What If I Don’t Like It? with Kt Baldassaro

What If I Don't Like It? with Kt Baldassaro

A monthly podcast with host, film critic/actress/writer/director, Kt Baldassaro where we ask guests to watch a movie they decided they wouldn’t like but have never seen. We aim to shed light on possible biases and maybe change their mind! —Episodes on the 15th of each month.

  1. Fried Green Tomatoes with Brian Cottington (Filmmaker, Critic, and Co-host of The Cinema Psychos Show) - Episode 40

    NOV 15

    Fried Green Tomatoes with Brian Cottington (Filmmaker, Critic, and Co-host of The Cinema Psychos Show) - Episode 40

    Is Fried Green Tomatoes secretly the beginning of a Wendigo movie?A fun and heartfelt deep dive into Fried Green Tomatoes with Brian Cottington from Cinema Psychos. We break down the film’s queer subtext, Southern Gothic themes, adaptation changes, VHS nostalgia, and why this 1991 classic still resonates. Plus: Hellraiser, food in movies, 90s comfort rewatches, and way too many cannibalism jokes. We get into:• why Fried Green Tomatoes still hits emotionally• book vs. film changes (and what got censored)• queer coding, agency, abuse, and Southern Gothic vibes• VHS nostalgia, NES cartridges, and growing up on tapes• comfort rewatches, horror gateways & Brian’s love for Hellraiser• how movies shape food culture (Tampopo, Wonka bars, fried green tomatoes)• the Christina Ricci movie we absolutely blanked on• plus… more cannibalism jokes than anyone asked for 😅 If you love movies, film history, weird trivia, and totally unhinged tangents—welcome home. New episodes drop monthly.Subscribe for long-form deep dives with equal parts heart and chaos. Follow Brian Cottington (Cinema Psychos)Instagram: @CinemaPsychosTikTok: @CinemaPsychosPodcast: Cinema Psychos Show Follow KT Baldassaro (What If I Don’t Like It?)Instagram: @MovieRuntimeTikTok: @MovieRuntimeYouTube: @MovieRuntime Timestamps 00:52 – Cold Open + Intro01:41 – Guest Intro: Brian from Cinema Psychos05:44 – Writing Episodes: Script Process & Workflow08:32 – TikTok Growth, Visual Style & On-Camera Tips12:57 – Audio Quality Talk: Mics, Sound Design & Best Practices17:07 – VHS Nostalgia: Watching 2001: A Space Odyssey on Tape22:22 – Brian’s Film Habits & Comfort Rewatches28:22 – Hellraiser: Cenobites, Clive Barker & Franchise Evolution30:30 – Fried Green Tomatoes: Adaptation Choices31:21 – Oscars History: What Beat It That Year32:50 – Queer Representation: Coding, Tropes & Supermarket Sweep42:62 – Gender, Abuse, Identity & Agency55:12 – Food in Movies: Tampopo, Wonka Bars & More1:00:07 – Christina Ricci Tangent (Now and Then)1:06:73 – Cannibalism Running Gag + Ravenous1:08:24 – Righteous Gemstones: Danny McBride Archetypes1:22:42 – Final Thoughts Movies Mentioned2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)Tampopo (1985)Hellraiser (1987)The Little Mermaid (1989)Batman (1989)Fried Green Tomatoes (1991)A Goofy Movie (1995)Now and Then (1995)May (2002)Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005)Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)No Country for Old Men (2007)Avatar (2009)Batgirl (unreleased, 2022)Wile E. Coyote vs. Acme (unreleased, 2023)

    1h 49m
  2. Little Shop of Horrors with Horror Critic @Taylor Complains - Episode 39

