Reel Reviews #62: “I don’t drink, I don’t smoke, I don’t do drugs… I play video games.” A fascinating documentary about the pursuit for the world championship Donkey Kong score. A true David and Goliath tale that keeps sucking you in the whole time. Find out “what happens when a loser who needs to wins, faces a winner who refuses to lose.”
Download from the AOL servers: Reel Reviews - The King of Kong (15:19 min 14.2MB)
Reel Reviews #61: “Michael Jordan plays ball. Charles Manson kills people. I talk.” A great comedy that takes a hard look at political correctness with a good dose of social satire. Time to follow Nick Naylor, big tobacco’s chief lobbyist. “We don’t sell Tic Tacs, we sell cigarettes. And they’re cool, available, and *addictive*. The job is almost done for us.”
Download from the AOL servers: Reel Reviews - Thank You For Smoking (18:20 min 12.7MB)
Reel Reviews #60: “If Plato is a fine red wine, then Aristotle is a dry martini.” Time to enjoy the freshman effort from writer/director Noah Baumbach. A smart script with endlessly quotable lines and a great ensemble cast of young “indie” actors comes together for a film worth watching. “I like a bartender who drinks.”
Download from the AOL servers: Reel Reviews - Kicking and Screaming (17:30 min 16.2MB)
Reel Reviews #59: “Are you gonna bark all day little doggie, or are you going to bite?” Today we look at the 1992 film that really put Quentin Tarantino on the map. Let’s go hang out with some bad guys. “Why am I Mr. Pink?”
Download from the AOL servers: Reel Reviews - Reservoir Dogs (19:06 min 17.7MB)
Reel Reviews #58: “You’re tearing me apart.” An all time classic. James Dean turns in a great performance in the film which he is probably best remembered for. It’s time for tough kids, Fifties style. “What can you do when you have to be a man?”
Download from the AOL servers: Reel Reviews - Rebel Without A Cause (17:15 min 16MB)
Reel Reviews #57: “Super Hood, Super High, Super Dude…” One of the original “Blaxploitation” films, this one helped to set the standard. An iconic performance by Ron O’Neal as Youngblood Priest and an amazing soundtrack by Curtis Mayfield makes Superfly a film worth watching. “It’s not so much what we do, it is having a choice.”
Download from the AOL servers: Reel Reviews - Superfly (18:20 min 16.9MB)
Reel Reviews #56: Per the commentary: “Why close what you can slam?” This film is so bad, it is good - sort of. For film aficionados this is required viewing. I always talk about great film, here is the antithesis. We have all heard of it, so let’s take a look. Yes it is April 1, but this is not an April fools joke. Today we take a serious look at Showgirls. “Thanks, I bought it at Ver-sayce.”
Download from the AOL servers: Reel Reviews - Showgirls (17:05 min 15.8MB)
Reel Review #55: “It sounds like they are conspiring to conspire.” Traffic is Steven Soderbergh’s powerful film examining the complex issue of the war on drugs. Using bold cinematography (as seen above) and a stellar cast, Soderbergh delivers a thought provoking film. “In Mexico, law enforcement is an entrepreneurial activity.”
Download from the AOL servers: Reel Reviews - Traffic (17:05 min 15.8MB)
Reel Review #54: “So you’re one of those public transportation snobs.” Whit Stillman’s first film is a funny and entertaining look at a time, “not so long ago.” This is another terrific gem I have been waiting for on DVD. “When you’re an egoist, none of the harm you do is intentional.”
Download from the AOL servers: Reel Reviews - Metropolitan (17:18 min 12MB)
Reel Review #53: “If they move, kill ‘em!” Not only one of the best Western’s ever made - one of the best films ever made. Sam Peckinpah hits his high note in this amazing film. There is so much to say - just watch it. “Let’s go.”
Download from the AOL servers: Cinephile Series - The Wild Bunch (47:15 min 32.6MB)
Reel Review #52: “Greed is good.” Watch as Gordon Gekko teaches young Bud Fox about the realities of playing in the big leagues on Wall Street. “The main thing about money, Bud, is that it makes you do things you don’t want to do. ”
Cinephile Series Update: The Wild Bunch coming February 3rd!
Download from the AOL servers: Reel Reviews - Wall Street (16:54 min 11.8MB)
Reel Review #51: “We could not talk or talk forever, and still find things to not talk about” A fun film in the “mockumentary” style. Watch as gifted improvisational comedians take you behind the scenes at the Mayflower Kennel Club Dog Show. “If you get tired, pull over, if you get hungry, eat something.”
Cinephile Series Update: The Wild Bunch coming February 3rd!
Download from the AOL servers: Reel Reviews - Best In Show (18:45 min 12.9MB)
Reel Review #50: “I’m just like you, except I’m sitting down.” This is a great documentary from Think Film about quadriplegic rugby. An intense film about some intense athletes. “What? You ain’t going to hit a kid in a chair? I’ll hit you back.”
Download from the AOL servers: Reel Reviews - Murderball (14:47 min 13.6MB)
Reel Review #49: “My Lord, we are undone, prepare to die.” Kurosawa’s late classic is a film to behold. Amazing cinematography and a classic story based on King Lear. You owe it to yourself to watch this film. “Man is born crying. When he has cried enough, he dies.”
Download from the AOL servers: Reel Reviews - Ran (15:14 min 14.1MB)
Reel Review #48: “It’s Halloween, everyone’s entitled to one good scare.” Check out the seminal teenage horror film - Halloween. A classic in its own right, Halloween combines an enthusiastic cast, a director with a vision and a producer who can make it happen. “But you can’t kill the boogie man!”
Download from the AOL servers: Reel Reviews - Halloween (19:48 min 18.3MB)
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Reel Review #47: “When I need dough, I get mean.” A great French thriller from 1953, directed by Henri-Georges Clouzot. Follow along as a group of men take on the suicide mission of driving trucks loaded with nitroglycerin 300 miles over treacherous mountain roads. “When someone else is driving I’m scared.”
Download from the AOL servers: Reel Reviews - The Wages Of Fear (18:09 min 12.6MB)
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Remember to stop by the site and vote for the Halloween Reel Review!
Reel Review #46: “I never try anything. I just do it. Wanna try me?” This 1965 Russ Meyer film has become a cult and camp classic over time. Not your standard Meyer film, it would probably be rated PG-13 if released today. As the DVD cover says, “Superwomen! Filmed in glorious black and blue.”
Download from the AOL servers: Reel Reviews - Faster, Pussycat! Kill!… Kill! (16:17 min 11.3MB)
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Reel Review #45: “You’re at the Grosvener, your name is Roundtree, like Smarties, like Shaft.” This is a fun film with great performances, especially Ben Kingsley as Don Logan. Check it out. “No, no, no, no ,no ,no !”
Download from the AOL servers: Reel Reviews - Sexy Beast (15:31 min 10.8MB)
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Reel Review #44: “PUT THAT COFFEE DOWN. Coffee is for closers only.” Glengarry Glen Ross is the kind of film that burns itself in your memory. Terrific performances by a cast including Al Pacino, Kevin Spacey, Alec Baldwin and Jack Lemmon. “You never open your mouth until you know what the shot is.”
Download from the AOL servers: Reel Reviews - Glengarry Glen Ross (18:25 min 12.7MB)
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Reel Review #43: “He is not even a real crook.” Watch the seminal serial killer film, Fritz Lang’s 1931 M staring Peter Lorre in a role that would catapult him to international recognition. “I can’t help what I do! I can’t help it, I can’t… ”
Download from the AOL servers: Reel Reviews - M (18:14 min 12.6MB)
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Reel Review #42: “I always tell the truth. Even when I lie.” Today we spend some time with Tony Montana as we give the Cinephile Series treatment to Scarface. Capping off a discussion of the film and its history is an interview with actor, Pepe Serna who played Angel Fernandez whom you will remember from the chainsaw scenes. Remember this discussion assumes you have seen the film first. “Lesson number one. Don’t underestimate the other guys greed!”
Download from AOL servers: Reel Reviews - Scarface (50:45 min 34.9MB)
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Reel Review #41: “We are better than everybody… We have a deep cesspool of creativity here.” This 2003 documentary chronicles the rise and fall of a Hollywood Cinderella story. Watch as Troy Duffy turns the chance of a lifetime into a wasted opportunity. If this story wasn’t true, you’d never believe it. “You deserve it, but you won’t get it.”
Direct download: Reel Reviews - Overnight (16:55 min 11.7MB)
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Reel Review #40: “Put an end to it! There’s no more time for praying!” A true classic. Watch as John Ford artfully directs what is probably John Wayne’s best role. Wayne’s portrayal of Ethan Edwards, a flawed man on a quest to find his niece, is arresting. It is time to see the film that is widely credited as being the inspiration for Taxi Driver and Paris, Texas.
Direct download: Reel Reviews - The Searchers (17:40 min 12.2MB)
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Reel Review #39: "I have to return some videotapes." Based on Bret Easton Ellis’ 1991 novel, this 2000 film adaption continues the controversial nature of the original work. Patrick Bateman, a wealthy young investment banker is possesed by a nightly bloodlust which has spilled over into his days. Watch as it all spirals out of control. Starring an exciting young cast including Christian Bale, Justin Theroux, Jared Leto and Chloe Sevingy. "I think if you stay, something bad will happen. I think I might hurt you."
Direct download: Reel Reviews - American Psycho (17:05 min 11.7MB)
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Reel Review #38: “Shut up, listen and learn.” This small film, which broke out on video through word of mouth, takes a dark but fun look at life as a Hollywood assistant. Kevin Spacey and Frank Whaley turn in memorable roles for first time Director (and former assistant) George Huang. You’ll never confuse Sweet’N Low with Equal again. “Loud and nasty, that’s the only way it sticks.”
Direct download: Reel Reviews - Swimming With Sharks (17:01 min 11.7MB)
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Reel Review #37: “Vegas, baby! Vegas!” A fun film that broke through and established the careers of many of the young actors who were in it. Swingers is always a good time. Great performances by John Favreau, Vince Vaughn and Heather Graham. Pour yourself a cocktail and enjoy. “You’re so money and you don’t even know it!”
Direct download: Reel Reviews - Swingers (19:11 min 13.3MB)
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Reel Review #36: “This is a fictional life, based on a factual death.” Check out this reconstructional of the 1980 Samuel Fuller film, The Big Red One. Originally butchered by the studio, Richard Schickel attempts to restore the film to the director’s original vision. Lee Marvin, Mark Hamill and Robert Carradine - what more can you ask for? “We don’t murder, we kill.”
Direct download: Reel Reviews - The Big Red One (17:10min 11.9MB)
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Reel Review #35: “We had a couple of bimbos with… No. Actually they were, they were very nice girls. They reminded me a lot of you two. ” John Cassavetes can make a movie! Find out about one of Cassavetes best received “independent” films from the 60’s. This is the tragic story of a marriage falling apart. Do infidelity and alcohol fill the void of a loveless life? Find out in this powerful and engaging film - one certainly worth watching.
Direct download: Reel Reviews - Faces (18:29min 12.8MB)
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Reel Review #34: “I’m not much on rear window ethics.” It is time to take a look at a classic from 1954. Easily one of the greatest films ever committed to celluloid. Rear Window is film where everything goes right. Wonderfully directed by Alfred Hitchcock, great performances by James Stewart and Grace Kelly with a terrific story. “A murderer would never parade his crime in front of an open window. ”
Direct download: Reel Reviews - Rear Window (19:48min 13.7MB)
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Reel Review - Sideways Roundtable Discussion. As promised, I got together with the guys from Grape Radio for a great roundtable discussion of the film Sideways. We had a blast discussing the film and its impact on Merlot, Pinot Noir and the beautiful wine country of Santa Barbara, California.
Enter the Sideways DVD give away:
(Entry Period has ended.) Here’s your chance to get in on the action - Fox Searchlight Pictures provided us with 5 copies of the DVD to give away. To enter, click on the “Email entry for Sideways contest” in the right-hand column under Sideways DVD Contest. Note: Double your chance to win by also entering at Grape Radio. The contest expires April 14th, 2005. Thanks again to DVDtalk for all their help. While you are at it, you can help support the podcast by voting here thanks! Update: winners have been announced.
Direct download: Reel Reviews - Sideways (44:06min 20.3MB)
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Links to continue the Sideways experience: Read more…
Reel Review #33: “Quaffable, but uh… far from transcendent. ” Yes, Miles is a bit of a wine snob, but this movie is not one to turn you nose up at. Sideways is one of the best reviewed and most recognized films of 2004, and deserves every bit of attention it received. Great writing and fantastic performances are combined for a “transcendent” movie going experience. It is time to take a look at Sideways. Also, listen for details on our Sideways giveaway courtesy of Fox Searchlight Films.
Direct download: Reel Reviews - Sideways (18:41min 12.9MB)
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Reel Review #32: “I got this plan. It’s called “Save Ass”. And the way it works is this - I slip outta one of these windows and I run like a bastard!” This film can best be summed up as Rio Bravo meets a 1970’s exploitation flick. John Carpenter puts together a fun film worth checking out. “Why would anybody want to shoot at a police station?” Find out.
Direct download: Reel Reviews - Assault On Precinct 13 (17:52min 12.4MB)
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Reel Review #31: “I love you. Totally… tenderly… tragically.” Today we look at the 1963 Jean-Luc Godard film, Contempt. Staring an international cast: Brigitte Bardot, Michel Piccoli, Jack Palance and Fritz Lang. The film focuses both on a film within a film and the tragic loss of love between the two main characters. This is a film with intense visuals and ground breaking camera work that you will not soon forget. Check it out.
Direct download: Reel Reviews - Contempt (17:59min 12.4MB)
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Reel Review #30: “I do what I do best, I take scores. You do what you do best, try to stop guys like me.” Check out this Michael Mann written and directed film that puts Al Pacino and Robert De Niro on the screen together. A wild ride that blends action and drama. I go a little longer than usual, but can you blame me with so much great stuff to talk about. Check it out.
Direct download: Reel Reviews - Heat (21:14min 14.8MB)
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Reel Review #29: “Nobody loses all the time.” Well, actually sometimes they do. This Sam Peckinpah classic is a tough film, a difficult film and one that rewards the viewer. Almost universally panned upon its release, by all but a few critics that saw the greatness hidden behind it tough exterior, today it is recognized as a classic. This is Peckinpah’s most personal film and one in which Warren Oates gives a performance to be remembered. The best synopsis of this film I have seen is: “the story of two losers who challenge destiny”. Time to see Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia.
Direct download: Reel Reviews - Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia (16:22min 11.7MB)
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Reel Review #28: “Sometimes you do your best work when you got a gun to your head.” Catch John Travolta on his upswing from Pulp Fiction as he hits on all cylinders in this terrific comedy from 1995. Get Shorty has it all; drug smuggling, loan sharking, the Mob and Hollywood. Filled out with an all-star cast including Danny DeVito, Gene Hackman and Renee Russo this is a film that you can count on for a good time.
Direct download: Reel Reviews - Get Shorty (16:22min 11.7MB)
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Reel Review #27: Raging Bull is widely acknowledged as the best film from the Eighties. With expert guidance from Director Martin Scorsese and amazing performances turned in by Robert De Niro, Cathy Moriarty and Joe Pesci - Raging Bull is not one to be missed. A brand new Special Edition DVD release makes now a great time to dive into this spectacular film.
Direct download: Reel Reviews - Raging Bull (16:32min 11.8MB)
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Reel Review #26: “He’d kill us if he had the chance.” The Conversation turns on this statement. Where the intonation resides has everything to do with what it means. This is a great film from the seventies written and directed by Francis Ford Coppola. He made this film between productions on the two Godfather films. This is one that should not be missed. I’m not following you. I’m looking for you, there is a big difference.
