Review It Yourself

Discover the hilarious gender-swap comedy critics dismissed but audiences enjoyed.

In this episode of Review It Yourself, host Sean welcomes back Lou from Pods Like Us for a lively discussion about the 2026 Netflix comedy Ladies First, starring Sacha Baron Cohen. Three years after their last recording together, Sean and Lou reunite to review a film that flips traditional gender roles on their head. Inspired by the French comedy I Am Not an Easy Man, Ladies First explores what happens when a misogynist wakes up in a world where gender expectations are completely reversed.

The conversation compares Ladies First to classic British romantic comedies including Bridget Jones, Sliding Doors, and Bend It Like Beckham, while also revisiting themes discussed in their previously lost review of What Women Want. Is this gender-swap comedy simply a light-hearted romp, or does it have something meaningful to say about modern relationships, equality, and how we treat one another?

Sean and Lou discuss:
🎬 Ladies First (2026) review and analysis
🎬 Sacha Baron Cohen's performance as Damien
🎬 Gender role reversal in film and comedy
🎬 Comparisons with What Women Want and classic rom-coms
🎬 Whether modern films handle gender politics effectively
🎬 Why some critics may have missed the point
🎬 The film's surprisingly thoughtful ending
🎬 Why shorter, character-driven comedies deserve a comeback

If you enjoy film reviews, comedy movie discussions, Netflix reviews, rom-com analysis, movie podcasts, and entertaining conversations about cinema, this episode is for you.

About Our Guest:
Louise's partner Martin hosts a podcast.
Pods Like Us is hosted by Martin "Marv" Quibell and features conversations with podcasters and content creators from across the podcasting world.
🎙️ Pods Like Us Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/pods-like-us/id1534984629
🌐 Website: https://themarvzone.org

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Every review, rating, and recommendation helps more listeners discover the show.
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Why Shrek remains the funniest and most heartfelt fairy tale.

In this episode of Review It Yourself, Sean and Sarah are joined by Luke from The Howdy Beans Podcast to revisit the animated classic that changed fairy tales forever: Shrek (2001).

Twenty Five years after its release, Shrek remains one of the most influential animated films ever made. Packed with unforgettable characters, sharp comedy, emotional depth, and a soundtrack that became iconic, DreamWorks' green ogre continues to resonate with audiences of all ages.

Together, Sean, Sarah, and Luke explore what makes Shrek such an enduring classic. From Mike Myers' legendary performance and Eddie Murphy's scene-stealing Donkey to the film's clever subversion of traditional fairy tale tropes, this conversation covers everything that helped Shrek become a cultural phenomenon.

The discussion also dives into the film's surprisingly emotional themes, including friendship, acceptance, self-worth, prejudice, and finding people who truly see you for who you are. Along the way, there are plenty of laughs, personal memories, favourite moments, and reflections on why Shrek still works so well more than two decades later.

Whether you grew up watching Shrek on rainy school days or are discovering it for the first time, this episode celebrates one of the greatest animated movies ever made.

In This Episode
Why Shrek revolutionised animated filmmaking
The genius of Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz
Fairy tale satire done right
Friendship and acceptance as core themes
Why Donkey remains one of animation's greatest sidekicks
The emotional depth hidden beneath the comedy
Favourite scenes, quotes, and moments
How Shrek continues to connect with audiences today

About Our Guest
Luke is the host of The Howdy Beans Podcast, where he explores movies, books, video games, and overlooked gems that deserve more attention. If you enjoy discovering unusual, underrated, and fascinating entertainment, be sure to check out his show.

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Search: The Howdy Beans Podcast

Listen If You Enjoy
Shrek
DreamWorks Animation
Animated movie reviews
Family films
Fairy tale adaptations
Movie podcasts
Comedy films
Nostalgia discussions
Film analysis
Pop culture podcasts

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If you enjoyed this episode:
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Your support helps more listeners discover independent film discussion and keeps the podcast growing.
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Epic Battles, Betrayal, and One of Cinema’s Most Powerful Endings!

In this episode of Review It Yourself, Sean and Sarah tackle one of the greatest historical epics ever made: Spartacus (1960). What begins as a discussion of Roman slavery, gladiatorial combat, and rebellion quickly becomes an emotional deep dive into a film that still packs a punch more than six decades later.

Sarah discovers that she may never have actually seen the ending of Spartacus, leading to genuine shock as the hosts unpack the devastating final act, the famous “I’m Spartacus” moment, and why this classic remains one of the most influential films in cinema history.

Sean and Sarah explore the film’s incredible cast, including Kirk Douglas, Laurence Olivier, Peter Ustinov, Charles Laughton, Jean Simmons, and Tony Curtis. They also discuss Stanley Kubrick’s direction, the film’s Academy Award success, the realities of Roman history, and how Spartacus helped redefine the Hollywood epic.
Whether you're a fan of classic films, historical dramas, sword-and-sandal adventures, or simply want to revisit one of the greatest movies ever made, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

In This Episode
Reviewing Spartacus (1960)
Sarah's reaction to the film's tragic ending
The historical Spartacus and the Third Servile War
Kirk Douglas and Stanley Kubrick's legendary collaboration
The iconic "I'm Spartacus" scene
Roman slavery, gladiator schools, and rebellion
Peter Ustinov's Oscar-winning performance
The film's lasting influence on cinema
Why Spartacus remains essential viewing today

About Spartacus (1960)
Released in 1960 and directed by Stanley Kubrick, Spartacus stars Kirk Douglas as the Thracian slave who leads a massive revolt against the Roman Republic. The film won four Academy Awards and remains one of the defining historical epics of the Golden Age of Hollywood.

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Your support helps more listeners discover the show and keeps independent podcasting alive.

Listen If You Enjoy
Classic Cinema
Historical Movies
Stanley Kubrick Films
Kirk Douglas Movies
Roman History
Gladiator Films
Film Reviews
Movie Discussion Podcasts
Hollywood Classics
Academy Award-Winning Films
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From Wartime Hardship to Hope, One of Britain's Most Beloved Stories.

In this heartfelt episode of Review It Yourself, Sean is joined by Luke from The Howdy Beans Podcast to discuss the beloved 1998 television adaptation of Goodnight Mister Tom. Based on the classic novel by Michelle Magorian, this moving story follows young evacuee William Beech as he leaves wartime London and forms an unlikely bond with the gruff but compassionate Tom Oakley.

Together, we explore why Goodnight Mister Tom remains one of the most emotionally powerful British films ever made. From its unforgettable performances by John Thaw and Nick Robinson to its themes of friendship, trauma, healing, childhood resilience and life during World War II, this episode dives deep into what makes this adaptation such an enduring classic. Luke shares his lifelong connection to the film, while we discuss how the story changes as you revisit it at different stages of life. We also compare the television adaptation to the original novel, reflect on the legacy of Michelle Magorian, and examine why this story continues to move audiences decades after its release.

Whether you grew up watching Goodnight Mister Tom, studied the novel at school, or are discovering it for the first time, this episode celebrates a timeless piece of British storytelling that continues to touch hearts across generations.

In This Episode
Why Goodnight Mister Tom remains a British classic
John Thaw's unforgettable performance as Tom Oakley
Willie Beech's emotional journey from abuse to belonging
The realities of child evacuation during World War II
Comparing the film adaptation with Michelle Magorian's novel
Themes of kindness, healing, friendship, loss and hope
Why this story still resonates with modern audiences
Luke's personal history with the film
British television adaptations that stand the test of time

Guest Details
Luke "The Elder Bean" from The Howdy Beans Podcast joins us for this discussion.
Listen to The Howdy Beans Podcast:
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-howdy-beans-podcast/id1781351772
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X / Twitter: https://x.com/HowdyBeans_pod
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHowdyBeansPodcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_howdybeans_podcast

The Howdy Beans Podcast covers movies, television, books, video games, nostalgia, Goosebumps novels, cult classics and much more.

Follow, Contact & Support Review It Yourself
Stay up to date with the latest film reviews, television discussions, book chats, interviews and special episodes from Review It Yourself.

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Support the Podcast:
If you enjoyed this episode on Goodnight Mister Tom, please:

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Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify
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Recommend the show to friends, family and fellow film lovers
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Why You Should Watch Goodnight Mister Tom
More than twenty-five years after its release, Goodnight Mister Tom remains one of the finest British television dramas ever produced. Combining powerful performances, emotional storytelling and an authentic depiction of wartime Britain, it continues to resonate with viewers of all ages.
If you're a fan of British drama, literary adaptations, World War II stories, coming-of-age films or emotionally moving character studies, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Book Recommendations:
-The Day They Took The Children, No Time To Wave Goodbye and Waiting for the All Clear by Ben Wicks.
-Under Fire: Black Britain in Wartime 1939-45 by Stephen Bourne.
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An explosive SAS action thriller sparks fierce debate and unforgettable eighties nostalgia

In this episode of Review It Yourself, we dive into the controversial 1982 British action thriller Who Dares Wins — the cult classic starring Lewis Collins that blends SAS action, Cold War paranoia, terrorism, political extremism, and one unforgettable embassy siege finale.

Joined by returning guest Paul from 'History Rage', we break down why Who Dares Wins starts with genuine tension and political intrigue before veering into one of the most divisive first halves we’ve ever reviewed on the podcast.

Is this an underrated British action gem inspired by the real Iranian Embassy siege? Or is it a painfully slow thriller redeemed only by its explosive final act?

Expect discussion on:
The film’s connection to the 1980 Iranian Embassy siege
SAS representation in 1980s British cinema
Nuclear protest politics and Cold War fears
Lewis Collins as an action hero
Wild pacing problems and baffling plot decisions
The infamous embassy assault sequence
Whether Who Dares Wins deserves cult classic status

If you love vintage action movies, British cult cinema, SAS thrillers, Cannon-style action films, or deep-dive movie reviews with strong opinions and humour, this episode is for you.
Guest Paul returns for another lively debate-filled review, bringing his passion for classic action cinema and plenty of disagreement along the way. Find Paul at https://www.historyrage.com/

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Following and subscribing on your favourite podcast app
Leaving a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify
Sharing the episode with fellow film fans
Recommending the podcast on social media
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