Verging on Greatness

Oh the early 'aughts' what can't you supply?! Scooby-Doo is here to scare you. Join Craig and special guest co-host Amy, THE WIFE in this not at all hastily thrown together podcast. Mike will be back next time. Enjoy!

So it's the early 90's and you're a Movie Producer and you've got the rights to a tech thriller with a odd sexual harassment angle written by the guy who did Jurassic Park. So you cast arguably the hottest actress working at that moment in time and Michael Douglas hot of the heels of the biggest and sweatiest erotic thriller of all time, Basic Instinct. Slam dunk right? this film will tick all the box and everyone will watch it for the right reasons right? Did we get a sexy marketing campaign? We did right? No problems then. squeeze in some CGI and, what's that? We can't put Dinosaurs in this? Okay. Figure that out later.

Do you like time? How about cops? Cause, boy. Do I have the movie for you. This JCVD led action Sci-Fi was a bit of a block buster in its day but how does it stand up today? Is it worth its Cult Movie status? How many splits does JCVD do? Is Ron Silver possibly the sexiest man of all time? The answers to these questions and many others are all covered by Craig and Mike. So lean back, tune in and relax. We got this.

So to answer your most pressing question up top, this film is in no way related to the British TV series that shares some of its namesake. Just in case you were confused and were wondering how these two things were related. That said, they are both meant to be about loveable rouges extracting some measure of justice out of greedy people. Right? Well Mike and Craig dive deep. You're welcome.

So it's the 90's and you've got a movie idea that circles around late teen Gen X'ers working in a record store with their stand in father figure who is still young enough to be relevant, boss. You've got a message you want to spread about being authentic and staying true to yourself. So what do you do? Do you go down the Clerks route and create a meta textural slice of life film big on realism with everyday characters that features very heavy commentary on pop culture that helps define the generation. Or do you create a film that wants to skewer corporatization of society by producing a film that smacks heavily of corporatization with a narratively simple plot that manages scrapes by aided in no small part by a soundtrack that screams "this is my generation"? Well Craig and Mike did all the watching so you can do all the listening. You're Welcome!

How is it the Oscars 2023 already? Have you seen all the Best Picture nominees? You haven't well that's alright 50% of the hosts of this podcast haven't either. But Craig has and he's here to tell you what's what! You're welcome.

Well, this best picture winner from 2013 might not need any introduction as it was a big hit and well, it took home Best Picture at the Oscars. So we'll forgive you if you think "Isn't this a little good for you guys"? And you're right! This film is super solid. But has it stood the test of time. Does it still hold the public collective eye? What else that year might have aged better? If you're thinking that, well then you're in the right place. Craig and Mike talk Argo, the state of New Zealand politics at the time and the best picture winners from 2012. You're welcome.

So 2022 is coming to a close and there was a lot to see. What did Craig and Mike spend the time to watch? What did they enjoy? Find out right here.

Happy Holidays Y'all! Mike and Craig are back once again with a seasonally appropriate Christmas movie. This time it's got all the ingredients. Classic Christmas story, Check. Classic actor, check. Classic Sock puppets, check, check and check! So grab your eggnog, stoke up the fire and hunker down cause Mike and Craig are about to get all Dickensian on you for the Yule time season.

What do you get when you mix equal parts Lord of the Flies with Star Trek and just kinda shake them all up? You get Ender's Game. A film adaptation of a wildly successful book that kick started an entire book franchise thats run for the better part of nearly 40 years and doesn't show any signs of stopping. Does it work as a film? Is it worth your time? Can you impress people at the super market by telling them you've seen it? Well. Craig and Mike watched it and you can hear their thoughts right here. You're welcome.

What do you get when you have a film director who is desperate to make "Serious movies" but they are pigeonholed as a genre film maker. Well. You get Wes Craven redefining the genre and building New Line Cinema as a result. Craig and Mike delve into the first two Nightmare on Elm Street movies. HAPPY HALLOWEEN! Extra special and creepy organ music provided by Steve Oxen. You can check out their music at https://www.fesliyanstudios.com

There are so many layers of inception with lightyear it hurts me trying to figure it out. Lightyear is the movie, that the Buzz Lightyear action figure is based on in Toy Story which sold a lot of real world action figures which will now have NEW action figures to buy based on the 'real' buzz...ARE YOU FOLLOWING ALONG? Mike and Craig ponder the big questions in their dive on Lightyear. Enjoy.

What do you get when you take the biggest star in the world who is hot of one of the biggest movies of all time and re-pair them with one of the best action directors of all time and put them both to work on a meta, self aware movie? Well in a different time you'd get something like Deadpool, but in 1993 you got THE LAST ACTION HERO. Craig and Mike deep dive this odd film from 1993. So buckle up, light the fires and hold on. It's time to take out the trash.

Question? What starts as a spoof but ends as a heartfelt love letter. It's Galaxy Quest! Okay, so this movie is straight up FANTASTIC. Sometimes Craig and Mike just want to watch something they love. Because if you aren't watching movies because you love them, why are you watching movies at all? We can't be friends. Get on our level...ENJOY THE EPISODE!

So it's the 90's. There's a saxophone playing President in the Whitehouse and currently no one is actively engaging in war. So what do you make movies about? Dinosaurs and remakes of old TV shows apparently. Or you could make a movie that was well a head of it's time and it is still being Meme'd today. I mean, if you are Mike Judge that's what you'd do. In this episode Craig and Mike dive deep on this cult classic and ponder how good does it feels to be a gangster?

It's that time of year love it or hate it, OSCAR SEASON! Yes folks. Craig has watched all 10 Best Picture nominees and he did it for you! Yes you, on the left. Did you watch all 10? We're pretty sure everyone voting hasn't.

So it's early in the year 2000. Ridley Scott doesn't know it yet but he is about to do for 'sand and sandal' flicks what he did for Sci-Fi nearly 2 decades earlier with Bladerunner. In the process you also manage to churn out the Best Picture and Best Actor Oscars for the year 2000. Does it stand up? Did it deserve its wins? Is Russell Crowe Kiwi or Aussie? Well Craig and Mike are about unleash all sorts of hell trying to answer the big questions.

So it's taken a hot minute but we've finally done a NZ film for the podcast. It was originally meant to be for Valentines day however two years in Craig decided it was a good time to get CoVID and that push back the dates a little. Regardless, here we are. Please sit back and enjoy.

So, you really liked the classic sci-fi, dystopian novel "A Brave New World" but the studio says, you can't make an arthouse movie unless you have a car chase and some rippling biceps. What's a resourceful screen writer to do? Well, you make The Demolition Man as a compromise and we're all the richer for it. Please, sit back, grab your three seashells and turn up your commercial jingles, it's time for Craig and Mike to get "joy joy feelings" about this modern classic. Be Well!

Well Craig and Mike have lived through another year of the Pandemic and well, they watched some stuff. In this MiniPod Craig and Mike discuss films and shows they have seen new to them in 2021.

It's 1996, Tickle Me Elmos are basically their own trading commodity and you last couple of movies have been so big, they could petition the UN to be recognized as independent countries, what do you do? You star in a tailor made holiday themed action comedy romp and cold clock a reindeer of course! Mike and Craig decide to delve into the Christmas themed Jingle All the Way! PS We are bit late because Craig managed to get sick and basically couldn't talk for 2 weeks. Just in case you were wondering.

Have you ever felt small? Do you ever feel like you don't know your place in the world? Have you ever felt pushed around by powerful forces in the universe that you don't comprehend? You do? You have a LOT in common with this movie then.

Hello all you ghouls and ghosts! Happy Halloween! We're doing something a little different for you this time. We are doing a double feature of the original and the remake. For no other reason than it meant we didn't have to think of another film for the double feature. Two films, one made at the height of the Red fear the other at the height of what ever there was a fear of in the late 70's. Side burn trimmers maybe? In any regard. Please enjoy and remember, they get you when your sleeping.

Insanely talented cast: Check Insanely catchy songs: Check Insanely competent film making: Check Wildly troubling true life figure with a white saviour motif, vivid ableist overtones and stunning disregard for historical accuracy: CHECK, CHECK CHECK AND CHECK! Craig and Mike dive deep on a genre of film they are both very unqualified to have an opinion about, the Musical: The Greatest Showman.

