I began listening because I think the hosts are enjoyable people with interesting and informed perspectives, but I've also found this podcast to be genuinely useful as I've always avoided what actually makes up the Top 250 bro-list (from what I understand none are directed by women). This gives me a chance to analyze some of the gems that are buried within and build a deeper understanding of film history. And it's simply a fun premise.

This is a discussion series which usually makes me watch deeper into movies than I ever have before. Typically movies are like art, I don’t know much but I know what I like. I defer to these two for the in-depth minutiae that I have no energy to unearth. My digging time is spent with the political battle between humanity and Insanity. This road has become a favorite trail for me to take but there are 3 points I need to make. 1) Derek, under no circumstances is “Two Lane Blacktop” to be referred to as a good movie even as it relates to engines. “Grand Prix” is what you should reference when comparing the F1 movie “RUSH” motor photography. 2) Isabelle, The Stargate sequence in 2001 a space “Oddity” is 4:57 of wasted film, Additionally, the first Star Trek movie has a scene where the Enterprise’s approach to V’ger’s core, lasts as long as one would think crossing 82 Astronomical Units (82x93million miles), in a Yugo might take. Finally I don’t understand how HAL didn’t even get a best actor nomination, he ruled! Combine the 2 and you now understand why movies are now shot and stored digitally. there is a finite limit to how much celluloid exists and how much this population actually cares or is willing to waste. 3)Both of you! I liked “3 billboards...”. Yes it’s confused by its attempt to glean any moral messages however it is no more confused than “Machete Kills” which I accept is more fun to watch. Isabelle, you often make my head hurt. I love you to death but if you’re gonna continue your sex life on air, please send me a powerful jar of medical marijuana. Derek, you hang around a bad crowd but you’re an adult! Stay happy, watch movies!

i am going to destroy marc maron

This is the spiritual successor to Reloading the Canon, itself the spiritual successor to 30 Below. However, while both previous podcasts covered movies outside of the world of well-loved films, Middlebrow Madness is a sprawling odyssey through the top 250 IMDb movies. It’s a delight to hear Michelle and Derek goof their way through some genuinely interesting and novel criticism of these extremely well-trodden topics