Movie Madness

Episode 90: Suspiria by a Phantom Thread

Back to the new Blu-rays we go with Sergio Mims as they discuss horror, true stories and a number of comedies that just never worked. They talk both the new restoration of Dario Argento’s Suspiria but also the making of a Stephen King adaptation. They preview some upcoming Shout Factory titles and express their disappointment with films from Alexander Payne and Aaron Sorkin. But wrap it up with their appreciation of Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest and the history of one of Howard Hughes’ most ...

Episode 89: Don’t Mess With South By Southwest

Last month, Erik Childress attended his 16th SXSW Film Festival and it was one of the best ones in years. It opened with A Quiet Place which has gone on to become one of the biggest success stories of the year. There were some wonderful surprises by a number of films still waiting for distribution deals. But greatest of all was the host being in the same room with his cinematic idol during a special screening at the festival. Erik tells the whole story to Sergio Mims and also shows a lot of ...

Episode 88: Ooops. They Did It Again!

We turn back to catch everyone up on Blu-rays and DVDs you may have missed. Thought it seems everyone Erik turns with Sergio Mims they are discussing someone who did something that may not be cool today. In related that was then, this is now they discuss the morality class favorite, The Incident, and other films from Twilight Time, discuss a trio of Disney favorites. They delve into HBO’s The Deuce and a whole batch from Paramount.   Twilight Time (The Effect of Gamma Rays, Harry & Walte...

Episode 87: The Films That Formed Us

On this first of what we hope to be many special episodes of the podcast, we begin a new segment of the show dedicated to varying Top 10 lists. Only this one is not a countdown but a count-up. Erik Childress and Sergio Mims choose ten films from their childhood which helped form their appreciation of cinema and may have also contributed to who they became as human beings. It’s a funny, emotional episode that may spinoff into additional episodes but the youth of Erik and Sergio is a great pla...

Episode 86: Shouts! Boos! Courtrooms! And Blus!

Sergio Mims joins Erik Childress to continue their catch-up on an array of new Blu-ray editions including many from Shout Factory, a couple courtroom dramas, some solid fare from Warner Bros. and the film where Sergio watched an entire audience boo it upon its initial release three years before Sam Elliott nearly caused 9/11.   Shout Factory (Drag Me To Hell, Hell Night, The Strangers, Gate II, Walking Out, Shakedown) Kino (The Aviator, The Thomas Crown Affair, Baby: Secret of the Los...

Episode 85: Going Back To Sundance

While Erik Childress prepares to head to Austin for South by Southwest, he takes you back to this year’s Sundance Film Festival. A surprisingly solid list of films goes from documentaries about some of our most beloved entertainers, tales of youth and revenge of the women. Plus you will hear about what could be Carey Mulligan’s finest work to date and what may be THE horror film of 2018!  

Episode 84: Sergio Goes Back To Jail

Back to the Blu-rays we go as Erik and Sergio talk the 50th Anniversary of Night of the Living Dead along with a number of wonderful new gems from Criterion. Sergio gets to talk about being in the minority of a film he loved in 2017 and then joins along with Erik in their love of the holiday’s surprise hit, Wonder. They get into the weeds a little talking about the first post-scandal Woody Allen film but get right out by talking about Sergio’s experience as an assistant director on Jamaa Fan...

Episode 83: The Reign of the Black Panther

The anticipation level was through the roof and it audiences have turned it into an all-timer at the box office. Now Sergio Mims and comic book expert Erik Laws join Erik Childress to put Ryan Coogler’s film in greater context. What led up to it and can it take its historic status to the next cultural level. Spoilers are few but the discussion is multi-faceted. Is this a movie of the moment or a springboard to an industry in transition for the better?

Episode 82: It’s Yor’s World. We’re Just Living In It

Erik Childress is joined by Sergio Mims to do their first official Blu-ray show of the year. They are hoping to catch everyone up on some recent releases from Twilight Time, some favorites of Sergio’s from Indicator, mutual favorites of theirs from Shout Factory and Arrow and then conclude talking about a Blu-ray Erik has been waiting 35 years for.   Twilight Time (Forever Amber, Wuthering Heights, The L-Shaped Room, Alice) Indicator (The Fortune, The Border, Charley Varrick, Blue Coll...

Episode 81: Call Me By My Name (In Your Envelope)

Two films expected for a number of Oscar nominations are Call Me By Your Name and The Post. Erik Childress and Sergio Mims dig in on both of them and discuss their various issues with both of them. After that, Erik digs in on his annual Oscar predictions. What is getting nominated? Who is getting snubbed? He breaks down the big eight categories and then reveals his choices for all of the technical categories as well.   0:00:00 – 0:01:45 – Intro 0:01:46 – 0:57:43 – Call Me By Your Name ...

Episode 80: WHY IS THIS NOT ON BLU-RAY?

Erik Childress and Sergio Mims kick off 2018 with a variation on their regular segment. This time instead of talking about the latest in Blu-rays they are wondering when they will actually get a chance to say that certain films are even on Blu-ray. You may be shocked at the vast array of titles that have yet to receive the upgrade. While titles are now being converted into the next evolution with 4K, others remain dormant on DVD with inferior quality. This special episode will be the first o...

Episode 78: Afraid of a Rotten Superman? Go To The Tree!

Not only is Sergio Mims back to dish on another round of Blu-rays but he takes some extra special time on some extra special releases. Erik Childress was also ecstatic to catch up on some overdue releases that range from Superman to zombies to Miyazaki. Plus one of the most entertaining films of the year (or mostly according to one) and an agreement on one of the best and too often overlooked films celebrating its 30th Anniversary.   0:00:00 – 0:01:02 – Intro 0:01:02 – 1:15:06 – Blu-ra...

Episode 79: The Last Jedi and the Evolution of Star Wars

Erik Childress is joined by regular guests Sergio Mims and Erik Laws on this very special show to examine the lasting impact of the Star Wars franchise from its skeptical beginnings to its current Episode. They discuss The Last Jedi at length from their initial thoughts to its overriding themes and everything down to sound design and the bittersweet impact of Carrie Fisher’s final appearance. They can not always ignore the politics from 1977-to-2017 but this is a joyful, fun on-location disc...

Episode 77: Justice League, or Kirby Your Enthusiasm

DC is at it again. Interpret that anyway you want, but comic book expert, Erik Laws, is back to discuss the new Justice League film with Erik Childress. Together they go deep from the cartoon incarnation down to every nook and cranny of getting the team together, how Joss Whedon’s influence may have affected the final product. Not to mention Danny Elfman’s score, what Zack Snyder may have against Superman and a wide array all adding up to whether or not the film is a success or another bust....

Episode 76: I’ve Gotta Be Me

Not only is Sergio Mims back to dish on another round of Blu-rays but he bookends this episode with talk of a pair of forthcoming worthwhile documentaries on PBS. First he interviews Samuel D. Pollard, the director of Sammy Davis Jr.: I’ve Gotta Be Me and then concludes with his admiration for Frederick Wiseman’s latest film, Ex Libris. In-between Erik Childress and Sergio discuss some new Criterion, Mill Creek and Kino as well as discuss a documentary about film scores and their own love of...

Episode 75: The 2017 Holiday Box Office Preview & Predictions

The final movie season of the year is here and with that Erik Childress takes you through his predictions for the big hits and potential misses at the box office. Only this time he is joined by Sergio Mims to offer his two cents on Erik’s predictions as well as his thoughts on what he believes could be a very lackluster season for the wide release – in quality, if not bucks. They cover it all from the biggest releases to the limited films hoping to make strides with awards as well as with pa...

Episode 74: The Blu-ray Throwback (Vol. 1)

It may sound like just another Blu-ray show. That’s because it is. But it’s one that takes you into the archives to circle back on titles Erik Childress and Sergio Mims did not get to talk about in the moment. So many titles. Only so many minutes. But in this first volume of the Throwback, Erik & Sergio talk about some golden oldies from the likes of Twilight Time, Olive and Kino, three studios who continue to do fine work on films that may have escaped your radar over time. Give a listen an...

