Episode 11

full
Published on:

14th Jan 2026

Wonder Boys

This week on Forgotten Cinema, the Mikes revisit Curtis Hanson’s "Wonder Boys". A funny character drama about authors.

Both Mike Butler and Mike Field really enjoy this film, especially its performances and lived-in storytelling. Michael Douglas delivers one of his most relaxed and likable roles, supported by an excellent ensemble, including Tobey Maguire and Robert Downey Jr, that gives the movie its healthy dose of charm.

Butler’s one sticking point comes near the end. It’s not that the film opts for a happy ending, but that everything falls a little too neatly into place for Douglas’ character, leaning into a Hollywood resolution that feels slightly too convenient. Even so, that criticism barely dents what is otherwise a terrific film.

"Wonder Boys" is one of those movies that rewards revisiting and is easy to recommend to anyone looking for a movie for grown-ups about grown-ups.

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0:00 - Introduction

2:33 - Film Facts

8:22 - Film Discussion

29:51 - Reviews

36:13 - Who Would You Recommend This To?

38:59 - Why Is This Forgotten?

42:04 - Plugs

#ForgottenCinema #WonderBoys #MichaelDouglas #TobeyMaguire #Drama #GrownUpMovies #RobertDowneyJr #RDJ #MoviePodcast #FilmDiscussion #UnderratedMovies #ClassicFilms

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About the Podcast

Forgotten Cinema
A podcast about forgotten films that deserve a second chance
Welcome to Forgotten Cinema! Each episode, Mike Field and Mike Butler highlight a film that for a variety of reasons was forgotten by audiences. Whether it be because a more popular movie was released at the same time or the movie simply didn’t catch on with an audience in the its initial run. We’ll discuss what we love about the movie or perhaps don’t love about it and decide whether the movie is worth a revisit.