Today we dive into Dallas Buyers Club, a film that took nearly 20 years to get made, changed the trajectory of Matthew McConaughey’s career, and gave Jared Leto one of the most transformative roles of his life.

Joining us is Dr. Ben—orthopedic surgeon by day, comedian by night, and now a regular at Zanies Nashville. He brings both medical perspective and sharp comedic timing to the table, making this one of our most unique breakdowns yet.

We cover the brutal realities of AIDS in the 1980s, the insane lengths McConaughey and Leto went to transform their bodies, how the film almost fell apart days before production, and why director Jean-Marc Vallée’s handheld style made the movie feel more like a documentary than a drama. Plus, we get into the McConaissance, Hollywood’s obsession with body transformations, and whether True Detective or Dallas Buyers Club was McConaughey’s best performance.

• 00:00 – Welcome & intro to Dr. Ben (surgeon + comedian)
• 05:40 – The 20-year battle to get Dallas Buyers Club made
• 07:30 – McConaughey’s career pivot & the birth of the McConaissance
• 09:00 – Losing funding mid-shoot & how they saved the fil
• 11:00 – Jared Leto’s Rayon & breaking barriers for trans representation
• 13:20 – Jean-Marc Vallée’s documentary-style realism
• 14:50 – Extreme body transformations: McConaughey vs. Leto
• 17:40 – Christian Bale comparisons & medical risks of yo-yo acting
• 22:00 – The McConaughey debate: True Detective vs. Dallas Buyers Club
• 25:30 – Early McConaughey roles (Angels in the Outfield, Texas Chainsaw Massacre)
• 28:00 – Legacy of the film & its Oscar wins

• Dallas Buyers Club was rejected over 100 times before finally being made on a shoestring $5M budget. It went on to gross $55M and win 3 Oscars.
• McConaughey lost nearly 60 pounds and Leto about 40 pounds, pushing their bodies to dangerous extremes for authenticity.
• Jared Leto’s role as Rayon broke ground for serious representation of trans characters in film, shifting away from decades of ridicule or parody.
• Director Jean-Marc Vallée shot with natural light and handheld cameras, giving the film its raw, documentary feel.
• The “McConaissance” began here—McConaughey turned down $20M+ rom-com offers to reinvent himself as a serious actor.
• The makeup team famously pulled off their Oscar-winning work with a $250 budget

Today on Movie Wars, we dig into the cult classic that every ’80s kid swears by—The Goonies. Executive chef and stand-up comedian Matt West joins us, bringing his unique mix of behind-the-scenes kitchen chaos and sharp comedy chops to one of the most divisive nostalgia bombs in movie history.

We get real about whether The Goonies is a timeless adventure film or just a messy pile of pirate tropes, bad ADR, and awkward kid humor. From the infamous Truffle Shuffle and questionable shower scene, to Spielberg’s heavy hand behind the camera and Richard Donner’s chaotic direction, we pull no punches. Is it actually a great kids-ensemble like Stand By Me and Sandlot—or just a movie propped up by fond VHS memories?

Expect plenty of hot takes: we debate the best child casts ever, the dark truth about child actors in Hollywood, and whether the movie’s problematic humor makes it tough to revisit today. Plus, Matt riffs on food allergies, why Sloth might secretly be a commentary on the American healthcare system, and why sequels would’ve destroyed the original’s mythos.

And of course, we load up the “Randos” with wild behind-the-scenes trivia (did you know Chunk filmed the Truffle Shuffle with chickenpox?) and close it all out with the War Card to decide once and for all if The Goonies holds up—or if it’s just pure nostalgia bait.

🎧 Strap in, hit play, and maybe do the Truffle Shuffle on your way to hitting that subscribe button.

Show Notes:

• 🎬 Honest rewatch of The Goonies with Matt West—expect hot takes and unpopular opinions
• 👦 Child ensemble face-off: The Goonies vs. Sandlot, Stand By Me, Stranger Things, and more
• 🚨 Problematic humor + child actor exploitation: what hasn’t aged well in ’80s kid movies
• 🤡 Food, comedy, and chaos—Matt West breaks down the overlap between cooking and stand-up
• 💡 Behind-the-scenes trivia: Spielberg’s influence, Richard Donner’s direction style, and Chunk’s chickenpox
• ⚖️ Final verdict: Does The Goonies hold up, or is it running on nostalgia fumes?

