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A 'Running Man' Christmas!
0 Playsin 11 hours
What better way to celebrate the holiday season than with 'The Running Man?' We talk about some other christmas stuff too! Like 'Die Hard!'
Merry Ho Ho & Yippe Kay Yay 2026!
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Transcript
Introduction to The Sleepy Games Podcast
00:00:02
Speaker
You're listening to the Sleepy Games Podcast.
00:00:25
Speaker
Well, a ho ho ho there. Welcome to thee the Sleepy Games Podcast. I am the inferior host, Sleepy Joan.
00:00:36
Speaker
With me is the extremely superior, extreme, James Games. Yeah, you say superior while I'm blowing my nose. I'm not so as superior in health.
Weather Talk: Cold December and Chinooks
00:00:51
Speaker
Well, mean, there there are many many factors in superiority. So, yeah. yeah No, I'm sure you're saying it, but but, you know, it being December, and I'm sure you're experiencing the coldness in the great up north.
00:01:08
Speaker
um But right right now it's below freezing, and yeah I'm still getting used to it. Oh, how do you manage?
00:01:19
Speaker
we we We literally had a day like it was in the 70s. There was a day I think it was in the 70s and then like within 24 hours it dropped below freezing. You know, though those are rough even for us, because like you don't get a chance to acclimatize.
00:01:33
Speaker
so Yeah. Because below freezing, like, it's not uncommon for me to be outside in a t-shirt sometimes, like just because you get used to it, right? and But sometimes even if it's like above for freezing, but it's just been a massive temperature swing, then you just you just can't get used to it. and You're like, oh my god, it's so cold.
00:01:51
Speaker
Even though it's really, subjectively, it really isn't. Or objective? don't know, one of those. Well, I mean, at least here in Maryland, they always say you experience, you can experience four seasons in one day.
00:02:06
Speaker
And that's been very true as a late, I mean, but right now it's been very cold the last few weeks. But um yeah, I feel like we're having an early winter. <unk> good It's going to feel like a long winter.
00:02:19
Speaker
Right. Because technically it's not winter yet. we We have the similar, there's a different saying in here that says, if you don't like the weather, wait 10 minutes. Because it can change quite drastically. and In my province, we also get things that are called Chinooks. and ah Basically, it's like it's like this warm weather front. so it's like It can be in the dead of winter. like It's been super cold. Then all of a sudden, you just get this unseasonable warmth that just rolls in. So you're talking like Uh, like just these massive temperature swings, like I, you probably in Fahrenheit, I imagine 50, 60, 60 degree temperature swings, maybe even more so. Like it's, it's pretty substantial. That's memory heights it's about 50.
00:03:02
Speaker
Yeah. it's It's wild. Like, uh, so, and it's like, yeah. And, and, and this can happen in the course of like an hour. Yeah. ah So. so Someone you can never get used to.
00:03:14
Speaker
Not really, yeah. and it's It plays havoc on everything from from roads to cars, transportation, like everything. It doesn't matter what you're talking about. Nothing likes massive temperature
Holiday Season and Weather Themes
00:03:25
Speaker
swings. Yeah, but i might I don't want to steer you off course, as it is our holiday-themed episode.
00:03:32
Speaker
Well, i mean, you can't you can't have a Christmas-themed episode without cold and snow, I guess, unless you're in Australia or something like that. That's true. but But to yeah for us, it's got to have cold and snow. We don't want a brown Christmas. That is depressing.
00:03:47
Speaker
No. um I'm hoping for a white Christmas, and and now with the weather it being the way it is, I think there's a good chance of it. Oh, cool. But anyway, I want to pick up first as far as before we get into more of the themes of today.
Exploring 'Chainsaw Man': First Impressions and Plot Twists
00:04:02
Speaker
i wanted to to go off from what we talked about last show is I know i know you you did get you got to watch a little more of Chainsaw Man. I know that was a big focus of of ah last um of the last show. And um in in I actually got to watch the movie again.
00:04:18
Speaker
um with it happened to be on streaming this past week. And and my girlfriend and I, we we we ah rewatched it. So and it was okay but definitely it was a thrill watching second time because I feel like, I think it felt different, especially because watching it in 3D in theaters and then watching it just on the screen at home, I could kind of pay attention to more of the details, not things were, because things were coming at my face and it was like more of a a sensory overload.
00:04:48
Speaker
So, but I'd be curious, how much more of the show did you get to watch? I'm James O'Malley. Yeah, I think think I was saying before the show there, I think I got to like episode 9 or 10 possibly. I mean, definitely the thing that you talked about where like You know, shit goes down. Yes. I think i think the shit definitely went down. ah Basically, everybody dies.
00:05:12
Speaker
and that's spoiler. Oh, well. I'm assuming at this point we've we've talked yeah quite a bit about this show. so But, yeah, it's just... I mean, it's neat.
00:05:23
Speaker
I guess I can't say i was really expecting that. Yeah. um But, yeah, so... I know the episode you're talking about because it kind of takes... ah hard a hard left turn, a hard right turn, whichever way that is. ah When, I know, because you have the one girl with the eye patch, and she she she gets a little handsy yeah with our our main guy, you know which she shouldn't be.
00:05:55
Speaker
I guess depending on where you are on the planet, it's either you know something that's maybe questionable to just outright illegal. Yes. Yes. and and And I remember watching that episode. I remember thinking, i because I was like, oh, it seemed like kind of cute. kid Because like, oh, at the end, they're like, all right, they know it's not it's not right. We shouldn't do this. Like, hey I want to get with this girl. I want get with this guy. i was like, oh, this is cute. that yeah that they're They're looking out for each other. They're going to try to find each other's significant other. um And then, no, that doesn't happen at all. Mm-hmm.
00:06:33
Speaker
Yeah, and then shit hits the fan and the show goes in a completely different direction than I expected.
Critique of 'Chainsaw Man': Worth Finishing?
00:06:39
Speaker
it It does indeed. it doesn't yeah So so you you so you stopped these you you stopped with the battle between the but the chainsaw man and the kaana man Uh, I think, i think I stopped right around the point where they're getting the training. So if I'm off on my episode count, it's because like, I mean, I don't really, i can't, I couldn't tell you what happened in one episode versus the other. I can tell you how the story progresses though. Right. So right now they're getting in there. Like the training from the guy that likes them, but at the same time despises them. So like that that's that's where I'm at right now.
00:07:16
Speaker
Yeah. I like that guy. as a As do I. yeah I was a little bit more i was a little more into it. and then yeah i just ah i know Sometimes it's like it kind of kind of takes good... Sometimes those shows like they go on the back burner. you know life Life can get in the way a lot, especially with all the snow we talk about. if you have go outside and shovel snow three, four, five times in a day. i' say its it takes a lot it takes a lot of the day up, I'm sure.
00:07:41
Speaker
ah it It can. It can. It's just like you go in to work on Monday, you'll be like, hey, what'd you do this weekend? I was like, she's traveled. It's like, yeah. Yeah, me too, actually. Yeah, me too, eh? Exactly.
00:07:53
Speaker
Okay, so so you think you you might get back in the show when ah ah when you have more time? i might I'm at a point where it's like, I think you said there's a dozen or so episodes. I mean, I might as well finish it and kind of give you overall. I mean, so far, it's like, I get the appeal of the show, and I i think that it's one of those things where it's like, I'm not... I think that I don't get into it quite as much as I have other anime, and it's not necessarily...
00:08:20
Speaker
To put it down it just might not be exactly my jam. I still do think it's it's good in a lot of ways It certainly has some moments that I enjoy i just I think just in overall, it's like, it might not be my jam, but I'll preserve judgment. Sometimes you watch it in its entirety and then sometimes I'll be like, you know what, I'm gonna give it a second wash through. And sometimes you end up enjoying something more, like substantially more than second wash through, just depending on the mood you're in. And yeah they have and now maybe if you give it like some time to breathe now,
00:08:50
Speaker
and then go back to it. Maybe you just have certain things. You can kind see a different light or something. But you only have, I think, two or three more episodes to finish the season. So yeah, I do recommend just finishing it and then watching the movie.
00:09:05
Speaker
And then like then you'll be set for, like I don't even know if they announce how long the next season's supposed to be. Probably like two or three years. like like You know how long animes can be because it takes a long time to cook.
00:09:18
Speaker
you you are You don't want to rest the process with this. And I know there's already so much strain. there's so much ah ah There's so much backlash going on with how animators are treated.
00:09:32
Speaker
um Right. Versus the pay, versus the long work hours and everything. It's... Yeah, it's a... I've never looked into a too, too much. I just heard it's ah it's basically like it's a it's an occupation you get into mostly for like the prestige and the love of the art. Yes. I don't think that, yeah, you you're going to struggle to put food on the table from what i understand. Right. which Which isn't funny, but you know, I was chuckling because it's not funny if yeah if you if you get what I mean.
00:10:01
Speaker
Yeah, so... ah But yeah, so... But i i guess I guess
Comparing 'The Running Man': Original vs. Remake
00:10:06
Speaker
moving on. so I know what one of the big topics we want to talk about today was a new film that came out. A remake of a film from the 80s.
00:10:14
Speaker
um I guess it was a ah book. It was an adapted... A book that was adapted to a film in the 80s starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. One the biggest action heroes of all time, especially in the 80s.
00:10:30
Speaker
And then they decided to remake this movie. Because they wanted to remake it so it's a little more faithful to the book. Right. From what I hear. heard... i did i did read ah you know, whether or not this is true, don't really know. But I heard that whereas ah Stephen King is the one that wrote the book. Yes. Whereas he didn't have... ah He didn't really want to be associated with the first movie because it was so it deviated so much from what he had written. And he said that this one, he kind of gave it the ah you gave it the green light, the blessing, or okay whatever you want to call it, right? He said that this new version is truer to the book.
00:11:08
Speaker
I haven't read the book, but like as time goes on, like I'm very tempted to. i mean, The Running Man is a childhood favorite movie for me, so there's a lot of nostalgia there. And it is one that I watched like anytime it was on TV.
00:11:24
Speaker
ah I knew that I saw that that was on. i was like, I know what I'm going to be doing for the next, you know, hour and a half to two. Well, the three hours, depending on how the ads are. That's true. tv For the TV movies.
00:11:36
Speaker
ah But yeah, so it is one that has a special place in my heart. so So how many times have you watched the the original movie? ah I mean if I had to guess I would say and you got to go from the time that I was about I think the first time I watched it I was i believe i was probably nine years old okay and then i would say I've easily watched it you know, like a dozen, 15 times over the course of my life.
00:12:07
Speaker
Uh, so... Again, it's never one I owned, it was only one that, like, it was just on TV a fair bit. Right. Obviously, you know, a lot of times can be, like, kind of heavily edited, but, uh... Uh, but yeah, so... i mean, I love the movie, I know that, uh...
00:12:24
Speaker
it might not be I think it's one that that's under the radar, I think, for Arnie movies. I don't think it's necessarily... A lot of people never even heard of it. and And one of the things that I loved about it was it's you know it takes place... well Sorry, it was made in... I think it was 1986, correct me if I'm wrong, or 87? Something like that. And it it talks about a couple things that weren't around at the time that were going to come around.
00:12:52
Speaker
Kind like reality TV and then so you know watched the running man and it was something was watching growing up and then and then when survivor for the first season came out I was oh shit running man's coming to life And then and then fast forwarding to the deep fake technology which they have in that movie which is crazy for the 80s and it's pretty much like verbatim it is fake technology And the fact that they had that back then, it was just like, you it was little on the nose for a lot of commentary. Well, that's the thing, the movie was ahead of its time.
00:13:26
Speaker
it It certainly was. yeah And, uh... I, again, it's another thing that, like, I read. I read that ah the thing was like a production nightmare. Apparently went through three directors, three separate visions of what they thought the finished products would look like.
00:13:40
Speaker
And in most cases, I'd say that's just going to be a dumpster fire of a movie. But in this case, I actually think it helped it make better. It helped make it better. ah in that you've got all of these types of visions about this this movie.
00:13:55
Speaker
It's very 80s. It's very retro. And they they lean into it heavily. And and I think it it just helps the movie even more. Yeah. and in i So I've only seen the original once. So I've seen the original once. I've seen that i watched the new one.
00:14:12
Speaker
yeah um If I remember correctly, i mean like the the first the original one, it kind of feels a bit more like American Gladiators. I'm not mistaken. I would say a little bit more, yeah, because they've got the, uh, the Stalkers, those are the bad guys, basically. Yeah. Yeah, they're kind of, uh, very dressed up. I'd say, like, I mean, American Gladiator slash, like, uh, you know, ah the World Wrestling ah game, because it even has, uh,
00:14:41
Speaker
Who was in that? as it just I want to say Jesse Ventura. Jesse Ventura, yeah. yeah so and Yeah. So they really lean into the ah the the glitz and the glamour, the the costumes ah that goes into the the wrestling world. why At the time, like a wrestling really blew up.
00:14:58
Speaker
It did. That time in the 80s. I'm sure they probably took a piece of that and were like, oh we can incorporate this in the book. Instead of doing being more faithful to the book, we can do this and make it cooler. you know Time to get people to the wrestling fans out there. yeah Yeah.
00:15:14
Speaker
Okay. Okay. So now you you you have this history with the original. Right. you're go You're going in to the new one. So the new one... and then knowing that it's going to be a lot different. I mean, of course the character names will be the same. The the show will be, ah seem larger than than life to people. Like everybody watches it similar to the original, but so you're diving in with this. I'm curious, ah all your thoughts, take it away. i want to know. Okay.
Michael Cera and Socio-Economic Commentary in Film
00:15:43
Speaker
Okay. I'm excited about this. Yeah. yeah i mean, obviously like, yeah I, I'm not gonna I'm obviously gonna compare the two but I don't really know that you know it it's one of those things were like the remake and the original there are two very different stories they're two very different takes on it I don't really feel like it was like a quote remake um so and I'm gonna watch it from from in that light I guess so I mean I went in there you know not really expecting one thing or another
00:16:14
Speaker
I did think that the how Arnold Schwarzenegger was on the the dollar bills, I thought that was a ah cute bill. It was cut those a nice and yeah and a nice little nod to the original there. Yes, it was. i mean But otherwise, I think that they did the they they really did try to to separate everything from the original. They had the dance montage that was very similar to the eighty s ah the 80s movie, and then and then apart from that, i can't say that there was too too many similarities. I think that's it. i will and Exactly. so yeah the one thing want to start off with, ah the person that I feel stole the show the most, don't if you know I'm going with this, but I'm definitely going to say Michael Ciro's part there. Michael Ciro! my god like he he he killed it.
00:17:02
Speaker
He was slaying me on screen. i loved... every Every single second of his screen time I thought was phenomenal. I haven't seen him in a little while so it was kind of like, it's kind of cool. Like, I mean, obviously I saw him in the opening credits and I was like, oh, okay, he's in this. was like, I'm interested. He's coming like an hour in. Yeah, and then he came on and I was like, he, he I loved it. I loved it. Every little bit he was in, i was like, that was awesome. I think if nothing else, it is worth watching the movie just for that part alone.
00:17:30
Speaker
Don't mention the hot dogs. Don't mention the hot dogs, that's right. So, uh, otherwise, I mean, I'll start off with like, I guess, uh, some light criticism, I guess.
00:17:42
Speaker
Uh, it's not that, uh, you know, it's got your boy. I know you love him. I like Glenn Powell. Yeah, like, i know i know that you you've you've talked about him a fair bit. I think even a couple years ago you were saying that you were hoping you were going to see him in some more stuff, and here we are talking about some more stuff. I know, yeah. And and i'm not gonna I'm not trying to make negative commentary about his physique.
00:18:03
Speaker
Obviously, he got jacked. He looks great. I was like, I'm not trying to like the shit
Character Development in 'The Running Man'
00:18:08
Speaker
on his accomplishments. Yeah, yeah, but but they they they ah showed off a little bit with west shirtless. Yes, they did. yeah My issue and my gripe with all of that, I guess, I am going to compare it to the original, because the original,
00:18:22
Speaker
ah So Arnold Schwarzenegger, I mean, he's he's a soldier. So there's there's an explanation why he's that jacked because he's obviously got access to food. He's got some spare time to get jacked. in the And this scenario, like Glenn Powell, he's he's supposed to be, you know, on the verge of, like, bankruptcy. Like, he can't afford basic medication for his kid. Like, they're living, obviously, not even paycheck to paycheck and stuff like that. Apparently his wife is, like...
00:18:51
Speaker
essentially pouring herself out to cover the bills is like i feel like the amount of food he was eating to get that jacked probably could have paid for his kids medication okay can i mean someone's gonna be like you're reading too far into this it's a nitpick it's a nitpick i obviously am yeah but still i just i don't know and especially with just the amount of ripness because You know, you you can be you can be fit working at a job without being completely ripped by ba like that. I was like, know you go to the gym.
00:19:24
Speaker
i was like, I know you probably got some supplements and some shit in you. That stuff ain't cheap. That's all I'm going to say. It's definitely more of the of of a movie adaption. have to have like You have to have a good looking... It is. i know it's It's something for the ladies. you know know they dont They don't want dry seats in the movie theaters and stuff like that. I get it. I'm just saying. But anyways, i mean ah so apart from that, great... I think the two biggest differences, I guess, is that ah the original Running Man, I mean, they're talking about, like, it's the future, right? It's a commentary on things to come, which is, but that this current version, it's a commentary on how things currently are, right? I don't think they're talking about anything that's up and coming. it is very much...
00:20:07
Speaker
What is happening today in society so that yes commentary is a little bit different in that regard ah Still good is still interesting ah But again, it's just a very very different take I think that the one thing where it's like I feel like there was a lot of his character relying on just blind luck for not getting caught And it was like, it was almost a bit too much. I think that if I was directing it, I think I would have changed some things up a bit. Like, he's just there's just a little bit too much luck there sometimes.
00:20:37
Speaker
I did like how it kind of showed the the there wass like with the kind of hell at the three types of runners yeah like in the game.
00:20:49
Speaker
and And they kind of had those three runners. um like like that That was a part of his team as well. yeah um you know you had the one who was yeah the complete moron. He doesn't take it seriously at all.
00:21:04
Speaker
The one that's just living the high life. Living the high life yes and and nothing nothing can kill you. Then you have the one who's who's really trying and being in disguise and being smart about everything.
00:21:15
Speaker
yeah um I like how they did that. Yeah. And then, like, I loved to... well It's funny, because you're bringing up as far as the actor's standouts.
00:21:27
Speaker
One of the standouts for me, I really like the ah the the host of the show. Right. I i've really liked, you know, as far as... Well, I liked... um like I liked his completion of the arc at the end, his his little arc he had. But I just really liked, he he definitely commanded the screen very well. can see I can see why he was chosen as to be the host.
00:21:52
Speaker
And he did a good job of mi ah manipulating the crowd and everything and doing what he's supposed to do as far as what's real what's not. Because he makes it feel everything that's happening on the screen is real, no matter how they alter it, you know?
00:22:08
Speaker
And and i I also like, I mean, I i always like Josh Brolin. he's he He's always the man to me. So so he was good at that role. You can't not like Josh Brolin. Yeah. true I feel like I've watched so many things with him lately.
00:22:21
Speaker
It's been like a big year for for Josh. Joshy boy. minute um I'll actually talk about another movie after this one that he was in. But um yeah, but getting back to Glenn Powell,
00:22:35
Speaker
Because, you know, he is my boy. Right. um ah he He definitely showed a lot of his range. um i think I think what kind of took me a little bit out of it was kind of like... i couldn't tell like that like the tone the movie was going for at times.
00:22:54
Speaker
I know what you mean. Yeah, I agree. Because it was it was taking things a little too seriously and a little bit too goofy. i was like... Yes. And it it kind of took me out of it. I'm like, wait, what are we trying to be here? oh what there was There was that one scene where they're just like, they're talking about, because he's he's trying to portray himself as being like super, super angry. Yes, and right. And then she's kind of like naming off some stuff. She's just like, yeah, like, and then he's just like,
00:23:20
Speaker
<unk> She's like, how how do you feel about that? He's that really pisses me off. and And again, it kind of seemed joking, right? Whereas like he's trying to play this angry. i don't know that he plays angry very well is is is part of the thing. I think he's a little bit too much charm and charisma. And he seems more like a laid back guy in general.
00:23:39
Speaker
Yeah, I kind of wish they didn't make him as angry. Yes, i especially he's he's not the right guy for it, I think. I think, I mean, because ah the concept of this is, you know, it doesn't seem too out there, you know, especially nowadays. Not at all, no, not at all.
00:23:56
Speaker
It's right up there with, ah what's that wass that was that Korean show? Squid Games. so game yes yes so I don't know why I didn't think about that right away. Don't judge me too harshly.
00:24:08
Speaker
Sometimes have these mental farts. Yeah, so I wish there was a little more levity to it and not take itself too seriously but based off this kind of concept.
Edgar Wright's Direction: A Departure from Style?
00:24:18
Speaker
Yeah. um Especially knowing the director, too. Because um i this is the same director who did like Hot Fuzz, Shaun of the Dead, Baby Driver. I feel like all those movies had had more levity to it. was little more fun in a way.
00:24:37
Speaker
Right. Especially when we get towards the end, it's like, oh, this is all the way serious. Mm-hmm. You know? Yeah, really deep into the commentary again and everything, right? so Yes. Yeah, it was getting a little too preachy ah for me. Yeah.
00:24:55
Speaker
I was like, well, you know, i guess I guess if it is being true to the book, it it does have to follow that. But then, like, I feel like some things don't translate as well with a movie. If you're trying to contain, we're trying to, I don't know, kind of condense it in a way.
00:25:11
Speaker
Yeah, I think that, and again, i I intend to read it at some point. I probably should, but it's like, ah from my understanding too, it's not staying 100% true to the book. Still taking some liberties. um so and that's one more reason that makes me very curious to read the book.
00:25:28
Speaker
But, yeah. Yeah, and I mean, if you're if you're making, if you're turning a book into two movies, the book's gotta to be good, you know? feel it's gotta be a great freaking book. Yeah.
00:25:40
Speaker
But... but Yes, so i was I definitely enjoyed the film like more in the beginning than I was towards the end. like I think like i think like with when Michael Cera came in and learning about him and doing all that, I feel like after that, then it it would go went a little downhill for me.
00:25:57
Speaker
I kind of agree, and I feel it was longer than it needed to be, and it's one thing... Oh my god, I'm glad you brought that up. cool that The movie was two hours and 20 minutes, I think, almost.
00:26:09
Speaker
For a chase movie, essentially. It should have been an hour 45. They should have cut down 30 minutes of this movie. Yes. Yes. Especially after the Michael Cera part, I felt the drag.
00:26:21
Speaker
Yeah. And i was like, oh man, there's so much feel like they could have cut here. And yeah you shouldn't be thinking about that when you're like when you're in the midst of the movie. You haven't got to the ending yet you're thinking that certain things should be cut. No, no. And it's and that's that's one of the things where it's like I love about the original is that like, you know, yes everything, the exposition, they just, they jump your right into it.
00:26:43
Speaker
They don't waste any time. And like at the end of the movie, if anything, it keeps you wanting just a little bit more rather than the other way where you're just like, I could have taken a little bit less. Yeah. And I think what what's more of a strength for for Arnold's version, I think his character was a bit more likable. So like you're rooting for him more.
00:27:03
Speaker
Whereas I feel like with Glenn Pal's, um like, you know, you have the moment with the family and everything and all that, I feel like thought there wasn't enough of that.
00:27:13
Speaker
like i feel like there's some things that they could have cut and maybe brought more of the family dynamic or, like, make them a little more fun or, like, little more chemical or just something like, make you root for or not just be like, oh, okay, you guys are in a bad situation. It's like, okay, yeah okay, so we're we're just being thrust into this and then It was like, okay, now now it puts a root for you. yeah we like all two time that look That longer run time could have gone to the the exposition more into the the family life at the start.
00:27:45
Speaker
yeah Because that would be more of a motivational thing. um yeah Yeah, because I feel like that's just it the kind of gloss over that and then they're just like, oh, like, let's jump into the chase and there's make this really long.
00:27:57
Speaker
ah be sir it it worked Yes. Yeah. because and i feel like with Because I don't remember in the original movie, but with um like, how long was it from when Arnold started the game versus when he finished?
00:28:14
Speaker
Do you remember? ah like start oh ah so what So basically, okay, i mean, if I had to kind of guess, I feel like there's maybe 15 minutes, 15 minutes, 20 tops before they they hop into the game and then it it lasts.
00:28:32
Speaker
I would say until the end of the movie, except it doesn't because the game gets interrupted. no, no I mean, as far as like ah the time in the film, like ah as far as the days that he's in the game. Oh, it's, yeah, well, the days in the game, it's one day. don't think it's... There you go, it's one day.
00:28:49
Speaker
Yeah, because that it's not it's not the same thing, because this one's like, it's this 30-day race. 30 days. That's a problem right there for move for a movie. that The thing, yeah, the thing for the first movie is that, like, you're not supposed to even last one battle. Like, you're going in there. it's it's basic They're basically executing you, right? yeah And again, it's just just more commentary.
00:29:10
Speaker
about about you know what what what the movie's trying to portray, or the book's trying to portray, in my my mind anyways. Yeah. and ah And I feel like it does... i feel like that the original does a bit better of a job with that, even with like some of the commentary about like you know the one guy got arrested because he's trying to teach people the Constitution.
00:29:28
Speaker
okay and And these are just little throwaway things, rather than the heavier... kind of more in-your-face commentary of the second one when he's just like, how much did you pay for that scarf? You know, like it's, you know, when he's talking to the to the girl that he as sent originally kidnaps and then kind of Stockholm syndromes her until, you know, she she's on board too kind of deal. So it's like,
00:29:50
Speaker
Yeah, like and and I feel like for me, it's like the the Arnold Schwarzenegger kind of typical action movie, ah one-liners and stuff like that. and you know, when he's talking about like one of the guys, he's like, Behold, you're Sub-Zero.
00:30:05
Speaker
Now, plain Zero. My Arnold Schwarzenegger is is horrible. I'm not trying to even emulate him anything like that. But I feel like that and leaning into that even more...
00:30:17
Speaker
It just kind of adds to the the whole idea of like this distractive content that everyone's consuming ah to to not make them focus on like the grim realities i guess of of ah what's happening to the society. right yeah I feel like that movie did a better job because it leaned into that.
00:30:37
Speaker
He even says his I'll be back quote that obviously he's famous for in the Terminator movies. So, and and I feel like, I don't know that that was intentionally done for that reason, but it it just ends up adding to it a little bit more, and it's ah it's more subtle, right? So, ah yeah, like is it's it's a movie that, if you want to just enjoy, you know, just a stupid kind of action flick, you can do it, and then at the same time, if you really want to explore the depths of the of the social commentary stuff that, you can do that as well. And I always prefer movies that do it in that regard,
00:31:12
Speaker
rather than ones that are trying to cram commentary down your throat yeah which unfortunately i do feel like the second is trying to do just a little bit more yes a little too much just especially towards the end yeah and then then the problem is sometimes it's like you know the whole point of going to the movies is to have a little bit of escape from the things like you know i don't want to be reminded well it's like i know so so that's the next thing i say that they want to bring up we can wrap this up Okay, sounds good, sounds good. So the other thing is with the director Edgar Wright. So I think this is his worst film.
00:31:46
Speaker
um Which is not, you know, I like most of his films. Like all his films are really, like some of my favorites of all time. But if you told me that he directed this movie, I would be like, what? Really? No way.
00:32:03
Speaker
there There wasn't like a signature, there there wasn't like any flair or whatever that I'm used to from like from like him and Baby Driver or whatever, Sean the Dead, Hot Fuzz. Like it it didn't feel like it was his movie, you know? Right. Like I feel like there's pieces of him that I could see in those and like, oh yeah, yeah that's like a classic thing he does with like the music or like he he his his action is finely tuned to like the editing and all that.
00:32:28
Speaker
Like with this, I couldn't and tell. Like it just seemed like, it seemed more generic. than anything, you know? Okay, yeah. I can see what you're saying there. I mean, like, for the record, I mean, I did still enjoy the movie. I'm not trying to... was watch. I enjoyed I'm not saying it was bad. I'm not saying it was bad. not saying it was bad. I'm not saying it's his worst film. So, like, his worst film, to me, it's like a 5, 6 out of 10, you know, and still. Okay, okay.
00:32:56
Speaker
um But yeah, i just wanna draw that point real quick because...
'Die Hard' as a Christmas Classic?
00:33:00
Speaker
Yeah, I mean, ah I'm sure that I'll watch it again at some point, but I'll probably end up watching the original far, far more, and it is still one that I'm always excited to get somebody to watch the original if they haven't seen it.
00:33:13
Speaker
um Because of how under the radar it was. and yeah you know I always tell people, it was like master made in the 80s, keep that in mind. like This is before the internet, this is before reality TV, before any of that stuff.
00:33:26
Speaker
like and and It's just just amazing how on point it was about so many things. Yeah, with this one I don't think I'll watch it again. um It just seems like a movie that'll just come and go. I gotta watch it at least once more for my boy Michael Cera. He kills it. It's worth it for his performance alone. That's what YouTube's for. I'm sure his is is clips on YouTube will be be be highly... i guess I guess there's that. I'm not i not really wanting to do that, but yeah. Yes.
00:33:55
Speaker
um But, ah yeah. Alright, so now we can get more into the theme of today. Alright. we We get more of the Christmas theme. And ah before you go, I just want to say, I know we talked about Die Hard on this to death.
00:34:11
Speaker
and we and we know You can never talk too much about Die Hard. I know, I know. yeah And and you you and me both agree it it is a Christmas movie. Absolutely. Yes.
00:34:21
Speaker
that They're all Christmas movies. that they They even have a lot of relations to ah Christmas in the third one, even though it takes place in the summertime. That's true. so yeah they's still Well, that's why we always say, like the people who think Die Hard is a Christmas movie, there's people that are wrong.
00:34:37
Speaker
so let's do it That's all there is to it. Exactly. um so So I got i got to watch it with with with my girlfriend. um She hasn't seen it since... Oh, wow, okay. she's a see She's seen it. Oh, she's seen it. But like her her mom like had it on when she was like nine.
00:34:54
Speaker
so that doesn't So she basically has not seen it. I'm like, when you watch Die High when you're an adult, that's when that's when you see it for the first time. right big um So it was very so of course of course she loved and everything. she She was fully engaged the whole time. but But the moment that thought was so funny, I just want to bring up, is because because she she she only really knows alan rickman from harry potter as as professor snape and like and i kept telling him like you know this is like his first movie it's like his first movie role he's ever done yeah um she's like oh wow really i i i want to see what he's like and then like once he comes on the screen so like once he he walks out of um
00:35:36
Speaker
the uh the the the uh the back of the truck he's ease's with all the other uh the other uh all the other goons yeah um and he walks up and she's just like whoa he's hot like what he's like i've never known known him to be like that i'm like yeah i mean he's like he's like wait like 40 maybe yeah he was a good looking cat there for sure no wrong she's not wrong Yeah, and that's what we're talking about too, as far as like, you know, he was one of those actors that started later and he he was just killing it ever ever since he did that role.
00:36:10
Speaker
um And then, ah yeah, and then I was telling her about the the fun little fact as far as when, ah when at the end, when when he falls off the building and like, you know, they they let loose the watch. And I told her, I'm like, yeah, you know, like when they filmed that,
00:36:27
Speaker
they the the director said, I'm going to count the three and then and let go. So just be ready. And then when he count off, he dropped him on one. so like so So that whole reaction he's falling, that's real because he really thinks something went wrong and he's actually falling.
00:36:44
Speaker
That's so funny. ah Yeah. So I just want to bring that up, you know, because I i feel like i like i like every Christmas, you never say we we have now. We have to throw in Die Hard at some point. 100%. but ah but but but But you were saying that you watched a new Christmas film, so I'll be curious to hear about that.
00:37:04
Speaker
Yeah, yeah. So...
Review of 'Oh What Fun': Humor and Heart
00:37:07
Speaker
It's kind of a bit under the radar too, but once once i once I found out who was in it, I was game, i was like, i want us want to watch this movie, I'm i'm intrigued. We talked about a different movie, I think it was Last Christmas, The Ref, that starred Dennis Leary.
00:37:24
Speaker
Yes, it it was my first time watching that last year. Right, right. So, and I mean, again, that's a' kind of a a bit of it more of a childhood, I guess, Christmas movie for me. um I watched it many many times over the years. And then so there was this newer movie with Dennis Leary that I think it just came out.
00:37:44
Speaker
It's called Oh What Fun. Also starring ah i guess the 1990s catwoman Michelle Pfeiffer who unfortunately not giving us any sort of tongue tongue bathing or anything in this movie. She looks good.
00:38:00
Speaker
but So that that would be my one negative commentary. None of that. should have been But anyways, not that I haven't seen her in anything in in forever either. So, uh, but it was a good movie. Like, uh, Dennis Leary, like he wouldn't say like, he's not cracking any jokes. He didn't go he didn't do a monologue, which I was a little, a little sad about. i feel like, I feel like he, he needs to do more monologuing. Like that's kind of, that was kind of his shtick for so long. Like I just want to see a Dennis Leary monologue, but no, he's just playing, he's playing grandpa. It's good grandpa, I guess. Uh,
00:38:33
Speaker
And it was given the age of a grandpa now he is. ah Yes. And he's married married to Michelle Pfeiffer. No, it was a good movie. Like there was definitely a few scenes that kind of lay into the kind of awkward humor.
00:38:50
Speaker
So there was quite a few scenes that that did make me laugh. It does have, you know, that the Christmas necessary a message at the end about basically, you know, I guess taking mums for granted, especially at at Christmas time, which I'm sure a lot of people are guilty of because Christmas is a lot of work.
00:39:12
Speaker
Especially if you get like, you know, a lot of people you're trying to entertain for and all that kind of stuff. So, uh, so it's got that. It's also got, uh, Ava Longoria?
00:39:23
Speaker
think it is. Yeah. Haven't seen her in anything. she' was pretty good in this one too. enjoyed it. So, uh, I don't know this i want to spoil too much. How was, uh, how was i Jason Schwartzman?
00:39:39
Speaker
I'm, uh, drawing a blank. Oh, please tell me know who that is.
00:39:44
Speaker
I feel like I'll recognize him if I knew who it was. i do not know him by name. i guess he was the guy with the beard? The guy with the beard. you know facial hair I guess we we got we got the internet right now. I mean, I can just again just this is Google this, I guess. So he's usually pretty funny in the movies i I see. That's why. ah I'm like... He has a sense of humor.
00:40:09
Speaker
Okay, uh... You said... Is Jason Schwartzman? Yes.
00:40:16
Speaker
Uh... Ticket. Okay. Clicking on his picture now. I thought were going know off the top. bad. thought you knew him, man. Uh... Okay. Yes. I do recognize him.
00:40:27
Speaker
um Yeah, he was kind of playing a bit of a weirdo in this movie, I guess. Okay. I wouldn't say he was a i mean he he was in scenes that were funny, but he was kind of just playing an awkward weirdo, is the best way to put it.
00:40:48
Speaker
So, again i' was good this guy it's also up to Chloe Grace Moretz. Yep, like her. minute Yeah, it was... All in all, I mean, like, it's... It's an enjoyable Christmas... ah Kind of Hallmark-y, but not quite Hallmark-y movie. It was good. Like, I enjoyed it. I wouldn't say it's, like... wouldn't say it's, like, anyone's best. I wouldn't say it's necessarily one of the best Christmas movies, but... Is that something you'll re-watch Another Christmas...
00:41:19
Speaker
Honestly, I probably won't okay re-watch it, but it is worth a singular watch. okay ah I would recommend it. Who knows? Maybe it'll become a Christmas classic to you.
00:41:32
Speaker
ah i don't know. i mean i think I think the problem for me is that, like when i for instance, when i see Dennis Leary, there are certain expectations I have. I'm not saying he did a bad job by any means. He didn't.
00:41:45
Speaker
i just I just want him to be more Dennis Leary. Isn't
00:41:52
Speaker
isn' it kind of crazy? We haven't had like many Christmas classics recently, you know? ah Yeah, I mean, I'd say... i would definitely say that that's that's that's as true.
00:42:06
Speaker
like that The classics, I think, are definitely more more so from the 80s and 90s, which is funny because this movie starts out ah kind of with some meta-type commentary... on classic Christmas movies and they were basically all from the 80s and 90s. I think there was, well obviously going into the early with stuff like Elf I guess. The only most recent one I can think of is Elf.
00:42:27
Speaker
Yeah and that's not recent, like that's not recent at all, so. Yeah. Yeah, feel like there were a lot of Christmas that came out in the 2010s that were just like, oh yeah that was okay, that was okay it was enjoyable.
00:42:42
Speaker
Yeah. like like I mean, like the one I think of that I did rewatch again that I think I liked even more watching a second time. Yeah. um I think it was ah the the the the night before.
00:42:58
Speaker
Right. Well, we talked about on the show. ah Yes, we did. Christmases ago. Yes. that I would say that that is definitely and I have watched that one. on more than one Christmas now, so I guess it's kind of... It's in the it's in the mix. Yeah, it's like it's like not quite there to classic, but it's like... still But still rewatchable.
00:43:16
Speaker
I feel like you fast forward 10, 15 years from now, it might end up becoming a classic. It is a good movie, and I know I will be watching it again, too. So like it. It could need more time, that's true. Yeah, so that that is just the case sometimes with some of them. But yeah, like, I mean, in general...
00:43:35
Speaker
I would say that people aren't putting as much effort into the Christmas movies, and I think that a people just want to go to their their favorite classics. don't know that they necessarily want to make new classics. Especially book films that come into theaters. like it's it's It's rare nowadays for a Christmas film to be in theaters. like If you're making a Christmas movie, you're putting it on streaming.
00:43:53
Speaker
Yeah, like, well, last year I did see, i think I talked about that Red One movie. Yeah. Which which I do recommend. think it's a good watch. went bomb, though. It probably probably did. Yeah. I'm not saying it deserved to bomb. I enjoyed it. I thought it was actually a good movie. Yeah, and i can I can see studios taking note of that and not being like, we I don't think Chris's movie is making money anymore.
00:44:16
Speaker
i think that that's... I think the problem these days, though, too, is that, like, just... what is required for a movie to make a profit in the movie theaters is like, it's gotten so exorbitant that even some of these old Christmas classics that we talk about, like, they bomb him in today's box office industry or whatever you want to call it.
00:44:38
Speaker
it I don't think they'd be successful films either. Right. It's true. The requirements are so high these days, right? So, and i mean, Christmas is like, it's a tough...
00:44:50
Speaker
It's a tough one because it's like, there's there's a lot there's a lot of expectation, I think, when it comes to Christmas movies. right There's a lot of classics you're fighting against. and like And I think the problem is, and like and we're talking about Die Hard, I think there's an unwillingness to explore different types of movies other than just kind of like the drama comedy, which is that for the most part what people make Christmas movies with. I mean, you know you try to make an action movie, Sure, it works sometimes with Die Hard, even though people used still argue that it's a Christmas movie.
00:45:22
Speaker
And then you get ones that... No, the people are wrong. We talked about that. Exactly. only have Pam No Mind. Exactly. And so, know, there's different types of genres and stuff like that. We get some Christmas sci-fi stuff going on, but it doesn't really seem like anyone's... No one's really trying to give it an effort.
00:45:43
Speaker
And, you know, maybe in the future, you know, you never know. You never know, We shall see. You never know. um but Anything else you you want to add? ah ah Before we wrap up and talk about the next show?
00:45:56
Speaker
i think I think that'll do it. That'll that'll they'll be it for me, man. that's that's That's Christmas. I'm all Christmas-ed out, I guess. I'm not. It's the 15th, really, but I'm actually kind getting psyched for the upcoming Christmas. Got a lot of time off.
00:46:12
Speaker
Gonna drink a lot of eggnog. Oh, dude, I've been i' been way ahead of you. I been i drank a i brought a handle whatever to to a party. We killed that thing real quick.
00:46:23
Speaker
Okay, yeah. i've already I've already gotten into the eggnog. I'm not saying I haven't already. I have. Yeah, yeah yeah that's probably one of my favorite things about Christmas is eggnog. I only drink it this time only.
00:46:38
Speaker
Yeah, well, that's, yeah, I mean, it's, yeah, it's it's kind of, i don't know that I'd want to drink a year round. quite rich. Yeah. It's kind of heavy. It is prefer this feels perfect around the holidays. It really does. it It does. It does. And it also kind of coincides, I guess, because ah my birthday is also in December. So ah coincides with that. have some eggnog around for some birthday festivities as well. so because Your birthday is around New Year's?
00:47:05
Speaker
Uh, no, my birthday was a a few days ago. What? What? Happy belated! Aw, thanks buddy. Oh man! I'm really bad at other people's birthdays too. I'm not, uh, I'm not one of them, yeah, I just, uh, because I'm really bad for remembering birthdays and and forgetting of them and and all that, so.
00:47:23
Speaker
Including my own, I believe there's been a year or two where I have forgotten my birthday. so so So it's December what? ah It is 12th. 12th. twelve Yes. So ah now now all the listeners know I can't lie about it. I often tell people it's in June.
00:47:40
Speaker
June 12th. Happy belated birthday, Timo, man. Thanks, buddy.
00:47:48
Speaker
a Getting old, James. We're all getting old. hey You still look good, though. Thanks, buddy. I appreciate that.
00:47:58
Speaker
ah now I have put that in your context and I'll never would be forgotten. Oh, well, now I feel like I do it to you, too. I know yours is in January, right? July. I know your' yours in the summer. I know that. Yeah, July. I want to say August. July. I was off. I'm sorry. July 18th.
00:48:18
Speaker
July I will also be putting that in. want forget a thing like that. Nuh-uh. I mean... have But... but um ah Before we wrap up, I want to talk about for the next show. Next week. Right. Not next week. Next show. Next show.
00:48:33
Speaker
So... so um ah there There was actually some tragic news that happened um ah yesterday um where a beloved director, Rob Reiner, was ah actually
Rob Reiner's Legacy: Reflections on His Films
00:48:47
Speaker
murdered. Him and his wife. Oh.
00:48:49
Speaker
um Now, now he's he's a very acclaimed director. so So he made a lot of classic movies in the 80s and 90s. So thats make so you might you might not know him by name, Sleepy John, but have you have you seen any of these movies? Have you seen This Is Spinal Tap?
00:49:05
Speaker
I have not, actually. Have you seen Stand By Me?
00:49:10
Speaker
i I have not, James. I know that's a movie I should have seen, but I have not seen it. The movie has like four kids walking on the railroad tracks. Yeah, track I know what the movie is. I know i know a lot of the the scenes up from it. I'm familiar with the pop culture references. I've never seen it, though.
00:49:24
Speaker
Alright, well, that this is good for the show, then. Sorry. Okay. The Princess Bride. That one I have seen, yes. Okay, there we go. Have you seen when When Harry Met Sally? I have. Nobody can forget the restaurant scene Yes.
00:49:39
Speaker
ah Misery. also Also Stephen King. i was gonna say that's a Stephen King book. Yes, I have seen that movie. Also, I like it. James Caan. Stand By Me is also Stephen King as well.
