Weekend At Crombie‘s: Recent Episodes
Weekend At Crombie‘s
Some movies don‘t deserve what the box office and critics did to them. But then again, some of them really do. James and Huw dig up forgotten movies and walk them around one more time.
A face... a fleet... a war... a man... a podcast.
Once again, Sir Christopher Nolan has produced a film of such spectacle and acclaim that it has compelled our hosts - the Scylla of insight and the Charybdis of low humour - to share their thoughts about it.
It's 1953 and Dr. Seuss writes the tale of a young lad who dreams about escaping the fortress of his tyrannical piano teacher, Dr. Terwilliker.
This 'debaculous fiasco' crashed at the box office, gained a cult following, and gave our hosts something to chew over.
It's 1990 and this tale of New York mobsters has a full cast of Sean Penn, Gary Oldman, Robin Wright, Ed Harris, John Turturro, and John C. Reilly.
As long as no other studio simultaneously releases a stone-cold classic gangster movie about good fellas, the box office should do well.
It's 1985 and Matthew Robbins has taken a break from dragons to direct this teen rebellion movie with Helen Slater, Christian Slater and Helen Slater's pixie cut.
This being the 1980s, a chase scene in a shopping mall with Billy Idol on the soundtrack is mandatory.
Kirk Jones' debut film is a sentimental dark comedy of two elderly scamps, played by Ian Bannen and David Kelly, who try to squeeze a few more days of life from deceased fishermen Ned Devine, so they can claim his lottery winnings.
Settle in, and enjoy the fruity soaps.
Two unlikely oddballs are thrown together under increasingly stressful circumstances. But enough about us - we review Ryan Gosling's new science fiction buddy movie!
This 1999 David Lynch film has Richard Farnsworth as Alvin Straight, telling the true story of his epic journey on the back of a lawnmower.
Not what we would have expected from a David Lynch movie, and certainly gives new meaning to the phrase, 'drive safely, deer'.
It's 1988 and Anthony Edwards and Mare Winningham star in a movie that gives us one of the biggest tonal shifts on screen.
Join us to discuss final requests, the coolest pigeon ever, and how many times we can say 'helicopter pilot' in one sentence.
It's 1990, and Stephen Frears directs this neo-noir thriller with Anjelica Huston, Annette Bening and John Cusack.
And if you must drink a glass of water during your listen, please consider using a plastic sippy-cup.
It's everyone's favourite episode, where James crunches the numbers without mercy. There's some thrills and shocks in the data that has been dredged from the films of this past season.
Enjoy!
How can all those canals and bridges and cobbled streets and those churches, all that beautiful fairytale stuff, how can that not be somebody's thing?
It's 1986, and the way you can tell is because it produced this college comedy about a white law student who pretends to be black in order to qualify for a scholarship.
Starring C. Thomas Howell and Rae Dawn Chong, who appeared to crash their careers on this one, but at least met each other and got married.
It's 1993 and Steven Zaillian directs the tale of a young prodigy in a brave attempt to make chess cinematic.
With a line-up that includes Ben Kingsley, Laurence Fishburne, Joan Allen, Joe Mantegna, Robert Stephens, William H. Macy, Dan Hedaya, Laura Linney and Tony Shalhoub, this cast goes deeper than a Sicilian Defense.
It's 1977, and Larisa Shepitko directs her final film about two partisans struggling for both life and soul in World War II Belarus. Naturally, hilarity ensues.
A profoundly moving and beautiful film, it would nonetheless take a stronger spirit than either of our hosts possess to watch it more than once.
It's 1983, and this rotoscoped animation unites director Ralph Bakshi with legendary sword n' sorcery artist Frank Frazetta.
The 80s were a prime time for low budget dark fantasy, and this reads like a Choose Your Own Adventure book. Although, in this case, none of the protagonists ever chose to wear more clothes.
We close the series with the tale of another futuristic city in the form of Francis Ford Coppola's Megalopolis. The city of New Rome is torn between feuding oligarchs, and only one visionary can save us all.
Coppola self-financed this film when the studios turned it down. So there's that.
The Legend of Crombie‘s Gold examines a series of thematically-linked films - this time, we've chosen films that looked to the days ahead: the Future Is Now!
Alfonso Cuarón's 2006 near-future dystopia tells of societal collapse and widespread intolerance following population crash. Breathtakingly shot and performed, just try not to think on how prescient it's become.
The Legend of Crombie‘s Gold examines a series of thematically-linked films - this time, we've chosen films that looked to the days ahead: the Future Is Now!
This 1988 behemoth of Japanese animation looked at a future metropolis in the wake of a devasting war, covering themes of youth, power, friendship, rebirth and some pretty impressive motorbike skills.
The Legend of Crombie‘s Gold examines a series of thematically-linked films - this time, we've chosen films that looked to the days ahead: the Future Is Now!
The future in 1976 was about post-apocalyptic population control, where the age of 30 was terminal and Michael York was its ruthless enforcer.
The Legend of Crombie‘s Gold examines a series of thematically-linked films - this time, we've chosen films that looked to the days ahead: the Future Is Now!
Another masterpiece of futurism, this time from Stanley Kubrick as his 1968 film explores human evolution, destiny, exploration, artificial intelligence and just how far a primate can throw a bone.
