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One of the things that separates science fiction from any other genre is its ability to gaze into a crystal ball and attempt to predict what the future might be like if humanity continues on a certain path. This pairing is dedicated to science fiction films that looked into a darker future for humankind and, unfortunately, seem to have been uncomfortably prescient with their predictions, as evinced by the direction certain civilizations seem to be headed. First up, from the brilliant mind of author Ray Bradbury and the direction of acclaimed French director Francios Truffaut, is 1966's "Fahrenheit 451!" Set in an undetermined future, humanity has chosen to turn its back on the written word in favor of "equality for all." Newspapers have become pictograms, television is the primary form of learning (although it's completely controlled by the government), and firemen now have a different job: They locate and destroy (by burning) any books or other written materials found and confiscated by the authorities. The film follows Guy Montag (Oskar Werner). A fireman by profession, he is married to a drugged and brainwashed woman, Linda (Julie Christie) who is clearly unintelligent and passive. One day, on the way home from work, Montag meets Clarisse (also played by Julie Christie), who asks him if he has ever been tempted to read one of the books before he burns it, to see what the government is so afraid of. Thus begins Montag's awakening to the reality of his world and its mission. Also starring Cyril Cusack and Bee Duffell!

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Our tribute to Gene Hackman moves to 2001 and his only collaboration with writer/director Wes Anderson, in a part Anderson wrote specifically for Hackman. In 2001's "The Royal Tenenbaums, also written by Anderson and Owen Wilson, Hackman plays estranged family patriarch Royal Tenenbaum. He is many years separated from, but still married to, wife Etheline (Anjelica Huston), and is father to three children: Chas (Ben Stiller), Richie (Luke Wilson), and adopted daughter Margot (Gwyneth Paltrow). Childhood next-door neighbor and friend of the children, Eli Cash (Owen Wilson), and house manager Pagoda (Kumar Pallana) round out the initial cast. As the story moves ahead to the children's adulthood, we also meet Raleigh St. Clair (Bill Murray), Margot's husband, Etheline's accountant and fiance Henry Sherman (Danny Glover), and Chas's children Ari (Grant Rosenmeyer) and Uzi (Jonah Meyerson). Narrated by Alec Baldwin, the story chronicles the numerous dysfunctional relationships inherent in being a Tenenbaum, parent-to-child, friend-to-friend, and sibling-to-sibling, in Wes Anderson's inimical style. Plus, the trio reveal which two eerily prescient dystopian science fiction films make up their next, and rather unsettling, pairing!

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On February 18th, 2025, legendary actor Gene Hackman was found dead in his home. With a career few actors experience, Hackman was a two-time Oscar winner and was a part of over a hundred separate cinematic projects. This pairing is dedicated to the career of Gene Hackman, starting with 1986's Oscar-nominated basketball film "Hoosiers!" Directed by David Anspaugh and written by Angelo Pizzo, the film follows former college basketball coach Normal Dale (Hackman) who returns from a 12-year hiatus to take over as head basketball coach at Hickory High School in rural Indiana. Basketball is the other religion in the town of Hickory, and Dale begins with only five players, an absent superstar, and a reticent and hostile community. Slowly, over time, he earns the respect of his players, the trust of his fellow teacher Myra Fleener (Barbara Hershey), rehabilitates the town drunk Shooter (Dennis Hopper), and converts the townies to his flavor of basketball. Based on the true story of the Milan Indians of Milan, Indiana and their 1954 state championship. Also starring Sheb Wolley, Chelcie Ross, and Michael Sassone.

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The second film in our pairing of Scottish cinema reunites director Ken Loach and writer Paul Laverty, this time for a dramedy heist film that still has all the working-class pathos Loach is famous for! In "The Angels' Share," the story begins by showing us a series of individuals all getting sentenced to "community payback" (community service) for their particular crimes: Robbie (Paul Brannigan), Albert (Gary Maitland), Rhino (William Ruane), and Mo Jasmine Riggins). They meet when they report for their first day under supervisor Harry (John Henshaw). Robbie is about to become a father and is determined to turn his life around. After witnessing Robbie getting beaten by his partner Leonie's (Siobahn Reilly) brothers and father, Harry takes Robbie under his wing. When Robbie and Leonie's son Luke is born, Harry treats Robbie to a toast with a glass of very old and expensive whiskey, which also reveals that Robbie has a very evolved sense of smell, allowing him to detect all the subtle notes and nuances of the drink. Later no, after a trip to a whiskey tasting where the group learned about the discovery of a very old and rare cask from Malt Mills distillery, Robbie hatches a plan to make them all very rich. The only problem is actually pulling off the plan without getting caught! Also starring Roger Allam. And the trio reveal which two films will make up their tribute to the late, great actor Gene Hackman!

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