High Expectations

This week on High Expectations, we head to Blithe Hollow for LAIKA’s spooky stop-motion adventure, ParaNorman. We’re talking Norman’s ability to see the dead, a centuries-old witch’s curse, surprisingly sympathetic zombies, and a town that might be scarier than the monsters it fears. Plus, we get into the incredible stop-motion work behind the film, its darker themes about fear and acceptance, and why ParaNo...

In this episode we dive into Hayao Miyazaki’s Ponyo, a wildly imaginative story of friendship, family, and a little fish with a serious love for ham. We break down the movie’s unforgettable animation, environmental themes, behind-the-scenes details, and the pure chaos that follows when Ponyo decides she wants to become human. Grab some ramen and join us as we head under the sea for one of Studio Ghibli’s most char...

In this episode of High Expectations, Kos and Dilo revisit Despicable Me to find out what turned a story about the world's greatest villain into one of the biggest animated franchises ever made. From Steve Carell's unforgettable performance and the accidental rise of the Minions to iconic quotes, hidden details, and surprisingly heartfelt moments, we break down why Gru's first adventure still stands above the rest.

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This week, we head through the closet door to revisit Pixar's Monsters, Inc. We break down the film's incredible world-building, behind-the-scenes stories, iconic quotes, and emotional ending, while discussing why Mike, Sulley, and Boo helped create one of Pixar's most beloved and enduring classics.

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This week on High Expectations, we're heading to the swamp to revisit Shrek, the animated comedy that helped redefine fairy tales for a new generation. We break down the movie's memorable characters, quotable moments, killer soundtrack, and surprising emotional core to see if it still works 25 years later. Grab some waffles, watch out for dragons, and join us as we find out whether Shrek has earned its place among the greatest anim...

This week, we head to Sherwood Forest to revisit Disney’s animated classic Robin Hood (1973). With animal outlaws, corrupt royalty, catchy folk songs, and one of Disney’s most lovable duos in Robin and Little John, does this laid-back cult favorite still hold up, or is it just nostalgia talking? We break down the movie’s charm, recycled animation, iconic music, and surprisingly sharp themes about power, greed, and...

For our 100th episode, we went back to a true stoner comedy staple: Half Baked. It might be the most quotable movie with the least amount of actual plot, so we revisit it to see if there’s more to it than nostalgia and great lines. We break down what still works, what feels dated, and whether Dave Chappelle is quietly carrying the whole thing, from the chaotic, sketch-like structure to the endless cameos. And yes, we give pro...

This week we head to West Canaan, Texas to revisit Varsity Blues, the late-90s football movie that somehow became a defining piece of high school sports culture. Packed with memorable quotes, big personalities, and peak 90s energy, the film mixes locker-room comedy, sports drama, and a surprisingly sharp look at the pressure placed on teenage athletes.

We talk about what still works, what feels very 1999, and why this movie stuck ar...

In this episode of High Expectations, we continue our In Memoriam series by honoring Rob Reiner with a look at The Princess Bride. A film that blends fairy tale sincerity, sharp comedy, and endlessly quotable moments, it has earned its place as a true cult classic.

Through the High Expectations lens, we examine why the movie works so well, from Reiner’s confident direction to its perfect balance of heart and humor. We reflect ...

In this episode of High Expectations, we discuss Something’s Gotta Give as an in memoriam episode honoring Diane Keaton. We focus on her performance as the emotional core of the film, Jack Nicholson’s late career persona, and why this romantic comedy remains a familiar and frequently revisited comfort watch. Light up and settle in for a classic.

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This episode looks at how Jingle All the Way turned the hunt for a Turbo Man doll into sharp holiday satire. We explore the real shopping frenzies that inspired it, the production choices that shaped its chaotic style, and why it has grown into a seasonal favorite. We also ask whether Schwarzenegger, Sinbad, and full holiday desperation create an even better viewing experience when stoned.

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This week on High Expectations, we take on Happiest Season, a holiday rom-com that set out to be a new seasonal staple. Watching it while stoned, we examine the core relationship, the family dynamics, and whether the film delivers genuine warmth or creates more tension than comfort.

Is it a movie you want to revisit every December, or one that works better as a one-time watch?

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This week we settle in with a holiday classic that still knows how to punch you right in the feelings. Planes, Trains and Automobiles sends Steve Martin and John Candy on the road trip from hell, packed with delays, disasters, and a surprising amount of heart. We watched it the way we watch everything for this show and found that the mix of chaos and sincerity hits in a different way when your brain is moving a little slower. The b...

Kos and Dilo pack their gear and head into The Cabin in the Woods , a horror movie that’s not quite what it seems. Things start out familiar, then get very weird very fast. The guys dig into why this one still hits hard, how it flips every horror rule in the book, and why it’s a near-perfect watch when you’re high. Grab your lighter and your courage, because this horror trip goes completely off the rails.

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It’s draft day on High Expectations! In this special One Hitter episode, we’re building our ultimate fantasy teams made up entirely of fictional football players from some of our favorite movies. For the first time ever, two fan favorites, Vince and Tim, are joining us at the same time for a chaotic, hilarious, and surprisingly strategic draft. Who goes first overall? Who makes the most ridiculous pick? And which team w...

This week on High Expectations, the spotlight’s on Remember the Titans (2000), the unforgettable mix of football, leadership, and attitude that defined a generation of sports movies. With Denzel Washington commanding the field and a soundtrack full of classics, it’s a powerful blend of heart and grit. Kick back and see how Remember the Titans plays when the expectations—and everything else—are a little highe...

In this quick hit, Kos sits down with Vince to dig into what music really means to him. From the songs that shaped his life to the way a good track can completely change a mood, Vince shares his personal take on why music matters and how it sticks with us. We also touch on his own journey playing with the Vince Sasso Trio, and how making music adds another layer to his connection with it. Short, stoned, and straight to the point, t...

In this one hitter, we go deep on the film scores that stick with us...the kind that make a movie unforgettable long after the credits roll. We talk about why music hits different when you’re stoned and what makes a soundtrack iconic. Vince is back with us for this episode, ready to geek out on the sounds that shaped our favorite movie moments.

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In this episode we trace an unexpected thread between two very different 90s films. Both movies lean on Bruce Springsteen’s Secret Garden, one as a sincere, emotional centerpiece and the other as a full-on parody. We explore how a single song can carry so much weight in one story and then get flipped into pure absurdity in another. Along the way we dig into the cultural context, the behind-the-scenes choices, and what these m...