Episodes

Jul 24, 2022

I have created the spiritual sequel to this show. It’s called WATCH THIS TONIGHT. It’s a fancy version of this show, part of the Voyage Media podcast network, and it releases twice a week (Wednesday and Friday). Each episode is a carefully curated pick for something great to watch at the end of the night when you’ve got about an hour before you fall asleep. Look for it anywhere you listen to podcasts. If you like this show, I think you will really enjoy my new podcast.

May 26, 2022

I review all of Ray's movies that I have seen in brief, and also briefly discuss the movie I produced that he was in. RIP to a legend who had so much more to give. What a loss.

Apr 25, 2022

I wanted to tell you about a new true crime anthology podcast I produced, which features Michael Emerson (LOST), Jonathan Frakes (STAR TREK) and more actors and tells wild, crazy, scary, compelling true crime stories. There's a new crime in every episode. You can find the show by going to allegedlytruecrime.com or searching for "Allegedly Voyage Media" anywhere you listen to podcasts.

Nov 29, 2021

Yup, it's a scripted crime drama presented as found audio from an FBI surveillance operation. It's called MAHALO WITH A BULLET. Dean plays a hitman sent to Hawaii to murder someone. While in Hawaii, he has a change of heart and questions his entire life. It's a fun, fast, listen, Dean is excellent in it, and we may be producing more of it in the future. You can find links to listen on your preferred podcast platform here: https://www.voyagemedia.fm/show/mahalo-with-a-bullet/ If you listen, let me know what you think!

Sep 24, 2021

JOHN WICK creator Derek Kolstad returns to the show for the 100th episode to talk MISSION IMPOSSIBLE III. My case: the best film of the series, JJ Abrams’ best film as a feature director, and the best villain of the series with Philip Seymour Hoffman.

Sep 19, 2021

Screenwriter Nathaniel Nauert joins the show, and I make the case that THE OTHER GUYS is the best film in the filmography of both Will Ferrell and Adam McKay, as well as a career high point for Mark Wahlberg. I’m a peacock, you gotta let me fly!

Sep 9, 2021

Film scholar Jackson Boren joins the program for JUDGEMENT NIGHT. A real hidden gem, this gorgeous-looking movie has a sharp, compelling setup and a great cast in their fresh-faced days. Emilio Estevez, Cuba Gooding Jr, Denis Leary, Stephen Dorff, Jeremy Piven, and Peter Greene star in this crime thriller. Stephen Hopkins directed the film. This one has a ton of interesting behind-the-scenes production information that Jackson and I break down (originally written on spec by Kevin Jarre, who wrote TOMBSTONE, offered to Samuel Jackson and John Travolta, rewritten at one point by John Carpenter). Fascinating 90s era largely (and unfairly) forgotten thriller.

Sep 3, 2021

Screenwriter Jay Thornton joins the show to discuss perhaps one of the best picks for this series, RETURN TO PARADISE. A movie even I hadn't heard of, this is a total unheralded gem. It was well-reviewed upon release, but was not a huge box office hit, and is not something I've heard talked about before. Great director (Joseph Ruben, SLEEPING WITH THE ENEMY), great cast (Vince Vaughn, Joaquin Phoenix, Anne Heche) and maybe one of the best moral premises in any movie, period. I watched this at 3am and was riveted and had to get to the end. Major recommend if you dig adult dramas.

Aug 25, 2021

Fellow VFS graduate and screenwriter Philip Clarke joins the show to break down a true movie we love that no one talks about, Christopher McQuarrie's THE WAY OF THE GUN. Starring Ryan Phillippe, Benicio Del Toro, Juliette Lewis, James Caan, Taye Diggs, and Nicky Katt, this is the movie McQuarrie cashed in his THE USUAL SUSPECTS chip for, and it shows. It's bold to an extreme. It's not for everyone. But it is purposeful, and if you stick with it, the payoffs are there. It's also a great crime film, period.

Aug 19, 2021

The writers of this film Phil Hay and Matt Manfredi, who (along with director Karyn Kusama) previously made THE INVITATION, join the podcast to discuss the Nicole Kidman 2018 bad cop LA sunlight noir film DESTROYER. This is a wild movie, combining shades of William Friedkin, Michael Mann, and Phil, Matt and Karyn's distinctive creative DNA to emerge with something new, that surprises moment-to-moment with unexpected choices, inventive structure, and a commitment top-to-bottom from a very game cast. The movie is currently streaming on Hulu.

Aug 11, 2021

Literary manager Jeff Portnoy joins the show to discuss this cult classic film, a bizarre midnight movie starring Emilio Esteves and Harry Dean Stanton. Directed by Alex Cox, this has been a frequent request for the show. I highly suggest watching it at 2 am while under the influence of some kind of substance. It's out there and totally unique, but if you're in the mood for something different, it should hit the spot.

Aug 3, 2021

Michael Shannon is perfectly cast in this slow burn freak out of a movie with Jessica Chastain in one of her first roles. Jeff Nichols directs. One of the great “oh sh*t” endings in independent film cinema. Retuning guest Nick Oleksiw and I dive in.

