Episoder

  • Dana and Tom with returning guest, Peterson W. Hill (Co-Host of the War Starts at Midnight podcast), and new guest, Kristin Battestella (Critic for In Session Film, Search Magazine, and Keith Loves Movies) discuss the epic Best Picture Winner Ben-Hur (1959) for its 65th anniversary: directed by William Wyler, written by Karl Tunberg, music by Miklos Rozsa, starring Charleton Heston, Jack Hawkins, Haya Harareet, and Stephen Boyd.

    Plot Summary: In an ancient world, nobleman Judah Ben-Hur is betrayed by his friend Messala, a Roman officer, and is cast into slavery. Judah endures brutal hardships, fueled by a burning desire for vengeance. He rises through sheer will and becomes a skilled charioteer, aided by Sheik Ilderim and his magnificent horses.

    In a climactic race, Judah defeats Messala, reclaiming his honor. Along his journey, he encounters the Nazarene, whose teachings of love and forgiveness transform Judah’s quest from one of retribution to spiritual awakening. Thus, Judah’s tale becomes a timeless legend of courage, redemption, and grace.

    Chapters:

    00:00 Welcome and Guest Introductions

    01:45 Getting to Know - Kristin Battestella

    04:19 Cast and Recognition for Ben-Hur

    08:11 Relationship(s) with Ben-Hur

    17:20 What is Ben-Hur About?

    25:29 Oscar Legacy and Cultural Impact

    29:27 Plot Summary for Ben-Hur

    30:29 Did You Know?

    32:40 First Break

    33:28 What's Up with Kristin and Peterson

    35:02 Ask Dana Anything

    36:47 Best Performance(s)

    53:38 Best/Favorite/Indelible Scene(s)

    01:02:27 Second Break

    01:03:21 In Memoriam

    01:04:48 Best/Funniest Lines

    01:08:11 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy

    01:16:57 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance

    01:19:34 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty

    01:22:45 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness

    01:28:15 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability

    01:38:07 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total

    01:39:22 Remaining Questions for Ben-Hur

    01:46:50 Thank You to Our Guests

    01:51:18 Credits

    You can also get this episode in full video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/c99i7UBy9Ko

    You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast).

    For more on the episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/ben-hur-1959-ft-peterson-w-hill-and-kristin-battestella

    For the entire rankings list so far, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com//post/greatest-movie-of-all-time-list

    Keywords:

    Ben-Hur, film analysis, cinematic techniques, character analysis, cultural impact, rewatchability, legacy, themes, performances, direction

    Ronny Duncan Studios

  • Dana and Tom with returning guests, Andrew Corns (Host of the Revisionist Almanac) and Peterson W. Hill (Co-Host of the War Starts at Midnight podcast), to discuss Fight Club (1999) for its 25th Anniversary: directed by David Fincher, written by Jim Uhls, music by the Dust Brothers, starring Edward Norton, Brad Pitt, Helena Bonham Carter, and Meat Loaf.

    Plot Summary: Fight Club, directed by David Fincher, is a dark, visceral exploration of disillusionment and rebellion in a consumer-driven society. Edward Norton stars as an unnamed narrator, a corporate drone who feels trapped in the relentless cycle of modern capitalism. His insomnia and sense of detachment lead him to underground support groups, where he finds fleeting solace. Still, it’s only when he meets the charismatic anarchist Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt) that he feels truly alive.

    Tyler and the narrator start a "Fight Club," an underground fight society where men brawl to escape the numbness of their lives. What begins as cathartic release soon spirals into chaos as Tyler’s influence over the narrator grows, drawing him into an increasingly violent, nihilistic philosophy.

    Chapters:

    00:00 Introduction and Welcome to Our Guests

    02:40 Cast and Recognition for Fight Club

    05:28 Relationship(s) with Fight Club

    10:38 What is Fight Club About?

    20:28 Does Fight Club Serve a Public Good?

    30:51 Plot Summary for Fight Club

    33:58 First Break

    34:46 What's Up with Andrew and Peterson

    40:20 Ask Dana Anything?

    46:32 Best Performance(s) of Fight Club

    01:03:05 Best/Favorite/Indelible Scene(s)

    01:11:21 Second Break

    01:12:22 In Memoriam

    01:18:25 Best/Funniest Lines

    01:23:37 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy

    01:34:21 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance

    01:41:36 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty

    01:45:47 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness

    01:59:25 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability

    02:03:08 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total

    02:05:47 Remaining Questions of Fight Club

    02:16:09 Thank You to Our Guests and Farewell

    02:18:56 Credits

    Guests:

    Andrew Corns

    Host of the Revisionist Almanac@revalmanac on IG, X, YouTube, TikTok, and LetterboxdPreviously on Gaslight (1946) and Do the Right Thing (1989) Revisit

    Peterson W. Hill - Co-Host of the War Starts at Midnight podcast

    @petersonwhill on IG,
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  • Dana and Tom with 5x Club member, Sarah Duncan, and new guest, Brian Skutle (Film critic, podcaster, composer, host of Sonic Cinema, projector fixer) discuss Mr. Smith Goes to Washington for its 85th anniversary: directed by Frank Capra, written by Sidney Buchman and Myles Connelly, music by Dmitri Tiomkin, starring James Stewart, Jean Arthur, Claude Rains, and Edward Arnold.

    Plot Summary: Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is a classic tale of idealism clashing with the gritty realities of political power. Jimmy Stewart stars as Jefferson Smith, a naive but well-intentioned small-town man thrust into the unforgiving world of Washington politics after being unexpectedly appointed to the U.S. Senate. Smith, with his earnest love for American principles, soon finds himself entangled in a web of corruption and power-play, where his sincere belief in doing the right thing is dismissed as foolish by hardened senators.

    What follows is a story of resilience, where Stewart’s character battles not only for a cause but for his very soul. Director Frank Capra lets his protagonist shine during a famous filibuster scene, in which Stewart's quivering intensity speaks volumes about the weight of standing up to corruption. While Capra’s romanticized view of democracy is apparent, he tempers it with a frankness about the ugliness of the political machine—a balance that resonates even decades later. It’s a movie as much about Smith’s journey as it is about a society’s idealism and its power to confront, and perhaps even mend itself.

