Retro Grade Podcast

About Retro Grade Podcast

A podcast about how older films were made, received and whether or not they still hold up, from two dudes who studied film and work in the biz!

Publisher

Retro Grade

Category

society & culture · tv & film · tv & film

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

4 Aug 2020

Latest episode

8 May 2026

Latest episodes

90 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   8 May 2026

   090 V for Vendetta (2006)

   “HE WAS ALL OF US.“ Hello everyone! We are back to talk about another film that may have aged a little better than we hoped, and we might all be worse off for that. We are talking about 2005’s V For Vendetta, directed by James McTeague, starring Natalie Portman and Hugo Weaving, written by one of the podcast’s favorite sibling duos, the Wachowski sisters! On this episode we talk about just how relevant the film feels, especially while living in America. In the world of V, we are living in a fascist, police state, ravaged by a viral outbreak, with state sponsored media spreading fear and propaganda, an authoritarian government seizing personal freedoms while the oligarch class is protected and reaping all the benefits of their crimes against humanity. An all too familiar world for anyone not living under a rock. Even though the original Alan Moore graphic novel was written in response to Margaret Thatcher’s Britain in the 1980’s, and the Wachowski’s screenplay was written perhaps in response to the 2nd (or rather, 3rd) Bush Administration, (https://web.archive.org/web/20060827022141/https://ew.com/ew/article/review/movie/0,6115,1173457_1_0_,00.html) perhaps the heart of the story is what it takes to survive these oppressive regimes. Speaking of Alan Moore, we talk about why the acclaimed graphic novel writer distanced himself from the film. When the frequent Wachowski collaborator and producer Alan Silver claimed Moore gave the film his blessing, which he did not, Moore asked for his name to be removed from the credits. Even still, Moore rejected the script itself and when we examine the differences between the film and source material we can see why. Both the graphic novel and film can be seen as separate, complimentary stories, but are so vastly difference that we can’t really say it’s a “good adaptation,” despite being fond of both. Listen to the full episode for more on this! We also talk about what the Wachowskis bring to the film. It wasn’t directed by them, but by their assistant director from the Matrix Trilogy, James McTeague. Still, we can still feel their influence in what segments get special attention (https://www.eruditorumpress.com/blog/by-understanding-her-book-three-part-59-v-for-vendetta-as-trans-cinema), the montages, and how we experience time and how everything is connected. Putting this film together, with who was involved, who was cast, when it was filmed, where it was filmed.. there are so many connections and references that we don’t even get into all of it (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ArdSPaBGv2w). Despite being a little sillier in some places, more digestible than something as heavy and poignant as Andor (which Austin HIGHLY recommends,) the film delivers some moments that may never be forgot. You can listen to this episode ANYWHERE you get your podcasts! You don’t have to go to Spotify or Apple! If you don’t see our show on your podcast preference of choice, just DM us on our socials and we will get right on it!

2. 

