The Manspace

40 Episodes
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By: Dr. Matt Brown

A podcast for men who want to understand and improve themselves and their relationships, hosted by Dr. Matt Brown and Dr. Rob Porter and clinical therapist Mike Porter.

Ep. 207 How Do I Fight Fair?
#207
Last Wednesday at 5:00 AM

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Summary

In this episode of the Man Space, the hosts (that's us--Matt, Mike, and Rob) dive into the complexities of communication and conflict resolution, exploring the concept of 'right fighting' and how it impacts relationships. They discuss the importance of understanding, empathy, and effective communication in resolving conflicts, while also addressing the challenges of dealing with partners who may not be fighting fair. The conversation touches on personal experiences, therapy insights, and practical advice for navigating difficult conversations. WE SOUND AMAZING!!

Keywords

communication...


Ep 206 The Seven Chambers of a Man's Soul: Chambers of the Mind
#206
Last Monday at 6:00 AM

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Send me an email at manspacetherapy@gmail.com to gain access to the beta version of the e-course. Limited to 10 spaces.

In this conversation, Matt explores the concept of the 'Seven Chambers of the Man's Soul,' focusing on the psychological and emotional states that men often navigate. He introduces three primary chambers of the mind: the Compliance Chamber, the Withdrawal Chamber, and the Defiance Chamber, each representing different coping mechanisms and emotional responses. The discussion emphasizes the importance of recognizing these chambers to foster emotional awareness and personal growth, ultimately...


Ep. 205 Essentialism and the Power of Saying No.
#205
09/10/2025

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Spacemen, do less. But be more effective at it. On today's episode, we talk about the book Essentialism by Greg McKeown. More specifically, we talk about how it matters to know when to say no to something and when to focus in on what you do best, making you more effective. Listen in. And say less. 


Chapters:

[00:00] Introduction and Weekend Plans 

[05:30] The Patron Saint and Disc Golf 

[10:15] Continuing Education and Licensing 

[15:45] Conference Talks and Professional Development 

[20:00] The Impact of Bo...


Ep. 204 Are You In Survival Mode?
#204
09/08/2025

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In this episode, Matt explores the journey of self-discovery for men, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and understanding pain rather than ignoring or pushing through it. He discusses common scenarios that men face in daily life, highlighting how external orientation can lead to a lack of internal fulfillment. The conversation encourages men to break free from societal expectations and to focus on their internal experiences to create a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Takeaways

Men are often socialized to ignore or push through pain.Recognizing pain is essential...


Ep. 203 Becoming a Better Man: Interview with Dr. Matt Brown
#203
09/03/2025

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Spacemen, we're so meta. We interview ourselves. But really, on today's show, Mike interviews Matt about his new course he's developed to help men understand themselves better. Matt will be doing some bonus episodes about this topic, so listen in and dive deep. That sounds amazing. 


Key Topics:

The rhythm of survival mode in men's lives The importance of self-awareness and personal growth Navigating parenting challenges and supporting children The role of intuition and wisdom in decision-making Dillhole's upcoming course for men


Ep. 202 What If My Marriage Sucks? ...But What If It Doesn't?
#202
08/27/2025

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SpaceCadets! Don't worry. I didn't demote you. I just needed a different intro. Keeping it fresh. Because today, we talk about how you can focus on the right things and maybe things won't suck as much as we think. Listen in and be grateful for The Manspace. 


Keywords
marriage, communication, technology, gratitude, positivity, relationships, therapy, education, self-confidence, parenting


Takeaways

Humor can be a powerful tool in parenting and relationships.Education and degrees can influence perceptions in therapy.Practicing gratitude c...


Ep. 201 Am I Having a Midlife Crisis?
#201
08/20/2025

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Spacemen, calm down. You're probably NOT having a midlife crisis. We, your faithful space-admirals might be, but not you. Today, Matt, Mike, and Rob talk about midlife transitions and the best way to navigate. Listen in and get all worried about your own life transitions. 


Key Topics:

The emotional journey of sending children to college Redefining personal and professional goals in midlife The impact of community and social connections Humor and resilience in facing life's transitions


Quotes:

"It's not...


Ep. 200 Giving and Receiving Feedback
#200
08/13/2025

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Don't forget to give us feedback here!

