Shows
Cinema FixEpisode #81: Guardians of the Galaxy (Part 2)I am Groot! As is the custom whenever a new superhero movie is released, Rod Morrow joins Andrew and Monica to debate its merits. Guardians of the Galaxy introduces audience to a whole new side of the Marvel universe. One thing's for certain -- it does have a lot of comic relief and personality. But is that enough to make it a good movie? The gang debates everything from the villains to the characterization to Marvel's overall plan. Is Thanos a compelling threat yet? What's up with Gamora's motivations? How is the movie clearly aimed towards people who are already...2014-08-0900 minCinema FixEpisode #81: Calvary, Lucy, Guardians of the Galaxy (Part 2)Andrew and Monica return with spoiler-free thoughts on three of late summer's cinematic offerings. First, they discuss the new film from director John Michael McDonagh, Calvary, which stars Brendan Gleeson as an Irish priest. They then turn their attention to Luc Besson's Lucy and figure out what percentage of your brain should be turned off to enjoy it. And finally, they give some quick thoughts on Marvel's latest superhero installment, Guardians of the Galaxy. Is this movie that will change Andrew's mind about Phase 2, or is it just more of the same? Tune in to find out.
SHOW...2014-08-0800 minCinema FixEpisode #80: Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (Part 2)Special guest Charlie Nash stopped by for the second part of our Cinema Fix episode on Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, and the resulting discussion was pretty bananas. As great as the visual effects are, is performance capture technology ever going to feel timeless? Is the film's bleak tone an appropriate one given the ridiculous nature of the property? How does Matt Reeves' direction elevate poor writing? And what is it trying to say about the nature of violence, and do the climactic moments undermine the intended message? Tune in to find out.
SHOW NOTES:
2014-07-3000 minCinema FixEpisode #80: Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (Part 1)In this episode, Andrew and Monica discuss Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, the second film in the reboot of the popular franchise. Taking place a decade after the events of Rise of the Planet of the Apes, the film follows Caesar and his civilization of super apes when an encounter with humanity's last survivors leads them down the path to war. Does Matt Reeves' direction make it a film worth seeing? What makes a great summer movie, anyway? Tune in to find out.
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro
3:17 - General thoughts on The Hobbit: The De...2014-07-2800 minCinema FixEpisode #79: Summer Movie ComebackCinema Fix is back! In this episode, Andrew and Monica return after a months-long hiatus to give some quick thoughts on some of the hottest films of the summer. First, Monica gives the lowdown on Maleficent while Andrew reveals his take on Edge of Tomorrow. Then they both discuss X-Men: Days of Future Past, Neighbors, 22 Jump Street, Snowpiercer, and a few more multiplex offerings. Which should you see right away? Which should you avoid? Tune in to find out.
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro
3:15 - Maleficent
6:20 - Edge of Tomorrow
10:48 - X-Men: Days of Future Past
17:58...2014-07-2400 minCinema FixEpisode #78: The Best and Worst Movies of 2013 (Part 1)Just in time for Oscar night, it's the first part of Cinema Fix's look back at the best and worst movies of 2013! In this part, Andrew and Monica count down their Top 10 films of the year, plus some honorable mentions. What made 2013 such a good year for movies? What gems have people overlooked? And is Blue is the Warmest Color really all that great? Tune in to find out.
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro
3:04 - Honorable Mentions
7:10 - Top 10 of 2013
54:38 - Show close
DON'T FORGET: You can contact the show by emailing...2014-03-0200 minCinema FixEpisode #77: Winter Movie Wrap-upIt's been a month since the last Cinema Fix episode, but don't worry! Andrew and Monica are back with a vengeance to discuss over a dozen movies that were released over the holidays. They talk everything from potential Oscar winners to movies that January forgot: Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues, Her, American Hustle, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Saving Mr. Banks, 47 Ronin, Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones, Inside Llewyn Davis, August: Osage County, The Legend of Hercules, Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit and The Wolf of Wall Street. What's worth seeing? What should you avoid? Tune in to find...2014-01-2300 minCinema FixEpisode #76: The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (Part 2)Wake up and smell the desolation! In this episode, Andrew and Monica discuss how The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug functions as a standalone film, particularly when compared to the previous movies. Are the additional subplots worthwhile? What’s up with the Ring and the Arkenstone? And how do the Hobbit films differ from the Lord of the Rings movies on a visual level? Tune in for all that and more!
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro
4:00 - Smaug!
6:45 - Tauriel and additional conflict
11:24 - Ending on a cliffhanger, multiple story arcs
13:25 - The Ri...2013-12-2400 minCinema FixEpisode #76: The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (Part 1)Andrew and Monica both had mixed feelings about the first installment in the Hobbit film series, and they also agree about the second installment. Is it an improvement over its predecessor? Does the new material not taken from the source material feel relevant? Tune in to find out.
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro
2:58 - General thoughts on The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
12:37 - Show close
DON'T FORGET: You can contact the show by emailing cinemafix@filmgeekradio.com or leaving a voicemail at 336-793-2509. Thanks for listening!2013-12-1800 min
Let's Get ReelEpisode #11: The Cinematic States of Gareth HigginsIn this special bonus episode, Andrew and Monica have a casual interview with author, activist and film critic Gareth Higgins about life, movies and his new book, Cinematic States. In the book, Higgins examines American cultural myths through the lens of its movies, going state-by-state throughout the U.S. and exploring what films set in those states reveal. They discuss the process of writing the book, the state of film criticism, the inherent morality of art, the need for non-violent forms of conversation, why The Lone Ranger is the best film of the year, and a lot more!
AB...2013-12-1646 minCinema FixBonus Episode: The Cinematic States of Gareth HigginsIn this special bonus episode, Andrew and Monica have a casual interview with author, activist and film critic Gareth Higgins about life, movies and his new book, Cinematic States. In the book, Higgins examines American cultural myths through the lens of its movies, going state-by-state throughout the U.S. and exploring what films set in those states reveal. They discuss the process of writing the book, the state of film criticism, the inherent morality of art, the need for non-violent forms of conversation, why The Lone Ranger is the best film of the year, and a lot more!2013-12-1600 minCinema FixEpisode #75: Dallas Buyers Club (Part 2)Special guest Gareth Higgins, the author of Cinematic States, joins Andrew and Monica to discuss what makes Dallas Buyers Club so much better than it could have been. In what ways is the film restrained? How is it different from films that aim to elicit a cathartic emotional response? What single type of shot reveals that the director knows what he's doing?
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro
6:16 - Gareth's overall thoughts on Dallas Buyers Club
8:43 - Staying restrained, avoiding cathartic tears
15:42 - How to tell when a director knows what he's doing
21:10 - Re...2013-12-1400 minCinema FixEpisode #75: Dallas Buyers Club (Part 1)In this episode, Andrew and Monica give some general thoughts on Dallas Buyers Club. The film stars Matthew McConaughey as Ron Woodroof, a man diagnosed with AIDS who decides to fight FDA regulations and smuggle illegal medications into the country. Does it deserve all the acclaim? Tune in to find out.
