Movie of the Year

• 1999 - The Action Figure Draft

  Movie of the Year: 1999The Action Figure DraftDrafting the Ultimate 1999 Action FiguresIn this action-packed and comedic episode of the Movie of the Year podcast, the Taste Buds assemble their dream teams of 1999 movie characters in The Action Figures Draft. Inspired by Dungeons & Dragons character classes like Bard, Cleric, Druid, Fighter, and Wizard, each panelist must create the most powerful and ridiculous team of would-be action figures.From cult favorites to blockbuster icons, no character is off-limits in this chaotic snake draft showdown. Whether you're here for the laughs or the nostalgia, this episode blends pop culture nerdery with competitive spirit.What Is the Action Figures Draft?The Action Figures Draft is where the Taste Buds channel their inner dungeon masters to pick a five-member team of fictional characters from 1999 films. The twist? Each character must fill a D&D role: Bard, Cleric, Druid, Fighter, and Wizard.Each panelist—including guest Taste Bud Taylor—must strategize their picks while balancing power, flair, and absurdity. Do you build the strongest team? Or the weirdest shelf of plastic heroes?1999 Movies Meet Dungeons & DragonsThis isn't just about cool characters. It's about team synergy and hilarious storytelling. The Taste Buds debate who makes a better Fighter: Neo or The Mummy’s Rick O’Connell? Should you pick The Blair Witch for Druid just for the chaos? What accessories would The Iron Giant’s action figure come with?The draft style is classic snake format, so the stakes rise with each passing round. The Taste Buds argue, laugh, and justify their boldest choices.Meet the Draft Teams: Bard, Cleric, Druid & MoreBard – Most charismatic or musical pickCleric – The team’s support and healing presenceDruid – Nature-powered, mystical, or shape-shifting charactersFighter – The brute strength, heavy-hitter typeWizard – Powers, tech, or unexplained magicSpecial Guest Taste Bud: TaylorReturning guest Taylor adds their signature unpredictable energy to the panel. Known for deep pulls and unfiltered commentary, Taylor’s presence ensures that this draft spirals into the delightfully absurd.Related Episodes You’ll Love:The Green MileThe Iron GiantElectionFinal Thoughts: The Best Action Figures That Never WereThe Action Figures Draft proves that 1999 movie characters are still larger than life—and perfect for plastic. Whether you're a longtime fan of Movie of the Year or just want to imagine Jar Jar Binks as your team’s Bard, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.Listen now to the Action Figures Draft and decide which team of imaginary toys reigns supreme!

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• 1999 - The Iron Giant (feat. Kate Dellis!)

  Movie of the Year: 1999The Iron Giant (feat. Kate Dellis!)Introduction: Why The Iron Giant Still MattersIn this episode of the Movie of the Year podcast, the Taste Buds explore the enduring appeal of The Iron Giant, Brad Bird’s 1999 animated masterpiece. The podcast delves into how the film’s powerful themes, from Cold War anxiety to a redefinition of masculinity, continue to resonate with audiences.Whether you’re an animation aficionado or a first-time viewer, this deep dive into Brad Bird's masterpiece highlights why it remains a defining piece of cinematic art.War and Fear: The Cold War in The Iron GiantSet in 1950s America, the film uses its period setting to mirror the paranoia and tension of the Cold War. The Taste Buds analyze how the film reflects societal fears of the unknown and the consequences of militarization.With the government’s aggressive pursuit of the Giant symbolizing real-world escalation, the episode illustrates how the film's anti-war message is as relevant today as it was in 1999.Masculinity and Emotion: Redefining the Hero in The Iron GiantThe movie reimagines masculinity through its characters’ emotional depth. The Taste Buds break down how Hogarth’s bravery, Dean’s unconventional masculinity, and the Giant’s compassion offer a fresh take on heroism.By challenging traditional gender roles and emphasizing vulnerability, the film delivers a powerful commentary on what it means to be truly strong.A New Style of Animation: Artistry in MotionThe podcast dives into The Iron Giant’s distinctive animation style, blending traditional 2D with early CGI to create a timeless visual aesthetic. The Taste Buds discuss Brad Bird’s directorial choices and how the film’s clean lines, muted palette, and expressive character designs contributed to its cult status.This segment also touches on the film’s place in animation history and why it remains influential.Guest Panelist Spotlight: Kate Dellis from WGBHSpecial guest Kate Dellis, a producer at WGBH, joins the Taste Buds to offer her unique perspective on The Iron Giant. Kate shares insights into the film’s emotional complexity and artistic innovation.Her thoughtful analysis helps elevate the discussion and adds depth to the podcast’s exploration of the movie’s legacy.Additional ResourcesBrad Bird on The Iron Giant’s Legacy – NPRAnimation World Network on The Iron GiantMovie of the Year: The Green Mile EpisodeFinal Thoughts: The Iron Giant Still SoarsTwenty-five years after its release, The Iron Giant continues to inspire with its timeless message of peace, compassion, and identity. On this episode of the Movie of the Year podcast, the Taste Buds and guest Kate Dellis reveal how the film’s themes of war, masculinity, and groundbreaking animation combine to create a true classic.If you love thoughtful movie analysis and want to understand why The Iron Giant remains essential viewing, this episode is a must-listen.

