JEAN-PIERRE MELVILLE: Film Director Podcast “THEY CAME FROM THE NORTH” – Michael McVey, Skiffleboom.com
http://www.dvdverdict.com/mp3s/podcast1245.mp3
Film Podcast “THEY CAME FROM THE NORTH“ features a uniquely Canadian perspective on the career and canon of renowned filmmakers. Released through DVDVerdict.com and available on iTunes, the podcast is hosted by the diabolical Steve Power (Newfoundland), Jon Mercer (Newfoundland), Andrew Forbes (Ontario), and Gabriel Girard (Montreal).
Each week, these Canucks offer up a hearty discussion regarding the “Good,” the “Bad,” and the “Ugly” from each filmmaker’s body of work:
The “Good” selection is often a film held in the highest esteem, for quality and enjoyment.
The “Bad” selection is more middle of the road, though NOT NECESSARILY bad! It can be a good film, but has some flaws that keep it from greatness. It can also be a film that doesn’t quite fit in with the rest of the canon.
The “Ugly” selection is the true bad selection. It is considered the lesser or least of the director’s films, and can be skewered Mystery Science Theater 3000 style (although in our opinion, Melville has NO “ugly” films).
For episode #28 of THEY CAME FROM THE NORTH (Podcast #1212 on DVD Verdict) the crew invited me as a special guest, and we had a grand time looking back on Jean-Pierre Melville’s oeuvre. You can download the podcast here, but BEWARE!—this 2 hour discussion is for movie geeks only:
http://www.dvdverdict.com/mp3s/podcast1245.mp3
Join Gabriel, Andrew, and guest Michael McVey as they celebrate and denigrate the life’s work of director/writer Jean-Pierre Melville. Le cercle rouge, Army of Shadows, Le Samouraï, Le Deuxieme Souffle, Magnet of Doom, Le Doulos, Léon Morin – Priest, Two Men in Manhattan, Bob le Flambeur, Les Enfants Terribles, Le silence de la mer … what’s not to love?
You can play along at home with IMDB and Youtube pages open, looking up the facts and clips as we go. Here is the trailer to the cool, influential French noir classic LE SAMOURAI:
The WES CRAVEN Playlist at Skiffleboom’s Youtube
Film Director WES CRAVEN Podcast on “THEY CAME FROM THE NORTH,” with Special Guest Michael McVey, Skiffleboom.com
http://www.dvdverdict.com/mp3s/podcast1212.mp3
Film Podcast “THEY CAME FROM THE NORTH“ features a uniquely Canadian perspective on the career and canon of renowned filmmakers. Released through DVDVerdict.com and available on iTunes, the podcast is hosted by the diabolical Steve Power (Newfoundland), Jon Mercer (Newfoundland), Andrew Forbes (Ontario), and Gabriel Girard (Montreal).
Each week, these Canucks offer up a hearty discussion regarding the “Good,” the “Bad,” and the “Ugly” from each filmmaker’s body of work:
The “Good” selection is often a film held in the highest esteem, for quality and enjoyment.
The “Bad” selection is more middle of the road, though NOT NECESSARILY bad! It can be a good film, but has some flaws that keep it from greatness. It can also be a film that doesn’t quite fit in with the rest of the canon.
The “Ugly” selection is the true bad selection. It is considered the lesser or least of the director’s films, and can be skewered Mystery Science Theater 3000 style.
For episode #26 of THEY CAME FROM THE NORTH (Podcast #1212 on DVD Verdict) the crew invited me as a special guest, and we had a grand time looking back on Wes Craven’s oeuvre. You can download the podcast here, but BEWARE!—this 2 hour discussion is for movie geeks only:
http://www.dvdverdict.com/mp3s/podcast1212.mp3
Join Jon, Steve, Andrew, and special guest Michael McVey as they celebrate and denigrate the life’s work of director/writer Wes Craven. A Nightmare on Elm Street, Shocker, The Scream series, Red Eye, The Hills Have Eyes, The Last House on the Left… what’s not to love?
You can play along at home with IMDB and Youtube pages open, looking up the facts and clips as we go. Here is the infamous “Basketball Scene” from the 1986 cult classic “DEADLY FRIEND”—watch The Goonies‘ Anne Ramsey explode like a watermellon as Kristy Swanson does her Terminator impression:
The WES CRAVEN Playlist at Skiffleboom’s Youtube
Film Director GEORGE A. ROMERO Podcast on “THEY CAME FROM THE NORTH,” with Special Guest Michael McVey, Skiffleboom.com
http://www.dvdverdict.com/mp3s/podcast1203.mp3
Film Podcast “THEY CAME FROM THE NORTH“ features a uniquely Canadian perspective on the career and canon of renowned filmmakers. Released through DVDVerdict.com and available on iTunes, the podcast is hosted by the diabolical Steve Power (Newfoundland), Jon Mercer (Newfoundland), Andrew Forbes (Ontario), and Gabriel Girard (Montreal).
Each week, these Canucks offer up a hearty discussion regarding the “Good,” the “Bad,” and the “Ugly” from each filmmaker’s body of work:
The “Good” selection is often a film held in the highest esteem, for quality and enjoyment.
The “Bad” selection is more middle of the road, though NOT NECESSARILY bad! It can be a good film, but has some flaws that keep it from greatness. It can also be a film that doesn’t quite fit in with the rest of the canon.
The “Ugly” selection is the true bad selection. It is considered the lesser or least of the director’s films, and can be skewered Mystery Science Theater 3000 style.
For episode #24 of THEY CAME FROM THE NORTH (Podcast #1203 on DVD Verdict) the crew invited me as a special guest, and we had a grand time looking back on Romero’s oeuvre. You can download the podcast here, but BEWARE!—this 2 hour discussion is for movie geeks only:
http://www.dvdverdict.com/mp3s/podcast1203.mp3
Join Jon, Steve, Andrew, and special guest Michael McVey as they celebrate and denigrate the life’s work of director/writer George A. Romero. The Night of the Living Dead series, Monkey Shines, Knightriders, Creepshow, Season of the Witch… what’s not to love? (According to the Canadians, not a whole lot.)
You can play along at home with IMDB and Youtube pages open, looking up the facts and clips as we go. Here is the trailer from the 1982 horror anthology classic “CREEPSHOW”—watch Ted Danson drown while Leslie Nielsen shrugs:
The George A. Romero Playlist at Skiffleboom’s Youtube
Knightriders Tom Savini 1981 George Romero Skiffleboom
Film Director PETER HYAMS Podcast on “THEY CAME FROM THE NORTH,” with Special Guest Michael McVey, Skiffleboom.com
http://traffic.libsyn.com/dvdverdict/1189.mp3
Film Podcast “THEY CAME FROM THE NORTH“ features a uniquely Canadian perspective on the career and canon of renowned filmmakers. Released through DVDVerdict.com and available on iTunes, the podcast is hosted by the diabolical Steve Power (Newfoundland), Jon Mercer (Newfoundland), Andrew Forbes (Ontario), and Gabriel Girard (Montreal).
Each week, these Canucks offer up a hearty discussion regarding the “Good,” the “Bad,” and the “Ugly” from each filmmaker’s body of work:
The “Good” selection is often a film held in the highest esteem, for quality and enjoyment.
The “Bad” selection is more middle of the road, though NOT NECESSARILY bad! It can be a good film, but has some flaws that keep it from greatness. It can also be a film that doesn’t quite fit in with the rest of the canon.
The “Ugly” selection is the true bad selection. It is considered the lesser or least of the director’s films, and can be skewered Mystery Science Theater 3000 style.
For episode #22 of THEY CAME FROM THE NORTH (Podcast #1189 on DVD Verdict) the crew invited me as a special guest, and we had a grand time looking back on Hyams’ oeuvre. You can download the podcast here, but BEWARE!—this 2 hour discussion is for movie geeks only:
http://traffic.libsyn.com/dvdverdict/1189.mp3
Join Jon, Steve, Andrew, and special guest Michael McVey as they celebrate and denigrate the life’s work of director/cinematographer Peter Hyams. End of Days, Timecop, Sudden Death, Capricorn One, Outland, 2010, what’s not to love?