Episode 73: Thor: The Jokey World(s)

The holiday movie season is here and Marvel is kicking it off with Thor: Ragnarok. Erik Childress again welcomes comic book expert Erik Laws to offer his thoughts on a film they both had high hopes for. Though the film is being advertised as the “best reviewed Marvel film of all-time” is it possible doth praise too much? 0:00:00 – 0:01:44 – Intro 0:01:42 – 1:55:15 – Thor: Ragnarok Discussion (with Erik Laws) 1:55:15 – 1:36:13 – Outro

Episode 72: From Spielberg to Python and Back Again

It’s a Spielberg kind of show. At least it begins that way as Sergio Mims joins Erik Childress again to discuss a whole new batch of Blu-rays, including a pair of Spielberg classics and what they mean to them, a new international company, the latest from Twilight Time and Arrow as well as a 90-year title from Flicker Alley. The guys also discuss how streaming services aren’t offering old films and why anyone would want to be a historian for a particular film. 0:00:00 – 0:01:42 – Intro 0:...

Episode 71: Recapping the 2017 Toronto Film Festival

Erik Childress spent another week at the Toronto International Film Festival in September and saw over 30 movies. On his regular appearance with Sergio Mims on WHPK Radio, they weren’t through his rankings talking about all the good (and great) films that he saw, while leaving a little time to mop up a few of the dogs as well.   0:00:00 – 0:01:40 – Intro 0:01:40 – 0:07:54 – Sergio’s Tribute to You Only Live Twice 0:07:54 – 0:12:12 – The 2017 Toronto Film Festival 0:12:12 - Loveless...

Episode 70: What Is It Good For?

Sergio Mims rejoins the podcast to catch everyone up to date on the latest in Blu-rays. We talk enthusiastically about two of the best documentaries of the year and debate a slew of Sundance titles now available from Lionsgate. There’s also a great Halloween title you must check out and Erik Childress may have figured out, at long last, why he just isn’t that big of a Beatles fan. 0:00:00 – 0:01:52 – Intro 0:01:52 – 1:40:21 – Blu-rays & DVDs (with Sergio Mims) 1:40:21 – 1:42:58 – Outro...

Episode 69: Best Summer Ever (1984 Edition)

The Movie Madness Podcast returns with another edition of the Best Summer Ever. RogerEbert.com’s Peter Sobczynski returns to take us through a mutually-treasured summer involving ghosts, gremlins, video games, buckaroos and some unique movie musicals. Peter and Erik Childress countdown their ten favorite films of the summer and share some lasting memories as well. 0:00:00 – 0:01:26 – Intro 0:01:02 – 1:36:03 – Best Summer Ever (with Peter Sobczynski) 1:36:03 – 1:38:37 – Outro

Episode 68: To Maurice From Warp-O-Scope

Sergio Mims is back to talk about the latest releases on Blu-ray with Erik Childress. Together they discuss Jerry Lewis, Elizabeth Taylor’s speech patterns, and how Kurt Russell makes everything better. Not to mention their disdain for Alien: Covenant, a weird production known as Dracula in Vegas and the process known as Warp-O-Scope. A lot of great titles you are gonna want to check out after you listen. 0:00:00 – 0:01:02 – Intro 0:01:02 – 1:44:14 –  Blu-Rays 1:44:14 – 1:46:36 – Outro...

Episode 67: Guardians of the Guardians – Vol. 2

One of the biggest hits of the summer and year, James Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, is now available on home video. Comic book expert Erik Laws re-joins Erik Childress to catch up on a conversation they missed upon release. Take a listen and see how each of their perceptions of the first film reflect upon their thoughts of the sequel. 0:00:00 – 0:01:37 – Intro 0:01:37 – 0:47:49 – Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2 (with Erik Laws) 0:47:49 – 0:49:54 – Outro

Episode 66: A Little Mad and a Little Blu

Sergio Mims returns to make everyone aware of some amazing Blu-rays coming out this month. Along with Erik Childress they cover mad scientists, troubled relationships, Steve Martin, re-discoveries from the ‘70s that can’t be made today and “the Citizen Kane of alcoholic clown movies” culminating with an admiration of Bobcat Goldthwait’s directorial career. 0:00:00 – 0:01:16 – Intro 0:01:16 – 1:35:33 – Blu-rays with Sergio Mims 1:35:33 – 1:55:48 – Shakes the Clown: A Tribute to Bobcat G...

Episode 65: The Dunkirks of Detroit

This special episode of the podcast re-broadcasts a discussion on WHPK Radio between Erik Childress, Sergio Mims and Collin Souter. During it they disagree over the impact of Kathryn Bigelow’s Detroit but unite over Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk and going against detractors with questionable arguments about both. Before that though, Erik offers his feelings over the recent events on Charlottesville and reminds us of the one thing we should all be united over – hating Nazis. 0:00:00 – 0:21:55...

Episode 64: Tough Guys – Then & Now

Rarely does the regular Blu-ray visit from “the walking Wikipedia of film knowledge” Sergio Mims produce a theme, but we couldn’t help notice a bit of one in this episode. Come listen to stories about Peter Sellers, Lionel Stander and James Garner. Sergio & Erik have fun breaking down the exasperated aura of John Wick and how Life finds a way to be cruel. 0:00:00 – 0:01:52 – Intro 0:01:52 – 1:10:57 – Blu-rays with Sergio Mims 1:10:57 – 1:13:54 – Outro Blu-Rays/DVDs Covered Arrow (T...

Episode 63: Best Summer Ever (2001 Edition)

2001 was the summer of Pearl Harbor, Rush Hour 2 and Tim Burton’s Planet of the Apes. Do you remember any good movies from that summer? Erik Childress and Mark Dujsik surely do as they wade through a season where franchises were born, others continued and some died before ever getting started. It may not have been the best summer but this special episode makes the most of it. 0:00:00 – 0:01:05 – Intro 0:01:05 – 2:08:06 – Summer Box Office Update (through July 23, 2017) 2:08:07 – 2:10:3...

Episode 62: A Start To Saluting Women Filmmakers

This episode of Movie Madness brings an update to the summer box office where Dunkirk starts strong but Wonder Woman finishes in triumph. Erik Childress guides you through the meaning and importance of those numbers and offers some perspective on the top grade at Cinemascore. Then he is joined by Sergio Mims to talk up titles from Disney, Shout Factory, Warner Archive and a release from Flicker Alley that helped pave the way for women behind the camera. 0:00:00 – 0:01:13 – Intro 0:01:13 ...

Episode 61: Whatever A Spider Can…Kinda?

Spider-Man is finally a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and people are showing love to the Homecoming. Comic book expert Erik Laws joins Erik Childress to discuss the history of the franchise(s), the latest film’s connection to the comics and whether or not it actually lives up to the praise it is receiving. A spirited discussion ensues. 0:00:00 – 0:01:10 – Intro 0:01:21 – 2:03:09 – Spider-Man: Homecoming (with Erik Laws) 2:03:07 – 2:05:39 – Outro

Episode 60: From Logan to Romero

So many Blu-rays. So little time. Except here on Movie Madness where Sergio Mims is back to take us on a journey from one of the best films of the year to one of the absolute worst. When you are done taking notes, Sergio & Erik Childress pay their respects to a true loss to the film world, Mr. George Romero. 0:00:00 – 0:00:50 – Intro 0:01:21 – 1:44:28 – Blu-rays with Sergio Mims 1:44:28 – 1:59:06 – Tribute to George Romero 1:59:07 – 2:01:03 – Outro Blu-Rays/DVDs Covered Fox (Logan...

Episode 59: Best Summer Ever - 1982

Movie Madness goes for a second trip to the Best Summer Ever, this time chosen by Ain’t-It-Cool-News’ Steve Prokopy. Along with Erik Childress they talk about the 35th anniversary of one of the most iconic summer movie seasons ever and each share the ten favorites that have endured for them over the years. 0:00:00 – 0:01:21 – Intro 0:01:21 – 1:54:08 – Best Summer Ever 1982 (with Steve Prokopy) 1:54:08 – 1:56:45 – Outro

Episode 58: The Big, Healthy Streets of Fire

Sergio Mims returns to run the gamut of Blu-ray releases from a timely thriller from the 1960s to a group of ‘80s titles for adults and cults alike. It all leads up to an appreciation of Walter Hill’s Streets of Fire. Before that though, Erik Childress takes you through the summer box office and how the success of Kumail Nanjiani’s The Big Sick could be a big thing. 0:00:00 – 0:01:25 – Intro 0:01:25 – 0:30:23 – Summer Box Office Update (through July 9, 2017) 0:30:23 – 1:43:46 – Blu-ray...

