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 133 - The Secret in Their Eyes
February 04, 2019 06:00 - 1 hour - 74.2 MBThis week, we watch the 2010 best foreign picture Oscar winner. One part love story, one part crime drama, this film jumps back and fourth in time as the plot is pieced together, while a historical take of Argentina's troubled past serve as a backdrop. The Secret in Their Eyes (2009), directed by Juan Jose Campanella.
Bonus Episode! Blade Runner 2049
January 28, 2019 06:34 - 1 hour - 107 MBThis week, we watch the sequel to the ground breaking classic that is the grandfather of all dark, futuristic science fiction films. This film manages to equal the quality of the original, and even improves on certain aspects, while expanding on the ideas put fourth by Ridley Scott decades ago. Blade Runner 2049 (2017), directed by Denis Villeneuve.
Episode 134 - Blade Runner
January 21, 2019 05:07 - 1 hour - 80.6 MBThis week, we watch what some consider the best science fiction film in history. The world shown on screen set a standard for the genre, and its influence can be seen in nearly every sci-fi film since its release. With five official cuts and a wealth of lore behind the making, this film begs to be rewatched and pondered over. The outstanding visuals just make it that much more enjoyable. Blade Runner (1982), directed by Ridley Scott.
Episode 135 - The Seventh Seal
January 14, 2019 05:47 - 57 minutes - 66.8 MBThis week, we watch the film that put the legendary director Ingmar Bergman on the map, which lead some of cinemas best works, and also some of its most pretentious. Known for its now famous image of a knight playing chess on a beach with death, this movie is worth watching more for the ideas it presents, and not necessarily for the craft or for entertainment. The Seventh Seal (1957), directed by Ingmar Bergman.
Episode 136 - Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels
January 07, 2019 05:20 - 59 minutes - 68.6 MBThis week, we watch a large cast of morons stumble their way through a series of crimes. The film debut of both Jason Statham and Vinnie Jones, this low budget cockney masterpiece came from the hopes and hard work of the cast and crew, and also the pockets of their families. The film’s soundtrack was so good, Madonna married the director. Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels (1998), directed by Guy Ritchie.
Episode 137 - Howl's Moving Castle
December 31, 2018 08:43 - 55 minutes - 64.1 MBThis week, we watch another animated masterpiece by Studio Ghibli. Packed with bird wizards, fire demons, cursed witches, enchanted scarecrows, war machines, tar monsters, walking castles, spirit creatures, and portal doors, Miyazaki outdoes himself in this tale of fantasy. Howl’s Moving Castle (2004), directed by Hayao Miyazaki.
Episode 138 - Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans
December 17, 2018 06:50 - 43 minutes - 50.7 MBThis week, we watch one of the first films in history to marry sound with film, with a synchronized soundtrack, as well as the first audio cue jump scare. This movie remains surprisingly relevant despite being released over 90 years ago. Sunrise (1927), directed by F. W. Murnau.
Episode 139 - Casino
December 10, 2018 05:36 - 56 minutes - 65 MBThis week, we watch the spiritual sequel to Goodfellas, when De Niro and Pesci move from New York to Vegas. Based on the true life story of Frank Rosenthal (who still claims no knowledge of the events depicted in this film), this movie is probably the most historically accurate film we have watched so far. Casino (1995), directed by Martin Scorsese.
Bonus Episode - The Rock
December 03, 2018 07:28 - 1 hour - 91.1 MBBONUS EPISODE! Somehow this movie came up in about 10 episodes in a row, and while its not on the list, we felt it appropriate to watch this classic of 90’s cinema. Losers always whine about trying their best, and Nicholas Cage is no loser. Carla was the Prom Queen. The Rock (1995), directed by Michael Bay.
Episode 140 - Wild Strawberries
November 26, 2018 06:13 - 43 minutes - 50.2 MBThis week, we watch the classic Bergman movie that is Stanley Kubrick's second favorite film of all time. An isolated, accomplished older man reflects on his life choices as he nears death. The story unravels slowly and tells a simple tale, but one that we can all relate to. Wild Strawberries (1957), directed by Ingmar Bergman.
Episode 141 - The General
November 19, 2018 06:32 - 32 minutes - 38.1 MBThis week, we watch the first silent movie on the list - Starring the legendary Buster Keaton. Based on the true Civil War story, this film is almost entirely a series of chases on trains. The General, directed by Buster Keaton.
Episode 142 - The Elephant Man
November 12, 2018 06:36 - 59 minutes - 68.9 MBThis week, we watch the story of the man who suffered from an extremely unfortunate disease that made his appearance monstrous. This film focuses on the time during his life where he met Doctor Treves, played by Hannibal Lecter himself, Sir Anthony Hopkins. The Elephant Man (1980), directed by David Lynch.
Episode 144 - Warrior
November 05, 2018 06:13 - 54 minutes - 62.9 MBThis week, we watch the Rocky inspired sports drama, where Nick Nolte drunkenly rambles his way to an oscar nomination, and Tom Hardy muscles are doing their demo reel for The Dark Knight Rises. This film is not so much for the fans of the UFC, but for fans of family drama and The National. Warrior (2011), directed by Gavin O'Connor.
Episode 144 - Star Wars: The Force Awakens
October 29, 2018 06:18 - 1 hour - 128 MBThis week, we watch Episode VII, a fantastic entry to the Star Wars saga, where Darth Vader is now a moody teenager, R2D2 is round, and everyone is still making fun of the Millennium Falcon for some reason. We’re also glad to see the portly X-Wing fighter makes it this time around. Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015), directed by J.J. Abrams.
Episode 145 - Judgement at Nuremberg
October 22, 2018 03:44 - 1 hour - 86.9 MBThis week, we watch the modified story of actual trials that took place in Nuremberg, Germany, after the end of World War II. This film brings up the topic of where to place the guilt for war crimes, and how far down the blame should. Spencer Tracy comes up with some ideas. Judgement at Nuremberg (1961), directed by Stanley Kramer.
Episode 146 - The Wolf of Wall Street
October 15, 2018 03:13 - 51 minutes - 59.7 MBThis week, we watch the "true" story of Jordan Belfort, the a-hole stock broker that took advantage of hundreds of people for millions of dollars, living it up the entire time, and only had to do two years in prison as a penalty. This movie is hilarious, but also glorifies stealing, drugs, and generally being a terrible person. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013), directed by Martin Scorsese.
Episode 147 - A Beautiful Mind
October 08, 2018 06:10 - 1 hour - 80.8 MBThis week, we watch the best picture winning film that tells a version of the story of John Nash, the real life Nobel Prize winning mathematician who struggled with schizophrenia. The film takes some liberties to make his story palatable to movie goers, but contains mostly accurate information on what is shown. A Beautiful Mind (2001), directed by Ron Howard.
Episode 148 - V for Vendetta
October 01, 2018 04:21 - 1 hour - 69.7 MBThis week, we watch the film that popularized the Guy Fawkes mask and gave birth to the symbol of the hacking organization, Anonymous. This film melds noir, science-fiction, fantasy, post-apocalyptic, and super-hero genres together in a bloody tale of power and fear. V for Vendetta (2005), directed by James McTeigue.
Episode 149 - Tokyo Story
September 24, 2018 06:23 - 47 minutes - 54.9 MBThis week, we watch the film that was rated as the #1 best movie of all time by 358 of the biggest directors in the world (including Scorsese, Tarantino, Coppola, and many others). This film takes on the seemingly not so interesting topic of every day life, and uses its deliberate pacing (slow) to add weight to its topics in a way that we rarely see on the screen. Tokyo Story (1953), directed by Yasujiro Ozu.
Episode 150 - Incendies
September 17, 2018 05:49 - 59 minutes - 68.5 MBThis week, we watch the incredibly dark film that put the director of Arrival, Sicario, and Blade Runner 2049 on the map. Stellar acting by the lead characters draw you into the story that wouldn’t be believable otherwise, and the intense realism of the gun violence in the film won’t be easily forgotten. Incendies (2010), directed by Denis Villeneuve.
