DeGen Cinema Podcast

Degenerates Andy S and Brandon Bombay kick things into fifth gear as they talk about the modern crime classic, 'Drive.' Bombay recalls how when the movie started permeating into popular culture he bonded with a stripper who loved the film and its indelible soundtrack. Then the fellas dissect Nicolas Winding Refn's gorgeously shot movie which borrowed heavily from crime films from the '70s and '80s, and transposed those aesthetics into the modern era. Arguably one of the great style over substance movies of this decade, the film stars a magnetically brooding Ryan Gosling, and is buoyed by not only an infectious soundtrack, but a mesmerizing score from Cliff Martinez. Those soothing visuals and sounds are juxtaposed against jarring violence which would go on to become a staple in Refn's later works. 

Degenerates Andy S and Brandon Bombay head south of the border to discuss a modern action classic, 'Desperado.' Andy starts off the jam session by opening his guitar case full of stories and talks about the time he accidentally got involved in a giant bar brawl. Then the guys discuss a movie that starts much like our podcasts, with a great story. A movie that featured star-turning roles in scintillating performances from Antonio Banderas and Salma Hayek, who had sizzling chemistry together. Directed by Robert Rodriguez, who had an assist from early-career Quentin Tarantino, 'Desperado' is a genre masterpiece that is not only one of the coolest movies of the '90s, but one of the coolest movies of all-time. Pour yourself a margarita, or piss-warm chango, and enjoy our Cinco de Mayo themed ep. 

Degenerates Andy S and Brandon Bombay discuss a Quentin Tarantino classic that often gets overlooked in his filmography — 'Jackie Brown.' The action gets rolling with Bombay telling a story about a very drunk friend who rode in the back of a truck, and saw a prank hilariously backfire. Then the fellas examine Tarantino's follow up to 'Pulp Fiction,' a breezy slow moving hang out movie with a heist at the center of the narrative that seems tertiary. A movie filled with bumbling characters who made being screw ups their life's work. There's memorable turns from Samuel L. Jackson, Robert De Niro, and Bridget Fonda, but it was the casting of the titular Pam Grier, and genre legend Robert Forster that pulled the movie together. 'Jackie Brown,' when you absolutely, positively got to entertain every motherf***er in the room, accept no substitutes. 

Degenerates Andy S and Brandon Bombay celebrate 4/20 by rolling up a fat one and discussing 'Inherent Vice,' an incredibly funny movie featuring an underrated all-time stoner character. Bombay starts off the session by reminiscing about the time when he was a mutual fund dealer and cost a client a bunch of money because he got too high before work. Then the guys delve into an unusually hilarious film that could only be made by a craftsman such as Paul Thomas Anderson who perfectly encapsulates a period in Los Angeles. The hosts talk about how oddly true to the bizarre source material the film remains while it invites the viewer into a labyrinthine mystery overflowing with absurd characters. Joaquin Phoenix, Josh Brolin, Benicio del Toro, and even Martin Short deliver arguably their funniest performances. This is an ephemeral movie that pairs perfectly with weed, so grab your 4/20 goodies and let it wash over you. Moto pod-acako!

Degenerates Andy S and Brandon Bombay put it all on the line in a three-way parlay as they discuss 'Uncut Gems' an instant gambling that is the embodiment of compulsion/Degen Cinema. Andy shares behind-the-scenes stories on how the Safdie brothers rounded out their very New York movie with very New York non-actors, and talks about how he spent a whirlwind night with the directing duo after the premiere. Then the guys discuss how great directors of the '70s such as Friedkin and Altman have their fingerprints all over this film. They also delve into the star-making turn from Julia Fox, and all her unhinged glory, before discussing Adam Sandler's mesmerizing turn as Howie a.k.a. the Human Parlay. 

Degenerates Andy S and Brandon Bombay ask "will God forgive us" for not heralding 'First Reformed' as an instant masterpiece? Andy gets sacrilegious from the start by telling a story from his capricious youth when he caused wanton destruction and wound up doing community service at a church with a sketchy priest. Then the boys write in their audio journal (podcast), and look at a late career high mark from Paul Schrader — a solemn, brooding film with a minimal score, and gorgeously framed visuals. Featuring a career best role from the always dependable Ethan Hawke that is both reserved and brimming with existential angst. This may not be a feel-good movie, but watching this incredible film is a feel-good exercise. 

Degenerates Andy S and Brandon Bombay have not abandoned their pod, and dig into 'There Will Be Blood.' Bombay starts the episode off by talking about the time he went on a crazy, and ultimately disastrous, drinking binge with a wealthy oil man — and they weren't drinking milkshakes. Then the fellas dive into the century's greatest depiction of America captured on celluloid. They discuss the deliberate pacing that's combined with an all-time performance to make truly gripping cinema. The themes of a man trying to outrun his demons is not only central to this great character study, but is also a throughline for the thesis of this podcast. It all adds up to make "one goddamn helluva show." 

Andy S tells a story about when he got in over his head, and had to spend time at the mansion of a terrifying drug dealer who was strikingly similar to James Franco's Alien from 'Spring Breakers.' Then the fellas discuss how the film transcended the stunt casting of Disney princesses turned criminals to become a generationally influential movie. Despite the surface level objectification of the cast, 'Spring Breakers' is a feminist text about empowered young women. Over a decade later the movie stands tall as an experimental project that wound up being something akin to 'Scarface' for Gen-Z. It truly is "spring break forever." 

Degenerates Andy S and Brandon Bombay prove that "pod don't hurt" as they talk 'Road House.' Bombay remembers when a bouncer 86'd him from his favorite bar because he was "too stupid to have a good time" and left with a stolen bottle. Then the guys jump into one of the most rewatchable movies of all-time that is the perfect blend of '80s excess and '70s genre. This endlessly quotable movie is at max capacity with one-liners, bombshells, hunks, and quirky characters. Remembered by many for ridiculous villains and bad haircuts, 'Road House' is not a good movie...it's a great movie. 

Degenerates Andy S and Brandon Bombay head to the safe house to discuss 'Reservoir Dogs' — the first Quentin Tarantino movie featured on the podcast. Things get messy from the jump, as Andy tells the story of when he was stabbed, and decided to forego the hospital ... but he was "gonna be OK!" Then the fellas discuss the '90s indie gem that spawned countless imitators, and changed American cinema forever. Bolstered by powerhouse performances from Harvey Keitel and Tim Roth, the guys believe the movie ultimately belongs to Michael Madsen's ear-chopping psycho, and Steve Buscemi's quick-talking professional who panics on the inside. 

'Reservoir Dogs' is a 1992 American neo-noir crime film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino in his feature-length debut. It stars Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Chris Penn, Steve Buscemi, Lawrence Tierney, Michael Madsen, Tarantino, and Edward Bunker as diamond thieves whose heist of a jewelry store goes terribly wrong.