For Better or Worse
54 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 10 years ago - ★★★★★ - 6 ratingsFor better or worse, it seems as though Hollywood is bent on remaking every movie and rebooting every franchise. Sometimes they're warranted, but most often they're not. Either way, a new version of your favorite movie is near. And that's where married couple Michael and Shana Sims come in. Every other Friday they'll recast, rewrite, and reboot cinematic classics, underrated gems, and stinkers with potential. Hollywood might not get it right, but these two will.
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Episodes
For Better or Worse: Back to School
October 14, 2014 13:50 - 1 hour - 29.4 MBWhat movie from the 1980s stars Iron Man, Catwoman, Otis, Jadzia Dax, Hot Lips, Paulie, Johnny, Sam Kinison, and Rodney Dangerfield? It's Back to School, a rather odd relic from a much different time. Please visit our Patreon page at http://www.patreon.com/forbetterorworse.
For Better or Worse: Mrs. Doubtfire
September 02, 2014 20:45 - 1 hour - 39.6 MBUnfortunate puns are in abundance as Shana and Mike pay tribute to the late, great Robin Williams with their discussion of Mrs. Doubtfire. Please visit our Patreon page at http://www.patreon.com/forbetterorworse.
For Better or Worse: Annie Hall
August 05, 2014 19:55 - 1 hour - 37.7 MBTo celebrate the 50th episode of For Better or Worse, as well as the program's second anniversary, Shana and Mike examine Woody Allen's Annie Hall. Plus, is it Monty Hall or Monty Python, and how does Mike hit that note? Please visit our Patreon page at http://www.patreon.com/forbetterorworse.
For Better or Worse: Pump Up the Volume
July 15, 2014 17:45 - 1 hour - 32.6 MBPump Up the Volume perfectly captures the teenage angst of Generation X, at least, according to Shana and Mike. Also, someone reveals a their crush on Samantha Mathis, and another movie is added to the schedule. Please visit our Patreon page at http://www.patreon.com/forbetterorworse.
For Better or Worse: A Knight's Tale
June 24, 2014 20:00 - 1 hour - 35.9 MBAfter a brief break, For Better or Worse returns with a look at A Knight's Tale! Shana revels in Paul Bettany's glory, Mike has trouble pronouncing "Canterbury," and living next to a bar inadvertently spoils a World Cup match for the husband. Please visit our Patreon page at http://www.patreon.com/forbetterorworse.
For Better or Worse: Roxanne
May 27, 2014 18:35 - 1 hour - 38.8 MBIn this edition of For Better or Worse, Shana and Mike take a look at the Steve Martin / Daryl Hannah outing Roxanne, which itself is an adaptation of Cyrano de Bergerac. The Brothers Wilson also stop by. One auditions for Twister II: Son of Twister, while the other transmits a list of curse words which The Wedded Couple aren't sure are real. Please visit our Patreon page at http://www.patreon.com/forbetterorworse.
For Better or Worse: Twister
May 06, 2014 16:05 - 1 hour - 35.1 MBAs far as Shana and Mike are concerned, Philip Seymour Hoffman steals the show when it comes to the ultra-bland, utterly predictable, and downright generic Twister. With their remakes, they attempt to inject emotion and characterization into what should be a dramatic film. Beyond that, Mike drops in a few wrestling references, and Shana can't stop laughing at an innocent hand gesture. Please visit our Patreon page at http://www.patreon.com/forbetterorworse.
For Better or Worse: Weekend at Bernie's
April 22, 2014 15:40 - 1 hour - 36.4 MBShana and Mike tackle their hardest movie yet: Weekend at Bernie's. How do they update and reimagine this so-very-80s plot? Also, the awesomeness that is Toonces, and Mike channels Tranquil Tirades by naming the real protagonist of Bernie's. Please visit our Patreon page at http://www.patreon.com/forbetterorworse.
For Better or Worse: The Douchies
April 01, 2014 16:00 - 1 hour - 39 MBThe Douchies have come to a close, and The Vinegar King has been crowned! Shana and Mike discuss the poll results, read through lots of comments from the forums, Shana sings a song for Ian, Mike comes up with the greatest band name ever, and they create a new sitcom starring Lionel. Please visit our Patreon page at http://www.patreon.com/forbetterorworse.
For Better or Worse: The Crucible
March 25, 2014 16:25 - 1 hour - 33.5 MBThe Crucible, Arthur Miller's condemnation of McCarthyism through use of the Salem witch trials, is examined in this episode of For Better or Worse. Specifically, Shana and Mike look at the 1996 film adaptation, written by Miller himself. Also, in less than five minutes Mike gets The Look, regains favor, and falls out of it again. (For the record, Mike knows that Mel Gibson played William Wallace, not a character called Braveheart.) Please visit our Patreon page at http://www.patreon.com/forb...
