TFR Ep. 16: Kick Ass, Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans, Call It

The summer of comic book films begins!  The First Run kicks it off with 'Kick Ass'.  Does the morally questionable kid focused action flick exceed our intrepid host's expectations, or can we not get past the ultra violence and language exhibited by a 12 year old girl?  

We continue our Nic Cage-errific episode with a discussion about the Werner Herzog re-imagining of a 'classic', Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans.  As always, we tick off the big releases on Blu-Ray & DVD, then wrap it all up with an action packed version of 'Call It'.

You can subscribe to us on iTunes here: The First Run

Download the show for your ipod or mp3 device here: Episode 16.

Stream the show live now by clicking 'play' below.

00:00-11:32: Opening/Kick Ass

11:33-18:28: Blu-Ray & DVD Picks

18:29-30:34: Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans

30:35-54:41: Call It

54:42-57:50: Wrap Up

Theme music provided by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

Mega Piranha Poster:

Episode 15: Hot Tub Time Machine, Hunger, Inventory of Time Travel Films

It's the end of a long week and time to relax.  We decide to hit the hot tub, the Hot Tub Time Machine, that is.  What starts as a breezy discussion about a fun popcorn film evolves into a philosophical debate about why there are no films mocking the 90's.  Then we pull a 180 into serious town to discuss the visual artist's Steve McQueen's Irish prisoner hunger strike film, Hunger.  We subsequently wrap up the show by jumping in the DeLorean, go cruising, and check off our favorite Time Travel films. 

Download the show from iTunes here: Episode 15

Or click 'play' below to stream the episode now.

00:00-15:50: Intro/Hot Tub Time Machine 

15:51-22:18: Blu-Ray & DVD Picks

22:19-37:48: Hunger

37:49-56:22: Inventory of Time Travel Films

56:23-59:05: Wrap Up

Theme music provided by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

Episode 14: She's Out Of My League, The Informant!, Inventory of Mismatched Couples

It's the first edition of 'Host's Choice', where one of your intrepid hosts get's to choose which movies we watch.  Usually it's a majority rules vote, with the ultimate decision being mine.  Espo was the big winner in our random drawing, and he chose Jay Baruchel's 'She's Out Of My League', and Soderbergh's "The Informant!".  Did the grand experiment work, and were my low expectations exceeded for 'She's Out Of My League'?  We also discuss our Inventory of Mismatched On Screen Couples, as well as highlighting the blu-ray/dvd picks for the week.

Click on the following link to download for your iPod or mp3 device here: Episode 14

Or click play below to stream the show!

00:00-16:18 Opening/She's Out Of My League

16:19-22:26 Blu-Ray/DVD Picks

22:27-32:51 The Informant!

32:52-57:20 Inventory of Mismatched Couples/Wrap Up

Theme music provided by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

We're out of HER league. At least that's what our moms tell us.

Hi kids...it's your old pal Matt here. I haven't posted anything in awhile and I feel like I've been neglecting you. I'm sorry, I'm not writing this just because of the court order. I really do care. So this week we will be watching a film that Scalzo can't relate to at all, "She's Out of my League." Don't think Scalzo can't relate because he's so upper echelon. Oh ho no my friends, it's because he has no opportunity for someone to be out of his league since no woman will talk to him. I think it's the smell. I, for one, am looking forward to watching Jay Baruchel making his squinchy schlepp face. Adorable. And by "adorable" I mean "unbearable."

We'll also be reviewing the Matt Damon classic "The Informant!" about a compulsive liar who may also be a sociopath who gets into some wacky situations when he starts throwing some truthiness in there! Scott Bakula doesn't know what to do! Neither do any of the funny people who make serious guy cameos! It's wacky! Unnecessary exclamation points!

Episode 13: Green Zone, The Hurt Locker, Who Dat?

Listen up, Maggots!  When you hang out with your pals, and your friend's face turns into a pile of goo, you'll know what to do!  And that's listen to another episode of The First Run.  Now that's an opening, kids!  This week, we discuss Matt Damon, Paul Greengrass, and their new film, the Bourne Zone!  Wait, no.  That's 'Green Zone'.  After that, we help keep the military industrial complex going, as we defuse this year's Best Picture, 'The Hurt Locker'.  Is it this year's best film?  Some of our responses may surprise you.  We also indulge our mental instability, with the return of the role play epic, 'Who Dat'.  Thirty years from now, when you're sitting around your fireside with your grandson on your knee and he asks you, "What did you do during the release of episode 13?," you won't have to say, "Well... I shoveled poop in Louisiana.".

