Two for the Road: Movies with Matt and Adam

Text Matt & Adam!On the latest Two for the Road: Movies with Matt and Adam, we take a look at two from independent film maker Hal Hartley. "Trust" (1990) is about a pregnant 17-year-old who gets together with a so-called dangerous man after they're both kicked out of their respective homes. "Simple Men" (1992) storyline has two brothers searching for their anarchist father after he escapes from jail. Next show:  B movies with  "The Little Shop of Horrors" (1960) and "Repo Man" (1984).Have your own recommendations? Contact the show:24theroadshow@gmail.com

Text Matt & Adam!We're back with the theme "the movie process". Many people consider "8 1/2" (1963) to be  Fellini's masterpiece. A movie director tries to figure out  his next project. What's a dream? What's real? Sometimes were not sure. "Black Bear" (2020)  stars Aubrey Plaza as woman film maker trying break her creative roadblock. The first thirty minutes of the film is a little slow, but the last hour is so good, that it makes the first part so much better. Definitely worth checking out.Next up, Matt introduces Adam to indie director Hal Hartley with "Trust" (1990) & "Simple Men" (1992).Have your own recommendations? Contact the show:24theroadshow@gmail.com

Back from their internships at the Parallax Corporation, Matt and Adam have a couple paranoia thrillers this week. Z (1969) is the realistic portrayal of a progressive politician who ends on the wrong end of a club. Fascism, mob violence, a political cover-up? That would never happen today.... In The Parallax View (1974), we meet a mysterious corporation up to no good (29:30). Warren Beatty does his best, but we just don't like him. Have your own recommendations? Contact the show:24theroadshow@gmail.com

We're back with a couple lesser known Philip Seymour Hoffman films. Owning Mahoney (2003) was Hoffman's first starring role. Based on a true story about a Toronto banker who steals millions to support his gambling habit.  Sidney Lumet's "Before the Devil Knows Your Dead" (2007) is a must see. The story of two brothers robbing their parents jewelry store. Next, mothers going insane with John Cassevetes,' "Woman Under the Influence" (1974) and from "Parasite" director Boon Joon Ho, "Mother" (2009).Have your own recommendations? Contact the show:24theroadshow@gmail.com

We're finally back! Our theme for this show is "home invasions" and we start out with an oldie but goodie, Sam Penkenpah's "Straw Dogs" (1971). Dustin Hoffman said he did it for the money, but he and co-star Susan George were both wonderful in their roles. Not for the squeamish. "The Strangers" (2008) is a film that we liked more than most critics. While the film has it's moments and some good creep value,  the story has some big holes and seemed ludicrous at times. Again, approach with caution.Next up, two small films from the late, great Philip Seymour Hoffman, "Owning Mahoney" (2003) and "Before the Devil Knows You're Dead" (2007)Have your own recommendations? Contact the show:24theroadshow@gmail.com

Asian romance is the theme this week, but the guys may have picked the wrong movies. They disagree about the point of "In the Mood for Love", but  agree its worth a watch. "Past Lives" is a much hyped yet intimate film asking the question "Can you return to your younger self (and lost love)?" The answer might surprise you. Next show - who knows? We're going on hiatus for a few weeks while Matt enjoys the Florida sun. Have your own recommendations? Contact the show:24theroadshow@gmail.com

In and out of jail is the latest theme. Robert Mitchum, a show favorite, once again does not disappoint in "The Friends of Eddie Coyle" (1973). Mitchum is supported by a stellar cast and a tight script.  "Straight Time" (1978) is a little known Dustin Hoffman movie with him.a different kind of role -  a man  fresh out of prison who soon realizes that the deck is stacked against him. Any film that has M. Emmett Walsh, Harry Dean Stanton and Gary Busey in it has to be good, right? Next, Asian romance with "In the Mood for Love" (2000) and Past Lives (2023)Have your own recommendations? Contact the show:24theroadshow@gmail.com

