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Houselights: A Film Director Podcast

Media & Entertainment Podcasts

The show started with revisiting all of David Fincher's directorial works but we just had to keep going. Listen week by week, film by flim, as we review every movie from our favorite directors.

Location:

United States

Description:

The show started with revisiting all of David Fincher's directorial works but we just had to keep going. Listen week by week, film by flim, as we review every movie from our favorite directors.

Language:

English


Episodes

House of Zwick - 173 - Pawn Sacrifice

3/21/2024
​Pawn Sacrifice raises questions about obsession, genius, and the sacrifices made in pursuit of excellence. Whether you’re a chess enthusiast or a curious filmgoer, this movie offers a glimpse into a battle that transcended the chessboard—a battle of ideologies during a tumultuous era.

Duration:00:49:56

House of Zwick - 172 - The Last Samurai

3/14/2024
Set against the backdrop of Japan’s Meiji Restoration, the film follows the journey of Captain Nathan Algren (played brilliantly by Tom Cruise), a disillusioned American Civil War veteran. Algren is hired by the Japanese government to train their newly formed army in Western warfare techniques. However, fate leads him to the samurai, a group fiercely resisting modernization.

Duration:00:57:00

House of Zwick - 171 - The Siege

3/7/2024
“The Siege” goes beyond mere action-thriller territory. It delves into the political and human costs of terrorism and our collective response to it. The film raises thought-provoking questions about civil liberties, prejudice, and the impact of terrorism on society. By doing so, it elevates itself beyond the typical genre fare.

Duration:00:58:13

House of Zwick - 170 - Glory

2/29/2024
“Glory”, directed by Edward Zwick, is a powerful and poignant historical war drama that chronicles the remarkable story of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, one of the Union Army’s earliest African-American regiments during the American Civil War. The film portrays their courage, heroism, and sacrifice as they face both Confederate forces and racial prejudice within their own ranks. Denzel Washington’s Oscar-winning performance and exceptional cinematography make “Glory” a must-see tribute to the resilience and determination of these soldiers.

Duration:00:55:24

House of Scott - 169 - Unstoppable

2/22/2024
Tony Scott was a master of kinetic cinema. His need-for-speed tendency permeates every frame of “Unstoppable”. Even in his final film, Scott’s craftsmanship shines. He didn’t go out with a whimper; he left us with a thunderous roar—a testament to his impact on action filmmaking.

Duration:00:54:19

House of Scott - 168 - Déjà Vu

2/15/2024
Déjà Vu is a rollercoaster of suspense, romance, and time-bending intrigue. If you’re up for a mind-bending ride, buckle in and prepare for déjà vu like never before.

Duration:00:47:23

House of Scott - 167 - Man on Fire

2/8/2024
Tony Scott’s vision transformed a familiar revenge tale into a visceral experience. The film’s stylized visuals, pulsating soundtrack by Harry Gregson-Williams, and Washington’s magnetic presence linger in our minds. “Man on Fire” remains a testament to the power of redemption and the lengths one will go to protect what matters most.

Duration:00:51:47

House of Scott - 166 - Crimson Tide

2/1/2024
Roger Ebert praised the movie for its intelligent dramatization of the choices, dangers, and duties of nuclear warfare. The movie’s screenplay is credited to Michael Schiffer, but the punchy dialogue has Quentin Tarantino written all over it. The movie’s taut, high-energy thrills and some cracking dialogue courtesy of an uncredited Quentin Tarantino make it a must-watch.

Duration:00:55:25

House of Scott - 165 - True Romance

1/26/2024
Tony Scott's "True Romance" is a wild and unpredictable ride through the underbelly of crime and passion, delivering a unique blend of violence, humor, and heart. Released in 1993, the film boasts a stellar ensemble cast, a distinctive screenplay by Quentin Tarantino, and Tony Scott's signature visual flair.

Duration:00:53:26

House of Scott - 164 - The Last Boy Scout

1/18/2024
"The Last Boy Scout" is a movie that has its moments but ultimately falls short of its potential due to its formulaic plot, one-dimensional characters, and problematic portrayal of women. However, the movie's witty dialogue, entertaining performances, and memorable soundtrack make it worth watching for fans of the genre.

