Watch This With Rick Ramos

On this weeks episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I sit down to talk one of the most popular characters in all of cinema - Bram Stoker's Dracula. We start our talk with the iconic Bela Lugosi - the standard to which all vampire portrayals are compared - in Todd Browning's 1931 classic Dracula. We follow this with F.W. Murnau's 1922 masterpiece of German Expressionism, Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror. And finally we talk Francis Ford Copolla's interpretation of the classic novel, Bram Stoker's Dracula. This week we talk the history of the novel, the films, and the (partly) inspiration of the character, Vlad The Impaler.  Take a listen and enjoy.  As always, thanks for the support. We appreciate your taking the time to listen.  Any and all questions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com

Direct download: Dracula_2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:46pm EDT

The WatchThis train keeps moving forward.  Ibrahim & I return to The Fortress to finish up our 90's themed showcase. This week we talk Alex Proyas' 1998 masterpiece Dark City.  An incredible piece of celluloid that has unjustly been lost in the shadow of The Wachowski's The Matrix, Dark City continues to grow in stature and rewards viewers with a deeper understanding of humanity.  With exceptional performances by Rufus Sewell, Jennifer Connelly, Richard O'Brien (Mr. Hand), Kiefer Sutherland, and William Hurt, Dark City has provided a great opportunity for a couple of friends to sit down, talk and bring attention to a criminally underseen film. Take a listen and let us know what you think. Any and all question, comments, and suggestions can be sent to gondoramos@yahoo.com - As always, thanks for the continued support. 

Direct download: DarkCity_1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:55am EDT

On this weeks episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I continue with our examination of the 1990's - looking at Kathryn Bigelow's Strange Days from 1995 and Mike Leigh's 1993 underseen classic, Naked.  Strange Days proves to be a bit of a disappointment, but a fascinating one that plays out in an interesting conversation regarding the the past, present, future and our dealings with all three.  Take a listen and let us know what you think.  As always, we can't wait to hear from you.  We can be reached at gondoramos@yahoo.com  - Many Thanks.  You know we love ya!  

Direct download: StrangeDaysNaked.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:32pm EDT

On this weeks episode of Watch This W/RickRamos my good friend Ibrahim Chavez returns to The Fortress of Ultimate Darkness to continue discussing the 1990's.  This week we focus on Oliver Stone's Natural Born Killers.  We discuss the cultural relevance of the film as well as it's impact twenty years later. We also discuss the death of singer/songwriter Leonard Cohen. As always we thank you for listening. Any questions or comments can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com   

Direct download: Natural_Born.mp3
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On this weeks episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, WatchThis fans welcome Mike Black back to The Fortress of Ultimate Darkness to discuss one of the greatest filmmakers of all time, Mr. Martin Scorsese.  Mr. Scorsese turned 74 this past November 17th so Mike & I thought it would be only right to discuss his career, his importance as a filmmaker, and his importance in each of our lives.  As always, talking film always causes you to spiral in many directions and that is exactly where we find ourselves. We talk Tarantino, Tower Records, and - of course - The Election (hopefully for the last time). As always, Thanks for you continued support.  

Direct download: Scorsese.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 2:06am EDT

On this weeks episode of WatchThis W/Rick Ramos I welcome good friend - and WatchThis Audience Favorite - Ibrahim Chavez back to The Fortress of Ultimate Darkness. We sit down and talk a decade that (as time has begun to prove) is a time in cinema that is quickly being recognized as the last great period of American filmmaking - The 1990's. We begin with a  brief discussion of the Presidential Election, quickly easing into the thing that drives us most . . . Cinema.  We both choose a film that we view as significant to The Decade - Mine being David Fincher's Seven, His being Oliver Stone's Natural Born Killers. To do this episode correctly takes perspective and we break down the events and moods that formed this great decade of filmmaking.  As always, we thank you for your support.   

Direct download: The90sPartI.mp3
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On this weeks episode of Watch This w/Rick Ramos we take a look at one of my favorite films - a film that has resonated through my life - Malcolm Venville's 44 Inch Chest.  This sadly overlooked 2009 British Drama is an incredible showcase for actors Ray Winstone, John Hurt, Tom Wilkinson, and - in a frighteningly good performance - Ian McShane.  Chronicling a man's dealings with the pain of his disintegrating marriage, Venville's film is a showcase of machismo, infidelity, and sorrow. One of my favorite films, I sit down and realize it's parallels to my life (and many of your lives), especially after my recent return to Evanston, Illinois for my 20th reunion. Some times films really help us understand life.  I believe this is one of those cases.  Take a listen and let me know what you think.  As always, Many Thanks. 

