This week on Movie Wars, we’re serving up Jon Favreau’s 2014 foodie classic Chef—with a twist. Joining us is Nashville comedian and executive chef Matt West, who brings both laughs and firsthand insight from the kitchen trenches.

We dig into why Chef feels like one of the most authentic portrayals of the culinary world, from the tension between chefs and restaurant owners to the soul-crushing weight of critics. Matt breaks down how fine dining can be overrated, why Michelin stars are a “pay-to-play” game, and what the movie gets right (and wrong) about life behind the line.

Beyond the food, we explore how Chef doubles as a time capsule of 2014—when Twitter still had cultural power, food critics were kings, and social media could make or break careers. Favreau’s decision to cook every dish on screen, guided by Roy Choi, adds to the film’s authenticity and passion. And yes, we debate whether Favreau’s grilled cheese montage is the most erotic food scene ever filmed.

Takeaways from this episode:

• Why Chef might beat The Bear as the most realistic kitchen story
• The truth about Michelin stars, fine dining pretension, and accessibility in food.
• How food critics lost power as influencers took over.
• Jon Favreau’s personal connection to the story and why it was his post-MCU passion project.
• The most mouthwatering (and ridiculous) food scenes that still stick with us.

So grab a Cubano, feed your grandma, and join us for one of our most flavorful debates yet.The discourse navigates the intricate interplay between technological advancement and societal transformation, emphasizing the duality of progress and its repercussions. A thorough examination of historical precedents reveals that each significant leap in technology has invariably precipitated profound shifts in societal structures and cultural paradigms. We engage in a meticulous analysis of contemporary innovations, scrutinizing their potential to reshape not only economic landscapes but also the very fabric of interpersonal relationships. The discussion culminates in a contemplative consideration of ethical responsibilities that accompany such advancements, urging a collective introspection on the moral implications of our relentless pursuit of progress.

Takeaways:

• In this episode, we discussed the profound implications of technological advancements on society.
• Our conversation highlighted the necessity of adapting to rapid changes in our environment.
• We explored the intricate relationship between innovation and ethical considerations in modern practices.
• Listeners were encouraged to critically assess the impact of their choices on future generations.

Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing isn’t just a movie — it’s a heatwave of tension, morality, and explosive conflict set in a single Brooklyn neighborhood on the hottest day of the summer. In this episode, guest host Paula Kosienski joins us to break down why this 1989 classic still hits hard today. We dig into the moral dilemmas at the heart of the story, the layered character relationships, and how the sweltering heat becomes its own character, pushing everyone toward the boiling point. Along the way, we unpack Spike Lee’s bold visual style, his use of color and camera work, and how this film forces you to ask: when the pressure’s on, what is the right thing?

What We Cover in This Episode

• How Do the Right Thing tackles race, identity, and community tensions in America
• The way Spike Lee uses heat — both literally and symbolically — to build tension
• Paula Kosienski's comedic but insightful take on the film’s serious themes
• The cinematic techniques (color, camera angles, pacing) that make this film unforgettable
• Why the questions this movie asks in 1989 are still relevant in today’s conversations on race and social justice

Key Takeaways

• Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing is a timeless exploration of race, morality, and the ripple effects of choice.
• Heat is more than weather here — it’s the accelerant for every conflict.
• Cinematography, set design, and color use aren’t just aesthetic choices — they’re part of the storytelling.
• Your perspective on this film will be shaped by your own experiences, and that’s exactly the point.

🎙️ The Sandlot: Childhood Legends, Helicopter Parents & The Vomit-Covered Comedy Special

Is The Sandlot still a perfect family film—or just a nostalgic relic? In this episode, Kyle and Seth are joined by hilarious guest Paula Kosinski (Dry Bar Comedy) for a deep dive into the backyard baseball classic that defined a generation.

CHECK OUT PAULA'S SHOWCASE on Nate Bargatze's Nateland showcase.

We relive the freedom of 90s latchkey kids, the magic of Benny “The Jet” Rodriguez, and whether childhood really was better before smartphones and supervision. Paula opens with an unforgettable story about throwing up before her comedy special—and somehow, it all connects.

This episode unpacks why The Sandlot still works, how it walks a fine line between kid movie and adult cult classic, and whether the Wendy Peffercorn scene hits differently today. We talk childhood crushes, parenting then vs. now, and how this movie created legends like “You’re killing me, Smalls.”

Plus: Is this one of the last great family films that truly got it right?

⏱️ Timestamps & Highlights:

• (00:00) Paula’s comedy special horror story — bodily fluids and braver
• (04:00) Kyle cries rewatching The Sandlot and realizes it still hits
• (07:00) Helicopter parenting vs. the 90s “no one knew where I was” era
• (09:00) The lost era of 90s family films with solid storytelling
• (14:00) Wendy Peffercorn: creepy, funny, or both? Breaking down the infamous scene
• (16:00) Smalls, Benny, and the cast: who we related to most as kids (or still do)
• (23:00) The mystery of The Sandlot’s perfect tone for kids and adults
• (28:00) "You’re killing me, Smalls" was ad-libbed? Iconic line origins
• (30:00) How fame at a young age shaped the cast—and why Patrick Renna crushes it on Cameo

🎯 Takeaways:

• The Sandlot remains a rare film that nails both childhood wonder and adult relatability.
• The cast's chemistry, especially Benny’s calming presence, gives it a mythic, timeless feel.
• Paula shares hilarious and personal reflections that make this more than just a movie breakdown.
• We tackle the controversial pool scene, modern sensitivities, and why this movie still makes grown men cry.

• 📲 Love the show? Share Movie Wars with a friend. And don’t forget: Tell a joke. Puke. Tell a joke. Puke. Deliver a special.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Dry Bar
• Netflix
• Disney
• Paramount Pictures
• Universal Pictures
• Focus Features
• Warner Bros.
• 20th Century Fox
• Columbia Pictures
• Sony Pictures