Jul 24, 2021

The director of this thriller, Eugenio Mira, joins the show. Scripted by Damien Chazelle (WHIPLASH, LA LA LAND), starring Elijah Wood and John Cusack, this is effectively WHIPLASH crossed with SPEED. A wild high-concept premise is executed with great style by Eugenio Mira. This would be one of Brian De Palma's top 5 movies if he directed it, a great watch for fans of Damien Chazelle, Hitchcock, and De Palma.

Jul 19, 2021

Dropping some of our original music from my new podcast series, OTZI THE ICEMAN MUST DIE, starring Ethan Suplee (Remember The Titans, American History X, Wolf of Wall Street, Hulu series CHANCE). Really proud of how this turned out. We're basically doing THE REVENANT as an audio drama, but with our own true story basis. Otzi is a real person found perfectly preserved in the Italian Alps, who was murdered 5,300 years ago. An autopsy of his body showed exactly HOW he was murdered, but we wanted to know WHY. This series answers that question, from the perspective of the man who killed him, played by Ethan Suplee. First 2 episodes are up now. Here's a link, you can find listen buttons for your preferred podcast platform here: https://www.voyagemedia.fm/show/relic-otzi-the-iceman-must-die/episode-1/

Jul 17, 2021

Two people who know Jackie Chan, literally and figuratively, are my guests this week. Mike Leeder was on set of DRUNKEN MASTER II. He is a fixture in the Hong Kong action scene. Mike did stunts on THE RAID 2, fighter casting on the MAN OF TAI CHI, Hong Kong casting for THE MAN WITH THE IRON FISTS, he was the Asia Casting Director for RUSH HOUR 3, and on and on. My other guest is Joshua James, who wrote the Jean Claude Van Damme film POUND OF FLESH, Josh is a screenwriter and martial artist. The three of us have a wide-ranging discussion about the entire career of Jackie Chan on this week's episode, with remarkable behind-the-scenes insight from Mike, who has been in and around many of these films in one way or another for decades. Check out Mike's distribution company 88 Films - they have released a bunch of the Jackie Chan movies on Blu-ray with commentaries and special features at https://88-films.myshopify.com You can also read more about martial arts and movies in Josh's sub stack at https://joshuatoddjames.substack.com/p/coming-soon

Jul 9, 2021

Director James Foley (GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS) rejoins the show to discuss his film Roger Ebert adored and Variety called “near-perfect”, the Jim Thompson noir adaptation AFTER DARK, MY SWEET, starring Jason Patric, Rachel Ward, and Bruce Dern.

Jun 29, 2021

Film executive DJ Holloway (Bron, JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH) joins the show to discuss Spike Lee's under-seen hang-out jazz drama... effectively this is Spike's MEAN STREETS or SWINGERS or FRIDAY, a movie where great actors like Denzel Washington, Wesley Snipes, Giancarlo Esposito get to play music, crack jokes, go through love triangles, and generally just play into the vibe of the film. As DJ says in the episode, this movie is a vibe.

Jun 27, 2021

The writer of this film, Gary Young, joins the show. Michael Caine plays effectively the older UK version of Denzel in MAN ON FIRE, but in a plot that's distinctively UK. Ably-supported by about half the cast of GAME OF THRONES in supporting roles, this is a great character study and a compelling genre film with a stellar lead performance from Michael Caine.

Jun 18, 2021

I know you haven’t seen this movie. I know you might think it’s old and outdated. It’s not. It’s stellar. It plays like it could have come out last week. It’s THE STAR CHAMBER, a movie about a secret group of judges that mete out justice to criminals who get off on technicalities. Michael Douglas, Yaphet Kotto, Hal Holbrook. It’s on Amazon. Joe Aliberti and I explain why it’s incredible on this week’s episode.

Jun 10, 2021

Screenwriter Sean Ryan joins the program for one of Liam Neeson’s most underrated action films, written by MARE OF EASTTOWN's Brad Ingelsby. Great concept, slick direction, stellar cast, featuring Ed Harris, Boyd Holbrook, Joel Kinnaman, and Common. This movie is legitimately good and was the victim of an inexplicable release schedule.

Jun 2, 2021

Brian De Palma at his De Palma-y-iest. This movie is nuts in a fun, unhinged, anything goes way. Come for the impeccably designed set pieces, stay for the absurdly enjoyable twists in this noir-ish thriller.

May 27, 2021

Sci-fi specialist screenwriter Matt O'Connell joins the show to talk Danny Boyle and Alex Garland's sci-fi film SUNSHINE. Featuring an international ensemble cast, including Chris Evans in prickly very non-Captain America mode, Cillian Murphy, Rose Byrne, Cliff Curtis constantly getting more sunburnt as he obsessively stares into the sun, Michelle Yeoh and Hiroyuki Sanada (not to mention Mark Strong as the divisive villain), this is a truly unique sci-fi film which both delivers the genre goods and blazes its own unique, bizarre path.

