Unfiltered Movie Podcast - Aussie and Scotsman

This week we are reviewing Michael, the 2026 biographical drama directed by Antoine Fuqua — the man behind Training Day and The Equalizer — starring Jaafar Jackson, the 27-year-old nephew of Michael Jackson as Michael himself, alongside a powerhouse Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson. The film begins in Gary, Indiana in 1966 and follows Michael from his childhood as the lead singer of the Jackson 5 through the Motown years, the Off the Wall and Thriller era, the Pepsi commercial accident, and up to the Bad World Tour in London in 1988. The allegations, the trials, and his death in 2009 are not depicted. An epilogue card reads: his story continues. Both hosts went to see this together during the week. The Scotsman went in not wanting to support the Jackson estate because of the allegations. He came out calling it the greatest film he has seen in a long time. The Aussie was dancing in his seat. But this episode does something most reviews of this film have not. They give the allegations a dedicated, serious section — both sides of the argument, the Jordan Chandler case, the 2005 criminal trial, the Leaving Neverland accusations, what was found and what was not found, the settlement, and the Robson and Safechuck civil case due in November 2026. The Scotsman presents it without taking a side. The Aussie declares his hand. The debate underneath all of this is genuinely compelling. Would Michael Jackson have made it without Joe Jackson? The Scotsman says yes — absolutely, inevitably, on his own terms. The Aussie says the father was seventy percent of it. They argue about this for a while. Jaafar Jackson gets enormous credit from both hosts. The voice, the movement, the sweetness, the vulnerability — trained for years in his uncle's specific choreographic style. Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson — terrifying, cold, never given a redemption arc — is described as the best supporting performance in any biopic of the last decade. The scene where Michael fires his father by fax. Joe Jackson walking into the room holding the paper. Michael unable to look at him. "He always wins," Michael says. The Scotsman says it was one of the most uncomfortable scenes he has sat through. There is also a disagreement about Paul McCartney's singing voice — the Scotsman gives him four out of ten — and a moment where the Aussie confidently calls George Harrison the drummer of The Beatles. He is not. . Rohan Reminisces goes back to 1982 — the year Thriller dropped — and for once, it actually delivers. Gandhi, Ben Kingsley, Meryl Streep in Sophie's Choice, Rocky 3, Rambo, Blade Runner, ET, and the Falklands War. The first test tube baby also makes an appearance in a way that briefly derails the entire segment. Ratings: 4.7 from the Aussie, 4.5 from the Scotsman. Go and see this at the cinema. Do not wait for streaming. The podcast is out now on YouTube and also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Hit subscribe or follow — it genuinely helps the show keep growing. Thanks for listening.

This week we are reviewing the 2025 American action-thriller film One Battle After Another, co-produced, written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. Inspired by Thomas Pynchon’s 1990 novel Vineland, the film stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Benicio del Toro, Regina Hall, Teyana Taylor, and Chase Infiniti. It follows an ex-revolutionary who’s reluctantly pulled back into conflict when he and his daughter are targeted by a corrupt military officer. It’s heavy, layered, and very Anderson — and there’s plenty to unpack. We’re also thrilled to welcome a special guest this week: the Aussie’s number two son — Oliver.And wow — what a debut. Articulate, insightful, and well beyond his years, Oliver not only holds his own on the mic but leads some of the best moments in this episode. He’s also a hugely talented artist — check him out on Instagram: @oliverwoolf_art. His dad (the Aussie) is clearly emotional — breaking down in tears multiple times throughout the episode. And we don’t blame him. As for the film? We’ve got mixed feelings. The Scotsman reckons it was 40 minutes too long — beautifully shot, yes, but laboured and indulgent. The Aussie agrees there were moments that dragged, with scenes that felt unnecessary or overdone. Oliver, however, offers a fresh take that opens the discussion right up — and might just change your mind. If you’ve seen the film, you’ll love this breakdown — it’s one of the better podcasts we’ve done. There’s plenty to dissect, and the conversation goes deep. We talk about that gummy scene at Jason’s place — and how it ties back to Leo’s character forgetting the code. A small moment, but it triggers a big discussion about memory, trauma, and character motivation. Oliver comes in strong with an incredible take on the film’s title — One Battle After Another — and what it means not just in the story, but in our everyday lives. It’s one of those rare moments that genuinely stops the show for a second. Powerful stuff. And then we get to Rohan Reminisces — and the Scotsman is more animated than we’ve ever heard him. Scotland qualifying for the 2026 World Cup has him buzzing... until the Aussie casually brings up England, and the tone shifts immediately. Tense. Hilarious. Classic stuff. Oliver also lands a wild guess during this segment that’s so good, it brings his dad to tears again. The podcast is out now on YouTube and it is also available on Spotify or Apple. Please click the subscribe or follow button – it really does help us be seen amongst all the other podcasts. Thanks for your support

