Movie Wars

Tarantino’s sun-bleached fairytale gets the full Movie Wars teardown. I’m joined by Seth and McKenna McFadden to dig into Once Upon a Time in Hollywood: the Rick/Cliff bromance (Leonardo DiCaprio & Brad Pitt), the Sharon Tate revision, the Bruce Lee fight debate, and why Quentin himself calls this his best film.

We trace how the idea sparked on the Death Proof set while Tarantino watched the actor–stuntman bond, how Rick & Cliff were stitched from real Hollywood pairings (Burt Reynolds/Hal Needham; Steve McQueen/Bud Ekins), why it nearly became a Manson movie, and why he wro...

Today on Movie Wars, we dive headfirst into Joel Schumacher’s 1990 cult thriller Flatliners. With an all-star cast of Julia Roberts, Kevin Bacon, Kiefer Sutherland, and William Baldwin, the film follows a group of med students who push science (and sanity) to the limit by experimenting with near-death experiences.

Kyle, Seth, and Dr. Ben (comedian and real-life physician) break down the history, the behind-the-scenes drama, and why this wild Brat Pack–era sci-fi horror flick feels more like The Breakfast Club Dies than a medical thriller. From medical inaccuracies (you can’t actually shock a flatline) to Joel S...

Today we dive into Dallas Buyers Club, a film that took nearly 20 years to get made, changed the trajectory of Matthew McConaughey’s career, and gave Jared Leto one of the most transformative roles of his life.

Joining us is Dr. Ben—orthopedic surgeon by day, comedian by night, and now a regular at Zanies Nashville. He brings both medical perspective and sharp comedic timing to the table, making this one of our most unique breakdowns yet.

We cover the brutal realities of AIDS in the 1980s, the insane lengths McConaughey and Leto...

Today on Movie Wars, we dig into the cult classic that every ’80s kid swears by—The Goonies. Executive chef and stand-up comedian Matt West joins us, bringing his unique mix of behind-the-scenes kitchen chaos and sharp comedy chops to one of the most divisive nostalgia bombs in movie history.

We get real about whether The Goonies is a timeless adventure film or just a messy pile of pirate tropes, bad ADR, and awkward kid humor. From the infamous Truffle Shuffle and questionable shower scene, to Spielberg’s heavy hand behind the camera and Richard Donner’s chaotic...

This week on Movie Wars, we’re serving up Jon Favreau’s 2014 foodie classic Chef—with a twist. Joining us is Nashville comedian and executive chef Matt West, who brings both laughs and firsthand insight from the kitchen trenches.

We dig into why Chef feels like one of the most authentic portrayals of the culinary world, from the tension between chefs and restaurant owners to the soul-crushing weight of critics. Matt breaks down how fine dining can be overrated, why Michelin stars are a “pay-to-play” game, and what the movie gets right (and wrong) about life behind the line.<...

Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing isn’t just a movie — it’s a heatwave of tension, morality, and explosive conflict set in a single Brooklyn neighborhood on the hottest day of the summer. In this episode, guest host Paula Kosienski joins us to break down why this 1989 classic still hits hard today. We dig into the moral dilemmas at the heart of the story, the layered character relationships, and how the sweltering heat becomes its own character, pushing everyone toward the boiling point. Along the way, we unpack Spike Lee’s bold visual style, his use of color and...

🎙️ The Sandlot: Childhood Legends, Helicopter Parents & The Vomit-Covered Comedy Special

Is The Sandlot still a perfect family film—or just a nostalgic relic? In this episode, Kyle and Seth are joined by hilarious guest Paula Kosinski (Dry Bar Comedy) for a deep dive into the backyard baseball classic that defined a generation.

CHECK OUT PAULA'S SHOWCASE on Nate Bargatze's Nateland showcase.

We relive the freedom of 90s latchkey kids, the magic of Benny “The Jet” Rodriguez, and whether childhood really was better before smartphones and supervision. Paula opens with an unforgettable story about throwing up...

The oldest movie we’ve ever covered... and somehow, still one of the most relevant.

We’re back with returning guest and comedian Nick Bush to unpack Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, a film that’s somehow more politically sharp in 2024 than it was in 1939. From attempted censorship by real U.S. Senators to Jimmy Stewart’s dangerous commitment to method acting, this episode is a wild ride through old Hollywood and modern-day political déjà vu.

We talk about:

We’re joined by Nashville comedian and college professor Nick Bush for one of our most emotional episodes yet — Saving Private Ryan.

This one hits different. We talk about how Spielberg’s unflinching realism changed war cinema forever, from the shaky, documentary-style camera work to the raw character moments that sneak up and wreck you. We dig into the movie’s impact on veterans, including the real-life PTSD hotlines that had to be set up after it premiered. Nick brings a unique blend of humor and literary insight, and we explore everything from the technical mastery of the D-Da...

In this episode, we dive headfirst into The Patriot, Roland Emmerich’s Revolutionary War epic that’s equal parts emotional drama and historical fan fiction. With Joel back in the saddle—host of the Modern CTO podcast and longtime friend of the show—the Movie Wars crew unpacks the film’s sweeping themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and revenge, while calling out the historical liberties that might make your AP History teacher weep.

We take a hard look at Mel Gibson’s Benjamin Martin, a character caught between brutal vengeance and reluctant heroism, and we show love to standout per...

Veteran comic Dustin Chafin joins Movie Wars for a brutally honest—and hysterically funny—breakdown of Bryan Singer’s Superman Returns. With James Gunn’s reboot looming, this episode unpacks one of the most polarizing chapters in superhero cinema, complete with stalker Superman, real estate villainy, bad wigs, and even worse writing.

Dustin Chafin, a powerhouse stand-up with credits on HBO’s Crashing, Showtime’s Comedy Showcase, and a brand-new Dry Bar special, brings his razor-sharp comedic instincts to the pod. Chafin, who tours nationally with Nate Bargatze, doesn’t hold back as he rips into the film’s odd ton...

In this episode of Movie Wars, Wolfgang Bodison joins us to tell one of the most legendary origin stories in Hollywood history—and it's all true. Bodison went from sorting mail at Castle Rock to starring alongside Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, and Demi Moore in A Few Good Men, all without a single acting credit to his name.

He takes us through the wild journey that started behind the scenes on Misery and Boyz N the Hood, working as a PA, a picture car coordinator, and eventually the location manager on A Few Good Men. That is, un...

In this episode of Movie Wars, we take a deep dive into the explosive legacy of Independence Day (1996) with Joel Beasley, comedian and host of the Modern CTO podcast. This isn’t just a nostalgia trip—we’re asking the big question: Does this genre-defining blockbuster still hold up in today’s cinematic landscape?

We break down what made Independence Day such a cultural juggernaut—its record-breaking box office, iconic one-liners, unforgettable alien battles, and of course, Will Smith’s rocket-launch into Hollywood superstardom. But we also get real about what hasn’t aged well: clunky writing, thin character...

Comedian and full-time May Queen Marianna Barksdale returns to Movie Wars to break down one of her all-time favorite films: Midsommar. And yes, we’re releasing this on the actual Midsummer holiday — because we love a good ritual.

We dive deep into Ari Aster’s sun-drenched horror masterpiece — grief, gaslighting, mushrooms, and messed-up relationships all included. Marianna shares why Midsommar hits her on such a personal level, and we debate whether Christian is truly a bad boyfriend or just a 24-year-old idiot. This episode mixes hilarity, honesty, and film nerdery like only Movie Wars can.

In this episode of the Movie Wars podcast, stand-up comedian Marianna Barksdale brings her unique perspective as a former ballerina to our in-depth dive into Darren Aronofsky's Black Swan. Together, hosts Kyle and Seth explore the complex relationship between perfectionism and psychological breakdown, as embodied by Natalie Portman’s iconic performance as Nina Sayers.

We unpack Nina’s struggle with the duality of the white and black swan, exploring themes of obsession, identity, and the toll of striving for artistic excellence. Marianna’s first-hand experience in the ballet world provides an authentic and intimate lens through which to und...

🎙️ Sparta, Abs, and HBO-Caliber Sass: Comedian James Holiday Joins the War on “300”

Nashville comedy phenom James Holiday drops into the Movie Wars arena to help us tackle one of the most quotable and visually iconic films of the 2000s—300. From the slow-mo spear throws to Xerxes’ glistening body oil, we cover it all.

We break down Zack Snyder’s graphic novel fever dream: the shredded Spartans, the era-defining style, and how 300 became a cultural touchstone for dudes who discovered spray-tan abs. James brings both heart and hilarity, sharing insights from the stage, the makeup chai...

