Best John Stricker Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 416 - Mulholland Drive 1:19:53

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1d ago1:19:53

1:19:53

It’s September, and to celebrate the fall season, we are doing a month of David Lynch movies. Lynch is criminally under represented in the Top 250, so we wanted to honor the legendary film maker with a run of some of his most acclaimed work. This week, we watch Mulholland Drive (2001).By Denny Kennedy, John Stricker, and TC Mulhern

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Episode 415 - Lost Highway 51:28

8d ago51:28

51:28

It’s September, and to celebrate the fall season, we are doing a month of David Lynch movies. Lynch is criminally under represented in the Top 250, so we wanted to honor the legendary film maker with a run of some of his most acclaimed work. This week, we watch Lost Highway (1997).By Denny Kennedy, John Stricker, and TC Mulhern

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Episode 414 - BONUS EPISODE - Blue Velvet 1:17:47

23d ago1:17:47

1:17:47

It’s September, and to celebrate the fall season, we are doing a month of David Lynch movies. Lynch is criminally under represented in the Top 250, so we wanted to honor the legendary film maker with a run of some of his most acclaimed work. This week, we dive right in with Blue Velvet (1986). Let’s go for a ride.…

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Episode 413 - BONUS EPISODE - Weapons 1:14:31

29d ago1:14:31

1:14:31

This week, we head to the theater to see the hugely successful horror film that makes the Naruto Run scary again. This film bounces between big scares and laughs like almost nothing else since Evil Dead 2. Don’t walk, run (with your arms stretched out behind you) to the theater to catch this one. Weapons (2025), directed by Zach Cregger.…

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Episode 412 - BONUS EPISODE - The Descendants 41:26

1M ago41:26

41:26

For the fourth movie choice based on the theme of death, we travel to Hawaii to hang with Clooney. This film has some heavy drama, but with Alexander Payne sprinkling in his dry humor and the sights and sounds of Hawaii ever-present, the story keeps from sinking into too dark of a place. The Descendants (2011), directed by Alexander Payne.…

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REPOST EPISODE - Ikiru 55:56

2M ago55:56

55:56

For the third movie choice based on the theme of death, we repost an episode where we watch the tale of a man diagnosed with stomach cancer, which causes him to reflect on his seemingly wasted life. Taking its time to establish moods appropriate for the subject matter, this film makes you think about what it means to be alive, and how to get the mo…

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Episode 411 - BONUS EPISODE - Manchester by the Sea 1:06:11

2M ago1:06:11

1:06:11

This week, we continued with the themed movie selections, with the first series is based on the theme of Death. This second film takes place near our old stomping grounds of Boston, a features a story and performances where you might need to take a walk afterwords to digest and decompress. Manchester by the Sea (2016), directed by Kenneth Lonergan.…

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Episode 410 - BONUS EPISODE - Me and Earl and the Dying Girl 59:31

2M ago59:31

59:31

This week, we start a new diversion with themed movie selections. The next three weeks, your hosts will be selecting one movie each that fits within the current theme - Death. The first film is an underrated and under seen movie that won big at the Sundance film festival back when it first came out. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015), directed b…

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Episode 409 - BONUS EPISODE - 28 Years Later 47:29

2M ago47:29

47:29

This week, we watch the third entry in the film franchise that is 23 years old and introduced fast zombies to the world. This film has been in development since shortly after the second entry in 2007, and it might be the first movie where the edit was influenced by choices made by the trailer team. 28 Years Later (2025), directed by Danny Boyle.…

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Episode 408 - BONUS EPISODE - 12th Fail 41:37

2M ago41:37

41:37

This week, we continue the newer segment where we go back through the IMDB top 250 list since we froze it in 2016 and see what has been added. This film is currently sitting at number 66 on the IMDB list. 12th Fail (2023), directed by Vindu Vinod Chopra.By Denny Kennedy, John Stricker, and TC Mulhern

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Episode 407 - BONUS EPISODE - Bring Her Back 56:41

3M ago56:41

56:41

This week we watch the latest horror film from the Austrialian brothers Danny and Michael Philippou. While its not turning out to be the sensation that their previous film, Talk to Me was, the film is stil very well made, well acted, and very dark. Bring Her Back (2025).By Denny Kennedy, John Stricker & TC Mulhern

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Episode 406 - BONUS EPISODE - Harakiri 54:51

3M ago54:51

54:51

This week, we start a new segment where we go back through the IMDB top 250 list since we froze it in 2016 and see what has been added. This film is currently sitting at number 40 on the IMDB list, and also is rated the #1 best movie of all time currently on Letterboxd. Harakiri (1962), directed by Masaki Kobayashi.…

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Episode 405 - #6 - 12 Angry Men 1:01:21

