70. The Journeyman: Curtis Hanson #3: Fly Me (1973) & Evil Town (1987)

It’s a drive-in double feature of movies directed by Curtis Hanson, sort of. Before he completely parted ways with Roger Corman, Hanson directed a prologue for Fly Me (1973), Corman’s entry in the sexy stewardess genre. Later that same year Hanson directed a horror film called And God Bless Grandma and Grandpa, but was fired after the producer decided he wanted a movie with a totally different plot that would eventually be titled Evil Town when it finally saw the light of day in 1987. We review the rest of Fly Me, but spend most of our time trying to make sense of Evil Town, a would-be slasher whose incomprehensible plot is the result of production history so troubled it includes multiple reshoots and title changes, a fraud scheme, the SEC, and more reshoots. Bryan and A.J. try to pick out what remains of Hanson’s original movie, complain about the rarity of the Evil Town blu-ray, and also talk about the remake, Evils of Night (1985), which was released before the original movie. On the bright side, Hanson’s segment of Fly Me featured character actor Dick Miller.  This episode’s themed drink was: Kagatan cocktails. 

69. The Journeyman: Curtis Hanson #2: Sweet Kill (1972) AKA The Arousers

Curtis Hanson began his directorial career by working for none other than the legendary Roger Corman with the Psycho knock off Sweet Kill (1972). Even though the final version was not the film either Hanson or Corman wanted, it is still an interesting first film and gives us plenty to talk about. We go into how the movie came together, was reshot and retitled, and how the same thing happened to Martin Scorsese with his first film for Roger Corman.  We also talk about Tab Hunter and his lowkey performance of a psycho killer. This episode’s (somewhat themed) drink was: All Kings Brut Classic Sparkling White Wine.

68. The Journeyman: Curtis Hanson #1: The Dunwich Horror (1970)

Season 4 is here and we begin our journey through the career of of Curtis Hanson with his first credited work as a co-screenwriter for The Dunwich Horror (1970). A.J. explains why he chose Curtis Hanson and Bryan provides some background on Hanson’s early life and career beginnings. We discuss how The Dunwich Horror fits into the post-Rosemary’s Baby horror landscape and how it helped Sandra Dee shed her child-star persona. We also talk about the influence of American International Pictures (AIP), Roger Corman, and H.P. Lovecraft. This episode’s themed drink was: spiked tea.

67. Coppola Cast Redux: Sofia #11: Priscilla (2023) w/Jenny McKeown, plus Sofia shorts & our Season 4 announcement

For our Season 3 finale we’re joined by special guest Jenny McKeown to talk about Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla (2023)! We discuss how Sofia handles her first biopic in which the subject, Priscilla Presley is still alive, how her style is a perfect fit for portraying life at Graceland with Elvis without glamourizing it, and how, much as Priscilla lived under Elvis’s shadow, this movie was released under the shadow of big glitzy Elvis movie. We also cover an assortment of recent Sofia shorts including: Chanel Iconic and Suntory Roku gin commercials, a short film for the NYC Ballet reopening, and her cameo in an episode of What We Do In the Shadows. We also briefly talk about the AFI tribute to Francis Ford Coppola and announce our Season 4 director! This episode’s themed foods were fried peanut butter and banana sandwiches and deviled eggs  and the drink was Sofia Brut Rosé 

Join Jenny McKeown for a screening of Priscilla, part of the A Woman of Taste series, at the Hyperreal Film Club on Wednesday, August 6th. Doors open at 7PM. Film starts at 7:30PM. Tickets are on sale now. https://hyperrealfilm.club/events/2025/8-6/priscilla-movie-screening

66. Coppola Cast Redux: Sofia #10: On the Rocks (2020)

This episode we review the feature length reunion of Sofia Coppola and Bill Murray: On the Rocks. Filmed in 2019 but released during the 2020 COVID pandemic, Sofia’s marital comedy and detective story of sorts played only briefly in theaters before ending up on AppleTV+ (though it is thankfully available on DVD & Blu-ray). We discuss the performances and chemistry of Bill Murray and Rashida Jones, how this differs stylistically from Sofia’s previous films, and how Life Without Zoe, Lost in Translation, and On the Rocks make an unofficial trilogy. Also, Bryan points out references to Lost in Translation and A.J. rants against AppleTV+. This episode’s themed drink was: Cutty (Sark) on the rocks. 

65. Coppola Cast Redux: Sofia #9: La Traviata (2017)

We’re back from an unexpected break, but before we can return to the movies we must first go to the opera for the Sofia Coppola directed production of La Traviata (or more accurately, we watched the Blu-ray). In 2016 Sofia Coppola was hired by the legendary fashion designer Valentino to direct a new production of Verdi’s La Traviata for Teatro Dell’Opera Di Roma and we discuss whether she or Valentino is the main creative force behind the opera. We also talk about the sets by Nathan Crowley (famous for his work for the films of Christopher Nolan), the costumes by Valentino himself, what stylistic touches Sofia brings with her and how her directorial style translates to the stage. We also mispronounce many names and titles horribly and A.J. ponders what really makes an opera an opera? This episode’s themed drink was Blanc de France Bonnete wine.

64. Coppola Cast Redux: Sofia #8: The Begiuled (2017) & Panthère de Cartier commercial (2017)

Sofia Coppola trades modern cityscapes for the Civil War era for her darkest film, visually and thematically: The Beguiled (2017). Based on a novel which was previously made into a movie in 1971 directed by Don Siegal and starring Clint Eastwood, this is (so far) Sofia's only remake. We talk about how Sofia came to make her own version of The Beguiled, the controversy and accusations of whitewashing, and what makes this movie so different from her previous work. We also talk about the differences between the novel and the Don Siegel version and Sofia’s version, get our fairy tale wolves confused, and talk about Sofia’s major achievement at that year’s Cannes Film Festival. We also briefly discuss her Panthère de Cartier watch commercial. This episode’s themed drink was: Laird’s Applejack (brandy).

Exit theme: Lie Down in Darkness (Michael Mayer Remix) by Moby courtesy of mobygratis.com

63. Coppola Cast Redux: Sofia #7: A Very Murray Christmas (2015)

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Happy Everything! For our first ever Christmas special we review a Christmas special: Sofia Coppola’s A Very Murray Christmas (2015). At first glance, this Netflix musical Christmas “TV” special about putting on a musical Christmas TV special seems like it is soaked in holiday melancholy but Bryan and A.J. find that it is filled with holiday joy and many of Sofia’s favorite themes and trademarks. We go through the songs and delightful cast, talk about other Christmas specials of the past, and notice how this 2015 special about people making the most of being stuck in a place because it is too dangerous to leave makes it feel like a pre-COVID COVID movie. We also bemoan the mysterious Netflix algorithm and streaming in general and Bryan suggests a Bill Murray holiday trifecta. Tangents include: the Star Wars Holiday Special, our favorite Christmas movies, the Vulcan Video holiday section, and George Clooney’s pranks. We also briefly discuss the early ‘90s Dave Markey short Burning Palms on Jennifer’s Coffee Table, featuring a young Sofia Coppola. This episode’s themed drink was: Soiled Kimono. 

62. Coppola Cast Redux: Sofia #6: The Bling Ring (2013) & Phoenix-Chloroform & Miss Dior-Blooming Bouquet (2013)

Sofia Coppola once again takes us on a tour through Los Angeles wealth but this time it’s with The Bling Ring (2013). Based on the unbelievable but very true story of a group of celebrity obsessed teenagers who easily break into different celebrities’ mansions and steal lots of stuff, Sofia’s adaptation touches on many of her favorite interests and themes. Bryan and A.J. discuss whether Sofia’s style is distant or observational, Emma Watson’s standout performance, how the movie affected the real case which was still working its way through the courts, and the cinematography of the late Harris Savides. We also talk about the Phoenix-Chloroform music video and Miss Dior-Blooming Bouquet commercial she directed. SPOILER ALERT for this true story but also for First Cow, which we end up talking about too. Other tangents include Harmony Korine’s Spring Breakers (2012), the films of Marc and Christopher Coppola (Nicolas Cage’s brothers), and Bryan has a correction for IMDB. This episode’s themed drink was Sofia Brut Rose minis. 

