Off The Shelf with Phil and Dave
168 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 days ago -Each week Phil or Dave grab a movie off of their shelves and revisit it. They decide if it stays on the shelf and if not, why?? Did the movie not age well? Has our taste changed over the years? Or do we like it even more than before!? Phil and Dave's tastes are significantly different so it's interesting to see the different views. Share your views with us!
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Episodes
1998's The Big Lebowski
April 14, 2024 23:37 - 1 hour - 118 MB"This pod really ties the room together" as Phil takes 1998's The Big Lebowski off the shelf. Phil remembers not really liking this movie when it came out and watched it become a cultural phenomenon in the years since. He enjoyed it much more over subsequent viewings and respects the Coen Brother's ability to change things up with each movie. Dave found the characters to be engaging and is taken by the troupe of actors. He didn't love the dream sequences, welcomes Sam Elliot but wonders why...
2002'S Minority Report
April 02, 2024 05:37 - 1 hour - 119 MB"Everybody Podcasts" and we're no different as Dave takes 2002's Minority Report off the shelf. Phil is reminded why he hasn't seen this movie since its theatrical release and explains why this led to a 15 year long boycott of Spielberg movies. Dave revisits a favorite and finds a few more flaws than before but generally enjoys what the movie has to offer and is impressed by the performances.
1945's The Lost Weekend
March 22, 2024 19:44 - 1 hour - 121 MBWe fall off the wagon as Phil takes 1945's The Lost Weekend off the shelf. This Billy Wilder movie is dark and moody but conveys the desperation of addition as good any any movie Phil has seen. Dave found the realities of alcoholism to be realistic and occasionally triggering. Both agree that the ending resolves a little too easily and leaves us wondering if Don has really beat the bottle.
2012's Trouble With the Curve
March 16, 2024 22:12 - 1 hour - 106 MBThe boys of summer are back on the field this week, and Dave takes 2012's Trouble With the Curve off the shelf. Phil found the movie to be a bland mix of common themes. Amy Adams manages to elevate some of them but struggles with a story that doesn't quite reach the heights it could have. Dave found the characters to be one note and the script to be pretty pedestrian. The movie culminates with too many "easy" answers to questions it barely asks.
1991's Oscar
March 11, 2024 14:47 - 1 hour - 84.3 MBLet's snap to it! Phil takes 1991's Oscar off the shelf. Phil remembers a very early theatrical experience and a newspaper headline that has never escaped him. Dave wonders what this movie is about for far too long but once he figures it out enjoys it. We discuss the complicated history of Stallone's comedies and John Landis' 90s.
1993's Striking Distance
February 29, 2024 20:38 - 1 hour - 89.1 MBDave celebrates the first Bruce of the season as he takes 1993's Striking Distance off the shelf. Phil finds the movie to be predictable, bland and repetitive at times. He loves the supporting cast despite them being wasted. Dave revels in the complexity of the mystery as he revisits this movie. He enjoys the turns the plot takes and continues to be impressed by the tightness of the script.
1991's L.A Story
February 24, 2024 15:43 - 1 hour - 92.5 MBIt's a time for romance in the heart of Los Angeles as Phil takes 1991's L.A. Story off the shelf. This has been a constant favorite this time of year. Phil enjoys the wacky and absurd and how it mixes with the sweet, sincere and romantic. It's a bit dated but the jokes still hold up. Dave found the laughs but struggled to find the romance in this film despite Phil begging him to.
1987's The Untouchables
February 15, 2024 20:48 - 1 hour - 130 MBWe're happy to share our enthusiasms as part of a team as Dave takes 1987's The Untouchables off the shelf. Phil remembers loving this DePalma classic from the first time he ever saw it from VHS to 4K and even owned the soundtrack on CD. Dave needed an excuse to connect with this movie again and was not disappointed. Even the perceived flaws are largely ignored. This movie's great.
1978's The Buddy Holly Story
February 08, 2024 21:56 - 1 hour - 93.6 MBWe honour the day the music died as Phil takes 1978's The Buddy Holly Story off the shelf. Phil shares fond childhood memories of sharing this music with his mother. Dave found himself captivated by the music and the story that he was unaware of prior.
1997's The Devil's Own
February 02, 2024 23:16 - 1 hour - 93.2 MBWe left the bad accents to Brad Pitt this time as Dave takes 1997's The Devil's Own off the shelf. Phil has never seen it before and finds it rather bland as there didn't appear to be much reason for Harrison Ford to be in this movie. Dave likes the performances and the score but finds there to be something missing.
