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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.
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Now displaying: Category: Comedy
Feb 24, 2024

RUNNING SCARED

Craig and Alan dive into bromantic comedies, 80's cops vs present day, movies fueled only by chemistry and the movie "Running Scared" on this week's Matinee Heroes!

Next week, Mature March starts with "A History of Violence".

Feb 17, 2024

BOWFINGER

Craig and Alan discuss loving sleezeballs, making movies, Martin & Murphy and the movie "Bowfinger" on this week's Matinee Heroes!

Next week, more flashback funnies with "Running Scared."

Feb 10, 2024

AIRPLANE!

FlashBack February continues to 2022 when Alan and Craig discussed dad jokes, non-sequiturs, parental norms in the 70s and "Airplane!" on this week's Matinee Heroes!

Next week, more flashback funnies with "Bowfinger"

Dec 30, 2023

CLUE

Six blackmail victims are invited to an isolated mansion by a man who knows a dark secret from each of their pasts. On arrival, each is given a pseudonym drawn from Cluedo before being introduced to the blackmailer. Each is handed a weapon, at which point the lights are switched off and the blackmailer is killed. Can the guests uncover the murderer before they all become victims?

Craig, Alan and guest Cary Gordon discuss murder mysteries, the most fun films of 2023, multiple endings and the movie “Clue” on this week’s Matinee Heroes!

Show Notes

  • 1:10

    Craig, Alan and guest Cary Gordon talk about the movies of 2023 they had the most fun watching.

  • 22:00

    Craig, Alan and Cary discuss "Clue"

  • 46:34

    Recasting

  • 1:08:10 

    Double Feature

  • 1:14:09

    Final Thoughts

  • 1:18:28

    A preview of next week's episode "Alien3"

Next week we start a new year with a month of sequels starting with "Alien3"

Sep 30, 2023

KISS KISS BANG BANG

Alan and Craig know it’s not Christmas without a Shane Black movie! The two talk buddy movies, snappy dialogue and the movie Kiss, Kiss, Bang, Bang! on this week's Matinee Heroes!

Next week we start Matinee Villains month with a title that has as theme "Sinister"

Sep 16, 2023

TROPIC THUNDER

Alan and Craig discuss black face, controversy and can agents be good people while celebrating Matinee Birthdays Month with the great comedy "Tropic Thunder" on this week's Matinee Heroes!

Next week it's go big or go home with "Boogie Nights"

Aug 19, 2023

Craig and guest co-host Derek McCaw discuss the Hamlet influence, smart stupid movies, SCTV and the movie "Strange Brew" on this week's Matinee Heroes!

Next week we celebrate Craig's 50th birthday with one of his favorites "Good Will Hunting"

Aug 12, 2023

WONDER BOYS

A professor, suffering from writer's block, tries to deal with the pressures of his complex love life and his troubled students' assorted problems. He finds release in his friendship with a lonely but gifted student, but the news of his lover's pregnancy further complicates his already difficult life.

Craig and Alan talk about the burden of creativity, turning 54, Harrison Ford vs Tom Cruise and the movie “Wonder Boys” as we celebrate Alan’s Matinee Birthday!

Show Notes

  • 0:54

    Craig and Alan talk about Alan's birthday and turning 54.

  • 9:53

    Craig and Alan discuss "Wonder Boys"

  • 40:12

    Recasting

  • 59:47 

    Double Feature

  • 1:02:42

    Final Thoughts

  • 1:06:10

    A preview of next week's episode "The Ghost and the Darkness"

Next week we watch another Michael Douglas movie "The Ghost and the Darkness"

Jun 3, 2023

BILL AND TED'S EXCELLENT ADVENTURE

Bill Preston and Ted Logan are two totally excellent dudes facing one most heinous history exam. With the help of Rufus an ultra-cool messenger in a time traveling phone booth, the triumphant twosome bag a bevy of historical heavyweights like the Bodacious Philosopher So-crates, One Very Excellent Barbarian Genghis Khan, the Short Dead Dude Napoleon and Noah's Wife Joan of Arc to stage the most hysterical high school project ever.

Craig, Alan and guest Meredith Nudo (@MeredithNudo on twitter) talk about sincerity, where woofs, improv and sketch comedy and the movie “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure” on this week’s Matinee Heroes.

Show Notes

  • 1:07

    Craig, Alan and Meredith talk up Rob Saucedo's upcoming graphic novel "Where Wolf" coming out July 7th.

  • 12:32

    Craig Alan and Meredith discuss "Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure”"

  • 33:14

    Recasting

  • 50:17 

    Double Feature

  • 55:43

    Final Thoughts

  • 58:55

    A preview of next week's episode "The Abyss"

Next week we go deep down to talk about James Cameron's "The Abyss"

Apr 29, 2023

LOGAN LUCKY

Trying to reverse a family curse, brothers Jimmy and Clyde Logan set out to pull off an elaborate heist during the legendary Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway But they’ll need the help of Joe Bang, a convicted safe-cracker who is currently doing time. All they have to do is break Joe out, blow the racetrack vault, get away with the cash, return Joe to prison, and get Jimmy to his daughter's beauty pageant on time. 

Craig and co-host Elisabeth Rappe (@ElisabethRappe on twitter) talk about American accents, family secrets, films they don’t make anymore and the movie “Logan Lucky” on this week’s Matinee Heroes.

Show Notes

  • 0:58

    Craig and Elisabeth talk about her family secrets (not really so secret...it's on a podcast)

  • 14:39

    Craig and Elisabeth discuss "Logan Lucky"

  • 35:44

    Recasting

  • 59:12 

    Double Feature

  • 1:01:44

    Final Thoughts

  • 1:04:34

    A preview of next week's episode "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom"

Next week, we start a month of 80's flicks with an all time great "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom"

Jan 14, 2023

THE UNBEARABLE WEIGHT OF MASSIVE TALENT

Unfulfilled and facing financial ruin, actor Nick Cage accepts a $1 million offer to attend a wealthy fan's birthday party. Things take a wildly unexpected turn when a CIA operative recruits Cage for an unusual mission. Taking on the role of a lifetime, he soon finds himself channeling his most iconic and beloved characters to save himself and his loved ones.

Craig and Stizzy from Everything I Learned from Movies (@EILFMovies on Twitter) talk Nic Cage’s marriages, sweet drug lords, upcoming theme months and the movie “The Unbearable Weight Of Massive Talent” on this week’s Matinee Heroes.

Show Notes

  • 0:57

    Craig, Steve and Izzy discuss the upcoming theme months on their podcast Everything I Learned from Movies.

  • 11:52

    Craig, Steve and Izzy discuss "Everything Everywhere All At Once"

  • 28:26 

    Recasting

  • 47:21 

    Double Feature

  • 51:52

    Final Thoughts

  • 58:26

    A preview of next week's episode "Top Gun: Maverick"

Next week we continue 2023 and our best of 2022 with legacy sequel "Top Gun: Maverick"

Nov 26, 2022

MY COUSIN VINNY

Two pals traveling through Alabama are mistakenly arrested and charged with murder. Fortunately, one of them has a cousin who's a lawyer - Vincent Gambini, a former auto mechanic from Brooklyn who just passed his bar exam after his sixth try. Vinny's never been in court - or in Alabama – and now must prove to his cousin, his girlfriend and himself that he’s up to the task or they’ll get the death penalty.

Craig and guest co-host Rob Ervin (@YesTHATRobErvin on twitter) discuss following procedures, the sweet side of Joe Pesci, Rob moderating events and the movie “My Cousin Vinny” on this week’s Matinee Heroes!

Show Notes

  • 1:01

    Craig and Rob Ervin catch up and swap moderating stories

  • 12:27

    Craig and Rob discuss "My Cousin Vinny"

  • 36:47  

    Recasting

  • 1:11:58 

    Double Feature

  • 1:13:58

    Final Thoughts

  • 1:18:42

    A preview of next week's episode "Presumed Innocent"

Next week finish Court-vember with a powerful Harrison Ford performance in "Presumed Innocent"

Jul 30, 2022

DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS

Con artist Lawrence Jamieson is a longtime resident of a luxurious coastal resort, where he enjoys the fruits of his deceptions -- that is, until a competitor, Freddy Benson shows up. When the American’s lowbrow tactics impinge on his own work, Jamieson resolves to get rid of him and challenges Benson to a winner-takes-all competition: The first one who extracts $50,000 from the next woman they meet wins...and the other leaves town.

Craig and Alan discuss the art of the con, British and American differences, the multitudes of Steve Martin and the movie “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” on this week’s Matinee Heroes.

Show Notes

  • 1:23

    Craig and Alan discuss the movie "All of Me"

  • 15:51  

    Recasting

  • 37:13

    Double Feature

  • 40:49

    Final Thoughts

  • 45:36

    A preview of next week's episode "The Rock"

Next week...we start Action August with Michael Bay's "The Rock"

Jul 23, 2022

ALL OF ME

Edwina Cutwater is dying millionaire heiress who wants her soul transferred into a younger, willing woman. When something goes wrong, she ends up inhabiting her lawyer Roger's body and controlling only its right side. Edwina and Roger are forced to work together to find a way to get her soul out his body and into the body she originally intended.

Craig and guest Mark Woodring (@VSMoviePodcast on twitter) discuss Steve Martin’s virtuoso physical performance, working without CGI, Mark’s trip to FanExpo Denver and the movie “All of Me” on this week’s Matinee Heroes!

Show Notes

  • 1:12

    Craig and Mark discuss his time at FanExpo Denver and his panel the Quotability Index.

  • 13:38

    Craig and Mark discuss the movie "All of Me"

  • 25:13  

    Recasting

  • 32:45

    Double Feature

  • 36:08

    Final Thoughts

  • 37:47

    A preview of next week's episode "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels"

Next week...we end Steve Martin Month with a bang and a con with "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels"

Jul 9, 2022

LA STORY

With the help of a talking freeway billboard, "wacky weatherman" Harris  Telemacher tries to win the heart of an English newspaper reporter, who is struggling to make sense of the strange world that is the city of Los Angeles.

Craig, guest host Elisabeth Rappe (@ElisabethRappe on twitter) and guest Andy Nelson (@sodacreekfilm on twitter)discuss sketch movies, the origins of Starbuck lexicon, Andy’s podcast the Next Reel and the movie “LA Story” on this week’s Matinee Heroes!

Show Notes

  • 1:08

    Craig, Elisabeth and Andy talk about Andy's podcasts The Next Reel and Marvel Movie Minute

  • 14:42

    Craig, Elisabeth and Andy discuss the movie "LA Story"

  • 34:32  

    Recasting

  • 56:54

    Double Feature

  • 1:02:25

    Final Thoughts

  • 1:12:05

    A preview of next week's episode "Roxanne"

Next week...we're getting all romantic with the classic telling in modern times of "Roxanne"

Jul 2, 2022

THE JERK

A simpleminded, sheltered country boy suddenly decides to leave his family home to experience life in the big city, where his naivete is both his best friend and his worst enemy.

Craig and Alan kickoff Steve Martin month by talking about how you need to be smart to play dumb, quotable movies, the "Star Wars" of comedy and “The Jerk” on this month’s Matinee Heroes!

Show Notes

  • 0:49

    Craig and Alan talk about why they love Steve Martin

  • 14:25

    Craig and Alan discuss the movie "The Jerk"

  • 34:53

    Recasting

  • 49:45

    Double Feature

  • 52:26

    Final Thoughts

  • 56:39

    A preview of next week's episode "L.A. Story"

Next week...we're showing some West Coast bias with "LA Story"

May 7, 2022

FERRIS BUELLER'S DAY OFF

Ferris Bueller has an uncanny skill at cutting classes and getting away with it. Intending to make one last duck-out before graduation, Ferris calls in sick, "borrows" a Ferrari, and ropes with his best friend Cameron and his best girl Sloan into an unforgettable day out in Chicago. But close On Ferris' trail is high school principal Rooney, determined to catch him in the act.

Craig and guest co-host Derek McCaw (@fanboyplanet on twitter) discuss: is Ferris a psychopath? senioritis, their weekend at WonderCon and the movie “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” on this week’s Matinee Heroes.

Show Notes

  • 1:22

    Craig and Derek discuss their time at WonderCon 2022. 

  • 12:59

    Craig and Derek discuss the movie "Ferris Bueller's Day Off"

  • 36:04

    Recasting

  • 1:07:20

    Double Feature

  • 1:10:43

    Final Thoughts

  • 1:15:35

    A preview of next week's episode "The Fifth Element"

Next week...grab your Multi-Pass as we head to the stars with Leeloo and "The Fifth Element"

Apr 16, 2022

IN BRUGES

After a particularly difficult job, hit men Ray and Ken head to Belgium to hide out until things cool down and await orders from their ruthless boss. Their experiences become increasingly surreal and possibly life changing as they encounter tourists, locals, an American dwarf and a reckoning of past wrongs.

