Don’t Push Pause

Often called the quintessential hangout movie, DAZED AND CONFUSED offered up a new type of film about teenage life. This timeless story served up the familiar truths of adolescence while encompassing the universal aimlessness of the time. Let’s cruise through how this fresh film spoke to multiple generations & launched careers, but was also not without its difficulties. **Discussions include** Wri...

It’s our 3rd Anniversary!     The massively exhilarating science-fiction thriller, THE TERMINATOR (1984), served as a launching pad for everyone involved with the production. Dive behind-the-scenes of this legendary ‘80s blockbuster & discover what makes it one of the most popular action films of all-time.   Discussions include: The origin of & artistry behind THE TERMINATOR, how the streamlined s...

A Special Journey Through the Evolution of Marijuana in Movies! Next Episode: Third Anniversary of DPP!  THE TERMINATOR (1984) Rate, review & subscribe! Complete Episode Archive, Videos & Store:  www.dontpushpausepodcast.com Facebook @dontpushpause Instagram @dontpushpausepodcast Twitter @dontpushpause Subscribe on YouTube, Don’t Push Pause Podcast Email us: dontpushpausepodcast@gmail.com Hosts: J...

DEAD PRESIDENTS gave a voice to Vietnam veterans who experienced the atrocities of war, only to return home & find the struggle was not over. This intense coming of age journey continues to cut to the core, while being a uniquely realistic depiction of Black Americans during the post-war 1970s.     ***Discussions include*** Capturing the Black experience before/during/after the Vietnam War; the di...

A year of recording remotely prepared us for an epic battle of genre-bending proportions! Time to rediscover the creative genius behind the martial arts adventure, BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA! **Discussions** Reinventing the story’s origin, inspiration, uniqueness, significant rewrites, & John Carpenter’s influence; atypical heroes, martial arts integration & cultural sensitivity; special effects,...

Deconstructing what makes THE FLY (1986) a renowned sci-fi classic with a truly transformative love story & one of best remakes of all time. *Discussions* The original short story, differences from the original ‘58 film, plus FLY sequels; the unimaginable search for a director/screenwriter; saving a turbulent production; intimate nature of the film, blending humanistic themes & primal fears with b...

We’re celebrating the 30th Anniversary of THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS & fleshing out what makes this film nothing short of brilliant. **Discussions include** Adaptation of the novel to screenplay; production evolution, casting lead roles & FBI involvement; revamping of a traditional hero story through a female perspective & unconventional cinematography; themes, atmosphere, stylistic choices & popula...

We’re closing out Dolly December with Ms. Parton’s debut film! Not many films can hold social relevance for 40 years. But in 1980, NINE TO FIVE was not only a big boost to a movement, it also gave a voice to those oppressed in the workforce. A labor of love & sneakily subversive, this influential film was groundbreaking at the time & continues to inspire today. ▶️Synopsis: Three female co-workers...

Perhaps no other film better illustrates laughter through pain than the timeless classic, STEEL MAGNOLIAS (1989). This true story is not only a moving, cathartic expression, but also celebrates life & immortalizes a tragic, yet universally relatable journey. ▶️Synopsis: Set in Natchitoches, Louisiana, six women are brought together by a local salon, not only to have their hair & nails done, but to...

Expanding a comedy sketch into a full-length feature film is always a gamble. When WAYNE’S WORLD hit theaters in 1992, the film’s instant success was not only a surprise, but also catapulted careers & paved the way for even more Saturday Night Live films. By appealing to a mass audience & departing from predictable humor, WAYNE’S WORLD continues to be a beloved comedy classic. ▶️Synopsis: Two musi...

Alexander Payne’s ELECTION (1999) breaks down politics in the most basic of ways. Through sharp critique, biting satire & layered performances, the fresh relevance of this film rings true in its relatability. ELECTION’s brutal honesty & exposure of human imperfections makes it one of the most provocative comedies fo the ‘90s. ▶️Synopsis: Feeling that an over-achieving high school student needs to...

Considered one of the all-time best horror movies, George A. Romero’s DAWN OF THE DEAD (1978) is a landmark achievement in moviemaking. Artistically combining social commentary, storytelling & game-changing visuals, the essence of DAWN is still emulated to this day. It is the zombie movie to which all others are compared. When there is no more room in hell, the dead will walk the Earth... and Rome...

Not only did GINGER SNAPS (2000) challenge typical horror movie tropes, but it was also a vibrant kick to the werewolf genre. This Canadian film is a true testament to satire & sharp creativity being able to depict the horrific transformations of youth through the modern metamorphosis of the werewolf. Though only celebrating its 20th anniversary, GINGER SNAPS has “cult classic” written all over it...

