DeGen Cinema Podcast

Degens Andy S and Brandon Bombay find a kid stuck in the elevator while they head to the mall to discuss the 1995 comedy staple, 'Mallrats.' Andy starts things off with a story about an old man he used to drink and smoke with outside a mall whose body didn't react well to all the imbibing.Then the fellas say breakfast, shmreakfast as they discuss a VHS favorite that fully embodied the look and dialogue of '90s comedies. Filmed back in an era when hanging out at malls was commonplace for the youth, this was Kevin Smith's sophomore effort which wound up being a coming out party for star Jason Lee. Even though it was packed with pithy lines, and killer performances from the likes of Jason Mewes, it also exposed Smith as not being the most deft hand behind the camera. That doesn't matter however when you have a young Shannen Doherty, a gorgeous Claire Forlani, and a smouldering Joey Lauren Adams in front of the camera to distract from the uninspired direction. It's a hard-R nerd comedy filled with social rejects, who provide a fun-filled 90-plus minutes that will have your 13-year-old inner self chuckling the whole time.

Degens Andy S and Brandon Bombay find themselves in a mob war between the Russians and Chinese as they discuss the criminally underrated actioner 'Safe.' Bombay kicks things into action with a story similar to what Jason Statham does, as he took a cab to pick up a lady of the night. Then the boys talk about an action flick that is overflowing with bone crunching action, and pithy Statham one liners. The movie is referred to by some as John Wick 0.87 as it was a dry run for the 87North stunt guys to test out their fight choreography concepts before launching the John Wick franchise. In many ways, 'Safe' is as important to action cinema as any American movie of the past two decades. Along with being an incredible vehicle for Statham to flex his chops, it also has a '90s New York feel, and that's thanks in large part to being directed by Boaz Yakin. The Israeli New Yorker who wrote the 1989 'The Punisher' movie, and has a varied filmography including 'Fresh,' 'Remember the Titans,' and 'Uptown Girls.' Besides the incredible action, there's a ton of heart in this film as it uses the trope of two loners forming a family themselves in a cruel world. It's riddled with otherworldly action, but also grounded in a grittiness that will have you wondering why the 87North crew hasn't given Statham his own franchise. 

Degens Andy S and Brandon Bombay keep the 4/20 vibes going and spark up a cross-shaped spliff before talking about 'Pineapple Express.' Andy takes the first hit by recalling a wild time he was living the post-divorced bachelor life, and one of his greatest days was abruptly ruined while heading out to surf. Then the fellas talk about David Gordon Green's action-comedy that is an all-around stoner's delight. Starts off as a weed hang movie with Seth Rogen's Dale spending time at James Franco's Saul's pad. This reminds the guys of the days they used to hang out at weed dealer friend's house, and how it led to many uncomfortable interactions with customers. That leads to discussing Rogen's iconography and wondering if he is his generation's Cheech/Chong (sans permanent sidekick). Besides the two leads there's also a great role from an unkillable Danny McBride who swoops in and steals virtually every scene he is in. In the last third the movie switches gears to a full blown action flick, while also keeping the gags rolling. Add on top a sizzling Rosie Perez, and you have the makings for the perfect movie to watch while getting smoked out. 

The Degens ended up getting so baked this 4/20 that we spaced out and lost the episode! Good thing we had a backup stash... please enjoy this very special rerelease of our 1st ever 4/20 special.

Degenerates Andy S and Brandon Bombay were craving a funny movie so they sat down to ingest 'Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle.' Bombay tells the story about the older businessman he saw embarrass himself in front of a group of strangers at a White Castle. Then the fellas talk about howthis movie is not only crammed with more memorable bits than a Crave Case has sliders, but how it's stuffed with heart. Grab a joint, relax, and listen to the episode. "Podcasts, my only weakness!" 

'Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle' is a 2004 Americanbuddy stoner comedy film starring John Cho, Kal Penn, and Neil Patrick Harris. The first installment in the Harold & Kumar franchise, the film follows Harold Lee (Cho) and Kumar Patel (Penn) on their adventure to a White Castle restaurant after smoking marijuana.

Degens Andy S and Brandon Bombay have some fava beans and a nice Chianti before talking about the thriller masterpiece, 'The Silence of the Lambs.' Andy is the first to rub the lotion on his skin, as he recalls having to make an illegal deal with a looney guy who bred exotic moths, butterflies, and other creepy crawlies similar to Buffalo Bill. Then the boys dive into Jonathan Demme's classic that spawned countless imitators, and some truly regrettable sequels. The guys try to make sense of Hannibal Lecter's otherworldly abilities such as being able to smell as if he was part X-Men. This leads to comparing Anthony Hopkins' unforgettable turn as the cannibalistic doctor versus Brian Cox's more subdued portrayal in the '80s. Hopkins and Jodie Foster may have been bestowed with the most critical acclaim, but Ted Levine plays the actual villain in this film, and his Buffalo Bill is skin-crawlingly effective. Andy and Bombay wonder why he was never given the prestigious career that others had. Maybe it was the tuck scene that turned people off? They truly do not make them like this anyone — that refers to this box office studio smash, and this podcast. 