Special 100th Episode! Top 5 Bottom 3
September 10, 2018 06:49 - 1 hour - 137 MB100 Episodes! Top 5 favorite and Bottom 3 least favorite, personal picks from Denny, John, and TC. Also, special movie category awards (best movie dog, best action scene, best movie beverage, best asshole protagonist, and lots more).
Episode 151 - Gran Torino
September 04, 2018 04:10 - 49 minutes - 57.8 MBThis week, we watch Clint Eastwood point his gun shaped hand at some thugs to protect his neighbors. What was suppose to be his acting send off (only to come back to acting a few years later), he brings his classic snarl and anger to the role of Walt Kowalski. Gran Torino (2008), directed by Clint Eastwood.
Episode 152 - The Big Lebowski
August 27, 2018 05:21 - 1 hour - 98.8 MBThis week, we watch Jeff "The Dude" Lebowski get his rug pissed on. This film has one of the most diehard fanbases out of any on this list, and we are proud to share in their obsession. The Big Lebowski (1998), directed by the Coen Brothers.
Episode 153 - The Deer Hunter
August 15, 2018 03:43 - 56 minutes - 64.8 MBThis week, we watch the best picture winning film that made a huge positive shift in the public opinion towards Vietnam Veterans in the US. This film takes something that didn't occur once in the written history of the Vietnam war (Russian roulette), center's itself around it, and makes a grand, metaphorical statement about the random violence of war. The Deer Hunter (1978), directed by Michael Cimino.
Episode 154 - Trainspotting
August 13, 2018 05:55 - 1 hour - 75.8 MBThis week, we watch the film that takes the displays heroin use from an honest, hilarious, and brutal perspective. Trainspotting (1996), directed by Danny Boyle.
Episode 155 - The Message
August 06, 2018 05:52 - 22 minutes - 26.4 MBThis week, we watch the Message
Episode 156 - Fargo
July 30, 2018 04:26 - 1 hour - 94 MBThis week, we watch the snowy, bloody, accent-heavy crime film set in rural Minnesota. This movie is equal parts hilarious and terrifying, and is frequently both at the same time. Is this one of the Coen brothers best films? Oh yah, you betcha. Fargo (1996), directed by Joel and Ethan Coen.
Episode 157 - Rebecca
July 23, 2018 04:43 - 55 minutes - 63.9 MBThis week, we watch Alfred Hitchcock's first Hollywood film, one that would go on to win Best Picture. This dramatic mystery is full of twists, and showcases acting and cinematography that stands the test of time. Rebecca, directed by Alfred Hitchcock.
Episode 158 - Dial M For Murder
July 16, 2018 05:21 - 51 minutes - 59.7 MBThis week, we watch the classic Alfred Hitchcock adaptation of the stage play about organizing and attempting the murder of a cheating wife. Great acting and fun plot twists keep this film entertaining throughout, which is a feat, given that the film takes place almost entirely in just one room. And we hope you like dialogue. Dial M For Murder, directed by Alfred Hitchcock.
Episode 159 - Gone With The Wind
July 09, 2018 05:39 - 1 hour - 75 MBThis week, we watch the longest film of all! The highest grossing movie of all time (adjusted for inflation) is ripe with questionable content, with the racism being the worst offender. This might always be considered a classic, but should it be? Gone With The Wind (1939), directed by Victor Fleming.
Episode 160 - Cool Hand Luke
July 02, 2018 02:54 - 49 minutes - 57.2 MBThis week, we watch the film that is basically a love letter to Paul Newman. Ole' blue eyes is front and center for this classic film about a chain gang's daily life, and their antics of rubbing each other's bellies and eating piles of eggs. Cool Hand Luke (1967), directed by Stuart Rosenberg.
Episode 161 - How To Train Your Dragon
June 25, 2018 05:39 - 1 hour - 78.1 MBThis week, we watch the computer animated film who's moral center is that being close minded and unknowledgeable about something can lead to fear and violence, and how being open minded and attempting to learn is the best path to understanding and becoming a good person. Or that its OK for unsupervised kids to feed dangerous creatures food, and only good things will happen if you close your eyes and stick your hand out near their mouths. How To Train Your Dragon (2010), directed by Dean DeB...
Episode 162 - Finding Nemo
June 18, 2018 04:27 - 53 minutes - 62.2 MBThis week, we are watching the Pixar film that first brought us deep into the ocean. When a clown fish's only child gets taken away by scuba divers, he must make a journey across the ocean to get him back. Finding Nemo (2003), directed by Andrew Stanton.
Episode 163 - The Sixth Sense
June 11, 2018 06:26 - 56 minutes - 65.3 MBThis week, we watch the movie that scared the crap out of 1999; the film that you've accidentally spoiled at least once; the picture that, up until last year, was the highest grossing horror movie of all time. The Sixth Sense (1999), directed by M. Night Shyamalan.
Episode 164 - Come and See
June 04, 2018 14:19 - 51 minutes - 59.5 MBThis week, we watch the hard to find Russian classic that has influenced movies such as Schindler's List, Saving Private Ryan, and Inglorious Bastards. Real artillery, bombs, animal deaths, and human emotions are put fourth on screen to create something horrifying and unlike anything else we've seen. Come and See (1985), directed by Elem Klimov.
Bonus Episode! Deadpool 2
May 31, 2018 06:25 - 50 minutes - 46.5 MBThis week, we give you a bonus episode! Deadpool is #210 on the IMDB list of the best films of all time, so we took a trip to the theaters to see how they handled the followup. Ryan Reynolds returns as the merc with a mouth, as this sequel gives us more violence, more CG battles, more pop culture references, more catch phrases, more tiny limbs...if the original Deadpool film was an appropriately sized bag of your favorite candies, Deadpool 2 is a five gallon bucket filled with all the hall...
Episode 165 - The Thing
May 21, 2018 06:13 - 1 hour - 87 MBThis week, we watch a dog turn into a spider, a head turn into a spider, a chest turn into a mouth, and a hole bunch of aliens set fire in the snow. This classic sci-fi horror keeps us guessing as to who we can trust, and who is going to die next. One thing is for sure, Kurt Russell's hair is glorious. The Thing (1982), directed By John Carpenter.
Episode 166 - No Country For Old Men
May 14, 2018 05:33 - 1 hour - 70.9 MBThis week, we watch the movie that features the creepiest haircut ever to grace the silver screen. One man finds a bag of money in a drug deal gone wrong. The haircut the proceeds to murder everyone in its path in its quest to retrieve the money. The FBI agent from The Fugitive is on the case. No Country For Old Men (2007), directed by Joel and Ethan Coen.
BONUS EPISODE! Avengers: Infinity War
May 01, 2018 05:18 - 57 minutes - 53.6 MBThis week, we give you a bonus episode! Since Captain America: Civil War episode lined up so perfectly to the same week as the opening of the new Avengers movie, we decided we'd all go to the theater and see what all the fuss is about. VERY SPOILER FILLED EPISODE. See this awesome movie and listen to our take on it. Avengers: Infinity War (2018), directed by Anthony Russo and Joe Russo.
Episode 167 - Captain America: Civil War
April 30, 2018 05:18 - 1 hour - 88.7 MBThis week, in a week where a new Avengers has taken the box office by storm, we are watching the Marvel movie that has Captain America and Iron Man taking opposing positions. Which super hero do you side with? With special guest Wombat from the CAGCast! Captain America: Civil War (2016), directed by Anthony Russo and Joe Russo.
Episode 168 - Into The Wild
April 23, 2018 04:47 - 56 minutes - 77.7 MBThis week, we watch Emile Hirsch burn all of his money and walk into the woods. It turns out that it wasn't the best idea. Great acting and scenery ensues. Into The Wild (2007), directed by Sean Penn.
