A Film By...

Ralph Macchio is trading in the dojo for the Mississippi Delta in Crossroads! He seeks out an elderly mentor to teach him about the blues, and Jeff seeks out Dayton Johnson of the Docking Bay 77 podcast and Scott Hoffman to talk about this "road movie without a road" on our limited series, 1986. The boys talk blues, rock 'n roll, the necessity of Jamie Gertz, and an amazing theory that connects Th...

It's April Fool's Day and there is no better day to discuss the cult classic of the same name for our limited series, 1986! The joke is on Jeff, because no one showed up to debate the murder mystery with a comedic twist. Only a fool would do the show without a guest! That said...enjoy!

"What do you thrash?" "What do you got" We've got BMX and skateboard enthusiast Brad Stidham back again to discuss the skateboard classic "Thrashin'" for our limited series, 1986! We're talking half pipes, hand plants, jousting, and Josh Brolin's thrashin' fashion sense, as well as the California skating scene in this loose remake of "West Side Story".

Sofia Coppola is the youngest child and only daughter of Francis Ford Coppola. Her films have a visual style that have been described as hazy and dream-like; filled with neglected characters that long to be acknowledged and seen. Coppola has established herself from her father, from her Academy Award-winning writing in Lost in Translation to edgy historical efforts like Marie Antoinette. It is her...

To celebrate the 94th Academy Awards, Brad nominates Dayton Johnson of the Docking Bay 77 podcast to join him for a frank conversation on the Academy's hits and their very many misses! From those who were robbed, to those robbed more by the omission of a nomination, the A Film By... podcast presents: Snubbed by Oscar!

Slip on your Vans and pour yourself a bowl of Kix, because we're back with another episode for our limited series, 1986! Jeff is joined by Alec and Cameron of the Comically Unaware Podcast, and special guest Brad Stidham, for a conversation about the BMX classic, Rad! The guys reminisce about their first Mongoose BMX bikes, dating Lori Laughlin, an interesting "what if" idea involving Talia Shire,...

Catherine Hardwicke has achieved things most directors dream of and so very few accomplish. Her directorial debut, thirteen, garnered Oscar attention. Her adaptation of YA novel, Twilight, was a global blockbuster, and turned relative unknowns Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson into movie stars and household names. In 2005, between these films, she directed Lords of Dogtown; a gritty period dram...

"Knock, knock"! Jeff welcomes Scott Hoffman back for a special bonus episode of our limited 1986 series to discuss spy comedy, Jumpin' Jack Flash. Sam Kinison as a charming British spy? Computers with online chat in 1986? Whoopie's early stand-up, saavy computer tech, interesting remake ideas, and Penny Marshall in her directorial debut are among the things discussed before we "end trans".

It's the sport of kings, better than diamond rings...football. Our Special Correspondent, Jennalynn, joins the huddle with Jeff, Dayton, and Brad, to discuss the Goldie Hawn football comedy, Wildcats! Comparisons to Best of Times, the big screen debuts of several prominent stars, progressive storytelling, and one of the hardest working actors of 1986, M. Emmet Walsh, are among the plays called!

Amy Heckerling's written and directorial efforts make her a comedic legend in Hollywood. She gave a voice to teenagers everywhere in separate decades with Fast Times at Ridgemont High, and Clueless. She took the Griswold's to Europe, and made us think of Bruce Willis' voice every time we saw a baby. In 1984, she took on the gangster era of Hollywood with her parody film Johnny Dangerously. A young...

"Feed me, Seymour!" On this episode of our 1986 series, Scott Hoffman joins Jeff for a garden variety conversation about Little Shop of Horrors that is sure to knock your stalks off (two puns in the first sentence?)! Scott provides a rich history about the property, from stage to screen to remake! Connections to Batman, the puppetry of Martin P. Robinson, great options for the Nintendo faceoff, an...

Antoine Fuqua is one of Hollywood's busiest directors because he's one of the most successful directors working today. His appreciation for Kurosawa shows in many of his films, from Tears of the Sun to his Equalizer franchise. Brooklyn's Finest; his crime drama about a trio of conflicted NYPD cops, is no different, as it delivers on intensity, action, and powerhouse performances.

Illusions, deceptions, and murder! Scott Hoffman joins Jeff on our 1986 series to talk about F/X! Comparisons to Fletch and The Fugitive? Another great "give me your gun and your badge" cop moment! All this, plus Tom Noonan and more!

"What is high? What is high-er? What is learn? What is learn-ing" Higher Learning was John Singleton's third film about college life on a highly volatile campus; boasting an incredible ensemble cast, poignant storytelling, and a diversified hit soundtrack. Singleton delivers impactful socio-economic themes that are every bit relevant today, as they were in 1996.

We're soaring high this week with Iron Eagle! Jeff finds himself outnumbered in a dogfight against David and Scott, doing his best to convince them that this gem from 1986 (which debuted months before Top Gun) is worthy of respect and a place among the action adventure greats.

Kevin Reynolds is a director known for offering up the occasional blockbuster, and his many collaborations with Kevin Costner. In 1988, he created one of the more poignant films about war with his Soviet tank drama, The Beast.

"I waaaant the kniiiiife... pleeeeeease." Our 1986 series is back with a chat about Eddie Murphy classic, The Golden Child. Jeff, Brad, Scott and David discuss their favorite scenes, and the interesting connection to Big Trouble in Little China!

Vietnam. Presidents. Rock stars. Social commentary. Throughout his storied career, filmmaker Oliver Stone has written outstanding scripts, made memorable movies, and won Academy Awards. With this neo-noir crime thriller, he delves into the world of hapless gambler whose car breaks down in the one town you don't want to be stranded in. Join us as we discuss U-Turn!

To celebrate NYE and the release of the new season of Netflix hit, Cobra Kai, Jeff calls Andrew and Scott into the dojo for a talk about Karate Kid Part II. Daniel-san's growth and development, Pat Morita's Oscar nomination, the "Karate Kid Top Gun shared universe" theory, and a whole lot more on this episode!

On this episode of the limited 1986 series, Jeff is joined by Brad and David to talk about Best Picture winner, Platoon. The conversation includes Vietnam war movies, Oliver Stone, great music, and who the best pick is to bunker down in a foxhole with.

It's the annual Christmas episode! This year, Brad and Jeff discuss Nora Ephron's dark Christmas comedy "Mixed Nuts"! It's a wild night of unexpected events taking place at a crisis hotline center with Steve Martin doing his best to control the situation. The conversation includes favorite non-traditional Santa Clauses, Ephron's undisputed title as the Queen of the rom/com, and the amazing breakou...

On this episode of our 1986 series, David Burns and Scott Hoffman join Jeff Johnson to discuss An American Tail. The animated conversation includes favorite characters, music, the film's portrayal of immigration, and the seedy underworld of New York.

Hot off the back-to-back blockbuster success of Jaws and Close Encounters of the Third Kind, rising star Steven Spielberg took a shot at comedy in 1979 with his WWII parody film, 1941. On the 80th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack, Brad and Jeff discuss their love of Spielberg, their criticisms of 1941, and what's next for arguably the greatest director of all time.

We've done 25 episodes of our limited series on 1986 films! Our recurring guests always have great information, but how well do they REALLY know these movies? Jeff calls all they guys back for a special gathering to face off in a trivia contest for the ultimate prize. Who shall win? There can be only one!

The Wachowskis are known for big budget, FX-driven blockbusters. Their directorial debut, Bound, is a small, neo-noir thriller starring several actors at the top of their game. With a new Matrix film about to be released, Brad and Jeff discuss the Wachowskis, from their arrival in Hollywood to their celebrated reputations as in-demand directors.