Clear and Present Dudes: A Thriller Movies Podcast
Published by Ruari O’Toole | Michael Dunbar | Saanje Bjorkson
Film History
TV & Film
It's a defence podcast! It's a cinema podcast! It's Clear and Present Dudes! Join Naval officers and Tom Clancy fans Mike Dunbar and Saanje Björkson and resident civvy expert Ruari O' Toole as we dissect spy and political thrillers, courtroom dramas, crime movies and military action films from the ’70s–10s in a spoilercast format. What began as a mission to watch every Tom Clancy adaptation became unpreventable mission‑creep: we watch the films, unpack the heroes and villains, the Ships and the submarines! For casual fans and military enthusiasts alike! Follow the Insta @clearandpresentdudes
SITREP: The Dudes are taking a short break for vague geopolitical reasons! Meanwhile we have the report on the latest John Krasinski Jack Ryan thriller 'Ghost War'. It's a great movie if you love your movies full of adverts for Dubai and Uber Eats and devoid of character. In happier news, we chat Spider-Noir with the great Nicholas Cage, the incredible Widow's Bay and Damian McCarthy's latest horror feature 'Hokum'. Please check out the movie Ruari worked on (composer and co-producer) now available to stream in its entirety on youtube: Ropes: The Entire Mystery. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3H_586xoLtc&t=8s
The Dudes delve deep into the crime thriller vigilante justice world of Jack Reacher - former military policeman investigator turned civilian drifter with nothing to lose and strong moral compass. Here in Jack Reacher (2012) and its Sequel Jack Reacher: Never Go Back, the titular Jack is played by Tom Cruise. We try to brush off the basic criticism (he's a bit short) and try and focus on the positives. FOR ONCE we have a possible answer for "how does this shit go down in Germany?"
Quick's the word and sharp's the action! The Dudes hoist the mainsail, get a broad reach on the Acheron and make hot pursuit for the Horn! 1805! OCEANS ARE BATTLEFIELDS! SHIPS ARE STICK INSECTS! IRISH DOCTORS ARE SPIES! HOBBITS ARE SAILORS! The Dudes dive deep into 2003's Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World. In this episode of Clear and Present Dudes, we review and analyse Peter Weir’s 2003 naval war film Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World, starring Russell Crowe as Captain Jack Aubrey and Paul Bettany as Dr Stephen Maturin. We discuss the film’s historical accuracy, Royal Navy detail, Napoleonic warfare, naval gunnery, the Acheron, HMS Surprise, Patrick O’Brian’s Aubrey–Maturin novels, the soundtrack, the cast, the best quotes, and why this should have launched a full Master and Commander franchise. Master and Commander, Russell Crowe, Paul Bettany, Peter Weir, Patrick O’Brian, Aubrey Maturin, Royal Navy, Napoleonic Wars, naval warfare, historical accuracy, war movies, military movies, dad cinema, film review, movie podcast, Clear and Present Dudes
The Dudes don (Johnson) their Ray Bans and pastel suits, fire up the Ferrari Testarossa and hit the beach in this deep dive into the iconic feature-length pilot of Miami Vice. It's a vibe. It's a scene. It's groundbreaking TV that changed the medium forever, and gave us some of the sexiest most dramatic music videos of all time. It made Phil Collins seem cool. It made Leonard Cohen into a gangster, and it gave the world Phillip Michael Thomas, before taking him back again. *Spoilers! This is a spoiler cast and we are spoiling this 42 year-old movie* This episode explores the iconic TV series Miami Vice, its cultural impact, production details, and memorable scenes, with insights into its aesthetic, music, and character dynamics. A must-listen for fans of 80s TV and crime dramas. Join us as we explore the iconic style, memorable scenes, and behind-the-scenes stories of Miami Vice, featuring insights into its cinematic techniques, cultural impact, and the careers of its stars. Perfect for fans and newcomers alike, this episode delves into what makes the show a timeless classic. Join us as we explore the iconic TV series Miami Vice, its cultural impact, memorable quotes, fashion, and behind-the-scenes insights. Dive into a nostalgic journey through 80s style, music, and legendary moments that defined a generation. keywords Miami Vice, 80s TV, Michael Mann, crime drama, pop culture, TV analysis, music video style, Don Johnson, Philip Michael Thomas Miami Vice, 80s TV, cinematic style, Don Johnson, Philip Michael Thomas, TV history, pop culture, crime drama, Miami, nostalgia Miami Vice, 80s TV, Michael Mann, TV nostalgia, fashion, music, iconic quotes, police dramas, pop culture
The Dude's observe the special date with a stoner-adjacent thriller (in name only) Cisco Pike, starring Kris Kristofferson, Gene Hackman and Karen Black! Kris walks around a bunch. We hear some of his music. Gene Hackman sweats. We talk about a bunch of other movies because 2 out of 3 dudes did not love it! This is a spoilercast and every episode is full spoilers, not that you can spoil this. Cisco Pike, Kris Kristofferson, 1970s cinema, drug culture, film analysis, cult classics film analysis, Gene Hackman, Harry Dean Stanton, cinema history, movie discussion, actor careers, film themes, classic movies, industry insights, film critique film analysis, cult classics, movie discussion, director spin, fan theories, Gene Hackman, 70s LA, movie missed opportunities
The Dudes return to Tom Clancy spy thriller territory with YET ANOTHER reboot of Jack Ryan! This time Chris Pine is at the helm, with Kenneth Branagh directing. The Dudes discuss the Cathy Ryan power rankings, and why Keira Knightley is maybe the best? Controversial. Maybe that should be the youtube thumbnail. Anyway this movie is a bit weird, and so is this episode! This is a spoilercast and every episode is full spoilers. Jack Ryan Shadow Recruit, spy thriller, film analysis, movie review, Chris Pine, Kevin Costner, film critique, espionage movies Jack Ryan Shadow Recruit, spy movies, film analysis, geopolitics, casting, action movies, film critique Jack Ryan, espionage, film analysis, movie review, CIA, Kenneth Branagh, film locations, spy movies, action films, movie critique
The Dudes ask not for whom the bell tolls, for it tolls for Goncharov! The crime thriller arthouse Italian gangster flick from the mind of Martin Scorsese, Matteo Sciochezze, produced by Domenico Procacci goes under the magnifying glass. Starring Robert De Niro and the eponymous 'Lo Straniero' Goncharov, and co-starring a stacked cast including Cybill Shepherd, Al Pacino, Harvey Keitel, Gene Hackman, John Cazale, Sophia Loren, and incredibly an uncredited Lynda Carter. The dudes dig deep into a bold piece of queer filmmaking which would inspire films such as Dog Day Afternoon, and find a lot of enjoy in this detailed plot recap and analysis of 1973's strangest lost film. The film has been restored and receives a Criterion Collection release later this year. This review is based on the 2hr 18 cut from the digitised bootlegs of George Lucas. *This is a SPOILERCAST and every episode is full spoilers* Keywords: Goncharov, Italian cinema, film analysis, conspiracy theories, 1973 movies, crime drama, film symbolism, character study Goncharov, film analysis, cult classics, cinematic techniques, film themes, character analysis, movie secrets
FIND THAT MAN! The Dudes are on the hunt for the one-armed man, while we flee the long prosthetic arm of the law in this week's crime thriller The Fugitive! Starring PEAK Harrison Ford, Academy Award winning Tommy Lee Jones, and JOE PANTOLIANO. Dr Richard Kimble is man convicted of murdering his wife, but when the chance to escape the bus taking him to prison arises, he seizes it and becomes...THE FUGITIVE. *This is a spoilercast and every episode is full spoilers* We merry dudes, despite numerous technical challenges do our thing, and I think for once we really get deep into what kind of video game you could make out of the movie. Kudos to Lucy James from Friends Per Second who managed to stealth a mention on the pod when Ruari read out her Letterboxd review by pure chance. Geordies unite!
