Don’t Be Crazy
by Zach Rancourt and Amanda Jane Stern
This is the Don’t Be Crazy movie podcast. A show for film fans of all shapes, sizes, backgrounds and tastes. On this show, I enlist help from fellow film enthusiasts to discuss what makes certain movies good or bad. We are by no means experts but instead just big time cinema fans who love to talk our asses off
Episodes
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Total Recall (1990)
Consider that a divorce. We are celebrating Zach's birthday and discussing one of his favorite movies of all time; Total Recall. This redux episode has Amanda and special guest David Dassau breaking down the ultra violence and odd humor that Verhoeven uses in this sci fi 1990 classic. Take a…
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The Ghost and the Darkness (1996)
It's time to join your favorite Ghost (Zach) and the Darkness (Amanda) as they discuss the 1996 hunter/action/adventure The Ghost and the Darkness. Val Kilmer and Michael Douglas shine in this 90's classic that always felt like it was on cable. How does it hold up? Take a listen and don’t forget…
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The Game (1997)
Ready to play a game? Well, maybe not the one you're expecting. Zach and Amanda are going all the way back to 1997 and talking all things David Fincher as they discuss the under appreciated Michael Douglas film The Game. A divisive thriller with plenty of twists and turns, does this movie…
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She's All That (1999)
It's 90's rom-com time! Zach and Amanda discuss the 1999 teen comedy She's All That. How does this movie hold up? It is quite a doozy of a film, to say the least. With tons to talk about, this episode has some fun twists and turns. Take a listen and don’t forget to like us on Facebook and follow…
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Face/Off (1997)
Zach and Amanda are ready to swap skins and discuss this 1997 action-packed thrill-ride Face/Off. Nic Cage and Jon Travolta at their most unhinged, in a John Woo, Gun-Fu action spectacular? Sign everyone up! This movie has a surprisingly high rating. So we are here to discuss why that is. Take a...
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The Crush (1993)
Anyone want lemonade? Zach and Amanda discuss some questionable choices in filmmaking from the 1993 movie The Crush. An underage Alicia Silverstone plays a 14 year old obsessed with her new 28 year old neighbor. But that, of course, is not the entire plot. This film is problematic in more than…
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Malice (1993)
Plot twist! Join Amanda and Zach as they discuss the 1993 mid-budget thriller Malice. This film has a loaded all star cast, yet it kind of fell between the cracks amidst all the 90's thrillers. What happened? Take a listen and don’t forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Bluesky and...
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Copycat (1995)
Time to check those squirrel covers and tune in as Amanda and Zach are discussing the 1995 throw away thriller Copycat. In the midst of so many-mid-budget-mid-90's thrillers, why didn't this one take off more? Take a listen and don’t forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Bluesky and...
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Kiss of the Spider Woman (1985)
Wanna go to Brazil? What about a Brazilian Prison? Zach and Amanda are discussing the 1985 indie darling Kiss of the Spider Woman. A film of immense discussion, where do we stand on it? And does the message hit home? Take a listen and don’t forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Bluesky…
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The Family Stone (2005)
Happy Holidays! Amanda and Zach are here to break down the 2005 family drama/comedy/mean spirited film The Family Stone. We honor Diane Keaton as we also discuss why this movie can be quite problematic at times. Take a listen and don’t forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Bluesky and...
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Black Christmas (1974)
Happy Holidays! Amanda and Zach are talking all things festive and scary as they break down the brilliance and terror of 1974's Black Christmas. Why do people love this film so much? Take a listen and don’t forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Bluesky and Twitter. Make sure to leave a 5...
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The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
Happy Holidays! Amanda and Zach are back to spread joy and cheer as they discuss the 1992 classic The Muppet Christmas Carol. A Charles Dickens tale that has been adapted countless times, this film just works well for the holiday season. Dare we even say it is the best of the bunch? Take a listen...
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Psycho (1960) REDUX
We conclude our Spooky Season with an all time classic: Psycho. Join Zach and Amanda as they discuss the importance of this Hitchcock film in its style, thrills, and ideas. Zach and Justin previously reviewed this movie in 2022, so we felt it was a good time to give it another go. Take a listen…
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V/H/S Halloween (2025)
It's our favorite annual tradition! Amanda and Zach get some much needed help from Geek Garage's David Dassau to discuss the merits of the latest V/H/S Halloween. This is a beloved series for Zach and David, but was this latest installment enough for Amanda? Tune in to see if it is. Take a listen...
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What Lies Beneath (2000)
Get those binoculars out. It's time to eavesdrop with Zach and Amanda as they discuss the 2000 thriller/suspense film What Lies Beneath. Even though the year 2000 didn't produce many great films, sometimes you can find some gems. So did this one actually make the cut? Take a listen and don’t…
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Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)
EEEEEKKKKK! Spooky Season is upon us, so Zach and Amanda are about to assimilate with pour duplicates and record our thoughts on the 1978 remake Invasion of the Body Snatchers. Top to bottom great casting and writing, with some incredible practicals. It's pretty hard to talk ill about this film....
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Dick (1999)
Get your mind out of the gutter. We continue our exploration of the works of Kirsten Dunst and discuss Dick from 1999. In a spectacular run of three good 1999 films, Dunst shines alongside Michele Williams as two 15 year old's who help expose the Watergate scandal as Nixon's dog walkers. Laughs…
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Drop Dead Gorgeous (1999)
Its Dunst month! On this episode, Amanda and Zach discuss who is the most smartest as they dig deep in to 1999's Drop Dead Gorgeous. A small town dark comedy, this movie is packed with great actors in their early careers who just really shine. This movie hits way harder as time has passed. Take a...
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Congo (1995)
Stop eating my sesame cake! Amanda and Zach are talking gorillas, future age tech, jungle exploration, and piss poor literary adaptations. We are talking about the 1995 Sci-Fi film Congo. Wait, but is it actually Sci-fi? Or maybe action adventure? Wait, what the heck is the genre of this movie...
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The Warriors (1979)
Warriors....come out to plaaaayyyyyyy!!! Actor/Comedian David Bluvband joins Amanda and Zach to discuss the 1979 cult classic The Warriors. When a lone gang is wrongfully accused of a killing, they must fight their way back to the beautiful Coney Island. A movie filled with both style AND...
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Dan in Real Life (2007)
Happy belated Father's Day! Zach and Amanda sit down to discuss the 2007 comedy/drama Dan in Real Life. Although the film is riddled with issues, there is some heart to it. Where did it go so wrong? And how can it be better? Take a listen and don’t forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on...
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Because I Said So (2007)
Well, here goes nothing. Zach and Amanda are back to reluctantly discuss the 2007 "movie" Because I Said So. There are so many things to discuss about this film. Not really any of them are super positive either. We apologize in advance, but enjoy anyways!! Take a listen and don’t forget to like…
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The Thing (1982)
Today is Zach's birthday. So put those parkas on and get ready for some random blood tests, because he and Amanda are discussing The Thing from 1982. A moment of film perfection, this is one of Zach's all time favorite movies. Take a listen and don’t forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on...
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Conclave (2024)
Is that white smoke we see? In honor of the election of Pope Leo XIV, Amanfda and Zach discuss the 2024 drama Conclave. Take a listen and don’t forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Bluesky and Twitter. Make sure to leave a 5 star rating on Apple Podcasts. Have questions or comments?…
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Heretic (2024)
Who wants some blueberry pie?! Amanda and Zach are discussing the 2024 psychological thriller Heretic. Wonderful performances drive this theological horror film in all of it's confusing glory. Does a heavy dialogue filled movie work for you? Some may think it is a deterrent. Take a listen and…
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Three Days of the Condor (1975)
We go all the way back to the 70's with the ph so handsome Robert Reford as he explores the corruption within the CIA. The 1975 spy thriller Three Days of the Condor has all the normal beats of an espionage film, yet there is so much more. At the same time, this movie misses the mark on some…
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Love & Basketball (2000)
All's fair in love and basketball. Zach and Amanda sit down to discuss the 2000's romantic melodrama Love & Basketball. A sexy, funny, culturally loved film from the early millennium, this movie stands the test of time. But can it appease every viewer? Is it missing anything? Why do sports films...
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The Firm (1993)
We are keeping it straight up 90's as Zach and Amanda dive into the world of legal thrillers. This week, we focus on The Firm, from 1993. This legal procedural film lacks court room drama, yet finds ways to make it more interesting than you could even imagine. In a busy time of Grisham…
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Death Becomes Her (1992)
Forever young. We all wanna be forever young, right? Amanda and Zach talk all things creepy, funny, and nonsensical as they discuss the 1992 dark comedy Death Becomes Her. Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn absolutely crush it in this film. But is that enough to strengthen it's ambiguous message and...
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The Last Seduction (1994)
What if you could commit a crime with a perfect plan? Linda Fiorentino shows us exactly how in the 1994 erotic thriller The Last Seduction. A tale of twists and turns gets sexy yet dangerous as this neo-noir unfolds. This movie has a pretty strong audience score. Zach and Amanda discuss why this...
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The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
How far would you go for a better life? Matt Damon asks that question in the 1999 film The Talented Mr. Ripley. Many people absolutely adore this thriller, but Zach questions why it is such a hit. All is good; Amanda will convince him otherwise. Take a listen and don’t forget to like us on…
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Revenge (2017)
Join Amanda and Zach as they discuss Coralie Fargeat's 2017 debut feature film, Revenge. Is this movie more style over substance? or is there more than meets the eye? Take a listen and don’t forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Bluesky and Twitter. Make sure to leave a 5 star rating on...
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The Outsiders (1983)
And here we are, at the finale of our Francis Ford Coppola month. On this episode we are discussing his 1983 adaptation of beloved S.E. Hinton novel The Outsiders. What does it mean to be a tough guy? And how different really are the people around us. All of this and more is discussed by Amanda…
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The Conversation (1974)
We continue our Francis Ford Coppola month by having an in-depth conversation about The Conversation. Where is the ethical line between surveillance and right to privacy? Take a listen and don’t forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Bluesky and Twitter. Make sure to leave a 5 star rating...
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Dementia 13 (1963)
We continue our Francis Ford Coppola month by exploring his very "first" film, Dementia 13. This is labeled as a Horror/Suspense film, but maybe it is something more. Or, maybe it is just pure rubbish. Join Amanda and Zach as they discuss this experience of a film. Take a listen and don’t forget…
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Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992)
It's 2025 and we decided to kick things off with a Francis Ford Coppola month. And what better way to start than by breaking down the once widely disregarded Dracula adaptation from 1992, Bram Stoker's Dracula. Aside from the atrocious Keanu Reeves British accent, this movie has a lot to talk...
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Die Hard (1988) feat. David Dassau
Ho ho ho. We finish our "Tops and Bottoms December" by discussing the king of all Christmas movies: 1988's Die Hard. Action packed and full of holiday cheer, this movie is loved universally for its fantastic performances, pacing, action, and overall enjoyment. And finally, the crew are going to…
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Fred Claus (2007)
Ho ho ho. We continue our "Tops and Bottoms December" by discussing another stinker of a film, 2007's Fred Claus. A slapstick comedy about Santa Claus' un-extraordinary and bitter older brother, this movie has some major hiccups. Amanda wasn't a huge fan, but Zach does make some compelling…
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Kirk Cameron's Saving Christmas
Ho ho ho. We continue our "Tops and Bottoms December" by focusing on a....well...a "film" that makes some interesting choices. Disclaimer: this one was rough. Amanda and Zach sat and reviewed the LOWEST rated Christmas movie (according to Rotten Tomatoes and IMDB) Kirk Cameron's Saving Christmas....
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Meet Me In St. Louis (1944)
Happy Holidays! We kick off "Tops and Bottoms December" by focusing on the very highly rated Meet Me In St. Louis, starring Judy Garland. A nostalgic technicolor musical, this film appears to be loved by so many people all over the world. So why did we have specific thoughts about it? Take a…
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Misery (1990) feat. David Dassau
Happy Halloween to all our number 1 fans out there! What a better way to celebrate the holiday than to get special guest David Dassau to help us discuss Misery from 1990. A masterclass in fiction from Stephen King is wonderfully transitioned to screen in this chilling adaptation. Take a listen…
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The Return of the Living Dead (1985)
More brains!!!! Zach and Amanda continue with Spooky Season by discussing 1985's The Return of the Living Dead. Not to be affiliated with any George A. Romero films, this balls-to-the-wall zombie film is full of punk, style, and gore. A beloved cult classic that may be too difficult to show to...
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Ringu (1998) feat. Matt Braunsdorf
7 days!!! Spooky season continues as Amanda and Zach ask Matt Braunsdorf to help discuss the iconic 1998 international phenomenon Ringu. Countless sequels, adaptations, and general plot structures have been derived from this original film. But what else has it done for film? And how do we…
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V/H/S Beyond (2024) feat. David Dassau
Spooky Season continues with special guest David Dassau assisting us in the annual series discussion of V/H/S Beyond. 6 short films of terror are stuffed inside this two hour film. With so many options to choose from, which ones did we enjoy and which ones were straight butt? Take a listen and...
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The Craft (1996)
We kick off Spooky Season with a cult classic from 1996. Amanda and Zach sit down to discuss The Craft and all of it's witchiness. A fitting film for the 90's that deals with some typical teenage growing pains. Even though it's loved by many, is it cult classic worthy? Take a listen and don’t...
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Single White Female (1992)
It's time for some more 90's mid budget erotic thrillers! This week, Zach and Amanda are discussing the 1992 twisty-turvy Single White Female. When Hedy moves in with Allie, things seem as normal as can be. But looks may be deceiving. How does this erotic thriller stack up to the myriad of well...
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The Running Man (1987) feat. Andy Parker
Here is Subzero. Now, plain zero. What does that even mean? On this episode, Amanda and Zach get help from guest Andy Parker to discuss the futuristic 1987 film The Running Man. Often categorized as mindless action, the guts of this film may have a bit more than you previously thought. And is...
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Lost in Translation (2003)
For relaxing time, make it Don't Be Crazy time. This week, Amanda and Zach discuss Sofia Coppola's 2003 film Lost in Translation. An unorthodox yet beautiful relationship forms between two people who are lost in life, even though their age gap is apparent. Can these two lost souls help each other...
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Fear (1996) feat. Trace Thurman
It's time to let us in the houuuuusssee! On this episode with special guest Trace Thurman from the Horror Queers Podcast, we break down the 1996 suspense thriller Fear. How far is going too far in this 90's thriller that has suffered a bit from the changing times, but overall still holds it's...
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The Edge (1997)
"What one man do, another can do." The gang (Amanda, Zach, and speacial guest Matt Braunsdorf) is all here to discuss the 1997 survival thriller The Edge. This movie is benchmarked by a good story and superb performances. So why isn't it discussed more often? And do we have any egregious hot…
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About this show
This is the Don’t Be Crazy movie podcast. A show for film fans of all shapes, sizes, backgrounds and tastes. On this show, I enlist help from fellow film enthusiasts to discuss what makes certain movies good or bad. We are by no means experts but instead just big time cinema fans who love to talk our asses off
Hosted by
Zach Rancourt and Amanda Jane Stern