For Better or Worse: Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure
March 04, 2014 15:25 - 1 hour - 40.7 MBBill & Ted's Excellent Adventure turns 25 this year, and, despite the use of a phone booth as a mode of traversing time, Shana and Mike think this one holds up rather well. Also, Mike believes this movie is in the Doctor Who Universe, Shana ponders George Carlin's status as a deity, The Brothers Wilson write in, a schedule change is made, and the first round of The Douchies are announced. Please vote in all of the polls, and be excellent to each other. Please visit our Patreon page at http://...
For Better or Worse: Casablanca
February 18, 2014 16:15 - 1 hour - 43.4 MBShana and Mike are not here to remake Casablanca. Recast and tweak it a little, yes. But not outright remake it. Also, neither can pronounce Ugarte, Shana prepares for flames, Mike lays down the law, and The Douchies are finally explained. Please visit our Patreon page at http://www.patreon.com/forbetterorworse.
For Better or Worse: The Graduate
February 04, 2014 16:00 - 1 hour - 41.3 MBShana and Mike agree: The Graduate is a hugely influential black comedy, but it spirals out of control after a certain point. Listen as they fix this problem with their remakes, then they address lots of feedback, including a song by Ian Wilson. Please visit our Patreon page at http://www.patreon.com/forbetterorworse.
For Better or Worse: Edward Scissorhands
January 17, 2014 14:00 - 1 hour - 33.8 MBShana and Mike tackle what is easily one of Tim Burton's finest pictures: Edward Scissorhands. Listen as the husband explains why it took him over 20 years to see the movie a second time, as the wife pines over Johnny Depp, as they both extol the talents of Dianne Wiest and Danny Elfman, and as they lament the lack of feedback. Please visit our Patreon page at http://www.patreon.com/forbetterorworse.
For Better or Worse: When Harry Met Sally...
January 03, 2014 16:55 - 1 hour - 43 MBIn the style of the When Harry Met Sally... transitions, Shana and Mike open the show by outlining the journey that led to their marriage, then the wedded duo discuss this near-perfect movie. (Note: If you want to skip all of the lovey-dovey romance, jump to 26:43.) Please visit our Patreon page at http://www.patreon.com/forbetterorworse.
For Better or Worse: Scrooged
December 25, 2013 13:05 - 1 hour - 36.9 MBChristmas is here, and, in that spirit, Shana and Mike fix their gaze upon Scrooged! Join them as they discuss the highs and lows of this meta-adaptation of A Christmas Carol. Please visit our Patreon page at http://www.patreon.com/forbetterorworse.
For Better or Worse: The Rookie
December 06, 2013 18:45 - 1 hour - 35.1 MBAs Shana and Mike examine The Rookie, they find themselves troubled by one major sticking point. Namely, is it one movie, two, or even three? Please visit our Patreon page at http://www.patreon.com/forbetterorworse.
For Better or Worse: Pocahontas
November 27, 2013 20:10 - 1 hour - 37.4 MBJust in time for Thanksgiving, and to pay thanks to Christian Honore for his generous donations to For Better or Worse, Shana and Mike remake their first animated feature: Pocahontas. Be like Christian, and visit our Patreon page at http://www.patreon.com/forbetterorworse.
For Better or Worse: The Big Chill
November 08, 2013 13:25 - 1 hour - 40 MBDespite eight wonderful actors breathing life into their characters, Shana and Mike take issue with The Big Chill. Death, drugs, dancing, and dalliances do not make a plot. Also, by the end of the show, the couple decide upon the first two movies they'll be covering in 2014! Please visit our Patreon page at http://www.patreon.com/forbetterorworse.
For Better or Worse: Candyman and Beetlejuice
October 31, 2013 18:05 - 1 hour - 49.8 MBSay it once, say it twice, but whatever you do don't say it thrice, because in this For Better or Worse doubleheader, Shana and Mike remake Candyman and Beetlejuice. Please visit our Patreon page at http://www.patreon.com/forbetterorworse.
For Better or Worse: Wall Street
October 11, 2013 13:40 - 1 hour - 35.8 MBStraight out of the gate, Mike reveals his feelings for Wall Street, and Shana laments the lack of character depth. That said, the husband and wife team do praise some of Oliver Stone's directing, and, oddly, they keep comparing it to West Side Story. Please visit our Patreon page at http://www.patreon.com/forbetterorworse.
