From the Newsroom: Athens Banner Herald
210 episodes - English - Latest episode: 6 months ago -News and Interviews from the Athens Banner Herald - Online Athens - Athens, GA
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Episodes
Cinema File 462: Kicking it with 1974's "The Swinging Cheerleaders"
May 29, 2019 14:45 - 44 minutes - 41.2 MBPart sports movie, part sex comedy and part anti-authoritarian statement, Jack Hill's 1974 drive-in smash "The Swinging Cheerleaders" is currently available on Prime Video and Arrow blu-ray and is guaranteed to surprise anyone going in expecting a cheesy old T&A flick. Andrew and Xtina discuss its complexities and where it fits in Hill's cinematic canon. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Cinema File 461: "Booksmart" isn't a female "Superbad" (thank goodness)
May 29, 2019 13:17 - 23 minutes - 21.4 MBOlivia Wilde's directorial debut "Booksmart" is an R-rated high school flick that could easily have been "Bad Moms" for teenagers if not for its incredible casting, sincere performances and intelligent view of the audience. In short? Wilde seems to think more highly of her audience than the average big screen comedy, and the results are fantastic. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Cinema File 460: That moment when "Climax" reaches YOU
May 21, 2019 17:11 - 25 minutes - 23.5 MBWith "Climax," notorious provocateur filmmaker Gaspar Noé took a dance party straight to hell and ended up making his most accessible and (arguably) most enjoyable movie. This podcast also contains reviews of "Her Smell" and "The Man Who Killed Don Quixote." Follow Andrew @cinemandrew on IG/Twitter See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Cinema File 459: Nerding Out With John Nettles
May 17, 2019 14:05 - 55 minutes - 51 MBThis is a 2011 conversation I had with writer and longtime Athens resident John Nettles, who passed away this week. I loved reading his work, I loved talking to him, and I loved listening to him. You can find his words at jnettles.wordpress.com and donate to help his family at https://www.gofundme.com/please-help-a-family-in-sudden-need. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Cinema File 458: 'High Life' shows humans are the scariest thing in space
May 08, 2019 18:27 - 23 minutes - 21.8 MBDespite the Tiger Beat-friendly face of Robert Pattinson in the leading role, there were two walk-outs during veteran director Claire Denis' first English language and first science fiction film. It's scary, it's sexy, it's gross, and it's endearing. Also, it's one 2019's greatest movies. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Commute: May 6, 2019 (Kevin Jackson on Vince Dooley)
May 06, 2019 21:18 - 12 minutes - 11.1 MBThis episode is brought to you by Freedom Boat Club and National Office Systems On the Monday episode of The Commute, Savannah Morning News Editorial Page Editor Adam Van Brimmer speaks with Kevin Jackson about UGA naming Sanford Stadium after coaching legend Vince Dooley. Follow Adam on Twitter at @SavannahOpinion Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Cinema File 457: John Singleton (1968-2019)
May 03, 2019 19:13 - 34 minutes - 31.8 MBAs a longtime fan of filmmaker John Singleton, I was blindsided by his passing this week at age 51. Please excuse this long ramble, recorded while driving my car, about his movies and his unfinished business in cinema. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Cinema File 456: The "I Spit On Your Grave" sequel is 148 minutes long
May 02, 2019 13:17 - 28 minutes - 26.4 MBClocking in at just one minute shy of the running time of "Avengers: Infinity War," the direct sequel to the still-controversial 1978 revenge flick "I Spit On Your Grave" arrived this week courtesy of the original director Meir Zarchi and star Camille Keaton. Who is this movie for? Why did they make it? And why is it so long? Answers (and SPOILERS) here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Cinema File 455: Earth's nerdiest heroes look back at the MCU
April 18, 2019 02:28 - 1 hour - 85.6 MBAndrew and Hannah met at an all-day 'Marvel Maniacs" marathon in May 2012 that concluded with the midnight premiere of the first "Avengers" movie. With "Endgame" only days away, they look back at that experience and how the MCU has changed in the years since, naming the best and worst of the 22-film series. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Cinema File 454: "Chatterbox" may be the wildest comedy of the '70s
April 18, 2019 02:13 - 58 minutes - 54 MBThere's a goldmine of schlock hiding in the corners of Amazon Prime Video, but 1977's "Chatterbox" is award-worthy. Starring the hilarious and beautiful Candace Rialson (1951-2006), this high-concept low-brow comedy musical has a ridiculously unbelievable premise that we dare not spell out in this space. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Cinema File 453: I choose you, Nancy Drew
April 05, 2019 03:51 - 55 minutes - 50.7 MBYou can take the clerks out of the video store, but you can't take the video store out of the clerks. In this episode, former Blockbuster co-workers Andrew and Sam review a bunch of new movies including "Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase," "Dumbo," "Us," "Shrill," "Field Guide to Evil," "I Am Richard Pryor," "Us" and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Cinema File 452: How to dig (up) the new "Pet Sematary"
April 04, 2019 12:42 - 24 minutes - 22.8 MBWhy was it important to make a new "Pet Sematary"? Because it's a zombie movie that never trivializes the subject of death. In this recording, you'll sit next to OnlineAthens film critic Andrew Shearer on his way home from seeing the latest adaptation of the classic Stephen King horror tale (tail?). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Cinema File 451: Why are we afraid of "Us"?
March 22, 2019 14:59 - 26 minutes - 24.6 MBJordan Peele's follow-up to his groundbreaking modern classic "Get Out" is massive, terrifying, fun and thought-provoking. To take "Us" at face value, or to dismiss it as emptier than Peele's previous work, is impossible, as it further cements him as a genre master and star Lupita Nyong'o as one of its greatest heroes (and villains). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Cinema File 450: On "Wonder Park" and Parental Guidance
March 19, 2019 18:21 - 29 minutes - 26.9 MBDoes the poor critical and audience response to Paramount Animation's "Wonder Park" say more about our attitudes towards what kinds of family movies have permission to address the subject of trauma than it does about the film itself? Take a ride in the car with OnlineAthens film critic Andrew Shearer for a free-form meditation on the successes and failings of modern family entertainment. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Cinema File 449: O Captain! My Captain!
March 08, 2019 16:44 - 1 hour - 56.4 MBAndrew and Sam deliver an intergalactic power punch of new movie reviews including Captain Marvel, Madea Family Funeral, Border, Greta, Fighting With My Family, Period End of Sentence, Horror Noire and many more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Cinema File 447: "Greta" Expectations
March 04, 2019 14:56 - 26 minutes - 24.7 MBDo acclaimed, award-winning filmmakers always need to make highbrow cinema, or is it okay for them to sometimes have fun camping it up in the commercial realm? With "Greta," Neil Jordan, Isabelle Huppert and Chloe Grace Moretz might have just created a piece of modern grindhouse gold (or the goriest Lifetime movie ever, which is okay too). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Cinema File 446: Andrew Goes To College
March 01, 2019 16:57 - 39 minutes - 36.2 MBOnlineAthens film critic Andrew Shearer was invited to speak to Betina Kaplan's Latin American Film Studies class at the University of Georgia on February 19th, 2019. With no journalism degree or formal training, Andrew details how he ended up covering film for the Banner-Herald over the past decade as well as his filmmaking adventures with local stars. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ep. 445: Jada will slay ya in 1995's "Demon Knight"
February 27, 2019 18:12 - 56 minutes - 51.9 MBA year before "Scream" was credited with breathing new life (death?) into the horror genre, longtime Spike Lee director of photography Ernest Dickerson broke new ground by casting Jada Pinkett as the hero of his underrated special fx monster fest "Demon Knight," released in 1995 under the "Tales From the Crypt" banner. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ep. 444: Picks and predictions for the 2019 Academy Awards
February 20, 2019 03:31 - 38 minutes - 35 MBLet's not forget that despite the prestige and fanfare, the Oscars are a television show, and even people who haven't seen any of the nominees tune in to see what the American royalty (celebrities) are wearing to the event. But for movie fans, will there be any surprises? 2018 was an exciting year for film no matter what, but anytime the Academy breaks from tradition sends shock waves through the industry. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ep. 443: The disarming wit of "Velvet Buzzsaw"
February 08, 2019 18:27 - 57 minutes - 52.7 MBThe only people who would feel safe putting their arm inside a giant chrome sphere are people who never saw a "Phantasm" movie, and they'd deserve whatever happened to them for not having seen a "Phantasm" movie. This episode incluses reviews of "Velvet Buzzsaw," "Piercing," "I/O," "Destroyer," "Fyre Festival," "If Beale Street Could Talk" and more. IG/Twitter @cinemandrew See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ep. 442: Kidman fights crime, fake teeth and wigs in "Destroyer"
February 04, 2019 18:20 - 25 minutes - 23.4 MBNicole Kidman got Theron'd up to 11 for her Oscar-nominated performance in Karyn Kusama's new crime thriller "Destroyer." She's just as good as you;d imagine but how's the rest of the movie? Hear Andrew and Xtina's SPOILERY notes after they leave the theatre. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ep. 441: Hot tracks meet cold flesh in "Return of the Living Dead"
January 30, 2019 16:16 - 1 hour - 57.9 MB1985's "Return of the Living Dead" basically wrote the template for the modern horror comedy and added brains to the now-commonplace mythology seen in pretty much all zombie-related entertainment. In this episode, Andrew talks to Kate right after she watched the cult classic film for the first time. (Contains excerpts from "Burn the Flames" by Roky Erickson and "Trioxin Theme" by Francis Haines) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ep. 440: Is "Glass" a train wreck (and does anyone survive)?
