Episodes
-
Welcome back to Movie Memory Machine! This week, our time-traveling hosts, Landen and Truman, find themselves hurtling into 2013—a year of smartphones, sequels, and Lee Daniels' The Butler. Directed by (you guessed it) Lee Daniels, this historical drama/biographical mashup features Forest Whitaker as Cecil Gaines, a stoic butler who serves through eight presidential administrations. Joined by an iconic cast including Oprah Winfrey, David Oyelowo, Cuba Gooding Jr., and Lenny Kravitz, Cecil’s journey unfolds amidst historical upheavals and family drama. Is it Hollywood history with heart, or just another CGI-stuffed biopic? Landen and Truman are here to find out!
Join us as we break down the plot, react to celebrity presidents, and share the strangest facts we uncovered about this politically charged film. Plus, we ask the real questions: Why is every president in Hollywood somehow epic or tragically flawed? And did Lee Daniels really think we’d believe Cuba Gooding Jr. was a 1950s butler? Buckle up for one wild rewind!
Release Date: August 16, 2013Director: Lee DanielsStarring: Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, David Oyelowo, Cuba Gooding Jr., and Lenny KravitzGenre: Historical Drama/BiographyPlot Summary: After a childhood in the Jim Crow South, Cecil Gaines becomes a butler in the White House, serving eight U.S. presidents and witnessing history while grappling with family tensions and civil rights struggles.Highlights :
00:00 - Intro: Welcome back to Movie Memory Machine—the only podcast that remembers movies you forgot existed.
02:15 - Plot Summary: From Jim Crow to JFK: Cecil’s epic journey through U.S. history (Forest Whitaker’s finest moments).
08:50 - Cast Spotlight: Oprah as a housewife? Cuba Gooding Jr. as a butler? Breaking down the star-studded ensemble.
15:30 - Historical Accuracy?: Does Hollywood get it right, or is this a time machine gone haywire?
23:00 - Favorite Scenes: From powerful protests to heartfelt moments—our picks for the top scenes.
30:45 - Behind-the-Scenes Trivia: Why the movie is “Lee Daniels’ The Butler” and other Hollywood quirks.
38:20 - Final Thoughts: Do we rewind or fast-forward? Our (maybe controversial) verdict on The Butler.
Keywords: Lee Daniels' The Butler, 2013 movies, Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, historical drama movies, civil rights cinema, biographical films, movie podcast, forgotten films, Movie Memory Machine.
Support the Machine to keep it running for as little as $1/month over at Patreon.
Movie Memory Machine is part of the Grunt Work Podcasts network. For more information on today’s episode, visit moviememorymachine.com.
Theme song by Porky’s Groove Machine.
Special thanks to Nate DuFort.
Follow us: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube
-
In this mini-episode, we revisit the 1994 Paul Hogan Western comedy Lightning Jack. Join us as we unpack the bear encounters, oddball gunplay, and questionable jokes that make this a wild ride through a mostly forgotten corner of the 90s. We talk Cuba Gooding Jr.’s silent sidekick, Beverly D'Angelo’s brief yet memorable scenes, and why this movie seems obsessed with newspapers. Plus, what’s up with that awkward “peckerhead” joke? Tune in for our take on this oddball film and why Paul Hogan may have overshot his Crocodile Dundee magic. Spoiler: there’s a bear. And Landon is not happy about it.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro and Bella the cat’s thoughts on Lightning Jack04:00 - Why does every movie have a Jack in it?08:15 - The bear scene: Why Landon’s worst nightmare comes true13:45 - Paul Hogan’s weird way of shooting a gun17:20 - The infamous “peckerhead” joke that sticks with you23:00 - Newspapers and Lightning Jack: His strange obsession with headlinesShow Highlights:
Bear jumpscare: Learn why this random bear scene threw us completely off, especially Landon, who has a healthy fear of all things bear-related.Peckerhead confusion: The infamous joke where Cuba Gooding Jr. confuses an insult with baldness—yep, it’s as strange as it sounds.Newspapers galore: For some reason, Lightning Jack is always checking the papers. Is it about his insecurities or just a cowboy craving some publicity?Support the Machine to keep it running for as little as $1/month over at Patreon.
Movie Memory Machine is part of the Grunt Work Podcasts network. For more information on today’s episode, visit moviememorymachine.com.
Theme song by Porky’s Groove Machine.
Special thanks to Nate DuFort.
