behavior.

Depending on who you speak to, this is either "not bad" or "straight down the middle". That equates to a whole bunch of mediocrity. But it's coming out near Valentine's so, all is forgiven!

Liliana Cavani's THE NIGHT PORTER makes you ask certain questions. Makes you feel certain things. Makes you feel awful. 

Equally bleak. Equally grim. Equally sad. 

Yeah, "sad" is the word of the day. You won't enjoy yourself unless you like the idea of seeing a version of this with an "ALL PUPPET CAST" to give us some well-needed levity. We're joined, once again, by Josh from Uncomfortable Brunch!

A film by Todd Rohal (anyone familiar with his work will know how messed up it is) and based on the comic by alternative cartoonist Johnny Ryan, this is a dark, mean-spirited comedy about a young man's mother meeting a woman and her child, and what ensues is carnage. Utter, utter carnage.

Hold onto your seats with your clammy palms, my friends, this is a "bumpy" ride that is definitely for ADULTS ONLY!

What better way to start the New Year than with the neo-noir, psychological thriller by master Guillermo Del Toro: NIGHTMARE ALLEY.

Based on the novel of the same name from 1946, this is a new adaptation of the source material. And Bradley Cooper is actually good! Ha!

It seems almost to explain what this film is, because who hasn't seen this and enjoyed it? I mean, it was controversial upon its release and was banned by many councils, even to this day, but who hasn't heard or seen LIFE OF BRIAN at this point? Regardless, you've heard of MONTY PYTHON, and this is easily their best film. This film gave us "big nose", the "ex leper", and "what have the Romans ever done for us?" 

Do yourself a favor and watch this. It's an absolute treat for this Festive Season!

Anyway, here we are, taking a look at Lynne Ramsay's MORVERN CALLAR: her second feature film about a young woman, her fiancé, her pal, and a quick trip to Spain in the New Year. You're probably thinking to yourself, "This sounds like LOVE ACTUALLY or something," but let's be real, this is LYNNE RAMSAY we're talking about here. 

It's dark, it's unforgiving, it's strange, and it looks really nice... Merry Christmas, everyone!

This film is a mixed bag, which is ironic, because MARY SHELLEY'S FRANKENSTEIN, directed and starring Kenneth Branagh, is about a mad scientist who takes a bunch of dead bodies, stitches them together and brings them back to life. It's a tale as old as 1818, as they say. 

If the dazzling lights of contraptions pulsating, buzzing, and electrifying don't grab you, Kenneth's washboard definitely will!

Robert Altman crafts a piece of fine art with this twisty m**der mystery about Griffin Mill, a high-level movie executive, who gets embroiled in a vendetta with a writer whose idea he didn't greenlight. Genius, right? 

This one is one of the good ones.

We're covering one of cinema's brightest stars and a film he wishes to have absolutely no association with WHATSOEVER! Yeah, we're covering Ti West. Of course, people will scream from the mountains, "Guys, there are other films to cover of his!" and you would be correct, but this is just kind of funny... AND GROSS! 

This is one of the most shameless, ickiest, nastiest looking sequels to an underwhelming horror franchise from Eli Roth and, y'know what? This rulez! Just be prepared for how gross it is, and you'll be pleasantly surprised.

I don't want to diminish it; it is a classic. It has some memorable moments and a scene that we uncover that we got very excited about. The way it's put together and how it's presented really make it. But other than that, it's about a bunch of rich old men having nightmares after some supremely abhorrent behavior in their youth haunts them and irritates their spouses, and that's about it. 

Anyway, let's ring in the festivities with our first installment of the season!

This film is the very definition of "twisty-turny", full of characters waiting to double-cross or double-cross those double-crossers. Maybe the twistiest, turniest film we've ever covered. More so than WILD THINGS. A very serious film about the Dutch Resistance fighters during the Second World War made by Paul Verhoeven.

BLACK BOOK marked his departure from Hollywood and a return to Holland since making THE FOURTH MAN. This is a very accomplished film by a very accomplished filmmaker and is well worth a watch or two to get all the little details he put in there.

Sit back and strap in for a 2.5-hour ride (don't worry, this episode is only 50 minutes).

Yes! Sir. Stephen Frears, revered and celebrated British film director, hits it out of the park with this Dame Judi Dench/Bob Hoskins vehicle about "tasteful nudity" in theatre during wartime! With a host of other recognizable faces and a surprising, yet possibly THE BEST REVEAL EVER COMMITTED TO THE SCREEN WE HAVE UNCOVERED ON OUR PODCAST, there's a really, really, REALLY good time to be had with this one.

Laura and Ryan know next to nothing about the work of John Waters, which is both abhorrent and indicative of our glaring ignorance. That's why we invited Josh, who basically said we should have invited someone else if we wanted to talk about John Waters. 

Either way, enjoy this deepish dive into FEMALE TROUBLE and the revelation we'll be uncovering far more of his work in the future!

In part 2 of our "August-Where-We-Cover-Films-With-Female-in-The-Title", we're looking at Susan Streitfeld's FEMALE PERVERSIONS. A film of theatrical quality and its own distinct style, it may not appeal to everyone. It may alienate others, and generate wonderment for some. It's hard to argue that the film has something to offer within the scope of exploring woman creatives and voices in cinema. 

