Info

Matinee Heroes

Matinee Heroes is a podcast dedicated to exploring hero cinema - from adventurers, heroes, and superheroes; from Jedi to buddy cops; from the Wild West, to the distant past, to futures both hopeful and dystopian, from ancient lands to the deepest reaches of outer space. In a time when we need heroes more than ever, Alan and Craig will try to understand just what makes our cinematic heroes tick, and how we can use that heroism in our everyday life.
RSS Feed
Matinee Heroes
2024
April
March
February
January


2023
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2022
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2021
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2020
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2019
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2018
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2017
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


Categories

All Episodes
Archives
Categories
Now displaying: 2017
Dec 30, 2017

DARTH VADER & OBI-WAN KENOBI

A failed teacher must prepare the son of his corrupted student to become the last hope of the galaxy and defeat an evil empire, restoring balance to the Force!

Alan and Craig discuss abandonment, the Clone Wars cartoons, an spoiler filled discussion of The Last Jedi and the character analysis, you the fans voted for, of Darth Vader and Obi-Wan Kenobi on this week’s Matinee Heroes

Show Notes
  • 1:04

    Alan and Craig have a spoiler filled discussion of "The Last Jedi"

  • 19:40

    Discussion of the Star Wars characters Darth Vader and Obi-Wan Kenobi

  • 37:06

    Recasting

  • 42:53

    Double Feature

  • 44:59

    Final Thoughts

  • 48:10

    Alan and Craig start the new year with two powerhouse actors in "Heat"

Next episode we talk about the crime thriller "Heat"

Dec 23, 2017

DIE HARD

New York City Detective John McClane becomes the only hope for a small group of hostages, one of whom is his estranged wife, trapped in a Los Angeles high-rise office building when it is seized by terrorists on Christmas Eve.

Alan and Craig discuss Hans Gruber leadership lessons, cinematic douchebags, The Houston Film Critics Society’s slate of nominees and the Christmas movie DIE HARD on this week’s Matinee Heroes!   

Show Notes
  • 0:50

    Alan gives the slate of nominees for the Houston Film Critics Society's annual awards.

  • 13:48

    Discussion of the movie "Die Hard"

  • 43:59

    Recasting

  • 52:54

    Double Feature

  • 53:49
  • Alan and Craig devote an episode to the listener's Star Wars character analysis choice - a tie between Darth Vader and Obi-Wan Kenobi!

Next episode we finish our Star Wars character episodes with both Darth Vader and Obi-wan Kenobi!

Dec 16, 2017

PRINCESS LEIA ORGANA

A princess senator attempts to steal secret plans for a new super weapon teams up with a farm boy, a crazy wizard and a scoundrel which sets in motion one of the greatest adventures of all time.

Alan and Craig discuss the great Carrie Fisher, Alan’s initial thoughts of The Last JEDI, and a character analysis of Star Wars’ Princess Leia on this week’s Matinee Heroes!        

Show Notes
  • 1:04

    Alan talks about his impressions of "The Last Jedi"

  • 12:43

    Discussion of the Star Wars character Princess Leia

  • 30:20

    Recasting

  • 36:45

    Double Feature

  • 42:06

    Final Thoughts

  • 40:41

    Alan and Craig celebrate Christmas with an old Yuletide tradition: "Die Hard"

Next episode we head to the coast, have a few laughs and talk "Die Hard"

Dec 9, 2017

LUKE SKYWALKER

A simple Tatooine farmboy with a secret family history joins a crazy old man to Alderaan to deliver a message to a princess turns into one of the greatest Jedi the galaxy has ever known. 

Alan and Craig discuss the Hero’s Journey, whiny brats,  Alan’s review of Guillermo Del Toro’s "The Shape of Water" and a character analysis of Star Wars’ Luke Skywalker on this week’s Matinee Heroes!

Show Notes
  • 1:03

    Alan talks about the romantic horror movie "The Shape of Water"

  • 12:08

    Discussion of the Star Wars character Luke Skywalker

  • 27:47

    Recasting

  • 37:10

    Double Feature

  • 42:06

    Final Thoughts

  • 47:03

    Alan and Craig discuss next week's episode focusing on the Star Wars character Princess Leia.