Episode 57: Sofia the Beguiled

Sofia Coppola has remade Don Siegel’s 1971 version of The Beguiled in her own image. Is it a fresh feminist take on a harsher male fantasy or has she taken the term neutered to a whole new level? Peter Sobczynski joins Erik Childress to discuss both points of view on this special episode of Movie Madness. 0:00:00 – 0:01:14 – Intro 0:01:14 – 1:12:53 – Sofia Coppola’s The Beguiled (with Peter Sobczynski) 1:12:53 – 1:15:18 – Blu-rays with Sergio Mims

Episode 56: Catching That Early Buzz

This episode brings us to the midpoint of the summer box office and the news isn’t good for a number of films (and studios.) After that though, Sergio Mims returns to bring everyone more stories and new Blu-rays. He also talks with Erik Childress about how early buzz can affect one’s view of a motion picture ranging from Donnie Darko to La La Land and how occasionally a fresh perspective can alter one’s opinion. 0:00:00 – 0:01:58 – Intro 0:01:59 – 0:25:16 – Summer Box Office (Mid-Season ...

Episode 55: Best Summer Ever – 1988 Edition

A new segment comes to the podcast where Erik Childress and guests countdown their favorites movies of the summer. The first guest is Collin Souter who has chosen 1988, the summer of the bad sequels but the great “R”-rated comedies. They also discuss one of the great movie controversies in history that is just as relevant and important today. 0:00:00 – 0:01:13 – Intro 0:01:13 – 1:07:15 – The Summer Movies of 1988 (with Collin Souter) 1:07:15 – 1:27:49 – A Summer of Controversy (& Honor...

Episode 54: Rumble Through A Blu Summer

The summer box office only has a few big winners so far, but how does it shape up to 2016 at this point and Erik Childress discusses a new statistic that could signify this year’s champion. After that, Sergio Mims is back to discuss a lot of older titles new to Blu-ray and even sneak in a few recent titles. 0:00:00 – 0:02:05 – Intro 0:02:06 – 0:26:49 – Summer Box Office Update (June 16-18) 0:26:50 – 1:39:04 – Blu-rays with Sergio Mims 1:39:04 – 1:41:51 – Outro Blu-Rays/DVDs Covered...

Episode 53: Keep Circulating The MST3K

Erik Childress is joined by Peter Sobczynski to talk about the return of one of the greatest television shows ever, Mystery Science Theater 3000. They talk about its history and how the new episodes measure up, discuss their favorites and take some time to mourn the loss of Zombie Nightmare co-star and beloved Batman, Mr. Adam West. 0:00:00 – 0:02:16 – Intro 0:01:17 – 0:45:51 – The History of MST3K (with Peter Sobczynski) 0:45:51 – 1:01:55 – RIP Adam West 1:01:56 – 1:11:03 – More MST...

Episode 52: It’s a Dark, Dark Universe

On this episode, Sergio Mims returns to catch everyone up on some of the Blu-rays that may have fallen through the cracks recently. Before that, Erik Childress catches you up on the Wonder Woman phenomenon at the box office, how Universal’s Dark Universe may or may not be in peril and condemns the coverage of A24’s wide release of It Comes At Night when it should be getting praised. 0:00:00 – 0:01:16 – Intro 0:01:17 – 0:36:15 – Box Office (Wonder Woman, The Mummy, It Comes At Night) 0:...

Episode 51: Everyone Loves Wonder Woman. Why Not Me?

Wonder Woman Fever is sweeping the world and Erik Childress welcomes comic book expert Erik Laws back into the fray. They discuss not only the film but also a bit of the character’s history, the degrees to which sexism has reared its ugly head around the project and to agree that it is a definite step up in the DC Cinematic Universe. But to what degree? 0:00:00 – 0:01:37 – Intro 0:01:38 – 2:03:34 – Wonder Woman (The Film, The Love, The Criticism) 2:03:35 – 2:07:04 – Outro

Episode 49: Me Everyone No One (Linklater, Haynes & Payne)

The founder of the Now Playing Network, Jim Laczkowski, joins Erik Childress to play another round of Me, Everyone, No One where he is faced with making the tough choice on which director is his favorite, whom he will gift to the world and which will be eliminated from our memories forever. Play along as they breakdown each director’s career and a tough choice has to be made. 0:00:00 – 0:01:00 – Intro 0:01:01 – 1:03:35 – Me Everyone No One (with Jim Laczkowski) 1:03:35 – 1:05:38 – Outro

Episode 48: We’re Playing With Blu Fire!

