Bonus Episode - The Toronto International Film Festival Recap

Mark and Courtney Small (@SmallMind on X) recap their experiences at the Toronto International Film Festival and share their favorite films, moments, and performances. In this episode, they talk about Drifter, In Alaska, Misty Green, Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother, Bucking Fastard, The Ultra Runner, River, and many more cool movies. Enjoy!

Mark and John discuss the 2012 action horror film Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning. Directed by John Hyams and starring Scott Adkins, Dolph Lundgren, Jean-Claude Van Damme, and an incredible amount of carnage, the low-budget action film is an A-tier direct-to-DVD classic. In this episode, they also talk about action horror films, solid sequels, and Dolph Lundgren having fun. Enjoy!

Mark and John discuss the 1984 romantic drama Swing Shift. Directed by Jonathan Demme and starring Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell, Christine Lahti, and a bunch of rivets, the movie focuses on what happens when a nice married lady is forced to work with a charming jazz musician. In this episode, they also talk about reshoots, Leadman shirts, and Kurt Russell’s filmography.

TIFF horror special. Mark shares his non-spoiler thoughts about River (2026) and The Face of Horror (2026).

Mark and Professor Mike Dillon discuss the 1993 video game adaptation Super Mario Bros. Directed by Rocky Morton and Annabel Jankel and starring Bob Hoskins, John Leguizamo, Samantha Mathis, Dennis Hopper, and a glob of primeval slime, the movie focuses on what happens when two plumbers travel to a parallel dimension and battle an angry guy named Koopa. In this episode, they also talk about video game adaptations, John Leguizamo, and cult classics. 

Mark and Niall discuss the 2026 science fiction film Project Hail Mary. Directed by Phil Lord and Chris Miller and starring Ryan Gosling, Sandra Hüller, James Ortiz, and a comfy sweater, the movie follows two unlikely heroes as they try to save their planets from a mysterious threat. In this episode, they also talk about successful book adaptations, saving the world, and practical effects.

Mark, Nathan, and Lan discuss the 2026 fantasy film Masters of the Universe. Directed by Travis Knight, and starring Nicholas Galitzine, Camila Mendes, Idris Elba, and some butt worms, the movie focuses on what happens when a nice guy gets a lot of power. In this episode, they also talk about big budget adaptations, combining multiple screenplays, and fun movies. Enjoy!

Mark and Niall discuss the 1998 disaster film Deep Impact. Directed by Mimi Leder and starring Morgan Freeman, Téa Leoni, Robert Duvall and a deadly comet, the movie focuses on what happens when a massive wave attempts to catch Elijah Wood. In this episode, they also talk about disaster films, huge waves, and ensemble casts. Enjoy!

Mark and Erik discuss the 1995 family comedy Heavyweights. Directed by Steven Brill, and starring Ben Stiller, Aaron Schwartz, Kenan Thompson, and an inflatable blob, the movie focuses on what happens when a maniac named Tony Perkis buys a summer camp. In this episode, they also talk about unfortunate movie posters, workout systems, and camp movies. Enjoy!

Mark and Norbert discuss the 1998 action film Hard Rain. Directed by Mikael Salomon and starring Christian Slater, Morgan Freeman, Minnie Driver, and an incredible amount of water, the movie focuses on what happens when a group of thieves attempt a waterlogged heist. In this episode, they also talk about intense productions, jet ski action scenes, and Christian Slater’s filmography.