GOON

A soft-spoken bouncer is recruited to a struggling minor league hockey team after showcasing his raw fighting skills during a brawl. Thrown into the brutal world of professional hockey, he battles opponents, wrestles with his own insecurities, and struggles to earn the respect of hardened teammates, all while trying to understand what he’s truly fighting for.

Craig, Elisabeth and Alan talk about Great F’n Movies, Casa Bonita, the Jack Reacher of hockey and the movie “Goon” on this week’s Matinee Heroes!

Show Notes

0:49

Craig, Elisabeth and Alan talk about Denver's Casa Bonita.

17:32

Craig, Elisabeth and Alan discuss "Goon"

37:55

Recasting

1:00:10

Double Feature

1:08:12

Final Thoughts

1:12:01

A preview of next week's episode "Chicken Run"

Next week we start Ani-MAY-tion with a claymation classic "Chicken Run"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEOfT7hUcDs&ab_channel=ChickenRunMovie

The Matinee Heroes crew is back with a special presentation on Andor Season 2, and let’s just say—this one doesn’t play it safe.

Host Craig Price joins Alan Cerny and Elizabeth Rapp to discuss how Andor ditches the fan service for real stakes, mature storytelling, and brutal political commentary. With all 12 episodes dropping early, Disney clearly believes in this season—and they should.

Star Wars Grows Up

Season 2 doesn’t just flirt with heavy themes—it wades into fascism, rebellion, and moral ambiguity without a life jacket. If Season 1 surprised you, Season 2 swings even harder, turning the spotlight on characters who are messy, conflicted, and all too real.

No Lightsabers, No Problem

From Cassian Andor’s emotional descent to Mon Mothma’s political sacrifice, this is Star Wars with consequences. Yes, there are familiar faces, but this show earns them. It’s not about nostalgia—it’s about impact.

Final Thoughts

This might be the best storytelling Star Wars has ever produced. Period. Even if you’re not a fan of the galaxy far, far away, Andor Season 2 is worth your time.

📺 Now streaming on Disney+

HOOSIERS

Disgraced college coach Norman Dale lands a last-chance job leading a high school team in a small-town Indiana. With the town against him, a star player sidelined by a concerned teacher and an alcoholic assistant  by his side, Dale must fight for redemption one game at a time.

Craig, Elisabeth and guest Paul Hitchcock talk about the late Gene Hackman, high school sports politics, montages and the movie “Hoosiers” on this week’s Matinee Heroes!

Show Notes

1:01

Craig, Elisabeth and guest Paul Hitchcock talk about high school basketball.

11:05

Craig, Elisabeth and Paul discuss "Hoosiers"

50:35

Recasting

1:11:34

Double Feature

1:15:18

Final Thoughts

1:25:14

A preview of next week's episode "Goon"

Next week we end sports movies where we started, talking hockey and the movie "Goon"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cr_7jC_v9xA&ab_channel=MagnoliaPictures%26MagnetReleasing

THE NATURAL

Roy Hobbs was born to play baseball—and nothing was going to stand in his way. A natural talent with a lightning bolt for a bat, he quickly catches the eye of scouts and earns the admiration of sportswriter Max Mercy. But just as his star begins to rise, a chance encounter with a mysterious woman derails everything. Years later, Hobbs resurfaces as a seemingly unknown rookie with the New York Knights. Despite clashing with crusty manager Pop Fisher, he becomes the team’s secret weapon—and a threat to the shady team owner, the Judge, who would rather see Hobbs fail than win it all.

Craig, Elisabeth and guest Derek McCaw talk about American Mythos, 47-year-old teenagers, the undeniable love of sports films and the movie “The Natural” on this week’s Matinee Heroes!

Show Notes

1:26

Craig, Elisabeth and guest Derek McCaw talk about their love of baseball movies despite their indifference to baseball.

9:47

Craig, Elisabeth and Derek discuss "The Natural"

54:14

Recasting

1:15:36

Double Feature

1:19:31

Final Thoughts

1:23:34

A preview of next week's episode "Hoosiers"

Next week we continue sports movies with a tribute to Gene Hackman and "Hoosiers"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12h5KGHU8Mg&ab_channel=AmazonMGMStudios

Get ready to jump into the world of Star Wars animation with some of the most legendary voice actors in the galaxy! Recorded live at Retro Expo 2024 in Plano, Texas, this unforgettable panel reunited the cast of The Clone Wars and Rebels for a conversation full of laughs, surprises, and incredible behind-the-scenes stories. From Ahsoka Tano to Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker to Hera Syndulla, these voice actors have brought some of the most beloved Star Wars characters to life, shaping the animated universe in ways fans will never forget.

Clone Wars and Rebels’ Impact: The actors reflected on how the animated series expanded the Star Wars universe and why they still hold a special place in fans’ hearts.

Steve Blum Surprise Call: When one Rebels cast member was missing, they took matters into their own hands and called Steve Blum live during the panel!

Behind-the-Scenes Bloopers: The cast revealed hilarious stories from the recording booth, including moments where they couldn’t stop laughing during emotional scenes.

"Oh, you think Rebels was chaotic? Try sitting on a stage with all of us!" – Tiya Sircar

Want more exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes stories from the people who bring your favorite characters to life? Subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on your favorite podcasting platform for more behind-the-scenes stories and exclusive interviews.

