Film Don't Lie Podcast

THIS WEEK: Audy is back with a different kind of podcast! First, he and Elvin review the new Sony Pictures Animation Studio feel good, thrill ride of a movie, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse starring Shameik Moore and Jake Johnson. Audy really liked the film as it hit on all cylinders and gave him a big bang for his buck with a jolt of excitement that a lot of its superhero film counterparts can't drum up. Elvin loved the film giving it a Top 10 Film of the Year with 4 out of 4 stars highlighting the movie's soundtrack as some of the best he has heard in a while. Next, Audy brings on Sean Lindenmuth and Warren James to join him and Elvin to discuss highlights from the new Avengers: Endgame trailer. Audy likes that there is a shroud of mystery covering the new film, while Warren and Sean break down the big return of Hawkeye, and Elvin gives props to Ant-Man's return. Lastly, all the fellas switch gears and do a retro review of the original post modern action film, Die Hard starring Bruce Willis and Alan Rick

THIS WEEK: Episode 48: This week your hosts, Audy and Elvin, are back with three quality films that offer three different movie experiences. The first film the guys review is Creed II, starring Michael B. Jordan and Sylvester Stallone and directed by newcomer Steven Caple Jr. Audy felt the film was solid and actually one of the better sequels in the "Rocky" film lore, but there was nothing special from the movie and woefully predictable. Elvin agreed but gave it a bit of a higher opinion as he felt the movie was exciting, especially with the focus on Ivan Drago's return. Next, both fellas review the road trip, Jim Crow South musical-comedy Green Book starring Mahershala Ali and Viggo Mortensen. Both fellas felt the film was a definite crowd-pleaser and see why it took home the People's Choice award at the Toronto Film Festival. Audy further opined that the movie, for all of its goodwill, still seemed to gloss over the hard racial themes in the movie's presentation, and unlike Hidden Figures doesn't establish

THIS WEEK: Audy is back and he brought two friends along. Frequent co-host Elvin Jones and new special co-host Johnny Ruhnow join Audy to discuss the new Blumhouse sequel/reboot/retcon swiss army knife new horror film Halloween. This new film is a re-do sequel from the original 1978 John Carpenter horror classic. The fellas start off with a non-spoiler review. Audy felt the film was a great action film, with laughable horror elements rooting for Michael Myers to wipe out the whole town. Elvin felt the movie was pretty good and efficient in its handling of dusting off Michael Myers but offered little else. Special guest, Johnny, liked the music and felt the film was better than previous movies, and that this film was strong, but overall rather weak and crippled by a terrible ending. In the second segment, the fellas do a spoiler review where they mostly break down the ending but also Jaime Lee Curtis' role as Laurie Strode and how her character was supposed to start the series in a whole new direction. Lastly,

THIS WEEK: New episode Audy and Elvin are back to three interesting movies for the month of October, two of which are putting their entries into the early Oscar race. The first movie that the fellas review is A Star is Born, starring, directed and written by Bradley Cooper and costarring pop music superstar, Lady Gaga. Elvin was absolutely in love with this film and really appreciated the direction and acting from Bradley Cooper and the authenticity in which the drama between his character and Lady Gaga's character interact. Audy completely agreed with Elvin even going so far to say this movie is special! Next, they review the Neil Armstrong biopic First Man starring Ryan Gosling and directed by Damien Chazelle. Audy really liked this movie, naming it as in his top 10 films of 2018. Elvin liked it but not as much as Audy. He felt the realism of Neil Armstrong's experiences of personal loss and failure helped fuel the iconic moment in US History. Lastly, both hosts review the Drew Goddard directed pulp thrille

THIS WEEK: Your host, Audy is back with a brand new retro podcast where he focuses on two of the best films that represent early film noir and late film noir with The Maltese Falcon and Touch of Evil. Audy brings back his friend, and film noir aficionado, Andy Wolverton, to break down both films and celebrate their merits. First, the fellas start off with the 1940 film noir classic The Maltese Falcon. Audy fell in love with the film and claimed that John Huston's film is quintessential film noir at its best with Humphrey Bogart leading the way. Andy was impressed with the film especially since this was John Huston's first and how effortlessly he was able to capture that film noir spirit. Second is the 1958 film noir bravura, Touch of Evil, directed by and starring the incomparable Orson Welles. It was Audy's first time watching the film and like Welles' other films, Audy immediately fell in love with the film's direction, themes and seamless tonal shifts. Andy enjoyed the film and felt it represented film noi

