Best Film Ever

• Episode 306 - Shutter Island

  “Which would be worse… to live as a monster, or to die as a good man?” Join Ian, Liam & Kev for our 306th episode as we board the ferry to Ashecliffe and plunge headfirst into the mist, trauma, and unreliable memories of Martin Scorsese’s Shutter Island (2010). Megs? She’s not with us this week — she insisted on exploring Ward C “just for a quick look” and the gates slammed shut behind her. We’re hoping she’ll be released pending evaluation. This week we discuss: How Scorsese blends noir, horror, and psychological drama into one of the most atmospheric films of the 2010s. Leonardo DiCaprio’s performance — genius unraveling, or a masterclass in controlled chaos? Mark Ruffalo’s deceptively calm presence — partner, puppet, or something much more unsettling? Are we naturally prejudiced to think Ben Kingsley is the villain because he's British? How does Scorsese take a psychological thriller and masquerade it within both a whodunnit and a conspiracy film Which special effects had us marveling at their ingenuity and which ones had us reaching for our Resties ballots? How could the narrative alignment choices made by Scorsese have gone terribly wrong Ian breaks down the film’s narrative structure — why repeated viewings make the film richer, not clearer. Liam asks whether the film asks too much from the viewer  How trauma, denial, and memory shape the film’s psychological core — and why the story hits different every rewatch. B-Tech Kev picks up on some subtleties and asks if we saw what he saw whilst Ian talks about how the ability to pause and rewind has changed cinema Genre blending: is Shutter Island a detective mystery, a horror film, or a psychological portrait of grief? The lighthouse reveal — one of Scorsese’s most tension-filled sequences. We debate the meaning of the ending, Teddy’s awareness, and that final chilling line. And finally, whether Shutter Island is the Best Film Ever — or simply the most beautifully disorienting mind maze Scorsese ever built. Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE. Find out more about Juleen's nephew, Castor, and how you can help at https://gofund.me/73a67a9d6 We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Paul Komoroski Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/

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• Episode 305 - One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest

  “But I tried, didn’t I? Goddammit, at least I did that.” Join Ian & Liam for our 305th episode as we get ourselves committed to one of the greatest American films ever made: One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975). Kev and Megs? They won’t be joining us this week — Megs was last seen challenging Nurse Ratched’s medication schedule and Kev tried to lift the hydrotherapy console to escape. Security is “having a chat” with both of them. This week we discuss: How Miloš Forman’s direction created a sense of art imitating life. But who was Miss Ratched and who was Mac? Jack Nicholson’s legendary performance as R.P. McMurphy — charming, chaotic, and dangerously alive.  But is it just Jack playing Jack? Louise Fletcher’s cold, controlled terror as Nurse Ratched — is she evil, institutionalised, or the product of her system? The film’s astonishing supporting cast — from Danny DeVito to Brad Dourif — and why the ensemble might be one of the best ever assembled.  Who asked for asshole Doc Brown? The real power struggle at the heart of the film: rebellion vs. routine, individuality vs. institution. Ian breaks down the film’s narrative structure and why one sequence isn't necessary Liam reflects on the humour, the heartbreak, and the explosive final act — does any other ending hit quite like this one? Is Mac crazy? How would someone pretending to be crazy present themselves in this environment? We discuss the film’s legacy: its Oscars sweep, its influence on pop culture, and its place in the “Great American Films” canon. Is McMurphy a hero, a catalyst, or a cautionary tale? What was Milos Forman trying to say in the film based on his personal lifestory? And finally, whether One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest is the Best Film Ever — or simply one of the boldest critiques of power and conformity ever committed to screen. Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE. Find out more about Juleen's nephew, Castor, and how you can help at https://gofund.me/73a67a9d6 We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Paul Komoroski Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/

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• Episode 304 - Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (feat. Beadle Steve)