4M ago1:01:21

1:01:21

This week, we watch the classic bottle movie where 12 humans with bias come to realize the baggage they bring to their view of the world. This film is understandably so high up on the list because of its message of understanding, as well as its entertaining thriller vibe. 12 Angry Men (1957), directed by Sidney Lumet.…

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Episode 404 - BONUS EPISODE - Final Destination: Bloodlines 54:15

4M ago54:15

54:15

This week, we watch the sixth film (first in over a decade) in the Final Destination franchise. In these films, death chases those who escape it, and can only kill people in a series of more elaborate ways. This film leans heavily into the camp while keeping the over the top gore in potentially the strongest entry in the series. Final Destination: …

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Episode 403 - #7 - Pulp Fiction 1:21:45

4M ago1:21:45

1:21:45

This week, we watch the classic that changed the film industry forever. Indie attempts to copy the formula defined most of the rest of the 90s, but nothing came close to what this film achieves. This films iconic status has not diminished over the years, and it remains one of the funniest films of all time. Pulp Fiction (1994), directed by Quentin …

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Episode 402 - BONUS EPISODE - Central Station 47:53

4M ago47:53

47:53

This week, we follow up with last weeks episode with another Salles film. Releasing nearly three decades earlier, this film’s documentary feel shows promise from the director. It is also the first Brazilian film to receive a best actor/actress Oscar nomination. Central Station (1998), directed by Walter Salles.…

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Episode 401 - BONUS EPISODE - I'm Still Here 47:13

5M ago47:13

47:13

This week, we watch last years winner of the Best International Film academy award. This film is a passion project from renowned Brazilian director, who spent 7 years making this film, which is a true story about a family he knew when he was a child, and the events that unfolded to that family during the military occupation of Rio De Janeiro in the…

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Episode 400 - BONUS EPISODE - Sinners 1:00:35

5M ago1:00:35

1:00:35

This week, we watch the first original screenplay from writer/director Ryan Coogler in over a decade. After solidifying his reputation with big budget series films (Creed, Black Panther), Coogler returns to original screenplays, and returns to film (IMAX). What results is one of the most wildly entertaining theater going experiences in years. Even …

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Episode 399 - #8 - The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King - Part 3 1:09:45

5M ago1:09:45

1:09:45

This week, we move on to Part 3 of the final film of the highest rated trilogy of all time. These films condense Tolkien’s novels into accessible blockbusters that don’t sacrifice depth. They also continues to have a tremendous impact on the artistry in filmmaking as well as in pop culture. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003), dire…

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Episode 398 - #8 - The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King - Part 2 52:55

5M ago52:55

52:55

This week, we move on to Part 2 of the final film of the highest rated trilogy of all time. These films condense Tolkien’s novels into accessible blockbusters that don’t sacrifice depth. They also continues to have a tremendous impact on the artistry in filmmaking as well as in pop culture. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003), dire…

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Episode 397 - #8 - The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King 56:29

5M ago56:29

56:29

This week, we finish the highest rated trilogy of all time. These films condense Tolkien’s novels into accessible blockbusters that don’t sacrifice depth. They also continues to have a tremendous impact on the artistry in filmmaking as well as in pop culture. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003), directed by Peter Jackson.…

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Episode 396 - #15 - The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers - Part 3 45:49

6M ago45:49

45:49

This week, we finish with the second film in the highest rated trilogy of all time. These films condense Tolkien’s novels into accessible blockbusters that don’t sacrifice depth. They also continues to have a tremendous impact on the artistry in filmmaking as well as in pop culture. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002), directed by Peter Ja…

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Episode 395 - #15 - The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers - Part 2 1:14:37

6M ago1:14:37

1:14:37

This week, we continue with the second film in the highest rated trilogy of all time. These films condense Tolkien’s novels into accessible blockbusters that don’t sacrifice depth. They also continues to have a tremendous impact on the artistry in filmmaking as well as in pop culture. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002), directed by Peter …

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Episode 394 - #15 - The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers - Part 1 54:57

6M ago54:57

54:57

This week, we move into the second film in the highest rated trilogy of all time. These films condense Tolkien’s novels into accessible blockbusters that don’t sacrifice depth. They also continues to have a tremendous impact on the artistry in filmmaking as well as in pop culture. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002), directed by Peter Jack…

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Episode 393 - #11 - The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring - Part 3 1:49:16

6M ago1:49:16

1:49:16

Part 3! This week, we dive into the highest rated trilogy of all time. These films condense Tolkien’s novels into accessible blockbusters that don’t sacrifice depth. They also continues to have a tremendous impact on the artistry in filmmaking as well as in pop culture. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001), directed by Peter Jac…

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Episode 392 - #11 - The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring - Part 2 45:04

7M ago45:04

45:04

Part 2! This week, we dive into the highest rated trilogy of all time. These films condense Tolkien’s novels into accessible blockbusters that don’t sacrifice depth. They also continues to have a tremendous impact on the artistry in filmmaking as well as in pop culture. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001), directed by Peter Jac…

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Episode 391 - #11 - The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring - Part 1 1:04:17

7M ago1:04:17

1:04:17

This week, we dive into the highest rated trilogy of all time. These films condense Tolkien’s novels into accessible blockbusters that don’t sacrifice depth. They also continues to have a tremendous impact on the artistry in filmmaking as well in pop culture. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001), directed by Peter Jackson…

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Episode 390 - BONUS EPISODE - The Seed of the Sacred Fig 39:33

7M ago39:33

39:33

This week, we watch the Academy Award nominated official submission from Germany, that is actually an Iranian made film that was filmed entirely in secret and made it necessary for the director and many of the people who worked on the film to flee Iran. It is a very unique film in the way it was made, it shows some shocking real footage of the 2022…

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Episode 389 - BONUS EPISODE - Emilia Perez 48:51

7M ago48:51

48:51

This week, we watch a dumpster fire of a film that Netflix managed to buy its way to a nearly record setting number of Oscar nominations. This film is not just poorly made in every respect, it also exploits every topic it decides to shove into its fractured story. This is the opposite of the film we need these days. Emilia Perez (2024), directed Ja…

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Episode 388 - BONUS EPISODE - The Girl with the Needle 50:31

8M ago50:31

50:31

This week, we watch one of the films nominated Best International Films Academy Award. This film is best if you watch without knowing anything about it at all, so we’ll just say this - Watch it, but only if you can tolerate every genre of movie that exists. If you don’t tolerate some genres, then you may have a bad time. The Girl with the Needle (2…

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Episode 387 - BONUS EPISODE - Anora 49:21

8M ago49:21

49:21

This week, we watch the film that won the the Palm D’or at this years Cannes Film Festival and is also up for 6 Oscars. This film split our opinions, but we could all agree that Mikey Madison is understandably a favorite for the Best Actress award. Anora (2024), directed Sean BakerBy Denny Kennedy, John Stricker, and TC Mulhern

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Episode 386 - BONUS EPISODE - Conclave 36:26

8M ago36:26

36:26

This week, we dive into Oscar season! The Oscar nominations are out, and we first dive into a film that received 8 nominations. This beautiful film is certainly a strong contender for production design. Conclave (2024), directed Edward Berger.By Denny Kennedy, John Stricker, and TC Mulhern

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Episode 385 - BONUS EPISODE - Nosferatu 47:17

8M ago47:17

47:17

This week, we watch the gothic horror / fantasy that was for some reason correctly released on Christmas day. Eggers fourth film is also currently his highest grossing (and climbing), and it might be due to the fact that it is his most beautiful and straightforward. Nosferatu (2024), directed Robert Eggers.…

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Episode 384 - #17 - It's a Wonderful Life 1:04:45

9M ago1:04:45

1:04:45

This week, we jump back a bit to a movie we skipped initially to make sure it was discussed at an appropriate time of year. And since its 2025 (happy new year!), lets kick it off by watching Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed fall in love in Bedford Falls. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946), directed by Frank Capra.…

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Episode 383 - #09 - The Good, The Bad and the Ugly 1:02:26

10M ago1:02:26

1:02:26

This week, we break into the top 10 best movies of all time. A three hour long western that oozes style, has the best dirty face closeups you will ever see, has some of the worst ADR in film, and also maybe the best score of all time. The Good, The Bad and The Ugly (1966), directed by Sergio Leone.By Denny Kennedy, John Stricker, and TC Mulhern

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Episode 382 - #10 - Fight Club 1:10:19

10M ago1:10:19

1:10:19

This week, we are Jack’s mixed film opinions. Being David Fincher’s highest rated movie, we expected maybe too much for our first rewatches in twenty years, but there is still a lot to admire about this very unique film. Fight Club (1999), directed by David Fincher, starring Brad Pitt’s abs..By Denny Kennedy, John Stricker, and TC Mulhern

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Episode 381 - BONUS EPISODE - Heretic 43:55

10M ago43:55

43:55

This week, we may be in November, but thats not stopping hollywood from giving us a late to the party horror movie with everyones favorite romantic comedy actor, Huge Grant. This extremely effective bottle episode of a movie has a trio of great performances, and the horror aspects are slowly and expertly introduced to make it one of the most tense …

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Episode 380 - #13 - Forrest Gump 49:27