1985's Murder in Space
January 25, 2024 02:35 - 1 hour - 105 MBWhodunit? We dunit as Phil takes 1985's Murder in Space off the shelf. Phil recalls the hype of this movie gripping him at a very early age and watching all the promo interviews and loving every minute of it. Dave watches for the first time and misses the hype but found the mystery compelling even if he didn't get any right answers.
2000's Reindeer Games
January 17, 2024 21:58 - 1 hour - 109 MBIt's a new season, and we get some hot chocolate, pecan pie, and Dave takes 2000's Reindeer Games off the shelf. There is not a lot to cheer about as even Ben Affleck can't save this movie. Phil believes it struggles with tone, the direction is flawed, and the story crumbles under its own structure. Dave can't even be impressed by Charlize. The cast is good but wasted and the script, though a clever premise, can't keep it up.
Off the Shelf 2023 in Review
January 10, 2024 17:03 - 1 hour - 101 MBWell it's the end of the year and we take 2023's Off the Shelf off the shelf. Phil and Dave look back on the year in the podcast, hand out some awards and tease some of the future movies coming up in 2024. Happy New Year!
2014's A Most Violent Year
January 01, 2024 23:55 - 1 hour - 138 MBWhat happens when violence surrounds you? Find out as Dave takes 2014's A Most Violent Year off the shelf. Phil enjoys the performances and the dark themes that run through the movie but doesn't totally connect at the end. Dave finds the movie a little hollow despite a collection of great scenes and characters. The violence the movie alludes to surrounds the characters but doesn't lead to the payoff they thought it would.
1946's It's a Wonderful Life
December 25, 2023 18:06 - 1 hour - 143 MBAn angel may get their wings as Phil takes 1946's It's a Wonderful Life off the shelf. Phil recounts the emotions this movie brings up every time he watches it and shares that the next generation finds it just as impactful. Dave sees it for the first time and finds the humor to be pretty timeless and the performances beautiful. They even try out Jimmy Stewart impressions. Don't miss this one. :)
2004'S Surviving Christmas
December 14, 2023 03:01 - 58 minutes - 80.1 MBIt's such a great movie we decided to re-release the episode. We aired in during Christmas season 1. Phil still thinks the movie is a good despite what everyone else says. Dave sees it's charm and felt like it was worthy of a viewing. Enjoy !
1984's Gremlins
December 05, 2023 03:55 - 1 hour - 143 MBDo you hear what I hear? Find out when Phil takes 1984's Gremlins off the shelf. Phil still connects to this holiday favorite which bridged his love of horror and Christmas to his young, impressionable mind. Those two things have stuck with him all the years since. Dave's first watch is met with a good feeling and an appreciation for the practical effects of the Gremlins themselves and is a little darker than he first thought.
2000's Meet the Parents
November 27, 2023 10:48 - 1 hour - 111 MBWe visit the airport again as Dave takes 2000's Meet the Parents off the shelf. It's been 23 years since Phil had seen the movie and he remembers enjoying it but time has not been kind. The laughs feel pretty dated but some elements continue to be enjoyable. Mostly the cast. Dave barely remembers the movie and feels Owen Wilson steals the scenes he is in and it's nice to see James Rebhorn too. Movie is too long but some scenes hold up.
1987's Planes, Trains and Automobiles
November 20, 2023 09:16 - 1 hour - 121 MBWe take to the skies, the rails and the road as Phil takes 1987's Planes, Trains and Automobiles off the shelf. Phil revisits a holiday favorite and marvels at just how funny the lead actors are in such different ways. Dave had never seen the movie and connected to the performances and questions just how many Thanksgiving movies there have been. This one holds up.
2002's We We're Soldiers
November 14, 2023 15:54 - 1 hour - 84.3 MBRandall Wallace strikes again as Dave takes 2002's We Were Soldiers off the shelf. Phil finds this movie to have qualities that some previous war movies have not had and appreciated that scenes of the families at home more than the action. Dave finds the performances solid and the writing to be engaging and while he has seen it a few times before believes it continues to hold up.