January 18, 2019 17:53 - 25 minutes - 23.6 MBM. Night Shyamalan's "Glass" is the third part of a trilogy that began in 2000 with "Unbreakable" and returned as the surprise ending of 2016's "Split." Did the original film leave you wanting more, or did its genius lie in its simplicity? In this episode, Andrew reviews Shyamalan's latest and looks back at his entire filmography. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ep. 439: The Oath, the Car, his wife & her lover
January 11, 2019 17:00 - 56 minutes - 51.4 MBVideo stores may be gone, but the clerks live on! Former Blockbuster reigster jockeys Andrew and Sam start the new year off with a bunch of new reviews including "The Oath," "Vice," "The Car: Road to Revenge," "Welcome to Marwen" and many more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ep. 438: It's my Bird in a Box
January 04, 2019 14:13 - 27 minutes - 24.7 MBOver the holidays, Susanne Beir's "Bird Box" was viewed by over 45 milliion Netflix subscribers. Would it have been as successful had it been released to theatres, or would its similarities to movies like "A Quiet Place," "The Mist" and "The Happening" worked againt it in the crowded marketplace? Andrew looks into the possible reasons for its appeal and issues a challenge (that doesn't involve a blindfold). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ep. 437: The best movies of 2018 (and a bunch of other stuff)
December 28, 2018 16:52 - 1 hour - 63.2 MBDidn't get everything you wanted for Xmas? How about one top 10 movie list, two top 5 movie lists, and reviews of Mary Poppins, Bumblebee, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse? You're welcome, and you don't have to get us anything. Well, ok, good reviews on iTunes wouldn't hurt. Actually, would you? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ep. 436: Will "The Favourite" be your favorite?
December 24, 2018 05:34 - 19 minutes - 18.2 MBAndrew and his friend Xtina went to see the R-rated period piece "The Favourite," and had a PG-13 conversation about it after. Will fans of director Yorgos Lanthimos enjoy it? Will people who have no idea who that is enjoy it? Will Olivia Colman get an Oscar? We talk about it all. Your ears have been warned. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ep. 435 - Looking back at "Don't Look Now" (1973)
December 17, 2018 20:08 - 1 hour - 58.4 MBEnglish filmmaker Nicolas Roeg passed away the day after Thanksgiving this year, leaving behind one of the most incredible streaks of important cinema in a decade full of important cinema. In this episode, Andrew is joined by Amy from The Bloodlust podcast do take a look back at his 1973 feel-bad classic, "Don't Look Now" starring Julie Christie and Donald Sutherland. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ep. 434: iPhone filmmaking and fashion with Jennie Cain of Viva Wild
December 07, 2018 17:33 - 40 minutes - 37.5 MBWe rely on smartphones for everything and can't seem to keep our hands off of them until it comes time to create "professional" videos and photography, but attitudes about what is truly needed to make valid art is changing. Athens, Georgia artist Jennie Cain is one of those leading the charge, and in this conversation she discusses finding power and how to be original in today's cultural landscape. Photo by @_alexarivera :: Explore @viva_wild See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ep. 433 - One minute they're perfectly normal: "Rabid" (1977)
November 30, 2018 19:41 - 48 minutes - 44.6 MBAs the first images from the Soska Sisters' remake of fellow Canadian horror master David Cronenberg's landmark 1977 cult classic "Rabid" make the social media rounds, we take a look back at the original film with a leading lady almost as shocking as where they decided to put her fangs. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ep. 432 - Don't have an Oscars. Just give everything to "Widows."
