Don't Push Pause

Though this is the 30th Anniversary of GROUNDHOG DAY, it continues to feel timeless & evolve in meaning as it ages. This high concept film is triple threat — a holiday film, a fantasy comedy & an unassuming emotional touchstone for many audiences. As profoundly involved as this story may be, this Bill Murray vehicle has no shortage of complexities behind the scenes as well. 
//***Discussions include***\\ Origin & inspiration, transforming story structure, writing process, continuous script changes & on the fly decisions; tonal shift struggles, darker philosophical elements mixing with comedy, existential dread, death, immortality & spirituality; omitted scenes, storylines & deliberate absence of a key plot point; skirting around studio demands; importance of location & weather difficulties impacting production; conflicts between Ramis & Murray; cast chemistry & breakdown; release, reception & longevity of the film. Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, Chris Elliott & Step

Kicking off our 100th Episode with a Controversial Christmas Classic — DIE HARD (1988)! For a future-franchised film jam-packed with exciting explosions, it’s hard to believe this project was a gamble before it ever went into production. From its humble beginning to creating an iconic action hero, the formation of DIE HARD is nothing short of a surprise for everyone involved. 
//Discussions include***\\ State of late ‘80s action films; DIE HARD’s early novelization, lengthy writing process & tonality shift; studio demands, production challenges, director’s influence & balancing action with comedy; casting stories, main & supporting cast breakdown/interplay; cinematography, stunts, special effects & sound/music; release, reception, sequels & the Is this a Christmas movie debate. Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman, Bonnie Bedelia & Reginald VelJohnson star in DIE HARD (1988). Directed by John McTiernan.   //***Picks of the Week***\\ Lindsay’s Pick: PRESUMED INNOCENT (1990). Harrison Ford, Bonnie

Even 30 years after its release, A FEW GOOD MEN tops lists for the most riveting courtroom dramas. Using true events, a coveted director & soon-to-be celebrated writer, the film bleeds talent from all angles & integrity from end to end. All talents behind this film had a clear, unified vision — make a searing, ethically complex drama that would stand the test of time. 
//***Discussions include***\\ True events behind the film (pre & post release); writer Aaron Sorkin’s humble beginning, story evolution & adapting the stage play to screen; Rob Reiner’s influence & creating action within a narrative; in-depth character & cast discussion, behind the scenes stories, release & reception. Tom Cruise, Demi Moore, Jack Nicholson, Kevin Pollack star in A FEW GOOD MEN (1992). Directed by Rob Reiner.   //***Picks of the Week***\\ Lindsay’s Pick: THE LAST DETAIL (1973). Jack Nicholson, Otis Young, Randy Quaid. /// Director: Hal Ashby. Justin’s Pick:THE LAST SAMURAI (2003). Tom Cruise, Ken Wat

Combining unrelenting imagination with in-home paranormal activity & child abduction turned into a guaranteed masterpiece with POLTERGEIST (1982). Filmmakers Tobe Hooper & Steven Spielberg proved the horror genre could have emotional depth while remaining absolutely terrifying & creative. And on its 40th Anniversary year, POLTERGEIST still reigns supreme as one of the most memorable ghost stories ever told. 
//***Discussions include***\\ The lengthy development/writing process of the film & the state of horror in 1982; Hooper & Spielberg’s careers at the time, how they came to collaborate & controversy behind their partnership; vibe vs. theme, elevated/unusual aspects of the story & fundamental fears; cast & character dissections; the film’s score, framing style & special effects; memorable scenes, the double ending, sequels, recognition & longevity, plus our undying appreciation of JoBeth Williams. JoBeth Williams, Craig T. Nelson, Heather O’Rourke, Beatrice Straight

We’re kicking off our fifth Halloween by celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Gore Verbinski’s THE RING. Going for more than jump scares, this American film ushered in the blockbuster trend of remaking a pre-existing film. Not only did it reignite the idea of urban legends & invigorate the careers of those involved, THE RING also proved a remake could still fresh, modern & an absolute terrifying delight. 
//***Discussions include***\\ The origin story, urban legend & folklore behind the film; multiple reinventions of the story, dawn of the remake boom & why the film stands out; preying upon instinctual fears of the audience, themes & atmosphere; cast highlights & uniqueness of characters; special effects, creep factor, visual & sound importance; the film’s climax, reception, longevity, sequels, plus Justin & Lindsay share some local folklore. Naomi Watts, Daveigh Chase, David Dorfman, Martin Henderson & Brian Cox star in THE RING (2002). Directed by Gore Verbinski. //***Pic

In 1992, Quentin Tarantino’s life would drastically change as soon as his first feature film, RESERVOIR DOGS, would debut at Sundance. Though among many stellar films at the festival that year, it would be RESERVOIR DOGS which emerged as a transcendent feat in filmmaking. Time to go back in time to remember its importance in independent filmmaking. //***Discussions include***\\ How Tarantino rose to stardom based on talent, confidence & luck; the script finding its way into fortunate hands; freshening up a classic crime movie style, use of non-linear storytelling & challenging popular movie trends; casting stories & breaking down the lead roles; eccentricities about the film, music usage, realistic violence & Tarantino’s hot take observations; use of colorful characters & difficult dialog; positive & negative reactions at Sundance, plus how has this film held up 30 years later. Tim Roth, Harvey Keitel, Steve Buscemi star in RESERVOIR DOGS (1992). Directed by Quentin Tarantino. //***Pi

Creating a successful sequel which stands the test of time & elevates a franchise isn’t an easy feat. But LETHAL WEAPON 2 not only proved audiences wanted more from best buddies, Sgts. Murtaugh & Riggs, but that a sequel could be just as vibrant, alive & — in some ways — superior to the original film. //***Discussions include***\\ The evolution of creating a sequel, tonal variations in the script, challenges & major changes; blending action & darkness with evolved humor, friendship & family all woven into a cop movie; relevant messages, themes & atypical aspects of an action/thriller; breaking down the main & supporting cast; the music, thoughts on the Lethal Weapon sequels/franchise & the sequels of 1989. Mel Gibson, Danny Glover, Joe Pesci & Patsy Kensit star in LETHAL WEAPON 2 (1989) // Directed by Richard Donner. //***Picks of the Week***\\ Lindsay’s Pick: BELOVED (1998). Oprah Winfrey, Danny Glover, Kimberly Elise, Thandiwe Newton /// Directed by Jonathan Demme. J

After becoming the biggest buzzworthy phenomenon of mid-‘90s indie film, the bar was set extremely high for Quentin Tarantino’s third film, JACKIE BROWN. Often considered one of his most mature films, JACKIE BROWN tied together a classic style with a fresh voice, while also paying homage to a cinema icon. Everything about this films just gets better with age. //***Discussions include***\\ Where JACKIE BROWN fits into Tarantino’s career; adapting the novel into a screenplay & main differences between the two; Pam Grier’s influence on the script & impact of the Blaxploitation genre; use of visual storytelling, themes, tone, plus how violence & tension interact with humor; breakdowns of & dynamics between characters, casting stories; the inspired soundtrack; reception, response & recognition, plus some of our most memorable moments. Pam Grier, Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Forster, Bridget Fonda, Michael Keaton & Robert De Niro star in JACKIE BROWN (1997). Directed by Quentin Tarantino. //**

We’re back! And with an epic sequel which rivals its predecessor — James Cameron’s ALIENS. Though considered one of the best sequels of all-time, the road to fruition for this marvelously monstrous tour de force was a battle from start to finish. Stop your grinnin’ & drop you linen because this backstory has as many bumps in the road as the film itself!   //***Discussions include***\\ Why an ALIEN sequel took so long, James Cameron’s methodical scriptwriting & becoming the director for ALIENS; struggle with studio over the film’s star & producer, Sigourney Weaver & Gale Anne Hurd, budgetary constraints; thematic elements, overall vibe, visual concepts & differences from the original film; using a pre-selected British production crew, difficulties, disagreements & disrespect; creating a world with matte paintings, miniatures, mechanical, visual & in-camera special effects; ensemble cast breakdown, training & futuristic weapons; the nightmarish film score situation; release of th

It’s the 4-Year Anniversary of Don’t Push Pause!   THE BREAKFAST CLUB is one of the most well-known American films from the 1980s. It roped audiences in with sarcastic, yet endearing humor, then captivated us with its sincere depiction of cutting teenage truths. It became an iconic pinnacle of achievement for all those involved in its creation, but continuing to have mass appeal makes THE BREAKFAST CLUB a legendary film.   //***Discussions include***\\ Pre-Breakfast Club career history of John Hughes; inspiration behind, writing evolution & revisions of the script; tonal shifts, use of dialogue & conflict; casting & chemistry, rehearsal stories & actors influencing the script; set construction, the film’s soundtrack & use of music, problematic elements, release/reception & why this movie is still effective. Emilio Estevez, Molly Ringwald, Ally Sheedy, Anthony Michael Hall & Judd Nelson are THE BREAKFAST CLUB (1985). Directed by John Hughes.   //***Picks of the Week***\\ Lindsay’s