Duration:00:50:03

House of Scott - 163 - Beverly Hills Cop II

1/12/2024
"Beverly Hills Cop II" is a mixed bag of nostalgia and action, with Eddie Murphy's charm and Tony Scott's directorial finesse elevating the viewing experience. Tune in as we break down the highs and lows of this '80s classic. Whether you're a die-hard fan or revisiting Axel Foley's adventures, this episode is sure to spark some lively discussions about the golden era of action-comedy films.

Duration:00:59:11

Happy New Year!

1/5/2024
Here is a short message of thanks and a preview of what is to come in 2024.

Duration:00:01:16

House of Cuarón - 162 - Gravity

12/28/2023
Alfonso Cuarón's meticulous attention to detail is evident from the film's opening moments, where viewers are thrust into the vastness of space alongside Sandra Bullock's character, Dr. Ryan Stone. The seamless integration of cutting-edge visual effects, breathtaking cinematography, and a riveting narrative creates an atmosphere that is as tense as it is awe-inspiring.

Duration:00:54:14

House of Cuarón - 161 - Chrildren of Men

12/21/2023
Through his use of long takes, commitment to authenticity, and focus on character-driven narratives, Alfonso Cuarón elevates "Children of Men" from a dystopian thriller to a cinematic work of art. The film remains as relevant and impactful as ever. Its exploration of the fragility of human existence, coupled with its striking visuals and powerful performances, ensures that the film's message transcends time. In a world grappling with its own set of challenges, the themes presented in "Children of Men" continue to resonate and invite introspection.

Duration:01:52:52

House of Cuarón - 160 - Prisoner of Azkaban

12/14/2023
"Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" stands out not only as a fantastic installment in the wizarding saga but also as a testament to Alfonso Cuarón's directorial prowess. The film successfully strikes a balance between the magical whimsy of the wizarding world and the darker, more complex themes that underpin the narrative. With its captivating performances, stunning visuals, and emotional depth, this installment cements its place within the enchanting universe of Harry Potter.

Duration:01:04:01

House of Cuarón - 159 - Great Expectations

12/1/2023
Alfonso Cuarón's "Great Expectations" triumphs on multiple fronts – visually arresting, emotionally engaging, and a faithful adaptation of Dickens' literary classic. This film is a testament to Cuarón's prowess as a director and storyteller, making it a must-watch for cinephiles and fans of classic literature.

Duration:01:25:45

House of Cuarón - 158 - A Little Princess

11/23/2023
Alfonso Cuarón's "A Little Princess" is a visual delight with emotional resonance, but it's not without its share of drawbacks. The film's acting and occasional pacing issues may leave some viewers with mixed feelings. Nevertheless, it remains a testament to Cuarón's ability to craft visually striking tales and bring classic literature to life on the big screen. Whether the film ultimately charms or leaves you wanting more is likely to depend on your willingness to overlook its shortcomings in favor of its cinematic enchantment.

Duration:00:42:54

House of Selick - 157 - Wendell and Wild

11/16/2023
Wendell and Wild" feels like a missed opportunity for the talented individuals involved. With a weak storyline, uninspiring animation, and a lack of the wit that audiences have come to expect from Selick and Peele, this film falls short of its potential. It will likely leave viewers disappointed and wanting more.

Duration:00:38:26

House of Selick - 156 - Coraline

11/10/2023
"Coraline" is a film that defies easy categorization. It straddles the line between family-friendly fantasy and spine-tingling horror, making it a unique and memorable viewing experience. While its dark undertones might be unsettling for some, those who appreciate a blend of the macabre with enchantment will find "Coraline" to be a visually captivating and emotionally rich cinematic adventure.

Duration:00:54:18

House of Selick - 155 - James and the Giant Peach

10/26/2023
"James and the Giant Peach" is a visually stunning and imaginative adaptation that captures the essence of Roald Dahl's world. Despite its pacing, storytelling, and character development issues, the film's charm shines through. While a flawed adaptation, it offers a unique cinematic experience that fans of Dahl's work and stop-motion animation enthusiasts will appreciate.

Duration:00:50:21