Podcast appearances and mentions of steve prokopy

Nick brings back film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy to tear into the newest movie releases—some hits, a lot of misses. Pixar's Elio gets a once-over, 28 Years Later tries to keep the horror flame alive, and Bride Hard with Rebel Wilson lands with a thud. They also offer an early review of F1: The Movie, Brad Pitt's high-octane racing flick that turns out to be all rev and no traction. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to gear up for the upcoming Flashback Weekend Horror Convention. The two get into what really makes a movie worth seeing on the big screen—spoiler: it's not just a lot of close-ups and dialogue. They also dive into the strange fate of people who resemble Macaulay Culkin, and why Scarecrow was just too much for Esma to sit through. It's a conversation that shifts gears from cinematic spectacle to psychological unease, with plenty of laughs in between. [EP 360]

Seven new movies are reviewed by Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy this week and most of them are documentaries. Steve takes a look at Disney's stage version of one of their biggest films (Frozen: The Hit Broadway Musical) and a tale of more than two kitties (American Cats: The Good, The Bad and the Cuddly). Erik checks out the story of sexual assault within the sports programs of a major university (Surviving Ohio State) plus a daughter trying to learn more about her photographer mother (A Photographic Memory). As for the narrative features, they warn you of one of the very worst films of the year (Bride Hard). They also go back to Disney and Pixar for their latest sci-fi comedy (Elio) and then go back to the world of the rage virus even if it might not be the world you are expecting (28 Years Later).3:08 - Frozen: The Hit Broadway Musical12:31 - Surviving Ohio State20:08 - American Cats: The Good, The Bad and the Cuddly26:01 - Bride Hard38:28 – A Photographic Memory50:04 - Elio1:00:53 - 28 Years LaterCLICK ON THE FILMS TO RENT OR PURCHASE AND HELP OUT THE MOVIE MADNESS PODCASTBe sure to check outChicago Screening Schedule - All the films coming to theaters and streamingPhysical Media Schedule - Click & Buy upcoming titles for your library.(Direct purchases help the Movie Madness podcast with a few pennies.)Erik's Linktree - Where you can follow Erik and his work anywhere and everywhere.The Movie Madness Podcast has been recognized by Million Podcasts as one of the Top 100 Best Movie Review Podcasts as well as in the Top 60 Film Festival Podcasts and Top 100 Cinephile Podcasts. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit erikthemovieman.substack.com

Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy have eight movie reviews for you this week. They include a pair of documentaries on a Scottish rock band who were more than their soundtrack contribution (Simple Minds: Everything Is Possible) and about New Zealand's Jacinda Ardern (Prime Minister). A woman finds some disturbing secrets about her grandparents and society (Best Wishes To All) while Pierce Brosnan and Samuel L. Jackson look for some hidden gold (The Unholy Trinity). A trio of improv performers go undercover for the cops (Deep Cover) while Julianne Moore covers up for daughter Sydney Sweeney (Echo Valley). Finally, Dakota Johnson has to choose between rich Pedro Pascal and poor Chris Evans (Materialists) while the latest in tracer cinema redoes a modern animated classic (How To Train Your Dragon).0:00 – Intro & Upcoming Events3:17 - Deep Cover11:40 - Simple Minds: Everything Is Possible20:53 - Prime Minister32:50 - Best Wishes To All41:48 - The Unholy Trinity50:22 - Echo Valley1:01:03 - Materialists1:17:59 - How To Train Your DragonCLICK ON THE FILMS TO RENT OR PURCHASE AND HELP OUT THE MOVIE MADNESS PODCAST This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit erikthemovieman.substack.com

Nick kicks things off with Mike Kerz of Flashback Weekend and The Midway Drive-In to mark National Drive-In Day and explore the surprising opportunity for regular folks to own a piece of cinematic Americana. From midnight horror screenings to real estate with a screen, it's a nostalgic look at the past—and maybe your future. Later, Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy drop by for another spirited round of movie reviews, this time clashing over Wes Anderson's The Phoenician Scheme, the John Wick spinoff Ballerina, and the latest Stephen King adaptation, The Life of Chuck. Spoiler: things get heated. Wrapping things up, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to dissect oddball cable networks and Hollywood's most confusing lookalikes. Jessica Chastain or Bryce Dallas Howard? Even they're not sure some days. [EP 356]

Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy go from the comically violent travails of adoptive parents Nick Kroll and Andrew Rannells (I Don't Understand You) to yet another exorcism film with Al Pacino and Dan Stevens (The Ritual). The creature that once stalked Schwarzenegger now gets animated (Predator: Killer of Killers) and a shark-loving serial killer leads to a cat-and-mouse battle on a boat (Dangerous Animals). Wes Anderson delivers his latest (The Phoenician Scheme), Mike Flanagan adapts another Stephen King novella (The Life of Chuck) and the World of John Wick gets a little bigger (Ballerina). Find out what is worth your time.1:47 - I Don't Understand You13:20 - The Ritual25:13 - Predator: Killer of Killers35:43 - Dangerous Animals44:39 - The Phoenician Scheme57:00 - The Life of Chuck1:10:29 - BallerinaCLICK ON THE FILMS TO RENT OR PURCHASE AND HELP OUT THE MOVIE MADNESS PODCAST This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit erikthemovieman.substack.com

Six films are on the slate this week for Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy. They include a pair of documentaries about the making of The Day After (Television Event) and the frontman for U2 in a filmed version of his stage show (Bono: Stories of Surrender). A puppeteer must transition to samurai in the Old West (Tornado) while a group of billionaires struggle with the dangerous implications of one of their businesses (Mountainhead). The directors of Talk To Me deliver their latest bit of horror (Bring Her Back) while Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio team up for a new protégé (Karate Kid: Legends).1:21 - Television Event10:10 - Bono: Stories of Surrender18:57 - Tornado27:42 - Mountainhead37:46 - Bring Her Back50:25 - Karate Kid: LegendsCLICK ON THE FILMS TO RENT OR PURCHASE AND HELP OUT THE MOVIE MADNESS PODCAST This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit erikthemovieman.substack.com

Memorial Day weekend offers a variety of options, some of them even good both in theaters and at home. Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy are here to talk you through nine of them. They include Cate Blanchett as a nun who may have discovered the second coming (The New Boy) and another film about resurrecting the dead (The Surrender). A musician you may have missed gets the documentary treatment (Swamp Dogg Gets His Pool Painted), Netflix returns to the world of R.L. Stine (Fear Street: Prom Queen) and a writer may or may not find romance on a retreat (Jane Austen Wrecked My Life). Guy Ritchie takes an all-star cast in pursuit of life's treasure (Fountain of Youth) while Paul Reubens tells the story of his life (Pee-Wee As Himself). Disney tries another live-action remake (Lilo & Stitch) and Tom Cruise puts the last chapter on one of the great action franchises of all-time (Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning).1:16 - The New Boy10:02 - The Surrender19:07 - Swamp Dogg Gets His Pool Painted25:09 - Fear Street: Prom Queen37:45 - Jane Austen Wrecked My Life46:08 - Fountain of Youth56:02 - Pee-Wee As Himself1:08:42 - Lilo & Stitch1:22:12 - Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit erikthemovieman.substack.com

Nick is joined by film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy for reviews of the latest cinematic offerings, including Tom Cruise's return in Mission: Impossible, the offbeat music doc Swamp Dogg Gets His Pool Painted, the darkly comic Friendship, and a new installment of the ever-morbid Final Destination series. Later, Esmeralda Leon pops in for a spirited breakdown of some real-life Hollywood rivalries, debating whether to side with Alec Baldwin, Shia LaBeouf, or just back away from the mess entirely. [EP 352]

Memorial Day weekend offers a variety of options, some of them even good both in theaters and at home. Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy are here to talk you through nine of them. They include Cate Blanchett as a nun who may have discovered the second coming (The New Boy) and another film about resurrecting the dead (The Surrender). A musician you may have missed gets the documentary treatment (Swamp Dogg Gets His Pool Painted), Netflix returns to the world of R.L. Stine (Fear Street: Prom Queen) and a writer may or may not find romance on a retreat (Jane Austen Wrecked My Life). Guy Ritchie takes an all-star cast in pursuit of life's treasure (Fountain of Youth) while Paul Reubens tells the story of his life (Pee-Wee As Himself). Disney tries another live-action remake (Lilo & Stitch) and Tom Cruise puts the last chapter on one of the great action franchises of all-time (Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning) 1:16 - The New Boy 10:02 - The Surrender 19:07 - Swamp Dogg Gets His Pool Painted 25:09 - Fear Street: Prom Queen 37:45 - Jane Austen Wrecked My Life 46:08 - Fountain of Youth 56:02 - Pee-Wee As Himself 1:08:42 - Lilo & Stitch 1:22:12 - Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning   CLICK ON THE FILMS TO RENT OR PURCHASE AND HELP OUT THE MOVIE MADNESS PODCAST This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit erikthemovieman.substack.com

Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy return to the review beat after a couple weeks off at the Chicago Critics Film Festival. Erik looks at a bunch of influencers terrorized by feral dogs (A Breed Apart) and the story that inspired a cult body horror film (The Darkside of Society). Steve looks at an influential moment for the hearing impaired (Deaf President Now) and The Weeknd's self-indulgent vanity project (Hurry Up Tomorrow). They also offer thoughts on a pair of films chosen for their festival including the strange transformation of a woman in an arranged marriage (Sister Midnight) and Tim Robinson trying to get a little too close to Paul Rudd (Friendship). Finally its been 14 years since Death has come-a-callin'. Could Final Destination: Bloodlines be the best of the franchise? 1:32 – A Breed Apart 9:28 - Deaf President Now! 15:23 – The Darkside of Society 22:58 - Hurry Up Tomorrow 33:37 - Sister Midnight 41:11 - Friendship 54:59 - Final Destination: Bloodlines 1:07:03 - Outro

Before taking off for the upcoming Chicago Critics Film Festival (May 2-8) which they program, Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy review nine movies this week. They include the latest from Francois Ozon (When Fall Is Coming) and a Jim Henson-like fantasy from A24 (The Legend of Ochi). Jack Quaid and Jeffrey Dean Morgan make for unique investigators of a kidnapping (Neighborhood Watch) and a new video game adaptation is decidedly less unique (Until Dawn). Daisy Edgar-Jones and Jacob Elordi have secrets in the 1950s (On Swift Horses) and we take a trip through the careers of one of the most famous comedy teams of all-time (Cheech & Chong's Last Movie). David Cronenberg takes us on a conspiratorial meditation on grief and death (The Shrouds) while Gareth Evans has Tom Hardy deliver so much death (Havoc) and, nine years later, Ben Affleck's lethal autistic numbers cruncher returns with bro Jon Bernthal  (The Accountant 2).  2:56 - When Fall Is Coming 9:44 - Neighborhood Watch 15:08 – The Legend of Ochi 19:42 - Havoc 33:46 - Until Dawn 41:19 - On Swift Horses 52:58 - Cheech & Chong's Last Movie 1:06:30 - The Shrouds 1:19:35 - The Accountant 2

Nick welcomes film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy to review several new movies, including "The Accountant 2," "The Shrouds," "Cheech and Chong's Last Movie," "The Legend of Ochi," and more. They also share insights and highlights from the upcoming Chicago Critics Film Festival at The Music Box Theater during the first week of May. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to discuss the highs and lows of video game adaptations in movies and TV, celebrate Andy Samberg's comedic brilliance in the underappreciated classic "Hot Rod," and tackle rumors about a possible "Bloodsport" remake—both firmly agreeing that Jean-Claude Van Damme is truly irreplaceable. [Ep 344]

Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy have eight movie reviews this week including revisiting one of their favorites from Sundance, a twisted alternate version of Cinderella (The Ugly Stepsister). Steve looks at another cabin-in-the-woods-horror (Call of the Void), a documentary about drummers (Count Me In) and Catherine Deneuve as Beradette Chirac (The President's Wife). Erik looks at Severance's Britt Lower as a lonely librarian (Darkest Miriam) and Steve checks out the four-year art project of a group of squatters (Secret Mall Apartment). Ang Lee's landmark LBGTQ film gets a 21st century remake (The Wedding Banquet) and Ryan Coogler blends the Jim Crow south with vampires (Sinners). 0:00 - Intro 2:22 - The Ugly Stepsister 12:11 - Call of the Void 18:16 - Count Me In 24:07 - Darkest Miriam 30:22 - The President's Wife 36:11 - The Wedding Banquet 47:05 - Secret Mall Apartment 57:24 - Sinners 1:20:36 - Outro

Nick welcomes film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy to talk about the upcoming Chicago Critics Film Festival, returning to The Music Box Theatre this May. They also review the latest releases, including Drop, The Amateur, Sacramento, and Warfare. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick for another round of the Ultimate Pop Culture Quiz. They also swap stories about life in college dorms, reflect on the chaotic brilliance of Supermarket Sweep, and dive into the bizarre late-'90s trend of performing autopsies on Furbys. [Ep 340]

Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy have seven movies to talk about this week. They range from a documentary about one of the music world's most talked about relationships (One to One: John & Yoko) and an animated story of Jesus told through the mouth of Dickens (The King of Kings). The Michaels – Cera & Angarano – go on a road trip (Sacramento) and Stephen Dorff tries to go legit in the Old West (Gunslingers). The director of Happy Death Day presents the world's worst first date (Drop) and CIA analyst Rami Malek tries to avenge his wife (The Amateur). Finally, Alex Garland takes us back into war in real time along with Ray Mendoza who lived it (Warfare).  0:00 - Intro 3:27 - One to One: John & Yoko 12:25 – The King of Kings 25:59 - Sacramento 36:14 - Gunslingers 46:11 - Drop 56:39 – The Amateur 1:09:07 – Warfare 1:20:19 - Outro

Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy have reviews of eight new movies this week. They revisit one of the best films they saw at Sundance this year (The Ballad of Wallis Island) while Erik handles this week's latest video game adaptation (A Minecraft Movie). Public domain puts Steamboat Willie into horror (Screamboat) and how do they like dem apple on dat head (William Tell). Michael Shannon directs the aftermath of a school shooting (Eric Larue) and Paul Walter Hauser plays the infamous Press Your Luck champion (The Luckiest Man In America). The directors of Half Nelson and Captain Marvel make an ‘80s anthology (Freaky Tales) and, finally, Naomi Watts and a Great Dane grieve over the loss of Bill Murray (The Friend).  0:00 - Intro 1:37 - The Ballad of Wallis Island 10:44 - A Minecraft Movie 21:11 - Screamboat 32:11 - William Tell 39:53 - Eric Larue 53:40 - The Luckiest Man in America 1:10:14 - Freaky Tales 1:18:29 - The Friend 1:30:30 - Outro

Nick welcomes film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy to the podcast to chat about the upcoming Chicago Critics Film Festival and review the latest releases, including "A Working Man" with Jason Statham, the horror/comedy "Death of a Unicorn" with Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega, and the Steve Coogan-led animal comedy "The Penguin Lessons." Then, Esmeralda Leon and Nick dive back into The Ultimate Pop Culture Quiz with questions about Michael Jackson, the Rubik's Cube, leg warmers, and more. They also take a moment to refute the wild claim made by the new Jason Statham movie suggesting that you can easily buy large quantities of Russian meth at a dive bar in Joliet. Spoiler alert: You can't. [Ep 336]

Nick shares details about his upcoming book, 40 Years 40 Films, a celebration of his four decades as a professional movie critic. Film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy join the podcast to review new releases, including the spy thriller Black Bag and the dark comedies Opus and Novocaine. Erik also reports back from the 2025 SXSW Film Festival in Austin, where he caught some of the most talked-about films. Later, Esmeralda Leon and Nick answer a listener email, chat about food shows, and explore some of the weirdest words in the English language—like bumfuzzle, taradiddle, and bumbershoot. [Ep332]

Movie reviews continue on the show with seven new releases this week. Steve Prokopy looks at the chaos of a young woman and her Zambian family (On Becoming a Guinea Fowl) while Samara Weaving plays a pop star dealing with a stalker (Borderline). John Malkovich is another pop star whom Ayo Edebiri discovers may be part of a cult (Opus). Daffy Duck and Porky Pig try to save the world from zombies and aliens (The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie) while Chris Pratt and Millie Bobbie Brown live in a world of robots (The Electric State). Jack Quaid can feel no pain while trying to rescue his girlfriend (Novocaine) and Steven Soderbergh gives us Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender as married spies (Black Bag). 0:00 - Intro 1:17 - On Becoming a Guinea Fowl 9:04 - Borderline 16:14 – The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie 23:41 – The Electric State 36:24 - Opus 50:17 - Novocaine 1:03:08 - Black Bag 1:14:59 - Outro

Nick welcomes film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy to review the latest releases, Riff Raff starring Bill Murray and Last Breath with Woody Harrelson. They also break down their predictions for the major categories at the 2025 Oscars. The conversation then shifts to a tribute to the legendary Gene Hackman, who passed away Thursday morning. They discuss his best performances, lasting impact on cinema, and much more. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to continue remembering Hackman while also diving into nostalgic TV talk, including Boy Meets World, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and other goofy shows from the past. They also look ahead to their own Oscar parties for the weekend. [Ep 328]

Another light week of releases, but are any of them good? Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy talk you through five of them including a documentary on a better person in charge of the Washington Post (Becoming Katharine Graham). Ed Harris factors into two releases this week including a woman manifestsing her PTSD through her fellow soldier (My Dead Friend Zoe) and a crime comedy with an all-star cast (Riff Raff). There is also a bitcoin hostage thriller (Cold Wallet) and an underwater true story that the filmmaker has re-made from their own documentary (Last Breath).   0:00 - Intro 1:56 - Becoming Katharine Graham 7:24 - My Dead Friend Zoe 16:28 - Cold Wallet 22:37 - Riff Raff 32:17 - Last Breath 46:52 - Outro

It's a light week for movies so Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy work with what they have with four titles that you may or may not want to work with. They include a new Chicago horror film from director Mickey Keating (Invader). Daisy Ridley is a window washer who goes from pane to McClane when eco-terrorists take over her building (Cleaner). Christoph Waltz is an aging hitman with a protégé (Old Guy). Finally, Osgood Perkins is back with a Stephen King adaptation where things do not go well for anybody. (The Monkey)   0:00 - Intro 2:22 - Invader 9:26 - Cleaner 22:19 - Old Guy 31:00 - The Monkey 45:19 - Outro

Nick welcomes film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy to review the latest movie releases, including the new Marvel adventure Captain America: Brave New World, the family-friendly sequel Paddington in Peru, and the Apple TV+ sci-fi thriller The Gorge. Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to talk about overhyped snowstorms, how Albert Brooks accidentally invented reality TV, and why Hackers might just be the most important film ever made. [Ep 324]

Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy return to regular reviewing duties this week and they put a nine-spot on the board. There are a pair of documentaries involving Sly Stone (Sly Lives) and the Zep (Becoming Led Zeppelin). The director of Saint Frances & Ghostlight shows the horror of being a doctor (Rounding) while a young woman involved in one night stands may have been literally ghosted (The Dead Thing). Paolo Sorrentino has another tale of beauty (Parthenope) while Miles Teller & Anya Taylor-Joy snipe themselves into each other's hearts fighting monsters (The Gorge). Then it's a week of sequels including a continuation of Renee Zellweger's beloved character (Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy), everyone's favorite marmalade-loving bear (Paddington In Peru) and the tale of a new Captain and a new President (Captain America: Brave New World). 0:00 – Intro 1:13 - Becoming Led Zeppelin 7:54 - Rounding 17:02 - Sly Lives! 23:00 - The Dead Thing 32:25 - Parthenope 39:22 - Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy 55:43 - The Gorge 1:06:50 - Paddington in Peru 1:15:46 - Captain America: Brave New World 1:31:08 - Outro

Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy return after more than a week in Park City plus virtual screenings for this year's Sundance Film Festival and they are here to talk about 15 of their favorite films. They include a pair of body horror films about the terror of living happily ever after. There is also the horror of being a parent especially if you live next to the worst kind of Karen. Music plays a role in a lovely story about a washed-up folk singer and a lottery winner plus the heartbreaking tale of an artist taken away from us too quickly. There are more documentaries about the first deaf Oscar winner, teenagers who took on the environmental concerns of their community, the troubling legacy of To Catch a Predator and the consequences of delaying that colonoscopy.  Audiences were treated to standout performances from Dylan O'Brien and the genuine discovery of the debut by a name to remember, Eva Victor. All that plus generational tales of Palestine and the building and rebuilding of America.  0:00 - Intro 5:44 – The Ugly Stepsister 11:03 – The Ballad of Wallis Island 16:16 – It's Never Over, Jeff Buckley 20:04 – Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore 26:26 – The Perfect Neighbor 35:25 – Predators 43:04 – Twinless 48:33 – If I Had Legs, I'd Kick You 54:01 – Andre is an Idiot 57:48 – All That's Left Of You 1:01:08 – Rebuilding 1:05:33 – Together 1:11:03 – Middletown 1:15:33 – Sorry, Baby 1:23:10 – Train Dreams 1:31:47 – More Sundance Mentions 1:34:29 - Outro

In this jam-packed episode, Nick welcomes filmmaker Kyle Henry to discuss his new documentary Time Passages and how audiences can catch it at the Gene Siskel Film Center in Chicago. Then, film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy join the show to break down some of the standout films from the 2025 Sundance Film Festival and review a few new releases, including the horror-comedy Companion. Later, Esmeralda Leon and Nick dive into surprising stories of actors who turned down iconic roles—plus, how Penelope Ann Miller may have taken some questionable career advice from Nick. They wrap things up by sampling a classic, time-honored snack.  [Ep320]

Nick welcomes film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy to review the latest movie releases, including the real-life thriller September 5, the new adaptation of the classic monster tale Wolf Man, the urban comedy One of Them Days, and Netflix's action-comedy Back in Action, marking the return of Cameron Diaz. Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to answer subscriber questions and share hilarious celebrity encounter stories, featuring Fabio (the chef, not the long-haired guy), Ronnie James Dio, and Ice Cube. They also embark on the puzzling mission of figuring out who that guy is who isn't Jim Carrey. It's a fun mix of reviews, laughs, and quirky conversations! [Ep316]

Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy look at eight new movies this week including a unique documentary that combines a video game with Shakespeare (Grand Theft Hamlet). Julia Stiles makes her directorial debut with a romantic weepie (Wish You Were Here) and a locksmith goes on a wild evening (Night Call). Scott Eastwood and Willa Fitzgerald play spies who go off the grid and are sucked back into duty (Alarum) while Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz play spies who go off the grid and are sucked back into duty (Back in Action). There is the tale of the newsroom covering the terrorist attack at the 1972 Olympics (September 5) and a raunchy hangout film with Keke Palmer and SZA (One Of Them Days). Finally, Leigh Whannell continues the alterna-Dark Universe with a new take on a classic Universal monster (Wolf Man).  0:00 - Intro 1:02 - Grand Theft Hamlet 10:01 - Wish You Were Here 17:08 - Night Call 22:38 - Alarum 29:58 - Back In Action 42:07 - September 5 52:31 - One of Them Days 1:00:30 - Wolf Man 1:18:39 - Outro

Nick welcomes film critic Steve Prokopy to the podcast to share how his love for Saturday Night Live was inspired by his father's obsession with George Carlin, carried through his high school years during the Eddie Murphy era, and now includes a deep appreciation for the Digital Shorts from The Lonely Island. Steve also recounts some of his memorable interviews with SNL cast members, including Kyle Mooney, Molly Shannon, Robert Downey Jr., Ben Stiller, Will Ferrell, Kristen Wiig, Noel Wells, and more. Steve's Top 5 Favorite Sketches are revealed, featuring classics like Debbie Downer, Black Jeopardy, Massive Headwound Harry, and an unforgettable appearance from Stefon. It's a great conversation filled with SNL nostalgia and behind-the-scenes insights!  [Ep106]

Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy are back to start 2025 with reviews…of a lot of 2024 movies. Albeit ones opening wider across the country now. But there are also some brand new releases including documentaries on a film that never was (George A. Romero's Resident Evil) and the songwriter who never wins an Oscar (Diane Warren: Relentless). Then a family is trapped amidst a pole reversal (Survive) and Adrien Brody tries to build a life in America (The Brutalist). Robbie Williams gets the musical biopic treatment as a chimpanzee (Better Man) while Julianne Moore & Tilda Swinton face a tough life together in Pedro Almodovar's latest (The Room Next Door). Pamela Anderson finds herself aging out in Vegas (The Last Showgirl) and Marianne Jean-Baptiste gives one of the year's best performances in the new film from Mike Leigh (Hard Truths). Finally, Gerard Butler returns as Big Nick to get the mastermind robber he lost the first time (Den of Thieves : Pantera).   0:00 - Intro 1:41 - George A. Romero's Resident Evil 9:35 - Diane Warren: Relentless 18:26 - Survive 24:29 – The Brutalist 40:50 - Better Man 57:19 – The Room Next Door 1:06:20 – The Last Showgirl 1:20:06 - Hard Truths 1:28:18 - Den of Thieves 2: Pantera 1:44:45 - Outro

