The Ballad of Buster Scruggs 

The Coen Bros. Re-Imagine The West & How Netflix is Changing the Face of Cinema 

On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos Ramos goes it alone to talk The Coen Brothers new film, The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, a film that is the culmination of nearly everything the Brothers have produced over the past 30-plus years. Ramos was overwhelmed by this film and was thrilled to finally sit down and talk about it . . . although it did take him three viewings before he was able to fully put together his feelings and attitude regarding this new classic. On this episode he talks the film itself, but also the changing world of movie-watching. Netflix is definitely changing the world of movies. Take a listen and let us know what you think. Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. Thanks for your continued Love & Support. 

Psycho - Hitchcock & Van Sant

On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I sit down to discuss Hitchcock's masterpiece Psycho (1960) and Gus Van Sant's shot-for-shot re-imagining from 1998. We discuss the brilliance and importance of Hitchcock's original and the pointlessness of Van Sant's remake. An interesting conversation that forces both of us to understand the films better, we are proud to put out an episode that we hope captures the quality of the first film and understanding of the purpose of the second.

As always, we appreciate your continued love and support. Questions, Comments, Complaints, and Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com

Catching Up On The Classics:

To Be or Not To Be (1942) 

Director: Ernst Lubitsch

On this week's episode of WatchThis w/RickRamos, I go solo to talk Ernst Lubitsch's 1942 Classic To Be or Not to Be, starring the great Jack Benny, Carole Lombard (in her last role), and - a very young - Robert Stack. A profile of a Jewish acting company in war torn Poland, Lubitsch's film was one of the earliest films to tackle the Nazis on screen (in a comedy, nonetheless!) and was not considered entirely "respectable" when first-released, however it has grown in its importance over the years. 

We're trying something a bit different with the podcast this week . . . a new angle that we hope to implement throughout the life of the show. Focusing on individual films in my collection, I'm looking forward to finding and talking about the great films that I have somehow missed. Take a listen as I discuss #607 in the Criterion Collection with hopes to get through everything that I own and have not watched. Thanks for listening. Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions should be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. 

The Dead Man's Hand: A Goodbye to Ricky Jay & Others in 2018 

On this week's episode of WatchThis w/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I sit down to mourn the passing of the great sleight of hand artist, magician, writer, actor, and historian Ricky Jay (June 26, 1946 - November 24, 2018). Focusing heavily on directors Molly Bernstein & Alan Edelstein's Deceptive Practices: The Mysteries and Mentors of Ricky Jay (2012) - a fascinating study of the great sleight of hand magician, this is an examination of - probably - the greatest practitioner of magic the 20th & 21st Centuries have ever known. We round this episode out with a discussion of others who have passed this year including: Mitzi Shore (Owner and Co-Founder of The Comedy Store), Stan Lee, and former president George H.W. Bush. We look back on what these lives have meant to us as well as the lessons learned from them. As always, we appreciate your continued Love & Support. Questions, Comments, Complaints, and Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. Many Thanks!

THE HORROR OF CRONENBERG

(PART II): SCANNERS/THE DEAD ZONE/VIDEODROME  

On this week's episode of WatchThis w/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I sit down to continue discussing the work of Canadian cult director David Cronenberg who somehow found mainstream success with a series of strange and controversial films. In this hour and a half episode we talk Scanners (1981) as well as Videodrome and The Dead Zone (both from 1983). We take a look at this evolving filmmaker in our second examination of his work. Take a listen and let us know what you think. As always, Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. Many, Many Thanks!

It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World -

55th Anniversary

On this weeks episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos I take a look back at the 1963 Stanley Kramer Comedy Classic It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World. With an all-star cast including Spencer Tracey, Sid Caesar, Milton Berle, Jonathan Winters, Phil Silvers, Ethel Merman, Dick Shawn, Mickey Rooney, Buddy Hackett, and Edie Addams, and cameo appearances by Jerry Lewis, The Three Stooges, Buster Keaton, Don Knotts, Jack Benny, and so many more this was a once in a lifetime production. A short, sweet episode about once of my favorite films. It was a good time reminiscing about this classic. Thanks for the continued support. Questions, Comments, Complaints, and Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. Thanks!

