CINEMISSES!

Today, Matt and Tug are here to break down a found-footage monster movie that feels like Manhattan is ending in real time That's right! It's Cloverfield! A fun kaiju film that uses chaos, mystery, and a single shaky camera to make every second count.  So if you love big creatures, mysterious slash viral marketing, and movies that turn a city into a panic attack, this one hits hard. Parasites! Documentary-style camerawork! And ...

In this episode, Matt and Tug explore the fascinating blend of science, storytelling, and character development in the movie adaptation of Andy Weir's "Project Hail Mary." Join us as we unpack the film’s portrayal of scientific concepts, practical effects, and the emotional depth of Ryan Gosling’s and Rocky’s relationship.
We'll dive into science with a capital S, the themes of friendship, sacrifice and hope. A...

In this episode, Matt and Tug explore Wes Anderson's debut film "Bottle Rocket." They delve into the short film it was based on, how it moved through the film festival circuit and eventually became a feature. They pontificate on how much of what would appear in later Anderson films was there -- in some form or fashion -- from the very start. They also touch on Luke and Owen Wilson, and how their older brother Andrew kind of got the...

While most dystopian remakes lean into camp or the fantastical — this one dares to be frighteningly real. In today's episode, Matt and Tug dive into Edgar Wright’s gritty reimagining of "The Running Man," a sharp, modern take on the classic sci-fi story from Stephen King. Unlike the over-the-top 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger film, this version taps into a near-future that feels disturbingly close to home, exploring issues ...

Join Matt and Tug for our latest episode (unfortunately our 29th vs our 28th – it was laying right there for us), as we explore the cult zombie classic 28 Days Later. We will delve into its impact on zombie content in early 2000s popular culture, as well as the film's themes, cast, and the creative minds behind this groundbreaking horror flick. A lot of shit comes up in this one – survival, levity vs horror, character a...

In this episode, Matt and Tug explore the stylistic elements, storytelling techniques, and cast of Guy Ritchie's 2000 film Snatch. The hosts delve into Ritchie's influences, unique editing style, and the impact of its characters, providing insights for film enthusiasts and casual viewers alike. Matt also proposes a Guy Ritchie-based drinking game, which we are sure will be all the rage across colleges campuses/fraternity houses as ...

Today Matt and tackle a light-hearted summertime romp, a film that some would even call the "feel-good movie of 2007!" That's right, it's the Coen Brothers' award winning masterpiece – "No Country For Old Men." The boys will explore the plot and themes of the film, the Coen's unique approach to storytelling and filmmaking, even a little bit about Cormac McCarthy, who wrote the original novel. And because it's a story about a ...

In this episode, Matt and Tug explore Ryan Coogler's acclaimed 2025 horror thriller “Sinners” delving into its themes, production, and cultural significance. We discuss the film's unique blend of horror, history, and music, as well as insights into the director's journey and the film's impact. We go deep in detail, exploring themes of race, history, vampire mythology, and filmmaking techniques. And, if you are still won...

In this episode, Matt and Tug explore the surrealist film Being John Malkovich directed by Spike Jonze and written by Charlie Kaufman. The fellas discuss its unique storytelling, character development, and the impact of its innovative approach on cinema. There is much pontification about if there are, in fact, too many ideas that don't ever really get paid off. Diving pretty deep on the characters, their motivations, the hosts prof...

In this episode, Tug and Matt pay tribute to recently deceased actors, delve into the horror genre, and explore the film Weapons directed, written, produced, and co-scored by Zach Cregger. The conversation highlights the evolution of horror films, the significance of cast and characters, and the critical reception and box office success of Weapons. Matt and Tug delve into the intricacies of a film that intertwines horror and myster...

In this episode, Matt and Tug dive deep into the intricacies of the film John Wick, exploring its characters, plot, and the unique approach to capturing action sequences  that set it apart from typical action movies. They discuss the physical toll on Keanu Reeves during filming, touching on how – together – Matt and Tug could not perform a single one of the stunts that Keanu seems to take for granted. They discuss ...

In today's episode, Matt and Tug take on Step Brothers, exploring the themes of personal growth and the transition that Brennan and Dale take as they grow into adulthood. (Spoiler alert: There isn't a ton of growth.) The convo ranges from Matt and Tug's love of improv comedy to the comedic partnership between Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly and finishes with the boys discussing some of the humorous moments from the film including t...

In this episode, Matt and Tug delve into the complexities of the film Oppenheimer, exploring its themes of scientific discovery, personal turmoil, and the moral implications of nuclear warfare. They get into their initial expectations, the film's plot, and the impressive ensemble cast. The conversation also touches on the film's box office success and critical acclaim, as well as the song “Russians” by Sting as it provi...

In this conversation, some version of Matt and Tug delve into the intricacies of the film "Everything Everywhere All At Once." They explore the multiverse concept, character dynamics, and the film's unique blend of realism and fantasy. The discussion highlights the importance of communication and relationships within the narrative, as well as the film's visual storytelling and the importance of giving new and different filmmakers t...

Today's conversation tackles a very popular film, "Heat" written and directed by Michael Mann. Mat and Tug explore themes of crime, law enforcement, and the complex relationships between characters. They discuss the duality of the protagonists – they use the word parallel a lot, same thing – the realism of the narrative, and the moral implications of their choices. The conversation highlights key moments in the film, in...

In this episode of CINEMISSES!, Matt and Tug delve into the film "The Holdovers," directed by Alexander Payne. The hosts analyze key scenes that highlight the growth of relationships, the impact of family dynamics, and the significance of empathy and connection. They also talk about how effing hard it was to make this movie as fast as Payne did, and the impact of setting and music on the narrative. After a quick discussion of the b...

In today's conversation, Matt and Tug delve into the intricate layers of Quentin Tarantino's "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood," exploring character development, cinematic techniques, and the film's unique narrative style that is a hallmark of Tarantino's work. They discuss the emotional struggles of characters like Rick Dalton and Cliff Booth, the portrayal of Sharon Tate, and the film's commentary on violence and morality. The hosts...

In this episode, Matt and Tug crash land on the movie, "District 9," exploring its allegory for apartheid, character development, and the unique narrative style of found footage. They discuss Neil Blomkamp's background and the film's production challenges, as well as its unexpected success and cultural commentary on humanity's treatment of those considered to be "other." They discuss the significance of the alien fluid (Insert coll...

In this episode of Cinemisses, hosts Matt and Tug get animated about the film "Isle of Dogs" directed by Wes Anderson. They discuss their love for monster movies and special effects, the unique storytelling style of Anderson, and, of course, the exacting detail Anderson and team display in their incredible stop motion animation. The wide ranging conversation delves into key themes such as loyalty, sacrifice, and the powerful relati...