Bad Dads Film Review

You can now text us anonymously to leave feedback, suggest future content or simply hurl abuse at us. We'll read out any texts we receive on the show. Click here to try it out! This week’s episode is positively huge (and Hugh-filled). 👼 Heretic We dive into Heretic (2024), the claustrophobic new thriller from A24 in which two young missionaries find themselves trapped in the home of Hugh Grant — who’s swapped his floppy-haired rom-com persona for a sinister host obsessed with theology, control, and blueberry pie. It’s equal parts scripture, serial killer, and Monopoly rules lawyer. We get into: Paddington 2🎤 Top 5 Hughs From Hefner to Laurie, Jackman to Bonneville, and even a Star Trek Borg called Hugh, we compile our definitive Top 5 Hughs. Expect: Four WeddingsAs always, there’s plenty of digression — from bread-based Heimlich manoeuvres to Joaquin Phoenix’s dick — but that’s the Bad Dads way. 👉 Listen now to find out why this week might just be our most Hugh-morous episode yet. We love to hear from our listeners! By which I mean we tolerate it. If it hasn't been completely destroyed yet you can usually find us on twitter @dads_film, on Facebook Bad Dads Film Review, on email at baddadsjsy@gmail.com or on our website baddadsfilm.com. Until next time, we remain... Bad Dads

You can now text us anonymously to leave feedback, suggest future content or simply hurl abuse at us. We'll read out any texts we receive on the show. Click here to try it out! This week, the Dads dust off their morning suits and dive into Richard Curtis’ runaway hit Four Weddings and a Funeral. Mike Newell’s rom-com was the film that turned Hugh Grant into floppy-haired royalty, introduced us to Andie MacDowell’s enigmatic Carrie, and made swearing at alarm clocks a national pastime. We talk through all four weddings (and, yes, the funeral), unpacking: wantWe also get into how the film became the highest-grossing British movie of its day, launched Hugh Grant’s tabloid-fuelled celebrity arc, and why it still works (even if “Love Actually” does not). Expect swearing, and the usual Bad Dads blend of dodgy impressions, film geekery, and questionable life lessons. 👉 Join us as we relive the weddings, mourn the funeral, and ask the only real question that matters: is Four Weddings still worth an RSVP? We love to hear from our listeners! By which I mean we tolerate it. If it hasn't been completely destroyed yet you can usually find us on twitter @dads_film, on Facebook Bad Dads Film Review, on email at baddadsjsy@gmail.com or on our website baddadsfilm.com. Until next time, we remain... Bad Dads

You can now text us anonymously to leave feedback, suggest future content or simply hurl abuse at us. We'll read out any texts we receive on the show. Click here to try it out! This week on Bad Dads Film Review, we double up on trouble (and laughs) with our Top 5 Twins before diving headfirst into Greta Gerwig’s billion-dollar juggernaut Barbie. 👯 Double Vision From Arnold and Danny in Twins to the terrifying Grady girls from The Shining, via Tintin’s bumbling detectives and even a detour into real-life Hollywood doppelgängers, we explore the weird, wonderful, and occasionally creepy world of twins on screen. Expect heated debate, dodgy impressions, and at least one unexpected Cessna reference. 💖 Welcome to Barbie Land Then it’s time to swap our twin talk for Dream Houses, Mojo Dojo Casa Houses, and one of the most talked-about films in years. Greta Gerwig’s Barbie isn’t just pink fluff — it’s a meta-musical comedy that takes aim at patriarchy, gender politics, and existential dread, all while giving us Ryan Gosling’s unforgettable “I’m Just Ken.” We discuss: As always, there’s plenty of swearing, wild tangents, and the kind of cinematic analysis you won’t find in Sight & Sound (for good reason). 👉 Tune in for existential crises, Ken’s horses, and the shocking revelation that some of us still haven’t seen Oppenheimer. We love to hear from our listeners! By which I mean we tolerate it. If it hasn't been completely destroyed yet you can usually find us on twitter @dads_film, on Facebook Bad Dads Film Review, on email at baddadsjsy@gmail.com or on our website baddadsfilm.com. Until next time, we remain... Bad Dads

You can now text us anonymously to leave feedback, suggest future content or simply hurl abuse at us. We'll read out any texts we receive on the show. Click here to try it out! How do you film the unfilmable? That’s the challenge at the heart of Michael Winterbottom’s Tristram Shandy: A Cock and Bull Story, a delightfully meta take on Laurence Sterne’s famously chaotic 18th-century novel The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman. In this week’s episode, the Dads dive into a film that blurs every boundary — between adaptation and behind-the-scenes drama, between actor and character, and between self-awareness and outright parody. Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon play heightened versions of themselves, bickering over screen time, wardrobe choices, and (of course) who does the better impressions. Meanwhile, the “film within a film” takes us through absurd historical reenactments, disastrous prop work, and even a giant model womb. We talk about: The Tripwatchtalk aboutIt’s part literary experiment, part farce, and part therapy session for Steve Coogan’s fragile ego. And while Tristram Shandy might not be everyone’s cup of tea, there’s plenty to chew on — from postmodern storytelling to the sheer joy of watching talented comedians spark off each other. If you’ve ever enjoyed The Trip, love films about filmmaking, or just want to hear us wrestle with a movie that refuses to play by the rules, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. 👉 Listen now and join the debate — is it genius, indulgence, or just a brilliant cock and bull story? We love to hear from our listeners! By which I mean we tolerate it. If it hasn't been completely destroyed yet you can usually find us on twitter @dads_film, on Facebook Bad Dads Film Review, on email at baddadsjsy@gmail.com or on our website baddadsfilm.com. Until next time, we remain... Bad Dads

