I Don't Give A Flick!

The wide world of sports has captured the hearts of many film fans over the generations with their underdog stories of triumph over adversity. Why do these appeal to us so much, and what are the best ones? Join Jonny, Gary and Neil as we delve into that this week and create our Mount Rushmore +1. Special guest this week is Jon Esquivel.

How does one overcome the struggles of creating an award-winning short film by themselves? From writing a personal story, to fundraising, to flying to a foreign country and relying on actors and technicians half a world away to make your vision come to life, these are just a few of the things needed to have success. Join Jonny, Neil and Gary as we take a deep dive into the work of award winning short film creator and our special guest this week Kate Surinskaya as she talks about her upcoming film Parallels.You can find and follow along with Kate on her social media pages:Instagram - @KateSurinskayaYouTube -  @katesurinskaya  Website - www.iamkatemedia.netUpcoming projects - www.iamkatemedia.net/future-films

How does one rise up among the large groups of people who are seeking fame and fortune to be one of the fortunate who succeed? It takes a lot of skill, a heaping pile of luck, and, perhaps, looking to the numbers and stats of the fans you get in order to build off that triumph. Staying true to yourself will take you farther than constantly remolding yourself. Joining us this week is special guest John Edmonds Kozma with Bang Productions, Inc. on how he seeks out talent and how he promotes them on social media.Check out John Edmonds Kozma at http://www.bangproductionstv.com/

You're watching a movie and suddenly, the whole meaning of the plot changes in a second, totally changing your view of what has transpired. Throughout history, films have used plot twists to pull the rug out from under their audiences to make them question everything they thought they knew of the script. But, sometimes these are done more successfully than others, and when they go wrong, it can be detrimental. Join Jonny and Gary this week as we discuss this exciting topic. Joining us this week are special guest Ian Webb of various hit podcasts!

Throughout the ages of television, the drama has grown and evolved, much like a Pokémon. From the classics of the mid 20th century, through the blossoming of the golden age of dramatic tv in the early part of the 21st, the scope and budget may have enlarged, but has the quality? That is the question we aim to explore on this episode of I Don't Give a Flick! Join Jonny, Neil and Gary and we carve our way through this exciting topic.

With Halloween quickly approaching, ghosts and ghouls begin to come out of the woodwork and roam the world of the living. But, how did we get here? Join Jonny and Gary this week as we explore the path of the damned, from the 1960s through today. Special guests this week are Ian Webb of the hit podcast Cult & Trash Horror Movie Grind, Jacob Johnson of the hit podcast Jacob and Rhys Vs. Evil, and Jackie Fegter, a TV and Film producer and horror aficionado. 

A dark night cloaks the city. The streets run rampant with crime as the citizens cry out for a hero. No, we're not talking about New York City, we're talking about Gotham, and the hero that answers the call is the Batman. Since his creation in 1939, Batman has been a staple of comic books. With movies stretching back six decades, the Caped Crusader has had several different iterations over the years, from Adam West to the guy from Twilight. Join Jonny and Gary as we discuss the first part of his film portrayals. Special guests this week are Ian Webb of the hit podcast Cult & Trash Horror Movie Grind, Jacob Johnson of the hit podcast Jacob and Rhys vs. Evil, and comic book aficionado Thomas Elmore.

The Academy Award for Best Picture often goes to films that most people... wouldn't agree with. But once in awhile, the Academy does actually pick the best picture of the year (for example, in 1991 when Dances with Wolves beat out Godfellas). Join Jonny, Neil and Gary this week as we discuss what makes a good Academy candidate and what our Mount Rushmore Plus One (C) is. Joining us this week is special guest Ian Webb. Grab your popcorn and enjoy the show, because this one has video!

"To be, or not to be? That is the question." Well, no, that's not really the question today. Today's question is about what are existential films and how do they affect us as filmgoers? What does it mean to have a film which discusses the nature of life and the meanings behind it? And do people watch these movies at all? That is the question we attempt to answer on today's episode! Please join Jonny, Neil, and Gary as we tackle this topic. Special guests this week are Ian Webb and Bob Peck!