For Better or Worse: West Side Story
September 30, 2013 15:45 - 1 hour - 53.5 MBWhat do you get when you set Romeo and Juliet in a racially charged New York neighborhood in the 1950s? The all-singing, all-dancing, surprisingly subversive, perfectly executed West Side Story. (Please pardon the audio glitch at the 90-minute mark.) Please visit our Patreon page at http://www.patreon.com/forbetterorworse.
For Better or Worse: Update 27 September 2013
September 27, 2013 13:40 - 4 minutes - 2.26 MBMike and Shana briefly discuss why their remake of West Side Story will be delayed by a few days.
For Better or Worse: Splash
September 13, 2013 15:25 - 1 hour - 35.8 MBShana solves Hollywood's female problem with hardcore fairies, while Mike retcons President Madison out of US history. They also discuss Splash, starring Tom Hanks' shouty voice and Daryl Hannah's ass. Beware: Fish puns and odd sexual acts ahead. Please visit our Patreon page at http://www.patreon.com/forbetterorworse.
For Better or Worse: Saturday Night Fever
August 30, 2013 17:10 - 2 hours - 55.7 MBBreaking away from their plans to cover The Big Chill, Shana and Mike opt to look at Saturday Night Fever. instead Why? For the answer to that question, you'll have to listen in. Also, Shana wants everyone to watch an REM video, the Inspector Gadget theme is accidentally sung, and there's a heavy discussion about gender roles. So, you know, your typical episode of For Better or Worse. Please visit our Patreon page at http://www.patreon.com/forbetterorworse.
For Better or Worse: The Birdcage
August 16, 2013 15:20 - 1 hour - 45.7 MBWhile covering The Birdcage, Shana and Mike find themselves in a surprisingly deep conversation about sexuality and faith, and societal pressure to hide both. All of that is brought down a level, however, when Lionel shows up to lick his balls. Please visit our Patreon page at http://www.patreon.com/forbetterorworse.
For Better or Worse: The Princess Bride
August 02, 2013 15:05 - 1 hour - 53.2 MBTo celebrate the first anniversary of For Better or Worse, Shana and Mike each crafted two casts for the nearly perfect The Princess Bride. Also, according to Mike, who bathes in the blood of virgins?
For Better or Worse: Daredevil
July 19, 2013 16:45 - 1 hour - 41.4 MBTake Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner, add in Colin Farrell and Michael Clarke Duncan, and top it all off with red leather and dodgy special effects. Mix, edit, chop, and edit once more. What do you get? The less-than-stellar Daredevil. Plus, Shana and Mike finally reveal what movie they'll be covering next time, for their First Anniversary Gala.
For Better or Worse: Independence Day
July 05, 2013 14:10 - 2 hours - 56.7 MBShana and Mike celebrate Independence Day! Not Independence Day the movie, 'cause that sucks. Independence Day, the holiday. But not really. This is just a play on the title and the date. Also, while a dog outruns a fireball, Mike might not escape the doghouse.
For Better or Worse: Three Men and a Baby
June 21, 2013 06:00 - 1 hour - 29.5 MBShana and Mike imagine the pitch for Three Men and a Baby must have gone like this: "Thomas Magnum, Sergeant Mahoney, and Sam Malone join forces to bring down mobsters while raising an infant girl left in their care."
For Better or Worse: Pretty in Pink
June 07, 2013 17:40 - 1 hour - 38.2 MBTo celebrate Shana's recent birthday, she and Mike cover their third John Hughes-penned movie: Pretty in Pink.
For Better or Worse: The Golden Girls
May 24, 2013 13:30 - 1 hour - 34.6 MBHow can The Golden Girls be both timeless and ripe for an update? Shana and Mike explain this very question as they remake the surprisingly progressive program into a new TV show and movie, respectively. (Closing song, "Zbornak," by Jonny McGovern.)
For Better or Worse: Mr. Mom
May 10, 2013 15:55 - 1 hour - 32.3 MBJust in time for Mother's Day, Shana and Mike pay tribute to motherhood by discussing and remaking a movie that has more to do with fatherhood: Mr. Mom.
For Better or Worse: Major League
April 26, 2013 13:25 - 1 hour - 42.1 MBShana and Mike conclude baseball month on For Better or Worse by looking at the comedy classic Major League. Despite enjoying the film, one takes issue with an unintentionally creepy subplot, while the other is uneasy with the portrayal of a racial stereotype. (Note: Bob Uecker and Garrison Keillor are not dead.)
For Better or Worse: Bull Durham
April 15, 2013 15:25 - 1 hour - 39.9 MBBaseball season has officially arrived, and so has Shana and Mike's coverage of Bull Durham!
For Better or Worse: What Women Want
March 29, 2013 14:00 - 1 hour - 45.1 MBWhat Women Want is quite possibly the most misogynistic movie of all time. Period. Also, Mike remakes a different movie, Shana justifiably rants, and Giselle takes a poop. Appropriately.
For Better or Worse: A Few Good Men
March 15, 2013 06:00 - 1 hour - 37.9 MBOnce, a Hollywood producer said, "We live in a world that has remakes, and those remakes have to be produced by A Few Good Men with a vision. Who's gonna do it? You? I have a greater responsibility than you could possibly fathom. You weep for The Honeymooners, and you curse The Transformers. You have that luxury. You have the luxury of not knowing what I know. That bad remakes, while tragic, probably made money. And their existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, were seen by mi...
For Better or Worse: My Cousin Vinny
March 01, 2013 16:00 - 1 hour - 27.9 MBIn 1992, if someone said that a courtroom comedy starring Tommy DeVito as a lawyer, Herman Munster as a judge, Daniel LaRusso as a college kid, and that girl from Oscar would be considered a classic decades later, they would have been laughed at. But that's exactly what My Cousin Vinny has become: a classic. Join Shana and Mike as they praise the original while attempting to remake a nearly perfect piece of cinema.
For Better or Worse: Runaway Bride
February 15, 2013 14:25 - 1 hour - 30.2 MBEven if you've never seen the abysmal Runaway Bride, Shana and Mike implore you to listen to this episode of For Better or Worse. In the short lifespan of the show, never have they encountered a movie that insults its audience more and has zero redeeming qualities. As a matter of fact, it's so bad, one of the hosts outright removes a main character for the remake.
For Better or Worse: Pretty Woman
February 01, 2013 15:30 - 1 hour - 38.3 MBWhat single sticking point had prevented Mike from seeing Pretty Women until now, and who did Shana cast against type for Stuckey? Also, more Stanley Tucci love.
For Better or Worse: Network
January 25, 2013 06:00 - 1 hour - 35.9 MBHow the bloody hell do you update a visionary classic like Network? Shana and Mike think they'e found a way.
For Better or Worse: Update 18 January 2013
January 18, 2013 15:10 - 2 minutes - 1.54 MBMike delivers a brief update regarding the whereabouts of episode 13.
For Better or Worse: The American President
January 04, 2013 12:25 - 1 hour - 39.7 MBAs Shana and Mike remake The American President, something odd happens. Despite their divergent plots, things come together to form something bigger.
For Better or Worse: Lethal Weapon and Die Hard
December 21, 2012 15:10 - 2 hours - 66.6 MBChristmas is a time for love and sharing, as well as peace and happiness. It's also a time for shooting bad guys, apparently. In the very first For Better or Worse doubleheader, Shana and Mike discuss and remake the overly complicated Lethal Weapon and the near-perfect Die Hard.
For Better or Worse: Dirty Dancing
December 07, 2012 17:15 - 1 hour - 32.9 MBShana's seen Dirty Dancing countless times, while this was Mike's first viewing. Does it hold up for The Wife, and what did The Husband think about this much-loved movie from 1987? Also, is Johnny Castle the best name ever? Hint: Yes. Yes it is.
For Better or Worse: Hannah and Her Sisters
November 26, 2012 16:45 - 1 hour - 37.6 MBWoody Allen's Hannah and Her Sisters is widely considered a cinematic classic, but Shana and Mike find there aren't enough of the sisters, especially Hannah, and too much Woody Allen. And, in an effort to better understand Allen's motivations, Shana digs into 19th century Russian theater.
For Better or Worse: Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael
November 09, 2012 14:10 - 1 hour - 34.5 MBChances are you've never heard of Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael, a little gem from 1990 starring Winona Ryder and Jeff Daniels. And that's precisely why Shana and Mike are talking about it today.
For Better or Worse: Psycho
October 26, 2012 06:00 - 1 hour - 37 MBPsycho, the Alfred Hitchcock masterpiece, is up for discussion today. And the review / remake leads to Shana and Mike having a frank chat about mental disorders, as well as a conversation about the intelligence of the moviegoing audience. Plus, Shana calls Mike her what?
For Better or Worse: Fantastic Four
October 12, 2012 14:15 - 1 hour - 48.9 MBWhy are Shana and Mike rebooting Fantastic Four, a movie from 2005? 'Cause that's the way of superhero movies: reboot, remake, repeat.
For Better or Worse: Saved by the Bell
September 28, 2012 14:00 - 1 hour - 39.7 MBThanks to the generosity of Will Ackerman, Christian Honore, and Matthew McKinnon-Gray, Shana and Mike sat down to discuss how they'd remake Saved by the Bell. In their revamp, both the original cast and a new cast are utilized, there are drugs and death, implied handjobs, and even science fiction. No, really. Also, Mike slaps himself during the recording, because, you know, it's Saved by the Bell.