    Chapters:

    00:00 Welcome and Introduction to Our Guests

    01:38 Getting to Know - Brian Skutle

    05:56 Cast and Recognition for Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

    09:39 Why This Movie?

    12:21 Relationship(s) with Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

    15:04 What is Mr. Smith Goes to Washington About?

    19:57 Is Mr. Smith Goes to Washington Outdated?

    22:56 Plot Summary for Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

    24:30 Did You Know?

    26:51 First Break

    28:29 What's Happening with Sarah and Brian

    31:10 Ask Dana Anything

    39:23 Best Performance(s)

    53:16 Best/Favorite/Indelible Scene(s)

    01:05:32 Second Break

    01:06:14 In Memoriam

    01:08:31 Best/Funniest Lines

    01:11:09 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy

    01:19:01 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance

    01:24:16 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty

    01:28:46 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness

    01:34:11 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability

    01:37:52 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total

    01:38:58 Remaining Questions for Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

    01:44:18 Thank You to Our Guests

    01:45:57 Credits

    Guests:

    Sarah Duncan - Sister of Tom, Daughter of Dana

    @thenomadicarchaeologist on IGPrevious Episodes: Zodiac, My Fair Lady, The Artist, Inglourious Basterds, The Great Dictator, and
  • Dana and Tom with returning guests Kieran B (Host and Creator of the Best Picture Cast) and Jaylan Salah Salman (Film Critic for In Session Film, Geek Vibes Nation, and Keith Loves Movies) discuss the horror film Saw (2004) for its 20th anniversary: directed by James Wan, written by Leigh Whannell, music by Charlie Clouser, starring Cary Elwes, Danny Glover, and Ken Leung.

    Plot Summary: Saw is a horror film that takes a grim pleasure in its own sadism, positioning itself as both a grisly thriller and a twisted morality tale. At its core, the movie revolves around two men, Adam and Dr. Lawrence Gordon, who wake up in a dingy bathroom, chained to opposite sides of the room. They soon discover they are the latest victims of a deranged figure known as Jigsaw, a serial killer with a perverse mission: he doesn’t just murder his victims—he forces them into life-or-death games where survival is determined by how far they are willing to go to save themselves.

    Director James Wan revels in pushing the audience's discomfort, presenting a relentless series of traps that are as much about mental anguish as physical pain. The characters’ desperation is palpable, yet their choices feel less like genuine human decisions and more like pawns being moved by the screenwriter’s hand. The result is a film that thrives on tension and shock but leaves little room for reflection.

    Chapters:

    00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests

    02:47 Cast and Recognition for Saw

    04:54 Relationship(s) with Saw

    12:00 What is Saw About?

    20:45 Why Do People Like Horror Movies?

    28:37 Are There Any Good Horror Sequels?

    32:23 Plot Summary for Saw

    34:06 Did You Know?

    35:17 First Break

    36:10 What's Happening with Kieran and Jaylan

    39:46 Ask Dana Anything

    51:12 Best Performance(s)

    01:02:36 Best/Favorite/Indelible Scene(s)

    01:09:42 Second Break

    01:10:41 In Memoriam

    01:14:58 Tom Rant

    01:16:46 Best/Funniest Lines

    01:20:23 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy

    01:30:38 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance

    01:38:05 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty

    01:41:58 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness

    01:50:48 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability

    01:57:43 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total

    02:00:18 Remaining Questions for Saw

    02:10:10 Thank You to Our Guests and Final Thoughts

    Guests:

    Kieran B

    Host and Creator of the Best Picture Cast; @bestpicturecast on X, IG, LetterboxdPrevious Episodes: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1957), Lost in Translation (2003),
  • Dana and Tom with returning guests Robb Conlon (Founder of Westport Studios and Host of B2B Business Class) and Walter Gainer II (Founder of Boss Locks Media and Host of The Working While Black Show) discuss the Pixar classic, The Incredibles (2004): written and directed by Brad Bird, music by Michael Giacchino, starring Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Jason Lee, and Samuel L. Jackson.

    Plot Summary: In a world where superheroes were once revered, an oppressive government now forces these titans of justice into mundane lives of obscurity. Among them is Bob Parr, a titan of strength, grappling with the weight of anonymity while craving the days of glory. Secretly slipping into the world of heroism, Bob is drawn into a sinister conspiracy masterminded by the malevolent Syndrome, a dark mirror of what once was. When Bob is captured, the stage is set for a battle of wits and power, drawing his family into the fray.

    The Incredibles transcends mere action, weaving a tapestry of psychological and existential exploration with a family’s struggle against a dystopian reality becoming a cosmic odyssey of self-discovery and unity.

    Chapters:

    00:00 Introduction and Welcome to Our Guests

    02:58 Cast and Recognition for The Incredibles

    06:22 Relationship(s) to The Incredibles

    13:09 What is The Incredibles About?

    16:21 Ranking The Incredibles Among Pixar Films

    18:18 Plot Summary for The Incredibles

    19:42 Did You Know?

    21:17 First Break

    22:02 What's Happening with Robb and Walter

    24:44 Ask Dana Anything

    33:18 Best Performance(s)

    41:06 Best/Favorite/Indelible Scene(s)

    51:05 Second Break

    52:07 In Memoriam

    52:14 Best/Funniest Lines

    57:03 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy

    01:07:36 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance

    01:11:45 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty

    01:19:40 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness

    01:27:43 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability

    01:30:37 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total

    01:32:26 Remaining Question for The Incredibles

    01:40:14 Thank You to Our Guests and Final Thoughts

    01:43:00 Credits

    Guests:

    Robb Conlon

    Founder of Westport Studios and Host of B2B Business ClassLinkedIn: Robb / Westport StudiosPreviously On: Alien (1979), Aliens (1986), The Godfather (1972), John Wick (2014), The Dark Knight...
  • Dana and Tom with returning guest Peterson W. Hill (Co-Host of the War Starts at Midnight podcast) discuss Parasite (2019) for its 5th Anniversary: written and directed by Bong Joon-Ho, with Han Jin-won, music by Jung Jae-il, starring Song Kang-ho, Lee Sun-kyun, Cho Yeo-jeong, Choi Woo-shik, and Park So-dam.

