Skip to main content
Matinee Manatees

Matinee Manatees

By Matinee Manatees

A movie review and relaxation podcast for movie lovers who'd like some help falling asleep. Sluggishly hosted by everybody's favorite podcast hosts: a sedate pair of half-ton aquatic mammals who love movies and wax comedic and pedantic about them for hours on end. Come with and drift along?
Listen on Spotify
Available on
Apple Podcasts Logo
Castbox Logo
Google Podcasts Logo
Pocket Casts Logo
RadioPublic Logo
Spotify Logo
Currently playing episode

Godzilla (1998)

Matinee ManateesMay 10, 2019

00:00
04:10:24
Dante's Peak (1997)

Dante's Peak (1997)

We're back and we're checking out another Patreon poll winner: the 1997 disaster movie Dante's Peak! Directed by Roger Donaldson and starring Pierce Brosnan and Linda Hamilton, Dante's Peak was one of two big volcano movies to come out in 1997, but the only one to take a scientific eye and really address those age old volcano questions, like: What if a volcano erupted like three times? What would that do? Would it look kind of cool? What if you, like, drove through lava? And others! This one's like two completely different movies, folks. Really something else.

Feb 19, 202405:18:31
Elf (2003)

Elf (2003)

Happy Holidays everybody! This year the manatees are going a little more recent for the 20th birthday of a modern classic Christmas movie, 2003's Elf! Directed by Jon Favreau and starring Will Ferrell and James Caan, Elf is a colorful little modern-day fairy tale that's pretty much appropriate for all ages and moves along at a good clip. But how compelling is it really? The manatees talk red flags in dating coworkers, the inner workings of hybrid engines, commiserate on the pros and cons of being the biggest guy in a workshop, and wind up talking a lot about video games. Float along with us and enjoy the season, won't you?

Dec 19, 202303:42:37
Jingle All The Way (1996)

Jingle All The Way (1996)

Happy Black Friday week everybody. In the spirit of the holidays (consumerism) we're rewatching the widely reviled but oddly charming holiday flop Jingle All the Way, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sinbad, and directed by Brian Levant. It's almost thirty years old! You've probably heard of this one; it's almost universally panned by critics but has its fans regardless, and we're going to find out if we're among them. Float along with the manatees as they tackle the important questions like: should bodybuilders' kids be played by other bodybuilders? How do masks work, exactly? And of course, just how many daylight hours are there in Minnesota in December? Literally none of these will be answered satisfactorily. Come take a nap!

Nov 22, 202304:59:35
The Thing (1982)

The Thing (1982)

Happy Halloween, everyone! We're taking a look John Carpenter's 1982 classic, The Thing! Starring Kurt Russell, Keith David, Wilford Brimley, and a bunch of other guys in parkas. While it was a flop at its release, The Thing has become a cult classic since and appears on just about every top 100 list of horror movies ever made, famous both for its special effects and for its paranoid psychological tone. But does it deserve the hype? Float along with the manatees as they tackle the important questions like: is the monster kinda dumb? Are flamethrowers normal de-icing equipment? And, are we sure this ending is actually ambiguous? Among others. Take a look-see if you've got a strong stomach, or maybe skip this month if scary movies aren't your thing, but we're diving right in.

Oct 25, 202305:12:10
Conan The Barbarian (1982)

Conan The Barbarian (1982)

At long last, the manatees are covering the famous story beloved around the world about a long-haired bronze age man who was crucified by an evil empire and then rose from the dead to save us all from the serpent... Conan the Barbarian! The 1982 version, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sandahl Bergman, and James Earl Jones, directed by John Milius, and featuring a soundtrack by the incomparable Basil Poledouris, this sword-and-sandahl epic (GET IT?!?) has remained above all its imitators since through sheer style and unconventional casting choices. But does it hold up? Float along with the manatees as they tackle the important questions like: how much of paleolithic history do we actually know about anyway? Is there any combination of ingredients that make it a good idea to serve soup at an orgy? And of course, that age-old industry calculus: is it better to invest in oxen or orphan power for your mill? Get the answers to these and other pressing questions, or just nod off and dream of being exceptionally large, with the manatees and Conan. Lamentations!

