Matinee Heroes

ALIEN NATION In Los Angeles, three years after an alien ship comes to Earth, humans and extraterrestrial newcomers live side by side in a city divided by fear, prejudice, and violence. When a human police detective is assigned a newcomer partner, they must learn to work together while investigating a dangerous drug ring spreading through the alien community. As the case deepens, their uneasy partnership becomes the key to exposing a larger threat. Craig, Elisabeth and Alan talk about concepts vs execution, physical media, sour milk addiction and the movie “Alien Nation” on this week’s Matinee Heroes! Show Notes 1:10 Craig, Elisabeth and Alan talk about this year's Comicpalooza. 16:46 Craig, Elisabeth and Alan discuss "Alien Nation." 45:10 Recasting 54:42 Double Feature 58:55 Final Thoughts 1:08:48 A preview of next week's episode "Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves." Next week, medieval May starts with the vastly underrated "Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves."

STARMAN An alien answers a NASA message and comes to Earth in peace, but his ship is shot down by the military. Stranded, he takes the form of a dead man and forces the man’s widow to drive him to Arizona so he can meet a rescue ship. As the government hunts them down, the two form an unexpected bond. Craig, Elisabeth and guest Steve and Izzy talk about aliens on earth, road trips, Ape-ril and the movie “Starman” on this week’s Matinee Heroes! Show Notes 0:51 Craig, Elisabeth and Steve & Izzy talk deer and Ape-ril. 15:35 Craig, Elisabeth and Steve & Izzy discuss "Starman." 54:45 Recasting 1:20:37 Double Feature 1:28:59 Final Thoughts 1:39:25 A preview of next week's episode "Alien Nation." Next week, Alien April ends with the cult classic "Alien Nation."

MEN IN BLACK A smart-mouthed New York cop discovers that aliens are secretly living on Earth and gets recruited into a hidden agency that keeps them under control. Paired with a stone-faced veteran, he must stop a deadly alien invader searching for a powerful object that could spark an intergalactic crisis. As he adjusts to a bizarre new world of disguises, weapons, and cosmic secrets, his first day on the job turns into a fight to save the planet. Craig, Elisabeth and guest Tami Anderson talk about immigration, galactic pugs, neurolyser damage and the movie “Men in Black” on this week’s Matinee Heroes! Show Notes 0:58 Craig, Elisabeth and Tami Anderson talk alien encounters but with human beings. 7:28 Craig, Elisabeth and Tami discuss "Men in Black." 52:12 Recasting 1:12:59 Double Feature 1:19:14 Final Thoughts 1:24:19 A preview of next week's episode "Starman." Next week, Alien April continues with the low-key adventure "Starman."

Dane DeLiegro did not exactly take the usual road to Hollywood, and that is what made this live conversation at the 2024 Origins Game Fair in Columbus, Ohio so entertaining. Before becoming the Predator in Prey, he played pro basketball in Europe, spent years apprenticing under a legendary Tuscan butcher, and nearly ended up in the culinary world instead of the film business. By the time he started describing what it took to bring the Predator to life, it was clear this was not your standard actor origin story. Before acting, DeLiegro spent years playing professional basketball in Europe and living in Tuscany during the off-seasons, where he apprenticed under famed butcher Dario Cecchini and learned traditional Tuscan butchery. His path into movies started almost by accident when a stand-in job on Free Guy led people on set to realize his size and physicality made him a natural fit for creature acting. DeLiegro detailed the intense physical demands of playing the Predator in Prey, including mime school, martial arts and parkour training, major weight loss, and performing scenes with extremely limited vision inside the suit. “Every morning you wake up and it’s a little Predator surprise party, remembering that you’re the Predator.” - Dane DiLiegro Want more exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes stories from the people who bring your favorite characters to life? Subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on your favorite podcasting platform for more behind-the-scenes stories and exclusive interviews.

PAUL For the past 60 years, a wisecracking alien named Paul has been held at a top-secret military base in America’s UFO heartland. When he decides he’s had enough of Earth, he escapes and jumps into the first vehicle he finds, a rented RV driven by two British sci-fi geeks, Graeme and Clive. With federal agents and an angry father chasing them, the two come up with a wild plan to help Paul get back to his spaceship. Craig, Elisabeth and guest Paul Hitchcock talk about sincerity in comedy, Elisabeth’s starring role, Comic Con fatigue and the movie “Paul” on this week’s Matinee Heroes. Show Notes 1:15 Craig, Elisabeth and Paul Hitchcock talk alien encounters. 5:44 Craig, Elisabeth and Paul discuss "Paul." 54:14 Recasting 1:20:59 Double Feature 1:27:21 Final Thoughts 1:37:01 A preview of next week's episode "Men in Black." Next week, Alien April continues with the blockbuster "Men in Black."

THE LONG GOODBYE Private detective Philip Marlowe gives his friend Terry Lennox a ride to Mexico. But when Marlowe gets back to Los Angeles, he is pulled into the investigation of Terry’s wife’s death. Then comes word that Terry has died by suicide in Mexico but Marlowe isn’t buying it. As he starts chasing the truth, he takes on a new case from a woman who has a surprising connection to Terry’s past. Craig, Elisabeth and Alan talk about Robert Altman’s disjointed style, candle cults, the Oscars and the movie “The Long Goodbye” on this week’s Matinee Heroes! Show Notes 1:29 Craig, Elisabeth and Alan talk about the 2026 Oscars. 11:48 Craig, Elisabeth and Alan discuss "The Long Goodbye." 34:38 Recasting 54:23 Double Feature 59:54 Final Thoughts 1:06:43 A preview of next week's episode "Paul." Next week, Alien April kicks off with Elisabeth's feature film debut "Paul."

REAR WINDOW Confined to his apartment with a broken leg, a newspaper photographer passes the time by watching the lives unfolding outside his window. But what starts as idle curiosity turns into something far more dangerous when he becomes convinced he has witnessed a murder. With help from his nurse and the woman he loves, he sets out to prove it, before the suspected killer realizes he is watching. Craig, Elisabeth and Movies that Make Us cohost Tracy Mangum talk about Voyeurism, BDE, Boysenberries and the movie “Rear Window” on this week’s Matinee Heroes! Show Notes 1:22 Craig, Elisabeth and Tracy Mangum talk a recent trip to Knott's Berry Farm. 13:20 Craig, Elisabeth and Tracy discuss "Rear Window." 52:42 Recasting 1:12:52 Double Feature 1:17:31 Final Thoughts 1:21:17 A preview of next week's episode "The Long Goodbye." Next week, Mystery March ends with an Altman take on a classic character in "The Long Goodbye."

CHINATOWN A Los Angeles private detective thinks he is handling a routine infidelity case, until he meets the man’s real wife and realizes he was hired by an impostor. When the husband turns up dead, the case pulls him into a web of corruption, deception, and disturbing family secrets, with the wife’s powerful father at the center of it all. Craig, Elisabeth and guest Jeff Penn from Deep Cuts the game talk about private investigators, Canadian utopias, LA in the 30s and the movie “Chinatown” on this week’s Matinee Heroes! Show Notes 1:13 Craig, Elisabeth and Jeff Penn talk about Jeff's podcast Deep Cuts: The Game. 8:56 Craig, Elisabeth and Jeff discuss "Chinatown." 1:00:37 Recasting 1:20:14 Double Feature 1:25:25 Final Thoughts 1:33:45 A preview of next week's episode "Rear Window." Next week, Mystery March continues with the classic Hitchcock tale "Rear Window."

THE THIRD MAN Holly Martins, a writer of pulp Westerns, arrives broke to visit his childhood friend Harry Lime, only to discover that Harry is dead. Suspicious circumstances surrounding the death, including reports of a mysterious third man at the scene, pull Holly into a growing conspiracy. As he digs deeper, he faces resistance from a British officer and falls hard for Harry’s grieving lover, Anna. Craig, Elisabeth and guest Derek McCaw talk about black markets, inept protagonists, Horror Not Hate and the movie “The Third Man” on this week’s Matinee Heroes! Show Notes 1:04 Craig, Elisabeth and Derek McCaw talk the crowdfunding of Horror Not Hate and introduce Mystery March. 10:55 Craig, Elisabeth and Derek discuss "The Third Man." 57:30 Recasting 1:13:08 Double Feature 1:18:12 Final Thoughts 1:22:16 A preview of next week's episode "Chinatown." Next week, Mystery March continues with the classic neo-noir "Chinatown."

Kevin Conroy was not just the voice of Batman to a generation of fans. He was the voice. In this live conversation from the San Francisco Comic Con in 2018, he pulls back the curtain on how he landed the role, why his classical theater training made him the perfect Dark Knight, and how the emotional core of Batman shaped every performance he gave. Kevin Conroy explains how his classical theater training and deep understanding of Batman’s trauma helped him create a version of the character that felt real, grounded, and timeless. Conroy shares memorable Juilliard stories, including living with Robin Williams, which reveals both the humor and the serious craft behind great performance. He also discusses the creative chemistry between Batman and the Joker, especially his collaboration with Mark Hamill, and how strong scene partners helped elevate the animated series into something truly special. “I am vengeance. I am the night. I am Batman.” - Kevin Conroy Want more exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes stories from the people who bring your favorite characters to life? Subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on your favorite podcasting platform for more behind-the-scenes stories and exclusive interviews.

DO THE RIGHT THING Sal Fragione owns a pizzeria in Brooklyn, where the Wall of Fame features only Italian celebrities. A neighborhood local, Buggin’ Out, argues that a business in a Black neighborhood should also honor Black icons, but Sal refuses. The wall becomes a symbol of exclusion, and as more people take sides, tensions escalate. Craig and Elizabeth talk about racial tensions, boom box culture, the Winter Olympics and the movie “Do the Right Thing” on this week’s Matinee Heroes! Show Notes 1:15 Craig and Elisabeth talk about the Winter Olympics and the smell of death. Not in that order. 16:05 Craig and Elisabeth discuss "Do the Right Thing." 1:05:42 Recasting 1:26:44 Double Feature 1:28:32 Final Thoughts 1:32:55 A preview of next week's episode "The Third Man." Next week, Mystery March kicks off with the all-time classic "The Third Man."

TIGHTROPE A New Orleans detective hunts a brutal sex killer stalking the French Quarter, but the case forces him to face the darkest side of his own personality. His Jekyll-and-Hyde inner conflict grows more intense when he falls for the psychologist assigned to help catch the killer. Craig and Elisabeth discuss awkward sex thrillers, New Orleans, directors with porn names and the movie “Tight Rope” on this week’s Matinee Heroes! Show Notes 0:57 Craig and Elisabeth talk about their visits to New Orleans. 12:06 Craig and Elisabeth discuss "Tightrope." 42:41 Recasting 50:07 Double Feature 1:00:04 Final Thoughts 1:02:49 A preview of next week's episode "Tightrope." Next week, we celebrate Black History Month with "Do the Right Thing."

ALL THE PRESIDENT'S MEN Two rookie reporters and rivals at The Washington Post investigate the botched 1972 break-in at the Democratic Party’s headquarters in the Watergate complex. With help from a shadowy source known as Deep Throat, they connect the burglars to the White House and keep digging despite mounting pressure and threats. Following the money, they uncover a conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of power. Craig, Elisabeth and guest Annie Bulloch talk about the current state of journalism, widespread corruption, president’s Day and the movie “All the President’s Men” on this week’s Matinee Heroes. Show Notes 0:55 Craig, Elisabeth and guest Annie Bulloch talk (reluctantly) about their favorite presidents. 8:11 Craig, Elisabeth and Annie discuss "All The President's Men". 51:11 Recasting 1:14:25 Double Feature 1:20:11 Final Thoughts 1:25:17 A preview of next week's episode "Tightrope." Next week, we celebrate Mardi Gras with the New Orleans based "Tightrope."

LEGENDS OF THE FALL In early 20th-century Montana, Colonel William Ludlow lives on a ranch with his three sons: Tristan, Alfred, and Samuel. Their unconventional but tightly bonded life is shattered when Samuel is killed in World War I. Tristan and Alfred make it home, but the damage does not stop there. Soon after returning, both brothers fall for Samuel’s fiancée, Susannah, and their growing rivalry starts tearing the family apart. Craig, Elisabeth and guest Brendan Agnew talk about love triangles, Bart the Bear, snow in Oklahoma and movie “Legends of the Fall” on Elisabeth’s Matinee Birthday. Show Notes 1:20 Craig, Elisabeth and guest Brendan Agnew talk cold weather across the country. 11:36 Craig, Elisabeth and Brendan discuss "The Sound of Music". 58:46 Recasting 1:21:39 Double Feature 1:26:52 Final Thoughts 1:32:33 A preview of next week's episode "All the President's Men" Next week, we celebrate President's Day with "All the President's Men."

Some panels feel like a press junket with polite clapping. This panel, recorded at FanX Salt Lake in 2017, feels like a family reunion where the relatives happen to be movie icons. From the jump, the room lands on the perfect vibe: not “you were in my childhood,” but “we grew up together,” like distant cousins swapping stories you already love hearing. John talks about playing Brian Wilson and how meaningful it was to feel like they did right by him. He also shares a great detail about working alongside Paul Dano: they did not compare notes, but both found their way in through the Smile Sessions box set. Joan shares an early set memory: she starts as an extra, gets upgraded to a line, and is told to go buy an outfit. She winds up in purple corduroy pants while processing that this is somehow her life now. John tells a story about someone on Twitter posting “cast Joan Cusack more,” and his reaction is basically “correct.” The moment turns into a mini rally, and honestly, the internet should do more of that. "All I did was look for dignity. It was a constant search for dignity." - Joan Cusack Want more exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes stories from the people who bring your favorite characters to life? Subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on your favorite podcasting platform for more behind-the-scenes stories and exclusive interviews.

THE SOUND OF MUSIC Maria is a spirited, tomboyish young woman training at an Austrian abbey, and she’s sent out to work as governess for the seven children of a widowed naval captain. In the captain’s strict, quiet household, she shakes things up with warmth, playfulness, and music, gradually bringing the family back to life and forging an unexpected bond with their guarded father. Craig and Elisabeth wrap up F#@K Nazis month by talking about what’s happening in America right now, living with 8 kids, taking principled stands and the movie “The Sound of Music” on this week’s Matinee Heroes!! Show Notes 1:12 Craig and Elisabeth talk about the sad state of affairs in America. 13:42 Craig and Elisabeth discuss "The Sound of Music". 47:31 Recasting 59:05 Double Feature 1:04:29 Final Thoughts 1:07:47 A preview of next week's episode "Legends of the Fall." Next week, we celebrate Elisabeth's birthday with one of her favorite movies "Legends of the Fall".

SISU During the last days of World War II, a solitary prospector crosses paths with Nazis on a scorched-earth retreat in northern Finland. When the soldiers decide to steal his gold, they quickly discover they just tangled with no ordinary miner. Craig, Elisabeth and Cary Gordon discuss revenge fantasies, adaptable anti-heroes, heavy metal cruises and the movie “Sisu” on this week’s Matinee Heroes! Show Notes 0:47 Craig, Elisabeth and guest Cary Gordon talk about heavy metal cruising. 7:01 Craig, Elisabeth and Cary discuss "Sisu". 28:05 Recasting 46:10 Double Feature 50:05 Final Thoughts 56:11 A preview of next week's episode "The Sound of Music." F#@K Nazis month end with a song or two with "The Sound of Music".

JUDGEMENT AT NUREMBERG Judge Dan Haywood presides over the trial of four German judges accused of collaborating with the Nazi regime by sentencing innocent men to death during World War II. As testimony unfolds, the visiting Americans and their wary German hosts are forced to confront what the war did to their countries, and the lasting moral damage it left behind. Craig, Elisabeth and guest Valerie Cameron talk about society’s role in atrocities, fighting fascism at home, the film sports nerd Venn diagram and the movie “Judgement at Nuremburg” on this week’s Matinee Heroes. Show Notes 0:59 Craig, Elisabeth and guest Valerie Cameron (https://www.whattoseewithval.com/) talk about her latest musings and postings. 8:32 Craig, Elisabeth and Adam discuss "Marathon Man". 1:03:29 Recasting 1:29:34 Double Feature 1:33:54 Final Thoughts 1:36:58 A preview of next week's episode "Sisu." F#@K Nazis month continues with a movie that is just pure revenge "Sisu."

MARATHON MAN A Columbia grad student and committed long-distance runner has no clue his older brother is a government agent hunting a Nazi war criminal, until that brother is murdered and he’s yanked into a vicious web of stolen gems and sadistic killers. Even his girlfriend starts to look like she might be hiding something, and in a hurry, everything he believed about his life gets turned inside out. Craig, Elisabeth and guest Adam Marcus talk about paranoia thrillers, never underestimate an old Nazi, nut butter and the movie “Marathon Man” on this week’s Matinee Heroes! Show Notes 1:14 Craig, Elisabeth and guest Adam Marcus talk about Adam's documentary Heart of Darkness: The making of "The Final Friday". 15:54 Craig, Elisabeth and Adam discuss "Marathon Man". 1:15:30 Recasting 1:45:49 Double Feature 1:48:51 Final Thoughts 1:55:13 A preview of next week's episode "Judgement at Nuremberg." F#@K Nazis month continues with a movie that explains how a society allows Nazis in "Judgement at Nuremberg."

Recorded live in Utah after a two year wait, this CONversation with Craig drops you straight into a packed room with Christopher Eccleston and an audience ready to sprint into Doctor Who territory at full speed. Craig kicks things off by digging into Christopher’s take on Fagin in Dodger, including how you approach an iconic role that comes with real baggage. From there it turns into a smart, funny, occasionally sharp Q&A about stepping back into the Ninth Doctor with Big Finish, what it was like recording in isolation during COVID, and why the Doctor’s loneliness is not a side note, it is the engine. Chris describes the character in a way that keeps the charm and the danger intact, calling him “a kind of a Robin Hood figure,” but still someone with “a slightly dodgy, no pun intended, moral compass.” He also connects that damage to the Ninth Doctor, which is a neat little bridge between Dickens and the TARDIS. He talks about recording during COVID with only a sound engineer, how quickly the character came back, and how audio acting has its own rules. You cannot rely on sprinting down corridors or flailing your arms like a windmill. There is a great exchange about villains and what actually terrifies people. Eccleston points out how one story was designed with adults in mind. “Oh, he’s falling through time. He’s alone as we all are...really. He’s alone.” - Christopher Eccleston Want more exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes stories from the people who bring your favorite characters to life? Subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on your favorite podcasting platform for more behind-the-scenes stories and exclusive interviews.