Dana and Tom with 5x Club Member, Peterson W. Hill (Co-Host of the War Starts at Midnight podcast) discuss the crime noir thriller, Se7en (1995) for its 30th anniversary: directed by David Fincher, written by Andrew Kevin Walker, cinematography by Darius Khondji, music by Howard Shore, starring Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt, Gwyneth Paltrow, R. Lee Ermey, John C. McGinley, and Kevin Spacey.

Plot Summary: Se7en, directed by David Fincher, is a dark crime thriller about two detectives trying to stop a serial killer. Detective Somerset (Morgan Freeman), an older cop close to retirement, is partnered with Detective Mills (Brad Pitt), a younger officer new to the city. They begin investigating a series of murders where each crime represents one of the seven deadly sins: gluttony, greed, sloth, lust, pride, envy, and wrath.

The killer, John Doe, carefully plans each murder as a twisted lesson about human corruption. Somerset and Mills struggle to keep up as the crimes grow more shocking and disturbing. The case takes a personal turn when Doe finally surrenders, leading the detectives to a final trap that tests their morals.

The movie explores themes of justice, morality, and the darkness of human nature. Its bleak atmosphere and shocking ending leave a lasting impact, making Seven one of the most powerful crime films of the 1990s.

Guest:

Peterson W. Hill - Co-Host of the War Starts at Midnight podcast

• @petersonwhill on IG, Letterboxd, and Twitter
• Previous Guest on Gone Girl (2014), Parasite (2019), Fight Club (1999), Ben-Hur (1959), Up in the Air (2009), The Shop Around the Corner (1940), La Dolce Vita (1960), The Social Network (2010) Revisit, Pather Panchali (1955)

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction, Cast and Background for Se7en

04:57 Welcome Back Peterson

09:11 The Impact of Se7en on the Crime and Horror Genres

17:09 Relationship(s) with Se7en

21:52 Plot Summary for Se7en

23:10 What is Se7en About?

29:41 All-Time Film Twist Rankings

36:04 Did You Know?

45:20 First Break

47:13 What's Up with Peterson W. Hill

48:07 GMOAT Housekeeping

49:01 GMOAT Hall of Fame - September 2025

54:00 CLP Rankings #100-91

01:06:58 Best Performance(s)

01:24:03 Best Scene(s)

01:36:25 Second Break

01:37:05 In Memoriam

01:53:48 Best/Funniest Lines

01:57:43 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy

02:03:57 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance

02:08:29 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty

02:13:50 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness

02:23:32 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability

02:27:55 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total

02:29:20 Remaining Questions for Se7en

02:36:24 Thank You to Peterson and Final Thoughts

02:40:47 Credits

You can also find this episode in full video on YouTube.

You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast).

For more on the episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/se7en-1995-ft-peterson-w-hill

For the entire rankings list so far, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/greatest-movie-of-all-time-list

Keywords:

Se7en, seven, David Fincher, Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman, crime thriller, movie analysis, film impact, cultural significance, character study, cinematic history, cinema, film, movie reviews, legacy, directors, performances, iconic films, international cinema, film community, movie discussions, Robert Redford, Sundance Institute, independent cinema, philanthropy, political activism, impact, classic films, rewatchability, Andrew Kevin Walker, Kevin Spacey, Howard Shore, crime, thriller, purgatory, seven deadly sins

Ronny Duncan Studios

Dana and Tom with returning guest, Frank Mandosa (Host of Reels of Cinema podcast, co-host of Movies across the Pod), discuss the Best Picture winner of 1980 - Ordinary People: directed by Robert Redford, written by Alvin Sargent, cinematography by John Bailey, music by Marvin Hamlisch, starring Donald Sutherland, Mary Tyler Moore, Judd Hirsch, and Timothy Hutton.

Plot Summary: Ordinary People is a powerful drama about a family torn apart by loss. The Jarretts seem like a perfect upper-class family, but the death of their oldest son, Buck, leaves deep scars. Conrad, the younger son (Timothy Hutton), struggles with guilt and depression, leading to a suicide attempt. With the help of psychiatrist Dr. Berger (Judd Hirsch), he slowly begins to face his painful emotions and heal.

Conrad’s father, Calvin (Donald Sutherland), wants to connect and support him, but his mother, Beth (Mary Tyler Moore), cannot show her feelings and insists on keeping up appearances. This emotional distance pushes Conrad away, creating tension in her and Calvin's marriage. Ultimately, the family must confront the truth that love and healing require honesty, not denial.

Guest:

Frank Mandosa

• Host of Reels of Cinema podcast, co-host of Movies across the Pod
• https://linktr.ee/reelsofcinema; www.frankmandosa.weebly.com
• Previously on The Sixth Sense, Sunset Boulevard (1950) Revisit

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction, Cast, and Background for Ordinary People

04:02 Welcome Back Frank Mandosa

06:43 Being Compared to Raging Bull and Mental Health in the 1980s

19:35 Relationships with Ordinary People

25:25 Are We in a Better Place with Mental Health Today?

30:52 What is Ordinary People About?

38:08 Plot Summary for Ordinary People

39:17 Did You Know?

46:15 First Break

47:18 What's Up with Frank Mandosa

48:18 The Cinema Legacy Poll Release #2

58:33 Best Performance(s)

01:21:14 Best Scene(s)

01:35:56 Second Break

01:36:34 In Memoriam

01:41:00 Best/Funniest Lines

01:44:46 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy

01:51:59 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance

01:59:52 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty

02:02:27 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness

02:08:53 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability

02:14:16 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total

02:16:00 Remaining Questions for Ordinary People

02:21:24 Listener Questions

02:33:12 Thank You to Frank and Remaining Thoughts

02:37:19 Credits

You can also find this episode in full video on YouTube.

You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast).

For more on the episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/ordinary-people-1980-ft-frank-mandosa

For the entire rankings list so far, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/greatest-movie-of-all-time-list

Keywords:

Ordinary People, Robert Redford, mental health, grief, film analysis, character study, Oscar winner, family drama, cinematic techniques, cultural impact, character dynamics, emotional performances, rewatchability, family relationships, secondary performances, listener questions, actors turned directors, best scenes, female performances, best picture, Donald Sutherland, Mary Tyler Moore, Timothy Hutton, Judd Hirsch, John Bailey, Marvin Hamlisch, Alvin Sargent

Ronny Duncan Studios

Dana had to call in sick this week, so Tom and the newest 5x Club member, Jesse Sertle (CineMadison) discuss Almost Famous (2000) for its 25th anniversary: written and directed by Cameron Crowe, cinematography by John Toll, music by Nancy Wilson, starring Billy Crudup, Kate Hudson, Frances McDormand, Jason Lee, and Patrick Fugit.

Plot Summary: Almost Famous is a coming-of-age story about music, identity, and growing up in the 1970s. The film follows William Miller, a 15-year-old aspiring music journalist, who gets the chance of a lifetime when Rolling Stone magazine hires him to cover an up-and-coming rock band called Stillwater.

William joins the band on tour, where he experiences the excitement and chaos of life on the road. Along the way, he befriends Penny Lane, a free-spirited groupie who hides her own heartbreak behind her love for the music. As William tries to balance his journalistic duties with his feelings of friendship and loyalty, he struggles with the blurred lines between truth and storytelling.

At its core, Almost Famous is about the power of music to shape lives, the messy process of growing up, and learning who you are when surrounded by fame, love, and disappointment.

Guest:

Jesse Sertle (5x Club Member)

• fellow group member of CineMadison
• previously on Rounders (1998), Easy Rider (1969), and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019), Star Wars (1977)
• @jsertle on IG

Chapters

00:00 Introduction, Cast of Almost Famous, and Welcome Back Jesse

03:34 Almost Famous - Tom's First Impressions

09:00 Background for Almost Famous

10:11 Why Does America Love Rockstars?

16:12 Plot Summary for Almost Famous

17:08 What is Almost Famous About?

26:27 Did You Know?

30:18 First Break

31:01 Best Performance(s)

42:13 Best Scene(s)

51:36 Second Break

52:14 In Memoriam

54:39 Best/Funniest Lines

57:57 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy

01:07:39 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance

01:12:53 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty

01:16:42 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness

01:23:07 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability

01:26:24 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total

01:27:30 Remaining Questions for Almost Famous

01:33:30 Thank You to Jesse and Final Thoughts

01:36:52 Credits

01:37:57 Introduction to the Cinema Legacy Poll

01:38:43 Thank You to All of Our Participants

01:43:25 The Cinema Legacy Poll - Rankings 120-111

01:45:21 Initial Reactions to the First List Drop

01:52:36 Final Thoughts for the Weekly Drop

You can also find this episode in full video on YouTube.

You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast).

For more on the episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/almost-famous-2000-ft-jesse-sertle

For the entire rankings list so far, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/greatest-movie-of-all-time-list

Keywords:

Almost Famous, Cameron Crowe, film analysis, rock music, movie podcast, character study, film history, community project, celebrity culture, coming of age, character dynamics, memorable scenes, cultural impact, humor, legacy, audience reception, originality, classic films, rewatchability, Nancy Wilson, Billy Crudup, John Toll, Kate Hudson, Frances McDormand, Zooey Deschanel, Anna Paquin, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Jay Baruchel, Marc Maron, Rainn Wilson

Ronny Duncan Studios

Dana and Tom with Frank Mandosa (host of Reels of Cinema, co-host of Movie Across the Pod) revisit Sunset Boulevard (1950): written and directed by Billy Wilder with Charles Brackett and DM Marshman Jr, cinematography by John F. Seitz, music by Franz Waxman, starring William Holden, Gloria Swanson, and Erich Von Stroheim.

Plot Summary: Sunset Boulevard is a dark Hollywood drama directed by Billy Wilder. The story follows Joe Gillis (William Holden), a struggling screenwriter who can’t sell his scripts. By chance, he meets Norma Desmond (Gloria Swanson), a once-famous silent film actress who now lives in isolation in her decaying mansion on Sunset Boulevard. Norma dreams of making a comeback and convinces Joe to help rewrite a script she believes will return her to stardom.

As Joe becomes financially dependent on Norma, he finds himself trapped in her world of fading glory and denial. Their relationship grows tense and unhealthy, especially as Joe develops feelings for another young writer. Norma’s desperation and inability to accept reality lead to a shocking and tragic ending. The film is a powerful look at obsession, fame, and the dark side of Hollywood.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back Frank

04:39 Why is Sunset Boulevard So Critically Revered?

14:11 Background for Sunset Boulevard

16:51 Relationship(s) to Sunset Boulevard

24:37 Plot Summary for Sunset Boulevard

25:45 What is Sunset Boulevard About?

29:35 Is Sunset Boulevard Billy Wilder's Best Film?

33:48 Did You Know?

35:52 First Break

36:34 What's Happening with Frank

40:38 Big Announcement - The Cinema Legacy Poll

51:32 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy

57:15 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance

01:03:16 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty

01:06:12 Second Break

01:06:49 In Memoriam

01:08:04 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness

01:14:31 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability

01:19:52 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total

01:22:13 Remaining Questions for Sunset Boulevard

01:23:36 Thank You to Frank and Final Thoughts

01:26:14 Credits

Guest:

Frank Mandosa

• Host of Reels of Cinema podcast, co-host of Movies across the Pod
• https://linktr.ee/reelsofcinema; www.frankmandosa.weebly.com
• Previously on The Sixth Sense

You can also find this episode in full video on YouTube.

You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast).

For more on the original episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/sunset-boulevard-1950

For more on the episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/sunset-boulevard-1950-revisit-ft-frank-mandosa

For the entire rankings list so far, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/greatest-movie-of-all-time-list

Keywords:

Sunset Boulevard, Billy Wilder, Hollywood, film analysis, classic cinema, movie podcast, film history, character study, cinematic techniques, cultural impact, revisit, film noir, black and white, Oscars, William Holden, Gloria Swanson, Erich Von Stroheim, Franz Waxman

Ronny Duncan Studios

Dana and Tom with 5x Club Member, Peterson W. Hill (Co-Host of the War Starts at Midnight podcast), discuss the Indian cinema classic, Pather Panchali (1955) celebrating its 70th anniversary: written and directed by Satyajit Ray, cinematography by Subrata Mitra, music by Ravi Shankar, starring Kanu Banerjee, Karuna Banerjee, Subir Banerjee, Runki Banerjee, Uma Dasgupta, and Chunibala Devi.

