In part two of our three-part episode on The Rock (1996), we dive deep into the movie’s plot breakdown. Strap in, because the chaos continues as we walk through every explosive moment, cage freakout, and wild twist that makes this film the ultimate '90s action classic.

From the nerve gas on Alcatraz to the heart-stopping moments that actually make sense (well, kind of), we break down the movie’s biggest moments with a mix of humor, nostalgia, and a whole lot of “what were they thinking?” As always, we’re not holding back, diving into the ridiculousness of the plot, from Cage’s descent into madness to Connery’s effortless badassery. And, of course, we’re still reeling from the huge cliffhanger Louis dropped about Dan’s big email—is the future of Rewind or Die in jeopardy?

Show Highlights:

• Plot Breakdown - Alcatraz and Nerve Gas:
  • Adam, Jeff, and Steve break down the opening high stakes setup with the nerve gas being taken hostage on Alcatraz—because, obviously, that’s the only way to get the action rolling.
  • Nicolas Cage’s character, Stanley Goodspeed, gets roped into the mission and is forced to team up with Sean Connery's John Mason, a dangerous but cool former prisoner of war.
  • We discuss how the movie sets up the tension and how Cage’s freakouts add to the insanity of the mission.
• Cage’s Freakouts and Connery’s Cool Factor:
  • The dynamic between Cage and Connery is gold, and we spend a lot of time analyzing Cage’s performance, particularly how his over-the-top freakouts are balanced by Connery’s calm, collected persona.
  • Who’s the true star of this film? Cage’s hilarious breakdowns or Connery’s swagger-filled coolness? We debate which actor owned this movie.
• Ed Harris and the Moral Gray Area:
  • We delve into Ed Harris’s portrayal of General Hummel, the villain with a cause—he’s not your typical bad guy. We discuss how his moral gray area actually makes him more interesting than a simple villain, and how Harris adds complexity to the movie’s plot twists.
  • We discuss how Hummel’s motivations are not totally evil, which makes the action even more intense—is he really the bad guy?
• The Plot Twists and The Big Showdown:
  • We walk through the unbelievable plot twists that take place, including the bombing of San Francisco and the final showdown on Alcatraz.
  • The team debates the logic behind some of the biggest action moments—do they make sense? Or are we just here for the explosions?
• Cage’s Big Hero Moment and the Emotional Journey:
  • Finally, we talk about Cage’s redemption arc—from freaking out to heroically saving the day (kinda).
  • We ask, does this movie make us emotional for Cage’s character, or is it just another explosive action flick? Spoiler: We’re all on board for the emotional freakout.

If you loved part two of this insane episode, leave us a review and let us know what you think about our blown-up plot breakdown. Don’t forget to check out the final part — we’re just getting started!

In this first part of our three-part episode on The Rock (1996), we dive headfirst into the high-stakes chaos of one of the greatest action films of the '90s. It’s Nicolas Cage, Sean Connery, Ed Harris, and explosions—oh, and did we mention Cage’s freakouts? We kick things off by discussing the insane action, the over-the-top villains, and how this movie fits right into the absurdly escalating world of ‘90s action.

The stakes? Higher than ever, obviously. But we’re not just about the explosions—this episode goes off the rails as we talk about ridiculous sponsorship ideas, Dan the Money Man’s sponsorship antics, and a sneak peek into possible changescoming to the podcast. It’s a wild ride, and this is just the beginning.

Show Highlights:

• Intro to The Rock (1996):
  • We set the stage for this action-packed extravaganza, and Adam gets the conversation rolling by reminding everyone of the ridiculousness of ‘90s action films. Big explosions, Cage losing his mind, and Connery being the coolest guy in the room.
  • The high stakes of The Rock—the fate of the entire city hanging in the balance... all while Cage just tries to survive.
• How High Can the Stakes Go?:
  • The guys take a detour into the ridiculous escalation of stakes in action films during the ‘90s. Every movie just kept pushing it higher—nuclear missiles, time bombs, and terrorists with giant plans.
  • The Rock fits right into this trend, but we also look at other films like Independence Day and Con Air where the stakes were just too high to fathom.
  • The ‘90s were a golden age for absurd action where no one cared if the plot made sense—they just wanted the explosions.
• Sponsorship Shenanigans:
  • After some chaotic talk about high-stakes action, the conversation shifts to the wild world of sponsors—and things get weird.
  • Louis drops some hilarious details about the sponsors they’re lining up for the podcast, including Funky Lube, Clearview Window Cleaners, and bizarre ideas for future sponsorships like emotional support pillowsand self-care toothpaste.
  • Dan the Money Man is up to his usual antics, but the guys can’t help but laugh at how absurd their sponsorships are getting.
• Dan's Big Email: Cliffhanger Setup
  • The team gets a surprise message from Dan about possible changes coming to the show. Major changes. What could it mean? And will these changes completely alter the Rewind or Die format?
  • Louis drops a cliffhanger at the end—could the show be about to get a major shakeup? Is Dan making moves behind the scenes to totally rework everything?

Leave Us a Review:

If you enjoyed part one of this explosive episode, leave us a review and help more action movie lovers find their way to Rewind or Die. And make sure you come back for Part 2 and Part 3—we’re just getting started!

Welcome to Jasper, Missouri — where the bar fights are biblical, the monster trucks are personal, and one mulleted philosopher-warrior named Dalton is the only thing standing between total chaos and slightly organized chaos.

In this very special episode, Adam delivers a full-blown solo deep dive into the throat-ripping, tai chi-practicing, denim-wearing masterpiece that is Road House. This is part dissertation, part fever dream, and all Swayzee.

But first:

• The team mourns the catastrophic tech disaster that erased their The Rock episode
• Jeff and Steve question whether there's a secret underground bouncer union
• Adam is 100% convinced he saw Danny Trejo at an Arby’s — and not just spiritually

Then it’s all Road House:

• Why Wade Garrett might be the coolest man to ever walk into a bar
• The existential war raging inside Dalton’s soul
• How Jeff Healey became the one-man Greek chorus of throat-based justice
• And yes... an entire segment dedicated to the sheer power of The Swayzee Bod™

PLUS — HOT MIC DRAMA: Stick around after the episode for a Rewind or Die cliffhanger you won’t see coming. Steve bursts in with breaking news: The funding for the podcast is being pulled. Dan the Money Man is on the warpath. Can the boys save the show?

New episodes every Monday. Insane bonus content every Thursday. Subscribe, rate us five stars, and remember: be nice… until it’s time to not be nice.

This week, we’re cranking it up to 50 miles per hour and not looking back as we dive headfirst into 1994’s adrenaline-soaked, bus-jumping masterpiece – SPEED. Keanu Reeves whispers at bombs, Sandra Bullock becomes the world’s most stressed-out bus driver, and Dennis Hopper chews so much scenery we’re still finding pieces of it in the upholstery.

But that’s just the beginning. In this episode, we cover:

• The wild making-of stories behind SPEED, including how a last-second jump over a freeway gap nearly became a crash landing for the entire production.
• The casting chaos that almost gave us Tom Cruise, Wesley Snipes, or… Tom Hanks on a bus?
• The iconic bus jump that defied physics, logic, and common sense – and the other insane vehicle jumps in movie history that left us screaming, crying, and questioning our life choices.
• An extended meltdown as Adam refuses to stop pitching increasingly absurd vehicle stunts while Steve and Jeff try to land this episode like a flaming bus in a parking lot.
• A check-in with Louis, who spent the entire episode researching real-life bus jumps and Panda Express stuntsinstead of watching the movie.
• Paige gets called out for clearly not watching SPEED and tries to bluff her way through a pop quiz with… questionable results.
• And in a segment we will never emotionally recover from, we ask: What does Paige actually think SPEED is about?

Plus:

• “Speed 3: Ghost Bus,” “Speed 4: Kangaroo Court,” and “Speed 5: Mow or Die” – the sequels no one asked for but we won’t stop pitching.
• Adam’s proposal for SPEED: The Animated Series, featuring Dennis Hopper’s ghost, a sentient bus, and a crime-fighting robot named Stop-Go.
• The question that haunts us all: Was Keanu Reeves the real villain of SPEED?
• And finally, the ultimate takeaway: If you see a guy named Payne with a briefcase, RUN.

NEXT WEEK: We’re heading to Alcatraz for The Rock, where Nicolas Cage and Sean Connery will do their best to keep the chemical weapons from melting everyone’s face off. Explosions. Chemical green orbs. Connery growling “Winners go home and…” well, you know.

FOLLOW US: Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok @rewindordiepodcast. Email us at rewindordiepodcast@gmail.com with your worst bus-related disaster stories. Leave a review, tell your friends, and remember: Don’t trust the government.

This week on Rewind or Die, we face the vengeance, velvet, and Val of Tombstone (1993) — a Western that somehow features 40% coughing and still ends up being 100% cool.

We dig into the chaos behind the scenes (ghost directors, script cuts, Kurt Russell becoming the captain now), the wild box office ride, and how Tombstone absolutely outgunned Wyatt Earp in the great gunfight of dad-approved cinema. We also mourn the complete lack of Tombstone merchandise, pitch an unhinged Saturday morning cartoon version of the film, and spiral into a candy-fueled flashback none of us were prepared for.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• The Rewind or Die Hall of Fame returns with full mustache honors
• Jeff breaks down how Tombstone survived behind-the-scenes chaos
• Steve gets personally offended by the lack of licensed merch
• Adam pitches Tombstone Rangers, ghost Doc and all
• A full-speed detour into Speed (1994), bus yogurt, and green ketchup trauma

If you’ve ever shouted “SAY WHEN” at your reflection and meant it, this one’s for you.1

We break down 2000’s The Replacements, a football fever dream where Keanu Reeves plays a haunted QB, Gene Hackman coaches like the world’s ending, and every supporting character is one bad hit from prison or greatness.

We scream about:

• Falco’s emotional boat trauma
• Clifford Franklin’s hands
• The kicker who smokes on the field
• Hackman’s last great yell
• And why this movie secretly rules

Also: a game called “Who’s Got the Ball?”, an illegal ad read from Louis, and possibly too much ranch.

They’re watching you. Through your phone. Through your fridge. Through the turkey sandwich in your shopping bag.

This week on Rewind or Die, the gang goes deep (and extremely off the rails) on 1998’s Enemy of the State—a paranoia-soaked, satellite-scrambled, Cheez-It-powered thriller starring Will Smith, Gene Hackman, and the most dangerous MiniDisc in America.

We cover it ALL: —Ducks in Witness Protection —Gabriel Byrne dying faster than you can say “surveillance subplot” —NSA interns who look like they just left a Mountain Dew LAN party —And Gene Hackman LIVING inside a Faraday cage made of rage and RadioShack cables.

PLUS: A conspiracy snack review, a game called “NSA Intern or ’90s Movie Hacker?”, and a full breakdown of whether you could survive this movie without accidentally Venmoing your coordinates.

Next week: We wrap up Hackman Month with football, chaos, and emotional touchdowns in 2000’s The Replacements.

DON’T. TRUST. THE GOVERNMENT.

aka The One Where We Accidentally Launch Over Silver Surfer Trivia

This week on Rewind or Die, we dive periscope-first into Tony Scott’s Crimson Tide (1995)—a high-stakes submarine thriller starring Denzel Washington, Gene Hackman, and a dog named Snaps who might outrank the entire Navy.

We break down:

• Gene Hackman’s morally complex pizza distribution methods
• Denzel’s command presence and perfect posture
• Silver Surfer trivia that almost starts World War III
• Hans Zimmer’s monk-chant soundtrack that slaps like a Gregorian war hymn
• And the top 3 submarine movies, including a VERY serious defense of Down Periscope

Plus: fake Happy Meal toys, Tarantino’s secret script rewrites, and the dog gets his own action figure.

Stick around for the Enemy of the State preview, the box office breakdown, and Steve trying to convince us that Welcome to Mooseport deserves a Criterion release.

Subscribe now for chaotic deep dives into the movies you remember, kind of, from basic cable—and find out why Snaps the Dog is the hero America needed in 1995.