Matinee Heroes

Recorded live at the Fayetteville Comic Show, this episode of CONversations with Craig features a raw, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt conversation with actor C. Thomas Howell. From his early days as a child stunt rider to breakout roles in E.T. and The Outsiders, Howell shares stories from a career that spans Hollywood classics, cult thrillers, and gritty television drama. Whether he’s recalling a tense lunch with Rutger Hauer or reflecting on what it means to stay authentic in an industry built on illusion, Howell brings humor, humility, and a cowboy’s clarity to the stage.

The Spielberg Spark: A nervous teen, a pack of Marlboros, and a surprise audition landed Howell a shot at E.T.—thanks to some fast thinking from his stuntman dad.

Rutger's Rule: A cryptic lunch with The Hitcher co-star Rutger Hauer revealed a performance philosophy that would shape Howell’s future as a villain on Criminal Minds.

Cowboy Credentials: Whether it's wrangling roles or actual horses, Howell proves that sometimes the best special effect is doing your own stunts.

“What I do is bullshit. You’ve got people out here saving lives, man. I play a guy that saves a life.” – C. Thomas Howell

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.

This month’s episode of Matinee Heroes is a special presentation years in the making. We’re not honoring heroes this time—we’re saluting the cinematic chaos agents, the scene-stealing thorns in every protagonist’s side. That’s right: it’s the long-awaited William Atherton Asshole Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.

Co-host Craig Price is joined by Elizabeth Rapp and Derek McCaw for a red-carpet roast of honor as they induct the inaugural trio of actors:

William Atherton – the original smarmy authority from Ghostbusters and Die Hard

Ben Mendelsohn – the slick bureaucrat from Rogue One and Ready Player One

Clancy Brown – towering menace from Highlander and Shawshank Redemption

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stream the full ceremony to celebrate the legends who made movie heroes suffer—and audiences cheer.

IN MEMORIAM: REBEKAH DEL RIO 1967-2025

On June 25th, Rebekah Del Rio passed away. You might not know the name right away, but if you’ve seen Mulholland Drive or Twin Peaks: The Return on Showtime, you’ve definitely heard her voice. It’s haunting, unforgettable.

I met Rebekah back in 2020 at the Fayetteville Comic Show during a Twin Peaks reunion, which is part of the panel you’re about to hear. She was all over social media at the time. I actually first saw her at the airport, livestreaming to her followers on this jewel-covered phone. She had such a big, lively presence—exactly what you’ll hear in the panel.

She had some health issues, but 57 is still way too young. So this is just our small way of honoring her—sharing a bit of that Twin Peaks reunion panel from 2020 and remembering the spark she brought with her wherever she went.

THE FRENCH CONNECTION

Two NYPD detectives working in the Narcotics Bureau uncover a heroin smuggling operation with ties to Marseilles, France. What begins as routine surveillance quickly spirals into a dangerous international pursuit. Despite their best efforts, tracking down the smugglers and bringing their elusive ringleaders to justice becomes a maddening game of cat and mouse.

Craig and Elisabeth end June Hackman month talking about dirty cops, blind snipers, 1970s New York and the movie “The French Connection” on this week’s Matinee Heroes!

Show Notes

0:51

Craig and Elisabeth talk about recent job interviews and their favorite Gene Hackman movies.

7:00

Craig and Elisabeth discuss "The French Connection"

36:03

Recasting

51:46

Double Feature

54:35

Final Thoughts

Next week, we bring you a special episode as we present our first inductees into the William Atherton Asshole Hall of Fame!

CRIMSON TIDE

After the Cold War, a rogue Russian republic with nukes threatens global security. Captain Frank Ramsey brings on a sharp but untested officer—Lieutenant Commander Ron Hunter,  —to join him aboard the USS Alabama. When conflicting orders come in and Ramsey pushes for a strike, Hunter fears they could start a nuclear war, setting off a tense standoff that could decide the fate of the world.

Craig, Elisabeth and Alan talk about personal interpretation, celebrating Gene Hackman, the confusion of war and the movie “Crimson Tide” on this week’s Matinee Heroes!!

Show Notes

1:04

Craig, Elisabeth and Alan continue June Hackman month by discovering which Gene Hackman movies are Alan's favorites.

7:34

Craig, Elisabeth and Alan discuss "Crimson Tide"

34:16

Recasting

55:04

Double Feature

59:39

Final Thoughts

1:12:35

A preview of next week's episode "The French Connection"

Next week, we end June Hackman with his Oscar winning role in "The French Connection"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T76K3RxJY0A&ab_channel=20thCenturyStudios

THE BIRDCAGE

Young engaged couple Val and Barbara bring their wildly different families together for one tense dinner. To win over Barbara’s ultra-conservative father, Val’s gay, club-owning dad Armand hides his drag queen partner Albert and pretends to embody straight-laced American values. But as the evening unravels, keeping up appearances gets hilariously out of hand.

