TFR Ep. 134: The Bourne Legacy, Inventory Of Our Favorite Action Scenes

This week we check out the latest Bourne movie, this time losing Matt Damon as Jason Boune, and replacing him with Jeremy Renner playing…  some other guy!  Will this hold up to the strong legacy left by its Namesake including prequels?  Also, we talk about our favorite action scenes of all time (no Basic Instinct isn't on either of our lists).  So sit down and watch some crap blow up, Bourne Style!!! (note: Jason Bourne will not be blowing anything up)  This week on The First Run!

Download the show from iTunes here: Episode 134

Or stream the show now by clicking here: PLAY!

00:00-16:40: Intro/The Bourne Legacy
16:40-28:15: Blu-Ray & DVD Picks
28:15-49:14: Inventory Of Our Favorite Action Scenes
49:14-54:00: Wrap Up

Theme music provided by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 133: Total Recall, Inventory Of The Best Films Of 2007

So what did you see this weekend?  It was 'The Dark Knight Rises', wasn't it?  Cause it sure doesn't look like you went to see 'Total Recall'.  Colin Farrell & Kate Beckinsale star in Len Wiseman's re-imaging of the Paul Verhoeven and Arnold Schwarzenegger classic, based on the original Phillip K. Dick story, 'We Can Remember It For You Wholesale'.  Does this new version surpass the original?  Or should we just have re-made 'Paycheck'?  We'll review the big releases on Blu-Ray & DVD, then review our Inventory of the Best Films of 2007.  I just had a terrible thought... what if this is whole show is just a dream?  At least I have Farrell, Beckisnale, and Biel to keep me company.  The three horseman of dreamy... We're The First Run.

Download the show from iTunes here: Episode 133

Or stream the show now by clicking here: PLAY!


00:00-13:53: Intro/Total Recall
13:54-30:56: Blu-Ray & DVD Picks
30:57-59:05: Inventory Of The Best Films Of 2007
59:06-1:02:07: Wrap Up

Theme music provided by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 132: The Watch, Call It!

Vince Vaughn, Jonah Hill, Ben Stiller, and Richard Ayoade, in a movie written by Seth Rogen and Jared Stern.  Sounds like a dream come true, right?  Right?  We'll let you know how many dreams are shattered by this weeks big release The Watch.  We also run down this weeks new Blu-Ray and DVD releases, as well as talk about Apples new Operating system, and why you should care.  Then, the glorious and triumphant return of Call It!  The one where Chris changes the rules.  Again.  All this and more, this week on The First Run!

Download the show from iTunes here: Episode 132

Or stream the show now by clicking here: PLAY!

00:00-12:13: Intro/The Watch
12:14- 26:05: Blu-Ray and DVD Picks
26:07-47:35: Call It!
47:36-49:51: Wrap up

Theme music provided by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 131: The Dark Knight Rises Spoiler Show

And we're back! In this special episode of The First Run, we tackle all the details of 'The Dark Knight Rises'.  Does Ra's al Ghul come back?  Who really is Bane?  Does Nolan actually do it? Does he kill Batman?  Everything you wanted to know, and I'm sure a bunch of stuff you didn't want (or care) to know. And we finally figure out why Dave and Scalzo had such different experiences watching the film.  Join Scalzo, Dave, Espo, and special guest Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey for disturbingly in depth coverage of the conclusion of the Dark Knight trilogy.

Download the show from iTunes here: Episode 131

Or stream the show now by clicking here: PLAY!

No time stamp breaks.  It's all DKR, all the time!

Theme music provided by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 130: The Dark Knight Rises, What Are The Odds?

It's the cinematic event of the year.  Scalzo's most anticipated film of 2012, if not his entire adult life.  Christopher Nolan's 'The Dark Knight Rises'.  It's been 4 long years (8 in Bat years), and Batman is back to face his toughest challenge yet…Bane.  And Nolan has his own challenges.  Not only the 'Part 3' curse, but closing out what has been one of the most publicly and critically adored trilogies of all time.  How can 'Rises' possibly measure up to 'The Dark Knight'?  We're about to find out.  We'll review the big releases on Blu-Ray & DVD, then best the vegas odds makers with What Are The Odds.  Buckle up.  It's time to hear Scalzo squeal in joy, or cry in despair.

