Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Movie Wars
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Crow: Salvation | 17 Oct 2024 | 01:22:15 | |
Have you been saved? Kyle, Seth, and Drew delve into the third installment of "The Crow" series, "The Crow: Salvation," highlighting its surprisingly positive reception compared to its predecessor, "City of Angels." The hosts discuss how the film successfully redeemed itself even with its straight-to-DVD status, with interesting character arcs and some standout performances, particularly from then-unknown Walton Goggins and Tim Decay. They explore the film's unique approach to the crow's resurrection powers, noting the creative twist with the character's mask and the overall aesthetic choices that set it apart from the earlier entries. Despite some criticisms regarding the lack of depth in the villains and the film's pacing, the hosts appreciate the entertaining moments and the thematic elements of revenge and justice. Ultimately, they conclude that "The Crow: Salvation" offers a refreshing take within the franchise, even if it doesn't reach the heights of the original film. A captivating dissection of 'The Crow: Salvation' unfolds as the hosts of the Movie Wars podcast — Kyle, Seph, and Drew — embark on an exploration of this sequel's narrative and thematic depths. The conversation kicks off with a focus on the film's central character, Alex Corvus, as portrayed by Eric Mabius. The hosts examine his journey from wrongful execution to seeking vengeance, discussing the moral implications of resurrection and revenge. They highlight the performances of young Kirsten Dunst and Walton Goggins, noting how their talent brings a level of gravitas to the film that elevates it despite its flaws. The hosts admire Goggins’ portrayal of a corrupt cop, offering a nuanced perspective on the character's motivations and the film's critique of systemic corruption. As the dialogue progresses, the hosts delve into the film's visual presentation, contrasting it with the original Crow and its sequel. They critique the cinematography, particularly the color grading and overall aesthetic, which they feel detracts from the film's potential. The discussion brings to light how the film's lower budget may have limited its creative execution, leading to a less engaging visual experience. They also reflect on the film’s pacing and structure, acknowledging the struggle to maintain tension and interest in the latter half of the film. This analysis is punctuated with humor and shared anecdotes, making for an entertaining and enlightening listening experience. Toward the conclusion of the episode, the hosts ponder the legacy of 'The Crow: Salvation' within the franchise. They express a shared hope for a future reboot, one that could potentially reconcile the narrative and aesthetic inconsistencies of the sequels while honoring the original's legacy. This episode stands as a testament to the hosts' ability to blend critical analysis with humor, providing listeners with a rich understanding of the film and its place in cinematic history. Their engaging banter and thoughtful reflections ensure that fans of the series will find this discussion both informative and entertaining. Takeaways:
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| The Crow: City Of Angels | 10 Oct 2024 | 01:19:09 | |
The latest episode of the Movie Wars podcast dives deep into "The Crow: City of Angels." Just two years after Brandon Lee's tragic death, does Tim Pope and David S. Goyer's(Batman Begins writer) follow-up hit 1994's watermark? Or does it serve as a cash grab, obliterating the legacy of Brandon Lee? With a new set of villains, a tunic-wearing gang leader, and a grown-up Sara, how does Vincent Perez's Crow fare in this orange haze-filled setting? With another rocking soundtrack and the much-delayed casting of Iggy Pop, City Of Angels does what it can to extend the cult love of The Crow. This episode delves into the controversial sequel, The Crow: City of Angels, analyzing its attempt to follow up on the cult classic that was The Crow. The hosts express their disappointment, particularly highlighting how the film fails to capture the essence of its predecessor. They discuss the film's lack of character development, especially for the new protagonist, Ash, played by Vincent Perez. The conversation reflects on how the absence of Brandon Lee's charisma and physicality significantly diminishes the film's impact. The hosts lament the film's reliance on clichés and uninspired dialogue, which leads to a lack of genuine emotional connection with the characters. They dissect the film's attempts at revenge and how the method of retribution feels unearned and poorly executed compared to the first film, ultimately labeling it as a missed opportunity that does not resonate with fans of the original. Takeaways:
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| Movie Wars Short: Can Arnold and Sly's Reign Be Replicated? | 02 Apr 2024 | 00:23:54 | |
Kyle and Drew dive headfirst into their obsession with Arnold and Sly movies. This is no surprise to long-term MWP fans. We discuss whether or not it's possible for the environment and circumstances to create a similar era of dominance for action stars. Arnold and Sly's multi-decade runs, muscles, and over-the-top action were ushered in by the 80s, and elongated throughout the 90's(and a little 2000s in there too). Was this a case of the perfect stars for the perfect time, or could we see another star take the mantle of dominance? Please weigh in on our social media platforms: Instagram and TikTok. | |||
| Interview With "Point Break" Screenwriter Peter Iliff | 29 Mar 2024 | 00:45:59 | |
We're pulling this one from the ancient Patreon archives for our main feed listeners. It was such an honor to meet and interview legendary screenwriter Peter Iliff. We spent most of our time talking about how his career which started with him waiting tables until he sold the early draft of Point Break to Ridley Scott. The story is truly incredible, including James Cameron buying the property from Scott and polishing the final version of the script. Iliff would go on to write more fantastic films including Varsity Blues, and Patriot Games. He's also come into his own as a director. Lastly, if you've ever has aspirations to write a screenplay, this is the podcast for you. Peter goes through what it's like to write in today's Hollywood and provides tips for future screenwriters. What a great convo! | |||
| The Soulless “The Crow” Remake Trailer | 25 Mar 2024 | 00:28:58 | |
Kyle is incensed after his first viewing of the long-awaited The Crow remake trailer, starring Bill Skarsgård as Eric Draven. The original is not only one of Kyle's all-time favorite films and comfort movies, he believes 1994's The Crow possesses a high level of cultural significance. Can any iteration or remake of this classic justify attempts to infringe on Brandon Lee's tragic legacy, a film that led to his on-set death? Even though the Movie Wars crew aren't typically "trailer reaction" guys, Kyle thoroughly discusses Hollywood's latest attempt at retreading beloved IP. Head to our socials and drop your thoughts! | |||
| Movie Wars Short: Most Prolific Actor/Director Duos | 21 Mar 2024 | 00:17:51 | |
Throughout film history, directors have identified their go-to collaborators and gone back to the well several times. Scorsese and De Niro have collaborated 11 times. John Wayne and John Ford worked together 21 times. Kyle and Drew go off-topic and analyze the all-time best Actor/Director duos, why they work, and what directors see in their frequent collaborators. They also go through some of their favorites duos. | |||
| The Shawshank Redemption Vs. The Green Mile (Ep. 0047) | 05 Mar 2024 | 01:26:21 | |
Welcome to one of the most low-hanging fruit, on-the-nose matchups we've ever done. The same director. The same author of the source material. Both take place in prisons where plenty of free men are locked up for crimes they didn't commit. By many lists, The Shawshank Redemption is considered the greatest film of all time. Although The Green Mile doesn't share the same status, it carries plenty of cache on its own. Walk the Green Mile toward freedom with the Movie Wars crew! | |||
| Tombstone Vs. Wyatt Earp (Ep. 0046) | 22 Dec 2023 | 01:08:22 | |
A movie podcast walks into town... The Western may be the most flexible and dynamic film genre. It's survived over a century while experiencing new forms and shapes, all built on its undeniably effective tested-by-time formula. Not only is Tombstone one of the most beloved versions of that formula but it is also considered the best Western of all time by a large contingency of six-shooter-loving move-goers. And then you have Wyatt Earp...a film that, on paper, had all the makings of a masterpiece. Suffering the critical success of Tombstone, which was released just months pryer, the film was slammed by critics and flopped financially. That being said, it seemed fitting to seize the opportunity to compare two films that tell the same exact story from different perspectives. Get your mustaches on and draw...it's Movie Wars. TOMBSTONESee all photos MOVIE INFO Wyatt Earp (Kurt Russell) and his brothers, Morgan (Bill Paxton) and Virgil (Sam Elliott), have left their gunslinger ways behind them to settle down and start a business in the town of Tombstone, Ariz. While they aren't looking to find trouble, trouble soon finds them when they become targets of the ruthless Cowboy gang. Now, together with Wyatt's best friend, Doc Holliday (Val Kilmer), the brothers pick up their guns once more to restore order to a lawless land. Rating: R
George P. Cosmatos Producer: Sean Daniel , James Jacks ,
Writer:
The epic biography of western lawman Wyatt Earp, who at an early age, is taught that nothing matters more than family and the law. He becomes a respected sheriff in Dodge City and Tombstone. Joined by his brothers and Doc Holliday, Earp wages war on the dreaded Clanton and McLaury gangs. Rating: PG-13
Lawrence Kasdan Producer: Jim Wilson , Kevin Costner ,
Thank you Rotten Tomatoes! | |||
| Lethal Weapon 2 Vs. Bad Boys (Ep. 0045) | 06 Dec 2023 | 01:09:57 | |
The Movie Wars crew was exhilarated to tackle two buddy cop classics in 1989's Lethal Weapon 2 and 1995's Bad Boys. Similar to Westerns, the Buddy Cop genre has been transformed and retooled, all while paying homage to a timeless formula. The chemistry between the lead actors drives both of these films. LW2 reveals that Riggs and Murtaugh are more like family than when they were introduced in the franchise's first entry, where they were beleaguered and struggled to reconcile their opposing policing methods. Bad Boys hinges more on Mike and Marcus' friction and bickering, leading to the ultimate payoff when their highly effective partnership is put on full display. Both films are anchored by comedic third wheels played by a pair of legendary Joes(Pesci and Pantoliano). How will the war score fair for these two genre titans? Give it a listen because you're never too old for this Movie Wars sh*t. Film Summaries Lethal Weapon 2 South African smugglers find themselves being hounded and harassed by Riggs and Murtaugh, two mismatched Los Angeles police officers. However, the South Africans are protected by diplomatic immunity, and so the two are assigned to witness-protection duty in an attempt by their captain to keep his job. It is only when this witness reveals to them that he has already dealt with the smugglers that the trouble really starts.
Bad Boys Miami-Dade detectives Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) blow a fuse when $100 million worth of heroin they recently confiscated is heisted from station headquarters. Suspecting it was an inside job, Internal Affairs gives them five days to track down the drugs before they shut down the narcotics division. Action meets farce when Marcus is compelled to masquerade as his partner in order to gain the trust of a call girl (Tea Leoni), a key witness in their investigation.
Film summaries courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes. | |||
| The Boondock Saints Vs. Snatch (Ep. 0044) | 08 Sep 2023 | 00:58:07 | |
Watching "The Boondock Saints" was considered a dorm room initiation during Kyle, Drew, and Phil's college years. Highly requested by our listeners, "The Boondock Saints" possesses one of the most prolific cult followings in history. Its success was bolstered primarily by Blockbuster rentals. Although critics bashed the film, a lauded documentary titled "Overnight" received high marks for its portrayal of Troy Duffy; the highly volatile, rags-to-riches director who eventually found himself blacklisted for his uncouth approach to directing Harvey Weinstein's Diamond in the Rough. As for "Snatch," Guy Ritchie is the most requested director we've yet to cover. With his unique blend of violence, humor, and rapid-fire pacing, Guy Ritchie's style shines in "Snatch." With God on our side, the MWP crew slays the wicked war card, bare knuckles and all. Click here to become an executive producer on Movie Wars by supporting us on Patreon! Film Summaries The Boondock Saints Tired of the crime overrunning the streets of Boston, Irish Catholic twin brothers Conner (Sean Patrick Flanery) and Murphy (Norman Reedus) are inspired by their faith to cleanse their hometown of evil with their own brand of zealous vigilante justice. As they hunt down and kill one notorious gangster after another, they become controversial folk heroes in the community. But Paul Smecker (Willem Dafoe), an eccentric FBI agent, is fast closing in on their blood-soaked trail.
(Thank you Rotten Tomatoes https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/boondock_saints) Snatch Illegal boxing promoter Turkish (Jason Statham) convinces gangster Brick Top (Alan Ford) to offer bets on bare-knuckle boxer Mickey (Brad Pitt) at his bookie business. When Mickey does not throw his first fight as agreed, an infuriated Brick Top demands another match. Meanwhile, gangster Frankie Four Fingers (Benicio del Toro) comes to place a bet for a friend with Brick Top's bookies, as multiple criminals converge on a stolen diamond that Frankie has come to London to sell.
Thank you Rotten Tomatoes for the film summaries and details! (https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/snatch) | |||
| True Lies Vs. Eraser (Ep. 0043) | 21 Aug 2023 | 01:19:14 | |
It was only a matter of time before the Movie Wars crew released an Arnold Vs. Arnold episode. Drew and Phil treated Kyle to cigars and Thai food for his birthday while we watched "Arnold" on Netflix. Needless to say, it was inspiring for us. We ditched "Mr. And Mrs. Smith" (which is a good match plotwise) for the ultimate Arnold fan matchup. By many standards and opinions, "True Lies" is considered to be Arnold's finest work, while "Eraser" marks the end of what film scholars believe to be Arnold's golden era which started with "Conan the Barbarian" in 1982. Often maligned, the MWP crew found a lot of joy in "Eraser" and the throughlines were too hard to ignore. Get erased and lie to your spouse about your career. Check out "True Lies" Vs. "Eraser." Help the crew make more shows and keep this operation going by supporting us on Patreon! Also, the easiest way to help MWP is sharing with your friends and on social media. Film Summaries Eraser John "The Eraser" Kruger is the top gun in the US Marshall Witness Protection scheme; he erases their past and deals with their future. His latest assignment is whistle-blower Dr. Lee Cullen, who has evidence against a major arms corporation that's selling weapons to terrorists with the collusion of rogue enemy agents within, but there is danger nearer home for Kruger, from within his own department.
True Lies Secretly a spy but thought by his family to be a dull salesman, Harry Tasker (Arnold Schwarzenegger) is tracking down nuclear missiles in the possession of Islamic jihadist Aziz (Art Malik). Harry's mission is complicated when he realizes his neglected wife, Helen (Jamie Lee Curtis), is contemplating an affair with Simon (Bill Paxton), a used-car salesman who claims he's a spy. When Aziz kidnaps Harry and Helen, the secret agent must save the world and patch up his marriage at the same time.
Thank you Rotten Tomatoes for the info! | |||
| John Wick Vs. Taken (Ep. 0042) | 16 May 2023 | 01:12:37 | |
We're thinking we're back! Nothing summarizes this matchup like the words "sweet revenge." John Wick and Taken are two fantastic action films revolving around uniquely skilled protagonists avenging the loss of dogs and people near and dear to them. Kyle loved the opportunity to re-introduce the "Keanu Lifer" back to the podcast. We also discussed how John Wick captures the essence of the classic action films we love while developing its own style. Enjoy John Wick Vs. Taken with guns blazing, or if you don't, we will look for you and we will find you. John Wick Legendary assassin John Wick (Keanu Reeves) retired from his violent career after marrying the love of his life. Her sudden death leaves John in deep mourning. When sadistic mobster Iosef Tarasov (Alfie Allen) and his thugs steal John's prized car and kill the puppy that was a last gift from his wife, John unleashes the remorseless killing machine within and seeks vengeance. Meanwhile, Iosef's father (Michael Nyqvist) -- John's former colleague -- puts a huge bounty on John's head.
Taken Bryan Mills (Liam Neeson), a former government operative, is trying to reconnect with his daughter, Kim (Maggie Grace). Then his worst fears become real when sex slavers abduct Kim and her friend shortly after they arrive in Paris for vacation. With just four days until Kim will be auctioned off, Bryan must call on every skill he learned in black ops to rescue her.
Info courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes. | |||
| The Crow (1994) | 03 Oct 2024 | 01:31:48 | |
We're excited to start our The Crow series! This episode of the Movie Wars podcast dives deep into the cult classic "The Crow," highlighting its unique blend of revenge, tragedy, and artistry. Kyle invites Nashville comedians and film auteurs Drew Davis and Seth Kays to guest host The Crow series. The hosts discuss the film's impact, particularly focusing on Brandon Lee's iconic performance and the hauntingly atmospheric setting that contributes to the story's emotional weight. With insightful commentary on the supporting cast, including memorable villains and their creative deaths, the conversation reveals how each character's demise resonates with their crimes. The episode also explores the significance of the film's aesthetic choices, from the deliberate color palette to the use of miniatures, which give the city a character of its own. Listeners can expect a mix of comedy and thoughtful analysis as the hosts reflect on what makes "The Crow" a timeless piece of cinema that continues to resonate with audiences today. Also, this episode utilized Kyle's new War Card formula for the new and improved MWP 2.0 format! Takeaways:
A vibrant discussion unfolds as Kyle reunites with his comedian co-hosts, Drew Davis and Seth Kays, to dissect the cult classic, The Crow. Kyle's passion for the film is palpable as he recounts its significance in his life, ranking it among his top 50 films and expressing dismay over the 2024 reboot. The episode dives into the heart of the film, exploring Brandon Lee's impactful performance and the tragic circumstances surrounding his death, which adds a layer of poignancy to the viewing experience. Each co-host shares their unique perspectives on the film, with Drew and Seth bringing humor and insight into the narrative's themes of loss and revenge. As the conversation progresses, the trio analyzes the memorable supporting characters, highlighting the performances of actors like Michael Wincott and David Patrick Kelly. They discuss how these characters contribute to the film's overall atmosphere, each embodying distinct traits that make them unforgettable. The hosts also delve into the film's soundtrack, emphasizing how it enhances key moments and adds emotional depth to the storytelling. The discussion flows seamlessly between analysis and personal anecdotes, creating an engaging dynamic that keeps listeners entertained. The episode culminates in a thoughtful examination of revenge as a central theme in The Crow, with the hosts debating the moral implications of Eric Draven's journey. They explore how the film's portrayal of an anti-hero resonates with audiences, allowing for a complex discussion about the nature of justice and vengeance in cinema. Kyle, Drew, and Seth wrap up the episode by reflecting on the impact of The Crow on the genre, expressing their hopes for the upcoming reboot while celebrating the original's legacy. This lively and insightful discussion is a treat for fans of The Crow and anyone interested in the deeper themes of film. Takeaways:
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| Resident Evil Vs Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (Ep. 0041) | 06 Apr 2023 | 01:00:41 | |
The video game movie genre is experiencing a renaissance. Traditionally, cinema has heavily influenced the production of video games. Games like Resident Evil and Metal Gear Solid are evidence of this. As video games have become more cinematic on their own, the sentiment around video game-influenced movies has increased. Shows like The Last Of Us and the upcoming Super Mario Brothers movie are garnering more interest from the masses than any game-inspired IP before them. Today, the guys are covering two female-led video game films: Resident Evil and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. Kyle, Drew, and Phile had a mighty fine time drawing from their love of video games for this matchup. FILM SUMMARIES Resident Evil Based on the popular video game, Milla Jovovich and Michelle Rodriguez star as the leaders of a commando team who must break into "the hive," a vast underground genetics laboratory operated by the powerful Umbrella Corporation. There, a deadly virus has been unleashed, killing the lab's personnel and resurrecting them as the evil Un-dead. The team has just three hours to shut down the lab's supercomputer and close the facility before the virus threatens to overrun the Earth.
This live action feature is inspired by the most successful interactive video-game character in history -- Lara Croft. Beautiful and brainy, Lara (Angelina Jolie) is the heroine of Eidos Interactive's phenomenally successful "Tomb Raider" game series. It is one woman's fearless quest criss-crossing the globe, in an amazing attempt to save the world.
Info courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes! | |||
| The Batman Vs. Batman Begins (Ep. 0040) | 20 Mar 2023 | 01:19:50 | |
Batman films serve as a time-stamped looking glass into the temperament of society. The stark difference in tone is evident when you watch 2005's Batman Begins after watching Tim Burton's Batman (1989). The inherent silliness that endears 1989's Batman seems like a spectacle when compared to Nolan's entries which embody the post-9/11 nihilism that we've discussed on the podcast many times. Yet somehow, 2022's The Batman takes the cake when it comes to channeling darkness. When you pair the truly noir detective roots of Batman with Matt Reeve's pandemic-born, post-election-inspired grunge opus, you get The Batman. Join Kyle, Drew, and Phil in the Movie Wars cave as we pit two celebrated Batmen against one another. Click here to become an executive producer on Movie Wars by supporting us on Patreon! A measly $7 gets you access to Kyle’s new 20-minute film retrospectives which are deep dives into the films we cover(and Patron Requests), interviews with legendary filmmakers, Host Q and A, and bonus content. Film Summaries THE BATMAN Batman ventures into Gotham City's underworld when a sadistic killer leaves behind a trail of cryptic clues. As the evidence begins to lead closer to home and the scale of the perpetrator's plans become clear, he must forge new relationships, unmask the culprit and bring justice to the abuse of power and corruption that has long plagued the metropolis.
Info Courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_batman BATMAN BEGINS A young Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) travels to the Far East, where he's trained in the martial arts by Henri Ducard (Liam Neeson), a member of the mysterious League of Shadows. When Ducard reveals the League's true purpose -- the complete destruction of Gotham City -- Wayne returns to Gotham intent on cleaning up the city without resorting to murder. With the help of Alfred (Michael Caine), his loyal butler, and Lucius Fox (Morgan Freeman), a tech expert at Wayne Enterprises, Batman is born.
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| Ocean's Eleven Vs. The Italian Job (Ep. 0039) | 02 Mar 2023 | 01:00:27 | |
Cue the house music beats and the getaway cars. Kyle, Drew, and Phil find themselves in the middle of the ultimate heist film battle. Both Ocean's Eleven and The Italian Job are remakes that attempt to sever ties with their source material. Ocean's Eleven boasts a veteran ensemble cast, including Julia Roberts, who is fresh off of her 2001 Oscar win for Best Actress for Erin Brockovich, which is also directed by Steven Soderbergh. The Italian Job's is more of an ensemble in the making, showing off a rookie class effort for burgeoning greats Charlize Theron and Mark Wahlberg. It's hard to argue that The Italian Job borrows mightily from Oceian's Eleven, which was released two years earlier. Strap yourself into your Mini Cooper and grab your finest suit as Movie Wars attempts to determine which heist film steals all the marbles. Click here to become an executive producer on Movie Wars by supporting us on Patreon! A measly $7 gets you access to Kyle’s new 20-minute film retrospectives, which are deep dives into the films we cover(and Patron Requests), interviews with legendary filmmakers, Host Q and A, and bonus content. FILM SUMMARIES OCEAN'S ELEVEN Dapper Danny Ocean (George Clooney) is a man of action. Less than 24 hours into his parole from a New Jersey penitentiary, the wry, charismatic thief is already rolling out his next plan. Following three rules: Don't hurt anybody, don't steal from anyone who doesn't deserve it, and play the game like you've got nothing to lose. Danny orchestrates the most sophisticated, elaborate casino heist in history.
(Thank you Rotten Tomatoes https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/oceans_eleven) THE ITALIAN JOB After a heist in Venice, Steve (Edward Norton) turns on his partners in crime, killing safecracker John Bridger (Donald Sutherland) and keeping all the gold for himself. The rest of the team, including leader Charlie Croker (Mark Wahlberg), driver Handsome Rob (Jason Statham), explosives man Left Ear (Mos Def) and tech geek Lyle (Seth Green), vows revenge. They enlist the help of Bridger's daughter, Stella (Charlize Theron), and plot to recover the gold from Steve's Los Angeles mansion.
(THANK YOU ROTTEN TOMATOES https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/italian_job) | |||
| A Few Good Men Vs. My Cousin Vinny (Ep. 0038) | 26 Jan 2023 | 01:01:26 | |
You'll be hard-pressed to find real-life subject matter more exaggerated and glamorized in film than the courtroom. Hollywood has taken lots of liberty representing the legal system over the years. 1992 was arguably the most significant year for courtroom films. Widely regarded as two of the best courtroom films ever made, we analyze A Few Good Men and My Cousin Vinny. Although they represent two different genres, they have a long list of commonalities. We also get to explore the performances of two prolific actors in Tom Cruise and Joe Pesci. Although they don't necessarily possess the same range as other greats, they have seen their talents utilized in various genres. Help the Movie Wars crew determine a verdict for these amazing courtroom films. Click here to become an executive producer on Movie Wars by supporting us on Patreon! A measly $7 gets you access to Kyle’s new 20-minute film retrospectives which are deep dives into the films we cover(and Patron Requests), interviews with legendary filmmakers, Host Q and A, and bonus content. About A Few Good Men(courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes) Lt. Daniel Kaffee (Tom Cruise) is a military lawyer defending two U.S. Marines charged with killing a fellow Marine at the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base in Cuba. Although Kaffee is known for seeking plea bargains, a fellow lawyer, Lt. Cdr. JoAnne Galloway (Demi Moore), convinces him that the accused marines were most likely carrying out an order from a commanding officer. Kaffee takes a risk by calling Col. Nathan R. Jessep (Jack Nicholson) to the stand in an effort to uncover the conspiracy.
About My Cousin Vinny(Courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes) New York lawyer Vinny has never won a case. When his teenage cousin Bill and his friend Stan are accused of murder in a backwater Alabama town, it's up to the nervous Vinny to save him from jail, even though he's only ever tried personal injury cases before, and none of them successfully.
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| Cobra Vs. Raw Deal (Ep. 0037) | 10 Jan 2023 | 00:57:28 | |
Is there a better way to kick off the New Year than another epic Arnold Vs. Sly battle? At the time of their release, 1986's Cobra and Raw Deal were considered regressions for the 80's action kings. However, Cobra has amassed a large cult following that has solidified it as a fan favorite. The story behind the funding of Raw Deal gave Arnold all the ammunition he needed to parlay a deal leading to his leading role in Total Recall. You can't miss this episode if you enjoy fraught productions, disgruntled actors, misplaced directors, and prime 80's action. Crime is the disease, and Movie Wars is the cure. Click here to become an executive producer on Movie Wars by supporting us on Patreon! A measly $7 gets you access to Kyle’s new 20-minute film retrospectives which are deep dives into the films we cover(and Patron Requests), interviews with legendary filmmakers, Host Q and A, and bonus content. Film Summaries: Cobra Los Angeles policeman Lt. Marion "Cobra" Cobretti (Sylvester Stallone) finds himself at the center of a spate of murders carried out by a secret society called New Order: killers who select "weak" members of society for extermination. As the murder rate rises, Cobra takes model Ingrid (Brigitte Nielsen) into protective custody after she witnesses New Order's leader in action. As Cobra falls for Ingrid, they find shelter in a small town, but must soon fight for survival.
(Compliments of Rotten Tomatoes https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/cobra) Raw Deal When efforts to prosecute mob boss Luigi Patrovita (Sam Wanamaker) are repeatedly derailed thanks to a mole in the FBI, the only choice is to bring in an outsider -- specifically, Mark Kaminsky (Arnold Schwarzenegger), a disgraced agent who leaps at a chance for reinstatement. After FBI chief Shannon (Darren McGavin) gives him his orders, Kaminsky fakes his death and reemerges as an ex-con named Brenner. Undercover and accountable to no one, the former Fed tears up the mob from the inside.
(Complements of Rotten Tomatoes https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1017226-raw_deal) | |||
| Raiders Of The Lost Ark Vs. National Treasure (Ep. 0036) | 26 Nov 2022 | 01:12:05 | |
One of the problematic aspects of Movie Wars is picking matchups for iconic films like Raiders Of The Lost Ark. One of the best ways to find a matchup is by picking a film that is a representative descendant of that iconic film. National Treasure expounds on the Indiana Jones blueprint in new ways and with a modern twist. Escape from the boulder with the Movie Wars crew as we tackle two adventure film giants. Share our pod with your movie-loving friends or support us on Patreon! Film Summaries Raiders Of The Lost Ark Dr. Indiana Jones, a renowned archeologist and expert in the occult, is hired by the U.S. Government to find the ark of the covenant, which is believed to still hold the Ten Commandments. Unfortunately, Hitler's agents are also after the ark. Indy and his ex-flame Marion escape from various close scrapes in a quest that takes them from Nepal to Cairo.
National Treasure Historian and code-breaker Ben Gates (Nicolas Cage) has been searching his whole life for a rumored treasure dating back to the creation of the United States. Joining an expedition led by fellow treasure hunter Ian Howe (Sean Bean), Gates finds an ice-locked Colonial ship in the Arctic Circle that contains a clue linking the treasure to the Declaration of Independence. But when Howe betrays him, Gates has to race to get to the document ahead of his so-called colleague.
