By Audy Christianos and Elvin "The Nerdfather" Jones
The podcast currently has 49 episodes available.
THIS WEEK: Audy is back with a different kind of podcast! First, he and Elvin review the new Sony Pictures Animation Studio feel good, thrill ride of a movie, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse starring Shameik Moore and Jake Johnson. Audy really liked the film as it hit on all cylinders and gave him a big bang for his buck with a jolt of excitement that a lot of its superhero film counterparts can't drum up. Elvin loved the film giving it a Top 10 Film of the Year with 4 out of 4 stars highlighting the movie's soundtrack as some of the best he has heard in a while. Next, Audy brings on Sean Lindenmuth and Warren James to join him and Elvin to discuss highlights from the new Avengers: Endgame trailer. Audy likes that there is a shroud of mystery covering the new film, while Warren and Sean break down the big return of Hawkeye, and Elvin gives props to Ant-Man's return. Lastly, all the fellas switch gears and do a retro review of the original post modern action film, Die Hard starring Bruce Willis and Alan Rickman. This year was the 30th anniversary of this no holds barred action film. Audy breaks down the significance of the film and its contributions and the influences it has on action movies John Wick, Fast and Furious franchise, Bad Boys and The Raid Redemption. They also break down the best scene of the film, best line, and why John McClaine is the most relatable action hero of all time.
Rating: Spider-Man Into the Spiderverse Audy - 3.0 stars out of 4 Hell Yeah Elvin - 4.0 start out of 4 Hell Yeah *Top 10 Film of the Year Remember to listen, subscribe, rate, review and follow our guys on Social Media and iTunes, Soundcloud or Stitcher. Audy Christianos Twitter: @cinesamurairiff IG: cinemasamurai Website: Cinemasamurai.net Elvin Jones Twitter: @imthenerdfather website: nerdfather.com
THIS WEEK: Episode 48: This week your hosts, Audy and Elvin, are back with three quality films that offer three different movie experiences. The first film the guys review is Creed II, starring Michael B. Jordan and Sylvester Stallone and directed by newcomer Steven Caple Jr. Audy felt the film was solid and actually one of the better sequels in the "Rocky" film lore, but there was nothing special from the movie and woefully predictable. Elvin agreed but gave it a bit of a higher opinion as he felt the movie was exciting, especially with the focus on Ivan Drago's return. Next, both fellas review the road trip, Jim Crow South musical-comedy Green Book starring Mahershala Ali and Viggo Mortensen. Both fellas felt the film was a definite crowd-pleaser and see why it took home the People's Choice award at the Toronto Film Festival. Audy further opined that the movie, for all of its goodwill, still seemed to gloss over the hard racial themes in the movie's presentation, and unlike Hidden Figures doesn't establish a strong enough point of view from Ali's character. Elvin loved the film, gave it a Top 10 rating, and is rooting hard for it to become an award season darling. Lastly, both guys review Widows, Steve McQueen's 4th film and according to Audy, McQueen's strongest. Audy absolutely raved about this film giving it a 4 out of 4 stars as the film lasted with Audy well after the movie is over. Elvin liked it but not as much as Audy as he felt at the end there were too many loose ends that didn't tie up along with over dramatization at the sacrifice of action. But both heavily agreed that Daniel Kaluuya's performance and the main baddie in this film was dangerous and highly effective, showcasing his range and demonstrating his acting talents.
Ratings:
Creed II Audy 2.5 out of 4 stars - Hell No Elvin 2.5 out of 4 stars - Hell Yeah Green Book Audy 3.0 out of 4 stars - Hell Yeah Elvin 3.5 out of 4 stars - Hell Yeah *Top 10 Film of the Year Widows Audy 4 out of 4 stars - Hell Yeah *Top 10 Film of the Year Elvin 3.0 out of 4 stars - Hell Yeah Remember to listen, subscribe, rate, review and follow our guys on Social Media and iTunes, Soundcloud or Stitcher. Audy Christianos Twitter: @cinesamurairiff IG: cinemasamurai Website: Cinemasamurai.net Elvin Jones Twitter: @imthenerdfather website: nerdfather.comTHIS WEEK: Audy is back and he brought two friends along. Frequent co-host Elvin Jones and new special co-host Johnny Ruhnow join Audy to discuss the new Blumhouse sequel/reboot/retcon swiss army knife new horror film Halloween. This new film is a re-do sequel from the original 1978 John Carpenter horror classic. The fellas start off with a non-spoiler review. Audy felt the film was a great action film, with laughable horror elements rooting for Michael Myers to wipe out the whole town. Elvin felt the movie was pretty good and efficient in its handling of dusting off Michael Myers but offered little else. Special guest, Johnny, liked the music and felt the film was better than previous movies, and that this film was strong, but overall rather weak and crippled by a terrible ending. In the second segment, the fellas do a spoiler review where they mostly break down the ending but also Jaime Lee Curtis' role as Laurie Strode and how her character was supposed to start the series in a whole new direction. Lastly, they end the episode with "Exit Survey" where Audy asks the fellas their thoughts on topics such as "best movie moment," "worst supporting character," and "whose movie is this? Michael's? or Laurie Strode's?"
Ratings: Audy - 2.5 out of 4 Hell No Elvin - 2.5 out of 4 Hell Yeah Johnny - 2.5 out of 4 Hell Yeah Remember to listen, subscribe, rate, review and follow our guys on Social Media and iTunes, Soundcloud or Stitcher. Audy Christianos Twitter: @cinesamurairiff IG: cinemasamurai Website: Cinemasamurai.net Elvin Jones Twitter: @imthenerdfather website: nerdfather.com Special Guest: Johnny Ruhnow Twitter: @2min4roughingTHIS WEEK: New episode Audy and Elvin are back to three interesting movies for the month of October, two of which are putting their entries into the early Oscar race. The first movie that the fellas review is A Star is Born, starring, directed and written by Bradley Cooper and costarring pop music superstar, Lady Gaga. Elvin was absolutely in love with this film and really appreciated the direction and acting from Bradley Cooper and the authenticity in which the drama between his character and Lady Gaga's character interact. Audy completely agreed with Elvin even going so far to say this movie is special! Next, they review the Neil Armstrong biopic First Man starring Ryan Gosling and directed by Damien Chazelle. Audy really liked this movie, naming it as in his top 10 films of 2018. Elvin liked it but not as much as Audy. He felt the realism of Neil Armstrong's experiences of personal loss and failure helped fuel the iconic moment in US History. Lastly, both hosts review the Drew Goddard directed pulp thriller Bad Times at the El Royale. Audy absolutely hated this movie! He knew there wasn't anything fresh idea behind the mystery and derided its ambitions to be more than what it was, plus wasting major acting talent with Jon Hamm and Jeff Bridges in its hallow offerings. Elvin didn't like it either as there wasn't much to the movie to brag about especially with such a long dragging run time and hilariously dubbed the film "Poop Fiction".
A Star is Born Audy 3.5 out of 4 stars - Hell Yeah Elvin 3.5 out of 4 stars - Hell Yeah First Man Audy 3.5 out of 4 Stars - Hell Yeah *Top 10 of the Year Elvin 3.0 out of 4 Stars - Hell Yeah Bad Times at the El Royale Audy 1.0 out of 4 stars - Hell No Elvin 1.0 out of 4 stars - Hell No Remember to listen, subscribe, rate, review and follow our guys on social media and iTunes, Soundcloud or Stitcher.
Audy Christianos
Twitter: @cinesamurairiff
Instagram: @cinemasamurai
www.cinemasamurai.net
Elvin Jones
Twitter: @imthenerdfather
Instagram: @imthenerdfather
www.thenerdfather.com
THIS WEEK: Your host, Audy is back with a brand new retro podcast where he focuses on two of the best films that represent early film noir and late film noir with The Maltese Falcon and Touch of Evil. Audy brings back his friend, and film noir aficionado, Andy Wolverton, to break down both films and celebrate their merits. First, the fellas start off with the 1940 film noir classic The Maltese Falcon. Audy fell in love with the film and claimed that John Huston's film is quintessential film noir at its best with Humphrey Bogart leading the way. Andy was impressed with the film especially since this was John Huston's first and how effortlessly he was able to capture that film noir spirit. Second is the 1958 film noir bravura, Touch of Evil, directed by and starring the incomparable Orson Welles. It was Audy's first time watching the film and like Welles' other films, Audy immediately fell in love with the film's direction, themes and seamless tonal shifts. Andy enjoyed the film and felt it represented film noir in the truest sense with its gritty, hardscrabble depiction of good vs. evil. After that, both guys discuss film noir's evolution and style differences, similarities of both films and how each, in the span of 20 years, still compliment each other, without really even trying.
This week's guest: Andy Wolverton Andy Wolverton is a librarian at the Severna Park Community Library in Severna Park, Maryland (part of the Anne Arundel County Public Library system), where he co-hosts The Great Movies series the first Thursday of each month. Andy also writes for The Dark Pages: The Newsletter for Film Noir Lovers as well as his blog, Journeys in Darkness and Light. You can follow him on Twitter @awolverton77and on Letterboxd as awolverton.
Remember to listen, subscribe, rate, review and follow on social media and iTunes, Soundcloud or Stitcher.
Audy Christianos
Twitter: @cinesamurairiff
Instagram: @cinemasamurai
www.cinemasamurai.net
THIS WEEK: Your hosts, Audy and Elvin, bring the heat with three new movie reviews to end the summer on a high note! First, the fellas start off with the Tom Cruise franchise money machine Mission: Impossible Fallout. Audy liked it a lot and felt that this movie was the best film of the summer, with an impressive all-around cast, highlighted with newcomer Henry Cavill. Elvin was equally impressed as the film/franchise seem to only get stronger with each entry of the series with this film possibly being the high point of the franchise. Next, they review the sensational, blockbuster rom-com Crazy Rich Asians. Audy felt the movie was going to be a shallow excuse of showing Asians in a superficial, materialistic light, but found himself surprisingly enjoying the film, appreciating its dramatic depth led by the regal Michelle Yeoh. Elvin had a fun time, and felt the movie was great, celebrating equally in its spoofy excesses and touching heart. Lastly, BlacKkKlansman, Elvin thought it was a strong film, with Spike Lee bringing the goods again, with a wry but unlikely story of a black cop in the 70's infiltrating the Colorado chapter of the KKK. Elvin appreciated the acting, but felt John David Washington, was a little slight in the main role and didn't quite measure up to his father, Denzel. Audy on the other hand thought the movie had a lot of potential to be a great film, but felt just short due to Lee's stale commentary and disingenuous intent that is sold itself a comedy when it really was not. Nevertheless, Audy still is stunned by Lee's directorial prowess which was in full effect in this movie regardless of its shortcomings.
Mission Impossible: Fallout Audy 3.5 out of 4 stars - Hell Yeah *Top 10 of the Year Elvin 3.5 out of 4 stars - Hell Yeah Crazy Rich Asians Audy 2.5 out of 4 Stars - Hell Yeah Elvin 3.0 out of 4 Stars - Hell No BlacKkKlansman Audy 2.5 out of 4 stars - Hell No Elvin 3.0 out of 4 stars - Hell Yeah Remember to listen, subscribe, rate, review and follow our guys on social media and iTunes, Soundcloud or Stitcher.Audy Christianos
Twitter: @cinesamurairiff
Instagram: @cinemasamurai
www.cinemasamurai.net
Elvin Jones
Twitter: @imthenerdfather
Instagram: @imthenerdfather
www.thenerdfather.com
This week: FILMSTRUCK'S FRIDAY NIGHT DOUBLE FEATURE - Audy is back after a long hiatus and brought cohost Andy Wolverton with him. They discuss two romantic star-crossed lovers centric films: The Clock (1945) and Before Sunrise (1995). First, the fellas start by reviewing the film, The Clock, directed by Vincente Minelli, and starring his future wife, film powerhouse, Judy Garland, about a young couple/strangers that meet in New York City, and spend 48 hours getting to know each other and fall in love in the process before Robert Walker's character has to go back to War. Audy liked the film and praised Garland's performance and Minelli's direction but thought it was a little light in ambition. Andy agreed, and enjoyed the movie until the film starting manipulating the plot towards the end. Next film they review is Richard Linklater's Gen X love letter, Before Sunrise, where two star-crossed young people meet on a train and embark on a journey of interpersonal connection and spontaneous kismet that defies logic. Audy personally loves this film and that is all that needs to be said. Andy saw it for the first time and immensely enjoyed it and was surprised by the depth and charm the movie establishes from such a simplistic presentation. Then both end the podcast with connection themes/motifs/symbolisms that tie both movies together.
This week's guest: Andy Wolverton Andy Wolverton is a librarian at the Severna Park Community Library in Severna Park, Maryland (part of the Anne Arundel County Public Library system), where he co-hosts The Great Movies series the first Thursday of each month. Andy also writes for The Dark Pages: The Newsletter for Film Noir Lovers as well as his blog, Journeys in Darkness and Light. You can follow him on Twitter @awolverton77and on Letterboxd as awolverton.
Remember to listen, subscribe, rate, review and follow on social media and iTunes, Soundcloud or Stitcher.
Audy Christianos
Twitter: @cinesamurairiff
Instagram: @cinemasamurai
www.cinemasamurai.net
THIS WEEK: Upon Further Review - The Year 2000! Audy continues his new series by reviewing three films from that year. He brings on two guest co-hosts Warren James, and his producer Jessica Elliott, to walk through memory lane and review Almost Famous, Cast Away and Unbreakable. First, all three review the Cameron Crowe directed and written, coming of age drama, Almost Famous starring Billy Crudup, Kate Hudson and Frances McDormand. All three hosts thought that the movie was overrated, even though there was a benign sweetness tied to the characters. The movie ultimately did not age any better to due lack of strong character arcs. Second, is Cast Away, starring Tom Hanks, and Wilson the Volleyball. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, Cast Away was a popular film back in the day that all three admitted they entirely didn't get or didn't even want to get originally. Upon further review Audy loved it, Jessica really liked it and Warren came away really appreciating the film regardless of the heavy handed and ambiguous ending. Lastly, Unbreakable by M. Night Shyamalan starring Bruce Willis and Samuel L. Jackson. Audy couldn't stand this movie, and really wanted more. He further admitted that it had some potential but was very hallow in its concept. Jessica didn't think much of the film watching it again, but praised Bruce Willis' performance. Warren, unapologetically loved this film and after rewatching it still loves it and feels it's one of the best superhero movies ever, and definitely his favorite Shyamalan film.
UPON FURTHER REVIEW Film Ratings Almost Famous 2.0 out of 4 and "Hell No" (Audy) 2.0 out of 4 and "Hell No" (Jessica) 2.0 out of 4 and "Hell No" (Warren) Cast Away 3.5 out of 4 and "Hell Yeah" (Audy) 3.0 out of 4 and "Hell Yeah" (Jessica) 3.0 out of 4 and "Hell Yeah" (Warren) Unbreakable 2.0 out of 4 and "Hell No" (Audy) 2.0 out of 4 and "Hell No" (Jessica) 3.5 out of 4 and "Hell Yeah" (Warren) Remember to listen, subscribe, rate, review and follow on social media and iTunes, Soundcloud or Stitcher.
Audy Christianos
Twitter: @cinesamurairiff
Instagram: @cinemasamurai
www.cinemasamurai.net
This week: FILMSTRUCK'S FRIDAY NIGHT DOUBLE FEATURE - Audy is joined by regular co-host for the 4th time, Andy Wolverton. This week, both gentlemen discuss the double feature of Sisters and What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? Both films focus on the intertwined love/hate relationships and the psychological toll it takes between two different sets of sisterhood. The fellas start off with Brian De Palma's 1973 thriller Sisters, a film starring Margot Kidder as a set of conjoined twins where one sister is a successful model and the other a murdering psychopath. Audy felt the film had a sensational first half, but started to feel flat in the second once the film changes its character focus. Andy felt the movie did a great job of balancing different tones from beginning, middle and end, yet still paying a strong homage to classic Hitchcock films Vertigo, Psycho and especially Rear Window. Next they review, the Robert Aldrich directed "hag horror" film - What Ever Happened to baby Jane? The movie starring two of Hollywood's heavyweight leading actresses Bette Davis and Joan Crawford, shocked audiences with its tawdry horror, razor sharp commentary on the ugly side of show business, and horrific melodrama. Lastly, Audy and Andy end the segment with their summary of why both films were showcased together with their segment of themes/connections and motifs that arise in both films.
This week's guest: Andy Wolverton Andy Wolverton is a librarian at the Severna Park Community Library in Severna Park, Maryland (part of the Anne Arundel County Public Library system), where he co-hosts The Great Movies series the first Thursday of each month. Andy also writes for The Dark Pages: The Newsletter for Film Noir Lovers as well as his blog, Journeys in Darkness and Light. You can follow him on Twitter @awolverton77and on Letterboxd as awolverton.
Remember to listen, subscribe, rate, review and follow on social media and iTunes, Soundcloud or Stitcher.
Audy Christianos
Twitter: @cinesamurairiff
Instagram: @cinemasamurai
www.cinemasamurai.net
This Week: Audy wanted to try something different and do a retro review of three movies from 2014 that he originally reviewed. This episode, he brings on his regular co-host Elvin "The Nerdfather" Jones and other frequent collaborator, Warren James, to do a new podcast series: Upon Further Review. The first film from 2014 the fellas review is John Wick starring Keanu Reeves, Ian McShane and Willem Dafoe. Audy felt the movie started a new genre of bareknuckle, grounded, microbudget action film and resurrected Keanu Reeves' career. Warren thought the action scenes still held up regardless of the flat second half of the film. Second, is Christopher Nolan's time travel, sci-fi thriller Interstellar starring Matthew "Alright Alright Alright" McConaughey, Michael Caine, Jessica Chastain, and Anne Hathaway. Elvin thought the movie got better over time and felt that the "weightiness" of the material upon first review four years ago wasn't a sticking point at all for an otherwise great film and lauded that this movie showcased a Matthew McConaughey APEX performance. Audy and Warren initially and pensively gave the movie a 3-star "Hell Yeah" rating, but upon rewatching felt the movie is excellent and will go down as one of Nolan's top films. Lastly, Edge of Tomorrow, the little known movie starring a damaged goods movie star in Tom Cruise and then an unknown actress in Emily Blunt. Needless to say, upon further review, all three fellas felt the movie's writing, editing and humor is borderline brilliant especially in the first half of the film. It really made Emily Blunt the action heroine that the box office needed and paved the road for her career and role in Sicario. The movie, as great as it was, like John Wick went from a crashing halt, to a predictable and weak plot conclusion but still a strong and memorable film overall!
UPON FURTHER REVIEW Film Ratings
John WickAudy Christianos
Twitter: @cinesamurairiff
Instagram: @cinemasamurai
www.cinemasamurai.net
Elvin Jones
Twitter: @imthenerdfather
Instagram: @imthenerdfather
www.thenerdfather.com
The podcast currently has 49 episodes available.