TAATM #491: Sneakers vs. Swordfish

Paul and Erin review two films about the world of computer hacking and international espionage: the breezy 1992 caper SNEAKERS, starring Robert Redford; and SWORDFISH, the flashy 2001 techno-thriller starring John Travolta and Hugh Jackman.

Paul and Erin clear out their overflowing new-movie in-trays with reviews of more than a dozen holiday blockbusters, awards magnets, auteur exercises and under-the-radar gems.

Paul and Erin review two films from Peter Weir's Hollywood period: the 1985 Harrison Ford thriller WITNESS and the 1990 romantic comedy GREEN CARD.

Paul and Erin review TRAIN DREAMS, BALLAD OF A SMALL PLAYER and new films from Guillermo Del Toro, Richard Linklater, Luca Guadagnino and Edgar Wright, plus a pair of classic Hong Kong actioners.

Paul and Erin review two films about male friendships flourishing behind prison bars: Hector Babenco's 1985 Oscar-winner KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN, and Sidney Poitier's 1980 buddy comedy STIR CRAZY.

Paul and Erin review more new releases, including Kathryn Bigelow's A HOUSE OF DYNAMITE, Yorgos Lanthimos' BUGONIA, Kelly Reichardt's THE MASTERMIND, Richard Linklater's BLUE MOON and Nia DaCosta's HEDDA, and look back at Ingmar Bergman's "Faith Trilogy," Dario Argento's DEEP RED and Ethan Hawke's new TV series THE LOWDOWN.

Paul and Erin review two films that take place during the early days of World War III: Nicholas Meyer's blockbuster 1983 TV-movie THE DAY AFTER, and Steve de Jarnatt's quirky 1988 cult movie MIRACLE MILE.

Paul and Erin round up new releases like Paul Thomas Anderson's ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER and Park Chan-Wook's NO OTHER CHOICE before moving on to a grab bag of older titles, including LINDA LINDA LINDA, THE OFFENCE, WHO KILLED TEDDY BEAR?, and FOOL FOR LOVE.

Paul and Erin discuss two films about obsessive fandom: Rob Reiner's 1990 Stephen King adaptation MISERY, and Tony Scott's 1996 De Niro/Snipes thriller THE FAN.

Paul and Erin take a quick survey of a host of new releases including Spike Lee's HIGHEST 2 LOWEST, THE ROSES, F1, ELIO and Ethan Coen's HONEY DON'T, before gazing backward upon the likes of LADYHAWKE, TELEFON, THE EARRINGS OF MADAME DE... and the first season of MIAMI VICE.