Monday Morning Critic Podcast

Episode 463. "You Can't Run Forever" Actor: Isabelle Anaya. Isabelle Anaya stops by to talk her newest movie "You Can't Run Forever." She stars along side Academy Award winner J.K. Simmons. Isabelle plays Miranda. Miranda, a young woman already suffering from acute anxiety due to a past tragedy, faces a new terror when a serial killer chooses her as his new target. In a harrowing hunt through the woods, Miranda finds strength she never knew she had as she tries to elude her murderous tracker. Academy Award® winner J.K. Simmons stars in a spine-chilling thriller about the strength of family and the astonishing power of the human spirit. We also talk her love of music, Guns N Roses, Game of Thrones, the Guitar and more. #youcantrunforever #jksimmons #serialkiler #movie #moviescore #fyp #gunsnroses #music #shorts #short #gunsnroses #slash #gameofthrones https://linktr.ee/mondaymorningcritic

Episode 462 "Heat" | "The Last of the Mohicans" | "Manhunter" Cinematographer: Dante Spinotti. Dante Spinotti was born in Tolmezzo, Udine, in the northeastern Italian Region of Friuli. He began his career at RAI (Italian TV), before that he spent lot of time in Kenia as cinematographer for his uncle. In 1985, producer Dino De Laurentiis offered him a chance to work in USA for the first time with Michael Mann for the feature Manhunter (1986). From that experience, Spinotti became one of the most appreciated cinematographer in Hollywood. His particular vision gives a movie a great sense of reality. Among his works are: The Last of the Mohicans (1992) (Academy Nomination), Heat (1995), L.A. Confidential (1997) (Academy Nomination), The Insider (1999) (Academy Nomination), and Wonder Boys (2000). https://linktr.ee/mondaymorningcritic #heat #robertdeniro #alpacino #movie #thelastofthemohicans #cinematographer #redragon #michaelmann

Episode 461. "Joker" | "The Dark Knight Rises" | "The Long Game" Actor: Brett Cullen. You can currently find Brett Cullen in "The Long Game". In 1955, five young Mexican-American caddies, out of the love for the game, were determined to learn how to play, so they created their own golf course in the middle of the South Texas desert. Brett is simply superb as Thomas Wayne in "Joker" in one of the more iconic scenes in the movie. He is also in Christopher Nolan's "The Dark Knight Rises", "Ghost Rider" "42" and so many more. Brett and I talk about Fatherhood, "Joker", playing the best version of Thomas Wayne I have ever seen, working with Christopher Nolan and more. Great interview. https://linktr.ee/mondaymorningcritic #joker #batman #thedarkknight #christophernolan #chadwickboseman #fyp #dc #dccomics #thomaswayne #joaquinphoenix

Episode 460. "Warrior" Actor: Chelsea Muirhead. Chelsea Muir portrays Yan Mi in the Max Original "Warrior". Chelsea was so much fun to speak with. She's refreshingly honest, funny, kind and a wonderful actor to boot. Chelsea Muirhead is a Filipino-Scottish actor from Toronto. After discovering her love of acting in high school, performing as Columbia in "Rocky Horror picture show", Chelsea soon found herself diving into her passion and attending the Ryerson Theatre School (now known as the Ryerson School of Performance). It was here at Ryerson were Chelsea trained for 4 years studying acting for both film and theatre. Whilst in her studies in theatre school Chelsea has stared in several plays such as Regan in Shakespeare's tragedy "King Lear", to more comedic contemporary rolls, such as Loretta in George F. Walker's "Featuring Loretta" to name a few. On top of being an accomplished theatre actress, Chelsea has broken into the film industry with gusto. Upon graduating the highly renowned school of performance in 2016 Chelsea has had tremendous commercial success on the circuit, including landing her first break out roll as Jill in the horror/ thriller "Spare parts" directed by Andrew Hunt. https://linktr.ee/mondaymorningcritic #warrior #karate #kungfu #mma #brucelee #truestory #hbomax #max #fyp #podcast #interview #ufc #tbt #throwbackthursday

Episode 459. The Gentleman, The Covenant and Wrath of Man. Composer: Chris Benstead. Chris Benstead and Guy Ritchie have made one hell of a team the last few years. Academy and BAFTA award winner Chris Benstead, is a British composer with a distinct and captivating voice. His remarkable career spans a multitude of noteworthy projects. Collaborating extensively with director Guy Ritchie, Chris composed the score for the upcoming feature The Ministry Of Ungentlemanly Warfare starring Henry Cavil, and recently finished the much anticipated NETFLIX series The Gentlemen, a follow up to the 2019 film that Chris also scored. His music for Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant (starring Jake Gyllenhaal) and the Jason Statham thrillers Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre and Wrath of Man were received to much critical acclaim. His work on Disney’s blockbuster hits Aladdin and Beauty and The Beast showcases his versatility. In collaboration with Alan Menken, Chris not only composed additional music for these iconic films but also played a pivotal role in producing and arranging the songs for a modern audience. Recent additions to his impressive portfolio include scoring the action thrillers Jericho Ridge and Rupture directed by Hamzah Jamjoom. Chris received OSCAR and BAFTA awards for his work as re-recording mixer on Alfonso Cuaron’s masterpiece Gravity, starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney. Chris’ unique skillset allowed him to mix and sculpt the music in an extremely immersive way, pushing the limits of surround sound and exploiting the new ‘Dolby Atmos’ standard. Previously, as an in-demand music editor Chris worked on over 40 films including the latest James Bond film No Time to Die, Wonder Woman, Black Swan, Brave, Thor and Cinderella and has worked with some of the most high-profile directors in the industry including Paul Greengrass and Sir Kenneth Branagh. Chris is a versatile multi-instrumentalist and achieved a First-Class honours in music and sound recording from the University of Surrey. He was also named as Alumni of the year for his ground-breaking achievement in music mixing on ‘Gravity’. https://linktr.ee/mondaymorningcritic #guyritchie #thegentleman #theojames #movie #moviemusic #wrathofman #moviescore #thecovenant #fyp #shorts

Episode 458. "PIG" Actor: David Knell. David can be seen as Chef Derek Finway in "Pig," opposite Nicolas Cage, answering the question, "Who has my pig?" Best known for his roles as a goofy, callow youth in films like Spring Break, Splash, Total Recall, and Turner and Hooch, David is a veteran in the industry with a career that spans over four decades. He appeared on Broadway in his teens in Liz Swados' "Runaways" before making his screen debut in "Life on The Mississippi," playing the young Mark Twain. Over the years David has performed in countless television series and commercials, in regional theatre around the country, and often works behind the scenes as an editor, camera operator, and assistant director. David is a long time member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, as well as SAG-AFTRA and Actors Equity. #nicolascage #pig #splash #movie #totalrecall #fyp #shorts #short #moviescenes #nicolascage https://linktr.ee/mondaymorningcritic

Episode 457 "American Rust" Showrunners: Dan Futterman and Adam Rapp. Dan Futterman is a two time Academy Award nominated writer. Having been nominated in 2006 for #capote and again in 2015 for #foxcatcher As an actor he has appeared along side #robinwilliams in #thebirdcage and #angelinajolie as Daniel Pearl in "A Might Heart" Adam Rapp is an excellent writer who is a big part of American Rust in both as a writer and Executive Producer. Both Adam and Dan make for a wonderful team. They are both gifted storytellers who are very good at what they do. American Rust premieres March 28th on #primevideo #interview #fyp #shorts #podcast #showrunner #writer #movie #drama #academyawards #oscars https://linktr.ee/mondaymorningcritic

Episode 456. Jeff Daniels and Maura Tierney. "American Rust" Jeff Daniels and Maura Tierney stop by to talk about the gritty, intense world of "American Rust" (Prime Video). I think Maura Tierney offered me a job as a writer on "American Rust" for Season 3. I might take her up on it. Maura also talks about her work in The Iron Claw, Jeff touches on Dumb and Dumber and Newsroom and we all talk about why American Rust works so well. Jeff and Maura are at the top of their profession and what they do. Both have built incredible filmographies, in all genres. Each has a lifetime of iconic performances. They both bring their "A" Game to "American Rust". #dumbanddumber #newsroom #jeffdaniels #movie #theironclaw #insomnia #er #theaffair #liarliar #arachnophobia #themartian #yourhonor #fyp #shorts #actors #movies #primevideo #jimcarrey #thenewsroom https://linktr.ee/mondaymorningcritic

Episode 455. Toy Story 3 Actor: Emily Ricks. Emily and I talk about the impact of Toy Story 3, Playing Bonnie, Why Toy Story 3 hits hard and so much more. Get ready to dive into the magical world of Disney with actress Emily Ricks in this exclusive interview discussing Toy Story 3! 🌟 Watch as she reveals her passion for acting, unforgettable moments on set, and the secrets behind the Pixar masterpiece. From behind-the-scenes stories to her experience working on this iconic movie, this is a must-watch for all Disney and movie lovers. Join us as we explore the enchanting universe of Toy Story 3 through the eyes of the talented Emily Ricks. Don't miss out on this fun and exciting journey into the world of animated brilliance! 🎬 I like Emily alot. Super talented, kind. Loved this interview. #disney #toystory #toystory3 #pixar #disneymovie #disneyplus #childhood #toys #nostalgia #podcast #fyp #shorts https://linktr.ee/mondaymorningcritic www.mmcpodcast.com

Episode 454. "5lbs of Pressure" Director: Phil Allocco. Filmmaker Phil Allocco is a feature film and commercial writer/director. His work has garnered over 60 awards and nominations. He was one of the short-listed directors picked by Steven Spielberg from a world-wide search of over 12,000 directors for his US TV series ‘On the Lot’ for FOX TV. His feature film ‘The Truth About Lies,’ was released theatrically in 2017 and won 14 awards at festivals including "The Best Of Fest" at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. In this action-thriller, Adam (Luke Evans), an ex-con back in his old neighborhood after serving a 16-year stretch for murder, walks a rocky path of forgiveness toward the son who grew up without him, while the bitter, volatile brother of the youth he killed looms in the background. Meanwhile, Mike (Rory Culkin), sick of doing the bidding of his drug-dealing uncle (Alex Pettyfer), is desperate to leave his sordid life behind. When Adam and Mike’s paths converge, inescapable destiny will give way to violence…and a final, fleeting shot at redemption. https://linktr.ee/mondaymorningcritic #movie #lionsgate #lukeevans #fyp #actionmovies #actionmovie #interview #podcast

Taking a look at the 96th Academy Awards, Al Pacino having no time for nominees, Why is the Academy continuously forgetting people during In memoriam, Jimmy Kimmel's obsession with Donald Trump, Danny Devito, Arnold, John Cena, Lily Gladstone was completely ripped off, Why would anyone want to host an awards show, the biggest snubs in Oscar history, why Adam Sandler and Jim Carrey have been penalized for being comedic actors, and so much more. Fun 40 minutes. https://linktr.ee/mondaymorningcritic

Episode 453. "Cabrini" Actor: Patch Darragh. Cabrini, Succession, Sully, The Visit Patch Darragh joins me to talk about his career, his impressive filmography and his new release (March 8th) "Cabrini". Welcome, Patch Darragh! https://linktr.ee/mondaymorningcritic #succession #juilliard #sully #angelstudios #movie #truestory #fyp #shorts #cabrini

Episode 452. Father and Son: Mario and Mandela Van Peebles. Legend Mario Van Peebles joins me to talk about his newest film "Outlaw Posse", New Jack City, his father and legend Melvin Van Peebles. We also joined by Mario's son, Mandela who is a wonderful actor in his own right who co-stars with his dad in "Outlaw Posse" Mario talks about how #whoopigoldberg casting herself, making a western, working with his son and so much more. I have always been a huge fan of Mario's work and getting a chance to speak with him was immensely enjoyable. #90s #90smovie #90stv #newjackcity #mayorofkingstown #fyp #western #blazingsaddles #80smovies #80stv #80s https://linktr.ee/mondaymorningcritic

Episode 451. Actor: John Carroll Lynch. John Carroll Lynch is simply put, one of the best actors on the planet. His work as Twisty the Clown in #americanhorrorstory #ahs #fargo #thefounder and my personal favorite as Eastman in #thewalkingdead #twd put him in a catagory not occupied by many. I love this man and his work has meant so much to me. I am so very lucky to have had John on to talk about those projects and his newest, "Outlaw Posse". Talking Points: 1. If one more reporter or journalist says "You might know the face but not the name" I am going to scream. I ask John about that. 2. John might be the best actor at making the most of every second he has on screen. 3. His work in my favorite episode of any show ever, "Here's Not Here" (The Walking Dead). 4. His character Eastman, who in one episode for many, was one of The Walking Dead fan's favorite characters. 5. John's newest project "Outlaw Posse" and working with Mario Van Peebles. Welcome, (Finally) John Carroll Lynch! https://linktr.ee/mondaymorningcritic #interview #fyp #shorts #short #actor #zodiac #bigsky #shutterisland #clinteastwood #coenbrothers #martinscorcese

Episode 450. "Stranger Things" Actor: Ted Chrest. Actor Ted Chrest joins me to talk "Stranger Things" and some of his other amazing credits. Ted is a United States Veteran (Air Force), Marshall University Graduate (BFA) and an LSU Graduate (MFA). Some of the things we discuss... 1. Filming Season 5 and did I guess a plot point? Vecna has plans for Nancy. 2. The fact that Stranger Things fans are the absolute best fan base. 3. Why Ted Wheeler is so polarizing. Either fans love him or hate him. 4. Ted Wheeler is a better Dad than people give him credit for. 5. Ted definitely married out of his league with Karen Wheeler. 6. Ted's parenting style. 7. Ted loves Chicken, his newspaper and sleep. 8. How Ted came so close to having his marriage fall apart (Billy Hargrove). 9. Nancy missing, Mike missing, Will Byers missing, "I'm sure everyone's fine" 10. Ted is every 80's dad. 11. Joe gets emotional talking about his favorite Stranger Things moment. 12. The Duffer Brothers. This and so much more. Joe's career goes so much deeper than Stranger Things, but he is so grateful and appreciative to be a part of Stranger Things. Joe is a great actor and solid human being. I loved this interview. #strangerthings #strangerthings4 #strangerthings5 #milliebobbybrown #gatenmattarazzo #nataliadyer #finnwolfhard #calebmclaughlin https://linktr.ee/mondaymorningcritic

Episode 449. "Ordinary Angels" Director: Jon Gunn Director Jon Gunn (American Underdog, Jesus Revolution, I Still Believe, The Case for Christ) talks his newest project "Ordinary Angels" Based on a remarkable true story, ORDINARY ANGELS centers on Sharon (Hilary Swank), a fierce but struggling hairdresser in small-town Kentucky who discovers a renewed sense of purpose when she meets Ed (Alan Ritchson), a widower working hard to make ends meet for his two daughters. With his youngest daughter waiting for a liver transplant, Sharon sets her mind to helping the family and will move mountains to do it. What unfolds is the inspiring tale of faith, everyday miracles, and ordinary angels. Jon and I have a fun discussion about movies, life, faith and family. #faithbased #movie #fyp #director #alanritchson https://linktr.ee/mondaymorningcritic

Episode 448. "The Dynasty: The New England Patriots. Director Matt Hamachek. Matt Hamachek is a talented director who has also directed "Tiger" (2021). The Dynasty: New England Patriots takes us inside the franchise’s 20-year journey, from the unique chemistry that fueled six Super Bowl wins to the internal strife that sparked a turf war. Tom Brady, Bill Belichick, Robert Kraft, and key players reveal the road to—and cost of—greatness. I bring up some key talking points with Matt which include... 1. Why was Spygate held to a different standard than what Conor Stalions did at Michigan? 2. The Boston Media. 3. If he is surprised Bill Belichick does not have a job for the 2024 season. 4. Brady's roots and what fueled him. 5. Roger Goodell's lack of leadership and consistency. 6. The lazy narrative of "See, it was all Brady" 7. The two people Matt found to be most interesting. 8. Earl Woods and Tom Brady Sr. similarities. 9. Deshaun Watson and Tom Brady basically getting the same punishments. Brady was accused of deflating footballs. This and more. This is a GREAT documentary that is about football but also about storytelling. I loved it. Drops Friday, 2/16 Apple TV+ https://linktr.ee/mondaymorningcritic #newenglandpatriots #football #nfl #movie #documentary #fyp

Episode 447. Welcome Home, Franklin. Craig Schulz (Charles's Son) , Robb Armstrong and Raymond Persi. Sparked by the assassination of Martin Luther King, Franklin Armstrong was born in the Peanuts Universe on July 31, 1968. With the hope of promoting tolerance- Harriet Glickman a teacher contacted Peanuts creator Charles Schulz. The origin story for one of Peanuts’ most beloved characters, Franklin, follows how he approaches making new friends. Franklin’s family is always on the move with his dad’s military job, and everywhere he goes Franklin finds support in a notebook filled with his grandfather’s advice on friendship. But when Franklin tries his usual strategies with the Peanuts gang, he has trouble fitting in. That’s until he learns about the neighborhood Soap Box Derby race. According to his grandfather, everyone loves a winner! He’s sure that winning the race will also mean winning over some new friends. All he needs is a partner, which he finds in Charlie Brown. Franklin and Charlie Brown work together to build a car and in the process become good buddies. But as the race nears, the pressure mounts — can their car and their newfound friendship make it to the finish line? A wonderful story of redemption and friendship. https://linktr.ee/mondaymorningcritic #peanuts #charliebrown #charlesschulz #childrensstories #fyp

Episode 446. "The Shawshank Redemption" Actor: Don McManus. Don and I talk Seinfeld (Duncan Meyer), Dexter, The Shawshank Redemption, Vice and his most recent film Joker: Folie à Deux. A veteran character actor on some of TV's most quirky series, Don McManus got his first recurring role playing Erick Reese Hillman, the first gay character to marry his boyfriend on television, on the critically acclaimed CBS dramedy "Northern Exposure." Next up for McManus was a change of pace, playing dynamic manager Lee Michaelson in Steven Bochco's searing courtroom drama "Murder One" and a recurring role as a recovering alcoholic on the gripping family drama "Party of Five." McManus continued to work steadily, with guest roles in such high-profile series as the political drama "The West Wing," the crime series "Cold Case," and the refreshingly original sitcom "Malcolm in the Middle." His next big recurring role was as Assistant District Attorney John Lennox on David E. Kelley's off-kilter law series "Boston Legal," where he appeared as an attorney who battles Crane, Poole, & Schmidt. In between his busy television schedule, McManus also found the time to appear in several films, including the critically acclaimed prison drama "The Shawshank Redemption," Paul Thomas Anderson's absurdist "Punch-Drunk Love," and the big-budget Nicolas Cage adventure "National Treasure." Welcome, Don McManus. https://linktr.ee/mondaymorningcritic #theshawshankredemption #seinfeld #vice #dexter #podcast #fyp #interview #shorts

Episode 445 "Scambled" Actor, Director and Writer: Leah McKendrick. Leah McKendrick is a Latina American multi-hyphenate filmmaker and actress from San Francisco. Her directorial debut, SCRAMBLED, which she also wrote and stars in, premiered at SXSW 2023 and is based on Leah’s real journey through egg freezing and 30-something singledom. McKendrick has multiple projects in various stages of development including the Paramount romantic comedy BETTER LATE THAN NEVER which she is attached to direct, and penning the screenplay for TriStar’s reboot of the 80s cult classic, TROOP BEVERLY HILLS. Up next she’ll be writing the legacy sequel to the 90s slasher, I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER. McKendrick also wrote the GREASE prequel SUMMER LOVIN’ Scrambled opens February 2nd. https://linktr.ee/mondaymorningcritic #scrambled #movie #lionsgate #tbt #comedy