"Connery just had enough" Summary In this episode of Trimming the Movie Fat, host Stephen and his guests Paul Melon and Paul Nicholson, delve into the 1967 James Bond 007 film 'You Only Live Twice,' exploring its plot, cultural representation, and the evolution of their opinions over time. They discuss the film's iconic moments, memorable gadgets, …

"It's a product of its time, isn't it?" Summary In this episode of 'Trimming the Movie Fat', host Stephen and his guests, the 2 Pauls, discuss the 1965 James Bond adventure 'Thunderball', exploring its plot, characters, and cultural significance. They reflect on the film's humor, action scenes, and music, while also paying tribute to the late Gene …

"Rogue One draws deep on Star Wars mythology." Summary In this episode of Trimming The Movie Fat, host Stephen and guest Paul Melon delve into 'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,' exploring its narrative, character arcs, visual effects, and musical score. They discuss personal connections to the film, favorite scenes, and the emotional weight of the sto…

"I loved the ending." Summary In this episode, host Stephen and his guest Paul Melon delve into Christopher Nolan's final instalment of The Dark Knight trilogy, The Dark Knight Rises (2012). They discuss the film's plot, character arcs, and the impact of Bane as a villain. The conversation explores Bruce Wayne's journey, Gotham's moral complexities…

"Is being human just having a physical body?" Summary In this episode of Trimming the Movie Fat, host Stephen and guest Davie Melon delve into the intricacies of Blade Runner 2049, exploring its themes, cinematography, and character arcs. They discuss their first impressions, the film's reception among fans of the original, and the philosophical qu…

"Deckard is a replicant?" Summary In this episode of 'Trimming the Movie Fat', host Stephen Nicholson and guest Davie Melon delve into the iconic 1982 sci-fi film 'Blade Runner', directed by Ridley Scott. They explore the film's plot, characters, and its significant impact on the sci-fi genre. The conversation covers personal experiences with the f…

"It's just brilliant." Summary In this episode of 'Trimming the Movie Fat', host Stephen and his guests delve into the iconic 1964 James Bond film 'Goldfinger'. They discuss its impact on the franchise, the introduction of memorable characters and gadgets, and the evolution of Bond's persona. The conversation also touches on the film's humour, cult…

"It's my favourite Connery one." Summary In this episode of 'Trimming the Movie Fat', the hosts delve into the second James Bond film, 'From Russia with Love'. They discuss its historical context, character dynamics, and the film's impact on the spy genre. The conversation highlights the film's pacing, memorable villains, and the significance of it…

"It's a product of its time." Summary In this episode of 'Trimming the Movie Fat', host Stephen and his guests discuss the first James Bond film, 'Doctor No'. They explore its historical significance, the performances of Sean Connery and Ursula Andress, and how the film set the tone for the franchise. The conversation also touches on the pacing, ic…

"The CGI was horrendous."SummaryIn this episode of 'Trimming the Movie Fat', host Stephen and guest Paul Melon discuss 'Gladiator II', directed by Ridley Scott. They explore the film's reception, comparing it to the original 'Gladiator', analysing character performances, CGI quality, and plot points. The conversation reveals mixed feelings about th…

"It's a story of revenge" Summary In this episode of 'Trimming the Movie Fat', host Stephen Nicholson and guest Paul Melon delve into the classic film 'Gladiator', directed by Ridley Scott. They discuss the film's impact, character development, and the performances, particularly that of Russell Crowe as Maximus. The conversation explores the dynami…

"Easily the best prequel, isn't it?" Summary In this episode of 'Trimming the Movie Fat', hosts Stephen Nicholson and Paul Mellon delve into 'Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith', discussing its release, reception, and the evolution of characters, particularly Anakin Skywalker. They explore the film's darker themes, the significance of the final duel, a…

"The dialogue is awful." Summary In this episode of 'Trimming the Movie Fat', host Stephen Nicholson and guest Paul Melon delve into 'Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones'. They discuss the film's box office performance, character development, the central romance between Anakin and Padmé, the significance of the clones, action sequences, sp…

"The Phantom Menace gets the Star Wars prequels off to a bumpy start." Summary In this episode of 'Trimming the Movie Fat', host Stephen and guest Paul Melon delve into the Star Wars prequel, 'The Phantom Menace' (1999). They discuss the film's impact, character performances, the use of CGI, and the overall pacing and storytelling. The conversation…

“And I thought my jokes were bad.” – Joker Summary Like 1989 before it, 2008 belonged to the Batman. The goodwill built up by Batman Begins (2005) and Heath Ledger’s sad, untimely death, made ‘The Dark Knight’ THE film to see that Summer. And it didn’t disappoint, becoming a critical and audience favourite, and the highest grossing movie of 2008. J…

After 3 and a half years co-hosting at TTMF, Paul is hanging up his headphones for a new venture (coming 2025). Hear about it here and what Stephen’s exciting plans are for the future of the podcast.

Summary Back in 2023, we rewatched the Beverly Hills Cop trilogy and dedicated an episode to it. Since then, after 30 years, we’ve got a new movie: ‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F’, which podcast host Stephen reckons is the best of the sequels. So, strap yourself into the Fisher Price, LEGO looking police car, and get ready for some Axel F info, fun cli…

“It’s not who I am underneath, but what I do that defines me.” – Batman Summary Like Lazarus from the flames, the Dark Knight returned in glorious style with Christopher's Nolan's 'Batman Begins' (2005); a film very worthy of discussion. Podcast hosts Stephen and Paul critique the movie, sharing that they enjoyed the more serious take on the Batman…

The original. The best. The one and only Sean Connery is back for one last adventure as Bond, James Bond, in Irvin Kershner’s 1983 movie ‘Never Say Never Again’. It was Bond v Bond in 1983. NSNA v Octopussy. Sean Connery v Roger Moore. Kevin McClory v Cubby Broccoli. Who won at the box office? Listen/Watch to find out. Is it the Best Bond movie in …

The names Lazenby, George Lazenby, and he only ever played James Bond once after foolishly deciding to quit after making ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service’ (1969). Good job it’s one of the greatest Bond movies of all time and a personal favourite of podcast hosts Stephen & Paul. So, settle down, pour yourself a vodka martini, shaken, not stirred, an…

"I just thought it was absolutely amazing" Summary In this episode, Stephen and Paul discuss the beloved movie trilogy, Back to the Future. They talk about their love for the first movie, its great cast, and timeless humor. They also discuss the impact of the movie and how it has stood the test of time. They share their personal experiences of watc…

"Joel Schumacher's tongue-in-cheek attitude hits an unbearable limit in Batman and Robin" Summary In this episode, Stephen and Paul discuss the 1997 film Batman and Robin. They critique the movie's campy and kid-friendly approach, highlighting its flaws such as cheesy puns, over-the-top characters, and unrealistic plot elements. They also mention a…

"She's smiling when she's doing it, and that's what makes it scarier." Summary In this episode of Trimming the Movie Fat, Stephen and Paul discuss the Omen franchise. They rank and review each film, starting with the original 1976 classic. They praise the film's brilliant cast, memorable scenes, and impactful kills. They also discuss the iconic end…

"It's one of those ones that I enjoyed at the time" Summary In this episode, Stephen and Paul discuss Val Kilmer’s sole outing as the Caped Crusader in 1995’s Batman Forever. They talk about the plot, box office performance, and ratings of the movie. They also share their personal experiences and opinions on the film, including the casting, music, …

"With the exception of Mission to Moscow, this film is high in the running to become the worst movie in the franchise." Summary In this episode, Stephen and Paul review the Police Academy movie series. They discuss each film from Police Academy 4 to Police Academy: Mission to Moscow, highlighting the decline in quality with each installment. They s…

SummaryIn this episode, Stephen and Paul discuss Tim Burton's 1992 film Batman Returns. They talk about the plot, box office performance, and ratings of the movie. They also share their personal experiences and opinions on the film, including the casting, set design, and focus on the villains. Finally, they rank the film top, middle or lower tier B…

