Movie Microscope

Here's the thing... Almost every movie podcast involves two things that annoy me: 1. C-list comedians guest-appearing to desperately try to promote thir own insipid pop-culture podcast or unwatched streaming show. ("Hey guy, be sure to check out my weekly series 'Bob Knucklehead Farts at Every Episode of Growing Pains,' wherever you get your podcasts!!!!!!") 2. An air of snark that insists that anyone who dare make a movie is somehow beneath the people who choose to watch and analyze said movie. As if the highest form of art is to dismiss any attempt at art that falls short. Not that I am pointing any fingers at any particular podcasts; it's certainly important, culturally, for the people from the "Rest of Cast Listed Alphabetically" section on the IMDB page of Twisters to weigh in on what makes a great movie, in between asking listeners to upload free content for them. But Movie Microscope commits neither(none..?) of these sins. It is made by two guys who, despite having some genuine but rarely-invoked bona fides, just plain love movies and are more interested in celebrating the movies than themselves. And it's clear that it would be happening with or without us tuning in. The lack of desperation is truly refreshing. And every movie gets a fair shake, from PEAK Jason Patric to VALLEY Jason Patric, and all Jason Patrics in-between. From William L. Peterson to (I am presuming, here) Peter L. Williamson. From the Highest-energy Peasants to the Lowest-energy Kings. Almost as importantly, the movies they choose to cover are practically the opposite of SEO. Did you know The Sentinel existed? Well you do now! Did you need an excuse to finally actually watch Rollerbabies? Well now you have one! Remember The Gate? Whether you do or don't, you are in for a treat! I've been introduced to a number of pretty interesting flicks thanks to these guys. But more importantly, it just cracks me up. If you appreciate and love movies, give it a shot.

This is by far my favorite podcast about films and basically it could be about anything. From Nick making Justin laugh like a giddy schoolgirl to the always looming Brownwall and adorable OZ the cat appearance’s, I Always look forward to the new weekly microscope. Keep doing exactly what you are doing guys, I love it! There has been only sparing mention of David Lynch on here and would love to hear a Lynch month sometime.

Zoom in (!!!) on your new best friends. Nick and Justin are the best film commentators you’ve never heard of (unless you remember when CHUD existed). This movie podcast exists beyond the crude framework of designating films as “good” or “bad.” They don’t rehash well-known scenes. Instead, they find the moments that make or break. For instance, when discussing Manhunter, they don’t discuss the scene where the legendary William L. Petersen shrugs through a glass patio door. Instead, they talk about how the white tiger must have felt about Joan Allen touching Tom Noonan’s face. And maybe something about Tom Noonan touching Dennis Farina’s face, which Joan Allen’s blind character probably wouldn’t mind. They talk about the little moments. And films have been found to be made entirely of moments. Many are rife for extended imaginative riffing. They contemplate the credulity of those moments in the film’s reality, in our own reality, and perhaps in the reality where Mark Wahlberg and Reese Witherspoon are still behaving on a roller coaster. The setlist is varied and impeccable. Gems like “Life” and ’88 “Blob” get their due. “Tales from the Darkside,” “Jaws: The Revenge” “Wild Things,” and “Rush” are “Bad Girls” are all parsed in celebration, or at least in good faith. Look, you need to listen to Ben Greenfield, Rich Roll, TED Radio, and Freakonomics to further understand the steps you aren’t taking to make life work out. But once a week, it’s time to give up on all that and just hear what Nick and Justin are up to, what they saw, and what they’ll say. These guys stand apart and share for a lucky few. Be one!

I followed the CHUD Show forever, and although I was bummed when it ended, as it turns out, the show never really died, because like any mutant worth its salt, it just transformed into Movie Microscope! Endless hours of entertainment from two of my hilarious weirdos who might actually love Jason Patric more than myself, this might be (Zoom In) my favorite podcast of all time.