Thriller cinema has never met an auteur like Neil Breen before - this week the dudes continue hacking these government systems and find out about the weirdest movie you haven't seen! In support of Podcasthon 2026 and Trash Cats Rescue this special Bonusode is fun way to try and shed light on a subject we dudes care deeply about - cats, and how great they are, and how they shouldn't live in cat misery, underfed and poorly. Trash Cats rescue https://trashcatrescue.org/ is an adoption centre in Pittsburg which helps out less fortunate kitties and gets them loving homes. *This is a spoilercast. You cannot spoil this movie though.* Neil Breen, Faithful Findings, outsider art, bad movies, podcast, film analysis, auteur theory, so bad it's good, cult films, independent cinema Neil Breen, film analysis, character development, sexism, absurdity, relationships, plot twists, therapy, substance abuse, filmmaking Neil Breen, absurdity, dark humor, film analysis, cinematic chaos, cult films, Breen's narrative, character analysis, filmmaking, movie critique Neil Breen, filmmaking, quotes, character dynamics, missed opportunities, political commentary, casting choices, weaponry, audience reactions, reviews
Humpty Dumpty sat on the wall! And the Dudes are with him as we delve into the franchise-saving spy action thriller hit Mission Impossible III (M:I:III). JJ Abrams takes his swing at the franchise, bolstered by hit turns by Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Tom Cruise, Michelle Monaghan, returning Ving Rhames, and introducing Simon Pegg as recurring character Benji Dunn. *This is a spoilercast and every episode is full spoilers* In this episode, the Dudes ask WHAT THE F**K is the Rabbit's Foot? What is going on with Michelle Monaghan that she'd marry this dude when she thinks he's going to a conference? And why is PSH so angry at the end? Didn't he get what he wanted? There's also a bit so grim that I can't believe I left it in. This episode has dropped 2 weeks early because of technical trouble with the planned episode The Fugitive (1993). It is coming, we're really sorry.
This is a land of wolves, and you are not a wolf! 🐺 CAPD takes on the thrilling "Sicario" this week. We have cops and robbers and spies too in this multi-hyphenate thriller - but it's as dark as the come. Emily Blunt gives a career-defining turn as Kate Macer, a FBI agent pulled into a shady Government op to unseat the leader of the Sonora cartel. Josh Brolin and Benicio Del Toro support in turns equally menacing and charming. Easily the grimmest movie we've covered - stand by for a Jon Bernthal jumpscare. *This is a spoilercast and every episode is full spoilers* If you want to watch the Stephen Soderberg silent and B&W cut of Raiders of the Lost Ark - it can be found on his blog here: https://extension765.com/blogs/soderblog/raiders Listeners, I (Mike) edited out a 7 minute discussion about camoflage clothing patterns. If you want to hear that, email me at clearandpresentdudes@gmail.com and explain to me in 200 words why you'd want to hear that. Keywords: Sicario, Denis Villeneuve, Emily Blunt, drug cartel, political commentary, cinematography, character analysis, action thriller, Robert Duvall, film review, Sicario, film analysis, character development, law enforcement, CIA, violence, misogyny, technology, emotional impact, identity crisis, Hollywood, casting, performances, character development, weapons, film techniques, dialogue, storytelling, video games, adaptations
8 years after thriller maestro Tom Clancy graced us with Clear and Present Danger a hot young Ben Affleck steps into the chinos of CIA analyst Jack Ryan - this time to prevent war between Russia and the United States when a rogue neo-nazi billionaire (sound familiar?) tries to influence US foreign policy (SOUND FAMILIAR?). *This is a spoilercast and every episode is full spoilers* In this edition, the Dudes dig deep into the crazy world of Tom Clancy, somehow stumble upon Qanon in a way we would never have predicted (and rapidly back away from that corner of the internet) and we dissect this aborted reboot of the Jack Ryan franchise that would be market-corrected by Jason Bourne - leading to an awkard dinner date between Affleck and Damon one must assume. Keywords: Jack Ryan, The Sum of All Fears, Tom Clancy, film analysis, cultural context, 9/11 impact, character development, video game adaptation, political commentary, spy thriller, Jack Ryan, political intrigue, military strategy, nuclear threats, character dynamics, film analysis, weapons realism, intelligence, crisis management, cinematic destruction, Midway, film comparisons, character insights, supporting roles, casting highlights, cultural references, military realism, humanizing moments, viewer reactions, spin-off ideas.
