Share

Real Reel Talk
The Allure of Bad Movies w/ Dave from Couch Critics
summary
In this episode of Real Real Talk, hosts Josh Bell and Dave dive into their top 10 lists of movies that are so bad they're good. They explore the subjective nature of these lists, share personal anecdotes, and discuss the charm and nostalgia associated with these films. The conversation touches on various genres, including heist movies and cult classics, while emphasizing the humor and campiness that make these films enjoyable. The hosts reflect on the influence of 80s cinema and the evolution of comedy in film, ultimately celebrating the unique legacy of low-budget and poorly received movies. In this engaging conversation, Josh Bell and Dave explore the world of cult classics and so-bad-they're-good movies. They delve into the charm and humor found in films like 'Death Race 2000', 'Troll 2', and 'Cannibal the Musical', discussing how these movies have garnered a dedicated following despite their flaws. The duo shares personal favorites, nostalgic memories, and audience recommendations, highlighting the impact of these films on pop culture and their significance in the realm of comedy. The discussion also touches on the evolution of parody and satire in cinema, culminating in a lively exchange of honorable mentions and listener favorites.
takeaways
- Nothing draws a crowd like a crowd.
- These lists can go anywhere, from movies to soundtracks.
- Personal lists are subjective and can change over time.
- The charm of over-the-top movies lies in their absurdity.
- Nostalgia plays a significant role in our enjoyment of films.
- Humor is a key element in appreciating bad movies.
- The 80s cinema had a unique style that resonates today.
- Heist movies can be both entertaining and poorly executed.
- Cult classics often have a lasting impact on pop culture.
- Low-budget films can lead to unexpected comedic gems. Cult classics often highlight the absurdity of societal norms.
- The charm of bad movies lies in their unintentional humor.
- Nostalgia plays a significant role in our movie preferences.
- Parody films can serve as a critique of their genres.
- Iconic bad films have shaped the landscape of comedy.
- Audience engagement enhances the appreciation of cult films.
- The evolution of comedy reflects changing cultural values.
- Bad movies can foster a sense of community among fans.
- Honorable mentions often reveal hidden gems in cinema.
- Understanding the context of a film can enhance enjoyment.
Sound Bites
- "These lists can go anywhere."
- "These are personal lists."
- "This is a very personal list."
Chapters
00:00
Introduction to the Series
02:02
The Concept of 'So Bad It's Good' Movies
03:55
Top 10 Lists: Personal Picks and Subjectivity
05:52
Exploring the First Picks: Over the Top and Wicker Man
08:54
Bugsy Malone and Miami Connection: A Dive into Camp
11:54
Mack and Me: Product Placement and Absurdity
14:55
Showgirls: Camp and Controversy
17:53
Beerfest: Embracing the Absurd
20:56
Tank Girl: A Cult Classic Revisited
23:52
Orgasmo: Trey Parker and Matt Stone's Humor
27:08
The Humor of Orgasmo
29:54
Trapped in Paradise: A Heist Gone Wrong
33:55
The 80s BMX Classic: Rad
38:52
The Room: A Cult Classic
45:47
Troll 2: The Best Worst Movie
50:39
Strange Brew: A Canadian Comedy Classic
54:31
Nostalgic Movie Memories
56:53
Exploring Cult Classics
01:00:31
The Appeal of So Bad It's Good
01:02:28
Honorable Mentions and Personal Favorites
01:10:36
Audience Engagement and Social Media Responses
Real Reel Talk is your weekly home for unfiltered deep dives into the world of film. Hosts Josh breaks it all down — from fresh releases to old-school favorites — with sharp insight, real opinions, and sharp trivia. Whether you're into Oscar bait, popcorn flicks, or everything in between, this is your go-to stop for real talk about reel stuff.
Follow and join the conversation with Dave and Josh on social media!
- Twitter / X: @RealReelTalkPod
- Instagram: @RealReelTalk
- Threads: @RealReelTalk
- YouTube: @RealReelTalk
Subscribe to Real Reel Talk on your favorite podcast platform and never miss an episode!
More episodes
View all episodes

The Architect of Hollywood's Dreams: Louis B. Mayer
18:50|This episode delves into the life and legacy of Louis B. Mayer, the influential figure behind MGM and the architect of Hollywood's studio system. It explores his rise from humble beginnings to becoming a powerful mogul, the control he exerted over stars, and the darker aspects of the industry he helped create. The conversation highlights the manipulation, abuse, and the lasting impact of Mayer's practices on Hollywood and its cultureJudy Garland, Me and My Shadows Neal Gabler, An Empire of Their Own: How the Jews Invented Hollywood BBC, “Louis B. Mayer: The Man Who Invented Hollywood”: https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20191014-louis-b-mayer-the-man-who-invented-hollywood Vanity Fair, “Judy Garland and the Dark Side of the Rainbow”: https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2011/02/judy-garland-201102 The Guardian, “Hollywood’s Original Kingmaker: The Rise and Fall of Louis B. Mayer”: https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/dec/07/louis-b-mayer-mgm-hollywood-history PBS, “MGM: When the Lion Roared”: https://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/mgm-when-the-lion-roared-about-the-mgm-studios/651/ Turner Classic Movies, “Louis B. Mayer Biography”: https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/124553%7C102899/Louis-B-Mayer#biography.
Behind the Curtain: Kevin Spacey's Dark Legacy
16:11|In this episode of Real Real Talk, host Josh delves into the tumultuous career of Kevin Spacey, exploring his rise to fame and the subsequent allegations of sexual misconduct that led to his downfall. Spacey, once a celebrated actor and power broker in Hollywood, became a cautionary tale as the industry grappled with the consequences of silence and complicity. The episode highlights how Spacey's charm and talent masked decades of alleged abuse, ultimately forcing Hollywood to confront its own failures in protecting vulnerable individuals within the industry. Through a detailed timeline of events, Josh examines the cultural shift brought about by the Me Too movement and the ongoing repercussions for Spacey and his accusers.BuzzFeed News, “Anthony Rapp: Kevin Spacey Made A Sexual Advance Toward Me When I Was 14”: https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/adambvary/anthony-rapp-kevin-spacey-sexual-advance-child-actor The Guardian, “Timeline: The Allegations Against Kevin Spacey”: https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/nov/03/kevin-spacey-allegations-timeline BBC News, “Kevin Spacey: What Are the Allegations?”: https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-41819408 NPR, “Kevin Spacey Sexual Misconduct Allegations: A Complete List”: https://www.npr.org/2018/09/24/651877590/kevin-spacey-sexual-misconduct-allegations-a-complete-list Variety, “How ‘All the Money in the World’ Reshot Its Scenes Without Kevin Spacey”: https://variety.com/2017/film/news/all-the-money-in-the-world-christopher-plummer-kevin-spacey-1202624965/ Old Vic Theatre, “Report on Allegations Against Kevin Spacey”: https://cdn.oldvictheatre.com/uploads/2017/11/The-Old-Vic-Announces-Conclusion-Of-Its-Consultation-Process.pdf
Art, Crime, and the Hollywood Enigma: Roman Polanski
16:02|In this episode of Real Real Talk, host Josh delves into the complex and controversial life of Roman Polanski, a renowned director whose legacy is marred by a history of criminal conviction and allegations of sexual misconduct. The discussion begins with an overview of Polanski's early life, marked by trauma from the Holocaust, and his rise to fame in Hollywood with iconic films like "Rosemary's Baby" and "Chinatown." However, the narrative quickly shifts to the darker aspects of his life, particularly the 1977 sexual assault case involving a 13-year-old girl, which led to his flight from the United States and subsequent status as a fugitive. Josh explores the industry's complicity in enabling Polanski's continued success despite his criminal past, highlighting the ongoing debate over the separation of art from the artist.As the episode progresses, Josh examines the cultural implications of Polanski's story, discussing how it serves as a Rorschach test for society's views on talent, trauma, and accountability. The conversation touches on the reactions of the film industry, the media's relentless coverage of Polanski's case, and the voices of survivors who have sought to reclaim their narratives. Ultimately, the episode serves as a cautionary tale about the power dynamics within Hollywood and the need for accountability, emphasizing that genius should never excuse harm.Samantha Geimer’s memoir, The Girl: A Life in the Shadow of Roman Polanski BBC News, “Roman Polanski: Timeline of the director’s legal troubles”: https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-29549338 The Guardian, “Roman Polanski: Timeline of a fugitive”: https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/oct/30/roman-polanski-timeline-sexual-abuse-allegations The New York Times, “Polanski’s Victim Asks Court to Drop Case”: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/09/arts/roman-polanski-victim.html NPR, “Roman Polanski’s Long Exile”: https://www.npr.org/2017/10/01/554794821/roman-polanskis-long-exile Variety, “Roman Polanski’s Films and Controversies”: https://variety.com/2019/film/features/roman-polanski-films-controversies-1203342977/
The Harvey Weinstein Reckoning
15:24|In this episode of RealRealTalk, host delves into the dark legacy of Harvey Weinstein, a figure who epitomized the toxic power dynamics in Hollywood. Weinstein's reign was marked by fear, intimidation, and a systematic pattern of sexual abuse that persisted for decades, shielded by the industry's complicity. Bell outlines how Weinstein's influence allowed him to manipulate and coerce women, creating an environment where silence was the norm. The episode serves as the launch of a series titled "Problematic Hollywood Players," aiming to expose the underlying structures that enabled such predatory behavior in the film industry.The conversation highlights the pivotal moment in October 2017 when investigative journalism by the New York Times and the New Yorker brought Weinstein's actions to light, leading to a cultural reckoning that sparked the Me Too movement. Bell emphasizes the importance of understanding the systemic issues that allowed Weinstein to operate unchecked for so long, including the role of non-disclosure agreements and the industry's prioritization of prestige over safety. The episode concludes with a call for structural reforms to ensure accountability and protect future generations from similar abuses.NYT: “Harvey Weinstein Paid Off Sexual Harassment Accusers for Decades” — https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/05/us/harvey-weinstein-harassment-allegations.htmlThe