Don’t Push Pause

Episode 106 : National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983)

For our Fifth Anniversary, returning to a nostalgic, lifelong favorite was a no-brainer. Forty years ago, NATIONAL LAMPOON’S VACATION set a standard for not only comedy & road trip films, but also introduced the edgy family film. Through humor, familiar experiences & relatable characters, the Griswold family spawned an unexpected franchise which continues to be passed down throughout the years. Hop in the ‘ol family truckster because we’re hitting the road!

//***Discussions include***\\
John Hughes’ original story & major script changes, plus National Lampoon, Harold Ramis & Chevy Chase connections; selling the film, creating a uniquely mobile production & challenges therein; type of comedy wrapped in a daring family film; cast, improv moments, stunts & theme song; omitted scenes & original ending; release, sequels, behind-the-scenes stories & favorite moments.

Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Dana Barron & Anthony Michael Hall star in NATIONAL LAMPOON’S VACATION (1983) /// Directed by Harold Ramis.

//***Picks of the Week***\\
    •    Lindsay’s Pick: SEEMS LIKE OLD TIMES (1980). Goldie Hawn, Chevy Chase, Charles Grodin, T.K. Carter /// Directed by Jay Sandrich.
    •    Justin’s Pick: FLETCH (1985). Chevy Chase, Richard Libertini, Dana Wheeler-Nicholson, Tim Matheson // Directed by Michael Ritchie.
    

//***MurrayMoment***\\
The infamous Billy & Chevy fight — It’s time to set the record straight on what really happened & the motivations behind it. No rumor mill gossip here — only facts & quotes to bring you the full truth, finally!

//***Final Thoughts on VACATION***\\

Thanks for listening, sharing & keeping us going for 5 years!

 

Next Episode: SE7EN (1995)
    •    Please rate, review & subscribe.
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    •    Hosts: Justin Johnson & Lindsay Reber // Music: Matt Pace // Announcer: Mary Timmel // Logo: Beau Shoulders.
www.dontpushpausepodcast.com
dontpushpausepodcast@gmail.com

Be Kind and Rewatch // June 20th, 2023.

Episode 105 : School Of Rock

Spirited hard work continues to pay off even 20 years after SCHOOL OF ROCK’s conception. The heart of rock ‘n roll beats strong with this success story spearheaded by a comedy thundercat, an enigmatic director, an ever-evolving writer & a band of incredibly talented kiddos all sharing the stage with equal importance.

//***Discussions include***\\
Brief backgrounds on writer/co-star, Mike White, his friendship with Jack Black & director Richard Linklater’s involvement; using conventional fantasy, progressiveness, real-life elements & backstory, plus creating a kids movie palatable to adults; addressing the documentary, Rock School (2005); creating the film’s musical landscape & inspirations; in-depth cast discussion, strength of characters, favorite scenes & longevity of the film.

Jack Black, Joan Cusack, Mike White, Sarah Silverman & a band of incredibly awesome kids star in SCHOOL OF ROCK (2003) /// Directed by Richard Linklater.

//***Picks of the Week***\\
    •    Lindsay’s Pick: CHUCK & BUCK (2000). Mike White, Chris Weitz, Lupe Ontiveros /// Directed by Mike White.
    •    Justin’s Pick: WAKING LIFE (2001). Wiley Wiggins, Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy // Directed by Richard Linklater.

//***MurrayMoment***\\
Spotlighting a particularly strong stage performance of Bill’s in CRADLE WILL ROCK (1999), co-starring Joan Cusack & Jack Black.

//***Final Thoughts on SCHOOL OF ROCK***\\

Next Episode:
Our 5 Year Anniversary!
NATIONAL LAMPOON’S VACATION (1983)
    •    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 and Rewatch // May 23rd, 2023.

 

 

Episode 104 : Menace II Society

First-time filmmakers rarely explode on the scene like brothers Albert & Allen Hughes. Amid the racial tensions & frustrations of early 1990's Los Angeles, MENACE II SOCIETY tapped into the gritty truth of the time. A powerful & empathetic look into a community misrepresented by mainstream media, this film was not only important in its heyday, but its unflinching realness hits even harder 30 years later.

//***Discussions include***\\
A brief history of the Hughes Brothers before MENACE; writing development, research, channeling a perspective & selling the script; reality vs. media representation; tonality, themes, underlying messages & film influences; shooting on location, visual style, depiction of violence, emotional impact & heightened realism; toxic masculinity & female perspective; use of narration & humor; cast, audition stories & character dynamics; post-production, release, reception & retrospective observations.

Tyrin Turner, Larenz Tate, Jada Pinkett, MC Eiht & Vonte Sweet star in MENACE II SOCIETY (1993) /// Directed by The Hughes Brothers.

//***Picks of the Week***\\
    •    Lindsay’s Pick: JASON’S LYRIC (1994). Allen Payne, Jada Pinkett, Bokeem Woodbine, Lisa Nicole Carson /// Directed by Doug McHenry.
    •    Justin’s Pick: STRAIGHT OUT OF BROOKLYN (1991). Lawrence Gilliard, Jr., George T. Odom, Ann D. Sanders, Barbara Sanon /// THE INKWELL (1994). Larenz Tate, Joe Morton, Suzzanne Douglas, Glynn Turman // Both films directed by Matty Rich.
    

//***MurrayMoment***\\
At the suggestion of Chevy Chase, Billy & brother Brian hit up Rodney Dangerfield for marijuana during the filming of CADDYSHACK.

//***Final Thoughts on MENACE II SOCIETY***\\

Next Episode:
SCHOOL OF ROCK (2003).
    •    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 and Rewatch // April 25th, 2023

 

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