Off the Highway

Well, it's been 20 years this franchise has been furious, so we felt like we needed to discuss. Some of us have very different opinions then others....

Take a trip with us on the history of cinematography, from early pioneers to today. Learn about all the important details of editing, lighting, sound and visual effects and how all that relates to what you see in front of the camera.

James Cameron, filmmaker behind everyone's least favorite movie, Avatar, exploited to fame as the creator of The Terminator. What started off as a solid science fiction, gritty action film has now become a casualty of the franchise wars. With each new Terminator film we understand that they should have just stopped after T2.

Ok so for contextual purposes, Sumner's chair broke seconds before this podcast starts.... Anyways, here's the epic conclusion to the epic film franchise, The Lord of the Rings.

Look, not matter what Chazz says, this is the second installment of the greatest film franchise. We're joined in this episode by our friend Pierce, we have our pints and we're ready to take on The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.

One franchise to rule them all. One franchise to find them. One franchise to bring them all, and in the darkness entertain them. Here at Off the Highway, we're talking about the greatest, yes, the greatest film franchise of all time The Lord of the Rings. This is a new series we're doing this is part 1 of 3. No matter what Chazz says, these films are masterpieces.

He was our radio host, teacher, genie, nanny and now he's our psychiatrist. Robin Williams won his, much deserved, Academy Award for his role in Good Will Hunting. Join us as we discuss the film and this concludes our Robin Williams series.Facebook // Twitter // InstagramFreeway Productions

Helllloooooo!!!! This is Off the Highway, we're here to talk about one of the greatest drag performances of all time, Mrs. Doubtfire. We're joined this week on microphone from one of the producers here at Freeway Productions, Brielle.This continues our Robin Williams series at Off the Highway.Facebook // Twitter // InstagramFreeway ProductionsEpisode Coming Soon- Good Will Hunting

Rufio! Rufio! Ru-fi-ooooooooo! This is a tribute to the greatest character in all of cinema, Rufio and also a few other things about Hook. In this episode of Off the Highway, the regular morons are back and are joined by their friend Zac to discuss what Steven Spielberg thinks is his worse film. Hook seems to have a strong place in millennial's nostalgia, with so many tidbits and trivia it's an intriguing film. This film also gives us the greatest film insult, "nearsighted gynecologist." Bangarang!This continues our Robin Williams series at Off the Highway.Facebook // Twitter // InstagramFreeway ProductionsEpisodes Coming Soon- Mrs. Doubtfire- Jumanji- Good Will Hunting

No matter what anyone tells you, words and ideas can change the world. This movie features cinema's greatest teacher, John Keating, played brilliantly by Robin Williams in one of his finest performances. Dead Poets Society isn't just for students, because if this movie teaches you anything, it's that you should never stop learning. Even if you know something completely, think of it a different way or from another point of view. And always remember "Cape Diem." Seize your day. Your day will be different from anyone else's that's why it's yours, no one can know for you.This continues our Robin Williams series at Off the Highway.Facebook // Twitter // InstagramFreeway ProductionsEpisodes Coming Soon- Hook- Mrs. Doubtfire- Jumanji- Good Will Hunting

A Teacher, a Genie, a Nanny, a Therapist, a Doctor, a Comedian, and an Alien. We had all that and more, and we had all that in a single person, Robin Williams. Truly one of the most diverse and talented entertainers of all time, to call him simply an actor or a comedian would be limiting his range. As interesting off screen as he was on, someone like Robin Williams does not come around often, if at ever before or again.Artistry, comedy and humanity can exist in many different mediums, but the great thing about film is that it will exist for generations to come. Chazz, Sumner and Wes are joined by their friend Meryem to relieve some of their favorite movies and roles Robin Williams has taken part in. We also get to find out which member of Off the Highway like the great films he was in (Dead Poets Society, Good Will Hunting, Awakenings) and the, um, other films he did (Flubber, Jack, Bicentennial Man), and find out who would actually play a real game of Jumanji.This begins a new series at Off the Highway talking about and discussing the films of Robin Williams.Facebook // Twitter // InstagramFreeway ProductionsEpisodes Coming Soon- Dead Poets Society- Hook- Mrs. Doubtfire- Jumanji- Good Will Hunting

