Clearing The Queue

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We just can't seem to stop gnawing on bones of yesteryear's movies. Join hosts Mike and Zak, once again, as they talk at you about some movies that they watched recently in this Bi-Weekly addition to the CTQ podcast we are affectionately referring to as "What are We Watching?" We start things off with the harrowing "All Quiet on the Western Front" a remake of the black and white silent era classic that pulls no punches as it reminds us all that War is indeed Hell. Followed by a review of Brandon Cronenberg's  newest thriller "Infinity Pool" and Noah Baumbach's sophistry riddled thought piece  "White Noise." And then we round things off with a scathing exploration of one of the most uncomfortable cinematic experiences 2023 has yet to offer: "Skinamarink."  

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Since the inception of the CTQ podcast Zak has been suggesting that we cover this little known kid's movie, so this has been a LONG time coming. Tom was your average workaholic businessman in the 90s, he smoked like a chimney and he had little to no time for his family or his friends. Yes, Tom truly had it all, until he was MURDERED! After being Reincarnated as a dog, and with the help of some new friends, he becomes FLUKE the Rarest of Pupper Protagonists, and he's out to find and protect his family from the villainous ginger known simply as: Jeff. Does this not sound like the plot of a kids movie to you, then you're in good company! Enjoy Part one of our: So Bad, it's Good (Nostalgia Edition) month, we sure did! 

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Join hosts Mike and Zak as they root through the stale leftovers of yesteryear’s cinematic transgressions. Zak has some choice words to share about Babylon, and Mike takes exception to Avatar 2, way of water, before moving on to discuss Bardo, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths and Old Henry, which didn’t come out last year, but they boys are always keen to talk about a Tim Blake Nelson Vehicle. Can’t get enough movies? Neither can WE!

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Hosts Mike and Zak ring in the new year, yet again, with another amazing South Korean Filmmaker. When an attempt to save the world from rising global temperatures sends our planet into an ice age, the passengers of a luxury train represent the last bastion of humanity in a twisted dystopia where your value is determined by your proximity to the front of the locomotive. A tale of classism and violent revolution told through the lens of a science fiction action thriller, Snowpiercer is a thought provoking thrill ride from academy award winning korean filmmaker Bong Joon Ho.  

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Abducted and trapped in a prison that resembles a hotel room for 15 years, Oh Dae-su is suddenly thrust back into the outside world and must discover the identity of his tormentor and take his revenge, a thing more easily said than done.  With the help of a young sushi chef and an old friend, Dae-su bludgeons his way through this tale of love, family, and vengeance that will make you laugh as often as it makes you cry. The edge of your seat is gonna get a real workout with this one, and it will  leave you feeling like you need a good shower and nice cup of never-a-fucking-gain, but it’s not one to be missed for anyone who loves violent thrillers with dramatic twists.  

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It's that time of the year again, when we all look back on the past 12 months and reflect on what we have accomplished, what we struggled with, and then proceed to get blackout drunk trying to forget it all so we can wake up feeling even worse! Come numb the pain of yet another trip around the sun with your pals Mike and Zak as they recount their top 5 flicks of 2022 and look forward in quiet optimism for what the new year might bring!  

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A story about obsession, guilt, and mental illness, the Man Who Killed Don Quixote is the much anticipated passion project of acclaimed director Terry Gillaim, who tried and failed and tried several more times to adapt Miguel De Cervantes’ literary classic over the course of a couple decades. While perhaps not the film he had originally set out to make, the finished product is unmistakably a labor of love, riddled with references to the countless personal and professional struggles the filmmakers experienced while attempting to bring Gilliam’s vision to life. Though many scenes and characters Pay Homage to Cervantes’ novel, Gillaim tells a very modern and personal story about a Director who has lost his passion and then loses himself in an attempt to recapture the spark of his youthful creativity, while coming to terms with the effect his actions have had on the people he had to step over on his way to the top. 

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This week on What are we Watching (WawW) Mike and Zak discuss one of our favorite working Directors: Guillermo del Toro. Focusing on two of his projects that have recently been released on Netflix; Pinocchio and The Cabinet of Curiosities, exemplifying that he is one of the most versatile creatives working right now, while gushing over how absolutely adorable he is. We also Talk Brian De Palma a bit as Zak gushes about seeing Sisters at the New Beverly recently, and Mike shoves in some  holiday spirit with a brief recap of Jingle all the Way. Need an escape from the stresses of the Holiday season? Clearing the Q has got some steaming hot escapism to chase away those holiday blues!    

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Slevin Kelevra, a down on his luck twenty something schlub, is set up to take the fall for a huge debt by his supposed friend Nick Fisher, and sets in motion a chain of events that is colloquially referred to as the Kansas City Shuffle. A Study in misdirection and sharp wit, Lucky Number Slevin is a crime drama that twists and turns at every bend in the story. The charisma of our protagonist is matched line for line by the star studded supporting cast that brings this story to life in a way that feels unquestionably real. 

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Once more Hosts Mike and Zak have a bit of discourse over what they've been putting there Eyeballs on these past few weeks. This week they dish about the Glass Onion, a Knives Out Mystery, the Menu (spoilers Zak hated it), Bones and all, and the new Netflix series Wednesday, so needless to say, this one's a mouthful!