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Movies That Matter

Movies That Matter

By Chris Flaherty

Welcome to Movies That Matter, where our personal connections matter more than the number of Academy Awards or Box-Office returns.

Join host Chris Flaherty and guests as they discuss a wide variety of films both old and new, and share the impacts they’ve had on us not just as audience members, but as human beings.

Critical and commercial success aren’t the gold standard here. What’s important is the personal connection we form with what’s on the silver screen.
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Introducing Movies That Matter

Movies That MatterSep 09, 2021

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27. 'Scott Pilgrim VS The World' Matters

27. 'Scott Pilgrim VS The World' Matters

Veras Connolly returns to the podcast to discuss Scott Pilgrim VS The World, Edgar Wright's romantic action-comedy from 2010 aka "Life: The Video Game: The Movie" as they and Chris discuss. While it's an amazing spectacle of a picture, it also carries heavy themes of love and loneliness, accountability, and maturing.

Feb 19, 202456:03
26. 'Barbie' Matters

26. 'Barbie' Matters

As awards season approaches, Liz Gillespie returns to the podcast to discuss one of the biggest films of the year, and the impact Barbie had on both cinema and audiences. Prepare for an episode full of Ken-ergy.

Feb 02, 202401:12:19
25. 'Grown Ups' Matters

25. 'Grown Ups' Matters

All entertainment is subjective, and what's a more subjective form of entertainment than comedy?? The 2010 film Grown Ups portrays the ideal fantasy of spending a responsibility-free weekend reuniting with all your old friends. Behind the camera, Adam Sandler is living the dream of making a major motion picture with his whole gang of usual collaborators like David Spade, Kevin James, Chris Rock, etc. Grown Ups is an ode to maintaining lifelong friendships.

Anthony Matos, BNEWS Sports Reporter and host of the podcast "Just A Little Bias" hops behind the mic to discuss his favorite comedy with Chris. Since this is the first straight comedy covered on Movies That Matter, expect a lot of laughs!

Jan 19, 202443:00
24. The Films of Audrey Hepburn Matter

24. The Films of Audrey Hepburn Matter

It's a master class on Audrey Hepburn, one of the most iconic actresses of all time. Sarah Eshelman, English and Journalism Teacher in Burlington MA, returns to give Chris an education on all things Hepburn.

Sarah details her "Audrey Hepburn Summer" of 2023, and she and Chris discuss three of the actress's most notable works: 1953's Roman Holiday, 1967's Two for the Road, and 1966's How to Steal A Million.

Jan 05, 202401:12:10
23. 'A Christmas Carol' Matters

23. 'A Christmas Carol' Matters

Charles Dickens's classic holiday story of Ebenezer Scrooge's redemption is 180 years old, and the number of adaptations across film, television, and media continues to grow each holiday season. Chris welcomes Alan Foulds, local author, historian, Town Moderator of Reading MA, and host of the podcast "It's Also History" for "A Christmas Carol Retrospective". Chris and Alan discuss various versions, their strengths, their weaknesses, and what makes them stand out in the vast library of A Christmas Carol adaptations.

Dec 09, 202345:07
22. 'The Goonies' Matters

22. 'The Goonies' Matters

The Goonies taps into the memory of a time when you would go off on an adventure with your neighborhood pals, but here it's not playtime. The adventure is real! Robert Parris, Chris's longtime friend and colleague at Burlington Cable Access Television (BCAT) finally makes his debut on Movies That Matter to discuss the 1985 Richard Donner-directed adventure-film, which he has been recommending to Chris pretty much since they first met!
Aug 11, 202353:18
21. 'Guardians of The Galaxy' Matters - 20th Episode Special Part 2

21. 'Guardians of The Galaxy' Matters - 20th Episode Special Part 2

In the winter of 2021, Liz Gillespie decided her senior capstone project would be a documentary that poised the question "What makes a film a classic?" She interviewed Chris Flaherty for her documentary, and from that documentary the idea for Movies That Matter was born.

In the second part of the 20th episode special, Liz and Chris dive into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) (a podcast first believe it or not) for a look at James Gunn's quirky-space-opera trilogy Guardians of The Galaxy. Covering the original 2014 film, while also diving into Vol.2 and Vol.3, Liz and Chris discuss a simpler time in the MCU, the franchise's themes of grief and found family, and how the original makes an unexpectedly decent double-feature with Finding Nemo!


Aug 04, 202301:02:23
20. 'Finding Nemo' Matters - 20th Episode Special Part 1

20. 'Finding Nemo' Matters - 20th Episode Special Part 1

In the winter of 2021, Liz Gillespie decided her senior capstone project would be a documentary that poised the question "What makes a film a classic?" She interviewed Chris Flaherty for her documentary, and from that documentary the idea for Movies That Matter was born.

Liz has been a frequent quest on the pod, and for this special 20th episode, commemorating the 20th anniversary of Disney and Pixar's Finding Nemo, she swaps seats with Chris and acts as host. (It's been a long time coming as she practically already is Chris's co-host/producer!)

Join Liz and Chris for an in-depth discussion on this Disney/Pixar classic and what it means to both of them, and share their thoughts on the film's themes of parenthood, anxiety, and legacy.


Aug 04, 202301:01:15
19. 'The Princess Bride' Matters

19. 'The Princess Bride' Matters

"When I was your age, television was called books." The Princess Bride is a timeless classic that is still beloved by moviegoers everywhere, like Sarah Eshelman, English and Journalism Teacher in Burlington, who joins Chris in this installment of Movies That Matter. Sarah and Chris share their experiences watching The Princess Bride and how the passion of the filmmakers behind the scenes helped make it a timeless classic. They also discuss the important themes of the film like holding onto hope through adversity, the resilience of true love, and the power of storytelling.

Jul 26, 202358:22
18. 'How To Train Your Dragon' Matters

18. 'How To Train Your Dragon' Matters

Nick Giglio returns to the podcast for an extended discussion on the 2010 animated film How To Train Your Dragon, a personal favorite of his and Chris. Nick and Chris go in-depth on the first chapter of Toothless and Hiccup's journey, and discuss every little detail that makes the film special to them, from the animation techniques applied by the filmmaking team, to the timeless values of the story, including self-worth, questioning tradition, and the friendships that define us...and also how cool it would be to own a dragon.

May 23, 202301:15:03
17. 'Kingsman: The Secret Service' Matters

17. 'Kingsman: The Secret Service' Matters

The month-long, March Madness-esque marathon of Movies That Matter concludes with the return of Liz Gillespie, as she and Chris discuss Kingsman: The Secret Service, the 2015 spy-action-comedy directed by Matthew Vaughn, and starring Taron Edgerton, Colin Firth, and Samuel L. Jackson. A film that shows the importance of mentorship and legacy. It proves appearances can be deceiving, and that Colin Firth is an absolute savage. Manners. Maketh. Man.

Apr 04, 202301:07:18
16. 'Jerry Maguire' Matters

16. 'Jerry Maguire' Matters

"Show me the money!!" Mike Espejo returns to the podcast and introduces Chris to the 1996 romantic comedy sports drama led by Mr. Tom Cruise. Chris and Mike unpack the values Jerry Maguire presents to its viewers, from the value of the individual in the workplace, the importance of human connection and emotions, and positive, healthy masculinity. Also, does Chris know enough about sports... or Tom Cruise films? Listen and find out!

Mar 21, 202353:56
15. 2022 Films Matter

15. 2022 Films Matter

On Movies That Matter, entertainment is subjective and that's not a bad thing. And what's more subjective than Top Films of the Year lists? Flynn Reardon returns for a special Oscar weekend episode, where he and Chris discuss their favorite films from last year. Also, Chris learns how to use Letterbox, and he and Flynn reveal some pretty damning gaps in their watch history...Happy Oscar Weekend!!

Mar 11, 202302:13:19
14. 'The Lion King' Matters

14. 'The Lion King' Matters

The Lion King, Walt Disney Pictures' 32nd Animated Feature Film, was released on June 24, 1994 to near universal critical and commercial acclaim. Many consider it to be one of Walt Disney Animation's greatest animated films, if not the greatest. It's an epic, coming-of-age story that has resonated with audiences for almost thirty years. For Chris, it gets a bit more personal (as it should on Movies That Matter).

Chris takes an episode to himself to speak on The Lion King, and not just his personal connection to the film, but his late father's. Listen and discover the special meaning this film has to both father and son, in a special tribute to Chris's own Lion King, who passed away last year.

