TFR Ep. 196: Don Jon, Who Dat?

On this week's episode, the guys changed their minds, left 'Rush' behind in the pit stop, and checked out the directorial debut of Joseph Gordon Levitt, 'Don Jon'.  Then they review the big releases on Blu-Ray & DVD, featuring Briar Rabbit's Streaming Pick of the Week.  Then it's the return of everyone's beloved role playing game, 'Who Dat?'.  Let's see if we can stop this one petering out like last time.

By the way, Dave's mic had some issues this week.  We did the best we could.  It just sounds like he's a little too far away from his mic.  Sorry, folks! 

Download the show from iTunes here: Episode 196

• 00:00-13:03: Intro/Don Jon
• 13:04-25:15: Blu-Ray & DVD Picks
• 25:17-45:22: Who Dat?
• 45:23-49:08: Wrap Up

Theme music provided by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 195: Prisoners, Top 5 Films Of 1998

This week it’s Hugh Jackman turning in a dramatic performance minus any healing factor whatsoever in the kidnapping thriller, ‘Prisoners’.  We then finally see one of our Straight To DVD Picks with ‘Axe Giant: The Wrath Of Paul Bunyan.  Then it’s the big releases on Blu-Ray & DVD, featuring Velvet Chocolate’s Streaming Pick of the Week.  We then wrap it up with our Top Five Films of 1998.  And Dave, I got a feeling it’s going to be nothing but chalk for both of us.  But first, let’s find those kids!

Download the show from iTunes here: Episode 195

• 00:00-10:44: Intro/Prisoners
• 10:45-21:15: Blu-Ray & DVD Picks
• 21:16-29:10: Axe Giant: The Wrath Of Paul Bunyan
• 29:11-43:52: Top 5 Films Of 1998
• 43:53-45:45: Wrap Up

Theme music provided by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 194: Insidious 2, Call It!

The torturing of Dave continues this week as the guys checked out 'Insidious: Chapter 2'.  Does the horror renaissance continue with James Wan's second film this year (after 'The Conjuring')?  Chris reviews the big releases on Blu-Ray & DVD, featuring Dave's Streaming Pick Of The Week!  Plus Chris has a few things to add to Dave's selection.  Then it's the return of 'Call It!', when the guys give each other impossible scenarios, and have to make some gut wrenching choices.

Download the show from iTunes here: Episode 194

• 00:00-13:30: Intro/Insidious 2
• 13:31-26:44: Blu-Ray & DVD Picks
• 26:45-46:34: Call It!
• 46:35-48:59: Wrap Up

Theme music provided by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 193: Riddick, What Are The Odds?

Vin Diesel returns to kick your and whole buncha' alien killing machine asses in 'Riddick'.  It's the third entry in the franchise, not counting the animated film and video game.  Can Diesel and director David Twohy recapture the glory of 'Pitch Black'?  Or is it another muddled mess like 'The Chronicles of Riddick'?  The guys review the big releases on Blu-Ray & DVD, featuring Dave's Streaming Pick of the Week.  Then it's time to tackle some of the latest movie news with another rousing edition of What Are The Odds?.  So give us a listen as you slowly dose yourself with episodes of The First Run in order to build up an immunity to bad movies. (Watch Riddick, that reference will make more sense.  Though probably still not funny.)

Download the show from iTunes here: Episode 193

• 00:00-14:25: Intro/Riddick
• 14:26-32:36: Blu-Ray & DVD Picks
• 32:37-57:39: What Are The Odds?
• 57:40-1:01:59: Wrap Up

Theme music provided by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 192: The Grandmaster, Top 5 Martial Arts Films

This week on The First Run, we checked out the latest from director Wong Kar Wai with his version of the legend of Ip Man, the man who trained Bruce Lee. Wong Kar Wai is known for his stunning visuals and heartbreaking stories.  So do we have an instant classic on our hands, or as Dave says, some new screen saver imagery.  We review the big releases on Blu-ray & DVD, featuring Dave’s Streaming Pick of the Week.  Then we wrap it up with our Top 5 Martial Arts Films.  We’re also showcasing music from BiPolar Jukebox this week.  You can check them out here at Bipolar Jukebox.com.  So settle in for some auditory ass kickin’!

