Nighthawks' Podcast

It is the 60th Episode of Nighthawks Podcast, and it is time for the 90th annual Academy Awards.In just a few short days, Hollywood (the broad concept) will gather at the Kodak Dolby Theatre in Hollywood (the actual physical place) to celebrate each other and to celebrate the art of film. Meanwhile, outside, Angelinos will be laying on the horn and screaming at traffic, wondering why it’s taking them an hour to even get on the 101.But inside the theatre is where the interesting stuff happens. This is the Nighthawks Podcast, if you want the other stuff listen to KJLH radio’s traffic report.Joining us for a third year in a row is the official Nighthawks Oscar Czar, Cameron Maris, who guides Matt and Trevor through some hand selected categories and nominees, in an attempt to figure out who is going to take home the weird little naked man who covers his nudity with a sword.This is the second of our two episodes covering the Oscars, if you missed the first episode, check it out. We’re fully convince that we’re bet

It is a time of fabulous celebration, million-dollar dresses, hundred-million-dollar movies, and billion dollar returns. But more than the monetary value, and the superficial outward appearance, Hollywood is getting together this weekend to honor achievement in film.Joining us for a third year in a row is the official Nighthawks Oscar Czar, Cameron Maris, who guides Matt and Trevor through some of the interesting changes that the Academy has gone through in the last few years, and what that could potentially mean for the future of the awards.This is the first of our two episodes covering the Oscars, stay tuned this week for our double-dip at the Oscar fondue, where we will explore this year's nominees, as well as our head and heart bets. But if you want to play along at home, you'd better beef up with THIS particular Oscar pre-game tailgate party, right in the Nighthawks Cafe.

words of the prophet Mercury:"Is this the real life?Is this just fantasy?"Well, in as much as we're prerecorded voices speaking from a conceptual diner, this is (in the words of another Prophet, I. Ron Sheik) "the real." What is not real is the movie we're watching for this episode of the Nighthawks Podcast. Well, the movie is real enough, but it's about actors in the "real" (not real) world, who inhabited a fantasy world (double not real) and then get mixed up in a space battle in the "real" (still not real) world.It makes more sense in the podcast. It's like The Three Amigos- IN SPACEGalaxy Quest is a film from 1999, that had a modest box office, and then went largely untalked about for nearly 20 years, before streaming accessibility reminded fans, old and new, what a delightful film it is.But is Galaxy Quest a parody of such science fiction properties as Star Trek, or is it something more? Something bigger? Something different?Pour a cup of coffee, as we boldly go into the granular grist of Galaxy Quest.

Come with us, across the Atlantic and into the Great White North, as the boys in the Nighthawks Diner explore the Norwegian black comedy IN ORDER OF DISAPPEARANCE.Equal parts FARGO-era Coen Bros. and Scandinavian Noir (Nordic Noir... "Noirdic?"), this little movie has a lot going on for it. A favorite of festival audiences, IN ORDER OF DISAPPEARANCE seems to have fallen between the cracks with mainstream audiences in the U.S. Why is this? Is it the cultural differences? Is it the subtitles? Is it the relative age of the characters?Matt and Trevor take a superficial glance at IN ORDER OF DISAPPEARANCE, in the hopes that our listeners will give it a chance and check it out. If you've already seen the film, take a peek behind the spoiler curtain and get granular with us.

The Netflix tentpole big-budget-juggernaut was released on Netflix recently.Is Netflix's future so BRIGHT they have to wear shades? Or is the new David Ayer film BRIGHT low on luster?The shadow of sexual misconduct hangs over the film's writer, Hollywood legacy Max Landis. Is it possible to separate art from artist?The boys in the Nighthawks cafe have to see if they can sort out a lot of problems, and even more expository world building, to get to the heart of a film that's big on ideas, but maybe not so hot on execution.What's more is, in honor of BRIGHT's shortlisting for a Best Makeup and Hairstyling Oscar nomination, we decide to give you an update on the road to the Academy Awards. Nighthawks' own Oscar Czar, Cameron Maris swings by the Nighthawks diner AFTER the episode, for a very special awards season update.

