Explore every episode of the podcast Call It, Friendo
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 148. The Seven-Ups (1973) & Marathon Man (1976) | 11 Aug 2024 | 01:33:06 | |
This week, we discuss two films featuring friend of the show Roy Scheider. The first is The Seven-Ups (1973), a neo-noir mystery action thriller produced and directed by Philip D'Antoni. It stars Roy Scheider as a crusading policeman who is the leader of the Seven-Ups, a squad of plainclothes officers who use dirty, unorthodox tactics to snare their quarry on charges leading to prison sentences of seven years or more upon prosecution, hence the name of the team. The second is Marathon Man (1976), a thriller directed by John Schlesinger. It was adapted by William Goldman from his 1974 novel of the same title and stars Dustin Hoffman, Laurence Olivier, Roy Scheider, William Devane and Marthe Keller. Timestamps This podcast contains spoilers for the following films/TV shows: What we’ve been watching (00:01:02) – Deadpool & Wolverine, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, Turbo The Seven-Ups (00:23:45) Marathon Man (00:57:40) Coin toss (01:25:30)
Links Instagram - @callitfriendopodcast @munnywales @andyjayritchie
Letterboxd – @andycifpod @fat-tits mcmahon
Justwatch.com – streaming and rental links - https://www.justwatch.com The Seven-Ups: Re-edited In the Style of The French Connection - https://youtu.be/jcl1Sc4pjlE The Seven-Ups Car Chase (1973) - https://youtu.be/9vACWV5sRcY | |||
| 147. All That Jazz (1979) & Star 80 (1983) | 04 Aug 2024 | 01:34:24 | |
This week, we discuss two films from American director and choreographer Bob Fosse. The first is All That Jazz (1979), a musical drama starring Roy Scheider. The screenplay, by Robert Alan Aurthur and Fosse, is a semi-autobiographical fantasy based on aspects of Fosse's life and career as a dancer, choreographer and director. The film was inspired by Fosse's manic effort to edit his film Lenny while simultaneously staging the 1975 Broadway musical Chicago. The second is Star 80 (1983), a biographical drama film written and directed by Bob Fosse. It was adapted from the Pulitzer Prize-winning Village Voice article "Death of a Playmate" by Teresa Carpenter and is based on Canadian Playboy model Dorothy Stratten, who was murdered by her husband Paul Snider in 1980. The film's title is taken from one of Snider's vanity license plates. The film was Fosse's final film before his death in 1987. Timestamps This podcast contains spoilers for the following films/TV shows: What we’ve been watching (00:01:05) – Fallout, Oppenheimer, Cabaret All That Jazz (00:22:20) Star 80 (00:54:35) Coin toss (01:29:45)
Links Instagram - @callitfriendopodcast @munnywales @andyjayritchie
Letterboxd – @andycifpod @fat-tits mcmahon
Justwatch.com – streaming and rental links - https://www.justwatch.com | |||
| 138. Estômago (2007) & Bacurau (2019) | 05 May 2024 | 01:26:17 | |
This week, we discuss two critically acclaimed films from Brazil. The first is Estômago (2007), a Brazilian–Italian film directed by Marcos Jorge. It tells the story of Raimundo, a humble man who moves to the big city to become a chef. The film won a number of awards in Brazil. The second is Bacurau (2019), a Weird Western film written and directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho and Juliano Dornelles. The film was selected to compete for the Palme d'Or at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival, and won the Jury Prize.
Timestamps What we’ve been watching (00:01:05) – The Little Mermaid, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, Inside Out, Toy Story, Love Lies Bleeding, Aquarius, Ripley Estômago (00:23:55) Bacurau (00:53:55) Coin toss (01:21:40)
Links Instagram - @callitfriendopodcast @munnywales @andyjayritchie
Letterboxd – @andycifpod @fat-tits mcmahon
Justwatch.com – streaming and rental links - https://www.justwatch.com | |||
| 50. Female Trouble (1974) | 29 Sep 2021 | 01:33:44 | |
In this week’s episode, we discuss John Waters' 1974 black comedy film Female Trouble. The film, which stars legendary Waters' collaborator Divine, tells the story of a fame-obsessed young woman who engages in “crime as beauty”. The film is the second of Waters' so-called Trash Trilogy (the others being Pink Flamingos and Desperate Living) and was added to the Criterion Collection.
What We’ve Been Watching (00:00:58)
Andy C – Dune, Judy & Punch Andy R – Nothing to Laugh About, Carajita, Mid90s
Female Trouble (00:20:24)
Coin Toss – A Bollywood film (01:21:22)
Voice notes from Donnchadh and John Spillane (01:25:42)
Links Instagram - @callitfriendopodcast @munnywales @andyjayritchie @andy_casper_comedian
Justwatch.com – streaming and rental links | |||
| 49. The Lovers on the Bridge (1991) | 22 Sep 2021 | 01:32:03 | |
In this week’s episode, we discuss Leos Carax's 1991 drama Les Amants du Pont-Neuf, AKA The Lovers on the Bridge. The film tells the story of a troubled romance between a homeless couple, played by Denis Lavant and Juliette Binoche, in central Paris. As part of the “Cinéma du look” movement, Carax's film contains some exquisitely shot scenes on a giant replica of the famous Parisian bridge.
Timestamps What We’ve Been Watching (00:00:50)
Donnchadh – Dune, Ted Lasso, Vigil Andy – Dune, Saint Maud
The Lovers on the Bridge (00:21:30)
Coin Toss – A film starting with the letter “F” (01:25:30)
Links Instagram - @callitfriendopodcast @munnywales @andyjayritchie
Justwatch.com – streaming and rental links
Making of “Les Amants du Pont-Neuf” (in French)
Conversation with Leos Carax (with subtitles)
A Brief History of Cinéma du Look
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| 48. American Sniper (2014) | 13 Sep 2021 | 01:22:38 | |
In this week’s episode, we discuss Clint Eastwood's 2014 film, American Sniper. It tells the story of Chris Kyle, the deadliest sniper in American history, with 160 confirmed kills. It stars Bradley Cooper as Kyle, and Sienna Miller as his wife, Taya. The film grossed over half a billion dollars and was nominated for 6 Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actor.
Timestamps What We’ve Been Watching (00:00:50)
Donnchadh – Ted Lasso, The White Lotus, The Suicide Squad, The Empty Man Andy – The Smartest Kids in the World, Quiz, Innocent Season One
American Sniper (00:22:00)
Coin Toss – A French film (01:15:40)
Links Instagram - @callitfriendopodcast @munnywales @andyjayritchie
Justwatch.com – streaming and rental links | |||
| Holidays II | 23 Aug 2021 | 00:17:20 | |
We're on hiatus from regular episodes until September. Until then, we'll be putting out shorter "What We've Been Watching" episodes each week. If you have any recommendations of things to watch, hit us up on instagram @callitfriendopodcast.
What We’ve Been Watching Andy – Stillwater, Class Action Park, Avengers: Infinity War, What If...? Donnchadh – Down and Dirty, Nowhere to Go, The Big Gundown
Links Instagram - @callitfriendopodcast @munnywales @andyjayritchie
Justwatch.com – streaming and rental links
| |||
| Holidays I | 16 Aug 2021 | 00:26:33 | |
We're on hiatus from regular episodes until September. Until then, we'll be putting out shorter "What We've Been Watching" episodes each week. If you have any recommendations of things to watch, hit us up on instagram @callitfriendopodcast.
What We’ve Been Watching Andy – Val, The Empty Man, Manhunt Donnchadh – Don’t Breathe, Station Six Sahara, Innocent, The Missing, The Moment of Truth, Django, This is England, This Way Up
Links Instagram - @callitfriendopodcast @munnywales @andyjayritchie
Justwatch.com – streaming and rental links
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| 47. The Last Emperor (1987) | 09 Aug 2021 | 01:07:22 | |
In this week’s episode, we discuss Bernardo Bertolucci’s 1987 film, The Last Emperor. It tells the story of Puyi, the eleventh and final ruler of the Qing dynasty. Ascending to the throne as a child, he was later expelled from the Forbidden City, before being installed as the puppet leader of Manchuoku during World War II. The film was nominated for 9 Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director, and won all 9.
Timestamps What We’ve Been Watching (00:01:20) Andy – Woodstock ’99, Chronicle, Frequency Donnchadh – Better Watch Out, Hereditary, Bad Boys for Life
The Last Emperor (00:14:44)
Coin Toss – A film that has grossed at least 500 million dollars (01:04:44)
Links Instagram - @callitfriendopodcast @munnywales @andyjayritchie
Justwatch.com – streaming and rental links | |||
| 46. Ghostbusters (2016) | 02 Aug 2021 | 01:31:01 | |
In this week’s episode, we discuss Paul Feig’s much-maligned 2016 Ghostbusters reboot. The film, which stars Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon and Leslie Jones, provoked a largely negative response from both critics and audiences. It was considered a box office bomb, grossing $229.1 million from a $144 million budget.
Timestamps What We’ve Been Watching (00:00:57) Andy – Slither, Super, Suicide Squad, The Suicide Squad Donnchadh – The West Wing Season 3, United 93, Happy Death Day, Black Widow, Guardians of the Galaxy, The Dark Knight Rises,
Ghostbusters (00:28:35)
Coin Toss – A film from 1987 (01:28:58)
Links Instagram - @callitfriendopodcast @munnywales @andyjayritchie
Justwatch.com – streaming and rental links
Pat Morita Stand Up Comedy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMrVk4anT6w
Kate McKinnon Hallelujah SNL Cold Open https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BG-_ZDrypec
Gilly and Keeves Trump Speed Dating | |||
| 45. Land and Freedom (1995) | 26 Jul 2021 | 01:24:54 | |
In this week’s episode, we discuss Land and Freedom, Ken Loach’s 1995 film about a British Communist (played by Ian Hart) fighting for the Republican cause in the Spanish Civil War. With a script from screenwriter Jim Allen, Loach uses his trademark naturalistic style to explore a series of sad and harrowing events faced by the POUM militia soldiers. The film was nominated for the Palme d’Or at the 48th Cannes Film Festival.
Timestamps What We’ve Been Watching (00:00:57) Andy – Ted Lasso S02E01, Hidden Agenda, Old Donnchadh – Loki S01E06, Eighth Grade, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, La Strada, The Conformist, Repulsion
Land and Freedom (00:25:25)
Coin Toss – A Comedy (01:21:10)
Links Instagram - @callitfriendopodcast @munnywales @andyjayritchie
Justwatch.com – streaming and rental links | |||
| 44. Serenity (2005) | 19 Jul 2021 | 01:24:49 | |
In this week’s episode, we discuss Joss Whedon’s 2005 cowboy space opera, Serenity. The film served as both a follow-up and epilogue to the TV show Firefly, which was unceremoniously cancelled after only 14 episodes before going on to grow a dedicated cult following. Serenity takes the Firefly TV characters and imbues proceedings with a far greater budget. The film was well-received critically and recouped its budget during its cinematic run.
Timestamps What We’ve Been Watching (00:01:00) Andy – Loki S01E06 Donnchadh – The Piano Teacher, I Vitelloni, Before the Revolution, Knife in the Water, Motherland
Serenity (00:17:00)
Coin Toss – A film based on real events (01:20:30)
Links Instagram - @callitfriendopodcast @munnywales @andyjayritchie
Justwatch.com – streaming and rental links
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| 43. The Long Goodbye (1973) | 12 Jul 2021 | 01:22:14 | |
In this week’s episode, we discuss Robert Altman’s 1973 Film Noir The Long Goodbye, starring Elliott Gould as private detective Philip Marlowe. Based on Raymond Chandler’s 1953 novel of the same name, the film shifts the story 20 years later and adds a satirical edge. Although the film bombed at the box office, it was well-received by critics such as Pauline Kael and Roger Ebert, with the latter adding the film to his Great Movies collection.
Timestamps What We’ve Been Watching (00:01:00) Andy – Freaky, Mirage, Black Widow Donnchadh – There Will Be Blood, The Death of Stalin, The Lord of the Rings Extended Cuts, Terminator 2
The Long Goodbye (00:20:34)
Coin Toss – A Sci-Fi Film (01:16:22)
Links Instagram - @callitfriendopodcast @munnywales @andyjayritchie
Justwatch.com – streaming and rental links | |||
| 137. White Dog (1982) & The Big Red One (1980) | 28 Apr 2024 | 01:21:34 | |
This week, we discuss two films from American director Samuel Fuller. The first is White Dog (1982), a drama/horror film based on Romain Gary's 1970 novel of the same name. The film depicts the struggle of a dog trainer named Keys (Paul Winfield), who is black, trying to retrain a stray dog found by a young actress (Kristy McNichol), that is a "white dog"—a dog trained to make vicious attacks upon, and to kill, any black person. The second is The Big Red One (1980), an epic war film starring Lee Marvin alongside an ensemble supporting cast, including Mark Hamill. Based on Fuller's own experiences as a soldier in World War II, it was produced independently on a low budget, and shot on location in Israel as a cost-saving measure.
Timestamps What we’ve been watching (00:01:05) – Curb Your Enthusiasm season twelve, Baby Reindeer, Blood Diamond, Paddington 1 & 2, The Gilded Age season two White Dog (00:22:00) The Big Red One (00:51:40) Coin toss (01:16:15)
Links Instagram - @callitfriendopodcast @munnywales @andyjayritchie
Letterboxd – @andycifpod @fat-tits mcmahon
Justwatch.com – streaming and rental links - https://www.justwatch.com
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| 42. Paths of Glory (1957) | 05 Jul 2021 | 01:13:59 | |
In this week’s episode, we discuss the 1957 Stanley Kubrick World War 1 film Paths of Glory. Based on the novel of the same name by Humphrey Cobb, the film depicts a group of French soldiers court-martialled for cowardice and the commanding officer who defends them. David Simon, creator of The Wire, cites the film as a major influence on his work due to its portrayal of backroom politics and “the tribulations of middle management”. The film stars Kirk Douglas as Colonel Dax and Timothy Carey, the unhinged character actor and Kubrick lucky charm, as Private Maurice Ferol.
Timestamps What We’ve Been Watching (00:01:04) Andy – Loki ep. 4 Donnchadh – Loki ep. 4, A Quiet Place, The Sweet Smell of Success, The Hateful Eight, Time
Paths of Glory (00:14:40)
Coin Toss – A Film Noir (01:11:20)
Links Instagram - @callitfriendopodcast @munnywales @andyjayritchie
Justwatch.com – streaming and rental links
The Notorious Timothy Carey – James Ellroy and Eddie Muller https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFZdHDOL7ko
The Greatest Character Actor of All Time – A Timothy Carey Documentary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rRODXRNaho
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| 41. The Rambo Franchise (1982-2019) | 28 Jun 2021 | 01:41:26 | |
In this week’s episode, we discuss all 5 films in the Rambo franchise. Starting from the origins of the character and the novel the first film was based on, we move through each part before focusing on the cast and plot of Rambo: Last Blood (2019). The fifth instalment in the Rambo series finds our hero in Mexico, taking on a gang of ruthless cartel pimps. The Rambo films, while generating impressive box office returns, have also racked up a whole host of Razzie nominations.
Timestamps What We’ve Been Watching (00:01:10) Andy – A Quiet Place Part II Donnchadh – Fatherhood, The Lady Eve, The Killing of Two Lovers, The Kings
This Week’s Films: (00:13:43)
First Blood (1982)
Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985)
Rambo III (1988)
Rambo (2008)
Rambo: Last Blood (2019)
Coin Toss – A War film (01:38:10)
Links Instagram - @callitfriendopodcast @munnywales @andyjayritchie
Justwatch.com – streaming and rental links
Tracy Morgan on morning TV
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| 40. Spirited Away (2001) | 21 Jun 2021 | 01:04:12 | |
In this week’s episode, we discuss Spirited Away (2001), the Studio Ghibli classic about a young girl transported to a land of spirits. The film, from visionary director Hayao Miyazaki, grossed just under $400 million worldwide and won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. Also, Roger Ebert gave the film 4 stars and added it to his “Great Movies” list.
Timestamps What We’ve Been Watching (00:00:58) Andy – Sir Alex Ferguson: Never Give In, We’re the Millers, Blockers Donnchadh – Rolling Thunder, The Return of Ringo, Columbo, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, The Dark Knight
This Week’s Film: Spirited Away (00:22:15)
Coin Toss – A Razzie Award Worst Picture Nominee (00:58:55)
Links Instagram - @callitfriendopodcast @munnywales @andyjayritchie
Justwatch.com – streaming and rental links
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| 39. Paddington 2 (2017) | 14 Jun 2021 | 01:30:42 | |
In this week’s episode, we discuss Paddington 2 (2017), directed by Paul King and co-written by King and actor Simon Farnaby. The film, which grossed $228 million, was famously very well-received, maintaining a 100% fresh rating on rottentomatoes.com for a record-breaking period. Apart from discussing Paddington 2, we also talk about: -Paul King’s background -His work on Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace and The Mighty Boosh -His debut film, Bunny and the Bull (2009) -The first Paddington film (2014)
Timestamps What We’ve Been Watching (00:00:55) Andy – The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part, Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa, Austin Powers in Goldmember, Edge of Tomorrow, War of the Worlds, Source Code, Time Lapse, Mythic Quest S02E06, Loki S01E01 Donnchadh – Loki S01E01, Shane, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, The Sopranos Season 4
Paul King’s career up to Paddington 2 (00:20:12)
This Week’s Film: Paddington 2 (00:44:06)
Coin Toss (01:26:52)
Links Instagram - @callitfriendopodcast @munnywales @andyjayritchie
Justwatch.com – streaming and rental links | |||
| 38. Prizzi's Honor (1985) | 07 Jun 2021 | 01:08:29 | |
In this week’s episode, we discuss Prizzi’s Honor (1985), the penultimate film directed by the late, great (friend of the show) John Huston. It stars Jack Nicholson and Kathleen Turner as two mob assassins in an unorthodox relationship. The film was well received at the time and garnered 8 Oscar nominations, with Anjelica Huston winning for Best Supporting Actress. *Spoilers* – We did not enjoy this film very much.
Timestamps What We’ve Been Watching (00:00:53) Andy – School of Rock, Geowizard – Attempting to cross Scotland in a completely straight line, Real Kashmir FC, The Pembrokeshire Murders Donnchadh – A United Kingdom, Batman Begins, Mare of Easttown Finale, The Man Who Would Be King.
This Week’s Film: Prizzi’s Honor (00:25:55)
Coin Toss (01:04:00)
Links Instagram - @callitfriendopodcast @munnywales @andyjayritchie
Justwatch.com – streaming and rental links
Lawrence Tierney – One Big Teddy Bear
Geowizard - Attempting to cross Scotland in a completely straight line | |||
| 37. The Devils (1971) | 31 May 2021 | 01:14:52 | |
In this week’s episode, we discuss The Devils (1971). The film is partly based on Aldous Huxley’s non-fiction novel The Devils of Loudun (1952). It stars Oliver Reed as Father Urbain Grandier, a womanising priest accused of heresy. The Devils is often considered director Ken Russell’s finest work. However, one notable critic of the film was Roger Ebert, who wrote a scathing zero-star review.
Timestamps What We’ve Been Watching (00:00:53) Andy – Broadchurch Season 1, Long Way Up, Altered States Donnchadh – Mare of Easttown, The Gentlemen, This Time with Alan Partridge, The Wire Season 2
This Week’s Film: The Devils (00:16:40)
Coin Toss (01:12:45)
Links Instagram - @callitfriendopodcast @munnywales @andyjayritchie
Justwatch.com – streaming and rental links
Oliver Reed drunk on Aspel | |||
| PSA - No episode this week | 24 May 2021 | 00:00:32 | |
Due to a series of recording mishaps, and Donnchadh's debilitating intravenous drug habit, we have been unable to complete an episode for this week. We will return next Monday with our discussion of Ken Russell's 1971 film, The Devils. | |||
| 36. West Side Story (1961) | 17 May 2021 | 00:58:19 | |
In this week’s episode, we discuss West Side Story (1961). The film is an adaptation of the Broadway musical of the same name created by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim. Based on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, the musical tells the story of Maria and Tony, two young lovers from opposing sides of a gang conflict between two New York City gangs, the Sharks and the Jets. The film went on to win 10 Academy awards including Best Picture and a remake, directed by Steven Spielberg, is due to be released in December 2021.
Timestamps What We’ve Been Watching/Reading (00:00:53) Andy – Invincible, The Coddling of the American Mind Donnchadh – Thor: The Dark World, Catastrophe, Hitch-22
This Week’s Film: West Side Story (00:11:18)
Coin Toss (00:55:43)
Links Instagram - @callitfriendopodcast @munnywales @andyjayritchie
Justwatch.com – streaming and rental links | |||
| 35. Crash (1996) | 10 May 2021 | 01:14:26 | |
In this week’s episode, we discuss Crash, the controversial 1996 David Cronenberg sex fest. The film, which caused a media uproar in several countries, depicts a group of characters who engage in a car crash fetish. Despite mixed reactions from critics, the film did win a Special Jury Prize at Cannes, much to the chagrin of jury president Francis Ford Coppola. Timestamps What We’ve Been Watching/Playing (00:00:55) Donnchadh – ZeroZeroZero, For All Mankind, Sharp Objects, Line of Duty, The Mitchells vs. the Machines, Judas and the Black Messiah Andy – Line of Duty, Mythic Quest, The Last of Us Part 2
This Week’s Film: Crash (00:21:20)
Coin Toss (01:11:10)
Links Instagram - @callitfriendopodcast @munnywales @andyjayritchie
Justwatch.com – streaming and rental links
Viggo Mortensen & David Cronenberg on CRASH | |||
| 34. Biutiful (2010) | 03 May 2021 | 00:58:38 | |
This week, we discuss Alejandro González Iñárritu’s 2010 film Biutiful, starring Javier Bardem. The film, a fairly grim tale, bridges the gap between the Death trilogy (Amores Perros, 21 Grams & Babel) and what came after (Birdman & The Revenant). Despite a mixed critical reception, the film received 2 Oscar nominations for Best Actor and Best Foreign Language Film. *** The podcast has a new format. From now on, we will only be discussing the film which wins the coin toss. If you would like to recommend a film for us to watch, please follow us on Instagram (@callitfriendopodcast) and send us a DM. *** Timestamps Listener Question (00:01:15) What was Peckinpah trying to say about women in his film Straw Dogs (1971)? (Includes spoilers)
What We’ve Been Watching (00:09:20) Donnchadh – Sing Street, Back to The Future, ZeroZeroZero, For All Mankind, Sharp Objects
This Week’s Film: Biutiful (00:12:30)
Coin Toss (00:56:32)
Links Instagram - @callitfriendopodcast @munnywales @andyjayritchie
Justwatch.com – streaming and rental links
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| 136. A Hero (2021) & Annette (2021) | 21 Apr 2024 | 01:36:33 | |
This week, we discuss two films which competed for the Palme d’Or in 2021. The first is A Hero (2021), an Iranian-French drama film written and directed by Asghar Farhadi and starring Amir Jadidi, Mohsen Tanabandeh and Sahar Goldoost. The film was screened at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival, ultimately winning the Grand Prix. The second is Annette (2021), a musical romantic drama film directed by Leos Carax in his English-language directorial debut. The film's story and music were co-written by Carax and the band Sparks. The film follows a stand-up comedian (Adam Driver) and his opera singer wife (Marion Cotillard), and how their lives are changed when they have their first child. At the 2021 Cannes Film Festival, Carax received the Best Director award.
Timestamps What we’ve been watching (00:01:10) – Civil War, The Beach, Spider-Man, Mr Inbetween season one, Tesis A Hero (00:28:45) Annette (01:00:45) Coin toss (01:30:15)
Links Instagram - @callitfriendopodcast @munnywales @andyjayritchie
Letterboxd – @andycifpod @fat-tits mcmahon
Justwatch.com – streaming and rental links - https://www.justwatch.com | |||
| 33. Blackhat (2015) & Collateral (2004) | 26 Apr 2021 | 01:23:33 | |
This week we discuss two films from American screenwriter and director Michael Mann. The first is Blackhat (2015), starring Thor himself, Chris Hemsworth, as a blackhat hacker named Hathaway. The film, Mann’s most recent, was a giant financial flop. The second is Collateral (2004), starring Jamie Foxx and Tom Cruise. An LA cabbie unwillingly drives an assassin around the city as he bumps off witnesses and key players in a cartel court case.
Timestamps What We’ve Been Watching/Playing (00:01:00) Andy – Hernán, The Last of Us Part 2 Donnchadh – The Shape of Water, Logan, Assault on Precinct 13, Jack Reacher, The Morning Show
Blackhat (00:10:00) Collateral (00:49:50)
Links Instagram - @callitfriendopodcast @munnywales @andyjayritchie
Justwatch.com – streaming and rental links
Collateral - Alleyway shootout breakdown
Wicked Wisdom and Will Smith rocking out | |||
| 32. The Irishman (2019) & Casino (1995) | 19 Apr 2021 | 01:24:32 | |
This week we discuss two critically acclaimed mafia films from one of cinema’s greats, Martin Scorsese. The first is The Irishman (2019), starring Robert De Niro, as mob hitman Frank Sheeran, and Al Pacino, as teamster president Jimmy Hoffa. The film, the budget of which allegedly spiralled to around the $250 million mark, was eventually acquired by Netflix and earned 10 Oscar nominations. The second is Casino (1995), starring Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci as Vegas mob men. This film, which was based on the real-life exploits of Lefty Rosenthal and Tony Spilotro, was somewhat overshadowed by another Scorsese mafia film released only a few years earlier, Goodfellas.
Timestamps What We’ve Been Watching (00:01:00) Andy – Hernán Donnchadh – Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, Thor, Mission Impossible: Fallout, Captain America: The First Avenger, The Avengers, Unforgotten Season 1, El Patrón, Iron Man 3
The Irishman (00:11:50) Casino (00:51:00)
Links Instagram - @callitfriendopodcast @munnywales @andyjayritchie
Justwatch.com – streaming and rental links
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| 31. Insomnia (1997) + (2002) & Pickpocket (1959) | 12 Apr 2021 | 01:06:32 | |
This week we discuss three films which are linked thematically to Crime and Punishment. The first and second are both versions of Insomnia. The (1997) original, directed by Erik Skjoldbjærg and starring Stellan Skarsgård, depicts a detective who is wracked with guilt after crossing a series of moral lines, leading to an extreme bout of insomnia. Christopher Nolan’s (2002) remake, starring Al Pacino and Robin Williams, see events relocated to Alaska and Nolan approaching the source material from a completely different angle. The third is Pickpocket (1959), a character study of a criminal, written and directed by Robert Bresson. The film is hailed as among Bresson’s finest work.
Timestamps What We’ve Been Watching (00:01:05) Andy – Unforgotten Season 4, Happy Valley Season 1, The Night Of, Falcon and Winter Soldier Ep. 3 Donnchadh – Falcon and Winter Soldier Ep. 3, Halloween, Halloween 2, Good Boys, Room, Prom Night, Bridge of Spies, The Pembrokeshire Murders
Insomnia (00:16:06) Pickpocket (00:43:30)
Links Instagram - @callitfriendopodcast @munnywales @andyjayritchie
Justwatch.com – streaming and rental links
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| 30. Touki Bouki (1973) & Scarecrow (1973) | 05 Apr 2021 | 01:07:06 | |
This week we discuss two films which were screened at the Cannes Film Festival in 1973. The first is Touki Bouki (1973), a Senegalese drama directed by Djibril Diop Mambéty. The film was restored in 2008 thanks to Martin Scorsese and the World Cinema Foundation. The second is Scarecrow (1973), starring Al Pacino and Gene Hackman. The film, although a box office bomb, shared the Grand Prix at Cannes.
Timestamps What We’ve Been Watching (00:01:00) Andy – Save Me, The Comedy Store, Baby Driver Donnchadh – Happy Valley, I Care A Lot, Night of The Living Dead, The Red Shoes, Iron Man 2 Touki Bouki (00:14:45) Scarecrow (00:35:00)
Links Instagram - @callitfriendopodcast @munnywales @andyjayritchie
Justwatch.com – streaming and rental links | |||
| 29. The Films of Cate Shortland - Somersault (2004), Lore (2012) & Berlin Syndrome (2017) | 29 Mar 2021 | 01:27:28 | |
This week we discuss the films of acclaimed Australian filmmaker Cate Shortland. The first is Somersault (2004), a coming-of-age drama starring Abbie Cornish and Sam Worthington. The film, set in the Australian ski resort of Jindabyne, is a beautifully shot, powerful insight into the life of an emotionally troubled young runaway and the men who she interacts with. The second is Lore (2012), a drama set in the final days of WW2. A young girl, and Hitler youth member, must take her siblings on a long journey across Germany aided by a young Jewish man. The film is based on Rachel Seiffert's 2001 novel The Dark Room. The final film is Berlin Syndrome (2017), a psychological horror/thriller set in the German capital. An Australian backpacker falls victim to an English teacher who imprisons her in his flat. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Melanie Joosten.
Timestamps What We’ve Been Watching (00:01:10) Andy – The Expanse Season 5, Save Me Season 1, Falcon and Winter Soldier Ep. 1 Donnchadh – Falcon and Winter Soldier Ep. 1, Servant Season 1/2, Snowtown Somersault (00:19:52) Lore (00:49:20) Berlin Syndrome (00:59:12)
Links Instagram - @callitfriendopodcast @munnywales @andyjayritchie
Justwatch.com – streaming and rental links
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| 28. The Year My Voice Broke (1987) & Wake in Fright (1971) | 22 Mar 2021 | 01:08:00 | |
This week we discuss two classic Australian films. The first is The Year My Voice Broke (1987), a coming-of-age tale written and directed by John Duigan. The film features early performances from Noah Taylor and Ben Mendelsohn and was followed by a sequel, Flirting (1991). The second is Wake in Fright (1971), starring Gary Bond and Donald Pleasence. This film tells the story of a young teacher trapped in an outback town who succumbs to a spiral of drink, gambling and general debauchery.
Timestamps What We’ve Been Watching (00:01:17) Donnchadh – Save Me / Save Me Too, Banshee Season 2, The West Wing The Year My Voice Broke (00:06:07) Wake in Fright (00:32:30)
Links Instagram - @callitfriendopodcast @munnywales @andyjayritchie
Justwatch.com – streaming and rental links The Year My Voice Broke 20th anniversary retrospective interviews | |||
| 27. Juwanna Mann (2002) & Dressed to Kill (1980) | 15 Mar 2021 | 01:02:15 | |
This week we discuss two films which feature male actors dressing as women. The first is Juwanna Mann (2002), a romantic comedy starring Miguel A. Núñez Jr and Vivica A. Fox. The film tells the story of Jamal Jeffries, a basketball player who, upon getting banned from the league, chooses to disguise himself as a woman, Juwanna Mann, to play on a fictional WNBA team. The second is Dressed to Kill (1980), starring Angie Dickinson, Michael Caine and Nancy Allen. The film, written and directed by Brian De Palma, acts as an inversion of the tropes of Psycho (1960) and has come under fire in recent times for its portrayal of a central trans character.
Timestamps What We’ve Been Watching (00:04:55) Andy – Wandavision Donnchadh – Wandavision, Ted Lasso, There’s Something About Mary, Blade, The Godfather Juwanna Mann (00:14:30) Dressed to Kill (00:37:30)
Links Instagram - @callitfriendopodcast @munnywales @andyjayritchie
Justwatch.com – streaming and rental links Dave Chappelle on Oprah https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lbFRYF-bbM De Palma interview | |||
| 26. Embrace of the Serpent (2015) & The Lost City of Z (2016) | 08 Mar 2021 | 01:09:18 | |
This week we discuss two films which feature explorers on journeys on the Amazon. The first is Embrace of the Serpent (2015), a story from the perspective of Karamakate, a native who interacts with two white explorers on their respective treks to find the elusive yakruna plant 30 years apart. The film was Colombia’s first ever Oscar nominee. The second is The Lost City of Z (2016), starring Charlie Hunnam and Robert Pattinson. The film, directed by James Gray, tells the story of Percy Fawcett, a British soldier who travelled to South America in search of a lost civilisation.
Timestamps Embrace of the Serpent (00:01:05) The Lost City of Z (00:29:15)
Links Instagram - @callitfriendopodcast @munnywales @andyjayritchie
Justwatch.com – streaming and rental links | |||
| 25. Beau Travail (1999) & High Life (2018) | 01 Mar 2021 | 01:15:24 | |
This week we discuss two films from acclaimed French filmmaker Claire Denis. The first is Beau Travail (1999), a loose adaptation of Herman Melville’s 1891 novella Billy Budd. The film centres on a group of French legionnaires serving in Djibouti. The second is High Life (2018), starring Robert Pattinson and Juliette Binoche. The film tells the story of a group of convicted death row inmates sent into space for the purposes of black hole experimentation.
Timestamps What We’ve Been Watching (00:01:08) Andy – Host, Patrice O’Neal: Killing is Easy, The Uncredited Extras Podcast Donnchadh – Yesterday, Banshee Season 2, Titanic, Me Myself & Irene Beau Travail (00:12:30) High Life (00:37:10)
Links Instagram - @callitfriendopodcast @munnywales @andyjayritchie
Justwatch.com – streaming and rental links | |||
| 24. The Bounty (1984) & The Mission (1986) | 22 Feb 2021 | 01:25:20 | |
This week we discuss two Historical epics written by legendary English screenwriter Robert Bolt. The first is The Bounty (1984), the 5th retelling of the famous mutiny on The Bounty committed to film. However, this version, starring Mel Gibson and Anthony Hopkins, purports to be the most faithful to real-life events. The second is The Mission (1986), starring Jeremy Irons and Robert De Niro. The film tells the story of Jesuit missionaries in South America who clash with Spanish and Portuguese colonial forces while trying to protect the native inhabitants. The film also features what is perhaps Ennio Morricone’s most celebrated score.
Timestamps The Bounty (00:13:40) The Mission (00:44:40)
Links Instagram - @callitfriendopodcast @munnywales @andyjayritchie
Justwatch.com – streaming and rental links | |||
| 135. Before the Rain (1994) & Farewell My Concubine (1993) | 14 Apr 2024 | 01:32:00 | |
This week, we discuss two highly acclaimed films from the 90s.
The first is Before the Rain (1994), a Macedonian war film written and directed by Milcho Manchevski and starring Katrin Cartlidge and Rade Šerbedžija. The film was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the 67th Academy Awards.
The second is Farewell My Concubine (1993), a Chinese-Hong Kong epic historical drama film directed by Chen Kaige and starring Leslie Cheung, Gong Li and Zhang Fengyi. The film won the Palme d’Or at Cannes in 1993 and was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars the following year. In 2005, the film was selected as one of the "100 Best Films in Global History" by Time magazine.
Timestamps
What we’ve been watching (00:01:40) – Slow Horses season three, The Zone of Interest, The King, The Three-Body Problem, Beethoven, Beethoven’s 2nd, Crime season one, Die Hard with a Vengeance, The Silence, Shaun of the Dead, De Palma, Went the Day Well?, The Man in Grey, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire
Before the Rain (00:41:30)
Farewell My Concubine (00:57:30)
Coin toss (01:27:40)
Links
Instagram -
@callitfriendopodcast
@munnywales
@andyjayritchie
Letterboxd –
@andycifpod
@fat-tits mcmahon
Justwatch.com – streaming and rental links - https://www.justwatch.com | |||
| 23. The Rider (2017) & Nomadland (2020) | 15 Feb 2021 | 01:25:07 | |
This week we discuss two Neo-Westerns directed by Chinese American filmmaker Chloé Zhao. The first is The Rider (2017), a semi-fictionalised account of former bronc rider Brady Jandreau. With a cast of real people playing themselves, Zhao captures an honest depiction of life in rural South Dakota, and of a man dealing with the effects of a life-altering accident. The second is Nomadland (2020), starring Frances McDormand as Fern, a widow who chooses to take up a life on the road living out of a van. The film has received much critical acclaim, garnering 4 Golden Globe nominations, and is a clear Oscar contender.
Timestamps The Rider (00:07:10) Nomadland (00:33:30) John Spillane’s review of Birth (01:12:55)
Links Instagram - @callitfriendopodcast @munnywales @andyjayritchie @thejohnspillane
Lane Scott video –
Rolling Stone article –
Trey Parker & Matt Stone on Sean Penn –
Justwatch.com – streaming and rental links | |||
| 22. Locked Down (2021) & Synchronic (2019) | 08 Feb 2021 | 01:02:03 | |
This week we discuss two films released on VOD in 2021. The first is Locked Down (2021), a film written, filmed and released during the COVID-19 pandemic. It stars Chiwetel Ejiofor and Anne Hathaway as a couple who plan a heist at Harrods during lockdown. The second is Synchronic (2019), Aaron Moorhead and Justin Benson’s low budget time travel film about one man’s quest to find and rescue his friend’s daughter. The film stars Anthony Mackie and Jamie Dornan.
Timestamps Locked Down (00:04:30) Synchronic (00:33:50)
Links Justwatch.com – streaming and rental links
Instagram - @callitfriendopodcast @munnywales @andyjayritchie | |||
| 21. Birth (2004) & Destroyer (2018) | 01 Feb 2021 | 01:14:13 | |
This week we discuss two films starring Nicole Kidman in two extremely different roles. The first is Birth (2004), Jonathan Glazer’s second feature and follow-up to Sexy Beast. In the film, a widow meets a ten-year-old boy who claims to be the reincarnation of her dead husband, leading to more than a few uncomfortable moments. The second is Destroyer (2018), directed by Karyn Kusama and starring Nicole Kidman as you’ve never seen her before. Kidman earned a Golden Globe nomination for her performance as Detective Erin Bell.
Timestamps Birth (00:09:30) Destroyer (00:43:10)
Links Justwatch.com – streaming and rental links
Safdie Brothers / Paul Thomas Anderson A24 Podcast
Vickers Tactical YouTube – Larry at the movies | |||
| 20. Dheepan (2015) & Rust and Bone (2012) | 25 Jan 2021 | 01:30:22 | |
This week we discuss two films, both excellent character studies, from award-winning French director Jacques Audiard. The first is Dheepan (2015), the story of a makeshift family of 3 Tamil refugees relocated to a tough housing estate in France. The film, inspired by Sam Peckinpah’s Straw Dogs, won the Palme d’Or at Cannes. The second is Rust and Bone (2012), based on the short story collection of the same name by Canadian Author Craig Davidson. The film meshes 2 of the short stories together, with a down on his luck boxer befriending an Orca trainer who experiences a life-changing injury.
Timestamps Dheepan (00:09:35) Rust and Bone (00:57:00)
Links Justwatch.com – streaming and rental links
Marion Cotillard and Matthias Schoenaerts interview https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWmJEqKvkts
Trentemoller – State Trooper Remix | |||
| 19. The Year of Living Dangerously (1982) & The Mosquito Coast (1986) | 18 Jan 2021 | 01:30:19 | |
This week we discuss two films from acclaimed Australian director Peter Weir released in the 1980s. The first is The Year of Living Dangerously (1982), which gives a semi-fictionalised insight into some of the events leading up to the attempted communist coup in Indonesia in 1965. The second is The Mosquito Coast (1986), based on the novel by travel writer Paul Theroux, which follows Harrison Ford as a troubled genius inventor who leads his family into peril in the jungles of Central America.
Timestamps The Year of Living Dangerously (00:11:20) The Mosquito Coast (00:50:45)
Links Justwatch.com – streaming and rental links Whores of Leith | |||
| 18. The Films of S. Craig Zahler - Bone Tomahawk (2015), Brawl in Cell Block 99 (2017) & Dragged Across Concrete (2018) | 11 Jan 2021 | 01:40:31 | |
This week we discuss the filmography of genre director S. Craig Zahler and delve into all 3 of his films in chronological order. The first is Bone Tomahawk (2015), a gritty, ultraviolent western where a group of cowboys and lawmen face off against a bloody-thirsty tribe of cave-dwelling mutants. The second is Brawl in Cell Block 99 (2017), an even grittier and more ultraviolent tale of a man who fights his way through 2 prisons worth of guards and thugs. The third is Dragged Across Concrete (2018), a buddy cop heist film with the slow pacing of a novel. Grittiness and ultraviolence also feature.
Timestamps Bone Tomahawk (00:11:05) Brawl in Cell Block 99 (00:54:30) Dragged Across Concrete (01:02:15)
Links Justwatch.com – streaming and rental links
Scroobius Pip / S. Craig Zahler Podcast
The Making of Bone Tomahawk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEDPbOeupEE
Scott Tobias Article – The Director Who Doesn’t Care What You Think of His Movies | |||
| 17. Topsy Turvy (1999) & Vera Drake (2004) | 04 Jan 2021 | 01:29:06 | |
This week we discuss two Mike Leigh period films which examine vastly different areas of British culture. The first is Topsy Turvy (1999), which depicts Gilbert and Sullivan’s tumultuous creative process in bringing their acclaimed operetta, The Mikado, to the stage. The second is Vera Drake (2004), a hard-hitting look into the life of a working-class housewife in 1950s London who performs backstreet abortions.
Timestamps Topsy Turvy (00:07:25) Vera Drake (00:42:35)
Links Justwatch.com – streaming and rental links
A Deadly Trade – Jennifer Worth https://www.theguardian.com/film/2005/jan/06/health.healthandwellbeing
Arab Strap – Pro Your Life
A Sense of History (Mike Leigh, 1992) | |||
| 16. Zardoz (1974) & Time Bandits (1981) | 28 Dec 2020 | 01:12:02 | |
This week we discuss two works of imagination from the 70s and 80s. The first is Zardoz, John Boorman’s 1974 follow up to the very successful Deliverance. In contrast to the film which preceded it, Zardoz was not well received by viewers or critics of the time. The second is Time Bandits, a 1981 fantasy adventure from Terry Gilliam and fellow python Michael Palin. An early entry in Gilliam’s directorial career, Time Bandits bears all the hallmarks of his surrealist take on the world.
Timestamps Zardoz (00:00:50) Time Bandits (00:36:10)
Links Justwatch.com – streaming and rental links | |||
| 15. The Bad News Bears (1976) & The Candidate (1972) | 21 Dec 2020 | 01:11:41 | |
This week we go back to the 1970s for 2 films from American filmmaker Michael Ritchie. The first is The Bad News Bears, a 1976 baseball comedy that set the blueprint for a lot of films to follow. An alcoholic coach, played by Walter Matthau, has to corral a group of young misfits and mould them into a winning team. The second is The Candidate, a 1972 political comedy drama that leans far more to the drama side of things. This film, starring Robert Redford, won the academy award for best original screenplay in 1973.
Timestamps The Bad News Bears (00:00:50) The Candidate (00:31:25)
Links Justwatch.com – streaming and rental links | |||
| 14. Fanny and Alexander (1982) & Let the Right One In (2008) | 14 Dec 2020 | 01:26:12 | |
This week sees a return to Scandinavia as we take on 2 highly acclaimed Swedish films. The first is Fanny and Alexander, the 1982 film which marked the end of Ingmar Bergman’s illustrious career as a director. This period drama gives an insight both into how Swedish high society lived at the start of the 20th century, and into some of the issues Bergman faced in his relationship with his father. The second is Let the Right One In, Tomas Alfredson’s 2008 romantic horror story about a young boy and the vampire he falls in love with. The film is an adaptation of the 2004 novel of the same title by John Ajvide Lindqvist.
Timestamps Fanny and Alexander (00:07:05) Let the Right One In (00:42:40)
Links Justwatch.com – streaming and rental links | |||
| 134. The Silent Partner (1978) & Capricorn One (1977) | 24 Mar 2024 | 01:53:06 | |
This week, we discuss two films from the 1970s starring Elliott Gould.
The first is The Silent Partner (1978), a 1978 Canadian thriller film directed by Daryl Duke and starring Elliott Gould, Christopher Plummer, and Susannah York.
The second is Capricorn One (1977), a 1977 British-produced American thriller film in which a reporter discovers that a supposed Mars landing by a crewed mission to the planet has been faked via a conspiracy involving the government and—under duress—the crew themselves.
Timestamps
What we’ve been watching (00:01:05) – American Fiction, The Jinx, Drive-Away Dolls, JFK
The Silent Partner (00:28:10)
Capricorn One (01:05:20)
Coin toss (01:45:50)
Links
Instagram -
@callitfriendopodcast
@munnywales
@andyjayritchie
Letterboxd –
@andycifpod
@fat-tits mcmahon
Justwatch.com – streaming and rental links - https://www.justwatch.com
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| 13. Apostle (2018) & Gerald's Game (2017) | 07 Dec 2020 | 01:27:04 | |
This week, we watched two horror films produced by Netflix. In both cases, the streaming giant gave their talented, up-and-coming directors carte blanche and complete creative control. The results were mixed. The first is Apostle, Gareth Evans’s 2018 period horror, a big departure from the Indonesian martial arts films with which he built his reputation. The second is Gerald’s Game, Mike Flanagan’s 2017 attempt to adapt a Stephen King novel previously thought to be unfilmable. Both films can be found worldwide on Netflix.
Timestamps Apostle (00:00:45) Gerald’s Game (00:42:00) | |||
| 12. Incendies (2010) & A Separation (2011) | 30 Nov 2020 | 01:31:30 | |
This week we watched two frankly outstanding, critically acclaimed dramas showing two completely different sides of the Middle East. The first is Incendies, Denis Villeneuve’s 2010 harrowing tale of twins who journey to an unnamed Middle Eastern country to learn more about their late mother’s life. The second is A Separation, Asghar Farhadi’s 2011 Oscar-winning courtroom drama, which gives the viewer a fascinating insight into the lives of a middle-class couple in Iran as they go through a divorce.
Timestamps Incendies (00:00:45) A Separation (00:57:00)
Links Justwatch.com – streaming and rental links | |||
| 11. The Conversation (1974) & Klute (1971) | 23 Nov 2020 | 01:34:03 | |
Thankfully back to narrative features this week, and very good ones no less, as we dip into the 1970s for a couple of Oscar-nominated thrillers. The first is The Conversation, Francis Ford Coppola’s 1974 slow-burn surveillance tale, starring Gene Hackman. The second is Klute, Alan J Pakula’s 1971 starting point to his paranoia trilogy, starring Donald Sutherland and Jane Fonda.
Timestamps The Conversation (00:00:45) Klute (00:53:15)
Links The Orb – Fluffy Little Clouds
Considering Cazale
Jane Fonda Oscar Speech
Wild Mountain Thyme Trailer
Justwatch.com – streaming and rental links | |||