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Shane and Ted live by one motto: if you are going to start something, you have to finish it.... or something like that. So, they take a film series and go through each movie, one by one, until they complete the whole thing.
Prince being Prince, you knew he wasn't going to follow up Purple Rain with just another Purple Rain. We will give him this: this is a very different movie. But is it any good? To answer that, Shane and Ted ask for help in the form of Kyle Marshall of the "Putting It All Together" podcast.
Dearly beloved We are gathered here today to get thru this series with Prince Electric performer Prince He did 4 films, and that's a mighty long list But we're here to tell ya There's something else... The Completists
The "Rambo Off Ramp" continues with film Ted wishes he was watching instead of "Last Blood" This real-world take on the aging super hero hit a lot of notes that makes it stand out in the super hero genre. But is is Oscar worthy? Shane and Ted discuss.
Shane referenced it so many times while talking about the Rambo series, we just had to take this slight detour into one of the greatest '80's action movies of all time. And the film that truly made Schwarzenegger a star. Ted's friend Chad Perkins returns as a guest (mostly to make up for the last file we made him watch and discuss).
The "final" (until it isn't) installment of the Rambo franchise is an ugly, nihilistic, cynical mess. Are there any redeeming values? Well, if you like caves...
Rambo comes out of "retirement" to "help" some "missionaries" in "Burma." Was it worth the 20 year wait? Well, if you like your violence gritty, exploitive and CG, then yeah, it was.
Rambo is doing Rambo things. This time in Afghanistan. This nuanced take on the geopolitical complexities of Russian/Middle East relations takes Rambo.... just kidding. Stuff blows up.
Rambo is back and he's taking no prisoners. Well... actually... he's taking all the prisoners he can. And blow a lot of stuff up in the process.
Nuance? Themes? Plot? Characterization? In a RAMBO movie???? Yes, yes, yes, and yes. The movie that not only kicked off a franchise but also created the template for all the 80's action movies to come. Shane and Ted start their Rambo journey here.
Shane and Ted wrap up James Dean's tragically brief film career with the epic "Giant" - a film where Dean is not the lead star. But this story tackles hot button issues that still resonate today as characters - and a State - move forward in life.
James Dean's second film and his most iconic. The film is actually an un-flinching look at teenagers in the mid-50's, and Shane make a compelling case for its importance and maturity. It's a stance that changes Ted's mind about the film completely.
It's James Dean time on The Completists. Just three films, but what an impact all of them were. Shane and Ted start the journey with "East of Eden" - an incredible introduction to the iconic actor.
So they went and re-made/re-booted "The Evil Dead" Why? Who the hell knows. But Shane and Ted watched it and now you have to listen to them talk about it.
It's Medieval Dead. Ash heads back to 1300s England and the hijinks ensue. It was everything Shane was asking for and some of what Ted was not asking for. How did it all turn out? Tune in to find out.
Ted is loving re-living the Evil Dead series making him nostalgic for his teenage years. Shane.... well, not as much. Evil Dead 2 is at least a step up from the first installment.
It's October, so naturally Shane and Ted are talking about horror movies. What better series than The Evil Dead? Shane admittedly isn't a horror fan while ted's wheelhouse is the 80's slasher flicks. How does this initial outing by Sam Rami rate? Watch and find out.
Before Spinal Tap but after The Beatles, there were The Rutles. But who were they, and why do we care and how do they fit into a discussion of Monty Python? Shane and Ted probably answer some of these questions in this episode.
Having completed their official films, Shane and Ted now tackle the Python's two "greatest hits" releases: And Now For Something Completely Different and Live From The Hollywood Bowl. Both re-hash sketches from Flying Circus, but in very different ways. Does it all work? Kinda.
The Pythons return to their roots with a more sketch-driven movie rather than narrative-driven. Not only that, but they actually set out to answer their own question! Shane and Ted have their reaction and their own answers to the "meaning of life."
In a polite society, there are two things you don't discuss: politics and religion. But this is Monty Python holding up a mirror to polite society as only they can. Shane and Ted wade thru the controversy to find the film as it was intended.
If you aren't familiar with Monty Python, you need to fix that right now. From their TV show "Flying Circus" to their movies, it just doesn't get any better than this. Don't run away, watch this now, but be forewarned: 'tis a very silly place.
Here we are. Not only at the end of the Back To The Future trilogy - but also at Episode 100!!!! Great Scott! This is heavy!
The gang is back.... to the future. The far off future of 2015. At least for a little bit of the film. Then it's back to an alternate 1985. Then back to 1955. Then allllll the way back to... Well, that's for the next film.