Just watch out for the one-and-only Clancy Brown shine for no more than 3 scenes and basically Philip Seymour Hoffman this!

Following in the footsteps of THE TALENTED MR. RIPLEY, we replace opulence and popularity with questionable haircuts. They really test the limits of Bridget Fonda's attraction factor by giving her a haircut similar to Guy Gardner's from SUPERMAN, but you will be surprised how well this hair performs. 

There's very little to say about this film that hasn't been said already as one of the prime examples of the Erotic Thriller genre. This is a good one!

Enjoy this "twisty-turny-journey" from the "Ripliad"!

Yeah, if you didn't already know, you're gonna find out and you'll probably hate it. This is a film that had us on the fence for a significant amount of its runtime, and there are some pleasant surprises. Or as "pleasant" as the film allows you to feel.

That brings us to Riley Stearns' 2019 black comedy THE ART OF SELF-DEFENSE, which follows a "weak" man who gets beaten up, decides to learn to fight, and discovers his inner manliness.

As dystopian as this world is presented, I do appreciate the idea of just being able to buy something that is generically named "DOG FOOD" to eliminate the time wasted in having to think about my choices.

Before I bore you with how complicated my life is buying dog food, enjoy this film review.

It's a cinematic journey we could not take on our own so we brought back Josh and Kat of Uncomfortable Brunch to bring a bit of academia to the table. We also introduce a new segment that tests Josh's proclivities. In an episode that talks about everything but the film in question, we believe our thought process is accurate.

Everything makes sense... eventually.

We always knew we were going to return to the world of Rush, this time in his most notable film, THE STUNT MAN. Starring Peter O'Toole, Barbara Hershey, and Steve Railsback, this film tells a tale about a wanted felon who stumbles onto a film set and 'just begins working' as a stuntman, and everyone loves him.

As you might expect, there is a lot of 'Rush-isms' in this, for better or worse. But honestly, we wouldn't have it any other way! Remember, King Kong was only 3'6". It was the 'movie magic' that made him tall.

We're back with Mr. Mackenzie after we did YOUNG ADAM all those episodes ago, and it's another pretty bleak and disheartening piece of cinema starring Jack O'Connell in a big bad man prison. Key words here: "Prison Kisses" and you won't be disappointed.

Enjoy! (hahah)

Episode 101 sees us covering SALÒ, or THE 120 DAYS OF SODOM, with our friends from UNCOMFORTABLE BRUNCH: Josh and Kat. This is a film that, even describing it in any way, will make us look like freaks. We promise that next time we'll cover something funny(-ish). Buckle up buttercups!

If you've watched the film, you have an idea what to expect. If you have watched the film and decided to come here for further analysis, can I ask you one thing? Are you OK?

We look at the seminal work of a visionary, David Lynch, who passed away earlier this year. Starring Kyle McLachlan, Isabella Rossellini, Laura Dern, Dean Stockwell, and Dennis Hopper, this is the story about finding an ear and figuring out who it belongs to. And Frank, obviously. Beautiful, disgusting, violent Frank. 

Little did Laura and Ryan know that we recite Frank's lines more often than not in everyday life, which is probably why people may perceive our relationship as far from golden. But that's your fault; you have no sense of humor. Just shut up and listen to our podcast!

This is episode 99 as well. That's kinda great, isn't it? Episode 100 is next up (obviously). 

Based on the true story of Lucy Irvine, who answered a magazine advert to spend one year on a secluded island with a man she had just met seems too wild to have happened. Starring Oliver Reed and Amanda Donohoe, directed by Nicholas Roeg, this film is a mixed experience, especially as rare as the film is to obtain in its original, legitimate release.

This is the crux of the film CONVERSATION PIECE, written and directed by master filmmaker Luchino Visconti. It stars Burt Lancaster as the central character. This film is a real treat that is handled with finesse and grace. It's an anxiety-inducing mystery tale about loneliness, generational differences, and lamenting on your past.

Just remember, when all the dust settles, it all started because of a painting.

Not really. We're slap bang in the middle of 16th Century Europe where violence and assault run rampant across these lawless lands. Mercenaries are storming castles and war is rife in the region. This is the landscape of Paul Verhoeven's fantasy/romance/drama: FLESH + BLOOD.

It's definitely an oddly placed film that's home is undetermined for an audience. Its lack of success when it was released is evidence of that. It's a bit messy. It's a bit uncomfortable. It's a bit uninspiring. If you remember anything from this mess, there are these four words: LIGHTNING STRIKE DOG COLLAR!

Yeah. Have you ever heard that before? Maybe a bit too much? Well, this film will test your moral compass (somewhat) into whether you think any of these people deserve that title. We don't believe so, by today's messy standards, when there is some true evil out there in the world presently but Joachim Trier's highly successful THE WORST PERSON IN THE WORLD that trail-blazed to the Oscars is upon us, and in your lug-holes.

So, sit back, feel therapeutic, and accept the inevitable. We're going deep, man.

You might have thought: the most stringent of cinephiles would not touch a remake of this film with the longest of barge poles! It's a classic for a reason; however, this modern, pop-culture-filled, punky injection of 80's Neo-Noir cinema is much better than you might think. It takes some swings and hits most of them if you can get past the fact that Richard Gere's central character is one of the most annoying criminals in existence.

