Hosts Tom and Dana Duncan take a new approach to finding the answer to the question: "what's the greatest movie of all-time?" Each week, Dana and Tom will review a classic movie, and grade it out based on a six-part rubric scale to determine what the greatest movie of all-time is. For the complete list so far, go to: https://tj3duncan.wixsite.com/tj3duncan/post/greatest-movie-of-all-time-list To contact us, please email the show at Greatestalltimemoviepodcast@gmail.com
Dana and Tom with special guests, Alex Doffek and Thomas Baches, redo their episode of Back to the Future from Season 1. Back to the Future (1985): written and directed by Robert Zemeckis with Bob Gale, cinematography by Dean Cundey, music by Alan Silvestri, starring Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, and Crispin Glover.Plot Summary: In 1985, Marty McFly, an average teenager, finds himself accidentally embarking on the most extraordinary adventure of his life. Through a twist of fate, he ends up transported back to the year 1955 in a time-traveling DeLorean. As he navigates the charming yet unfamiliar world of the 1950s, Marty must ensure his parents still fall in love, overcoming the odds of high school drama and the villainous Biff Tannen.With the clock ticking, Marty races against time, seeking Doc Brown's help to harness the power of a lightning strike to fuel the DeLorean and propel him back to the future. Through humor, heart, and a pulse-pounding sense of adventure, "Back to the Future" weaves a timeless story of self-discovery, love, and the extraordinary impact one person can have on the course of history.Guests:Alex Doffek - Thomas' UncleThomas Baches - Alex's Best FriendChapters:00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back Alex and Thomas03:14 Cast and Background for Back to the Future06:43 Relationship(s) with Back to the Future10:46 What is Back to the Future About?14:12 Whom Does Dana Understand Better?15:36 How is Back to the Future Remembered?19:26 Plot Summary for Back to the Future20:34 Did You Know?22:09 First Break22:54 Best Performance(s)33:09 Best Scene(s)44:43 Second Break45:25 In Memoriam47:49 Best/Funniest Lines51:22 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy58:16 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance01:03:08 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty01:12:01 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness01:21:12 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability01:24:53 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total01:26:33 Remaining Questions for Back to the Future01:43:57 Thank You to Alex and Thomas01:45:40 CreditsYou can also find this episode in full video on YouTube.You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast).For more on the episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/back-to-the-future-1985-redux-ft-alex-doffek-and-thomas-bachesFor the entire rankings list so far, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/greatest-movie-of-all-time-listKeywords:Back to the Future, character analysis, cultural impact, time travel, film legacy, storytelling, performances, movie discussion, film analysis, performance, Hollywood, iconic scenes, character dynamics, political commentary, legacy, originality, cinematography, voyeurism, timelessness, favorite scenes, indelible moments, rewatchability, Michael J Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, Crispin Glover, Robert Zemeckis, Bob Gale, Marty McFly, Doc Brown, BiffRonny Duncan Studios
Dana and Tom with returning guests, Adam Freed (Managing Editor and Senior Film Critic at MovieArcher.com) and Adam Vanderwerff discuss the last of the original trilogy of Star Wars films with Return of the Jedi (1983): directed by Richard Marquand, written by Lawrence Kasdan and George Lucas, cinematography by Alan Hume, music by John Williams, starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Alec Guinness, and James Earl Jones.Plot Summary: Return of the Jedi is the epic conclusion to the original Star Wars trilogy. It follows Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher), and Han Solo (Harrison Ford) as they battle to overthrow the oppressive Galactic Empire.After rescuing Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt, the Rebel Alliance prepares for a final assault on the Empire's ultimate weapon, the second Death Star. Meanwhile, Luke confronts Darth Vader, hoping to redeem his father from the dark side and put an end to Emperor Palpatine's tyranny. With thrilling battles, emotional reunions, and the power of hope, the Rebels fight to restore freedom to the galaxy.Guests:Adam FreedManaging Editor and Senior Film Critic at (MovieArcher.com)@moviearcher on Twitter and InstagramPreviously on Batman (1989), Pulp Fiction (1994) RevisitAdam Vanderwerff (Duncan Disability Law)Previous Episodes: Office Space (1999), Ghostbusters (1984), M*A*S*H (1970)Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back to Adam and Adam02:04 Vanderwerff's Favorite Movie05:26 Cast of Return of the Jedi06:20 Relationship(s) with Return of the Jedi14:52 Star Wars as a Whole19:47 What is Return of the Jedi About?27:46 Background for Return of the Jedi29:04 John Williams Appreciation34:31 Plot Summary for Return of the Jedi35:27 Did You Know?45:47 First Break46:32 What's Up with Freed and Vanderwerff53:19 GMOAT Hall of Fame01:08:52 Best Performance(s)01:19:24 Best Scene(s)01:29:57 Second Break01:30:38 In Memoriam01:36:05 Best/Funniest Lines01:40:20 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy01:47:09 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance01:53:35 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty02:00:53 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness02:08:27 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability02:17:58 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total02:20:01 Remaining Questions for Return of the Jedi02:24:59 Thank You to Our Guests02:27:28 Remaining Thoughts02:29:18 Just for Andrew Corns02:37:18 CreditsThis episode is also available in full video on YouTube.You can now...
Dana and Tom with 10x club member, Robb Conlon (Founder of Westport Studios and Host of B2B Business Class), and 5x club member, Andrew Corns (Host and Creator of the Revisionist Almanac), discuss the sequel to Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back (1980) for its 45th anniversary: directed by Irvin Kerschner, written by Leigh Brackett and Lawrence Kasdan, music by John Williams, cinematography by Peter Suschitzky, starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Alec Guinness, and James Earl Jones.Plot Summary: After their triumphant but costly victory against the Empire, the Rebel Alliance struggles to evade Darth Vader's relentless pursuit. Forced into hiding on the remote ice planet Hoth, they soon find themselves under attack, prompting a desperate escape across the galaxy. Meanwhile, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), guided by visions of wisdom, seeks out the reclusive Jedi Master Yoda to sharpen his abilities and prepare for the battles ahead. As Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Princess Leia (Carrie Fischer) attempt to evade Imperial forces, they seek refuge in the seemingly safe Cloud City—only to find betrayal lurking within. When Luke abandons his training to confront Vader, he faces a chilling revelation that will shake the foundation of his destiny and alter the course of the Rebellion forever.Guests:Robb ConlonFounder of Westport Studios and Host of B2B Business ClassLinkedIn: Robb / Westport StudiosPreviously On: Alien (1979), Aliens (1986), Die Hard (1988), The Godfather (1972), John Wick (2014), The Dark Knight (2008), The Dark Knight Rises (2012), Man on Fire (2004), The Incredibles (2004), Gladiator...
Dana and Tom with 5x club member, Shane Rogers (Comedian and Host of Midnight Facts for Insomniacs) and Jesse Sertle (fellow group member of CineMadison) discuss the movie that created the biggest film franchise of all-time, Star Wars (1977): written and directed by George Lucas, cinematography by Gilbert Taylor, music by John Williams, starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Alec Guinness, and James Earl Jones.Plot Summary: Star Wars is set in a galaxy far, far away under the oppressive rule of the Galactic Empire. The story follows a young farm boy, Luke Skywalker, who discovers his destiny when he comes across a pair of droids carrying secret plans for the Empire's ultimate weapon, the Death Star. With the guidance of Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi as well as the help of a roguish pilot, Han Solo, his co-pilot Chewbacca, and the droids R2-D2 and C-3PO, Luke embarks on a daring mission to rescue Princess Leia from the clutches of Darth Vader and to aid the Rebel Alliance in their fight for freedom. The film is a tale of heroism, hope, and the battle between good and evil.Guests:Shane RogersComedian and Host of Midnight Facts for InsomniacsPreviously on Broadcast News (1987), The Big Lebowski (1998), Superman: The Movie (1978), There's Something About Mary (1998), This Is Spinal Tap (1984), Ex Machina (2015)Jesse Sertlefellow group member of CineMadisonpreviously on Rounders (1998), Easy Rider (1969), and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019)@jsertle on IGChapters:00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back to Shane and Jesse02:31 A Significant Movie in the History of GMOAT03:13 Cast and Background for Star Wars08:18 Relationship(s) with Star Wars18:25 What is Star Wars About?23:43 Will Star Wars Ever Be at the Peak of Culture Again?34:15 Plot Summary for Star Wars35:19 Did You Know?37:11 First Break38:00 What's Up with Shane Rogers and Jesse Sertle39:29 Best Performance(s)48:45 Best/Favorite/Indelible Scene(s)01:00:08 Second Break01:00:47 In Memoriam01:04:04 Best/Funniest Lines01:08:24 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy01:14:04 The Stanley Rubric -...
Dana and Tom with 10x guests, Robb Conlon (Founder of Westport Studios and Host of B2B Business Class) and Kieran B. (Host and Creator of the Best Picture Cast; @bestpicturecast on X, IG, Letterboxd - BPC, Letterboxd - Personal) discuss the Best Picture Winner of 2000, Gladiator: directed by Ridley Scott, written by John Logan, David Franzione, William Nicholson, cinematography by John Mathieson, music by Hans Zimmer and Lisa Gerrard, starring Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Richard Harris, and Djimon Hounsou.Plot Summary: In Gladiator, Roman general Maximus Decimus Meridius (Russell Crowe) leads his army to victory in a decisive battle under Emperor Marcus Aurelius. The emperor, disillusioned with his son Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), wishes to pass power to Maximus to restore the Roman Republic. Before this plan can be enacted, Commodus murders his father and seizes the throne.Refusing to serve the new emperor, Maximus is sentenced to death. He escapes execution but returns home to find his wife and son brutally murdered by Commodus's men. Captured and sold into slavery, Maximus becomes a gladiator under the training of Proximo (Oliver Reed), a former gladiator himself. Maximus ultimately works his way to Rome, igniting a battle not just for revenge but for the soul of Rome.As the story builds to a final confrontation, Maximus must fight one last time—against a corrupt emperor and the cruelty of the empire—to restore honor and justice and to fulfill a dying emperor's last hope.Guests:Robb ConlonFounder of Westport Studios and Host of B2B Business ClassLinkedIn: Robb / Westport StudiosPreviously On: Alien (1979), Aliens (1986), Die Hard (1988), The Godfather (1972), John Wick (2014), The Dark Knight (2008),
Dana and Tom with returning guest, Joe Boukhari (Instagram - I'll Get to It When I Get to It; Letterboxd Film Commentator - @bagodonuts) revisit Caddyshack (1980): written and directed by Harold Ramis with Douglas Kenney and Brian Doyle Murray, music by Johnny Mandel, cinematography by Stevan Larner, starring Chevy Chase, Ted Knight, Rodney Dangerfield, and Bill Murray.Plot Summary: Bushwood Country Club: an opulent haven for the wealthy, where life revolves around pristine greens, exclusivity, and egos so inflated they could double as golf carts. But underneath the facade of luxury lies a clash of worlds—working-class caddies and eccentric groundskeepers versus snobby elites—and it's about to get hilariously out of control.Danny Noonan (Michael O'Keefe), a young caddy striving to secure his future, finds himself entangled in the club's tangled hierarchy, navigating manipulative judges, raucous millionaires, and life lessons from Ty Webb (Chevy Chase), a laid-back golfer with pearls of wisdom that sound like they came from a Zen koan written by Groucho Marx. Meanwhile, Carl Spackler (Bill Murray), the quirky groundskeeper, engages in an escalating war with a gopher so cunning it could win a philosophy debate.Add in Al Czervik (Rodney Dangerfield), whose outlandish behavior becomes a catalyst for chaos, and Bushwood transforms into the backdrop for a wild satire of class division, absurd ambition, and the universal search for meaning—through golf, naturally. The result? A comedy that skewers pretense and celebrates the unpredictability of life, all while leaving the audience wondering how a gopher became the most unstoppable force in the universe.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back, Joe Boukhari02:42 Cast and Background for Caddyshack06:19 Relationship(s) with Caddyshack09:12 What is Caddyshack About?13:54 Status of Comedy in Film24:48 Plot Summary for Caddyshack26:36 Did You Know?28:29 First Break29:26 What's Up with Joe Boukhari?32:02 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy45:03 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance50:33 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty57:52 Second Break58:33 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness01:04:54 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability01:09:27 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total01:11:28 Remaining Questions for Caddyshack01:14:44 Thank You to Joe Boukhari and Remaining Thoughts01:18:17 CreditsGuest:Joe BoukhariInstagram - I'll Get to It When I Get to ItLetterboxd Film Commentator - @bagodonutsYou can also find this episode in full video on YouTube.You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast).For more on the original episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/caddyshack-1980For more on the episode, go to:
Dana and Tom with returning guest, VP Morris (Award-winning thriller and horror writer and podcaster; vpmorris.com, @teawriterepeat on IG and X, The Dead Letters Podcast) discuss American Psycho (2000) for its 25th Anniversary: written and directed by Mary Harron with Guinivere Turner, cinematography by Andrzej Sekuła, music by John Cale, starring Christian Bale, Justin Theroux, Josh Lucas, Willem Dafoe, Jared Leto, Reese Witherspoon, and Chloe Sevigny.Plot Summary: American Psycho follows Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale), a wealthy and successful New York investment banker in the 1980s, whose polished and charming exterior hides a chilling secret: he's a violent, unhinged killer. As his grip on reality begins to fray, the story delves into themes of consumerism, identity, and moral decay, leaving us questioning what is real and what exists only in his fractured mind.Guest:VP MorrisAward-winning thriller and horror writer and podcaster;vpmorris.com, @teawriterepeat on IG and X, The Dead Letters Podcast;Previously on Scream (1996), The Shining (1980), and Rear Window (1954)Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction02:21 Casting and Background for American Psycho04:13 Relationship(s) with American Psycho06:57 Dad, Did You Like the Film?13:43 What is American Psycho About?25:51 Plot Summary for American Psycho26:29 Did You Know?28:52 First Break29:35 What's Happening with VP Morris?31:30 Best Performance(s)39:43 Best/Favorite/Indelible Scene(s)49:36 Second Break50:14 In Memoriam53:34 Best/Funniest Lines59:14 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy01:07:05 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance01:13:21 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty01:17:25 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness01:22:12 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability01:26:41 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total01:27:28 Further Discourse01:36:37 Remaining Questions for American Psycho01:53:36 A Thank You to VP Morris and Final Thoughts01:56:36 CreditsYou can also find this episode in full video on YouTube.You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast).For more on the...
