What If I Don’t Like It? - A Movie Discussion Podcast

Kt Baldassaro
  • 5.0 (6)
  • TV & Film
  • Updated Monthly

What If I Don’t Like It? is a movie podcast and film discussion hosted by actress and filmmaker Kt Baldassaro. Each episode, a guest finally watches a movie they’re sure they won’t like, despite never having seen it. Together they break down the film, exploring surprises, bias, and how personal taste shapes the way we judge and experience movies.

  1. 6d ago

    Pulp Fiction with Lindsey Deland - Episode 49

    What if one of the most iconic movies ever made just... isn't your thing? Filmmaker, actress, and writer Lindsey Deland watched Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction (1994) for the first time. Her verdict? ½ star. I loved it. She... really didn't. In this episode of What If I Don't Like It?, Lindsey and I take a deep dive into Pulp Fiction, Quentin Tarantino, and the very different ways we experienced one of the most influential movies of the 1990s. Why did Pulp Fiction feel disjointed and meaningless to Lindsey? How much does knowing the older movies Tarantino references change the experience? And can you recognize that a movie is influential, beautifully constructed, and important to film history while still simply... not liking it? Because Lindsey is a filmmaker, actress, and writer herself, we also look at Pulp Fiction from a filmmaking perspective. We talk about Tarantino's cinematic influences and use of bricolage, nonlinear storytelling, cinematography, reaction shots, monologues, iconic scenes, and the filmmaking choices Lindsey appreciated even when the story didn't work for her. We also get into film fandom and gatekeeping, the pressure to love movies considered “masterpieces,” gender and lived experience when watching violent films, and the difference between appreciating a filmmaker's choices and actually enjoying a movie. Before we get to Pulp Fiction, Lindsey talks about finding her path in film, screenwriting, her current creative projects, her first movie memories, and the films that shaped her. So how does a filmmaker give Pulp Fiction half a star while I still love it? Listen and find out! CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 03:24 Meet Lindsey Deland 04:20 Finding a Path in Film 18:19 Current Projects & Creative Influences 23:20 First Movie Memories & Comfort Films 37:04 First-Time Viewing: Pulp Fiction 43:26 First Reactions to Pulp Fiction 59:49 Monologues, Cinematography & Iconic Scenes 01:19:58 Fandom, Gatekeeping & Film Culture 01:38:14 Art, Artists & Interpretation 01:41:55 Final Verdict & Filmmaking Takeaways 02:00:35 Writing for Yourself & the Audience About Lindsey Deland Lindsey Deland is a filmmaker, actress, and writer currently developing her own feature film. You can watch her film Dark Places on Tubi. Instagram: @lindzthenerd Letterboxd: @lindzthenerd YouTube: @lindzthenerd 🎬 Watch Dark Places on Tubi:https://tubitv.com/movies/100053018/dark-places About What If I Don't Like It? What If I Don't Like It? is a movie podcast hosted by Kt Baldassaro where people watch films they think they won't enjoy and then unpack what happens when they finally press play. Follow Kt @MovieRuntime: TikTok: @movieruntime Instagram: @movieruntime Letterboxd: @MovieRuntime Listen to What If I Don't Like It? on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.