  At last… our pod is complete again.” Join Ian, Liam & Megs (she always goes last), along with Friend of the Podcasters: Beadle Steve, for our 304th episode as we sharpen our razors, roll out the pie dough, and dive into the gothic, gory glory of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007). This week, we’re not just talking Burton’s blood-soaked macabre attempt at a masterpiece — we’re also sharing our collective memories from our very own recent production of Sweeney Todd! Expect behind-the-scenes stories, backstage laughs, and maybe a few stories about trap doors and jettisons of blood This week we discuss: How Tim Burton’s adaptation balances musical theatre grandeur with cinematic horror — and where it falls short. Johnny Depp’s take on the title role: tortured genius or just Burton doing Burton again? Helena Bonham Carter’s Mrs. Lovett — delightful, deranged, and determined to make the worst pies in London. How Alan Rickman and Timothy Spall manage to be both repulsive and magnetic - but can they sing?  Who do we think could've done it better? The use of colour, lighting, and sound — and why did the crew need so many garbage bags? How Sweeney Todd manages to turn tragedy into operatic spectacle without losing its emotional sting. We discuss at great length a couple of elements that one of us just couldn't overlook We share our favourite moments (and biggest mishaps) from our own stage production — from what it's like to be reviewed ourselves to unexpected laughter in the wrong places and if you can imagine it - Ian flexing in the spotlight What it’s like performing Sondheim’s music live — the challenge, the rhythm, and the glorious chaos. Beadle Steve joins us to talk about his experience, his favourite scenes, and whether he’s still hearing “Ding Dong!” in his sleep... and what happened to the ensemble anyway? And finally, whether Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is the Best Film Ever — or just the bloodiest musical we’ve ever loved. Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Paul Komoroski Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/

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• See It Or Skip It? - Who Killed The Montreal Expos (w/ Friend of the Podcast: Ryan Kuketz)

  It’s another edition of See It or Skip It, and this time Ian is back with Friend of the Podcast Ryan Kuketz as they grab their scorecards, pack their peanuts, and head north for Who Killed The Montreal Expos? — Netflix’s deep-dive documentary into the tragic rise and fall of Canada’s lost baseball team. But does Who Killed The Montreal Expos? knock it out of the park, or is it just another rain-delayed nostalgia trip? Ian and Ryan dig into the story of how a beloved franchise went from fan favourite to relocation heartbreak — and whether this doc truly gets to the bottom of who’s really to blame. Is this a gripping investigation into corporate greed, MLB politics, and fan betrayal — or just a sentimental bunt down memory lane? The lads examine how the film balances hard facts with heart, whether it gives Montreal’s baseball faithful the justice they deserve, and if it finally answers the question that’s haunted Canadian sports fans for two decades. How do you tell the story of a team that died twice — once in the standings, and once in spirit? Is this a love letter, a post-mortem, or both? All this and more in this week’s See It or Skip It review of Who Killed The Montreal Expos? — and of course, Ian and Ryan will let you know if you should SEE IT or SKIP IT.

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• Episode 303 - Mask (w/ BFF of the BFE: Ariannah who Loves BFE the Most)

  “Sometimes the most beautiful things in life don’t make sense.” Join Ian & Liam, along with BFF of the BFE: Ariannah (Who Loves BFE the Most™), for our 303rd episode as we ride through the heart and humanity of Peter Bogdanovich’s Mask (1985) — the moving, funny, and unforgettable story of Rocky Dennis, his extraordinary mother, and the people who refused to let difference define them. This week we discuss: How Mask walks the perfect line between sentiment and sincerity without tipping into melodrama. Cher’s powerhouse performance — fierce, fragile, and absolutely magnetic but was she well directed (or even well written?) Eric Stoltz’s stunning transformation and how the film lets his humanity shine through the prosthetics. Why this might be the most compassionate film of the 1980s — and what it still teaches us about empathy today. Ariannah joins us to talk about how disability and difference are portrayed on screen, and why this one hits harder than most. The use of music (and that classic Springsteen debate) — how the soundtrack shapes the film’s emotional DNA. We rip on Bogdanovich’s simplistic direction and how his brevity is far from the film's greatest strength. Ian wonders whether the film’s emotional punches still land as powerfully for modern audiences. We talk about how Mask redefined expectations for family drama and biopic storytelling. And finally, whether Mask (1985) is the Best Film Ever — or just one of the most human films we’ve ever covered. Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE. We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Paul Komoroski Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/

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