In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and Phil

ITQ returns to the airwaves with a special episode to pose the question: Is DIE HARD the greatest Christmas movie of all time?  Joining Andrew and Phil is returning champion, Drew!  The three movie nerds discuss why the classic 80's action film still holds up thirty years later.  Here's a hint - the excellent screenplay is a big reason.  This talk ranges from Alan Rickman's bad guy persona, to a production that kept rewriting itself as it went on, and just how earned was it to have Reginald VelJohnson's character kill that villain at the end?  You won't want to miss this episode.

Drew returns to the program to discuss what is undoubtedly the greatest film adaptation of William Burroughs' writing.  NAKED LUNCH is a surreal, inscrutable journey into the world of drug abuse and creative turmoil.  Good thing we have Drew to talk us through it.  The conversation ranges from homoerotic undertones and the warmth of Cronenberg.  Give this podcast a listen!      

This sci-fi comedy set in alternate Oakland is unlike anything else you've seen.  It's the brainchild of Boots Riley, a hip hop artist who's been dreaming up this film for many years.  The discussion covers the machinations of the film's premise and the metaphor of a "white voice", which the main character Cassius employs in order to prosper at this job.  Great acting all around makes for a solid moviegoing experience.

This is a film that begins as a meditation on living in nature, under the principles support the idea behind the title, and then soon becomes an examination of two people trying to make their way in a bustling city.  LEAVE NO TRACE reminded me of A24's ROOM in an inverse way, but it also recalls certain moments of THE HURT LOCKER.  Ben Foster and Thomasin McKenzie give very natural performances as the father-daughter who try to cling to each other, although the daughter begins to feel a pull once she reaches Portland.  A wonderful film by Debra Granik.

Agnieszka Smocyńska directs this horror musical mash-up film, the first musical to ever come from the nation of Poland.  It takes place in an alternate 1980s, at a nightclub that hosts two carnivorous singing mermaids.  If you like your movies moody and weird, then this one is for you.  There's nothing quite like it and it's certainly a cinematic experience.  The delightful Leticia joins ITQ to talk about this singular film, a recent addition to the Criterion Collection.

As sequels go, its generally a plus to retain the writer of the original film.  Taylor Sheridan goes all in as the author of this second chapter and Josh Brolin and Benicio Del Toro reprise their characters.  But there is a certain void left by the absence of Emily Blunt, Roger Deakins and undoubtedly, Denis Villeneuve.  Still, Andrew found a lot to like about the film.  It's a compelling potboiler.  But Phil was not so fond of it.  He did have fun talking about Josh Brolin's frequent appearances as politically right-wing figures in film.  

Bob is the evil that men do...and he all started on a whim from David Lynch on the set of "Twin Peaks" (1990).  This topic and many more are explored in this illuminating discussion about one of Lynch's most maligned films.  New guest, Steve joins the conversation surrounding this mysterious movie.  He proves himself an expert on interpreting Lynch's obtuse intentions.  Take a listen to this scintillating conversation.  If you're a David Lynch fan, you won't want to miss it.

Fred Rogers was an ordained minister and beloved childhood icon.  This documentary is an hour and a half of pure love, and paints a portrait of the power of kindness.  Andrew and Phil did not grow up watching "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood" but still have an appreciation for this excellent film.  The work of Mr. Rogers touches many lives and can stand as a beacon of hope in a troubled time.

Toni Collette gives an earth-shaking performance as the troubled matriarch of an equally troubled family in this A24 horror masterpiece.  HEREDITARY doesn't rely on jump scares to frighten us and has a potent and very real message about how dysfunctional families hurt their members.  Andrew was troubled by the spoilers from the trailer, but nevertheless thoroughly loved the film.  Phil breaks down the comparisons between this movie and The Exorcist, with some interesting associations.

How do you know that voice speaking directly to you is God?  That's an intriguing concept that is touched on in this Netflix film.  Chiwetel Ejiofor plays real-life preacher Carlton Pearson, who suddenly hears God tell him that he should evangelize that their is no Hell.  His congregation and his supporters think he's lost it, but Carlton remains resolute.  Eric joins this episode to talk about the merits and flaws of this film.

