Movie Bones

This week, Justin and Ryan dig into 'How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying' (1967) and talk about...The narrator as the 'voice of the book'Second-person POV For the WIN!"You're gonna like me" - energyReservations? Don't worry. Robert Morse will get you past those.Why haven't we seen more of this guy?!?The romance getting a bit shortedChef's kiss - breaking the fourth wallOur VerdictNext week's film: 'The Little Shop of Horrors' (1960)Did we get the movie wrong? Tell us why! And let us know what films you think we should cover. Join in the discussion on our Youtube channel or Facebook page!

This week, Justin and Ryan dig into 'Ball of Fire' (1941) and talk about...Snow White and the Seven ProfsSimple storytelling cause-and-effect courtesy Billy WilderMaking the oddness of an arrangement - workQuirkiness saves the day!Barbara Stanwyck shows her chopsGary Cooper vs. Cary GrantThe nexus of all film connections makes another appearanceOur VerdictNext week's film: 'How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying' (1967)Did we get the movie wrong? Tell us why! And let us know what films you think we should cover.Join in the discussion on our Youtube channel or Facebook page!

This week, Justin and Ryan dig into 'Sorry Wrong Number' (1948) and talk about...The perils of adapting a radio play to film lengthMixing genres - awkwardlyFulfilling promises in the most boring way possibleActing to a phone - like acting to green screen or puppetsAll the things we thought would happen, but didn'tOur VerdictNext week's film: 'The Little Shop of Horrors' (1960)Did we get the movie wrong? Tell us why! And let us know what films you think we should cover.Join in the discussion on our Youtube channel or Facebook page!

This week, Justin and Ryan dig into 'The Amazing Quest of Earnest Bliss' (1936) and talk about...Beware of movies with "Amazing" in the titleRich, bored white-guy problems of the Great Depression - Intrigued yet?"Brewster's Millions" done wrongMr. LoopholeIn the end, everyone gets the mammon they want. Yay?Somehow "Talladega Nights" comes up"You mean I get to be rich and marry Carey Grant? - Lemmie think about it..."Soft-peddling the difficulties of finding work - again - during the DepressionWipes, wipes, and more wipes...The "Beyond Christmas" conspiracy theory continues to manifest itselfOur VerdictNext week's film: 'Sorry Wrong Number' (1948)Did we get the movie wrong? Tell us why! And let us know what films you think we should cover. Join in the discussion on our Youtube channel or Facebook page!

This week, Justin and Ryan dig into 'On the Beach' (1959) and talk about...When the world ends and you're just waiting for your turn in itDetails without perspectiveWhat if... the end of the movie led into Mad Max?The irony of Australia becoming the most habitable place on Earth.A film set in Australia bereft of Aussie accents.Some of our favorite cold war filmsOur VerdictNext week's film: 'The Amazing Adventure' (1936)Did we get the movie wrong? Tell us why! And let us know what films you think we should cover.Join in the discussion on our Youtube channel or Facebook page!

This week, Justin and Ryan dig into 'The Wild Women of Wongo' (1959) and talk about...When the tropics were populated by buff Nordic looking wayfarers"Hey, wanna be in a movie?"Turning familiar wildlife into a 'dragon god'Cheap worldbuildingHow men apparently are more prone to Neanderthal-speakAn unexpected connection with actual talent (but not on-screen)Justin gets reflective on the thin divide between the offensive and the funnyHow are these guys the 'ape-men'?Our VerdictNext week's film: 'On the Beach' (1959)Did we get the movie wrong? Tell us why! And let us know what films you think we should cover. Join in the discussion on our Youtube channel or Facebook page!

This week, Justin and Ryan dig into 'The Odd Couple' (1968) and talk about...Matthau and Lemon: Born for these rolesHow does a guy get an apartment that big in NYC on a sportscaster's income?Comedic timing and body languageThe focus on the central friendshipAn expected setup Justin didn't expectThe ill-fated (and late) sequelOur VerdictNext week's film: 'The Wild Women of Wongo' (1959)Did we get the movie wrong? Tell us why! And let us know what films you think we should cover. Join in the discussion on our Youtube channel or Facebook page!

