Whiplash (2014)

Chasing greatness requires sacrifice, but does it require torturous conditions? Damien Chazelle wrote and directed a film that’s so hard to watch sometimes, but you can’t look away. J.K. Simmons plays the demented instructor of protege drummer Andrew, played by Miles Teller. What is the movie trying to say? Is it a maddening endorsement of maniacal leadership? Or is it a warning?

The Prestige (2006)

Batman, Wolverine, and Black Widow star in Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of The Prestige. It has the hallmarks of a Nolan classic; a mind-bending plot, science fiction, and Michael Caine. Packed with detail, nuance, and hints, it’ll have you guessing until the very end. Join Jim and A.Ron as they comb over the details and hints in this brain-teaser of a film.

My Cousin Vinny (1992)

From director Jonathan Lynn comes the rare courtroom comedy. My Cousin Vinny stars Joe Pesci, Marisa Tomei, Fred Gwynne, and…Ralph Macchio? The cast chemistry is exquisite, the writing is hilarious, and Marisa Tomei won an Oscar for her performance. The question isn’t “Will the Karate Kid be put to death?”, the question is “How will Joe Pesci get him out of this?”

Alien (1979)

Jim and A.Ron are covering one of Ridley Scott’s best films, and that’s saying something! Alien (1979) has great set design, special effects, and direction. Whether you are watching it for the first or fifteenth time, there are so many clever details in this movie that you’re sure to be entertained. What do sheep guts, snake parts, and a human skull have in common? Listen in to find out!