Episode 47 - The Prestige (2006)

Finally, the very-nearly-lost episode on Luc Besson’s action-packed space adventure THE FIFTH ELEMENT is here! Get French with us, and be sure to bring your Multi-pass ‘cuz we’re goin’ to Fhloston PARADISE!

In this episode, we investigate a rivalry between two magicians, one with a closely guarded secret that the other desperately wants. We discuss this tale of obsession and turn-of-the-century intrigue while unpacking Nolan’s narrative design and approach to storytelling. Prepare for loads of Michael Caine impressions.

In this episode, we travel to the not-too-distant future of Andrew Niccol’s minimalist sci-fi drama to take a hard look at how it addresses bioethics, eugenics, and determinism. Also, Gore Frickin’ Vidal is in this movie.

In this episode, we wrap up our theme on classic serials by heading west to California to explore a story that starts in 1821 during the Mexican War for Independence from Spain, featuring a masked hero dressed in black...

The sun is shining…but the ice is slippery, just like Alec Baldwin’s performance. He’s running around with a big schnoz, ripping off his face, and cackling in the breeze, while a madman is running amok and Ian McKellen stands around with nothing to do. This might be the first movie we’ve covered that gets us some mail. Who can say? The Shadow nose.

In this episode, we fight the evil Ming the Merciless and save the lovely Dale Arden with the help of Prince Vultan as the music of Queen plays triumphantly in the background! We tackle race representation, camp, and queerness in the film, and we do exhaustive Brian Blessed impressions to entertain ourselves. And you, of course.

Today we head across the pond to follow the intersecting lives of four flawed, very conflicted, contradictory people... a love- and lust-seeking quartet trying to find themselves and what they want in a partner…or rather, a stranger.

In this episode, we discuss a curious entry set in the Mamet-verse that's all about sleight of hand and what could be Gene Hackman's last great movie. We're here for the gold; it makes the world go round. Join us as we unpack David Mamet's affectations and his take on the heist genre!

In this episode, we go to the most beautiful place in Europe -- it's like a fookin fairytale or somethin' -- to talk about Martin McDonagh's cleverly written directorial debut!