Published by Geoff Gershon
Short movie reviews from the last 50+ years by Geoff Gershon. https://livingforthecinema.com/
Listen on Apple PodcastsNed Racine (Oscar-winner William Hurt) is a handsome, sleazy lawyer and Matty Walker (Oscar-nominee Kathleen Turner in her big screen debut) is the alluring wife of a wealthy businessman (Richard Crenna) and one steamy Florida night, they meet and begin a torrid affair. They then conspire to murder Matty's husband as part of an insurance scam.....and a lot of a sweaty, twisty chaos ensues! This Neo-Noir thriller was the directorial debut of Oscar-nominated writer/director Lawrence Kasdan (The Big Chill, Silverado, Grand Canyon) and even though it was only a minor hit when it was first released in the Summer of 1981, it has gone on to be one of the more influential thrillers of the modern era. It also made both William Hurt and Kathleen Turner into instant movie stars. Host & Editor: Geoff Gershon Producer: Marlene Gershon Send us Fan Mail Support the show https://livingforthecinema.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Living-for-the-Cinema-Podcast-101167838847578 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingforthecinema/ Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/Living4Cinema/
Forty years ago this summer, genre master David Cronenberg (Videodrome, Eastern Promises, The Dead Zone, Dead Ringers) directed this remake of the 1958 cult classic of the same name starring Vincent Price. This is the updated story of Seth Brundle (Jeff Goldblum), a quirky scientist who has been developing an exciting new invention geared towards teleportation. He meets an enterprising science reporter named Ronnie (Geena Davis) and together, they not only work to further this technoloy....but they also fall in love. But then one fateful night alone, Seth makes the mistake of "teleporting while drunk" and the pod which he's using happens to have a house fly inside of it. :o And what results is a gradual, gruesome transformation for Seth into.....something else! This film not only became a suprise box office hit but would also go on to win a VERY deserved Oscar for Best Makeup. Be afraid, be very afraid. Also see below for a hysterical stand-up bit from Martin Lawrence about this movie which is cited in this review! :p https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ITAthB4ai0 Host & Editor: Geoff Gershon Producer: Marlene Gershon Send us Fan Mail Support the show https://livingforthecinema.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Living-for-the-Cinema-Podcast-101167838847578 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingforthecinema/ Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/Living4Cinema/
NOLAN WEEK continues.... Adapted from the legendary tale written by Homer, this is the epic tale of one man's treacherous journey home after leading a war effort which has left both him and his men broken and continuously in danger. That war was the Trojan War and the man is Odysseus (Oscar-winner Matt Damon) who yearns to get to his home country of Ithaca where he is king, so that he can reunite with this wife Penelope (Oscar-winner Anne Hathaway) and his son Telemachus (Tom Holland).....or DOES he?? And along the way of this journey, Odysseus and his men will encounter several otherwordly threats Calypso (Oscar-winner Charlize Theron), Circe (Oscar-nominee Samantha Morton) and the Cyclops (Bill Irwin). This is the latest big budget production from Oscar-winning writer/director Christopher Nolan (The Dark Knight, Memento, Inception) as a follow-up to his beloved Best Picture winner Oppenheimer from three years ago. Also included among the stellar, extended cast are Robert Pattinson, Oscar-winner Lupita Nyong'o, Jon Bernthal, John Leguizamo, Corey Hawkins, Himesh Patel, Mia Goth, and Emmy-winner Zendaya. Let's find out if it's time to..... DEFY THE GODS. Host & Editor: Geoff Gershon Producer: Marlene Gershon Send us Fan Mail Support the show https://livingforthecinema.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Living-for-the-Cinema-Podcast-101167838847578 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingforthecinema/ Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/Living4Cinema/
Welcome to NOLAN WEEK! Before reviewing his latest big budget opus (The Odyssey), let's revisit the beloved superhero sequel which helped push Oscar-winning writer/director Christopher Nolan (Inception, Oppenheimer, Dunkirk) into the pantheon of master modern filmmakers. As a direct sequel to 2005's word-of-mouth hit Batman Begins, this was released with much fanfare as it was not only about the continuing adventures of Batman/Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) but also the reintroduction of a classic villain who happpens to be the latest threat to his beloved home of Gotham City. :o This new threat is mysteriously known as the Joker (Oscar-winner Heath Ledger) who has been havoc around the city, not only terrifying citizens but even threatening local organized crime. And what results is an epic battle for the soul of Gotham involving not only Batman and the Joker, but local law enforcement lead by Comissioner Jim Gordon (Oscar-winner Gary Oldman), District Attorney Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckart), and Assistant DA Rachel Dawes (Oscar-nominee Maggie Gyllenhaal). Also co-starring at least two other Oscar-winners (Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman), this mega-smash would also receive eight Oscar nominations that year including two wins for Best Supporting Actor (Ledger) and Best Sound Editing - it would not only set a new bar for superhero movies moving forward but also action blockbusters. Host & Editor: Geoff Gershon Producer: Marlene Gershon Send us Fan Mail Support the show https://livingforthecinema.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Living-for-the-Cinema-Podcast-101167838847578 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingforthecinema/ Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/Living4Cinema/
Forty years ago this summer, genre master John Carpenter (The Thing, Halloween, They Live) directed this big budget (for the time) extravaganza blending various genres including martial arts, fantasy, and crime drama. Starring Kurt Russell in one of his more iconic roles as truckdriver Jack Burton, it was fast, funny, and phrenetically entertaining! And yet no one really saw it in theaters. :( Fortunately this film did eventually find its audience on cable and video, becoming a cult classic and is now often looked upon as one of Carpenter's most believed movies. It also features a STELLAR cast beyond Russell including Dennis Dun, Kim Cattrall, James Hong, and Victor Wong. So let's hop on the Pork Chop Express and head to Chinatown! Host & Editor: Geoff Gershon Producer: Marlene Gershon Send us Fan Mail Support the show https://livingforthecinema.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Living-for-the-Cinema-Podcast-101167838847578 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingforthecinema/ Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/Living4Cinema/
Olivia Wilde (Booksmart, Don't Worry Darling) directs her third film, also co-starring with Seth Rogen as a beleaguered married couple living in San Francisco. One fateful evening, her housewife invites over the earthy couple from upstairs (Oscar-winner Penelope Cruz, Oscar-nominee Edward Norton) for a dinner party. And things go awry.....what results is one of the most highly acclaimed comedies of 2026 so far, let's see if it lives up to the hype! Host & Editor: Geoff Gershon Producer: Marlene Gershon Send us Fan Mail Support the show https://livingforthecinema.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Living-for-the-Cinema-Podcast-101167838847578 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingforthecinema/ Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/Living4Cinema/
In World War II, a group of NAZI officers come up with a propaganda event in which an all-star NAZI team will play a team composed of Allied POW's in a soccer (football) game. The prisoners agree, planning on using the game as a means of escape from the camp. Directed by the legendary Oscar-winner John Huston (The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, The Maltese Falcon, The African Queen, Prizzi's Honor) late in his career, this sports drama is lead by Oscar-winner Sylvester Stallone, Oscar-winner Michael Caine, Oscar-nominated Max von Sydow, and the late, great professional football LEGEND Pele. :) Just in time for the last round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.... NOW is the time for heroes. Host & Editor: Geoff Gershon Producer: Marlene Gershon Send us Fan Mail Support the show https://livingforthecinema.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Living-for-the-Cinema-Podcast-101167838847578 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingforthecinema/ Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/Living4Cinema/
Welcome To The 23rd Century. The perfect world of total pleasure. ....there's just one catch. This is the story of Logan 5 (Michael York) who lives in a distant future where where every one looks bright, young, and engergetic. That might be because every one is only allowed to live their first life until they turn 30. That's when an light in the palm of their hand blinks red, notifying them that they have to report to a "carousel" where they will then be "renewed" to kick off a brand new life....or WILL they?? :o Tasked with being a law enforcement officer known as a "sandman," our hero is expected to chase and capture those who attempt to "run" when they are summoned to said carousel. But one day, Logan finds out a dangerous secret about this society, he teams up with a young woman named Jessica 6 (Jenny Agutter), and they are now on the RUN. (Hence the title) Released fifty years ago this summer, this film became a popular hit, also eventually earning two Oscar nominations for cinematography and production design. Directed by Michael Anderson (Around the World In 80 Days, Operation Crossbow, Orca), this highly influential sci-fi thriller also co-starred Richard Jordan, Roscoe Lee Brown, Peter Ustinov, and Farrah Fawcett. Host & Editor: Geoff Gershon Producer: Marlene Gershon Send us Fan Mail Support the show https://livingforthecinema.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Living-for-the-Cinema-Podcast-101167838847578 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingforthecinema/ Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/Living4Cinema/
In what was his second film as the titular Man of Steel, the late, great Christopher Reeve returns as Kal-El, the Son of Crypton who has now settled in Metropolis under disguise as Clark Kent, a nerdy reporter a The Daily Planet who also pines for his fellow reporter Lois Lane played by the late, great Margot Kidder. As Superman, he is now doing his part to keep the human inhabitants of Planet Earth safe until.....three Kryptonians come calling lead by the aggrieved General Zod (Terence Stamp) who is seeking revenge against Kal-El after his late father had him imprisoned in the previous film. Together Zod, Ursa (Sarah Douglas), and Non (Jack O'Halloran) begin to wreak havoc on Earth and frigteningly, NO ONE can stop them as they each have similar powers to Kal-El. :o And what results is an intense battle of ONE vs. THREE....can Superman prevail this time around?? Directed by Richard Lester (A Hard Day's Night) taking over from Richard Donner....sort of, this beloved sequel also features returning cast members Gene Hackman, Jackie Cooper, Valerie Perrine, and Ned Beatty. KNEEL before ZOD!!!! Host & Editor: Geoff Gershon Producer: Marlene Gershon Send us Fan Mail Support the show https://livingforthecinema.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Living-for-the-Cinema-Podcast-101167838847578 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingforthecinema/ Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/Living4Cinema/
Kara Zor-El aka Supergirl (Milly Alcock) joines forces with a recent orphan Ruthye (Eve Ridley) who is out to avenge the murder of their parents. Together they embark on an interstellar journey of vengeance and justice, alongside a mercenary named Lobo (Jason Mamoa) who is looking to take out the same villains. Directed by Craig Gillespie (I Tonya, Cruella, Lars and the Real Girl, Dumb Money), this is the latest entry in the recently rebooted DCU (Detective Comics Universe). It has earned mixed reviews from critics, garnered weak box office, and has attracted intense online vitriol (mostly directed at its star) from several online right-wing influencers....but does it DESERVE this kind of response? Host & Editor: Geoff Gershon Producer: Marlene Gershon Send us Fan Mail Support the show https://livingforthecinema.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Living-for-the-Cinema-Podcast-101167838847578 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingforthecinema/ Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/Living4Cinema/
Lt. Colonel Nat Serling (Oscar-winner Denzel Washington) is a recent veteran of Operation Desert Storm and a deadly mistake which he made in the heat of combat is still haunting him. He has been tasked by his officer to investigate the service of recently deceased Captain Karen Walden (Meg Ryan) who flew a chopper on a rescue mission during that war and is now being considered for the Medal of Honor. As Serling investigates various other soldiers who were involved in this mission, he not only realizes how getting to the truth of what actually occurred is more complicated than he expected, but he also struggles with his own trauma about an incident he was involved with which resulted in the death of a former colleague. Directed by Edward Zwick (Glory, Blood Diamond, Legends of the Fall, Defiance), this stirring military drama/mystery thriller also co-stars Lou Diamond Phillips, Michael Moriarity, Scott Glenn, Regina Taylor, and Matt Damon. Host & Editor: Geoff Gershon Producer: Marlene Gershon Send us Fan Mail Support the show https://livingforthecinema.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Living-for-the-Cinema-Podcast-101167838847578 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingforthecinema/ Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/Living4Cinema/
At the peak of his movie stardom and in the wake of having just won several Oscars for Best Picture-winner Dances With Wolves which he both starred in and directed, Kevin Costner (Yellowstone, Bull Durham, JFK) took on the iconic role of Robin of Locksley for his next major project. He partnered with long-time friend and director Kevin Reynolds (Waterworld, The Count of Monte Cristo) to spearhead this this new adaptation of an iconic story, while also filling key roles with several prominent stars of the time including Oscar-winner Morgan Freeman as Azeem, Christian Slater as Will Scarlett, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio as Marian, and most importantly at the time.....Alan Rickman (Die Hard) as the Sheriff of Nottingham. What resulted was a very rushed, messy production where several roles ended up being miscast (including California-native Costner as the British Robin) and where the villain pretty much stole the show. And yet when released in June of 1991, this film was a MASSIVE hit (much of that due to Costner's stardom) with several iconic scenes and a best-selling soundtrack. In fact, this would go to be the ONLY genuinely successful on-screen adaptation of the Robin Legend since then.....so did it actually work, does it hold up? Well only one way to find out....and remember that before you embark on this review: No blades! No bows! Leave your weapons here! Host & Editor: Geoff Gershon Producer: Marlene Gershon Send us Fan Mail Support the show https://livingforthecinema.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Living-for-the-Cinema-Podcast-101167838847578 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingforthecinema/ Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/Living4Cinema/
Roy Neary (Oscar-winner Richard Dreyfuss) was just a mild-mannered Indiana family man working for the power company. Until one evening while out on the job.....he had an encounter with an unfamiliar being blasting brilliant light into the night sky. What results for Roy is an increasingly bizarre descent into madness as he not only feels drawn towards seking out these otherworldy beings but also begins to alienate his wife (Teri Garr) and family in the process. And he's not the only one: there's also Jillian Guiler (Oscar nominee Melinda Dillon) who is also drawn towards seeking out these strange, new visitors. Both of their journeys eventually lead them Devil's Tower in Wyoming where these "visitors" might be headed. Also eventually heading this way are two curious scientists (Francois Truffaut, Bob Balaban) who have been trying to figure out the best way to communicate with these extra terrestrials. It all adds up to a transcendant experience and one of THE greatest films from one of our greatest living directors, Two-time Oscar-winner Steven Spielberg (Schindler's List, Raiders of the Lost Ark, ET) as his direct follow-up to the singular phenomenon which was Jaws. See below for a link to an extended sequence added to the 1980 "Special Edition" of this film, referred to within this review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqiSIaia-k4&t=197s Host & Editor: Geoff Gershon Producer: Marlene Gershon Send us Fan Mail Support the show https://livingforthecinema.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Living-for-the-Cinema-Podcast-101167838847578 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingforthecinema/ Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/Living4Cinema/
Legendary Oscar-winning director Steven Spielberg (Schindler's List, Saving Private Ryan, ET: The Extra Terrestrial, Close Encounters of the Third Kind) returns to the science fiction genre for the first time in almost twenty years with this mystery thriller focusing on a group of scientists (Josh O'Connor, Oscar-nominee Colman Domingo) who are attempting to find and release classified information from the United States government about the existence of alien life and its presence on our planet. Standing in their way is a shadowy organization lead by Oscar-winner Colin Firth (The King's Speech, Kingsman, A Single Man) and the key towards revealing the truth MIGHT lie with a Kansas City meterologist (Oscar-nominee Emily Blunt) who begins to communicate with others around her in unexpected ways. Will the truth be revealed?? Let's find out.... Host & Editor: Geoff Gershon Producer: Marlene Gershon Send us Fan Mail Support the show https://livingforthecinema.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Living-for-the-Cinema-Podcast-101167838847578 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingforthecinema/ Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/Living4Cinema/
Mike (River Phoenix) and Scott (Keanu Reeves) are hustlers working their way around Portland trying to make ends meet, who are also best friends. Together they hit the road to Idaho AND Italy on a journey of self-discovery while Mike tries to find his mother whom he hasn't seen in years. This stirring comedy/drama road movie was written and directed by Oscar-nominee Gus Van Sant (Good Will Hunting, Milk, Drugstore Cowboy) early in his career and was not only considered a breakthrough for independent cinema at the time of its release, but also for LGBT cinema. It also now remembered for containing what MIGHT be the defining performance for the late, great Phoenix who would die tragically just a couple of years later. Let's hit the road and always remember to.... Have A Nice Day. :) Host & Editor: Geoff Gershon Producer: Marlene Gershon Send us Fan Mail Support the show https://livingforthecinema.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Living-for-the-Cinema-Podcast-101167838847578 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingforthecinema/ Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/Living4Cinema/
