Movie Memory Machine
Movie Memory Machine is a podcast dedicated to films that are forgotten but not gone. Each week the Machine sends us backward and forward through time and forces us to blow the dust off a wide release film that history has forgotten to decide if we should send it back to modern memory or leave it drifting in the ether of space.
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Episodes
Friday Jun 07, 2024
Friday Jun 07, 2024
"Is 54 the disco inferno we deserved, or did Harvey Weinstein douse the flames? Spoiler: It’s not Saturday Night Fever."
Episode Description
This week, Landen and Truman don their finest polyester to dive into 54 (1998), the infamous Studio 54 biopic starring Ryan Phillippe, Salma Hayek, and Mike Myers. From the party scenes to the post-production drama, they unpack how Harvey Weinstein turned what could have been a queer cinema classic into a straight-laced trainwreck. With plenty of disco ball jokes and deep dives into 70s hedonism, this episode asks: Is the director’s cut worth the hype?
Major Cast and Crew
Director: Mark Christopher
Writers: Mark Christopher
Main Cast:
Ryan Phillippe as Shane O'Shea
Salma Hayek as Anita
Mike Myers as Steve Rubell
Breckin Meyer as Greg
Neve Campbell as Julie Black
Film Synopsis
A young gas station attendant (Ryan Phillippe) gets swept into the glamorous, drug-fueled world of Studio 54, working as a bartender for the club’s eccentric owner, Steve Rubell (Mike Myers). As his relationships crumble and the IRS tightens its grip on Rubell’s empire, Shane must choose between the allure of disco debauchery and a more grounded life.
Episode Highlights
Comparing 54 to Boogie Nights: the similarities, the scandals, and the disco-ball-sized differences.
Mike Myers’ surprisingly poignant performance as Studio 54 owner Steve Rubell.
Why the theatrical cut of 54 feels like a disco floor with no lights or music.
An exploration of the film’s post-production drama and the infamous Harvey Weinstein edits.
The bittersweet potential of the director’s cut: What could’ve been for queer cinema.
What’s your favorite movie about the 70s, and does 54 deserve another spin on the turntable? Share your thoughts with us in the comments or on social media!
Enjoyed the episode? Tell us what you think by leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform—we’d love to feature your thoughts in future show notes!
💡 Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod
🌐 Visit our website: http://www.moviememorymachine.com/
📱 Follow us on Social Media:
Facebook: Movie Memory Machine
Instagram: @MovieMemoryMachine
Threads: @MovieMemoryMachine
Bluesky: @MovieMemoryMachine
YouTube: @MovieMemoryMachine
🎵 Theme Song by Porky's Groove Machine: https://porkysgroovemachine.com/
SEO Keywords
54 movie podcast, Ryan Phillippe movies, Mike Myers dramatic roles, Studio 54 biopic, 70s disco culture, queer cinema, Harvey Weinstein edits, disco era films, Movie Memory Machine podcast
Friday May 31, 2024
Friday May 31, 2024
"Dads, apes, and shirtless brawls—what more could a movie trailer promise? And what less could a movie deliver?"
Episode Description
In this mini-episode, Landen and Truman swing back into the jungle of The Legend of Tarzan (2016), where they ponder why dads love gorilla fights, critique vine physics, and play the trailer guessing game. Plus, they take a detour into motion capture history and debate whether CGI apes should ever return to cinema.
Major Cast and Crew
Director: David Yates
Writers: Adam Cozad, Craig Brewer
Main Cast:
Alexander Skarsgård as John Clayton / Tarzan
Margot Robbie as Jane Clayton
Christoph Waltz as Leon Rom
Samuel L. Jackson as George Washington Williams
Djimon Hounsou as Chief Mbonga
Film Synopsis
Returning to the jungle to save his wife, Tarzan (Alexander Skarsgård) faces colonial oppressors, steamy vine stunts, and the eternal struggle of justifying a $180 million reboot.
Episode Highlights
Debating Tarzan’s vine-swinging physics versus Spider-Man’s web-slinging.
The strange absence of epic vine-swinging scenes in a Tarzan movie.
Samuel L. Jackson’s hilarious ride-along and dad-appealing one-liners.
A reflection on Disney’s Tarzan and its 1999 Kmart soundtrack dominance.
How CGI apes went from groundbreaking to groan-inducing.
What’s your favorite Tarzan adaptation? And do dads really need 110 minutes of jungle action, or is a 4-minute YouTube clip enough? Let us know in the comments or on social media!
Enjoyed the episode? Tell us what you think by leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform—we’d love to feature your thoughts in future show notes!
💡 Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod
🌐 Visit our website: http://www.moviememorymachine.com/
📱 Follow us on Social Media:
Facebook: Movie Memory Machine
Instagram: @MovieMemoryMachine
Threads: @MovieMemoryMachine
Bluesky: @MovieMemoryMachine
YouTube: @MovieMemoryMachine
🎵 Theme Song by Porky's Groove Machine: https://porkysgroovemachine.com/
SEO Keywords
Legend of Tarzan mini-episode, Alexander Skarsgård Tarzan, Margot Robbie Jane Clayton, Christoph Waltz villains, CGI apes in movies, Tarzan vine physics, Movie Memory Machine podcast
Friday May 24, 2024
Friday May 24, 2024
"What happens when you drag Tarzan out of the jungle and into the House of Lords? An overly complicated plot and some very toned muscles, apparently."
Episode Description
In this episode, Landen and Truman explore The Legend of Tarzan (2016), a film that asks, “What if Tarzan fought colonialism?” and then barely answers. From Alexander Skarsgård’s meticulously sculpted physique to Christoph Waltz’s villain in a white suit, they examine what worked (Samuel L. Jackson’s quips) and what didn’t (pretty much everything else). Along the way, they question whether it’s even possible—or necessary—to update pulp characters for modern audiences.
Major Cast and Crew
Director: David Yates
Writers: Adam Cozad, Craig Brewer
Main Cast:
Alexander Skarsgård as John Clayton / Tarzan
Margot Robbie as Jane Clayton
Christoph Waltz as Leon Rom
Samuel L. Jackson as George Washington Williams
Djimon Hounsou as Chief Mbonga
Film Synopsis
Tarzan, aka John Clayton (Alexander Skarsgård), has traded his loincloth for a three-piece suit as a member of England’s House of Lords. But when his wife Jane (Margot Robbie) is kidnapped by colonial forces led by Leon Rom (Christoph Waltz), he must return to the jungle to save her. Joined by American diplomat George Washington Williams (Samuel L. Jackson), Tarzan battles villainous Belgians, awkward racial politics, and his own irrelevance in a modern blockbuster landscape.
Episode Highlights
The evolution of Tarzan from literary icon to Hollywood’s least requested reboot.
Samuel L. Jackson playing second fiddle to a man raised by apes—and the absurdity of it.
A breakdown of Tarzan’s outdated pulp origins and their clash with 21st-century sensibilities.
Alexander Skarsgård’s dedication to his physique: Tarzan abs or modern art installation?
The fascinating (and infuriating) true history of George Washington Williams, reduced to a sidekick role.
What’s your favorite (or least favorite) pulp character adaptation? Let us know in the comments or on social media!
Enjoyed the episode? Tell us what you think by leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform—we’d love to feature your thoughts in future show notes!
💡 Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod
🌐 Visit our website: http://www.moviememorymachine.com/
📱 Follow us on Social Media:
Facebook: Movie Memory Machine
Instagram: @MovieMemoryMachine
Threads: @MovieMemoryMachine
Bluesky: @MovieMemoryMachine
YouTube: @MovieMemoryMachine
🎵 Theme Song by Porky's Groove Machine: https://porkysgroovemachine.com/
SEO Keywords
Legend of Tarzan podcast, Alexander Skarsgård Tarzan, Margot Robbie Jane Clayton, Christoph Waltz villains, colonialism in film, Samuel L. Jackson George Washington Williams, pulp character adaptations, Movie Memory Machine podcast
Friday May 17, 2024
Friday May 17, 2024
"Oreos, Limp Bizkit references, and questionable PG-13 ‘romance’—yes, it’s very 2002."
Episode Description
In this mini-episode, Landen and Truman break down the small but unforgettable details of Life or Something Like It. From Limp Bizkit jokes to a PG-13 sex scene scored by Jewel, they explore the film’s awkward attempt to balance romance, existentialism, and Angelina Jolie’s frosted hair tips. Plus, they play the trailer guessing game and reflect on whether high school is anyone’s authentic self.
Major Cast and Crew
Director: Stephen Herek
Writers: Dana Stevens, John Scott Shepherd
Main Cast:
Angelina Jolie as Lainey Kerrigan
Edward Burns as Pete Scanlon
Tony Shalhoub as Prophet Jack
Stockard Channing as Deborah Connors
Christian Kane as Cal Cooper
Film Synopsis
A street prophet declares that TV reporter Lainey Kerrigan (Angelina Jolie) has seven days to live, sending her on a journey of self-discovery, bad music montages, and romantic entanglements with her cameraman, Pete (Edward Burns). Together, they learn that love and life are a lot like a Jewel song—confusing, awkward, and full of bad metaphors.
