1989: Miss Daisy and the Last Bat-Crusade (feat. Munsi Parker-Munroe) Artwork

Academy Vs Audience

Ever since 1928, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has handed out trophies to what it considered the best in film. Sometimes they were absolutely right, sometimes they were entirely wrong, sometimes they were so, so basic. But in all that time, audiences have had their own opinions, sometimes better, sometimes much worse. And sometimes, when the stars align or the fates allow, they even agree. Academy Vs Audience is a deep dive into Oscar history, revisiting film history from the 1920s to the 2020s; from the Studio Era to the age of the IP Franchise; from the age of the silent film to the age of the novelty silent film. Claire, Erin, and Dan take on each year’s Best Picture according to the Academy, and the Box Office Champ selected by audience dollars*. It’s a fascinating look at enduring classics and a descent into madness, because History Is Always Terrible and audiences make questionable choices.(*Based on revenue earned during its initial run, and the year said run began in. No re-releases. Lots of movies become audience favourites years after their initial release, you are not special, Billy Jack.)

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Academy Vs Audience

1989: Miss Daisy and the Last Bat-Crusade (feat. Munsi Parker-Munroe)

October 17, 2024 • Claire Bolton, Dan Gibbins, and Erin Weir • Season 6 • Episode 12

At the end of the 80s, the Oscars found themselves short on meaningful, artful, epics, tried to find some heartwarming story about ending racism, and settled for Driving Miss Daisy. Meanwhile, Hollywood began to pay attention to the worldwide box office instead of just the US, and we have our first split between domestic and international box office champions. Batman and Indiana Jones battled for box office supremacy, and who are we to pick a favourite? Munsi Parker-Munroe returns to help Claire, Erin, and Dan dissect whether Driving Miss Daisy is actually a bad movie or just disliked as an Oscar winner, how Burton's Batman holds up, and whether Last Crusade is the best of the Indys (which Dan's Extra Credit Corner is here to rank). Crank the Batdance and come join us!

Find all of our episodes and the rest of Writing Therapy Productions' various entertainments at www.writingtherapyproductions.com