Small Beans

Cody Johnston of Some More News pops in to tell us his thoughts about John Carpenter’s The Thing. The director regards this as his favorite of his films. It did terribly at the box office, but has since become a cult film, generating video games and board games in its image. Abe tries to explain why it’s his favorite horror film. The others see his point, but I don’t know, it’s good, but best? They talk, you decide! Everyone thank Robot Crank for generously donating toward this episode. We love you, Robot Crank. Features: Cody Johnston: https://twitter.com/drmistercody Michael Swaim: https://twitter.com/SWAIM_CORP Abe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMighty Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBeans

The pit returns with a special episode. Michael speaks to Jason Pargin, former executive editor of Cracked.com and the current head of video, Jordan Breeding, about self-worth and career success. This conversation was partially inspired by Jason Pargin’s recent video regarding making yourself valuable (https://youtu.be/wFBr685TjNs). When you’ve found yourself a value to others and you still haven’t reached the success you feel you’ve earned, what is the healthy way to proceed? Jason Pargin: https://twitter.com/JohnDiesattheEn Jordan Breeding: https://www.youtube.com/user/Cracked, https://twitter.com/The_J_Breeding Michael Swaim: https://twitter.com/SWAIM_CORP Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBeans

CIA analyst Jack Ryan has become a multi-decade obsession. It keeps being remade. Adam argues that the rules set up by Patriot Games are not feeding the political drama we have come to expect. It’s actually designed to be a family drama, something its successors fail to grasp. Features: Adam Ganser: https://twitter.com/therealganz Abe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMighty Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBeans

We’ve begun lap six of nine. Real quick: name Gina Carano’s character in this movie. Bridgett knows! Sarah does not! While she continues to stan Han and Gisele, we still have to address that the number of characters in these films is getting ridiculous. Let’s break down what makes this installment of the franchise the fastest and most furious so far. Hint: it’s the last 30 minutes of this movie. Features: Sarah Griffith: https://twitter.com/sk_griffith Bridgett Greenberg: https://twitter.com/BridgettTweets Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBeans

If Pixar made a Chinese fable 6 years ago, it’d look a lot like this 2019 Chinese and American co-production. This most recent Pick the Flick takes us to the world of demons, humans, and utterly terrified dogs. Michael and Abe discuss the unique aspects of making an international kids film and how filmmakers will often water down narrative and character for a wider audience. Everyone thank minefreak555 for generously donating toward this episode. We love you, minefreak555. Features: Michael Swaim: https://twitter.com/SWAIM_CORP Abe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMighty Logo by Michael Vincent Bramley: https://www.instagram.com/mvbramleyart/ Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBeans

“The more I try, the harder it seems / But you’ve turned around, blocked me out, / deliberately trying to bloody my back / Falsely sweet words, masking your soul, / I’m trying to get past this. / Plastering on a fake plastic smile when all I want is to break down and cry.” - Teresa Lee, teenage poet. Bridgett and Sarah stare unblinkingly into the void of teenage crush strategies, angelfire webpages, Sadie Hawkins dances, and Teresa is our guide. And frankly, the poem is off the chain. Like real, angsty, good stuff. So, listen in, you weirdos. Also, Teresa may or may not have a ghost. Features: Teresa Lee: https://twitter.com/leresatee Rough Stuff: https://twitter.com/roughstuffpod Email us your horrible tales: roughstuffpod@gmail.com Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBeans

What is charming about an underdog? What do movies do to make us love a good underdog story? Adam has an answer that’s pure jazz. Maggie has an answer that’s all style. This episode looks at the films Whiplash and Fantastic Mr. Fox. Adam Ganser: https://twitter.com/therealganz Maggie Mae Fish: https://twitter.com/MaggieMaeFish Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBeans

This one takes us to the unfortunate year of 1990 and the world of made-for-TV movies as Michael and Abe tackle the 3-hour two-part miniseries “It.” The king beans haven’t gotten to check in with each other for a while and this episode starts with a selfish catching up of each others’ lives and reminiscing about our past. Just like It, except for the bludgeoning and ripping asunder of a trans-universal spider and the coming-of-age orgies. Let’s see where they stack this one in the films reviewed so far! Features: Michael Swaim: https://twitter.com/SWAIM_CORP Abe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMighty Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBeans

A new Frame Rate logo! Holy wow! Michael Vincent Bramley, our very own MVB has updated our logo and we think it’s the beans! This Parker Posey vehicle was widely unseen by everyone. Let’s let Abe and Michael determine if that was a shame. In any case, it’s available for streaming and is the only incestuous Jackie O drama/thriller that came out in 1997. Even if you don’t listen, if you like Parker Posey and have never heard of this film, go check it out. She’s fantastic. Everyone thank Zac Schwartz and Vera for generously donating toward this episode. We love you, Zac Attack. Features: Michael Swaim: https://twitter.com/SWAIM_CORP Abe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMighty Logo by Michael Vincent Bramley: https://www.instagram.com/mvbramleyart/ Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBeans

Abe sets out to convince Adam that Demolition Man’s direction is sneaky complex, albeit flawed. Looking at camera, lighting, and production design, the past and the present are at odds in the film which begs the question: based on its own system of design who is the true hero of Demolition Man? Features: Adam Ganser: https://twitter.com/therealganz Abe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMighty Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBeans