Advertise on podcast: Hix Nix Stix Pix - A Podcast About Robb's Movies

Robb and Josh kick off spooky season with King Kong (1933)—and reach very different verdicts on the Eighth Wonder of the World. Robb loves the classic adventure, while Josh thinks Kong, the dinosaurs, and the music deserve better human actors. From Skull Island to the Empire State Building, they discuss Willis O’Brien’s stop-motion creations, Max Steiner’s score, Fay Wray’s screams, and why the film’s strange, dreamlike effects can still deliver. Along the way: Bob Newhart’s Kong routine, the missing spider-pit sequence, Robb’s chained-up Kong collectible, and the questionable wisdom of putting a giant ape on Broadway. Can spectacular monster battles overcome wooden acting and a slow start? Their scores tell the story: Robb gives it 9/10; Josh gives it 3/10—though Josh would happily give Kong’s dinosaur-smashing highlights a 10. Then Josh turns the tables with four mystery envelopes and takes control of the next movie selection. Episode chapters 00:00 — Opening banter02:44 — Bob Newhart’s King Kong routine06:43 — Josh’s Kong memories and the film introduction10:00 — The overture, Carl Denham, and Ann Darrow25:00 — Kong arrives: stop-motion and movie magic32:21 — The log bridge and missing spider pit34:31 — Max Steiner’s score and Kong versus the T. rex40:00 — Ann’s rescue and Kong’s capture46:39 — Broadway, chrome-steel chains, and Robb’s collectible54:07 — Kong loose in Manhattan1:03:30 — Is Kong the real victim?1:09:16 — Awards, production trivia, and Kong’s legacy1:19:18 — Josh’s verdict1:27:38 — Final ratings: 3 versus 91:31:38 — Josh’s mystery envelopes and the next movie reveal

Introducing Reed Hastings on Unlearning Leadership: From Netflix to the Mountain from Unbossing. Follow the show: Unbossing Reed Hastings built Netflix from a DVD-by-mail startup into a global entertainment empire — and then did something most founders never do: he walked away. In this first episode of Unbossing, hosts Rishad Tobaccowala and Drew Ianni sit down with Reed for a candid conversation about the leadership principles he'd keep, the ones he'd rewrite, and what he's learned building something entirely new. Reed opens up about the famous Netflix Culture Memo — what it got right, what it got wrong, and why, if he could do it again, he'd lead with the heart. Now on the board of Anthropic and developing Powder Mountain into a private ski community in Utah, Reed reflects on the shift from the digital to the very physical — and what that's taught him about culture, community, and starting over. This is a conversation about unlearning the rules that made you successful, so you can build something even better.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].

The race for the buried treasure barrels toward its hilariously destructive finish! In Part 2 of our review of It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963), Josh and Robb follow the increasingly desperate treasure hunters through outrageous chases, collapsing plans, dangerous ladders, and one unforgettable hospital-room finale. We discuss the movie's enormous cast, spectacular stunt work, escalating chaos, and whether this epic comedy sticks the landing. Who steals the movie—and was all that trouble under the "Big W" really worth it? Join us for Part 2 of this madcap classic on Hix Nix Stix Pix!

Josh and Robb hit the road for the first half of their two-part look at Stanley Kramer's enormous 1963 comedy, It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World. When a dying thief reveals that a fortune is buried beneath "the Big W," an ordinary group of motorists becomes a pack of increasingly desperate treasure hunters. In Part 1, Josh and Robb discuss the legendary cast, the movie's massive scale, its escalating automotive chaos, and the hilarious race toward $350,000. Who makes the strongest first impression? Which stunts still amaze? And is this sprawling comedy worth the very long trip? This is Part 1 of a two-part review. Spoilers are discussed.

Josh and Robb step into the shadows of Old Hollywood to revisit Billy Wilder's 1950 noir masterpiece, Sunset Boulevard. A struggling screenwriter becomes trapped in the decaying mansion—and dangerous fantasy—of forgotten silent-film star Norma Desmond. They discuss Gloria Swanson's legendary performance, William Holden's doomed Joe Gillis, the movie's dark humor, Hollywood satire, unforgettable dialogue, and whether this celebrated classic still deserves its close-up. Will Josh and Robb give Sunset Boulevard the Hollywood treatment—or nix it? Spoiler warning: The movie's major plot points and ending are discussed.

This week on Hix Nix Stix Pix, we head into 1930s Los Angeles for one of the greatest—and darkest—mysteries ever put on film: 1974's Chinatown. Jack Nicholson is private eye J.J. Gittes, a man who thinks he's investigating an affair until murder, water, money, corruption, and one horrifying family secret reveal something much bigger. We break down Nicholson and Faye Dunaway, the unforgettable Noah Cross, that devastating ending, what "Forget it, Jake. It's Chinatown" really means, and whether this legendary neo-noir still holds up in 2026. Forget it, Hix. It's Chinatown.

All aboard for one of Alfred Hitchcock's most twisted thrillers! Josh and Robb revisit the 1951 classic Strangers on a Train, in which a chance meeting between tennis star Guy Haines and the dangerously charming Bruno Antony leads to a deadly "crisscross" proposition. They discuss Robert Walker's unforgettable performance, Hitchcock's visual storytelling, the mounting suspense, that wild carousel finale, and whether the movie still holds up today. Will Josh and Robb recommend this cinematic ride—or nix it?

