Movie Wars 2-Vices Media

Watching "The Boondock Saints" was considered a dorm room initiation during Kyle, Drew, and Phil's college years. Highly requested by our listeners, "The Boondock Saints" possesses one of the most prolific cult followings in history. Its success was bolstered primarily by Blockbuster rentals. Although critics bashed the film, a lauded documentary titled "Overnight" received high marks for its portrayal of Troy Duffy; the highly volatile, rags-to-riches director who eventually found himself blacklisted for his uncouth approach to directing Harvey Weinstein's Diamond in the Rough. As for "Snatch," Guy Ritchie is the most requested director we've yet to cover. With his unique blend of violence, humor, and rapid-fire pacing, Guy Ritchie's style shines in "Snatch." 
With God on our side, the MWP crew slays the wicked war card, bare knuckles and all. 
Click here to become an executive producer on Movie Wars by supporting us on Patreon!
Film Summaries
The Boondock Saints
Tired of the crime overrunning the streets of Boston, Irish Catholic twin brothers Conner (Sean Patrick Flanery) and Murphy (Norman Reedus) are inspired by their faith to cleanse their hometown of evil with their own brand of zealous vigilante justice. As they hunt down and kill one notorious gangster after another, they become controversial folk heroes in the community. But Paul Smecker (Willem Dafoe), an eccentric FBI agent, is fast closing in on their blood-soaked trail.
Rating: RGenre: Crime, Drama, Mystery & thrillerOriginal Language: EnglishDirector: Troy DuffyProducer: Chris Brinker, Robert N. Fried, Elie Samaha, Lloyd SeganWriter: Troy DuffyRelease Date (Theaters): Aug 4, 1999 OriginalRelease Date (Streaming): Nov 25, 2015Box Office (Gross USA): $19.9KRuntime: 1h 50mDistributor: New City Releasing [us], Indican Pictures
(Thank you Rotten Tomatoes https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/boondock_saints)

Snatch
Illegal boxing promoter Turkish (Jason Statham) convinces gangster Brick Top (Alan Ford) to offer bets on bare-knuckle boxer Mickey (Brad Pitt) at his bookie business. When Mickey does not throw his first fight as agreed, an infuriated Brick Top demands another match. Meanwhile, gangster Frankie Four Fingers (Benicio del Toro) comes to place a bet for a friend with Brick Top's bookies, as multiple criminals converge on a stolen diamond that Frankie has come to London to sell.
Rating: R (Some Nudity|Language|Strong Violence)Genre: Comedy, DramaOriginal Language: EnglishDirector: Guy RitchieProducer: Matthew VaughnWriter: Guy RitchieRelease Date (Theaters): Jan 19, 2001 WideRelease Date (Streaming): Mar 1, 2011Box Office (Gross USA): $30.1MRuntime: 1h 38mDistributor: Screen GemsProduction Co: Columbia Pictures, SKA FilmsSound Mix: Surround, Dolby SR, Dolby Digital, SDDSAspect Ratio: Flat...

It was only a matter of time before the Movie Wars crew released an Arnold Vs. Arnold episode. Drew and Phil treated Kyle to cigars and Thai food for his birthday while we watched "Arnold" on Netflix. Needless to say, it was inspiring for us. We ditched "Mr. And Mrs. Smith" (which is a good match plotwise) for the ultimate Arnold fan matchup. By many standards and opinions, "True Lies" is considered to be Arnold's finest work, while "Eraser" marks the end of what film scholars believe to be Arnold's golden era which started with "Conan the Barbarian" in 1982. Often maligned, the MWP crew found a lot of joy in "Eraser" and the throughlines were too hard to ignore. Get erased and lie to your spouse about your career. Check out "True Lies" Vs. "Eraser." 
Help the crew make more shows and keep this operation going by supporting us on Patreon! Also, the easiest way to help MWP is sharing with your friends and on social media.
Film Summaries
Eraser
John "The Eraser" Kruger is the top gun in the US Marshall Witness Protection scheme; he erases their past and deals with their future. His latest assignment is whistle-blower Dr. Lee Cullen, who has evidence against a major arms corporation that's selling weapons to terrorists with the collusion of rogue enemy agents within, but there is danger nearer home for Kruger, from within his own department.
Rating: RGenre: ActionOriginal Language: EnglishDirector: Chuck RussellProducer: Arnold Kopelson, Anne KopelsonWriter: Walon Green, Walon Green, Tony PuryearRelease Date (Theaters): Jun 21, 1996 WideRelease Date (Streaming): Aug 15, 2008Box Office (Gross USA): $101.3MRuntime: 1h 55mDistributor: Warner Bros. Pictures

True Lies
Secretly a spy but thought by his family to be a dull salesman, Harry Tasker (Arnold Schwarzenegger) is tracking down nuclear missiles in the possession of Islamic jihadist Aziz (Art Malik). Harry's mission is complicated when he realizes his neglected wife, Helen (Jamie Lee Curtis), is contemplating an affair with Simon (Bill Paxton), a used-car salesman who claims he's a spy. When Aziz kidnaps Harry and Helen, the secret agent must save the world and patch up his marriage at the same time.
Rating: RGenre: Action, ComedyOriginal Language: EnglishDirector: James CameronProducer: Stephanie Austin, a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/james_cameron" rel="noopener...

