Small Beans

This episode was paid for by special bean Mike Scorpio via the Pick the Flick tier. They picked it and we flicked the bean! Thanks, Mike! This episode covers the 1984 anime from the highly popular Urusei Yatsura series. Abe and Swaim discuss its dreamlike filmmaking style, its relevance to modern movies, and its legacy. Michael also gives anime an ultimatum. Features: Michael Swaim: https://bsky.app/profile/michaelswaim.bsky.social Abe Epperson: https://bsky.app/profile/abeepp.bsky.social Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBeans Check our store to buy Small Beans merch! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/the-small-beans-store

This episode covers 2017’s 1922. The film covers the slow madness of a family after a mom murder. The pod dudes discuss the story, performances, and screen craft of this widely forgotten but fairly solid adaptation. Features: Michael Swaim: https://bsky.app/profile/michaelswaim.bsky.social Abe Epperson: https://bsky.app/profile/abeepp.bsky.social Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBeans Check our store to buy Small Beans merch! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/the-small-beans-store

Our limited series with co-hosts Abe Epperson and David Bell digs deep into the internet meme of the “dad movie.” We can all probably name a dad movie, but can we isolate the tropes that really make this a bona fide film genre? Let’s find out! Features: Abe Epperson: https://bsky.app/profile/abeepp.bsky.social David Bell: https://bsky.app/profile/moviehooligan.bsky.social Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBeans Check our store to buy Small Beans merch! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/the-small-beans-store

A breezy rewatch of The Phantom Menace that highlights its ambitious visuals, memorable creature and planet design, and the standout Obi‑Wan vs Maul duel. They dig into problematic portrayals, midichlorians and Force ethics, Jar Jar and Gungan politics, and how editing, pacing, and child leads shape the film’s risks and charm.

Ethan Coen fans, we have good news and bad news for you. We’re adding Honey Don’t, the 2025 sapphic noir comedy to the Coen Brothers Brothers library. Bad News: we didn’t love it. But we do sing some praises about the second in the Coen/Cooke lesbian B-movie trilogy. Features: Abe Epperson: https://bsky.app/profile/abeepp.bsky.social Michael Swaim: https://bsky.app/profile/michaelswaim.bsky.social Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBeans Check our store to buy Small Beans merch! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/the-small-beans-store

Adam Ganser and Abe Epperson discuss the 1998 anime Cowboy Bebop. This time, we talk about the one where Spike is saved by the space shuttle. Features: Adam Ganser: https://bsky.app/profile/ganz.bsky.social Abe Epperson: https://bsky.app/profile/abeepp.bsky.social Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBeans Check our store to buy Small Beans merch! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/the-small-beans-store

This episode was paid for by special bean BallzInferno via the Pick the Flick tier. They picked it and we flicked the bean! Thanks, Ballz! This episode covers the 1973 classic martial arts film that brought martial arts films to the worldwide stage. Bridgett joins us because Bridgett! C’mon! Her expertise and insight on lightning quick kicks inflame the conversation in some kind of verbal dragonfire. Features: Bridgett Greenberg: https://www.instagram.com/bridgett_greenberg Michael Swaim: https://bsky.app/profile/michaelswaim.bsky.social Abe Epperson: https://bsky.app/profile/abeepp.bsky.social Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBeans Check our store to buy Small Beans merch! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/the-small-beans-store

Abe and Michael are joined by author and game designer merritt k! k hadn’t seen Apocalypse Now so we all decided to discuss the 1979 absurdist war film and record it and put it on the internet. This is that. Features: merritt k: https://bsky.app/profile/merrittk.com Michael Swaim: https://bsky.app/profile/michaelswaim.bsky.social Abe Epperson: https://bsky.app/profile/abeepp.bsky.social Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBeans Check our store to buy Small Beans merch! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/the-small-beans-store

This episode was paid for by special bean BallzInferno via the Pick the Flick tier on our patreon. They picked it and we flicked it! Thanks, Ballz! This episode covers the 1993 classic western envisioning of the shootout at the O.K. Corral, featuring a ridiculous cast including Kurt Russell, Val Kilmer, Bill Paxton, and Sam Elliott. Features: Michael Swaim: https://bsky.app/profile/michaelswaim.bsky.social Abe Epperson: https://bsky.app/profile/abeepp.bsky.social Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBeans Check our store to buy Small Beans merch! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/the-small-beans-store

Bridgett and Sarah dive into the epic finale of a legendary trilogy, exploring the extended edition's depth and the captivating arcs of Gollum and the hobbits. They celebrate Eowyn's fierce victory and applaud Aragorn's leadership while analyzing the film's stunning visuals and sound design. The conversation spans battle tactics, surprising heroics from hobbits, and the poignant themes of sacrifice and journey. Wrapping up, they offer insights into the cultural impact and cinematic achievements, teasing the next trilogy to spark excitement.