Direct download: Reel Reviews - The Conversation (16:17min 11.3MB)
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Reel Review #25: “The Sex Pistols should have happened and did.” A fascinating documentary about one of the most notorious rock groups of all time. They lasted for little more than two years and released only one album but changed the face of music forever. Julien Temple takes us through the bands formation, rise to infamy and ultimate implosion on their American Tour. Ever get the feeling you’ve been cheated?
Direct download: Reel Reviews - The Filth And The Fury (17:45min 12.3MB)
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Reel Review #24: “The life of a Repo Man is always intense.” This cult classic came out in 1984. Brought to us by Alex Cox who would later hit another home run with Sid and Nancy. Punk Rock, Aliens and Repo Men - what more could you ask for? These are always the most difficult, what makes a cult classic great? That is a tough one, but here we are twenty years plus later and people are still talking about this small film that has had a large impact! “Let’s go do some crimes.” Better yet “let’s go get sushi and not pay.”
Direct download: Reel Reviews - Repo Man (17:03min 11.8MB)
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Reel Review #23: “Everyone gets everything he wants, I wanted a mission and for my sins they gave me one.” For the third edition of the Cinephile Series we examine Apocalypse Now. (Please remember, unlike the standard Reel Reviews, the Cinephile Series works on the assumption you have seen the film. Spoilers abound.) Easily one of the greatest films ever made, Apocalypse Now has rightfully maintained its popularity with new movie going audiences over the years. Simply put - a must see film. . (For the observant, you’ll notice I mispronounce Joseph Conrad’s novella as Hearts of Darkness. Sorry about that.) Take a trip up the river with us and journey back into the insanity. The horror, the horror…
Direct download: Apocalypse Now (35:39min 17.1MB)
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Reel Review #22: “I never killed anyone that didn’t deserve it.” This 2000 Australian film put Eric Bana on the map. Australia has been putting out some great films recently and Chopper is one that is at the top of the list. It is the story of Australia’s most famous criminal as well as one of its best selling authors: Mark Brandon “Chopper” Read. Eric Bana is electrifying on the screen as Chopper. As Chopper always said, “never let the truth get in the way of a good yarn.” Check it out.
Direct download of the podcast: Reel Reviews - Chopper (14:03min 9.8MB)
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Reel Review #21: “I knew these people… These two people. They were in love with each other. The girl was… very young, about seventeen or eighteen, I guess. And the guy was… quite a bit older. He was kind of raggedy and wild. And she was very beautiful, you know?” A great Wim Wenders film and the Palme d’Or winner at Cannes in 1984. I go a bit longer on this one only because of my pure enthusiasm for this great film. Check it out.
Direct download of the podcast: Reel Reviews - Paris, Texas (19:44min 13.6MB)
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Reel Review #20: “Wow, 20 Reel Reviews! Here is a film I had not planned on doing, but after watching it I had to share it with you. I am not a surfer but Stacy Peralta, the director, does a fantastic job of making the world of big wave surfers accessible. Yes, they are crazy, but this entertaining and informative documentary allows you to come to appreciate the men and women who are pushing the envelope among these mountainous waves.
Direct download of the podcast: Reel Reviews - Riding Giants (16:30min 11.4MB)
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Reel Review #19: Sic transit gloria - glory fades. I figured we’d start off with a little Latin in honor of the first Reel Review for 2005 - Rushmore. This is another personal favorite that I often recommend. Rushmore is a film that you can always count on for a good time. It is Wes Anderson’s sophomore effort after gaining critical success for his first film Bottle Rocket. Best of all, you get to enjoy a homerun performance by Bill Murray. Check out Rushmore - a film worth watching.
Direct download of the podcast: Reel Reviews - Rushmore (14:07min 9.8MB)
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Reel Review #18: “Remember no man is a failure who has friends.” What is the holiday season without this classic film. You’ve seen it on TV a thousand times - in this podcast we look at the film and the facinating story surrounding it. Happy holidays from Reel Reviews.
Direct download of the podcast: Reel Reviews - It’s A Wonderful Life (15:42min 7.3MB)
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