    OCT 15

    Little Shop of Horrors with Horror Critic @Taylor Complains - Episode 39

    Horror film reviewer Taylor Complains (@taylorcomplains) joins host Kt Baldassaro (@MovieRuntime) to dig into Frank Oz’s 1986 cult horror musical classic Little Shop of Horrors. Killer plants sing, Rick Moranis charms, and the bleak alternate ending is somehow more expensive than Aliens.  Kt and Taylor dive into what happens when a horror fan with zero patience for musicals meets one of the campiest cult classics of the 1980s. From killer plants to killer performances, they debate whether Little Shop of Horrors deserves its legacy, or if it’s all just Muppet-fueled madness. We also dig into:  🎭 Frank Oz’s Muppet DNA and why his practical effects still hold up 40 years later  💀 That infamous alternate ending… the one test audiences couldn’t handle  🎥 Rick Moranis’s “lovable loser” energy and why it somehow works every time  🧵 Why horror and comedy blend perfectly, but musicals can drive even die-hard horror fans insane  🌆 The original 1960 version with Jack Nicholson, and how it evolved from B-movie to Broadway hit  😂 Taylor’s brutal honesty, his case for bleak endings, and why he rates this one a "2… maybe 2.5, but only because it eats everyone at the end.” Whether you’re a Little Shop devotee or a proud musical hater, this episode delivers sharp film analysis, chaotic humor, and a surprisingly heartfelt appreciation for practical effects and bad decisions. 🔗 Follow Taylor Complains  TikTok: @taylorcomplains  YouTube: @taylorcomplains  Instagram: @taylorcomplains 🎧 Follow Kt Baldassaro (@MovieRuntime)  Instagram & TikTok: @MovieRuntime  Letterboxd: @MovieRuntime  YouTube: @MovieRuntime #LittleShopOfHorrors #FrankOz #RickMoranis #HorrorMusical #FilmPodcast #CultCinema #MovieRuntime #WhatIfIDontLikeIt #80sMovies #PracticalEffects #SteveMartin #JackNicholson #PodcastInterview #FilmCritic #HorrorTikTok #TaylorComplains #HorrorCommunity #FilmAnalysis #ComedyPodcast #cultmovies  Master Chronological List of all Films Mentioned in this Episode Go Ask Alice (1973) Little Shop of Horrors (1960) The Dark Crystal (1982) The Thing (1982) Gremlins (1984) Ghostbusters (1984) The Muppets Take Manhattan (1984) The Fly (1986) Little Shop of Horrors (1986) Spaceballs (1987) Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989) Arachnophobia (1990) Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday (1993) Pulp Fiction (1994) Natural Born Killers (1994) Vampires (1998) Ravenous (1999) Magnolia (1999) Boondock Saints (1999) Rush Hour (1998) Blade (1998) The South Park Movie (Bigger, Longer & Uncut) (1999) The Descent (2005) Brokeback Mountain (2005) There Will Be Blood (2007) [REC] (2007) No Country for Old Men (2007) Repo! The Genetic Opera (2008) Quarantine (2008) Antichrist (2009) Cabin in the Woods (2011) Melancholia (2011) Evil Dead (2013 The Voices (2014) The Lure (2015) Call Me By Your Name (2017) Anna and the Apocalypse (2017) The House That Jack Built (2018) Licorice Pizza (2021) Him (2024) Longlegs (2024) Sinners (2024) Chapters: 00:00 Intro & Guest Introduction 01:00 Why Horror Musicals Are Hard to Love 03:00 Anna and the Apocalypse vs. Little Shop 05:00 Theater Kids, Performance, and Authenticity 08:00 Taylor’s Horror Background & Top Films 13:00 Film Critique and Letting People Like What They Like 17:00 Nihilism, PTA, and Modern vs. Classic Horror 28:00 Why the Bleak Ending of Little Shop Works 31:00 Frank Oz, The Muppet Aesthetic, and Practical Effects 35:00 The Alternate Ending and Test Audiences 42:00 American Audiences’ Obsession with Happy Endings 44:00 Despair, Self-Indulgence, and What Makes Art Work 47:00 Puppetry, Performance, and the Magic of Lip Syncing 53:00 Character Voices, Archetypes, and Rick Moranis’ “Lovable Loser” 01:35:00 Final Thoughts: Why the Film Endures Despite Its Flaws