Sep 27, 202303:58:03
Troll 2 (1990)

Troll 2 (1990)

It had to happen. We finally check out the infamous, the legendary, the nigh-on-indescribable work that defined a generation, 1990's Troll 2. Directed by Claudio Fragasso and starring Michael Paul Stephenson, George Hardy, and Deborah Reed, Troll 2 has exactly zero connection to the movie Troll and indeed zero trolls in it. But does it deserve the reputation and cult following that it has? Float along with the manatees to the mysterious town of Nilbog as they talk sorcery, lavender dating, geography, and what makes a life well lived while trying to decode this mind-bending work that the world still isn't ready for and probably never will be.

Jul 30, 202304:56:04
Twister (1996)

Twister (1996)

We're returning to the 90's well with 1996's "Twister", directed by Jan de Bont and starring Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton. Twister is an interesting attempt at making a natural disaster movie by making a slasher movie and replacing the slasher with a twister. But does it work? Well... that's debatable. The manatees have more pressing concerns, like: just how complicated is barrel opening? Could a catapult solve this entire situation? And aren't the bad guys way better guys than the good guys here? Float along with us to find out the answer to these and other pressing questions.

Jun 21, 202304:22:53
Mars Attacks (1996)

Mars Attacks (1996)

There are two movies out there based on Topps trading card limited series from the 60's, and of those two, 1996's Mars Attacks is our personal favorite. Directed by Tim Burton and starring pretty much everyone who's ever been in another Burton movie, Mars Attacks has the extreme honor of being the first Burton film that's title isn't just a character's name. However, it also had the bad luck of being released the same year as the much-more-beloved Independence Day, and predictably under performed. But was it actually that bad? The manatees dust off this curio of a film and tackle the important questions like: what exactly counts as a flop? What is the ideal number of Jack Nicholson characters in a feature film? And wait a second, is that Ray-J? (it IS!) Float along and watch it all burn down with us. TW: intentionally over-the-top cartoon gore, violence, etc.

Apr 30, 202304:01:09
Avatar (2009)

Avatar (2009)

We're back after an unplanned month off (sorry!) and checking out the suddenly-sequeled 2009 cgi spectacle "Avatar"!  Written and directed by our old pal James Cameron and starring Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldana, Avatar famously leans style over substance, but that doesn't mean it can't have both, does it? As of the writing of this episode note, Avatar remains the highest grossing film of all time, was seen by pretty much everyone in the world, and is about... um.  I guess it's Ferngully?  But also Pocahontas.  But all the characters you care about are giant skinny blue people.  It's um.  It's actually pretty strange.  Have you seen it?

Float along with the manatees as they ask some of the less-frequently-examined questions of the film, like: are the avatars just alien men in black?  What puts something in the uncanny valley?  And, if you can make hybrid avatars of alien species on a planet with giant butterfly dragons, why choose the blue people?  Also, book recommendations, discussions of caricatures and tropes, and several very contrived excuses to talk about Jason Momoa.  Happy listening!


Mar 13, 202304:54:08
The NeverEnding Story (1984)

The NeverEnding Story (1984)

We're going back to the 80's for another movie with puppets with 1984's cult classic The NeverEnding Story, directed by Wolfgang Petersen and based (contentiously) on the book by Michael Ende.  Famously one of the most expensive movies ever made outside of the US at the time, The NeverEnding Story features one of the most overtly fantastical settings of any movie ever, and the youngest cast of any movie the manatees have seen to date.  But does it hold up?  

The manatees face the truly challenging questions this movie poses, such as: Which fictional world would actually be possible to survive in?  Which horrible puppet monster would make the best husband?  And of course, just how old is Law and Order actually?  Float along with us to find out the answers to these and so many other definitely relevant questions.

Jan 26, 202303:24:54
Edward Scissorhands (1990)

Edward Scissorhands (1990)

Seasons Greetings and Happy Holidays and so forth and so on!  We're staying in the sort of spooky sort of holiday spirit with the 1990 Christmas classic(?) Edward Scissorhands!  The first of a long line of collaborations between Tim Burton, Danny Elfman, and Johnny Depp (Helena Bonham Carter had not joined the gang yet) and also starring Winona Ryder and Matinee Manatees alum Dianne Wiest, Edward Scissorhands arguably cemented Burton's reputation and style for the rest of his career and became a standby for the kind of sad and somewhat spooky for a generation.  But how long has it been since you actually sat down and watched it?  The manatees discuss pressing issues like the propensity of neighborhood kids to hang out in derelict buildings, ideal utensils to have instead of fingers, and the sad neglected fate of Edgar Cookiefeet, the sad robot boy who could have been.  Float along with us as we revisit this cult favorite, and a very merry any-holiday to you and yours.