May 21, 2021

Special announcement - a true crime podcast I directed/produced is out now! Based on a true story, LET ME TELL YOU ABOUT MY MURDER is a scripted podcast mini-series, with great actors, original music, and immersive soundscapes. I'm super-proud of it, and it's very easy to binge, 4 episodes at about 20 minutes each. You can find the show on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts and anywhere else you listen. All those links can also be found here: https://www.voyagemedia.fm/show/let-me-tell-you-about-my-murder/ just hit "Subscribe" on the embedded player and your favorite podcast app button will appear. If you listen, let me know what you think, this is probably my favorite thing I've been an integral part of creating. We'll be back next week with a regular episode.

May 16, 2021

Screenwriter Myron Ward joins the show for SHOT CALLER, Ric Roman Waugh's ordinary-guy to gang-kingpin prison drama, starring Nikolaj Coster-Waldau from GAME OF THRONES, Omari Hardwick from POWER, Jon Bernthal aka maybe the best actor ever, Jeffrey Donovan, Benjamin Bratt (out-mustaching everyone) and an almost unrecognizable Holt McCallany (from MINDHUNTER). This is a legitimately great movie that has heart beneath its pulpy premise.

May 5, 2021

GET SHORTY with series creator Davey Holmes. This show is currently available (every episode!) on Amazon Prime. So funny, but so human, with great characters, it’s a joy to watch Chris O’Dowd, Ray Romano, and a stellar ensemble cast in this crime series.

Apr 28, 2021

Screenwriter Michael Stagliano joins the show to discuss one of the more controversial films in the ALIEN franchise, PROMETHEUS. Directed by Ridley Scott, co-written by LOST writer Damon Lindelof, starring the incredible Michael Fassbender, Noomi Rapace, Logan Marshall Green, Charlize Theron, Guy Pierce, and Idris Elba. We love this movie, but acknowledge it's not for everyone, and marvel and puzzle over its glories and surprising choices.

Apr 22, 2021

There’s so much under the surface of this film, another thoughtful, subversive movie from JC Chandor, that just happens to also be a giant 100M plus action film with Ben Affleck, Charlie Hunnam, Oscar Isaac, Garret Hedlund and Pedro Pascal.

Apr 15, 2021

Don’t let the title intimidate you, this is one of the top 5 Westerns ever. I’m joined this week by screenwriter Bob Thielke, who wrote two Western films I developed as an executive. We discuss this amazing but under seen film, with career work from Brad Pitt, Casey Affleck, director Andrew Dominik and cinematographer Roger Deakins.

Apr 8, 2021

Micho Rutare, development executive, writer and producer of the SHARKNADO films, SyFy's Z NATION, and a series of extremely compelling election ads, is the perfect guest to discuss Richard Kelly's bizarro satire/dark comedy/metaphysical drama SOUTHLAND TALES. Featuring early days Dwayne Johnson aka The Rock, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Mandy Moore, Justin Timberlake, and a mad-libs assortment of interesting character actors, this film demands discussion. It's a strange film, but a lot of fun if viewed in the right headspace. We break it down on the show, and then listen after the music break at the end for a bonus segment on the path to production of BRAWL IN CELL BLOCK 99 and BONE TOMAHAWK, as requested by listeners Joshua Baumann and Ginger :)

Apr 1, 2021

I could not think of a better guest for PARANORMAL ACTIVITY: THE MARKED ONES, very explicitly the Latino PARANORMAL ACTIVITY, than my wife Adriana, who is obsessed with ghost shows, ghost movies, and specifically the Mexican cultural connections to the supernatural. My wife is the target audience for this movie, to the point that she essentially was the reason it got made, metaphorically-speaking (we explain on the show). This movie made money, but is super-critically-underrated. For anyone who finds the average two-white-people-move-into-a-spooky-house movie a bit flat and predictable, this is a jolt of life, not just in the cultural setting but in the ambition of the plotting. One of my favorite supernatural movies.

Mar 26, 2021

One of the best home invasion movies ever - Adam Wingard and Simon Barrett, the creative team from THE GUEST, bring their trademark dark humor, biting edge, and genre thrills to a movie that is as much a great slasher as it is a great dark comedy. Featuring an ensemble cast of other genre filmmakers and actors (Barbara Crampton, Larry Fessenden, Ti West, Joe Swanberg), and a star turn by Sharni Vinson, this is genre fun for genre enthusiasts. Dean Movshovitz, author of an Amazon bestselling book, PIXAR STORYTELLING, joins the show to discuss this film.

Mar 20, 2021

Three very accomplished producers of THE SKELETON TWINS, Jared Goldman (PALMER, THE DEVIL ALL THE TIME), Stephanie Langhoff (SAFETY NOT GUARANTEED) and Jennifer Lee (also an editor, she edited this film and has edited on RAMY), had a mini-reunion on the show. Much as the film is a loving celebration of family, it's clear that making the film was a family affair, in terms of how close the cast and crew were. Kristin Wiig and Bill Hader make this maybe the best movie about brothers and sisters ever. One of my favorite interviews ever on the podcast.

Mar 12, 2021

Breaking the rules of the show, I'm having on our first non-industry guest, my sister. Why? Because we watched ROBIN HOOD: MEN IN TIGHTS, at least a hundred times since we were kids. This movie has been quoted within our family for literal decades. We try and unpack why this film, generally considered a lesser entry in the Mel Brooks oeuvre, is our favorite of his movies, and the one we rewatch the most. Featuring Cary Elwes, Dave Chappelle, Richard Lewis, Patrick Stewart, and Brooks himself, this is just a straight-up joyful time at the movies.

