Cinematic Respect

Charlie and guest host Adam Gobeski watch the 1982 sci-fi film "Blade Runner" with guest Paul Wilcox. We give you the low-down on the different versions of the film (we watched "The Final Cut") and probe the philosophical implications of having a race of slave robots. Of course, we address THE BIG QUESTION that's open to interpretation, and much like Ridley Scott and Harrison Ford, we don't agree! And it would be impossible to get these three together without at least ONE Tim and Eric reference...

Jessica and Charlie welcome our guest Arnoldo Lopez for our FIRST animated feature review, Wes Anderson's delightfully quirky "Fantastic Mr. Fox" (2009). Does this really fit in to Anderson's catalog, or is it a digression? And what's the deal with the big black wolf? And the most important question: Does this movie ruin Adam's childhood??

Author Amber Elby joins Charlie and guest co-host and Executive Producer Adam Gobeski  to watch Forbidden Planet (1956). We marvel at the production design (and a young Leslie Nielsen), discuss the film's nods to The Tempest, and argue which one of us has the highest IQ. Okay, we didn't do that last one, but honestly - who DOES that???

Dustin Jacqmin joins us to talk about his namesake Dustin Hoffman as we review The Graduate (1967). Is Benjamin the biggest jerk in movie history? Is Elaine just as crazy as he is? The repeated theme of alienation plays well with the kids, but how about us adults? And what conversation could be complete without discussing the nonpareil soundtrack? No conversation I'd want to be a part of, that's for sure!

This week the tables are turned and Charlie hadn't seen the quintessential screwball comedy "His Girl Friday" (1940). We discuss how the movie was affected by the Hollywood Production code, the dark undertones of the movie, and how we love Cary Grant (because who doesn't?). The BBC Culture just listed it as the #14 comedy of all time. Charlie's brain wasn't fast enough to process all the witty banter, but otherwise he agrees!

In episode 11, we review the upbeat, colorful, almost-Best-Picture-winner La La Land (2016) with the less than impressed Brianne Gobeski. Why did we invite a guest on who was well-versed in musical theater and movies instead of someone who would blindly fawn over Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone?? She won't give the movie a free pass, and neither will we! And speaking of the leads, we do a little fantasy re-casting (and some stunt casting)! And as always, our EP Adam is lurking in the shadows and shows up to give his unadulterated opinion as well!

Our friends Schmelvie joins us this episode to watch the 1972 masterpiece "The Godfather". We go in depth with character analysis, discuss production and sound design, overall color palette choices and perhaps one of cinema's most iconic scenes. Oh, and also how Fredo is a loser and no one loves him. Poor Fredo!

Longtime friends Dan and Michelle Hess join us to talk about the hilarious 1988 film "A Fish Called Wanda". We talk about the pitch perfect script and performances, the unexpected cultural sensitivity, and how you can never have too many Monty Pythonites. Oh, and Dan tells a story about the movie that may have started Charlie's passion for film criticism: the 1993 Arnold Schwarzenegger vehicle" Last Action Hero"!

We discuss the "hardships" of being an 80's teenager in the northern suburbs of Chicago in Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986), with our guest Kara Hulce. Kara is quick to point out that Ferris isn't really that great of a person, and that even in 1986, Charlie Sheen doles out pretty bad advice. Will Jessica and Kara remain friends after Kara's scathing analysis of one of Jessica's favorite films??

Good friend and John Carpenter fan Justin Sills joins us after his first time watching They Live (1988), We talk about the director's unique style, the best improvised lines and the brilliance of Keith David. And what "They Live" discussion could be complete without the wrestling moves of the late, great "Rowdy" Roddy Piper? We also dive into what makes a bad action movie... well... GOOD.