They Remade It: The Movie Comparison Podcast

In this episode, Stuart and Jacob dive into the gritty underworld of the "French Connection" franchise, comparing the original 1971 classic with its 1975 sequel and the lesser-known 1986 made-for-TV pilot movie, "Popeye Doyle." They explore the evolution of the Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle, portrayed by Gene Hackman, and how his journey shifts from a hard-nosed detective in New York to a fish-out-of-water in France. Is this characterization even right for Hackman? And what of Roy Scheider's character keeping him grounded? What of Hershey's chocolate? But ultimately, what makes the original film a landmark in neo-noir cinema, and how does the sequel falter in its execution? Or do they even care for either of these movies to begin with? And then there's "Popeye Doyle," a film (can we even call it a film?) that raises more questions than it answers.Also featured in this episode are thoughts on Gene Hackman's diverse career and sad passing, a quiz about his iconic r