We're thinking we're back! Nothing summarizes this matchup like the words "sweet revenge." John Wick and Taken are two fantastic action films revolving around uniquely skilled protagonists avenging the loss of dogs and people near and dear to them. Kyle loved the opportunity to re-introduce the "Keanu Lifer" back to the podcast. We also discussed how John Wick captures the essence of the classic action films we love while developing its own style. Enjoy John Wick Vs. Taken with guns blazing, or if you don't, we will look for you and we will find you. 
John Wick
Legendary assassin John Wick (Keanu Reeves) retired from his violent career after marrying the love of his life. Her sudden death leaves John in deep mourning. When sadistic mobster Iosef Tarasov (Alfie Allen) and his thugs steal John's prized car and kill the puppy that was a last gift from his wife, John unleashes the remorseless killing machine within and seeks vengeance. Meanwhile, Iosef's father (Michael Nyqvist) -- John's former colleague -- puts a huge bounty on John's head.
Rating: R (Language|Brief Drug Use|Strong Bloody Violence)Genre: Action, Mystery & thrillerOriginal Language: EnglishDirector: Chad StahelskiProducer: Basil Iwanyk, David Leitch, Eva LongoriaWriter: Derek KolstadRelease Date (Theaters): Oct 24, 2014 WideRelease Date (Streaming): Feb 3, 2015Box Office (Gross USA): $43.0MRuntime: 1h 41mDistributor: Lionsgate Films
Taken
Bryan Mills (Liam Neeson), a former government operative, is trying to reconnect with his daughter, Kim (Maggie Grace). Then his worst fears become real when sex slavers abduct Kim and her friend shortly after they arrive in Paris for vacation. With just four days until Kim will be auctioned off, Bryan must call on every skill he learned in black ops to rescue her.
Rating: PG-13 (Intense Sequences of Violence|Disturbing Thematic Material|Language|Sexual Content|Some Drug References)Genre: Action, Mystery & thrillerOriginal Language: EnglishDirector: Pierre MorelProducer: Luc BessonWriter: Luc Besson, Robert Mark KamenRelease Date (Theaters): Jan 30, 2009 WideRelease Date (Streaming): May 12, 2009Box Office (Gross...

The video game movie genre is experiencing a renaissance. Traditionally, cinema has heavily influenced the production of video games. Games like Resident Evil and Metal Gear Solid are evidence of this. As video games have become more cinematic on their own, the sentiment around video game-influenced movies has increased. Shows like The Last Of Us and the upcoming Super Mario Brothers movie are garnering more interest from the masses than any game-inspired IP before them. Today, the guys are covering two female-led video game films: Resident Evil and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. Kyle, Drew, and Phile had a mighty fine time drawing from their love of video games for this matchup. 
FILM SUMMARIES
Resident Evil
Based on the popular video game, Milla Jovovich and Michelle Rodriguez star as the leaders of a commando team who must break into "the hive," a vast underground genetics laboratory operated by the powerful Umbrella Corporation. There, a deadly virus has been unleashed, killing the lab's personnel and resurrecting them as the evil Un-dead. The team has just three hours to shut down the lab's supercomputer and close the facility before the virus threatens to overrun the Earth.
Genre: Horror, ActionOriginal Language: EnglishDirector: Paul W.S. AndersonProducer: Jeremy Bolt, Bernd Eichinger, Samuel Hadida, Paul W.S. AndersonWriter: Alan B. McElroyRelease Date (Theaters): Mar 15, 2002 WideRelease Date (Streaming): Sep 7, 2004Box Office (Gross USA): $39.5MRuntime: 1h 40mDistributor: Columbia PicturesSound Mix: Dolby Stereo, Dolby Digital, Dolby A, Surround, Dolby SR


This live action feature is inspired by the most successful interactive video-game character in history -- Lara Croft. Beautiful and brainy, Lara (Angelina Jolie) is the heroine of Eidos Interactive's phenomenally successful "Tomb Raider" game series. It is one woman's fearless quest criss-crossing the globe, in an amazing attempt to save the world.
Rating: PG-13 (Some Sensuality|Action/Violence)Genre: Adventure, Action, FantasyOriginal Language: EnglishDirector: Simon WestProducer: Lawrence Gordon, Lloyd Levin, Colin WilsonWriter: Patrick Massett, John Zinman, Simon West, Sara B. Cooper, Mike Werb, Michael CollearyRelease Date (Theaters): Jun 15, 2001 WideRelease Date (Streaming): Nov 13, 2001Box Office (Gross USA): $131.1MRuntime: 1h 40mDistributor: Paramount PicturesSound Mix: SDDS, Dolby Digital, DTS, Surround, Dolby Stereo
Info courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes!

Batman films serve as a time-stamped looking glass into the temperament of society. The stark difference in tone is evident when you watch 2005's Batman Begins after watching Tim Burton's Batman (1989). The inherent silliness that endears 1989's Batman seems like a spectacle when compared to Nolan's entries which embody the post-9/11 nihilism that we've discussed on the podcast many times. Yet somehow, 2022's The Batman takes the cake when it comes to channeling darkness. When you pair the truly noir detective roots of Batman with Matt Reeve's pandemic-born, post-election-inspired grunge opus, you get The Batman. Join Kyle, Drew, and Phil in the Movie Wars cave as we pit two celebrated Batmen against one another. 
Click here to become an executive producer on Movie Wars by supporting us on Patreon! A measly $7 gets you access to Kyle’s new 20-minute film retrospectives which are deep dives into the films we cover(and Patron Requests), interviews with legendary filmmakers, Host Q and A, and bonus content.
Film Summaries
THE BATMAN
Batman ventures into Gotham City's underworld when a sadistic killer leaves behind a trail of cryptic clues. As the evidence begins to lead closer to home and the scale of the perpetrator's plans become clear, he must forge new relationships, unmask the culprit and bring justice to the abuse of power and corruption that has long plagued the metropolis.
Rating: PG-13 (Some Suggestive Material|Drug Content|Strong Disturbing Content|Strong Language|Strong Violent Content)Genre: Action, Adventure, Crime, DramaOriginal Language: EnglishDirector: Matt ReevesProducer: Dylan Clark, Matt ReevesWriter: Matt Reeves, Peter CraigRelease Date (Theaters): Mar 4, 2022  WideRelease Date (Streaming): Apr 19, 2022Box Office (Gross USA): $369.3MRuntime: 2h 56mDistributor: Warner Bros. PicturesSound Mix: Dolby Digital, Dolby Atmos, SDDSAspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)View the collection: Batman
Info Courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_batman
BATMAN BEGINS
A young Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) travels to the Far East, where he's trained in the martial arts by Henri Ducard (Liam Neeson), a member of the mysterious League of Shadows. When Ducard reveals the League's true purpose -- the complete destruction of Gotham City -- Wayne returns to Gotham intent on cleaning up the city without resorting to murder. With the help of Alfred (Michael Caine), his loyal butler, and Lucius Fox (Morgan Freeman), a tech expert at Wayne Enterprises, Batman is born.
Rating: PG-13 (Some Thematic Elements|Disturbing Images|Intense Action Violence)Genre: Action, Fantasy,...

Cue the house music beats and the getaway cars. Kyle, Drew, and Phil find themselves in the middle of the ultimate heist film battle. Both Ocean's Eleven and The Italian Job are remakes that attempt to sever ties with their source material. Ocean's Eleven boasts a veteran ensemble cast, including Julia Roberts, who is fresh off of her 2001 Oscar win for Best Actress for Erin Brockovich, which is also directed by Steven Soderbergh. The Italian Job's is more of an ensemble in the making, showing off a rookie class effort for burgeoning greats Charlize Theron and Mark Wahlberg. It's hard to argue that The Italian Job borrows mightily from Oceian's Eleven, which was released two years earlier. Strap yourself into your Mini Cooper and grab your finest suit as Movie Wars attempts to determine which heist film steals all the marbles. 
Click here to become an executive producer on Movie Wars by supporting us on Patreon! A measly $7 gets you access to Kyle’s new 20-minute film retrospectives, which are deep dives into the films we cover(and Patron Requests), interviews with legendary filmmakers, Host Q and A, and bonus content.
FILM SUMMARIES

OCEAN'S ELEVEN

Dapper Danny Ocean (George Clooney) is a man of action. Less than 24 hours into his parole from a New Jersey penitentiary, the wry, charismatic thief is already rolling out his next plan. Following three rules: Don't hurt anybody, don't steal from anyone who doesn't deserve it, and play the game like you've got nothing to lose. Danny orchestrates the most sophisticated, elaborate casino heist in history.
Rating:PG-13 (Some Language|Sexual Content)Genre:Comedy, Drama, CrimeOriginal Language:EnglishDirector:Steven SoderberghProducer:Jerry WeintraubWriter:Ted GriffinRelease Date (Theaters):Dec 7, 2001 WideRelease Date (Streaming):May 7, 2002Box Office (Gross USA):$183.4MRuntime:1h 56mDistributor:Warner Bros. Pictures
(Thank you Rotten Tomatoes https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/oceans_eleven)

THE ITALIAN JOB
After a heist in Venice, Steve (Edward Norton) turns on his partners in crime, killing safecracker John Bridger (Donald Sutherland) and keeping all the gold for himself. The rest of the team, including leader Charlie Croker (Mark Wahlberg), driver Handsome Rob (Jason Statham), explosives man Left Ear (Mos Def) and tech geek Lyle (Seth Green), vows revenge. They enlist the help of Bridger's daughter, Stella (Charlize Theron), and plot to recover the gold from Steve's Los Angeles mansion.
Rating:PG-13 (Violence|Some Language)Genre:Crime, Drama, Mystery & Thriller, ActionOriginal Language:EnglishDirector:F. Gary GrayProducer:Donald De...