“Who Framed Roger Rabbit” #27Ben and Danielle discuss the beloved 1988 classic comedy, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, directed by Robert Zemeckis. The movie stars Bob Hoskins as Eddie Valiant, a private detective who gets hired to investigate a scandal involving Jessica Rabbit and Marvin Acme. This case evolves into a murder case when Roger Rabbit gets framed for murdering the merchandise mogel. The hosts examine the themes of sticking to your morals, having a sense of humor, and learning to laugh....

“Stalag 17” #26Ben and Danielle discuss the 1953 war drama, Stalag 17, directed by Billy Wilder. The movie takes place in a 1944 POW camp in Germany around Christmas time. After two prisoners who try to escape and are killed by their captors, the American soldiers become suspicious of the idea that there is a spy among them. The hosts examine the themes of instinct, going with your gut, and what happens in survival scenarios. What do they think? Well, grab some popcorn, sit back, relax, and e...

“Leaving Las Vegas” #25Ben and Danielle discuss the 1995 drama, Leaving Las Vegas, directed by Mike Figgis. The movie stars Nicolas Cage as Ben Sanderson, a Hollywood screenwriter who loses everything and decides to escape to Las Vegas and indulge in his alcohol addiction. It also stars Elisabeth Shue who plays Sera, a sex worker who develops a relationship with Ben. The hosts examine the themes of addiction, the effects of addiction to the person inflicted and those around them, and falling ...

“Vice” #24Ben and Danielle discuss the comedic biographical film, Vice, written and directed by Adam McKay. The movie portrays the life of former US Vice President Dick Cheney, played by Christian Bale, and his political journey from the 1960s to the 2010s. It also stars Amy Adams, Sam Rockwell, and Steve Carell. The hosts examine the themes of the analogies between flyfishing and politics, the messy business of politics, and the risks one is willing to take for their own personal gain. What ...

“Rocky III” #23Ben and Danielle discuss Rocky III, written by, directed by, and starring Sylvester Stallone. When a cocky, young fighter named Clubber lang, played by Mr. T, starts taunting the now heavyweight champion, Rocky Balboa, the tired boxer reluctantly trains to defend his title. Your hosts talk about aspects of the movie that they liked, such as the film quality, hopeful workout montages, and character development. They examine the themes of striving to reach your goals, what fame d...

“The Big Sleep” #22Ben and Danielle discuss the 1946 classic film noir The Big Sleep, directed by Howard Hawks. The movie stars Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. When a private detective gets hired by a wealthy family to investigate a blackmail case against one of his daughters, he discovers murder, extortion, and love. Your hosts talk about aspects of the movie that they liked, such as the classic film feel and its possible impact on films today. They examine the themes of the reality of fo...

“Blindspotting” #21Ben and Danielle discuss the 2018 drama Blindspotting, directed by Carlos Lopez Estrada. The movie stars Daveed Diggs who plays Collin, a young man struggling to lay low before his parole period ends. However, his friend Miles, played by Rafael Casal, repeatedly brings him into sticky situations that threaten his freedom. This movie written by real-life best friends takes you through a journey of loss, friendship, and the reality of being a minority in a big city. Your host...

“Rent” #20Ben and Danielle discuss the smash hit musical Rent, directed by Chris Columbus. The movie stars Anthony Rapp, Adam Pascal, Idina Menzel, and Rosario Dawson. During the 1980s AIDS epidemic in New York City, young bohemians struggle with disease, poverty, addiction, and loss. The musical follows a tumultuous year at the end of the decade. Your hosts talk about aspects of the movie that they liked, such as the music, emotion, and star power. They examine the themes of love, grief, and...

“The Reader” #19Ben and Danielle discuss the 2008 romance film The Reader, directed by Stephen Daldry. The movie stars Ralph Fiennes, Kate Winslet, and David Kross. In post-WWII Germany, a law student named Michael Berg attends the trial of his former lover, Hanna Schmitz. The film shows how the two met, fell in love, and broke up mysteriously. Your hosts talk about aspects of the movie that they liked, such as the set design, acting, and direction. They examine the themes of remorse, grief, ...

“I Still See You” #18Ben and Danielle discuss the 2018 young adult film I Still See You, directed by Scott Speer. The movie stars Bella Thorne, Richard Harmon, and Dermot Mulroney. After a cataclysmic nuclear reactor meltdown near Chicago, people who were killed by the blast still appear as ghosts, or remnants, throughout the area. A girl named Ronnie finds a remnant she has not seen before in her bathroom and investigates who it used to be. Your hosts talk about aspects of the movie that the...