Dec 25, 202203:26:05
The Mothman Prophecies (2002)

The Mothman Prophecies (2002)

We're starting the holiday season early with the famously saccharine Christmas romance, The Mothman Prophecies (alternate title: Mothman Saves Christmas).  Richard Gere plays a grumpy widower from the big city who doesn't want to do anything on Christmas but sit at home and play with his phone, but one day when his car breaks down in the idyllic rural town of Point Pleasant, his life gets turned upside down and he finds that he just doesn't want to leave!  With a little meddling and a little magic from his mysterious guardian angel, Richard Gere begins to find love with a pretty small-town cop who has a lot of Christmas cheer, considers abandoning the big city career that doesn't make him happy, and most importantly learns that Christmas is about more than fancy parties and presents in: The Mothman Prophecies.


(TW actually a parapsychological thriller.  Kind of.)

Nov 28, 202203:38:01
Leprechaun (1993)

Leprechaun (1993)

We're revisiting some beloved Matinee Manatee alumni with Leprechaun, the 1993 comedy-horror starring Jennifer Aniston and Warwick Davis, our old friends from Office Space and Willow.  Written and directed by Mark Jones, Leprechaun would go on to spawn seven sequels to date, so it must be doing something right, right?  Float along with us to relive this bizarre little film and also get some free bonus content from the manatees, such as discussion on the proper handling of potentially rabid animals, learning fun new words like "numismatologist", and super valuable blood donation hacks you can try at home!  (Do not try them at home.)

Oct 13, 202202:49:16
Office Space (1999)

Office Space (1999)

Just in time for being way too late for labor day, the Manatees are revisiting the 1999 Mike Judge classic Office Space, supposedly starring Ron Livingston and Jennifer Aniston but actually starring Gary Cole and Stephen Root, and also featuring Matinee Manatee alums Orlando Jones and Michale McShane!  While it was a flop at release, Office Space quickly became a cult classic in large part due to its portrayal of middle American office culture at the turn of the millennium.  But does it hold up?  Float along with the manatees and find out!  Personal anecdotes about office jobs and incessant comparisons to Fight Club ensue.  

The manatees share old guy advice on how to get away with slacking at work, why you should never dramatically quit when you can make them fire you, and why there is never a good way to ask a service worker out on a date while they're at work, and ask the tough questions, like: Is Milton real?  Is this job actually bad or is it just the protagonist's personality?  What does any of this have to do with Drew Carey?  Answers to all these and more on the next exciting episode of Matinee Manatees!  (Please note: description of episode as exciting is not intended to be legally binding)

Sep 23, 202203:48:51
Bloodsport (1988)

Bloodsport (1988)

What can we say, we missed Mortal Kombat so much we decided to go after its dad: 1988's cult classic Bloodsport!  Directed by Newt Arnold and starring Jean-Claude Van Damme, Bloodsport is about a guy who goes to Hong Kong and fights a bunch of people.  Somehow, Forest Whitaker is there.  That's about it, that's all you need.  

The manatees do a deep dive into the history and traditions underpinning competitive martial arts and jump-tackle the darkest secrets of the MMA underground, such as how shorts make you a better fighter, why you can't just stop after learning the Dim Mak, how the UFC is this movie's fault, and why Andre The Giant should have been in this movie.  And, just because we know everyone's asking, yes, there is a lengthy segment on JCVD's underwear.  Don't worry, we've got you covered.  Unlike JCVD's butt.  Ha-HA!

Aug 03, 202203:50:21
Double Dragon (1994)

Double Dragon (1994)

What do you get when you combine the setting from Escape From La, the costumes from Siegfried and Roy, the car from Back To The Future, the half locket from Annie, and the prosthetics from the Garbage Pail Kids?  Why, Double Dragon, of course, the movie based on the game that had none of those things.  Directed by James Yukich and starring Robert Patrick, Mark Dacascos, and Scott Wolf, Double Dragon takes a game about two brothers with mullets working on their hot rod and beating up a town full of gangsters and turns it into a movie about two brothers in the future whose father was either a king or an archaeologist who need to steal half a medallion before the T-1000 does.  Also, Alyssa Milano is there!  The manatees do their best with this one and tackle the hard-hitting questions, such as: What should a remake look like?  Are the games any good?  Did they already make a plot hole in the opening crawl?  What's the difference between an amulet and a medallion?  And most importantly, where exactly is the line between so bad it's irredeemable and so bad it's good?  Float along for the answers to these and more exciting questions with 1994's Double Dragon.  (Maybe just rewatch Ninja Turtles instead.)

Jun 27, 202204:29:45
Over The Top (1987)

Over The Top (1987)

We're back in the weird 80's genre with 1987's Over The Top, directed by Menahem Golan and starring Sylvester Stallone and Robert Loggia.  We both thought this was a movie about arm wrestling, but it's actually more like two separate movies, one about arm wrestling and one about an awkward father-son road trip.  Also, the son's name is Mike Hawk, and if you think we couldn't possibly overdo a joke about that, you are very wrong.  Float along with us as we tackle the serious questions like: Why was this movie made?  Is this a different singer than the last one? How come this movie was made?  Is Lincoln a serial killer?  For what reason was this movie made?  How many photos is too many photos?  To what end was this movie made? And so on!  (We actually kind of loved this one.)

May 23, 202202:55:09
Felix The Cat (1988)

Felix The Cat (1988)

It's a patron request month!  This month we're checking out 1988's Felix The Cat animated feature, aptly described to us as "an acid trip box office flop".  If you haven't heard of it, that's probably because almost nobody saw it.  But why?  We've all heard of Felix The Cat, seen the clocks, might have won a stuffed animal at a carnival once or twice, so how come nobody saw the movie?  Does it deserve more attention, or is it where it ought to be in the cultural consciousness?  Who'd win in a fight between Felix and Micky?  Did Sonic the Hedgehog copy this movie for his 2006 game's plot?  If Felix and Garfield and Heathcliff formed a faction could they compete with the Looney Tunes and the Disney gang?  We have no idea, this movie melted our brains.  Float along with us?

Mar 31, 202203:08:28
Batman and Robin (1997)

Batman and Robin (1997)

Welcome back Batmanatees!  Anthony drags Sam across the finish line of their Batman journey with 1997's notorious Batman and Robin, directed by Joel Schumacher and starring Matinee Manatee alums Arnold Schwarzenegger, Chris O'Donnell, Michael Gough, and John Glover, and also newcomers George Clooney, Alicia Silverstone, and Uma Thurman!  Wow, that's a lot of names, you may say.  That sounds like kind of a mess, you may say.  Interesting!  Apparently there had been plans to continue Schumacher's Batman movies for several more installments, but the critical and audience reception of this one put those plans on hold and effectively ended the series.  But, was that harsh reaction deserved?  Pack your bat credit cards (never leave home without them), float along with us, and find out!

Feb 26, 202206:07:15
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)

Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)

Happy 2022 everybody!  We're still on our 90's kick with 1991's legendary Terminator 2: Judgment Day, directed by James Cameron and starring Linda Hamilton, Edward Furlong, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Robert Patrick.  Can you believe it took us this long to get to a Schwarzenegger movie?  The second of what would eventually be six movies and a television show, Terminator 2 retells the timeless struggle between a guy with a robot skeleton and an angry jelly man and, arguably, tells this classic tale better than any movie before or since.  

Ben rants about the bar exam and pitches Terminator franchise sequels that nobody's tried yet, Sam explores theme composition and the effect of seeing movies' legacies before the movies themselves, and both manatees tackle the important questions other podcasts haven't had the guts to, like: Are those laser planes also terminators?  Should online reviews use mean, median, or mode?  Are The Terminator and The Matrix in the same universe?  Would Danny DeVito have been a good T-1000?  (Yes, obviously.)  Tune in to find out!

Jan 20, 202204:56:32
Home Alone (1990)

Home Alone (1990)

Happy holidays everybody!  To get in the mood for the season, we're revisiting the famous 1990 Christmas movie Home Alone, directed by Chris Columbus and starring Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, and Daniel Stern.  The classic story of a child being able to do whatever he wants in his house and a rich family shocked that they can't buy their way out of problems, it kind of starts as like an abandoned-building Dawn of the Dead for kids, then in the last half hour turns into more of a Straw Dogs... for kids.  It's definitely a movie for kids, and perhaps it loses something if viewed too hard by adults, but the nostalgia is strong with this one.  Maybe it's also a Moby Dick for robbers?  The Odyssey for moms?  Are we reaching too hard?  Probably.  Sam talks music composition, Ben compulsively compares it to other movies, both notice a few more holes than they'd hoped, but overall it's a pretty chill time.  Float along with us?

Dec 12, 202104:26:45
The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997)

The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997)

Happy turkey day everybody!  In celebration, we went back to one of our favorite movies about dinosaurs which are kind of sort of birds, and then watched the sequel instead: 1997's The Lost World (Jurassic Park 2) directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Jeff Goldblum and Julianne Moore!  The Lost World got a lot of flak for not being as good as the first Jurassic Park, but if not for having to fill those giant puddle-rippling shoes, is it really that bad?  Come find out with us!  Is Julianne Moore a dinosaur agent?  Should Jeff Goldblum play James Bond?  Are T-Rexes telekinetic?  Why are we talking about David Duchovny so much?  We get right to the bottom of it.  Eventually.  Sort of.

Nov 26, 202105:17:48
28 Days Later (2002)

28 Days Later (2002)

Happy Scary-tober everybody!  This month the manatees checked out 28 Days Later, directed by Danny Boyle and starring Cillian Murphy and Naomie Harris!  This one was a patreon poll, and honestly we're pretty glad it turned out the way it did.  The movie that arguably kicked off the zombie resurgence of the early 2000s, 28 Days Later isn't actually a zombie movie according to its creators, but it's close enough that it gets lumped in with them quite a bit.  Is that fair?  Float along with the manatees as they wrestle with this question for about two seconds, then spend a lot longer ranting about zombie survival plans, pandemics, proper coma patient dressing etiquette, and revealing that they know almost nothing about European geography.  If there were a rage vaccine, would people even take it?  What's the difference between an apartment and a flat?  How would The Mariner deal with running out of water?  Listen for the answers to all these questions and more!

Oct 18, 202105:34:40
Jason And The Argonauts (1963)

Jason And The Argonauts (1963)

Tom Hanks once said that Jason And The Argonauts was the greatest film ever made.  But was he right?  I mean, yeah, probably.  Directed by Don Chaffey, starring Todd Armstrong and Honor Blackman, and featuring an original score by the fantastic Bernard Herrmann, Jason And The Argonauts is perhaps better known as a showcase of the legendary Ray Harryhausen's visual effects, but even aside from those it's got a pace and a feel that's worth catching.  Also, it's free on the web archives, so that's a plus!  Float along with the manatees as they gush over mid-century claymation, discuss responsible provisioning plans, and demonstrate a consistent and profound lack of Greek myth expertise.  This is a fun one!

Aug 31, 202103:33:15
Waterworld (1995)

Waterworld (1995)

This month we're watching another collaboration by the Kevins Reynolds and Costner with 1995's Waterworld!  Also featuring the triumphant return of Dennis Hopper and the podcast's first appearance of Jeanne Tripplehorn and Tina Majorino.  The most expensive movie ever made at the time of its release, Waterworld was widely considered a flop but actually did make its budget back eventually, and poses many thought provoking questions, such as: Is there weather in the future?  Can we breathe through fish?  Why is pee easier to purify than salt water?  How are cigarettes made?  What makes a man a fish?  Where does water come from?  What is water?  And so on!   Sam sets out to design two new video games, Ben says "piss" about a hundred times, both accidentally reveal how little they know about sailing, and a generally good time is had by all.  Float along with us?

Jul 09, 202104:31:27
Highlander (1986)

Highlander (1986)

HEEEEERE WE ARE!  It's one of the 80's most notorious cult classics and every mall samurai's fever dream, 1986's Highlander, which made no money but somehow spawned half a dozen sequels and four TV series!  Directed by our old friend Russell Mulcahy and starring Matinee Manatee alumni Christopher Lambert, Sean Connery, and Clancy Brown, along with newcomer Roxanne Hart, Highlander is just self-aware enough to make for some pretty spectacular schlock.  It's got everything you could want!  Queen!  Swords!  Very white sneakers!  80's lightning!  Bad age makeup!  And, an immortal elk?  Sam shares wrestling facts, Ben rants about streaming services, both vow to watch the followups which probably neither of them do.  Come float along and be bemused with us at this bizarre artifact of a more creative and, arguably, less demanding time.

May 26, 202104:11:17
Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)

Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)

You've definitely heard of this one!  The manatees are back to crushing on Bob Hoskins with 1988's Who Framed Roger Rabbit, directed by Robert Zemeckis and starring Bob Hoskins, Charles Fleischer, Christopher Lloyd, and Joanna Cassidy.  Made in the era before CGI, Who Framed Roger Rabbit presents probably the most impressive precedent of pretending between actual actors and animated art anywhere at the age it appeared!  (And, arguably, after!)  I tried to have some fun with alliteration there but I'm not sure it worked.  Includes wrestling trivia from Sam, failed novel settings from Ben, and a bit of history about Los Angeles' public transit system for your perusal.  Float along with us as we gush over Bob, noir, and cartoons in general, and try not to let Judge Doom give you any nightmares.

Apr 01, 202104:14:28
Street Fighter (1994)

Street Fighter (1994)

Good morning Shadaloo!  This month we're returning to our roots and sitting through the notorious video-game-to-movie-adaptation Street Fighter, from 1994!  Directed by by Steven de Souza and starring Jean Claude Van Damme, Raul Julia, and about a dozen others, Street Fighter is remembered mostly for being a flop and also for being Julia's final performance, and oh, you guys, it is a magnificent performance.  Float along with the manatees while they discuss streets, fighting, and the lack of both in this weird G.I. Joe lookin' movie based on a fighting game that it has almost nothing to do with.  Have a watch, have a listen, have a nice nap!

Feb 28, 202104:45:21
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003)

The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003)

We're back after the holidays with a super-sized three-manatee episode!  This month, in honor of the late great Sean Connery, the manatees are re-watching his last movie, 2003's The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen!  Directed by Stephen Norrington.  It's not great, but does it deserve as bad a reputation as it has?  Float along with us and find out! 


Jan 29, 202106:09:49
Batman Returns (1992)

Batman Returns (1992)

Season's Greetings, Batmanatees! Anthony is triumphant. Sam finally gives in and watches our favorite Christmas movie, Tim Burton's Batman Returns, starring Michael Keaton, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Danny DeVito. Simultaneously, Anthony usurps Ben's place as co-host of the podcast. Everything is falling into place. The manatees beef with Roger Ebert, plot to bring back Ben as a Catwomantee, and y'all already know who Christoper Walken's Max Shreck reminds us of. Happy Holidays! Come for a float?
Nov 28, 202006:43:57
Exorcist 2: The Heretic (1977)

Exorcist 2: The Heretic (1977)

For this year's Scarytober the manatees are watching one of the most notorious sequels to a horror movie in cinematic history: 1977's Exorcist II: The Heretic! Directed by John Boorman and starring Linda Blair, Richard Burton, and Louise Fletcher, Exorcist 2 takes the franchise in a different direction, replacing demons with grasshoppers, exorcists with investigative journalists, and ritual exorcism with punching. The manatees are dumbfounded. Float along with us?
Oct 28, 202003:51:49
The Princess Bride (1987)

The Princess Bride (1987)

It's a listener request month! Luckily our patrons have very good taste and have chosen 1987's The Princess Bride, written by William Goldman, directed by Rob Reiner and starring Robin Wright, Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, and Andre the Giant! This one's an old favorite, so we went an extra step and actually read a whole book about the making of this movie, and guys? It's just a really fun hang. Float along with us, learn about a classic, and please don't forget to vote.
Sep 30, 202005:07:57
Starship Troopers (1997)

Starship Troopers (1997)

We're checking out Paul Verhoeven's famous 1997 satire Starship Troopers! Starring Casper Van Dien (the puppet from Team America), Denise Richards (Tammy from Tammy and the T-Rex), and Dina Meyer (cool lady from Dragonheart), Starship Troopers flopped at the time, but we're convinced a lot of it got missed by audiences. The manatees discuss propaganda reels, the problem with netflix, bugs and power armor in starcraft and warhammer 40k, and the difference between space fiddles and space violins.
Aug 26, 202004:28:19
Point Break (1991)

Point Break (1991)

Do you guys remember Point Break? Directed by Kathryn Bigelow and starring Keanu Reeves, Patrick Swayze, and Lori Petty, Point Break is an oft-misremembered classic and directly responsible for one of the top-grossing movie franchises still active right now. (You'll know which one as soon as you see it.) Ben tries his flippers at puns, Tony proposes a script edit that would fix the entire third act, everybody has a pretty okay time.
Jul 01, 202006:09:26
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990)

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990)

We're back with an old favorite, 1990's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, directed by Steve Barron and starring Judith Hoag, Elias Koteas, and some very endearing foam-rubber puppet suits. It's basically an overall silly, nostalgic romp, and we're here for it. The manatees discuss the logistics of setting up teen cult hideouts, early 2000's fighting games, comic books in general, and the difference in romantic relationships with fish people vs amphibian people.
May 23, 202004:56:40
Willow (1988)

Willow (1988)

Our patrons have spoken! The winner of this quarter's sword-and-sorcery poll is 1988's Willow, directed by Ron Howard and starring Warwick Davis, Val Kilmer, and Patricia Hayes. It's a fun little fairy tale and it makes very little sense and that's a lot of fun. The manatees discuss the rules of magic, best wizard voices, and what even is a possum. Have a listen, stay indoors, be safe, we love you.
Apr 22, 202003:38:50
Jumanji (1995)

Jumanji (1995)

Do you guys remember Jumanji? The first one, from 1995? Directed by Joe Johnston, starring Robin Williams and Bonnie Hunt and David Alan Grier? With Matinee Manatees alums Kirsten Dunst and Jonathan Hyde? Well, we like it. Float along for bonus tips on mystical board game speedrunning, bad car repair praxis, and possible alternative podcasts hosted by monkeys. For free!
Mar 23, 202003:19:18
Top Gun (1986)

Top Gun (1986)

After some glitches, the manatees are back! This time around they're watching culturally iconic Top Gun, directed by Tony Scott and starring Tom Cruise, Kelly McGillis, Val Kilmer, and Anthony Edwards. And it's... um. Well. Float along with the manatees as they pine for an Iceman and Goose movie instead, discuss the merits of voiceover narratives in action movies, and detail why Maverick should probably be on a registry... and we don't mean the national film registry.
Feb 10, 202003:21:32
The Mummy (1999)

The Mummy (1999)

We're back, and for the cold season we're going straight to Morocco-dressed-as-Egypt for 1999's The Mummy, directed by Stephen Sommers and starring Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz, John Hannah, and Arnold Vosloo. Float along as the manatees discuss mummification hangovers, better ways to prevent resurrections, and yet another spec script! Sam is sleepy and creates a band. Ben gets mad about camels and game of thrones. Neither knows anything about history. Enjoy!
Dec 20, 201903:46:50
Batman (1989)

Batman (1989)

For our first 100% Ben-free episode, bat-fan Anthony (Batmanatee? Fanatee?) has finally convinced Sam to watch 1989's Batman! Directed by Tim Burton (with mandatory score by Danny Elfman) and starring Jack Nicholson, Michael Keaton, and Kim Basinger, Batman 1989 is arguably the movie that started the grim 90's superhero movie trend, and for that we owe it a lot.
Nov 29, 201906:13:09
Ernest Scared Stupid (1991)

Ernest Scared Stupid (1991)

For the spookiest month of the year (I guess?) the manatees are diving into halloween flippers-first with 1991's Ernest Scared Stupid. Do you guys remember Ernest? The character created by Jim Varney was ubiquitous during his heyday, appearing in ten movies, his own tv show, and dozens if not hundreds of commercials. And now, this podcast! Float along for insights into monster hunting, treehouse defense system savings tips, and the similarities between Ernest Worrell and Freddy Krueger. Also, trolls.
Oct 22, 201903:24:18
Evolution (2001)

Evolution (2001)

The manatees finally start watching movies from this millennium with 2001's Evolution, directed by Ivan Reitman and starring David Duchovny, Orlando Jones, Julianne Moore, and Seann William Scott. It doesn't super hold up, but, y'know, whatever. Ben rants about Evolution... and vaccines... and the shape of the earth. Sam theorizes about Seann William Scott's career trajectory. Both provide a tantalizing glimpse into the military strategies of a manatee nation united. It's a good time all around.
Sep 21, 201903:19:32
The Crow (1994)

