Forgotten Cinema

Michael Butler & Michael Field
  • 4.7 (28)
  • TV & FILM
  • WEEKLY SERIES

Welcome to Forgotten Cinema! Each episode, Mike Field and Mike Butler highlight a film that for a variety of reasons was forgotten by audiences. Whether it be because a more popular movie was released at the same time or the movie simply didn’t catch on with an audience in the its initial run. We’ll discuss what we love about the movie or perhaps don’t love about it and decide whether the movie is worth a revisit.

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  1. EPISODE 1

    Cold Mountain

    This week on Forgotten Cinema, the Mikes trek through "Cold Mountain", Anthony Minghella’s sweeping Civil War drama starring Jude Law, Nicole Kidman, and Renée Zellweger, that both of them ultimately enjoyed, even while acknowledging its many hurdles. The film has a lot working against it. The dialogue often feels pulled straight from the novel, the tone is relentlessly dreary, and at 154 minutes it asks a lot of its audience. Mike Butler and Mike Field also struggle with the central romance, finding it hard to believe that Kidman's and Law’s characters would risk everything for a relationship that never really existed. Despite those issues, the Mikes agree that "Cold Mountain" tells a compelling story and contains several genuinely powerful moments. Strong supporting performances, striking imagery, and episodic stretches of the journey help elevate the film beyond its flaws. It may be long, heavy, and imperfect, but "Cold Mountain" still leaves an impression and offers enough substance to make the journey worthwhile. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more Forgotten Cinema content! 🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen to podcasts. ✨ Support us on Patreon for exclusive content: www.patreon.com/forgottencinema 🛍️ Grab some Forgotten Cinema merch: www.etsy.com/shop/ForgottenCinemaShop Check out our website: https://www.forgottencinemapodcast.com 0:00 - Introduction 2:56 - Film Facts 9:45 - Film Discussion 35:36 - Reviews 36:26 - Who Would You Recommend This To? 41:26 - Why Is This Forgotten? 50:36 - Plugs #ForgottenCinema #ColdMountain #JudeLaw #NicoleKidman #ReneeZellweger #CivilWar #HistoricalFilm #Drama #MoviePodcast #FilmDiscussion #UnderratedMovies #ClassicFilms

    47 min

  2. EPISODE 2

    Return to Me

    This week on Forgotten Cinema, the Mikes revisit "Return to Me", the heartfelt romantic comedy starring David Duchovny and Minnie Driver. Mike Field has long had a soft spot for this one, while Mike Butler watched it for the first time. Both thoroughly enjoy the film. Even though it opens with the sudden death of Duchovny’s wife and the emotional setup of a heart transplant, the movie manages to stay surprisingly upbeat, cheerful, and warm throughout. The ensemble cast is a huge part of what makes it work. Jim Belushi and Bonnie Hunt shine as Minnie Driver’s sister and brother-in-law, bringing humor and heart to nearly every scene they are in. Robert Loggia and Carroll O’Connor also add a comforting, lived-in charm that elevates the entire film. The movie captures that late 90s and early 2000s romantic comedy magic in the best way. Sweet, sincere, and genuinely charming, "Return to Me" is the kind of rom-com that reminds you why the genre used to feel so effortless and heartfelt. What's your favorite late 90's early 00's romcom? Let us know in the comments! 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more Forgotten Cinema content! 🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen to podcasts. ✨ Support us on Patreon for exclusive content: www.patreon.com/forgottencinema 🛍️ Grab some Forgotten Cinema merch: www.etsy.com/shop/ForgottenCinemaShop Check out our website: https://www.forgottencinemapodcast.com 0:00 - Introduction 2:30 - Film Facts 11:06 - Film Discussion 28:11 - Reviews 32:00 - Who Would You Recommend This To? 35:55 - Why Is This Forgotten? 39:08 - Plugs #ForgottenCinema #ReturnToMe #DavidDuchovny #MinnieDriver #BonnieHunt #JimBelushi #RomCom #00sFilm #Comedy #Romance #MoviePodcast #FilmDiscussion #UnderratedMovies #ClassicFilms

    41 min

  3. EPISODE 3

    Yesterday

    This week on Forgotten Cinema, the Mikes revisit "Yesterday", the musical romantic fantasy built around one impossible question: what if The Beatles never existed? Mike Butler absolutely loves this film. Growing up a Beatles fan, he not only enjoys hearing the music reintroduced in a new context, but also seeing the impact those songs would have even if the world had somehow forgotten the band. Himesh Patel delivers a strong lead performance, bringing both sincerity and vocal talent to the role, while Lily James shines as his longtime friend and love interest. Their chemistry carries the emotional heart of the film, even if both Butler and Mike Field agree it is a bit frustrating that Patel’s character cannot see what is so clearly in front of him. Kate McKinnon also stands out as his sharp-edged manager once fame starts to take hold, adding a fun industry satire layer to the story. One thing both Butler and Field appreciate is that the unexplained “magic” behind The Beatles never existing is never overexplained or undone. The film simply accepts it as reality and focuses instead on themes of art, authenticity, love, and what it means to be an artist in a world obsessed with fame. With timeless music, a sweet love story, and relatable creative themes, "Yesterday" is a charming and heartfelt watch that will likely have you queuing up The Beatles long after the credits roll. What's your favorite film about music? Let us know in the comments! 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more Forgotten Cinema content! 🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen to podcasts. ✨ Support us on Patreon for exclusive content: www.patreon.com/forgottencinema 🛍️ Grab some Forgotten Cinema merch: www.etsy.com/shop/ForgottenCinemaShop Check out our website: https://www.forgottencinemapodcast.com 0:00 - Introduction 2:59 - Film Facts 9:09 - Film Discussion 36:10 - Reviews 38:34 - Who Would You Recommend This To? 43:02 - Why Is This Forgotten? 45:53 - Plugs #ForgottenCinema #Yesterday #DannyBoyle #HimeshPatel #LilyJames #KateKcKinnon #TheBeatles #Beatles #Musical #RomCom #Comedy #Romance #MoviePodcast #FilmDiscussion #UnderratedMovies #ClassicFilms

    48 min

  4. EPISODE 4

    The Way of the Gun

    This week on Forgotten Cinema, the Mikes revisit "The Way of the Gun", Christopher McQuarrie’s sharp, character-driven crime thriller and directorial debut. Both Mike Butler and Mike Field really enjoy this one. The performances are firing on all cylinders, with the legendary James Caan bringing gravitas and menace to every scene he’s in. Benicio Del Toro and Ryan Phillippe anchor the film as two genuinely bad men, not misunderstood antiheroes, but criminals who are unapologetically who they are. That commitment to morally compromised characters gives the film a harder edge than most crime thrillers of its era. McQuarrie’s first outing behind the camera shows remarkable confidence, with tight dialogue, grounded action, and characters who always feel true to themselves. Butler suspects younger him would have absolutely loved this film, while Field appreciates it even more now, finding its maturity and restraint more compelling with age. Dark, deliberate, and unapologetically adult, "The Way of the Gun" stands as one of the stronger crime films of the early 2000s and a reminder of how effective simple, character-focused storytelling can be. What's your favorite film about a bad guy(s) where they are the lead and actually ARE the bad guy? Let us know in the comments! 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more Forgotten Cinema content! 🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen to podcasts. ✨ Support us on Patreon for exclusive content: www.patreon.com/forgottencinema 🛍️ Grab some Forgotten Cinema merch: www.etsy.com/shop/ForgottenCinemaShop Check out our website: https://www.forgottencinemapodcast.com 0:00 - Introduction 3:21 - Film Facts 9:26 - Film Discussion 29:58 - Reviews 37:25 - Who Would You Recommend This To? 42:59 - Why Is This Forgotten? 44:22 - Plugs #ForgottenCinema #TheWayOfTheGun #ChristopherMcQuarrie #BeniciDelToror #RyanPhillippe #JamesCann #CrimeFilm #Thriller #00s #MoviePodcast #FilmDiscussion #UnderratedMovies #ClassicFilms

    45 min

  5. EPISODE 5

    Rounders

    This week on Forgotten Cinema, the Mikes sit down at the table with "Rounders", the cult favorite poker drama starring Matt Damon and Edward Norton. Despite its reputation, both Mike Butler and Mike Field come away less than impressed. The biggest issue lies with Damon’s character, Mike, who spends the entire film acting like a degenerate gambler fueled by bluster and misplaced bravado. Time and again he makes terrible decisions, particularly when it comes to helping his unreliable friend Worm, played effectively by Edward Norton. Their relationship never quite makes sense, and the film asks the audience to invest in choices that feel increasingly frustrating. The movie also leans heavily on poker terminology and insider lingo, often assuming the audience understands the details of the game. Instead of pulling viewers deeper into the world of high-stakes poker, it creates distance from the central premise. By the time the story wraps up, Mike’s journey feels hollow. His reckless behavior ultimately leads to a lucky break rather than meaningful growth, leaving the Mikes with little to latch onto emotionally or thematically. While "Rounders" has its fans, this rewatch leaves Butler and Field wondering if the film’s cult status has more to do with the poker boom that followed than the strength of the movie itself. What are some of your favorite card game based films? Let us know in the comments! 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more Forgotten Cinema content! 🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen to podcasts. ✨ Support us on Patreon for exclusive content: www.patreon.com/forgottencinema 🛍️ Grab some Forgotten Cinema merch: www.etsy.com/shop/ForgottenCinemaShop Check out our website: https://www.forgottencinemapodcast.com 0:00 - Introduction 2:43 - Film Facts 8:43 - Film Discussion 35:13 - Reviews 38:10 - Who Would You Recommend This To? 39:33 - Why Is This Forgotten? 41:26 - Plugs #ForgottenCinema #Rounders #MattDamon #EdwardNorton #JohnDahl #JohnMalcovich #MartinLandau #Poker #Drama #90s #MoviePodcast #FilmDiscussion #UnderratedMovies #ClassicFilms

    43 min

  6. EPISODE 6

    Arachnophobia

    This week on Forgotten Cinema, the Mikes revisit "Arachnophobia", the horror comedy that proves sometimes the scariest monsters are the smallest ones. Mike Butler and Mike Field really enjoy this one; with Butler describing it best as spider "Jaws". The film builds tension around an invasion of deadly spiders while following Jeff Daniels as a small-town doctor who must stop them despite being deeply afraid of spiders himself. Daniels brings a relatable everyman quality to the role that helps ground the story, while John Goodman steals plenty of scenes as the eccentric exterminator brought in to deal with the growing infestation. The movie is also a showcase for great character actors. Instead of relying on huge personalities or scene stealing performances, the film fills its world with memorable supporting characters who feel like real people and deliver plenty of great lines along the way. Balancing laughs and thrills without becoming overly bombastic, "Arachnophobia" keeps things relatively grounded while still delivering plenty of creepy moments. It is a smart, fun creature feature that proves you do not need giant monsters to make an audience squirm. What your favorite films in this genre? Let us know in the comments! 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more Forgotten Cinema content! 🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen to podcasts. ✨ Support us on Patreon for exclusive content: www.patreon.com/forgottencinema 🛍️ Grab some Forgotten Cinema merch: www.etsy.com/shop/ForgottenCinemaShop Check out our website: https://www.forgottencinemapodcast.com 0:00 - Introduction 2:57 - Film Facts 14:16 - Film Discussion 33:35 - Reviews 40:46 - Who Would You Recommend This To? 41:17 - Why Is This Forgotten? 43:49 - Plugs #ForgottenCinema #Arachnophobia #JeffDaniels #JohnGoodman #FrankMarshal #Spiders #Horror #HorrorComedy #90s #80s #MoviePodcast #FilmDiscussion #UnderratedMovies #ClassicFilms

    45 min

  7. BONUS

    Scream - Lead Up

    The Mikes are starting their "Scream" Lead Up series with the original film. Mike Field loves this film and the Scream series as a whole; there's not much if anything he can find wrong with Wes Craven's original film. Mike Butler didn't quite "get it" when he was younger. It was a bit too meta for him and he wasn't as knowledgeable at the time about horror films. Now that he get's it, he still has the same big issue...Billy Loomis. They discuss facts about it's production, how it plays with horror tropes, why Ghostface is a great killer, and what makes "Scream" one of the seminal horror films of all time. So join the Mikes as the go through each film in the "Scream" saga leading up to the release of "Scream 7". Which "Scream" are you looking forward to us discussing the most? Let us know in the comments! 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more Forgotten Cinema content! 🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen to podcasts. ✨ Support us on Patreon for exclusive content: www.patreon.com/forgottencinema 🛍️ Grab some Forgotten Cinema merch: www.etsy.com/shop/ForgottenCinemaShop Check out our website: https://www.forgottencinemapodcast.com 0:00 - Introduction 2:45 - Film Facts 9:48 - Film Discussion 41:52 - Final Girl Opinion 50:36 - Plugs #ForgottenCinema #Scream #WesCraven #NeveCampbell #CourtneyCox #Ghostface #Horror #HorrorFilms #Scream7 #FilmDiscussion

    52 min

  8. BONUS

    Scream 2 - Lead Up

    This week on Forgotten Cinema: Lead Up, the Mikes continue their journey toward Scream 7 by revisiting "Scream 2", the rare horror sequel that arguably improves on the original. Mike Butler absolutely loved this rewatch. From its themes and character arcs to the kills and the eventual villain reveals, he feels "Scream 2" sharpens nearly every idea introduced in the first film. The movie leans harder into its meta commentary, expands its cast in meaningful ways, and raises the stakes without losing what made the original work. Mike Field also enjoys the film quite a bit, though he does feel the runtime runs a little long. Even so, both Mikes agree that the performances, the escalation of the story, and the confidence in its execution make this one of the strongest entries in the franchise. Often cited as the highest-rated film in the series, "Scream 2" stands as proof that horror sequels can be smarter, bigger, and more effective when they understand exactly what made the original resonate. So join the Mikes as the go through each film in the "Scream" saga leading up to the release of "Scream 7". Were you able to guess the killers when you saw Scream 2 for the first time? Let us know in the comments! 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more Forgotten Cinema content! 🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen to podcasts. ✨ Support us on Patreon for exclusive content: www.patreon.com/forgottencinema 🛍️ Grab some Forgotten Cinema merch: www.etsy.com/shop/ForgottenCinemaShop Check out our website: https://www.forgottencinemapodcast.com 0:00 - Introduction 2:47 - Film Facts 10:11 - Film Discussion 35:39 - Reviews 41:09 - Plugs

    44 min
See All Season 24 (17)

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4.7
out of 5
28 Ratings

About

Welcome to Forgotten Cinema! Each episode, Mike Field and Mike Butler highlight a film that for a variety of reasons was forgotten by audiences. Whether it be because a more popular movie was released at the same time or the movie simply didn’t catch on with an audience in the its initial run. We’ll discuss what we love about the movie or perhaps don’t love about it and decide whether the movie is worth a revisit.

Information

  • Creator
    Michael Butler & Michael Field
  • Episodes
    376
  • Seasons
    24
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    ℗ & © 2024 Forgotten Cinema
  • Show Website
    Forgotten Cinema

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