In Theaters:

Can You Forgive Me? Finding Meaning in Misery & Loneliness 

On this week's episode of WatchThis w/Rick Ramos I go it solo to talk Melissa McCarthy in Can You Ever Forgive Me? A new film in theaters profiling the life of biographer Lee Israel who turned to a career of forgery and found purpose in her criminal endeavors. I loved this film and connected with it in a strange way. Movies do that. Take a listen as I dig deep into my own psyche in order to understand the darkness. 

. . . it'll make more sense after listening to the episode. 

Thanks for the continued love and support. Questions, Comments, Complaints, and Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. Thanks.

Michael Meyers - Return to Haddonfield

On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos Ibrahim & I sit down (almost a year after our last visit to Haddonfield, IL) to continue our talk on that blank-faced masked bastard, Michael Meyers. Screenwriters Jeff Fradley, Danny McBride, and David Gordon Green (with Green directing) bring us all back to that sleepy little town to re-introduce us to Meyers. With a returning Jamie Lee Curtis as Laurie Strode (the lone survivor of the first film) and a whole new generation to murder - all in one night - audiences are reminded of the brilliance that has been with us for 40 years. Take a step into The Fortress and remember what all of the excitement was originally about. Questions, Comments, Complaints, and Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. As always, a Million Thanks! 

THE CHANGING WORLD OF HORROR (THE WITCH, HEREDITARY, THE BABADOOK)

On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos Ibrahim & I sit down to discuss The Changing Face of Horror Films. We take a look at three recent hits: Robert Eggers' The Witch (2015), Ari Aster's Hereditary (2018), and Jennifer Kent's The Babadook (2014). From The Universal Horror Films of the 30s, 40s, and 50s through the emergence of the Slasher genre of the 70s, the Torture Porn of the 90s and early to mid-2000s, we have finally settled on a more subtle and mind-numbingly patient series of films that are looking to burrow their way into the psyche. Take a listen as two guys hash it out over a genre that has been criminally underrated. Questions, Comments, Complaints, and Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. As Always, Thanks For The Continued Love & Support. 

The Horror of Cronenberg (1975-1979)

On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I sit down to talk one of the most innovative and disturbing filmmakers to emerge out of the 1970's - David Cronenberg. From his earliest (professional) film 1975's Shivers, through 1977's Rabid, and finally 1979's The Brood, Cronenberg has proven a filmmaker of immense depth and powerful imagery and one whose early worker would lay the foundation for some of the most ground-breaking and artistically challenging films to emerge out of the studios. This episode is a continuation of our look at Horror Cinema, as well as a preview to a future episode focusing on Cronenberg's 80s & 90s work. Take a listen and let us know what you think. Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. As always, Thanks for the Love & Continued Support!

No More Room in Hell:

George A. Romero's Living Dead

On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Ibrahim and I sit down to celebrate this Holiest of Months by examining the severely underrated Horror genre. There's no better starting point than The Master of the Zombie genre - George A. Romero (February 4, 1940 - July 16, 2017). Beginning with the groundbreaking Night of the Living Dead (1968), followed a decade later by Dawn of the Dead (1978), Day of the Dead (1985), Land of the Dead (2005), Diary of the Dead (2007), and Romero's last entry in the series (as well as his final film) Survival of the Dead (2009). It gives us tremendous pleasure to remember this great filmmaker.

Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions should be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com.  Thanks for the continued love and support. 

From Democracy to Tyranny

The Fahrenheit Films of Michael Moore

On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I sit down to discuss Michael Moore's Fahrenheit 9/11 & Fahrenheit 11/9. Examining the nightmare that is the current political climate, we discuss Moore's examination of the media creation of Donald J. Trump and the links to his earlier documentary Fahrenheit 9/11. We discuss the  George W. Bush presidency and it's link to the Trump presidency, the impending confirmation (?) of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavannaugh, and the state of the US as it exists. It's a spirited and heartfelt conversation. Thank You for your continued Love & Support. Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. 

The History of Television (Part 10): Mass Masterpieces - The Rise of the Cable Series and the Evolution of Cinematic Television

On this weeks episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I finish out our study of Television in The New Millennium. We discuss the emergence of HBO as The Future of Cinematic Television with groundbreaking series including: OZ, Deadwood, Boardwalk Empire, and - of course - The Sopranos. We look at how that works into network cable including: AMC, FX, NETFLIX, SHOWTIME and assorted others with such diverse shows as Breaking Bad, Sons of Anarchy, Mad Men, Orange is the New Black and Shameless. So take a listen as we finish up nearly 20 hours of Television Talk. We hope that you enjoyed it as much as we enjoyed talking about it. Thanks for the continued love & support. Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. A Million Thanks!

A Farewell to Burt Reynolds (February 11, 1936 - September 6, 2018)

It's never a quick process, however when one of your idols dies it's necessary (maybe cathartic) to sit down and understand the emotions. On the morning of Thursday, September 6th I read that Burt Reynolds had passed away at the age of 82. Sometimes you have to come to terms with your childhood heroes and understand how that appreciation evolves over the years. From early television thru Deliverance and Smokey & the Bandit, Boogie Nights and up until his last lead role in The Last Movie Star, Burt Reynolds worked in Hollywood for nearly sixty years and was widely recognized as one of the great "movie stars" the industry has produced. What is less recognized is Reynolds as an exceptional actor. For a little less than an hour I find myself sitting in The Fortress of Ultimate Darkness talking about this great man. Sit back, take a listen, and - hopefully - have some fond memories. As always compliments, complaints, suggestions, and advice can be directed to  gondoramos@yahoo.com. Many Thanks!

THE HISTORY OF TELEVISION PART NINE -

REALITY TELEVISION

On this weeks episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I continue our discussion of Television focusing on the rise of "Reality TV" and its impact on the culture as a whole. It's a spirited, and - sometimes - angry discussion about what Reality Television has meant to the public. Somewhat of a continuation of previous discussions, on this weeks episode, Ibrahim and I bring this particular discussion to a conclusion. There may be more to say, however we feel that we have given it our all. Thanks for listening, and thank you for your continued love and support. Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. 

Aretha Franklin

(March 25, 1942 - August 16, 2018) 

On August 16th it was widely reported that Soul singer Aretha Franklin passed away at the age of 76. As we get older (for those of us who care) there is an understanding that we will lose those close to us and those who we have been close to from afar. Aretha Franklin is one of these latter relationships. I never met this women and she was one of my few idols that I never had the opportunity to see in concert. On this weeks episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos I go solo and talk what this phenomenal artist meant to me. Less an overview of her career or any kind of critical analysis, this weeks episode of WatchThis is an emotional tribute to The Queen of Soul. Listening to these classic recordings has meant the world to me. Thank You All for allowing me to share my feelings regarding this magnificent woman. 

THE HISTORY OF TV (PART 8) -

THE EVOLUTION OF A NEW MILLENIUM, THE EVOLUTION OF A NEW MEDIA, AND THE ATTACK ON THE TWIN TOWERS

On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Ibrahim & Rick sit down to discuss the beginning of a New Millennium. They talk the growth of Reality Television, the evolution of the Medium, and the Impact of The Attack on The Twin Towers. There are arguments, conflict, and discussion regarding a number of differing viewpoints. We may not agree, but - hopefully - there is a greater understanding and acceptance of whatever the hell can be recognized as the truth. 

Thanks for listening. Continued Support, Criticism, and Recommendations can be directed to gondoramos@yahooo.com. As Always, A Million Thanks! 

History of TV Part 7 - The End of The X Era - Finishing The Decade & Tying It All Up

On this weeks episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Rick & Ibrahim finish their study of the 1990s looking at the decade as a whole and trying to bring a greater understanding to all of it. They talk the expansiveness of the decade and how it would, ultimately, set the foundation for the 2000s. Take a listen as they remember this strange and complicated decade.

Thanks for the continued love and support. Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions should be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. A Million Thanks! 

History of TV (Part 6) - The X Era Continued - The Social Fabric of the Decade & The Birth of Reality TV

On this weeks episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I continue our look at the 1990s focusing on a broader examination of the decade. Take a listen and enjoy. As always, we offer our appreciation. Questions, Comments, Problems, & Suggestions can be addressed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. Thanks! 

The History of TV Part V - The X Era 

On this weeks episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos Ibrahim & I continue our walk through The History of Television. This week we look at the 1990s and what has come to be known as "Generation X". Take a listen as we discuss Post-Modernism and it's role in the formation of 1990s television. All of this culminating with a look at our choices for the most influential sitcoms of this era: Married With Children, The Simpsons, Roseanne, and Seinfeld. Thanks for the continued love & support. Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. Thanks!

The History of TV Part 4 - The Reagan Era Continued  

This episode was going a bit long so we broke it up . . . gotta give you guys a little bit of breathing room. We continue with sitcoms, Bill Cosby, constant and unrelenting news, the beginnings of FOX, Siskel & Ebert, daytime talk, and commercials - both public service, scare tactics, and selling! Take a listen as we finish the 80s and get ready for the 90s. Thanks for the continued love & support. Questions, Comments, Problems, and Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com

History of Television (Part 3) - The Reagan Era: NightTime Soaps, TV News & Talk Shows, The Sitcom, The Mini-Series, and The Birth of FOX

On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I continue our discussion of The History of Television, looking - specifically - at The 1980's. Take a listen as we discuss the first decade that we remember from personal experience. Thanks for listening. Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com Thanks for the continued love and support. 

THE HISTORY OF TV Part 2 -

THE VIETNAM ERA  

On this week's episode of WatchThis w/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I continue our discussion of television through the ages. This week we focus on the 1970's, paying particular attention to The Vietnam War, Richard Nixon, Norman Lear, and the growing counterculture. Sit back and take a listen. As always, thanks for your continued love and support. Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. 

Going Back To The Comedy Store

On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos Ramos goes solo out of The Fortress of Ultimate Darkness to talk about the importance of The Comedy Store in his life and the steps that went into leaving and finally returning nearly a decade later. Just a quick change of pace that we hope you have a good time listening to. As always, thank you for your continued Love & Support. Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com.

Anthony Bourdain - A Rememberance & Celebration (June 25, 1956 - June 8, 2018)

On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos Ibrahim Chavez & I sit down to talk World Traveler, Social Critic, Writer, Chef, Humanitarian & Advocate Anthony Bourdain who passed away June 8th at the age of 61. With his passing there is an unmistakeable void in this world. Ibrahim & I discuss his role as an advocate of world cultures, cuisine, and understanding, as well as our personal connections to late Chef. There's little else that should be said. Take a listen as we celebrate this great man. Thank you for your continued love and support. 

The History of Television Part 1: From Carhode Ray Tubes to Ed Sullivan 

On this week's episode of WatchThis w/RickRamos, Ibrahim & Rick sit down in The Fortress of Ultimate Darkness to begin a lengthy examination of  television. Part I takes a look at the early history of creating television, moving into the great early television shows that would make up the memories of The Baby Boomer Generation into Generation X. We talk Your Show of Shows, Leave it to Beaver, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, The Ed Sullivan Show, Meet the Press, and many other groundbreaking shows. Take a load off and join us as we take this trip down Memory Lane. Questions, Comments, Problems, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. As always . . . Our Heartfelt Thanks!

Greatest Cinema Heroes 

On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I take our mutual seats in The Fortress of Ultimate Darkness to discuss the greatest heroes in all of cinema. From defining what a hero truly is to the vagaries of the hero, anti-hero, and dependence on villains we tackle this question from a number of angles. We discuss each of our Top 10's as well as a number of names that just barely missed the cut. It was a fun time. Take a listen and let us know what you think. Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. As always, thanks for the continued love & support. 

Walter Matthau, Tatum O'Neal, Jackie Earl Haley & The Bad News Bears - On this week's episode of WatchThis w/RickRamos I'm flying solo and talking one of the most underrated films of the 1970's, Michael Ritchie's 1976 Little League Epic The Bad News Bears (1976). With standout performances from Walter Matthau as the drunken, miserable, ex-baseball player and current pool cleaner, Morris Buttermaker, and Tatum O'Neil, Jackie Earl Haley, and Vic Morrow in supporting roles, this is a film that is a well-loved classic, however has never received the critical recognition that it deserves. So, I'm just gonna sit down in The Fortress of Ultimate Darkness and talk this love letter to Little League Baseball. Take a listen & enjoy this walk down memory lane. Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. Thanks for the continued support! 

Greatest Cinema Villains - 

This week on WatchThis W/RickRamos Ibrahim & I sit down to talk the greatest villains in cinematic history. From Hannibal The Cannibal to The Wicked Witch of the West, Zombies and Vampires, it's a pretty diverse list. We talk Slasher, Anti-Heroes, Tragic Villains and Redemption. Take a listen. Thanks for the continued Love & Support. Questions, Comments, Problems & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com

George Carlin - Celebrating a Genius on What Would Have Been His 81st Birthday

On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos Ibrahim & I sit down in The Fortress of Ultimate Darkness to talk one of the greatest stand-up comics of all time . . . George Carlin. We discuss Carlin's fascination with words, his prodigious output (14 HBO specials and countless albums), his cultural influence, and - finally - his brilliance in creating material that challenged the status quo, common beliefs, and that always present line in the sand. Take a listen as we celebrate this great artist on what would have been his 81st birthday. Questions, Comments, Problems, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. Thanks for all of the continued love and support. 

Kurt Cobain, 90's Grunge, Suicide, Controversy, & The Voice of a Generation . . . On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos Ibrahim & I sit down in The Fortress of Ultimate Darkness to discuss the Life, Death, Influence, and Controversy surrounding Nirvana front man, Kurt Cobain. Take a listen as we discuss three documentaries that deal with this subject: Nick Broomfield's, Kurt & Courtney (1998), Benjamin Statler's Soaked in Bleach (2015), and Brett Morgen's Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck (2015). Still fascinating after 24 years, this story makes for a very interesting conversation. Hopefully, you will see that as well. Thanks for listening, and thanks for the continued love and support. Questions, Comments, Problems, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com.  Thanks!

Continuing with our practice of using ALL of our data for the month, on this episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, I sit down in The Fortress of Ultimate Darkness to continue our Question & Answer analysis of Cinema . . . It's Purpose, Importance, and - often - the misunderstanding that comes with studying this art form. Take a listen and let us know what you think. We had a good time and are looking forward to doing more of these. Questions, Comments, Problems, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com.  Our Continued Love & Thanks!

We had some room left before the data ran out, so Ibrahim & I decided to sit down - once again - in The Fortress of Ultimate Darkness for a short episode of questions about Cinema, The Art, Interpretation, and Attitudes. Take a listen to a fun little talk as Ibrahim continues his interrogation. Thanks for the continued love & support. Questions, Comments, Problems, and Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. Thanks!

On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos Ibrahim & I sit down in The Fortress of Ultimate Darkness to discuss screenwriter Taylor Sheridan. Coming out of an incredibly prolific writing period, Sheridan has exploded onto the scene writing three of the best films of the last five years. Sicario (2015 - Director Denis Villeneuve), Hell or High Water (2016 - Director David Mackenzie), and - finally - Wind River, with which Sheridan made his directorial debut in 2017. It is rare that a screenwriter is able to so forcefully capture marginalized communities and dismissed men and women without being condescending in doing so. Three phenomenal films that deserve your attention and which we are proud and thrilled to be discussing. Please take a listen and - either - discover these films or sit back and listen to our assessment and decide for yourselves whether or not you agree with us. As always, thank you for the continued love and support. Questions, Problems, Comments, and Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com.

On this week's episode of WatchThis W/Rick Ramos I'm flying solo in The Fortress of Ultimate Darkness. A quick look back at the life and work of Military Vet and Unexpected Movie Star who passed away on May 15th from complications of Pneumonia. Of course you can't talk Ermey without discussing Stanley Kubrick's Vietnam War Classic, Full Metal Jacket (1987), but I also take a look at Tim Robbin's Dead Man Walking, Alan Parker's Mississippi Burning, and Ted Demme's Life. Take a listen and remember a great (under appreciated) screen presence.  Thanks for the continued love & support. 

On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos we take a minute to get personal and talk about The Art of Cinema. Sit back and take a listen as I ask Mr. Chavez a series of questions designed to get to the core of his beliefs and opinions regarding Cinema. Take a listen and let us know what you think. As always, thank you for the continued love and support.  Questions, Comments, Problems, and Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. 

On this week's episode of WatchThis w/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I, once again, sit down in The Fortress of Ultimate Darkness to discuss a fascinating topic - The Culture of Cool and all that can be defined as such (or, at least, as much as we can get to).  From Icons of Cool, Marlon Brando, James Dean, and Robert Mitchum through todays stars that are able to carry that mantle. We talk imagery in film, it's influence on society, but also the African origins of "Cool" and how these influences continue to influence our world. So sit back, pour a whiskey, and take a listen to the opinions of two guys.  We thank you for your continued support.  

This week Ibrahim & I get back to our discussion of the portrayals of Native Americans in Cinema. Spanning the Silent Film Era and the John Ford Legacy of "The Red Savage" into the re-evaluation of Native Cultures beginning with Arthur Penn's 1979 Dustin Hoffman classic, Little Big Man, and into the 1990's resurgence with Kevin Costner's Academy Award Winning Revisionist Western, Dances With Wolves.  We finish this study with a look at the Native push to make personal films that come from Native writers, directors, producers, and actors. There are some beautiful and powerful examples of Cinema in this discussion as well as a look at documentaries, namely, Neil Diamond's Reel Injuns (2009) - a fascinating study of the history of American Indians in Cinema. There's a lot said, a few moments of anger and frustration, and a great deal of hope as we discover the gems hidden in the trash of American Cinema. As always, Our Thanks & Love go out to you guys! 

Trying something a bit different with the podcast . . . this second episode of the week, Ibrahim & I sit down in The Fortress of Ultimate Darkness to answer a few questions about Cinema.  A little over twenty minutes of one guy asking another guy questions.  Take a listen and let us know what you think.  As always, Thanks for the Love & Support!

Going back to a favorite . . . a flick that that set off the Independent Movement of the 1990's, Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction (1994). This week Ibrahim & I talk about this groundbreaking movie and what it has meant to both Cinema and the Culture. There's not much else to write so just take a listen.

Twenty-four years is a long time to spend thinking about a film. With that in mind I think we've done a pretty good job breaking this one down.

Questions, Comments, Problems, Suggestions, & Support can be sent to gondoramos@yahoo.com.  As Always, Thanks & Love. 

We're getting a bit personal on this week's episode of WatchThis w/RickRamos, as Ibrahim & I talk about a particularly important topic in our lives. In 1992 I stumbled on Michael Apted's Incident at Oglala - a film chronicling the late 70's persecution of The American Indian Movement and the railroading of Leonard Peltier in the deaths of two F.B.I. agents on the Pine Ridge Reservation, South Dakota. This film lit a spark that has proven to be one of the most important cinematic experiences of my life. It is both a privilege and a responsibility to talk about this case.  In addition to this documentary, we take a look at Apted's fictional dramatization of many of these events with his Thunderheart (from the same year) starring Val Kilmer, Sam Shepard, and an exceptional performance from Graham Greene. We pepper this episode with a look at the late Native American Spoken Word artist, John Trudell, in the documentary profile Trudell (2005) directed by Heather Rae. There's a lot of remembrance and emotion in this episode. Take a listen and let us know what you think - gondoramos@yahoo.com.  As always, Thanks & Love. 

On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I sit down in The Fortress of Ultimate Darkness to talk Gun Control. No doubt a difficult subject, we take a look at a few documentaries that examine this divisive issue. We look at Emil Chiaberi's 2010 documentary Murder By Proxy: How America Went Postal (AKA Going Postal). A heartfelt and thought-provoking examination of workplace violence and the people it has affected.  We also take a look at William Gazecki's Waco: Rules of Engagement, a film that looks at the mid-'90's struggle between the Branch Davidians and the ATF which resulted in death, controversy, and questionable governmental action. We finish with Michael Moore's 2001 Cannes Award winning documentary Bowling for Columbine which looks at the events of April 20th 1999 in which two "loner" high school students opened fire on their fellow classmates. Using this as a jumping off point, Moore goes onto examine the overpowering role of gun culture in the US. Not so much an examination of these films, but a thorough and (sometimes) frustrating discussion of a painful subject. Take a listen and let us know what you think - gondoramos@yahoo.com.  As always our thanks and appreciation. 

On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I sit down to talk one of my favorite films, Clint Eastwood's 1992 Best Picture winning masterpiece, Unforgiven. Yeah, I've talked about this film in the past, but it's an entirely different thing when you sit down to discuss the same film with someone whom you respect and whose opinion you value. So this week we find ourselves sitting in The Fortress of Ultimate Darkness reflecting on our pasts including the achievements and mistakes that have brought us to this place in our mutual lives. The beauty of cinema is what it makes us think about ourselves and this is a film that is overpowering in that regard. Watching it for the umpteenth time only reinforces that fact. To add to our understanding of this film we also take a look at Lee Sang-il's 2013 remake, Yurusarezaru Mono, starring the great Ken Watanabe. It is rare that a film remake can bring such depth and understanding to the original material, and also reinterpret it with a consciousness that takes into account the necessity of telling it's own story.  This was what we were facing and we hope that you enjoy listening to this as much as we enjoyed recording it. As always, Questions, Comments, Problems, & Support can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com.  Many Thanks! 

On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I tackle one of the great all-time musical comparisons. This week we look at the lives of The (So-Named) King of Rock 'N Roll, Elvis Aaron Presley and The (Equally Ridiculously Named) King of Pop, Michael Joseph Jackson.  When Ibrahim & I started thinking about the lives of these two incredible artists it became obvious that we would have to turn the microphone on and get our thoughts down. From their equally humble beginnings, incredibly swift and lightning-like rise, ground-breaking and revolutionary roles in popular music, and - ultimately - tragic, drug-induced deaths, it would be difficult to ignore the similarities. To get this episode down we take a look at Kenny Ortega's This Is It, chronicling Michael Jackson's rehearsals for his final concert tour, Jackson's numerous ground-breaking videos, as well as Elvis' '68 Comeback Concert, Elvis Aloha From Hawaii, and Don Coscarelli's Bubba-Ho-Tep. We hope you find this talk interesting.  Thanks for the love and continued support. Questions, Problems, Suggestions, and Good Words can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com.  Thanks! 

On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I take a look at The Game . . . specifically The Hustling Game of The American Pimp.  For this we take a look at Jerry Schatzberg's Street Smart, featuring Christopher Reeve and phenomenal performances by Kathy Baker and (in one of his last villainous roles) Morgan Freeman as Leo "Fast Black" Smalls. In order to do this subject right we have to focus on non-fiction and we were lucky to find a handful of great documentaries, starting with Nick Broomfield's Heidi Fleiss: Hollywood Madam, The Hughes' Bros. American Pimp, and Jorge Hinojosa's Iceberg Slim: Portrait of a Pimp. Three wildly different takes on this controversial and polarizing subject.  Take a listen and let us know what you think.  Questions, Comments, Problems, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com.  As always, thanks for your continued love and support. 

Ibrahim & I have come to the end of our journey to The Crossroads. On this week's episode of WatchThis w/RickRamos we wrap up our discussion of this great American Music. We discuss the music's growth and transformation from a rural Delta sound to an industrial Chicago worldwide force. We focus on the change in the music, but we also look at individual artists including Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf, but also lesser known artists such as Little Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson, Robert Jr. Lockwood, and "Screamin'" Jay Hawkins. We talk Elvis Presley - and there's a hell of a lot to be said there. Of course we talk the man who captured my fascination and drew me into The Blues . . . The Boogie Man, Mr. John Lee Hooker.  These three episodes - these 6 hours - mean the world to us. We had a great time preparing for this episode and an even better time recording it. We hope you enjoy it as well. As always, thanks for the love and continued support. Comments, Support, Problems, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com.  Thanks!

This week on WatchThis W/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I continue our walk through the woods.  Starting with Robert Johnson we take a look at the musical construction of The Blues including the lyrical pattern of the music as well as the arrangements that would form and dictate the future of Rock & Roll, Soul, Funk, and most popular music. We continue with our understanding and passion for this great American music, as well as our feelings concerning the future of this music.  

Thanks for your continued support. Questions, Comments, Problems, and Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com.  Many Thanks and All of Our Love!  

It doesn't get a whole hell of a lot more personal than this . . . On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Rick and Ibrahim sit down in The Fortress of Ultimate Darkness to discuss The Greatest Music this country has ever produced (that's an opinion, but it happens to be the truth). Take a listen as we go down the rabbit hole of one of our greatest passions.  We discuss the origins of The Blues - The African Influence, Slavery, Call & Response, Prison Chain Gangs, The Mississippi Delta, the mass emigration to Chicago and the surrounding Northern cities, and - of course - Selling One's Soul.  We take a look at The 7-Part, Martin Scorsese produced PBS series The Blues as well as numerous literary and non-fiction works that detail the lives of Robert Johnson, Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, and more.  A true labor of love that spans three episodes and slightly over 6 hours, we have a lot to say and hope you are interested in taking this ride with us. As always we thank you for your continued love & support. Questions, Comments, Issues, and Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com - Thanks & Love. 

2017 is gone, buried, and it's time to move on, but before we do that we gotta take a few minutes (a little over 108 minutes to be exact) to discuss the films of 2017. On this episode of WatchThis w/RickRamos, Ramos goes it alone to discuss eighteen exceptional films he saw in theaters this past year.  Of course you're going to hear about Coco, Gilbert, Three Billboards Outside of Ebbings, Missouri, Wind River, BladeRunner 2049, and Logan, but you're also going to hear about a few other films that flew under the radar. So sit back, relax, and take a listen as Rick Ramos takes you on a journey back through 2017.  

Thanks for the continued support. As always Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com.  Thanks!

The train keeps rolling down the track as Ibrahim & I continue our examination of The Devil in Cinema.  After examining the Religious Devil, The Anti-Christ, and the Occult, we are ending this series on a more whimsical note by looking at The Devil of Mythology & Folklore.  The Devil as a Trickster, Scratch, as The Deal-Maker for One's Soul. With that in mind sit back and listen to us as we take a look at William Dieterle's 1941 forgotten classic, The Devil & Daniel Webster, George Miller's 1987 serio-comic The Witches of Eastwick featuring Susan Sarandon, Michelle Pfeiffer, Cher, and Jack Nicholson in a bravura performance, Taylor Hackford's The Devil's Advocate from 1997 with an over the top Al Pacino, Alan Parker's 1987 supernatural noir, Angel Heart - Robert DeNiro (appropriately creepy), and - finally - Fraser C. Heston's Needful Things from 1993 featuring an under-appreciated Max Von Sydow as The Devil by way of Akron.  Take a listen as we do what we do.  Thanks for the continued love and support.  As always, Questions, Complaints, Suggestions, and Support can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com.