This week on Hix Nix Stix Pix, Josh and Robb strap in for Rollercoaster, the 1977 disaster thriller that turned amusement-park fun into pure anxiety. They revisit George Segal's race to stop a calculating bomber, Richard Widmark's no-nonsense federal agent, Timothy Bottoms' unnervingly quiet villain, and the theater-rattling spectacle of Sensurround. Is it a white-knuckle classic, a slow climb with a short drop, or a wonderfully specific slice of '70s suspense? Secure your lap bar and enjoy the ride!

This week on Hix Nix Stix Pix, Robb, and Josh step into the smoky streets of 1950s New York to discuss the film noir classic Sweet Smell of Success starring Burt Lancaster and Tony Curtis. Widely regarded as one of the greatest screenplays ever written, the film explores power, media influence, ambition, and the price of success through two unforgettable performances. We discuss Burt Lancaster's chilling portrayal of gossip king J.J. Hunsecker, Tony Curtis' career-defining performance as the desperate press agent Sidney Falco, the film's razor-sharp dialogue, and why its themes feel even more relevant in today's world of social media and influencers. We also dive into the movie's controversial incestuous undertones, what has aged beautifully, what hasn't, our favorite quotes, and whether this noir masterpiece still deserves its legendary reputation nearly 70 years after its release. Is Sweet Smell of Success a timeless classic, or does its slower pace keep it from connecting with modern audiences? Join us as we break it all down on this week's Hix Nix Stix Pix.

This week on Hix Nix Stix Pix, we're headed to the bright lights of the Strip for one of the most iconic movies of the 1960s—Viva Las Vegas! Elvis Presley and Ann-Margret light up the screen with unforgettable chemistry, energetic musical numbers, classic cars, and a love letter to old-school Las Vegas. Was this Elvis' greatest movie? Does the story still hold up more than 60 years later, or is it all style and soundtrack? We break down the good, the bad, and how the film plays for a modern audience in 2026. Along the way, we dive into the legendary performances, behind-the-scenes stories, the unforgettable title song, and why this film remains one of the King's most beloved screen appearances. So grab your blue suede shoes, hit the gas, and join us as we ask the only question that matters: does Viva Las Vegas still deserve a jackpot, or should it stay in the past?

This week on Hix Nix Stix Pix, we're taking a look at The Bank Dick, the 1940 comedy classic starring W.C. Fields as Egbert Sousé—a man with no ambition, no filter, and somehow all the luck in the world. From accidental heroics to bank investigations, bad investments, and plenty of barroom wisdom, Fields delivers the kind of comedy that has inspired generations of performers. We'll discuss why some movie fans consider The Bank Dick one of the funniest films ever made, while others find its style and humor firmly rooted in another era. Along the way, we'll examine the film through a modern lens, revisit some unforgettable quotes, and explore what still makes audiences laugh more than eighty years later. As always, we'll give the movie the Hix Nix treatment—a heart hand clasp to the moments that still shine, a raised eyebrow to the parts that haven't aged quite as well, and plenty of laughs in between. Grab a seat at the Black P***y Cat Café and Snack Bar and join us for a conversation about one of Hollywood's most enduring comedy classics. Is The Bank Dick still worth your time in 2026? We're about to find out.

Start your engines! This week on Hix Nix Stix Pix, Josh and Robb hit the gas and take a cross-country trip with the all-star comedy classic Cannonball Run. Starring Burt Reynolds, Dom DeLuise, Roger Moore, and what feels like half of Hollywood, this outrageous race from coast to coast delivers fast cars, wild stunts, and nonstop laughs. We'll break down our favorite moments, the most ridiculous characters, and whether the movie still works for modern audiences in 2026. Plus, we discuss what makes Cannonball Run such a unique time capsule of early-'80s comedy, the scenes that haven't aged quite as well, and why audiences continue to enjoy this chaotic road-trip adventure decades later. Buckle up as we decide whether Cannonball Run is a high-speed winner or should have stayed parked in the garage. Hix Nix Stix Pix – celebrating the movies we love, questioning the movies we don't, and having fun along the way. 🏁🚗💨

This week on Hix Nix Stix Pix, Josh and Robb head to Washington with Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. They break down why Jimmy Stewart's idealistic senator still connects with audiences nearly 90 years later, the unforgettable filibuster scene, political corruption, media influence, and whether honesty can actually survive in politics. Plus: favorite moments, what hasn't aged as well, and why the film feels strangely relevant in 2026. It's patriotism, cynicism, and classic Hollywood all rolled into one unforgettable episode of Hix Nix Stix Pix.

Murder, mystery, and madcap comedy—this week on Hix Nix Stix Pix, we're diving into the cult classic Clue! 🔍🎲 Join us as we break down the fast-paced chaos inside Hill House, where six suspicious guests, one unlucky host, and a whole lot of secrets collide. We'll talk about what makes Clue such a unique comedy, the brilliance of its rapid-fire dialogue, and why its multiple endings still spark debate decades later. From Tim Curry's legendary performance to the unforgettable ensemble cast, we're unpacking what fans love, what doesn't quite land, and how this board game adaptation became a beloved cult favorite. Plus, we look at how Clue holds up today—and why it might actually play even better in the streaming era. Was it Colonel Mustard in the study with the candlestick… or something even crazier? Tune in and find out! 🎭🗝️

This week on Hix Nix Stix Pix, we dive into Goldfinger—the Bond film that defined the franchise. From iconic gadgets and unforgettable villains to that legendary Aston Martin, we break down what makes this 007 adventure a classic… and what feels a little dated in 2026. Plus, we talk Oddjob, laser tables, and yes… that name.