Matinee Heroes

WILLOW A young farmer is thrust into an epic quest when he’s tasked with protecting a magical child from an evil queen. Along the way, he’s joined by a roguish swordsman, fierce allies, and a touch of sorcery. Together, they face dark forces in a battle where destiny hangs in the balance. Craig, Elisabeth and guest Paul Hitchcock talk about a young Warwick Davis, fantasy in the 80s, the reputation of reshoots and the movie “Willow” on this week’s Matinee Heroes Show Notes 1:04 Craig, Elisabeth and Paul talk about reshoots. 11:44 Craig, Elisabeth and Paul discuss "Willow" 55:56 Recasting 1:26:10 Double Feature 1:28:18 Final Thoughts 1:36:12 A preview of next week's episode "Air Force One" Next week, we continue deal with a different type of fairy tale dealing with politics and the most kick-ass president ever in "Air Force One". https://youtu.be/FItgZOuaPVY?si=lDGdq_E3owSpgGtd

LADYHAWKE After escaping a dungeon, young thief Phillipe Gaston crosses paths with Capt. Navarre, a man bound by a strange curse. He and his beloved, Lady Isabeau, have been doomed by the wicked Bishop of Aquila to never be together except at twilight. With Gaston’s help, they set out on a perilous mission to overthrow the Bishop and shatter the enchantment. Craig and Elisabeth are joined by birthday boy Alan to talk about being 56, a Comicpalooza recap, horrible scores and the movie “Ladyhawke’ on this week’s Matinee Birthday! Show Notes 1:17 Craig, Elisabeth and Alan talk about Comicpalooza and turning 56. 12:36 Craig, Elisabeth and Alan discuss "Ladyhawke" 44:52 Recasting 1:12:39 Double Feature 1:14:54 Final Thoughts 1:22:35 A preview of next week's episode "Willow" Next week, we continue a month of fairytale movies with "Willow".

Recorded live at Horrorthon 2018, this episode of CONversations with Craig features a captivating, insightful, and often humorous conversation with legendary horror filmmaker Mick Garris. From adapting Stephen King’s novels into iconic miniseries like The Stand and The Shining, to creating the influential Post Mortem podcast, Garris shares compelling behind-the-scenes stories from his illustrious career. Whether he's revealing secrets about working with Anthony Perkins on Psycho IV or sharing his approach to storytelling, Garris delivers wisdom, wit, and an authentic passion for horror. King's Collaborator: Garris dives deep into his frequent collaborations with Stephen King, discussing why their creative partnership works and the unique challenges of adapting King's deeply personal and often complex stories. Perkins and Psycho: An intense and illuminating experience directing Anthony Perkins revealed critical insights into character-driven filmmaking, cementing Garris’s ability to navigate complica

EVER AFTER After her father’s death, Danielle is forced into servitude by her cruel stepmother. While her stepsisters vie for status, Danielle toils in silence—until she meets the charming Prince Henry. Their connection sparks a love that defies class and expectation. Craig and Elisabeth talk about 90’s feminism, fairy tales, grounded fantasy and the movie “Ever After” on this week’s Matinee Heroes! Show Notes 1:00 Craig and Elisabeth talk about fairy tales. 5:04 Craig and Elisabeth discuss "Ever After" 26:30 Recasting 46:34 Double Feature 49:41 Final Thoughts 55:26 A preview of next week's episode "Ladyhawke" Next week, we celebrate Alan's birthday with "Ladyhawke" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGs4o_5jyhw&ab_channel=WarnerBros.Rewind

CONTAGION Beth Emhoff comes home from a business trip to Hong Kong feeling off, blaming it on jet lag. Two days later, she’s dead—and doctors can’t explain why. As others show the same symptoms, a global pandemic erupts. While doctors race to contain the deadly virus, society unravels and a rogue blogger fuels mass paranoia. Craig and Elisabeth talk about pandemics, COVID parallels, science as savior and the movie “Contagion” on this week’s Matinee Heroes! Show Notes 1:03 Craig and Elisabeth talk about their pandemic experiences. 10:55 Craig and Elisabeth discuss "Contagion" 45:44 Recasting 1:01:33 Double Feature 1:04:53 Final Thoughts 1:11:20 A preview of next week's episode "Contagion" Next week, we start Fairy Tale month with "Ever After" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szP9U0uLl5U&ab_channel=FilmTrailerChannel

THE IMPOSSIBLE Maria, Henry, and their three kids spend Christmas in Thailand, hoping for a warm, relaxing escape. Their dream vacation turns into a nightmare when a massive tsunami strikes without warning, wreaking havoc and tearing the family apart. In the aftermath, each of them must fight to survive and hold onto the hope of reuniting against all odds. Craig and Elisabeth talk about survival, the horrors of the ocean, looking out for one another and the movie “The Impossible” on this week’s Matinee Heroes. Show Notes 1:09 Craig and Elisabeth talk about disasters they've encountered. 10:20 Craig and Elisabeth discuss "The Impossible" 40:07 Recasting 55:30 Double Feature 58:07 Final Thoughts 1:02:51 A preview of next week's episode "Contagion" Next week, we bring you a disaster that was predicted!! Soderbergh's "Contagion" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sYSyuuLk5g&ab_channel=RottenTomatoesTrailers

THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE On New Year’s Eve, the S.S. Poseidon is capsized by a massive tidal wave en route from New York to Greece. With the captain dead, a small group of survivors led by the determined Rev. Scott must navigate the overturned ship from the ballroom to safety. Battling fire, flooding, and crumbling wreckage, they fight for survival in a race against time. Craig and Elisabeth talk about cruise ships, helping yourself vs helping others, disasters they’ve lived through and the movie “The Poseidon Adventure” on this week’s Matinee Heroes!! Show Notes 1:08 Craig and Elisabeth talk about disasters they've encountered. 12:45 Craig and Elisabeth discuss "The French Connection" 47:02 Recasting 1:11:51 Double Feature 1:14:46 Final Thoughts 1:21:43 A preview of next week's episode "The Impossible" Next week, we bring you another disaster...I mean, episode focusing on nature's fury in "The Impossible"!  

Recorded live at the Fayetteville Comic Show, this episode of CONversations with Craig features a raw, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt conversation with actor C. Thomas Howell. From his early days as a child stunt rider to breakout roles in E.T. and The Outsiders, Howell shares stories from a career that spans Hollywood classics, cult thrillers, and gritty television drama. Whether he’s recalling a tense lunch with Rutger Hauer or reflecting on what it means to stay authentic in an industry built on illusion, Howell brings humor, humility, and a cowboy’s clarity to the stage. The Spielberg Spark: A nervous teen, a pack of Marlboros, and a surprise audition landed Howell a shot at E.T.—thanks to some fast thinking from his stuntman dad. Rutger's Rule: A cryptic lunch with The Hitcher co-star Rutger Hauer revealed a performance philosophy that would shape Howell’s future as a villain on Criminal Minds. Cowboy Credentials: Whether it's wrangling roles or actual horses, Howell proves that sometimes

This month’s episode of Matinee Heroes is a special presentation years in the making. We’re not honoring heroes this time—we’re saluting the cinematic chaos agents, the scene-stealing thorns in every protagonist’s side. That’s right: it’s the long-awaited William Atherton Asshole Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Co-host Craig Price is joined by Elizabeth Rapp and Derek McCaw for a red-carpet roast of honor as they induct the inaugural trio of actors: William Atherton – the original smarmy authority from Ghostbusters and Die Hard Ben Mendelsohn – the slick bureaucrat from Rogue One and Ready Player One Clancy Brown – towering menace from Highlander and Shawshank Redemption             Stream the full ceremony to celebrate the legends who made movie heroes suffer—and audiences cheer.

IN MEMORIAM: REBEKAH DEL RIO 1967-2025 On June 25th, Rebekah Del Rio passed away. You might not know the name right away, but if you’ve seen Mulholland Drive or Twin Peaks: The Return on Showtime, you’ve definitely heard her voice. It’s haunting, unforgettable. I met Rebekah back in 2020 at the Fayetteville Comic Show during a Twin Peaks reunion, which is part of the panel you’re about to hear. She was all over social media at the time. I actually first saw her at the airport, livestreaming to her followers on this jewel-covered phone. She had such a big, lively presence—exactly what you’ll hear in the panel. She had some health issues, but 57 is still way too young. So this is just our small way of honoring her—sharing a bit of that Twin Peaks reunion panel from 2020 and remembering the spark she brought with her wherever she went.

THE FRENCH CONNECTION Two NYPD detectives working in the Narcotics Bureau uncover a heroin smuggling operation with ties to Marseilles, France. What begins as routine surveillance quickly spirals into a dangerous international pursuit. Despite their best efforts, tracking down the smugglers and bringing their elusive ringleaders to justice becomes a maddening game of cat and mouse. Craig and Elisabeth end June Hackman month talking about dirty cops, blind snipers, 1970s New York and the movie “The French Connection” on this week’s Matinee Heroes! Show Notes 0:51 Craig and Elisabeth talk about recent job interviews and their favorite Gene Hackman movies. 7:00 Craig and Elisabeth discuss "The French Connection" 36:03 Recasting 51:46 Double Feature 54:35 Final Thoughts Next week, we bring you a special episode as we present our first inductees into the William Atherton Asshole Hall of Fame!

CRIMSON TIDE After the Cold War, a rogue Russian republic with nukes threatens global security. Captain Frank Ramsey brings on a sharp but untested officer—Lieutenant Commander Ron Hunter,  —to join him aboard the USS Alabama. When conflicting orders come in and Ramsey pushes for a strike, Hunter fears they could start a nuclear war, setting off a tense standoff that could decide the fate of the world. Craig, Elisabeth and Alan talk about personal interpretation, celebrating Gene Hackman, the confusion of war and the movie “Crimson Tide” on this week’s Matinee Heroes!! Show Notes 1:04 Craig, Elisabeth and Alan continue June Hackman month by discovering which Gene Hackman movies are Alan's favorites. 7:34 Craig, Elisabeth and Alan discuss "Crimson Tide" 34:16 Recasting 55:04 Double Feature 59:39 Final Thoughts 1:12:35 A preview of next week's episode "The French Connection" Next week, we end June Hackman with his Oscar winning role in "The French Connection" https://www.youtube.com/w

THE BIRDCAGE Young engaged couple Val and Barbara bring their wildly different families together for one tense dinner. To win over Barbara’s ultra-conservative father, Val’s gay, club-owning dad Armand hides his drag queen partner Albert and pretends to embody straight-laced American values. But as the evening unravels, keeping up appearances gets hilariously out of hand. Craig, Elisabeth and guest Liz Serna talk about they gay 90’s, despicable children, the sexiness of Christine Baranski and the movie “The Birdcage” on this week’s Matinee Heroes! Show Notes 0:58 Craig, Elisabeth and Liz Serna continue June Hackman month by discovering which Gene Hackman movies are Liz's favorites. 5:21 Craig, Elisabeth and Liz discuss "The Birdcage" 56:01 Recasting 1:22:45 Double Feature 1:32:52 Final Thoughts 1:38:11 A preview of next week's episode "Crimson Tide" Next week, we continue June Hackman with him dueling Denzel in "Crimson Tide" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3ItZQb-GLM&ab_channel=Fi

THE CONVERSATION A meticulous surveillance expert begins to unravel when a routine wiretap reveals a conversation he doesn’t fully understand—but can’t ignore. As his paranoia grows, he’s forced to question what’s real, what’s hidden, and whether he’s complicit in something far darker than he imagined. Craig, Elisabeth and guest Brendan Agnew talk about paranoia, Christmas cookies, clogged toilets and the movie “The Conversation” on this week’s Matinee Heroes!! Show Notes 0:51 Craig, Elisabeth and Brendan Agnew introduce June Hackman month by discovering which Gene Hackman movies are Brendan's favorites. 11:38 Craig, Elisabeth and Brendan discuss "The Conversation" 54:10 Recasting 1:09:25 Double Feature 1:15:00 Final Thoughts 1:23:32 A preview of next week's episode "The Birdcage" Next week we continue June Hackman with one of his funniest roles in "The Birdcage" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7FcPlt8hHc&ab_channel=AmazonMGMStudios

Recorded live at EmpireCon 2019 in Los Angeles, this episode of Conversations with Craig lifts the curtain on the unsung crew who brought the original Star Wars trilogy to life—Jawas, model-makers, second-unit directors, and yes, Yoda’s actual right hand. From childhood desert shoots to Harrison Ford with a saw, this panel had it all. Jawa Justice League: Three OG Jawas—Tim Donaldson, Andrea Wickman, and Fraser Diamond—recall what it was really like filming in Death Valley, sweating through robes, carrying disassembled droids, and surviving desert wildlife. Ford v. Falcon: Second-unit director Harley Cokeliss reveals how a frustrated Harrison Ford nearly sawed a hole through the Millennium Falcon during a lighting delay. Puppets and Persistence: Mike Quinn, the man behind Nien Nunb and Yoda’s right hand, explains how hanging around the set got him the job—and a footnote in Star Wars history. “Star Wars is kind of like the genie that just keeps granting wishes.” - Mike Quinn Want more exclusive i

