Shows
Movie MadnessEpisode 530: WHY IS THIS NOT ON BLU-RAY?! (Chapter 10) An annual tradition that goes back to the days of WHPK Radio at the University of Chicago where Erik Childress joined Sergio Mims to discuss all things movies and certainly physical media, Erik is now joined by Peter Sobczynski for it to endure. Each of them has chosen ten films that to this day remain only on DVD (or not at all) that they believe deserve the upgrade. There are films about the circus, about priests and prostitution, love triangles and the dark side of Hollywood. There is politics and courtrooms, games of skill, concerts and debuts in front...2025-01-093h 02
Movie MadnessEpisode 504: The 2024 Toronto International Film Festival Erik Childress spent six days at this year’s Toronto Film Festival and is here to dish on a bunch of the films he saw. They include the latest works from Francis Ford Coppola, Pedro Almodovar, Ron Howard and Sean Baker. Films about the aging plight of women in entertainment with Demi Moore, Elisabeth Moss and Pamela Anderson run the gamut from great to dismal. The Vatican and religion have their share of bad guys too. Erik splits his votes on a pair of relationship dramas as well as films about Press Your Luck and Saturday Night Live. Nicole Ki...2024-09-201h 39
Movie MadnessEpisode 493: Bad Dads And Worse HusbandsAfter a three-week hiatus involving vacations and other commitments, Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy are back on the weekly movie review stint. Naturally they begin with a film they reviewed at Sundance eight months ago but with good reason for reminder cause the title says it all (Good One). Steve looks at a film about Samuel Beckett (Dance First) and Erik handles a biopic of Milli Vanilli (Girl You Know It’s True). Matt Damon and Casey Affleck try to rob a corrupt politician (The Instigators) and Hunter Schafer tries to solve the weird goings-on at a secluded resort (Cu...2024-08-101h 27
Movie MadnessEpisode 468: Game. Set. Match.Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy look at a half-dozen movies this week. If fashion design is your thing then Steve has a documentary for you (John Singer Sargent: Fashion and Swagger). He has also been telling Erik about this great big spider movie since last year. Does he share the sentiment? (Infested). Steve catches up a pandemic-era comedy from Sundance (Stress Positions) and the first film from the daughter of David Cronenberg (Humane). Erik reveals what was different about the latest kick-ass extravaganza when he saw it at Toronto (Boy Kills World) and both have a lot to say...2024-04-271h 13
Movie MadnessEpisode 466: This Is A Rebellion. We Rebel.Eight movie reviews this week from Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy include both surprises and disappointments. Steve checks out a new crime film with Scoot McNairy and Kit Harington (Blood for Dust) and Erik goes to space briefly with the new IMAX short (Deep Sky). There are some lovely films to find including the latest and possibly last from Ken Loach (The Old Oak) and a tale of childhood set amidst the former Cabrini Green housing project in Chicago (We Grown Now). A pair of part twos are out there but who made out better, Steve (The Three Musketeers – Pa...2024-04-201h 15
Movie MadnessEpisode 432: Lovemakers and Bombmakers: A Black Friday Special Just in time to bulk up your holiday shopping lists there are some choice selections being released this week on Blu-ray from the classic to the pure nostalgic. Peter Sobczynski and Erik Childress guide you through it. Criterion has got some Scorsese and Chabrol while Kino goes Burt Reynolds and a bizarro ‘80s Christmas tale. Speaking of Scorsese, there’s another Lily Gladstone performance to check out from this year and Lions Gate releases two of their franchise players from the theaters as well. Erik and Peter go through the history of the Police Academy series while the same stud...2023-11-201h 39
Movie MadnessEpisode 372: (Dis)Honor Among Gamers Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy discuss 13 movies this week. Well, Erik listens a lot as Steve saw a lot this week including a religious documentary (In Viaggio: The Travels of Pope Francis), Bruce Willis in a virtual Possessor remake (Assassin), Thomas Haden Church looking for aliens (Acidman) and horror films based around sound (The Unheard) and as little sound as possible (Enys Men). Steve also tackles the bizarre Casablanca Records biopic (Spinning Gold) and the latest bizarro from Quentin Dupieux (Smoking Causes Coughing) while Erik did double duty on Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston (Murder Mystery 2). Two films from...2023-04-012h 02
Movie MadnessEpisode 340: She Said To Call StutzErik Childress and Steve Prokopy are back on the movie review beat with nine new titles this week. On the Disney Plus front Steve looks at a new doc on an animated icon (Mickey: The Story of a Mouse) and Erik checks out a sequel 15 years in the making (Disenchanted). Russell Crowe directs a film not about poker (Poker Face) and Frank Grillo stars in a film that is barely about a car (Lamborghini: The Man Behind The Legend). Steve looks at the new pandemic-era film from Andrew Bujalski (There There) and the pair have a lot to say...2022-11-211h 57
Movie MadnessEpisode 338: Is That Black Panther Enough For You?Erik Childress & Steve Prokopy have five movie reviews for you this week. A little calm before the end-of-the-year storm. They include one with a pair of acting legends, Dustin Hoffman and Sissy Spacek, paired with their acting children (Sam & Kate) and a documentary from Elvis Mitchell on the history of black film (Is That Black Enough For You?) Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds team up for a new musical take on Dickens’ A Christmas Carol (Spirited) and a feature debut from filmmaker Charlotte Wells has been blowing away critics left and right. That continues with Erik & Steve (Aftersun). Finally, Eri...2022-11-141h 17
Movie MadnessEpisode 335: Sergio Mims’ Song Of The South CommentarySergio Mims, our noted film scholar and friend, was well on his way to becoming “King Commentary” with all his official contributions to Blu-rays for Kino, Vinegar Syndrome and others. During the pandemic at the peak of lockdown, Collin Souter of Christmas Movies Actually, suggested that our good friend record one for Disney’s controversial 1940 film, Song of the South. Sergio did not hesitate and delivered something for his friends. Some of them are here to again pay brief tribute to the man who was a regular part of the Movie Madness podcast. Erik Childress is joined by both Collin...2022-11-021h 53
Movie MadnessThe Horror Of Sadness (And Art The Clown)October continues with horror both real and imagined this week as Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy review eight new movies. They include a reminder of Andrea Riseborough’s stirring portrayal of the road to alcoholic recovery (To Leslie) and Mila Kunis’ far less stirring turn as a survivor of multiple traumas (Luckiest Girl Alive). Shawn Mendes is the voice of a singing croc (Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile) and Ruben Ostlund skewers the voices of the nouveau riche in his Palme d’or winning satire (Triangle of Sadness). Donald Sutherland and his iPhone grant revenge in a new Stephen King film that i...2022-10-102h 20
Movie MadnessEpisode 329: Home Is Where The Dead Bodies AreErik Childress and Steve Prokopy catch-up on two weeks-worth of movies. 13 movies to be precise and many of them have a lot in common. Justin Long is in two films where he should be staying away from a house, one where he is trying to get laid (House of Darkness) and another that he is trying to sell that Erik has some specific thoughts on (Barbarian). Not to mention the smart house that is trying to kill it’s inhabitants (Margaux). There is the true story of sisters who would not talk to anyone but each other (The Silent Tw...2022-09-202h 47
