DeGen Cinema Podcast

Degens Andy S and Brandon Bombay come to the realization that they just became best friends while talking about 'Step Brothers.' Andy starts off the episode by detailing how his real life battle with a roommate over a drum kit lead to an unfortunate physical confrontation — very much like Dale and Brennan in the movie. Then the boys talk about one of the last great R-rated studio comedies that is anchored by Will Ferrel and John C. Reilly, but elevated by an incredible supporting cast including Adam Scott, Richard Jenkins, and Kathryn Hahn. Inspired by the opening of the flick, the guys get deep into the weeds and share their recipes for makeshift nachos that are just tossed in the microwave. Afterwards, Kathryn Hahn's uncomfortable forward facing bathroom sex scene leads Bombay to remember a unique position he pulled off with an ex. Of course there's discussion about bunk beds, and freeing up room to do so much activities. This episode will have you grooving and nodding your head as if you were listening to "Boats n' Hoes." 

DescriptionDegens Andy S and Brandon Bombay head to Vegas, baby, Vegas, to talk about the indie film that launched multiple careers, 'Swingers.' Andy starts off the pre-game with a story about the time he was trash talking while playing NHL '94 with friends, and the fights became too real. Then the fellas take out $300, but only intend to spend $100 of it, as they talk about a heartbreak movie that does the impossible by making Jon Favreau's whiny Mike actually likeable. He co-stars with Vince Vaughn who was basically playing himself, but with charisma turned up to 11, as his character Trent pulls off an equally impressive feat by snagging two waitresses at a casino. All of this leads to the guys sharing stories from their own bar hopping days, and fortuitous interactions with beautiful bunnies — and occasionally blowing it by not waiting the requisite two-plus days to call. This episode is money, and it doesn't even know it. 

Degens Andy S and Brandon Bombay are the American sh*theads who make chicks with bricks while talking about action classic, 'Bloodsport.' Bombay breaks records while kicking things off in record time with a story about when he visited Hong Kong and had a surreal experience at a hooker bar. Then the fellas show what the hell a dim mak is, as they fearlessly enter an underground tunnel before discussing the movie that turned Jean-Claude Van Damme into a star during the VHS era. The guys debate if young Frank Dux was mentally slow, or just a clueless sports fan who loves Giants, and Andy recalls a time he stole a katana sword of his own. There's also plenty of discussion about real life shyster Frank Dux who parlayed a whimsical tale about an illegal martial arts tournament — and a few purchased trophies as proof of his exploits — into Cannon releasing a film based on his story. Plus, why did the film fictional Dux stay up all night banging a girl he just met before the biggest fight of his life? All of this, and of course the boys have to talk about Paul Hertzog's dreamy score coupled with Stan Bush's power ballads. This episode was recorded to honor you, shidoshi. 

Degens Andy S and Brandon Bombay hit listeners with a twist they won't see coming, because it kinda doesn't make sense, while talking about the crime caper classic 'The Usual Suspects.' Andy kicks it off by telling a story about when he wound up in police custody after attending a Grateful Dead show, and similar to Benecio del Toro's infamous fart, he couldn't hold it in while standing in a police lineup.Then the fellas discuss a movie that put handicapped people on film back at least 15 years, and debate whether this movie that is noted for its labyrinthine storytelling still holds up. It features an uneven cast, but there are undeniably great turns from the likes of Gabriel Byrne, character actor Pete Postelthwaite, and Kevin Spacey's duplicitous criminal mastermind. The true star of this however is actor Christopher McQuarrie, but the guys have trouble figuring out why Spacey's Verbal Kint needed to tell lies that were structured around the postings on a police bulletin board. Much like this '90s banger, you'll be talking about — and scratching your head — well after this episode ends. 

Degens Andy S and Brandon Bombay get comfortable in the nosebleeds while watching one of the quintessential degenerate sports movies, 'Major League.' Bombay leads off the lineup with a story about going to a Toronto Blue Jays game (drunk), and causing a scene with a giant stuffed bull as he hurled insults at players from the upper deck. Then the guys settle in as they discuss this Slobs vs. Snobs classic which brings back wild memories of acting like maniacs at ball games. The cast is filled with memorable societal rejects such as Charlie Sheen's felonious Ricky "Wild Thing" Vaughn, and Tom Berenger's philandering washed up pro. It even has a gruffed voice manager, and a JD-chugging announcer calling the games. Do your best Willie Mayes Hayes impression, and run don't walk to this unhinged episode. If you decide to not tune in then "up your butt, Jobu." 

Degens Andy S and Brandon Bombay crank the track "Pony" on repeat as they groove while talking about 'Magic Mike.' Andy is the first to the stage, as he recalls a time when he was calorie-counting, much like the strippers in this film, and switched from booze to GHB to disastrous results. Then the boys get into the nitty gritty and immediately air their grievance over the lack of dong for a movie based on the lives of male strippers. It may be remembered for indelible dance sequences, of which there are plenty, but the movie is less a party flick and more of a character study about handsome men from modest beginnings who are attempting to better their situation. Steven Soderbergh is commenting on the illusion of financial upward mobility in America, and he just recruited gorgeous humans to tell his tale. That includes Alex "The Kid" Pettyfer, who is hilariously tasked with trying to pick up women at the bar with his chiseled model-like looks. Make sure you stay for the whole stage show, as this episode starts off unhinged and only gets spicier from there.

Degens Andy S and Brandon Bombay trade cheesy one liners as they talk about a quintessential '80s film, 'The Running Man.' Bombay starts off the show by telling a story about a friend who brought a surprise contestant to a drunken cinema screening of this movie. Then the fellas discuss a flick which may be lesser Arnie, but is an incredibly fuck viewing. They start by debating who was a bigger p-hound in their heyday: Arnold Schwarzenegger or Richard Dawson. That's followed by free-flowing conversation covering the flick which is brimming with both corny juiced up villains who neglected to hit the gym such as Buzzsaw, and a past his prime Jim Brown. Eventually the movie kicks it into overdrive and the plethora of one-liners overpowers the audience like a chokehold from Captain Freedom. It all leads to a fist pumping conclusion as Arnie trades a kiss with the underrated beauty, Maria Conchita Alonso, and a triumphant power ballad plays. Which leads the guys finishing off the episode by pitching the titles of their own power ballads before they "had to split." 

Degens Andy S and Brandon Bombay head to the hardware store to grab supplies and take out baddies as they talk about 'The Equalizer.' Andy kicks it off by reminiscing about the time he was apprehended at a hardware store for buying supplies that made employees very suspicious. Then the fellas talk about one of the better action films of the 2010s, which was helped by starring perhaps the coolest mofo on the planet, Denzel Washington. The guys discuss how Denzel goes full Michael Myers-death merchant mode as he wreaks havoc on the bad guys 'Home Alone' style as he uses all the hardware store tools at his disposal. That leads to many gnarly deaths, including multiple nail gun related homicides. Along the way, Andy and Bombay laugh about meeting loons in diners, and how the people in Denzel's orbit in this flick are cursed with bad luck, but luckily meet a benevolent superhero. This movie often gets mistaken for the morass of John Wick clones that came along, but Antoine Fuqua's franchise actually hit theaters before everyone's favorite retired assassin. Make sure you listen to the end to get some great recs to pair with this movie, and whatever you do don't befriend any annoyingly whiny overweight security guards at work. 

Degens Andy S and Brandon Bombay weren't even supposed to be here today, but still pumped out a killer 'Clerks' episode - in between games of street hockey. Andy starts off the episode by talking about the old guy who dies in the film and is left erect, and how he encountered the same scenario multiple times working as an orderly at a hospital. Then the boys discuss the "37" scene, and why it's always best practice to avoid talking about concrete numbers when discussing your partner's past conquests (or your own). They also get nostalgic for the bygone era of video stores, and the wildly crude titles you could find at the non-Blockbuster backroom sections. Perhaps Kevin Smith's career trajectory fell short of the promising start of this no-budget black and white comedy, but the 1994 classic still holds up and has plenty of heart to spare. The stilted performances from non-pro actors is elevated by some incredible writing - even when it's over-written - plus the movie wears its '90s-ness on its sleeve, quite literally. If you're trying to avoid listening to this episode by tricking us then just know that we don't appreciate your ruse, ma'am. 

Degens Andy S and Brandon Bombay give each other face-hand waterfalls while talking about one of the most ludicrously unhinged studio films of all-time, 'Face/Off.' Kicking things off in typical John Woo fashion, Andy opens with a story about being in a drunk driving accident that led to a car flying airborne into a body of water. Then the fellas dive right into one of Nicolas Cage's most deranged performances that is somehow equalled in lunacy by John Travolta amping up the "Travoltage" to 11. The wild face-swapping premise is matched by the actions of Cage's Castor Troy who tongue-kisses anything that moves, while groping all backsides in sight. Among the most nonsensical plot holes was the decision to cast Joan Allen as the swaying-booty wife of Travolta's Sean Archer. There may be pacing issues once we hit the high security metal boot prison, but it all makes for a delightfully unforgettable experience including wonderful faceoffs between two of Hollywood's biggest stars who are both fully committed to the bit. "Plan B, let's just kill each other." The movie even ends with Archer emotionally manipulating his family to adopt the son of the man who killed their own child. Be sure to listen to the end to hear our recommendations for movies to pair with this '90s gonzo classic.