    Plot Summary: Parasite, directed by Bong Joon-ho, is a masterful blend of dark comedy, thriller, and social commentary. The story follows the impoverished Kim family as they cunningly infiltrate the wealthy Park household by posing as unrelated, highly qualified workers. With each deceitful step, they inch closer to the luxuries of the upper class. But beneath the humor and suspense lies a searing critique of economic inequality. Bong expertly balances tension and satire, leading to an explosive, tragic climax that reveals the fragile illusions of both the rich and the poor. Parasite is a brilliant, disturbing exploration of class warfare, where the true parasite may not be who we expect.

    Chapters:

    00:00 Introduction and Welcome to Peterson W. Hill

    01:14 Cast and Recognition for Parasite

    08:00 Relationship(s) to Parasite

    18:43 What is Parasite About?

    33:26 Plot Summary for Parasite

    34:31 Did You Know?

    36:16 First Break

    37:18 What's Happening with Peterson W. Hill?

    38:54 Ask Dana Anything

    51:21 Best Performance(s)

    59:16 Best/Favorite/Indelible Scene(s)

    01:06:26 Second Break

    01:06:33 In Memoriam

    01:07:52 Best/Funniest Lines

    01:10:34 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy

    01:24:38 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance

    01:29:41 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty

    01:34:42 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness

    01:39:17 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability

    01:44:57 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total

    01:47:46 Remaining Questions

    01:51:38 Thank You to Our Guest and Final Thoughts

    Guest:

    Peterson W. Hill - Co-Host of the War Starts at Midnight podcast

    @petersonwhill on IG, Letterboxd, and TwitterPrevious Guest on Gone Girl (2014)

    You can also find the full video episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/urgB-A72OCw

    You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast).

    For more on the episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com//post/parasite-2019-ft-peterson-w-hill

    For the entire rankings list so far, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com//post/greatest-movie-of-all-time-list

    Keywords:

    Parasite, Bong Joon-ho, film analysis,...

  • Dana and Tom with guests, Christine Duncan and Peterson W. Hill (War Starts at Midnight podcast), discuss Gone Girl (2014) for its 10th Anniversary: directed by David Fincher, written by Gillian Flynn, Music by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, starring Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Carrie Coon, Tyler Perry, and Neil Patrick Harris.

    Plot Summary: In "Gone Girl," we delve into a real-life mystery that’ll have you on the edge of your seat. A charming husband (Ben Affleck) finds himself in hot water when his wife (Rosamund Pike) mysteriously disappears. As the media frenzy grows, secrets surface, revealing a twisted tale of deceit, betrayal, and the ultimate manipulation of truth. This isn't just a whodunit—it's a dark reflection of marriage and the masks we wear.

    Chapters:

    00:00 Welcome and Guest Introductions

    01:27 Getting to Know - Peterson W. Hill

    08:14 Cast and Recognition for Gone Girl

    09:35 Relationship(s) with Gone Girl

    13:35 What is Gone Girl About?

    24:58 Is Amy the Antagonist?

    29:37 Where Does Amy Dunne Rank Among Female Villains?

    33:22 Plot Summary for Gone Girl

    36:27 First Break

    39:07 What Happening with Peterson W. Hill

    40:18 Ask Dana Anything

    48:06 Best Performance(s)

    01:01:32 Best Scene(s)

    01:12:12 Second Break

    01:12:58 In Memoriam

    01:19:12 Best/Funniest Lines

    01:21:46 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy

    01:29:46 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance

    01:38:09 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty

    01:44:25 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness

    01:46:33 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability

    01:50:25 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total

    01:51:49 Remaining Questions for Gone Girl

    01:57:32 Thank You to Our Guests / Closing Thoughts

    01:59:27 Credits

    Guests:

    Christine Duncan - Wife of Dana and Mother of Tom

    13x guest: Pretty Woman, Sleepless in Seattle, When Harry Met Sally, There's Something About Mary, My Fair Lady, Pillow Talk, The Odd Couple, Bringing Up Baby, A Few Good Men - Revisit, Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, Top Gun, Dial M for Murder, and
  • Dana and Tom with new guest, Jaylan Salah Salman (Film Critic for In Session Film, Geek Vibes Nation, and Keith Loves Movies) discuss Joker (2019): written and directed by Todd Phillips with Scott Silver, music by Hildur Guðnadóttir, starring Joaquin Phoenix, Zazie Beetz, and Robert De Niro.

    Plot Summary: Gotham a city drenched in neon lights and shadows, where the line between reality and delusion blurs. Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix), a failed comedian and part-time clown, navigates this urban labyrinth as his mind unravels further each day. His existence is a series of humiliations and rejections, a slow burn of despair that ignites into a violent, chaotic inferno.

    In this dreary setting, the narrative delves deep into Arthur’s psyche, exploring his transformation from a marginalized outcast into the infamous Joker. The film is a character study of a man pushed to the brink with a meditation on isolation, mental illness, and the corrosive effects of a society that abandons its most vulnerable. Arthur’s journey is not just a descent into madness, but a twisted quest for identity and purpose in a world that has stripped him of both. This is a tale of existential dread and the search for meaning in a world that offers none, a dark and haunting reflection of the human condition.

    Guest:

    Jaylan Salah SalmanFilm Critic for In Session Film, Geek Vibes Nation, and Keith Loves MoviesAuthor on Amazon@jaylansalman on IG, Letterboxd, @jaylan_salah on Twitter

    Chapters:

    00:00 Introduction and Welcome to Jaylan Salah

    01:52 Getting to Know - Jaylan Salah

    05:53 Cast and Recognition for Joker

    09:05 Relationship(s) with Joker

    18:10 What is Joker About?

    27:04 Plot Summary for Joker

    28:32 Did You Know?

    31:01 First Break

    31:46 What's Happening w/ Jaylan Salah

    32:43 Ask Dana Anything

    41:11 Best Performance(s)

    49:04 Best/Favorite/Indelible Scene(s)

    57:32 Second Break

    58:23 In Memoriam

    59:43 Best/Funniest Lines

    01:01:22 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy

    01:06:36 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance

    01:10:42 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty

    01:17:10 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness

    01:22:07 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability

    01:26:01 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total

    01:28:52 Remaining Questions for Joker

    01:36:36 Thank You to Our Guest and Final Thoughts

    You can now find this episode in full video on YouTube:

    You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter,

  • Dana and Tom with guests, Christine Duncan and Myke Emal (Cinemusts) discuss Anatomy of a Murder (1959): directed by Otto Preminger, written by Wendell Mayes, music by Duke Ellington, starring James Stewart, Lee Remick, Ben Gazzara, and George C. Scott.

    Plot Summary: Anatomy of a Murder is a gripping courtroom drama that follows the defense of Lt. Frederick Manion (Ben Gazzara), who is accused of murdering a local bar owner. Manion claims the killing was in revenge for the alleged rape of his wife, Laura (Lee Remick). Defense attorney Paul Biegler (James Stewart) takes on the case, navigating a tense legal battle filled with moral ambiguity, unreliable testimonies, and psychological intricacies. The film explores themes of justice, truth, and the complexity of human nature, leaving the audience questioning the true nature of guilt and innocence.

    Guests:

    Christine Duncan - Wife of Dana and Mother of Tom

    12x guest: Pretty Woman, Sleepless in Seattle, When Harry Met Sally, There's Something About Mary, My Fair Lady, Pillow Talk, The Odd Couple, Bringing Up Baby, A Few Good Men - Revisit, Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, Top Gun, Dial M for Murder

    Myke Emal - Host and Creator of the Cinemusts podcast

    @cinemusts on Twitter, Letterboxd, Facebook, and IG

    Chapters:

    00:00 Welcome and Introductions

    03:08 Getting to Know Myke Emal

    08:04 Cast and Recognition for Anatomy of a Murder

    11:30 Relationship(s) to the Film

    16:21 What is Anatomy of a Murder About?

    20:40 How True to Life is the Legal Aspect of the Film?

    23:36 Top James Stewart Roles of All-Time

    30:48 Plot Summary for Anatomy of a Murder

    31:43 Did You

  • Dana and Tom with returning guest, Kieran B (host, Best Picture Cast) revisit The Shawshank Redemption (1994): written and directed by Frank Darabont, score by Thomas Newman, cinematography by Roger Deakins, starring Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton, and Clancy Brown.

    Plot Summary: In the somber corridors of Shawshank Prison, where hope is a rare commodity and despair is a constant companion, Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins), a quiet and introspective banker, finds himself wrongfully convicted of the brutal murder of his wife and her lover. Sentenced to life in the unforgiving confines of Shawshank, he is thrust into a world where the human spirit is tested daily.

    Andy’s journey is one of quiet resilience and unyielding hope. He befriends Ellis “Red” Redding (Morgan Freeman), a seasoned inmate known for his ability to procure contraband. Through Red’s eyes, we witness Andy’s transformation from a man broken by circumstance to a beacon of hope for his fellow prisoners. Andy’s ingenuity and determination lead him to uncover the corrupt practices of the prison warden, using his financial acumen to expose the rot within Shawshank’s walls.

    In the end, Andy’s journey is not just a tale of escape, but a testament to the enduring power of hope and friendship. His story delves into the depths of human suffering and emerges with a profound sense of resilience and triumph.

    Guest: Kieran B

    Host and Creator of the Best Picture Cast; @bestpicturecast on X, IG, LetterboxdPrevious Episodes: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1957), Lost in Translation (2003), Gran Torino (2008), Stalag 17 (1953), Shane (1953), A Fistful of Dollars (1964), The Best Years of Our Lives (1946) Revisit, and 12 Angry Men (1957) Revisit.

    Chapters:

    00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions

    03:59 Cast and Recognition for The Shawshank Redemption

    10:17 Relationship(s) to The Shawshank Redemption

    16:53 What is The Shawshank Redemption About?

    19:07 Why is The Shawshank Redemption so Universal?

    23:54 Is The Shawshank Redemption the Best Film of 1994?

    26:25 Plot Summary for The Shawshank Redemption

    28:19 Did You Know?

    29:49 First Break

    30:29 What's Up With the BPC?

    34:09 Ask...

  • Dana and Tom with returning guest Adam Freed (moviearcher.com) revisit Pulp Fiction (1994): written and directed by Quentin Tarantino, starring John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Ving Rhames, Bruce Willis, and Uma Thurman.

    Plot Summary: Pulp Fiction unravels like a jigsaw puzzle soaked in bourbon and blood. It's a dark, gritty L.A., where bad men and worse women cross paths in a labyrinth of crime and fate.

    Vincent Vega, a hitman with a penchant for dance floors and bad decisions, is partnered with the philosophical Jules Winnfield, who quotes the Bible before squeezing the trigger. Their boss, Marsellus Wallace, a kingpin with a soft spot for his wife, Mia, tasks Vincent with keeping her entertained; a simple job that spirals into a night of adrenaline-fueled chaos. Meanwhile, Butch Coolidge, a boxer past his prime, refuses to take a dive for Wallace igniting a deadly game of cat and mouse.

    In a world where conversations drip with menace and every decision has a bullet attached, the characters' lives intersect with a bang. It's a world where the wrong move means a one-way ticket to the morgue, and redemption is as elusive as the briefcase everyone’s chasing.

    Guest:

    Adam Freed

    Managing Editor and Senior Film Critic at (MovieArcher.com)@moviearcher on Twitter and InstagramPreviously on Batman (1989)

    Chapters:

    00:00 Welcome and Guest Introduction

    01:56 Cast and Recognition for Pulp Fiction

    04:49 Relationship(s) to Pulp Fiction

    12:47 Influence and Legacy of Pulp Fiction

    14:23 What is Pulp Fiction About?

    18:26 New Appreciation for Pulp Fiction

    21:52 What's the Actual Timeline of Pulp Fiction?

    25:51 Genre of Pulp Fiction

    27:57 Pulp Fiction's Influence

    34:58 Plot Summary of Pulp Fiction

    36:19 Did You Know? (by Adam Freed)

    38:56 First Break

    39:35 Where You Can Find Adam Freed

    41:19 Ask Dana Anything

    45:59 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy

    56:15 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance

    01:01:29 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty

    01:07:55 Second Break

    01:08:51 In Memoriam

    01:09:31 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness

    01:17:17 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability

    01:21:03 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total

    01:23:04 Remaining Questions for Pulp Fiction

    01:33:36 Thank You to Adam and Remaining Thoughts

    01:39:34 Credits

    You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast).

    For more on the original episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/pulp-fiction-1994

    For more on the episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/pulp-fiction-1994-revisit-ft-adam-freed

    For the entire rankings list so far, go to:

  • Dana and Tom with Betsy and Trent (hosts, Never Seen It w/ Betsy and Trent) revisit All the President's Men (1976): directed by Alan J. Pakula, written by William Goldman, score by David Shire, starring Robert Redford, Dustin Hoffman, Martin Balsam, Jane Alexander, Jack Warden, and Jason Robards.

    Plot Summary: All the President's Men is a gripping account of two reporters, Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, who uncover one of the most significant political scandals in American history. Set against the backdrop of a tense and suspicious Washington DC, the film follows their relentless pursuit of the truth behind the Watergate break-in.

    Through meticulous investigation, careful sourcing, and dogged determination; they expose a cover-up that reaches the highest levels of government, ultimately leading to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. The movie is not just a tale of journalism but a testament to the power of persistence and the importance of a free press in holding power accountable. 

    Chapters:

    00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

    01:27 Getting to Know - Betsy and Trent

    15:36 Cast and Recognition for All the President's Men

    20:19 Relationship(s) to All the President's Men

    30:06 What is All the President's Men About?

    40:55 Does the Movie Have a Positive or Negative Legacy on Journalism?

    49:42 Plot Summary for All the President's Men

    50:44 Did You Know?

    52:47 First Break

    53:27 Where Can You Find Betsy and Trent?

    01:00:49 Ask Dana Anything

    01:09:28 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy

    01:22:50 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance

    01:32:00 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty

    01:42:15 Second Break

    01:43:07 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness

    01:53:00 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability

    02:01:14 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total

    02:03:59 Remaining Questions of All the President's Men

    02:12:56 Thank You to Our Guests and Remaining Thoughts

    02:18:01 Credits

    Guests:

    Betsy and Trent

    Never Seen It podcast (@neverseenit_pod on Twitter and Letterboxd, @neverseenitpod1 on IG, @neverseenit on TikTok, patreon.com/neverseenitpodPreviously on the 2024 Post Oscars Reaction Show

    You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast)

    For the video version of this episode, go to: https://youtu.be/gnAXC_BtsXc

    For more on the original episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com//post/40-all-the-president-s-men-1976

    For more on the episode, go to:

  • Dana and Tom with new guests, Jen and Sarah (Movies and Us podcast) discuss the seminal film noir, The Maltese Falcon (1941): written and directed by John Huston, music by Adolph Deutsch, starring Humphrey Bogart, Mary Astor, Peter Lorre, and Sydney Greenstreet.

    Plot Summary: In the grimy streets of 1930s San Francisco, private eye Sam Spade finds himself entangled in a web of deceit, betrayal, and murder. When his partner is killed on a routine tail job, Spade is pulled into the orbit of a mysterious woman, a sinister foreigner, and a hulking brute—all desperate to get their hands on a priceless statue; the elusive Maltese Falcon. As the bodies pile up, Spade navigates the murky underworld with a cold detachment, playing a dangerous game of wits to uncover the truth. In the end, loyalty is a luxury, trust is a weapon, and everyone’s after the same thing: the black bird.

    Guests:

    Jen and Sarah

    Hosts of Movies and Us podcast@moviesanduspod on IG, TikTok, YouTubeOn Medium

    Chapters:

    00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions

    01:29 Getting to Know - Jen and Sarah

    10:59 Cast and Recognition for The Maltese Falcon

    13:49 Relationship(s) to the Film

    17:57 What is the Maltese Falcon About?

    19:22 Is The Maltese Falcon THE Film Noir?

    23:51 Humphrey Bogart's Performance as Sam Spade

    28:28 Plot Summary for The Maltese Falcon

    29:26 Did You Know?

    30:59 First Commercial Break

    31:46 What's Happening at Movies and Us?

    33:17 Ask Dana Anything

    38:20 Best Performance(s)

    49:48 Best/Favorite/Indelible Scene(s)

    01:02:28 Second Commercial Break

    01:03:14 In Memoriam

    01:05:39 Best/Funniest Lines

    01:09:21 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy

    01:15:32 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance

    01:21:30 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty

    01:29:59 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness

    01:36:51 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability

    01:41:11 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Total Score

    01:42:48 Remaining Questions

    01:51:25 Thank You to Our Guests / Final Thoughts

    01:54:46 Credits

    You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast) or find our Facebook page at Greatest Movie of All-Time Podcast.

    Find the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/WAxQ7wsxhhc

    For more on the episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com//post/the-maltese-falcon-1941-ft-jen-and-sarah

    For the entire rankings list so far, go to:Full Graded List - Greatest Movies of All-Time

    Ronny Duncan Studios

    Keywords:

    podcast, movies, film noir, The Maltese Falcon, Humphrey Bogart, greed, money, iconic performance, Sam Spade, charismatic, cool demeanor, trivia, Maltese Falcon, film noir, industry recognition, public reception, iconic lines, memorable scenes, lasting legacy,...

  • Dana and Tom with new guests Heather Stewart (@heatherjstewart) and Ryan Luis Rodriguez (One Track Mind podcast, Reels of Justice podcast) discuss the religious comedy, Life of Brian (1979): directed by Terry Jones, written by Monty Python, starring Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam, and Eric Idle.