2001's Pearl Harbour
November 06, 2023 16:32 - 1 hour - 124 MBThe day that will live in infamy. Dave takes 2001's Pearl Harbour off the shelf and forced Phil to watch what he has dreaded. Dave commits to the relationships in this movie and finds its enough to keep interest throughout the whole 3 hours. Phil finds the whole thing a waste of time and feels that the choices Michael Bay makes don't make the drama any more interesting just boring. Strangely, Phil does believe the action is the best part of the movie.
1989's Halloween 5
October 30, 2023 09:49 - 1 hour - 100 MBWhat happened to Jamie after the ending of part 4? We find out after Phil takes 1989's Halloween 5 off the shelf. Phil is almost immediately disappointed as the movie doesn't deliver on the promise of the last entry and brings in new characters that drove him crazy. Dave, however, was ready for a life change upon meeting Tina. Sees value in the choices made by the new director and is mildly interested in the next chapter with the introduction of "the man in black"
1988's Halloween 4
October 23, 2023 21:29 - 1 hour - 117 MBIt's October and Phil takes 1988's Halloween 4 off the shelf this week. A Return to the basics of Halloween is welcomed. Phil finds the style to be a bit flat but enjoys the way in which is holds to and then occasionally flips the horror tropes. Dave was ready for Michael Myers' return after his distaste of the last entry and found this to be pretty enjoyable. Both agree that this is one of the great movie endings.
2004's The Village
October 16, 2023 07:08 - 1 hour - 103 MBWe hide from those we don't speak of as Dave takes 2004's The Village off the shelf. Phil is reaffirmed that M. Night just can't sustain the tension he thinks he can. The movie's languid pace and lack of payoff leave him less than enthusiastic. Dave enjoys some of the performances and finds the cinematography to be appealing but overall doesn't deliver a quality movie
2002'S Road to Perdition
October 09, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 127 MBDave learns a new word as Phil brings 2002's Road to Perdition off of his shelf. This is Dave's first viewing of the film while Phil, much like the general public, has neglected it after their first viewing despite it's star-studded cast. Phil story about driving a stick-shift is more entertaining than Mike Sullivan's driving lessons and Dave reveals his crush on Felicity from Road to Avonlea.
2014's Interstellar
October 03, 2023 03:51 - 1 hour - 94.8 MBWe quietly go back to space as Dave brings Interstellar off of his shelf. Apparently Dave doesn't like Nolan films but makes an exception to this one and, well, most of them. Phil is reminded why he gravitates to Nolan films and likes the 4th dimension of emotionality but can't quite get into the 5th dimension. All in All, the fellas enjoy this blockbuster film and the performances within.
2005's Fever Pitch
September 25, 2023 10:10 - 1 hour - 102 MBThe boys of summer are heading into the fall as Dave takes 2005' Fever Pitch off the shelf. Phil believes that the central problem with the movie is the casting. Jimmy Fallon who feels as though he is in way over his head. Drew Barrymore feels as though she is phoning it in and the whole movie suffers because of it. Dave refutes this and believes that Jimmy's charm and personality elevate his performance and the baseball themes connect Dave to his lifelong love of the game.
2009's (500) Days of Summer
September 19, 2023 14:03 - 1 hour - 142 MBIt's the end of the season as Phil takes 2009's (500) Days of Summer off the shelf. Phil discovers that he enjoyed this movie even more than he did when he first watched it. It's a great blend of romance and comedy without falling for the trappings of a "rom-com" Dave enjoyed the performances and thought the choices made by director Marc Webb were compelling and made for a breezy watch.
2000's Space Cowboys
September 11, 2023 12:17 - 1 hour - 107 MBThe guys blast off as Dave takes 2000's Space Cowboys off the shelf. Phil struggled to get through this overlong movie but did manage to enjoy a Tommy Lee Jones moment or two. Clint Eastwood directs this movie and it's questionable that he was the right choice. Dave suggest this movie has no impact but ultimately found it difficult to not be entertained by such charismatic cast.
2011's Cowboys and Aliens
September 04, 2023 11:56 - 1 hour - 111 MBWhat better way to spend Labor day than the most laborious watch we've had. Dave takes 2011's Cowboys and Aliens off the shelf and we mistakenly watched the extended cut. Phil finds the pace, performances and the score to be almost unbearable and even the easy going Dave has a hard time defending the talent involved for making such a drab film. The conversation is more lively and thankfully shorter than this movie.