You can play along at home with IMDB and Youtube pages open, looking up the facts and clips as we go. Here is the trailer from the 1983 sci-fi classic “OUTLAND”—watch heads violently explode in the wake of Sean Connery’s machismo:
Film Director TIM BURTON Podcast on “THEY CAME FROM THE NORTH,” with Special Guest Michael McVey, Skiffleboom.com
http://traffic.libsyn.com/dvdverdict/1175.mp3
Movie podcasts can be a lot of fun. Film Podcast “THEY CAME FROM THE NORTH“ features a uniquely Canadian perspective on the career and canon of renowned filmmakers. Released through DVDVerdict.com and available on iTunes, the podcast is hosted by the diabolical Steve Power (Newfoundland), Jon Mercer (Newfoundland), Andrew Forbes (Ontario), and Gabriel Girard (Montreal).
Each week, these Canucks offer up a hearty discussion regarding the “Good,” the “Bad,” and the “Ugly” from each filmmaker’s body of work:
The “Good” selection is often a film held in the highest esteem, for quality and enjoyment.
The “Bad” selection is more middle of the road, though NOT NECESSARILY bad! It can be a good film, but has some flaws that keep it from greatness. It can also be a film that doesn’t quite fit in with the rest of the canon.
The “Ugly” selection is the true bad selection. It is considered the lesser or least of the director’s films, and can be skewered Mystery Science Theater 3000 style.
For episode #20 of THEY CAME FROM THE NORTH (Podcast #1175 on DVD Verdict) the crew invited me as a special guest, and we had a grand time looking back on Burton’s oeuvre. You can download the podcast here, but BEWARE!—this 2 hour discussion is for movie geeks only:
http://traffic.libsyn.com/dvdverdict/1175.mp3
You can play along at home with IMDB and Youtube pages open, looking up the facts and clips as we go. Here is the first track off the Edward Scissorhands original soundtrack to set the mood, composed by Danny Elfman…
Film Director MICHAEL MANN Podcast by “THEY CAME FROM THE NORTH,” with Special Guest Michael McVey, Skiffleboom.com
http://www.dvdverdict.com/mp3s/podcast1169.mp3
Movie podcasts can be a lot of fun. Film Podcast “THEY CAME FROM THE NORTH“ features a uniquely Canadian perspective on the career and canon of renowned filmmakers. Released through DVDVerdict.com and available on iTunes, the podcast is hosted by the diabolical Steve Power (Newfoundland), Jon Mercer (Newfoundland), Andrew Forbes (Ontario), and Gabriel Girard (Montreal).
Each week, these Canucks offer up a hearty discussion regarding the “Good,” the “Bad,” and the “Ugly” from each filmmaker’s body of work:
The “Good” selection is often a film held in the highest esteem, for quality and enjoyment.
The “Bad” selection is more middle of the road, though NOT NECESSARILY bad! It can be a good film, but has some flaws that keep it from greatness. It can also be a film that doesn’t quite fit in with the rest of the canon.
The “Ugly” selection is the true bad selection. It is considered the lesser or least of the director’s films, and can be skewered Mystery Science Theater 3000 style.
For episode #19 of THEY CAME FROM THE NORTH (Podcast #1169 on DVD Verdict) the crew invited me as a special guest, and we had a grand time looking back on Mann’s oeuvre. You can download the podcast here, but BEWARE!—this 2 hour discussion is for movie geeks only:
http://www.dvdverdict.com/mp3s/podcast1169.mp3
You can play along at home with IMDB and Youtube pages open, looking up the facts and clips as we go. For starters, here is the “Leave Nothing” Nike commercial directed by Mann using the Trevor Jones music from “The Last of the Mohicans.”
THE MOST BADASS AFRICAN-AMERICAN CHARACTERS IN MOVIE HISTORY
By Michael McVey, Skiffleboom.com
Preface:
DVD Verdict’s “Objection” podcast created a list of their MOST BADASS AFRICAN-AMERICAN CHARACTERS IN MOVIE HISTORY for MLK day, 2011 (episode #756). Judge David Johnson and Judge Dan Mancini named their TOP 1o:
Honorable Mention: Billy Dee Williams as Lando Calrissian – Star Wars Episodes 5-6
10. Reginald VelJohnson as Sgt. Al Powell – Die Hard
9. Richard Roundtree as John Shaft – Shaft
8. Samuel L. Jackson as Mace Windu – Star Wars Episodes 1-3
7. Morgan Freeman as Lucius Fox – Batman Begins and The Dark Knight
6. Grace Jones as May Day – A View to a Kill
5. Carl Weathers as Apollo Creed – Rocky 1-4
4. Wesley Snipes as John Cutter – Passanger 57
3. Michael Jai White as Black Dynamite – Black Dynamite.
2. Mr. T as B. A. Baracus – The A-Team
1. Danny Glover as Lt. Mike Harrigan – Predator 2
The gentleman at “Objection” specialize in contrarian a-holery, and offer deliberately restive and hilarious positions on cinematic topics. A fine list, full of both mighty (HARRIGAN!) and unusual (Lucius Fox) choices. Conspicuously absent from the list is THE most BADASS African-American Character in Movie History: Samuel L. Jackson as Jules in “Pulp Fiction”. The role is so iconic, so utterly badass, that the Marine Corp plays his “Ezekiel” speech to fire up Jarheads for deployment.
I personally feel as THE single most BADASS African-American Actor in Movie History, Samuel L. Jackson should be exempt from the list altogether. He’s a given. Like the answer to “who is the greatest basketball player of all time,” there’s just no arguing.
I hereby offer an addendum to the original “Objection” list, taken from my collection.
RULES…
I am not reusing any of the aforementioned actors, no matter how much I want to. For instance, Carl Weathers is an incredible bad ass in “Action Jackson” (where he jumps 20 feet over a speeding car), but as he was listed by “Objection” for “Rocky”, so I won’t include it.
I am only listing actors once. While Bill Duke was badass in “Commando” and “Pam Grier” is badass in everything, I included only my favorite choice.
I’ve only included movies I’ve seen in full, within the past 10 years (sorry Mario Van Peebles, sorry Billy Blanks). I also don’t include non-human characters (Sorry Michael Dorn)… though formerly human is okay. So please feel free to include your own suggestions in the comments section. And now, without further ado…
Skiffleboom.com:
THE MOST BADASS AFRICAN-AMERICAN CHARACTERS IN MOVIE HISTORY
Bill Duke as Mac – Predator
Turns jungle into parking lot with mini-gun. Kills boar with knife. Badass.
Ken Foree as Peter – Dawn of the Dead
Blows away loads of zombies, evil zombie kids. Owns the mall. Does his best buddy a solid. Zombie apocalypse survivor. Badass.
Woody Strode as Draba – Spartacus
Kicks the ass of the future slave rebellion leader. Shows him mercy. Defies class system through ultimate sacrifice, igniting spark in future slave rebellion leader. Ripped as hell. Badass.
Tina Turner as Aunty Entity – Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome
Redesigns future legal system to include chainsaws for civil disputes. Badass.
Denzel Washington and the entire cast of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteers – Glory
Charge on Fort Wagner – ’nuff said. Badasses, one and all.
Fred Williamson, Jim Kelly, Jim Brown – Three the Hard Way
This hat trick defies description. Badassery abounds.
Eugene Clark as Big Daddy – Land of the Dead
Is technically dead with rotting brain, yet still figures out how to use machine gun. Leads revolution, destabilizes class system. Badass.
Pam Grier as Coffy – Coffy
Destroys mob, drug pushers, corruption. Blows drug dealer’s head off with shotgun: “This is the end of your rotten life, you: motherf#%kin’ dope pusher!” Badass.
Julius Carry as Sho’nuff – The Last Dragon
Sits wherever he wants in a movie theater. Glows in the dark. Badass.
Angela Bassett as Mace – Strange Days
Repeatedly saves incompetent hero. Beats the piss from corrupt cops. Badass.
Keith David as Frank – They Live
Brawls for absurdly interminable length of time with Rowdy Roddy Piper over sunglasses. Uncovers shocking societal truth, immediately enlists in suicide mission. Badass.
Rudy Ray Moore as Dolemite – Dolemite
Kicks at stuntman’s head, misses, and STILL knocks him out cold (presumably by the intense air pressure generated by foot) . Beds every woman in the movie, gets no STDs. Not the smartest idea in the world… but Badass.
Dennis Haysbert as Pedro Cerrano – Major League
Sees hat for bat, takes hat for bat. Keeps live snake in locker. Deadly lumber. Later elected President of the United States of America. Badass.
Charles S. Dutton as Dillon – Alien 3
Gives one of cinema’s greatest motivational speeches ever. Bare-knuckle boxes alien. While being torn to pieces by xenomorph, asks it: “Is that all you got?” SuperBadass.
Leave your own suggestions!
-m
Michael McVey, Skiffleboom 