Go back in time almost 40 years to the mid-80s when the movie takes us back another 30 years to the 50's then back to the 80's. Does it still hold up in 2022? You bet it does!!!!
The Completists have come to the end of their Planet of the Apes journey. A journey they enjoyed far more than they thought they would. How does the whole thing wrap up (for now at least)? Shane and Ted discuss.
Well, the re-make didn't work out... how about a re-boot of the franchise? Those always seem to work, right? Shane and Ted surprise even themselves while watching this re-boot? re-imagining? re-telling? of the Apes franchise. Editor Note: this is a re-upload of an existing show to fix an audio issue.
The hits just keep coming as the sequel picks up where "Rise" left off. Does it rise up to the bar set by its predecessor? Shane and Ted discuss.
After nearly 30 years, someone at 20th Century Fox had the idea to dust off the "Apes" and see what they could do with the beloved franchise. How about we upgrade the FX? Add our own twists? Hire visionary director Tim Burton? All of that will certainly kick off a new franchise, right? Right?
It's all led up to this. The climax of the "Apes" saga. The all-out Battle for the right to exist. Ape versus Man. Sounds pretty exciting doesn't it? Yeah, about that....
Let's see... we've tacked nuclear war, animal cruelty, abortion... let's go with slavery in this one! Yes, this is the pivot point where the whole Apes universe turns. Shane and Ted break it all down.
Well... they blew up the Earth in the last film. So, where do we go from here? How about bring some of the Apes back to the past to "modern-day" Los Angeles? That could work. Shane and Ted discuss the third installment of the series.
Hey, remember "The Planet of the Apes"? Remember how well-crafted the story was, and how well they touched on several contemporary themes in a sci-fi film? Wasn't it great? Well, now here's this.
The sci-fi movie that spawned a whole series and became a cultural touchstone. Even if you haven't seen it, chances are you've seen or heard almost everything about this film. Does it still hold true? Shane and Ted discuss.
It's Die Hard in Russia... kinda. I mean, they start out in Russia then end up... Look, the movie is a convoluted mess with no actual plot, script, direction or characterization. You're better off just watching Shane and Ted talk about it than you are watching the actual movie.
It's Die Hard in cyberspace. What would happen if a madman took control of our communications and power? Well, a surprisingly good movie - that's what.
It's Die Hard in NYC. John McLane is back and this time he has a hangover and is estranged from his wife. Oh, and he has a sidekick. And there's a bomber on the loose who's not really a bomber but yet another a common thief. Shane and Ted tear this apart.
It's Die Hard at an airport. Even John McLane can't believe this is happening to him... again!!!! Can Shane and Ted? Tune in to find out.
It's Die Hard on a Podcast. Shane and Ted break down the quintessential 80's action flick that re-defined the quintessential 80's action flick. And no yippie-ki-yay jokes either!
The "Before" Trilogy wraps up 18 years after the characters first met. Gone are the romantic ideals of love replaced by the harsh realities of long-term relationships. Does it stick the landing? Shane and Ted discuss.
The "Before Trilogy" continues. Jesse and Celine are 9 years older. The conversations may be more mature than before, but just as engaging. Shane and Ted continue to fawn over Linklater's creation.
Can a film of just "two people talking" be any good? Well, if anyone can do it, Richard Linklater, Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy can. Shane and Ted start the "Before Trilogy" with the 1995 classic.
We finally made it to the end. The end of the Pink Panther series (so far). So, does it end with a bang or a whimper? Shane and Ted tell all.
After countless sequels and ill-fated attempts to re-animate a corpse, the Pink Panther series finally does a reboot! And you know what???? It's not bad. Shane and Ted review the Steve Martin vehicle.
New actor - same jokes. And it still doesn't work. Shane and Ted slog their way thru yet another Pink Panther film.
Just make it stop! Please! This isn't it. Ted Wass isn't it. It took two films to get to the punch line. Was the journey worth it? Take a guess.
Shane and Ted take a little diversion in the Clouseau film series to talk about this oddity from the late '60's. "Inspector Clouseau" doesn't have Peter Sellers or Blake Edwards, but it does have Alan Arkin yelling. So that's something. Ted's high school friend Chad Perkins joins in the fun of this discussion.
When the lead actor who spent nearly 20 years developing your title character dies, what do you do? Why you scrounge together some outtakes and some clips and release it in theaters of course. No, really.
Nostalgia Amnesia strikes again. This time, it's Ted enjoying a few trips down memory lane. But when it comes to the film on its own merits... ho boy!