1985's Pee-Wee's Big Adventure
August 28, 2023 12:54 - 1 hour - 125 MBAs Paul Reubans takes on the next adventure; the guys pay tribute as Phil takes 1985's Pee-Wee's Big Adventure. It's a pleasure to watch this collaboration with 3 distinct artists as Burton and Elfman lend their talents. Phil remembers connecting to the fantastic elements as a kid but finds a little more heart this time. Dave is introduced the to Pee-Wee character and feels the movie loses a little steam by the end but the character doesn't.
1995's Angus
August 21, 2023 12:30 - 1 hour - 127 MBBack to high school as Phil takes 1995's Angus off the shelf. Phil tells the story of his personal connection to the character and how this movie came to mean even more to him as he met more fans along the way. Dave finds this movie to be a real sweet movie with great characters and elevates the teen movie above the usual stuff. Appreciates the message and performances but does get a little jealous when Phil brings up the "first" Dave in his life.
1998's Deep Impact
August 14, 2023 12:32 - 1 hour - 136 MBIt's the end of the world again as Dave takes 1998's Deep impact off the shelf. Phil admits to never seeing it despite it being described as the "smart" Armageddon. To his surprise, he thought the movie offered something different and somewhat unique. As Phil sees it, Tea Leoni is the weakest link however Dave really connected to her family story and found her performance compelling. The movie tries to serve all characters well and ends up sagging a little under the weight but the story is ...
1979's Rocky II
August 08, 2023 00:12 - 1 hour - 125 MBIt's the rematch of the century as Phil takes 1979's Rocky 2 off his shelf. Phil is excited by the sequel that takes place immediately after the events of the first movie. Eager to spend more time with the lovable boxer but finds Adrian's ark to be less satisfying this time around. Dave finds more to like about the first movie after watching this one but did appreciate Carl Weathers performance and wanted less coma more Carl.
1976's Rocky
August 01, 2023 14:24 - 1 hour - 157 MBPhil delivers a knockout punch as he takes 1976's Rocky off the shelf. The boxing movie that cares less about boxing than the boxer himself. Phil still connects to the underdog story that believes in doing the distance while Dave struggles to connect to the main character and his love interest and daydreams of Bruce Willis. A stellar cast, great writing, and an incredible score make this the movie that turns the 70s away from anti-heroes and towards the stars. Still it remains a beautiful s...
1997's Event Horizon
July 24, 2023 22:57 - 1 hour - 98.2 MBPhil and Dave confront their fears as Dave takes 1997's Event Horizon off the shelf. The movie's reputation as being a great Sci-fi horror movie is questioned as Phil finally watches it for the first time. The potential is there and in a rare case, wishes it were a little longer to help the movie not feel so rushed. Dave enjoys some of the performances of the cast and their deaths. Some dated special effects don't help the movie but the core of it is worth a watch, arguably.
1950's Sunset Boulevard
July 17, 2023 11:53 - 1 hour - 124 MBThis week, the guys finally get the pool they always wanted as Phil takes 1950's Sunset Boulevard off the shelf. Long felt as being one or the best movies Phil had ever seen. He's happy how well it holds up. Dave continues to enjoy visiting another black and white film. The performances are perfect in a great story of desperation and obsession. A masterpiece in every way.
2005's The Island
July 10, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 120 MBSparks fly as Dave takes 2005's The Island off his shelf. The movie brings back fond memories of an aborted episode 3 years ago and this most recent look leaves Phil wishing he never won the lottery to visit this Island. Dave remembers fondly watching this movie the first few times but perhaps repeated viewings have left the movie stranded in a silo. Both agree what Michael Bay does well, is done well.
1998's Can't Hardly Wait
July 03, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 142 MBSchool is out for the summer as Phil takes 1998's Can't Hardly Wait off his shelf. Phil remembered enjoying this movie upon first watch and felt those memories rush over him when revisiting this one. It's such a fun watch and he wishes the writer/director team had more chances to make movies. Dave vaguely remembered seeing this before but certain scenes reminded him that he enjoyed it before and even more this time. The guys agree that this was a great time.
2010's Repo Men
June 26, 2023 11:56 - 1 hour - 112 MBIt's the end of June and Dave takes 2010's Repo Men off his shelf to discuss the father son relationship... nope, not this week. Though there is a father and a son in this movie, it is nowhere near the plot of this movie. Is this a satire, a comedy, a drama? Phil couldn't settle on what this movie wants to be and found the plot mechanics muddled and thin. Dave enjoyed the performances and found parts of it entertaining enough but thought it lost a little steam as the movie went on.
