Mission 250 Filmcast
377 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago - ★★★★★ - 37 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 53 - Alien: Part 1
March 28, 2022 02:07 - 44 minutes - 51.2 MBThis week, we watch the film that was sold as “Jaws in space”. What we get instead is a horror/sci-fi masterpiece that launched Ridley Scott’s career as a visionary. With effects that mostly hold up, this film will still make you squirm all these years later. Alien (1979), directed by Ridley Scott.
Episode 54 - The Great Dictator
March 21, 2022 04:11 - 42 minutes - 49.7 MBThis week, we watch what is said to be the first satire in movie form. With filming starting two years before the start of World War 2, this parody is a historical marvel, and most of the gags still land. The Great Dictator (1940), written, directed, and starring Charles Chaplin.
BONUS EPISODE - Drive My Car
March 14, 2022 01:37 - 50 minutes - 57.9 MBThis week, we continue our Oscar binge with the film from Japan that is nominated for this year’s Best Picture, Best Foreign Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Director. This one requires full attention for 3 hours, so prepare yourself for the watch. Drive My Car (2021), directed by Ryusuke Hamaguchi.
BONUS EPISODE - Flee
March 07, 2022 03:16 - 1 hour - 70.9 MBThis week, we continue our Oscar binge with the film from Denmark that is nominated for this year’s Best Foreign Picture, Best Documentary, and Best Animated Film Academy Awards (the first film to ever be nominated for all three of these Oscars). Our review is - this film is amazing, do yourself a favor and put it at the top of your queue. Flee (2021), directed by Jonas Poher Rasmussen.
BONUS EPISODE - Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom
February 28, 2022 00:02 - 35 minutes - 40.8 MBThis week, we continue our Oscar binge with the film from Bhutan that is nominated for this year’s Best Foreign Picture academy award. Filming at an elevation of approximatly 16,000 feet, this movie utilizes the non-actor population of the mountain town Lunana to create a very simple and nice story about teaching, learning, and the many ways to utilize yak droppings. Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom (2021), directed by Pawo Choyning Dorji.
BONUS EPISODE - The Hand of God
February 21, 2022 23:58 - 1 hour - 87 MBThis week, we continue our Oscar binge with the Italian film that is nominated for this year’s Best Foreign Picture academy award. This dreamlike story has some striking imagery to be seen, so make sure you have your Netflix account upgraded to include the UHD / 4k video. The Hand of God (2021), directed by Paolo Sorrentino.
BONUS EPISODE - Nightmare Alley
February 12, 2022 22:36 - 48 minutes - 55.9 MBThis week, we watch the movie Guillermo del Toro decided to make after his Best Picture win with The Shape of Water. Based on a 1946 Novel (and made into a movie in 1947), this film has incredible star power - but is that enough to make another classic? Nightmare Alley (2021), directed by Guillermo del Toro.
BONUS EPISODE - A Hero
February 07, 2022 00:22 - 45 minutes - 52.4 MBThis week, we watch the Grand Prix winner at this years Cannes Film Festival, which is equivalent to second place (first place being last weeks movie, Titane). The writer/director who gave us the dramatic masterpiece A Separation back in 2011 is bound to get the same kind of recognition yet again for this new film. A Hero (2021), directed by Asghar Farhadi.
BONUS EPISODE - Titane
January 31, 2022 06:13 - 43 minutes - 50.4 MBThis week, we watch the Palme d’Or winner at this years Cannes Film Festival. Nothing we say in a write up will prepare you for what you will see/experience in this movie. If you aren’t totally adverse to gore or weirdness, do yourself a favorite and watch this film. Titane (2021), directed by Julia Ducournau.
BONUS EPISODE - The Tragedy of Macbeth
January 24, 2022 00:36 - 53 minutes - 61.7 MBThis week, we watch the Joel Coen’s first film without his brother Ethan. We recommend reading a plot synopsis beforehand if you are unfamiliar with the story, and also turn on the subtitles if you want to come close to understanding all of the dialogue. The Tragedy of Macbeth (2021), directed by Joel Coen.
BONUS EPISODE - The Power Of The Dog
January 17, 2022 01:27 - 48 minutes - 55.7 MBThis week, we watch the film that won the Golden Globes for Best Drama, and is the front runner for the Best Picture at the Oscars as well. We recommend going into this movie totally blind, as spoilers might ruin the experience for many. The Power Of The Dog (2021), directed by Jane Campion.
BONUS EPISODE - Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, CODA, The Matrix: Resurrections
January 10, 2022 00:30 - 1 hour - 75.7 MBThis week, we kick off the new year with a three review episode! We watch one of Marvels newest offerings, a best picture contender, and a worst Matrix movie contender. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, CODA, and The Matrix: Resurrections. Happy 2022!
Taking a break -- see you in January!
December 06, 2021 03:25 - 3 minutes - 4.58 MBWe're going to be taking a break for the rest of this month. But we'll be back in January.
BONUS EPISODE - No Time To Die
November 28, 2021 21:57 - 54 minutes - 63.4 MBThis week, we watch Daniel Craig as James Bond for the final time. Come for the beautiful locations and intense action scenes, stay for the expository dialogue about DNA and nanobots. No Time To Die (2021), directed by Cary Fukunaga.
Episode 55 - The Lives of Others
November 21, 2021 20:55 - 56 minutes - 64.9 MBThis week, we watch the Oscar winning drama about Stasi spies in the 80’s. Although this film is a work of fiction, it takes place during a real historical time period, and the fear of the government portrayed by each character was very real for the people of East Germany at the time. The Lives of Others (2006), directed by Florian Henckel Von Donnersmarck
BONUS EPISODE - Pig
November 14, 2021 21:48 - 50 minutes - 61 MBThis week, we watch Nicholas Cage look for his stolen truffle pig. Cage dials down his usual over the top performance to something more grounded, and in doing so delivers one of his best performances in years. Pig (2021), directed by Michael Sarnoski.
Episode 56 - Cinema Paradiso
November 07, 2021 23:03 - 49 minutes - 56.8 MBThis week, we watch the film that brought Italian films back into the world cinema conversation in the late 80s. If you like sappy movies, you movie get something out of this one. Cinema Paradiso (1988), directed by Giuseppe Tornatore.
BONUS EPISODE - Dune
October 29, 2021 05:02 - 1 hour - 79 MBHere is the film that will be remembered as the kickstart to the industry after a once in a century pandemic. This is the Star Wars for the current generation, the long awaited adaptation meeting its full potential. See it in theaters. If you can’t, find the biggest screen you can and absorb it on the best sound system possible. Dune (2021), directed by Denis Villeneuve.
BONUS EPISODE - The Babadook
October 25, 2021 04:37 - 1 hour - 76.6 MBWe’re finishing off our October horror movie fest with a film that fits more into the genre of classic horror. Although this film might have basement and nighttime scares, the psychological elements of grief give this film an edge that makes it rise to the top of the genre as an instant classic. Plus, there is a scary as hell pop-up book that you wont forget. The Babadook (2014), directed by Jennifer Kent.
BONUS EPISODE - Evil Dead 2
October 18, 2021 01:07 - 1 hour - 83.4 MBWe are continuing with our October horror movies! This week we watch Sam Rami's remake that's also a sequel: Evil Dead 2. Easily one of the best horror comedies out there (not that there's many, but still). The Evil Dead 2: Dead by Dawn, Directed by Sam Rami. You can contact us at [email protected], checkout the full list of movies at mission250filmcast.com, and follow us on Twitter or like us on Facebook! THEME SONG - By Zlorke. Many thanks- If you enjoy listening to us an...