The Legend of Crombie‘s Gold examines a series of thematically-linked films - this time, we've chosen films that looked to the days ahead: the Future Is Now!
We start at the very beginning: Fritz Lang's 1927 expressionist masterpiece of a futuristic urban dystopia. They don't make 'em like this any more.
The Legend of Crombie‘s Gold examines a series of thematically-linked films - this time, we've chosen films that looked to the days ahead: the Future Is Now!
It's 2001 and this character piece of science fiction and mystery brings together Kevin Spacey and Jeff Bridges, along with Bono's sunglasses.
With a big shout out to our listeners in the Lyra constellation, 1000 light years away.
It's 1981 and Everett McGill, Ron Perlman and Nameer El-Kadi play three cavemen (Ron Perlman was an easy casting, to be fair) who are searching the wilderness for that most precious resource: love (and also fire).
A remarkable prehistoric fantasy adventure from director Jean-Jacques Annaud, and a mere 80,000 years later, we have the technology to podcast about it.
We return to our Very Special catalogue to look at arguably the best Tim Key folk music comedy set on a Pembrokeshire island.
It's 1988, and Sidney Poitier has returned from a decade-long absence to team up with Tom Berenger in an odd-couple, buddy-cop hunt through the mountains.
Also featuring Kirstie Alley, Clancy Brown and a scene that was surely in contention for Best Supporting Duvet.
It's 2005 and before taking the lead in a modest superhero franchise, Robert Downey Jr. stars with Val Kilmer and Michelle Monaghan in this neo-noir romp by writer-director Shane Black.
Our hosts don't always agree on the film of choice, and let's just hope it doesn't end badly. Or possibly bad. Adverbs are tricky.
It's 1965 and, from behind the Iron Curtain, a Czechoslovakian New Wave film stars Jozef Kroner and Ida Kamińska as they depict the Aryanization program in the Slovak Republic during World War II.
Academy winner of Best Foreign Language Film, with Ida Kamińska also nominated for Best Actress, there's some powerful stuff here. And also a goose.
It's 1957 and this Stanley Baker vehicle tells the story of gravel haulage on the mean streets of Buckinghamshire.
An absolute galaxy of supporting cast, including Patrick McGoohan, Sean Connery, Herbert Lom, Peggy Cummins, William Hartnell, Sid James, Jill Ireland, Gordon Jackson and David McCallum.
Phoebe Cates stars in this Regency-era true story of the mysterious Princess Caraboo.
Supporting cast includes Jim Broadbent, Wendy Hughes, Kevin Kline, John Lithgow and Stephen Rea, so the real mystery is: how did this disappear without a trace?
Tim Curry leads a murderers' row of comedic talent in this 1985 mystery comedy based on the family board game.
Spoiler: it was Dr Evans. In the kitchen. With the temperamental headset.
James has the numbers, and he's not afraid to use them. We look back on the films of the past year, the whole series, and how the scales of public perception may have rebalanced our previous picks.
It's the review of the reviews show!
Where do you think you're going? Nobody's leaving. Nobody's walking out on this fun, old-fashioned family Christmas. No, no. We're all in this together.
Ginger Rogers and James Stewart star in this romantic comedy film from 1938, featuring wisecracks, slapstick and a murphy bed with a mind of its own.
Settle yourself in with an oversized ham sandwich and enjoy.
Peter Weller stars in this old familiar tale of a physicist / neurosurgeon / rock star / martial artist, battling inter-dimensional aliens.
Also starring Ellen Barkin, John Lithgow, Jeff Goldblum, Christopher Lloyd and Clancy Brown, who must have had some interesting conversations with their agents afterwards.
Hot on the heels of Psycho II, Richard Franklin directs a very young Elisabeth Shue and a very bored Terence Stamp in this chimpanzee-based horror film.
Microwave yourself a nice cup of tea and get comfortable, and do mind where your step in the hall.
Alright team, listen up! We’re breaking down the playbook on Friday Night Lights. James and Huw struggle manfully to comprehend American football with the same grit and tenacity as a fullback with a dislocated shoulder.
There's some difference of opinion in this one, and the movie may not make it to the ten-yard line.
It's 1973 and Sean Connery reunites with director Sidney Lumet to star in a very dark tale of a police officer who suffers a breakdown and kills a suspect.
It's a powerful performance from Big Tam and the supporting cast, but we'll pop a content warning in here: there is some pretty disturbing stuff in this one.
It's 1960 and Burt Lancaster plays a smooth-talking chancer who becomes part of a religious revivalist movement in the prohibition-era.
Acting alongside other notables like Jean Simmons, Arthur Kennedy and Shirley Jones, this was the role that won Lancaster his only Academy Award for Best Actor.
The Legend of Crombie‘s Gold examines a series of thematically-linked films - this time, we're taking a look at the films of Burt Lancaster, as we go From Here To Lancaster!
It's 1968 and, clad in nothing but a pair of swimming shorts, Burt Lancaster plays Neddy Merill, a man who undertakes a suburban odyssey to swim his way home.
This doesn't take long to get into the deep end, and Lancaster gives this film everything he's got.
The Legend of Crombie‘s Gold examines a series of thematically-linked films - this time, we're taking a look at the films of Burt Lancaster, as we go From Here To Lancaster!
It's 1964 and Burt Lancaster takes the lead in an epic of the French Resistance trying to stop a train packed with art treasures from reaching the Third Reich.
Massive action sequences in a age of practical effects and some challenging questions raised. Never have railway timetables been so exciting.
The Legend of Crombie‘s Gold examines a series of thematically-linked films - this time, we're taking a look at the films of Burt Lancaster, as we go From Here To Lancaster!
It's 1957 and this film noir looks at the vice-ridden underworld of New York's society gossip columnists (yes, really).
Tony Curtis plays against type as the amoral press agent, but it's the terrifying menace of J.J. Hunsecker, played by Burt Lancaster, that makes it the opening film in our series.
The Legend of Crombie‘s Gold examines a series of thematically-linked films - this time, we're taking a look at the films of Burt Lancaster, as we go From Here To Lancaster!
It's 1964 (or is it?) and James Garner stars in a World War II thriller about a captured American officer, Major Pike, and a very unusual method of interrogation to learn of the D-Day landings.
A high-concept movie from the start, based on a Roald Dahl short story. It won't be long before you're shouting 'Don't tell him, Pike!'
With the speed of a V8 Interceptor Pursuit Special, we return for another Very Special Crombies.
This time, we take a look at Furiosa, the latest instalment in George Miller's Mad Max 'Wasteland' oeuvre, starring Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth.
It's 1994 and Meryl Streep takes to the water in her only action role, alongside Kevin Bacon, David Strathairn and John C. Reilly, directed by Curtis Hanson.
The scenery is beautiful, the water is wet, and the eternal question is asked: how hard would you row to avoid talking to other people on your holidays?
With the grace of a man falling through a plate glass window, we return for another Very Special Crombies.
This time, our opinions will differ over the David Leitch movie, starring Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt. One of us is still seeing unicorns, the other has well and truly rolled the car.
It's 1985 and Richard Pryor stars in the sixth remake of this riches-to-rags story, putting such an indelible seal on this Walter Hill movie that it's never been remade since.
Supported by John Candy, John Candy, Lonette McKee and Stephen Collins, with Hume Cronyn doing his finest impression of a malevolent raisin.
It's 1995, and this Brett Leonard thriller flings us into the distant future (1999) where a computer-generated Russell Crowe must be hunted down by a relentless Denzel Washington.
It's a bravura performance from Crowe, who leaves no piece of scenery un-chewed; and an early start for Washington's long catalogue of man-with-handgun-does-shouting oeuvre.
It's 1988, and Carl Weathers plays the titular role of Jericho 'Action' Jackson, alongside a host of familiar faces from other films where things randomly explode.
The decade was not short of action movies, but where does this sit among the pantheon?
It's 1954 and cinematic greats Charles Laughton and David Lean create a romantic comedy about the heady world of nineteenth century Salford bootmaking.
A smash hit at the time, we came at this with different perspectives. Still, you can listen to it, or not.
It's 1966 and comedy legends of French cinema - Louis de Funès and Bourvil - reunite for this epic World War II comedy, with Terry-Thomas providing Best Supporting Moustaches.
After a year in the West, we're returning to the classic Weekend at Crombie's format - and this one does not disappoint!
As the bongs of Big Ben close out the old year, James breaks out his spreadsheet to analyse the films of the past year, the whole series, and how the shifting sands of public perception may have washed over our previous picks.
It's the review of the reviews show!
The Man With The Hat is back, and our hosts have such strong feelings about this, it's time for another Very Special Crombies.
Sit back and enjoy these museum pieces being dusted off for one last exhibit.
You don't understand. He had the power to make us happy or unhappy, to make our work a pleasure or a burden. It's nothing to do with podcasts!
You say you hate Washington's Birthday or Thanksgiving and nobody cares, but you say you hate podcasts and people treat you like you're a leper.
Some children wish for things they couldn't possibly use, like real locomotives or podcasts.
We arrive in the 2020s for the final episode in our romp through the Western genre, with this Jeymes Samuel directorial debut and a star-studded cast, led by Jonathan Majors and Idris Elba.
Our two reviewers, one of whom may be lightning with the blam blams, mosey on down to the end of the trail.
It's 2018 and the Coen Brothers continue their impressive pedigree with a six-story anthology of tales from classic Westerns.
If anything could prepare you to watch this, it would be a year of studying cowboy films.
It's 2007 and Christian Bale is on a desperate mission to make Russell Crowe chuff off on the train to Yuma.
Though not a massive box-office success, the fact that a Western even got made in the doldrums of the 2000s is worth a tip of the Stetson.
It's 1993 and justice is coming. Kurt Russell and Val Kilmer lead an immense cast of stars in retelling the legend of the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral.
Join our pair of huckleberries, and try not to think about what James euphemistically calls his Big Trouble In Little China.
It's 1988 and the decade has not been kind to the Western genre. Fortunately the Brat Pack have been corralled to save the day with a Billy the Kid tale for the MTV generation.
Opinions are divided with this one, but we keep spitting facts and tobacco juice until dust settles.
A film so momentous that we have broken the tradition of reviewing long-buried films and turned our gaze to Christopher Nolan's epic biopic, starring Cillian Murphy and every other actor drawing breath.
But what did we make of such a universally-acclaimed film? Could it live up to the hype? And what exactly is a helium bomb?
It's 1976, a decade not known for its Westerns. Clint Eastwood took the helm as actor-director and created this classic and surprisingly moving tale.
Sadly, Wales does not feature anywhere in it. But there's plenty of tobacco juice. Ach y fi.
It's 1964, and we treat ourselves to a big portion of the Spaghetti Western that started them all: Sergio Leone's A Fistful of Dollars, starring Clint Eastwood in his iconic laconic role.
The other two films in the Dollars trilogy also get a viewing, as the genre travels so far West, it circles the globe, and lands in southern Europe, via Japan.
We gallop into the 1960s with this star-stuffed cast of Yul Brynner, Steve McQueen, Charles Bronson, Robert Vaughn, Brad Dexter, James Coburn, Horst Buchholz and Eli Wallach.
The accents are all over the place with this one, and that's just James and Huw reviewing it.
It's 1956 and the two titans of the classic Western, John Ford and John Wayne, combine forces once more for this acclaimed epic.
Our boys are trekking into perilous ground here, as they cast a critical eye over 'one of the greatest and most influential films ever made'. Will they lose their trail? That'll be the day.
It's 1952 and we mosey on down to watch one of the true classics of the Western genre - Gary Cooper confronts his fate at High Noon!
For a straightforward story, there's a lot going on in this one. And for such a renowned film, both James and Huw had their expectations thoroughly confounded.
It's 1946 and we continue our trek through the Westerns. Once again, John Ford is at the helm, with Henry Fonda and Victor Mature as Wyatt Earp and Doc Holiday.
This was the first major portrayal of an event that became one of the greatest legends in the folklore of the West, so holster your pistols for the Gunfight at the O.K. Horse Pen!
It's 1939 and John Ford, master of the American Western, rolls out a classic tale that launches the legend of John Wayne - all aboard the Stagecoach!
James has set himself a colossal challenge and Huw is broadcasting from inside an empty can of frijol beans. We're changing the Weekend at Crombie's format for 2023, so saddle up for a year-long trek across the history of Western cinema!
Raincoats on, as James fires up his statistics cannon and prepares to hose us down in data.
Our two gentlemen philosophers take a look back at the films of the past year, the whole series, and reflect on how real-world events (how dare they) may be affecting the ranking of our films.
I never had any friends later on like the ones I had when I was twelve.
Part 3 of the Rob Reiner run.
It's 2018 and Regina Hall leads an ensemble cast of the Double Whammies dining experience, in a much-overlooked, but well-regarded character study.
Our two gentleman philosophers don their shortest shorts to discuss whether this film really should have received a wider audience.
The year is 2022 and civilisation has collapsed ... at least, that's the premise of this 1973 dystopian thriller starring Charlton Heston and Edward G. Robinson.
Find out what music James would pick for his own euthanasia, and why we decided that, maybe the Soylent Corporation are the real heroes of the story.
It's 1989 and Nicolas Cage is about to be unleashed upon the screens in this horror-comedy about a New York yuppie who believes he is becoming a vampire.
We have mixed feelings about this one, but both agree that, while it may not be the best Nicolas Cage film there is, it is certainly the most Nicolas Cage film there is.
It's 1996 and we're treated to a feast of Stanley Tucci and Tony Shalhoub as two Italian brothers preparing a celebratory evening to save their restaurant. With accompanying dishes from Minnie Driver, Ian Holm, Isabella Rossellini and Allison Janney.
Our primo and secondo reviewers may not see eye to eye on this one, but we find common ground by trying to replicate the accents.
It's 1971 and Robert Wise (director of Sound of Music and West Side Story) takes the natural leap into a Michael Crichton adaptation, heavy on the science, light on everything else.
Our two gentlemen philosophers rattle through this deep dive in less time than it takes to reach Disinfection Level Five. We didn't even have to endanger a monkey to do so.
It's 1978 and top author Michael Crichton takes the directorial helm of a Victorian-era heist movie, with Sean Connery, Donald Sutherland and Lesley-Anne Down.
Sit back in your first-class seat and enjoy the terrifying practical effects, satisfying wax impressions and try not to end up in lavender.
It's 1992 and Joe Pesci is a 'shutterbug' photographer at the centre of this noir thriller that was underexposed at the box office.
Lots to discuss in this one: how so much talent could have achieved so little, how bad can an Irish accent get, and how do you bribe a domestic appliance?
It's 1998 and heavyweight writer Steven Zaillian brings John Travolta and Robert Duvall to head up a packed roster of acting superstars in this legal drama.
Buckle up for more fun than you can have pouring a glass of water over a conference table.
It's 1977 and Ridley Scott makes his directorial debut with this epic tale of French soldiers Keith Carradine and Harvey Keitel duelling their way through the Napoleonic Wars.
Sadly, James could not be persuaded to style his hair in cadenettes for the review.
It's 1980 (or is it?) and the director of Santa Claus: The Movie (him again!) brings together Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour in this time-travel romance.
There's a lot going on in this film, that may have unintentionally proved itself to be a better treatise on time-travel than romance. And, of course, proves that everything it better when you're eating chicken.
It's 1994 and writer-director John Sayles takes us to the magical isle of Roan Inish for a heartwarming tale of a post-war family in Ireland.
Neither one of our gentlemen-philosophers knew of this film (although that does nothing to stop that accents), but were surprised to discover that it had more to offer than just a recipe for seaweed soup.
It's 1990 and Bill Murray - somewhere in his career between Ghostbusters and Groundhog Day - wrote, directed and starred in the comedy caper with Geena Davis and Randy Quaid.
Thoroughly tickled, our two gentlemen philosophers look into why such an obvious success proved such a box office failure.
Controversy reigns and James opens his big box of stats and the two gentlemen philosophers take a look back at the films of the past year, and the whole series.
We now have enough data to release our 'Five Films To See Before You Die', and 'Five Films To Die Before You See Them'. Exciting stuff.
It's 2002 and Stephen Frears directs this British social thriller with a cast of future stars: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Audrey Tautou, Sergi López, Sophie Okonedo and Benedict Wong.
Our last film of the year, and it's one that may steal your heart (and possibly kidney too).
We complete our review of David Fincher's career with his fourth (and hopefully not final) decade: the biopic of screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz, co-author of Citizen Kane.
Gary Oldman, Amanda Seyfried and Charles Dance head up the cast of this homage to 1930s' filmmaking.
It's 1992 and Billy Bob Thornton writes and co-stars this neo-noir crime thriller, along with Bill Paxton, Cynda Williams and Michael Beach.
Despite critical acclaim, this one appears to have fallen out of the collective memory, and James doesn't know why. Huw has a pretty good idea.
It's 1993 and action director extraordinaire Renny Harlin takes Sylvester Stallone up the Dolomites.
With some outstanding practical effects and a John Lithgow villain at his sneering best, this was 90s action at its peak.
For our autumn instalment, get ready to poke, like, and update your relationship status like it's 2004!
We look at David Fincher's third decade of filmmaking - the point where he'd become synonymous with excellent films making a lot of money - and teamed up with writer Aaron Sorkin to tell the story of Facebook in a digital age Citizen Kane.
Two mismatched and desperate men struggle against the inevitability of their own doom... but enough about our hosts, let's watch Figures in a Landscape!
It's 1970 and relative newcomers Robert Shaw and Malcolm McDowell star in a chase thriller that has since disappeared over the horizon.
It's 1988 and George Lucas has turned his world-building talents to the fantasy genre, crafting an epic tale of sorcery and heroism, starring Warwick Davis, Val Kilmer, Joanne Whalley and Jean Marsh.
It's a deep nostalgia dive for our two gentlemen philosophers as they debate 'Is Willow better than doing the ironing?'.
It's 1982 and maverick director Samuel Fuller creates one of his final movies, the experimental and controversial White Dog.
Buried at its original release, and restored by The Criterion Collection, our two gentlemen philosophers approach this unloved mutt with trepidation and a bag full of hamburgers.
For our summer instalment, we look at David Fincher's second decade of filmmaking, specifically the thriller Panic Room!
Starring Jodie Foster, Forest Whitaker, Kristen Stewart and Jared Leto, this one's an absolute gem.
It's 1994 and superstars Geena Davis and Michael Keaton are brought together for a romantic comedy that crashed at the box office and has since disappeared from existence (seriously - this film was hard to find!)
We give Speechless another appraisal and weigh up whether it is a lost gem, or something we should never speak of again.
It's 1981 and Matthew Robbins is at the helm of this dark fantasy tale starring Peter MacNicol, Caitlin Clarke, Ralph Richardson, Ian McDiarmid and the finest dragon ever committed to screen, Vermithrax Pejorative.
No virgins were harmed in the making of this production, although we may yet discover James' recipe for poached eggs.
It's 1991 and Disney takes flight into the superhero genre with an adaptation of a comic book hero. With Jennifer Connelly, Alan Arkin, Timothy Dalton, Paul Sorvino and Terry O'Quinn in supporting roles, we take a look at why this one crashed after take-off.
Dripping with 1930s nostalgia, director Joe Johnston was later to enjoy much greater success along the same lines with Captain America: The First Avenger.
A brand new spin-off from the team that brought you Weekend At Crombie's. In this four-part series, once a quarter, we will examine the work of a single director, whose work spans the decades.
Beginning with David Fincher's acclaimed (and still terrifying) feature: Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt face a vicious serial killer in Se7en.
Also: spoiler alert for Se7en. (James made me put that in. But come on, if you haven't seen Se7en. Go and watch Se7en)
It's 1982 and writer-director Robert Towne brings us a track-and-field drama that fell at the first box-office hurdle.
With Mariel Hemingway, Patrice Donnelly and Scott Glenn, this one deserved a second chance on the podium.
It's 1990 and the up-and-coming Coen Brothers produce a neo-noir gangster film with the stellar cast list of Gabriel Byrne, Marcia Gay Harden, John Turturro and Albert Finney, plus a hauntingly beautiful musical score by Carter Burwell.
Overlooked at the time both critically and commercially, it is now regarded as an undisputed classic and one of the Coens' best films. We drive into the woods to put one into its brain.