By The Power of Grayskull..... For the first time in thirty-nine years, He-Man and the other Masters of the Universe are back on the big screen! After being sent to Earth as a young boy more than fifteen years ago to hide him from the evil Skeletor (Oscar-winner Jared Leto), Prince Adam (Nicholas Galitzine) has finally found his sword and is returning to his homeland of Eternia to reclaim his legacy. Of course, it gets more complicated than that as not only has much of Eternia (including Castle Grayskull where he's from) been decimated and taken over by Skeletor and his minions but Adam has to figure out HOW to use the sword and become the hero he was always meant to be.....He-Man. ;) Oscar-nominated filmmaker Travis Knight (Kubo & the Two Strings, Coraline, Bumblebee) directs this modernized adaptation of the He-Man legend which originated on a popular animated show in the '80's. Also included in the cast are Idris Elba as Duncan/Man-At-Arms, Camila Mendes as Teela, and Alison Brie as Evil-Lyn, among several others..... Host & Editor: Geoff Gershon Producer: Marlene Gershon Send us Fan Mail Support the show https://livingforthecinema.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Living-for-the-Cinema-Podcast-101167838847578 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingforthecinema/ Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/Living4Cinema/
Just in time for 6 / 6 /2 6..... It's time to review this influential supernatural horror thriller on the eve of its 50th Anniversary. Directed by Richard Donner (Superman, Lethal Weapon, The Goonies), it focuses on an American ambassador (Oscar-winning legend Gregory Peck) and his wife (the late, great Oscar-nominated Lee Remick) who have recently moved to England after recently having their first child.....or DID they? The child is Damien (Harvey Stephens) who was born under very mysterious circumstances and as he gets to a certain young age, he starts to not only exhibit disturbing behaviors but others around him (including animals) begin to act more strangely as well. COULD he be....the Son of Satan, the Anti-Christ?? :o Only one way to find out..... Host & Editor: Geoff Gershon Producer: Marlene Gershon Send us Fan Mail Support the show https://livingforthecinema.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Living-for-the-Cinema-Podcast-101167838847578 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingforthecinema/ Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/Living4Cinema/
Based upon the viral online phenomenon which he helped launch, YouTube creator Kane Parsons has directed this somewhat expiremental horror thriller focusing on an unique realm containing a never-ending series of strange rooms and corridors. The story focuses on a troubled recent divorcee (Oscar-nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor) who owns a failing furniture store which contains a hidden door to this realm. Once he enters, he begins exploring this realm and becomes obssessed with figuring it. Oscar-nominee Renate Reinsve (Sentimental Value, The Worst Person In the World) plays his troubled therapist who also eventually investigates....and liminal horror ensues! Host & Editor: Geoff Gershon Producer: Marlene Gershon Send us Fan Mail Support the show https://livingforthecinema.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Living-for-the-Cinema-Podcast-101167838847578 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingforthecinema/ Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/Living4Cinema/
At the very height of his mid '90's superstardom, Jim Carrey (Ace Ventura, The Truman Show, Liar Liar) received a then record-setting $20 million paycheck to star in this dark comedy directed by Ben Stiller (Tropic Thunder, Zoolander, Reality Bites). Carrey starred as a the titular Cable Guy who installs cable television for a newly single bachelor (Matthew Broderick) living in Los Angeles but then makes the mistake of trying to become friends with him and eventually stalking him. :o And hilarity ensues! Well as it turned out, the movie was quite funny but at the time was poorly received for being just too dark compared to Carrey's recent more family friendly comedies. However in the almost thirty years since its release, this has become much more appreciated for its biting satire and is often considered by many fans of Carrey to be among his best performances. Also co-starring Jack Black and Leslie Mann both very early in their careers, it's time to grab a board.....and/or remote.... and go channel surfing!! Host & Editor: Geoff Gershon Producer: Marlene Gershon Send us Fan Mail Support the show https://livingforthecinema.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Living-for-the-Cinema-Podcast-101167838847578 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingforthecinema/ Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/Living4Cinema/
A group of shoplifters (Keke Palmer, Taylour Paige, Naomi Ackie) take aim at a ruthless fashion maven (Oscar-nominee Demi Moore) by stealing her clothes and reselling them at a lower price, partially out of revenge for her stealing several of their fashion designs. This is the latest opus from writer/director Boots Riley (Sorry To Bother You) and that overall description doesn't really do it justice to the many crazy turns which this sci-fi/corporate satire takes. The stacked cast also includes Lakeith Stanfield, Eiza Gonzalez, Poppy Liu, Will Poulter, and Don Cheadle. Get ready for a wild, genre-defying ride! Host & Editor: Geoff Gershon Producer: Marlene Gershon Send us Fan Mail Support the show https://livingforthecinema.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Living-for-the-Cinema-Podcast-101167838847578 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingforthecinema/ Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/Living4Cinema/