Two Geeks and GIT

Episode 385: A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) Watch the trailer!

Our second horror film that spawned a franchise comes to us from 1984. Directed by (now) horror master Wes Craven, "A Nightmare on Elm Street" spins the tale of a vengeful spirit returned to take his revenge on the children of the people who killed him. Fred Kreuger (Robert Englund) was a serial killer of children who got off on a technicality, which caused the parents in town to take matters into their own hands. Somehow, years later, Freddie has returned as a dream specter, targeting the children of those who killed him. Nancy Thompson (Heather Langenkamp), her boyfriend Glen Lantz (Johnny Depp in a very early role), and her friend Tina Gray (Amanda Wyss) discover that they've all been having the same dream of a dirty, disfigured man in a tattered red and green-striped sweater, who has knife-tipped gloves. Shortly thereafter, one of the girls is killed in a truly horrific manner and, while her boyfriend Rod Lane (Jsu Garcia) is blamed for it, Nancy believes something far more sinister and macabre is happening. Nancy is finally able to convince her mother (Ronee Blakely) to tell her the truth about the dream specter, which explains why he's hunting her and her friends. She even attempt to persuade her father, police Lieutenant Thompson (John Saxon) of her theories, only to realize that she and she alone can stop Freddie. Plus, the trio reveal which thriller director will be the focus of their next pairing!

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Episode 384: Halloween (1978)

Halloween (1978) Watch the trailer!

For our yearly Halloween pairing, this time we're looking at two films that started very long-lived horror franchises! First up, from the mind of John Carpenter, who directed, co-write, and scored this independent film, it's the debut cinematic performance from Jamie Lee Curtis, 1978's "Halloween!" Co-written with Carpenter's then-girlfriend Debra Hill, this film introduced us to the unstoppable evil that is serial killer Michael Myers. Top billing is given to veteran actor Donald Pleasence who portrays Dr. Sam Loomis, Michael's long-time psychiatrist and the only person in the film who, at least initially, knows just how dangerous Michael is! Upon his escape from the sanitariam where he's been a patient for 15 years after he killed his sister on Halloween in 1963, Dr. Loomis heads back to Haddenfield, Illinois, Michael's hometown, where he tries to raise the alarm. Meanwhile, Michael has returned and has fixed on Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) who, with her friends Annie (Nancy Kyles) and Lynda (P.J. Soles) are getting ready to celebrate Halloween while babysitting. Needless to say, thanks to Michael, their evenings do not go as planned. The film features a score written by Carpenter (in four days, no less), and the film is now seen as one of the most successful independent features of all time!

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Episode 383: Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

Little Miss Sunshine (2006) Watch the trailer!

The second film in our salute to the late Alan Arkin is the one that netted Arkin an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor (it also took the award for Best Original Screenplay)! Directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valarie Faris, 2006's "Little Miss Sunshine" chronicles a road-trip from New Mexico to California with what is, perhaps, the most dysfunctional family ever captured on celluloid. Young beauty-pageant contestant Olive (Abigail Breslin) has become the winner of a local pageant for Little Miss Sunshine thanks to a disqualification, and needs to get to the final competition in California. Accompanied by her would-be motivational speaker father, Richard (Greg Kinnear), her mother Sheryl (Toni Collette), her brother Dwayne (Paul Dano) who has taken a vow of silence, her previously-suicidal uncle Frank (Steve Carrell), and her well-meaning but out-of-touch grandfather Edwin (Arkin), the group sets off in a VW Microbus for the competition. They face repeated obstacles and setbacks along the way, but arrive in the nick of time for Olive to compete! The competition, however, doesn't go quite as everyone expected. The film also stars Chuck Loring, Paula Newsome, Dean Norris, and Bryan Cranston! Plus, the gents reveal which two horror franchise originals they'll be reviewing for Halloween 2023!

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Episode 382: Catch-22 (1970)

Catch-22 (1970) Watch the trailer!

This pairing salutes actor Alan Arkin, who passed away on June 29th of 2023. We begin with the film based on a Joseph Heller novel that now sits on several banned book lists. Directed by Mike Nichols and adapted for the screen by Buck Henry, 1970's "Catch-22" examines the absurdity of war in a truly satirical fashion. The film stars Arkin as Captain Yossarian, a B-52 bombardier who has grown completely disillusioned with the war against the Germans and the Japanese and is trying to get grounded. He no longer trusts his commanding officers, and begins observing the truly insane actions of those supposedly "in charge." The film feature a cornucopia of Hollywood stars, including Martin Balsam, Richard Benjamin, singer Art Garfunkel, Jack Gilford, Buck Henry, Bob Newhart, Anthony Perkins, Paula Prentiss, Martin Sheen, Jon Voight, Bob Balaban, Norman Fell, Charles Grodin, Austin Pendleton, and Orson Welles! The film gathered so many World War II bombers, it features the largest private air force ever assembled, and the sixth largest in the world (after France) at the time!

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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.