Download the episode for your iPod or mp3 device here: Episode 13

Or click on the player below for instant gratification.

Intro/Green Zone: 0:00-16:46 

Blu-Ray/DVD Picks: 16:47-29:13

The Hurt Locker: 29:14-43:00

Who Dat?: 43:01-59:18

Wrap Up: 59:19-1:03:14

Sponsored by Alabama Malt Liquor (rent Black Dynamite!)

Theme music provided by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

Episode 12: Cop Out, Dead Snow, What Are The Odds?

Yipee Ki Yay, Brian Fellows!  Bruce Willis and Tracy Morgan star in Kevin Smith's second mainstream film (the 1st being Jersey Girl - ugh), Cop Out.  Is it a return to the classic buddy cop movies of the 80's, or another mainstream misfire by K-Smith?  The laughs continue, or do they, in the second Swingers sequel, Couples Retreat.  Are Mikey and Trent still partying it up, or has marriage and parenthood matured them?  Later we help Vegas figure out What the Odds are on some of Hollywood's hottest topics, TMZ style!  And as always, we review our blu-ray and dvd picks.  So, hit play and let's rock out with our 'Glocks' out!

To add the show to you iPod or mp3 device, right click here: Episode 12

Or click 'Play' below:

Notes:

Not only does the score sound like Harold Faltermeyer.  It IS Harold Faltermeyer

Domestic Gross

LOTR Films 1 & 2: $653,153,995

Twilight 1 & 2: $489,310,452

TFR theme provided by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

Episode 11: Shutter Island, Couples Retreat, Blu-Ray/DVD Picks, Inventory of Twist Endings

My, that straight jacket looks mighty sharp on you!  This week, The First Run gets a weekend pass to join the rest of the world.  So we take the opportunity to spread our mental illness to the rest of you.  First up, we take the long ferry to Shutter Island.  It's an all new Marty Scorsese, Leo DiCaprio joint.  After that, we hijack that same ferry and take a trip down to Fiji to hang with Vince, Jon, and Justin as we get our vaca on in Couples Retreat.  The Inventory makes its triumphant return with our Top 5 Films with Twist Endings.  As always, we let you know what came out recently on blu-ray and dvd.  So grab your US Marshall ID and sun tan lotion, and give a listen to this super-sized episode.  Oh, and you get to hear what happened at the Black Dynamite Viewing Party!  

Play or download the show for you iPod or mp3 device by clicking here: Episode 11

0:00 - 13:31 Shutter Island

13:32 - 22:29 Blu-Ray/DVD Picks

22:30 - 36:35 Couples Retreat

36:36 - 1:02:32 Inventory of Twist Endings

1:02:33 - 1:05:23 Wrap Up

1:05:24 - 1:11:14 Outtake (BD Party)

Theme provided by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

Next Up! Shutter Island & Couples Retreat

Hello out there in the First Run Nation.  Sadly, due to some scheduling issues, we're not going to have a new show this week.  So, how are we going to make it up to you?  Ho, ho!  Great things are a-comin'! 

First, our next show will feature a discussion about the new Scorsese & DiCaprio joint, Shutter Island.  We'll also check in with my main man Vince Vaughn in Couples Retreat.  We'll also wrap up how successful the Black Dynamite viewing party was (too successful for some of us...).  In addition, we're having a live Oscar's show this Sunday.  So if you're out there reading this, you're more than welcome to join us! 

In the interim, head on over to our Outtakes page there on the right.  That's where we discuss what else we're watching that doesn't quite make the broadcast.  We've already posted 3 reviews, The New York Ripper, Teeth, and Food, Inc.  I'll be posting my review of the Norwegian Nazi-Zombie opus Dead Snow shortly!

Scratch that, looks like we'll be giving Dead Snow a proper talking to after all.

Thanks, and we'll see you all soon!

Episode 10: The White Ribbon, In The Loop, Blu-Ray & DVD Picks, Call It:Oscar Edition

The First Run rides an emotional rollercoaster this weekend.  We start things off with the dark new offering from Michael Haneke, The White Ribbon.  There's something rotten in pre-World War I Germany, and it just may be the kids.  After that the political subtext takes the foreground in the British political satire, In The Loop.  Will it join the ranks of the classic Dr. Strangelove, or even Wag The Dog?  We'll also discuss the new Blu-Ray and DVD releases for March 2nd.  We wrap things up with a peek into the magic 8 ball to help choose our Oscar picks.  So, will this episode be a big box full of fun?  All signs point to yes!

