The Friendship Dilemma

The Friendship Dilemma Episode 28: Children of Men (2006)

Alfonso Cuaron’s resume speaks for itself and people should probably speak louder about it. Nearly 20 years ago, he took the core of P.D. James’ dystopian novel and crafted a film for the ages. Especially today. Morgan Gire and Erik Childress can’t help but gush a bit over Clive Owen along with the friendship that is forged with the young immigrant who may hold the, ahem, Key to humanity’s future.And if you want to read more about Children of Men, buy Nick Digilio’s new book, 40 Years, 40 Films; his pick for the best film of 2006. Buy the paperback. 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

The Friendship Dilemma Episode 27: Stuart Saves His Family (1995)

Al Franken’s Stuart Smalley character was a hit on Saturday Night Live but not in theaters. Is it a comedy? Erik Childress and Morgan Gire debate that along with the arc of Vincent D’Onofrio’s Donnie and the mirrors the film may have held up to some of its audience provoking a negative response. But it is the relationship between Franken’s Stuart and Laura San Giacomo’s Julia that is the focus and may rank as one of the most interesting they have covered. 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

The Friendship Dilemma Episode 26: Twisters (2024)

It took 28 years but they finally made a sequel to Twister. New storm chasers, new research and a lot of the same old, same old. Instead of an estranged couple this time we meet estranged friends. Or are they? Erik Childress and Morgan Gire are joined by The Daily Herald film critic, Dann Gire, to put the relationship of Daisy Edgar-Jones’ Kate and Anthony Ramos’ Javi under the microscope. Does he carry a long unrequited torch for her or is their business partnership a rekindling of lost friendship? Would he ever have a chance with Glen Powell lurking about? All this plus other lost opportunities, disaster and rom-com tropes and more. 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

Episode 25: Broadcast News (1987)

Erik Childress and Morgan Gire dive into the inter-office dynamics of the trio within one of his favorite movies. James L. Brooks’ prescient look at the state of television media in the 1980s is matched by his rich characters played by Holly Hunter, William Hurt and Albert Brooks. 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

Episode 24: My Girl (1991)

Morgan Gire and Erik Childress believe that this tale of loss and emotional heartbreak is deserving of a rediscovery. In this episode they discuss how it smartly handles grief and the downfalls of shielding children from the harsher realities of life; a ball which movies tend to drop. Plus at its center is one of the sweetest pre-adolescent friendship tales beautifully portrayed by Anna Chlumsky and Macaulay Culkin. This is one that all families should experience together. Hold onto your tears long enough to listen to this in-depth discussion. 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