Dana and Tom with 5x Club Member, Shane Rogers (Comedian and Host of Midnight Facts for Insomniacs) discuss the sci-fi thriller, Ex Machina (2015): written and directed by Alex Garland, cinematography by Rob Hardy, music by Geoff Barrow and Ben Salisbury, starring Domhnall Gleeson, Oscar Isaac, and Alicia Vikander.Plot Summary: Ex Machina is a cerebral sci-fi thriller written and directed by Alex Garland. The story follows Caleb (Domhnall Gleeson), a young programmer who wins a company contest to spend a week at the secluded estate of his reclusive boss, Nathan (Oscar Isaac), a brilliant but eccentric tech CEO. Upon arrival, Caleb learns he has been selected to participate in a Turing test for Ava (Alicia Vikander), an advanced AI housed in a humanoid robot. As Caleb interacts with Ava, he becomes emotionally entangled with her, questioning whether she truly possesses consciousness—or if he is being manipulated. Meanwhile, Nathan's true motives remain elusive, and the line between man, machine, and deception blurs in a tense psychological battle that builds to a chilling climax.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back Shane06:30 Relationship(s) to Ex Machina09:53 Did You Like the Film?18:37 What Did Ex Machina Get Right and Wrong About AI?25:15 Plot Summary for Ex Machina26:23 Did You Know?27:44 First Break28:21 What's Happening with Shane Rogers?29:41 Best Performance(s)48:35 Best/Favorite/Indelible Scene(s)56:53 Second Break57:32 In Memoriam01:02:58 Best/Funniest Lines01:05:49 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy01:12:01 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance01:15:00 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty01:24:08 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability01:27:00 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total01:28:11 Remaining Questions01:33:22 Thank You to Shane and Remaining Thoughts01:37:16 CreditsGuest:Shane RogersComedian and Host of Midnight Facts for InsomniacsPreviously on Broadcast News (1987), The Big Lebowski (1998), Superman: The Movie (1978), There's Something About Mary (1998), This Is Spinal Tap (1984).You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast).For more on the episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/ex-machina-2015-ft-shane-rogersFor the entire rankings list so far, go to:
Dana and Tom with 5x Club member, Sara Shea (Host and Creator of Shea Cinema; @sheacinema on X, IG) discuss the Best Picture winner of 1970, Patton: directed by Franklin J. Schaffner, written by Francis Ford Coppola and Edward H. North, cinematography by Fred J. Koenekamp, music by Jerry Goldsmith, starring George C. Scott, Karl Malden, and Edward Binns.Plot Summary: A sweeping and complex portrait of a man consumed by ambition, Patton charges through history with ferocity and contradictions, a gladiator on the modern battlefield. In the chaos and grandeur of World War II, Patton's genius and ego collide, alienating allies and enthralling enemies. Hero and antihero, the film unveils his brutal poetry of war, a relentless quest for glory at any cost—and the haunting question of whether he is made for, or destroyed by, the brutal theater of combat.Guest:Sara SheaHost and Creator of Shea Cinema; @sheacinema on X, IGPreviously on 12 Angry Men (1957) Revisit, Barry Lyndon (1975), Shampoo (1975), 2025 Post Oscars Reaction ShowChapters:00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back Sara Shea05:19 Cast and Background for Patton09:01 Relationship(s) with Patton15:30 Dana, Why Do You Love This Movie?18:34 Welcome to the Resistance27:51 What is Patton About?31:46 Plot Summary for Patton32:35 Did You Know?36:48 First Break37:36 What's Up with Sara Shea?40:01 Best Performance(s)51:23 Best/Favorite/Indelible Scene(s)01:01:28 Second Break01:02:09 In Memoriam01:03:11 Best/Funniest Lines01:13:38 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy01:18:18 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance01:24:39 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty01:33:10 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness01:40:27 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability01:45:32 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total01:47:26 Remaining Questions for Patton01:49:31 A Thank You to Sara and Final Thoughts01:54:54 CreditsYou can also find this episode in full video on YouTube.You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast).For more on the episode, go to:
Dana and Tom with returning guest and 5x Club Member, Allyson Techmeier (sister of Tom, daughter of Dana) discuss the revolutionary animated film, Toy Story (1995): directed by John Lasseter, written by Joss Whedon, Andrew Stanton, Joel Cohen, and Alec Sokolow, music by Randy Newman, starring Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Don Rickles, Annie Potts, Wallace Shawn, and John Ratzenberger.Plot Summary: Toy Story is an animated film about a group of toys that come to life when their owner, Andy, is not around. The story centers on Woody, a cowboy doll, and Buzz Lightyear, a space ranger action figure. When Buzz arrives and threatens Woody's status as Andy's favorite toy, Woody is overcome with jealousy. However, after an accident, the two must work together after getting lost in the chaos of a move, leading to an unlikely friendship and a heartwarming adventure.The film explores themes of friendship, identity, and the changing nature of relationships as children grow up. The story is heartwarming, humorous, and full of adventure, with memorable characters and groundbreaking animation that set a new standard for animated films.Guest:Allyson Techmeier5x Club Member - My Fair Lady (1964), Mary Poppins (1964), 12 Years a Slave (2013), Batman Begins (2005), Casablanca (1943) Re-RevisitChapters:00:00 Introduction and Welcome to Allyson Techmeier01:49 Cast and Background for Toy Story04:07 Relationship(s) to Toy Story06:53 What is Toy Story About?07:41 Significance of Toy Story in Animation History16:27 Plot Summary for Toy Story17:28 Did You Know?19:18 First Break20:07 Best Performance(s)29:29 Best/Favorite/Indelible Scene(s)38:30 Second Break39:59 In Memoriam40:55 Best/Funniest Lines43:42 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy49:18 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance59:20 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty01:03:50 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness01:10:34 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability01:14:20 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total01:17:47 Remaining Questions01:24:21 Thank You to Allyson and Final Thoughts01:27:28 CreditsYou can also find this episode in full video on YouTube.You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast).For more on the episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/toy-story-1995-ft-allyson-duncanFor the entire rankings list so far, go to:
Dana and Tom with 13x guest, Kieran B (Host and Creator of the Best Picture Cast; @bestpicturecast) discuss the adaptation of John Steinbeck's famous novel, The Grapes of Wrath (1940) for its 85th anniversary: directed by John Ford, written by Nunnally Johnson, ainematography by Gregg Toland, music by Alfred Newman, starring Henry Fonda, John Carradine, and Jane Darwell.Plot Summary: The Grapes of Wrath, directed by John Ford and based on John Steinbeck's novel, follows the Joad family, struggling to survive during the Great Depression. After being evicted from their Oklahoma farm, they journey west to California in search of work and a better life. Led by Tom Joad (Henry Fonda), the family faces hardship, exploitation, and disillusionment as they encounter the harsh realities of migrant labor. Despite suffering immense loss, their resilience endures, with Ma Joad (Jane Darwell) embodying the family's unwavering hope. The film is a poignant exploration of poverty, injustice, and the strength of the human spirit.Guest:Kieran B (10x Member Club)Host and Creator of the Best Picture Cast; @bestpicturecast on X, IG, Letterboxd - BPC, Letterboxd - PersonalPrevious Episodes: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1957), Lost in Translation (2003), Gran Torino (2008), Stalag 17 (1953), Shane (1953), A Fistful of Dollars (1964), The Best Years of Our Lives (1946) Revisit, 12 Angry Men (1957) Revisit, The Shawshank Redemption (1994) Revisit, Saw (2004), Up in the Air (2009), Bad Day at...
Dana and Tom with returning guest, Ryan Luis Rodriguez (host and creator of One Track Mind podcast, and co-host of Reels of Justice) discuss Erin Brockovich (2000) for its 25th anniversary: directed by Steven Soderbergh, written by Susannah Grant, cinematography by Ed Lachman, music Thomas Newman, starring Julia Robert, Albert Finney, and Aaron Eckhart.Plot Summary: Erin Brockovich is a biographical drama starring Julia Roberts as the titular character, a struggling single mother who stumbles upon a major environmental scandal. Working at a small law firm, Erin discovers that Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) has been contaminating the water supply of Hinkley, California, leading to severe health issues for its residents. Despite having no formal legal training, her relentless determination and personal connection to the victims drive her to build a case against the corporation. With her bold personality and refusal to back down, she helps secure a record-breaking $333 million settlement. The film, directed by Steven Soderbergh, is a compelling tale of persistence, justice, and the power of one person to make a difference.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Welcome to Our Guest01:42 Cast and Background for Erin Brockovich03:26 Relationship(s) with Erin Brockovich07:44 What is Erin Brockovich About?11:12 Why is Law Such a Captivating Film Subject?13:51 Plot Summary for Erin Brockovich14:55 Did You Know?16:32 First Break17:15 What's Up with Ryan Luis Rodriguez21:11 Best Performance(s)30:05 Best/Favorite/Indelible Scene(s)37:10 Second Break37:51 In Memoriam42:37 Best/Funniest Lines44:09 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy49:40 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance52:39 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty55:49 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness59:21 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability01:01:55 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total01:03:14 Remaining Questions for Erin Brockovich01:04:39 Thank You to Our Guest01:05:26 Remaining Thoughts for the Week01:09:39 CreditsYou can also find this episode in full video on YouTube.You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast).For more on the episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/erin-brockovich-2000-ft-ryan-luis-rodriguezFor the entire rankings list so far, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/greatest-movie-of-all-time-listKeywords:Erin Brockovich, Steven Soderbergh, Julia Roberts, legal drama, environmental issues, film analysis, movie podcast, Oscar winner, character study, film legacy, Best Director, Best Actress, Oscar, Best Picture, nomineeRonny Duncan Studios
Dana and Tom discuss the Oscar-winning musical biopic, Coal Miner's Daughter (1980) for its 45th Anniversary: directed by Michael Apted, written by Tom Rickman, music by Owen Bradley, starring Sissy Spacek, Tommy Lee Jones, and Beverly D'Angelo.Plot Summary: Coal Miner's Daughter is a biographical drama about the life of country music legend Loretta Lynn. Raised in poverty in the coal-mining town of Butcher Hollow, Kentucky, Loretta (Sissy Spacek) marries Doolittle "Doo" Lynn (Tommy Lee Jones) at just age 15. Encouraged by Doo, she begins singing and writing songs, eventually rising to fame in the male-dominated country music industry. As her career soars, she struggles with the pressures of stardom, family responsibilities, and personal hardships. Featuring standout performances and authentic musical moments, the film is a heartfelt tribute to Lynn's resilience and talent.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:42 Cast and Background for Coal Miner's Daughter02:20 Relationship(s) with Coal Miner's Daughter03:36 What is Coal Miner's Daughter About?07:48 Why Are Musical Biopics So Popular?12:18 Plot Summary for Coal Miner's Daughter13:11 Did You Know?14:46 First Break15:24 Some Great Listener Feedback17:05 Best Performance(s)22:50 Best/Favorite/Indelible Scene(s)26:55 Second Break27:56 In Memoriam30:10 Best/Funniest Lines31:32 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy35:09 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance38:49 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty41:10 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness45:04 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability46:08 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total47:20 Remaining Questions for Coal Miner's Daughter49:58 Remaining Thoughts for the Week54:43 CreditsYou can also find this episode in full video on YouTube.You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast).For more on the episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/coal-miner-s-daughter-1980For the entire rankings list so far, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/greatest-movie-of-all-time-listKeywords:Coal Miner's Daughter, musical biopics, Loretta Lynn, Sissy Spacek, Tommy Lee Jones, film analysis, movie podcast, Oscar winners, country music, film legacy, Beverly D'Angelo, Michael AptedRonny Duncan Studios
Dana lost the 2024 Oscars Bet, and so he has to discuss the terrible film: Simon Sez (1999): directed by Kevin Alyn Elders, written by Andrew Lowery and Andrew Miller, music by Brian Tyler, starring Dennis Rodman, Dane Cook, Ricky Harris, and John Pinette.Chapters:00:00 Welcome to Dana's Oscars Bet Punishment02:02 Opening Questions04:19 Plot Summary for Simon Sez06:09 Did You Know?06:56 Best Performance(s)08:00 Best/Favorite/Indelible Scene(s)09:37 Best Line(s)10:39 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy11:38 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance13:28 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty15:08 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness16:10 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability16:25 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total17:29 Remaining QuestionsYou can find this episode in full video on YouTube.You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast).For the entire rankings list so far, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/greatest-movie-of-all-time-listKeywords:Simon Sez, movie review, Dennis Rodman, Dane Cook, film analysis, podcast, bad movies, comedy, action thriller, cinematic legacyRonny Duncan Studios
Dana and Tom, for their 250th episode and 5th Anniversary, discuss the 1993 Best Picture winner, Schindler's List: directed by Steven Spielberg, written by Steven Zaillian, music by John Williams, cinematography by Janusz Kaminski, starring Liam Neeson, Ben Kingsley, and Ralph Fiennes.Plot Summary: Schindler's List is a powerful film exposing the horrors of the Holocaust and the capacity for redemption in the face of unimaginable evil. Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson) is a German businessman whose war profiteering led him to exploit Jewish labor in Nazi-occupied Poland. However, what begins as opportunism transforms into something deeply human as Schindler witnesses the systematic brutality inflicted upon his workers. With quiet urgency, he shifts from bystander to savior, risking everything to shield more than a thousand Jews from certain death. Schindler's List is not just a great film but a necessary one.Chapters:00:00 Welcome to Our 250th Episode and 5th Anniversary Show01:29 Cast and Background for Schindler's List05:46 Relationship(s) to Schindler's List13:27 Where Should Schindler's List be Ranked Among All Best Picture Winners?16:37 What is Schindler's List About?17:25 Plot Summary for Schindler's List18:20 Did You Know?20:09 First Break21:16 Best Performance(s)31:01 Best/Favorite/Indelible Scene(s)35:17 Second Break36:14 In Memoriam36:55 Best Line(s)38:42 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy43:37 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance46:37 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty49:18 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness52:06 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability54:55 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total56:58 Remaining Questions and Final Thoughts01:05:27 CreditsYou can also find this episode in full video on YouTube.You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast).For more on the episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/schindler-s-list-1993For the entire rankings list so far, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/greatest-movie-of-all-time-listKeywords:Schindler's List, Steven Spielberg, Holocaust, film analysis, movie podcast, cinematic legacy, emotional impact, film performances, classic films, movie reviewsRonny Duncan Studios
Dana and Tom give you their picks for what should and will win at the 2025 Oscars, preview their annual Oscars picks bet, and then rank their Best Picture favorites in this special live-stream episode.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to the Oscars Special Edition02:47 Best Supporting Actress Predictions06:00 Animated Short Film Discussion09:56 Best Animated Feature Insights12:04 Screenplay Categories Overview15:58 Makeup and Hair Styling Analysis17:59 Production and Costume Design Breakdown22:03 International Film and Best Picture Predictions26:04 Best Supporting Actor Insights27:52 Visual Effects and Cinematography Discussion39:00 Best Live Action Short and Sound Categories40:43 Best Documentary and Final Thoughts43:41 Best Score Discussion45:08 Controversial Best Original Song Predictions49:30 Best Actor Insights54:32 Best Director Predictions55:36 Best Actress Controversies01:00:04 Oscars Bet and Tiebreaker Selection01:05:17 Best Picture Rankings01:17:20 Film Rankings and Expectations01:19:05 Diving into 'Conclave' and Its Reception01:22:29 Exploring 'A Complete Unknown' and Its Impact01:28:08 The Haunting Themes of 'I'm Still Here'01:31:41 The Significance of 'Nickel Boys'01:36:34 The Sci-Fi Experience of 'Dune Part Two'01:42:04 Analyzing 'The Brutalist'01:49:19 The Best Picture Contender: 'Anora'You can also catch the full episode on video on YouTube.You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast).For more on the episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/oscars-preview-2025Keywords:Oscars, movie predictions, film analysis, awards, best picture, supporting actress, animated feature, screenplay, production design, cinematography, Oscars, Best Score, Best Original Song, Best Actor, Best Director, Best Actress, Oscars Bet, Best Picture, film reviews, movie rankings, Oscars 2025, cinematic analysis, film discussions, movie recommendations, best picture nominees, film critique, cinematic themes, movie insights, Anora, The Brutalist, A Complete Unknown, Conclave, Dune: Part Two, Emilia Pérez, I'm Still Here, Nickel Boys, The Substance, WickedRonny Duncan Studios
Dana and Tom discuss the 80s classic, The Breakfast Club (1985) for its 40th Anniversary: written and directed by John Hughes, music by Keith Forsey, starring Emilio Estevez, Judd Nelson, Paul Gleason, Molly Ringwald, Anthony Michael Hall, and Ally Sheedy.Plot Summary: Five high school students from different cliques—brainy Brian, rebellious John, popular Claire, athletic Andrew, and outcast Allison—are forced to spend a Saturday in detention together. Initially clashing due to their differences, they gradually open up, revealing their personal struggles and realizing they have more in common than they thought.Through laughter, tension, and heartfelt confessions, they form an unlikely bond that challenges the stereotypes that define them. By the end of the day, they leave detention changed, uncertain if their newfound understanding will survive Monday morning, but forever marked by their shared experience.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:51 Cast and Background for The Breakfast Club02:32 Relationship(s) with The Breakfast Club10:46 What is The Breakfast Club About?13:04 Assessment of the Current YA Environment in Film14:58 Plot Summary for The Breakfast Club15:49 Did You Know?17:42 First Break18:56 Best Performance(s)25:46 Best/Favorite/Indelible Scene(s)31:06 Second Break32:05 In Memoriam32:38 Best/Funniest Lines36:18 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy40:21 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance43:34 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty47:45 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness54:11 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability55:38 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total56:41 Remaining Questions for The Breakfast Club59:28 Remaining Thoughts for the Week01:04:03 CreditsYou can also now find this episode in full video on YouTube.You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast).For more on the episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/the-breakfast-club-1985For the entire rankings list so far, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/greatest-movie-of-all-time-listKeywords:The Breakfast Club, John Hughes, 1980s film, teen movies, nostalgia, character analysis, cultural impact, movie review, film legacy, identity, Emilio Estevez, Judd Nelson, Molly Ringwald, Paul Gleason, Ally Sheedy, Anthony Michael HallRonny Duncan Studios
Dana and Tom with special guest, author Andrew Buss (@andrewlbuss on Twitter, IG) discuss Superbad (2007) for Andrew's new book coming out on Tuesday, February 18th, 2025 - I Am McLovin: How Superbad Became the Biggest Comedy Hit of Its Generation (available with all major book purchasers): directed by Greg Mottola, written by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, music by Lyle Workman, starring Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Emma Stone, Bill Hader, and Seth Rogen.Plot Summary: So there's this flick called 'Superbad', right? Imagine two high school seniors, Seth and Evan. They're like best buds, and of course, they're total outcasts. Anyway, they're on this mission to have the most epic night ever before they head off to college. The ultimate goal? Get booze and get the girls of their dreams.But let me tell you, everything that can go wrong does go wrong. Picture a wild odyssey that involves a fake ID, cops who are a bit too eager to party, and one awkward encounter after another. It's hilarious, it's awkward, and it's got that coming-of-age vibe that makes it an absolute riot. Oh, and it's also got a bit of heart—because, you know, it's not just about the party. It's about friendship, growing up, and all that other mushy stuff.You can find the full live video from our interview/episode on YouTube.You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast).For more on the episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/superbad-2007-ft-andrew-buss-special-livestream-editionFor the entire rankings list so far, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/greatest-movie-of-all-time-listKeywords:Superbad, Andrew Buss, R-rated comedies, friendship, film analysis, comedy history, Judd Apatow, movie impact, generational comedy, cultural significance, Superbad, comedy, film analysis, cultural impact, behind the scenes, legacy, novelty, classicness, cinema, changing attitudes, law enforcement, rewatchability, R-rated comedies, film analysis, audience reception, cultural commentary, movie legacy, comedy evolution, Seth Rogen, Emma Stone, Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Bill Hader, Greg Mottola.Ronny Duncan Studios
Dana and Tom welcome back guest, Sara Shea (Host and Creator of Shea Cinema; @sheacinema on X, IG) to discuss Shampoo (1975) for its 50th Anniversary: directed by Hal Ashby, written by Warren Beatty and Robert Towne, music by Paul Simon, starring Warren Beatty, Goldie Hawn, Julie Christine, Lee Grant, Carrie Fischer, and Jack Warden.Plot Summary: Shampoo is a sharp, bittersweet satire wrapped in the glitzy excess of late-'60s Beverly Hills. The film follows George Roundy (Beatty), a womanizing hairdresser whose ambition is undercut by his inability to resist the charms of his wealthy clientele. On the eve of the 1968 presidential election, George juggles a tangled web of lovers—including his current girlfriend (Goldie Hawn), his wealthy benefactor's wife (Lee Grant), and his ex (Julie Christie)—all while trying to secure financial backing for his own salon.Shampoo disguises its sharp political and social critique beneath a surface of sexual farce, letting the characters' selfishness mirror the broader moral drift of the era. The film's humor is sly but never mean-spirited, and its direction, full of casual elegance, ensures that even the most ridiculous moments feel authentic. By the film's melancholic finale, Shampoo has revealed itself as more than just a sex comedy—it's a lament for lost opportunities, both personal and political.Guest:Sara SheaHost and Creator of Shea Cinema; @sheacinema on X, IGPreviously on 12 Angry Men (1957) Revisit, Barry Lyndon (1975)Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Welcome to Our Guest02:04 Cast and Background for Shampoo03:32 Relationship(s) with Shampoo06:22 What is Shampoo About?16:15 Warren Beatty's Eclectic Film Choices22:05 Plot Summary for Shampoo23:32 Did You Know?24:44 First Break26:54 What's Happening with Sara29:05 A Listener Question30:42 Best Performance(s)39:01 Best/Favorite/Indelible Scene(s)44:09 Second Break45:12 In Memoriam46:28 Best/Funniest Lines49:36 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy52:46 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance56:36 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance01:02:28 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness01:07:21 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability01:14:03 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total01:16:06 Remaining Questions for Shampoo01:22:53 Thank You to Our Guest01:24:30 Final Thoughts for the Week01:28:00 CreditsYou can also find this episode in full video on YouTube.You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or
Dana and Tom with 5x Club guest, Peterson W. Hill (Co-Host of the War Starts at Midnight podcast) discuss La Dolce Vita (1960) for its 65th anniversary: written and directed by Frederico Fellini with Ennio Flaiano, Tullio Pinelli, Brunello Rondi, and Pier Paolo Pasolini, music by Nino Rota, cinematography by Otello Martelli, starring Marcello Mastroianni, Anita Ekberg, Anouk Aimee, and Yvonne Furneaux.Plot Summary: Set against the glamorous backdrop of Rome in the 1950s, La Dolce Vita follows Marcello Rubini, a jaded journalist, as he drifts through a series of decadent encounters over seven days and nights.Torn between the shallow allure of celebrity culture and his yearning for deeper meaning, Marcello is drawn into the chaotic lives of socialites, artists, and film stars. As he navigates lavish parties, fleeting romances, and existential crises, the film explores themes of decadence, disillusionment, and the search for purpose in a world consumed by hedonism. The film's iconic imagery, including Anita Ekberg's midnight wade in the Trevi Fountain, cements its status as a cinematic masterpiece and a poignant reflection on modern life.Guest:Peterson W. Hill - Co-Host of the War Starts at Midnight podcast@petersonwhill on IG, Letterboxd, and TwitterPrevious Guest on Gone Girl (2014), Parasite (2019), Fight Club (1999), Ben-Hur (1959), Up in the Air (2009), The Shop Around the Corner (1940)Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Welcome to Our Guest02:16 Cast and Background for La Dolce Vita06:30 Relationship(s) with La Dolce Vita13:58 What is La Dolce Vita About?19:14 Fellini's Unique Style and Cinematic Techniques23:04 Plot Summary for La Dolce Vita24:05 Did You Know?26:39 First Break27:18 Exploring Classic Films and Their Impact28:37 What's Up with Peterson29:03 Further Explanation of the GMOAT Hall of Fame41:00 Best Performance(s)47:27 Best/Favorite/Indelible Scene(s)58:52 Second Break59:58 In Memoriam01:00:32 Best/Funniest Lines01:01:55 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy01:06:55 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance01:10:58 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty01:14:48 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness01:20:40 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability01:27:50 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total01:30:20 Remaining Questions for La Dolce...
Dana and Tom with returning guest and 5x Club member, Peterson W. Hill (Co-Host of the War Starts at Midnight podcast), discuss The Shop Around the Corner (1940) for its 85th anniversary: directed by Ernst Lubitsch, written by Samson Raphaelson and Ben Hecht, music by Werner Heymann, starring James Stewart, Margaret Sullavan, and Frank Morgan.Plot Summary: "The Shop Around the Corner" is a charming romantic comedy set in a Budapest gift shop. The story revolves around the antagonistic relationship between the store's manager, Alfred Kralik (James Stewart), and his co-worker, Klara Novak (Margaret Sullavan).Unbeknownst to each other, they are anonymous pen pals who have fallen in love through their letter exchanges. When they finally meet in person, their identities come to light, leading to a delightful resolution filled with warmth and humor. It's a delightful tale of mistaken identities, charming misunderstandings, and the magic of love letters.Guest:Peterson W. Hill - Co-Host of the War Starts at Midnight podcast@petersonwhill on IG, Letterboxd, and TwitterPrevious Guest on Gone Girl (2014), Parasite (2019), Fight Club (1999), Ben-Hur (1959), Up in the Air (2009)Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Welcome to Our Guest04:24 Cast and Recognition for The Shop Around the Corner06:24 Relationship(s) with The Shop Around the Corner12:34 What is The Shop Around the Corner About?17:54 Why Has This Movie Been Remade So Often?19:20 Plot Summary for The Shop Around the Corner20:11 Did You Know?22:24 First Break24:24 What's Up with Peterson W. Hill26:01 GMOAT Hall of Fame29:37 Best Performance(s)39:50 Best/Favorite/Indelible Scene(s)47:13 Second Break48:23 In Memoriam56:39 Best/Funniest Lines58:37 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy01:03:45 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance01:08:17 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty01:14:37 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness01:24:49 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability01:26:33 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total01:27:56 Remaining Questions01:34:38 Thank You to Our Guest and Remaining Thoughts01:39:43 CreditsYou can also catch this episode in full video on YouTube.You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter,
Dana and Tom with returning guest, Adam Vanderwerff, discuss M*A*S*H (1970): directed by Robert Altman, written by Ring Lardner, Jr., music by Johnny Mandel, starring Donald Sutherland, Elliott Gould, Tom Skerritt, and Robert Duvall.Plot Summary: M*A*S*H is a sharp, irreverent satire that reimagines the war film as a chaotic and darkly comedic theater of absurdity. Set in a mobile army surgical hospital during the Korean War, the film follows the misadventures of surgeons Hawkeye Pierce (Donald Sutherland) and Trapper John McIntyre (Elliott Gould), whose antics clash with the rigid military hierarchy.The film's freewheeling ensemble style captures the camaraderie and anarchy of a unit forced to find humor amidst the horrors of war. With its anti-authoritarian ethos and whip-smart dialogue, the film critiques the machinery of war and conformity without sermonizing. The overlapping conversations, naturalistic performances, and subversive tone make M*A*S*H both a product of its era and a timeless commentary on the absurdities of human conflict.Guest:Adam Vanderwerff (Duncan Disability Law)Previous Episodes: Office Space (1999), Ghostbusters (1984)Chapters:00:00 Introduction to MASH and Its Legacy03:56 Relationship(s) with M*A*S*H08:02 What is M*A*S*H About?12:42 Cultural Impact of M*A*S*H18:57 Impact of First F-Bomb in Cinema History?21:09 Plot Summary for M*A*S*H22:22 Did You Know?24:51 First Break26:22 Best Performance(s)32:50 Best/Favorite/Indelible Scene(s)38:43 Second Break39:53 In Memoriam42:08 Best/Funniest Lines43:47 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy48:19 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance49:01 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty52:57 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness58:57 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability01:01:59 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total01:03:12 Remaining Questions for M*A*S*H01:10:45 Thank You to Our Guest and Final Thoughts01:15:42 CreditsYou can also find this episode in full video on YouTube.You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast).For more on the episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/m-a-s-h-1970-ft-adam-vanderwerffFor the entire rankings list so far, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/greatest-movie-of-all-time-listKeywords:MASH, film analysis, cultural impact, legacy, comedy, war film, character performances, podcast, movie review, Donald Sutherland, Robert Altman, Robert Duvall, Elliot Gould, Tom SkerittRonny Duncan Studios
Dana and Tom with frequent guest, Kieran B. (Host and Creator of the Best Picture Cast), discuss Bad Day at Black Rock (1955): directed by John Sturges, written by Millard Kaufman and John McGuire, music by Andre Previn, starring Spencer Tracy, Robert Ryan, Walter Brennan, Ernest Borgnine, and Lee Marvin.Plot Summary: In Bad Day at Black Rock, director John Sturges crafts a taut, sun-scorched thriller that unfolds with the precision of a coiled spring. When John J. Macreedy (Spencer Tracy), a stoic, one-armed stranger, arrives in a remote desert town, his quiet inquiries about a man named Komoko rattle the fragile veneer of its close-knit community. Suspicion and hostility mount as the town's residents, led by the menacing Reno Smith (Robert Ryan), close ranks to protect a dark secret buried beneath the dusty, desolate landscape.Guest:Kieran BHost and Creator of the Best Picture Cast; @bestpicturecast on X, IG, Letterboxd - BPC, Letterboxd - PersonalPrevious Episodes: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1957), Lost in Translation (2003), Gran Torino (2008), Stalag 17 (1953), Shane (1953), A Fistful of Dollars (1964), The Best Years of Our Lives (1946) Revisit, 12 Angry Men (1957) Revisit, The Shawshank Redemption (1994) Revisit, Saw (2004), Up in the Air (2009)Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Welcome to Kieran02:35 Cast and Recognition for Bad Day at Black Rock04:15 Relationship(s) with Bad Day at Black Rock10:09 What is Bad Day at Black Rock About?14:14 Is Historial Context Needed to Appreciate the Film?22:04 Plot Summary for Bad...
Tom, Andrew Corns ( @RevAlmanac ) and Sara Shea ( @SheaCinema ) talk about the films they exchanged with each other for Xmas 2024.Find our work @gmoatpodcast on IG, Twitter, TikTok, Letterboxd, YouTube.Chapters:00:00 Christmas Film Exchange01:57 Andrew's Turn07:15 Tom's Turn17:49 Sara's TurnKeywords:movies, film exchange, recommendations, mental health, cinema, comedy, drama, classic films, personal connections, storytelling
Dana and Tom with returning guests, Andrew Corns (Host of the Revisionist Almanac) and Sara Shea (Shea Cinema) discuss Barry Lyndon (1975): written and directed by Stanley Kubrick, music by Leonard Rosenman, cinematography by John Alcott, starring Ryan O'Neal, Marisa Berenson, and Patrick Magee.Plot Summary: Barry Lyndon is a meticulous and mesmerizing work from Stanley Kubrick, a filmmaker whose precision often feels like both a blessing and a dare. Adapting Thackeray's novel, Kubrick crafts a period piece that is at once authentic and yet modern. The story follows Redmond Barry (Ryan O'Neal), a charming but ultimately hapless opportunist, as he schemes his way from a modest Irish upbringing to the heights of English aristocracy, only to tumble back down through a cascade of personal failures.Kubrick doesn't just tell Barry's story—he dissects it. Every scene is composed like a tableau, every gesture underlined with a note of irony. The film's grandeur—the lush landscapes, the candlelit interiors—feels like a mirror held up to Barry's own aspirations. It's a long, unhurried film, but within its deliberate rhythm lies a deep, bittersweet observation: no matter how grand the climb, time and circumstance have the last word.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Welcome to Our Guests02:52 Cast and Recognition for Barry Lyndon05:50 Relationship(s) with Barry Lyndon23:47 What is Barry Lyndon About?32:36 Who is Barry Lyndon?39:23 Plot Summary for Barry Lyndon43:32 First Break45:00 What's Up with Andrew and Sara50:30 Best Performance(s)01:12:57 Best/Favorite/Indelible Scene(s)01:25:38 Second Break01:26:18 In Memoriam01:29:57 Best/Funniest Lines01:34:11 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy01:40:14 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance01:47:15 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty01:54:13 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness02:01:22 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability02:07:16 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total02:08:31 Remaining Questions for Barry Lyndon02:18:38 Thank You to Our Guests02:20:28 CreditsGuests:Andrew CornsHost of the Revisionist Almanac@revalmanac on IG, X, YouTube, TikTok, and LetterboxdPreviously on Gaslight (1946), Do the Right Thing (1989) Revisit, and Fight Club (1999)Sara SheaHost and Creator of
Dana and Tom revisit In the Heat of the Night (1967): directed by Norman Jewison, written by Sterling Silliphant, score by Quincy Jones, starring Sidney Poitier, Rod Steiger, Warren Oates, and Lee Grant.Plot Summary: In the Heat of the Night (1967) is a taut, incisive drama that explores the collision of justice and racial prejudice in the Deep South. Sidney Poitier stars as Virgil Tibbs, a Philadelphia detective who reluctantly teams up with a bigoted small-town sheriff, played by Rod Steiger, to solve a murder in Sparta, Mississippi.Director Norman Jewison builds a gripping procedural around the tension between these two men, each forced to confront his own biases in the face of a shared goal. With its evocative cinematography, unforgettable moments of confrontation, and Quincy Jones' soulful score, In the Heat of the Night transcends the confines of a murder mystery. It is a film of deep moral resonance, one that holds a mirror to America's struggles with race, power, and reconciliation—while delivering a narrative as electrifying as it is humane.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Welcome01:14 Cast and Recognition for In the Heat of the Night03:23 Relationship(s) to In the Heat of the Night07:21 What is In the Heat of the Night About?14:13 Plot Summary for In the Heat of the Night17:06 First Break17:55 Ask Dana Anything18:40 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy22:05 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance25:07 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty34:07 Second Break34:17 In Memoriam35:20 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness41:49 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability44:23 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total46:12 Remaining Questions for In the Heat of the Night48:44 Where the List Stands at the End of Season 552:54 Remaining Thoughts for Season 558:32 CreditsYou can also find this episode in full video on YouTube.You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast).For more on the original episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/in-the-heat-of-the-night-1967For more on the episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/in-the-heat-of-the-night-1967-revisitFor the entire rankings list so far, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/greatest-movie-of-all-time-listKeywords:In the Heat of the Night, race relations, Sidney Poitier, film analysis, classic films, podcast, movie review, Best Picture, 1967, cultural impactRonny Duncan Studios
Dana and Tom with new guests, Ralph Esparza (Film Producer) and Michael Willoughby (Film Critic/Reviewer) discuss Magnolia (1999) for its 25th Anniversary: written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, music by Jon Brion, starring Tom Cruise, Julianne Moore, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Jason Robards, John C. Reilly, and William H. Macy.Plot Summary: Magnolia is a sprawling, kaleidoscopic meditation on the interconnectedness of lives and the consequences of human frailty, directed with audacious ambition by Paul Thomas Anderson. Set in the San Fernando Valley, the film weaves together a mosaic of seemingly disparate characters—each grappling with their own wounds, secrets, and regrets. A dying patriarch seeks closure, a nurse becomes a moral anchor, a game show host confronts buried truths, and a motivational speaker teeters on the edge of self-destruction. What unites them is a shared yearning for forgiveness and redemption, underscored by a sequence of events that defy explanation and culminate in a surreal, unforgettable act of grace.Fueled by Jon Brion's evocative score and Aimee Mann's haunting songs, Magnolia is less a story than an emotional storm, one that challenges, overwhelms, and ultimately lingers in the heart like a plaintive hymn to the mysteries of life.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Welcome to Our Guests02:34 Getting to Know - Ralph Esparza and Michael Willoughby13:12 Cast and Recognition for Magnolia18:07 Relationship(s) to Magnolia24:10 What is Magnolia About?39:32 Plot Summary for Magnolia40:55 Did You Know?44:54 First Break45:33 What's Happening with Ralph and Michael48:39 Ask Dana Anything52:41 Best Performance(s)01:04:07 Best/Favorite/Indelible Scene(s)01:15:37 Second Break01:16:16 In Memoriam01:16:57 Best/Funniest Lines01:29:27 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy01:38:39 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance01:48:32 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty01:56:21 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness02:04:26 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability02:09:44 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total02:12:41 Remaining Questions for Magnolia02:16:07 A Thank You to Our Guests and Final Thoughts02:20:50 CreditsGuests:Ralph Esparza (Film Producer)Credited on Tollbooth, The Exorcist's House, Killer Date, and An Occasional Hell@ralph_esparza on IGMichael Willoughby (Film Critic/Reviewer)@skadoooosch on Twitter, IG, and YouTubeYou can also find this episode in full video on YouTube.You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast).For more on the episode, go to:
Dana and Tom with returning 5x Club members Kieran B (Host and Creator of the Best Picture Cast) and Peterson W. Hill (Co-Host of the War Starts at Midnight podcast) discuss Up in the Air (2009) for its 15th anniversary: written and directed by Jason Reitman, with Sheldon Turner, music by Rolfe Kent, starring George Clooney, Vera Farmiga, Anna Kendrick, JK Simmons, and Zach Galifinakis.Plot Summary: Ryan Bingham (George Clooney) is a corporate downsizer who spends most of his life traveling for work, reveling in the freedom of a rootless existence. Obsessed with achieving a coveted ten-million-mile frequent flyer goal, Ryan avoids emotional entanglements and personal commitments. However, his carefully constructed life is disrupted when a young efficiency expert, Natalie Keener (Anna Kendrick), proposes a cost-cutting plan that could ground his lifestyle. Simultaneously, Ryan begins an unexpected relationship with fellow traveler Alex Goran (Vera Farmiga), forcing him to confront the emptiness of his transient life. Up in the Air is a poignant exploration of connection, loneliness, and the value of relationships in a disconnected world.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Welcome to Our Guests07:58 Cast and Recognition for Up in the Air09:25 Relationship(s) with Up in the Air13:37 What is Up in the Air About?21:00 Why Isn't Up in the Air More Popular?28:42 Plot Summary for Up in the Air29:51 Did You Know?31:36 First Break35:39 What's Up with Kieran and Peterson42:27 Ask Dana Anything48:26 Best Performance(s)01:04:06 Best/Favorite/Most Indelible01:17:55 Second Break01:18:36 In Memoriam01:20:56 Best/Funniest Lines01:26:20 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy01:35:02 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance01:42:47 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty01:51:50 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness01:57:05 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability02:04:30 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total02:06:08 Remaining Questions02:23:07 Thank Yous to Our Guests and Final Thoughts02:28:24 CreditsGuests:Kieran BHost and Creator of the Best Picture Cast; @bestpicturecast on X, IG, Letterboxd - BPC, Letterboxd - PersonalPrevious Episodes: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1957), Lost in Translation (2003), Gran Torino (2008), Stalag 17 (1953), Shane (1953),
Dana and Tom with Christine Duncan and Klarissa (I've Seen That) revisit Roman Holiday (1953): directed by William Wyler, written by Dalton Trumbo, Ian McClellan Hunter, and John Dighton, score by Georges Auric and Victor Young, starring Gregory Peck, Audrey Hepburn, and Eddie Albert.Plot Summary: In the pantheon of classic cinematic escapades, "Roman Holiday" stands as a luminous testament to the transformative power of love and the allure of adventure. Picture this: a weary princess, suffocated by the pomp and circumstance of royal life, seeks solace in the vibrant heart of Rome. Audrey Hepburn, in her iconic role as Princess Ann, embodies youthful exuberance and longing. Her quest for normalcy leads her into the unsuspecting arms of Gregory Peck's Joe Bradley, a hardened journalist looking for his next big scoop.This isn't just a love story—it's a celebration of serendipity. The narrative waltzes through the cobblestone streets of Rome, capturing the city's soul through enchanting vignettes: a Vespa ride, a mouthwatering gelato, and a dance by the Tiber. The chemistry between Hepburn and Peck is palpable with their performances grounding the whimsical tale in emotional truth.But "Roman Holiday" is more than escapist fantasy; it's a poignant commentary on the dichotomy between duty and desire, a meditation on the fleeting nature of freedom. As Ann returns to her royal obligations, we're left with a bittersweet reminder of the price of responsibility. In an era where reality often feels burdensome, this film invites us to lose ourselves in its magic, if only for a moment.Guests:Christine Duncan - Wife of Dana and Mother of Tom14x guest: Pretty Woman, Sleepless in Seattle, When Harry Met Sally, There's Something About Mary, My Fair Lady, Pillow Talk, The Odd Couple, Bringing Up Baby, A Few Good Men - Revisit, Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, Top Gun, Dial M for Murder, Anatomy of a Murder, and
Dana and Tom with 5x Club member, Sarah Duncan, and new guest, Liz Arnold (Liz and a Movie), discuss the 2019 whodunnit, Knives Out for its 5th Anniversary: written and directed by Rian Johnson, music by Nathan Johnson, starring Daniel Craig, Ana De Armas, Jamie Lee Curtis, Chris Evans, LaKeith Stanfield, Don Johnson, Toni Collette, Michael Shannon, and Christopher Plummer.Plot Summary: Rian Johnson's Knives Out is a gleeful whodunit that reinvents the genre while paying homage to its classical roots. Set against the backdrop of a sprawling Gothic mansion, the film begins with the suspicious death of Harlan Thrombey, a wealthy mystery writer, after a family gathering. Enter Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig), a gentleman detective with a syrupy Southern drawl and an eye for deceit.What unfolds is a deliciously twisty investigation into Harlan's eccentric and entitled family, each of whom has motives aplenty. Blanc's razor-sharp intuition and eccentric charm lead him through the maze of alibis and half-truths spun by the quarrelsome Thrombeys.At the heart of the mystery is Marta Cabrera, Harlan's devoted nurse, whose genuine care for her employer is her saving grace—or perhaps her undoing. As the layers of this intricate puzzle peel away, Marta's role becomes pivotal, bringing to light the dark undercurrents of greed and betrayal lurking beneath the family's polished veneer.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Welcome to Our Guests01:32 Getting to Know Liz Arnold03:47 Cast and Recognition for Knives Out06:17 Personal Connections to 'Knives Out'09:53 What is Knives Out About?13:56 Knives Out's Effect on the Mystery Genre21:30 Plot Summary for Knives Out23:00 Did You Know?24:33 First Break25:18 What's Happening with Sarah and Liz27:07 Ask Dana Anything35:07 Best Performance(s)44:55 Best/Favorite/Indelible Scene(s)53:41 Second Break54:44 In Memoriam55:27 Best/Funniest Lines59:43 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy01:06:09 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance01:10:23 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty01:15:10 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness01:18:37 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability01:22:48 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total01:23:58 Remaining Questions for Knives Out01:32:14 Thank You to Our Guests01:34:12 CreditsYou can also get this episode in full video on YouTube.You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast).For more on the episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/knives-out-2019-ft-sarah-duncan-and-liz-arnoldFor the entire rankings list so far, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/greatest-movie-of-all-time-listKeywords:Knives Out, mystery genre, film review, Rian Johnson, movie analysis, character dynamics, audience reception, film performances, cinematic themes, podcast, Knives Out, film analysis, character performance, best scenes, family dynamics, final reveal, legacy, humor, audience reception, novelty, classicness, rewatchabilityRonny Duncan Studios
Dana and Tom with returning guest, Peterson W. Hill (Co-Host of the War Starts at Midnight podcast), and new guest, Kristin Battestella (Critic for In Session Film, Search Magazine, and Keith Loves Movies) discuss the epic Best Picture Winner Ben-Hur (1959) for its 65th anniversary: directed by William Wyler, written by Karl Tunberg, music by Miklos Rozsa, starring Charleton Heston, Jack Hawkins, Haya Harareet, and Stephen Boyd.Plot Summary: In an ancient world, nobleman Judah Ben-Hur is betrayed by his friend Messala, a Roman officer, and is cast into slavery. Judah endures brutal hardships, fueled by a burning desire for vengeance. He rises through sheer will and becomes a skilled charioteer, aided by Sheik Ilderim and his magnificent horses.In a climactic race, Judah defeats Messala, reclaiming his honor. Along his journey, he encounters the Nazarene, whose teachings of love and forgiveness transform Judah's quest from one of retribution to spiritual awakening. Thus, Judah's tale becomes a timeless legend of courage, redemption, and grace.Chapters:00:00 Welcome and Guest Introductions01:45 Getting to Know - Kristin Battestella04:19 Cast and Recognition for Ben-Hur08:11 Relationship(s) with Ben-Hur17:20 What is Ben-Hur About?25:29 Oscar Legacy and Cultural Impact29:27 Plot Summary for Ben-Hur30:29 Did You Know?32:40 First Break33:28 What's Up with Kristin and Peterson35:02 Ask Dana Anything36:47 Best Performance(s)53:38 Best/Favorite/Indelible Scene(s)01:02:27 Second Break01:03:21 In Memoriam01:04:48 Best/Funniest Lines01:08:11 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy01:16:57 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance01:19:34 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty01:22:45 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness01:28:15 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability01:38:07 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total01:39:22 Remaining Questions for Ben-Hur01:46:50 Thank You to Our Guests01:51:18 CreditsYou can also get this episode in full video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/c99i7UBy9KoYou can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast).For more on the episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/ben-hur-1959-ft-peterson-w-hill-and-kristin-battestellaFor the entire rankings list so far, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com//post/greatest-movie-of-all-time-listKeywords:Ben-Hur, film analysis, cinematic techniques, character analysis, cultural impact, rewatchability, legacy, themes, performances, directionRonny Duncan Studios
Dana and Tom with returning guests, Andrew Corns (Host of the Revisionist Almanac) and Peterson W. Hill (Co-Host of the War Starts at Midnight podcast), to discuss Fight Club (1999) for its 25th Anniversary: directed by David Fincher, written by Jim Uhls, music by the Dust Brothers, starring Edward Norton, Brad Pitt, Helena Bonham Carter, and Meat Loaf.Plot Summary: Fight Club, directed by David Fincher, is a dark, visceral exploration of disillusionment and rebellion in a consumer-driven society. Edward Norton stars as an unnamed narrator, a corporate drone who feels trapped in the relentless cycle of modern capitalism. His insomnia and sense of detachment lead him to underground support groups, where he finds fleeting solace. Still, it's only when he meets the charismatic anarchist Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt) that he feels truly alive.Tyler and the narrator start a "Fight Club," an underground fight society where men brawl to escape the numbness of their lives. What begins as cathartic release soon spirals into chaos as Tyler's influence over the narrator grows, drawing him into an increasingly violent, nihilistic philosophy.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Welcome to Our Guests02:40 Cast and Recognition for Fight Club05:28 Relationship(s) with Fight Club10:38 What is Fight Club About?20:28 Does Fight Club Serve a Public Good?30:51 Plot Summary for Fight Club33:58 First Break34:46 What's Up with Andrew and Peterson40:20 Ask Dana Anything?46:32 Best Performance(s) of Fight Club01:03:05 Best/Favorite/Indelible Scene(s)01:11:21 Second Break01:12:22 In Memoriam01:18:25 Best/Funniest Lines01:23:37 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy01:34:21 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance01:41:36 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty01:45:47 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness01:59:25 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability02:03:08 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total02:05:47 Remaining Questions of Fight Club02:16:09 Thank You to Our Guests and Farewell02:18:56 CreditsGuests:Andrew CornsHost of the Revisionist Almanac@revalmanac on IG, X, YouTube, TikTok, and LetterboxdPreviously on Gaslight (1946) and Do the Right Thing (1989) RevisitPeterson W. Hill - Co-Host of the War Starts at Midnight podcast@petersonwhill on IG,
Dana and Tom with 5x Club member, Sarah Duncan, and new guest, Brian Skutle (Film critic, podcaster, composer, host of Sonic Cinema, projector fixer) discuss Mr. Smith Goes to Washington for its 85th anniversary: directed by Frank Capra, written by Sidney Buchman and Myles Connelly, music by Dmitri Tiomkin, starring James Stewart, Jean Arthur, Claude Rains, and Edward Arnold.Plot Summary: Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is a classic tale of idealism clashing with the gritty realities of political power. Jimmy Stewart stars as Jefferson Smith, a naive but well-intentioned small-town man thrust into the unforgiving world of Washington politics after being unexpectedly appointed to the U.S. Senate. Smith, with his earnest love for American principles, soon finds himself entangled in a web of corruption and power-play, where his sincere belief in doing the right thing is dismissed as foolish by hardened senators.What follows is a story of resilience, where Stewart's character battles not only for a cause but for his very soul. Director Frank Capra lets his protagonist shine during a famous filibuster scene, in which Stewart's quivering intensity speaks volumes about the weight of standing up to corruption. While Capra's romanticized view of democracy is apparent, he tempers it with a frankness about the ugliness of the political machine—a balance that resonates even decades later. It's a movie as much about Smith's journey as it is about a society's idealism and its power to confront, and perhaps even mend itself.Chapters:00:00 Welcome and Introduction to Our Guests01:38 Getting to Know - Brian Skutle05:56 Cast and Recognition for Mr. Smith Goes to Washington09:39 Why This Movie?12:21 Relationship(s) with Mr. Smith Goes to Washington15:04 What is Mr. Smith Goes to Washington About?19:57 Is Mr. Smith Goes to Washington Outdated?22:56 Plot Summary for Mr. Smith Goes to Washington24:30 Did You Know?26:51 First Break28:29 What's Happening with Sarah and Brian31:10 Ask Dana Anything39:23 Best Performance(s)53:16 Best/Favorite/Indelible Scene(s)01:05:32 Second Break01:06:14 In Memoriam01:08:31 Best/Funniest Lines01:11:09 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy01:19:01 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance01:24:16 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty01:28:46 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness01:34:11 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability01:37:52 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total01:38:58 Remaining Questions for Mr. Smith Goes to Washington01:44:18 Thank You to Our Guests01:45:57 CreditsGuests:Sarah Duncan - Sister of Tom, Daughter of Dana@thenomadicarchaeologist on IGPrevious Episodes: Zodiac, My Fair Lady, The Artist, Inglourious Basterds, The Great Dictator, and
Dana and Tom with returning guests Kieran B (Host and Creator of the Best Picture Cast) and Jaylan Salah Salman (Film Critic for In Session Film, Geek Vibes Nation, and Keith Loves Movies) discuss the horror film Saw (2004) for its 20th anniversary: directed by James Wan, written by Leigh Whannell, music by Charlie Clouser, starring Cary Elwes, Danny Glover, and Ken Leung.Plot Summary: Saw is a horror film that takes a grim pleasure in its own sadism, positioning itself as both a grisly thriller and a twisted morality tale. At its core, the movie revolves around two men, Adam and Dr. Lawrence Gordon, who wake up in a dingy bathroom, chained to opposite sides of the room. They soon discover they are the latest victims of a deranged figure known as Jigsaw, a serial killer with a perverse mission: he doesn't just murder his victims—he forces them into life-or-death games where survival is determined by how far they are willing to go to save themselves.Director James Wan revels in pushing the audience's discomfort, presenting a relentless series of traps that are as much about mental anguish as physical pain. The characters' desperation is palpable, yet their choices feel less like genuine human decisions and more like pawns being moved by the screenwriter's hand. The result is a film that thrives on tension and shock but leaves little room for reflection.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests02:47 Cast and Recognition for Saw04:54 Relationship(s) with Saw12:00 What is Saw About?20:45 Why Do People Like Horror Movies?28:37 Are There Any Good Horror Sequels?32:23 Plot Summary for Saw34:06 Did You Know?35:17 First Break36:10 What's Happening with Kieran and Jaylan39:46 Ask Dana Anything51:12 Best Performance(s)01:02:36 Best/Favorite/Indelible Scene(s)01:09:42 Second Break01:10:41 In Memoriam01:14:58 Tom Rant01:16:46 Best/Funniest Lines01:20:23 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy01:30:38 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance01:38:05 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty01:41:58 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness01:50:48 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability01:57:43 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total02:00:18 Remaining Questions for Saw02:10:10 Thank You to Our Guests and Final ThoughtsGuests:Kieran BHost and Creator of the Best Picture Cast; @bestpicturecast on X, IG, LetterboxdPrevious Episodes: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1957), Lost in Translation (2003),
Dana and Tom with returning guests Robb Conlon (Founder of Westport Studios and Host of B2B Business Class) and Walter Gainer II (Founder of Boss Locks Media and Host of The Working While Black Show) discuss the Pixar classic, The Incredibles (2004): written and directed by Brad Bird, music by Michael Giacchino, starring Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Jason Lee, and Samuel L. Jackson.Plot Summary: In a world where superheroes were once revered, an oppressive government now forces these titans of justice into mundane lives of obscurity. Among them is Bob Parr, a titan of strength, grappling with the weight of anonymity while craving the days of glory. Secretly slipping into the world of heroism, Bob is drawn into a sinister conspiracy masterminded by the malevolent Syndrome, a dark mirror of what once was. When Bob is captured, the stage is set for a battle of wits and power, drawing his family into the fray.The Incredibles transcends mere action, weaving a tapestry of psychological and existential exploration with a family's struggle against a dystopian reality becoming a cosmic odyssey of self-discovery and unity.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Welcome to Our Guests02:58 Cast and Recognition for The Incredibles06:22 Relationship(s) to The Incredibles13:09 What is The Incredibles About?16:21 Ranking The Incredibles Among Pixar Films18:18 Plot Summary for The Incredibles19:42 Did You Know?21:17 First Break22:02 What's Happening with Robb and Walter24:44 Ask Dana Anything33:18 Best Performance(s)41:06 Best/Favorite/Indelible Scene(s)51:05 Second Break52:07 In Memoriam52:14 Best/Funniest Lines57:03 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy01:07:36 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance01:11:45 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty01:19:40 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness01:27:43 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability01:30:37 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total01:32:26 Remaining Question for The Incredibles01:40:14 Thank You to Our Guests and Final Thoughts01:43:00 CreditsGuests:Robb ConlonFounder of Westport Studios and Host of B2B Business ClassLinkedIn: Robb / Westport StudiosPreviously On: Alien (1979), Aliens (1986), The Godfather (1972), John Wick (2014), The Dark Knight...
