2 For The Matinee

This week, Jake watches "Citizen Kane" (1941) for the first time and finally discovers the genius that is Orson Welles. Then, they discuss "Heat" (1995), Michael Mann's genius crime drama that is in Jake's personal top five favorite movies.

This week, Sydney and Jake take a look at two films that make director Spike Lee's list of all time favorites. Elia Kazan's remarkable 1957 drama, "A Face in the Crowd". A first watch for both and it does not disappoint. Then, "The Night of the Hunter" (1955), a film that finds one of their favorites, Robert Mitchum, at his most menacing.

Sydney is all in on Elisabeth Moss and her new film "Shirley" (2020), but "Lady Bird" (2017) gets no love. Jake recommends the documentary "The Last Action Heros" (2019).

This week, Jake and Sydney take a look at two very different biopics. First, it's Frances (1982), starring Jessica Lange in a knock out performance as the titular troubled 1930s Hollywood actress. Then, it's on to Spike Lee's masterpiece Malcolm X (1992). An epic film that tackles the epic life of one of America's greatest and most controversial civil rights leaders.

This week it's all about The Thing 1 (1951) and The Thing 2 (1982) and to a lesser extent The Thing 3 (2011). Sydney and Jake take a look at all versions of the classic Sci-Fi tale.

 

Then, it's on to Pedro Almodovar's 1989 dark romantic comedy "Tie Me Up Tie Me Down." 

 

Finally, the two can't agree when it comes to Tom Ford's 2016 controversial film "Nocturnal Animals". 

 

Also discussed "Uncorked" (2020), "The Little Stranger" (2018) and "Opening Night" 2017.

Jake and Sydney have a difference of opinion about "Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga"(2020). Sydney gushes over the Netflix's "Babysitter's Club" (2020) because it's just that good. Jake recommends everything from Paulo Sorrentino, including "The Young Pope" and "Youth" (2015)

Next, they discuss Todd Haynes new classic "Carol" (2015), starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara. It's a film that gives Sydney goosebumps.

Then, it's on to "Bedrooms and Hallways" (1998) a surprisingly endearing movie with some unexpected twists. The film features a who's who of British actors, including Kevin McKidd, Tom Hollander, Simon Callow, Hugo Weaving, Jennifer Ehle and James Purefoy.

This week is all about Philip Marlowe. Jake and Sydney watch two completely different takes on the hardboiled sleuth. "Farewell, My Lovely" (1975), starring Robert Mitchum in a classic and hard boiled version of the Raymond Chandler character.

Then they move into the swingin' sixties, with a more hip and updated look at the private dick played by James Garner in "Marlowe" (1969).

Spoilers warnings for discussions about "True Detective", "The Bling Ring", "Fun with Dick and Jane", "Baby Boom" and "Out of Sight".

This week, Sydney and Jake discover "The Late Show" (1977),  starring Lily Tomlin and Art Carney. Produced by Robert Altman, "The Late Show" conversation lets Sydney and Jake revisit one of their all time favorites, "The Long Goodbye" (1972).

Sydney finally watches the French action classic, "The Brotherhood of the Wolf" (2001). 

The two get into movies with a twist, "Voyager" (1992) and "The Good Liar" (2019). Jake succumbs to the charm that is "Cain River" (1982) and Sydney makes a strong case for "Baby Boom" (1987).

This week Sydney introduces Jake to the sexual subtext of Neil Jordan's 1984 horror/fantasy tale "The Company of Wolves". 

They both have a lot of feelings about "Downhill" (2020). The American remake of "Force Majeure" (2014), starring Julia Louis Dreyfus and Will Farrell.

Then, it's a fun and freewheeling movie talk with topics ranging from coal mining movies to Colin Farrell's filmography. Spoiler warnings for "The Vast of Night" (2020), "Cain River" (1982), The Outsider" (2020), "Matewan" (1987), "True Detective" (All Seasons).

Sydney and Jake talk "Force Majeure" (2014) and the difficulty in remaking foreign films for American audiences.  Sydney took Jake's recommendation and watched "The Italian Job" (1969) and loved the cliffhanger of a cliffhanger. Jake doesn't think it gets enough credit as a one of the grandfathers of the modern heist film.

This week's films include two different takes on relationships in distress. First, it's the dark and vicious 1989 black comedy, "The War of the Roses" directed by Danny Devito and starring Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner and Devito. Then, it's the 1995 French sex comedy "French Twist" starring Victoria Abril and Josiane Balasco.

Jake finishes up his look at his favorite films from 2014. Sydney takes a look at some of her favorites from 1970. The conversation turns to Marvel and the two get into a little tiff about the importance of actual super powers.