Two Geeks and GIT

Episode 405: To Live and Die in L.A. (1985)

To Live and Die in L.A. (1985) Watch the trailer!

The second film in our pairing examining the work of director William Friedkin takes place on the other coast from our first. In 1985's "To Live and Die in L.A.," Secret Service agent Richard Chance (William Petersen) loses his long-time partner Jimmy Hart (Michael Greene) after he is killed trying to track down notorious counterfeiter Eric Masters (Willem Dafoe). Chance and his second partner John Vukovich (John Pankow) continue the investigation, moving in on Masters who, while long been suspected of making counterfeit currency for years, has never actually been tied directly to any "funny money." Chance becomes obsessed with catching Masters, dragging himself and his new partner into several situations that cross the line of legality in order to create convincing undercover identities that will allow them to close the case. Also starring John Turturro, Darlanne Fluegel, and Robert Downey Sr. The film also features Friedkin's attempt to one-up the chase scene from "The French Connection," although some doubt he succeeded. Plus, the trio reveal which two horror anthologies they've chosen for the next pairing!

Find us on Facebook!

Support us on Patreon!

Episode 404: The French Connection (1971)

The French Connection (1971) Watch the trailer!

This pairing focuses on renowned Hollywood director William Friedkin who passed away in August of 2023. Best known as the director of "The Exorcist," he directed over 40 projects in his life, including the two films discussed here. First up, in 1971, with only two projects to his credit, he was given the task of leading the cinematic adaptation of the book of the same name: "The French Connection." Starring Gene Hackman as narcotics detective Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle and Roy Scheider as his partner Buddy "Cloudy" Russo, the film relates the detectives stumbling on a massive heroin deal coming to the United States from France. Heroin dealer Alain Charnier (Fernando Ray) is attempting to smuggle a huge amount of the drug into New York, and it's only through the determination and sheer stubborness of Doyle and Russo that the shipment is discovered. The duo attempts to seize the drugs and arrest the smugglers, but run into several issues in the process. Also starring Tony Lo Bianco, Marcel Bozzuffi, Bill Hickman, and Ann Rebbot. The film also features one of the most notorious chase scenes in cinematic history!

Find us on Facebook!

Support us on Patreon!

Episode 403: Predator (1987)

Predator (1987) Watch the trailer!

For the second film in our tribute to Carl Weathers, we move to 1987 and Weathers teaming up with another superstar: Arnold Schwarzenegger! In 1987's "Predator," directed by John McTiernan, Weathers plays Staff Sergeant George Dillon, a former comrade now turned CIA operative, who needs a group of commandos to invade a South American jungle to save Americans taken hostage by a local militia group. Dillon turns to his old comrade Major Alan "Dutch" Schaefer (Schwarzenegger), and asks him to bring his crew on the mission. His crew is made up of Sergeant Mac Eliot (Bill Duke), Sergeant Blain Cooper (Jesse Ventura in his first film role), Sergeant Billy Sole (Sonny Landham), Corporal Poncho Ramirez (Richard Chaves), and Corporal Rick Hawkins (Shane Black). Upon reaching the camp where the Americans are being held, however, it becomes apparent that this is a strike mission, not a rescue mission. After taking out the militia's camp, the group discovers it is being stalked by a creature not of this earth (played by Kevin Peter Hall, voiced by Peter Cullen). The hunters quickly become the hunted, with the "Predator" picking off one member at a time until only Dutch is left. Will the last survivor make it out of the jungle alive, or will he become the final victim of the extra-terrestrial using Earth as its hunting grounds? Plus, the trio unveil which two William Friedkin-directed films make up the next pairing!

Find us on Facebook!

Support us on Patreon!

Episode 402: Rocky III

Rocky III (1982) Watch the trailer!

Veteran actor Carl Weathers passed away on February 2nd, 2024, from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. He was 76 years old, and left us a long history of entertaining and engaging characters and performances. This pairing is a tribute to his career, starting with his best performance in a series that is beloved across the world. In "Rocky III," director and star Sylvester Stallone spins a tale about a fighter who's let success go to his head, and he's lost his way as an athlete. His manager, Mickey (Burgess Meredith) didn't want him to try to put his title on the line in the first place, and dies shortly after Rocky loses to Lang. After a horrific beatdown at the hands of thug fighter Clubber Lang (Mr. T), Rocky (Stallone) is adrift, unsure of what path to follow. Enter former opponent and now friend Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers) who tells Rocky he can regain his title, but only by completely changing his style of fighting. After months of re-training, Rocky and Clubber Lang meet once more in the ring, and settle the question of "Who's the best?" once and for all! Also starring Talia Shire, Burt Young, Tony Burton, and Hulk Hogan!

Find us on Facebook!

Support us on Patreon!

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.