Role Call

Good evening and welcome to the bootleg version of Inside the Actor's Studio, this bonus episode we are taking a trip back and discussing Will Smith's guest appearance alongside James Lipton on the program Inside the Actor's Studio. This show was often a right of passage and a honor for most successful thespians in Hollywood. So as we wrap up our deep dive into Will Smith, let's see how our thoughts align with Sir James Lipton and if we learn anything unknown from our own journey. 

Take a trip back with us as we discuss the show that made Will Smith a bonafide super star, the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Starring Will Smith alongside iconic actors/characters James Avery (Uncle Phil), Janet Hubert (OG Aunt Viv), Daphne Maxwell-Reid (Light-skinned Aunt Viv), Alfonso Ribeiro (Carlton), Karyn Parsons (Hillary), Tatyana Ali (Ashley), Joseph Marcell (Geoffrey), and Jeff Towns aka DJ Jazzy Jeff (Jazz). We'll discuss the reunion, our favorite/iconic episodes, iconic guest stars, and so much more. 

Take a trip back with us accompanied by two old pals, Marcus and Mike as we talk about 2020's Bad Boys for Life. The latest installment of the Bad Boys franchise that helped Will Smith and Martin Lawrence breakout as movie stars, this buddy cop movie reminds us of a tale as old as time 'we ride together, we die together, bad boys for life'. Just when you're unsure what you should expect from a third Bad Boys movie starring two aging stars, they're able to take another leap with this movie giving Mike a bit more to work with other than just his good looks and trigger finger. Will this be a movie theatre regret or a  Blockbuster rental fave?

Take a trip back to 2019 with us as we watch one of Blue Sky Studio's last animated films (now available on Disney+). This fun spy caper stars the charming Will Smith as Agent Lance Sterling and his quirky tech specialist along for the ride is played by Tom Holland. This animated movie is funny and not just for the kiddos, we get to talk about the issue of Black characters turning into animals (too frequently IMO), and the funny dynamics between these two characters. So will this be a movie theatre regret or a Blockbuster (Redbox?) fave?

Travel back with us to 2019, Will Smith was getting jiggy with it as this was his third movie of the year. This time we're getting a double dose of Mr. Smith in Gemini Man. A film that utilizes new technology that allowed Robert Deniro and Al Pacino to be aged down in the Irishman. In Gemini Man Will Smith is going up against a very impressive and familiar looking younger version of himself. While technological advancements in movies can sometimes like gimmicks and can take time to get to the right level of believability (3D), we were pretty impressed by this feat. Will this be a Blockbuster movie rental fave or a movie theatre regret?

Take a trip back with us to a year most of us will always look back on fondly, even if it wasn't great...2019! This episode we're taking a trip to Agrabah and getting re-acquainted with some old but new friends in Disney's live action remake of Aladdin. We'll be getting to know a new rendition of a childhood fave and talking about Will's spin on a classic Robin Williams character Genie. So put your booty on the floor or in a chair, just don't go no where because you ain't neva had a pod like us! Will this be a movie theatre regret or a new Blockbuster (Disney+) fave?

Take a trip back to 2017 with us as we watch Will Smith in Netflix's biggest original movie Bright, co-starring Joel Edgerton. This movie takes Los Angeles as we know it and adds in a little chaotic magic with Elves and Orks living and working alongside humans. Will this be a Netflix and Chill regret or a Netflix and Chill fave?

Take a trip back with us to 2016 and grab your tissue boxes! Join us as we watch Collateral Beauty a holiday season tear jerker with a FULL ALL STAR CAST. We’ve got our main man Will Smith alongside some Academy Award winners including Ed Norton, Kate Winslet, Keira Knightley, Helen Mirren, Michael Peña, Naomie Harris, and Jacob Lattimore. This movie is a nice spin on a classic trope used in A Christmas Story that allow's Will's character to process his grief. Will this be a movie theatre regret or a Blockbuster fave? 

Take a trip back with us to 2016, when there was just only 1 Suicide Squad movie and almost every girl was Harley Quinn for Halloween. We're talking about 2016's Suicide Squad starring Will Smith as Dead Shot and Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn, the two standout characters in this ensemble. Director David Ayer brings together this fun cast is full of standout actors like Viola Davis, Joel Kinnaman, Cara Delevingne, Jai Courtney, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, and Jared Leto. Hyped and well marketed, will this be a movie theatre regret or a Blockbuster fave?

Take a trip back with us to 2015 as Will Smith stars for the first time alongside Margot Robbie in the heist drama Focus. Directed and written by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa, the team behind movies like Crazy, Stupid, Love. This stylized movie brings Will back front and center as a smart stylish con-man who by happenstance befriends and falls in love with Margot Robbie's character. Will this movie be a blockbuster fave and able to stand on it's own in a genre dominated by Ocean's Eleven or will it be a movie theatre regret and crash as it drifts in and out of various lanes? 

Take a trip back to 2012 with us as we talk about Will and Jaden Smith in After Earth a sci-fi adventure that takes us forward into the future of 3071 when the earth is no longer inhabitable. We're not strangers to a film that has been notoriously panned in pop culture, but maybe they got it wrong once again? We're talking about this movie but also, how did this box office 'bomb' affect Will and Jaden's relationship and Will himself? This movie was conceived by Will and brought to life with help from director M. Night Shyamalan. Will this be a true movie theatre regret or a blockbuster fave?

This episode take a trip back with us to 2012 for the final (?) installment of the Men in Black trilogy. This time Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones are up against time travel with a new star joining them in Josh Brolin. This installment seems a little more grown up. Will this be a movie theatre regret or a blockbuster fave?

This episode we’re traveling back to 2008 and checking the screening times for 7 pounds. This movie brings together the team who worked on the Pursuit of Happyness as it's directed by Italian director Gabrielle Muccino. A gripping and at times confusing drama starring Will Smith and Rosario Dawson made us cry and spiral into some existential spirals. We've got other notable roles played by Woody Harrelson and Michael Ealy. Will this be a movie rental fav or a movie theater regret?

This episode we’re traveling back to 2007 with our Simone's big Sis Leah for the 2007 apocolyptic sci-fi drama I, Am Legend. This stand out performance from Will is practically just him with a few co-stars such as Alice Braga, Charlie Tahan, Sallie Richardson-Whitfield, and his own daughter Willow Smith. After having experienced a global pandemic this was an interesting re-watch and first-time watch for someone of us. Will this be a movie rental fav or a movie theater regret?

Join us for a round of this or that to get to know Simone's Sister Leah (Pink Razor Bad Bitch Icon)! 

This episode we're wrapping up Will Smith's music career with his last two solo studio albums Born to Reign and Lost & Found. Will DJ Jazzy Jeff make an appearance? Does will go out rapping on top? Or will we cringe at some of the 'Dad Raps' he spits? Tune in!

Join us with our pals Julie & Joe (@gettinglitwithjulie and @blackneto_) and get to know them before the Hitch episode as we play around of 'This or That'.

This episode we’re traveling back to 2005 and checking the screening times for Hitch starring Will Smith, Eva Mendes, and Kevin James. This is Will Smith's first and only Rom Com, which some have concluded when you've made a Rom Com so great, why make another? We've got our friends Julie & Joe back (@gettinglitwithjulie and @blackneto_) they guested on our Wild, Wild, West episode if you rode that train with us!  We're ready for some laughs and big romantic gestures. This movie is brought to you by Benadryl, serial killer grandpas, and jet skis. Will this be a movie rental fav or a movie theater regret?

This episode we’re traveling back to 2004 with our friend Samantha @lovefool99 and checking the screening times for Sharktale. This DreamWorks underwater animated feature stars Will Smith, Jack Black, Renee Zellweger, Angelina Jolie, Robert Deniro, and Martin Scorsese just to drop some names. This is Will Smith's first animated feature film and boy it's a doozy, will he swim out ahead of the Pixar film Finding Nemo or did he jump the Shark? Will this be a movie rental fav or a movie theater regret? 

Join us for a round of this or that to get to know our friend Samantha! She has amazing 90's and 00's nostalgic content on her Instagram and TikTok accounts @lovefool99. 

This episode we’re traveling back to 2003, we're shaking our tail feathers to the theaters and checking the screening times for Bad Boys II. This long awaited sequel to Michael Bay's directorial debut Bad Boy's and the movie star maker for Will Smith and Martin Lawrence is coming in hot. This sequel is brought to you by faster cars, designer clothes, a buff Will Smith, a gorgeous Gabrielle Union, and EXPLOSIONS! Will this be a movie rental fav or a movie theater regret?

