DeGen Cinema Podcast

Degen style Oscar Season continues as the fellas grab their harmonicas and guitars to talk about Ryan Coogler's genre mashup box office sensation, 'Sinners.' Bombay starts it off by channeling the oral-based loving seen throughout the film, and recalls a few drunken cuninlingis tales of his own. 

Then the guys head on down to the juke and discuss one of the horniest studio films ever made, a movie that became a cultural revelation out of seemingly nowhere. Powered by the delta blues, this horror mishmash borrows tropes from some of your favorite flicks, but is undeniably singular. Besides the wonderful music — including a befuddling enchanting mid-movie musical number — 'Sinners' features incredible performances across the board including the always indelible Delroy Lindo whose alcoholic bluesman Delta Slim is the backbone of the film. Michael B. Jordan lends two servings of star power, but the rest of the cast holds the band together, which includes an unrecognizable turn from Jack O'Connell. Make sure you play this episode from dusk till' dawn and be sure to stick around for the post credits sequence.

It's Oscar Season, Degen style, as Andy S and Brandon Bombay talk about Paul Thomas Anderson's instant classic, 'One Battle After Another.' Andy kicks it off by recalling a time he had a run-in with the cops while driving where he was questioned about his sobriety, and the legality of his friend in the backseat.

Then the boys dive straight into PTA's sprawling thriller/comedy and begin with the magnetism Teyana Taylor brings to her role, and how they would gladly commit domestic terrorism for her. Sean Penn delivers his most unhinged performance in years (and easily his horniest) as the despicable Col. Stephen J. Lockjaw who's involved in a sordid relationship with Taylor's Perfidia Beverly Hills that is the inciting incident for the whole movie. Of course, at the center of it all is Leonard DiCaprio's brain friend Bob Ferguson, who finds an ally in Benicio del Toro's beer-guzzling sensei. In many ways this is PTA's 'Road Warrior' as it culminates in a gorgeously-shot epic road chase, and the episode mirrors the propulsive energy of the flick. By the end you'll have "no fear, just like Tom f**kin' Cruise." 

Love is in the air as degens Andy S and Brandon Bombay talk 'A Star is Born" for a special Valentine's Day episode. Andy is the opening act as he recalls a time he over-partied before performing and it led to him peeing himself on stage similar to the embarrassing moment for Bradley Cooper's Jackson Maine. 

Then the fellas discuss a flick that was the rare case of a vanity project that worked. Littered with catchy hit tunes, it's the performances and veritas-like grit that grabs you early. At the center is Cooper's booze-soaked artist. The guys discuss his alcoholism, and how it's actually a horrible idea to ask that level of boozer to cut it cold turkey. They also talk about the splashy casting decision to nab Lady Gaga — in a career-best acting role — and the stunt casting of Andrew 'Dice' Clay as her father. Of course, Sam Elliott and his tearful driving wound up overshadowing everyone. This is an episode about whirlwind bender romances, and how they are seldomly sustainable, but oh so enjoyable. 

Degens Andy S and Brandon Bombay decide to let off some steam and talk about a classic that epitomized '80s action, 'Commando.' Bombay starts it off by recalling how his parents introduced him to adult movies when he was 7 years old by renting this banger. 

Then the boys talk about multiple ludicrous elements of this film that was seemingly only made as a way to showcase Arnold Schwarzenegger's bulging body. Naturally, his John Matrix is matched up against Vernon Wells' chainmail vest-wearing Bennett, who is more obsessed with Arnie than director Mark Lester. The movie is loaded with iconic one-liners, and wildly illogical decision making. After jumping out of a plane, Schwarzenegger teams up with the adorable Rae Dawn Chong, who coincidentally happens to be getting her pilot's license. After taking out about 40 security guards/mall cops, Schwarzenegger flies out to Val Verde to face off against Dan Hedaya — who was inexplicably cast as a Central American dictator — and his army of goons. In order to save his daughter, Matrix must kill every last one of them, and in the most brutal ways possible. Will you have a bad time listening to this gonzo episode? No chance! 

Degens Andy S and Brandon Bombay get out early from their 30 year bids and decide to hit the streets to talk 'Carlito's Way.' Andy kicks it off by recalling his sordid past when he took this DVD from an addict friend who became obsessed with getting it back. Then the fellas discuss Al Pacino's puzzling, but very committed turn as a Puerto Rican kingpin. They examine Carlito's actions in the movie and decide that despite all his heavy voiceover talk, Carlito doesn't seem to have that great of street smarts as he makes boneheaded move after boneheaded move. Brian De Palma's well-known gangster flick is still gripping, but has decidedly aged poorly in many areas. The love scene with Carlito busting in with a promise of cheesecake for Gail — that features a ludicrous needle drop — is nothing compared to the cartoonish performance of Sean Penn as the greedy, disloyal Jewish lawyer. The guys share their gripes, but have plenty of good things to say about the movie so you'll wanna stick around till the end, or "you're gonna die big time." 

