Forgotten Cinema

This week on Forgotten Cinema, the Mikes revisit "Secret Window", the psychological thriller based on a story by Stephen King and the winner of this season's Audience Choice.For Mike Butler, this is a film he has never really connected with, and a rewatch does little to change his opinion. While he praises the direction, performances, and the film's small-scale, almost independent feel, the story itself continues to frustrate him. The central twist does not land, many of Mort's decisions feel dumb, and perhaps most importantly, Butler never finds himself caring about Mort despite the torment he endures throughout the film.Mike Field is much more positive on the movie, though he does not dismiss Butler's criticisms. He appreciates David Koepp's directing choices, the film's pacing, and the way it steadily builds tension. Even if some of the story's weaknesses remain, Field finds enough atmosphere and craftsmanship to make the experience worthwhile.The discussion ultimately becomes less about whether "Secret Window" is objectively good or bad and more about what audiences need from a psychological thriller. Is the strong direction and atmosphere enough when the story itself leaves you cold? Or do the film's flaws undermine everything else it does well?What are some of your favorite film twists? Let us know in the comments below!🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more Forgotten Cinema content!🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen to podcasts.✨ Support us on Patreon for exclusive content: www.patreon.com/forgottencinema🛍️ Grab some Forgotten Cinema merch: www.etsy.com/shop/ForgottenCinemaShopCheck out our website: https://www.forgottencinemapodcast.com0:00 - Introduction2:38 - Film Facts8:34 - Film Discussion30:04 - Reviews31:28 - Who Would You Recommend This To?34:45 - Why Is This Forgotten?37:53 - Plugs#ForgottenCinema #SecretWindow #JohnnyDepp #DavidKoepp #StephenKing #BasedOnABook #MoviePodcast #FilmDiscussion #UnderratedMovies #ClassicFilms

This week on Forgotten Cinema, the Mikes tackle "Time Bandits", Terry Gilliam's beloved fantasy adventure and one of the most celebrated cult films of the 1980s.Unfortunately, this is another Gilliam film that just doesn't quite connect with either of them.Both Butler and Field came into the movie wanting to like it. Butler is a big fan of "Brazil", and Field enjoys that film as well, but much like their experience with "12 Monkeys", they find themselves on the outside looking in when it comes to another highly regarded Gilliam classic.The Mikes discuss whether part of their disconnect comes from discovering the film nearly fifty years after its release. While both enjoy plenty of quirky, imaginative films from the era, they struggle with the episodic structure here. The various historical vignettes never quite come together into a satisfying whole, and the bandits themselves feel underdeveloped. Aside from Randall, the group often blends together into what feels like a single character, making it difficult to become invested in their journey.That is not to say the film is without merit. Some of the practical effects remain impressive, several jokes land well, and Gilliam's imagination is on full display throughout. Ultimately, though, Butler and Field find themselves wanting a stronger narrative thread to tie everything together.As self-described plot-focused viewers, the Mikes wonder if "Time Bandits" is simply one of those movies that speaks to a different audience. They respect its legacy and understand why it has endured, even if this particular adventure was not for them.What are they missing from Time Bandits that connect with you? Let us know in the comments below!🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more Forgotten Cinema content!🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen to podcasts.✨ Support us on Patreon for exclusive content: www.patreon.com/forgottencinema🛍️ Grab some Forgotten Cinema merch: www.etsy.com/shop/ForgottenCinemaShopCheck out our website: https://www.forgottencinemapodcast.com0:00 - Introduction3:09 - Film Facts13:36 - Film Discussion32:26 - Reviews36:34 - Who Would You Recommend This To?39:36 - Why Is This Forgotten?39:35 - Plugs#ForgottenCinema #TimeBandits #TerryGilliam #SciFi #Fantasy #SeanConnery #JohnCleese #MontyPython #80sFilm #80sMovie #Comedy #MoviePodcast #FilmDiscussion #UnderratedMovies #ClassicFilms

This week on Forgotten Cinema: Now Showing, the Mikes take a look at "The Bride", Maggie Gyllenhaal’s ambitious and visually striking monster film.Mike Butler comes away disappointed. While he believes the movie is phenomenally acted, beautifully designed, and impressively directed, the script simply does not work for him. The story feels unfocused, struggling to decide what it wants to be or what it wants to say. As Gyllenhaal’s first big-budget film, it is a strong showcase for her talents behind the camera, but Butler feels the screenplay ultimately lets the entire project down.That said, there is still a lot to admire. Jessie Buckley delivers an incredible performance as the Bride, Christian Bale is fantastic as “Frank,” and the film closes with the best end credit song in recent memory.Mike Field had a similar reaction walking out of the theater, but after sitting with it for a day he found himself warming up to the film. Not because he disagrees with the criticisms of the script, but because he appreciates how different the movie is from most modern blockbuster fare. That leads to the bigger question the Mikes explore in this episode. Is being different enough to make a film good?Ambitious, strange, and deeply divisive, "The Bride" is a film that sparks a lot of discussion even if it does not fully come together.What did you think of The Bride? Let us know in the comments!🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more Forgotten Cinema content!🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen to podcasts.✨ Support us on Patreon for exclusive content: www.patreon.com/forgottencinema🛍️ Grab some Forgotten Cinema merch: www.etsy.com/shop/ForgottenCinemaShopCheck out our website: https://www.forgottencinemapodcast.com#ForgottenCinema #TheBride #Bride #BrideOfFrankenstein #Frankenstein #MaggieGyllenhaal #ChristianBale #JessieBuckley #Romance #Horror #HorrorFilms #MonsterMovies #NewRelease #FilmDiscussion

Four more movies. Four very different experiences.In Episode 2 of Last Four, Mike Field breaks down the latest four films he watched. What worked, what didn’t, and who each movie might be for. No rankings. No hot takes for the sake of hot takes. Just honest reactions from a lifelong movie lover. This week’s lineup ranges from intimate family drama to mockumentary comedy, surreal conspiracy thriller, and a bold Spike Lee reinterpretation of a Kurosawa classic.🎥 Movies Covered00:00 Cold Open00:45 Intro00:59 Sentimental Value09:55 Spinal Tap II: The End Continues14:15 Bugonia20:23 Highest 2 Lowest🎬 About the ShowLast Four is a solo series from Forgotten Cinema host Mike Field where he talks about the last four movies he watched — new releases, classics, surprises, and disappointments. 💬 Join the conversation What were the last four movies you watched? Drop them in the comments — they might even show up in a future episode.🎙 More from Forgotten CinemaForgotten Cinema is a movie podcast and YouTube channel exploring great films that deserve another look — from cult classics to overlooked favorites. Subscribe for: Movie discussions, Film analysis, New shows like Last Four and more!