THIS WEEK: Your hosts, Audy and Elvin, bring the heat with three new movie reviews to end the summer on a high note! First, the fellas start off with the Tom Cruise franchise money machine Mission: Impossible Fallout. Audy liked it a lot and felt that this movie was the best film of the summer, with an impressive all-around cast, highlighted with newcomer Henry Cavill. Elvin was equally impressed as the film/franchise seem to only get stronger with each entry of the series with this film possibly being the high point of the franchise. Next, they review the sensational, blockbuster rom-com Crazy Rich Asians. Audy felt the movie was going to be a shallow excuse of showing Asians in a superficial, materialistic light, but found himself surprisingly enjoying the film, appreciating its dramatic depth led by the regal Michelle Yeoh. Elvin had a fun time, and felt the movie was great, celebrating equally in its spoofy excesses and touching heart. Lastly, BlacKkKlansman, Elvin thought it was a strong film, with Spike

This week: FILMSTRUCK'S FRIDAY NIGHT DOUBLE FEATURE - Audy is back after a long hiatus and brought cohost Andy Wolverton with him. They discuss two romantic star-crossed lovers centric films: The Clock (1945) and Before Sunrise (1995). First, the fellas start by reviewing the film, The Clock, directed by Vincente Minelli, and starring his future wife, film powerhouse, Judy Garland, about a young couple/strangers that meet in New York City, and spend 48 hours getting to know each other and fall in love in the process before Robert Walker's character has to go back to War. Audy liked the film and praised Garland's performance and Minelli's direction but thought it was a little light in ambition. Andy agreed, and enjoyed the movie until the film starting manipulating the plot towards the end. Next film they review is Richard Linklater's Gen X love letter, Before Sunrise, where two star-crossed young people meet on a train and embark on a journey of interpersonal connection and spontaneous kismet that defies log

THIS WEEK: Upon Further Review - The Year 2000! Audy continues his new series by reviewing three films from that year. He brings on two guest co-hosts Warren James, and his producer Jessica Elliott, to walk through memory lane and review Almost Famous, Cast Away and Unbreakable. First, all three review the Cameron Crowe directed and written, coming of age drama, Almost Famous starring Billy Crudup, Kate Hudson and Frances McDormand. All three hosts thought that the movie was overrated, even though there was a benign sweetness tied to the characters. The movie ultimately did not age any better to due lack of strong character arcs. Second, is Cast Away, starring Tom Hanks, and Wilson the Volleyball. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, Cast Away was a popular film back in the day that all three admitted they entirely didn't get or didn't even want to get originally. Upon further review Audy loved it, Jessica really liked it and Warren came away really appreciating the film regardless of the heavy handed and ambiguous e

This week: FILMSTRUCK'S FRIDAY NIGHT DOUBLE FEATURE - Audy is joined by regular co-host for the 4th time, Andy Wolverton. This week, both gentlemen discuss the double feature of Sisters and What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? Both films focus on the intertwined love/hate relationships and the psychological toll it takes between two different sets of sisterhood. The fellas start off with Brian De Palma's 1973 thriller Sisters, a film starring Margot Kidder as a set of conjoined twins where one sister is a successful model and the other a murdering psychopath. Audy felt the film had a sensational first half, but started to feel flat in the second once the film changes its character focus. Andy felt the movie did a great job of balancing different tones from beginning, middle and end, yet still paying a strong homage to classic Hitchcock films Vertigo, Psycho and especially Rear Window. Next they review, the Robert Aldrich directed "hag horror" film - What Ever Happened to baby Jane? The movie starring two of Holly

This Week: Audy wanted to try something different and do a retro review of three movies from 2014 that he originally reviewed. This episode, he brings on his regular co-host Elvin "The Nerdfather" Jones and other frequent collaborator, Warren James, to do a new podcast series: Upon Further Review. The first film from 2014 the fellas review is John Wick starring Keanu Reeves, Ian McShane and Willem Dafoe. Audy felt the movie started a new genre of bareknuckle, grounded, microbudget action film and resurrected Keanu Reeves' career. Warren thought the action scenes still held up regardless of the flat second half of the film. Second, is Christopher Nolan's time travel, sci-fi thriller Interstellar starring Matthew "Alright Alright Alright" McConaughey, Michael Caine, Jessica Chastain, and Anne Hathaway. Elvin thought the movie got better over time and felt that the "weightiness" of the material upon first review four years ago wasn't a sticking point at all for an otherwise great film and lauded that this movie