Mar 09, 202316:04
13. 'The Amazing Spider-Man' Matters

13. 'The Amazing Spider-Man' Matters

Who's your favorite Spider-Man? For Liz Gillespie (and Chris) it's Andrew Garfield in The Amazing Spider-Man (and some of but not all of its sequel). Join Liz and Chris for an extended, end-of-the-year, winter break episode discussing the second Spider-Man film series that is often overlooked but very much deserves its place in the parthenon of Spidey-Films.   

Dec 30, 202201:23:29
12. 'La La Land' Matters

12. 'La La Land' Matters

La La Land...the almost Academy Award for Best Picture Winner of 2017. All jokes aside, Damien Chazelle's romantic musical comedy-drama starring Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling quickly became an instant classic worth celebrating. It's a film about staying true to your passions, and the value of having people in your life that validate those passions. In this special episode, marking the first anniversary of Movies That Matter's start, Chris welcomes back friend and very-first guest to the podcast, Liz Gillespie to talk quite literally all things La La Land and more.


Oct 01, 202201:28:11
11. 'Little Women' Matters

11. 'Little Women' Matters

Louisa May Alcott's original novel Little Women has been adapted for the screen many times over the years. The 1949 film adaptation, directed by Mervyn LeRoy starring June Allyson, Peter Lawford, and Elizabeth Taylor, holds the most significance to Joy Hosford, a local education writer and film enthusiast. 

Joy joins Chris for an in-depth discussion on all things Little Women, from her personal connections to the 1949 film, to how Alcott's original novel has continued to stay fresh in the minds of filmmakers, readers, and audiences.

Aug 06, 202250:54
10. 'Begin Again' Matters

10. 'Begin Again' Matters

Micheal Carney's 2013 comedy-drama-musical starring Keira Knightley and Mark Ruffalo might not be well-known to a lot of our viewers, but it's a film that undoubtedly matters. James Hurley, a longtime student volunteer at Burlington Cable Access TV, host of the series James' House of Rock, corresponding podcast James' House of Rock: Backstage, multimedia producer and young filmmaker currently studying at Lesley University joins Chris for this episode.

Jame and Chris discuss how the film conveys an important message of staying true to yourself and your passions, and how it can speak to all artists and creators, trying to get their name and their work out to the public. It gets a bit personal for two long-time creators like James and Chris, but after all entertainment is subjective...

Jul 25, 202251:03
9. 'Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse' Matters

9. 'Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse' Matters

The character of Spider-Man has had many iterations across media, not just in film, but in tv, video games, and comic books. Spider-Man, wether he be Peter Parker or Miles Morales, has made a major impact on audiences, through what he does and what he stands for. This impact reached new heights in 2018 with the animated Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse from Sony Pictures Animation, directed by Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, and Rodney Rothman, and written by Phil Lord and Rothamn.

Veras Connolly, a local content creator, Candidate for a Bachelor’s in Animation with a Minor in Digital Media, and long-time student volunteer at the BCAT Studios joins Chris in this amazing (spectacular!) episode. Veras shares their personal connections with the film and character of Spider-Man, and they and Chris discuss why both have meant so much to audiences for many years.

Jul 01, 202258:44
8. 'Mary Poppins' Matters

8. 'Mary Poppins' Matters

Mary Poppins is considered by many as Walt Disney's crowning achievement. The heartwarming family film is pure movie magic with its charming cast, wonderful musical numbers, and dozens of groundbreaking visual effects. Many have come to hold this Disney classic in high regard, much like our guest for this installment, Stephanie Azzarello. Stephanie is a fellow Quinnipiac University alum like Chris, an Ambulatory Clinic Supervisor at the Developmental Medicine Center at Boston Children's Hospital, and a lifelong fan of Mary Poppins. Stephanie shares her personal connection to the film, how she's carried its themes and messages throughout her life, and she Chris discuss why Mary Poppins continues to be the gold standard of Disney entertainment.

May 06, 202259:42
7. 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off' Matters

7. 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off' Matters

Bueller? Bueller?? The 1986 John Hughes film, starring Matthew Broderick, has become a cult classic. It's not just a wonderful coming-of-age story with an important message, it's a quintissential feel-good film. Chris is joined by Mike Espejo, fellow Burlington native and host of The Pod Where It Happens, which is also produced at Burlington Cable Access TV (Crossover episode!!). Mike and Chris discuss what has made Ferris Bueller stand the test of time, and Mike shares his personal connections to the film, and how he's carried its themes and messages throughout life. Give a listen and enjoy the first episode of Movies That Matter of 2022.

