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Don’t Push Pause is a monthly podcast bringing you discussions on movies from the 70s, 80s and 90s. DPP consists of a main discussion on a featured film, followed up by our Picks of the Week, and closing with our signature (Bill) Murray Moment.
Episodes
Monday Aug 10, 2020
Monday Aug 10, 2020
In 1991, writer/director John Singleton provided a window into a world ignored by mainstream cinema with this groundbreaking film. Through prolific storytelling filled with heart, emotion and honesty, Singleton shed an eye-opening light upon the lives of those familiar to him. A big-budget film studio took a chance on a first-time filmmaker, which resulted in one of the most poignant films to come out the 1990s, BOYZ N THE HOOD.
▶️Synopsis: This coming-of-age story follows a young man sent to live with his father in South Central Los Angeles. With dominant gang culture and oppression being a part of every day life, staying above violence is either not a thought or an every day struggle, but impossible to ignore.
⏩⏩Discussions include: An overview of Singleton’s films and contributions; the development of BOYZ; studio involvement with Singleton’s steadfast vision; social commentary and richly thematic messages about life, self, family/friend dynamics; using interweaving tones throughout the film for realism; finding the perfect ensemble for a complex story, plus behind-the-scenes casting moments; reception and praise for the film, as well as discussing many of our favorite scenes. **Starring Cuba Gooding, Jr., Ice Cube, Morris Chestnut, Laurence Fishburne. Directed by John Singleton.**
▶️**PICKS OF THE WEEK**
—Lindsay’s Pick, HIGHER LEARNING (1995): This film weaves together the lives of three college freshmen as they struggle with their identities and are challenged by outside influences, both positive and negative. **Starring Omar Epps, Kristy Swanson, Ice Cube, Michael Rapaport. Directed by John Singleton.**
—Justin’s Pick, DEEP COVER (1992): A cop goes undercover to infiltrate a growing drug ring and finds himself conflicted after getting caught up in the industry. **Starring Laurence Fishburne, Jeff Goldblum, Charles Martin Smith. Directed by Bill Duke.**
▶️MURRAYMOMENT: A look back on when Billy took revenge on a heckler in the middle of a Second City stage show.
▶️FINAL THOUGHTS: Singleton not telling the cast of BOYZ about a planning shooting and the film’s original score mixed with contemporary music.
▶️ Next Up: TOTAL RECALL (1990)!
Monday Jul 27, 2020
Monday Jul 27, 2020
PRETTY WOMAN was the movie blockbuster which not only helped define romantic comedies, but also changed the landscape of the genre. Since the film’s release 30 years ago, fashion and culture may have changed, but this good-hearted tale still leaves us feeling like fairytale fantasies can exist.
▶️Synopsis: A wealthy businessman hires a sex worker to escort him to multiple social functions while facilitating a business deal. Over time, the two discover they have more in common that previously realized, resulting in something neither was looking for — love.
⏩⏩Discussions include: A brief history of the romantic comedy genre; the drastic overhaul of PRETTY WOMAN’s initial script, including character tweaking, setups and plot devices; director Garry Marshall’s influence on the film; intentionality of character dynamics and intimacy within the film; importance of casting and chemistry between actors; reaction to the film upon its release, as well as comtemporarily; the impressive soundtrack and behind-the-scenes factoids about filming.
**Starring Julia Roberts, Richard Gere, Hector Elizondo, Laura San Giacomo, Jason Alexander. Directed by Garry Marshall.**
▶️**PICKS OF THE WEEK**
—Lindsay’s Pick, CONSPIRACY THEORY (1997): When a highly intelligent, conspiracy theorist cabbie chooses to let a government official into his world, his seemingly paranoid ideas begin ringing dangerously true.
**Starring Mel Gibson, Julia Roberts, Patrick Stewart, Cylk Cozart. Directed by Richard Donner.**
—Justin’s Pick, STEPMOM (1998): A terminally-ill woman’s journey in dealing with her ex-husband’s new partner becoming a secondary mother to her children and an all-round fixture in their lives.
**Starring Susan Sarandon, Julia Roberts, Jena Malone, Ed Harris. Directed by Chris Columbus.**
▶️MURRAYMOMENT: Billy surprises a stranger’s bachelor party with some concise marriage advice.
▶️FINAL THOUGHTS: A funny continuity issue in PRETTY WOMAN, the legendary jewelry box-snap scene, Gere’s piano skills in the film, along with he and Marshall’s jam session at the film’s wrap party.
▶️ Next Up: BOYZ N THE HOOD (1991)!
Monday Jul 13, 2020
Monday Jul 13, 2020
⏩⏩Discussions include: Hanks’ inspiration for the film, approach to storytelling, personal connection, placement in his career and being an actor’s director; the original music behind the movie; character breakdowns with an impressive, chemistry-driven ensemble cast; the formation of The Wonders and realistic depictions of being in a band; importance of the supporting cast; and the extended cut vs. the theatrical release of the film.