Watch This With Rick Ramos

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
Category: -- posted at: 3:10pm EDT

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
Category:general -- posted at: 1:47pm EDT

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
Category: -- posted at: 6:07pm EDT

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