Smokey and the Snobby: Funny Movie Reviews & Hot Takes

Raffi and Aren Mahserdjian

Welcome to Smokey and the Snobby, the movie podcast where one of us loves high-octane car chases and the other prefers Cannes Film Festival winners... guess who's who? Each week, this father-son duo fires up the engines and reviews films from both ends of the cinematic highway. Whether it's a fast-paced blockbuster or a slow-burning art house drama, we score each ride on our patented but very different 1-to-10 Smokey scale based on runtime, plot detours, and how lost we got in the weeds. Expect laughs, popcorn debates, and a whole lot of loving disagreement.

  1. 2d ago

    EPISODE 39: MEMENTO(2001)

    Can you trust your own memory? This week on Smokey and the Snobby, we unravel Christopher Nolan's groundbreaking psychological thriller Memento (2000), starring Guy Pearce, Carrie-Anne Moss, and Joe Pantoliano. Told in reverse chronological order, Memento is one of the most innovative films ever made, challenging audiences to piece together the mystery alongside Leonard Shelby, a man suffering from short-term memory loss while searching for his wife's killer. One says it was a cool story but too much back and forth, the other thought it was a masterpiece...can guess who said what?

    EPISODE 39: MEMENTO(2001)

  2. Jul 1

    EPISODE 38: FACE/OFF(1997)

    Is John Woo's Action Classic Still One of the Greatest Action Movies Ever Made? In this explosive episode of Smokey and the Snobby, we dive headfirst into Face/Off (1997), the legendary action thriller directed by John Woo and starring John Travolta and Nicolas Cage in two of the most unforgettable performances of their careers. Can a movie built around one of Hollywood's wildest premises still hold up nearly three decades later? We break down the iconic face-swapping story, over-the-top action sequences, emotional performances, unforgettable one-liners, slow-motion gunfights, doves, and everything that makes Face/Off a true cult classic. Join Smokey and the Snobby as we debate whether this action masterpiece deserves its legendary reputation or if nostalgia is doing most of the heavy lifting. From prison escapes and explosive shootouts to the incredible challenge of each actor portraying the other, nothing is off limits. We'll discuss: Why Face/Off remains one of the greatest action movies of the 1990s. The unforgettable performances from John Travolta and Nicolas Cage. John Woo's signature directing style and cinematic influences. Our favorite scenes, funniest moments, and final Smokey ratings. Whether you're a lifelong fan or discovering this action classic for the first time, this episode is packed with movie trivia, behind-the-scenes discussion, laughs, and spirited debate. Subscribe to Smokey and the Snobby for weekly movie reviews, classic film discussions, new releases, hidden gems, and entertaining debates where two generations don't always agree, but always have fun.

    EPISODE 38: FACE/OFF(1997)

  3. Jun 10

    EPISODE 37: BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA

    Get ready to venture into the wild world of martial arts, ancient sorcery, and over-the-top action as Smokey and the Snobby take on the cult classic Big Trouble in Little China. Directed by John Carpenter and starring Kurt Russell as the unforgettable Jack Burton, this 1986 action-comedy has become one of the most beloved cult films of all time. In this episode, we break down everything that makes Big Trouble in Little China a fan favorite—from its unique blend of kung fu action, fantasy adventure, comedy, and 1980s practical effects to its unforgettable characters, quotable dialogue, and influence on pop culture. Was Jack Burton really the hero, or was he just along for the ride? How did the film go from box office disappointment to cult classic status? And does it still hold up nearly 40 years later? Join us as Smokey and Snobby debate the movie's best scenes, memorable villains like Lo Pan, epic martial arts battles, practical special effects, and the film's lasting impact on action movies, fantasy films, and cult cinema. Whether you're a lifelong fan or watching Big Trouble in Little China for the first time, this episode is packed with movie trivia, behind-the-scenes facts, nostalgic 80s movie discussion, and plenty of laughs. If you love movie reviews, film analysis, cult classics, action movies, fantasy adventures, 1980s cinema, John Carpenter films, Kurt Russell movies, and deep dives into Hollywood's most underrated gems, this episode is for you.

    EPISODE 37: BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA

  4. Jun 3

    EPISODE 36: RUNNING SCARED(1986)

    Looking for the ultimate 80s buddy cop movie that isn’t Lethal Weapon? In this episode, we’re breaking down the 1986 action-comedy classic Running Scared, starring Gregory Hines and Billy Crystal as two hilarious, fast-talking Chicago detectives planning their retirement to sunny Florida. We dive deep into why the undeniable, improvised chemistry between Crystal and Hines sets a benchmark for the buddy cop genre. Plus, we talk about Jimmy Smits’ breakout performance as the villainous drug lord Julio Gonzales, the film's iconic car chase on the Chicago El train tracks, and that synth-heavy, Grammy-winning soundtrack featuring Michael McDonald's "Sweet Freedom." Whether you’re a die-hard fan of 80s cinema, a lover of classic action-comedies, or discovering this underrated gem for the first time, this episode is your ultimate retrospective guide. Hit play to find out if Running Scared (1986) still holds up today, how it influenced modern action films, and why it deserves a spot on your movie watch list!

