Ho, ho, NO? In this holiday episode, Rachel, Trae, and Josh discuss the 2016 Hallmark Hall of Fame film A Heavenly Christmas, starring Kristin Davis, Eric McCormack, and Shirley MacLaine. In this somehow more bland retooling of the basic plot in the 2010 movie Christmas Mail, a talented (wink) musician is miserable because he has to take care of hi…

In this episode, we explore what happens when a Rom-Com is produced that has no romance and no comedy -- it gets released as the film Table 19. Join Rachel and Josh as they wade through the passive-aggressive tones, the lifeless dialogue, and the complete lack of character development that plagues this movie and ask the question: is this a genuine …

In this very special episode, Rachel, Trae, and Josh recount the experience of making Lookout Point, a short film for the 48 Hour Film Project. We discuss what it was like to make a film in a frantic, sweaty panic and what we think of the end result. Spoilers -- we don't consider our own film to be a shameless Cash Grab (confirmation bias abounds).…

Ahoy mateys! In this episode, we jump the shark and dive into the 2018 summer blockbuster The Meg! Join Rachel, Trae, and Josh on this fin-tastic adventure in which we unravel jaw-dropping scenes, dissect fishy dialogue, and of course, sit in awe of the force of nature we call Jason Statham. Does this movie gill-iver a sincere attempt at art, or is…

In a world full of media like 28 Days Later, Mad Max, and The Last of Us, we often forget that ancient apocalyptic IP - the book of Revelation. In this episode Rachel and Josh discuss the 2001 film Left Behind, a movie that started a direct-to-video saga that did little to inform or warn non-Christians of their fate during the end of days, and did …

Load up your favorite snack cracker with a dollop of pâté and put on your best revolutionary costume of the day! In this episode, Rachel, Trae, and Josh discuss the 1975 documentary Grey Gardens. This film focuses on a mother and daughter who were once members of the wealthy East Hampton, NY aristocracy, but have spent decades living in forgotten s…

Quan su, dudes! In this episode, Rachel, Trae, and Josh wax up their boards and head out into open water to explore the maddening mysteries and cacophony of cultural insensitivities of the 1993 film Surf Ninjas. This movie has it all: the martial arts talents of Ernie Reyes Sr. and Jr., a Sega Game Gear that can foresee the future, Rob Schneider as…

Squeeze into your ball gowns and sharpen your fighting blades because in this episode we discuss the horror & action & comedy film Pride & Prejudice & Zombies. It's the same old story - a family on the brink of becoming too poor to remain in the aristocratic class are desperate to marry off their daughters, all while a zombie outbreak is spreading …

In this episode we delve into the surreal with The Peanut Butter Solution, a 1985 children's fantasy film. Mike is a typical 11-year-old kid living in the suburbs of Montreal until he witnesses a sight so frightening that all of his hair falls out. After getting the recipe for a magic potion from a couple of ghosts in a dream, Mike is able to regro…

In this episode Rachel and Josh discuss God's Not Dead 3: A Light in Darkness, a film that finally addresses Christian persecution in the US and pits a callous, secular educational system against the single greatest hero of our time - David A.R. White. In this final chapter of the "God's Not Trilogy" we return to Hadleigh University, where the scho…

In this episode Rachel, Trae, and Josh attempt some good old-fashioned Hollywood clairvoyance as they try to predict the winners of the 94th Academy Awards. Along the way we discuss the artistic merits of the nominated films and ask the question: are these films a genuine attempt at art, or just a group of shameless Cash Grabs? You can support Cash…

Great Scott! In this episode, Rachel and Josh talk about Back to the Future, a quintessential 80's film that redefined science fiction comedy. This episode was recorded several years ago; we reached way back in the vault to unearth it. We talk about the cultural significance of the film and weigh that against the cacophony of product placement litt…

In this episode, we delve into the thrilling world of involuntary BASE jumping with the 2018 film What Keeps You Alive. This movie has it all: eerie atmosphere, foreshadowing that seems to be important but ends up going nowhere, romantic serenades that include violent inner demons, and characters who just can't seem to make a single rational decisi…

In this episode we delve into the deliciously twisted 2020 film Black Lake -- an independent horror film that involves a haunted scarf, a malevolent witch, and a troubled artist wandering around Scottish moors. Rachel, Trae, and Josh analyze this incredibly unique film and ask the question: is this a genuine attempt at art, or just a soulless Cash …

It's been a long journey. Pointless? Maybe. Mind-numbing? Absolutely. Either way, we have finally come to the last two installments of the Twilight Saga, which -- unlike the cynical money-grubbing producers of these films -- we are graciously releasing as a single episode. Join Rachel, Trae and Josh as we rip apart the pieces and burn the body of t…

"Could you at least *attempt* to control your thoughts?" In this episode we continue our epic quest to review all of the Twilight movies (not counting the first Twilight film -- we covered that long ago) to try and get to the heart of why this YA series turned film franchise became such a pop culture phenomenon throughout the twenty-aughts and earl…

Grab a satchel of vampire glitter and slip into a fresh pair of jorts because in this episode we discuss Twilight: New Moon. Rachel, Trae, and Josh embark on an epic quest to review all of the Twilight movies (not counting the first Twilight film -- we covered that long ago) to try and get to the heart of why this YA series turned film franchise be…

From the depths of our dusty archives comes the very first, original episode of the show, recorded way back in 2017. In this episode Rachel and Josh discuss The Seeker: the Dark is Rising, a 2007 film adaptation of one of the Dark is Rising book series from the 1970s. With an impressive cast and sterling source material, one would expect this film …

In this episode our ragtag team takes on the Galactic Empire, by which we mean the corporate media behemoth Disney. We discuss Star Wars Episode 8: The Last Jedi, a film that is incredibly divisive and prompted some diehard Star Wars fans to proclaim that this movie "broke Star Wars". Listen as we make the case for why this film is either a brillia…

In this episode we explore the strange and confusing world of Guardians - a 2017 film that is Russia's answer to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Forget about your tired old superheroes, and get pumped to see Rock Dude, Water Lady, Murder Blades, and of course, Man Bear Pig fight the forces of evil. Those aren't their actual superhero names, but it's…

Grab your Coca-Cola and Skittles, because in this episode we explore the 1988 film and product placement powerhouse, Mac and Me. In this film, a boy named Eric befriends a mysterious visitor from beyond the stars. The federal government is after Eric's new alien friend, but will Eric, his brother, and their motley crew of neighborhood kids be able …

Grab a plate of lutefisk and hold on to your Lutheran Sisterhood Gun Club membership card as we discuss the 1999 film Drop Dead Gorgeous, a mockumentary about a rural Minnesota beauty pageant that turns deadly (think Waiting for Guffman meets Heathers). This film features an ensemble cast of very funny women and is chocked full of classic lines (li…

Let us pause to give thanks that Lifetime recently released 'Deadly Mile High Club' - an awkwardly constructed "sexy thriller" that asks the ultimate question: can a pink fedora actually drive a movie plot? Join us as we pick this film apart and ask the question: is this movie a cash grab or a genuine attempt at art?You can support Cash Grab Cinema…

G'day, mates! In this episode we're heading down under to discuss the somewhat wholesome, somewhat beleaguering zombie movie Little Monsters. A schoolteacher named Audrey Caroline (played by Lupita Nyong'o) takes her class for a field trip to a local farm, which happens to be located next door to a US Army biological testing facility. When the zomb…

In this episode we review a zombie movie that defies all reason: the acting is atrocious, the camerawork is awful, the plot is nonsensical, each of the characters are a combination of racist, misogynistic, or in some other way bigoted, and the zombies feel like they were an afterthought, tacked on in the third act. However, for all that is wrong wi…

Grab a meat pie and get comfy as we explore one of the most unusual films to come out of 2018. Attack of the Southern Fried Zombies (or as we have come to regard it: Kudzu Zombies) is an independent horror film that begs the question: what would happen if a toxic herbicide found its way to humans by way of consuming goat meat? Lonnie and his ragtag…

Tracers, a film that begs the question: "What if you wanted to make a Fast and Furious movie...but you didn't have any money?" This 2015 action-thriller starring Taylor Lautner parkouring all over New York City going in strong. You can support Cash Grab Cinema by leaving a review and rating us on iTunes, Apple Podcast, or anywhere you download your…

Finally, a new episode with Rachel, Josh, and Trae! After a few technical issues we are back together even if we aren't all in the studio. The Darkest Minds; is this the YA book that Hollywood finally gets right? It has Amandla Stenberg, kids taking control of their futures, Mandy Moore, and an award winning director; so what's not to like?! Listen…

Howdy, y'all! In this episode we took a gander at Adam Sandler's 2015 direct-to-Netflix western "comedy" The Ridiculous 6. Featuring culturally insensitive racial stereotypes, a cacophony of jokes that consistently fall flat, and a donkey with explosive diarrhea. This movie begs the question: was this an earnest attempt at making art, or a shameles…

What's better than a sci-fi comedy starring Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones? Not sure, but it certainly isn't the sequel. Join us as we peel back the surprisingly few layers of this 2002 follow up to the 1997 original and ask the question: was this a genuine attempt at art, or just a shameless cash grab?You can support Cash Grab Cinema by leaving a …

Goodness Glaciers! In this episode, Trae brings us a relic from his childhood; a film that drove the final nail in the coffin of Don Bluth Productions: The Pebble and the Penguin. Was this hurriedly-animated, poorly-scored animated musical a genuine attempt at art, or just a soulless cash grab? Join us as we discuss this and many other topics, like…

Cash Grab Cinema is trying to adjusting to the new world with this special mini-sode. Rachel regales us with her magnificent misadventures to the Women in Horror Film Festival, Josh talks working from home, and we try to figure out how to get Trae back on the air! Distract yourself for a little while with us. You can support Cash Grab Cinema by lea…

Join us for an uncomfortable blast to the past as we unravel the unseemly sexual politics of this 1992 romantic comedy. World-famous mega movie star Tate Donovan and lesser-known independent film darling Sandra Bullock star as nerdy biochemists who happen upon the recipe for sex appeal. Throwing scientific ethics out the door and playing fast and l…

In this episode, we feature the longest Marvel Minute yet, and explain what the Marvel Minute is! Join us as we discuss the ill-fated 1994 Roger Corman cult classic The Fantastic Four; the only completed film in the Roger Corman catalog that never received a proper release. Was this simply a cheap knock-off of a superhero movie so that 20th Century…

Welcome to the 1st Cash Grab Cinema Golden Reel Awards! In this episode, we wade through the bile and muck that comprise the bulk of new release films and decide which ones are the best and which are the worst.You can support Cash Grab Cinema by leaving a review and rating us on iTunes, Apple Podcast, or anywhere you download your podcasts. Also sh…

In an era where "mead" is actually hot chocolate, public schoolteachers reside in mansions(finally), and everything looks like the kind of winter wonderland/nightmarish hellscape that only the perpetual Christmas media giant Hallmark can rival -- there lives a flimsy premise. That's right; this episode is about the 2019 Netflix Original holiday fil…

Our month of holiday episodes continues with A Christmas Story....2. You can support Cash Grab Cinema by leaving a review and rating us on iTunes, Apple Podcast, or anywhere you download your podcasts. Also share the show with your friends, loved ones, or enemies - we're not picky!Email us at: cashgrabcinema@gmail.comFollow us on Twitter: twitter.c…

December is upon us so that means that creepy elf has found his way back into your house to take up your time and your mind. Who has time for this fool with so much to do?! Listen to our re-uploaded episode about the new "tradition" Elf on the Shelf and let's suffer together. YYou can support Cash Grab Cinema by leaving a review and rating us on iT…

Don't miss the climax as we review the last entry of the 50 Shades franchise, "50 Shades Freed." Is this the most romantic love story of our generation, or a fallow attempt at stretching a poorly-written Twilight fan fiction into a needless trilogy? Slap on your mom jeans, grab a pint of vanilla ice cream and enjoy!You can support Cash Grab Cinema …

We're back with another re-upload! This time Rachel and Josh try to unravel and understand the teenage vampire craze that nearly destroyed our great republic a decade ago. Whether you're team Edward or team Jacob, we can all agree that Twilight placed everyone firmly in team Sadness. You can support Cash Grab Cinema by leaving a review and rating u…

2018 gave us Meghan Markle becoming a royal, Beyonce ruled Coachella, and Otto Bathurst brought us a new Robin Hood. Did we need a new Robin Hood? Listen to the new episode of Cash Grab Cinema and decide! You can support Cash Grab Cinema by leaving a review and rating us on iTunes, Apple Podcast, or anywhere you download your podcasts. Also share t…

In this new minisode we talk about our time at GalaxyCon a few weeks ago in July. It was hot, sticky, full of costumes, people, meet-n-greets, but was it a Cash Grab? After four days of wall-to-wall cosplayers we have lots of stories, pictures, and a few shameful confessions to make on this weeks episode of Cash Grab Cinema.You can support Cash Gra…

In this episode we examine a very strange Scandinavian fantasy film that was a staple of Rachel's childhood. We attempt to answer the question of whether this is a cash grab as we continually question Rachel's mental state as a child and if her mom thought about abandoning her in the woods.You can support Cash Grab Cinema by leaving a review and ra…

Geppetto - the time Drew Carey was cast in a made-for-TV Disney live action remake of Pinocchio. This is a movie about a man who wanted a child...until he got one. Co-starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Brent Spiner, and Wayne Brady. Singing, dancing, and abject confusion! This movie has it all!You can support Cash Grab Cinema by leaving a review and rat…

Let's go back to 1994 with Tone Loc, shoulder pads, and Coke-a-Cola. Back when a bank would cash a million dollar check to a child with no id without much fuss. Listen as we decided if this Disney venture is a shameless cash grab or a real attempt at creating art.You can support Cash Grab Cinema by leaving a review and rating us on iTunes, Apple Po…

Just like Shawn P. Diddy Combs we're back with a name change. No longer Potboilers Cinema, but now we're Cash Grab Cinema. We explain all that's happened and where we've been. We'll be back to our regular game soon. Thanks for sticking with us!You can support Cash Grab Cinema by leaving a review and rating us on iTunes, Apple Podcast, or anywhere y…