Movie Wars

2-Vices Media
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A panel of stand-up comedians blends humor with deep film analysis, using their unique ‘War Card’ system to grade movies across key categories. Each episode delivers thoughtful insights and spirited debate, offering a fresh, comedic take on film critique. New episode every Tuesday!

  1. 2D AGO

    Superbad

    In this episode of Movie Wars, we tackle one of the most divisive comedies in modern cinema: Superbad. Fresh off recording our Apocalypse Now episode, we couldn't be shifting gears harder as we dive into Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg's 2007 high school comedy that many consider the gold standard for post-80s comedies. The debate gets heated as our hosts - Kyle, Seth, and Marianna - discover they're wildly split on this film. While Seth and Marianna guffaw through every scene (Marianna literally "scream-laughing at the TV"), Kyle doesn't crack a smile for 39 minutes and questions whether the raunch overshadows the heart. We dig deep into whether the lead performances from Jonah Hill and Michael Cera hold up, why Christopher Mintz-Plasse's McLovin is an absolute diamond in the rough, and how Bill Hader and Seth Rogen as incompetent cops might be the film's secret weapon. We explore the film's place in comedy history, comparing it to everything from This Is the End to Fletch and Naked Gun. Is Superbad a masterpiece of authentic teenage awkwardness, or does it live too long in raunch-for-raunch's-sake territory? We dissect the period blood scene that still shocks on rewatch, debate whether the female characters (besides Emma Stone) are unbearable by design, and question if Greg Mottola's direction succeeds by simply getting out of the way and letting the comedy breathe. Whether you're a homeschooled kid experiencing high school vicariously through film, a former head cheerleader who never went to a single party, or a bullied nerd who couldn't be paid to go back to high school - this episode breaks down Superbad from every angle. We cover film history, share our most interesting research factoids (randos), debate our questions, and settle scores in the War Zone with our category-by-category breakdown. Takeaways: Superbad remains a lightning rod for comedy fans nearly two decades later, with passionate defenders and skeptics in equal measureMcLovin, Bill Hader, and Seth Rogen carry significant comedic weight that elevates the film beyond its leadsThe film's authenticity to teenage desperation resonates differently depending on your actual high school experienceComedy direction is judged on whether it gets out of the way - and the outtakes you don't pick matter as much as the ones you doSome viewers find the raunch eventually gives way to genuine heart; others feel cooked before it arrivesChristopher Mintz-Plasse being a drama student who couldn't even get cast in dramas is the ultimate underdog revenge storyThe period blood scene still hits like a freight truck on rewatchSuperbad may not be as memorable or quotable as classics like Fletch or Naked Gun, but it captures a specific moment in comedy evolution Films/Creators Mentioned: Seth Rogen & Evan Goldberg (writers/producers)Greg Mottola (director)Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Bill Hader, Emma StoneThis Is the End, Pineapple Express, Project...

    56 min

  2. FEB 10

    Apocalypse Now

    Apocalypse Now: The Heart of Darkness, Coppola's Masterpiece, and Cinema's Greatest War Film Can a film about the Vietnam War transcend its genre to become a philosophical meditation on human nature? Join Kyle, Seth, and Marianna as they journey into the jungle to dissect Francis Ford Coppola's magnum opus—a movie that nearly destroyed its director but created one of cinema's most haunting and unforgettable experiences. In this deep-dive episode of Movie Wars, we explore why Apocalypse Now remains the definitive war film 45 years after its release. We break down the legendary troubled production—from Martin Sheen's near-fatal heart attack to typhoons destroying sets, Marlon Brando's refusal to learn his lines, and Coppola mortgaging everything he owned to finish the film. We analyze the iconic performances, especially Brando's improvised brilliance as Colonel Kurtz and Robert Duvall's unforgettable Kilgore ("I love the smell of napalm in the morning"). We compare the theatrical cut versus Redux, examine the film's adaptation of Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness, and discuss why this surreal, hallucinatory journey up the Nung River continues to influence filmmakers from Christopher Nolan to Denis Villeneuve. What You'll Discover: Why the Vietnam War setting makes this story more powerful than Conrad's originalThe genius behind the film's sound design and immersive cinematographyHow Coppola created one of cinema's most quotable scripts through improvisationThe symbolic meaning behind Kurtz's compound and the descent into madnessWhether Redux or the theatrical cut is the superior versionWhy Apocalypse Now towers above modern war films like Dunkirk and 1917 Whether you're a film student, war movie enthusiast, or cinephile curious about Hollywood's most legendary productions, this episode delivers the definitive analysis of a film that changed cinema forever. New episodes of Movie Wars drop weekly. Subscribe now and join the conversation about the greatest films ever made. Keywords: Apocalypse Now, Francis Ford Coppola, Vietnam War movies, Martin Sheen, Marlon Brando, war film analysis, Heart of Darkness adaptation, Redux vs theatrical, film analysis podcast, cinema history, 1970s filmmaking, Movie Wars podcast Companies mentioned in this episode: Francis Ford CoppolaYouTubeNashville Electric ServiceAmerican Zoetrope

    1h 11m

  3. FEB 3

    Bram Stoker's Dracula

    Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992) - A Gothic Romance Gone Wrong | Movie Wars Podcast Join Kyle, Seth, and Mariana as they sink their teeth into Francis Ford Coppola's 1992 vampire epic Bram Stoker's Dracula, starring Gary Oldman, Keanu Reeves, and Winona Ryder. In this episode, the hosts dissect one of the most visually stunning yet narratively confusing Dracula adaptations ever made. Was this a horror masterpiece or a beautiful mess? From Gary Oldman's iconic performance and wild hairstyles to Keanu Reeves' infamous accent struggles, the team explores what went wrong (and right) with this ambitious gothic romance. Episode Highlights: Why everyone's overacting: Is it the actors or Francis Ford Coppola's directing?The film's stunning practical effects, costume design, and cinematographyComparing Coppola's vision to Robert Eggers' 2024 Nosferatu remakeBehind-the-scenes tensions between Gary Oldman and CoppolaHow the film transforms Dracula from monster to tragic romantic figureThe symbolism behind Vlad the Impaler's Japanese-inspired costume designWhy this became a sexual awakening for an entire generation Perfect for fans of: Dracula movies, Francis Ford Coppola films, 90s horror, gothic romance, vampire cinema, Gary Oldman, classic horror adaptations, film criticism, practical effects, Nosferatu, Interview with the Vampire Whether you're a die-hard fan who saw this as a kid or experiencing it for the first time, this deep dive explores why Bram Stoker's Dracula remains one of cinema's most divisive vampire films—gorgeous to look at, painful to watch. Subscribe to Movie Wars for weekly film debates, deep dives, and hot takes on classic and contemporary cinema. #BramStokersDracula #Dracula #GaryOldman #KeanuReeves #FrancisFordCoppola #VampireMovies #90sHorror #MoviePodcast #FilmCriticism #MovieWars #HorrorMovies #Nosferatu #GothicHorror #ClassicHorror

    1h 1m

  4. JAN 27

    28 Days Later

    28 Days Later: The Raging Dead & The Vibe That Changed HorrorThe "Bone Temple" is here and it’s officially the highest-rated movie in the franchise. With the recent release of 28 Weeks Later and 28 Years Later (and The Bone Temple hitting over 90% on Rotten Tomatoes), we had to go back to where the rage began. In this episode, Kyle, Seth, and our resident horror expert Mariana Barksdale break down Danny Boyle’s 2002 masterpiece, 28 Days Later. We’re diving into the "immaculate vibe" of empty London, the "gorilla speed" filmmaking that captured it for just $8 million, and why Cillian Murphy is the master of being unidentifiable. Plus, we tackle the hard-hitting questions: Are they even "zombies" or is this a biological thriller? And how did Jim survive a 28-day coma without a catheter? From "Rage Babies" to the "Lamborghini crawl" of the undead world, we’re dissecting the film that made slow-walking zombies look like a joke. Key TakeawaysThe $1,300 Word (Zombie Version): We discuss the hiring of ballet dancers and gymnasts to create the most terrifyingly athletic zombies in film history.Gorilla Filmmaking: The crew shot at 4:00 AM in London and allegedly used "attractive women" to distract authorities and keep the streets clear.Sound Over Sight: Because of the tiny budget, the film uses visceral audio design—the sounds of eating and blood spitting—to terrify you more than any CGI could.The "Rage Baby" Backstory: Selena’s deleted scene included a horrific choice involving her family and an infected infant.Bikini PAs: Mariana shares her experience on sets where PAs in bikinis were used as a distraction tactic for the crowd Cast & Credits MentionedThe Squad: Kyle Castro, Seth Kays, and Mariana Barksdale.The Architects: Director Danny Boyle and Writer Alex Garland.The Talent: Cillian Murphy (Jim), Naomi Harris (Selena), Brendan Gleeson (Frank), and Christopher Eccleston.The Backbone: Shout out to the athletic extras and the sound design team. Keywords28 Days Later, Danny Boyle, Alex Garland, Cillian Murphy, Zombie Movies, Horror Podcast, 28 Years Later, The Bone Temple, Post-Apocalyptic Film, Indie Filmmaking, Movie Review, Zombie Lore, Survival Horror.

    58 min

  5. JAN 20

    The Wolf Of Wall Street

    Ladies and gentlemen, we are officially back for Season Two, and we’re kicking things off with a cinematic banger that is as memeable as it is polarizing: Martin Scorsese’s 2013 opus, The Wolf of Wall Street. In this episode, Kyle, Seth, and our brand-new official co-host, Mariana Barksdale, dive deep into the $100 million "laundering" scandal that financed the film, the infamous Quaalude-fueled "Lamborghini crawl," and whether this movie is a brilliant satire or the ultimate recruitment video for finance bros. We debate Leonardo DiCaprio’s "Mother Teresa" status compared to the real Caligula, the 1980s PTSD stories from real-life Wall Street veterans, and why Jonah Hill took a SAG-minimum salary just to snort vitamin D powder for Marty. Whether you think this is a late-stage masterpiece or a "disjointed hodgepodge" of overcooked hors d'oeuvres, one thing is certain: we’re not leaving! Key TakeawaysThe Laundering Irony: Over $100 million was allegedly laundered through the production of this movie—the very crime the film depicts.The "Lamborghini Crawl": Leonardo DiCaprio meticulously choreographed the car-door scene by studying a viral YouTube video of a drunk man in a convenience store.Jonah Hill's Hospitalization: Hill actually developed bronchitis and was hospitalized after snorting so much vitamin D powder (fake cocaine) during the shoot.The McConaughey Ritual: The famous chest-thumping scene was actually Matthew McConaughey’s real-life pre-scene relaxation ritual that Scorsese decided to film on a whim.The Burger vs. Steak Debate: Kyle argues that while Goodfellas is a "steak," The Wolf of Wall Street is a "really good Wagyu burger" that lacks the intentionality of Scorsese's older work. Cast & Credits MentionedThe Crew: Kyle Castro, Seth Kays, and Mariana Barksdale.The Visionary: Martin Scorsese.The Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Margot Robbie, and Matthew McConaughey.The Writing: Screenwriter Terence Winter based the script on the memoir by Jordan Belfort.The Ensemble: Featuring standout moments from Kyle Chandler, John Bernthal, and Rob Reiner. Takeaways: In the podcast, we explore the various themes presented in the film 'The Wolf of Wall Street', emphasizing the moral complexities and societal implications that arise from the characters' actions.We discuss the film's pacing and how its lengthy runtime affects the viewer's engagement, noting that certain scenes may detract from the overall narrative flow and coherence.The conversation highlights the importance of character portrayal, particularly how Leonardo DiCaprio's performance as Jordan Belfort presents a charming yet...

    1h 9m

  6. JAN 13

    The Terminator

    Terminated: Why James Cameron’s 1984 Masterpiece Still RulesLadies and gentlemen, we are back! Welcome to the official kickoff of Season Two. We’ve got a massive show to celebrate our new permanent third member, the incomparable Mariana Barksdale. Between Kyle’s new book and Mariana’s comedy and acting takeover, a lot has happened—but we’re putting the life updates on ice to scratch a major cinematic itch: The Terminator (1984). In this episode, we’re breaking down why this $6.4 million "indie" film changed the action genre forever. From James Cameron’s fever-dream origins to the guerrilla filmmaking tactics used to get the shot in Mexico, we dive deep into the techno-war that birthed a franchise. We’re talking Arnold’s 16 iconic lines, the "Incompetent AI" theories, and why OJ Simpson was almost the T-800—until the studio thought he was "too nice" to be a killer. Episode Timestamps[01:00:00] Season Two Premiere: Meet our new co-host, Mariana Barksdale.[01:01:17] Why The Terminator is still one of the most important films ever made.[01:03:41] Origin Story: James Cameron’s fever dream and the $1 rights deal.[01:05:17] Gorilla Filmmaking: Shooting without permits and lying to the police.[01:06:45] Practical Magic: The secrets of 1984 stop-motion and miniatures.[01:14:10] The Lawsuit: James Cameron vs. Harlan Ellison.[01:16:56] Rando Trivia: Arnold’s $1,300-per-word salary and the OJ Simpson casting that almost was.[01:21:59] The Legend of Linda Hamilton: From naive waitress to future badass.[01:24:43] The Questions: Is the phone book the Terminator's true nemesis?.[01:29:00] Romance or Stalker-coded? Debating Kyle Reese’s obsession.[01:37:05] The Closer: Winners, Losers, and the "Kenny G" version of the score.[01:43:46] Rapid Fire Warzone Scorecard: The final verdict on Season Two's first film. Key TakeawaysThe $1,300 Word: Arnold Schwarzenegger had only 16 lines, totaling roughly 58 to 74 words.Practical Over CGI: The film relied on miniatures, claymation, and a 10,000-volt laser for the T-800's pistol.The OJ Theory: OJ Simpson was the studio’s first choice, but they feared he wasn't a "convincing killer".span class="ql-ui"...

    52 min

  7. 11/18/2025

    Prisoners with Comedian Nick Goulooze

    With Special Guest: Nashville Comedian Nick Galuzzo For our Thanksgiving episode, we decided to really set the mood… with one of the bleakest, most soul-shredding thrillers ever made. Nothing says “pass the stuffing” like Denis Villeneuve’s Prisoners — a movie that starts on Thanksgiving and then immediately descends into pure moral chaos. Kyle, Seth, and Nashville comedian Nick Goulooze break down everything this film does to you emotionally — the raw performances, the brutal moral questions, the lighting choices, the behind-the-scenes production history, the alternate casting that almost happened, and the reason this film still scars first-time viewers. We get into Hugh Jackman’s most feral performance, Jake Gyllenhaal’s twitch-coded detective work, Paul Dano’s unsettling fragility, and why Villeneuve’s commitment to natural lighting and unrelenting dread makes this one of the greatest thrillers of the last decade. This one’s loaded — heavy themes, gut-punch storytelling, hysterical side-tangents, and a breakdown of why this film technically qualifies as a “Thanksgiving movie.” Enjoy your turkey… and your existential crisis. 🔥 Episode Summary (In Your Voice)In this Thanksgiving special, we dive headfirst into Denis Villeneuve’s Prisoners — the movie that tests your moral compass from frame one. We break down Jackman’s terrifying dad-rage, Gyllenhaal’s career-level performance, Paul Dano’s traumatized innocence, and the way Villeneuve weaponizes natural lighting to make every scene feel cold, damp, and hopeless. We also walk through the wild production history, the nightmare alternate castings, and the six-year development hell that somehow produced a modern classic. 📌 Show Notes🎥 Movie BreakdownWhy Prisoners is both a thriller and a full-blown morality testHow Denis Villeneuve uses subtle visual cues and “theater of the mind”The whistle as the best callback ending of Villeneuve’s careerHow the film keeps you in the “moral driver’s seat” the entire time 💥 Time Markers0:00 — Thanksgiving intro + rusty after a break 3:00 — Why Prisoners scars you 7:00 — Acting breakdown: Jackman, Gyllenhaal, Dano 12:00 — Villeneuve’s natural lighting mastery 16:00 — Production hell + insane alternate castings 22:00 — The NC-17 version that almost happened 27:00 — Keller Dover: Hero or villain? 33:00 — The whistle ending and why it works 38:00 — Law Abiding Citizen vs Prisoners 44:00 — Trauma, rage, and parental panic 52:00 — Comedy tangents and Paul Dano appreciation 1:02:00 — Final thoughts + scorecard (War Zone)

    1h 8m

  8. 11/04/2025

    Prey (2022) with comedian Peter Murphy

    🎧 Movie Wars Podcast: Prey — Can the Predator Franchise Still Hunt?This week on Movie Wars, we’re diving deep into Prey — the surprise Predator prequel that dared to strip the franchise down to its primal roots. We break down why this one hit so differently: from its raw depiction of Comanche culture and authentic casting to the jaw-dropping cinematography that turned blood and wilderness into visual poetry. Kyle, Seth, and comedian Peter Murphy (yes, that Peter Murphy) debate whether Prey actually out-hunts the 1987 classic — and the answers get heated. We talk creature-feature psychology, the decline of movie stars, the “masculine myth” of 80s action, and why representation done right feels so good on screen. Expect plenty of film nerd tangents, behind-the-scenes trivia, and the usual Movie Wars blend of humor and obsession — from callbacks to Predator 2’s gun Easter egg, to the wild story of how Prey secretly began as an “R-rated Disney princess film.” Stick around for the War Card, where we go rapid-fire on cast, writing, direction, and the all-important “Would Arnold approve?” question. Takeaways: The most authentic and daring entry in the Predator series yet.Deep dive into representation, casting, and language in Native storytelling.Hot debate: Prey vs. the 1987 original — which really hunts harder?Film lighting, creature effects, and where the franchise should go next (Samurai era?).Peter Murphy brings the chaos, the laughs, and a few questionable bear facts. Tags: movie wars podcast, prey movie review, predator franchise, amber midthunder, native american representation, action movie analysis, film trivia, comedy podcast, arnold schwarzenegger, creature features, 80s action nostalgia, filmmaking craft, modern vs. classic cinema, cinematic storytelling, comedic debates

    1h 11m
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About

A panel of stand-up comedians blends humor with deep film analysis, using their unique ‘War Card’ system to grade movies across key categories. Each episode delivers thoughtful insights and spirited debate, offering a fresh, comedic take on film critique. New episode every Tuesday!

Information

  • Creator
    2-Vices Media
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    128
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 2-Vices Media
  • Show Website
    Movie Wars