Hix Nix Stix Pix - A Podcast About Robb's Movies

Josh and Robb hit the road for the first half of their two-part look at Stanley Kramer's enormous 1963 comedy, It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World . When a dying thief reveals that a fortune is buried beneath "the Big W," an ordinary group of motorists becomes a pack of increasingly desperate treasure hunters. In Part 1, Josh and Robb discuss the legendary cast, the movie's massive scale, its escalating automotive chaos, and the hilarious race toward $350,000. Who makes the strongest first impression? Which stunts still amaze? And is this sprawling comedy worth the very long trip? This is Part 1 of a two-part review. Spoilers are discussed.

Josh and Robb step into the shadows of Old Hollywood to revisit Billy Wilder's 1950 noir masterpiece, Sunset Boulevard . A struggling screenwriter becomes trapped in the decaying mansion—and dangerous fantasy—of forgotten silent-film star Norma Desmond. They discuss Gloria Swanson's legendary performance, William Holden's doomed Joe Gillis, the movie's dark humor, Hollywood satire, unforgettable dialogue, and whether this celebrated classic still deserves its close-up. Will Josh and Robb give Sunset Boulevard the Hollywood treatment—or nix it? Spoiler warning: The movie's major plot points and ending are discussed.

Here's the complete updated description: In honor of the life and incredible career of Tim Curry , we're opening the doors to Hill House once again and rereleasing our episode on one of his most beloved films: Clue . 🔍🎲 Murder, mystery, and madcap comedy collide as six suspicious guests, one unlucky host, and a whole lot of secrets come together for one unforgettable night. We revisit what makes Clue such a unique comedy, from its rapid-fire dialogue and incredible ensemble cast to the multiple endings that fans are still debating decades later. And at the center of it all is Tim Curry's legendary performance as Wadsworth—a masterclass in timing, physical comedy, and controlled chaos. We'll talk about what still works, what doesn't quite land, and how a movie that struggled when it was first released became one of the most beloved cult comedies of all time. This rerelease is our small way of celebrating Tim Curry and the laughter, characters, and unforgettable performances he gave us. So grab the candlestick, check the secret passages, and join us back at Hill House. Rest in peace, Tim Curry. Now, we all must buttle. 🎭🗝️

This week on Hix Nix Stix Pix , we head into 1930s Los Angeles for one of the greatest—and darkest—mysteries ever put on film: 1974's Chinatown . Jack Nicholson is private eye J.J. Gittes, a man who thinks he's investigating an affair until murder, water, money, corruption, and one horrifying family secret reveal something much bigger. We break down Nicholson and Faye Dunaway, the unforgettable Noah Cross, that devastating ending, what "Forget it, Jake. It's Chinatown" really means, and whether this legendary neo-noir still holds up in 2026. Forget it, Hix. It's Chinatown.

All aboard for one of Alfred Hitchcock's most twisted thrillers! Josh and Robb revisit the 1951 classic Strangers on a Train , in which a chance meeting between tennis star Guy Haines and the dangerously charming Bruno Antony leads to a deadly "crisscross" proposition. They discuss Robert Walker's unforgettable performance, Hitchcock's visual storytelling, the mounting suspense, that wild carousel finale, and whether the movie still holds up today. Will Josh and Robb recommend this cinematic ride—or nix it?

This week on Hix Nix Stix Pix, Josh and Robb strap in for Rollercoaster , the 1977 disaster thriller that turned amusement-park fun into pure anxiety. They revisit George Segal's race to stop a calculating bomber, Richard Widmark's no-nonsense federal agent, Timothy Bottoms' unnervingly quiet villain, and the theater-rattling spectacle of Sensurround. Is it a white-knuckle classic, a slow climb with a short drop, or a wonderfully specific slice of '70s suspense? Secure your lap bar and enjoy the ride!

