Best of 2024

Once again, we're discussing our favorite movies of the past year, in this case 2024. Despite it being a terrible year for us personally, the films were still great, so listen as we run through our top ten lists, which include disquieting depictions of religious and political conflict, disturbing bad behavior from rich people, and slapstick comedy involving fiendish but cute animals. Warning: Contains explicit language, some spoilers, and some futile Oscar hopes.

Our theme song is "Nostalgia TV" by Edward Jonathan Blakeley through Lynne Publishing.

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Any 2024 movies you think we should have included in our lists? Leave a comment and keep the conversation going.

The Spy Who Loved Me

 

It's time for our latest mission with 007 as Bob Chipman joins us again for a globe-trotting mission with The Spy Who Loved Me. Listen as we discuss how the franchise tries to create a more proactive Bond girl in the form of female lead Anya Amasova, make note of Bond's best quips and gadgets for this entry, and question Bond's status as a 'secret' agent. Warning: Contains explicit language, furniture, and strangely anatomical villain furniture.

Our theme song is "Nostalgia TV" by Edward Jonathan Blakeley through Lynne Publishing.

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What Q gadget do you prefer while out in the field? Do you think James Bond could ever convincingly go undercover? Have any idea where we could score a submersible Lotus Esprit? Leave a comment and keep the conversation going.

The Quick and the Dead

 

The street is ours as Peter joins us once again to draw our guns on one of the wildest and most entertaining Westerns ever made, The Quick and the Dead from 1995. Listen as we chronicle the decline of the Western as a film genre in the late 1990s, marvel at director Sam Raimi's visual ingenuity in creating the movie's unique look, and praise producer and star Sharon Stone's foresight in casting then lesser-known actors such as Russell Crowe and Leonardo DiCaprio. Warning: Contains explicit language, spoilers, and phallic firearm discussions.

Our theme song is "Nostalgia TV" by Edward Jonathan Blakeley through Lynne Publishing.

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Think you're quick enough? Do you think Westerns will make a return at the box office? Is 1995-era Russell Crowe dreamy or what? Leave a comment and keep the conversation going.

The Best of 2023

It's our annual wrap-up of the best movies of the previous year as we dive into our favorite films of 2023. Listen as we rationalize why acclaimed "perfect" films didn't make it on our lists and praise the courage of actors willing to let it rip onscreen. Our movie choices feature debauched adventures of the perverted rich, triumphant big-screen adventures of our childhood heroes (whether plastic, geriatric, or atomic), and return appearances by auteurs such as Emerald Fennell, Ari Aster, and Brandon Cronenberg. Warning: Contains explicit language, mild spoilers, and multiple appearances by Larry Fessenden (yay!!).

Our theme song is "Nostalgia TV" by Edward Jonathan Blakeley through Lynne Publishing.

CinemaSpection is now part of the Fireside Alliance. Check out the many awesome shows available through the network here. 

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Any 2023 movies you think we should have included in our lists? Want to discuss cinematic depictions of class conflict? Is Sandra Hüller having a great year or what? Leave a comment and keep the conversation going.

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

We're spending this Christmas with the Griswolds and enduring squirrels, explosive sewer gas, and other yuletide dangers with a discussion of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation from 1989. Listen as we examine the film's depiction of holiday nostalgia and obsession, praise the underappreciated comic genius of Beverly D'Angelo, and debate the proper amount of Cousin Eddie a film should contain. Warning: Contains explicit language, spoilers, and a disturbing reimagining of King Kong.

Our theme song is "Nostalgia TV" by Edward Jonathan Blakeley through Lynne Publishing.

CinemaSpection is now part of the Fireside Alliance. Check out the many awesome shows available through the network here. 

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Do you go overboard with your holiday decorations? Want to get sentimental about the old Warner Brothers backlot? How would you react to a squirrel or bat in your home? Leave a comment and keep the conversation going.

The Man With The Golden Gun

Bob Chipman joins us again for our latest 'woke brawl' with 007 and this time we're setting our sights on The Man With the Golden Gun from 1974. Listen as we praise the suave menace of Christopher Lee, pine for the lost Alice Cooper theme song we might have had, and encounter that most rare of circumstances: a James Bond film Agatha enjoyed!! Warning: Contains explicit language, spoilers, and intrusive slide whistles.

Our theme song is "Nostalgia TV" by Edward Jonathan Blakeley through Lynne Publishing.