Download the show from iTunes here: Episode 130

Or stream the show live by clicking here: PLAY!

00:00-27:20: Intro/The Dark Knight Rises

27:21-35:39: Blu-Ray & DVD Picks

35:40-50:50: What Are The Odds?

50:51-53:12: Wrap Up

The full Spoiler Show of 'Dark Knight Rises' will be posted Monday!

Theme music provided by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 129: Savages, Inventory of Our Favorite Movies of 2012 (So Far)

I've never been a big Oliver Stone fan.  Now Platoon is a classic.  Wall Street is great.  But for some reason I've never really been drawn to his work.  But it's with an open mind that I watched his latest film, 'Savages', starring the most cursed actor of 2012, Taylor Kitsch (John Carter, Battleship), Aaron Johnson (Kick-a$$), and Blake Lively (Green Lantern, Gossip Girl).  Does Stone's tale of 3 crazy drug dealing kids that run afoul of a Mexican cartel reach the heights of those aforementioned classics?  We'll review the big releases on Blu-Ray & DVD, then run down our Inventory of the best films of 2012 (so far).  So settle in for some trademark Stone violence, and don't bogart that joint Dave.  

Download the show from iTunes here: Episode 129

Or Stream the show now by clicking here: PLAY!

00:00-15:59: Intro/Savages

16:00-23:36: Blu-Ray/DVD Picks

23:37-37:47: Top Five Movies of 2012 So Far

37:47-41:43: Wrap Up

Theme music provided by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 128: The Amazing Spider-Man, Inventory Of The Best Films Of 2008

And here we are again.  It was a scant 8 years ago when Marvel and Sam Raimi thrust Spider-Man 3 upon us.  Man…Spider-Man 3…  Anyway, after some terse negotiations between Sony and Sam Raimi, Spider-Man was shelved and Raimi was released.  So instead we got the relaunch known as The Amazing Spider-Man.  This time Peter Parker is played by Andrew Garfield.  Our villain is the Lizard, Gwen Stacy has replaced Mary Jane Watson, and our director is Marc Webb.  Webb previously brought us the fun, smart, and honest (500) Days of Summer.  Man that sounds like a recipe for a great film.  So is this Amazing Spider-Man worthy of a reboot so soon?  Or should we just have had Spider-Man 4: Spider-Man In Space (or something).  We'll review the big releases on Blu-Ray & DVD, then run down our new monthly Annual Inventory of the best films of 2007.   How many of you are listening to this in your Spider-Man costumes?  Under-roos?  Tell me you're at least wearing something...

Download the show from iTunes here: Episode 128

Or stream the show now by clicking here: PLAY!

00:00-18:53: Intro/Amazing Spider-Man

18:54-34:22: Blu-Ray & DVD Picks

34:23-54:13: Inventory Of The Best Films Of 2008

54:14-56:58: Wrap Up

Theme music provided by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 127: Ted, Who Dat?

I think my initial reaction of a living talking teddy bear would more jive with John's parents reaction.  Sheer abject horror.  But this is a film by Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane.  His first as a matter of fact.    And he brings all the offensive humor you'd come to expect.  But is this potential one joke premise, the obscene talking teddy bear, enough to sustain 90 minutes of entertainment?  Or is MacFarlane better off with the 22 minute TV episode?  We'll also review the big releases on Blu-Ray & DVD, and close up shop for the holiday with the return of everyone's favorite role playing game, 'Who Dat?'.  Keep in mind fair listeners, be careful what you wish for.  I'm not sure how I'd handle my He-Man toys still be alive.  Sitting their on my couch.  Flexing as he applies bronzer all over himself...  Asking me what my sister's up to this weekend.... 

Download the show from iTunes here: Episode 126

Or stream the show now by clicking here: PLAY!

00:00-12:42: Intro/Ted
12:42-26:29: BluRay/DVD Picks
26:30-50:44: Who Dat?
50:45-56:31: Wrap Up

Theme music provided by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 126: Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, Call It!

Four Score and about oh, 48 hours ago, I saw what may have been the birth of a great new cinematic nation.  The acceptance, nay adoration of the cinematic mash up.  Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter.  Does not so honest Abe have what takes to not only free our nation from the tyranny that is slavery, to keep this great nation whole, but also to stave off the coming vampire apocalypse?  Timur Bekmambetov, director of Nightwatch, Daywatch, and Wanted spins this re-imagining of one of our best presidents.  We'll review the big releases on blu-ray and dvd, then wrap it up with the return of Call It!  Oh!  And Dave weighs in with a little of his own Prometheus spoiler discussion, and has some very wrong points he wishes to make.

Download the show from iTunes here: Episode 126

Or stream the show now by clicking here: PLAY!

00:00-13:59: Intro/Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

14:00-21:55: Blu-Ray & DVD Picks

21:56-50:02: Call It!

50:03-1:09:28: Wrap Up/More Prometheus Spoilers/Outtake

Theme music provided by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 125: Moonrise Kingdom, Inventory Of Ensemble Films

Love.  It can be complicated.  Ambiguity, insecurity, jealousy, lustful and musty, and just a little painful if you’re doing it right.  But the love in its purest form is something to behold.  It can change your life.  Transport you to a magical place, where nothing else matters but the time between those two people.  You may not have thought the whole thing through, but hell, you’re only 12.  Cut yourself some slack.  So this week Dave’s man crush, Wes Anderson returns with Moonrise Kingdom.  Featuring Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Frances McDormand, Bob Balaban, Tilda Swinton, and Anderson stalwarts, Jason Schwartzman & Bill Murray.  Does Anderson’s quirky sense of humor and painterly direction find rebirth in this tale of young love, or is it time to book a ticket on the Darjeeling Limited and time to move on?  We’ll review the big releases on Blu-Ray & DVD, then run down our Inventory of our favorite Ensemble Films.  How much alcohol is too much when you’re serving a minor anyway?  We’re The First Run.

Download the show from iTunes here: Episode 125

Or the stream the show now by clicking here: PLAY!

00:00-12:50: Intro/Moonrise Kingdom

12:51-27:45: Blu-Ray & DVD Picks

27:46-40:33: Top Five Ensemble Movies

40:34-43:35: Wrap Up


Theme music provided by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 124: Prometheus Spoiler Show

Settle in for our spoiler filled discussion of 'Prometheus' with Matt Howell and Chris Esposito.  The sci-fi actioner from Ridley Scott, starring Noomi Rapace, Idris Elba, Charlize Theron, Guy Pearce, and my boy, Michael Fassbender.  Learn all the secrets as we break down the game film on one of the biggest releases of 2012.  Is this a prequel to 'Alien'?  Who is the Space Jockey?  Do the Xenomorphs show up for some double mouth biting action?  And what are the Engineers?  All will be revealed in this special spoiler edition of The First Run!

Download the show from iTunes here: Episode 124

Or stream the show now by clicking here: PLAY!

Theme music provided by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 123: Prometheus, Great Debate: Ridley Scott

Ridley Scott returns to the genre he redefined with 'Prometheus'.  Featuring a cavalcade of stars; Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender, Charlize Theron, Idris Elba, and Guy Pearce.  The crew of the Prometheus travel a little farther than half a billion miles to discover where we came from.  But is the film as interesting and exciting as the questions it asks?  We'll review the big releases on Blu-Ray & DVD.  Then it's the return of The Great Debate.  What is Ridley Scott's best film?  We present our cases.  So go ahead and download the latest episode of The First Run for that loooooong cryogenic sleep to LV-223.

Download the show from iTunes here: Episode 123 

Or stream the show now by clicking here: PLAY

00:00-19:12: Intro/Prometheus

19:13-28:35: Blu-Ray & DVD Picks

28:36-51:20: Great Debate: Ridley Scott

51:21-54:28: Wrap Up

Theme music provided by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 122: Snow White and the Huntsman, Inventory Of Our Least Favorite Actors

This ain't your momma's Snow White!  Charlize Theron is Ravenna, the Evil Queen.  Kristen Stewart is Bella Swan as Snow White.  And Chris Hemsworth is Captain Kirk's dad as Thor as The Huntsman.  Is Snow White and the Huntsman a bold re-imagining of a classic tale?  Or is this princess better off without true love's kiss.  We'll review the big releases on blu-ray and dvd for June 12th.  Then we wrap it up with an Inventory of the Worst Actors in the biz.  So settle in and listen to two loads judge the art of people who've actually done something with their lives.  We're The First Run.  

Download the show from iTunes here: Episode 122

Or Stream the show live by clicking here: PLAY

00:00-18:39: Intro/Snow White and The Huntsman

18:40-34:35: Blu-Ray & DVD Picks

34:36-50:12: Inventory of Our Least Favorite Actors

50:13-54:30: Wrap Up

Theme music provided by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 121: Men In Black 3, Inventory Of Sequels Better Than The Originals

Scalzo disliked 'Men In Black'.  He thought it was dull, unimaginative, and not very fun.  Scalzo hated 'Men In Black 2'.  He can't express how much 'Men In Black 2' disgusted him.  It's as if the lack of excitement and wonder that had not been present in the original, was sucked out of the cold, rehashed and insipid sequel.  So it was with great trepidation that we entered the movie theater to see 'Men In Black 3'.  We are greeted with a wiser, more seasoned, Agent J, played by Will Smith.  Tommy Lee Jones returns for more gristled craginess.   And newcomers Josh Brolin as a younger Agent K, and Emma Thompson as Agent O.  Is there anything left at the bottom of the Men In Black well, or has the sewage system broken through and contaiminated everything?  We'll review the big releases on Blu-Ray and DVD, then close it all out with an Inventory Of Sequels Better Than The Originals.  You may want to avoid that local sushi place.  You wouldn't believe what they're serving in place of the fish.

Download the show from iTunes here: Episode 121

Or stream the show live by clicking here: PLAY

00:00-12:44: Intro/Men In Black 3

12:45-24:31: Blu-Ray & DVD Picks

24:32-42:04: Inventory Of Sequels Better Than The Originals

42:05-44:13: Wrap Up

Theme music provided by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 120: The Dictator, What Are The Odds

As the Avengers chugs along with another $55 million dollars last weekend (almost $150 million worldwide), we decided to expose you to another movie that's been released.  That's right, they are out there.  And it's one we've been looking forward to!  Sasha Baron Cohen returns in the broad political satire, 'The Dictator'.  Can Cohen bring the funny yet again, and find a way to offend even his biggest fans? We'll review the new releases on blu-ray and dvd for this upcoming Tuesday.  Then march the show off to it's impending doom with the return of 'What Are The Odds?'.  And now you have herpes.  We're the First Run.

Download the the show from iTunes here: Episode 120

Or stream the show now by clicking here: PLAY

00:00-11:15 Intro/The Dictator

11:16-21:40 Blu-Ray & DVD Picks

21:41-45:14 What Are The Odds?

45:15-49:03 Wrap Up

Theme music provided by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 119: Dark Shadows, Who Dat?

Tim Burton and Johnny Depp reunite.  Again.  This time in the big budget not so modern version of the 70's soap opera, 'Dark Shadows'.  Does the current wave of lovelorn, emo, vampire pop culture embrace what started it all?  Or is it time to melt down the silver and make those garlic necklaces.  We also release the hounds that are the big releases on blu-ray and dvd for next week.  Then end it all with a stabbing in the heart of this undead show with the return of 'Who Dat?'!  Scalzo makes some bold, nay, insane predictions for the summer releases.  Listen now, before he loses any shred of credibility he has left.

Download the show from iTunes here: Episode 119

Or stream the show now by clicking here: PLAY

00:00-10:14: Intro/Dark Shadows

10:15-23:05: Blu-Ray & DVD Picks

23:06-45:30: Who Dat?

