Best Pulp Culture Podcasts (2025)

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361 - Better Man (2024) 1:48:00

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6d ago1:48:00

1:48:00

"No one buys a ticket to hear your problems." For Episode 361, Thomas and Brandon finish off CineNation's Jukebox Musical series with BETTER MAN. Listen as they discuss how Hugh Jackman impacted the film's creation, what major event affected the film's production, how the movie was independently financed, and why director Michael Gracey made Robbie…

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Episode 227: Interview Special - Jamie Taylor, author of Studio Electrophonique: The Sheffield Space Age, frm the Human League to Pulp 39:56

9d ago39:56

39:56

Send us a text Charles and Grahamspeak to Sheffield's Jamie Taylor whose first book is Studio Electrophonique: The Sheffield Space Age, from The Human League to Pulp. Published by Manchester University Press as part of their British Pop Archive series, Jamie talks about the gestation of the book and his future ambitions. Graham adds - post the chat…

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Episode 226: Gary Oldman in Krapp's Last Tape; Pink Floyd Live in Pompeii Re-issued; The Murder Capital Live in Leeds; Chaper 3 of Graham Chalmers' Book on Magna Carta 37:06

9d ago37:06

37:06

Send us a text Graham looks at the re-issued Pink Floyd live in Pompeii film: When rock was classical music. Graham reports on meeting assistant manager of Notts County at final Harrogate Town Home match of season. Charles reflects on his experience seeing Gary Oldman in Krapp’s Last Tape at York Theatre Royal - does Gary get it taped? The Murder C…

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360 - An American in Paris (1951) 1:38:46

13d ago1:38:46

1:38:46

"If it means anything to you, I love you." For Episode 360, Brandon and Thomas continue their series on Jukebox Musicals with AN AMERICAN IN PARIS. Listen as they discuss the life of George Gershwin, how Arthur Freed got the rights to make the film, why the movie couldn't be filmed in Paris, and how the musical shocked Hollywood on Oscar night. Als…

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Episode 225: Interview Special with Author of The North Road, Rob Cowen 37:13

18d ago37:13

37:13

Send us a text Charles and Graham are delighted to invite Harrogate based poet and author, Rob Cowen back onto the show to talk about his highly acclaimed new book, The North Road. About Rob Cowen Rob Cowen is an award-winning writer and author, hailed as one of the UK’s most original voices on nature, place and people. His first book, Skimming Sto…

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359 - A Hard Day's Night (1964) 1:41:03

20d ago1:41:03

1:41:03

"We know how to behave! We've had lessons." For Episode 359, David and Brandon continue the show's series on Jukebox Musicals with A HARD DAY'S NIGHT. Listen as they discuss the origins of the film, how quickly the production was, and how Richard Lester's direction revolutionized filmmaking for music. Also, don't forget to join our Patreon for more…

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358 - The Blues Brothers (1980) 1:50:51

27d ago1:50:51

1:50:51

"We're on a mission from God." For Episode 358, Brandon and David are on a mission. A mission to discuss THE BLUES BROTHERS for their Jukebox Musical series. Listen as they discuss the creation of this "fictional" band, the rise of John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd's attempt at screenwriting, the film's wild production, and how this was one of the most exp…

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357 - Mamma Mia (2008) 1:39:12

1M ago1:39:12

1:39:12

"You wait 20 years for a dad and then three come along at once." For Episode 357, Thomas and Brandon kickoff their Jukebox Musical series with MAMMA MIA! Listen as they discuss the show's original theatrical run, what major event affected the show's popularity, how Meryl Streep became involved in the project, which actresses were in the running for…

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356 - Short Cuts (1993) 1:49:08

1M ago1:49:08

1:49:08

"I hate L.A. All they do is snort coke and talk." For Episode 356, David and Brandon finish off their main Hyperlink series with SHORT CUTS. Listen as the two discuss Robert Altman's adaptation of the Raymond Carver short stories, how Altman ran his sets, and why the film is one of the most ambitious films we've covered in this series. Also, don't …

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Episode 224: Kamasi Washington live in Leeds; Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra at Bradford 2025; Record Store Day in Bradford and the Leeds Indie scene; The politics of Comedy - Al Murray followed by John ... 39:15

1M ago39:15

39:15

Send us a text The old is the new: Graham on experiencing modern US jazz star Kamasi Washington at Project House in Leeds. Good news for Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture as art deco venue is to reopen in August with new Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra launch. Record Store Day boost for Bradford and the lingering influence of Leeds indie scene of 25 ye…

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355 - Cloud Atlas (2012) 1:38:53

2M ago1:38:53

1:38:53

"What is an ocean but a multitude of drops?" For Episode 355, Brandon and David discuss the polarizing sci-fi epic CLOUD ATLAS for their Hyperlink series. Listen as they discuss the difficulties of adapting the popular novel, how Tom Hanks became one of the film's biggest supporters, how the production team devised a unique shooting plan, and how t…

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Episode 223: Music Venue Crisis; My Bloody Valentine; Sam Mendes’ Beatles Films; Val Kilmer RIP; Public Service Broadcasting 38:04

2M ago38:04

38:04

Send us a text Graham and Charles take a look at the struggle facing small venues in the UK, the continuing rise in ticket prices and the beauty of My Bloody Valentine. Graham examines why The Beatles road manager and the hidden aspects of the story are unlikely to come out in Sam Mendes forthcoming films on the band. Graham explores the work of th…

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354 - Dazed and Confused (1993) 2:06:23

2M ago2:06:23

2:06:23

"You just gotta keep livin' man, L-I-V-I-N." For Episode 354, Thomas and Brandon revisit DAZED AND CONFUSED as part of CineNation's Hyperlink series. Listen as they discuss Linklater's struggles with working with a Hollywood studio, the film's incredible casting stories, the length of the original cut, which two actors caused the most drama, and mo…

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Episode 222: Interview Special With Toby Manning - Music Journalist and Author of Mixing Pop and Politics: A Marxist History of Popular Music 39:10

2M ago39:10

39:10

Send us a text Interview special: Toby Manning Toby Manning is a London-based music journalist, author, and academic with a career spanning popular culture, music, and political history. He’s best known for his work examining the intersections of music and ideology, often through a Marxist lens, as well as his deep dives into specific artists and c…

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353 - Pulp Fiction (1994) 2:06:24

2M ago2:06:24

2:06:24

"I'm tryin' real hard to be the shepherd." For Episode 353, David and Brandon discuss the Hyperlink Genre, starting with one of the most famous examples: PULP FICTION. Listen as they discuss which multiple Oscar-winning actor wanted to play Vincent Vega, how Bruce Willis ended up in the film, how the movie became one of the most influential films o…

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Episode 221:Topping Books open in York; Alto Knights with Robert de Niro; Edwyn Collins' New album; Harrogate Sessions Re-visit A Hard Day's Night and Help! 39:17

2M ago39:17

39:17

Send us a text Graham and Charles report that York is about to have Britain's biggest independent book store with Topping Books https://www.toppingbooks.co.uk/ Is it going to be an opportunity or threat? Charles asks what do two Robert De Niro for the price of one add up to in The Alto Knights? Plus Edwin Collins announcing autumn final tour after …

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352 - Dreams (1990) 1:59:45

2M ago1:59:45

1:59:45

"Some say life is hard, but that is just talk. It is good to be alive, it is exciting!" For Episode 352, Brandon and David are joined by Marcus Patterson to discuss Akira Kurosawa's Dreams. Marcus is a talented director of photography who worked on the recent Sundance film, SUNFISH (& OTHER STORIES ON GREEN LAKE), which was also an anthology film. …

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Episode 220: Steven Soderbergh's new film Black Bag; Glastonbury Festival Lineups; Scottish indie music in Grant McPhee's new book Postcards from Scotland 38:09

2M ago38:09

38:09

Send us a text Graham explores why Steven Soderberg's new spy/com film, Black Bag starring Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender isn't as good as his best and most under-rated film, The Limey from 1999 which starred Terence Stamp and Peter Fonda. Charles and Graham chew over the headliners for this year's Glastonbury Festival. Graham takes a look a…

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351 - The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (2018) 1:39:39

3M ago1:39:39

1:39:39

"I'm not a devious man by nature." For Episode 351, Thomas and Brandon do double genre duty with the Anthology and Western genres by discussing THE BALLAD OF BUSTER SCRUGGS. Listen as they discuss when the idea originated, how difficult it was making six completely separate stories, and how the streaming era of the late 2010s allowed for this movie…

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Episode 219: Anora Oscars Surprise; Beta Band Back; Richard Hawley Celebrates Coles Corner; Mickey 17 review 41:37

3M ago41:37

41:37

Send us a text Graham rejects on this year’s Academy Awards: Is Anora really the Best Picture of this or any other year? The Beta Band are reforming and are coming to Leeds. Richard Hawley is to play Museum Gardens in York this summer. Hurrah! It's the twentieth anniversary of the releases of his classic album Coles Corner. Charles reports on sci-f…

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350 - Night on Earth (1991) 1:32:57

3M ago1:32:57

1:32:57

"Yes, I'm really in a taxi." For Episode 350, Brandon and David continue the show's series on Anthology Films with a film from the possible King of Anthology films, Jim Jarmusch. Listen as they discuss NIGHT ON EARTH and why Jarmusch wrote the film, how they filmed inside the taxis, and how they tried to capture each city shown in the movie. Also, …

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Episode 218 - Interview Special: Gary Stewart 43:22

3M ago43:22

43:22

Send us a text CHarles and Graham interview Yorkshire-based Scottish musician, Gary Stewart. Gary Stewart is a Scottish singer/songwriter who has carved out a strong fan-base in his adopted home of Yorkshire with songs about paranoia, love & resilience. When not playing his own music, the left-hander plays drums for fellow Bandcampers Hope & Social…

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349 - Creepshow (1982) 1:45:48

3M ago1:45:48

1:45:48

"Scream in hell forever, you monster!" For Episode 349, David and Brandon are kicking off the show's Anthology series with CREEPSHOW. Listen as they discuss the historic pairing of Stephen King and George A. Romero, Tom Savini's make-up effects, and the unique release strategy that helped make this anthology film a hit at the box office. Also, don'…

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Episode 217: Bradford, UK Capital of Culture Update; Jarmusch's Mystery Train Revisited; Toby Manning's Marxist Rock History Book; BAFTAs Revisited 44:00

3M ago44:00

44:00

Send us a text Graham explores the mystery of rock n roll and Jim Jarmusch's 1989 film Mystery Train and talks about his meeting with Marxist rock writer Toby Manning at a Harrogate International Festivals event last week. Charles shares his recent experience at the National Museum of Science and Media in Bradford, UK Capital of Culture 2025. Charl…

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348 - Casablanca (1942) 1:59:19

3M ago1:59:19

1:59:19

"Here's looking at you, kid." For Episode 348, Brandon and David conclude the Romantic Drama series with CASABLANCA. The two discuss how a European trip inspired the story, the early casting rumors, how the war affected the production, and how the film's final scene came about. Also, don't forget to join our Patreon for more exclusive content: Open…

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Episode 216 - Interview Special: 10CC's Graham Gouldman plus National Poetry Centre News; 39:17

3M ago39:17

39:17

Send us a text Charles and Grham interview 10cc's Graham Gouldman ahead of his latest tour with his band, Heart Full of Songs. The band line-up comprises Graham, 10cc live band members Iain Hornal and Keith Hayman, and Dave Cobby. In 2014 Graham was inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame – an arm of America’s National Academy of Music. Fellow …

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347 - Phantom Thread (2017) 1:40:16

3M ago1:40:16

1:40:16

"Reynolds has made my dreams come true." For Episode 347, Thomas and Brandon continue the show's Romantic Drama series. Listen as they discuss what personal experience inspired the film, how Daniel Day-Lewis became involved, and how Paul Thomas Anderson and his crew created the visual style for the film. Also, don't forget to join our Patreon for m…

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346 - Ali: Fear Eats the Soul (1974) 1:24:51

4M ago1:24:51

1:24:51

"We must be nice to each other. Otherwise, life's not worth living." For Episode 346, David and Brandon discuss ALI: FEAR EATS THE SOUL for their romance drama series. Listen as they discuss the career of Rainer Werner Fassbinder, his troupe of actors, how quickly they made the movie, and what filmmaker influenced him the most. If you're in Los Ang…

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Episode 215: BBC 6 Music State of Independent Venues Report: Bradford City of Culture Update; Hockney at Saltaire; Brian Cox Returns to Edinburgh Stage 32:46

4M ago32:46

32:46

Send us a text Graham reports on BBC 6 Music's State of Independent Venues Week which for once makes Leeds and York look great. Graham and Chales share further thoughts on Bradford City of Culture's programme. Charles reports on David Hockney’s exhibition at Saltaire in Bradford. Succession actor Brian Cox is about to return to the stage for Edinbu…

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345 - In the Mood for Love (2000) 1:36:58

4M ago1:36:58

1:36:58

"I didn't think you'd fall in love with me." For Episode 345, Brandon and David return from hiatus to start their Romance Drama series with Wong Kar-wai's IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE. Listen as they discuss the film's lengthy production schedule, working without a script, why they shot most of the movie twice, and how it barely made its premiere date. If …

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Episode 214: Netflix versus the BBC; New Mogwai Album The Bad Fire; New film The Brutalist; Vinyl Sessions; Music for Sex; The First Prog Rock album? 35:57

4M ago35:57

35:57

Send us a text In a packed podcast episode: Graham asks if Netflix is really beating the BBC at the numbers of viewers game in the UK? Graham and Charles have been listening to Mogwai's new album The Bad Fire and wonder why the band never quite hits the peaks. Is new film The Brutalist just too brutally long? Graham reports on the sold out Vinyl Se…

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Episode 213: David Lynch; Bob Dylan biopic, A Complete Unknown 35:22

4M ago35:22

35:22

Send us a text Graham and Charles honour titan of US cinema David Lynch whose recent death at the age of 78 brings to an end the career of one of cinema and television’s true greats. Graham asks if the new Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown is a complete success. Keep in touch with Two Big Egos in a Small Car: X @2big_egos Facebook @twobigegos…

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Episode 212: New films - Nosferatu and A Real Pain; Bradford launches as UK Capital of Culture 33:14

5M ago33:14

33:14

Send us a text January and February are often the best months for new films but how good are critics’ favourites Nosferatu and A Real Pain? Graham looks at the recent launch of Bradford as this year's City of Culture and the way the City of Culture idea has evolved since it was first launched in 2013 by the Tory government from an idea in 2009 by t…

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What We Watched During That Weird Week Between Christmas and New Year 1:06:58

5M ago1:06:58

1:06:58

Welcome to the first Good Bit of 2025! Chris Moffat, Aron Dochard and Ian Grieve unite to discuss the way in which we watch films and how it is changing, recently watched movies such as Anora, Conclave, Heretic, Maria, Red One + many more. There's also chat about Aron's visit to Abba Voyage and how modern filmmakers should be using their phones to …

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Episode 211: Interview Special - Grant McPhee 34:39

5M ago34:39

34:39

Send us a text Graham and Charles interview Grant McPhee, a Scottish film director, cinematographer and writer. Books: Two oral histories of Scottish indie music history - Hungry Beat: The Scottish Independent Pop Underground Movement (1977-1984), published by White Rabbit Books in 2022, and Postcards From Scotland: Scottish Independent Music 1983-…

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Episode 210: Revisiting dystopian films, V for Vendetta and Children of Men; Robbie Williams biopic, Better Man; music compilation, Behind the Counter; January 2025 Vinyl Sessions in Harrogate 35:48

5M ago35:48

35:48

Send us a text Graham discusses how two dystopian British films in 2006 (V for Vendetta and Children of Men) predicted the politics of now. Charles takes a look at the new Robbie Williams biopic Better Man. Graham enjoys a brilliant compilation by crime author, Ian Rankin called Behind the Counter and then previews his forthcoming Vinyl Sessions Q&…

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Episode 209: Gigs of the year 2024; Theatre event of the year Wise Children's Bluebeard; Maisie Adam live in Harrogate 37:39

5M ago37:39

37:39

Send us a text Charles and Graham revisit their best live music gigs of the year for 2024 with a competitive countdown of their Top 5. Charles celebrates the extraordinary production of Bluebeard by Wise Children as his theatre event of the year, which he saw when it played at York Theatre Royal. Graham reports on seeing comedian Maisie Adams at a …

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Episode 208: Chalmers on BBC 6 Music; Blitz and Conclave; Two new books for 2025 33:30

5M ago33:30

33:30

Send us a text Graham shares his recent experience on BBC 6 Music plugging his many years in the Harrogate music scene on the Craig Charles show. Graham wonders how two new very different films manage to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory (Blitz and Conclave). Finally, Graham reveals two new books coming up in 2025 - including his own, hopefull…

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344 - Lethal Weapon (1987) 1:54:27

6M ago1:54:27

1:54:27

"I guess we need to register you as a Lethal Weapon." For Episode 344, Thomas and Brandon finish our Christmas Action series with LETHAL WEAPON. Listen as they discuss Shane Black's early writing career, the casting of the leading duo, and how the production team created Christmas in Los Angeles. Also, don't forget to join our Patreon for more excl…

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Episode 207 - Interview Special - Rob Chapman; Top 3 Books of the Year 36:50

6M ago36:50

36:50

Send us a text Rob Chapman, music writer talks about his current book, Unsung: Unsaid. Syd and Nick in absentia - about Syd Barrett and Nick Drake. About Rob Chapman: Rob Chapman was the singer with the Bristol-based band the Glaxo Babies and with the British alternative rock band The Transmitters, a music journalist for Mojo and other magazines an…

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343 - Die Hard (1988) 2:06:02

6M ago2:06:02

2:06:02

"Welcome to the party, pal!" For Episode 343, David and Brandon discuss DIE HARD for their Christmas Action series. Listen as they discuss the multiple actors who passed on the movie, the performance of Bruce Willis, the struggles of production, and how the movie became a sleeper hit in 1988. Also, don't forget to join our Patreon for more exclusiv…

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Episode 206: Top 10 Films of the Year 37:59

6M ago37:59

37:59

Send us a text Charles and Graham give a rundown of their Top 10 films from this year.; Keep in touch with Two Big Egos in a Small Car: X @2big_egos Facebook @twobigegosBy Graham Chalmers and Charles Hutchinson

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342 - The Silent Partner (1978) 1:46:33

6M ago1:46:33

1:46:33

"I feel as though I know you very well." For Episode 342, Brandon and David dive into this year's Christmas genre, and that is the Christmas Action genre. Listen as they discuss the 1978 Canadian thriller THE SILENT PARTNER. Find out which rock star Elliott Gould wanted to be cast in the film, why it was filmed in Canada, the controversy in post-pr…

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Episode 205: Top 10 Albums of the Year 36:03

6M ago36:03

36:03

Send us a text Charles and Graham take a look at their favourite albums of 2024, looking back at a blockbuster year for female artists. Keep in touch with Two Big Egos in a Small Car: X @2big_egos Facebook @twobigegosBy Graham Chalmers and Charles Hutchinson

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341 - Devil in a Blue Dress (1995) 1:36:35

6M ago1:36:35

1:36:35

"I believed somehow that I could live through this bad dream I was having." For Episode 341, Brandon and Thomas close our Noirvember with DEVIL IN A BLUE DRESS. Listen as they talk about the original novel, the casting process, how history impacted the overall world of the movie, and what landmark court case partially caused the film's disappointme…

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Episode 204: interview Special - Ross Raisin 36:06

6M ago36:06

36:06

Send us a text Charles and Graham are joined by novelist and short story writer, York based Ross Raisin to talk about his recent triumph in the BBC National Short Story Award with Ghost Kitchen and life as a writer. Ross Raisin was born and brought up on Silsden Moor in West Yorkshire. He is the author of four novels: A Hunger (2022), A Natural (20…

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340 - Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) 1:55:10

7M ago1:55:10

1:55:10

"I'm not bad. I'm just drawn that way." For Episode 340, Thomas and Brandon finally dive into Robert Zemeckis's WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT. Listen as they discuss the deals Spielberg made for the movie, how many famous actors passed on the role of Eddie Valiant, Bob Hoskins's incredible performance, and how the movie helped push the boundaries of visu…

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Episode 203: Paddington 3 vs Godfather 3; Nirvana; Dear Evan Hansen; 38:07

7M ago38:07

38:07

Send us a text Graham examines how and why successful film franchises end up losing the plot in a comparison of disappointing new film, Paddington 3 with The Godfather 3. Graham discusses his recent talk on Nirvana, why the band were punk, not grunge, and how their story weirdly mirrors The Sex Pistols. Charles reports on Dear Evan Hansen at Leeds …

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339 - Jackie Brown (1997) 1:53:02

7M ago1:53:02

1:53:02

"I can't blame anybody for anything I do." For Episode 339, David and Brandon cover their first Quentin Tarantino movie on the show with JACKIE BROWN. Listen as they discuss Tarantino's adaptation, the film's cast, and how the movie showcased Los Angeles as part of their series on LA Noir. Buy your tickets for our SUNSET BOULEVARD screening today: …

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Episode 202: Nick Cave live in Leeds; The Pretenders at York Barbican; Alex Cox's Sid and Nancy revisited; Gary Oldman directing himself in York 32:20

7M ago32:20

32:20

Send us a text Graham declares that Nick Cave is no god - as he assesses the opening night of the British leg of his 'Wild God' tour at Leeds Arena last night. Charles reviews The Pretenders at York Barbican: why Chrissie Hynde remains the coolest woman in rock. Alex Cox's Sid and Nancy - The 70s never stopped: Graham is reappraising Alex Cox's 198…