December 18, 2015

Episode 44 - THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL

Charles Dickens' fable about a mean old miser who learns the meaning of Christmas is one of the most picked-over stories in the Western canon. (Heck, we even covered a version of it last year.) But perhaps that's what makes it such a wonderful vehicle for the mischievous Muppets, finding ways to breathe new life--and a vaudeville flair--into a familiar tale.

Much more than a holiday novelty, The Muppet Christmas Carol is an ingratiating insta-classic: one of the most elegant expressions of the ineffable "Christmas spirit" ever seen onscreen. Special guest Brian Rudloff joins us once more to see if we can make that spirit last all year.


The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
Directed by Brian Henson
Produced by Martin G. Baker and Brian Henson
Written by Jerry Juhl
Based on A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Starring Michael Caine, Dave Goelz, Steve Whitmire, Jerry Nelson, Frank Oz, and Steven Mackintosh

December 4, 2015

Episode 43 - STAR WARS EPISODE VI: RETURN OF THE JEDI



For more than a year, we've been winding our way through the Star Wars saga from Qui-Gon and Jar Jar to Nien Nunb and Mon Mothma, and everything in between. Now, with the debut of The Force Awakens just weeks away, our ongoing series culminates with Return of the Jedi.

Both sublime and silly, Jedi is a stellar send-off for George Lucas' massively influential space opera. Special guest Brian Rudloff joins us to discuss this greatest hits compilation of all things Star Wars as we eagerly await the next chapter. May the force be with you!


Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)
Directed by Richard Marquand
Produced by Howard Kazanjian
Written by Lawrence Kasdan and George Lucas
Starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Anthony Daniels, Kenny Baker, Peter Mayhew, James Earl Jones, and Ian McDiarmid

Check out the rest of our series on the Star Wars saga:
Episode I: The Phantom Menace
Episode II: Attack of the Clones
Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
Episode IV: A New Hope
Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
Episode VII: The Force Awakens
Episode VIII: The Last Jedi

Solo: A Star Wars Story
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

Star Wars: Clone Wars
Star Wars Holiday Special
Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire
Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure