with Jim and Teal
For one reason or another, I was able to see a good chunk of 2018 movies, and I feel confident enough to throw down a top ten list. Films are subjective, and lists are arbitrary. Even in my final decisions, the order changes daily. Sometimes my initial reaction to a movie I’ve seen increases days after the viewing, and other times it wanes. Talk to me in a year from now, and two or three films I’ve yet to catch up on might easily replace titles on the list you are about to receive.
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What in the holy hand grenade of Antioch is The Academy of Motion Pictures doing now? Their never-ending quest to stem the tide of declining ratings is tied to a Baby Huey-sized anchor around its neck that is choking the life out of the yearly event. They have lost total sight of the fact that awards shows, while not quite a thing of the past, are not something today’s world needs the way it used to. Sure, everyone complains about the show’s length. It frequently goes to four hours, and no one seems to be sure why. Even when the Academy makes a silly decision such as relegating the honorary award tributes to a separate ceremony, they gain nothing in shortened time length. Instead, they fill the show with lame stunts designed to go ‘viral’ that mostly don’t work, and they spend time showing scenes from all 8-10 Best Picture
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In the epic conclusion of our 2-part Valentine’s Day episode, Teal spins a tale of Much Ado About Nothing with a Russian Doll twist. Then it’s time for more of Teal’s alternative Valentine’s Day viewing choices. Next up, Jim pulls out another gem from his NYU rom/com basket, and tells a movie date story from the fall of 1990. Can romance be created from watching an animated Disney classic? You’ll have to listen for yourself to find out. Finally, the fun winds down with a couple of final Valentine’s Day movie picks from Teal; for those who are comfortable in their relationship status to handle them. You may know the password for admittance, but do you know the password for the house?
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I am a Jake Gyllenhaal completionist and really have no choice but to watch his new films. Sometimes this is a joy, and sometimes you end up watching Life, or Stronger, and hoping the material will live up to his performance. If it wasn’t for Gyllenhaal, and Jim hounding me about seeing it, I never would have watched Velvet Buzzsaw, but I did.
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Love is in the air! Jim and Teal have caught the fever, and the only prescription is a Valentine’s Day-themed episode. Who knew these two could be so sentimental?
Teal kicks off the action with a set of movie recommendations for this Valentine’s Day, and his choices are anything but conventional. Next up is Jim. Follow his romantic entanglements as Jim plays raconteur, and tells a tale from his Sophomore year at NYU. What surprising double-bill plays background for a surprise first date?
This is a love-soaked episode so filled with mush, Jim and Teal need two episodes to do it. Catch part 2 later in the week, but enjoy the nostalgia memories of part 1 now! Enjoy all you love birds and hopeless romantics!
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Jim’s Adventures in 70mm:
In the spring of 1980, as it was practice for many kids my age, I counted the days until the release of the second Star Wars movie, The Empire Strikes Back. At least one to two hours each day was devoted to thoughts of the new Star Wars film dancing through the daydreams of my ten-year-old brain. Star Wars was personal love affair for me at the time, as I am sure it was for plenty of other children. But I knew I was the number-one Star Wars fan in the world, and George Lucas was making this film to please me.
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Nigel Tufnel may like his amp volume turned up to 11, but in the 2018 film, Mandy, Nic Cage cranks the insanity beyond that number and breaks the knob. In this episode, Jim and Teal pay homage to two movie legends, composer Michel Legrand, and character actor Dick Miller. After, Jim and Teal focus their attentions on the revenge genre, and one of its most extreme examples, Mandy. Mandy may not be for everyone, but for fans of those 80s midnight cult films, this one could be your next obsession. Jim and Teal carefully thread the needle to avoid major spoilers, but they will make sure to guide you on a safe path on how to view this insane exercise in psychedelic movie mayhem!
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Jim and Teal host their first episode guest, Bill from Queens. Bill recounts some childhood film experiences, and then the three tackle the latest Michael Myers carving contest, Halloween 2018. Find out what the boys have to say about the latest installment of the horror franchise. Is it a remake, a reboot, a re-mix, or a just a new sequel to the first film. Let Jim and Teal break it down for you.
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Jim and Teal go through the list of every Oscar nominee in every category, and they are not shy about telling you what they think. Things get controversial when a couple of films show up that Jim and Teal don’t think quite the mustard.
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Jim and Teal discuss several films this week, including: Blade Runner 2049, Bad Times at the El Royale, Support the Girls, The Guilty, Killing of a Sacred Deer, and Mother!. Plus, Jim and Teal still can’t stop talking about Hereditary, although not necessarily in a good way. Sit back, and prepare for a discussion about some films that might make you feel uncomfortable.
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