You can now text us anonymously to leave feedback, suggest future content or simply hurl abuse at us. We'll read out any texts we receive on the show. Click here to try it out! Welcome back to Bad Dads Film Review! This week we’re crunching numbers, making shady deals, and talking shop with our Top 5 Businesses in film and TV before heading to the Costa del Crime for our main feature — The Business (2005), a slick, sun-drenched British crime drama from Nick Love. 📈 Top 5 Businesses in Film & TV 1. Acme Corporation – Looney Tunes Purveyors of rocket skates, exploding tennis balls, and portable holes — all with questionable safety standards. Wile E. Coyote’s go-to supplier, but with a shockingly poor success rate. 2. Monsters, Inc. – Monsters, Inc. (2001) An industrial-scale scare factory harvesting children’s screams for energy — until a radical rethink changes their business model to laughter. Disruption done right. 3. Dunder Mifflin – The Office (US) A struggling paper company with an oddball workforce, proving that people are the real product… especially when your regional manager is Michael Scott. 4. Los Pollos Hermanos – Breaking Bad / Better Call Saul On the surface, a respectable fried chicken chain. Underneath, a ruthless meth empire. A lesson in diversification — and the dangers of mixing business with crime. 5. Wayne Enterprises – Batman franchise A multinational juggernaut funding philanthropic causes by day and Bat-gadgets by night. Possibly the most expensive R&D department in history. 🎬 Main Feature: The Business (2005) Directed by Nick Love, The Business is a neon-soaked ode to 80s excess, set against the backdrop of the Costa del Crime in southern Spain. It stars Danny Dyer as Frankie, a South London lad who flees the UK to escape trouble, only to find himself caught up in the lucrative — and dangerous — world of drug smuggling. Frankie quickly becomes the protégé of charismatic but volatile gangster Charlie (Tamer Hassan), enjoying the spoils of their cocaine empire: sun, yachts, champagne, and shoulder pads that could stop a small car. But as the money rolls in, greed, paranoia, and power struggles inevitably set in, pushing Frankie toward a brutal lesson in loyalty and survival. 💡 Why It Stands Out 80s Nostalgia OverloadDanny Dyer in Peak Geezer ModeMoral Decay Behind the GlamourThe BusinessIt’s brash, stylish, and unashamedly shallow in all the right ways. Nick Love’s film is more about vibe than substance, but it nails its vibe with confidence. Definitely not one for the kids, but a great watch for fans of British crime dramas who like their grit served with a fluorescent cocktail umbrella. This week’s double-bill of capitalism — one legit, one… less so — reminds us that in both business and crime, the golden rule is the same: don’t get high on your own su We love to hear from our listeners! By which I mean we tolerate it. If it hasn't been completely destroyed yet you can usually find us on twitter @dads_film, on Facebook Bad Dads Film Review, on email at baddadsjsy@gmail.com or on our website baddadsfilm.com. Until next time, we remain... Bad Dads

You can now text us anonymously to leave feedback, suggest future content or simply hurl abuse at us. We'll read out any texts we receive on the show. Click here to try it out! Welcome back to Bad Dads Film Review! This week we’re donning our Ray-Bans, sliding across the living room floor, and revisiting the film that launched Tom Cruise into superstardom — Risky Business (1983). Equal parts coming-of-age comedy, satire, and cautionary tale, it’s a movie that defined a certain brand of 80s cool while slyly critiquing the era’s obsession with wealth and success. Directed by Paul Brickman, Risky Business follows Joel Goodson (Tom Cruise), a high-achieving Chicago high school student left home alone while his parents are away. Initially envisioning a week of harmless fun, things spiral after a night with call girl Lana (Rebecca De Mornay) leads Joel into a world of escalating consequences, entrepreneurial schemes, and moral compromises. What begins as a teenage fantasy of freedom and rebellion becomes a sharply observed journey into adulthood — and a satire of the “make it big” mentality that fuelled the 80s. While it has that glossy 80s comedy appeal, Risky Business is far smarter and more cynical than it first appears. It’s one of those films that teenage audiences might take at face value as a tale of freedom and rebellion, but adults will recognise as a sharp social critique. That said, it’s very much an R-rated outing — so maybe not one for family movie night. In the end, Risky Business is more than just a star-making turn for Tom Cruise. It’s a stylish, clever, and surprisingly subversive look at ambition, temptation, and the thin line between opportunity and exploitation. 🎹🚗💼👓🍿 We love to hear from our listeners! By which I mean we tolerate it. If it hasn't been completely destroyed yet you can usually find us on twitter @dads_film, on Facebook Bad Dads Film Review, on email at baddadsjsy@gmail.com or on our website baddadsfilm.com. Until next time, we remain... Bad Dads