CinemaSpection is now part of the Fireside Alliance. Check out the many awesome shows available through the network here. 

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Interested in getting more from this episode? Check out supplemental material for this episode here.

Slide whistles on car stunts; yay or nay? Is a golden gun a practical weapon for close-range duelling? How many lead Bond girls is too many for one of these movies? Leave a comment and keep the conversation going.

The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari

To truly appreciate this episode, you must become Caligari! We're going back to the origins of horror as we delve into the madness of Robert Wiene's 1920 thriller Das Cabinet des Dr. Caligari AKA The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari! Listen as we discuss the disputed origins of the film's story and style, Agatha attempts to explain the nuances of the Expressionism movement that provided the film's unorthodox visual style, and Tim accuses the main character of murder. Warning: Contains explicit language, spoilers, and a lot of handy strait-jackets.

Our theme song is "Nostalgia TV" by Edward Jonathan Blakeley through Lynne Publishing.

CinemaSpection is now part of the Fireside Alliance. Check out the many awesome shows available through the network here. 

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Interested in getting more from this episode? Check out supplemental material for this episode here.

Have trouble sleeping... or waking up? What level of reality do you interpret the film as inhabiting? Want to debate whether a piece of art qualifies as expressionist? Leave a comment and keep the conversation going.

Blue Thunder

We're back and we're bringing the Thunder as we welcome Gabe Ciociola to the show on an orientation flight and we use our sophisticated surveillance technology to record a conversation on the 1983 technothriller Blue Thunder. Listen as we discuss the film's themes of police militarization and misuse of technology, gush over the movie's amazing aerial stunts and action scenes, and chart how the original spec screenplay was dramatically changed for the finished film. Warning: Contains explicit language, spoilers, and a Christmas present controversy.

Our theme song is "Nostalgia TV" by Edward Jonathan Blakeley through Lynne Publishing.

CinemaSpection is now part of the Fireside Alliance. Check out the many awesome shows available through the network here. 

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Interested in getting more from this episode? Check out supplemental material for this episode here.

Do you think Whisper Mode could really let a helicopter sneak up on people? Did this movie instill an obsession with helicopters in you? Is Malcolm McDowell a dedicated actor or what? Leave a comment and keep the conversation going.

Outtake: The Adventures of Charters & Caldicott

As part of his research for our recent episode on Alfred Hitchcock's The Lady Vanishes, guest Noel Thingvall did a deep dive into the cinematic career of actors Naunton Wayne and Basil Radford, who steal the movie as the very British comic relief characters Charters and Caldicott. While this particular tangent went a bit too long to be included in the episode, we've decided to present it complete here. Listen as Noel discusses their onscreen partnership through the 30s and 40s where they reprised their roles, and played variations on them, in a series of films. It may not be cricket, but it's a fascinating journey.

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The Lady Vanishes

All aboard as Noel Thingvall returns to the show for a train ride into international intrigue courtesy of the master of suspense, Alfred Hitchcock, and his comedic thriller The Lady Vanishes. Listen as we discuss the movie's wild tonal switches, the film's portrait of pre-World War II British politics, and the charm of scene-stealing supporting characters Charters and Caldicott. Warning: Contains explicit language, spoilers, and longing for Karloff / Lugosi road comedies.

Our theme song is "Nostalgia TV" by Edward Jonathan Blakeley through Lynne Publishing.

CinemaSpection is now part of the Fireside Alliance. Check out the many awesome shows available through the network here. 

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How long can you remember a tune when bullets are flying? Do you have a preferred brand of tea you drink while dodging spies?  Leave a comment and keep the conversation going.

Boston Science Fiction Marathon SF48

We're back for the 48th annual Boston Science Fiction Festival to cover the 'Thon, the 24-hour sci-fi marathon! For the first time in five years we're in person at the Somerville Theater in Massachusetts to record our in-the-moment observations (and exhaustion) on the thirteen films shown for the marathon, which include two Arnold Schwarzenegger action epics, first outings for two classic monsters, encounters with time-traveling doppelgangers, and friendly and unfriendly androids. Please note that due to the nature of this event and the circumstances of its recording, the audio quality is not up to our usual standards. We hope this doesn't detract too much from your enjoyment of this episode. Warning: Contains explicit language, mild spoilers, and an unexpected piano recital. 

Our theme song is "Nostalgia TV" by Edward Jonathan Blakeley through Lynne Publishing.

CinemaSpection is now part of the Fireside Alliance. Check out the many awesome shows available through the network here. 

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Interested in getting more from this episode? Check out supplemental material for this episode here.

What would you say to a future version of yourself if you ever met? What's your record for stauing awake for a movie marathon? Know any low-cost, high-quality small microphones you want to recommend? Leave a comment and keep the conversation going.

The Best of 2022

 

We're back to run down our list of the best movies released during 2022. Listen in as we discuss how the accessibility of movies led us toward some off-beat films, the surge of great horror movies this year, and the value of rewatchability. Our favorite flicks include desperate quests for fame, risk-taking animated films, harrowing looks at the culinary world, and forays into strange performance art. Warning: Contains explicit language, mild spoilers, and praise for the great James Hong.

Our theme song is "Nostalgia TV" by Edward Jonathan Blakeley through Lynne Publishing.

CinemaSpection is now part of the Fireside Alliance. Check out the many awesome shows available through the network here. 

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Interested in getting more from this episode? Check out supplemental material for this episode here.

Any films you think we should have included in our lists? Would you want to work in a kitchen after seeing some of this year's movies? What criteria do you use to determine your favorite movies? Leave a comment and keep the conversation going.

The Apartment

For our final episode for 2022, we've invited Kay Lynch back for a game of gin rummy and a discussion on Billy Wilder's groundbreaking 1960 comedy/drama The Apartment. Listen as we examine the movie's amazing mix of humor and pathos, praise Jack Lemmon's amazing comedic abilities, and criticize corporate culture language-wise, morality-wise, and everything-wise. Warning: Contains discussion of suicidal ideation, explicit language, spoilers, and Tim's clunkiest joke yet.

Our theme song is "Nostalgia TV" by Edward Jonathan Blakeley through Lynne Publishing.

CinemaSpection is now part of the Fireside Alliance. Check out the many awesome shows available through the network here. 

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Do you know where we can find a cozy New York apartment for 85 dollars a month? Want to gush over how adorable Shirley MacLaine is in this? Which sleazy version of Fred MacMurray do you prefer? Leave a comment and keep the conversation going.

Black Christmas

Before everyone goes on holiday break, we're inviting film critic Jessica Scott onto the show to help us answer some disturbing phone calls and celebrate the yuletide season with Bob Clark's superior slasher film Black Christmas from 1974. Listen as we discuss the effectiveness of the film's restraint and ambiguity, explore the story's themes of patriarchy and found families, and explain why Barb may be the best slasher movie character of all time. Warning: Contains explicit language, spoilers, and symbolic sweaters and fur coats.

Our theme song is "Nostalgia TV" by Edward Jonathan Blakeley through Lynne Publishing.

CinemaSpection is now part of the Fireside Alliance. Check out the many awesome shows available through the network here. 

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Do you have any ideas on Billy's true identity? What's your take on the film's various remakes? What we really need to know is... what have you done with the baby? Leave a comment and keep the conversation going.

Live and Let Die

Bob 'Moviebob' Chipman joins us for another outing with James Bond, but this time we all get Moore than we bargained for... Roger Moore, as we take on one of the most offensive films of the 007 series with the blaxploitation-influenced thriller Live and Let Die. Listen as we grapple with the movie's incredibly racist plot and characters, take aim at Moore's portrayal of the venerable super-spy, and ponder why the filmmakers decided an obnoxious redneck sheriff should serve as the film's comic relief. Warning: Contains explicit language, spoilers, and lots of poorly-served character actors.

Our theme song is "Nostalgia TV" by Edward Jonathan Blakeley through Lynne Publishing.

CinemaSpection is now part of the Fireside Alliance. Check out the many awesome shows available through the network here. 

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Interested in getting more from this episode? Check out supplemental material for this episode here.

Do you have a more clever way to corner the U.S. heroin market? Can you explain why the chief villain chooses to wear that terrible disguise? Have advice on how to get away from an island of crocodiles? Leave a comment and keep the conversation going.

Night of the Living Dead (Commentary)

We continue to celebrate horror for October by talking about one of Tim's favorite films and one of the most influential horror movies ever made. We're sitting sit down for a commentary track for the original Night of the Living Dead. Listen as we praise director George Romero's low-budget innovations, explore the various social and racial messages of the film, and comment on its stylistic tweaking of horror conventions. Listen for our countdown on when to start your copy of the movie so it syncs with the commentary. Warning: Contains explicit language, spoilers, and it's dead... it's all messed up.

Our theme song is "Nostalgia TV" by Edward Jonathan Blakeley through Lynne Publishing.

CinemaSpection is now part of the Fireside Alliance. Check out the many awesome shows available through the network here. 

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Interested in getting more from this episode? Check out supplemental material for this episode here.

Do you have a zombie apocalypse plan? Are you currently on your way to a local rescue station? Are you Team Ben or Team Harry? Leave a comment and keep the conversation going.

Phantom of the Paradise (Commentary)

  

We're celebrating Halloween season with a commentary track for one of Agatha's favorite movies, Brian De Palma's 1974 cult horror musical Phantom of the Paradise! Listen as we praise the amazing songwriting of Paul Williams, identify De Palma's various references to classic films, and marvel at Jessica Harper's dancing. Listen for our countdown to start your copy of the movie. Warning: Contains explicit language, spoilers, and awkward traveling mattes.

Our theme song is "Nostalgia TV" by Edward Jonathan Blakeley through Lynne Publishing.

CinemaSpection is now part of the Fireside Alliance. Check out the many awesome shows available through the network here. 

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Interested in getting more from this episode? Check out supplemental material for this episode here.

Do you want to be Phantom friends with Agatha? Can you tell the difference between drug-real and real-real? Want to play some of your cantata for us? Leave a comment and keep the conversation going.

Strangers on a Train

Keep your tickets handy for the conductor as we have a chance encounter with the quintessential Alfred Hitchcock thriller, Strangers on a Train. Listen as we discuss Hitch's foray into film noir, praise Robert Walker's performance as the film's delusional villain, and explore the story's homoerotic subtext. Warning: Contains explicit language, spoilers, and carousel casualties.

Our theme song is "Nostalgia TV" by Edward Jonathan Blakeley through Lynne Publishing.

CinemaSpection is now part of the Fireside Alliance. Check out the many awesome shows available through the network here. 

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Interested in getting more from this episode? Check out supplemental material for this episode here.

Have any uncomfortable encounters while riding the rails? Do you think Bruno and Guy's meeting was chance or is Bruno a stalker? Want to discuss marry-go-round evacuation procedures? Leave a comment and keep the conversation going.

Death Proof (Commentary)

We have miles to go before we sleep so we’re hitting the gas on another commentary track as we talk through one of Agatha’s favorite films: the extended cut of Quentin Tarantino’s exploitation tribute Death Proof. We’ll discuss how the film’s subject matter reflects some of Tarantino’s less savory personality traits and personal history, note how the film was expanded from the version presented in Grindhouse, and point out some of Tarantino’s cinematic allusions. Listen for our countdown to start your copy of the movie. Warning: Contains explicit language, spoilers, and lots of pretty cars.

Our theme song is "Nostalgia TV" by Edward Jonathan Blakeley through Lynne Publishing.

CinemaSpection is now part of the Fireside Alliance. Check out the many awesome shows available through the network here. 

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Interested in getting more from this episode? Check out supplemental material for this episode here.

Want to discuss cinema's greatest car stunts? Know where we can score a 1970 white Dodge Challenger? Is it nice to be nice, Kim? Leave a comment and keep the conversation going.

Metropolis

From the highest skyscrapers to the deepest catacombs, we're going high and low to examine Fritz Lang's highly influential silent science fiction epic Metropolis from 1927. Kyle Brunet joins us again as we discuss the film's metaphorical depiction of class warfare, compare the screenplay to the excesses of author Thea von Harbou's novel, and analyze the differences in the various versions of the movie. Warning: Contains explicit language, spoilers, and the beginnings of our pessimistic new show, Doomcast!!

Our theme song is "Nostalgia TV" by Edward Jonathan Blakeley through Lynne Publishing.

CinemaSpection is now part of the Fireside Alliance. Check out the many awesome shows available through the network here. 

Subscribe to our podcast here.

Listen to us on Stitcher here.

Interested in getting more from this episode? Check out supplemental material for this episode here.

Want to complain about your working conditions at your subterranean office? Do you prefer silent movies with or without music? Have any bionic appendages to boast of? Leave a comment and keep the conversation going.