We are one with The Force, The Force is with us. We are one with The Force, The Force is with us. We are one with The Force, The Force is with us.In Nighthawks Episode 55, we talk about Star Wars Episode VIII- The Last Jedi. Like Donnie Yen wandering deftly, but blindly, through the crossfire, Matt and Trevor wander into the battleground as they opine about the latest film in the core Star Wars saga.A movie that has proven to be divisive among fans, it seems like you either love it or hate it. The Nighthawks have their own opinions about the film. They also, in a not-too-surprising meta twist, have their own opinions about your opinions.Then again, the movie seems to have an opinion about all of our opinions.Director Rian Johnson, of LOOPER and BRICK fame, takes the 2017 edition of the Star Wars franchise into bold new territories, subverting expectations, forging ahead, and putting its own brand on the beloved property. Did they go a step too far?Meanwhile, the political conversation continues to boil. Is Th

Trevor and Matt play a game of catch-up for this episode. Having covered Star Wars from Episodes 1-7, over two episodes back in 2015, it's time for another double feature.In Nighthawks Episode 54, the boys discuss 2016's Rogue One- A Star Wars Story. Matt makes a shocking confession about where he places the newest Star Wars prequel in his personal ranking of excellence, and Trevor ranks them differently, but compelling cases are made.A bold new direction for the Star Wars franchise, tonally and stylistically, this isn't your grandfather's Star Wars. Or, more accurately, it's closer to your grandfather's idea of a "War" film than one might give credit for, walking in blind.On top of being a prequel and on top of being a recent release in a turbulent fan culture, Rogue One caught some political flack as to its casting choices. Is Rogue One a bold step forward for a more inclusive Hollywood? Or is it an affront to the choices made in the classic trilogy.Matt and Trevor have a few opinions about that...

Here we are, we're going to wade into the fray. But suffice it to say, if we were on the Disney payroll, we'd be driving better cars.Tonight the Nighthawks talk about a movie in current release, the latest WB/DC Tent Pole event film: Justice League.Not unlike THE AVENGERS that came before (in many cases waaaay not unlike enough), WB/DC slams a bunch of bankable (?) heroes into a Save-the-Cat film, that resembles so many other films of its kind, we almost kind of would rather have watched them.While neither Matt nor Trevor "hated" or even "disliked" Justice League, they don't hold back in the opinion that they were expecting a little bit more, and the puzzlement as to why they didn't get more.

From the filmmakers behind Found Footage 3D: "When he's hired to document the behind-the-scenes action of the ultralow-budget horror movie Spectre of Death ("the first 3D found-footage horror film"), an aspiring filmmaker packs up his camera and travels with the film's crew to a creepy cabin in the woods. But when the fictional evil presence from their film begins appearing in his behind-the-scenes footage, he has to figure out how to stop it, or it just may find its way into the real world. In the same way that Scream deconstructed the slasher sub-genre in the 90’s, FF3D takes a found-footage horror movie and populates it with people who are aware of all of the rules, tricks, and clichés of the genre. They know how to make a found footage movie. But do they know how to survive one?" FOUND FOOTAGE 3D, the latest release from SHUDDER, is a meta exercise, a pitch black comedy, a geek screed against the mundane, and a fully functional horror movie. To help Trevor and Matt reveal all the Matryoshka dolls of FF3D

It's the most murder filled time of the year!It's October, and that means it's time for MONSTOBERFEST RETURNS. This is by-and-large because October is when Halloween is, which gives us a good excuse to watch spooky movies. Movies like the aptly named slasher classic, John Carpenter's HALLOWEEN.But October 2017 is something truly special, as well. To make things extra spooky, October also hosted a 13th day on a Friday. Which means it's a good time to break out the classic copy of Sean S. Cunningham's FRIDAY THE 13th.Both about misfortune befalling fumble-prone horny teenagers, when mysterious killers begin picking them off in a brutal, and gruesome manner.In what ways are these two major slasher films the same? In what ways are they different?Have a seat in the booth and join the conversation.

Two years ago, this podcast took a monstrous turn.We are, of course, being cheeky. In October of 2015 the Nighthawks were actually kind of finding a stride, and in quick succession they launched their October Halloween programming. The original Monstoberfest remains among the Nighthawk's favorite episodes, and are often called back to.So, why not bring back a good thing? Every good horror property needs a sequel, right?! Dare we say, "franchise?"Monstoberfest Returns.In any event, we're bobbing for another bite at the Halloween apple this year, and we're kicking it off in a big way.History is riddled with examples of toxic fan culture, and sadly it's an issue that we, as a society, have just begun to discuss. While the Nighthawks are putting a bookmark in that slot, for a more in-depth look at actual fan culture, they thought they'd take a stab at the artistic side.1925's Phantom of the Opera is a seminal film that would help set the stage for genre films throughout history. An early silent effort, this ad

If you are a victim or have been affected by sexual assault, you are not alone. You are loved, you are supported, you are believed. The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) has set up a National Sexual Assault Hotline; available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.Call 1-800-656-4673For more information, check the RAINN website-https://www.rainn.org/about-national-sexual-assault-telephone-hotlineThere's been a lot said over the past few weeks about some of the brands that we have traditionally supported on the show, specifically Fantastic Fest and The Alamo Drafthouse. Recently criticism has been focused at Alamo Drafthouse, Fantastic Fest, and Drafthouse founder/C.E.O. Tim League, regarding the firing and rehiring of a Drafthouse employee who had been accused of sexual assault. While we felt it was important to address this controversy and discuss our feelings, we did want to avoid granular exploration of the details. As a matter of fact, several allegations against former Drafthouse associate and AIN

Neill Blomkamp is known for such films as ELYSIUM, CHAPPIE, and DISTRICT 9. Once upon a time, he also tried to develop a few films that never made it off the ground, such as the WETA assisted HALO project, and an unused pitch for a new version of the ALIEN story, starring Sigourney Weaver.But have you seen Blomkamps latest films? What if I told you it was only a matter of clicking a link and taking the time to watch them?That's all it is.Neill Blomkamp as launched Oats Studios, an artist collective that's released several projects, including some quick-bite skit-like videos; and three fully realized short films that function both as self-contained narrative and as a pitch reel for a potential future project.Blomkamp is hoping to catch the eyes of a fanbase, to help directly fund future projects through Oats Studios. Both as expansions of their current projects and a launchpad for new ideas.The three short films we cover in tonight's episode are:RAKKAhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjQ2t_yNHQsFIREBASEhttps://y

After a prolonged hiatus, we are back to our normal operating day. Pardon our dust, mind the gap, thank you for your patience, and all of that. Things that are discussed in this episode: First and foremost, we have the phenomenal actor Justin Welborn, showcasing a range from the comically absurd to white hot tension with serious gravitas. You may remember Welborn from recent turns in JUSTIFIED on FX, or in the genre films SIREN and V/H/S VIRAL (two films that share DNA with today's episode.) Before we entered into the ought-teens, the cinematic cultural landscape was rich with two different breeds of films. Teen comedies and Zombie films. While many have attempted to traverse the borders of the venn diagram to a shared space between "zombie," "teen film," and "good;" and there have been a lot of misfires where they were missing at least one of the three trifecta. However, DANCE OF THE DEAD (2008) managed to hit a bullseye and really stick the landing. A hilarious film that serves to both parody and honor f

It’s still that time of year, again. When some of the best and brightest artists working in the medium of film, keep scrabbling and vying for the attention of a tiny little naked bald man who’s holding a sword in front of his man-business.Matt and Trevor, the usual suspects at the cafe of our dreams, are joined by their Oscar Czar, Cameron Maris. Cameron is a Utah based musician who Trevor saw fighting a duel behind the Luxembourg in France.As an obvious follow-up to our Oscar coverage last episode, we spend some time talking about the big time nominees and what we can expect from the winners circle, and who we'd like to see go. We continue the rundown, burning across the gamut of categories, our final destination: best picture 2017! It’s part 2 of our quest to talk Oascar with you.Stay tuned for bonus cold open with new, never before heard EGOT talk, which drives Trevor up the wall.Cameron Maris Will Return In Octopussy...

It's that time of year again. When some of the best and brightest artists working in the medium of film, scrabble and vie for the attention of a tiny little naked bald man who's holding a sword in front of his man-business.Matt and Trevor, the usual pair of Nighthawks that haunt the cafe of our imagination, are joined by their Oscar Czar, Cameron Maris. Cameron is a Utah based musician who Matt found while wandering the great Salt flats on a vision quest.As an obvious follow-up to our Oscar coverage last year, we spend some time talking about the changes that have taken place in the Academy over the past several years, and in what way those changes might change the ceremony. And then we begin the rundown, starting from the bottom and working our way to best picture, it's part 1 of our quest to talk Oascar with you.Stay tuned for bonus coverage of the EGOT, which drives Trevor up the wall.Coming Soon: The Final Reckoning With Cameron Maris- Oscar Special Part 2

Lee MarvinErnest BorgnineMost of you are already in at this point. Lee Marvin and Ernest Borgnine are definitely a performance dream team, and that bill alone would be worth the price of admission. But, let's keep going...Charles Bronson (American actor, not British Criminal)Telly SavalasDonald Sutherland.You're fully on board now. Put something between you and this movie, that's a good way to get that something trampled. Right?But wait, there's more.Jim BrownJohn CassavetesClint WalkerWhaaaaaat?! No way! Greatest cast ever?! NO!!! THERE'S MORE!!!George KennedyRichard JaeckelRobert RyanTrini LopezWe could keep doing this because there is not a single bad performance in the whole thing. In our ode to Richard Spenser, we decide to let one of the most testosterone laden grand-daddy ensemble film, where a rag tag group of misfits are whipped into shape for a suicidal mission. All of them criminals. Their only motivation, the foggy promise of a pardon upon their survival and safe return.It's a trope that perme

Sidney Lumet, Paddy Chayefsky, Faye Dunaway, William Holden, Peter Finch, Robert Duvall, Ned Beatty.You don't get creative talent like that everyday, and NETWORK is one of those rare "unicorn" movies that manages to pull the talent together. A biting commentary in its time, a warning of things that could be. Now, NETWORK is seen as a frighteningly prophetic piece that foretold the state of modern media.No strangers to mass communications, Trevor and Matt manage to parse out what NETWORK was trying to say then and what it tells us now.

After successfully booting...Then booting...Then booting...Then rallying, we're back with the second half of our FANTASTIC FEST coverage. Too much action for only two episodes. Stay tuned this week, for more episodes featuring Matt and Trevor talking about the movies (and television shows) that you should be looking forward to in the weeks and months to come.Today we discuss: M. Night Shyamalan's newest film, SPLIT, featuring the talented James McEvoy and Anna Taylor Joy.THE GIRL WITH ALL THE GIFTS. A brand new zombie movie that is a fresh take on the genre and got Trevor excited about zombies again. Bonus: Movie is positive for Glenn Close vs. Zombies.BAD BLACK. A curiosity from the country of Uganda that takes your eyelids and staples them to the back wall, between fits of howling laughter.THE GREASY STRANGLER. Can a movie that was made to challenge the audience to hate it, find its audience? Evidently they did. The film's star Michael St. Michaels gives us an exclusive interview.SHIN GODZILLA (aka

It's our special two 'hawks in one diner episode. We've been going through some Fantastic Fear and Loathing, but unlike Hunter T, Matt and Trevor are actually covering the event. We're live on tape from a Texas pillowfort, bringing you first half coverage from where our boots are on the ground (toes up much of the time) for week one of Fantastic Fest, the nation's largest genre film festival. We took a few days off from our rum-drenched movie bacchanal to catch you up on goings on in Austin - join us as we talk Texas, Tacos, Shiner Bock, BBQ, Fantastic Fest, and a years' worth of movies in a week - including The Arrival, The Invisible Guest, Undisputed: Boyka, Morgan Spurlock's Rats, and our personal dark horse pick, regional chart topper from Ireland called The Young Offenders(And we made eye contact the whole time)