Episode 60 - "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan" & Director Nicholas Meyer
With “Star Trek: The Motion Picture” considered a costly, poorly received misfire, Paramount tapped veteran producer Harve Bennett and rising filmmaker Nicholas Meyer to refashion the sequel. Meyer’s vision was clear: Hornblower in space. “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan,” a rousing, superbly crafted entertainment, ultimately saved the franchise and is considered one of the great science fiction films of its time. “Khan” director Nicholas Meyer joins Dennis and his brother Jim to discuss how Dickens and Melville were exactly what “Star Trek” needed. ‘From Hell’s heart, I stab at thee! For hate’s sake, I spit my last breath at thee!’ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 59 - "Rain Man"
1988 was a transformative year for Tom Cruise. In July he headlined the forgettable guilty pleasure that is “Cocktail,” and at year's end he co-starred with Dustin Hoffman in Barry Levinson’s critically-acclaimed “Rain Man.” The highest grossing film of the year, winning the Academy Award for Best Picture (among others), “Rain Man” catapulted Cruise’s career to the next level and the paradigm-shifting movie star never looked back. Riding shotgun in the Buick Roadmaster, David O’Sullivan joins Dennis to argue that underwear is underwear wherever you buy it, whether in Cincinnati or wherever. Dedicated to Jim Camlek. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 58 - "The Shining"
Time has been kind to Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining.” His adaptation of the best-selling novel was initially dismissed by critics and author Stephen King, however it has since been hailed for its chilling aesthetic, superb visual fabric and harrowing sound design. Always ahead of his time, Kubrick got the last laugh, as "The Shining" is now rightfully considered one of the greatest horror films in cinema. Steve Cozzolino checks in to the Overlook and joins Dennis to discuss why all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 57 - "No Country for Old Men"
Celebrated screenwriters with a distinct world view, Joel and Ethan Coen pivoted in 2007 with an adaptation of Cormac McCarthy’s novel No Country for Old Men; and in typical Coen Bros. fashion they turned in one of the great works of the 21st century, the winner of the Best Picture Academy Award. While guest Jason Thompson would never take a satchel of drug money he still joins Dennis to celebrate this masterwork from two of the most significant filmmakers of this generation. Don’t put it in your pocket sir, it’s your lucky quarter. Anywhere not in your pocket, where it'll get mixed in with the others and become just a coin. Which it is. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 56 - "Almost Famous"
In 1973 most 15 year olds barely scratch together enough cash to buy an album, yet Cameron Crowe was already touring with bands like Led Zeppelin, The Allman Brothers and Fleetwood Mac, and writing about it for Rolling Stone. He harnessed those talents into a successful filmmaking career and that early experience was showcased in the critically-acclaimed "Almost Famous." Music lovers Laura Lubrano and Jason Zollan return to the show and join Dennis to stand up for the uncool, because the only true currency in this bankrupt world is what you share with someone else when you're uncool. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.