Bring Your Own Blockbuster

Jack and Ben dive into Saoirse Ronan's latest film 'The Outrun' a powerful film based on the memoirs of Amy Liptrot who detailed her issues with alcoholism and the mental health struggles of her family.

In this special episode, Jack chats with writer James Hamilton about his latest project, Murder for Dummies, a six-part comedy-horror series that’s as scary as it is hilarious.James shares the journey of bringing this crowdfunded show to life, now available to watch for free on YouTube. Together, they explore the creative process, the unique challenges of writing for yourself versus working with big players like Netflix (where James has worked previously), and what it takes to make people laugh while scaring the wits out of them.Tune in for an insightful conversation and a few behind-the-scenes secrets. And don’t forget to check out Murder for Dummies on YouTube or visit murderfordummies.com!

We've all got busy lives right?! So... when you're choosing what to do with your rare bit of 'me time' you want to make sure you get it right. That's why Ben and Jack are here to help you make the right choice for your trip to the cinema this week. With that in mind... should you part with your hard earned cash to go out and see 'A Different Man' at the cinema this week?Starring Sebastian Stan as Edward a man suffering from neuro-firbo-matosis who struggles with day to day life and to build meaningful connections with other people who's life is turned upside down by a the introduction of Ingrid (Renate Reinsve) who moves in next door and a new experimental treatment that could potentially 'Fix' things in his life.Some incredibly interesting themes in this one - but is it a wait for Netflix or run down to the local cinema film? Get stuck in with the lads and find out.

Is The Exorcist still a spine-chiller in 2024? Hosts Jack and Ben dive into this iconic horror classic to see if it retains its scare factor decades after its release. Join them as they explore the film’s themes, asking whether faith holds relevance in today’s society. They’ll also unpack the film’s groundbreaking practical effects that made it unforgettable—and a societal phenomenon that was banned in the UK until 1999! To cap it off, they dig into the creepy on-set incidents that added to its infamous reputation. Join us for this episode and stick around for more horror film deep-dives this Spooky SZN!

Welcome... TO BRING YOUR OWN BLOCKBUSTER *T REX ROARS*. But seriously, welcome to the pod... it's Jurassic Park week!There are so many reasons to love this film and we get into all of them. For starters... what a cast. Unbelievable talent on show here. A shirtless Goldblum, Richard 'Santa' Attenborough, Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Sammy L Jackson and Wayne Knight. Once again us practical effects neeks get the joy of seeing how Spielberg made the dinosaurs alongside his masterful direction.We get some of the most iconic scenes of all time: In the kitchen, the T Rex enclosure, the hacking scene by Dennis Nedry, 'Clever Girl', the Brachiosaurus encounter amongst many others.But above all... John Williams' score. What a piece of genuine genius and artistry. It's almost god like.Enjoy it! More to come this week...

Oh hello there! Welcome back to BYOB Pod. Time to delve into an absolute monster of a film as we go undercover and take on 'The Departed'.Two films to give you the scoop on this week before we get into that though! Firstly...A big thank you to Paramount for having us at the premiere of Transformers One! What an incredible experience, and a really fun film as well. Beautiful animation and an absolute throwback - Ben and Jack get stuck into the Then... the absolute chaos that is 'The Substance'. We really don't know how on earth you explain this other than, get to the cinema to go and watch it. It's an experience...Right then, the main event. 'The Departed'. It's undeniably in the Ironside Klaxon bracket. Oh the cast? Scorsese, Di Caprio, Nicholson, Wahlberg, Damon. BOSH. Up for discussion: is this the greatest twist ending of all time? What is the message at the heart of the film? And what on earth is that American accent Ray Winstone?! An all timer of a soundtrack and some outrageously good performances to choose from for MVP. 300m at the box office nearly 20 years ago is not too shabby either! Enjoy the pod... Homework wise... we're looking at a bit of a belter next week.. Jurassic Park! (Da da- Da da - Da da da da da da da)

This week, Jack and Ben head back to the swamp to revisit Shrek (2001), the animated classic that changed fairy tales forever. They’ll explore the film’s core message - we’re all a bit weird, full of flaws, but finding people who love us for who we are is what really matters.The episode kicks off with a review of James McAvoy’s latest thriller Speak No Evil, touching on similar themes of acceptance in a very different way.Why was Shrek such a massive hit? From its iconic cast and soundtrack (All Star, anyone?) to its clever pop culture references like Star Wars, The Matrix, and WWE, Jack and Ben break it all down. They’ll also discuss whether Shrek was DreamWorks’ cheeky dig at Disney, and the rivalry between Jeffrey Katzenberg and Michael Eisner.So, grab the jumbo popcorn and join us for a fun, nostalgic chat about one of the most beloved films of our (Ben's) childhood!

In this episode of BYOB, hosts Jack and Ben dive into the surreal world of Tim Burton's Beetlejuice (1988) to see how this cult classic holds up in 2024. With its bizarre blend of dark comedy and quirky horror, Beetlejuice isn't easy to fit into a particular genre. How well does it weigh itself between zaniness and genuine storytelling?Jack and Ben explore the eccentric mind of Tim Burton, how do you even begin to understand his imagination? Ben shares his personal struggle with Burton’s offbeat style. They also discuss how platforms like TikTok have reignited a whole new wave of Beetlejuice fandom, especially around Halloween, with its timeless appeal for goth culture and nostalgia for quirky 90s characters.With a spotlight on Michael Keaton’s unforgettable portrayal. Is he more Batman or Beetlejuice? We reflect on the film’s early visual effects and how they’ve aged, alongside its deep connection to the goth culture of the 80s and 90s, with nods to every grunger's favourite place, Camden.From the film’s slow-burn success to its latest revival, Jack and Ben take you on a nostalgic journey that celebrates the beautifully bizarre world of Beetlejuice.