Joel David Van Vliet was raised on the movie What's Up Doc?. In an episode that proves the harm that comes when you do something like that he insists it's the finest movie ever made - even when compared to a similar Cary Grant movie. Jimmy's so nonplussed he doesn't know how to respond half the time. One of the craziest episodes ever.
Bret Measor is all agog with the sci-fi classic Soylent Green. After Jimmy admits to having seen it when it came out Bret was less enthusiastic about the snacks Jimmy put out. Creepy foreshadowing or overblown fear-mongering, watch the movie, listen to the debate and then decide.
Shades of Jimmy's past when guest Ashley Grace visits to talk about her favorite movie, Sweet Charity. Co-incidentally Jimmy was in a production of it. Unfortunately, that doesn't mean he understood what it was about.
Comedian David Green delights in the comic genius of Peter Sellers. Jimmy wonders if they both watched the same music. A fascinating look at the chameleon powers of Sellers and the delusional powers of Green.
Chris Wuergler turns the podcast upside down (that's a clever pun - I don't care what anybody says) when she visits to talk about 1972's The Poseidon Adventure, a movie where the stars chew up the scenery like it's lobster at a buffet. And yeah, that's a Jimmy joke.
Chris Wuergler joins Jimmy and Phil to extol the virtues of The Sound of Music. But Jimmy's having none of it, insisting the music's irritating and the story ridiculous. Then he brings up Julie Andrews most scandalous performance. An hilarious review of one of the most beloved movies of all time.
Barry Carter actually likes 1972's Fritz the Cat. He thinks it a ground breaking cartoon bringing the underground comic to the attention of the masses. Jimmy thinks it an outrage that it traded on an undeserved X-rating. In between there's a lot of discussion about what made this the first - and some would say only - breakout adult animated movie.
Jimmy was thrilled when comedian Scott Faulconbridge came back for a third visit to talk about The Goodbye Girl. The result reminds us to be careful what you wish for. A very funny episode with some fascinating insights of a movie that deserves to be better known.
Comedian Ryan Sim returns to relive his college days with 1978's Animal House and answer the question was John Belushi a one note comedian? Jim has trouble relating because his reform school had gangs not fraternities.
Jimmy recommended The In-Laws as one of the funniest movies ever, guest Mario Bernardi conceded it might be better than the re-make the way a fractured finger is better than a fractured arm. What do you think?
A forgotten gem or is Jimmy just reliving his childhood? There's an argument to be made it's the fountainhead for movies like National Lampoon's Vacation and even Summer Rental. Guest Mario Bernardi remembers it fondly, Phil discovers it and Jimmy gloats because it was his idea.
Comedian Dan Brennan makes Jimmy an offer he can’t refuse – no more terrible crime family references if he can come on the show and talk about 1972’s The Godfather. A small price to pay - now if he could only get him to stop referencing The Sopranos...
The original Rat Pack defined cool. Drinking, smoking, using women as playthings what’s not to like? Kristian Reimer doesn’t advocate any of that when he visits to talk about 1960’s Ocean’s Eleven. He does, however, think they were pretty sharp dressers. And this while Jimmy is sitting there wearing his best t-shirt!
For the first time Back to the Balcony reviews not only the original but the sequel as well when Bret Measor returns to defend Rocky II. As usual, the cowardly Phil joins forces with the guest and Jimmy is left to poke holes in what is clearly a so-so sequel all by himself. Is it a split decision or is there a clear-cut winner, and what the heck is the rule about knock-downs?
Is The Girl From Petrovka a cold war version of Breakfast At Tiffany’s? Chris Wuergler isn’t so sure. Jimmy isn’t sure if it even qualifies as entertainment. Arguably Goldie Hawn’s most forgotten movie – and deservedly so.
Chris Wuergler brings us another story of swindlers, the depression and the importance of family with 1973’s Paper Moon. None of which impresses Jimmy and Phil as much as her knowledge of the history of Nehi soda.
Jimmy and guest Mario Bernardi talk about one of the strangest, yet most compelling of movies, 1968’s The Swimmer. A strange choice for two guys who need a lifeguard when they go wading in a puddle.
Jimmy and guest Mario Bernardi get all metaphysical with 1977’s Oh, God! The big takeaway? If God is serious, he wouldn’t make his messenger drive an AMC Pacer.
Now that we’re a couple weeks into 2021 it’s a good time to talk about – sock puppets. It’s 1979’s The Muppet Movie with special guest, comedian Scott Falconbridge. A fascinating discussion about how the Muppets made the transition from TV to movies and who’s funnier, Fozzy Bear or Jimmy?
Starting the New Year – and a new release schedule – with perennial fan favourite Chris Wuergler. And not with another Elvis episode but the film classic Lawrence of Arabia. And low and behold everyone – including Phil – find something to agree on. Gonna be an interesting year.
The best Christmas gift a podcast listener could wish for, another Jimmy England opus to the season with a cast of people, songs, merriment and a genuine – if not somewhat shaky – plot. Gather up the family, brew up some hot chocolate, spike it liberally and you’re ready to listen to what’s sure to become a Christmas classic (although in fairness, we all know what Jimmy considers a classic).
Chris Wuergler - of all people - wants to talk about 1978's The Deer Hunter. Jimmy wishes she'd go back to talking about Elvis and Gidget. The perfect podcast for those who are overwhelmed by all the Christmas cheer.
Billy the Kid had Pat Garrett, Jimmy England has Ryan Sim who tries to convince him that Bob Dylan brings something to Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid besides some of his most miserable work.
It's a fight to the finish as comedian Bret Measor shows his sensitive side defending the excesses of Rocky. Jimmy almost goes down for the count when engineer Phil takes Brett's side.
It's our Halloween episode. Guest Barry Carter says he had chills watching The Omen. Jimmy says all he had were question about Damien's mom and dad's parenting skills. Give it a listen - if you dare!