Fame, Cocaine, and Coming of Age: Defining the 80s

On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I continue our exploration of the films that defined their decades. Naming "The Best Films of Their Decades" would be too easy (and boring) an endeavor. These are the films that Mr. Chavez & I see as The Good, The Bad, & The Very, Very Ugly of each decade. The 1980s is probably the most striking example of troubling, jingoistic, and mindless filmmaking. Yeah, there are some good films within each of our lists, but the decade is overrun by films that trouble us and are an ugly examination of Cinema and The Culture as a whole. Take a listen. We hope you agree, and if you don't, we hope the discussion triggers your own opinions. 

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

Dead Air - Oliver Stone's Talk Radio 

On this week' s episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Mr. Chavez & I sit down to talk an underseen Oliver Stone film . . . Talk Radio (1988). From an original theatrical production (produced Off-Broadway), Eric Bogosian tells the story of Barry Champlain - provocateur, shock jock, vile human being. It's a wonderful debut from an actor we don't see nearly enough of. Along with Bogosian, Stone peppers his film with a wonderful supporting cast including: Ellen Greene, John C. McGinley, Leslie Hope, John Pankow, Michael Wincott, and Alec Baldwin. There's a whole lot to break down. Take a listen and let us know what you think. Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. Many Thanks. 

He's My Father: James Foley's At Close Range 

On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Mr. Chavez & I sit down to discuss a 1980s cable mainstay, James Foley's At Close Range. One of the earliest films to showcase Sean Penn as a lead, Foley's film is a harrowing look at father-son/criminal relationships in rural Pennsylvania. Penn made a name for himself with this film after exceptional turns in Bad Boys (1983) and Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982) and showed a hint of the work that would come to be expected from him over the next three decades, however this film is held together and overwhelmed by the presence of Christopher Walken. Walken is equal part charismatic and terrifying in a role that would test the limits of what audience are willing to accept. He is truly mesmerizing. It is with great pleasure that we look back at these classic 80s performances. 

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

"No Hunting Like the Hunting of (Wo)Man"  - Ernest Hemingway

Dan Trachtenberg's Prey (2022)

Solo Episode . . . . this week I go it alone to talk the newest entry in The Predator Film Series, Prey. Premiering on HULU August 5th, it is a thrill seeing this film and getting the chance to discuss it, the series, the Native American presence in Cinema, and the future of film releasing. There's not a whole lot to say except this is a great contribution to a series celebrating 35 years. Featuring standout performances from Dakota Beavers, Dane DLiegro, Michelle Thrush, and - Star - Amber Midthunder as Naru. A success on so many levels, it's a thrill to talk about exciting new film. Take a listen and let us know what you think. Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. Many Thanks. 

Breaking Down the Gates: Defining the 70s (Part II) 

The Second Half of an earlier episode where Mr. Chavez & I discuss ten films (and a short list of Honorable Menitons) that defined the 1970s as a decade. All the usual names: Scorsese, Coppola, Spielberg, Friedkin, DePalma, Lumet, etc. are found throughout the episode. Take a listen and see if these (remaining Top 5 and The Honorable Mentions) are on your list. Thanks for the continued support. Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. 

Breaking Down the Gates: Defining the 70s  (Part I)

On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Mr. Chavez & I continue our examination of the films that defined their respective genres. This week we discuss - arguably (Mr. Ramos's opinion) - the single greatest decade in Cinema . . . The 1970s. The 1970s was an incredibly creative, ground-breaking, and overpowering period of filmmaking that brought us names as important as Spielberg, DePalma, Coppola, Friedkin, Bogdanovich, Ashby, and - of course - Scorsese. These filmmakers, and the names of others who fallen through the cracks, are profiled on this episode (as well as it's sequel). It's not necessarily "The Best of the 1970s" but more importantly, the films that tell us the most about the Decade. It's a fun ride. Join us for it. 

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