Don’t Push Pause

Episode 117 : Speed

No better way to celebrate our 6th Anniversary than with the 1994 summer blockbuster, SPEED. This rollercoaster ride was never expected to have a massive impact, catapult careers or be anything more than a B-movie. Aging well with its precision & unrelenting tension, SPEED’s realism has kept it in the top tier of solid action films of the last 30 years. They truly don’t make ‘em like this anymore.

///***Discussions include***\\\
Script evolution, revisions, structure, tonal changes & complete overhaul; studio struggle & hesitations, turnaround, more revisions; turning a renowned cinematographer into a first-time director; on-location shooting, action sequences, stunt work; miniatures, practical & optical effects; casting, main cast discussion & chemistry between the leads; pacing, editing &  the film’s aesthetic; music, sound & score; marketing, release, reception, awards & sequel.

Keanu Reeves, Sandra Bullock, Dennis Hopper & Jeff Daniels star in SPEED (1994) /// Directed by Jan de Bont.

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///***Picks of the Week***\\\
• Lindsay’s Pick: THE NET (1995). Sandra Bullock, Jeremy Northam & Dennis Miller /// Directed by Irwin Winkler.
• Justin’s Pick: OUT OF THE BLUE. (1980). Dennis Hopper, Linda Manz, Raymond Burr & Sharon Farrell /// Directed by Dennis Hopper.
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///***MurrayMoment***\\\
Find out why Sweden has an alleged beef with Billy behind the wheel of a golf cart.

///***Final Thoughts on SPEED***\\\

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Coming in July:  MAJOR LEAGUE (1989)

— Please rate, review & subscribe.
— Follow on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok & YouTube.
— Hosts: Justin Johnson & Lindsay Reber // Music: Matt Pace // Announcer: Mary Timmel // Logo: Beau Shoulders.
www.dontpushpausepodcast.com

dontpushpausepodcast@gmail.com

Be Kind & Rewatch // June 4, 2024

Episode 116 : Showgirls

Teaming up a sought-after writer & acclaimed director on a film should mean a box office smash. But the extravagant wildcard that is SHOWGIRLS was ridiculed the moment it hit theaters. However, reevaluation of the film’s heightened reality, intensity & stunning production quality have dispelled many early criticisms. Slap on some glitter, paint your nails & grab your switchblade because it’s time to discover the story behind this kitschy, controversial classic.

///***Discussions include***\\\
Origin of & intentions behind the story, inspirations & production derailment; re-teaming of a celebrated & button-pushing writer/director duo, rewrites & funding; intentional visual style, overall hyperbolic nature & tonality; staging, choreography & physical demands; casting the lead, plus main cast & character breakdowns; struggle with NC-17 rating, advertising, reception & repercussions, plus the revival & longevity.

Elizabeth Berkley, Gina Gershon & Kyle MacLachlan star in SHOWGIRLS (1995) /// Directed by Paul Verhoeven.

///***Picks of the Week***\\\
• Lindsay’s Pick: BOUND (1996). Gina Gershon, Jennifer Tilly, Joe Pantoliano /// Directed by Lana Wachowski & Lilly Wachowski.
• Justin’s Pick: STARSHIP TROOPERS. (1997). Casper Van Dien, Dina Meyer, Denise Richards, Neil Patrick Harris /// Directed by Paul Verhoeven.
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///***MurrayMoment***\\\
Billy finds himself in a perilous pool situation.

///***Final Thoughts on SHOWGIRLS***\\\

Coming in June:  SPEED (1994)

• Please rate, review & subscribe.
• Follow on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok & YouTube.
• Hosts: Justin Johnson & Lindsay Reber // Music: Matt Pace // Announcer: Mary Timmel // Logo: Beau Shoulders.
www.dontpushpausepodcast.com 
dontpushpausepodcast@gmail.com

Be Kind & Rewatch // May 7, 2024

 

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Episode 115 : Donnie Darko

Selling an atmospheric, science-fiction film about an extraordinary teenager discovering time travel & saving the world was a lofty pitch for a feature film debut. But writer/director Richard Kelly crafted a mind-bending, unconventional story, packed with powerful visuals & rich subtext, which has now turned it into a modern cult classic. It’s time to unravel the inner-workings of DONNIE DARKO.

///***Discussions include***\\\
Richard Kelly’s script influences, unwavering ambitiousness & vision for the film; finding a production house, churning up interest & lucky breaks; themes, mythology & interpretations; cast influences & character breakdowns; production, visual effects, cinematography & editing; usage of music & score; challenges with releasing, selling & marketing; memorable scenes, reception, Director’s Cut & legacy.
Jake Gyllenhaal, Jena Malone, Mary McDonnell, Drew Barrymore & so many more star in DONNIE DARKO (2001) /// Directed by Richard Kelly.

///***Picks of the Week***\\\
    •    Lindsay’s Pick: NOWHERE (1997). James Duval, Rachel True, Nathan Bexton, Christina Applegate /// Directed by Gregg Araki.
    •    Justin’s Pick: PRISONERS (2013). Jake Gyllenhaal, Hugh Jackman, Terrence Howard, Paul Dano, Viola Davis /// Directed by Denis Villeneuve.

///***MurrayMoment***\\\
Billy’s surprising entrance into the Marvel superhero world.

///***Final Thoughts on DONNIE DARKO***\\\

Coming in May: SHOWGIRLS (1995).

    •    Please rate, review & subscribe.
    •    Follow on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok & YouTube.
    •    Hosts: Justin Johnson & Lindsay Reber // Music: Matt Pace // Announcer: Mary Timmel // Logo: Beau Shoulders.
www.dontpushpausepodcast.com
dontpushpausepodcast@gmail.com

Be Kind & Rewatch // April 2024