Join us as we continue down an odyssey of appreciating Mr. Gere in all his fine glory from 1983.

Well, not really. It's the same show basically, just a little older and tired. We're the podcast equivalent of just wanting to go to your bed and having a lie-down. Kinda like the old saps in this fourth (and final) mainline installment of the AMERICAN PIE film series (we're not counting all the straight-to-DVD films either).

This is AMERICAN REUNION! And we're back with this bunch of reprobates as they've hit full adulthood and struggling with the woes that come with that. Again, this is another excuse to see what nonsense Jim finds himself brutalizing his member over. It's hilarious.

Weren't the 90's awesome?

The blackest of black comedies and not for the faint of heart, actors and principal crew Remy Belvaux, Andre Bonzel and Benoit Poelvoorde's MAN BITES DOG embodies the very meaning of a cult classic even if you don't (and really shouldn't) agree with the content. One thing that really isn't up for debate is it does give us one entirely unique thing...a better English title than the translated one.

We do wish you a good Holiday Season and an even happier New Year, however...we do want to invite you to DESCEND INTO THE DARKNESS WITH US ALL!

It has come upon us once again: the Christmas season. And as was aforementioned, its getting darker. We must let you know that this was not planned... or our tolerance levels are so out of whack that we've blackened our souls and have detached ourselves from societal norms...

Annnnyyyywwwaaaayyyyyy, there's nothing more Christmas-sy than Lars Von Trier! And this film; starring Stellan Skarsgård and Emily Watson, in her first film role, lets us know that we're in for a rough ride for a good 2 hours and 40 mins. Thankfully, it's all set on an "unnamed Scottish Isle" where everyone's accents are all over the place, the sideburns are "pure 70s", the medical equipment looks outdated, and it's all brown. And that means we're in the past.

DESCEND INTO THE DARKNESS WITH US ALL!

In David Attwood's film, based on the true story of the troubled homeless man called Stuart who meets a writer to detail the intricacies of his life, we are treated to another masterclass from Tom Hardy. In the final part of "Tomsgiving" bit of a tearjerker but it's a good tearjerker. Everyone likes a good cry. It's very therapeutic. Or something.

Anyway, get your tissues you fiends!

Yeah, that's right, SIT DOWN! Charlie Bronson is here and he's looking to cause some trouble. We're doing something quite majestic this November. A veritable TOM'S -GIVING! We're doing a Tom Hardy double-bill!

We're starting with Nicholas Winding Refn's BRONSON, the "true-ish" story of Britain's Most Violent Prisoner. What we have come to discover is that this breaks the ratio from the 90+ films we've covered so far. This is not one to miss!

My goodness! We're so excited! It's finally here! In closing our Spooky Penis Month 2024, we're covering Henenlotter's BASKET CASE; the down-and-dirty video nasty that was inducted into the MOMA Collection for Film Preservation. This is one episode you do not want to miss. A celebration of Horror/Exploitation but also of the purest form that cinema can offer! 

I'm talking about "Spooky Penis Month!" What did you think I was talking about? No matter, we start this Halloween doubler with a real bang. A real bang of overly obsessive nuclear family perfection. All THE STEPFATHER wants is a family. A real family. A family that just "needs some order". "We need some order around here!" This is a horror film about a flannel shirt wearing dad (boomer) who obviously has had enough with the way things are done nowadays and played by the inimitable Terry O'Quinn, we see a man on a psychotic mission to attain that perfect family dynamic. But, as one might expect, that doesn't really come to pass.

Get ready for one of Laura's "some times" favourite films of all time!

You'd never believe that the guy who made ROCKY 5 made this honestly... Oh, and THE KARATE KID. And THE KARATE KID PART II. Oh, and ROCKY, can't forget that one. Yeah, strap in, it's one weird and wild ride for all you John G. Avildsen fans. 

This film is a bit of a treat, honestly. There's a lot to like here, the most of which is a Sean Connery really hammering it out of the park with a riveting performance to remind us of how much range he had. Yeah, this also has some rich cinematography, some impressive set design, and some stellar makeup that transforms Ron Perlman into a hunchback. 

Yeah, we are congratulating this film a fair amount. But not of faith and religion (as we rip the idea apart for the better part of an hour). 

It's a head-scratcher and we say that with an understanding of Roeg's work being a little disjointed and a heavy use of visual metaphors and match cutting BUT... It would have been nice to get a better through-line in the story. But no one hates this movie at OTB HQ, certainly not when Rip Torn is tearing through this sexy sci-fi circus like a Professor Lothario!

Depending on who you speak to (particularly Laura) they will let you know that anything we do is for "pleasure" but before this analogy begins to lose its muster, let's look at the Ninja Thyberg's debut, PLEASURE, based on the short of the same name. 

It's an in-depth, behind-the-curtain look at the American Adult Entertainment Industry, following a Swedish woman from a small town looking to become the next big porn star. 

As you might expect, there's A LOT.

Starring Robert Pattison, Mia Goth, Juliette Binoche, André "3000" Benjamin, and Ewan Mitchell, we follow a doomed space mission to a Black Hole and the obvious antics that ensue from locking a bunch of criminals on a spaceship and expecting them to produce offspring. What could go wrong? 

There's a bunch of fluids being slung around this vessel in scenes wetter than those in ALIEN where Harry Dean Stanton takes a shower in the cargo hold with his clothes on and every other scene where the Xenomorph shows up and it's drooling everywhere. 

HIGH LIFE is considered a sci-fi horror as well just so you know. That's why I mention it.

Yes. Nick. Oh, sweet Nick. This man knows what he's doing with this (one of his many "body swap" films in his filmography). This happens to be one of the better examples. Now, it's no BIG. It's no FREAKY FRIDAY. It's VIRTUAL SEXUALITY: the spunky British comedy with plenty of that late 90's style and lack of taste that the early 00's also brought. 

But hey, it's nostalgia. You kinda had to be there. 

(Also, Ryan remains unchanged.)

Would I go on to say this film is "controversial"? Probably. We have some issues with it. As you'll gather, we don't talk about the film much but rather the way the film was made. There's some questionable behavior happening here, and we're not a podcast to let that slide. The two leads however, Léa Seydoux and Adèle Exarchopoulos are exceptional. Honestly, they knock this film out of the park with the rather mediocre material they are given. It's a disappointing shame as this was adapted from the equally exceptional graphic novel by Jul Maroh. 

This is mostly Ryan's opinion here, Laura thinks the film is pretty good despite our universal disapproval of the off-camera shenanigans. It's just the Director who needs to take a little look in the mirror honestly if any of these allegations are true. Let's hope not dude, because that's kinda messed up!

This time, we're dipping into Gay Cinema with one of the best examples of the category. Number 22 in the BFI best LGBT film of all time is Alain Guiraudie's STRANGER BY THE LAKE. A masterful and nuanced take on the mystery genre, this minimalist, intimate, and insular film focuses on the shenanigans of a popular cruising area by the lake and the craziness that ensues over a collection of days. 

There's plenty to enjoy here as you will tell quite quickly, we didn't even note down time codes for this one; there's almost 90% un-coverage. It would be 100% if it weren't for shots like the car pulling into the parking lot and people talking (with their clothes on). 

How does Ryan feel about this one? This was the one film of the filmography that he remembered quite fondly but now, decades later and now a co-host of an alternative film review podcast, with an active dislike for the other films we have covered of this particular filmmaker, how will it fare? I guess you're going to have to find out if this classic and most revered film of the time passes that gauntlet. (Don't worry about Laura, she loves everything.)

But honestly, if you've heard this film is good, they're wrong. It's great!

In Luca Guadagnino's remake / adaption of the original book/film THE SWIMMING POOL (LA PISCINE) (1969) we see a bunch of equally beautiful people enacting this psychological dramatic piece. 

In short, floatation devices were created for a reason. 

Yeah, in our double dipping on the Yorgos-train, we find ourselves at the 2023 release of the multi-award winning POOR THINGS. This comedy/drama/fantasy film is something special. A feast for the eyes and an incredibly darkly comical tale of a woman brought back to life and given a second chance. Think FRANKENSTEIN, FRANKENHOOKER, FREAKY FRIDAY, and some other period piece that gives you a general idea that this is set some-time-when with a sprinkling of familiarity. 

With an award-winning performance from it's central lead, Emma Stone and backed up by Willem Dafoe, Ramy Youssef, Jerrod Carmichael, and a scene stealing comedy great performance from Mark Ruffalo, this has to be seen to be experienced! 

Don't let us hold you up! Bella Baxter is a Disney Princess, ya'll!

He's been a prominent figure in Greek Cinema prior (part of the aptly put "Weird Wave") but it's fair to say that DOGTOOTH put him on the International map, nominated for a Best Foreign Feature Oscar in 2009. Doing so made this deeply darkly comic film (or horror, depending on your interpretation) available to a much wider audience at the time. And what a treat that is! 

It's funny how films like this have the habit of taking us all to the place we tend to stray to; the darkest places our humor can go honestly. Certainly Josh (not to throw him under the bus). Be warned, there is a lot of sarcastic chatter about inter-familial relations for which we do not seriously condone. But as we say, if you're not laughing, you're crying. 

Sit in your "sea", turn down the "pussy" and smell your "zombies", here we go! 

In a moment of uncertainty we decided to double dip into the Winterbottom well. We knew we were going to review this film "at some point" BUT we didn't really know what we were letting ourselves in for. 

The "arthouse/mainstream/romantic/concert film" is only 69 (lol) minutes long but it feels like it's relatively short runtime. A film that depicts heavily gratuitous un-simulated sexual acts performed by our lead couple, some scenes depicting our lead character's job as a glaciologist (!) and 9 (counted and confirmed) songs of musical acts of the time performing at Brixton Academy in London. 

If you thought that it would add up to the sum total of "nothing" you'd be close. If you thought it was a bit of a shallow, uncomfortable experiment that doesn't really justify its needs and the pressure put on its performers, you may also be right. If you think its a bit pretentious, you'd also be on the right track. See what we have to say in one of our personal favourite breakdowns of a film we've done in a while.

We're uncovering the Tony Wilson musical biopic 24 HOUR PARTY PEOPLE! Tony would make you believe this is not a film about him and how instrumental he was in nurturing these HUGE musical talents over the years using his clout as a TV personality to create the legendary Factory Records but you'd think otherwise. 

Honestly, Michael Winterbottom has made a real special biopic here with a stellar cast of top shelf British talent and cameos from countless musicians who lived through this "true-to-life tale". Don't miss out and enjoy the party! 

But seriously, before these two oldies get sucked into the chasm of "Gen Z", we're here exploring the 2020 Janicza Bravo film. A tale of stripping, murder, Tampa and illicit tweets. Based on the infamous twitter thread, the film is an excellent allegory of "the American Dream" set to some unique and vibrant stylings. Obviously being set in Florida gives it a very special flavor also. 

So yeah, sit back and get ready to jump into this darkly comic crime caper that's pretty much seated 99% in truth. And you know THAT because you can find it on Twitter. And Twitter doesn't lie... 

This is the infamous German cinematic gem WETLANDS, directed by David Wnendt. You may be wondering, is it really as bad as people have said? As fairly desensitized individuals, I would say no, because it has genuine heart that if you allow yourself to look at it from anywhere other than surface level, you'll see a genuine story about a teenage girl who acts out as she's trying to get her parents back together. 

But honestly, for everyone else out there, this film is probably one of the most extreme examples of anything we've covered, so if you're of a sensitive disposition, you have been warned. If that doesn't phase you, the film will play to at the Enzian Cinema in Maitland Florida, as part of the Uncomfortable Brunch programming on Sunday February 4th, 12pm.

But Nostradamus was right, we are covering Mike Leigh's NAKED. In a career best for David Thewlis, co-starring Lesley Sharp, Katrin Cartlidge, Gregg Cruttwell, Claire Skinner, Ewen Bremner et al., we dive deep into the seedy underbelly of urban London and it's nocturnal dwellers in what some have referred to as an "odyssey". 

Warnings have been shelled out before but NAKED is one which takes you to a very dark place so be advised even if 50% of us still believes this was a "black comedy". 

Yeah, we're covering the highly requested and regarded Todd Haynes, New Queer Cinema staple, 'Glam Rock' celebration: VELVET GOLDMINE. Starring a slew of big names from Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Ewan McGregor, Christian Bale, Eddie Izzard and Toni Collette. In the 'THIS IS NOT David Bowie' universe of the 60's and 70's rise of Glam, we have very similar figures pretending to be an Iggy Pop imposter with a dodgy accent. 

So sit back, kick off those glad rags and platform shoes and settle in! Bang a a gong! Ride a white swan! [INSERT ANOTHER T-REX LYRIC HERE]

In a sudden twist, as part of our annual "Christmas Key Party" (lol jks, kinda) we wined, dined, and we seduced Tighe and Renée into watching the newly released SALTBURN, written and directed by Emerald Fennell. The real twist is that we rarely cover new movies but this is something special. Without going in to too much detail, this might be one of the best moments in any film we've uncovered on this podcast. 

Seriously guys, if you haven't seen the film, watch it please. Don't ruin it for yourselves listening to us blabber on about it. You have no excuse as the movie is available on Amazon Prime as of today (December 22, 2023) so it's free to subscribers. 

Expect SPOILERS AHOY in this special festive and bumper final episode of 2023! Happy Holidays and many thanks to our listeners for sticking us out this long! See you in the New Year ya filthy animals!

Yes, we're uncovering the 2017 Romantic-Comedy PERMISSION that follows a couple AT THE BRINK OF MARRIAGE who think it's a good idea to have a go at some other folk before "fully" committing. As you can probably guess, there's a disparity between our hosts, and in classic "On the BiTTE" fashion, one of them liked it better than the other. 

Doesn't take a relationship analyst to figure out who but as the twinkling of the Holiday Season creeps ever closer check out this film that just so happens to be set during Christmastime.

There's some comparisons to James Ivory that we make that seem founded but it's purely due to the classical nature of his filmmaking. There's plenty to see here even if the end result is rather unadulterated. 

Buckle up those bootstraps "woman" and cheer up! Podcast is here!

Thinking them "deep Hasbro thoughts", we're diving into David Fincher's film adaption of the Gillian Flynn novel GONE GIRL and with a stellar cast, music, cinematography and more you're in for one very delicious two and half hours. There's not much to say other than, watch this film, its one of the good ones. 

So, feel cute, punch yourself in the face and unspool those brains 'cause "when two people love each other and they can't make that work, that's the real tragedy".

Either way, we're starting off our favourite season right with a film we're a little embarrassed to have not seen before. Yeah, it's Robert Hiltzik's cult classic SLEEPAWAY CAMP. I mean, we're glad we waited to cover this film as adults as it's easily one of the best horror films we've seen with an ending that honestly leaves you haunted but also, one of the most important scenes we've covered on this podcast. 

You honestly won't want to miss our commentary on this classic but if you have yet to see the film, please don't allow it to be spoiled for you. You have been warned!

Films, that at the heart of them, focus on mini-budget, dialogue driven independent filmmaking, are, by virtue of their desires, INCREDIBLY respectful of your time. You'll be lucky to get one of these "mumble" films to hit over 90 minutes, so this beautiful 88 minute dive into the "mumblecore-iverse" was the perfect start. 

NIGHTS & WEEKENDS, the Joe Swanberg and Greta Gerwig (in, effectively, her directorial debut) star, direct and write this film about a relationship over the span of its life with a year gap in-between. This is independent cinema, first and foremost, for the 2000s, a direct development of the same principals since indies conception in the 1960's. 

We make some valid points with what is a great, polished introduction into the "mumblecore" sub-genre, and it's an area (and director) we'll be uncovering again in the future, even if some of us don't like the term "mumblecore".

Also, we're joined once again by our friend, and resident Greta Gerwig enthusiast, Josh Martin!

Just chuck some fit bloke some cash and it'll solve all your problems basically. Some procrastination here, some procrastination there, and that's what Emma Thompson as Nancy does in the sex comedy drama ("sexadramady"?) penned by Katy Brand and directed by Sophie Hyde. 

It's a weird one. At the heart of the film is a sex-positive message that has some genuinely touching moments from the inimitable Ms. Thompson. But when you come down to it, it misses the mark in giving Mr. McCormack enough meat to play with. You'll get what we mean when you give it a listen. 

GOOD LUCK TO YOU, LEO GRANDE is currently streaming on HULU in the US.

With a twist on our original format, we've decided to use THE DOOM GENERATION to premiere our format "Missed a BiTTE", that explores films that show a little but never the full frontal we've concerned ourselves in our mainline series. 

We also bring back Josh for more disgusting references and shenanigans seeing as they're a certified screening location for this new restoration, coming to the Enzian in Maitland, Florida on September 3rd. Also, it's Ryan's birthday so come down and buy that fool a drink to ease the pain of gaining age!

As a counterpoint to the last film we covered, this is also a film about watching people, innocently enough through the eyes of a CCTV operator, but how, through this character's trauma, how that power is easily manipulated for her personal gain. This is a fascinating piece of cinema and one of the strongest debuts from a first-time director. Enjoy this incredibly dark and uncompromising film at your own peril but you won't be disappointed. 

Now, at least Ryan and Laura can come to the agreement that this film is "straight trash" as by design, as an "erotic thriller", it would be a bit trashy. But a resurgence in the mainstream appeal of the genre with 'this' as its flagship? (Scratches head in sarcastic manner) Doubtful. 

On that basis, it is highly unlikely you'll be seeing anything that 'sexy' on your cinema screens anytime soon but we give this film the attention it deserves and give it the good ol' OTB treatment. Basically, one of us likes it and other hates it (for very good reason). 

In this "Clean-Up" Episode, we're covering MAURICE, another adaption from the E.M. Forster catalogue of tales and a memorable addition to the staple of gay cinema. It's a period film and one that Laura loved very much (even if it is a bit long). 

We've welcomed back Kat from Uncomfortable Brunch on her first solo mission to aid in dismantling and examining this seminal work. Strap yourself in, this is a long but ultimately definitive coverage of one of the most interesting films in the pantheon of our On the BiTTE series!

Yeah, we've done something a bit different here, covering the 1979 action-adventure movie ESCAPE FROM ALCATRAZ, starring male archetype Clint Eastwood and host of other classic character actors of the time. We recently went to San Fransisco and visited the island so watching the film with actual geographical knowledge and a sense of the conditions of the prison really set a sense eeriness and familiarity we weren't expecting. I mean, this episode could easily be an advertisement for how cool and interesting that place is so sit back, enjoy our holiday snaps and videos and watch Clint stuff a bar of soap down a man's throat for only wanting his puddin'. 

(In Clint voice) "How about you show me what you got?"

Let's just say delicately, this film is equal parts troubling, amusing, disturbing, and a real test of what you would find morally acceptable and no one (Laura included, funnily) ever thought we'd be put in such a quandary. Accompanying this video is also a moment at the 2015 Florida Film Festival at the Enzian Theater which had "An Evening with Sam Rockwell" on stage for a live Q&A and a young Laura asking him the important question if he's do any more films like this one. Catch that in our most recent videos tab on YouTube!

I mean, we don't have any time stamps for this film, what you see is literally peppered throughout. Laura's face lit up like a Christmas Tree. There's some bad jokes, some obvious corse language given the subject matter and plenty of stories about people doing the exact same thing. Sit back, enjoy and thank you for following and supporting us this long!

To round off the trifecta , we have TAKING WOODSTOCK, a large scale, period-piece, ensemble cast led telling of the memoir about how the legendary concert came to be. No stone is left unturned. No paperwork left unexamined. No telephone line or portaloo left unerrected, this is the definitive story of Woodstock. 

There's some good. There's some bad. There's some confusing decisions made. See what you think for yourself, man. Groovy! (ugh) 
 

The steamy, raunchy, espionage, spy thriller with all those "hard" sex scenes in them: LUST, CAUTION (2007). I mean they're pretty eye-catching, especially if you happen to lock eyes with Tony Leung at any point during them as he's squashing Tang Wei into as small a ball as possible. 

It's a mixed bag for us. One of those rare occasions where Ryan likes something more than Laura does. There's plenty to like here but when you're posing an argument that it may be didn't need the hard sex scenes as pertaining to our interests on the podcast and in order to tell a good story, you know something's up. 

First up we have a film that probably needs no introduction. You know what this film is the minute you mutter its title; BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN. It's simply a masterpiece. You've got Heath Ledger, you've got Jake Gyllenhaal, you've got it all.

It doesn't take much to have Ryan and Laura in tears but if you're not emotional at any point in this film, you might want to talk to someone about getting that swinging stone removed from where your heart used to be. 

