AKAPAD the FILM BUFF Podcast

Dead Money" is exactly the kind of film that fuels AKAPAD The Film Buff’s passion for cinema. Join Peter, your obsessive Film Freak, as he dives into why movies like this bring him pure joy. Blending the high-stakes intensity of The Hustler with the over-the-top energy of The Big Hit, this film delivers a unique cinematic punch. But don’t worry—The Film Buff is here to break it all down for you

More one Dead Money (2024)
Dead Money (2024) is a thriller centered around professional poker player Andy and his girlfriend Chloe, who find themselves in a life-threatening situation after a home poker game is robbed. Andy is forced to play the biggest poker game of his life to secure their safety. The film combines gambling elements with high-stakes tension and action. Directed by Luc Walpoth and written by Josh Wilcox, the cast includes Emile Hirsch, David Keith, India Eisley, Jackie Earle Haley, Rory Culkin, and Peter Facinelli​

Those who brought is Dead Money.
Cast:
Emile Hirsch as Andy
David Keith as Jack
India Eisley as Chloe
Jackie Earle Haley as Wendel AKA Shotgun
Rory Culkin as Uncle Lonnie AKA Revolver
Peter Facinelli as LT
Jimmy Jean-Louis as Faizel
Jocelyn Hudon as Kelly
Michael Malarkey as Freddy
Yung Bleu as Deshawn Jefferson
Seth Michaels as Julio
Brennan Brown as Bobby Kirkland
Noah Segan as Buck
Terence Rosemore as Eric
Alex Collins as Motivational Speaker
Casey Hendershot as Shivan
Ron Clinton Smith as Coach
Presley Keith as Lily
Quinn Bozza as Paul
John Crow as Kenji Aoki
Fred Galyean as Ryans
Kevin Hagan as Vinny D
Esosa Idahosa as Douglas
Conlan Kisilewicz as Quinten
Sara Sometti Michaels as Sara
Randall Newsome as Nikolai
John Santiago as Clyde
Njema Williams as Stan
Crew:
Director: Luc Walpoth
Writer: Josh Wilcox
Director of Photography: Ivan Abel
Editor: Gardner Gould
Music Composer: Mathieu Carratier
Producers: Sara Sometti Michaels, Seth Michaels
Casting: Shannon Makhanian

The Film Buff dives into the 2024 Best Picture winner, Anora, with unfiltered enthusiasm and sharp analysis.

The Film Buff’s Animation Weekend takes on The Lord of the Rings like never before!

This time, we dive into The War of the Rohirrim—a two-hour-plus anime that expands the world of Middle-earth while staying true to Peter Jackson’s legendary films. Exploring events that connect to The Fellowship of the Ring, this film promises to deepen the lore.

But there’s a bigger question at hand—what is the true state of the Lord of the Rings franchise? Peter uncovers some surprising truths that may challenge what fans expect. Don’t miss this deep dive into the past, present, and future of Middle-earth! #LOTR #WarOfTheRohirrim #MiddleEarth #AnimationWeekend #TheFilmBuff

Those who brought is The War of the Rohirrim:

Main Cast:

Dominic Monaghan – Role unspecified

Alex Jordan – Lord Fryght

Bea Dooley – Young Héra

Elijah Tamati – Young Wulf

Will Godber – Young Rohan Refugee

Christopher Lee – Saruman (likely archival audio)

Calum Gittins – Wildman

Matt Beachen – Dunharrow Captain

Additional Voices:

A large number of voice actors contributed, including Shane Bartle, Zac Bell, Daniel Flynn, Peter Hambleton, and many more. Some voices were also provided by members of Games Workshop Limited.

Production Team Highlights:

Casting Directors: Sarah Noonan, Andy Brierley

Conceptual Designers: Alan Lee, John Howe

Original Character Designer: STATO

Animation Character Designer: Miyako Takasu

CGI Producer: Kentaro Tominaga

Key Animators: Satoshi Ichinokawa, Tomoe Nishio, Yuko Matsuda, and many others

Welcome to another episode of Animation Weekend! This time, The Film Buff tackles a big question: Is Amazon’s hit series Invincible the pinnacle of American adult animation? We dive deep into the answer, with a special focus on showrunner Simon Racioppa.

Today the Film Buff has a brief discussion on the best film of the year and the best drama of the decade. The Brutalist

Those who brought us The Brutalist

Main Cast:

Joel Edgerton – László Toth

Marion Cotillard – Erzsébet Toth

Mark Rylance

Sebastian Stan

Vanessa Kirby

Isaac Powell

Stacy Martin

Main Crew:

Director: Brady Corbet

Writers: Brady Corbet, Mona Fastvold

Cinematographer: Lol Crawley

Editor: Dávid Jancsó

Production Design: Chris Oddy

Costume Design: Kate Forbes

Music: Danny Bensi, Saunder Jurriaans

Comic book documentaries are rare—frankly, there aren’t nearly enough. But among the few that exist, this one stands above the rest. The Film Buff explores the highs and lows of this masterfully told saga about Hellboy creator Mike Mignola.

Watchmen Chapter 1 was a huge disappointment for The Film Buff, but curiosity got the best of Peter when Chapter 2 became available on HBO Max. As a film, animation, and Watchmen expert, what does AKAPAD have to say about this one?

It's the weekend, and the AKAPADers know that means it's time for animation. In observance of Black History Month, The Film Buff has discovered a short film whose originality is truly admirable. In this episode, Peter highlights the vision of Aphton Corbin, revealing why this short resonates so deeply with all of us in the most poignant ways.

To Live and Die in L.A. is finally available on digital—specifically on Amazon Prime! This is one of the last remaining films The Film Buff had been eagerly waiting to see On-Demand. Now, after experiencing it, The Film Buff revels in this overlooked gem—one that ultimately stands as just another chapter in the endless struggle between cops and the criminals they pursue.

Those who brought To Live and Die in LA

Main Cast

William Petersen as Richard Chance

Willem Dafoe as Eric Masters

John Pankow as John Vukovich

Debra Feuer as Bianca Torres

John Turturro as Carl Cody

Darlanne Fluegel as Ruth Lanier

Dean Stockwell as Bob Grimes

Steve James as Jeff Rice

Robert Downey Sr. as Thomas Bateman

Michael Greene as Jim Hart

Christopher Allport as Max Waxman

Key Crew Members

Director: William Friedkin

Screenplay: William Friedkin & Gerald Petievich (based on Petievich’s novel)

Producers: Irving H. Levin & Bud S. Smith

Cinematography: Robby Müller

Editor: M. Scott Smith

Music: Wang Chung

Production Design: Lilly Kilvert

Casting: Robert Weiner

Costume Design: Linda M. Bass

On June 25th, audiences worldwide will be introduced to F1, a high-octane racing film starring Brad Pitt and directed by Ehren Kruger. With the potential to reignite excitement for cinema—much like Top Gun: Maverick did—F1 promises to bring adrenaline-fueled action to the big screen and remind audiences why theaters are the ultimate movie experience.