   29 Jan 2026

   089 Miracle (2004)

   “THIS IS YOUR TIME.“ Hello everyone, we hope 2026 has been treating you well. We apologize for the lack of updates, its difficult to schedule time and be in the right mental space for regularly releasing episodes. We hope to keep doing them, as watching and talking about movies helps keep us sane and grounded against the insanity of the world. Movies might be make believe, but the stories they tell come from real people. Through the language of cinema we are made to feel real emotions. By sharing our favorite movies with one another we are sharing perspectives, values and interests. We are building community, which is vital for the times we live in and the times ahead. This podcast started because two guys shared interest in a movie after all, and through recording and releasing episodes we have gotten incredible movie suggestions from listeners. Movies that we have never heard of or have just never given a second thought. The podcast has expanded our palette, introduced us to different cultures, history and appreciation for the art of movies and those that make them. We can’t stop yet. For this episode, we took a suggestion from fighting game prodigy BobaTeamo (https://www.twitch.tv/bobateamo), and talk about 2004’s Miracle, directed by Gavin O’Conner and starring Kurt Russel. This Disney film is based on the true story of the 1980 US Olympic Hockey team, and their David and Goliath-type game against the dominant Soviet Olympic team. Coincidentally, also takes place during a period when it just feels bad being an American. Miracle is a period piece set during the Cold War and Oil Crisis of 1979. The rising tensions with the Soviets, dire financial situation for the working class, and general L’s America is taking are only relieved when on the ice. And even on the ice, our characters are put to the test with Kurt Russel’s Herb Brooks’s extreme coaching style, that gives the US Olympic council, his own staff, and family pause. We talk about how the political backdrop and post 9/11 nationalism of the early 2000’s play a role in our reaction to the film today, and also how the message of comradery and reliance of teammates who care about you seemingly undermine the rugged individualistic messages of typical American propaganda. When it comes to sports movies, we often think of them as formulaic and readily accept the two different endings. They lose, but spiritually win, or they win and all the hard work and sacrifice is rewarded. However, some movies are more than just cliches and predictable endings. These reductive analysis do not take into consideration the craft of film making, and the acute attention to detail of capturing what it feels like to play a certain sport. Not all movies are terribly concerned about accuracy and making you feel like you are in the game, but that’s what makes Miracle special. On this episode, we get into the lengths Gavin O’Conner and his crew went to to capture (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCTNZe_M_DQ)the essence of hockey. Heated Rivalry might have our hearts now, but Miracle was regarded as the greatest hockey movie ever made (https://thehockeynews.com/news/news/the-making-of-the-movie-miracle-an-oral-history). After watching it for the episode and doing a bit of reading on how it was made, it’s no surprise why. You can listen to this episode ANYWHERE you get your podcasts! You don’t have to go to Spotify or Apple! If you don’t see our show on your podcast preference of choice, just DM us on our socials and we will get right on it!

3. 

   1 Nov 2025

   088 Beetlejuice (1988)

   “IT’S SHOWTIME!“ Happy Halloween everyone! We hope you have a good night on the best holiday on the planet, and to celebrate we are releasing an spooky themed episode, just a year and some change after recording it! This episode will be on, Beetlejuice (1988,) directed by Tim Burton, starring Winona Ryder, Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, and Michael Keaton as the titular character himself! Tim Burton was the director for the odd ducks in our formative years, but what is it like revisiting peak Burton? Before the dark times, before the live-action Alice in Wonderlands? We talk about the classic Burton aesthetic that really came to fruition in what would be his second feature-length film. We talk about it’s charm, but also how problematic parts of it are when considering some rather tone deaf takes (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/arts-and-entertainment/wp/2016/09/29/tim-burton/?outputType=amp) he’s had later on in his career. Tim Burton is no saint, but he’s not the most controversial person (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeffrey_Jones#Legal_issues) in the film, not that it’s a competition It wouldn’t be Beetlejuice without Michael Keaton though. His performance has definitely withstood the test of time, even if some of the things his character are doing are definitely inappropriate and perhaps not as funny as we once thought they were. Keaton takes his limited screen time and created a character that got his own animated show, where he was retconned into a chaotic good, undead bestie of Lydia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beetlejuice_(TV_series)). Is the film just the Michael Keaton show though? Absolutely not. The film has an incredible cast and there is not a dull moment on the screen. Winona Ryder playing an over the top goth that fringes on parody, Baldwin and Davis playing the sweetest couple to ever appear in a Burton film to contrast the villainous Deetzs, particularly Catherine O’hara’s Delia and her best friend Ortho, played by Glenn Shadix (RIP.) We get into some behind the scenes as well! We talk about the transformation the film went through from the first draft to the final product. The unnamed producer who referred to the film as career ending filth, the behind the scenes romance, the planned sequel, and more! We hope you enjoy this one! You can listen to this episode ANYWHERE you get your podcasts! You don’t have to go to Spotify or Apple! If you don’t see our show on your podcast preference of choice, just DM us on our socials and we will get right on it! Have a happy and safe Halloween!

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

11 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

13 ratings

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.