Friday Flix

This week on FridayFlix, we're getting ridiculously gross with Peter Jackson's cult horror-comedy Dead Alive (1992), also known as Braindead!We're diving into Peter Jackson's early filmmaking career and discussing how the director who would eventually bring The Lord of the Rings to life got his start making some of the wildest horror movies imaginable. We also break down the film's outrageous practical effects, its blend of slapstick and splatter, and the performances that help make this gory nightmare so entertaining.Plus, we're revisiting the movie's most disgusting moments, debating its funniest scenes, and giving special attention to the legendary lawnmower massacre. How much fake blood is too much? Is Dead Alive one of the greatest horror comedies ever made? And can a movie really be too gross to look away from?Happy Halloween from FridayFlix yet!Email us: [email protected] us on Instagram and Facebook: @fridayflixpodcastFind us on Letterboxd: Cinemack89 and KMcanthonyEpisode Chapters – Dead Alive / Braindead (1992)00:00:00 – Opening00:04:41 – Synopsis00:05:55 – Context Corner00:15:38 – Initial Reactions00:38:48 – Zombie Characters00:49:50 – Final Scene01:05:15 – Cult Classic01:17:20 – Final Thoughts and Letter Grades01:32:49 – Outro

This week on FridayFlix, we’re turning up the volume and heading back to class with School of Rock (2003)!We’re breaking down Jack Black’s legendary performance and his place as one of the defining comedic actors of our generation. We’ll talk about the incredible young cast and their musical skills, Mike White’s hilarious and heartfelt screenplay, and how the movie balances outrageous comedy with a surprisingly meaningful message about confidence, individuality, and finding your voice. Does School of Rock still hit all the right notes more than 20 years later? Class is in session, and we’re ready to rock!Email us: [email protected] us on Instagram and Facebook: @fridayflixpodcastFind us on Letterboxd: Cinemack89 and KMcanthonyEPISODE CHAPTERS(00:01:16) – Introductions(00:07:54) – School of Rock(00:09:23) – Context Corner(00:19:33) – Classic Rock Choices(00:27:34) – Jack Black’s Performance(00:39:08) – Opening and End Credits(00:44:11) – Music Teacher Point of View(00:50:31) – The Kids’ Performances(00:52:36) – Richard Linklater’s Directing(00:55:50) – Mike White’s Script(00:58:53) – Supporting Cast(01:03:00) – Favorite Scenes and Lines(01:12:00 )– The Final Scene(01:18:00) – Final Thoughts and Letter Grades(01:32:00) – Outro

This week on FridayFlix, we’re heading to the Soviet Union for one of the darkest and funniest political comedies ever made: The Death of Stalin (2017).We discuss what makes The Death of Stalin work as a comedy despite its incredibly dark subject matter, the film’s brilliant ensemble cast, and the performances of Steve Buscemi, Simon Russell Beale, Jeffrey Tambor, and Jason Isaacs. We also talk about the movie’s use of modern accents, its mix of historical events and absurd humor, and whether making these terrifying political figures ridiculous makes the history more—or less—effective.Plus, we dive into the real history behind the movie, the biggest differences between the film and reality, our favorite scenes, and the big question: How do you make a movie about Stalin’s death this funny without making light of the people who suffered under his regime?Email us your thoughts at [email protected] us on Instagram and Facebook @fridayflixpodcast.And don’t forget to follow us on Letterboxd at Cinemack89 and KMcanthony.

This week on FridayFlix, we're saddling up for one of the boldest, funniest, and most influential comedies ever made: Blazing Saddles (1974).Join us as we revisit Mel Brooks' groundbreaking Western satire and discuss why it continues to spark conversations more than 50 years after its release. We break down the brilliant performances from Cleavon Little, Gene Wilder, Madeline Kahn, Harvey Korman, and the unforgettable supporting cast while exploring how the film uses outrageous humor to satirize racism, prejudice, Hollywood westerns, and American culture.We also take a deep dive into the creative genius of Mel Brooks and the crucial contributions of Richard Pryor, whose voice helped shape the film's fearless comedy. Along the way, we debate whether Blazing Saddles could be made today, discuss who the real targets of the jokes are, and explain why the film remains one of the smartest satires ever put on screen.From the campfire scene and Mongo to "Where the white women at?" and the legendary fourth-wall-breaking finale, we revisit our favorite moments, share behind-the-scenes trivia, and decide whether Blazing Saddles still deserves its place among the greatest comedy films of all time.Email us your thoughts at [email protected] us on Instagram and Facebook @fridayflixpodcast.And don't forget to follow us on Letterboxd at Cinemack89 and KMcanthony.It's Friday. 🎙️🤠🍿

This week on FridayFlix, we're heading to South Beach to revisit one of the funniest and most heartfelt comedies of the 1990s: The Birdcage (1996).Join us as we celebrate the incredible performances of Robin Williams, Nathan Lane, Gene Hackman, Dianne Wiest, Hank Azaria, and an unforgettable ensemble cast in this hilarious remake of the French classic La Cage aux Folles. We discuss what makes The Birdcage such a timeless comedy, from its razor-sharp dialogue and unforgettable physical comedy to its surprisingly touching message about family, acceptance, and being true to yourself.We also dive into Nathan Lane's career-defining performance as Albert, Robin Williams' more understated comedic role, and how director Mike Nichols balanced outrageous humor with genuine heart. Plus, we revisit some of the film's most iconic moments—including the "I pierced the toast!" breakfast scene, Agador's scene-stealing entrances, the unforgettable dinner sequence, and the hilarious climax that has become comedy legend.Nearly thirty years after its release, does The Birdcage still hold up? We discuss its legacy, its impact on LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream Hollywood, and why it continues to be regarded as one of the greatest comedy films ever made.Email us your thoughts at [email protected] us on Instagram and Facebook @fridayflixpodcast.And don't forget to follow us on Letterboxd at Cinemack89 and KMcanthony.

This week on FridayFlix, we’re diving headfirst into the chaotic, hilarious, and surprisingly heartfelt world of Kung Fu Hustle.Join us as we break down Stephen Chow’s wildly inventive martial arts comedy that blends slapstick humor, jaw-dropping fight choreography, cartoon physics, and classic kung fu movie influences into one unforgettable film. From the legendary Axe Gang dance sequence to the insane final battle, we talk about why this movie became an international cult classic and one of the most unique action-comedies ever made.We also discuss the influence of Hong Kong cinema, the movie’s over-the-top visual style, hidden emotional core, iconic characters like the Landlady and the Beast, and how Kung Fu Hustle manages to balance ridiculous comedy with genuinely awesome martial arts action.Plus: Favorite fight scenes  Funniest moments  Stephen Chow’s comedic style  Whether the CGI still holds up  And why this movie feels like a live-action Looney Tunes cartoon in the best possible way So grab a lollipop, watch out for flying knives, and prepare for the Buddhist Palm—because things are about to get ridiculous.Email us your thoughts at [email protected] Follow us on Instagram & Facebook @fridayflixpodcast And find us on Letterboxd at Cinemack89 and KMcanthony

This week on FridayFlix, we’re hopping on a bike and heading out on one of the weirdest, most iconic road trips of the 80s with Pee-wee’s Big Adventure (1985).Join us as we revisit Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, the delightfully bizarre debut from Tim Burton and the unforgettable performance by Paul Reubens as Pee-wee Herman. From Large Marge to the Alamo (where the basement definitely exists… right?), we dive into what makes this movie such a unique comedy classic.We break down the film’s quirky humor, its lasting influence, and why its childlike absurdity still works decades later. We also take time to talk about how great Paul Reubens was as a comedian and entertainer, and have an honest conversation about the controversies that impacted his career and legacy.So grab your bike, hold onto your handlebars, and whatever you do… don’t lose it.Email us your thoughts at [email protected] Follow us on Instagram & Facebook @fridayflixpodcast And find us on Letterboxd at Cinemack89 and KMcanthony

It’s our FridayFlix Oscars Special! With the Academy Awards just around the corner, we’re breaking down this year’s nominees and sharing our final predictions before Hollywood’s biggest night.In this episode, we rank all 10 Best Picture nominees, debate the biggest contenders, and go through the major categories to decide what we think SHOULD win versus what we think WILL win. From acting races to technical awards, we’re making our picks and seeing where we agree—and where we completely disagree.Will the Academy play it safe, or are we in for some surprises? Tune in as we get ready for Oscar night and make our official FridayFlix predictions.Email us your thoughts and predictions at [email protected] Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @fridayflixpodcast And find us on Letterboxd at Cinemack89 and KMcanthony

This week on FridayFlix, we’re stuck in a time loop with Bill Murray as we revisit the comedy classic Groundhog Day (1993).Is it a romantic comedy? A philosophical drama? A masterclass in character growth disguised as a small-town weather report? We break down why this high-concept comedy has become one of the most influential films of the last 30 years. From Murray’s perfectly calibrated performance to the genius of comedy through repetition, we explore what makes this movie endlessly rewatchable—and why it somehow gets better with age.We also dive into the box office numbers, the early ’90s comedy landscape, behind-the-scenes tension between Bill Murray and Harold Ramis, and the big question: how long was Phil actually stuck in that time loop?So grab your coffee, watch out for icy sidewalks, and don’t step in that puddle—because it’s February 2nd… again.Email us your thoughts at [email protected] Follow us on Instagram & Facebook @fridayflixpodcast And find us on Letterboxd at Cinemack89 and KMcanthony

Season 4 is officially underway, and we’re kicking things off with COMEDIES—starting with the gloriously unhinged cult classic MacGruber. In this episode, we dive headfirst into the over-the-top action parody that somehow turns explosions, celery, and bad decisions into comedy gold. We talk Will Forte’s fearless commitment, the movie’s absurd humor, why it bombed before becoming a fan favorite, and how MacGruber sets the tone for a season dedicated to laughs.We also zoom out and talk about comedies today—how the genre has changed, what’s missing, what’s working… and ask the big question: are comedies dead? Or just evolving?If you love dumb humor done brilliantly—or just really hate Cunth—this one’s for you.Got thoughts, favorite quotes, or comedy picks you want us to cover this season? Email us at [email protected]. Follow us on Letterboxd at Cinemack89 and KMcAnthony. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @Fridayflixpodcast.