THE CAVEATBefore I get too far into this, I need to make a confession. These guys have recorded an hour-long podcast once a week, creating over 100 episodes over the course of about two years now. That being said, I was definitely late in arriving to the listening party. After learning what a podcast was, and then realizing this one is actually pretty entertaining, I made a goal to catch up and listen to every episode. Only problem was, I got into it when they were about 75 episodes in, and 75+ hours of listening was a daunting task. So after a few different experiments of how to most efficiently catch up, I have made a HUGE commitment and have challenged myself to have listened to all the podcasts by June. That may not sound like a huge commitment, but on top of what I have already listened to, that is roughly 70-80 more episodes to listen to in 100 days. But I am committed, and have started listening to their past podcasts on my way to and from work, along with during my lunch break and any other time I'm in the car. I have temporarily given up music in support of catching up with the irreplaceable witicisms of Tom & Joel. So as you read my review below, know that I am listening to their podcasts, in order, from earliest to most recent...so I may not be as current as they are! For your point of reference, as I write this today, I am currently listening to "Sports Documentaries" (recorded 4/21/11)...
THE PREMISE
So as I mentioned in my first post about this show, these guys have an insane amount of knowledge about movies, actors, and actresses that ranges across all genres of movies. As just a casual movie fan, I expected to be somewhat lost in their back-and-forth discussions about specific movies or actors, but surprisingly they do a great job in keeping the show topical and interesting, regardless of your movie prowess. What I was even more impressed with was the well-developed structure to the show on a consistent basis.
Every week, they choose a "main topic" such as Rachel McAdams or Hockey Movies, where they discuss an actor's filmography with their personal opinions inserted throughout. But in addition to this roughly 30 minutes of discussion, they start the show with what movies they have seen that week (Joel watches more movies 85% of the time), what movies are new to theaters that week, and random updates and personal gripes. I tend to enjoy this first half of the story the most, as it lends itself to more of their witty banter and inevitable arguments over completely inane subjects.
They also insert some great games like MASH (this was a hit early on in the podcast's life), and "Guess the Celebrity Age" (in which Joel has an uncanny ability to be incredibly accurate...for people under the age of 60). But I don't want to spoil too much, so read this post, then go enjoy the podcast!
MARC'S PERSONAL FAVORITES
As a bit of background, my friendship with Tom and Joel was formed around sports, and it still serves as the main subject of our discussions today. That being said, I have a certain affinity for the episodes where they discuss sports genre movies, or specific sports movies. But I will try and point out a few others along the way. But trust me, all of these episodes are worth listening to for a variety of reasons beyond their movie knowledge, like: their complete distaste for certain actors, their unwavering opinions, the potential for one of them to be slightly inebriated, the occasional off-color joke, and of course, random cameos from famous actors (you'll have to listen to see who!).
Jim Carrey (3/25/10)
This is my personal favorite for obvious reasons. For those of you that don't know, Jim is my boy. But that alone doesn't make this episode worth listening to. I recommend this one for the "Jim Carrey Movie Bracket" where they create a March Madness bracket by ranking 16 Jim Carrey movies (giving them #1-4 seeds) and walking through the bracket to see which movie comes out on top. Spoiler alert - I have some major fundamental disagreements with their decisions, but appreciate the time and effort nonetheless.Childhood Baseball Movies (4/8/2010)
Phenomenal episode where they wax nostalgic for movies like Rookie of the Year, Little Big League, The Sandlot, and many more. These are the best movies of my childhood, and Tom and Joel share many of my points of view on these movies, and their banter extends well beyond the plot-lines of these movies, extending into spirited debates about all things in the movies and in childhood.Saved by the Bell (3/17/11)
I know what you're thinking..."Wait a minute, that's a TV show!" But not to worry, Tom and Joel only focused on the two Saved by the Bell made for TV movies ("Hawaiian Style" and "Wedding in Las Vegas"). For any of you growing up watching this show, you will love hearing these two rehash some of the most ridiculous details of these movies!Honorable Mention to the must-listen-to "My Cousin Vinny", "Mighty Ducks" and "Drew Barrymore" episodes!
THE PLUGS
Every week, Tom and Joel end the podcast by "plugging" the podcast, letting listeners know how they can support the podcast. As I end this post, I thought I would do the same!
WEBSITE - Visit their webpage at www.movieconversations.com
AMAZON - If you are a user of Amazon.com, go to the Movie Conversations website, click on the Amazon link at the top of the page, and then go about making your normal purchases...and for directing you to Amazon, Tom and Joel get a small kick-back percentage of your purchase (no additional charge to you) to help with their operating costs
TWITTER - Follow them "@movieconvos"
FACEBOOK - Follow them at www.facebook.com/MovieConversations
ITUNES - Search "Movie Conversations" and subscribe to them, and leave them a review and give them 5-stars!
MERCHANDISE - Check out Joel's shirt designs at www.justmadeshirts.com
BOTTOM LINE - If you like movies, and you like laughing - you need to be listening to this podcast! It won't disappoint!
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