Craig and Mike have been busy watching movies and surviving in various COVID pandemic lock downs and their ability to actually record a pod cast has been limited. What could be more important than recording a podcast for you you all? Nothing right? So they quickly recorded this podcast about this children's movie classic. Where they straight up merc a horse. Why they kill that horse you might ask yourself? Well...because its the 80's and you need to toughen up kids any way you can I guess.

So, it's 2017 you're Danny Boyle and you're super successful and you want to film that made you an internationally renewed film maker. A sequel/follow up to one of the most influential movies of the 90s! You've got all the original cast all of whom who have gone on to their own success and the writer. Heck, even the original book author as written a follow-up. So what do you do? You make Trainspotting 2! Craig and Mike dive deep and they don't use the most disgusting toilet in Scotland to do it. NB: It would appear that Craig didn't use his podcast friendly Blue Yeti mic to record this episode. What did he use? His Logitech cameras built-in microphone. Why'd he do this? We don't know, he's dumb in the morning. So we've beaten him with it in a bit in punishment and advised him to double check his settings before he records in the future. So we're really sorry about how it sounds.

Do you like action movies? Do you like films with ultra violence? Do you also like movies with razor sharp commentary about the Regan era America that is seemingly as relevant (if not even more so) today than it was over 30 years ago? You Do? Well, I'd by that for a dollar. Craig and Mike go full RoboPod in this host requested special episode. Special because it's long. Mike is sorry, Craig is not sorry.

So, it's the 80's. You're Harrison Ford and you are just about the biggest movie star on the planet thanks to the hugely successful Star Wars and Indiana Jones film franchises. Not to mention a little known cult film called Blade Runner. And you're thinking to yourself "I need to break out of this sci-fi fantasy action hero star mold made of money I have found myself in. What to do, what to do"? You star as a big city cop who has to go under cover with the Amish directed by an import Australian upstart director naturally.

It's possible that no other movie more perfectly encapsulates the 90's than this movie. Nor were there many 90's movies more influential that this. Its tragic story of death and revenge mirrored off screen by the tragic on set death of it's star Brandon Lee. Does this movie hold up to scrutiny when you strip that tragedy back? Are all black outfits wrapped in electrical tape making a comeback? Will guys hoping to look cool stop dressing up as Eric Draven for Halloween? Do Mike and Craig think this is greatness? Find out, right here.

So, it's 1941. War has kicked off in Europe. It's Friday night and you're going to the movies. You could go to Citizen Kane by that upstart Orson Wells. Or you could go to the John Ford movie. What to see, WHAT to see. Craig and Mike delve into this Oscar winning classic from 1941. It was a different time with different values. Enjoy!

Welcome to 2021 everyone! Here's hoping 2021 isn't the complete dumpster fire with nothing but pineapple topping pizza that was 2020. So did you think Hollywood had officially struck rock bottom when they turned out the board game based Battleship in 2012? Despite it being a bit of guilty pleasure for one of the hosts, sound off in the comment section with your guess as to which one. Hollywood had actually tried the board game to bored audience ruse nearly 30 years earlier to similar results. It's mystery. They even had big name talent. So sit back in the Lounge. Move that wrench, ignore that this podcast is a day or so late and enjoy our latest podcast.

So 2020 is coming to a close and what would the perfect Christmas film for 2020 be? Eyes Wide Shut is the perfect cap off for an undisputed terrible year. EWS (As fans call it)is the most bonkers Christmas film ever made by one of the most influential film makers of all time. Is it Christmas in the film? Sure but is it a good time? Christmas Craig and Merry Mike discuss.

When you absolutely positively want a mash up of Highnoon and the French Connection with some sweet, sweet post Bond Sean Connery accept nothing other than this masterpiece(?) from 1981. This week Craig and Mike unpack Outland!

It's 2020 and although real life is pretty scary at the moment, at least it doesn't have ass blasting murderous worms and spiders as big as dish plates that'll kill you dead. Yet. I mean there's a whole 3 months left in 2020, so who knows?! So while you still can, sit back, relax, don't check under that pillow that just moved, ignore the wild life running past your window covered in blood and book in to get your eyebrows threaded and enjoy Craig and Mike's take on these two season appropriate scary movies. Enjoy!

Do you like murderous teenage girl cliques that have an awful lot to say about the state of affairs in American HIghschools in the 80's? Have you meet my friend Heathers? I think you'll get a long. Craig and Mike dive deep on this 1989 satirical film and come out wondering was it Very or not?

It was one of the biggest film of 1992. It still holds the crown as the best selling movie soundtracks of all time. That's not to mention it is one of the best selling albums of all time. You know the single this movie produced , you've probably attended at least one wedding were someone drunkenly belted out a rendition of this song. It's Whitney Houston's film debut and it is absolute peak Kevin Costner. So there will be absolute loads for Craig and Mike to unpack. It is the Bodyguard.

Do you really like that late 90's thriller? Do you wish it had been fad that never went away? Well...It didn't really. It just went streaming and movie the week. But this, this is arguably its ultimate form. Jodie Foster headlines this all star cast including Forest Witaker, the criminally under used Dwight Yoakham, a pre-Twilight fame Kirsten Stewart and immune to ravages of time, Jarred I'm a vampire Leto. Enjoy!

The barely famous lost episode! Back in mid 2018 Craig and Mike recorded a series of podcasts in where they more or less learned how to record and edit podcasts. These really early episodes were recorded with a tin can microphone on to a 80's era boombox. Don't kid yourselves folks, They didn't sound that great. By the time they released their first podcast they realized some of their early efforts, weren't very good. So they set about re-recording them. In fact some episodes were re-recorded multiple times for science reasons. (cough cough...Pitch Perfect) Well Sunshine is one of those episodes. Except Craig and Mike got so caught up in the glamorous Podcast lifestyle they just plain forgot they had it in the can. It wasn't until they recorded the 30th episode Minipod that they realized you all had been deprived of it. So here it is, You're most welcome.

That's 30 episodes people! 30 mostly full episodes! We've made it. Do we get a prize now? Please join Mike and Craig as they talk about the podcast and the shows they have done to date.

So 2016, what a year. Brexit happened. We lost lost Prince, David Bowie, George Michael, Carrie Fisher and Mohammed Ali! At the cinema we had a bunch of super hero films and movie that encapsulates it all Ghostbusters 2016! AND NOTHING ELSE HAPPENED! Mike and Craig decide for better or worse to take on Ghostbusters 2016 for their 30th podcast. Enjoy and sound off in the comments. Or on social media. Which I am told is a thing.

Hi Y'All. Once again let's address the serious stuff up front. We're all likely going through some form of lock down right now. Social distancing is one of our most effective ways of dealing with the CoVID19 global pandemic. When we posted the last episode there were some 2.1 million officially reported cases worldwide now there's 3.5 million and hundreds of thousands tragically dead and it is sadly not over yet The impact of CoVID19 on our daily lives will be felt for generations to come. So once again we urge all of you to follow the advice of your recognized local medical experts and adhere to government guidelines in your area. If you can stay home, do so. And just like last time if your government is handing out bonkers advice like injecting disinfectants maybe look to a more sensible world leader. We'd still ask you to remember you will still get to go to your local pub or go on your beach holiday when this is all over but you'll enjoy it a whole lot more if you're not dead. So yes, you might be frustrated and bored of being at home and drinking with your Nan but this is for the good of the many and it doesn't always have to be about you. So this time less barnstorming mid nineties action histrionics and more early 2010's seriousness from the Academy Award winning director of a series of cracker films, Steven Soderbergh. So stay in some more, wash your hands again with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds, put your feet up after you've taken your filthy shoes off, be kind to others and tune into this podcast about an absolutely chilling take on a global pandemic.

Hi Y'All. Lets address the serious stuff up front. We're all likely going through some form of lock down right now. Social distancing is one of our most effective ways of dealing with the CoVID19 global pandemic. With at posting this episode some 2.1 million officially reported cases and a tragic number of dead worldwide and its only just starting to slowdown in some regions. The impact of CoVID 19 on our daily lives will be felt for generations to come. With some of you either being affected by the virus itself or by some financial hardship as a direct result of the lock down. So please, we urge all of you to follow the advice of your recognized local medical experts and adhere to government guidelines in your area. Unless those guidelines are absolute bonkers, like lick at the door handles at the public rest room. We'd ask you also to remember you will still get to go to your pub or go on your beach holiday when this is all over but you'll enjoy it a whole lot more if you're not dead. So yes, you might be frustrated and bored of being at home and drinking with your Nan but this is for the good of the many and it doesn't always have to be about you. That said, don't tell Dustin Hoffman any of this as he kicks virus ass all the way through this flick with virtually no thought for the safety of others in this fun little 90's romp from the director a coupe of much better movies, Wolfgang Peterson. So stay in, wash your hands with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds, put your feet up after you've taken your filthy shoes off, be kind to others and tune into this podcast about an absolute banger of a 90's film.

Right at the top Craig and Mike recorded this episode at the beginning of March and sharp listeners might be able to hear Craig coughing in the back ground, He was sick a few weeks before recording. Obviously the world has changed dramatically since then. With many people losing their lives and livelihoods to COVID-19 Pandemic. Mike and Craig record separately, on opposite sides of the planet and they edit the tracks together in post so they'd just like to advise they ABSOLUTELY practiced good social distancing in the recording of this track. Also given the work from home nature of social distancing and the clearing of our schedules I think you can safely assume there will be a double episode coming up soon. That said, Please enjoy this take on what is very likely to be the last appearance of Sean Connery on film as James Bond. It's very odd bond film and we feel it doesn't get the same attention that the EON produced contemporary films get.

Have you ever wanted to watch James Caan mumble his way through 2 hours of metaphor upon metaphor? Mike and Craig dive deep on all the layers of this 1970's dystopian sci-fi pic. You're so welcome!

Hello faithful listener. We are back baby, with another mini-pod just in time for the Oscars! Aren't you all just so lucky.

It's time. The movie that practically inspired this podcast. Alien 3. In space, they'll hear you scream in frustration. This month Mike and Craig dive deep on the 3 entry to the original 4 Alien films.

Tis the season to be jolly. So settle down, tune in and submit to our holiday season special episode! This year we bring you the joy of Scrooged! You lucky devils. Also this marks the 3rd Bill Murray film we've covered. So over 10% of our podcast is Bill Murray inspired. Make of that what you will. Enjoy!

Well that's 2019 nearly done! Craig and Mike wrap some up their favorite film and TV experiences as best they can. Surprisingly for two guys who have a movie podcast they haven't seen many new movies that over lap. Thanks to all of you for listening this year and keep your eyes peeled for special Christmas episode coming very soon.

The winner of 2008's Best Picture Oscar, Slumdog Millionaire is surely not wallowing in mediocrity?! Well it does have a heap of questions surrounding its legitimacy, not to mention the treatment and handling of the youngest stars. So this week Craig and Mike delve into this critical and financial success to see if it is in fact verging on greatness.

Halloween double feature?! It doesn't get any more season appropriate than that. Well, maybe if Elvira was narrating it but I digress. Two films, one more widely know than the other and both equally scary...Well one is just a lot more fun and the other induces vomiting from motion sickness...Which is scary. This Halloween Craig and Mike dive into the The Blair Witch Project and The Blob remake from way back in 88! It's all just spooky possums!

In 2003 Sofia Coppola did what no one had managed to do before. Make you believe that Scarlett Johansson could fall for Bill Murray. That's the magic of Hollywood I guess. Join Mike and Craig as they discuss this Oscar winning classic(?).

Is the 1999 winner for best picture deserved of any of the praise it gets? Does Gwyneth deserve the Oscar for best Actress? Will the Finnes brothers make more films where they steal Colin Firths love interest? One can only hope.

What do you get when you make a stereotypical sports film but instead of sports you have competitive collegiate acapella and you cast it with the most charming actress on the planet Anna Kendrick? This. Sit down, kick back, fall into key and find your beat with Craig and Mike as they find away to kick it into the chorus. Or something. Honestly I couldn't sing a note in key to save my life.

Craig and Mike with special guest and self proclaimed HNiC (Head Nerd in Charge)Kieran discuss 2009's The Watchmen. We had a good time and we hope you will too.

Based on the novel of the same name and totally not the cult classic BattleRoyale, Craig and Mike discuss the 2012 smash hit the Hunger Games.

Craig and Mike offer their opinions on the 2011 Oscar winning film The Help. Maybe they wind up eating a little sweet pie. Maybe they don't who knows?! Like and subscribe, also don't forget to tell us what you'd like to hear us talk about.

Sometimes the films wallow some times they soar and we just want and excuse to talk about great films. This was one of those times. On a side note, not being first hand familiar with New York city till just recently I really appreciate how tight the geography of this movie is and that only makes me like it more.

Have you ever stopped and asked yourself; What if the Avengers were set in a steam punk Victorian England with Sean Connery kicking all kinds of arse? Well we did so we watching The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. You're welcome.

Mike and Craig lay down their first ever MiniPod and it's a little bit of a departure from their tried and tested format. Craig has managed, for the first time ever to watch all the Best Picture nominated films before the big night and Mike hasn't watch a single one...This aught to be good. Right at the top some corrections and apologies. Craig name drops Ice-T when he is talking about the NWA biopic Compton but he is clearly talking about Ice Cube and doesn't want to restart any 90's East coast vs. West coast rivalries. He also attempts to butchers everyone's names. He's very sorry about this. That having been said, on with the episode. Enjoy!

Mike and Craig are back and once more after a little hiatus post Christmas/New Year and they have got a brand new podcast. Did you wanna know what two grown men think about Frozen? Well click play and wonder no more.

Cashing in on Christmas? Absolutely...It's Love Actually. This week Craig and Mike talk about the 2003 holiday season favorite. Did we love it? Did we start an affair with the devil in the red dress? Did we attempt to stalk Keira Knightley? Wait...what? Umm...Happy Holidays Y'All! Music by: Lee Lee Rosevere

After a small delay in releasing podcasts on account to moving, Craig and Mike are back and this time they are tackling the 1987 Mel Brooks classic SPACEBALLS! Don't wanna spoil anything for anyone but we like it...a lot. Music by: Lee Rosevere

Before he learned to kick ass all across Paris in one crazy weekend, Liam Neeson was starring in a pulp serial inspired 90's Superhero movie. Join us as Craig and Mike break down Sam Raimi's Darkman. Music by: Lee Rosevere

Did you ever watch a Chemical Brothers music video and wished there was more? Well this might be the movie for you. Comment below and subscribe for more of our questionable opinions on film, fortnightly. Follow us on Twitter at VergingonGreatnessNZ Music by: Lee Rosevere

We're a day late but were back with a new podcast. This week Mike and Craig are discussing 2012's Pixar film, Brave. This was another of the podcasts we recorded where we had problems with the microphone (our sound engineer and co-host forgot to record using the good one) so don't blame your gear if it sounds a little weird. We're the weird ones...that probably doesn't read as well as it sounds in my head. Anyway Enjoy!

This week Craig and Mike talk about the Academy Award nominated (surprisingly) 1983 film Blue Thunder! Does soar with the eagles or fight over bread crumbs in the street? There's only 1 way to find out. Well you could watch it yourself. Sooo 2 ways

Welcome to Episode 3 of Verging on Greatness, where this week we talk about 2005's War of the Worlds. Now, word of warning. If you think the audio sounds funny, it's not you, it's us. Our audio tech managed to record the podcast with a really poor mic despite a really good Mic just sitting on the table right there. You're welcome.

Welcome to Mike and Craig's second episode! Where we get down with a 80's classic(?)Pretty in Pink. Comment below and subscribe for more of our questionable opinions on film, fortnightly. Follow us on Twitter at VergingonGreatnessNZ Music by: Lee Rosevere

Welcome to Mike and Craig's very first episode! Please comment below and subscribe for more content which will be coming soon. With any luck, fortnightly. Follow us on Twitter at VergingonGreatnessNZ Music by: Lee Rosevere