Singing, dancing, long run-times. All are staples of movie musicals. But what makes a film musical? And what makes them truly exceptional? And why do some of them sing everything while some of them have very limited musical scores? Why do I have so much treble writing a blurb for podcasts? Join Jonny, Neil and Gary this week as we discuss these and other issues. Special guests this week are the astoundingly talented Meg Steiner and Kat Leidlein. 

This one goes out to all the ladies! During season 1, we looked at our best actors of all time and we are excited to follow that up with a look at the greatest actresses on the silver screen throughout the years.  Join Jonny and Gary as we suss out what makes a great actress, makes them unforgettable, and marks their performances throughout all of time. It is a difficult job to do, so we enlisted the assistance of two Austin-based actresses to help us out: Kaci Beeler and Kimberly Watson.

No one can be told what the Matrix is. Well, to us, that's a lot of hogwash! Just in time for the release of the fourth installment in the Matrix franchise, Resurrections, we are jacking into the story and significance of the Matrix movies. Join Jonny, Neil, and Gary as we put on our black sunglasses, black shirts, black jackets, black pants, black boots and, although you never see it we are going to assume black underwear, and explore the Desert of the Real! Special guests this week include Ian Webb, Lucas Herr, and the Merovingian Man himself, Michael Payne.   

"Lights. Camera. Action!" How do you know you're on an indie film set? When you're the one doing all three jobs. Small-budget films are some of the most interesting and dynamic movies ever made, using shoestring budgets cobbled together from life savings, borrowed funds, and a little bit of credit card shell games, these works of heart are done by film makers who puttheir all on the line for the stories they wish to tell. Join Jonny, Neil and Gary this week as we delve into the world of independent film making. This week's special guests are three indie film makers Neil McCay, Matt Strand-Jordan and Polaris Banks who offer their take on what it takes to wear the many hats of the small budget but big dream film-maker. Follow Matt on Instagram at Matt.ST.18Follow Neil on Instagram at Neil.McCayFollow Polaris on Instagram at Red Claw Movie

"If you don't take the chance, you'll never know what could have been." The quote by Brad Turnbull is apt for movie studios in the 2020s. So many of the films created are remakes or "soft" reboots of prior successes. Is this something which is good for the industry and allow new talented people to leave their mark on a story, or is this a safe copout that studios take to avoid the risks of putting something new out? Join Jonny, Neil and Gary this week as we tackle this very question. Truth be told, we kinda get off topic a little bit during this one, but it's all good guys; you get to hear the story of one of our guests who was nearly beaten to death by a street gang! Joining us this week are our special guests Mitch Miller and Kimberly Watson!

Tonight we talk about the ghouls and ghosts and things that go bump in the night: horror movies! What makes a scary movie and what are some of our favorite genres and films? Join Jonny, Neil and Gary this week as we build our Mount Rushmore +1 (c) of horror movies!

Ah, the time of Halloween. What a special moment in everyone's life once a year where you can dress up in crazy outfits and not be thought a freak. There are so many popular films which terrify and bewilder us at this time of year and have made an indelible mark on the landscape of film, but how can we break this gigantic genre of horror down into smaller groups to better understand it? That's the question we ask this week! Join Jonny and Gary and we delve into this spooky question. Special guests this week are Ian Webb of the hit podcast Cult & Trash Horror Movie Grind, Bee Dubs a cult-film connoisseur, and Tony Vespe a Texas-based actor & film enthusiast! Get your freak on people! #podcasting #horrormovies #cultclassic #idontgiveaflick #moviessobadtheyregood #halloween2021 #horrorfilm #scarymovie #goregrind #scaryhours #horrorcommunity #horrorfan

The career of M. Night Shyamalan has been one of starting at the top and falling to the very depths of memeory. But, much like his film style, is there a Renaissance or twist for him going forward? His work on The Sixth Sense, Unbreakable, and Signs brought the previously unknown director into the spotlight, but did that spotlight prove too much for the young Shyamalan and cause him to wilt under the pressure of his previous successes? Overarching in the story of M. Night has been his faith in himself and he has proven time and again that he is always willing to gamble on himself against all odds. Join Jonny, Neil and Gary as we tackle this tale of woe and, perhaps, redemption. Joining us this week is special guest Michael Payne, popular film enthusiast!... or something like that. I was pretty drunk when we recorded it.

