Watch This With Rick Ramos

Closing the Loop: Straw Diagrams, The Headaches of Time Travel, & The Understanding of the Self - Rian Johnson's Looper (2012)

On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I sit down to talk one of the best films of the 2010's - Rian Johnson's Sci-Fi, Existential Classic Looper. With an incredible cast and standout performances from Joseph Gordon Levitt, Emily Blunt, Jeff Daniels, Paul Dano, and a never better Bruce Willis, Looper is the rare mainstream popular film with ideas and much grander themes. It was a pleasure to sit down and talk Johnson's film, time travel, writing the future, and understanding the individuals' purpose.

Take a listen, we think you'll enjoy it. Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. Many Thanks!

Direct download: Looper.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 1:52pm EDT

The Watermelon Factor: The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension and the Making of a Cult Classic

We continue our journey into "cult" films. On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I sit down to discuss a film that we - probably - should have seen years ago. W.D. Richter's 1984 Cult Classic The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension. Featuring an all star cast of 1980s B-Movie stars including Christopher Lloyd, Ellen Barkin, Vincent Schiavelli, Dan Hedaya, Carl Lumbly, Pepe Serna, and headlined by Buckaroo Banzai himself, Peter Weller this is certainly a strange film that has grown in fan appreciation since being buried by the studios in 1984. There are a hell of a lot of interesting things going on in this film (in particular John Lithgow's wild, over-the-top performance), however so much of it just misses the mark for these two reviewers. But - as with all things - we go into the screening with open minds and good attitudes. There are going to be those who love this film and take issue with our opinions, but they are honest, real, and well-considered. Take a listen and let us know what you think. As always, we can be reached at gondoramos@yahoo.com. Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions. Many Thanks!

 

Direct download: BuckarooBanzai.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 5:43pm EDT

Hiding in Plain Sight: Jack Sholder's

The Hidden

From time to time you get the chance to uncover a hidden gem. On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I get to do exactly that. Showcasing 1987's Jack Sholder directed The Hidden, we take a look at a film that many people are unfamiliar with, however for those who have seen it, it is an exceptionally admired and well-appreciated movie. Featuring Michael Nouri and a young Kyle MacLachlan, The Hidden is a film that is "better than it has any right to be" and a testament to good story-telling and inventive filmmaking propelling a standard story. Take a listen as we look back at this forgotten 80's gem, and count the number of noted character actors that pop up in this 80's B-Movie Classic. And don't worry, this is one of the few times when we concern ourselves with spoilers.

Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. Our continued Love & Thanks.

Direct download: TheHidden.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:22pm EDT

An Unforgiving Rain - The Return of the Living Dead

On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I re-visit the Zombie genre with a look at Dan O'Bannon's 1985 cult classic, The Return of the Living Dead. The World is in distress, what better way to fill your days than examining how so many others have struggled to survive. We talk zombies, 80's Schlock, the early days of cable television, and the passing of Max Von Sydow. Take a listen and let us know what you think. Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions should be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. Thanks for your continued love & support.

Direct download: ReturnLivingDead.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 5:26pm EDT

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