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON On the Viking Isle of Berk, young Hiccup defies tradition by befriending a dragon named Toothless. When an ancient threat endangers both dragons and humans, their bond becomes the key to survival. Together, they must rise above fear and forge a new path toward peace and leadership. Craig, Elisabeth and Guest Rob Ervin discuss parenting, the Minions, finding your place and the movie “How to Train your Dragon” on this week’s Matinee Heroes!!! Show Notes 1:05 Craig, Elisabeth and Rob talk about cartoons and The Minions. 19:32 Craig, Elisabeth and Rob discuss "How to Train Your Dragon" 46:22 Recasting 1:04:36 Double Feature 1:08:17 Final Thoughts 1:15:03 A preview of next week's episode "The Conversation" Next week we celebrate June Hackman! An entire month dedicated to Gene Hackman and we start with "The Conversation" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elJL5D6HTvA&ab_channel=HDRetroTrailers

IN MEMORIAM: LORETTA SWIT 1937-2025 Today, May 30th we lost past guest Loretta Swit. As is tradition. we’re replaying a episode we did on the original MASH that included my panel with Loretta and her cast mate Jamie Farr during last years Retro Expo on July 13th 2024.  I was fortunate enough to meet Lorreta twice.  The first time was in Tampa Bay and was fortunate enough to enjoy lunch with her, Jamie and  Jeff Maxwell.  The way she would dote on Jamie who is 90 himself and has limited mobility was so cute and at Retro Expo, she hustled down the entire convention center to give a fan an autograph who had missed her while she was away from her table. She didn’t want to disappoint anyone.  And she certainly did not. Here's to you, Loretta.

KUNG FU PANDA Po may be the laziest, clumsiest panda in the Valley of Peace, but he secretly dreams of becoming a kung fu legend. When the villainous snow leopard Tai Lung threatens the Valley, Po is unexpectedly chosen to fulfill an ancient prophecy. Under Master Shifu’s training, he embarks on a high-kicking adventure to stop Tai Lung’s evil plans. Craig, Elisabeth and guest Riley Brown discuss fanboys, self-belief vs destiny, cryptic mentors and the movie “Kung Fu Panda” on this week’s Matinee Heroes! Show Notes 0:54 Craig, Elisabeth and Riley talk about cartoons and fandoms. 12:30 Craig, Elisabeth and Riley discuss "Kung Fu Panda" 48:56 Recasting 1:07:15 Double Feature 1:11:14 Final Thoughts 1:15:36 A preview of next week's episode "How to Train Your Dragon" Next week Ani-MAY-tion ends with a fan favorite "How to Train Your Dragon" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfBHLVtbG6U&ab_channel=GavsTrailers

AKIRA In the ruins of Neo-Tokyo, a secret military experiment unravels when a psychic child escapes confinement. His breakout pulls a rebellious biker gang into a deadly conspiracy of government control and psychic warfare. One gang member, transformed by power and rage, wages a brutal vendetta against the world that once mocked his weakness. Craig, Elisabeth and Alan talk about anime, Louis Anderson, films to watch high and the movie “Akira” on this week’s Matinee heroes! Show Notes 1:07 Craig, Elisabeth and Alan talk about the cartoons Alan grew up watching. 6:14 Craig, Elisabeth and Alan discuss "Akira" 32:46 Recasting 59:04 Double Feature 1:06:41 Final Thoughts 1:13:28 A preview of next week's episode "Kung Fu Panda" Next week Ani-MAY-tion continues with a modern classic "Kung Fu Panda" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRc-ze7Wrxw&ab_channel=KungFuPanda

FANTASTIC MR. FOX After years of playing it safe, Mr. Fox breaks a promise to his wife and returns to his wild ways, stealing from the ruthless farmers Boggis, Bunce, and Bean. His actions put his family and their animal friends in danger, forcing them to hide deep underground. Now, Mr. Fox must use all his cleverness to outsmart the farmers and save his community. Craig and Elisabeth are joined by Movies that Make Us hosts Tracy Mangum and Jake Dietz to discuss quirkiness, Wes Anderson, sex shops and “Fantastic Mr. Fox” on this week’s Matinee Heroes! Show Notes 1:04 Craig, Elisabeth, Tracy Mangum and Jake Dietz talk about the cartoons Jake's kids enjoy. 14:41 Craig, Elisabeth, Tracy and Jake discuss "Fantastic Mr. Fox" 51:33 Recasting 1:27:44 Double Feature 1:32:21 Final Thoughts 1:42:57 A preview of next week's episode "Akira" Next week Ani-MAY-tion gets retro with the classic 80's anime "Akira" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcAfl96FKQI&ab_channel=nickbtube