Do You Even Binge?

New Jack City, King of New York & Requiem for a Dream - Do You Even Binge? Episode 40

Week 6 of our Indie Movie Explosion series tracks the rise of the "New Jack" era and the ultimate cinematic comedown. We’re breaking down the high stakes hustle of New Jack City (1991), the cold-blooded neon-noir of King of New York (1990), and the stylistic masterpiece Requiem for a Dream (2000).

New Jack City (1991) The highest grossing indie of ’91. We look at how the real-life Chambers Brothers and the "Broadmoor" apartment inspired the CMB empire, Wesley Snipes’ transition from a Michael Jackson music video to Nino Brown, and why the Nation of Islam security guards wouldn’t let Judd Nelson on set.

King of New York (1990) Christopher Walken as the "vampiric" Frank White. We discuss how Wesley Snipes was living in his car during production, the "abomination" premiere that got the cast booed off stage, and the deal Abel Ferrara made with Donald Trump to film at the Plaza Hotel for free.

Requiem for a Dream (2000) The "horror movie" of addiction. We break down Darren Aronofsky’s "hip-hop montage" style featuring over 2,000 cuts, Ellen Burstyn’s grueling transformation into Sara Goldfarb, and why the word "heroin" is never actually spoken in the film.

Join us as we discuss the real life Detroit gang that inspired The Carter, Christopher Walken’s free hotel stay from Donald Trump, and the movie that Jared Leto starved himself to make. 

Hear about Felipe's tour dates, new merch drops & more by signing up @ http://felipesworld.com

Subscribe to Do You Even Binge? on YouTube to catch all the clips we reference in our video version.

Follow us on IG

Felipe – @FelipeEsparzaComedian
Lesa – @LesainLA 

Executive Producers: Felipe Esparza & Lesa Esparza
Producer: Rommel Suniga
Music: Isaak Wintringham

Stream “Do You Even Binge” everywhere: Spreaker | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

Hear about Felipe's tour dates, new merch drops & more by signing up @ http://felipesworld.com Felipe Esparza is a comedian and actor, known for his stand-up specials, “They’re Not Gonna Laugh at You”, “Translate This”, and his latest dual-release on Netflix, “Bad Decisions/Malas Decisiones” (2 different performances in two languages), his recurring appearances on Netflix’s “Gentefied”, NBC’s “Superstore” and Adultswim’s “The Eric Andre Show”, as well as winning “Last Comic Standing” (2010), and his popular podcast called “What’s Up Fool?”. Felipe continues to sell out live stand-up shows in comedy clubs and theaters around the country.

Indie Movie Explosion #5 - Do You Even Binge? Episode 39

This week, we are diving into the masterfully woven "ensemble" films of the 90s, where random encounters, natural disasters, and a lot of cigarettes define the era. From the sprawling streets of Los Angeles to the neon-lit corners of Hong Kong, we explore how directors like Robert Altman and Wong Kar-wai redefined how stories are told.

In this episode, we cover:

Short Cuts (1993): Robert Altman’s epic "slice of life" masterpiece that uses medfly spraying and earthquakes to tie together the lives of 22 principal characters in LA.

Smoke (1995): Harvey Keitel and William Hurt star in this soulful drama centered around a Brooklyn tobacco shop, where a daily photo project reveals the beauty in the mundane.

Blue in the Face (1995): The "improvised" sequel to Smoke, filmed in just six days with celebrity cameos from Lou Reed, Madonna, and Michael J. Fox.

Chungking Express (1994): The film that moved Quentin Tarantino to tears. We break down Wong Kar-wai’s vibrant, neon-soaked stories of lovesick cops and expired pineapple cans.

Join us as we discuss the "notorious" Julianne Moore scene, Jennifer Jason Leigh’s real life phone sex research, and the soundtrack that gave us Selena’s final recording.


Hear about Felipe's tour dates, new merch drops & more by signing up @ http://felipesworld.com

Subscribe to Do You Even Binge? on YouTube to catch all the clips we reference in our video version.

