BONUS: Name That Random Movie (Game Show) Two Geeks And A GIT Classic Movie Reviews podcast

1:09:15

For this pairing we return to the genius that is Christopher Guest and two of his films we've yet to do on this podcast... until now! Directed by Guest and written with Eugene Levy, 1996's "Waiting for Guffman" is a somewhat twisted love-letter to the trials and tribulations of participating in community theater. Eccentric writer, director, and actor Corky St. Clair (Christopher Guest) is in charge of the Blaine, Missouri sesquicentennial celebration's closing event - an original stage musical which celebrates the history of the town entitled "Red, White, and Blaine!" The cast is made up of a few of the town's community theater regulars: Ron (Fred Willard) and Sheila (Catherine O'Hara) Albertson, a pair of married travel agents, and Libby Mae Brown (Parker Posey), a young and enthusiastic Dairy Queen employee. Corky also casts newcomers Johnny Savage (Matt Keesler), a mechanic who's never been on the stage, and Dr. Allen Pearl (Eugene Levy), a local dentist who has finally worked up the nerve to audition for a show. He also manages to convince Clifford Wooley (Lewis Arquette), long-time resident and now-retired taxidermist, to serve as the show's narrator. But when the cast hears that Mort Guffman, a legitimate Broadway producer, is coming to see their production, the tension gets turned up from high to extreme! Also starring Larry Miller, David Cross, Bob Balaban, and Brian Doyle-Murray!…

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Idiocracy (2006) 59:22

for 7 dage siden59:22

59:22

The second film in our pairing pedantically entitled "Uncomfortably Prescient Dystopian Science Fiction" moves ahead 40 years from the first. Directed by Mike Judge and written by Judge and Etan Cohen, 2006's "Idiocracy" looks at an army experiment in suspended animation that, thanks to its director being arrested, goes on much longer than expected! Test subjects Joe Bauers (Luke Wilson) and Rita (Maya Rudolph), two average people who were supposed to awaken a year after going to sleep, end up waking after 500 years into a world gone dumb, due to the fact that the uneducated have been procreating 100 times faster than their intelligent brethren! Joe awakens and meets his future lawyer, Frito (Dax Shepard) and a stoned doctor (Justin Long) before being arrested. In prison, Joe is given an IQ test, and is determined to be the smarted man in the world! Joe is taken to the White House where President Comacho (Terry Crews) makes him the Secretary of the Interior and gives him the job of fixing all of the nation's problems. After reuniting with Rita, Joe and Frito attempt to start repairing the world by figuring out why none of the nation's crops aren't growing! Also starring Patrick Fischler, Darlene Hunt, and Thomas Haden Church, the film from 2006 plays more like a future documentary than a comedy, especially when looked at in 2025! Plus, the trio reveal which Christopher Guest films will populate the next pairing on the podcast!…

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Fahrenheit 451 (1966) 57:39

for 14 dage siden57:39

57:39

One of the things that separates science fiction from any other genre is its ability to gaze into a crystal ball and attempt to predict what the future might be like if humanity continues on a certain path. This pairing is dedicated to science fiction films that looked into a darker future for humankind and, unfortunately, seem to have been uncomfortably prescient with their predictions, as evinced by the direction certain civilizations seem to be headed. First up, from the brilliant mind of author Ray Bradbury and the direction of acclaimed French director Francios Truffaut, is 1966's "Fahrenheit 451!" Set in an undetermined future, humanity has chosen to turn its back on the written word in favor of "equality for all." Newspapers have become pictograms, television is the primary form of learning (although it's completely controlled by the government), and firemen now have a different job: They locate and destroy (by burning) any books or other written materials found and confiscated by the authorities. The film follows Guy Montag (Oskar Werner). A fireman by profession, he is married to a drugged and brainwashed woman, Linda (Julie Christie) who is clearly unintelligent and passive. One day, on the way home from work, Montag meets Clarisse (also played by Julie Christie), who asks him if he has ever been tempted to read one of the books before he burns it, to see what the government is so afraid of. Thus begins Montag's awakening to the reality of his world and its mission. Also starring Cyril Cusack and Bee Duffell!…

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The Royal Tenenbaums (2001) 1:04:43

for 21 dage siden1:04:43

1:04:43

Our tribute to Gene Hackman moves to 2001 and his only collaboration with writer/director Wes Anderson, in a part Anderson wrote specifically for Hackman. In 2001's "The Royal Tenenbaums, also written by Anderson and Owen Wilson, Hackman plays estranged family patriarch Royal Tenenbaum. He is many years separated from, but still married to, wife Etheline (Anjelica Huston), and is father to three children: Chas (Ben Stiller), Richie (Luke Wilson), and adopted daughter Margot (Gwyneth Paltrow). Childhood next-door neighbor and friend of the children, Eli Cash (Owen Wilson), and house manager Pagoda (Kumar Pallana) round out the initial cast. As the story moves ahead to the children's adulthood, we also meet Raleigh St. Clair (Bill Murray), Margot's husband, Etheline's accountant and fiance Henry Sherman (Danny Glover), and Chas's children Ari (Grant Rosenmeyer) and Uzi (Jonah Meyerson). Narrated by Alec Baldwin, the story chronicles the numerous dysfunctional relationships inherent in being a Tenenbaum, parent-to-child, friend-to-friend, and sibling-to-sibling, in Wes Anderson's inimical style. Plus, the trio reveal which two eerily prescient dystopian science fiction films make up their next, and rather unsettling, pairing!…

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Hoosiers (1986) 58:03

for 28 dage siden58:03

58:03

On February 18th, 2025, legendary actor Gene Hackman was found dead in his home. With a career few actors experience, Hackman was a two-time Oscar winner and was a part of over a hundred separate cinematic projects. This pairing is dedicated to the career of Gene Hackman, starting with 1986's Oscar-nominated basketball film "Hoosiers!" Directed by David Anspaugh and written by Angelo Pizzo, the film follows former college basketball coach Normal Dale (Hackman) who returns from a 12-year hiatus to take over as head basketball coach at Hickory High School in rural Indiana. Basketball is the other religion in the town of Hickory, and Dale begins with only five players, an absent superstar, and a reticent and hostile community. Slowly, over time, he earns the respect of his players, the trust of his fellow teacher Myra Fleener (Barbara Hershey), rehabilitates the town drunk Shooter (Dennis Hopper), and converts the townies to his flavor of basketball. Based on the true story of the Milan Indians of Milan, Indiana and their 1954 state championship. Also starring Sheb Wolley, Chelcie Ross, and Michael Sassone.…

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The Angels' Share (2012) 50:59

for 5 weeks siden50:59

50:59

The second film in our pairing of Scottish cinema reunites director Ken Loach and writer Paul Laverty, this time for a dramedy heist film that still has all the working-class pathos Loach is famous for! In "The Angels' Share," the story begins by showing us a series of individuals all getting sentenced to "community payback" (community service) for their particular crimes: Robbie (Paul Brannigan), Albert (Gary Maitland), Rhino (William Ruane), and Mo Jasmine Riggins). They meet when they report for their first day under supervisor Harry (John Henshaw). Robbie is about to become a father and is determined to turn his life around. After witnessing Robbie getting beaten by his partner Leonie's (Siobahn Reilly) brothers and father, Harry takes Robbie under his wing. When Robbie and Leonie's son Luke is born, Harry treats Robbie to a toast with a glass of very old and expensive whiskey, which also reveals that Robbie has a very evolved sense of smell, allowing him to detect all the subtle notes and nuances of the drink. Later no, after a trip to a whiskey tasting where the group learned about the discovery of a very old and rare cask from Malt Mills distillery, Robbie hatches a plan to make them all very rich. The only problem is actually pulling off the plan without getting caught! Also starring Roger Allam. And the trio reveal which two films will make up their tribute to the late, great actor Gene Hackman!…

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Sweet Sixteen (2002) 59:19

for 6 weeks siden59:19

59:19

In December of 2024 we received a message from a fellow academic in Scotland! Hugh O'Donnell wrote us and suggested we take a look at two Scottish dramas, both from acclaimed director Ken Loach and writer Paul Laverty! First up, the story of 15-year-old Liam (Martin Compston) in 2002's "Sweet Sixteen!" Liam, his grandfather Rab (Tommy McKae), and his mother's boyfriend Stan (Gary McCormack), are headed to visit her in prison. Liam is counting the days until she's released, but Stan expect Liam to pass her drugs and he refuses to do so. He is beaten by Rab and Stan on the way home and kicked out of his house. He ends up moving in with his sister Chantelle (Annmarie Fulton), who tells Liam he can stay as long as he watches his infant nephew Calum. Liam desperately wants to get his mother away from Stan once she's released, and comes up with a plan to purchase a caravan (a trailer like you'd find in a US trailer park) that's on the water, away from the city. He and his best friend Pinball (William Ruane) steal Stan's stash and go into business for themselves. Unfortunately for them, that's when things start to spin out of control, and Liam's dream for his mother falls into jeopardy. This film catapulted Martin Compston into stardom on both the BBC and Amazon Prime!…

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Our Town (1940) 1:02:27

for 7 weeks siden1:02:27

1:02:27

The second film in our pairing of plays young Chad once participated in during high school brings to light life in a small town at the turn of the 20th century. Directed by Sam Wood and based on a Thornton Wilder play, 1940's "Our Town" follows life in a fictional American town called "Grover's Corners" in New Hampshire. The story begins in 1901 and introduces the audience to several residents, including brother and sister George (William Holden) and Rebecca (Ruth Tobey), and next-door neighbor Emily (Martha Scott). We learn fairly quickly of the growing connection between George and Emily as they both grapple with impending adulthood. The story then moves to 1904, when George and Emily are preparing for their wedding. We're treated to a flashback to when both were juniors in high school, and how they actually admitted their feelings to one another... in a roundabout way. The ceremony concludes, although both express some reservations, and we experience a jump in time again. It is now nine years later, and we are informed of many of the people who are buried in the town cemetery, along with some of their histories. The scene then shifts to Emily, who is dying while pregnant with her second child. We experience a vision of Emily's where she is able to talk to those long-dead and re-experience past events in her life as she struggles with whether to let go and give in to death or fight for life a bit longer! Also starring Thomas Mitchell, Beulah Bondi, Guy Kibbee, Fay Bainter, and Frank Craven! Plus, the gents reveal which two Scottish films, as per a listener suggestion, will make up the next pairing!…

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You Can't Take It With You (1938) 1:09:01

for 8 weeks siden1:09:01

1:09:01

This pairing feature films of theatrical plays that, once upon a time, included Chad among their casts, back when he was in high school. First up, it's a story of clashing cultures and classes! Directed by Hollywood legend Frank Capra, the story introduces us to Anthony Kirby (Edward Arnold) who is on the cusp of the deal of a lifetime. There's just one small impediment: A single household that refuses to sell. The family that owns it, the Vanderhofs, is led by its patriarch Martin (Lionel Barrymore), is filled with unique and bizarre personalities, including candy-maker and budding ballerina, Essie Carmichael (Ann Miller), her very Russian instructor Kolenkhov (Mischa Auer), Essie husband Ed (Dub Taylor), and a young secretary named Alice Sycamore (Jean Arthur). Things get even more complicated when Anthony's son Tony (James Stewart) falls in love with Alice, who is working for him. When the two families finally meet, it's chaos and mayhem all around, with everyone winding up in jail together, and life-lessons being learned along the way! Also starring Spring Byington, Samuel S. Hinds, Donald Meek, Mary Forbes, and Eddie "Rochester' Anderson!…

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Total Recall (1990) 1:10:29

for 9 weeks siden1:10:29

1:10:29

Our second film in this pairing is another sci-fi classic based on a story by a legendary author! In 1990's "Total Recall," based on a story by Philip K. Dick and directed by Paul Verhoeven, we are introduced to Douglas Quaid (Arnold Schwarzenegger), a construction worker with a beautiful wife, Lori (Sharon Stone). Doug has a problem with a series of nightmares all showing him to be on Mars, fighting for his life, and alongside a sultry brunette. After Lori shuts down his idea of going to Mars, he decides to investigate a business he's seen advertised on TV called "Rekall." The company offers the option of implanting memories of vacations people have neither the time nor the income to afford, giving them the experience without actually having gained it. Doug chooses a deluxe Mars trip, complete with an added package that will give him the memory of a secret agent on assignment there as well. Unfortunately, something goes wrong in the process and Doug wakes up before the procedure has begun, claiming to be someone else. After his "wife" turns on him, and one of his co-workers tries to kill him, he travels to Mars and discovers that much of what he though was true about himself may not be. Or could there be yet another option as well? The ending of the film is something of a debate amongst fans, and the hosts will be discussing it as well! Also starring Michael Ironside, Ronny Cox, and Rachel Ticotin! Plus, they reveal what two films, movies of plays that Chad was once a cast member for, will make up the next pairing!…

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The Running Man (1987) 1:00:31

for 10 weeks siden1:00:31

1:00:31

Sci-Fi films based on stories by famous writers? Arnold Schwarzenegger films? Last century's cheese science fiction movies? There's so many ways to describe this pairing, but however you label it, these are two films that were both predictive of the future and much deeper than a surface analysis would suggest! Directed by Paul Michael Glaser, 1987's "The Running Man" is a film based on a Richard Bachman (a.k.a. Stephen King) story. Ben Richards (Arnold Schwarzenegger) is a former helicopter pilot who is arrested after refusing to fire on a group of unarmed civilians. After escaping from a prison work camp, he is seen on the news by showrunner Damon Killian (Richard Dawson), head of the most popular TV show in the country, "The Running Man!" After Ben is re-captured, Damon gets Ben assigned to be a contestant on the show, and pairs him with the two other prisoners who escaped with him, Harold Weiss (Marvin J. McIntyre) and William Laughlin (Yaphet Kotto). Now the three, along with Amber Mendez (Maria Conchita Alonso), a woman Ben kidnapped while on the run, must survive both the physical race track and the various hunters, professional players each with their own gimmick, and reach the end of the course to earn their freedom! Also starring Jim Brown, Erland van Lidth, Gus Rethwisch, Professor Toru Tanaka, and Jesse Ventura!…

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The Conjuring 2 (2016) 1:00:10

for 11 weeks siden1:00:10

1:00:10

The second film in our Conjuring universe pairing is the second film released by director James Wan and his crew. In 2016's "The Conjuring 2," we are shown Ed and Lorraine Warren, played once more by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga, and their part in the infamous Amityville incident. After that, they are called to investigate a spiritual disruption happening in Enfield, England, by the Catholic church in the person of Father Gordon (Steve Coulter). They travel overseas and meet the Peggy Hodgson (Frances O'Connor) and her daughters Janet (Madison Wolfe) and Margaret (Lauren Esposito), and her sons Billy (Benjamin Haigh) and Johnny (Patrick McAuley). There they also meet two other paranormal investigators who have been working with the Hodgsons for some time, Maurice Gross (Simon McBurney) and Anita Gregory (Franka Potente). Together they learn that Janet has been terrorized by a malevolent spirit in the house who, upon investigation, they believe is the former occupant. After a few days, Janet is caught faking an incident and the investigators leave, although it turns out that Janet was told that if she didn't get rid of the team, the spirit would kill her siblings. Ultimately, Ed and Lorraine return and to help Janet and face off against the demon who has been tormenting the family all this time! Plus, the guys unveil the intersection of famous horror, famous sci-fi, and Arnold Schwarzenegger that created the next two films they'll review!…

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The Conjuring (2013) 1:04:13

for 12 weeks siden1:04:13

1:04:13

Our next pairing focuses on what one Geek has labeled as the horror franchise thus far in the 21st century! In 2013's "The Conjuring," director James Wan introduces the audience to the life and times of Ed and Lorraine Warren, a married couple who were paranormal investigators in the latter half of the 20th century. In this first film, Ed (Patrick Wilson) and Lorraine (Vera Farmiga) respond to a plea from Roger (Ron Livingston) and Carolyn Perron (Lili Taylor) who have moved into a Rhode Island fixer-upper with their five daughters Andrea (Shanley Caswell), Nancy (Hayley McFarland), Christine (Joey King), Cindy (Mackenzie Foy), and April (Kyla Deaver), only to be tormented by some sort of spiritual manifestation. During the course of their investigation, the Warrens, along with police officer Brad Hamilton (John Brotherton) and their assistant Drew Thomas (Shannon Kook), find out that the whole area has a haunted history and end up in a fight with the spirit of a 19th century witch who is trying to possess Carolyn. The Warrens and their helpers must use every weapon they have to defeat this spiritual menace and save the lives of the entire Perron family!…

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Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005) 1:00:52

for 13 weeks siden1:00:52

1:00:52

Our second film was the first stop-action animated film to ever win the "Best Animated Film" Oscar, and introduced American audiences to a franchise much beloved in the United Kingdom! Directed by Steve Box and Nick Park, and written by that duo and Mark Burton, 2005's "Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit" tells the story of absent-minded inventor Wallace (voiced by Peter Sallis) and his dog Gromit (who doesn't ever speak), proprietors of Anti-Pesto, a company dedicated to protecting vegetable crops from hungry bunnies! They've been very successful, thanks to Wallace's inventions, but when Lady Campanula Tottington (voiced by Helena Bonham Carter) calls on the pair, it's time to up their game! At the same time, we also meet Lady Tottington's unwanted suitor, Victor Quartermain (voiced by Ralph Fiennes), whose solution is much more violent, and permanent, than she's comfortable with. Wallace hits on an idea to use his latest invention, the Mind Manipulation-O-Matic, to reprogram the bunnies to avoid eating the town's vegetables. Unfortunately, the experiment goes a bit wrong and, shortly thereafter, a giant Were-Rabbit is terrorizing gardens all through the community! It's up to Wallace and Gromit to solve the problem, save the day, and keep Lord Quartermain from marrying Lady Tottington! But even that task isn't as simple as our duo might hope, as the Were-Rabbit turns out to be especially problematic in several ways! Plus, the guys reveal which two films, from what Jeff describes as "the best horror franchise of the 21st century," will make up the next pairing!…

1
The Pinchcliffe Grand Prix (1975) 57:12

for 14 weeks siden57:12