History of Rock 'N Roll Part II: Bob Dylan - Original Vagabond

On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I continue our look at The History of Rock 'N Roll looking at the career, influence, and artistry of Bob Dylan.  Take a listen as we look at this incredibly influential artist through the eyes of D.A. Pennebaker's 1967 behind-the-scenes documentary Don't Look Back and Martin Scorsese's early career-spanning documentary No Direction Home: Bob Dylan (2005). Take a listen as we profile one of the most important artists of the 20th Century and - arguably - the most important songwriter in the English language.

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

Hanging Onto Yesterday - The Birth, Evolution, and Death of The Video Store

On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I sit down to discuss memories of the video store . . . whether the Mom & Pop stores, the chain stores, and the monster that ate it all - Blockbuster Video. We discuss the anarchy and danger of the Mom & Pop versus the bulldozer that was Blockbuster Video and later Netflix and the streaming revolution. For this episode we focus on our memories of growing up on cable television, the library, and the video store, and we couple this with two streaming documentaries that examine this history: Netflix's The Last Blockbuster and (streaming free on Tubi) Rewind This. This is a damn good time remembering this soul and intellectual formative period. Take a listen and see how much of it you can remember.

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

"Another way to say 'Mexican'" - Luis Valdez's Zoot Suit

This week Mr. Chavez and I get a bit personal with a discussion of a classic in Chicano Cinema . . . 1981's Luis Valdez directed Zoot Suit. The story of Enrique "Hank" Leyvas (Reyna in the theatrical play and film) and his - and his crews' - railroading into San Quentin for the 1941"Sleepy Lagoon" Murder. In a case that was a clear abuse of the justice system, Leyvas was pushed through a trial that was little more than a circus designed to give the impression of justice. Valdez's film is photographed and performed as the play itself was produced both in Los Angeles and on Broadway. Mr. Chavez and I examine the cultural importance of the film, but also the history of Los Angeles, race-relations, and the ongoing fight for representation. This is an episode that - definitely - grabbed a hold of both of us and carried us to places that deserve discussion, but which are so often ignored. Take a listen. We think you may learn a li'l bit about a hidden history.

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

Magic of The Illusion or Stepping Back from the Rabbit - Christopher Nolan's TENET

On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I sit down to discuss the problems and overreach of Christopher Nolan's Tenet (2020). For a filmmaker as bold, inventive, and risk-taking as Christopher Nolan, Tenet is a serious letdown. Take a listen as we discuss the film's various flaws and disappointments, as well as what does work about the film. We went for a fair and balanced discussion. We hope you see it that way. Thanks for listening.

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

John Waters - Examining the Genre-Bending & Culture-Crashing Art of a Filth Icon

Has there ever been a figure in popular (or even underground) culture quite like Baltimore's John Waters? I would argue that Mr. Waters is a unique and essential artist in the history of American Cinema. From his early days as an underground filmmaker with such classics as Multiple Maniacs (1970), Female Trouble (1974), and - of course - 1972's Pink Flamingos, thru his mainstream breakthroughs, including Hairspray (1988), Cry-Baby (1990), and Serial Mom (1994), Waters  - over a period of 50 years - has been a truly visionary artist. These are not easy films to watch, but they were never meant to be. Waters' work has always been a kind of litmus test determining "squareness", hypocrisy, and narrow-mindedness. If you have a problem with Waters, then most likely your an uptight prick. John Waters - along with a loyal production crew (Pat Moran, Vincent Peranio, Van Smith) and stable of actors (Mink Stole, David Lochary, Edith Massey, and - later - Ricki Lake, Patty Hearst, Traci Lords) defined the "Midnight Movie" and subversive cinema. All of this was made possible through Waters' culture-challenging attack and his collaboration with the iconic Drag Queen, Harris Glenn Milstead, better known as Divine (1945-1988). A fantastic documentary - I Am Divine - profiles the life and times of the great performer.

This was a lot of fun. Take a listen and let us know what you think. Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. Many Thanks.