It's All in the Title - Sydney Pollack's adaptation of Horace McCoy's They Shoot Horses, Don't They?

A solo episode to close out March. Take a listen as I sit down to give my feelings on director Sydney Pollack's exceptional interpretation of Horace McCoy's They Shoot Horses, Don't They? (1969). Featuring Jane Fonda, Michael Sarazin, Bonnie Bedelia, Bruce Dern, Susannah York, Gig Young, and Red Buttons. I've got a whole lot to say about the ugliness of humanity and the never-ending struggle of hope. Take a listen. Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com.

Hannibal Lecter: The Devouring Oracle

In 1981 Thomas Harris published Red Dragon and introduced the world to one of the most iconic figures in all of literature, and soon after, cinema - Dr. Hannibal Lecter. In 1986 Director Michael Mann would bring Lecter to the screen through the person of the great Scottish actor, Brian Cox. Cox would deliver a stunning performance as the cannibal doctor in Mann's Mindhunter. Soon afterwards Director Jonathan Demme would direct the definitive Lecter film, The Silence of the Lambs (1991) introducing the movie-going public to Agent (in training) Clarice Starling - Jodie Foster in an Academy-Award winning performance, Ted Levine as the serial killer Jame "Buffalo Bill" Gumb, and - in the performance that would define the character - Sir Anthony Hopkins as Lecter. On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I sit down the discuss the brilliance of this performance and the films showcasing this series. We discuss the first two films, Ridley Scott's Hannibal (2001), and - finally - Brett Ratner's re-imagining of the first film 2002's Red Dragon. Take a listen. It's a real good talk. Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. Many Thanks!

One Question Answered, Five Questions Raised - David Fincher's Zodiac (2007)

On this week's WatchThis W/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I sit down to look at a David Fincher Masterpiece - 2007's Zodiac, profiling the decades long search for The Zodiac Killer. This is an incredible film with award-caliber performances from Jake Gylenhaal as cartoonist Robert Graysmith (on whom this narrative is based and centered around), Mark Ruffalo as San Francisco inspector David Toschi, Robert Downey Jr. as San Francisco Chronicle reporter Paul Avery, and a host of brilliant supporting performances. This week we look at the obsession and paranoia that builds from a case of this type. This is a fantastic film and a thrill for the two of us to sit down and discuss. Take a listen and let us know what you think. Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. Many Thanks. 

Spike Lee Returns to a Sweltering New York Summer - Summer of Sam (1999)

On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I continue looking at the paranoia of the summer of '77. In that year, David Berkowitz would spread fear and terror throughout the boroughs of New York City. Murdering random couples and women, The Son of Sam (as he was known), would create an environment of paranoia and fear that is expertly recreated by filmmaker Spike Lee in one of his most underrated and underseen pictures. This is an incredible film from an exceptional American filmmaker. Take a listen as Ibrahim & I discuss it's cinematic and power and importance in Lee's filmography.

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

You Got To Know When To Hold 'Em, Know When To Fold 'Em - Goodbye Los Angeles

(2000 - 2020)

This week I take a special trip down memory lane saying goodbye to the city I've called home for over 20 years. I talk about moving to Los Angeles in 2000 and the struggles to survive as a substitute teacher, valet, taxman, insurance salesman, private tutor, actor, Comedy Store doorman, and comedian. It's been rough and rocky traveling, but it was the best decision that I've ever made. Now that it has come to an end, it's important to look to the future and figure out how to play the next hand.

Thanks for all of your love and support. Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. Many Thanks!

Night Stalker: An Unexplored "Evil"

On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I begin a study of serial killers, both non-fiction and fictional. This week we look at the Netflix 4-Episode Limited Series Night Stalker: The Hunt for a Serial Killer, profiling the home invasions, rapes, murders and fear that captivated Los Angeles during a 14-month terror spree. Featuring interviews with the lead investigators, Gil Carrillo & Frank Salerno, news-anchors of the time, and survivors and family members of the victims, the docu-series covers a great deal of the story. Take a listen as we discuss both our admiration and problems with the series. 

Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. Our Thanks For Your Continued Love & Support. 

Love in the Hopelessness of Noir Nicholas Ray's They Live by Night (1947) & On Dangerous Ground (1952)

A solo episode focusing on the brilliance and beauty of Director Nicholas Ray. This week I go back to Noir, looking at Ray's They Live by Night & On Dangerous Ground. Great films coupled with thoughtful commentary. Take a listen. 

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