The Film Critic & The Common Man

In this week's episode, Ben and Jake talk Clint Eastwood's 1993 crime drama A Perfect World.

Join them as they talk surrogate fathers, transitioning between eras, exceptional child performances, and what could be the best Kevin Costner performance. Jake sets a new high when quizzed on the directorial career of Eastwood in "Poll for a Dumbass" while Ben is asked about his memorable Halloween costumes in "The Hot Box."

In this week's episode, Ben and Jake talk David Ayer's 2014 World War II action drama Fury.

Join them as they talk tank action, playing fast-and-loose with history, violence in war films post-Saving Private Ryan, and conflicting feelings on the film's quality. Jake nails the highlights of the career of Michael Peña in "Poll for a Dumbass" while Ben is asked which tank role he would prefer in "The Hot Box."

In this week's episode, Ben and Jake talk Wayne Kramer's 2006 crime thriller Running Scared. It's our month of listener's choice episode. Special thanks to listener Matthew Anderson, for picking this film! Join them as they talk about the gritty film, the crazier elements, the few chances for Paul Walker to not be in a Fast & Furious film, and the great Vera Farmiga. Jake starts strong on Farmiga's career in "Poll for a Dumbass" while Ben is asked about John Wayne in "The Hot Box."

In this week's episode, Ben and Jake talk Rob Reiner's 1990 suspense thriller Misery.

It's our month of listener's choice episode. Special thanks to our mom, Kyla, for picking this film!

Join them as they talk about the claustrophobic narrative, the fascinating subtext of Stephen King's book, and the exceptional performances of James Caan and especially Kathy Bates. Jake does solid work on Reiner's directorial career in "Poll for a Dumbass" while Ben talks typewriters in "The Hot Box."

In this week's episode, Ben and Jake talk M. Night Shyamalan's 1999 thriller The Sixth Sense.

Join them as they talk the family/ghost drama, the magnificent performances of the central trio, and well-earned twist endings. Jake is hit-or-miss on Shyamalan's career in "Poll for a Dumbass" while Ben is asked about objects with specific sentimentality in "The Hot Box."

In this week's episode, Ben and Jake talk J.D. Dillard's 2022 aviation war film Devotion Join them as they talk about the unknowns of the Korean War, unfair comparisons to Top Gun: Maverick, friendship cinema, and subverting the "African American faces racism in their field" genre. Jake tries his hand at non WWII/Vietnam war films in "Poll for a Dumbass" while Ben talks about what branch of the military he would join in "The Hot Box."

In this week's episode, Ben and Jake talk Bennett Miller's 2011 baseball film Moneyball Join them as they talk the romance of baseball, THE Brad Pitt starring role, the lost potential of Chris Pratt, and wishing Philip Seymour Hoffman was still around. Jake knows a fair amount of Jonah Hill films in "Poll for a Dumbass" while Ben talks a little bit about his experience around minor league baseball in "The Hot Box."

In this week's episode, Ben and Jake talk George P. Cosmatos' 1993 Western epic Tombstone Join them as they talk cowboy/lawman action, Val Kilmer's brilliance as Doc Holiday, and your choice of wild west facial hair. Jake takes a stab at the films of Kilmer in "Poll for a Dumbass" while Ben gets schooled on the peacemaker revolver in "The Hot Box."

In this week's episode, Ben and Jake talk Quentin Tarantino's 2008 World War II film Inglourious Basterds Join them as they talk massive tension in each scene, the brilliance of Christoph Waltz, and the fun of revisionist history where you get to kill Hitler. Jake does a solid job with Brad Pitt's films in "Poll for a Dumbass" while Ben is asked about being a film projectionist in "The Hot Box."

In this week's episode, Ben and Jake talk a pair of favorite films from their childhood with the Kevin Costner/Kevin Reynolds double feature Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and Waterworld Join them as they talk the archetypical antihero, Alan Rickman having a blast, the hell of filming on water, and why the best moment of a film can ruin the rest. Jake knows plenty of Costner films in "Poll for a Dumbass" while Ben is asked how comfortable he is in water in "The Hot Box."

In this week's episode, Ben and Jake talk a pair of favorite films from their childhood with Peter Pan fantasy Hook and creature feature Tremors

Join them as they talk what appeals to kid viewers, the fun of watching Robin Williams, critical hypocrisy with different films, and the acting force that is Reba McEntire.  Jake is caught off guard with Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon in "Poll for a Dumbass" while Ben is asked what a Graboid smells like "The Hot Box." 

In this week's episode, Ben and Jake talk Ben Affleck's 2010 crime drama The Town

Join them as they talk awesome movie shootouts, directing yourself, community drama, and Jon Hamm's six inches.  Jake apparently hasn't seen many Jeremy Renner films in "Poll for a Dumbass" while Ben is engaged in a "Lively" debate in "The Hot Box." 