BONUS EPISODE - Battle Royale
October 10, 2021 22:17 - 59 minutes - 68.7 MBIts October. You know what that means - horror movie season! This week, we watch Quentin Tarantino’s Favorite Film. Influencing the Hunger Games as well as Fortnite, Warzone, and PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, this movie shows 42 students fighting for survival. Battle Royale (2000), directed by Kinji Fukasaku.
Episode 57 - Paths of Glory
October 04, 2021 15:34 - 1 hour - 73.5 MBThis week, we watch the oldest Kubrick movie on the list. With a great script and the help of Kirk Douglas, Stanley made a World War 1 classic that not only started his own path to an amazing career, but created a dramatic film that stands up over 60 years after its release. Paths of Glory (1957), directed by Stanley Kubrick.
BONUS EPISODE - The Hateful Eight
September 26, 2021 23:40 - 52 minutes - 60.9 MBThis week, we watch Tarantino’s eighth film. Drawing heavily from The Thing, this film showcases the director at his most indulgent, with long scenes of dialogue and buckets of blood to rival his other works. Kurt Russell’s mustache stars in The Hateful Eight (2015), directed by Quentin Tarantino.
Episode 58 - Django Unchained
September 20, 2021 02:17 - 1 hour - 91.5 MBThis week, we watch what could possibly be both Tarantino’s funniest and scariest film. The actors shine in this three hour long revenge epic, where even the horses deserve special mentions. Django Unchained (2012), directed by Quentin Tarantino.
BONUS EPISODE - The Green Knight
September 13, 2021 01:53 - 1 hour - 77.4 MBThis week, we watch an adaptation of the famous 600-year-old poem about a magical knight, and a test of honesty. This film strays a lot from the original text, but the scenery (filmed in Ireland) is beautiful, and the strangeness is alluring. The Green Knight (2021), directed by David Lowery.
Episode 59 - The Shining: Part 3
September 07, 2021 02:32 - 46 minutes - 53.7 MBThis week, we continue watching what might be the greatest horror movie ever made. Stanley Kubrick butchers Stephen King's original novel into a film that confused some viewers at the time of its release, but now is considered by most to be a standalone masterpiece. The Shining (1980), directed by Stanley Kubrick.
Episode 59 - The Shining: Part 2
August 30, 2021 04:34 - 48 minutes - 56 MBEPISODE 250! This week, we continue watching what might be the greatest horror movie ever made. Stanley Kubrick butchers Stephen King's original novel into a film that confused some viewers at the time of its release, but now is considered by most to be a standalone masterpiece. The Shining (1980), directed by Stanley Kubrick.
Episode 59 - The Shining: Part 1
August 22, 2021 19:03 - 1 hour - 70.2 MBThis week, we are watching what might be the greatest horror movie ever made. Stanley Kubrick butchers Stephen King's original novel into a film that confused some viewers at the time of its release, but now is considered by most to be a standalone masterpiece. The Shining (1980), directed by Stanley Kubrick.
BONUS EPISODE - Mandibles
August 15, 2021 21:24 - 26 minutes - 30.7 MBThis week, we watch a story about two idiots who find a giant fly in the back of a stolen car. Part Bill and Ted, part Dumb and Dumber, part Beavis and Butthead….insert any dumb pair of guys in comedy history… this film does enough to stand out from its influences. At just over an hour long, this film will make you laugh and wish for more once the credits roll. Mandibles (2020), directed by Quentin Dupieux .
Episode 60 - Grave of the Fireflies
August 09, 2021 04:10 - 37 minutes - 43.5 MBThis week, we watch what many consider to be the saddest animated movies every drawn to film. Studio Ghibli animates this adaptation of a true story of the terrible aftermath of children attempting to live in a post-war Japan in the 1940’s. Grave of the Fireflies (1988), directed Isao Takahata.
BONUS EPISODE - The Eight Hundred
August 01, 2021 23:36 - 52 minutes - 60.8 MBThis week, we watch the worldwide highest grossing movie of 2020, marking the first time in movie history a Hollywood film didn’t rank number one. This Chinese film aims to portray an important event leading into the second World War, but what ends up on screen is incoherent violence and death. The Eight Hundred, directed by Hu Guan.
