The MacGuffin

My friend Violet loves teenage sex comedies. Which would be completely unremarkable except for the fact that she is 60. But whatever: different strokes for different folks, etc. One of her favorite movies is Fast Times at Ridgemont High, and if you get her just the right amount of drunk she will talk about it forever. It’s awesome. Fast Times is okay, I guess, but if we are going to talk about Amy Heckerling movies—and we are —I am more of a Clueless girl. For me, it is just about the only proof I have that the ’90s were not a complete waste of time and energy. (Not a big fan.) Clueless is a perfect movie. It has a great script, spot-on casting, wonderful performances, an awesome soundtrack, and great direction: not a single false move. I love Clueless unconditionally, and it has created goodwill towards its stars and director that has lasted for almost two decades. (No matter how many crappy-ass movies Paul Rudd is in, he is perfect in my eyes.) When I heard that director Heckerling and star Alicia Silverstone were teaming up again for Vamps, I got super excited. When I heard this movie was pretty much going straight to DVD, I was a little less excited, but hopeful in my heart. It could be awesome, right? Sigh.

Another Top 5 segment from The MacGuffin. This time Brandi and Ben share their top 5 party scenes.

This segment is also available on Stitcher, iTunes and from here. After you’ve watched the video please vote in our poll and share which one you think is the best.

Spencer and John are joined by special guests for the MacGuffin’s second anniversary. They look back at the evolution of the podcast and the website.

In last week’s Top 5, Ben and John discussed their favorite teen comedies, which served as the inspiration for the film I want to discuss this week: the brilliant and hilarious Clueless, from writer/director Amy Heckerling. An earlier film directed by Heckerling, the Cameron Crowe-written Fast Times at Ridgemont High, made the cut on John’s list. But I truly believe Clueless to be her teen comedy masterpiece. There is probably not a week that goes by where I don’t quote this movie. If it’s on TV, I will be watching it. There are a dozen songs I can’t hear without thinking of it. I can’t see an actor from this film without being reminded of it and getting the urge to watch.  And god knows I am still fantasizing about that rotating closet.

Another MacGuffin Film Podcast Top 5′s segment. In honor of the film, Easy A, Brandi and Allen share their top 5 literary adaptations into films.

Dear young straight men of America,

Listen, I didn’t want to have to be the one to tell you this. It’s going to be a little tough to hear. But, I think you have a right to know. It’s about your girlfriend.

She’s in love with Paul Rudd.

Spencer and John reflect on the careers of Steve Carell and Paul Rudd in advance of the release of Dinner For Schmucks, discuss independent DVD distribution companies, and finish the episode with their DVD picks of the week.