The Kick
281 episodes - English - Latest episode: 21 days ago - ★★★★★ - 42 ratingsGo on a themed movie kick with host Chance Solem-Pfeifer. We're currently on Kick #2 ... Sports Romances. Seven episodes leading up to the release of "Challengers."
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Episodes
'Blue Crush' with Emma Specter | Sports Romances
April 11, 2024 04:53 - 39 minutes - 45.7 MBTie the boards to the ‘61 Chevy, and let's take this sports-romance series into the waves! Writer Emma Specter (Vogue) is here to discuss why "Blue Crush" is the ultimate women’s sports "sleepover movie." We also get into the power of Michelle Rodriguez on a jet ski, a healthy fear of the ocean, and whether the romance in “Blue Crush” is between the right characters. Emma's debut memoir "More, Please" is out July 9! Preorder here: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/more-please-emma-spec...
'Blue Crush' with Emma Specter
April 11, 2024 04:53 - 39 minutes - 45.7 MBTie the boards to the ‘61 Chevy, and let's scope out a locals beach! Writer Emma Specter (Vogue) is here to discuss why "Blue Crush" is the ultimate women’s sports "sleepover movie." We also get into the power of Michelle Rodriguez on a jet ski, a healthy fear of the ocean, and whether the romance in “Blue Crush” is between the right characters.
'Love & Basketball' with Jordan Robinson | Sports Romances
April 04, 2024 04:25 - 40 minutes - 45.9 MBFour quarters, two players, one game for your heart. No movie in this sports-romance series creates team chemistry between the "sports" and "romance" like LOVE & BASKETBALL. The fantastic Jordan Robinson (Queens of the Court) joins the program to discuss the movie's on-court realism, athlete couples, the enormous pressures on college basketball players, and the LOVE & BASKETBALL character she finally feels bad for two decades later. Listen to Jordan's WNBA podcast, Queens of the Court, with ...
'Love & Basketball' with Jordan Robinson
April 04, 2024 04:25 - 40 minutes - 45.9 MBFour quarters, two players, one game for your heart. No movie in this sports-romance series creates team chemistry between the "sports" and "romance" like LOVE & BASKETBALL. The fantastic Jordan Robinson (Queens of the Court) joins the program to discuss the movie's on-court realism, athlete couples, the enormous pressures on college basketball players, and the LOVE & BASKETBALL character she finally feels bad for two decades later. Listen to Jordan's WNBA podcast, Queens of the Court, with ...
'Wimbledon' with Noah Ballard
March 29, 2024 05:48 - 42 minutes - 48.7 MBWhat if a washed-up tennis journeyman (Paul Bettany) and a rising phenom (Kirsten Dunst) made a pact to hook up before every round of Wimbledon? That's a big swing from this 2004 rom-com, but how's its follow-through? Noah Ballard (Verve) joins our sports-romance kick to analyze the darker movie at the core of "Wimbledon," savor the film's giant cast, and regale us with racquet-sports anecdotes from his own life.
'Wimbledon' with Noah Ballard | Sports Romances
March 29, 2024 05:48 - 42 minutes - 48.7 MBWhat if a washed-up tennis journeyman (Paul Bettany) and a rising phenom (Kirsten Dunst) made a pact to hook up before every round of Wimbledon? That's a big swing from this 2004 rom-com, but how's its follow-through? Noah Ballard (Verve) joins our sports-romance kick to analyze the darker movie at the core of "Wimbledon," savor the film's giant cast, and regale us with racquet-sports anecdotes from his own life.
'The Cutting Edge' with Emily L. Newman | Sports Romances
March 22, 2024 05:13 - 45 minutes - 52.3 MBShe's a pairs figure skater who keeps rejecting partners; he's a washed-up hockey player. Can they win gold by falling in love and performing an unthinkable maneuver? With a setup like that, "The Cutting Edge" (1992) is the perfect launchpad for our Sports Romances kick. Emily L. Newman (Texas A&M Unversity-Commerce) is here to break down the banter, the costumes, the battle of the sexes, and the Pamchenko Twist as a symbol of impossible love.
'The Cutting Edge' with Emily L. Newman
March 22, 2024 05:13 - 45 minutes - 52.3 MBShe's a pairs figure skater who keeps rejecting partners; he's a washed-up hockey player. Can they win gold by falling in love and performing an unthinkable maneuver? With a setup like that, "The Cutting Edge" (1992) is the perfect launchpad for our Sports Romances kick. Emily L. Newman (Texas A&M Unversity-Commerce) is here to break down the banter, the costumes, the battle of the sexes, and the Pamchenko Twist as a symbol of impossible love.