Look everyone - Peter Sellers is back as Inspector Clouseau. And he's wackier and zanier than ever... kinda. Shane and Ted talk a look at the1976 installment.
Sellers is back! Edwards is back! 10 years later all the pieces return to make.... this. Not quite what Shane and Ted were expecting, but they talk about it for an hour nonetheless.
It may not say it in the title, but THIS is the "real" kickoff to the Pink Panther film series. Shane and Ted take a closer look at the 1964 release and how this set up the Inspector Clouseau character we know and love.
Part heist film, part '60's sex romp, part farce, part "comedy" - "The Pink Panther" is a lot of movies all at once. But is it any good? It's kinda like seeing a prototype - the pieces are there, just not fully formed. Shane and Ted explain in this episode.
It's the 25th installment of the Bond series and last of the Daniel Craig era. The movie was delayed a while because of... you know. Was it worth the wait? Well...
So much Beatles goodness, it couldn't be contained to just one episode. So, Shane and Ted are back to "complete" their discussion of Peter Jackson's "The Beatles: Get Back"
The Completists re-visit The Beatles with the recent release of Perter Jackson's "Get Back" - 9 hours of Beatle goodness. Shane and Ted geek-out over all the unseen footage and how it changes so much of what we thought we knew.
Just when you thought they were done, they... well, you know. Shane and Ted wrap-up their look at the John Cazale catalogue with the third installment of the Godfather series. Interestingly, they watch two different cuts of the film. Watch to find out their reaction.
Shane and Ted tackle the 1978 Best Picture winner "The Deer Hunter" in a review that will leave you hanging.
We've all be at the end of our rope at one point or another. So, naturally, we plan to rob a bank, take hostages, and arrange for a plane out of the country. Someplace like... Wyoming. Our John Cazale series continues with yet another Best Picture nominee and masterpiece.
It's the only sequel to win a Best Picture Oscar, but is it better than the original? Shane and Ted have that age-old debate in this episode.
A forgotten classic that was also nominated for Best Picture. The Conversation touches on themes that are just as relevant today as they were almost 50 years ago. Ted and Shane take a look at the small film with big ideas.
The Completists start a new series of films all starring character actor John Cazale. An actor with the unique distinction that every film he was in was nominated for Best Picture. It was also an excuse to watch "The Godfather" - the film by which all others are judged.
Krzysztof Kieślowski's Trois Colours trilogy concludes with "Red" - considered by critics to be the best of the three, but Shane isn't so sure. He and Ted not only discuss this film, but the trilogy as a whole and the themes it explores and why they are still timely today... but not in a pretentious way!
Krzysztof Kieślowski's Three Colors Trilogy continues with "White" - a sort-of anti-comedy that Ted has a hard time getting his hands around and Shane appreciates for not falling into typical film tropes.
Time to get pretentious and snooty. It's time for a foreign film series. Krzysztof Kieślowski's "Three Colors" series kicks off with "Blue" Hear Shane and Ted fawn all over it as only film snobs can!
A quick "break" for The Completists as Shane and Ted discuss a film that was supposed to kick off a whole, new series for Disney. Unfortunately, the movie-going audiences had other plans. They talk about the spectacular flop that is "John Carter" in this episode.
The Alien saga wraps up (for now) with the 6th installment in the series. Is it a satisfying conclusion (for now)? Ted and Shane wrestle with that. (But the short answer is no).
The Alien series continues, but this time we go back in time. If you've ever wondered just "how" the Aliens themselves came to be, the movie has all your answers. OK. Just kidding. It has some and a lot more questions. Shane and Ted break it all down in this episode.
Ripley is back... kinda. The franchise tries to rescue itself from the disaster of Alien 3. Does it achieve it? Well, Ted and Shane discuss.
When you commit to the bit of watching every movie in a series, you understand that they can't all be classics. But rarely does a movie make you as mad as this movie made Shane. So much so, he enlisted the help of Adam Peacock from the "My Neighbors Are Dead" podcast the help him thru it.
It's more Aliens... a LOT more Aliens. Thus the "s" But much more than being just more, "Aliens" is an amazing film made by a relatively young James Cameron. Hear how much Shane and Ted love this film in this episode.
In space, no one can hear... Shane and Ted talk endlessly about one of the most influential sci-fi/horror films of all time.
The actors... the setting... the music... the direction... all of it. It's all amazing. There aren't enough adjectives available to describe this film in this limited space. So just watch Shane and Ted discuss it for an hour.
