Movie of the Year

• 1996 - Independence Day

  Movie of the Year: 1996Independence Day Movie of the Year is the podcast that dares to ask: What is the best movie of any given year? In this episode, we turn our telescopes to the stars and our speakers to eleven as we revisit the 1996 cinematic spectacle, Independence Day. Packed with aliens, explosions, and patriotic fervor, this sci-fi blockbuster defined summer movies for a generation. But does it hold up today?Join the panel as we explore the legacy of Independence Day, its place in the science fiction genre, its portrayal of American values, and how it frames masculinity in the 1990s.Independence Day as 90s Science FictionIs Independence Day just a popcorn flick, or does it deserve a spot among sci-fi classics? The hosts unpack the movie's use of classic alien invasion tropes, its reliance on 90s tech optimism, and the impact of its genre-blending tone.From Area 51 to cable viruses, Independence Day reflects a distinctly 90s approach to science fiction—where spectacle meets paranoia, and where heroes can be hackers, pilots, or presidents.America and Independence Day: Patriotism on the Big ScreenFew films wear their nationalism on their sleeve quite like Independence Day. In this section, the Taste Buds explore how the movie functions as a patriotic narrative, complete with presidential speeches, flags in the rubble, and international unity under American leadership.They also compare Independence Day to other patriotic blockbusters of the era, questioning whether its celebration of American ideals is sincere, ironic, or somewhere in between.If you're interested in similar themes, check out our Mars Attacks! episode for a different take on 1996's alien obsession.Masculinity in Independence Day: Fathers, Fighters, and FlyboysWhat does it mean to be a man in Independence Day? The film features a wide array of male archetypes—from the stoic President Whitmore to the wisecracking Captain Hiller and the redemption-seeking Russell Casse.We break down the film's representation of masculinity in the context of 1990s culture, focusing on themes like emotional repression, heroism, sacrifice, and fatherhood.These depictions reflect both the expectations and anxieties of American men in the late 20th century, and the movie's lasting popularity suggests they still resonate today.Final Verdict: Is This the Movie of the Year?There's no denying Independence Day was the biggest movie of 1996. But is it the best? The hosts evaluate the film’s legacy, critical reception, and cultural footprint. How does it compare to fellow 1996 heavyweights like Fargo, Trainspotting, or Scream?By the end of the episode, we’ll know if Independence Day still deserves a place at the top—or if it's simply a nostalgic relic of the blockbuster boom.WANT TO HEAR MORE?For more 1996 alien attacks, listen to our Mars Attacks episode!For more Will Smith kicking butt, check out our episode on Bad Boys 4 Life!For more goofy Jeff Goldblum trying to save the world, download our Nashville episode! Thanks for...

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• 1996 - The Birdcage (feat. Andrea Thompson from A Reel Of Our Own!)

  Movie of the Year: 1996The Birdcage (feat. Andrea Thompson from A Reel Of One's Own!)The Movie of the Year podcast takes a deep dive into The Birdcage (1996), a groundbreaking comedy that blends family dynamics, farce, and fearless LGBTQ+ representation. In this episode, the hosts explore how The Birdcage helped shift mainstream perceptions of queerness in the '90s, all while delivering standout performances from Robin Williams, Nathan Lane, and showcasing the directorial mastery of Mike Nichols. Whether you're watching the film for the first time or revisiting it, this episode offers a thoughtful and engaging look at why The Birdcage continues to matter.Listen to the episode now:[Podcast Player Embed Here]Gender, Sexuality, and Queer Representation in The BirdcageThe podcast opens with an in-depth discussion of how The Birdcage portrays gender and sexuality with both humor and dignity. At a time when LGBTQ+ characters were often relegated to the margins of pop culture, The Birdcage celebrated queer life, drag culture, and same-sex relationships. The hosts explore the film’s role in pushing boundaries and normalizing visibility, particularly in a cultural moment still defined by Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and lingering AIDS-era stigma.Robin Williams in One of His Most Subtle, Heartfelt RolesKnown for his exuberant performances, Robin Williams delivers one of his most emotionally restrained roles as Armand Goldman. The podcast explores how Williams balances warmth, wit, and gravitas, crafting a character who is both deeply human and quietly revolutionary. The hosts compare this performance to Williams’ other work from the '90s and consider how his presence lends the film emotional credibility and depth.Mike Nichols’ Directing BrillianceDirector Mike Nichols adapts the French farce La Cage aux Folles into a uniquely American satire, using timing, character dynamics, and visual composition to heighten both comedy and emotional impact. The hosts break down Nichols’ directing choices, from rapid-fire dialogue to carefully choreographed scenes, showing how his vision shapes the film’s tone and political commentary.Is The Birdcage Greater Than the Sum of Its Parts?One of the most spirited conversations in the episode centers on whether The Birdcage works because of its individual elements—such as the writing, performances, and production design—or because those elements merge into something greater. The hosts highlight iconic scenes like the chaotic dinner party and the nightclub sequences to show how the film achieves synergy between script, performance, and direction.Identity and the Meaning of LifeBeyond its sharp humor, The Birdcage asks deep questions about identity, authenticity, and acceptance. The hosts analyze the tension between performance and reality, especially in the context of Armand and Val’s relationship, and explore how characters navigate the pressures of conformity and family expectations. This section connects the film to broader philosophical ideas about the meaning of life, love, and self-expression.Special Guest: Andrea Thompson from A Reel Of Our OwnJoining the discussion is film critic Andrea Thompson, founder of A Reel Of Our Own, a platform dedicated to amplifying marginalized voices in film. Andrea brings a fresh critical perspective to the episode, exploring how The Birdcage portrays queer identity with compassion, nuance, and humor. She also discusses the film’s lasting influence on LGBTQ+ media and its place in queer film history.How The Birdcage Holds Up in 2024The podcast team revisits The Birdcage...

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  1:36:15
• 1996 - Ghost in the Shell

  Movie of the Year: 1996Ghost in the ShellBreaking Down Ghost in the Shell (1995) on the Movie of the Year PodcastThe Movie of the Year podcast delves into Ghost in the Shell (1995), the legendary cyberpunk anime that arrived in the U.S. in 1996. As part of their ongoing quest to determine the greatest movie of the year, the hosts analyze whether Ghost in the Shell is more than the sum of its parts, how it explores the concept of identity, and what it has to say about the meaning of life. With its groundbreaking animation, philosophical depth, and lasting influence on sci-fi cinema, Ghost in the Shell remains a must-watch for movie fans and anime lovers alike.Ghost in the Shell: A Sci-Fi Masterpiece or a Beautiful Puzzle?Director Mamoru Oshii’s Ghost in the Shell is visually breathtaking and thematically rich, but does it all come together into a perfect film? The Movie of the Year hosts debate whether the film's dreamlike pacing and philosophical musings enhance the storytelling or make it more like a collection of striking moments rather than a cohesive narrative. They also compare it to other cyberpunk classics like Blade Runner and The Matrix, both of which owe a significant debt to this anime landmark.Identity and the Cyborg QuestionAt the heart of Ghost in the Shell is Major Motoko Kusanagi, one of the most compelling protagonists in anime history. But is she even a person? The film explores the tension between human consciousness and artificial bodies, raising questions about selfhood in a world where memories can be manipulated and bodies are replaceable. The hosts discuss how these themes resonate in modern conversations about AI, transhumanism, and digital identity.What Does Ghost in the Shell Say About the Meaning of Life?Beyond its thrilling action and cyberpunk aesthetics, Ghost in the Shell delves into existential questions about life, evolution, and free will. The Movie of the Year panel examines the philosophy of the Puppet Master and its perspective on human consciousness. Is true existence defined by a biological body, or can intelligence alone constitute life? The hosts debate whether Ghost in the Shell provides answers or leaves audiences lost in existential uncertainty.The Lasting Impact of Ghost in the ShellSince its release, Ghost in the Shell has influenced an entire generation of filmmakers, from the Wachowskis (The Matrix) to Denis Villeneuve (Blade Runner 2049). Its mix of action, cyberpunk world-building, and deep philosophical themes continues to shape anime, sci-fi, and pop culture. The hosts discuss how the film’s legacy is tied to both its stunning visuals and its intellectual ambition, ensuring its place as one of the most important anime films ever made.Final Thoughts: Why GITS Still MattersThe podcast concludes with a discussion on why Ghost in the Shell remains essential viewing. Whether you're a longtime fan or experiencing it for the first time, this episode of Movie of the Year offers an insightful, thought-provoking conversation about one of sci-fi’s most enduring films.Love cyberpunk films? Subscribe to Movie of the Year for more deep dives into the best movies of all time!Further ExplorationWatch GITS on CrunchyrollRead more about cyberpunk film influences on

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  1:44:25
• 1996 - Fargo (feat Josh from iFanboy!)

  Movie of the Year: 1996Fargo (feat. iFanboy's Josh Flanagan)Is Fargo (1996) Really a True Story? This week on Movie of the Year, our panel of film obsessives takes a deep dive into the Coen Brothers’ legendary crime thriller, Fargo (1996). From its bleak, snow-covered landscapes to its uniquely offbeat characters, Fargo is a film that has stood the test of time. But does it have what it takes to be crowned the best movie of the year? Tune in as we dissect this darkly comedic masterpiece.The Genre of Fargo (1996): Crime, Comedy, or Both?One of Fargo (1996)'s greatest strengths is its ability to seamlessly blend genres. Is it a crime thriller? A dark comedy? A neo-noir? The film walks the tightrope between tension and absurdity, crafting a world where violent criminals, desperate schemes, and Minnesota Nice collide in unforgettable ways. Our hosts explore how Fargo defies genre conventions and why this unique blend makes it such a compelling film.For more discussions on genre-bending movies, check out our deep dive into The Big Lebowski or No Country for Old Men.The Setting of Fargo (1996): More Than Just SnowFargo (1996) isn’t just a movie—it’s an immersive experience of the American Midwest. Despite its title, most of the film unfolds in Minnesota, capturing the distinct speech patterns, mannerisms, and cold, barren beauty of the region. We discuss how the Coen Brothers use the setting as a character itself, influencing the tone, the story, and even the humor. Would Fargo be the same film without its chilling, small-town backdrop? We break it all down.For more insights on film settings, read our analysis of There Will Be Blood.Is Fargo (1996) a True Story? The Real vs. the FictionalFrom the opening title card claiming “This is a true story,” Fargo has left audiences debating its origins for nearly three decades. Is Fargo (1996) really based on actual events? Or was that just another Coen Brothers trick to pull us deeper into their world of deception? We uncover the truth behind the film’s inspiration and discuss how its true crime aesthetic enhances its mystique.Want to learn more about real vs. fictionalized crime films? Check out our episode on Zodiac.Special Guest: Josh Flanagan from iFanboyJoining us this week is none other than Josh Flanagan from iFanboy! As a longtime film and comic book expert, Josh brings his signature wit and insight to the discussion. He shares his personal experience watching Fargo (1996) for the first time, his thoughts on the Coen Brothers’ unique storytelling, and how Fargo fits into the larger landscape of 1996 cinema.For more of Josh’s takes on film and pop culture, visit iFanboy.Does Fargo (1996) Deserve to Win Movie of the Year?After breaking down the film’s genre-bending brilliance, its unforgettable setting, and the enduring mystery of its “true story” origins, we finally ask the big question: Does Fargo (1996) deserve the title of Movie of the Year? Listen in as we debate its legacy, compare it to other contenders from 1996, and ultimately decide whether Marge Gunderson’s world of crime and comedy is worthy of the top spot.Subscribe now and join us for this deep-dive into Fargo (1996), a film that remains just as sharp, chilling, and darkly hilarious as it was in 1996.Recommended Further Reading:IMDB - Fargo (1996)Rotten...

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  1:55:55
• 1996 - That Thing You Do

  Movie of the Year: 1996That Thing You Do (feat. contest winner Matthew Dewey!)Exploring That Thing You Do! – The Ultimate Feel-Good Rock and Roll MovieOn this episode of Movie of the Year, we dive deep into That Thing You Do!, the 1996 rock and roll movie that perfectly captures the meteoric rise of a one-hit-wonder. Directed by Tom Hanks, this film combines infectious energy, a toe-tapping original soundtrack, and an affectionate tribute to the music industry of the 1960s. Whether you’re a fan of classic rock, catchy pop hits, or uplifting stories about bands making it big, this episode is a must-listen.That Thing You Do! – A Rock and Roll Movie with Unforgettable Original MusicFew films capture the spirit of an era as effortlessly as TTYD! does with its incredible original music. We break down how the title track, written by Adam Schlesinger, became a real-world hit, perfectly channeling the British Invasion-inspired sound that defined the 1960s. This episode examines the songwriting, standout performances, and how The Wonders (or the “Oneders”) created a fictional song that still resonates decades later.Why That Thing You Do! is the Ultimate Boomer Nostalgia TripBeyond being a fantastic rock and roll movie, TTYD!is also a prime example of what we call “boomer porn.” The film paints an idealized version of 1960s rock history, celebrating a time when bands could skyrocket to fame on sheer talent, drive, and a little bit of luck. We discuss how the movie plays into baby boomer nostalgia, romanticizing an era that felt innocent, exciting, and full of musical possibilities. Does it succeed in capturing the magic, or does it lean too heavily into nostalgia?How That Thing You Do! Still Rocks the Movie World TodayDecades later, TTYD! remains one of the most endearing rock and roll movies ever made. We discuss its lasting impact, from the performances of Tom Everett Scott, Liv Tyler, and Steve Zahn to the way it continues to resonate with new generations of movie lovers and music fans. Plus, we debate where it stands among the greatest music movies of all time.Tune In to the Movie of the Year Podcast for the Full That Thing You Do! BreakdownJoin us for this nostalgic, music-filled ride as we celebrate TTYD! and analyze what makes it a timeless rock and roll movie. If you love deep dives into classic films, this is one episode you won’t want to miss. Listen now to Movie of the Year and relive the magic of TTYD!—you’ll be clapping along in no time!

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