SummaryTim Burton's Batman (1989) was a cultural phenomenon and a game-changing movie. The film's success was evident in its box office gross and critical reception. It also had a profound effect on podcast host Stephen Nicholson. Join Stephen now as he shares his personal experiences with the movie; provides Batman information; picks his favourite…

Summary In this episode of 'Trimming the Movie Fat,' hosts Stephen and Paul discuss the Police Academy franchise. They rank the first three films and share their favourite scenes. They also discuss the outdated and controversial elements of the movies, such as stereotypes and sexism. The hosts reminisce about their fond memories of watching the fil…

Like Batman without Robin, Stephen is leaving behind co-host Paul as he travels to Gotham City to critique each of the Batman movies. Summary Batman the movie from 1966 is a campy and humorous take on the iconic superhero. It features Batman and Robin battling various villains in an over-the-top and tongue-in-cheek manner. The movie was a financial…

SummaryIn this episode, TTMF hosts Stephen and Paul discuss the Indiana Jones films, focusing on Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008) and The Dial of Destiny (2023). They provide interesting facts, review the movies, and discuss their rankings. They also discuss the use of CGI and the aging of the characters. Ultimately, they decide to remove the la…

We’re donning our fedora and picking up our whip to bring you another episode of Trimming The Movie Fat. And it’s the first episode of a two parter celebrating the legacy of the Indiana Jones franchise, starring Harrison Ford. In part one we celebrate the glory years of the world’s most famous archaeologist: - Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) - Templ…

Hi. How are you? We hope you had a good festive season & are looking forward to what 2024 has to offer. Yeah, we know. We’ve been quiet lately. But…Join us for this short teaser as we look ahead to the music, movies & social media episodes/content that we have in store for you this year. Like the podcast? Why not show your appreciation by buying Pa…

With our bananas ready to stick in multiple tailpipes, we’re back for another episode of Trimming The Movie Fat. In the sights of our Detroit issued Police Department handgun, are the first 3 movies in the Beverly Hills Cop franchise, starring Eddie Murphy: - Beverly Hills Cop (1984) - Beverly Hills Cop 2 (1987) - Beverly Hills Cop 3 (1994) Which w…

“There can be only one” ☝️ Ah, if only the producers of the original Highlander movie had followed these words of wisdom from the character of Connor MacLeod and not made any inferior sequels 🍿 🏴 Podcast hosts Stephen & Paul are big fans of the original Highlander movie (1986) having rented the video back in the eighties. Stephen seen its sequel (T…

Watch the episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/poCQOWI-rIc?si=Q3FUo0ZJpKZ6ZaKO ”The names Fat, Trimming The Musical Fat”.Prepare to take a trip to double O heaven as we set our sights on Roger Moore’s James Bond movies.In part one, we take a deep dive into his four 1970s movies:- Live and Let Die- The Man With The Golden Gun- The Spy Who Loved Me-…

“Sanchez - "Problem solver?" Bond - "More of a problem eliminator." - License to Kill.” Timothy Dalton took on the unenviable task of succeeding Roger Moore as James Bond in the mid-1980s. Moving away from the light-comedy of the Moore-years, Dalton’s take on the character returned Bond to his darker, literary roots nearly 20 years before Daniel Cr…

“Mission accomplished!” - Ethan Hunt (2011, Ghost Protocol”). Stephen & Paul continue their not-impossible mission of critiquing and ranking Tom Cruise’s ‘Mission : Impossible’ movies. The successful film series which has grossed over $4B USD at the global box office. Movies 1 - 3 were discussed in the previous show. In this, the concluding episode…

“Your mission, should you choose to accept it…” In 1996, Paramount took a chance on Tom Cruise & his big screen version of the popular sixties TV show ‘Mission : Impossible’. A gamble that paid off handsomely to the tune of over $4B USD in global box office receipts. Are all of the movies (7 to date) impossibly good? No (we’re looking at you M:I2).…

