Review It Yourself

Review It Yourself
  • 4.6 (11)
  • FILM REVIEWS
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Review It Yourself

Film Reviews without the faff, with Sean from the North-East and Sarah from the South-West. New episodes every Sunday! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 7 HR. AGO

    Modern Films: Flying or Dying? with Stew from 'Stew World Order'

    Stew from 'Stew World Order' joins Sean to try and answer the question: Modern Films, are they flying or dying? Stew believes we're in a golden age, Sean does not... Time Stamps: 1:29 Film Debate: Flying or Dying? 1:40 Generational Nostalgia 6:02 Access to Diverse Films 10:48 Voices in Cinema 14:41 The Case Against Modern Films 17:12 Poor Writing and World Building 20:02 Death of Comedy 22:38 The Decline of Movie Stars 45:24 The Shift in Film Quality 1:04:08 Conclusion: Quality vs. Quantity 1:08:21 Podcast Wrap-Up Thanks for Listening! Find us here:  X: @YourselfReview Instagram: reviewityourselfpodcast2021 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReviewItYourself⁠ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 9m

  2. FEB 16

    What Ever Happened To Baby Jane? (1963)

    Sean is feeling the pressure this week as he and Sarah review his Auntie's favourite film: What Ever Happened To Baby Jane? (1963). Discussion Points: -What the hell happened to acting and film-making. -The tour de force performances from Bette Davis and Joan Crawford. -Sarah and Sean were surprised by the sheer class of the entire production. -The career of Davis and Crawford. -The golden age of Hollywood. -The outstanding performances of the supporting cast. -Sarah loves a sad and cynical film. -The impeccable sound design. -Sean and Sarah can't wait to watch 'The Letter' (1940). -Whether Award-winning films have become more forgettable. -The death of Hollywood star power and 'learning your craft'. -Sean has nothing personally against Zendaya, he was just making a point about the lack of acting prowess in the "go-to actors and actresses" of today. -The promotional tours the actresses went on. Raised Questions: -Have you ever made up your own words? -Why don't we get films like this anymore? -Why do older films see to be so much better than what we get now? -Did the film make you question your own sanity? -How have the Jane sister's become so isolated from the world? -Are they in a cage of their own making? -Who is the one really orchestrating the situation? -Why doesn't Blanche just shout out of the window? -Why are leading ladies pushed so much in modern-day films and series, when we had amazing actresses like Joan Crawford and Bette Davis in the past? -How amazing was Bette Davis? -Have we collectively dropped our expectations for films? Time Stamps: 0:11 Introduction 3:43 Film Overview: What Ever Happened to Baby Jane 8:34 The Performances: A Masterclass in Acting 21:33 The Complex Relationship of Jane and Blanche 29:00 Cinematic Techniques: Lighting and Sound Design 35:42 The Twisted Backstory Unveiled 44:00 The Climax: Tension Builds 50:21 The Film's Conclusion: Layers of Manipulation and Resentment 52:28 Talent and Resentment 59:16 Playing the Victim? 1:08:20 Hollywood's Shifting Star Power 1:20:37 The Art of Acting 1:26:55 Behind the Scenes of Baby Jane 1:33:19 The Real-Life Drama 1:40:58 A Plea for Quality Modern-Day Cinema 1:44:07 Listener Engagement and Future Topics Thanks for Listening! Find us here:  X: @YourselfReview Instagram: reviewityourselfpodcast2021 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReviewItYourself⁠ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 45m

  3. FEB 9

    Civil War (2024)

    Sean gives his initial thoughts to Alex Garland's Civil War (2024). Discussion Points: -Sean was reminded of The Road (2009) and Nightcrawler (2014), with the intent of this film. -Typical American understatement.  -Whether this film felt futuristic or not. -The strange sense of normality that people still adhere to, in the midst of a civil war. -Sean goes on tangent about Tesco. -The strange way they marketed the film. -How unexpectedly dark and gritty this film is. -America and foreign intervention. -The film's lack of answers or things to say. Raised Questions: -Did the marketing harm this film? -Where has Kirsten Dunst been? -Did the vague reasons for the war work for you? -Do you like a thought-provoking film? -Did you enjoy the "fantastically-at-odds with the horror" music choices? -Do you think the film fully-commits to the horror? Thanks for Listening! Find us here:  X: @YourselfReview Instagram: reviewityourselfpodcast2021 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReviewItYourself⁠ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    55 min

  4. FEB 2

    A Grand Day Out (1989 Wallace & Gromit Short Film) with Luke from 'The Howdy Beans Podcast!'

    Sean welcomes back massive friend of the show Luke, from The Howdy Beans Podcast! to discuss the first Wallace and Gromit film. What follows is a celebration of English television. With the shops shut on a Bank Holiday, A Grand Day Out (1989) sees an inventor Wallace and his pet dog Gromit travel to the moon in their home-made rocket ship, in order to replenish their cheese supplies. Because you can't have dry crackers can you? Discussion Points: -In the preamble, Sean and Luke still don't see eye to eye on Signs (2002), Bruce Willis's later film roles, and Gladiator II. -The genesis of Wallace and Gromit and the labour of love from Nick Park to get this film made.  -"Let's bow to the inevitable"-Sean and Luke try to avoid tangents. -The size of Wallace's "door-stop" cheese slices. -Aardman films over the years. -The cooker on the moon and his dreams of skiing on Earth.  -The death of Boomerang, CITV and Cartoon Network. -Luke is still disgusted with Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget (2023). -Luke and Sean discuss subsequent Wallace and Gromit films The Wrong Trousers (1993), A Close Shave (1995), The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005), A Matter of Loaf and Death (2008), and Vengeance Most Fowl (2024). Raised Questions: -How many aliases does Luke actually have? -Where's Sarah? -Do you need to describe Wallace and Gromit for the Americans? -Is it ridiculous to call this Wallace and Gromit, the one with the most unrealistic? -How did this film save an entire cheese? -Do you remember surround sound speakers around the room? -Is 'reverse-recency bias' a thing? -Is Moon Cheese just a different variety? Time stamps: 0:09 Introduction and Sighs 2:09 Signs Discussion 5:28 A Grand Day Out Overview 10:25 Nick Park and Aardman 12:05 Wallace and Gromit Characters 16:57 Animation Techniques 23:03 Peter Sallis and Voice Acting 28:08 Personal Memories of A Grand Day Out 30:32 Favorite Wallace and Gromit Films 37:49 Nostalgia and British Culture 55:14 Ending Reflections 1:01:04 Film Length and Experience 1:02:53 Aardman's Future and Challenges 1:08:15 Podcast Promotion and Closing Remarks Named TV Shows: -Creature Comforts (1989-Present). -Brum (1991-2002). -Mr Bean (1990-1995). -Open All Hours (1976-1985). -Still Open All Hours (2013-2019) -Come Outside (1993-1997). -Mr Benn (1971-1972). -Pingu (1990-2006). -The Clangers (1969-Present). -Fireman Sam (1987-Present). -Joshua Jones (1992). -William's Wish Wellingtons (1994-1996). -The Queen's Nose (1995-2003). -The Demon Headmaster (1996-1998, 2019). -My Parents Are Aliens (1999-2006). -Jungle Run (1999-2006). -50/50 (1997-2005). -Get Your Own Back (1991-2004). -Cow and Chicken (1995-1999).  -The Cramp Twins (2001-2004). -Ed, Edd and Eddy (1999-2006). -Dexter's Lab (1996-1998, 2001-2003). -Recess (1997-2001). -The Powerpuff Girls (1998-2005) -Courage the Cowardly Dog (1999-2002). -Hole in the Wall Game Show (2008-2009). -Shaun the Sheep (2007-Present). Thanks for Listening! Find us here:  X: @YourselfReview Instagram: reviewityourselfpodcast2021 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReviewItYourself⁠ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 11m

