Mission 250 Filmcast
370 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 days ago - ★★★★★ - 36 ratingsThe Mission 250 Filmcast is a weekly podcast where hosts Denny, John, and TC are watching the Top 250 Movies of All Time, as ranked by IMDB. With each episode focusing on a single movie, and moving towards the #1 movie in reverse order, we aim to broaden the listeners viewing horizons (as well as our own), and give not only our thoughts/opinions, but also history, trivia, and insight on each film. We can be reached at [email protected], and the full list can be found at mission250filmcast.com.
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Episodes
Episode 27 - Leon: The Professional
April 15, 2024 05:10 - 45 minutes - 41.9 MBThis week, we watch Natalie Portman's first film, where she plays the daughter of a slaughtered family who is taken in by a professional hitman who lives next door. This film elevates its B-movie potential with iconic performances by all of the leads. Leon: The Professional (1994), directed by Luc Besson.
Episode 28 - Once Upon a Time in the West
April 10, 2024 02:05 - 49 minutes - 45.4 MBThis week, we watch Sergio Leones final western film. This film's cinematography and set pieces are among the best we've seen, and its easy to see why so many directors have been influenced by its style. Once Upon a Time in the West (1968).
BONUS EPISODE -Point Break
April 03, 2024 00:58 - 40 minutes - 37.1 MB"Point Break" from 1991, directed by Kathryn Bigelow. Denny won the oscars contest, so Denny could pick any film he wanted for us to watch. He picked this one. There's some great action sequences here, and also some of the most laughably bad acting we've seen in the history of this podcast.
BONUS EPISODE - The Zone Of Interest
March 25, 2024 04:09 - 38 minutes - 44.2 MBThis week, we watch a slow burn historical drama, that could also be classified as an art-house horror movie. Based on much researched real events and people, this film is broken into two - the one you see, and the one you hear. The results are astounding and hard to watch. The Zone Of Interest (2023), directed by Jonathan Glazer.
Episode - The Zone Of Interest
March 25, 2024 04:09 - 38 minutes - 44.2 MBThis week, we watch a slow burn historical drama, that could also be classified as an art-house horror movie. Based on much researched real events and people, this film is broken into two - the one you see, and the one you hear. The results are astounding and hard to watch. The Zone Of Interest (2023), directed by Jonathan Glazer.
BONUS EPISODE - Killers of the Flower Moon
March 18, 2024 03:25 - 52 minutes - 49 MBThis week, we watch the film that makes Scorsese the oldest director to be nominated for best director at the oscars. This epic (read: long) film takes on the story of the murders of members of the Osage nation a century ago, and the birth of the FBI. Killers of the Flower Moon (2023), directed by Martin Scorsese.
BONUS EPISODE - The 2024 Oscars
March 12, 2024 05:14 - 1 hour - 75.2 MBWe’ve watched all of the Academy Awards best picture nominated movies from 2023! This week, we have a special episode where we three give our top 10 lists of these mostly great films, and also attempt to predict the winners of the other Oscar categories (which we now know).
BONUS EPISODE - Dune: Part 2
March 07, 2024 02:29 - 1 hour - 94.6 MBThis week, we watch the film that has just released and is currently sitting at the #10 best movie of all time. See it on the biggest screen and loudest speakers you can find. Dune: Part 2 (2024), directed by Denis Villeneuve.
BONUS EPISODE - Anatomy Of A Fall
February 26, 2024 16:37 - 55 minutes - 69.7 MBThis week, we watch a multi-oscar nominated drama about a deadly fall and the trial that ensues. This film stands out as one of the most starkly realistic dramas we have had the pleasure of watching on our mission, and we’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys an unrelentingly heavy story. Anatomy of a Fall (2023), directed by Justine Triet.
BONUS EPISODE - American Fiction
February 19, 2024 17:35 - 34 minutes - 39.8 MBThis week, we watch a rare comedy that is also scooping up award nominations. Writer / Director / Producer Cord Jefferson nails directorial debut, which balances heavy themes with laugh out loud moments, while leaving the viewer with lots to think about once the credits roll. American Fiction (2023), directed by Cord Jefferson.
