Prison of the Self: Darren Aaronofsky's The Whale

On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Mr. Chavez & I continue our look at a series of challenging, polarizing, and (in some cases) critically-acclaimed films closing out 2022 and carrying us into 2023. This week we look at Brendan Fraser's return to the big screen in Darren Aaronofsky's The Whale. There is definitely greatness here, but there are also troubling and problematic (cinematic) elements to this film. We are not getting on a bandwagon our overlooking the attitudes and problems the public may have with this film, but are focusing - rather - on the qualities of telling a narrative centered around a morbidly obese man and all that that entails. 

There's a lot to unpack. Mr. Chavez and I do our best to come at the film with open-minds and balanced understanding. Take a listen as we dive into this moving and difficult film. 

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

To Our Graves, We're Taking This: Martin McDonagh's The Banshees of Inisherin

On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Mr. Chavez & I move into 2023 with one of the best films of 2022, Martin McDonagh's The Banshees of Inisherin. A reunion for stars Brendan Gleeson & Colin Ferrel as well as their Director Martin McDonagh (all three of In Bruges - 2008), Banshees is a beautifully realized character study looking at a decades long friendship as it comes to an end and the struggle of both men dealing with that separation, McDonagh's film is both beautiful and touching in it's examination of friendship, aging, and loneliness. It's a thrill for the two of us to sit down and discuss this wonderful film playing in theaters and on HBO Max right now. Please realize that Mr. Chavez & I will be discussing all aspects of this film. Be sure to see the film before listening to the episode. However you get into this it's a fun and informative discussion. We hope you enjoy it. Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. Many Thanks. 

Dance of Death: Lars Von Trier's Melancholia 

Cinema is a strange and captivating artform. In many cases, understanding a filmmaker's intent is a hopeless effort. Lars Von Trier is a director whose filmography has captivated, confused, angered, and endeared itself to audiences. His critically-lauded 2011 film, Melancholia, would startle and fascinate audiences at The 64th Cannes Film Festival. The film itself would beguile audiences (awarding Best Female Pereformance to Kirsten Dunst and making the film a top contender for the Palme d'Or, but it was press conference in support of the film that would torpedoe it's chances at the Award. This week, Mr. Chavez & I discuss the controversy surrounding that press conference as well as our own contradictory attitudes regarding the film. This is an interesting film with a great deal to recomend. We discuss these positives and dive just as deeply into the negatives of the film's offerings. Take a listen and let us know what you think. Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. ManyThanks. 

Questions in the Rain: Bong Joon-ho's Memories of Murder 

On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Mr. Chavez & I continue our exploration of South Korean Cinema with a look at Bong Joon-ho's Memories of Murder. Based on a true-life series of rapes and murders that captured and terrified the minds of South Koreans from 1986 thru 1991, Bong's film is a subtle and intriguing police procedural that takes the great elements of Police-Thrillers, Crime, and Noir. Memories of Murder is a captivating and powerful look at paranoia, fear, and the minutiae of police work It's a beautifully realized and thrilling introduction to a filmmaker that would make an incredible stamp on Cinema in the years to come. Take a listen and let us know what you think. It's an interesting and fun talk. Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. Many Thanks. 

Nothing Left to Say - Defining Films of the 2010s

Nothing left to say, People . . . this week Mr. Chavez & I conclude our look into the Defining Films of Their Respective Decades. We started in the 1910s and here we are, one hundred years of Cinema later. It's been a fun time looking at some great films and a bunch of painful ones. The fact is that Cinema influences society, but also is a reflection of it. We're thrilled to have dedicated nearly a year to the art, power, and influence of The Movies. Take a listen to our opinions, ideas, and thoughts on This Final Decade. It's been a whole lot of fun. We hope you've enjoyed the ride and we hope this final chapter lives up to whatever expectations you have formed. Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondormaos@yahoo.com. Many Thanks. 

