After doing full career retrospectives on Michael Mann and Quentin Tarantino last year, it didn’t take long to figure out whose directorial career the Aftertaste was going to tackle next. An influencer, and someone whose films can be dissected to death, Christopher Nolan is someone who has a firm grasp on what kind of vision he wants to display. From Batman to focused World War II stories, Nolan has certainly run the gamut of what kind of stories he has to tell. But with the only Nolan related things covered in this podcast being his Dark Knight Trilogy, as well as him having a film called Tenet scheduled to come out this summer, we felt it was time to tackle the rest of his career. So join myself, Jack, and Matt as we look at what his career outside of the cowl has consisted of, while leading up to a review of Tenet.
While not a huge hit with us, Insomnia impressed execs enough to give him the keys to their biggest franchise. Although the two Joel Schumacher films left a bad taste in the mouths of fans, there was still an urge from Warner Bros to let their new wunderkind director run wild with the Caped Crusader. But will a man who had near zero experience with action scenes have enough gusto to take Batman to never before seen heights?
Join Matt, Jack, and myself as we do the podcast we said we wouldn’t do as Jack and I covered the Nolan Trilogy a few years ago. But listener requests along with us wanting to let Matt run wild with his opinions on made us think twice. Does it create conflict? Listen to find out!
This column will introduce you to the most popular movies that are coming out in theaters this weekend.
What movie will you see?
The Hitman’s Bodyguard
Pretty self-explanatory. This “buddy cop-ish” flick is about a hitman who gets a bodyguard to protect him because he is going to testify in court. Starring in the action comedy are Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson, Salma Hayek, Elodie Yung (Daredevil), Gary Oldman, and of BMFML fame, Ross Carter, Jag Patel, and Deborah Rock. Directing Reynolds and Jackson is Patrick Hughes. Hughes wrote and directed 2010’s Red Hill and directed The Expendables 3. Go check this out in theaters this weekend.
Logan Lucky
No, this is not a movie about our main man Logan winning the lottery or anything. This flick is about two brothers, trying to pull off a heist during a Nascar race. SPORTS. Channing Tatum and Adam Driver star as the Logan brothers, while the rest of the cast includes, Daniel Craig, Riley Keough (Mad Max: Fury Road), Katie Holmes, Dwight Yoakam, and more. First time screenwriter, Rebecca Blunt penned the script for this. However, there are rumors that Rebecca Blunt doesn’t exist, but could possibly be a pseudonym for Soderbergh himself or for his wife. If you’re not getting lucky this weekend, go see Logan Lucky…..or if you’re Garrett, maybe you’ll get lucky in the theater.
This column will introduce you to the most popular movies that are coming out in theaters this weekend and why you should go see them. Which one will you see?
The Comedian
Reasons to see this:
Robert De Niro stars as Jack Burke, an aging insult comic, who is trying to reinvent himself in show business. Also starring in this comedy are Leslie Mann, Danny DeVito, Harvey Keitel, Edie Falco, Billy Crystal, Charles Grodin, and more. Wow, what a cast. In the directors chair, is Taylor Hackford. Hackford’s last four directorial films are Proof of Life, Ray, Love Ranch, and Parker. Jeff Ross is one of the screenwriters of this flick. So, in the mood to laugh this weekend? Then check out The Comedian.
Rings
Reasons to see this:
Ring 3. Rings tells the story about a couple who are trying to uncover the mysteries behind the videotape. Sounds like a great idea. NOT. Starring in this February horror flick are Vincent D’Onofrio, Johnny Galecki, Laura Wiggins (Shameless), Aime Teegarden (Friday Night Lights show), and more. F. Javier Gutierrez is the director of this film. He is signed on as executive producer for The Crow remake/reboot/renew thing. If you don’t see this movie in 7 days, you’ll be de…..definitely seeing it on DVD.
The Space Between Us
Reasons to see this:
This film is about a boy who was born on Mars that travels to Earth for the first time and shows how he deals with all new experiences. Starring in this sci-fi adventure drama are Britt Robertson (Tomrrowland), Asa Butterfield (Hugo, Ender’s Game), Carla Gugino, Gary Oldman, and more. In the directors chair, we have Peter Chelsom. Chelsom has directed Town & Country, Serendipity, and Hannah Montana: The Movie. Don’t Space out this weekend. Get to the theater.
This column will introduce you to the most popular movies that are coming out in theaters this weekend and why you should go see them. Which one will you see?
Incarnate
Reasons to see this:
This is not a road trip movie starring Nate P. This is about a scientist who has the ability to enter the minds of possessed people to try to save them. Starring in this horror thriller are Aaron Eckhart, Catalina Sandino Moreno (not related), Emjay Anthony (Chef), Keir O’Donnell, and more. Brad Peyton is the director of the film. Peyton has directed Journey 2: The Mysterious Island and San Andreas. Peyton is also directing Rampage for 2018, San Andreas 2, and Journey 3. All starring The Rock. Get In the Car Mate and go see Incarnate.
Jackie
Reasons to see this:
Jackie tells the story of First Lady Jaqueline Kennedy after the assassination of her husband. Natalie Portman stars as Jackie Kennedy, while the other cast includes, Peter Sarsgaard, Greta Gerwig, Billy Crudup, John Hurt, John Carroll Lynch, and more. Directing this biographical drama is Pablo Larraín. Larraín has only directed Chilean films thus far. So, are you Jacked up for Jackie? Then go check it out this weekend.
Man Down
Reasons to see this:
Written by one of our favorite guests here at Binge Media……Adam Simon. Man Down is about a former Marine who is trying to find his son in a post-apocalyptic America. Starring in this dramatic thriller are Shia LaBeouf, Jai Courtney, Gary Oldman, Kate Mara, Clifton Collins Jr., and more. In the directors chair, is Dito Montiel. Montiel has directed The Son of No One, Fighting, and A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints (also starring LaBeouf). You can also check out the special Binge Aftertaste, where Garrett and Falvey interview Adam Simon here. Are you Down to see this movie Man. Then hit the theater this weekend.
Welcome to this very special edition of the Binge Movie Aftertaste. As I put the final touches on planning out the next set of retrospectives on this holiday season, I have been in the midst of putting together some special interviews as well. And no interview subject is more important to the Binge airwaves than that of the one and only Adam Simon. Ok, Spielberg. Maybe.
When Jack and I started putting this thing together, we figured we would have Adam on for forty-five minutes, hour tops. Adam was actually gracious enough to give us over eighty minutes of his time, and truth be told, we could have spoken to him longer.
There are many subjects covered here. But first and foremost, Adam speaks about that kick ass trailer which dropped a couple weeks ago for a little movie called Man Down, opening December 2nd. You might have heard of it. The movie was written in Adam’s car as he lived on the streets of a hard ridden LA. Adam talks at length about what it was like jacking pimps to live, all while penning the script to the film that would eventually go on to help buy him a new apartment. A couple years and many shed blood sweat and tears after living on the streets, and Man Down‘s trailer has become the most trended Facebook topic for four days straight.
Want more? How about stories of Adam and his run ins with ‘suits,’ his thoughts on our newly elected President, and what really happened with Synapse. Oh, and what is a podcast with me and Jack without him busting my balls a bit? And when Adam gets involved, it turns into an entire bashing session.
We once again want to thank Adam for taking the time to talk to us, and please be sure to check out Man Down when it is released December 2nd.
When Moreno and I started talking about doing a podcast together, we envisioned a show where we could get people who work within the film business to give us some great insight into what all goes into making a movie. We envisioned talking to people who promote their projects, but also just talk about the business as a whole. We envisioned highly entertaining conversations with highly entertaining people. In other words, we envisioned shows like this particular one featuring actor/writer/director/composer Graham Denman.
Moreno and I start the show off by pouting over the fact that the lovely Jason Morris would rather eat macaroni and cheese alone than do his podcast duties. Actually, he had real life responsibilities to attend to. But we would rather put Morris down with him not around than accept it. Yes, we are assholes.
We then get Denman on the line. This is usually when I would give a rundown about what is talked about in the interview. But I would rather you just listen and experience for yourself this hour plus conversation that starts off as a promotional piece but turned into one of the most entertaining riff fests we have ever had. Forty minutes are spent on Denman’s career so far, career aspirations, and his WTF run-in with Gary Oldman. Then we talk about everything from the forgotten Martin Scorcese gem After Hours, love for Dark City, the genius of Charlie Kaufman, TWO King of Hollywood ideas, and so much more. If that is not enough to wet your whistle, the entire conversation is sprinkled with talk and references of the time Denman had his dick cut off onscreen.
Don’t you want to listen now? Doovit!!
Check out Graham’s short House Call, as well as the trailer to his new film The Divine Tragedies below. Special thanks to him for a kick ass conversation and look for him to come back on the Aftertaste very soon. You know, when he has things finished and ready to talk about and PROMOTE!
Watch the entire Denman directed horror short House CallHERE
Every once in awhile an interview subject comes along who reminds us why we got into the weird world of podcasting to begin with. Talking about the film business is fun. Laughing about the business is a joy. Genuinely funny stories from a genuine person within the business walls is rare. When we do one of these things within an interview, we feel we have done our jobs. When we can combine all three into one entertaining interview, we feel we have hit a home run. Trust us folks. Actor/writer Adam Simon is a home run.
Moreno and I get things moving in the the early going, giving a bit of small talk about why there hasn’t been a Binge Aftertaste for a month plus (blame alcohol). The lovely Jason Morris joins the conversation and we all get into a discussion -or whine fest- about how much of a bitch sinus infections can be.
Manliness finally hits our podcast when Adam gets on the line. After giving us a tour of the studio where he is currently working on a Shinedown documentary, Simon gets into the set of circumstances of how he ended up homeless for a short amount of time and how writing Man Down was the catharsis to help him deal with the situation. After praising Shia LeBeouf -and threatening to punch anyone who says a bad word about him- Simon gives us even more background about how Man Down progressed from a small indie film that was going to be made ‘using a bag of nickels,’ into a project starring LeBeouf, Gary Oldman, Kate Mara, Jai Courtney, and Binge favorite Clifton Collins Jr.
Simon then goes into his new science fiction starrer Synapse. Armed with a massively influenced science fiction storyline, Simon and director Kenlon Clark’s devotion to making the film as good and expensive looking as they can seems to be paying off. With stories such as Clark yelling, ‘cut, RUN!’ to avoid getting caught shooting their film without a permit, to the project once again gathering steam from backers who loved what they saw, there is never a dull moment each and every time Simon speaks.
All this plus a HILARIOUS on-set story about Jai Courtney, a passionate King of Hollywood discussion, a blooming love connection between Morris and Simon, Moreno’s medicine consisting of bourbon & Nyquil taking effect mid interview, a hint of the After Binge Movie Aftertaste Show, and MUCH more make this one show not to be missed!!
Synapse is yet to have a release date, and look for Man Down sometime in the fall. We at Binge Media will of course keep you informed. Also, be on the lookout for future appearances from Simon and Clark on the Binge Media airwaves very soon.
Welcome to the September 28th edition of Working the Weekend with Luke. Hopefully, your part of the world is as beautiful as mine has been this weekend. Leaves are turned and falling to the grass which makes for some nice piles for my daughters, yet it’s warm enough to put on the shorts. So I hope you’re making the best of the good weather if you have it. I know I’d like to, so I’ll get to a few things and let you be on your way.
NEIGHBORS
So I finally got around to watching Neighbors last night. Between two kids and work and the outrageous pricing, I really don’t get to the theater much anymore, so even as excited as I was when I saw the trailer earlier this year, I decided to wait until the DVD release. Now, the way it usually goes with me and comedies is that they continue to get funnier with more viewings and I’m hoping this one follows that same recipe, because the first showing left me wanting a little more from it.
I should have known better than to expect something different than usual from Seth Rogen’s acting, so that one is on me, but it’s starting to get a little tiresome. Even Adam Sandler breaks out of his normal style occasionally, but hey, if I was making that kind of money doing the same shit over and over, why change it up?
I will say that I enjoy Dave Franco much more than his brother. He’s got some really good scenes in the movie and any chance I have to take a shot at James Franco, I’m going to take it. So that’s really all for that.
The most pleasant surprise of Neighbors, however, is Zac Efron. I think he makes the entire movie work and is just straight up hysterical. From the opening to the dance-off (which is a really good scene overall) to the end, he played this part perfectly. Hopefully, he continues to keep doing things like this, because I think he’s got a real knack for it.
Overall, I did like Neighbors. I just don’t think I love it yet. But hey, it won’t keep me from watching it over and over until I do.
BINGE MEDIA SPORTS IS NOW ON TWITTER
If you’re new to this column, then you may not know that I’m also the writer for Binge Media Sports. Actually, I wrote a little piece on some MLB topics just yesterday and if you missed it, just click HERE to check it out.
The big news today is that this morning, Binge Media Sports now has its own Twitter account. So if you’d like to add a little more social media to your life, look no further than @BingeSports. I’ll keep you posted on the world of sports and when I can, send out some live tweets during the big events. Binge Media Sports. All the balls. All the time.
TRILOGY COUNTDOWN
After taking a week off, the trilogy countdown continues today with #4. On a quick side note, I want to thank all of you who took the time to read last week’s edition. If you missed it, I wrote about the two year anniversary of my father’s passing and did a Top 10 list about the movies that I connect to him. You can check it out HERE.
But now on to the countdown.
#10-THE INFERNAL AFFAIRS TRILOGY-IF YOU MISSED IT, CLICK HERE
#9-THE NAKED GUN TRILOGY-IF YOU MISSED IT, CLICK HERE
#8-THE LECTER TRILOGY-IF YOU MISSED IT, CLICK HERE
#7-THE MAN WITH NO NAME TRILOGY-IF YOU MISSED IT, CLICK HERE
#6-THE KARATE KID TRILOGY-IF YOU MISSED IT, CLICK HERE
#5-THE BACK TO THE FUTURE TRILOGY-IF YOU MISSED IT, CLICK HERE
#4-THE DARK KNIGHT TRILOGY
BATMAN BEGINS, THE DARK KNIGHT, THE DARK KNIGHT RISES
If you know me, then you know I prefer DC to Marvel, even with all the success Marvel is having right now. It’s mainly due to my infatuation with Superman, but there’s no Superman trilogy so I’ve got Christopher Nolan’s trilogy at #4.
After the monstrosity that was Batman & Robin which gave us Batnipples and the third Caped Crusader in four movies, the franchise was in desperate need of a reboot and we got a good one. But who would be the new Bruce Wayne? Who had the face and the talent to play a rich guy with a secret?
Patrick Bateman…err, Christian Bale was the answer. We got an all new origin story in Batman Begins and early on, we knew that this was going to be a lot darker than the previous versions we’d seen. And we got some Liam Neeson and Ken Watanabe to boot, not to mention Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman.
And I haven’t even mentioned Gary Oldman as Jim Gordon, which really revived his career, and I think we can all be thankful for that. Throw in Cillian Murphy’s chilling portrayal as Scarecrow and you’ve got yourself one damn fine opener.
So how do you follow up a good movie? With a great one, of course. The Dark Knight is probably the best of the trilogy and gives us a few new problems to deal with. He wouldn’t have been my first choice, but Aaron Echkart did a great job as Harvey Dent a/k/a Two-Face. Christian Bale continued to do a great job as Bruce Wayne/Batman, although I can’t understand why he continued to talk in the Batman voice to Rachel, but I suppose that’s neither here nor there. But let’s be honest. What makes the movie great is the guy that nobody wanted for the villain.
Remember when word got out that Heath Ledger had been cast to play Joker? Remember how many people hated the choice? Oops. Ledger was brilliant and there’s not much more to say than that.
Now, I know most people were disappointed with The Dark Knight Rises? I will admit that it wasn’t as good as the second film, but I really enjoyed it. Maybe it’s because I could look at this all day…..
….or maybe it’s because Tom Hardy is a straight-up badass as Bane…..
….but I thought this was a great ending to a great trilogy. Are there a few questions that may need answering? Sure. But as a whole, The Dark Knight Trilogy was beautifully written, perfectly cast, and greatly executed. It’s got the ability to stand on its own as a story and you really don’t have to compare it to any other Batman that we’ve seen. But we all know that’s not going to happen as we know what we’re getting next year.
My guess is that the same people who are bashing Affleck are the same ones who were bashing Ledger. But that’s another topic for another day.
That’ll do it for this week’s edition of Working the Weekend with Luke. Make sure to check back next week as the countdown gets animated next week with #3. Again, don’t forget to start following Binge Media Sports on Twitter and while you’re there, hit me up @THElukenorris.
But before I go, you know you want your Beverly Hills, 90210 clip of the week. Yep, it’s from the pilot and yep, Brandon’s hair is dope.
The Lowdown: The naive Jonathan Harker journeys to the estate of Count Dracula to…you know what? If you don’t know the story of Dracula then go fuck yourself.
The Breakdown: Dracula. Yep. That Dracula. Quite possibly the most popular of all movie monsters, Dracula is an enigma, an icon so powerful, so recognizable that over 80 years beyond Bela Lugosi’s immortal portrayal of the character, filmmakers and horror fans are still revisiting this story. Few of the iterations have had a lasting impact. There are pedestrian efforts such as Dracula 2000, or the ridiculous version of the character in Van Helsing that are a total joke. However, in my opinion the greatest Dracula not named Bela has to be Gary Oldman in Francis Ford Coppola’s Dracula.
Much like some of the other films in my countdown, Dracula is not perfect. Keanu Reeves phones it in, for sure, and some of the effects in the Count’s castle are a little cheesy by today’s standards. However, the weaker elements of this film melt away when viewed behind Oldman’s towering performance, both with and without extensive makeup. Oldman’s characterization is mesmerizing, striking an ethereal balance between macabre and sophisticated. His ultimate foil, Van Helsing, is played by the endlessly talented Anthony Hopkins, also delivering the goods in every scene. If there’s one amazing element of the film, these performances are certainly at the heart of it. If there’s one true strength outside of these performances, it would have to be the brilliant atmosphere. From the blood red sunsets to the dreaded castle itself, everything in this film perfectly echoes the base elements of great gothic horror. Dracula has a definitive darkness to it that you really feel right from the outset. Capturing the feeling of evil is a tough thing, but without being jump scare heavy the film does a good job making you fear Dracula’s power, echoing Legosi’s own take on the character.
The Comedown: It’s no easy feat reinventing a classic horror story. While he doesn’t fully succeed, Coppola does a lot right with Dracula, so much so that it has endeared ever since it was released in 1992. While Oldman hadn’t really come into his own yet, this is one of his very best performances, ranked alongside his iconic performances in the Dark Knight trilogy, Leon and True Romance. Dracula’s mix of gothic horror and dark romance is a fantastic Halloween film, and one that people should keep in mind this time of year.