Follow us: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube
Keywords for SEO:Lightning Jack 1994 movie, Paul Hogan Westerns, Cuba Gooding Jr. movies, Beverly D'Angelo, 90s Western comedies, forgotten Western comedies, Paul Hogan Crocodile Dundee, Movie Memory Machine podcast, funny cowboy movies, lightning Jack bear scene, Peckerhead joke Lightning Jack, bear jump scare movies.
-
Missing episodes?
-
The Machine sends us to March 11, 1994 to cover the comedy western Lightning Jack, written, directed and starring Paul Hogan.
Podcast Description:
Grab your cowboy hat and dust off your six-shooters because this week, we’re taking a wild ride through the 1994 western comedy Lightning Jack! This lesser-known 90s gem features the legendary Paul Hogan, fresh off his Crocodile Dundee fame, as a bumbling outlaw with more heart than sense. He’s teamed up with a mute sidekick played by a pre-Jerry Maguire Cuba Gooding Jr., and trust us, hijinks ensue.
Join your hosts as they revisit this forgotten film that combines slapstick comedy with old-school western action. Lightning Jack isn’t just about robbing banks and dodging bullets — it’s also about unlikely friendships, dusty saloons, and questionable accents. Does it hold up today, or is it one of those movies that should’ve stayed buried in the VHS bargain bin?
Saddle up as we take you through a rootin’-tootin’ retrospective that’ll leave you wondering how many kangaroo jokes you can fit into a western. And is Paul Hogan still rocking that cowboy swagger, or has time caught up with Lightning Jack? Let’s find out!
Show Notes:
•Released: 1994
•Director: Simon Wincer
•Cast: Paul Hogan, Cuba Gooding Jr., Beverly D’Angelo
•Genre: Western Comedy, Adventure
In this episode:
•We break down Lightning Jack, the 90s western comedy that paired Paul Hogan with Cuba Gooding Jr. in one of the oddest outlaw duos in film history.
•Explore why Paul Hogan traded his Aussie outback gear for cowboy boots and a six-shooter — and whether that transition made any sense at all.
•Take a trip back to the golden era of 90s western comedies, where slapstick meets gunfights and hijinks on horseback.
•Cuba Gooding Jr. plays a mute sidekick — wait, what? We’ll dive into this bizarre character choice and how it shapes the film’s strange sense of humor.
•We discuss whether Lightning Jack stands tall as a cult classic or limps into the sunset as another 90s oddity.
•Get ready for some fun trivia, including how this film fits into Paul Hogan’s post-Crocodile Dundee career and the wild production choices that make this movie so memorable.
Plus, find out why this movie is the perfect late-night western comedy to watch when you’re in the mood for some goofy gun-slinging antics and 90s nostalgia.
Support the Machine to keep it running for as little as $1/month over at Patreon.
Movie Memory Machine is part of the Grunt Work Podcasts network. For more information on today’s episode, visit moviememorymachine.com.
Theme song by Porky’s Groove Machine.
Special thanks to Nate DuFort.
Follow us: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube
-
In this episode, we revisit The Rocker (2008) starring Rainn Wilson, Emma Stone, and Josh Gad. Join us as we explore the ridiculous pratfalls, chaotic slapstick, and surprising cast that make this forgotten rock 'n' roll comedy a curious relic of the 2000s. We discuss Rainn Wilson's antics as a washed-up drummer trying to relive his glory days and why the movie didn't exactly hit the right notes with audiences. Plus, did you know James Gandolfini loved The Rocker? It's true, and we've got the stories to prove it! Whether you're a fan of 2000s comedies or just love a good awkward drumstick toss, this episode is full of laughs, awkward moments, and rock band hijinks.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro and The Rocker breakdown03:30 - James Gandolfini’s surprising love for The Rocker07:00 - Rainn Wilson’s best slapstick moments and why they still (sort of) work15:20 - Bradley Cooper’s blink-and-you-miss-it appearance21:00 - Building the ultimate comedy rock band26:00 - Tales from Hollywood: Audition stories with Josh GadShow Highlights:
James Gandolfini’s love for The Rocker: Hear how the late Sopranos star adored this film and even fangirled over Rainn Wilson’s performance.Slapstick overload: From drumstick tosses to tree-branch face plants, we break down the movie’s endless physical comedy moments.Bradley Cooper watch: He’s in this movie, but barely. Why? We wonder too.Building a comedy band: We pick our dream lineup of comedians to form the ultimate fictional rock band—who makes the cut?Support the Machine to keep it running for as little as $1/month over at Patreon.
