Tasteless

Two movies about the stagnation of grief and the danger of hope — it's The Batman vs Birth.

Two movies about friendship and growing together — it's Thelma & Louise vs Life Partners.

Two movies that peel back the facade of humanity and explore privilege — it's The Texas Chain Saw Massacre vs Fear.

Two movies that showcase heightened portrayals of gender and also the old school vs the new — it’s The Lighthouse vs Heartbreakers.

Two movies about class differences and rebellion — it's The Hunger Games vs Paradise Hills.

Two movies about the system screwing the little guy — it's The Big Short vs Disclosure.

Two movies that play with the expectations we have for life and for film and that showcase heroines who ignore societal norms — it's Promising Young Woman vs The Dressmaker.

Two movies about waking up and saving yourself — it's Kill Bill: Volume 1 vs Happy Death Day.

Two movies about betrayal and inevitability — it's House of Gucci vs The Room. Yes, that The Room.

This is the 200th official episode of Tasteless, so I’m bringing it back to where the show began. I’ve done a brand new episode on the comparison that inspired me to start a podcast, with all the care and dedication required for a supposedly tasteless film that looms so large. That's right, it's two movies about following your dreams and the ripple effect that has on who you become — it’s La La Land vs Showgirls. I delve into the brilliant physicality of Elizabeth Berkley’s performance as Nomi Malone and why Showgirls deserves a reappraisal.  Time Codes: 03:16 La La Land 18:26 Showgirls 33:31 Shared themes 42:54 What Showgirls does better

We're closing out 2021 and leading into Tasteless episode 200 with a 3 day spectacular — alternate universe versions of Tasteless from some of my very favorite people. For Day 3, Sam of Movie Reviews in 20 Qs compares two films about grown men dressing as animals and trying to make the world a better place — it's Batman Begins vs Death to Smoochy. Sam's American/Emily accent on "the plot" is something he nailed with his last hostile takeover of this show about Punisher: War Zone, and I've thought about it ever since. He doesn't agree with anything I say and yet, he is the perfect host for Tasteless and is always a delight (when he's not decrying Sandra Bullock). P.S. Read Sam's incredible novel, Compliance. Listen to Movie Reviews in 20 Qs wherever you get podcast: https://mritqs.podbean.com/ Get your copy of Compliance: www.amazon.com/Compliance-Sam-Hurley/dp/0473514559/

We're closing out 2021 and leading into Tasteless episode 200 with a 3 day spectacular — alternate universe versions of Tasteless from some of my very favorite people. For Day 2, Julio of The Contrarians compares two Chris Evans vehicles where our favorite Chris must cope with a romance gone wrong — Avengers: Endgame vs London.  Julio champions all the best movies in The Contrarians, and this special bonus is no different. His bravery in tackling the MCU makes him a natural successor to the Tasteless throne, when the fans of Bradley Cooper finally come for me like they've promised to. Listen to The Contrarians wherever you get podcasts: www.wearethecontrarians.com

We're closing out 2021 and leading into Tasteless episode 200 with a 3 day spectacular — alternate universe versions of Tasteless from some of my very favorite people!   For Day 1, Billy aka B. Dizzle of We Watched a Thing explores two holiday action classics where an everyman just wants to get home for the holidays, but life gets in the way — it's Die Hard vs Reindeer Games.    Billy is on the right side of history here and I'll be willing my show to him Willy Wonka style. AKA tricking him into taking over the work while I go retire with some Oompa Loompas.   Listen to We Watched a Thing wherever you get podcasts! www.wewatchedathing.com  

Get into the holiday spirit with two movies about being out of touch with reality and bettering yourself — it's Scrooged vs Bewitched.

Two movies where grief is explored through unnatural situations — it's Hereditary vs The Huntsman: Winter's War.

Two stories of unlikely allies in films that bank on the stars' successes outside of the film — it's Red Notice vs Mega Python vs Gatoroid.

Jennifer Esposito (Awkwafina is Nora from Queens, Crash, Samantha Who?) is not only a talented actress and New York Times bestselling author (whose passage about carrot cake in her book Jennifer's Way made me cry), but also the screenwriter and future director of the film Fresh Kills. Jennifer discusses the film's exploration of feeling stuck and finding your voice in the context of a mafia movie, a story we never get to see from the women's perspective. This movie is the first to be funded via exclusive NFTs as well as securities and anyone can get involved. Jennifer’s eloquence and passion on the subject of diverse filmmaking was a joy and her quest for equality in media and giving people a voice is inspiring. But yes, while listening to this brilliant woman speak about her creative endeavors, I did bring up how much I love The Master of Disguise because I am forever a member of the Turtle Club.  Join the Fresh Kills movement, get an NFT, get on board: www.freshkillsfilm.com Follow Jennifer on Instagram: ht

Two honest and creative explorations of growing up ⁠— it's Boyhood vs Practical Magic.

Two movies about ego, control, and expectation — it's Weird Science vs Deadly Friend.

Two movies where heroes contend with their destiny and embrace faith — it's Dune vs Sex and the City.