Advertise on podcast: Divided Films

We're returning to the Star Wars saga to discuss the divisive conclusion to the sequel trilogy, The Rise of Skywalker. Director J.J. Abrams' decision to bring the series back to more familiar themes and story threads pleased audiences but frustrated critics. The Star Wars universe continues to expand with more content each year, so how does this chapter measure up in the current era of the franchise?  

Coming to you at ludicrous speed is our episode on Spaceballs! Although critics say this Star Wars parody pales in comparison to Mel Brooks' earlier films, audiences still laughed heartily throughout. There are two sides to every Schwartz, so hopefully, we end up with the upside. Grab your Spaceballs flamethrower and may the Schwartz be with you!

It's time to party with the 2012 found footage film, Project X! Young viewers loved watching the crazy antics in this high school comedy, but critics had no patience for the annoying characters. Project X may have captured the ultimate party fantasy for some but for others, it was a total nightmare.

Smile you son of a... Oh wait, we're not talking about that shark movie. We're discussing the 2016 film, The Shallows! Critics say Blake Lively's performance kept this thriller afloat, but audiences complained there wasn't enough hard-biting action. Is this the best shark movie since Jaws or the worst since Jaws: The Revenge?      

We're back from our mid-season break, and while we were gone we caught a case of Cabin Fever! Critics appreciated Eli Roth's references to classic horror movies, but the gory effects grossed out audiences. It's up to us to decide if this Divided Film is infectiously good or just plain deadly.      

We’re experiencing some turbulence this week as we discuss Con Air! Audiences were way more likely than critics to forgive the many flaws and plot holes in this over-the-top action movie. We better put the bunny back in the box if we want to survive this flight.      

Religion and comedy aren't always a match made in heaven, but Kevin Smith put them together anyway in this week's Divided Film, Dogma! Satirical humor and philosophical discussions meshed in a way that worked for audiences but not for critics. Who is right, and who is going straight to hell? Hopefully, Kevin Smith is right about God having a sense of humor...      

We’re traveling back in time to the 1970s for our next Divided Film, Licorice Pizza! Critics admired the loose plot structure that director PT Anderson set up for this coming-of-age story, but audiences did not have the patience for the relaxed pace. Let’s hop on a waterbed and get in a game of pinball as we grab a slice of Licorice Pizza.

It's the end of the world as we know it and we feel fine talking about this week's Divided Film, Don't Look Up. The social commentary in Adam McKay's apocalyptic comedy resonated with audiences, but critics say the satirical messages were predictable and unfocused. Make sure you're looking up when we decide whether Don't Look Up hits its targets.

Divided Films, in the study, with the candlestick. This is just one of the endings to our discussion on Clue! Audiences laughed more often than not throughout this mystery/comedy, but critics wished there was more focus on the mystery. Join us as we shake, rattle, and roll!

Nobody puts Divided Films in a corner! For part two of our Patrick Swayze doubleheader, we're having the time of our lives discussing Dirty Dancing. Critics rolled their eyes at this coming-of-age romance, while audiences swooned at the chemistry between Swayze and Jennifer Grey. With its 35th anniversary approaching, does Dirty Dancing still have the right moves?

This week Divided Films is giving you two episodes for the price of one! We're taking a look at two classic 80s flicks starring that decade's most iconic heartthrob, Patrick Swayze. First, we're discussing the gritty action movie Road House, which annoyed critics with its over-the-top story but pleased audiences who were looking for a rowdy good time. Let's see if Swayze can win us over with his charm like he did with viewers over twenty years ago.