Criterion Year Week 22: Hopscotch

The Criterion Collection, the last vestige of truly collectible DVD and Blu-Ray movies in existence. These are well produced, fancy pants editions of important and interesting films for the discerning film lover. We continue our journey through Jim's collection of movies with... Week 22: Hopscotch Spine Number: 163 Director: Ronald Neame Genre: Comedy First off, this is our 300th episode. We are not doing anything special, just introducing you to an amazing movie. Every once in a while you get to introduce something special to a person. Some obscure, amazing book, incredible movie, awesome song, something that you discovered by some strange turn of coincidence that people just don't know about for some reason. Then you get to be the one to introduce it. It's like you're giving an gift to someone. Well, Hopscotch is one of those movies. This little spy movie, that is unlike any spy movie you've seen before, is effortlessly charming and completely engaging. Walter Matthau is an old CIA man who has a boss, Ned Beatty, who is a bit of a prick. He decides to make an example out of Matthau, who decides he would rather not put up with it. Along with  Glenda Jackson (who has a level of natural charm and charisma that ranks right up there with Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly) he sets out to have some fun. That's all we will tell you. This is one of those rare movies that fun without being stupid, smart without being condescending, and completely enjoyable from beginning to end. It is tight, quick, and... honestly, it's just a fantastic film. So, check it out on Hulu, Amazon, or iTunes. You will be glad you did. Once you've watched it, join us in our discussion of this incredible movie. Next week: Spine number 175: Fear and Loathing In Las Vegas Also, check this out. The Life Masters is now it's own show with its own site and own dedicated feed. That's right, we have two completely different shows! Right now check it out at www.thelifemasters.podbean.com. You can also drink in our brilliance on Youtube for both The Film Thugs and The Life Masters. http://fantasymovieleague.com/ Looks like Summer Movie League has officially become Fantasy Movie League. It looks quite fun. Here's how it works. You have an 8 screen theater. Every week you pick movies and have a budget/salary cap you have to stay under. Then you compete against other theaters in your league. It's fantasy football for movie people. Our league is Film Thugs 2015 and the password is Porterhouse. And remember, you can be a part of the show any time you wild like. How's that? All you have to do is call or e-mail us. If you live in the US, or any place that makes calling the US easy, just dial 512-666-RANT and leave us a voicemail. We will read the Google Voice transcript and play your message. It's both funny AND informative. If you live outside the US you can call us on Skype at The_Film_Thugs. You can leave a message, or someone might actually answer. E-mail us at [email protected] and we will read/play whatever you send us, or you can e-mail [email protected] to be part of  an upcoming "Ask the Film Thugs" show, where we answer questions on any subject without having heard them first. Also, we are on twitter @thefilmthugs and on Facebook and Vine. You can also click on one of our sponsor links below and THEY will pay us. That's right. You won't have to pay a PENNY extra, and Amazon/Onnit/Teefury will give us a little taste. Also, be sure to check back often for our new endeavor The Life Masters, where we answer questions to other advice columnists. Thanks for listening, and until next week... Jim out.