Two Geeks and a GIT Classic Movie Reviews

We're turning to another tribute pairing this week, the second of fourth-quarter 2025. This time around, it's a celebration of the life and work of veteran actor and superstar Robert Redford, who passed away on September 16th, 2025. Directed by Sydney Pollack and starring Redford, 1972's "Jeremiah Johnson" tells one of the true-ish tale of the American frontier. Jeremiah Johnson (Redford), after serving in the U.S. Army, has chosen to embrace the life of a mountain man and heads deep into the Rocky Mountains to hunt and trap. After a rough start, he encounters Bear Claw (Will Geer), a trapper who specialized in grizzly bears. Taking Johnson in, he also takes him under his wing and orients him to life in the wilderness. While staying with Bear Claw, he meets the chief of the nearby Crow tribe of native Americans, Paints-His-Shirt-Red (Joaquin Martinez). After leaving the grizzly hunter, Jeremiah runs across the cabin of a family recently attacked by the Blackfoot tribe. "Crazy Woman," (Allyn Ann McLerie) and her son who Jeremiah dubs Caleb (Josh Albee) are the only survivors. When it becomes time to depart the farm, Crazy Woman demands that Jeremiah take Caleb with him, which he does. Jeremiah and Caleb discover a man buried to his chin in the dirt, who introduces himself as Del Gue (Stefan Gierasch), and Del convinces Jeremiah to help him get his belongings back from the Blackfoot. The encounter isn't to Jeremiah's satisfaction, so he and Caleb depart. They soon encounter members of the Flathead native American tribe, who treat them as guests of honor. Unknowingly, Jeremiah places the chief in a difficult position when he gives the chief the Blackfeet horses and scalps. To save his honor, the chief gives Jeremiah his daughter, Swan (Delle Bolton) in marriage. Over time, Jeremiah and Swan become close, and both are dedicated to taking care of Caleb, who still hasn't spoken aloud since he was separated from his Mother. But a chance encounter with a Reverend and a troop of U.S. Army Cavalry soon upends Jeremiah's life and sets him on the path that created the legend of "Liver-Eater Johnson," whose story is the basis for this film!

The last of the original horror franchises is the topic of this episode as we finish 2025's Halloween celebration! Directed by Sean S. Cunningham and written y Victor Miller and Ron Kurz, 1980's "Firday the 13th" introduced the world to Camp Crystal Lake and the myth of Jason! Our story begins in 1958, when we see what we'll come to realize is the first killing at Camp Crystal Lake. The film then flashes forward to 1979 and the camp's grand re-opening after many years of being shuttered. Annie (Robbi Morgan), the camp's cook, is headed in for the summer. After chatting with the locals, she's dropped off near the camp where she gets another ride. Unfortunately, this last ride turns out to be her last ride. The scene then changes to Camp Crystal Lake where the new owner, Steve Christy (Peter Brouwer), is finalizing plans to open for the summer. Assisted by counselors Alice (Adrienne King), Marcie (Jeannine Taylor), Jack (Keven Bacon, in only his 5th film role), Bill (Harry Crosby), Brenda (Laurie Bartram), and Ned (Mark Nelson), typical teen hijinks ensue... until the counselors start dying, one-by-one. But who is killing the members of Camp Crystal Lake and why? When the killer's identity is revealed, so is the full lore that the entire franchise is based on! Plus, stick around for the (real?) ending! Also starring Ronn Carroll, Ron Millkie, Walt Gorny, and Betsy Palmer! Finally, the trio reveal which two films they'll be reviewing in their tribute to veteran actor and Hollywood superstar Robert Redford!