Nick Swardson on the Revival of Rated-R Comedy, Happy Gilmore 2, and Blades of Glory

This week, comedy legend Nick Swardson joins us for one of the most fun, candid, and wide-ranging conversations we’ve ever had. From behind-the-scenes stories on Blades of Glory to joining the legacy of Happy Gilmore 2, Nick shares his mission to bring back the loud, unapologetic energy of Rated-R comedy.

We get into his 30-year stand-up career, his start writing and starring in Grandma’s Boy, and his long-running creative partnership with Adam Sandler. He breaks down why R-rated comedies always seem...

Got it! Here's the corrected version with Seth as the Speed Racer defender instead of Will—and still optimized for SEO and your voice:

🎙️ Speed Racer: The Cult Classic That Was Too Ahead of Its Time (ft. Will Abeles)

Start your engines—because this episode is pure candy-colored chaos. Touring comedian Will Abeles joins us as Seth defends one of the most misunderstood movies of the 2000s: Speed Racer. That’s right—Seth’s calling it his third favorite movie of all time, and he’s ready to die on that rainbow-striped hill.

We di...

🎬 Welcome to Movie Wars — where comedy meets cinema analysis.

Hosted by Kyle Castro and Seth Kays, Movie Wars is what happens when stand-up comics, filmmakers, artists, celebrity guests, and a few smart weirdos get way too obsessed with movies — and start scoring them in a gladiator-style showdown.

Each week, we dive deep into the films you love (and love to argue about), breaking them down across a custom scorecard that blends craft, chaos, and comedy. From cult classics to critical darlings, we debate cast, direction, writing, and whatever wild stuff we find behind the scenes — and we do...

🎙️ Collateral — LA Crime, Michael Mann Vibes, and Will Abeles' Murder Ride

This week on Movie Wars, we dive into Michael Mann’s Collateral — a movie where Tom Cruise plays the most terrifying silver fox since Anderson Cooper, and Jamie Foxx gets one night to decide if he’s a cab driver or a hero. We’re joined by our good friend and touring standup Will Abeles, who took a break from crisscrossing the country to talk LA noir, digital cinematography, and, oh yeah — the time he gave a real-life Vincent a ride across Nashville.

We talk about how Co...

🎙️ Hard Target – Mullets, Doves, and Van Damme’s Mid-Tier Legacy

Featuring Joe & Vance from Boys Watching Buffy

On this episode of Movie Wars, we’re throwing roundhouse kicks into the Louisiana swamp and diving into Hard Target, the chaotic, mullet-soaked fever dream that marked John Woo’s American debut. I’m joined by Joe and Vance from the hilarious podcast Boys Watching Buffy, where they bring their sharp humor and fresh takes to cult TV classics like Buffy, Angel, Veronica Mars, and more.

We dig into everything: Van Damme’s mid-tier action s...

We’re wrapping up our journey through the Bill and Ted trilogy with the final film, Face the Music — and joining us for the ride is touring comedian Evan Berke, who brings both sharp wit and real insight to this surprisingly emotional sequel.

Thank you to my dear friend Boys Watching Buffy and The Revisionist Almanac for providing a trailer.

Enjoy their shows!Nearly 30 years after Bogus Journey, Bill and Ted are back — older, still optimistic, and now raising daughters while trying to save the world (again). In this episode, we break down how Face the Mu...

We’re back for part two of our deep dive into the Bill and Ted trilogy, and this time we’re tackling Bill and Ted’s Bogus Journey with our guest, stand-up comedian Evan Berke. This sequel takes a wild left turn from the goofy time-travel fun of the original and dives headfirst into the afterlife—with robot clones, evil versions of our heroes, and one of the greatest portrayals of Death in movie history. We talk about how the tone shifts hard, why that works (or doesn’t), and why this movie’s weirdness might actually make it the boldest...

Legendary Nashville comedian Evan Berke graces our podcast to delve into his cherished cinematic trilogy, "Bill and Ted." The discourse commences with a profound appreciation for the simplicity and charm of these films, particularly their unique blend of time travel and buddy comedy. We explore the intricacies of character development and the underlying themes of friendship and aspiration that resonate throughout the series. Berke's insights illuminate how these seemingly frivolous narratives encapsulate deeper truths about personal growth and the pursuit of dreams. Furthermore, we take a moment to recommend his stand-up special, "Twice Removed," an endeavor that showcases his...