This week, Justin and Ryan look back over the entire second season of Movie Bones, to see what we've learned, and to ruminate over...Ranking our top eight films...And our bottom five - most hated!The biggest gaps between expectation and realityFavorite actors / actresses from this yearAnd More!What do you think? What's your best and worst from the last year of Movie Bones reviews? Did we leave out anything noteworthy? Tell us! And let us know what films you think we should cover in season three!Join in the discussion on our Youtube channel or Facebook page!

This week, Justin and Ryan dig into 'The Seventh Seal' (1957) and talk about...Heavy existentialismA quick comparison to Wrath of KahnCritiquing various takes on death, religious or notRyan's fascination with the weirdness of the CrusadesKnight Block trying to have faith without undergoing deathEven if you win the game... what then?Funny, tragic existential humor - death cuts down a treeOur VerdictNext week's film: 'The Odd Couple' (1968)Did we get the movie wrong? Tell us why! And let us know what films you think we should cover. Join in the discussion on our Youtube channel or Facebook page!

This week, Justin and Ryan dig into 'Fiddler on the Roof' (1971) and talk about...The necessity of Tevye's character to the play's working so wellWhat is "Tradition"?Talking to GodThe fallout of being a people 'set apart' and what it means for those inside and outsideThe lines we can't cross, and what they really mean in practiceThe three marriages - hitting a little close to home for RyanThe difficulties (real and imagined) and obstacles presented by inter-faith marriages.Who is the Fiddler?Our VerdictNext week's film: 'The Seventh Seal' (1957)Did we get the movie wrong? Tell us why! And let us know what films you think we should cover.Join in the discussion on our Youtube channel or Facebook page!

This week, Justin and Ryan dig into 'A Man Called Horse' (1970) and talk about...No surprises hereGiving respect 'for culture "from arm's length"Main character: Blank SlateBatiseThe source materialSun Dance centerpieceCan't be happy, can we?Our VerdictNext week's film: 'Fiddler on the Roof' (1971)Did we get the movie wrong? Tell us why! And let us know what films you think we should cover. Join in the discussion on our Youtube channel or Facebook page!

This week, Justin and Ryan dig into 'Seven Samurai' (1954) and talk about...- Kurosawa's oversized (and justified) influence on cinema- Counter-cultural, thematically-filled, action film- Dealing with issues of cultural mistrust- Some of our favorite characters- "Putting together the team"- Toshiro Mifune MVP - Again!- The original 'Avengers'?- The suggestion of deeper stories within the story - compactness- Our Verdict- Next week's film: 'A Man Called Horse' (1970)Did we get the movie wrong? Tell us why! And let us know what films you think we should cover.Join in the discussion on our Youtube channel or Facebook page!

This week, Justin and Ryan dig into 'He Who Gets Slapped' (1924) and talk about...- Early revenge flick?- Lon Chaney Sr. vs. Jr.- Silent films, acting broadly and transition from theater styles- Chaney Sr. admiration- Clown-coding villainy - Murder by kitty- Super fast romantic development- Based on a play (again!)- ...which is even darker than the movie- Justin gets hyped about seeing Cheney's Phantom...- ...and has to register his gripes about the story anyway- Our Verdict- Next week's film: 'Seven Samurai' (1954)Did we get the movie wrong? Tell us why! And let us know what films you think we should cover.Join in the discussion on our Youtube channel or Facebook page!

This week, Justin and Ryan dig into 'The Russians Are Coming' (1966) and talk about...- Offering Pete as tribute to end the cold war- Deflating tail-chasing rumors and paranoia- An island full of 'Facebook People' and imagining how this would play out in the internet age- A few unusual twists- Slapstick filler- Romance now, defect later- The necessity of characters who keep their heads and talk sense- Mixing genres, padded comedies and questionable accolades- The fine line between action-thriller and comedy- Bringing it home by the end- Our Verdict- Next week's film: 'He Who Gets Slapped' (1924)Did we get the movie wrong? Tell us why! And let us know what films you think we should cover.Join in the discussion on our Youtube channel or Facebook page!

This week, Justin and Ryan dig into 'The Man Who Came to Dinner' (1942) and talk about...- Placing Bette Davis' role in her cannon of work- Figuring out the 'messy' character of Sheridan and his relationship with Maggie- How that holds up the slapstick elements- The real-life story behind all this craziness- One of the weirdest tributes to a real-life person- Real-life inspirations for the rest of the cast- Orson Welles almost directing it- Stretching the (time) limits of the premise- Throwaway love-interest Maguffin- Callback to "Beyond Christmas"- Knocking down the high-fallutin' a peg or two- Wrestling with some of the choices with Maggie's character- Reminders of Jack Nicholson, "As Good As It Gets"- Our Verdict- Next week's film: 'The Russians Are Coming' (1966)Did we get the movie wrong? Tell us why! And let us know what films you think we should cover.Join in the discussion on our Youtube channel or Facebook page!

Pre-script note: We recorded this episode shortly before the murder of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. Had we known it beforehand, the events around their killings could, and would have likely been included in the discussion as two people who did not allow a great evil of our day to pass through them.This week, Justin and Ryan dig into 'Judgment at Nuremberg' (1961) and talk about...- not being able to avoid drawing parallels to current events- the way the film addresses complexity of one morally compromised nation attempting to bring charges against officials of another morally compromised nation- arguing the omnipresence of sin for the cause of avoiding responsibility- Judge Haywood: the observer character- The impulse to forget and the choice not to look- "There is no war in Ba Sing Se"- How amoral monsters draw into complicity those who aren't naturally moral monsters- how choosing the 'lesser evil' ends up driving you to evil- speaking out about the current state America and the world- *"It came to that the first time..."*- Not letting evil pass through us for the fear of losing lesser things- Some great cinematography tricks for a courtroom drama- Our Verdict- Next week's film: 'The Man Who Came to Dinner' (1942)Did we get the movie wrong? Tell us why! And let us know what films you think we should cover.Join in the discussion on our Youtube channel or Facebook page!

This week, Justin and Ryan dig into 'Under the Yum-Yum Tree' (1963) and talk about...https://tubitv.com/movies/100014481/under-the-yum-yum-tree - Dean Jones does Jimmy Stewart?- Sexual revolution and 60's cinema- Unusual, plot specific apartment layouts- Was 'not-looking' not an option?- Making your heroine complicit in obvious traps to the point of stupidity- Hogan as prototypical Quagmire- Could use more torture for Hogan, honestly- How is this guy not in jail already?- Making you wonder what happened, in the creepiest way possible- Ending on the high note- Our Verdict- Next week's film: 'Judgment at Nuremberg' (1961)https://tubitv.com/movies/100006404/judgment-at-nurembergDid we get the movie wrong? Tell us why! And let us know what films you think we should cover.Join in the discussion on our Youtube channel or Facebook page!

This week, Justin and Ryan dig into 'The Taming of the Shrew' (1967) and talk about...- Abuse: the Movie- Trying to understand the rationale for Shakespeare writing it this way- Controversial even in Shakespeare's time.- With some small changes, could be a horror story- The horror of psychological manipulation- Connection to "10 Things I Hate About You"- Compared to other Shakespeare romantic comedies that work (More understanding)- Peter York's first film- A good adaptation of a bad story- Our Verdict- Next week's film: 'Under the Yum-Yum Tree' (1963)Did we get the movie wrong? Tell us why! And let us know what films you think we should cover.Join in the discussion on our Youtube channel or Facebook page!

This week, Justin and Ryan dig into 'The Brain from Planet Arous' (1957) and talk about...- Can a sci-fi film be less concerned with explaining what the rules are?- "Is he dead?"- Fiction's best detective is not Batman, but random nameless small-town sheriff.- Ridiculously overpowered villain foiled by easily foil-able plot.- Brain dude doesn't need to possess a human to threaten Earth, but it's fun, so...- Why our note-taking system should probably incorporate a sarcasm tag- Why the *dog*?- Missed potential: Alien-possession couples-therapy- Even 'good' alien brains are sexist, because 50's- Is Mystery Mountain *really* that rarely visited?- Neat concept, but...- Everybody's wooden - except Steve. And Steve makes up for everyone else- The women-preparing-food trope- Does the FBI accept alien possession" as the reason why you're not really a threat any more?- Our Verdict- Next week's film: 'The Taming of the Shrew' (1967)Did we get the movie wrong? Tell us why! And let us know what films you think we should cover.Join in the discussion on our Youtube channel or Facebook page!

This week, Justin and Ryan dig into 'The Thin Man' (1934) and talk about...https://tubitv.com/movies/100045809/the-thin-man- a 'light' noir piece- Nick and Nora: a couple for the ages- the smartest guy in the room, sans arrogance- A *relationship* for the ages- the amazing popular streak of "The Thin Man" series- The real-life platonic relationship between the leads- One-take directors, like Ed Wood, but actually good- When the couple steals the show from the genre- Our Verdict- Next week's film: 'The Brain from Planet Arous' (1957)https://archive.org/details/brain-from-planet-arous-1957Did we get the movie wrong? Tell us why! And let us know what films you think we should cover.Join in the discussion on our Youtube channel or Facebook page!

This week, Justin and Ryan dig into 'Scrooge' (1951) and talk about...https://tubitv.com/movies/100011055/scrooge-black-white-version- Should they have just gone full camp/comedy with this?- What this version *does* have that others could do better with- Dickins' own thoughts on "A Christmas Carol"- We list all the "Christmas Carols" we can think of, and where this one ranks.- Rating the three ghosts- Not standing out among its peers.- Our biggest complaints with the original story.- Our Verdict- Next week's film: 'The Thin Man' (1934)https://tubitv.com/movies/100045809/the-thin-manDid we get the movie wrong? Tell us why! And let us know what films you think we should cover.Join in the discussion on our Youtube channel or Facebook page!

This week, Justin and Ryan dig into 'Jigsaw' (1962) and talk about...- Our personal histories and/or prejudices around police procedurals- The way the setup teases the audience before the crime happens- Good cop banter- A somewhat 'ordinary' killer (i.e., not just a crazy serial killer)- More interest in the chase than the whodunnit- Making the unglamorous parts of procedure interesting- The limitations procedurals place on us critics- When the most relatable thing about any of your characters is them just wanting to go home- Our Verdict- Next week's film: 'Scrooge' (1951)- Our favorite "Christmas Carol"sDid we get the movie wrong? Tell us why! And let us know what films you think we should cover.Join in the discussion on our Youtube channel or Facebook page!

This week, Justin and Ryan dig into 'Beyond Christmas' (1940) and talk about...- Can this really classify as a Christmas movie?- The insane pre-existing living arrangement between the characters- Unexpectedly swapping out your main and supporting characters.- Everything is tangential- The litany of bad relationship tropes- The weird daily routines of rich people (in this movie)- Some truly bonkers theology- Our Verdict- Next week's film: 'Jigsaw' (1962)Did we get the movie wrong? Tell us why! And let us know what films you think we should cover.Join in the discussion on our Youtube channel or Facebook page!

This week, Justin and Ryan dig into 'The Fugitive Kind' (1960) and talk about...- Marlon Brando, the GOAT, except for Chris Reeve- Screenplay that allows itself the room to explore deep relationships- The depth of the female leads, and Val's mysterious nature- The character of Carol, what she represents- Racism and the othering of 'outsiders' in opposition to genuine love- The layers of symbolism and metaphors- Connection to the Orpheus myth in the title of the original play- Ryan talking himself up a rating or two- Our Verdict- Next week's film: 'Beyond Christmas' (1940)Did we get the movie wrong? Tell us why! And let us know what films you think we should cover.Join in the discussion on our Youtube channel or Facebook page!

This week, Justin and Ryan dig into "Jeremiah Johnson" (1972) and talk about...- The uncredited star: The visuals.- Accelerated level-up frontiersman 101- When the movie won't let a guy have a good thing, 'cuz *vengeance*.- Yeah, but is he 'legendary'?- - Our Verdict- Next week's film: "The Fugitive Kind" (1960)Did we get the movie wrong? Tell us why! And let us know what films you think we should cover.Join in the discussion on our Youtube channel or Facebook page!

This week, Justin and Ryan dig into "King's Row" (1942) and talk about...- Gee, that theme music sounds familiar.- The 'controversial' book its based on- Getting the film made to fit into conformity with the Hayes code- One of the changes works out better- The kernel of truth in the depiction of "small-towns hiding dark secrets"- Exposing wounds to sunlight - so to speak, and the lessons that we learn from that- Ann Sheridan's Randy Monaghan- Dr. Tower's double tragedy and theme overcoming melodrama- The ending that soars- Having hope for the future- Our Verdict- Next week's film: "Jeremiah Johnson" (1972)Did we get the movie wrong? Tell us why! And let us know what films you think we should cover.Join in the discussion on our Youtube channel or Facebook page!

This week, Justin and Ryan dig into "Dangerous Crossing" (1953) and talk about...- *Wanting* to be noir without understanding it.- (Re)-cycling of plot elements taking priority over character development.- Red-Herrings galore!- Nothing much changes, except the man she's with.- Foghorn accuracy.- Next week's film: "King's Row" (1942)Did we get the movie wrong? Tell us why! And let us know what films you think we should cover.Join in the discussion on our Youtube channel or Facebook page!

This week, Justin and Ryan dig into "The Great Dictator" (1940) and talk about...- Revealing the juvenile nature lurking under the violence of fascist authoritarianism- Chaplin's passion project: "Hitler must be laughed at"- Machismo: the ultimate hot air balloon- Comedic value vs. dramatic value- Resisting fascism without incurring hatred- The lesson of false hopes and wanting the bad thing to be over before it actually is- The effect seeing the final speech had on our expectations- The comedic "Great Dictator" vs. the dramatic one- Our Verdict- Next week's film: "Dangerous Crossing" (1953)Did we get the movie wrong? Tell us why! And let us know what films you think we should cover.Join in the discussion on our Youtube channel or Facebook page!

This week, Justin and Ryan dig into "Frankenstein Meets the Space Monster" (1965) and talk about...- A movie crudely spliced together from spare parts at visible seems? That tracks.- That stubborn habit of mislabeling the character named "Frankenstein"- What exactly was the need for NASA to make android "Frank" look human...- and burying the lede of just *having made a functional android*- Two casts doing different movies, sewn together badly- Taking random left-turns into "Roman Holiday"- How much stock footage is too much stock footage?- When you're an actor who thinks they're in a better movie than they are.- Dr. Nadir being the best character in the film.- Odds and ends. Some trivia.- More hot Vespa-riding action.- Next week's film: "The Great Dictator" (1940)Did we get the movie wrong? Tell us why! And let us know what films you think we should cover.Join in the discussion on our Youtube channel or Facebook page!

This week, Justin and Ryan dig into "The Pink Panther" (1963) and talk about...- Don't make opening credits like they used to, or at all, really...- How it holds up compared to the rest of the franchise- Clouseau as a neat party trick side-character- Justin goes deep on the Stradivarius joke- "Flanderization" of long-running characters- David Niven makes the film work - as much as Clouseau- One weak link in cast- Almost dropping the landing- Our Verdict- Next week's film: "Frankenstein Meets the Space Monster" (1965)Did we get the movie wrong? Tell us why! And let us know what films you think we should cover.Join in the discussion on our Youtube channel or Facebook page!

This week, Justin and Ryan drill into "Cactus Flower" (1969) and talk about...- The magical mink coat that destroys everything good- Exploring inter-generational differences through relationships? Nah.- Screenwriter to women: "See the problem isn't his lying, it's that you have standards..."- Why didn't Toni and Stephanie just team up with each other against Julian?- Ryan takes a swing at fixing it...- and then Justin takes a try at it.- Ingrid Bergman "spontaneously" creating an awkward 60's dance move like... please, no.- Remakes and trivia- Our Verdict- Next week's film: "The Pink Panther" (1963)Did we get the movie wrong? Tell us why! And let us know what films you think we should cover.Join in the discussion on our Youtube channel or Facebook page!

This week, Justin and Ryan join the hunt for "Moby Dick" (1956) and talk about...- "Call me Ishmael" ... if you can find me.- Bringing to mind SpongeBob and Muppet Treasure Island- Tackling translation of theme and Shakespearian-like drama from source material- "*From hell's heart...*" Who does it better?- Animating diorama miniatures and other SFX that just *work*.  - A kind of authenticity it's hard to know how to feel about- Orson Welles' one-scene sermon, and that pulpit!- Justin's possible familial connection to the setting- Our Verdict  - Next week's film: "Cactus Flower" (1969)https://archive.org/details/cactus-flower.-1969.720p.-blu-ray.x-26-odnoklassniki-7512606050872-hls-1952Did we get the movie wrong? Tell us why! And let us know what films you think we should cover.Join in the discussion on our Youtube channel or Facebook page!

This week, Justin and Ryan dig into whatever Alec Guinness was on, in "The Ladykillers" (1955) and talk about...https://archive.org/details/the-ladykillers-1955_202310- Alec Guinness playing Alistair Sim, playing Professor Marcus- The undoing of evil with innocence- Twisting hardened criminals to play music for your old-ladies social club- The humor in old-people perpetrating violence- Getting the right cast- Bringing back a small line from the middle, as the cherry on top at the end- The heroic Mrs. Wilberforce- The pleasing sound (effect) of villains being disposed of- A little bit about that Coen brothers remake- Our Verdict- Next week's film: "Moby Dick" (1956)https://tubitv.com/movies/300453/moby-dickDid we get the movie wrong? Tell us why! And let us know what films you think we should cover.Join in the discussion on our Youtube channel or Facebook page!

This week, Justin and Ryan dig into "Pimpernel Smith" (1941) and talk about...- A few comparisons to two modern iconic fictional characters- The Flat-Arc character done well- Propaganda - not always a bad thing!- How being the victim of war brings clarity- The 'idiot foil' for the hero.- That speech!- Justin implants an idea into Ryan's brain- Our Verdicts- Next week's film: "The Ladykillers" (1955)Did we get the movie wrong? Tell us why! And let us know what films you think we should cover.Join in the discussion on our Youtube channel or Facebook page!

This week, Justin and Ryan dig up Count Dracula (1970), and talk about...- When an adaptation betrays its source faithfully.- Zero thematic translation achievement unlocked!- Van Helsing having a random stroke with no connection to plot or character. Wut?- The most life-like portrayal being the one undead guy.- Justin getting educated on the differences between the novel and screen versions of the story.- What atmosphere? The problem of brightly lighting your gothic horror movie.- One slim moment of unintentional humor- Our Verdict- Next week's film: "Pimpernel Smith" (1941)Did we get the movie wrong? Tell us why! And let us know what films you think we should cover.Join in the discussion on our Youtube channel or Facebook page!

This week, Justin and Ryan set sail for adventure in the footsteps of "Jason and the Argonauts" (1963) and pass the time talking about..- The drama of these fickle gods: where is it?- The motives of Greek/Roman gods- Distinguishing between fulfilling the purposes of mythmaking & the purpose of storytelling/filmmaking.- When sticking to the story-as-told hurts more than helps- Why give Herc the boot? This alteration was the one worth making?- Adventure: Go do the thing. We did the thing!- A few B-Movie moments- Harryhausen just keeps nailing his part.- The real geographical locations in the story- Just how much netting is standard-issue on a Greek sailing vessel?- Verdicts- Next week's film: "Count Dracula" (1970)Did we get the movie wrong? Tell us why! And let us know what films you think we should cover.Join in the discussion on our Youtube channel or Facebook page!

This week, Justin and Ryan have a conversation that won't end the way "Strangers on a Train" (1951) does. But they will talk about...- The awkward conversations we've all had- Chance conversations and the origins of Movie Bones- Assessing our experiences with Hitchcock films overall- "We don't talk about Bruno"- Hitchcock's mid-film rug-pulling- Holding the mirror up to the audience- Thought experiment: How upset is Guy over his wife's murder?- Where are our moral boundaries?- Technical prowess, SFX and Cinematography- Verdict- Next week's film: "Jason and the Argonauts" (1963)Did we get the movie wrong? Tell us why! And let us know what films you think we should cover.Join in the discussion on our Youtube channel or Facebook page!

