The Cine-Files

This week on The Cine-Files John and Steve went live to reminisce about their favorite comedies from the eighties and both of them were shocked by just how many there were. With 40 or 50 comedies every year, the 1980's were truly a golden age for cinema silliness and the guys had an absolute blast talking about them.  Of course, you can listen here but if you prefer to watch the video our YouT...

There isn’t really anything John and Steve love more than taking a deep dive into a great film but some of their favorite conversations are the ones recorded each week for the supporters on Patreon. They are called Cine-Files Shorts and the topics are suggested by  patrons, inspired by world events or, sometimes, it’s just stuff John and Steve want to get off their chests. We thought it would be f...

It honestly seems like months ago that we began our deep dive into the life and films of Spike Lee (which, come to think of it it is) but we have finally reached the conclusion with part 4 of our exploration of Malcolm X. In the final months of his life, Malcolm changes in profound and fundamental ways and none of those changes are greater than the ones that occur on his pilgrimage to Mecca. Of co...

There have been a few conversations in the history of The Cine-Files that have truly transcended the film. Part 3 of their exploration of the Spike Lee epic, Malcolm X, is just such a conversation. John, Steve and special guest, Andre Gordon, have a truly honest, personal and insightful conversation about one of the most difficult topics in America, race. This is the power of great films and Malco...

The Season of Lee continues with Part 2 of our exploration of Malcolm X. In this episode we follow Malcolm Little as he commits crimes, is caught and sentenced to 10 years in prison but in many ways that was the best thing to ever happen to Malcolm as it is there that he first comes in contact with the teachings of Islam.  Once again we are joined in they conversation by the great Andre Gordon.   ...

One can only imagine the tremendous pressure felt by 34 year old director Spike Lee when he took on the monumental task of telling the story of Malcolm X. Admired by some, hated by others but always inspiring passion, Malcolm X is one of the most important and controversial figures of the 20th Century. Joining us to discuss this incredible movie is writer, producer, director and actor Andre Gordon...

Last fall, Steve and John welcomed David Cornue and Milena Govich back to the show to honor the great Stephen Sondheim and re-release their original conversation bout West Side Story. Naturally, they had to discuss Steven Spielberg's remake which hadn't yet come out. They all agreed to reconvene to compare the two films. Well, it took a little while but yesterday all four of them appeared...

Steve and John both love the work of Paul Thomas Anderson. They have glowingly reviewed three of his films on The Cine-Files and in each one they expressed how much they admired his artistry, daring and unique vision but that didn't stop both of them from truly disliking his latest film Licorice Pizza. Obviously, this movie has many admirers which is great but if you truly loved this film you...

Guillermo del Toro's Nightmare Alley was probably the most surprising Best Picture Nomination for John and Steve. It's not that they expected to dislike the movie but neither of them thought they would be as taken with it as they were. With incredible performances, a compelling story and Del Toro's unique ability to create a fully realized world, Nightmare Alley is a fantastic Noir Thr...

Steven Spielberg's remake of one of the greatest musicals of all time didn't do well at the Box Office or at the Oscars, however, that doesn't stop both John and Steve from believing that this was, without question, the best film of the year. This is truly a master filmmaker at work and to say they have a lot to say about this movie, the performances, cinematography and directorial cho...

Jane Campion's The Power of the Dog was very much the front runner for best picture this year and while it didn't win, the powerful choices, technical mastery and haunting story of this incredible film are undeniable. Where Steve and John disagree on this one is whether or not they actually liked the movie. You'll have to listen (or watch) to find out who feels what.  Of course, if you...

This really has been an incredible year for films but there is one movie nominated for best picture that neither John or Steve likes and that is Don't Look Up. It's not that the people behind it aren't talented. Far from it. It's not that the actors don't deliver fantastic performances. They do. It's simply that the obvious  political goals of the film seem to overshadow th...

John and Steve reviewed King Richard several days before The Oscars but what happened there doesn't change the fact that Will Smith delivered an absolutely stunning performance as Richard Williams. While it's not a perfect film, King Richard is certainly powerful, with incredible performances based on the stratospheric achievements of the Williams family.  Of course, if you want to watch J...