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| Face/Off Vs. Con Air ( Ep. 0035) | 10 Nov 2022 | 01:03:00 | |
Let's just call this the ultimate "Cage" match. Nicholas Cage had an incredible run of films starting in the early 90's and tapering off in the early 2000's. His popularity landed him roles that were tailored to his eccentric persona. If you've listened to Movie Wars before, we love talking about the evolution of action from how it was sprinkled into Westerns and Bond films, to the macho muscle era, and to the Average Joe Bruce Willis era. Face/Off and Con Air represent the era of absurdity that could only occur in the 90's. Swap faces with the Movie Wars crew for the ultimate "Cage" match. The easiest way to help Movie Wars is free! If you love Movie Wars, hit that share button in your podcast app. Post it to social or text it to a friend. If you reaeeeellllly love Movie wars, become an executive producer on Movie Wars by supporting us on Patreon! A measly $7 gets you access to Kyle’s new 20-minute film retrospectives which are deep dives into the films we cover(and Patron Requests), interviews with legendary filmmakers, Host Q and A, and bonus content. Con Air Just-paroled army ranger Cameron Poe (Nicolas Cage) is headed back to his wife (Monica Potter), but must fly home aboard a prison transport flight dubbed "Jailbird" with some of the worst criminals living. Along with Diamond Dog (Ving Rhames) and Baby-O (Mykelti Williamson), genius serial killer Cyrus "The Virus" Grissom (John Malkovich) unleashes a violent escape plot in mid-flight. Secretly working with U.S. Marshall Vince Larkin (John Cusack), Poe tries to foil Grissom's plan.
(info courtesy of https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/con_air) Face/Off Obsessed with bringing terrorist Castor Troy (Nicolas Cage) to justice, FBI agent Sean Archer (John Travolta) tracks down Troy, who has boarded a plane in Los Angeles. After the plane crashes and Troy is severely injured, possibly dead, Archer undergoes surgery to remove his face and replace it with Troy's. As Archer tries to use his disguise to elicit information about a bomb from Troy's brother, Troy awakes from a coma and forces the doctor who performed the surgery to give him Archer's face.
(Info courtesy of https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/faceoff) | |||
| Halloween Vs. A Nightmare On Elm Street (Ep. 0034) | 28 Oct 2022 | 00:56:33 | |
The Slasher film is easily one of the most popular subgenres in all of cinema. The genre’s roots begin with Hitchcock's desire to modernize the horror genre by taking it out of European castles and removing werewolves and vampires. 1960's Psycho and Peeping Tom are true predecessors to 1978's Halloween. That being said, Halloween is seen as the first film to solidify what would become the slasher formula. Just six years later, A Nightmare On Elm Street shows the evolution of the genre featuring a comedic and vocal antagonist which departed from the silent stalkers embodied by Michael Myers and Jason Vorhees. It doesn't matter how fast you run, Episode 0034 of Movie Wars will find you. Film Summaries A Nightmare On Elm Street In Wes Craven's classic slasher film, several Midwestern teenagers fall prey to Freddy Krueger (Robert Englund), a disfigured midnight mangler who preys on the teenagers in their dreams -- which, in turn, kills them in reality. After investigating the phenomenon, Nancy (Heather Langenkamp) begins to suspect that a dark secret kept by her and her friends' parents may be the key to unraveling the mystery, but can Nancy and her boyfriend Glen (Johnny Depp) solve the puzzle before it's too late? A Nightmare On Elm Street(1984)
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/nightmare_on_elm_street Halloween(1978) On a cold Halloween night in 1963, six-year-old Michael Myers brutally murdered his 17-year-old sister, Judith. He was sentenced and locked away for 15 years. But on October 30, 1978, while being transferred for a court date, a 21-year-old Michael Myers steals a car and escapes Smith's Grove. He returns to his quiet hometown of Haddonfield, Illinois, where he looks for his next victims.
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1009113-halloween | |||
| Enemy Of The State Vs. The Fugitive (Ep. 0033) | 23 Sep 2022 | 00:54:16 | |
The Fugitive and Enemy Of The State are great examples of innocent protagonists on the run due to false accusations and mistaken identities. Will Smith Versus Harrison Ford is one of our most intriguing leading men battles to date. We also discuss how the NSA technology of Enemy Of The State holds up in today's technological landscape. Plan your escape and claim your identity with the Movie Wars crew as we compare The Fugitive and Enemy Of The State. Click here to become an executive producer on Movie Wars by supporting us on Patreon! A measly $7 gets you access to Kyle's new 20-minute film retrospectives, which are deep dives into the films we cover(and Patron Requests), interviews with legendary filmmakers, Host Q and A, and bonus content. Enemy Of The State Corrupt National Security Agency official Thomas Reynolds (Jon Voight) has a congressman assassinated to assure the passage of expansive new surveillance legislation. When a videotape of the murder ends up in the hands of Robert Clayton Dean (Will Smith), a labor lawyer and dedicated family man, he is framed for murder. With the help of ex-intelligence agent Edward "Brill" Lyle (Gene Hackman), Dean attempts to throw Reynolds off his trail and prove his innocence.
(Courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/enemy_of_the_state) The Fugitive Wrongfully accused of murdering his wife, Richard Kimble (Harrison Ford) escapes from the law in an attempt to find her killer and clear his name. Pursuing him is a team of U.S. marshals led by Deputy Samuel Gerard (Tommy Lee Jones), a determined detective who will not rest until Richard is captured. As Richard leads the team through a series of intricate chases, he discovers the secrets behind his wife's death and struggles to expose the killer before it is too late.
(Courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1046129-fugitive) | |||
| The Hunt For Red October Vs. Crimson Tide (Ep. 0032) | 31 Aug 2022 | 00:57:36 | |
Head to the bottom of the sea with the Movie Wars crew as they compare two of the greatest submarine warfare movies ever made. Both films feature incredible acting duos and center around the submarine tactics of the cold war. Listen with Kyle, Drew, and Phil as they start a mutiny between The Hunt For Red October and Crimson Tide. Click here to become an executive producer on Movie Wars by supporting us on Patreon! A measly $7 gets you access to Kyle’s new 20-minute film retrospectives which are deep dives into the films we cover(and Patron Requests), interviews with legendary filmmakers, Host Q and A, and bonus content. FIlm Summaries The Hunt For Red October Based on the popular Tom Clancy novel, this suspenseful movie tracks Soviet submarine captain Marko Ramius (Sean Connery) as he abandons his orders and heads for the east coast of the United States. Equipped with innovative stealth technology, Ramius' submarine, "Red October," is virtually invisible. However, when an American sub briefly detects the Russians' presence, CIA agent Jack Ryan (Alec Baldwin) sets out to determine Ramius' motives, fearing he may launch an attack on the U.S.
Courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/hunt_for_red_october Crimson Tide After the Cold War, a breakaway Russian republic with nuclear warheads becomes a possible worldwide threat. U.S. submarine Capt. Frank Ramsey (Gene Hackman) signs on a relatively green but highly recommended Lt. Cmdr. Ron Hunter (Denzel Washington) to the USS Alabama, which may be the only ship able to stop a possible Armageddon. When Ramsay insists that the Alabama must act aggressively, Hunter, fearing they will start rather than stop a disaster, leads a potential mutiny to stop him.
Courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/crimson_tide | |||
| Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior | 26 Sep 2024 | 01:18:44 | |
Our Mad Max series continues! Hosts Kyle and Matthew explore the profound impact of Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior on the action genre. Delving into its groundbreaking stunts, Western film influences, and director George Miller's rise to prominence, the hosts celebrate the movie's transformation into a potential cinematic masterpiece. Tune in to discover why The Road Warrior is more than just an action film, but a revolutionary classic that continues to influence the genre. But how will it fair on the War Score? Stay tuned as we see this series through to the end. We've got Beyond Thunderdome, Fury Road, and Furiosa in the pipe! Make sure you share with the Mad Max fan in your life. | |||
| The Rock Vs. Air Force One (Ep. 0031) | 17 Aug 2022 | 00:51:08 | |
Absurd premises are the bread and butter of so many great action films. Air Force One and The Rock are no exception. Both films replicate the containerized action formula made famous by Die Hard. Sean Connery and Nicholas Cage make an unforgettable duo while Harrison Ford kicks tail Commander-In-Chief style. Get off the plane with the Movie Wars crew and save San Francisco as they compare two action classics. Click here to become an executive producer on Movie Wars by supporting us on Patreon! A measly $7 gets you access to Kyle’s new 20-minute film retrospectives which are deep dives into the films we cover(and Patron Requests), interviews with legendary filmmakers, Host Q and A, and bonus content. Film Summaries The Rock FBI chemical warfare expert Stanley Goodspeed (Nicolas Cage) is sent on an urgent mission with a former British spy, John Patrick Mason (Sean Connery), to stop Gen. Francis X. Hummel (Ed Harris) from launching chemical weapons on Alcatraz Island into San Francisco. Gen. Hummel demands $100 million in war reparations to be paid to the families of slain servicemen who died on covert operations. After their SEAL team is wiped out, Stanley and John deal with the soldiers on their own.
Air Force One After making a speech in Moscow vowing to never negotiate with terrorists, President James Marshall (Harrison Ford) boards Air Force One with his family (Wendy Crewson, Liesel Matthews) and advisers. When a group of terrorists led by Ivan Korshunov (Gary Oldman) hijacks the flight, the President's principles are put to the test. Feigning escape, ex-solider Marshall stows away in the aircraft and must race against time to rescue his family and everyone else on board.
(Info courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/air_force_one and https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1072011-rock) | |||
| Casino Vs. Rounders (Ep. 0030) | 21 Jul 2022 | 00:52:13 | |
The Movie Wars crew takes a gamble on episode 0030 where we compare Casino and Rounders. These films show gambling and high-stakes poker from different perspectives. Scorsese described Casino as a grandiose, indirect sequel to his Masterpiece Good Fellas. Rounders shows the seedy underground of high-stakes poker with a 90's flare. Roll the dice and enjoy Casino Vs. Rounders. Click here to become an executive producer on Movie Wars by supporting us on Patreon! A measly $7 gets you access to Kyle’s new 15-minute show “Filmosophy”, interviews with legendary filmmakers, Host Q and A, and bonus content. Film Summaries (info courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes) Casino In early-1970s Las Vegas, low-level mobster Sam "Ace" Rothstein (Robert De Niro) gets tapped by his bosses to head the Tangiers Casino. At first, he's a great success in the job, but over the years, problems with his loose-cannon enforcer Nicky Santoro (Joe Pesci), his ex-hustler wife Ginger (Sharon Stone), her con-artist ex Lester Diamond (James Woods) and a handful of corrupt politicians put Sam in ever-increasing danger. Martin Scorsese directs this adaptation of Nicholas Pileggi's book.
Rounders Mike McDermott (Matt Damon) loses his money in a poker game against Russian gangster Teddy "KGB" (John Malkovich). Under pressure from his girlfriend, Jo (Gretchen Mol), he promises to quit gambling. This lasts until his friend, Lester "Worm" Murphy (Edward Norton), gets out of prison and needs to pay off an old debt. The pair come close to earning the money back but are caught cheating. Then Mike finds out the debt is owed to Teddy and makes one last-ditch effort to beat the Russian.
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| Training Day Vs. Cop Land ( Ep. 0029) | 30 Jun 2022 | 00:54:49 | |
Crooked-cop films are the ultimate twist on the cops and robbers genre. Denzel Washington put on one of the most memorable performances of his career while Sylvester Stallone transformed from his usual musclebound action hero to an overweight cop steeped in naivety. The protagonists are tasked with traversing the moral complexity of taking down their corrupt counterparts who don’t operate with a rulebook. Enjoy your training day with Kyle, Drew, and Phil. Click here to become an executive producer on Movie Wars by supporting us on Patreon! A measly $7 gets you access to Kyle’s new 15-minute show “Filmosophy”, interviews with legendary filmmakers, Host Q and A, and bonus content. FIlm Summaries Training Day Police drama about a veteran officer who escorts a rookie on his first day with the LAPD's tough inner-city narcotics unit. "Training Day" is a blistering action drama that asks the audience to decide what is necessary, what is heroic and what crosses the line in the harrowing gray zone of fighting urban crime. Does law-abiding law enforcement come at the expense of justice and public safety? If so, do we demand safe streets at any cost?
Cop Land When hotheaded Superboy (Michael Rapaport) accidentally gets involved in an ugly racially-motivated incident, his uncle Ray Donlan (Harvey Keitel), a corrupt New York City cop, attempts to sweep it under the rug by helping fake his nephew's death. The bungled cover-up leads to investigations by idealistic Internal Affairs officer Moe Tilden (Robert De Niro) and Freddy Heflin (Sylvester Stallone), sheriff of the suburban New Jersey town where Donlan and his fellow crooked policemen live.
(info courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/cop_land)
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| One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest Vs. American Beauty (Ep. 0028) | 26 May 2022 | 00:56:35 | |
One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest and American Beauty are part of a distinguished group of films nominated for "The Big 5" Oscars (Best Film, Screenplay, Director, Actor and Actress). One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest is in even rarer company being one of 3 films to win all 5 of those categories. On a deeper level, they share strong philosophical themes such as imprisonment and freedom, juxtaposed against how society defines "sanity". Get ready to enter the dark depths of society as the guys dive deep and explore these two incredible films alongside one of the most prolific leading man battles to date. Click here to become an executive producer on Movie Wars by supporting us on Patreon! A measly $7 gets you access to Kyle’s new 15-minute show “Filmosophy”, interviews with legendary filmmakers, Host Q and A, and bonus content. | |||
| The Game Vs. The Firm (Ep. 0027) | 18 Apr 2022 | 00:52:49 | |
The Game and The Firm pull back the curtain on what happens when the pursuit of wealth, status, and power is turned on its head. Michael Douglas and Tom Cruise enter worlds where nothing is what it seems. Join the Movie Wars crew as they dissect the breakneck twists and turns of these masterfully made thrillers. Want access to bonus content, interviews with legendary filmmakers, and Host Q and A's? Click here to become a Movie Wars Patreon Supporter! This helps keep the show ad-free, and gets you access to Kyle's show "Filmosophy", Interviews with legendary filmmakers, Q and A, a private Facebook group, and outtakes! Film Summaries (courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes) The Game Nicholas Van Orton (Michael Douglas) is a successful banker who keeps mostly to himself. When his estranged brother Conrad (Sean Penn) returns on his birthday with an odd gift -- participation in a personalized, real-life game -- Nicholas reluctantly accepts. Initially harmless, the game grows increasingly personal, and Orton begins to fear for his life as he eludes agents from the mysterious game's organizers. With no one left to trust and his money gone, Orton must find answers for himself.
(https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_game) The Firm A young lawyer joins a small but prestigious law firm only to find out that most of their clients are on the wrong side of the law. The company is helping to launder mob money, get clients off charges and even murder partners who threaten to blow their cover, but when the FBI come calling to gather evidence on the lawyer's colleagues, he is caught between a rock and a hard place, juggling his life and his liberty.
(https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1044522-firm) | |||
| One-Year Anniversary Special (Ep. 0026) | 30 Mar 2022 | 01:07:09 | |
Kyle, Drew, and Phil celebrate the one-year anniversary of Movie Wars. It's been a great first year and we've managed to cover 50 incredible films. The guys reflect on a year of laughs, randos, and war cards. Tune in for Q&A's from the cohosts and the listeners, as well as a surprise host-themed war card from Kyle. Thanks for making our first year so memorable! Want access to bonus content, interviews with legendary filmmakers, and Host Q and A's? Click here to become a Movie Wars Patreon Supporter! This helps keep the show ad-free, and gets you access to Kyle's show "Filmosophy", Interviews with legendary filmmakers, Q and A, a private Facebook group, and outtakes! | |||
| Cast Away Vs. The Martian (Ep. 0025) | 18 Mar 2022 | 01:20:12 | |
The idea of the isolated man resonates differently in 2022 than it did in 2000 when Cast Away was released. As society’s dependence on technology has come into prominence, the idea of losing access to people, technology, and modern comforts seems implausible. Cast Away and The Martian analyze this concept from two unique perspectives. Get stranded with the Movie Wars crew for this battle of loneliness. Want access to bonus content, interviews with legendary filmmakers, and Host Q and A's? Click here to become a Movie Wars Patreon Supporter! This helps keep the show ad-free, and gets you access to Kyle's show "Filmosophy", Interviews with legendary filmmakers, Q and A, a private Facebook group, and outtakes! Film Summaries Cast Away Obsessively punctual FedEx executive Chuck Noland (Tom Hanks) is en route to an assignment in Malaysia when his plane crashes over the Pacific Ocean during a storm. The sole survivor of the flight, Chuck washes ashore on a deserted island. When his efforts to sail away and contact help fail, Chuck learns how to survive on the island, where he remains for years, accompanied by only his handmade volleyball friend, Wilson. Will Chuck ever return to civilization and reunite with his loved ones?
The Martian When astronauts blast off from the planet Mars, they leave behind Mark Watney (Matt Damon), presumed dead after a fierce storm. With only a meager amount of supplies, the stranded visitor must utilize his wits and spirit to find a way to survive on the hostile planet. Meanwhile, back on Earth, members of NASA and a team of international scientists work tirelessly to bring him home, while his crewmates hatch their own plan for a daring rescue mission.
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| Moneyball Vs. Jerry Maguire (Ep. 0024) | 03 Mar 2022 | 01:22:37 | |
Sports have often been utilized as a vehicle for intricate storytelling in film. Jerry Maguire and Moneyball tell the stories of two men seeking reform while challenging the status quo. The parallel rebirth experienced by both characters, however, may be the ultimate triumph in these two incredible stories. "Help Movie Wars help you" as we navigate one of our most prolific leading man battles to date. Want access to bonus content, interviews with legendary filmmakers, and Host Q and A's? Click here to become a Movie Wars Patreon Supporter! This helps keep the show ad-free, and gets you access to Kyle's show "Filmosophy", Interviews with legendary filmmakers, Q and A, a private Facebook group, and outtakes! Film Summaries Jerry Maguire When slick sports agent Jerry Maguire (Tom Cruise) has a crisis of conscience, he pens a heartfelt company-wide memo that promptly gets him fired. Desperate to hang on to the athletes that he represents, Jerry starts his own management firm, with only single mother Dorothy Boyd (Renee Zellweger) joining him in his new venture. Banking on their sole client, football player Rod Tidwell (Cuba Gooding Jr.), Jerry and Dorothy begin to fall in love as they struggle to make their business work.
(Info Courtesy of https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/jerry_maguire) Moneyball Billy Beane (Brad Pitt), general manager of the Oakland A's, one day has an epiphany: Baseball's conventional wisdom is all wrong. Faced with a tight budget, Beane must reinvent his team by outsmarting the richer ball clubs. Joining forces with Ivy League graduate Peter Brand (Jonah Hill), Beane prepares to challenge old-school traditions. He recruits bargain-bin players whom the scouts have labeled as flawed, but have game-winning potential. Based on the book by Michael Lewis.