From the earliest days of television, sitcoms (short for situational comedies) have been a staple of programming available. People love to sit back, relax, and let their minds enjoy some light-hearted laughter as they watch actors in situations sometimes nearly beyond belief. But why do we still after more than 70 years of television still love these shows? From the Honeymooners to I Love Lucy to Parks and Recreation and the Office, these shows have captured attention and advertising dollars successfully. Join Jonny, Neil, and Gary this week as we delve into this beloved genre for a deep discussion.

Today we discuss a group of elites who are extraordinarily out of touch with the people they supposedly serve. No, not politicians: film critics. As the decades have continued on, the chasm of disparity between what critics like and what their audiences enjoy has only widened. Websites such as Rotten Tomatoes and IMDB have begun listing not only what the aggregate of the critics' score is, but also what the audience rates it too overall, and those difference can be quite large indeed. Join Jonny, Neil, and Gary this week as your tried and true trio of troublemakers critique the current state of film critics.

As far back as this podcast goes, Jonny always wanted to do one on gangsters. Or, something like that. Mafia movies, gangster flicks, hood films, and cartel pictures are all some of the most recognizable staples of the cinema. Some of them have an antihero, like Michael Corleone; some of them an unrepentant perp like Scarface, and some have the guy that's just trying to make his way through the mean streets like Henry Hill. Join us this week as Jonny and Gary discuss our favorite pictures in the genre and why we love them so much. Special guest stars this week are Greg Parker, Lucas Herr, and Ian Webb of the podcast Movies So Bad They're Good... Midnight Cult Classics and Camp. Come listen to our podcast, because when you're here, your family!

The biggest film franchise in history is the Marvel Cinematic Universe. With more than 30 films in the first three phases and grossing more than $20,000,000,000 worldwide, there can be no doubt that this juggernaut of a franchise leads the way in ticket sales. But when Marvel Studios first formed in the mid-2000s, this was far less of a certain future and more of a gamble. Since the MCU is such a large body of work, we're eating this elephant one piece at a time and talking only about the Phase I films of Marvel. Join Jonny and Gary as we begin our trek through this complex and epic tale of the greatest cinematic journey ever undertaken. Joining us this week are Thomas Elmore the comic aficionado and Jacob Johnson of the hit podcast Jacob and Rhys vs. Evil.  

Throughout time, there have been rivalries which are of the ages: England vs. France, Foreman vs. Ali, Palmer vs. Nicklaus. But there is another rivalry which is no less epic in scope in the world of cinema; method vs. technical acting.  Finally, the episode is here discussing Method vs. Technical acting! For two-decades, hosts Jonny and Gary have hotly debated which of the two acting theories is best; join us today as we try and answer that question. Special guests this week are three talented thespians from around the county who share their perspectives and experiences: Carlton Caudle, Akasha Villalobos, and Alec Whaite. Buckle up buckaroo because this is a must-listen episode!

“Get to the chopper!” “Adrieeeeeeeeeeen!” “Yippie ki yay” “Two day til retirement” These are just some of the lines from amazing action films. The explosions, the shooting, the hand-to-hand combat, and much more all make some of the biggest box office films get our adrenaline pumping and on the edge of our seat. But who are the top action heroes of all time? Join Jonny, Neil, and Gary as we build our trademarked Mount Rushmore Plus One for action heroes!

This Podcast is not yet rated... oh wait... it is as mature content. The MPAA has been the rating system for films for the last seven decades and has created a great deal of conversation about what makes films G, PG, PG-13, R, or NC-17. But, is this a necessary feature of life? And is it done in a consistent manner? Join Jonny, Neil and Gary this week as we discuss our thoughts on this keystone piece of American cinema. This week's special guests include Kapil Mahendra and Lucas Herr.

