The Usual Suspects (1995)

Dana and Tom with returning guest, Frank Mandosa (Host of Reels of Cinema&nbsp;podcast, co-host of Movies across the Pod), discuss the Best Picture winner of 1980 - Ordinary People: directed by Robert Redford, written by Alvin Sargent, cinematography by John Bailey, music by Marvin Hamlisch, starring Donald Sutherland, Mary Tyler Moore, Judd Hirsch, and Timothy Hutton.Plot Summary: Ordinary People is a powerful drama about a family torn apart by loss. The Jarretts seem like a perfect upper-class family, but the death of their oldest son, Buck, leaves deep scars. Conrad, the younger son (Timothy Hutton), struggles with guilt and depression, leading to a suicide attempt. With the help of psychiatrist Dr. Berger (Judd Hirsch), he slowly begins to face his painful emotions and heal.Conrad’s father, Calvin (Donald Sutherland), wants to connect and support him, but his mother, Beth (Mary Tyler Moore), cannot show her feelings and insists on keeping up appearances. This emotional distance pushes Conrad away, creating tension in her and Calvin's marriage. Ultimately, the family must confront the truth that love and healing require honesty, not denial.Guest:Frank MandosaHost of Reels of Cinema&nbsp;podcast, co-host of Movies across the Podhttps://linktr.ee/reelsofcinema; www.frankmandosa.weebly.comPreviously on The Sixth Sense, Sunset Boulevard (1950) RevisitChapters:00:00 Introduction, Cast, and Background for Ordinary People04:02 Welcome Back Frank Mandosa06:43 Being Compared to Raging Bull and Mental Health in the 1980s19:35 Relationships with Ordinary People25:25 Are We in a Better Place with Mental Health Today?30:52 What is Ordinary People About?38:08 Plot Summary for Ordinary People39:17 Did You Know?46:15 First Break47:18 What's Up with Frank Mandosa48:18 The Cinema Legacy Poll Release #258:33 Best Performance(s)01:21:14 Best Scene(s)01:35:56 Second Break01:36:34 In Memoriam01:41:00 Best/Funniest Lines01:44:46 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy01:51:59 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance01:59:52 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty02:02:27 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness02:08:53 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability02:14:16 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total02:16:00 Remaining Questions for Ordinary People02:21:24 Listener Questions02:33:12 Thank You to Frank and Remaining Thoughts02:37:19 CreditsYou can also find this episode in full video on YouTube.You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast).For more on the episode, go to: <a...

Dana had to call in sick this week, so Tom and the newest 5x Club member, Jesse Sertle (CineMadison) discuss Almost Famous (2000) for its 25th anniversary: written and directed by Cameron Crowe, cinematography by John Toll, music by Nancy Wilson, starring Billy Crudup, Kate Hudson, Frances McDormand, Jason Lee, and Patrick Fugit.Plot Summary: Almost Famous is a coming-of-age story about music, identity, and growing up in the 1970s. The film follows William Miller, a 15-year-old aspiring music journalist, who gets the chance of a lifetime when Rolling Stone magazine hires him to cover an up-and-coming rock band called Stillwater.William joins the band on tour, where he experiences the excitement and chaos of life on the road. Along the way, he befriends Penny Lane, a free-spirited groupie who hides her own heartbreak behind her love for the music. As William tries to balance his journalistic duties with his feelings of friendship and loyalty, he struggles with the blurred lines between truth and storytelling.At its core, Almost Famous is about the power of music to shape lives, the messy process of growing up, and learning who you are when surrounded by fame, love, and disappointment.Guest:Jesse Sertle (5x Club Member)fellow group member of CineMadisonpreviously on Rounders (1998), Easy Rider (1969), and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019), Star Wars (1977)@jsertle&nbsp;on IGChapters00:00 Introduction, Cast of Almost Famous, and Welcome Back Jesse03:34 Almost Famous - Tom's First Impressions09:00 Background for Almost Famous10:11 Why Does America Love Rockstars?16:12 Plot Summary for Almost Famous17:08 What is Almost Famous About?26:27 Did You Know?30:18 First Break31:01 Best Performance(s)42:13 Best Scene(s)51:36 Second Break52:14 In Memoriam54:39 Best/Funniest Lines57:57 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy01:07:39 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance01:12:53 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty01:16:42 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness01:23:07 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability01:26:24 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total01:27:30 Remaining Questions for Almost Famous01:33:30 Thank You to Jesse and Final Thoughts01:36:52 Credits01:37:57 Introduction to the Cinema Legacy Poll01:38:43 Thank You to All of Our Participants01:43:25 The Cinema Legacy Poll - Rankings 120-11101:45:21 Initial Reactions to the First List Drop01:52:36 Final Thoughts for the Weekly DropYou can also find this episode in full video on YouTube.You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast).For more on the episode, go to: <a...