Info courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/moneyball | |||
| Apocalypse Now Vs. Platoon (Ep. 0023) | 17 Feb 2022 | 01:35:14 | |
The moral ambiguity of the Vietnam War attracted prolific filmmakers such as Stanley Kubrick, Oliver Stone, and Francis Ford Coppola. Although different, Apocalypse Now and Platoon are two iconic interpretations of one of the most divisive periods in history. Hop in the riverboat with Kyle, Drew, and Phil as we try to determine who “...smells like victory” Want access to bonus content, interviews with legendary filmmakers, and Host Q and A's? Click here to become a Movie Wars Patreon Supporter! This helps keep the show ad-free, and gets you access to Kyle's show "Filmosophy", Interviews with legendary filmmakers, Q and A, a private Facebook group, and outtakes! Apocalypse Now In Vietnam in 1970, Captain Willard (Martin Sheen) takes a perilous and increasingly hallucinatory journey upriver to find and terminate Colonel Kurtz (Marlon Brando), a once-promising officer who has reportedly gone completely mad. In the company of a Navy patrol boat filled with street-smart kids, a surfing-obsessed Air Cavalry officer (Robert Duvall), and a crazed freelance photographer (Dennis Hopper), Willard travels further and further into the heart of darkness.
Rating: R Genre: War, Drama Original Language: English Director: Francis Ford Coppola Producer: Kim Aubry, Francis Ford Coppola Writer: Joseph Conrad, John Milius, Francis Ford Coppola, Michael Herr Release Date (Theaters): Aug 15, 1979 Original Release Date (Streaming): May 18, 2010 Box Office (Gross USA): $78.8M Runtime: 2h 33m Distributor: Paramount Pictures, Miramax Films, United Artists (Information courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/apocalypse_now) Platoon Chris Taylor (Charlie Sheen) leaves his university studies to enlist in combat duty in Vietnam in 1967. Once he's on the ground in the middle of battle, his idealism fades. Infighting in his unit between Staff Sergeant Barnes (Tom Berenger), who believes nearby villagers are harboring Viet Cong soldiers, and Sergeant Elias (Willem Dafoe), who has a more sympathetic view of the locals, ends up pitting the soldiers against each other as well as against the enemy. Rating: R Genre: War, Drama Original Language: English Director: Oliver Stone Producer: Arnold Kopelson Writer: Oliver Stone Release Date (Theaters): Dec 19, 1986 Original Release Date (Streaming): Aug 15, 2000 Box Office (Gross USA): $138.5M Runtime: 2h 0m Distributor: MGM/UA Home Entertainment Inc., Orion Pictures, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (Information courtesy of https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/platoon) | |||
| Point Break Vs. The Fast And The Furious (Ep. 0022) | 04 Feb 2022 | 01:20:27 | |
Point Break presented a massive evolution in action films when it was released in 1991. Its flow of adrenalized action sequences became a benchmark for many films to come; one of those being 2001’s The Fast And The Furious. Similar to Point Break, The Fast and the Furious embraced an obscure subculture and made it a societal focal point. But did it drive a little too closely to Point Break’s plot? Hit the NOS with Kyle, Drew, and Phil as they ride the wave of Point Break Vs. The Fast And The Furious. Want access to bonus content, interviews with legendary filmmakers, and Host Q and A's? Click here to become a Movie Wars Patreon Supporter! This helps keep the show ad-free, and gets you access to Kyle's show "Filmosophy", Interviews with legendary filmmakers, Q and A, a private Facebook group, and outtakes! Point Break After a string of bizarre bank robberies in Southern California, with the crooks donning masks of various former presidents, a federal agent, Johnny Utah (Keanu Reeves), infiltrates the suspected gang. But this is no ordinary group of robbers. They're surfers -- led by the charismatic Bodhi (Patrick Swayze) -- who are addicted to the rush of thievery. But when Utah falls in love with a female surfer, Tyler (Lori Petty), who is close to the gang, it complicates his sense of duty.
Info courtesy of https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/point_break) The Fast And The Furious Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) enjoys the adrenaline of street car racing and his fans treat him like a rock star. After a blazing encounter with the ruthless Johnny Tran, Dom decides to take Brian (Paul Walker), a newcomer to street racing, under his wing. Dom's sister Mia sees something she likes in Brian, too. Trouble is, neither of them realize he's an undercover cop, and Dominic and his rival Johnny Tran are both the prime suspects in a case involving dirty money and big-rig hijacking.
(Info courtesy of https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1108372-fast_and_the_furious) | |||
| Interview with Mel Gibson's stunt double Mic Rodgers | 24 Sep 2024 | 00:31:48 | |
In this episode from the Patreon archives, Kyle interviews the legendary Mic Rodgers, a celebrated stunt coordinator, director, and long-time stunt double for Mel Gibson. With over 40 years in the industry, Rodgers has revolutionized the world of action cinema. They delve into his groundbreaking invention, the Mic-Rig, which has become a game-changer for high-octane films like the 'Fast & Furious' series, transforming how car stunts are filmed and experienced on screen. Rodgers has left his mark on a plethora of iconic films, including his work as Mel Gibson's double in classics like 'Lethal Weapon,' 'Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome,' and the Academy Award-winning 'Braveheart.' Beyond his work with Gibson, he has contributed to the success of action-packed blockbusters such as 'Twister,' 'Hacksaw Ridge,' 'John Wick,' 'The Expendables,' and 'Avatar.' Notably, Rodgers' innovation with the Mic-Rig earned him a Technical Grammy Award, recognizing his groundbreaking contribution to the field of film production technology. His invention has set new standards in the industry, enabling filmmakers to capture more dynamic and immersive action sequences. Tune in as Mic shares behind-the-scenes stories, his approach to stunt coordination, and the technical innovations that have set new benchmarks in filmmaking. | |||
| Interview with Oscar-Winning CGI/VFX Director Tim McGovern | 27 Jan 2022 | 01:20:01 | |
This is Movie War's interview with the Oscar-Winning VFX Director from Total Recall, Tim McGovern. Although we began our discussion with Total Recall, Tim is still working on amazing projects which recently included Dunkirk With Christopher Nolan, First Man starring Ryan Gosling, and The Ghost & The Darkness starring Val Kilmer and Michael Douglas. Want access to bonus content, interviews with legendary filmmakers, and Host Q and A's? Click here to become a Movie Wars Patreon Supporter! This helps keep the show ad-free, and gets you access to Kyle's show "Filmosophy", Interviews with legendary filmmakers, Q and A, a private Facebook group, and outtakes! Tune in and hear the entire interview including stories about Arnold Schwarzenegger, Christopher Nolan, and how CGI was developed in Hollywood. Become a Patron For the price of a latte a month, you can support the show and help us grow. Highlights from Tim's amazing resume(just a few): Dunkirk (Nolan) First Man (Starring Ryan Gosling) Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation Tron Total Recall (Won Special Achievement award at the Oscars) Last Action Hero The Ghost & The Darkness (Starring Michael Douglas and Val Kilmer) Stigmata Equilibrium (starring Christian Bale) Sin City 2 Huntsman: Winter’s War | |||
| The Hateful Eight Vs. True Grit(2010) (Ep. 0021) | 20 Jan 2022 | 01:15:01 | |
The Western is one of the most fundamental building blocks of cinema. Heavily inspired by Westerns, Quentin Tarantino and The Coen Brothers are Mount Rushmore American filmmakers who channeled that inspiration into The Hateful Eight and True Grit(2010). The Movie Wars crew puts these modern interpretations of a beloved genre to the test. Want access to bonus content, interviews with legendary filmmakers, and Host Q and A's? Click here to become a Movie Wars Patreon Supporter! This helps keep the show ad-free, and gets you access to Kyle's show "Filmosophy", Interviews with legendary filmmakers, Q and A, a private Facebook group, and outtakes! Film Summaries: The Hateful Eight While racing toward the town of Red Rock in post-Civil War Wyoming, bounty hunter John "The Hangman" Ruth (Kurt Russell) and his fugitive prisoner (Jennifer Jason Leigh) encounter another bounty hunter (Samuel L. Jackson) and a man who claims to be a sheriff. Hoping to find shelter from a blizzard, the group travels to a stagecoach stopover located on a mountain pass. Greeted there by four strangers, the eight travelers soon learn that they may not make it to their destination after all.
(Info courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_hateful_eight) True Grit(2010) After an outlaw named Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin) murders her father, feisty 14-year-old farm girl Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld) hires Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges), a boozy, trigger-happy lawman, to help her find Chaney and avenge her father. The bickering duo are not alone in their quest, for a Texas Ranger named LaBoeuf (Matt Damon) is also tracking Chaney for reasons of his own. Together the unlikely trio ventures into hostile territory to dispense some Old West justice.
(Info courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/true_grit_2010)
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| FIrst Blood Vs. Commando (Ep. 0020) | 06 Jan 2022 | 01:15:43 | |
First Blood and Commando - these two films became the blueprint for the modern action movie. While these films have completely different tones, they share the same core: they're built around the concept of the one-man-army while yielding two of the most recognizable and iconic action stars to ever grace the big screen. Want access to bonus content, interviews with legendary filmmakers, and Host Q and A's? Click here to become a Movie Wars Patreon Supporter! This helps keep the show ad-free, and gets you access to Kyle's show "Filmosophy", Interviews with legendary filmmakers, Q and A, a private Facebook group, and outtakes! Film Summaries: Commando Retired Special Forces soldier John Matrix (Arnold Schwarzenegger) lives with daughter Jenny (Alyssa Milano) in isolation, but his privacy is disturbed by former commander Franklin Kirby (James Olson), who warns him that his fellow soldiers are getting killed one by one. After Kirby leaves, Jenny is kidnapped by former Latin American dictator Arius (Dan Hedaya), who wants Matrix to restore him to power. Instead, Matrix sets out to take down the rogue leader and rescue his daughter.
(Info courtesy of Rotten Tomatoeshttps://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1004567-commando) First Blood Vietnam veteran and drifter John J. Rambo (Sylvester Stallone) wanders into a small Washington town in search of an old friend, but is met with intolerance and brutality by the local sheriff, Will Teasle (Brian Dennehy). When Teasle and his deputies restrain and shave Rambo, he flashes back to his time as a prisoner of war and unleashes his fury on the officers. He narrowly escapes the manhunt, but it will take his former commander (Richard Crenna) to save the hunters from the hunted.
(Info courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/first_blood)
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| The Santa Clause Vs. Jingle All The Way (Ep. 0019) | 24 Dec 2021 | 01:02:21 | |
What started as the Movie Wars Christmas episode turned into a battle of deadbeat dads. Tune in as Kyle, Drew, and Phil determine who made Santa's naughty list. Or better yet, who gets the Turboman? Click here to become a Movie Wars Patron! Support Movie Wars for the price of a latte’ a month. A $7 contribution helps us make more content(eventual bonus features), grow the show, and feed our children. And isn’t that what it’s about? The children. Jingle All The Way Workaholic Howard Langston (Arnold Schwarzenegger) wants to make things up to his son, Jamie (Jake Lloyd), and wife, Liz (Rita Wilson). He promises to get Jamie the hottest toy of the season, Turbo-Man -- even though it's Christmas Eve and the toy is practically sold out. As Langston hunts down the elusive gift, he runs into mailman Myron (Sinbad), another father on the same quest. With the clock winding down, Langston's moral code is tested as he starts to learn the real meaning of Christmas.
(Rotten Tomatoes https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/jingle_all_the_way) The Santa Clause Divorced dad Scott (Tim Allen) has custody of his son (Eric Lloyd) on Christmas Eve. After he accidentally kills a man in a Santa suit, they are magically transported to the North Pole, where an elf explains that Scott must take Santa's place before the next Christmas arrives. Scott thinks he's dreaming, but over the next several months he gains weight and grows an inexplicably white beard. Maybe that night at the North Pole wasn't a dream after all -- and maybe Scott has a lot of work to do.
(Courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/santa_clause) | |||
| Star Wars: The Force Awakens Vs. Star Trek (2009) (Ep. 0018) | 08 Dec 2021 | 01:21:35 | |
It’s hard to argue that Star Wars and Star Trek have two of the most dedicated fan bases in film history. JJ Abrams took on the challenge of reviving these two beloved franchises with Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Star Trek (2009). Traverse the galaxies with the Movie Wars crew as they examine these intergalactic giants. Want access to bonus content, interviews with legendary filmmakers, and Host Q and A's? Click here to become a Movie Wars Patreon Supporter! This helps keep the show ad-free, and gets you access to Kyle's show "Filmosophy", Interviews with legendary filmmakers, Q and A, a private Facebook group, and outtakes! Film Summaries: Star Wars: The Force Awakens Thirty years after the defeat of the Galactic Empire, the galaxy faces a new threat from the evil Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) and the First Order. When a defector named Finn crash-lands on a desert planet, he meets Rey (Daisy Ridley), a tough scavenger whose droid contains a top-secret map. Together, the young duo joins forces with Han Solo (Harrison Ford) to make sure the Resistance receives the intelligence concerning the whereabouts of Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), the last of the Jedi Knights.
(Info courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/star_wars_episode_vii_the_force_awakens) Star Trek (2009) Aboard the USS Enterprise, the most-sophisticated starship ever built, a novice crew embarks on its maiden voyage. Their path takes them on a collision course with Nero (Eric Bana), a Romulan commander whose mission of vengeance threatens all mankind. If humanity would survive, a rebellious young officer named James T. Kirk (Chris Pine) and a coolly logical Vulcan named Spock (Zachary Quinto) must move beyond their rivalry and find a way to defeat Nero before it is too late.
(Info Courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/star_trek_11) | |||
| Total Recall Vs. Minority Report (Ep. 0017) | 22 Nov 2021 | 01:28:15 | |
Phillip K. Dick wrote two incredibly prophetic stories of technophobia with The Minority Report(1956) and We Can Remember it For You Wholesale(1966). It doesn’t hurt that they also led to two Sci-Fi classics carried by leading men Arnold Schwarzenegger and Tom Cruise. Get paranoid and get weird with the Movie Wars crew as we discuss Total Recall and Minority Report. Want access to bonus content, interviews with legendary filmmakers, and Host Q and A's? Click here to become a Movie Wars Patreon Supporter! This helps keep the show ad-free, and gets you access to Kyle's show "Filmosophy", Interviews with legendary filmmakers, Q and A, a private Facebook group, and outtakes! Film Summaries: Total Recall Douglas Quaid (Arnold Schwarzenegger) is a bored construction worker in the year 2084 who dreams of visiting the colonized Mars. He visits "Rekall," a company that plants false memories into people's brains, in order to experience the thrill of Mars without having to travel there. But something goes wrong during the procedure; Quaid discovers that his entire life is actually a false memory and that the people who implanted it in his head now want him dead.
(Info courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/total_recall) Minority Report Based on a story by famed science fiction writer Philip K. Dick, "Minority Report" is an action-detective thriller set in Washington D.C. in 2054, where police utilize a psychic technology to arrest and convict murderers before they commit their crime. Tom Cruise plays the head of this Precrime unit and is himself accused of the future murder of a man he hasn't even met.
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| Se7en Vs. The Silence Of The Lambs (Ep. 0016) | 29 Oct 2021 | 01:19:44 | |
Kyle, Drew, and Phil decided to take on two psychological icons for the scary October episode of Movie Wars. Hannibal Lector is a cinema-defining character while Se7en is considered one of the most innovative, creative, and daunting thrillers of all time. Get a break from the slashers and listen to the MWP as they get psychological. Want access to bonus content, interviews with legendary filmmakers, and Host Q and A's? Click here to become a Movie Wars Patreon Supporter! This helps keep the show ad-free, and gets you access to Kyle's show "Filmosophy", Interviews with legendary filmmakers, Q and A, a private Facebook group, and outtakes! SE7EN When retiring police Detective William Somerset (Morgan Freeman) tackles a final case with the aid of newly transferred David Mills (Brad Pitt), they discover a number of elaborate and grizzly murders. They soon realize they are dealing with a serial killer (Kevin Spacey) who is targeting people he thinks represent one of the seven deadly sins. Somerset also befriends Mills' wife, Tracy (Gwyneth Paltrow), who is pregnant and afraid to raise her child in the crime-riddled city.
(Courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/seven)
The Silence Of The Lambs Jodie Foster stars as Clarice Starling, a top student at the FBI's training academy. Jack Crawford (Scott Glenn) wants Clarice to interview Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins), a brilliant psychiatrist who is also a violent psychopath, serving life behind bars for various acts of murder and cannibalism. Crawford believes that Lecter may have insight into a case and that Starling, as an attractive young woman, may be just the bait to draw him out.
(Courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/silence_of_the_lambs)
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| Sleepless In Seattle Vs. When Harry Met Sally (Ep. 0015) | 01 Oct 2021 | 00:58:14 | |
Only on Movie Wars can we go from discussing pimps and franchised anarchy one week and then Rom-Coms the next week. When you watch a good Rom-Com, you can taste it. The taste of Fall or Christmas against the backdrop of a romanticized New York, Chicago, or Seattle. Grab a latte, take a stroll with your soulmate, and laugh along with the Movie Wars crew as we Love and War. Film Summary Sleepless In Seattle After the death of his wife, Sam Baldwin (Tom Hanks) moves to Seattle with his son, Jonah (Ross Mallinger). When Jonah calls in to a talk-radio program to find a new wife for his father, Sam grudgingly gets on the line to discuss his feelings. Annie Reed (Meg Ryan), a reporter in Baltimore, hears Sam speak and falls for him, even though she is engaged. Unsure where it will lead, she writes Sam a letter asking him to meet her at the Empire State Building on Valentine's Day.
(Info courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/sleepless_in_seattle) When Harry Met Sally In 1977, college graduates Harry Burns (Billy Crystal) and Sally Albright (Meg Ryan) share a contentious car ride from Chicago to New York, during which they argue about whether men and women can ever truly be strictly platonic friends. Ten years later, Harry and Sally meet again at a bookstore, and in the company of their respective best friends, Jess (Bruno Kirby) and Marie (Carrie Fisher), attempt to stay friends without sex becoming an issue between them.
(info provided by Rotten Tomatoes https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/when_harry_met_sally)
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| Fight Club Vs. Taxi Driver (Ep. 0014) | 16 Sep 2021 | 01:19:10 | |
Kyle, Drew, and Phil tackle two giants of cinema in episode 0014. Taxi Driver and Fight Club explore the depths of the mind and its impact on society as a whole. Both films show their respective directors and actors growing into their craft. Hail a cab with the Movie Wars crew as we dissect the layers of morality in Taxi Driver and Fight Club. Film Summaries: Taxi Driver Suffering from insomnia, disturbed loner Travis Bickle (Robert De Niro) takes a job as a New York City cabbie, haunting the streets nightly, growing increasingly detached from reality as he dreams of cleaning up the filthy city. When Travis meets pretty campaign worker Betsy (Cybill Shepherd), he becomes obsessed with the idea of saving the world, first plotting to assassinate a presidential candidate, then directing his attentions toward rescuing 12-year-old prostitute Iris (Jodie Foster).
(Courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/taxi_driver) Fight Club A depressed man (Edward Norton) suffering from insomnia meets a strange soap salesman named Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt) and soon finds himself living in his squalid house after his perfect apartment is destroyed. The two bored men form an underground club with strict rules and fight other men who are fed up with their mundane lives. Their perfect partnership frays when Marla (Helena Bonham Carter), a fellow support group crasher, attracts Tyler's attention.
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| Field Of Dreams Vs. The Natural (Ep. 0013) | 07 Sep 2021 | 01:20:32 | |
The Movie Wars crew has sports on the brain as the NFL, college football, and baseball are in full bloom. Sports films are the perfect vehicle for tackling heavy subject matter. It only felt right to tackle two juggernauts of the sports films sub-genre: Field Of Dreams and The Natural. Field Of Dreams When Iowa farmer Ray (Kevin Costner) hears a mysterious voice one night in his cornfield saying "If you build it, he will come," he feels the need to act. Despite taunts of lunacy, Ray builds a baseball diamond on his land, supported by his wife, Annie (Amy Madigan). Afterward, the ghosts of great players start emerging from the crops to play ball, led by "Shoeless" Joe Jackson. But, as Ray learns, this field of dreams is about much more than bringing former baseball greats out to play.
The Natural On the way to a tryout with the Chicago Cubs, young baseball phenom Roy Hobbs (Robert Redford) is shot by the unstable Harriet Bird (Barbara Hershey). After 16 years, Hobbs returns to pro baseball as a rookie for the last-place New York Knights. Despite early arguments with his manager, Pop Fisher (Wilford Brimley), Hobbs becomes one of the best players in the league, and the Knights start winning. But this upsets the Judge (Robert Prosky), their owner, who wants Hobbs to lose games, not win.
Info courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/natural https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/field_of_dreams
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| Mad Max (1979) | 19 Sep 2024 | 00:57:34 | |
Get ready for an exciting new series of the Movie Wars Podcast! Today, we're kicking off the Mad Max franchise series with comedian and film critic Matthew Belivins joining Kyle for the entire series. We're also introducing a tweaked format and war card, which we think you're going to love. The Mad Max franchise is known for its groundbreaking stunts and dystopian imaginings. It also introduced the world to future legend Mel Gibson. Originating from the Ozploitation movement of 1970s Australian cinema, Mad Max gained international attention despite a budget of only $400K. The Shakespearean villains are more memorable than the protagonist, who would rather fade into the oblivion of the Western-style conflicts he finds himself in. Cut from the framework of traditional Westerns, Mad Max offers a dystopian take on the classic "...a stranger walks into town" formula. Join us as we delve into this important franchise in film history and explore the world of Mad Max. | |||
| Die Hard Vs. Speed (Ep. 0012) | 19 Aug 2021 | 01:09:12 | |
Great films are often the result of an evolution in narratives and storytelling. Die Hard and Speed were refreshing representations of a new wave in action films. Containerized environments, lovable and relatable action stars, and touches of comedy. Kyle, Drew, and Phil didn’t let this podcast go below 50 MPH. SPEED FIlm Summary: Los Angeles police officer Jack (Keanu Reeves) angers retired bomb squad member Howard Payne (Dennis Hopper) by foiling his attempt at taking hostages. In revenge, Payne arms a bus with a bomb that will explode if it drops below 50 miles per hour. With the help of spunky passenger Annie (Sandra Bullock), Jack and his partner Harry (Jeff Daniels) try to save the people on the bus before the bomb goes off, while also trying to figure out how Payne is monitoring them.
Info courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes (https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/speed_1994)
DIE HARD FIlm Summary: New York City policeman John McClane (Bruce Willis) is visiting his estranged wife (Bonnie Bedelia) and two daughters on Christmas Eve. He joins her at a holiday party in the headquarters of the Japanese-owned business she works for. But the festivities are interrupted by a group of terrorists who take over the exclusive high-rise, and everyone in it. Very soon McClane realizes that there's no one to save the hostages -- but him.
Info Courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes (https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/die_hard) | |||
| Gladiator Vs. Braveheart (Ep. 0011) | 05 Aug 2021 | 01:23:38 | |
Episode Summary: One could argue that films like Gladiator and Braveheart are basic examples of why movies exist. To transport the audience to a different time and place. These two films do that in a huge way. Gladiator and Braveheart are larger-than-life epics that set new standards for scale and grandiosity in a movie. Join the guys as they break down these two historical epics.
Film Summaries Gladiator: Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) takes power and strips rank from Maximus (Russell Crowe), one of the favored generals of his predecessor and father, Emperor Marcus Aurelius, the great stoical philosopher. Maximus is then relegated to fighting to the death in the gladiator arenas.
-Courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes (https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/gladiator_
Braveheart: Tells the story of the legendary thirteenth-century Scottish hero named William Wallace (Mel Gibson). Wallace rallies the Scottish against the English monarch and Edward I (Peter Hanly) after he suffers a personal tragedy by English soldiers. Wallace gathers a group of amateur warriors that is stronger than any English army.
-Courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes (https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1065684-braveheart)
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| The Godfather Vs. Goodfellas (Ep. 0010) | 23 Jul 2021 | 01:37:48 | |
Episode Summary: You cannot assess the history of cinema without assessing the history of mob films. Filmmakers discovering that crime offered a new narrative form changed the direction of movies to come. Today, the guys discuss two of the most celebrated mob movies in history. The Godfather is in the constant rotation of films that are considered “Best Of All Time”. Goodfellas builds on the modern formula that The Godfather builds by giving the “Behind The Music” of running an organized crime organization. Also, these films don’t lack star power. When we analyze the cast of each film, it reads like the yet-to-be-realized youth of The Godfather versus the tenured De Niro/Pesci cast that Scorsese had perfected chemistry with. Buckle up for our most detailed Movie Wars to date. And remember, "never rat on your friends and keep your mouth shut” as Jimmy Conway put it. Movie Wars Scorecard
Best Top Bill Cast Best Supporting Cast Best dressed Best ending Which gang do you want to be in? Music Highest employer rating Scorsese Vs Coppola Best mob portrayal Horsehead in the bed or leave a dead man in a meat freezer truck? Worst beating? Henry Hill or Sonny Best Italian cooking
Film Summaries Goodfellas: A young man grows up in the mob and works very hard to advance himself through the ranks. He enjoys his life of money and luxury, but is oblivious to the horror that he causes. A drug addiction and a few mistakes ultimately unravel his climb to the top. Based on the book "Wiseguy" by Nicholas Pileggi.
-Info courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes, (https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1032176-goodfellas)
The Godfather: Widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time, this mob drama, based on Mario Puzo's novel of the same name, focuses on the powerful Italian-American crime family of Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando). When the don's youngest son, Michael (Al Pacino), reluctantly joins the Mafia, he becomes involved in the inevitable cycle of violence and betrayal. Although Michael tries to maintain a normal relationship with his wife, Kay (Diane Keaton), he is drawn deeper into the family business.
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| Heat Vs. The Departed (Ep. 0009) | 08 Jul 2021 | 01:08:07 | |
Episode Summary: Cops and robbers are a sacrament of film. Once crime was introduced to cinema, filmmakers and writers uncovered its narrative power. Like any popular subject matter, it tends to get bland as films present watered-down versions and half-assed attempts at telling a compelling crime story. Fast forward to 1995’s Heat. Heat is art meets action in the form of cops and robbers. Instead of your standard crime drama, Michael Mann serves up a delicious character study that focuses on the subtle variance in moral fibers that put good and bad on opposite sides. The movie breaks wide open when you realize that Vincent and McCauley are the same people. They just happen to fall on different sides of the law. The Departed seems like a Scorsese rerun on the outside. However, it doesn’t take long to see that it’s not his age-old formula of “3 hours of zooming in on the thing that makes a character unbearable.” Instead, he puts together a giant cast and shows his ability to tell a story across multiple points of view. In this episode, the guys discuss how simply having a giant, star-laden cast doesn’t guarantee a good film. It takes a director and a vision. These two films are the ultimate example of how to balance star power and story. As for randos, the guys discuss the preparation that actors went through, Michael Mann’s attention to character detail, and the artistic design of these powerhouse films. Movie Wars Scorecard Best Top Bill Cast Best Supporting Cast Least Bloated cast(best utilization of gigantic cast) Music Neil McCauley Vs. Frank Costello Gun Fight The award for best police work Best Criminal Enterprise Worse with relationships (all the men of both movies) Psycho Henchmen Wanegrow Vs. Mr. French Which gang do you want to join? Martin Scorsese vs. Michael Mann Film Summaries Heat: Master criminal Neil McCauley (Robert De Niro) is trying to control the rogue actions of one of his men, while also planning one last big heist before retiring. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Hanna (Al Pacino) attempts to track down McCauley as he deals with the chaos in his own life, including the infidelity of his wife (Diane Venora) and the mental health of his stepdaughter (Natalie Portman). McCauley and Hanna discover a mutual respect, even as they try to thwart each other's plans.
The Departed South Boston cop Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio) goes under cover to infiltrate the organization of gangland chief Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson). As Billy gains the mobster's trust, a career criminal named Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon) infiltrates the police department and reports on its activities to his syndicate bosses. When both organizations learn they have a mole in their midst, Billy and Colin must figure out each other's identities to save their own lives.
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