1999: The Year That Rocked Cinema

Episode 30: RoboCrap (Inspector Gadget)

December 29, 2021 06:21 - 1 hour - 225 MB

We are back just in time for the holidays to talk about one of the lesser projects to hit screens in 1999, Inspector Gadget starring Matthew Broderick and Rupert Everett. Jared and Andrew talk about why fans of the cartoon were irritated with this movie when it came out, where the story and utilization of the classic cartoon characters went very wrong, and reminisce about that amazing McDonald's Happy Meal Toy promotion that came out along with movie's release all those years ago. Next tim...

Episode 29: America's Spookiest Home Videos (The Blair Witch Project)

October 31, 2021 20:16 - 3 hours - 167 MB

After some time off, we are back (and not with Inspector Gadget, sorry!) In honor of Halloween, we are covering what is perhaps the biggest horror film, and one of the biggest overall films of 1999: The Blair Witch Project. We talk about how this film came to be and why the creators decided to create their own "Blair Witch", the unique audition process for this movie, and how the film's cast of three pretty much made every bit of dialogue up on the spot. Happy Halloween, everyone! Next time...

Episode 28: Gone In 60 Minutes (The Insider)

July 30, 2021 20:27 - 1 hour - 111 MB

This week, in our first ever "based on a true story" film covered on this podcast, we dissect the story behind Michael Mann's critically acclaimed film, The Insider. We talk about how they were able to get this film made even with Jeffrey Wigand being under NDA, what happened when Mann met one of the real-life producers of 60 Minutes when they were filming the movie, and why we think this might be one of the best journalism movies out there. Next week: Disney's Inspector Gadget. Follow T...

Episode 27 - He's Just Not That Into Thee (10 Things I Hate About You)

July 10, 2021 19:34 - 2 hours - 132 MB

For this week's episode of the pod, coming a day later than usual, we're traveling back to high school to visit a classic 90s rom-com: Gil Junger's 10 Things I Hate About You. We discuss how this film ended up producing one of the most iconic casts of all time, how writers Karen McCullah and Kirsten Smith completed drafts of the script via fax machines and snail mail, and what director Gil Junger though the moment that Heath Ledger walked into the audition room. Andrew still hates Indiana Jo...

Episode 26: A Nightmare on Elmo Street (The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland)

May 07, 2021 22:00 - 1 hour - 109 MB

Hey, hey everyone! This week, we're traveling to none other than Sesame Street, U.S.A. for The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland. We talk about how the Sesame Street became one of the most popular children's shows of all times, why this is only one of two Sesame Street films ever made, and the toy that launched Elmo's mass popularity in the United States. Also, some of the reviews we read for this film were written by children and they're guaranteed to make you laugh. Next episode: the icon...

Episode 25: Fatigue Of Their Own (For Love of the Game)

April 02, 2021 23:00 - 2 hours - 134 MB

This week, we talk about that Kevin Costner baseball movie! No, not Field of Dreams or Bull Durham: it's 1999's romantic-drama/sports movie For Love of the Game! We talk about why this is actually considered an iconic "New York Yankees" movie, the similarities between Kevin Costner and his character, Billy Chapel, and how we almost got an R-rated cut of this film (and thankfully didn't). Also, Jared really likes the Snyder Cut of Justice League and Andrew has to listen to it. It's a good one...

Episode 24 - Disband of Brothers (Twin Falls Idaho)

March 20, 2021 00:18 - 2 hours - 146 MB

This week, we venture into our first "art" film on this podcast, The Polish Brothers' debut feature, Twin Falls Idaho. We talk about the challenges that the twin brothers faced when it came to making their film independently, how they managed to pull off the "conjoined-twin" aspect of the film without using CGI, and Andrew still hates Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. This is a long one, so enjoy! Next week: the Kevin Costner-led sports film For Love of the Game. Follow T...

Episode 23: The Wrath of Comic-Con (Galaxy Quest)

February 22, 2021 23:48 - 2 hours - 150 MB

Queue up the historical documents and fire up the ship because we're heading to another galaxy entirely for this week's episode as we discuss the sci-fi/comedy epic Galaxy Quest! We talk about how this film changed from script to screen, all of the film's incredible behind-the-scenes production stories, and why the marketing department at DreamWorks struggled to come up with a way to push this film. We also discuss why this film is so special to so many people, and why it is technically know...

Episode 22: Alice's Adventures in Thailand (Brokedown Palace)

January 29, 2021 20:00 - 1 hour - 110 MB

For this week's episode, we travel to Thailand to discuss the Jonathan Kaplan-directed drama Brokedown Palace. We talk about why this film couldn't actually be filmed in Thailand, how this film ended up producing its own craft beer, and why Claire Danes was banned from ever setting foot in the Phillippines. It's a wild one this week, and we're looking forward to bringing you along on this journey! Next episode: the sci-fi comedy epic Galaxy Quest! Follow The Podcast: Twitter: @The1999Podc...

Episode 21: There's Something About Garry (The Other Sister)

January 15, 2021 20:28 - 1 hour - 109 MB

We are back this week, and oh boy do we have a film for you. This week, we're talking about Garry Marshall's The Other Sister, an unconventional romantic comedy starring Juliette Lewis, Diane Keaton, Tom Skerritt, and Giovanni Ribisi. We discuss the representation of intellectually disabled people throughout the history of Hollywood, why this movie ended up being filmed in San Francisco instead of Chicago, and why this movie was able to get made in the first place. Next week: we talk about...

Episode 20: Die Hard With A Penance (End of Days)

January 01, 2021 23:40 - 1 hour - 101 MB

What better way to say goodbye to 2020 and hello to the New Year than with a film that pits Arnold Schwarzenegger against Satan? We can't think of a better way, so we're talking about End of Days, the action/horror flick starring Arnold himself and Gabriel Byrne! We talk about why there was such a rush to make this movie before the end of 1999, why critics weren't big fans of the film, and why Arnold was disappointed in the final product. We also go off on a few tangents, as per usual. Enjoy...

Episode 19: Home Video For The Holidays (Mickey's Once Upon A Christmas)

December 25, 2020 16:00 - 1 hour - 102 MB

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, everyone! As a special Christmas episode, we are talking about our first straight-to-video film from 1999, Disney's Mickey's Once Upon A Christmas! We get deep into the history of how straight-to-video Disney films came to be, why voice actors have some of the best careers in Hollywood, and a fact that made Andrew extremely happy when researching this episode. Next week, we will return for our last episode of 2020 with the Arnold Schwarzenneger sci-fi/ho...

Episode 18: Once Upon A Lime In Hollywood (The Limey)

December 18, 2020 22:00 - 2 hours - 150 MB

This week, we venture from England to Los Angeles to check in with Steven Soderbergh's cult classic, The Limey! We talk about the conflicting visions of the film between Soderbergh and screenwriter Lem Dobbs, how the editing process was so unique for this film, and whether or not this film would have worked if the script stayed exactly as Dobbs had envisioned it. It's a fascinating look at an intriguing film, so we hope you enjoy! Next week: just in time for the holidays, our first straight...

Episode 17: Dazed & Bemused (Trippin')

December 04, 2020 04:56 - 2 hours - 116 MB

This week, we head back to high school for 1999's Trippin', starring Deon Richmond and Donald Faison! We talk about how little information there is about this movie that's currently out there, we give an abridged version of black history in cinema, and discuss why there is always a huge agreement gap between critics and fans when it comes to high-school/teen comedies. Plus, we talk about one of the most absurd (and absolutely real) video games we've ever come across. Next week: Steven Sode...

Episode 16: The Perks Of Being A Benchwarmer (Varsity Blues)

November 20, 2020 20:00 - 1 hour - 109 MB

This week, we finally travel down to West Caanan, Texas to meet up with the team in 1999's sports dramedy Varsity Blues! We talk about why high school football was (and continues to be) such a big deal in certain parts of the United States, how the film is far different on-screen than how it was marketed to audiences, and we learn what a Sports Coordinator does on the set of a film! Next week: 1999's Trippin'! Follow The Podcast: Twitter: @The1999Podcast Instagram: @the_1999_podcast F...

Episode 15: Little Fliers Everywhere (Election)

October 30, 2020 20:11 - 2 hours - 139 MB

Hey! So remember how we said we were gonna do Varisty Blues for our next episode? Yeah, sorry about that. That's NEXT week. Given that the most important U.S. election of our lifetime is coming up this Tuesday, we thought it would be a good idea to revisit Alexander Payne's 1999 black-comedy, Election, starring Matthew Broderick and Reese Witherspoon. We talk about the biggest differences between the original novel and the movie, how the movie has aged over time, and why the comparison betwe...

Episode 14: Save The Last Danzón (Buena Vista Social Club)

September 25, 2020 20:00 - 1 hour - 79.1 MB

This week, we're getting our passports and traveling to Cuba! We discuss the Wim Wenders'-directed documentary Buena Vista Social Club on this week's episode of the podcast. We talk about the tight conditions under which Wenders had to film the documentary, why there was an issue with the term "world music" at the time of this films' release, and you get to hear Jared mispronounce a bunch of names! It's a fun episode. Next episode: we head back to the United States (Texas, to be more speci...

Episode 13: The Bedchamber of Secrets (The End of the Affair)

September 11, 2020 20:00 - 2 hours - 125 MB

This week, we explored Neil Jordan's romantic period-piece, The End of the Affair, starring Ralph Fiennes and Julianne Moore! We talk about the films' massive attention to detail with costumes and set design, the similarities between this film and its previous adaptations, as well as a rather creepy website we found about "boy actors". No, we're not kidding....but you'll have to listen to find out more! Next week: Buena Vista Social Club (our first documentary!) Follow The Podcast: Twitte...

Episode 12: The Gawky Horror Picture Show (The Haunting)

August 28, 2020 19:00 - 2 hours - 149 MB

Last week, we covered Virus, a film that is regarded as one of the worst films of all time. This week....oh boy. We went in with the best of intentions, but we determined that 1999's The Haunting is a film that does not stand the test of time. Join us as we take a walk through the massive set pieces that adorn Hill House, explaining how the film was originally set to involve Stephen King and Steven Spielberg, why this film was so popular despite being "not good", and Andrew even tells us abo...

Episode 11: iRoboat (Virus)

August 14, 2020 19:00 - 2 hours - 239 MB

Jamie Lee Curtis, the star of this week's film, is on record as saying this movie is "the absolute piece of shit". Join as we board an abandoned ship and venture into a film that....doesn't always make a lot of sense. This week, we take on the January 1999 sci-fi/horror flick Virus, starring Jamie Lee Curtis, Donald Sutherland, and William Baldwin. We talk about how the film rose from its origins as a Dark Horse comic book, how the crew actually filmed mostly on location, and how the special...

Episode 10: Despicable Mini-Me (Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me)

August 07, 2020 19:00 - 2 hours - 156 MB

Oh, behave! This week, we're traveling back to the 1960s for the "shagadelic" Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, the second film in the Austin Powers' trilogy. We talk about the wide range of influences that Mike Myers poured into the Austin Powers series, what the film's name was translated to in other countries, and how the invention of the DVD actually led to this movie being a reality! Next week: we are heading out to sea for 1999's sci-fi/horror adventure, Virus. https://blacklive...

Episode 9: We Need To Talk About Kevin (American Beauty)

July 31, 2020 19:00 - 2 hours - 165 MB

There are certain films that age like fine wine. Others age....not like fine wine. This week, we explore the latter, as we dive into 1999's Best Picture Winner, American Beauty. We talk about the thematic elements that are present throughout the entirety of the film, how a background in theater helped both director Sam Mendes and writer Alan Ball, and the troubled legacy of the film's lead actor, Kevin Spacey. Next week: we head back over to England for something much more light-hearted: th...

Episode 8: Legally Bond (The World Is Not Enough)

July 17, 2020 23:04 - 2 hours - 151 MB

The name's Eight. Episode Eight. Join us as we head to London to uncover the making of 1999's James Bond entry, The World Is Not Enough. We talk about how the origin of James Bond ties into World War II, the difficulty of shooting the stunt sequences for the film, and why Jared really hates puns (which Andrew loves). Next week: we discuss 1999's American Beauty, the now-controversial, Kevin Spacy-led dramedy from director Sam Mendes. https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/# Follow The Podca...

Episode 7: P.S., I Love Hugh (Notting Hill)

July 11, 2020 00:13 - 2 hours - 134 MB

This week, we head down the road to the neighborhood of Notting Hill to discuss the 1999 rom-com of the same name! We talk about the relationship between co-stars Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant, what Andrew really thinks of the song "She" that's used in the film's soundtrack, and we try to figure out who reads Horse and Hound Magazine. This is a good one! Next week: we are staying in England, as we cover 1999's 007 entry, The World Is Not Enough, starring Pierce Brosnan as James Bond! https:...

Episode 6: Return of the Medjai (The Mummy)

July 03, 2020 19:27 - 2 hours - 160 MB

This week, we ventured to the lost city of Hamunaptra to open the Book of the Dead and dissect Stephen Sommers' epic blockbuster The Mummy! We talk about the dangerous conditions surrounding the filmmaking process, the massive amount of groundbreaking CGI that is present throughout the film, and why there really aren't films like this one being made today. It's a lengthy episode, starting all the way back in the 1920s with the discovery of the ancient tomb that would inspire The Mummy and nu...

Episode 5: The Apes of Wrath (Tarzan)

June 26, 2020 19:11 - 2 hours - 184 MB

This week, we're going (Phil C)all-in(s) on Disney's Tarzan. We discuss the use of Deep Canvas animation, how Disney made a nearly-24-hour animation schedule work incredibly well, and Phil Collins' music. Additionally, we talk about the racist origins of the Tarzan character and Disney's history with choosing problematic source material. We have some important and necessary conversations in this one, and we implore you to come and listen to this week's episode. Finally: The Black Lives Mat...

Episode 4: Finding Neo (The Matrix)

June 20, 2020 03:08 - 2 hours - 203 MB

We take a deep dive into the world outside of the one we know and understand: The Wachowski's 1999 epic The Matrix. We talk about the technological advances this film made, how the Wachowskis were able to combine philosophy and action, and Jared even goes off on a rant about how much he hates the alt-right. It's a jam-packed episode, so check it out now! But what will you do in this situation: will you take the red pill or the blue pill? Finally, the Black Lives Matter movement is raising a...

Episode 3.5: The Silence of the Lamps (Luxo Jr.)

June 12, 2020 18:00 - 1 hour - 128 MB

What's that? A bonus episode, you say? We felt that it wouldn't exactly be fair to talk about Toy Story 2 without talking about Luxo Jr., the influential short film that accompanied the film when it was released in theaters! We talk about the beginnings of Pixar Animation Studios, how John Lassetter ended up being very influenced by lamps in his early animations, and how Luxo Jr. still has an impact on Pixar's work today. Next week: we dive headfirst into another groundbreaking film: The W...

Episode 3: The Toys Are Back In Town! (Toy Story 2)

June 08, 2020 23:21 - 2 hours - 166 MB

This week, we head out of Andy's room and on an adventure to rescue Woody from Al's Toy Barn in Disney/Pixar's groundbreaking Toy Story 2! We talk about the high pressure surrounding the making of the movie (including how it almost got completely deleted), how the film was almost a straight-to-VHS release before it was even made, and how it changed Pixar and computer animation for the better. Next week: we dive headfirst into another groundbreaking film: The Wachowskis' The Matrix. The fil...

Episode 2: M. Night of the Living Dead (The Sixth Sense)

May 22, 2020 21:06 - 2 hours - 199 MB

This week, we bridge the gap between the living and the dead (sort of) and talk about M. Night Shayamalan's breakthrough thriller, The Sixth Sense! We talk about the circumstances in which Bruce Willis was brought on board the film, how they got the set to be so cold during the "ghost" scenes", and how this film helped changed the landscape of horror cinema as we know it. Next week: Toy Story 2! Follow The Podcast: Twitter: @The1999Podcast Instagram: @the_1999_podcast Follow Jared Stos...

Episode 1: The Fandom Menace (Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace)

May 15, 2020 16:00 - 2 hours - 224 MB

This week, we dive into our first film, in a galaxy, far, far away...STAR WARS! To be more precise, Episode 1: The Phantom Menace. We talk about the innovative digital technology that was used the film, the toxic aspects of the Star Wars fandom that arose with the release of this film, and the legacy of the film almost 21 years since its release. This is a big episode (clocking in nearly as long as the film itself), so tune up your podracers, check your midichlorian levels, and join us as we...

Episode O: Go Back To The 90s

May 08, 2020 13:00 - 1 hour - 126 MB

Hello! Welcome to 1999: The Year That Rocked Cinema. This is our inaugural episode! Each week, we will be taking a deeper look into the films of 1999, getting to the core of why this was one of the most influential and defining years in all of cinema's history. In this first episode, we chat about the concept behind the podcast, how the idea came about, and we speak with Brian Raftery, the author of Best. Movie. Year. Ever.: How 1999 Blew Up The Big Screen. Next week: we dive into Star Wars...

Episode 0: Go Back To The 90s