Die Hard On A Blank

It’s Die Hard in an epic crime saga!

For this suitably epic episode, Phil and Liam are joined by special guest Katie Walsh - top Los Angeles film critic and co-host of the Michael Mann-themed podcast Miami Nice - to discuss the sprawling 1995 masterpiece Heat!

When a team of elite professional thieves led by Neil McCauley (Robert De Niro) pull off an audacious armored car robbery that leaves three guards dead, hard-charging Robbery-Homicide detective Vincent Hanna (Al Pacino) is assigned to the case. In the process of investigating and surveilling the culprits, Hanna comes to admire McCauley’s tremendous skill and discipline, and even starts to identify with him personally, while still pursuing him and his crew relentlessly across LA. 

Phil, Liam and Katie discuss their respective relationships with the movie over time, and debate whether it deserves to be considered one of the greatest films ever made. They explore its surprisingly high amount of ‘Die Hard DNA’, before delving deep into Heat’s storied production history, a section that also includes a detailed sidebar on Mann’s 1989 TV movie LA Takedown, which became the blueprint for the final film. 

As always, they analyze the ‘hero’ and ‘villain’ of the piece, unpacking what makes these two iconic central characters so compelling, unique and enduring, and they also discuss the ladies of Heat (such as Ashley Judd, Diane Venora, Amy Brenneman, Natalie Portman and Kim Staunton) and their respective roles in the tapestry of this complex and multi-faceted story. They parse through the various spectacular action set-pieces in the film, debate whether Heat would meet the definition to be considered an action movie, and talk about what Henry Rollins looks like in shorts (Google it). After a trip to the ‘Die Hard Oscars’ to hand out some action movie awards, events culminate with a suitably intense showdown between Liam and Katie during the Double Jeopardy trivia quiz!

HEAT trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpAhjOvQVj0

At the time of release, HEAT is streaming on Hulu in the US and on Netflix in the UK and is available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video, Apple/iTunes, YouTube, Vudu and all the usual platforms!

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It’s Die Hard in real time!

The ticking clocks are everywhere (and so are the dodgy Christopher Walken impressions) as Phil and Liam discuss the 1995 high-concept thriller Nick of Time!  

Mild-mannered accountant Gene Watson (Johnny Depp) arrives via train to LA’s union station, with his young daughter Lynn in tow. Shortly after his arrival, he is apprehended by Mr. Smith (Christopher Walken) and Ms. Jones (Roma Maffia), who claim to be police officers. Smith then informs Gene that he has 90 minutes to assassinate the visiting Governor of California (Marsha Mason)…or they will kill his daughter.

The guys discuss the potency of this compelling premise and unpack where the movie both succeeds and fails in the execution of its concept. They theorize that, not only is the film filled with ‘Die Hard DNA’, but it also has its roots in Hitchcock, and the paranoid political thrillers of the 1970s. They offer their thoughts on the movie’s own political point of view, its thematic ideas, and the intentions of director John Badham. We also get a glimpse into what really goes on inside Phil’s secret ‘Die Hard on a Blank laboratory’ (where his precious Blu-rays are kept into a fortified vault, protected by a time-lock).

As they break down ‘the anatomy of an action movie’, the boys discuss the unusual yet largely effective casting of Johnny Depp as a straight-laced everyman, rhapsodize over Christopher Walken’s terrifying performance as the satanically evil bad guy ‘Mr. Smith’, and talk about the rest of the supporting cast, that also includes the likes of Charles S. Dutton, Clark Johnson, Yul Vasquez and G.D. Spradlin. As the clocks tick down, the fellas race over to the ‘Die Hard Oscars’ to hand out their action movie awards, and complete the ‘Double Jeopardy’ trivia quiz…in the nick of time!

NICK OF TIME trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cP1TllLDgQ

At the time of release, NICK OF TIME is streaming on Hoopla and PlutoTV and is available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video, Apple/iTunes, YouTube, Vudu, AMC On Demand and all the usual platforms!

AMERICAN ENGLISH SOCCER PODCAST

https://www.buzzsprout.com/1652062

EYE OF THE DUCK PODCAST

https://eyeoftheduckpod.com/

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It’s Die Hard in a Bond reboot!

In this episode, Phil, Liam, and guest Ben Rufus Green discuss the 1995 James Bond blockbuster GoldenEye and its many connections to the Die Hard franchise. They explore the premise of the film, its self-reflexivity, and the surprisingly high amount of ‘Die Hard DNA’ present in the movie, which goes way beyond the historical connection between the newly-minted 007 Pierce Brosnan and original Die Hard director John McTiernan.

After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, MI6 agent James Bond (Pierce Brosnan) uncovers a sinister plot led by rogue Russian operatives to use a Soviet-era orbital space weapon codenamed ‘Goldeneye’ to launch an attack on London. In the process, Bond teams up with Natalya Simonova (Izabella Scorupco), a Russian satellite expert, in a globe-trotting race against time to prevent the strike.

The boys discuss the continuity and multiverse aspect of the Bond franchise, share their favorite Bond films, and rate their favorite Bond actors, while also discussing the very particular qualities required to play this iconic role. They also go deep on the films’ excellent villains, with particular attention paid to Alec Trevelyan (Sean Bean) and Xenia Onatopp (Famke Janssen), as well as its leading lady Izabella Scorupco, and the sturdy supporting cast that includes the likes of Robbie Coltrane, Joe Don Baker, Michael Kitchen, Gottfried John, Alan Cumming and Dame Judi Dench as M. 

As this is a Bond movie, fortunately the boys are already wearing their tuxedos, allowing them seamless entry into the ‘Die Hard Oscars’, where awards are dispensed for ‘Exceptional Thief’, ‘Dick of the Movie’, and ‘Best Death. As always the conversation concludes with a Bond-centric edition of the ‘Double Jeopardy’ trivia quiz!

 For England, James!

GOLDENEYE trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Zw8ylP4buA

At the time of release, GOLDENEYE is available to stream on DirecTV and to rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video, Apple/iTunes, YouTube, Vudu, Spectrum and all the usual platforms!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s Die Hard on a train!

 Casey Ryback is back and this time he’s…well…um…I…um…hey look, forget about all that, because the good news is that Eric Bogosian is in this movie! This week Phil and Liam hitch a ride on a hijacked death train as they scrutinize Under Siege 2: Dark Territory, director Geoff Murphy’s 1995 sequel to the original Seagal action classic!

While travelling from Denver to LA via train with his estranged niece Sarah (Katherine Heigl), ex-Navy SEAL Casey Ryback (Seagal) finds himself in the middle of a terrorist takeover led by disgruntled computer genius Travis Dane (Eric Bogosian), who plans to use his experimental government satellite weapon to launch a massive attack on the Eastern seaboard!  

Ok we’ll level with you. This movie isn’t great, but Eric Bogosian IS…so the boys spend much of this episode discussing the life, work and varied career of this remarkably talented renaissance man, including his stage plays, monologues, TV and film career and even his non-fiction book Operation Nemesis. Eric Bogosian forever!

In ‘Anatomy of an Action Movie’, the guys break down the film piece by piece, discussing what works, what doesn’t and why, as well as how this film compares to its slick and stylish predecessor (directed by friend of the show Andrew Davis). But it’s not just a Bogosian love-fest, as there’s also plenty of affection here for the film’s eclectic supporting cast, that includes the likes of Morris Chestnut, Jonathan Banks, Peter Greene and Everett McGill (as mace-imbibing bad guy Marcus Penn).

 The guys ride the rail to attend the ‘Die Hard Oscars’, before wrapping things up with the ‘Double Jeopardy’ trivia quiz, where this week Liam finally turns the tables on Phil and gets his revenge! After all, when it comes to quizzes, chance favors the prepared mind!

UNDER SIEGE 2 trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LorQZ4TfbTQ

At the time of release, UNDER SIEGE 2 is available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video, Apple/iTunes, YouTube, Vudu and all the usual platforms!

AMERICAN ENGLISH SOCCER PODCAST

https://www.buzzsprout.com/1652062

EYE OF THE DUCK PODCAST

https://eyeoftheduckpod.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we have a special bonus interview with acclaimed filmmaker William Eubank, director of LOVE, THE SIGNAL, UNDERWATER, PARANORMAL ACTIVITY: NEXT OF KIN and the forthcoming military action-thriller LAND OF BAD, starring Russell Crowe and Liam Hemsworth! The guys talk to William about his relationship with DIE HARD, his favorite action movies of all time, his approach to the action genre, and much more!

LAND OF BAD TRAILER:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95eJpJlBfUs

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It’s Die Hard in New York City!

It’s finally here! This week Phil and Liam drill down on one of the most beloved films in the storied Die Hard franchise: Die Hard With A Vengeance! To aid them in their investigation of this all-conquering box office smash, the boys have brought in special guest Chris Tilly, a writer, journalist and editor at Dexterto.com and one of the hosts of the hugely popular film podcast Clash of the Titles.

While back working for the NYPD, detective John McClane (Bruce Willis) is targeted by a mysterious terrorist named Simon (Jeremy Irons), who effectively holds New York hostage and forces McClane to complete a series of deadly puzzles around the city to prevent further attacks. In the process, McClane teams up with Harlem store-owner Zeus Carver (Samuel L. Jackson), and together they uncover Simon’s true agenda…and his real identity!

The guys start by recalling their memories of seeing this hit film upon its release in the summer of 1995, before moving into the ‘Die Hard DNA’ section where they identify who stayed and who left the series in terms of cast and crew. They talk about what makes this film so uniquely ‘New York’, as well as the complex racial politics of the picture, before moving into a detailed discussion about the film’s tortured production history, including an examination of the previous sequel concepts that were explored and abandoned, before Jonathan Hensleigh’s spec script ‘Simon Says’ ultimately became the basis for the third installment in the increasingly popular franchise.

In ‘Anatomy of an Action Movie’, the guys break down the film in terms of its premise, heroes, villains (‘Who’s Your Favorite Terrorist?’ is back!), and the action itself, along with the wisecracking East Coast humor that has become a staple of the series, this time bolstered by the addition of the effervescent Samuel L. Jackson.

The guys dig underneath the Dolby Theatre to attend the ‘Die Hard Oscars’ and steal away some gold statues, before events culminate with an appropriately collaborative edition of the ‘Double Jeopardy’ trivia quiz!

DIE HARD WITH A VENGEANCE trailer

At the time of release, DIE HARD WITH A VENGEANCE is streaming on Hulu, DirectTV, Fubo, and Starz and is available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video, Apple/iTunes, YouTube, Vudu, Redbox, AMC On Demand and all the usual platforms!

AMERICAN ENGLISH SOCCER PODCAST

EYE OF THE DUCK PODCAST

CLASH OF THE TITLES PODCAST

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s Die Hard in a nuclear sub!

For this episode, Phil and Liam are joined by special guest Isaac Butler, author of THE METHOD, arguably the definitive book about the evolution of method acting! Isaac is a veritable encyclopedia about the history of the acting craft and he lends his incredible insight to this discussion of CRIMSON TIDE, “an anti-action movie” where two of the greatest screen acting titans go head to head! 

When a US nuclear submarine loses communication with the command structure just as they’ve been ordered to fire their payload against a rogue Russian general, the sub’s two senior officers, Ramsey (Gene Hackman) and Hunter (Denzel Washington) disagree vehemently on whether or not they should launch their nuclear missiles, a situation that ultimately leads to a full-on mutiny, as the specter of World War Three looms large!

Isaac places this bombastic film in context within the lineage of method acting, discusses the differing schools of tradition that Hackman and Washington come from, and explains how their specific training informs their respective approaches towards their craft. The guys also talk about the film as a chamber-piece drama of sorts, and muse on how it compares to other nail-biting Cold War classics such as FAIL SAFE, SEVEN DAYS IN MAY and of course THE HUNT FOR RED OCTOBER. 

They analyze its subtle but significant ‘DIE HARD DNA’ and debate whether or not this is Tony Scott’s best film. They discuss Quentin Tarantino’s controversial contributions to the screenplay, and discuss the complexities wrought by the film’s racial conflict. Finally the boys don their dress whites for the ‘Die Hard Oscars’ and choose to collaborate for a particularly informative edition of the ‘Double Jeopardy’ trivia quiz!

 CRIMSON TIDE trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iS4I2Z1RBIw

At the time of release, CRIMSON TIDE is available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video, Apple/iTunes, YouTube, Vudu, Redbox, Direct TV, Spectrum TV and all the usual platforms.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s Die Hard in the skydiving world!