Plot Summary: Pather Panchali (meaning Song of the Little Road) is a 1955 film by Satyajit Ray. It tells the story of Apu, a young boy in a poor village in Bengal. His father, Harihar, is a priest who dreams of a better life, while his mother, Sarbajaya, struggles to care for the family. Apu is very close to his older sister, Durga, who finds happiness in small things even though they are very poor.

The film shows daily village life—both its beauty and hardships—through the children’s eyes. As the family faces loss and change, Apu begins a journey that reflects the joys and sorrows of growing up.

Guest:

Peterson W. Hill - Co-Host of the War Starts at Midnight podcast

• @petersonwhill on IG, Letterboxd, and Twitter
• Previous Guest on Gone Girl (2014), Parasite (2019), Fight Club (1999), Ben-Hur (1959), Up in the Air (2009), The Shop Around the Corner (1940), La Dolce Vita (1960), The Social Network (2010) Revisit

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back Peterson

05:04 First Impressions for Dana and Tom

11:30 Peterson's Relationship to Pather Panchali

14:21 Background for Pather Panchali

16:33 What is Pather Panchali About?

20:32 Does Pather Panchali Deserve to Be Mentioned Among the Greatest Films?

32:11 Plot Summary for Pather Panchali

33:55 Did You Know?

36:18 First Break

36:59 What's Happening with Peterson W. Hill?

37:43 Best Performance(s)

52:15 Best Scene(s)

01:02:36 Second Break

01:03:17 In Memoriam

01:11:16 Best/Funniest Lines

01:12:52 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy

01:18:35 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance

01:24:14 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty

01:30:45 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness

01:35:58 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability

01:39:52 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total

01:41:08 Remaining Questions

01:46:45 Thank You to Peterson

01:48:41 BIG Announcement Tease

01:49:53 Credits

This episode is also available in full video on YouTube.

You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast).

For more on the episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/pather-panchali-1955-ft-peterson-w-hill

For the entire rankings list so far, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/greatest-movie-of-all-time-list

Keywords:

Pather Panchali, film analysis, cinema, character study, legacy, impact, Indian cinema, Apu trilogy, Satyajit Ray, cinematography, film analysis, human emotion, storytelling, cultural reflections, family dynamics, cinema history, childhood innocence, cinematic techniques, timeless films, emotional depth, Subrata Mitra, Ravi Shankar

Ronny Duncan Studios

Dana and Tom and 5x Club Member, Sarah Duncan, discuss the Best Picture winner of 1930, All Quiet on the Western Front: directed by Lewis Milestone, written by Maxwell Anderson, George Abbott, and Del Andrews, cinematography by Arthur Edeson, starring Louis Wolheim and Lew Ayres.

Plot Summary: All Quiet on the Western Front (1930) follows Paul Bäumer, a young German soldier swept up by patriotic fervor and the persuasive speeches of their teacher who enlists with his schoolmates during World War I. Initially eager for glory, Paul soon confronts the grim realities of trench warfare—mud, hunger, fear, and the constant presence of death. The brutality of combat strips away his youthful ideals, replacing them with disillusionment and a desperate will to survive. Alienated from civilians who cannot comprehend his experiences, Paul finds his only solace in the fragile camaraderie of his fellow soldiers. The film ends with a moment of tragic irony: just as he reaches for the simple beauty of a butterfly on the battlefield, Paul is shot and killed—on a day so quiet that the official report reads, “All quiet on the Western Front.”