This week on Hix Nix Stix Pix , Robb, and Josh step into the smoky streets of 1950s New York to discuss the film noir classic Sweet Smell of Success starring Burt Lancaster and Tony Curtis. Widely regarded as one of the greatest screenplays ever written, the film explores power, media influence, ambition, and the price of success through two unforgettable performances. We discuss Burt Lancaster's chilling portrayal of gossip king J.J. Hunsecker, Tony Curtis' career-defining performance as the desperate press agent Sidney Falco, the film's razor-sharp dialogue, and why its themes feel even more relevant in today's world of social media and influencers. We also dive into the movie's controversial incestuous undertones, what has aged beautifully, what hasn't, our favorite quotes, and whether this noir masterpiece still deserves its legendary reputation nearly 70 years after its release. Is Sweet Smell of Success a timeless classic, or does its slower pace keep it from connecting with modern audiences? Join us as we break it all down on this week's Hix Nix Stix Pix .

This week on Hix Nix Stix Pix , we're headed to the bright lights of the Strip for one of the most iconic movies of the 1960s— Viva Las Vegas ! Elvis Presley and Ann-Margret light up the screen with unforgettable chemistry, energetic musical numbers, classic cars, and a love letter to old-school Las Vegas. Was this Elvis' greatest movie? Does the story still hold up more than 60 years later, or is it all style and soundtrack? We break down the good, the bad, and how the film plays for a modern audience in 2026. Along the way, we dive into the legendary performances, behind-the-scenes stories, the unforgettable title song, and why this film remains one of the King's most beloved screen appearances. So grab your blue suede shoes, hit the gas, and join us as we ask the only question that matters: does Viva Las Vegas still deserve a jackpot, or should it stay in the past?

This week on Hix Nix Stix Pix, we're taking a look at The Bank Dick, the 1940 comedy classic starring W.C. Fields as Egbert Sousé—a man with no ambition, no filter, and somehow all the luck in the world. From accidental heroics to bank investigations, bad investments, and plenty of barroom wisdom, Fields delivers the kind of comedy that has inspired generations of performers. We'll discuss why some movie fans consider The Bank Dick one of the funniest films ever made, while others find its style and humor firmly rooted in another era. Along the way, we'll examine the film through a modern lens, revisit some unforgettable quotes, and explore what still makes audiences laugh more than eighty years later. As always, we'll give the movie the Hix Nix treatment—a heart hand clasp to the moments that still shine, a raised eyebrow to the parts that haven't aged quite as well, and plenty of laughs in between. Grab a seat at the Black Pussy Cat Café and Snack Bar and join us for a conversation about one of Hollywood's most enduring comedy classics. Is The Bank Dick still worth your time in 2026? We're about to find out.

Start your engines! This week on Hix Nix Stix Pix, Josh and Robb hit the gas and take a cross-country trip with the all-star comedy classic Cannonball Run . Starring Burt Reynolds , Dom DeLuise , Roger Moore , and what feels like half of Hollywood, this outrageous race from coast to coast delivers fast cars, wild stunts, and nonstop laughs. We'll break down our favorite moments, the most ridiculous characters, and whether the movie still works for modern audiences in 2026. Plus, we discuss what makes Cannonball Run such a unique time capsule of early-'80s comedy, the scenes that haven't aged quite as well, and why audiences continue to enjoy this chaotic road-trip adventure decades later. Buckle up as we decide whether Cannonball Run is a high-speed winner or should have stayed parked in the garage. Hix Nix Stix Pix – celebrating the movies we love, questioning the movies we don't, and having fun along the way. 🏁🚗💨

This week on Hix Nix Stix Pix, Josh and Robb head to Washington with Mr. Smith Goes to Washington . They break down why Jimmy Stewart's idealistic senator still connects with audiences nearly 90 years later, the unforgettable filibuster scene, political corruption, media influence, and whether honesty can actually survive in politics. Plus: favorite moments, what hasn't aged as well, and why the film feels strangely relevant in 2026. It's patriotism, cynicism, and classic Hollywood all rolled into one unforgettable episode of Hix Nix Stix Pix.

Murder, mystery, and madcap comedy—this week on Hix Nix Stix Pix , we're diving into the cult classic Clue ! 🔍🎲 Join us as we break down the fast-paced chaos inside Hill House, where six suspicious guests, one unlucky host, and a whole lot of secrets collide. We'll talk about what makes Clue such a unique comedy, the brilliance of its rapid-fire dialogue, and why its multiple endings still spark debate decades later. From Tim Curry's legendary performance to the unforgettable ensemble cast, we're unpacking what fans love, what doesn't quite land, and how this board game adaptation became a beloved cult favorite. Plus, we look at how Clue holds up today—and why it might actually play even better in the streaming era. Was it Colonel Mustard in the study with the candlestick… or something even crazier? Tune in and find out! 🎭🗝️

This week on Hix Nix Stix Pix, we dive into Goldfinger—the Bond film that defined the franchise. From iconic gadgets and unforgettable villains to that legendary Aston Martin, we break down what makes this 007 adventure a classic… and what feels a little dated in 2026. Plus, we talk Oddjob, laser tables, and yes… that name.