Movie MadnessEpisode 316: Thor – Hate and Crapped ThunderErik Laws of the AintThisTheFun podcast on YouTube returns to talk the latest in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with Erik Childress and, boy, are neither of them happy. Taika Waititi’s Thor: Love and Thunder gets the full business from the Eriks talking about the waste of two of the best actors working today and a most embarrassing turn by a third. Where does Gor, the God Butcher fit in with MCU villainy – or where should he have fit in. Can any of the deadly serious plotlines find room to breathe in a screenplay that is too busy bee-bop and...2022-07-062h 20
Movie MadnessEpisode 315: Walk A Mile In Marcel’s ShoesEight new movie reviews this episode, at least from Steve Prokopy who saw all of them. Erik Childress saw half of them. Half of those even great. But which ones? There are two Antonio Banderas films this week with him in action mode (Code Name Banshee) and another as an egotistical actor being directed by Penelope Cruz (Official Competition). Scout Taylor-Compton tries to survive an evening in a house again (The Long Night) and Ralph Fiennes tries to survive in the Moroccan desert away from Jessica Chastain after they accidentally kill a local boy in the latest from John...2022-07-041h 30
Movie MadnessEpisode 309: Long Live The Old FleshErik Childress and Steve Prokopy saw a lot of different movies this week. But that means you get 11 reviews from them even if its not a great lineup. Erik finds one big positive at the center of Sean Patrick Flanery’s directorial debut (Frank & Penelope) and Steve has a few non-negative things to say about the latest with Bruce Willis (White Elephant). There are fantastical narratives about the missing minutes of the Nixon tapes (18 ½) and the creation of a famous tower (Eiffel). Erik gets completely annoyed with the latest Blumhouse horror (Unhuman) and surprisingly unannoyed with the central character of...2022-06-041h 38
Movie MadnessEpisode 307: Burn It All Down, Firestarter!Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy will be at the Chicago Critics Film Festival this week, but they still managed to find time for ten new movie reviews. Well, one old one as they reviewed Ninja Thyberg’s powerful film about the porn industry at last year’s Sundance (Pleasure). This week did have a lot of other ickiness to it though including an erotic thriller no-show with Ashley Benson (Private Property) and the documentary about Dr. Religious Wacko who personally inseminated his patients (Our Father). Then maybe icky in a good way is at least one kids-who-can’t-control-their-own-powers film (The In...2022-05-151h 45
Movie MadnessEpisode 305: Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of MadnessSam Raimi returns to the world of Marvel for his first directorial effort since 2013 and comic book expert Erik Laws returns to join Erik Childress to breakdown this sequel to Doctor Strange. Or sequel to Wandavision? Whatever it is it is a lot and the Eriks may recognize the very specific Raimi touches he brings to the Cinematic Universe, but is it enough to overcome what Childress believes is a big problem for Marvel going forward. Does their own multiverse interfere with the storytelling especially if they were unwilling to truly dive into the new one they have opened...2022-05-061h 57
Movie MadnessEpisode 289: Overcome With Cyrano And BatmanErik Childress and Steve Prokopy are back to their old ways, reviewing ten new movies on this week’s show including a little early preview. The rest include a tale of obesity and bullying (Butter) and a family hooks up on Zoom to grieve grandma (Family Squares). More pandemic cinema takes Naomi Watts on a jog of social terror (The Desperate Hour) and Havana Rose Liu ends up at the worst rest stop (No Exit). There is also the story about record label head Alan McGee (Creation Stories) and Andy Garcia looking for someone to write his biography (Big Go...2022-03-012h 00
Movie MadnessEpisode 286: The 2022 Sundance Film FestivalThe Movie Madness Podcast goes back to Sundance (virtually) with Erik Childress, Steve Prokopy and Sergio Mims going through what they saw on their weeklong trip through the at-home app for a second straight year. More than 20 titles are discussed including new films from Kogonada, Justin Benson & Aaron Moorehead and Cooper Raiff. There are debuts from Jesse Eisenberg and Tig Notaro, and even a remake of Ikiru will Bill Nighy. Not to mention a group of incredible performances from Emma Thompson, Rebecca Hall, Thandiwe Newton, Aubrey Plaza and Dakota Johnson. The trio goes through most of the good and...2022-02-112h 31
Movie MadnessEpisode 284: Remembering Poitier & BogdanovichSergio Mims joins Erik Childress to take a look back on the careers of two men who became legends in their own time. Director Peter Bogdanovich came out of the gate with three films that established a legacy, but whose ego and crave of the spotlight began to take a toll. Though he continued working up until nearly his passing, his films never achieved the level of acclaim he did in the early ‘70s. Sidney Poitier, on the other hand, is one of the few to claim the title of trailblazer and it not be just another word. Erik & Se...2022-02-011h 37
Movie MadnessEpisode 283: Cobra Kai’s Moment of TruthOn this special episode of the podcast, Erik Childress is joined by Morgan Gire to delve into season four of Netflix’s popular continuation of The Karate Kid saga. After a new high achieved by the third season, does the latest represent a turning point forward, backward or sideways for its characters? Erik & Morgan delve into the constant switching sides and whether this season does justice for its teenage characters? Did the creators write themselves into a corner when its protagonists finally appeared to team up? Is the appearance of Karate Kid 3’s villain Terry Silver a chance for rede...2022-01-141h 29
Movie MadnessEpisode 282: The Best Films of 2021One last look at the films of 2021 is the focus of this episode with Erik Childress, Steve Prokopy and Collin Souter unveiling their lists of the best 15 films of the year. There may not have been a lot of “fun” movies, they each manage to agree on one that makes their lists. There are also foreign films, documentaries and musicals of all kinds. Films of grief and mortality and the one that Erik thinks is just “fine.” Do not let the subject matter of the films throw you though, this is a lively discussion filled with universal agreement on a few, o...2022-01-131h 53
Movie MadnessEpisode 278: Spider-Man: No Way Home The final Marvel film of 2021 is about to become the biggest movie of the year. Erik Childress is joined by comic book expert, Erik Laws, to share their thoughts on the film. Spoilers are abound so be sure to listen after you have seen it. But when you do you will find out if they are as stoked as everyone else. They get into the previous Spider-Man films and discuss if this one hits the emotional beats it is clearly chasing. Are we allowed to be surprised anymore as so much has already been revealed even before t...2021-12-172h 03Movie MadnessEpisode 275: Steven Spielberg’s West Side StoryThe title of the episode almost says it all but it turns out both Erik Childress and Sergio Mims have a lot to say about Steven Spielberg’s remake of the Oscar-winning 1961 musical. Sergio, who also hosts a classical music show on WHPK Radio in Chicago, takes us through the choreographers, Leonard Bernstein and his thoughts both positive and negative on the original. Erik also shares his thoughts on how the 1961 film shaped his perspective on musicals at an early age and how the new film has managed to surpass it at every level. Both marvel at one particular pe...2021-12-091h 50
Movie MadnessEpisode 274: C’mon C’mon And Listen For Adrienne And BenedettaMovie theaters tend to slow down the week after Thanksgiving but Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy still have seven movies you can see there or at home. They catch up on the latest from Mike Mills with Joaquin Phoenix (C’mon C’mon). Sci-fi takes some questionable turns in an apocalyptic “comedy” (Silent Night) and a kidnapping drama that is questionably referred to as “science fiction” (Encounter). Surprisingly there is no such label on the story of people who believe they are animals (Wolf). Erik reminds you of a Toronto fest documentary that is now available on HBO (Listening to Kenny G...2021-12-061h 38
Movie MadnessEpisode 271: The Power of Doth Protestin’ Too MuchThe weekly review edition of the show with Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy never plans out a theme but sometimes they just appear. Post-Thanksgiving shopping is never quite as bad in this week’s horror film (Black Friday) and the same might be said for Abel Ferrara’s new work (Zeros and Ones). Why is Alanis Morrissette complaining about her documentary (Jagged) when a teacher has a more serious beef when her sex tape goes public (Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn). Andrew Garfield is a wannabe composer facing 30 (tick…tick…Boom!) while Robert B. Weide was in his early 20...2021-11-211h 54
Movie MadnessEpisode 270: Ghostbusters – Answer the CriticismErik Laws normally joins the show to talk comic book adaptations, but a certain 1984 film is a favorite to many of us so he joins Erik Childress for a discussion of Jason Reitman’s modern follow-up to his father’s classic. Ghostbusters: Afterlife has drawn quite the division between those nostalgic for the original and critics who believe the fan service has reached a fever pitch. Has Reitman filled the film with so many easter eggs that it is nothing but a soulless trip down memory lane or is that a preemptive narrative that many could not get out of t...2021-11-191h 29
Movie MadnessEpisode 269: The Everlasting Love Of Rocky, Food & FamilyThe weekly movie review edition of the show arrives with nine new films. In documentaries, Steve Prokopy looks at one about the current Secretary of Transportation (Mayor Pete) while Erik Childress looks at how Juggalo culture became synonymous with gangs by the government (The United States of Insanity) and both dig in to the life of The French Chef (Julia). Steve covers a film about human trafficking (7 Prisoners) while Erik suffers a franchise re-imagined by SNL’s Mikey Day (Home Sweet Home Alone). The pair look at one of the most-praised films out of Sundance this year (Passing) as we...2021-11-171h 38
Movie MadnessEpisode 267: Everyone On The Verge Of A Nervous BreakdownEight new movies are after your attention on the weekly review episode with Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy and it’s a pretty solid lineup with at least one big exception. Erik reminds you of Stanley Nelson’s terrific documentary on the infamous prison standoff (Attica) and Steve looks at a new breed of vampire film (Dead & Beautiful). There’s a voice inside Olivia Munn’s head and its not pleasant (Violet) and Jim Cummings faces the consequences of an anonymous Hollywood sexual encounter (The Beta Test). Which do you think is the better threesome of the week? Dwayne Johnson...2021-11-081h 51
Movie MadnessEpisode 266: If Someone Asks If You’re An Eternal, You Say Yes!The Marvel Cinematic Universe enters the next phase of its current phase with Eternals, Chloe Zhao’s now follow-up to her Oscar-winning Nomadland. Erik Childress brings back comic book expert, Erik Laws, to dive into the comic’s history as well as the film which has drawn quite the discourse from critics. Has Marvel fatigue reached an apex where even the only second woman to ever win Best Director can’t satisfy the longing for something different? Childress leans into this part of the discussion as varying opinions about the film itself continue on the show, though maybe not the wa...2021-11-041h 59
Movie MadnessEpisode 265: The Film Festivals of ChicagoAside from all their duties as film critics, journalists, radio show hosts and TV guests, Erik Childress and Sergio Mims also each produce film festivals in the city of Chicago. Erik created the Chicago Critics Film Festival, the only event curated entirely by film critics and Sergio has been producing the Black Harvest Film Festival for over 25 years. Both events are taking place this year in November and each are teaming up to tell you all about what is in store for you if you can attend either. But first they also have some films they saw at the...2021-11-032h 04
Movie MadnessEpisode 259: October Is Actually Some Time To DieErik Childress and Steve Prokopy continue to show why you can’t do this on the radio when they take the time to review another ten movies available this week including revisiting a film they disagreed on from Sundance this year (Mass). With Jason Reitman’s reboot just a month away, Erik takes a look at a documentary about the original (Cleanin’ Up the Town: Remembering Ghostbusters). He also discusses Jason Sudeikis and Evangeline Lilly as a star-crossed couple thrust into a film noir plot (South of Heaven). Being October, there is plenty of horror and the guys split duties...2021-10-102h 13
Movie MadnessEpisode 257: The 2021 Toronto International Film FestivalContinuing the recent trend of covering major film festivals virtually, Erik Childress is once again joined by Sergio Mims who gets to add the discussion with a lot more movies. They wade through a lineup that included a number of music documentaries ranging from rock to jazz, a pair of stunning crime docs about real-life standoffs with police in the 1970s and even one for the foodies. They discuss some of the worst films they saw which gives Erik the opportunity to weigh in on The Eyes of Tammy Faye. But there is plenty of room for positivity as...2021-10-062h 29
Movie MadnessEpisode 255: Mysteries, Suicides and SongsAnother eight movies are on the docket for Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy this week. They include documentaries about the young star of Luchino Visconti’s Death in Venice (The Most Beautiful Boy in the World) and a non-binary black activist (My Name Is Pauli Murray). Ben Whishaw snaps, takes to the streets and goes on a crime spree (Surge) and Freida Pinto tries to solve a mystery happening under her own roof (Intrusion). Tom Skerritt goes off on a journey after a cancer diagnosis to potentially end his life (East of the Mountains) while Melissa McCarthy tries to go...2021-09-261h 51
Movie MadnessEpisode 248: Shang-Chi – Past, Present & FutureMarvel’s latest entry, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, is here to introduce a new character into their universe. Which is not to say he does not have his own history and comic book expert, Erik Laws, joins Erik Childress for another adaptation breakdown. They discuss the problematic history of his primary antagonist, The Mandarin, and what changes have been made for modern audiences. They also certainly have a lot to say about the film itself, breaking through much of the hyperbole to discuss where the film disappoints and where it could go from here.2021-08-272h 25
Movie MadnessEpisode 247: You Wish You Were Really Here…or There…or Not.The weekly movie review edition of the show is here with Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy reviewing ten new films. They remind you of a ‘80s music documentary from SXSW (Under the Volcano) as well as docs about noted activists (Unapologetic, Not Going Quietly). Steve covers a dyslexia drama (Confetti) and the new film by Sean Penn starring his daughter (Flag Day) while Erik settles for Jason Momoa getting sweet revenge vs. Big Pharma (Sweet Girl). After that they tackle new horror films from Neill Blomkamp (Demonic) and David Bruckner (The Night House), a sci-fi noir from one of th...2021-08-241h 49
Movie MadnessEpisode 244: A Sample of Tribeca 2021We are getting into festival season and this episode takes us back a few weeks to when Erik Childress and Sergio Mims checked out some of the films that played at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival. Sergio handles a number of documentaries involving conductors, paintings, Rick James and Dick Gregory. Erik offers his thoughts on one of the festival award winners, another film about Ted Bundy, another better pandemic rom-com and a horror film that should draw plenty of uncomfortable laughter as well as terror. 3:10 – The Conductor 7:39 – No Man of God 11:19 – Queen of Glory...2021-08-141h 05
Movie MadnessEpisode 243: Dancing To A Different DrumErik Childress and Steve Prokopy return with reviews of seven new movies including three documentaries of various outrage including ISIS sex slaves (Sabaya), aerial journalism (Whirlybird) and the epidemic of wildfires (Bring Your Own Brigade). Udo Kier gets a chance to shine in a leading role (Swan Song) and two very different musicals from Leo Carax (Annette) and Lin-Manuel Miranda (Vivo) delight and frustrate. Finally, if you missed out on The Suicide Squad episode with Erik Laws, Steve gets his opportunity to chime in on James Gunn’s anticipated reboot of the comic book. 3:26 – Sabaya 8:34 – Whirly...2021-08-111h 29
Movie MadnessEpisode 239: From Suicide Squad To THE Suicide SquadErik Childress is joined by comic book expert, Erik Laws, who had one of the worst comic book experiences watching what DC and Warner Bros. put in theaters with David Ayer’s Suicide Squad in 2016. (You can hear that on Episode 21 right here.) Not one to give up, Mr. Laws is back to check out James Gunn’s new reboot of the series. The pair discuss their thoughts on the film, whether or not Gunn has a ceiling with his template and if one of its primary characters is wearing out their welcome. Will this version generate enough good will...2021-07-281h 40
Movie MadnessEpisode 238: What’s Old Is Still OldEpisode 238: What’s Old Is Still Old Fondly we joke about not being able to do this on the radio like we used to, but find another show that offers up 13 movie reviews in a single episode. Cause that is what you get from Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy here including documentaries ranging from sharks to Woodstock ’99 and Alvin Ailey to Val Kilmer. There are vampires on a plane (Blood Red Sky), giant flies in a trunk (Mandibles) and the end of our world played for laughs (How It Ends) and drama (Settlers). Megan Fox is hunting a se...2021-07-262h 39
Movie MadnessEpisode 234: Past, Present & Future WarsIt was a long July 4th weekend and that meant a lot of movies. Erik Childress & Steve Prokopy may have whittled it down to an even dozen but that was still plenty for this epic review show. There is true crime (The Phantom), horror (Fear Street: Part 1 – 1984, Vicious Fun) and the fight over a heart (The God Committee). Steve looks in on Heidi Ewing’s tender love story (I Carry You With Me) and Erik determines where the latest from Steven Soderbergh fits in his “retirement” resume (No Sudden Move). There is also Megan Fox handcuffed to a dead body (Ti...2021-07-072h 23
Movie MadnessEpisode 233: The Black Widow LedgerComic book expert Erik Laws is back in person to record this episode about the latest from Marvel Studios. He joins Erik Childress to talk about their new prequel/fill-in-the-blanks film about Scarlett Johansson’s Natasha Romanoff. They share their thoughts on the film and Laws fills in further blanks about the liberties taken with some of the new introductions here. Though both Florence Pugh and David Harbour should be pleased. Has the film come too late in the Universe or is it just Marvel and Disney trying to wipe out the red in their ledger when it comes to...2021-07-031h 38
Movie MadnessEpisode 231: What Will Theaters Look Like This Summer?From the WHPK Files of the Bad Mutha Film Show, Sergio Mims and Erik Childress take a look at what the box office could look like this summer. Something that could change for the better after a positive Memorial Day Weekend. But while this conversation occurred before the holiday, Erik offered his perspective on the foolish lowballing of A Quiet Place Part II’s potential, even in a transitioning marketplace. Speaking of which, Sergio gets in his two cents about A Quiet Place Part II and Cruella, giving Erik a chance to go off again on the latter. 0:00 – Intro 7:35 – Sergio Reviews...2021-06-041h 23Movie MadnessEpisode 229: The Need For Speed & SpaceballsIt’s Blu-ray time again with Erik Childress and Sergio Mims. They marvel at some new 4K releases by reminding how great Speed is and put up a defense for Mel Brooks’ Spaceballs as well. Sergio talks about one of the earlier variations of a Groundhog Day-esque scenarios and a great Criterion title to catch-up on before its remake. Erik talks up one of the best comedies of the year as well as one of the best anthology films in years. There is talk of Bob Hope, more Mel Brooks, the tempestuous relationship between Marlon Brando and Rita Moreno (in real...2021-05-262h 09Movie MadnessEpisode 228: Is That Justice?This week’s movie review edition of the show features eight new films discussed by Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy. They each handle a documentary including a new mid-career music tale (Pink: All I Know So Far) and the bizarre mystery of a stamp collection that passes between neighbors (The Penny Black). Steve minces no words of his love for Mads Mikkelsen (Riders of Justice) and Erik catches up on a SXSW title that could be an alternative to the Saw reboot (Sound of Violence). Two more mysteries are in need of solving, one starring Eric Bana (The Dry) and a...2021-05-241h 30Movie MadnessEpisode 226: Guy Ritchie – Still Here TodayErik Childress and Steve Prokopy open May 2021 with eight (mostly) new movie reviews. There’s a racially-charged Sundance drama that premiered in 2018 (Monster), the true story of an FBI informant played by Emilia Clarke who got too close to her handler that was made in 2019 (Above Suspicion) the same year when 15 Things You Didn’t Know About Bigfoot premiered at the Austin Film Festival. They also look at a documentary about Sean Penn’s philanthropic efforts (Citizen Penn), Mena Suvari forced to find stolen diamonds at a storage facility (Locked In) and David Oyelowo’s directorial debut (The Water Man) that sha...2021-05-081h 33Movie MadnessEpisode 224: We End April Without RemorseErik Childress and Steve Prokopy look at another ten movies this week to close out April. Steve checks in on a documentary about Alan Ladd Jr. (Laddie: The Man Behind the Movies), Brian Tyree Henry is an introvert locked out of his apartment (The Outside Story) and the tale of an Syrian immigrant waiting for asylum in Scotland (Limbo) while Erik talks about a female arm-wrestling comedy (Golden Arm). The pair also discuss Anson Mount as an egocentric assassin (The Virtuoso), jerky teenagers in Dublin (Here Are The Young Men) and junkie Mila Kunis seeking help from mom Glenn Close...2021-05-021h 56Movie MadnessEpisode 221: Cruise and the DuneFrom their WHPK radio show out of the University of Chicago, The Bad Mutha Film Show, Sergio Mims and Erik Childress do another round on the current state of theaters. Where are we headed after Godzilla vs. Kong and is it really the blockbuster titles that we should be looking at to pave the way? Did Paramount make a colossal blunder in moving the Top Gun sequel off the summer schedule and what studio could take advantage of that? They also discuss the closing of the Navy Pier IMAX theater in Chicago and Sergio continues to wonder if Warner Bros...2021-04-231h 17Movie MadnessEpisode 214: The SXSW Film Festival (2021 Virtual Edition)The first fully virtual SXSW Film Festival is in the books and while they are already planning a return to an in-person event in 2022, Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy run down over a dozen films that played this year. It was a remarkable year for female-centric stories including standouts by Barbara Crampton, Olivia Munn and Andrea Risborough. Documentaries introduced us to the world’s greatest domino toppler, those who mounted Alien as a stage production and many of the great women in stand-up comedy. Not everything was played for laughs as there were harrowing stories about Demi Lovato and Selma Bl...2021-03-272h 24Movie MadnessEpisode 213: You Have Your Chance, GoremanIn an epic episode of the podcast, Erik Childress & Sergio Mims rundown a whole swath of new Blu-ray and DVD titles to add to your library. They talk Cecil B. DeMille epics from Paramount and a whole batch of titles from Warner Archive including one from their Not-On-Blu-Ray show. Sergio talks again of his love for Bob Hope, Billie Holliday and a Criterion title that either inspired Beyonce (or she stole from.) He also has a new commentary track available. Erik reveals one of his biggest surprises of the year, talks the only good Paul W.S. Anderson film and...2021-03-242h 51Movie MadnessEpisode 210: Predicting the Oscars (Pandemic Edition)From the files of the Bad Mutha Film Show on WHPK Radio in Chicago, Sergio Mims and Erik Childress do their annual rundown of predictions for the Academy Award nominations. Well, Erik predicts and Sergio listens as he goes into why he is not caring about this year’s event. They also decry the Academy’s decision to extend the eligibility period and then look forward on the latest news about the return of movie theaters. 1:42 – Erik’s Oscar Predictions 24:27 - Why Sergio Doesn’t Care About the Oscars This Year 48:28 – Are We Getting Close To Theaters Re-Opening? 1:23:08 – Outro And be sure to catch...2021-03-111h 25Movie MadnessEpisode 207: Love Means Never Saying Sorry To The Master of BeastsSergio Mims returns to catch-up with Erik Childress on a number of the latest on the Blu-ray scene. They reminisce about a classic from Danny Kaye and the childhood memories of the Buck Rogers TV series. Erik defends the Cameron Crowe film that was lambasted in Toronto years ago. Sergio takes us through a collection of classic musicals from Warner Archive as well as his appreciation of a William Lustig film and, of course, there’s more Peppard. Love is an understatement though when they both praise the recent 4K releases of a comic book film Sergio loves, a sword-and-sorcery fi...2021-02-272h 13Movie MadnessEpisode 205: From Minari to Vista Del MarErik Childress and Steve Prokopy are back with reviews of the movies you don’t need a festival to see even if that’s where many of this week’s titles originated. They talk about one of the best from last year’s Sundance (Minari) and a trio from this year’s (Judas and the Black Messiah, Land, The World To Come). A remnant of the 2019 Toronto Film Festival is a horrific take on being a true believer (Saint Maud). There is another edition to the Groundhog Day Cinematic Universe (The Map of Tiny Perfect Things) and one to the Guantanamo...2021-02-161h 59Movie MadnessEpisode 203: The Bad Mutha Film Show Files (The 2021 Sundance Film Festival – Part 1)An annual tradition on WHPK Radio’s Bad Mutha Film Show with Sergio Mims is checking in with Erik Childress on the films he saw at the Sundance Film Festival. This year the fest was held virtually giving Sergio the opportunity to see some films himself. So they look in on some of the best films that Erik saw (along with some of the worst) including new documentaries about Sesame Street, Rita Moreno, Alvin Ailey and the band Sparks by Edgar Wright. They debate Rebecca Hall’s adaptation of the novel, Passing, and share praise for the Fred Hampton story, Juda...2021-02-122h 36Movie MadnessEpisode 200: The Bad Comic Book Films Of 2020For the 200th episode we check in with comic book expert, Erik Laws, who along with Erik Childress take a look back upon a bad year for comic book movies. Pandemic delays did 2020 no favors and the pair did not get a chance to discuss Birds of Prey, Bloodshot, The Old Guard, The New Mutants or Wonder Woman 1984. But they do here and it does not go well for any of them. It even sent Mr. Laws into the archive (and another country) to find something that would hopefully provide some enjoyment. Alas, they do look forward to the releases...2021-02-062h 08Movie MadnessEpisode 197: Strap In And Lock Down For 2021The first official movie review show of 2021 arrives with ten films, including a few holdovers from the end of 2020, discussed by Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy. They catch-up with Robert Rodriguez’s latest family film (We Can Be Heroes) and the bonkers WWII action horror film (Shadow in the Cloud) with Chloe Grace Moretz. Anthony Mackie is a more modern warrior with more sci-fi action (Outside the Wire), Liam Neeson tries to save an immigrant child from the drug cartels (The Marksman) and everyone tries to get saved from an active volcano (Skyfire). The government’s surveillance of a civil righ...2021-01-182h 01Movie MadnessEpisode 186: Senses, Nomads and Santa ClausTwo more glorious hours with Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy as they review another dozen movies for your consideration. They look at the latest in Steve McQueen’s Small Axe series (Red, White and Blue). Senses are diminished in a pair of films (Sound of Metal, Another Round) and wish they could have been dulled with the melodramatic horror of matrimony preparation (All My Life; Love, Weddings and Other Disasters). There is traditional horror in a remake (Castle Freak) and personal horror for Aubrey Plaza (Black Bear). Steve looks at the latest work with Andrea Riseborough (Luxor) and Erik ch...2020-12-072h 05Movie MadnessEpisode 185: Great Music, No Music And A Lack Of IntelligenceWe may not have a traditional holiday movie season post-Thanksgiving, but Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy still have reviews of ten new films you can see on streaming services. For families still venturing out into theaters they take a look at “The Croods: A New Age”. Another reluctant return to family is explored in Alan Ball’s “Uncle Frank” as well as the Bella Thorne starrer, “Girl.” We revisit a turning point in video games (“Insert Coin”), a period in the life, if not music (any music) of David Bowie (“Stardust”) and the entire life of another musician (“Zappa”). Steve delves into the corr...2020-11-281h 47Movie MadnessEpisode 184: SNL Past & SCTV Present CollideAs Black Friday approaches, Erik Childress & Sergio Mims return to offer some great Blu-rays to consider for your holiday shopping. Erik previews a brand new transfer of The Last Starfighter as well as a commentary he contributed for it. Pasts and presents collide with the original Mission: Impossible series and the updating of Robert Wise’s The Haunting for the ‘90s. The Flintstones and Bill & Ted may seem like relics but which have stood the test of time. Finally they have a blast talking about the early years of Saturday Night Live and why a pair of SCTV legends are fina...2020-11-261h 50Movie MadnessEpisode 177: The Movie Reviews Are Back!For over 20 years, Erik Childress joined Nick Digilio on WGN Radio to talk and review movies. After his show was unceremoniously canceled this September, the movie review segment that was a staple on Chicago radio went as well. But now, following up on requests from fans, Erik and Steve Prokopy return to keep its memory alive; a segment once populated with the likes of Christmas Movies Actually host, Collin Souter, for nearly two decades and even the Now Playing Network founder, Jim Laczkowski. It’s a longstanding tradition that the Movie Madness Podcast now hopes to resurrect and they ha...2020-10-251h 43Movie MadnessEpisode 176: 3 Peppards, 2 Jakes, a Kidd & The Wonder WomanErik Childress & Sergio Mims continue to catch up on Blu-rays both domestic and international, though also find some time to talk about the effect of COVID on the box office. Sergio continues to celebrate Peppard-tober and digs into a collection of Christopher Lee’s Fu Manchu. Erik discusses why he was worried about revisiting Reversal of Fortune but no worries at all for watching Lynda Carter finally in Blu-ray. Then they wrap things up by going into the history of the Chinatown sequel and how it plays today. Indicator (Britannia Hospital, Fu Manchu Collection) Warner Archive (Sergeant York. Reversal of For...2020-10-221h 42Movie MadnessEpisode 170: Good Things Go Up and Down In StretchesA lot of collections highlight the latest in Blu-rays starting with the release of Tex Avery’s classic cartoons. Erik Childress and Sergio Mims talk about the Beverly Hills Cop trilogy and look at a pair of films featured at last year’s Chicago Critics Film Festival now available from Shout Factory. Erik goes off on the latest Terminator but offers high praise on another new 4K release from Paramount. Then they wrap things up by looking at a stretch of Spike Lee’s career in a bunch of brand new releases from Kino amongst others. Warner Archive (Tex Avery Screwba...2020-02-221h 40Movie MadnessEpisode 168: Sundance Film Festival 2020Erik Childress recaps his 18th year attending the first big film festival of the year talking about his favorites and even some of his not-so-favorites. Hear what Erik thought of new films with Michael Keaton, Jude Law, Steven Yeun, Alison Brie, Winston Duke and Aubrey Plaza. Plus the latest from directors Brandon Cronenberg, Miranda July and the film that broke the new sales record at the fest. He even has a few things to say about some Slamdance documentaries and others about the creation of The Exorcist and Ren & Stimpy. It is a packed episode about films you may...2020-02-111h 58Movie MadnessEpisode 167: The Essentials (2010-19) (Chapter Two)The time capsule for the last decade of film gets ten more titles courtesy of Collin Souter, co-host of the Christmas Movies Actually podcast and longtime radio partner of Erik Childress. Animation carves out a spot this time as well as a surprise entry that is, nevertheless, one of the great achievements of the period. Then for good measure, Erik adds one more title to the list and makes the case that it is more than just another sports movie.2020-01-231h 28Movie MadnessEpisode 162: Star Wars: The Rise of SkywalkerThe Skywalker Saga comes to an end and the fans speak! Erik Childress looks back upon the earliest memories of Star Wars with guests Sergio Mims, Erik Laws, Collin Souter and a surprise guest. They then get to it speaking about their initial thoughts to J.J. Abrams’ 180 back to The Force Awakens immediately after seeing it. There are warm thoughts, criticisms and hopes on where the universe goes from here in an episode dedicated to the end of an era.2019-12-191h 25Movie MadnessEpisode 160: Werewolves, Pinheads & AlcoholicsHalloween may be over but there is still plenty of scary stuff to talk about from Clive Barker, John Landis and Blake Edwards. Sergio Mims joins Erik Childress to talk about the latest Blu-ray special editions from Arrow, Blue Underground, Warner Archive and Criterion which includes another tribute to Chaplin and a taste of one of Erik’s favorite film scores of all-time. Arrow (The Hills Have Eyes Part II, An American Werewolf in London, Hellraiser, Hellbound: Hellraiser II) Blue Underground (Two Evil Eyes) Criterion (Local Hero, The Circus) Warner Archive (Mr. Nice Guy, Days of Wine and Roses)2019-11-071h 15Movie MadnessEpisode 158: Dietrich and Keaton and Korngold, Oh My!Sergio Mims returns to catch up on the latest and greatest in Blu-rays with Erik Childress. They dive into some recent stuff from Lionsgate; splitting on a Sundance favorite, discussing the downward spiral of The Walking Dead, Stallone in 4K and Sergio’s issues with John Wick. Erik goes over why the Elton John biopic was superior to the Queen one. They also go deep into the archive to talk Marlene Dietrich, a Mad Rabbi and the immortality of Buster Keaton. They may even be a little room left for some opera. Yes, opera. Indicator (Marlene Dietrich & Josef Van Sternberg at...2019-10-011h 47Movie MadnessEpisode 153: The More Things Change…The More Things Need CarlinErik Childress delves back into the latest in Blu-rays with Sergio Mims starting with New Criterion titles that take us from anniversary titles that feel all too relevant today to an Oscar-winning film that makes for an interesting post-Tarantino palette cleanser. Going over to Warner Bros. they are charmed by a pair of very different action heroes and Erik tries to convince Sergio to head back to Lego Land. Then after trips to Flicker Alley and Twilight Time, they put a button on everything by discussing 40 years of the great George Carlin and how much they miss him today. Criterion (1984, K...2019-09-021h 40Movie MadnessEpisode 148: Spider-Man Plays People For Fools (Box Office Mini-Episode) Coming off of the long July 4 holiday week, Erik Childress examines how people getting burned on Toy Story 4 led them to underestimate the chances of Spider-Man: Far From Home; a film he has been saying for weeks was headed for an Avengers bump. Somebody was proven right. As we head into a go-between week at the movies while everyone waits for The Lion King, Erik analyzes the successes of what are likely to be the top two films again this week and delights at the titles most comparable to the responses to Ari Aster’s Midsommar2019-07-1120 minMovie MadnessEpisode 144: Men In Black Gets The Shaft (Box Office Mini-Episode)Erik Childress & Sergio Mims bypass all but some fun comparative stats on last week’s box office losers. Then they prepare for Toy Story 4 and Erik goes over his new thinking on Spider-Man: Far From Home and what the re-issue of Avengers: Endgame with new end credit footage will mean for its run at Avatar’s record.2019-06-241h 45Movie MadnessEpisode 135: We’re In The EndgameThe Marvel Cinematic Universe began in earnest in 2008 with Iron Man and it is now concluding with Avengers: Endgame. Comic book expert Erik Laws joins Erik Childress to discuss this epic journey through every beat of its epic conclusion. Spoilers are abound here so you are warned because the only way to talk about it is to read between the lines of what Endgame pays off in nearly every scene. References to both the series and the comics, Alan Silvestri’s winks to past scores, and relationships that come full circle with all the excitement and emotion it can di...2019-04-272h 25Movie MadnessEpisode 132: The 2019 SXSW Film FestivalErik Childress returns from his 17th year covering the festival in Austin and has in store some long lead previews including the latest from Seth Rogen; one opposite Charlize Theron and another producing for the great Jacob Tremblay. But there are also reviews for Kevin Costner, Tatiana Maslany and Nick Kroll, a reminder of one of the year’s best performances from Elisabeth Moss and everything leading up to the film that was not only the best of SXSW but the best film Erik has seen to date this year. On top of it all is a preview of th...2019-03-251h 37Movie MadnessEpisode 130: The Marvel UsMarvel’s first female superhero headliner arrives in theaters with a lot of excitement and its share of unnecessary toxic controversy. Erik Childress is joined by Erik Laws who went in with excitement and come out addressing not just the controversy swirling around ungrateful manbabies but also a real sense of disappointment. The Eriks attempt to navigate the middle ground and articulating where Captain Marvel comes up short in its storytelling and characterizations without being called out by one quotient and embraced by the other.2019-03-071h 32Movie MadnessEpisode 128: One Small Step…AND THEY BLEW IT!Erik Childress and Sergio Mims bring you the first NEW Blu-ray show of 2019 as they take you through the inspiration for Martin Scorsese’s Hugo, some icky obsessions courtesy of Shout Factory and catch up on some titles from Twilight Time. They also discuss the 25th Anniversary of Schindler’s List, their muted thoughts on a Billy Wilder classic and then get into angry detail at how Damien Chazelle’s First Man was screwed by its studio, audiences, awards and politicians alike. But first, the box office returns to Movie Madness and Erik takes you through the beginning of some new an...2019-02-261h 51Movie MadnessEpisode 127: WHY IS THIS NOT ON BLU-RAY? (Chapter 3)Before Erik Childress and Sergio Mims get to films you CAN get on Blu-ray FOR 2019 they continue their ongoing crusade to get films out that are still not available yet in the format. Sergio has some classic releases you may not be aware of. Erik has some more modern titles from major filmmakers that are yet to be released in the format they deserve including one major television title. They also call out studios for choosing not to release Blu-ray versions of recent critically-acclaimed award winners. They run down nearly 20 titles and throw out some others for good measure...2019-01-222h 34Movie MadnessEpisode 124: Does Aquaman Sink Or Swim? Or Just Stinks?Just two episodes ago Erik Childress and comic book expert Erik Laws were delighted talking about the surprise that Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse was. Now it is DC’s turn in the spotlight and, boy, things are not nearly as delightful. More like disappointment and disgust as you will hear as their discussion goes from dismay to shock to outright anger. Everything from its Arthurian roots to ‘80s film homages get the business here as they breakdown how DC got it so very wrong once again.2018-12-191h 48Movie MadnessEpisode 122: Up Into The Spider-VerseDid we really need another version of the Spider-Man story? The skepticism was high with host Erik Childress but he is joined by comic book expert Erik Laws to discuss what turns out to be one of the biggest surprises of the year. They discuss the various incarnations of the Spider-Man mythos on display in the film, the array of animation styles employed and are generally giddy about its place the current comic book film evolution.2018-12-151h 18Movie MadnessEpisode 104: Ant-Man and the Wasp…’Nuff SaidThe title says it all, right? But Erik Childress and comic book expert Erik Laws have plenty more to say about the history of the Ant-Man comic including the troubling past of Hank Pym and how the film incorporates different versions of its characters. They also talk about the leaps of a particular VFX technology, how they hope the current version of the Marvel Cinematic Universe ends with the continuation of the Infinity War and also catch-up a bit on their thoughts about Deadpool 2.2018-06-291h 33Movie MadnessEpisode 97: Going Solo: A Star Wars DiscussionIt’s the movie event of the summer. The third one at least. And just like with The Last Jedi, Erik Laws and Sergio Mims join Erik Childress to take you all the way through the latest “Star Wars Story.” They talk about its troubled production history, how Sergio was once at a studio when a director was fired and how the film measures up to Rogue One and true fan expectations.2018-05-251h 33Movie MadnessEpisode 95: The 2018 Chicago Critics Film FestivalErik Childress is not only a podcast host, he also produces a film festival every year. Now in its sixth year at the Music Box Theatre, the Chicago Critics Film Festival brings some of the best films on the festival circuit – handpicked by the city’s film critics – to a local audience. Sundance, SXSW, Toronto and more are all represented here during the week of May 4-10 and Erik discusses with Sergio Mims (producer of the city’s Black Harvest Film Festival in August) some of the highlights as well as some of the ins and outs of programming a film fes...2018-05-0446 minMovie MadnessEpisode 93: Infinity War & BeyondLikely the biggest summer blockbuster of 2018, Avengers: Infinity War has been the subject of great speculation by fans. Who will live? Who will die? Comic expert Erik Laws and Erik Childress will tell you. Don’t worry though, because you will be warned within this epic discussion when the spoilers will kick in. Before and after though, the Eriks delve into the history of Thanos and breakdown how the film’s ending is both effective and somewhat hollow. What side will each of them fight for? Prepare yourself for a debate nearly as long as the film itself, but cert...2018-05-032h 35Movie MadnessEpisode 89: Don’t Mess With South By SouthwestLast month, Erik Childress attended his 16th SXSW Film Festival and it was one of the best ones in years. It opened with A Quiet Place which has gone on to become one of the biggest success stories of the year. There were some wonderful surprises by a number of films still waiting for distribution deals. But greatest of all was the host being in the same room with his cinematic idol during a special screening at the festival. Erik tells the whole story to Sergio Mims and also shows a lot of love (and a little shade) to...2018-04-241h 51Movie MadnessEpisode 87: The Films That Formed UsOn this first of what we hope to be many special episodes of the podcast, we begin a new segment of the show dedicated to varying Top 10 lists. Only this one is not a countdown but a count-up. Erik Childress and Sergio Mims choose ten films from their childhood which helped form their appreciation of cinema and may have also contributed to who they became as human beings. It’s a funny, emotional episode that may spinoff into additional episodes but the youth of Erik and Sergio is a great place to start and will have you thinking about yo...2018-03-102h 16Movie MadnessEpisode 83: The Reign of the Black PantherThe anticipation level was through the roof and it audiences have turned it into an all-timer at the box office. Now Sergio Mims and comic book expert Erik Laws join Erik Childress to put Ryan Coogler’s film in greater context. What led up to it and can it take its historic status to the next cultural level. Spoilers are few but the discussion is multi-faceted. Is this a movie of the moment or a springboard to an industry in transition for the better?2018-02-201h 33Movie MadnessEpisode 82: It’s Yor’s World. We’re Just Living In ItErik Childress is joined by Sergio Mims to do their first official Blu-ray show of the year. They are hoping to catch everyone up on some recent releases from Twilight Time, some favorites of Sergio’s from Indicator, mutual favorites of theirs from Shout Factory and Arrow and then conclude talking about a Blu-ray Erik has been waiting 35 years for. Twilight Time (Forever Amber, Wuthering Heights, The L-Shaped Room, Alice) Indicator (The Fortune, The Border, Charley Varrick, Blue Collar) Shout Factory (Matinee, The Cat Returns, The Trip to Spain) Arrow (The Apartment) Mill Creek (Jerry Lewis Triple Feature, S.W.A.T...2018-02-021h 57Movie MadnessEpisode 81: Call Me By My Name (In Your Envelope)Two films expected for a number of Oscar nominations are Call Me By Your Name and The Post. Erik Childress and Sergio Mims dig in on both of them and discuss their various issues with both of them. After that, Erik digs in on his annual Oscar predictions. What is getting nominated? Who is getting snubbed? He breaks down the big eight categories and then reveals his choices for all of the technical categories as well. 0:00:00 – 0:01:45 – Intro 0:01:46 – 0:57:43 – Call Me By Your Name & The Post (w/Sergio Mims) 0:57:44 – 1:43:03 – Oscar (Nomination) Predictions for 2017 1:43:04 – 1:48:08 – Outro (+ Call Me By Your Name Follow-Up) 2018-01-181h 48Movie MadnessEpisode 79: The Last Jedi and the Evolution of Star WarsErik Childress is joined by regular guests Sergio Mims and Erik Laws on this very special show to examine the lasting impact of the Star Wars franchise from its skeptical beginnings to its current Episode. They discuss The Last Jedi at length from their