This week, Justin & Ryan try to keep from losing our teeth playing rugby and watching "This Sporting Life" (1963), and afterward, talk about...- "Kitchen Sink" dramas- Playing with perception of time- Male disillusionment. Are we ready for a resurgence of films in this niche?- Self-knowledge as precursor to success or failure in relationships- A film / TV show connection Justin did *not* see coming- The great Richard Harris - Our verdict- Next week's film: "Strangers on a Train" (1951)Did we get the movie wrong? Tell us why! And let us know what films you think we should cover.Join in the discussion on our Youtube channel or Facebook page!

This week, Justin & Ryan find out what it takes to climb the ladder to becoming a Duke in "Kind Hearts and Coronets" (1949) as they discuss...- That very British sense of humor- Why doesn't anyone tag this guy as a suspect?- Louis, the force of fate / destiny.- Where there's room for more character growth- Whether or not 8 versions of Alec Guinness is truly enough- Weather happens on Movie Bones!- Our Verdict- Next week's film: "This Sporting Life" (1963)Did we get the movie wrong? Tell us why! And let us know what films you think we should cover.Join in the discussion on our Youtube channel or Facebook page!

 This week, Justin & Ryan discover "The Hidden Fortress" (1958), and discuss...• The connections to Star Wars...• Toshiro Mifune as Obi Wan - what could have been...• The intensity he brings to all his roles...• The potential polarizing effect of the "bickering observers" framing device...• Something that never happens in these movies that happens this time, and we love it!• The little bit of thematic 'oomph' that elevates...• Our Verdict• Next Week's Film: "Kind Hearts and Coronets" (1949)Did we get the movie wrong? Tell us why! And let us know what films you think we should cover.Join in the discussion on our Youtube channel or Facebook page!

 This week, Justin & Ryan try not to get in-between "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly" (1966), and discuss...• The epic... running time...• Justin waxing poetic on 'the spirit of the west'• Just what 'good' means in the context of this film• The visual storytelling• The changing of westerns in the 60's and the continuing influence of spaghetti westerns• The film as an anti-war statement• Giving appreciation for Wallach's "Ugly".• Ranking the "Dollars" trillogy, and comparisons to Yojimbo• Our Verdict• Next Week's Film: "The Hidden Fortress" (1958)Did we get the movie wrong? Tell us why! And let us know what films you think we should cover.Join in the discussion on our Youtube channel or Facebook page!

 This week, Justin & Ryan go on assignment in "Foreign Correspondent" (1940), and discuss...• Just how many genres can you jam into a film?• Hitchcock's attitude towards filmmaking• Teasing the audience with almost-meaningful moments• Some really impressive practical effects• Being remembered for visuals and effects over story...• ...with the inevitable comparison to Jim Cameron's 'Avatar' • Our Verdict• Next Week's Film: "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" (1966)Did we get the movie wrong? Tell us why! And let us know what films you think we should cover.Join in the discussion on our Youtube channel or Facebook page!

This week, Justin & Ryan explore the liminal space within the "Carnival of Souls" (1962), and discuss...• autophobia and scopaesthesia• the horror and unease of dealing with the concept of dying• whether the film should've explained more about itself• did the low-budget production help or hurt?• the 'dangerous youth' genre and horror-heroine tropes• an unusual marketing tie-in• the history of the creepy Salt-Air Palace and the use of liminal space• we get deeper into what scares us• Our Verdict• Next Week's Film: "Foreign Correspondant" (1940)Did we get the movie wrong? Tell us why! And let us know what films you think we should cover.Join in the discussion on our Youtube channel or Facebook page!

This week, Justin & Ryan find out "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane"(1962), and discuss...• Blending "Misery" with "Sunset Boulevard"• track record of forgotten child stars• needless undermining twists• Betty Davis' stand-out performance• Creative decisions and pet-peeves that made us go 'hmm'.• Our Verdict• Next Week's Film: "Carnival of Souls" (1962)Did we get the movie wrong? Tell us why! And let us know what films you think we should cover.Join in the discussion on our Youtube channel or Facebook page!

This week, Justin & Ryan see if the "Keeper of the Flame"(1942) should just snuff it out, as they discuss...• breadcrumb trials in the script... they go where?!?• waiting patiently for the reveal when plot and characters stand still• the reality of advancing fascism vs. how its treated here• filling in the blanks the script leaves open with our own ideas• reporters who seem to be resistant to the idea of reporting• what could have been...• Our Verdict• Next Week's Film: "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane" (1962)Did we get the movie wrong? Tell us why! And let us know what films you think we should cover.Join in the discussion on our Youtube channel or Facebook page!

This week, Justin & Ryan go on strike "On the Waterfront"(1954), and discuss...• Some under-the-radar sililarities between Terry and Johnny Friendly• How struggle can sometimes end up as entitlement• Some neat bits of social psychology and morality around group dynamics• Fr. Pete: How to give a sermon in a movie and make it good• The value of 'not ratting on yourself'• When *not* to dial your film's score up to eleven• Seeing a classic quote show up in-context for the first time• Ryan's unexpected comparison to a completely different film• Our Verdict• Next Week's Film: "Keeper of the Flame" (1942)Did we get the movie wrong? Tell us why! And let us know what films you think we should cover.Join in the discussion on our Youtube channel or Facebook page!

This week, Justin & Ryan find out all about melodrama from "The Strange Woman"(1946), and break down...• Melodrama - what is it?• Everyone is horrible (almost)• Skeevy older men marrying WAY below their age• The film's view of women in general• Dropping dramatic 'bombs' every five minutes• Can you commit to a plot direction...• ... and if you can't, can that be funny?• A moment of pure absurdity...• ...with some notable runners-up for that title• Our Verdict• Next Week's Film: "On the Waterfront" (1954)Did we get the movie wrong? Tell us why! And let us know what films you think we should cover.Join in the discussion on our Youtube channel or Facebook page!

This week, Justin & Ryan bet $1,000 they can live through one night at the "House on Haunted Hill" (1959), and pass the time talking about...• Why is this guy here?• Weird architecture choice• Someone criticize your taste in wine? Install a vat of acid in your basement!• Cheesy haunted-house tour guide characters• Scooby Doo, but with less plot and more guns• Making one unrelated woman suffer because: revenge• The more you think about it, the more plot holes appear• Our Verdict• Next Week's Film: "The Strange Woman" (1946)Did we get the movie wrong? Tell us why! And let us know what films you think we should cover.Join in the discussion on our Youtube channel or Facebook page!

This week, Justin & Ryan find out just what happens when Jack Lemmon isn't around in "The Apartment" (1960), and break down...• The way corporate culture uses people• Paralleling that use with direct insinuations of prostitution• The subtlety of the screenplay• Waking up someone who's OD'd on sleeping pills• Forerunner of movies highlighting a predatory Wall Street mentality• Clarifying Baxter's motivations• Justin's notes on the acting• Hope is contagious• Capturing time and place: 1960's New York• Our Verdict• Next Week's Film: "House on Haunted Hill" (1959)Did we get the movie wrong? Tell us why! And let us know what films you think we should cover.Join in the discussion on our Youtube channel or Facebook page!

This week, Justin & Ryan get under the skin of a psychopathic gold-digger in "Cast a Dark Shadow" (1955), and they'll analyze...• "Teddy's" mental state• A twist that caught us off guard• Two really awesome leading lady roles• Nice complementary antagonisim• Justin learns about "Criminal Minds" and psychopaths• Wanting more of a good thing• An alternate-universe version of this concept• Justin's nostalgia for dark-light • Our Verdict• Next Week's Film: "The Apartment" (1955)Did we get the movie wrong? Tell us why! And let us know what films you think we should cover.Join in the discussion on our Youtube channel or Facebook page!