Robb Spewak and Josh Sroka recap and discuss the 1942 classic Casablanca, including its WWII refugee setting, key characters like Rick, Ilsa, Laszlo, Renault, and Sam, and major plot turns involving the letters of transit and the film's iconic final sacrifice. They talk about the movie's famous quotes, music (especially "As Time Goes By"), Warner Bros. production details, and why the film's timing during WWII helped cement its legacy, while noting some modern viewing challenges like dense, dialogue-driven storytelling and historical context.

This week on Hix Nix Stix Pix , we light the birthday candles for one of the most iconic teen comedies of the 1980s — Sixteen Candles . John Hughes' coming-of-age classic introduced the world to Molly Ringwald, gave us unforgettable characters like Long Duk Dong, and captured the awkward, emotional chaos of being a teenager better than almost any movie of its era. We break down what still works about the film more than 40 years later… and what absolutely does not age well in 2026.

This episode of Hix Nix Stix Pix dives into two classic theatrical comedy shorts that define very different styles of slapstick. First up is The Music Box , starring Laurel and Hardy , featuring one of the most famous physical gags in film history as a simple piano delivery turns into a slow-burn nightmare of pride, patience, and endless stairs. Then we shift gears to An Ache in Every Stake , a classic from The Three Stooges , where subtlety is thrown out the window in favor of nonstop chaos, eye pokes, head slaps, and workplace destruction. We break down what works (and what doesn't) in each short, why both were originally made for packed movie theaters, how their comedy styles influenced generations of performers, and why audiences still argue over which approach holds up better today — patient character comedy or loud, relentless anarchy. Two shorts. Two philosophies. One very sore staircase.

This week, the guys saddle up for Support Your Local Sheriff , a Western that wins shootouts without firing a shot and proves confidence is deadlier than a six-gun. We break down why James Garner's sheriff might be the calmest man in movie history, how Walter Brennan quietly steals every scene, and why this movie's smartest jokes are the ones that barely raise their voice. From the world's most confusing jail, to standoffs that collapse into awkward conversations, to authority that only works because everyone agrees to believe in it—we dig into the biggest laughs, blink-and-you-miss-it moments, and the movie's biggest problems.

This week on Hix Nix Stix Pix , we fire up the positively charged pink slime and take a deep dive into Ghostbusters II —the sequel that split fans but somehow marched straight into pop-culture immortality. Why does this movie feel so different from the original? How much did The Real Ghostbusters cartoon influence the tone, humor, and slime-to-screen ratio? Was Vigo the Carpathian an all-time creepy villain trapped in the wrong movie? And yes… we finally ask the question movies don't want you thinking about: how did the Statue of Liberty get back to Liberty Island? We break down what people love, what people hate, the unforgettable highlight scenes (courtroom chaos, bathtub terror, and Lady Liberty getting her groove on), Winston's quiet five-year grind between busting gigs, and why "Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher and Higher" wasn't just a song choice—it was the entire thesis of the finale. Is Ghostbusters II an underrated comfort sequel, a live-action cartoon episode, or proof that sequels play it safe? Grab your mood slime, keep it positive, and join us as we find out.

This week on Hix Nix Stix Pix , we step into the shadowy world of The Maltese Falcon , the movie that basically invented film noir. Humphrey Bogart's Sam Spade lies, bluffs, and outsmarts his way through a web of double-crosses, murder, and obsession — all over a bird that may not even be real. Put on your fedora, pour a stiff drink, and remember — it's the stuff that dreams are made of.

This week on Hix Nix Stix Pix , Robb and Josh dive into the sharp, loud, and unapologetically 80s comedy Trading Places . What starts as a one-dollar bet between two cold-blooded millionaires turns into one of the most biting class-swap comedies ever made—and maybe one of the darkest comedies disguised as a crowd-pleaser.