Ivan Reitman was an illustrious filmmaker whose creative ingenuity & lifelong desire for audiences to laugh was born from an unimaginable beginning. With more than 50 years of directing & producing, Reitman turned comedians into movie stars, reinvented careers & subgenres of comedy & sci-fi, while forging longstanding friendships throughout the business. Focusing on themes of friendship, family, perseverance & the fantastic, from toga parties to marshmallow men, Reitman never stopped entertaining. His recent passing pierced the hearts of so many collaborators & fans. After all the laughs he brought to the world, we wanted to celebrate the unrelenting dedication & lasting cultural footprint Ivan Reitman left behind. ***Picks of the Week & the MurrayMoment will return next episode.*** Next Episode: Our Four Year Anniversary! THE BREAKFAST CLUB (1985) 
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Throughout the last 30 years, Adam Sandler has remained current while evolving as an entertainer, yet staying true to his comedy roots. Cranking out hit after hit, join us on this ride through Sandler’s career, making a pit stop at a giant pivotal moment in time with 1998’s THE WEDDING SINGER.   //***Discussions include***\\ —Sandler’s break into comedy, acting & how college set the stage for his future career; early acting jobs & forming a creative pool of friends, partners; Saturday Night Live & breaking into movies. —THE WEDDING SINGER: The timely significance & magic of the Sandler/Barrymore pairing; concept, writing process, balancing heartache & humor; broadening Sandler’s comedy & introduction of a female voice in his films; favorites in the cast, music & reception. —Furthering Sandler’s comedy evolution, while expanding outside the genre; consistency of multiple recurring themes in his films; co-writing, co-producing & working with same group of directors; critical

Celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year, THE GODFATHER is largely considered one of the most influential & important films to date. While it catapulted careers, it also forever changed American cinema & the modern organized-crime film. But the road to fruition was not without constant roadblocks, only adding to what makes this film nothing short of iconic.   //***Discussions include***\\ State of the Hollywood studio system & mafia movies pre-GODFATHER; writer Mario Puzo’s involvement & how Francis Ford Coppola came aboard & adapted the best-selling novel into a screenplay; influences & truth behind the film, Italian-American representation & evolving complications with real-life mafia interference; Coppola’s repeated clashes & compromises with Paramount over the film’s vision, crew disrespect; main character breakdowns, surprising casting stories & struggles; main theme & musical composition; violence in the film, cinematography & editing challenges; critical

For being based on a true story, GIRL, INTERRUPTED’s highly-praised & harrowing ensemble cast had to lead with sincerity to leave an enduring impact. Just like the memoir on which it was based, this film continues to affect those looking for authentic connection, while also being well-deserving of rediscovery.     //***Discussions include***\\ The challenging transition from memoir to screenplay, Winona Ryder’s initial involvement & writer/director James Mangold’s fable-style adaptation of the story; point of view, exploration of themes & dedication to time period; cinematography, art direction, unique music choices, use of the montage, flashbacks, location & narration; the outstanding ensemble cast; memorable moments, critical response & lasting impressions.   Winona Ryder, Angelina Jolie, Whoopi Goldberg & so many others star in GIRL, INTERRUPTED (1999). Directed by James Mangold. 
//***Picks of the Week***\\ Lindsay’s Pick: MERMAIDS (1990). Cher, Winona Ryder, Christina Ricci.

It’s hard to believe a voyeuristic tale about mortality became the biggest blockbuster of 1990. Although GHOST embodied the essence of human connection, it was not the easiest to initially sell. Nevertheless, the film went on to inspire real world conversations about life & death, solidifying  its place in pop culture history & proving to be a love that would last forever. //***Discussions include***\\ Studio reluctance & unimaginable director choice; story inspiration, script alterations & themes behind this multi-genre blender; deconstructing the film’s most famous scene; casting stories of Swayze & Goldberg, cast chemistry, main character significance & revisions; the magical minority trope; the film’s score & signature song, special effects, favorite scenes, resulting success & unexpected style phenomenon. Patrick Swayze, Whoopi Goldberg, Demi Moore & Tony Goldwyn star in GHOST (1990). Directed by Jerry Zucker. //***Picks of the Week***\\ •    Lindsay’s Pick: THE

For a film about imprisonment, THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION is an unassuming & bold entry as one of the most popular films of all-time. With inspiration in the face of adversity as an undercurrent, the film speaks in universal themes, emotionally effective & profound in its storytelling. Hope may be a dangerous thing, but for how SHAWSHANK came to fruition & the enduringly powerful impact, this authentic tale remains an timeless touchstone for all audiences. //**Discussions include**// Frank Darabont’s humble rise within the film industry & connection to SHAWSHANK writer, Stephen King; differences between the screenplay adaptation & novella; Castle Rock involvement, location & production design; overall tone, themes, commentary, use of narration & changes to the film’s climax; casting, behind the scenes stories & ensemble character development; reception & how the film grew in popularity despite a disappointing box office return Tim Robbins & Morgan Freeman star in THE S

As soon as it hit theaters, RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK became the blockbuster pinnacle of where imagination meets adventure. Forty years after its release, this powerhouse pairing of George Lucas & Steven Spielberg remains a massive achievement within its genre, the film to which all others are compared. And the journey of how Indiana Jones became an icon is a complex & wild ride all by itself. //**Discussions include**// Origin story & humble, inspired development behind Indiana Jones, plus the early partnership between Lucas & Spielberg; brazen dealings with the studio over production; shooting hardships, injuries & behind the scenes stories; the strength behind RAIDERS’ lead actors, plus early casting possibilities; what makes this a thrilling & crowd-pleasing experience; the glorious, multi-layered score, reception & franchise. Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, Paul Freeman & John Rhys-Davies star in RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK (1981). Directed by Steven Spielberg. //**Picks of th

A low budget horror film becoming a massive success is almost unheard of. When it evolves into a cultural phenomenon, its called Sam Raimi’s THE EVIL DEAD (1981). With its blood-spattered intensity, ingenuity & masterful achievements in resourceful filmmaking, this picture had a brutal, exhausting road to tread. Now entering its 40th year of existence, it’s clear this film will never die. //**Discussions include**// Evolution of high school film hobbyists gaining experience into full-on filmmakers, plus Raimi’s first short films; inspirations, intended purpose & research behind the concept of EVIL DEAD; financing, establishing Renaissance Pictures & commitment to professionalism; assembling the cast, grueling conditions, production challenges & cheats; filming techniques, visuals & special effects; the film’s score, release, reception, sequels, 2013 reboot & everlasting legacy. Bruce Campbell, Ellen Sandweiss, Betsy Baker, Teresa Tilly & Richard DeManincor star in THE EVIL DEAD (

Even with previous slasher movie influences, MY BLOODY VALENTINE stood out in amongst the saturated horror market of 1981. But even a well-crafted, creative story couldn’t guarantee immediate success for this film, yet it continues to be a celebrated slasher 40 years later.   //**Discussions include**// State of horror movies in 1981 & the Canadian horror pop; unique story & character setups, atmosphere & importance of location; playing on & against horror tropes; multiple problems during filming & budget challenges; casting & character breakdowns; music for the film, MPAA struggle, release & establishing a fan base; theatrical vs. unrated edition, the 2009 remake, plus memorable moments & behind-the-scenes tidbits.   Paul Kelman, Neil Affleck, Lori Hallier & Don Francks star in MY BLOODY VALENTINE (1981). Directed by George Mihalka.     //***Picks of the Week***//     •    Lindsay’s Pick: HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME (1981). Melissa Sue Anderson, Glenn Ford /// Directed

Creating a fresh, well-developed horror movie within the age-old monster genre is no small feat. In 1981, AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON blew minds for its special effects, tonal blending & compassionate story involving doomed characters. The innovation involved not only influenced countless films to follow, but WEREWOLF remains one of the most renowned of its genre. //**Discussions include**// John Landis’ story inspirations, initial conception & journey of getting the film financed; Rick Baker’s unforgettable special effects work; how humor can humanize horror & views on the film’s tone; placement in amongst 1981 horror & previous werewolf films; casting stories & brief career history of Landis; integrating contemporary music with the film’s score; release, reception & favorite moments from the film. David Naughton, Griffin Dunne & Jenny Agutter star in AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON (1981). Directed by John Landis. //***Picks of the Week***//     •    Lindsay’s Pick: INN