Stamper Cinema

Greetings!

In this episode of Stamper Cinema, we dive into one of the most fascinating and evolving themes in film: artificial intelligence. From the earliest cinematic visions of sentient machines to today’s nuanced portrayals of AI companions, villains, and everything in between, these characters have long reflected our hopes, fears, and questions about technology’s role in our lives.

To help explore this topic, I’m joined by award-winning author (and returning guest) Bill Cushing, whose deep knowledge of storytelling, literature, and culture makes him the perfect guest to unpack the ways AI has been imagined on screen. Together, we’ll journey from classics like Metropolis and 2001: A Space Odyssey to modern masterpieces like Ex Machina and Her. Along the way, we’ll discuss why these portrayals resonate so deeply, what they reveal about society at the time of their release, and how cinema both shapes and mirrors our collective imagination about the future.

Whether AI is depicted as a trusted friend, a misunderstood being, or an existential threat, these characters remain some of the most memorable in film history. So sit back, plug in, and join us as we take a closer look at the evolving world of AI on the big screen.

(Oh! And to keep this totally on brand, that entire intro was created by AI.)

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Greetings! In this episode of Stamper Cinema, we are joined by award-winning filmmaker JAZE BORDEAUX to unravel the intricate web of Christopher Nolan’s 2020 sci-fi action epic, Tenet.

Join us as we dive deep into Nolan’s bold narrative experiments, the film’s unforgettable set pieces, its cryptic characters, and the high-concept mechanics of time inversion.

We'll also discuss Jaze's background as well as his recent debut film, the award-winning EFC. This is a good one. Enjoy!

Greetings! Welcome to the Season Six premiere of Stamper Cinema. And for this episode, Great Scott!, we’re taking a joyride through Hill Valley to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Back to the Future! Joining us for the journey is best friend of the show, John Rohe! 

We’re spending one full hour diving into the 1985 original film, followed by two 30-minute(ish) discussions of Part II and Part III—covering everything from casting and production trivia to hoverboards and Biff Tannen's Trumpian rise. 

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or watching for the first time in 2025, this episode is packed with insight, laughter, and more than a few 'heavy' moments. Enjoy! 

Fun Questions We Answer:

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Greetings! In this episode I take a deep dive into the murky waters of Crystal Lake to discover the truth about Jason Voorhees. That's right, we're talking Friday the 13th! Well, Part II, that is! 

Inside the episode:

Enjoy!!!

Previous Friday the 13th Podcast links: 

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Greetings! In this week's episode I am joined by author/improviser Andrew Davies to discuss the 90s comedy, MY BLUE HEAVEN, starring Steve Martin. 

This quirky gem is about a a flashy, fast-talking former mobster trying to adjust to suburban life under witness protection. And oh yeah, it's loosely based on the life of Henry Hill. Yes, that Henry Hill. 

This a great episode. Enjoy! 

Greetings! Ladies and gentlemen - we did it. John and I finally completed rewatching the entire Star Wars Skywalker Saga... sure it only took 4 years to do so, but we did it!

Did we get it right this time? Listen for yourselves and let us know!

For your convenience, I've attached a link to each of the other episodes below. Feel free to go back and check those out.

May the 4th be with you!

Greetings! In this episode of Stamper Cinema, we chat with filmmaker and author Vic Lagina to discuss The Big Lebowski as well as Vic's novel, Filthy!

Let's start off with Filthy! To borrow Vic's own words, Filthy, " is the salaciously true story of Vic Lagina – Las Vegas’ most prolific pornographer – which puts him in the running for most prolific pornographers worldwide – and chances are you’ve never heard of him.

As for The Big Lebowski, there's not much more I can say that hasn't already been said about this little cult classic by the Coen brothers that continues to inspire filmmakers and fans alike. 

So grab a White Russian (or, you know, whatever you’re drinking), kick back with your favorite rug, and enjoy this conversation.

Greetings! In this thrilling episode of Stamper Cinema, we’re joined by the incredibly talented writer Alan Katz, best known for his work on the iconic HBO horror series Tales from the Crypt.

What You’ll Hear:

Alan Katz opens up about his journey into the world of television writing, and how Tales from the Crypt became a defining moment in his career.

The process behind writing for such a unique anthology series, including how the show's combination of horror and humor shaped its legacy.

Alan’s passion for writing for the Crypt Keeper himself.

A look back at the golden age of anthology horror television, and how Tales from the Crypt carved out its own place in TV history.

Enjoy!

Greetings! In this episode, we dive deep into Robert Eggers' gripping psychological horror film The Lighthouse. Starring Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson, this 2019 indie hit is a visual and auditory experience like no other. Set on a desolate New England island, the film follows two lighthouse keepers as they descend into madness, struggling against isolation, fear, and a mounting sense of dread.

Joining me with this daunting task is CONNOR CUNNEEN (host of The Media Magpie )

Connor and I attempt to explore the film’s striking visual style, from its black-and-white cinematography to its 1.19:1 aspect ratio that puts the characters in a claustrophobic, almost oppressive frame. We also examine the rich symbolism in the story, from Greek mythology references to the connection between the lighthouse and ideas of power, dominance, and the unknown.

Plus, we’ll unpack the performances of Dafoe and Pattinson, both of whom give unforgettable, haunting portrayals of their respective characters. What does The Lighthouse say about humanity, isolation, and the psychological toll of life at sea? Enjoy! 

Greetings! In this episode we sit down with actor Matt Drago to discuss his new film SOMEWHERE IN MONTANA.

Somewhere in Montana is a heartfelt 2025 drama that tells a story about a financially strapped Montana ranch owner, who reluctantly allows a Hollywood production company to use his land as a location for their movie.  

Matt Drago is an actor living in Los Angeles, who has appeared in a variety of other projects including Disney's Counting Scars viral video, What Would Jesus Do: The Journey Continues, Ridley Scott's Prophets of Science Fiction, and the popular audio drama podcast No Other Way. Matt also has his own production company, which is currently in development on its first feature film. 

Enjoy!