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• 1999 - The Mixtape, Part II

  Movie of the Year: 1999The Mixtape, Part IIThe Taste Buds are hitting rewind and building the ultimate 1999 Mixtape on this week’s episode of Movie of the Year. As part of their ongoing exploration of the legendary pop culture landscape of 1999, the panel steps away from film to focus on the best songs of 1999, one track at a time.Whether you were burning mix CDs or glued to TRL, this is the Movie of the Year episode for you.Why 1999 Was a Great Year for Music1999 was a genre-smashing year, marked by massive pop breakthroughs, alt-rock classics, club hits, and iconic hip-hop. From …Baby One More Time to Smooth, No Scrubs to My Name Is, the year’s musical output was unforgettable.To honor this sonic time capsule, the Taste Buds drafted their ideal 1999 playlist—20 songs, no repeat artists, and only the strongest tracks.How the 1999 Mixtape Was MadeHere were the rules:20 songsNo repeat artistsPicks made live on the episodeEach host took turns drafting songs, defending their picks, and sabotaging each other’s plans. With only one track per artist, every decision mattered. Some fan-favorites made the list, while others were tragically left out.Related Links1999 in Music (Wikipedia)Genius Lyrics – Top Songs of 1999TRL Memories: MTV's Golden EraWhy This 1999 Mixtape Is EssentialThe 1999 Mixtape episode is a celebration of one of the most fun and influential years in music history. Every genre got its moment in the sun, and this playlist reflects that beautiful mess. It's not just a trip down memory lane—it's a living, breathing artifact of a year that changed everything.Perfect for anyone who loves pop culture, nostalgia, or music history, this is one of the most fun Movie of the Year episodes yet.Subscribe now to follow the rest of the 1999 season and never miss a beat.Movie of the Year: 1999 Mixtape – streaming now on all podcast platforms.