Movie Memory Machine is part of the Grunt Work Podcasts network. For more information on today’s episode, visit moviememorymachine.com.
Theme song by Porky’s Groove Machine.
Special thanks to Nate DuFort.
Follow us: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube
Keywords for SEO:The Rocker 2008 movie, Rainn Wilson The Office, Emma Stone early roles, Josh Gad movies, 2000s comedies, slapstick comedies, forgotten comedies, The Rocker movie review, James Gandolfini movie trivia, rock band comedies, Movie Memory Machine podcast, Rainn Wilson slapstick, funny rock movies.
-
This week, the Machine sends us to August 20, 2008 to cover the rock 'n' roll comedy The Rocker, starring Rainn Wilson, Emma Stone, Josh Gad, and Teddy Geiger.
Prepare to rock out with your podcast out! In this episode, we’re going full headbang as we revisit The Rocker (2008) — the one where Rainn Wilson lives out the fantasy of every aging drummer who got kicked out of their band just before they made it big. It’s basically The Office meets School of Rock… but with way more eyeliner.
Join your hosts as they break down this quirky underdog comedy about second chances, garage bands, and teenagers who make you question whether you’re too old to be jamming out to music in your basement. Rainn Wilson shines as “Fish,” a former drummer for an 80s metal band who’s now forced to help his nephew’s high school band make it big. Expect wild hijinks, awkward youth-millennial clashing, and a heavy dose of nostalgic rock n’ roll.
Does The Rocker still shred, or does it flatline like an old amp? We’ll let you know if Rainn Wilson’s midlife crisis is worth cranking up to 11 or turning all the way down to zero.
Show Notes:
Released: 2008
Director: Peter Cattaneo
Cast: Rainn Wilson, Emma Stone, Teddy Geiger, Josh Gad, Christina Applegate
Genre: Musical Comedy, Coming-of-Age Comedy
In this episode:
We dive into The Rocker, where Dwight Schrute (Rainn Wilson) swaps his briefcase for a drum kit and tries to relive his 80s rock glory days.Discover how this film became the School of Rock for adults and why Rainn Wilson somehow makes being sweaty and awkward so endearing.We’ll break down the teenage rock band dynamics, Emma Stone’s early role, and Josh Gad’s comedic beginnings.Is this movie secretly about the relentless passage of time? (Spoiler: No, but it’s got heart under all that flailing and flannel.)The movie’s killer soundtrack features 80s rock anthems and original songs that surprisingly slap. Seriously, why didn’t this band go on tour?Get ready for a deep dive into scenes that will either make you cringe, laugh out loud, or maybe start a garage band of your own.Plus, we dig into some fun movie trivia that’ll have you questioning how much sweat is too much sweat in a rock movie. Spoiler: Rainn Wilson definitely tests the limits.
Support the Machine to keep it running for as little as $1/month over at Patreon.
Movie Memory Machine is part of the Grunt Work Podcasts network. For more information on today’s episode, visit moviememorymachine.com.
Theme song by Porky’s Groove Machine.
Special thanks to Nate DuFort.
Follow us: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube
-
In this mini-episode, we dive deep into Amy Heckerling's Loser (2000) starring Jason Biggs and Mena Suvari. Join us as we break down the quirky rom-com that's more awkward than aspirational, dissect Greg Kinnear's questionable character choices, and reminisce about the cringe-worthy slang that somehow didn’t make it past the early 2000s. Plus, Landon shares a Sundance story involving Mena Suvari that definitely happened. You won't want to miss our trailer predictions, pop-punk soundtrack rants, and why this film deserved a bit more Ghost World and a lot less American Pie stank. Are you ready for some cinematic nostalgia? Dust off your porkpie hats, folks!
