Share

cover art for Top 10 Comfort Films w/ Agent Palmer

Real Reel Talk

Top 10 Comfort Films w/ Agent Palmer

In this episode of RealRealTalk, host Josh Bell and guest Agent Palmer dive into the world of comfort movies, exploring what defines a comfort film and sharing their personal top 10 lists. They discuss the nostalgia and emotional connections that these films evoke, as well as the impact of syndication on their viewing habits. The conversation highlights the joy of revisiting beloved films and the unique experiences that come with them. In this engaging conversation, Josh Bell and Agent Palmer explore the communal experience of film and podcasting, discussing the importance of community in film discovery, navigating spoilers, and the concept of guilty pleasures in cinema. They delve into nostalgic favorites like 'Jurassic Park', 'The Princess Bride', and 'Dazed and Confused', while also examining the absurdity of films like 'Demolition Man' and 'The Fifth Element'. The discussion highlights how these films resonate with their personal experiences and the impact of nostalgia on their enjoyment of cinema. In this engaging conversation, Agent Palmer and Josh Bell explore their favorite comfort films, highlighting the works of Michael Crichton, the nostalgic charm of 'Twister', the timeless appeal of 'Back to the Future', and the underrated brilliance of 'Real Genius'. They delve into the significance of nostalgia in film, the importance of positivity in film critique, and the personal connections that these movies foster. The discussion emphasizes the subjective nature of art and the joy of sharing differing opinions in the film community.


takeaways

  • Comfort films evoke nostalgia and emotional connections.
  • Syndication plays a significant role in defining comfort movies.
  • Personal definitions of comfort films can evolve over time.
  • The joy of revisiting beloved films is universal.
  • Not all comfort films are critically acclaimed, but they hold personal significance.
  • The conversation about comfort movies can lead to deeper discussions about film culture.
  • Soundtracks often enhance the comfort film experience.
  • Comfort films can be a reflection of one's childhood and upbringing.
  • The impact of streaming services on the availability of comfort films is notable.
  • Sharing comfort films can create connections between people. The communal aspect of film enhances the viewing experience.
  • Spoilers can significantly affect how we engage with films.
  • Community plays a crucial role in discovering new films.
  • Guilty pleasures should not be stigmatized; enjoyment is key.
  • Nostalgia can enhance our appreciation for older films and commercials.
  • The portrayal of the future in films often reflects societal hopes and fears.
  • Comfort movies provide solace during tough times.
  • The impact of childhood classics shapes our cinematic preferences.
  • Absurdity in films can create memorable and enjoyable experiences.
  • Nostalgic films often serve as time capsules of our youth. Michael Crichton is a prolific storyteller across multiple mediums.
  • 'Twister' is a quintessential Gen X film that resonates with personal experiences.
  • 'Back to the Future' combines nostalgia with heartfelt storytelling.
  • 'Real Genius' is an underrated comedy that showcases clever writing.
  • The Goonies represents the ultimate childhood adventure and camaraderie.
  • Nostalgia plays a significant role in how we perceive films.
  • Comparison can detract from the enjoyment of films.
  • Positivity in film critique fosters a healthier community.
  • Art is subjective, and differing opinions should be celebrated.
  • Every film has its audience, and it's important to respect that.


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.


Find Us Online:


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.