November 16, 2018 18:51 - 28 minutes - 26.4 MBThe easy way to describe how good "Widows" is would be to say director Steve McQueen proves he can be better at Scorsese than Scorsese is now, or that he gave us a look at what Hitchcock would've done with "Set It Off." But there's way more to it. Also on the podcast: why it's ok that Filmstruck is going away and a look at Stan Lee's contribution to the future of movies. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ep. 431 - "Suspiria" exists in defiance of horror gatekeepers
November 07, 2018 14:49 - 31 minutes - 28.7 MBIn what may be a first in the history of horror film, Luca Guadagnino's remake of the 1977 Italian shocker "Suspiria" has absolutely no interest in the male fan base of the original. Instead, it forges its own unique path and emerges as a modern classic (and one of the year's grestest movies) in its own right. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ep. 430: Does art belong in horror? Just ask "Ganja & Hess"
October 31, 2018 03:01 - 1 hour - 56.8 MBBill Gunn's groundbreaking 1973 art-horror film "Ganja & Hess" tells the story of an anthropologist (Duane Jones, "Night of the Living Dead") who becomes a vampire shortly before meeting a complex and elegant woman (Marlene Clark, "Switchblade Sisters") who challenges his existence. With gorgeous cinematography by James E. Hinton and experimental music by Sam Waymon, "Ganja" is a unique experience in the world of horror that transcends genre and time period. Andrew, Kate and Amy relate their ...
Ep. 429 - Forward slash: "Halloween"-style comeback plans for 5 horror icons
October 23, 2018 17:04 - 26 minutes - 24 MBIf history is any indication, the success of the new "Halloween" movie means our franchise-driven entertainment culture will likely see comebacks for at least one other slasher movie icon. In this episode, I take 5 over-sequelized movie maniacs and outline plans for their original survivors to return to finish what they started. Follow Andrew on IG/Twitter @cinemandrew See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
Ep. 428 - You Can Learn a Lot From a (Haunted) Dummy
October 19, 2018 15:06 - 56 minutes - 51.6 MBWhy is Jack Black the new king of kiddie horror? Why does Drew Goddard need 2 1/2 hours to ape '90s Tarantino? And what Netflix series is entirely about feces? Find out as former video clerks Andrew and Sam review their most recently-watched movies! Included: Goosebumps 2, Bad TImes at the El Royal, Smallfoot, Hal, The House With a Clock in its Walls, American Vandals, Beast, and more.
Ep. 427 - Being a Horror Fan is Getting Old
October 12, 2018 18:28 - 23 minutes - 21.5 MBDo horror movies get under your skin as you get older, or do you not scare quite as easily? This episdode covers Atlanta's Monsterama convention, reaction to the new "Pet Sematary" trailer, Nicolas Cage's "Mandy" and more. Follow Andrew on Insta @cinemandrew
Ep. 426 - An Expert's Guide to Kickstarting a 'Massacre'
October 03, 2018 20:06 - 49 minutes - 45.1 MBAfter a successful series of crowdfunding campaigns for family films and romantic comedies, Ohio-based director Henrique Couto started off October 2018 by raising half of his $13,000 goal in 24 hours for two slasher movie sequels. In this interview, Couto details his approach to using Kickstarter and some of the things indie filmmakers should (and should not) do when running their campaigns.
Ep. 425 - "Savage Beach": So nice, we went there twice
September 28, 2018 18:03 - 1 hour - 66.9 MBIf you ever saw an Andy Sidaris movie, you knew his style instantly. Heroic women, explosions, wailing guitar, and usually a ninja or two. In this episode, Andrew and Kate check out 2 of the 12 films in the LETHAL Ladies series: 1989's "Savage Beach" and its 1998 sequel, "Return to Savage Beach" starring cult film legend Julie Strain.
Ep. 424: I Was A Teenage Blockbuster Manager
September 21, 2018 16:45 - 1 hour - 66.1 MBAndrew got a job at Blockbuster Video in 1995 right after graduating high school. By age 19, he was a manager with 6 Employee of the Month awards. This is where he and Sam met, and they share some of their VHS adventures in this episode (as well as some new movie recommendations, because old clerks never die; they just get PVT'd).
Ep. 423: We need to talk about "Sadie"
September 17, 2018 17:38 - 44 minutes - 41 MBProducer Lacey Leavitt ("Safety Not Guaranteed," "Laggies") is on tour with the new film "Sadie" as part of the Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers, which stopped in Athens on Sept. 16th for a screening at the Morton Theatre. Lacey spoke to Andrew in the lobby about the serious topics the film addresses and the response it has received from audiences on the tour. Visit sadiefilm.com to find out when "Sadie" will be playing near you.
