Subtext & DoubleCross in Steven Soderbergh's No Sudden Move This week Ibrahim & I are thrilled to recommend a new film playing on HBOMax -  Steven Soderbergh's No Sudden Move. For over 30 years, Soderbergh has been an exceptional filmmaker, moving in and out of various genres, styles, and box office returns. From his debut with 1989's Sex, Lies, and Videotapes thru Oscar-winning films - Traffic and Erin Brockovich (both 2000), Box Office Hits - Out of Sight (1998) The Oceans Trilogy (2001-2007) and cult classics Haywire (2012) and The Limey (1999), Soderbergh has proven to be one of the most consistently rewarding filmmakers working today. No Sudden Move is easily one of his bests. Featuring exceptional performances from Don Cheadle, Benicio del Toro, David Harbour, Kieran Culkin, Ray Liotta, Brendan Fraser, Frankie Shaw, Julia Fox, (my good friend) David Mishevitz, and Bill Duke doing his Bill Duke thing. You should make time for this classic in waiting.  Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com.

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#339 - Soderbergh's No Sudden Move - WatchThis W/RickRamos

"Because we had to remember them." - Paul McCartney McCartney 3, 2, 1 This week Ibrahim & I continue our exploration of Rock 'N Roll with a look at the new 6-Part HULU docu-series, McCartney 3, 2, 1. For fans there doesn't seem a whole lot left to say about Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, & Ringo Starr, however the thrill of this documentary comes from an examination by one of the lads who was there from the beginning, as well as a world-renowned producer and fan of the music. It's a thrill to watch the excitement between Paul McCartney and Rick Rubin as they talk about the history of Rock 'N Roll, the band, the songs, and the walk through the cultural landscape of McCartney's 60+ years as a musician and recording artist. This is a fun, fascinating, and incredibly rewarding series. Mr. Chavez & I are thrilled to be digging further into this great music. Enjoy. Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com.

#338 - The History of Rock 'N Roll Part V: McCartney 3, 2, 1 - WatchThis W/RickRamos

Get to the Point:         The Problems, Excess, & Failure of        Quentin Tarantino's The Hateful Eight On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I go back to a favorite of ours and once again scream into the nothingness in our attempts to challenge the cult of Quentin Tarantino. In 2015 Tarantino gathered an incredible cast including: Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Tim Roth, Michael Madsen, Walton Goggins, Channing Tatum, Demién Bichir, and Channing Tatum for a film that ultimately stands as Tarantino's weakest effort. The Hateful 8 is a problematic film that was showered with praise from many critics. On this episode, Ibrahim & I go against the praise, discussing our problems with the film and examining how these problems have evolved and overwhelmed the films in Tarantino's nearly 30 years as a filmmaker. You may not agree with us, but it's hard to disagree that our points are not well considered, developed, and argued. Take a listen and see if you agree. Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. Many Thanks.

#337 - Quentin Tarantino's The Hateful Eight - WatchThis W/RickRamos

Waters of Dread: Robert Egger's The Lighthouse On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I continue our look into fascinating, challenging, and underseen cinema. On this episode we look at Robert Egger's 2019 sophomore effort, The Lighthouse. This is a truly rare thing in popular cinema, a film of enormous power and challenging stylistic choices. From it's Black & White, 1.19:1 aspect ratio (approximating 19th Century photography), Eggers focuses a story on the insanity that will come from isolation and paranoia. With incredible performances by Wilem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson, this is easily one of the best films of 2019 and the decade itself. Take a listen as we take a look at this insantiy. Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. Many Thanks.   

#336 - Robert Egger's The Lighthouse - WatchThis W/RickRamos

Doomed Journey of Lost Souls: H.G. Wells'      The Island of Dr. Moreau On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I sit down to discuss a Sci-Fi Classic, H.G. Wells' The Island of Dr. Moreau. With three English language productions, Wells' story has proven problematic for numerous filmmakers. This week we take a look at Erle C. Kenton's Island of Lost Souls (1932), featuring Charles Laughton & Bela Lugosi and the Richard Stanley/John Frankenheimer disaster, The Island of Dr. Moreau. With a bizarre, strange, and surprisingly enjoyable performance by Marlon Brando, a lackluster and disengaged Val Kilmer, and a thoroughly disgusted (and possibly suicidal) David Thewlis, this mess of a movie is truly bizarre requiring it's own documentary Lost Soul: The Doomed Journey of Richard Stanley's Island of Dr. Moreau (2014). Take a listen. We continue to have fun doing this. Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. Many Thanks!

