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Andy J Ritchie & Donnchadh Tiernan

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Call It, FriendoCall It, FriendoBonus: The Films That Formed Me - Andy J RitchieThis week, Andy J Ritchie goes through the 10 films that formed him, featuring discussion of pre-9/11 optimism, sad bastard music and the most Scottish form of revenge. Next week, we’re back to regular programming with Daughters of Darkness and Near Dark, so get them watched now!   Links Instagram - @callitfriendopodcast @munnywales @andyjayritchie   Letterboxd – @andycifpod @fat-tits mcmahon   Justwatch.com – streaming and rental links - https://www.justwatch.com 2025-01-121h 13Call It, FriendoCall It, FriendoBonus: The Films That Formed Me - Donnchadh TiernanThis week, we change things up with a completely original idea that was definitely not stolen from a popular film podcast. In this bonus episode, Donnchadh Tiernan runs down his 10 most formative films, surprisingly few of which feature gratuitous nudity.   Links Instagram - @callitfriendopodcast @munnywales @andyjayritchie   Letterboxd – @andycifpod @fat-tits mcmahon   Justwatch.com – streaming and rental links - https://www.justwatch.com 2025-01-051h 09Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo132. The Best of 2023In this week’s episode we run through our best of 2023, starting with our top 5 toss pick films. We also delve into our favourite (and least favourite) media released last year.    Links Instagram - @callitfriendopodcast @munnywales @andyjayritchie   Letterboxd – @andycifpod @donnchadh   Justwatch.com – streaming and rental links - https://www.justwatch.com 2024-01-031h 11Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo131. Zero Effect (1998) & The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes (1970)This week, we discuss two films connected to Sherlock Holmes. The first is Zero Effect (1998), a mystery comedy film written and directed by Jake Kasdan in his feature directional debut. Starring Bill Pullman as "the world's most private detective", Daryl Zero, and Ben Stiller as his assistant Steve Arlo, the film's plot is loosely based on the Arthur Conan Doyle short story "A Scandal in Bohemia". The second is The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes (1970), written and produced by Billy Wilder and I. A. L. Diamond, and directed by Wilder. Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, t...2023-12-241h 39Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo130. The Yakuza (1974) & Sonatine (1993)This week, we discuss two films about the Japanese mafia. The first is The Yakuza (1974), a neo-noir crime drama film directed by Sydney Pollack and starring Robert Mitchum, Ken Takakura and Brian Keith. The screenplay by Paul Schrader and Robert Towne is from a story by Schrader's brother, Leonard Schrader. The second is Sonatine (1993), directed, written and edited by Takeshi Kitano, who also stars in the film. It won numerous awards and became one of Kitano's most successful and praised films, garnering him a sizable international fan base.   Timestamps Wh...2023-12-171h 21Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo114. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)In this week’s episode, we talk about what we’ve been watching before heading into a discussion of the 32nd film in the MCU, James Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023).   What We’ve Been Watching   Donnchadh –  Deliverance, Evil Dead Rise, Beef Andy – Calibre, Hustle, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania   Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 Links Instagram - @callitfriendopodcast @munnywales @andyjayritchie   Justwatch.com – streaming and rental links https://www.justwatch.com   2023-05-1155 minCall It, FriendoCall It, Friendo112. What We’ve Been Watching & Listener FeedbackIn this week’s episode, we talk about what we’ve been watching and discuss some listener feedback.   What We’ve Been Watching   Donnchadh – Dirty Harry, Smile, The Guilty, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Moneyball, Last Kingdom season five Andy – The Day Shall Come, Dungeons and Dragons: Honour Among Thieves, Air, The Beasts (As Bestas) Links Instagram - @callitfriendopodcast @munnywales @andyjayritchie   Justwatch.com – streaming and rental links https://www.justwatch.com 2023-04-271h 17Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo110. Champions (2023)In this week’s episode, we talk about what we’ve been watching before moving into a discussion of the latest Bobby Farrelly comedy, Champions (2023).   What We’ve Been Watching (00:00:42)   Donnchadh – John Wick 2 & 3, Demonoid, The One Armed Executioner, Superbad, The Menu, The Favourite, Bullit Andy – Reacher Season one, Mike Vecchione – The Attractives, Prometheus Agent 9 Fanedit   Champions (00:48:25)   Links Instagram - @callitfriendopodcast @munnywales @andyjayritchie   Justwatch.com – streaming and rental links https://www.justwatch.com 2023-04-111h 23Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo108. You People (2023)In this week’s episode, we recap the Oscars and talk about what we’ve been watching, including our responses to season one of The Last of Us, before finally moving into a discussion of the latest Jonah Hill Netflix comedy, You People (2023).   What We’ve Been Watching (00:00:57) Oscars recap Donnchadh – The Last of Us season one, 300, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Army of Shadows, The Red Circle Andy – The Last of Us season one, My Cousin Vinny, Missing, Unforgotten season five   You People (00:53:30)   Li...2023-03-211h 18Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo106. Knock at the Cabin (2023), Women Talking (2022) & The Whale (2022)In this week’s episode, we caught up on 3 recent streaming/VOD releases: Knock at the Cabin (2023), Women Talking (2022) & The Whale (2022).    What We’ve Been Watching (00:00:47) Donnchadh – Slow Horses season two, Karen Pirie, Fargo, Yellow Submarine Andy – Slow Horses season two Knock at the Cabin (00:19:40) Women Talking (00:33:22) The Whale (00:47:45)   Links Instagram - @callitfriendopodcast @munnywales @andyjayritchie   Justwatch.com – streaming and rental links https://www.justwatch.com   2023-03-051h 09Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo104. Bones and All (2022)In this week’s episode, we discuss the most recent film from Italian director Luca Guadagnino, Bones and All. The director won the Silver Lion at the 2022 Venice Film Festival. The film stars Taylor Russell and Timothée Chalamet as two young lovers on a road trip across the USA, exploring both their blossoming relationship and their compulsion to eat other humans.    Listener question (00:03:40)   What We’ve Been Watching (00:14:15) Donnchadh – Up, Cannibal Holocaust, Bob le flambeur Andy – Brightburn, Leave No Trace, The Expanse season 6   Bones and...2023-02-191h 08Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo102. Oscar nominations & Aftersun (2022)In this week’s episode, we discuss what we’ve been watching, and the nominations for the 95th Academy Awards, before moving on to talk about Charlotte Wells’ debut feature, Aftersun (2022).   What We’ve Been Watching (00:07:10) Donnchadh –Happy Valley season three, The Deuce season three, Tár, All Quiet on the Western Front Andy –The Last of Us episode 3, Tár, All Quiet on the Western Front   Oscar nominations (00:25:35) Aftersun (00:42:00)   Links Instagram - @callitfriendopodcast @munnywales @andyjayrit...2023-02-051h 04Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo100. Triangle of Sadness (2022)In this week’s episode, we discuss the most recent film from Swedish director Ruben Östlund, Triangle of Sadness. The film won the Palme d’Or at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival. This was Östlund’s second consecutive Palme d’Or win after winning for The Square in 2017.   