The "Dollars Trilogy" continues with Clint back in the Spanish countryside in "For A Few Dollars More." Arguably the least-known entry, but as Shane and Ted point out, this film deserves a lot more credit than it probably gets.
Time to saddle up and take a ride with Shane and Ted as they start the so-called "Dollars Trilogy" - the Spaghetti Westerns that made Clint Eastwood famous. Fistful of Dollars starts it off. Is this movie better received today than when it was released? The Completists discuss.
It's Kong as you've never hear him before... in song. Well... kinda. The big ape himself doesn't sing, but everyone around him does. We have two incarnation: animation and Broadway! Tim Sniffen from Jackbox games tries to help make some sense from the all the nonsense.
If you like things punching things... then do we have the movie for you. It's Godzilla vs Kong! Who's in it? Who cares? What's the plot? Who cares? Monkey punches lizard. End of story.
We get another "re-imagining" of the Kong origin story - this time big stars and big budget and a big Kong! This movie had no business being as good as it was. But here we are.
Here we go again. Another (third!) re-telling of the original King Kong story. This time with all the spectacle and gadgetry that 2005 special effects technology can provide. And Peter Jackson coming off his spectacular "Lord of the Rings" run. So what could possibly go wrong????
When Kong endured a barrage of helicopter fire and fell from the top of the World Trade Center, you would be forgive if you thought he was dead. You couldn't be more wrong! He's been kept alive for 10 year awaiting a heart transplant. And this movie is the result. So bad it's good? Ted and Shane discuss.
Kong is back and he's ready for the 70's! Big stars. Big budgets. Bis special effects. Big... bust???? Shane and Ted discuss.
The second and final installment of the Toho-produced Kong monies. This one has Kong fighting the creation of one Doctor Who (no, not that one) and is actually a spin-off from a kid's TV show no one watched. Shane and Ted make it all the way through it and let you know all about it.
If you think the 2021 release is the first time these two titans have tussled... think again. King Kong is in the handle of Japanese studio Toho, and they waste no time pitting him against their biggest star: Godzilla. Shane and Ted and the blow-by-blow of Round 1.
So you make one of the most influential films of all time. What do you do next? Why rush out a sequel in just 9 months of course! Shane and Ted talk about what little there is of this King Kong follow up.
It's considered an all-time classic due to its cutting-edge special effects. But it's also almost 90 years old. So, does the original "King King" still hold up? Shane and Ted take a look at the big ape and how he plays so many years later.
Just... no.
Yeah... well.... ummmm. It's a "Jaws" movie in "3-D" sooooo... yeah.
Just when you thought it was safe to watch The Completists... Jaws 2 comes along to wreck everything! In the most boring ways possible. Shane and Ted somehow make their way through this contractually-obligated sequel.
It's the movie that changed Hollywood - for better or worse. It's the movie that had you thinking twice before going into the water. It's the movie that scared a young Shane and Ted out of their wits! It's "Jaws" and it's spectacular!
The 5-movie Beatle run draws to a close with the documentary "Let It Be"- a fascinating look at a band in its final days and a glimpse of what might have been.
It's the Beatles (kinda) in all their animated glory! Yellow Submarine ushered in a whole new style of art and animation while also closing a chapter in The Beatles career. Shane and Ted break it all down in this episode.
It was the first real mis-step in the Beatles career - the infamous made-for-tv movie Magical Mystery Tour. It's a project that proved the Fab Four really were fallible. And Shane and Ted are here for it.
The second film outing by The Beatles is not quite as good as their first, but it still has its moments. Not many, but a few. Hey, at least the songs are good.
There really is only one word to describe this film: delightful. Shane and Ted go full-on fanboy with the first installment of the Beatles filmography.
Shane and Ted have finally made it all the way though the James Bond catalogue (what's available any way!). So what stood out the most? Who was the best villain? What is the most underrated movie? What is the best song? And who was the best Bond? All these questions and more will be answered in this episode.
It's SPECTRE! It's Blofeld! It's things you know! The fourth Daniel Craig entry in the Bond series has its share of critics. But Ted and Shane have kinda sorta come around on their views of the film. Find out more in this week's episode.
Skyfall was one the the biggest money-makers in the Bond franchise and is considered one of the best of the Craig Bond films. But, it doesn't land quite so spectacularly with Shane and Ted. Hear their takes in this episode.
Right on the heels of the exceedingly popular and successful Casino Royale comes... this. From the highest highest to the lowest lows, Quantum of Solace reminds us that script re-writes are a good things. Ted and Shane somehow make it thru for this discussion.