Follow us on IG

Felipe – @FelipeEsparzaComedian
Lesa – @LesainLA 

Executive Producers: Felipe Esparza & Lesa Esparza
Producer: Rommel Suniga
Music: Isaak Wintringham

Stream “Do You Even Binge” everywhere: Spreaker | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

Hear about Felipe's tour dates, new merch drops & more by signing up @ http://felipesworld.com Felipe Esparza is a comedian and actor, known for his stand-up specials, “They’re Not Gonna Laugh at You”, “Translate This”, and his latest dual-release on Netflix, “Bad Decisions/Malas Decisiones” (2 different performances in two languages), his recurring appearances on Netflix’s “Gentefied”, NBC’s “Superstore” and Adultswim’s “The Eric Andre Show”, as well as winning “Last Comic Standing” (2010), and his popular podcast called “What’s Up Fool?”. Felipe continues to sell out live stand-up shows in comedy clubs and theaters around the country.

Episode 38: No Budget, No Problem

This week, we’re diving back into the Indie Film Explosion of the 80s and 90s, focusing on the scrappy, low-budget masterpieces that defined a generation. From guerrilla filmmaking on the streets of L.A. to the Sundance hits that launched superstars, we’re looking at the movies that proved you didn't need a massive studio budget to make a "real" movie.

In this episode, we cover:

VALLEY GIRL (1983): How Martha Coolidge navigated exploitation demands to deliver a genuine teen classic. We discuss the "Romeo and Juliet" of the San Fernando Valley, Nicolas Cage’s bizarre chest-hair triangle, and the music montage that made "I Melt With You" a hit.

REPO MAN (1984): Alex Cox’s punk-rock satire of Reagan-era consumerism. We talk about Harry Dean Stanton’s refusal to use plastic bats, the secret behind the glowing Malibu, and why every product in the movie is labeled "FOOD" or "DRINK."

HOUSE PARTY (1990): The Sundance darling that turned Kid ‘n Play into movie stars. We look at the improvisational genius of Robin Harris, the iconic "Funky Charleston" dance-off, and how a legal dispute with DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince paved the way for this $26M success.

SWINGERS (1996): The ultimate guerrilla film. Jon Favreau wrote it in 10 days, and Doug Liman shot it without permits using his own neighbors as actors. We break down the "Money" slang, the infamous answering machine scene, and how a tiny indie movie launched the careers of Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau. Join us as we explore the cult classics that broke the rules and changed Hollywood forever.

Hear about Felipe's tour dates, new merch drops & more by signing up @ http://felipesworld.com

Subscribe to Do You Even Binge? on YouTube to catch all the clips we reference in our video version.

Follow us on IG

Felipe – @FelipeEsparzaComedian
Lesa – @LesainLA 

Executive Producers: Felipe Esparza & Lesa Esparza
Producer: Rommel Suniga
Music: Isaak Wintringham

Stream “Do You Even Binge” everywhere: Spreaker | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

Hear about Felipe's tour dates, new merch drops & more by signing up @ http://felipesworld.com Felipe Esparza is a comedian and actor, known for his stand-up specials, “They’re Not Gonna Laugh at You”, “Translate This”, and his latest dual-release on Netflix, “Bad Decisions/Malas Decisiones” (2 different performances in two languages), his recurring appearances on Netflix’s “Gentefied”, NBC’s “Superstore” and Adultswim’s “The Eric Andre Show”, as well as winning “Last Comic Standing” (2010), and his popular podcast called “What’s Up Fool?”. Felipe continues to sell out live stand-up shows in comedy clubs and theaters around the country.

Indie Movies, 80s Cinema, 90s Cinema, Cult Classics, Film History, Low Budget Filmmaking, Nicolas Cage, Jon Favreau

Episode 37: The Indie Film Explosion of the 80s & 90s


We’re changing things up. This week, we ditched the "director of the week" format because it started feeling like bad homework. Instead, we’re picking our favorite standalone indie hits from the 80s and 90s—including the movies that launched the careers of David Lynch, Robert Rodriguez, and Richard Linklater.

From selling your body to medical science to fund a film, to finding a severed ear in a field, we're covering the grit and the weirdness of independent cinema.

Movies discussed in this episode:

Blue Velvet (1986): David Lynch’s neo-noir masterpiece. We talk about Dennis Hopper’s terrifying performance as Frank Booth and why the "joyride" scene was filmed with a stationary car.

El Mariachi (1993): Robert Rodriguez’s $7,000 miracle. How he used clinical drug trials to fund the movie and used a wheelchair as a camera dolly.

Slacker (1990): The "relay-race" film that defined Austin, Texas, and inspired Kevin Smith to make Clerks.

River’s Edge (1986): The bleak "anti-teen" movie featuring a young Keanu Reeves and a very eccentric Crispin Glover.

 Is the 90s indie boom the peak of American cinema, or just a bunch of guys with too much free time? Let us know.

Hear about Felipe's tour dates, new merch drops & more by signing up @ http://felipesworld.com

Subscribe to Do You Even Binge? on YouTube to catch all the clips we reference in our video version.

Follow us on IG

Felipe – @FelipeEsparzaComedian
Lesa – @LesainLA 

Executive Producers: Felipe Esparza & Lesa Esparza
Producer: Rommel Suniga
Music: Isaak Wintringham

Stream “Do You Even Binge” everywhere: Spreaker | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

Hear about Felipe's tour dates, new merch drops & more by signing up @ http://felipesworld.com Felipe Esparza is a comedian and actor, known for his stand-up specials, “They’re Not Gonna Laugh at You”, “Translate This”, and his latest dual-release on Netflix, “Bad Decisions/Malas Decisiones” (2 different performances in two languages), his recurring appearances on Netflix’s “Gentefied”, NBC’s “Superstore” and Adultswim’s “The Eric Andre Show”, as well as winning “Last Comic Standing” (2010), and his popular podcast called “What’s Up Fool?”. Felipe continues to sell out live stand-up shows in comedy clubs and theaters around the country.

#BlueVelvet #RobertRodriguez #IndieFilm #90sMovies #KeanuReeves #DavidLynch #FilmReview #Podcast

Episode 36: The 90's Era of Jim Jarmusch

This week, we’re continuing our indie movie discussion with a look at Jim Jarmusch. We already covered his first film, Stranger Than Paradise, but today we’re moving into the late 80s and the 90s as he started getting more well-known.

To be honest, most of his films aren’t made for the mainstream. They’re art-house to the core, and I’m still not entirely sure they’re for me... every movie is 2 hours long, but feels about 4 hours long.

Despite that, he’s incredibly influential, especially in the world of “road movies.” We’re breaking down his shift from early collaborations with musicians like Tom Waits and John Lurie to his bigger 90s cult classics.

In this episode:

Down By Law (1986): A "neo-noir" prison break starring Tom Waits and Roberto Benigni. It’s a sad and beautiful world (or "word," depending on who you ask).

Mystery Train (1989): Jarmusch’s first color film. A triptych of stories in Memphis where the journey is the point, even if you never actually get to Graceland.

Night on Earth (1991): Five cities, five cab drivers, and a whole lot of dialogue. Featuring Winona Ryder, Giancarlo Esposito, and Rosie Perez.

Dead Man (1995): A psychedelic Western starring Johnny Depp. It’s got a droning Neil Young score and a very different take on the American West.

Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai (1999): Forest Whitaker as a mob hitman living by the Hagakure. It tries pretty hard to be deep, but the RZA soundtrack is a vibe.

Is Jarmusch a visionary or just a guy who makes very long walks look like art?

Subscribe to Do You Even Binge? on YouTube to catch all the clips we reference in our video version.

Follow us on IG

Felipe – @FelipeEsparzaComedian
Lesa – @LesainLA 

Executive Producers: Felipe Esparza & Lesa Esparza
Producer: Rommel Suniga
Music: Isaak Wintringham

Stream “Do You Even Binge” everywhere: Spreaker | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

Hear about Felipe's tour dates, new merch drops & more by signing up @ http://felipesworld.com Felipe Esparza is a comedian and actor, known for his stand-up specials, “They’re Not Gonna Laugh at You”, “Translate This”, and his latest dual-release on Netflix, “Bad Decisions/Malas Decisiones” (2 different performances in two languages), his recurring appearances on Netflix’s “Gentefied”, NBC’s “Superstore” and Adultswim’s “The Eric Andre Show”, as well as winning “Last Comic Standing” (2010), and his popular podcast called “What’s Up Fool?”. Felipe continues to sell out live stand-up shows in comedy clubs and theaters around the country.