2003's Big Fish
June 19, 2023 11:29 - 1 hour - 138 MBHappy Father's day from Phil as he grabs 2003's Big Fish off the shelf this week. The last great Tim Burton movie, according to Phil, as it brings a new level of character depth to his usual flair for fantasy. Dave found this movie to a beautiful representation of art, story, and movie making itself. The guys don't understand why this movie was maligned upon release and isn't remembered as fondly as they do.
1997's Liar Liar
June 12, 2023 16:39 - 1 hour - 111 MBIt's another father favorite as Dave takes 1997's Liar Liar off his shelf. Phil has better memories of the company he shared the first time he watched it than anything he saw this time. Dave explains his love of Jim Carrey and his commitment to that brand of comedy. The guys don't believe his comedic energy matched the role and ends up being just a showcase for his talent. For better or for worse. Dave also learns the cold hard truth of Carl Yules.
2001's Frailty
June 05, 2023 13:04 - 1 hour - 134 MBWhat is the difference between innocent people and demons? The guys find out as Phil takes 2001's Frailty off his shelf. Returning to this movie after nearly 20 years, Phil has renewed excitement for this movie. Bill Paxton directs this movie and gets great performances from the children involved. Dave vaguely remembers seeing this many years ago but was caught up in the story regardless.
2011's The Town
May 29, 2023 10:11 - 1 hour - 142 MBBen is back as the boys discuss 2011's The Town. Dave beats Phil to the punch as he takes it off his shelf. Phil wants to like this movie more than he does as he sees much to like about it. Jeremy Renner in a star making performance and great camera work. Dave feels that the movie met his expectation but thought Renner was less than impressive but the cast overall delivered.
1981's Blow Out
May 22, 2023 10:10 - 1 hour - 107 MBThe sights and sounds of film get put front and center as Phil takes 1981's Blow Out off his shelf. The guys discuss their first Brian DePalma film. Phil has not seen this movie in over 10 years and marvels at the craft being presented. Dave found this movie to be a breezy watch despite its less than lovable set of characters. This 1981 movie may, in fact, be the last great 70s movie.
2019's Glass
May 15, 2023 20:02 - 1 hour - 75.7 MBDave cuts his hand when he takes 2019's Glass off his shelf. Phil nodded through this film in the theatre and discovered he didn't really miss much other than some neutering. Dave finds some things to like but can't deny this film is a letdown and senses a lack of effort doing the small things. Ultimately a swing and foul ball off the mesh.
1999's Magnolia
May 08, 2023 19:29 - 2 hours - 226 MBWell, this is a big one as Phil takes 1999's Magnolia of of his shelf. He discusses his excitement to see this movie in the theatre the first time and how after 3 more viewings Phil chose to share it with his family. Dave finds the scope of the film to be compelling but wishes he could spend more time with some characters and less with others. We discuss the themes of fathers and sons, regrets and family secret of this special episode.
1993's The Fugitive
May 01, 2023 12:43 - 1 hour - 136 MBDave searches every gas station, residence, warehouse, farmhouse, henhouse, outhouse and doghouse and found 1993's The Fugitive. Phil remembers watching this movie dozens of times when younger and finds it just as compelling today. Dave continues to enjoy the work of Tommy Lee Jones and Harrison Ford and shares that this movie is a comfort movie favorite of his.
1985's Runaway Train
April 24, 2023 11:08 - 1 hour - 123 MBThis train thing is out of control as Phil takes 1985's Runaway Train off the shelf. Phil has memories of loving this movie as a child and connecting to the characters and beautiful cinematography. Dave enjoys the performances of the three leads and found it compelling despite some potential "Francis" candidates.
1990's Narrow Margin
April 18, 2023 00:07 - 1 hour - 114 MBDave continues to ride the rails as he takes 1990's Narrow Margin off the shelf. The return of Gene Hackman and Anne Archer to the show who provide some good performances within a somewhat banal "thriller." Phil loves the rare combo of J.T and M. Emmett Walsh in the same movie but finds the movie never lives up to its first 15 minutes. Dave continues to connect to this movie even though he admits that the threat presented by the "bad guys" is anti climactic. Let us know your thoughts.