Advertise on podcast: Open Mic Night at the Movies

Dust off your cowboy hat, grab your chopsticks, and try not to get kicked in the face.  This episode we’re talking about Shanghai Noon (2000)! Directed by Tom Day and starring Jackie Chan, Owen Wilson, and Lucy Liu, Shanghai Noon takes classic Westerns and chops them up with martial arts, buddy comedies, and early 2000s rock.  We break it all down, including piss shirts, drinking games, hatchet throws, questionable audio commentary and so much more.  Get the copper soaking tubs ready.  Our horse is drunk on whiskey and we’re ready podcast! email: [email protected] website: openmicmovies.buzzsprout.com instagram: @latertaterfilms

Four movies enter. One Part 4 leaves. This week, we’re cracking open some drinks and diving into the cinematic danger zone: the fourth installment. Is Mad Max: Fury Road the greatest action sequel ever made? Does Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire win on dragons and trauma alone? Can The Bourne Legacy sneak in with pure spy paranoia? And… is Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol secretly the people’s champion? We argue, we spiral, we make questionable claims with full confidence. It’s Part 4 chaos—and we’re taking it way too seriously. ------------------------------------------------------------- email: [email protected] website: openmicmovies.buzzsprout.com instagram: @latertaterfilms

Zippers were zipped. "Hair gel" was misused. Romance somehow survived.  On this episode, we revisit There’s Something About Mary — the late-’90s comedy that proved true love can endure humiliation, obsession, and one very unlucky prom night. We break down the laughs, the heart, the inherent creepiness, and why this movie still sticks after all these years. Frank and beans included. ------------------------------------------------------------- email: [email protected] website: openmicmovies.buzzsprout.com instagram: @latertaterfilms

On this episode, we dive headfirst into a ball pit and come up in the retro 80s nightmare of Five Nights at Freddy’s (2023) — the long awaited adaptation of the popular video game franchise.  Joined by two brave guests, we break down killer animatronics, questionable career choices, creepy dream-kids, and the world’s most confusing small-town police officer.  We talk lore, jump scares, fan theories, and what they should’ve considered saving for the sequel.  Grab a taser, keep the doors shut, and tune in — we’ll try to survive all five nights… or at least make it to the end of the episode. ------------------------------------------------------------- email: [email protected] website: openmicmovies.buzzsprout.com instagram: @latertaterfilms

Put on your Ray-Bans and buckle up — this week we’re diving deep into the neon, sweat, and swagger of early Tom Cruise. Three eras, three egos, one impossible decision: which movie moves one step closer to our Tom Cruise Film Festival lineup? We break down Risky Business (1983), the film that made Cruise a star; Cocktail (1988), the glossy ode to ambition and regret; and Days of Thunder (1990), where Cruise takes his intensity to the racetrack. Along the way, we talk capitalism, charisma, and the best way to end a Tom Cruise movie. From sliding in your socks to racing toward the finish line, it’s a full throttle conversation about all things Cruise. Will Joel Goodson’s hustle, Brian Flanagan’s charm, or Cole Trickle’s need for speed take the win? Tune in to find out. ------------------------------------------------------------- email: [email protected] website: openmicmovies.buzzsprout.com instagram: @latertaterfilms

Enter the Dragon isn’t just a movie—it’s a cultural explosion. In this episode, we break down Bruce Lee’s iconic martial arts masterpiece from 1973, covering everything from the dazzling fight choreography to Jeet Kune Do philosophy to behind-the-scenes stories. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering the film that kicked open the door for martial arts in Hollywood, this discussion will leave you ready to throw a few high kicks and break a few mirrors. email: [email protected] website: openmicmovies.buzzsprout.com instagram: @latertaterfilms

From misguided men to chaotic criminals, noir shadows to screwball shenanigans—the Coens have done it all.  In this episode, we're drafting our ultimate lineup of Coen Brothers films, one pick at a time.  Is The Dude abiding early, or are we out of our element?  Will Fargo get picked faster than you can say "Yah, you betcha" or will we succumb to that Barton Fink feeling?  Would that it were so Blood Simple.  Expect passionate picks, surprising snubs and a whole lotta y'know... Coen-isms. email: [email protected] website: openmicmovies.buzzsprout.com instagram: @latertaterfilms

In this special DOUBLE FEATURE episode we talk weirdos, friendships, and low budget cult classics .  First up Mike and Matt join to give their thoughts on the film that gave us Jon Heder's breakout lead role.  It's the 2004 coming of age comedy, 'Napoleon Dynamite'  (04:00)  Then after a quick trip to the lobby (32:50) we head back into the theater to take it down a notch and look at Emily Skeggs and Kyle Gallner in 2020's unabashedly punk-rock, dark comedy 'Dinner In America' (35:35). email: [email protected] website: openmicmovies.buzzsprout.com instagram: @latertaterfilms

How long does edge last? What won't you watch Jack Nicholson do? Does realism help or hurt?  And how big should a hotel room be?  In this episode Sean is joined by Timm and Jeremy to talk about 1973's The Last Detail, an adaptation of the Darryl Ponicsan book about 2 sailors assigned to escort a kleptomaniac, junior sailor to naval prison.  Considered at the time to be Jack Nicholson's greatest performance, The Last Detail delivers warmth and humor alongside utter hopelessness in a 104 minute package.  email: [email protected] website: openmicmovies.buzzsprout.com instagram: @latertaterfilms

In this episode Sean and Mike continue their look at the best Tom Cruise movies ever made, this time checking in on some of his more dramatic roles. Charlie Babbitt (Rain Man, 1988) -- 05:50 Frank T.J. Mackey (Magnolia, 1999) -- 20:20 Ron Kovic (Born on the Fourth of July, 1989) -- 36:10 They discuss where these movies shine and where they need work, and try to figure out if any other actor could have pulled off these roles. email: [email protected] website: openmicmovies.buzzsprout.com instagram: @latertaterfilms

Who killed this podcast? Where? And with what?  That's what Sean, Mike & Jakob are trying to find out in this episode.  We're talking Clue, the 1985 comedy/mystery that took a wildly big swing at the box office and fell dead on arrival.  But to make a long story short (too late!) it became a massive cult hit via VHS rental and cable TV.  We discuss cast ranks, stage versions, multiple endings, sexual awakenings, who's lines were dubbed and much, much more! Director's commentary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqxr8rENPcE https://www.buzzfeed.com/adambvary/something-terrible-has-happened-here-the-crazy-story-of-how email: [email protected] website: openmicmovies.buzzsprout.com instagram: @latertaterfilms

If Samuel L. Jackson offered you an easy out that included free booze would you take it? No? We prefer the hard way too.  In this episode Sean and Dan talk about 2007's 1408, an adaptation of a Stephen King story that finds a skeptical writer trapped inside a sinister hotel room.   With a powerful performance from John Cusak, this thriller explores grief, hubris, and will make you question your safety whenever you come across a generic, knock off painting.  email: [email protected] website: openmicmovies.buzzsprout.com instagram: @latertaterfilms

Brian, Matt, Mike, Mike & Sean have a bargument about their favorite sci-fi films from childhood that became cult hits.  It’s a battle for the ages with The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension vs. Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure vs. Real Genius vs. Tremors.  Beers are drank and mud is slung as they pour over the important questions.  Who are the real threats in Bill and Ted?  Can a house really be destroyed by popcorn? Which one of the Hong Kong Cavliers can “get it”?  And what exactly is coming out of that Graboid’s mouth?  4 movies enter, but only 1 will leave with any shreds of dignity. email: [email protected] website: openmicmovies.buzzsprout.com instagram: @latertaterfilms

Not living up to your parent's expectations?  Always looking for love in the complete wrong places?  We can identify.  This episode we're talking about 2005's Sky High, a film that explores the unique challenges of finding your super powers in your teenage years.  Full of budding stars, sharp writing, and a healthy helping of the Kids in the Hall, this flick is fun for all ages. email: [email protected] website: openmicmovies.buzzsprout.com instagram: @latertaterfilms

In this episode Sean and Mike walk through the 6 current Mission Impossible movies in hopes to pick one to represent them all at a hypothetical Tom Cruise film festival.