Zip that little pointer down to the letter 'D' for DUDES as we return to conclude Michael Mannuary 2026 with crime thriller Manhunter. The film that introduced us to Hannibal Lecter by way of Brian Cox, William Graham via William Petersen and an electrifying Francis Dollarhyde by Tom Noonan. The Dudes dissect another American Giallo adjacent movie featuring Dennis Farina, and get in deep with the weird and unsettling world of Tom Harris' underworld of cannibals and murderers. *This is a spoilercast and every episode is full spoilers* Also we ask what kind of videogame this would be. Manhunter, Michael Mann, crime thriller, Hannibal Lecter, Francis Dolarhyde, 1986 film, psychological thriller, film analysis, Thomas Harris, cinematic techniques, Manhunter, Francis Dollarhyde, serial killer, Michael Mann, film analysis, psychological thriller, character dynamics, cinematography, sound design, law enforcement tropes, Manhunter, Michael Mann, Hannibal Lecter, Brian Cox, film analysis, character study, realism in film, 80s cinema, psychological thriller
Season 2 kicks off with a thriller deep-dive into propulsive crime thriller from Michael Mann that sees Jamie Foxx's Max - a cabbie with big dreams - take a fare that changes the trajectory of his life, when Tom Cruise's Vincent - a hitman with 5 targets to kill in one night - gets into his cab. This is a spoilercast and every episode is full spoilers. Keywords Collateral, Tom Cruise, Jamie Foxx, film analysis, cinematography, character dynamics, morality, jazz, Los Angeles, action thriller, Max, Vincent, character analysis, film production, technology, communication, nightlife, FBI, cartel, moral dilemma, storytelling, climax, storytelling, filmmaking, casting, quotes, fate, production, weapons handling, soundtrack, Columbo, mundane moments, video game, missed opportunities, CIA
Your mission, should you choose to accept it is to listen to three espionage-pilled dudes dissect the 1996 Brian De Palma spy thriller Mission: Impossible. Tom Cruise births the franchise that would redefine action cinema as we know it - starring Jon Voight, Emmanuelle Béart, Jean Reno, Ving Rhames, Henry Czerny and Kristin Scott Thomas and Vanessa Redgrave! Stacked cast, big thrills - but a little bit goofier than we remember. Suitably, the dudes reflect on military procurement in Sauron's Mordor among other slightly more serious topics. Slightly. This is a spoilercast and every episode is full spoilers. Clear and Present Dudes will be taking a short hiatus over the festive period but THE DUDES WILL RETURN. Keywords: Mission Impossible, film analysis, Tom Cruise, Brian De Palma, spy genre, cinematic techniques, character dynamics, heist films, 1990s cinema, film legacy, Mission Impossible, Rogue Nation, heist, espionage, Tom Cruise, Ving Rhames, spycraft, film analysis, cinematic techniques, Danny Elfman, Mission Impossible, film analysis, character development, memorable quotes, soundtrack, trivia, technology in film, casting choices, CIA themes, audience reviews
"If he pulls a knife, you pull a gun! If he sends one of yours to the hospital, you send one of his to the morgue! That's the Chicago way!" This week the dudes are joined by real life (distant) relative of Al Capone, Jen Lounsbury! We unpack Brian De Palma's 1987 crime thriller classic The Untouchables starring Kevin Costner, Sean Connery, Robert De Niro and Andy Garcia. This is a spoilercast and every episode is full spoilers. Keywords: The Untouchables, Brian DePalma, Al Capone, crime film, Ennio Morricone, Sean Connery, 1980s cinema, film analysis, violence in film, character development, Untouchables, Oscar Wallace, Capone, law enforcement, morality, Canadian Mounties, 1930s, film analysis, character dynamics, cultural context, Untouchables, film analysis, violence in cinema, law enforcement, Sean Connery, character development, cinematic techniques, corruption, storytelling, historical context, The Untouchables, Battleship Potemkin, film analysis, courtroom drama, character study, cinematic references, legal system, Frank Nitti, Al Capone, movie themes, Untouchables, casting, film trivia, memorable quotes, historical accuracy, movie recommendations, Prohibition, Alcohol Culture, Military, Marketing, Film Characters, Storytelling, Missed Opportunities, Podcasting, Audience Engagement, Future Films
This week the Dudes dissect the crazy-busy crime caper Smokin' Aces (2006) directed by Joe Carnahan and starring Ryan Renyolds, Ray Liotta, Jeremy Piven, Chris Pine, Andy Garcia, Alicia Keys, Common... the list goes on! Saanje didn't watch the movie so it was up to Mike and Ruari to explain the plot and boy, did it take some doing. This is a spoilercast and each episode is full spoilers. Keywords: Smoking Aces, film review, character analysis, violence in cinema, dark humor, cinematic techniques, film direction, editing, pacing, movie discussion, Chicago, gunfight, Alicia Keys, sniper, love triangle, survival, betrayal, twists, sequel, Jarhead, Joseph Ruskin, film analysis, character dynamics, quotes, cinematic references, storytelling, missed opportunities, morality, trivia
REUPLOAD: Had to remove the movie trailer due to a copyright infringement . Another fast-food slick-ass Persian bazaar episode of Clear and Present Dudes! This week the dudes delve deep into Aaron Sorkin's feature debut - A Few Good Men, director Rob Reiner’s definitive military courtroom drama starring Tom Cruise, Demi Moore, Jack Nicholson, Kevin Bacon, Keifer Sutherland and Kevin Pollack. We discuss why the dastardly Colonel Jessup is talking about Gitmo like it's Western Front, and how this movie nearly had George Costanza in it! I'm afraid we spend a good deal of the run time quoting the movie, but at least it's very good dialogue. This is a spoilercast, there are spoilers for the whole movie from the start. Keywords: Thriller, courtroom drama, Aaron Sorkin, Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, military thriller, podcast.
