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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 Mar 09, 2020
Monday Mar 09, 2020
Working a uniquely ingenious comedian into a director’s feature film debut could be seen as a risk. But PEE-WEE’S BIG ADVENTURE (1985) turned into an impressively ambitious film for Paul Reubens and Tim Burton, as they created one of the most iconic films of the decade. Standing the test of time and continuing to capture hearts, this strangely charming film is renowned as one of the most beloved comedies for all ages.
▶️Synopsis: When his prized, one-of-a-kind bike is stolen, the quirky, naively positive Pee-wee Herman stops at nothing to track it down, leading him on the quest of his life and meeting one eccentric person after another.
⏩⏩Discussions include: The origination, development of and hype around Pee-wee Herman; the rise, fall and resurgence of Paul Reubens’ career; creation and evolution of BIG ADVENTURE’s script, including Tim Burton adding an imaginative spin on the film while also cutting corners; the unusually memorable supporting cast; reception of the film; spirit, humor and what makes BIG ADVENTURE appeal to a wide audience; Big Top Pee-wee, Pee-wee’s Big Holiday and the Pee-wee’s Playhouse TV series are also discussed. **Starring Paul Reubens, Elizabeth Daily, Mark Holton, Diane Salinger. Directed by Tim Burton.**
▶️**PICKS OF THE WEEK**
—Lindsay’s Pick, BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER (1992): A seemingly superficial high school girl comes to realize her true life calling is to save the world from vampires. **Starring Kristy Swanson, Luke Perry, Donald Sutherland, Paul Reubens, Rutger Hauer, David Arquette. Directed by Fran Rubel Kuzui.**
—Justin’s Pick, HOUSEGUEST (1995): Stuck with a substantial unpaid mob debt, a cunning con man hustles his way into a naive, affluent family. **Starring Sinbad, Phil Hartman, Kim Greist. Directed by Randall Miller.**
▶️MURRAYMOMENT: Find out how Paul Reubens fits into the 1978 Saturday Night Live cast’s summer hiatus.
▶️FINAL THOUGHTS: Origin of the legendary tequila dance, a frequent misconception during BIG ADVENTURE’S biker scene and Pee-wee’s love of animals, including our podcast darling, Darla the Dog.
▶️NEXT UP: THE ABYSS (1989)!
Monday Feb 24, 2020
Monday Feb 24, 2020
TRUE ROMANCE proves love stories come in many forms. Though it has many diehard fans nowadays, the film was not a smash hit in 1993. Quentin Tarantino penned this incredibly personal story, yet handed over creative control to one of his favorite directors, Tony Scott. Jam-packed with a massively well-known cast, this fantasy love story cleverly intertwines the snowballing effect of two people leaving their lives behind, only to have a world of turbulence to follow.
▶️Synopsis: Clarence, a comic book store nerd, and Alabama, a sex worker, fall in love over the course of one night. After Clarence kills Alabama’s pimp and unknowingly steals a suitcase of narcotics, the two head off into the sunset with the hopes of starting a new life together, but find getting away isn’t all that easy.
⏩⏩Discussions include: The creative relationship between Scott and Tarantino, including how it began, then the blending of writing and directing styles; how the script’s original structure was altered; breaking down the believably intriguing major and minor characters of the cast; the MPAA controversy; the finished, alternate ending and why it was omitted; truth vs. fantasy, along with how typical tropes were challenged within this romance/action/crime genre-blender; initial reception and favorite moments of the film; usage of dark humor, violence, music and Elvis as functions in the story. **Starring Christian Slater, Patricia Arquette, Gary Oldman, Christopher Walken, Dennis Hopper, Brad Pitt, James Gandolfini, Michael Rapaport, Val Kilmer. Directed by Tony Scott.**
▶️**PICKS OF THE WEEK**
—Lindsay’s Pick, BEYOND RANGOON (1995): While on vacation in Burma following a personal tragedy, an American woman becomes involved with political and societal repression during the 8888 Uprising against militant violence and injustices. **Starring Patricia Arquette, U Aung Ko, Frances McDormand. Directed by John Boorman.**
—Justin’s Pick, FROM DUSK TILL DAWN (1996): After a murderous bank robbery, two brothers kidnap a family and head to Mexico for refuge. But when the group stalls out at an unsuspecting vampire bar, they must band together to fight their way out. **Starring George Clooney, Quentin Tarantino, Harvey Keitel, Juliette Lewis. Directed by Robert Rodriguez.**
▶️MURRAYMOMENT: Find out about Jon Favreau’s recording session with Billy and Christopher Walken for THE JUNGLE BOOK soundtrack, followed by a night on the town in New Orleans.
▶️FINAL THOUGHTS: Tony Scott excluding a dog death in TRUE ROMANCE, along with high notes from the film’s soundtrack.
▶️NEXT UP: PEE WEE’S BIG ADVENTURE (1985)!
Monday Feb 10, 2020
Monday Feb 10, 2020
MISERY (1990) proves subtle terror can be just as effective as straight up horror. Marking the second collaboration between legendary author Stephen King and director Rob Reiner, MISERY grips audiences of every kind, leaving behind hauntingly iconic images. Thirty years later, this critically-acclaimed and disturbingly enjoyable film is still one of the most memorable psychological thrillers around. And also makes us rethink how to use a typewriter and a sledgehammer.
▶️Synopsis: A renowned author has a near-fatal car accident, only to be rescued by a nurse claiming to be his number one fan... and who holds him captive with no intention of ever letting him leave.
⏩⏩Discussions include: Adapting of King’s novel for the screen and the differences therein; themes behind the story and why Reiner was drawn to MISERY; the cast and working dynamic between Bates and Caan; themes, tone and the film as a character study; the vicious ending, behind the scenes production and special effects. **Starring Kathy Bates, James Caan, Richard Farnsworth. Directed by Rob Reiner.**
▶️**PICKS OF THE WEEK**
—Lindsay’s Pick, FRIED GREEN TOMATOES (1991): An unfulfilled housewife befriends and becomes inspired by an elderly woman who recounts tall tales from her youth and the story of two best friends. **Starring Kathy Bates, Jessica Tandy, Mary Stuart Masterson, Mary-Louise Parker, Cicely Tyson. Directed by Jon Avnet.**
—Justin’s Pick, DOLORES CLAIBORNE (1995): A housekeeper is accused of murdering her employer, so her daughter begins to investigate the situation, only to uncover shocking revelations about their family’s past. **Starring Kathy Bates, Jennifer Jason Leigh, David Strathairn. Directed by Taylor Hackford.**
▶️MURRAYMOMENT: Billy, James Caan, Benicio del Toro and Robert Duvall take a little trip to Cuba.
▶️FINAL THOUGHTS: Addressing any confusion about the Misery books discussed, Lauren Bacall and Barry Sonnenfeld.
▶️NEXT UP: TRUE ROMANCE (1993)!