Degens Andy S and Brandon Bombay ask if you're watching closely before misdirecting you with stories while discussing 'The Prestige.' Bombay opens the episode with a story about drunkenly being confused at a party and trying to kiss the wrong person. Then the guys discuss a film that is often overlooked in Christopher Nolan's oeuvre, a movie that is personal for the director as it's a thinly veiled metaphor for movie making/storytelling. The boys talk about the best magic trick the film pulls off which was stunt casting David Bowie as Nikola Tesla. Bowie may be the most majestic creature on the screen, but Scarlett Johansson is a close second, and it's no wonder the twin brothers decided to share lives when they were romantically involved with ScarJo and Rebecca Hall. Dazzling performances, and period piece set design work as misdirection into a dizzyingly satisfying final act that is loaded with reveals and catharsis. Which is similar to the end of the episode, so make sure you stick around for all three acts of this magical podcast. 

Degens Andy S and Brandon Bombay are out for vengeance as they discuss a movie that launched a thousand imitators, 'Death Wish.' Andy kicks off the episode by telling a recent tale when his car was hit in a hit and run, and he decided to dole out some justice. 

Then the fellas talk about this Charles Bronson classic that borders on exploitation, and is super dark even by '70s studio standards. No one can blame Bronson's Paul Kersey for snapping after his wife with the "prime figure" is murdered by thugs, and the doctor delivers the news in hilariously uncouth fashion. Seeing Bronson run the streets with his gun, inspires the boys to perhaps buy some for themselves, and how that could be a horrible idea. Even for a podcast that welcomes degenerate behavior it's obvious that Bronson's bloodlust is unsustainable, as he continues killing while knowing that the police are watching him. Overall, it's a bonkers episode that will leave listeners acting like Jeff Goldblum's Freak #1 when they're finished.

Degens Andy S and Brandon Bombay are all-in on telling wild stories as they talk about a movie that set off a poker boom, 'Rounders.' Bombay is the first one in the pot, as he recalls how going on an epic poker run helped get him out of serious money troubles in his youth. 

Then the boys discuss the classic sports movie disguised as a gambling movie. Featuring a memorable villain portrayed by John Malkovich, who decided to make some of the most gonzo acting choices imaginable, and we love him for it. Along with a rising Matt Damon, the film also stars Edward Norton as Worm, the type of friend you can't leave alone for more than two minutes. That character reminds Andy of when he picked up a buddy from jail, and the lessons he learned. On top of the top tier acting, John Dahl also showed off his noir-sensibilities behind the camera, as the movie is not only filled with specific poker detail, but also flourishes of late '90s New York. It not only taught a generation how to play Texas Hold 'Em, but also taught that in the game of life, women are the rake. 

Degens Andy S and Brandon Bombay start off Round One of the year with 'Creed.' Andy hits first with a story about his time in a boxing match where the use of performance enhancing drugs had unforeseen consequences. 

Then the guys grab cheesesteaks and chat about one of the great Philly movies. Brimming with flourishes about the city from food spots, to hip hop choices, this 'Rocky' franchise reboot has no business being as captivating as it is, but Ryan Coogler's eye for detail shines through. Not only is it one of the great movies capturing a city, but it somehow pulls off the rare feat of being a sports movie that's riveting in and outside the ring. This was a star-making role for Michael B. Jordan, but it's Sylvester Stallone's career-best portrayal that helps ground the entire endeavor. 

Degens Andy S and Brandon Bombay head out on town to get messed up and cause havoc as they wrap up XXXmas by discussing one of the great modern Christmas comedies, 'The Night Before.' Andy starts it off by unwrapping a story about the time he did shrooms at a church with friends in his youth, and how the evening quickly unraveled.

Then the fellas dive right into a movie they believe should be on the pantheon of Xmas movies. It wastes zero time getting to the debauchery, and much like Andy in real life, Seth Rogen's Isaac overshoots the mark with his narcotics use very early one. After encountering a talking nativity scene, and meeting a demonic baby, he ends up deciding to level out by taking even more drugs. Around that time, Anthony Mackie's Chris has one of the grimiest, and most memorable sex scenes. The hilarity and cameos continue as a sex-crazed James Franco, and his dong, make an appearance, but the MVP of the whole affair has to be Michael Shannon's celestial Mr. Green. Mirroring this episode, there's stories of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, with listeners who make it to the end earning their wings.