The Quest for the Bestest
By Back Log Banter
The Quest for the BestestFeb 07, 2022
How do you pick the best? Nominating the Best Pictures for their own Oscars Ceremony (98)
We embarked on a journey to find the very best Best Picture, and by all accounts we succeeded. But picking just one film as the very best does not do our quest justice-- so we've nominated four films in all of the categories that you know and love from the Oscars ceremony, plus a few extra nominations that might surprise you!
Check out the video version here: https://youtu.be/g0UMbPiYRsw?si=S-lpdOJqtO7uAOEC
BONUS EPISODE (97): La La Land (2016)
Hey! We recorded another episode to cap off The Quest for the Bestest. But don't worry your little head! We've got more coming down the pipeline!
Check out the video version here: https://youtu.be/0BvoE_see0I?si=lx1Pt1ZsbXPrTT_z
Episode 96: Sunrise (1927)
So there are 95 Best Picture Winners, right? That's what they tell you. But it's WRONG! At the very first Academy Awards they gave two films the top award of the year. F.W. Murnau's late silent film Sunrise was awarded Unique and Artistic picture, but in the nearly century since it has been retconned out of the Best Picture cannon! Well we're here to solve that omission!
Episode 95: Wings (1927)
Top Gun might've been nominated for the most recent Best Picture award, but back at the very first presentation of Academy Awards ever, it won! As our last regular episode of The Quest for the Bestest, we thought it only fitting to review the first Best Picture winner ever. So our adventure, our journey, our Quest comes to a end... BUT FEAR NOT! We've got more planned and the Quest format will not be going anywhere. Thanks for tuning in for all these years! You can watch the video here: https://youtu.be/DMvhKfV7YfQ
Episode 94: All the King's Men (1949)
It is a tale as old as time: young upstart do-gooder is transformed by the true nature of power into a corrupt and horrible dictator! But how does post-war Hollywood tackle the issue of good governance? Can it walk the walk as much as it talks the talk? You can watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/OObXSisUe38
Episode 93: Braveheart (1995)
FREEDOM! I don't think there needs to be any more description for Mel Gibson's Braveheart. But we needed a whole hour and 25 minutes to talk about it. So take that how you will. You can watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/DLj-4pvaYcc
Episode 92: Million Dollar Baby (2004)
We've thrown some punches during the occasional Quest episode, but nothing quite as dirty as what happens to ol' Maggie "mo cuishle" in Clint Eastwood's boxing drama Million Dollar Baby. But did the film impress us? Do we think it deserves a top spot on our list? You can watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/w8qZRf8GCtI
Episode 91: Calvalcade (1933)
Join our procession of history way back to 1933! That's basically what the word cavalcade means, in case you didn't know. But will this film shine after all these years or has history condemned it to the dustbin? You can watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/tEDVpcJ3zYU
Episode 90: Forrest Gump (1993)
My mama always to me Quest is like a box of chocolates. You never know what those 4 boys will have to say. So what are you waiting for? You've heard of this movie. Click play and see what we have to say!
You can watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/f5KONBIg38g
Episode 89: Cimarron (1931)
Saddle up and grab your printing press because the Back Lot Boys are going to take you on a trip through the end of the American west! It's time for everyone's favorite (and not totally problematic) Best Picture Western, Cimarron! Will we find anything of note to talk about this nearly century old movie? Or should it fade away like the frontier days of old! You can watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/DPnIj-prCSo
Episode 88: The Lost Weekend (1945)
Have you ever had one too many drinks, late at night, and then awoken the next morn to a terrible pain? Now imagine that pain follows you for an entire weekend. Welcome to the world of Don Birnam! Us Back Lot Boys are so very different from him... right? Well anyway, we're talking about Billy Wilder's The Lost Weekend from right at the end of WW2. It's a wild ride so take a sip and buckle up! You can watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/vxMfl8PeVr0
Episode 87: Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022) Post-Oscars Discussion
We've got ourselves a new winner!!! And just like we predicted, The Daniel's Everything Everywhere All at Once took home the grand prize at the 95th Academy Awards. But none of that matters. What truly matters is the placement our 4 experts give the film against all of the other Best Picture Winners. This one's got a pretty good chance... You can watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/BDFBq9NvwW8
2023 Nominee: Top Gun: Maverick
Fly high with the Back Lot Boys as we finish out 10th and final nominee for Best Picture in the calendar year 2023!! We're strapping in and talking about Top Gun: Maverick! Will we be forced to eject due to unnecessary political discourse or will our SAM-countermeasures be enough to ward off any smoke in the air? Find out now on the Quest for the Bestest!
