In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and Phil

ITQ returns to the airwaves with a special episode to pose the question: Is DIE HARD the greatest Christmas movie of all time?  Joining Andrew and Phil is returning champion, Drew!  The three movie nerds discuss why the classic 80's action film still holds up thirty years later.  Here's a hint - the excellent screenplay is a big reason.  This talk ranges from Alan Rickman's bad guy persona, to a production that kept rewriting itself as it went on, and just how earned was it to have Reginald VelJohnson's character kill that villain at the end?  You won't want to miss this episode.

Drew returns to the program to discuss what is undoubtedly the greatest film adaptation of William Burroughs' writing.  NAKED LUNCH is a surreal, inscrutable journey into the world of drug abuse and creative turmoil.  Good thing we have Drew to talk us through it.  The conversation ranges from homoerotic undertones and the warmth of Cronenberg.  Give this podcast a listen!      

This sci-fi comedy set in alternate Oakland is unlike anything else you've seen.  It's the brainchild of Boots Riley, a hip hop artist who's been dreaming up this film for many years.  The discussion covers the machinations of the film's premise and the metaphor of a "white voice", which the main character Cassius employs in order to prosper at this job.  Great acting all around makes for a solid moviegoing experience.

This is a film that begins as a meditation on living in nature, under the principles support the idea behind the title, and then soon becomes an examination of two people trying to make their way in a bustling city.  LEAVE NO TRACE reminded me of A24's ROOM in an inverse way, but it also recalls certain moments of THE HURT LOCKER.  Ben Foster and Thomasin McKenzie give very natural performances as the father-daughter who try to cling to each other, although the daughter begins to feel a pull once she reaches Portland.  A wonderful film by Debra Granik.

Agnieszka Smocyńska directs this horror musical mash-up film, the first musical to ever come from the nation of Poland.  It takes place in an alternate 1980s, at a nightclub that hosts two carnivorous singing mermaids.  If you like your movies moody and weird, then this one is for you.  There's nothing quite like it and it's certainly a cinematic experience.  The delightful Leticia joins ITQ to talk about this singular film, a recent addition to the Criterion Collection.

As sequels go, its generally a plus to retain the writer of the original film.  Taylor Sheridan goes all in as the author of this second chapter and Josh Brolin and Benicio Del Toro reprise their characters.  But there is a certain void left by the absence of Emily Blunt, Roger Deakins and undoubtedly, Denis Villeneuve.  Still, Andrew found a lot to like about the film.  It's a compelling potboiler.  But Phil was not so fond of it.  He did have fun talking about Josh Brolin's frequent appearances as politically right-wing figures in film.  

Bob is the evil that men do...and he all started on a whim from David Lynch on the set of "Twin Peaks" (1990).  This topic and many more are explored in this illuminating discussion about one of Lynch's most maligned films.  New guest, Steve joins the conversation surrounding this mysterious movie.  He proves himself an expert on interpreting Lynch's obtuse intentions.  Take a listen to this scintillating conversation.  If you're a David Lynch fan, you won't want to miss it.

Fred Rogers was an ordained minister and beloved childhood icon.  This documentary is an hour and a half of pure love, and paints a portrait of the power of kindness.  Andrew and Phil did not grow up watching "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood" but still have an appreciation for this excellent film.  The work of Mr. Rogers touches many lives and can stand as a beacon of hope in a troubled time.

Toni Collette gives an earth-shaking performance as the troubled matriarch of an equally troubled family in this A24 horror masterpiece.  HEREDITARY doesn't rely on jump scares to frighten us and has a potent and very real message about how dysfunctional families hurt their members.  Andrew was troubled by the spoilers from the trailer, but nevertheless thoroughly loved the film.  Phil breaks down the comparisons between this movie and The Exorcist, with some interesting associations.

How do you know that voice speaking directly to you is God?  That's an intriguing concept that is touched on in this Netflix film.  Chiwetel Ejiofor plays real-life preacher Carlton Pearson, who suddenly hears God tell him that he should evangelize that their is no Hell.  His congregation and his supporters think he's lost it, but Carlton remains resolute.  Eric joins this episode to talk about the merits and flaws of this film.