SLAP SHOT

In the gritty steel town of Charlestown, things look grim: the local mill is about to lay off 10,000 workers, and the minor league hockey team, the Charlestown Chiefs, faces its final season after years of failure. To try and save the team, frustrated player-coach Reggie Dunlop unleashes the Hanson Brothers—three bruisers known more for fists than finesse—whose violent style electrifies the fans. Dunlop capitalizes, turning the struggling team into a rough-and-tumble spectacle that packs the arena.

Craig and Elisabeth talk about hocky fights, the grimy 70s, the end of Bradley Cooper and the movie “Slap Shot” on this week’s Matinee Heroes!

Show Notes

1:08

Craig and Elisabeth talk about her beloved Mini Cooper, Bradley" being totaled by an elk.

13:39

Craig and Elisabeth discuss "Slap Shot"

44:32

Recasting

58:54

Double Feature

1:02:00

Final Thoughts

1:04:55

A preview of next week's episode "The Natural"

Baseball season has started so we're talking "The Natural" on our next episode.

https://youtu.be/rgzypQRl6Lc?si=xd8RVLbiK--FC2Qj

CAST AWAY

When obsessively punctual FedEx executive Chuck Noland boards a flight to Malaysia, a violent storm sends his plane crashing into the Pacific Ocean. Stranded alone on a deserted island, Chuck fights for survival as initial rescue attempts fail. For years, accompanied only by his handmade volleyball friend, Wilson, Chuck clings to hope, determined to one day escape and return home to his love, Kelly.

Craig and Elisabeth talk how to carry a movie by yourself, bonding of inanimate objects, the realities of survival and the movie ‘Cast Away” on this week’s Matinee Heroes!

Show Notes

1:04

Craig and Elisabeth talk about being stranded.

9:26

Craig and Elisabeth discuss "Cast Away"

1:00:46

Recasting

1:12:43

Double Feature

1:16:27

Final Thoughts

1:25:05

A preview of next week's episode "Slap"

Sports seasons are in full swing and we kick off a month of sports movies with "Slap Shot"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUuEWI6F3dQ

THE MARTIAN

After a violent Martian storm forces astronauts to abandon their mission, Mark Watney is mistakenly left behind and presumed dead. Stranded alone with limited resources, Watney must rely on sheer ingenuity, determination, and humor to survive on a planet eager to finish him off. Back on Earth, NASA collaborates urgently with global experts to devise a rescue plan, while Watney's crewmates launch their own risky mission to bring him home.

Craig, Elisabeth and guest Brendan Agnew talk travel to Mars, pink eye potatoes, girls scout cookies and the movie “The Martian” on this week’s Matinee Heroes!

Show Notes

1:12

Craig, Elisabeth and Brendon Agnew talk about travelling to Mars.

5:55

Craig, Elisabeth and Brendon discuss "The Martian"

39:44

Recasting

51:16

Double Feature

53:16

Final Thoughts

58:19

A preview of next week's episode "Cast Away"

Next week we wrap up our travelogue in a tropical way with "Cast Away"

https://youtu.be/xrpNv3XzTvY?si=QIHEWYO3PywGzcpI

FAR AND AWAY

Joseph, a poor Irish farmer, and Shannon, a rebellious landlord's daughter, journey together from Ireland to America seeking freedom and a fresh start in the Oklahoma land rush. After arriving in Boston, their dreams get delayed when harsh realities force them to fight for survival in unexpected ways. As challenges mount and tensions rise, Joseph and Shannon must confront their feelings for each other and decide whether their ambitions are worth risking it all.

Craig and Elisabeth talk about St. Patrick’s Day, bad Irish accents, the immigration experience and the movie “Far and Away" on this week’s Matinee Heroes!!

Show Notes

1:09

Craig and Elisabeth talk about celebrating St. Patrick's Day.

6:30

Craig and Elisabeth discuss "Far and Away"

47:55

Recasting

1:05:02

Double Feature

1:09:12

Final Thoughts

1:23:04

A preview of next week's episode "The Martian"

Next week we continue our travelogue as we go interplanetary with "The Martian."

3:10 TO YUMA

Outlaw Ben Wade terrorizes 1800s Arizona, preying on the Southern Railroad until he's finally captured. Struggling rancher Dan Evans volunteers to escort him to the 3:10 train to justice, but the journey is riddled with peril. As they battle relentless pursuers, a grudging respect forms between them—but survival is anything but guaranteed.

Craig, Elisabeth and guest Paul Hitchcock talk about charismatic bad guys, Colorado ghost towns, honoring a code and the move “3:10 to Yuma” on this week’s Matinee Heroes!

Show Notes

1:11

Craig, Elisabeth and Paul Hitchcock talk about Colorado ghost towns and western locales they have visited.

20:50

Craig, Elisabeth and Paul discuss "3:10 to Yuma"

1:03:11

Recasting

1:20:56

Double Feature

1:23:49

Final Thoughts

1:29:37

A preview of next week's episode "Far and Away"

Next week we celebrate St. Patrick's Day with an epic journey to America with "Far and Away"

https://youtu.be/01c0fIg1bFI?si=1SohsLf4MAhoJxuB