Ep. 422 - The creepy ballet of "Suspiria" and "Black Swan"
August 31, 2018 15:26 - 1 hour - 73.4 MBWith the trailers for the upcoming "Suspiria" remake getting creepier and more mysterious, CultCore podcast hosts Kate Owens and Andrew Shearer take a look back at the 1977 Dario Argento original as well as Darren Aronofsky's 2010 spiritual sister film, "Black Swan."
Ep. 421 - A lifelong Muppet fan's reaction to "Happytime Murders"
August 24, 2018 18:29 - 24 minutes - 22.6 MBThere's no question that Brian Henson's "Happytime Murders" is for an adult audience. But is the art of puppetry - especially when it comes to feature films - somehow reserved for kids only? OnlineAthens film columnist (and lifelong Muppet fan) Andrew Shearer had a few ranty thoughts after seeing the film.
Ep. 420 - Moviepass, I'm breaking up with you
August 16, 2018 12:54 - 30 minutes - 27.7 MBAfter almost one full year of membership, Moviepass reached an all-time low in its once mighty but now rapidly deteriorating service. Are they actively encouraging customers to cancel in an effort to make subscription numbers more manageable, or are members jumping ship prematurely? OnlineAthens movie critic Andrew Shearer finally cut his card, but Ohio filmmaker Henrique Couto is still hanging on.
Ep. 419 - "BlacKkKlansman" shows age hasn't mellowed Spike Lee
August 10, 2018 17:49 - 28 minutes - 26.4 MBSaying "BlacKkKlansman" is a comeback for Spike Lee would be ignorant, as he has proven a master in nearly every genre over multiple decades, but it's very much a sample of everything the director has learned and achieved as an artist. Take a trip back to 1979 for a true story that speaks truth to power in today's world.
Ep. 418 - I started crying 90 seconds into "Christopher Robin"
August 08, 2018 18:27 - 54 minutes - 50.3 MBFormer video clerks Andrew and Sam may not be sligning VHS tapes anymore, but they're still here to tell you about the best movies they've seen lately. Included in this episode are reviews for "Christopher Robin," "Night Comes On," "Game Night," "Wonder," "Teen Titans Go! To The Movies," "Eighth Grade" and more. Follow Andrew on IG/Twitter @cinemandrew
Ep. 417 - "Eighth Grade" will take you back, zits and all
August 03, 2018 02:24 - 28 minutes - 25.7 MBWith "Eighth Grade," first time director Bo Burnham has crafted a light drama full of awkwardness, bravery, fear and triumph that is guaranteed to bring back memories of middle school whether you want it to or not. Think of it as a class reunion that only costs the price of a movie ticket (and a few squirms here and there).
Ep. 416 - CultCore: "Night of the Lepus" a hare-ifying '70s wonder
July 27, 2018 16:38 - 1 hour - 55.4 MBA staple of sleepy weekend afternoon television, 1972's mutant bunny flick "Night of the Lepus" might seem like something out of a childhood nightmare instead of a film that actually exists. Except it does, and it's out on blu ray now from Scream Factory. Feast your ears on Andrew and Kate's hare-raising discussion.
Ep. 415 - "Sorry To Bother You": Is it cool to like really weird movies?
July 20, 2018 12:29 - 29 minutes - 26.8 MBBoots Riley's debut feature "Sorry To Bother You" is an increasingly bizarre and powerful ride that recalls some of the best experimental comedies of decades past such as "Repo Man" and "Being John Malkovich," but is it still cool to like weird movies? Will it be dismissed in today's "what did I just watch" culture, or will audiences identify with and embrace its creativity and relevance?
Ep. 414 - CultCore: "May" and "Excision" rule the creepy girl school
July 19, 2018 13:44 - 1 hour - 61.4 MBThe creepy girl subgenre is probably one of the least often explored in all of horror cinema any yet almost always yields a classic whenever someone makes one. In this episode originally published in July of 2014, Andrew and Kate take a look at Lucky McKee's 2002 sleeper "May" and Richard Bates Jr's 2012 body horror comedy "Excision." Follow @cinemandrew on IG/Twitter for more stuffs.
Ep. 413 - Interview with "Classic City Queens" producer Trey Leonard
July 06, 2018 18:54 - 33 minutes - 30.9 MBTrey Leonard served as producer of "Classic City Queens," a documentary that shines a light on the drag community in Athens, Georgia. Directed by Andie Leeds and edited by Alana Casto, the short was recently nominated in the long-form, nonfiction category for a Student Production Award by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Southeast. Trey spoke with Andrew about his experiences as a UGA film student and the importance of finding a compelling story. View the film at www.trey...