As the only one of the pair to survive the UK school system, Ryan has plenty of stories (and non-stories) among which we appreciate, dismantle, and gawp over the bold and brave depravity of this modern sitcom/cinema saga. 

The Iain Morris and Damon Beesley created show with Ben Palmer coming in to direct, is easily one of the best TV creations of the last 50 years. It spawned a 3-series show of 6 parts each, a hugely successful first movie and a sequel. 

Join us as we dive deep into THE INBETWEENERS SAGA! Bring yer wellies, a snorkel, and a packet of ham, it's going to be a wild one!

This film is simply a deeply dark comedic gem and should be experienced rather than explained. Stop what you're doing and watch it now if you haven't already. And if you have, enjoy Ryan's return to the hot seat with a melancholic love of this particular piece of cinema. 

Martin McDonagh is becoming a new favorite, and cementing his place in our hearts with 2022's The Banshees of Inisherin.

This one broke some boundaries back in 2008 and persists as a wonderful romantic comedy, mixed in with some real raw emotion, and of course, full-frontal male nudity. 

Sit back and enjoy a change of pace and far less cynicism in this special all-ladies edition of On The Bitte.

In the concluding part of our New Year's Ross-olution, we look at Matt Ross' second feature CAPTAIN FANTASTIC. A story about a family of self-sufficient survivalists who live in the woods of Washington but take a road trip to attend their mother's funeral. As you might expect the journey is shenanigan's galore and we find, they learn a few lessons along the way. 

It's a solid follow-up to 28 HOTEL ROOMS with a genuine message and some 'interesting' ideas. Why is it called CAPTAIN FANTASTIC you might be asking? Well, you find out here but it's probably not what you were expecting. 

We give it a strong C+, a good start. But what you kinda get is a risky film that doesn't take the risks it needs to stand out a bit more. You can make up your mind about it but welcome back and here's to another successful year!

We celebrate episode 40 looking at Jalmari Helander's RARE EXPORTS, a "rare" welcome addition to the traditional Christmas viewing year in, year out. And we celebrate with friends. A whole bunch of them in a Christmas Party setting with similar antics. There's some suspect jokes, wild views and a dude on all-fours licking people's hands. It wouldn't be Christmas without it! 

But really, this is a special Christmas film and well worthy of being our last coverage of the year so sit back, pull up a foot rest, grab your egg-nog and gaze into the burning trash fire. We'll see you in the New Year. 

Don't mistake Ryan's excitement to cover this film purely on the basis of Tom Berenger's visage. We can't stress enough how messed up it is. And to others, there's some other stuff in this film that's about as (if not more) messed up. The evident cultural appropriation is 'baffling' but this is also a tale of modernity encroaching on native civilization and the damage that eventually causes, led squarely by a group of naive, judgmental white Christian missionaries. As you might expect, it doesn't exactly go as everyone hoped. 

"What were they thinking?", you might be expressing, which would be very appropriate. Trust us, this film is a ride. 

Thanksgiving is on the horizon! We are nearing the end of another year of living. And here we are watching a film about a twin who murders all in his path, especially if you exhibit any form of sexual interaction with another human being. This man is beyond delighted to enact his jealous fueled celibacy rage. 

This is Blood Rage, AKA Slasher, AKA Complex, AKA Nightmare at Shadow Woods. A film with that many titles has to be 4 times as good!

As you might be able to tell from the title, or within less than a minute into this, Miriam joins us again in the studio to talk about a horror film staring Mark Duplass. Last time, we  promised her a horror movie, and not a James Ivory peiod piece romp in the lake. What she got is (according to Ryan and Miriam) a horribly mediocre sequel that just so happens to have full-frontal: CREEP 2 (2017). Let's see how everyone felt about this? Well, actually, we just gave it away...

There's a lot of history between SHAME and Laura. Videos, excited faces and soft bans on Instagram, to name a few. To help we welcome Josh Martin and Kat Whitacre of "Uncomfortable Brunch" to the table as we reminisce tales of our past and what this film has brought to us, good or bad. There's a tonne to expose here, mostly that Fassbender pulls out the performance of a lifetime in one of the saddest and most tragic depictions of addiction in recent cinema history. Ryan still thinks that Jack Lemmon and Lee Remick in DAYS OF WINE AND ROSES is probably sadder but anyway. 

Are you asking "What is Uncomfortable Brunch"? Well, you're obviously a terrible fan as we kinda covered it when Josh was on for the Jackass Quadrilogy way back when but to repeat, you watch uncomfortable art films around midday on a Sunday to alcohol and brunch items with a cinema going crowd; it's awesome! SHAME is playing at Uncomfortable Brunch, at the Enzian Theatre located in Maitland, FL, on September 4th. Tickets can be found here (if they are still available); https://enzian.org/film/shame/ 

Sit back and enjoy this very special and long episode to commemorate this specially sad film.

Join us in talking about the trail blazer himself Jonathan Glazer, and his enigmatic, dramatic, arthouse, erotic sci-fi film.

Exploring the filmography of Paul Schrader has been an absolute treat and we're starting this series off with a bang! We both really liked this one.

American Gigolo (1980) marks Schrader’s third directorial effort, and Richard Gere’s very first full-frontal appearance (but certainly not his last). Paul Schrader has become one of Laura’s favorite directors lately, so we’re both excited to delve into this man’s films. If things go as planned, we’ll even get to talk about some of his movies that DON’T have full-frontal…

Currently streaming free on HBO Max and anywhere else you stream your movies if you don’t have HBO Max (and you want to pay to rent it).

Also, GIVE MORE WOMEN AWARDS. Maggie Gyllenhaal deserves everything!

The stunts in this movie were performed by professionals, so for your safety and the protection of those around you, do not attempt any of the stunts you are about to see. 

Luckily, this is a podcast episode and you're in safe hands. Not four but at least six safe hands that will cradle you with musings and regaling tales of a formative time in our lives watching grown men hurt each other for a laugh. The other two hands belong to Josh Martin of Uncomfortable Brunch and Orlando Pop-Up Movie Services.

We're Laura and Ryan: Welcome to Jackass (quadrilogy)!

We know that The Crying Game has problems, especially considering the vomit scene, which has caused issues for the trans world since it came out. There's a good documentary that highlights this called Disclosure (2020) that's streaming on Netflix. Unfortuntely, we watched it after recording, so we didn't get to touch on it as much as we would have liked.

Overall, the truly important question really is: who is the winner of The Crying Game? Who, out of your loved ones cries the most? Play it at home and let us know!

All that fuss over a room? I mean, it's a nice view and everything but really? Times were much simpler back then. All you had to worry about was where your window was pointed and if it was it was "decent" to drink lemonade in with your breakfast. If you didn't already know, this film is what you would call a "romance" and James Ivory is built specifically to make films of this ilk. This might not be everyone's cup of tea but there's no argument, it looks bloody beautiful. 

In this special "video" episode, we try something new. There's some hiccups. There's some distortion. But guess what? We'll do better next time.

We love you, Viggo.

It’s streaming on Starz, if you subscribe to that channel (at least as of 11/29/2021)! Who actually subscribes to Starz? Is it any good?

It’s streaming on HBO Max (at least as of 11/29/2021)!

Directed by Abel Ferrara, this is a visceral, hard-to-watch film that is truly unforgettable. I laughed when I was uncomfortable, which is a lot, so I might have sounded like a maniac while watching this. Trigger warning: there is a rape scene in this film. Usually when I see a rape warning before I film I try to skip it. Who needs that in their lives? Well, hopefully you can stomach it for this film, and actually, you get all the full frontal before that scene even happens. Stick it out, though, I don’t think you’ll regret it. Penis Papa Keitel is truly giving it everything he has and more, and it’s really a marvel to watch.

Ryan owned the Region 2 UK version, and we didn’t see it on streaming at the time of writing this blog post, but if it comes up when we premiere the episode, we’ll let you know on Instagram.

Enjoy our first Keitel episode, there will be more where that came from.

Something I regret not mentioning in the episode: how is David a werewolf 2 nights in a row? Isn’t he moon only full for one night, and it changes ever so slightly each night? I googled it and this is what I found: “The moon appears full to the eye for two to three nights. However, astronomers regard the moon as full at a precisely defined instant, when the moon is exactly 180 degrees opposite the sun in ecliptic longitude.” Source: https://earthsky.org/moon-phases/full-moon/

If that is true, then I’ll need a werewolf-ologist to help me figure out what exactly that is all about.

Hey, does anyone know of any full-frontal Thanksgiving films?? Hit me UP.

#spookypenismonth

Holy mother of God! He's coming! He's coming to get you! The Demon! Or more accurately Bigfoot. A really angry Bigfoot. This is the angry Bigfoot movie and he's absolutely furious. The sole outing from Director James C. Wasson; an ultra-violent, trashy video nasty in the finest of terms. Join us for big laughs in our first outing this Halloween season in a bitte's-packed October! Welcome to the first of 3 Halloween episodes for #SPOOKYPENISMONTH! 

Ryan may never forgive me, but what makes it worthwhile is Mark Ruffalo’s nude scene. Cheers to Jane Campion, who was, until very recently, the only woman to win the Palme d’Or at Cannes. She now shares that honor with Julia Ducournau for Titane (2021). I wonder if it will also feature a nude Harvey Keitel as in The Piano (1993)?

This is another Director’s Cut film, so if you want to see the same version you’ll have to purchase it. Grab it from whichever video outlet you prefer. I haven’t seen a blu ray version, other than it being included in a 2-pack that comes with Trapped (2002). If you want to witness the nonsense without the nudity, but why would you want to do that since the Ruffalo nudity is the only reason to watch this tripe, you can stream it for FREE on Hulu. The theatrical cut is also available to stream (paid) on Google, iTunes, and Amazon.

I also love this movie, and I hope you go buy this if you don’t already own it. The Arrow Video release is incredible. If you don’t want to own it for whatever reason, although you should reconsider your choices, you can currently stream it (for purchase) on Amazon. Hopefully it will have a wider streaming availability soon, but you certainly don’t want to wait for that. Just buy the damn thing.

As of today, in order to watch the Director’s Cut, you’ll need to purchase it. We recommend Kino Lorber’s Blu-ray release, which has both versions of the film with some lovely commentary.

If you’d rather not own this film (but, why? It’s such a treasure!), but want to dive as deep as we did, you can check out the Producer’s Theatrical Cut which is currently available to stream (for purchase) on Google, iTunes, Vudu, and Amazon.