Download the show from iTunes here: Episode 192

• 00:00-15:02: Intro/The Grandmaster
• 15:03-31:53: Blu-Ray & DVD Picks
• 31:54-46:48: Top 5 Martial Arts Films
• 46:49-51:00: Wrap Up

Theme music provided by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 191: The World's End, Top 5 Fall/Winter Preview

This week on the big show Chris and Dave say goodbye to the Cornetto Trilogy with the latest from Edgar Wright, Simon Pegg & Nick Frost with 'The World's End'.  Do they go out on top?  Or does the trilogy end with a whimper?  We review the big releases on Blu-Ray & DVD, featuring Dave's Streaming Pick of the Week.  Then the guys fill you in on the movies you need to see that are still coming this year.  So download this week's show so you have something to listen to while fence jumping.

Download the show from iTunes here: Episode 191

• 00:00-14:40: Intro/The World's End
• 14:41-27:56: Blu-Ray & DVD Picks
• 27:57-45:52: Top 5 Films of the Fall/Winter
• 45:53-49:03: Wrap Up

Theme music provided by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 190: Elysium, Kick Ass 2, Europa Report, TFR Recommends

Yay!  Dave's back!  And we're all in featuring three, count 'em 3 films on the big show.  First it's the latest from Neill Blomkamp (District 9), starring Matt Damon, in his socialist universal healthcare sci-fi actioner, 'Elysium'.  Does Blomkamp avoid the sophomore jinx?  After that Scalzo shares his thoughts about 'Kick Ass 2'.  Then we finally get around to discussing the sci-fi indie, 'Europa Report', about a trip to… Europa.  …And there's a report about it.  The guys review the big releases on Blu-ray & DVD, featuring Dave's Streaming Pick of the Week.  Then it's the return of TFR Recommends, where Chris and Dave are joined by Culture Dogs host Kevin O'Toole to fill you on cool stuff you may have missed.  Plus we feature the music of the great Mission 0! Enjoy this super sized episode of The First Run!

Download the show from iTunes here: Episode 190

• 00:00-12:31: Intro/Elysium
• 12:31-18:44: Kick Ass 2
• 18:45-30:40: Blu-Ray & DVD Picks
• 30:41-42:04: Europa Report
• 42:05-1:12:53: TFR Recommends (feat. Kevin O'Toole of Culture Dogs)
• 1:12:54-1:15:48: Wrap Up

Theme music provided by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

Thanks to Mission 0 for the music this week!  Check 'em out on Facebook and iTunes!

TFR Ep. 189: The Way Way Back, The Act Of Killing

No Dave again this week, but that doesn't stop the fun!  Chris still delivers with his thoughts on the indie coming of age comedy, 'The Way Way Back'.  And Steve Carrell's a bad guy in it!  After that Chris also breaks down the disturbing documentary, 'The Act Of Killing'.  If it got the approval of Werner Herzong and Erroll Morris, it's probably something you should see immediately.  Chris also reviews the big releases on Blu-Ray & DVD for August 20th.  Enjoy this holdover show and we should be back on track this Friday!

Download the show from iTunes here: Episode 189

• 00:00-07:27: Intro/The Way Way Back
• 07:28-13:37: Blu-Ray & DVD Picks
• 13:38-21:02: The Act Of Killing
• 21:03-23:10: Wrap Up

Theme music provided by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 188: Fruitvale Station

Whoops… This week's show was lost.  We'll do a double show next week with Europa Report and Elysium.  In the interim, Scalzo whipped up this quick episode to discuss Fruitvale Station, a film he's really excited to talk about.  Hopefully this will hold you over until next Friday.  Sorry folks!

Download the show from iTunes here:  Episode 188

00:00-07:42: Intro/Fruitvale Station

07:43-14:52: Blu-Ray & DVD Picks

14:53-20:47: TFR Recommends, Scalzo's Honorable Mentions

Theme music provided by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 187: The Wolverine, Call It!

It's a story of new beginnings as we shift the recording of our show into an actual studio.  So bear with is as we work out the technical details.  But with all this excitement, we actually got to see a movie this week, Hugh Jackman stars in 'The Wolverine'.  Is it a better Wolverine movie than X-Men: Origins?  How could it not be?  We'll review the big releases on Blu-Ray & DVD, featuring Dave's Streaming Pick of the Week.  Then it's the return of everyone's favorite pick 'em game, Call It!  TIme to grease up the old healing factor and pop your claws, Bub!  

Download the show from iTunes here: Episode 187

00:00-11:12: Intro/Wolverine

11:13-21:30: Blu-Ray & DVD Picks

21:31-39:45: Call It!