Next episode we continue to celebrate Star Wars Month by discussing Princess Leia!

Dec 2, 2017

HAN SOLO

A Corellian smuggler contracted to deliver a crazy old man and a farm boy to Alderaan to deliver a message to a princess turns into a galactic hero for the rebellion in one of the greatest stories in cinema.

Alan and Craig discuss audience proxies, Kylo Ren, Alan’s review of Spielberg’s The Post and a character analysis of Star Wars’ Han Solo on this week’s Matinee Heroes!

Show Notes
  • 1:03

    Alan gives his thoughts on the new Steven Spielberg movie "The Post" starring Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep.

  • 9:03

    Discussion of the Star Wars character Han Solo

  • 40:20

    Recasting

  • 46:50

    Double Feature

  • 47:58

    Final Thoughts

  • 47:03

    Alan and Craig discuss next week's episode focusing on the Star Wars character Luke Skywalker.

Next episode we continue to celebrate Star Wars Month by discussing Luke Skywalker!

Nov 25, 2017

Desperate to return to his Chicago home in time to spend Thanksgiving with his family, uptight businessman Neal Page encounters loutish shower curtain ring salesman Del Griffith. During a disastrous and hilarious voyage back to the Windy City, both men experience the various aggravations of modern travel while forming an unlikely friendship.

Alan and Craig discuss empathy, business travel, December being Star Wars month on the podcast and the Thanksgiving classic Planes, Trains and Automobiles on this week’s Matinee Heroes!

Show Notes
  • 0:58

    Alan and Craig discuss their plans to celebrate Star Wars: The Last Jedi by having December be Star Wars Month.

  • 9:05

    Discussion of "Planes, Trains and Automobiles"

  • 35:21

    Recasting

  • 42:29

    Double Feature

  • 45:41

    Final Thoughts

  • 47:03

    Alan and Craig discuss next week's episode focusing on the Star Wars character Han Solo

Next episode we celebrate Star Wars by discussing Han Solo!

Nov 18, 2017

THE HIDDEN FORTRESS

Japanese peasants find a man and woman whom they believe are simple tribe members hiding in a fortress. Although the peasants don't know that Rokurota is a general and Yuki is a princess, the peasants agree to accompany the pair to safety in return for gold. Along the way, the general must prove his expertise in battle while also hiding his identity.

Alan and Craig discuss Samurais, the influences on Star Wars, The Houston Film Critics Society awards show, Craig’s charity photography and the Akira Kurosawa classic The Hidden Fortress on this week's Matinee Heroes.

Show Notes
  • 1:08

    Alan and Craig discuss the Houston Film Critics Society awards show and Craig's charity calendar to support Orangutan Outreach

  • 9:23

    Discussion of "The Hidden Fortress"

  • 32:15

    Recasting

  • 37:39

    Double Feature

  • 43:45

    Final Thoughts

  • 47:59

    Alan and Craig discuss next week's Thanksgiving treat "Planes, Trains and Automobiles

Next episode we celebrate Thanksgiving with "Planes, Trains and Automobiles"

Nov 11, 2017

THE ROCKETEER

In 1938 a young air racing pilot, Cliff Secord, and his partner, Peevy, discover a secret rocket pack that enables a man to fly. They quickly become entangled in international intrigue in their attempts to keep the device away from Nazi spies and other villains, including Hollywood matinee idol Neville Sinclair. With the help of his actress girlfriend, Cliff, dubbed "The Rocketeer" by the press, embarks on a mission that could alter the course of history and make him a true hero!

Alan and Craig discuss sincerity, listener recasts, a quick review of Thor:Ragnarok and the movie The Rocketeer on this week’s Matinee Heroes!

Show Notes
  • 1:08

    Alan and Craig talk about listener Jason Raschen's recast for "Blade Runner" as well as give a mini review of the new movie "Thor:Ragnarok" 

  • 12:47

    Discussion of "The Rocketeer"

  • 22:24

    Recasting

  • 30:09

    Double Feature

  • 33:36

    Final Thoughts

  • 35:19

    Alan and Craig discuss next week's classic "The Hidden Fortress"

Next episode we delve into Alan's favorite genre, the Samurai movie, with "The Hidden Fortress"

Nov 4, 2017

THE DARK KNIGHT

With the help of allies Lt. Jim Gordon and DA Harvey Dent, Batman has been able to keep a tight lid on crime in Gotham City. But when a vile young criminal calling himself the Joker suddenly throws the town into chaos, the Caped Crusader begins to tread a fine line between heroism and vigilantism.

Alan and Craig talk about moral choices, the alignments of evil, the complete Batman on Film panel from Salt Lake Comic Con and the movie The Dark Knight on this week’s Matinee Heroes.

Show Notes
  • 0:59

    Craig host the panel "A Dark Knight in a Dark Theater: Batman On Film" with panelists Mario DeAngelis,  DC Doll, Paul GibbsKerry Jackson and Jenniffer Wardell

  • 50:32

    Discussion of "The Dark Knight"

  • 1:11:00

    Alignments

  • 1:14:04

    Recasting

  • 1:19:22

    Double Feature

  • 1:20:28

    Final Thoughts

  • 1:24:48

    Alan and Craig discuss next week's popcorn flick "The Rocketeer"

 

Next episode we discuss a movie Matinee Heroes was born to do "The Rocketeer"!

Oct 28, 2017

THERE WILL BE BLOOD

Daniel Plainview’s quest for "black gold" takes him to early 20th-century California, where he becomes entrenched in a world of deception, corruption, and murder, making his fortune at the cost of his soul.

Alan and Craig talk about capitalism, does Daniel love H.W., Craig’s upcoming move to California, milkshakes and the movie There Will Be Blood on this week’s Matinee Heroes.

Show Notes
  • 0:57

    Alan and Craig discuss how Craig's move to California will change the podcast.

  • 7:33

    Discussion of "There Will Be Blood"

  • 38:16

    Recasting

  • 43:42

    Double Feature

  • 46:18

    Final Thoughts

  • 48:17

    Alan and Craig discuss next week's movie "The Dark Knight"

 

Next episode will spotlight Craig's Batman panel from Salt Lake Comic Con and the movie "The Dark Knight"

Oct 21, 2017

TRAINING DAY

On his first day on the job as a Los Angeles narcotics officer, a rookie cop goes beyond a full work day in training within the narcotics division of the LAPD with a rogue detective who isn't what he appears to be.

Alan and Craig discuss degrees of power, Horrorthon: H3, looking through keyholes and the movie Training Day on this week’s Matinee Heroes!

Show Notes
  • 0:44

    Alan and Craig discuss this upcoming Wednesday's (the 25th) Horrorthon: H3

  • 6:54

    Discussion of "Training Day"

  • 28:51

    Recasting

  • 34:17

    Double Feature

  • 36:16

    Final Thoughts

  • 40:09

    Alan and Craig discuss next week's epic "There Will Be Blood"

 

Next episode we discuss Daniel Day-Lewis and his all-time masterful performance in "There Will Be Blood"

Oct 14, 2017

MISERY

Successful romantic novelist, Paul Sheldon, his life saved by his No.1 fan...now lives to regret it. When Ann Wilkes discovers that her favorite character, Misery Chastain, has been killed off in his latest novel she'll do anything to make sure he brings her back to life. Now he must write as if his life depended on it...because it does.

Alan and Craig discuss Matinee Villains month, Stephen King adaptations, fandom, movies vs books and the film Misery on this week’s Matinee Heroes!

Show Notes
  • 0:50

    Alan and Craig discuss the concept of Matinee Villains and previews the 3 movies that will be spotlighted this month!

  • 5:56

    Discussion of "Misery"

  • 42:02

    Recasting

  • 48:27

    Double Feature

  • 52:07

    Final Thoughts

  • 57:04

    Alan and Craig continue Matinee Villains month with fan selected "Training Day".

 

Next episode we discuss Denzel Washington's Oscar winning role in "Training Day"

Oct 7, 2017

BLADE RUNNER

In a future of high-tech possibility soured by urban and social decay, Blade Runner Rick Deckard hunts for fugitive, murderous replicants - and is drawn to a mystery woman whose secrets may undermine his very soul

Alan and Craig discuss the singularity, what makes you you, recaps of Fantastic Fest films and Salt Lake Comic Con panels and the movie Blade Runner on this week’s Matinee Heroes!

Show Notes
  • 0:56

    Alan and Craig discuss 3 movies Alan saw attending Fantastic Fest as well as Craig's main stage panel with Joan and John Cusack (listen to it here!). 

  • 16:20

    Discussion of "Blade Runner"

  • 40:31

    Recasting

  • 55:38

    Double Feature

  • 57: 33

    Final Thoughts

  • 1:02:27

    Alan and Craig kick off Matinee Villains month with Stephen King's "Misery".

 

Next episode we discuss "Misery"

Sep 30, 2017

CHILDREN OF MEN

When infertility threatens mankind with extinction and the last child born has perished, a disillusioned bureaucrat becomes the unlikely champion in the fight for the survival of Earth's population; He must face down his own demons and protect the planet's last remaining hope from danger.

Alan and Craig discuss hopefulness vs. hopelessness, Fantastic Fest, adult science fiction and the movie Children of men on this week’s Matinee Heroes.

Show Notes
  • 1:10

    Alan and Craig discuss what Fantastic Fest is and Alan's expectations.

  • 9:10

    Discussion of "Children of Men"

  • 34:05

    Recasting

  • 44:42

    Double Feature

  • 46: 40

    Final Thoughts

  • 52:31

    The guys celebrate the new movie "Blade Runner: 2049" by looking back at the original "Blade Runner"

 

Next episode we discuss "Blade Runner"

Sep 23, 2017

THE RIGHT STUFF

In the middle of the 20th century, America pondered its future - and looked to the skies. This is the thrilling epic of intrepid test pilot Chuck Yeager and the seven pioneering astronauts of the Project Mercury space program. It’s the soaring story of training and heroism; and of sudden fame for which there is no training.

Alan and Craig discuss competition, heroics, Horrorthon: H3 and the classic story of space exploration while discussing The Right Stuff on this week’s Matinee Heroes!

Show Notes
  • 1:28

    Alan and Craig discuss an amazing FREE event in Houston on October 25th - Horrorthon: H3

  • 7:00

    Discussion of "The Right Stuff"

  • 34:56

    Recasting

  • 44:19

    Double Feature

  • 45: 40

    Final Thoughts

  • 49:50

    First impressions of  next week's movie "Children of Men"

 

Next episode we discuss "Children of Men"

Sep 16, 2017

ROAD TO PERDITION

A quiet hit man Michael Sullivan who is duty bound to Mafia boss John Rooney leads Rooney's jealous son, Connor to orchestrate a tragic series of events that results in Sullivan on the run with his 12-year-old son, Michael Jr. Soon an unscrupulous crime photographer/assassin named Maguire is sent after them both, and Sullivan must decide on a course of action as his son comes to terms with his father's violent way of life.

Alan and Craig talk about the baggage of Tom Hanks, Craig’s Salt Lake Comic Con Schedule, crime scene photography and the movie Road to Perdition on this week’s Matinee Heroes.

Show Notes
  • 1:13

    Craig details the fan panel's he is participating in at this upcoming week's Salt Lake Comic Con.

  • 5:33

    Discussion of "Road to Perdition"

  • 25:28

    Recasting

  • 33:37

    Double Feature

  • 40: 00

    Final Thoughts

  • 43:07

    First impressions of  next week's movie "The Right Stuff"

 

Next episode we discuss "The Right Stuff"

Sep 9, 2017

TIME BANDITS

A young boy named Kevin escapes his gadget-obsessed parents to join a band of time-traveling dwarves. Armed with a map stolen from the supreme being, they plunder treasure from napoleon to Agamemnon, but an evil genius is watching their every move!

Alan and Craig discuss evil as the hero, Apple vs Microsoft, D&D alignments, Matinee Villains month and the movie Time Bandits on this week’s matinee Heroes!

Show Notes
  • 0:59

    Alan and Craig ask for suggestion for October's theme: Matinee Villains!

  • 3:42

    Discussion of "Time Bandits"

  • 29:24

    Recasting

  • 36:57

    Double Feature

  • 40:15

    Final Thoughts

  • 43:20

    First impressions of  next week's movie "Road to Perdition"

 

Next episode we discuss "Road to Perdition"

Sep 2, 2017

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND

In the night skies near his Indiana home, power repairman Roy Neary experiences something out of this world. His close encounter sets into action an amazing chain of events that leads to contact with the benevolent aliens and their Mothership. 

Alan and Craig discuss dysfunctional homes, would they stay or would they go, a preview of Alan's post-apocalyptic mystery movie marathon at the Drafthouse and the movie Close Encounters of the Third kind on this week’s Matinee Heroes!

Show Notes
  • 0:47

    Alan talks about his upcoming one-day post-apocalyptic mystery movie marathon at the Alamo Drafthouse.

  • 5:00

    Discussion of "Close Encounters of the Third Kind"

  • 35:26

    Recasting

  • 45:27

    Double Feature

  • 49:11

    Final Thoughts

  • 52:58

    First impressions of  next week's movie "Time Bandits"

 

Next episode we discuss "Time Bandits"

Aug 26, 2017

ROB ROY

Highland farmer and clan leader Rob Roy MacGregor is forced to borrow money from the duplicitous aristocrat Marquis of Montrose to help his clan survive a harsh winter. When the Marquis vile henchman schemes to dishonor MacGregor and his wife and take the money for himself, the rugged Highlander must take courageous action to preserve his integrity. 

Alan and Craig discuss being trapped by one’s honor, dueling dandies, Alan’s upcoming Alamo Drafthouse post-apocalyptic mystery movie marathon and the movie Rob Roy on this week’s Matinee Heroes!

Show Notes
  • 1:00

    Alan talks about his upcoming one-day post-apocalyptic mystery movie marathon at the Alamo Drafthouse.

  • 6:30

    Discussion of "Rob Roy"

  • 23:36

    Recasting

  • 31:31

    Double Feature

  • 32:18

    Final Thoughts

  • 35:32

    First impressions of  the 40th anniversary 4k re-release and next week's movie "Close Encounters of the Third Kind"

 

Next episode celebrate 40 years with "Close Encounters of the Third Kind"

Aug 19, 2017

THE MOSQUITO COAST

Embittered by the blighted landscape of the contemporary United States, inventor Allie Fox takes his family to live in the jungle, hoping to cast off materialism and conformity to rediscover a purer life. But his utopian experiment takes a dark turn when his obsessions lead the family toward unimaginable danger.

Alan and Craig celebrate Craig’s birthday by discussing ego, misguided genius, a preview of The Salt Lake Comic Con and the movie The Mosquito Coast!

Show Notes
  • 0:59

    Craig talks about the Salt Lake Comic Con where he will be moderating panels September 21st - 23rd. 

  • 8:23

    Discussion of "The Mosquito Coast"

  • 32:53

    Recasting

  • 45:01

    Double Feature

  • 48:22

    Final Thoughts

  • 51:20

    First impressions of "Rob Roy"

 

Next episode we don kilts and watch "Rob Roy"

Aug 12, 2017

JAWS

When the seaside community of Amity finds itself under attack by a dangerous great white shark, the town’s chief of police, a young marine biologist and a grizzled shark hunter embark on a desperate quest to destroy the beast before it strikes again. 

Alan and Craig discuss failure, overcoming adversity, science vs faith the movies Dunkirk, Detroit and Wind River all while discussing one of the greatest movies of all time, JAWS on this week’s Matinee Heroes!

Show Notes
  • 1:13

    Alan and Craig briefly review some summer films including Dunkirk, Detroit and Wind River.

  • 14:35

    Discussion of "JAWS"

  • 45:59

    Recasting

  • 54:36

    Double Feature

  • 41:00

    Final Thoughts

  • 57:09

    First impressions of "The Mosquito Coast"

 

If you love the movie, pick up an exclusive JAWS Manny T. Hero shirt from our store!

Next episode we celebrate Craig's birthday with his favorite Harrison Ford performance in "The Mosquito Coast"

Aug 5, 2017

MILLER'S CROSSING

When gangsters begin to feud over a bookie during Prohibition, one man tries to keep the peace and finds himself caught in the middle of a war of shifting allegiances.

Alan and Craig discuss astrological signs, what a shmata is, spiritual debt, and celebrate Alan's birthday on August 8th with the movie Miller’s Crossing on this week’s Matinee Heroes!

Show Notes
  • 0:59

    Alan and Craig talk about their mutual birthday month and how the have picked special movies for the occasion. They also talk about the JAWS Movie Party on August 10th. Get tickets now at https://drafthouse.com/show/jaws-movie-party 

  • 8:44

    Discussion of "Miller's Crossing"

  • 28:45

    Recasting

  • 36:56

    Double Feature

  • 41:00

    Final Thoughts

  • 45:31

    First impressions of "JAWS"

 

Next episode, in partner with their JAWS Movie Party, the two discuss the amazing "JAWS"

Jul 29, 2017

BRIDGE ON THE RIVER KWAI

After settling his differences with a Japanese POW camp commander, a British colonel co-operates to oversee his men's construction of a railway bridge for their captors - while oblivious to a plan by the Allies to destroy it.

Alan and Craig discuss the great Alec Guinness, misguided heroics, the perils of pride and the movie masterpiece Bridge on the River Kwai on this week’s Matinee Heroes!

Show Notes
  • 0:49

    An update on various upcoming events! Including seeing "Bridge on the River Kwai" on August 5th at the Museum of Fine Arts - Houston

  • 4:26

    Discussion of "Bridge on the River Kwai"

  • 31:28

    Recasting

  • 40:46

    Double Feature

  • 48:38

    Final Thoughts

  • 54:22

    First impressions of "Miller's Crossing"

 

Next episode, to celebrate Alan's birthday on August 8th, we discuss "Miller's Crossing"

Jul 22, 2017

EMPIRE OF THE SUN

A spoiled young British boy’s privileged life is upturned by the Japanese invasion of Shanghai. Separated from his parents, he is eventually captured, and taken to Soo Chow confinement camp, next to a captured Chinese airfield. Amidst the sickness and food shortages in the camp, he attempts to reconstruct his former life, all the while bringing spirit and dignity to those around him.

Alan and Craig talk about privilege, millennials, Steven Spielberg and the movie Empire of the Sun on this week’s Matinee Heroes!

Show Notes
  • 1:00

    Alan and Craig announce they are hosting the Alamo Drafthouse's JAWS Movie Party on August 10th,

  • 6:13

    Discussion of Empire of the Sun

  • 28:55

    Recasting

  • 35:30

    Double Feature

  • 37:23

    Final Thoughts

  • 42:46

    First impressions of "The Bridge on the River Kwai

 

Next episode we discuss a true masterpiece "The Bridge on the River Kwai"

Jul 15, 2017

PLANET OF THE APES

Born in a research lab, raised by humans, and banished to an animal rescue ranch after he attacks a neighbor, a super-intelligent "alpha male" chimp named Caesar leads fellow apes in a rebellion. The growing nation of genetically evolved apes is threatened by a band of human survivors. They reach a fragile peace, but it proves short-lived, as both sides are brought to the brink of a war. Caesar and his apes are forced into a deadly conflict with an army of humans led by a ruthless Colonel. After the apes suffer unimaginable losses, Caesar wrestles with his darker instincts and begins his own mythic quest to avenge his kind.

Alan and Craig discuss the new War For the planet of the Apes, bigfoot hoaxes, the personalities of bonobo chimps and Andy Serkis’  masterful performance as Caesar on this week’s Matinee Heroes!

Show Notes
  • 1:00

    A quick reminder to nominate Matinee Heroes in the TV & Film category at podcastawards.com

  • 3:44

    Discussion of the character Caesar, the 3 Planet of the Apes and a review of War for the Planet of the Apes. 

  • 43:22

    Recasting

  • 49:47

    Double Feature

  • 53:13

    Final Thoughts

  • 56:20

    First impressions of "Empire of the Sun"

 

Next episode we discuss a underappreciated Spielberg movie "Empire of the Sun"

1 2 3 Next »