45:31-57:08: Wrap Up

Theme music provided by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 118: The Avengers, The Lounge

And here we go…

The summer movie season is kicked off with the culmination of 5+ years of planning, 5 films of set up, and the beginning of a new franchise with fan favorite auter Joss Whedon with…The Avengers.  I feared the film would collapse under its own weight.  So much build up, so many characters, such high expectations…. We'll also review the big releases on blu-ray and dvd.  Then wrap it up with the return of The First Run Lounge and our discussion of the current state of super-hero films and their impact on cinema.  But I'd still take the Justice League in a fight.  Oh, and Matt and Espo pop over too!

Download the show from iTunes here: Episode 118

Or stream the show now by clicking here: PLAY

00:00-17:41: Intro/The Avengers

17:41-28:56: Blu-Ray & DVD Picks

28:56-57:25: The Lounge

57:25-1:03:07:  Wrap Up

Theme music provided by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 117: The Five Year Engagement, Call It!

The romantic comedy can be a tricky thing.  It can be a rousing success with films like (500) Days of Summer, or it be an enhanced interrogation technique ala (insert Katherine Hiegel movie title here).  So which is the latest from the Apatow stable, The Five Year Engagement?  It stars Alison Brie, Jason Segal, Alison Brie, Emily Blunt, Alison Brie, and Chris Pratt.  Oh, and Alison Brie.  We review the big releases on Blu-Ray & DVD. Then wrap it up with the summer blockbuster version of 'Call It!'.  So let's compare Pianese and find out if the black ones truly are bigger.  Cinnamon!

Download the show from iTunes here: Episode 117

Or stream the show now by clicking here: PLAY

00:00-14:10: Intro/The Five Year Engagement

14:11-28:29: Blu-Ray & DVD Picks

28:30-51:11: Call It!

51:12-57:08: Wrap Up

Theme music provided by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 116: The Raid: Redemption, Inventory of Foreign Action Movies

Who'd have thought that 'wooooooooooooooooo' would ever be one of the most intimidating sounds you'd ever hear?  This week on The First Run, we duck and dodge the onslaught of violence that is the Indonesian import, 'The Raid: Redemption'.  It's billed as 1 crime lord, 20 cops, and 30 Floors of Chaos.  But does it deliver on its breakneck concept of potential all out bad assery?  We review the big releases on blu-ray and dvd for May 1st, then run down our inventory of our favorite action films.  You better be wearing a cup, cause it's going to get a little rough.

Download the Show from iTunes here: Episode 116

Or stream the show no by clicking here: Play

00:00-12:23: Intro/ The Raid: Redemtion

12:24-22:40: Blu-Ray & DVD Picks

22:41-34:50: Top Five Foreign Action Movies/Wrap Up

Theme music provided by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 115: Cabin In The Woods, Inventory Of Films That Comment On Their Genre

Listen up folks.  If you drive up to a cabin in the woods, I guess?  And it looks exactly like the cabin from The Evil Dead (minus the swinging bench) call it a day and head back home.  This week we finally get to see the Joss Whedon project that is 'The Cabin In The Woods'.  It's been on the shelf for 2 years due to MGM's financial issues. Should the horror comedy hybrid have been better off left on the shelf?  Scalzo also gives a quick review of 'Lockout'.  So there's that.  We'll review the big releases on blu-ray & DVD, then run down the inventory of our favorite Films Commenting on other films or something like that.  I'm clearly still working out the beats on a title.  So light up the doobies and be prepared to face the zombies, or werewolves, heck maybe even the mermen will finally get a shot.  We're The First Run.

Download the show from iTunes here: Episode 115

Or stream the show now by clicking here: PLAY

00:00-15:35: Intro/The Cabin In The Woods (and Lockout!)

15:36-26:58: Blu-Ray & DVD Picks

26:59-44:48: Inventory Of Films That Comment On Their Genre

44:49-47:45: Wrap Up

Theme music provided by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey