The Front Row Network

Join the Front Row Flashbacks as we get the opportunity to interview David Weiner. He is the director of the critically acclaimed documentary In Search of Darkness Part I as well as it's sequel In Search of Darkness Part II, which focuses on the history of 1980's horror movies. Weiner is currently working on another documentary titled In Search of Tomorrow, which will give viewers a deep dive into...

Not throwing away our shot! In honor of the release of the Disney+ original series Big Shot we are thrilled to bring you our interview with Jessalyn Gilsig. Jessalyn is a prolific actor in television and film having been on screen in iconic shows such as Nip/Tuck, Glee, Vikings, Boston Public and more. We speak to her about her acting career, asking some specific listener questions about her role...

It's that time of year again! We love us some brackets at The Front Row and this year's was a lot of fun. Join us as we crown the Greatest One-Hit Wonder of all time!! Panel – Lou & Donna Hare, Tiffany Topol, Patrick Tierney & Megan Hoinkes FIND US ON Patreon!  patreon.com/frontrownetwork  FIND US ON NPR ILLINOIS!  https://www.nprillinois.org/programs/front-row-network FIND US ON FACEBOOK –  https...

Front Row Classics welcomes film historian and author, Jeremy Arnold for our first episode in April. He is the author of both volumes of Turner Classic Movies'  The Essentials: 52 Must-See Movies and Why They Matter . In the interview, we discuss what makes a film essential along with the many ingredients. Brandon and Eric also ask Jeremy's opinions on several specific films covered in both books....

It's Wrestlemania week! Edge may be in the Main Event this weekend, but he's in an even more prestigious spot, as the subject of this month's Guilty Pleasures! We watched 2020's Money Plane. Where does it rank on Edge's list of accomplishments? And what the hell is Kelsey Grammer doing here? Let's get into it! Guests – Dr. John Bowser, Aaron Randolph III FIND US ON Patreon!  patreon.com/frontrowne...

Jesse David Fox, Senior Editor of Vulture and host of Good One podcast was kind enough to take some time to talk to Larry about the curse of needing to be correct, comedy "booms," and the phenomenon that is people's relationship with Saturday Night Live. FEATURING: Larry Smith (@poundsmith2) Don't forget to follow/reach us at: Website:  www.nprillinois.org/programs/front-row-network Twitter:  @fro...

Join the Front Row Network as we give another Full Disclosure, this time on the Earth-shattering Godzilla vs Kong. Cinema's kings of kaiju come back to the big screen five decades after their first encounter to see who the true king of the monsters is. The Full Disclosures team gives a brief historical run down of everyone's favorite monsters, as well as our personal history with these characters....

One. Hundred. Episodes! Thrilled… Honored… Grateful… So many words can be used to describe our feeling as we release our 100th episode. It's such a special treat that we were able to speak about one of our favorite movies with three men who brought it to the screen. We invite back to the podcast, Kevin Lima, who not only directed A Goofy Movie but also is such an inspiration to our show. We are jo...

We're a year into the pandemic and we've all found creative ways to share our movie experiences. Three of our Front Row contributors have found a way to stay connected and share movies they love. Join Craig, Anna and Brandon as they recount the past year of long-distance movie viewing each Friday night. You'll find movies of almost every genre represented in the conversation. We hope it inspires y...

Join us on our Oscar Spotlight- Full Disclosure breakdown of the critically acclaimed Nomadland. This movie has been on a tear during the movie award season, winning loads of awards with its minimalist approach. While this movie has been a critical darling, it has been divisive amongst the Front Row Network hosts. Give this episode a listen and see what side of the experience you fall. Featuring:...

Happy St. Patrick's Day!! We are heading off to Ireland, or at least John Patrick Shanley's version of it, to talk about Wild Mountain Thyme. Lou & Tiff get into Irish accents, talking to animals, and whatever Christopher Walken is doing, then we bring in Donna and try to explain the insane ending to this otherwise straight-forward love story. Featuring – Lou Hare, Tiffany Topol & Donna Hare   FIN...

Front Row Flashbacks is travelling around the world covering centuries of battles between immortals who must decapitate one another to become the final immortal! Will it be Connor McCloud, the titular Highlander, or will it be the barbarian bred for battle, The Kurgan? Join us as we talk about one of the definitive cult cinema classics, which spawned five sequels, an anime movie, two television sh...

The Front Row Flashbacks team is giving you an episode of Full Disclosure on Promising Young Woman. This movie is loaded with heavy emotions while taking a complex look at the nature of the sexual assault issues that have been brought to the fore front of discussion over the last decade in our country. Join us as we discuss this movie that hits on heavy subject matter while also being extremely re...

The Beyond the Mouse crew takes over Full Disclosure as they share all their thoughts about the new film, Raya and the Last Dragon. Prior to talking spoilers the crew takes on the number one question they were asked, is this worth $30 on Disney+ Premier Access. So, if you've been wondering that question, they may have your answer.  Featuring: Craig McFarland, Brett Rutherford and Vanessa Ferguson...

Phillip Kennedy Johnson is the Eisner-nominated comic writer behind original comics like the popular The Last God series and Warlords of Appalachia. He has also worked on numerous super hero series such as Aquaman, Captain America, and Marvel Zombies Resurrection. Kennedy will be taking the lead on the King Daddy of super heroes with his run on Superman and Action Comics starting this month. He is...

It's March let's start the madness! We are thrilled to bring you this very special episode. We invited back three close friends of the podcast, Justin from Disney Dads Podcast, Matthew from Imagineer Podcast and John from BigFatPanda.com. Joined by Brett and Vanessa these five take on narrowing down the best attraction at Walt Disney World. Who will cut down the nets at the end? Will a Cinderella...

Larry talks to Clay Foley, standup comic, host, writer, and producer of Foley Informed, about why he loves sitcom writing and how he doesn't love a certain delicious (and popular) confection. Also, veganism, being a straight edge punk rocker, and you get to experience what it's like "on the road" with two comics in a car. 

Front Row Classics begins March with one of the greatest biopics to ever come from Hollywood, Patton. Jay Hoffman, from Front Row Flashbacks, joins Brandon and Eric to break down the Best Picture winner from 1970. Jay's military experience adds a special element to the discussion.  The hosts break down the career-defining performance of George C. Scott as the legendary general. They also touch on...

It's time to feel the power of the glow!! Guilty Pleasures is teaming up with Flashbacks to talk all about Berry Gordy's The Last Dragon. What possessed the Father of Motown to make a Kung-Fu movie? What is The Glow? How many times can Vanity bite her lip? These questions and more on a special crossover event. Sho'Nuff! Panel – Lou Hare, Erin McCabe, Jay Hoffman Don't forget to follow/reach us at:...

Steve Sykes and Larry Smith are back to break down the second and third movies in the "Unbreakable" trilogy (officially known as The Eastrail 177 Trilogy). Listen for their thoughts on the good, the bad and the ugly of "Split" and "Glass." Don't forget to follow/reach us at: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/frontrownetwork Website: www.nprillinois.org/programs/front-row-network Twitter:  @frontrow...

Tamzin Merchant is known by many for her roles in  Pride and Prejudice, The Tudors and Carnival Row.  She's a wonderful actress, and now she is a published author! We were delighted to read Tamzin's first book,  The Hatmakers. "Full of magic, surprise, and adventure, Tamzin Merchant's sparkling debut introduces a captivating heroine and her extraordinary world." We can't recommend enough that you...

This week we celebrate all things Cinderella. We speak about the animated film, but also discuss the live-action remake of the film as well. We are joined by a special guest, Savanah, who won the opportunity to be on the show by bidding on our silent auction item benefiting the Hoogland Center for the Arts. FEATURING: Craig McFarland, Brett Rutherford, Vanessa Ferguson ____________________________...

It's our 100th episode, and to celebrate we've got a full house with Alex Orona, Joel DeWitte, Eric "Getty" Gettinger, Alec Parks, Phil Orona, Kevin Hartwig, and Kelly DeWitte all crammed into this podcast bus!  We give Windjammers 2 and Zombie Soup demos their due in Early Adopters.  Talk about the Stadia AGAIN in news.  We all gave Sludge Life a go in Backlog Blog.  Then end the show with an ext...

The Front Row is pleased to welcome Michael Riedel to the podcast. Riedel has been the columnist for the New York Post since 1998. His new book, "Singular Sensation: The Triumph of Broadway" focuses on the Broadway theater in the 1990s.  In this interview, Riedel discusses the formative decade that brought and end to Broadway's "British Invasion". He also recounts the advent of Rent, the resurrect...

Front Row Flashbacks is going to the prom in a handmade pink dress to revisit the Molly Ringwald classic Pretty in Pink. We'll get into the socioeconomic disparities as well as the great expressions of teenage awkwardness littered throughout this John Hughes production. Can Andie navigate life through her final year of high school with boys longing for her attention? Are you Team Duckie or Team Bl...