American Gangster (2007) Rerelease

It’s time to revisit a great film. We’re rereleasing American Gangster for all the new listeners who have joined us since we released this episode a whole five years ago. Enjoy!

Special thanks to our commissioner Josh “Anubus21” from Saxapahaw, NC.  This time he has something special to celebrate, his marriage to sweetheart Jessica.  Congratulations, you guys!  Josh selected American Gangster, the 2007 Ridley Scott crime drama starring Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe.  Jim and I have never seen it, but it immediately fit right besides other greats like Godfather, Goodfellas, Casino, and Scarface in the pantheon of films about the criminal underworld.  It’s a great looking, well written, and extraordinarily acted film, that touches on a lot of Bald Move hot buttons of racism, crime, drugs, and $50k mink coats.  Thanks again, Josh and Jessica!  Hope it was a great honeymoon five years ago!

Bald Move Prestige - Syriana (2005)

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!

Bald Move Pulp - The Princess Bride (1987) 35th Anniversary Rerelease

We’re rereleasing our episode on The Princess Bride (1987) in honor of the movie’s 35th anniversary!

This was a long time coming.  Jim has avoided seeing this movie for going on 30 years.  Today, he has no where to run, no where to hide.  He’s locked in a steel cage match with “The Princess Bride”, directed by Rob Reiner and based on the novel of the same name by William Goldman.  Confronted by the beautiful faces of Cary Elwes and Robin Wright, the absurdist comedy of Miracle Max, how will he react to this crazy mashup of farce, swashbuckling, and heart?

The Wizard (1989)

This movie checks off the 80s cinema boxes; it has video games and a broken home. The cast is a blast from the past in this feature length advertisement for Nintendo. Take a stroll down nostalgia road with Jim and A.Ron as they discuss a truly powerful message about the power of video games. If you enjoyed The Wizard, there is a 2.5 hour-long cut you can check out!

Thank you to Josh H. for commissioning this episode!

Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

Take a walk on the adventurous side as we revisit a staple of classic pulp movies. The dialogue crackles, the visuals stun, and Harrison Ford creates an icon of 20th century cinema. We have the behind-the-scenes of stunts and the story of Lucas and Spielberg’s fateful Hawaii trip. From the rolling boulder to the Ark wiping out the Third Reich, it’s a rip roaring time of good writing, great acting, and a score that soars.

Thank you to Bill Dodd for commissioning this episode!

The Age of Innocence (1993)

Let’s take a dive into Scorsese’s catalog to a movie with those signature crane shots and quick cuts, but with an extremely low body count. The exploration of love and longing within a rigid world is portrayed by epic performances from Daniel Day Lewis, Michelle Pfieffer, and Winona Ryder and camerawork that speaks as much as the characters. In this odd child of Scorsese’s body of work, you’re sure to find swoon-worthy dialogue, Oscar winning costumes, and a love story with more than what meets the eye.
Thank you to The Epic Mouthful for commissioning this podcast!

Bald Move Prestige - Succession

You’re familiar with the saga of Succession, what about the saga of making this episode about Succession? Life would be easier if we all loved this, but the world isn’t perfect. We checked out the pilot and season two finale. Why doesn’t this show work for us when things like Always Sunny do? I guess that’s the difference between buffoons and rich buffoons. There are great performances, design, and camera work, so on paper it’s well made, but still not for us.

The Great Escape (1963)

Loosely based on the real event of an Allied escape from a Nazi POW camp, The Great Escape boasts an ensemble cast with big names starting out their careers. Check out James Garner before Rockford Files, Charles Bronson before Death Wish, and Richard Attenborough three decades before Jurassic Park. The ‘Cooler King’ is also the King of Cool, Steve McQueen is the OG Tom Cruise having done his own stunt work in the iconic motorcycle chase. So come check out what’s probably one of your dad’s favorite movies!