This week on Movie Wars, we’re serving up Jon Favreau’s 2014 foodie classic Chef—with a twist. Joining us is Nashville comedian and executive chef Matt West, who brings both laughs and firsthand insight from the kitchen trenches.

We dig into why Chef feels like one of the most authentic portrayals of the culinary world, from the tension between chefs and restaurant owners to the soul-crushing weight of critics. Matt breaks down how fine dining can be overrated, why Michelin stars are a “pay-to-play” game, and what the movie gets right (and wrong) about life behind the line.

Beyond the food, we explore how Chef doubles as a time capsule of 2014—when Twitter still had cultural power, food critics were kings, and social media could make or break careers. Favreau’s decision to cook every dish on screen, guided by Roy Choi, adds to the film’s authenticity and passion. And yes, we debate whether Favreau’s grilled cheese montage is the most erotic food scene ever filmed.

Takeaways from this episode:

• Why Chef might beat The Bear as the most realistic kitchen story
• The truth about Michelin stars, fine dining pretension, and accessibility in food.
• How food critics lost power as influencers took over.
• Jon Favreau’s personal connection to the story and why it was his post-MCU passion project.
• The most mouthwatering (and ridiculous) food scenes that still stick with us.

So grab a Cubano, feed your grandma, and join us for one of our most flavorful debates yet.The discourse navigates the intricate interplay between technological advancement and societal transformation, emphasizing the duality of progress and its repercussions. A thorough examination of historical precedents reveals that each significant leap in technology has invariably precipitated profound shifts in societal structures and cultural paradigms. We engage in a meticulous analysis of contemporary innovations, scrutinizing their potential to reshape not only economic landscapes but also the very fabric of interpersonal relationships. The discussion culminates in a contemplative consideration of ethical responsibilities that accompany such advancements, urging a collective introspection on the moral implications of our relentless pursuit of progress.

Takeaways:

• In this episode, we discussed the profound implications of technological advancements on society.
• Our conversation highlighted the necessity of adapting to rapid changes in our environment.
• We explored the intricate relationship between innovation and ethical considerations in modern practices.
• Listeners were encouraged to critically assess the impact of their choices on future generations.

Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing isn’t just a movie — it’s a heatwave of tension, morality, and explosive conflict set in a single Brooklyn neighborhood on the hottest day of the summer. In this episode, guest host Paula Kosienski joins us to break down why this 1989 classic still hits hard today. We dig into the moral dilemmas at the heart of the story, the layered character relationships, and how the sweltering heat becomes its own character, pushing everyone toward the boiling point. Along the way, we unpack Spike Lee’s bold visual style, his use of color and camera work, and how this film forces you to ask: when the pressure’s on, what is the right thing?

What We Cover in This Episode

• How Do the Right Thing tackles race, identity, and community tensions in America
• The way Spike Lee uses heat — both literally and symbolically — to build tension
• Paula Kosienski's comedic but insightful take on the film’s serious themes
• The cinematic techniques (color, camera angles, pacing) that make this film unforgettable
• Why the questions this movie asks in 1989 are still relevant in today’s conversations on race and social justice

Key Takeaways

• Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing is a timeless exploration of race, morality, and the ripple effects of choice.
• Heat is more than weather here — it’s the accelerant for every conflict.
• Cinematography, set design, and color use aren’t just aesthetic choices — they’re part of the storytelling.
• Your perspective on this film will be shaped by your own experiences, and that’s exactly the point.

🎙️ The Sandlot: Childhood Legends, Helicopter Parents & The Vomit-Covered Comedy Special

Is The Sandlot still a perfect family film—or just a nostalgic relic? In this episode, Kyle and Seth are joined by hilarious guest Paula Kosinski (Dry Bar Comedy) for a deep dive into the backyard baseball classic that defined a generation.

CHECK OUT PAULA'S SHOWCASE on Nate Bargatze's Nateland showcase.

We relive the freedom of 90s latchkey kids, the magic of Benny “The Jet” Rodriguez, and whether childhood really was better before smartphones and supervision. Paula opens with an unforgettable story about throwing up before her comedy special—and somehow, it all connects.

This episode unpacks why The Sandlot still works, how it walks a fine line between kid movie and adult cult classic, and whether the Wendy Peffercorn scene hits differently today. We talk childhood crushes, parenting then vs. now, and how this movie created legends like “You’re killing me, Smalls.”

Plus: Is this one of the last great family films that truly got it right?

⏱️ Timestamps & Highlights:

• (00:00) Paula’s comedy special horror story — bodily fluids and braver
• (04:00) Kyle cries rewatching The Sandlot and realizes it still hits
• (07:00) Helicopter parenting vs. the 90s “no one knew where I was” era
• (09:00) The lost era of 90s family films with solid storytelling
• (14:00) Wendy Peffercorn: creepy, funny, or both? Breaking down the infamous scene
• (16:00) Smalls, Benny, and the cast: who we related to most as kids (or still do)
• (23:00) The mystery of The Sandlot’s perfect tone for kids and adults
• (28:00) "You’re killing me, Smalls" was ad-libbed? Iconic line origins
• (30:00) How fame at a young age shaped the cast—and why Patrick Renna crushes it on Cameo

🎯 Takeaways:

• The Sandlot remains a rare film that nails both childhood wonder and adult relatability.
• The cast's chemistry, especially Benny’s calming presence, gives it a mythic, timeless feel.
• Paula shares hilarious and personal reflections that make this more than just a movie breakdown.
• We tackle the controversial pool scene, modern sensitivities, and why this movie still makes grown men cry.

• 📲 Love the show? Share Movie Wars with a friend. And don’t forget: Tell a joke. Puke. Tell a joke. Puke. Deliver a special.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Dry Bar
• Netflix
• Disney
• Paramount Pictures
• Universal Pictures
• Focus Features
• Warner Bros.
• 20th Century Fox
• Columbia Pictures
• Sony Pictures

The oldest movie we’ve ever covered... and somehow, still one of the most relevant.

We’re back with returning guest and comedian Nick Bush to unpack Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, a film that’s somehow more politically sharp in 2024 than it was in 1939. From attempted censorship by real U.S. Senators to Jimmy Stewart’s dangerous commitment to method acting, this episode is a wild ride through old Hollywood and modern-day political déjà vu.

We talk about:

• How lawmakers tried to bury the film before release
• Jimmy Stewart’s raw, wounded performance (yes, he had his throat chemically scorched on set)
• Why Gene Arthur’s drunken bar scene might be one of the best-acted scenes ever
• Whether this film could (or should) be remade — and who could possibly pull it off
• Plus: Boy Rangers, whitewashed Senate floors, and what Mr. Smith Does D.C. would look like

This one is equal parts reverence and ridiculousness. Let’s filibuster.

00:00 – Intro and Nick is back!

01:00 – Why we picked Mr. Smith and its place in patriotic cinema

02:00 – The wild political backlash: senators tried to suppress the movie

04:00 – Jimmy Stewart’s “aw shucks” performance that turns into something devastating

06:30 – Is Tom Hanks our modern-day Jimmy Stewart?

09:00 – Gene Arthur: the underrated MVP of the movie

10:00 – The bar scene: acting masterclass or just fun to film?

12:00 – Are the Boy Rangers… kind of weird in hindsight?

13:00 – That moment they try to kill kids and everyone shrugs

14:00 – The child actors are… actually great?

16:00 – “Leave your rubbers at the door”: what the hell does that mean?

18:00 – Should this movie be remade? (with Pedro Pascal? Dennis from Always Sunny?)

20:00 – The shockingly white Senate and the need for diversity in remakes

22:00 – Filming locations: real D.C. vs studio sets

23:00 – Stewart’s insane method acting involving mercury dichloride

26:00 – Final thoughts, Boy Ranger jokes, and wrap-up

• Mr. Smith Goes to Washington was nearly canceled by Congress.
• Jimmy Stewart had his throat chemically burned to sound filibuster-exhausted.
• The film's themes of corruption, media manipulation, and lost innocence still sting today.
• The cast, especially Gene Arthur and the child actors, still feel modern and alive.
• It’s an iconic film that’s hilarious, frustrating, moving—and deeply American.

We’re joined by Nashville comedian and college professor Nick Bush for one of our most emotional episodes yet — Saving Private Ryan.

This one hits different. We talk about how Spielberg’s unflinching realism changed war cinema forever, from the shaky, documentary-style camera work to the raw character moments that sneak up and wreck you. We dig into the movie’s impact on veterans, including the real-life PTSD hotlines that had to be set up after it premiered. Nick brings a unique blend of humor and literary insight, and we explore everything from the technical mastery of the D-Day landing to why Tom Hanks’ quiet leadership still holds up.

We ask hard questions: Were all German soldiers truly fighting for the Nazi cause? Why does WWII continue to dominate war storytelling? And what does a movie like this reveal about us as people, decades later?

There’s some fun too — Vin Diesel tears, imagining the war as a “heist film,” and of course, our totally respectful attempt at balancing jokes with reverence for one of the most devastating events in human history. Oh, and yes, we officially declare that this film ruined war movies forever — because nothing comes close.

🎙️ Show Notes & Timestamps:

0:00 – Intro: Kyle, Seth, and Nick Bush get silly before diving into heavy territory

2:00 – Why it’s hard to be funny about Saving Private Ryan

4:00 – Kyle admits he usually doesn’t like war movies… but this one got him

6:30 – How Spielberg used shutter speed and film grain to mimic actual combat footage

8:30 – PTSD hotlines flooded after the film’s release — and why the realism hit so hard

11:00 – The writing is just as powerful as the action — even the “quiet” scenes hit

12:45 – “It’s basically a heist movie” — Nick breaks down the structure

14:20 – The film’s legacy: did Saving Private Ryan ruin all war movies after it?

17:00 – Why WWII is the most compelling setting for storytelling

20:00 – The evolution of war movies post-9/11 and the rise of nihilism in cinema

23:00 – “I cried at least three times” — the scenes that broke us

25:10 – Vin Diesel’s surprisingly emotional death scene

27:30 – Are we desensitized to violence, or just disconnected from real consequences?

29:30 – Upham’s cowardice, morality, and the complexity of humanity in war

33:00 – Were all German soldiers “Nazis,” or just young men conscripted into hell?

36:00 – Spielberg and Hanks fund Band of Brothers off the back of this film

38:00 – Final thoughts: war as sport, sacrifice, and why this film still devastates

Takeaways:

• Spielberg and Hanks took pay cuts to protect the budget — and it shows.
• The film’s hyper-realism caused real PTSD flashbacks in theaters, leading to national veteran hotline spikes.
• Its gritty style and technical precision redefined how war should look and feel on-screen.
• Dialogue scenes hit just as hard as the battles — especially Captain Miller’s quiet wisdom.
• We reflect on what war actually feels like, how art portrays it, and why this film pulls us back from cynicism.

In this episode, we dive headfirst into The Patriot, Roland Emmerich’s Revolutionary War epic that’s equal parts emotional drama and historical fan fiction. With Joel back in the saddle—host of the Modern CTO podcast and longtime friend of the show—the Movie Wars crew unpacks the film’s sweeping themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and revenge, while calling out the historical liberties that might make your AP History teacher weep.

We take a hard look at Mel Gibson’s Benjamin Martin, a character caught between brutal vengeance and reluctant heroism, and we show love to standout performances from Heath Ledger and Jason Isaacs. But we don’t stop at performances—we tackle the moral gray areas of war and how the film navigates (or dodges) them, especially when it comes to the more sanitized and fictionalized aspects of Revolutionary War atrocities.

The debate gets real as we wrestle with the ethical tightrope filmmakers walk when turning historical events into popcorn fare. Does emotional storytelling justify bending the truth? And what impact does that have on how we remember the past?

Takeaways:

• We break down the historical inaccuracies in The Patriot and why they matter when portraying real-world events.
• Despite the creative liberties, we were surprised by the film’s emotional punch and storytelling power.
• Mel Gibson and Heath Ledger’s performances anchor the film, giving it unexpected emotional weight.
• The episode challenges listeners to think critically about how war is portrayed in film—where entertainment and truth collide.
• We reflect on the responsibility filmmakers have when telling stories rooted in real history.
• The cinematography and visual storytelling in The Patriot add to its impact, even as it stretches historical fact.