Two Geeks and GIT

Episode 334: Taxi Driver (1976)

Taxi Driver (1976) Watch the trailer!

For Thanksgiving, a uniquely American holiday, we turn to two films about a uniquely American location: New York City! First up, it's director Martin Scorcese and writer Paul Schrader's ode to the largest city in the United States, and how even in such a massive collection of people, loneliness can still drive a person slowly insane. The film "Taxi Driver" follows Travis Bickle (Robert De Niro), a vietnam veteran who can't sleep, so he decides to put his insomnia to work and takes a job as a taxi driver. On his travels, he runs across two very different ladies and has two very different reactions to them. First is Betsy (Cybil Shepherd), a campaign worker for presidential-hopeful Senator Charles Palantine (Leonard Harris), who he attempts to woo despite his very pronounced social awkwardness. The second, however, is still a girl, 12-year-old Iris (Jodie Foster), a streetwalker who Travis decides he needs to rescue. Intertwined throughout his relationships with the two ladies, Travis tries to find purpose amidst the dirty and garbage-strewn streets of New York. Also starring Albert Brooks, Harvey Keitel, and Peter Boyle.

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Episode 333: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)

The Manchurian Candidate Watch the trailer!

Our second "In Memorium" film in this pairing pays tributed to an actor who turned in such a masterful performance, she's listed as AFI's #5 villain of all times. Louise Fletcher passed away on September 23rd, 2022, so in honor of her amazing performance as Nurse Ratched, we're looking at her Academy Award-winning performance in 1975's "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." Directed by Milos Forman, this film features performances from a veritable cavalcade of future stars! R. P. McMurphy (Jack Nicholson) has been placed in a mental ward, a clever dodge to get out of a work camp. There, he meets a group of patients who become his community, including Martini (Danny DeVito), Cheswick (Sydney Lassick), Taber (Christopher Lloyd), Billy Bibbit (Brad Dourif), Frederickson (Vincent Schiavelli), Harding (William Redfield), Ellsworth (Dwight Marfield), Chief (Will Sampson), and several others, all of whom are under the thumb of the evil Nurse Ratched. When McMurphy gains the trust of the rest of the group, and begins to encourage them to break away from Ratched's scheduled life, a battle of wills between a free-wheeling radical and a controlling sociopath for the future of the lives of every man on the ward! Plus, the trio reveal which two films, set in New York, will make up this year's Thanksgiving pairing!

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Episode 332: The Manchurian Candidate (1962)

Watch the trailer!

The world has lost two amazing actors over the last two months, so this pairing is an "In Memorium" for each. For our first film, we pay tribute to Angela Lansbury, who passed away on October 11th, 2022, by taking a look at the third film to net her an Academy Award nomination, 1962's "The Manchurian Candidate." Directed by John Frankenheimer, this film follows a group of Korean War soldiers who've returned to the U.S. after their tour of duty. One soldier in particular, Major Bennett Marco (Frank Sinatra) is having recurring, disturbing nightmares of fellow soldier Raymond Shaw (Laurence Harvey) having done unspeakable things to members of their unit. While he tries to come to grips with the nightmare's meaning, Shaw himself is trying to deal with life stateside, a horrible stepfather in Senator John Iselin (James Gregory) and a domineer and manipulative mother, Eleanor Iselin (Angela Lansbury). As Marco sorts out his issues, Senator Iselin is starting a witch-hunt for communists working for the Defense Department, a hunt his wife Eleanor is spearheading. As the two veterans begin to sort out the truth of their lifes, the film takes a turn into true political thriller territory and twists and winds its way to a surprising and sudden ending! Also starring Henry Silva, Leslie Parrish, and Janet Leigh.

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Episode 331: Exit Humanity (2011)

Exit Humanity (2011) Watch the trailer!

The final film of our Halloween season, and the second in our pairing of more modern takes on the Zombie sub-genre, is anything but modern in it setting. 2011's "Exit Humanity," directed by John Geddes, chronicles a zombie outbreak near the end of the U.S. Civil War. Narrated by the wonderful Brian Cox, the film follows Edward Young (Mark Gibson), a veteran who has had to contend with the zombie outbreak, including killing his wife who had turned into one of the shambling dead. He then departs his homestead in search of his missing 11-year-old son. After discovering his son's fate, he enters a seemingly abandoned town to forage for supplies and comes face-to-face with Isaac (Adam Seybold), who enlists Edward's help rescuing his sister Emma (Jordan Hayes) from the renegade General Williams (Bill Moseley) and his squad of hunters, including Medic Johnson (Stephen McHattie) who is trying to figure out the medical-basis for the zombie outbreak and, if possible, concoct a cure. After Edward is wounded rescuing Emma, they seek assistance from Eve (the legendary Dee Wallace), a local healer who was outcast from her village. Together, Edward, Isaac, Emma, and Eve attempt to figure out a life together, all the while dealing with concurrent threats from the zombies and from General Williams' band. Plus, the trio reveal their first two-for-one tribute to two amazing actresses who have recently passed away!

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See what people are saying about the Two Geeks and a G.I.T. Podcast!

May 20th, 2024

"Love this pod, loved this episode. 2 film professors and their apprentice, I learn a lot every time.

Sal Mineo was the victim of a common hate crime back then. It should be mentioned that in the late sixties and 70's he was part of the gay liberation movement, it cost him jobs and eventually his life.

There ar many web pages that completely ignore this fact, it not true that he was just mugged and stabbed, my heart that is not stabbed tells me so, also it's documented in books and mentioned in some websites. The Hollywood reporter article called him a half assed actor, ICKY the hate continues, he was out in the 60's and it cost him gigs, that doesn't make him half assed.

such a sad story, but the truth should not be erased." -Dominic Nigro.

Nov 1st, 2023

"Because I was already in the middle of my self-created Shocktober Film Fest, which always ends on Halloween with ABBOTT & COSTELLO MEET FRANKENSTEIN, and I wanted to search for any podcasts which discussed it, I stumbled upon this podcast. I am impressed with both the general discussion and the knowledge of at least two of the three who teach a movie class, I think at a college. Love their choices, their coverage and their discussion. Have now already listened to at least 7 episodes (albeit at faster than normal speed), and it will be in my regular podcast rotation from now on." -shakurav1.

Mar 27th, 2023

"These guys are great to listen to. One of my favorite pods" -Ratpak2000.

Jan 11th, 2023

"Informative, interesting, and entertaining look at a lot of movies. All pods are free, unlike some reviewers out there. These reviewers have an education background and it shows in the way they express themselves, impart information about the movies as well as listen to each fellow host give their own opinions. Check out their expansive library of free film reviews, and film types paired together. Great takes on lots of genres. Thanks, guys!" -TheMatrix.

July 24th, 2021

"Just discovered. What a great movie podcast. I especially love the range of films covered. I discovered it by searching for a podcast episode talking about UHF of all movies. Any podcast that can cover comedies such as UHF, Summer School, and Spaceballs and then can just as well inform and entertain on films like City Lights, Stagecoach, and 12 Angry Men is a winner in my book. I still have many of your episodes to discover. Well done." -Mike C.

July 12th, 2021

"Had a listen, great episode guys. I am glad you like [1408] and picked it to cover as it doesnt really get talked about all that much in the sense of a must see Stephen King movie like The Shinning, Shawshank, Stand By Me etc

Without saying too much the window scene is also the one that got me good too, I love horror movies and while my wife hides behind her pillow or hits the roof with jump scares I seem motionless to most (The Ring and Jacob's Ladder aside), however this scene, first gave me shivers when he saw what he did followed instantly by a near heartache jump scare haha" -Bruce H.

June 14th, 2021

(Regarding the review of "The Shining") "Perfect" -Alton S.

Feb 18th, 2021

"As a former student of Jeff's, I was fascinated with his opionion on movies. I still have the first business card he handed me on the first day of class. Coming from three professors, I enjoy each [of] your well thought-out points of view. Not only am I learning something new about my favorite movies, but finding interests in new films. Keep up the great work geeks! (and G.I.T.)" -Joseph N.

July 16th, 2020

"Hi, I have been working through loads of classic films. Love the podcast. Would love to hear 12 Angry Men episode (my new fave classic film). Thanks" -Tom B.

Feb 18th, 2020

"Buddy does NOT talk too much. But Chad does! Just kidding - great show as always!" -Tim J.

November 4th, 2019

"Hey 3 x G's!
Love your podcast! And since you ask for suggestions about movies to be put on the show, I have to give my two cents, about some movies that I love, and would love hear your views on:

Tootsie (1982)
Amadeus (1984)
Pleasantville (1998)
Zathura - A Space Adventure

Thanks for all the reviews! 🙂" -Frederik T.

Sept 19th, 2019

"Hi guys, love the podcast. Have you thought about doing a podcast on PTA’s ‘Boogie Nights’. Maybe ‘There Will Be Blood’ too. Would love to hear your thoughts. Keep up the good work." -Steve M.