SCOTTOBERFEST 2025! These DUDES are TRAIN DUDES! This week we conclude this year's SCOTTOBERFEST with his final movie, Unstoppable. Starring Denzel Washington and Chris Pine, this movie asks - what if a train GOT AWAY? and WHO could stop it? It's phenomenal. There are no spies in it. We discuss all matters train, such as the Tyne and Wear Metro Musical, and what the thing that goes between the cars is called. Keywords: Keywords Unstoppable, Tony Scott, Denzel Washington, Chris Pine, movie analysis, train disaster, action film, Tom Clancy, cinematic style, character development, Unstoppable, Denzel Washington, Chris Pine, action movie, train, Tony Scott, blue-collar heroes, film analysis, character development, cinematic tension, Tyne and Wear Metro Musical
SCOTTOBERFEST - Crimson Tide (1995) Dive stations, Dudes! In this episode, Mike, Ruari and Saanje plunge into the 1995 Tony Scott thriller Crimson Tide. They navigate the film’s torpedo-loaded themes of leadership under pressure , toxic command culture , and what happens when two men with nuclear launch keys start arguing about Clausewitz and Lipizzaner stallions . The hosts dissect the clash between Captain Ramsey (Gene Hackman) and Lt. Cdr. Hunter (Denzel Washington) — a philosophical showdown that’s equal parts “ethics seminar” and “angry dad energy.” They unpack how Crimson Tide turns a confined submarine into a boiling cauldron of pride, protocol, and passive aggression, all underscored by Hans Zimmer’s choir of doom . Expect a deep dive into the film’s behind-the-scenes madness (Quentin Tarantino’s dodgy punch-ups!, The US Navy saying “nah, we’re good!”), plus a breakdown of how Tony Scott turned flashing red lights and sweaty close-ups into something approaching high art. Along the way, the Dudes examine the psychology of command , the ethics of military obedience and why it doesn't matter who the best Silver Surfer is. Just when things get too heavy, it’s time for “You Don’t Know Jack” — the trivia game that pits Ruari and Saanje against each other in a battle of Baldwin confusion. Can they tell whether the quote came from Jack Ryan (Tom Clancy’s all-American analyst) or Jack Donaghy (30 Rock’s suit-clad philosopher of capitalism)? Subscribe, review, and remember: we’re here to preserve democracy, not to practice it. 🎖️ Next week on Clear and Present Dudes : Tony Scottoberfest continues with 2010's Unstoppable. Keywords: Crimson Tide, Gene Hackman, tribute, Denzel Washington, movie analysis, Tony Scott filmography, submarine thriller breakdown, military leadership lessons, U.S. Navy realism, nuclear launch protocol explained, Hans Zimmer score, Quentin Tarantino uncredited rewrite, You Don’t Know Jack game, Jack Ryan vs Jack Donaghy, Tom Clancy universe, Clear and Present Dudes podcast, best 90s action movies, mutiny in movies, Cold War thrillers, leadership under pressure, movie podcast UK, film analysis comedy podcast.