initial thoughts to its overriding themes and everything down to sound design and the bittersweet impact of Carrie Fisher’s final appearance. They can not always ignore the politics from 1977-to-2017 but this is a joyful, fun on-location discussion about the most anticipated film of the year. 0:00:00 – 0:03:17 – Intro 0:03:18 – 2:10:43 – The Last Jedi...2017-12-152h 12Movie MadnessEpisode 77: Justice League, or Kirby Your EnthusiasmDC is at it again. Interpret that anyway you want, but comic book expert, Erik Laws, is back to discuss the new Justice League film with Erik Childress. Together they go deep from the cartoon incarnation down to every nook and cranny of getting the team together, how Joss Whedon’s influence may have affected the final product. Not to mention Danny Elfman’s score, what Zack Snyder may have against Superman and a wide array all adding up to whether or not the film is a success or another bust. 0:00:00 – 0:01:11 – Intro 0:01:11 – 0:17:00 – From Superfriends to Justice Leag...2017-11-172h 18Movie MadnessEpisode 75: The 2017 Holiday Box Office Preview & PredictionsThe final movie season of the year is here and with that Erik Childress takes you through his predictions for the big hits and potential misses at the box office. Only this time he is joined by Sergio Mims to offer his two cents on Erik’s predictions as well as his thoughts on what he believes could be a very lackluster season for the wide release – in quality, if not bucks. They cover it all from the biggest releases to the limited films hoping to make strides with awards as well as with paying customers. 0:00:00 – 0:02:11 – Intro 0...2017-11-102h 19Movie MadnessEpisode 74: The Blu-ray Throwback (Vol. 1)It may sound like just another Blu-ray show. That’s because it is. But it’s one that takes you into the archives to circle back on titles Erik Childress and Sergio Mims did not get to talk about in the moment. So many titles. Only so many minutes. But in this first volume of the Throwback, Erik & Sergio talk about some golden oldies from the likes of Twilight Time, Olive and Kino, three studios who continue to do fine work on films that may have escaped your radar over time. Give a listen and then give a watch. 2017-11-101h 23Movie MadnessEpisode 73: Thor: The Jokey World(s)The holiday movie season is here and Marvel is kicking it off with Thor: Ragnarok. Erik Childress again welcomes comic book expert Erik Laws to offer his thoughts on a film they both had high hopes for. Though the film is being advertised as the “best reviewed Marvel film of all-time” is it possible doth praise too much? 0:00:00 – 0:01:44 – Intro 0:01:42 – 1:55:15 – Thor: Ragnarok Discussion (with Erik Laws) 1:55:15 – 1:36:13 – Outro2017-11-031h 58Movie MadnessEpisode 67: Guardians of the Guardians – Vol. 2One of the biggest hits of the summer and year, James Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, is now available on home video. Comic book expert Erik Laws re-joins Erik Childress to catch up on a conversation they missed upon release. Take a listen and see how each of their perceptions of the first film reflect upon their thoughts of the sequel. 0:00:00 – 0:01:37 – Intro 0:01:37 – 0:47:49 – Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2 (with Erik Laws) 0:47:49 – 0:49:54 – Outro2017-08-2649 minMovie MadnessEpisode 65: The Dunkirks of DetroitThis special episode of the podcast re-broadcasts a discussion on WHPK Radio between Erik Childress, Sergio Mims and Collin Souter. During it they disagree over the impact of Kathryn Bigelow’s Detroit but unite over Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk and going against detractors with questionable arguments about both. Before that though, Erik offers his feelings over the recent events on Charlottesville and reminds us of the one thing we should all be united over – hating Nazis. 0:00:00 – 0:21:55 – Intro & Thoughts on Charlottesville and Nazis 0:21:55 – 0:38:24 – Dunkirk (WHPK with Sergio Mims & Collin Souter) 0:38:24 – 1:25:59 – Detroit (WHPK with Sergio Mims & Collin Sout...2017-08-171h 28Movie MadnessEpisode 61: Whatever A Spider Can…Kinda?Spider-Man is finally a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and people are showing love to the Homecoming. Comic book expert Erik Laws joins Erik Childress to discuss the history of the franchise(s), the latest film’s connection to the comics and whether or not it actually lives up to the praise it is receiving. A spirited discussion ensues. 0:00:00 – 0:01:10 – Intro 0:01:21 – 2:03:09 – Spider-Man: Homecoming (with Erik Laws) 2:03:07 – 2:05:39 – Outro2017-07-252h 05Movie MadnessEpisode 51: Everyone Loves Wonder Woman. Why Not Me?Wonder Woman Fever is sweeping the world and Erik Childress welcomes comic book expert Erik Laws back into the fray. They discuss not only the film but also a bit of the character’s history, the degrees to which sexism has reared its ugly head around the project and to agree that it is a definite step up in the DC Cinematic Universe. But to what degree? 0:00:00 – 0:01:37 – Intro 0:01:38 – 2:03:34 – Wonder Woman (The Film, The Love, The Criticism) 2:03:35 – 2:07:04 – Outro2017-06-092h 07Movie MadnessEpisode 42: All You Need Is Logan!It’s all about Logan. Almost. Comic Book expert, Erik Laws, returns to mount an in-depth discussion into Hugh Jackman’s reported final appearance as Wolverine. Along with host Erik Childress it is a two-part conversation dealing with a little history and their expanded thoughts on the film and then delving into spoiler alert territory. Also, Sergio Mims returns to offer the latest in new Blu-rays for your viewing pleasure. 0:00:00 – 0:02:04 – Intro 0:02:04 – 1:14:04 – Blu-rays (with Sergio Mims) 1:14:04 – 2:11:13 – Logan (Spoiler-Free Review & Discussion) (with Erik Laws) 2:11:13 – 2:55:14 – Logan (Spoiler Discussion) (with Erik Laws) 2:55:14 – 2:58:05 – Outro2017-02-252h 58Movie MadnessEpisode 41: Me, Everyone, No One & SundanceErik Childress catches you up on his trip to the Sundance Film Festival and many of the films he saw with an assist from Nick Digilio and WGN Radio. Then the debut of a brand new segment (or game) to the podcast with comic book expert Erik Laws. Is it about comic books, movies or something entirely different? Tune in to find out on Me, Everyone, No One. 0:00:00 – 0:04:00 – Intro 0:04:00 – 0:28:34 – Sundance Film Festival (with Nick Digilio & WGN Radio) (Part 1) 0:28:34 – 1:02:23 – Sundance Film Festival + Oscar Nominations (w/ Nick Digilio & WGN Radio) (Part 2) 1:02:23 – 1:18:31 – Sundance Film Festival (w/ Nic...2017-02-232h 22Movie MadnessEpisode 32: Cubbie Blue, Blu-rays and Box Office BluesErik Childress breaks down the lackluster Autumn movie season, charting the winners & losers and then takes you through a preview of what may come out on top during the holidays. Then he is joined by Sergio Mims to talk about new Blu-rays including Bubba Ho-Tep and new titles from Sony, Warner Bros, Mill Creek, Kino along with revisiting the documentary Weiner. But the Cubs have also won the World Series for the first time in 108 years and Erik shares his memories of the game and the person he wishes he could share it with. 0:00:00 – 0:02:26 – Intro 0:02:27 – 0:20:51 – 2016 World Se...2016-11-052h 23Movie MadnessEpisode 8: Dawn of the Dead: Batman v Superman EditionThis week Erik Childress catches up on DVDs, talks about what is going on with The Divergent Series at the box office and an in-depth near-90-minute conversation with comic book expert, Erik Laws, about the latest Zack Snyder/DC Comics pairing.2016-03-252h 10
Movie MadnessEpisode 2: Deadpool Of MoneyThis week on Movie Madness, Erik Childress goes through the week's new DVD/Blu-ray releases and recommends his top three. He talks to comic book expert, Erik Laws, about Deadpool and what it could mean for the DC Universe as well as examine this week's box office and where Zoolander 2 and How To Be Single measure up.2016-02-151h 40