Houselights: A Film Director Podcast

Kiki's Delivery Service is our last Miyazaki film on Houselights. @drscifi took a broom, @kesseljunkie flew a dirigible, and @theisanerobin just hailed a cab to Koriko. Listen to us talk about how we liked Kiki and even how some of our kids did.

My Neighbor Totoro could be Miyazaki's most beloved work. It's even the logo of Studio Ghibli. So how does it hold up after this many years and what is it like to new viewers? Listen to Houselights to find out.

In our second outing with #Miyazaki, Castle in the Sky features kids with a magic crystal racing against pirates in a search for a legendary floating castle. Listen to hear the Houselights take on this #animation classic.

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind is beloved by many and the film that is considered to kickoff Miyazaki's Studio Ghibli. Does this anime transcend the genre or is it only for niche fans? Listen to hear our take on Houselights.

"The Rainmaker" finishes out our 90s Coppola segment and from there we move on to 80s Miyazaki! But before that happens listen to @kesseljunkie and @drscifi talk this oft-forgotten legal drama.

Robin Williams embodied childlike wonder but do you remember when he did it literally? Francis Ford Coppola wanted to work with his friend and so they made it happen with "Jack." Many have criticized the movie over the years but Coppola stands by it. Where do you land on 1996's Jack? Listen to hear us talk behind the scenes and more.

Coppola's Dracula is a ... unique experience. Whether you love it or hate it, you have to admit that it has a distinct style. How do you feel about his interpretation this many years later? Nostalgic hit or tragic mess? Listen to our take.

Houselights swing back to Francis Ford Coppola and tackle the 90s. First up, Godfather Part III, specifically the recut made in 2020. Does his recut of the film enhance the experience or does nothing cover up Sofia Coppola? Listen to find out.

Ready Player One is our last film to analyze of Spielberg's works. Did it honor the book or did it gloss over too much to fit in too tight of a window? Listen and hear perspectives from hosts who have and haven't read the book

This week we tackle the 2002 classic "Minority Report." Whether Spielberg knew it or not, he would shape the future of fictional technology for decades. At the height of his action hero prowess, Tom Cruise runs right off the screen! What do you think of this 19-year-old film?

This week, Houselights tackles the often forgotten but extremely powerful "Amistad" from Steven Spielberg. It was overshadowed by "Titanic" upon its release but how do you feel about this film 24 years later?

Nobody talks about Steven Spielberg's "Always" but of course, Houselights is this week. Dreyfus, Goodman, Hunter, how could anything go wrong? Listen as we discuss what does and doesn't work in this firefighting dalliance with the afterlife.

Does anyone remember Steven Spielberg's "The Sugarland Express"? We sure didn't. This week we start our sojourn into Spielberg's films but choose one from each decade that not many discuss. This was our first viewing and hear us dissect the film and the early methods of a future master.

Apocalypse Now took 16 months to shoot, two years to edit, and there are three different versions. This week, Darren, John, and Tristan review the Final Cut and discuss the changes around the three as well as tons of behind-the-scenes information. Does this film hold up for you?

The Godfather Part II has arrived. Francis Ford Coppola's sequel has been called the greatest movie of all time and the greatest sequel of all time. John and Tristan grew up with it but Darren had never seen it. Listen to hear us talk about old and new perspectives.

This week, Houselights tackles the often forgotten but critics darling, "The Conversation." Francis Ford Coppola once said this was his favorite film that he made. Two of our hosts had never seen it so listen to hear if this 70s enigma holds up against the 2021 surveillance state.

One of the highest praised films of all time "The Godfather" graces your feed today.. 70s Francis Ford Coppola is the next round of films for Houselights. Join John, Tristan, and Darren (who's never seen it before) as they discuss this classic.

It's pronounced Young Frankenstein! This week we tackle the other Mel Brooks 1974 classic. John and Tristan share nostalgic memories of the black and white gem as well as a lot of behind-the-scenes information. Where did you first see this film?

Our Godfather review is coming in two weeks! But in the meantime, we're talking about two movies from 1974 directed by Mel Brooks. First, Blazing Saddles. John has it memorized and Tristan has never seen it before. We beg you to listen and find out what happens.

In Houselights final entry into their journey of James Cameron films, they take a deep and honest dive into the highest grossing film of all time: Avatar. It has become fashionable lately (just like Titanic) to disregard the film's accomplishments but how do you guys feel? Always loved, never liked, grown to love or hate?

James Cameron's "Titanic" broke records as well as our hearts. It's hard to find someone who hasn't seen this gargantuan blockbuster that went way over time and budget. This week, the Houselights crew dives deep to figure out what holds up and what doesn't. What do you think of this film 24 years later?

The action-comedy "True Lies" is up next for Houselights. This was a departure for James Cameron and the last collaboration he had with Schwarzenegger but it turned out to be fruitful. We live in a different world than when this was released, does it hold up? Listen to hear our take.

Judgement Day is here! Houselights explore James Cameron's "Terminator 2." Does the film hold up or do just the effects get past the apocalypse?

The movie analysis you've all been waiting for: The Abyss. This James Cameron film is not his most famous but could be his most beloved. Your Houselights crew takes a deep dive this week and wants to know what you think of The Abyss.

This time there's more ... to listen to! Because Houselights is talking all about James Cameron's "Aliens"! We couldn't be more excited to discuss this classic and how it can even be perceived as improving on the first one. What's your take on this sci-fi sequel?