Nuclear Annihilation is the theme this weak.  First, "On the beach provide a yawning stare into oblivion. We suggest some ways it could be spiced up (hint/: Ava Gardner is involved). Next up, Sidney Lumet's "Fail Safe" manages to do a lot with just old guys talking in rooms (26:34). Probably not in Lumet's top 5, but it entertains to the last scene.  And we learn never to cross Walter Matthau. Next week: In and Out of Jail w/ The Friends of Eddie Coyle (1973) and Straight Time (1978).Have your own recommendations? Contact the show:24theroadshow@gmail.com

Multi storylines is the theme . Ron Howard's "Parenthood" (1989) is a comedy in Steve Martin's wheelhouse. Supported by a stellar cast and screenplay, Martin gets to show off his comedic and acting skills as an insecure dad who desperately doesn't want to be like his own dad. Ang Lee's "Eat Drink Man Woman" (1994) is one of his classics; not one of his many stinkers. Sunday night dinners is must for chef and widowed father of three adult daughters who all have secrets and dreams, but are held back by a sense of duty. Next, in honor of the release of Oppenheimer out theme is nuclear war or aftermath with "On the Beach" (1959) and "Fail Safe" (1964).Have your own recommendations? Contact the show:24theroadshow@gmail.com

We check out a couple of films with criminal women. Alfred Hitchcock had just come off a run of four of his classic films when he directed "Marnie" in 1964. The story of a woman thief with a dark past, who has a weird relationship with a rich guy. The movie's poster had the words, suspenseful, sex, mystery, and there was none of those. On the brighter side, "Emily the Criminal" (2022) is a tight, interesting and well acted commentary on the world of work. Next up, multi-storied films is our theme with Ang Lees "Eat Drink Man Woman (1994) and Steve Martin in "Parenthood" (1989).Have your own recommendations? Contact the show:24theroadshow@gmail.com

Psychopaths is the latest the latest theme. First up, "White Heat", James Cagney classic star turn as Cody Jarrett, the psycho criminal gang leader who doesn't mind killing and also had a weird thing for his mother. The on screen violent tendencies are much milder in this film, than it is in our second feature, "Ichi the Killer". From Japan, Ichi is based on a popular comic book series and really goes for the gusto when it comes to crazy, bloodbath scenes. Next, women thieves with Alfred Hitchcock's "Marnie" (1964) and "Emily the Criminal" (2023)Have your own recommendations? Contact the show:24theroadshow@gmail.com

What a weekend is the theme this week. The guys raise a glass to Billy Wilder's "The Lost Weekend" for its mostly accurate but sometimes cartoonish portrayal of alcoholism. Jonathan Demme's "Rachel Getting Married" caused some disagreement but not about Anne Hathaway's crazy hotness. Was it the movie or the characters that one of us disliked?Up next, Psychopaths with White Heat (1949) and Ichi the Killer (2001)Have your own recommendations? Contact the show:24theroadshow@gmail.com

We watched a couple of chess movies. "Fresh" (1994) is a film about a teenager who takes lessons he learned from the chess board to help him survive the streets of NYC. He's always 3 or 4 steps ahead. John Leguizamo's "Critical Thinking" (2020) tells a true story about a high school chess team from Miami win chess tournaments. The direction, cast and tight screenplay help it go beyond a schmalzy feel-good story.Next, what a weekend with "The Lost Weekend" (1945) and "Rachel Getting Married" (2008)Have your own recommendations? Contact the show:24theroadshow@gmail.com

We celebrate Ben Gazzara - sort of. First up is "Saint Jack" (1979), a wonderful Peter Bogdanovich film that seems to be written for Gazzara. The story of an American  wanting nothing more than to open a brothel in Singapore. We  loved this film and agree that it is as underrated as they come. Our second feature is not really a Ben Gazzara film, but he's in it for a brief time. David Mamet's "The Spanish Prisoner" (1997) is another con-artist yarn that is boring, miscast and extremely predictable. Next, chess films with "Fresh" (1994) and "Critical Thinking" (2020).Have your own recommendations? Contact the show:24theroadshow@gmail.com

Teenage Killers as our theme. "The Boys Next Door" (1985) is the story about two outcasts who take a deadly road trip the day after they graduate from high school. The two leads, played by Maxwell Caulfield and Charlie Sheen, are good in a predictable story that doesn't carry the punch our second film has. Gus Van Sant's "Elephant" (2003) is based school shootings at Columbine. An unusual film to say the least, it takes it's time to set everything up for a terrifying ending, but that's what makes it so good. Next time, Ben Gazzara is our theme with "Saint Jack" (1979) and "The Spanish Prisoner" (1997). Have your own recommendations? Contact the show:24theroadshow@gmail.com

Oops, I witnessed a murder is the latest theme. "Deep Red" (1975) is the second film we've reviewed by Italian horror director Dario Argento, and it is much like the first, "Suspiria". Lots of head scratching moments, yet we both liked it.  Argento is  inventive in ways to kill people. DePalma's "Blow Out" (1981) was a new genre of film for  Travolta and he pulled it off. He plays a movie sound man who sees a murder and does his own sleuthing . A young  Lithgow steals the movie in a psychotic supporting role. This is the kind of film you want to be great, but alas it's just good. Next, killing sprees is our theme with "The Boys Next Door" (1985) and "Elephant" (2003).Have your own recommendations? Contact the show:24theroadshow@gmail.com

Affairs gone bad! "Little Children" (2006) is less about children, and more about childish adults. Kate Winslet and Patrick Wilson give masterful performances as a cheating couple. Don't miss Jackie Earle Haley's (Bad News Bears) acting return. "The Housemaid" (2010) is our latest  South Korean film, and it doesn't disappoint. As  much about an affair as it is a condemnation of the ruling class. Let us know what you think of the ending. Next, Blowout (1981) and Deep Red (1975)Have your own recommendations? Contact the show:24theroadshow@gmail.com

The kids aren't alright  is our latest theme. Based on a true story, "Rivers Edge" (1986) is about a group of high school kids who don't feel or do much of anything after one of them kills his girlfriend.  Also based on a true story, "Bully" (2001) takes us to South Florida where a bunch of not-so-bright teenagers decide to kill a friend who is  a bully.Next, affairs gone bad with "Little Children" (2006) and " The Housemaid" (2010).Have your own recommendations? Contact the show:24theroadshow@gmail.com

Sleuth's sleuthing. Jane Fonda won Best Actress  for "Klute",  a suspenseful film about a NYC call girl who winds up in an investigation of a missing man.  Some interesting camera work, never got boring and is  unique as any movie you'll see. Worst name ever for a must-see film. "Decision to Leave" is the latest from "Old Boy" director Park Chan-wook. We review a lot of Korean films and this show, and this might be our biggest disappointment. Next, troubled teens with "The River's Edge" (1986) and "Bully" (2001).Have your own recommendations? Contact the show:24theroadshow@gmail.com

The end of the world is the latest theme  and we have a couple of must-sees. "Last Night" (1998) is a little-known Canadian film starring Sandra Oh. It's the last night on earth and everyone knows it, but they all handle it differently. Two-time academy winner, director Alfonso Cuaron gave the world one of the best films we've reviewed on the show, "Children of Men" (2006). If you have not seen it, you are missing a masterpiece about the end of civilization. Next, police investigation with "Klute" (1971) and from Korea. "Decision to Leave" (2022).Have your own recommendations? Contact the show:24theroadshow@gmail.com

Deep Cover is the latest theme , and it makes sense that one of our films is called "Deep Cover"(1992). Laurence Fishbourne and Jeff Goldblum star in this undercover cop story and they both kill, acting wise that is. Director Bill Duke show off his chops. David Cronenberg's "Eastern Promises" (2007) is as tight of a Russian mob movie you'll ever see. Next, End of the World is the theme with "Last Night" (1998) and "Children of Men" (2006) .Did we get something wrong? Have your own recommendations? Contact the show:24theroadshow@gmail.com