Guest:

Sarah Duncan - Sister of Tom, Daughter of Dana

• @thenomadicarchaeologist on IG
• Previous Episodes: Zodiac, My Fair Lady, The Artist, Inglourious Basterds, The Great Dictator, Forrest Gump, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Knives Out

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction, Cast of All Quiet on the Western Front, and Welcome Back Sarah

04:38 What Other Movies Can You See In This?

06:56 Background for All Quiet on the Western Front

08:16 Relationship(s) to the Film

15:29 Did Dana Like It?

16:23 Plot Summary for All Quiet on the Western Front

18:00 What is All Quiet on the Western Front About?

20:11 Ranking Best War Films

29:10 Did You Know?

31:38 First Break

33:30 What's Happening with Sarah Duncan?

33:59 Listener Feedback and Housekeeping

40:02 August 2025 GMOAT Hall of Fame

45:58 Best Performance(s)

58:04 Best Scene(s)

01:09:53 Second Break

01:10:32 In Memoriam

01:14:08 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy

01:28:54 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance

01:31:47 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty

01:34:45 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness

01:39:46 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability

01:44:17 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total

01:46:02 Remaining Questions

01:46:26 Thank You to Sarah

01:47:09 Remaining Thoughts for the Week

01:50:19 Credits

You can also find this episode in full video on YouTube.

You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast).

For more on the episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/all-quiet-on-the-western-front-1930-ft-sarah-duncan

For the entire rankings list so far, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/greatest-movie-of-all-time-list

Keywords:

All Quiet on the Western Front, war films, disillusionment, film legacy, cinematography, historical context, podcast, movie analysis, film discussion, family dynamics, war, film analysis, character study, impact of war, classic cinema, emotional connection, legacy of film, best scenes, human experience, historical context, Lewis Milestone, Arthur Edeson, Louis Wolheim, Lew Ayres

Ronny Duncan Studios

Dana and Tom with 5x Club member, Peterson W. Hill, revisit The Social Network (2010): directed by David Fincher, written by Aaron Sorkin, cinematography by Jeff Cronenweth, music by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, starring Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake, and Armie Hammer.

Plot Summary: The Social Network dramatizes the turbulent origins of Facebook, tracing its rise from a dorm room project to a global tech empire. The story centers on Harvard student Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg), whose brilliance and ambition lead him to create a revolutionary social networking site. But as Facebook explodes in popularity, personal relationships unravel and legal battles erupt. Former friends and collaborators—including Eduardo Saverin (Andrew Garfield), Sean Parker (Justin Timberlake), and the Winklevoss twins (Armie Hammer)—clash over ownership, betrayal, and the blurred lines between genius and opportunism. It’s a tale of innovation, ego, and the cost of success in the digital age.

Guest:

Peterson W. Hill - Co-Host of the War Starts at Midnight podcast

• @petersonwhill on IG, Letterboxd, and Twitter
• Previous Guest on Gone Girl (2014), Parasite (2019), Fight Club (1999), Ben-Hur (1959), Up in the Air (2009), The Shop Around the Corner (1940), La Dolce Vita (1960)

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

02:34 Cast for The Social Network

03:28 Welcome Back, Peterson

07:42 How Important is The Social Network in Culture?

16:32 Background for The Social Network

20:12 Is This David Fincher's Best Film?

25:49 Relationship(s) to The Social Network

31:42 Plot Summary for The Social Network

32:46 What is The Social Network About?

52:24 Did You Know?

58:34 First Break

59:38 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy

01:08:23 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance

01:16:01 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty

01:21:00 Second Break

01:21:42 In Memoriam

01:23:16 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness

01:54:02 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability

01:56:40 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability

01:58:51 Remaining Questions for The Social Network

02:06:56 Thank You to Peterson

02:08:25 Remaining Thoughts for the Week

02:14:46 Credits

You can also find this episode in full video on YouTube.

You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast).

For more on the original episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/the-social-network-2010

For more on the episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/the-social-network-2010-revisit-ft-peterson-w-hill

For the entire rankings list so far, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/greatest-movie-of-all-time-list

Keywords:

The Social Network, Mark Zuckerberg, David Fincher, Aaron Sorkin, film analysis, cultural impact, character study, legacy, social media, movie review, classic movies, cultural impact, rewatchability, movie discussion, film execution, cinematic storytelling, Peter Thiel, Eduardo Saverin, Winklevoss, Larry Summers, Sean Parker, Jesse Eisenberg, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, Oscar, Academy Awards, The King's Speech, Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake, Armie Hammer

Ronny Duncan Studios

Dana and Tom discuss The Usual Suspects (1995): directed by Bryan Singer, written by Christopher McQuarrie, music and editing by John Ottman, Cinematography by Newton Thomas Sigel, starring Gabriel Byrne, Stephen Baldwin, Kevin Pollack, Chazz Palminteri, Benicio Del Toro, and Kevin Spacey.

Plot Summary: The Usual Suspects is a crime thriller about five criminals who meet during a police lineup and decide to work together on a heist. After the heist goes wrong, they find themselves being manipulated by a mysterious and dangerous crime boss named Keyser Söze. As the story unfolds, one of the criminals, Verbal Kint, tells the police what happened. Through flashbacks, we learn about betrayal, revenge, and the power of fear. The movie builds to a shocking twist at the end, where everything we thought we knew is turned upside down. It’s a smart, suspenseful film that keeps viewers guessing until the very last scene.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:54 Cast and Background for The Usual Suspects

04:28 Relationship(s) to The Usual Suspects

06:49 What is The Usual Suspects About?

11:31 Did Dana Like It?

12:48 All-Time Movie Plot Twists Rankings

16:20 Plot Summary for The Usual Suspects

17:29 Did You Know?

21:28 First Break

22:19 Best Performance(s)

32:47 Best Scene(s)

36:22 Second Break

37:06 In Memoriam

39:17 Best/Funniest Lines

40:54 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy

46:10 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance

50:31 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty

53:28 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness

01:03:31 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability

01:06:23 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total

01:08:40 Remaining Questions for The Usual Suspects

01:20:08 Credits

You can also find this episode in full video on YouTube.

You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast).

For more on the episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/the-usual-suspects-1995

For the entire rankings list so far, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/greatest-movie-of-all-time-list

Keywords:

The Usual Suspects, movie review, film analysis, plot twist, Kevin Spacey, Bryan Singer, crime thriller, character analysis, cinematic legacy, film trivia, Keyser Soze, Christopher McQuarrie, Kevin Pollack, Benicio Del Toro, Stephen Baldwin, Gabriel Byrne, John Ottman

Ronny Duncan Studios

Dana and Tom with returning guest, Ryan Luis Rodriguez (Host of One Track Mind, Co-Host of Reels of Justice Podcast) discuss The Night of the Hunter (1955), celebrating its 70th anniversary: directed by Charles Laughton, written by James Agee, cinematography by Stanley Cortez, music by Walter Schumann, starring Robert Mitchum, Shelley Winters, Lillian Gish, and Peter Graves.

Plot Summary: The Night of the Hunter is a suspenseful drama about a dangerous man (Robert Mitchum) posing as a preacher. Set during the Great Depression, the story follows Harry Powell, a charismatic and unsettling figure who travels the countryside, claiming to be a man of God. In reality, he's a con artist and killer.

When Harry hears about a man who hid $10,000 from a bank robbery, he marries the man’s widow (Shelly Winters) to try to find the money. However, the only people who know its location are her two young children, John and Pearl. As Harry becomes increasingly violent and threatening, the kids flee down the river to escape him.

They find safety with a kind woman named Rachel Cooper (Lillian Gish) who protects lost and abandoned children. Ultimately, Rachel stands up to Harry and helps bring him to justice.

The movie mixes horror, mystery, and beautiful black-and-white visuals. It’s a story about good versus evil—and how bravery can come from even the smallest and quietest people.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back Ryan

02:37 Why The Night of the Hunter?

04:25 Background for The Night of The Hunter

06:27 Why Has The Night of the Hunter Become a Classic Only Recently?

10:17 Relationship(s) with The Night of the Hunter

17:30 Did Dana Like It?

22:18 What is The Night of the Hunter About?

