In this episode of Remakers Mark, we discuss Martin Scorsese’s meditative tale of dirty New York and antihero Travis Bickle, Taxi Driver. In part one, we recast the movie, including a discussion of who we would have direct the remake – Scorsese’s shoes are tough ones to fill! Along the way we praise Robert DeNiro’s acting, especially in his ability to say so many sentences without making any points, and his skill with stunted phone conversations, and constantly mix up Senator Palantine with Chancellor Palpatine. Come on, it’s a perfectly honest mistake.

Taxi Driver

Actors and Actresses Discussed

Movies and Links Discussed

In part two of our discussion of Vacation we start by going over some really excellent audience feedback from both Twitter and Facebook, and reveal who the big winners were from our recasting in Part One. Andy goes into umbrage (not Umbridge) mode when discussing his most recent viewing of the movie, and the role of Aunt Edna. We talk about the fact that the tiny pocket computers with all the world’s knowledge on them would certainly change the story in a big way were it to be remade today. Kyle proposes an ‘Endless Vacation’ variation for a modern remake, and Jer wonders whether it needs to be a roadtrip at all.

Be sure to stick around after the music ends to get a taste of some random hilarity that usually (begrudgingly) gets cut from RM episodes.

Vacation

Actors and Actresses Discussed

Movies and Links Discussed

Next episode’s movie – Taxi Driver

In part one of our discussion of the family road trip comedy classic National Lampoon’s Vacation, we first talk about some of the favorite vacations that we’ve had. Then, we reveal how we would recast four major characters, and five minor characters from the film. Along the way we talk about beefing up the ensemble’s potency a bit, and express concern about the Aunt Edna character (all the while offering up our best ensemble options yet for that role). Mix in some constructive criticism and lots of laughs (not surprisingly), and that’s part one!

Vacation

Actors and Actresses Discussed

Movies and Links Discussed

In this, our fifth Special Episode, we talk about people who we lost from the world of Hollywood in 2013. We discuss why they were beloved by us and others, and what we recommend people seek out to know more about them. In addition to the usual RM crew we have one special guest host, as well as three contributions sent in by fans of the show. Let us know if there is anyone that we missed!

Special Guest: Rob Matsushita

Actors, Actresses, Links, and Movies Discussed

In part two of our discussion of the 1973 caper classic The Sting, we first reveal who our recasting winners were, as well as some great casting suggestions from friends and listeners. We then talk about the powerhouse duo of Redford and Newman, and thought about other similar pairings since then, discuss the ‘Oceans’ movies, both the original and the recent remake and sequels, and how they compare to The Sting, wonder how horse racing might come off in a remake today, and Jer expresses appreciation for the poker in the original, discuss the 70’s filmmaking styles in the original, and, finally, wish for a greater female presence in a remake.

The Sting

Actors and Actresses Discussed

Movies and Links Discussed

Next episode’s movie: Vacation