Mulholland Drive (2001) 20th Anniversary re-release

Oh boy… What can I say about this week’s big anniversary that won’t piss off the general public who apparently respects and admires the works of David Lynch? Well, I can say that we’re re-releasing our podcast on Mulholland Drive for its 20th anniversary. I can also say that the opinions expressed in the podcast are now 5 years old and I’ve seen exactly 1 David Lynch movie that I’ve enjoyed in that time. 

But hey, A.Ron’s here too, and he loved it. From the weird dumpster monsters to the strange musical interludes, he’s down to clown on any wavelength Lynch chooses to broadcast. At least half the podcast will be from that perspective.

So enjoy this now-20-year-old movie and what we had to say about it 5 years ago.

Training Day (2001)

It’s the 20th anniversary of Training Day and while we had no fewer than 3 big anniversaries this week, we managed to get to them all in due time. This is the only role that Denzel Washington has won an academy award in a leading role for, which seems crazy, I know! But it’s pretty well-deserved as he and Ethan Hawke carry this movie. Without either of these performances, the movie wouldn’t work. Join us for the podcast to hear our thoughts on this early 2000s dirty cop drama.

The Many Saints of Newark (2021)

The Many Saints of Newark exists as several movies in one, trying to be something more than just a Sopranos prequel, and ultimately doesn’t excel at anything except casting. If you’re a die-hard fan of The Sopranos, you’ll definitely want to check it out, as it sheds new light on the events and relationships of the series. If you’re a fan of gangster movies, you might want to check it out after you’ve watched all of the many other, much better gangster movies. If you’re neither, why are you even here?

That Thing You Do (1996)

It’s the 25th anniversary of That Thing You Do! It’s a whirlwind movie about the rise and fall of a fake 1950s pop band that popped right out of the Beatles mold. A bunch of young 90s names including Liv Tyler, Steve Zahn, Tom Everett Scott, and Charlize Theron are all wrangled by a very serious, but likeable Tom Hanks. We both love this movie and it’s a ton of fun so check out the podcast.

The Departed (2006)

The Departed is one of the Scorsese movies that A.Ron and I most overlooked on first viewing. I had some inkling that it was good, but I couldn’t say why. After watching it 15 years later, we both got it. There’s a complex game of cat and mouse hidden under all those Boston accents and, despite clocking in at over 2.5 hours, it maintains the tension throughout. Join us on the podcast for a discussion of The Departed.

2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

If you’ve seen it, you probably understand why we categorize 2001: A Space Odyssey as a prestige film. Yes, it takes place almost entirely in space. Yes, it has spaceships and aliens and wormholes. But it’s just so dang good that it deserves better than to be lumped in with the likes of pulpier sci-fi, like, say, an Armageddon. Thanks to Dr. John for commissioning this podcast on one of Stanley Kubrick’s most celebrated films. We hope you enjoy.

Drive (2011)

It’s been 10 years since Drive hit theaters and boosted the vaporwave aesthetic into the mainstream with its art and soundtrack. There are several scenes and a definite “feel” to this movie that are unforgettable. You know the ones I’m talking about, but does it hold up in 2021 and is there enough substance to Drive to make it more than just style? Find out with us in this 10th anniversary podcast.

Brokeback Mountain (2005)

Brokeback Mountain is a movie that received a lot of attention, both from critics and the media, when it came out in 2005. That was likely just due just as much to it being a movie about two men in love that treated it like any other star-crossed relationship as it was the incredible performances of everyone involved, but specifically the lead actors. Join us for a discussion of this Oscar-winning film.

Pig (2021)

If you’re going into this movie expecting a John Wick clone starring Nicolas Cage, you’re going to be surprised. Truly, I don’t know if there is a way to properly calibrate your expectations for Pig. It’s best to go in not knowing too much. Join us for the podcast to find out what we thought about it.