You can watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/QbMBWYy0v0M
2023 Nominee: Women Talking
From Awards season darling to underperforming across the board due to lack of marketing and availability, Women Talking is one of 2023's awards enigmas. We take a look at the filmmaking, performances, themes and awards potential here in our Best Picture ranking show, preparing for this year's Academy Awards.
You can watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/0ht6CDQc36Y
2023 Nominee: The Fabelmans
Y'know, there's nothing really quite like the joy of making movies. Take it from us, we've literally all made real movies, and look how happy we are. But Steven Spielberg has attempted to capture that magic upon a celluloid medium... and it's an autobiography, of course! But what does that mean for our score? And the chances of it winning Best Picture? Find out as we discuss The Fabelmans!
You can watch the episode here: https://youtu.be/6GCHoGpUAwg
2023 Nominee: Triangle of Sadness
We like movies that say things. Not just things like "I'm sorry, Dave," but real, meaty, meaningful things. So does Triangle of Sadness have anything to say? Or is it just an idea-vomit from Ruben Östlund? We endeavor to find out this time on The Quest for the Bestest.
2023 Nominee: The Banshees of Inisherin
Pour yourself a cold pint, kick your feet up, and bring that donkey inside if your sad, it's time to talk about The Banshees of Inisherin. Martin McDonagh's tale of Irish stubbornness and foiled friendship seems to be shaping up as a spoiler for EEAAO's Best Picture chances. Is the Academy's top prize just a pole's length away, or are Farrell, Gleeson and company pure fecked?
Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/IwHS3luUQ1E
2023 Nominee: Elvis
He's one of the legends of the world of entertainment... a pioneer in his field... with a style like no one else... I'm talking about Baz Luhr--- Wait I got that one wrong. It's actually Elvis Presley! And ol' Baz just made the picture about him. And we're talking about that picture. Yup. That's the episode.
You can watch the video here: https://youtu.be/gi3LMDm5_xo
2023 Nominee: Tár
Folks, you know and love Lydia Tár, and now-- finally, Todd Fields has put to film what is a quite excellent piece of cinema, although it ultimately pales in comparison to the work of our favorite esteemed composer.
This review has one of the best spoiler moments exactly halfway through. Don't read any comments until you get there.
Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/hAbqBawakCE
2023 Nominee: Avatar: The Way of Water
Journey with us to Pandora, to immerse ourselves in a world of fantasy and family! James Cameron's massive blockbuster hit was picked by The Academy-- so who says popular movies don't get nominated!! But we've got to dive deeper than the Mariana trench to figure out the most important question: does it deserve to win the highest award?
Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/-n8QAqQab58
2023 Nominee: All Quiet on the Western Front
It's not often that we get to review a movie twice on the show, and it's even rarer that we get an anti-war movie as good as this! We really liked version from 1930, so will nearly 100 years change our interpretation of war? Enlist with us as we journey to the front lines of cinema debate to decide where this movie ranks.
Watch the video version on YouTube at @BackLotBanter.
2023 Nominee: Everything Everywhere All at Once
Quest is back and better than ever with our annual tradition of reviewing each Best Picture Nominee! To get things started we're talking about The Daniel's film Everything Everywhere All at Once and how its googly eyes made us feel.
Oh yeah, if you haven't heard we've got a new YouTube channel for all things cinema! If you're trying to find Quest on YouTube, check out Back Lot Banter.
Episode 86: Amadeus (1984)
Join us in the revelry! The rivalry! Witness genius at work for the very last time! We're talking about Amadeus! For our first episode back in 2023 we dive into the court drama of Vienna in a surprising hit among the Back Log Boys. Next episode: We'll be beginning our discussion of this year's Best Picture Nominees with Everything Everywhere All At Once!
Episode 85: In the Heat of the Night (1967)
We're heading down to Mississippi to see one of the performances of all time from Sidney Poitier! We're sweltering in the heat of this night, but one man's cool might just bring our temperature down. This is our last episode of 2022, but we'll be back in the new year with even more Best Picture Winners.
Episode 84: Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
The Quest for the Bestest is one episode away from becoming the #1 movie review podcast everywhere. How did they do it?
A: They cheated
B: They're lucky
C: They are geniuses
D: The spin-wheel controls their destiny
Find out on this week's episode!
You can find more of our content on YouTube and Twitter.
Episode 83: The Greatest Show on Earth (1952)
Come on down to the circus for The Greatest Quest Episode on Earth! No really... It is the best.
You can find more of our content on YouTube and Twitter.