Today is our 200th episode. That's right. We're so talented we were willing to just keep going supported only by your love and the generous soda donations of a few spacemen. But today, we give each other meaningful feedback. We talk about how to give and receive it to allow it to be helpful rather than hard. So, give us some of your feedback and let us know. And then listen in as we weep. 


Keywords


Ep. 199 Double Standard in Relationships?
#199
08/06/2025

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Spacemen, do you ever feel like there's a double standard in your relationship? You're not alone. There sometimes is. But then, not as much as you think, or in the way you might think. Matt, Mike, and Rob talk about that double standard and how important it is to take accountability. So, I'm saying it's your fault. Listen in. 


Keywords

vulnerability, emotional connection, relationship expectations, gender dynamics, accountability, personal growth, social narratives, communication, self-esteem


Takeaways

Vulnerability c...


Ep. 198 Men and Creativity: Taking a Risk
#198
07/30/2025

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Before I forget, here's a link to our Feedback Form for Episode 200. Give us some honest feedback. We can take it...well, Rob might struggle with it, but I think he'll be okay. 

On today's episode, Matt, Mike, and Rob talk about creativity as it relates to masculinity and risk-taking. Sometimes we just need a nudge. 


Key Topics:

The intersection of creativity and masculinity Overcoming creative blocks and the role of discipline Personal stories of creative expression The importance of redefining creativity beyond trad...


Ep. 197 Relying on Other Men
#197
07/23/2025

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Spacemen, let's get intimate. I mean, don't we do that on every episode? Well, we don't really do it on this episode. But we do talk about how important it is to connect with other men and how research supports the idea of men spending time together. So, tell your wife it's boys night, listen to the Manspace, and head out to Buffalo Wild Wings...except not really. It's not very good. I don't know. I don't see what the big deal is. Lots of TV's, yes. But the food is meh. Maybe...


Ep. 196 Are You Suffering from Scarcity Brain?
#196
07/16/2025

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Spacemen. Don't pretend like you're reading this. I know you don't have time. So, I'll entertain myself. On today's episode, we explore the depths of the mind. We do a 45 minute DEEP meditation. Literally, it's 45 minutes of total silence. Prepare to peer into the deep recesses of your brain. 

Fine. It's not really that. But does it really matter? You're gonna listen. The question is, are you getting your friends to listen? 

Today, we're talking about the book Scarcity Brain by Michael Easter. It's a good one. We look at...


Ep. 195 Three Tips to Being a Better Husband
#195
07/09/2025

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How do you be a better husband? I know. You don't know. Or do you? Do we? We do. Did that get confusing? Maybe. But the episode isn't. It's got the three tips you need to be the husband you've always wanted to be. Tune in. Figure it out. 


Keywords
relationships, communication, therapy, soda, relationships, emotional honesty, self-development, life lessons, personal growth, gas station stories, navigating life, partnership tips, emotional presence


Takeaways
Future plans can be shaped by current d...


Ep. 194 Is Stress Exhausting You?
#194
07/02/2025

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Manmaste Spacemen. Today's not a mindfulness episode, but we do talk about stress. Cause guess what, you're probably too stressed. The annoying part about stress is that it's like the frog in the boiling pot--we don't always notice it killing us slowly. 

Lucky for you, the Manspace is here. We'll guide you through knowing and understanding how stress is affecting you and how it might be exhausting you. So calm down and listen in. 


Keywords
exhaustion, stress, masculinity, emotional awareness, self-discovery, health, change, co...


Ep. 193 What is Respect?
#193
06/18/2025

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Spacemen, I demand respect! Except, that's not really how that works. On today's episode, we talk about respect with your spouse and your kids. Turns out, a lot of us are getting it wrong. Spoiler alert, respect is pretty directly related to the connection you have with the other person. So, if you want respect, figure out how to connect with someone. Guess you don't need to listen to the episode now. But still do. It would be the respectful thing to do. 


Keywords

r...


Ep. 192 Masculinity Tests: Don't Put Too Much Stock In Them
#192
06/11/2025

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SpaceWarriors, gather ye spearbuds while ye may. And listen in. On today's episode, Matt, Mike, and Rob tackle another masculinity test. This one is at https://masculinetest.com/home/. Go try it out and let us know your answers. 

As per usual, we break down why this test is flawed. In the end, tests like this can really only give you a heads up on some places you might want to work on. But don't put too much stock in it. 

So, take the test and listen in.   

Sp...