In this week's episode, Ben and Jake talk Milos Forman's 1975 Best Picture-winning drama One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

Join them as they talk insane asylum films, the greatness of Jack Nicholson and Louise Fletcher, and how you could grow to become a Nurse Ratched.  Jake is rather knowledgeable about the films of Danny DeVito in "Poll for a Dumbass" while Ben is asked about who he would gravitate to in the group in "The Hot Box."  Stick around for the end of the episode to hear Jake's raw feelings on dealing with mental health issues.

In this week's episode, Ben and Jake talk David Fincher's 2014 mystery thriller Gone Girl

The podcast is doing its own version of romance for the month.  Join them as they talk dating/marrying crazy, films without heroes, Tyler Perry excellence, Neil Patrick Harris miscasting, and memorable theater-going experiences.  Jake is asked about the career of Ben Affleck in "Poll for a Dumbass" while Ben is quizzed on his wife's blood type in "The Hot Box."

In this week's episode, Ben and Jake talk Steven Soderbergh's 1998 crime-romance Out of Sight

The podcast is doing its own version of romance for the month.  Join them as they talk cat-and-mouse romance, Jennifer Lopez before she was J-Lo, the stacked supporting cast, and non-linear storytelling.   Jake is asked about the career of Ving Rhames in "Poll for a Dumbass" while Ben disccusses the meaning of 'ice cream for freaks' in "The Hot Box."    

In this week's episode, Ben and Jake talk Adrian Lyne's 1987 erotic thriller Fatal Attraction  

The podcast is doing its own version of romance for the month.  Join them as they talk cheating anxiety, the incredible performances of the three main characters, and the screenwriting laziness of calling someone crazy.  Jake is puzzled for most of Glenn Close's career in "Poll for a Dumbass" while Ben is asked about eating rabbit in "The Hot Box."  Stick around for Jake's special tribute to his own personal crazy woman named Allex.

In this week's episode, Ben and Jake talk Michael Mann's 1992 historic romance epic The Last of the Mohicans

The podcast is doing its own version of romance for the month.  Join them as they talk French and Indian war history, Daniel Day-Lewis commitment/insanity, and the awesomeness of Magua/Wes Studi.  Jake is thoroughly knowledgeable in the top box office films of 1992 in "Poll for a Dumbass" while Ben is asked about his long-distance running ability and his scalp in "The Hot Box"

In this week's episode, Ben and Jake talk Bong Joon-ho's 2019 Oscar-winner Parasite  

Join them as they talk the class conflict, fear of the water, the cast highlights, the "twist" and how you interpret the ending.  Jake tries his best at the Oscar films of 2019 in "Poll for a Dumbass" while Ben talks ramen in "The Hot Box"

In this week's episode, Ben and Jake talk Steven Spielberg's 1975 original blockbuster Jaws

Join them as they talk about the lasting politics of the terrible mayor, fear of the water, Roy Schieder, Richard Dreyfuss, and the pure brilliance of Robert Shaw and the USS Indianapolis scene.  Jake is blown away at the prolific career of composer John Williams in "Poll for a Dumbass" while Ben is asked about his swim habits in "The Hot Box"

In this week's episode, Ben and Jake talk Paul Thomas Anderson's 1997 porn drama Boogie Nights

Join them as they talk the on-screen sleaze, the best of what Burt Reynolds has to offer, and the fact that John C. Reilly thinks it's a comedy.  Jake can't remember Julianne Moore's face in any of her movies in "Poll for a Dumbass" while Ben gets an explanation about the movie quality matrix "The Hot Box"

In this week's episode, Ben and Jake talk Sam Mendes' 2002 gangster drama Road to Perdition

Join them as they talk about the critical disconnect over time, the dynamite combo of Hanks and Newman, and the stunning cinematography of Conrad L. Hall.  Jake is stumbles through the films of Jude Law in "Poll for a Dumbass" while Ben talks about fond memories with his dad in "The Hot Box"

In this week's episode, Ben and Jake talk the new Knives Out sequel Glass Onion 

Join them as they talk about the delightful cast, the twisty plot, which wrestler is the best actor, and the wonder that is Janelle Monae.  Jake is quizzed on the career of Edward Norton in "Poll for a Dumbass" while Ben thinks about words he says incorrectly in "The Hot Box"

In this week's episode, Ben and Jake talk the Frank Capra's 1946 holiday classic It's A Wonderful Life. 

The podcast is in the Christmas spirit all month!  Join them as they talk about the everyman nature of Jimmy Stewart, the luminous beauty of Donna Reed, and how shockingly little the film has to do with Christmas.  Jake is surprisingly knowledgeable on the career of Stewart in "Poll for a Dumbass" while Ben is asked what part of his house drives him crazy in "The Hot Box" 

In this week's episode, Ben and Jake talk the Jon Favreau's 2003 holiday classic Elf.

