Watch This With Rick Ramos

Neo-Realism: From De Sica to Cuarón

Bicycle Thieves & Roma 

On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos Ibrahim & I sit down to talk two of the most widely recognized works in Neo-Realism: Vittorio De Sica's 1948 masterpiece Bicycle Thieves (sometimes known as The Bicycle Thief) and Alfonso Cuarón's current critical hit (nominated for 10 Academy Awards) Roma. We discuss the importance, merits, and differences between both films. We argue, coming to agreement on some points and reaffirming our beliefs in other respects. An interesting conversation tackling controversial and polarizing issues, this is easily one of our best episodes in quite some time.

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

Direct download: Neo-Realism.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:38am EDT

The Zen Diaries of Garry Shandling & Kurosawa's Ikiru: Purpose, Regret, & Redemption

On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Ramos goes it solo in The Fortress of Ultimate Darkness to talk Judd Apatow's 2018 HBO Documentary on The Life, Struggles, & Career of Garry Shandling (November 29, 1949 - March 24, 2016). Apatow had incredible access to the comedian's life, having known him for nearly four decades, and The Zen Diaries of Garry Shandling is probably the most in depth understanding of Shandling's art, life, and spiritual self. It's a wonderful examination of the life of one of the greatest stand-up comics of all times . . . his personal, artistic, and spiritual struggles. Ramos pairs this episode with Akira Kurosawa's 1952 Ikiru, featuring a touching and brilliant lead performance from Kurosawa stock player Takashi Shimura as an almost anonymous political bureaucrat who discovers he is dying from stomach cancer and becomes consumed with finding purpose for his life. These are two films that have affected Ramos deeply, an emotional and thoughtful discussion of these two films which he hopes you enjoy.

Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. As always, Thanks for the Continued Love & Support. 

Direct download: ShandlingIkiru.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:39am EDT

Vice & W. - Bush/Cheney/Rumsfeld: Power & War 

On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I sit down to discuss Christian Bale (Golden Globe Winner for Best Actor) in Adam McCay's Vice. A decisive movie between the two of us, Vice has a great deal to debate. Featuring Bale, Amy Adams, Steve Carrel, and Tyler Perry this was an interesting discussion for the two of us. We couple this screening with W. - Oliver Stone's 2008 biopic on the 43rd President, George W. Bush. With a lead performance from Josh Brolin, again we find ourselves with differing opinions. Take a listen as we discuss eight years of The Bush Dynasty led by George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, and Donald Rumsfeld. 

Questions, Comments, Complaints, and Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com

Thanks for the continued love and support. 

Direct download: BushCheney.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:33pm EDT

Reservoir Dogs & City on Fire - Tarantino and the late Ringo Lam

On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I sit down to look back on Quentin Tarantino's debut, the Classic Reservoir Dogs. We look at the film, but also it's importance as a game-changer in the early 90s. We discuss the performances of Lawrence Tierney, Michael Madsen, Tim Roth, Chris Penn, Edward Bunker, and - of course - Harvey Keitel. We also take a look at Ringo Lam's 1987 Hong Kong classic, City on Fire starring the great Chow Yun-Fat. Basically two friends remembering a great and highly influential film while going back and forth regarding it's importance. This was a fun time on the mics. Take a listen and let us know what you think - gondoramos@yahoo.com

Thanks for your continued love and support. 

Direct download: ReservoirDogsCityonFire.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:01am EDT

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