Shows / Tasteless
Tasteless
A movie podcast that compares the critically acclaimed to the criminally overlooked. Tasteless pays tribute to the films not enough people are talking about, from the underrated to the absurd. In each episode, Emily Higgins takes a highly regarded film and compares it to movie she believes has the same themes. The bonus series called Strong Female Leads features interviews with the actresses and creators who have inspired this podcast with their work, both on-screen and off.
Episodes
TastelessBoxed In: Saw vs Red Eye
Two movies about using your wits to overcome a highly knowledgeable villain in an enclosed space — it's Saw vs Red Eye.
TastelessUnder Pressure: Prisoners vs Searching
Two movies where a missing child shakes the foundation of our protagonists and we explore the burden of masculinity — it's Prisoners vs Searching.
TastelessAnna Elizabeth James | Strong Female Leads
Anna Elizabeth James (writer/director of Deadly Illusions) has revived the psychosexual thriller genre with Deadly Illusions clocking in at #1 on Netflix and…
TastelessPierce the Veil: Memento vs The Tourist
Two movies about creating your own reality and identity, and how malleable those things can be — it's Memento vs The Tourist.
TastelessCall of Duty: Ghostbusters vs Mercenaries
Two movies where people work together outside the bounds of polite society and their reluctant involvement turns into true heroism — it's Ghostbusters vs…
TastelessJanet Varney | Strong Female Leads
Janet Varney (The Legend of Korra, Country Comfort, Stan Against Evil) is as kind as she is talented. Her conversational prowess is unrivaled, and she made me…
TastelessJustice Isn't Blind: 12 Angry Men vs I Know What You Did Last Summer
Two movies that explore the meaning of justice and how our preconceived notions affect that justice being served — it's 12 Angry Men vs I Know What You Did…
TastelessGotta Have Faith: The Exorcist vs Enchanted
Two films that explore faith as well as representations of good and evil that endure through generations — it's The Exorcist vs Enchanted.
TastelessShalita Grant | Strong Female Leads
Shalita Grant (Search Party, You) is truly America's sweetheart. I learned so much about not just acting, but about life and myself from Shalita, who is so…
TastelessGetaway: Total Recall vs The Net
Two people decide to take a little vacation that kicks off a fight for their lives as their identities are called into question — it's Total Recall vs The Net.
TastelessPipe Dream: Call Me By Your Name vs James and the Giant Peach
Two movies about sad boys with an affinity for peaches who find self-acceptance through a dreamlike adventure — it's Call Me By Your Name vs James and the…
TastelessJodi Lyn O'Keefe | Strong Female Leads
Jodi Lyn O'Keefe (She's All That, Prison Break, Hit the Floor) is a dream of a human being who lets me gush about my favorite roles of hers as I mathematically…
TastelessHeart's Desire: Black Swan vs Deadly Illusions
Two movies about a woman in a high pressure environment who is unsure of what is real and what is not, and must come to terms with her desires — it's Black…
TastelessGlimmer of Hope: Children of Men vs Underworld: Blood Wars
Two movies where survival of a species comes down to one bloodline and hope is finally carved out amidst the despair — it's Children of Men vs Underworld…
TastelessBrooke Smith | Strong Female Leads
Brooke Smith (Big Sky, The Silence of the Lambs, Grey's Anatomy) becomes my favorite character in every project she joins, and this episode felt like a breezy…
TastelessTunnel Vision: Goodfellas vs I, Tonya
Two movies about the pursuit of a specific lifestyle and feeling powerless — it's Goodfellas vs I, Tonya.
TastelessOut of Character: Face/Off vs Deadly Sibling Rivalry
Two movies about taking on someone else's identity in pursuit of revenge — it's Face/Off vs Deadly Sibling Rivalry. Read Charisma Carpenter's THR piece, How To…
TastelessNicole Bilderback | Strong Female Leads
Nicole Bilderback (Bring It On, Mercenaries, Brooklyn Nine-Nine) is part of the very fabric of good teen movie making and has continuously graced our screens…
TastelessAddicted to Love: Judy vs Gia
Two biopics about troubled women with star power and polarizing personalities — it's Judy vs Gia.
