Reviewed Podcast

By listener request, we finally tackle the seminal action film Die Hard. And, our timing is sadly prescient: beyond discussing the movie, we reflect on the recent passing of the incredibly talented Alan Rickman, who with is portrayal of Hans Gruber, made one of the most memorable action movie villains of all time. So, yippee-ki-yay—join us on the Nakatomi Plaza building in downtown Los Angeles for 40 stories of sheer adventure.

As writer and director Charlie Kaufman's newest film, Anomalisa, hits theaters, we turn to the screenplay that started all the weirdness—1999's Being John Malkovich. Does this strange tale about a puppeteer who discovers a portal into another man's head still hold up over a decade later? How did this film go on to influence the careers of both Kaufman and director Spike Jonze? And, perhaps the most important question of all, is there meaning behind the film's absurdist premise? Join David, Mike, and Ivan as they make a stop on the 7½th floor of the Mertin-Flemmer Building and do their best to find some answers. Be sure to subscribe via iTunes!

We've finally hit our 50th re-view! On the eve of the release of a brand new Star Wars film, Dave, Ivan, and Mike go back to the film that started the phenomenon—Episode IV, A New Hope. There's no denying that Star Wars is a cultural touchstone, but is it actually a good movie? And, considering the impact of the much maligned prequel trilogy, does its legacy still shine as bright? Is Lucas a visionary world-builder, or more just a great technical craftsman who hit at the right time? Check us out random podcast listener...you're our only hope.

Marking the feature film debut for both screenwriter Alan Ball and director Sam Mendes, American Beauty was a cinematic sensation when it hit theaters in 1999. The movie was a critical and commercial hit, moving audiences and sweeping-up Oscars. But, as of late, it has become a popular movie to hate—often declared to be one of the most overrated best picture winners. Is that a fair assessment? Is American Beauty a millennial masterpiece—a slick work of poignant, suburban satire? Or, is it a self-important, underwhelming farce? Look closer and listen to the most beautiful podcast in the world to find out.

2001's Donnie Darko is a small indie film that has had a profound cultural impact. Although it made little money at the box-office, this Sundance darling ultimately amassed a huge cult following and propelled forward the career of lead actor Jake Gyllenhaal and writer/director Richard Kelly. The plot itself is somewhat hard to describe–to put it succinctly, it's a thriller/coming-of-age story about a troubled teen plagued by visions of a large bunny rabbit who manipulates him to commit a series of crimes. But, while the film is odd, is it also legitimately profound? Or, is it nothing more than a millennial curio, only loved by Goth teenagers and stoned college students? Flip open your copy of the Philosophy of Time Travel—Dave, Mike, and Ivan dive deep into Donnie Darko to find out with a re-view.

With Halloween just a few days away, we re-visit another classic horror film. This time John Landis's 1981 creature feature, An American Werewolf in London, is on the docket. The film is clearly a technical achievement (it won the first Oscar ever awarded for make-up). But, how does the rest of the film hold up 34 years later? Does the tonal mash-up between comedy and horror still work? Do the meta storytelling elements still play for a modern audience? Curl up with your iPod and listen in the light of the full moon to find out.

On this week's podcast, we're making you an offer you can't refuse...Calling Francis Ford Coppola's 1972 crime epic, The Godfather, a "classic" is somewhat of an understatement. Few films have reached as much critical and audience acclaim as this one. But, is The Godfather really a perfect film? Are there any chinks in its cinematic armor? In revisiting the film 43 years later (Mike, of course, for the first time), we attempt to dissect what makes The Godfather such a revered piece of cinema.

One...two...Freddy's coming for you...To honor director Wes Craven, on this week's episode we turn to his iconic 1984 horror classic A Nightmare on Elm Street. As the slasher film genre was growing stale in the mid-80s, Craven rejuvenated the medium with this imaginative tale of a cruel serial killer who kills his teenage victims in their dreams. But, does the film still feel as innovative over 30 years later? How have horror films changed? And, is Freddy Kruger still a terrifying villain after all this time? Special thanks to Matt Kelly from the Horror Movie Night Podcast for joining us on this episode and providing us some excellent background and perspective into the horror genre.

By listener request, Dave, Mike, and Ivan turn to Billy Wilder's 1957 mystery/thriller, Witness for the Prosecution. Several famous courtroom dramas are considered cinematic classics—from To Kill A Mockingbird to 12 Angry Men. How does this film—starring Tyrone Power in his last role and the venerable starlet Marlene Dietrich—hold up? Does the drama still work? Is it still an engaging mystery story? How does it stack up against Wilder's other work? More importantly, can we handle a move shot in...*GASP*...black and white?

Houston, we have a podcast...it has been 20 years since director Ron Howard attempted to send Tom Hanks, Bill Paxton, and Kevin Bacon to the moon on the ill-fated 13th Apollo mission. But, does this inspiring true-life tale still have the same emotional heft? With the recent release of Gravity and Interstellar and the upcoming release of The Martian this year, does this space disaster movie still hold weight? Is Apollo 13 an American historical classic? Or, just crowd-pleasing fluff? Dawn your space-suits and listen to find out.

It's been 20 years since Clueless—writer/director Amy Heckerling's 90's--pop take on Jane Austen's Emma--hit theaters, but we still feel its effects on pop culture today. Rarely do films enter the zeitgeist so quickly—from catch-phrases to music to fashion accessories (knee socks!). But, despite its cultural impact, is it actually a good movie? Does it still "work" now or is its effectiveness linked to the time when it was released—-a remnant of 90s fads? As if! Dave, Mike, and Ivan dive back into Heckerling's opulent Beverly Hills high school world to find out.

Note: the audio for this episode was distorted with an accidental reverb filter. We are very sorry and promise never to do this ever again. Before James Cameron went on to make some of the highest grossing movies of all time, he was just a scrappy, young action director with big dreams. 1984's The Terminator changed all that, proving to be a breakout hit for both Cameron and body-builder turned actor, Arnold Schwarzenegger. But, does this low budget success from 1984—a film that has since spawned multiple sequels, toys, and even an amusement park ride—still hold up when watching in 2015? As Schwarzenegger's cyborg antagonist declares: "He'll be back." But, as viewers, is it worth the return trip? This episode features special guest host and Terminator expert, filmmaker Shahir Daud.

Winner of 5 academy awards and a box office smash when it was released in 2000, Ridley Scott's Gladiator is often attributed with rekindling the movie-going public's interest in historical epics. But, now, 15 years later, as superheroes--not sandaled warriors--dominate the cineplex, does this film still feel as impressive? Mike, Dave, and Ivan re-visit this historically inspired blockbuster and ask themselves the following question: "Are we not entertained?"

As the summer heats up, we drift into a dreamy, sun-induced haze with David Lynch’s surreal neo-noir, Blue Velvet. A divisive movie when it was first released in 1986, Blue Velvet is often considered Lynch’s masterpiece. But, as the film nears its 30 year anniversary, does it still feel as intoxicating? Is it an enigmatic, substantive film? Or, is it just really, really weird? With the help of special guest and Lynch fanatic, Eric Diaz, we try to peer inside the seedy underbelly of Blue Velvet’s alluring mystery. Open up your earholes...Daddy has some gas to huff!

To chronicle director/writer George Miller's vibrant return to the big screen with Max Max: Fury Road, with special guest Chris Klimek in tow, we decided we would take a look at some of his more family friendly fare. In Babe, directed by Chris Noonan and penned by Miller, a tenacious little pig learns to herd sheep with a little help from Farmer Hoggett (James Cromwell). Critically acclaimed when it was released in 1995, Babe was even nominated for an Oscar for best picture. Does the film still charm 20 years later? More importantly, can it make a couple of dudes podcasting in a basement all weepy?

Get ready for rush hour! Dutch Director Jan de Bont's "Die Hard on a Bus" was a humongous success when it was released into theaters in the summer of 1994. Not only did it make big bucks at the box office, it launched the careers of Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock into the stratosphere. Pop quiz, hotshot: as we enter the summer blockbuster movie season 20 years later, does this action flick still hold up? Are the thrills still there? Listen to this podcast while traveling over 50mph--we're gonna do our darnedest to find out.

On today's mega-episode, we join Dr. Indiana Jones, world famous archaeologist, on his various globetrotting adventures. Amazingly (and, perhaps, not surprisingly), Mike has not seen these films. So, we go through them all—from Raiders of the Lost Ark to The Temple of Doom to The Last Crusade. Conspicuously, we ignored a certain "kingdom" with "Crystal Skulls." In revisiting these films, do the adventures seem as big? Due the stunts and set-pieces feel as thrilling? In Spielberg's attempt to capture the fun of 1930s-40s serial adventure stories, has he crafted something that is timeless? Or, like the artifacts Indiana Jones collects, are they purely relics of a bygone era of filmmaking?

Although Reservoir Dogs actually hit theaters prior, True Romance was the first script that Quentin Tarantino sold that ended up getting made. In one of the rare films written but not directed by the ostentatious auteur (Tony Scott has that honor), it's a movie that has struck a chord with countless cinephiles. There's no doubt that in 1993 Mr. Tarantino's voice felt fresh and edgy. But, now that we live in age of countless Tarantino knock-offs, is that still the case? Does this pulp crime thriller/comedy/romance still offer the same allure? Does our love affair with Alabama and Clarence still burn as strong? Crank up the Elvis tunes. Let's find out!

When it was released in 1984, Beverly Hills Cop was a veritable cinematic sensation. It was the highest grossing film of the year, topping the box office for 14 consecutive weeks. It also became the highest-grossing R rated film of all time, a rank it would hold until The Matrix Reloaded in 2003. Over 20 years later we take a look at this classic action-comedy. Is is it still entertaining? Do the jokes still hold up? How about Eddie Murphy's fast-talking performance and Martin Brest's direction? We travel to the sun-soaked, high priced hills of Beverly to find out.

Don't you forget about me! It's been 30 years since John Hughes's teen classic, The Breakfast Club, hit theaters. Since then it's touched a chord with countless "jocks, princesses, brains, basket-cases, and criminals." Does this coming of age story of five different kids in detention hold up three decades later? Pump your fist to the sky and crank up the the synth pop: let's find out.