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro
3:21 - General thoughts on Dallas Buyers Club
9:51 - Show close
DON'T FORGET: You can contact the show by emailing cinemafix@filmgeekradio.com or leaving a voicemail at 336-793-2509. Thanks for listening!2013-12-1200 minCinema FixEpisode #74: The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (Part 2)Are the odds in Catching Fire's favor? In this episode, Andrew and Monica discuss the difficulties of adapting a series like the Hunger Games books to the big screen, and how the film industry by its nature ends up undermining the themes of the film. Is Katniss a good feminist figure? Does the film effectively convey the book's critique of the media? Do these films practice what they preach, or are they just another example of Capitol-esque propaganda? Tune in to find out.
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro and clip
2:28 - Katniss as a feminist fi...2013-12-0200 minCinema FixEpisode #74: The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (Part 1)In this episode, Andrew and Monica give their general thoughts on the second installment of the Hunger Games film adaptations. Does Catching Fire improve upon the first film in any ways? Does it live up to the book? Tune to find out.
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro
1:55 - Feedback on 12 Years A Slave
6:20 - General thoughts on The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
14:48 - Show close
DON'T FORGET: You can contact the show by emailing cinemafix@filmgeekradio.com or leaving a voicemail at 336-793-2509. Thanks for listening!2013-12-0200 minCinema FixEpisode #73: 12 Years A Slave (Part 2)It's time for another spoiler-filled talk about a slavery movie, so you know what that means... Craig Lindsey! Craig returns to Cinema Fix to discuss whether 12 Years A Slave is worth the hype. Is it an "important" film? Is McQueen's style too distancing? Does he make suffering too photogenic? Why aren't there more movies about the hierarchy among slaves? Are any of the slave masters "good" or are they all evil? Tune in to find out. Plus, a tangent about twerking.
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro and clip
6:48 - Craig's general thoughts on 12 Years A Slave, whet...2013-11-1900 minCinema FixEpisode #73: 12 Years A Slave (Part 1)Sometimes it's hard to figure out the context in which to critique a film that's deemed "important" for whatever reason, but Andrew and Monica do their best. Is Steve McQueen's 12 Years A Slave the great film about slavery we need? Is that even a fair question? Tune in to hear their general thoughts on the film.
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro
3:00 - General thoughts on 12 Years A Slave
14:48 - Show close
DON'T FORGET: You can contact the show by emailing cinemafix@filmgeekradio.com or leaving a voicemail at 336-793-2509. Thanks for listening!2013-11-1800 minCinema FixEpisode #72: Thor: The Dark World (Part 2)For the second part of their Thor: The Dark World review, Andrew and Monica are joined by Rod Morrow to discuss Marvel mythology and whether the film competently expands it. If you thought their Man of Steel discussion got heated, you haven't seen anything yet. Andrew gets snarky, Rod bites back, and Monica just tries to stay out of it. Are the Dark Elves' motives and background adequately explained? Does the Aether makes sense? Has Loki been completely watered-down as a character? Does Thor have an arc, and if so, what is it? Tune to find out.
SHOW...2013-11-1300 minCinema FixEpisode #72: Thor: The Dark World (Part 1)The latest installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is here! Is Thor: The Dark World a fun superhero romp that builds on the mythology, or just a confusing mess of ideas and plot devices? In this episode, Andrew and Monica give their spoiler-free thoughts on the film. Also: Monica really hates Dutch angles, apparently.
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro
3:25 - General thoughts on Thor: The Dark World
15:00 - Show close
DON'T FORGET: You can contact the show by emailing cinemafix@filmgeekradio.com or leaving a voicemail at 336-793-2509. Thanks for listening!2013-11-1100 minCinema FixEpisode #71: Ender's Game (Part 2)In this episode, Andrew and Monica discuss the weighty events of Ender's Game and how well they're communicated in the film. What stuff from the book didn't make the cut? Are the Battle Room sequences effectively portrayed? Does the movie do a good job of getting inside Ender's head? How is Ender different in the film, and is it a good change? Tune in to find out.
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro
2:54 - Lack of weight, unclear passage of time
7:16 - The Mind Game, Ender's psychology, the ending
19:20 - Speaking for the dead
22:05 - Bo...2013-11-0600 minCinema FixEpisode #71: Ender's Game (Part 1)After spending 25 years in development hell, the film adaptation of Orson Scott Card's bestselling sci-fi novel Ender's Game is finally in theaters! In this episode, Andrew and Monica give their general spoiler-free thoughts on the translation from page to screen. Monica hasn't read the book, but Andrew is a big fan--does that impact how they each responded to the film? Tune in to find out.
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro
3:03 - General thoughts on Ender's Game
13:44 - Show close
DON'T FORGET: You can contact the show by emailing cinemafix@filmgeekradio.com or leaving...2013-11-0500 minCinema FixEpisode #70: The Counselor (Part 2)Cormac McCarthy's work is always bleak and pessimistic, but that's not always a bad thing. Is The Counselor a subversive masterpiece or too distant to be effective? In the second part of their review, Andrew and Monica discuss everything from the depiction of women to whether or not there's political subtext. Is there anything special about how Ridley Scott presents violence? Is the Counselor a symbol of America? And does Andrew's response towards some of the dialogue reveal some unintentional racism? Tune in to find out.
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro
2:46 - Malkina vs. Laura
6:40...2013-10-3000 minCinema FixOverdose: Sex Not IncludedCinema Fix Overdose is back with an extra bonus set of reviews! Monica and Andrew discuss a variety of films both old and new, and offer some recommendations for films that were released on DVD/Blu-Ray during the month of October. Plus, they also get into a small discussion about target demographics and how to treat a film aimed at a group to which you don’t belong. Titles discussed include: The Naked City, Baggage Claim, Instructions Not Included, Rush, The Canyons, Masters of Sex and a whole lot more!
SHOW NOTES:
1:42 - Intro
3:23 - Na...2013-10-3000 minCinema FixEpisode #70: The Counselor (Part 1)The Counselor is the latest film directed by Ridley Scott, and the first theatrical screenplay written by Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Cormac McCarthy. It also boasts an ensemble cast including Michael Fassbender, Brad Pitt, Penelope Cruz, Cameron Diaz and Javier Bardem. But is it worthy of all the talent involved? Tune in to hear Andrew and Monica give their spoiler-free thoughts.
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro
2:54 - General thoughts on The Counselor
10:30 - Show close
DON'T FORGET: You can contact the show by emailing cinemafix@filmgeekradio.com or leaving a voicemail at 336-793-2509...2013-10-2900 minCinema FixEpisode #69: Carrie (Part 2)Special guest Charlie Nash stops by to help Monica argue with Andrew about Kimberly Peirce's version of Carrie. Is the film really a total waste of time? How is Carrie different in this version? What are the main themes it's exploring this time? Are the supporting characters better drawn in this version or the original? Tune in to find out. NOTE: There's a lot of talk about the De Palma film, so beware of a few spoilers if you haven't seen it!