Episode 61 - WALL-E
July 26, 2021 15:30 - 51 minutes - 59.6 MBThis week, we watch the highest rated Pixar film on the list! Even John, who has frequently mentioned a “dragging middle third” in Pixars story structure, didn’t see that happening here. Lovable robots, funny slapstick, and heartwarming relationships fill this visual and design masterpiece. WALL-E (2008), directed by Andrew Stanton.
BONUS EPISODE - Arrival
July 18, 2021 21:45 - 1 hour - 77.3 MBThis week, we watch a movie in anticipation for the upcoming Dune film adaptation. This movie has no buisness not being on the list. Amy Adams gives one of her best performances, and all other aspects of the film are amazing on their own, but together they create something very special that we’d recommend to everyone. Arrival (2016), directed by Denis Villenueve.
Episode 63 - American Beauty
July 13, 2021 23:16 - 59 minutes - 68.9 MBThis week, we watch the film that shows a trashbag swirling in the wind and makes teenagers think real hard about it. This film contains an amazing ensemble cast alongside great cinematography, editing, and score. It holds up even though some recent stories on one of the main actors makes it a tough watch, especially given the content of the movies main storyline. American Beauty (1999), directed by Sam Mendes.
BONUS EPISODE - Like Stars On Earth
July 06, 2021 15:19 - 57 minutes - 66.1 MBThis week, we Aamir Khan’s directorial debut. A strong message about learning disabilities makes this an important piece of work. Like Stars On Earth (2007), directed by Aamir Khan.
Episode 65 - Princess Mononoke: Part 2
June 28, 2021 01:37 - 55 minutes - 69.1 MBPart 2 This week, we watch Studio Ghibli try their hand at gore effects. This film stands out as being one of the studios most violent films, but the trademark animation, score, and scenery are in full view. Princess Mononoke (1997), directed by Hayao Miyazaki.
Episode 65 - Princess Mononoke
June 21, 2021 04:17 - 53 minutes - 63.2 MBThis week, we watch Studio Ghibli try their hand at gore effects. This film stands out as being one of the studios most violent films, but the trademark animation, score, and scenery are in full view. Princess Mononoke (1997), directed by Hayao Miyazaki.
BONUS EPISODE - The World's End
June 14, 2021 01:05 - 45 minutes - 52.3 MBThis week, we watch the third and final film in the Three Flavors Cornetto trilogy. In yet another genre film/comedy mash-up, this entry is much darker than the previous two, with the unliked protagonist Gary King dragging his old friends to 12 bars, and any more plot description might be considered spoilers. The Worlds End (2013), directed by Edgar Wright.
Episode 66 - Oldboy
June 07, 2021 02:59 - 1 hour - 74.1 MBThis week, we watch a movie where a tooth getting removed by a hammer is not the most disturbing scene of the film. This film contains amazing acting and filmmaking, so it is highly recommended to those with a strong tolerance for disturbing images and ideas. Oldboy (2003), directed by Chan-wook Park.
BONUS EPISODE - Hot Fuzz
June 01, 2021 10:42 - 41 minutes - 47.6 MBThis week, we watch the second film in the Three Flavors Cornetto trilogy. In another genre film/comedy mash-up, this outing takes us to a small town with a dark secret. Comedy and shootouts ensue. Hot Fuzz (2007), directed by Edgar Wright.
Episode 67 - Citizen Kane: Part 2
May 24, 2021 02:16 - 47 minutes - 55.5 MBPart 2 This week, we try to figure out if this classic film is worth all the praise, or if hype and reputation lifts it into the stratosphere, where it will remain as long as critics are afraid to address some of its glaring issues (pacing, acting, dialogue…). Watch if you want to be able to sound smarter than your friends. Citizen Kane (1941), directed by Orson Welles.