    EPISODE 36: RUNNING SCARED(1986)

  5. May 27

    EPISODE 35: MISERY

    Is Annie Wilkes the ultimate toxic fan, or just a deeply misunderstood critic? This week on Smokey and the Snobby, we are breaking down Rob Reiner’s iconic 1990 psychological horror thriller, Misery. Based on the legendary Stephen King novel, this masterclass in isolation and tension features an Oscar-winning performance by Kathy Bates alongside James Caan as the tormented author Paul Sheldon. Whether you are a die-hard fan of classic 90s thriller movies or love a good suspense film breakdown, your favorite movie podcasters are diving deep into the infamous hobbling scene, the toxic dynamics of fandom, and why this adaptation still holds up as one of the best horror movies of all time. Does Misery stand the test of time as a top-tier Stephen King movie adaptation, or does its claustrophobic tension drag? Grab your favorite drink, lock your doors, and join the Smokey and the Snobby discuss their fan theories and plot holes. follow us on Instagram @SmokeyandthesSnobby

    EPISODE 35: MISERY

  6. May 20

    EPISODE 34: ENCINO MAN

    Lets take it back to the 90s! Join as we talk about the great Encino Man, known as California Man because no one knew what the heck Encino was outside of the U.S. Join us as we review the ultimate fish-out-of-water movie that launched Brendan Fraser’s career, co-starring pop culture icons Pauly Shore and Sean Astin. We break down the hilarious plot, from digging up a frozen caveman in a California backyard to surviving high school drama. Is it a masterpiece of 1990s cinema or total prehistoric pandemonium? Hit play to find out if this throwback comedy still holds up today!

    EPISODE 34: ENCINO MAN

  7. May 13

    EPISODE 33: CASINO WITH SPECIAL GUEST

    Step into the neon-lit world of Las Vegas with Smokey and the Snobby as we break down the legendary mob epic Casino. In this episode, we dive deep into the unforgettable performances by Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, Sharon Stone and Don Rickles while exploring how Martin Scorsese created one of the greatest crime dramas ever made. Joining us for this special episode is guest Christ Mironescu, bringing fresh takes, heated debates, behind-the-scenes insights, and hilarious commentary as we discuss mafia power struggles, Vegas corruption, unforgettable movie moments, and whether Casino still holds up as one of the best gangster films of all time. From the dazzling casino floors to brutal mob betrayals, we cover iconic scenes, legendary quotes, real-life inspirations, cinematography, soundtrack choices, and the lasting influence Casino has had on crime movies and pop culture. Whether you’re a longtime fan of mob films, a lover of classic cinema, or discovering this Scorsese masterpiece for the first time, this episode delivers movie analysis, comedy, nostalgia, and passionate film discussion.

    EPISODE 33: CASINO WITH SPECIAL GUEST

  8. May 6

    EPISODE 32: DEVIL WEARS PRADA

    Dive deep into our The Devil Wears Prada movie review on the Smokey and the Snobby Podcast. We analyze Miranda Priestly’s fashion legacy, Andy’s career transformation, and 2000s style trends. Is it the ultimate fashion film? Listen for our one expert film analysis and another Dingus with ears take. What better guest to have on this episode than our boss lady herself! We made this entire episode a family affair...Smokey, Snobby and Marie! If you've ever had a boss who sent you on an impossible errand during a hurricane or if you simply appreciate a well-placed monologue about cerulean blue, this episode is for you. We bring our signature blend of wit and critical analysis to one of the most quotable movies of all time. "That’s all." — Every time we finish a recording session.

    EPISODE 32: DEVIL WEARS PRADA
See All (42)

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to Smokey and the Snobby, the movie podcast where one of us loves high-octane car chases and the other prefers Cannes Film Festival winners... guess who's who? Each week, this father-son duo fires up the engines and reviews films from both ends of the cinematic highway. Whether it's a fast-paced blockbuster or a slow-burning art house drama, we score each ride on our patented but very different 1-to-10 Smokey scale based on runtime, plot detours, and how lost we got in the weeds. Expect laughs, popcorn debates, and a whole lot of loving disagreement.

Information