The podcast is in the Christmas spirit all month!  Join them as they talk about the wholesome chaos of Will Ferrell, the child-like wonder of Christmas spirit, and how great it is to see Peter Dinklage beat the hell out of someone.  Jake gets quizzed on the career of Ferrell in "Poll for a Dumbass" while Ben picks his favorite Christmas song in "The Hot Box"

In this week's episode, Ben and Jake talk the John McTiernan's 1988 action classic Die Hard.

The podcast is in the Christmas spirit all month!  Join them as they talk about the vulnerability of Bruce Willis, the genius of Alan Rickman, and the sleeze of Hart Bochner.  Jake gets quizzed on the awesome career of Willis in "Poll for a Dumbass" while Ben talks elevators and foot injuries in "The Hot Box"

In this week's episode, Ben and Jake talk the 1989 Christmas classic National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.

Join them as they talk about the good of Chevy Chase (while trying to forget his current state).  The pair each talk their favorite scenes, lines, and characters, while remembering the nostalgia of past Christmases.  Jake gets quizzed on the quiet career of Juliette Lewis (not Julianne Moore) in "Poll for a Dumbass" while Ben is asked to think about who is his personal Cousin Eddie in "The Hot Box"

In this week's episode, Ben and Jake talk Curtis Hanson's 1997 crime noir L.A. Confidential 

Join them as they talk about the modern noir feeling, the casting brilliance of Guy Pearce and Russell Crowe, and the pitch-perfect story structure.  Jake gets quizzed on the career of Crowe in "Poll for a Dumbass" while Ben talks good and bad movie shootouts in "The Hot Box"

In this week's episode, Ben and Jake talk The 1967 Paul Newman classic Cool Hand Luke.

Join them as they wax poetic about the perfect movie star (and human being) in Newman, as well as the anti-establishment tone.  Ben digs in on the 1967 Best Actor lineup, while Jake talks about the atheism/Christian overtones.  Jake is tested on prison films in "Poll for a Dumbass", while Ben spends a night in "The Box" instead of "The Hot Box"

In this week's episode, Ben and Jake talk Rian Johnson's 2019 murder whodunit Knives Out.

Join them as they talk about Daniel Craig having fun not being Bond and the endless appeal of murder-mystery films.  Jake takes on Craig's filmography in "Poll for a Dumbass", while Ben utilizes Jake's extensive knife knowledge to call for a sponsorship in "The Hot Box"

In this week's episode, Ben and Jake talk 1993's childhood baseball classic The Sandlot

It's all about nostalgia on this episode.  The pair talk the cinematic quality of baseball, James Earl Jones greatness, and being a kid during a innocent yet lawless summer.  Jake takes on famous baseball movies in "Poll for a Dumbass", while Ben gives his Baseball Movie Mount Rushmore in "The Hot Box"

In this week's episode, Ben and Jake talk Stanley Kubrick's 1980 horror classic The Shining.

We conclude our October miniseries with a festive dress-up!  The pair discuss the numerous differences between the book and the film, while Ben gets into some of the tortured behind-the-scenes history.  Jake is quizzed on Jack Nicholson's Oscar nominations in "Poll for a Dumbass", while Ben talks about writer's block in "The Hot Box"

In this week's episode, Ben and Jake talk Jonathan Demme's 1991 Best Picture winner The Silence of the Lambs.

The podcast is going spooky for the whole month of October!  The pair discuss the film's blend of thriller, horror, and crime genres and talk about the film being feminist without being overtly so.  Ben asks Jake questions the smell of a dead body, and they talk the ups-and-downs of the Hannibal series.  Jake is quizzed on the career of Jodie Foster in "Poll for a Dumbass", while Ben interviews a serial killer in "The Hot Box"

In this week's episode, Ben and Jake talk 1999's found-footage horror classic The Blair Witch Project.

The podcast is going spooky for the whole month of October!  Jake was truly unsettled by the film, while Ben had never seen it before.  The pair discuss getting lost in the woods, finding sympathy for unsympathetic characters, and having your imagination scare you more than any reality.  Jake has his best performance yet in "Poll for a Dumbass" on low-budget blockbusters, while Ben is quizzed on his camping history in "The Hot Box"

In this week's episode, Ben and Jake talk Edgar Wright's 2004 zombie comedy Shaun of the Dead. 

The podcast is going spooky for the whole month of October!  The pair talk about the zombie genre and why the comedy in this movie works so well.  Ben geeks out on the Edgar Wright visual style while both bemoan having that one friend no one else likes.  The top money-making films of 2004 are put to Jake's knowledge in "Poll for a Dumbass", while Ben chooses a zombie weapon in "The Hot Box" 

In this week's episode, Ben and Jake talk John Carpenter's creature horror classic The Thing.