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro
4:06 - Comparisons to Let Me In
11:40 - On re...2013-10-2200 minCinema FixEpisode #69: Carrie (Part 1)There have now been three screen adaptations of Stephen King's debut novel, Carrie, most notably a 1976 version from director Brian De Palma. The latest one is directed by Kimberly Peirce and stars Chloe Grace Moretz in the role famously performed by Sissy Spacek. How does this version compare? Is it even fair to judge it in light of the De Palma movie? Andrew and Monica give their general thoughts.
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro
1:47 - Listener feedback/question
4:57 - General thoughts on Carrie
13:15 - Show close
DON'T FORGET: You can contact the...2013-10-2200 minCinema FixEpisode #68: Captain Phillips (Part 2)Andrew and Monica are joined by special guest Kenji Fujishima from In Review Online to discuss how Captain Phillips depicts true events and the degree to which an artist should be judged for how a film touches on (or doesn't touch on) real-life issues. Is Paul Greengrass' approach an objective one? Is not taking the stand actually a stand itself? Does the film fully humanize all of its characters? Tune in to find out.
SHOW NOTES:
0:00 - Intro and clip
4:05 - Kenji's thoughts on Captain Phillips
7:36 - Paul Greengrass' style and approach to real...2013-10-1500 minCinema FixEpisode #68: Captain Phillips (Part 1)In this episode, Andrew and Monica give some spoiler-free thoughts on Captain Phillips, the new film directed by Paul Greengrass that stars Tom Hanks as a commercial shipping boat captain whose vessel is hijacked. Does it do the real-life story justice? Tune in to find out.
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro
2:46 - General thoughts on Captain Phillips
12:48 - Show close
DON'T FORGET: You can contact the show by emailing cinemafix@filmgeekradio.com or leaving a voicemail at 336-793-2509. Thanks for listening!2013-10-1500 minCinema FixEpisode #67: Gravity (Part 2)In this episode, Andrew and Monica analyze the different themes running through Gravity. There's a lot of religious symbolism and rebirth imagery. Does that fit with the primary arc? Is it a movie about hope or coming to terms with death? Is there such a thing as too intense? Tune in to find out. Plus, they pitch some pretty artsy ideas for a sequel in Reboot This!
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro
2:20 - Too intense? Not knowing how it will end
5:50 - The primary character arc
9:29 - Themes of rebirth and evolution
13:26...2013-10-0900 minCinema FixEpisode #67: Gravity (Part 1)It's been seven years since Alfonso Cuarón's last film, Children of Men. His new film Gravity follows two astronauts (Sandra Bullock and George Clooney) who find themselves floating in space after a debris storm cuts off their communications and destroys their shuttle. Is it another masterpiece? In this episode, Andrew and Monica give their spoiler-free thoughts.
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro
3:50 - General thoughts on Gravity
13:07 - Show close
DON'T FORGET: You can contact the show by emailing cinemafix@filmgeekradio.com. Thanks for listening!2013-10-0700 minCinema FixEpisode #66: Prisoners (Part 2)Prisoners clearly wants to be viewed as a "serious" movie with "serious" performances in order to attract awards attention, but Andrew and Monica aren’t sure it’s deserving of that recognition. In fact, they aren’t really sure they can explain the convoluted plot of the film. In this episode, they break it down and try to figure out the multiples layers on which it’s attempting to function. Is there any political subtext commenting on post-9/11 America? Does the Bob Taylor subplot make any sense at all? And what’s up with all the religious imagery? Tune in to find ou...2013-09-2800 minCinema FixEpisode #66: Prisoners (Part 1)If there's one thing you should never do, it's kidnap the daughter of Wolverine. In this episode, Andrew and Monica give their spoiler-free thoughts on Prisoners, the new drama from director Denis Villeneuve starring Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal. This has the look and feel of a prestigious award-worthy drama, but does its quality extend beyond the surface? Tune in to find out.
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro
3:49 - General thoughts on Prisoners
10:58 - Show close
DON'T FORGET: You can contact the show by emailing cinemafix@filmgeekradio.com. Thanks for listening!2013-09-2500 minCinema FixEpisode #65: Insidious Chapter 2 (Part 2)If you thought the third act of the first Insidious was too over-the-top, you might not be ready for Chapter 2. In this episode, Andrew and Monica try to figure out just what exactly is going on. How does Josh’s possession work? Is The Further a time machine, an Inception-style dream machine, or a bit of both? What’s up with all the gender identity issues and ghost psychology? Tune in to find out. Plus, Reboot This!
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro
2:30 - What’s going on with Josh, exactly?
7:22 - Figuring out how The Furthe...2013-09-1900 minCinema FixEpisode #65: Insidious Chapter 2 (Part 1)James Wan has already released one critically-acclaimed horror film this year in The Conjuring. Now, he's back with the sequel to his 2010 film Insidious. Josh Lambert (Patrick Wilson) isn't acting the same since he returned from The Further--has something evil come back with him? Tune in to hear Andrew and Monica give their general, spoiler-free thoughts.
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro
1:46 - Brief thoughts on Riddick
3:10 - General thoughts on Insidious: Chapter 2
11:46 - Show close
DON'T FORGET: You can contact the show by emailing cinemafix@filmgeekradio.com. Thanks for listening!2013-09-1900 minCinema FixOverdose: Face/Off With A Bling-Ringed InvaderJust when you thought Film Geek Radio couldn't get any cooler... we did. This is the first of a monthly series of bonus episodes of Cinema Fix! Are you a true movie addict looking for recommendations on what to check out and what to avoid? Don't worry: Andrew and Monica OD'd on movies so you don't have to. In Cinema Fix Overdose episodes, they'll discuss other movies they've seen over the past 30 days, plus provide some DVD recommendations for the upcoming month. This month, they discuss Face/Off, Day For Night, Mud, The Invader, I Declare War, Purple Rain and...2013-09-0600 minCinema FixEpisode #64: Getaway (Part 2)Ethan Hawke and Selena Gomez star in Getaway, which follows Brent Magna, an ex-racer who is forced to follow the instructions of a mysterious stranger when his wife is kidnapped. He races through the streets of Bulgaria, destroying everything in sight, but is this movie as fun as it sounds? Tune in to hear Andrew and Monica give their spoiler-free thoughts.
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro and clip
2:15 - Wait, that's not Jon Voight's voice?
4:35 - A Cabin in the Woods-style genre critique?
7:30 - The one shot that has everyone talking
10:13...2013-09-0300 minCinema FixEpisode #64: Getaway (Part 1)Ethan Hawke and Selena Gomez star in Getaway, which follows Brent Magna, an ex-racer who is forced to follow the instructions of a mysterious stranger when his wife is kidnapped. He races through the streets of Bulgaria, destroying everything in sight, but is this movie as fun as it sounds? Tune in to hear Andrew and Monica give their spoiler-free thoughts.