#335 - H.G. Wells' The Island of Dr. Moreau - WatchThis W/RickRamos

History of Rock N Roll Part IV: The Beatles - FourHeaded Phenomenon On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I continue to wind our legs, ears, and memories through The History of Rock N Roll, with a look at - arguably - The Greatest Band of All Time: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, & Ringo Starr - The Beatles. Looking at 1964's Richard Lester directed A Hard Day's Night and Ron Howard's 2016 documentary The Beatles: Eight Days a Week, my partner and I discuss the history, artistry, influence, and importance of this great band. Take a listen to get another opinion on this great band. Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be sent to gondoramos@yahoo.com. Many Thanks.

#334 - The History of Rock N Roll Part IV - The Beatles

Homey Don't Play That! Remembering Paul Mooney (August 04, 1941 - May 19, 2021) A walk through memories of stand-up comedy lit by the fire of Paul Mooney's passing at the age of 79. Mooney was one of the greatest - and one of the most divisive - comics to ever pick up a microphone. I don't know when I first heard him, but I know that it was a life-changing experience. On this episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, I go solo to talk Mooney's influence in the world of stand-up comedy and what he meant to me personally. A lot of great memories. My little tribute to one of the greatest comics of all time. Parental Advisory: Explicit Lyrics I hope I don't offend, but there is no other way to remember a great comic without discussing their material in it's complete and original offensiveness. I hope you understand. Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. Many Thanks!

#333 - Remembering Mr. Paul Mooney - WatchThis W/RickRamos

Ignoring the Bear - Ari Aster's Midsommar This week Ibrahim & I tackle Ari Aster's 2019 "Folk Horror" film, Midsommar . . . a film that takes  extreme chances, challenging its audience like few multi-screen attractions do. This is a great film that is difficult to recommend only because of the limitations of so much of today's movie-going audience (we really need to pick it up). Take a watch and let us know if you agree. Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. Thanks for the continued support.

#332 - Midsommar - WatchThis W/RickRamos

Printing the Legend: John Ford's The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I sit down to discuss a classic of Western Cinema - and arguably one of the greatest films ever made - John Ford's The Man Who Shot LIberty Valance. We discuss the Western, Mythology & Legend, and - of course -  Ford Stewart & Wayne. Take a listen . . . it's a fun look into a respected film that is - oftentimes - overshadowed by so much of what Ford and Wayne created. Let us know what you think. Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. Thanks!

#331 - The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance - WatchThis W/RickRamos

History of Rock 'N Roll Part III: Bob Dylan Continued - Masked and Unmasked This week Ibrahim & I continue looking at the career and artistry of Bob Dylan. Focusing on Dylan's career following his Triumph motorcycle accident (July 29, 1966) and his re-emergence, with Ibrahim & I focusing on The 1975 Rolling Thunder Tour  (chronicled in Martin Scorsese's excellent Netflix documentary, Rolling Thunder Revue). We also look at Todd Hayne's 2007 I'm Not There and Larry Charles' Masked & Anonymous (2003). This is a fun one. Take a listen and let us know what you think. Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. Thanks!

#330 - History of Rock N Roll Part III: Bob Dylan Continued - WatchThis W/RickRamos

History of Rock 'N Roll Part II: Bob Dylan - Original Vagabond On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I continue our look at The History of Rock 'N Roll looking at the career, influence, and artistry of Bob Dylan.  Take a listen as we look at this incredibly influential artist through the eyes of D.A. Pennebaker's 1967 behind-the-scenes documentary Don't Look Back and Martin Scorsese's early career-spanning documentary No Direction Home: Bob Dylan (2005). Take a listen as we profile one of the most important artists of the 20th Century and - arguably - the most important songwriter in the English language. Thanks for the continued Love & Support. Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com.

#329 - History of Rock N Roll Part II: Bob Dylan

Hanging Onto Yesterday - The Birth, Evolution, and Death of The Video Store On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I sit down to discuss memories of the video store . . . whether the Mom & Pop stores, the chain stores, and the monster that ate it all - Blockbuster Video. We discuss the anarchy and danger of the Mom & Pop versus the bulldozer that was Blockbuster Video and later Netflix and the streaming revolution. For this episode we focus on our memories of growing up on cable television, the library, and the video store, and we couple this with two streaming documentaries that examine this history: Netflix's The Last Blockbuster and (streaming free on Tubi) Rewind This. This is a damn good time remembering this soul and intellectual formative period. Take a listen and see how much of it you can remember. Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. Many Thanks for the Continued Support.

#328 - The Death of the Video Store - WatchThis W/RickRamos

"Another way to say 'Mexican'" - Luis Valdez's Zoot Suit This week Mr. Chavez and I get a bit personal with a discussion of a classic in Chicano Cinema . . . 1981's Luis Valdez directed Zoot Suit. The story of Enrique "Hank" Leyvas (Reyna in the theatrical play and film) and his - and his crews' - railroading into San Quentin for the 1941"Sleepy Lagoon" Murder. In a case that was a clear abuse of the justice system, Leyvas was pushed through a trial that was little more than a circus designed to give the impression of justice. Valdez's film is photographed and performed as the play itself was produced both in Los Angeles and on Broadway. Mr. Chavez and I examine the cultural importance of the film, but also the history of Los Angeles, race-relations, and the ongoing fight for representation. This is an episode that - definitely - grabbed a hold of both of us and carried us to places that deserve discussion, but which are so often ignored. Take a listen. We think you may learn a li'l bit about a hidden history. Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. Many Thanks.

#327 - History of LA Part I - ZOOT SUIT - WatchThis W/RickRamos

Magic of The Illusion or Stepping Back from the Rabbit - Christopher Nolan's TENET On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I sit down to discuss the problems and overreach of Christopher Nolan's Tenet (2020). For a filmmaker as bold, inventive, and risk-taking as Christopher Nolan, Tenet is a serious letdown. Take a listen as we discuss the film's various flaws and disappointments, as well as what does work about the film. We went for a fair and balanced discussion. We hope you see it that way. Thanks for listening. Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com.

#326 - Christopher Nolan's TENET - WatchThis W/RickRamos

John Waters - Examining the Genre-Bending & Culture-Crashing Art of a Filth Icon Has there ever been a figure in popular (or even underground) culture quite like Baltimore's John Waters? I would argue that Mr. Waters is a unique and essential artist in the history of American Cinema. From his early days as an underground filmmaker with such classics as Multiple Maniacs (1970), Female Trouble (1974), and - of course - 1972's Pink Flamingos, thru his mainstream breakthroughs, including Hairspray (1988), Cry-Baby (1990), and Serial Mom (1994), Waters  - over a period of 50 years - has been a truly visionary artist. These are not easy films to watch, but they were never meant to be. Waters' work has always been a kind of litmus test determining "squareness", hypocrisy, and narrow-mindedness. If you have a problem with Waters, then most likely your an uptight prick. John Waters - along with a loyal production crew (Pat Moran, Vincent Peranio, Van Smith) and stable of actors (Mink Stole, David Lochary, Edith Massey, and - later - Ricki Lake, Patty Hearst, Traci Lords) defined the "Midnight Movie" and subversive cinema. All of this was made possible through Waters' culture-challenging attack and his collaboration with the iconic Drag Queen, Harris Glenn Milstead, better known as Divine (1945-1988). A fantastic documentary - I Am Divine - profiles the life and times of the great performer. This was a lot of fun. Take a listen and let us know what you think. Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. Many Thanks.  

#325 - John Waters: Study in Filth - WatchThis W/RickRamos

Comedian Rick Ramos sits down and talks current theatrical releases and offers suggestions for additional movie watching choices. A film fans dream come true, WatchThis is about the art, beauty, and possibilities of cinema. Each week Ramos discusses the greatest films ever made (including those that you may have missed) as well as the artists that have created these films. He also goes further in discussing how much these films mean to him and how much they will - hopefully - mean to you. Enjoy!

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Watch This With Rick Ramos

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