Must Go Faster: Pop Culture for The People

In the final chapter of The Chris Nolan Chronicles, Ben and Rob discuss Nolan’s devotion to the movie theater experience (1:50), and how that’s collided with the news surrounding Warner Bros. decision to release their upcoming films on streaming. The two then review Nolan’s newest movie ’Tenet’ (24:30), where they rehash how they saw it in a pandemic and the insane expectations that came with the film's arrival. Ben and Rob marvel over its inverted action scenes, big budget spectacle, John David Washington’s “athletic” performance, the scintillating soundtrack and explain how the movie differs from Nolan’s past work. To end the series, they ponder the ultimate legacy of Christopher Nolan (1:22:30) - exactly how and what will director be remembered for in the distant future? 

In Part V of The Chris Nolan Chronicles, Ben and Rob launch into ‘Interstellar’ (2:15), Nolan’s sci-fi epic starring Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway. They tackle the ensemble cast (MURPH!), its most dazzling space sequences, the film’s enchanting score and why it has Nolan’s ultimate WTF ending. The two then pay tribute to Emma Thomas (53:00), Nolan’s wife, producer and confidant, discussing the major impact she’s had on shaping his career. Ben and Rob then bow down to ‘Dunkirk’ (57:30), Nolan’s masterpiece about the infamous WWII evacuation. They praise its precise direction, marvel over its rewatchability and in-the-moment intensity and go into how the film’s stripped down, focused nature help make it Nolan’s greatest movie.

In Part IV of The Chris Nolan Chronicles, Ben and Rob look at how the director builds massive hype for his movies through innovative, viral marketing (2:00). They rank their Top 5 Nolan trailers of all time (11:00), discussing what makes each special and chill inducing. The two then go in a dream within a dream to analyze ‘Inception’ (28:00), covering how it was developed, its mind-bending themes and undeniable originality plus explain why its Nolan’s “coolest” movie. They also try to interpret its twist ending and break down the film’s influence on pop culture. Moving on, Ben and Rob touch on Nolan’s demand for doing practical effects over CGI and how that preference elevates his filmmaking (1:06:00). They then tackle the final chapter in his Batman trilogy with ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ (1:11:00), reviewing its many highlights and lowlights, the phenomenon of Bane and much more.

In Part III of The Chris Nolan Chronicles, Ben and Rob investigate Nolan’s turn into becoming franchise filmmaker extraordinaire. The two weigh in on Batman Begins [10:00], discussing Nolan’s vision for Gotham City, behind the scenes nuggets and what made it radically different than Batman movies of the past. They then analyze his (flawed) masterpiece in The Dark Knight [54:00]. Ben and Rob reminisce about the hype leading up its release, pay tribute to Heath Ledger’s iconic performance as The Joker, pore over the best action scenes, and get giddy about all the little moments they love. The two also look back on the film’s profound legacy, impact on Hollywood at large and why it still matters 12 years later. To cap off Part III, Ben and Rob hit on a few enticing ‘what ifs’ throughout Nolan’s career and other genres we’d like to see him tackle [1:49:30].

In Part II of The Chris Nolan Chronicles, Ben and Rob look back on some of the most interesting casting decisions of Nolan’s career [2:15], discussing their impact and why certain actors gravitate towards his projects. The two then consider the longstanding relationship between Nolan and Warner Bros. studios [20:30], and how their partnership became a force in the movie industry. They then inspect the Al Pacino and Robin Williams led thriller ‘Insomnia’ [26:00] and what makes it stands out in Nolan’s filmography. To close out Part II, Ben and Rob revisit the magic fueled drama of ‘The Prestige’ [53:30], marveling over its direction, themes, twist ending + more, as they hand out their awards for Best Moment, Best Performance, Best Soundbite, What The F**k and Most Lasting Image.

AND HERE.. WE.. GO. In Part I of The Chris Nolan Chronicles, Ben and Rob set the stage by digging into the director's origins as an aspiring young lad, including a look at his ‘Doodlebug’ short [6:00]. The two then examine Nolan’s 1998 debut, the neo-noir ‘Following’ [17:00], discussing how it was made on an insanely low budget, the early flashes of the filmmaker’s style that he is later known for, introduce their CNC Awards + more. Next they tackle Nolan’s singular approach to narrative, such as his hatred of linear storytelling, his unapologetic love for cross cutting and how these techniques became a common thread throughout his filmography [41:30]. Ben and Rob then analyze Nolan’s indie breakthrough in ‘Memento,’ assessing the thriller’s plot, performances, structure + more as they ponder: is this the most confusing movie ever made? [52:00]. To wrap up Part I, they swoon over the director’s drive for cinematic originality [1:25:00].

In episode 45 of Must Go Faster, Ben and Rob open up with a few reflections on the COVID-19 pandemic (1:00) and how its altered daily life before getting into some of the shows, movies, books and music they’ve been digging so far in quarantine (10:45). The two then each recommend a pair of movies to watch in the genres of Comedy, Drama, Horror, Action, Thriller and Documentary (39:30).

In episode 44 of Must Go Faster, Ben and Rob toast to a ravishing year in movies as they rank, gush and discuss their 10 favorite from 2019.

In episode 42 of Must Go Faster, Ben and Rob celebrate their hometown Washington Nationals winning the 2019 World Series. They run through the emotional rollercoaster of the team’s October playoff run, their chemistry, the craziest in-game moments, player tributes and so much more.

In episode 41 of Must Go Faster, Ben and Rob look ahead to an enticing-as-hell slate of upcoming movies, previewing ‘Joker’ (10:00), ‘El Camino’ (18:00), ‘Parasite’ (24:00), ‘The Lighthouse’ (27:00), ‘Jojo Rabbit’ (31:30), ’Waves’ (35:00), ’Motherless Brooklyn’ (37:00), ’Doctor Sleep’ (39:00), ’Honey Boy’ (44:00), ’Ford v Ferrari’ (47:00), ’Knives Out’ (50:30), ‘The Irishman’ (54:30), ‘Marriage Story’ (1:01:00), ‘The Rise of Skywalker’ (1:04:00), ‘Uncut Gems’ (1:07:30), ‘1917’ (1:10:00) and ‘Little Women’ (1:13:00). The two wrap up with reviews of their recent live experiences seeing Bon Iver at The Forum and Vampire Weekend at The Garden (1:13:00).

In episode 40 of Must Go Faster, Ben and Rob go all in on Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Once Upon A Time… In Hollywood’ (3:30) and the return of David Fincher’s ‘Mindhunter’ (32:00). The two then give rapid takes on the new Bon Iver LP, ‘Succession’ S2, ‘Hard Knocks,’ ‘The Farewell,’ ‘American Factory,’ ‘Chronicles: Volume One’ by Bob Dylan,’ the trailers for ‘Marriage Story’ and ‘Little Women,’ ‘Midsommar’ and look ahead to Disney’s new streaming service (48:00).

In episode 38 of Must Go Faster, Ben and Rob assemble to review ‘Avengers: Endgame,’ breaking down its achievements, best character moments, use of humor, the in-theater experience, that explosive final hour and more. *SPOILERS BEWARE* 

In episode 37 of Must Go Faster, Ben and Rob dissect ‘Us,’ the new thriller from Jordan Peele. The two unpack its details and share their insights on the performances, favorite scenes, plot twists, symbolism, influences, fan theories and much more. *SPOILERS BEWARE*

In episode 35 of Must Go Faster, Ben goes solo to give you all the takes on this Sunday’s 91st Academy Awards. He dissects every major category, predicting who will win, who should win and pontificates on some of the nomination travesties. 

In episode 34 of Must Go Faster, Ben and Rob break down their top 10 movies of 2018, meticulously picking favorites across genres such as action, horror, heist, documentary, animated, and environmental doom drama. It’s the longest episode in MGF history - for good reason. Dive in.