Blue-Collar Love Song - John Turturro's Romance & Cigarettes

I've been wanting to talk this movie for quite some time. I'm not exactly sure when and where I first saw John Turturro's Romance & Cigarettes. I had heard stories of a "Working-Class, James Gandolfini led Romantic/Musical Comedy". With no idea what to expect, the film would finally find it's way into limited release sometime in 2007 - shortly after it would find its way to home video, where - I believe - I finally saw it. It exceeded any expectations I may have had and did away with any fears that may have come with it. I love this film and am thrilled to finally get Mr. Chavez to sit down and give it a watch.

This is a fun talk looking into a surprising, tender, and heartfelt performance from James Gandolifini; with Susan Sarandon, Kate Winslet, Steve Buscemi, Aida Turturro, Mandy Moore, Mary Louise Parker, and stand-out performances from Christopher Walken (excessively Christopher Walken) and the great Broadway actress, Elaine Stritch in a beautifully nuanced performance that will make you realize the injustice of her not having a lengthier filmography.

There's quite a bit to unpack here. We hope you enjoy the talk. Questions, Comments, Complaints, and Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. Many Thanks. 

Celebrating a Genius - Martin Scorsese's 80th Birthday

This week a bonus episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos drops as I go solo to celebrate - in my opinion - The Greatest Living Director (and easily one of the greatest filmmakers in the history of the medium) - Mr. Martin Scorsese. Since my partner is not joining me for this episode, I am choosing to look at Mr. Scorsese more from a fan's vantage than from a critic's. Martin Scorsese has made some of the greatest films in the medium - Mean Streets, Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, The King of Comedy, Goodfellas, Casino, Bringing Out the Dead, The Departed, Gangs of New York, and Hugo.  I don't want to go into detail here . . . you're going to have to just sit down and listen to the episode. It's a good one. 

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

Franchising Heroes & Fools: The Films of the 2000s

On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos continue our look at the films that defined their decades. This week we look at the films of the new millennium. The 2000s saw a shift in the cinematic mentality. It was the beginning of the franchise era focusing on literary properties, remakes, reboots, and a continuous slip in artistic quality. There's alot going on in this week's episode and the sunuvabitch is a beast, so sit back and lean into the magic of cynicism and dissapointment. It's a fun time. Take a listen and let us know what you think - gondoramos@yahoo.com - Our Continued Love & Thanks. 

The Billy Picture: Vincent Gallo's Buffalo '66

On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Mr. Chavez & I sit down with an incredibly underseen and underappreciated independent film from 1998, Vincent Gallo's Buffalo '66. Some films are difficult to define . . . they are problematic in their narratives and politics. Vincent Gallo's directorial effort from 1998 is a film that few people have seen and which was - most likely - never intended for a mass audience. But there is great beauty in this film. There's an anger, strange character study, and sadness to this film. Featuring great performances lead by Gallo (as a recently paroled loser, struggling to impress . . . who knows!?!), Anjelica Huston, Ben Gazzarra, Mickey Rourke, Jan Michael Vincent, Kevin Corrigan, and a beautiful and brilliant Christina Ricci. This is certainly not a film for eveyone, but for those audiences that are fans of WatchThis, it certainly is a worthy investment of time and cinematic enjoyment. Take a listen and let us know what you think. Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. Our Continued Thanks. 

Blood Brothers: Phil Joanou's State of Grace 

On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Mr. Chavez & I sit down to discuss a forgotten gem from 1990 - Phil Joanou's tale of Hell's Kitchen Irish-American Brotherhood, State of Grace. We are thrilled to discuss this neglected classic showcasing Sean Penn, Robin Wright, (a frightening) Ed Harris, and a brilliant early stateside performance from one of the great actors of any generation, Gary Oldman. There's so much to dig into with this one. We hope you take a listen and it drives you into the arms of a film that you may have missed. For those who have seen it, you should have a great time joining in as Ibrahim and I do what we love to do. Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. Many Thanks for Your Continued Love & Support.