New Yorker: “Harvey Weinstein’s Accusers Tell Their Stories” — https://www.newyorker.com/culture/cultural-comment/harvey-weinsteins-accusers-tell-their-storiesNYT: “Harvey Weinstein Is Convicted of Rape” — https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/24/nyregion/harvey-weinstein-verdict.htmlBBC Timeline: “Harvey Weinstein: Timeline of Allegations and Court Cases” — https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-41594668Variety: “How Harvey Weinstein Used the Power of His Studio to Help Hide Allegations” — https://variety.com/2017/film/news/harvey-weinstein-studio-power-sexual-harassment-1202595251/AP: “Harvey Weinstein sentenced to 23 years in prison” — https://apnews.com/article/harvey-weinstein-sentenced-23-years-prison-9769f1b52dfc3e2d7f1d3c5f3f1d3e1aThe Guardian: “Harvey Weinstein: the rise and fall of a Hollywood mogul” — https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/oct/10/harvey-weinstein-the-rise-and-fall-of-a-hollywood-mogulNPR: “Weinstein Case Prompts Reexamination Of How Powerful Men Are Held To Account” — https://www.npr.org/2017/10/16/558212610/weinstein-case-prompts-reexamination-of-how-powerful-men-are-held-to-accountHuman Rights Watch: “Beyond #MeToo: A Guide to Sexual Harassment in the U.S. Workplace” — https://www.hrw.org/report/2018/06/25/beyond-metoo/guide-sexual-harassment-us-workplace
Problematic Hollywood Players
12:13|Host Josh Bell launches a provocative new series, "Problematic Hollywood Players," that pulls back the curtain on Hollywood’s history of power, prestige, and predation. Across 12 episodes, Josh examines the careers and controversies of influential figures—starting with Harvey Weinstein and moving to Roman Polanski, Kevin Spacey, and others—to reveal how fame, money, and secrecy enabled patterns of abuse and shaped film history.This episode introduces the series’ mission: not gossip or cancel culture, but rigorous storytelling about systemic exploitation. Expect investigative reporting, survivor voices, and clear-eyed conversations about NDAs, studio cover-ups, and the institutional norms that protected predators for decades. If you love cinema and want to understand the full story behind the films, this series is essential listening.Why listenLearn how Hollywood’s power structures can enable predatory behavior.Hear survivor-centered reporting that prioritizes accountability and context.Gain a deeper appreciation for the ethical questions behind celebrated films.Key takeaways“Hollywood is not just magic. It is a machine.”“If we love film, we should be willing to see it all.”This series is about accountability, awareness, and changing industry norms.SEO keywords Hollywood, film industry, abuse, accountability, problematic players, movie history, predatory behavior, film controversies, Josh Bell, Real Reel TalkNotable sound bites“Hollywood is not just magic. It is a machine.”“If we love film, we should be willing to see it all.”“This series is about accountability and awareness.”Listen now for an unflinching look at the stories behind the red carpet—and subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming deep dives into cinema’s most controversial figures.
Remembering Reiner: When Harry Met Sally
38:00|This episode dives deep into the iconic romantic comedy 'When Harry Met Sally,' exploring its plot, characters, themes, and cultural impact. Host Josh discusses the film's sharp dialogue, the chemistry between the leads, and how it redefined the rom-com genre. The conversation also touches on the film's cinematography, direction, and lasting legacy in modern cinema.
Top Ten Kills in Halloween Kills
57:14|In this episode of Real Real Talk, host Josh welcomes Brandon from the Terrific Podcast to discuss the horror genre, particularly focusing on the film 'Halloween Kills.' They explore Brandon's journey as a horror fan, the thematic elements of horror films, and rank the top 10 kills from 'Halloween Kills.' The conversation delves into the intricacies of the Halloween franchise, the impact of character development, and the significance of kills in horror storytelling. The episode wraps up with insights into Brandon's podcast and future plans.
Phantom of the Paradise
01:20:10|Phantom of the Paradise is a unique blend of rock opera, horror, and satire directed by Brian De Palma. The film explores themes of exploitation and ambition within the music industry, featuring memorable performances and a catchy score by Paul Williams. Its chaotic visual style and deep thematic content have contributed to its status as a cult classic, particularly within the LGBTQ community and among cinephiles. The film's legacy continues to grow, influencing generations of artists and filmmakers.Phantom of the Paradise, Brian De Palma, rock opera, cult classic, music industry satire, Faust, glam rock, exploitation, camp, horror comedy
C.H.U.D. II: Bud the CHUD
25:16|In this episode of RealRealTalk, Josh dives deep into the cult classic Chud 2: Bud the Chud, exploring its absurdity, humor, and unique charm. He discusses the film's transition from horror to comedy, the standout performances, particularly by Garrett Graham, and the practical effects that define its cult status. The conversation covers the film's plot, character dynamics, and the overall legacy of this late 80s gem, emphasizing its appeal to fans of campy creature features.