Ethan Hawke is Reverend Toller, whose presence at First Reformed church earns him the respect of Mary (Amanda Seyfried) who seeks his guidance for her atheist boyfriend.  The non-believer has some frightening plans that set Toller down a path to a reckoning of faith versus industry.  Great acting, masterful writing and skilled direction all mark the return of Paul Schrader to world-class filmmaking.

No, there are not dogs that run their own small-to-medium city in this film.  But there is a wealth of bitter misanthropy, courtesy of Lars Von Trier!  The Danish provocateur has made many films that place great female performances front and center and DOGVILLE is no exception.  New guest, Rishi joins this episode to talk about the bleak film.  The discussion ranges from religious symbolism to Von Trier's feelings about women.  If you've seen the film, we highly recommend you check out this passionate analysis.

This is a true story.  A story of survival.  It's also a love story, but the chemistry between leads Shailene Woodley and Sam Claflin is lacking. It's hard to buy that they're really in love, despite the inclusion of "I Hope I Don't Fall In Love With You" on the soundtrack.  The capsizing sailboat premise is arresting, although it's been done better elsewhere.  There is also a surprise twist (well, it may not be a surprise) so spoiler alert if you're thinking of listening to this episode without seeing the film!

Perhaps the greatest ice hockey movie, MIRACLE tells the true story of the 1980 American Olympic hockey team, and their coach, Herb Brooks.  Kurt Russell brings Brooks to life with an intensity we don't see often from the actor.  The film will get you cheering.  New guest Celey joins ITQ to talk about why she loves this movie.

Nostalgia puts asses in seats.  That's what Disney is banking on with this unnecessary chapter in the ever-diluted Star Wars franchise.  Andrew and Phil have a joyful rant against this film and the larger epidemic of movies that rehash popular culture in a desperate grab for our dollars.  Alden Ehrenreich gave a great comedic performance in HAIL CAESAR!, but he cannot fill Harrison Ford's shoes.  This episode is plus-sized for your listening pleasure - hope you like it!

One of the biggest box office bombs in movie history comes to ITQ.  Returning guest, Drew has another passionate critique in him for David Lynch's notorious 1984 failure.  Listen as our hosts tackle all the pertinent questions, like 'Is Dune better than Inland Empire?'  Drew shares many fascinating anecdotes in this episode, such as how a family friend gave him the laminated card handed out in theaters during the original theatrical run.

We don't normally do sequels on ITQ, unless we reviewed an earlier film in the franchise.  Such is the case with Deadpool 2.  Andrew and Phil both liked the first film, but now the house is divided.  Andrew didn't care for the humor-saturated follow-up but Phil found the never-ending meta-qualities to be very amusing.  What do you think?  Is this a good next chapter in the Deadpool universe?

Andrew and Phil could not be more stoked to have a new guest on this episode of ITQ.  Leticia joins the podcast from Montreal to request the Colombian Oscar-nominee EMBRACE OF THE SERPENT.  This visually marvelous film about a river journey in the Amazon in search of a sacred flower evokes many other films.  Leticia brings many great observations to the discussion, which ranges from similarities to Herzog to the depiction of spirituality.

Lynne Ramsay is one of Andrew and Phil's favorite directors, so any new film from her is enough to send ITQ into a tizzy.  Ramsay's new film YOU WERE NEVER REALLY HERE blurs the line between reality and...not.  There are definitely times in this film where it's not clear if something is really happening, and our hosts are cool with that.  Sound and visuals are both used with style, and Phoenix's complex performance is equally arresting.

Is Thanos the real hero of AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR?  That's what our new guest proposes in this episode of ITQ.  Mike joins the discussion with Andrew and Phil to offer his take on the popular franchise.  70+ characters makes the film rather bloated, but there is something irrefutably fun about watching famous heroes team up against a common enemy.  Check out the episode!

Charming Charlize Theron lights up the screen in her new collaboration with writer Diablo Cody and director Jason Reitman.  Theron gained (then lost) fifty pounds to play the unglamorous mother of three at the center of this film.  Mackenzie Davis is the effervescent night nanny who comes to rescue Marlo (Theron) and remind her she still has everything she needs to roll with the punches.  SPOILER ALERT: Andrew and Phil divulge some key plot points in this episode.

This is a comedy.  Andrew found it hilarious, Phil didn't.  A disagreement!  Listen as the two hosts attempt to defend their positions.  Many a talented actor in this film (Steve Buscemi, Jeffrey Tambor, Michael Palin, Andrea Riseborough) but the style of humor may leave something to be desired.  Fun fact: the original title of the film was not "Stalin For Time."

Chinese artist Ai Weiwei gets a definitive portrait in this documentary. The controversial figure singehandedly takes on his oppressive government in an attempt to freely express himself.  He tackles political subjects and secures important exhibitions in London and Munich, yet at home he is treated as a criminal.  Returning guest Eric joins us on the podcast to discuss this film, which is available to stream on Netflix.

Wes Anderson does stop motion again, and technically speaking, it's astounding.  But the film is emotionally remote and...yikes, have you been following the controversy? Andrew and Phil praise the animation and then have an unpretentious discussion about how this film is cultural appropriation.  It's a complicated time for a movie like this.  The hosts reminisce about past Wes films and pinpoint The Life Aquatic as the moment when he changed for the worse.  How do you feel about this iconoclastic filmmaker?

Who would've thought Vince Vaughn was a one-man wrecking crew?  Watching him singlehandedly demolish a car with his bare hands is one of the highlights of this film.  But overall, none of us thought BRAWL IN CELL BLOCK 99 worked as a film.  It's kind of a genre exercise...that genre being "Tarantino rip-off."  Returning guest Aaron admitted that he requested this film sight unseen (he's a big Vince Vaughn fan).  But nevertheless, we try to have a productive conversation about this very recent crime movie.

Shhhh.  Wait, what?  Oh, it's just that new horror sensation, A QUIET PLACE.  Directed by John Krasinski, better known for comedic acting roles, the film is taut and tense.  In fact, it's masterfully directed.  One of the best scary movies to come to theaters.  Krasinski has a strong sense of visual storytelling, and the tiny cast turn in captivating performances.  Overall, Andrew and Phil both thought this film was great.

Entertaining?  Sure.  Spielberg's best?  Nope.  Andrew and Phil both had fun watching READY PLAYER ONE, but only one of them left the theater satisfied.  Can you guess which one?  Andrew's central point of dissatisfaction is that the world of the Oasis does not feel like enough of an escape from the dreary world the characters inhabit in the film.  A return to form for Spielberg, in terms of the level of excitement, but was it worth it?

Andrew brings his brother Calvin on the show to reminisce about their carefree childhood days watching Jim Henson's THE DARK CRYSTAL.  A consummate fantasy if ever we saw one, it's also damn scary!  But as the three of them agree, kids do like to be scared.  And they can learn lessons about death and loss, and not trusting scary bird-trolls with rotting faces.  Henson considered this film his ultimate achievement, and we are not ones to disagree.  Nostalgia, wonder and awe are all appropriate states of being for this episode.

Groundbreaking director Steven Soderbergh uncovers a new classification in the DSM-V: unsane!  This iPhone-shot psych horror was an enjoyable trip, despite there being some crrrrazy plot holes!  Claire Foy wrestles admirably with an inconsistent North Atlantic accent while Andrew's buddy Zach Cherry digs deep to play a no-nonsense nurse.  What is real and what is imaginary?  To learn more about this topic, watch Phil's series of video essays: I'll Believe It When I See It!   

Garbage movie alert! All three of us hated this movie. Then why are we talking about it? Because we are gluttons for punishment. If you know REPO: THE GENETIC OPERA, chances are you love it. For that, we are sorry. Not because we've offended you, but because of the harm you are doing to your own brain and eyeballs. This horror-musical is unlike anything else - THANK GOD! But it really is a terrible film. Listen to our discussion about it!

Not nearly as terrible as the IMDb score would have you believe, Ava DuVernay's Disney debut is a flawed, but pleasant fantasy.  On this episode we have a self-professed expert on the Madeleine L'Engle novel to check off the differences between the film and the book.  Overall, she says the film is fairly faithful...to a point.  This is a fun discussion and a good place to turn to for a thoughtful critique of a much-attacked film.

Avast, ye swabs!  Why am I taking like a pirate?  I guess it's because I equate 19th century naval ships with pirates.  That's my problem and I'm working on it.  But that should not stop you from seeing this most excellent film!  Returning guest Kristy is here to express her love for this film about high adventure on the high seas with Russell Crowe and Paul Bettany.  One of the most immersive cinematic experiences of the past twenty years, what with it's fantastic sound design and cinematography - we all think it's a great movie!  Hear our discussion for more platitudes!

Even though we have our doubts about what it all meant, ITQ enthusiastically supports ANNIHILATION and encourage anyone to see it in theaters.  Cerebral sci-fi is a favorite of ours, and if you listen to the podcast, you already know how much Andrew loved EX MACHINA. Alex Garland returns with Oscar Isaac, (minus sexy dancing) and delivers a thought-provoking mind-blower of a film.  If you have any insight you want to share about your interpretation of the film, by all means, hit us up on Facebook!

Well, the Oscars happened!  Seems to be a yearly occurrence.  Maybe it's us, but the writing was pretty terrible this time around.  It must be hard to keep coming up with original material, but at least they didn't trot out an octogenarian actor for cheap applause.  And hey, yet another Mexican wins Best Director!  Andrew and Phil recount last Sunday's event with love and resolution.

Enthusiastic guest host Liz joins us for this very fun discussion about the seminal documentary PARIS IS BURNING.  Liz brings with her a lot of knowledge surrounding the film, and drag culture.  The talk ranges from Joan Rivers to RuPaul to drag balls.  This episode, like the documentary it covers, is a must-listen!

Believe the hype!  Black Panther is the best Marvel movie we've seen. Grounded in believable performances, the story captivated us.  While Ryan Coogler's film delivers all the bells and whistles of a comic-book movie, where it really soars is in the emotions of the cast.  Michael B. Jordan is a charismatic villain, with whom you can also sympathize.  It seems that Disney has allowed the writer/director the freedom imbue Black Panther with some of his own experience, which bodes well for future comic-book adaptations. 

A forgotten 80's comedy in the classic fish-out-of-water genre, BIG MAN ON CAMPUS was made by several filmmakers who would go on to greater things.  But this remake of the Hunchback of Notre Dame set in UCLA is still funny and entertaining.  Visual jokes abound and the cast boasts many stalwart names like Tom Skerritt, Cindy Williams and Jessica Harper.  New guest Andrew B. joins Andrew and Phil to rave about this film, a personal favorite of his.   

Non-professional actors mingle with established comedians in this latest effort from director Clint Eastwood.  Based on a book written about a thwarted terrorist attack on a train to Paris, Eastwood stretches an act of American heroism into a feature-length film.  What you have is fairly undramatic story with some really bad acting.  Andrew and Phil break down why this film does not really work.

Christian Bale gives a baleful performance in this February release.  Based on a manuscript by the deceased Donald E. Stewart, the film boasts a charismatic turn by Rosamund Pike as a frontier widow.  Ultimately, not a great Western or a great episode of ITQ.  But what do you expect after that killer run of Oscar bait movies?  We begin with a nod to Timothée Chalamet's ill-fated turn in today's film, which is not exactly up to the standards of his recent work.

It's on, movie fans.  Andrew and Phil's favorite films of the year.  May we have the envelope, please?  No need for that booji nonsense.  These are the films selected by two people who know what moves them.  Listen in and see how your favorites stack up next to these two film fanatics.  

You never realized how deep this Bill Murray comedy is until you've discussed it with Drew, our returning guest.  Meher Baba, behavioral psychology and the (many) stages of grief all figure into this episode.  Just in time for the titular holiday, ITQ reviews the classic comedy that marks the beginning of Murray's blue period.  

Paging Mr. Scorsese, your technique has been lifted!  It's no accident this film has been called "The Goodfellas of figure skating" because I, TONYA is definitely the spiritual godchild of the style created by the Sicilian cinema master.  If it invested more in the emotional drama of the characters without using distancing devices to undercut it at every turn, the film might have been less entertaining...but perhaps less problematic.  Andrew and Phil go to town on I, TONYA.

Our first guest episode in a long while!  But on top of that, we talk about a new and highly acclaimed film.  Rankin joins ITQ to compare CMBYN to the novel and how the queer community has reacted to the film.  He also sheds some light on trivia surrounding Luca Guadagnino's excellent film.  Check out this episode!

The dark horse nominee for Best Picture and a virtual lock for Best Make-Up comes to ITQ!  Anchored by an unrecognizable Gary Oldman in nearly every frame, DARKEST HOUR tells the tale of Winston Churchill's early days as Prime Minister.  An unremarkable film, to be sure but Oldman does an admirable job mimicking the legendary British statesman.  Andrew and Phil go off on a tangent about ostentatious camerawork that takes up more than half of this episode, but it's entertaining, so who cares?

Steven Spielberg snuck this film into 2017 at the last possible minute. After hearing so much praise that THE POST was his best film since MUNICH, and could be the perfect antidote to a toxic presidency, expectations were high at ITQ.  Let's face it, when it comes to Spielberg, Streep and Hanks expectations are always high.  THE POST is a good film, but not much more than that.  High-caliber acting all around, but not a lot of that Spielberg magic.  Nevertheless, it's worth seeing.  Andrew and Phil have an insightful discussion about what makes a film Spielbergian.

Critics have described Paul Thomas Anderson's new film as being emotionally remote as well as sumptuous.  Andrew and Phil are here to tell you it is both of those things.  Phil had the pleasure of seeing PHANTOM THREAD in 70mm, the way the creator intended.  To top that off, Anderson himself was present at the venue to talk about his film.  In this episode, Andrew and Phil favorably discuss the film, as well as the director's intentions behind it.

Phil doesn't give a sh*t about Star Wars anymore.  Andrew gives slightly more of a sh*t about it, but even he has to admit that the franchise is heading in a very bland direction.  Disney seems to be turning it into more of a Cinematic Universe.  Conscious efforts to represent women and people of color in smaller roles point to an inclusive attitude.  But there is also a certain drain of wit, character and originality that made the original trilogy so captivating.  The off-tone humor made Phil and Andrew both roll their eyes.  Overall, Star Wars gets less and less exciting as the years go by.  

This is a film full of imagination, from the story to the cinematography.  Guillermo Del Toro's passionately felt film won him a Golden Globe for directing and his stamp is all over the place.  Andrew is one of the many fans that praise how moving a film THE SHAPE OF WATER is.  Phil is not one of those people.  Despite recognizing the talent that went into creating this film, it still seemed to him like a mishmash of different genres that could not quite sell Del Toro's fantasy that a monster could win the heart of a beautiful woman.  Andrew and Phil have a lively discussion on opposing sides about this critical favorite.  

Kogonada is perhaps the most commercially successful of the video essayists.  His work is seen on several Criterion Collection DVDs and blu-ray and millions of people have viewed his supercuts of Tarantino, Wes Anderson and others.  But is he the right man for the job of making a feature film?  Andrew and Phil were both let down by COLUMBUS, kogonada's directing debut.  There is something to be said for the the film's cohesive tone, but what's the point?  Kogonada seems to want to make an art film, but has no fire within him.  That does not deter critics, many of whom praise this film.  Andrew and Phil do not, however.

James Franco has created a poignant, hilarious comedy about the making of the worst movie ever.  His performance anchors the film, and he clearly cares about his character.  He has an aptitude for directing comedy that Phil felt was sorely missing in his serious adaptations of Faulkner novels.  Andrew also really liked this film, another solid A24 release.  Our two hosts debate the bona fides of the central friendship, which is based on real life, but seems unlikely.

This movie is a good time, if you're a cinephile.  If not, you might be put off.  Not enough people are talking about The Safdie Brothers' film, which was snubbed by the Golden Globes yet named Best Movie of 2017 by Film Comment.  Listen to Andrew and Phil gush about the immersive experience of watching this kinetic film.