Dana and Tom with Frank Mandosa (host of Reels of Cinema, co-host of Movie Across the Pod) revisit Sunset Boulevard (1950): written and directed by Billy Wilder with Charles Brackett and DM Marshman Jr, cinematography by John F. Seitz, music by Franz Waxman, starring William Holden, Gloria Swanson, and Erich Von Stroheim.Plot Summary: Sunset Boulevard is a dark Hollywood drama directed by Billy Wilder. The story follows Joe Gillis (William Holden), a struggling screenwriter who can’t sell his scripts. By chance, he meets Norma Desmond (Gloria Swanson), a once-famous silent film actress who now lives in isolation in her decaying mansion on Sunset Boulevard. Norma dreams of making a comeback and convinces Joe to help rewrite a script she believes will return her to stardom.As Joe becomes financially dependent on Norma, he finds himself trapped in her world of fading glory and denial. Their relationship grows tense and unhealthy, especially as Joe develops feelings for another young writer. Norma’s desperation and inability to accept reality lead to a shocking and tragic ending. The film is a powerful look at obsession, fame, and the dark side of Hollywood.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back Frank04:39 Why is Sunset Boulevard So Critically Revered?14:11 Background for Sunset Boulevard16:51 Relationship(s) to Sunset Boulevard24:37 Plot Summary for Sunset Boulevard25:45 What is Sunset Boulevard About?29:35 Is Sunset Boulevard Billy Wilder's Best Film?33:48 Did You Know?35:52 First Break36:34 What's Happening with Frank40:38 Big Announcement - The Cinema Legacy Poll51:32 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy57:15 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance01:03:16 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty01:06:12 Second Break01:06:49 In Memoriam01:08:04 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness01:14:31 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability01:19:52 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total01:22:13 Remaining Questions for Sunset Boulevard01:23:36 Thank You to Frank and Final Thoughts01:26:14 CreditsGuest:Frank MandosaHost of Reels of Cinema podcast, co-host of Movies across the Podhttps://linktr.ee/reelsofcinema; www.frankmandosa.weebly.comPreviously on The Sixth SenseYou can also find this episode in full video on YouTube.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/sunset-boulevard-1950For more on the episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/sunset-boulevard-1950-revisit-ft-frank-mandosaFor the entire rankings list so far, go to: <a href="https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/greatest-movie-of-all-time-list" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

Dana and Tom with 5x Club Member, Peterson W. Hill (Co-Host of the War Starts at Midnight&nbsp;podcast), discuss the Indian cinema classic, Pather Panchali (1955) celebrating its 70th anniversary: written and directed by Satyajit Ray, cinematography by Subrata Mitra, music by Ravi Shankar, starring Kanu Banerjee, Karuna Banerjee, Subir Banerjee, Runki Banerjee, Uma Dasgupta, and Chunibala Devi.Plot Summary: Pather Panchali (meaning Song of the Little Road) is a 1955 film by Satyajit Ray. It tells the story of Apu, a young boy in a poor village in Bengal. His father, Harihar, is a priest who dreams of a better life, while his mother, Sarbajaya, struggles to care for the family. Apu is very close to his older sister, Durga, who finds happiness in small things even though they are very poor.The film shows daily village life—both its beauty and hardships—through the children’s eyes. As the family faces loss and change, Apu begins a journey that reflects the joys and sorrows of growing up.Guest:Peterson W. Hill&nbsp;- Co-Host of the War Starts at Midnight&nbsp;podcast@petersonwhill on IG, Letterboxd, and TwitterPrevious Guest on Gone Girl (2014), Parasite (2019), Fight Club (1999), Ben-Hur (1959), Up in the Air (2009), The Shop Around the Corner (1940), La Dolce Vita (1960), The Social Network (2010) RevisitChapters:00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back Peterson05:04 First Impressions for Dana and Tom11:30 Peterson's Relationship to Pather Panchali14:21 Background for Pather Panchali16:33 What is Pather Panchali About?20:32 Does Pather Panchali Deserve to Be Mentioned Among the Greatest Films?32:11 Plot Summary for Pather Panchali33:55 Did You Know?36:18 First Break36:59 What's Happening with Peterson W. Hill?37:43 Best Performance(s)52:15 Best Scene(s)01:02:36 Second Break01:03:17 In Memoriam01:11:16 Best/Funniest Lines01:12:52 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy01:18:35 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance01:24:14 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty01:30:45 The Stanley Rubric -...

Dana and Tom and 5x Club Member, Sarah Duncan, discuss the Best Picture winner of 1930, All Quiet on the Western Front: directed by Lewis Milestone, written by Maxwell Anderson, George Abbott, and Del Andrews, cinematography by Arthur Edeson, starring Louis Wolheim and Lew Ayres.Plot Summary: All Quiet on the Western Front (1930) follows Paul Bäumer, a young German soldier swept up by patriotic fervor and the persuasive speeches of their teacher who enlists with his schoolmates during World War I. Initially eager for glory, Paul soon confronts the grim realities of trench warfare—mud, hunger, fear, and the constant presence of death. The brutality of combat strips away his youthful ideals, replacing them with disillusionment and a desperate will to survive. Alienated from civilians who cannot comprehend his experiences, Paul finds his only solace in the fragile camaraderie of his fellow soldiers. The film ends with a moment of tragic irony: just as he reaches for the simple beauty of a butterfly on the battlefield, Paul is shot and killed—on a day so quiet that the official report reads, “All quiet on the Western Front.”Guest:Sarah Duncan&nbsp;- Sister of Tom, Daughter of Dana@thenomadicarchaeologist&nbsp;on IGPrevious Episodes: Zodiac, My Fair Lady, The Artist, Inglourious Basterds, The Great Dictator, Forrest Gump, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Knives OutChapters:00:00 Introduction, Cast of All Quiet on the Western Front, and Welcome Back Sarah04:38 What Other Movies Can You See In This?06:56 Background for All Quiet on the Western Front08:16 Relationship(s) to the Film15:29 Did Dana Like It?16:23 Plot Summary for All Quiet on the Western Front18:00 What is All Quiet on the Western Front About?20:11 Ranking Best War Films29:10 Did You Know?31:38 First Break33:30 What's Happening with Sarah Duncan?33:59 Listener Feedback and Housekeeping40:02 August 2025 GMOAT Hall of Fame45:58 Best Performance(s)58:04 Best Scene(s)01:09:53 Second Break01:10:32 In Memoriam01:14:08 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy01:28:54 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance01:31:47 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty01:34:45 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness01:39:46 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability01:44:17 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total01:46:02 Remaining Questions01:46:26 Thank You to Sarah01:47:09 Remaining Thoughts for the Week01:50:19 CreditsYou can also find this...

Dana and Tom with 5x Club member, Peterson W. Hill, revisit The Social Network (2010): directed by David Fincher, written by Aaron Sorkin, cinematography by Jeff Cronenweth, music by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, starring Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake, and Armie Hammer.Plot Summary: The Social Network dramatizes the turbulent origins of Facebook, tracing its rise from a dorm room project to a global tech empire. The story centers on Harvard student Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg), whose brilliance and ambition lead him to create a revolutionary social networking site. But as Facebook explodes in popularity, personal relationships unravel and legal battles erupt. Former friends and collaborators—including Eduardo Saverin (Andrew Garfield), Sean Parker (Justin Timberlake), and the Winklevoss twins (Armie Hammer)—clash over ownership, betrayal, and the blurred lines between genius and opportunism. It’s a tale of innovation, ego, and the cost of success in the digital age.Guest:Peterson W. Hill&nbsp;- Co-Host of the War Starts at Midnight&nbsp;podcast@petersonwhill on IG, Letterboxd, and TwitterPrevious Guest on Gone Girl (2014), Parasite (2019), Fight Club (1999), Ben-Hur (1959), Up in the Air (2009), The Shop Around the Corner (1940), La Dolce Vita (1960)Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Welcome02:34 Cast for The Social Network03:28 Welcome Back, Peterson07:42 How Important is The Social Network in Culture?16:32 Background for The Social Network20:12 Is This David Fincher's Best Film?25:49 Relationship(s) to The Social Network31:42 Plot Summary for The Social Network32:46 What is The Social Network About?52:24 Did You Know?58:34 First Break59:38 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy01:08:23 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance01:16:01 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty01:21:00 Second Break01:21:42 In Memoriam01:23:16 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness01:54:02 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability01:56:40 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability01:58:51 Remaining Questions for The Social Network02:06:56 Thank You to Peterson02:08:25 Remaining Thoughts for the Week02:14:46 CreditsYou can also find this episode in full video on YouTube.You can now follow us on <a...

Dana and Tom discuss The Usual Suspects (1995): directed by Bryan Singer, written by Christopher McQuarrie, music and editing by John Ottman, Cinematography by Newton Thomas Sigel, starring Gabriel Byrne, Stephen Baldwin, Kevin Pollack, Chazz Palminteri, Benicio Del Toro, and Kevin Spacey.Plot Summary: The Usual Suspects is a crime thriller about five criminals who meet during a police lineup and decide to work together on a heist. After the heist goes wrong, they find themselves being manipulated by a mysterious and dangerous crime boss named Keyser Söze. As the story unfolds, one of the criminals, Verbal Kint, tells the police what happened. Through flashbacks, we learn about betrayal, revenge, and the power of fear. The movie builds to a shocking twist at the end, where everything we thought we knew is turned upside down. It’s a smart, suspenseful film that keeps viewers guessing until the very last scene.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Welcome01:54 Cast and Background for The Usual Suspects04:28 Relationship(s) to The Usual Suspects06:49 What is The Usual Suspects About?11:31 Did Dana Like It?12:48 All-Time Movie Plot Twists Rankings16:20 Plot Summary for The Usual Suspects17:29 Did You Know?21:28 First Break22:19 Best Performance(s)32:47 Best Scene(s)36:22 Second Break37:06 In Memoriam39:17 Best/Funniest Lines40:54 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy46:10 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance50:31 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty53:28 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness01:03:31 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability01:06:23 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total01:08:40 Remaining Questions for The Usual Suspects01:20:08 CreditsYou can also find this episode in full video on YouTube.You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast).For more on the episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/the-usual-suspects-1995For the entire rankings list so far, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/greatest-movie-of-all-time-listKeywords:The Usual Suspects, movie review, film analysis, plot twist, Kevin Spacey, Bryan Singer, crime thriller, character analysis, cinematic legacy, film trivia, Keyser Soze, Christopher McQuarrie, Kevin Pollack, Benicio Del Toro, Stephen Baldwin, Gabriel Byrne, John OttmanRonny Duncan Studios

Dana and Tom with returning guest, Ryan Luis Rodriguez (Host of One Track Mind, Co-Host of Reels of Justice&nbsp;Podcast) discuss The Night of the Hunter (1955), celebrating its 70th anniversary: directed by Charles Laughton, written by James Agee, cinematography by Stanley Cortez, music by Walter Schumann, starring Robert Mitchum, Shelley Winters, Lillian Gish, and Peter Graves.Plot Summary: The Night of the Hunter is a suspenseful drama about a dangerous man (Robert Mitchum) posing as a preacher. Set during the Great Depression, the story follows Harry Powell, a charismatic and unsettling figure who travels the countryside, claiming to be a man of God. In reality, he's a con artist and killer.When Harry hears about a man who hid $10,000 from a bank robbery, he marries the man’s widow (Shelly Winters) to try to find the money. However, the only people who know its location are her two young children, John and Pearl. As Harry becomes increasingly violent and threatening, the kids flee down the river to escape him.They find safety with a kind woman named Rachel Cooper (Lillian Gish) who protects lost and abandoned children. Ultimately, Rachel stands up to Harry and helps bring him to justice.The movie mixes horror, mystery, and beautiful black-and-white visuals. It’s a story about good versus evil—and how bravery can come from even the smallest and quietest people.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back Ryan02:37 Why The Night of the Hunter?04:25 Background for The Night of The Hunter06:27 Why Has The Night of the Hunter Become a Classic Only Recently?10:17 Relationship(s) with The Night of the Hunter17:30 Did Dana Like It?22:18 What is The Night of the Hunter About?25:34 Cinematic Villain Rankings: Harry Powell29:05 Plot Summary for The Night of the Hunter31:13 Did You Know?36:22 First Break37:13 What's Happening with Ryan Luis Rodriguez40:00 GMOAT Hall of Fame - July 202546:54 Best Performance(s)57:20 Best Scene(s)01:06:12 Second Break01:06:54 In Memoriam01:15:19 Best/Funniest Lines01:19:38 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy01:29:29 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance01:32:09 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty01:36:21 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness01:40:13 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability01:43:28 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total01:45:06 Remaining Questions for The Night of the Hunter01:46:47 Thank You to Ryan and Remaining Thoughts01:51:19 CreditsGuest:Ryan Luis RodriguezHost of One Track Mind&nbsp;(IG, Letterboxd, Bluesky, Patreon)Co-Host of Reels of Justice&nbsp;Podcast (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/reelsofjustice/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

Dana and Tom with returning guest, Terry Bartley (author and host of Most Writers are Fans&nbsp;podcast), discuss Toy Story 3 (2010) for its 15th anniversary: directed by Lee Unkrich, written by Michael Arndt, cinematography by Jeremy Lasky and Kim White, music by Randy Newman, starring Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, John Ratzenberger, Don Rickles, Wallace Shawn, Ned Beatty, and Michael Keaton.Plot Summary: Toy Story 3 is a heartfelt animated adventure that follows Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and the rest of Andy’s toys as they face an uncertain future. With Andy heading off to college, the toys are mistakenly donated to a daycare center where they meet new friends—and some unexpected enemies. As they struggle to return home, they must confront questions of loyalty, identity, and what it means to be loved. The film blends humor, action, and emotion, culminating in a poignant farewell that resonates with audiences of all ages.Guest:Terry Bartley&nbsp;Author (https://www.terrybartleywriter.com/), Tyranny of the Fey available on AmazonHost (Most Writers are Fans&nbsp;podcast)D&amp;D Twitch Stream - ESP Productions: https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2450557464Previous Episode(s): The Fugitive (1993), Batman (1989)Chapters:00:00 Introduction, Cast List, and Welcome Back Terry04:37 Why is Toy Story Still So Resonant?13:41 Background for Toy Story 315:18 Relationship(s) with Toy Story 318:00 What is Toy Story 3 About?22:44 Our Personal Toy Story Rankings25:56 Plot Summary for Toy Story 326:42 Did You Know?31:26 First Break32:17 What's Happening with Terry Bartley?34:37 Best Performance(s)42:44 Best Scene(s)50:35 Second Break51:15 In Memoriam55:34 Best/Funniest Lines57:57 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy01:03:46 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance01:12:36 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty01:16:24 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness01:24:18 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability01:28:36 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total01:30:11 Remaining Questions for Toy Story 301:41:10 Thank You to Terry and Final Thoughts01:46:48 CreditsYou can also find this episode in full video on YouTube.You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast).For more on the episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/toy-story-3-2010-ft-terry-bartleyFor the...

Dana and Tom with 5x Club member, Walter Gainer (Founder of Boss Locks Media&nbsp;and Host of The Working While Black Show) discuss Inception (2010) for its 15th Anniversary: written and directed by Christopher Nolan, cinematography by Wally Pfister, music by Hans Zimmer, starring Leonard DiCaprio, Elliot Page, Joseph Gordon Levitt, Tom Hardy, Marion Cotillard, Cillian Murphy, and Ken Watanabe.Plot Summary: Inception is a mind-bending science-fiction thriller written and directed by Christopher Nolan. Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) is a skilled thief who specializes in stealing secrets from deep within someone else's subconscious during dreams. However, when he is offered a chance to have his criminal record erased, Cobb must accomplish the impossible: planting an idea in someone’s mind — through a process known as “inception.” To succeed, he assembles a team and ventures into a multi-layered dream world, where time stretches and reality blurs. As the mission unfolds, Cobb faces not only the risks of the job but the haunting memories of his past that threaten to sabotage everything.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back Walt04:32 Relationship(s) with Inception13:25 Dana's Issues with Inception19:58 What is Inception About?23:13 Background for Inception30:25 Is Inception Just a Good Action Thriller or Something More?31:29 Plot Summary for Inception32:30 Did You Know?37:06 First Break37:53 What's Happening with Walt39:16 Best Performance(s)50:25 Best Scene(s)01:03:58 Second Break01:04:39 In Memoriam01:09:17 Best/Funniest Lines01:12:52 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy01:19:25 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance01:23:54 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty01:29:56 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness01:36:48 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability01:39:36 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total01:43:12 Remaining Questions for Inception01:48:49 Thank You to Walt and Remaining Thoughts01:56:41 CreditsGuest:Walter Gainer IIFounder of Boss Locks Media&nbsp;and Host of The Working While Black Show@bosslocks on IG, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn@itsthegreatwalt on IG, @rampagewalter on LinkedInPreviously On: Training Day (2001), <a...