This episode we’re traveling back and taking the train from West Philadelphia to the Bronx and hopping back On The 6 with Jennifer Lopez! That's right people, we're Netflix and Chillin' as we deep dive into JLO's documentary Halftime. We're excited to talk about all the poorly quoted clips and headlines, our new understanding of the Superbowl Halftime show, and the internet's beef with JLO from what she really said about Shakira to Ben Affleck's cameo. So grab your jumbo tub of popcorn and buckle up because...we're just getting started. 

This episode we’re traveling back to 2002 and de-neuralizing ourselves as we checking the screening times for Men in Black 2. Nod ya head! The black suits are coming and Will Smith is back with Tommy Lee Jones as agents J and K. This time they're back with some new alien foes and a new (but similar mission). Will Smith is reunited with his Where the Day Takes You co-star Laura Flynn Boyle. We've got tons of new but recognizable faces with Rosario Dawson, Johnny Knoxville, Biz Markie (RIP), Michael Jackson (RIP), and Martha Stewart. Will this sequel be a movie rental fav or a movie theater regret?

This episode we’re traveling back to 2001 and grabbing our ringside seats for this epic bio pic of the legend the greatest of all time, Muhammed Ali starring Will Smith. This movie has a knockout cast including Jamie Foxx, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Jon Voight, Jeffrey Wright, Nona Gaye, Michael Michelle, and Directed by Michael Mann. Will this Oscar buzzed movie be a movie rental fav or a movie theater regret?

This episode we’re traveling back to 2000 and checking the screening times for The Legend of Bagger Vance. This golf movie stars Will Smith, Matt Damon, and Charlize Theron and is a major example of the 'magical negro trope' found in so many movies. So grab your mint juleps and hit the links with us as we discuss another notch and maybe a not so great choice in Will Smith's dramatic belt. This film is brought to you by the iconic Robert Redford and is loosely based on the Hindu sacred text the Bhagavad Gita. Will this be a movie rental fav or a movie theater regret?

This episode we’re traveling back to 1997 to hang with Big Willie (Will Smith) and his first 'solo' album Big Willie Style. Then we're getting ready for Will2K, we mean Y2K in 1999 with Will's 2nd 'solo' album Willenium. While we'll miss DJ Jazzy Jeff on the 1's and 2's, don't worry his presence is still very much there, making cameos in a few videos as well as credited as a main producer. This one goes out to all the Big Willie's so watch us freak this episode as we bring it to you smooth like BUTTA BABY. Will these albums make it to the giant CD binder of glory (aka our playlists) or will they get tossed like frisbees like Cleo in 'Set It Off'?

Grab your chaps and your cowboy hats and hop on top of your giant steampunk tarantula as we take a trip back to 1999 with our pals Julie & Joe. We're talking one of the most notable Blockbuster bombs 1999's Wild Wild West, brought to you by Barry Sonnenfeld's big spider movie dreams. We're talking Jim West (Will Smith) and Artemus Gordon (Kevin Kline) as we deep dive into another Will Smith buddy film. Despite it's reputation there's some other pretty notable stars in this movie, Salma Hayek (Rita Escobar) and Kenneth Branaugh (Dr. Arliss Loveless). Will this be a movie theatre bust or a movie rental fave? 

Also check out our 'pre show' where we play 1999 This or That with Julie & Joe. 

Join us with our pals Julie & Joe and get to know them before the Wild Wild West episode as we play around of 'This or That' for the year 1999.

Take a trip back with us to 1998 as we watch Will Smith hacked and cyber-stalked in the tech action thriller Enemy of the State. Starring Will Smith and Gene Hackman and directed by Tony Scott this movie delivers both in plot and action. Will Smith is stretching his acting chops as he plays Robert Clayton Dean whose life has been flipped turned upside down? Well...it's true. This movie has some sneaky recognizable casting with Jon Voight, Regina King, Lisa Bonet, Jamie Kennedy, Seth Green, Jack Black, Jake Busey, and Anna Gunn. Will this movie be a movie theatre regret or a movie rental fave?

