Divided Films

It's the epic conclusion to the Divided Films podcast! There are still two types of movie trends for our hosts to discuss and figure out why they're so divisive. Plus, find out who we ultimately sided with more often over our 75-episode run: audiences or critics. Thanks to all our listeners for taking this journey with us. Rest assured, this will not be the last you hear of our hosts JJ and Keith!      

Divided Films is wrapping up with a two-part final bonus episode! We've discussed so many movies that audiences and critics could not agree on, and along the way, we noticed some genres are more likely to be divided than others. Let's take a look at some divided trends and find out what makes them so contentious.

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.