TastelessUnder the Surface: Jaws vs Bombshell
Two movies where the villain is shrouded, where decency must triumph over convenience and greed — it's Jaws vs Bombshell.
TastelessA Hero Lies in You: Star Wars vs Spy
Two movies where people become the sort of hero they've long admired, filling the shoes of those who have come before to save lives from greedy imperialists…
TastelessBack In Business: John Wick vs Stick It
Two movies about the best in their field coming out of retirement — it's John Wick vs Stick It. 1:34 John Wick 12:00 Stick It 25:54 Similarities 33:02 What…
TastelessShades of Grey: Saving Private Ryan vs Birds of Prey
Two movies about morality outside the bounds of polite society and banding together — it's Saving Private Ryan vs Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous…
TastelessAge of Innocence: True Grit vs Seed of Chucky
Two movies featuring complicated relationships with dysfunctional mentors and familial duty that propels our heroes forward — it's True Grit vs Seed of Chucky.
TastelessThe Devil You Know: The Shining vs Colossal
Two movies about the real dangers being closer than you might think — it's The Shining vs Colossal. 00:48 The Shining 11:19 Colossal 18:32 Similarities 28:16…
TastelessMara Wilson | Strong Female Leads
Mara Wilson (Matilda, BoJack Horseman) truly feels like a best friend when chatting with her, and can talk about anything with ease and humor. We cover…
TastelessGo Your Own Way: Trainspotting vs Ass Backwards
Two darkly humorous movies about living life outside the bounds of polite society and overcoming dependencies - it's Trainspotting vs Ass Backwards. TIME…
TastelessMoment of Truth: The Matrix vs Catwoman
Two movies about becoming powerful, becoming a symbol, and fighting against the reality of our world — it's The Matrix vs Catwoman. TIME CODES: 00:45 The…
TastelessThe Grass Is Always Greener: The Nightmare Before Christmas vs While You Were Sleeping
Two movies about a person taking on a new identity after growing tired of who they are but they soon realize things are never that easy — it's The Nightmare…
TastelessRachel True | Strong Female Leads
Rachel True (The Craft, Half & Half) is a brilliant actress who imbues her roles with humor and realism, and she's also an incredible author. Her book, True…
TastelessWhen Life Gives You Lemons: Oldboy vs How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Two movies about the course of someone's life changing due to outside influence, with a healthy dose of isolation and voyeurism thrown in — it's Oldboy vs How…
TastelessWalk the Line: The Town vs Reindeer Games
Two heist movies featuring people who have hidden motives and Ben Affleck — it's The Town vs Reindeer Games.
TastelessAlexandra Holden | Strong Female Leads
Everything Alexandra Holden is in, she elevates. A comedic delight who is responsible for some iconic characters in my favorite things (Friends, Drop Dead…
TastelessShacked Up: The Hateful Eight vs It's a Disaster
Two movies about groups stuck in one spot, dealing with an inevitable end — it's The Hateful Eight vs It's a Disaster.
TastelessQue Sera, Sera: Requiem for a Dream vs Final Destination
Two movies that explore inevitability and what hand we have in our future - it's Requiem for a Dream vs Final Destination.
TastelessMother Knows Best: Lady Bird vs Sleepwalkers
Two movies about complicated maternal relationships and the opportunities that youth affords — it's Lady Bird vs Sleepwalkers.
TastelessJamie Gray Hyder | Strong Female Leads
Jamie Gray Hyder (Law & Order: SVU, COD: Infinite Warfare) took my favorite thing in the world and made it even better when she joined Law & Order: Special…
TastelessOdd One Out: Donnie Darko vs Compulsion
Two movies about unique perspectives, alienation, and sacrifice — it's Donnie Darko vs Compulsion.
TastelessCome As You Are: The Departed vs Undercover Brother
Two undercover movies about coming to terms with who you are and the importance of community — it's The Departed vs Undercover Brother.
