NostalgiaCast

NostalgiaCast turns up the heat as Paul of The Countdown Podcast joins our latest '90s Bucket List episode for a fiery discussion of BACKDRAFT, starring real-life stuntmen Kurt Russell and William Baldwin, plus Robert De Niro, Donald Sutherland, and Jennifer Jason Leigh. Grab your boots, gloves, and Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus as Paul, Jonny, and Darin obsess over the pyrotechnics, melodramatics, and classic Hans Zimmer score that brand Ron Howard's 1991 firefighter thriller.

It's "Vaya con Dios!" and "Utah, get me two!" as NostalgiaCast continues its '90s Bucket List season with a look back at POINT BREAK, directed by Kathryn Bigelow and starring Patrick Swayze, Keanu Reeves, and Gary Busey. Join Jonny and Darin for a zen-filled discussion of all the wave-riding, high-flying, bank-robbing thrills that shape this bona fide cult classic. But is it still 100% pure adrenaline after 30+ years, brah? Or a bummer in between action scenes?

Grab your fava beans and your garrote piano wire as NostalgiaCast takes a deep-dive into Martin Scorsese's CAPE FEAR and Jonathan Demme's THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS, two killer thrillers from two American masters not typically known for their horror chops. Jason of The Slashers and Binge Movies podcasts joins us to discuss the terror, torture, uncompromising head games, and oppressive existential dread that defines not just these two box office behemoths but also the current state of film criticism today. TRIGGER WARNING: This episode includes frank discussions of violence and sexual abuse as associated with the horror genre.

This... episode... is for YOU! Grab your scissors and your faux American accents as NostalgiaCast continues its "Bucket List" season of '90s favorites with a hypnotic look back at DEAD AGAIN, starring Kenneth Branagh, Emma Thompson, and Robin Williams. Listen as Jonny and Darin recount their history with Branagh as actor, filmmaker, and connoisseur of Shakespeare, and how his attempt at a bombastic Grand Guignol neo-noir murder-mystery with a supernatural bent will either bore you or leave you mute with fear. 

Grab your bug spray and your makeshift flamethrowers as NostalgiaCast braves Frank Marshall's ARACHNOPHOBIA for the latest '90s Bucket List episode, starring Jeff Daniels, John Goodman, and the late, great Julian Sands. Listen as Jonny and Darin discuss the movie's creepy-crawly Spielberg-ian touches, its perfect balance of comedy and scares, and lament how modern moviegoers try to "outsmart" the films they watch instead of engaging with the magic of them. Let's rock 'n' roll! 

NostalgiaCast has the conch as Jonny and Darin continue their "Bucket List" season of '90s favorites with a look at LORD OF THE FLIES, directed by Harry Hook and starring child actors Balthazar Getty and James Badge Dale. Buddy and pal Jason Payne joins our hosts to discuss the origins and writing of the book by William Golding, its controversies among literary circles, and how Hook modernized the story by Americanizing the characters, acting styles, and dialogue. 

A movie so nice, they made it twice! NostalgiaCast continues its "Bucket List" season of '90s favorites with a big ol' goopy deep dive into Joseph James Dante Jr.'s GREMLINS 2: THE NEW BATCH, perhaps the most subversive studio picture ever unleashed on the film-going public. Avoid bright lights, water, and eating after midnight as Jonny and Darin discuss the arbitrary rules, delightfully disgusting practical FX, and nonstop parade of in-jokes that make up the greatest meta-sequel of all time. Check it out one time, won't you?

Get your a$$ to Mars as NostalgiaCast returns from a long hiatus to discuss Paul Verhoeven's subversive sci-fi action classic TOTAL RECALL, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sharon Stone. Jonny and Darin kick off a "Bucket List" season of '90s favorites with a look back at the mind-bending plot twists, groundbreaking FX, and questionable acting choices that define Schwarzenegger's first major blockbuster of the decade.

Light the lamp, not the rat! Light the lamp, not the rat! For a special Christmas episode of NostalgiaCast, Jonny and Darin are joined by author/artist Ruth Harris Craddock for a spirited discussion of THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL, directed by Brian Henson and starring Kermit The Frog, Miss Piggy, and Sir Michael Caine as arguably the big-screen's definitive Ebenezer Scrooge. They chat about the movie as a faithful adaptation of Dickens's classic story (with Muppets!) and how Caine's decision to play Scrooge as "utterly dramatic" adds to its sincerity and fun. God bless us, every one! 

It's showtime! In NostalgiaCast's annual Halloween special, Jonny and Darin visit the afterlife for a spirited discussion of Tim Burton's BEETLEJUICE, starring Michael Keaton, Geena Davis, Alec Baldwin, and Winona Ryder. They talk about the legacy of the film, how it slots in with Burton's other idiosyncratic work, and the elements—production design-wise and problematic character-wise—that either do or do not stand the test of time. Let's turn on the juice and see what shakes loose!

Yo, Adrian, we did it! NostalgiaCast closes out its '70s season by stepping into the ring with ROCKY, directed by John G. Avildsen and starring Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Carl Weathers, Burgess Meredith, and Burt Young. The gloves are off as Jonny and Darin spar over the movie's aspirational qualities, its acting and filmmaking choices, and how it became the heavyweight champion of underdog sports dramas by encompassing both Stallone's rise to the top and the indomitable human spirit.

Punch! Punch! NostalgiaCast '70s Palooza continues with a kaiju-and-fun-filled discussion of GODZILLA VS. MEGALON, the man-in-monster-suit melee that Leonard Maltin famously called "A hoho from Toho." Dan and Angela of the Dissect That Film podcast join Jonny and Darin to gasp and guffaw at all the insane/inane choices and unapologetically repurposed footage that make up this 13th(!) adventure in the Big-G's long-running franchise.

In a special episode of the 'Cast, director/writer/storyboard artist Stephen Anderson returns to discuss his must-own new book DISNEY IN-BETWEEN, a fascinating fly-on-the-wall retrospective of the 20-year stretch at Walt Disney Studios when artists and production heads struggled to find their feet in the wake of Walt's death. Stephen recounts his painstaking research and in-depth interviews with the many luminaries who experienced such a transitional period at Disney firsthand, and gives us a new appreciation of the live-action and animated films that defined it.

You talkin' to me? No, NostalgiaCast is talking to you about Martin Scorsese's TAXI DRIVER, one of the most controversial films of the 1970s and still one of the most divisive films of its esteemed director's career. Listen as Jonny and Darin discuss the subjective camerawork and brutal violence that immerse you in New York City as hell on earth, plus the nuances and performances that continue to fascinate (and repel) audiences today.

Grab your Gobstoppers and your Scrumdidilyumptious Bars as NostalgiaCast enters the seventh circle of hell with Gene Wilder and WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY! Film critic and friend of the show Phoenix Clouden joins Jonny and Darin for a discussion of the teeth-rotting horrors and Monty Python-esque satire that permeates this perennial children's(?) classic. Listen now before Wonka's army of Oompa Loompas sing you off to eternal damnation!

It's killer rabbits and k-nig-hts and coconuts as NostalgiaCast journeys back to medieval times for what is arguably the most quotable movie of all time, MONTY PYTHON AND THE HOLY GRAIL. Jonny and Darin try to keep their hysterics in check as they recount their favorite lines and sketches from the film, as well as the history of Monty Python and how Chapman-Cleese-Gilliam-Idle-Jones-Palin & Co.'s subversive meta-commentary comedy lives in the SOUTH PARKs, RICK & MORTYs, and DEADPOOLs of today.

Shout "Attica! Attica!" as the latest episode of NostalgiaCast '70s Palooza is taken captive by DOG DAY AFTERNOON, directed by Sidney Lumet and starring Al Pacino and John Cazale. Film critic Tom O'Keefe of the Reel Spoilers podcast joins Jonny and Darin to discuss the claustrophobic direction, progressive(?) storytelling, and magical eye acting of this classic crime drama. 

We know what you're thinking: Hasn't NostalgiaCast covered a Clint Eastwood movie before? Well, to tell you the truth, in all this excitement, we've kinda lost track ourselves. But there's still plenty of icons and iconography to cover, and this episode takes aim at DIRTY HARRY, Don Siegel's crime thriller classic that catapulted Eastwood from Western star to action star status. Jonny and Darin discuss the cinematography, questionable morality, and all-around controversy that drove both left-leaning AND right-leaning audiences into an absolute tizzy.

You'll believe podcasters can podcast as NostalgiaCast takes flight with SUPERMAN, Richard Donner's 1978 super-hit starring Christopher Reeve, Gene Hackman, and Marlon Brando. Jonny and Darin are joined by Chris Scalzo of The First Run and ScreenRun podcasts for a discussion of the story structure, special effects, music score, and sincerity that not only defined so much of their childhoods, but also every single comic book blockbuster that followed in its wake. Up, up and away! 

Welcome, all you baddiwad malchicks and ptitsas! Grab a glass of Moloko Plus and get ready for a bit of the old ultra-violence as NostalgiaCast shares a few choice slovos about Stanley Kubrick's dystopian crime classic, A CLOCKWORK ORANGE, based on the novel by Anthony Brugess. Jonny and Darin tackle the controversies surrounding the film, whether its themes of morality and free will are justified by its subject matter, and how its nasty, nihilistic imagery played an integral part in our movie-watching habits.

Celebrate 8 years and 100 episodes of NostalgiaCast as Jonny and Darin journey (at last!) to a galaxy far, far away for a discussion of George Lucas's o.g. STAR WARS Trilogy. Author R.J. Craddock sits in the gunner's seat for a lively chat about the movies' impact on countless filmmakers and film nerds, and how the 1997 Special Editions either did or didn't futz with our nostalgia for the original films. Also a special thanks to all our esteemed guests and listeners. We're so grateful that you've stuck with us, and look forward to many fun conversations in the future!

GREASE is the word (is the word that you heard) as NostalgiaCast returns to Rydell High for a boppier, bouncier-than-expected discussion of what is arguably the quintessential '70s musical, directed by Randal Kleiser and starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. Jonny and Darin chat about the energetic performances, irresistible songs, and R-rated innuendos, lyrics, and visual gags that have been inadverdently enjoyed by families for almost half a century. With relish!

It took 98 episodes and double-oh-seven-and-a-half years for Jonny and Darin to talk about a James Bond film, but NostalgiaCast finally tackles everyone's favorite tuxedo-wearing, license-to-kill-bearing sex pest with THE SPY WHO LOVED ME, starring 007 as Roger Moore. Popcorn Digest co-hosts Gareth Green and Andrew Raphael lend their Bond expertise to an in-depth discussion of Moore's best(?) outing as the character, as well as their histories with / fondness for the franchise as a whole.   (PLEASE NOTE: Darin's audio file was corrupted during the recording and was salvaged as best as possible. So in the interest of preserving the conversation, the episode is presented as is. We apologize for any inconvenience to your eardrums.)

I love the smell of napalm in the morning! Journey up the Nùng River with Jonny and Darin as they take a psychedelic look back at Francis Ford Coppola's 1979 epic APOCALYPSE NOW, starring Martin Sheen, Robert Duvall, and Marlon Brando. But is this the Vietnam War movie to end all Vietnam War movies, 45 years after the fact? Or is the controversy about its making more interesting than the movie itself? Also, is Brando really the iconic actor everyone claims he is?

Look to the skies as NostalgiaCast attempts to make contact with Steven Spielberg's CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND. Paperback Flicks hosts R.J. Craddock and Rae Davidson join Jonny and Darin for an out-of-this-world discussion of the groundbreaking FX, overly overlapping dialogue, and sense of awe and wonder that permeates Spielberg's 1977 magnum opus, plus how it compares to the rat-a-tat sci-fi extravaganzas of today.

Scoot and boot! Childhood friend Jason Payne makes his fourth token appearance on NostalgiaCast for a discussion of Carroll Ballard's 1979 children's classic THE BLACK STALLION, starring Kelly Reno, Teri Garr, Mickey Rooney, and Hoyt Axton (or, as Jonny calls him, "the guy from GREMLINS"). Listen as Jason, Jonny, and Darin speak in awed reverence about the film's breathtaking cinematography, enveloping sound mix, and its uncanny ability to "speak" to kids and adults alike. Take the reins and join us!  

For the latest episode of NostalgiaCast '70s Palooza, Jonny and Darin tackle the faux-documentary / biography / proto-YouTube video essay that is Orson Welles's F FOR FAKE. They talk about the movie as an examination of authorship over art, Welles's (brazen but ultimately unsuccessful) attempts to explode the documentary form, and how a story of charlatans, magicians, and frauds slots into the legendary director's manic career.

NostalgiaCast '70s Palooza heads back to the '60s for a discussion of AMERICAN GRAFFITI, from indie director George Lucas. Crank up your radios and bop along to the beat as Jonny and Darin chat about the nonstop parade of music and muscle cars that permeate this rock 'n' roll coming-of-age tale. But is it a fun and breezy time at the movies, or the same stilted slog as Lucas's later films?

Oo-de-lally, what a day! Jonny and Darin venture into Sherwood Forest to discuss the anthropomorphic action of Disney's ROBIN HOOD, with special guest Stephen J. Anderson, director of MEET THE ROBINSONS and WINNIE THE POOH! (I know, right?) Listen as they get to reminiscin' and this-n-thattin' about the 1970s as a transitional period for Walt Disney Animation, and the character designs that made ROBIN HOOD such a furry phenomenon. Then get ready for a full-on geek-out session about Mr. Anderson's seminal work as an animator and story supervisor on TARZAN, THE EMPEROR'S NEW GROOVE, and BROTHER BEAR.

NostalgiaCast '70s Palooza continues with a look back at Michael Cimino's harrowing epic drama THE DEER HUNTER, which tries to out-GODFATHER THE GODFATHER with elongated, lugubrious wedding sequences and a shakedown of American idealism. Robert De Niro, Meryl Streep, Christopher Walken, and the late, great John Cazale star in a tale about working-class joes torn apart by the ravages of war, and Jonny and Darin are there to walk you through the fun!

It's "Leave the gun, take the cannoli," "Go to the mattresses," and "I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse" as Jonny and Darin kick off a 1970s-centric season of NostalgiaCast with a look back at Francis Ford Coppola's THE GODFATHER. We talk about the characters, story structure, cinematography, and directorial choices that make up what is arguably the most seminal pop culture phenomenon of the decade. Listen or sleep with the fishes!

NostalgiaCast returns for a special Halloween episode in which we brave Michael Jackson's THRILLER, arguably the greatest music video of all time. Cue up the link below and watch along with Jonny and Darin as they provide a running commentary for the event that made them lifelong horror fans and forever cemented Jackson as an icon. You're in for a killer, thriller time!   https://youtu.be/sOnqjkJTMaA?si=hDfx2JYDOKVWmJyj

In a special bonus episode of NostalgiaCast '90s Palooza, returning guest Jason of @BingeMovies takes us on a guided tour of the many films that inspired and were inspired by the most unsung of movie directors, the late, great(?) Albert Pyun! We talk about his Menahem Golan-produced 1990 masterwork(?) CAPTAIN AMERICA, and its legacy that lives on in the X-MENs, WINTER SOLDIERs, and NAKED GUNs of today. Enter the Pyun-iverse with us now!

NostalgiaCast wraps up its totally fly season of '90s Palooza as Jonny and Darin recap their favorite episodes, gush about their guests, and drop their Top 10 films of the decade! The journey has been all that and a bag of chips! And there's still so much to come!

Plug back into THE MATRIX as Robert Yaniz Jr. of Crooked Table Productions joins us for a season-capping conversation about the sci-fi action extravaganza that not only capped off the '90s but also inspired films and filmmakers for decades to come. We talk about THE MATRIX's groundbreaking FX, its influence on fashion and fringe groups, and how Lana and Lilly Wachowski's passion for the project helped to define countless moviegoers on a similar journey of self-discovery. 

Crank up The Cranberries, boot up your computer, and begin that sloooooow dial-up to the internet, as NostalgiaCast '90s Palooza kicks it with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan in YOU'VE GOT MAIL! Film critic Megan Kearns joins Jonny and Darin to chat about the capitalism, kindness, and human connection that permeates Nora Ephron's romantic comedy classic. Log in and listen now!

It is the east, and NostalgiaCast '90s Palooza is the sun as Jonny and Darin do battle with the Bard and SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE, directed by John Madden (no, not THAT John Madden) and starring Gwyneth Paltrow, Joseph Fiennes, and Geoffrey Rush. We chat about the movie's controversial Oscar run, Anti-Stratfordian conspiracies, sweeping romance, and nonstop in-jokes about Shakespeare and Hollywood. Listen now or it's a plague o' both your houses!

Strap your rocket pack to your back as NostalgiaCast '90s Palooza takes to the skies with THE ROCKETEER, Joe Johnston's serial cliffhanger comic book throwback from 1991. Billy Campbell, Jennifer Connelly, and a scenery-gnawing Timothy Dalton star in this Indiana Jones-ish adventure that crashed and burned at the box office, and critic / Disney-phile Marianne Paluso brings her patented good humor and cinema savvy to our discussion about how the movie soared to the top of the superhero ranks. 

Grab your spaghetti with marinara sauce and your f**kin' shinebox as NostalgiaCast '90s Palooza continues with a fond look back at GOODFELLAS, directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Lorraine Bracco, and Joe Pesci. Hear Jonny and Darin geek out over the acting, shot choices, and messaging of what might be Scorsese's greatest film(?), the greatest film of the decade(?), and the greatest gangster movie ever made(?). Don't be a schnook; listen now!

It's face ON as NostalgiaCast '90s Palooza continues with a fond look back at FACE/OFF, directed by Hong Kong action maestro John Woo and starring John Cage and Nicolas Travolta! Film critic Sara Michelle Fetters joins Jonny and Darin to discuss the spectacular two-gun gunplay and deeper emotional underpinnings of Woo's finest American film. Let those doves fly and get ready for the big ride, baby!

Woman... woe-man... whoooa, man! Author R.J. Craddock returns to the 'Cast to chat with Jonny and Darin about Thomas Schlamme's 1993 cult comedy SO I MARRIED AN AXE MURDERER, starring Mike Myers as a beat poet and serial relationship-phobe who also can't seem to treat dramatic scenes very seriously. But does all our talk about over-sized espresso cups, haggis, and mugging for the camera make us feel mirthful or murderous? Listen now or we'll kick yer teeth in!

Grab your multipass and look to the future as Jonny and Darin feast their eyes on Luc Besson's sci-fi action extravaganza THE FIFTH ELEMENT, starring Bruce Willis, Gary Oldman, Milla Jovovich, Ian Holm, and Chris Tucker. Film critic and journalist Nguyên Lê joins the latest episode of NostalgiaCast '90s Palooza to discuss the movie's bright futurescapes, gender fluidity, French comic books and sensibilities, and the Ruby Rohd of it all. Don't be a meat popsicle. Listen now!

Hellllllooooo, Poppets! NostalgiaCast '90s Palooza continues with a look back at Chris Columbus's box office behemoth MRS. DOUBTFIRE, starring Robin Williams, Pierce Brosnan, and Sally Field. Returning guest Dave "The Nuge" Nugent joins Jonny and Darin for an in-depth and introspective discussion of the movie's bittersweet themes and saccharine-sweet comedy, and also the dramatic/comedic legacy Williams left behind.

NostalgiaCast '90s Palooza goes to DEFCON Four as Twitter's own James "That Tony Scott Guy" Coddington joins Jonny and Darin for a deep-dive (sorry) discussion of 1995's classic Cold War thriller CRIMSON TIDE, starring Denzel Washington and Gene Hackman. Hang on to the edge of your seat as they chat about the towering performances, Quentin Tarantino-isms, and claustrophobic color scheme of what may be the late, great Tony Scott's finest film.

What if you were watched every moment of your life? What if everyone you knew was pretending? What if your world was make believe? What if you didn't know it... until now? These questions—and more!—are mulled over and discussed as Jonny and Darin turn their dials to Peter Weir's THE TRUMAN SHOW! Jim Carrey makes his first (and best?) attempt at dramatic acting in this seminal comedy-fantasy that seemingly predicted the Reality TV boom of the 2000s. How's it going to end? Tune in now and find out!

Pop quiz, hot shot! You've got one of the most influential action films of the '90s on your docket and you want to invite one of Twitter's fastest rising stars onto your podcast to chat about the movie in all its DIE HARD-inspired glory... what do you do? WHAT DO YOU DO? Easy: you invite friend and fellow film fanatic Jackson Boren onto the latest episode of '90s Palooza to discuss Jan De Bont's action classic SPEED, starring Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock! Buckle your seat belts and listen now!

Raise your kilts and your battle axes as NostalgiaCast '90s Palooza wages war against Mel Gibson's BRAVEHEART, winner for Best Picture and Best Director at 1996's Academy Awards. Mutual childhood friend Jason Payne returns to the 'Cast to chat with Jonny and Darin about fallen Hollywood idols, grossly inaccurate historical epics, and long drawn-out sequences of bloody violence and torture. We didn't get dressed up for nothin'!  

All rise! In the latest episode of NostalgiaCast '90s Palooza, Jonny and Darin subpoena Sonic Cinema founder and friend of the show Brian Skutle to make his case for JOHN GRISHAM'S THE RAINMAKER, directed by Francis Ford Coppola and starring Matt Damon, Claire Danes, and Danny DeVito. We debate the movie's B-movie trappings and A-list cast, plus Coppola's "tainted" legacy and where his adaptation ranks in the long line of Grisham legal thrillers released during the decade. Court is now in session!

Same make. Same model. New episode! NostalgiaCast '90s Palooza continues with a fond, fun look back at James Cameron's TERMINATOR 2: JUDGMENT DAY, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Edward Furlong, and Robert Patrick. Grab your sunglasses and your miniguns and listen as Jonny and Darin discuss the movie's revolutionary special effects, killer catchphrases, and heavy metal action. The battle for the future begins now!

It's nothing but "Oh yeah"s, "You betcha"s, and "Dontcha know"s as NostalgiaCast '90s Palooza takes a fond look back at 1996's black comedy crime classic FARGO! Film critic Josh Bell of the Awesome Movie Year podcast joins Jonny and Darin for their double-dip into Coen Brothers territory, to chat about the next-level performances, shocking violence, and Minnesota niceties that make up the Coens' finest film of the decade. You're darn tootin'!

The Dude abides in the latest episode of NostalgiaCast '90s Palooza, as Jonny and Darin wind back the clock on THE BIG LEBOWSKI, the Coen Brothers' cult comedy classic from 1998. Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, John Turturro, Julianne Moore, and the late, great Philip Seymour Hoffman star in a movie that's equal parts stoner fantasy and Raymond Chandler mystery. But is there a method to its madness? Does it even matter? Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man!