The schnauzberries taste like shnauzberries! Wait, what does that have to do with Studio Ghibli or Howl's Moving Castle? And what does Jay Leno have to do with steampunk? Well, find out here as we rant and ramble our way through our final installment of the Studio Ghibli series where we discuss Howl's Moving Castle.Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, this film was envisioned to be his response to the War on Terror, and particularly, America's stance in it and the rest of the world at the time. Always having a pacifist theme, it's never more evident than in this film, which could be way it's Miyazaki's favorite of all those he directed.But does it live up to other classics like Princess Mononoke or Spirited Away or Pom Poko (no, definitely not that one). Find out here with the regular Off the Highway crew, Sumner, Chazz and Wes, as they are joined by their friend Meryem on this discussion.Facebook // Twitter // InstagramFreeway Productions

Part two of which Studio Ghibli film is better: Princess Mononoke or Spirited Away?Spirited Away is the first anime film to win an Academy Award, has often been called one of the most creative stories of all time, and movie that convince Hayao Miyazaki not to retire.Feminism, environmentalism, coming-of-age: that's all here in this film. Chazz hosts this week, right before he jumps on a plane and gets married, he's joined by regulars Sumner and Wes. They are also joined by their recurring guest Pierce (fun fact: Spirited Away is his favorite movie of all time).Make sure to listen all the way through the end to find out a new name for the 0-60 segment.Facebook // Twitter // InstagramFreeway ProductionsEpisode Coming Soon:- Howl's Moving Castle (2005)

Studio Ghibli fans stand on one side of the aisle or the other, which film is best: Princess Mononoke or Spirited Away? Let's be real... it's Princess Mononoke and listen to us (really just Sumner and Chadwick) explain why.Princess Mononoke is often referred to as the 'Star Wars' of anime, due to its significant mark on the history of cinema. Everything changed after Princess Mononoke, anime, animation, Hayao Miyazaki & Studio Ghibli.Perhaps the most epic anime, and one of the most epic animated films of all time, its scope compares to something like The Lord of the Rings. It's no wonder it literally took decades to make. Princess Mononoke is rapid with fluidity, color, crispness and scale. All while incorporating some of Miyazaki's trademark themes of Female Empowerment, Caring for the Environment & Pacifism. Join Off the Highway regulars, Chazz, Wes and Sumner, as they are joined by their friend & music composer Chadwick as they continue their Studio Ghibli series with Princess Mononoke.Facebook // Twitter // InstagramFreeway ProductionsEpisodes Coming Soon:- Spirited Away (2001)- Howl's Moving Castle (2005)

When you meet a big furry bearcat creature in the forest, you grab a hold and fly. Let's go fly a Totoro. My Neighbor Totoro was directed by Hayao Miyazaki and released on 16 April 1988 by Studio Ghibli.The film follows two young sisters Satsuki and Mei, who with their father move to a new place while their mother is suffering from Tuberculosis in a hospital. While dealing with life altering events they meet a forest spirit named Totoro.Truly a slice of life sort of film, which is unique for both animation and a children's movie. Totoro has become immensely popular among audiences, he's now the mascot for Studio Ghibli.Join Off the Highway regulars, Chazz, Wes and Sumner, as they are joined by their friend & editor Joli (The Lunch Table Podcast) as they kick off their first film in a Studio Ghibli series with My Neighbor Totoro.Facebook // Twitter // InstagramFreeway ProductionsEpisodes Coming Soon:- Princess Mononoke (1997)- Spirited Away (2001)- Howl's Moving Castle (2005)

Let's be real, the top tier animation studios consist of Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios & Studio Ghibli. Co-founded by Hayao Miyazaki, Studio Ghibli has been able to consistently put out great content, with no lack in creativity or imagination. Studio Ghibli produces animated films made for both children and adults, and explores stories and themes not found in other movies. Their films usually tend to have environmental, anti-war themes, and often feature strong female characters. Studio Ghibli was truly ahead of its time, and maybe still is.Join Off the Highway regulars, Chazz, Wes and Sumner, as they are joined by their friend & editor Joli (The Lunch Table Podcast) as they begin a series on the Japanese anime legend, Studio Ghibli.Facebook // Twitter // InstagramFreeway ProductionsStudio Ghibli Feature Films:Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind (1984)Castle in the Sky (1986)Grave of the Fireflies (1988)My Neighbor Totoro (1988)*Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)Only Yesterday (1991)Porco Rosso (1992)Pom Poko (1994)Whisper of the Heart (1995)Princess Mononoke (1997)*My Neighbors the Yamadas (1999)Spirited Away (2001)*The Cat Returns (2002)Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)*Tales from Earthsea (2006)Ponyo (2008)The Secret World of Arrietty (2010)From Up on Poppy Hill (2011)The Wind Rises (2013)The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (2013)When Marnie Was There (2014)How Do You Live? (2020) - COMING SOON* - Featured as part of Off the Highway's Studio Ghibli Series

The film has been shot and it's "in the can." So what happens now, listen to Sumner, Chazz, Wes and their friend Will explain (poorly) about the process of post-production.Freeway Productions

After months, sometimes years of pre-production, finally you're ready to move into production. Production is perhaps the shortest and most unglamorous side of filmmaking, yet it precisely what filmmaking is.Join your host Chazz, along with regulars Sumner and Wes, and newcomers Pierce and Meryem, as they get into the nitty gritty details of Film Production.Follow Off the HighwayFacebook // Instagram // TwitterDiscover More from Freeway Productions

Lights! Camera! .... Wait did we plan this shot? Let's talk about the most important and often overlooked part of filmmaking pre-production.

We all survived Y2K and made it to another decade of film. This time we're talking about epics like Gladiator and The Lord of the Rings, how CGI pioneered into motion capture, and we had the birth of the superhero sub-genre with X-Men and Spider-Man.

The 90s had so many things...The Fresh Prince, Jock Jams, Nintendo 64, Monica Lewinsky...and so many great moments in cinema history. Join us as we recollect truly the most extreme decade in American history. We discuss Macauley Culkin, the Disney Renaissance, Pulp Fiction, independent films, Jurassic Park, special effects, a brief history of Pixar, Chazz's first experience watching a movie in the basement with a girl, and of course the opus of all 90s movies: Space Jam.Come on and slam and welcome to the Jam...This is Off the Highway!

Wes is your host this week as we move along into the 1980s. We continue our series on the History of Cinema where we discuss, teen movies, John Hughes, special effects, studio involvement and why 80s kids movies are all dark and gritty.We also touch on the ending of Game of Thrones, and we are joined by our friends from Millennial Prob Pod, Zachery T and A.G.Your Sausage King was unable to join us this week, but he did record a special cold open for you.

Starting off from 1939 (the greatest year in film history) all the way to the end of the 1970's. Everything is discussed from Propaganda Films, Film Noir, the rise of TV, CinemaScope, Westerns, New Hollywood, the MPAA, and Exploitation Films.Oh yeah, we also tried something new this episode. When we recorded, we tested a way to also live stream through Facebook. So they're made be a slight "hum" sound to the audio because of this. Join us next week where we continue into the 1980s.

Listen to the Off the Highway cast try and cram in the early days of Cinema all the way up through to 1939 in only a short episode. Also included this week is Wes's theory on that infamous Game of Thrones coffee cup, would Bugs Bunny win in a fight against Mickey Mouse, how do you properly announce a king of sausage, and the backstory on Kazaam.

Video game movies are terrible, but why? Also listen to rants about the new Sonic the Hedgehog character design, Spencer gives his best Vin Diesel impression, find out how many times Wes say The Phantom Menace in theaters, and which one of us went streaking at church camp, it's all here in Off the Highway.

It's a hot summer day, the sun is blistering. You walk into a cool, calm theater, you're surrounded by darkness, strangers and the smell of popcorn. Then you get whisked away and escape to a new world of superheroes, pirates, dinosaurs, or something else you've never seen before. It's an experience.Spencer hosts this week with the regular Off the Highway cast Sumner, Wes and Chazz, along with special guest Will, and of course their lovely producer Zoe. This week you'll hear about Spencer's quest for love, and how he exploits the podcast for it, the history behind summer blockbusters and everyones favorite summer blockbuster memory, and did you know that you don't take the bus, the bus takes you. All that and more is explained.If you like this show check out the Trashed Talk Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trashed-talk-podcast/id1456078159

Off the Highway....assemble! This is it, it all led up to this. Chazz drove to the theater to get paper tickets when AMC and Fandango's websites were down. Wes and Spencer arrived at the theater 7 hours before showtime to get in line for the best seats. All for this, the Endgame.For 11 years, we've watched our favorite Marvel heroes, and it was all leading up to this. Chazz, Wes, Sumner and Spencer are joined by their producer Zoe, and friends Will and Anthony from the Cinverm podcast to review and discuss Avengers: Endgame.You can check out more from the Convert podcast at: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cineverm-a-film-podcast/id1450125496

Wes, Off the Highway's resident fanboy, takes the hosting gig this episode, as they rank the 21 films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe leading up to Avengers: Endgame.We kick this episode off with a big announcement, Off the Highway is going to have a child...well one of the cast members is.Some of the news we touch on this week involves Disney+, the most successful pop culture related Kickstarter in history, The Boys, some many leaks happening and so movie called The Rise of Skywalker released a trailer.Our main topic involves ranking all 21 Marvel Studios films. Taking each hosts, plus our producer Zoe's, ranking of the MCU films and combining them into one list that represents Off the Highway's ranking.Closing it off with 0 to 60 we find out a how blockchain works, why one of us hates musicals, Scarlett Johansson's Instagram account, and the origins behind "How the Sausage is Made."Infinity Saga Films for Reference in Chronological OrderIron Man (2008)The Incredible Hulk (2008)Iron Man 2 (2010)Thor (2011)Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)The Avengers (2012)Iron Man 3 (2013)Thor: The Dark World (2013)Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)Ant-Man (2015)Captain America: Civil War (2016)Doctor Strange (2016)Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)Thor: Ragnarok (2017)Black Panther (2018)Avengers: Infinity War (2018)Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018)Captain Marvel (2019)Off the Highway Will Return to See Avengers: Endgame

"All hail His Grace, Spencer of Houses Off and Highway, First of His Name, King of the Sausages and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Conecuhs, and Protector of the Bratwurst."It's the Mother of All Podcasts. We have our friend and special guest Zachery T joining us this week to talk about Game of Thrones. Coming just in time for the final season.Listen to us drink and know things about Game of Thrones, the Kardashians, annoying roommates, Disney+ and of course Sausages.

Sumner hosts this week as the discussion looks at coming of age movies. Typically, these films are defined as stories that follow a character during the transitional period of childhood to adulthood, but a few interesting examples are thrown in the mix.

Wes is our host this episode as the group discusses news, we also remind the audience how Spencer became The Sausage King. The conversation then turns into how powerful cinema, film and the visual medium is as it relates to bringing people together and creating relationships.Then for some reason, Spencer suggests Nickelodeon has had more of an impact than Disney. He then must defend this argument against the others in our segment called, Hydroplaning.We end it, as always with our 0 to 60 segment, where each cast member has 60 seconds to say what ever they want. There's a lot of Will Smith references in this one.Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/offhighwaycast/Follow us on Twitter @OffHighwayCastCheck out our Website https://www.freeway.productionsA Freeway Production

We keep hearing about artists and celebrities that have been accused or convicted of devious acts. Some of these people have been involved with some of the most highly decorated and praised movies, music and television shows of our time. How should be watching or listening to that content now? Or should we be exposed to it at all? Can you separate art from the artist?

Four guys reflect on the importance of women in the film industry. They touch on a bit of cinematic news and give a brief synopsis of Chazz getting lost at the movies.

These Muggles discuss the impact and phenomenon of one of the greatest stories ever told. Sumner is your host this week joined by Wes, Chazz, and his majesty Spencer. Will, a friend of the show, also makes a special visit.

Wes leads a discussion about not just watching movies but also listening to them. Chazz and Sumner are also there and the Lord of Meat, Spencer.

Sumner, Spencer and Wes attempt to comment while they watch the Oscars live. Here are some of the highlights.

Spencer hosts this week's episode, chronicling the rise and fall of the California neighborhood known as Hollywood.

Chazz is sort of the host, but really it's Spencer, when the group discusses stand up comedy specials.

Sumner documents a conversation about documentaries with Wes, Chazz and, The Sausage King Regent, Spencer.

Wes takes Chazz, Spencer and Sumner on a journey through the movies that were nominated for Oscars for 2018.

Spencer leads a discussion with Sumner, Wes and Chazz about the Japanese animation form, Anime.

Chazz, Sumner, Wes and The Sausage King himself, Spencer, take on those movies they loved as kids, but as it turns out are actually quite bad.Chapter 1: Cold OpenChapter 2: News (0:42)Chapter 3: Nostalgic Movies (14:27)Chapter 4: 0-60 (33:39)

Sumner, Wes and Spencer reminisce those movies that changed their lives. Also they go on a rant about Bird Box, because everyone else is talking about it.Chapter 1: Cold OpenChapter 2: News (1:10)Chapter 3: Movies That Made Your Life Better (10:42)Chapter 4: Movies That Made Your Life Worse (33:55)Chapter 5: 0-60 (44:39)

Wes takes Chazz, Sumner and Spencer on conversation detailing what's to come in the next year. Also, there's a rabbit trail where Sam Raimi's Spider-Man is discussed in comparison to the MCU.Chapter 1. Intro/NewsChapter 2. Hydroplaning (9:30)Chapter 3: 2019 (26:50)Chapter 4: 0-60 (50:28)

Chapter 1: News (1:17)Chapter 2: Hydroplaning (12:45)Chapter 3: 2018 (23:16)Chapter 4: 0-60 (44:31)

Episode Chapters1. Intros2. Movie News (1:20)3. Oscar Host Debacle (11:24)4. Christmas Movies (26:29)5. 0-60 (42:11)