Erik Childress is back after producing the 5th Annual Chicago Critics Film Festival to catch you up on how the summer box office is fairing just before Memorial Day weekend. Then he talks with Sergio Mims about releases from Twilight Time, Criterion, Olive, Shout Factory, Universal, Warner Bros. and a particularly special release from Kino for all you Cinemax lovers out there. 0:00:00 – 0:03:19 – Intro 0:03:14 – 0:16:22 – Summer Box Office Update 0:16:22 – 1:40:42 – Blu-rays with Sergi...

Episode 47: Guardian of the Summer Box Office

Episode 46: All These Things…

Episode 45: South by Southwest by 2017

On this episode, Erik is joined by Steve Prokopy of Ain’t It Cool News to talk all about this year’s South by Southwest. They talk in-depth about Edgar Wright’s Baby Driver, Joe Swanberg’s Win It All, Harry Dean Stanton in Lucky plus James Franco’s highly-anticipated film version of the making of Tommy Wiseau’s The Room, The Disaster Artist. All that and a couple wonderful surprises from a very good year for the film festival. 0:00:00 – 0:02:59 – Intro 0:02:59 – 1:16:20 – South by Southw...

Episode 44: Paramount’s Ghosting

This episode the box office reporting returns with questions as to why Paramount was being selective in who got to see Ghost in the Shell. Then DVD Guru Sergio Mims returns to catch up on a number of titles from Disney, Lionsgate, Mill Creek, Olive Films, Paramount, Shout Factory and Universal. 0:00:00 – 0:02:11 – Intro & the Chicago Critics Film Festival 0:02:11 – 0:23:06 – Catching Up on the 2017 Box Office 0:23:07 – 1:19:41 – Blu-rays (with Sergio Mims) 1:19:42 – 1:21:22 – Outro

Episode 43: I Left My Heart In San Franchise

The Chicago Critics Film Festival has announced its first preview and producer Erik Childress tells you where you can buy your passes. Then he is joined by Sergio Mims to get you all caught up on the latest Blu-rays from Arrow, Kino, Criterion, Lionsgate, Broad Green and Universal. Finally it’s the return of Patrick Bromley of FThisMovie.net to play another round of Me, Everyone, No One. Which franchise will he erase from existence? 0:00:00 – 0:04:22 – Intro & the Chicago Critics Film Fest...

Episode 42: All You Need Is Logan!

It’s all about Logan. Almost. Comic Book expert, Erik Laws, returns to mount an in-depth discussion into Hugh Jackman’s reported final appearance as Wolverine. Along with host Erik Childress it is a two-part conversation dealing with a little history and their expanded thoughts on the film and then delving into spoiler alert territory. Also, Sergio Mims returns to offer the latest in new Blu-rays for your viewing pleasure. 0:00:00 – 0:02:04 – Intro 0:02:04 – 1:14:04 – Blu-rays (with Serg...

Episode 41: Me, Everyone, No One & Sundance

Erik Childress catches you up on his trip to the Sundance Film Festival and many of the films he saw with an assist from Nick Digilio and WGN Radio. Then the debut of a brand new segment (or game) to the podcast with comic book expert Erik Laws. Is it about comic books, movies or something entirely different? Tune in to find out on Me, Everyone, No One. 0:00:00 – 0:04:00 – Intro 0:04:00 – 0:28:34 – Sundance Film Festival (with Nick Digilio & WGN Radio) (Part 1) 0:28:34 – 1:02:23 – Sund...

Episode 40: To Franchise Or Not To Franchise

Erik Childress has returned from Sundance, but on this episode must first address the growing list of franchise entries that studios are besieging the marketplace with. Patrick Bromley of FThisMovie.net joins him to talk the best and worst of them as well as to discuss this year’s upcoming FThisMovie Fest. Before that though, Sergio Mims is back like John Wick to catch-up on the latest movies you can catch up with on DVD. 0:00:00 – 0:04:47 – Intro 0:04:47 – 1:18:16 – Sergio Mims & The Bl...