    1h 37m
  3. A Scanner Darkly with Filmmaker Victoria Roccaforte - Episode 38

    SEP 15

    A Scanner Darkly with Filmmaker Victoria Roccaforte - Episode 38

    Independent filmmaker Victoria Roccaforte joins host Kt Baldassaro (@MovieRuntime) to dive deep into Richard Linklater’s rotoscoped sci-fi masterpiece A Scanner Darkly and the world of Philip K. Dick. ▶️ From the mind-bending animation process to the film’s eerily prescient themes of surveillance, addiction, and identity, this conversation is packed with insight for cinephiles and casual viewers alike. We also explore: 🎬 Victoria’s award-bound short Only Time Heals, shot across all four New England seasons and premiering at LAVA Film Festival 🎥 How Linklater’s naturalistic directing style compares to filmmakers like James Cameron, Sofia Coppola, and Gus Van Sant 🎨 Rotoscoping history, Robert Downey Jr.’s improvisation, and why A Scanner Darkly remains one of the most faithful Philip K. Dick adaptations 🌈 Queer representation in cinema: from Bend It Like Beckham to Fried Green Tomatoes; and the compromises filmmakers face to get stories on screen Whether you’re here for film analysis, animation talk, or indie filmmaking inspiration, this episode has it all. 🔗 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 #AScannerDarkly #RichardLinklater #PhilipKDick #FilmPodcast #IndieFilm #Rotoscope #Animation #MoviePodcast #VictoriaRoccaforte #WhatIfIDontLikeIt #MovieRuntime #KeanuReeves #PodcastInterview #FilmAnalysis #IndependentFilm Master Chronological List of all Films Mentioned in this Episode 1914 – Coco the Clown (rotoscope shorts) 1968 – Belladonna of Sadness 1975 – Trilogy of Terror 1978 – The Lord of the Rings (animated, Ralph Bakshi) 1982 – Blade Runner 1983 – The Big Chill 1988 – Who Framed Roger Rabbit 1991 – Terminator 2: Judgment Day (James Cameron reference) 1994 – Anna: 6–18 1994 – The Lion King (quick Disney mention) 1995 – Before Sunrise 1997 – Titanic 1997 – Perfect Blue * 1998 – Quest for Camelot 1998 – Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas * 1998 – Run Lola Run (side mention in discussion of time/structure) 1999 – The Matrix (Philip K. Dick influence discussion) 1999 – Fight Club (quick cultural mention) 2000 – Requiem for a Dream * 2000 – American Psycho (mentioned alongside Fight Club) 2001 – A.I. Artificial Intelligence 2001 – Waking Life 2002 – Blue Crush * 2003 – Oldboy (mentioned in extreme cinema context) 2004 – Before Sunset 2006 – A Scanner Darkly 2009 – Avatar (James Cameron’s tech/water discussion) 2010 – Black Swan 2013 – Before Midnight 2013 – Under the Skin (Scarlett Johansson alien reference) 2014 – Boyhood 2015 – Ex Machina 2017 – Loving Vincent 2022 – Apollo 10½: A Space Age Childhood 2023 – Hit Man (Linklater, Netflix)

    2h 10m
  4. Jumanji with Scott Tundermann - Episode 37

    AUG 15

    Jumanji with Scott Tundermann - Episode 37

    What if a board game could trap you for 26 years… and when you finally escape, you’re Robin Williams in full survival mode? That’s Jumanji — and it’s way darker, weirder, and more heartfelt than you might remember. In this episode of What If I Don’t Like It?, Scott and I revisit the 1995 classic after traveling to Keene, New Hampshire for the 30th Anniversary celebration — inflatable animal stampede, restored theater screening, scavenger hunt, and all. We dig into: The secret lore of the Jumanji game (and its Zathura connection) Casting “what ifs” from Tom Hanks to Sean Penn Robin Williams’ incredible professionalism on set The CGI vs. practical effects magic — and the wheezing rhino that stole the show How a movie can still shape a community 30 years later From behind-the-scenes chaos to wild trivia, this is part movie deep-dive, part travelogue, and a whole lot of 90s nostalgia. Follow & rate the show so you never miss our takes on movies you think you know (but might not).

    1h 16m
  5. National Treasure with Harry Marks - Episode 36

    JUL 4

    National Treasure with Harry Marks - Episode 36

    Independence Day Special NEW Episode! You’ve seen the memes. You’ve heard the line: “I’m gonna steal the Declaration of Independence.” If you’re anything like me, that alone might’ve convinced you National Treasure wasn’t for you. I thought it was going to be overly patriotic, too Disneyfied, or worse—Nicolas Cage screaming about ancient glasses. I was wrong. In this special July 4th episode, I sit down with the one and only National Treasure superfan, Harry Marks, to dig into the movie’s historical roots, wild character chemistry, and why this film manages to be both brilliantly smart and hilariously dumb—in the best way possible. We unpack everything from cultural impact and historical accuracy (or lack thereof), to the underrated brilliance of Cage’s quiet sincerity and the thrill of puzzle-box storytelling. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a skeptic like I was, there’s something here for you. 📌 Follow the show, rate it if you loved it, and share it with someone who still thinks The Da Vinci Code is peak treasure cinema. 📖 Check out Harry’s books: ➡️ Cabinet of Curiosities – Buy Here ➡️ Library at the Center of the Earth – Buy Here For more from Harry, visit: linktr.ee/hcmarks 🗺️ Up for an adventure? Try the Green Mountain Adventure Challenge 00:00 Why Might Someone Not (Think) They’ll Like National Treasure? 05:59 Welcome to the Episode! 08:40 Historical Context and Authenticity 11:28 Character Dynamics and Performances 14:16 Comparisons to Other Films 17:02 Engaging with History and Adventure 19:53 Cultural Impact and Legacy 24:23 Exploring Mystery Genres 28:05 The Evolution of Adventure Films 31:47 Cultural Reflections in Treasure Hunting 35:41 Nicolas Cage's Subtle Performance 40:19 The Impact of Historical Context on Film 49:23 Historical Accuracy in Film: A Double-Edged Sword 53:41 The Art of Storytelling: Balancing Fact and Fiction 58:48 Casting the Next Nicolas Cage: The Future of Movie Stars 01:03:07 Cinematography and Set Design: Crafting Visual Narratives 01:05:48 Favorite Scenes: Moments that Captivate

    1h 35m
  6. Pride & Prejudice (2005) with Crystal Justine - Episode 35

    JUN 15

    Pride & Prejudice (2005) with Crystal Justine - Episode 35

    Join filmmaker and film critic Kt Baldassaro (@MovieRuntime) as she welcomes guest Crystal Justine (@HeyCrystalJ)—creator of TheCinemaNook.com—for a deep dive into Joe Wright’s Pride & Prejudice (2005). From manic pixie dream girls and horror community drama to ADHD writing chaos and the enduring power of practical effects, this episode is a warm, chaotic, and cinematic deep cut. In this episode, we explore:• Why the Pride & Prejudice rain scene still emotionally wrecks us• What it means to “monetize your breakdown” in digital film culture• How horror communities are unexpectedly healing• The creative mess of ADHD voice notes and Letterboxd rants• Red-pen editing of Fifty Shades fanfic• And why The Fellowship of the Ring is the ultimate comfort film Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/rq0Dvp1GA4g Follow Crystal JustineTikTok: @heycrystaljInstagram: @heycrystaljWebsite: TheCinemaNook.com Follow Kt Baldassaro / MovieRuntimeTikTok: @movieruntimeInstagram: @movieruntime YouTube: @MovieRuntime

    2h 1m
  7. Paprika with Aaron Wood - Episode 34

    MAY 15

    Paprika with Aaron Wood - Episode 34

    Paprika (2006) Is Better Than Inception?Talking Satoshi Kon, Dreams, and Fandoms with Aaron Wood This week, we’re diving into a movie I love with someone I think you’re going to love too—illustrator, designer, and board game artist Aaron Wood. We’re talking Paprika (2006), Satoshi Kon’s visually wild, brain-bending anime that’s basically Inception before Inception—but weirder, and honestly, better. Aaron had never seen it before, so we use that as a jumping-off point to explore: The ethics of dream-sharing The strange line between identity and avatars (online and in dreams) Why animation might be the only way to tell this kind of story Aaron’s work in fandom from the inside out—WPA-style fantasy posters, sci-fi tourism art, and board game design for games like Twilight Imperium Topics we hit include:🎭 The uncanny valley vs. hand-drawn magic🎤 Why Vocaloids are both cool and unsettling📺 The live-action Paprika remake (we're already anxious)🌐 How fandoms, internet identities, and dreams blur together😱 That time Aaron’s parents betrayed him… with Return of the Jedi🎬 Why sometimes we just need a little nudge to finally watch a movie This episode’s full of heart, nerdy insights, and plenty of sidetracks about art, animation, and how we experience stories. — Follow the host:Kt Baldassaro (MovieRuntime)TikTok: @movieruntimeInstagram: @movieruntimeLetterboxd: movieruntimeBluesky: movieruntime.bsky.social Follow the guest:Aaron Wood – Illustrator, graphic designer, and board game artistEtsy: JustOneScarfInstagram: @aaronwooddesignsTikTok: @aaronwooddesignsTwitter/X: @justonescarf — 🎧 Listen on your favorite platform:Spotify: tinyurl.com/mr8ct67cApple Podcasts: tinyurl.com/3rarkktxOther platforms: tinyurl.com/y43c2cc7

    1h 26m
  8. Rocky Calsetta vs. Raiders of the Lost Ark -(Mini) Episode 33

    MAY 1 · BONUS

    Rocky Calsetta vs. Raiders of the Lost Ark -(Mini) Episode 33

    In this recut mini-episode from Season One, we revisit our conversation with guest Rocky Calsetta—but this time, we skip the setup and go straight to the post-watch reveal. Rocky finally saw Raiders of the Lost Ark... and you might be surprised by his take. We’re trimming down the two-part episodes from our early days and spotlighting the moments that matter most: how people feel after facing the films they’ve long avoided. 🎙 Hosted by Kt Baldassaro 📅 Mini-episodes drop on the 1st, full episodes every 15th #IndiePodcast #MovieCritique #RaidersOfTheLostArk #FilmPodcast #CinephileLife #PodcastRecommendation #WatchList2025 #PopCulturePod #WomenInPodcasting #FirstWatchReaction #CultMovieClub #PodcastHighlight #ClassicFilmReview

    1h 8m
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About

A monthly podcast with host, film critic/actress/writer/director, Kt Baldassaro where we ask guests to watch a movie they decided they wouldn’t like but have never seen. We aim to shed light on possible biases and maybe change their mind! —Episodes on the 15th of each month.

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