To download the show for your iPod or mp3 device, Right Click and download here: Episode 10

0:00-17:40: Opening / The White Ribbon

17:41-25:11: Blu-Ray & DVD Picks

25:12-37:22: In The Loop

37:23-1:03:50: Call It - Oscar Edition

1:03:51-1:07:31: Wrap Up

1:07:32-1:08:06: Outtake

Best Picture vs. Director

2000: Picture - Gladiator / Director - Soderbergh (Traffic) Nope

2001: Picture - A Beautiful Mind / Director - Ron Howard Yep

2002: Picture - Chicago / Director - Roman Polanski (The Pianist) Nope

2003: Picture - Return of the King / Director - Peter Jackson Yep

2004: Picture - Million Dollar Baby / Director - Clint Eastwood Yep

2005: Picture - Crash / Director - Ang Lee (Brokeback Mountain) Nope

2006: Picture - The Departed / Director - Martin Scorsese Yep

2007: Picture - No Country For Old Men / Director - Coen Brothers Yep

2008: Picture - Slumdog Millionaire / Director - Danny Boyle Yep

2009: Picture - ? / Director - ?

That's 6 for 9.  I am the smartest man alive!  Well, not exactly a landslide.  But still!

Theme song provided by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey.

Ich bin ein First Runner!

So here we are. It's February in New England. For months, the nights were so clear and cold that it was like standing on the dark side of the moon. As of late, it has been hovering just above freezing with ashen sky, feeble light, and a constant damp. We all have cabin fever. We needed something uplifting. So we decided that a black-and-white German art film was the answer. I know...we are brilliant.

So this is what I would say The White Ribbon is about if I was asked to describe it in a single paragraph: "Well hello there kids. Where have you been? I am very disappointed in you and I will now inflict Das weiße Band on you to punish you. And you will say "Vergib uns!" and I will say "Nein! Nie du kleine Schweine!" And you will be sad because everyone will see the Das weiße Band and you may or may not do horrible things. "

Intrigued, no? You are intrigued. So intrigued that you are going to listen to the show. Because you are going to listen to the show, you are also going to hear us review a political satire from across the pond about this side of the pond called "In the Loop." We'll also be breaking down our Oscar picks that are highly accurate and in no way factual or based on anything beyond our own uninformed opinions. At all. So what's not to like?! So say tuned, the show will be up before you can say "Eins, zwei, drei, vier!"

Episode 9: The Wolf Man, House of the Devil, Blu-Ray/DVD Picks, What Are The Odds?

The First Run amps up the horror this week with two freaky features!  First up, Benicio Del Toro and Sir Anthony Hopkins let their freak fur fly in Wolfman.  Rawwwrrrr.  After that, we kick it old school with a piece of retro scares with House of the Devil.  It's an 80's fun satan-filled romp.  We'll also cover the upcoming Blu-Ray and DVD picks, as well as the return of the fan favorite segment, What Are The Odds.  So load up the shotguns with silver bullets, order a pizza with your new neighbor Tom Noonan, and give us a listen!

0:00-12:46  Opening/Wolfman

12:47-25:16  Blu-ray/DVD Picks

25:17-37:13  House of the Devil

37:14-1:03:05  What Are The Odds?

1:03:06-105:42  Wrap Up

To download the show for your iPod or mp3 device, right click here: Episode 9

Or click play below to stream the show right now!

Corrections:

I know, I know.  Benicio was Fred Fester, not Verbal Kint in Usual Suspects.

Theme music provided by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

Episode 8: Edge of Darkness, Book of Eli, Blu-Ray/DVD Picks, Who Dat?

Revenge is a dish best served cold.  It is very cold...in Boston this time of the year.  The gang settles in and tries to decide if Mel Gibson's acting carrier is on the upswing.  Thanks, Denzel!  It was the only way we were able to get Espo to see a movie with 'Book' in the title.  So does Denzel deliver some ass kickin'?  We'll let you know!  We also weigh in on what's coming out on blu-ray and dvd this week, as well as the premiere of a new segment, 'Who Dat'.  It's our very own little ridiculous role playing game.  So what are you waiting for?  Dive in!

To download the show for your iPod or mp3 device, right click here: Episode 8

Or stream the show right now by clicking play below.

Opening / Edge of Darkness: 0:00-12:24

Blu-Ray/DVD Picks: 12:25-19:23

Book of Eli: 19:24-27:31

Who Dat?: 27:32-46:48

Wrap Up: 46:49-49:22

Theme music provided by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

DY-NO-MITE! DY-NO-MITE!

No, that is not an homage to “Good Times.” That, my friends, is the sound of straight awesomeness walking into the room…Black Dynamite in all his afro’d, polyestered glory. In honor of the DVD release of possibly the most slept-on film of 2009, “Black Dynamite,” the Tom Slick cats at The First Run are having a super special viewing party, can you dig it? So to all the super fine ladies out there, come join us at Casa de Scalzo to see the movie event of your life. Chili and donuts will be provided. And fellas, you can come too, as long as you bring two super fine ladies for every mack in your party, ya dig?

Now, I know what you’re saying, “But Matt Dynamite…I don’t live in your community!” Well, don’t you fret cause we’ll be recording a show before, after and maybe even during the festivities. So don’t be a jive ass sucka’ and check back after February 26.

Brought to you by The First Run…the only movie netcast that makes you go ‘Ooooooooo!’

Even a man who is pure in heart and says his prayers by night…

So I know you guys were totally looking forward to hearing our thoughts on a black-and-white period piece with the original German dialogue which, according to the director, is about “the origin of every type of terrorism, be it of political or religious nature." Ugh. Thanks Michael Haneke. You, sir, are no McG.

Despite my tone, I really wanted to see The White Ribbon. Alas, since we happen to live in a particularly small movie market, the promised release of Das weiße Band has been put back into limbo. To be honest, they probably should have left it there and not gotten our hopes up. The nerve.

So, to soothe our wounds, we decided to see the next best thing...The Wolf Man! Nothing can fill the hole left by our need to see a piece of CINEMA like a big budget Hollywood remake with lots of CGI, as I am sure you will agree. Hooray!!!

We’ll also be watching a nice meta horror movie called The House of the Devil, the ubiquitous Blu-Ray/DVD releases and another rousing edition of What are the odds? Check back soon yo!

Episode 7: Legion, Blu-Ray Picks, American Movie, and an Inventory Of Our Guilty Pleasure Films

The First Run dives into the winter doldrums with the new film Legion.  Will it help raise our spirits, and get past this nasty case of S.A.D.?  We also visit with an old friend, delusional, yet earnest film maker Mark Borchardt and watch the documentary American Movie.  It's about the filming of the horror short film, 'Coven' (that's pronounced Cove-n).  We'll also review the big releases this past Tuesday, and shine a light on our guilty pleasures in the Inventory segment this week. Humiliations, galore!

Download the show for your mp3 device by right clicking here: Episode 7

or

Click play to listen now!

Intro/Legion 0:00-10:19

Blu-Ray/DVD Picks 10:20-20:01

American Movie 20:02-29:38

Inventory: Guilty Pleasures 29:39-1:03:30

Wrap Up 1:03:31-1:05:14

A bonus treat!

Episode 6: Antichrist, Let The Right One In, Blu-Ray Picks, What Are The Odds?

What's up, playahs?   We're getting all spookified around here with our discussions about Lars Van Trier's 'Antichrist', as well as the Swedish vampire import, 'Let The Right One In' this week.  Crazy Swedes...

We'll review a rather weak week (see what I did there?) in blu-ray and dvd releases.   We also hatch a brand new segment called 'What Are The Odds?', where we choose a topic and apply some odds making to it.  Who doesn't enjoy a little gambling every now and again?

To download the show for your mp3 device, right click on the show here: Episode 6

Intro / AntiChrist  /  Little Black Mess  0:00-20:40

Blu-Ray & DVD Picks /  Close My Eyes  20:41-31:43

Let The Right One In / Mexican Boyfriend 31:44-48:27

What Are The Odds / 2 Far 48:28-1:10:56

Wrap Up 1:10:57-1:12:26

This weeks music provided by Shivaree.  Visit them here!

Let The Right One On subtitle comparison: Icons of Fright

Prince of Persia Trailer

Wow…who would have guessed a movie called “Antichrist” could look so uplifting?

Greetings loyal followers. Little known fact…Chris Piedescalzo LOVES Willem Defoe. It’s true and disturbing. How else can you explain that we have seen back-to-back films where Defoe features prominently? Huh? How is it, smarty pants? ANSWER ME!

…

I’m sorry. I don’t know what came over me. This week, we will be viewing “Antichrist” directed by Lars Von Trier and starring Charlotte “The Science of Sleep” Gainsbourg and Willem “The Boondock Saints is my lasting legacy” Defoe. From what I can piece together from the trailer it is about screwing, death, and the woods. But it looks like screwing plays a very large part in all of this. I have to admit, I’m a little nervous. I mean, look at the poster. That’s how they are promoting this thing. I have a feeling this movie is going to make “The Road” look like “The Wizard of Oz.” Anyway…we’ll also be discussing a piece of S-horror (that’s Swedish Horror to the uninitiated, duh) called “Let the Right One In,” the ever present blu-ray and dvd releases, and a new segment called ‘What are the odds?’ If I were you, I would anticipate us throwing more stuff in there as we think of it. You'll have to listen to see if we are creatively bankrupt as well as morally!

Episode 5: Youth In Revolt, Daybreakers, (500) Days of Summer, Blu-Ray Picks, Inventory of the Best of 2009: 5-1

Episode 5 of The First Run allows us to engage in some good old fashioned subversion.  First we spend some time with Michael Cera's id, Francois in 'Youth In Revolt'.  Scalzo feverishly takes some notes.  Next we double our pleasure with a viewing of 'Daybreakers' as Espo deconstructs the vampire mythos and let's us know what they did right, and if there are any areas for improvement.  We then review our Blu-Ray picks for January 19th.  Next up, during our discussion of (500) Days of Summer, Matt asks Scalzo just how much influence he had on the production.  Finally we reveal our 5-1 picks for our Inventory of the best films of 2009.  We're on quite a roll!  So give us a listen, satisfaction guaranteed!

It's my First Run episode, and I want it now!  Well then, click play!
You may want to let the file load completely to 1:12:09 for optimum performance.

To download the latest episode for your mp3 device, just right click here: Episode 5

0.00-10:40  Intro/Youth In Revolt

10:41-23:31 Daybreakers/ Bad Kids - The Black Lips

23:32-32:40  Blu-Ray, DVD Picks/She's Got You High - Mumm-Ra

32:41-45:34  (500) Days of Summer/ Us - Regina Spektor

45:35-1:08:57  Inventory of the Best of 2009: 5-1/Here Comes Your Man - Meaghan Smith

1:08:58-1:12:09  Wrap Up

Music provided this week by the soundtrack to (500) Days of Summer.

Theme provided by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey.

Check us out at TheFirstRun.com.

E-mail us your feedback at thefirstrun@gmail.com.

......PENIS!!!!

Things that make you go “Ugh.”

So I have three trailers (well, two trailers and a clip) that make me sad. So, so sad. So sad that I have to emoticon. :-( That’s some sad face. I know some of you may be excited and I am telling you you shouldn’t be. You’re encouraging them! I mean, just LOOK at that picture up there. This is like that time I got all stoked when I heard “Voltron” was going to be on Toonami and then I realized that what was fun when I was 5 is no where near fun now after watching it. Oh the humanity of crushed youth. On a very specific side note: When Bradley Cooper says “You look like you have a REAL bad attitude…” I laughed and vomited at the same time. Also, when the narrator says “If you have a problem…” I expected the next words to be “Yo, I’ll solve it.” Anyway…check them out at your peril from the sadists at Yahoo! Movies.

Tron Legacy Clip (now with more Lebowski!)

The A-Team Teaser Trailer (more like the D+ Team. See what I did there?)

This is a surprise for you. A terrible, terrible surprise.

Ageless Blood Sucking Fiends in Sedition

Boy, do we have a special show for you this week. Because we love (that’s right, I said it. Not “luv.” L-O-V-E. Don’t run away from your feelings.) you guys soooo much, we saw TWO new movies this week! That’s dedication. I know, we’re the best. We’ll be talking about “Youth in Revolt,” the new oh-so-indie-but-not-really romdramedy starring Michael Cera. But that’s not all! If you listen within fifteen minutes of posting, you’ll also hear our thoughts on the latest addition to the vampire oeuvre, “Daybreakers,” starring Ethan Hawke, Willem Defoe, and Sam Neill. Man, vampires. That is a subject that will never get old (ha!), you can take that to the (blood) bank. (double ha!)

But wait there’s more! I know what you are saying…”Matt, how can there possibly be more?! Haven’t you given us a gift almost as good as the gift of life itself?” And I would nod sagely in response because we have but never underestimate our L-O-V-E love like a G-L-O-V-E glove. In addition to all that stuff in paragraph one, we’ll also be talking about last years indie darling, “(500) Days of Summer,” the upcoming Blu-Ray and DVD releases, and our top 5 films of 2009. I know, I know…you want to be our best friends. We’re actually taking applications because we are, quite frankly, tired of speaking to each other. Get in on the ground floor! Check back soon for the next hour or so of awesomeness from The First Run!