It's Halloween time again, and we're looking at the last two original horror franchises we haven't done yet! First up - a story that starts off a thriller, turns to horror, and then clips into the realm of science fiction as well! Written and directed by Don Coscarelli, 1979's "Phantasm" kicks off with a cemetery, an amorous couple, and a stabbing, which provides the reason for our protagonists, Mike (A. Michael Baldwin), Jody (Bill Thornbury), and Reggie (Reggie Bannister) to arrive at Morningside Funeral Home and Cemetery for the funeral services. While Mike and Reggie attend as guests, Jody is spying from the nearby woods, and witnesses the funeral director, someone referred to only as "The Tall Man," (Angus Scrimm), pick up the body-filled coffin by himself and deposit it in the hearse. Of course, neither Mike nor Reggie believe him, so Jody begins a quest to find proof that something strange is going on at the funeral home. Only after witnessing the death of the graveyard's caretaker (Kenneth V. Jones) after he's impaled on a chrome-sphere that sprouts blades and a drill, and chopping the Tall Man's fingers off, does Jody have sufficient proof to convince Mike and Reggie. The inevitable showdown between the trio and the Tall Man can only end one way... but who will emerge victorious? Also starring Kathy Lester, Terrie Kalbus, and Mary Ellen Shaw.

As we continue our pairing of superhero origin stories in the MCU, we move ahead three years to what is arguably the best origin story to come out of Marvel studios yet! Directed by Joe Johnston, 2011's "Captain America: The First Avenger" begins with a team of scientists in the Arctic circle investigaving something that the shifting ice has revealed, some sort of immense vehicle. Once the on-site team is able to get inside, they discover, still frozen in the ice, a round shield with red and white circles surrounding a blue field with a white star. Cut to World War II, and a German military officer named Johan Schmidt (Hugo Weaving) is in Norway, pursuing an artifact reputed to have magical powers. He finds what he is looking for and orders the temple that was housing it destroyed. Then, in New York City, we see a thin, unwell-looking young man named Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) attempting to sign up to fight in the war. Unfortunately, his long list of physical maladies renders him unfit for service, even though his best friend James Buchanan "Bucky" Barnes (Sebastian Stan) has already enlisted and been assigned to the same unit Steve's father fought in, the 107th. Eventually, Steve tries again and is confonted by Bucky, who questions his reasoning. This conversation is overheard by Dr. Abraham Erskine (Stanley Tucci) who is recruiting for a top-secret experiment. He forces Steve to confess to multiple attempt to sign up, and asks him why. He's satisfied enough with Steve's answer to offer him a chance to participate in his experiment, which Steve jumps at. At boot camp, Steve meets MI-6 Agent Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell) and their unit's commanding officer Colonel Chester Phillips (Tommy Lee Jones). Ultimately, even though Steve is the weakest member of the unit, he is chosen for Erskine's experiment, and turned into America's first Super Soldier. But, after Erskine is killed immediately after his success, and the last vial of super-soldier serum stolen, Steve bursts into action, discovering exactly what the serum has turned him into. He catches the assassin, but before he can take him in or question him extensively, the assassin commits suicide by cyanide. Steve is then whisked off by Senator Brandt to become the symbol of the war effort and assist the government in selling war bonds. Ultimately, however, Steve ends up near the front in Europe, and takes it upon himself to rescue the remaining members of the 107th, including Bucky, and returns them to Colonel Phillips, along with stolen vehicles and weapons using the strange blue energy Schmidt has managed to leech from the magical artifact. Thus the stage is set for Captain America to go up against his first supervillain, when Schmidt's true identity is revealed, with the fate of the free world in the balance! Also starring Toby Jones, Dominic Cooper, Neal McDonough, Natalie Dormer, and Samuel L. Jackson! And the gents reveal which two films they'll be reviewing as they pay tribute to the late, great Robert Redford!

It's the start of the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) for this pairing, and two superhero origin stories, including arguably the best one! But we start as the MCU started, with the very first film of "Phase 1" and an interesting choice it was! Directed by Jon Vavreau himself, 2008's "Iron Man" tells the story of tech mogul, inventor, and playboy Tony Stark Jr. (Robert Downey Jr.) who, after demoing a frightening new weapon for the military in Afghanistan, is captured by insurgents and forced to recreate the weapon for his captors. Unbeknownst to them, however, Tony decides first to create a miniature Arc Reactor to help keep the shrapnel from the bomb that exploded next to him from reaching his heart. But he also decides to build a power suit of armor to use to facilitate his escepa, along with his companion in capture, Yinsen (Shaun Toub). He escapes, but loses Yinsen in the attempt. He is rescued by his friend and soldier James "Rhodey" Rhodes (Terrence Howard). Back in the USA, he's reuinited with his right-hand woman, Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow) and his business partner and mentor Obidiah Stane (Jeff Bridges). At a hastily-called news conference, he announces that his company, Stark Enterprises, will no longer be manufacturing weapons. This sets in motion a series of events where Tony is staying out of the public spotlight while Obidiah handles Stark's board of directors, given Tony's announcement. While at home, Tony creates a significantly more powerful version of his chest Arc Reactor, and then sets about creating a much more streamlined and capable suit of armor. Unfortunately, while this is happening, Obidiah is secretly working against Tony, having been the one who arranged for the insurgents to capture Tony in the first place. As Tony and Obidiah head inexorably toward open conflict, Tony's genius is put to the test, and his legacy is on the line! Also starring Leslie Bibb, Faran Tahir, Paul Bettany, Jon Favreau, and Clark Gregg!

Our second film honoring Graham Greene, who passed away on September 1st, 2025, brings us to a much more recent historical story. Loosely based on the Wounded Knee Incident of 1973, and directed by Michael Apted, 1992's "Thunderheart" follows FBI Agent Ray Levoi (Val Kilmer) who, because of his Sioux heritage, is assigned to investigate a murder on a Native American reservation in the west. Upon arriving, Levoi reports to his superior officer, and a hero of Levoi's, Agent Frank 'Cooch" Coutelle (Sam Shepard). As the two agents begin investigating the murder, they run into Walter Crow Horse (Graham Greene), a Tribal police officer who immediately butts heads with the two federal officers. Levoi and Coutelle run down a list of suspect until they have only two: Maggie Eagle Bear (Sheila Tousey) and Jimmy Looks Twice (John Trudell). In addition, Coutelle warns Ray about two other factions - the local white militia headed by Jack Milton (Fred Ward) and the local chapter of AIM (the American Indian Movement). But it is encounters both with the local medicine man, Grandpa Sam Reaches (Ted Thin Elk) and Maggie's grandmother Maisy Blue Legs (Sarah Brave) that lead Ray to begin experiencing visions and connecting with the heritage he's ignored all his life. But which will win out in the end... Ray's devotion to the FBi or his new-found spiritual awakening? And who killed Leo Fast Elk (Allan R. J. Joseph)? And finally, the trio reveal which MCU films will be featured in the next pairing!

This pairing pays tribute to Native American actor Graham Greene. Born to the Oneida tribe on the Six Nations Reservation in Ontario, Canada, Greene acted in over 180 projects over his 73-year lifespan. Greene passed away on September 1st, 2025, leaving behind an amazing body of work. But the role he's likely most known for comes from a film that netted him his only Academy Award nomination (for Best Supporting Actor), 1990's "Dancing With Wolves!" Directed by, and starring, Kevin Costner, the story follows Lt. John J. Dunbar (Costner) who, seemingly critically wounded, tries to commit suicide by enemy fire, only to enable a rout by the Union army! Due to the results of his actions, his injury is treated and he's given any posting he wishes, along with the horse "Cisco" he was riding. Dunbar chooses to be assigned to the edge of the fast-vanishing American frontier. Upon arriving at Fort Hays, he is assigned to Fort Sedgwick, a very remote outpost, and travels there with a rather vulgar delivery driver named Timmons (Robert Pastorelli). Upon his arrival he finds the fort deserted, but chooses to rehabilitate it and take up his post regardless. He begins being joined by a lone wolf he names "Two Socks", who comes every evening to watch him. Eventually, the nearby Sioux tribe notice him and attempt to steal Cisco. Fortunately, the horse is wily and escapes being taken twice. Eventually, Dunbar decides to go to the tribe to try to initiate friendly relations. On the way, he finds newly widowed Stands With A Fist (Mary McDonnell), a white woman adopted by the tribe. He brings her back to the tribe, which impresses their medicine man Kicking Bird (Greene). Eventually, over many months, Dunbar and Kicking Bird forge a tentative peace, which becomes a friendship as Dunbar is slowly accepted by the rest of the tribe. But times marches inexorably forward, and the army returns to Fort Sedgwick. Also starring Rodney A. Grant, Floyd 'Red Crow' Westerman, and Tantoo Cardinal.