Episode 82: Annie Hall (1977)
Someone on the crew wishes another 1977 film won Best Picture... but nonetheless we're talking about Woody Allen's Annie Hall. As a progenitor of the modern romcom, this film takes quite the unique approach to developing a romance. What do the Back Log Boys think, however? Will it be able to surmount the egregious misstep by the academy??
You can find more of our content on YouTube and Twitter.
Episode 81: No Country For Old Men
Journey out west with the Back Log Boys, but don't head into the past! We're staying somewhere in contemporary times with No Country For Old Men. The Coen brothers
Episode 80: The Sound Of Music (1965)
~~the hills are alive with the sound of quuueeessst~~
We're on our new twice-monthly schedule, but nevertheless a great musical demands a great quest episode! So tune in, sit back, and enjoy.
Episode 79: A Man for All Seasons (1966)
Journey with us back to the days of yore and behold the first divorce of King Henry VIII! That's right, Frank Zinnemann's A Man for All Seasons is about Tudor England. Who would've guessed? Certainly not I! Little spoiler coming up: Head on over to our YouTube channel and comment your vote to decide the final fate of A Man for All Seasons.
You can find more of our content on YouTube and Twitter.
Episode 78: Terms of Endearment (1983)
We're finally back! And, we managed to get through an entire recording without busting a gut or an internet connection! At long last, it's time to discuss James L. Brook's family drama, Terms of Endearment. What will we have to say after such a long time not talking about movies week after week? I assure you, dear listener, we do just fine. That's no spoiler.
You can find more of our content on YouTube and Twitter.
Episode 77: The Life of Emile Zola (1937)
Join the Back Log Boys as they serve up a 'Piping Hot' episode of The Quest for the Bestest! According to one Tucker, it's 'His Masterpiece' while Tanner says that during recording he turned into a 'Human Beast'. But after a number of 'Discussions with Students,' this week's film, The Life of Emile Zola, showed us the 'Joy of Life' while making sure no one has an unfortunate 'Downfall'. Finally 'J'accuse' you of taking too long to start the episode. GO!
You can find more of our content on YouTube and Twitter.
Episode 76: Marty (1955)
He's just like us! Alone in this big giant world, trying to find love with a mug that won't let him. We watched Marty for this week's episode, as the second part to our longest and shortest Best Picture Winner match-up. Who is going to receive the higher praise from our arbiters of truth, the Back Log Boys? And will they ever return to the safety of spinning that big wheel? You'll just have to start the episode and find out.
You can find more of our content on YouTube and Twitter.
Episode 75: Gone With The Wind (1939)
For our 75th episode we've all teamed up to celebrate our favorite podcast, The Quest for the Bestest! And why not celebrate with the Best Picture from Hollywood's Golden Year, 1939, Gone With the Wind! It's like you're in our living room, just after the movie finished. Close your eyes and imagine the Back Log Boys discussing and deliberating whatever you've just seen. Sorry. Got a little carried away there. Want to find out what we think of this iconic film? You'll just have to listen and find out!
You can find more of our content on YouTube and Twitter.
Episode 74: Driving Miss Daisy (1989)
Hop in the car! We're back from our little hiatus and it's time to keep driving straight through the rest of the Best Picture Winners! Today we're examining Driving Miss Daisy, a classic ol' piece of cinema from them good ol' 80s. But did we like the film? Does it inspire much conversation within us? You can only find out by hitting the play button...
You can find more of our content on YouTube and Twitter.
Episode 73: Gladiator (2000)
Are you not entertained? I mean, if you're not, then why are you watching this podcast? Like that's the main reason you would. Something must be wrong with your head. Oh yeah! This week's film is Gladiator! Directed by Ridley Scott! Prepare to witness some bloodsport as the Back Log Boys enter the ring in mental combat! Only the strongest will survive! We're taking one week off for Abram to have a little vacation time, but we'll be back!
You can find more of our content on YouTube and Twitter.
Episode 72: Around the World in 80 Days (1956)
They said it couldn't be done. They said the technology was not there. But we have done it! In only 72 episodes, we've teamed up with one Philleas Fogg to go around the Academy in 80 Days! Or wait, isn't he a fictional character, written by Jules Verne before movies were even invented? I must be getting something mixed up. Oh well. Here's the episode about Around the World in 80 Days. It's quite a film, and we've got some thoughts about it.
You can find more of our content on YouTube and Twitter.
Episode 71: On The Waterfront (1954)
Follow us down to the wharf as we investigate what appears to be a very corrupt longshoreman's union--- wait I mean pretty good film! We're talking about On the Waterfront directed by Elia Kazan. Hmm... that name seems familiar. Oh that's right! He directed another Best Picture that we all continue to talk about to this day, Gentleman's Agreement from only a couple of years prior. But will the powerhouse acting of Marlon Brando be able to top Kazan's previous effort? You'll just have to stick around until the end to find out.
You can find more of our content on YouTube and Twitter.
Episode 70: The Sting (1973)
For our 70th episode we're headed to a hallmark 70's Best Picture Winner - The Sting! It's got the charm of a 1930s gangster, the wit of a wise guy, and a scheming crime story to put the rest to shame. But where do we think it goes on our great big list of every other Best Picture Winner? You'll just have to wait to find out, but beware of any unexpected twists!
You can find more of our content on YouTube and Twitter.
Episode 69: Rebecca (1940)
Everyone knows about Alfred Hitchcock, except... the Academy? This week we're talking about the only film of his to win Best Picture, Rebecca! It's psychological, romantic, and full of twists, but how does this film from one of the great directors stack up against all of the other Best Pictures? Find out as we dive into Rebecca.
You can find more of our content on YouTube and Twitter.
Episode 68: The King's Speech (2010)
Make way for the King! Make way for the King! His four jesters will now present: An episode entirely about The King's Speech! What do they think? Do they think at all? Find out when King gives his address! Long live the King!
You can find more of our content on YouTube and Twitter.
Episode 67: My Fair Lady (1964)
Let's all go down to London town and visit the speech doctor! We've gotta talk with all our A's and H's and T's in a line if we ever want to be the best movie podcast out there. But will our talking transformation end up like Eliza Doolittle's in My Fair Lady? Or will we be able to reject the allure of a women-hating professor and strike out on our own? You'll just have to listen to find out.
You can find more of our content on YouTube and Twitter.
Episode 66: Birdman (2015)
We're back to talk about Alejandro G. Iñárritu's Birdman from 2014! There's a lot to discuss about this admittedly fantastic movie so don't waste any time!
You can find more of our content on YouTube and Twitter.
Episode 65: The Artist (2011)
While it might seem like we're headed back to 1928, we're in fact only headed back to 2011! The Artist is well known for it's accurate recreation of the classic Hollywood silent picture style! But will that ingratiate the Back Log Boys, or are there some of them who really need sound to enjoy their films? Just watch the episode (I promise, it's not silent) and find out!
You can find more of our content on YouTube and Twitter.
Episode 64: Casablanca (1943)
If you've ever thought of a classic Old Hollywood movie, this one was probably it. Step on in to Rick's Cafe Americain as we gather round the roulette table and discuss the Best Picture Casablanca. Does the old-timey charm still work? Or is it yet another golden era noir film that feels like all of the rest? Find out in this episode!
You can find more of our content on YouTube and Twitter.
Episode 63: CODA (2021) Post-Oscars
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has picked a winner! Was it our pick? No. Will we still take any chance to talk about movies? Of course! CODA was one of our surprise favorites from the nominees, but how does it compare to some of the greats on our big and ever-growing list of all the Best Picture winners ever? Find out as we chat about the ceremony, the win, and where we think CODA should end up.
You can find more of our content on YouTube and Twitter.
2022 Nominee: West Side Story (2021)
Hold on. There's gotta be a mistake. We've already reviewed this movie! West Side Story won big in 1961! Or have we? One of the biggest directors of all time has decided to do a remake... and is it any good? Could it be, unbelievably, better than the original? Those are important questions but there's one that's sticking out as we give a score to our final Best Picture Nominee of 2022: will West Side Story win Best Picture twice?
Check out our review of the original here: https://anchor.fm/backlogbanter/episodes/Episode-15-West-Side-Story-1961-eobndv
You can find more of our content on YouTube and Twitter.
2022 Nominee: Dune (2021)
We've talked about this one before, but what about in a Best Picture context? Does that even matter for a film like Dune? How does it compare to the other nominees? And where is Mr. Sand Worm? Find all that out and more in this episode of The Quest for the Bestest.
Here's our previous review of Dune: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TY0-IouoMo
You can find more of our content on YouTube and Twitter.
2022 Nominee: Licorice Pizza (2021)
Today we're taking a look at PTA's newest film, Licorice Pizza! I don't know about you, but I sure like to hang out, do nothing, just chill. But will this movie, which has all of those attributes, scratch that cinema itch? Find out as we discuss on the Quest for the Bestest.
You can find more of our content on YouTube and Twitter.
2022 Nominee: Drive My Car (2021)
Today we're talking about the only international film nominated for Best Picture, Drive My Car. If you're a big BLB fan, though, you'd know that we already made a video talking about this film in our January Back Lot Banter episode. But, have our thoughts changed since then? What does the context of a Best Picture nominee mean for this film? We're here to figure all that out and more in this episode.