Episode 169 - Mary and Max
April 13, 2018 03:58 - 41 minutes - 57.6 MBThis week, we watch the Australian stop-motion film that is a follow up to the Oscar winning animated short, Harvey Krumpet. Mary is a young girl from Melbourne who is lonely and unloved. Max is a middle-aged man from New York who is overweight and has Aspergers. The two write to each other and become friends, in what is one of the most unique movies on this list. Mary and Max (2009), directed by Adam Elliot.
Episode 170 - Gone Girl
April 09, 2018 05:13 - 1 hour - 105 MBThis week, we watch the twist laden thriller, based on the hugely popular Gillian Flynn book. Fincher's style seeps into this film, who is lead by Ben Affleck, but stolen by Rosamund Pike. And if you think you might be watching a bloodless Fincher movie two hours into this 2.5 hour film, you will be proven very wrong. Gone Girl (2014), directed by David Fincher.
Episode 171 - Kill Bill: Volume 1
April 02, 2018 05:23 - 49 minutes - 68.8 MBThis week, we watch Tarantino's bloody action flick, where he pays homage to older grind house cinema, including kung-fu, westerns, and exploitation films. Uma Thurman sacrifices herself for the role of The Bride, as she slaughters dozens of opponents with a legendary Hanzo sword, as she fights her way back to the man who put a hit out on her, the man who killed her, the man who is the father of her child. Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003), directed by Quentin Tarantino.
Episode 172 - It Happened One Night
March 25, 2018 21:34 - 52 minutes - 73.4 MBThis week, we watch the classic romantic comedy that walked away with the top 5 Oscars for 1934, one of only three films in history to do the same. The oldest movie we've watched so far on our mission, this film has aged beautifully, as the comedy remains laugh out loud funny for the entire runtime, and the acting between the two leads is very believable and fun to watch. It Happened One Night (1934), directed by Frank Capra.
Episode 173 - Life of Brian
March 19, 2018 05:14 - 51 minutes - 71.6 MBThis week, we watch the classic Monty Python comedy that has been banned in multiple countries and denounced by religious groups all over the world. The film itself doesn't do very much to insult religion, but it does a lot to get you rolling on the floor, as the comedy group showcases their trademark silliness in some of the funniest scenes ever put to film. Life of Brian (1979), directed by Terry Jones.
Episode 174 - Rush
March 12, 2018 03:44 - 48 minutes - 66.8 MBThis week, we watch the incredible true story of Niki Lauda and James Hunt, two formula one racers who's rivalry in the 1976 World Championship gained the attention of the world. While the film may have taken some liberties with the relationship between Niki and James, the movie aims to remain true to the real happenings of the season, and largely succeeds. Rush (2013), directed by Ron Howard.
Episode 175 - There Will Be Blood
March 05, 2018 06:05 - 1 hour - 96.8 MBThis week, we watch the American epic about Daniel Plainview, an oil man who wants no one else to succeed. This masterpiece will be watched for decades, and we dive deep, making this the longest episode yet. Guest hosted by Matt Hathaway. There Will Be Blood (2007), directed by Paul Thomas Anderson.
Episode 176 - Nights of Cabiria
February 26, 2018 06:26 - 41 minutes - 57.3 MBThis week, we watch a series of vignettes about a prostitute Rome-ing the streets. Considered by some to be Fellini's masterpiece, this film follows Cabiria's trials as she gets shoved into a river, shoved into a bathroom, and nearly shoved off a cliff. Nights of Cabiria (1957), directed by Federico Fellini.
Episode 177 - Hotel Rwanda
February 19, 2018 07:52 - 1 hour - 89.3 MBThis week, we watch the film that portrays the historical events of the Rwandan Genocide through the story of a hotel manager who protected over 1,000 refugees in the midst of the massacre. Don Cheadle portrays Paul Rusesabagina, a man who risked his family members lives, as well as his own, to save innocent lives in a performance that will most likely continue to define his career. Hotel Rwanda (2004), directed by Terry George.