Ep. 191 Learning to Live Without: Lessons from Sailing with Phoenix
#191
06/04/2025

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Ahoy Spacemen! Today on the show, Mike and Rob talk about Sailing with Phoenix. If you don't know who that is, are you even living your life vicariously through social media? Spaceman, get on my level. 

Mostly, we talk about how there is real advantages to learning to live without things. It's not always good to get anything you want whenever you want. Try cutting some stuff off. I mean, I'm not suggesting a finger or anything, but maybe social media or something. Just not The Manspace. No one should live w...


Ep. 190 The Manspace Vs. The Manosphere
#190
05/28/2025

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Spacemen, unite against the Manosphere. On today's episode, Matt, Mike, and Rob correct some harmful thinking that is perpetuated by the manosphere (men online who buy into the 'Red Pill' philosophy--to be honest, it's pretty sexist). We challenge the sexist ideas as damaging to women, men, and relationships. And we propose a rallying call to be a better man to help raise a generation of better men. Mount up!


Keywords
band reunion, graduation, Manosphere, red pill philosophy, relationships, differentiation, mentoring, young men, emotional health, self-awareness<...


Ep. 189 Finding Your Inner-Man: Iron John Book review
#189
05/21/2025

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Hairy Spacemen, come forth from your cages and find your golden ball. If you don't know what I'm talking about, shame on you for not reading the book. On today's episode, we talk about Iron John and how to find our inner man. I mean, that sounds deeper than it is, but we do have some good conversations about finding what we've lost. Don't believe me? Listen in. And look what AI has to say about it: 

In this conversation, the hosts delve into the themes presented in the book 'Iron J...


Ep. 188 Work/Life Balance? What's That?
#188
05/14/2025

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SpaceEmployees! Gather for a space-wide mandatory meeting as we discuss office politics and how you are balancing your work life with your personal life. Keep in mind, balance doesn't always mean equal time. So, you should probably be giving MORE time to The Manspace. 

I might be off about that. I can't remember what I said in the episode, but it was probably something like that. But, I do know that Mike and Rob break down the sometimes messed up ways we view work and the balance we strike with it. S...


Ep. 187 How Do I Talk to My Partner about Sex?
#187
05/07/2025

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Spacemen, go light some candles. Maybe put on some soft Sade and then sit down and listen in as Matt, Mike, and Rob walk you through how to talk about sex with your lady. 

It's not that there's a perfect way to do this, but there are ways to make sure it's healthy and effective. We've got lots of tips. The biggest one, you ask? Don't have the conversation with your lady expecting to have sex immediately afterwards. Just good, healthy, verbal intercourse. Buckle up!


K...


Ep. 186 Anxious-ADHD Couple, Part 2
#186
04/30/2025

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Sup SpaceDistracted men. Today on the Space, Mike and Matt answer your questions about ADHD-Anxious couples. We get a little more specific and give a little more direction. Just like SpaceAdmirals should. Listen in. We'll steer you right. 


Keywords

ADHD, anxiety, relationships, mindfulness, coping strategies, mental health, personal growth, communication, societal expectations, emotional intelligence


Takeaways

Understanding and change are crucial in relationships.Viewing partners as growth opportunities fosters better dynamics.Anxiety often leads to miscommunication and m...


Ep. 185 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
#185
04/23/2025

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SpaceImposters! Don't worry. We know you're real. Remember that game your kids played for a second? Among us? Well that's what we're doing today--discovering the imposter. 

Today, Mike and Rob talk about imposter syndrome: how it affects us and some tips to combat it. So, believe in yourself and listen in. 


Keywords

imposter syndrome, mental health, self-doubt, anxiety, personal growth, confidence, men's issues, podcasting, self-acceptance, personal development


Takeaways

Imposter syndrome is a common experience fo...


Ep. 184 Confront Your Insecurities
#184
04/16/2025

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Spacemen, it's time to read a book. That's right. Today, we talk about the book The Eden Project. But really, we're talking about how to confront your own insecurities. According to AI, we talk about the importance of self-reflection, the role of insecurities in relationships, and the need for personal accountability. And if AI says it, it must be good. So grab a blanket and your insecurities and listen in. 


Keywords
therapy, personal growth, relationships, insecurities, couples therapy, self-reflection, emotional health, accountability, communication, individual work


Ep 183 Make Fun of Your Friends
#183
04/09/2025

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Sup Spacelosers. Just kidding. I could never tease you guys. Or could I? Maybe it's good for our relationship. Matt, Mike, and Rob will break it down for you. People have been talking about it on the interwebs, so you know it must be good. Of course, your space admirals will let you know what you should believe. Listen in. 


Keywords
teasing, humor, friendships, male bonding, social dynamics, self-deprecation, trust, communication, relationships, laughter


Takeaways

Teasing can strengthen f...


Ep. 182 Take Responsibility for your Crap
#182
04/02/2025

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Spacemen, own your stuff. Don't do this martyr thing where everything is your fault. Totally ineffective and the emotional equivalent of making someone else's pain about you. Matt and Rob break down why men sometimes take too much repsonsbility and why that ineffective. And we'll tell you how to stop doing it. So...you're gonna want to listen. 


Keywords
farts, humor, emotional intimacy, relationships, male emotional responses, self-awareness, stoicism, emotional mastery, connection, vulnerability


Takeaways

Humor can be a...


Ep. 181 Are You Driven By Money or Fame?
#181
03/26/2025

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Spacemen, you vain men. On today's episode, we talk about what drives your behavior. Specifically, we talk about Dr. Arthur Brooks and his concepts of what drives us toward happiness. Matt, Mike, and Rob talk about Money, Honor, Pleasure, or Power--Dr. Brooks' concepts--and which one drives them. Guess which one Rob's is...I may have just let it slip. But listen in and find out. 


Keywords

Manspace, motivations, power, money, pleasure, honor, personal identity, mental health


Takeaways


Ep. 180 Listen to Your Gut
#180
03/19/2025

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Mga kosmonawt! That's Tagalog for spacemen...maybe. I don't actually know that word. But I don't need to. I just went with my gut. Just like today's episode. Matt, Mike, and Rob talk about the difference between following emotions, anxiety, and your gut. Turns out, there's a difference. We'll show you the way. THEN, listen to your gut. 


Keywords
soda, leadership, discomfort, instincts, emotions, gut feelings, mental health, anxiety, decision making, self-trust


Takeaways

Discomfort often drives motivation a...


Ep. 179 Lessons for Living. BOOK CLUB
#179
03/12/2025

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Spacenerds. Gather your fellow spacenerds and retire to the spacenerdery for some book club. Today, we talk about Lesson for Living by Phil Stutz. 

We get real deep on important ideas the book brings up. Like connecting with something bigger than you, creating, and discipline. It's like we just dish out lessons for living. See what I did there? Man. Is there anything I can't do? Listen in and find out. 


Keywords
podcast, conversation, Stutz, Lessons for Living, manhood, fatherhood, wisdom, mental health, se...


Ep. 178 Are You an Anxious - ADHD Couple?
#178
03/05/2025

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Spacemen, FOCUS! Or calm down. But probably, focus. Is your relationship a mix of an anxious person and an ADHD person? Or one who is high strung and one who is free-wheeling? Well then listen in. We'll take care of everything. 

Today, Matt, Mike, and Rob break down, reframe, and rework the dynamics of an anxious "productive" partner with an ADHD "dreamer" partner. It's actually pretty common, and not really what you might think. But I don't want to spoil it. You'll just have to listen in. 


...


Ep. 177 The Importance of Discipline...I Think
#177
02/26/2025

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Spacemen, go run a lap. Get your discipline on. Today's episode is about discipline. But, like usual, Matt and Rob meander their way there and cover all the topics. We actually cover a listener request of the relationship between food, exercise, and mental health. Sorta. So buckle up. 

Keywords
battle ready, discipline, mental health, exercise, masculinity, overthinking, food, sports, self-mastery, mindfulness

takeaways

Discipline is essential for achieving personal goals.Mental health is not just about feeling happy; it's about understanding and accepting y...


Ep. 176 Get Better at Empathy
#176
02/19/2025

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Listen up Spacies. You're not bad at empathy, Women, you're not as good as you think you are. Turns our many men want to be more open, but are afraid it will be rejected by their female partners. So ladies, get better. 

I mean, it's not really a competition. We just do stuff differently. So if you're interested in getting a little better at empathy and getting annoyed at Rob, listen in.

Keywords

empathy, relationships, communication, vulnerability, toxic masculinity, emotional intelligence, gender dynamics, podcast, personal g...


Ep. 175 Forget Valentine's. It's Bro-lentine's!!
#175
02/12/2025

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Dudes, get to the store. You've got two days left to get some flowers for your bros. And also maybe the special lady in your life. 

On today's episode, Matt and Mike talk about valentines traditions, but more importantly how men can show love for each other. So listen in. Don't forget. We heart you. 

Keywords

relationships, social dynamics, pop culture, family, Valentine's Day, male friendships, vulnerability, emotional expression, community, connection

Takeaways

Relationships require effort and understanding.Pop culture can in...


Ep. 174 The Manspace Book Club: The Coddling of the American Mind
#174
02/05/2025

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SpaceBruhs! Sup. Go get your readers and other nerd glass-type accessories and come get your club on. But the book club kind, not the cool kind of club. On today's episode, we're discussing The Coddling of the American Mind. 

To be honest, this book might be controversial for some. But it shouldn't be. There's some very helpful stuff in this book. Like, slowing down to listen to other points of view, encouraging resilience in your kids, and challenging your own beliefs. 

So, get your nerd on. Next book is Le...


Ep. 173 Is it Bad to Sleep in Separate Beds? LISTENER REQUEST
#173
01/29/2025

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Spacemen, once again, we answer your most burny questions. This week, we tackle the dilemma that plagued Lucy and Ricky Ricardo--sleeping in separate beds. Believe it or not, there is some debate around this idea. Luckily, the Admirals of the Space-i-verse put it to...bed?

Today, we clarify the context around different sleeping arrangements. Turns out, it's less about the arrangement and more about the communication around the arrangement. Weird. We suggest a conversation. It's almost like all problems in life can be solved with a simple conversation. But before you...


Ep. 172 What If My Spouse has a Mental Illness? LISTENER REQUEST
#172
01/23/2025

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Spacemen, did you miss us? Apparently so. Some of you reached out, concerned about our recent hiatus. I'm not sure you can call it a hiatus--more just a whoopsie. Matt and Mike forgot to record when Rob was gone and then SOMEONE forgot to post this episode on time. Sheesh. 

Don't worry. We're back. And today, we tackle how to handle relationship dynamics when one partner struggles with mental illness. This is another listener request, so you know it's good. According to AI, we explore the importance of understanding mental health d...


Ep. 171 New Year's Evolutions
#171
01/08/2025

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Spacemen, EVOLVE! But before you do that, let me just lay down some gems from the AI show note suggestions...words like "light banter", "light-hearted", and "insightful". It's like AI is trying to put us in a 2024 box. Well this is 2025 and we will not be contained. This episode is ridden with "deep insults", "hard-hitting truth bombs", and dare I say "mind-blowing". Okay so maybe it's not that different from 2024, but does it need to be? Do we need to reinvent ourselves every year, or are we all just on a path of...


Ep. 170 The Importance of Traditions
#170
12/18/2024

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Happy Holidays Space-suckas! On today's episode, we talk about traditions. What's good about them, what's not good. Mike sounds like a real dreamboat because he's so deliberate about his traditions. But, the gist is traditions are important. They help us understand ourselves and create meaning. So make the Manspace a tradition. Listen in.

Keywords
Christmas traditions, holiday rituals, family values, significance of traditions, client relationships, holiday greetings, new traditions, cultural significance


Takeaways

Christmas traditions can be both meaningful and burdensome.The significance...


Ep. 169 Get Enlightened! Book Review: The Celestine Prophecy
#169
12/11/2024

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Look spacemen, Imma be real honest. We let you down with this book. Let's just say it leaves you wanting more? Or maybe, not wanting more? I don't know which of those is bad. Luckily, we the supreme commanders of Manspace Control still managed to pull out some real gems for you.

Specifically, we talk about the importance of connecting to something higher or bigger than yourself. And we talk about the power of connecting with people around you. So, settle in and prepare to not read the book. But the...


Ep. 168 What are Your Blind Spots?
#168
12/04/2024

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Spacemen! Did you ever consider that it's really hard to see something from someone else's point of view? Like, maybe you can't even see how your own perspective changes how you view things. 

On today's episode, we talk about blind spots we have--how things we've always assumed are correct--might impact how we approach situations. Also, full disclosure, I'm watching a terrible Christmas movie right now. But maybe it's not terrible? Maybe my blind spot is assuming that good acting makes a good movie. Shame on me. But it doesn't have to b...