This week, Rivka and Frank are joined by longtime social studies teacher and progressive activist Ron to discuss the 2005 Depression-era boxing drama Cinderella Man. Ron, who has taught for 23 years, uses the film in his 11th-grade classroom to explore politics on screen, and the trio digs into this classic “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” melodrama starring Russell Crowe.

For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching the 2000 holiday favorite How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

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Editing by John Patrick | Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

This week, Rivka and Frank are joined by former projectionist, alt-weekly critic, and illustrator Nathan Gelgud to discuss the 1990 sci-fi Schwarzenegger hit Total Recall. The trio dive into the film’s take on transhumanism and techno-feudalism, as well as life on mars and how its futuristic anxieties still hit close to home.

For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching the 2005 depression era boxing drama Cinderella Man.

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Editing by John Patrick | Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

Just in time for Halloween, Rivka and Frank team up for a premium duet to discuss the wildly adored 2025 horror-thriller-musical Sinners. Written and directed by Ryan Coogler, the duo unpack the politics behind this genre-bending vampire film.

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For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching the 2005 Ron Howared depression era drama Cinderella Man.

MVC donates its ad space to progressive or leftist causes and organizations. If you’re interested in promoting your work, email us at [email protected].

Editing by John Patrick | Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

This week, Frank is joined by returning guest — psychotherapist and cinephile Shannon Amabile  — to discuss the 1969 film They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? starring Jane Fonda and Michael Sarrazin. Set during the Great Depression, the film follows a group of desperate contestants competing in a grueling, dehumanizing dance marathon run by a sociopathic emcee. Shannon and Frank unpack the film’s haunting politics and enduring relevance.

For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching Ryan Coogler’s 2025 vampire smash hit Sinners.

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Editing by John Patrick | Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

This week, Rivka and Frank are joined by musical theater writer, playwright, and organizer Ben Bonnema to discuss Spielberg’s 1993 classic Jurassic Park. The trio digs into the film’s politics: what it suggests about de-extinction, how the park embodies capitalism’s knack for turning scientific wonder into a luxury good, and whether there’s even a glimpse of a socialist horizon in this dino-thriller.

For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching the 1969 Jane Fonda drama They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? 

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MVC donates its ad space to progressive or leftist causes and organizations. If you’re interested in promoting your work, email us at [email protected].

Editing by John Patrick | Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

This week, Rivka and Frank are joined by Assad Shalhoub, co-host of the Habibi House Podcast, for a deep dive into the 2001 thriller Spy Game, starring Robert Redford and Brad Pitt. Together they unpack the film’s overt racism, its relentless Islamophobia, and its unmistakable role as propaganda for the CIA.

For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching Spielberg’s epic classic Jurassic Park. 

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Editing by John Patrick | Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

This week Frank is joined by returning guests Harvey Kaye (award-winning author and Professor Emeritus at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay) and Jon Shelton (professor and chair of Democracy and Justice Studies). In honor of Labor Day they discuss the John Sayles union drama Matewan and dive into labor issues, with insights on workers’ rights and the fight for social democracy.

For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching the 2001 CIA thriller SPY GAME..

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Editing by John Patrick | Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

This week, Frank is joined by comedian and actress Andrea More (STICK) and returning guest Mike Benner (Bob’s Burgers) to talk about the Paul Rudd/Jason Segel bromantic comedy I Love You, Man. Together, they unpack the epidemic of male loneliness, the pitfalls of toxic masculinity, and how male friendships are portrayed on screen—especially compared to female ones.

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For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching John Sayles’ union drama Matewan.

MVC donates its ad space to progressive or leftist causes and organizations. If you’re interested in promoting your work, email us at [email protected].

Editing by John Patrick | Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

Rivka and Frank are joined by former New York City mayor Bill de Blasio to discuss the 1964 political thriller Seven Days in May. The three examine how this Cold War classic starring Kirk Douglas remains strikingly relevant in Trump’s America, unpacking its themes of a divided nation, nuclear tensions, fragile peace treaties, and the threat of a military coup.

For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching the 2009 bromance comedy I Love You, Man.

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MVC donates its ad space to progressive or leftist causes and organizations. If you’re interested in promoting your work, email us at [email protected].

Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

Frank and Rivka are joined by journalist Taylor Lorenz (User Mag) to discuss the horror film It Follows. The trio unpack the movie’s portrayal of suburban horror, the constant threat of violence against women, and how the film resonates in the context of COVID and our current cultural climate.

For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching the 1964 drama Seven Days in May.

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MVC donates its ad space to progressive or leftist causes and organizations. If you’re interested in promoting your work, email us at [email protected].

Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen