Lunchtime Movie Critics

In this episode of "Lunchtime Movie Critics," we delve into the 1987 cult classic "Cherry 2000." Directed by Steve De Jarnatt, this film paints a dystopian future where human relationships and emotions are commodified through lifelike robots. Join us as we explore the story of Sam Treadwell, who embarks on a perilous journey through a post-apocalyptic wasteland to replace his malfunctioning robot companion, Cherry. Alongside tough-as-nails tracker E. Johnson, played by Melanie Griffith, Sam's quest raises profound questions about love, technology, and human connection. Tune in as we unpack the film's unique blend of action, romance, and sci-fi, examining its commentary on societal trends and its legacy in the realm of cult cinema.

In this episode of "Lunchtime Movie Critics," we dive into the zany world of "Thumb Wars: The Phantom Cuticle," a 1999 parody that takes a thumb-nail sized jab at the beloved "Star Wars" saga. Created by Steve Oedekerk, this short film uses thumbs with superimposed human faces to recreate and mock the iconic scenes and characters of the "Star Wars" universe. We'll explore the humorous and often absurd ways "Thumb Wars" pokes fun at the classic sci-fi tale, from its unique thumb puppetry to the clever dialogue that twists the original lines into comedic gold. Join us as we discuss how "Thumb Wars" cleverly satirizes the epic space opera, the impact of its visual gags and pun-laden humor, and why this quirky spoof has garnered a cult following. Tune in to discover how "Thumb Wars: The Phantom Cuticle" stands out as a testament to the creative, albeit silly, possibilities of parody in cinema.

In this episode of "Lunchtime Movie Critics," we're packing our bags and jetting off to the romantic landscapes of France with the 1995 rom-com "French Kiss." Directed by Lawrence Kasdan and starring Meg Ryan and Kevin Kline, this film serves up a delightful mix of romance, humor, and picturesque scenery. Join us as we delve into the charming yet chaotic story of Kate (Meg Ryan), a woman who flies to France to win back her fiancé but ends up on an unexpected adventure with a mischievous Frenchman named Luc (Kevin Kline). As we explore their evolving relationship, we'll discuss how "French Kiss" uses classic romantic comedy tropes combined with the beautiful backdrop of France to explore themes of love, personal transformation, and cultural clash. Tune in as we dissect the performances that bring these characters to life, the comedic timing that punctuates their journey, and why "French Kiss" continues to be a beloved film for rom-com enthusiasts around the globe.

In this episode of "Lunchtime Movie Critics," we take a deep dive into the 1992 tech-thriller "Sneakers," a film that cleverly blends elements of espionage with sharp humor and engaging drama. Directed by Phil Alden Robinson and featuring an all-star cast including Robert Redford, Dan Aykroyd, Ben Kingsley, and Sidney Poitier, "Sneakers" is much more than your typical spy movie. We'll explore the intriguing plot that centers around a team of security experts caught up in a complex web of deception involving a powerful decryption device. As we analyze the ensemble cast's dynamic performances and their characters' quirky interactions, we’ll also uncover how "Sneakers" was ahead of its time, addressing themes of surveillance, privacy, and information warfare long before they became global concerns. Join us as we decrypt the lasting impact of "Sneakers" on the genre and why this film remains a beloved classic in the realm of spy thrillers.

In this episode of "Lunchtime Movie Critics," we explore Kevin Smith's 1999 film "Dogma," a provocative and humor-laden take on religion, belief, and divine intervention. Join us as we navigate through the film's intricate plot, where two fallen angels devise a plan to re-enter Heaven, threatening the very existence of the universe. We'll dissect the characters, from the skeptic protagonist Bethany to the scene-stealing Metatron, played by Alan Rickman, and delve into the dynamic performances that bring this celestial comedy to life. Alongside our analysis, we discuss the film's themes of faith and free will, its bold commentary on religious dogma, and the unique blend of satire and sincerity that makes "Dogma" both controversial and beloved. Tune in as we take a playful yet insightful dive into the holy chaos of "Dogma," examining how it challenges viewers while delivering a dose of divine comedy.

In this episode of "Lunchtime Movie Critics," we delve into the controversial and notoriously divisive "Movie 43," released in 2013. Known for its unique structure as an anthology of short comedy films, "Movie 43" features an ensemble cast of Hollywood stars in various outrageous and often shocking scenarios. Directed by a collective of filmmakers, including Peter Farrelly, this film has been both criticized and celebrated for its extreme humor and unconventional narrative approach. We'll examine the segments that make up "Movie 43," discuss the performances of its all-star cast, and explore why this film has been labeled one of the most hated and misunderstood movies in recent memory. Join us as we try to unpack the madness and the method behind "Movie 43," a film that defies easy categorization and elicits strong reactions from every corner of the cinema world.

In this episode of "Lunchtime Movie Critics," we lace up our bowling shoes and dive into the 1996 sports comedy "Kingpin." Directed by the Farrelly brothers and starring Woody Harrelson, Randy Quaid, and Bill Murray, this film mixes outrageous humor with a touching story of redemption and resilience. We'll explore the quirky characters, memorable performances, and the underdog narrative that make "Kingpin" a standout cult classic in the sports comedy genre. Join us as we discuss how the film balances crude gags with heartfelt moments, and why it continues to resonate with audiences years after its release. Whether you're a fan of bowling, comedies, or just great cinema, this episode is right up your alley!

In this episode, we're dissecting the 1997 action thriller "Face/Off," directed by John Woo and starring John Travolta and Nicolas Cage. This film takes us on a high-octane ride through a story of identity swap, revenge, and redemption, as FBI agent Sean Archer (Travolta) and terrorist Castor Troy (Cage) undergo an experimental face transplant surgery, switching identities. We delve into the unique plot twists, the intense performances of Travolta and Cage, and the stylistic direction of John Woo, known for his balletic violence and slow-motion action sequences. Join us as we explore how "Face/Off" blends elements of sci-fi with psychological drama and relentless action, making it a standout film of the late '90s. Whether you're a fan of groundbreaking action or intricate character studies, this episode will offer a fresh look at the film’s innovative concept and its impact on the genre.

In this episode, we dive into the wildly absurd world of "Kung Pow: Enter the Fist," a film that flips the traditional martial arts genre on its head. Directed by and starring Steve Oedekerk, this 2002 comedy uses a unique blend of old footage and new scenes to create a parody that's as bizarre as it is hilarious. We'll explore how the film mocks the tropes of 1970s kung fu movies with its deliberately poor dubbing, over-the-top characters, and ludicrous plot twists. Join us as we discuss the film's comedic approach, its polarizing reception, and why "Kung Pow" has earned a cult following for its unapologetic dive into cinematic silliness. Whether you’re a fan of martial arts movies, parodies, or just love a good laugh, this episode promises a fun and insightful look at a film that dares to be different.

In this podcast episode, we delve into the intriguing parallels and differences between two John Cusack films: "Grosse Pointe Blank" (1997) and "War, Inc." (2008). Both films feature Cusack as a hitman embroiled in personal and professional crises, blending dark comedy with action and elements of romance. We explore how "Grosse Pointe Blank" presents a hitman returning to his high school reunion, grappling with past relationships and moral dilemmas in a suburban setting, while "War, Inc." portrays a more cynical view of a hitman operating in a corporate-run war zone, satirizing political and corporate greed. Join us as we dissect how each film addresses themes of identity and morality, compare their humor and narrative styles, and discuss their cultural impacts and critical receptions. This episode offers a deep dive into how similar premises are treated in markedly different ways in two distinct cinematic periods.