Cinema on Tap

S3E5 1982 ILM: Poltergeist

Our look at the films Industrial Light and Magic worked on in 1982 comes to a close as we look at the horror classic Poltergeist! The film follows the Freeling family whose upwardly mobile middle class existence is thrown for a major loop after their daughter Carol Ann starts talking to “the TV people,” ghosts haunting their home. After Carol Ann disappears, the family enlists the help of paranormal investigators to bring her back to the realm of the living.

The film also features legendary behind the scenes tension between director Tobe Hooper and writer/producer Steven Spielberg. Our hosts talk about the story of the film’s making before diving into their review. Plus, we react to the recently announced Oscar nominations!

Stay tuned to hear about our plans for February.

Have any thoughts about our review? Let us know at cinemaontappodcast@gmail.com

S3E4 1982 ILM: The Dark Crystal

Our look at Industrial Light & Magic’s 1982 films continues, as we take a look at the cult classic, all-puppets all-the-time spectacular: The Dark Crystal.

This is the first time we’re talking about anything Jim Henson related, so we talk about his career, The Muppets, and Sesame Street before diving into his dark fantasy film (co-directed with fellow muppeteer, Frank Oz). The Dark Crystal is set in a fantasy world, where young Jen must go on an adventure to restore the titular crystal and stop the evil Skesis.

The Dark Crystal received mixed reviews on release, but has endured as a cult classic, with the darker tone and extraordinary puppets winning hearts and minds over the years. But, what will our hosts think?

Have you seen The Dark Crystal? Let us know your thoughts at cinemaontappodcast@gmail.com

S3E3 1982 ILM: Star Trek II - The Wrath of Khan

It’s time to kick off our first marathon of the year! This year, Christian is in charge of January, and he’s taking us back in time to 1982 to discuss the work of special effects royalty.

George Lucas formed Industrial Light & Magic to take care of the special effects for 1977’s Star Wars. After working on 3 films from 1977-1981, ILM took a leap and took care of the special effects for 5 major films in 1982, including E.T. and Conan the Barbarian.

We’re taking a look at the 3 films we haven’t seen to cross off some blindspots, starting with Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan!

Trekkies, this one is for you. The sequel to Star Trek: The Motion Picture (as well as an episode from the original run of the TV show), Wrath of Khan features the crew of the Enterprise facing off against Khan, a genetically modified warlord who has spent 15 years marooned on a deserted planet. Featuring legendary performances from William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, and Ricardo Montalban, this film has surpassed its franchise trappings to become a beloved sci-fi classic in its own right.

What will our hosts think? Listen along and find out.

What’s your favorite Star Trek movie? Let us know at cinemaontappodcast@gmail.com.

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S3E2 Top 10's of 2024 - Part 2 (with Joaquin Dominguez and Max Dominguez)

It’s Part 2 of our Top 10 of 2024, and we’re covering 5-1. Which films were our host’s favorite films of the year? Listen on to find out. Plus, Christian reveals our first monthly theme of the year.

In case you missed it, Part 1 features the back half of the lists.

What was your favorite film of 2024? What films did we miss? Let us know at cinemaontappodcast@gmail.com

S3E1 Top 10's of 2024 - Part 1 (with Joaquin Dominguez and Max Dominguez)

We’re back from our annual holiday break to talk about the best films of 2024! This year, we were joined by Joaquin Dominguez and Max Dominguez for a supersized 2-part episode. With over 30 individual films covered, we cover a ton of ground in order to properly reflect on the year in cinema. Stay tuned to see if your favorite makes the list!

Part 1 covers 10-6. Part 2 will have the rest!

What was your favorite film of 2024? Let us know at cinemaontappodcast@gmail.com

S2E56 End of Year Wrap-Up: The Tappies!

It’s our final show of the year, so you know what that means. It’s time for The Tappies 2024!

Christian and Scott are looking back at the year in Cinema on Tap by awarding their favorite performances, screenplays, and films of the year. It’s been a really great year for the show, and we get to revisit films like Silver Linings Playbook, Strange Days, Mad Max: Fury Road, Battle Royale, Back to the Future, Cast Away, No Country for Old Men, Gladiator, and more!

We can’t believe 2024 is almost over. After our holiday break, the show returns January 10, 2025! We’ll see you then.

Do yo have any ideas for what we should cover on the show next year? Send us an email to cinemaontappodcast@gmail.com

S2E55 End of Year Wrap-Up: End of Year Movie Draft

It’s time to start looking back on the year, and thankfully we get to do it together! Christian and Producer Lalo have made the trip up to San Luis Obispo to record live in person with Scott for the first time since he moved away from LA. We’re looking back at the year in Cinema on Tap for the next two weeks, starting with the first annual Cinema on Tap Draft!

 

Our co-hosts and their intrepid producer are drafting their favorite blockbusters, Best Picture winners, and more as they try to pull together the best list by exclusively using films reviewed on the podcast this year. It’s been a good one, meaning everyone has plenty of options (but don’t worry: feelings were still hurt).

 

Stay tuned to see who gets the best list! And, keep an eye on social media to vote for your favorite.

 

You can vote here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeaYr1TspysZvWf4KbG8_HymyHOu-_9MYTGPS-v4rLRJFaInQ/viewform?usp=header

S2E54 End of Year Wrap-Up: The Most Anticipated Movies of 2025

December is finally here, and it’s time to start looking back at 2024. But, before we do that, let’s look ahead to 2025!

There’s a lot of movies with potential coming up next year. Here’s just a sampling of filmmakers with new movies scheduled to come out next year: James Cameron, Ryan Coogler, Paul Thomas Anderson, Yorgos Lanthimos, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Spike Lee, Edgar Wright, Terrence Malick, James Gunn, Steven Soderbergh, Kogonada, Danny Boyle, and Bong Joon-Ho! Plus plenty more.

Christian and Scott break out the calendars to discuss their most anticipated films of 2025. Hopefully, we can turn you on to something new.

What movie are you looking forward to in 2025? Or, is there one you’re just hoping comes out at all? Let us know know at cinemaontappodcast@gmail.com

S2E53 2000 Oscars: Gladiator II

It’s finally here! We’re talking Christian’s most anticipated movie of 2024: Gladiator II.

Ridley Scott returns to Rome 24 years after his Best Picture win. This time, Paul Mescal takes the reins as leading man, joined by Pedro Pascal, Connie Nielsen, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, and Denzel Washington.

Much like the original, there are plenty of battles, rousing speeches, and political intrigue to enjoy. But, we don’t have Russell Crowe or Joaquin Phoenix.

Does the sequel fail to entertain? Or, much like its precursor, will it echo in eternity?

Plus, our thoughts on Wicked!

What did you think of Gladiator II? Let us know at cinemaontappodcast@gmail.com.

Join us in December as we wrap up the year and look ahead to 2025!

S2E52 2000 Oscars: Gladiator

Our final episode on Best Picture nominees from 2000 is here. It’s time to talk Gladiator.

Ridley Scott’s Best Picture winning epic follows Maximus, a disgraced Roman general on a quest for vengeance. Russell Crowe won an Oscar for his performance, and he is joined by Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Djimon Hounsou, Derek Jacobi, Richard Harris, and Oliver Reed in his final performance.

Fans of Gladiator have found a rewatchable classic; detractors say it’s too conventional and poorly written. Where will our hosts land?

Next week: Gladiator II!

How do you feel about Gladiator? Are you excited for Gladiator II? Let us know at cinemaontappodcast@gmail.com