TastelessKimberly J. Brown | Strong Female Leads
Halloween queen Kimberly J. Brown (Halloweentown, Bringing Down the House, Guiding Light) is my guest, so obviously we talk all things Cromwell family and the…
TastelessOriginal Sin: A Nightmare on Elm Street vs Urban Legend
Two movies about being punished for sins you did not commit and also the power of myth — it's A Nightmare on Elm Street vs Urban Legend. P.S. Here's the…
TastelessHidden Agenda: Invasion of the Body Snatchers vs You're Next
Two movies about survival and the spread of corruption — it's Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978) vs You're Next.
TastelessCaitlin Stasey | Strong Female Leads
Caitlin Stasey (All Cheerleaders Die, Reign, Horse Latitudes) discusses the representation her roles provide, how fun it is to play a maniac, and being…
TastelessCh-Ch-Changes: The Fly vs All Cheerleaders Die
Two movies about control and transformation — it's The Fly (1986) vs All Cheerleaders Die.
TastelessCreature Comfort: Little Shop of Horrors vs Good Boy
Two movies about a spooky creature that feeds off our hero and encourages their darkest desires — it's Little Shop of Horrors (1986) vs Good Boy (of Hulu's…
TastelessZoë Bell | Strong Female Leads
Zoë Bell (Death Proof, Raze, Once Upon a Time... In Hollywood) elaborates on the creation of the Boss Bitch Fight Challenge and discusses the incredible…
TastelessGreen-Eyed Monster: Toy Story vs Unforgettable
Two movies that deal with envy and the fear of being replaced in the minds of your loved ones — it's Toy Story vs Unforgettable.
TastelessMemory Lane: Rebecca vs Mom's Got a Date with a Vampire
Two movies where women are haunted by memories of the past and domineering men — it's Rebecca (1940) vs Mom's Got a Date with a Vampire. Similar themes for two…
TastelessLennon Parham | Strong Female Leads
Lennon Parham (Bless This Mess, Playing House, Veep) shares her connection to Showgirls, discusses the importance of commitment in comedy, and lets me pick her…
TastelessWhere the Heart Is: Terminator 2: Judgment Day vs Family
Two movies about non-traditional families and changing how people view you (and ultimately how you view yourself) — it's Terminator 2: Judgment Day vs Family.
TastelessHard-Knock Life: The Shawshank Redemption vs Annie (2014)
Two movies about hope and perseverance — it's The Shawshank Redemption vs Annie (2014).
TastelessFather Figure: Big Fish vs In A World...
Two movies about father/child relationships and how your perception of your parent changes as you grow older — it's Big Fish vs In A World…
TastelessGuilt Trip: Shutter Island vs Soul Survivors
Two movies where confused protagonists are haunted by guilt and nothing is as it seems — it's Shutter Island vs Soul Survivors.
TastelessErin Cummings | Strong Female Leads
Erin Cummings (Bitch Slap, Spartacus, The Astronaut Wives Club) discusses perfecting a campy delivery, the importance of educating yourself on the world around…
TastelessMind Over Matter: A Beautiful Mind vs Welcome to Me
Two movies where a self-confident person must get a handle on their mental illness — it's A Beautiful Mind vs Welcome to Me.
TastelessArm In Arm: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring vs John Tucker Must Die
Two movies where people from different backgrounds team up to support a pure-hearted soul in defeating a tempting evil — it's The Lord of the Rings: The…
TastelessMarguerite Moreau | Strong Female Leads
Marguerite Moreau (The Mighty Ducks, Wet Hot American Summer, The Birch) gets into all the lives she's been able to live on-screen, from hockey player to camp…
TastelessDynamic Duos: The Nice Guys vs White Chicks
Two buddy comedies where investigative teams race to save women whose families believe they are in danger and of course deal with their own issues along the…
TastelessIll-Gotten Gains: Avatar vs The Purge: Election Year
Two movies about exploitation and rising up against it that serve as important critiques of modern day society — it's Avatar vs The Purge: Election Year.
TastelessTracie Thoms | Strong Female Leads
Tracie Thoms (Rent, Death Proof, Wonderfalls) helps me brainstorm a Death Proof musical, recommends a cult horror classic, and elaborates on the Karens Gone…