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This week, Jonathan and Michael go high-speed on the 1971 classic "The French Connection."

We talked at length about the film's multiple, bravura chase scenes and asked if the famous car-train sequence is even the best one in the movie! We debated whether Popeye Doyle, played by Gene Hackman, is a good cop, and questioned whether his character was too one-dimensional and, even more importantly, too amoral.

We poked a few holes in the film's plot, but agreed that this is peak '70s action filmmaking and the high point of New Hollywood!

So buckle up your seat belts, break out your walking stick, and check out this week's episode. But whatever you do ... don't pick your feet!

** If you're enjoying "That '70s Movie Podcast," please leave a review or send us a note and tell us how we're doing!

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This week on That '70s Movie Podcast, Jonathan and Michael tackle the 1979 sports drama, North Dallas Forty.

We talked at length about the evolution of sports movies and how the '70s were a golden age for gridiron warriors, punching pugilists, and biking Italians. We heaped praise on Nick Nolte's performance as well as G.D. Spradlin, Charles Durning, and Mac Davis in his first acting performance. Though we agreed North Dallas Forty is far from perfect, it's a great example of how the New Hollywood of the 1970s tackled the sports movie and raised it to another level! 

So put on your helmet, strap on your shoulder pads, and get in the huddle for this week's episode.

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This week, Jonathan and Michael jumped into the ocean to discuss the Robert Altman neo-noir classic, "The Long Goodbye." 

We agreed that this is one of Altman's best-directed movies and a fantastic example of revisionist noir. We talked at length about Philip Marlowe's steadfast moral and ethical code, and how it ran headfirst into the changing social mores of the 1970s.

We loved the acting performances in this movie, from Elliott Gould as Philip Marlowe and Nina van Pallandt to Sterling Hayden and Mark Rydell -- and the production design that beautifully captured the look of Los Angeles in the 1970s.

So break out the cat food, take the Aquavit out of the freezer, and join us for our latest episode!

As always, please leave a review and let us know what you think!

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This week on That '70s Movie Podcast, Jonathan and Michael get lathered up for the 1975 classic "Shampoo."

In this episode, we went deep on "Shampoo's" uniquely political frame; why the backdrop of the 1968 presidential election is its own character in the movie, and whether the film's critique of liberal apathy about the election of Richard Nixon is correct, We heaped praise on Warren Beatty's gutsy and compelling performance, as well as Goldie Hawn's tour de force acting as she goes toe-to-toe with Beatty in the movie's pivotal scene.  We had kind words for all the actors in this film, from the ubiquitous '70s character actor, Jack Warden, to the magnetic Julie Christie. 

So put your hair dryer in your waistband, jump on your motorcycle, and give this episode a listen!

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This week on that '70s Movie Podcast, Jonathan and Michael are on a mission ... to talk about the 1967 neo-noir classic "Point Blank."

Yes, we know this is not officially a '70s film, but in its structure, themes, and vibe, it fits very much with the New Hollywood of the 1970s. In fact, as we discuss in this episode, "Point Blank" laid the foundation for the cinematic renaissance to come.

We also traversed familiar terrain as we discussed how much of the film is real, how much is a dream, and whether it really matters. We had nothing but praise for the stars of the film, Lee Marvin and Angie Dickinson, as well as for director John Boorman, in what was his first major motion picture.

"Point Blank" is today a cult classic and for good reason. It's simply a phenomenal film, so join us as we make footsteps in discussing this gem of a movie!

As always, please leave a review and let us know what you think of the episode!

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This week on That '70s Movie Podcast, Jonathan and Michael climb into bed for the 1969 Paul Mazursky-directed satire, "Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice."

We both agreed that even though it was released in late 1969, the film qualifies as a '70s movie, both in terms of structure and content. We loved all four leading actors, notably Dyan Cannon and Robert Culp, especially for his funky wardrobe. While we disagreed about the film's uncertain ending and the consistency of Mazursky's vision, we loved the movie and what it says about America in the late 60s/early 1970s -- and still tells us today.

We also spent a few minutes reflecting on the extraordinary career of Rob Reiner, who was taken from us last week ... far too soon.

So take off your clothes, jump in the pool, and join us for this week's episode.

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This week on That '70s Movie Podcast, Jonathan and Michael decided to go in a different direction -- and turned on the green light to discuss the 2025 blockbuster "One Battle After Another."

We talked about Paul Thomas Anderson's legacy as a director, the influence of '70s cinema on his filmmaking, and how this film was a departure in form from his previous movies.

We praised the performances of Leonardo DiCaprio, Teyana Taylor, and Benicio del Toro, and also marveled at the movie's combination of emotional depth and riveting action and chase sequences.

We poked a few holes in "One Battle After Another's" occasionally cartoonish bad guys while discussing the film's larger themes. Is PT Anderson mocking self-described revolutionaries, or instead offering a roadmap for those intent on producing political change? Is the film, at its core, a contrast between political workhorses and showhorses?

So jump on the phone, don't forget what time it is, and give the latest episode of That '70s Movie Podcast a listen!

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This week on That '70s Movie Podcast, Jonathan and Michael were joined by Ron Brownstein as we opened up the floodgates on the 1974 neo-noir thriller, "Chinatown."

Ron has written extensively about Los Angeles in the 70s, and he regaled us with stories about the making of the film and, in particular, the drafting of Robert Towne's screenplay, which we all agreed is one of the greatest ever written.

We also talked at length about Faye Dunaway's otherworldly performance as Evelyn Mulwray, John Huston's enigmatic (and metaphorical) Noah Cross, Jake Gittes' motivation (and crucial error), and, above all, how Chinatown subverts the noir films of the '40s and '50s with a New Hollywood sensibility.

When it comes to 70s cinema, it doesn't get much better than Chinatown, and while you may think you know what you're dealing with when it comes to this film... believe me, you don't (that is it until you listen to this episode)!

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This week on That '70s Movie Podcast, Jonathan and Michael turn the firehose on the 1974 disaster movie "The Towering Inferno."

We praised the movie's stellar special effects and stunt work, as well as its suspenseful set pieces, while acknowledging that the acting and dialogue were perhaps not the best.

We also talked about our favorite disaster movies, explored why people flock to theaters to see terrible things happen, and discussed how nostalgia plays such a fundamental role in what movies we love.

So put some wet towels under the front door, tie yourself down, and join us this week for another fiery episode of That '70s Movie Podcast!

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This week on "That '70s Movie Podcast," Jonathan and Michael knocked on the door of the 1973 revisionist Western, "Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid."

We talked at length about James Coburn's astonishing performance as Pat Garrett and why this film is Sam Peckinpah's definitive statement on the Old West (we weren't shy, however, about addressing Peckinpah's problematic legacy). We explored the themes of generational change and the haunting specter of death in the frontier West, evident in nearly every frame of the movie. Finally, we talked about the bleakness of Peckinpah's vision, but why it makes this film so compelling. We even had a few kind words for Bob Dylan's performance (and his music)!

So put on your cowboy hat, strap on your six-gun, and don't forget your badge as we explore one of the great, underrated movies of the 1970s.

If you're enjoying "That '70s Movie Podcast," please leave a comment or review and tell us what you think ... and give us suggestions about what movies we should talk about next!

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