2014: Birdman (And The Unexpected Virtue of Optimus Prime) (w/ 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

2014: Birdman (And The Unexpected Virtue of Optimus Prime) (w/ Munsi Parker-Munroe)

April 16, 2026 • Claire Bolton, Dan Gibbins, and Erin Weir • Season 9 • Episode 8

0:00 | 1:59:26

It's 2014, and the gang hits another good news/bad news situation. First up, the Michael Keaton Renaissance began with Birdman, in which a former superhero actor fought a career slump through a big artistic project by playing a former superhero actor fighting a career slump through a big artistic project, all in seemingly one shot. Claire, Erin, and Dan's theatre kid energy is unleashed, as is returning guest Munsi Parker-Munroe's... before the joy of Birdman's rise and fall and maybe rise again crashes against the rocks of Transformers: The Age of Extinction, in which we learn that a franchise CAN get worse if you replace Shia LeBeouf as the lead. Come for the appreciation of Birdman's artistry, stay for the ladies losing their grip on reality at the mere description of how The Last Knight starts, plus Dan has some things to say about American Sniper. Listen in!

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