“Bond: I am sorry for your loss. Lucia: You knew my husband? Bond: All too briefly. Lucia: What do you do? Bond: Life insurance.” James Bond will return. And so have podcast hosts Stephen & Paul, plus their guests Paul & Davie Melon, for a deep dive into two hugely divisive Bond movies - ‘Spectre’ (2015) & ‘No Time To Die’ (2021). Join the boys as …

“I know where you keep your gun. I suppose that’s something.” A blond Bond! An under 6 foot Bond! A Bond that wears a lifejacket! Daniel Craig’s announcement as the new James Bond in 2005 was not universally welcomed. However, after Casino Royale, he proved the doubters wrong and went on to star in 4 more hugely successful 007 movies, including the…

”It’s a scream, baby!” Welcome back for the concluding part of our look at the Scream movie franchise. In the previous show we cast our eye over the original Scream trilogy. In this, we turn our attention to: Scream 4 (2011) Scream (2022) & Scream VI (2023) Podcast hosts Stephen & Paul Nicholson critique each movie and provide relevant movie inform…

“Hello Sidney, do you like scary movies?” Scream (1996) kickstarted a hugely successful movie franchise, the post-modern horror genre, and introduced the world to the now ubiquitous Ghost-face. But how well does the film hold up over 25 years after release? Does its sequel, Scream 2 (1997), match it for quality and entertainment? And does its less …

“Beg your pardon, forgot to knock”. And with that, um, immortal line, the Pierce Brosnan Bond era began. Step back in time with us via a Q Branch created Time machine to revisit the four films in Brosnan’s reign: Goldeneye (1995), Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), The World Is Not Enough (1999) and Die Another Day (2002). We’ll also trawl the MI6 databas…

“Khaaaaaaan!” Join us and the crew of the intrepid Starship Enterprise as we travel back in time in a stolen Klingon Bird of Prey to revisit the first six Star Trek movies. You know, the ones with the original crew and actors. The Enterprise data banks will also give us some Star Trek information to share like box office grosses, critical and audie…

”I’ll be back”. And Arnie was right! He came back five more times. But should he have? Join podcast hosts Stephen & Paul as they take on robotic killers and bad eighties hair to critique all six Terminator movies. Look out for Terminator facts, box office info, critical and audience reception ratings. Which two movies were deliberated over as best?…

”I’m waiting for you to take care of me personally”. Return to the world of secret agents and espionage as we target Roger Moore’s final three James Bond movies. In part two, we take a look at his eighties Bonds: - For Your Eyes Only - Octopussy - A View To A Kill and critique, rank & share our own special memories of each and every one. Which movi…

For many people, the original Robocop (1987) movie holds a place in their heart. A film which you & your friends managed to see despite not being old enough to do so. 12 year olds really shouldn’t be watching a cop have his hand blown off by a shotgun! Two sequels followed, though neither hit the same heights as the original. Revisiting all three f…

For Paul & I, Christopher Reeve is the ultimate Superman. So we decided to take a look back at his 4 Superman movies from the 1970s - 1980s. Do they still hold up today? Which is the better version of Superman II: The Lester or Donner cuts? Is IV, featuring Nuclear Man, the train-wreck we remember? Do Paul & I still disagree over the quality of III…

We just left the cinema and decided to share our first viewing thoughts on the latest Marvel movie - "Thor: Love & Thunder"! How does it stack up compared to the previous movie "Thor: Ragnarok"? Where does it rank in Marvel's Phase 4? Will it get three thumbs up? Listen now to find out!

"Rocky, Rocky, Rocky..." TTMF hosts Stephen and Paul Nicholson enter the ring to take on Sly Stallone's 6 Rocky movies. It's the Italian Stallion versus the Scottish Haggises! Which movies will survive the merciless pummelling? The Oscar winning original? The Mr T & Hulk Hogan starring third movie? The 'patriotic' fourth? The much maligned fifth? D…