When the story of this world is written, there will be a chapter in it on film; and within that chapter will be a section on Hollywood; and somewhere within that section is a paragraph on Quentin Tarantino, who will undoubtedly  be labeled as the number two director of all time. In this episode, Jonny, Neil, and Gary explore the works of Tarantino, from Reservoir Dogs to Once Upon A Time In Hollywood. Joining us this week are Ian Webb of the hit podcast Movies So Good They're Bad,  and Nick Alessandro of our sister podcast There's No Crying in Podcasting. So sit back, relax, and enjoy our #*@(ing podcast!

One of the most critical parts of films is the opening scene. They draw us in to the story, set the stage for the world of the film, and show us the tone of the film. In short, they are critical to the success or failure of the movie. In this episode, Jonny and Gary discuss what makes a captivating opening scene as well as what some of our most favorite ones have been over the years. Special guest this week is Ian Webb of the hit podcasts Movies So Bad, They're Good...Midnight Cult Classics and Camp and Having a Beer with Ian. 

There are films that you watch when no one else is around; guilty pleasures which not even your hairdresser knows you like. In this episode, Jonny and Gary discuss some of their favorite films across multiple genres that the wide world cannot, nay must not know are liked. Joining us for this episode is none other than the man who knows all about secrets: Michael Payne.

For more than 30 years, Adam Sandler has been a box-office and silver screen draw; films which have soared to the heavens, and films which have skimmed the very depths of Hell itself. In this episode, Jonny and Gary discuss the merits and foibles of one of America's most prolific and highest grossing film stars: Adam Sandler. We go through every (clap) single (clap) Sandler (clap) film. Buckle up buckaroos because... it's gonna be painful. Speaking of painful, this week's special guest is none other than the man of many talents, Michael Payne. Join us on a journey of self-flagellation. 

Their name in lights alone can bring in hundreds of thousands of ticket sales as fans flock to see their latest debut: The Hollywood A-Lister. But what has happened to them over the last few decades? Do they still have the same level of draw as they did before, and if not, why? Join Jonny and Gary as we discuss this developing topic. Joining us this week are special guests Ian Webb of the podcast Movies So Bad They're Good, Lucas Herr and the indefatigable Michael Payne as we put the face of Hollywood A-Listers of the milk carton in an effort to find out what happened to them.

What makes an excellent director and who make our top-tier of them? Is it their ability to manage the whole production, or knowing how to evoke from the actors the performances which move us, or is it something completely different? We start off with a look at who are awful directors and what and why they fail to achieve success. Join Jonny, Neil and Gary as we dive into this topic once again to uncover what we missed. Special guests this week are Ian Webb of the podcast Movies So Bad They're Good. 

Music carries us away to the enchanted plains of Gondor, makes our heart race with shrieking violins in showers, fills us with wonder as we see a brachiosaurus on it's hind legs eating from a tree, and makes us cry as the little flag on the mailbox goes up and down signaling a letter from three years earlier (or later) has arrived. Film has always been a medium which leans heavily on the composer's ability to push the audience's emotions in the direction the film wants them to go. Take a note from our page and join Jonny, Neil, and Gary as we dive in to the magic of movie scores and how composers perform their work. We also discuss who the best composer in film is [SPOILER ALERT: It's John Williams]. Joining us this week are our special guests Paul Beahan and Jimmy Lavalle, who have scored numerous films and television shows.

Once a year, we pause to admire the trappings of Eros and how the Arrow of Love strikes each of us. From the joys of first love to the final conclusion of slitting your wrists, films of all types usually carry some story of love or romance within their tale. As one of the most fundamental aspects of humanity, we see these stories played out in nearly every work of art throughout history, and film is no different. Join Jonny, Neil, and Gary this week as we explore romance in film, our favorite romance films and those we find most overrated. Special guests this week are Michael Payne and Jessica Haile help us to navigate these treacherous waters.