39:46-42:20: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 186: The Conjuring, Top 5 Films Of 1999

This week on the big show Chris and Dave packed a spare set of undies to see the latest horror film from director, James Wan (Saw, Dead Silence, Insidious).  Vera Farmiga & Patrick Wilson play the real life Warrens as they investigate their scariest case yet in 'The Conjuring'.  Can Wan and the Warrens scare the pants off of your jaded hosts?  Scalzo also does capsule review of the 'Maniac' remake starring Elijah Wood and 'V/H/S 2'.  The guys also run down the big releases on Blu-Ray & DVD.  Then they face their toughest Top 5 yet, with the Top 5 Films Of 1999.  So turn on the lights and get ready to call your Momma!  It's another spooky episode of The First Run!

Download the show from iTunes here: Episode 186

00:00-17:44: Intro/The Conjuring (Maniac & V/H/S-2)

17:45-30:13: Blu-Ray & DVD Picks

30:14-51:36: Top 5 Films Of 1999

51:37-53:17: Wrap Up

Theme music provided by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 185: Pacific Rim, Top 5 Films Of 2013 (So Far)

This week on the show, Dave and Scalzo discuss the latest film from one of their favorite directors, Guillermo del Toro's Pacific Rim.  His love letter to Japanese monster movies.  And outside the lack of any nudity (sorry, Dave), this film portends to contain everything needed for a summer blockbuster.  Gigantic monsters fighting gigantic robots.  But could the larger budget he has to play with give him too many toys to play with in his sandbox?  We'll review the big releases on Blu-Ray & DVD Picks, featuring Dave's Streaming Pick of the Week.  Then we run down our Top 5 Best Films of 2013 (So Far).  

Download the show from iTunes here: Episode 186

00:00-12:20: Intro/Pacific Rim

12:21-24:57: Blu-Ray & DVD Picks

24:58-45:06: Best Films Of 2013 (So Far)

45:07-53:00: Wrap Up

Theme music provided Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 184: The Lone Ranger, Top 5 Franchise Failures

This week Disney takes another shot at ruling the summer with The Lone Ranger.  Last year's John Carter was an unmitigated financial disaster, but not a terrible film.  This time the team behind the much loved Pirates Of The Caribbean films; director Gore Verbinski & star Johnny Depp try and launch a new franchise with the masked Texas ranger.  So did Disney get it right this time and returns are no sign of the films quality, or should it just ride off into the sunset?  We'll review the big releases on Blu-Ray & DVD, featuring Dave's Streaming Pick of the Week.  Then in honor of the Lone Ranger, we run down our Top 5 Worst Failed Franchise Starter Films.

Download the show from iTunes here: Episode 184

00:00-16:04: Intro/The Lone Ranger

16:05-30:19: Blu-Ray & DVD Picks

30:20-53:46: Top 5 Franchise Failures

53:47-56:15: Wrap Up

Theme music provided by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 183: White House Down, Top 5 Buddy Action Movies

This week on the big show, Channing Tatum.  The man responsible for Scalzo's 'Tatum Line' is back.  And this time he's got Jamie Foxx with him.  It's the latest DC's in trouble movie, 'White House Down'.  Can we survive yet another cinematic attack on our nation's capitol?  And where's John McClane when we need him?  Oh, that's right.  In Russia… We also review the big releases on Blu-Ray & DVD, featuring Dave's Streaming Pick Of The Week.  Then it's our Top 5 Buddy Action (Cop) Films.  And no, 'Stop Or My Mother Will Shoot' didn't make the cut.

Download the show from iTunes here: Episode 183

00:00-11:17: Intro/White House Down

11:18-22:29: Blu-Ray & DVD Picks

22:30-35:05: Top 5 Buddy Action (Cop) Movies

35:06-37:51: Wrap Up

Theme music provided by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 182: World War Z, Top 5 Zombie Movies

It's Halloween in June on The First Run this week we saw the big budget adaptation of Max Brooks' novel, World War Z.  The film was plagued with re-writes, budget over runs, and was predicted to be a disaster.  So does the Brad Pitt zombie vehicle actually come out as a fairly coherent, entertaining film?  Could it even be a classic of the genre?  Or was all the bad press right and it's best to take aim at its head?  We'll review the big releases coming on Blu-ray & DVD, featuring Dave's Streaming Pick of the Week.  After that, it's a list I didn't think Dave would have the expertise to make given his disdain for horror films, it's our top 5 Zombie Movies.

