Forgotten Cinema

This week on Forgotten Cinema, Forgotten Summer begins with "Flight of the Navigator", Disney's beloved family sci-fi adventure that has earned a nostalgic following over the years.
Neither Mike Butler nor Mike Field remembered much about the film beyond its iconic alien spaceship, making this revisit almost like watching it for the first time. Butler still finds plenty to enjoy, appreciating the movie's sense of adventure and imagination, while Field is a bit less enthusiastic.
One surprise for both Mikes is just how long it takes before the famous ship actually enters the story. Instead, the film spends much of its runtime exploring David's mysterious disappearance, his return years later without having aged, and the strange circumstances surrounding his experience.
The discussion quickly turns to what could have been. Both Butler and Field agree that "Flight of the Navigator" is a perfect candidate for a modern remake. The film introduces fascinating ideas that never reach their full potential, from the emotional impact of David's time jump and his parents' reaction to getting their son back, to the connection between David and the ship itself. There is an even richer science fiction story waiting to be told.
While it may not fully capitalize on its incredible premise, "Flight of the Navigator" remains a charming family adventure whose imagination continues to inspire nearly forty years later.
What did you think of "Flight of the Navigator"? Let us know in the comments below!
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0:00 - Introduction
3:38 - Film Facts
9:47 - Film Discussion
31:40 - Reviews
37:12 - Who Would You Recommend This To?
41:32 - Why Is This Forgotten?
46:09 - Plugs
#ForgottenCinema #FlightoftheNavigator #PaulReubens #SarahJessicaParker #ForgottenSummer #SciFi #80sMovies #MoviePodcast #FilmDiscussion #UnderratedMovies #ClassicFilms

This week on Forgotten Cinema, the Mikes revisit "Secret Window", the psychological thriller based on a story by Stephen King and the winner of this season's Audience Choice.
For Mike Butler, this is a film he has never really connected with, and a rewatch does little to change his opinion. While he praises the direction, performances, and the film's small-scale, almost independent feel, the story itself continues to frustrate him. The central twist does not land, many of Mort's decisions feel dumb, and perhaps most importantly, Butler never finds himself caring about Mort despite the torment he endures throughout the film.
Mike Field is much more positive on the movie, though he does not dismiss Butler's criticisms. He appreciates David Koepp's directing choices, the film's pacing, and the way it steadily builds tension. Even if some of the story's weaknesses remain, Field finds enough atmosphere and craftsmanship to make the experience worthwhile.
The discussion ultimately becomes less about whether "Secret Window" is objectively good or bad and more about what audiences need from a psychological thriller. Is the strong direction and atmosphere enough when the story itself leaves you cold? Or do the film's flaws undermine everything else it does well?
What are some of your favorite film twists? Let us know in the comments below!
🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more Forgotten Cinema content!
🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen to podcasts.
✨ Support us on Patreon for exclusive content: www.patreon.com/forgottencinema
🛍️ Grab some Forgotten Cinema merch: www.etsy.com/shop/ForgottenCinemaShop
Check out our website: https://www.forgottencinemapodcast.com
0:00 - Introduction
2:38 - Film Facts
8:34 - Film Discussion
30:04 - Reviews
31:28 - Who Would You Recommend This To?
34:45 - Why Is This Forgotten?
37:53 - Plugs
#ForgottenCinema #SecretWindow #JohnnyDepp #DavidKoepp #StephenKing #BasedOnABook #MoviePodcast #FilmDiscussion #UnderratedMovies #ClassicFilms

This week on Forgotten Cinema: Now Showing, the Mikes discuss "Disclosure Day", the latest film from Steven Spielberg and one that leaves them with very different reactions.
Butler really enjoys the film and finds himself appreciating it more the longer he sits with it. As someone with a long-standing interest in UFOs and the broader phenomenon, he admits some personal bias, but believes the movie succeeds because it remains focused on telling a compelling story first. The plot works, the mystery unfolds effectively, and several sequences rank among Spielberg's strongest in recent years. The ending in particular leaves a powerful impression and has Butler convinced the film will only improve on future rewatches.
Field is less enthusiastic. While he acknowledges many of the film's strengths, he finds himself wanting something closer to a character-driven experience in the vein of "Contact". Both Mikes agree that Emily Blunt's Margaret may have been the more compelling choice for the film's central protagonist. Her character undergoes a clearer journey and receives meaningful answers to the questions driving her story. By comparison, Daniel often feels like a hero at the end of his arc, with mysteries about his past that are never resolved for either himself or the audience.
Despite those criticisms, both Butler and Field agree that "Disclosure Day" contains some fantastic scenes, strong performances, and an ending that lingers long after the credits roll. Most importantly, both of them want to see it again, which may be the strongest endorsement of all.
🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more Forgotten Cinema content!
🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen to podcasts.
✨ Support us on Patreon for exclusive content: www.patreon.com/forgottencinema
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This week on Forgotten Cinema, the Mikes tackle "Time Bandits", Terry Gilliam's beloved fantasy adventure and one of the most celebrated cult films of the 1980s.
Unfortunately, this is another Gilliam film that just doesn't quite connect with either of them.
Both Butler and Field came into the movie wanting to like it. Butler is a big fan of "Brazil", and Field enjoys that film as well, but much like their experience with "12 Monkeys", they find themselves on the outside looking in when it comes to another highly regarded Gilliam classic.
The Mikes discuss whether part of their disconnect comes from discovering the film nearly fifty years after its release. While both enjoy plenty of quirky, imaginative films from the era, they struggle with the episodic structure here. The various historical vignettes never quite come together into a satisfying whole, and the bandits themselves feel underdeveloped. Aside from Randall, the group often blends together into what feels like a single character, making it difficult to become invested in their journey.
That is not to say the film is without merit. Some of the practical effects remain impressive, several jokes land well, and Gilliam's imagination is on full display throughout. Ultimately, though, Butler and Field find themselves wanting a stronger narrative thread to tie everything together.
As self-described plot-focused viewers, the Mikes wonder if "Time Bandits" is simply one of those movies that speaks to a different audience. They respect its legacy and understand why it has endured, even if this particular adventure was not for them.
What are they missing from Time Bandits that connect with you? Let us know in the comments below!
🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more Forgotten Cinema content!
🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen to podcasts.
✨ Support us on Patreon for exclusive content: www.patreon.com/forgottencinema
🛍️ Grab some Forgotten Cinema merch: www.etsy.com/shop/ForgottenCinemaShop
Check out our website: https://www.forgottencinemapodcast.com
0:00 - Introduction
3:09 - Film Facts
13:36 - Film Discussion
32:26 - Reviews
36:34 - Who Would You Recommend This To?
39:36 - Why Is This Forgotten?
39:35 - Plugs
#ForgottenCinema #TimeBandits #TerryGilliam #SciFi #Fantasy #SeanConnery #JohnCleese #MontyPython #80sFilm #80sMovie #Comedy #MoviePodcast #FilmDiscussion #UnderratedMovies #ClassicFilms

This week on Forgotten Cinema, the Mikes tune into "The Vast of Night", the low-budget science fiction mystery that released on Amazon Prime during the pandemic.
Both Butler and Field really enjoy the movie, especially its ambitious filmmaking and the performances from its two young leads. The film makes excellent use of long takes and creative camera work, creating a sense of momentum and atmosphere that far exceeds its modest budget. Both Mikes are surprised that the lead actors have not gone on to become bigger stars, given how much of the film's success rests on their shoulders.
The discussion does reveal one notable disagreement. Butler is less enthusiastic about the film's highly stylized dialogue, finding it more suited to a stage play than a naturalistic film. Field, on the other hand, enjoys the rapid-fire writing and sees it as part of the movie's unique identity.
The conversation also ventures into UFO and alien territory, as Butler compares the film's central mystery to real-world stories, theories, and folklore surrounding unexplained phenomena. The film's willingness to embrace mystery without overexplaining itself becomes one of its greatest strengths.
With strong performances, inventive direction, and a fascinating central mystery, "The Vast of Night" proves that great science fiction does not require a massive budget, only great ideas and talented filmmakers. The Mikes are also excited to see what comes next from director Andrew Patterson, whose long-awaited follow-up project is finally on the horizon.
What did you think of "The Vast of Night"? Let us know in the comments below!
🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more Forgotten Cinema content!
🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen to podcasts.
✨ Support us on Patreon for exclusive content: www.patreon.com/forgottencinema
🛍️ Grab some Forgotten Cinema merch: www.etsy.com/shop/ForgottenCinemaShop
Check out our website: https://www.forgottencinemapodcast.com
0:00 - Introduction
3:35 - Film Facts
8:43 - Film Discussion
28:53 - Reviews
32:25 - Who Would You Recommend This To?
36:41 - Why Is This Forgotten?
39:35 - Plugs
#ForgottenCinema #TheVastOfNight #VastOfNight #SciFi #Amazon #AmazonPrime #PrimeOriginal #Streaming #UFO #UAP #Aliens #MoviePodcast #FilmDiscussion #UnderratedMovies #ClassicFilms