A movie about grown ups, who go to work and solve crimes, in shorts.

We know pants are important to you. You probably wonder, “how are these movie detectives constantly running around in full length pants??” That’s why this week’s episode is about 1993’s Striking Distance with Bruce Willis and Sarah Jessica Parker. They opted for short pants, because we can all make decisions.

Quick question: Is there a distance left to strike? Play along with our drinking games, important questions, and insightful tips on how to have a conversation in the middle of a car chase. This movie is a who’s who of “hard boiled” male actors chewing the scenery. Secure the stern line and get ready for a movie where MOST of the people seem to be enjoying themselves, minus Bruce Willis. Probably because of the shorts? Probably because of the shorts.

(If you've read this far, you should know that we determined there was no distance left to strike.)

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Stop it. This is a Great GREAT Movie.

Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt's essentially perfect dynamic is the heart of this incredible summer-kablooie movie. This isn't a bad movie podcast, it's a great movie podcast, but... That said... Sometimes those great movies have Jean-Claude Van Damme in them. In this case, Joe and Greg don't even pretend this movie has badness in it... They were too busy holding their breath and enjoying Doug Liman's classic film, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this summer.

The film’s genius lies in its ability to mix high-stakes action with genuine humor. Just when you think you’re watching a serious war movie, Cruise’s comedic timing kicks in, turning imminent death into a punchline. It’s a blend of Groundhog Day and Starship Troopers, but, you know... Super good.

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A chef’s kiss homage to Die Hard and we are all better for it.

The freeway wasn’t finished, so they jumped the bus. The subway track wasn’t finished, so they jumped the track. The script WAS finished, but they threw out the first act. There are 100 more reasons why this is basically a perfect film, and Greg and Joe list them all.

Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock begin their amazing chemistry that continues through their careers, Dennis Hopper is a great bad guy (or not, according to Greg), sunsets somehow happen inside an elevator, glorious descriptions of explosions… This is basically just a lovefest for one of the greatest “Die Hard in a…” movies ever.

(Meta drinking game, take a sip every time Joe says “spectacular” or Greg discusses helicopters.)

There will be a pop quiz at the end of the episode so start studying.

#speed #keanureeves #sandrabullock #bombonabus #diehardina #spectacular #helicopter

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If this movie isn't perfect, it's definitely perfect-adjacent...

In this episode, Joe controversially asserts that Extraction might not be a Great Bad Movie®, but rather a Great Great Movie. His evidence is almost irrefutable: Over the top action scenes, Chris Hemsworth fighting for redemption against faceless hordes of bad guys, guns that go “thwonk”... If this movie isn't perfect, it is definitely perfect-adjacent.

Along the way the discussion covers the new breed of action directors who started as stuntmen, enemies becoming allies, friends becoming enemies, and references to the “Goonies from hell” which is just as current a reference as you thought.

In honor of the single shot action scene in Extraction, Greg and Joe also recorded this episode in a single take. You’re welcome.

As always important questions are answered, drinking games created, and the back of the box is, um... Boxed, I guess?

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Joe and Greg are not surprised to discover that this movie was made specifically for them. Liam Neeson is a retired CIA agent with a very particular set of skills, including the ability to track down bad guys in minutes, no matter where they are on the planet.

An incredible actor + relentless action + over-the-top absurdity = a classic Great Bad Movie. It's basically a fast food meal: Greasy, messy, and embarassing. But because of Neeson's talent and its short runtime, it's basically perfect. But do yourself a favor... Don't pause it and try to explain the plot to someone. You will probably lose their respect forever.

Also: Drinking Games, Important Questions, Joe’s Back of the Box, and more.

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The Long Kiss Goodnight is a high point in the mid 90's rough waters. Geena Davis, Samuel L. Jackson, Renny Harlin, and Shane Black all find amazing ways to shine, while also subverting Hollywood's tropes. They are mostly successful.

Listen, is there a helicopter out of nowhere? YES. Does it cut to the White House out of nowhere? YES. Does it make literal sense throughout? No. But 2 out of 3 isn't bad.

Also: Drinking Games, "Signs you might be a Great Bad movie if...", Important Questions, Joe’s Back of the Box, and more.

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Have you ever wished a sequel to Mission:Impossible could also be a sequel to Face/Off? Well... We have some really good news for you. Just because this is the worst movie in the Mission:Impossible series, it's still incredible. If this is rock bottom, this franchise might have the highest floor in history.

To celebrate M:I-2's 24th anniversary (almost to the day!), Greg and Joe discover the secret to fully enjoying this movie (it might involve skipping the first half,) sneak in some Brian De Palma talk, and figure out the definitive ways to fix this (already amazing) movie.

Also: Drinking Games, Important Questions, Joe’s Back of the Box, and more.

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