It's 1995 and acclaimed director Kathryn Bigelow, along with producer James Cameron, present a turn-of-the-millennium thriller, starring Ralph Fiennes, Angela Bassett, Juliette Lewis and Tom Sizemore.
A tremendous box-office flop upon release, our two gentlemen philosophers have their own views about how Strange Days has withstood the test of time.
As if 2020 wasn't enough to deal with, we've now got a bonus track from our two gentlemen philosophers as they review the films we shared over the year, and for James to mercilessly beat Huw into the ground with statistics. Again. Again.
It's 1996 and Geena Davis takes the lead in this festive spy thriller, supported magnificently by Samuel L. Jackson, written by Shane Black and directed by Renny Harlin.
There's a lot to take from this one, and our two gentlemen philosophers have great fun unravelling it.
It's 1968 and we're off to the snowy wilds of Utah (by way of the Italian Dolomites)for Sergio Corbucci's legendary Spaghetti Western.
Starring Jean-Louis Trintignant, Klaus Kinski, Vonetta McGee, our two gentlemen philosophers will never be able to match the accents, though not for want of trying.
It's 1998 and it's an Academy-winning all-star cast of Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman, Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest in this heartwarming story of the occult.
Enjoy our two gentlemen philosophers try and wrap their heads around these female sensibilities with all the grace of a zombie drunk on tequila who's just been struck on the head with a frying pan.
It's 1955 and all-rounder entertainer Danny Kaye leads this star-studded cast in a musical comedy swashbuckling adventure.
Just remember: the pellet with the poison's in the vessel with the pestle; the chalice from the palace has the brew that is true.
It's 1997 and one of the biggest stars of the decade, Demi Moore, has teamed up with blockbuster director Ridley Scott for a transformative role that ended in commercial and critical disaster.
There's a lot to talk about in this film, and not least of which was Demi didn't deserve that Razzie Award.
It's 2001 and one of acclaimed director Jacques Audiard's earliest films has Emmanuelle Devos and Vincent Cassel display remarkable chemistry in this romantic thriller.
It need hardly be said, the GCSE French qualifications took a pounding with this one.
It's 1990 and we take to the skies of World War 2 Europe as the young crew of a B-17 bomber fly their twenty-fifth and final mission.
There's a full payload of stars in this cast, and solid bit of moviemaking that felt quite out of its own time.
It's 1991 and horror movie maestro Wes Craven puts young protagonist Brandon Adams into a house of terror.
A blend of horror, comedy, satire and thriller, at least one of our gentlemen philosophers was watching this one from behind the sofa.
It's 1992 and box-office powerhouse Robert Zemeckis brings together the unlikely quartet of Bill Paxton, Ice-T, William Sadler and Ice Cube in this updated retelling of The Treasure of Sierra Madre.
This film disappeared without a trace the first time around, but perhaps our two gentlemen philosophers can unearth the gold that lies beneath with the minimum of bloodshed.
It's 1974 and Richard Harris heads an all-star cast in this Richard Lester directed suspense-thriller about ticking bombs on an ocean liner.
Having passed into history unremarked and unloved, it's a perfect Weekend at Crombie's film, and we make sure that no wire is left uncut.
It's 1989 and Terry Jones adapts and directs his own children's book into a fantasy romp led by Tim Robbins playing the hapless titular character.
The nostalgia, at least, runs deep. But there is an elephant in the room. And that elephant is a Python.
It's 1987 and yuppie love is rife in this romantic comedy vehicle for Michael J. Fox.
A massive success in its time, a movie that seems to be both fondly remembered, and completely forgotten. We lift the lid.
A bonus track to 2019 - join our two gentlemen philosophers as they review the films we shared over the year, and for James to mercilessly beat Huw into the ground with statistics. Again.
It's 1981 and everyone's flocking to see the sci-film of the year ... Outland with Sean Connery.
We unearth this hidden gem of a sci-fi western, and mercifully keep the impressions to a bare minimum. We do have schandards, you know.
01:55 – Plot Synopsis 36:45 – Why We Chose This Film 39:53 – Analysis 01:14:38 - Other recommendations 01:17:26 – We Score The Film 01:20:11 – Next Month’s Film
It's 1987 and we're still in the age where, if you wanted a big creature in a movie, you got a big guy in a suit to do it!
Podcast-favourite John Lithgow is on fine form here as the paterfamilias of an all-American family that bring a Bigfoot into their home.
01:54 – Plot Synopsis 39:28 – Why We Chose This Film 46:22 – Analysis 01:11:39 - Other recommendations 01:19:40 – We Score The Film 01:22:30 – Next Month’s Film
It's 2000 and Spike Lee's satirical comedy-drama about a modern televised minstrel show is due to be released to box-office ignominy and huge financial loss.
It's a weighty subject this month (you can tell James chose the film)and our two gentlemen philosophers give this one the consideration it deserved.
01:57 – Plot Synopsis 27:19 – Why We Chose This Film 30:20 – Analysis 01:17:03 - Other recommendations 01:19:54 – We Score The Film 01:22:30 – Next Month’s Film
It's 1996 and a unique crime caper staring Jada Pinket, Queen Latifah and Vivica A. Fox is setting off on the big screen.
Our two gentleman philosophers have a lot of fun unpacking this one, including a digression into Derbyshire accents, a thorough exploration of a minor character's romantic life, and the mystery of what makes James' yogurt so chewy..
02:39 – Plot Synopsis 32:10 – Why We Chose This Film 37:35 – Analysis 01:09:35 - Other recommendations 01:15:35 – We Score The Film 01:19:10 – Next Month’s Film
It's 1989 and the British romantic comedy juggernaut that is Richard Curtis takes its first socially awkward steps in the form of Jeff Goldblum's leading role about a minor actor. Cinematic debits for Emma Thompson and Mel Smith in the director's chair.
Our two gentleman philosophers - one of whom is most certainly not broadcasting from a toilet - take a good look at this embryonic and overlooked attempt at a romantic comedy of manners. Should have added more weddings, mate.
01:20 – Plot Synopsis 22:25 – Why We Chose This Film 26:15 – Analysis 01:09:50 - Other recommendations 01:16:55 – We Score The Film 01:20:35 – Next Month’s Film
It's 2006 and Bel Powley plays the eponymous Carrie as she undertakes this bildungsroman quest with the aid of cherry soda and a didgeridoo.
It's a light romance film aimed at young adults - and it's fair to say this one is far from the comfort zone of our two gentleman philosophers. Luckily we can slip in a quick Benedict Cumberbatch impression to see us through.
03:00 – Plot Synopsis 36:10 – Why We Chose This Film 38:05 – Analysis 01:07:27 - Other recommendations 01:13:24 – We Score The Film 01:16:15 – Next Month’s Film
It's 1980 and Bruce Beresford's courtroom war drama, staring relative unknowns Edward Woodward and Bryan Brown, reached the cinemas, made an impact, and apparently has been forgotten everywhere but Australia.
There's a lot to unpack with this one, and all of it good. Settle in for a good look at a hidden gem. And remember Rule 303!
06:15 – Plot Synopsis 36:50 – Why We Chose This Film 42:00 – Analysis 01:14:20 - Other recommendations 01:18:30 – We Score The Film 01:22:35 – Next Month’s Film
It's 1981 and the world wasn't quite ready for Michael Crawford in the title role of super-spy Condorman!
We enjoyed ourselves heartily with a look back on what happened when Disney tried to do James Bond, and everyone involved - from veteran Oliver Reed to favourite of James' dad Barbara Carrera - brought something different to the party (not just the dip).
01:07 – Plot Synopsis 37:14 – Why We Chose This Film 39:53 – Analysis 01:12:35 - Other recommendations 01:17:05 – We Score The Film 01:20:15 – Next Month’s Film
It's 1972 and director Elaine May brings us a dark romantic comedy, penned by Neil Simon and starring Charles Grodin and Cybill Shepherd. It goes without saying, James picked this one.
Join our two gentlemen philosophers as we attempt to unpick the knottiest of problems: would there still be deceit in the cauliflower if you added cheese?
01:05 – Plot Synopsis 26:14 – Why We Chose This Film 32:25 – Analysis 01:12:14 – We Score The Film 01:19:35 – Next Month’s Film
It's 1992 and a very young Christian Bale stars with a seemingly ageless Bill Pullman, an eternally aged Robert Duvall, and a host of cheeky young scamps in Disney’s musical retelling of the historic News Boy’s Strike of 1899. As is customary, our two gentlemen philosophers do not see eye-to-eye with this one. As is also customary, we attempt the accents and fail very badly. 01:27 – Plot Synopsis 22:30 – Why We Chose This Film 24:00 – Analysis 01:16:44 – We Score The Film 01:22:19 – Next Month’s Film
It's 2008 and the Wachowskis' live-action version of the 1960s anime roars out of pole position to critical indifference and box office ignominy.
But such things do not concern our duo of gentlemen philosophers! Let us dig deeper into frenetic and technicolor experience from some visionary directors. Warning: it may be possible to develop epilepsy just by listening to someone talk about Speed Racer.
01:10 – Plot Synopsis 21:19 – Why We Chose This Film 26:43 – Analysis 01:05:49 – We Score The Film 01:11:50 – Next Month’s Film
It's 1997 and rising British talent Robert Carlyle, Ray Winstone and Lena Headey (plus channel favourite Phil Davis, in a scene-stealing turn) are starring in the obligatory cockney gangster film from Antonia Bird.
It goes without saying, that we both attempt the accent. Bosh!
01:10 – Plot Synopsis 36:18 – Why We Chose This Film 38:30 – Analysis 01:02:04 – We Score The Film 01:25:05 – Next Month’s Film
A bonus track to 2018 - join our two gentlemen philosophers as they review the films we shared over the year, and for James to mercilessly beat Huw into the ground with statistics. While his voice holds.
Make haste ... for we are racing against the chimes of Big Ben.
It's 1966 and acclaimed director John Frankenheimer completes his 'paranoia trilogy' as Rock Hudson takes on a challenging and complex role in a psychological horror movie - it's the Christmas episode!
02:20 – Plot Synopsis 25:49 – Why We Chose This Film 29:27 – Analysis 01:08:25 – We Score The Film 01:13:28 – Next Month’s Film
It's 1984 and we visit our first historical film. Anthony Hopkins delivers a rip-roaring performance of Lt William Bligh against Mel Gibson's Fletcher Christian and quite simply the finest supporting cast you will ever see. This crew would go on to win enough Oscars to sink a jolly boat.
Join us for salty tales, foul misdeeds and James' butchering of the Tahitian accent.
07:20 – Plot Synopsis 55:22 – Why We Chose This Film 58:36 – Analysis 01:33:04 – We Score The Film 01:37:50 – Next Month’s Film
It's 1990, and surfing the crest of the burgeoning superhero popularity is Sam Rami, future director of Spider-Man, with a creature of his own devising. Liam Neeson plays Darkman, a tortured scientist with a very particular set of skills.
Hilarity ensues, involving a prosthetic leg, kinetic action, and the proper rules to the pink elephant game.
00:42 – Plot Synopsis 34:28 – Why We Chose This Film 40:27 – Analysis 01:23:15 – We Score The Film 01:29:31 – Next Month’s Film
It's 1990, and two heavyweights of British comedy are brought together for a tale of an immaculate deception. Eric Idle and Robbie Coltrane play bank robbers forced to disguise themselves as nuns to escape the mob, the police and their own incompetence.
It's a light-hearted one this month, including a spirited defence of the artistic merits of gratuitous nudity.
01:25 – Plot Synopsis 17:05 – Why We Chose This Film 19:21 – Analysis 01:00:18 – We Score The Film 01:03:32 – Next Month’s Film
It's 1973, and filmmaking legend Orson Welles has released his final directorial feature: a film essay on the nature of truth and authenticity.
This one's a head-scratcher, but James does a lovely poetry recital halfway through.
01:06 – Plot Synopsis 19:42 – Why We Chose This Film 28:41 – Analysis 54:02 – We Score The Film 01:00:02 – Next Month’s Film
It's 1982, and the very first animated feature from Don Bluth productions has been released. A dark tale that set the tone for so many of the best children's films of that decade.
Join two gentleman philosophers as they delve into our first animation review, and struggle to keep on top of four different characters whose names begin with J.
02:19 – Plot Synopsis 24:20 – Why We Chose This Film 31:10 – Analysis 01:09:35 – We Score The Film 01:13:23 – Next Month’s Film
It's 2000, and a new musical-tragedy is created by Lars von Trier, enfant terrible of Danish cinema; and Björk, enfant pretty-good-actually of Iceland.
It's a divisive film, and our two gentleman philosophers don't disappoint. But the big news is ... we've cut recording time in half! Enjoy your concentrated dose of Weekend at Crombies.
02:00 – Plot Synopsis 22:52 – Why We Chose This Film 25:27 – Analysis 01:05:05 – We Score The Film 01:08:28 – Next Month’s Film
It's 1970, and director Robert Aldrich (Dirty Dozen) tries his hand at another WWII suicide mission with Michael Caine and Cliff Robertson leading a squad of British character actors into the jungle.
Who will survive? What cause the film to flop so disastrously? And how did we manage to segue the conversation into Sesame Street?
02:04 – Plot Synopsis 1:09:44 – Why We Chose This Film 1:14:31 – Analysis 01:50:00 – We Score The Film 01:54:27 – Next Month’s Film
It's 1985, and Cannon Studios (makers of American Ninja 2) have taken a Kurosawa screenplay and given Jon Voight and Eric Roberts Academy-nominated roles in a convict escape buddy disaster movie. All aboard the Runaway Train!
Pour yourself a weak beverage and join our resident gentlemen philosophers.
01:24 – Plot Synopsis 43:07 – Why We Chose This Film 48:19 – Analysis 01:16:00 – We Score The Film 01:20:40 – Next Month’s Film
It's 1990, and Tom Selleck dons the white stetson of Matthew Quigley, chivalrous cowboy and deadly sharpshooter, as he travels to Australia. How many dingos will be slain in Crazy Cora's therapy session? What does Elliot Marston put in his mint jelly?
All this, and much much more will be answered by our resident gentlemen philosophers.
01:04 – Plot Synopsis 40:31 – Why We Chose This Film 43:24 – Analysis 01:06:00 – We Score The Film 01:08:55 – Next Month’s Film
It's 1974, and acclaimed director Brian De Palma has teamed up with celebrated singer-songwriter Paul Williams to create a comedy horror rock musical based on Faust, The Picture of Dorien Gray, and Phantom of the Opera.
Everyone put on their owl masks, forgive the sound quality (it will improve) and buckle up - our resident gentlemen philosophers may not see eye-to-eye on this one.
01:50 – Plot Synopsis 36:54 – Analysis 01:00:25 – Why We Chose This Film 01:05:31 – We Score The Film 01:10:34 – Next Month’s Film
It's 1985 and Santa Claus: The Movie is playing at the movies. What happens, what's it like, and what's he really feeding those reindeer?
Join your hosts James and Huw as they take a deep dive into a forgotten film. It's our first Weekend at Crombie's!
02:30 – Plot Synopsis 55:50 –Why We Chose This Film & Analysis 01:22:22 – We Score The Film 01:24:18 – Next Month’s Film