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro and clip
3:18 - General thoughts on Getaway
11:46 - Show close
DON'T FORGET: You can contact the show by emailing cinemafix@filmgeekradio.com. Thanks for listening!2013-09-0300 minCinema FixEpisode #63: You're Next and The World's End (Part 2)You know it's gonna be a good episode when Monica starts dusting off her sociology textbooks. In Part 2 of their discussion on You're Next and The World's End, she and Andrew dive into all the various layers of subtext that exist beneath both films. Is You're Next a critique of the political left? Are Adam Wingard and his filmmaking buddies trying to make a statement about the state of the industry? Is The World's End a critique of Hollywood remake culture? How does it critique free-market capitalism while also celebrating individualism, and how does that get a bit messy when...2013-08-3000 minCinema FixEpisode #63: You're Next and The World's End (Part 1)Andrew and Monica are doing something new this week--they're giving you two movie discussions instead of one! In this episode, they give their general thoughts on the home invasion horror film You're Next before moving on to the new comedy from Edgar Wright, The World's End. Which of these films is worth your time to see? Tune in to find out.
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro and clip
3:08 - General thoughts on You're Next
12:00 - General thoughts on The World's End
22:58 - Show close
DON'T FORGET: You can contact the show by...2013-08-2800 minCinema FixEpisode #62: Kick-Ass 2 (Part 2)Film critic Simon Abrams from RogerEbert.com joins Andrew and Monica to discuss the original Kick-Ass comics and how the film adaptations compare. Does Millar succeed in making a satirical point? Is the film version of Kick-Ass 2 an improvement in any way? What's up with the class warfare allegory? And is Hit Girl an example of a strong female character? Tune in as they try to find the answers to all these questions and much more. Plus, you'll definitely want to hear what Simon pitches for a prequel in Reboot This!
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro and...2013-08-2100 minCinema FixEpisode #62: Kick-Ass 2 (Part 1)In this episode, Andrew and Monica give their general thoughts on the sequel to the adaptation of the comic book Kick-Ass, which followed a normal high school student who decides to become a superhero. Is Kick-Ass 2 an effective follow-up? Tune in to find out.
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro and clip
13:47 - General thoughts
12:28 - Show close
DON'T FORGET: You can contact the show by emailing cinemafix@filmgeekradio.com. Thanks for listening!2013-08-1900 minCinema FixEpisode #61: ElysiumNeill Blomkamp's follow-up to the critically-acclaimed District 9 stars Matt Damon as a working man in the future who decides to take on the wealthiest members of society who live in a space station high above Earth. Does Sharlto Copley make a good villain? Just how exactly does this futuristic government work? And is Matt Damon a hippo or a meerkat? Tune in to find out.
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro and clip
4:09 - General thoughts
11:22 - The character of Kruger
23:45 - Jodie Foster and her plan for a coup
29:14 - How it handles alle...2013-08-1200 minCinema FixEpisode #60: 2 Guns (Part 2)Andrew and Monica discuss the racial politics of Hollywood and how an interesting script can sometimes get lost in the execution in their spoiler-filled analysis of 2 Guns. What's up with Paula Patton's character and her decision to do nudity? How is the relationship her character has with Denzel's one of the more tragic in recent memory? And is the movie's depiction of Mexicans offensive or just a symptom or a larger institutional problem? Tune in to find out. Plus, Hollywood would be wise to take note of their ideas for a sequel in Reboot This!
SHOW...2013-08-0700 minCinema FixEpisode #60: 2 Guns (Part 1)Spoiler: There are more than two guns in this movie. In this episode, Andrew and Monica give their general thoughts on 2 Guns, a new buddy-cop thriller starring Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg. Is there anything fresh here, or is it just the same thing we've seen a million times before? Is it possible to be both? Tune in to find out.
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro and clip
2:39 - General thoughts
10:09 - Show close
DON'T FORGET: You can contact the show by emailing cinemafix@filmgeekradio.com. Thanks for listening!2013-08-0500 minCinema FixEpisode #59: The Wolverine (Part 2)So much of The Wolverine works so well that the parts that don't work well are extra frustrating. In this episode, Andrew and Monica discuss what they liked about the film and then break down the problematic third act beat by beat. Why is the opening scene so effective? How come Yukio disappears so much? Why are people suddenly switching loyalties, and just what was the big conspiracy after all? Tune in to find out. Plus, they examine the mid-credits scene and pitch a few sequels in Reboot This!
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro and clip
2:22 - Th...2013-07-2900 minCinema FixEpisode #59: The Wolverine (Part 1)In this episode, Andrew and Monica give their spoiler-free thoughts on the latest installment in the X-Men film franchise, The Wolverine. Is it better than his last solo outing? Is the PG-13 rating appropriate? And why does this feel so much different from superhero movies like Iron Man 3 and Man of Steel? Tune in to find out.
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro and clip
2:57 - General thoughts
10:28 - Show close
DON'T FORGET: You can contact the show by emailing cinemafix@filmgeekradio.com. Thanks for listening!2013-07-2800 minCinema FixEpisode #58: The Conjuring (Part 2)In this episode, Charlie Nash from Avenging Angels and Your Magazine Emerson stops by to discuss The Conjuring. Or rather, he drops in to help Monica explain to Andrew why he's wrong. Are "rules" necessary for this sort of horror film? Do its parallel character threads fully mesh together? And just why is it called The Conjuring anyway? Tune in to find out.
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro and clip
3:10 - Charlie's general thoughts
5:20 - Andrew nitpicks the title
7:38 - James Wan's technical skills
11:00 - The "rules" of the demons
20:09 - The arc of V...2013-07-2300 minCinema FixEpisode #58: The Conjuring (Part 1)Who needs the Ghostbusters when you've got the Warrens? James Wan's latest horror film The Conjuring is based on a supposedly true story about a real-life haunting and the couple that made a living exorcising demons. Is it as creepy as his previous efforts? Tune in to find out.
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro and clip
3:55 - General thoughts
10:28 - Show close
DON'T FORGET: You can contact the show by emailing cinemafix@filmgeekradio.com. Thanks for listening!2013-07-2100 minCinema FixEpisode #57: Pacific Rim (Part 2)In this episode, Andrew and Monica discuss what makes Pacific Rim such an enjoyable summer movie and what could have been done to make it even better. How does the action direction distract from the flaws of the script? What's the one major plot hole? Could the emotional arcs have contributed to some of the tension? Tune in to find out. Plus, they give their ideas for a prequel, sequel or franchise cross-over!
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro and clip
3:16 - Fighting through an avatar
5:05 - Drifting, lack of emotional arcs
12:56 - Is the Rale...2013-07-1600 minCinema FixEpisode #57: Pacific Rim (Part 1)The epic battle between Jaegers and kaiju is finally here! Guillermo del Toro's Pacific Rim is one of the most highly-anticipated films of the year--at least by geeks online--but is it a fitting entry into his filmography? Does this battle for humanity impress, or is it just as exhausting as all the others we've seen this summer? Tune in to find out.
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro and clip
3:23 - General thoughts
15:46 - Show close
DON'T FORGET: You can contact the show by emailing cinemafix@filmgeekradio.com. Thanks for listening!2013-07-1600 minCinema FixEpisode #56: The Lone Ranger (Part 2)Monica is angry. Very angry. In this episode, she and Andrew have a passionate debate about the extent to which good intentions can save a movie that in certain respects, yeah, is pretty racist. How does The Lone Ranger attempt to package a non-mainstream message in a mainstream movie? Is Johnny Depp's Tonto really a racist and damaging depiction of Native Americans? Why is cannibalism a dominant motif? And can Hollywood please give Armie Hammer another chance? Plus, Reboot This!