BONUS EPISODE - Poor Things
February 12, 2024 05:43 - 1 hour - 77.7 MBThis week, we watch a film that is heaven for film geeks. Images pour off the screen like melting candy for the brain. The score is a soundtrack to a dizzying dream. The humor is at once bizarre and dark, yet accessible and upbeat. The actors utilize an amazing script to make something profound and hilarious. It is life affirming, blazingly satirical, completely absurd, and an absolute instant classic. Poor Things (2023), directed by Yorgos Lanthimos.
BONUS EPISODE - Godzilla Minus One
February 05, 2024 02:37 - 24 minutes - 28.2 MBThis week, we watch the newest Japanese Godzilla film that is breaking box office records on top of being nominated for an Oscar for Visual Effects.. See this film on the biggest screen and the loudest speaker system you can. Godzilla Minus One (2023), directed by Takashi Yamazaki.
BONUS EPISODE - The Boy and The Heron
December 24, 2023 16:00 - 1 hour - 85.9 MBThis week, we watch the newest and likely final Hayao Miyazaki movie. This film was in production for seven years due to a combination of COVID and Miyazaki’s slower working pace due to age. It was well worth the effort in our opinions, as he has possibly created the most beautiful movie in his legendary filmography. The Boy and The Heron (2023), directed by Hayao Miyazaki.
Episode 29 - Spirited Away
December 18, 2023 20:22 - 1 hour - 73.4 MBThis week, we watch the highest rated Studio Ghibli movie on the top 250. This film broke records as well as opened the Western world to Japanese animation in a large way. This film hasn’t aged a day, with incredible animation and timeless fantasy storytelling. The amount of creativity that pours our of each frame has to be seen to be believed. Spirited Away (2001), directed by Hayao Miyazaki.
BONUS EPISODE - Nightcrawler
December 11, 2023 20:29 - 1 hour - 80.6 MBThis week, we’re diving into a series of bonus episodes, where we go through movies that Denny, John and TC think deserve to be on the top 250. We kick it off with a thiller / character study that possibly contains Jake Gyllenhaal’s best work. Add in commentary about the media industry, sociopathy, race, the police, capitalism, LA nightlight, etc., and you’ve got something that could be considered a niche masterpiece. Nightcrawler (2014), directed by Dan Gilroy.
Episode 30 - Saving Private Ryan
December 04, 2023 17:34 - 1 hour - 90.1 MBThis week, we watch what many consider to be the best war movie ever made. While the opening Omaha Beach scene might stick out as a highlight, this rest of this film also contains some of the most intense and upsetting portrayals of combat ever committed to film. Saving Private Ryan (1998), directed by Steven Spielberg.
REPOST - Tokyo Story
November 27, 2023 17:15 - 47 minutes - 54.9 MBThis week, we’re reposting an episode on a film that has come up a lot since we watched it over five years ago, including during our last episode on Past Lives. If a film has stayed in the conversation as long as this one has, it is worth a second look to those who might have missed it.. Tokyo Story (1953), directed by Yasujiro Ozu.
BONUS EPISODE - Past Lives
November 20, 2023 21:45 - 28 minutes - 33.7 MBThis week, we watch an A24 movie that has been getting very good reviews by Critics, to no ones surprise. This quiet and slow movie depicts a past relationship that never was. You can tell by the episode run time that we didn’t have much to say about it. Past Lives (2023), directed by Celine Song.
Episode 31 - American History X
November 13, 2023 16:27 - 38 minutes - 44.8 MBThis week, we watch a film that tackles the subject of nazis in the US. Edward Norton’s Academy Award nominated performance leaves us with mixed opinions, as well as the undercooked characters of everyone around him. Still, this film has a few very important points to get across (which feel frighteningly more relevant today than at the films release) and is worth watching for those alone. American History X (1998), directed by Tony Kaye.
BONUS EPISODE - Hereditary
November 06, 2023 03:11 - 58 minutes - 67.2 MBThis week, we watch what many consider one of the scariest movies of all time. Ari Aster’s first film was the highest grossing A24 movie at the time, only overtaken by last years Everything Everywhere All At Once. This film contains some of the best acting ever in a horror movie, and the scares will give you nightmares for years. Hereditary (2018), directed by Ari Aster.
BONUS EPISODE - The Lighthouse
October 16, 2023 01:23 - 1 hour - 76.3 MBThis week, we watch the second film from the director of The Witch. This movie drips style and stinks of old seaweed. Dafoe and Pattinson give career best performances, as do a few seagulls. The Lighthouse (2019), directed by Robert Eggers.
BONUS EPISODE - The Exorcist
October 09, 2023 05:12 - 1 hour - 74 MBThis week, we want the most infamous and possibly influential horror movie of all time. 50 years later and this film still provides shocking imagery and performances that have yet to be equaled. Centering itself as a character drama, the seemingly lengthy two and a half hours creep by in the best way. The Exorcist (1973), directed by Willam Friedkin.
Episode 32 - Casablanca
October 04, 2023 03:27 - 1 hour - 78.8 MBThis week, we are watching a classic from over 80 years ago. This may be the most modern feeling pre-1960’s film we have watch so far in our hundreds of episodes. While it might be a staple in film school classes, it doesn’t need any explanation from a stuffy teacher to see how well made and entertaining this classic remains. Casablanca (1942), directed by Michael Curtiz.
Episode 33 - Interstellar Part 2
September 25, 2023 03:18 - 34 minutes - 40.5 MBPart 2 This week, we watch love in space. This time hopping journey through the great unknown is filled with hard sci-fi science and amazing special effects. It is also filled with expository dialogue and some less than stellar ideas about how love travels through space and time. Interstellar (2014), directed by Christopher Nolan.
Episode 33 - Interstellar Part 1
September 18, 2023 15:48 - 40 minutes - 47.1 MBThis week, we watch love in space. This time hopping journey through the great unknown is filled with hard sci-fi science and amazing special effects. It is also filled with expository dialogue and some less than stellar ideas about how love travels through space and time. Interstellar (2014), directed by Christopher Nolan.
BONUS EPISODE - Talk To Me
September 11, 2023 03:29 - 45 minutes - 52.2 MBThis week, we start October early. This Australian horror film take approximately 2 minutes to hook you into the story with an amazing introduction sequence, and the rest of the movie follows up with plenty of scares and amazing practical effects. Talk to Me (2022), directed by Danny and Michael Philippou.
Episode 34 - Psycho Part 2
September 04, 2023 23:00 - 33 minutes - 39.2 MBPart 2 This week, we watch the highest rated Hitchcock film, and what is considered widely to be the film that modernized horror. Come for the shower stabbing, stay for the controversial use of a toilet, a woman in a bra, and the utterance of the word “transvestite”. Psycho (1960), directed by Alfred Hitchcock.
Episode 34 - Psycho
August 28, 2023 15:32 - 1 hour - 78.7 MBThis week, we watch the highest rated Hitchcock film, and what is considered widely to be the film that modernized horror. Come for the shower stabbing, stay for the controversial use of a toilet, a woman in a bra, and the utterance of the word “transvestite”. Psycho (1960), directed by Alfred Hitchcock.
BONUS EPISODE - Barbie
August 21, 2023 04:54 - 40 minutes - 47.4 MBThis week, we Barbie’d the Heimer. The most unexpected one-two box office knockout’s better (pink) half is breaking records left and right. Top Hollywood creative talent somehow managed to take corporate greed and product recognition to bring older and younger generators together with huge laughs throughout. Barbie (2023), directed by Greta Gerwig.
BONUS EPISODE - Oppenheimer
August 14, 2023 01:08 - 1 hour - 78.5 MBThis week, we watch the film that is taking the box office by storm (with the help of a specific other pink-ish film). Christopher Nolan takes on the massive story of Oppenheimer and the people around him during the Manhattan Project and the race to develop a bomb that could end us all. Oppenheimer (2023), directed by Christopher Nolan.
