Our Film Fathers

We wanted to celebrate the work of Robert Redford. He provided so many wonderful films and opportunities for new filmmakers to showcase their talents, with the Sundance Film Festival. We watched two of his spy-centric films in Three Days of the Condor (1975) and Sneakers (1992) . But also check out his role in Spy Game (2001) . He was a legend and will be missed. Also Play: Cinema Chain Game -----...

The Sandman is back. Adam Sandler returns to the links with Happy Gilmore 2 (2025) which does a lot to remind us all of the original Happy Gilmore (1996) , perhaps too much. The nostalgia-leaning and cameo-fueled sequel doesn't deliver as well, but it has its moments. So grab your golden jacket and hockey stick putter, and meet us on the course, Shooter. Let us know what you thought. Also Play: Ci...

As the weather cools and the pigskins start to fly, we thought it would be great to bring on fellow dad and youth football coach, Bob Hansen to talk about Friday Night....I mean Varsity Blues (1999) . High school football in Texas, highlighted by career-altering injuries, the rise of underrated players, and the pressures of parenting student-athletes. We also add another movie in the Movie You Can...

Original stories often lead to excellent films, and with Ryan Coogler at the helm, Sinners (2025) was bound to be a hit. We didn't know it would be this good. It covers so many stories, ideas and topics that we needed to bring in help, with friend of the pod, Charlie C. joining us. Make sure you drink your pickled garlic and get ready, because we are going for a ride. Let us know your thoughts in...

What would a 15-year old, you remember if you traveled the country with a rock-n-roll band, their "band-aids", and all the wild characters along the way? How would that shape your view on life, love, and overall sense of the world? Cameron Crowe lays out this scenario in his acclaimed classic, Almost Famous (2000) . Phenomenal soundtrack and excellent casting propel this movie in the pantheon of c...

Movies based on TV shows don't always succeed, but we love it when an idea comes together. In this case, two ideas worked: The A-Team (2010) and The Fall Guy (2024) , both deliver on the enjoyment of the original show with updated action and comedy. Settle in as we discuss the fun experiences we had watching these new takes on TV classics. Also Play: Cinema Chain Game -----------------------------...

Trusting that little voice in your head, or your cornfield, can be a daunting task. But sometimes, it leads to the most rewarding things you will ever do. Field of Dreams (1989) showed that believing in yourself will never steer you wrong. It also highlighted the connection with family, purpose and " Baseball, Ray.... Baseball ". Let us know how this movie impacted you and what you felt while watc...

Graduating from goofy side character to in-demand comedy director, Paul Feig launched his career with the groundbreaking film, Bridesmaids (2011) and then reunited with its breakout star, Melissa McCarthy, in Spy (2015) . Both films show the comedic range of talented actresses, while avoiding stereotypes and tropes. Let us know if you had fun watching these films in the comments. Also Play: Cinema...

When you start your film making career with two films like Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels (1998) and Snatch (2001) , its a pretty good foundation. Guy Ritchie enhanced the crime and heist genre, with his unique British styling. And paving the way for more exciting interpretations of famous stories along the way. Let us know in the comments what you think of his start. Also Play: Cinema Chain...

Could a move like Kevin Smith's Dogma (1999) be made today? With its religious themes and discussion, add to the extensive cast, it would be a challenge to re-create the ideas that Smith had over 25 years ago. Much research and thought went into creating a movie that would tests existing thoughts while trying to have a conversation on taboo topics. Let us know your opinions in the comments. Also P...

Do we have clearance, Clarence? This week, we revisit an all-time comedy classic, Airplane (1980). One of the trailblazers of the spoof comedy, this film shows how good writing, comedy timing, and subversion of expectation, can create a masterpiece that still holds up 45 years later. Is it the best spoof comedy? Lets us know in the comments. Also Play: Cinema Chain Game ---------------------------...

While his classical good looks have helped, Jude Law also has the acting skills to be the complete package. We watched his most recent film, The Order (2024) , where is portrays a FBI agent hunting down a violent separatists. We also dug into the past to watch his earlier work in Gattaca (1997) . Have a listen and leave a comment about your thoughts on Jude. Also Play: Cinema Chain Game ----------...