Our second film has become something of a cultural signpost about the longevity and legacy of 1950s and 60s soul music! Directed by Alan Parker, 1991's "The Commitments" chronicles the rise and fall of something of an anomaly: An Irish Soul band! Jimmy Rabbitte (Robert Arkins) has decided he wants to found, and manage, an Irish soul band. The only problem: Finding enough quality musicians to staff the band, and then keeping the peace between them! He recruits guitarish Outspan Foster (Glen Hansard) and bassist Derek Scully (Ken McCluskey) out of another band where they're languishing playing pop tunes. He also recruits keyboardist Steven Clifford (Michael Aherne), alto saxophonist Dean Fay (Felim Gormley), drummer Billy Mooney (Dick Massey), and female backup singers Bernie McGloughlin (Bronagh Gallagher), Natalie Murphy (Maria Doyle Kennedy), Imelda Quirke (Angelina Ball), and lead vocalist Deco Cuffe (Andrew Strong). His last addition is an veteran trumpet player, someone who played with many of the original soul artists and acts, Jimmy "The Lips" Fagan (Johnny Murphy). Unfortunately, sparks fly almost immediately as Jimmy seduces the three women, and Deco's attitude alienates everyone else in the band. It's a race to see if they can overcome their differences and find their own soul before the fractures in the group grow too large for them to continue! Plus, the three reveal which two films they'll be reviewing next as they pay tribute to actor Graham Greene, who passed away on September 1st, 2025.

This week (and next) we're looking at films about music bands. We're starting off with a film that starred an actual rock legend, alongside (at the time) a rising star! Written and directed by Paul Schrader, 1987's "Light of Day" follows the lives of two working-class siblilngs, Joe Rasnick (Michael J. Fox) and his sister Patti (Joan Jett), trying to eke out a living while still finding time to embrace their love of rock 'n roll music. Unfortunately, the two siblings are at odds about their parents, Jeanette (Gena Rowlands) and Benjamin (Jason Miller). Jeanette is seriously religious, something her husband has adopted as well, which sits fine with Joe but has alienated Patti from her mother. Meanwhile, Patti is trying to balance being a mom herself with her desire to perform music, with the music winning out, leaving Joe to pick up the pieces, including taking care of his nephew. Will the two find a way to keep music in their lives amidst all the other turmoil and trials they're continually experiencing? Also starring Michael McKean, Thomas G. Waites, Cherry Jones, and Michael Rooker!

The second film in our tribute to Terrance Stamp, who passed away on August 17th, 2025, is a story of a father trying to find out the truth about his daughter's death. Directed by Stephen Soderberg and written by Lem Dobbs, 1999's "The Limey" follows Wilson (Stamp), who is recently out of prison in England, traveling to Los Angeles to investigate the death of his daughter Jennifer (Melissa George). One there, he tracks down Jennifer's friend Ed (Luis Guzman), who sent him the newspaper clipping about her death. Luis tells him what he knows, about Jennifer's friend Elaine (Lesley Ann Warren) and her long-term boyfriend Valentine (Peter Fonda). Wilson begins to follow what clues he has, and ends up at one of Valentine's parties. There, he manages to take out one of Valentine's bodyguards who tries to forcibly eject him from the party. After a confrontation with Valentine's right-hand, Avery (Barry Newman), Wilson and Luis start to plan out how to take Valentine down. But, as with most plans, things don't go quite as intended. Also starring Joe Dallesandro and Nicky Katt. Plus, the guys reveal two films about the ups and downs of being in a professional music band they'll be looking at for the next pairing!