  5. JAN 26

    Batman: The Killing Joke (2016) with Marie from '2 Girls 1 Reusable Cup Podcast'

    Sean is joined once again by Marie from '2 Girls, 1 Reusable Cup Podcast' and 'We Needed Roads' to lay into the poorly-executed Batman: The Killing Joke (2016). Discussion Points: -The DVD read-through returns. -Marie brings her comic book knowledge, whilst Sean brings his views without having read the comic. Neither were impressed. -The baffling creative choices behind this adaptation, particularly the horrific depiction of Barbara Gordon. -Sean questions Barbara Gordon's garment choices. -Marie and Sean discuss studios "subverting expectations". -The failure of the writers to write women properly. -Sean and Marie consider alternative story arcs for this film. -The glimpses of inspiration. -Marie thinks the animation was "lifeless" and misses the vibrant, dynamic look of the comic book.                                                           -THAT ending. -The awful post-credits scene. Raised Questions: -Why is Batman a cameo in his own film? -How did they get it so badly wrong? -Should they have bothered adapting this comic book? -We're here to see Batman, so where is he? -Did Luke from 'The Howdy Beans Podcast' appreciate the late night voice-message about this film? -Is Sean a bit of a contrarian? -Are you a fan of the Loony song? -Which line almost made Marie choke? *Sean was trying to think of Julianne Moore in The Fugitive. **Sean was thinking of Steve Kloves, who did all-but-one of the Harry Potter film screenplays. Chapters: 0:09 Introduction to The Killing Joke 3:19 The Killing Joke Overview 44:38 Dissecting the Controversy 1:14:12 Closing Thoughts on Adaptation Thanks for Listening! Find us here:  X: @YourselfReview Instagram: reviewityourselfpodcast2021 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReviewItYourself⁠ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 17m

  6. JAN 19

    Signs (2002) with co-host Sarah

    Sean and Sarah review one of their favourite films, M. Night Shyamalan's Signs (2002). They once again examine what the top critics think, before embarking on an in-depth dive into the film.  Discussion Points:-The way this film divides people. -The Bad Reviews return! -The laser focus of this film. -Sean isn't happy to be taught how to pronounce a word by Sarah, someone from the South.  -Sarah and Sean wonder if people trust mainstream critics anymore. -Whether people consider films art or content. -Studios treating the audience as if they are wrong.  -The VERY outside interference in this film.  -Sean and Sarah DISAGREE regarding a character.  -Sarah thinks the time setting is ambiguous. -Merrill's 'miracle' and Graham's loss of faith. -The way that brothers (Graham and Merrill) interact. -The lack of a female role in the family. -Sean is horrified by the idea of a sequel to this film. Raised Questions:-Have you met anyone who is on the fence about this film? -Are you fed up of 'faffy' words in critic's reviews? -Why are reviews always trying to be funny? -Do people need to stop comparing this to 'The Sixth Sense' (1999)? -Why do people talk to Graham in a strange way? -Did the ending pay off for you? -Would Sarah and Sean's sarcasm be welcome in America? -How good is Cherry Jones? -Why won't the family call a vet? -Is this Mel Gibson's best performance? -Why does Sarah love a dinner party scene? -Do the aliens have a sense of vengeance? -What is the film actually about? Time stamps:0:20 Introduction to Film Reviews 1:39 Chasing the Right Tone 3:05 Bad Reviews and Polarizing Opinions 7:38 Diving into Rotten Tomatoes 11:22 Critics’ Takes on Signs 11:31 The Weight of Expectations 16:15 Critiquing Film Criticism 27:34 Audience Reactions to Signs 47:52 Analysing Character Dynamics 52:01 The Emotional Core of the Film 59:16 Themes of Grief and Loss 1:06:16 Community Responses to Crisis 1:18:50 The Timelessness of Signs 1:24:15 Eerie Settings and Rural America 1:32:02 Notable Characters and Their Impact 1:38:29 The Role of Communication 2:01:11 Emotional Connections and Relationships 2:14:47 The Alien Threat Emerges 2:27:41 Regaining Faith and Purpose 2:34:32 Critiquing Modern Cinema 2:42:06 Reflections on Humanity and Hope 2:43:55 Final Thoughts and Farewells Thanks for Listening! Find us here:  X: @YourselfReview Instagram: reviewityourselfpodcast2021 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReviewItYourself⁠ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    2h 46m

  7. JAN 12

    Batman: Under the Red Hood (2010) with Marie from '2 Girls 1 Reusable Cup Podcast'

    Marie from '2 Girls 1 Reusable Cup Podcast' and 'We Needed Roads Podcast' finally guests on Review It Yourself and what a film she picked! Batman: Under the Red Hood (2010). Warning, this episode contains spoilers. Discussion Points: -Sean and Marie discuss animated Batman films. -Marie lays out her relationship with Batman animated films and comics. -Sean explains his love of superhero films (no, really!). -The fantastic portrayal of the Joker. -The incredibly dark tone. -The great use of flashbacks. Raised Questions: -Is this one of the best Batman films ever? -Are animated films under less scrutiny and pressure? -Why was Sean so impressed by Fantastic Four: The Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007)? -Have we had "too much of a good thing" with superhero films? -How long has it been since Sean vented about 'The Batman'? -What the hell is Night Wing doing for half the films?  -Is the Red Hood trying to kill Batman or not? Sean Recommends: Gladiator II (2024). Timestamps: 0:05 Welcome to Review It Yourself 1:22 Introducing Batman: Under the Red Hood 4:57 Exploring Animated Batman Films 11:32 The Joker's Brutal Nature 33:41 The Complexity of Bruce Wayne 46:25 The Mystery of the Red Hood 47:53 Characters Matter 49:23 A Labour of Love 49:32 The Training of Jason Todd 54:06 The Joker's Chaos 55:56 Emotional Turmoil 59:09 The Al Ghul Connection 1:02:35 The Final Showdown 1:07:31 The Impact of Loss 1:09:50 A New Direction 1:18:22 The Dangers of CGI 1:22:05 Future of DCU 1:22:49 The Penguin's Potential 1:25:47 Thoughts on Gladiator 2 1:31:50 Where to Find Marie Thanks for Listening! Find us here:  X: @YourselfReview Instagram: reviewityourselfpodcast2021 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReviewItYourself⁠ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 35m

  8. JAN 5

    Tropic Thunder (2008) with Josh, Alex, Will and Luke from 'This Isn't Life'

    Sean is joined by Josh, Alex, Will and Luke from 'This Isn't Life' Podcast to review one of the best comedies of recent memory: Tropic Thunder (2008).  Discussion Points: -Sean gets the This Isn't Life guys to introduce themselves. -The guys and Sean discuss the reason for why this film wouldn't get made now. -How Hollywood lost the ability to laugh at itself. -Sean details how context is key.  -A '50 Shades of Grey' Would You Rather? Question. -Whether you could pitch a film like this now. -Josh, Alex, Will and Luke recommend Eyes Wide Shut (1999). -Sean and the guys discuss the Moon Landings and if it's real or not, and barely avoid a discussion about lizard people. Raised Questions: -Is this Robert Downey Jr.'s best film? -What's Loyd Grossman got to do with this film? -What happened between 2008 and now to change people's sensibilities? -How badly does Christian Grey act towards his girlfriend? -Is this film one of the funniest films ever made? -What's your favourite bit of the film? -When did you last see a side-splitting comedy in the cinemas? Thanks for Listening! Find us here:  X: @YourselfReview Instagram: reviewityourselfpodcast2021 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReviewItYourself⁠ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    56 min
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About

Film Reviews without the faff, with Sean from the North-East and Sarah from the South-West. New episodes every Sunday! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Review It Yourself
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    313
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Review It Yourself
  • Show Website
    Review It Yourself

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