The podcast is going spooky for the whole month of October!  While Jake was no fan of this film, they both talk about the degrees of paranoia between the men and how living in Antarctica could drive you crazy.  Make sure to stick around as Jake tackles the genealogy of a bad movie (complete with a handy flow chart).  Jake tackles the hits (and many misses) of Kurt Russell's career in this week's "Poll for a Dumbass", while Ben is ironically grilled on the cold weather in "The Hot Box"

In this week's episode, Ben and Jake talk Nicolas Winding Refn's 2011 crime thriller Drive.

The brothers talk about the greatness of Ryan Gosling silence and came up with ideas on how to make the sound of a skull being crushed.  Jake discusses his time learning a tactical driving course, while bemoaning the death of the Ford Crown Victoria.  Ben faces a series of driving-related questions in "The Hot Box" while Jake realizes how few Gosling movies he has seen in this week's "Poll for a Dumbass"

Make sure to stick around for the first ever guest appearance on the podcast (with an appropriate name).

In this week's episode, Ben and Jake talk David Cronenberg's 2007 Russian gangster drama Eastern Promises.

Jake does a deep dive on the Russian mob, while Ben notices how nothing feels authentic enough to push the movie to a level of greatness.  The pair discuss their tattoos in "The Hot Box" while Jake has a slight mix up between Hidalgo and Appaloosa during a Viggo Mortensen-themed "Poll for a Dumbass"

In this week's episode, Ben and Jake talk about the Coen Brothers' 2000 Depression-era musical O Brother, Where Art Thou?

While obviously getting into the music, the pair discuss the brilliance of Tim Blake Nelson and the artful adaptation of The Odyssey by the Coens.  Ben geeks out on cinematographer Roger Deakins and goes through his Oscar nominations for this week's "Poll for a Dumbass", while Jake puts Ben through a lightning round of "The Hot Box" on his state capital knowledge (at least until Tennessee).

In this week's episode, Ben and Jake talk about the 1995 noir thriller by David Fincher, Se7en.

The brothers discuss the work and life of a detective while discussing the great 90's run and performance of Morgan Freeman.  This week's "Poll for a Dumbass" covers the directing career of David Fincher, while Jake puts Ben in "The Hot Box" to talk about famous serial killers.  The episode is capped off with a game of "What's in the box?"

In this week's episode, Ben and Jake talk about the 1987 World War II film by Steven Spielberg, Empire of the Sun.

The brothers discuss life as an ex-patriot and agree on how annoying Christian Bale's character starts (with particular joy taken in his assault).  The pair each share their Top 10 Spielberg films while zeroing in on the USS Indianapolis speech from Jaws.  This week's "Poll for a Dumbass" covers the top-grossing films of 1987, while Jake puts Ben through a World War II-centric round of "The Hot Box"

In this week's episode, Ben and Jake talk about the 2016 indie film from Yorgos Lanthimos, The Lobster

While Ben was quite fond of it, Jake enters it into his pantheon of terrible films with a memorable analogy.  They talk the insanity of the setting while this week's "Poll for a Dumbass" covers the never-resting career of Colin Farrell.  Jake grills Ben with another edition of "The Hot Box" while they cap off the episode with a game of "Touch, Feel, Guess, Win" inspired by a scene in the film (with a little help from their wives).

In this week's episode, Ben and Jake talk about the new 2022 Netflix film from the Russo Brothers The Gray Man

Jake and Ben finally didn't agree on how much they liked a film (Jake liked it, Ben didn't).  Jake delves into his love of The Gray Man books, while Ben wonders if Ryan Gosling was miscast in the main role.  Plus, new editions of "Poll for a Dumbass" and "The Hot Box"

In this week's episode Ben and Jake talk about the 2008 Will Ferrell/John C. Reilly comedy Step Brothers.

Though not exactly a film you can dig deep on, the pair still enjoyed the experience (that they don't recommend doing sober).  They both fondly recall a number of childhood memories and the fun the film captures.  Don't miss the latest editions of "Poll for a Dumbass" and "The Hot Box"

In this week's episode Ben and Jake talk 2007's Best Picture winner No Country for Old Men.

They both discuss how freaking creepy Javier Bardem is, and both share their love of Tommy Lee Jones' performance.  Each talks about their favorite smaller performance and Ben quizzes Jake on which actors are authentically from Texas.  Plus, new editions of "Poll for a Dumbass" and "The Hot Box"

In our opening full-length episode Ben and Jake talk 1994's Best Picture winner Forrest Gump.   

They both discuss the incredible 90s run of Tom Hanks, while Ben blows Jake's mind with Robert Zemeckis' filmography.  Jenny becomes a big topic, as well as the underrated goodness of Gary Sinise.