"Beam me up, Scotty!" This was a line which was never directly said in the original Star Trek television show, but has nonetheless become a staple of modern pop culture today. How did a cheesy 1960s TV show become such a beloved and sometimes misunderstood 60-minute delve into human morality and the possibilities of Humanity's future? This week, we take a trek into the stars to answer that very question. Join Jonny, Neil and Gary as we engage our engines and see what's out there, traveling to the second star to the right, straight on til morning. This week's special guests include Lucas Herr and Michael Payne, both of whom boast numerous nerdy credentials.

Given enough time, every podcast dealing with films will have to discuss the Star Wars franchise. From the original 1977 mega blockbuster of Episode IV: A New Hope to the most recent Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker, the Star Wars films have given light to our imaginations; at their best taking us on journeys among the heavens filled with damsels in distress, wizards, and brave young heroes; at their worst they have filled their screen time with off-tone senate debates, brutal decapitations, and weird casino planets. Join Jonny, Neil and Gary as we attempt to get our hyperdrives in gear to discuss this broad and deeply influential film series. Special guests this week are Lucas Herr, Spenser Walters, and Jacob Johnson of the podcast Jacob and Rhys vs. Evil.

In the final installment of the season 1 finale, Jonny, Neil, and Gary discuss where the podcast has been, where it is, and where they would like to see it go in the future. From the moments that made each of the hosts laugh, to their favorite episodes and moments, to the challenges that were overcame in this Brave New World, I Don't Give A Flick! delves into the successes and failures of the first season. Special guests in this third segment are Jacob Johnson from the podcast Jacob and Rhys vs. Evil and Ian Webb from the podcast Movies So Bad They're Good... Midnight Cult Classics and Camp.

In part 1 of the Season 1 Finale, Jonny, Neil, and Gary discuss the events of the year and their favorite moments from the podcasts, as well as challenges that have been overcome in making a podcast. Special guests in segment 1 are actor extraordinaire Keith Mackler and cinemaster BJ Lewallen. Special guests in segment 2 are the talented Ammie Masterson and the actor never out-of-work Carlton Caudle.

People shall look back on the year of our Lord 2020 and not have one nice thing to say about it. So we figured we might as well add on to the pile a bunch of crappy movies we have seen over the year; not necessarily those that came out in 2020, but those we randomly saw. Join Jonny and Gary as we discuss why they were bad and what is their appeal to an audience. From Frankenhooker (1990) to Skins (2017), we've got you covered in crap, which is the only way to end the year. Special guest this week is Ian Webb of the podcast and Facebook group Movies So Bad They're Good... Midnight Cult Classics and Camp.

Ebenezer Scrooge; Ralphie, George Bailey, Santa, and others are all long-standing archetypes of Christmas movies and stories going back decades and centuries. Christmas films have a unique flair to them when they tap into these immediately-recognizable motifs. Join Jonny and Gary and we discuss (or fail to discuss and just sing carols) these classic Christmas characters and stories. Have a Merry Christmas everyone!

Ah the wonderful films of the Christmas season! Films of Christmas range from the heartfelt ones which are integral in making the holidays feel like the that special time of year... to those which are just terrible attempts at money grabs. This week, Jonny, Neil and Gary discuss some of the films which fall on both ends of the spectrum. Joined this week by special guests actors Carlton Caudle and Shanna Toft fresh off their latest shoot to help share the joy of the season.

Seasons change, Fall into Winter, as the 2020 Christmas season grows near, and Gandalf the Grey rides to Isengard seeking my advice. Wait, no, that's not right. This holiday season, grab a cup of coco [or rum] and sit back and relax with your favorite podcast as we discuss what makes a legitimate Christmas movie. Is it when it takes place? Is it the themes throughout? And how do our old holiday favorites stack-up to this critique? Join Jonny, Neil and Gary as we delve into this answer. Special guest this week is Ian Webb from the hip and happening podcast "Movies so Bad They're Good, Midnight Cult Classics and Camp." And as an extra special treat this holiday season, Vanessa will kick off the podcast by leading us in a verse of a carol.

