The Film Thugs Movie Show

Quantum of Solace. For starters, the title means nothing. It is taken from a Ian Flemming short story. However, that story has nothing to do with this movie, and it is possibly the least "Bond" story ever written. The entire thing takes place during a dinner party. There is no action, no violence, nothing. Literally, just someone telling Bond a story about a failed marriage. That pretty much tells you everything you need to know about this movie.

This thing is kind of baffling. It's not terrible, it's just not very good. It is very clear that there was a writers strike going on when this was made because the story is all over the place. There is potential for a good movie in here, but as it stands, especially following on the heels of Casino Royale, this just feels out of place.

 

We shall return in a few weeks with... Thunderball.

This week we take a look at the biggest Bond film to date, "Skyfall," which is a bit of a conondrum. On one hand, it could be argued that this is the most popular Bond film ever. So far as box office goes... it kind of dominates. But, it is also the least "Bond" of all the films. Which may or may not be a good thing.

So, hear what we have to say.

 

Next week we return with... Goldfinger.

The Criterion Collection, the last vestige of truly collectible DVD and Blu-Ray movies in existence. These are well produced, fancy pants editions of important and interesting films for the discerning film lover.

We continue our journey through Jim's collection of movies with...

Chimes at Midnight

Spine Number: 830

Director:Orson Welles

Genre: Drama

 

Orson Welles is one of the few people who completely earns the title "Genuis." From his early stage work to his groundbreaking radio plays with the Mercury Players to his masterful film work he basically defined every medium he worked in. 

Of course people focus on "Citizen Kane," which is resonable.  I mean.. when your first movie is constantly duking it out for the title of Greatest Movie Ever Made, it tends to get some attention. But, some of his best and most impressive work was in the world of Shakespeare. His modern fascist retelling of Julius Caesar, his reimagining of MacBeth with an all African American cast are still considered some of the greatest producitons of Shakespear's work ever produced, and that was before he even consiered making movies.

So, what does a ballsy genuis top himself in the world of Shakespeare?

How about adapting three plays into a completely original work that focuses on one of the most well known secondary characters in all of Shakespeare's canon?

Yeah... he did that.

Chimes at Midnight combines elements from The Merry Wives of Windsor, and King Henry IV parts 1 & 2 and follows the character of Sir John Falstaff. Friend and tutor to young King Henry V, and one of the only characters to be almost completely defined by his cowardace. 

Chimes at Midnight is a ballsy movie. How many people looked at one of the most respected bodies of work every produced in any language and said, "It's missing something."

But, that's just how Orson rolled.

So, join us as we take a look at this classic work from a one of cinema's most original voices.

Next time...

Spine number 834: Blood Simple

Also, check this out.

The Life Masters is now it's own show with its own site and own dedicated feed. That's right, we have two completely different shows! 

Right now check it out at www.thelifemasters.podbean.com.

You can also drink in our brilliance on Youtube for both The Film Thugs and The Life Masters.

http://fantasymovieleague.com/

Looks like Summer Movie League has officially become Fantasy Movie League.

It looks quite fun. Here's how it works.

You have an 8 screen theater.

Every week you pick movies and have a budget/salary cap you have to stay under.

Then you compete against other theaters in your league.

It's fantasy football for movie people.

Our league is Film Thugs 2015 and the password is Porterhouse.

And remember, you can be a part of the show any time you wild like. How's that? All you have to do is call or e-mail us. If you live in the US, or any place that makes calling the US easy, just dial 512-666-RANT and leave us a voicemail. We will read the Google Voice transcript and play your message. It's both funny AND informative.

If you live outside the US you can call us on Skype at The_Film_Thugs. You can leave a message, or someone might actually answer.

E-mail us at thefilmthugs@gmail.com and we will read/play whatever you send us, or you can e-mail thugquestions@gmail.com to be part of  an upcoming "Ask the Film Thugs" show, where we answer questions on any subject without having heard them first.

Also, we are on twitter @thefilmthugs and on Facebook and Vine.

Also, be sure to check back often for our new endeavor The Life Masters, where we answer questions to other advice columnists.

Thanks for listening, and until next week...

The Criterion Collection, the last vestige of truly collectible DVD and Blu-Ray movies in existence. These are well produced, fancy pants editions of important and interesting films for the discerning film lover.

We continue our journey through Jim's collection of movies with...

The Manchurian Candidate

Spine Number: 803

Director:John Frankenheimer

Genre: Drama

 

Ever since the first time I saw "The Manchurian Candidate," back in college I have maintained the same opinion. It was possibly the best opening and closing of any movie ever with a damned solid film in between. It holds up as well as it did on the first viewing.

The Manchurian Candidate does what a good suspense movie is supposed to do. It sets up a fantastic scenario, leaves you completely in the dark as to how it could possibly work out, and then doesn't tip its hand until the very end. Honestly, if you haven't seen it, even if you don't listen to this show, you should do yourself a favor and check it out. But then, you should totally listen to the show because... why on earth would you not?

Next time...

Spine number 821: Dr. Strangelove: or How I Learned To Stop Worrying and Love The Bomb

Also, check this out.

The Life Masters is now it's own show with its own site and own dedicated feed. That's right, we have two completely different shows! 

Right now check it out at www.thelifemasters.podbean.com.

You can also drink in our brilliance on Youtube for both The Film Thugs and The Life Masters.

http://fantasymovieleague.com/

Looks like Summer Movie League has officially become Fantasy Movie League.

It looks quite fun. Here's how it works.

You have an 8 screen theater.

Every week you pick movies and have a budget/salary cap you have to stay under.

Then you compete against other theaters in your league.

It's fantasy football for movie people.

Our league is Film Thugs 2015 and the password is Porterhouse.

And remember, you can be a part of the show any time you wild like. How's that? All you have to do is call or e-mail us. If you live in the US, or any place that makes calling the US easy, just dial 512-666-RANT and leave us a voicemail. We will read the Google Voice transcript and play your message. It's both funny AND informative.

If you live outside the US you can call us on Skype at The_Film_Thugs. You can leave a message, or someone might actually answer.

E-mail us at thefilmthugs@gmail.com and we will read/play whatever you send us, or you can e-mail thugquestions@gmail.com to be part of  an upcoming "Ask the Film Thugs" show, where we answer questions on any subject without having heard them first.

Also, we are on twitter @thefilmthugs and on Facebook and Vine.

Also, be sure to check back often for our new endeavor The Life Masters, where we answer questions to other advice columnists.

Thanks for listening, and until next week...

The Criterion Collection, the last vestige of truly collectible DVD and Blu-Ray movies in existence. These are well produced, fancy pants editions of important and interesting films for the discerning film lover.

We continue our journey through Jim's collection of movies with...

Moonrise Kingdom

Spine Number: 776

Director:Wes Anderson

Genre: Comedy

 

And once again we return to the well of Wes Anderson for what is, quite possibly, the most Wes Anderson film of his career.

Wes is one of those directors who has an undeniable style, and every single aspect of that style is on full display in Moonrise Kingdom. This movie dances right up to the edge of being too much several times. It is very nearly too quirky, too clever, too stylized, but it never crosses over. Instead, you get a wonderfully charming, funny, and completely original and entertaining movie that could have only been made by one man. 

 

So, join us as we discuss this fantastic little film, as well as a host of other topics.

 

 

Next time...

Spine number 803: The Manchurian Candidate

Also, check this out.

The Life Masters is now it's own show with its own site and own dedicated feed. That's right, we have two completely different shows! 

Right now check it out at www.thelifemasters.podbean.com.

You can also drink in our brilliance on Youtube for both The Film Thugs and The Life Masters.

http://fantasymovieleague.com/

Looks like Summer Movie League has officially become Fantasy Movie League.

It looks quite fun. Here's how it works.

You have an 8 screen theater.

Every week you pick movies and have a budget/salary cap you have to stay under.

Then you compete against other theaters in your league.

It's fantasy football for movie people.

Our league is Film Thugs 2015 and the password is Porterhouse.

And remember, you can be a part of the show any time you wild like. How's that? All you have to do is call or e-mail us. If you live in the US, or any place that makes calling the US easy, just dial 512-666-RANT and leave us a voicemail. We will read the Google Voice transcript and play your message. It's both funny AND informative.

If you live outside the US you can call us on Skype at The_Film_Thugs. You can leave a message, or someone might actually answer.

E-mail us at thefilmthugs@gmail.com and we will read/play whatever you send us, or you can e-mail thugquestions@gmail.com to be part of  an upcoming "Ask the Film Thugs" show, where we answer questions on any subject without having heard them first.

Also, we are on twitter @thefilmthugs and on Facebook and Vine.

Also, be sure to check back often for our new endeavor The Life Masters, where we answer questions to other advice columnists.

Thanks for listening, and until next week...