Mar 5, 2021

Big guest this week! Top screenwriter Matt Cook - the writer of TRIPLE NINE, PATRIOTS DAY, ANGEL HAS FALLEN and THE INFORMER. Matt joins us to talk about his film TRIPLE NINE, which has legitimately one of the best casts of any movie ever period. Casey Affleck, Anthony Mackie, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Clifton Collins Jr., Woody Harrelson, Aaron Paul, Kate Winslet, Gal Gadot, Norman Reedus, Teresa Palmer and Michael K. Williams. On top of that, it's directed by John Hillcoat, director of the stellar western THE PROPOSITION and THE ROAD. If you love movies like HEAT, DEN OF THIEVES, THE TOWN, and so on, this is for you. Matt tells me how he got the idea, how they got that insane cast, and we talk about the differences between his script (which he shared with me for the podcast) and the final film.

Feb 26, 2021

Screenwriter James Madejski joins the show to discuss the Justin Timberlake, Anton Yelchin, Emile Hirsch film ALPHA DOG. Our experiences with these actors have changed so much over the years that watching this movie is a different experience. That also goes for Ben Foster, whose stardom was arguably birthed with his scene-stealing role in this movie. A film that divided critics and was perhaps unfairly appraised because of the story world it takes place in, this is a GREAT movie, and one that is even a stronger watch in 2021 given our history with all the actors in it.

Feb 19, 2021

Development executive, writer and producer Cam Cannon joins the show to unleash hell in one of the best man-on-a-mission movies ever, absurdly maligned by critics, and one of the most successful DVD releases ever. Peak Denzel, peak Tony Scott, somehow also peak Dakota Fanning. This is a stellar film, not just a guilty pleasure, but a legitimately great movie.

Feb 13, 2021

Former Korean resident, Jason Rogers, a screenwriter who had a pen-pal relationship with the real-life serial killer who inspired this film, is my guest. The movie is THE CHASER, by master filmmaker Na Hong Jin, who also directed THE YELLOW SEA and THE WAILING. An intense thriller you won’t be able to stop watching, without the guardrails for the audience of Western cinema.

Feb 4, 2021

Screenwriter Andrew Henderson joins the show to talk about a Movies I Love That No One Talks About all-star, the prototype for the show, KILL LIST. This is a movie people don't look for, they hear about it, in awed whispers. It's a movie that will make you shout profanities at your television in shock, and (depending on your taste) unhinged glee at the madness and audacity of the storytelling. It's weirdly funny at times, nerve-shatteringly-tense at times, and a true original. If you're looking for something to watch late at night and don't plan on sleeping, throw this one on. Director Ben Wheatley has made one for the ages here.

Jan 28, 2021

Patrick Stewart plays a Neo-Nazi in GREEN ROOM, Jeremy Saulnier's no-holds-barred punk rock thriller. Also featuring Anton Yelchin, this movie is impossible to tear yourself away from once it locks in its macabre premise. Producer Nick Oleksiw returns to the show to discuss this unnervingly tense film.

Jan 20, 2021

Two of our coolest guests ever join the show for this very special TV-centric episode, call it TV SHOWS I LOVE THAT NO ONE TALKS ABOUT. We're talking about QUARRY, the fantastic Cinemax series, with the creators of the show, Michael Fuller and Graham Gordy. A unique fusion of post-Vietnam social commentary, pulpy thriller, and psychological drama, this show is one of a kind. Logan Marshall Green is hypnotic in the lead, with Jodi Balfour, Damon Herriman, and Peter Mullan absolutely owning their diverse, fascinating supporting roles. One of my favorite TV series of all time. If you haven't seen the show, listen to the first half of the episode, where we review the pilot. Then watch the show and come back for the back half, where we discuss the entire series. QUARRY is available to watch on Amazon or iTunes (and check out our show Twitter or FB pages for a link to the pilot for free on YouTube).

Jan 13, 2021

Line producer Bart Lipton (JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 3, LA LA LAND) joins the show to discuss the Amazon film I'M YOUR WOMAN, starring Rachel Brosnahan of THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL against-type in this gritty crime drama, told from a female perspective. The story features perhaps the best baby-acting performance of all-time. It also features stunning moments of unexpected violence, and the ambiguity and depth of dare-I-say THE GODFATHER: PART II. It's really great, and Bart helped me understand how the hell they got that baby performance, as well as other aspects of physically producing this film.

Jan 8, 2021

Filmmaker Michael Steves joins the show to discuss Sam Raimi's delightfully deranged horror film, DRAG ME TO HELL. Just a damn good times at the movies, with a talking goat, the most brutal fight between a 20-something and an octogenarian ever captured on film, a nasty sense of humor, and more gross-out gags than you can shake a stick at. The movie equivalent of a horror theme park ride, this film has stood the test of time.