Dana and Tom with returning guest Peterson W. Hill (Co-Host of the War Starts at Midnight podcast) discuss Parasite (2019) for its 5th Anniversary: written and directed by Bong Joon-Ho, with Han Jin-won, music by Jung Jae-il, starring Song Kang-ho, Lee Sun-kyun, Cho Yeo-jeong, Choi Woo-shik, and Park So-dam.Plot Summary: Parasite, directed by Bong Joon-ho, is a masterful blend of dark comedy, thriller, and social commentary. The story follows the impoverished Kim family as they cunningly infiltrate the wealthy Park household by posing as unrelated, highly qualified workers. With each deceitful step, they inch closer to the luxuries of the upper class. But beneath the humor and suspense lies a searing critique of economic inequality. Bong expertly balances tension and satire, leading to an explosive, tragic climax that reveals the fragile illusions of both the rich and the poor. Parasite is a brilliant, disturbing exploration of class warfare, where the true parasite may not be who we expect.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Welcome to Peterson W. Hill01:14 Cast and Recognition for Parasite08:00 Relationship(s) to Parasite18:43 What is Parasite About?33:26 Plot Summary for Parasite34:31 Did You Know?36:16 First Break37:18 What's Happening with Peterson W. Hill?38:54 Ask Dana Anything51:21 Best Performance(s)59:16 Best/Favorite/Indelible Scene(s)01:06:26 Second Break01:06:33 In Memoriam01:07:52 Best/Funniest Lines01:10:34 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy01:24:38 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance01:29:41 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty01:34:42 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness01:39:17 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability01:44:57 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total01:47:46 Remaining Questions01:51:38 Thank You to Our Guest and Final ThoughtsGuest:Peterson W. Hill - Co-Host of the War Starts at Midnight podcast@petersonwhill on IG, Letterboxd, and TwitterPrevious Guest on Gone Girl (2014)You can also find the full video episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/urgB-A72OCwYou can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast).For more on the episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com//post/parasite-2019-ft-peterson-w-hillFor the entire rankings list so far, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com//post/greatest-movie-of-all-time-listKeywords:Parasite, Bong Joon-ho, film analysis,...
Dana and Tom with guests, Christine Duncan and Peterson W. Hill (War Starts at Midnight podcast), discuss Gone Girl (2014) for its 10th Anniversary: directed by David Fincher, written by Gillian Flynn, Music by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, starring Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Carrie Coon, Tyler Perry, and Neil Patrick Harris.Plot Summary: In "Gone Girl," we delve into a real-life mystery that'll have you on the edge of your seat. A charming husband (Ben Affleck) finds himself in hot water when his wife (Rosamund Pike) mysteriously disappears. As the media frenzy grows, secrets surface, revealing a twisted tale of deceit, betrayal, and the ultimate manipulation of truth. This isn't just a whodunit—it's a dark reflection of marriage and the masks we wear.Chapters:00:00 Welcome and Guest Introductions01:27 Getting to Know - Peterson W. Hill08:14 Cast and Recognition for Gone Girl09:35 Relationship(s) with Gone Girl13:35 What is Gone Girl About?24:58 Is Amy the Antagonist?29:37 Where Does Amy Dunne Rank Among Female Villains?33:22 Plot Summary for Gone Girl36:27 First Break39:07 What Happening with Peterson W. Hill40:18 Ask Dana Anything48:06 Best Performance(s)01:01:32 Best Scene(s)01:12:12 Second Break01:12:58 In Memoriam01:19:12 Best/Funniest Lines01:21:46 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy01:29:46 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance01:38:09 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty01:44:25 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness01:46:33 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability01:50:25 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total01:51:49 Remaining Questions for Gone Girl01:57:32 Thank You to Our Guests / Closing Thoughts01:59:27 CreditsGuests:Christine Duncan - Wife of Dana and Mother of Tom13x guest: Pretty Woman, Sleepless in Seattle, When Harry Met Sally, There's Something About Mary, My Fair Lady, Pillow Talk, The Odd Couple, Bringing Up Baby, A Few Good Men - Revisit, Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, Top Gun, Dial M for Murder, and
Dana and Tom with new guest, Jaylan Salah Salman (Film Critic for In Session Film, Geek Vibes Nation, and Keith Loves Movies) discuss Joker (2019): written and directed by Todd Phillips with Scott Silver, music by Hildur Guðnadóttir, starring Joaquin Phoenix, Zazie Beetz, and Robert De Niro.Plot Summary: Gotham a city drenched in neon lights and shadows, where the line between reality and delusion blurs. Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix), a failed comedian and part-time clown, navigates this urban labyrinth as his mind unravels further each day. His existence is a series of humiliations and rejections, a slow burn of despair that ignites into a violent, chaotic inferno.In this dreary setting, the narrative delves deep into Arthur's psyche, exploring his transformation from a marginalized outcast into the infamous Joker. The film is a character study of a man pushed to the brink with a meditation on isolation, mental illness, and the corrosive effects of a society that abandons its most vulnerable. Arthur's journey is not just a descent into madness, but a twisted quest for identity and purpose in a world that has stripped him of both. This is a tale of existential dread and the search for meaning in a world that offers none, a dark and haunting reflection of the human condition.Guest:Jaylan Salah SalmanFilm Critic for In Session Film, Geek Vibes Nation, and Keith Loves MoviesAuthor on Amazon@jaylansalman on IG, Letterboxd, @jaylan_salah on TwitterChapters:00:00 Introduction and Welcome to Jaylan Salah01:52 Getting to Know - Jaylan Salah05:53 Cast and Recognition for Joker09:05 Relationship(s) with Joker18:10 What is Joker About?27:04 Plot Summary for Joker28:32 Did You Know?31:01 First Break31:46 What's Happening w/ Jaylan Salah32:43 Ask Dana Anything41:11 Best Performance(s)49:04 Best/Favorite/Indelible Scene(s)57:32 Second Break58:23 In Memoriam59:43 Best/Funniest Lines01:01:22 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy01:06:36 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance01:10:42 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty01:17:10 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness01:22:07 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability01:26:01 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total01:28:52 Remaining Questions for Joker01:36:36 Thank You to Our Guest and Final ThoughtsYou can now find this episode in full video on YouTube: You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter,
Dana and Tom with guests, Christine Duncan and Myke Emal (Cinemusts) discuss Anatomy of a Murder (1959): directed by Otto Preminger, written by Wendell Mayes, music by Duke Ellington, starring James Stewart, Lee Remick, Ben Gazzara, and George C. Scott.Plot Summary: Anatomy of a Murder is a gripping courtroom drama that follows the defense of Lt. Frederick Manion (Ben Gazzara), who is accused of murdering a local bar owner. Manion claims the killing was in revenge for the alleged rape of his wife, Laura (Lee Remick). Defense attorney Paul Biegler (James Stewart) takes on the case, navigating a tense legal battle filled with moral ambiguity, unreliable testimonies, and psychological intricacies. The film explores themes of justice, truth, and the complexity of human nature, leaving the audience questioning the true nature of guilt and innocence.Guests:Christine Duncan - Wife of Dana and Mother of Tom12x guest: Pretty Woman, Sleepless in Seattle, When Harry Met Sally, There's Something About Mary, My Fair Lady, Pillow Talk, The Odd Couple, Bringing Up Baby, A Few Good Men - Revisit, Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, Top Gun, Dial M for MurderMyke Emal - Host and Creator of the Cinemusts podcast@cinemusts on Twitter, Letterboxd, Facebook, and IGChapters:00:00 Welcome and Introductions03:08 Getting to Know Myke Emal08:04 Cast and Recognition for Anatomy of a Murder11:30 Relationship(s) to the Film16:21 What is Anatomy of a Murder About?20:40 How True to Life is the Legal Aspect of the Film?23:36 Top James Stewart Roles of All-Time30:48 Plot Summary for Anatomy of a Murder31:43 Did You
Dana and Tom with returning guest, Kieran B (host, Best Picture Cast) revisit The Shawshank Redemption (1994): written and directed by Frank Darabont, score by Thomas Newman, cinematography by Roger Deakins, starring Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton, and Clancy Brown.Plot Summary: In the somber corridors of Shawshank Prison, where hope is a rare commodity and despair is a constant companion, Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins), a quiet and introspective banker, finds himself wrongfully convicted of the brutal murder of his wife and her lover. Sentenced to life in the unforgiving confines of Shawshank, he is thrust into a world where the human spirit is tested daily.Andy's journey is one of quiet resilience and unyielding hope. He befriends Ellis “Red” Redding (Morgan Freeman), a seasoned inmate known for his ability to procure contraband. Through Red's eyes, we witness Andy's transformation from a man broken by circumstance to a beacon of hope for his fellow prisoners. Andy's ingenuity and determination lead him to uncover the corrupt practices of the prison warden, using his financial acumen to expose the rot within Shawshank's walls.In the end, Andy's journey is not just a tale of escape, but a testament to the enduring power of hope and friendship. His story delves into the depths of human suffering and emerges with a profound sense of resilience and triumph.Guest: Kieran BHost and Creator of the Best Picture Cast; @bestpicturecast on X, IG, LetterboxdPrevious Episodes: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1957), Lost in Translation (2003), Gran Torino (2008), Stalag 17 (1953), Shane (1953), A Fistful of Dollars (1964), The Best Years of Our Lives (1946) Revisit, and 12 Angry Men (1957) Revisit.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions03:59 Cast and Recognition for The Shawshank Redemption10:17 Relationship(s) to The Shawshank Redemption16:53 What is The Shawshank Redemption About?19:07 Why is The Shawshank Redemption so Universal?23:54 Is The Shawshank Redemption the Best Film of 1994?26:25 Plot Summary for The Shawshank Redemption28:19 Did You Know?29:49 First Break30:29 What's Up With the BPC?34:09 Ask...