Download the show from iTunes here: Episode 182

00:00-15:23: Intro/World War Z

15:24-25:54: Blu-Ray & DVD Picks

25:55-44:50: Top 5 Zombie Movies

44:51-47:00: Wrap Up

Theme music provided by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 181: Man Of Steel, Top 5 Super Hero Films Of The Last 10 Years, Top 5 Superman Movie Things

Scalzo's most anticipated film of the year is upon us.  The Man Of Steel is here.  Does this Superman reboot follow in the steps of Christopher Nolan's more adult Batman trilogy?  Does Superman still inspire that sense of wonder from when we were kids?  Does the combination of 'Nolan Drama & Snyder Action' deliver this summer's defining blockbuster?  And finally, is this film worthy of the Man of Steel himself?  Chris & Dave then review the big releases on Blu-Ray & DVD, featuring Dave's Streaming Pick of the Week.  Then the guys run down two Top 5's this week.  First, the Top 5 Superhero Films Of The Last 10 Years.  Wrapping it up with their Top 5 Favorite Superman Movie Things.  Up, up and away…

You can subscribe to the show from iTunes here: Episode 181

00:00-20:33: Intro/Man Of Steel

20:34-28:56: Blu-Ray & DVD Picks

28:57-40:22: Top 5 Super Hero Films Of The Last 10 Years

40:23-51:43: Top 5 Superman Movie Things

51:44-55:40: Wrap Up

Theme music provided by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 180: This Is The End, What Are The Odds

This week on the big show, well.  This Is The End.  Ha!  No, not of the show.  We're talking about the latest film from Seth Rogen and Adam Goldberg, that stars everyone. Specifically Rogen, James Franco, Jonah Hill, Craig Robinson, Jay Baruchel and Danny McBride.  Does the apocalyptic anti-Bromance comedy deserve it's critical adulation, or is the comedy landscape as barren as the apocalypse it portrays.  We'll review the big releases on Blu-Ray & DVD for this upcoming Tuesday, featuring Dave's Streaming Pick of the Week.  When we wrap up the show with What Are The Odds?  So who's pulling the burnt match and is going to be the first one to download this week's show?

00:00-11:28: Intro/This Is The End

11:29-24:06: Blu-Ray & DVD Picks

24:07-51:45: What Are The Odds

51:46-53:47: Wrap Up

Theme music provided by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 179: Now You See Me, Who Dat?

This week on The First Run we decided to reject After Earth, much like it appears the rest of you did, and check out the magician heist film, Now You See Me.  Is Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, and Isla Fischer's film a new version of George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Doug Henning's Ocean's 11?  Or is it more like Copperfield's 12?  We'll review the big releases on Blu-Ray & DVD, featuring Dave's Streaming Pick of the Week.  Then our always enchanting and mysterious third segment features the return of 'Who Dat?'!  We're also featuring music from the Brooklyn based Boy Girl Party.  You can check them out at boygirlparty.bandcamp.com.

Download the show from iTunes here: Episode 179

00:00-12:27: Intro/Now You See Me

12:28-24:25: Blu-Ray & DVD Picks

24:26-46:59: Who Dat?!?

47:00-54:21: Wrap Up

Theme music provided by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 178: Fast & Furious 6, Top 5 Films Of 2000

This week on The First Run we're discussing Fast & Furious 6.  Yes.  Part 6 in a series that at one point seemed doomed to Straight To DVD sequels after Tokyo Drift, that has since made more money for each subsequent film.  In defiance of all film traditions, it's a marvel of franchise filmmaking.  So does Part 6 continue the upward trend of improved films as the series continues?  Or is it time for us to seriously consider the straight to dvd option.  We'll discuss the big releases on blu-ray & dvd, featuring Dave's Streaming Pick of the week, and Dave I have a particular one in mind that if you DON'T mention it, we're going to have a problem…  Then it's the return of our annual top 5's, focusing on the 5 best films of 2000.  We're also featuring music from Blak Philly this week.  You can find him on myspace at myspace.com/blakphilly. So rev your engines, and check your noz levels.  We're the First Run.

Download the show iTunes here: Episode 178

​Check out Blak Philly on SoundCloud!

00:00-13:30: Intro/Fast & Furious 6

13:31-21:24: Blu-Ray & DVD Picks

21:25-34:16: Top 5 Films Of 2000

34:17-37:22: Wrap Up

Theme music provided by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 177: Star Trek Into Darkness Spoiler Show

Here's our special Star Trek Into Darkness Spoiler Show!  Is Benedict Cumberbatch 'Khan'?  Sorry, that's 'Khaaaaaaaaaaan!'  Is the film a remake of Star Trek II, or has Abrams gone a whole different route?  So many spoilers and easter eggs for the Star Trek fan.  So download the show at warp factor 8 and give it a listen!  Listen long and prosper.

​Download the show from iTunes: Episode 177