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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 May 04, 2020
Monday May 04, 2020
The Season Two Finale is here! GOODFELLAS (1990) is one of the most beloved Martin Scorsese films. By using exhilarating visuals and condensed, fast-paced storytelling, this monumental mob chronicle never loses its boldness. Scorsese’s artistic integrity brings to life this terrifyingly honest and engaging portrayal of a blue collar crime world.
▶️Quick ‘lil Season Two Blooper Reel!
▶️Synopsis: This is the true story of Henry Hill being molded by the mob, starting out as a kid and moving up the ranks. With the world working for him and living a life of excess, Hill spirals down into a world of drugs, unraveling his marriage, success and turning on the crime family who created him.
⏩⏩Discussions include: The collaborative adaptation of transforming this novel to film, truth vs. fiction, Scorsese’s connection and ability to capture an intricate reality via stylistic influences, rapid-fire storytelling, voiceovers, tonal changes and trustworthy relationships with his actors and editor; use of purposeful violence; how spot-on casting captured true-to-life performances; memorable scenes and an overview of Scorsese’s gangster-heavy film career. **Starring Ray Liotta, Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco, Paul Sorvino. Directed by Martin Scorsese.**
▶️**PICKS OF THE WEEK**
—Lindsay’s Pick, CAPE FEAR (1991): A lawyer knowingly withholds evidence, resulting in his dangerous client’s imprisonment. After he’s released, the vendetta-having, convicted sex offender stalks and seeks to ruin his former attorney’s life and family. **Starring Robert De Niro, Nick Nolte, Jessica Lange, Juliette Lewis. Directed by Martin Scorsese.**
—Justin’s Pick, GRACE OF MY HEART (1996): A newly-discovered singer/songwriter finds her footing in the music industry, encountering professional and personal roadblocks, all resulting in an eventual payoff. **Starring Illeana Douglas, John Turturro, Matt Dillon, Eric Stoltz, Patsy Kensit. Directed by Allison Anders.**
▶️MURRAYMOMENT: Multiple pizza-related stories lead us to the time Scorsese’s mom, Catherine, made her legendary homemade pizza for Billy.
▶️FINAL THOUGHTS: GOODFELLAS losing to Dances With Wolves at the Oscars and the film’s murderous, yet moving montage to “Layla.”
▶️Thank you to everyone for listening, downloading, following and interacting with us for this podcast! Our gratitude runs deep. We’ll be back on June 2nd, 2020, with our Season Three opener — The Babysitter Double Feature!
Monday Apr 20, 2020
Monday Apr 20, 2020
In the 1980s, teen comedies established character tropes and found their future superstars. BETTER OFF DEAD... (1985) catapulted John Cusack to leading man status, even if the film didn’t reach blockbuster heights. This satirical black comedy was an unapologetic, absurdist dive into the teen psyche, which has only gained popularity throughout the years. BETTER OFF DEAD... continues to stand out from other ‘80s movies and leaves us with endless memorable moments.
▶️Synopsis: Devastated after being dumped for the popular high school jock, Lane Meyer can’t find a reason to live. In between multiple suicide attempts, he begins a friendship with a French exchange student who reminds him there is more life to live.
⏩⏩Discussions include: The true story behind the unusually satirical, BETTER OFF DEAD; how a first-time, feature film director/writer got his break; expanding the teen comedy genre, including an atypical leading man and traversing the teen experience; the tone/black humor used within the film; cast discussion, including the well-developed relationships with supporting characters; critical reception, music, animation/claymation and, of course, throwing in our favorite scenes and classic lines from the film.
**Starring John Cusack, Diane Franklin, Curtis Armstrong. Directed by Savage Steve Holland.**
▶️**PICKS OF THE WEEK**
—Lindsay’s Pick, TERRORVISION (1986): In this oddball sci-fi/horror/comedy, a family’s new TV satellite installation becomes an invitation for a monstrous alien from another world. **Starring Diane Franklin, Mary Woronov, Gerrit Graham, Chad Allen. Directed by Ted Nicolaou.**
—Justin’s Pick, ONE CRAZY SUMMER (1986): Bailing on post high school plans, two best friends decide to have a carefree summer, but end up helping a fledging musician’s family estate and, in turn, inspiring future life goals. **Starring John Cusack, Joel Murray, Bobcat Goldthwait, Demi Moore. Directed by Savage Steve Holland.**
▶️MURRAYMOMENT: Billy’s experience living through the 2016 Chicago Cubs’ World Series win, with a little tear-jerking memory thrown in.
▶️FINAL THOUGHTS: Cusack’s unexpected reaction at the premiere of BETTER OFF DEAD..., his most recent feelings on the film, effect on Holland’s career and long-lasting fandom for this inoffensively rare 80s film.
▶️NEXT UP: DPP TWO-YEAR ANNIVERSARY with GOODFELLAS (1990)!
Monday Apr 06, 2020
Monday Apr 06, 2020
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THE FABULOUS STAINS (1982) is a criminally underseen film. Ahead of its time, THE STAINS was dedicated to depicting the gritty nature of the music world on the cusp of a new decade. For never having a theatrical release, this film’s relentlessly empowering nature has ensured its steady climb to cult status.
▶️Synopsis: Surrounded by a male-dominated music scene, an all-female teenage band, The Stains, join an on-going tour with jaded, aging rockers and a brassy UK punk band. While perfecting their sound and look, The Stains discover the turmoil that accompanies becoming a media sensation.
⏩⏩Discussions include: Music industry truths about fandom, band realities, power of the media and the ‘70s-‘80s music scene convergence; writer Nancy Dowd’s inspiration for the script backed by punk expert, Caroline Coon, plus their on-set problems and creative differences with director Lou Adler’s vision; the underage cast mixed with famous musicians; original ending vs. the theatrically released version; messages derived from the film, the influence on real-life musicians and how this atypical teen journey of THE STAINS steadily grew into a cult favorite. **Starring Diane Lane, Laura Dern, Marin Kanter, Ray Winstone. Directed by Lou Adler.**
▶️**PICKS OF THE WEEK**
—Lindsay’s Pick, UNFAITHFUL (2002): A suburban couple’s marriage is upended when one partner has a chance encounter and lustful affair with a stranger, resulting in an unexpected turn of events. **Starring Diane Lane, Richard Gere, Olivier Martinez. Directed by Adrian Lyne.**
—Justin’s Pick, SATISFACTION (1988): After graduating high school, an all-female rock ‘n roll band set out to land an important summer gig, but find the road to success will be a bumpy one. **Starring Justine Bateman, Julia Roberts, Liam Neeson. Directed by Joan Freeman.**
▶️MURRAYMOMENT: We get to the bottom of the romantic rumors between Billy and actor/musician Jenny Lewis which flooded the internet in 2015.
▶️FINAL THOUGHTS: An unfunny prank on the set of THE STAINS and absence of drugs in the film.
▶️NEXT UP: BETTER OFF DEAD (1985)!