In this special episode, film critics Erik Childress, Steve Prokopy, and host Nick Digilio unveil their annual lists of The Best and Worst Movies of 2024. The lists feature some genuine surprises, including a few titles that appear on all three lists—sparking lively and fun conversations about the films, trends, standout performances, and much more. Esmeralda Leon is taking this year-end episode off but will return next time. Wishing everyone a Happy New Year! [Ep312]

What better way to kickoff 2025 than a look back at the some of the greatness of 2024. On this annual show, Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy invite back Collin Souter so they can condense the entire year into the absolute best in their individual opinions. Only three films cracked all of their lists so there is a wide swath of analysis in a year that demanded it. Where is the common ground? What are the outliers? This is a great way to make your own lists on what to catch up on before we start doing it all again in the new year. 0:00 - Intro 4:01 – The Runners-up 17:09 – The Top Ten 1:19:45 – More Great Documentaries of 2024 1:23:26 – Special Best (and Worst) Categories for 2024 1:57:32 - Outro

Nick teams up with film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy to review the big holiday movie releases, including the chilling vampire remake Nosferatu, Nicole Kidman in Babygirl, the true-life boxing drama The Fire Inside, and Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown. Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to dive into pop culture moments that have not aged well at all. They discuss Jimmy Fallon's infamous blackface sketch, Jonah Hill's troubling date-rape joke in Superbad, Courteney Cox's portrayal of "Fat Monica" on Friends, and the problematic behavior of Hugh Grant's character in Love Actually. To wrap things up, they finish their snack tour of Belgium and ponder what ever happened to Pacey from Dawson's Creek. [Ep308]

On the final show of 2024, Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy check out eight new movies that include a Danish serial killer from 1919 (The Girl with the Needle) and Nicole Kidman as a CEO who enters into an affair with an intern (Babygirl). Tyler Perry tells the story of undelivered mail during wartime (The Six Triple Eight) and the Sega Genesis hero returns to battle Jim Carrey (Sonic the Hedgehog 3). Robert Eggers offers his take on the Dracula legend (Nosferatu) and James Mangold tells another story of a musical artist (A Complete Unknown). Finally, Barry Jenkins helps tell a pair of wildly different tales. He writes Rachel Morrison's directorial debut of an Olympic female boxer (The Fire Inside) and then he takes the reins himself of Disney's prequel to one of their biggest stories (Mufasa: The Lion King). 0:00 - Intro 1:34 - The Girl with the Needle 7:30 - Babygirl 18:12 – The Six Triple Eight 26:55 - Nosferatu 38:58 - Sonic the Hedgehog 3 46:01 – The Fire Inside 57:27 – A Complete Unknown, 1:15:00 - Mufasa: The Lion King 1:32:25 - Outro

Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy continue to wade into December's offerings with nine new films on the slate. They include the directorial debut of Jack Huston (Day of the Fight) and Eva Green leading a team of female operatives against ISIS (Dirty Angels). The director of The Act of Killing does an apocalyptic musical (The End) while the daughter of a synthesizer inventor takes a joyous and complicated journey learning about her deceased father (Resynator). Paul Schrader takes his own trip through the life of a dying Richard Gere (Oh, Canada) while Angelina Jolie takes us through that of opera's Callas (Maria). 46 years after Ralph Bakshi, Tolkien gets animated again (The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim) or you can stay home and watch TSA agent Taron Egerton face off against terrorist Jason Bateman in an airport (Carry On). Finally, Sony's Spider-Man spinoff anti-hero line of Marvel movies supposedly comes to an end (Kraven the Hunter). 0:00 - Intro 1:31 - Day of the Fight 9:40 - Dirty Angels 16:40 - The End 24:31 - Resynator 32:35 - Oh, Canada  41:26 - Maria  53:09 - The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim 59:47 - Carry On  1:12:01 - Kraven the Hunter 1:26:51 - Outro

Nick teams up with film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy to review a lineup of new movies, including Queer starring Daniel Craig, Nightbitch with Amy Adams, the animated masterpiece Flow, and the comedies Get Away and Y2K. Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to recap their Thanksgivings and talk about deep-frying turkeys, Godzilla humidifiers, and some unusual holiday decorations like the killer Silver Sphere from Phantasm and a Santa that looks suspiciously troubled. They also explore fun facts about Belgium, answer listener emails, and try out a new snack. A lively mix of reviews, stories, and holiday cheer! [Ep304]

Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy have nine films to talk about this week. They include Kyle Mooney's take on the computer glitch of 1999 (Y2K) and what happens when a supermoon infects the world (Werewolves). Ralph Fiennes completes Homer's odyssey (The Return) while Nick Frost just wants to take his family on vacation to see a scary Swedish tradition (Get Away). There is the true story of one-legged wrestler Anthony Robles (Unstoppable) and the drug-fueled scribblings of William Burroughs through the eyes of Daniel Craig (Queer). Jude Law gruffly goes after white supremacists in the 1980s (The Order).The potential end of the world is told without words and through animated animals (Flow) while Amy Adams may be turning into an animal in a film that tries to use all the words to define motherhood (Nightbitch).   0:00 - Intro 1:12 - Y2K 8:24 - Werewolves 18:22 – The Return 23:54 - Get Away 30:55 - Flow 38:32 - Unstoppable 50:48 - Queer 1:00:50 – The Order 1:12:19 - Nightbitch 1:23:02 – Next Week's Movie 1:25:32 – Outro & Special Announcement MOVIE MADNESS BONUS EPISODES NOW AVAILABLE ON PATREON https://www.patreon.com/c/moviemadnesschicago For just $1 a month (with the current first episode available for free) The Movie Madness Podcast presents this bonus extension of the show with a dive into the 2024-25 awards season. A breakdown of the various groups with their victories and nominations in an effort to present an ongoing State-of-the-Race up until the final Oscar nominations on Jan. 17, 2025. Statistics, commentary and a running scoreboard are in store for you starting with announcements from the Gothams and the New York Film Critics. Strap in cause its going to be a ride.  

It's Thanksgiving week and the pickings are slim on the movie front. But Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy may have something for you to watch with the family. Hint that it involves a pair of music documentaries focusing on the arrival of Liverpool's finest to the States (Beatles '64) to the soothing sounds of the ‘70s and ‘80s (Yacht Rock: A Dockumentary). You can also hear about the latest from David Gordon Green as Ben Stiller attends to his ill-behaved nephews (Nutcrackers) and the new film from the Farrelly Bros. involving Jack Black answering a young boy's Christmas call as Satan (Dear Santa). Finally, Disney turns one of their beloved films into a series and then back into a theatrical sequel (Moana 2).   0:00 - Intro 1:20 - Beatles '64 8:25 - Yacht Rock: A Dockumentary 17:32 - Nutcrackers 29:20 - Dear Santa 38:07 - Moana 2 45:53 - Outro

It's the week before Thanksgiving and there are some heavy-hitters in theaters and trio of new Netflix titles for those stay-at-home viewers. Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy cover eight movies for you this week including a fascinating documentary on a woman who may have crafted the soundtrack to your life (The World According to Allee Willis) and another about a unique love affair involving music and mascots (Adrianne and the Castle). Sylvester Stallone tries to take Jason Patric's armored car (Armor) while Thomasin McKenzie and Bill Nighy show you who the true mother and father of IVF were (Joy). Denzel Washington's family adapts August Wilson (The Piano Lesson) and Alan Menken returns to score an all-star cast in a nifty Netflix animated film (Spellbound). Finally, it may not be Barbenheimer but Ridley Scott returns to Rome with a new vengeance (Gladiator II) and the first act of a Broadway sensation finally makes it to the big screen (Wicked: Part One). 0:00 - Intro 1:40 - The World According to Allee Willis 15:49 - Armor 23:03 - Adrianne and the Castle 32:40 - Joy 46:50 - The Piano Lesson 55:44 - Spellbound 1:03:04 - Gladiator II 1:19:04 – Wicked: Part One 1:41:31 - Outro

Mid-November and kind of a mid-week for releases, but Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy do have five reviews for you including a pair of documentaries on two icons in the film and music world (Bogart: Life Comes in Flashes, Return of the King: The Fall and Rise of Elvis Presley). They look at the latest from Andrea Arnold (Bird) and try to look at the new musical from Jacques Audiard apart from its controversies (Emilia Perez). Finally, Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans team up to rescue Santa Claus from the Christmas Witch. Yes, really (Red One).   0:00 - Intro 1:38 - Bogart: Life Comes in Flashes 8:43 - Return of the King: The Fall and Rise of Elvis Presley 21:37 - Bird 29:54 - Emilia Perez 42:28 - Red One 55:27 – Next Week's Titles & Outro

Mid-November and kind of a mid-week for releases, but Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy do have five reviews for you including a pair of documentaries on two icons in the film and music world (Bogart: Life Comes in Flashes, Return of the King: The Fall and Rise of Elvis Presley). They look at the latest from Andrea Arnold (Bird) and try to look at the new musical from Jacques Audiard apart from its controversies (Emilia Perez). Finally, Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans team up to rescue Santa Claus from the Christmas Witch. Yes, really (Red One).   0:00 - Intro 1:38 - Bogart: Life Comes in Flashes 8:43 - Return of the King: The Fall and Rise of Elvis Presley 21:37 - Bird 29:54 - Emilia Perez 42:28 - Red One 55:27 – Next Week's Titles & Outro

It's a nine-movie week on the show with Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy looking at a historical atrocity (Stockholm Bloodbath), WWII through the eyes of a boy (Blitz) and Pierce Brosnan as a 92 year-old veteran trying to atone for D-Day (The Last Rifleman). A 70+ year old is sent undercover in a money laundering scam – or is he? – in a documentary chosen for last year's Chicago Critics Film Festival (Starring Jerry As Himself). Get into the spirit of the holiday season with one film based on a beloved book (The Best Christmas Pageant Ever) and another trying to give you a mood (Christmas Eve In Miller's Point). Cillian Murphy sees bad nuns in Ireland (Small Things Like These) and Anthony Mackie teams up with Morena Baccarin to battle creatures who don't like heights (Elevation). Finally, one of year's best movies pits two Mormon female missionaries against Hugh Grant's religion buster (Heretic). 0:00 - Intro 1:21 - Stockholm Bloodbath 6:53 – The Last Rifleman 12:14 – The Best Christmas Pageant Ever 21:35 - Christmas Eve In Miller's Point 28:37 - Blitz 33:57 - Starring Jerry As Himself 41:14 - Small Things Like These 51:05 - Elevation 1:02:37 – Heretic 1:17:28 - Outro

