Berkreviews.com Moviecasts

For this episode of Top Five Movies, Jonathan (@berkreviews), Corey (@coreyrstarr), and Michael (@servermonkey) take a look at the scary children who've appeared in films. Scary or creepy, this younglings chilled them to the bone and left a lasting impression on them. What better time to discuss these chilling children than around Halloween!  Jonathan's list: 5. Baby - Trainspotting (1996) 4. Samara - The Ring (2002) 3. Eli - Let the right one in (2008) 2. Charlie - Hereditary (2018) 1. Regan - The Exorcist (1973) Mike's list: 5. It's Alive (1974) 4. Village of the Damned (1995) 3. The Little Girl Who Lives Down the Lane (1976) 2. The Children (2008) 1. Eden Lake (2008) Corey's list: 5. Mikey (1992) 4. The Shining/Grady daughters (1980) 3. The Grudge/Toshio (2004) 2. Hereditary/Charlie (2018) 1. Pet Semetary/Gage (1989) --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/berkreviewscom-moviecasts/support

The last episode for October features Corey's (@coreyrstarr) pick Starry Eyes (2014). The film is directed by Kevin Kölsch and Dennis Widmyer and stars Alex Essoe, Amanda Fuller, and Noah Segan. Jonathan (@berkreviews) hadn't seen this one either and both found some positive elements about it. However, the body horror was a bit much for both making it hard to really watch at times. Still, they didn't regret this pick so listen to the episode to hear their detailed reviews. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/berkreviewscom-moviecasts/support

This is a special episode of Top Five Movies. Jonathan (@berkreviews) has a young author, Adam DeCollibus (@adam_decollibus), on the show to discuss his new book Caravan. The novel is about a man from the UK who goes to Morocco on a work assignment and he takes a caravan across the Sahara. During his time in the caravan, he realizes that they are being followed by an army of mysterious warriors. The two discuss books, book adaptations, and end with Adam's all-time top five movies.  Adam's list: 5. The Count of Monte Cristo (2002) 4. Casino Royale (2006) 3. A Beautiful Mind (2001) 2. Red Sparrow (2018) 1. Lawrence of Arabia (1962) --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/berkreviewscom-moviecasts/support

Jonathan (@berkreviews) picked The Exorcist (1973) for this episode of Movie Club. October has traditionally been for horror movies and this year is no different. Corey (@coreyrstarr) had seen it before, but it had been a while for either of them so it was time for a rewatch. The film is directed by William Friedkin and starring Ellen Burstyn, Max von Sydow, Linda Blair, and Jason Miller. A big reason we picked this film because of friend-of-the-show, Matt Hudson from What I Watched Tonight, loves it. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/berkreviewscom-moviecasts/support

Damien Chazelle's new film, First Man (2018), is out in theaters everywhere focusing on Neil Armstrong and his legendary trip to the moon. Jonathan (@berkreviews), Corey (@coreyrstarr), and Michael (@servermonkey) decided to look at their Top Five Movies set in or about Space. There was a big surprise on this episode that hasn't happened frequently in the past. Listen to hear the three discuss what they've watched recently as well as their Top Five lists. Jonathan's list: 5. Galaxy Quest (1999) 4. Gravity (2013) 3. Close Encounters of the third kind (1977) 2. Interstellar (2014) 1. Arrival (2016) Michael's list: 5. The Ice Pirates (1984) 4. Dark Star (1974) 3. Forbidden Planet (1956) 2. Outland (1981) 1. Interstellar (2014) Corey's list: 5. Apollo 13 (1995) 4. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) 3. Sunshine (2007) 2. Prometheus (2012) 1. Interstellar (2014) --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/berkreviewscom-moviecasts/support

The second episode for our horror theme was selected by Corey (@coreyrstarr). Lake Mungo (2008) was directed by Joel Anderson and stars Rosie Traynor, David Pledger, and Martin Sharpe. Neither Corey nor Jonathan (@berkreviews) had seen it prior, but both were slightly impressed. The film takes on the look of a documentary and is not what one might expect from a horror film. This movie leans heavy on the drama but lingers with the viewer after it ends. Next Episode: The Exorcist (1973) Jonathan decided it was time to revisit a movie that traumatized him as a child. After seeing the film he would lay in bed terrified that it would begin shaking at some point. Both of them have technically seen it, but not for a long time. It's, friend of the podcast, Matt Hudson's favorite film so that helped push Jonathan passed his childhood fears and add it to the month. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/berkreviewscom-moviecasts/support

Jonathan (@berkreviews), Corey (@coreyrstarr), and Michael (@servermonkey) were forced to start the new theme of October with a horrible movie by Big Tuna. After the Oscars, Big Tuna stood as the winner of the Oscar draft and got to choose a movie for everyone else to watch. He selected Boo 2! A Madea Halloween directed by Tyler Perry and starring Tyler Perry, Cassi Davis, and Patrice Lovely. This episode has all four discussing the film and why they didn't enjoy a single minute of it. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/berkreviewscom-moviecasts/support

With the release of Bradley Cooper's A Star is Born (2018), Jonathan (@berkreviews), Corey (@coreyrstarr), and Michael (@servermonkey) though choosing their Top Five Movie Soundtracks made perfect sense. Jonathan is extremely hyped about the new movie and after he and Corey watched the 1956 version for Movie Club (listen here) he was even more intrigued by this new version. Though, choosing their favorite soundtracks from all of film history was no easy task the trio did their best. Jonathan's list: 5. Baby Driver (2017) 4. Once (2007) 3. Pitch Perfect (2012) 2. Moana (2016) 1. Rudderless (2014) Michael's list: 5. Repo Man (1984) 4. William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet (1996) 3. SLC Punk! (1998) 2. 24 Hour Party People (2002) 1. Dazed and Confused (1993) Corey's list: 5. Trainspotting (1996) 4. Can't Hardly Wait (1998) 3. Pretty in Pink (1986) 2. Frank (2014) 1. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015) --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/berkreviewscom-moviecasts/support

As September fades so do our month of musicals. Corey (@coreyrstarr) has not enjoyed this month, but staying the course she selected Pennies From Heaven (1981). Jonathan (@berkreviews) hasn't had a problem with most of the movies this month and was excited to see this film directed by Herbert Ross and starring Steve Martin, Bernadette Peters, Jessica Harper, and Christopher Walken. This movie isn't like the other musicals from the month and the two knew very little about it going in. It shocked both, but was it enough to make Corey enjoy a musical? --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/berkreviewscom-moviecasts/support

Continuing their adventure through musicals that neither Jonathan (@berkreviews) nor Corey (@coreyrstarr) has seen, West Side Story (1961) was up next. The movie is directed by Jerome Robbins and Robert Wise starring Natalie Wood, George Chakiris, and Richard Beymer. If you've been listening to the previous episodes from September 2018, you'll know that Corey hasn't been a fan of anything selected so far. Will West Side Story and it's connections to Romeo and Juliet be able to sway her on this film. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/berkreviewscom-moviecasts/support

With the release of White Boy Rick and A Simple Favor, Jonathan (@berkreviews), Corey (@coreyrstarr), and Michael (@servermonkey) decided to look at their favorite crime movies. It wasn't an easy list to build since there are tons of films that qualify. Nevertheless, the trio sorted through all the movies they've seen and narrowed it down to their Top Five Crime Movies. Jonathan's list: 5. A History of Violence 4. In Bruges 3. Zodiac 2. Rope 1. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid Michael's List: 5. River's Edge (1986) 4. Things To Do In Denver When You're Dead (1995) 3. Carlito's Way (1993) 2. Donnie Brasco (1997) 1. Goodfellas (1990) Corey's list: 5. Nightcrawler (2015) 4. The Place Beyond the Pines (2012) 3. Hell or High Water (2016) 2. Ain't Them Bodies Saints 1. Clue (1985) --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/berkreviewscom-moviecasts/support

This months theme are movie musicals and, since there is a new version of A Star Is Born coming out soon, Jonathan (@berkreviews) and Corey (@coreyrstarr) decided to watch the 1954 version. The film is directed by George Cukor and stars Judy Garland, James Mason, and Jack Carson. While the film has an entertaining premise, the story of it's making and the various versions of the film that are out there make for an even more compelling tale. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/berkreviewscom-moviecasts/support

The month of September sees Jonathan (@berkreviews) and Corey (@coreyrstarr) watching musicals they've not seen. Jonathan was up first to pick and selected The Phantom of the Opera (2004). This take on the musical is directed by Joel Schumacher (of Batman and Robin infamy) starring Gerard Butler as the Phantom, Emmy Rossum as Christine, and Patrick Wilson as Raoul. There are some iconic songs that people definitely cling to, but did this musical have the ability to charm Corey out of her anti-musical position? --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/berkreviewscom-moviecasts/support

With the release of Peppermint, Jonathan (@berkreviews), Corey (@coreyrstarr), and Michael (@servermonkey) decided to look for their top five movies about revenge. Turns out, there are a lot of movies that qualify, but which ones made the final cuts. Peppermint is directed by Pierre Morel and stars Jennifer Garner, John Gallagher Jr., and John Ortiz with a review coming to Berkreviews.com in the near future. Until then, listen to this episode and check out the lists so nothing gets spoiled for you! Jonathan's 5. Desperado (1995) 4. Hard Candy (2005) 3. True Grit (2010) 2. Oldboy (2003) 1. John Wick (2014) Michael's 5. Eye for an Eye (1996) 4. Red (2008) 3. Death Sentence (2007) 2. Death Wish II (1982) 1. Last House on the Left (1972) Corey's 5. The Crow (1995) 4. Hard Candy (2005) 3. John Wick (2014) 2. The Handmaiden (2016) 1. Inglorious Basterds (2009) --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/berkreviewscom-moviecasts/support

The last movie for August's theme of high school movies was left to Corey (@coreyrstarr) to choose. She picked Fame (1980), which Jonathan (@berkreviews) hadn't seen either. The movie is directed by Alan Parker starring Eddie Barth, Irene Cara, and Lee Curreri. The film didn't really grab either of them, though, leaving the month on a bit of a sour note.  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/berkreviewscom-moviecasts/support

Jonathan (@berkreviews) picked American Graffiti (1973) for this episode of Movie Club. Continuing with the theme of high school movies, this film focuses on the last day of its characters before leaving home for college. It's a classic coming of age film directed by George Lucas and starring Richard Dreyfuss, Ron Howard, and Paul Le Mat. Corey (@coreyrstarr) had never seen it either, so it worked to get this film off both of their watch lists.  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/berkreviewscom-moviecasts/support

Despite Jonathan (@berkreviews) not really loving director Peter Berg and actor Mark Wahlberg's latest collaboration, Mile 22 (2018), he was inspired by their constant pairing. He proposed to Mike (@servermonkey) and Corey (@coreyrstarr) that they look back through all the other director actor pairings that have worked together on multiple occasions and pick their favorites. This episode features this conversation as the trio work through their Top Five director and actor collaborations.  Visit Berkreviews.com to see their lists before listening to avoid spoilers! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/berkreviewscom-moviecasts/support

Corey (@coreyrstarr) had never seen Alexander Payne's film Election (1999) and picked it for this episode of the high school theme in honor of August. Jonathan (@berkreviews) has seen this a couple of times before hand, but he managed to gain a new perspective on this film with this viewing. Election stars Matthew Broderick, Reese Witherspoon, and Chris Klein. It pushes the humor in some dark directions that made both Jonathan and Corey uncomfortable. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/berkreviewscom-moviecasts/support

The month of August has Corey (@coreyrstarr) and Jonathan (@berkreviews) taking a look at high school movies. Jonathan had never seen Amy Heckerling's film Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982), which was released the year he was born. It stars Sean Penn, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Judge Reinhold as they navigate the many struggles of high school. Penn's character Spicoli is iconic from the genre as he plays the stoner surfer dude with no real ambition. Many people consider this a classic coming of age film, but how'd Jonathan and Corey react? Next episode: Election (1999) Corey had never seen Election (1999) directed by Alexander Payne and starring Matthew Broderick, Reese Witherspoon, and Chris Klein. She picked it for the next high school movie and slightly disappointed Jonathan. He's seen the film twice before and isn't a huge fan of Broderick and some of the story elements. Though he has to watch it for the podcast!  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/berkreviewscom-moviecasts/support

For this episode of Top Five Movies, Jonathan (@berkreviews), Corey (@coreyrstarr), and Michael (@servermonkey) were inspired by the recent release of The Spy Who Dumped Me. There have been some people who have said women aren't funny...but we disagree. So, the three looked through their movie viewing history and picked their favorite comedic performances from leading ladies. Jonathan's list: 5. Anna Farris - House Bunny (2008)  4. Anna Kendrick - Pitch Perfect (2012) 3. Ellen Page - Juno (2007) 2. Lake Bell - Man Up (2015) 1. Kristen Wiig - Bridesmaids (2011) Michael's list: 5. Alicia Silverstone in Clueless (1995) 4. Meg Ryan in When Harry Met Sally (1989) 3. Parminder Nagra in Bend It Like Beckham (2002) 2. Winona Ryder in Heathers (1988) 1. Thora Birch in Ghost World (2001) Corey's list: 5.  Lacey Chabert - Mean Girls (2004) 4. Bernadette Peters - The Jerk (1979) 3. Ellen Page - Juno (2007) 2. Anna Farris - House Bunny (2008) 1. Kristen Wiig - Bridesmaids (2011) --- Support this podcast: https://a