Explore every episode of the podcast Our Hero De Niro
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amsterdam (2022) | 31 Mar 2026 | 01:06:57 | |
This week, the Mikes wade into Amsterdam, David O. Russell's star-studded, genre-bending mystery that's equal parts screwball caper and political thriller. We try to untangle the plot, size up a loaded cast that ranges from Margot Robbie to Mike Myers, and dig into the film's muddled tone. Along the way, we debate the effectiveness of the film's fascism satire, get sidetracked by our love of walkable cities, and try to make sense of John David Washington's charisma vacuum. Wikipedia page for Amsterdam. Films recommended this episode: Follow Mike and Mike on Letterboxd @MIkeBackAtYou and @mikethefab, email them at ourherodeniro@gmail.com, and find them on social media at allmylinks.com/ourherodeniro. Next week: Red Lights | |||
| Goodfellas (1990) | 24 Mar 2026 | 01:46:05 | |
This week, the Mikes dig into Goodfellas, Scorsese's breakneck mob classic about ambition, betrayal, and the price of chasing the American Dream. We break down Ray Liotta's wild ride as Henry Hill, De Niro's effortless menace, and Pesci's unhinged volatility, all wrapped in the film's propulsive style. Plus: unforgettable needle drops, paranoid montages, and a debate about method acting. Wikipedia page for Goodfellas. Films recommended this episode: Follow Mike and Mike on Letterboxd @MIkeBackAtYou and @mikethefab, email them at ourherodeniro@gmail.com, and find them on social media at allmylinks.com/ourherodeniro. Next week: Amsterdam | |||
| All Mike'd Up – Pizza Takes | 23 Jan 2026 | 00:19:49 | |
This week on All Mike'd Up, the Mikes are joined by friend of the pod Philip (a.k.a. "Lips") for a chaotic new segment—Pizza Takes. What started as a throwaway bit about controversial pizza opinions spirals into an all-out debate over whether "all pizza is the same," the ethics of pink sauce, and the fine art of choosing the right size pie. We break down Philip's notorious take, argue about toppings, and end up with free pizza thanks to a classic podcast bickering session. Email us your own pizza opinions at ourherodeniro@gmail.com and help settle the score. | |||
| Analyze This (1999), with Philip (a.k.a. "Lips") | 20 Jan 2026 | 01:18:27 | |
This week, the Mikes are joined by their friend (and real-life therapist) Philip, aka "Lips," for a spirited dive into Analyze This, Harold Ramis's oddball 1999 mob comedy. We break down De Niro's sendup of his tough-guy persona, Billy Crystal's exasperated straight man, and why this mafia-meets-therapy premise feels both inspired and a little uneven. Plus: the real-life therapist verdict on cinematic therapy, boner talk, and omertà versus HIPAA. Wikipedia page for Analyze This. Films recommended this episode: Follow Mike and Mike on Letterboxd @mikebackatyou and @mikethefab and email them at ourherodeniro@gmail.com. Next week: A Bronx Tale | |||
| City by the Sea (2002) | 13 Jan 2026 | 01:47:28 | |
This week, the Mikes dive into City by the Sea, a somber crime drama that finds De Niro playing a haunted detective wrestling with the sins of both his past and his present. We unpack the film's gritty Long Beach setting, its exploration of fractured father-son relationships, and De Niro's layered performance as a man caught between duty and regret. Along the way, we debate the film's true-crime roots, discuss why the third act goes full melodrama, and wonder if this forgotten early-2000s thriller deserves a second look. Plus: discussions about cancel culture, child abandonment, and local malls. Wikipedia page for City by the Sea. Films recommended this episode: Follow Mike and Mike on Letterboxd @mikebackatyou and @mikethefab and email them at ourherodeniro@gmail.com. Next week: Analyze This Supplemental link: | |||
| 2025: A Year in Movies | 06 Jan 2026 | 01:38:39 | |
In this special episode, we take a look back at the films that shaped our 2025 movie year—not just the new releases, but everything we watched, discovered, and debated over the past twelve months. From first-time viewings of classics like Chinatown and Back to the Future to rewatches, hidden gems, and the movies that had us completely divided, we walk through our personal superlatives: Best Ending, Most Overrated, and the "aggressively fine" entries that defined the middle of the pack. Along the way, we spotlight standout performances, dissect memorable moments, and reminisce about the films that lingered in our minds. We also crunch the numbers on our viewing stats, reveal just how many movies we tackled for the first time, and talk about the trends that emerged in our watchlists. Whether we're reflecting on unexpected favorites, revisiting movies that didn't quite live up to their hype, or planning what we want to explore in 2026, this episode is both a celebration and an honest reckoning with our year in film. If you're looking for recommendations, hot takes, or simply want to relive the highs and lows of a true cinephile's year, you'll find it all here. Follow Mike and Mike on Letterboxd @mikebackatyou and @mikethefab and email them at ourherodeniro@gmail.com. Next week: City by the Sea | |||
| All Mike'd Up – Reviewing 'Avatar: Fire and Ash' and 'Marty Supreme' | 02 Jan 2026 | 00:47:44 | |
In this episode of All Mike'd Up, the Mikes share their mostly spoiler-free thoughts on Avatar: Fire and Ash and Marty Supreme. The first half is a therapy session about the Avatar franchise's endless spectacle—commiserating over 3D glasses, video game visuals, and the unique fatigue that comes with three-hour blockbusters. The guys discuss whether any of these films offer more than three-and-a-half stars, debate the design choices behind the Na'vi, and reflect on the strange evolution of event filmmaking in 2025. Then it's on to Marty Supreme, with comparisons to Uncut Gems, a ranking of Safdie favorites, and a deep dive into what makes the ending so memorable—without giving too much away. There's talk of needle drops, long-lens cinematography, and character actors, plus a surprisingly heartfelt look at aging, nostalgia, and what it means to be a main character. Expect plenty of takes, tangents, and enough existential reflection to get you through your next three-hour movie. | |||
| New Year's Eve (2011) | 30 Dec 2025 | 01:38:16 | |
This week, the Mikes tackle New Year's Eve, the star-studded holiday ensemble that crams a dizzying number of plotlines into one glitzy Times Square countdown. We break down De Niro's limited but heartfelt role, compare the chaos of intertwining stories, and debate the film's place among other holiday rom-coms. Plus: reflections on overstuffed casts, manufactured sentiment, and the strange appeal of annual event movies. Plus: ranking all eight plot lines, and reminiscing about the music of Bon Jovi. Wikipedia page for New Year's Eve. Films recommended this episode: Follow Mike and Mike on Letterboxd @mikebackatyou and @mikethefab and email them at ourherodeniro@gmail.com. Next week: City by the Sea | |||
| Falling In Love (1984) | 23 Dec 2025 | 01:08:39 | |
This week, the Mikes dig into Falling In Love, a restrained romantic drama about two married New Yorkers whose chance encounter sparks a slow-burn affair. We break down De Niro's everyman turn, Streep's reserved vulnerability, and how the movie's winter-in-the-city melancholy is both its biggest strength and its most frustrating weakness. Plus: Christmas nostalgia, department store meet-cutes, and debating whether emotional restraint is romantic or just cold. Wikipedia page for Falling In Love. Films recommended this episode: Follow Mike and Mike on Letterboxd @mikebackatyou and @mikethefab and email them at ourherodeniro@gmail.com. Next week: New Year's Eve | |||
| The Roberts 🏆 [50th Episode Spectacular] | 16 Dec 2025 | 01:12:27 | |
This week, the Mikes roll out the red carpet for The Roberts, our first annual award show dedicated to the highs, lows, and wildest moments of De Niro's filmography. We reflect on a year of weekly deep dives, debating our favorite films, biggest disappointments, and the performance that left us in awe. The ceremony is packed with categories like Best Co-Star Chemistry, Weirdest Plot Twist, and Most Quotable Line—plus, plenty of lovingly petty arguments, inside jokes, and a few touching moments as we look back on what the podcast means to us. Follow Mike and Mike on Letterboxd @mikebackatyou and @mikethefab and email them at ourherodeniro@gmail.com. Next week: Falling in Love | |||
| One Hundred and One Nights (1995) | 09 Dec 2025 | 01:13:49 | |
This week, the Mikes dig into One Hundred and One Nights, Agnès Varda's kaleidoscopic tribute to cinema history, where film references, cameos, and absurdist humor collide in a French countryside mansion. We break down the movie's campy love letter approach, the visual pleasures of its dreamy vignettes, and De Niro's blink-and-you-miss-him French cameo. Plus: grappling with foreign film blind spots, Letterboxd country stats, and the eternal question—does anyone actually know how to pronounce Marcello Mastroianni? Wikipedia page for One Hundred and One Nights. Films recommended this episode: Follow Mike and Mike on Letterboxd @mikebackatyou and @mikethefab and email them at ourherodeniro@gmail.com. Next week: 50th Episode Spectacular Supplemental link: | |||
| What Just Happened (2008) | 02 Dec 2025 | 01:18:40 | |
This week, the Mikes take on What Just Happened, Barry Levinson's sharp-edged Hollywood satire about a producer (De Niro) whose life is unraveling faster than his latest movie. We break down De Niro's world-weary performance, the movie's real-life cameos, and the absurdities of test screenings, bad scripts, and on-set meltdowns. We also introduce "Car Talk," our brand-new segment on the cars of De Niro Nation. From the symbolism of De Niro's Porsche to our own misadventures in used car shopping, we examine why car choice is the ultimate window into midlife, masculinity, and social aspiration. If you've ever tried to manifest an outdoorsy lifestyle by buying the wrong car, this one's for you. Wikipedia page for What Just Happened. Films recommended this episode: Follow Mike and Mike on Letterboxd @mikebackatyou and @mikethefab, email them at ourherodeniro@gmail.com, and follow them on Instagram @ourherodeniro. Next week: One Hundred and One Nights | |||
| Mad Dog and Glory (1993) | 17 Mar 2026 | 01:06:23 | |
This week, the Mikes dig into Mad Dog and Glory, a tonal Frankenstein that tries to mash together a gangster movie and a romantic comedy, with mixed results. We break down De Niro's awkwardly gentle performance, Bill Murray's scene‑hijacking mob boss, and why the movie never quite figures out what it wants to be. Plus: the risks of casting against type, why quirk can't save weak character work, and how this movie ends up feeling stranger than it probably intended. Wikipedia page for Mad Dog and Glory. Films recommended this episode: Follow Mike and Mike on Letterboxd @MIkeBackAtYou and @mikethefab, email them at ourherodeniro@gmail.com, and find them on social media at allmylinks.com/ourherodeniro. Next week: Goodfellas | |||
| Born to Win (1971) | 25 Nov 2025 | 01:01:33 | |
This week, the Mikes trudge through Born to Win, a 1971 New York "crime thriller" that can't decide if it's a gritty character study, a screwball comedy, or just a parade of bad decisions. We break down George Segal's wandering antihero, Karen Black's chaotic love interest, and a very young Robert De Niro as a cop with great hair and about three scenes. We debate whether the movie's jumbled tone ever really works, and swap war stories about watching it on Pluto TV versus public domain rips. Plus: our shared hatred of turkey, the existential misery of subtitles, and why every 70s movie feels like a cautionary tale about audio quality. Wikipedia page for Born to Win. Films recommended this episode: Follow Mike and Mike on Letterboxd @mikebackatyou and @mikethefab, email them at ourherodeniro@gmail.com, and follow them on Instagram @ourherodeniro. Next week: What Just Happened | |||
| Great Expectations (1998), w/ Caroline Lamarque | 18 Nov 2025 | 01:42:29 | |
We're joined by special guest Caroline to unpack Alfonso Cuarón's visually lush, wildly stylized take on Dickens. Ethan Hawke broods, Gwyneth Paltrow floats, and De Niro lurks in the shadows of 90s Florida—while we debate whether any of it actually works as a story. We break down the film's hypnotic direction, discuss why the character motivations are so confusing, and argue over whether this is a bold reinvention or a beautiful mess. By the end, we're not sure if we watched a coming-of-age romance or just a two-hour fever dream with great art direction. Wikipedia page for Great Expectations. Films recommended this episode: Follow Mike and Mike on Letterboxd @mikebackatyou and @mikethefab, email them at ourherodeniro@gmail.com, and follow them on Instagram @ourherodeniro. Next week: Born to Win | |||
| Ponyo (2008) [Mikethefab Birthday Pick] | 11 Nov 2025 | 01:59:00 | |
We dive under the sea for Mikethefab's birthday with Hayao Miyazaki's Ponyo—an enchanting, aquatic fairy tale about childhood wonder, magical chaos, and the world's bravest little goldfish. We explore what makes Ponyo such a singular Studio Ghibli experience, debate whether its dream logic delights or frustrates, and revisit the question of how children's animation speaks to grown-ups. Along the way, we interview Mike's daughter Nora for her expert take on the film, and answer listener mail from the citizens of De Niro Nation, making this our most wholesome episode yet. Wikipedia page for Ponyo. Films recommended this episode: Follow Mike and Mike on Letterboxd @mikebackatyou and @mikethefab, email them at ourherodeniro@gmail.com, and follow them on Instagram @ourherodeniro. Next week: Great Expectations Supplemental links: | |||
| The Comedian (2016) | 04 Nov 2025 | 01:34:35 | |
Robert De Niro trades mobsters for punchlines in Taylor Hackford's The Comedian—a movie about an aging insult comic who just can't stop burning every bridge in his life, no matter how many second chances he gets. We break down De Niro's passionate but polarizing performance, debate whether the film's crass, mean-spirited tone is intentional or just misguided, and try to figure out if there's anything redeeming about a story where bad behavior keeps getting rewarded. Along the way, we get lost in tangents about viral memes, USA Network aesthetics, and our shared distaste for bad fake driving shots. Wikipedia page for The Comedian. Films recommended this episode: Follow Mike and Mike on Letterboxd @mikebackatyou and @mikethefab and email them at ourherodeniro@gmail.com. Next week: Mikethefab's Mystery Birthday Pick | |||
| Stone (2010) | 28 Oct 2025 | 01:24:50 | |
We lock in for Stone, a bleak, small-budget crime thriller starring Robert De Niro, Edward Norton (in cornrows), and Milla Jovovich. This week, we try to make sense of a film that aims for brooding ambiguity but mostly delivers muddled themes, flat visuals, and characters that are more confusing than compelling. We break down the strange tonal mix and wrestle with the movie's attempts at "big ideas" about guilt, religion, and personal change. Plus: "God's tuning fork," local connections to the film, and the world's worst parole officer. Wikipedia page for Stone. Films recommended this episode: Follow Mike and Mike on Letterboxd @mikebackatyou and @mikethefab and email them at ourherodeniro@gmail.com. Next week: The Comedian Supplemental Link: | |||
| Stanley & Iris (1990) | 21 Oct 2025 | 01:27:12 | |
This week, the Mikes dig into Stanley & Iris, a quietly compassionate drama about two ordinary people navigating hardship, loneliness, and unexpected friendship. We break down De Niro's understated performance, Fonda's grounded presence, and how the movie's gentle approach to big themes both charms and frustrates. Plus: early-90s nostalgia, the perils of teenage pregnancy, and developing the new seduction playbook. Wikipedia page for Stanley & Iris. Films recommended this episode: Follow Mike and Mike on Letterboxd @mikebackatyou and @mikethefab, email them at ourherodeniro@gmail.com, and follow them on Instagram @ourherodeniro. Next week: Stone | |||
| Killers of the Flower Moon (2023) | 14 Oct 2025 | 01:32:07 | |
In this episode, we take on Martin Scorsese's Killers of the Flower Moon, dissecting its epic scope, staggering performances, and the haunting true story behind the Osage murders. We unpack Leonardo DiCaprio's unsettling turn, Lily Gladstone's standout presence, and Robert De Niro's chilling performance as William Hale. Plus: Digging into Scorsese's historical approach, the film's themes of complicity and power, and how it measures up against his past work. Wikipedia page for Killers of the Flower Moon. Films recommended this episode: Follow Mike and Mike on Letterboxd @mikebackatyou and @mikethefab, email them at ourherodeniro@gmail.com, and follow them on Instagram @ourherodeniro. Next week: Stanley & Iris | |||
| All Mike'd Up – Reviewing 'Tron: Ares' and 'The Smashing Machine' | 10 Oct 2025 | 00:29:17 | |
In this episode of All Mike'd Up, the Mikes double-feature The Smashing Machine and Tron: Ares, trading immediate post-movie reactions and Letterboxd scores. They spar over whether Safdie's wrestling biopic is a slow-burn character study or just another sports movie cliché, debating The Rock's prosthetics, the film's subdued drama, and how well the documentary-style visuals actually work. Switching to Tron: Ares, they talk IMAX spectacle, the Nine Inch Nails soundtrack, and the franchise's chronic struggle to make anyone care about the Grid. Along the way: thrill ride heart rates, Radiohead analogies, and the ongoing search for a truly great legacy sequel. | |||
| Tenet (2020) [40th Episode Spectacular] | 07 Oct 2025 | 02:23:46 | |
We flip the switch on Christopher Nolan's Tenet, a time-bending thriller that's as audacious as it is divisive. For our 40th episode spectacular, we step away from De Niro to tackle one of our favorite modern blockbusters—a film we've defended since day one. We dig into Tenet's ambitious sci-fi mechanics, its dense but economical storytelling, and how Nolan builds meaning through spectacle. Along the way, we highlight Hoyte van Hoytema's crisp IMAX visuals, Ludwig Göransson's propulsive score, and the film's big ideas about free will, identity, and inevitability. Wikipedia page for Tenet. Films recommended this episode: Follow Mike and Mike on Letterboxd: @mikebackatyou and @mikethefab, email them at ourherodeniro@gmail.com, and follow them on Instagram at @ourherodeniro. Next week: Killers of the Flower Moon Supplemental link: | |||
| Grudge Match (2013) | 30 Sep 2025 | 01:28:36 | |
On this episode, the Mikes break down Grudge Match, a sports comedy pitting Robert De Niro and Sylvester Stallone against each other as retired boxers dragged into a publicity-fueled rematch. They analyze the movie's attempts to balance heartfelt moments with slapstick, touching on whether the film earns its sentimentality or leans too heavily on its leads' legendary status. Plus: the Mikes' hypothetical walk-up songs, Gas Station TV, and the "Spot a Running Dodge Dart" challenge. Wikipedia page for Grudge Match. Films recommended this episode: Follow Mike and Mike on Letterboxd: @mikebackatyou and @mikethefab, email them at ourherodeniro@gmail.com, and follow them on Instagram at @ourherodeniro. Next week: 40th Episode Spectacular Supplemental Link: MikeBackAtYou's Walk-Up Songs: Mikethefab's Walk-Up Songs: | |||
| Oscars 2026: Ranking All 10 Best Picture Nominees | 10 Mar 2026 | 01:33:19 | |
This week, the Mikes rank all ten Best Picture nominees from the 98th Academy Awards, breaking down what worked, what baffled us, and what absolutely does not deserve the gold statue. We debate surprise favorites, aggressively fine middle-of-the-pack picks, and the films that sparked the most heated disagreement. From intimate character studies to bloated prestige epics, we talk performances, endings, rewatchability, and whether the Academy actually got it right this year. Plus: bold predictions, shifting rankings in real time, and a few takes that may age very poorly by Oscar night. Films reviewed this episode:
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| Killer Elite (2011) | 23 Sep 2025 | 01:23:36 | |
This week on Our Hero De Niro, the Mikes break down Killer Elite, the globe-trotting action thriller where Jason Statham, Clive Owen, and Robert De Niro get tangled in a messy web of assassins, vendettas, and questionable politics. They discuss the film's convoluted plot, De Niro's limited but welcome screen time, and whether the action set pieces justify the runtime. Plus: chair fights, the limits of "based on a true story," and the return of the Blue-Ass Movie. Wikipedia page for Killer Elite. "Films" recommended this episode: Follow Mike and Mike on Letterboxd: @mikebackatyou and @mikethefab, email them at ourherodeniro@gmail.com, and follow them on Instagram at @ourherodeniro. Next week: Grudge Match | |||
| New York, New York (1977) | 16 Sep 2025 | 01:12:19 | |
In this episode of Our Hero De Niro, the Mikes take on New York, New York, Martin Scorsese's bold attempt to blend gritty postwar realism with old-Hollywood musical style. They dig into De Niro's performance as the charming but infuriating saxophonist Jimmy Doyle, the film's uneasy tone, and whether the visual grandeur justifies the runtime. Plus: Liza Minelli discourse, Scorsese's attitude during production, and whether or not the Mikes are jazz men. Wikipedia page for New York, New York. Films recommended this episode: Follow Mike and Mike on Letterboxd: @mikebackatyou and @mikethefab, email them at ourherodeniro@gmail.com, and follow them on Instagram at @ourherodeniro.Next week: Killer Elite | |||
| All Mike'd Up – Raging Reactions & Matrix Musings | 12 Sep 2025 | 00:30:40 | |
In the second episode of All Mike'd Up, the Mikes dedicate the show to listener mail—reading and responding to letters from several friends of the pod. The discussion covers everything from movie rating philosophy and steak portion sizes to toxic masculinity and the challenges of translating Japanese film genres to the West. Along the way, they debate anonymity on the internet, nerd out over Paul Schrader's Mishima, and digress into personal Letterboxd rankings and the "vibes" factor in movie ratings. | |||
| The Matrix (1999) [MikeBackAtYou Birthday Pick] | 09 Sep 2025 | 01:52:26 | |
For mikebackatyou's birthday, the Mikes break their randomizer rule and revisit The Matrix—the 1999 sci-fi revolution that changed how we watch movies. They unpack the film's iconic action sequences, bullet time effects, and the Wachowskis' fusion of philosophy and pop spectacle. Plus: The film's influence on action cinema, the iconic soundtrack, and what makes The Matrix endlessly rewatchable. Wikipedia page for The Matrix. Films recommended this episode: Follow Mike and Mike on Letterboxd @mikebackatyou and @mikethefab and email them at ourherodeniro@gmail.com. Next week: New York, New York Supplemental Link: | |||
| Raging Bull (1980) | 02 Sep 2025 | 01:57:43 | |
This week on Our Hero De Niro, the Mikes take on Raging Bull—Martin Scorsese's brutal, black-and-white character study of boxer Jake LaMotta, played by Robert De Niro in one of his most iconic performances. They dig into the film's punishing tone, disorienting boxing cinematography, and the way it portrays violence as both performance and punishment. Plus: Paul Schrader appreciation, libertarian time machines, and a new challenge for the citizens of De Niro Nation. Wikipedia page for Raging Bull. Films recommended this episode: Follow Mike and Mike on Letterboxd: @mikebackatyou and @mikethefab, email them at ourherodeniro@gmail.com, and follow them on Instagram at @ourherodeniro. Next week: The Matrix | |||
| Mean Streets (1973), with Andrew Crites | 26 Aug 2025 | 01:54:43 | |
This week on Our Hero De Niro, Mike and Mike are joined by their friend Andrew for a deep dive into Mean Streets, Scorsese's raw, Catholic guilt–soaked breakthrough and Robert De Niro's first iconic role as the chaotic Johnny Boy. Together, they discuss the film's wandering structure, evocative street-level style, and what it means to live with sin when absolution isn't coming. Plus: the nature of expressionism, needle drop overload, and Tyler Perry vs. Ernest Films. Wikipedia page for Mean Streets. Films recommended this episode: Follow Mike and Mike on Letterboxd: @mikebackatyou and @mikethefab, email them at ourherodeniro@gmail.com, and follow them on Instagram at @ourherodeniro. Next week: Raging Bull Supplemental Link: | |||
| All Mike'd Up – Shark Tale Listener Mail | 22 Aug 2025 | 00:25:49 | |
In the first episode of All Mike'd Up, Mike and Mike ditch De Niro and settle into a looser, anything-goes conversation. They read listener emails from friends of the pod, cover Shark Week memories, and discuss proper theme park bathroom etiquette. It's the podcast-within-a-podcast that's part catching up and part comedy free-for-all. Supplemental Link: | |||
| Guilty by Suspicion (1991) | 19 Aug 2025 | 01:48:00 | |
This week on Our Hero De Niro, the Mikes dive into Guilty by Suspicion, a sobering drama about the Hollywood blacklist era, starring Robert De Niro as a principled director navigating loyalty, fear, and career collapse during the Red Scare. They examine the film's historical framing, De Niro's restrained performance, and how the story avoids big courtroom theatrics in favor of quieter moral tension. Plus: Breaking Bad montages, the war on TikTok brain rot, and whether or not the Mikes would flip during the Red Scare. Wikipedia page for Guilty by Suspicion. Films recommended this episode: Follow Mike and Mike on Letterboxd at @mikebackatyou and @mikethefab, email them at ourherodeniro@gmail.com, and follow them on Instagram at @ourherodeniro. Next week: Mean Streets Supplemental Links: | |||
| Men of Honor (2000) | 12 Aug 2025 | 01:27:07 | |
This week on Our Hero De Niro, the Mikes discuss Men of Honor, the inspirational military drama starring Cuba Gooding Jr. as Carl Brashear, the first Black U.S. Navy Master Diver, and Robert De Niro as his grizzled, racist-turned-mentor. They unpack the film's classic biopic formula, its effective performances, and the tension between its uplifting message and Hollywood gloss. Plus: inspirational yelling, underwater acting, and military racism as a fixable personality flaw. Wikipedia page for Men of Honor. Films recommended this episode:Next week: Guilty by Suspicion | |||
| Shark Tale (2004) | 05 Aug 2025 | 01:12:07 | |
This week on Our Hero De Niro, Mike and Mike tackle Shark Tale, DreamWorks' aggressively early-2000s animated mob comedy where Robert De Niro voices a mafia shark and Will Smith plays a fast-talking fish with debts to pay. They unpack the film's wild tonal dissonance, endless pop culture references, and questionable audience—while asking: who exactly was this movie for? Plus: DreamWorks vs. Pixar, cursed animation choices, and the eternal mystery of how this thing made $375 million. Our Hero De Niro is now on Instagram @ourherodeniro! Wikipedia page for Shark Tale. Films recommended this episode:Next week: Men of Honor | |||
| The War with Grandpa (2020), with Caroline Lamarque | 03 Mar 2026 | 01:36:49 | |
This week, the Mikes welcome Caroline back to the pod for a deep dive into The War with Grandpa, De Niro's foray into kid-friendly slapstick. We break down the intergenerational prank war, assess De Niro's comedic chops, and debate whether the film's hijinks and heart really work for adults. Plus: a spirited debate between the Mikes over episode format, and an interview with Caroline exploring how the movie stacks up against the original novel. Wikipedia page for The War with Grandpa. Films recommended this episode: Follow Mike and Mike on Letterboxd @mikebackatyou and @mikethefab and email them at ourherodeniro@gmail.com. Next week: Mad Dog and Glory | |||
| Mailbag Spectacular | 29 Jul 2025 | 01:08:34 | |
It's our 30th episode, and we're breaking format to celebrate the citizens of De Niro Nation! We pop some beers and dive into your letters — responding to burning questions about De Niro's comedic chops, the accuracy of mental health portrayals in film, and which directors lost the plot after early success. One Mike surprises the other with a few unrehearsed "burning questions," and we both reflect on our favorite episodes so far. Also: comfort films, De Niro Multiverse Theory, and a surprise visit from Barack Obama. Thank you to everyone who's been with us so far — and here's to the next 30. Follow Mike and Mike on Letterboxd: @mikebackatyou and @mikethefab, and email them at ourherodeniro@gmail.com. Next week: Shark Tale Supplemental Links: | |||
| Midnight Run (1988) | 22 Jul 2025 | 01:22:39 | |
This week on Our Hero De Niro, the Mikes finally reach Midnight Run—one of De Niro's most beloved performances and a gold-standard buddy comedy. They celebrate the film's perfect casting, sharp script, and emotional core, while digging into what makes Jack Walsh and Jonathan "The Duke" Mardukas such a compelling odd couple. Plus: train food, Danny Elfman discourse, and a lecture on inflation. Wikipedia page for Midnight Run. Films recommended this episode: Follow Mike and Mike on Letterboxd @mikebackatyou and @mikethefab and email them at ourherodeniro@gmail.com. Next week: Shark Tale | |||
| The Good Shepherd (2006) | 15 Jul 2025 | 01:15:55 | |
In this episode of Our Hero De Niro, the Mikes dig into The Good Shepherd, a somber, sprawling CIA origin story directed by Robert De Niro and starring Matt Damon as a buttoned-up spymaster slowly consumed by secrecy and sacrifice. They explore the film's bleak tone, dense plot, and De Niro's quiet hand as a director, while considering what the film reveals about institutional loyalty, paranoia, and post-9/11 storytelling. Wikipedia page for The Good Shepherd. Films recommended this episode: Follow Mike and Mike on Letterboxd @mikebackatyou and @mikethefab and email them at ourherodeniro@gmail.com. Next week: Midnight Run | |||
| Wag The Dog (1997), with Caroline Lamarque | 08 Jul 2025 | 00:55:53 | |
This week, Mike and Mike are joined by returning guest Caroline for a deep dive into Wag the Dog, Barry Levinson's razor-sharp political satire about media manipulation and manufactured war. Together they unpack the film's uncanny relevance, its best one-liners, and the very weird energy of late-90s media cynicism. Plus: government interference, catchy patriotic jingles, and a whole lot of Albania talk. Wikipedia page for Wag the Dog. Films recommended this episode: Follow Mike and Mike on Letterboxd @mikebackatyou and @mikethefab and email them at ourherodeniro@gmail.com. Next week: The Good Shepherd | |||
| Arthur and the Minimoys (2006) | 01 Jul 2025 | 01:01:59 | |
This week on Our Hero De Niro, the Mikes suffer through Arthur and the Minimoys (a.k.a. Arthur and the Invisibles), Luc Besson's baffling animated/live-action hybrid featuring a thousand-year-old princess, hideous elf creatures, and Robert De Niro as a pointy-eared king. They unpack the film's awkward visuals, Madonna's mind-numbing voice acting, and whether this is the worst De Niro performance by default. Plus: librariancore fashion, weeb tropes, and reminiscing about Freedom Fries. Wikipedia page for Arthur and the Invisibles. Films recommended this episode: Follow Mike and Mike on Letterboxd @mikebackatyou and @mikethefab and email them at ourherodeniro@gmail.com. Next week: Wag the Dog | |||
| Angel Heart (1987) | 24 Jun 2025 | 01:02:03 | |
In this episode, the Mikes descend into the smoky, saxophone-laced world of Angel Heart, a Southern Gothic neo-noir starring Mickey Rourke as a weary private eye and Robert De Niro as his mysterious client. They unpack the film's surreal horror, slow-burn twist, and vibes-over-plot aesthetic—while also admitting how much of it they missed on first watch. Plus: chicken phobias, Old Bay cocktails, and the largest vat of gumbo in cinema history. Wikipedia page for Angel Heart. Films recommended this episode: Follow Mike and Mike on Letterboxd @mikebackatyou and @mikethefab and email them at ourherodeniro@gmail.com. Next week: Arthur and the Minimoys Supplemental Link: | |||
| Sleepers (1996) | 17 Jun 2025 | 01:32:17 | |
In this episode of Our Hero De Niro, Mike and Mike discuss Sleepers, Barry Levinson's harrowing legal drama about four childhood friends whose lives are forever changed after a traumatic stint in juvenile detention. With one of Robert De Niro's most quietly powerful performances as Father Bobby, the hosts explore the film's emotional weight, its ambitious narrative structure, and its moral complexity. They also reflect on courtroom tropes, John Williams' sweeping score, and whether this is the best De Niro performance they've seen so far. Wikipedia page for Sleepers. Films recommended this episode: Follow Mike and Mike on Letterboxd @mikebackatyou and @mikethefab and email them at ourherodeniro@gmail.com. Next week: Angel Heart | |||
| The Fan (1996) | 10 Jun 2025 | 01:08:45 | |
In this episode of Our Hero De Niro, Mike and Mike unpack The Fan, Tony Scott's frenetic psychological thriller starring Robert De Niro as a deranged baseball obsessive and Wesley Snipes as the all-star outfielder who becomes his target. They explore the film's over-the-top style, De Niro's intense performance, and the movie's commentary on sports fandom gone awry. Plus: knife talk, Nine Inch Nails, and the long-lost art of being served legal papers at a motel. Wikipedia page for The Fan. Films recommended this episode: Follow Mike and Mike on Letterboxd @mikebackatyou and @mikethefab and email them at ourherodeniro@gmail.com. Next week: Sleepers | |||
| The Bag Man (2014) | 03 Jun 2025 | 01:10:53 | |
In this episode of Our Hero De Niro, Mike and Mike suffer through The Bag Man, a forgotten neo-noir trainwreck starring John Cusack as a sad hitman and Robert De Niro as a villain with puffy hair. In a listener-inspired experiment, the hosts swap roles—one going full smooth-brain, the other overanalyzing a movie that gives them nothing to work with. Along the way: Blade connections, bad ADR, and the worst motel staff in cinema history. Wikipedia page for The Bag Man. Films recommended this episode: Follow Mike and Mike on Letterboxd @mikebackatyou and @mikethefab and email them at ourherodeniro@gmail.com. Next week: The Fan | |||
| Killing Season (2013) | 27 May 2025 | 00:53:26 | |
In this episode of Our Hero De Niro, Mike and Mike reluctantly hunt down Killing Season—a grim, bafflingly dull two-hander starring Robert De Niro and John Travolta as war-scarred men locked in a nonsensical game of vengeance. They dissect the film's hideous color grading, inconsistent geography, and the worst De Niro performance in the podcast so far. Along the way: Jägermeister shots, nature stock footage, and a special challenge for the hosts. Wikipedia page for Killing Season. Films recommended this episode: Follow Mike and Mike on Letterboxd @mikebackatyou and @mikethefab and email them at ourherodeniro@gmail.com. Next week: The Bag Man | |||
| De Niro on Saturday Night Live [60th Episode Spectacular] | 24 Feb 2026 | 01:31:24 | |
This week, the Mikes celebrate their 60th episode by diving into De Niro's three turns as Saturday Night Live host. We break down De Niro's evolving approach to sketch comedy, the highs and lows of his monologues, and what happens when a legendary dramatic actor steps into the chaos of live TV. Plus: a nostalgic look back at the 2000s, more lore about the Mikes, and a spirited debate about the best (and most awkward) sketches across the years. Follow Mike and Mike on Letterboxd @mikebackatyou and @mikethefab and email them at ourherodeniro@gmail.com. Next week: The War with Grandpa | |||
| 20th Episode Spectacular | 20 May 2025 | 01:07:46 | |
For their 20th episode, Mike and Mike take a break from De Niro recaps to reflect on how the podcast has evolved, which episodes and performances stood out, and what it means to be a citizen of De Niro Nation. They revisit favorite (and least favorite) films, compare their average ratings, and answer listener questions ranging from movie theater economics to how De Niro will be remembered. Grab an ice-cold brewski and come along for the ride. Supplemental links: | |||
| Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (1994), with Caroline Lamarque | 13 May 2025 | 01:40:35 | |
In this episode of Our Hero De Niro, Mike and Mike are joined by special guest Caroline for a chaotic literary dive into Kenneth Branagh's Mary Shelley's Frankenstein—a lavish, dizzyingly shot adaptation starring Robert De Niro as the world's most eloquent monster. The trio unpacks the film's tonal whiplash, Rube Goldberg resurrection machines, and De Niro's first full-frontal appearance. Wikipedia page for Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Films recommended this episode: Follow Mike and Mike on Letterboxd @mikebackatyou and @mikethefab and email them at ourherodeniro@gmail.com. Next week: Killing Season | |||
| The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle (2000) | 06 May 2025 | 01:21:57 | |
This week, the Mikes tackle The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle, Robert De Niro's passion project turned historic box office bomb. They debate the film's baffling tone, questionable CGI, and surprisingly stacked cast. One Mike is charmed while the other is not. It's an episode that's for the birds. Wikipedia page for The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle. Films recommended this episode: Follow Mike and Mike on Letterboxd @mikebackatyouand @mikethefab and email them at ourherodeniro@gmail.com. Next week: Mary Shelley's Frankenstein Supplemental Link: | |||
| Joy (2015) | 29 Apr 2025 | 01:09:49 | |
In this week's episode, the Mikes mop up the mess that is Joy, David O. Russell's quirky biopic starring Jennifer Lawrence as the inventor of the self-wringing Miracle Mop. They question whether the film's tone ever catches up to its content, reflect on why I Heart Huckabees succeeds where Joy stumbles, and spiral into a rant about the 2015 Point Break remake. Wikipedia page for Joy. Films recommended this episode: Follow Mike and Mike on Letterboxd @mikebackatyou and @mikethefab and email them at ourherodeniro@gmail.com. Next week: The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle Supplemental Link: | |||