That 70s Movie Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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This week on That '70s Movie Podcast, Jonathan and Michael had a worry-free conversation about the 1975 Robert Altman classic, "Nashville." We were joined by Northwestern University Communications Studies professor Heather Hendershot, who is the author of a recent BFI book on the movie.

While Jonathan and Heather had nothing but praise for a film widely considered Altman's masterpiece, Michael took issue with "Nashville's" slow pacing and languid plotting. Where we did agree is on the brilliance of Lily Tomlin's performance, our appreciation for Haven Hamilton, and how effectively the film captures America at a crossroads as the country prepared to celebrate its bicentennial. 

So for the sake of the children, give this episode a listen, because, after all, you can never get enough of That '70s Movie Podcast!

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This week on That '70s Movie Podcast, Michael and Jonathan go to the bank on the 1973 classic "The Friends of Eddie Coyle."

We had nothing but praise for this film's naturalistic feel, top-tier location work, razor-sharp pacing, and outstanding acting performances. In particular, we loved Robert Mitchum's lead role, but also went to bat for Richard Jordan and Peter Boyle. 

We talked about the enduring influence of Eddie Coyle on other filmmakers and wondered whether the reason this movie didn't get as much attention when it came out was that, in an era of great filmmaking, it didn't necessarily stand out!

So watch out for pigeons, don't get your hand slammed in the desk drawer, and join us for our conversation about a true New Hollywood classic!

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This week on That '70s Movie Podcast, Jonathan and I get on board with the 1974 classic "The Taking of Pelham 1-2-3." Is this a great film, a terrific film, or is it a miracle? Is it the best New York City movie ever? We also talk about the 2009 remake and ask, "Should great movies ever get remade?"

So bring your Kleenex, set your watches, and stand clear of the closing doors!

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In our latest episode, Jonathan and I discuss "Five Easy Pieces" and ask: Is this the prototypical 70s movie? Is Bobby Dupea a loner or just a fraidy cat? Is this Jack Nicholson's best performance? Come join us, and please bring your own toast because we don't have any here!

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Michael and Jonathon dig deep on one of the classics of American cinema, 'Taxi Driver," and ask how much of what we see in the movie is real ... or is happening in the mind of Travis Bickle.

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Check out the inaugural episode of That '70s Movie Podcast as we dig into one of the great movies of the decade -- "All The President's Men." 

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This week on That '70s Movie Podcast, Michael and Jonathan put on their platform shoes, don their favorite sequined shirts, and turn on the strobe lights for a spirited conversation about the 1977 film "Looking For Mr. Goodbar," starring Diane Keaton (RIP).

In this episode, we heap praise on Keaton, not only for her bravura performance in this film but also for her courageous artistic choices and growth as an actor. 

We reached less consensus on Looking For Mr. Goodbar's occasionally muddled social and political messages. We disagreed on whether Goodbar has a pro-feminist slant or is a regressive film that ducks hard questions -- especially in its choice of villains.

But give it a listen and tell us what you think!

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This week on That '70s Movie Podcast, Jonathan and Michael are joined by Tom Schaller, political scientist and movie nerd, for a conversation about the 1974 mystery thriller "The Conversation."

We talked about why this movie is perhaps the prototypical 1970s New Hollywood film. We discussed Francis Ford Coppola's A+ directing, but also his uneven movie career. We touched on Gene Hackman's GOAT-level filmography, the extraordinary sound design of this movie, and the metaphor that is Harry Caul's Transparent Raincoat.

So put on your headphones, pull up the floorboards, and give this one a listen!

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This week on That '70s Movie Podcast, Jonathan and Michael bring to life the 1974 comedy classic "Young Frankenstein."

In this episode, we discussed our favorite film comedies and why, in general, comedy often doesn't receive the same critical respect as other genres of film. We praised the performances of Cloris Leachman, Madeline Kahn, Peter Boyle, Marty Feldman, and, above all, Gene Wilder. We also talked about the sometimes uneven movie output of director Mel Brooks - and why this might be his most beautiful film.

Of course, we picked our favorite scenes from the movie, such as "Could be worse. It could be raining," and "I was going to make espresso," to "Sedagive," "Abby Normal," and "He was my boyfriend."

So take a roll in the hay and watch out for werewolves as we go deep on "Young Frankenstein."

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This week on That '70s Movie Podcast, Michael and Jonathan take the plunge on the 1974 paranoid thriller, "The Parallax View."

We discussed the brilliance of the movie's look and feel, its expert direction and cinematography, but also its occasionally glaring plot holes. We critiqued Warren Beatty's performance in the lead role, talked about whether we're more unsettled by the Parallax Corporation's personality test or its film montages, and asked if the film's hired killers are trying to get caught.

So come down from the catwalks (though don't run to the light) ... and join us!

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