This week we are talking about the 2014 American psychological thriller Gone Girl, directed by David Fincher. It stars Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Neil Patrick Harris, Tyler Perry, and marks Carrie Coon’s film debut. The story follows Nick Dunne (Affleck), who becomes the prime suspect after his wife Amy (Pike) mysteriously disappears from their home in Missouri. RATING:The Aussie: 2.8/5The Scotsman: 3/5 The Scotsman kicks things off with a woodworking story (because, of course he does). We get into the real-life case of Scott Peterson – the American convicted in 2002 of murdering his wife and unborn child – and how it parallels the film’s central mystery. “This is a frustrating film. It’s an annoying film. I don’t like ambiguity,” says the Aussie, clearly still working through some feelings. The Scotsman struggles to recall whether he’s seen it before, mumbles through the first 20 minutes… until the Aussie mentions the sex scenes. Suddenly, the Scotsman is fully awake and firing. That leads to the inevitable question: “Have you had sex in public?” And off we go. Rohan Reminisces takes us back to 2014 with a look at the Scottish Referendum, and we round things off with a bit of film trivia. The podcast is available now on Spotify or Apple. Please click the subscribe or follow button – it really does help us be seen amongst all the other podcasts. Thanks for your support

This week the lads review the 2018 American biographical drama Beautiful Boy, directed by Felix van Groeningen and adapted from the memoirs of David and Nic Sheff. Starring Steve Carell, Timothée Chalamet, Maura Tierney and Amy Ryan, the film charts a father–son bond stretched thin by addiction and the desperate attempts to hold a family together. Things unravel early when the Aussie confidently announces the wrong film title, setting the tone for the episode. The Scotsman follows with a building-site story delivered so badly he’s forced to retell it — and the second attempt hits so hard the Aussie actually cries. Questions are raised about his emotional stability, possible manopause, and whether the pressure of podcasting is finally getting to him. From there the pair dive into a spirited argument over Chalamet’s casting, the Aussie doubling down with his proud Adam Sandler–style “Challllaaammeett” routine. The Scotsman counters by recommending Stephen Graham’s Adolescence as the real must-watch for any parent, leading into a candid discussion about drugs, fear, mistakes, and what parents really try to teach their kids. Rohan Reminisces takes the show back to 2018, weaving through the Thai cave rescue, the Beaconsfield mine story, and an unexpected confession about the Aussie’s romantic preferences. They somehow end up talking MASH*, testing each other’s memory of the cast, and the Scotsman brings trivia he insists proves Beautiful Boy isn’t the masterpiece the Aussie believes it is. The podcast is out now on YouTube, and also available on Spotify or Apple. Please hit subscribe or follow — it genuinely helps the show cut through the noise. Thanks for your support.

This week, the lads step away from the usual movie reviews and sit down with Australian actor Jonny Pasvolsky — a career that spans film, television and stage, and one that doesn’t follow the typical Hollywood path. Jonny Pasvolsky is best known for roles in MacLeod’s Daughters, Underbelly, Farscape, Picnic at Hanging Rock and HBO’s Westworld, where he played “Bloody Jimmy.” Over the years, he’s built a diverse acting career across Australian television, international productions and theatre, working alongside major names including Johnny Depp in the film Mordechai. In this episode of Unfiltered Movie Podcast with Aussie and the Scotsman, we go beyond the standard actor interview and get into the reality of the acting industry — how actors actually build long-term careers, the challenges of staying relevant, and the difference between working in TV, film and live theatre. We also dive into Jonny's latest project, The CAN Principle — a one-man comedy show built around the chaotic and wildly confident South African life coach Mervyn Gimplick. The show has already received strong reviews at the Adelaide Fringe and is gaining attention for its sharp writing, character work and unpredictable humour. This conversation covers:– Jonny Pasvolsky’s career journey across Australian TV, film and theatre– Behind-the-scenes insights from Westworld, Underbelly and MacLeod’s Daughters– Working with Johnny Depp on Mordechai– The realities of being a working actor in Australia and internationally– The shift from acting to writing and performing original work– The CAN Principle and the rise of one-man shows in comedy and theatre– How actors stay relevant in a competitive industry If you’re interested in acting, filmmaking, Australian cinema, behind-the-scenes industry insight, or long-form conversations with actors — this episode gives you a much more honest look at how it all actually works. This is Unfiltered Movie Podcast — where we don’t just review films, we break down the people, careers and industry behind them.