Craig, Alan and guest Elisabeth Rappe (@elisabethrappe on twitter) discuss mental health, pug rescue, some Oscars talk and the movie “In Bruges” on this week’s Matinee Heroes.

Show Notes

  • 1:03

    Craig and Alan are joined by regular Elisabeth Rappe as she talks about her new pug rescue "Jesse"

  • 9:39

    Craig, Alan and Elisabeth discuss the movie "In Bruges"

  • 33:22

    Recasting

  • 51:07

    Double Feature

  • 1:07:00

    Final Thoughts

  • 1:11:42

    A preview of next week's episode "Michael Clayton"

Next week...we get all corporate conspiratorial with the thriller "Michael Clayton"

Mar 26, 2022

SPACEBALLS

In a distant galaxy, planet Spaceball has depleted its air supply, leaving its citizens reliant on a product called "Perri-Air." In desperation, Spaceball's leader President Skroob orders the evil Dark Helmet to kidnap Princess Vespa of oxygen-rich Druidia and hold her hostage in exchange for air. But help arrives for the Princess in the form of renegade space pilot Lone Starr and his half-man, half-dog partner, Barf.

Craig and guest co-host Cary Gordon (@metalgeeks on twitter) talk about tattoos, the power of the schwartz, a metal geeks update and the movie “Spaceballs” on this week’s Matinee Heroes

Show Notes

  • 1:37

    Craig and Cary talk about the Metal Geeks podcast and listening to Mel Brooks on audio books.

  • 12:02

    Craig and Cary discuss the movie "Spaceballs"

  • 23:24

    Recasting

  • 43:11

    Double Feature

  • 45:18

    Final Thoughts

  • 49:02

    A preview of next week's episode "Rounders"

Next week...we ante up and await the flop as we discuss the poker movie "Rounders"

Mar 19, 2022

HISTORY OF THE WORLD PART 1

From a crazy spoof of 2001 to the Roman Empire, to the French Revolution, where our beloved hero Mel Brooks plays a stand-up philosopher in Caesar's Palace, is King Louis XVI, and the Grand Inquisitor during the  Spanish inquisition, but this time, singing monks and swimming nuns perform fabulous musical numbers!

Craig and guest co-host Rob Ervin (@YesTHATRobErvin on twitter) talk about sketch movies, wrestling, the awesomeness of Gregory Hines and the movie “History of the World Part 1” on this week’s Matinee Heroes!

Show Notes

  • 1:00

    Craig and Rob Ervin discuss what's happening over at the Clubhouse Podcast and more.

  • 11:17

    Craig and Rob discuss the movie "History of the World, Part 1"

  • 30:49

    Recasting

  • 45:57

    Double Feature

  • 48:17

    Final Thoughts

  • 52:44

    A preview of next week's episode "Spaceballs"

Next week... We end Mel Brook March with his sci-fi romp "Spaceballs"

Mar 12, 2022

BLAZING SADDLES

A corrupt governor grants a reprieve to an African American convict if the condemned man agrees to serve as sheriff of a small Western town, believing that new sheriff will only live long enough to serve the needs of the governor and his nefarious railroad-baron backer.

Craig and Alan welcome guest Craig Lindsey to discuss racial double standards, getting banned on twitter, “woke” society and the movie “Blazing Saddles” on this week’s Matinee Heroes.

Show Notes

  • 1:23

    Craig, Alan and guest Craig Lindsey discuss freelancing film reviews and getting suspended from twitter.

  • 10:27

    Craig, Alan and Craig discuss the movie "Blazing Saddles"

  • 25:51

    Recasting

  • 54:48

    Double Feature

  • 1:01:17

    Final Thoughts

  • 1:11:02

    A preview of next week's episode "History of the World, Part 1"

Next week... More Mel in March as we discuss his whirlwind trip through time with "History of the World, Part 1"

Mar 5, 2022

YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN

Respected medical lecturer Dr. Frederick Frankenstein learns that he has inherited his infamous grandfather's estate in Transylvania. Arriving at the castle, Dr. Frankenstein soon begins to recreate his grandfather's experiments with the help of servants Igor, Inga and the fearsome Frau Blücher. After he creates his own monster, new complications ensue with the arrival of the doctor's fiancée, Elizabeth.

Craig, Alan and guest Derek McCaw (@fanboyplanet on twitter) kickoff a month of Mel Brooks as they discuss the Genius of Gene Wilder, making fun of things you love, Alan’s non spoiler review of "The Batman" and the movie “Young Frankenstein” on this week’s Matinee Heroes.

Show Notes

  • 1:03

    Craig, Alan and guest Derek McCaw from FanboyPlanet.com talk about hanging at Gallifrey One and Alan's no-spoiler take on "The Batman".

  • 16:37

    Craig, Alan and Derek discuss the movie "Young Frankenstein"

  • 37:17

    Recasting

  • 1:01:01

    Double Feature

  • 1:06:23

    Final Thoughts

  • 1:11:29

    A preview of next week's episode "Blazing Saddles"

Next week... More Mel in March as we discuss his greatest accomplishment "Blazing Saddles"

Dec 25, 2021

CATCH ME IF YOU CAN

Frank Abagnale, Jr. worked as a doctor, a lawyer, and as a co-pilot for a major airline -- all before his 18th birthday. A master of deception, he was also a brilliant forger, whose skill gave him his first real claim to fame: At the age of 17, Frank became the most successful bank robber in the history of the U.S. FBI Agent Carl Hanratty makes it his prime mission to capture Frank and bring him to justice, but Frank is always one step ahead of him.

Craig, Alan and Brendan Agnew (@BLCAgnew on Twitter) discuss how crime does pay, living a lie, the end of Spielberg month and the movie “Catch Me If You Can” on this Christmas Edition of Matinee Heroes!

Show Notes

  • 1:11

    Craig, Alan and Brendan Agnew discuss Spielberg as well as what Marion is getting for Christmas.

  • 9:46

    Craig, Alan, and Brendan discuss the movie "Catch Me If You Can"

  • 37:53

    Recasting

  • 1:00:10

    Double Feature

  • 1:05:30

    Final Thoughts

  • 1:11:03

    A preview of next week's episode "True Grit"

Next week...A New Year needs a bit of "True Grit"

Jul 10, 2021

THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL

A writer encounters the owner of an aging high-class hotel, who tells him of his early years serving as a lobby boy in the hotel's glorious years under an exceptional concierge. Gustave prides himself on providing first-class service to the hotel's guests, including getting romantically involved with many elderly women who stay there. When one of Gustave's lovers dies mysteriously, Gustave finds himself the recipient of a priceless painting and the chief suspect in her murder.

Craig, guest co-host Valerie Cameron (of @moviesmakeus on twitter) and guest Devin Pike (@justdevin on twitter) talk about being all things to all people, film embargos, the specific fonts of Wes Anderson and the movie “The Grand Budapest Hotel” on this week’s Matinee Heroes!

Show Notes

  • 1:01

    Craig and Alan find out what Devin has planned for his "The Big Film Show" podcast and "Who Needs Sleep?" in December

  • 10:59

    Craig, Val and Devin discuss "The Grand Budapest Hotel"

  • 34:58

    Recasting

  • 1:07:37

    Double Feature

  • 1:11:57

    Final Thoughts

  • 1:15:54

    A preview of next week's episode "The Arrival"

Next week we discuss a movie that proves language can be riveting when we watch "Arrival"

May 29, 2021

GHOSTBUSTERS

When college profs Peter Venkman, Ray Stantz and Egon Spengler lose their university jobs, they decide to go freelance, de-haunting houses in a new ghost removal service., their first order of business becomes saving beautiful cellist Dana Barrett and nerdy Louis Tully, who’ve inadvertently opened the gates to an interdimensional being who wants to destroy our world!

Craig, Alan and guest Zaki Hasan (@ZakisCorner on twitter) talk about awful nerd dating techniques, the defense of Walter Peck, horror comedies and the movie “Ghostbusters” on this week’s Matinee Heroes!

Show Notes

  • 1:04

    Craig and Alan welcome Zaki Hasan to find out what his podcast The Movie Film Podcasts is up to and what his favorite 80's films aer

  • 7:52

    Craig, Alan and Zaki discuss "Ghostbusters"

  • 43:02

    Recasting

  • 1:16:16

    Double Feature

  • 1:18:36

    Final Thoughts

  • 1:21:02

    A preview of next week's episode "The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring"

Next week we start a special month long look at the Lord of the Rings trilogy starting with "Fellowship of the Ring - Extended Edition"

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