Watch This With Rick Ramos

On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I are tackling one of greatest series in film history, George Lucas' Star Wars. We're going deep as we discuss the original series, the prequels, the new sequels, as well as the cult surrounding the series and attempt to understand the continuing popularity and importance of these films over forty years after A New Hope's initial premiere. So take a listen as two fans do what we do best, talk movies, laugh, argue, and come to some kind of understanding. Questions, Complaints, Suggestions, and Support can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. As always, thanks for the continued love and support.  

Direct download: StarWars.mp3
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This week Ibrahim & I dive right back into our examination of Lucifer himself . . . Beelzebub, The Prince of Darkness, The Anti-Christ.  We start this look at The Evil One by examining Richard Donner's 1976  Horror-Thriller, The Omen, which would quickly become a series with Damien: The Omen Part II (1978), and the concluding film in the series Omen III: The Final Conflict (1981). Not the best films to take a look at, but even bad films have their importance.  Take a listen as Ibrahim & I dissect what these films get right and (more often) get wrong.  As always thanks for the continued love and support.  Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com

Direct download: TheAntiChrist.mp3
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It's crybaby week on this episode of WatchThis W/Rick Ramos as Ibrahim & I sit down in The Temple of Ultimate Darkness to discuss Disney/Pixar's newest masterpiece, Coco.  It's a pleasure to sit down and talk a film that strives for and achieves so much.  We discuss the the film's personal importance to the both of us, as well as the cultural significance of Dia de Muertos (Mexico's Day of the Dead).  We also discuss 2014's The Book of Life.

This started out as a normal episode and quickly turned in to a more personal one.  We hope that you listen and are inspired to see this magnificent new film from Pixar.  Thank You for your continued support. As always we can be reached for Questions, Comments, Complaints, and Suggestions at gondoramos@yahoo.com.   

Direct download: CoCo.mp3
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On this weeks episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I continue our dance with The Devil profiling The Occult and the tragic, controversial, and fascinating life and career of Polish filmmaker and Fugitive of American Justice, Oscar-winner Roman Polanski (he drugged and raped a 13 year old girl, in case you forgot). With this episode (recorded a few days after the death of Charles Manson) Ibrahim continues with his history of The Satanic Church, Anton LaVey, The History of the Devil in the Bible, but we also go into Polanski's Rosemary's Baby (1968) and The 9th Gate (1999).  We also spend a great deal of time looking back on the history of Charles Manson, The Manson Family, and The Tate-LaBianca Murders.  Take a listen and let us know what you think. As always, we can be reached at gondoramos@yahoo.com.  Many Thanks & Much Love.  

Direct download: Polanski.mp3
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On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I begin an examination into the world of The Devil. This first episode (in a proposed series of five) will look into the historical and religious role of The Devil in our world. Ibrahim & I begin with William Friedkin's 1973 Classic The Exorcist featuring Ellen Burstyn, Linda Blair, Jason Miller, and - the great - Max Von Sydow.  We follow this with a look at depictions of The Devil in Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ (2004), George Stevens' The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965) and - finally - Martin Scorsese's controversial labor of love, The Last Temptation of Christ (1988).  Take a listen and let us know what you think. Thanks for the continued love and support.  Questions, Comments, Problems, and Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com

Direct download: TheExorcist.mp3
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We're hitting episode #150 and what better way to do that then with a little bit of introspection? So with the jumping off point of Neil Berkeley's new documentary profiling the life of comedian Gilbert Gottfried, Gilbert is a fascinating look at the life of the aforementioned comic who has spent the last forty years as some kind of strange curiosity in the world of stand-up comedy. A "comics' comic" Gottfried seems to have always been driven by insecurity and fear. With that combination there exists some kind of magic in the comic's approach to his life, his craft, his (surprising) 10 year marriage, and fatherhood. I found this to be a beautiful and lovely little film. It hits close to home and I'm not sure I did justice to Berkeley's film because so much of what is shown mirrors my own life. Either way it's a heartfelt and emotional episode that - I hope - gets to the core of the comics' dream. Special Thanks to Joey Diaz & Lee Syatt on this one.  Questions, Problems, Comments, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com - All of My Love; All of My Thanks!

Direct download: GilbertGottfried.mp3
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On this week's episode of WatchThis w/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I sit down in The Fortress of Ultimate Darkness to talk the ever-evolving Harvey Weinstein controversy.  With an ever increasing number of accusers, as well as additional controversies involving Kevin Spacey and Dustin Hoffman, Ibrahim & I are eager to put Hollywood under the microscope.  For this episode we go back almost a hundred years to the Rocoe "Fatty" Arbuckle scandal and the death of young starlet Virginia Rappe, as well as such Hollywood tragedies and controversies including Marilyn Monroe, Judy Garland, Jayne Mansfield, The Manson Family, Bill Cosby, Woody Allen, and - of course - Roman Polanski.  We talk sexism, racism, homophobia and our opinions on how all of this should be handled.  So sit back and prepare to be engaged (we hope)! As always Questions, Comments, Complaints, and Suggestions should be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. As always, thanks for your continued love and support.

Direct download: Weinstein.mp3
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On this week's episode of WatchThis w/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I sit down in The Fortress of Ultimate Darkness to discuss Horror in Cinema, and specifically a True Master of the Grenre, John Carpenter and his early Masterpiece, Halloween.  With an exceptional debut performance from Jamie Lee Curtis, and beautiful slumming by the great English actor Donald Pleasance, John Carpenter's Halloween remains the single greatest Horror film of the late century and rivals just about anything that has come before it.  We talk about the origins of the horror film including the 1920 German Expressionist Classic, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari as well as the Universal Monster Movies of the 1930's & 40's.  We also discuss the great Universal make-up artist, Jack Pierce and his influence over countless make-up artists to follow including: Rob Bottin, Greg Nicotero, Tom Savini, and Rick Baker.  So sit back and take a listen.  It's really a pretty good time.  As always, Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com.  Many Thanks. 

Direct download: JohnCarpentersHalloween.mp3
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On this week's episode of WatchThis w/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I take on a classic of the Science Fiction Genre, Ridley Scott's 1982 Masterpiece Blade Runner. We discuss it's groundbreaking narrative as well as it's lasting legacy over nearly four decades. Of course, we discuss the continuing argument of Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford) as a replicant as well as the insights, opinions, and questions created and posited by the film. We also take a look at continuing sage of the film in Denis Villeneuve's Blade Runner 2049.  Take a listen to what we have to say.  Maybe you'll agree; maybe you'll disagree.  They're all just opinions backed by a little bit of insight and a lot of love.  Thanks for the continued support.  Questions, comments, arguments, and suggestions can be directed to gondormaos@yahoo.com.  Thanks.  

Direct download: BladeRunner2017.mp3
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Let's get right to this . . . there is one great action star of the cinema and his name is Chan Kong-sang better known as Jackie Chan. A child actor and graduate of The Famed Peking Opera School, Jackie Chan shot to fame in the mid-70's as the Hong Kong Movie Industry was reeling from the loss of the great Bruce Lee.  Looking to fill this void there were a number of attempts at replacing Lee. Chan was one of these candidates, however it quickly became apparent that Lee (as his screen persona stood) was irreplaceable.  Chan would go in another direction and focus on creating a new genre of action films, the kung-fu action-comedy film. With early films such as Snake In the Eagle's Shadow and Drunken Master, Chan would go on to redefine the World of Hong Kong Action. In preparation of his upcoming film The Foreigner, we focus this week's episode on the great Jackie Chan. As always, Thanks for Listening.  

Direct download: JackieChan.mp3
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On this week's episode of WatchThis w/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I look back at David Fincher's Fight Club. I can't think of a better way to sum up and close out the 90's than this brutal examination of male anger, disillusionment, and confusion.  On this episode we look at the brilliance of the film, the source material from author Chuck Palahniuk, the performances of Edward Norton, Brad Pitt, and Helena Bonham Carter, and it's stunning relevance almost twenty years later in Trump's America.  As always, thanks for the continued support.  Questions, Comments, Problems, and Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com.  Thank You for your continued support.  

Direct download: Fight_Club.mp3
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On this episode of WatchThis w/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I remember the great Harry Dean Stanton who passed away on September 15th at the age of 91. Stanton distinguished himself in an acting career that spanned over 50 years. He was truly a great presence on screen, exemplified by roles too numerous to name, but highlighted in his only starring role - Wim Wender's  incredible examination of a man who walks out of the desert in order to find his life once again, 1984's Paris, Texas written by the great Sam Shepard. We discuss this film, Repo Man, Pretty In Pink, The Godfather Part II, and Sophie Huber's 2013 biographical documentary, Harry Dean Stanton: Partly Fiction - an absolutely essential watch in order to understand this great artist.   Thanks for listening, and - as always - please direct your questions, comments, criticisms, and suggestions to gondoramos@yahoo.com.  

Direct download: HarryDean.mp3
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On this week's episode of WatchThis w/RickRamos I take a look at an exceptional film playing in theaters at this time, Matt Ruskin's Crown Heights. Detailing the life of Colin Warner who found himself wrongfully imprisoned for murder at the age of 18, this is a powerful true story, told beautifully.  With exceptional performances by Keith Stanfield as Colin Warner and Nnamdi Asomugha as Carl King, the best friend who would spend nearly twenty years fighting to prove his friend's innocence, this is a heartbreaking film with an importance so often missing from today's cinema. I found it incredibly moving and am happy to dedicate this episode of WatchThis to Crown Heights. As always, thanks for the continued support.  Questions, Suggestions, Problems, and Encouragement can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com

Direct download: CrownHeights.mp3
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On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I sit down in The Fortress of Ultimate Darkness to discuss American Journalist Sebastian Junger and British Photojournalist Tim Heatherington's Restrepo and Korengal (which Junger would create on his own after Heatherington's death in 2011 while covering The Libyan Civil War).  Both films examine the experiences of soldiers fighting in the Korengal Valley of Afghanistan - considered "the most dangerous place in the world". Take a listen and - hopefully - you will find some valuable insights in your understanding of this confusing and tragic time in our history.  Thanks for listening.  As always, we can be reached at gondoramos@yahoo.com for questions, comments, suggestions, and arguments.  

Direct download: Restrepo.mp3
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Going solo this week. On this episode I take a look at the career of the great Robert Mitchum who would have been 100 years old on August 6th. A great actor who has been eclipsed by the likes of George C. Scott, James Dean, and Marlon Brando, Mitchum was the epitome of cool and hipness. A man of incredible natural talent, Mitchum exhibited this throughout his nearly 60 year career. On this week's episode of WatchThis w/RickRamos we talk Out of the Past, Pursued, Cape FearThe Friends of Eddie Coyle, The Yakuza, and - possibly his greatest achievement - Night of the Hunter.  Take a listen and let us know what you think . . . even if it is to give me hell for getting it out so late.  As always you can reach me at gondoramos@yahoo.com. A Million Thanks.  

Direct download: RobertMitchum.mp3
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On this week's episode of WatchThis w/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I sit down in The Fortress of Ultimate Darkness to discuss the passing of an American Original, The Playwright Sam Shepard who passed away July 27th just a few months short of his 74th birthday.  I have to admit that I had been an admirer of Shepard's for quite some time without knowing a great deal about him. His passing led me on a tour of his work in front of the camera and behind the typewriter.  With that in mind we discuss his work as an actor (The Right Stuff, Fool For Love, BlackHawk Down, and many more) as well as his written work (Fool For Love, True West, Paris, Texas,) as well as his iconic stature as a symbol of The American Male.

Through looking at these films, plays, and the touching and - ultimately - heartbreaking documentary Shepard & Dark, we get an intense and sometimes frustrating examination of this man. The documentary Shepard & Dark is particularly enlightening in it's profile of a nearly five decade long friendship between Shepard the playwright and his best friend Johnny Dark, a hermetic writer who seems to be the polar opposite of Shepard in both attitude and professional desire. 

This was a bit of a look into the darkness for both of us.  We thank you for continuing on our journey. As always we can be reached at gondoramos@yahoo.com.  Many Thanks & All Of Our Love.   

Direct download: SamShepardEpisode.mp3
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So on this new episode of WatchThis w/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I get a bit serious delving into the world of the judicial system, and specifically The Death Penalty. As always we take our cue from the cinema focusing on the works of Werner Herzog (2011's Into the Abyss), Lawrence Schiller (1983's The Executioner's Song), and Tim Robbins (1995's Dead Man Walking). It's a bit of a heavy talk, but difficult topics deserve hard conversations.  Take a listen and let us know what you think.  We can be reached at gondoramos@yahoo.com.  As always, thanks for the continued love and support.  

Direct download: TheDeathPenalty.mp3
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On this week's episode of WatchThis w/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I tackle one of the greatest films ever made, Francis Ford Coppola's The Godfather.  Take a listen as we spend nearly three hours talking a ground-breaking piece of cinema. With incredible performances from Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, James Caan, Robert DeNiro, Diane Keaton, Abe Vigoda, Michael Castellano . . . Christ, the list is too many to name. All that needs to be said is that these are two magnificent films which makes the last film such a disappointment. Ibrahim and I talk the greatness of the first two films and delve into the problems of the third. Take a listen and enjoy this examination of cinematic greatness.  As always, we thank you for your continued love and support. All questions and comments (good or bad) should be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. Thanks!

Direct download: TheGodfather.mp3
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On episode #137 of WatchThis w/RickRamos I welcome back good friend - and frequent WatchThis collaborator - Mike Black so that we can talk the Decade that formed our earliest understanding of Cinema . . . The 1980's. I have said it in the past (and I stand by the statement) that the 1980's was a (mostly) artistically empty period for filmmaking, but what it did excel at was the elevation of The Action Film in a way that had never been seen before (and in this man's opinion, at least) has never been equaled. Where's the evidence . . ? You have to look no further than the works of John McTernan (Predator, Die Hard), James Cameron (The Terminator), Sylvester Stallone (The Rocky & Rambo series'), and other filmmakers too numerous to mention. Here we have the formation of a film language that would establish the brilliance of American action filmmaking. Take a listen and enjoy as Mike Black & I take a trip down Memory Lane to recall the films that formed our greatest childhood memories. Recorded Live at The House of Pies patio in Los Feliz, CA - you might want to stop in one day and say "Hello" to the staff.  As always, thanks for the love and continued support. Any and all questions should be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. Thanks!

Direct download: 80sCinema.mp3
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On this week's episode of Watch This w/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I reflect on the world of professional wrestling, focusing our attention on the documentaries Beyond the Mat (Dir. Barry W. Blaustein, 1999) and The Resurrection of Jake The Snake (Dir. Steve Yu, 2015). Not necessarily great films, but films that give a fascinating and entertaining exploration into the behind the scenes going on's of this world wide phenomenon. We draw comparisons between the theatrics of the ring and it's relationship to politics (and, namely, The Trump Administration). We close out this episode with an examination of Darren Aaronofsky's beautifully realized portrait of Randy "The Ram" Robinson, 2008's The Wrestler.  With an incredible career-defining performance from Mickey Rourke this is a film that certainly needs to be seen again.

Take a listen and let us know what you think. We can be reached at gondoramos@yahoo.com. As always, thanks for the continued support. 

Direct download: TheWrestler.mp3
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On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos Ibrahim & I take it a bit easy, walking down memory lane, and talking about the movie influences that have brought us to this place. From Tower Records and The Warehouse, to Scorsese and The Faces of Death Series, Ibrahim & I remember the great movie memories of our lives. A little bit of a lighter episode, but one that came together rather nicely. Take a listen and let us know what you think.  As always we appreciate your continued support. Questions, Suggestions, Comments, and Problems can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com

Direct download: CinemaMemories.mp3
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Yeah . . . On this episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos  I take a break from the seriousness of our previous episodes and have a little bit of fun with a classic, Hal Needham's classic 1977 Redneck Masterpiece, Smokey & The Bandit.  This is one of those films that I have to just come to terms with my love for . . . a hilarious and beautifully realized 70's era comedy that has stood the test of time.  With great throw-away comic performances from Burt Reynolds, Sally Fields, Jerry Reed, Mike Henry (as the criminally forgotten Junior Justice), Pat McCormack & Paul Williams, and - an unforgettably brilliant comic performance by the great Jackie Gleason as Sheriff Buford T. Justice, this is a film that deserves it's reputation as one of the great underrated comedies of the 1970's. 

It feels great to cool down and talk about a good time at the movies. As always, thanks for the continued support.  Questions, Comments, Suggestions, and Complaints should be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com.  

Direct download: SmokeyTheBandit.mp3
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On this week's episode of WatchThis w/RickRamos Ibrahim and I come to the end of our examination of The Vietnam War.  You don't watch Full Metal Jacket, Stanley Kubrick's 1987 classic without recognizing it as two separate films.  That's the angle that we're approaching the film. Boot Camp and The Grunts' Experience in one of the few urban examinations of this very complex war.  With standout performances from Matthew Modine, Vincent D'Onofrio, and in a career-definining role, former USMC Drill Sergeant, R. Lee Ermey. This is a great film that we are proud to close this series out with. Take a listen and let us know what you think.  As always, we can be reached for Praise, Comments, Suggestions, & Complaints to gondoramos@yahoo.com - Thanks for all of the support. 

Direct download: FullMetalJacket.mp3
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The train keeps rolling down the bend . . . On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I continue our descent into The Vietnam War.  This week we take a look at The War through the eyes of the displaced and victimized . . . the people of Vietnam and Cambodia.  Oliver Stone ends his Vietnam Trilogy with 1993's Heaven & Earth, the story of Le Ly Hayslip who survived the destruction of her village, death of many family members, and the decimation of her country to eventually find peace through her will and perseverance. We also take a look at Roland Joffe's 1984 examination of the expansion of the war into Cambodia and the genocide wrought by Pol Pot and The Khmer Rouge, The Killing Fields.  Through the story of Dith Pran's four year odyssey through "The Killing Fields" of the title, we get a rare examination of the war from a perspective that has been too often ignored.  With an Academy Award winning performance from Dr. Hang S. Ngor, The Killing Fields is a truly exceptional film.  We talk the film as well as Dr. Ngor's remarkable parallel experiences and his untimely 1996 murder by a Chinatown street gang.  We hope you enjoy and take a little something from this heartfelt episode.  Please direct questions, comments, suggestions, and complaints to gondoramos@yahoo.com - As always, thanks for the continued love & support. 

Direct download: VietnamPartIV.mp3
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On this episode of WatchThis w/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I continue our descent into the rabbit hole of The Vietnam War. This week we take a look at the grunts' welcome home with an examination of Oliver Stone's 1989 biopic of paralyzed Vietnam veteran Ron Kovic, Born on the Fourth of July.  We also take look at Michael Cimino's 1978 masterpiece, The Deer Hunter.  With these films we see two powerful and heart-wrenching examinations of a misunderstood and much maligned experience. The trip isn't over. Ibrahim & I are discovering more and more and we hope that you good listeners are taking a little bit from it. Questions, Comments, Suggestions, & Complaints should be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com - As always, thank you for the continued love & support.  

Direct download: VietnamPart3.mp3
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On this week's episode of WatchThis w/RickRamos Ibrahim & I continue our examination of the great Vietnam War films. This week we take a look at the "grunts' experience' in Vietname; We talk Oliver Stone's Platoon and Brian DePalma's Casualties of War.  The less written the better.  So take a listen and let us know what you think.  As always we can be reached at gondoramos@yahoo.com.  So take a listen and continued thanks for your love and support.    

Direct download: PlatoonCasualties.mp3
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On this week's episode of WatchThis w/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I begin a many episode (we have no idea how long this is going to take) examination of The Vietnam War. Where else to start off than - possibly - the greatest War Film ever made, Francis Ford Copolla's Apocalypse Now Redux - Copolla's 2001 Director's Cut of his 1979 Cannes Palme d'Or winner. Rarely do audiences have the opportunity to see behind the curtain . . . Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker's Apocalypse (1991) tells the troubled history behind one of the greatest films ever made. Rivaling Keith Fulton & Louis Pepe's Lost in La Mancha (2002) as one of the most depressing and frustrating cinema documentaries ever made, Hearts of Darkness is a beautifully constructed, amazingly intimate examination of this troubled production. 

Direct download: Apocalypse_Now.mp3
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On this week's episode of WatchThis w/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I sit down in The Fortress to discuss George Miller's Masterpiece series MAD MAX (1979) THE ROAD WARRIOR (1981), MAD MAX - BEYOND THUNDERDOME (1985), and - finally - MAD MAX - FURY ROAD (2015). Possibly the greatest cinematic series ever created (based on their being no weak films in the series), Miller's collaboration with Mel Gibson, Tom Hardy, and Charlize Theron has created one of the truly visionary experiences of the cinema.  So sit back, take a listen, and listen as two friends talk a series that has cut to the marrow of everything. As always, we thank you for your continued support.  Any questions, comments, suggestions, or complaints should be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com.  Many Thanks & Much Love.   

Direct download: GeorgeMillerMadMax.mp3
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On this week's episode of WatchThis w/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I continue our discussion on the Academy Award winning documentarian (THE FOG OF WAR: ELEVEN LESSONS FROM THE LIFE OF ROBERT S. McNAMARA - 2003) Errol Morris. This week we tackle his groundbreaking study of Randall Dale Adams, a man wrongly imprisoned for murdering a Dallas Police Officer during a routine traffic stop, THE THIN BLUE LINE (1987). We also look at his profile of British theoretical physicist, Stephen Hawkings, A BRIEF HISTORY OF TIME (1992). Finally, we take a look at Morris' directorial debut, GATES OF HEAVEN (1978), a film that profiles a pet cemetery in Palo Alto, California and the inhabitants of this small town, their love for their pets and their (sometimes) strange and quirky ways.  It's a film that critic Roger Ebert called one of the greatest films ever made. This is an episode that goes rather long, so be prepared for that.  All in all, we had a great time recording it.  Thanks for listening and - as always - thank you for your continued support. Questions, Suggestions, Comments, and Complaints can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com 

Direct download: MorrisPartII.mp3
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Ohhhhh this is a heavy one . . . On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I take a look at documentary filmmaker, Errol Morris (who shot to fame with the 1988 documentary          THE THIN BLUE LINE, challenging the guilt of Texas Death Row inmate Randall Dale Adams). On this first of a two part episode we discuss the former private investigator's profiles of Vietnam War Era Secretary of Defense, Robert S. McNamara (THE FOG OF WAR: ELEVEN LESSONS FROM THE LIFE OF ROBERT S. McNAMARA - 2003) and THE UNKOWN KNOWN.  2013's examination of Secretary of Defense during the George W. Bush Presidency, Donald Rumsfield.  Tying all of this together we discuss his 2008 expose of Abu Ghraib prison, STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE.  Yeah, it's a long episode, but it's also an episode that challenged our beliefs and ideas regarding both of these men and war in general.  Thank You For Your Continued Support.  Questions, Comments, Problems, and Support can all be sent to gondoramos@yahoo.com 

Direct download: Morris.mp3
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A mid-week entry that is mostly cathartic release for me. On this episode of WatchThis w/RickRamos we take a look at the career and passing of the greatest artist Rock 'N' Roll has ever know, Charles Edward Anderson Berry, better known as The Father of Rock 'N' Roll Chuck Berry. On this episode I talk about what this great man has meant to me. From my introduction through The Chess Box (purchased at Tower Records on Thomas in Phoenix in 1987) through three concert appearances I was a party to, and Taylor Hackford's 1987 documentary CHUCK BERRY: HAIL, HAIL ROCK 'N' ROLL, this is a look back in love.  Hopefully you have the same appreciation as I have.  As always, Thank You For The Continued Love & Support. Send any and all questions to gondoramos@yahoo.com

 

Direct download: ChuckBerry.mp3
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On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I continue our discussion on Alaska and the struggles of Man Vs. Nature exemplified in Lee Tamahori's THE EDGE (1997), Alejandro Gonzalez IƱarritu's THE REVENANT (2015), and - finally - we revisit Joe Carnahan's THE GREY (2011). Hopefully you will have as much fun listening to us as we had recording this. As always, Thanks for the continued support.  

Direct download: ManVsNature2.mp3
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On this week's episode of WatchThis w/RickRamos we take a look at a masterpiece currently playing in theaters, James Mangold's LOGAN, featuring a career defining performance by Hugh Jackman, an Oscar worthy performance from Patrick Stewart, and a promising introduction to a new young actress, Dafne Keen. I can't speak highly enough about this film.  I'm going to leave it at that.  Take a listen and let me know what you think. I can be reached with questions and comments at gondoramos@yahoo.com.  As always, thank you for the continued support.  

Direct download: LOGAN.mp3
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On this weeks episode of WatchThis w/RickRamos, Ibrahim returns to The Fortress of Ultimate Darkness to discuss his recent trip to Alaska and the affect it had on his emotions, psyche, and overall attitude. WatchThis is all about relating cinema to life experiences.  This week we couple Ibrahim's vacation with Werner Herzog's GRIZZLY MAN - documenting the life and death of self-appointed Bear Protector Timothy Treadwell.  We also discuss Sean Penn's little-seen, powerfully insightful INTO THE WILD starring Emile Hirsch, Vince Vaughn, Academy Award winners William Hurt and Marcia Gay Harden, and Best Supporting Acting nominee for this film, Hal Holbrook.  An incredible film that has yet to find the audience that it deserves.  Take a listen and let us know what you think.  You can reach me at gondoramos@yahoo.com  Thanks for all of the continued support.   

Direct download: ManVsNature.mp3
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On this weeks episode of WatchThis w/RickRamos we talk about David Lynch's THE ELEPHANT MAN from 1980 and Tod Browning's infamous 1932 film FREAKS. Two films that have had differing affects on me, but which have stayed with me over the years. I also talk a bit about A MONSTER CALLS and JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2.  Take a listen and let me know what you think.  As always, I can be reached at gondoramos@yahoo.com.  Thanks for the continued support.  

Direct download: LynchBrowningFinal.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:26pm EDT

On this week's episode of WatchThis w/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I take a look at one of the most iconic characters in all of popular cinema,  Lieutenant "Dirty" Harry Callahan. It would be impossible to watch these movies without examining the social and historical impact of this character in the five films Eastwood made with a variety of directors beginning with Don Siegel's 1971 "Fascist Masterpiece" Dirty Harry and concluding with Buddy Van Horn's 1988 The Dead Pool. In between we talk Ted Post's Magnum Force (1973), James Fargo's The Enforcer (1976), and the Eastwood directed Sudden Impact (1983). We take a look at the fantasy aspect of the series, the police state, and the rights of both victim and criminal, and - of course - a li'l bit of Trump. Take a listen for a good time and join us as we say goodbye to the great John Hurt who passed away this past week at the age of 77. There's a lot to talk about. We hope you enjoy it. As always, thanks for the continued support.   

Direct download: DirtyHarry.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:42am EDT

On this week's episode of Watch This w/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I continue our discussion of The Vampire subgenera.  Our angle this week . . . ? We talk the pure enjoyment of the Vampire Hunter, showcasing Tom Holland's Fright Night and John Carpenter's Vampires.  We contrast these films with Kathryn Bigelow's Near Dark and the Swedish adolescent vampire film Let the Right One In.  We had a good time talking; we hope you have a good time listening.  As always, you can contact us at gendarmes@yahoo.com or rickramoscomedy.com.  Thanks for the continued support. 

Direct download: VampiresFinal.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00pm EDT

On this week's episode of WatchThis w/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I continue our lengthy discussion of the Vampire subgenre.  On this episode we touch on a number of different films, but we focus on Abel Ferrara's THE ADDICTION from 1995, starring Lili Taylor, Edie Falco, Anabella Sciorra, and Christopher Walken.  We continue the theme of metaphorical drug addiction in the vampire film with a look at Tony Scott's 1983 directorial debut THE HUNGER.  We round out our examination of this part of the genre by focusing on Jim Jarmusch's 2013 masterpiece (my humble description) ONLY LOVERS LEFT ALIVE.  Yeah, it's a lengthy episode, and it's going to take a bigger commitment than I usually expect from our audience, but I think it's - ultimately - a very rewarding discussion.  Or maybe it's just a couple of assholes going on about how much we love movies.  Either one works.  Take a listen and let us know what you think at gondoramos@yahoo.com. As always, thanks for the love; Thanks for the support.  

Direct download: VampiresII.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:39am EDT

On this weeks episode of WatchThis w/RickRamos I take a look at Abel Ferrara's masterpiece from 1992 - Bad Lieutenant.  A film that has stayed with me for some twenty-five years after first seeing it in Chicago during the fall of 1992. I can speak highly enough about this film. It was an entrance to my understanding of what cinema was capable of portraying. I was and continue to be overwhelmed by the emotional rawness of Harvey Keitel's performance and am thrilled to finally be sitting down to put forth my ideas and attitudes concerning this brilliant film.  As always, thank you for your continued listening and support.  Any questions, comments, or suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com

 

Direct download: Bad_Lieutenant.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:40pm EDT

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