A few months ago, during our exploration of the film Shane, we had the great pleasure of welcoming to our microphones the son of its director, George Stevens Jr. If you listened to the episode you heard what it was like to be on the set of that classic western. But George Stevens Jr. is far more than the son of a famous director. In addition to being an award winning director and producer in his o...

Japanese director, Ryusuke Hamaguchi powerful exploration of love, loss, creativity and guilt is without question, beautifully made, filmed, edited and acted but while John loved it the editor and Steve would have cut it down significantly. Still they both had a lot to say about this powerful and completely unique piece of cinema.  Of course, if you want to watch John and Steve as well as listen y...

When John and Steve sat down to deliver their review of Coda, neither of them knew it would eventually win the Oscar for best picture but they both absolutely loved the film and thought it had a very good chance.  Of course, if you want to watch John and Steve as well as listen you can see the video right here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzxkWtNWmIU&t=1s Don't forget to like and subsc...

In their second review of the nominations for best picture, John and Steve explore Keneth Branagh's,s semi autobiographical film, Belfast. With luscious black and white photography, brilliant performances and incredible sense of time and place, Belfast is certainly worthy of it's nomination.  Of course, if you want to watch John and Steve as well as listen you can see the video right here....

Last week John invited Steve onto his YouTube channel to discuss the 10 films nominated for best picture. These were great conversations and we are absolutely  thrilled to share them with you here.  First up: Dune Of course, if you want to watch John and Steve as well as listen you can see the video right here.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6f1Hg3eWT8&t=15s Don't forget to like and sub...

This exploration Do the Right Thing, with special guest, Andre Gordon, has been one of the most challenging complex and, frankly, difficult conversations in the history of the The Cine-Files. However, that is 100% appropriate because the issues Director, Spike Lee is exploring in this incredible film are challenging complex, difficult and, sadly, just as relevant today as they were over 30 years a...

The temperature continues to rise both physically and emotionally in this this Spike Lee masterpiece as the citizens of this Brooklyn Neighborhood interact in ways that are increasingly competitive.  If you haven't seen this incredible film you can buy or stream it right here. https://amzn.to/3H7airj Don’t forget to support The Cine-Files at https://www.patreon.com/TheCineFiles and purchase an...

The Season of Lee continues with our deep dive into the film that put Spike Lee on the map as one of the most talented, daring and courageous directors of his generation, Do the Right Thing. John and Steve are joined for this conversation by Actor, Writer, Director and Producer Andre Gordon.  If you haven't seen this incredible film you can buy or stream it right here. https://amzn.to/3H7airj...

William Hurt was a truly iconic actor, with a subtle yet powerful presence, dry delivery and unique style. Nominated for best actor three years in a row, he truly dominated the 80's but he also made an indelible impression in smaller part and smaller films.  He also starred in a film which resulted in one of Steve and John's favorite Cine-Files conversations and that is when they were join...

The Cine-Files is kicking off "The Season of Lee" with a deep dive into the life and work of one of the greatest filmmakers of the last 40 years. Joining John & Steve for this conversation are some of their favorite people in the world, Jay Washington, Kay Cannon, Winston A. Marshall and Andre Gordon. This is a truly incredible conversation about an incredible filmmaker.  So if you wan...

This week, on their latest episode of The Cine-Files Live, John and Steve continue to play catch up with MCU, this time tackling the 2011, Kenneth Branagh film, Thor. Thor, like many Marvel characters, has a few Daddy issues and talk of Odin led Steve & John to talk a bit about their own fathers neither of whom are what you might expect.  If you haven't seen this incredible film you can bu...

If there was device to measure the cynicism, anger and mistrust in the world it would be peaking right about now but we at the Cine-Files might just hav the perfect antidote. Ivan Reitman’s 1993 film, Dave, starring Sigourney Weaver and Kevin Kline is a warm funny and inspiring movie about a very good man unexpectedly thrust into the most powerful job in the world. If you haven't seen this inc...