Two for the Road: Movies with Matt and Adam

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Psychopaths is the latest the latest theme. First up, "White Heat", James Cagney classic star turn as Cody Jarrett, the psycho criminal gang leader who doesn't mind killing and also had a weird thing for his mother. The on screen violent tendencies are much milder in this film, than it is in our second feature, "Ichi the Killer". From Japan, Ichi is based on a popular comic book series and really goes for the gusto when it comes to crazy, bloodbath scenes. 

Next, women thieves with Alfred Hitchcock's "Marnie" (1964) and "Emily the Criminal" (2023)

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What a weekend is the theme this week. The guys raise a glass to Billy Wilder's "The Lost Weekend" for its mostly accurate but sometimes cartoonish portrayal of alcoholism. Jonathan Demme's "Rachel Getting Married" caused some disagreement but not about Anne Hathaway's crazy hotness. Was it the movie or the characters that one of us disliked?

Up next, Psychopaths with White Heat (1949) and Ichi the Killer (2001)

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We watched a couple of chess movies. "Fresh" (1994) is a film about a teenager who takes lessons he learned from the chess board to help him survive the streets of NYC. He's always 3 or 4 steps ahead. John Leguizamo's "Critical Thinking" (2020) tells a true story about a high school chess team from Miami win chess tournaments. The direction, cast and tight screenplay help it go beyond a schmalzy feel-good story.

Next, what a weekend with "The Lost Weekend" (1945) and "Rachel Getting Married" (2008)

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We celebrate Ben Gazzara - sort of. First up is "Saint Jack" (1979), a wonderful Peter Bogdanovich film that seems to be written for Gazzara. The story of an American  wanting nothing more than to open a brothel in Singapore. We  loved this film and agree that it is as underrated as they come. Our second feature is not really a Ben Gazzara film, but he's in it for a brief time. David Mamet's "The Spanish Prisoner" (1997) is another con-artist yarn that is boring, miscast and extremely predictable. 

Next, chess films with "Fresh" (1994) and "Critical Thinking" (2020).

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Teenage Killers as our theme. "The Boys Next Door" (1985) is the story about two outcasts who take a deadly road trip the day after they graduate from high school. The two leads, played by Maxwell Caulfield and Charlie Sheen, are good in a predictable story that doesn't carry the punch our second film has. Gus Van Sant's "Elephant" (2003) is based school shootings at Columbine. An unusual film to say the least, it takes it's time to set everything up for a terrifying ending, but that's what makes it so good. 

Next time, Ben Gazzara is our theme with "Saint Jack" (1979) and "The Spanish Prisoner" (1997). 

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Oops, I witnessed a murder is the latest theme. "Deep Red" (1975) is the second film we've reviewed by Italian horror director Dario Argento, and it is much like the first, "Suspiria". Lots of head scratching moments, yet we both liked it.  Argento is  inventive in ways to kill people. DePalma's "Blow Out" (1981) was a new genre of film for  Travolta and he pulled it off. He plays a movie sound man who sees a murder and does his own sleuthing . A young  Lithgow steals the movie in a psychotic supporting role. This is the kind of film you want to be great, but alas it's just good. 

Next, killing sprees is our theme with "The Boys Next Door" (1985) and "Elephant" (2003).

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Affairs gone bad! "Little Children" (2006) is less about children, and more about childish adults. Kate Winslet and Patrick Wilson give masterful performances as a cheating couple. Don't miss Jackie Earle Haley's (Bad News Bears) acting return. "The Housemaid" (2010) is our latest  South Korean film, and it doesn't disappoint. As  much about an affair as it is a condemnation of the ruling class. Let us know what you think of the ending. 

Next, Blowout (1981) and Deep Red (1975)

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The kids aren't alright  is our latest theme. Based on a true story, "Rivers Edge" (1986) is about a group of high school kids who don't feel or do much of anything after one of them kills his girlfriend.  Also based on a true story, "Bully" (2001) takes us to South Florida where a bunch of not-so-bright teenagers decide to kill a friend who is  a bully.

Next, affairs gone bad with "Little Children" (2006) and " The Housemaid" (2010).

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Sleuth's sleuthing. Jane Fonda won Best Actress  for "Klute",  a suspenseful film about a NYC call girl who winds up in an investigation of a missing man.  Some interesting camera work, never got boring and is  unique as any movie you'll see. Worst name ever for a must-see film. "Decision to Leave" is the latest from "Old Boy" director Park Chan-wook. We review a lot of Korean films and this show, and this might be our biggest disappointment. 

Next, troubled teens with "The River's Edge" (1986) and "Bully" (2001).

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The end of the world is the latest theme  and we have a couple of must-sees. "Last Night" (1998) is a little-known Canadian film starring Sandra Oh. It's the last night on earth and everyone knows it, but they all handle it differently. Two-time academy winner, director Alfonso Cuaron gave the world one of the best films we've reviewed on the show, "Children of Men" (2006). If you have not seen it, you are missing a masterpiece about the end of civilization. 

Next, police investigation with "Klute" (1971) and from Korea. "Decision to Leave" (2022).

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