Episode 35 - City Lights
August 07, 2023 01:31 - 42 minutes - 49.4 MBThis week, we watch the highest rated silent movie of all time. At the height of his power and the end of the silent film era, Charlie Chaplin used an exorbitant amount of his own money to create what many consider to be his masterpiece. City Lights (1931), directed by Charles Chaplin.
BONUS EPISODE - Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
July 31, 2023 04:04 - 57 minutes - 66.5 MBThis week, we watch Harrison Ford’s second outing as the rugged archeologist with the hat and the whip. This film was highest grossing movie of the year it came out, broke opening weekend records, and was the catalyst for the PG-13 rating (alongside Gremlins). We discuss how it compares to the other films in the franchise. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984), directed by Steven Spielberg.
Episode 36 - Part 2 - Raiders of the Lost Ark
July 24, 2023 20:13 - 48 minutes - 56.7 MBPart 2! This week, we watch Harrison Ford put on a hat and whip some bad guys. The film that introduces the Indiana Jones character remains the series best, even as it is now 5 movies strong. The supporting cast (Karen Allen, John Rhys-Davies, Paul Freeman) all nearly match Ford’s iconic roll, and the practical action set-pieces remain some of the best the genre has ever seen. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), directed by Steven Spielberg.
Episode 36 - Raiders of the Lost Ark
July 16, 2023 21:31 - 44 minutes - 51.8 MBThis week, we watch Harrison Ford put on a hat and whip some bad guys. The film that introduces the Indiana Jones character remains the series best, even as it is now 5 movies strong. The supporting cast (Karen Allen, John Rhys-Davies, Paul Freeman) all nearly match Ford’s iconic roll, and the practical action set-pieces remain some of the best the genre has ever seen. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), directed by Steven Spielberg.
BONUS EPISODE - Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
July 10, 2023 02:34 - 57 minutes - 66.2 MBBonus Episode! This week, we watch the highest rated move we’ve watched so far. Currently sitting at the #13th best movie of all time, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is a film that has already solidified itself into movie history as one of the most successful sequels of all time. Even more impressivly, it's the highest climbing film on the Top 250 since 2008’s The Dark Knight. Directed by Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, and Justin K. Thompson, and produced by Lord and Miller.
Repost - BONUS EPISODE - Spiderman: Into The Spider-Verse
June 25, 2023 18:56 - 54 minutes - 63 MBBonus Episode Time! To welcome the film onto Netflix and to attempt to give it all the praise it deserves, we watch Spiderman: Into the Spider-Verse. This movie blows away all recent animated and superhero films alike. It drips originality and brims with jokes, action, and lovable characters. The creators and animators swing for the fences and succeed throughout. Directed by Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, and Rodney Rothman.
BONUS EPISODE - Three Colours: Red
June 19, 2023 20:06 - 55 minutes - 63.9 MBThis week, we watch the final installment of Krzysztof Kieślowsk's three colors trilogy. Weather we understand it or not or are moved by the connections across the three films, the film is a masterpiece of design. 'Three Colors: Red' (1994).
BONUS EPISODE - Three Colours: White
June 12, 2023 20:10 - 36 minutes - 42.7 MBThis week, in our art-house drama journey, we delve into 'Three Colors: White' (1994). We spotlight the film's intriguing plot, Julie Delpy's performance, and Kieślowski's celebrated storytelling. Does this second installment of the trilogy resonate differently with our hosts? Explore 'Three Colors: White', another installment of the trilogy directed by Krzysztof Kieślowski.
BONUS EPISODE - Three Colours: Blue
June 04, 2023 20:17 - 54 minutes - 63.2 MBThis week, we venture into the emotionally charged world of the first installment in a French trilogy, "Three Colours: Blue" (1993), directed by Krzysztof Kieslowski. We dissect its compelling narrative that intertwines themes of love and loss, focusing on the film's intent, execution, and the thought-provoking elements it unveils. Join us as we navigate the captivating storytelling and distinctive cinematic style in this part of a renowned trilogy.