Craig, Elisabeth and guest Liz Serna talk about they gay 90’s, despicable children, the sexiness of Christine Baranski and the movie “The Birdcage” on this week’s Matinee Heroes!

Show Notes

0:58

Craig, Elisabeth and Liz Serna continue June Hackman month by discovering which Gene Hackman movies are Liz's favorites.

5:21

Craig, Elisabeth and Liz discuss "The Birdcage"

56:01

Recasting

1:22:45

Double Feature

1:32:52

Final Thoughts

1:38:11

A preview of next week's episode "Crimson Tide"

Next week, we continue June Hackman with him dueling Denzel in "Crimson Tide"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3ItZQb-GLM&ab_channel=FilmTrailerChannel

THE CONVERSATION

A meticulous surveillance expert begins to unravel when a routine wiretap reveals a conversation he doesn’t fully understand—but can’t ignore. As his paranoia grows, he’s forced to question what’s real, what’s hidden, and whether he’s complicit in something far darker than he imagined.

Craig, Elisabeth and guest Brendan Agnew talk about paranoia, Christmas cookies, clogged toilets and the movie “The Conversation” on this week’s Matinee Heroes!!

Show Notes

0:51

Craig, Elisabeth and Brendan Agnew introduce June Hackman month by discovering which Gene Hackman movies are Brendan's favorites.

11:38

Craig, Elisabeth and Brendan discuss "The Conversation"

54:10

Recasting

1:09:25

Double Feature

1:15:00

Final Thoughts

1:23:32

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

Next week we continue June Hackman with one of his funniest roles in "The Birdcage"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7FcPlt8hHc&ab_channel=AmazonMGMStudios

Recorded live at EmpireCon 2019 in Los Angeles, this episode of Conversations with Craig lifts the curtain on the unsung crew who brought the original Star Wars trilogy to life—Jawas, model-makers, second-unit directors, and yes, Yoda’s actual right hand. From childhood desert shoots to Harrison Ford with a saw, this panel had it all.

Jawa Justice League: Three OG Jawas—Tim Donaldson, Andrea Wickman, and Fraser Diamond—recall what it was really like filming in Death Valley, sweating through robes, carrying disassembled droids, and surviving desert wildlife.

Ford v. Falcon: Second-unit director Harley Cokeliss reveals how a frustrated Harrison Ford nearly sawed a hole through the Millennium Falcon during a lighting delay.

Puppets and Persistence: Mike Quinn, the man behind Nien Nunb and Yoda’s right hand, explains how hanging around the set got him the job—and a footnote in Star Wars history.

“Star Wars is kind of like the genie that just keeps granting wishes.” - Mike Quinn

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.

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON

On the Viking Isle of Berk, young Hiccup defies tradition by befriending a dragon named Toothless. When an ancient threat endangers both dragons and humans, their bond becomes the key to survival. Together, they must rise above fear and forge a new path toward peace and leadership.

Craig, Elisabeth and Guest Rob Ervin discuss parenting, the Minions, finding your place and the movie “How to Train your Dragon” on this week’s Matinee Heroes!!!

Show Notes

1:05

Craig, Elisabeth and Rob talk about cartoons and The Minions.

19:32

Craig, Elisabeth and Rob discuss "How to Train Your Dragon"

46:22

Recasting

1:04:36

Double Feature

1:08:17

Final Thoughts

1:15:03

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

Next week we celebrate June Hackman! An entire month dedicated to Gene Hackman and we start with "The Conversation"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elJL5D6HTvA&ab_channel=HDRetroTrailers

IN MEMORIAM: LORETTA SWIT 1937-2025

Today, May 30th we lost past guest Loretta Swit.

As is tradition. we’re replaying a episode we did on the original MASH that included my panel with Loretta and her cast mate Jamie Farr during last years Retro Expo on July 13th 2024.  I was fortunate enough to meet Lorreta twice.  The first time was in Tampa Bay and was fortunate enough to enjoy lunch with her, Jamie and  Jeff Maxwell.  The way she would dote on Jamie who is 90 himself and has limited mobility was so cute and at Retro Expo, she hustled down the entire convention center to give a fan an autograph who had missed her while she was away from her table. She didn’t want to disappoint anyone.  And she certainly did not.

Here's to you, Loretta.