Direct download: 44_Inch_Chest.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:29am EDT

On this weeks episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, my good friend, Ibrahim Chavez, returns to The Fortress of Ultimate Darkness in our continuing discussion of Pornography in Film. We get back on track from last week's roundabout discussion to focus on specific films including Paul Thomas Anderson's Boogie Nights, James Cox's Wonderland, and A Serbian Film (the director is better left unnamed), as well as the documentaries After Porn Ends and Pornstar: The Legend of Ron Jeremy. Take a listen for an interesting and in-depth conversation. Questions & Comments can be directed to rickramoscomedy.com or gondoramos@yahoo.com - Thanks for your continued support. As always, you guys mean the world to me.  

Direct download: PornographyII.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:56am EDT

On this weeks episode, podcast favorite - and good friend - Ibrahim Chavez stops into The Fortress of Ultimate Darkness to discuss The World of Pornography. We had originally intended this to be an examination of documentaries and narrative films dealing with the matter, however the episode quickly spiraled into a philosophical discussion regarding the history, benefits & dangers, current state of, and future of the industry.  Take a listen and let us know what you think of what we had to say. I can be reached at gondoramos@yahoo.com - As always, thanks for the continued support and all of the good words.  

Direct download: Pornography.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:24pm EDT

On this weeks episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos I say goodbye to one of the great comic minds of Cinema, Mr. Gene Wilder.  Having discussed his work with Richard Pryor in an earlier edition of WatchThis I felt it was necessary to pay closer attention to his two greatest works as an actor 1968's THE PRODUCERS and 1974's YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN (both directed by Mel Brooks).  This one's a bit heartfelt, but always in the WatchThis tradition of focusing on the work.  Mr. Wilder will be missed, but he left a love letter to Cinema and we have that to be grateful for.  As always, Thanks for the Support and feel free to let me know how I'm doing at gondoramos@yahoo.com.  Can't wait to hear from you.  Best Wishes. 

Direct download: GeneWilder_2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:57pm EDT

On this weeks episode of Watch This w/Rick Ramos, your host goes back into his early influences to celebrate the great Charles Bukowski on what would have been his 97th Birthday. We take a look at what makes a great artist and the beauty of staying the course regardless of what the rest of them think. We also discuss Barbet Schroeder's Barfly (1987) and John Dullaghan's exceptional biographical documentary Bukowski: Born Into This (2003). Take a listen and (possibly) get introduced to a great man.  As always, Thanks for Listening.  

Direct download: BukowskiFinal.mp3
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On this week's episode of WatchThis w/Rick Ramos, our illustrious host sits down to talk one of the greatest films in the history cinema, Sergio Leone's 1968 masterpiece Once Upon a Time in the West.  There's not a lot else to say as far as a description so sit back and enjoy. Thanks for the continued support.  

Direct download: OnceUponATimeInTheWest.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 6:18am EDT

On this weeks episode of WatchThis w/RickRamos I take a look at two films held in high regard, although find myself favoring the undervalued one . . . I'm speaking of Brian DePalma's two collaborations with Al Pacino Scarface and Carlito's Way.  Take a listen and let me know what you think.  As always, your support is greatly appreciated.  

Direct download: ScarfaceCarlito_1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:51am EDT

On this weeks episode of WatchThis w/Rick Ramos we take a look at one of the great filmmakers to emerge from the 70's - Brian DePalma. Profiled in a new documentary (currently playing in theaters), Noah Baumbach and Jake Paltrow's DePalma, positions the camera on the great director and allows him to talk for close to two hours. A great time for film fans, DePalma is a documentary essential to the understanding of Brian DePalma's nearly fifty-year career. As always, your host watches and talks about two of the director's lesser reviewed films, 1986's Wiseguys (featuring Danny DeVito & Joe Piscopo - with a great supporting cast including: Harvey Keitel, Dan Hedaya, and - in a scene-stealing performance Captain Lou Albano) and 1989's Casualties of War with Michael J. Fox and Sean Penn. Take a listen, and as always - Thanks for the continued support.

Direct download: DePalma.mp3
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On this weeks episode of WatchThis w/RickRamos I welcome my good friend Ibrahim Chavez to The Fortress of Ultimate Darkness to discuss the passing of The Greatest Figure in Sports History (and perhaps The World as a Whole) - Muhammad Ali. We discuss his Life and Career, the Achievements and Controversies, and the two greatest documentaries to profile his life, Leon Gast and Taylor Hackford's When We Were Kings and Peter McCormack's Facing Ali. A heartfelt goodbye to a great athlete and a greater human being. As Always, Thanks For Your Continued Support. 

Direct download: RememberingAli_1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:42am EDT

Not a whole lot of description necessary for this week's episode of WatchThis w/Rick Ramos. This week I take a look at Martin Scorsese's masterpiece (one of so many) Taxi Driver. Focusing on the theme of loneliness, this week's episode delves into the fears, demons, and struggles of dealing with the alienation of "God's Lonely Man". Take a listen and let me know what you think. So Many Thanks.

Direct download: TaxiDriver.mp3
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On this weeks episode of WatchThis w/Rick Ramos I take a look at Cheech Marin's classic 1987 solo directorial deburt, Born In East L.A. This film has meant a great deal to me over the years and I'm thrilled to talk about. I also take a look at Chris Weitz's 2011 drama A Better Life. With an Oscar nominated performance from Demian Belchir. These are both exceptional films that I had a wonderful time revisiting. As Always, Thank You For Your Continued Support.

Direct download: BornInEastLA.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:58pm EDT

Getting two episodes of WatchThis w/RickRamos out. This week I welcome Mike Black back to The Fortress of Ultimate Darkness to discuss 20th Century Fox's celebration of James Cameron's 1986 masterpiece Aliens.  With screenings across the country and numerous tie-ins including - artwork, Reebok Ripley shoes, comic books, as well as Black's fascination with the Alien: Isolation video game.  It's always fun to welcome an old friend back. Hopefully you will have as much fun listening to this episode as Mike and I had recording it. As always, Thanks for the Support.

Direct download: AliensFourTwentySix.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 7:26am EDT

On this week's episode of WatchThis w/RickRamos I take a look at the Prince cinematic classic Purple Rain. Acknowledging a musical genius through an examination of his film debut, I remember what this film meant to me, society, and our collective childhoods. After saying our goodbyes I take a look at Jeremy Saulnier's Green Room, Robert Budreau's Chett Baker bio-pic, Born To Be Blue starring Ethan Hawke, and - finally - Richard Linklater's Everybody Wants Some. As always, thanks for your continued support.

Direct download: PurpleRain.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 6:31am EDT

Here's an episode that's been building for almost a quarter of a century . . . since his disappearance in the early 90's, we have seen the great Pee Wee Herman only sporadically. This changed last month when Paul Reubens, Judd Apatow, and Netflix made The Return of Pee Wee Herman possible in the new Netflix original film Pee Wee's Big Holiday. This week's episode of Watch This W/Rick Ramos takes a nostalgic trip back to 1985 for the very first Pee Wee film, Pee Wee's Big Adventure, and examines the appeal of this classic and beloved character. I also take a look at the passing of one of the greatest artists music has ever know, the Northern California native Merle Haggard. Take a listen and have a little bit of fun. As always, Thank You For Your Support & All of My Love. 

Direct download: PeeWee_1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:18pm EDT

On this week's episode of WatchThis w/Rick Ramos I go back to the well and focus on a film that I have loved for nearly three decades . . . Martin Brest's 1988 under appreciated gem Midnight Run. I know that I've dedicated an episode to Midnight Run in the past, however I believe that earlier episode didn't do the film justice. Hopefully this episode alleviates that problem. As always, Thanks for the Love & Support. 

Direct download: Midnight_Run.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:59am EDT

Finally back with a new episode. Thanks for your patience and support. This week I welcome Mike Black back to The Fortress of Ultimate Darkness. He really did me a solid; pulling me out of my funk and giving me focus to do this thing again. This week we catch up on old times. We discuss the Dan Trachtenberg's 10 Cloverfield Lane, Star Wars - The Force Awakens, the upcoming Captain America movie (w/Spiderman's intoduction to The Marvel Movie Universe). Finally, we talk the passing of the Great Alan Rickman. Glad to be back. Hope you guys missed me. 

Direct download: BlackRamos.mp3
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On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos I welcome my good friend Ibrahim Chavez to The Fortress of Ultimate Darkness to discuss the 88th Academy Awards; focusing on Jada and Will Smith's boycott of this year's show, #OscarSoWhite and the problem with the simplicity of the usual coverage of this issue, and - finally - the true meaning of art and the inherent problem of identifying a "Best" anything in cinema. Not looking to change minds; just looking to present the view. Thanks for listening.

Direct download: Oscars2016.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 5:43am EDT

On this week's episode of WatchThis w/Rick Ramos we take you back to the summer of 1992 and John Woo's introduction to American audiences, Hard Target. Yeah, it's not necessarily a great film - Hell, it may not even be a good film, but it's an introduction and if it gets you that much closer to The Killer, Hard-Boiled, and Bullet In the Head, than by all means, the ends justify the means. But at the end of the day - having re-watched Hard Target - I can argue, without embarrassment that this film stands on it's own as a damn good time. Take a listen and let me know if you think I'm right. As Always, A Million Thanks!

Direct download: HardTargetWatchThis.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 5:51am EDT

On this week's episode of WatchThis w/Rick Ramos I take a look at a New Beverly Kurt Russell Double Feature, John Carpenter's The Thing and Quentin Tarantino's The Hateful Eight. Basically a loveliest for The Thing and a reaffirmation of what I didn't like about Tarantino. Thanks for listening. 

Direct download: Kurt_Russell.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 4:47pm EDT

Just a quick note - This week I talk Akira Kurosawa's Red Beard, the last great film from his mid-career period; the period of his career that most would recognize as his most prolific and successful. A true master of Cinema, it is my pleasure to view this film once again on the big screen and sit down to talk about it with you lovely people. Many Thanks.

Direct download: RedBeard.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 4:44pm EDT

Alright Boys & Girls . . . on this weeks episode of WatchThis w/RickRamos I sit down and talk about my continued disappointment and embarrassment for a once great artist . . . a man I have loved and admired for almost three decades - Robert DeNiro. Dirty Grandpa ain't doing anyone any favors. But salvation is at hand - if you are willing to look for it - in Charlie Kaufman's engaging and moving Anomalisa, a film unlike any other that I have seen and one which forced me to realize (once again) how wonderful this art form can be. Take a listen and let me know what you think at gondarmos@yahoo.com As always, a Million Thanks. 

 

Direct download: ANOMALISA.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 7:51am EDT

A shorter episode this week, but one that will begin a new style for WatchThis W/Rick Ramos. Shorter episodes focusing on single films, while continuing to showcase films of similar themes, directors, and actor studies in longer episodes. The first film that I will focus on singularly is Alejandro Gonzalez Iñárritu's new film The Revenant, a film of unparalleled beauty both visually and performance-wise. Hopefully you will have a better understanding of why I loved this film as much as I did and will find yourself seeking the film out. Thanks for listening. I had a great time talking about this one.

Direct download: TheRevenant.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 6:10am EDT

So now that Christmas and New Years have passed we can finally get back to working and what's important . . . MOVIES! On this week's episode of WatchThis w/Rick Ramos I sit down and give you my thoughts on three great times you can have in your local theater. This week I talk J.J. Abrams reboot of George Lucas' classic series with Star Wars - The Force Awakens. I couple that with two other films that you may have missed, but still have time to find: Lenny Abrahamson's Canadian-Irish co-production Room - the incredibly touching story of a young woman kidnapped and held in captivity for seven years and the hardships and struggles she faces raising her child in environment that she convinces him is the entirety of the world. With strong performances from Brie Larson and Jacob Tremblay (as mother and son, respectively) you would be doing yourself a disservice to miss this one. On a lighter side, I also take a look at Tina Fey and Amy Poehler in Jason Moore's Sisters, the very funny story of two middle-aged sisters struggling with their lives and looking to recapture lost glory with a house party that quickly grows out of control. It's a hell of a lot better than it sounds. Take a listen and let me know what you think. As always, A Million Thanks! 

Direct download: StarWarsRoomSisters.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 3:20am EDT

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