The MacGuffin

Who has a more intimidating face than Michael Shannon? This is an actor who just breathes intensity. He twitches and sneers with scary effect, often appearing as though he can barely hold his rage in. Heck, this guy just recently proved he could recite a simple email with awesome effect. Clearly, he knows what his strengths are, and capitalizes on them. He is almost always the most interesting actor in a scene, because he has such an unpredictable delivery that we wonder what he’s going to do next. His talents are on full display in Ariel Vromen’s crime film The Iceman (2012). Here, we get to see Shannon at his best: constantly on edge, nearing the breaking point, chewing scenery as if it’s bubblegum. In a vacuum, this is some of Shannon’s finest work. It’s unfortunate the film isn’t as good as he is.

In honor of the release of Trance, Spencer and Greg discuss Danny Boyle.

Spencer and Greg give their DVD rundown for April 2nd, 2013. In this episode they discuss Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase One, The Bible, Dirk Gently and John Dies at the End.

Spencer and Greg give their DVD rundown for September 25th, 2012. In this episode they discuss The Avengers, The Dark Knight Returns, This Is Cinerama, and Bond 50.

It is one of the most anticipated films of the year. The build-up to it has been almost without precedent. But The Avengers finally opens today, and proves to be an excellent start to what looks to be one of the most prolific summer movie seasons in recent years.

In honor of the release of The Avengers, Spencer and Greg look back on Marvel’s road to its release.

In all my life, I have never once asked anyone what their “number” is. This information falls under multiple categories that keep me from asking it, including: “None of My Business,” “Not Something To Judge Anyone By,” and “Honestly, Who Cares?” Beyond the unfortunate period of teenage years when it’s inevitable one will wonder whether all of their classmates’ numbers are zero or not-zero, I find it odd that anyone puts any degree of thought into this particular statistic.

What I’ve Been Watching

Movies:

Captain America was a lot of fun. After everyone’s initial trepidation, it turns out that Chris Evans filled Cap’s boots admirably. And casting-wise, the big highlight was Hugo Weaving as the Red Skull. He is carving himself quite a career as a menacing figure with a rich voice behind it. The young comic book geek inside of me is getting awfully excited about all of these pieces for the upcoming Avengers movie continuing to come together. Does it all make for groundbreaking storytelling? No. But it is smile-inducing.

If I had a time machine, I would go back and find 10-year-old me. I would be easy to find, probably in my bedroom reading comic books. I would tell myself that in the future, comic book movies have finally become cool. Of course, 10-year-old me wouldn’t believe me; I was always a glass-half-empty kid.

Spencer and John preview the movies slated to be released during the summer of 2011, before closing out with their DVD picks of the week.