Broken VCR

This week we feature 1981's LOOKER, written and directed by Michael Crichton. We dive into the 80's sheen of the time, Albert Finney & James Coburn, Playboy's 1981 Playmate of the Year Terri Welles, getting lost in the minutia of the tech, and much more. Stop by and let's talk this forgotten okay time at the movies. She's a looker! WEBSITE: https://linktr.ee/BrokenVCR

The 1966 film, The Professionals, is on the table this week. We talk the Western genre, tyrant directors, the Lee Marvin/Burt Lancaster feud, Cinematographer Conrad Hall, and much more! WEBSITE: https://linktr.ee/BrokenVCR

This week we look at Betty Thomas' film Private Parts all about the life of Howard Stern. We talk about Howard's persona and how it has changed over time, cancel culture and how this film would be viewed today, the birth of Paul Giamatti's career, and much more! WEBSITE: https://linktr.ee/BrokenVCR

This week's film is the 1981 Canadian Slasher film from George Mihalka, "My Bloody Valentine." We talk the 80s Slasher genre, the horror trope of "The Harbinger," what makes a cult classic, respond to Siskel & Elbert's review, and dive into the subgenre of Canuxploitation. WEBSITE: https://linktr.ee/BrokenVCR

Billy Wilder's 1957 film, The Spirit of St. Louis is on tap today! James Stewart's portrayal of Charles Lindbergh is a forgotten performance from the screen legend that needs to be revisited. We also get imo Stewart and Lindbergh's personal yet vastly different experiences with World War II! Let's get into it! Join us, cinephiles! WEBSITE: https://linktr.ee/BrokenVCR

Peter Weir's 1985 film, WITNESS, gets our attention this week. We talk how this was a turning point in Harrison Ford's career, Lukas Haas, original screenplays, "rural films," and much more! WEBSITE: https://linktr.ee/BrokenVCR

This week we dive into Paul Thomas Anderson's 9th film, LICORICE PIZZA, from 2021. We dive into the chemistry of the two leads, mid-budget films, the curious title itself, and much more. Come hang with us! WEBSITE: https://linktr.ee/BrokenVCR

We hit the open road this week with Monte Hellman's 1971 film, Two Lane Blacktop. We get into the oddball cast, Kris Kristofferson's involvement, Route 66 Americana, how the open road spells freedom, and more! Hang with us for a little while, man. WEBSITE: https://linktr.ee/BrokenVCR

This week we highlight Robert Altman's 1971 anti-western, McCabe & Mrs. Miller. We dive into what makes this an anti-western, the unique sound design, Robert Altman clashing with Warren Beatty, and so much more. Journey back to '71 with us, movie fans! WEBSITE: https://linktr.ee/BrokenVCR

The 2nd film from Panos Cosmatos, the 2018 film, MANDY! Chad and Hoch argue about the virtues of this movie. One hates it, one loves it. This modern exploitation film is layered in Heavy Metal rock opera vibes, astrology, acid trip violence, sex, drugs, and vengeance. From the slain goddess to the avenging knight to the nightmarish hippie cult and the demonic-biker henchman they summon, MANDY is an experience all its own. WEBSITE: https://linktr.ee/BrokenVCR

The 13th and final film from Stanley Kubrick is on deck this week. Chad and Hoch dive into the hypnotic, dream-like fantasy that is EYES WIDE SHUT. Ritualistic sex cult orgies, The Illuminati, the erotic vs the mundane, Sydney Pollack, Rainbow motifs, Christmas trees, and more! Let's get weird! WEBSITE: https://linktr.ee/BrokenVCR

The 1990 holiday classic Home Alone gets our attention this week. We talk John Hughes, the spirit of Christmas, the Chicago setting, John Williams incredible score, the Three Stooges-like slapstick stunt work, fan theories, play selected clips from the movie, and much more! WEBSITE: https://linktr.ee/BrokenVCR

Bob Clark's 1974 film BLACK CHRISTMAS is up for discussion this week. We dive into the beautiful look of the film & how it elevates it, the camera itself being "the killer", the theory of John Carpenter's Halloween being it's unofficial sequel, Bob Clark's masterful detail for Christmas films, and much more. Put us in your ears with this non-traditional Christmas classic! WEBSITE: https://linktr.ee/BrokenVCR

John McTiernan's 1988 film, Die Hard, is on the table this week for Hoch and Chad to discuss. Bruce Willis and Alan Rickman headline this action classic. The fellas dissect whether this film is a Christmas movie, the importance of story being told through walkie-talkies, and much much more. Stop in and let's nerd out. WEBSITE: https://linktr.ee/BrokenVCR

Clint Eastwood's 1971 directorial debut is on the docket. This female stalker film influenced an entire subgenre of cinema and exudes the dreamlike atmosphere of its Central California coastline locale. Jessica Walter gives the performance of her career. Pop this 70s gem in and join Chad & Hoch as they nerd out. WEBSITE: https://linktr.ee/BrokenVCR

Happy Thanksgiving! In the spirit of the season, join us as we revisit John Hughes' 1987 holiday classic. Steve Martin's uptight "Neal" is tethered to John Candy's annoying "Del" for a holiday road trip from hell. Can they make it from New York to Chicago in time for Thanksgiving? Get in the holiday spirit with the Broken VCR. WEBSITE: https://linktr.ee/BrokenVCR

This week the fellas wax poetic the glories of the 1989 film. Patrick Swayze's "Dalton" stands as an all-time great silver screen badass he as clashes with Ben Gazzara's "Brad Wesley." Bar room brawls, gratuitious sex, and throats ripped out...Get your popcorn ready and let's talk Road House! WEBSITE: https://linktr.ee/BrokenVCR

This week Hoch & Chad deep dive into Richard Linklater's 1993 film, Dazed and Confused. The Godfather of "hangout films?" WEBSITE: https://linktr.ee/BrokenVCR

On the inaugural episode of Broken VCR, Hoch & Chad deep dive into the Coen Brothers 1998 film. If you love the film or need to be convinced, stop in and hang. WEBSITE: https://linktr.ee/BrokenVCR