'Dune: Part Two' with Bennett Campbell Ferguson
March 06, 2024 06:39 - 58 minutes - 66.6 MBAt last, we've arrived at our first kick's climactic question: Is "Dune: Part Two" a superior sequel? Bennett Campbell Ferguson (Willamette Week) is here to answer emphatically. We talk sandworm setpieces, Chalamet's gravitas or lack thereof, and this sequel's complex relationship to fate and character development.
'Doctor Sleep' with Molly Henery
February 28, 2024 06:11 - 54 minutes - 61.9 MBHeeeere's Danny! On the penultimate episode of our "Superior Sequels" kick, horror specialist Molly Henery nominates "Doctor Sleep," the 2019 sequel to "The Shining." A bold take? Perhaps! But Stephen King certainly agrees, and Molly goes deep on the film's sweeping character development and visual choices. We talk Mike Flanagan's adaptation skills, 300-year-old tophats, and expand a moon landing conspiracy theory. Steam or shine, The Kick continues.
'House II: The Second Story' with Susan Tomorrow
February 21, 2024 08:26 - 45 minutes - 52.2 MB“Like a kids’ movie for adults,” Susan Tomorrow describes the joyful anarchy of "House II: The Second Story." For her Superior Sequel, the Clinton Street Theater programmer and co-owner nominates this 1987 horror-comedy where any dimension, genre, or plot U-turn is possible in the next room over. Zombie grandpas, crystal skulls, pterodactyls, Bill Maher—there truly is no telling where this one will go.
'House II: The Second Story' (Superior Sequels)
February 21, 2024 08:26 - 45 minutes - 52.2 MB“Like a kids’ movie for adults,” Susan Tomorrow describes the joyful anarchy of "House II: The Second Story." For her Superior Sequel, the Clinton Street Theater programmer and co-owner nominates this 1987 horror-comedy where any dimension, genre, or plot U-turn is possible in the next room over. Zombie grandpas, crystal skulls, pterodactyls, Bill Maher—there truly is no telling where this one will go.
The Bourne Supremacy (Superior Sequels)
February 14, 2024 07:08 - 47 minutes - 54.7 MBSometimes, "superior sequel" status is declared right in the movie's title. This week, Bennett Campbell Ferguson is here to nominate "The Bourne Supremacy" (2004) for its frenetic action, underrated love story, and Matt Damon's cargo shorts. We also break down Greengrass vs. Liman, sing the Bourne theme almost immediately, and get *this close* to remembering our real names.
'The Bourne Supremacy' with Bennett Campbell Ferguson
February 14, 2024 07:08 - 47 minutes - 54.7 MBSometimes, "superior sequel" status is declared right in the movie's title. This week, Bennett Campbell Ferguson is here to nominate "The Bourne Supremacy" (2004) for its frenetic action, underrated love story, and Matt Damon's cargo shorts. We also break down Greengrass vs. Liman, sing the Bourne theme almost immediately, and get *this close* to remembering our real names.
'Home Alone 2: Lost In New York' with Noah Ballard
February 07, 2024 07:00 - 46 minutes - 53.5 MBSome folks think "Home Alone 2" is just the same movie again (and they're right). But to others, it's an "obscene artifact"—and a superior sequel at that. On today's show, old friend and literary agent extraordinaire Noah Ballard makes his case for why Kevin McCallister's Christmas déjà vu succeeds in going darker, showcasing unforgettable audio technology, and presaging the ills of the next American century. Everybody say, "Hiya, pal!"
'Home Alone 2: Lost In New York' (Superior Sequels)
February 07, 2024 07:00 - 46 minutes - 53.5 MBSome folks think "Home Alone 2" is just the same movie again (and they're right). But to others, it's an "obscene artifact"—and a superior sequel at that. On today's show, old friend and literary agent extraordinaire Noah Ballard makes his case for why Kevin McCallister's Christmas déjà vu succeeds in going darker, showcasing unforgettable audio technology, and presaging the ills of the next American century. Everybody say, "Hiya, pal!"
'Avatar: The Way of Water' (Superior Sequels)
January 31, 2024 06:35 - 54 minutes - 62.5 MBYou hear that? ... Is it Eywa's heartbeat? Or the birth of a new podcast? Today, we start our first-ever kick with "Avatar: The Way of Water" (2022). It's a sequel with twice the cast, twice the mo-cap, and twice the reasons for Jim Cameron never to doubt himself. Fantastic writer (and some would say "Avatar guy") John DiLillo is here to unpack Way of Water's refinement of the 2009 original, go beyond the spectacle, and act as the guinea pig for a segment called "Truth or Trivia." "The Kick...
'Avatar: The Way of Water' with John DiLillo
January 31, 2024 06:35 - 54 minutes - 62.5 MBYou hear that? ... Is it Eywa's heartbeat? Or the birth of a new podcast? Today, we start our first-ever kick with "Avatar: The Way of Water" (2022). It's a sequel with twice the cast, twice the mo-cap, and twice the reasons for Jim Cameron never to doubt himself. Fantastic writer (and some would say "Avatar guy") John DiLillo is here to unpack Way of Water's refinement of the 2009 original, go beyond the spectacle, and act as the guinea pig for a segment called "Truth or Trivia." "The Kick...
Introducing... 'The Kick'
January 27, 2024 16:15 - 2 minutes - 2.55 MBStarting next week in this feed, you'll get the first episodes of "The Kick," a new movie podcast from Chance Solem-Pfeifer. The pod will unfold in themed miniseries, the first of which is "Superior Sequels." For 6 weeks, guests will nominate and celebrate sequels they prefer to the original film. There will be games, deep questions, sequel philosophy, and equal doses of fun and obsessiveness. Let's roll.
Dolly de Leon on Her Life-Changing 'Triangle of Sadness' Performance (Be Reel archive)
January 12, 2023 07:27 - 25 minutes - 28.6 MBIt's rare for a journey-woman actor to suddenly garner an international spotlight in her 50s, but equally rare to grab a film by the horns the way Dolly de Leon does in "Triangle of Sadness." The Golden Globe-nominated de Leon swung by the podcast to talk about crafting character backstory that altered Ruben Östlund's biting, hysterical script and how starring in a Palme d'Or winner changes her career. "Triangle of Sadness" is on VOD now and highly recommended.
Dolly de Leon on Her Life-Changing 'Triangle of Sadness' Performance
January 12, 2023 07:27 - 25 minutes - 28.6 MBIt's rare for a journey-woman actor to suddenly garner an international spotlight in her 50s, but equally rare to grab a film by the horns the way Dolly de Leon does in "Triangle of Sadness." The Golden Globe-nominated de Leon swung by the podcast to talk about crafting character backstory that altered Ruben Östlund's biting, hysterical script and how starring in a Palme d'Or winner changes her career. "Triangle of Sadness" is on VOD now and highly recommended.
Bye Bye, Barbarians | Ep. 223
October 27, 2022 17:29 - 1 hour - 70.3 MBAfter nearly 8 years, dear listeners, 'Be Reel' is riding off into the sunset. But not before we talk about one of the year's most intriguing horror films (and maybe films, period)—"Barbarian." If basements and plot twists aren't your thing, you can skip to 37:28 to hear a retrospective game/quiz we whipped up to celebrate 700 movies reviewed and reappraised. We can't thank you enough. Please do keep this feed in your heart/eyeline for whatever comes next. And for once in your life...
Bye Bye, Barbarians (Be Reel archive)
October 27, 2022 17:29 - 1 hour - 70.3 MBAfter nearly 8 years, dear listeners, 'Be Reel' is riding off into the sunset. But not before we talk about one of the year's most intriguing horror films (and maybe films, period)—"Barbarian." If basements and plot twists aren't your thing, you can skip to 37:28 to hear a retrospective game/quiz we whipped up to celebrate 700 movies reviewed and reappraised. We can't thank you enough. Please do keep this feed in your heart/eyeline for whatever comes next. And for once in your life...
Man vs. Alaska (Be Reel archive)
September 27, 2022 04:49 - 1 hour - 104 MBMan versus beast movies often make for electric Hollywood skirmishes, but Alaskan settings heighten the conflict even further. On today's Be Reel, Chance and Noah discuss "The Edge," "The Grey" and "Hold The Dark"—a trio of films about how outsiders to The Last Frontier find their lives (and masculinity) threatened by howling winds and howling wolves. (We would like to dedicate this episode to Bart the Bear and saying "Charles" without pronouncing the 'r'.)
Man vs. Alaska | Ep. 220
September 27, 2022 04:49 - 1 hour - 104 MBMan versus beast movies often make for electric Hollywood skirmishes, but Alaskan settings heighten the conflict even further. On today's Be Reel, Chance and Noah discuss "The Edge," "The Grey" and "Hold The Dark"—a trio of films about how outsiders to The Last Frontier find their lives (and masculinity) threatened by howling winds and howling wolves. (We would like to dedicate this episode to Bart the Bear and saying "Charles" without pronouncing the 'r'.)