Dana and Tom with returning guest Adam Freed (moviearcher.com) revisit Pulp Fiction (1994): written and directed by Quentin Tarantino, starring John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Ving Rhames, Bruce Willis, and Uma Thurman.Plot Summary: Pulp Fiction unravels like a jigsaw puzzle soaked in bourbon and blood. It's a dark, gritty L.A., where bad men and worse women cross paths in a labyrinth of crime and fate.Vincent Vega, a hitman with a penchant for dance floors and bad decisions, is partnered with the philosophical Jules Winnfield, who quotes the Bible before squeezing the trigger. Their boss, Marsellus Wallace, a kingpin with a soft spot for his wife, Mia, tasks Vincent with keeping her entertained; a simple job that spirals into a night of adrenaline-fueled chaos. Meanwhile, Butch Coolidge, a boxer past his prime, refuses to take a dive for Wallace igniting a deadly game of cat and mouse.In a world where conversations drip with menace and every decision has a bullet attached, the characters' lives intersect with a bang. It's a world where the wrong move means a one-way ticket to the morgue, and redemption is as elusive as the briefcase everyone's chasing.Guest:Adam FreedManaging Editor and Senior Film Critic at (MovieArcher.com)@moviearcher on Twitter and InstagramPreviously on Batman (1989)Chapters:00:00 Welcome and Guest Introduction01:56 Cast and Recognition for Pulp Fiction04:49 Relationship(s) to Pulp Fiction12:47 Influence and Legacy of Pulp Fiction14:23 What is Pulp Fiction About?18:26 New Appreciation for Pulp Fiction21:52 What's the Actual Timeline of Pulp Fiction?25:51 Genre of Pulp Fiction27:57 Pulp Fiction's Influence34:58 Plot Summary of Pulp Fiction36:19 Did You Know? (by Adam Freed)38:56 First Break39:35 Where You Can Find Adam Freed41:19 Ask Dana Anything45:59 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy56:15 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance01:01:29 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty01:07:55 Second Break01:08:51 In Memoriam01:09:31 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness01:17:17 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability01:21:03 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total01:23:04 Remaining Questions for Pulp Fiction01:33:36 Thank You to Adam and Remaining Thoughts01:39:34 CreditsYou can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast).For more on the original episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/pulp-fiction-1994For more on the episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/pulp-fiction-1994-revisit-ft-adam-freedFor the entire rankings list so far, go to:
Dana and Tom with Betsy and Trent (hosts, Never Seen It w/ Betsy and Trent) revisit All the President's Men (1976): directed by Alan J. Pakula, written by William Goldman, score by David Shire, starring Robert Redford, Dustin Hoffman, Martin Balsam, Jane Alexander, Jack Warden, and Jason Robards.Plot Summary: All the President's Men is a gripping account of two reporters, Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, who uncover one of the most significant political scandals in American history. Set against the backdrop of a tense and suspicious Washington DC, the film follows their relentless pursuit of the truth behind the Watergate break-in.Through meticulous investigation, careful sourcing, and dogged determination; they expose a cover-up that reaches the highest levels of government, ultimately leading to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. The movie is not just a tale of journalism but a testament to the power of persistence and the importance of a free press in holding power accountable. Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:27 Getting to Know - Betsy and Trent15:36 Cast and Recognition for All the President's Men20:19 Relationship(s) to All the President's Men30:06 What is All the President's Men About?40:55 Does the Movie Have a Positive or Negative Legacy on Journalism?49:42 Plot Summary for All the President's Men50:44 Did You Know?52:47 First Break53:27 Where Can You Find Betsy and Trent?01:00:49 Ask Dana Anything01:09:28 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy01:22:50 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance01:32:00 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty01:42:15 Second Break01:43:07 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness01:53:00 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability02:01:14 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total02:03:59 Remaining Questions of All the President's Men02:12:56 Thank You to Our Guests and Remaining Thoughts02:18:01 CreditsGuests:Betsy and TrentNever Seen It podcast (@neverseenit_pod on Twitter and Letterboxd, @neverseenitpod1 on IG, @neverseenit on TikTok, patreon.com/neverseenitpodPreviously on the 2024 Post Oscars Reaction ShowYou can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast)For the video version of this episode, go to: https://youtu.be/gnAXC_BtsXcFor more on the original episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com//post/40-all-the-president-s-men-1976For more on the episode, go to:
Dana and Tom with new guests, Jen and Sarah (Movies and Us podcast) discuss the seminal film noir, The Maltese Falcon (1941): written and directed by John Huston, music by Adolph Deutsch, starring Humphrey Bogart, Mary Astor, Peter Lorre, and Sydney Greenstreet.Plot Summary: In the grimy streets of 1930s San Francisco, private eye Sam Spade finds himself entangled in a web of deceit, betrayal, and murder. When his partner is killed on a routine tail job, Spade is pulled into the orbit of a mysterious woman, a sinister foreigner, and a hulking brute—all desperate to get their hands on a priceless statue; the elusive Maltese Falcon. As the bodies pile up, Spade navigates the murky underworld with a cold detachment, playing a dangerous game of wits to uncover the truth. In the end, loyalty is a luxury, trust is a weapon, and everyone's after the same thing: the black bird.Guests:Jen and SarahHosts of Movies and Us podcast@moviesanduspod on IG, TikTok, YouTubeOn MediumChapters:00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions01:29 Getting to Know - Jen and Sarah10:59 Cast and Recognition for The Maltese Falcon13:49 Relationship(s) to the Film17:57 What is the Maltese Falcon About?19:22 Is The Maltese Falcon THE Film Noir?23:51 Humphrey Bogart's Performance as Sam Spade28:28 Plot Summary for The Maltese Falcon29:26 Did You Know?30:59 First Commercial Break31:46 What's Happening at Movies and Us?33:17 Ask Dana Anything38:20 Best Performance(s)49:48 Best/Favorite/Indelible Scene(s)01:02:28 Second Commercial Break01:03:14 In Memoriam01:05:39 Best/Funniest Lines01:09:21 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy01:15:32 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance01:21:30 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty01:29:59 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness01:36:51 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability01:41:11 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Total Score01:42:48 Remaining Questions01:51:25 Thank You to Our Guests / Final Thoughts01:54:46 CreditsYou can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast) or find our Facebook page at Greatest Movie of All-Time Podcast.Find the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/WAxQ7wsxhhcFor more on the episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com//post/the-maltese-falcon-1941-ft-jen-and-sarahFor the entire rankings list so far, go to:Full Graded List - Greatest Movies of All-Time Ronny Duncan Studios Keywords:podcast, movies, film noir, The Maltese Falcon, Humphrey Bogart, greed, money, iconic performance, Sam Spade, charismatic, cool demeanor, trivia, Maltese Falcon, film noir, industry recognition, public reception, iconic lines, memorable scenes, lasting legacy,...
Dana and Tom with new guests Heather Stewart (@heatherjstewart) and Ryan Luis Rodriguez (One Track Mind podcast, Reels of Justice podcast) discuss the religious comedy, Life of Brian (1979): directed by Terry Jones, written by Monty Python, starring Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam, and Eric Idle.Plot Summary: Ah, splendid! Picture this, if you will: the bustling streets of ancient Judea, a land rife with political turmoil, religious fervor, and the occasional stoning. Into this chaos, on the very same night as a certain well-known savior, is born a rather unremarkable chap named Brian Cohen.Now, Brian, through no fault of his own, is continuously mistaken for the Messiah. This hapless fellow bumbles his way through a series of increasingly ludicrous adventures. From joining the People's Front of Judea (not to be confused with the Judean People's Front—splitters!) to unintentionally starting his own religious movement, Brian's life is a whirlwind of mistaken identity, misunderstandings, and the utterly absurd.As if that weren't enough, he's pursued by Roman centurions, swooned over by fanatical followers, and lectured by his domineering mother ("He's not the Messiah, he's a very naughty boy!"). All this, while Brian desperately tries to carve out a normal life in a world that seems determined to turn him into something he most definitely is not.So, in essence, dear friends, "Life of Brian" is a satirical romp through history, skewering sacred cows and poking fun at the foibles of humanity with the kind of irreverent wit and cheekiness that only Monty Python can deliver. Quite a lark, wouldn't you say?Guests:Heather Stewart@heatherjstewart on IG, X, LetterboxdRyan Luis RodriguezHost of One Track Mind Podcast (IG, X, Letterboxd)Co-Host of Reels of Justice Podcast (IG, X)Chapters:0:00 Intro1:47 Getting to Know Our Guests13:42 Relationship(s) to Life of Brian19:49 What is Life of Brian About?22:49 Is Satire Healthy for Democracies?25:28 What is the Legacy of the Pythons?30:02 Plot Summary31:50 Did You Know?33:44 First Break34:25 Where You Can Find Our Guests37:01 Ask Dana Anything51:09 Best Performance(s)01:06:05 Best/Favorite/Indelible Scene(s)01:18:04 Second Break01:18:49 In Memoriam01:19:54 Best/Funniest Lines01:25:38 The Stanley Rubric: Legacy01:32:37 The Stanley Rubric: Impact/Significance01:39:04 The Stanley Rubric: Novelty01:44:48 The Stanley Rubric: Classicness01:54:01 The Stanley Rubric: Rewatchability01:58:24 The Stanley Rubric: Audience Score and Total...
Dana and Tom with returning guest, Andrew Corns (The Revisionist Almanac), and new guest, Sean Phillips (Math Teacher Movies) revisit Do the Right Thing (1989): written and directed by Spike Lee, score by Bill Lee, starring Spike Lee, Rosie Perez, Danny Aiello, Giancarlo Esposito, and John Turturro.Plot Summary: "Do the Right Thing" is a film set in the scorching summer heat of Brooklyn. It's a story that captures a single day in the lives of a neighborhood's residents, showcasing their joys, struggles, and the simmering tensions that come to a head. At the heart of the narrative is Sal's Famous Pizzeria, a local institution run by Sal and his sons, Vito and Pino. As the day unfolds, we witness a mosaic of characters—Mookie, the pizza delivery man; Radio Raheem, whose boombox blasts Public Enemy's "Fight the Power"; Buggin' Out, who demands representation on the pizzeria's Wall of Fame; and Da Mayor, the neighborhood's elder statesman.Through a series of interactions, misunderstandings, and confrontations, the heat and the bubbling racial tension reach a boiling point, culminating in a tragic act of violence that forces the community to confront the complexities of race, identity, and justice. "Do the Right Thing" is a raw, unflinching look at the choices we make and the consequences that follow, urging viewers to reflect on what it truly means to "do the right thing."Guests:Andrew CornsHost of the Revisionist Almanac@revalmanac on IG, X, YouTube, TikTok, and LetterboxdPreviously on Gaslight (ep. 210)Sean PhillipsCreator of Math Teacher Movies@mathteachermovies on IG and Letterboxd, @mathteachermov1 on XCo-Host of The Guy at the Movies podcast with Joe and Sean or @guyatthemovies on YouTube.Chapters:00:00 Introductions and Guest Introductions01:47 Getting to Know - Sean Phillips06:27 Cast and Recognition for Do the Right Thing08:55 Relationship(s) with Do the Right Thing12:45 Is This the Most Relevant American Film?21:36 What is Do the Right Thing About?24:33 Recommended Viewing for Spike Lee?26:53 Plot Summary for Do the Right Thing28:17 Did You Know?29:28 First Commercial Break31:53 What's Happening? with Andrew and Sean36:56 Ask Dana Anything38:47 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy58:18 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance01:19:47 The Stanley Rubric -...