Episode Highlights
The 2002 soundtrack: Limp Bizkit jokes, Jewel ballads, and Foo Fighters' “Learn to Fly.”
Why high school might not actually be your “authentic self.”
A hilarious breakdown of the PG-13 “romance” scene.
Playing the trailer guessing game: what was in the movie vs. what wasn’t.
The secret connection between Lainey’s apartment and Frasier.
What’s your favorite “so bad it’s good” rom-com? Let us know in the comments or on social media!
Enjoyed the episode? Tell us what you think by leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform—we’d love to feature your thoughts in future show notes!
Call-to-Actions
💡 Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod
🌐 Visit our website: http://www.moviememorymachine.com/
📱 Follow us on Social Media:
Facebook: Movie Memory Machine
Instagram: @MovieMemoryMachine
Threads: @MovieMemoryMachine
Bluesky: @MovieMemoryMachine
YouTube: @MovieMemoryMachine
🎵 Theme Song by Porky's Groove Machine: https://porkysgroovemachine.com/
SEO Keywords
Life or Something Like It mini-episode, Angelina Jolie rom-coms, Edward Burns cameraman, Tony Shalhoub prophet, 2002 movie soundtrack, Movie Memory Machine podcast
Friday May 10, 2024
Friday May 10, 2024
"I’ve never been so hungry for Oreos and simultaneously mad about how they were displayed in a movie."
Episode Description
In this episode of Movie Memory Machine, Landen and Truman revisit Life or Something Like It (2002), Angelina Jolie’s rom-com attempt to bring existential questions and flannel-clad charm into our lives. From over-styled Oreos to Tony Shalhoub outclassing everyone with Gore-Tex boots, they explore how this movie grapples with death, romance, and the early 2000s aesthetic.
Major Cast and Crew
Director: Stephen Herek
Writers: Dana Stevens, John Scott Shepherd
Main Cast:
Angelina Jolie as Lainey Kerrigan
Edward Burns as Pete Scanlon
Tony Shalhoub as Prophet Jack
Stockard Channing as Deborah Connors
Christian Kane as Cal Cooper
Film Synopsis
Lainey Kerrigan (Angelina Jolie), a polished Seattle TV news reporter, has it all—fame, fortune, and a perfect fiancé—until a street prophet (Tony Shalhoub) declares she’ll die in seven days. As her life unravels faster than her perfectly coiffed hair, Lainey teams up with her rugged, aloof cameraman Pete (Edward Burns) to find purpose and maybe, just maybe, love before her time is up.
Episode Highlights
Why Angelina Jolie’s character could only exist in 2002.
Ed Burns as the cinematic embodiment of “that guy at the grill.”
How Tony Shalhoub elevates every movie—even if he’s predicting doom.
The art of over-styled Oreos: food, aesthetics, or both?
How the film blends rom-com tropes with existential dread (successfully or not).
What’s your favorite existential rom-com? Let us know in the comments or on social media!
Enjoyed the episode? Tell us what you think by leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform—we’d love to feature your thoughts in future show notes!
💡 Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod
🌐 Visit our website: http://www.moviememorymachine.com/
📱 Follow us on Social Media:
Facebook: Movie Memory Machine
Instagram: @MovieMemoryMachine
Threads: @MovieMemoryMachine
Bluesky: @MovieMemoryMachine
YouTube: @MovieMemoryMachine
🎵 Theme Song by Porky's Groove Machine: https://porkysgroovemachine.com/
SEO Keywords
Life or Something Like It podcast, Angelina Jolie rom-coms, Edward Burns movies, Tony Shalhoub characters, existential comedy films, Movie Memory Machine podcast
Friday May 03, 2024
Friday May 03, 2024
"Guy Ritchie’s love of wine, grills, and chess somehow birthed a spy flick—and yes, it’s as weird as it sounds."
Episode Description
In this mini-episode, Landen and Truman continue their exploration of Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre. They uncover the real espionage behind Guy Ritchie’s filmmaking process: turning a $50 million budget into a wine-fueled grilling session. From Hugh Grant’s BBQ skills to Jason Statham punching people with maps, this movie has it all—except for coherence.
Major Cast and Crew
Director: Guy Ritchie
Writers: Guy Ritchie, Ivan Atkinson, Marn Davies
Main Cast:
Jason Statham as Orson Fortune
Aubrey Plaza as Sarah Ravin
Hugh Grant as Greg Simons
Josh Hartnett as Danny Francesco
Cary Elwes as Nathan Jasmine
Bugzy Malone as JJ
Film Synopsis
Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre follows freelance spy Orson Fortune (Jason Statham) as he teams up with tech expert Sarah Ravin (Aubrey Plaza) and Hollywood star Danny Francesco (Josh Hartnett) to stop arms dealer Greg Simons (Hugh Grant). Along the way, they employ cutting-edge gadgets like…a grill?
Episode Highlights
How Guy Ritchie’s featurette grilling session outshines the movie.
Why the ancient Greek ruins deserved better than Operation Fortune.
The team’s trailer breakdown game and their hilariously low score.
A pitch for the sequel: Operation Fortune 2: The IRS Strikes Back.
What do you think of Operation Fortune? Does Guy Ritchie’s eccentricity make the movie better—or just more confusing? Let us know in the comments or on social media!
Enjoyed the episode? Tell us what you think by leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform—we’d love to feature your thoughts in future show notes!
💡 Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod
🌐 Visit our website: http://www.moviememorymachine.com/
📱 Follow us on Social Media:
Facebook: Movie Memory Machine
Instagram: @MovieMemoryMachine
Threads: @MovieMemoryMachine
Bluesky: @MovieMemoryMachine
YouTube: @MovieMemoryMachine
🎵 Theme Song by Porky's Groove Machine: https://porkysgroovemachine.com/
SEO Keywords
Operation Fortune mini-episode, Guy Ritchie spy movies, Jason Statham map punch, Hugh Grant BBQ scene, Movie Memory Machine podcast, spy movie humor
Friday Apr 26, 2024
Friday Apr 26, 2024
"Guy Ritchie tried to steal the spy movie crown, but instead we got Jason Statham in God Mode and Hugh Grant charming his way into another paycheck."
Episode Description
In this episode of Movie Memory Machine, Landen and Truman dive headfirst into Guy Ritchie's Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre—a film that somehow combines spy hijinks with NFT-level convolutions. From Jason Statham's invincible persona to Hugh Grant's unexpected charm, we unpack the movie's attempt at reinventing the suave spy archetype and debate whether it’s a slick spy thriller or just an overlong wine commercial with explosions.
Major Cast and Crew
Director: Guy Ritchie
Writers: Guy Ritchie, Ivan Atkinson, Marn Davies
Main Cast:
Jason Statham as Orson Fortune
Aubrey Plaza as Sarah Ravin
Hugh Grant as Greg Simons
Josh Hartnett as Danny Francesco
Cary Elwes as Nathan Jasmine
Bugzy Malone as JJ
Film Synopsis
After a mysterious device known as "The Handle" is stolen, freelance spy Orson Fortune (Jason Statham) is recruited to save the day alongside tech wizard Sarah Ravin (Aubrey Plaza) and Hollywood star Danny Francesco (Josh Hartnett). Together, they face billionaire arms dealer Greg Simons (Hugh Grant) in a mission that involves video game logic, fine wine, and a lot of testicle abuse.
Episode Highlights
The evolution of spy films from Cary Grant's North by Northwest to Operation Fortune.
Why Jason Statham's "perfect spy" feels like he’s in God Mode.
A breakdown of Hugh Grant’s bizarrely charming arms dealer character.
A look at how wine, wit, and Aubrey Plaza steal the spotlight in a world of Jason Statham's action dominance.
A toast (and roast) of the film’s fixation on fine wines.
What’s your favorite Guy Ritchie movie, and where does Operation Fortune rank for you? Let us know in the comments or on social media!
Enjoyed the episode? Tell us what you think by leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform—we’d love to feature your thoughts in future show notes!
💡 Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod
🌐 Visit our website: http://www.moviememorymachine.com/
📱 Follow us on Social Media:
Facebook: Movie Memory Machine
Instagram: @MovieMemoryMachine
Threads: @MovieMemoryMachine
Bluesky: @MovieMemoryMachine
YouTube: @MovieMemoryMachine
🎵 Theme Song by Porky's Groove Machine: https://porkysgroovemachine.com/
SEO Keywords
Operation Fortune podcast, Guy Ritchie movies, Jason Statham spy films, Hugh Grant comedy, Cary Grant spy influence, Aubrey Plaza, spy movie reviews 2023, Movie Memory Machine podcast
Friday Apr 12, 2024
Friday Apr 12, 2024
Movie Memory Machine makes its first transmission Friday, April 26, 2024.
Subscribe now on your favorite podcatcher!
Friday Apr 05, 2024
Friday Apr 05, 2024
Coming April 26th, 2024.
Movie Memory Machine is a podcast dedicated to films that are forgotten but not gone.
Each episode the Machine will send us backward and forward through time and force us to blow the dust off a wide release film that history has forgotten.
In this trailer episode, you get to meet the captives of the Machine: Landen Celano and Truman Capps.
Join us on this adventure through the foggy ether of memory and movies!