EPISODE 39: FILMSTRUCK'S FRIDAY NIGHT DOUBLE FEATURE - This week Audy is joined by co-host Andy Wolverton for a third episode in a row! They chose to review and discuss the double feature of Black Sun and Elevator to the Gallows. Both films have jazz music as their emotional chord. The fellas start off with Black Sun, a 1964 Japanese new wave film directed Koreyoshi Kurahara, film about two outsiders, one Japanese Tokyo drifter and how he helps a Black American G.I. who commits a murder thus becoming outlaws and depiction of their growing bond as an alternately absurd and tragic culture clash. Next Audy and Andy dive into the masterclass of french crime thrillers, Elevator in the Gallows, the 1958 Debut film of french director, Louis Malle, starring the legendary Jeanne Moreau as a mistress to a  wealthy businessman who tries to plan the perfect crime with her French Hitman boyfriend played by Maurice Ronet all set to the moody and haunting jazz score by the prolific jazz legend, Miles Davis. They end the pod

EPISODE 38: FILMSTRUCK'S FRIDAY NIGHT DOUBLE FEATURE - This week Audy is back after after talking about Marvel's roller coaster All-star movie Avengers: Infinity War by bringing on guest co-host Andy Wolverton to go over two great movies from Filmstruck: 'M' and 'Peeping Tom'. The fellas start off reviewing the slasher pscho-sexual brilliant deviancy of the 1960 Michael Powell directed Peeping Tom starring Karl Boehm as the main character Mark Lewis, who is a serial killer that murders prostitutes against the English 60's Mod/Soho backdrop. Then they discuss the the great Fritz Lang landmark crime thriller, 'M' starring the excellent Peter Lorre as a child killer in 1930's Berlin. Then they both tie the films together with their segment of film themes, motifs and connections where they break down exactly the cinematic connection both films share.  This week's guest: Andy Wolverton Andy Wolverton is a librarian at the Severna Park Community Library in Severna Park, Maryland (part of the Anne Arundel County Pu

This Week: Audy is reviewing the biggest Marvel movie of them all: Avengers Infinity War! He brings his regular co-host Elvin Jones from Nerdfather.com and fellow movie lover and big Marvel nerd/fan Sean Lindenmuth to break down the enormity of the 19th movie of the MCU. First, the fellas start off with a non-spoiler review, in which Elvin thought the film was very good, but couldn't be truly great until he sees part two next year. Sean felt the film delivered on all of his expectations, from the great inter-dynamics of the characters interactions, to the slam, bam thank you ma'am action scenes, and epic flair! Audy didn't like the film as much as the other two, as he felt the movie lacked any real substance, even though it had moments of sheer thrills, yet still fell short due to its lack of any real suspense and its boring rinse and repeat screenplay/narrative structure. Next, Audy gets down and discusses spoilers and asks both guys "who was the MVP?", "Favorite Scene", and other surprises that they didn't

EPISODE 36: FILMSTRUCK'S FRIDAY NIGHT DOUBLE FEATURE - This week Audy is back after taking a break following the Hollywood award season. This episode, he brings on a new cohost cinephile and film noir lover, Andy Wolverton, to come on and review FilmStruck/Criterion Collection Friday Night's Double Features. The first film is the 1970 Arthur Penn directed Night Moves starring Gene Hackman and the second film the French New Wave Eric Rohmer directed film, My Night at Maud's. Starting off with reviewing Night Moves, the 1975 Neo Noir film where Los Angeles private investigator Harry Moseby (Gene Hackman) is hired by a client (Janet Ward) to find her runaway teenage daughter (a young Melanie Griffith in one of her first roles). Moseby tracks the daughter down, only to stumble upon something much more intriguing and sinister. Next, they both go over French New Wave philosophical/romantic exercise of morality My Night of Maud's which is about the rigid principles of a devout Catholic man (Jean Louis Trintignant) a

THIS WEEK: WAKANDA FOREVER! Happy Black Panther Month! Audy comes back with a vengeance with the best Marvel movie ever made, or that is what he keeps telling himself. After a couple weeks off, Audy brings back his co-host, Elvin Jones, to discuss the impact of Black Panther. Audy thought the film was a triumph awarding the movie 4 stars and calling it a cultural celebration that blends effortlessly superhero, action, and historical elements to a rousing success. Elvin loved the film having seen it twice in its opening weekend and asserted that this film was able to work on every thematic level and have the same kind of awareness and cultural force that the mini series Roots had over 30 years ago. Next, Audy brings on his three guest co-hosts: Warren James, Sean Lindenmuth and producer Jessica "Peety Draws" Elliott to go over a deeper review on the 'Review Roundup Segment'. Each person gave their viewpoint with the movie and also talked about possible nitpicks, is this movie really great or will it be overrat

THIS WEEK: Audy is back with two of his good friends and cinephiles Warren James, and Sean Lindenmuth. First, Audy and Warren review the Ridley Scott biopic/thriller All the Money in the World starring Christopher Plummer, Michelle Williams and Mark Wahlberg. Warren thought Christopher Plummer did a great job as Kevin Spacey's replacement as John Paul Getty but felt the movie could have been better in its screenplay. Audy commended Ridley Scott for making the decision to take Spacey out, replace him with Plummer, do re-shoots with the cast at the 11th hour, and still make a competent film but that is all that was positive with this serviceable, but unforgettable film. Next, Sean joins Warren and Audy to review the sci-fi/fantasy romance film The Shape of Water. Directed by Guillermo Del Toro and starring Sophie Hawkins and Doug Jones. Audy was immersed in the world and lauded all the technical aspects of the film, in particular Hawkins' performance, but felt the film played things too safe. Warren agreed, but

THIS WEEK: Your favorite hosts Audy and Elvin are back to review three brand new films this award season. They first start off reviewing the sports biopic I, Tonya starring Margot Robbie (Wolf of Wall Street, Suicide Squad) Audy liked the whiplash, flippant style and its in your face attitude of the film, while Elvin thought this was an endearing movie that really showed Tonya Harding's career and life in a different life. Next, they review first time director, Aaron Sorkin's (Few Good Men, Social Network) Molly's Game, starring Jessica Chastain (Zero Dark Thirty, Interstellar) a movie about a former ski olympian that trades in her ski's after a horrific injury and finds herself setting up high profile card games for Hollywood's elite and the troubles that come with that lifestyle. Audy thought the film started off strong but got sloppy towards the end. Even though he loves Sorkin's works as a writer, he is still aways off from being an above average director. Elvin liked the film, but not admittedly without

THIS WEEK: Your host Audy is back with his good friend and fellow cinephile, guest host Warren James. First they start of with Netflix's steaming pile of South Central/Midevil fantasy crap - Bright, directed by David Ayer (Suicide Squad, End of Watch, Fury) and written by Max Landis (Chronicle, American Fury). Audy felt the film's mashup of Lord of The Rings fantasy and Training Day just clashed and couldn't merge both genres strongly. Warren felt the film was lazy in its world building details and its racial/social allegory ridiculous and missed the mark. Afterwards, Audy and Warren run down the "Top 14 Eye Roll Moments" in Bright and really light the movie on fire. Next, they review Steven Spielberg's (E.T., Schindler's List) The Post. Warren loved the film praising its realism and acting between its two leads Meryl Streep (Devil Wears Prada) and Tom Hanks (Forrest Gump) while Audy liked the film. He felt it was filmed with too much reverence and didn't do enough to throw the audience in the moment as the p

THIS WEEK: Star Wars Episode 8 Attack of the Controversial Movie. On this episode, your hosts Audy and Elvin brought the party with them and are joined by three guest co-hosts and movie/Star Wars enthusiasts, Sean Lindenmuth, Bryant Foster, and the show's producer, Jessica "Peety Draws" Elliott. First thing's first, Audy and Elvin review The Last Jedi on a non-spoiler basis. Elvin says the force is strong with this latest entry, but it could have been stronger suffering from some story missteps, but ultimately pulls out a compelling ending. Audy felt it was good movie for the most part, and a great movie in other parts, feeling that the subversive direction at the expense of the franchise mythos was a great and much needed decision to battle the fatigue of the Star Wars franchise. Next Bryant, Sean and Jessica join to discuss spoilers and other elements like their feelings on Poe Dameron's character development, did the Canto Bight scene work, and thoughts of Luke Skywalker's long awaited return. Lastly, Audy

Audy and Elvin review two worthy films, but with very different opinions. The first film they review is Lady Bird - directed by Greta Gerwig (Frances Ha), and starring Siorse Ronan (Atonement, Brooklyn) as a senior in high school on the brink of graduating, and dealing with her temperamental relationship with her working class mother played by Laurie Metcalf (Rosanne), Elvin respected the acting between both of the leads, but felt that there wasn't much else built around that dynamic, whereas Audy loved the film, giving it a Top 10 of the Year rating due to the authenticity in the acting and Gerwig's directing. Next, the fellas segue into reviewing The Disaster Artist, a film directed by James Franco (Spider-man, Pineapple Express) about a behind the scene's biopic of the greatest/worst film that was ever created called The Room - Franco plays the real life Tommy Wiseau as he is rejected from Hollywood, along with his friend Greg Sestero, played by James' brother Dave (21 Jump Street) start to embark in makin