Explore every episode of the podcast Houselights: A Film Director Podcast

"Nixon" is a film that, much like its subject, is complex, ambitious, and polarizing. Oliver Stone’s direction and Anthony Hopkins’ performance elevate the film, making it a compelling watch for those interested in American politics and history. However, its sprawling narrative and occasional lapses into historical embellishment may not sit well with all viewers. Ultimately, "Nixon" is a mixed bag—a film that offers a deep, if sometimes uneven, exploration of one of America’s most enigmatic presidents. Whether it succeeds or falters depends largely on the viewer’s tolerance for Stone’s unique brand of filmmaking.

JFK is as fascinating as it is a flawed film. It raises important questions and challenges viewers to think critically about the official narratives they have been told. However, its tendency to prioritize dramatic effect over factual accuracy can be troubling, making it a polarizing experience. JFK is a riveting watch for those who can appreciate its artistic and narrative ambitions, but it’s not a film to be taken at face value.

​“Da 5 Bloods” is a film with noble intentions and some truly powerful moments, but it doesn’t always hit the mark. It’s a mixed bag that will resonate with viewers who appreciate its historical context and social commentary, but may leave others feeling unsatisfied with its uneven pacing and narrative complexity. It’s a Spike Lee joint that sparks conversation, but it might not stand out as one of his most memorable works.

1993’s Philadelphia was intended to make audiences examine their assumptions and perspectives about the homosexual community and the AIDS crisis. It opened to general accolades, won numerous awards, and changed Tom Hanks’ career trajectory. But is there merit to the criticisms that lauded its goals but found it heavy-handed and slow?

Michael Mann’s adaptation of Thomas Harris’ Red Dragon, Manhunter, was a box office bomb. Regardless, it’s gone on to hold a place of special reverence and influence for film fans and filmmakers alike. What is it that has made Manhunter such an enduring cult hit after so many years?

Critical and audience reception aside, 2001’s “Hannibal” was a massive success. Producers took the hint and went back to the original book to create a prequel so Hopkins could play Lecter one more time alongside Ralph Fiennes and Ed Norton. Is this prequel a worthy addition to the Lecter oeuvre or a slavishly uninspired adaptation?

Eager to capitalize on the enduring legacy of Silence of the Lambs, filmmakers tapped Ridley Scott to helm a sequel ten years after Anthony Hopkins captured the filmgoing imagination as Hannibal Lecter. After 15 drafts and Jodi Foster bowing out, did we get a misfire or a new masterpiece?

Released in 1991 and turning Sir Anthony Hopkins into a household name, The Silence of the Lambs remains a cultural landmark of filmmaking with an influence that’s lasted decades. Houselights starts its 1990s Demme retrospective with the essential question: Does it still resonate, or is it a great work “for its time”?

​500 years after Christopher Columbus helmed a famous voyage to the "New World," studios saw the potential for boffo box office by releasing movies to re-memorialize the anniversary. One of two competing films to flop spectacularly, does 1492 sail away with our respect as a work, or does it sink under the weight of its own pretensions?

2021’s The Last Duel was Ridley Scott’s star-studded foray back into historical epics and it was greeted with general acclaim by critics. But theatrical releases still finding their way out of lockdowns and mixed-up marketing hurt its chances to find an audience. Houselights examines this Medieval tale to see if a new release is in order, or if some battles are best left to the past.

Originally receiving mixed reviews, 2005’s Kingdom of Heaven found new life with a 2006 Director’s Cut. Orlando Bloom anchors this tale set during the 12th Century Crusades exploring the ethical paradoxes which faith and duty sometimes pose. Houselights revisits the director’s cut and asks, were audiences cheated with the original release...or spared?

Loosely inspired by Rome at the end of the Pax Romana, 2000’s seminal crowd-pleaser Gladiator defined Russell Crowe’s career and remains a benchmark for sword-and-sandal epics. Audiences cheered the heroism of a reluctant hero challenging a mad ruler, but does this film echo in eternity or fade with the passage of time?

Using state-of-the-art visual effects and 3-D immersion, Ridley Scott brings new life to the story of defiant leader Moses as he rises up against the Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses II, setting 600,000 slaves on a monumental journey of escape from Egypt and its terrible cycle of deadly plagues.

In our latest podcast episode, we delve into the provocative and timely film, **BlacKkKlansman**, directed by the ever-bold Spike Lee. This true-story adaptation follows Ron Stallworth, an African-American detective who infiltrates the Ku Klux Klan. With performances that are as compelling as the narrative, the film navigates the complexities of race, identity, and America's tumultuous history with a blend of satire, drama, and unflinching honesty. Lee's direction ensures that while the film is set in the past, its themes resonate loudly in today's society. Our discussion explores the film's layered storytelling, standout performances, and its ability to balance humor with the gravity of its message. Tune in to hear our full review and thoughts on this significant cinematic piece.

Houselights missed one!

Joe Dante directed "The Howling" in 1981 and so his first film of the 80s is our last. This movie was a financial success and spawned several sequels. But does this connect with the modern audience?

Joe Dante closed out the 1980s with "The 'Burbs," a sendup of suburban life and sensibilities with Tom Hanks still in his comic acting phase, starring as an average man pushed to the brink by suspicions about his new neighbors. With three filmed endings, and an all-star cast, is The ‘Burbs a cult classic or a misfire?

Featuring the charm of Dennis Quaid and Meg Ryan and the comedy stylings of Martin Short, Joe Dante’s sci-fi comedy Innerspace spins the concept of Fantastic Voyage into a caper about secret government technology. More than 3 decades later, is it still fun to inject this romp into the Blu-Ray player?

One year after Gremlins, Joe Dante delivered a loving homage to the spirit of invention and imagination with the decidedly kid-friendly Explorers. Starring the up-and-coming Ethan Hawke and River Phoenix, does its loving homage to 1950s sci-fi still resonate?

Joe Dante’s Gremlins became a phenomenon and merchandising gold mine, but generated enough controversy that it helped give birth to PG-13 as a rating in the US. Does it hold up as a movie nearly 40 years later, or does it find itself trapped in a cocoon of 80s sensibilities?

One of John Candy’s signature roles, Uncle Buck was the penultimate work of John Hughes’ directing career. While a broad comedy like his earliest works, does it reflect a more mature outlook on life and responsibility?

One of John Hughes’ lesser-known works, She’s Having a Baby remains a useful choice in any game of Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon. Looking at how pregnancy changes the dynamic of a couple, is there a reason this one is the forgotten work of a highly-regarded director?

Looking to break away from high school adventure stories, John Hughes wrote and directed a story fictionalizing something he knew from his ad agency life: the commute home from New York to Chicago. Steve Martin and John Candy journey together in a story many regard as one of the best comedies ever made.

Matthew Broderick became a household name thanks to John Hughes’ fantasy tale of a high school boy who can’t lose no matter what brash choices he makes. Acting as a love letter to the city of Chicago, does the film still resonate?

John Hughes returns to raunchy adult comedy with teenage boys as the focus, their libidos powering a strange experiment that brings a sexual fantasy to life. Is it a step forward, or a cynical step back?

“25th Hour” is a powerful exploration of human emotions, regrets, and the choices that shape our lives. Spike Lee’s vision shines through, even when navigating David Benioff’s adaptation of his own novel. If you’re looking for a thought-provoking and intense cinematic experience, this film won’t disappoint.

Perhaps John Hughes’ signature work, the story of several high school malcontents in detention struggling to understand each other and themselves has remained a cultural touchstone for decades. Does it hold up for modern audiences, or is its reputation a mirage of nostalgia?

With his first film, John Hughes exploded onto the scene, not just capturing but shaping the zeitgeist of 1980s teen cinema. Houselights looks back on a film awash in nostalgia but regarded as problematic in execution, and debates what value there is within.

Released 21 days after The Thomas Crown Affair, this adaptation of Michael Crichton’s Eaters of the Dead starred Antonio Banderas and caused Omar Sharif to temporarily retire in disappointment. A big-budget bomb, Houselights closes out the House of McTiernan to ask, “Is this an overlooked gem?”

Starring Pierce Brosnan and Rene Russo, this remake of Norman Jewison’s 1968 film was looking to be a surefire hit in the summer of 1999. But there was, fittingly, a twist only M. Night Shyamalan could write: Another box office sensation waiting to undercut John McTiernan’s latest.

Searching for a hit and retooling a good script, John McTiernan reteamed with Bruce Willis to salve the let-down of Harlin’s Die Hard 2 with "Die Hard with a Vengeance". Attaching Sam Jackson and Jeremy Irons, did they create new magic or dilute the memory of an action classic?

Grab your magic ticket and break the 4th wall to revisit Arnold Schwarzenneger flexing his muscles and clout to make a star-studded action-comedy, helmed by John McTiernan. Powered by high-profile talent and one of the biggest box-office draws ever...what could go wrong?

Houselights goes off the beaten path to discover Sean Connery in John McTiernan's film "Medicine Man." Did they discover a lost classic full of chemistry or a ruinous rainforest excursion?

Houselights enters the House of McTiernan with his work from the 90s. The classic "The Hunt for Red October," is first up and we ask that you give us one ping only, please.

In Houselights final Tim Burton film of the 90s, we travel to the town of "Sleepy Hollow."

A creepy and genuinely funny movie with a powerhouse of cast makes this a go-to every Halloween.

Listen to our take.

This week, Houselights discusses Tim Burton's "Mars Attacks!"

Does this homage to B-movie sci-fi films of the past hold up or should it have never left the 90s?

Join us on this episode of Houselights as we delve into Spike Lee's film Malcolm X. Our hosts explore Denzel Washington's riveting performance, historical accuracy, and its lasting impact on American cinema and culture. 

Tim Burton's "Ed Wood" is beloved by critics but was a massive box office failure. The opening credits cost more than the original Ed Wood's "Plan 9."

@DrScifi, @kesseljunkie, and @TheInsaneRobin take a look at this film about bad films.

The last Houselights episode of 2021 discusses the superhero Christmas classic "Batman Returns."

Tim Burton's final directorial outing with Batman is extremely polarizing in the fanbase.

Where is it in your rankings? Listen to our take.

Merry Christmas Eve Eve to all! And what better way to celebrate than listening to Houselights' podcast about the holiday tale of Edward Scissorhands.

@drscifi @kesseljunkie & @theinsanerobin are going to spend the next several weeks exploring 90s Tim Burton. So prepare for things to get asymmetrical.

Houselights' last Alex Proyas #film is "Dark City."

A bizarre film that doesn't spoon-feed the audience and shares a lot of themes with and gets overshadowed by #TheMatrix.

Does this earn its cult status or should it be left in the 90s?

The Crow - A dark avenger with an avian chaperone. Our next chapter of Houselights is with Alex Proyas as we go way back to the 90s and discuss this cult classic and, of course, its soundtrack.

How do you feel about the film this many years later?

Kiki's Delivery Service is our last Miyazaki film on Houselights. @drscifi took a broom, @kesseljunkie flew a dirigible, and @theisanerobin just hailed a cab to Koriko.

Listen to us talk about how we liked Kiki and even how some of our kids did.

My Neighbor Totoro could be Miyazaki's most beloved work. It's even the logo of Studio Ghibli. So how does it hold up after this many years and what is it like to new viewers?

Listen to Houselights to find out.

In our second outing with #Miyazaki, Castle in the Sky features kids with a magic crystal racing against pirates in a search for a legendary floating castle. Listen to hear the Houselights take on this #animation classic.

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind is beloved by many and the film that is considered to kickoff Miyazaki's Studio Ghibli.

Does this anime transcend the genre or is it only for niche fans? Listen to hear our take on Houselights.

"The Rainmaker" finishes out our 90s Coppola segment and from there we move on to 80s Miyazaki!

But before that happens listen to @kesseljunkie and @drscifi talk this oft-forgotten legal drama.

"Do the Right Thing" is a cultural touchstone that remains as relevant today as it was upon its release. Its portrayal of racial tensions, systemic injustice, and the power of community is both a reflection of its time and a prescient commentary on contemporary issues. Spike Lee’s ability to provoke thought and conversation through his art makes "Do the Right Thing" a vital piece of American cinema.

Robin Williams embodied childlike wonder but do you remember when he did it literally? Francis Ford Coppola wanted to work with his friend and so they made it happen with "Jack." Many have criticized the movie over the years but Coppola stands by it.

Where do you land on 1996's Jack? Listen to hear us talk behind the scenes and more.

Coppola's Dracula is a ... unique experience. Whether you love it or hate it, you have to admit that it has a distinct style.

How do you feel about his interpretation this many years later? Nostalgic hit or tragic mess? Listen to our take.

Houselights swing back to Francis Ford Coppola and tackle the 90s. First up, Godfather Part III, specifically the recut made in 2020.

Does his recut of the film enhance the experience or does nothing cover up Sofia Coppola?

Listen to find out.