Films On Trial podcastit

Backdraft is in the hot seat this week. Does it flame high or give us heartburn? Alex and Gav defend, saying this is the definitive film about firefighters that has incredible practical effects and a solid cast. Dave points to a weak plot, poor script and unrealistic action that ultimately makes it go up in smoke. All this with a quiz about firefig…

Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith is on trial this week. Does it get itself in Hoth water or is it a happy Endor? Joel and Dave say Lucas finally got it right with this one, delivering exactly the Star Wars film fans were waiting for. Ausy and Alex say lessons were not learned, with terrible dialogue and far too much CGI fluff. All this with an impres…

Doom is on trial this week. A ripping tale or one to make us tear up? Gav and Ausy argue this film took what is a very basic game concept and fleshed it out with exciting action and a solid cast. Joel and Alex say they took a very basic game concept and ignored it completely, deciding to rip off Aliens and Resident Evil instead. All this and an imp…

What Dreams May Come is in the hot seat this week. Is it heaven sent or hell bent? Dave and Ausy say incredible visuals and a deeply emotional story make this a unique take on what comes after. Gav and Joel would rather not find out, with shallow sentimentality and weak characters making this a dud. All this with an impression of Robin Williams and…

Top Gun: Maverick is on trial this week. Does it take our breath away or is it in the danger zone? Ausy and Alex say spectacular practical action sequences with a tight story and great cast hit the target dead on. Gav says it misses the mark, with a tired rehashed plot, lack of interesting characters and constant jingoism. All this with a quiz base…

Fast & Furious 7 is on trial this week. Has it got a full tank of diesel or are we going for a walk? Alex and Ausy say this is a mad action blockbuster that continually outdoes itself. Gav and Joel can't get past how insance the action is and find the lack of any attempt of character or plot too much to handle. All this with an impression of Vin Di…

Lord of the Rings: Return of the King is on trial this week. A light in the darkness or a web of lies? Ausy and Dave say this is the most faithful and beloved adaptation of the classic fantasy novel we are ever going to get. Joel and Alex counter that there are unavoidable flaws in the original story that make this film dull and never-ending. All t…

Star Wars: The Phantom Menace is on trial this week. Is this the way or do we have a bad feeling about this? Alex and Joel defend, comparing this original and lovingly made prequel to the more focus grouped fan service films that came after. Gav and Dave list a multitude of basic filmmaking errors, adding that Lucas may have been wrong in thinking …

What's Love Got to Do with It? is on trial this week. Is it simply the best biopic ever? Dave and Ausy say phenomenal, career-defining performances from Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne take this to the very top. Joel and Alex say that this is only for diehard fans of Tina Turner, with some poor direction and plot points that even Tina herself…

This week we put Black Panther: Wakanda Forever on trial. A cat-astrophe or positively paw-some? Joel and Dave aren't kitten around when they say this is the best Marvel film in a long time that has great action and furmidable performances. Gav and Ausy have their claws out as they say this is far infurior to what came before and that the plot had …

Olympus Has Fallen is in the dock this week. A storming, capital film or a bunch of trumped up nonsense? Gav and Dave argue that a fine central performance from Gerard Butler and some gritty action scenes make this one to be remembered. Ausy and Alex say that there is far too much grit in a film that does not deserve such a great cast. All this wit…

This week sees the finale of the Michael Wincott season as the gang put Nope on trial. Is it a close encounter or is it a near miss? There are lots of great arguments for and against, plus a quiz all about the many deaths of Michael Wincott. Hope that you enjoy! www.filmsontrial.co.uk/230 Support Films on Trial…

This week we review the films and performances up for nominations at the 2023 Academy Awards. Did you agree or disagree with our picks? Let us know on Twitter @filmtrials www.filmsontrial.co.uk/229 Support Films on TrialKirjoittanut Films on Trial

We put The Crow on trial this week. Does it rule the roost or have us spitting feathers? Gav and Dave argue that the dark atmosphere and moody aesthetic of the film make it a hit. Alex counters that this is a fairly unremarkable standard revenge film, propelled to cult status by tragic circumstances. As this is part of our Michael Wincott season we…

We put Violent Night on trial. Does Santa light them up like a Christmas tree or will we have stars in our eyes? Gav and Dave say this is a great mix of action and comedy that has them already excited for a sequel. Joel and Alex argue out that disappointing action scenes and unnecessary gore make this a festive turkey. All this with an impression o…

The gang review 2022, including their best trials, their most surprising verdicts, and their favourite films of the year. Lots of banter, Kevin Costner, and Hosue of Gucci! www.filmsontrial.co.uk/226 Support Films on TrialKirjoittanut Films on Trial

Spirited is on trial this week. Does it have a bright future or a dark past? Dave and Ausy say a unique take on an old classic alongside great musical numbers make this a festive classic in the making. Joel and Gav say a muddled plot and actors with no musical training in over their heads make this one to forget. All this with a quiz all about Chri…

Disenchanted is on trial this week. A real thumper of a Disney movie or does it flounder? Alex argues that a realistic look at what comes after a 'happy ever after' ending and a compelling performance by Amy Adams makes this a sure hit. Ausy says that while the ideas behind it are good, the execution is dire and this is destined to sit alongside Ho…

The Exorcist is on trial this week. Does it have the power to compel us or does it make our heads spin? Gav and Ausy say this is a masterpiece to be ranked alongside the greatest films ever made, with a shocking plot and outstanding performances. Joel and Alex say that time has changed what audiences find terrifying and that the truly horrific scen…

Hocus Pocus 2 is on trial this week. Does it still have the magic or will it sink like a stone? Ausy and Dave argue that an entertaining cast and a fun plot make this a Halloween hit. Gav and Alex say that this is a standard Disney sequel cash grab with muddled characters and bad jokes. "Game of Crones" is our quiz this week and Gav gives us his be…

In preparation for the 2022 Liverpool Film Festival, which will be taking place in the Liverpool One Odeon between 3rd - 6th November, we are reviewing as many of the films as we can to try and convince the rest of the world that we are actually serious film enthusiasts. www.filmsontrial.co.uk/221 Support Films on Trial…

We put The Impossible on trial this week, starring Naomi Watts, Ewan McGregor and Tom Holland in his film debut. The defence says it details the events of the 2004 tsunami faithfully, portraying the real experience of a family that survived. The prosecution says that by focusing in on one family we lose a larger look at how this disaster affected t…

Armageddon is on trial this week. Is it a triumph of a disaster movie, or is it just a disaster? Joel and Ausy say that it set the bar for disaster films, and that the action and special effects are outstanding. But Alex and Gav argue that there isn't enough of the action, and that it's too long and messy. There's a quiz all about Michael Bay, and …

Twister is on trial this week. As right as rain or a perfect storm? Dave and Alex say this is a film to be enjoyed rather than taken seriously, with a surprisingly good cast and practical effects. Joel and Gav argue that a ludicrous plot and paper-thin characters made them want to storm out. All this with an impression of a southern gentleman in a …

Independence Day is on trial this week. Does a free USA work or would it have been better to remain a British colony? Dave and Ausy defend, saying that this was a huge box office smash with a big cast and special effects to match. Alex says that the use of miniatures has stopped for a reason and that two and a half hours of unfiltered patriotism is…

Thelma and Louise is on trial this week. Will it soar like an eagle or fail to make an impact in the landscape? Joel and Dave argue that it was a trail blazing film at the time, with iconic scenes and incredible lead performances. Gav and Ausy argue that one iconic scene does not make up for script issues, dated dialogue and one dimensional support…

Gladiator is on trial this week. Will it conquer all or is it a big thumbs down? Dave and Alex defend, bringing up an iconic script delivered by a top shelf cast and a music score that matches the action perfectly. Gav and Ausy say the story gets bogged down in boring ancient politics, the effects are dated and that it's a shame this is how Oliver …

Alien Covenant is on trial this week. Does it give us a good feeling deep down or will it rip us apart? Gav and Joel say this is a return to form after Prometheus, offering fans the carnage they expect but also delivering some interesting ideas along the way. Ausy and Alex point out that this is a sequel to Prometheus which does nothing to mend the…

This week marks the first episode in our Ridley Scott season, as the guys put House of Gucci on trial. Is it the Fun House, or the House of Horrors? Alex and Dave are defending and say that the film is style and substance, with some great performances from Adam Driver and Lady Gaga. Gav is prosecuting however, and he argues that the film abandons t…

Something's Gotta Give is on trial this week. Is the naked truth this is a classic or is it squeaky bum time? Alex has chosen this film for romcom season as he hates it so very much. With Joel he points out a cringeworthy script and pointless plot points amongst other grievances. Dave and Ausy think he needs to calm down and enjoy an easy watch wit…

Just Go With It is on trial this week. Good advice or should we take it with a pinch of salt? Dave and Alex defend, pointing to a simple but interesting story that provides plenty of laughs. Gav could not disagree more, calling it pedestrian, outdated and, perhaps worst of all, an Adam Sandler movie. All this with an impression of Sandler himself a…

Wedding Crashers is on trial this week. A fairytale meeting of two comedic greats or will this end in tears? Joel and Ausy argue that a strong cast keeps the laughs coming and that there's an interesting story beneath the comedy. Gav and Alex argue that Wedding Crashers does not stand the test of time, with outdated views on women, men and pretty m…

This week, Monster-in-Law is on trial. Is it a white wedding, or a sham marriage? Gav and Dave argue that this is a charming film and a fine cinematic return for Jane Fonda. Joel counters that it lacks charisma and is very forgettable. There's an impression(?) of Jane Fonda, and a quiz all about movie in-laws www.filmsontrial.co.uk/209 Support Film…

Clueless is in the hot seat this week. Should we take pride in it, or terminate with prejudice? Ausy and Gav say this is an essential 90s movie, with surprising depth to the characters and top notch actors. Dave says this film is trapped in the decade it was made and takes playing happy families a little too far. All this with a spot on impression …

Don't Look Up is on trial this week. A shooting star or does it fall to earth with a crash? Ausy and Alex say this film manages the near impossible task of being entertaining whilst showing the end of all life on earth. Dave and Gav say that a lack of subtlety and heavy handed swipes at pretty much everything mean any message is completely lost. Al…

Matrix Resurrections is on trial this week. Does it wash away the sins of Matrix Revolutions or sometimes, is dead better? Joel and Gav go before Judge Dave and plead that an ambitious story that isn't afraid to take risks makes this a winner. Alex and Ausy point to a nonsensical, self-indulgent plot that manages to further destroy the legacy of th…

Spiderman: No Way Home is on trial this week. A delicately woven plot or a tangled sticky web? Gav defends, looking at an ambitious plot that doesn't play it safe and brings a great resolution to not just one but three story arcs spanning 20 years. Dave says this is a fat cash cow that Sony and Marvel intend to milk for many years and that paying f…

This week West Side Story (1961) is on trial. Is it jet setting or swimming with sharks? Alex and Dave are prosecuting and think that the film is dated and underpinned by a weak story, whereas Gav and Ausy are defending and argue that it is a technically one of the greatest musicals ever made. There's a quiz about Christmas films, an impression of …

Home Sweet Home Alone is in the stand this week www.filmsontrial.co.uk Support Films on TrialKirjoittanut Films on Trial

Red Notice is on trial this week. Will it steal our heart or is it as thick as a thief? Gav defends, saying this deserves to be one of the most popular films on Netflix, with three stars at the top of their game and a fun-filled action plot to boot. Alex points out a story that twists itself into knots and that this much star power can be difficult…

Jumanji: The Next Level is in the hot seat this week. King of the jungle or a piece of cake? Dave and Gav passionately defend, saying this expands on a winning formula, adding interesting new elements whilst keeping fans happy. Alex does not agree, saying that constant character swapping means you can't suspend your disbelief and that by the end yo…

This week we conclude our 200th episode celebration with a very special quiz all about Films on Trial. Apologies in advance, it's very self-indulgent, but you'll hopefully find it as fun to listen to as we did to record it. Hope that you all enjoy it! www.filmsontrial.co.uk Special Guest: Big Dave. Support Films on Trial…

For our 200th episode 2 part special, the gang put No Time To Die on trial. Is it a thunderball or does it (sky)fall from grace? Part 1 will cover the trial. Gav and Ausy are on defence and state that it's a textbook James Bond movie. The Daves are prosecuting and argue that it's too serious and shooting itself in the foot. There are lots of great …

Free Guy is on trial this week. Does it pwn everything or was it made by noobs? Gav and Joel defend, pointing to a fun premise and performances by actors who look like they are enjoying themselves. Dave and Alex say the second half doesn't live up to the promise of the first and some cgi heavy sequences drag it down even further. All this with an i…

Don't Look Now is on trial this week. Does it keep it's head above the water or should we be on red alert? Dave and Alex defend, saying that it is a cinematic classic with intriguing performances and masterful direction. Gav and Joel say the symbolism becomes a dead weight and that it is severely lacking by modern horror standards. All this with an…

This week a Nightmare on Elm Street is on trial. Is it bloody nightmare or a wet dream? There are lots of great arguments for and against, banter, and an impression of the main man himself, Freddy Krueger www.filmsontrial.co.uk/197 Support Films on TrialKirjoittanut Films on Trial

Eden Lake is on trial this week. Will it tempt us or should it be banished? Gav and Joel point out a top cast and a gore-filled plot that is as believable as it is horrific. However, Dave and Ausy say this is a cheap use of shock violence that has a tone deaf attitude to youth gang culture. All this with an impression of a young scallywag and a qui…

The Taking of Deborah Logan is on trial this week. Does it compel us or should it be cast out? Joel and Gav say this is a stand out performance for Jill Larson and a fresh take on possession films with the use of found footage. Ausy and Alex say that putting two tired horror genres together does not make it original and that an interesting look at …

The Night of The Hunter takes the stand this week. Will we love it with all our heart or hate it's guts? Alex and Dave defend, saying a masterful performance by Robert Mitchum is the cherry on top of a film packed with thrills and chills. Gav prosecutes, saying that a promising start ends up turning into farce and that there's a good reason why thi…

This week, The Bodyguard is on trial. Is it a bulletproof vest, or is it a bullet in the chest? Joel and Ausy argue that it's a timeless classic, with a great central love story and a fantastic soundtrack. Gav and Alex argue that it's a got a weak story and a uninspiring romance. There's a quiz about Kevin Costner and other cinematic Kevins, plus i…