Citizen Kane (1941)

You’ve probably heard people say “Rosebud”, but have no idea what they’re talking about. Jim and A.Ron are here to enlighten you. Orson Welles, as a 24 year old, co-wrote, directed, and starred in this bastion of American cinema. It’s an impressive jump for Welles to go from terrifying the nation with his fictional alien broadcasts to creating one of the best movies ever made.

Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948)

This Hollywood classic is celebrating its 75th anniversary. Humphrey Bogart, the “Harrison Ford type” of his day, stars alongside Walter Huston and Tim Holt as poor prospectors in an increasingly desperate situation. Even if you haven’t seen Treasure of the Sierra Madre yet, you’ve seen it referenced in pop culture across the decades. Check out this bastion of The Golden Age with Jim and A.Ron as they give you a behind the scenes look at some of the shady dealings in the making of this film.

The Perfect Storm (2000)

When help is needed, George Clooney and Marky Mark will answer the call. Watch them battle a storm that threatens to swallow them whole. ILM put together these effects over two decades ago and they still look great. This predecessor to Deadliest Catch isn’t the perfect movie, but it’ll keep you strapped to your seat. Come sail away with us as we discuss The Perfect Storm.
Come back for our episode on Backdraft!

The Green Mile (1999)

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.)

Philadelphia (1994)

The year is 1994 and Tom Hanks is trying to redefine his funny-man image and there’s nothing less funny than AIDS. Join us for the first mainstream Hollywood film about the AIDS epidemic starring Tom Hanks as a gay man who believes he was wrongfully terminated for his disease and Denzel Washington, the homophobic lawyer who decides to defend him.

The Truman Show (1998)

The Truman Show is an amazing movie that was successful despite its marketing and its star, Jim Carrey, being an unknown dramatic quantity. And as good as it was in 1998, it might be even better today. Join us for a tale of a man who lives in a world of deceit, surveillance, embedded ads and science-fiction-sized wave machines.

Rocky (1976)

If all you know of Rocky is Mr. T and Ivan Drago, you might be shocked to find out this won an Oscar for Best Picture and Best Director and earned Sly Stallone a writing Nomination. That’s right kids, once upon a time, Rocky was actually good!

The Color of Money (1986)

Last year we checked out the 1961 classic Paul Newman film, “The Hustler”. This week we’re looking at the sequel, 1986’s the Color of Money. What has Fast Eddie Felson been up to for the last 25 years? This movie has all the answers. Directed by Martin Scorsese and featuring some early work by Tom Cruise, this is the film that finally won Newman an academy award for Best Actor.

Witness (1985)

Today we’ve got Witness, the 1985 Harrison Ford-led visual guide to becoming Amish. In truth, it’s a romance film clad in suspenders, a milking hat, and the trappings of a noir thriller. The podcast was a lot of fun to record and hopefully just as much fun to listen to, especially if you want to hear about A.Ron’s father’s irrational dread of grain entrapment.