You can now text us anonymously to leave feedback, suggest future content or simply hurl abuse at us. We'll read out any texts we receive on the show. Click here to try it out! Welcome back to Bad Dads Film Review! This week we’re diving deep into the underworld of cinematic mentorship and criminal patronage with our Top 5 Godfathers (but no, not that Godfather), followed by a look at Jacques Audiard’s powerful crime drama, A Prophet (2009). Grit, transformation, and the shadows of paternal influence are the order of the day. 🧑‍🦲 Top 5 Godfathers (but not The one) Wilson Fisk – Daredevil (Netflix, 2015–2018) Don Eladio Vuente – Breaking Bad / Better Call Saul Vito Rizzuto – Bad Blood (2017–2018) Frank Lucas – American Gangster (2007) Tony Soprano – The Sopranos (1999–2007) 🎬 Main Review: A Prophet (2009) Jacques Audiard’s A Prophet (Un Prophète) is a blistering French prison drama that explores the transformation of an illiterate, mixed-ethnicity 19-year-old named Malik El Djebena (Tahar Rahim) into a calculating and powerful player in the criminal world. Sentenced to six years in prison, Malik begins as a naïve, vulnerable inmate who quickly becomes ensnared in the orbit of the Corsican mafia. Forced to commit murder early on, he becomes the reluctant pawn of César Luciani (Niels Arestrup), a domineering Corsican godfather-type figure who rules the prison's power structure. Over time, Malik learns the language, the politics, and the trade, gradually carving out a space of influence for himself — sometimes through grit, sometimes through shocking brutality. A Prophet is a film about survival, assimilation, and the birth of a new kind of power. Malik’s journey isn’t just one of criminal evolution — it’s a searing indictment of institutional failure and a meditation on how the oppressed can learn to wield the tools of their oppressors. It’s also one of the most compelling character arcs in modern crime cinema. So join us as we trace the power dynamics of godfathers in media and witness the rise of an unlikely prophet in one of Europe’s finest crime fil We love to hear from our listeners! By which I mean we tolerate it. If it hasn't been completely destroyed yet you can usually find us on twitter @dads_film, on Facebook Bad Dads Film Review, on email at baddadsjsy@gmail.com or on our website baddadsfilm.com. Until next time, we remain... Bad Dads

You can now text us anonymously to leave feedback, suggest future content or simply hurl abuse at us. We'll read out any texts we receive on the show. Click here to try it out! Welcome back to Bad Dads Film Review! This week we’re heading back to the early 2000s with Paid in Full (2002), a gritty street-level crime drama from director Charles Stone III, which dives deep into the Harlem drug scene of the 1980s. The film stars Wood Harris, Mekhi Phifer, and rapper Cam’ron in a fictionalised take on the lives of real-life hustlers Azie Faison, Rich Porter, and Alpo Martinez. Wood Harris plays Ace, a quiet, hardworking laundromat employee who tries to avoid the street life. That is, until he stumbles upon a stash of drugs in a customer’s laundry and finds himself slowly drawn into the world of dealing. His best friend Mitch (Mekhi Phifer), already a big name in the game, welcomes him into the fold, and together with the unpredictable Rico (Cam’ron), the trio builds a lucrative operation that soon brings wealth, respect… and serious danger. What begins as a tale of brotherhood and ambition quickly spirals into a cautionary tale of greed, betrayal, and the brutal realities of life on the street. Ace rises through the ranks with a calm, business-like approach to dealing, but as Mitch faces personal tragedy and Rico’s recklessness increases, their empire begins to crack from within. It’s a familiar arc in the world of crime dramas, but Paid in Full plays it with enough emotional sincerity and cultural specificity to leave a lasting impression. This one’s not for the kids – it's a tough, streetwise film with moments of graphic violence and drug use. But for adult viewers, particularly fans of urban dramas or those who grew up during the golden age of hip-hop, Paid in Full offers a layered and sobering perspective on the rise-and-fall crime narrative. Whether you’re revisiting it or watching it for the first time, Paid in Full still resonates. It's a stark reminder that behind the glamour of the drug game lies tragedy, and that the streets don’t let go easily. 🍿💵🎤 We love to hear from our listeners! By which I mean we tolerate it. If it hasn't been completely destroyed yet you can usually find us on twitter @dads_film, on Facebook Bad Dads Film Review, on email at baddadsjsy@gmail.com or on our website baddadsfilm.com. Until next time, we remain... Bad Dads

You can now text us anonymously to leave feedback, suggest future content or simply hurl abuse at us. We'll read out any texts we receive on the show. Click here to try it out! Welcome back to Bad Dads Film Review! This week, we’re blowing out the candles and unwrapping a nostalgia-packed episode with our Top 5 Birthdays in Film and TV, followed by a dive into Happy Gilmore 2 — the long-awaited, fan-service sequel to Adam Sandler’s 1996 cult classic. Spoiler alert: it’s still not about the golf. 🎉 Top 5 Birthdays in Film and TV Bilbo Baggins' Eleventy-First BirthdayThe Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring Sixteen CandlesSixteen Candles Harry Potter’s 11th BirthdayHarry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone The Godfather’s Opening SceneThe Godfather The Birthday Time LoopThe Map of Tiny Perfect Things 🏌️ Main Feature: Happy Gilmore 2 (2024) After nearly three decades, Adam Sandler returns as the volatile, hockey-stick-swinging golf legend Happy Gilmore in a sequel nobody expected — but everyone kind of wanted. Years after a triumphant golf career, Happy Gilmore is a widowed alcoholic haunted by a tragic accident that drove him from the sport. His quiet life working at a supermarket is upended when his daughter earns a spot at a prestigious Parisian ballet school, forcing Happy to return to the green to pay for her tuition. His comeback effort puts him on a collision course with Maxi Golf, a new, extreme league whose players surgically sever a ligament to enhance their driving distance. To stand against this threat to the sport's integrity, Happy must not only conquer his own demons but also forge an unlikely truce with his old nemesis, Shooter McGavin, leading to a final showdown between traditional golf and corporate greed, with everything on the line in one impossible putt. But is it as much fun as the original?? So grab your birthday hats, light a candle, and settle in as we celebrate the highs, the lows, and the weirdness of birthdays on screen — from middle-earth to mini-golf. 🎬🎂👨‍👧‍👦🍿 We love to hear from our listeners! By which I mean we tolerate it. If it hasn't been completely destroyed yet you can usually find us on twitter @dads_film, on Facebook Bad Dads Film Review, on email at baddadsjsy@gmail.com or on our website baddadsfilm.com. Until next time, we remain... Bad Dads

You can now text us anonymously to leave feedback, suggest future content or simply hurl abuse at us. We'll read out any texts we receive on the show. Click here to try it out! Welcome back to Bad Dads Film Review! This week, we saddle up for a gritty supernatural western as we take on Clint Eastwood’s High Plains Drifter — a film that’s equal parts revenge tale, eerie morality play, and genre deconstruction. With Eastwood both in the saddle and behind the camera, this one takes the dusty tropes of the western and coats them in something much darker. 🌵 The Plot: Ghosts, Guns, and Guilt Eastwood stars as The Stranger — an unnamed, steely-eyed drifter who rides into the seemingly ordinary frontier town of Lago. He barely speaks, shoots with brutal efficiency, and immediately disrupts the uneasy status quo. The town, we soon learn, has a shameful past: three gunmen are heading back to wreak vengeance on the townspeople, and in desperation, they hire The Stranger to protect them. But The Stranger doesn’t just defend the town — he takes it over. He appoints a dwarf as mayor and sheriff, paints the whole town red, and renames it “Hell.” What unfolds is not your typical good-versus-evil shootout but a surreal reckoning with collective guilt, complicity, and justice from beyond the grave. 🎬 Why It Stands Out Clint’s Second Rodeo: As his second film as director, Eastwood shows he’s not just copying Sergio Leone’s spaghetti-western aesthetic — he’s twisting it into something nightmarish. There are echoes of A Fistful of Dollars here, but also of horror films and allegorical ghost stories. Moral Murkiness: This isn’t the John Wayne-style western where the hero wears a white hat and the villains are cartoonish. High Plains Drifter is more interested in what happens when a whole town turns a blind eye. Everyone’s guilty. Everyone’s afraid. And The Stranger — whether he’s man, myth, or spectre — is there to make them pay. Unsettling Tone: There’s a dreamlike, almost supernatural quality that haunts the film. Is The Stranger the avenging spirit of Jim Duncan, the murdered marshal? Is he just a gunslinger with a wicked sense of justice? Eastwood never says — and that ambiguity gives the film its eerie power. 🧠 Themes: Retribution and Regret At its core, this is a film about what happens when a community covers up evil. The townspeople of Lago stood by and watched as Duncan was whipped to death — and now they’re dealing with the consequences. It’s not just a story of revenge — it’s a ghost story dressed in dusters and six-shooters. High Plains Drifter plays with the idea that guilt doesn’t die easy, and sometimes the past rides back into town. So join us this week as we ride into Lago, dig into Eastwood’s weird west vision, and debate whether The Stranger is ghost, man, or myth. Either way, he’s got a message: you can’t outrun the past. 🎬🐎🌫️👨‍👧‍👦🍿 We love to hear from our listeners! By which I mean we tolerate it. If it hasn't been completely destroyed yet you can usually find us on twitter @dads_film, on Facebook Bad Dads Film Review, on email at baddadsjsy@gmail.com or on our website baddadsfilm.com. Until next time, we remain... Bad Dads

You can now text us anonymously to leave feedback, suggest future content or simply hurl abuse at us. We'll read out any texts we receive on the show. Click here to try it out! Welcome back to Bad Dads Film Review! This week, we’re doing something a little different in honour of Cris’s birthday – and what better way to celebrate than by diving into a handpicked selection of actors whose careers, films, or sheer star quality connect (tenuously or not) to our resident birthday boy. There’s no Top 5 this time around – instead, it’s all about Helen Mirren, Kate Beckinsale, Kevin Spacey, Jason Statham, and Sandra Bullock, with a war film classic anchoring the episode: Full Metal Jacket. 🎭 Spotlight on Five Stars Helen MirrenThe QueenREDKate BeckinsaleUnderworldLove & FriendshipKevin SpaceyThe Usual SuspectsAmerican BeautySe7enJason StathamLock, StockThe MegThe TransporterSandra BullockSpeedGravityThe Blind Side🎖️ Main Feature: Full Metal Jacket (1987) Stanley Kubrick’s Full Metal Jacket is a film of two distinct halves — both bleak, both brilliant. The first follows a platoon of US Marine recruits undergoing brutal training under the unforgiving Gunnery Sergeant Hartman (played to unforgettable effect by R. Lee Ermey). The second shifts to the chaos of the Vietnam War, where Joker (Matthew Modine) confronts the dissonance between military propaganda and the grim reality of combat. Kubrick’s detached style, precise framing, and haunting use of music turn Full Metal Jacket into a deeply unsettling experience. It’s a film that doesn’t glorify war — it exposes its psychological toll and moral ambiguity. Whether it’s the claustrophobic tension of the barracks or the snipers in the rubble-strewn streets of Hue, this is a war movie that cuts deep. This week’s picks reflect Cris’s personality perfectly — a bit refined (Mirren), a bit action-packed (Statham), and just the right amount of chaotic energy (Spacey?). Full Metal Jacket may not be birthday cake viewing, but it’s classic Kubrick: challenging, layered, and unfor We love to hear from our listeners! By which I mean we tolerate it. If it hasn't been completely destroyed yet you can usually find us on twitter @dads_film, on Facebook Bad Dads Film Review, on email at baddadsjsy@gmail.com or on our website baddadsfilm.com. Until next time, we remain... Bad Dads

You can now text us anonymously to leave feedback, suggest future content or simply hurl abuse at us. We'll read out any texts we receive on the show. Click here to try it out! Welcome back to Bad Dads Film Review! This week we’re trading bullets for custard pies and gangsters for tap-dancing tweens as we revisit Alan Parker’s delightfully eccentric musical comedy Bugsy Malone (1976). It’s a film that plays like a Prohibition-era crime saga — if it were directed by Roald Dahl and cast entirely with children. 🕵️ Main Feature: Bugsy Malone (1976) Set in a stylized version of 1920s New York, Bugsy Malone tells the story of the titular small-time hustler (played by a baby-faced Scott Baio) who finds himself caught between rival gangsters — the bumbling Fat Sam and slick crime boss Dandy Dan. But instead of tommy guns, these gangs use “splurge guns” that fire whipped cream. Yes, really. What sets Bugsy Malone apart — aside from the fact that not a single adult appears on screen — is its surprisingly mature plot, charming period details, and that unforgettable soundtrack from none other than Paul Williams. The music, including standout numbers like Fat Sam’s Grand Slam and Tomorrow, is performed with gusto, even if the singing voices are dubbed by adults (a choice that only adds to the film’s surreal, theatrical charm). While it’s easy to get swept up in the novelty of children dressed as gangsters and showgirls, Bugsy Malone actually works as a tight and engaging story. There's a proper gangster narrative beneath all the pie fights and jazz hands — complete with betrayal, redemption, and dreams of a better life. 💫 Why It Still Works Inventive World-BuildingA Gateway MusicalBugsy MaloneStrong Performances👨‍👧‍👦 A Dad’s Take Bugsy Malone is a rare gem that manages to be nostalgic for adults while remaining totally accessible for kids. It’s a film where children play out grown-up roles, but never in a cynical or uncomfortable way. It encourages imagination, creativity, and maybe even a little interest in 20th-century history — if only in the silliest way possible. Some of the themes may fly over younger viewers’ heads, but that’s half the fun. And the final scene, with its message of peace and reconciliation amid chaos, feels oddly prescient — a reminder that the future is always in the hands of the next generation. 🍰 Final Thoughts Whether you’re revisiting Bugsy Malone as a nostalgic parent or introducing it to your kids for the first time, it’s a chaotic, custard-covered joy. It’s a film that shouldn't work — but somehow, against all odds and logic, it absolutely does. Just don’t blame us if your living room is soon filled with pint-sized gangsters shouting “Splurge ‘em!” 🎬🎩🧁👨‍👧‍👦 We love to hear from our listeners! By which I mean we tolerate it. If it hasn't been completely destroyed yet you can usually find us on twitter @dads_film, on Facebook Bad Dads Film Review, on email at baddadsjsy@gmail.com or on our website baddadsfilm.com. Until next time, we remain... Bad Dads

You can now text us anonymously to leave feedback, suggest future content or simply hurl abuse at us. We'll read out any texts we receive on the show. Click here to try it out! Welcome back to Bad Dads Film Review! This week we’re taking a tumble — both literally and metaphorically — as we break down our Top 5 Falls in Movies and TV, followed by a closer look at the slow-burning, Palme d'Or-winning courtroom drama Anatomy of a Fall. No kids' section this time around — just a lot of bodies hitting the floor (sometimes figuratively). 🪂 Top 5 FALLS in Movies & TV 1. The Emperor’s Fall – Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (1983) One of cinema’s most iconic literal (and evil) falls — Emperor Palpatine is hoisted and hurled into a reactor shaft by Darth Vader in a final redemptive act. It’s the kind of fall that changes galaxies. 2. Gandalf vs. the Balrog – The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) “Fly, you fools!” With those final words, Gandalf plummets into darkness — and straight into legend. A mythic fall that gave us one of the all-time great cinematic resurrections. 3. Jordan Belfort’s Moral Collapse – The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) A metaphorical plummet through greed, drugs, and corruption. Belfort's descent isn't physical — it’s spiritual, legal, and emotional. The crawling-to-his-car scene alone is a masterclass in controlled chaos. 4. Mufasa’s Death – The Lion King (1994) A literal and emotional gut-punch. Betrayed by Scar, Mufasa’s fall is seared into a generation’s memory. Animated or not, this is Shakespearean tragedy at its finest. 5. Don Draper’s Opening Descent – Mad Men (2007–2015) The falling silhouette from the show’s intro is as stylish as it is symbolic — a visual metaphor for a man with everything on the outside, but nothing stable to cling to. ⚖️ Main Feature: Anatomy of a Fall (2023) Directed by Justine Triet, Anatomy of a Fall is a razor-sharp French legal drama that plays out like a psychological whodunnit. When Sandra Voyter’s husband is found dead at the base of their chalet, suspicion falls squarely on her. Was it suicide, an accident, or something more sinister? Starring Sandra Hüller in a gripping, restrained performance, the film explores themes of truth, perception, and the inherently theatrical nature of the courtroom. What begins as a case about a fall becomes a dissection of a marriage, of creative partnership, and of the way we construct narratives to make sense of human behaviour. There are echoes of Gone Girl and Scenes from a Marriage here, but Triet brings her own cold precision and emotional ambiguity. It's slow, yes — but deeply rewarding, especially if you like your mysteries wrapped in moral complexity rather than plot twists. Whether tumbling into a chasm or spiralling through reputation and doubt, this episode is a deep dive into cinematic collapses of every kind. Just remember — it’s not the fall that kills you, it’s the landing. 🎬🪂👨‍👧‍👦🍿 We love to hear from our listeners! By which I mean we tolerate it. If it hasn't been completely destroyed yet you can usually find us on twitter @dads_film, on Facebook Bad Dads Film Review, on email at baddadsjsy@gmail.com or on our website baddadsfilm.com. Until next time, we remain... Bad Dads

You can now text us anonymously to leave feedback, suggest future content or simply hurl abuse at us. We'll read out any texts we receive on the show. Click here to try it out! Welcome back to Bad Dads Film Review! This week we’re hanging off helicopters, sprinting across rooftops, and disarming nuclear bombs with the pulse-pounding Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018). Strap in as we break down the sixth entry in the franchise that somehow keeps getting better with age — just like Tom Cruise’s running form. Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, Fallout is a masterclass in high-octane action, espionage, and what happens when your best-laid plans go completely off the rails. Picking up where Rogue Nation left off, the film follows IMF agent Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) as he races to recover stolen plutonium and prevent a global catastrophe, all while being shadowed by CIA operative August Walker (a moustachioed Henry Cavill in full-blown hammer-mode). Mission: Impossible – Fallout is everything you want from a blockbuster: smart, stylish, and absurdly entertaining. It’s the kind of movie that reminds you why the cinema was invented — big screen thrills, practical effects, and heroes just trying to do the right thing, even when the odds are impossible. Perfect for older teens and up, it’s a great gateway to the M:I franchise or a highlight for returning fans. Just be warned — you may find yourself trying to reload your arms like Cavill afterwards. An action film operating at the absolute peak of its powers, Fallout proves that this franchise isn’t slowing down anytime soon. In fact, it might just be the best of the bunch. 🎬💥🕶️🍿 We love to hear from our listeners! By which I mean we tolerate it. If it hasn't been completely destroyed yet you can usually find us on twitter @dads_film, on Facebook Bad Dads Film Review, on email at baddadsjsy@gmail.com or on our website baddadsfilm.com. Until next time, we remain... Bad Dads

You can now text us anonymously to leave feedback, suggest future content or simply hurl abuse at us. We'll read out any texts we receive on the show. Click here to try it out! Welcome back to Bad Dads Film Review! This week’s episode packs a punch as we dive into Top 5 Juniors in Movies and TV, followed by a deep dive into the intense war thriller Warfare (2025). No kids’ TV show this week — we’re keeping it strictly grown-up. 🎯 Top 5 Juniors in Movies and TV Indiana Jones Jr. (Young Indiana Jones / Indiana Jones Series) Junior (Junior, 1994) Tony Junior (The Sopranos) The SopranosJunior Healy (Problem Child series) Carl’s Jr. (Idiocracy, 2006) Idiocracy🎬 Main Feature: Warfare (2025) Directed by David Michôd, Warfare is a gripping and brutal war thriller set in the near future, where military technology has escalated conflict beyond recognition. Starring Oscar Isaac, John Boyega, and Jodie Comer, the film follows a fractured unit of soldiers caught behind enemy lines after an experimental weapons system malfunctions. The story tracks the unit’s desperate attempt to survive and navigate a world where alliances blur, drone warfare dominates, and morality is tested under fire. It’s a relentless, high-stakes tale about loyalty, survival, and the thin line between soldier and machine. Warfare is bleak, brutal, and compelling. It’s not for the faint-hearted but rewards viewers looking for smart, unflinching war drama. Expect plenty of post-movie debate about where technology is taking modern warfare — and whether humanity can keep up. This week’s episode is a little darker, with no kids’ show in sight. But with a mix of cinematic Juniors and hard-hitting warfare, there’s plenty for film fans to sink their teeth into. Buckle up for an intense ride. 🎬🔥👨‍👧‍👦🍿 We love to hear from our listeners! By which I mean we tolerate it. If it hasn't been completely destroyed yet you can usually find us on twitter @dads_film, on Facebook Bad Dads Film Review, on email at baddadsjsy@gmail.com or on our website baddadsfilm.com. Until next time, we remain... Bad Dads

You can now text us anonymously to leave feedback, suggest future content or simply hurl abuse at us. We'll read out any texts we receive on the show. Click here to try it out! Welcome back to Bad Dads Film Review! This week, we’re stepping into the ring with Hands of Stone (2016), the boxing biopic that tells the story of legendary Panamanian fighter Roberto Durán. Directed by Jonathan Jakubowicz, Hands of Stone chronicles the life and career of Roberto Durán, one of boxing’s most iconic and ferocious competitors. The film stars Édgar Ramírez as Durán, delivering a fiery performance that captures both his aggressive fighting style and his turbulent personal life. Robert De Niro plays legendary trainer Ray Arcel, bringing a more restrained, mentor-like energy to balance the film’s intensity. The movie charts Durán’s rise from a poverty-stricken childhood in Panama to becoming a world champion, with his infamous 1980 "No Más" fight against Sugar Ray Leonard (played by Usher Raymond) serving as the emotional and narrative centerpiece. Alongside the boxing drama, Hands of Stone explores themes of national pride, personal redemption, and the costs of fame. Robert De Niro, no stranger to boxing films after Raging Bull, plays Arcel with quiet wisdom. His scenes with Ramírez are a highlight, exploring the mentor-protégé dynamic with subtlety. While Hands of Stone doesn’t reinvent the boxing biopic, it hits many satisfying beats. It’s a film about second chances, pride, and perseverance — all wrapped in some bruising fight scenes. Édgar Ramírez gives a passionate, physical performance, and De Niro's presence lends the film extra gravitas. Some of the storytelling can feel a bit formulaic, and it occasionally leans too heavily on sports movie clichés, but for fans of boxing dramas, it delivers plenty of punches — both literal and emotional. Join us in the episode as we discuss Durán’s legacy, the art of the boxing biopic, and whether this one truly goes the distance. 🎬🥊👨‍👧‍👦🍿 We love to hear from our listeners! By which I mean we tolerate it. If it hasn't been completely destroyed yet you can usually find us on twitter @dads_film, on Facebook Bad Dads Film Review, on email at baddadsjsy@gmail.com or on our website baddadsfilm.com. Until next time, we remain... Bad Dads

