Kristian Reimer returns to plead the case for Beverley Hills Cop and the cult of Eddie Murphy. To Jimmy it has all the depth of cotton candy. Will Jimmy finally give ground when it comes to a movie with no pretensions beyond entertainment? Download and listen.
Jimmy interviews Dan Brennan who was in the movie Carlito's Way. Well, sort of but probably not. An enigmatic introduction for a fascinating movie and an even better podcast.
The movie Jimmy wasn't looking forward to turned out to be not the tissue fest he expected. Maybe that's because it resonated with him and guest Mario Bernardi.
A few hours late getting this posted which would have been a tragedy because this talk about Tootsie with comedian Scott Faulconbridge was one of our best. Worth it if not to hear about Scott's grand romantic gesture.
Guest Mario Bernardi and Jimmy wallow in nostalgia with 1969's Cactus Flower. Phil disappears half-way through but nobody notices until the end. Doesn't bode well for Phil.
Comedian and wild man Joel Van Vliet returns to gleefully sing the praises of the mostly improvised movie Waiting For Guffman while poo-pooing improv in general. Unexpected hi-light is when he tries to convince Jimmy he was the star in his church play and not just sheep number 2.
Swords, sorcerers and guest Barry Carter to talk about 1981's Excalibur.This movie about the King Arthur legend is one of Barry's favorite films of all time. Jimmy found it as believable as professional wrestling - which it strongly resembled.
Halfway through the podcast Chris Wuergler realizes she could have talked about something other than National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. Not to worry, Jim and Phil find plenty to talk about and even Chris comes around to admitting there's something of value here.
When the moon hits your eye does it drive you daffy? Chris Wuergler insists it can, Jimmy insists that's not science. But will they agree on 1987's Moonstruck? You might be surprised.
In a first for Back to the Balcony, Jimmy and Phil are joined by Ryan Sim to talk about the stoney flick Half Baked. Phil and Ryan know what's going on, Jimmy thinks it's an expose on incompetent bakers.
In a complete reversal Phil the engineer is the guest - while Mario Bernardi is the guest engineer - so he can talk about 1992's Unforgiven (not to be confused with The Unforgiven which is a different movie entirely). This might actually be a great movie but Jim has trouble coming to grips with Phil being the one who chose it.
A treasured memory of Jimmy and guest Mario Bernardi comes crashing down when a movie from their youth doesn't hold up for them. They've also don't like Tootsie Rolls either so take that with a grain of salt. A surprisingly funny episode for one where Jimmy and the guest agree.
Comedian and actor Val Cole joins Jimmy to talk about her favorite movie, 1980's Raging Bull, a movie about boxing with very little boxing. Val loves its gritty realism - the same quality Jimmy admired in The Little Mermaid.
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.
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.
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!
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 - 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.
The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming, is a funny film - even Jimmy thinks so. So of course he has to spoil it by pointing out to guest Mario Bernardi how things really haven't changed. They do take time to honor the memory of Carl Reiner.