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On Episode 80 of The Film ’89 Podcast, John Arminio and professional film poster artist Tony Stella join Skye to celebrate yet another 40th anniversary. Last episode it was Blade Runner and now it’s another classic from 1982, John Milius’ big screen adaptation of the character made famous in the books of Robert E. Howard, Conan The Barbarian starring titanic screen icon, Arnold Schwarzenegger. Milius’ film, based on a script by Oliver Stone, is no B-movie sword & sorcery, hack & slash fest. There’s a depth of well executed storytelling at play, coupled with a sparse but perfectly crafted script, all wrapped up with an astonishing, all-time great score from composer Basil Poledouris, and a stellar supporting cast. Join the guys as they throw on their wolf pelts, pick their weapons of choice, and set forth to discover the answer to The Riddle of Steel. 

On Episode 79 of The Film ‘89 Podcast, Steve and Skye are joined by regular guest host, filmmaker Bill Scurry, to discuss Ridley Scott’s seminal science fiction classic, Blade Runner (1982) which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. Blade Runner is without doubt one of the most influential films not just within the sci-fi genre, but in any genre. Scott’s film had a troubled production and was something of a failure upon its initial release in June of 1982, but over four decades has seen it revived and rejuvenated and gain a huge following. For a time it attained cult classic status but unlike many films that fail on their initial release only to find appreciation later on, Blade Runner’s following has grown way beyond that of a mere cult film. Easily as influential a motion picture as the likes of Citizen Kane or Star Wars, Blade Runner has left an indelible mark on the landscape of cinema, a masterpiece of visual and technical filmmaking like few others, celebrated here by the Film ‘89 Team as they discuss in-depth the fascinating making of and lasting legacy of Ridley Scott’s masterpiece. 

On Episode 78 of The Film ‘89 Podcast we make you an offer you can’t refuse as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Francis Ford Coppola’s adaptation of Mario Puzo’s novel, The Godfather. Joining Steve and Skye are returning guest hosts, Leighton Winstone and Kyle Reardon. The guys discuss the making of this remarkable film and give their usual in-depth analysis of what is without doubt one of the greatest movies of all time. 

On Episode 77 of The Film ‘89 Podcast, Neil and Skye give their in-depth and spoiler-filled review of director Matt Reeves’ new big screen iteration of one of the comic book world’s most famous characters, Batman, or in this case, The Batman. Starring Robert Pattinson, Zoe Kravitz, Colin Farrell, Jeffrey Wright, Paul Dano and Andy Serkis, The Batman is garnering considerable acclaim and overwhelmingly positive word of mouth. Now that the dust is starting to settle on this latest big screen outing for The Caped Crusader, will the guys hold it in similar regard and will it be a strong enough film to topple the likes of Tim Burton’s Batman (1989) and Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Trilogy as many people’s favourite version of Batman on film?

On Episode 76 of The Film ‘89 Podcast, Skye & Richie give their in-depth and spoiler-filled review of Lucasfilm’s latest Star Wars related Disney+ show, spinning off from Season 2 of The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett is written by Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni and consists of 7 episodes directed by Robert Rodriguez, Bryce Dallas Howard, Dave Filoni among others. Does this new Star Wars show live up to both the high standards set by The Mandalorian and the huge fan expectation for a show centred around one of Star Wars’ most popular characters?

For the 75th episode of The Film ’89 Podcast, which also happens to be the podcast’s 4 year anniversary, we give you a suitably special episode which celebrates one of the Film ’89 team’s all-time favourite films, George Lucas’ Star Wars from 1977. Join Richie, Neil and Skye as they celebrate Star Wars’s upcoming 45th anniversary and discuss what this monumental film means to them. Star Wars was a film that not only smashed box office records but one that would redefine the landscape of cinema forever. It ushered in an era of blockbuster movies and came at a time when the world needed a new form of escapist fantasy entertainment on the big screen. It also brought with it a level of technical expertise seldom seen before with its groundbreaking special visual effects, sound design, John Williams’ unforgettable score and so much more. The guys also discuss the film’s influence on popular culture and the hugely lucrative merchandising deal that Lucas secured, plus they also posit the question, “is Star Wars the most important film ever made?” This is the perfect companion piece to our 2020 celebration of the 40th anniversary of The Empire Strikes Back and an episode of Film '89 that Star Wars fans of all ages won’t want to miss. 

On Episode 74 of The Film ’89 Podcast, Richie, Neil & Skye give their in-depth, spoiler-filled analysis and verdict of a film that’s tearing up the global box office and smashing records, Sony Pictures’ & Marvel Studios’ Spider-Man: No Way Home. Rarely has a film been filled with such brave and bold creative narrative choices and shocking twists and turns, so we urge you to see the film before listening as the guys discuss all major plot elements, many that you won’t want spoiled if you haven’t already seen it. Go see the film then tune in for the usual quality discussion from your friendly neighbourhood cinephiles, The Film ’89 team.   

Episode 73 of The Film ‘89 Podcast is one of the bigs ones, another film struck off our bucket list of films to cover on Film ‘89 and currently one of the three most requested films by you, our listeners. Those three films are Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy and on this Cave Troll sized episode, Richard and Skye are joined by returning guest hosts, filmmakers Bill Scurry and Adam Rackoff, to embark upon an epic journey into Middle Earth as they give their in-depth analysis of the first part of Peter Jackson’s film adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendary fantasy book, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. For the film’s 20th anniversary, this fellowship of four will discuss the making of the film, it’s incredible ensemble cast and the assembly of a creative crew like no other ever seen in the history of filmmaking. The Fellowship of the Ring, along with it’s two sequels, would go on to become the most critically acclaimed film trilogy of all time and a huge commercial success. Join us for the first part of this epic, three part journey exploring one of the true masterpieces of modern filmmaking and the pinnacle of the fantasy genre.

On Episode 72 of The Film ‘89 Podcast, Skye is joined by filmmaker, podcaster and writer on the subject of film and one of Film ‘89’s most revered recurring guest hosts, the venerable Mr Bill Scurry, to discuss one of Bill’s favourite films and it’s newly released remake. They’ll be giving their in-depth and spoiler filled analysis of director Denis Villeneuve’s latest epic cinematic undertaking, his adaptation of Frank Herbert’s legendary science fiction tale, Dune, or to be more precise, the first part of Villeneuve’s adaptation. They’ll also be discussing David Lynch’s cult classic 1984 film adaptation of Dune in an episode that sci-fi fans won’t want to miss. 

Episode 71 of The Film ‘89 Podcast is our 2021 Halloween Special. Joining Steve and Skye and hailing all the way from Southern California is film writer, podcaster and quite fittingly for this episode, horror aficionado, Alexandria Daniels. This trio of horror film fans will be giving you their in-depth and spoiler-filled analysis of the second film in director David Gordon Green’s Halloween revival trilogy that began in 2018 with Halloween and continues now with the recently released Halloween Kills. As well as a review of the new film, they’ll be discussing John Carpenter’s classic 1978 original and it’s many sequels. They’ll also be answering some of your horror themed listener questions in this jam-packed spooktacular episode of The Film ‘89 Podcast. 

On Episode 70 of The Film ‘89 Podcast, Steve and Skye are joined by returning co-hosts Steven Saunders, host and producer of The Film Connection podcast, and podcasting veteran, Dave Eaves. The assembled team are tackling one of the most important films ever made and one hailed by many critics as the greatest ever made, Orson Welles’ astonishing directorial debut, Citizen Kane, which this year celebrates its 80th anniversary. The guys discuss the film’s enigmatic director/star who at just 24 years old, managed to alter the landscape of cinema forever. Citizen Kane is a film ripe for endless analysis and that’s exactly what you’ll get in this study of a film that’s as important a film as any that will ever be discussed on Film ‘89.

Episode 69 of The Film ‘89 Podcast is one that we’ve been eagerly waiting to bring you since the podcast began. 45 years ago, director Martin Scorsese and writer Paul Schrader brought to the big screen a film that would epitomise that particular decade’s penchant for gritty and often unflinchingly bleak looks at society’s grimy underbelly. The film in question is Taxi Driver, and Robert De Niro’s remarkable performance as Vietnam veteran Travis Bickle is a chilling character study, a statement on the fallout of that most controversial of conflicts and also a study of one man’s failing mental health amidst a city where crime and vice are ubiquitous. Taxi Driver is unquestionably bleak but also remarkably beautiful due in no small part to some stunning cinematography by Michael Chapman and a frankly phenomenal final score from legendary composer Bernard Herrmann that helps elevate this already masterful film to one of mythic status. Taxi Driver isn’t an easy watch and tackles some disturbing and difficult themes but it’s also a film that remains ominously optimistic and is endlessly rewarding. Join Steve, Skye and returning guest host Leighton Winstone as they give their in-depth analysis of one of the crowning achievements of ‘70s cinema and an all-time classic from arguably the world’s greatest living filmmaker.

Episode 68 of The Film ‘89 Podcast is a double sized rundown of not one, but two of Marvel’s latest properties as Neil, Skye & Richie give their in-depth and spoiler-filled reviews of Season 1 of Loki on Disney+ and Marvel Studios’ latest and much delayed theatrical release, Black Widow.

On Episode 67 of The Film ‘89 Podcast, Neil and Skye are joined by one of their favourite co-hosts from episodes past, filmmaker, film commentator and co-host of the brilliant I Don’t Get It Podcast, the venerable Mr Bill Scurry who makes his long overdue return to Film ‘89. As they’re still without the cinema as a means of film nourishment, the guys are aiming their sights at Netflix’s latest big offering, Zack Snyder’s zombie action film, Army of the Dead, starring Dave Bautista as Scott Ward, who, following a zombie outbreak in Las Vegas, leads a group of mercenaries on a heist to recover £200 million from a hotel casino vault before the US government level the walled off city with a tactical nuke. The guys give their spoiler-filled, in-depth analysis of the second of two big Zack Snyder films in 2021. Is Army of the Dead a worthy addition to the already vast horde of zombie films, television shows and video games we’ve been besieged by these last two decades or so, or is it a shuffling corpse that brings nothing new to the zombie sub-genre? As well as Army of the Dead, the guys discuss Snyder’s directorial career, the new type of delivery method of films that’s currently filling in for cinema’s absence and lots more besides.

On Episode 66 of The Film ’89 Podcast, Neil, Richie & Skye discuss Marvel Studios’ second series for Disney+, The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, starring Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, Wyatt Russell, Daniel Bruhl, Emily VanCamp and a host of familiar and new faces as Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes deal with life in a world without Captain America. As well as discussing all aspects of this new show, the guys go further back into the MCU to give some long-overdue attention to a film that’s a key influence on this latest Marvel show and a firm favourite amongst the Film ’89 Team, 2014’s Captain America: The Winter Soldier.

On Episode 65 of The Film ’89 Podcast, Neil, Richie and Skye discuss a film that’s been miraculously resurrected from the realms of mediocrity and given a new lease of life. That film is of course 2017’s Justice League which, through a combination of ancient alien technology, dark magic and unprecedented fan pressure, has been brought back to life, rejuvenated in a new form, Zack Snyder’s Justice League. The guys give their usual in-depth take on not just the new cut of the film but also the controversy surrounding the the original theatrical version and the remarkable set of circumstances that led to Zack Snyder being given the opportunity to assemble the film as he originally intended.

On Episode 64 of The Film ’89 Podcast, Richie, Skye & Neil head to Westview, New Jersey to investigate the strange goings on in Marvel Studio’s first series for Disney+, WandaVision, starring Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany reprising their roles of Wanda Maximoff and Vision. The guys go in-depth in their analysis of this hugely successful foray into serialised television for Marvel Studios as the long-running franchise is taken into new territory, paving the way for the much anticipated slate of Marvel shows set to follow in its wake.

On Episode 63 of The Film ‘89 Podcast, Haydn and Skye are joined by a very special guest host to discuss a double bill of two of their favourite films which share strong connective elements. Sofia Coppola won a Best Original Screenplay Oscar for Lost in Translation (2003) which was loosely inspired by her relationship with her then-husband Spike Jonze. Ten years later, Spike Jonze would win the same award for Her (2013), another film about relationships and loneliness, both films starring Scarlett Johansson. Joining Haydn and Skye is a very special guest host hailing all the way from California, the wonderful Becky D’Anna. Becky has worked in the film industry for over two decades and was integral to event marketing campaigns ranging from the X-Men franchise at Twentieth Century Fox to the Spider-Man franchise at Sony Pictures. She most recently worked on the Oscar-winning animated film, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, and the global box office hit, Jumanji: The Next Level. When not at Sony Becky loves sharing her film knowledge by writing and podcasting about her favourite movies, TV shows, and filmmakers, from things like The Terminator franchise, to Star Trek, the films of Albert Brooks and the great Ingmar Bergman. In addition, she’s a guest instructor on film history and appreciation and most recently taught a lecture on the films of Ingmar Bergman at UC Riverside. Moreover she’s as knowledgeable and passionate a cinephile as you could ever hope to find and the perfect guest with whom to discuss these two modern masterpieces of cinema.

Episode 62 of The Film ’89 Podcast straddles both 2020 and 2021 like some bronze colossus and the big point of discussion this episode is our spoiler-filled review of director Patty Jenkins’ much delayed sequel to her smash hit 2017 entry into Warner Bros’ DCEU, Wonder Woman, a film that grossed a whopping $822 million worldwide. That film is of course Wonder Woman 1984, so join Neil & Skye as they give you their in-depth review as well as a look ahead to what 2021 might have in store for both Film ’89 and the film industry in general.

On Episode 61 of The Film ‘89 Podcast, Neil and Skye are once again joined by their curmudgeonly mutual friend and fellow life-long Star Wars enthusiast, Jim Cottle, to give their spoiler-filled review of the second season of Lucasfilm/Disney’s The Mandalorian. The first season was a hit with the guys earning a collective score of 9/10 back on Episode 41. Show creators Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni have pulled out all the stops in a second season that has had Star Wars fandom ablaze with discussion. Also the guys discuss the plethora of forthcoming content recently unveiled by Disney in their Investor Announcement event.