Feb 25, 202248:04
6. Christmas Specials Matter

6. Christmas Specials Matter

Liz Gillespie returns to the podcast in this special-length, holiday edition of Movies That Matter. Several Christmas specials, both from film and television, have stood the test of time and become part of our annual holidays traditions. They've become constants for us, and are ingrained into the DNA of the holiday season. Liz and Chris share and discuss many Christmas specials that hold value to them, from well-known classics like It's A Wonderful Life and The Year Without A Santa Claus, to newer favorites like Prep & Landing and Fatman. Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays!

Dec 31, 202101:35:48
5. 'Beauty & The Beast' Matters

5. 'Beauty & The Beast' Matters

Beauty & The Beast, Walt Disney Pictures' 30th Animated Feature Film, was released on November 22nd 1991 to near universal critical and commercial acclaim. It was a massive achievement for both film and animation, and made history as the first animated film to ever be nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards.

In honor of the film's thirtieth anniversary, Chris takes an episode to himself to speak on Beauty & The Beast, his favorite film. Chris shares his personal connections to the film and how he's carried his love of it throughout his life.

Dec 13, 202122:59
4. 'Gremlins' Matters

4. 'Gremlins' Matters

Gremlins. The delightfully charming, dark comedy-fantasy film from 1984 and directed by Joe Dante'. Is it a Christmas film? A Halloween film? Either way it's a long-standing tradition for guest Flynn Reardon, a member of the Shawsheen Valley Technical High School Class of 2020 and active student volunteer at Burlington Cable Access TV. Flynn and Chris discuss the highlights and endearing qualities of Gremlins, as well as its rather interesting sequel, Gremlins 2...

Nov 05, 202159:23
3. 'Jurassic Park' Matters

3. 'Jurassic Park' Matters

Jurassic Park, the 1993 sci-fi/action film from Stephen Spielberg raises the question "What if dinosaurs still roamed the Earth?". A timeless "what-if" scenario that has allowed audiences to connect with the film for twenty-eight years. Chris is joined by Nick Priest, a lifelong Burlington MA resident, member of the BHS Class of 2003 and Burlington Select Board. In this episode, Nick and Chris share personal perspectives on Jurassic Park, and discuss its legacy, many themes and messages, that still resonate to this day.



Oct 29, 202156:53
2. 'Back to the Future' Matters

2. 'Back to the Future' Matters

Back to the Future, the 1985 sci-fi/fantasy/family adventure from Director Robert Zemeckis and starring Micheal J.Fox and Christopher Lloyd, is a very popular film and widely considered a classic. But why is it considered a classic? Why has Back to The Future stood the test of time (Pun intended)? Chris is joined by fellow Quinnipiac University alum and film-buff Nick Giglio to discuss the underrated charm and legacy of Back to The Future, and what has helped it resonate with audiences for over thirty-five years. There's a lot to unpack, from it's simplistic use of time-travel, to its themes of parents and family.

Sep 24, 202157:47
1. 'Big Hero 6' Matters

1. 'Big Hero 6' Matters

Big Hero 6, the 2014 animated film from Walt Disney Pictures certainly has its following. It was the winner of Best Animated Feature at the 87th Oscars, and was the highest grossing animated film of the year. Its lovable robot character Baymax has become one of Disney's most popular characters in recent years, and it also had the daunting task of being released after a little film called Frozen...

But what many may not realize is the film has a lot to say about grief, loss, responsibility to your community, finding your passion and place in the world. Liz Gillespie presents Big Hero 6 in our premiere episode. Liz is a member of the Burlington High Class of 2021, now pursuing a degree in Biomedical Engineering at UC Davis, and a longtime student volunteer and Sports Reporter at Burlington Cable Access TV. Liz joins Chris to discuss what Big Hero 6 means to her, the role it's played in her life and its themes she values most.

Sep 10, 202155:09
Introducing Movies That Matter

Introducing Movies That Matter

Welcome to "Movies That Matter" hosted by Chris Flaherty. On Movies That Matter, our personal connections to films mean more than the number of Academy Awards or Box-Office returns. Join Chris and his guests as they discuss films old and new, and share the impacts they’ve had on us not just as audience members, but as human beings. 

Sep 09, 202101:08