    Plot Summary: Ah, splendid! Picture this, if you will: the bustling streets of ancient Judea, a land rife with political turmoil, religious fervor, and the occasional stoning. Into this chaos, on the very same night as a certain well-known savior, is born a rather unremarkable chap named Brian Cohen.

    Now, Brian, through no fault of his own, is continuously mistaken for the Messiah. This hapless fellow bumbles his way through a series of increasingly ludicrous adventures. From joining the People's Front of Judea (not to be confused with the Judean People's Front—splitters!) to unintentionally starting his own religious movement, Brian's life is a whirlwind of mistaken identity, misunderstandings, and the utterly absurd.

    As if that weren't enough, he's pursued by Roman centurions, swooned over by fanatical followers, and lectured by his domineering mother ("He's not the Messiah, he's a very naughty boy!"). All this, while Brian desperately tries to carve out a normal life in a world that seems determined to turn him into something he most definitely is not.

    So, in essence, dear friends, "Life of Brian" is a satirical romp through history, skewering sacred cows and poking fun at the foibles of humanity with the kind of irreverent wit and cheekiness that only Monty Python can deliver. Quite a lark, wouldn't you say?

    Guests:

    Heather Stewart

    @heatherjstewart on IG, X, Letterboxd

    Ryan Luis Rodriguez

    Host of One Track Mind Podcast (IG, X, Letterboxd)Co-Host of Reels of Justice Podcast (IG, X)

    Chapters:

    0:00 Intro

    1:47 Getting to Know Our Guests

    13:42 Relationship(s) to Life of Brian

    19:49 What is Life of Brian About?

    22:49 Is Satire Healthy for Democracies?

    25:28 What is the Legacy of the Pythons?

    30:02 Plot Summary

    31:50 Did You Know?

    33:44 First Break

    34:25 Where You Can Find Our Guests

    37:01 Ask Dana Anything

    51:09 Best Performance(s)

    01:06:05 Best/Favorite/Indelible Scene(s)

    01:18:04 Second Break

    01:18:49 In Memoriam

    01:19:54 Best/Funniest Lines

    01:25:38 The Stanley Rubric: Legacy

    01:32:37 The Stanley Rubric: Impact/Significance

    01:39:04 The Stanley Rubric: Novelty

    01:44:48 The Stanley Rubric: Classicness

    01:54:01 The Stanley Rubric: Rewatchability

    01:58:24 The Stanley Rubric: Audience Score and Total...

  • Dana and Tom with returning guest, Andrew Corns (The Revisionist Almanac), and new guest, Sean Phillips (Math Teacher Movies) revisit Do the Right Thing (1989): written and directed by Spike Lee, score by Bill Lee, starring Spike Lee, Rosie Perez, Danny Aiello, Giancarlo Esposito, and John Turturro.

    Plot Summary: "Do the Right Thing" is a film set in the scorching summer heat of Brooklyn. It's a story that captures a single day in the lives of a neighborhood's residents, showcasing their joys, struggles, and the simmering tensions that come to a head. At the heart of the narrative is Sal's Famous Pizzeria, a local institution run by Sal and his sons, Vito and Pino. As the day unfolds, we witness a mosaic of characters—Mookie, the pizza delivery man; Radio Raheem, whose boombox blasts Public Enemy's "Fight the Power"; Buggin' Out, who demands representation on the pizzeria's Wall of Fame; and Da Mayor, the neighborhood's elder statesman.

    Through a series of interactions, misunderstandings, and confrontations, the heat and the bubbling racial tension reach a boiling point, culminating in a tragic act of violence that forces the community to confront the complexities of race, identity, and justice. "Do the Right Thing" is a raw, unflinching look at the choices we make and the consequences that follow, urging viewers to reflect on what it truly means to "do the right thing."

    Guests:

    Andrew Corns

    Host of the Revisionist Almanac@revalmanac on IG, X, YouTube, TikTok, and LetterboxdPreviously on Gaslight (ep. 210)

    Sean Phillips

    Creator of Math Teacher Movies@mathteachermovies on IG and Letterboxd, @mathteachermov1 on XCo-Host of The Guy at the Movies podcast with Joe and Sean or @guyatthemovies on YouTube.

    Chapters:

    00:00 Introductions and Guest Introductions

    01:47 Getting to Know - Sean Phillips

    06:27 Cast and Recognition for Do the Right Thing

    08:55 Relationship(s) with Do the Right Thing

    12:45 Is This the Most Relevant American Film?

    21:36 What is Do the Right Thing About?

    24:33 Recommended Viewing for Spike Lee?

    26:53 Plot Summary for Do the Right Thing

    28:17 Did You Know?

    29:28 First Commercial Break

    31:53 What's Happening? with Andrew and Sean

    36:56 Ask Dana Anything

    38:47 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy

    58:18 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance

    01:19:47 The Stanley Rubric -...

  • Dana and Tom with new guest, Frank Mandosa (Silver Screeners (Host) and Movies Across the Pod (Co-Host)) discuss The Sixth Sense (1999) for its 25th anniversary: written and directed by M. Night Shyamalan, music by James Newton Howard, starring Bruce Willis, Olivia Williams, Hayley Joel Osment, and Toni Collette.

    Plot Summary: The Sixth Sense is a haunting psychological thriller that unfolds with masterful precision under the direction of M. Night Shyamalan. Bruce Willis stars as Dr. Malcolm Crowe, a child psychologist grappling with his own personal demons after a violent encounter with a former patient. He finds a chance for redemption in young Cole Sear, played with an eerie intensity by Haley Joel Osment.

    Cole is a troubled boy who harbors a chilling secret: he sees dead people. As Dr. Crowe delves deeper into Cole's world, the film weaves an intricate tapestry of suspense and revelation. Shyamalan's meticulous storytelling and James Newton Howard's evocative score create an atmosphere thick with dread and poignancy.

    The Sixth Sense is not just a ghost story; it's a profound meditation on grief, communication, and the unseen connections that bind us. The film's climax delivers one of the most unforgettable twists in cinematic history, leaving audiences reeling and re-examining everything they thought they knew.

    You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast) or find our Facebook page at Greatest Movie of All-Time Podcast.