Bad Boys, Bad Boys, What ya gonna do? What ya gonna do but listen to our episode taking ya back to the 9 5! We're talking all things Will Smith and Martin Lawrence in the first Bad Boys movie! There's tons of explosions courtesy of Michael Bay, some tight muscle shirts and 90's fashions, and a stereotypical damsel in distress in the form of 1990's Tea Leoni. Will this big Blockbuster be a movie theatre regret or a Blockbuster weekend rental fave?

This episode take a trip back with us and pop in some cassette tapes, put the needle on the record, or even plop a CD into your disc-man. We're talking about early hip-hop as we go through the discography and career of DJ Jazzy Jeff (Jeff Towns) and The Fresh Prince (Will Smith). Will's start in music might be a bit underrated since his movie career has eclipsed it a bit. From hits like Parents Just Don't Understand to Summertime, we're covering the albums Rock The House, He's The DJ...I'm the Rapper, And In This Corner, Homebase, and Code Red. Yo are you ready for us yet!? Here we go, here we go, here we go again to BOOM BOOM SHAKE SHAKE THE ROOM!

This episode we’re traveling back to 1993 and checking the screening times for Six Degrees of Separation starring Will Smith, Stockard Channing, and Donald Sutherland. This film adaptation of the popular play is a big break for Will Smith that showcases his range and abilities as an actor beyond the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Directed by Fred Schepisi and the screenplay written by original writer John Guare. Will this be a movie rental fav or a movie theater regret?

This episode we’re traveling back to 1993 and checking the screening times for the Whoopi Goldberg and Ted Danson led movie Made In America. This is Will Smith's 2nd major film and the first time he gets to work with actress Nia Long, they will notably work together later on the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Jennifer Tilly plays a young aerobics instructor and girlfriend to Ted Danson's character. Made In America focuses on the hilarity of an artificial insemination gone wrong, but 18 years later. Searching for answers, relationships, and love leads to some pretty enjoyable 90's comedy/hi-jinks. Directed by Richard Benjamin, will this be a movie rental fav or a movie theater regret?

This episode we’re traveling back to 1992 and checking the screening times for Where the Day Takes You. This film is Will Smith's feature film debut, which also features some other pretty noticeable up and coming actors at the time. Directed by Marc Rocco, this film depicting youth homelessness starring Dermot Mulroney, Laura Flynn Boyle, Sean Astin, and Balthazar Getty is a pretty well meaning film. Other notable appearances from Ricki Lake, Kyle MacLachlan, Nancy McKeon, David Arquette and Alyssa Milano. Will this be a movie rental fav or a movie theater regret?

So this is a story about how we went on another IMDB deep dive for season 2, so take a minute and just sit right there and we'll tell you who we picked for all their Blockbuster hits. In this brief episode, we reveal our actor for next season, talk about how familiar we are with them, what we're excited to learn and discover, as well as what we're excited to revisit! 

Take a trip back through 2021 with us as we recount the reuniting of Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez during 2021. From mysterious visits in White Escalades to Red Carpet Premieres. We're shooting the shit and going back through some key moments of Bennifer 2.0 and giving our unsolicited opinions and thoughts on their future. 

To close out the season we're wrapping up JLO with a few bonus episodes. This episode we're traveling back through JLO's discography and talking about her albums from our faves, least faves, and our new faves. We're giving our thoughts on where we think JLO's headed musically and what we hope to see from the pop star in the coming years. We talk about her growth as a performer/singer and...it's just an all over Jennifer Lopez music love fest. 

Will This Is Me Then reign Supreme? Will AKA have grown on us? Do we still forget about Brave? Did we hype up Como Ama Una Mujer? Is JLO really the hit zone? Does On The 6 still hold up today? Did we give Rebirth a hard time? 

To close out the season we're wrapping up JLO with a few bonus episodes, this episode we talk about her appearance on SNL in 2019 for promoting Hustlers, as well as her appearance on the real deal inside the actors studio. Finally we're giving our overall thoughts on all movies touching on  Money Train, Selena, U-Turn, the Cell, Out of Sight, Enough, Gigli, Jersey Girl, Maid in Manhattan, the Wedding Planner, Jersey Girl, Hustlers and so much more! Tune in for our wrap up episode on all things music next week.