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• 1999 - The Mixtape

  Movie of the Year: 1999The MixtapeThe Taste Buds are hitting rewind and building the ultimate 1999 Mixtape on this week’s episode of Movie of the Year. As part of their ongoing exploration of the legendary pop culture landscape of 1999, the panel steps away from film to focus on the best songs of 1999, one track at a time.Whether you were burning mix CDs or glued to TRL, this is the Movie of the Year episode for you.Why 1999 Was a Great Year for Music1999 was a genre-smashing year, marked by massive pop breakthroughs, alt-rock classics, club hits, and iconic hip-hop. From …Baby One More Time to Smooth, No Scrubs to My Name Is, the year’s musical output was unforgettable.To honor this sonic time capsule, the Taste Buds drafted their ideal 1999 playlist—20 songs, no repeat artists, and only the strongest tracks.How the 1999 Mixtape Was MadeHere were the rules:20 songsNo repeat artistsPicks made live on the episodeEach host took turns drafting songs, defending their picks, and sabotaging each other’s plans. With only one track per artist, every decision mattered. Some fan-favorites made the list, while others were tragically left out.Related Links1999 in Music (Wikipedia)Genius Lyrics – Top Songs of 1999TRL Memories: MTV's Golden EraWhy This 1999 Mixtape Is EssentialThe 1999 Mixtape episode is a celebration of one of the most fun and influential years in music history. Every genre got its moment in the sun, and this playlist reflects that beautiful mess. It's not just a trip down memory lane—it's a living, breathing artifact of a year that changed everything.Perfect for anyone who loves pop culture, nostalgia, or music history, this is one of the most fun Movie of the Year episodes yet.Subscribe now to follow the rest of the 1999 season and never miss a beat.Movie of the Year: 1999 Mixtape – streaming now on all podcast platforms.

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• 1999 - The Green Mile (feat. Erik from the Cradle 2 the Grave pod!)

  Movie of the Year: 1999The Green MileWhy The Green Mile Still Strikes a ChordOn this episode of the Movie of the Year podcast, the Taste Buds step into the hauntingly spiritual world of The Green Mile, Frank Darabont’s sweeping 1999 adaptation of the Stephen King novel. Blending magical realism with deeply human storytelling, The Green Mile tackles justice, pain, and the inexplicable mysteries of life—and the panel is here to unpack it all.As they revisit this emotional powerhouse, the Taste Buds examine the film’s artistry, cultural context, and why it continues to resonate with audiences decades later. Whether listeners are longtime fans or curious newcomers, this discussion sheds light on the film’s enduring significance.Darabont and King: Adapting The Green MileFew director-author pairings have produced such emotionally resonant work as Frank Darabont and Stephen King. After the success of The Shawshank Redemption, Darabont returned to King’s work with The Green Mile, crafting another prison-set epic—but this time with a supernatural twist.The Taste Buds explore how Darabont translates King’s sprawling narrative into a cohesive film, balancing intimate performances with grand themes of morality, fate, and grace. The episode also compares both adaptations, highlighting what makes The Green Mile uniquely powerful.Related Links:Stephen King’s Official SiteIMDb: The Green MileCoffey and Race: A Complicated Legacy in The Green MileJohn Coffey (Michael Clarke Duncan) is one of the most memorable characters in 1990s cinema, but also one of its most debated. This episode takes a close look at the racial dynamics of the film, unpacking the “magical Negro” trope and its implications.The panel wrestles with the emotional potency of Coffey’s story, the film’s approach to race and injustice, and how it reflects the myth-making tendencies of Hollywood storytelling, especially when viewed through a modern lens.The Power of Love in The Green MileAt its core, The Green Mile is a film about love. Not romantic love, but love expressed through compassion, understanding, and humanity. The Taste Buds reflect on the different relationships in the film—Paul Edgecomb’s (Tom Hanks) empathy for Coffey, the bonds between the prison guards, and even Coffey’s tenderness toward the mouse, Mr. Jingles.The discussion highlights how the film uses moments of grace to balance its darker themes and why The Green Mile remains a tearjerker that earns every emotional beat.Bonus Segment: Being John MalkovichAs a special treat for listeners, the episode includes a bonus segment where the Taste Buds dive into another 1999 classic: Being John Malkovich. They explore the film’s surreal originality, its commentary on identity and celebrity, and how it stands as one of the boldest cinematic experiments of the year. It’s a wild ride that perfectly complements the emotional gravity of The Green Mile.Guest Panelist Spotlight: Erik from Cradle 2 the GraveJoining the Taste Buds for this episode is special guest Erik, host of the Cradle 2 the Grave podcast. With his signature insight and deep love for ‘90s cinema, Erik brings fresh perspectives to the discussion, particularly on the cultural legacy of The Green Mile. His dynamic presence adds a new flavor to the panel as they dig deep into themes of justice, faith, and film craft.

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