Dana and Tom with 5x club member, Walter Gainer (Founder of Boss Locks Media and Host of The Working While Black Show) discuss Toy Story 2: directed by John Lassiter, written by Andrew Stanton, Rita Hsiao, Doug Chamberlin, Chris Webb, cinematography by Sharon Calahan, music by Randy Newman, starring Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Kelsey Grammer, and Don Rickles.Plot Summary: In Toy Story 2, Woody (Tom Hanks) is stolen by a greedy toy collector, Al McWhiggin (Wayne Knight), who plans to sell him to a museum in Japan. While Woody meets new toys—Jessie the cowgirl (Joan Cusack), Bullseye the horse, and Stinky Pete the Prospector (Kelsey Grammer)—Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) and the rest of Andy's toys embark on a daring rescue mission to bring Woody home. However, Woody is tempted by the idea of being preserved forever in the museum, leading to an emotional struggle between loyalty and destiny.Guest:Walter Gainer IIFounder of Boss Locks Media and Host of The Working While Black Show@bosslocks on IG, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn@itsthegreatwalt on IG, @rampagewalter on LinkedInPreviously On: Training Day (2001), Get Out (2017), Man on Fire (2004), The Incredibles (2004)Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back Walter04:58 Cast of Toy Story 206:08 Why is Toy Story 2 a Good Sequel?16:56 Background for Toy Story 219:39 Relationship(s) with Toy Story 222:27 Plot Summary for Toy Story 223:17 Did You Know?28:51 First Break30:48 What's Happening? with Walter Gainer32:13 Best Performance(s)45:03 Best Scene(s)54:17 Second Break54:57 In Memoriam57:37 Best/Funniest Lines01:00:37 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy01:08:10 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance01:10:24 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty01:13:20 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness01:16:54 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability01:19:16 The
Dana and Tom with special guests, Alex Doffek and Thomas Baches, redo their episode of Back to the Future from Season 1. Back to the Future (1985): written and directed by Robert Zemeckis with Bob Gale, cinematography by Dean Cundey, music by Alan Silvestri, starring Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, and Crispin Glover.Plot Summary: In 1985, Marty McFly, an average teenager, finds himself accidentally embarking on the most extraordinary adventure of his life. Through a twist of fate, he ends up transported back to the year 1955 in a time-traveling DeLorean. As he navigates the charming yet unfamiliar world of the 1950s, Marty must ensure his parents still fall in love, overcoming the odds of high school drama and the villainous Biff Tannen.With the clock ticking, Marty races against time, seeking Doc Brown's help to harness the power of a lightning strike to fuel the DeLorean and propel him back to the future. Through humor, heart, and a pulse-pounding sense of adventure, "Back to the Future" weaves a timeless story of self-discovery, love, and the extraordinary impact one person can have on the course of history.Guests:Alex Doffek - Thomas' UncleThomas Baches - Alex's Best FriendChapters:00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back Alex and Thomas03:14 Cast and Background for Back to the Future06:43 Relationship(s) with Back to the Future10:46 What is Back to the Future About?14:12 Whom Does Dana Understand Better?15:36 How is Back to the Future Remembered?19:26 Plot Summary for Back to the Future20:34 Did You Know?22:09 First Break22:54 Best Performance(s)33:09 Best Scene(s)44:43 Second Break45:25 In Memoriam47:49 Best/Funniest Lines51:22 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy58:16 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance01:03:08 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty01:12:01 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness01:21:12 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability01:24:53 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total01:26:33 Remaining Questions for Back to the Future01:43:57 Thank You to Alex and Thomas01:45:40 CreditsYou can also find this episode in full video on YouTube.You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast).For more on the episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/back-to-the-future-1985-redux-ft-alex-doffek-and-thomas-bachesFor the entire rankings list so far, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/greatest-movie-of-all-time-listKeywords:Back to the Future, character analysis, cultural impact, time travel, film legacy, storytelling, performances, movie discussion, film analysis, performance, Hollywood, iconic scenes, character dynamics, political commentary, legacy, originality, cinematography, voyeurism, timelessness, favorite scenes, indelible moments, rewatchability, Michael J Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, Crispin Glover, Robert Zemeckis, Bob Gale, Marty McFly, Doc Brown, BiffRonny Duncan Studios