What We’ve Been Watching (00:00:53) Donnchadh – Rosemary’s Baby, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, The Informer, Bosch season five, Happy Valley season one Andy – Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody, Meet Me in the Bathroom, The Last of Us episode 1   Triangle of Sa...2023-01-221h 15Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo97. Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)In this week’s episode, we discuss the new film from James Cameron, Avatar: The Way of Water.   What We’ve Been Watching (00:00:48) Donnchadh – The Capture season one, What is a Woman?, Get Carter, The Expanse season four, Bad Sisters  Andy – Vertigo, The Fabelmans, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, The Banshees of Inisherin   Avatar: The Way of Water (00:43:00)   Links Instagram - @callitfriendopodcast @munnywales @andyjayritchie   Justwatch.com – streaming and rental links https://w...2022-12-271h 13Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo95. Andor (2022)In this week’s episode, we discuss the latest entry to the Star Wars universe on Disney+, Andor (2022).   What We’ve Been Watching (00:00:50) Donnchadh – Elevator to the Gallows, My Dinner with Andre, The White Lotus season 2, The Bear Andy – Enigma, Eastbound and Down season 3, Rick and Morty season 6, Rogue One   Andor (00:37:40)   Links Instagram - @callitfriendopodcast @munnywales @andyjayritchie   Justwatch.com – streaming and rental links https://www.justwatch.com 2022-12-081h 23Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo93. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)In this week’s episode, we discuss the latest MCU film from director Ryan Coogler, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022).   What We’ve Been Watching (00:00:50) Donnchadh – The Wild Bunch, The Wire season 5, Mother’s Day, The Descent, Couldn’t Care Less Andy – The Wild Bunch, Conspiracy, Eastbound and Down season 1 and 2, Interstellar, Lost in Translation   Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (00:42:30)   Links Instagram - @callitfriendopodcast @munnywales @andyjayritchie   Justwatch.com – streaming and rental links https://www.just2022-11-201h 12Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo91. Barbarian (2022)In this week’s episode, we discuss the new film from Whitest Kids U’ Know member Zach Cregger, Barbarian (2022). The film, which mixes comedy with horror, has been a big critical and commercial success.   What We’ve Been Watching (00:00:48) Donnchadh –Black Christmas, Halloween, Host, The Wire season 4, Inside Man (TV series), House of the Dragon Andy – Dashcam (Thriller), Dashcam (Horror), The Girl with all the Gifts, Bosch season 3, The Capture season 2   Barbarian (00:42:00)   Links Instagram - @callitfriendopodcast @munnywales @andyja...2022-11-051h 16Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo89. The Midnight Club (2022)In this week’s episode, we discuss the new Netflix series from acclaimed horror director Mike Flanagan, The Midnight Club (2022). The 10-episode series is an adaptation of the novel by YA author Christopher Pike.   What We’ve Been Watching (00:02:10) Donnchadh – Gilly and Keeves: The Special, Dressed to Kill, Avatar, The Wire season 3 Andy – Gilly and Keeves: The Special, Clerks III   The Midnight Club (00:32:10)   Links Instagram - @callitfriendopodcast @munnywales @andyjayritchie   Justwatch.com – streaming and...2022-10-201h 10Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo87. Crimes of the Future (2022)In this week’s episode, we discuss the new film from Canadian director David Cronenberg, Crimes of the Future (2022). The film stars Viggo Mortensen and Lea Seydoux as a pair of performance artists who perform surgery as art in a world where people no longer experience physical pain.   What We’ve Been Watching (00:00:48) Donnchadh – 11M, Treme season two, Rocky 2, The Brood Andy – The Capture season one, Moneyball, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners   Crimes of the Future (00:38:20)   Links Instagram - @callitfriendopodcast @munnywales2022-10-0258 minCall It, FriendoCall It, Friendo85. Three Thousand Years of Longing (2022)In this week’s episode, we discuss Australian director George Miller’s new film, Three Thousand Years of Longing (2022). The film stars Tilda Swinton as Alithea, a narratologist who falls in love with a Djinn, played by Idris Elba. Although the film has received positive reviews, it has failed to recoup the vast majority of its budget.   What We’ve Been Watching (00:00:47) Donnchadh – The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Rashomon, The Souvenir Andy – Thor: Love and Thunder, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, Super Dark Times   Three...2022-09-151h 10Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo83. The Terminal List (2022)In this week’s episode, we discuss the Amazon streaming series, The Terminal List (2022). Based on the novel by Jack Carr, The Terminal List stars Chris Pratt as Lieutenant Commander James Reece, a Navy SEAL who is seeking to avenge the murder of his wife and child. Although the series received largely scathing reviews from critics, it was well received by audiences.   What We’ve Been Watching (00:00:46) Donnchadh – Extraction, Heat, House of the Dragon Andy – Welcome to Wrexham, Nope   The Terminal List (00:24:04)   Links Insta...2022-09-0154 minCall It, FriendoCall It, Friendo81. Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)In this week’s episode, we discuss Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022). The film, directed by the Daniels (Kwan & Scheinert), stars Michelle Yeoh as Evelyn, an unhappy middle-aged woman pulled into a multiversal struggle with her family. The film has been a huge critical and financial success, having grossed over $100 million so far.   What We’ve Been Watching (00:00:50) Andy – Prey Donnchadh – Thor: Love and Thunder, Slow Horses, Severance   Everything Everywhere All at Once (00:24:30)   Links Instagram - @callitfriendopodcast @munnywales2022-08-171h 09Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo79. Top Gun: Maverick (2022)In this week’s episode, we discuss Top Gun: Maverick (2022). The film is a sequel to the 80s original directed by Tony Scott. Despite being completed in 2020, the film was delayed for 2 years due to COVID, with star Tom Cruise eager to ensure a successful cinematic release. At the time of recording, the film has grossed over half a billion dollars worldwide while garnering critical acclaim.   What We’ve Been Watching (00:00:48) Donnchadh – Raised by Wolves, Dopesick, We Own This City, A Nightmare on Elm Street, Love on the Spectrum Andy – Better Call Saul...2022-06-081h 26Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo77. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)In this week’s episode, we discuss the latest entry to the MCU, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022). The film is director Sam Raimi’s first Marvel superhero film since 2007’s Spider-Man 3.   What We’ve Been Watching (00:00:48) Donnchadh – Moon Knight, Curb Your Enthusiasm season 9, Ozark season 1, X, First Reformed Andy – Moon Knight, Russian Doll season 1 and 2   Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (00:35:30)   Links Instagram - @callitfriendopodcast @munnywales @andyjayritchie   Justwatch.com –...2022-05-181h 32Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo75. The Northman (2022)In this week’s episode, we discuss the new film from director Robert Eggers, The Northman (2022). The film stars Alexander Skarsgård as Amleth, a Viking prince who sets out on a quest to avenge the murder of his father.   What We’ve Been Watching (00:00:50) Donnchadh – The Thin Red Line, Anatomy of a Scandal, This Is Going to Hurt, Super Pumped, Halt and Catch Fire Season 1 Andy – Utopia Season 1, Contagion, The Green Knight   Eggers’ background / The VVitch / The Lighthouse (00:35:20)   The Northman (00:49:15)   Links...2022-05-041h 29Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo73. CODA (2021)In this week’s episode, we discuss CODA (2021), the Best Picture winner at the 94th Academy Awards. The film, which is a remake of a 2014 French/Belgian film (La Famille Bélier), stars Emilia Jones as Ruby, a child with a deaf family who dreams of becoming a singer. The film also won Best Adapted Screenplay and co-star Troy Kotsur won Best Supporting Actor.   What We’ve Been Watching (00:00:50) Donnchadh – The Gilded Age, The Tourist, The Expanse Season 3, The Grandmother, The Sixth Sense, Vertigo, Kingdom of Heaven: Director’s Cut, King Richard Andy – P...2022-04-201h 21Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo72. Toni Erdmann (2016) & Victoria (2015)This week, we discuss two celebrated German films. The first is Toni Erdmann (2016), a comedy drama written and directed by Maren Ade. It tells the story of a father attempting to reconnect with his adult daughter. The film received an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film. The second is Victoria (2015), a ground-breaking one-take thriller starring Laia Costa as the titular Victoria, a young Spanish lady who becomes embroiled in a bank heist over the course of one evening in Berlin.   Timestamps Toni Erdmann (00:00:55) Victoria (00:48:40) 2022-04-061h 21Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo71. The Worst Person in the World (2021)In this week’s episode, we discuss The Worst Person in the World (2022), the Oscar-nominated romantic comedy/drama from director Joachim Trier. The film tells the story of Julie, a young woman navigating the trials and tribulations of life in modern Norway. It premiered in competition at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival, with Renate Reinsve winning the Best Actress award.   What We’ve Been Watching (00:00:48) Donnchadh – Pam & Tommy, Ratatouille, Turning Red, The Incredibles, Badlands, Days of Heaven Andy – Belfast, Spider-man: No Way Home, MacGruber TV series, Yellowjackets   The Worst Pers...2022-03-231h 38Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo70. Deep Red (1975) & Suspiria (1977)This week, we discuss two films from Italian horror director Dario Argento. The first is Deep Red (1975), a “Giallo” horror film which tells the story of an English musician in Italy who investigates a series of brutal murders. The score was composed and performed by the band Goblin. The second is Suspiria (1977), Argento’s highly acclaimed follow-up to Deep Red, co-written with his then-wife Daria Nicolodi. The film is the first part of a trilogy alongside Inferno (1980) and The Mother of Tears (2007).   Timestamps Deep Red (00:00:55) Suspiria (00:47:40) Coin...2022-03-161h 29Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo69. The Batman (2022)In this week’s episode, we discuss The Batman (2022), Matt Reeves’ brooding take on Gotham’s caped crusader. The film, which stars Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne / Batman and Zoe Kravitz as Selina Kyle / Catwoman, pitches its protagonists against familiar foes in the shape of The Riddler (Paul Dano) and The Penguin (Colin Farrell). The film is the first in a planned trilogy, with 2 HBO Max spin-off series also in the works.   What We’ve Been Watching (00:00:48) Donnchadh – The Lord of the Rings trilogy, West Wing season 4, Billions season 3, Louis Theroux's Forbidden America, Punch-Drunk...2022-03-091h 21Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo68. Martyrs (2008) & Titane (2021)This week, we discuss two films from the so-called New French Extremity movement. The first is Martyrs (2008), a psychological horror film written and directed by Pascal Laugier. The film tells the story of a young woman, Lucie, seeking revenge on the people who abducted and tortured her. The second is Titane (2021), Julia Ducournau’s Palme d’Or-winning film about Alexia, a woman who, after being injured in a car accident as a child, has a titanium plate fitted into her head.   Timestamps Martyrs (00:01:05) Titane (00:43:00 ) Coin toss...2022-02-231h 31Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo67. Reacher (2022) & Oscar nominationsIn this week’s episode, we start by discussing this year’s Academy Award nominations before moving into talk about what we’ve been watching over the last couple of weeks. We finish up with a short discussion of season one of the Amazon TV series, Reacher, based on the Lee Childs novel, Killing Floor.   Oscar nominations 2022 (00:03:50)   What We’ve Been Watching (00:19:25)   Andy – Uncharted, The Accountant, Jack Ryan Season One, Jack Reacher Donnchadh – The Strangers, Psycho, Yellowjackets, Being the Ricardos, Roadrunner, The Book of Boba Fett  2022-02-161h 28Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo66. Dirty Work (1998) & Black Knight (2001)This week, we discuss two American comedy films from the late 90’s / early 2000’s. The first is Dirty Work (1998), a cult classic starring stand-up comedians Norm Macdonald and Artie Lange as two friends who start a revenge-for-hire business. The second is Black Knight (2001), a fantasy adventure starring comic Martin Lawrence as a theme park worker in Los Angeles who is magically transported back to 14th century England.   Timestamps Dirty Work (00:01:00) Black Knight (00:58:45) Coin toss (01:42:32)   Links Instagram - @callit...2022-02-091h 47Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo65. Scream (2022)In this week’s episode, we discuss Scream (2022), the 5th film in the Scream slasher series. The film, which features a variety of new characters alongside legacy characters from the original film, is the first not directed by legendary horror filmmaker (and friend of the show) Wes Craven. The film has already grossed over $100 million from a $24 million budget.   What We’ve Been Watching (00:01:02)   Andy – Candyman (2021), The VVitch, Nightmare Alley Donnchadh – After Life Season 3, The OA, The Babadook, Palm Springs, Boiling Point   Scream (00:38:00)   Links2022-02-021h 31Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo64. The Films of Justin Kurzel - Snowtown (2011), Macbeth (2015), Assassin’s Creed (2016), True History of the Kelly Gang (2019) & Nitram (2021)This week, we discuss the films of Australian director Justin Kurzel. We briefly talk about Snowtown (2011), Macbeth (2015) and Assassin’s Creed (2016) before going into a more in-depth breakdown of his two most recent films: 2019’s True History of the Kelly Gang and 2021’s Nitram. True History of the Kelly Gang is an adaptation of the Booker prize-winning novel by Peter Carey. It stars George MacKay as Ned Kelly, the infamous bushranger. Nitram tells the true story of gunman Martin Bryant in the run-up to the Port Arthur massacre, the 1996 mass shooting which took place...2022-01-261h 56Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo63. Don’t Look Up (2021)In this week’s episode, we discuss Adam McKay’s follow-up to The Big Short (2015) and Vice (2018), 2021’s Don’t Look Up. The film, distributed by Netflix, stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence as a pair of scientists struggling to convince the American public and government that an extinction-level asteroid is heading towards the Earth. The film received 4 Golden Globe nominations, including Best Actor and Actress nods for the two leads.   What We’ve Been Watching (00:01:10)   Donnchadh – Antlers, The Last Duel, After Life, Station Eleven Finale, Catch-22 Andy – Memories of Murder, Peace...2022-01-191h 20Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo62. Motherless Brooklyn (2019) & Under the Silver Lake (2018)This week we discuss two neo-noir mysteries from the last few years. The first is Motherless Brooklyn (2019), starring, written for the screen and directed by Edward Norton. He probably did the catering as well. The second is Under the Silver Lake (2018), David Robert Mitchell’s difficult follow-up to Horror smash It Follows (2014).   Timestamps   Motherless Brooklyn (00:00:58)   Under the Silver Lake (01:01:45) Coin toss (01:36:05)   Links Instagram - @callitfriendopodcast @munnywales @andyjayritchie  2022-01-121h 41Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo61. The Best of 2021 and Galaxy Quest (1999)In this week’s episode, we start by talking about what we’ve been watching over the last couple of weeks, move into discussing the best (and worst) films and TV shows we watched in 2021, and finish up talking about the 1999 Sci-Fi Adventure Comedy, Galaxy Quest.   What We’ve Been Watching (00:00:48)   Andy – Station Eleven, Cobra Kai Season 4, The Kid Detective, The Wire Season 5, MacGruber (TV show)   Donnchadh – Station Eleven, The Chestnut Man, Atonement, Michael Collins   The Best (and Worst) of 2021 (00:33:42)   Galaxy Quest...2022-01-052h 04Call It, FriendoCall It, FriendoBonus - Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)In this bonus episode, recorded shortly after the release of the film, we discuss: - Why the MCU works - What constitutes "fan service" - Our cinema experience with No Way Home - The story beats, reveals and surprise appearances ---This episode contains spoilers for the film right from the start--- 2021-12-2941 minCall It, FriendoCall It, Friendo60. Matchstick Men (2003)In this week’s episode, we discuss the 2003 Ridley Scott con film, Matchstick Men. The film stars Nicolas Cage as conman and OCD-sufferer Roy Waller in a typically unhinged performance. While it was generally well-received, with Roger Ebert giving it 4 stars, the film only grossed $65 million worldwide from a $62 million budget.   What We’ve Been Watching (00:00:50)   Donnchadh - Fargo Season 3, The Witcher, Can’t Get You Out of My Head, Dopesick Andy – The Wire Season 4   Matchstick Men (00:22:50)   Coin Toss – A film featuring alie...2021-12-221h 08Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo59. Hoosiers (1986)In this week’s episode, we discuss the 1986 basketball film, Hoosiers. The film, directed by David Anspaugh and written by Angelo Pizzo, stars Gene Hackman as down on his luck Norman Dale, a previously successful college basketball coach in New York now reduced to coaching at a rural Indiana high school. The film is widely regarded as one of the most inspirational sports movies of all time and even earned two Oscar nominations. What We’ve Been Watching (00:00:59)   Donnchadh - The Beatles: Get Back Andy – JFK Revisited: Through...2021-12-081h 21Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo58. Platoon (1986)In this week’s episode, we discuss Oliver Stone's 1986 Vietnam war film, Platoon. The film, based on Stone's own war experience, stars Charlie Sheen as a young soldier pitched into brutal warfare alongside a group of men led by two polarised commanding officers, the hardened and cynical Staff Sergeant Barnes (Tom Berenger), and the more idealistic and reasonable Sergeant Elias (Willem Dafoe). The film received 8 Oscar nominations, ultimately winning 4 awards, including both Best Picture and Best Director. What We’ve Been Watching (00:00:50) Andy – Hawkeye, Brothers in Arms: The Ma...2021-12-011h 12Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo57. The Raid (2011)In this week’s episode, we discuss the 2011 Indonesian action thriller, The Raid: Redemption. The film, directed by Welsh director Gareth Evans, pitches a small band of police officers against a tower of brutal gangsters. It showcases the Indonesian martial art of Pencak Silat, with fight choreography largely mapped out by the film's stars, Iko Uwais and Yahan Ruhian. Thanks to its success, Evans was able to helm a sequel, The Raid 2: Berandal, released in 2014. What We’ve Been Watching (00:00:52) Donnchadh – Army of the Dead, Naked, Lady Bird...2021-11-241h 11Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo56. The Thing (1982)In this week’s episode, we discuss the 1982 John Carpenter classic, The Thing. Based on the 1938 John W. Campbell Jr. novella, Who Goes There?, The Thing tells the story of a group of American researchers in Antarctica who are terrorised by an extraterrestrial capable of assimilating and mimicking other lifeforms. Originally panned by most critics, the film came to be critically reappraised and is now widely regarded as one of the greatest horror movies of all time. What We’ve Been Watching (00:00:55) Donnchadh – When Harry Met Sally, Nobody...2021-11-171h 12Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo55. The Poseidon Adventure (1972)In this week’s episode, we discuss the 1972 disaster film, The Poseidon Adventure. Based on the 1969 novel by Paul Gallico, the film tells the story of a group of passengers fighting to survive when an ocean liner struck by a huge wave flips over in the Mediterranean. With an all-star cast featuring Gene Hackman, Ernest Borgnine and Shelley Winters, the film was a commercial and critical success. It was nominated for nine oscars, eventually winning two. What We’ve Been Watching (00:00:58) Donnchadh – The Green Knight, The Closer 2021-11-101h 24Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo54. Black ‘47 (2018)In this week’s episode, we discuss the 2018 Irish period drama, Black '47. Directed by Lance Daly, Black '47 tells the story of an Irish man who served with the British army returning to his famine-ravaged homeland. The title of the film refers to the most devastating year of the famine. The film, which was a box-office success in Ireland, failed to make as strong an impact internationally despite positive reviews. What We’ve Been Watching (00:00:50) Donnchadh – Foundation, And Then There Were None, Quantum of Solace, Skyfall 2021-11-031h 17Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo53. Brigsby Bear (2017)In this week’s episode, we discuss the 2017 comedy drama film, Brigsby Bear. The film was written by and stars SNL cast member Kyle Mooney. It tells the story of a man, kidnapped as a child, who is obsessed with a TV show made by his captors. The film was generally praised for its “positive tone” and “charming sentimentality”. What We’ve Been Watching (00:00:50) Donnchadh – The North Water Andy – Free Guy   Brigsby Bear (00:09:24) Coin Toss – A Scottish/Irish fi...2021-10-2758 minCall It, FriendoCall It, Friendo52. Spring (2014)In this week’s episode, we discuss the 2014 romantic horror, Spring. The film, directed by Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead, tells the story of an American man who, while travelling in Italy, meets and falls in love with a beautiful woman with a dark secret. The film was highly praised, with director Guillermo del Toro describing it as “one of the best horror films of the decade”.   What We’ve Been Watching (00:00:56)   Andy - Vigil Donnchadh – Deadwood John – Dead Set Spring (00:17:22) 2021-10-201h 08Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo51. 3 Idiots (2009)In this week’s episode, we discuss the 2009 Bollywood coming of age comedy drama, 3 Idiots. The film, which tells the story of three engineering students fighting against the rigours of a strict education system, was a runaway hit in India and across Asia. It went on to gross around 90 million dollars worldwide, making it the most successful Bollywood film at that point. Coin Toss – A Lovecraftian film (00:59:45) Links Instagram - @callitfriendopodcast @munnywales @andyjayritchie Just...2021-10-131h 04Call It, FriendoCall It, FriendoBonus - No Time to Die (2021)In this bonus episode, we discuss the new James Bond film, No Time to Die. We start by giving our general reaction to the film, and ranking the 5 Daniel Craig entries, before moving into spoilers. We go on to talk about the cast, the plot and where the franchise may be headed in the future. Links Instagram - @callitfriendopodcast @munnywales @andyjayritchie   Spectre (2015) Main Title with Radiohead Song & Credit https://youtu.be/o4mIWoLg69Y 2021-10-0654 minCall It, FriendoCall It, Friendo50. Female Trouble (1974)In this week’s episode, we discuss John Waters' 1974 black comedy film Female Trouble. The film, which stars legendary Waters' collaborator Divine, tells the story of a fame-obsessed young woman who engages in “crime as beauty”. The film is the second of Waters' so-called Trash Trilogy (the others being Pink Flamingos and Desperate Living) and was added to the Criterion Collection. What We’ve Been Watching (00:00:58) Andy C – Dune, Judy & Punch Andy R – Nothing to Laugh About, Carajita, Mid90s Female Tr...2021-09-291h 33Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo49. The Lovers on the Bridge (1991)In this week’s episode, we discuss Leos Carax's 1991 drama Les Amants du Pont-Neuf, AKA The Lovers on the Bridge. The film tells the story of a troubled romance between a homeless couple, played by Denis Lavant and Juliette Binoche, in central Paris. As part of the “Cinéma du look” movement, Carax's film contains some exquisitely shot scenes on a giant replica of the famous Parisian bridge. Timestamps What We’ve Been Watching (00:00:50) Donnchadh – Dune, Ted Lasso, Vigil Andy – Dune, Saint Maud 2021-09-221h 32Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo48. American Sniper (2014)In this week’s episode, we discuss Clint Eastwood's 2014 film, American Sniper. It tells the story of Chris Kyle, the deadliest sniper in American history, with 160 confirmed kills. It stars Bradley Cooper as Kyle, and Sienna Miller as his wife, Taya. The film grossed over half a billion dollars and was nominated for 6 Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actor.   Timestamps What We’ve Been Watching (00:00:50)   Donnchadh – Ted Lasso, The White Lotus, The Suicide Squad, The Empty Man Andy – The Smartest Kids in the World, Quiz, Innocent Season One...2021-09-131h 22Call It, FriendoCall It, FriendoHolidays IIWe're on hiatus from regular episodes until September. Until then, we'll be putting out shorter "What We've Been Watching" episodes each week. If you have any recommendations of things to watch, hit us up on instagram @callitfriendopodcast.   What We’ve Been Watching Andy – Stillwater, Class Action Park, Avengers: Infinity War, What If...? Donnchadh – Down and Dirty, Nowhere to Go, The Big Gundown    Links Instagram - @callitfriendopodcast @munnywales @andyjayritchie   Justwatch.com – streaming and rental links https://ww...2021-08-2317 minCall It, FriendoCall It, FriendoHolidays IWe're on hiatus from regular episodes until September. Until then, we'll be putting out shorter "What We've Been Watching" episodes each week. If you have any recommendations of things to watch, hit us up on instagram @callitfriendopodcast.   What We’ve Been Watching Andy – Val, The Empty Man, Manhunt Donnchadh – Don’t Breathe, Station Six Sahara, Innocent, The Missing, The Moment of Truth, Django, This is England, This Way Up    Links Instagram - @callitfriendopodcast @munnywales @andyjayritchie   Justwatch.co...2021-08-1626 minCall It, FriendoCall It, Friendo47. The Last Emperor (1987)In this week’s episode, we discuss Bernardo Bertolucci’s 1987 film, The Last Emperor. It tells the story of Puyi, the eleventh and final ruler of the Qing dynasty. Ascending to the throne as a child, he was later expelled from the Forbidden City, before being installed as the puppet leader of Manchuoku during World War II. The film was nominated for 9 Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director, and won all 9.   Timestamps  What We’ve Been Watching (00:01:20) Andy – Woodstock ’99, Chronicle, Frequency Donnchadh – Better Watch Out, Hereditary, Bad Boys for Life 2021-08-091h 07Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo46. Ghostbusters (2016)In this week’s episode, we discuss Paul Feig’s much-maligned 2016 Ghostbusters reboot. The film, which stars Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon and Leslie Jones, provoked a largely negative response from both critics and audiences. It was considered a box office bomb, grossing $229.1 million from a $144 million budget.   Timestamps  What We’ve Been Watching (00:00:57) Andy – Slither, Super, Suicide Squad, The Suicide Squad Donnchadh – The West Wing Season 3, United 93, Happy Death Day, Black Widow, Guardians of the Galaxy, The Dark Knight Rises,   Ghostbusters (00:28:35)   Coin Tos...2021-08-021h 31Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo45. Land and Freedom (1995)In this week’s episode, we discuss Land and Freedom, Ken Loach’s 1995 film about a British Communist (played by Ian Hart) fighting for the Republican cause in the Spanish Civil War. With a script from screenwriter Jim Allen, Loach uses his trademark naturalistic style to explore a series of sad and harrowing events faced by the POUM militia soldiers. The film was nominated for the Palme d’Or at the 48th Cannes Film Festival.   Timestamps  What We’ve Been Watching (00:00:57) Andy – Ted Lasso S02E01, Hidden Agenda, Old Donnchadh –...2021-07-261h 24Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo44. Serenity (2005)In this week’s episode, we discuss Joss Whedon’s 2005 cowboy space opera, Serenity. The film served as both a follow-up and epilogue to the TV show Firefly, which was unceremoniously cancelled after only 14 episodes before going on to grow a dedicated cult following. Serenity takes the Firefly TV characters and imbues proceedings with a far greater budget. The film was well-received critically and recouped its budget during its cinematic run.   Timestamps  What We’ve Been Watching (00:01:00) Andy – Loki S01E06 Donnchadh – The Piano Teacher, I Vitelloni, Before the Revolution...2021-07-191h 24Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo43. The Long Goodbye (1973)In this week’s episode, we discuss Robert Altman’s 1973 Film Noir The Long Goodbye, starring Elliott Gould as private detective Philip Marlowe. Based on Raymond Chandler’s 1953 novel of the same name, the film shifts the story 20 years later and adds a satirical edge. Although the film bombed at the box office, it was well-received by critics such as Pauline Kael and Roger Ebert, with the latter adding the film to his Great Movies collection.   Timestamps  What We’ve Been Watching (00:01:00) Andy – Freaky, Mirage, Black Widow Donnchadh – There Will Be Blood...2021-07-121h 22Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo42. Paths of Glory (1957)In this week’s episode, we discuss the 1957 Stanley Kubrick World War 1 film Paths of Glory. Based on the novel of the same name by Humphrey Cobb, the film depicts a group of French soldiers court-martialled for cowardice and the commanding officer who defends them. David Simon, creator of The Wire, cites the film as a major influence on his work due to its portrayal of backroom politics and “the tribulations of middle management”. The film stars Kirk Douglas as Colonel Dax and Timothy Carey, the unhinged character actor and Kubrick lucky charm, as Private Maurice Ferol.   T...2021-07-051h 13Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo41. The Rambo Franchise (1982-2019)In this week’s episode, we discuss all 5 films in the Rambo franchise. Starting from the origins of the character and the novel the first film was based on, we move through each part before focusing on the cast and plot of Rambo: Last Blood (2019). The fifth instalment in the Rambo series finds our hero in Mexico, taking on a gang of ruthless cartel pimps. The Rambo films, while generating impressive box office returns, have also racked up a whole host of Razzie nominations.   Timestamps  What We’ve Been Watching (00:01:10) Andy – A Quiet...2021-06-281h 41Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo40. Spirited Away (2001)In this week’s episode, we discuss Spirited Away (2001), the Studio Ghibli classic about a young girl transported to a land of spirits. The film, from visionary director Hayao Miyazaki, grossed just under $400 million worldwide and won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. Also, Roger Ebert gave the film 4 stars and added it to his “Great Movies” list.   Timestamps  What We’ve Been Watching (00:00:58) Andy – Sir Alex Ferguson: Never Give In, We’re the Millers, Blockers Donnchadh – Rolling Thunder, The Return of Ringo, Columbo, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Th...2021-06-211h 04Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo39. Paddington 2 (2017)In this week’s episode, we discuss Paddington 2 (2017), directed by Paul King and co-written by King and actor Simon Farnaby. The film, which grossed $228 million, was famously very well-received, maintaining a 100% fresh rating on rottentomatoes.com for a record-breaking period. Apart from discussing Paddington 2, we also talk about: -Paul King’s background -His work on Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace and The Mighty Boosh -His debut film, Bunny and the Bull (2009) -The first Paddington film (2014)   Timestamps  What We’ve Been Watching (00:00:55) Andy – The Lego Mov...2021-06-141h 30Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo38. Prizzi's Honor (1985)In this week’s episode, we discuss Prizzi’s Honor (1985), the penultimate film directed by the late, great (friend of the show) John Huston. It stars Jack Nicholson and Kathleen Turner as two mob assassins in an unorthodox relationship. The film was well received at the time and garnered 8 Oscar nominations, with Anjelica Huston winning for Best Supporting Actress. *Spoilers* – We did not enjoy this film very much.   Timestamps  What We’ve Been Watching (00:00:53) Andy – School of Rock, Geowizard – Attempting to cross Scotland in a completely straight line, Real Kas...2021-06-071h 08Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo37. The Devils (1971)In this week’s episode, we discuss The Devils (1971). The film is partly based on Aldous Huxley’s non-fiction novel The Devils of Loudun (1952). It stars Oliver Reed as Father Urbain Grandier, a womanising priest accused of heresy. The Devils is often considered director Ken Russell’s finest work. However, one notable critic of the film was Roger Ebert, who wrote a scathing zero-star review.   Timestamps  What We’ve Been Watching (00:00:53) Andy – Broadchurch Season 1, Long Way Up, Altered States Donnchadh – Mare of Easttown, The Gentlemen, This Time with Alan Part...2021-05-311h 14Call It, FriendoCall It, FriendoPSA - No episode this weekDue to a series of recording mishaps, and Donnchadh's debilitating intravenous drug habit, we have been unable to complete an episode for this week. We will return next Monday with our discussion of Ken Russell's 1971 film, The Devils. 2021-05-2400 minCall It, FriendoCall It, Friendo36. West Side Story (1961)In this week’s episode, we discuss West Side Story (1961). The film is an adaptation of the Broadway musical of the same name created by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim. Based on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, the musical tells the story of Maria and Tony, two young lovers from opposing sides of a gang conflict between two New York City gangs, the Sharks and the Jets. The film went on to win 10 Academy awards including Best Picture and a remake, directed by Steven Spielberg, is due to be released in December 2021.   Timestamps  What W...2021-05-1758 minCall It, FriendoCall It, Friendo35. Crash (1996)In this week’s episode, we discuss Crash, the controversial 1996 David Cronenberg sex fest. The film, which caused a media uproar in several countries, depicts a group of characters who engage in a car crash fetish. Despite mixed reactions from critics, the film did win a Special Jury Prize at Cannes, much to the chagrin of jury president Francis Ford Coppola. Timestamps  What We’ve Been Watching/Playing (00:00:55) Donnchadh – ZeroZeroZero, For All Mankind, Sharp Objects, Line of Duty, The Mitchells vs. the Machines, Judas and the Black Messiah Andy – Line of Duty, Myt...2021-05-101h 14Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo34. Biutiful (2010)This week, we discuss Alejandro González Iñárritu’s 2010 film Biutiful, starring Javier Bardem. The film, a fairly grim tale, bridges the gap between the Death trilogy (Amores Perros, 21 Grams & Babel) and what came after (Birdman & The Revenant). Despite a mixed critical reception, the film received 2 Oscar nominations for Best Actor and Best Foreign Language Film. *** The podcast has a new format. From now on, we will only be discussing the film which wins the coin toss. If you would like to recommend a film for us to watch, please follow us on Instagram (@calli...2021-05-0358 minCall It, FriendoCall It, Friendo33. Blackhat (2015) & Collateral (2004)This week we discuss two films from American screenwriter and director Michael Mann. The first is Blackhat (2015), starring Thor himself, Chris Hemsworth, as a blackhat hacker named Hathaway. The film, Mann’s most recent, was a giant financial flop. The second is Collateral (2004), starring Jamie Foxx and Tom Cruise. An LA cabbie unwillingly drives an assassin around the city as he bumps off witnesses and key players in a cartel court case.   Timestamps What We’ve Been Watching/Playing (00:01:00) Andy – Hernán, The Last of Us Part 2 Do...2021-04-261h 23Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo32. The Irishman (2019) & Casino (1995)This week we discuss two critically acclaimed mafia films from one of cinema’s greats, Martin Scorsese. The first is The Irishman (2019), starring Robert De Niro, as mob hitman Frank Sheeran, and Al Pacino, as teamster president Jimmy Hoffa. The film, the budget of which allegedly spiralled to around the $250 million mark, was eventually acquired by Netflix and earned 10 Oscar nominations. The second is Casino (1995), starring Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci as Vegas mob men. This film, which was based on the real-life exploits of Lefty Rosenthal and Tony Spilotro, was somewhat overshadowed by an...2021-04-191h 24Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo31. Insomnia (1997) + (2002) & Pickpocket (1959)This week we discuss three films which are linked thematically to Crime and Punishment. The first and second are both versions of Insomnia. The (1997) original, directed by Erik Skjoldbjærg and starring Stellan Skarsgård, depicts a detective who is wracked with guilt after crossing a series of moral lines, leading to an extreme bout of insomnia. Christopher Nolan’s (2002) remake, starring Al Pacino and Robin Williams, see events relocated to Alaska and Nolan approaching the source material from a completely different angle. The third is Pickpocket (1959), a character study of a criminal, writ...2021-04-121h 06Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo30. Touki Bouki (1973) & Scarecrow (1973)This week we discuss two films which were screened at the Cannes Film Festival in 1973. The first is Touki Bouki (1973), a Senegalese drama directed by Djibril Diop Mambéty. The film was restored in 2008 thanks to Martin Scorsese and the World Cinema Foundation. The second is Scarecrow (1973), starring Al Pacino and Gene Hackman. The film, although a box office bomb, shared the Grand Prix at Cannes.   Timestamps What We’ve Been Watching (00:01:00) Andy – Save Me, The Comedy Store, Baby Driver Donnchadh – Happy Valley, I Care A Lot, N...2021-04-051h 07Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo29. The Films of Cate Shortland - Somersault (2004), Lore (2012) & Berlin Syndrome (2017)This week we discuss the films of acclaimed Australian filmmaker Cate Shortland. The first is Somersault (2004), a coming-of-age drama starring Abbie Cornish and Sam Worthington. The film, set in the Australian ski resort of Jindabyne, is a beautifully shot, powerful insight into the life of an emotionally troubled young runaway and the men who she interacts with. The second is Lore (2012), a drama set in the final days of WW2. A young girl, and Hitler youth member, must take her siblings on a long journey across Germany aided by a young Jewish man. The film...2021-03-291h 27Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo28. The Year My Voice Broke (1987) & Wake in Fright (1971)This week we discuss two classic Australian films. The first is The Year My Voice Broke (1987), a coming-of-age tale written and directed by John Duigan. The film features early performances from Noah Taylor and Ben Mendelsohn and was followed by a sequel, Flirting (1991). The second is Wake in Fright (1971), starring Gary Bond and Donald Pleasence. This film tells the story of a young teacher trapped in an outback town who succumbs to a spiral of drink, gambling and general debauchery.   Timestamps What We’ve Been Watching (00:01:17) Donnchadh – Save...2021-03-221h 08Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo27. Juwanna Mann (2002) & Dressed to Kill (1980)This week we discuss two films which feature male actors dressing as women. The first is Juwanna Mann (2002), a romantic comedy starring Miguel A. Núñez Jr and Vivica A. Fox. The film tells the story of Jamal Jeffries, a basketball player who, upon getting banned from the league, chooses to disguise himself as a woman, Juwanna Mann, to play on a fictional WNBA team. The second is Dressed to Kill (1980), starring Angie Dickinson, Michael Caine and Nancy Allen. The film, written and directed by Brian De Palma, acts as an inversion of the tropes of...2021-03-151h 02Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo26. Embrace of the Serpent (2015) & The Lost City of Z (2016)This week we discuss two films which feature explorers on journeys on the Amazon. The first is Embrace of the Serpent (2015), a story from the perspective of Karamakate, a native who interacts with two white explorers on their respective treks to find the elusive yakruna plant 30 years apart. The film was Colombia’s first ever Oscar nominee. The second is The Lost City of Z (2016), starring Charlie Hunnam and Robert Pattinson. The film, directed by James Gray, tells the story of Percy Fawcett, a British soldier who travelled to South America in search of a lo...2021-03-081h 09Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo25. Beau Travail (1999) & High Life (2018)This week we discuss two films from acclaimed French filmmaker Claire Denis. The first is Beau Travail (1999), a loose adaptation of Herman Melville’s 1891 novella Billy Budd. The film centres on a group of French legionnaires serving in Djibouti. The second is High Life (2018), starring Robert Pattinson and Juliette Binoche. The film tells the story of a group of convicted death row inmates sent into space for the purposes of black hole experimentation.   Timestamps What We’ve Been Watching (00:01:08) Andy – Host, Patrice O’Neal: Killing is Easy, The Uncre...2021-03-011h 15Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo24. The Bounty (1984) & The Mission (1986)This week we discuss two Historical epics written by legendary English screenwriter Robert Bolt. The first is The Bounty (1984), the 5th retelling of the famous mutiny on The Bounty committed to film. However, this version, starring Mel Gibson and Anthony Hopkins, purports to be the most faithful to real-life events. The second is The Mission (1986), starring Jeremy Irons and Robert De Niro. The film tells the story of Jesuit missionaries in South America who clash with Spanish and Portuguese colonial forces while trying to protect the native inhabitants. The film also features what is perhaps...2021-02-221h 25Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo23. The Rider (2017) & Nomadland (2020)This week we discuss two Neo-Westerns directed by Chinese American filmmaker Chloé Zhao. The first is The Rider (2017), a semi-fictionalised account of former bronc rider Brady Jandreau. With a cast of real people playing themselves, Zhao captures an honest depiction of life in rural South Dakota, and of a man dealing with the effects of a life-altering accident. The second is Nomadland (2020), starring Frances McDormand as Fern, a widow who chooses to take up a life on the road living out of a van. The film has received much critical acclaim, garnering 4 Golden Globe nominations, a...2021-02-151h 25Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo22. Locked Down (2021) & Synchronic (2019)This week we discuss two films released on VOD in 2021. The first is Locked Down (2021), a film written, filmed and released during the COVID-19 pandemic. It stars Chiwetel Ejiofor and Anne Hathaway as a couple who plan a heist at Harrods during lockdown. The second is Synchronic (2019), Aaron Moorhead and Justin Benson’s low budget time travel film about one man’s quest to find and rescue his friend’s daughter. The film stars Anthony Mackie and Jamie Dornan.   Timestamps Locked Down (00:04:30) Synchronic (00:33:50)   Links2021-02-081h 02Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo21. Birth (2004) & Destroyer (2018)This week we discuss two films starring Nicole Kidman in two extremely different roles. The first is Birth (2004), Jonathan Glazer’s second feature and follow-up to Sexy Beast. In the film, a widow meets a ten-year-old boy who claims to be the reincarnation of her dead husband, leading to more than a few uncomfortable moments. The second is Destroyer (2018), directed by Karyn Kusama and starring Nicole Kidman as you’ve never seen her before. Kidman earned a Golden Globe nomination for her performance as Detective Erin Bell.   Timestamps Birth (00:09:30) 2021-02-011h 14Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo20. Dheepan (2015) & Rust and Bone (2012)This week we discuss two films, both excellent character studies, from award-winning French director Jacques Audiard. The first is Dheepan (2015), the story of a makeshift family of 3 Tamil refugees relocated to a tough housing estate in France. The film, inspired by Sam Peckinpah’s Straw Dogs, won the Palme d’Or at Cannes. The second is Rust and Bone (2012), based on the short story collection of the same name by Canadian Author Craig Davidson. The film meshes 2 of the short stories together, with a down on his luck boxer befriending an Orca trainer who experiences a li...2021-01-251h 30Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo19. The Year of Living Dangerously (1982) & The Mosquito Coast (1986)This week we discuss two films from acclaimed Australian director Peter Weir released in the 1980s. The first is The Year of Living Dangerously (1982), which gives a semi-fictionalised insight into some of the events leading up to the attempted communist coup in Indonesia in 1965. The second is The Mosquito Coast (1986), based on the novel by travel writer Paul Theroux, which follows Harrison Ford as a troubled genius inventor who leads his family into peril in the jungles of Central America.   Timestamps The Year of Living Dangerously (00:11:20) The M...2021-01-181h 30Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo18. The Films of S. Craig Zahler - Bone Tomahawk (2015), Brawl in Cell Block 99 (2017) & Dragged Across Concrete (2018)This week we discuss the filmography of genre director S. Craig Zahler and delve into all 3 of his films in chronological order. The first is Bone Tomahawk (2015), a gritty, ultraviolent western where a group of cowboys and lawmen face off against a bloody-thirsty tribe of cave-dwelling mutants. The second is Brawl in Cell Block 99 (2017), an even grittier and more ultraviolent tale of a man who fights his way through 2 prisons worth of guards and thugs. The third is Dragged Across Concrete (2018), a buddy cop heist film with the slow pacing of a novel...2021-01-111h 40Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo17. Topsy Turvy (1999) & Vera Drake (2004)This week we discuss two Mike Leigh period films which examine vastly different areas of British culture. The first is Topsy Turvy (1999), which depicts Gilbert and Sullivan’s tumultuous creative process in bringing their acclaimed operetta, The Mikado, to the stage. The second is Vera Drake (2004), a hard-hitting look into the life of a working-class housewife in 1950s London who performs backstreet abortions.   Timestamps Topsy Turvy (00:07:25) Vera Drake (00:42:35)   Links  Justwatch.com – streaming and rental links https://www.justwatch.com  ...2021-01-041h 29Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo16. Zardoz (1974) & Time Bandits (1981)This week we discuss two works of imagination from the 70s and 80s. The first is Zardoz, John Boorman’s 1974 follow up to the very successful Deliverance. In contrast to the film which preceded it, Zardoz was not well received by viewers or critics of the time. The second is Time Bandits, a 1981 fantasy adventure from Terry Gilliam and fellow python Michael Palin. An early entry in Gilliam’s directorial career, Time Bandits bears all the hallmarks of his surrealist take on the world.   Timestamps Zardoz (00:00:50) Time Bandi...2020-12-281h 12Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo15. The Bad News Bears (1976) & The Candidate (1972)This week we go back to the 1970s for 2 films from American filmmaker Michael Ritchie. The first is The Bad News Bears, a 1976 baseball comedy that set the blueprint for a lot of films to follow. An alcoholic coach, played by Walter Matthau, has to corral a group of young misfits and mould them into a winning team. The second is The Candidate, a 1972 political comedy drama that leans far more to the drama side of things. This film, starring Robert Redford, won the academy award for best original screenplay in 1973.   T...2020-12-211h 11Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo14. Fanny and Alexander (1982) & Let the Right One In (2008)This week sees a return to Scandinavia as we take on 2 highly acclaimed Swedish films. The first is Fanny and Alexander, the 1982 film which marked the end of Ingmar Bergman’s illustrious career as a director. This period drama gives an insight both into how Swedish high society lived at the start of the 20th century, and into some of the issues Bergman faced in his relationship with his father. The second is Let the Right One In, Tomas Alfredson’s 2008 romantic horror story about a young boy and the vampire he falls in love with...2020-12-141h 26Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo13. Apostle (2018) & Gerald's Game (2017)This week, we watched two horror films produced by Netflix. In both cases, the streaming giant gave their talented, up-and-coming directors carte blanche and complete creative control. The results were mixed. The first is Apostle, Gareth Evans’s 2018 period horror, a big departure from the Indonesian martial arts films with which he built his reputation. The second is Gerald’s Game, Mike Flanagan’s 2017 attempt to adapt a Stephen King novel previously thought to be unfilmable. Both films can be found worldwide on Netflix.   Timestamps Apostle (00:00:45) Geral...2020-12-071h 27Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo12. Incendies (2010) & A Separation (2011)This week we watched two frankly outstanding, critically acclaimed dramas showing two completely different sides of the Middle East. The first is Incendies, Denis Villeneuve’s 2010 harrowing tale of twins who journey to an unnamed Middle Eastern country to learn more about their late mother’s life. The second is A Separation, Asghar Farhadi’s 2011 Oscar-winning courtroom drama, which gives the viewer a fascinating insight into the lives of a middle-class couple in Iran as they go through a divorce.   Timestamps Incendies (00:00:45) A Separation (00:57:00)   Links ...2020-11-301h 31Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo11. The Conversation (1974) & Klute (1971)Thankfully back to narrative features this week, and very good ones no less, as we dip into the 1970s for a couple of Oscar-nominated thrillers. The first is The Conversation, Francis Ford Coppola’s 1974 slow-burn surveillance tale, starring Gene Hackman. The second is Klute, Alan J Pakula’s 1971 starting point to his paranoia trilogy, starring Donald Sutherland and Jane Fonda.   Timestamps The Conversation (00:00:45) Klute (00:53:15)   Links The Orb – Fluffy Little Clouds https://youtu.be/8Ecdn5SGT1E   Conside...2020-11-231h 34Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo10. Windy City Heat (2003) & My Winnipeg (2007)It’s a weird one this week, with 2 unconventional documentaries from the 2000s. The first is 2003’s Windy City Heat, an elaborate practical joke played on an unwitting LA open micer, directed by comedy legend Bobcat Goldthwait. The second is 2007’s My Winnipeg, Guy Maddin’s surrealist reflection on his hometown.   Timestamps Windy City Heat (00:00:45) My Winnipeg (00:49:30)   Links Windy City Heat  https://youtu.be/ancwTUkXyKk   John Spillane https://www.youtube.com/user/spillanejohn0910   ...2020-11-161h 25Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo9. Snowpiercer (2013) & Logan's Run (1976)The dystopian future is nigh this time on Call It, Friendo as we tackle two “end of the world” movies of vastly differing quality. First, the good one, Bong Joon-Ho’s 2013 train-based action sci-fi film “Snowpiercer”. Apart from celebrating the excellent set design, we also discuss some of the logistical issues of living on a train for 15 years. Second, the bad one, Michael Anderson’s 1976 effort “Logan’s Run”. Coming only one year before Star Wars, the gulf between what the two films achieved is frightening. On the plus side, Jenny Agutter gets naked again. Swings and roundab...2020-11-091h 41Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo8. The Dirty Dozen (1967) & Rififi (1955)It's men on a mission meets men planning a heist this week with 2 classic films from the '50s and '60s. First up to bat is Robert Aldrich's surprisingly jolly WW2 romp, The Dirty Dozen, a film that paved the way for future fare such as Inglourious Basterds and the reputedly awful Suicide Squad. Its partner is the celebrated French Film noir heist movie Rififi, directed by blacklisted American director Jules Dassin, and providing a gritty look at the mean streets of 1950s Paris.   Timestamps The Dirty Dozen (00:01:00)2020-11-021h 54Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo7. Don't Look Now (1973) & Walkabout (1971)We are thankfully leaving Vin Diesel and the Riddickverse behind this week as we delve into two films from the same visionary director, Nicholas Roeg. Both films leave an indelible imprint on the viewer with their unorthodox editing and striking imagery. The first, 1973’s Don’t Look Now, is a meditation on grief through the lens of the supernatural, boasting one of cinema’s most unforgettable endings. The second, 1971’s Walkabout, tells the story of two children lost in the Australian outback who meet a young Aboriginal boy. This dark tale shows the beauty and chaos of...2020-10-261h 46Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo6. The Chronicles of Riddick (2004) & Riddick (2013)After watching some truly great films on the podcast, we decided to take things down a notch or five by delving into the Riddickverse. We start by discussing the origins of the character in Pitch Black before moving into a breakdown of David Twohy's 2004 follow-up The Chronicles of Riddick. We ponder some of the issues of retconning a B-movie horror antihero into a "Lord of the Rings in space" chosen one trope. As if that wasn't enough, we then move on to discuss the third film in the trilogy, 2013's Riddick, where Twohy and co...2020-10-191h 43Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo5. The Wages of Fear (1953) & Sorcerer (1977)In this week's episode, we discuss two action films based on the 1950 novel "Le Salaire de la Peur" by Georges Arnaud. Both films involve 4 men down on their luck in fictional South/Central American towns driving trucks full of nitroglycerin across 300 miles of treacherous terrain. The first is "The Wages of Fear", the 1953 French/Italian adaptation directed by Henri-Georges Clouzot and filmed entirely in the south of France. Secondly, "Sorcerer", the 1977 remake directed by William Friedkin and released at the same time as a little film called "Star Wars". Which one will come...2020-10-121h 44Call It, FriendoCall It, Friendo4. Free Solo (2018) & Little Dieter Needs to Fly (1997)In this week's episode, we discuss two documentaries which deal with seemingly tortured individuals undertaking extremely impressive physical and mental feats. First, 2018 climbing doc "Free Solo", which tells the story of Alex Honnold and his attempt to scale the El Capitan rock face in Yosemite National Park without any equipment. Secondly, "Little Dieter Needs to Fly", a 1997 Werner Herzog documentary about the brilliantly named US pilot, Dieter Dengler, who was shot down over Laos in the Vietnam War. Timestamps Free Solo (00:01:30) Little Dieter Needs to Fly (00:35:15) Links2020-10-051h 21