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

Kt Baldassaro

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. Everything Everywhere All at Once with Josh DeForge - Episode 46

    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

    1h 30m
  2. Con Air with Jaina Cipriano - Episode 45

    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?

    1h 42m

  3. 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

    10 min
  4. Heavy Metal with Brett Kelley - Episode 44

    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)

    2h 35m

  5. 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

    9 min
  6. Napoleon Dynamite with Victoria Roccaforte - Episode 43

    Feb 16

    Napoleon Dynamite with Victoria Roccaforte - Episode 43

    I finally watched Napoleon Dynamite, and I need to talk about it! With returning guest and filmmaker Victoria Roccaforte, we break down how this tiny Sundance film turned into a cultural juggernaut, why it made over $130 million in home video sales, and how its awkward sincerity separates it from the mean comedies of its era. We get into: – The origin of the character from Peluca – The bizarre hand-model credit sequence – The Rex Kwon Do scene – Pedro’s surprisingly emotional arc – The spectrum-coded comfort of the film – Meme oversaturation and cultural fatigue – And whether this movie actually holds up Is it overhyped nostalgia? Or a genuinely radical indie comedy? Press play. 🔗 Follow & Watch Victoria Roccaforte Website: victoriaroccaforte.com Films: victoriaroccaforte.com/films Letterboxd: letterboxd.com/vrocca Instagram: @vrocca_ TikTok: @vrocca YouTube: @vroccafilms Bluesky: vroccafilms.bsky.social 🎧 Follow Kt Baldassaro (@MovieRuntime) Instagram & TikTok: @MovieRuntime Letterboxd: @MovieRuntime 00:00 Welcome to the Episode! 04:43 Cultural Impact of Queer Media 10:45 The Future of Queer Cinema 16:41 Reflections on Film Awards 22:48 Concluding Thoughts on Film and Media 27:15 The Challenge of One-Location Stories 33:20 Streaming Availability and Recommendations 38:25 Exploring Paul Thomas Anderson's Work 40:24 The Evolution of Napoleon Dynamite 44:33 Cultural Context and Comedy Preferences 50:39 Cultural Judgments and Film Preferences 53:10 Personal Connections to Iconic Films 55:11 Family Ties and Film Legacy 58:50 The Quirkiness of Dads and Their Viewing Choices 59:51 Relatability in Quirky Comedies 01:03:04 The Impact of Quotability in Film 01:05:40 Echolalia and Representation in Film 01:09:08 The Comfort of Being Seen in Cinema 01:11:31 Production Insights and Dance Scenes 01:16:06 Realism and Character Development in Comedies 01:20:16 Timeless Comedy and Its Context 01:21:40 Character Dynamics and Relationships 01:23:55 Connections in the Film Industry 01:26:45 Cultural References and Their Impact 01:29:29 Character Growth and Development 01:31:23 Themes of Acceptance and Individuality 01:33:56 Subverting Stereotypes in Film 01:37:37 The Importance of Open Endings 01:39:51 The Evolution of Audience Engagement 01:41:01 The Impact of Home Media Sales 01:46:34 The Layers of Identity: Elvis Costello and Napoleon Dynamite 01:48:20 Favorite and Least Favorite Scenes: A Deep Dive 01:51:30 Casting Choices and Character Development 01:56:56 The Unique Humor of Napoleon Dynamite 01:59:15 Rewatching Nostalgia: Does It Hold Up? 02:02:47 Recommendations and Cultural Impact of Napoleon Dynamite Master Chronological List of all Films Mentioned in this Episode The Wizard of Oz (1939) Revenge of the Nerds (1984) Sixteen Candles (1984) St. Elmo’s Fire (1985) Boogie Nights (1997) Magnolia (1999) Donnie Darko (2001) Napoleon Dynamite (2004) The Benchwarmers (2006) Blades of Glory (2007) There Will Be Blood (2007) The Lobster (2015) Call Me by Your Name (2017) Phantom Thread (2017) Uncut Gems (2019) Elvis (2022) Poor Things (2023) Blue Moon (2024) Last Showgirl (2024) Marty Supreme (2024) Sorry Baby (2024) Wicked (2024) Begonia (2024) One Battle After Another (2024)

    2h 7m
  7. Greta Gerwig's Little Women with Holly Holiday - Ep 42

    Jan 15

    Greta Gerwig's Little Women with Holly Holiday - Ep 42

    Greta Gerwig’s Little Women (2019) is critically adored, but is it the version that actually lasts? In this episode, I'm joined by Holly Holiday (Get Your Popcorn Podcast) for a deep, conversational breakdown of why this story keeps returning, how adaptation shapes meaning, and why nostalgia is such a powerful (and dangerous) lens. This is a film conversation for people who love movies and like questioning them! 🎬 FILMS DISCUSSED INCLUDE Little Women (1994, 2019), The Fabelmans, Midsommar, Nosferatu, Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island, The Color Purple, Oppenheimer, Interstellar, and more. 00:00 – Introducing Holly & why Little Women again05:50 – Film bros and exhausting discourse10:18 – Childhood movies that actually matter15:09 – Spielberg, sentimentality, and craft23:40 – Adaptation vs reinvention31:10 – Greta Gerwig’s narrative structure38:45 – Casting age gaps & audience perception46:15 – Florence Pugh’s performance problem (and strength)52:40 – Revisiting the 1994 version1:02:30 – Method acting myths1:17:00 – Horror movies vs prestige awards1:28:00 – Directors who stop taking risks1:34:00 – Bale vs Chalamet discourse1:40:00 – Final thoughts & where to find Holly #LittleWomen#FilmCriticism#MoviePodcast#Adaptation#Cinema

    1h 56m
  8. Night of the Hunter with Carl Gustafson (@CarlTheFilmCritic) - Episode 41

    12/15/2025

    Night of the Hunter with Carl Gustafson (@CarlTheFilmCritic) - Episode 41

    What If I Don’t Like It? – Season Two Finale: The Night of the Hunter (1955) For the season two finale, I’m joined by film critic Carl Gustafson ("@Carlthefilmcritic") to talk about The Night of the Hunter (1955), a classic horror film often called one of the greatest and most influential movies ever made. Why do filmmakers love it? Why did it fail on release? And why can it feel intimidating to first-time viewers? This episode is perfect for anyone who has avoided this classic because it feels lofty or intimidating. Carl and I break down the film’s direction by Charles Laughton, Robert Mitchum’s iconic performance, its expressionist cinematography, and why it remains a genuinely tense, emotional, and influential movie. Whether you’re a horror fan, a classic film lover, or just curious about this famous movie, this conversation is a friendly guide to The Night of the Hunter. Where You Can Find Us Kt Baldassaro (@MovieRuntime) TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@movieruntime Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/movieruntime YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MovieRuntime Carl Gustafson (@Carlthefilmcritic) TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@carlthefilmcritic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlthefilmcritic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CarlTheCritic 00:00 Introduction to The Night of the Hunter and Episode Overview 11:15 Film Reviews, TikTok, and How We Talk About Movies 16:58 First Movie Memories, Comfort Films, and Horror Origins 22:31 The American Dream and Classic Hollywood Themes 27:32 The Night of the Hunter Plot Overview and First Reactions 31:57 Film Noir, Expressionism, and Cinematic Style 36:00 Cinematography, Shadows, and Visual Storytelling 39:40 Influence on Modern Horror and Filmmakers 42:04 Women in The Night of the Hunter: Sexuality and Power 45:50 Religion, Good vs Evil, and Moral Fear 48:20 Iconic Scenes and Lasting Imagery 52:37 Pacing, Structure, and Narrative Choices 56:07 Character Development and Child Protagonists 01:00:49 Robert Mitchum’s Performance as a Horror Villain 01:04:42 Film Score, Sound Design, and Atmosphere 01:11:22 Why The Night of the Hunter Still Matters 01:18:33 Corrections, Context, and Extended Discussion 01:19:34 True Story Influences and Charles Laughton’s Direction 01:21:02 Release Problems, Critical Reception, and Reevaluation 01:27:14 Final Thoughts, Legacy, and Season Wrap-Up Movies Referenced in This Episode Listed by year of release The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920) Nosferatu (1922) Frankenstein (1931) The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1939) Dumbo (1941) The Night of the Hunter (1955) Marty (1955) Lady and the Tramp (1955) East of Eden (1955) Cape Fear (1962) My Fair Lady (1964) Onibaba (1964) Eraserhead (1977) Suspiria (1977) The Fox and the Hound (1981) Das Boot (1981) Blue Velvet (1986) Do the Right Thing (1989) Edward Scissorhands (1990) Perfect Blue (1997) The Big Lebowski (1998) Requiem for a Dream (2000) No Country for Old Men (2007) Coraline (2009) Black Swan (2010) The Shape of Water (2017) Suspiria (2018) Midsommar (2019) Us (2019) Bo Is Afraid (2023) Lisa Frankenstein (2024)

    1h 29m
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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.

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