11M ago49:27

49:27

This week, we watch the movie that famously and with controversy beat out Pulp Fiction and The Shawshank Redemption for best picture at the 1995 Oscars. This film also landed Tom Hanks a second best actor Oscar a year after his first, an achievement that only 4 other people have ever accomplished. Forrest Gump (1994), directed by Robert Zemeckis.…

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Episode 379 - BONUS EPISODE - A Nightmare on Elm Street 1:00:53

11M ago1:00:53

1:00:53

Happy Halloween! This week, we watch the low budget miracle of a horror film thats concept started one of the longest running film franchises in history. With just $57,000 budgeted for effects, this film showcases scene after scene of ingenuity, and images from the film stand among the best the genre has to offer. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984), …

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Episode 378 - BONUS EPISODE - Army Of Darkness 35:36

11M ago35:36

35:36

Our halloween season movie selection moves into the 1990s with the 3rd entry in the Evil Dead series: Army Of Darkness. Leaning more on comedy and action than the previous two entries, it's still fun to see all the different ways Sam Raimi tries to get Bruce Campbell injured -- well, maybe that final action sequence goes on a bit too long. Army Of …

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Episode 377 - BONUS EPISODE - The Wicker Man 50:56

12M ago50:56

50:56

This week, we kick off the halloween season by watching the cult classic that nearly got buried during its initial release. Midsommar takes obvious influences from this movie, which plays more like a mystery / detective drama, although there is at least one moment that will make your stomach drop. The Wicker Man (1973), directed by Robin Hardy…

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Episode 376 - #14 - Inception 1:08:21

12M ago1:08:21

1:08:21

This week, we watch a huge cast of A-listers dive into peoples dreams. For business purposes. And you can jump between peoples minds. But limbo is always in Leo’s head. Don’t ask questions, just watch the cool action. Inception (2010), directed by Christopher Nolan.By Denny Kennedy, John Stricker, and TC Mulhern

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Episode 375 - BONUS EPISODE - The Substance 1:07:48

12M ago1:07:48

1:07:48

This week, we experience the most intense ride of the year. Nothing will prepare you for what this movie shoves in your face. Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley and Dennis Quaid all deserve award season consideration for their insane and brilliant performances. The Substance (2024), directed by Coralie Fargeat.…

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Episode 374 - #16 - One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest 56:22

1y ago56:22

56:22

This week, we watch one of the three films to ever win the five top oscars in a given year (Picture, Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Screenplay). The craft in this film is undeniable, but the impact of the film through its popularity is potentially not as great. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975), directed by the Milos Forman.…

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REPOST - Episode 182 - Network 1:00:36

1y ago1:00:36

1:00:36

This week, we’re reposting an episode from a while back due to its continued relevance and prophetic messages. Network (1976), directed by Sidney Lumet.By Denny Kennedy, John Stricker, and TC Mulhern

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Episode 373 - BONUS EPISODE - Alien: Romulus 1:03:31

1y ago1:03:31

1:03:31

This week, we watch the 7th film in the Alien franchise (not counting the AvP series) that aims to take it back to the feeling of the original by putting a horror movie director at the helm and by allowing the production to have mostly practical effects. The result is the scariest Alien film since the original. Alien: Romulus (2024), directed by Fe…

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Episode 372 - #17 - Goodfellas 1:14:12

1y ago1:14:12

1:14:12

This week, we watch the highest rated Scorsese movie on the list, as well as arguably the most influential gangster movie of all time. This film could define “good movies about bad people”, which is the acclaimed directors bread and butter. Goodfellas (1990), directed by the Martin Scorsese.By Denny Kennedy, John Stricker, and TC Mulhern

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Episode 371 - #18 - The Matrix (Part 2) 1:42:27

1y ago1:42:27

1:42:27

This week, we watch the heady sci-fi action fantasy (insert any genre here) film that took the 90’s by storm. This film spawned countless imitators, including three inferior sequels, and everything about it still holds up today. The Matrix (1999), directed by the Wachowski’s.By Denny Kennedy, John Stricker, and TC Mulhern

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Episode 370 - #18 - The Matrix (Part 1) 43:48

1y ago43:48

43:48

This week, we watch the heady sci-fi action fantasy (insert any genre here) film that took the 90’s by storm. This film spawned countless imitators, including three inferior sequels, and everything about it still holds up today. The Matrix (1999), directed by the Wachowski’s.By Denny Kennedy, John Stricker, and TC Mulhern

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Episode 369 - BONUS EPISODE - Deadpool & Wolverine 54:51

1y ago54:51

54:51

This week, we watch the R rated comic book movie that just passed $1 billions dollars worldwide box office. The motor mouthed Ryan Reynolds teams up with the straight man Hugh Jackman, revisiting his popular character in yellow this time. Stupid and funny is what it strives for, and very much achieves it. Deadpool & Wolverine (2024), directed by Sh…