This week we are talking about the 2006 American biographical drama film The Pursuit of Happyness, directed by Gabriele Muccino and starring Will Smith as Chris Gardner, a homeless salesman. Smith’s real-life son, Jaden Smith, co-stars in his film debut as Gardner’s son, Christopher Jr. The story is based on Gardner’s nearly year-long struggle with homelessness while raising his child. Set in San Francisco in 1981, it’s a moving, emotional journey of survival and hope. And yes — the title is intentionally misspelled, taken from a mural Gardner sees outside his son’s daycare. RATING:The Aussie: 3.8/5The Scotsman: 3.8/5 We kick things off with the Aussie diving into the theme of belief — belief in yourself, belief in the process, and how powerful your mindset can be. That sparks a surprisingly deep chat about mental health, followed by a quick singalong moment (you’ve been warned). As for the film itself — we both agree it’s a powerful and enjoyable watch. But… there’s a cloud over it now. Will Smith’s real-life slap at the Oscars has undeniably changed how some people view him on screen — and the Scotsman doesn’t hold back: “What a shame, Will. What a shame. You’re a f—ing idiot.” A brutal moment from the Scotsman — and a fair point about talent, legacy, and public perception. Meanwhile, the Aussie has issues with the title. Big issues. He explains why he’s never been a fan of that spelling — and no, it’s not just about grammar. Rohan Reminisces takes us back to 1981, the year: Donkey Kong took over arcades Charles and Diana tied the royal knot Trevor Chappell bowled underarm to a stunned New Zealand batsmanIt’s nostalgic, funny, and packed with trivia. And don’t miss the post-credits chat — yes, we keep talking after the outro music. Possibly our best conversation of the episode happens right there. If you usually tune out when the music hits, this time… don’t. The podcast is out now on YouTube and it is also available on Spotify or Apple. Please click the subscribe or follow button – it really does help us be seen amongst all the other podcasts. Thanks for your support

This week the lads review the 1983 American comedy-drama The Big Chill, directed by Lawrence Kasdan and featuring an iconic ensemble cast including Tom Berenger, Glenn Close, Jeff Goldblum, William Hurt, Kevin Kline, Mary Kay Place, Meg Tilly and JoBeth Williams. The film follows a group of University of Michigan friends who reunite years later after the death of their friend Alex, forcing them to confront grief, regret and the passage of time. Before the film discussion even begins, a long-running saga is finally put to rest: the Aussie’s blood-pressure results are in, the doctor has been seen, and listeners can rest easy. No more medical updates. Done and dusted. Or is it......... What follows, however, is one of the most serious and emotionally open episodes the podcast has recorded. The Big Chill touches on suicide, and the conversation takes a deeply personal turn when the Aussie speaks openly — and in detail — about losing his best friend Scott to suicide more than 30 years ago. It’s raw, honest, and the most vulnerable he’s been since the podcast began. There are no jokes in the first half, just a frank discussion about grief, memory and how those moments stay with you for life. The tone eventually lifts during Rohan Reminisces, where the Scotsman finds his groove and receives the biggest compliment he’s had on the podcast so far — marking two firsts in one episode. The film itself divides opinion: both hosts agree it hasn’t aged particularly well, with the Scotsman calling it “a nice movie — great in its day, but dated.” Where there’s no debate, however, is the soundtrack, which sparks a discussion about where it ranks among the greatest movie soundtracks of all time. Content warning: This episode contains discussion of suicide and may be distressing for some listeners. If you or someone you know needs support, please consider reaching out to a trusted person or a local support service. The episode is out now on YouTube, and also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Please hit subscribe or follow — it genuinely helps us cut through the noise. Thanks for your support.

This week the lads review the 1997 American comedy-drama Boogie Nights, written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. Set in the San Fernando Valley, the film follows the rise and fall of a young dishwasher-turned-porn star during the industry’s 1970s boom and its collapse in the excess of the 1980s. The cast includes Mark Wahlberg, Julianne Moore, Burt Reynolds, Don Cheadle, John C. Reilly, William H. Macy, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Heather Graham. There’s still no update on the Aussie’s blood-pressure results, so that saga continues. The conversation moves into perseverance, resilience and why the Aussie has absolutely no motivation to get fit — his defence being that he doesn’t play elite sport. The Scotsman remains unconvinced. The episode peaks with the biggest apology in Aussie and the Scotsman history, as the Scotsman finally owns his Saving Private Ryan blunder. The Aussie delights in the moment, declaring his co-host’s credibility damaged beyond repair, while the Scotsman attempts to pin the blame on Spielberg. On the film itself, the Aussie admits Boogie Nights didn’t really grab him, though he loved the soundtrack and recalls meeting Heather Graham in Italy. The Scotsman enjoyed the rewatch, sparking discussions about Dirk Diggler, his “special talent,” a modern detour into Bonnie Blue. Rohan Reminisces back to 1977, and a “Who Am I?” quiz that starts with the words: “I am a racist.” The podcast is out now on YouTube, and also available on Spotify or Apple. Please hit subscribe or follow — it genuinely helps us cut through the noise. Thanks for your support.

This week the lads review the 2015 American action crime thriller Sicario, directed by Denis Villeneuve and written by Taylor Sheridan in his screenwriting debut. Starring Emily Blunt, Benicio del Toro and Josh Brolin, the film follows an idealistic FBI agent drawn into a covert government task force targeting a powerful Mexican drug cartel. They’re joined once again by Mat Norris from Perth — long-time movie obsessive and friend of the Scotsman — who immediately raises the collective IQ of the room. There’s a brief detour into Perth nostalgia and shout-outs to old friends before the Aussie, about to head off on another work trip, poses a genuinely troubling question: is it appropriate (or even legal) to watch explicit films on an iPad on an airplane? This is followed by an airplane-toilet confession that ranks among his more selfish moments. On Sicario itself, the Aussie admits the film didn’t fully land for him, particularly questioning Emily Blunt’s role and purpose. This opens a can of worms, with Mat calmly explaining why her character is absolutely central to the film’s structure and intent. Both Mat and the Scotsman are firmly in the film’s corner, praising it as a masterclass in tension, restraint and moral ambiguity — or as Mat puts it, “fooling the audience while showing them enormous respect.” Mat takes control of the episode, offering sharp insights into Villeneuve’s direction, scene construction and narrative misdirection. Confusion around the opening raid, the bodies in the walls and the explosion is patiently cleared up, while standout moments include the infamous flip-flop scene, the introduction of Benicio del Toro’s character, and the bridge sequence — all used to unpack the film’s biggest question: who is actually the protagonist? Rohan Reminisces heads back to 2015, revisiting Best Picture nominees including Birdman, Whiplash, American Sniper and The Theory of Everything. A big thanks goes to Mat for joining and elevating the conversation — again. The podcast is out now on YouTube, and also available on Spotify or Apple. Please hit subscribe or follow — it helps keep the podcast moving forward. Thanks for your support.

This week we are talking about the 2013 American biographical action-thriller film Captain Phillips, directed by Paul Greengrass. Based on the real-life 2009 Maersk Alabama hijacking, this one tells the intense true story of Captain Richard Phillips, an American merchant mariner who was taken hostage by Somali pirates. Tom Hanks leads as Phillips, and Barkhad Abdi is phenomenal as pirate leader Abduwali Muse. This is a fantastic film – we both rate it highly and absolutely recommend giving it a watch. That said, you don’t need to watch before you listen—no major spoilers here. It’s based on a real-life event, so the tension is all in the how, not the what. It’s fast-paced, gripping, and honestly? The Scotsman is on another level this week. He overshares with updates on his ECG, ADHD, prostate check, bladder test—and that's just scratching the surface. The man is a walking medical report! But something deeper happened—this movie made the Scotsman feel. Properly. Emotions got the better of him, and the Aussie is still in shock. We’re starting to wonder if we need a support group for emotionally vulnerable podcasters. The final 40 minutes of this film? Electric. Hanks is unreal—just mesmerising. And yep, we couldn’t stop repeating: "I’m the captain now." And just like that... we find ourselves recreating the final scenes—and almost tearing up. Again. Rohan Reminisces takes a wild turn this week: the year Tiger Woods went on a full-blown porn star rampage. It’s our deep dive into one of the biggest celebrity falls from grace. The podcast is out now on YouTube and it is also available on Spotify or Apple. Please click the subscribe or follow button – it really does help us be seen amongst all the other podcasts. Thanks for your support

This week we are talking about the 2020 psychological drama film The Father, directed by Florian Zeller in his directorial debut. The film stars Sir Anthony Hopkins as an ageing Welsh man living with dementia, in a role that won him the Academy Award for Best Actor. The cast also includes Olivia Colman, Mark Gatiss, Imogen Poots, Rufus Sewell, and Olivia Williams. We kick off with Rob (the Scotsman) ranting about the eternal wait times at the doctor’s office — and it somehow spirals into an attempt to get the Aussie to open up about his own medical history. That leads to a deeper chat about how uniforms change our perception of people — doctors, police, airline pilots... it gets interesting fast. SPOILER ALERT: Watch this movie before listening.It’s essential viewing if you want the full impact. And then — chaos. The Scotsman gives this movie a full 5/5. The Aussie? 1/5. And in over 200 episodes, the Scotsman has never been more shocked. What follows is one of our most fascinating and personal discussions yet — about how and why this movie connects deeply with one of us… and completely misses the mark for the other. Trigger warning: This film deals heavily with dementia, ageing, and the emotional toll on carers and family. The Aussie, clearly unimpressed, declares it “slow, repetitive, miscast”… and then compares it to Duel, of all things. The Scotsman is speechless. He spends most of the episode trying to figure out how on earth this emotional powerhouse didn’t land with his co-host. We break down how the film’s intentional disorientation mirrors the experience of dementia — a storytelling device that the Scotsman believes is utterly brilliant. The Aussie? Not so much. We’d genuinely love to know who you agree with here — it’s a polarising episode for a polarising film. Rohan Reminisces and Trivia round out the episode as usual — this week with a few laughs, a few facts, and a surprising reflection or two. The podcast is available now on Spotify or Apple. Please click the subscribe or follow button – it really does help us be seen amongst all the other podcasts. Thanks for your support

They’re back. Somehow. Against all odds. Season 3 begins with the Scotsman opening with one of the biggest compliments ever delivered on the podcast, quickly followed by the Aussie offering a completely muddled comparison between cocaine and sugar. It’s clear early on that nothing has changed. With the Aussie away over the break and the Scotsman in town, the pair catch up on the past two months — touching on serious world events, personal shocks, and the heavier moments that sat behind the break. From there, attention turns to what’s coming in Season 3: including Rohan Reminisces, a brand-new segment, and a few ideas that probably sounded better on paper. Awards season gets a workout, with Golden Globe winners discussed, Oscar predictions floated, and some light whinging directed at Leonardo DiCaprio and Jacob Elordi. The Scotsman makes a strong case for breaking tradition to review Adolescence, declaring it unmissable television, while the Aussie admits he still hasn’t watched it and remains unconvinced. Things derail further when the Aussie confidently declares that Timothée Chalamet “isn’t much of a looker,” seemingly unable to separate actors from the characters they play — a statement that may age poorly. The biggest change, however, is YouTube. Everything is now filmed, the Aussie is fully on board, and rumours of hair and makeup before each show are neither confirmed nor denied. They also announce a new monthly format — on the first of each month, listeners will know exactly which films are coming up — along with talk of future guests, the Scotsman’s mate Jeremy, and even his parents also get a mention. It all builds to what is unanimously agreed to be one of the worst endings to a podcast in Aussie and the Scotsman history. Season 3 has officially begun. The podcast is out now on YouTube, and also available on Spotify or Apple. Please hit subscribe or follow — it helps keep the show rolling. Thanks for your support.

After 10 months and 127 shows we have made it to the end of season 2. And we have uploaded our first video of the podcast - on You Tube now - End of Season 2 It has been a roller coaster of a year. We've had hits and misses both in the movie's we have reviewed and in the conversations and robust discussions we have had between ourselves. It's not always been easy but for 125 shows it has been a lot of fun. Thanks to you the listeners for listening - for the feedback and comments. As the Aussie always tells us " he needs the engagement, the praise, the love and the recognition". It fuels him The Scotsman says " he has learnt to be more tolerant" which reduces the Aussie into a fit of giggles and ultimately tears. Thanks to our guests this year: Simon - Heat / Apocolypse Now and Network Pia Miranda - our interview and review of Goodfellas Cassie - Labyrinth Saul - Invictus and Chariots of Fire Marty Benson - Masterchef producer. Interview and review of Inglorious Basterds Ben King - on-set photographer. Interview and review of Joker The Scotsman's son, Max - A Bronx Tale The Doc - The Intouchables, Strangers on a Train, James Bond Theme Tune Quiz, Jim Meskimmen - Interview with the actor, comedian and master impressionist The Aussie's son , Charlie - Superman (2025) Elise Hurst. Author and playwright. Interview and Sound of Music discussion Pip Mushin - actor and director. Interview Mack Lindon - Interview Tim and Leigh from Popcorn Podcast - Interview We discuss our favourite podcasts, the ones to listen to, the movies to watch over the break and the new ideas for Season 3. It's been a journey - and we have loved it. Talk to you again Feb 7th 2026 for Season 3. Happy Holidays Rohan (the Aussie) and Rob (the Scotsman)