Dana and Tom with returning guests, Adam Freed (Managing Editor and Senior Film Critic at MovieArcher.com) and Adam Vanderwerff discuss the last of the original trilogy of Star Wars films with Return of the Jedi (1983): directed by Richard Marquand, written by Lawrence Kasdan and George Lucas, cinematography by Alan Hume, music by John Williams, starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Alec Guinness, and James Earl Jones.Plot Summary: Return of the Jedi is the epic conclusion to the original Star Wars trilogy. It follows Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher), and Han Solo (Harrison Ford) as they battle to overthrow the oppressive Galactic Empire.After rescuing Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt, the Rebel Alliance prepares for a final assault on the Empire’s ultimate weapon, the second Death Star. Meanwhile, Luke confronts Darth Vader, hoping to redeem his father from the dark side and put an end to Emperor Palpatine’s tyranny. With thrilling battles, emotional reunions, and the power of hope, the Rebels fight to restore freedom to the galaxy.Guests:Adam FreedManaging Editor and Senior Film Critic at (MovieArcher.com)@moviearcher on Twitter and InstagramPreviously on Batman (1989), Pulp Fiction (1994) RevisitAdam Vanderwerff (Duncan Disability Law)Previous Episodes: Office Space (1999), Ghostbusters (1984), M*A*S*H (1970)Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back to Adam and Adam02:04 Vanderwerff's Favorite Movie05:26 Cast of Return of the Jedi06:20 Relationship(s) with Return of the Jedi14:52 Star Wars as a Whole19:47 What is Return of the Jedi About?27:46 Background for Return of the Jedi29:04 John Williams Appreciation34:31 Plot Summary for Return of the Jedi35:27 Did You Know?45:47 First Break46:32 What's Up with Freed and Vanderwerff53:19 GMOAT Hall of Fame01:08:52 Best Performance(s)01:19:24 Best Scene(s)01:29:57 Second Break01:30:38 In Memoriam01:36:05 Best/Funniest Lines01:40:20 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy01:47:09 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance01:53:35 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty02:00:53 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness02:08:27 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability02:17:58 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total02:20:01 Remaining Questions for Return of the Jedi02:24:59 Thank You to Our Guests02:27:28 Remaining Thoughts02:29:18 Just for Andrew Corns02:37:18 CreditsThis episode is also available in full video on YouTube.You can now...
Dana and Tom with 10x club member, Robb Conlon (Founder of Westport Studios and Host of B2B Business Class), and 5x club member, Andrew Corns (Host and Creator of the Revisionist Almanac), discuss the sequel to Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back (1980) for its 45th anniversary: directed by Irvin Kerschner, written by Leigh Brackett and Lawrence Kasdan, music by John Williams, cinematography by Peter Suschitzky, starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Alec Guinness, and James Earl Jones.Plot Summary: After their triumphant but costly victory against the Empire, the Rebel Alliance struggles to evade Darth Vader’s relentless pursuit. Forced into hiding on the remote ice planet Hoth, they soon find themselves under attack, prompting a desperate escape across the galaxy. Meanwhile, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), guided by visions of wisdom, seeks out the reclusive Jedi Master Yoda to sharpen his abilities and prepare for the battles ahead. As Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Princess Leia (Carrie Fischer) attempt to evade Imperial forces, they seek refuge in the seemingly safe Cloud City—only to find betrayal lurking within. When Luke abandons his training to confront Vader, he faces a chilling revelation that will shake the foundation of his destiny and alter the course of the Rebellion forever.Guests:Robb ConlonFounder of Westport Studios and Host of B2B Business ClassLinkedIn: Robb / Westport StudiosPreviously On: Alien (1979), Aliens (1986), Die Hard (1988), The Godfather (1972), John Wick (2014), The Dark Knight (2008), The Dark Knight Rises (2012), Man on Fire (2004), The Incredibles (2004), Gladiator...
Dana and Tom with 5x club member, Shane Rogers (Comedian and Host of Midnight Facts for Insomniacs) and Jesse Sertle (fellow group member of CineMadison) discuss the movie that created the biggest film franchise of all-time, Star Wars (1977): written and directed by George Lucas, cinematography by Gilbert Taylor, music by John Williams, starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Alec Guinness, and James Earl Jones.Plot Summary: Star Wars is set in a galaxy far, far away under the oppressive rule of the Galactic Empire. The story follows a young farm boy, Luke Skywalker, who discovers his destiny when he comes across a pair of droids carrying secret plans for the Empire's ultimate weapon, the Death Star. With the guidance of Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi as well as the help of a roguish pilot, Han Solo, his co-pilot Chewbacca, and the droids R2-D2 and C-3PO, Luke embarks on a daring mission to rescue Princess Leia from the clutches of Darth Vader and to aid the Rebel Alliance in their fight for freedom. The film is a tale of heroism, hope, and the battle between good and evil.Guests:Shane RogersComedian and Host of Midnight Facts for InsomniacsPreviously on Broadcast News (1987), The Big Lebowski (1998), Superman: The Movie (1978), There's Something About Mary (1998), This Is Spinal Tap (1984), Ex Machina (2015)Jesse Sertlefellow group member of CineMadisonpreviously on Rounders (1998), Easy Rider (1969), and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019)@jsertle on IGChapters:00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back to Shane and Jesse02:31 A Significant Movie in the History of GMOAT03:13 Cast and Background for Star Wars08:18 Relationship(s) with Star Wars18:25 What is Star Wars About?23:43 Will Star Wars Ever Be at the Peak of Culture Again?34:15 Plot Summary for Star Wars35:19 Did You Know?37:11 First Break38:00 What's Up with Shane Rogers and Jesse Sertle39:29 Best Performance(s)48:45 Best/Favorite/Indelible Scene(s)01:00:08 Second Break01:00:47 In Memoriam01:04:04 Best/Funniest Lines01:08:24 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy01:14:04 The Stanley Rubric -...
Dana and Tom with 10x guests, Robb Conlon (Founder of Westport Studios and Host of B2B Business Class) and Kieran B. (Host and Creator of the Best Picture Cast; @bestpicturecast on X, IG, Letterboxd - BPC, Letterboxd - Personal) discuss the Best Picture Winner of 2000, Gladiator: directed by Ridley Scott, written by John Logan, David Franzione, William Nicholson, cinematography by John Mathieson, music by Hans Zimmer and Lisa Gerrard, starring Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Richard Harris, and Djimon Hounsou.Plot Summary: In Gladiator, Roman general Maximus Decimus Meridius (Russell Crowe) leads his army to victory in a decisive battle under Emperor Marcus Aurelius. The emperor, disillusioned with his son Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), wishes to pass power to Maximus to restore the Roman Republic. Before this plan can be enacted, Commodus murders his father and seizes the throne.Refusing to serve the new emperor, Maximus is sentenced to death. He escapes execution but returns home to find his wife and son brutally murdered by Commodus’s men. Captured and sold into slavery, Maximus becomes a gladiator under the training of Proximo (Oliver Reed), a former gladiator himself. Maximus ultimately works his way to Rome, igniting a battle not just for revenge but for the soul of Rome.As the story builds to a final confrontation, Maximus must fight one last time—against a corrupt emperor and the cruelty of the empire—to restore honor and justice and to fulfill a dying emperor’s last hope.Guests:Robb ConlonFounder of Westport Studios and Host of B2B Business ClassLinkedIn: Robb / Westport StudiosPreviously On: Alien (1979), Aliens (1986), Die Hard (1988), The Godfather (1972), John Wick (2014), The Dark Knight (2008),
Dana and Tom with returning guest, Joe Boukhari (Instagram - I'll Get to It When I Get to It; Letterboxd Film Commentator - @bagodonuts) revisit Caddyshack (1980): written and directed by Harold Ramis with Douglas Kenney and Brian Doyle Murray, music by Johnny Mandel, cinematography by Stevan Larner, starring Chevy Chase, Ted Knight, Rodney Dangerfield, and Bill Murray.Plot Summary: Bushwood Country Club: an opulent haven for the wealthy, where life revolves around pristine greens, exclusivity, and egos so inflated they could double as golf carts. But underneath the facade of luxury lies a clash of worlds—working-class caddies and eccentric groundskeepers versus snobby elites—and it’s about to get hilariously out of control.Danny Noonan (Michael O'Keefe), a young caddy striving to secure his future, finds himself entangled in the club's tangled hierarchy, navigating manipulative judges, raucous millionaires, and life lessons from Ty Webb (Chevy Chase), a laid-back golfer with pearls of wisdom that sound like they came from a Zen koan written by Groucho Marx. Meanwhile, Carl Spackler (Bill Murray), the quirky groundskeeper, engages in an escalating war with a gopher so cunning it could win a philosophy debate.Add in Al Czervik (Rodney Dangerfield), whose outlandish behavior becomes a catalyst for chaos, and Bushwood transforms into the backdrop for a wild satire of class division, absurd ambition, and the universal search for meaning—through golf, naturally. The result? A comedy that skewers pretense and celebrates the unpredictability of life, all while leaving the audience wondering how a gopher became the most unstoppable force in the universe.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back, Joe Boukhari02:42 Cast and Background for Caddyshack06:19 Relationship(s) with Caddyshack09:12 What is Caddyshack About?13:54 Status of Comedy in Film24:48 Plot Summary for Caddyshack26:36 Did You Know?28:29 First Break29:26 What's Up with Joe Boukhari?32:02 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy45:03 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance50:33 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty57:52 Second Break58:33 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness01:04:54 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability01:09:27 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total01:11:28 Remaining Questions for Caddyshack01:14:44 Thank You to Joe Boukhari and Remaining Thoughts01:18:17 CreditsGuest:Joe BoukhariInstagram - I'll Get to It When I Get to ItLetterboxd Film Commentator - @bagodonutsYou can also find this episode in full video on YouTube.You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast).For more on the original episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/caddyshack-1980For more on the episode, go to:
Dana and Tom with returning guest, VP Morris (Award-winning thriller and horror writer and podcaster; vpmorris.com, @teawriterepeat on IG and X, The Dead Letters Podcast) discuss American Psycho (2000) for its 25th Anniversary: written and directed by Mary Harron with Guinivere Turner, cinematography by Andrzej Sekuła, music by John Cale, starring Christian Bale, Justin Theroux, Josh Lucas, Willem Dafoe, Jared Leto, Reese Witherspoon, and Chloe Sevigny.Plot Summary: American Psycho follows Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale), a wealthy and successful New York investment banker in the 1980s, whose polished and charming exterior hides a chilling secret: he’s a violent, unhinged killer. As his grip on reality begins to fray, the story delves into themes of consumerism, identity, and moral decay, leaving us questioning what is real and what exists only in his fractured mind.Guest:VP MorrisAward-winning thriller and horror writer and podcaster;vpmorris.com, @teawriterepeat on IG and X, The Dead Letters Podcast;Previously on Scream (1996), The Shining (1980), and Rear Window (1954)Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction02:21 Casting and Background for American Psycho04:13 Relationship(s) with American Psycho06:57 Dad, Did You Like the Film?13:43 What is American Psycho About?25:51 Plot Summary for American Psycho26:29 Did You Know?28:52 First Break29:35 What's Happening with VP Morris?31:30 Best Performance(s)39:43 Best/Favorite/Indelible Scene(s)49:36 Second Break50:14 In Memoriam53:34 Best/Funniest Lines59:14 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy01:07:05 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance01:13:21 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty01:17:25 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness01:22:12 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability01:26:41 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total01:27:28 Further Discourse01:36:37 Remaining Questions for American Psycho01:53:36 A Thank You to VP Morris and Final Thoughts01:56:36 CreditsYou can also find this episode in full video on YouTube.You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast).For more on the...
Dana and Tom with 5x Club Member, Shane Rogers (Comedian and Host of Midnight Facts for Insomniacs) discuss the sci-fi thriller, Ex Machina (2015): written and directed by Alex Garland, cinematography by Rob Hardy, music by Geoff Barrow and Ben Salisbury, starring Domhnall Gleeson, Oscar Isaac, and Alicia Vikander.Plot Summary: Ex Machina is a cerebral sci-fi thriller written and directed by Alex Garland. The story follows Caleb (Domhnall Gleeson), a young programmer who wins a company contest to spend a week at the secluded estate of his reclusive boss, Nathan (Oscar Isaac), a brilliant but eccentric tech CEO. Upon arrival, Caleb learns he has been selected to participate in a Turing test for Ava (Alicia Vikander), an advanced AI housed in a humanoid robot. As Caleb interacts with Ava, he becomes emotionally entangled with her, questioning whether she truly possesses consciousness—or if he is being manipulated. Meanwhile, Nathan’s true motives remain elusive, and the line between man, machine, and deception blurs in a tense psychological battle that builds to a chilling climax.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back Shane06:30 Relationship(s) to Ex Machina09:53 Did You Like the Film?18:37 What Did Ex Machina Get Right and Wrong About AI?25:15 Plot Summary for Ex Machina26:23 Did You Know?27:44 First Break28:21 What's Happening with Shane Rogers?29:41 Best Performance(s)48:35 Best/Favorite/Indelible Scene(s)56:53 Second Break57:32 In Memoriam01:02:58 Best/Funniest Lines01:05:49 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy01:12:01 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance01:15:00 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty01:24:08 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability01:27:00 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total01:28:11 Remaining Questions01:33:22 Thank You to Shane and Remaining Thoughts01:37:16 CreditsGuest:Shane RogersComedian and Host of Midnight Facts for InsomniacsPreviously on Broadcast News (1987), The Big Lebowski (1998), Superman: The Movie (1978), There's Something About Mary (1998), This Is Spinal Tap (1984).You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast).For more on the episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/ex-machina-2015-ft-shane-rogersFor the entire rankings list so far, go to:
Dana and Tom with 5x Club member, Sara Shea (Host and Creator of Shea Cinema; @sheacinema on X, IG) discuss the Best Picture winner of 1970, Patton: directed by Franklin J. Schaffner, written by Francis Ford Coppola and Edward H. North, cinematography by Fred J. Koenekamp, music by Jerry Goldsmith, starring George C. Scott, Karl Malden, and Edward Binns.Plot Summary: A sweeping and complex portrait of a man consumed by ambition, Patton charges through history with ferocity and contradictions, a gladiator on the modern battlefield. In the chaos and grandeur of World War II, Patton’s genius and ego collide, alienating allies and enthralling enemies. Hero and antihero, the film unveils his brutal poetry of war, a relentless quest for glory at any cost—and the haunting question of whether he is made for, or destroyed by, the brutal theater of combat.Guest:Sara SheaHost and Creator of Shea Cinema; @sheacinema on X, IGPreviously on 12 Angry Men (1957) Revisit, Barry Lyndon (1975), Shampoo (1975), 2025 Post Oscars Reaction ShowChapters:00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back Sara Shea05:19 Cast and Background for Patton09:01 Relationship(s) with Patton15:30 Dana, Why Do You Love This Movie?18:34 Welcome to the Resistance27:51 What is Patton About?31:46 Plot Summary for Patton32:35 Did You Know?36:48 First Break37:36 What's Up with Sara Shea?40:01 Best Performance(s)51:23 Best/Favorite/Indelible Scene(s)01:01:28 Second Break01:02:09 In Memoriam01:03:11 Best/Funniest Lines01:13:38 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy01:18:18 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance01:24:39 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty01:33:10 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness01:40:27 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability01:45:32 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total01:47:26 Remaining Questions for Patton01:49:31 A Thank You to Sara and Final Thoughts01:54:54 CreditsYou can also find this episode in full video on YouTube.You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast).For more on the episode, go to: