This semi-autobiographical film written and directed by Kenneth Branagh is a touching story of a Belfast family and community set against a backdrop of “the troubles”. It features great performances by kids, grown-ups, and bastions like Judi Dench. Even in the dark times, there is humor and heart all backed by the fantastic Belfast native, Van Morrison.
Watch Michael Douglas get manipulated, be his classic grouchy self, and get just as confused as you are while watching this movie. Where the soundtrack doesn’t deliver, the visuals sure do. Douglas is joined by Sean Penn and directed by David Fincher, a master of thrillers. A.Ron describes this movie as a “20th century version of ‘A Christmas Carol’”. And Jim describes this movie as…well, I think you better hear it in his own words. Check out The Game!
I’m not crying, you’re crying. In a whirling kaleidoscope of colors and emotion, Pixar’s Up is just as fun and emotionally packed in a current watch as it was when it came out over 10 years ago. Featuring a curmudgeon and a lively kid, this movie will take you on an adventure that gives hope amongst the grief. Grab a handkerchief and listen in to Jim and A.Ron fight back a few tears to chat about this movie.
This harrowing drama was written and directed by Stephen Gaghan and features a star-studded cast with George Clooney, Matt Damon, and Jeffrey Wright. The threats are real, and America seems to be a lot of them as people put their thumbs on the scales of economy and justice. Let’s ponder the questions, “What level of corruption will create a facade of a functioning society? Is shadowy corruption better than a feudal state putting people to the sword? Are you depressed yet?”
Thank you to Robert for commissioning this episode!
Based on the book of the same title written by Stephen King, comes a movie adapted and directed by Frank Darabont of Walking Dead fame. Tom Hanks and Michael Clark Duncan star in this gut-wrenching film about prisoners on death row in 1930s Louisiana. Though it’s a powerful movie, it is not without its flaws and harmful stereotypes. (And pro tip, watch this movie on HBO Max.)
Start your road trip in the great plains state of Nebraska and join Bruce Dern, Will Forte, and Bob Odenkirk as they navigate tough family ties. Directed by Alexander Payne comes some of his signature directorial details, humor drier than the plains in the summer heat and characters that are almost larger than life. In this epically-slow burn, you’ll find yourself or your family in this story.
Written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson comes a movie starring Joaquin Phoenix, a troubled ex-soldier, and Phillip Seymour Hoffman, a cult leader. Anderson denies that that the cult in question is Scientology, but you watch the movie and try to tell us it isn’t. Amy Adams and Laura Dern also star in Anderson’s favorite movie out of his own catalog. And we wonder, did Tom Cruise ever have to go through this auditing process?
Want some philosophy with your dark comedy? From the director of Silver Linings Playbook and a cast with more stars than the Orion constellation comes a mind-bending black comedy. It’s a funny take on the meaning of life that sums up A.Ron’s life philosophy. Pick up your metaphysical magnifying glasses and join the existential detectives in answering the question, “How are we all connected?”
It’s not just a philosophy teacher’s fever dream. Brazil, directed and co-written by Monty Python alum Terry Gilliam, has a lot to say about technology, bureaucracy, and loss of individual freedom between scenes of intestinal air ducts and suits full of sewage. There’s stuff we did and didn’t like, but I think we can all appreciate seeing Jonathan Pryce in one of his few leading roles. Grab your annotated copy of 1984 and settle in for this light sci-fi, absurdist criticism of society.
A.Ron’s is feeling warm and fuzzy and Jim is feeling pretty much nothing. When you can describe a movie as “erotica for the Twilight crowd”, that is going to attract a very particular audience, and that is A.Ron apparently. As if he weren’t magical enough, Idris Elba stars as a djinn granting Tilda Swinton’s wishes. Jim and A.Ron will be back for more first run coverage for Don’t Worry Darling and Amsterdam!