Phil and Liam continue to chronicle DIE HARD’s influence on action cinema with a spirited discussion of the 1994 action-thriller DROP ZONE!

After a daring mid-air prison-break results in his brother’s death, US Marshal Pete Nessip (Wesley Snipes) infiltrates the skydiving community in order to track down those responsible. He eventually uncovers the sinister agenda of skydiving master thief Ty Moncrief (Gary Busey), a former DEA Agent who is now attempting steal the identities of uncover narcotics agents in order to sell them to drug traffickers!  

Phil has great personal affection for this picture and recalls his fond memories of seeing it on the big screen as an impressionable kid. The guys discuss its plentiful ‘DIE HARD DNA’ from both a macro and micro standpoint, getting into the nitty gritty of some very specific action beats that bare particular resemblance to the 1988 classic that started it all!

They talk about Wesley Snipes’ evolving journey as a dependable 90s action star, the differences and similarities between the roles he played in the likes of PASSENGER 57, BOILING POINT and RISING SUN, and what all this may have in common with Liam Neeson’s late-career action persona. They also discuss the complicated sexual politics of the film, and praise Yancy Butler’s effervescent performance as the maverick skydiving guru Jess Crossman (a role originally written for a man). There’s plenty of space left to talk about Gary Busey’s scenery-chomping villain, which of course leads to the inevitable LETHAL WEAPON discussion - so you can cross that off that DHOAB bingo card!

The boys also dive into the film’s breathtaking aerial photography and talk about the John Woo-style gunplay, before they pack their chutes and float down to the Dolby Theatre for the ‘Die Hard Oscars’! Finally, the ever-popular ‘Double Jeopardy’ trivia quiz is given a fresh twist this week, much to Liam’s continued chagrin!

DROP ZONE trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Weee0u2RlOI

At the time of release, DROP ZONE is available on Paramount+ with Apple TV, DirecTV and Pluto TV, and is available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video, Apple/iTunes, YouTube, Vudu, Redbox, and all the usual platforms.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s Die Hard in a Kids’ Movie!

For this very special Christmas episode, Phil and Liam step outside the usual format to discuss the beloved holiday classic HOME ALONE with special guest Paul Scheer! 

That’s right - the actor, writer, director, author, renaissance man and podcasting superstar Mr. Paul Scheer returns to the show to illuminate the deep and sometimes surprising number of connections between 1988’s DIE HARD and 1990’s HOME ALONE!

After an unfortunate mix-up leads to a young boy named Kevin McAllister (Macauley Culkin) being left home alone while his family are on vacation in Europe, Kevin must learn to fend for himself and defend the house from two determined and persistent burglars (Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern) who call themselves “the Wet Bandits”!

These three dads discuss their own fond memories of this timeless movie, and what it means to them and their families. As well as talking through the vast number of similarities between the two pictures, they break it all down piece by piece in the tweaked ‘Anatomy of a Christmas Action Movie’ section, where they analyze the premise, the hero, the villains, and vote for their favorite booby traps!

The ugly Xmas sweaters are replaced by svelte tuxedos for a trip to the ‘Die Hard Oscars’, where the guys hand out special awards in various Die Hard-themed categories, and festivities culminate with the ‘Double Jeopardy’ trivia quiz, “where the scores can really change!” So grab some cocoa, roast some chestnuts and cuddle up by the fire with this cozy Christmas episode! Happy holidays to one and all!

Paul’s book, Joyful Recollections of Trauma (which includes a chapter inspired by Paul’s real life Home Alone!), can and should be preordered here!

HOME ALONE trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEDaVHmw7r4

At the time of release, HOME ALONE is streaming on Disney+, Starz and DirecTV and is available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video, Apple/iTunes, YouTube, Vudu, Redbox, Spectrum, AMC and all the usual platforms.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A bonus episode this week as Liam is joined by film producer Gaylyn Fraiche! Gaylyn started her career as an assistant to Curtis Hanson on THE RIVER WILD. On this episode, she tells us sorts of stories from the set, how working on this movie has shaped her career, and the time Curtis Hanson, Meryl Streep, and David Strathairn asked what she thought of a scene.

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