The Crow (1994)

This month the manatees are checking out Brandon Lee's tragic last film, The Crow. Directed by Alex Proyas and starring Brandon Lee, Ernie Hudson, Bai Ling, Tony Todd, and featuring the triumphant return of Michael Wincott, the guy with the voice from Robin Hood! Discussion points include whether or not Shelley shoulda been the Crow, Sting (the wrestler, not the singer), alternate casting (Tommy Wiseau!), a spec script for a fifth sequel written by yours truly, and the practicality of pooping out bullets.
Jul 01, 201903:57:24
The Fifth Element (1997)

The Fifth Element (1997)

This month the manatees are revisiting 1997's The Fifth Element, directed by Luc Besson and starring Bruce Willis and Milla Jovovich! Ben and Anthony discuss age appropriate relationships, the logistics of murphy appliances, and the problem of too many Chris's to eventually solve that age old riddle: what do you mix with breath, sweat, sand, and matches to make lasers? (Hint: it's smoochin'.) Come float with us!
Jun 02, 201903:38:60
Godzilla (1998)

Godzilla (1998)

Redesignated simply "Zilla" by insulted fans of the series, Roland Emmerich's 1998 adaptation Godzilla stars Matthew Broderick, Hank Azaria, Maria Pitillo, and Jean Reno, and wishes it was Jurassic Park, which it very much is not. It is seventeen hours long and features several lizards. Fish! Boats! Simpsons voice actors! Guys named Jean! All of these things are in this movie. So. There's that?
May 10, 201904:10:24
The Shadow (1994)

The Shadow (1994)

We're doing 90s remakes of 30s pulps again! 1994's The Shadow directed by Russell Mulcahy and starring Alec Baldwin, is a strange, strange film. Join the manatees as they gush over Ian McKellen and Tim Curry's supporting roles, start suggesting edits almost from minute one, demonstrate an embarrassing lack of nuclear physics knowledge, and repeatedly struggle and fail to not call it The Phantom. Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? But the ice is slippery! ... Wait. No. That's not how that goes.
Mar 23, 201903:48:43
Tomb Raider (2001)

Tomb Raider (2001)

We're starting 2019 off with the moderately notorious 2001 summer blockbuster Tomb Raider! Starring Angelina Jolie and Daniel Craig a little bit. But is it really as bad as people say? (Hint: yeah.) Float along with us as we force ourselves to finish this movie and take frequent breaks to talk astronomy, dream houses, and virtually anything else we can come up with to not focus on this movie. ... This one was kind of exhausting, guys. But! Listener choice episode coming up next month!
Feb 02, 201903:56:40
Interview With The Vampire (1994)

Interview With The Vampire (1994)

We're back on our vampire kick with 1994's classic(?) Interview With The Vampire, written by Anne Rice, directed by Neil Jordan, and starring Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, a young Kirsten Dunst, and Antonio Banderas for like a hot minute. As a free bonus, you'll also get the manatees' grim prediction of when the book series may have jumped the shark, Sam's long war with films' portrayal of piano playing, and a summary of Ben's spec script for a vampire cowboy movie. FOR FREE!
Dec 15, 201805:56:51
Tombstone (1993)

Tombstone (1993)

Quite possibly the most macho movie ever made, 1993's western Tombstone stars EVERYONE, including several stars we've seen on Matinee Manatees before. Tony has suspicions about lightning, Ben accidentally reveals what he looks for in a spouse, both gush over Doc Holliday, and everybody has a pretty good time. Float along with us to Arizona 1881 from the comfort of your own bed, listen from the beginning to hear how things are going with the charity or skip to minute 8 if you hate podcast updates, and enjoy!
Nov 21, 201805:09:05
The Phantom (1996)

The Phantom (1996)

1996's The Phantom is directed by Simon Wincer, stars Billy Zane, is widely reviled, and is actually awesome. We'll tell you how, and it's definitely not only because we're in love with Billy Zane. That's admittedly part of it, but. It's only... it's only about 80% because we're in love with Billy Zane. Float along with us for fun facts about the comics, embarrassing ignorance of basic geology, and a hypothetical casting choice that would have made this movie truly legendary.
Oct 22, 201804:50:43