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What if you could step into the mind of David Chase and uncover the origins of The Sopranos? Join us on the Oh Brother Podcast as we dissect the new documentary "Wise Guy: David Chase and the Sopranos," directed by Alex Gibney and now streaming on Max. We explore how this two-part series, originally envisioned as a feature film, captures Chase's journey and the show's creation. You'll discover how the documentary's unique set design mirrors Dr. Melfi's office and how "The Sopranos" found renewed life during the COVID-19 quarantine, largely thanks to the "Talking Sopranos" podcast by Michael Imperioli and Steve Schirripa.

We then shift gears to discuss James Gandolfini's legacy, particularly through the lens of the Coen Brothers' film "The Man Who Wasn't There." Mistakes and corrections aside, we dive into Gandolfini's illustrious career and the fascinating casting choices that could have altered "The Sopranos" as we know it. Hear about Steve Van Zandt's near-casting as Tony Soprano, Lorraine Bracco's pivotal decision to play Dr. Melfi, and the technological hurdles faced after Nancy Marchand's untimely passing. The discussion also highlights the immense pressure Chase faced to maintain the show's success, fostering a tight-knit, trusting environment with his creative team.

Finally, we delve into the complexity of Carmela Soprano and examine the tragic death of James Gandolfini. We reflect on the emotional weight of Gandolfini's role, his personal struggles, and the impact of his untimely passing on both the cast and the show. The documentary's innovative style is also a topic of interest, mirroring Tony Soprano's iconic drive while offering insights into David Chase's influences from classic filmmakers. We ponder the controversial ending of "The Sopranos" and speculate on what might have been if Gandolfini were still with us. Tune in for a richer, deeper appreciation of one of television's most groundbreaking series.

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How do you make sense of the bizarre yet captivating world of Yorgos Lanthimos? That's what my brother Mike and I aimed to uncover in our latest Oh Brother Podcast episode. We kicked things off by wrestling with the perplexing narrative and stylistic choices in "Kinds of Kindness." While I couldn't get past the dissonant music and stilted dialogue, Mike helped me see the method in the madness by connecting it to Lanthimos's other works like "Poor Things" and "The Lobster." We also chatted about the stellar performances from Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons, and how they navigate the unsettling territory typical of Lanthimos's films.

From there, our conversation veered into the realm of shocking and artistic filmmaking, especially within a trilogy of films that left us both disturbed and intrigued. Themes of control, dependence, and sexual perversion took center stage, with unforgettable performances by Willem Dafoe, Jesse Plemons, and Emma Stone. We couldn't help but compare these avant-garde movies to classics like "Eyes Wide Shut" and "Sex, Lies, and Videotape," ultimately finding a new appreciation for Lanthimos's nuanced storytelling, even if the explicit content continued to spark debate between us.

To lighten the mood, we reminisced about a hilarious Saturday Night Live skit featuring Sean Hayes, Jimmy Fallon, and Will Ferrell. This set us off on a tangent about the role of absurdity and realism in film. We marveled at how dark material can unexpectedly be punctuated with humor, thanks to performances by actors like Jesse Plemons and Emma Stone. Wrapping up the episode, we gave a heartfelt shout-out to our loyal supporters, especially our friends from the Rexer Show. We raised our "Oh Brother" mugs in gratitude and shared our excitement for future episodes. Join us for an engaging discussion filled with film analysis, humor, and a dash of absurdity!

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Ready to discover whether "Deadpool and Wolverine" lives up to the hype? Join us as we navigate the film's journey from development to box office triumph, uncovering the behind-the-scenes magic crafted by director Sean Levy and the dynamic performances of Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman. We promise you'll gain a fresh perspective on how watching all the X-Men films prior added depth to our viewing experience, and you'll hear our candid take on the movie’s ratings on Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb.

Tune in for a lively discussion filled with contrasting opinions and thoughtful critiques. We'll share our thoughts on the film's humor, action, and visual effects while debating its heavy reliance on the multiverse concept. Compare its reception to "Furiosa" and explore whether financial success truly equates to quality. Plus, don't miss our take on Wolverine's iconic yellow outfit and the chemistry between Reynolds and Jackman, as we dissect what worked—and what didn't—in this much-anticipated film.

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What if a film could captivate with its visual brilliance yet stumble at the box office? Join us on the Oh Brother Podcast as we tackle the enigma that is "Furiosa." We start with a heated exchange where I, Dan, reveal my surprise delight in the film, only to be met with Mike's sharp critique of its focus on Furiosa's early years. This spirited debate takes us through the annals of the "Mad Max" series, sparking comparisons to the iconic "Fury Road," and leaving us puzzled over why a film so loved by audiences floundered commercially.

Next, we spotlight the film's standout performances and dazzling visual effects. Chris Hemworth's omnipresence in Hollywood comes under our microscope, and we debate whether his ubiquity is a double-edged sword. We dissect the balance of practical effects and CGI, marveling at the craftsmanship reminiscent of "Fury Road." Our discussion delves into the use of prosthetics and different actors for the same character, questioning the continuity and believability that these choices bring to the film's storytelling.

As we wrap up, we turn our focus to "Furiosa's" financial woes. From budget constraints to marketing missteps, we unravel the complex web of reasons behind its lackluster box office performance. Comparing it to unexpected hits like "Deadpool," we ponder the impact of casting choices and audience expectations shaped by Furiosa's backstory and Hemworth's performance. We conclude with a heartfelt invitation for our listeners to share their theories on this puzzling performance, underscoring our genuine curiosity and eagerness to hear diverse perspectives.

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What if one of Hollywood's biggest stars has never received the recognition he truly deserves? In this episode, we journey through Tom Cruise's remarkable career, starting with his humble beginnings and early struggles, including his battles with dyslexia and turbulent family life. We promise an in-depth look at his rise to stardom, his breakthrough roles in "Endless Love" and "Taps," and the pivotal moments that defined his path in the film industry. From tales of perseverance to his impressive filmography, this conversation unveils the man behind the movies.

During our discussion, we fondly remember our own home video parody of "Rain Man," a testament to our lifelong admiration for Cruise's work. We'll explore his collaborations with Hollywood legends like Scorsese and Spielberg, his ability to bring complex characters to life, and how films like "Top Gun," "The Color of Money," and "Rain Man" left an indelible mark on cinema. Our chat also takes a candid look at Cruise's public controversies, his unwavering dedication to film, and the high-stakes moments that shaped his career, including his intense commitment to the "Mission: Impossible" series.

Join us as we tackle the more controversial aspects of Tom Cruise's life, such as his outspoken views on mental health and his association with Scientology. We also discuss his highly publicized relationships and the infamous incidents with Matt Lauer and Oprah. Through all the highs and lows, we celebrate Cruise's enduring legacy, culminating in his recent triumph with "Top Gun: Maverick." This episode is a heartfelt tribute to a Hollywood icon and an invitation for you to share your thoughts on why Tom Cruise truly deserves an Oscar.

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What if the future of journalism lay in the heart of a dystopian war zone? In this gripping episode of the Oh Brother Podcast, Dan and Mike Smith dissect Alex Garland's latest cinematic marvel, "Civil War," a film that ventures into the chaos of a speculative civil conflict. With Kirsten Dunst leading a crew of intrepid photojournalists and Nick Offerman portraying a controversial president, Garland's direction plunges us directly into the turmoil without extensive exposition, sparking intense dialogue about our societal trajectory.

The discussion heats up as we explore the film's storytelling techniques and character portrayals. Kirsten Dunst delivers a compelling performance, while Wagner Moura and Jesse Plemons shine in their roles. Despite some mixed feelings about Offerman's casting and the film's conclusion, the brothers appreciate the unique decision to shoot scenes chronologically, which added depth to the actors' performances. The film's resonance with contemporary socio-political climates and its portrayal of journalistic integrity becomes a central theme of their conversation.

We also take a nostalgic detour through Bruce Springsteen's "Devils & Dust" tour, drawing parallels to the film's evocative cinematography and Garland's previous works like "Ex Machina." The brothers share their thoughts on Garland's signature style and their anticipation for his upcoming "28 Years Later" trilogy. Despite differing opinions on the film's narrative structure, Dan and Mike encourage listeners to experience "Civil War" and engage in this cinematic discussion. Share your thoughts; let's see where you stand in the heat of this cinematic civil war!

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Remember the excitement and controversy of 1989 when Michael Keaton was cast as Batman? We sure do, and in this episode, we're taking you back to that pivotal year in film history. From the uproar over Keaton's casting to the iconic trailer that won fans' hearts, we share personal memories of opening night and the cultural buzz that surrounded this groundbreaking film. You'll also hear about the evolution of movie marketing and how it has changed since then. Plus, we'll dive into the various home video releases, including a stunning 4K restoration, as we celebrate the 35th anniversary of Tim Burton's visionary take on the Dark Knight.

Ever wondered how Michael Keaton managed in that cumbersome Batman costume or how Jack Nicholson negotiated an unprecedented financial deal for his role as the Joker? This episode reveals those behind-the-scenes stories and more. We talk about the casting changes involving Kim Basinger and Sean Young, and the humor that added a unique charm to the film without tipping into campiness. You'll also hear our take on the memorable performances, from Keaton to Nicholson, and even a comparison between Nicholson's Joker and Heath Ledger's darker portrayal. Danny Elfman's iconic score and the fascinating blend of his compositions with Prince's tracks get their fair share of attention too.

As we prepare to celebrate our fifth year of podcasting, we reflect on Batman 1989's lasting impact and its iconic scenes. From Jack Nicholson's unforgettable moments to Kim Basinger's grounding presence as Vicki Vale, we discuss why the film stood strong on its own without needing a sequel. Although we lament missed opportunities with characters like Billy Dee Williams' Harvey Dent, we fondly recall the film's release and its significance over the past 35 years. Join us for a trip down memory lane as we add this engaging discussion to the Oh Brother podcast vaults.

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Ever wondered what happened behind the scenes of Beverly Hills Cop's latest film? Join us on the Oh Brother Podcast as we unwrap the decades-long journey and the hurdles Eddie Murphy faced to bring Axel Foley back to life. Discover how the fourth installment of this iconic franchise overcame a development purgatory spanning since the 90s, and how Eddie Murphy aims to redeem the series after the third film's fiasco. You’ll get an exclusive peek at the Netflix release and witness the directorial debut of Mark Malloy, alongside the return of familiar faces like Judge Reinhold, John Ashton, Paul Reiser, and Bronson Pinchot, plus the fresh energy brought by Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Kevin Bacon. We also chat about the film's reception, its place on Netflix's trending list, and ponder over a potential fifth installment.

Is bringing in Axel Foley's estranged daughter a stroke of genius or a narrative misstep? Our discussion dives deep into the new dynamics, debating the chemistry between characters old and new. We ponder whether Judge Reinhold's Rosewood got the screen time he deserved and how the presence of Gordon-Levitt and Bacon impacted the film. From nostalgic soundtracks to classic humor, we dissect the elements that made some of us cheer and others groan. Whether you're a die-hard Beverly Hills Cop fan or a newcomer, our balanced insights and lively debates will give you plenty to think about. Tune in and decide if this latest trip to Beverly Hills is worth your time!

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