61. Coppola Cast 35: Megalopolis: A Fable (2024) & One From the Heart: Reprise (2023)

We are in need of a great debate about…Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis: A Fable (2024). After literally decades in the making, Coppola’s ambitious passion project finally made it to theaters and gave us a lot to talk about. We (briefly) go over the long production history, the critical and poor box office performance, and how we were surprised by our own reactions. We also talk about the performances, the wild, random, and unforgettable plot points and dialogue (spoiler alerts!), Coppola’s big swings of the past, and why the best movies to understand Coppola’s style are Rumble Fish, The Rain People, and even George Lucas’s THX 1138 (which Coppola produced). We also talk about Coppola’s latest re-edit, One From the Heart: Reprise. This episode’s Coppola wine was: Francis Coppola Diamond Prosecco.

60. Coppola Cast Redux: Sofia #5: Somewhere (2010) w/Jenny McKeown

To help us breakdown Sofia Coppola’s “experimental” film, Somewhere (2010), we are joined by special guest Jenny McKeown, programmer and host of the A Woman of Taste film series. After the large scale production of Marie Antoinette (2006), Coppola took a scaled back, minimalist approach to her story about a listless movie star reconnecting with his daughter. We talk about Sofia’s further lean into “arthouse” style, her collaboration with the late, great cinematographer Harris Savides, Stephen Dorff’s career, and A.J. pitches a Sofia Coppola adaptation of Ernest Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises. We also talk about Coppola’s commercial for Miss Dior Cherie and the Somewhere crossover episode of the reality TV series The Girls Next Door. This episode’s themed meal and drink were sad spaghetti and whatever liquor was around the room. 

For more on A Woman of Taste check out: https://www.instagram.com/awoman_oftastepresents/

59. The M. Night Shift #21: Trap (2024)

Spoiler Alert! The M. Night Shift is back! Bryan and A.J. went to the movies for the latest M. Night Shyamalan experience: Trap. Following Siskel & Ebert rules we didn’t reveal our thoughts until recording began and it turns out… we each had a different M. Night Shyamlan experience. We talk about Josh Harnett’s great performance, the curious casting of Haley Mills, and the not-exactly-twists the story takes. We also discuss other thrillers and serial killer movies which likely influenced Shyamalan, plot points that do not hold up to scrutiny, and whether or not Shyamalan can go dark. Minor tangents include the TV series Monk and the meaning behind star ratings. This episode’s Shyamalan scotch was: Shackleton blended malt.

58. Coppola Cast Redux: Sofia #4: Marie Antoinette (2006)

Thanks to the success of Lost in Translation, Sofia Coppola was able to cash in her “I won an Oscar” chip and make an ambitious, big budget movie about Marie Antoinette. The catch…she did her way. This movie was booed at the Cannes Film Festival and was heavily criticized for its use of modern music, lack of French accents, and breaking from the traditional biopic format. However, it now seems that Sofia’s Marie Antoinette may have just been ahead of its time. Bryan and A.J. discuss the great cast, Coppola’s unique approach to a notorious historical figure, how the movie defies its grand scale to tell an intimate story, the great use of modern music, and ponder why Sofia’s movies stick so well in our memory. We also talk about Baz Luhrmann movies, bash Ridley Scott’s Napoleon, and, of course, talk about the 2006 Oscars. This episode’s themed drink was: Sofia Brut Rosè. 

57. Coppola Cast Redux: Sofia #3: Lost in Translation (2003)

Bryan and A.J are enjoying relaxing times with Suntory Time and Scarlett Johansson and Bill Murray in Sofia Coppola’s Lost in Translation. A hit with the critics, audiences, and the box office, this offbeat indie comedy earned 4 Oscar nominations (winning only 1 for Sofia Coppola’s screenplay), and more than 20 years later still provides us with a lot to talk about. We discuss Bill Murray’s career in the 90’s and his indie comeback, Scarlett Johansson’s breakout performance, the similarities between Sofia’s Lost in Translation and Spike Jonze’s Her (2013), and, of course, the 2003 Oscars. Tangents include: Bryan’s trip to Japan, A.J.’s rant about the 2003 Oscars and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, and the Japanese version of Sideways. (Apologies for any background noise that was not detected at the time of recording but is very mild). This episode’s themed drink was: Suntory Toki (Time).

56. Coppola Cast Redux: Sofia #2: The Virgin Suicides (2000), Playground Love (2000), Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)

Sofia Coppola’s debut feature, The Virgin Suicides (2000), certainly stood out from other movies about teenagers when it was released and remains just as enigmatic today giving us a lot to talk about. Bryan and A.J. discuss the movie’s background (including the Making Of, directed by Sofia’s mother, the late Eleanor Coppola), its arthouse approach to teenagers on film, and the great performances from Kirsten Dunst, Josh Hartnet, and Giovanni Ribisi’s moody, pensive narration. Other discussion points include: the original music by the band Air, similarities to Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975), and the peculiar list that is Cahiers du Cinema’s ten best films of 2000. We also briefly discuss Sofia’s blink and you miss it appearance in Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999) and the Air: Playground Love music video she co-directed with her brother, Roman. This episode’s themed drink was: Peach Schnapps.

55. Coppola Cast Redux: Sofia #1: Early Sofia

At long last we begin Season 3 and our journey through the filmography of Sofia Coppola, an obvious but natural follow up to our Francis Ford Coppola season. Bryan and A.J. go through Sofia’s early career from her roles in her father’s films and other productions, working as a costume designer, acting in and directing music videos, creating the frenetic and odd TV series Hi Octane, and writing and directing the short film Lick the Star (1998). We talk about the “nepo-baby” issue, how Sofia’s style as a director is evident even in the music videos she directed, nerd out over Udo Kier's appearance Madonna’s Deeper and Deeper music video, and scratch our heads and marvel at the most 90’s time capsule ever, Hi Octane (available to watch on YouTube). 

54. Coppola Cast #34: Twixt (2011) & B'twixt Now and Sunrise: The Authentic Cut (2022)

At long last we arrive at Francis Coppola’s (as of now) most recently released film Twixt (2011) and close out season 2. We discuss Coppola’s return to the horror genre, the great, eerie dream sequences, what aspects of Twixt remind us of the films of Coppola’s early mentor, Roger Corman, and how this is a surprisingly personal film for Coppola. We also pick out all of the references to Edgar Allan Poe and to other Coppola movies. Then we review Coppola’s recent re-edit of Twixt titled B’twixt Now and Sunrise: The Authentic Cut, which we thought was called Re-Twixt, and have a few issues with. Finally we announce the director we will be covering in Season 3, beginning soon (probably).

53. Coppola Cast #33: Tetro (2009)

The second of Francis Coppola’s late career indie films is perhaps one of his least seen and least talked about: Tetro (2009). There isn’t much plot but a lot happens in this surprising and lively black and white movie about a teenager tracking down his long lost brother. We found plenty to talk about from the cast (Vincent Gallo, Alden Ehrenreich, Maribel Verdu), screenplay, and cinematography to the valuable input of editor Walter Murch and the possible (but unlikely) parallels to Coppola’s own career and family. We also talk about other films that directly or indirectly influenced Tetro, including Coppola’s own films and the films of his kids, Sofia and Roman. 

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52. Coppola Cast #32: Youth Without Youth (2007)

On this hot, humid summer day, Bryan and A.J. discuss Francis Coppola’s return to the director’s chair after a decade away, Youth Without Youth (2007). This thematically ambitious, low-key arthouse film about an elderly man who regains his youth, and supernatural powers of sorts, after being struck by lightning is not only a curious choice for a comeback but also marks the beginning of a distinct career phase for Coppola. We talk about the beginning of Coppola’s late career indie phase, what is interesting and what is confusing about this movie, the performances of Tim Roth and Bruno Ganz, the makeup choices (or lack thereof) for Alexandra Maria Lara, and we try to pin down whether there is anything to pin down. This episode’s Coppola wine was: Diamond Collection Pinot Grigio 2022.

51. Coppola Cast #31: The Fantasticks (2000) & Supernova (2000)

A peculiar grab-bag episode for a peculiar time in Francis Coppola’s career. After The Rainmaker Coppola would not direct another movie for 10 years but he was involved in the post-production of not one but two movies released in 2000: The Fantasticks, based on a long running musical, and the quasi erotic sci-fi thriller, Supernova, starring James Spader and Angela Bassett. Coppola acted as a sort of post production supervisor/fixer for the two troubled productions which their studio, MGM, was skeptical of at best. Bryan and A.J. go over what background they could find on each film and differ on which is the better made film vs which is the more entertaining film. Also discussed is the answer to how Knock at the Cabin came to have two cinematographers, Megalopolis rumors, and the best short film of the year, Romy Mars [Sofia Coppola’s daughter] Makes Vodka Sauce Pasta. This episode’s Coppola wine was: Diamond Collection Red Blend 2018.