00:49:51
Speaker
Interesting. Didn't I know that? A Few Good Men. ah yes Yes, I have seen that one. That one's quite good. i like that one. And then, ah i don't you probably haven't seen The American President.
00:50:07
Speaker
With Michael Douglas. That's what Michael Douglas... Believe it or not, i don't don't ask me too much about I have seen it, though. Oh, shit! out I can't say I was super invested. It was just it was on the TV. Yeah. ah Yeah, ah like like somebody else was watching it and I was like, I'll sit down and watch this, I guess. So I have seen And then probably like his more more recent, I guess like ah one that people really liked, was a The the the ah Bucket List with ah Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. Yeah, I haven't seen that one either. since Okay, so did he did he okay and I may I just might be in a very bad taste was like did he make a bad movie recently? Is this why he was murdered or is this
00:50:45
Speaker
No, no, ah so so apparently um the rumor is that there's not many details yet, but they're saying that his son murdered the his father the fuck Jesus him in his way and the mom why Why do we get in these types of conversations when we have these Christmas episodes?
00:51:08
Speaker
Oh, that's terrible. as well I want to bring this up just because I think this would be a good episode. you know correct Because we when when when when Val Kilmer passed away, had an episode dedicated to him. And I think i think Rob Greiner has too many classics to not do an episode for. Especially since you you you haven't seen a few of these. so like So I think if I had choose,
00:51:30
Speaker
one to watch. I think i would have you watch Stand By Me. Right, yeah, I would say that I kind of figured that's what you're gonna say. Especially because the actors who were in it as kids, it's ah especially especially nowadays because like a lot of TV that's going on now, it's very much ah kind of going back to how it was.
00:51:52
Speaker
ah Because that was like one of the big movies where you have these kids who were like i very much acting their asses off. Yeah. Very good. Stranger Things and stuff these days. with Stranger Things. And then you have the new you have Welcome to Derry, the IT TV show, which wait which which i want to talk about on the show today, but I'll save it for for next time.
00:52:13
Speaker
It. yeah Did you hear about that one? The it's it It TV show Welcome to Dairy? ah No, i I can't say haven't heard of it now. Well, if you like It, I highly recommend it.
00:52:27
Speaker
ah good Good to know. I didn't hate it. ah I can't say it. I don't know. It's very meh for me. I don't really know. Also Stephen King. That I am very aware of. ah Yeah, don't know. don't know maybe the book's better or something. I didn't really didn't really get into it all crazily.
00:52:45
Speaker
but ah The dancing scene kind of sticks with me a little bit. Oh, I'm sure it does. In very odd way. but I was like, oh, he's got, he he he learned, he went to the Sleepy John dance school, I see. Oh, yeah, is that where he went?
00:52:59
Speaker
i because Those are not great moves. but That's so funny. um so So I'm going to go through his list and try to figure out that I haven't watched. No, I've seen clips of when Harry Met, sorry, but i don't think I've watched it all the way through.
00:53:15
Speaker
You know, it's actually, it's not, it like, really, it is like, i'm not I'm not a big fan of chick flicks, as we know. Yes. That one actually is pretty well done, because it covers, i think, a lot of lot of rules for, like, dating and how, like, men and women can or cannot be friends, and that they talk about a lot of these things. Right. I feel like that movie was a little ahead of its time.
00:53:36
Speaker
ah Because it's it's something that I feel like movies were doing like 10 years after so like that one came out, but yeah I did enjoy it. I feel like you will enjoy it as well.
Future Episodes: Exploring Rob Reiner's Filmography
00:53:47
Speaker
Yeah, i was I was gonna say you either that one or Misery i was gonna watch. You haven't seen Misery? No. Oh. That's a tough one. Alright, you pick from me or I'm just gonna watch both.
00:54:02
Speaker
you're gonna watch both. Okay. Well, I mean, if I had to watch one first. Okay. Say I didn and didn't have time to watch both. like Right. If I had to choose one. if i had If I had to recommend one for a person.
00:54:15
Speaker
Yeah. Uh... I think, and and this is probably just my bias towards, you know, anything that's not a chick flick, I think I'd recommend Misery. i think it is a really good movie. i think it's got terrific acting in it. Yeah.
00:54:30
Speaker
ah But, I mean, When Harry Met Sally, I will say it is a good chick flick. So, I would say that the biggest thing is, like, the mood that you're in But, if I were to recommend one over the other, it would be Misery. and that's That's not to say that and When Harry Met Sally is not good.
00:54:45
Speaker
i just just not I'm not the biggest chick flick guy. well so so in i'm and I'm glad we we're bringing up these two movies because it shows the range that this director has. like He literally went back to back years. He went from when Harry met Sally to Misery.
00:55:01
Speaker
yeah Yeah. like Can you get more opposite ends of the spectrum there? Yeah, that's pretty wild. I mean i mean i guess Misery is somewhat of a love story, right?
00:55:13
Speaker
You could say that. It's wrong kind of love. Realistically, when Harry met Sally, man it's it's dealing with some some interesting themes as well. Yeah. ah But it it is actually, like for chick flicks, though, i mean like I'd say it's definitely one that that stands out to me ah out of that out of that genre, out of that category. it Yeah, it is good. i mean like and It has, obviously, the pulp... Well, they both, actually, both those movies have...
00:55:39
Speaker
ah scenes that are are heavily spoofed in pop culture. Right. Yeah. As we all know. Okay, so so you watch Stand By Me and in ah i like I'll watch Misery first, but I'll try to watch both.
00:55:53
Speaker
You should. i think that I don't think you'd be disappointed in watching both. It's a good back-to-back You know, i don't know, I don't know, like a little double feature? i don't know what you'd want to start, what you'd want to end with, but, uh... I always like ending with a happier new.
00:56:08
Speaker
Okay, well then, so so when Harry missed Sally first, and then misery... Yeah, very, very funny. Yeah, yeah.
00:56:16
Speaker
ah Okay. So I think we we have it for for for next show, but but that this will be the last show before the holidays. So ah we would have wished all the listeners happy holidays and rollla we'll let we'll see you next year.
00:56:32
Speaker
Absolutely. A merry ho-ho to you and a very eggnoggy cheers. Cheers.
00:59:39
Speaker
you
01:00:36
Speaker
Music