Reviewed Podcast

By listener request, we finally tackle the seminal action film Die Hard. And, our timing is sadly prescient: beyond discussing the movie, we reflect on the recent passing of the incredibly talented Alan Rickman, who with is portrayal of Hans Gruber, made one of the most memorable action movie villains of all time. So, yippee-ki-yay—join us on the Nakatomi Plaza building in downtown Los Angeles for 40 stories of sheer adventure.

As writer and director Charlie Kaufman's newest film, Anomalisa, hits theaters, we turn to the screenplay that started all the weirdness—1999's Being John Malkovich. Does this strange tale about a puppeteer who discovers a portal into another man's head still hold up over a decade later? How did this film go on to influence the careers of both Kaufman and director Spike Jonze? And, perhaps the most important question of all, is there meaning behind the film's absurdist premise? Join David, Mike, and Ivan as they make a stop on the 7½th floor of the Mertin-Flemmer Building and do their best to find some answers. Be sure to subscribe via iTunes!

We've finally hit our 50th re-view! On the eve of the release of a brand new Star Wars film, Dave, Ivan, and Mike go back to the film that started the phenomenon—Episode IV, A New Hope. There's no denying that Star Wars is a cultural touchstone, but is it actually a good movie? And, considering the impact of the much maligned prequel trilogy, does its legacy still shine as bright? Is Lucas a visionary world-builder, or more just a great technical craftsman who hit at the right time? Check us out random podcast listener...you're our only hope.

Marking the feature film debut for both screenwriter Alan Ball and director Sam Mendes, American Beauty was a cinematic sensation when it hit theaters in 1999. The movie was a critical and commercial hit, moving audiences and sweeping-up Oscars. But, as of late, it has become a popular movie to hate—often declared to be one of the most overrated best picture winners. Is that a fair assessment? Is American Beauty a millennial masterpiece—a slick work of poignant, suburban satire? Or, is it a self-important, underwhelming farce? Look closer and listen to the most beautiful podcast in the world to find out.

2001's Donnie Darko is a small indie film that has had a profound cultural impact. Although it made little money at the box-office, this Sundance darling ultimately amassed a huge cult following and propelled forward the career of lead actor Jake Gyllenhaal and writer/director Richard Kelly. The plot itself is somewhat hard to describe–to put it succinctly, it's a thriller/coming-of-age story about a troubled teen plagued by visions of a large bunny rabbit who manipulates him to commit a series of crimes. But, while the film is odd, is it also legitimately profound? Or, is it nothing more than a millennial curio, only loved by Goth teenagers and stoned college students? Flip open your copy of the Philosophy of Time Travel—Dave, Mike, and Ivan dive deep into Donnie Darko to find out with a re-view.

With Halloween just a few days away, we re-visit another classic horror film. This time John Landis's 1981 creature feature, An American Werewolf in London, is on the docket. The film is clearly a technical achievement (it won the first Oscar ever awarded for make-up). But, how does the rest of the film hold up 34 years later? Does the tonal mash-up between comedy and horror still work? Do the meta storytelling elements still play for a modern audience? Curl up with your iPod and listen in the light of the full moon to find out.

On this week's podcast, we're making you an offer you can't refuse...Calling Francis Ford Coppola's 1972 crime epic, The Godfather, a "classic" is somewhat of an understatement. Few films have reached as much critical and audience acclaim as this one. But, is The Godfather really a perfect film? Are there any chinks in its cinematic armor? In revisiting the film 43 years later (Mike, of course, for the first time), we attempt to dissect what makes The Godfather such a revered piece of cinema.

One...two...Freddy's coming for you...To honor director Wes Craven, on this week's episode we turn to his iconic 1984 horror classic A Nightmare on Elm Street. As the slasher film genre was growing stale in the mid-80s, Craven rejuvenated the medium with this imaginative tale of a cruel serial killer who kills his teenage victims in their dreams. But, does the film still feel as innovative over 30 years later? How have horror films changed? And, is Freddy Kruger still a terrifying villain after all this time? Special thanks to Matt Kelly from the Horror Movie Night Podcast for joining us on this episode and providing us some excellent background and perspective into the horror genre.

By listener request, Dave, Mike, and Ivan turn to Billy Wilder's 1957 mystery/thriller, Witness for the Prosecution. Several famous courtroom dramas are considered cinematic classics—from To Kill A Mockingbird to 12 Angry Men. How does this film—starring Tyrone Power in his last role and the venerable starlet Marlene Dietrich—hold up? Does the drama still work? Is it still an engaging mystery story? How does it stack up against Wilder's other work? More importantly, can we handle a move shot in...*GASP*...black and white?

Houston, we have a podcast...it has been 20 years since director Ron Howard attempted to send Tom Hanks, Bill Paxton, and Kevin Bacon to the moon on the ill-fated 13th Apollo mission. But, does this inspiring true-life tale still have the same emotional heft? With the recent release of Gravity and Interstellar and the upcoming release of The Martian this year, does this space disaster movie still hold weight? Is Apollo 13 an American historical classic? Or, just crowd-pleasing fluff? Dawn your space-suits and listen to find out.