David Fincher's Serial Killers | Ep. 219
August 25, 2022 04:10 - 1 hour - 89.3 MBOne of Hollywood’s foremost chroniclers of obsession and a legendary obsessive himself, David Fincher has made serial killers and their pursuers central to his career in films like “Se7en” (1995), “Zodiac” (2007) and “The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo” (2011). Ahead of Fincher's 60th birthday, Be Reel investigates all the absurd kinship, crippling loneliness and gallows humor at the dark heart of Fincher’s career-defining murder mysteries.
David Fincher's Serial Killers (Be Reel archive)
August 25, 2022 04:10 - 1 hour - 89.3 MBOne of Hollywood’s foremost chroniclers of obsession and a legendary obsessive himself, David Fincher has made serial killers and their pursuers central to his career in films like “Se7en” (1995), “Zodiac” (2007) and “The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo” (2011). Ahead of Fincher's 60th birthday, Be Reel investigates all the absurd kinship, crippling loneliness and gallows humor at the dark heart of Fincher’s career-defining murder mysteries.
Wes Studi and Dale Dickey on Acting Bucket Lists, Typecasting and 'A Love Song' (Be Reel archive)
July 28, 2022 04:57 - 33 minutes - 38.2 MBIn a rare treat, two unmistakable character actors join the pod: Wes Studi and Dale Dickey. If you don't know their names, you certainly know their indelible faces from movies like "The Last of the Mohicans" and "Winter's Bone." They star together in the tender, dusty new romance film, "A Love Song." Studi and Dickey tell Chance all about finally getting to kiss anyone on screen, plus plenty of talk about acting bucket lists, "Reservation Dogs" and improv battles with Jennifer Lawrence.
Wes Studi and Dale Dickey on Acting Bucket Lists, Typecasting and 'A Love Song' | Ep. 218
July 28, 2022 04:57 - 33 minutes - 38.2 MBIn a rare treat, two unmistakable character actors join the pod: Wes Studi and Dale Dickey. If you don't know their names, you certainly know their indelible faces from movies like "The Last of the Mohicans" and "Winter's Bone." They star together in the tender, dusty new romance film, "A Love Song." Studi and Dickey tell Chance all about finally getting to kiss anyone on screen, plus plenty of talk about acting bucket lists, "Reservation Dogs" and improv battles with Jennifer Lawrence.
Work Spouses (Be Reel archive)
July 15, 2022 05:08 - 1 hour - 103 MBWhen your job is your life, a work spouse is there with a listening ear, comforting rapport, and maybe even soup--at least when that work marriage is functioning platonically and properly. On today's episode, Noah's work spouse, Elise, joins the program to break down what "Broadcast News" (1987), "Jerry Maguire" (1996), and "The Intern" (2015) say about high-stakes careers and the office life partners that make them navigable.
Work Spouses | Ep. 217
July 15, 2022 05:08 - 1 hour - 103 MBWhen your job is your life, a work spouse is there with a listening ear, comforting rapport, and maybe even soup--at least when that work marriage is functioning platonically and properly. On today's episode, Noah's work spouse, Elise, joins the program to break down what "Broadcast News" (1987), "Jerry Maguire" (1996), and "The Intern" (2015) say about high-stakes careers and the office life partners that make them navigable.
'Apples' Director Christos Nikou on Memory, 'The Truman Show' and Yorgos Lanthimos | Ep. 216
July 01, 2022 18:37 - 29 minutes - 34.2 MBThe acclaimed new Greek film "Apples" imagines a world in the grips of an amnesia epidemic. Director Christos Nikou swings by the pod to remember the origins of his debut feature, as well as what he learned from working with Yorgos Lanthimos on "Dogtooth."
Magic Mikes | Ep. 215
June 29, 2022 05:47 - 1 hour - 103 MBFor the 10th anniversary of “Magic Mike,” we make it rain critical reflection on Channing Tatum’s career-defining role and other standouts of the male stripper sub-genre like “The Full Monty” (1997) and “Chocolate City” (2015). Suffice it to say, if this episode had a stage name, it would probably be “Cash Rich” or “Threatened Masculinity.”
'Brian and Charles' Director Jim Archer on Lovable, Rebellious Robots | Ep. 214
June 17, 2022 06:18 - 24 minutes - 28.1 MBFirst director interview in a minute! Today we're talking to Jim Archer, who's made a new comedy called "Brian and Charles" about a kooky inventor (David Earl's Brian) who builds a 7-foot-tall robot (Chris Hayward's Charles) anxious to learn all it can about this world of ours. Jim discusses some of the film's documentary inspirations, shopping for mannequin heads and how to direct an actor who's inside a box. "Brian and Charles" is in theaters now, from Focus Features.
Fun With Nuns | Episode 213
May 27, 2022 03:49 - 1 hour - 81.4 MBRap our knuckles and yank our ears if you must, but we watched three irreverent nun movies for today’s show. From the musical-comedy of “Sister Act” (1992) to the demonic possession of “The Nun” (2018) to the perverse wonderment of “Benedetta” (2021), these sisters play by their own rules in the face of retribution and damnation. This episode has Whoopi, Valak and Paul Verhoeven making us talk dirty. Forgive us, listeners, for we have reappraised.
The State of Cage w/ Ray Gill Jr. and Andy Crump | Ep. 212
April 28, 2022 15:30 - 1 hour - 69.1 MBFew would call Nicolas Cage a chameleonic actor, but his career is always shapeshifting like no other. On the occasion of Cage playing himself in "The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent," Chance is joined by fellow Portland film critic Ray Gill Jr. to review the new movie and then by returning champ Andy Crump to break down the last chapter of Cage's career as the icon embraces gravitas and grief in standouts like "Pig" and "Mandy." Photo: KATALIN VERMES/LIONSGATE
Chance and Noah's High School Reunion | Ep. 211
April 21, 2022 02:58 - 1 hour - 87.5 MBCountless movies capture the exhilaration and horror of high school, but only a select few resurrect those qualities for high school reunions. On this episode, we reminisce on this delightful and harrowing subgenre, featuring “Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion” (1997), “Peggy Sue Got Married” (1986) and “Central Intelligence” (2016). There's one universal takeaway: even one night of reliving high school sends people off the deep end.
Miami Movies (X, Deep Water, The Outfit) | Ep. 210
March 29, 2022 20:56 - 1 hour - 102 MBAfter a 2.5-year hiatus from watching movies in person, your trusty hosts recently took time away from getting sunburned in Miami to catch three new films. This month, we're talking THE OUTFIT, DEEP WATER, and X. But these three titles have something in common beyond their release weekend. After some Oscars jibber-jabber, we talk claustrophobic gangster pictures, Affleck erotic thrillers, chainsaw-less Texas massacres, and the violence of aging.
Boat Murder Mysteries (feat. Bob Al-Greene) | Ep. 209
February 23, 2022 04:08 - 1 hour - 104 MBIn the wake of "Death On The Nile," we peer through our spyglass at that classic sub-sub-genre Nautical Murder Mysteries. Along for the pleasure cruise is Mashable illustrator Bob Al-Greene, who's currently working on the first-ever graphic novelization of an Agatha Christie mystery. We talk Poirot, Branagh, and distracting CGI before diving into our other nautical murder mysteries: "Dead Calm" (1989) and "Murder Mystery" (2019). Did the skipper do it? Listen in.
Nightmare Family Functions of 2021 | Episode 208
January 27, 2022 06:41 - 1 hour - 85.7 MBWhile 2020 kept so many families painfully apart, three acclaimed indies from last year made the opposite case: "Why do I see these people again?" Playing a little 2021 catch-up, Chance and Noah drop by to visit "Spencer," "Shiva Baby," and "The Humans" to explore how families—be they English royalty or middle-class Americans—banter, bristle, covet nostalgia, push buttons, and flirt with genuine horror. But hey, just look at that spread.
Muhammad Ali on Film (feat. Morgan Campbell) | Ep. 207
January 17, 2022 08:08 - 1 hour - 69.4 MBTo celebrate the 80th birthday of the eternal G.O.A.T., Chance dives deep into Muhammad Ali's cinematic legacy. Morgan Campbell of CBC Sports joins to discuss the unwavering supply of Ali documentaries and films, plus the necessity of preserving context around Ali's life and legacy as an activist athlete. Then, to finish, Chance runs down his three favorite Ali films. Happy birthday, champ.
Best of 2021 with Conner Reed | Ep. 206
December 28, 2021 19:05 - 1 hour - 128 MBTo close the book on 2021 movies, Chance is joined by Conner Reed (Portland Monthly) to celebrate their favorite films and performances in the following categories: Oregon Feature, Documentary, Foreign Film, Blockbuster, Comedy, Horror, Acting Newcomer, Ensemble, Supporting Performance, Lead Performance, and Top 3 Movies of 2021. Happy new year, all!
The Best of 2021 with Conner Reed | Ep. 206
December 28, 2021 19:05 - 1 hour - 128 MBTo close the book on 2021 movies, Chance is joined by Conner Reed (Portland Monthly) to celebrate their favorite films and performances in the following categories: Oregon Feature, Documentary, Foreign Film, Blockbuster, Comedy, Horror, Acting Newcomer, Ensemble, Supporting Performance, Lead Performance, and Top 3 Movies of 2021. Happy new year, all!
The Lord of the Rings (feat. Brent Rivers) | Ep. 205
December 16, 2021 02:38 - 1 hour - 148 MBOne doesn’t simply walk into a “Lord of the Rings” episode—at least not without a 20-year anniversary and amateur Tolkien scholar Brent Rivers on one’s side. On today's blockbuster episode, our fellowship reflects on an all-time great film trilogy, assessing LOTR’s bizarre relationship to star power, how Peter Jackson adapted almost anti-modern novels, and how the trilogy’s approach to franchise filmmaking stands alone.
Gotta Get Home For Thanksgiving (Or Do I?)| Ep. 204
November 23, 2021 01:42 - 1 hour - 112 MBAfter many Thanksgivings spent recording supersized Be Reels, we finally do the sensible thing and just cover films about Turkey Day itself. The trio of “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” (1987), “Home For The Holidays” (1995) and “The Ice Storm” (1997) explores the great lengths to which families go to gather, despite cornucopias of evidence they shouldn’t. To all those surviving delayed flights and cooking for too many people this year, this one’s for you.
'80s New York Vampires (with Aaron Colter) | Ep. 203
October 25, 2021 17:15 - 1 hour - 84.1 MBIn the debut of a "Guest's Choice" format, Portland writer and film programmer Aaron Colter joins Chance to discuss a pair of '80s movies about New York vampires: "The Hunger" (1983) and "Vampire's Kiss" (1989). The former is Tony Scott's first movie (dark, entrancing, and with David Bowie), while the latter finds Nicolas Cage channeling Nosferatu to ends we still don't understand. Portlanders can see "The Hunger" at Clinton Street Theater on Thursday, Oct. 28 — https://cstpdx.com/schedule.
Wes Craven's Nineties Nightmares | Ep. 202
October 15, 2021 05:52 - 1 hour - 115 MBBy the year 1991, Wes Craven had already solidified his place in the Hollywood "master of horror" pantheon. But for his third act, the "Nightmare on Elm Street" creator began asking, "What's the point of all this slashing?" as he embarked on a series of socially critical and self-reflexive scary movies: "The People Under The Stairs" (1991), "New Nightmare" (1994) and "Scream" (1996). For your Halloween episode, we dive in.
9/11 Aftermath Movies | Ep. 201
September 13, 2021 17:45 - 1 hour - 115 MBReflecting on Sept. 11, 2001 twenty years later, we watched three films depicting the post-9/11 psyche at its most charged and wounded. "25th Hour" (2002), "Worth" (2021) and "Reign Over Me" (2007) consider 9/11 from grieving standpoints, but they also tell on themselves, revealing how difficult meaningful reflection actually is, whether from swaggering New Yorkers, bereaved Adam Sandlers, or the lawyers overseeing the Victim Compensation Fund.
Brothers In Crime | Episode 200
August 24, 2021 21:09 - 1 hour - 109 MBOur fraternity of microphones and movie opinions celebrates its 200th episode this month, so we're taking the opportunity to review films about brothers and their criminal gambits. From the thousand-car pileups of "The Blues Brothers" (1980) to the street-crime insanity of "Four Brothers" (2005) to the dapper cons of "The Brothers Bloom" (2008), we tip our caps to the unbreakable bonds and wild squabbles of brotherly love. Happy 200, all.
Found You In The Classifieds | Ep. 199
July 26, 2021 04:33 - 1 hour - 92.8 MBBefore the DM or chatroom, if you wanted to connect with a stranger pseudo-anonymously, you bought a personal ad. This week, we seek three films with classified ads as inciting incidents: “Desperately Seeking Susan” (1985), “Single White Female (1992) and the now 20-year-old “Ghost World” (2001). Romance, murder and vicarious living abound, plus the story of Chance and Noah answering an ad.