181. High School Musical (2006)

☀️ School’s out, summer’s here, and J.B. and Eddie are headed to the country club for High School Musical 2! This week, the guys dive into the sequel that turned the franchise into a full-blown cultural event — from Troy’s emotional crisis to Sharpay’s iconic chaos and the movie’s unforgettable soundtrack. They break down what works, what doesn’t, how Disney Channel pulled off one of the biggest premieres in cable history, and why this movie still hits a nostalgic nerve. Plus, they cover the latest Disney news and close with a family story that brings everything back home.

🎄 This week, J.B. and Eddie return to the North Pole for The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause. They break down Tim Allen’s third outing as Scott Calvin, Martin Short’s icy take on Jack Frost, and how this sequel shifts from heartfelt Christmas magic into full-blown holiday chaos. The guys talk about the series’ evolving tone, the strengths and stumbles of the “Escape Clause” plot twist, and where this film ranks within the trilogy. They also cover the latest Disney news, Eddie finally watches The Fantastic Four, and wrap up with a fun family story to close out the episode.

🏈 This week, J.B. and Eddie take the field with Disney’s Invincible (2006) — the underdog story of Vince Papale and the Philadelphia Eagles. They break down Mark Wahlberg’s everyman performance, its killer 1970s soundtrack, and how it compares to other Disney sports hits like Glory Road and Remember the Titans. Plus, they catch up on the latest Disney news and end with a heartwarming family story that’ll make you smile.

⚓ J.B. and Eddie hoist the sails for Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest (2006)! They dive deep into how this swashbuckling sequel expanded the Disney blockbuster era — from Davy Jones’ groundbreaking CGI to Jack Sparrow’s chaotic charm and the wild cliffhanger that left audiences begging for more. The guys debate whether it’s the best Pirates film, revisit the summer of 2006 box office battles, and talk about how this movie cemented Disney’s modern franchise machine. Plus, they catch up on the latest Disney news before closing with another hilarious family story.

J.B. and Eddie rev up their engines for a nostalgic ride down Route 66 with Pixar’s Cars. From Lightning McQueen’s transformative arc to the billion-dollar franchise’s dominance in merchandise and theme parks, they unpack why Cars became a cornerstone of Disney and Pixar history. The conversation hits everything from John Lasseter’s Route 66 inspiration to the brilliance of Tow Mater, Paul Newman’s final role, and how Cars Land transformed Disney California Adventure. Plus, the guys dive into Disney’s latest missteps with Disney+ and a surprising new lawsuit over AI. They wrap up with a funny family story about kids growing up a little too fast.

In this episode, J.B. and Eddie dive into The Wild (2006), Disney’s forgotten attempt at a Pixar replacement. From Kiefer Sutherland’s surprising voice work to the “Kmart Pixar” animation style, the guys break down why this film flopped and how it represents the rock bottom of Disney’s animation era. They explore the behind-the-scenes corporate drama of Michael Eisner vs. Pixar, compare The Wild to Madagascar and Cars, and reflect on how Bob Iger’s Pixar deal changed everything. Plus, they unpack Disney news, including a new Prep & Landing Christmas special, the Mandalorian & Grogu trailer, Spider-Man production troubles, and the latest controversy surrounding Jimmy Kimmel.

This week, J.B. and Eddie take on a double feature with Disney’s Eight Below (2006), the heart-pulling survival story of sled dogs in Antarctica, and the IMAX documentary Roving Mars. They discuss Paul Walker’s performance, the emotional punch of the dog-led drama, and how Roving Mars captured NASA’s bold spirit during the early 2000s rover missions.They also catch up on the latest Disney news and close the episode with a family story that will leave you smiling.

This week, J.B. and Eddie revisit Disney’s Glory Road (2006), the inspiring true story of coach Don Haskins and the Texas Western Miners breaking barriers on their way to the 1966 NCAA Championship. The guys unpack how the film balances sports drama with its powerful cultural message, the performances that stand out, and how it compares to other Disney sports classics.They also dive into the latest Disney news and close out with a family story you won’t want to miss.

Get your head in the game! This week, J.B. and Eddie dive into the cultural phenomenon that is High School Musical. From Zac Efron’s breakthrough to the toe-tapping soundtrack that defined a generation, they break down what made this Disney Channel Original Movie explode in popularity, how it holds up today, and what parts still make us cringe. 00:00 Intro00:55 High School Musical50:43 Disney Emmy Nominations56:51 Superman beating Marvel?01:03:03 Walt Animatronic

After watching and reviewing every major Disney movie from 1929 to 1986, J.B. and Eddie celebrate the milestone by revealing their Top 5 Animated and Top 5 Live-Action picks from the era. They look back on the evolution of Disney storytelling, highlight some forgotten gems, and talk about what made certain films rise to the top. Plus they touch on whats coming up next for the podcast.