The Movie Wars crew thoroughly and hilariously dissect "Dredd" (2012), where Nashville comedian Joshua Lewis joins hosts Seth and Kyle to elucidate the stark contrasts between this interpretation and its predecessor, the 1995 iteration starring Sylvester Stallone. From the outset, we delve into how "Dredd" presents a markedly different narrative approach, characterized by its immersive world-building and a more nuanced portrayal of its titular character. The discussion highlights the film's effective use of visual storytelling, notably through its innovative cinematography and sound design, contributing to a gripping cyberpunk atmosphere. Throughout the conversation, the trio examines the performances of the cast, particularly...

In this discourse, Seth and Kyle are joined by the esteemed Joshua Lewis, a venerable figure in the Nashville comedy landscape, to delve into the cinematic adaptation of Judge Dredd featuring Sylvester Stallone. The salient point of our conversation revolves around the intricate interplay between the film's narrative shortcomings and the expectations set forth by its comic book origins. We engage in a critical examination of the movie's tonal inconsistencies, particularly its attempts at humor juxtaposed with the dark themes inherent in the source material. The dialogue further explores the implications of star power on creative decisions, particularly focusing...

The culmination of our "Kill Bill" series finds us delving into Volume 2, where a fervent discussion unfolds between Matthew Blevins, a stand-up comic and film critic, and Seth, who approaches the film with a healthy dose of skepticism. The primary focus of this episode is the contrasting perspectives on the film's narrative depth and stylistic choices, particularly as Matthew passionately defends the cinematic merits of "Kill Bill: Volume 2," while Seth articulates his reservations regarding its pacing and climactic resolution. As we navigate this dialogue, we witness the intricate dance between Matthew's enthusiasm and Seth's critical analysis, which allows for...

The esteemed comedian and film critic Matthew Blevins(who joined Kyle on the Mad Max series) brings his perspective to the Kill Bill series. Kyle, Seth, and Matthew bring three very different perspectives on what may be Tarantino's best work. We discussed pacing, length, and writing as areas of differing thought among Tarantino fans.

The podcast episode features a compelling dialogue among the hosts, including the guest, comedian and film critic Matthew Blevins. The discussion centers on Quentin Tarantino's renowned cinematic work, the Kill Bill series, with a particular focus on the distinctive elements that characterize this...

The illustrious John Datoy, a Nashville-based comedian and world-renowned yo-yo champion, graces us once again with his presence on the Movie Wars podcast. In this engaging episode, we delve into the intricacies of the animated film "The Adventures of Tintin," exploring its visual storytelling and the innovative use of motion capture technology. John shares his unique insights on how the film's animation techniques compare to traditional filmmaking, particularly in the realm of adventure narratives. The conversation also touches upon the cultural significance of the source material, as well as the film's character dynamics, revealing the complexities of portraying a...

This podcast episode delves into the cinematic exploration of Robert Eggers' film, "The Northman," presenting it as a quintessential epic that transcends conventional storytelling. We engage in a thorough analysis of the film's historical accuracy, character development, and the unique directorial style of Eggers, who has emerged as a significant auteur in contemporary cinema. Our discussion encompasses the film's profound thematic elements, such as revenge and destiny, while also examining the profound impact of its visual aesthetics and sound design. We express our admiration for the cast's performances, particularly highlighting the complexities brought forth by Nicole Kidman and Alexander...

This podcast episode delves into the intricate layers and profound themes of Terry Gilliam's cinematic masterpiece, "Brazil." We explore how the film serves as a poignant critique of bureaucracy, illustrating a dystopian world where absurdity permeates daily life. As we dissect the film's visual style and narrative structure, we emphasize the significance of its surrealistic elements, allowing viewers to perceive the world through a lens that questions authority and societal norms. The conversation also touches upon the film's historical context, relating its relevance to contemporary issues. Ultimately, we celebrate "Brazil" not merely as a film but as a catalyst...

"Before The Devil Knows You're Dead" serves as a profound exploration of familial dysfunction, characterized by the stark performances of Ethan Hawke and Philip Seymour Hoffman, under the masterful direction of Sidney Lumet in his final cinematic endeavor.

Kyle was honored to be joined by Seth Keys and our guest host, Mozart Gabriel, who most recently directed Metallica's music video "Inamorata."

More on Mozart: Gabriel is the son of Native American famous artist Tony Abeyta, and up runner Project Runway season 11 star Patricia Michaels. Born in Santa Fé NM. Gabriel was raised in Chicago IL, t...

Kyle has his friend, standup comedian, and film critic Matthew Blevins join for the final entry of the Movie Wars Mad Max series. We close out with the controversial final chapter, Furiosa. We delve into the stark contrasts between this latest installment and its predecessors, particularly focusing on the diminished depth of character and narrative coherence that plagued "Furiosa." Our discourse scrutinizes the portrayal of the titular character, Furiosa, as well as the lack of engaging villains, which ultimately detracts from the film's potential impact. Furthermore, we explore the overall cinematic techniques employed, lamenting the absence of the gritty...

The culmination of our exploration into the Snyder Trilogy series has arrived, as we delve into the intricacies of Zack Snyder's Justice League, a project emblematic of the profound influence of fan advocacy in contemporary cinema. The episode is punctuated by a thoughtful examination of the transformative journey from the initial theatrical release to the acclaimed Snyder Cut, which has engendered a fervent discourse surrounding artistic integrity and creator vision. We will scrutinize pivotal themes, such as the depth of character development afforded to figures like Cyborg and the ramifications of the narrative's darker undertones. In the context of...

The third episode of our Snyder trilogy series delves into the much-maligned Joss Whedon version of Justice League, often referred to as JOSSTICE LEAGUE. This film, criticized for its lack of cohesive storytelling and character development, represents a stark departure from Zack Snyder's envisioned narrative. The hosts dissect the significant issues that arose during production, including the poor treatment of cast members and the noticeable tonal shifts that left audiences disengaged. With a focus on the cast's performance, they explore how the actors seemed exhausted and uninvested, reflecting the chaotic environment behind the scenes. Ultimately, the episode underscores the...

Adam G. Simon (also known as Adam Gregory Simon) is a Los Angeles-born screenwriter, producer, and actor for television and film who now resides and produces In Southeast Asia with his partner Larissa Andrade, where they are raising their son.

As a writer, Adam is known for his work as the writer of Point Blank (2019) an action film for Netflix, based on Fred Cavaye's French Action Thriller, "A Bout Portant". The film was directed by Joe Lynch and stars Anthony Mackie, Marcia Gay Harden, Frank Grillo, Teyonah Paris, Boris McGiver, and Markice Moore. While critics mostly panned the...

Welcome back to the Movie Wars Podcast as we dive deep into the controversial waters of Zack Snyder's Batman Vs. Superman: Dawn Of Justice. We're continuing our exploration of Snyder's trilogy as James Gunn's "Superman" trailers makes the rounds. This episode explores the divisive nature of the film, sparked by the recent release of James Gunn's Superman trailer, which has reignited discussions about the character's portrayal on screen. Our hosts passionately debate the strengths and weaknesses of the film, focusing on the impact of Jesse Eisenberg's interpretation of Lex Luthor and the underwhelming representation of Doomsday. As they dissect...

Join Kyle as he welcomes his friend and hilarious Atlanta-based comedian, Nathan Owens, to celebrate the release of Nathan's new comedy special "Possum Daddy," available everywhere! Their conversation dives deep into the film "Moneyball," exploring how it uniquely blends humor and drama while tackling the complexities of baseball through a numbers-driven lens. Nathan shares his perspective on the film's portrayal of sports and the authenticity of its characters, emphasizing how it captures the essence of the game. As they discuss the strengths of the film, they also reflect on the challenges of making sports movies that resonate with both...

The Movie Wars crew dives into the Snyder Trilogy by kicking off their discussion with "Man of Steel," motivated by James Gunn's recent trailer for a new Superman movie. The hosts debate the film's portrayal of Superman and his struggle with identity, examining how it balances the hero's alien nature with his human upbringing. They also explore the impact of supporting characters like Jor-El, Martha Kent, and Zod, with particular praise for Michael Shannon's performance as a compelling villain. The conversation touches on the film's visual style, the effectiveness of its action sequences, and the tone that Snyder sets...

The Big Lebowski is a film that has garnered a cult following and is often regarded as a masterpiece, yet it presents a complex dichotomy between its comedic elements and deeper philosophical themes. Kyle, Seth Keys, and JR Robles dive into a spirited discussion about how the film's characters embody various worldviews, particularly focusing on the contrasting philosophies of the Dude and Walter. As they explore the film's legacy and impact over the years, they reflect on how its initial reception differed drastically from its current status in pop culture. The conversation touches on the humor and absurdity woven...