BFG Podcast #085: ’Glass Onion,’ ’Babylon,’ and ’1923’ - A new year, but the same great content

Welcome to 2023! The BFG podcast has turned the calendar with you, with no changes whatsoever, as it's a perfect show. Host Neal Pollack switches it up and welcomes Stephen Garrett back for the 70th time. This week Neal and Stephen talk about 'Glass Onion.' This big, expensive sequel to 'Knives Out' resembles a big-budget live-action adaptation of Scooby-Doo, but it's fun as long as you don't take it too seriously. And if you are taking it too seriously, you might want to consult a doctor. Stephen immediately knocks down the idea that Janelle Monae might get an Oscar nomination. No nominations forthcoming for this picture, now on Netflix.

'Babylon', directed by Damien Chazelle, will also not get an Oscar nomination, but it has a chance to sweep the Razzies, thanks to over-the-top performances, insane scatology, and a manic stupidity and pretentiousness that just won't quit. Stephen seems to like the film more than Neal does, and he certainly knows more about the silent-film era of Hollywood, but no one can deny that the movie lacks humor, character development, or the courage to unfold a plot that makes any sort of sense. One of the great turkeys of all time, that's what we say!

Associate professor of Duttonology Adam Hirschfelder stops by the podcast bank to talk about '1923,' the latest prequel to 'Yellowstone that Taylor Sheridan has churned out of its factory. Not only does this show star Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren, it also gives the most detailed account of life inside "Indian Boarding Schools" ever put to film. The great project of American history-telling is underway. And Hirschfelder is here for it, without having to convene a New York Times focus group. No one covers the Yellowstone universe like Adam. It is his entire life.

Happy New Year! Enjoy the program.