Dec 31, 2020

Screenwriter and comic book writer Boaz Dror joins the show to talk about Frank Darabont's second-most-famous adaptation of a Stephen King novella, THE MIST. This film has one of the top holy shi*t ending in cinematic history. It's one of the boldest, most compellingly bleak pieces of monstrous horror that calls to mind early seasons of THE WALKING DEAD... which, not coincidentally, Frank Darabont also worked on. Featured a great cast of character actors, including Marcia Gay Harden as a villain so effective she said in an interview even her ex-husband was rooting for her to be killed in the theater, this is straight-up tremendous filmmaking top-to-bottom.

Dec 24, 2020

Creator of the Emmy-winning series #FREERAYSHAWN Marc Maurino joins the show to have a manic night out with Robert Pattinson and the Safdie brothers in GOOD TIME, the predecessor of UNCUT GEMS.

Dec 17, 2020

JJ Abrams co-wrote this lean and mean thriller, directed by show favorite John Dahl (ROUNDERS) and starring Paul Walker and the always great Steve Zahn. At every step, this movie is five times better than it had to be. A legit minor classic of the genre. Producer Nick Oleksiw joins me to discuss the film, and our friendship that mirrors the central duo.

Dec 10, 2020

Cinematographer and director David A. Armstrong (the SAW franchise) joins the show to talk about maybe the Hall of Fame cinematography movie of all time, CHILDREN OF MEN. Directed by Alfonso Cuaron (GRAVITY, ROMA), starring Clive Owen in maybe his best performance, with great supporting turns by Michael Caine, Julianne Moore, and Chiwetel Ejiofor. This stunning movie, incredibly, was not nominated for Best Picture or Best Director, and made only 35M in the United States. David helps me understand the sheer difficulty of achieving what Alfonso and his team did with this staggering film and drops some cool behind the scenes knowledge about shooting SAW.

Dec 4, 2020

Screenwriter Daniel Cameron joins the show to discuss this neo-Western/neo-noir, starring Nicolas Cage, Dennis Hopper, Lara Flynn Boyle and JT Walsh. Directed by one of my favorite filmmakers, John Dahl (ROUNDERS), this film was basically dumped by its distributor, but refused to die, and has gone on to have a cult following, for one reason - it's good. Incredibly well-structured, twisty, and engaging. Try to watch the first 25 minutes of this movie and stop watching.

Nov 26, 2020

Veteran screenwriter Adam Gaines (FX's THE BRIDGE, NBC's STATE OF AFFAIRS, Hulu's INTO THE DARK) joins the show to talk about a thriller with one of the most brutal endings in recent film history, a film that put screenwriter Ehren Kruger on the map, a movie Adam literally had the poster of on his wall, one of the movies that made me want to get into screenwriting, ARLINGTON ROAD. Jeff Bridges and Tim Robbins square off in this nervy, paranoid thriller, which would be explosively timely if it came out today. A great re-watch, this film has stood the test of time as a classic thriller, but was neither a critical darling nor a huge hit upon its release.

Nov 20, 2020

The director and co-writer of this film, Henry Alex Rubin, who also directed the acclaimed documentary MURDERBALL, comes on the show to talk about SEMPER FI. This movie quietly came and went, but unfairly so. It's a heartfelt, engaging, grounded, and compelling portrait of military life, friendship, loyalty, and the burden of brotherly love. Jai Courtney gives his best screen performance and shows he will have a career long after he stops doing action films as a straight-up dramatic actor. Nat Wolff crushes the archetypal troubled brother part, a reliable showcase for actors that proves so once again here. When people talk about the movies that don't get made that much anymore, they're talking about this movie.

Nov 13, 2020

The co-writer of this film, Erica Beeney, who also wrote the Project Greenlight film THE BATTLE OF SHAKER HEIGHTS with Shia LaBeouf, joins the show to discuss CAPTIVE STATE. This is the anti alien invasion movie, subverting all your expectations to deliver something closer to THE BATTLE OF ALGIERS and ARMY OF SHADOWS, a powerful resistance movie where the heroes are, basically, terrorists. Only instead of fighting the puppet government of Vichy France in World War II, they're fighting a human puppet government installed by aliens, in near-future Chicago. Critics just flat-out missed the greatness of this film, which grows on repeat viewings. Brilliantly directed by Rupert Wyatt (RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES) this is a must-watch for any sci-fi fans.

Nov 6, 2020

Oscar-nominated screenwriter Nicholas Kazan joins the show to discuss his Denzel Washington supernatural thriller, FALLEN. One of the more underrated Denzel films, this movie features one of the best twists in cinematic history, for my money. It also has a sly sense of humor, and wall-to-wall great performances from an able supporting cast, including Donald Sutherland, James Gandolfini, Elias Koteas and John Goodman.

Nov 1, 2020

J.C. Chandor has quietly become one of the best filmmakers working today, with MARGIN CALL, ALL IS LOST, TRIPLE FRONTIER and A MOST VIOLENT YEAR, perhaps his least-seen, most-underrated film (not by critics, who loved it, but by the general public). Have you seen this movie? It is, in some ways, to the gangster film what UNFORGIVEN is to the western, a deconstruction of the foundational tropes of the genre. Oscar Isaac IS early Al Pacino, a conclusion widely-found in the critical response to the film, while Jessica Chastain provides a strong counterpart to him as the real killer in the family, his wife. This is a top-notch film that got lost in the shuffle because of its obscure period heating-oil concept, and cerebral nature. It's a sin against cinema if you missed this movie. This episode is a solo podcast, pre-recorded before the birth of my son (!), where I dug deep into the research and unearthed some fascinating material about this movie.

Oct 24, 2020

The writer of this film, Tony Gayton, joins the podcast. Tony also created HELL ON WHEELS, and wrote FASTER and MURDER BY NUMBERS. This film, a wild, inventive, tonally adventurous neo-noir, stars Val Kilmer, Vincent D'Onofrio, Peter Sarsgaard and marked the directorial debut of DJ Caruso, who would go on to direct DISTURBIA and many other films. A true original, this film is as fresh and unpredictable today as it was when it first came out.

Oct 18, 2020

Screenwriter Raul Inglis (AMERICAN HEIST w/Adrien Brody, SUDDENLY w/Ray Liotta) joins the show to discuss James Mangold's cop drama, COP LAND, featuring a cast so absurdly stacked it's tough to write all their names in this summary - Sylvester Stallone, Harvey Keitel, Ray Liotta, Robert DeNiro, Peter Berg, John Spencer, Malik Yoba, Janeane Garafolo, Noah Emmerich, Frank Vincent, Edie Falco, Annabella Sciorra and Michael Rapaport. As he's done at various points throughout his career, Stallone reminds us of what a true top-notch actor he can be when given the right material. Mangold affirms his status as one of our best living filmmakers. This is a great movie, period, and it's greatness has only increased in the years since it was released.

Oct 10, 2020

The director, co-writer, and editor of this film, Oren Benamor, joins the show. Bloody Disgusting called INITIATION, "unusually thoughtful," and a, "well-crafted thriller." It's a death match movie, about a mysterious cult that kidnaps a group of strangers and makes them fight its recruits to the death as part of an initiation ceremony. You might notice that Oren and I have the same last name - he's my cousin, and I'm the other writer of the film. Listeners of the show know that I am brutally honest about my work, and this is my favorite produced film I've been involved in. We discuss how Oren made the film, the intense reactions it provoked when we screened it for an audience in a theater, and the process of capturing compelling performances from the talented ensemble cast of the movie. You don't need to have seen the film to get something out of this episode, which is also a peek behind the curtain at the practical challenges of independent filmmaking.

Oct 4, 2020

Acclaimed screenwriter Ali Imran Zaidi joins the show to discuss Scott Frank's too-little-seen crime thriller, THE LOOKOUT, starring Joseph Gordon Levitt, Jeff Daniels, Isla Fisher and Matthew Goode. The type of intimate character study that's rarely made at this level anymore, full of richly-realized characters, and a great re-watch in 2020, especially for Chris Pratt.

Sep 27, 2020

My biggest guests yet - all-universe writer and director Billy Ray (CAPTAIN PHILLIPS, THE HUNGER GAMES) and prolific producer Adam Merims (STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON, BRIGHT). They join the show to discuss BREACH, their film about Robert Hanssen, FBI agent, Soviet spy, and one of the worst intelligence disasters in US history. Chris Cooper plays Hanssen in one of his career best performances, opposite an excellent Ryan Phillippe. Released the same day as the premiere of THE COMEY RULE on Showtime, also written and directed by Billy Ray, another complex, political, and FBI-centric story.

Sep 21, 2020

Christopher Nolan's best movie? Yes, it is. But bizarrely, it's one of the lowest scoring movies (from audience members) of any of his films. Screenwriter Tyler Burton Smith (the Chucky reboot CHILD'S PLAY, and upcoming KUNG FURY 2 w/Arnold Schwarzenegger) joins the show to puzzle out this staggeringly complex yet always crystal-clear dueling magicians film, starring Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, Scarlett Johansson, Rebecca Hall and David Bowie. If you can't see TENET, go watch this movie right now.

Sep 14, 2020

One of the movies that made me want to do this show - pop culture writer LaToya Ferguson (AV Club, IndieWire) joins the show to chat about Steve McQueen's heist drama film, working with writer Gillian Flynn (GONE GIRL), with an absurd cast, Viola Davis, Michelle Rodriguez, Elizabeth Debicki, Cynthia Erivo, Liam Neeson, Colin Farrell, Robert Duvall, Daniel Kaluuya, Brian Tyree, Jon Bernthal, and more. As great a popcorn heist movie as it is a thoughtful, artful, independent movie, this film has something for everyone.

Sep 7, 2020

The co-writer/producer of the film, Wayne Rice, joins the podcast to discuss SUICIDE KINGS - one of the great career showcases of Christopher Walken, featuring early-days Jay Mohr, Johnny Galecki, Jeremy Sisto, Henry Thomas, Sean Patrick Flanery, and a tremendous, boot-wearing Denis Leary. Listen to the end for Wayne's wild announcement about a possible reunion!

Aug 31, 2020

Screenwriter Ian Shorr, who sold a futuristic version of THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO to Warner Brothers, joins the show to discuss the 2002 Jim Caviezel and Guy Pearce version, directed by ROBIN HOOD: PRINCE OF THIEVES director Kevin Reynolds, adapted by PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN scribe Jay Wolpert. Featuring one of the great late-career turns by Richard Harris and a teenaged pre-Superman Henry Cavill, this movie is fun, funny, and maybe one of the last great classic adventure films.

Aug 25, 2020

The writer/director of ARBITRAGE, Nicholas Jarecki, joins the show to discuss his stunning Richard Gere film, on par with MICHAEL CLAYTON and UNCUT GEMS as tremendously compelling portraits of deeply flawed leading men, with Gere ably supported by an all-star cast including Susan Sarandon, Tim Roth, and Brit Marling.

Aug 18, 2020

The director of THE SKELETON KEY, Iain Softley, joins the show to discuss this perennially underrated horror film starring Kate Hudson, Gena Rowlands, Peter Sarsgaard and John Hurt, which low-key ran much of the same creative road as GET OUT, but never broke through in the same way. This remains one of the best-acted, best-plotted horror movies, with a flat-out great final twist.

Aug 13, 2020

Mark Wahlberg, Tyrese Gibson, Andre Benjamin, Garrett Hedlund, and Chiwetel Ejiofor anchor this deeply satisfying John Singleton crime thriller. Comedian and screenwriter Atif Myers joins me to argue that it’s one of Wahlberg’s best and most underrated movies.

Aug 6, 2020

Shane Black at his best, channeling pulp crime novels in Hollywood with Robert Downey Jr, Val Kilmer, and Michelle Monaghan. Screenwriter John Sullivan (SECURITY w/Antonio Banderas) and I exchange witty one-liners and reminisce about our own LA experiences as we dive into this under-the-radar crime/comedy classic.

Jul 30, 2020

The screenwriter of FRAILTY, Brent Hanley, joins the show to explain how this stunningly bold thriller - where a father teaches his kids to murder people, claiming an angel has commanded him - got made. starring (and directed by) Bill Paxton, with Matthew McConaughey and Powers Boothe.

Jul 24, 2020

Screenwriter Brian D. Young joins the show to talk about the nightmare riff on the 80s, John Carpenter, and horror/thrillers, Adam Wingard and Simon Barrett’s film THE GUEST, with Dan Stevens very far away from DOWNTON ABBEY.

Jul 16, 2020

The director and co-writer of HAMLET 2, Andrew Fleming (THE CRAFT) joins the show to discuss this wild Steve Coogan comedy, which remains criminally under-watched (you don’t have to see HAMLET to watch this movie!). The film was co-written with Pam Brady, who co-wrote TEAM AMERICA: WORLD POLICE, which is not a coincidence.

Jul 9, 2020

Screenwriter Matt O’Reilly joins the show to discuss the radically stripped-down, surprisingly soulful, homeless drifter revenge film BLUE RUIN, directed by Jeremy Saulnier, starring Macon Blair.

Jul 3, 2020

The co-writer of this film, Chuck Pfarrer, sold this as an original spec script for a million dollars. Hear him explain how it became the Val Kilmer film RED PLANET, which is much better than its reputation.

Jul 2, 2020

Literary manager Jarrod Murray returns for David Mamet’s SPARTAN, the cinematic equivalent of a punch to the face, starring Val Kilmer, Derek Luke, William H. Macy, Ed O’Neill and Kristen Bell.

Jun 25, 2020

Legendary producer Lucas Foster (FORD V FERRARI, BAD BOYS, CRIMSON TIDE) joins the show to discuss the Gerard Butler & Jamie Foxx rage against the machine thriller, LAW ABIDING CITIZEN.

Jun 17, 2020

Entertainment lawyer Sam Strantz joins the show to talk WALK HARD, the saga of Dewey Cox. John C. Reilly leads an all-star cast in this sublimely goofy music satire, which has been impossibly under-seen.

Jun 9, 2020

Screenwriter Nelson Greaves details the wild genesis of his screens-only horror film, and how he essentially willed it into existence with sheer willpower and creativity. The film exceeded everyone’s expectations and was a global hit, but we break down why it is much more than just a gimmick.

Jun 4, 2020

Russian screenwriter Michael Arkof joins the show to talk Viggo Mortensen’s accent, nude fights, and GODFATHER level greatness in David Cronenberg’s crime epic EASTERN PROMISES.

May 28, 2020

Screenwriter Todd Farmer joins the show to discuss his tendency to appear as a nude character named Frank in his films, improvised Nicolas Cage kissing, and the general demented merriment of the action/horror/comedy DRIVE ANGRY.

May 21, 2020

Martial artist and screenwriter Joshua James (POUND OF FLESH w/Jean Claude Van Damme) joins the show, and franchise creator Phillip Rhee answers audience questions, regarding BEST OF THE BEST, the best late 80s sports film you may not have seen, starring Eric Roberts, James Earl Jones, Chris Penn, and Phillip Rhee.

May 14, 2020

Development executive Harris Kauffman joins host Dan Benamor to discuss Jim Mickle’s backcountry noir acid trip of a movie, COLD IN JULY, starring Michael C. Hall, Sam Shepard and Don Johnson, adapted from Joe R. Lansdale’s novel.

May 8, 2020

Former Cruise/Wagner executive Jeff Buitenveld joins the show to talk Tom Cruise and JACK REACHER.

May 7, 2020

Oscar-nominated screenwriter Josh Olson joins host Dan Benamor to discuss his Viggo Mortensen / David Cronenberg film A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE.

May 1, 2020

Screenwriter Adam “Tex” Davis joins host Dan Benamor to discuss his early-career Ryan Reynolds classic, JUST FRIENDS.

Apr 30, 2020

Filmmaker Ryan Little (SAINTS AND SOLDIERS) joins host Dan Benamor to discuss arguably the last best classic Western to get a big theatrical release with a star-studded cast, headed up by Christian Bale and Russell Crowe.

Apr 24, 2020

Writer/director Tim Sutton joins host Dan Benamor to discuss his Jamie Bell / Frank Grillo film, the haunting, bone-crunching, mythical, cage-fighting, hillbilly elegy, DONNYBROOK.

Apr 22, 2020

Producer Oliver Ridge (upcoming LANSKY w/Harvey Keitel) joins host Dan Benamor to discuss the star-studded, generational saga THE PLACE BEYOND THE PINES.

Apr 16, 2020

Development executive Ryan Stayton (Netflix’s THE WITCHER) and filmmaker Sam Thompson join host Dan Benamor to discuss Andy Samberg’s pop opus, POPSTAR: NEVER STOP NEVER STOPPING.

Apr 10, 2020

Actor Martin Thomson (upcoming SNOWPIERCER TV series on TNT) joins host Dan Benamor to discuss Ben Affleck’s less heralded but arguably best film, GONE BABY GONE.

Apr 5, 2020

Director Adam Randall joins host Dan Benamor to discuss his supremely twisty Helen Hunt thriller I SEE YOU.

Apr 1, 2020

Screenwriters Ryan Dixon and Luke Piotrowski (fresh off the 12M sale of his film THE NIGHT HOUSE at Sundance) join host Dan Benamor to discuss the insane, funny, gory JURASSIC PARK-in-a-museum movie THE RELIC.

Mar 25, 2020

Writer/director Will Canon joins host Dan Benamor to discuss his insanely tense thriller BROTHERHOOD.

Mar 18, 2020

Prolific action screenwriter Chad Law joins host Dan Benamor to discuss arguably the best Scott Adkins, Jean Claude Van Damme and Dolph Lundgren film, UNIVERSAL SOLDIER: DAY OF RECKONING.

Mar 11, 2020

Filmmaker Jeremy LaLonde joins host Dan Benamor to discuss the Robin Williams dark comedy cult classic WORLD’S GREATEST DAD.

Mar 4, 2020

Comic book writer Michael Gordon joins host Dan Benamor to discuss the underrated crown jewel of Liam Neeson films, A WALK AMONG THE TOMBSTONES.

Feb 27, 2020

JOHN WICK creator/screenwriter Derek Kolstad joins host Dan Benamor to discuss the darkly comic Colin Farrell crime film, IN BRUGES.

Feb 19, 2020

Screenwriter David Wingert joins host Dan Benamor to discuss the redneck-slasher-subverting-horror-comedy TUCKER & DALE VS EVIL.

Feb 5, 2020

Screenwriter Joshua James (POUND OF FLESH w/Jean Claude Van Damme) joins host Dan Benamor to discuss Boaz Yakin’s film FRESH featuring Samuel L. Jackson and Giancarlo Esposito.

Feb 2, 2020

Filmmaker Aaron Harvey (CATCH-44 w/Bruce Willis, INTO THE ASHES w/Frank Grillo) joins host Dan Benamor to discuss the Robert Mitchum crime film THE FRIENDS OF EDDIE COYLE.

Jan 30, 2020

Screenwriter Dikran Ornekian joins the show to discuss the Werner Herzog / Nicolas Cage film BAD LIEUTENANT: PORT OF CALL NEW ORLEANS.

Jan 29, 2020

Writer/Director Richard Shepard (THE PERFECTION, DOM HEMINGWAY, HBO’s GIRLS) joins host Dan Benamor to discuss his Pierce Brosnan film THE MATADOR.

Jan 25, 2020

Literary manager and producer Jarrod Murray joins host Dan Benamor to discuss the criminally underrated Ridley Scott film THE COUNSELOR.

Jan 22, 2020

Horror filmmaker Michael Kuciak joins host Dan Benamor to discuss the disturbing horror masterpiece SPLICE.

Jan 16, 2020

Filmmaker Michael Thomas Daniel (upcoming GET GONE with horror legend Lin Shaye) joins host Dan Benamor to discuss the Elisha Cuthbert comedy film THE GIRL NEXT DOOR.

Jan 15, 2020

Tyler Burton Smith (writer of the Chucky film CHILD’S PLAY) joins host Dan Benamor to discuss the Seth Rogen comedy OBSERVE AND REPORT.

Jan 9, 2020

Actor Quinton Barr joins host Dan Benamor to discuss the Brad Pitt film KILLING THEM SOFTLY.

Jan 4, 2020

Director James Foley (GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS) joins the show to discuss his film CONFIDENCE, starring Ed Burns, Dustin Hoffman, Rachel Weisz, Paul Giamatti and Andy Garcia.

Jan 3, 2020