    Chapters:

    00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

    01:36 Getting to Know Frank Mandosa

    05:03 Background, Cast, and Recognition for The Sixth Sense

    08:24 Relationship(s) to The Sixth Sense

    13:40 What is The Sixth Sense About?

    17:53 Is The Sixth Sense a Horror Film?

    33:35 Plot Summary for The Sixth Sense

    35:00 Did You Know?

    36:21 First Break

    37:11 What's Up with Frank Mandosa?

    38:53 Ask Dana Anything

    44:05 Best Performance(s)

    57:39 Best/Favorite/Indelible Scene(s)

    01:07:52 Second Break

    01:08:42 In Memoriam

    01:09:09 Best/Funniest Lines

    01:11:12 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy

    01:19:21 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance

    01:21:38 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty

    01:26:40 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness

    01:32:26 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability

    01:34:58 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total

    01:36:09 Remaining Questions

    01:41:37 Thank You to Frank Mandosa

    01:45:30 Credits

    Guest Credentials:

    Frank Mandosa

    Film Lecturer and Podcast HostSilver Screeners (Host) and Movies Across the Pod (Co-Host)Socials: X, IG,
  • Dana and Tom with returning guest, VP Morris (an award-winning thriller and horror writer and podcaster; vpmorris.com, @teawriterepeat on IG and X, The Dead Letters Podcast; previously on Scream and The Shining) discuss the 1950s mystery classic, Rear Window for its 70th Anniversary: directed by Alfred Hitchcock, written by John Michael Hayes, music by Franz Waxman, starring James Stewart, Grace Kelly, Raymond Burr, and Thelma Ritter.

    Plot Summary: In Alfred Hitchcock's "Rear Window," we find ourselves confined within the claustrophobic confines of a Greenwich Village apartment, peering through the lens of LB Jefferies (James Stewart), a wheelchair-bound photographer. His summer pastime is a voyeuristic venture into the lives of his neighbors, a cross-section of urban archetypes played out in the building's courtyard. Each window frames a fragment of humanity, from the lonely Miss Lonelyhearts to the tantalizing Miss Torso.

    The plot pivots on Jeff's suspicion that a neighbor, Lars Thorwald (Raymond Burr), has murdered his wife. This suspicion, shared and fueled by his glamorous girlfriend Lisa (Grace Kelly) and his nurse Stella (Thelma Ritter), drives the narrative forward. Hitchcock masterfully crafts tension not through action, but through the act of watching—turning the audience into voyeurs complicit in Jeff's obsessions.

    "Rear Window" is not merely a suspense thriller; it is a meditation on isolation and the ethics of observation. Stewart's performance, marked by vulnerability and determination, anchors the film's exploration of human curiosity and its consequences. Grace Kelly, in her role, adds a layer of sophistication and intrigue, embodying the tension between adventure and domesticity. "Rear Window" remains a timeless classic, a window not just into the lives of its characters, but into the genius of Hitchcock's cinematic vision.

    Chapters:

    00:00 Introduction and Background

    01:29 Background, Cast, and Recognition for Rear Window

    02:20 Recognition for Rear Window

    04:14 Relationship(s) to Rear Window

    09:13 What is Rear Window About?

    24:54 Plot Summary for Rear Window

    26:53 Did You Know?

    31:47 First Break

    32:29 Ask Dana Anything

    41:12 Best Performance(s)

    50:16 Best/Favorite/Indelible Scene(s)

    54:34 Second Break

    55:33 In Memoriam

    56:32 Remembering Bob Newhart

    01:01:54 Best/Funniest Lines

    01:05:31 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy

    01:10:20 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance

    01:15:38 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty

    01:26:20 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability

    01:29:06 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total

    01:31:31 Remaining and Listener Questions

    01:47:02 Thank You to VP Morris

    01:48:05 Final Thoughts for the Week

    01:50:04 Credits

    You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast) or find our Facebook page at Greatest Movie of All-Time Podcast.

    For more on the episode, go to:

  • Dana and Tom with returning guests, Jesse Sertle (fellow group member of CineMadison; previously on Rounders and Easy Rider; @jsertle on IG) and Keith Techmeier (brother-in-law of Tom, previously on Ghostbusters, Red River, and Saving Private Ryan), discuss the cosmic justice film, Once Upon a Time...In Hollywood (2019): written and directed by Quentin Tarantino, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and Margot Robbie.

    Plot Summary: Welcome to 1969 Los Angeles, where everything is changing, and the golden age of Hollywood is giving way to something darker. Enter Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio), a former TV Western star struggling to find his place in a rapidly evolving industry. Alongside him is Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt), Rick's laid-back, enigmatic stunt double and best friend, who's equally adrift but with a mysterious past that suggests he can handle anything thrown his way.

    As Rick navigates a career in freefall, he's desperate to reclaim the limelight, landing guest roles in TV series and contemplating a move to Italy to star in spaghetti westerns. Cliff, meanwhile, spends his days driving around the sun-drenched city, running errands for Rick and crossing paths with an eclectic mix of Hollywood's fringe characters.

    Just next door to Rick lives Sharon Tate (Margot Robbie), the radiant rising star whose life is brimming with promise and possibility. Unbeknownst to Rick and Cliff, Sharon's fate is on a collision course with the notorious Manson Family, a group of twisted outcasts led by the sinister Charles Manson (Damon Herriman).

    As the lives of Rick, Cliff, and Sharon intertwine in unexpected ways, they each face their own reckonings with the harsh realities of a changing world. Set against a meticulously crafted backdrop of a bygone era, Once Upon a Time... In Hollywood is a love letter to the city of angels, an exploration of fame, friendship, and the insidious shadows lurking just beneath the glittering surface.

    Chapters:

    00:00 Introduction and Welcome

    02:27 Cast and Recognition for Once Upon a Time...In Hollywood

    05:09 Relationship(s) to the Film

    09:09 What is Once Upon a Time...In Hollywood About?

    13:23 Controversy and Wish Fulfillment: Quentin Tarantino's Historical Re-tellings

    20:39 Plot Summary for Once Upon a Time...In Hollywood

    22:42 Did You Know?

    25:07 First Break

    25:56 Ask Dana Anything

    29:40 Best Performance(s)

    46:50 Best/Favorite/Indelible Scene(s)

    55:51 Second Break

    56:53 In Memoriam

    58:20 Best/Funniest Lines

    01:02:40 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy

    01:10:13 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance

    01:14:59 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty

    01:19:44 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness

    01:23:14 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability

    01:26:57 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total

    01:28:21 Remaining Question(s)

    01:37:48 Thank You to Our Guests

    01:41:12 Credits

    You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast) or find our Facebook page at

  • Dana and Tom with guest Jesse Sertle (fellow group member of CineMadison, previously on Rounders, @jsertle on IG) discuss the dawn of New Hollywood with Easy Rider (1969): written and directed by Dennis Hopper with Peter Fonda and Terry Southern, starring Dennis Hopper, Peter Fonda, and Jack Nicholson.

    Plot Summary: In the open road odyssey "Easy Rider," director Dennis Hopper and co-star Peter Fonda embody the restless spirit of the 1960s counterculture. The film, a rambling narrative of freedom and disillusionment, follows two bikers, Wyatt (Fonda) and Billy (Hopper), as they traverse the American Southwest in search of authenticity and liberation. The duo's journey, funded by a drug deal, becomes a kaleidoscopic exploration of the American landscape, both physical and cultural.

    The film captures a nation in transition with its stunning cinematography showcasing the vastness of America while contrasting it with the intimacy of its small towns and eccentric characters. Along the way, they encounter an assortment of characters, from an idealistic lawyer (Jack Nicholson) to a communal farm, representing the era’s ideological clashes.

    "Easy Rider" is a raw, poignant, and at times, tragic reflection on the price of freedom and the inevitable collision between personal liberty and societal norms. The film’s haunting ending, set against the backdrop of a sun setting over the American landscape, leaves viewers with a sense of loss and contemplation. Hopper’s direction, combined with Fonda’s cool demeanor and Nicholson’s electrifying performance, creates a cinematic experience that is as timeless as it is of its time.

    Chapters:

    00:00 Introduction and Welcome

    01:59 Cast and Recognition

    04:12 Relationship(s) to Easy Rider

    07:54 What is Easy Rider About?

    10:47 The Impact of Easy Rider on the Film Industry

    15:50 The Relevance of Easy Rider Today

    17:40 Plot Summary for Easy Rider

    19:22 Did You Know?

    21:09 First Break

    23:20 Ask Dana Anything...

    25:16 Best Performance(s)

    34:08 Best/Favorite/Indelible Scene(s)

    42:05 Second Break

    43:01 In Memoriam

    43:36 Best/Funniest Lines

    44:54 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy

    50:28 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance

    55:44 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty

    57:49 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness

    01:03:51 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability

    01:06:29 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total

    01:07:55 Remaining Questions

    You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast) or find our Facebook page at Greatest Movie of All-Time Podcast.

    For the video version of this episode, go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKeAEQ4qkUQ

    For more on the episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/easy-rider-1969-ft-jesse-sertle

    For the entire rankings list so far, go to:Full Graded List - Greatest Movies of All-Time

    Keywords:

    Easy Rider, counterculture, new Hollywood, independent film, freedom, disillusionment, disconnect, Dennis Hopper, Jack Nicholson, Easy Rider, film industry, independent projects, studio system, 1970s culture, family, backgrounds, death row, Wisconsin prisons, novelty, classicness, rewatchability, ending,...

  • Dana and Tom with returning guest Kieran B (Host and Creator of the Best Picture Cast; @bestpicturecast on X, IG, Letterboxd) and new guest, Sara Shea (Host and Creator of Shea Cinema; @sheacinema on X, IG) revisit one of the defining legal drama in film, 12 Angry Men (1957): directed by Sidney Lumet, written by Reginald Rose, score by Kenyon Hopkins, cinematography by Boris Kaufman, starring Henry Fonda, Lee J. Cobb, Martin Balsam, Jack Klugman, Jack Warden, and Robert Webber.

    Plot Summary: "12 Angry Men" is a masterclass in cinematic storytelling, a film that transcends its simple setting to explore the complexities of human nature and the intricacies of the American justice system. Directed by Sidney Lumet, this 1957 classic features a powerhouse performance by Henry Fonda, leading an ensemble cast through a tense, emotionally charged jury deliberation.

    The plot revolves around twelve jurors tasked with deciding the fate of a young man accused of murder. As the film unfolds almost entirely within the confines of a single jury room, the characters' personal biases, prejudices, and moral dilemmas come to the forefront. Fonda’s Juror 8 stands as the lone voice of doubt against an initial consensus of guilt, gradually dismantling the case piece by piece through logical reasoning and relentless questioning.

    "12 Angry Men" remains a timeless reflection on justice, democracy, and the power of reasonable doubt. It’s a film that challenges viewers to look beyond the surface and question the assumptions that underpin their beliefs. This is not just a courtroom drama; it is an enduring examination of the moral and ethical struggles that define us all.

    Chapters:

    00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions

    03:38 The Dreaded New Guest Questions

    12:36 Background for 12 Angry Men - Cast and Recognition

    16:03 Relationship(s) to 12 Angry Men

    24:51 What is 12 Angry Men About?

    31:13 Is 12 Angry Men Too Idealistic or Naive?

    36:54 Plot Summary

    38:32 Did You Know?

    39:56 First Break

    40:37 Ask Dana Anything

    50:57 Who Would You Want to Play You in the Movie of Your Life?

    55:29 The Stanley Rubric

    56:55 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy

    01:05:00 The Stanley Rubric - Impact and Significance

    01:18:27 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty

    01:29:34 Second Break

    01:39:09 In Memoriam

    01:42:52 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness

    01:48:26 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability

    01:52:29 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score/Final Score

    01:54:07 Remaining Questions for 12 Angry Men

    02:09:05 Thank You to Our Guests

    02:12:56 Credits

    You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast) or find our Facebook page at Greatest Movie of All-Time Podcast.

    For more on the original episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/51-12-angry-men-1957

    For more on the episode, go to: