Our hosts often ask: Who even watches all this trash? Answer: I do. I found this podcast after watching Christmas Trade and reading a Letterboxd review that shouted out the Swapcast. I of course listened to the Christmas Trade episode first, and as Paul vehemently corrected every review comparing it to Freaky Friday by saying they're wrong, it's OBVIOUSLY Vice Versa, I knew I had found my people. By sticking to a central trope instead of a director or topic, the movies covered are a menagerie of touchstone highs and real, real, lost-to-time lows that span genres, decades, and quality that is really fun. Paul, Lucy, and Brendan clearly know a thing or two about filmmaking and media, but the podcast maintains a cozy sense of hometown camaraderie that makes it accesible to film buffs and laypersons alike. I love Brendan's creativity and dedication to keeping to the true meaning of the word "tenuous." Lucy's character arc of starting out mentioning Chances Are nearly every episode to rant, to later not even remembering what it is on name alone, is exemplary, hopeful proof that time heals all wounds. And Paul, the absolute champ and mastermind of it all, is the kind of movie friend I hope everyone finds someday: one that knows when and with whom to watch not only the good but the bad and the good-bad as well. I'm about two-thirds of the way through, jumping between picking specific movies and starting from the beginning in a Memento-like listening order while making holiday presents, and I'm having just a grand time! Thanks, Christmas Trade, for a true Christmas miracle! Also holding Face/Off for ransom is diabolically genius, I love it 😈