Do all good movies require a sequel? We ask that question for two recent releases, Den of Thieves: Pantera (2025) and The Accountant 2 (2025) . The original films were very enjoyable and exciting, but is there enough meat on the bone for a second trip? Why is it so hard to follow up a good film? Do you think money is the driver, or there is more story to tell? Let us know by leaving a review. Also...

Some consider Casino (1995) , the best collaboration between Robert DeNiro, Joe Pesci, and Martin Scorsese. Others think it just a re-hash of previously told stories. So we went back and watched it. New characters and new locations bring something different to a tale about trying to find success in a pre-defined society. But does it really change the overall impact of the story? Listen to find out...

As he has grown, Robert Pattinson has become one of the more versitile actor in Hollywood. His evolution has taken him to the stars and beyond with his latest, Mickey 17 (2025) from acclaimed director Bong Joon Ho. Its a wild space adventure that needs to be seen, but we cannot forget his earlier work, like that in Good Time (2017) . Another movie that needs to be experienced. Let us know what you...

How bad can a movie truly be? We put that theory to the test with 3 movies rated in the less than 10% approval rating from Rotten Tomatoes. Those movies: Cobra (1986) , Jaws: The Revenge (1987) , and Bio-Dome (1996) all have poor acting, worse writing, and plot holes galore. But they may also have some redeeming qualities to others, but listen and decide for yourself. Also Play: Cinema Chain Game...

Thirty years ago, the life of a teenager revolved around a common 3rd space: The mall. Whether you were a Beverly Hills trust fund baby or a suburban comic book nerd, your story was being told in Clueless (1995) and MallRats (1995) , respectively. We know you are excited to revisit these movies and relive the nostalgia. Also Play: Cinema Chain Game -------------------------------------------- Subs...

What if everything you knew, was a trick? An elaborate scheme designed to control your thoughts, emotions, and actions? Would you be able to handle it? Decipher it? Find the puppet master without suffering a mental breakdown? These are the questions that David Fincher asks with his dark thriller, The Game (1997) . A master of the thriller, Fincher keeps you on your toes until the very end. Let us...

Is there a space for the classic monsters of Hollywood's past? Writer-Director Leigh Whannell believes so and has crafted two new entires: The Invisible Man (2020) and Wolf Man (2024) . These re-imaging stories provide more than your standard horror fare, while still providing the thrills and chills that are expected. Come listen and see if you agree with our thoughts on the films.  Also Play: Cin...

The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled...was creating a movie that stands the test of time. The Usual Suspects (1995) continues to amaze audiences, even if they understand the movie. The stylized story telling has been copied and imitated in movie, television, and music. Come, listen and lets us know what you think. Also Play: Cinema Chain Game -------------------------------------------- Subscr...

While not the first, but perhaps the most memorable to highlight the life of teenagers, John Hughes made some of the most influential films of the 1980s. Two of those films, Weird Science (1985) and The Breakfast Club (1985) both dealt with teens finding out who they truly are and how to navigate adolescent life. Lets us know if these films stuck with you and if you identified with any of the char...

Innovative filmmakers should always be given the opportunity to showcase their talents. This is what Memento (2000) delivers from an early Christopher Nolan. Born of an idea from his brother, the unique presentation aids to the confusion, mystery, and thriller elements of this film. It will make your brain hurt, but you will feel better afterwards. Let us know your thoughts. Also Play: Cinema Chai...

Can processing trauma lead to more intense trauma? Martin Scorsese asks this in his noir thriller, Shutter Island (2010) . His exploration on the fine line between reality and delusion addresses how people deal with grief and tragedy. The amazing cast delivers an Oscar worthy performance. Let us know your thoughts.    Also Play: Cinema Chain Game -------------------------------------------- Subscr...

The more things change, the more they stay the same. Its been more than 20 years since we were introduced to the fairy tale romance that is  Pretty Woman (1990) , and now the most celebrated movie of the year is Anora (2024) . While there are some obvious parallels, Anora digs below the surface to uncover more than just a pretty face. Let us know your thoughts in the comments. Also Play: Cinema Ch...

We recently lost the great actor, Gene Hackman , and we wanted to honor him and his legacy by reviewing the classic, Hoosiers (1986) . This film paved the way for all underdog sports stories and Gene's role outline a roadmap for future movie coaches. We also talk about the range of Hackman and his ability to completely own the role. He will be missed. Also Play: Cinema Chain Game -----------------...