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Welcome to another episode of Almost Classic Movies, where Jon and Donald are diving into the next chapter of their How to Train Your Dragon series—with a side of chaotic intros and cat-like dragons.

This week, it's How to Train Your Dragon 2 (aka Episode 35 of the pod), and things get emotional.

🔥 In this episode:

• Why this sequel might actually be better than the original
• The surprisingly deep themes of grief, leadership, and legacy
• A breakdown of the movie’s world-building, pacing, and glow-ups (Toothless, we're looking at you)
• That Oedipus Rex comparison you didn’t see coming (but now won’t be able to unsee)
• Thoughts on DreamWorks animation tech upgrades—and a side rant on breastplate continuity
• The tragedy that hit harder than most films

👀 Plus: Emotional Viking funerals, unintentional strawberry milk debates, and Donald calling for justice for Prince of Egypt’s awards snub.

🎧 Whether you're a longtime fan of the trilogy or watching it for the first time, this episode dives deep into what makes How to Train Your Dragon 2 a standout sequel—with plenty of heart, humor, and hot takes.

📮 Got feedback
Hit us up: almostclassicmovies@gmail.com
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Leave a rating or drop us a line—we read everything (even if it’s just to say “Hi Burke”).

🎙️ Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts—and check back next week for the final film in the trilogy.

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If you like what you’re listening to, don’t forget to share the podcast with fellow movie fans and give us a 5-star review!

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Contact:
Email: almostclassicmovies@gmail.com
Instagram: @almostclassicmovies

Co-Hosts:
Jon K.
Donald S.

Podcast Production:
Wayfare Recording Co.

© 2025 Almost Classic Movies LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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Welcome back to Almost Classic Movies with Jon and Donald! In this episode, the guys take to the skies with the 2010 animated hit How to Train Your Dragon—and things get personal fast. From Viking dad issues to dragon-sized feels, they unpack why this film hits harder than your average “kids movie.”

🔥 Highlights from the episode:

• Jon and Donald reflect on the movie’s rich emotional depth and character arcs—especially that gut-punch of a father-son moment with Stoick.
• A breakdown of how Toothless is basically a cat... with jet fuel.
• Thoughts on how HTTYD balances action, comedy, and heart—and what still leaves them wanting more.
• A deep dive into DreamWorks’ surprisingly strong run of animated hits (Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, Prince of Egypt... are they the real GOATs?)
• Speculation on the upcoming live-action adaptation: Will the CGI hold up? Should they even try to recreate THAT dragon’s nest?

🎬 Rating Rundown:
Both hosts hover between an 8 and a 9—calling it “a high 8, low 9” depending on the day. Their biggest critique? Wishing it was 30 minutes longer to really let the world and character arcs breathe.

📚 Bonus Trivia:

• Toothless was originally a small green-and-red dragon in the book—and the name came from losing a literal tooth!
• That iconic hesitation before Toothless lets Hiccup touch him? Total animation accident that they decided to keep.
• There’s allegedly a Flux Capacitor hidden in Hiccup’s notes—Back to the Future fans, assemble.

👶 Plus: Jon drops news about his soon-to-arrive baby (congrats!), Donald nearly adopts a pit bull named Chuck, and somehow Trump as the Pope gets a mention. So yeah... classic ACM chaos.

👉 Got thoughts, questions, or favorite dragon facts? DM us on Instagram or email the show. We love hearing from you!

Support the show

If you like what you’re listening to, don’t forget to share the podcast with fellow movie fans and give us a 5-star review!

Subscribing to the podcast ensures you get our newest episodes right when they publish.

Contact:
Email: almostclassicmovies@gmail.com
Instagram: @almostclassicmovies

Co-Hosts:
Jon K.
Donald S.

Podcast Production:
Wayfare Recording Co.

© 2025 Almost Classic Movies LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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Welcome back to Almost Classic Movies — where Jon and Donald dissect not-quite-classics with just enough seriousness to pretend we know what we’re doing.

This week, we time-travel straight into the chaotic, shiny roller-disco that is Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002). From centered teeth to golden genitalia, from daddy issues to Destiny’s Child, this episode is packed tighter than Mini Me in a duffel bag.

In this episode:

• 💥 How Goldmember stacks up to the first two Austin Powers films
• 🎭 Michael Caine’s perfect casting and how Alfie might just make our "Almost Canceled Movies" list
• 🎤 A surprise cameo by Nathan Lane that steals the show
• 🍏 The unforgettable (and very uncomfortable) Apple Scene™
• 🤯 Fan theories and crossovers you didn’t know you needed (Threat Level Midnight vs. Austin Pussy? Yes, please.)
• 🚫 Deleted scenes that could’ve made this movie a 6.5 instead of a 5

Plus:

• Did Goldmember foreshadow the Subway diet scandal?
• A VERY cursed idea for an OnlyFans-exclusive podcast feed 😬
• And why Jon refuses to accept the existence of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny

🎧 Listen in for the laughs, stay for the conspiracy theories, and let us know in the comments: What would make the better spy movie—Austin Pussy or Threat Level Midnight?

📩 Got thoughts? Email us.
🎧 Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen.
📊 Vote in the weekly poll (yes, we’re actually doing it this time).
🕵️‍♂️ Find out next week what happens when family-friendly films meet hosts who are anything but.

Support the show

If you like what you’re listening to, don’t forget to share the podcast with fellow movie fans and give us a 5-star review!

Subscribing to the podcast ensures you get our newest episodes right when they publish.

Contact:
Email: almostclassicmovies@gmail.com
Instagram: @almostclassicmovies

Co-Hosts:
Jon K.
Donald S.

Podcast Production:
Wayfare Recording Co.

© 2025 Almost Classic Movies LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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Welcome back to Almost Classic Movies, where Jern and Dern dive into groovy throwbacks, questionable fashion choices, and highly quotable comedy gold. This week: Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me.

In this episode:

• Austin loses his “mojo” (yes, it’s a real plot point), teams up with CIA agent Felicity, and battles a familiar cast of over-the-top villains, including the now-iconic Mini-Me.
• The hosts compare this sequel to the original, debate whether it leans too hard on certain types of humor, and explore the surprisingly heartfelt growth in Austin’s character.
• Jern shares what it was like to watch the movie with a first-timer. Dern nerds out over editing tricks and 60s TV callbacks.
• Plus: trivia on international censorship, Heather Graham’s almost-different career path, and a not-so-serious theory involving Austin Powers and the Marvel multiverse.

📣 Thanks for helping us grow by over 40% in April — we’re so grateful for your support.
📩 Email us at almostclassicmovies@gmail.com
📱 Follow us on socials & leave a review wherever you listen

🎧 Next up: Austin Powers in Goldmember — it’s going to be... well, you know.

Support the show

If you like what you’re listening to, don’t forget to share the podcast with fellow movie fans and give us a 5-star review!

Subscribing to the podcast ensures you get our newest episodes right when they publish.

Contact:
Email: almostclassicmovies@gmail.com
Instagram: @almostclassicmovies

Co-Hosts:
Jon K.
Donald S.

Podcast Production:
Wayfare Recording Co.

© 2025 Almost Classic Movies LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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In this groovy episode of Almost Classic Movies, Jon and Donald travel back to the shagadelic '60s and swing into the chaotic, mojo-fueled world of Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery. It's a cinematic time capsule stuffed with fembots, volcano lairs, and oddly satisfying toilet humor.

Join us as we ask life’s important questions like:

• Is Austin Powers the British Captain America?
• What’s hotter: Chipotle’s new honey chicken or a fembot malfunction?
• And most importantly… where's the IMDb credit for Mr. Bigglesworth??

We unpack Dr. Evil’s very normal childhood trauma, critique UN fashion choices, and attempt to pronounce Frau Farbissina without pulling a facial muscle.

Also featured: impromptu Big Boy cravings, a Duolingo meltdown, and the age-old debate—who is the best Bond? (Spoiler: Sean Connery fans, rise up.)

Final rating? Solid 6 out of 10—because when the poop jokes land, they land hard.

🎧 Subscribe, rate us 1 million dollars (or just 5 stars), and drop a comment. It’s the least you can do for not getting laser beamed into hot magma.

Support the show

If you like what you’re listening to, don’t forget to share the podcast with fellow movie fans and give us a 5-star review!

Subscribing to the podcast ensures you get our newest episodes right when they publish.

Contact:
Email: almostclassicmovies@gmail.com
Instagram: @almostclassicmovies

Co-Hosts:
Jon K.
Donald S.

Podcast Production:
Wayfare Recording Co.

© 2025 Almost Classic Movies LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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Welcome back to Almost Classic Movies, where we’re almost as classic as a half-hearted love letter written in stretchy pants.

In this week’s episode, Jon and Donald tag-team their way through the wild, weird, and weirdly quotable world of Nacho Libre. They break down why this Nickelodeon film was way smarter than anyone expected, the unhinged brilliance of Jack Black, and why street corn might be the real hero of the story.

🧀 In This Episode:

• The eternal quotability of "Get that corn outta my face!"
• Was the love letter half-hearted—or a full send with a vow-breaking twist?
• Jack Black as a cape-wearing, wrestling monk: inspired casting or fever dream?
• Why the character arc of Steven (a.k.a. Esqueleto) is sneakily one of the best in the film
• Nacho vs. Ramses: analyzing the lucha libre showdown (and that ridiculous aerial move)
• Donald’s dating tips… inspired by a monk?
• A philosophical debate: Did Nacho and Sister Encarnación end up together—or just share toast?

🛎️ Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes Fun:

• The real-life priest who inspired the movie (yes, really)
• Jack Black's improvised serenade at the party
• How blow-up dolls filled the stands in wrestling scenes (budget filmmaking at its finest)

🎧 Why Listen?

Because this movie is stupid—in the best way possible. And if you’ve ever flexed your butt cheeks on a date to impress someone… you’ll feel seen.

🎬 Final Verdict: Both hosts give it a 6/10 for being perfectly quotable, sneakily deep, and unapologetically ridiculous.

🔮 Hint for Next Week’s Movie: Let’s just say… we hope you feel empowered. And yes, someone named Steven may or may not be involved.

📬 Leave Us a Review: We’re still waiting on that new review to read aloud. Be the one who makes it happen! Submit your thoughts on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

📩 Got a movie idea or a hot take? Email us at: almostclassicmovies@gmail.com
Follow on Instagram: @almostclassicmovies

Support the show

If you like what you’re listening to, don’t forget to share the podcast with fellow movie fans and give us a 5-star review!

Subscribing to the podcast ensures you get our newest episodes right when they publish.

Contact:
Email: almostclassicmovies@gmail.com
Instagram: @almostclassicmovies

Co-Hosts:
Jon K.
Donald S.

Podcast Production:
Wayfare Recording Co.

© 2025 Almost Classic Movies LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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This week, Jon and Donald are back with sunglasses, car crashes, and possibly a small arsenal of musical legends as they take on The Blues Brothers (1980).

What starts as a noble quest to save an orphanage quickly spirals into 106 (alleged) crimes, 103 destroyed cars, and one ex-fiancée with the firepower of a Bond villain. But don’t worry—it’s all in the name of soul music. Or maybe chicken. Or God. It’s unclear. What is clear is that this movie has:

🚗 A mall car chase that hurts more than the death of Toys "R" Us
🎤 Aretha Franklin demanding R-E-S-P-E-C-T and maybe a resignation letter
👀 Jake never removing his sunglasses... except to emotionally manipulate his ex
🧯 Dan Aykroyd coining the eternal line: “We’re on a mission from GAD”
🎶 A gospel-induced backflip that could only mean one thing: the band’s getting back together
😳 Nazis. Yes, actual Illinois Nazis. Don’t worry—they get what's coming.

From Carrie Fisher with a bazooka to John Candy just vibing in a truck, this episode is chaos in the best way. The boys also debate: is this movie actually a musical? (Hint: if you count four separate choreographed soul performances, it might be.)

🕶️ Final Verdict: 8/10. Too many crimes, not enough bread for all those chickens.

Tune in for:

• SNL backstories
• Crimes that definitely warrant jail time
• An actual Bluesmobile disintegration
• Trivia, nostalgia, and very questionable property damage

🎧 Listen now and vote in our poll: Is The Blues Brothers a musical? (Spoiler: yes.)
👉 Follow, rate, and share if you’ve ever said “we’re on a mission from GAD.”

Support the show

If you like what you’re listening to, don’t forget to share the podcast with fellow movie fans and give us a 5-star review!

Subscribing to the podcast ensures you get our newest episodes right when they publish.

Contact:
Email: almostclassicmovies@gmail.com
Instagram: @almostclassicmovies

Co-Hosts:
Jon K.
Donald S.

Podcast Production:
Wayfare Recording Co.

© 2025 Almost Classic Movies LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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In this hilarious and heartfelt episode, Jon and Don dive deep into The Princess Bride, the beloved cult classic that blends fantasy, romance, revenge, and rodents of unusual size. From Peter Falk’s iconic storytelling to Miracle Max’s goat-level cameo, the duo unpacks the magic, quotes their favorite lines (a lot), and goes on more tangents than a fencing match with Inigo Montoya.

They talk rewatches, nostalgia, sword fights, inconceivable plot holes, and the surprising drinking stamina of Andre the Giant. Plus, they reveal the origin of their fan-favorite "Dan of the Movie" bit and pitch some chaotic Patreon spinoffs like Almost Canceled Movies.

Highlights:

• 🤺 Sword fights and the magic of practical effects
• 🐀 ROUSs, Miracle Max, and other unforgettable moments
• 🎤 Tangents about Grey’s Anatomy, real American beer, and Arnie’s pregnancy movie
• 🎭 Mandy Patinkin’s emotional performance (and Olympic-level sword skills?)
• 🔥 Jon and Don rate the film and debate whether the magic holds up
• 💬 Listener correction corner: the real size of the Cleveland Art Museum
• 💡 Future Patreon tease: Almost Canceled Movies

Quote of the Episode:
"You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means."
– Probably someone quoting this podcast about this movie

Support the show

If you like what you’re listening to, don’t forget to share the podcast with fellow movie fans and give us a 5-star review!

Subscribing to the podcast ensures you get our newest episodes right when they publish.

Contact:
Email: almostclassicmovies@gmail.com
Instagram: @almostclassicmovies

Co-Hosts:
Jon K.
Donald S.

Podcast Production:
Wayfare Recording Co.

© 2025 Almost Classic Movies LLC. All Rights Reserved.