DeGen Cinema Podcast

Degens Andy S and Brandon Bombay got the whole wide world, in their hands, as they discuss 'Con Air.' Bombay opens the proceedings by telling the time he had his own flight from hell from Asia which involved being awake for 36 hours after a bender, with his arm in a sling. Then the fellas talk about one of the goofiest studio movies of the '90s, a film where Jerry Bruckheimer tapped a gun for hire to do his best Michael Bay impression, and the KY budget was record breaking as everyone glistened on screen. Nic Cage's flowing locks, and hackey inconsistent sometimes southern, sometimes Cajun accent, gets top billing, but it's an insanely stacked cast. John Malkovich chews scenery to degrees that'll make your jaw hurt, Danny Trejo is an ultra predatory latin Pepe le Pew, and Steve Buscemi is a poetic psychopath who wears heads for hats. Meanwhile, approximately 58% of the plot revolves around Cage's Poe securing insulin for his friend. None of it makes sense, but it ends with not one, but two wild crash scenes that tear up the majority of the Las Vegas strip. Whether you love the movie or find it overly cartoonish you'll want to tune in for this episode ... "or the bunny gets it." 

Degens Andy S and Brandon Bombay decide to crush two meatball subs each before jumping on their boards to talk 'Point Break.' Andy opens the set by telling the story about his magical day on the beach that started with drinks and smoke, and suddenly got out of control as he tried to impress women by surfing while on ketamine — think Bodhi's last wave, but even more disastrous. Then the boys dive in to talk about this elevated trash masterpiece that changed the game for studio action. In addition to the gorgeous leads, the movie is littered with hunky dudes, and is a visual feast for those who appreciated creative camera shots, and washboard abs. You have angelically handsome Keanu Reeves playing opposite beach-haired Patrick Swayze, whose crazy eyes belie a character who is barely keeping his insanity subdued. In today's movie climate, Bodhi would've earned the actor countless awards — even if only for the gas pump-flamethrower scene. On top of all the eye candy you have a member of Degen Mt. Rushmore, Gary Busey, lending his insane energy to the film. This episode will have you gripped before we say "vaya con dios" friends. 

Degens Andy S and Brandon Bombay decide to get high on their days off as they talk about the comedy classic, 'Friday.' Andy starts off the hot summer day by recalling the time he used to cop off an ice cream man, and much like Smokey and Big Worm, he got behind in payments. Then the guys dive in on one of the great hang flicks that perfectly captures the eclectic mix of characters you grow up with in your neighborhood. They reminisce about parents that would lock their kids out, households that would have one of something but never the other, and getting high with your friends while you're unemployed. Of course, the movie is helped by an insane comedy cast that included John Witherspoon that advised "nobody go in that bathroom for about 35, 45 minutes," and an undeniable star-making turn from Chris Tucker. Add in a heaping of hilarious eclectic characters, prime Nia Long, and more quotable lines than the '90s could contain, and you have an endurable film that ages finer than Mrs. Parker in jean shorts. This episode is guaranteed to leave you laughing ... and you know this, mannnn.

Degens Andy S and Brandon Bombay take a Los Angeles city bus to the studio to record their 'Speed' episode. Bombay gets it started by reminiscing about the time he saw two girls getting harassed on public transit, and how it wound up in a fortuitous meeting. Then there's a "Pop quiz, hot shot!" as the fellas do their best to bring Dennis Hopper-esque unhinged energy to discuss this '90s classic. Besides Hopper's looney turn as a villain, there's a ton to like in this wonderfully-paced actioner that's filled with wonderful character actors in supporting roles, and bolstered by two undeniable leads that are propelled into ludicrous situation after ludicrous situation. Perhaps none more unbelievable than the fact that nearly everyone taking the bus were on a first name basis with each other. On top of all that there are multiple practical F/X set pieces that clearly cost the lives of several crew members. When talking about all this, the guys do their best to bring undeniable charm to the proceedings, similar to Sandra Bullock's star-making role. Much like an unreliable city bus you have to take to work, you won't want to miss this ep. 

Degens Andy S and Brandon Bombay head to the Feisty Goat to hang with soccer hooligans and talk 'EuroTrip.' Andy starts the episode off by recalling the first time he tried absinthe, and how it was similar to the characters trying it in the movie, as he didn't realize just how messed up it made him until it was far too late. Then the fellas use a Europass to jump on the train and discuss a movie with an inciting incident that involves an all-time hilarious cameo from Matt Damon, and one of the most infectious made-for-movie songs ever recorded. Things quickly go off the rails, both in the movie and on the episode, as the guys remember the dicey scenarios of meeting girls online in the early internet days. There's a story about being shocked at how brazen the proprietor of a sex club in Montreal acted, as the boys jump from sticky situation to sticky situation. They also take time to mention some of the memorable performances including a never-hotter Michelle Trachtenberg (RIP), a ludicrously creepy Italian Fred Armisen, and an eye-socket beer-opening Vinnie Jones. Much like the movie, it's just a breezy, bonkers episode that'll have you rushing to play 'Scotty Doesn't Know' as soon as it's over. 

Degens Andy S and Brandon Bombay light the fuse for a special Cruisemas edition of the podcast as they discuss one of the greatest action movies of all-time, 'Mission: Impossible - Fallout.' Bombay jumps into action by remembering a time when a gorgeous girl hit him with a surprisingly hard kiss, reminiscent of Vanessa Kirby grabbing Ethan Hunt. Then Andy recalls utilizing MoviePass when this was in theater and seeing this flick countless times while being unemployed — and severely under the influence. Then the fellas chat about this instant classic, and make a motion for 'Fallout' to not only be taught in every classroom, but to be requisite viewing for all children across America. This leads to discussing their favorite action set pieces, and having difficulty deciding between the HALO jump, the inner city motorcycle chase, and the bonkers helicopter flight chase sequence. Choosing between those is almost as difficult as the game of Marry, Marry, Marry between the enchanting lightly-freckled trio of Rebecca Ferguson, Vanessa Kirby, and Michelle Monaghan. Simon Pegg's franchise-best comedic chops get some love, as do Ving Rhames' hats. Even Henry Cavill finds his calling as a mustachioed heavy, who can't comprehend why Cruise's Hunt won't just die. Of course, it's all held together by cinema's savior who made the ultimate sacrifice by breaking his ankle Jackie Chan 'Rumble in the Bronx'-style when he jumped out of a window for our entertainment. The greater the suffering, the greater the podcast. Merry Cruisemas to all! 

Degens Andy S and Brandon Bombay can't decide whose car to take before going out and hurting some people, as they talk about 'The Town.' Andy opens up the ep about a drunken family member who lived in Charlestown, where the movie takes place, and how they got themselves in a terrifying situation that went viral. Then the fellas kick things off by dumping on the city of Boston, the annoying inhabitants of the city, and the grating accent that makes everyone sound like retahhds. There's also deep talks about the attractiveness of Ben Affleck — who is next level yoked for his role as a sober bank thief — and Blake Lively, who captured our hearts with her trailer trash chic portrayal that did little to mask just how beautiful she actually is. Of course we have to mention Jeremy Renner's loose cannon Gem, who deservedly gets all the love. It's a damn fine movie that falls short of masterpiece territory thanks to committing too much time to a love story no one cares about, and some clunky dramatic beats such as Affleck's character relapsing and choosing to do so in an abandoned bus. Check out the ep, it'll have you more excited than seeing shirtless juiced out Affleck doing pull ups.

Degens Andy S and Brandon Bombay overdo it on shrooms while trying to impress a bunch of frat bros at a party before discussing, 'Neighbors.' Andy starts off the episode with a bang, literally, by recalling the time he put on a giant fireworks display on a Fourth of July party that wound up lighting himself, and his property, on fire. Then the guys talk about one of the last great studio parties that has stood the test of time. The central theme is about handling the stress of transitioning into a new phase of your life, and the fellas discuss how parent party culture has changed in recent years. That leads to a tangent about pregnancy, and more specifically the boys' love for preggo boobs. One of the film's funniest moments revolved around the always terrific Rose Byrne having her overstuffed mammaries milked in "udderly traumatic" fashion. Aside from that drop in the bucket scene, the movie is light on female nudity, but heavy on dong humor. Including Dave Franco being able to control when he wants to be engorged. There's also ample shots of Zac Efron shirtless, and the flick does a good job of addressing his otherworldly hotness, while also letting his underrated comedic chops shine. Crank up the volume on this episode and have your neighbors call the police with a noise complaint. 

Degens Andy S and Brandon Bombay stop by a strip club while on duty to talk about an action-comedy classic, 'Beverly Hills Cop.' Bombay opens up discussion about this fish out of water tale of a Detroit cop with some stories about his family dealing with cops while living in Detroit. Then the fellas dive into the movie, which has a thin plot that is just an excuse to let prime Eddie Murphy riff, and let killer '80s songs rip. The inciting incident involves Murphy's Axel Foley being visited by a "hoodlum" friend from his past, and that leads to Andy recalling when he had to cut ties with an uninvited house guest. In the flick, that leads to Axel heading out to Beverly Hills where he befriends mismatched friends Taggart and Rosewood while talking himself out of countless situations by lying on the fly. Comedy does the heavy lifting, but there's some great action set pieces, a screaming irate police captain — which Hollywood needs to bring back as a trope — and infectious tunes peppered throughout. It closes with a freeze frame of Murphy making a goofy face into the camera before cueing up a Patti LaBelle track. Much like the film being discussed, the fellas do not take themselves very seriously this episode. 

Degens Andy S and Brandon Bombay "whatchya gonna do 'fore they come for you?" before talking about a buddy cop movie that not only kickstarted a franchise, but changed the face of action movies, 'Bad Boys.' Bombay starts it off with a story of hitting up dicey clubs and after hours in Miami, and then making friends with a drug dealer at one of the city's most notorious shady spots. Then the fellas dive in on Michael Bay's slick, over-stylized actioner that helped shape the look, and framework of action flicks for years to come. Bolstered by two leads in Will Smith and Martin Lawrence who have immeasurable chemistry, charisma, and charm. It also featured an underrated sultry performance from Megan Fox's blue eyed, dark haired prototype, Tea Leoni. Ultimately, it leads to the guys championing for the resurgence of family-friendly R-rated movies that have naughty words and guns, but are ultimately a good time for the whole family. Stop at the store, grab some Skittles, and pop on the episode.