25:34 Cinematic Villain Rankings: Harry Powell

29:05 Plot Summary for The Night of the Hunter

31:13 Did You Know?

36:22 First Break

37:13 What's Happening with Ryan Luis Rodriguez

40:00 GMOAT Hall of Fame - July 2025

46:54 Best Performance(s)

57:20 Best Scene(s)

01:06:12 Second Break

01:06:54 In Memoriam

01:15:19 Best/Funniest Lines

01:19:38 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy

01:29:29 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance

01:32:09 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty

01:36:21 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness

01:40:13 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability

01:43:28 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total

01:45:06 Remaining Questions for The Night of the Hunter

01:46:47 Thank You to Ryan and Remaining Thoughts

01:51:19 Credits

Guest:

Ryan Luis Rodriguez

• Host of One Track Mind (IG, Letterboxd, Bluesky, Patreon)
• Co-Host of Reels of Justice Podcast (IG)
• Previous Episodes: Life of Brian (1979), Erin Brockovich (2000)

You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast).

For more on the episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/the-night-of-the-hunter-1955-ft-ryan-luis-rodriguez

For the entire rankings list so far, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/greatest-movie-of-all-time-list

Keywords:

The Night of the Hunter, Charles Laughton, Robert Mitchum, film analysis, cinematic techniques, symbolism, movie podcast, classic films, horror, drama, best scenes, cinematic legacy, classic films, emotional depth, iconic imagery, cultural significance, film dialogue, Shelley Winters, James Agee, AFI, Stanley Cortez, Lillian Gish, Peter Graves

Ronny Duncan Studios

Dana and Tom with returning guest, Terry Bartley (author and host of Most Writers are Fans podcast), discuss Toy Story 3 (2010) for its 15th anniversary: directed by Lee Unkrich, written by Michael Arndt, cinematography by Jeremy Lasky and Kim White, music by Randy Newman, starring Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, John Ratzenberger, Don Rickles, Wallace Shawn, Ned Beatty, and Michael Keaton.

Plot Summary: Toy Story 3 is a heartfelt animated adventure that follows Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and the rest of Andy’s toys as they face an uncertain future. With Andy heading off to college, the toys are mistakenly donated to a daycare center where they meet new friends—and some unexpected enemies. As they struggle to return home, they must confront questions of loyalty, identity, and what it means to be loved. The film blends humor, action, and emotion, culminating in a poignant farewell that resonates with audiences of all ages.

Guest:

Terry Bartley 

• Author (https://www.terrybartleywriter.com/), Tyranny of the Fey available on Amazon
• Host (Most Writers are Fans podcast)
• D&D Twitch Stream - ESP Productions: https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2450557464
• Previous Episode(s): The Fugitive (1993), Batman (1989)

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction, Cast List, and Welcome Back Terry

04:37 Why is Toy Story Still So Resonant?

13:41 Background for Toy Story 3

15:18 Relationship(s) with Toy Story 3

18:00 What is Toy Story 3 About?

22:44 Our Personal Toy Story Rankings

25:56 Plot Summary for Toy Story 3

26:42 Did You Know?

31:26 First Break

32:17 What's Happening with Terry Bartley?

34:37 Best Performance(s)

42:44 Best Scene(s)

50:35 Second Break

51:15 In Memoriam

55:34 Best/Funniest Lines

57:57 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy

01:03:46 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance

01:12:36 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty

01:16:24 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness

01:24:18 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability

01:28:36 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total

01:30:11 Remaining Questions for Toy Story 3

01:41:10 Thank You to Terry and Final Thoughts

01:46:48 Credits

You can also find this episode in full video on YouTube.

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For more on the episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/toy-story-3-2010-ft-terry-bartley

For the entire rankings list so far, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/greatest-movie-of-all-time-list

Keywords:

Toy Story 3, Pixar, animation, legacy, nostalgia, character performances, audience reception, emotional moments, growing up, cultural significance, Tom Hanks, Randy Newman, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Bullseye, Don Rickles, Wallace Shawn, Ned Beatty, Michael Keaton, Disney

Ronny Duncan Studios