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Don’t Push Pause
By Don’t Push PauseTV & Film
Don’t Push Pause episodes
- Episode 106 : National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983)
For our Fifth Anniversary, returning to a nostalgic, lifelong favorite was a no-brainer. Forty years ago, NATIONAL LAMPOON’S VACATION set a standard for not only comedy & road trip films, but also introduced the edgy family film. Through humor, familiar experiences & relatable characters, the Griswold family spawned an unexpected franchise which continues to be passed down throughout the years. Hop in the ‘ol family truckster because we’re hitting the road!
//***Discussions include***\\
John Hughes’ original story & major script changes, plus National Lampoon, Harold Ramis & Chevy Chase connections; selling the film, creating a uniquely mobile production & challenges therein; type of comedy wrapped in a daring family film; cast, improv moments, stunts & theme song; omitted scenes & original ending; release, sequels, behind-the-scenes stories & favorite moments.Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Dana Barron & Anthony Michael Hall star in NATIONAL LAMPOON’S VACATION (1983) /// Directed by Harold Ramis.
//***Picks of the Week***\\
• Lindsay’s Pick: SEEMS LIKE OLD TIMES (1980). Goldie Hawn, Chevy Chase, Charles Grodin, T.K. Carter /// Directed by Jay Sandrich.• Justin’s Pick: FLETCH (1985). Chevy Chase, Richard Libertini, Dana Wheeler-Nicholson, Tim Matheson // Directed by Michael Ritchie.//***MurrayMoment***\\
The infamous Billy & Chevy fight — It’s time to set the record straight on what really happened & the motivations behind it. No rumor mill gossip here — only facts & quotes to bring you the full truth, finally!//***Final Thoughts on VACATION***\\
Thanks for listening, sharing & keeping us going for 5 years!
Next Episode: SE7EN (1995)
• Please rate, review & subscribe.• Follow on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok & YouTube.• Hosts: Justin Johnson & Lindsay Reber // Music: Matt Pace // Announcer: Mary Timmel // Logo: Beau Shoulders.www.dontpushpausepodcast.comBe Kind and Rewatch // June 20th, 2023.
1 hr 50 min - Episode 105 : School Of RockSpirited hard work continues to pay off even 20 years after SCHOOL OF ROCK’s conception. The heart of rock ‘n roll beats strong with this success story spearheaded by a comedy thundercat, an enigmatic director, an ever-evolving writer & a band of incredibly talented kiddos all sharing the stage with equal importance.//***Discussions include***\\Brief backgrounds on writer/co-star, Mike White, his friendship with Jack Black & director Richard Linklater’s involvement; using conventional fantasy, progressiveness, real-life elements & backstory, plus creating a kids movie palatable to adults; addressing the documentary, Rock School (2005); creating the film’s musical landscape & inspirations; in-depth cast discussion, strength of characters, favorite scenes & longevity of the film.Jack Black, Joan Cusack, Mike White, Sarah Silverman & a band of incredibly awesome kids star in SCHOOL OF ROCK (2003) /// Directed by Richard Linklater.//***Picks of the Week***\\• Lindsay’s Pick: CHUCK & BUCK (2000). Mike White, Chris Weitz, Lupe Ontiveros /// Directed by Mike White.• Justin’s Pick: WAKING LIFE (2001). Wiley Wiggins, Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy // Directed by Richard Linklater.//***MurrayMoment***\\Spotlighting a particularly strong stage performance of Bill’s in CRADLE WILL ROCK (1999), co-starring Joan Cusack & Jack Black.//***Final Thoughts on SCHOOL OF ROCK***\\Next Episode:Our 5 Year Anniversary!NATIONAL LAMPOON’S VACATION (1983)• Please rate, review & subscribe.• Follow on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok & YouTube.• Hosts: Justin Johnson & Lindsay Reber // Music: Matt Pace // Announcer: Mary Timmel // Logo: Beau Shoulders.www.dontpushpausepodcast.comBe Kind and Rewatch // May 23rd, 2023.1 hr 43 min
- Episode 104 : Menace II SocietyFirst-time filmmakers rarely explode on the scene like brothers Albert & Allen Hughes. Amid the racial tensions & frustrations of early 1990's Los Angeles, MENACE II SOCIETY tapped into the gritty truth of the time. A powerful & empathetic look into a community misrepresented by mainstream media, this film was not only important in its heyday, but its unflinching realness hits even harder 30 years later.//***Discussions include***\\A brief history of the Hughes Brothers before MENACE; writing development, research, channeling a perspective & selling the script; reality vs. media representation; tonality, themes, underlying messages & film influences; shooting on location, visual style, depiction of violence, emotional impact & heightened realism; toxic masculinity & female perspective; use of narration & humor; cast, audition stories & character dynamics; post-production, release, reception & retrospective observations.Tyrin Turner, Larenz Tate, Jada Pinkett, MC Eiht & Vonte Sweet star in MENACE II SOCIETY (1993) /// Directed by The Hughes Brothers.//***Picks of the Week***\\• Lindsay’s Pick: JASON’S LYRIC (1994). Allen Payne, Jada Pinkett, Bokeem Woodbine, Lisa Nicole Carson /// Directed by Doug McHenry.• Justin’s Pick: STRAIGHT OUT OF BROOKLYN (1991). Lawrence Gilliard, Jr., George T. Odom, Ann D. Sanders, Barbara Sanon /// THE INKWELL (1994). Larenz Tate, Joe Morton, Suzzanne Douglas, Glynn Turman // Both films directed by Matty Rich.//***MurrayMoment***\\At the suggestion of Chevy Chase, Billy & brother Brian hit up Rodney Dangerfield for marijuana during the filming of CADDYSHACK.//***Final Thoughts on MENACE II SOCIETY***\\Next Episode:SCHOOL OF ROCK (2003).• Please rate, review & subscribe.• Follow on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok & YouTube.• Hosts: Justin Johnson & Lindsay Reber // Music: Matt Pace // Announcer: Mary Timmel // Logo: Beau Shoulders.www.dontpushpausepodcast.comBe Kind and Rewatch // April 25th, 20231 hr 43 min
- Episode 103 : The FugitiveA man wrongfully accused of viciously murdering his wife is a story that’s been around for ages. And in the 30 years since its release, THE FUGITIVE remains one of the most masterfully told thrillers in which action sequences are just as enthralling as the story itself. Time to dive behind the making of this expertly executed film wherein spontaneity, reliance on creativity & collaboration were key to composing this unforgettable classic.//***Discussions include***\\Origin behind & evolution of THE FUGITIVE story; script development, writing scenes & dialogue on the fly; style & conditions of the production with behind the scenes stories; casting heavyweights, supporting cast & usage of Chicago; strategic special effects engineering, bold editing choices, sound & score; omitted storylines, release, reception & longevity of the film.Harrison Ford, Tommy Lee Jones, Sela Ward & Joe Pantoliano star in THE FUGITIVE (1993) /// Directed by Andrew Davis.//***Picks of the Week***\\• Lindsay’s Pick: THE FINAL TERROR (1983). Adrian Zmed, Joe Pantoliano, Daryl Hannah, Lewis Smith /// Directed by Andrew Davis.• Justin’s Pick: BLACK MOON RISING (1986). Tommy Lee Jones, Linda Hamilton, Lee Ving, Bubba Smith /// Directed by Harley Cokeliss.//***MurrayMoment***\\The origins of how Harrison Ford influenced Bill’s LOST IN TRANSLATION character, Bob Harris.//***Final Thoughts on THE FUGITIVE***\\Next Episode:MENACE II SOCIETY (1993).• Please rate, review & subscribe.• Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & YouTube.• Hosts: Justin Johnson & Lindsay Reber // Music: Matt Pace // Announcer: Mary Timmel // Logo: Beau Shoulders.www.dontpushpausepodcast.comBe Kind and Rewatch // March 28th, 2023.1 hr 46 min
- Episode 102 : The Obsession From Hell (90’s Special)Lies… Manipulation… Gaslighting… OBSESSED. Obsession-driven psychodramas are a special sect of early ‘90s cinema. It also happens to be one of our favorite thriller sub-genres.But what makes them so special? What sets them apart & what do they share in common? We’ve honed in & created our own rules for the genre — what we love, the most memorable moments & how do these movies hold up 30+ years later?Let the thrills & chills begin!//***Films Included***\\The Crush (1993), Fear (1996), The Hand that Rocks the Cradle (1992), Pacific Heights (1990), Poison Ivy (1992), Single White Female (1992), The Temp (1993), Unlawful Entry (1992).
//***Picks of the Week***\\
Returning in Episode 103.//***MurrayMoment***\\
Returning in Episode 103.//***Final Thoughts on ***\\
Episode wrap-up & a few outlier films which narrowly missed inclusion in this episode.Next Episode: March 28: MENACE II SOCIETY (1993).Please rate, review & subscribe.Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & YouTube.
//Hosts: Justin Johnson & Lindsay Reber // Music: Matt Pace // Announcer: Mary Timmel // Logo: Beau Shoulders.
www.dontpushpausepodcast.com
Be Kind and Rewatch // February 28, 2023.
xxx
1 hr 40 min - Episode 101 : Groundhog Day
Though this is the 30th Anniversary of GROUNDHOG DAY, it continues to feel timeless & evolve in meaning as it ages. This high concept film is triple threat — a holiday film, a fantasy comedy & an unassuming emotional touchstone for many audiences. As profoundly involved as this story may be, this Bill Murray vehicle has no shortage of complexities behind the scenes as well.
//***Discussions include***\\Origin & inspiration, transforming story structure, writing process, continuous script changes & on the fly decisions; tonal shift struggles, darker philosophical elements mixing with comedy, existential dread, death, immortality & spirituality; omitted scenes, storylines & deliberate absence of a key plot point; skirting around studio demands; importance of location & weather difficulties impacting production; conflicts between Ramis & Murray; cast chemistry & breakdown; release, reception & longevity of the film.
Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, Chris Elliott & Stephen Tobolowsky star in GROUNDHOG DAY (1993) /// Directed by Harold Ramis.
//***Picks of the Week***\\
- Lindsay’s Pick: BIRD ON A WIRE (1990). Goldie Hawn, Mel Gibson, David Carradine, Bill Duke, Stephen Tobolowsky /// Directed by John Badham.
- Justin’s Pick: BEDAZZLED (2000). Brendan Fraser, Elizabeth Hurley, Frances O’Connor, Orlando Jones /// Directed by Harold Ramis.
//***MurrayMoment***\\
This section will return in Episode 103.
//***Final Thoughts on GROUNDHOG DAY***\\
Next Episode: THE OBSESSION FROM HELL, A Special Episode.- Please rate, review & subscribe.
- Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & YouTube.
- Hosts: Justin Johnson & Lindsay Reber // Music: Matt Pace // Announcer: Mary Timmel // Logo: Beau Shoulders.
www.dontpushpausepodcast.com
- Be Kind and Rewatch // January 31st, 2023.
=>=>=>1 hr 40 min - Episode 100 : Die Hard
Kicking off our 100th Episode with a Controversial Christmas Classic — DIE HARD (1988)! For a future-franchised film jam-packed with exciting explosions, it’s hard to believe this project was a gamble before it ever went into production. From its humble beginning to creating an iconic action hero, the formation of DIE HARD is nothing short of a surprise for everyone involved.
//Discussions include***\\State of late ‘80s action films; DIE HARD’s early novelization, lengthy writing process & tonality shift; studio demands, production challenges, director’s influence & balancing action with comedy; casting stories, main & supporting cast breakdown/interplay; cinematography, stunts, special effects & sound/music; release, reception, sequels & the Is this a Christmas movie debate.
Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman, Bonnie Bedelia & Reginald VelJohnson star in DIE HARD (1988). Directed by John McTiernan.
//***Picks of the Week***\\
- Lindsay’s Pick: PRESUMED INNOCENT (1990). Harrison Ford, Bonnie Bedelia, Greta Scacchi, Raul Julia, Brian Dennehy. /// Director by: Alan J.Pakula.
Justin’s Pick: RICOCHET (1991). Denzel Washington, John Lithgow, Ice-T, Lindsay Wagner, Kevin Pollack. /// Directed by Russell Mulcahy.
.
//***MurrayMoment***\\
Bill learns a secret Bruce Willis had been holding on to for over 30 years
//***Final Thoughts on A FEW GOOD MEN***\\
Next Episode: GROUNDHOG DAY, January 31st, 2023
- Please rate, review & subscribe.
- Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & YouTube.
- Hosts: Justin Johnson & Lindsay Reber // Music: Matt Pace // Announcer: Mary Timmel // Logo: Beau Shoulders.
www.dontpushpausepodcast.com
- Be Kind and Rewatch // December 20th, 2022.
1 hr 25 min - Episode 99 : A Few Good Men
Even 30 years after its release, A FEW GOOD MEN tops lists for the most riveting courtroom dramas. Using true events, a coveted director & soon-to-be celebrated writer, the film bleeds talent from all angles & integrity from end to end. All talents behind this film had a clear, unified vision — make a searing, ethically complex drama that would stand the test of time.
//***Discussions include***\\True events behind the film (pre & post release); writer Aaron Sorkin’s humble beginning, story evolution & adapting the stage play to screen; Rob Reiner’s influence & creating action within a narrative; in-depth character & cast discussion, behind the scenes stories, release & reception.
Tom Cruise, Demi Moore, Jack Nicholson, Kevin Pollack star in A FEW GOOD MEN (1992). Directed by Rob Reiner.
//***Picks of the Week***\\
- Lindsay’s Pick: THE LAST DETAIL (1973). Jack Nicholson, Otis Young, Randy Quaid. /// Director: Hal Ashby.
- Justin’s Pick:THE LAST SAMURAI (2003). Tom Cruise, Ken Watanabe, Koyuki Kato, Tony Goldwyn. /// Directed by Edward Zwick.
.
//***MurrayMoment***\\Lindsay sets the record straight on Bill’s SNL character, Nick the Lounge Singer, Rob Reiner’s involvement & the *true* inspirations behind the popular recurring sketch.
//***Final Thoughts on A FEW GOOD MEN***\\
Next Episode: Our 100th Episode: DIE HARD (1988)
- Please rate, review & subscribe.
- Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & YouTube.
- Hosts: Justin Johnson & Lindsay Reber // Music: Matt Pace // Announcer: Mary Timmel // Logo: Beau Shoulders.
www.dontpushpausepodcast.com
- Be Kind and Rewatch // November 22nd, 2022.
>
1 hr 39 min - Episode 98 : Poltergeist (1982)
Combining unrelenting imagination with in-home paranormal activity & child abduction turned into a guaranteed masterpiece with POLTERGEIST (1982). Filmmakers Tobe Hooper & Steven Spielberg proved the horror genre could have emotional depth while remaining absolutely terrifying & creative. And on its 40th Anniversary year, POLTERGEIST still reigns supreme as one of the most memorable ghost stories ever told.
//***Discussions include***\\The lengthy development/writing process of the film & the state of horror in 1982; Hooper & Spielberg’s careers at the time, how they came to collaborate & controversy behind their partnership; vibe vs. theme, elevated/unusual aspects of the story & fundamental fears; cast & character dissections; the film’s score, framing style & special effects; memorable scenes, the double ending, sequels, recognition & longevity, plus our undying appreciation of JoBeth Williams.
JoBeth Williams, Craig T. Nelson, Heather O’Rourke, Beatrice Straight & Zelda Rubinstein star in POLTERGEIST (1982). Directed by Tobe Hooper.
//***Picks of the Week***\\
- Lindsay’s Pick: SALEM’S LOT (1979). David Soul, James Mason, Bonnie Bedelia, Lance Kerwin, Geoffrey Lewis. /// Director: Tobe Hooper.
- Justin’s Pick: WHITE NOISE (2005). Michael Keaton, Deborah Kara Unger, Chandra West, Ian McNeice. /// Directed by Geoffrey Sax
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//***MurrayMoment***\\We revisit Billy’s unscripted insanity which descended upon the debut episode of Late Night with David Letterman in 1982.
//***Final Thoughts on POLTERGEIST***\\
Next Episode: A FEW GOOD MEN (1992)
- Please rate, review & subscribe.
- Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & YouTube.
- Hosts: Justin Johnson & Lindsay Reber // Music: Matt Pace // Announcer: Mary Timmel // Logo: Beau Shoulders.
www.dontpushpausepodcast.com
- Be Kind and Rewatch // October 25th, 2022.
…
2 hr 1 min - Episode 97 : The Ring
We’re kicking off our fifth Halloween by celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Gore Verbinski’s THE RING. Going for more than jump scares, this American film ushered in the blockbuster trend of remaking a pre-existing film. Not only did it reignite the idea of urban legends & invigorate the careers of those involved, THE RING also proved a remake could still fresh, modern & an absolute terrifying delight.
//***Discussions include***\\The origin story, urban legend & folklore behind the film; multiple reinventions of the story, dawn of the remake boom & why the film stands out; preying upon instinctual fears of the audience, themes & atmosphere; cast highlights & uniqueness of characters; special effects, creep factor, visual & sound importance; the film’s climax, reception, longevity, sequels, plus Justin & Lindsay share some local folklore.
Naomi Watts, Daveigh Chase, David Dorfman, Martin Henderson & Brian Cox star in THE RING (2002). Directed by Gore Verbinski.
//***Picks of the Week***\\
- Lindsay’s Pick: THE SKELETON KEY (2005). Kate Hudson, Gena Rowlands, John Hurt, Peter Sarsgaard. /// Director: Iain Softley.
- Justin’s Pick: 1408 (2007). John Cusack, Samuel L. Jackson, Mary McCormack, Tony Shalhoub. /// Directed by Mikael Håfström.
//***MurrayMoment***\\
Naomi Watts’ initial nervousness working with Bill in ST. VINCENT (2014).
//***Final Thoughts on THE RING***\\
Next Episode: 40th Anniversary of POLTERGEIST (1982)
- Please rate, review & subscribe.
- Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & YouTube.
- Hosts: Justin Johnson & Lindsay Reber // Music: Matt Pace // Announcer: Mary Timmel // Logo: Beau Shoulders.
www.dontpushpausepodcast.com
- Be Kind and Rewatch // October 4th, 2022.
1 hr 38 min
About Don’t Push Pause
From the publisher's feed
Don’t Push Pause is a monthly podcast bringing you discussions on movies from the 70s, 80s and 90s. DPP consists of a main discussion on a featured film, followed up by our Picks of the Week, and…
closing with our signature (Bill) Murray Moment.
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