Political dramas are a mainstay of cinema. They inspire us, confront us, and cause us to question what is core to our beliefs. Why do these movies touch us so profoundly? In this episode, Jonny, Neil, and Gary attempt to answer that question while we delve into the value and main themes of films. Joining us this episode are Texas-based actor Carlton Caudle, LA-based produce Kapil Mahendra, and Chicago-based producer Matthew Strand-Jordan. Also joining us this episode are a huge number of technical glitches! Buckle up buckaroos and enjoy!

Spooky, Scary, Skeletons! And witches and ghouls and bears, oh my! This Halloween, sit back with a good cup of blood-wine, unlace your mummy-wraps, and take out your fangs with Jonny and Gary as we discuss what makes a scary movie. Joined this week by Ian Webb of the podcast "Movies So Bad They're Good," and Jacob Johnson of the podcast "Jacob and Rhys vs Evil"

Heraclitus, a Greek philosopher, once said that you can never step into the same river twice. Obviously, he never watched a movie about time travel though, because that is one of the main tenants of the genre. From Back to the Future to Bill and Ted, there are scores of films with deal with the movement through time. Join Jonny, Neil and Gary as we discuss the various methods of time travel and what we think the best examples of these are in film. Special guest this week is the timely Ian Webb from the podcast "Movies So Bad They're Good."

As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to plague the world, every aspect of life has been impacted. In a follow-up for episode 10, Jonny, Neil, and Gary discuss the varied impact on the movie industry as the world continues to cope. This three-part episode features Greg Parker and Matt McGinley in part 1 discussing the producer's point of view; then part 2 we dive into the actor's life with Aimee Masterson, Chloe Godard, and Keith Mackler; in the final part 3 we are joined by Joel Vervelde and Matt McGinley to discuss the new role of the Covid Compliance Officer on set.

From card games to board games, from stories from our youth to tales yet unbound, what is it about fantasy which draws us in to explore worlds which exist only on paper and in the imagination? In this episode, Jonny, Neil and Gary discuss the fantasy genre. Special guests this week are Chuck Butera, Suzanne Ippolite, and Thomas Elmore join the discussion.

Heraclitus once opined that you cannot step into the same river twice. Who knows what that crazy old Greek was talking about, but the question persists "can you venture into acting later in life?" In this episode, Jonny, Neil and Gary discuss the challenges and opportunities of becoming an actor later in life. Special guests this week Carlton Caudle, Shanna Toft, Skeeta Jenkins, and Peggy Schott.

Annnnnnd boom goes the dynamite... or thermonuclear warhead, or C130 cargo plane... or really just about anything that has a fireball in it. In this episode, Jonny, Neil, and Gary discuss why movies filled with explosions are gore are so compelling for an audience to watch and what some of our favorite are. Special guests this week are Ian Webb and Jacob Johnson!

Saturday Night Live, that comedic staple for almost half a century has had hundreds of cast members over the years. How did they get their start and where have their careers taken them? In this episode, Jonny, Neil, and Gary discuss the challenges and process of getting on a major network show. Special guest this week is Tom Booker.

Last week, we talked about Hollywood movie flops. This week, we talk about films which have raked in the dough. Jonny, Neil and Gary discuss what makes a solid blockbuster and go over the top 10 grossing movies of all time, both adjusted and un-adjusted for inflation.

The dreams of Hollywood filmmakers and big budget movies can pay off with extraordinary returns, raking in hundreds of millions or billions of dollars. But, there are so films which end up in the red at the end of their run, possibly bankrupting the studios which produced them. In this episode, Jonny, Neil and Gary discuss what makes a Hollywood movie fail at the box office. Special guest this week is Ian Webb of the hit podcast "Movies so Bad, They're Good."

The world stopped in 2020. Industry ground to a halt. Travel ceased. And naturally the film industry was knocked on it's butt. In this episode, Jonny and Gary discuss the current state of affairs with Hollywood and film in general during these unprecedented times. Double special guests this week with BJ Lewallen and Matt McGinley.