Sometimes movie sequels are lackluster or go off the rails, but rarely do they attempt a franchise reinvention. With original Exorcist writer in full control, William Peter Blatty created a new crop tension-building scares with the unconventional, THE EXORCIST III. An often overlooked film, this unsettling story cranks out the creeps and ties in the original blockbuster without being a knockoff, b...

ALMOST FAMOUS has not aged a day since its release in 2000. Writer/director/producer Cameron Crowe is known for films which speak to romantic or nostalgic sensibilities. ALMOST FAMOUS gave him the opportunity to tell an unconventional & endearing story from his youth. This cinematically poetic love letter to music shepherds a coming of age story on the road with a touring band & a teenager clingin...

Imagine paying your dues in an unforgiving entertainment world for over 10 years, then becoming an international sensation almost overnight. That was Jim Carrey’s life in 1994. ACE VENTURA: PET DETECTIVE garnered much attention for everyone involved, but this bizarre detective comedy was an extreme gamble with great deal of thought beneath the surface. ▶️Synopsis: When the mascot for the Miami Dol...

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s name is synonymous with celebrated action movies. Before Paul Verhoeven’s TOTAL RECALL (1990) became a massive blockbuster, Schwarzenegger had to fight for it to become a reality. A film with a deeper-than-average plot, dedicated cast/crew and impressively imaginative special effects, TOTAL RECALL is still an extraordinary sci-fi spectacular. ▶️Synopsis: Set in 2084, an eve...

In 1991, writer/director John Singleton provided a window into a world ignored by mainstream cinema with this groundbreaking film. Through  prolific storytelling filled with heart, emotion and honesty, Singleton shed an eye-opening light upon the lives of those familiar to him. A big-budget film studio took a chance on a first-time filmmaker, which resulted in one of the most poignant films to com...

PRETTY WOMAN was the movie blockbuster which not only helped define romantic comedies, but also changed the landscape of the genre. Since the film’s release 30 years ago, fashion and culture may have changed, but this good-hearted tale still leaves us feeling like fairytale fantasies can exist. ▶️Synopsis: A wealthy businessman hires a sex worker to escort him to multiple social functions while fa...

By writing, directing and co-starring in THAT THING YOU DO!, Tom Hanks committed himself to create a solid film about a band’s rise and fall in the music industry. Offering up a sincerely charming, what-if story, Hanks combined one heck of a formidable cast with a driving, inspirational story and an unforgettable soundtrack. No matter what decade in which the film is set, it continues to still str...

Over the last 30 years, TREMORS (1990) has remained an impressively hair-raising monster movie, having garnered a steady following and still inspiring contemporary sequels. It’s one big mutha which appeals to any age and warrants going behind-the-scenes to understand why its boldness sets it apart from other films of the creature-feature genre. ▶️Synopsis: Physically barred from leaving town, two...

No other film captures the truthful pain of adolescence as well as Todd Solondz’s WELCOME TO THE DOLLHOUSE (1995). By showing us harsh realities through heartbreaking humor, writer/director Solondz gives us a darkly comedic, layered look into the provocative world of Dawn “Wienerdog.” The universal appeal of this film is undeniable and gives a voice to the kids who go unseen. ▶️Synopsis: Plagued b...

No parents. No rules. No problem, right? Chris Parker and Sue Ellen Crandell are two teens forced into roles they never asked for — saving their own skins and watching after some youngins. The Season 3 Opener takes a closer looks at these beloved teen comedies— ADVENTURES IN BABYSITTING and DON’T TELL MOM THE BABYSITTER’S DEAD! ▶️ADVENTURES IN BABYSITTING, (1987): After her date-night plans fall t...

The Season Two Finale is here! GOODFELLAS (1990) is one of the most beloved Martin Scorsese films. By using exhilarating visuals and condensed, fast-paced storytelling, this monumental mob chronicle never loses its boldness. Scorsese’s artistic integrity brings to life this terrifyingly honest and engaging portrayal of a blue collar crime world. ▶️Quick ‘lil Season Two Blooper Reel! ▶️Synopsis: Th...

In the 1980s, teen comedies established character tropes and found their future superstars. BETTER OFF DEAD... (1985) catapulted John Cusack to leading man status, even if the film didn’t reach blockbuster heights. This satirical black comedy was an unapologetic, absurdist dive into the teen psyche, which has only gained popularity throughout the years. BETTER OFF DEAD... continues to stand out fr...