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro and the Loser breakdown02:00 - Greg Kinnear rhymes that’ll keep you from getting your movies mixed up05:15 - A Sundance Mena Suvari story (because why not?)10:45 - Cringeworthy slang in Loser (Dust? Really?)16:00 - Is Loser a rom-com, a slapstick comedy, or something else?23:00 - The trailer prediction game: How much Jason Biggs bumbling is too much?30:00 - Wheatus, pop-punk soundtracks, and why Teenage Dirtbag was a vibeShow Highlights:
Greg Kinnear’s character: How does Kinnear go from As Good As It Gets to Loser? We create handy rhymes to remember his roles.Awkward slang: Remember when people said “dust”? Neither do we. But Loser tries to make it happen.Pop-punk takeover: What’s a 2000s teen movie without a pop-punk anthem? We dissect the Loser soundtrack and its cultural impact.Keywords for SEO:Loser 2000 movie, Jason Biggs Mena Suvari, Amy Heckerling films, Greg Kinnear movies, 2000s rom-coms, Loser movie soundtrack, Wheatus Teenage Dirtbag, early 2000s pop culture, underrated 2000s movies, American Pie actors, Movie Memory Machine podcast, forgotten 2000s films, comedy movie reviews.
Support the Machine to keep it running for as little as $1/month over at Patreon.
Movie Memory Machine is part of the Grunt Work Podcasts network. For more information on today’s episode, visit moviememorymachine.com.
Theme song by Porky’s Groove Machine.
Special thanks to Nate DuFort.
Follow us: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube
-
The Machine sends us to July 21, 2000 to cover the dramatic teen comedy Loser starring Jason Biggs, Mena Suvari, and Greg Kinnear. Directed by Amy Heckerling.
Are you ready to dive back into the early 2000s and relive the awkward brilliance that is Loser (2000)? Grab your Y2K nostalgia goggles and join your hosts as they break down this Paul Tanne-what’s-his-name-and-Amy-Heck-of-a-lot flick! We explore the story of a down-and-out college freshman (Jason Biggs), a quirky crush (Mena Suvari), and a plot that might just be a step too far into the Friendzone. But hey, the early 2000s were weird. Expect plenty of cringe-worthy moments, questionable fashion, and more frosted tips than you ever asked for.
From awkward dorm life to existential crises involving love triangles, cats named Colby, and a surprising lack of pie-related humor (sorry, Jason Biggs), we’re diving deep into why Loser was the most forgettable, yet bizarrely endearing, romantic comedy of its time. Did it define an era, or did it just kind of… exist? Let’s find out together.
Tune in for laughs, wild tangents, and a dash of movie trivia as we discuss the soundtrack (hello, Wheatus), bizarre cameos, and whether we’re still feeling secondhand embarrassment 20 years later.
Show Notes:
Title: Loser (2000) – The Y2K Rom-Com That Time Forgot
Released: 2000
Director: Amy Heckerling
Cast: Jason Biggs, Mena Suvari, Greg Kinnear, Dan Aykroyd
Genre: Romantic Comedy, College Comedy
In this episode:
We explore the early 2000s vibe of Loser, complete with its soundtrack featuring Wheatus, and Good Charlotte (remember them?).Learn why this film might be the odd one out in the Amy Heckerling catalog.We dig into the wild hairstyles and laugh at fashion trends that should stay buried in the early 2000s.Is Loser secretly an unintentional dark satire of college life, or just a miss for its era?Dive into what makes Jason Biggs and Mena Suvari a strangely charming but awkward pair.A deep dive into the film’s most cringe-inducing scenes—prepare to relive the early 2000s secondhand embarrassment!Plus, some fun movie trivia that might make you want to revisit Loser… or not! Either way, we’ve got your back as we decode this forgotten gem of the millennium era.
Support the Machine to keep it running for as little as $1/month over at Patreon.
Movie Memory Machine is part of the Grunt Work Podcasts network. For more information on today’s episode, visit moviememorymachine.com.
Theme song by Porky’s Groove Machine.
Special thanks to Nate DuFort.
Follow us: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube
-
In this mini-episode, we question why some people can't wrap their head around vegetarianism, answer some of the group discussion questions in the back of The Last Song book, and play The Trailer Game.
Support the Machine to keep it running for as little as $1/month over at Patreon.
Movie Memory Machine is part of the Grunt Work Podcasts network. For more information on today’s episode, visit moviememorymachine.com.
Theme song by Porky’s Groove Machine.
Special thanks to Nate DuFort.
Follow us: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube
-
The Machine sends us to March 31, 2010 to cover the Nicolas Sparks romantic drama, starring Miley Cyrus, Liam Hemsworth, and Greg Kinnear.
Episode Description:In this episode of Movie Memory Machine, we take a nostalgic look back at The Last Song (2010), a film that blends family drama, romance, and music. Starring Miley Cyrus and directed by Julie Anne Robinson, this Nicholas Sparks adaptation explores themes of loss, love, and healing, set against the backdrop of a small beach town. We dive deep into the performances of Cyrus, Greg Kinnear, and Liam Hemsworth, while also exploring the movie’s soundtrack and its impact on young adult audiences in the early 2010s. Tune in as we analyze key scenes, discuss its reception, and reflect on why this film remains a memorable part of the Nicholas Sparks cinematic universe.
Topics Covered in This Episode:• Overview of The Last Song (2010): Plot summary and themes
• Miley Cyrus’ transition from Disney star to film actress
• The chemistry between Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth on-screen (and off-screen)
• How Nicholas Sparks’ storytelling formula plays out in this movie
• The role of music in The Last Song and how it shapes the emotional tone
• Audience reception and critical response to the film
• Nostalgia and why The Last Song still resonates with viewers today
Timestamps:[00:01] Introduction: Setting the Scene for The Last Song[05:34] Plot Breakdown: Exploring the Emotional Core of the Film[15:02] Miley Cyrus’ Performance and Her Career Shift[23:18] The Music of The Last Song: Analyzing the Soundtrack[32:45] Behind the Romance: On and Off-Screen Chemistry[42:12] Critical Reception: How Was the Film Received?[52:00] Why The Last Song Endures in Pop CultureKeywords: The Last Song 2010, Miley Cyrus The Last Song, Nicholas Sparks movies, romantic dramas, movie nostalgia, Miley Cyrus films, Greg Kinnear, Liam Hemsworth romance, movie soundtracks, The Last Song soundtrack, Nicholas Sparks adaptations, Julie Anne Robinson director.
Support the Machine to keep it running for as little as $1/month over at Patreon.
Movie Memory Machine is part of the Grunt Work Podcasts network. For more information on today’s episode, visit moviememorymachine.com.
Theme song by Porky’s Groove Machine.
Special thanks to Nate DuFort.
Follow us: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube
-
In this mini-episode, we try out Marlon Brando's method of acting through an earpiece, Landen tells a story about Faye Dunaway, and we play The Trailer Game.
Support the Machine to keep it running for as little as $1/month over at Patreon.
Movie Memory Machine is part of the Grunt Work Podcasts network. For more information on today’s episode, visit moviememorymachine.com.
Theme song by Porky’s Groove Machine.
Special thanks to Nate DuFort.
Follow us: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube
-
The Machine sends us to April 7, 1995 to cover the wistful romantic drama Don Juan Demarco starring Johnny Depp, Marlon Brando, and Faye Dunaway.
Don Juan DeMarco (played by Johnny Depp), is the world’s greatest lover. He wanders the streets of 1990s New York City wearing a cape, hat, and Zorro mask, seducing beautiful women who are utterly powerless to resist his charms. But he’s despondent, because the love of his life, Dona Anna, has rejected him. DeMarco tries to take his own life by jumping off a billboard, but he is talked off the ledge by eminent psychiatrist Jack Mickler, played by Marlon Brando, who takes him into his care for a ten-day mental health evaluation at a local hospital. Over the course of multiple sessions, DeMarco tells Mickler the dramatic, sensual story of his sexual awakening and how his exploits as the world’s greatest lover drove a wedge between him and his one true love. As Mickler attempts to uncover the truth behind DeMarco’s tall tales, the young man’s colorful stories lead him to rekindle the passion in his own relationship with his wife, Marilyn, played by Faye Dunaway.
Support the Machine to keep it running for as little as $1/month over at Patreon.
Movie Memory Machine is part of the Grunt Work Podcasts network. For more information on today’s episode, visit moviememorymachine.com.
Theme song by Porky’s Groove Machine.
Special thanks to Nate DuFort.
Follow us: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube
-
In this mini episode, we create a Reminiscence video game, speculate on the unseen character of Francis on the Ocean, and play The Trailer Game.
Support the Machine to keep it running for as little as $1/month over at Patreon.
Movie Memory Machine is part of the Grunt Work Podcasts network. For more information on today’s episode, visit moviememorymachine.com.
Theme song by Porky’s Groove Machine.
Special thanks to Nate DuFort.
Follow us: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube
-
The Machine sends us to August 20th, 2021 to cover the romantic, science fiction, action-filled film noir Reminiscence, starring Hugh Jackman, Rebecca Ferguson, Thandiwe Newton, and Cliff Curtis.
Episode Description:In this episode of Movie Memory Machine, we jump headfirst into Reminiscence (2021), a film that dares to ask, “What if Hugh Jackman ran a memory machine in a soggy, climate-changed Miami?” and “Why does everyone look so sweaty?” Join us as we untangle this noir-sci-fi mystery that’s one part memory manipulation, one part Hugh Jackman being broody, and three parts “Did I understand this movie?” We explore the damp dystopia, reminisce about the plot (or try to), and break down how this film makes us both question the future and whether or not we remember where we left our car keys. Also, Rebecca Ferguson is mysterious, and there’s a boatload of plot twists (pun intended). Tune in for laughs, plot holes, and our attempt to make sense of this memory-drenched thriller that’s as slippery as a fish.
Topics Covered in This Episode:Reminiscence: Or as we call it, Wait, What’s Happening Again?Hugh Jackman’s Brooding Levels: Are They Over 9000?Why Is Miami Flooded? And Why Does Everyone Seem Cool With It?Is Rebecca Ferguson a Femme Fatale, or Just Really Good at Being Mysterious?Lisa Joy’s Direction: Did She Borrow a Few Pointers from Westworld?Reminiscence’s Box Office Woes: Why It Sank Faster Than Miami ItselfThe Real Question: Is This Film Brilliant, Bonkers, or Both?Timestamps:[00:01] Introduction: We Try to Explain Reminiscence (Emphasis on “Try”)[06:45] Plot Breakdown: Where Memory Meets Confusion[16:30] Hugh Jackman and the Art of Brooding in a Trench Coat[25:12] Miami Has Seen Better Days: A Look at the Wettest Dystopia Ever[34:40] Lisa Joy’s Sci-Fi Ambitions: Westworld Vibes, But Wetter[42:05] Critical Reception: Is This an Underrated Masterpiece, or Just Really Confusing?[50:20] Final Thoughts: Why We May or May Not Remember This Movie TomorrowKeywords: Reminiscence 2021, Hugh Jackman Reminiscence, Lisa Joy movies, neo-noir films, sci-fi thrillers, Rebecca Ferguson Reminiscence, dystopian future movies, memory manipulation in film, Westworld influences, underrated 2021 movies, climate change movies.
Support the Machine to keep it running for as little as $1/month over at Patreon.
Movie Memory Machine is part of the Grunt Work Podcasts network. For more information on today’s episode, visit moviememorymachine.com.
Theme song by Porky’s Groove Machine.
Special thanks to Nate DuFort.
Follow us: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube
-
In this mini episode, we recast Money Monster as a 1990s thriller, discuss an important Portlandia sketch, and play the Trailer Game.
Support the Machine to keep it running for as little as $1/month over at Patreon.
Movie Memory Machine is part of the Grunt Work Podcasts network. For more information on today’s episode, visit moviememorymachine.com.
Theme song by Porky’s Groove Machine.
Special thanks to Nate DuFort.
Follow us: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube
-
The Machine sends us to May 13, 2016 to cover the pulse-pounding thriller Money Monster, starring George Clooney, Julia Roberts, and Jack O'Connell.
Lee Gates (played by George Clooney) is the host of Money Monster, a brash, bawdy, over-the-top financial analysis show where he shares hot stock tips and berates his viewers into making big, risky investments with the promise of Wall Street riches. Gates is arrogant, selfish, and frequently in cahoots with the CEOs of the companies he promotes on his show. His longtime producer Patti Fenn (played by Julia Roberts) can no longer stand him and has finally quit. But during her final Money Monster broadcast, an enraged gunman barges into the studio, straps a bomb to Gates’ chest, and threatens to blow it up if anybody cuts off the broadcast. His name is Kyle Budwell (played by Jack O’Connell), and he’s a working class deliveryman who lost his life savings after investing with IBIS Clear Capital, a company Gates heavily promoted on the show that recently lost hundreds of millions of dollars due to a glitch in their trading algorithm. Kyle rants to the camera about the excesses of the 1% while brandishing a gun in Gates’ face and demanding answers from Ibis CEO Walt Camby (played by Dominic West). As Gates defends his life on live TV, Patti and the Money Monster crew work with a rogue IBIS executive and a group of Icelandic computer hackers to uncover the truth: Walt Camby stole the money to use in an elaborate market manipulation scam involving a South African mining company. Outraged, Gates joins forces with Kyle and they march down Wall Street together to confront Camby with the evidence of his wrongdoing live on air.
Written by Jamie Linden, Alan DiFiore, Jim Kouf
Directed by Jodie Foster
Support the Machine to keep it running for as little as $1/month over at Patreon.
Movie Memory Machine is part of the Grunt Work Podcasts network. For more information on today’s episode, visit moviememorymachine.com.
Theme song by Porky’s Groove Machine.
Special thanks to Nate DuFort.
Follow us: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube
-
In this mini episode, we discuss whether Hope Springs is in the Deadpool universe, which townsfolk they would be, dare to attempt impressions, and play the Trailer Game!
Support the Machine to keep it running for as little as $1/month over at Patreon.
Movie Memory Machine is part of the Grunt Work Podcasts network. For more information on today’s episode, visit moviememorymachine.com.
Theme song by Porky’s Groove Machine.
Special thanks to Nate DuFort.
Follow us: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube
-
The Machine sends us to August 8, 2012 to cover the domestic dramatic comedy Hope Springs starring Meryl Streep, Tommy Lee Jones, and Steve Carell.
Omaha housewife Kay Soames (played by Meryl Streep) has been married to her husband Arnold (played by Tommy Lee Jones) for 31 years. They sleep in separate bedrooms. Arnold barely looks at her and avoids all physical contact. They haven’t had sex in five years. Desperate to restore some sense of intimacy and romance to her life, Kay suggests that they travel to the tiny town of Hope Springs, Maine, to seek out the services of famed couples’ therapist Dr. Bernard Feld (played by Steve Carell). Arnold refuses to acknowledge that anything is wrong in the relationship, but he reluctantly goes with her, complaining the entire way. During several intensive therapy sessions over the course of a week, Dr. Feld coaches the two of them through a series of exercises that help reignite their passion for one another and bring love back to their marriage.
Written by Vanessa Taylor
Directed by David Frankel
Support the Machine to keep it running for as little as $1/month over at Patreon.
Movie Memory Machine is part of the Grunt Work Podcasts network. For more information on today’s episode, visit moviememorymachine.com.
Theme song by Porky’s Groove Machine.
Special thanks to Nate DuFort.
Follow us: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube
-
In this mini episode, we discuss which celebrities who have gone through the digitization process that we'll see forever, Truman brings up EuroVision, Landen tells a story from his brief stint in Hollywood, and we play the Trailer Game!
Support the Machine to keep it running for as little as $1/month over at Patreon.
Movie Memory Machine is part of the Grunt Work Podcasts network. For more information on today’s episode, visit moviememorymachine.com.
Theme song by Porky’s Groove Machine.
Special thanks to Nate DuFort.
Follow us: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube
-
The Machine sends us to August 23, 2002 to cover Hollywood-satire-science-fiction-dramedy S1M0NE starring Al Pacino, Catherine Keener, Rachel Roberts, and Evan Rachel Wood.
Fledgling art film director Viktor Taransky (played by Al Pacino) gets into a fight with entitled movie star Nicola Anders (played by Winona Ryder) that leads her to walk off the set of his latest film. The movie studio, run by his ex-wife Elaine (played by Catherine Keener), opts to pull the plug on his film rather than recast the role, and his Hollywood career looks like it’s over. Until a dying tech whiz gives Taransky a hard drive containing the prototype for an entirely virtual actress (played by Rachel Roberts) who is endlessly deferential and accommodating to the director’s vision. Taransky dubs the CGI actress Simone and uses her to complete his film while keeping her virtual identity a secret. The finished film is a hit and Simone becomes an overnight global superstar. As Taransky and Simone’s Hollywood fortunes rise, he struggles to manage her newfound fame while going to greater and greater lengths to keep Simone’s adoring fans from finding out that Simone doesn’t even exist.
Written and directed by Andrew Niccol
Support the Machine to keep it running for as little as $1/month over at Patreon.
Movie Memory Machine is part of the Grunt Work Podcasts network. For more information on today’s episode, visit moviememorymachine.com.
Theme song by Porky’s Groove Machine.
Special thanks to Nate DuFort.
Follow us: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube
-
In this mini episode, we discuss the many uses of rope to fight supernatural entities and play the Trailer Game!
Support the Machine to keep it running for as little as $1/month over at Patreon.
Movie Memory Machine is part of the Grunt Work Podcasts network. For more information on today’s episode, visit moviememorymachine.com.
Theme song by Porky’s Groove Machine.
Special thanks to Nate DuFort.
Follow us: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube
- Show more