 #JimJarmusch #IndieFilm #90sMovies #JohnnyDepp #TomWaits #FilmReview #Podcast

Episode 35: Gus Van Sant & The Portland Trilogy

This episode is a total deep dive into the "Portland Trilogy" and the rise of one of indie cinema’s greatest legends. From the drug-fueled superstitions of Drugstore Cowboy to the Shakespearean street hustlers of My Own Private Idaho, we’re breaking down how Gus Van Sant put the Pacific Northwest on the cinematic map.

We also get into the wild real-life connections you didn't see coming, like what Seinfeld’s mom has to do with James Dean and why Nicole Kidman’s performance in To Die For is the ultimate "girlboss" cautionary tale. 

In this episode: 

The Horror of Heidi Wong: We start with the viral horror sensation making our brains feel like they're on caffeine.

Gus Van Sant’s Portland Trilogy:
Recapping the gritty, low-budget beginnings of Mala Noche and how it paved the way for the 90s indie explosion.

Hats on Beds & Pharmacy Heists:
A deep dive into Drugstore Cowboy. We talk Matt Dillon’s "adult" breakout, the legendary William S. Burroughs, and why you should never, ever put a hat on a bed.

Shakespeare on the Streets:
Breaking down My Own Private Idaho. River Phoenix’s genius, Keanu Reeves’ Shakespearean soliloquies, and the "Prince Hal" connection.

The "To Die For" Ambition:
How Van Sant transitioned to the big leagues with Nicole Kidman and a young, "scrappy" Casey Affleck. Plus, the real-life murder trial that inspired it all.

The Accent Hall of Shame:
We couldn't talk about Far and Away without addressing Tom Cruise’s infamous Irish accent.

Whether you’re a film school nerd or just looking for your next binge-watch, join us as we explore indie movies from the 90's

Subscribe to Do You Even Binge? on YouTube to catch all the clips we reference in our video version.

Follow us on IG

Felipe – @FelipeEsparzaComedian
Lesa – @LesainLA 

Executive Producers: Felipe Esparza & Lesa Esparza
Producer: Rommel Suniga
Music: Isaak Wintringham

Stream “Do You Even Binge” everywhere: Spreaker | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

Hear about Felipe's tour dates, new merch drops & more by signing up @ http://felipesworld.com Felipe Esparza is a comedian and actor, known for his stand-up specials, “They’re Not Gonna Laugh at You”, “Translate This”, and his latest dual-release on Netflix, “Bad Decisions/Malas Decisiones” (2 different performances in two languages), his recurring appearances on Netflix’s “Gentefied”, NBC’s “Superstore” and Adultswim’s “The Eric Andre Show”, as well as winning “Last Comic Standing” (2010), and his popular podcast called “What’s Up Fool?”. Felipe continues to sell out live stand-up shows in comedy clubs and theaters around the country.

Episode 34: Raw Indie Filmmaking

From the red carpet of Burt Kreischer’s Free Burt premiere to the zero-budget hustle of American Movie, we’re breaking down the grit of independent cinema. Whether it’s writing a script in eight days on a legal pad or maxing out credit cards to finish a horror flick, we’re looking at the filmmakers who refused to quit.

The Breakdown:

• The "Free Burt" Premiere: We recap our night with Burt Kreischer and the "outcast" family dynamic of his brand-new series.
• Production Nightmares: A look at Living in Oblivion and the real-life anxiety of sound guys fighting with directors on crumbling 100-year-old sets.
• American Movie: RIP Mike Shank. We revisit the legend of Mark Borchardt, the struggle to film Coven, and why Uncle Bill is the ultimate indie financier.
• Indie War Stories: From hiring scissor lifts to dodging bad LED screens—the "craft service" reality of producing your own specials.
• The 90s Revolution: How Sex, Lies, and Videotape, Easy Rider, and She’s Gotta Have It proved you can make it happen with zero budget.

Subscribe to Do You Even Binge? on YouTube to catch all the clips we reference in our video version.

Follow us:Felipe – @FelipeEsparzaComedianLesa – @LesainLA 
Executive Producers:Felipe EsparzaLesa Esparza
Producer:Rommel Suniga
Music:Isaak Wintringham

Stream “Do You Even Binge” everywhere: Spreaker | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

Hear about Felipe's tour dates, new merch drops & more by signing up @ http://felipesworld.com Felipe Esparza is a comedian and actor, known for his stand-up specials, “They’re Not Gonna Laugh at You”, “Translate This”, and his latest dual-release on Netflix, “Bad Decisions/Malas Decisiones” (2 different performances in two languages), his recurring appearances on Netflix’s “Gentefied”, NBC’s “Superstore” and Adultswim’s “The Eric Andre Show”, as well as winning “Last Comic Standing” (2010), and his popular podcast called “What’s Up Fool?”. Felipe continues to sell out live stand-up shows in comedy clubs and theaters around the country.

Episode 33: The Golden Globes are a Scam

The 83rd Golden Globe winners are in, and we’re officially calling it: the "Musical or Comedy" category is a total setup. While a certain "counterculture epic" swept the night, we’re breaking down why the only thing funny about the ceremony was the category list itself.

The Breakdown:

• One Battle After Another: We dive into the "French 75" plot and why this three-hour revolution feels more like a Tarantino knock-off than a comedy. Plus, we discuss if Sean Penn’s "Colonel Lockjaw" is actually terrifying or just bizarre.
• Marty Supreme: Timothée Chalamet snagged his first win as a 1950s ping-pong hustler. We talk Safdie-style intensity, the "orange ball" marketing, and why Timothée thanked Kevin O’Leary from Shark Tank in his speech.
• Blue Moon: How they used camera tricks to turn Ethan Hawke into 4'11" songwriter Lorenz Hart. It’s "theater porn" at its finest, but does a depressing biopic really belong in the comedy category?
• Bugonia: Alien conspiracies, Jesse Plemons in a state of panic, and Emma Stone dressed like a stick of butter. We break down the "interrogation" vibes and why this was the weirdest movie of the year.
• The Big Snub: Why the Taiwanese masterpiece Left-Handed Girl was the best thing we watched all year and why the Globes completely ignored it.

Subscribe to Do You Even Binge? on YouTube to catch all the clips we reference in our video version.

Follow us:Felipe – @FelipeEsparzaComedianLesa – @LesainLA 
Executive Producers:Felipe EsparzaLesa Esparza
Producer:Rommel Suniga
Music:Isaak Wintringham

Stream “Do You Even Binge” everywhere: Spreaker | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

Hear about Felipe's tour dates, new merch drops & more by signing up @ http://felipesworld.com Felipe Esparza is a comedian and actor, known for his stand-up specials, “They’re Not Gonna Laugh at You”, “Translate This”, and his latest dual-release on Netflix, “Bad Decisions/Malas Decisiones” (2 different performances in two languages), his recurring appearances on Netflix’s “Gentefied”, NBC’s “Superstore” and Adultswim’s “The Eric Andre Show”, as well as winning “Last Comic Standing” (2010), and his popular podcast called “What’s Up Fool?”. Felipe continues to sell out live stand-up shows in comedy clubs and theaters around the country.


Keywords: 2026 Golden Globes, 83rd Golden Globe Awards, Sinners Movie Review, Michael B. Jordan Sinners, Frankenstein 2026, Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, The Smashing Machine, Dwayne Johnson, Mark Kerr Movie, Jafar Panahi, Movie Podcast, Film Analysis.

Episode 32: 2026 Golden Globes Drama

The 83rd Golden Globe Awards are this Sunday, and we’re getting you ready for "Hollywood’s Party of the Year." From Ryan Coogler’s vampire blues to the most stressful road trip in Iranian cinema, we’re breaking down the Best Dramanominees actually worth your time.The Breakdown:

• Sinners: Is Michael B. Jordan playing twins, or just one guy in two different hats? We talk the "Smoke vs. Stack" debate and if MBJ’s mouth is physically too big for vampire teeth.
• Frankenstein: Guillermo del Toro finally did it. We discuss Oscar Isaac as a rockstar Victor and Jacob Elordi’s 6'6" monster-modelling.
• It Was Just An Accident: A revenge road trip that’ll ruin your heart rate. We revisit the "box" scene and Jafar Panahi’s masterful tension.
• The Smashing Machine: Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as MMA legend Mark Kerr. Can a "No-Lose Clause" coexist with a gritty addiction story?

Subscribe to Do You Even Binge? on YouTube to catch all the clips we reference in our video version.

Follow us:Felipe – @FelipeEsparzaComedianLesa – @LesainLA 
Executive Producers:Felipe EsparzaLesa Esparza
Producer:Rommel Suniga
Music:Isaak Wintringham

Stream “Do You Even Binge” everywhere: Spreaker | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

Hear about Felipe's tour dates, new merch drops & more by signing up @ http://felipesworld.com Felipe Esparza is a comedian and actor, known for his stand-up specials, “They’re Not Gonna Laugh at You”, “Translate This”, and his latest dual-release on Netflix, “Bad Decisions/Malas Decisiones” (2 different performances in two languages), his recurring appearances on Netflix’s “Gentefied”, NBC’s “Superstore” and Adultswim’s “The Eric Andre Show”, as well as winning “Last Comic Standing” (2010), and his popular podcast called “What’s Up Fool?”. Felipe continues to sell out live stand-up shows in comedy clubs and theaters around the country.


Sinners (Ryan Coogler), Frankenstein (Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi), The Smashing Machine (Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt), and It Was Just An Accident.Keywords: 2026 Golden Globes, 83rd Golden Globes, Movie Reviews, Film Podcast, Best Drama Nominees.


Keywords: 2026 Golden Globes, 83rd Golden Globe Awards, Sinners Movie Review, Michael B. Jordan Sinners, Frankenstein 2026, Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, The Smashing Machine, Dwayne Johnson, Mark Kerr Movie, Jafar Panahi, Movie Podcast, Film Analysis.

Do You Even Bing? Episode 31: The "Not-Technically" Christmas Movies

Does a movie count as a "Christmas Movie" just because there's a tree in the background while someone gets shot? This week, we’re settling the internet's favorite argument. We’re moving past the carols and looking at the high-stakes action and dark comedies that redefined the holiday season for the skeptics.

The Breakdown:

• Die Hard: The debate that won't die. We cover Bruce Willis vs. Macaulay Culkin’s stance, the 80s capitalism subtext, and the Alan Rickman "stunt drop" that was a little too real.
• Gremlins: The movie so chaotic it forced the MPAA to create the PG-13 rating. Plus, why a spider monkey almost replaced the puppets.
• Trading Places: Breaking down the "Eddie Murphy Rule," the $1 bet, and how Dan Aykroyd’s "Dirty Santa" actually explained the commodities market.
• The Long Kiss Goodnight: Why Shane Black is the king of the "Inconvenient Christmas" and Geena Davis's bathtub training.

Is it really Christmas without a hostage situation or a Mogwai? Tune in to find out.

If you love film analysis, comedy history, and holiday classics with a twist, this is your perfect listen!

Subscribe to Do You Even Binge? on YouTube to catch all the clips we reference in our video version.

Follow us:
Felipe – @FelipeEsparzaComedian
Lesa – @LesainLA 

Executive Producers:
Felipe Esparza
Lesa Esparza

Producer:
Rommel Suniga

Music:
Isaak Wintringham

Stream “Do You Even Binge” everywhere: Spreaker | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

Hear about Felipe's tour dates, new merch drops & more by signing up @ http://felipesworld.com Felipe Esparza is a comedian and actor, known for his stand-up specials, “They’re Not Gonna Laugh at You”, “Translate This”, and his latest dual-release on Netflix, “Bad Decisions/Malas Decisiones” (2 different performances in two languages), his recurring appearances on Netflix’s “Gentefied”, NBC’s “Superstore” and Adultswim’s “The Eric Andre Show”, as well as winning “Last Comic Standing” (2010), and his popular podcast called “What’s Up Fool?”. Felipe continues to sell out live stand-up shows in comedy clubs and theaters around the country.