Dudes on Movies

We read your responses to our Questions of the Week for January 2024! Episode 199 - Before Sunrise - What are your favorite movies that take place over a single day? Episode 200 - Being There - What are your favorite final performances? Episode 201 - Midsommar - What are your favorite movies about cults? Episode 202 - The Hunger - What are your favorite movies about strange medical phenomenon? Epi...

The Dudes don't often find themselves pondering mediocrity, but that's the case this week with 1998's Sphere, an atmospheric but often tedious Science Fiction adventure.  Weirdly edited, unevenly paced, and sometimes a gigantic mess, even the bombastic ending leaves you wanting after 135(!) misspent minutes.  All aboard.      Other movies discussed: Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring (2...

The Dudes attempt to explain an experimental surgery gone wrong in 1997's Face/Off! This unhinged action film from acclaimed director John Woo is just as awesome as it is ridiculous. Excellently crafted action sequences, and incredible mimicry from its two stars, propel this off-the-wall crowd pleaser beyond its plot holes and into the the action movie hall of fame. Don't try to explain it: just e...

In this Bonus Hangout episode, Scott and Dave give you their thoughts on the state of the show, as well as additional insight into when they screw up.  Its a lot of fun, and its all for the benefit of our favorite people: The Listeners!  Thank you so much everybody! (Photo: Cate Blanchett and Todd Field at Criterion.) Contact us below! dudesonmovies@gmail.com www.facebook.com/dudesonmovies www.ins...

Dudes On Demand 2024 makes its final stop in South Korea with 2003's Oldboy, the brutal, stylish, relentless masterpiece that asks you to think very carefully about revenge.  Infamous for its brutality and shocking twists, it's also entirely grounded and the kind of human drama you can't believe you can identify with.  Other movies discussed: The Wonder (2022) - Directed by Sebastian Lelio Tie Me...

The Dudes live forever and ever in 1983's The Hunger! This sexy vampire tragedy ponders mortality and eternity in a way that only Tony Scott could: with soft-blue light and billowing curtains. The mood is set, and the cycle must continue, so grab your ankh, practice your cello, and engage in monkey science, because we're on the hunt for eternal youth. And high quality goth music. Other movies disc...

On its first international stop, Dudes On Demand 2024 goes way out of your phone's signal range with 2019's Midsommar.  If you're patient, this movie delivers massively in every scenario.  And if these events disturb you, try to remember its just a spring clean for The May Queen. Other movies discussed: Blood Feast (1963)  – Directed by Herschell Gordon Lewis Candyman (1992)  – Directed by Bernard...

We read your responses to our Questions of the Week for December 2023! Episode 195 - Gods and Monsters - What are your favorite fictional stories in which real people are characters? Episode 196 - Ferris Bueller's Day Off - What are your favorite examples of breaking the fourth wall in movies? Episode 197 - The Hidden Fortress - What are the best foreign films that influenced or inspired an Americ...

Dudes On Demand 2024 ventures forth with 1979's Being There! This satire of American politics, culture, and society was famously Peter Sellers' final performance, and oh what a performance it is. Grab your television remote, put on your finest vintage clothing and give Raphael this message: the Dudes like to watch. Other movies discussed: A Disturbance in the Force (2023)  – Directed by Steve Koza...

Dudes On Demand 2024 launches with 1995's modern classic Before Sunrise!  You've probably never lived quite as vicariously through other people as you do watching this movie, and with good reason.  Celine and Jesse's romance is what we all aspire to, even if it slips our grasp after roughly 12 hours.  Just remember everybody: This is life, and everything's all right. Living, living, living, living...

In Part I of their series on Hollywood History, Scott and Dave take you through the Production Code and its influence on not just Cinema but the rest of American culture.  Will Hays, Joseph Breen, and their enablers worked tirelessly to make sure movies didn't reflect reality, and in this podcast we give you the background on how it all happened, as well as the fallout we're still dealing with tod...

The Dudes learn there's more to life than money in 1946's It's a Wonderful Life. This holiday classic tells the tale of George Bailey, a generous everyman who sacrifices his own happiness to do what's right.  But is there a cost? Make a wish, ring those bells, and celebrate the people you love - because Clarence said so! Other movies discussed: Dream Scenario (2023)  – Directed by Kristoffer Borgl...

The Dudes protect their future Queen in enemy territory with 1958's The Hidden Fortress.  This classic jidaigeki adventure is another excellent entry in the Toshiro Mifune/Akira Kurosawa collaboration.  While Mifune is as amazing as ever, prepare to be blown away by the power of Misa Uehara, whose portrayal of the Princess will make you seriously depressed about what passes for leadership today. O...

We read your responses to our Questions of the Week for November 2023! Episode 191 - Primal Fear - What is your favorite courtroom drama? Episode 192 - Pumping Iron - What are your favorite movies that feature actors before they were famous? Episode 193 - The Karate Kid Part III - What sequels do you find the most disappointing? Episode 194 - Clash of the Titans (1981) - Do dated or poor special e...

The Dudes run afoul of school officials and ditch class in style with 1986's Ferris Bueller's Day Off.  There's a good chance you're very familiar with this classic, so let us walk you through this impossibly overstuffed day of activities.  Gummy bear?  They've been in my pocket, they're real warm and soft.   Other movies discussed: Chasing Chasing Amy (2023)  – Directed by Sav Rodgers The Batman...

The Dudes lumber down the street beneath a rain machine with 1998's Gods and Monsters.  This brilliant fictionalized story of the last days of filmmaker James Whale is not only a great movie about Old Hollywood, but also a realistic, meditative study on aging and dementia.  Its a great success for everyone involved, and a must-see if you love The Movies. Other movies discussed: Casino (1995)  – Di...

The Dudes find their destiny in 1981's Clash of the Titans! Thanks to Zeus' inability to keep it in his pants, we join Perseus on his epic journey to slay the Gorgon, save his bride, and appease the Gods once and for all. Filled with Ray Harryhausen's stop-motion special effects, an R2D2 clone, and a few indelible performances, this is a film you will soon not forget. "Release the Krrraken!"   Oth...

The Dudes de-plane at LAX only to find themselves in yet another blood feud with 1989's The Karate Kid Part III.  Daniel Larusso is a nice enough guy.  But he possesses an indefinable quality which attracts tormenters, and instead of engaging in self-assessment and gaining a deeper understanding of his issues so that this doesn't keep happening, he mouths off and keeps making new, richer enemies. ...

We read your responses to our Questions of the Week for October 2023! Episode 186 - Possession - What movies subverted your expectations on your first viewing? Episode 187 - Society - What are the grossest special effects you've ever seen? Episode 188 - Raw - What movies best depict the harsh reality of college life? Episode 189 - The Return of the Living Dead - What are the funniest horror films?...

The Dudes feel the pump in 1977’s Pumping Iron. This documentary about the world of competitive body building features a pre-movie star Arnold Schwarzenegger and follows him and several others as they compete to see who the biggest “hunk of man” in the world is at the 1975 Mr. Olympia. Take our advices, and listen to this one.    Other movies discussed To Live and Die in L.A. (1985)  – Directed by...

The Dudes are asked to ponder the nature of truth, and our complicity in a broken justice system with 1996's Primal Fear.  This 90s legal drama does a great job hiding it's secrets, so we wouldn't dare betray any of them here.  Just make sure you start misusing the word 'allegedly' as often as you can.     Other movies discussed: The Boys In The Band (2020) – Directed by Joe Mantello The Fog (1980...

The Dudes unleash a terrible power on the world with 1933's The Invisible Man.  While James Whale's adaptation of the H.G. Wells classic is a masterclass of practical special effects, it also ponders evil while being hilarious.  Its the work of true artists and craftsmen, and in another 90 years will likely still impress.   Other movies discussed: Q: The Winged Serpent (1982) – Directed by Larry C...

The Dudes attempt to fit in with both old guys and every teen subculture with 1985's zombie classic The Return of the Living Dead.  This near-perfect blend of horror, comedy and social commentary was another entry in the canon of VHS boxes that intrigued you as a child at the video store.  The good news?  Its even better than you hoped it was! Other movies discussed: Skinamarink (2022) – Directed...

The Dudes get a taste of college life, as they chew on 2016's Raw. If you like your higher learning served with sibling fights, plot twists, and fantastic performances, then this is the movie for you. Be sure to floss after watching though. Other movies discussed: The Great Dictator (1940) – Directed by Charlie Chaplin Smile (2022) – Parker Finn QUESTION OF THE WEEK What movies best depict the har...

We read your responses to our Questions of the Week for September 2023! Episode 182- Five Easy Pieces - What movies best depict artistic male arrogance? Episode 183 - Desperado - What are your favorite sequences in any action movie? Episode 184 - Judas and the Black Messiah - What are the best movies or books about any aspect of the Civil Rights Movement? Episode 185 - The Parent Trap - What are y...