Dana and Tom with new guest, Frank Mandosa (Silver Screeners (Host) and Movies Across the Pod (Co-Host)) discuss The Sixth Sense (1999) for its 25th anniversary: written and directed by M. Night Shyamalan, music by James Newton Howard, starring Bruce Willis, Olivia Williams, Hayley Joel Osment, and Toni Collette.Plot Summary: The Sixth Sense is a haunting psychological thriller that unfolds with masterful precision under the direction of M. Night Shyamalan. Bruce Willis stars as Dr. Malcolm Crowe, a child psychologist grappling with his own personal demons after a violent encounter with a former patient. He finds a chance for redemption in young Cole Sear, played with an eerie intensity by Haley Joel Osment.Cole is a troubled boy who harbors a chilling secret: he sees dead people. As Dr. Crowe delves deeper into Cole's world, the film weaves an intricate tapestry of suspense and revelation. Shyamalan's meticulous storytelling and James Newton Howard's evocative score create an atmosphere thick with dread and poignancy.The Sixth Sense is not just a ghost story; it's a profound meditation on grief, communication, and the unseen connections that bind us. The film's climax delivers one of the most unforgettable twists in cinematic history, leaving audiences reeling and re-examining everything they thought they knew.You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast) or find our Facebook page at Greatest Movie of All-Time Podcast.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction01:36 Getting to Know Frank Mandosa05:03 Background, Cast, and Recognition for The Sixth Sense08:24 Relationship(s) to The Sixth Sense13:40 What is The Sixth Sense About?17:53 Is The Sixth Sense a Horror Film?33:35 Plot Summary for The Sixth Sense35:00 Did You Know?36:21 First Break37:11 What's Up with Frank Mandosa?38:53 Ask Dana Anything44:05 Best Performance(s)57:39 Best/Favorite/Indelible Scene(s)01:07:52 Second Break01:08:42 In Memoriam01:09:09 Best/Funniest Lines01:11:12 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy01:19:21 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance01:21:38 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty01:26:40 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness01:32:26 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability01:34:58 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total01:36:09 Remaining Questions01:41:37 Thank You to Frank Mandosa01:45:30 CreditsGuest Credentials:Frank MandosaFilm Lecturer and Podcast HostSilver Screeners (Host) and Movies Across the Pod (Co-Host)Socials: X, IG,
Dana and Tom with returning guest, VP Morris (an award-winning thriller and horror writer and podcaster; vpmorris.com, @teawriterepeat on IG and X, The Dead Letters Podcast; previously on Scream and The Shining) discuss the 1950s mystery classic, Rear Window for its 70th Anniversary: directed by Alfred Hitchcock, written by John Michael Hayes, music by Franz Waxman, starring James Stewart, Grace Kelly, Raymond Burr, and Thelma Ritter.Plot Summary: In Alfred Hitchcock's "Rear Window," we find ourselves confined within the claustrophobic confines of a Greenwich Village apartment, peering through the lens of LB Jefferies (James Stewart), a wheelchair-bound photographer. His summer pastime is a voyeuristic venture into the lives of his neighbors, a cross-section of urban archetypes played out in the building's courtyard. Each window frames a fragment of humanity, from the lonely Miss Lonelyhearts to the tantalizing Miss Torso.The plot pivots on Jeff's suspicion that a neighbor, Lars Thorwald (Raymond Burr), has murdered his wife. This suspicion, shared and fueled by his glamorous girlfriend Lisa (Grace Kelly) and his nurse Stella (Thelma Ritter), drives the narrative forward. Hitchcock masterfully crafts tension not through action, but through the act of watching—turning the audience into voyeurs complicit in Jeff's obsessions."Rear Window" is not merely a suspense thriller; it is a meditation on isolation and the ethics of observation. Stewart's performance, marked by vulnerability and determination, anchors the film's exploration of human curiosity and its consequences. Grace Kelly, in her role, adds a layer of sophistication and intrigue, embodying the tension between adventure and domesticity. "Rear Window" remains a timeless classic, a window not just into the lives of its characters, but into the genius of Hitchcock's cinematic vision.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Background01:29 Background, Cast, and Recognition for Rear Window02:20 Recognition for Rear Window04:14 Relationship(s) to Rear Window09:13 What is Rear Window About?24:54 Plot Summary for Rear Window26:53 Did You Know?31:47 First Break32:29 Ask Dana Anything41:12 Best Performance(s)50:16 Best/Favorite/Indelible Scene(s)54:34 Second Break55:33 In Memoriam56:32 Remembering Bob Newhart01:01:54 Best/Funniest Lines01:05:31 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy01:10:20 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance01:15:38 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty01:26:20 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability01:29:06 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total01:31:31 Remaining and Listener Questions01:47:02 Thank You to VP Morris01:48:05 Final Thoughts for the Week01:50:04 CreditsYou can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast) or find our Facebook page at Greatest Movie of All-Time Podcast.For more on the episode, go to:
Dana and Tom with returning guests, Jesse Sertle (fellow group member of CineMadison; previously on Rounders and Easy Rider; @jsertle on IG) and Keith Techmeier (brother-in-law of Tom, previously on Ghostbusters, Red River, and Saving Private Ryan), discuss the cosmic justice film, Once Upon a Time...In Hollywood (2019): written and directed by Quentin Tarantino, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and Margot Robbie.Plot Summary: Welcome to 1969 Los Angeles, where everything is changing, and the golden age of Hollywood is giving way to something darker. Enter Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio), a former TV Western star struggling to find his place in a rapidly evolving industry. Alongside him is Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt), Rick's laid-back, enigmatic stunt double and best friend, who's equally adrift but with a mysterious past that suggests he can handle anything thrown his way.As Rick navigates a career in freefall, he's desperate to reclaim the limelight, landing guest roles in TV series and contemplating a move to Italy to star in spaghetti westerns. Cliff, meanwhile, spends his days driving around the sun-drenched city, running errands for Rick and crossing paths with an eclectic mix of Hollywood's fringe characters.Just next door to Rick lives Sharon Tate (Margot Robbie), the radiant rising star whose life is brimming with promise and possibility. Unbeknownst to Rick and Cliff, Sharon's fate is on a collision course with the notorious Manson Family, a group of twisted outcasts led by the sinister Charles Manson (Damon Herriman).As the lives of Rick, Cliff, and Sharon intertwine in unexpected ways, they each face their own reckonings with the harsh realities of a changing world. Set against a meticulously crafted backdrop of a bygone era, Once Upon a Time... In Hollywood is a love letter to the city of angels, an exploration of fame, friendship, and the insidious shadows lurking just beneath the glittering surface.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Welcome02:27 Cast and Recognition for Once Upon a Time...In Hollywood05:09 Relationship(s) to the Film09:09 What is Once Upon a Time...In Hollywood About?13:23 Controversy and Wish Fulfillment: Quentin Tarantino's Historical Re-tellings20:39 Plot Summary for Once Upon a Time...In Hollywood22:42 Did You Know?25:07 First Break25:56 Ask Dana Anything29:40 Best Performance(s)46:50 Best/Favorite/Indelible Scene(s)55:51 Second Break56:53 In Memoriam58:20 Best/Funniest Lines01:02:40 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy01:10:13 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance01:14:59 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty01:19:44 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness01:23:14 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability01:26:57 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total01:28:21 Remaining Question(s)01:37:48 Thank You to Our Guests01:41:12 CreditsYou can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast) or find our Facebook page at
Dana and Tom with guest Jesse Sertle (fellow group member of CineMadison, previously on Rounders, @jsertle on IG) discuss the dawn of New Hollywood with Easy Rider (1969): written and directed by Dennis Hopper with Peter Fonda and Terry Southern, starring Dennis Hopper, Peter Fonda, and Jack Nicholson.Plot Summary: In the open road odyssey "Easy Rider," director Dennis Hopper and co-star Peter Fonda embody the restless spirit of the 1960s counterculture. The film, a rambling narrative of freedom and disillusionment, follows two bikers, Wyatt (Fonda) and Billy (Hopper), as they traverse the American Southwest in search of authenticity and liberation. The duo's journey, funded by a drug deal, becomes a kaleidoscopic exploration of the American landscape, both physical and cultural.The film captures a nation in transition with its stunning cinematography showcasing the vastness of America while contrasting it with the intimacy of its small towns and eccentric characters. Along the way, they encounter an assortment of characters, from an idealistic lawyer (Jack Nicholson) to a communal farm, representing the era's ideological clashes."Easy Rider" is a raw, poignant, and at times, tragic reflection on the price of freedom and the inevitable collision between personal liberty and societal norms. The film's haunting ending, set against the backdrop of a sun setting over the American landscape, leaves viewers with a sense of loss and contemplation. Hopper's direction, combined with Fonda's cool demeanor and Nicholson's electrifying performance, creates a cinematic experience that is as timeless as it is of its time.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Welcome01:59 Cast and Recognition04:12 Relationship(s) to Easy Rider07:54 What is Easy Rider About?10:47 The Impact of Easy Rider on the Film Industry15:50 The Relevance of Easy Rider Today17:40 Plot Summary for Easy Rider19:22 Did You Know?21:09 First Break23:20 Ask Dana Anything...25:16 Best Performance(s)34:08 Best/Favorite/Indelible Scene(s)42:05 Second Break43:01 In Memoriam43:36 Best/Funniest Lines44:54 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy50:28 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance55:44 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty57:49 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness01:03:51 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability01:06:29 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total01:07:55 Remaining QuestionsYou can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast) or find our Facebook page at Greatest Movie of All-Time Podcast.For the video version of this episode, go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKeAEQ4qkUQFor more on the episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/easy-rider-1969-ft-jesse-sertleFor the entire rankings list so far, go to:Full Graded List - Greatest Movies of All-Time Keywords:Easy Rider, counterculture, new Hollywood, independent film, freedom, disillusionment, disconnect, Dennis Hopper, Jack Nicholson, Easy Rider, film industry, independent projects, studio system, 1970s culture, family, backgrounds, death row, Wisconsin prisons, novelty, classicness, rewatchability, ending,...
Dana and Tom with returning guest Kieran B (Host and Creator of the Best Picture Cast; @bestpicturecast on X, IG, Letterboxd) and new guest, Sara Shea (Host and Creator of Shea Cinema; @sheacinema on X, IG) revisit one of the defining legal drama in film, 12 Angry Men (1957): directed by Sidney Lumet, written by Reginald Rose, score by Kenyon Hopkins, cinematography by Boris Kaufman, starring Henry Fonda, Lee J. Cobb, Martin Balsam, Jack Klugman, Jack Warden, and Robert Webber.Plot Summary: "12 Angry Men" is a masterclass in cinematic storytelling, a film that transcends its simple setting to explore the complexities of human nature and the intricacies of the American justice system. Directed by Sidney Lumet, this 1957 classic features a powerhouse performance by Henry Fonda, leading an ensemble cast through a tense, emotionally charged jury deliberation.The plot revolves around twelve jurors tasked with deciding the fate of a young man accused of murder. As the film unfolds almost entirely within the confines of a single jury room, the characters' personal biases, prejudices, and moral dilemmas come to the forefront. Fonda's Juror 8 stands as the lone voice of doubt against an initial consensus of guilt, gradually dismantling the case piece by piece through logical reasoning and relentless questioning."12 Angry Men" remains a timeless reflection on justice, democracy, and the power of reasonable doubt. It's a film that challenges viewers to look beyond the surface and question the assumptions that underpin their beliefs. This is not just a courtroom drama; it is an enduring examination of the moral and ethical struggles that define us all.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions03:38 The Dreaded New Guest Questions12:36 Background for 12 Angry Men - Cast and Recognition16:03 Relationship(s) to 12 Angry Men24:51 What is 12 Angry Men About?31:13 Is 12 Angry Men Too Idealistic or Naive?36:54 Plot Summary38:32 Did You Know?39:56 First Break40:37 Ask Dana Anything50:57 Who Would You Want to Play You in the Movie of Your Life?55:29 The Stanley Rubric56:55 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy01:05:00 The Stanley Rubric - Impact and Significance01:18:27 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty01:29:34 Second Break01:39:09 In Memoriam01:42:52 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness01:48:26 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability01:52:29 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score/Final Score01:54:07 Remaining Questions for 12 Angry Men02:09:05 Thank You to Our Guests02:12:56 CreditsYou can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast) or find our Facebook page at Greatest Movie of All-Time Podcast.For more on the original episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/51-12-angry-men-1957For more on the episode, go to:
Dana and Tom with returning guest, Sarah Duncan (@thenomadicarchaeologist) and new guest, Joe Boukhari (Instagram and Letterboxd Film Commentator - I'll Get to It When I Get to It and @bagodonuts) discuss the polarizing Best Picture winner for 1994, Forrest Gump: directed by Robert Zemeckis, written by Eric Roth, music by Alan Silvestri, starring Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise, and Sally Field.Plot Summary: In Robert Zemeckis' "Forrest Gump," we follow the extraordinary journey of a seemingly ordinary man through decades of American history. Tom Hanks delivers a career-defining performance as Forrest, a man with a pure heart and limited IQ, whose life intertwines with pivotal moments from the 1950s to the 1980s.The film is a nostalgic reflection on the turbulent events that shaped a nation, viewed through Forrest's innocent eyes. From his childhood leg braces to becoming a college football star, Forrest's life unfolds in unexpected ways, guided by his unwavering optimism and an accidental knack for being in the right place at the right time.At its core, "Forrest Gump" is a tale of resilience and the enduring power of love and friendship. Supported by a stellar cast including Robin Wright and Gary Sinise, Zemeckis weaves together a narrative that celebrates the triumph of the human spirit amidst chaos and uncertainty. With its iconic quotes, memorable soundtrack, and poignant storytelling, "Forrest Gump" stands as a testament to the enduring charm of cinema that captures the essence of American life with humor, heart, and a touch of magic.Chapters:00:00 Opening Title Card00:00 Introduction02:32 Our Newest Guest - Joe Boukhari09:30 Forrest Gump - Background, Cast, and Recognition14:14 Our Relationship(s) to Forrest Gump22:03 What is Forrest Gump about?28:22 Why did Forrest Gump connect with America?29:15 Criticism(s) of Forrest Gump39:08 Plot Summary40:49 Did You Know?44:00 First Break44:43 Where to Find Our Guests49:47 Ask Dana Anything54:57 Best Performance(s)01:19:24 Best Scene(s)01:33:50 Second Break01:34:48 In Memoriam01:36:08 Remembering Donald Sutherland01:44:06 Best/Funniest Lines01:48:29 The Stanley Rubric: Legacy01:54:29 The Stanley Rubric: Impact/Significance01:59:17 The Stanley Rubric: Novelty02:05:53 The Stanley Rubric: Classicness02:12:53 The Stanley Rubric: Rewatchability02:15:47 The Stanley Rubric: Audience Score and Total Score02:17:15 Remaining Questions02:18:31 New Chapter02:24:28 Thank You to our Guests02:30:20 CreditsYou can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast) or find our Facebook page at Greatest Movie of All-Time Podcast.For more on the episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com//post/forrest-gump-1994-ft-sarah-duncan-and-joe-boukhariFor the entire rankings list so far, go to:Full Graded List - Greatest Movies of All-Time Ronny Duncan Studios Keywords:Forrest Gump, themes, destiny, staying true to oneself, acts of kindness, simplicity, relatable...