Degens Andy S and Brandon Bombay realize hope is a dangerous thing while sitting down to watch the highest rated movie on IMDb, 'The Shawshank Redemption.' Bombay starts off the episode by remembering an insane Valentine's Weekend bender that ended with watching this movie, and promptly realizing that was the wrong call. Then the guys discuss whether this is the most overrated movie of all-time. After a ridiculous run on cable that saw 'Shawshank' play practically around the clock for 12 years it may just be the most watched movie of all-time. There's a toothlessness to the prison portrayed, which has the boys sharing stories about the bids their dad did behind bars. Ultimately, Bombay and Andy decide while the movie is severely overrated there's still enough good qualities to have you tuning in for more, the foremost being Morgan Freeman incredible voiceover work. The episode ends with them breaking down the impossibility of Andy Dufresne's escape, and wondering if he and Red got down carnally when they reconnected in Mexico. 

Degens Andy S and Brandon Bombay spent the evening playing pool and arcade video games at the Foot Lair before jumping on to talk "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles." Andy kicks the episode off by talking about the delicious pizza in the movie, and how it reminded him of the time he was physically tossed out of a $1 slice joint in New York. 

Then the fellas try to make sense out of one of the most befuddling kids movies that for over a decade was the most successful indie movie of all-time. On paper, none of it should work, but thanks in large part to the genius design of Jim Henson's last effort in film, the ridiculously cool costumes brought the comic book-turned-cartoon to life. Pairing the turtle designs with Hong Kong's legendary Golden Harvest production team brought top tier martial arts to the big screen with a grimy rain soaked late '80s New York as the backdrop. Not only did Raph and the gang look lifelike, but they faced off against one of the coolest looking villains ever with Shredder's incredible design. Toss in Degen Cinema royalty, Elias Koteas, as the bulky Casey Jones, and you have an undeniable children's classic that has six year olds, and grown degens shouting T-U-R-T-L-E POWER. 

Degens Andy S and Brandon Bombay grab two mics, and two helpings of mom's spaghetti to talk about "8 Mile" on 313 Day. Bombay kicks it off by reminiscing about the time he saw an MC try to physically murder another MC in the middle of a rap battle. Then the fellas discuss this sports movie disguised as a hip hop semi-biopic that features one of the most unforgettable endings. Eminem and Co. wisely decided to recruit Curtis Hanson — one of the best directors working at that time — to help elevate the film from trailer trash pulp to something bordering on prestige. Filmed at the height of the rapper's fame, the cast is buoyed by incredible talent including Kim Basinger embracing her Hot Mom era with gusto. The guys also talk about Mekhi Pfifer unconvincing dreads, and Cheddar Bob's general annoyingness. Besides Slim Shady however, the real star is the city of Detroit, as the grit and culture of Motown seeps through virtually every frame. Whether you're from the inner city, the 810, or even if you went to Cranbrook (that's a private school), you'll find something you love about this episode. 

Degens Andy S and Brandon Bombay cut off early from work so they can get high and watch "Flash Gordon" on repeat before talking about "Ted." Bombay starts things off by recalling the night he saw this during its theatrical run, where he snuck in booze and wound up getting too wasted. 

Then the boys discuss a comedy that was a juggernaut at the box office, and has become unsung among the stoner comedy pantheon. A film that is preposterous on paper, but somehow works with a slacker weed smoker and his best friend talking teddy bear. Even though he had shown flourishes, this is Mark Wahlberg flashing his comedic chops that includes his rapid fire trailer trash name scene, and an unforgettable fight scene with his stuffed buddy. The ever reliable Mila Kunis provides the straight roll, while a cast of characters fill out the co-stars including a very smarmy Joel McHale, and an overly-committed turn from Giovanni Ribisi — who would later become instrumental in the world of cinema for his behind the camera work. Grab your favorite stuffed animal, pack a huge bowl, and toss the episode on. 

Degen Oscar season comes to a close as the boys grapple with seeing younger versions of themselves in Josh Safdie's 'Marty Supreme.' Andy kicks it off with a sprawling degenerate tale as he recalls the time he went to extreme (illegal) lengths to buy a replacement bass guitar part, which led to him relying on the greatest skill he had: playing claw machines. Then the fellas discuss a movie that some may see as standard Safdie running against time ridiculousness, while the guys see decisions that were emblematic of their chaotic plate-juggling youths as they realize they once lived the Marty Supreme lifestyle. With impeccable set design from the '50s, a wondrous score and needle drops from the '80s, and dialogue from present day the film takes place in post-WWII NYC but is of an indefinable era. Besides Timothée Chalamet powerhouse lead the movie is littered with non-actors, recognizable character actors, and a slew of stunt casting heavies. Afterwards, the guys rank the anti-heroes from Safdie movies, and make a case for why Marty is more sympathetic than his sociopathic behavior would have you believe. Because if you haven't risked it all by spinning too many plates, and over-promising to people around you in your 20s then you never experienced the Degen lifestyle.