Two Geeks and GIT

Episode 298: Johnny Dangerously (1984)

Johnny Dangerously (1984) Watch the trailer!

Starting our two-week look at gangster comedies, we travel back to the year 1984 for one of the merriest homages to the gangster films of the 1930s and 40s, Johnny Dangerously! The film follows young Johnny Dangerously (Michael Keaton), a nice guy who's also a great mobster, working for mob boss Jocko Dundee (Peter Boyle). Johnny's brother, Tommy (Griffin Dunne) is the new District Attorney and hunting the infamous mobster Johnny Dangerously. Throw in Ma Kelly (Maureen Stapleton), sassy torch singer Lil Sheridan (Marilu Henner), and trigger-happy new Dundee mob muscle Danny Vermin (Joe Piscopo) and you have the perfect recipe for humor, passion, violence, and "good" triumphing over evil! Also starring Dom DeLuise, Danny DeVito, Ron Carey, Ray Walston, Dick Butkus, and Alan Hale Jr.!

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Episode 297: Chinatown (1974)

Chinatown (1974) Watch the trailer!

Rounding off our "Neo-Noir" pairing, we move ahead three years from our first film and turn to a film much truer to its film noir roots, a film that teamed director Roman Polanski, writer Robert Towne, and producer Robert Evans for a film that saw Jack Nicholson nominated for his fourth role in the "Best Actor" category. In 1974's classic "Chinatown," Nicholson plays J. J. Gittes, a successful Los Angeles private eye, who is hired by the wife of Hollis Mulwray (Darrell Zwerling) the head of the high-profile Chief Engineer for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, on suspicion of infidelity. After concluding the case, he is met by Mulwray's actual wife, Evalyn (Faye Dunaway), who claims to know nothing about Gittes being hired to spy on her husband. When Hollis turns up dead, so begins an intricate cat-and-mouse game between J. J. and Evelyn that takes a series of unexpected twists and turns as the truth of entire conspiracy is slowly revealed, and it's more sordid than even Gittes expected! Also starring John Huston, Perry Lopez, John Hillerman, Diane Ladd, and Roy Jenson. Plus, the Geeks & GIT disclose what two gangster comedies will fill their next pairing (with laughs, hopefully)!

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Episode 296: Klute (1971)

Klute (1971) Watch the trailer!

We begin our pairing of what are known as "Neo-Noir" films ("Neo-Noir" meaning a re-imagining of the genre of film noir) with the film that netted star Jane Fonda her first Academy Award for Best Actress! Written by Andy and David E Lewis, and directed by Alan J. Pakula, it's 1971's thrilling who-dunnit, "Klute!" Starring Fonda as Bree Daniels, a call girl trying to get out of the life, and Donald Sutherland as John Klute, a private detective tasked with investigating the disappearance of Pennsylvania businessman Tom Gruneman (Robert Milli) by Gruneman's boss, Peter Cable (Charles Cioffi). Klute's path crosses with Daniels' when his investigation turns up a connection, and from that point on, their lives become ever-more intertwined as the killer begins to stalk Bree as well. Can Klute solve the case before Bree becomes the killer's next victim? Also starring Roy Scheider, Dorothy Tristan, Rita Gam, and Nathan George.

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Episode 295: The Raven (1935)

The Raven (1935) Watch the trailer!

The second film in our pairing of classic Boris Karloff roles finds him once again paired with Bela Lugosi, although the roles are reversed from the previous film! Directed this time by Lew Landers, this film tells the story of renowned surgeon Dr. Richard Vollin (Lugosi) who is brought out of retirement to save the life of young Jean Thatcher (Irene Ware) after a horrible automobile accident. Dr. Vollin becomes enamored of Jean, even though she has a fiancée, fellow doctor Jerry Halden (Lester Matthews) and an over-protective father, Judge Thatcher (Samuel S. Hinds). As it turns out, Dr. Vollin is something of an Edgar Allen Poe aficionado, and has re-created many of Poe's more famous torture devices as a sort of macabre hobby. When Edmond Bateman (Karloff), a wanted violent felon, shows up at his door and insists Vollin change his face so he won't be captured, Vollin agrees, but the surgery transforms Bateman into a grotesque creature, and Vollin uses the threat of not undoing the surgery to get Bateman to do his bidding. Love, lust, torture, and death fill the rest of the story, but the ending comes as no surprise. And the trio reveal which two neo-noir films will make up their next pairing!

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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.