Mad cap movies is the latest theme and only one of our films really fit that description. "Arsenic and Old Lace" (1944) is the tale of two sweet, old ladies who show kindness to strangers by killing them. Cary Grant stars as their nephew Mortimer who finds out their secret and then zaniness ensues.  "I'm Gonna Git You Sucka" (1988) is great idea, but poorly executed and certainly not mad cap. A parody of Blaxploitation films, Wayans' debut film isn't very funny and  not up to par with some of his later work.Next, deep cover is the theme with "Deep Cover" (1992) and "Eastern Promises" (2007).Did we get something wrong? Have your own recommendations? Contact the show:24theroadshow@gmail.com

"Bad ass chicks" is the theme with two 80's films suggested by a listener. "Night of the Comet" (1984) is the story of a comet that whizzes by Earth and turns most people to dust, but others to zombies. Two teenage sisters battle zombies and find love along the way.  "The Legend of Billie Jean" (1985) shows what can happen when a teenage girl fights back against those who have wronged her and becomes famous along the way. A good cast, including a young Christian Slater and Yeardly Smith (voice of Lisa Simpson), saved the film from mediocrity. Next up, mad cap comedies with "Arsenic and Old Lace" (1944) and "I'm Gonna to Git You Sucka" (1988). Thanks for listening!Did we get something wrong? Have your own recommendations? Contact the show: 24theroadshow@gmail.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/24theRoadShow

Mistaken identity is the latest theme. David Mamet's "Things Change" (1988) is the story of an old Italian shoe shiner who's agreed to take the fall for a murder, but then is mistaken for a Mafia boss. Matt loves this film and Adam liked it but thought it could have been better. "The Talented Mr. Ripley" (1999) is one of those under-appreciated movies that M&A feel has so much going for it, it should be seen by everyone. They both agree Philip Seymour Hoffman steals the film with less than 10 minutes screen time. A must see.Next up, bad-ass chicks is the theme as we watch a couple films suggested by one of our listeners, Night of the Comet (1984) and "The Legend of Billy Jean" (1985)Thanks for listening!Did we get something wrong? Have your own recommendations? Contact the show: 24theroadshow@gmail.com

Showdown is the theme. "High Noon" (1952) is one of the best/most famous westerns of all time. Gary Cooper won an Oscar for his portrayal of Marshall Will Kane, but that is not the only thing going for it. The script is progressive and way ahead of its' time.  John Wayne called it the un-American, which made the boys love it more. Adam felt "Three O'Clock High" (1987) was way ahead of its time with the director using techniques that made the film look 90's. Next, mistaken identity with David Mamet's "Things Change" (1988) and "The Talented Mr. Ripley" (1999).Thanks for listening!Did we get something wrong? Have your own recommendations? Contact the show: 24theroadshow@gmail.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/24theRoadShow

Actors playing against type is the theme. Jason Priestly stars in "Coldblooded" (1995) as nice guy bookie who's forced to become a hit man. Turns out he's good at it. It could have been funnier. Dark comedies should have comedy. Tom Hanks  plays against type as our second hit man in "Road to Perdition" (2002. Sam Mendes is one of the best directors in the world and even he couldn't save this film because of Hanks's miscasting. Next, Showdowns with "High Noon" (1952) and "Three O'Clock High" (1987).Thanks for listening!Did we get something wrong? Have your own recommendations? Contact the show: 24theroadshow@gmail.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/24theRoadShow

From the mailroom to the boardroom is the theme this week. Michael J. Fox's "The Secret of My Success" (1987) was a film young Adam liked and  still does. Matt thinks it needs a little recasting and definitely a new soundtrack. "The Hudsucker Proxy" (1994) was a  box office disaster for the Coen Brothers, but they followed it up with "Fargo". An homage to 50's romantic comedies, Matt was bored and thought it a little over the top, which was what Adam really liked about it. Both would have recast the Paul Newman role. No show next week. Perhaps, Matt might not be so grumpy on the next episode.Thanks for listening!Did we get something wrong? Have your own recommendations? Contact the show: 24theroadshow@gmail.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/24theRoadShow

We took listener advice and watched "Harvey" (1950). So, this week's theme is giant invisible rabbits. Jimmy Stewart plays the amiable Elwood P Dowd, a man whose best friend is a 6 foot three- and one-half tall rabbit only he can see. Or perhaps not. Matt loves this film for its sweetness, but Adam was bothered by the shrillness  of a character. "Donnie Darko" (2001) is also a story about a large invisible rabbit, but one that is a little more malevolent. Or perhaps not. Jake Gyllenhaal crushes it as title character in this dark but brilliant film. Next up from the mailroom to the boardroom with "The Secret of my Success" (1987) and "The Hudsucker Proxy" (1994).Thanks for listening!Did we get something wrong? Have your own recommendations? Contact the show: 24theroadshow@gmail.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/24theRoadShow 

Neo-Noir is the theme. Robert Altman's "The Long Goodbye" (1973) is one of many Phillip Marlowe films made  and it's one of the best. Elliot Gould is terrific as the mumbling, smart-ass gumshoe. We liked the film, but thought the ending was way out of character. "Brick" (2005) is modern day high school murder mystery that uses dialogue that came straight out of 40's film noir. It worked okay, but the plot was too confusing to make much sense and Joesph Gordon-Levitt (a show favorite) wasn't up to playing the lead.We received an email from a listener named Jen and she gave us a few suggestions and one of those is "Harvey" (1950). So, the next theme is invisible rabbits and "Harvey" is paired with "Donnie Darko" (2001)Thanks for listening!Did we get something wrong? Have your own recommendations? Contact the show: 24theroadshow@gmail.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/24theRoadShow

Bad lieutenant's is the theme for this week. "Bad Lieutenant" (1992) seemed like a logical choice and while it's not "bad", it's not that good either. A bad cop's life is circling down the toilet and we watch the last  days. It's incoherent but saved by  Keitel's fearless portrayal of a man at the end of his rope. In Korea's, "A Hard Day" (2014)  another bad lieutenant is having a difficult time holding his life together. Predictable but a few surprises along the way. More comedy needed.Next Neo-noir with "The Long Goodbye" (1973) and "Brick" (2005).Thanks for listening!Did we get something wrong? Have your own recommendations? Contact the show: 24theroadshow@gmail.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/24theRoadShow

Failed comedians is the latest theme. Martin Scorcese's "The King of Comedy" (1982) is about a loser who will do anything to be on TV  because he thinks it'd be better to be a King for a night than a schmuck for a lifetime. Marty's most underrated film? Joaquin Phoenix crushes the role of a lifetime in 2019's "Joker". Next, bad cops with "Bad Lieutenant" (1992) and from Korea, "A Hard Day" (2014).Thanks for listening!Did we get something wrong? Have your own recommendations? Contact the show: 24theroadshow@gmail.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/24theRoadShow

The theme for this week is fixers. "Michael Clayton" (2007), stars George Clooney as a bag man for a huge law firm that is representing a Monsanto-like company. The lead attorney on the case has a mental breakdown and Clooney has to clean it up. Matt and Adam  wanted more Clooney fixing. Brad Pitt is a different kind of fixer in "Killing Them Softly" (2012), a film centered around the aftermath of a poker game robbery. Next, failed comedians is the theme with "King of Comedy" (1982) and "Joker" (2019).Thanks for listening!Did we get something wrong? Have your own recommendations? Contact the show: 24theroadshow@gmail.com

"I love this stupid movie" is this week's theme. "Rhubarb" (1951) is the story about a cat who inherits a major league baseball team. Definitely a little stupid, but also very funny. Rhubarb is played by Orangey, a cat that with 30 acting credits to his name and the only animal to be named winner of the prestigious Patsy Awards (animal Oscar) twice. "The Stoned Age" (1994) is one night in the life of a couple high school stoners looking for something to do on a Friday night. Matt liked it more than he thought he would, and the film is in one of Adam's favorite genres, the Grade C 90's comedy. Next, fixers is the theme with "Michael Clayton" 2007 and "Killing Them Softly" 2012.Thanks for listening!Did we get something wrong? Have your own recommendations? Contact the show: 24theroadshow@gmail.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/24theRoadShow

On the lam is the theme for this week. Sam Peckinpah's "The Getaway" (1972) is based on the pulp novel written by Jim Thompson and stars Steve McQueen. With all that going for it, you'd think it would be a really good film, but it's just not. It's not bad but could have been better with a recast of the two leads. "Midnight Special" (2016) is the opposite as Michael Shannon heads a great cast for this pseudo-sci fi thriller. Matt wishes this cast could do a remake of "The Getaway". Definitely underrated. Next, I love this stupid movie with "Rhubarb" (1951) and "The Stoned Age" (1994).Thanks for listening!Did we get something wrong? Have your own recommendations? Contact the show: 24theroadshow@gmail.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/24theRoadShow

"Messed up mentors" is this week's theme. "Wonder Boys" (2000) has its issues but was an undeserving  box office flop. A lot going on but could actually have been longer if a couple characters had been fleshed out. We agree with one RT critic:"there's a lot to like in this fine mess of a film".  Sean Connery plays a J.D. Salinger type  in "Finding Forrester" (2000), a film about mentoring, without much of it.  Worth a look, but not director Gus Van Sant's best work.Next 'on the lam' films with Steve McQueen in "The Getaway" (1972) and 'Midnight Special" (2016).Thanks for listening!Did we get something wrong? Have your own recommendations? Contact the show: 24theroadshow@gmail.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/24theRoadShow

Hashish will put you in foreign prisons is the theme this week. "Midnight Express" (1978) is the story of an American college student attempting to smuggle 2 kilos of hash. He's caught and thrown into a horrible prison. Loosely based on a true story,  it was great and star Brad Davis stole the show. "Return to Paradise" (1998) is based in Malaysia, but for some reason spent a lot of time in NYC. Not enough time at the prison and too much melodrama back home. A young Joaquin Phoenix gives a believable  performance. Next, mentors in film with "Wonder Boys" (2000) and "Finding Forrester" (2000).Thanks for listening!Did we get something wrong? Have your own recommendations? Contact the show: 24theroadshow@gmail.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/24theRoadShow

Cat and mouse films this week. William Friedkin's "The French Connection" (1971) is based on the true exploits of NYPD Detective Popeye Doyle, a street level narcotic agent who engages in a battle of wits with a French heroin smuggler.  Popeye is Matt's favorite Gene Hackman character of his film career. From South Korea. "The Chaser" (2008) is about an ex-cop turned pimp, whose girls keep disappearing. He sets out to find out why and ends up in a chase for the truth that includes a gruesome serial killer and the most incompetent police force ever. Next, drug smugglers in foreign prisons with "Midnight Express" (1978) and "Return to Paradise" (1998).Did we get something wrong? Have your own recommendations? Contact the show: 24theroadshow@gmail.com

People on boats is the  theme this week. "The Perfect Storm" (2000) is based on the huge best seller far from perfect. In fact, it's terrible. From the screenplay, the acting and terrible score, there is very little to like. Ok special effects, but that's it. Worst George Clooney movie.?From Greece, "Chevalier" (2015) is likable because it's so different. Six men on holiday on the Aegean Sea who decide to have a contest to see which one of them the "best in general". Next, cat and mouse cop movies with "The French Connection" (1971) and "The Chaser" (2008).Thanks for listening!Did we get something wrong? Have your own recommendations? Contact the show: 24theroadshow@gmail.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/24theRoadShow

Scam movies is the theme this week. David Mamet's "House of Games" (1987) is an interesting look at how con artists ply their trade, but is dragged down a bit by the performance of the lead actress. Show favorite Giovanni Ribisi stars in "Boiler Room" (2000), and he's as good as he always as the son of a judge who gets involved with a group of stock market scammers.Next, boat movies with "The Perfect Storm" (2000) and "Chevalier" (2015).Thanks for listening!Did we get something wrong? Have your own recommendations? Contact the show: 24theroadshow@gmail.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/24theRoadShow

Oscar fail month wraps with one burning question - is it easier to portray a modern famous person or one that has been dead for 130 years?  Malek won for his Freddy Mercury , but mostly for his concert scenes. The film was more of a medley (meh-dley). Meanwhile,  in "At Eternity's Gate", Dafoe submerged himself into one of the world's greatest artists on the edge of insanity.Next, scam movies with David Mamet's "House of Games" (1987) and "Boiler Room" (2000).Thanks for listening!Did we get something wrong? Have your own recommendations? Contact the show: 24theroadshow@gmail.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/24theRoadShow

Oscar fails month continues  with the 2009 Best Director category. Danny Boyle's "Slumdog Millionaire" is probably the best choice of those nominated. The direction was best when the characters were young  in the slums of Bombay, but it  bogged down in the second half. Christopher Nolan's  "The Dark Knight" is a modern day film noir masterpiece that wasn't  nominated for Best Picture. Matt, comic book movie hater, loved every second of it. Nolan's story telling and visual eye is everything we love  on this show.  Next 2019, Rami Malek wins for "Bohemian Rhapsody" but was Willem Dafoe in "At Eternity's Gate" better? Tune in.Thanks for listening!Did we get something wrong? Have your own recommendations? Contact the show: 24theroadshow@gmail.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/24theRoadShow

Oscar fails month with 1999 Best Picture winner "Shakespeare in Love" (1998). Comedies generally don't win the Oscar's top prize, and this one was just okay. "Life is Beautiful" (1998) is the story of a man who tries to shield his son from the fact they are in a concentration camp. Roberto Benigni won Best Actor pretty much playing Roberto Benigni. After a slow first half, the film got better when they finally get to the camp. Next up:  Best Director 2009. Danny Boyle wins for "Slumdog Millionaire" and Christopher Nolan didn't get nominated for "The Dark Knight"Thanks for listening!Did we get something wrong? Have your own recommendations? Contact the show: 24theroadshow@gmail.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/24theRoadShow

"Oscars Fails March" continues with two films about race relations. "Driving Miss Daisy" won Best Picture, but compared is one dimensional and could have been made in the 60's (6:37). While  Lee's film is highly energized and screaming in your face that it's now time to really talk about our relations with each other. Still relevant today (31:31) .Next, the 90's with "Shakespeare in Love" (1998) and "Life is Beautiful" (1998).Thanks for listening!Did we get something wrong? Have your own recommendations? Contact the show: 24theroadshow@gmail.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/24theRoadShow

Oscar mistakes is the theme for the next few weeks. In 1970, John Wayne won Best Actor for his role in "True Grit" (1969) and Dustin Hoffman did not for "Midnight Cowboy". John Wayne played Rooster Cogburn as John Wayne, except for an eye patch.  Dustin Hoffman should have won for his portrayal of Ratso Rizzo, a New York City down and outer who befriends a Texas cowboy hustler named Joe Buck (Jon Voight). Much better film too.Next mistake. 1989, "Driving Miss Daisy" wins Best Picture; "Do the Right Thing" should have.Thanks for listening!Did we get something wrong? Have your own recommendations? Contact the show: 24theroadshow@gmail.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/24theRoadShow

Desperate Dudes is this week's theme. Vermont's own Treat William stars as a corrupt NYC police officer trying to right his wrongs in Sidney Lumet's "Prince of the City" (1981). Williams is terrific as he rides an emotional rollercoaster in this nearly three-hour film.  From Korea, "A Bittersweet Life" (2005) is the story about a man who disobeys his mob boss and along with everyone else, he pays the price. Next, it's Oscar season, so we'll look decade by decade at Academy mistakes. In 1970 - John Wayne won Best Actor for "True Grit" over Dustin Hoffman  for "Midnight Cowboy".Thanks for listening!Did we get something wrong? Have your own recommendations? Contact the show: 24theroadshow@gmail.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/24theRoadShow

The theme is quirky films. Spanish director Pedro Almodovar's  "Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown" (1988) was a minor hit and probably minor Almodovar. Miranda July's "You and Me and Everyone We Know" (2005) nailed the quirkiness in a good way. A funny and sometimes sad film about lonely people making connections (or not). Next up, loyalty tests with "Prince of the City" (1981) and "A Bittersweet Life" (2005).Thanks for listening!Did we get something wrong? Have your own recommendations? Contact the show: 24theroadshow@gmail.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/24theRoadShow

French Noir is the theme for this week. Louis Malle's "Elevator to the Gallows" (1958) is a story about two lovers whose plan goes awry in every way possible. Like "After Hours" with murder and Miles Davis. "Le Samourai" (1967) featured an incredible opening shot, an unusual lead, and another great  soundtrack. Next up Quirky films with Almodovar's "Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown" (1988) and "Me, You and Everyone We Know" (2005).Thanks for listening!Did we get something wrong? Have your own recommendations? Contact the show: 24theroadshow@gmail.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/24theRoadShow

Killer teens is the latest theme. "Heavenly Creatures" (1994) is an outstanding film in so many ways. Peter Jackson's (Lord of the Rings, meh) finest film? Melanie Lynskey and Kate Winslet steal the show in their  debuts as the murderous  duo. "The Killing of a Sacred Deer" (2017) -  the best film of 2017? Unnerving to watch, it is definitely not for everyone. Next up, French Noir with "Elevator to the Gallows" (1958) and "Le Samourai" (1967).Thanks for listening!Did we get something wrong? Have your own recommendations? Contact the show: 24theroadshow@gmail.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/24theRoadShow

Nicolas Cage is the theme for the latest episode. "Mandy" (2018) is the story about a couple quietly living in the country until they are terrorized by some sort of cult and LSD-crazed bikers (03:26).  "Pig" (2021) has Cage living as a recluse in the country again, but this time with his prized truffle pig. Someone steals the pig and Nic has to go back to civilization to retrieve her. In the end, there may or may not be redemption (30:51). Next: Teens gone bad with "Heavenly Creatures" (1994) and "The Killing of a Sacred Deer" (2017).Thanks for listening!Did we get something wrong? Have your own recommendations? Contact the show: 24theroadshow@gmail.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/24theRoadShow

Military gold heist is this week's theme. Matt last saw "Kelly's Heroes" (1970) at the drive in as a 16 year old, and was disappointed that it didn't hold up well. "Heroes" started out on a good note, but got bogged down while trying to figure out what kind of movie it wanted to be. "Three Kings" (1999), set during the first Gulf War,  is much more enjoyable. It's fast paced, the characters are fleshed out and it's funny when it needed to be. Above all, it's entertaining. Next M&A are in need a little Nicolas Cage craziness with two films neither have seen in "Mandy" (2018) and "Pig" (2021).Thanks for listening!Did we get something wrong? Have your own recommendations? Contact the show: 24theroadshow@gmail.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/24theRoadShow

On the first episode of the new year, the theme is band movies. "A Hard Day's Night" (1964) was the Beatles hit film that added to the hysteria  surrounding them at the time. Matt loved the soundtrack and the Mop Tops' personalities. Both loved the clean, old man. "Leto" (2018), the show's first Russian film., captures the burgeoning early 80's Leningrad rock scene. Unfortunately, it's really hard to find, but if you do make sure you give it a watch.Up next, military heist movies with "Kelly Hero's" (1970) and "Three Kings" (1999).Thanks for listening!Did we get something wrong? Have your own recommendations? Contact the show: 24theroadshow@gmail.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/24theRoadShow