Episode 37 - Modern Times
May 29, 2023 21:33 - 1 hour - 69.7 MBJoin us this week as we explore the acclaimed film "Modern Times" (1936) directed by Charlie Chaplin. Delve into its humor, storyline, and production, including the intriguing visa controversy that shaped Chaplin's career. Don't miss this captivating episode as we uncover the enduring legacy of Charlie Chaplin.
BONUS EPISODE - The Diving Bell and The Butterfly
May 22, 2023 00:24 - 41 minutes - 48.4 MBThis week, we're diving into an extraordinary narrative of mental freedom amidst physical paralysis. We analyze 'The Diving Bell and the Butterfly' (2007), directed by Julian Schnabel, focusing on its compelling storytelling, emotional depth, and the profound human resilience it showcases.
Episode 38 - The Intouchables
May 14, 2023 23:30 - 33 minutes - 39.2 MBThis week, we delve deep into a poignant French drama that explores an unconventional friendship crossing boundaries of class, race, and physical disability. We dissect The Intouchables (2011), directed by Olivier Nakache and Éric Toledano, focusing on its intent, execution, and the social implications it portrays.
BONUS EPISODE - Who Framed Roger Rabbit
May 08, 2023 01:15 - 1 hour - 73.4 MBThis week, we watch the only film in history where you can see Bugs Bunny and Mickey Mouse together on screen. Its also contains the most distributing scene of cartoon shoe murder. Melding animation and live action like never before, this movie remains a unique masterpiece of mixed genres and styles. Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988), directed by Robert Zemeckis.
Episode 39 - The Green Mile
May 01, 2023 00:05 - 1 hour - 69.7 MBThis week, we watch the follow-up prison movie from the director of the #1 best movie of all time. Stephen King bleeds his ideas into a fantasy about healing people at a cost. It takes place on death row. The Green Mile (1999), directed by Frank Darabont.
BONUS EPISODE - All Quiet On The Western Front: Part 2
April 24, 2023 15:36 - 38 minutes - 44.6 MBThis week, we watch the newest war film to get nominated for (and win) some Oscars. The German language, Netflix produced film takes a very stark, muddy, bloody, and wet look at war and what it puts young people through. All Quiet on the Western Front (2022), directed by Edward Berger.
BONUS EPISODE - All Quiet On The Western Front
April 17, 2023 02:55 - 42 minutes - 49.3 MBThis week, we watch the newest war film to get nominated for (and win) some Oscars. The German language, Netflix produced film takes a very stark, muddy, bloody, and wet look at war and what it puts young people through. All Quiet on the Western Front (2022), directed by Edward Berger.
BONUS EPISODE - AI Review: Rear Window with Robob
April 10, 2023 04:17 - 20 minutes - 23.9 MBThis week, we introduce Robob (Pronounced row-bob. You know, like robot Bob). John has created a program to work with a large-language-model (artificial intelligence that has been making waves in the news recently) and we talk with it to see what it thinks about Rear Window.
Episode 40 - Rear Window
April 03, 2023 03:30 - 57 minutes - 66.3 MBThis week, we watch Jimmy Stewart sit in a chair and stare out his back window. This film holds up as a tight thriller, which blends mystery with comedy in a fantastic way. It doesn't feel like a film that is nearly celebrating its 70th birthday. Rear Window (1954), directed by Alfred Hitchcock.
BONUS EPISODE - The Wall
March 27, 2023 01:09 - 38 minutes - 44.6 MBThis week, we watch the “narrative” / feature length music video by one of the biggest bands of all time, Pink Floyd. Even if you’re not the biggest Floyd fan, there is a lot to appreciate in this arthouse smattering of imagery and animation. The Wall (1982), directed by Alan Parker.
Episode 41 - Terminator 2: Judgement Day, Part 2
March 20, 2023 02:38 - 33 minutes - 39.3 MBThis week, we watch the sci-fi / horror / action masterpiece by the director that would go on to have three of the top five grossing movies of all time. The action in this movie remains top tier, the performances are stellar, and even the CG holds up pretty well. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991), directed by James Cameron.