Episode 67 - Citizen Kane
May 16, 2021 20:41 - 1 hour - 71.8 MBThis week, we try to figure out if this classic film is worth all the praise, or if hype and reputation lifts it into the stratosphere, where it will remain as long as critics are afraid to address some of its glaring issues (pacing, acting, dialogue…). Watch if you want to be able to sound smarter than your friends. Citizen Kane (1941), directed by Orson Welles.
BONUS EPISODE - Shaun of the Dead
May 10, 2021 04:19 - 1 hour - 70.3 MBThis week, we watch the first film in the Three Flavors Cornetto trilogy and the international smash hit that instantly put Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg on the map. In one hand you have all the zombie tropes you’ve ever seen, and in the other hand you have the best British comedy of the era . Smash your hands together? Shaun of the Dead (2004), directed by Edgar Wright.
Episode 68 - Once Upon A Time In America, Part 2
May 03, 2021 03:05 - 1 hour - 74.9 MBPart 2 This week, we watch the legendary Italian film makers final film. Clocking in at nearly 4 hours long (originally meant to be 6 hours), this film contains some of the most graphic content we’ve seen so far on the list. While we would find it hard to recommend to most people, its impossible to not be impressed by the cinematography, sets, and epic period piece details. Once Upon A Time In America (1984), directed by Sergio Leone.
Episode 68 - Once Upon A Time In America
April 26, 2021 00:08 - 54 minutes - 63.6 MBThis week, we watch the legendary Italian film makers final film. Clocking in at nearly 4 hours long (originally meant to be 6 hours), this film contains some of the most graphic content we’ve seen so far on the list. While we would find it hard to recommend to most people, its impossible to not be impressed by the cinematography, sets, and epic period piece details. Once Upon A Time In America (1984), directed by Sergio Leone.
BONUS EPISODE - Quo Vadis, Aida?
April 18, 2021 22:14 - 1 hour - 71.3 MBThis week, we watch the Bosnian film that has been nominated for the the Best International Film at the Academy Awards. Documenting the horrible, historically accurate events occurring during the Bosnian war in 1995 through the eyes of a fictional UN Translator, this films unrelenting tone will likely ruin your day. You will feel stressed, you will feel sad, and you will be wondering how the Oscars passed up an acting nomination for Jasna Djuricic. Quo Vadis, Aira? (2020), written and direct...
Episode 69 - North By Northwest
April 12, 2021 00:32 - 1 hour - 73.4 MBThis week, we watch yet another Hitchcock film, following closely ahead of Vertigo. This film is famous for influencing the James Bond films, especially the ridiculous action, casual sex, and iconic clothing. Sean Connery might owe everything to Cary Grant. North By Northwest (1959), directed by Alfred Hitchcock.
BONUS EPISODE - Minari
April 04, 2021 22:50 - 1 hour - 77.6 MBThis week, we watch the Best Foreign Language Film winner at the Golden Globes, and nominee of 6 Oscars, including Best Picture. This film masterfully jumps between hilarious moments and heavy drama like no other movie this year. The actor who plays the grandmother Soonja (Yuh-Hung Youn) should be holding an acting Oscar in a few weeks. Minari (2020), directed by Lee Isaac Chung.
Episode 70 - Das Boot: Part 2
March 28, 2021 22:35 - 1 hour - 97.2 MBPART 2! This week, we watch possibly the best ensemble cast ever to be put to film. Drama, suspense, comedy, horror…what can’t you say about a classic like this? We all watched it for the first time, and we couldn’t recommend it enough to war movie fans. Das Boot (1981), directed by Wolfgang Petersen.
Episode 70 - Das Boot
March 22, 2021 00:37 - 55 minutes - 64.5 MBThis week, we watch possibly the best ensemble cast ever to be put to film. Drama, suspense, comedy, horror…what can’t you say about a classic like this? We all watched it for the first time, and we couldn’t recommend it enough to war movie fans. Das Boot (1981), directed by Wolfgang Petersen.