    Pulp Fiction with Lindsey Deland - Episode 49

  2. Jul 15

    Schindler's List with Joey Paul Calhoun - Episode 48

    What if one of the most important films ever made is also one of the hardest to bring yourself to watch? Writer and filmmaker Joey Paul Calhoun joins What If I Don't Like It? to discuss Schindler's List, exploring why its reputation can feel intimidating and what makes Steven Spielberg's Holocaust drama endure more than 30 years later. At its core, this episode is about the difference between a film's importance and the experience of actually watching it. We explore why Schindler's List carries so much emotional weight before you ever press play, how Spielberg approached one of history's darkest chapters, and why the film continues to resonate with audiences decades after its release. Joey and I also talk about historical storytelling, filmmaking, and the responsibility of adapting real events for the screen. Rather than asking whether Schindler's List is "good," we discuss what it means to create a film that challenges, educates, and moves its audience. In this episode we discuss: Why so many people put off watching Schindler's ListThe difference between an important film and an entertaining oneSteven Spielberg's approach to telling a true storyOskar Schindler as one of cinema's most unexpected protagonistsThe role of hope in stories about unimaginable tragedyWhy historical films continue to matterFollow Joey Paul Calhoun:🎬 YouTube: @followthevoid🎥 TikTok: @v0idech0📸 Instagram: @the_vi0dech0 Joey is a writer and filmmaker whose work explores character-driven storytelling, and he brings a thoughtful perspective to one of cinema's most widely discussed films. Films and filmmakers mentioned include Steven Spielberg, Schindler's List, The Pianist, Life Is Beautiful, Saving Private Ryan, The Zone of Interest, and other films that explore history, war, memory, and the Holocaust. Did Schindler's List live up to its reputation? More importantly, why has this film remained essential viewing for more than three decades? Listen to find out. 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts. Follow Kt Baldassaro / MovieRuntime:🎬 YouTube: @MovieRuntime📸 Instagram: @movieruntime🎞️ Letterboxd: @MovieRuntime

    Schindler's List with Joey Paul Calhoun - Episode 48

  3. Jun 15

    Interstellar with Riley Cosby - Episode 47

    What if Interstellar isn’t actually as intimidating as its reputation suggests? Filmmaker Riley Cosby joins What If I Don’t Like It? to watch Christopher Nolan’s sci-fi epic for the first time and unpack whether its emotional core lives up to the hype or the legend around it. At its core, this episode is about expectation versus experience, and how “big” movies often come with a lot of baggage before you ever press play. We dig into why Interstellar feels larger than life, and whether its emotional core hits harder than its science-heavy reputation suggests. We also talk about filmmaking, film festivals, and the shift from consuming movies to creating them, as Riley shares his path from aspiring YouTuber to independent filmmaker working across horror, comedy, and experimental film. In this episode we discuss:• Why “film bro” recommendations shape how we approach movies• Horror as a tool for processing fear and emotion• Independent filmmaking and the festival circuit• The balance between science fiction and emotional storytelling• Whether Interstellar is actually as complicated as people claim• Why every movie connects differently depending on the viewer Was Riley won over by one of the most talked-about sci-fi films of the last decade? Listen to find out. Riley’s work:Mercy, Queen of the UndeadThe Art of DescentOpening KillDie TogetherAizo (festival release) Follow Riley Cosby:YouTube: @cabbageboyInstagram: @riley_is_Cabbage 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcastsFollow Kt Baldassaro / MovieRuntime:🎬 YouTube: @MovieRuntime📸 Instagram: @movieruntime🎞️ Letterboxd: @MovieRuntime Films and filmmakers mentioned include Christopher Nolan, Interstellar, The Matrix, Arrival, 2001: A Space Odyssey, and more across sci-fi and genre cinema.

    Interstellar with Riley Cosby - Episode 47

  4. May 15

    Everything Everywhere All at Once with Josh DeForge - Episode 46

    What happens when a filmmaker who loves pushing creative boundaries finally watches Everything Everywhere All At Once for the first time?In this episode of What If I Don’t Like It?, I sit down with filmmaker, documentarian, and creative force behind Running Scared Motion Pictures (‪@RunningScaredMotionPictures‬ ) Josh DeForge, to unpack the Oscar-winning multiverse phenomenon Everything Everywhere All At Once, a film Josh somehow missed… until now!From cinematography and aspect ratio shifts to indie filmmaking, collaborative art, nihilism, family dynamics, and why kindness might actually matter in a chaotic universe, this conversation goes way deeper than a standard movie review.Josh opens up about his own filmmaking process, the realities of independent film production in Western Massachusetts, balancing creativity with budget limitations, and why movies that challenge expectations matter now more than ever.🎬 In this episode we discuss:✨ Why Everything Everywhere All At Once became an instant Top 10 film for Josh✨ The filmmaking choices that make the Daniels’ vision feel unlike anything else✨ Michelle Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan, and the emotional core of the film✨ Multiverse storytelling, absurdism, and existential dread✨ Why weird cinema matters✨ Independent filmmaking, collaboration, and creative risk-taking✨ The return of practical artistry in the age of AI✨ Why “taxes and laundry” might secretly be the most romantic line in modern cinemaPlus: Josh reveals the first movie he remembers seeing in theaters (you will absolutely not guess it), his ultimate comfort movie, and the book he still dreams of adapting to film.Whether you love A24 movies, indie filmmaking, movie analysis, film criticism, or just want to hear two filmmakers passionately geek out about one of the wildest Best Picture winners ever, this episode is for you.🎥 Follow Josh DeForge / Running Scared Motion PicturesYouTube Instagram Facebook🎙️ About What If I Don’t Like It?Hosted by actress, filmmaker, and film critic Kt Baldassaro (@MovieRuntime), What If I Don’t Like It? explores movies through curiosity instead of judgment, inviting guests to finally watch films they avoided, resisted, or weren’t sure they’d enjoy.🎥 YouTube    / @movieruntime  📸 Instagram   / movieruntime  🎵 TikTok   / movieruntime  🎬 IMDB https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3501068/00:00 - 00:00- Welcome + Meet Filmmaker Josh DeForge00:25 - Running Scared Motion Pictures & Easthampton Film Festival03:55 - Pride Fashion Show & Supporting Local Art05:40 - How Josh Got Into Filmmaking07:05 - First Movie Theater Memory (Unexpected Answer)09:35 - Josh’s Ultimate Comfort Movie11:45 - The Book Josh Dreams of Adapting Into a Film13:15 - Why Josh Never Watched Everything Everywhere All at Once15:00 - Why Weird Movies Matter16:50 - The Daniels, Collaboration & Filmmaking Chaos19:05 - Indie Filmmaking on a Budget21:35 - Writing Around Real Locations & Budget Constraints24:05 - Why Collaboration Makes Better Movies26:45 - Catastrophes on Set & Why Filmmakers Keep Going29:00 - Why Artists Create Anyway30:00 - AI, Creativity & The Future of Filmmaking35:55 - Timothée Chalamet Drama (Misquoted?)38:15 - Nihilism, Depression & Why This Movie Resonates41:20 - Kindness in a Meaningless Universe43:15 - The Genius Opening Scene of EEAAO47:00 - Favorite Cinematography & Camera Choices50:10 - Ke Huy Quan’s Incredible Performance54:15 - Why Evelyn Is Such a Compelling Main Character58:55 - Writing Genre Films & Breaking Story Rules01:03:00 - Final Thoughts on Everything Everywhere All at OnceMovies Mentioned in this Episode:1939 - The Wizard of Oz1942 - Bambi1982 - E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial1982 - Swamp Thing1985 - The Goonies1995 - Friday1996 - Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood1997 - Spice World1998 - The Big Lebowski2014 - The Grand Budapest Hotel2016 - Terrifier2018 - Sorry to Bother You2021 - Dune2025 - Sinners

    Everything Everywhere All at Once with Josh DeForge - Episode 46

  5. Apr 15

    Con Air with Jaina Cipriano - Episode 45

    First time watching Con Air (1997)… and somehow this absurd action movie actually works. Is Nicolas Cage the reason this chaotic ‘90s classic still holds up, especially for first-time viewers? In our newest episode of What If I Don’t Like It?, I’m joined by multidisciplinary artist and filmmaker Jaina Cipriano for her first-ever viewing of Con Air... and the results are not what we expected! We break down: - Jaina’s honest first reaction to Con Air - Why the movie’s absurd tone actually works - How ‘90s action films differ from modern blockbusters - The role of humor in high-stakes storytelling - Nicolas Cage’s performance—and why it carries the film - Whether this movie is secretly… good? Plus, we talk about Jaina’s work as a multidisciplinary artist, immersive storytelling, and how fear can shape creative work. 🎧 ABOUT THE PODCAST What If I Don’t Like It? is a film podcast where guests confront their biases by watching movies they think they won’t enjoy, and then we unpack what actually happens! 📍 FOLLOW Jaina Cipriano Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jainastudio/ Website: https://www.jainaciprianophotography.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jainaphoto X (Twitter): https://x.com/jainastudio 📍 FOLLOW Kt Baldassaro ( @MovieRuntime ) Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@movieruntime Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/movieruntime/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MovieRuntime Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/MovieRuntime/ 🎬 MORE EPISODES YOU’LL LIKE Check out our episodes on Heavy Metal and Bad Boys for more unexpected movie deep dives. 👇 🔔 SUBSCRIBE for more film analysis, movie deep dives, and filmmaker conversations. Timestamps: 00:00 First Time Watching Con Air?! 01:10 Meet Jaina Cipriano 04:30 Art, Photography & Filmmaking 10:45 Storytelling Across Mediums 16:30 Fear, Creativity & Immersive Work 24:50 First Movie Memories 27:15 Comfort Movies & Favorites 30:50 Movies That Should Be Made 33:00 Why Jaina Avoided Con Air 35:30 First Impressions of Con Air 39:00 Nicolas Cage Performance Breakdown 44:30 Why the Movie Actually Works 49:30 90s Action vs Modern Blockbusters 54:30 Cinematography & Visual Style 58:30 The Absurdity Factor 1:02:00 Favorite Scenes 1:05:30 Final Thoughts: Does It Hold Up?

    Con Air with Jaina Cipriano - Episode 45

  6. Apr 1 ·  Bonus

    What You Didn’t Know About Heavy Metal (1981): Production, Rights & Legacy - Episode 44 Trivia

    Two weeks ago, I dropped the full deep-dive episode on Heavy Metal with illustrator/ artist Brett Kelley, and if you haven’t checked that out yet, this is your sign. Today’s as part of our new formatting in Season 3, I have a standalone trivia segment packed with some of the wildest behind-the-scenes facts, obscure details, and straight-up insane production stories from this cult classic. From lost music rights that kept the film off home video for YEARS, to the truth behind Taarna’s flying steed, to the real bones used in the animation… yeah, it gets weird.And trust me, this is just the appetizer.🎧 Watch / Listen to the FULL episode by visiting the show page!If you’re into cult films, animation history, or chaotic production stories, this one’s for you.👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more film deep dives, trivia, and behind-the-scenes breakdowns.#HeavyMetal #filmfacts #MovieTrivia #FilmTrivia #80scartoons #CultClassic #animationhistory #filmcommunity #1980sMovies #FilmPodcast #WhatIfIDontLikeIt #cultfilm #filmtok #filmdiscussion #movietok #filmpodcast

  7. Mar 16

    Heavy Metal with Brett Kelley - Episode 44

    This episode, we’re discussing the animated cult classic Heavy Metal. A strange, influential, and often controversial film that helped push adult animation into mainstream conversation. Host Kt Baldassaro is joined by illustrator Brett Kelley for a deep dive into Heavy Metal (1981) : its origins, its visual style, and why the movie still has a devoted following more than four decades later. In this Heavy Metal (1981) review and discussion, we explore: • How the film grew out of the French sci-fi comic magazine Metal Hurlant• The artistic influence of legendary illustrator Jean Giraud• The movie’s unusual anthology format and multiple animation studios• Why the Harry Canyon segment feels like a visual predecessor to The Fifth Element• The cult reputation of the Tarna storyline• How modern anthology animation like Love, Death & Robots echoes its style and structure If you’re curious about the history of adult animation, cult sci-fi films, or the legacy of Heavy Metal (1981), this episode breaks down why the movie still sparks debate among film fans, artists, and animation lovers. 🎨 Follow Brett Kelley & see his artwork Shop: https://ko-fi.com/bkartmerc/shopInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bkartworks/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BKArtMerc/ 🎧 Follow Kt Baldassaro (@MovieRuntime) Instagram & TikTok: @MovieRuntimeYouTube: @MovieRuntimeLetterboxd: @MovieRuntime 00:00 Theme Song 00:51 Why You May or May Not Like Heavy Metal (ep Teaser) 04:28 Welcome to the Episode! 10:05 The Evolution of Animation and Storytelling 15:38 The Role of Music in Heavy Metal 19:18 Characterization and Themes in Heavy Metal 25:00 Cultural Reflections and Critiques 25:50 Soft Landing 32:34 Grimaldi 36:18 Harry Canyon 45:15 DEN 58:54 The Evolution of Heavy Metal Magazine 01:06:58 Heavy Metal 2000: A Sequel's Journey 01:12:56 The Shift in Heavy Metal's Audience 01:13:37 Captain Sternn 01:17:45 B-17: A Horror Segment 01:23:43 So Beautiful and So Dangerous: Absurdity in Animation 01:33:42 The Best Scene in the Movie 01:42:11 The Character of Tarna and Her Agency 01:55:48 Heavy Metal's Evolution and Future 02:01:49 TAARNA 02:02:02 The Ending and Its Significance 02:07:09 Exploring Iconic 80s Fantasy Films 02:13:40 The Possibility of a Remake 02:21:11 Community and Heavy Metal Culture 02:25:58 The Heavy Metal Collective and Local Impact Movies Mentioned on this episode:Mean Streets (1973) The Lord of the Rings (1978) Wizards (1977) Alien (1979) Heavy Metal (1981) Dragonslayer (1981) Tron (1982) Conan the Barbarian (1982) Ghostbusters II (1989) The Abyss (1989) Pulp Fiction (1994) The Fifth Element (1997) Blueberry (2004)

    Heavy Metal with Brett Kelley - Episode 44

  8. Mar 1 ·  Bonus

    Napoleon Dynamite: 10 Obscure Facts That Change Everything | What If I Don’t Like It?

    Ever wondered why Napoleon Dynamite feels so strangely specific — and why that awkwardness actually works? In this trivia segment from What If I Don’t Like It? (Episode 43), filmmaker Victoria Roccaforte and I break down 10 obscure behind-the-scenes facts about Napoleon Dynamite that reveal how carefully constructed this “random” movie really is. We get into: • Why Jon Heder drew all of Napoleon’s sketches himself • The deliberate choice behind that monotone delivery • How real Preston High students shaped the film’s texture • Why Pedro’s speech was simplified at the last minute • How silence in the edit became one of the movie’s sharpest comedic tools • And the subtle ending tweak that gives the story emotional staying power What looks accidental is intentional. What feels awkward is engineered. And understanding the architecture behind the comedy makes the film even more fascinating — whether you love it or still don’t quite “get it.” 🎧 Listen to the full episode for our complete conversation about why this indie breakout still divides audiences decades later. — #NapoleonDynamite #MovieTrivia #FilmTrivia #IndieFilm #CultMovies #FilmPodcast #MoviePodcast #WhatIfIDontLikeIt #FilmCommentary #JonHeder Timestamps: 00:00 – Exploring the Depths of Napoleon Dynamite 00:33 – ONE: Napoleon’s drawings were Jon Heder’s own 01:30 – TWO: The monotone voice was deliberate 02:24 – THREE: Real Preston High students in the film 03:18 – FOUR: The real origin of the tater tots 04:04 – FIVE: Pedro’s speech was simplified at the last minute 04:53 – SIX: The film changed real-world behavior 05:41 – SEVEN: Silence engineered in post-production 06:20 – EIGHT: Limited coverage shaped the aesthetic 06:54 – NINE: Regional and cultural rhythm behind the humor 07:30 – TEN: The ending was refined for emotional durability 08:11 – Want to go deeper? Full episode discussion

See All (51)

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

What If I Don’t Like It? is a movie podcast and film discussion hosted by actress and filmmaker Kt Baldassaro. Each episode, a guest finally watches a movie they’re sure they won’t like, despite never having seen it. Together they break down the film, exploring surprises, bias, and how personal taste shapes the way we judge and experience movies.

Information

You Might Also Like