There are reboots... and then there are reboots. Casino Royale represents the high-water mark of Bond films. Shane and Ted cannot say enough about the film, Daniel Craig, the script... all of it. Tune in to watch two grown men gush over a movie.
Even if you've never seen a James Bond movies, chances are you know all the tropes. And that makes Bond the perfect subject for parodies, rip-offs and spin-offs. Shane, Ted and special guest Ryan DiGiorgi from Jackbox Games discuss some of the more well-know Bond "off shoots"
Look, can we all just agree to forget this GCI mess and move on??? No??? We are The Completists, and we have to watch everything??? Well, ok then. Shane and Ted somehow get an hour out of this.
Christmas.... her name is Christmas Jones. And she's a nuclear scientist. Played by Denise Richards. That's... pretty much all you need to know about this one. But Shane and Ted talk about it for an hour any way.
Information is the new ammunition of war. Believe it or not, this is from a movie that's 25 years old - not today. The Brosnan era continues with his second stint as the British spy. Has it gotten any better for Ted? You'll have to watch to find out.
The Pierce Brosnan era begins with a bang with the iconic Goldeneye. Shane thinks it's the perfect "greatest hits" movie with all the elements that make Bond movies so great. Ted thinks... something else. Tune in to find out his opinion.
The Bond film that doesn't feel like a Bond film. Timmothy Dalton's second (and last) turn at the franchise sees an even darker tone, a deadlier villain and a personal revenge story. Does it all work? Shane and Ted disagree a little. Find out where on this episode.
It's a new era for Bond. Timothy Dalton takes over the role, and we see an immediate tone shift in the series. The Living Daylights brings us a grounded and grittier Bond. But does it work? Shane and Ted discuss.
We come to the end of the Roger Moore era of Bond... and not a moment too soon. Actually, the era probably should have ended a little sooner. This one just doesn't work. Shane and Ted tell you why in this episode.
It's dueling Bonds! Sean Connery is (kinda) back in a new Bond (kinda) movie! It basically an '80's re-telling of Thunderball, but is it any fun? Shane's improv friend Padraic Connelly joins the discussion.
It has one of the more iconic pre-title sequences in Bond history. But how does the rest of the movie old up? Shane and Ted are here to discuss.
After a few over-the-top installments, the producers go back to the basics with this movie. Count how many times Shane and Ted use the word "grounded."
It's Bond... in SPAAAAAAAACE. It's silly, over the top, and... a little too much for Shane and Ted.
Now THIS is more like it! More gadgets! More stunts! More... Moore! It's all here, and it is all GLORIOUS! Can you tell that Shane and Ted really like this installment?
Roger Moore's second outing as Bond is... not good. In fact, it's just not that interesting. But Shane and Ted somehow manage to get an hour's worth of discussion out of it.
The Roger Moore era kicks off with a film that... doesn't age well. Lots of good quips and stunts and a killer theme song, but there are a lot of choices made that are more than a little puzzling. Shane and Ted discuss "Blaxploitation Bond" in this episode.
There is a reason the term "guilty pleasure" exists, and it's for movies like this. It's not the best. In fact, many people put it in their bottom 5. But Ted makes the case for it being a hidden gem of a Bond film.
Shane and Ted welcome Greg Smalley from 366 Weird Movies to talk about a... well... weird movie. Not exactly James Bond cannon, but it's an interesting discussion nonetheless. And there are some definite opinions on this one.
It's a new Bond! A new era! And a new type of discussion between Shane and Ted: actual, real, disagreement. Find out who enjoyed the film and who most certainly did not in this episode.
SPECTRE is stealing US and USSR spacecraft trying to incite a global war. But there is one person in their way: James Bond in a very, very questionable disguise! Shane and Ted discuss this (not quite) last installment of the Connery era.
Bond. Underwater. A lot. Pretty much all you need to know about this one. Other than: is it essential viewing? Shane and Ted discuss.
This is it. This is the one. The one that all other Bond films are judged. Goldfinger is the "gold standard" of Bond films. And as Shane and Ted discuss, it is just as great a watch as it was 50+ years ago.
The second Bond film sees the British secret agent in Istanbul and on board the Orient Express. It shows Bond in his element and gives more insight into SPECTRE. But is it essential viewing? Shane and Ted discuss.
The James Bond film that started it all. All the tropes are here - right from the beginning. Does it still hold up? Is it essential viewing for the non-completists? Shane and Ted discuss it all in the debut episode.