Two for the Road: Movies with Matt and Adam

Back from their internships at the Parallax Corporation, Matt and Adam have a couple paranoia thrillers this week. Z (1969) is the realistic portrayal of a progressive politician who ends on the wrong end of a club. Fascism, mob violence, a political cover-up? That would never happen today.... In The Parallax View (1974), we meet a mysterious corporation up to no good (29:30). Warren Beatty does his best, but we just don't like him. Have your own recommendations? Contact the show: 24theroadshow@gmail.com

We're back with a couple lesser known Philip Seymour Hoffman films. Owning Mahoney (2003) was Hoffman's first starring role. Based on a true story about a Toronto banker who steals millions to support his gambling habit. Sidney Lumet's "Before the Devil Knows Your Dead" (2007) is a must see. The story of two brothers robbing their parents jewelry store. Next, mothers going insane with John Cassevetes,' "Woman Under the Influence" (1974) and from "Parasite" director Boon Joon Ho, "Mother" (2009). Have your own recommendations? Contact the show: 24theroadshow@gmail.com

We're back! Our theme for this show is "home invasions" and we start out with an oldie but goodie, Sam Penkenpah's "Straw Dogs" (1971). Dustin Hoffman said he did it for the money, but he and co-star Susan George were both wonderful in their roles. Not for the squeamish. "The Strangers" (2008) is a film that we liked more than most critics (29:19). While the film has it's moments and some good creep value, approach with caution. Next up, two small films from the late, great Philip Seymour Hoffman, "Owning Mahoney" (2003) and "Before the Devil Knows You're Dead" (2007) Have your own recommendations? Contact the show: 24theroadshow@gmail.com

Asian romance is the theme this week, but the guys may have picked the wrong movies. They disagree about the point of "In the Mood for Love", but agree its worth a watch. "Past Lives" is a much hyped yet intimate film asking the question "Can you return to your younger self (and lost love)?" The answer might surprise you. Next show - who knows? We're going on hiatus for a few weeks while Matt enjoys the Florida sun. Have your own recommendations? Contact the show: 24theroadshow@gmail.com

In and out of jail is the latest theme. Robert Mitchum, a show favorite, once again does not disappoint in "The Friends of Eddie Coyle" (1973). Mitchum is supported by a stellar cast and a tight script. "Straight Time" (1978) is a little known Dustin Hoffman movie with him.a different kind of role - a man fresh out of prison who soon realizes that the deck is stacked against him. Any film that has M. Emmett Walsh, Harry Dean Stanton and Gary Busey in it has to be good, right? Next, Asian romance with "In the Mood for Love" (2000) and Past Lives (2023) Have your own recommendations? Contact the show: 24theroadshow@gmail.com

Nuclear Annihilation is the theme this weak. First, "On the beach provide a yawning stare into oblivion. We suggest some ways it could be spiced up (hint/: Ava Gardner is involved). Next up, Sidney Lumet's "Fail Safe" manages to do a lot with just old guys talking in rooms (26:34). Probably not in Lumet's top 5, but it entertains to the last scene. And we learn never to cross Walter Matthau. Next week: In and Out of Jail w/ The Friends of Eddie Coyle (1973) and Straight Time (1978). Have your own recommendations? Contact the show: 24theroadshow@gmail.com

Multi storylines is the theme . Ron Howard's "Parenthood" (1989) is a comedy in Steve Martin's wheelhouse. Supported by a stellar cast and screenplay, Martin gets to show off his comedic and acting skills as an insecure dad who desperately doesn't want to be like his own dad. Ang Lee's "Eat Drink Man Woman" (1994) is one of his classics; not one of his many stinkers. Sunday night dinners is must for chef and widowed father of three adult daughters who all have secrets and dreams, but are held back by a sense of duty. Next, in honor of the release of Oppenheimer out theme is nuclear war or aftermath with "On the Beach" (1959) and "Fail Safe" (1964). Have your own recommendations? Contact the show: 24theroadshow@gmail.com

We check out a couple of films with criminal women. Alfred Hitchcock had just come off a run of four of his classic films when he directed "Marnie" in 1964. The story of a woman thief with a dark past, who has a weird relationship with a rich guy. The movie's poster had the words, suspenseful, sex, mystery, and there was none of those. On the brighter side, "Emily the Criminal" (2022) is a tight, interesting and well acted commentary on the world of work. Next up, multi-storied films is our theme with Ang Lee's "Eat Drink Man Woman" (1994) and Steve Martin in "Parenthood" (1989). Have your own recommendations? Contact the show: 24theroadshow@gmail.com

Psychopaths is the latest the latest theme. First up, "White Heat", James Cagney classic star turn as Cody Jarrett, the psycho criminal gang leader who doesn't mind killing and also had a weird thing for his mother. The on screen violent tendencies are much milder in this film, than it is in our second feature, "Ichi the Killer". From Japan, Ichi is based on a popular comic book series and really goes for the gusto when it comes to crazy, bloodbath scenes. Next, women thieves with Alfred Hitchcock's "Marnie" (1964) and "Emily the Criminal" (2023) Have your own recommendations? Contact the show: 24theroadshow@gmail.com

What a weekend is the theme this week. The guys raise a glass to Billy Wilder's "The Lost Weekend" for its mostly accurate but sometimes cartoonish portrayal of alcoholism. Jonathan Demme's "Rachel Getting Married" caused some disagreement but not about Anne Hathaway's crazy hotness. Was it the movie or the characters that one of us disliked? Up next, Psychopaths with White Heat (1949) and Ichi the Killer (2001) Have your own recommendations? Contact the show: 24theroadshow@gmail.com

