Cinema File Podcast

Cinema File: Happy 50th, Harold. Happy 50th, Maude.

1971 cult classic "Harold and Maude" turns 50 this year, and it also happens to be OnlineAthens entertainment writer Andrew Shearer's all-time favorite movie. This is a recording made directly after his friend Xtina watched it for the first time, so things get a bit sniffly.

Cinema File: Interview with writer-director Chyna Robinson ("No Ordinary Love"

For her debut feature film, "No Ordinary Love," due on June 15, 2021, Fort Worth, TX-based writer-director Chyna Robinson took on the very real and highly sensitive issue of intimate partner violence and masterfully wove it into the cinematic medium. The result is a powerful viewing experience with an urgent message.

Cinema File: Is "Spiral: Saw" scarier than going back to the movies?

Andrew hasn't been to the movies since March 2020, but the lure of Chris Rock starring in a horror movie was enough to get him back in a theatre. He recorded this podcast from his car directly after seeing "Spiral: From the Book of Saw." Which was scarier: the movie or going back to the movies during a worldwide pandemic?

Cinema File: Oscar picks for 2021 (the year they let us see the movies)

Why do we care about the 2021 Oscars? Because for once – and it took a worldwide pandemic for it to happen – everyday film fans actually got to see all the Best Picture nominees in the comfort of their own homes weeks before the ceremony. Join former Blockbuster co-workers Andrew and Sam as they give their picks and predictions for this year's "Superbowl Of Cinema."

Cinema File: Spend a night in 'House,' the weirdest movie ever made

Released the same year as "Star Wars," Japanese experimental filmmaker Nobuhiko Obayashi's teenage horror masterpiece "House," a.k.a. "Hausu" came out. Panned by nearly all critics in its day, the effects-heavy mystery was a hit with young audiences due to its expert marketing campaign, youth-centered story and wild visuals. Decades later, "House" holds up beautifully, and remains a gorgeous and gory work from one of cinema's most original minds.

Cinema File: It's girl-meets-fairground ride in 'Jumbo'

Former Blockbuster Video co-workers Andrew and Sam review a bunch of movies they watched in March 2021 including "Jumbo," "Godzilla vs. Kong," "Slaxx," "Tina," "Coming 2 America" and more.

Cinema File: How virtual screenings helped save indie theaters (and me)

In this interview recorded on March 19, 2021, the one year anniversary of the launch of Kino Lorber's virtual screening platform, Athens Ciné executive director Pam Kohn speaks to Kino Lorber senior vice president of theatrical and nontheatrical distribution and acquisitions Wendy Lidell about the impact it had on keeping independent theaters going. Conversation moderated by OnlineAthens arts and entertainment reporter Andrew Shearer.

Cinema File: Interview with Debbie Rochon, the queen of independent film

Like the punk records and underground films that inspired and informed her tireless work ethic, Debbie Rochon is a rare find in an age where discovering a cool, obscure independent artist is an increasingly less unique possibility. In this interview recorded on March 11, 2021, Rochon discusses her early life on the streets, experience as a stage performer, and rise to become an icon in the world of indie cinema.

Cinema File: "Dementer" writer-director Chad Crawford Kinkle

For his follow-up to the 2013 folk horror movie "Jug Face," Nashville-based writer-director Chard Crawford Kinkle involved local family and friends to make "Dementer," a truly frightening character piece set in a center for adults with special needs. In this audio interview, Kinkle tells OnlineAthens reporter Andrew Shearer about casting his older sister in a leading role, and how festival audiences reacted to the film's unique tone.

Cinema File: We don't mess around about "Foxy Brown" (1974)

In honor of the 7th anniversary of the special "CultCore" episode series, Andrew speaks to Kate Owens just moments after she finished watching the 1974 Pam Grier classic "Foxy Brown," co-starring Antonio Fargas and Bob Minor, and directed by Decatur, Ga. resident Jack Hill.

Cinema File: Cultural Strategist Kenya Parham ("Judas and the Black Messiah")

A few years ago, Kenya Parham's career as a political strategist shifted to the film world, where she now works as a cultural strategist for films like "Judas and the Black Messiah," currently in theatres and on HBO Max. In this interview conducted on 2-23-21, Kenya spoke to OnlineAthens reporter Andrew Shearer about the important behind the scenes role she plays.

Cinema File: Shatara Michelle Ford interview ("Test Pattern")

Writer-director Shatara Michelle Ford's debut feature "Test Pattern" is a feminist masterpiece that has garnered well-deserved (and hard earned) rave reviews in the days since its Feb. 19, 2021 release. In this conversation with OnlineAthens reporter Andrew Shearer, Shatara details how she made the film, Hitchock's influence, and what it means to them to have the film out in the world. (Special thanks to David Ninh at Kino Lorber)

Cinema File: Charles Ryu, Yun Jeong, and Yeena Sung ("Happy Cleaners")

Korean American narrative "Happy Cleaners," the debut feature from co-directors Julian Kim and Peter S. Lee, opens Friday, February 5th in select theaters and VOD. In this interview with OnlineAthens arts and entertainment reporter Andrew Shearer, co-stars Charles Ryu, Yun Jeong, and Yeena Sung discuss their experiences making the film, its universal themes, and cultural representation on screen. 

"Cinema File: "Child's Play" franchise, part 2 (with Tiffany Warren)"

Our 2-part exploration of the "Child's Play" horror movie franchise concludes with journalist Andrew Shearer and filmmaker Tiffany Warren's discussion of "Seed of Chucky," "Curse of Chucky," "Cult of Chucky," and the 2019 "Child's Play" remake. This recording contains descriptions of (fake) violence and frequent use of adult language.

Cinema File: "Child's Play" franchise, part 1 (with Tiffany Warren)

Season 12 of the Cinema File podcast begins with a 2-part exploration of the "Child's Play" horror movie franchise, hosted by journalist Andrew Shearer and filmmaker Tiffany Warren. The first episode covers the original trilogy, and concludes with the unforgettable "Bride of Chucky." A word of warning, this recording contains descriptions of (fake) violence and frequent use of adult language.

Cinema File: Alison Midstokke ("Happy Face," "Chained for Life")

Award-winning actor Alison Midstokke's personal mission is to work for positive visibility for people with facial differences in the entertainment and fashion industries. Born with Treacher Collins syndrome, Midstokke's choice of film projects reflects her passionate activism as well as her desire to create original work. "Happy Face" is set for U.S. release on Jan. 5 from Dark Star Pictures.

Cinema File: The best horror movies of 2020 (with director Tiffany Warren)

Without the benefit of darkened theaters and loud jump scares coming through the speakers, horror movies has to work extra hard to frighten us in 2020. In this podcast, Dallas-based filmmaker Tiffany Warren joins OnlineAthens arts and entertainment reporter Andrew Shearer to list their favorite horror movies of the year.

Cinema File: Was 2020 an above average year for movies?

With theaters closed for the majority of 2020, movie fans turned to streaming services instead. Was it a better than average year for film as a result? In this podcast discussion former Blockbuster Video co-workers Andrew and Sam give their respective best of lists for 2020.

Cinema File: We noticed that "Popeye" turned 40 this year

Though the 40th anniversary of Robert Altman's "Popeye" passed with little fanfare, Amy and Andrew really love it. This podcast contains fond memories of the film, a review of the new Blu-ray edition, a discussion of the careers of Altman and stars Robin Williams and Shelley Duvall, and our fantasy about one day visiting Malta.

Cinema File: The awkward genius of Christina Parrish ("Call Me Brother")

Austin-based writer and performer Christina Parrish has been in comedy for a decade, with an impressive amount of video and short film content to her credit. With the Nov. 6 release of her feature film "Call Me Brother," she tackles taboo subject matter with equal doses of hilarity and dark brilliance.

Cinema File: The Ghosts of Roy N. Shearer II

My dad is the reason I love Halloween. He's also the reason I love scary movies. He's also the reason I took a job in the printing industry, which lead to a career in journalism. In this highly personal episode, I share my Halloween and movie-going memories of Roy N. Shearer II with my good friend Xtina.

Cinema File: Candyman, Candyman, Candyman...

In some alternate, pandemic-free universe, Nia Dacosta's new "Candyman" movie was released this month, but in ours, it's been delayed until 2021. In this episode, Kate and Andrew revisit the first 3 films in the series, and express our ever-increasing excitement for the next one.

Cinema File: 2nd-grader reviews "Monster Squad" and "Beetlejuice"

Cinema File: "Ghosts of Athens" author Tracy L. Adkins

"Ghosts of Athens" author Tracy L. Adkins is interviewed in this episode recorded at Oconee Hill Cemetery in Athens, Georgia on October 23, 2020. Ms. Adkins discusses her first encounter with the unexplained, how she wrote the book, and reads the chapter on the Lyndon House haunting.

Cinema File: "American Werewolf in London" (with Xtina)

Stick to the road and beware the moon! Andrew and Xtina discuss what is arguably the best werewolf movie of all time, 1981's "An American Werewolf in London," including the themes, special effects, and a dark chapter of director John Landis' history.

Cinema File: Will Eskridge totally parties with bats, snakes, and raccoons

Athens artist Will Eskridge returns to the podcast to talk Halloween costumes, '80s hair metal, and "Pärty Animalz," his new painting series opening Sunday, Oct. 18 via Facebook Live. Visit facebook.com/willeskridgeart for detailz.

Cinema File: Lane and Ruckus Skye ("The Devil To Pay")

Lane and Ruckus Skye are a married filmmaking team from Georgia whose new movie, "The Devil To Pay," casts Danielle Deadwyler in an intensely affecting, dynamic performance as an Appalachian mother caught in the middle of an age-old feud. In this interview, the Skyes talk about the care they took in constructing a responsible, yet highly compelling story.

Cinema File: 10 horror movies to watch in October (w/ Julieann Stipidis)

October is a special month for horror movie fans, and we're here to help you decide what movies to watch while you're stuck in your house. Horror journalist Julieann Stipidis (Monster Mania, Bloody-Disgusting) brings her top 10 favorite movies to watch during the Halloween season.

Cinema File: 5 best movies we watched in August (and some of September)

Former video store clerks Andrew and Sam return 5 movies they watched in August including I'M THINKING OF ENDING THINGS, MULAN, PROJECT POWER, AMERICAN PICKLE, PALM SPRINGS, and BILL & TED FACE THE MUSIC. 

Cinema File: Parents weigh returning to movie theaters

Jill works in retail. Andrew is a writer. Both love movies and have families who love movies. One has gone back to the movie theater and one remains hesitant. What's it like out there? Can you stay home and still support your local cinema? Perhaps most importantly, are you gonna pay $30 to rent "Mulan"?

Cinema File: "Dead Presidents" isn't on Blu-ray (and Disney might know why)

Released by Disney's Buena Vista Pictures in 1995, the unsung Hughes Brothers Vietnam War-era crime thriller "Dead Presidents" received a features-packed Criterion Collection laserdisc release the following year, but is so far not available on Blu ray (the DVD release was bare bones). In this episode, Andrew and Kate look back at the cult classic with a stunning soundtrack and still-relevant subject matter.

"Athens, Georgia: Over/Under" a time capsule of DIY music culture

Thomas Bauer's newly-released documentary feature, "Athens, Georgia: Over/Under" is a personal account of his time living in a city known for its vibrant music scene, but might also function as a kind of timeline for the death of its DIY culture. In this interview, Bauer speaks to Arts & Entertainment writer Andrew Shearer about the nearly decade-long production, and what parts of the experience have remained with him. Visit www.athensgaoverunder.com to watch the full movie.

Comedian Mark Kendall uses MARTA, Dr. Seuss to address racism

Atlanta-based comedian brought his one-man show "The Magic Negro and Other Blackness" to Athens last fall. Now, he's taken his abilities as a writer and stage performer into the world of short subject videos with "Green Eggs and the N-Word" and "MARTA Comes to Cobb County." In this interview, Kendall explains his thoughtful approach to using this new format to address racism. (Photo credit: Lola Scott)

Cinema File: Streaming or 2021? Predicting the fate of 2020's movies

Hear a whole bunch of new movie reviews and get our predictions for which movies scheduled for 2020 release will end up on streaming and which ones will get bumped to 2021.

Cinema File: When can we go to the movies again?

Theatrical releases keep getting pushed back, Hollywood films are going direct to streaming, and theatres are hesitant to re-open due to a nationwide spike in COVID-19 cases. Will we return to the movies in 2020?

Cinema File: Father's Day movie reviews with my 7-year-old

Since we couldn't go for our traditional Father's Day dinner and a movie, I invited my 7-year-old to spend 15 minutes talking with me about our favorite films. She had so much fun, I decided to tack on a bonus half hour of us going through her entire movie collection.

Cinema File: Mid-year top 10 movie picks

Did theatre closures accidentally result in more people getting access to 2020's greatest movies? At the mid-year point, half of the movies that made our top 10 were released on streaming. Get the full list here.

Cinema File: Julieann Stipidis (Bloody Disgusting/Fangoria/Nightmarish Conjurings)

What's it like to be a female horror journalist in the social media age? Julieann Stipidis (Bloody Disgusting, Fangoria, Nightmarish Conjurings) discusses her background as a horror fan and writer, navigating the minefield of online comments, and her focus on putting in good work. 

Cinema File: What we're watching in quarantine

Former video store co-workers Andrew and Sam review a whole bunch of new movies from behind the virtual counter including LUCKY GRANDMA, BEASTIE BOYS STORY, SCOOB, THE PAINTER AND THE THIEF, DEERKSIN and more.

Cinema File: Interview with Bobby Huntley II ("Coronaman")

When Atlanta-based filmmaker Bobby Huntley's feature film set had to shut down due to the coronavirus outbreak, he took creative action and made "Coronaman," a note-for-note satire of the trailer for Nia DaCosta's upcoming "Candyman" film. In this interview, Huntley explains social distance filmmaking and recounts the VHS origins of his career. Visit Huntley's YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGhHC_bULX8f3N8VT2_YhjA

Cinema File: The balcony is open for "Phantom of the Paradise"

What's the most '70s movie of all time? The arguable choice is Brian dePalma's 1974 horror musical, "Phantom of the Paradise." With a rocky production history that included being sued by Led Zeppelin, the under-appreciated cult treasure can only be compared to "Rocky Horror," which was released the following year.

Cinema File: Bat meaning good (a conversation with Will Eskridge)

In this free-form conversation, Athens, Ga. visual artist Will Eskridge talks painting, comic books, weird movies and parenthood. Visit Will online at willeskridge.com

Cinema File: Interview with James Preston ("Athens Rising")

Filmmaker James Preston has just released both volumes of his recent documentary series "Athens Rising" for free on his athensrising.com website, and they might be exactly what locals (and anyone, for that matter) need to see to lift their sprits.

Cinema File: How to shelter in place and summon the darkness

Andrew checks in after a month without going to the movies. How has film criticism adapted? What movies are we watching, where are we watching them, and are they any good?

Cinema File: 'Spider Baby' is the most fun you'll have getting the creeps

In honor of he 13th episode of the season, Andrew and Xtina get creepy for her all-time favorite film, 1967's "Spider Baby," written and directed by current Atlanta resident Jack Hill and starring the late, great Sid Haig opposite Hollywood monster legend Lon Chaney, Jr.

Cinema File: How 'virtual screenings' brought the art-house home

While theatre doors remain closed, over 150 art-houses across the US have adopted a 'virtual ticket' system that allows patrons to watch new releases at home while also supporting the theatres. This interview features Pam Kohn, Executive Director at Athens Ciné, speaking about making the transition and how it's working out. Visit athenscine.com to get details and watch the movies.

Cinema File: Betty Gilpin is delightfully weird in "The Hunt"

Following a controversy that held up its release last year, Craig Zobel's "The Hunt" came out just in time before American theatres closed due to a worldwide pandemic. In this podcast, Andrew (who paid $19.99 to rent it a week later) speaks to Ohio-based filmmaker Henrique Couto (who saw it on the big screen opening weekend) about what is currently the Last Movie Standing. NOTE: This discussion contains spoilers about "the Hunt."

Cinema File: Keeping your heart open while theatres are closed

How are movie-goers coping without being able to go to the movies? It's a question no one in over a century has had to ask, but we need to come up with an answer. In this episode, Andrew offers a few suggestions.

Cinema File: "Onward" might be my new favorite Pixar movie

Pixar's latest movie might not be their biggest hit (or most well-received), but could it be their best? Andrew makes the case for "Onward" from his car (appropriately) after seeing it. 

Cinema File: Andrew's Mom Talks About "The Exorcist"

While recovering from surgery, OnlineAthens staff writer Andrew Shearer was looked after by his mother, Marlene, who agreed to record a podcast about going to the movies in the '60s and '70s. So of course he asked her about "The Exorcist."