Nick welcomes film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy to the podcast to review the latest film releases, including the WWII drama Blitz, the new holiday comedy The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Cillian Murphy in Small Things Like These, and the horror film Heretic, featuring a surprising turn by Hugh Grant. Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to chat about the stress of moving, the debut of McDonald's Chicken Big Mac, Wendy's new SpongeBob Burger, and the joys of shopping at Costco and Sam's Club. They also dive into why The Dollar Tree might just be the greatest place on earth. To top it off, Nick and Esma taste test some delicious snacks from Italy. [Ep296]

Nick and fellow film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy discuss the 60th annual Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF) and review some of the films they saw at the fest. They also share their thoughts on new releases, including Conclave, the award-winning Anora, the latest Marvel sequel Venom: The Last Dance, and the animated film Memoir of a Snail. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to talk about weddings, Halloween, and scary movies like In a Violent Nature and Hollow Man, which traumatized Esma thanks to the multiple appearances of Kevin Bacon's see-through wiener. They also take a quick culinary trip around Italy and taste a couple of cool snacks. [Ep292]

Nick welcomes film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy to the podcast to discuss the box office failure of the new *Joker* movie and review several new films, including *Piece By Piece*, the dreadful horror sequel *Terrifier 3*, and *The Apprentice*, a film starring Sebastian Stan as a young Donald Trump in New York. Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to chat about the beauty of never making weekend plans and reflect on pop culture that has aged very poorly, such as Long Duk Dong from *Sixteen Candles*, *The Cosby Show*, ridiculously oversized jeans, and the movie *American Beauty*. They also continue their culinary journey by taste-testing a snack from Korea. [Ep287]

Nick welcomes movie critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy to the podcast to review the new movies The Wild Robot and A Different Man, and dive into a lengthy discussion about Francis Ford Coppola's completely insane epic, Megalopolis. Steve also shares stories from his recent trip to Austin, where he attended Fantastic Fest, a film festival filled with sci-fi, horror, fantasy, and other strange and wonderful movies. Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to be quizzed about Korea, the latest region from which they received snacks through Universal Yums. They also chat about the end of summer, the beginning of fall, hayrides, pumpkin patches, and even the arrival of early Christmas decorations. [Ep284]

Nick talks with Mike Kerz from The Midway Drive-In in Dixon, IL, about their upcoming "Dusk Til Dawn Horror Movie Marathon," which Nick will be hosting. Then, film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy join Nick to review new movies, including the horror remake "Speak No Evil" and Kevin Smith's latest, "The 4:30 Movie." Steve also gives an update on the Music Box Theatre's new seats and redesign, while Erik reviews a slate of films he recently saw at the Toronto International Film Festival. Later, Esmeralda Leon and Nick discuss the differences between cats and dogs, share their thoughts on bad episodes of "The Simpsons," and talk about how the much-maligned Nicole Kidman movie "Australia" has now been turned into an endless mini-series on Hulu. Plus, they enjoy some great snacks in this jam-packed episode. [Ep280]

Nick welcomes film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy to the podcast to review a few new films, including "Reagan," "1992," and "Slingshot." They also discuss their favorite films of the summer of 2024. Speaking of the summer of 2024, Esmeralda Leon fills Nick in on the season being dubbed "Ratboy Summer," where celebrities who resemble sexy rodents have become all the rage. Members of the Hot Rodent club include Timothée Chalamet, Jeremy Allen White, Barry Keoghan, and the two leads from "Challengers." Nick and Esma also continue their taste-testing journey with another snack from Africa. [Ep276]

Nick welcomes film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy back to the podcast to discuss the box office and review new movies, including the true story "My Penguin Friend," the latest sequel in the Alien series, "Alien: Romulus," "Close to You" starring Elliot Page, and Elizabeth Banks' new comedy "Skincare." Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick to talk about the greatness of Conan O'Brien, continue the hilarious early 2000s quiz, and chat about "Mean Girls," tracksuits, and the iconic Catalina Wine Mixer. They also indulge in more India snack tasting with some spicy masala chips. [Ep272]

Nick welcomes film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy to review some new movies, including the true story of Northern Ireland's most notorious hip-hop act, "Kneecap." They also review the coming-of-age comedy "Didi" and the prison drama "Sing Sing." Then, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick for a final preview of the Flashback Weekend Horror Convention and a fun quiz covering topics like the early days of social media and the horror of being Rickrolled. Esma and Nick also discuss the trucks that regularly flip over in front of Nick's apartment, and they continue their snack tour of India by tasting some crunchy mini-samosas. [Ep267]