We watched a couple of chess movies. "Fresh" (1994) is a film about a teenager who takes lessons he learned from the chess board to help him survive the streets of NYC. He's always 3 or 4 steps ahead. John Leguizamo's "Critical Thinking" (2020) tells a true story about a high school chess team from Miami win chess tournaments. The direction, cast and tight screenplay help it go beyond a schmalzy feel-good story. Next, what a weekend with "The Lost Weekend" (1945) and "Rachel Getting Married" (2008) Have your own recommendations? Contact the show: 24theroadshow@gmail.com

We celebrate Ben Gazzara - sort of. First up is "Saint Jack" (1979), a wonderful Peter Bogdanovich film that seems to be written for Gazzara. The story of an American wanting nothing more than to open a brothel in Singapore. We loved this film and agree that it is as underrated as they come. Our second feature is not really a Ben Gazzara film, but he's in it for a brief time. David Mamet's "The Spanish Prisoner" (1997) is another con-artist yarn that is boring, miscast and extremely predictable. Next, chess films with "Fresh" (1994) and "Critical Thinking" (2020). Have your own recommendations? Contact the show: 24theroadshow@gmail.com

Teenage Killers as our theme. "The Boys Next Door" (1985) is the story about two outcasts who take a deadly road trip the day after they graduate from high school. The two leads, played by Maxwell Caulfield and Charlie Sheen, are good in a predictable story that doesn't carry the punch our second film has. Gus Van Sant's "Elephant" (2003) is based school shootings at Columbine. An unusual film to say the least, it takes it's time to set everything up for a terrifying ending, but that's what makes it so good. Next time, Ben Gazzara is our theme with "Saint Jack" (1979) and "The Spanish Prisoner" (1997). Have your own recommendations? Contact the show: 24theroadshow@gmail.com

Oops, I witnessed a murder is the latest theme. "Deep Red" (1975) is the second film we've reviewed by Italian horror director Dario Argento, and it is much like the first, "Suspiria". Lots of head scratching moments, yet we both liked it. Argento is inventive in ways to kill people. DePalma's "Blow Out" (1981) was a new genre of film for Travolta and he pulled it off. He plays a movie sound man who sees a murder and does his own sleuthing . A young Lithgow steals the movie in a psychotic supporting role. This is the kind of film you want to be great, but alas it's just good. Next, killing sprees is our theme with "The Boys Next Door" (1985) and "Elephant" (2003). Have your own recommendations? Contact the show: 24theroadshow@gmail.com

Affairs gone bad! "Little Children" (2006) is less about children, and more about childish adults. Kate Winslet and Patrick Wilson give masterful performances as a cheating couple. Don't miss Jackie Earle Haley's (Bad News Bears) acting return. "The Housemaid" (2010) is our latest South Korean film, and it doesn't disappoint. As much about an affair as it is a condemnation of the ruling class. Let us know what you think of the ending. Next, Blowout (1981) and Deep Red (1975) Have your own recommendations? Contact the show: 24theroadshow@gmail.com

The kids aren't alright is our latest theme. Based on a true story, "Rivers Edge" (1986) is about a group of high school kids who don't feel or do much of anything after one of them kills his girlfriend. Also based on a true story, "Bully" (2001) takes us to South Florida where a bunch of not-so-bright teenagers decide to kill a friend who is a bully. Next, affairs gone bad with "Little Children" (2006) and " The Housemaid" (2010). Have your own recommendations? Contact the show: 24theroadshow@gmail.com

Sleuth's sleuthing. Jane Fonda won Best Actress for "Klute", a suspenseful film about a NYC call girl who winds up in an investigation of a missing man. Some interesting camera work, never got boring and is unique as any movie you'll see. Worst name ever for a must-see film. "Decision to Leave" is the latest from "Old Boy" director Park Chan-wook. We review a lot of Korean films and this show, and this might be our biggest disappointment. Next, troubled teens with "The River's Edge" (1986) and "Bully" (2001). Have your own recommendations? Contact the show: 24theroadshow@gmail.com

The end of the world is the latest theme and we have a couple of must-sees. "Last Night" (1998) is a little-known Canadian film starring Sandra Oh. It's the last night on earth and everyone knows it, but they all handle it differently. Two-time academy winner, director Alfonso Cuaron gave the world one of the best films we've reviewed on the show, "Children of Men" (2006). If you have not seen it, you are missing a masterpiece about the end of civilization. Next, police investigation with "Klute" (1971) and from Korea. "Decision to Leave" (2022). Have your own recommendations? Contact the show: 24theroadshow@gmail.com

Deep Cover is the latest theme , and it makes sense that one of our films is called "Deep Cover"(1992). Laurence Fishbourne and Jeff Goldblum star in this undercover cop story and they both kill, acting wise that is. Director Bill Duke show off his chops. David Cronenberg's "Eastern Promises" (2007) is as tight of a Russian mob movie you'll ever see. Next, End of the World is the theme with "Last Night" (1998) and "Children of Men" (2006) . Have your own recommendations? Contact the show: 24theroadshow@gmail.com

Mad cap movies is the latest theme and only one of our films really fit that description. "Arsenic and Old Lace" (1944) is the tale of two sweet, old ladies who show kindness to strangers by killing them. Cary Grant stars as their nephew Mortimer who finds out their secret and then zaniness ensues. "I'm Gonna Git You Sucka" (1988) is great idea, but poorly executed and certainly not mad cap. A parody of Blaxploitation films, Wayans' debut film isn't very funny and not up to par with some of his later work. Next, deep cover is the theme with "Deep Cover" (1992) and "Eastern Promises" (2007). Have your own recommendations? Contact the show: 24theroadshow@gmail.com