Hix Nix Stix Pix - A Podcast About Robb's Movies

The Podcaster's Warehouse
  • 4.8 (55)
  • Film History
  • Updated Weekly

Hix Nix Stix Pix is where movie obsession meets fresh confusion. Every week, Robb Spewak dusts off a beloved classic from his collection and makes Josh Sroka watch it—usually for the very first time. Robb brings the nostalgia, Josh brings the "wait… what just happened?" Together, they argue, laugh, and maybe even agree on why these movies matter (or don't).

  1. 5d ago

    King Kong 1933

    Robb and Josh kick off spooky season with King Kong (1933)—and reach very different verdicts on the Eighth Wonder of the World. Robb loves the classic adventure, while Josh thinks Kong, the dinosaurs, and the music deserve better human actors. From Skull Island to the Empire State Building, they discuss Willis O’Brien’s stop-motion creations, Max Steiner’s score, Fay Wray’s screams, and why the film’s strange, dreamlike effects can still deliver. Along the way: Bob Newhart’s Kong routine, the missing spider-pit sequence, Robb’s chained-up Kong collectible, and the questionable wisdom of putting a giant ape on Broadway. Can spectacular monster battles overcome wooden acting and a slow start? Their scores tell the story: Robb gives it 9/10; Josh gives it 3/10—though Josh would happily give Kong’s dinosaur-smashing highlights a 10. Then Josh turns the tables with four mystery envelopes and takes control of the next movie selection. Episode chapters 00:00 — Opening banter02:44 — Bob Newhart’s King Kong routine06:43 — Josh’s Kong memories and the film introduction10:00 — The overture, Carl Denham, and Ann Darrow25:00 — Kong arrives: stop-motion and movie magic32:21 — The log bridge and missing spider pit34:31 — Max Steiner’s score and Kong versus the T. rex40:00 — Ann’s rescue and Kong’s capture46:39 — Broadway, chrome-steel chains, and Robb’s collectible54:07 — Kong loose in Manhattan1:03:30 — Is Kong the real victim?1:09:16 — Awards, production trivia, and Kong’s legacy1:19:18 — Josh’s verdict1:27:38 — Final ratings: 3 versus 91:31:38 — Josh’s mystery envelopes and the next movie reveal

    King Kong 1933

  2. 5d ago ·  Bonus

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  3. Sep 17

    It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World — Part 2

    The race for the buried treasure barrels toward its hilariously destructive finish! In Part 2 of our review of It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963), Josh and Robb follow the increasingly desperate treasure hunters through outrageous chases, collapsing plans, dangerous ladders, and one unforgettable hospital-room finale. We discuss the movie's enormous cast, spectacular stunt work, escalating chaos, and whether this epic comedy sticks the landing. Who steals the movie—and was all that trouble under the "Big W" really worth it? Join us for Part 2 of this madcap classic on Hix Nix Stix Pix!

    It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World — Part 2

  4. Sep 11

    It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World - Part 1

    Josh and Robb hit the road for the first half of their two-part look at Stanley Kramer's enormous 1963 comedy, It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World. When a dying thief reveals that a fortune is buried beneath "the Big W," an ordinary group of motorists becomes a pack of increasingly desperate treasure hunters. In Part 1, Josh and Robb discuss the legendary cast, the movie's massive scale, its escalating automotive chaos, and the hilarious race toward $350,000. Who makes the strongest first impression? Which stunts still amaze? And is this sprawling comedy worth the very long trip? This is Part 1 of a two-part review. Spoilers are discussed.

    It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World - Part 1

  5. Aug 31

    Sunset Boulevard

    Josh and Robb step into the shadows of Old Hollywood to revisit Billy Wilder's 1950 noir masterpiece, Sunset Boulevard. A struggling screenwriter becomes trapped in the decaying mansion—and dangerous fantasy—of forgotten silent-film star Norma Desmond. They discuss Gloria Swanson's legendary performance, William Holden's doomed Joe Gillis, the movie's dark humor, Hollywood satire, unforgettable dialogue, and whether this celebrated classic still deserves its close-up. Will Josh and Robb give Sunset Boulevard the Hollywood treatment—or nix it? Spoiler warning: The movie's major plot points and ending are discussed.

    Sunset Boulevard

  6. Aug 19

    Chinatown

    This week on Hix Nix Stix Pix, we head into 1930s Los Angeles for one of the greatest—and darkest—mysteries ever put on film: 1974's Chinatown. Jack Nicholson is private eye J.J. Gittes, a man who thinks he's investigating an affair until murder, water, money, corruption, and one horrifying family secret reveal something much bigger. We break down Nicholson and Faye Dunaway, the unforgettable Noah Cross, that devastating ending, what "Forget it, Jake. It's Chinatown" really means, and whether this legendary neo-noir still holds up in 2026. Forget it, Hix. It's Chinatown.

    Chinatown

  7. Aug 7

    Strangers On A Train

    All aboard for one of Alfred Hitchcock's most twisted thrillers! Josh and Robb revisit the 1951 classic Strangers on a Train, in which a chance meeting between tennis star Guy Haines and the dangerously charming Bruno Antony leads to a deadly "crisscross" proposition. They discuss Robert Walker's unforgettable performance, Hitchcock's visual storytelling, the mounting suspense, that wild carousel finale, and whether the movie still holds up today. Will Josh and Robb recommend this cinematic ride—or nix it?

    Strangers On A Train

  8. Jul 24

    Rollercoaster (1977)

    This week on Hix Nix Stix Pix, Josh and Robb strap in for Rollercoaster, the 1977 disaster thriller that turned amusement-park fun into pure anxiety. They revisit George Segal's race to stop a calculating bomber, Richard Widmark's no-nonsense federal agent, Timothy Bottoms' unnervingly quiet villain, and the theater-rattling spectacle of Sensurround. Is it a white-knuckle classic, a slow climb with a short drop, or a wonderfully specific slice of '70s suspense? Secure your lap bar and enjoy the ride!

    Rollercoaster (1977)
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Hosts & Guests

4.8
out of 5
55 Ratings

About

Hix Nix Stix Pix is where movie obsession meets fresh confusion. Every week, Robb Spewak dusts off a beloved classic from his collection and makes Josh Sroka watch it—usually for the very first time. Robb brings the nostalgia, Josh brings the "wait… what just happened?" Together, they argue, laugh, and maybe even agree on why these movies matter (or don't).

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