You can now text us anonymously to leave feedback, suggest future content or simply hurl abuse at us. We'll read out any texts we receive on the show. Click here to try it out! Welcome back to Bad Dads Film Review, where this week we're ticking all the right boxes with our Top 5 Watches in film and TV. From time-stopping devices to classic wrist candy, we’re delving into the chronometers that do more than just tell time. 🕰 Top 5 Watches in Film and TV 1. The Rolex Submariner – James Bond Series The ultimate symbol of spy sophistication. First worn by Sean Connery in Dr. No (1962), Bond’s Rolex is more than just a stylish accessory — it’s a tool of the trade, packed with gadgets and danger-defying charm. 2. The Casio Calculator Watch – Back to the Future (1985) Marty McFly's nerdy yet functional Casio is the perfect complement to his time-travelling DeLorean. 3. The Gold Watch – Pulp Fiction (1994) Bruce Willis’ character Butch goes to extreme lengths to recover his father’s gold watch. A symbol of legacy, trauma, and absurd storytelling. 4. The Omega Seamaster – GoldenEye (1995) onwards Pierce Brosnan ushered in the Omega era of Bond, with laser beams and remote detonators turning the Seamaster into a Swiss army knife for espionage. Sleek, deadly, and cool under pressure. 5. Bernard’s Watch – Bernard’s Watch (1997–2005) This magical time-stopping device was the envy of every schoolchild. Bernard could pause time to fix mistakes, avoid embarrassment, or — let’s be honest — cheat a little. A low-key British TV legend. ⌚ Main Feature: Nonnas Then a trip to the kitchen to talk about Nonnas, the heartfelt 2025 comedy-drama that's been charming audiences. Directed by Stephen Chbosky and starring Vince Vaughn, the film is inspired by the true story of Joe Scaravella, who opened a unique Italian restaurant in Staten Island. The catch? All the chefs are actual grandmothers, or "nonnas," each bringing their authentic regional recipes and, perhaps more importantly, their distinct personalities to the kitchen. The film sees Vince Vaughn's character, Joe, grappling with the grief of losing his beloved mother. Seeking to honour her memory and reconnect with the warmth of his childhood through food, he embarks on this ambitious and often chaotic venture. The core of the movie, and arguably its greatest strength, lies in the ensemble of nonnas themselves, played by an incredible cast including Lorraine Bracco, Talia Shire, Brenda Vaccaro, and Susan Sarandon. These seasoned actresses infuse their characters with humour, wisdom, and a palpable sense of family, even as their diverse backgrounds lead to initial clashes. 🧒 Kids Feature: Bernard’s Watch Ah, Bernard’s Watch. A children's TV staple from the late '90s, it follows a boy gifted a watch that can stop time — with the strict rule that it mustn’t be used selfishly. Of course, Bernard frequently breaks that rule, leading to gentle moral lessons. It’s a charming, low-stakes show with a brilliant premise and a surprisingly emotional core. For kids, it was a fantasy of wish-fulfilment. For parents, a lesson in co We love to hear from our listeners! By which I mean we tolerate it. If it hasn't been completely destroyed yet you can usually find us on twitter @dads_film, on Facebook Bad Dads Film Review, on email at baddadsjsy@gmail.com or on our website baddadsfilm.com. Until next time, we remain... Bad Dads

You can now text us anonymously to leave feedback, suggest future content or simply hurl abuse at us. We'll read out any texts we receive on the show. Click here to try it out! Groovy, baby! Welcome back to Bad Dads Film Review, where this week we’re throwing on our crushed velvet, dialling up the mojo, and time-traveling back to the swinging '60s with Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997). Directed by Jay Roach and written by (and starring) Mike Myers, this outrageous spy spoof remains one of the most quotable and culturally impactful comedies of the ‘90s. 🕶 Setting the Scene: Shagadelic Spy Games Our story begins in 1967, where British super-spy Austin Powers, a cocktail of James Bond, Peter Sellers, and pure ‘60s kitsch, thwarts the evil Dr. Evil (also Mike Myers). But when Dr. Evil freezes himself and escapes into the future, Austin volunteers to be cryogenically frozen too — just in case he’s ever needed again. Fast forward to 1997, and Austin is thawed out to stop his nemesis, only to find himself hopelessly out of step with the modern world. With help from his new partner Vanessa Kensington (Elizabeth Hurley), Austin must battle Dr. Evil’s latest scheme — involving a stolen nuclear warhead, a ridiculous ransom demand, and plenty of international intrigue. Why It Still Works 1. Pitch-Perfect Parody From Bond tropes to swinging ‘60s clichés, the film is a love letter and a middle finger to the spy genre. It's full of clever references, absurd one-liners, and hilariously on-the-nose innuendo. 2. Mike Myers’ Dual Performance As both Austin and Dr. Evil, Myers brings a manic, multi-character energy reminiscent of Peter Sellers or Eddie Murphy. Each persona is distinct, and both quickly became pop culture icons. 3. Endless Quotability "Yeah, baby!" "Do I make you horny?" "One million dollars!" The movie is a meme machine — before memes were even a thing. 4. Surprisingly Sweet Beneath the layers of absurdity, there's a beating heart. Austin's awkward journey to adapt to the '90s and his evolving relationship with Vanessa add an unexpected emotional undercurrent. Austin Powers is not one for the little ones — the innuendo flies fast and thick — but for adults (especially those who grew up on Roger Moore and Sean Connery), it’s a joy. The humour is knowingly daft, the tone playfully irreverent, and the nostalgia genuinely charming. So throw on your ruffled shirt, grab a cocktail, and get ready to feel the mojo. This week’s review is full of bad teeth, good vibes, and top-tier British silliness. Yeah, baby, yeah! 🎬🕺👨‍👧‍👦🍿 We love to hear from our listeners! By which I mean we tolerate it. If it hasn't been completely destroyed yet you can usually find us on twitter @dads_film, on Facebook Bad Dads Film Review, on email at baddadsjsy@gmail.com or on our website baddadsfilm.com. Until next time, we remain... Bad Dads

You can now text us anonymously to leave feedback, suggest future content or simply hurl abuse at us. We'll read out any texts we receive on the show. Click here to try it out! Welcome back to Bad Dads Film Review! This week we’re embracing all things angular, round, and abstract with our Top 5 Shapes in Movies & TV, diving into Ruben Östlund’s Triangle of Sadness, and finishing up with a charming kids' pick: Shape Island. It’s geometry, but make it cinematic. 🟦 Top 5 Shapes in Movies & TV 1. The Monolith – 2001: A Space Odyssey A perfect black rectangle that sparked humanity’s evolution and a thousand late-night debates. Kubrick gave us a shape that’s as mysterious as it is iconic. 2. The Triangle – Triangle of Sadness Not just the title but the theme itself—a social and structural hierarchy explored through literal and metaphorical triangles. 3. The Cube – Cube (1997) A sterile, deadly maze of identical cubes. A shape that’s both trap and metaphor for bureaucracy and existential dread. 4. The Circle – Arrival (2016) Language as a shape. The alien "Heptapod" written language is a looping, circular system representing nonlinear time and communication. 5. The Star – Steven Universe Used as both a motif and a symbol of identity, love, and cosmic destiny. Stars (and gems) have never been this emotionally complex. 🔺 Main Feature: Triangle of Sadness (2022) Ruben Östlund’s Palme d'Or-winning satire takes aim at wealth, beauty, and power with savage precision. The story begins in the world of high fashion before shifting to a luxury yacht and ultimately to a deserted island, revealing how quickly social structures can collapse when survival becomes the priority. The "triangle" here refers not only to the frown lines of male model Carl but also to the class pyramid, upended as the story progresses. Woody Harrelson shines as a Marxist captain, and Dolly De Leon’s Abigail becomes the surprise hero of the film’s biting third act. Expect vomit, revolution, and some of the best social commentary of the decade. Östlund’s direction skewers privilege with style and discomfort, making Triangle of Sadness both a sharp-edged black comedy and a sobering reflection on the roles we play when no one’s watching. 🟠 Kids Feature: Shape Island Based on the book Shape Trilogy by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen, Shape Island is a wholesome, gentle series featuring Square, Circle, and Triangle as they navigate friendship, logic, and adventure on their geometrically delightful island. With soft animation, smart writing, and a peaceful tone, this is perfect for younger viewers who like their storytelling sweet and their geometry friendly. It’s calm, kind, and surprisingly profound. This week’s episode celebrates the humble shape—from high-concept sci-fi and brutal social satire to gentle kids’ tales. Whether it’s the sharp point of a triangle or the endless loop of a circle, there’s beauty, meaning, and even horror to be found in every edge and curve. 🎬🔷👨‍👧‍👦🍿 We love to hear from our listeners! By which I mean we tolerate it. If it hasn't been completely destroyed yet you can usually find us on twitter @dads_film, on Facebook Bad Dads Film Review, on email at baddadsjsy@gmail.com or on our website baddadsfilm.com. Until next time, we remain... Bad Dads

You can now text us anonymously to leave feedback, suggest future content or simply hurl abuse at us. We'll read out any texts we receive on the show. Click here to try it out! Welcome back to Bad Dads Film Review! This week, we’re descending into the mind-bending, minimalist sci-fi thriller that is Cube (1997). A cult favourite from Canadian director Vincenzo Natali, this low-budget psychological puzzle box is as disorienting and claustrophobic as it is thought-provoking. Cube begins in medias res: a group of strangers wakes up in a strange, sterile room with hatches on all six sides. Each door leads to another nearly identical room—some are safe, others are lethal traps. No one knows how or why they’re there. The group includes a cop, a doctor, an escape artist, a math whiz, a paranoid conspiracy theorist, and an autistic man with extraordinary numerical abilities. What unfolds is part escape room, part social experiment, as they try to survive—and escape—the Cube. Cube is rich in metaphor and minimal in exposition. It avoids explaining who built the structure or why, focusing instead on how ordinary people behave under extreme pressure. As the group’s dynamic shifts, alliances form and collapse, revealing how quickly fear and distrust take hold. The traps are inventive (acid spray, wire slicing, sound-activated death rooms), but the real tension comes from the breakdown of civility and the slow unravelling of each character’s psyche. The cube itself becomes a symbol of bureaucracy, control, and the meaningless complexity of modern systems. And the maths—there’s a lot of maths. Prime numbers, Cartesian coordinates, permutations. It’s as if Saw, Waiting for Godot, and a high school algebra textbook all collided. 🎭 Why It Works Tight ConceptAtmosphereCharacter Study🧒 A Dad’s Take This one’s definitely not for the younger kids—Cube is violent, bleak, and existentially harrowing. But for older teens and grown-ups, it’s a great entry into lo-fi sci-fi that provokes more thought than jump scares. Ideal for fans of The Twilight Zone, The Platform, or Escape Room, it asks the big question: what would you do if no one was watching—and you might not make it out? Cube remains a sharp, unsettling mystery box of a film. It’s not about finding answers—it’s about watching how far people will go to survive when the rules no longer make sense. If you’re in the mood for a tight, cerebral thriller that’s as much philosophy as it is suspense, this one’s worth stepping into… just be careful which door you open. 🎬🧠👨‍👧‍👦🍿 We love to hear from our listeners! By which I mean we tolerate it. If it hasn't been completely destroyed yet you can usually find us on twitter @dads_film, on Facebook Bad Dads Film Review, on email at baddadsjsy@gmail.com or on our website baddadsfilm.com. Until next time, we remain... Bad Dads