Don’t Push Pause

Though this is the 30th Anniversary of GROUNDHOG DAY, it continues to feel timeless & evolve in meaning as it ages. This high concept film is triple threat — a holiday film, a fantasy comedy & an unassuming emotional touchstone for many audiences. As profoundly involved as this story may be, this Bill Murray vehicle has no shortage of complexities behind the scenes as well. 
//***Discussions inclu...

Kicking off our 100th Episode with a Controversial Christmas Classic — DIE HARD (1988)! For a future-franchised film jam-packed with exciting explosions, it’s hard to believe this project was a gamble before it ever went into production. From its humble beginning to creating an iconic action hero, the formation of DIE HARD is nothing short of a surprise for everyone involved. 
//Discussions includ...

Even 30 years after its release, A FEW GOOD MEN tops lists for the most riveting courtroom dramas. Using true events, a coveted director & soon-to-be celebrated writer, the film bleeds talent from all angles & integrity from end to end. All talents behind this film had a clear, unified vision — make a searing, ethically complex drama that would stand the test of time. 
//***Discussions include***\...

Combining unrelenting imagination with in-home paranormal activity & child abduction turned into a guaranteed masterpiece with POLTERGEIST (1982). Filmmakers Tobe Hooper & Steven Spielberg proved the horror genre could have emotional depth while remaining absolutely terrifying & creative. And on its 40th Anniversary year, POLTERGEIST still reigns supreme as one of the most memorable ghost stories...

We’re kicking off our fifth Halloween by celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Gore Verbinski’s THE RING. Going for more than jump scares, this American film ushered in the blockbuster trend of remaking a pre-existing film. Not only did it reignite the idea of urban legends & invigorate the careers of those involved, THE RING also proved a remake could still fresh, modern & an absolute terrifying de...

In 1992, Quentin Tarantino’s life would drastically change as soon as his first feature film, RESERVOIR DOGS, would debut at Sundance. Though among many stellar films at the festival that year, it would be RESERVOIR DOGS which emerged as a transcendent feat in filmmaking. Time to go back in time to remember its importance in independent filmmaking. //***Discussions include***\\ How Tarantino rose...

Creating a successful sequel which stands the test of time & elevates a franchise isn’t an easy feat. But LETHAL WEAPON 2 not only proved audiences wanted more from best buddies, Sgts. Murtaugh & Riggs, but that a sequel could be just as vibrant, alive & — in some ways — superior to the original film. //***Discussions include***\\ The evolution of creating a sequel, tonal variations in the script,...

After becoming the biggest buzzworthy phenomenon of mid-‘90s indie film, the bar was set extremely high for Quentin Tarantino’s third film, JACKIE BROWN. Often considered one of his most mature films, JACKIE BROWN tied together a classic style with a fresh voice, while also paying homage to a cinema icon. Everything about this films just gets better with age. //***Discussions include***\\ Where JA...

We’re back! And with an epic sequel which rivals its predecessor — James Cameron’s ALIENS. Though considered one of the best sequels of all-time, the road to fruition for this marvelously monstrous tour de force was a battle from start to finish. Stop your grinnin’ & drop you linen because this backstory has as many bumps in the road as the film itself!   //***Discussions include***\\ Why an ALIEN...

It’s the 4-Year Anniversary of Don’t Push Pause!   THE BREAKFAST CLUB is one of the most well-known American films from the 1980s. It roped audiences in with sarcastic, yet endearing humor, then captivated us with its sincere depiction of cutting teenage truths. It became an iconic pinnacle of achievement for all those involved in its creation, but continuing to have mass appeal makes THE BREAKFAS...

Ivan Reitman was an illustrious filmmaker whose creative ingenuity & lifelong desire for audiences to laugh was born from an unimaginable beginning. With more than 50 years of directing & producing, Reitman turned comedians into movie stars, reinvented careers & subgenres of comedy & sci-fi, while forging longstanding friendships throughout the business. Focusing on themes of friendship, family, p...

Throughout the last 30 years, Adam Sandler has remained current while evolving as an entertainer, yet staying true to his comedy roots. Cranking out hit after hit, join us on this ride through Sandler’s career, making a pit stop at a giant pivotal moment in time with 1998’s THE WEDDING SINGER.   //***Discussions include***\\ —Sandler’s break into comedy, acting & how college set the stage for his...

Celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year, THE GODFATHER is largely considered one of the most influential & important films to date. While it catapulted careers, it also forever changed American cinema & the modern organized-crime film. But the road to fruition was not without constant roadblocks, only adding to what makes this film nothing short of iconic.   //***Discussions include***\\ State...

For being based on a true story, GIRL, INTERRUPTED’s highly-praised & harrowing ensemble cast had to lead with sincerity to leave an enduring impact. Just like the memoir on which it was based, this film continues to affect those looking for authentic connection, while also being well-deserving of rediscovery.     //***Discussions include***\\ The challenging transition from memoir to screenplay,...

It’s hard to believe a voyeuristic tale about mortality became the biggest blockbuster of 1990. Although GHOST embodied the essence of human connection, it was not the easiest to initially sell. Nevertheless, the film went on to inspire real world conversations about life & death, solidifying  its place in pop culture history & proving to be a love that would last forever. //***Discussions include...

For a film about imprisonment, THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION is an unassuming & bold entry as one of the most popular films of all-time. With inspiration in the face of adversity as an undercurrent, the film speaks in universal themes, emotionally effective & profound in its storytelling. Hope may be a dangerous thing, but for how SHAWSHANK came to fruition & the enduringly powerful impact, this authen...

As soon as it hit theaters, RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK became the blockbuster pinnacle of where imagination meets adventure. Forty years after its release, this powerhouse pairing of George Lucas & Steven Spielberg remains a massive achievement within its genre, the film to which all others are compared. And the journey of how Indiana Jones became an icon is a complex & wild ride all by itself. //**D...

A low budget horror film becoming a massive success is almost unheard of. When it evolves into a cultural phenomenon, its called Sam Raimi’s THE EVIL DEAD (1981). With its blood-spattered intensity, ingenuity & masterful achievements in resourceful filmmaking, this picture had a brutal, exhausting road to tread. Now entering its 40th year of existence, it’s clear this film will never die. //**Disc...

Even with previous slasher movie influences, MY BLOODY VALENTINE stood out in amongst the saturated horror market of 1981. But even a well-crafted, creative story couldn’t guarantee immediate success for this film, yet it continues to be a celebrated slasher 40 years later.   //**Discussions include**// State of horror movies in 1981 & the Canadian horror pop; unique story & character setups, atmo...

Creating a fresh, well-developed horror movie within the age-old monster genre is no small feat. In 1981, AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON blew minds for its special effects, tonal blending & compassionate story involving doomed characters. The innovation involved not only influenced countless films to follow, but WEREWOLF remains one of the most renowned of its genre. //**Discussions include**// Jo...

RUSHMORE cemented director Wes Anderson as one of the most influential & distinct filmmakers of contemporary time. By standing out from the herd & pairing Bill Murray with a feisty, fresh faced newcomer, RUSHMORE’s innocence & heightened realness set the bar for Anderson’s career. And the creative trust & emotional depth put into making the film are just as heartfelt as the movie itself. //**Discu...

Not only is BEVERLY HILLS COP one of the biggest movie franchises, but it also helped propel a cross-genre of films still thriving today. Almost 40 years after its release, this film is as fresh as ever, and certainly a mega standout amongst action-comedy pairings. But what makes this movie so smart & thoroughly enjoyable goes deeper than just box office results.     —**Discussions include** The o...

Comedic documentaries existed, but were scarce until Christopher Guest took the reins with WAITING FOR GUFFMAN. By directing, co-writing & starring in the film, Guest assembled a company of actors & manner of heartfelt storytelling. And twenty-five years post-release, GUFFMAN’s “comedy is reality, but one step further” philosophy has become one of the most popular genres.   **Discussions include**...

On its 45th Anniversary, TAXI DRIVER can still boast about being socially relevant & controversial at once. It’s a shockingly honest character study blended into a mesmerizing reality & falling into the darkest depths of a disturbed psyche. And the journey of creating this film is just as engaging as the movie itself. **Discussions include** How writer Paul Schrader, director Martin Scorsese & Rob...

Now celebrating its 20th Anniversary, GHOST WORLD remains a uniquely non-formulaic blending of adolescent maturing & evolving friendships placed in a world of disillusionment. The film has remained a clever, underground favorite for the last two decades & continues to hit hard with audiences of all ages. As it verges on cult film status, join us in this exploration of the sophisticated, quirky & c...