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro and clip
3:49 - Johnny Depp and whether this Tonto is racist2013-07-0400 minCinema FixEpisode #56: The Lone Ranger (Part 1)Hi-Ho Silver, Away! In this episode, Andrew and Monica give their general thoughts on The Lone Ranger. Armie Hammer and Johnny Depp star as the iconic masked hero and his Native American sidekick, respectively. Has director Gore Versinski made another great popcorn movie in the vein of Pirates of the Caribbean? Tune in to find out.
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro and clip
3:49 - General thoughts
11:39 - Show close
DON'T FORGET: You can contact the show by emailing cinemafix@filmgeekradio.com. Thanks for listening!2013-07-0300 minCinema FixEpisode #55: Monsters UniversityIn this episode, Andrew and Monica get their degree in the Scare Program at Monsters University! Is Pixar's latest sequel an improvement from their last few offerings? Does it change how one might view Monsters Inc.? And how is it a radical departure from the vast majority of family entertainment? Tune in to find out. Plus, Reboot This!
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro and clip
4:37 - General thoughts
12:12 - Spoilers: The ending
18:30 - Thematically different than most family entertainment
23:57 - College campus bubble
27:32 - Disney and future sequels
33:54 - Reboot This!2013-06-2900 minCinema FixEpisode #54: Man of Steel (Part 2)In this episode, Rod Morrow from The Black Guy Who Tips joins Andrew and Monica to debate the merits of Man of Steel. How important is it to have character development along with action? What's up with Clark's dad? Is Zack Snyder improving or getting worse? And is this the worst Lois Lane we've ever seen on the big screen? Plus, a tangential conversation about the nature of film criticism, and you won't believe what everyone pitches in this week's edition of Reboot This!
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro and clip
6:28 - Impossible White Man movies2013-06-2000 minCinema FixEpisode #54: Man of Steel (Part 1)It's a bird, it's a plane... but is it a good movie? In this episode, Andrew and Monica give some quick spoiler-free thoughts on Zack Snyder's reboot of the Superman film series, Man of Steel. Is this a refreshing new take on the DC superhero? Tune in to find out.
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro and clip
3:16 - General thoughts
12:46 - Show close
DON'T FORGET: You can contact the show by emailing cinemafix@filmgeekradio.com. Thanks for listening!2013-06-1800 minCinema FixEpisode #53: This Is The End (Part 2)In this segment, Andrew and Monica figure out where This Is The End goes right and wrong. Does the religious stuff work? When is rape humor not offensive? Could they be declaring an end to this type of comedy? Tune in to find out. Plus, as always, Reboot This!
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro and clip
3:04 - General thoughts
12:32 - Rape humor, and when/whether it works
19:56 - On penises and how funny they are
23:00 - References to their previous films
28:02 - Craig Robinson and urine
31:28 - Cameos
33:57 - The...2013-06-1300 minCinema FixEpisode #53: This Is The End (Part 1)Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel, James Franco, Jonah Hill, Craig Robinson and Danny McBride are not exactly who you might want to hang out with during the Apocalypse. But that's the set-up for This Is The End, a new comedy directed by writing team Evan Goldberg and Seth Rogen. Is this movie rapturously good or 100 minutes of hell? Tune in to hear Andrew and Monica give their spoiler-free thoughts.
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro and clip
4:30 - General thoughts
13:53 - Show close
DON'T FORGET: You can contact the show by emailing cinemafix...2013-06-1200 minCinema FixEpisode #52: After Earth (Part 2)In this episode, Andrew and Monica discuss the ways in which After Earth is Shyamalawful and Shyamalawesome. How bad are the first 20 minutes? Does Jaden Smith have the potential to surpass his father as an actor? How does the film handle its central theme about fear? Tune in to find out. Plus, as always, they figure out how to make a franchise work in Reboot This!
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro and clip
2:39 - The opening 20 minutes
4:46 - The passage of time
6:54 - Holes in the world-building
12:09 - Weird science
16:21 - Fun...2013-06-0400 minCinema FixEpisode #52: After Earth (Part 1)Director M. Night Shyamalan had a string of hits in the late 90s and early part of the millennium, but his last few offerings have been critically reviled. His latest film is After Earth, which stars Will Smith and Jaden Smith as a father and son in the future who crash land on Earth, which is now inhospitable to humans. It's a tale of survival, but were Monica and Andrew able to survive the 100 minutes it took to sit through it? Tune in to hear their spoiler-free thoughts.
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro and clip
3:36...2013-06-0100 minCinema FixEpisode #51: Fast & Furious 6Vroom vroom! In this episode, Andrew and Monica are joined by EDGE Boston's Jake Mulligan to discuss Fast & Furious 6. Jake claims to be a "connoisseur" of the franchise, so does he think this installment lives up to the ridiculous action insanity of Fast Five? Tune in to find out.
SHOW NOTES:
0:06 - An explanation
3:09 - Intro and clip
6:47 - General thoughts
8:53 - Sexism, or appropriate?
13:18 - Plot and action
24:15 - Show close
DON'T FORGET: You can contact the show by emailing cinemafix@filmgeekradio.com. Thanks for listening!2013-05-2400 minCinema FixEpisode #50: Star Trek Into Darkness (Part 2)Andrew and Monica have a lot to say about Star Trek Into Darkness. In what may be their longest discussion of a single film ever, they talk everything from character arcs to political subtext. What's up with the super-blood? Does the film's race-bending really matter that much? Is the depiction of Carol Marcus sexist and offensive? Are all the references to a previous Trek film really necessary? And just wait until you hear Andrew's epic pitch for the plot of the sequel!
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro and clip
4:07 - Khan's exposition dump
12:00 - Remaking Wr...2013-05-2400 minCinema FixEpisode #50: Star Trek Into Darkness (Part 1)Beam us up! In this episode, Andrew and Monica give their spoiler-free thoughts on the newest installment of the re-imagined Star Trek series, Star Trek Into Darkness. Does J.J. Abrams' sequel live up to the highly-praised 2009 reboot? After all the secrecy, does the villain pay off? Tune in to find out.
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro and clip
3:58 - General thoughts
18:01 - Show close
DON'T FORGET: You can contact the show by emailing cinemafix@filmgeekradio.com. Thanks for listening!2013-05-2400 minCinema FixEpisode #49: The Great GatsbyHey there, old sport! After an unexpected week-long hiatus, Andrew and Monica are back with a review of Baz Luhrmann's adaptation of The Great Gatsby. This episode isn't split into two parts--there's a brief spoiler-free chat followed by the usual in-depth analysis. Does the film do the novel justice? What's up with the framing device? Is the use of modern music on the soundtrack justified? Tune in to find out. Plus, in Reboot This!, Andrew and Monica do the unthinkable and pitch a sequel to what many people consider the greatest American novel of all time.
SHOW NOTES: 2013-05-2200 minCinema FixEpisode #48: Iron Man 3 (Part 2)You wouldn't like Andrew when he's angry. He really hated Iron Man 3. In this episode, he rants for nearly an hour about everything wrong with the film, while Monica occasionally chimes in to provide perspective. Are the villains compelling? What are the driving themes of the film? Is Pepper developed in a compelling way? Tune in for some passionate thoughts on all these issues and many, many more. And be sure to stick around to hear what ideas they pitch for a remake and a sequel in Reboot This!
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro and clip
3:03...2013-05-0700 minCinema FixEpisode #48: Iron Man 3 (Part 1)Summer blockbuster season is officially here! In this episode, Andrew and Monica give their general spoiler-free thoughts on the latest Marvel superhero movie, Iron Man 3. Robert Downey Jr. is back as Tony Stark, who this time finds himself dealing with anxiety attacks and an intimidating new villain known as The Mandarin. After a disappointing second outing, does this recapture the magic of the original? Tune in to find out.
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro and clip
3:47 - General thoughts
14:02 - Show close
DON'T FORGET: You can contact the show by emailing cinemafix@filmgeekradio...2013-05-0700 minCinema FixEpisode #47: Pain & Gain (Part 2)Oh, Michael Bay. When will you learn? In their breakdown of Pain & Gain, Andrew and Monica discuss just how the filmmaker's worst tendencies weaken a strong idea. Why is The Rock's character the only multi-dimensional one? Why does Michael Bay seem to hate so many people? Does the racism, sexism and homophobia actually work as satire in this situation? Is there a way this script could have been salvaged? Tune in to find out. Plus, asteroids and bodybuilding collide in this week's edition of Reboot This!
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro and clip
3:16 - Things we like...2013-05-0700 minCinema FixEpisode #47: Pain & Gain (Part 1)There are no Transformers to be found in the latest Michael Bay film, unless we're counting Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Is Pain & Gain a return to form for the action auteur, or just another in a long list of disappointments? In this episode, Andrew and Monica give their spoiler-free thoughts.
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro and clip
3:00 - General thoughts
12:02 - Show close
DON'T FORGET: You can contact the show by emailing cinemafix@filmgeekradio.com. Thanks for listening!2013-05-0500 minCinema FixEpisode #46: Oblivion (Part 2)In this episode, Andrew and Monica figure out where Oblivion went right and where it went wrong. How much do great visuals make up for occasional logic gaps? Is there some sort of political or religious allegory lurking beneath the surface? And what's going on with that ending, anyway? Tune in to find out. Plus, they figure out what a sequel might look like as an existentialist meditative drama in Reboot This!
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro and clip
2:57 - Tom Cruise! Lots of Tom Cruise!
7:27 - The Jack/Victoria dynamic
9:55 - Olga Kurylenko an...2013-04-2500 minCinema FixEpisode #46: Oblivion (Part 1)It's not every day we see an original big-budget sci-fi movie turn up in theaters. In this episode, Andrew and Monica give their spoiler-free thoughts on Oblivion, the new Tom Cruise vehicle set in a post-apocalyptic future. Is this a step in the right direction? Tune in to find out.
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro and clip
4:13 - General thoughts
13:39 - Show close
DON'T FORGET: You can contact the show by emailing cinemafix@filmgeekradio.com. Thanks for listening!2013-04-2400 minCinema FixEpisode #45: 42 (Part 2)Let the disagreement begin! Andrew and Fox have wildly differing opinions on 42, so it's up to Monica to find middle ground. How much does historical accuracy matter? Is Harrison Ford's performance Oscar-worthy? To what extent are broad characterizations okay? Tune in to find out.
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro and clip
3:29 - Educational about Robinson?
7:05 - Great supporting performances
9:47 - Impact on individuals
12:20 - Broad characterizations
19:20 - Pacing and structure, goal (or lack thereof)
21:09 - Safe vs. challenging storytelling
24:08 - Is Ford Oscar-worthy?
31:10 - Over-sentimentality
34:56 - Dire...2013-04-1900 minCinema FixEpisode #45: 42 (Part 1)Fox from the Geek Scholars Movie News podcast stops by to join Andrew and Monica in discussing the new biopic (or is it?) of Jackie Robinson. In this segment, they give their general spoiler-free thoughts. Is it a formulaic sports movie or an informative and entertaining look at one of America's most important athletes? Tune in to find out.
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro and clip
4:10 - General thoughts
15:19 - Show close
DON'T FORGET: You can contact the show by emailing cinemafix@filmgeekradio.com. Thanks for listening!2013-04-1800 minCinema FixEpisode #44: Evil Dead (Part 2)The dead are coming back to life! Oh wait, it's just another remake. In this segment, Andrew and Monica figure out whether the new Evil Dead film is as groovy as it claims to be. Does the infamous "tree rape" scene work well in this version? Does it capture the spirit of the original? Is this new drug element effective? Tune in to find out.
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro and clip
3:04 - Tree rape, possible thematic subtext
9:12 - Difficulties in adapting a classic
11:33 - "I can't believe they did that"
14:08 - Gore...2013-04-0600 minCinema FixEpisode #44: Evil Dead (Part 1)The Evil Dead is a horror classic, but Uruguayan filmmaker Fede Alvarez has helmed a remake that hits the big screen this weekend. It's a dead serious gorefest that has audiences squirming. Does it deserve the acclaim? In this segment, Andrew and Monica give some spoiler-free thoughts on whether this is a fresh take on old material.
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro and clip
4:40 - General thoughts
15:00 - Show close
DON'T FORGET: You can contact the show by emailing cinemafix@filmgeekradio.com. Thanks for listening!2013-04-0500 minCinema FixEpisode #43: G.I. Joe: Retaliation (Part 2)In this episode, Andrew and Monica figure out if The Rock is enough to save any film. In the second film in the G.I. Joe series, he leads a squad of America’s finest soldiers against the evil forces of Cobra that are bent on world domination. Is Retaliation at least better than The Rise of Cobra? Tune in to find out.
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro and clip
3:06 - General thoughts
13:26 - Show close
DON'T FORGET: You can contact the show by emailing cinemafix@filmgeekradio.com. Thanks for listening!2013-04-0400 minCinema FixEpisode #43: G.I. Joe: Retaliation (Part 1)In this episode, Andrew and Monica figure out if The Rock is enough to save any film. In the second film in the G.I. Joe series, he leads a squad of America’s finest soldiers against the evil forces of Cobra that are bent on world domination. Is Retaliation at least better than The Rise of Cobra? Tune in to find out.
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro and clip
3:06 - General thoughts
13:26 - Show close
DON'T FORGET: You can contact the show by emailing cinemafix@filmgeekradio.com. Thanks for listening!2013-04-0400 minCinema FixEpisode #42: Spring Breakers (Part 2)There's so much going on in Spring Breakers that Andrew and Monica barely know where to begin. In this episode, they turn their attention to several of the themes and ideas Harmony Korine seems to be exploring. Is the film's depiction of blackface racist? What does the film seem to be saying about this generation? Does the ending transform it into a tale of feminist empowerment, or does Korine take his objectification of women too far? Tune in to find out.
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro and clip
2:40 - Exploring the racial elements of the film, ligh...2013-03-3000 minCinema FixEpisode #42: Spring Breakers (Part 1)Spring Break For-evah! In this episode, Andrew and Monica give their spoiler-free thoughts on Harmony Korine's latest mindtrip, Spring Breakers. James Franco gives one of his weirdest performances ever and icons of innocence are corrupted in this dreamy tone poem of debauchery. Is it worth checking out, or just a more shocking version of Project X? Tune in to find out.
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro and clip
2:50 - General thoughts
12:00 - Show close
DON'T FORGET: You can contact the show by emailing cinemafix@filmgeekradio.com. Thanks for listening!2013-03-2700 minCinema FixEpisode #41: The Incredible Burt Wonderstone (Part 2)In this episode, Andrew and Monica try to figure out why a movie about magic doesn't seem very magical. How does the movie's approach to directing disrespect the profession? Does the ending work? Andrew also reveals he perhaps likes magic more than he should. Plus, the return of Reboot This!
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro and clip
1:58 - Why is Alan Arkin here?
4:50 - A disappointing depiction of magic as an art and profession
10:55 - Explaining how magic tricks are done
14:52 - The funniest scene in the movie
16:25 - The romance, wasting...2013-03-2100 minCinema FixEpisode #41: The Incredible Burt Wonderstone (Part 1)Steve Carell stars as an arrogant magician who finds himself upstaged by a new up-and-comer in the new comedy The Incredible Burt Wonderstone. It also stars Olivia Wilde, Steve Buscemi and Jim Carrey, so what could go wrong? Well, maybe more than you might think. Tune in to find out what Andrew and Monica thought of the film.
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro and clip
3:04 - General thoughts
11:30 - Show close
DON'T FORGET: You can contact the show by emailing cinemafix@filmgeekradio.com. Thanks for listening!2013-03-2100 minCinema FixEpisode #40: Oz the Great and PowerfulMonica might be away at SXSW, but never fear! We've still got an episode for you. The wonderful Corey Atad drops by to debate the merits of Sam Raimi's pseudo-prequel to The Wizard of Oz. How does it compare to the original? Are its flaws merely the result of poor casting? Are the gender politics sexist? And just how great is China Girl, anyway? Tune in to find out.
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro and clip
3:18 - General spoiler-free thoughts
13:34 - Beginning of spoiler section; Oz as both literal place and extension of protagonist's psyche2013-03-1500 minCinema FixEpisode #39: Jack The Giant Slayer (Part 2)It turns out there's more to discuss about Jack The Giant Slayer than it might first appear. In this episode, Andrew and Monica give their spoiler-free analysis of the movie and try to figure out why it feels tonally inconsistent. Did the film really deserve a PG-13 rating? Does the ending reveal a deeper subtext about monarchy and human nature? Why is Jack so stupid? And what's up with those monks, anyway? Tune in to find out.
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro and clip
2:05 - Character development (specifically Elmont)
8:40 - The ridiculous premise that makes no s...2013-03-0600 minCinema FixEpisode #39: Jack The Giant Slayer (Part 1)It's been a long time since director Bryan Singer delivered a great film. In this episode, Andrew and Monica give their general thoughts on his latest effort, Jack the Giant Slayer, which reboots the classic fairy tale into a sorta-violent, kinda-adult-but-not-really fantasy epic. Does it work, or is it just a tonal mess? Tune in to find out.
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro and clip
3:10 - General thoughts
12:20 - Show close
DON'T FORGET: You can contact the show by emailing cinemafix@filmgeekradio.com. Thanks for listening!2013-03-0600 minCinema FixEpisode #38: Snitch (Part 2)Charlie Nash sticks around to really dissect the jumbled mediocrity that is Snitch. The movie is an interesting mess, but it's still messy, so they spend half an hour talking through it. Is Jon Bernthal's character sympathetic at all? What's up with all the prison rape? And why isn't Barry Pepper's facial hair the star of its own movie?! Tune in to find out.
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro and clip
3:06 - Barry Pepper's facial hair
5:38 - The son and the elephant in the room
13:32 - Jon Bernthal's arc, his climactic moment
18:05 - Gras...2013-02-2800 minCinema FixEpisode #38: Snitch (Part 1)In this episode, Andrew and Monica are joined by special guest Charlie Nash to discuss Snitch, the new action film (or is it?) starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. First, they give their spoiler-free thoughts on his tale of a trucker who goes undercover into the criminal underworld for the sake of his son. Is it worth your time? Tune in to find out.
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro and clip
3:53 - General thoughts
15:55 - Show close
DON'T FORGET: You can contact the show by emailing cinemafix@filmgeekradio.com. Thanks for listening!2013-02-2800 minCinema FixBonus Episode: Beautiful Creatures and the Gender Politics of Supernatural Teen RomanceWe love you with all our non-beating hearts, Film Geeks! In this special bonus episode of the show, Andrew and Monica put on their sociology hats and explore the gender politics of a popular sub-sub-genre: supernatural young adult romance book-to-film adaptations. If you're not into that, don't worry. They spend the first 10 minutes of the show giving some overall thoughts on Beautiful Creatures as a movie before comparing its messages about gender to those in Twilight, Warm Bodies and The Hunger Games. What are the "rules" to making a good supernatural teen romance movie? Tune in to find out.
2013-02-2300 minCinema FixEpisode #37: A Good Day To Die Hard (Part 2)Andrew and Monica have their work cut out for them trying to figure out what went wrong with A Good Day To Die Hard. Thankfully, Tim Costa from the First Time Watchers podcast stops by to help them sort through this incomprehensible mess. They go scene-by-scene hoping to discover something, anything, that works. Are they successful? Tune in to this mega-rant to find out.
ABOUT OUR GUEST: Tim Costa is a co-host on the First Time Watchers podcast. Be sure to follow him on Twitter!
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro and clip
3:06 - Tim's...2013-02-2100 minCinema FixEpisode #37: A Good Day To Die Hard (Part 1)John McClane is back, but is he better than ever? Andrew and Monica give their general, spoiler-free thoughts on the fifth entry in the Die Hard franchise. This is the first film in the series to take place in another country, but does this fish-out-of-water tale of father/son bonding work at all? Tune in to find out.
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro
3:55 - General thoughts
14:39 - Show close
DON'T FORGET: You can contact the show by emailing cinemafix@filmgeekradio.com. Thanks for listening!2013-02-2100 minCinema FixBonus Episode: Dissecting Die HardYippee Ki-Yay, mother-Film Geeks! In this special bonus episode, Andrew is joined by three special guests (Sean O'Connell from Fandango, Witney Seibold from CraveOnline and Tim Costa from First Time Watchers) to discuss the first four entries in the Die Hard franchise. The first one is an action classic, but which of the sequels hold up? What makes a Die Hard movie, anyway? Is the fourth film a decent action movie or a total flop? Tune in to find out.
ABOUT OUR GUESTS:
Sean O’Connell writes for Fandango, Cinema Blend, Movies.com, The Washington Post an...2013-02-1400 minCinema FixEpisode #36: Side EffectsSteven Soderbergh says he's retiring and this movie will be his last for the big screen. Does he go out on a high note? Andrew and Monica give their thoughts on the psychological thriller.
NOTE: This episode is not split into the usual two parts. Both spoiler-free and spoiler-filled discussions occur.
SHOW NOTES:
0:06 - What happened to Part 2 of Episode #35
2:31 - Intro and clip
5:32 - General spoiler-free thoughts
9:21 - Spoiler section: Switching perspective
12:06 - Critique of the medical system
13:46 - The issue of intent, the ending
16:28 - Pulling...2013-02-1200 minCinema FixEpisode #35: Warm Bodies (Part 1)It's like Twilight but with zombies! Or is it? Join Andrew and Monica as they give their spoiler-free thoughts on Jonathan Levine's latest film, Warm Bodies. Find out what happens when you mix Shakespeare with the undead! Plus, Monica weighs in on Bullet To The Head.
NOTE: Due to unexpected technical difficulties, there is no Part 2 discussion as mentioned.
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro
2:11 - Monica's thoughts on Bullet to the Head
7:08 - Warm Bodies intro and clip
9:09 - General thoughts
20:05 - Show close
DON'T FORGET: You can contact...2013-02-1100 minCinema FixEpisode #34: Zero Dark Thirty (Part 2)Let the debate begin! Josh Brunsting from CriterionCast joins Andrew and Monica to discuss what makes Zero Dark Thirty effective (or not). Does the film work as a piece of journalism? Does its depiction of torture warrant the controversy? What does everyone think of Maya as a character? Tune in to find out.
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro and clip
3:00 - Josh's overall thoughts, the cinematography
9:54 - Maya's motivation
15:09 - The film as "cinematic journalism" and movies based on true events
21:48 - The depiction of torture
31:06 - Comparisons with Zodiac, thoughts on...2013-02-0100 minCinema FixEpisode #34: Zero Dark Thirty (Part 1)Kathryn Bigelow’s Zero Dark Thirty was Monica’s pick for best film of the year. It’s also received numerous awards and accolades from critics groups around the country. In this episode, Andrew weighs in on whether it deserves the praise.
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro and clip
3:41 - General thoughts
14:01 - Show close
DON'T FORGET: You can contact the show by emailing cinemafix@filmgeekradio.com. Thanks for listening!2013-02-0100 minCinema FixEpisode #33: The Best and Worst of 2012 (Part 2)Andrew and Monica finish their look back at the year in film by exploring different genres as well as which movies subverted their expectations. What were the best action movies? Which movies were overrated and underrated? And what were the absolute worst of the worst? Tune in to find out.
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro
1:47 - Best Action Films
7:21 - Best Comedy Films
12:20 - Best Horror Films
14:24 - Best Documentary Films
21:00 - Biggest Surprises
26:14 - Biggest Disappointments
30:49 - Most Overrated Films
42:00 - Most Underrated Films
43:31 - Worst Movies2013-01-2400 minCinema FixEpisode #33: The Best and Worst of 2012 (Part 1)It’s the most epic episode of Cinema Fix yet! In the first half of this two-and-a-half-hour review of last year, Andrew and Monica count down their Top 10 Films of 2012. Which movies made the cut? Tune in to find out.
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro
3:05 - Overall thoughts on this year in cinema
6:05 - Picks for #10
12:48 - Picks for #9
20:32 - Picks for #8
27:32 - Picks for #7
33:04 - Picks for #6
39:25 - Picks for #5
42:22 - Picks for #4
55:53 - Picks for #3
1:05:21 - Picks for #2
1:07:38 - Picks for #1
1:16:17 - Show cl...2013-01-2300 minCinema FixEpisode #32: Django Unchained (Part 2)In this episode, the always thought-provoking Uncle Crizzle (aka Craig Lindsey) stops by to analyze the depiction of race in Django Unchained. Is the movie racist? How does it subvert genres and stereotypes? Does Tarantino's whiteness matter? What's up with Jamie Foxx's penis, and what would Tyler Perry's Django Unchained look like, anyway? Tune in to find out!
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro and clip
2:44 - Is it racist? Yes!
8:05 - The skull scene, comparisons with Inglourious Basterds
14:14 - Has Tarantino evolved? How conscious is he of his privilege?
22:08 - Jamie Foxx's penis--reflections on bla...2013-01-1300 minCinema FixEpisode #32: Django Unchained (Part 1)Is Tarantino's latest really off the chain? In this episode, Andrew and Monica give some spoiler-free thoughts on Django Unchained, which stars Jaime Foxx as a slave-turned-bounty-hunter in the Antebellum South. It's part-spaghetti Western and part-blaxploitation film, but it's all Tarantino. How does this compare to the rest of his filmography? Tune in to find out.
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro and clip
3:41 - General thoughts
14:01 - Show close
DON'T FORGET: You can contact the show by emailing cinemafix@filmgeekradio.com. Thanks for listening!2013-01-1100 minCinema FixEpisode #31: Holiday Movie RoundupHappy New Year! In this episode, Andrew and Monica look back at two movies that were released over the holidays: This is 40 and Les Miserables. Andrew also gives some brief thoughts on Jack Reacher. Are any of these films worth your time? Tune in to find out.
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro
2:35 - General thoughts on Jack Reacher
8:26 - This is 40 intro and clip
10:24 - Thoughts on This is 40
25:00 - Les Miserables intro and clip
28:12 - Thoughts on Les Mis
47:17 - Show close
DON'T FORGET: You can contact the...2013-01-1000 minCinema FixEpisode #30: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (Part 1)It's time to figure out what went wrong. In this episode, Andrew and Monica spend half an hour analyzing The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and discussing the things that work and the things that keep it from being great. How is it similar to The Fellowship of the Ring? Why are there so many references to the other films? And what's up with that Necromancer dude, anyway? Tune in to find out.
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro and clip
3:58 - The opening 20 minutes. Why is Frodo here?
6:38 - Radagast, the High Council, The Necromancer
12:25...2012-12-2100 minCinema FixEpisode #30: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (Part 1)In this episode, Andrew and Monica give general spoiler-free thoughts on the first installment of Peter Jackson's Hobbit trilogy, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. Does it live up to the Lord of the Rings films? Is it worth seeing in 48fps? And just how good is Monica's Gollum impression? Tune in to find out.
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro and clip
4:08 - General thoughts
17:00 - Show close
DON'T FORGET: You can contact the show by emailing cinemafix@filmgeekradio.com. Thanks for listening!2012-12-1900 minCinema FixEpisode #29: Anna Karenina (Part 2)In this episode, Andrew and Monica send Anna and Karenin to couples therapy and try to figure out what went wrong. Which does Anna Karenina believe is the more important and powerful idea, love or the institution of marriage? What is the purpose of staging certain scenes like a play? And why makes that Levin dude so cool, anyway? Tune in to find out.
SHOW NOTES:
0:22 - Intro and clip
2:18 - Whether the "stage" aspect works, what the purpose might be
7:44 - Is Anna a feminist character?
12:25 - Anna's marriage with Karenin
16:50 - Cracki...2012-12-1600 min