Matinee Heroes
Matinee Heroes is a podcast dedicated to exploring hero cinema - from adventurers, heroes, and superheroes; from Jedi to buddy cops; from the Wild West, to the distant past, to futures both hopeful and dystopian, from ancient lands to the deepest reaches of outer space. In a time when we need heroes more than ever, Alan and Craig will try to understand just what makes our cinematic heroes tick, and how we can use that heroism in our everyday life.
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Sisu
01/24/2026
Sisu
SISU During the last days of World War II, a solitary prospector crosses paths with Nazis on a scorched-earth retreat in northern Finland. When the soldiers decide to steal his gold, they quickly discover they just tangled with no ordinary miner. Craig, Elisabeth and Cary Gordon discuss revenge fantasies, adaptable anti-heroes, heavy metal cruises and the movie “Sisu” on this week’s Matinee Heroes! Show Notes 0:47 Craig, Elisabeth and guest Cary Gordon talk about heavy metal cruising. 7:01 Craig, Elisabeth and Cary discuss "Sisu". 28:05 Recasting 46:10 Double Feature 50:05 Final Thoughts 56:11 A preview of next week's episode "The Sound of Music." F#@K Nazis month end with a song or two with "The Sound of Music".
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Judgement at Nuremberg
01/17/2026
Judgement at Nuremberg
JUDGEMENT AT NUREMBERG Judge Dan Haywood presides over the trial of four German judges accused of collaborating with the Nazi regime by sentencing innocent men to death during World War II. As testimony unfolds, the visiting Americans and their wary German hosts are forced to confront what the war did to their countries, and the lasting moral damage it left behind. Craig, Elisabeth and guest Valerie Cameron talk about society’s role in atrocities, fighting fascism at home, the film sports nerd Venn diagram and the movie “Judgement at Nuremburg” on this week’s Matinee Heroes. Show Notes 0:59 Craig, Elisabeth and guest Valerie Cameron () talk about her latest musings and postings. 8:32 Craig, Elisabeth and Adam discuss "Marathon Man". 1:03:29 Recasting 1:29:34 Double Feature 1:33:54 Final Thoughts 1:36:58 A preview of next week's episode "Sisu." F#@K Nazis month continues with a movie that is just pure revenge "Sisu."
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Marathon Man
01/10/2026
Marathon Man
MARATHON MAN A Columbia grad student and committed long-distance runner has no clue his older brother is a government agent hunting a Nazi war criminal, until that brother is murdered and he’s yanked into a vicious web of stolen gems and sadistic killers. Even his girlfriend starts to look like she might be hiding something, and in a hurry, everything he believed about his life gets turned inside out. Craig, Elisabeth and guest Adam Marcus talk about paranoia thrillers, never under estimate an old Nazi, nut butter and the movie “Marathon Man” on this week’s Matinee Heroes! Show Notes 1:14 Craig, Elisabeth and guest Adam Marcus talk about Adam's documentary Heart of Darkness: The making of "The Final Friday". 15:54 Craig, Elisabeth and Adam discuss "Marathon Man". 1:15:30 Recasting 1:45:49 Double Feature 1:48:51 Final Thoughts 1:55:13 A preview of next week's episode "Judgement at Nuremberg." F#@K Nazis month continues with a movie that explains how a society allows Nazis in "Judgement at Nuremberg."
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Episode 13 - Christopher Eccleston - CONversations with Craig
01/05/2026
Episode 13 - Christopher Eccleston - CONversations with Craig
Recorded live in Utah after a two year wait, this CONversation with Craig drops you straight into a packed room with Christopher Eccleston and an audience ready to sprint into Doctor Who territory at full speed. Craig kicks things off by digging into Christopher’s take on Fagin in Dodger, including how you approach an iconic role that comes with real baggage. From there it turns into a smart, funny, occasionally sharp Q&A about stepping back into the Ninth Doctor with Big Finish, what it was like recording in isolation during COVID, and why the Doctor’s loneliness is not a side note, it is the engine. Chris describes the character in a way that keeps the charm and the danger intact, calling him “a kind of a Robin Hood figure,” but still someone with “a slightly dodgy, no pun intended, moral compass.” He also connects that damage to the Ninth Doctor, which is a neat little bridge between Dickens and the TARDIS. He talks about recording during COVID with only a sound engineer, how quickly the character came back, and how audio acting has its own rules. You cannot rely on sprinting down corridors or flailing your arms like a windmill. There is a great exchange about villains and what actually terrifies people. Eccleston points out how one story was designed with adults in mind. “Oh, he’s falling through time. He’s alone as we all are...really. He’s alone.” - Christopher Eccleston Want more exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes stories from the people who bring your favorite characters to life? Subscribe to our podcast on , , or on for more behind-the-scenes stories and exclusive interviews.
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Captain America: The First Avenger
01/03/2026
Captain America: The First Avenger
CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER It’s 1941, and the world is deep in the chaos of war. A determined young man wants to enlist and serve his country, but he’s turned away again and again because of his slight build. Then a top-secret experiment gives him the chance he’s been fighting for, transforming him into the super-soldier known as Captain America. With a trusted friend at his side and a fearless agent in the field, he takes the battle to the Nazi-backed HYDRA organization. Craig, Elisabeth and guest Rob Ervin kick off F#@K Nazis month talking about what makes a hero, the early marvel days, a retro expo preview and the movie “Captain America: The First Avenger” on this week’s Matinee Heroes. Show Notes 1:03 Craig, Elisabeth and guest Rob Ervin talk Pho and preview in March. 11:32 Craig, Elisabeth and Rob discuss "Captain America: The First Avenger" 1:08:12 Recasting 1:33:11 Double Feature 1:35:16 Final Thoughts 1:39:30 A preview of next week's episode "Marathon Man." F#@K Nazis month continues with a more menacing turn with "Marathon Man."
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Night Shift
12/27/2025
Night Shift
NIGHT SHIFT Chuck has quit his stressful stockbroker life and now works the night shift at a New York City morgue because he wants something easy and quiet. His new co-worker, Bill, is a nonstop hustler who spots an “opportunity” when Chuck’s neighbor Belinda needs a safe place to see clients. Bill convinces Chuck to turn the morgue into an after-hours brothel, and the two of them start running the operation as her pimps. Craig, Elisabeth and guest Mark Woodring from the Visually Stunning Movie Podcast talk about Only Fans, 2025’s Movies, more egg nog and the movie “Night Shift” on this week’s Matinee Heroes! Show Notes 0:55 Craig, Elisabeth and guest Mark Woodring from the talk about the films of 2025. 12:51 Craig, Elisabeth and Mark discuss "Night Shift" 38:51 Recasting 55:19 Double Feature 58:10 Final Thoughts 1:02:28 A preview of next week's episode "Captain America: The First Avenger". The way the world's been lately, we feel we must make another public stand. So we're bringing back F#$K Nazis month, starting with "Captain America: The First Avenger".
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Uncle Buck
12/20/2025
Uncle Buck
UNCLE BUCK When Cindy and her husband, Bob, have to leave town for a family emergency, there is only one person available to watch their three kids: Bob’s lazy, carefree brother, Buck. He hits it off right away with the two younger children, but if he wants to be a responsible caregiver, he’ll have to overhaul his bachelor routine to handle the household’s most challenging assignment: his angst-filled teenage niece Tia… who is not impressed. Craig, Elisabeth and guest Jenn Rohm talk about favorite uncles, felony assault, film festivals and the movie “Uncle Buck” on this week’s Matinee Heroes! Show Notes 1:10 Craig, Elisabeth and guest Jenn Rohm from talk about film festivals. 11:45 Craig, Elisabeth and Jenn discuss "Uncle Buck" 51:32 Recasting 1:11:33 Double Feature 1:16:41 Final Thoughts 1:22:45 A preview of next week's episode "Night Shift" We end 2025 on a fun note with a hidden gem "Night Shift".
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Tootsie
12/13/2025
Tootsie
TOOTSIE New York actor Michael Dorsey is a talented perfectionist who is so hard on himself and others that his agent can no longer find work for him. After a soap opera audition goes poorly, Michael reinvents himself as actress Dorothy Michaels and lands the role. What begins as a short-term gig becomes a long contract, and when Michael falls for his castmate Julie, the secret threatens to unravel everything. Craig, Elisabeth and guest Brendan Agnew talk about destroying trust, the one Avatar Fan, gender dynamics and the movie “Tootsie” on this week’s Matinee Heroes! Show Notes 1:14 Craig, Elisabeth and guest Brendan Agnew talk holidays and Avatar. 5:21 Craig, Elisabeth and Brendan discuss "Tootsie" 46:30 Recasting 1:09:47 Double Feature 1:16:09 Final Thoughts 1:21:56 A preview of next week's episode "Uncle Buck" We dive into the heart of the 80's with a John Candy classic: Uncle Buck
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Captain Ron
12/06/2025
Captain Ron
CAPTAIN RON Mild-mannered family man Martin Harvey expects a simple Caribbean trip when he inherits an old yacht and heads south to claim it. After he and his family reach a tiny island and see the boat is barely seaworthy, they reluctantly hire carefree Captain Ron to sail it to Miami. Their straightforward trip quickly becomes a chaotic adventure as Ron’s anything-goes style drives the Harveys from one mishap to the next. Craig, Elisabeth and guest Annie Bulloch talk about Caribbean guerillas, egg nog, sexy mullets and the movie “Captain Ron” on this week’s Matinee Heroes! Show Notes 1:08 Craig, Elisabeth and guest Annie Bulloch talk holiday movies and egg nog. 11:55 Craig, Elisabeth and Annie discuss "Captain Ron" 50:55 Recasting 1:09:27 Double Feature 1:15:12 Final Thoughts 1:19:53 A preview of next week's episode "Tootsie" We get a bit gender bendery next episode with the classic comedy "Tootsie"
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Episode 12 - John Cleese - CONversations with Craig
12/01/2025
Episode 12 - John Cleese - CONversations with Craig
Recorded live at FanX Salt Lake in April 2019, this Conversation with Craig is a full panel with comedy legend John Cleese, as Craig finally gets his game time call to step onstage with one of his heroes. From John's North American convention debut and Craig's nerves backstage to dry British chaos in front of a packed room, it is equal parts origin story, masterclass in comedy, and gleeful mischief. How a would be lawyer with a Cambridge law degree accidentally fell into show business through a student revue that suddenly transferred to London and ran for months. Cleese breaks down why you should always write comedy about what you know, how Fawlty Towers grew out of that idea, and how he approached those classic management training videos without ever having lived in a cubicle. Candid, rapid fire audience Q and A on Monty Python collaborators, silly walks, roles he regrets turning down, aging, politics, and why he happily pokes fun at everyone, including himself. "Actually, it's quite nice being old, because you just don't give a fuck, you know?"- John Cleese Want more exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes stories from the people who bring your favorite characters to life? Subscribe to our podcast on , , or on for more behind-the-scenes stories and exclusive interviews.
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Gone With The Wind
11/29/2025
Gone With The Wind
GONE WITH THE WIND A sheltered, scheming Southern belle clashes with a roguish profiteer in a turbulent romance as their world collapses with the end of slavery and is painfully reshaped through the Civil War and Reconstruction. Craig, Elisabeth and guest Tami Anderson discuss romanticizing the South, surviving war, milksops and the movie “Gone with the Wind” on this week’s Matinee Heroes!! Show Notes 1:03 Craig, Elisabeth and guest Tami Anderson talk about producing theater and films. 6:03 Craig, Elisabeth and Tami discuss "Gone with the Wind" 1:10:49 Recasting 1:38:40 Double Feature 1:44:27 Final Thoughts 1:50:02 A preview of next week's episode "Captain Ron" 2025 was kind of a rough year so we're ending on a fun note with some of our favorite comedies. We start with one of Elizabeth's favorites "Captain Ron"
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The Deer Hunter
11/22/2025
The Deer Hunter
THE DEER HUNTER Michael, Nick and Steven are lifelong friends who work in the mill, hang out at the local bar, and bond on regular deer hunts in the mountains. Before they ship out to Vietnam, they celebrate Steven’s wedding and take one last trip together, completely unaware of how the war will destroy their innocence. In Vietnam, they are thrown into brutal combat and captivity that leaves them physically and emotionally scarred, and for the survivors, it becomes almost impossible to ever truly find their way back home. Craig, Elisabeth and guest Blake Casselman talk about post-Vietnam attitudes, trauma bonding, the streaming premiere of “Limbo” and the movie “The Deer hunter” on this week’s Matinee Heroes! Show Notes 1:22 Craig, Elisabeth and guest Blake Casselman talk about the streaming debut of his film "Limbo" now playing at 13:37 Craig, Elisabeth and Blake discuss "The Deer Hunter" 58:09 Recasting 1:27:01 Double Feature 1:30:44 Final Thoughts 1:40:13 A preview of next week's episode "Gone with the Wind" Our next no-ender you may not give a damn about but it's "Gone with the Wind"
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Ben Hur
11/15/2025
Ben Hur
BEN-HUR An aristocratic Jew living in Judaea incurs the wrath of a childhood friend, now a Roman tribune. Forced into slavery on a galley and made to witness the brutal persecution of his family, he survives, silently nurturing a relentless dream of vengeance. Craig, Elisabeth and guest Derek McCaw talk about historical fiction, intermissions, inner fat kids and the movie “Ben Hur” on this week’s Matinee Heroes! Show Notes 1:04 Craig, Elisabeth and Derek McCaw talk about their inner and outer fat kids. 10:04 Craig, Elisabeth and Derek discuss "Ben-Hur" 47:30 Recasting 1:10:09 Double Feature 1:13:09 Final Thoughts 1:20:09 A preview of next week's episode "The Deer Hunter"
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Titanic
11/08/2025
Titanic
TITANIC A young aristocratic woman named Rose, suffocating in a rigid engagement, falls for free-spirited third-class passenger Jack Dawson aboard the unsinkable ocean liner - Titanic. Their secret romance defies class and her possessive fiancé as the ship sails toward disaster. When it hits an iceberg, their struggle to survive reveals love, sacrifice, and the brutal divide between those rescued and those left behind. Craig, Elisabeth and guest Ryley Brown talk about touchstone cinema, historical fiction, PCP chowder and the movie “Titanic” on this week’s Matinee Heroes. Show Notes 1:20 Craig, Elisabeth and Ryley Brown talk about boats. 7:37 Craig, Elisabeth and Ryley discuss "Titanic" 1:08:03 Recasting 1:44:36 Double Feature 1:47:42 Final Thoughts 1:56:31 A preview of next week's episode "Ben-Hur" Our next no-ender is the biblical fiction "Ben-Hur"
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Epsiode 11 - Enrico Colantoni - CONversations with Craig
11/03/2025
Epsiode 11 - Enrico Colantoni - CONversations with Craig
Enrico Colantoni brought warmth, candor, and craft to the stage at FanX Salt Lake in September 2025, moving from first-time motion capture on Indiana Jones and the Great Circle to lived-in stories from Veronica Mars, Flashpoint, and Person of Interest, blending practical acting insights with dry wit, a steady respect for the work, and genuine connection with the audience. Enrico recounts his first stab at motion capture on Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, cracking up about the clingy gray suit and the pure imagination it takes to act to a green void. The infamous Veronica Mars black eye turns out to be a street-hockey souvenir, and the father–daughter magic with Kristen Bell comes from leading with heart instead of tricks. Whether commanding in Flashpoint or charmingly dangerous in Person of Interest, he builds every role by finding the human first, even when the character would rather hide it. “It’s my heart with different language. My heart in a different costume” - Enrico Colantoni Want more exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes stories from the people who bring your favorite characters to life? Subscribe to our podcast on , , or on for more behind-the-scenes stories and exclusive interviews.
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Dances with Wolves
11/01/2025
Dances with Wolves
DANCES WITH WOLVES A Civil War soldier on the frontier bonds with a Lakota band and is drawn to the clarity of their way of life. Welcomed into the community and given the name Dances with Wolves, he falls for a white woman raised within the tribe. That fragile peace breaks when Union soldiers arrive to claim the land. Craig, Elisabeth and guest Annie Bulloch talk about reconciling America's bloody past, life on the frontier, confident dogs and the movie “Dances with Wolves” on this week’s Matinee Heroes!! Show Notes 0:57 Craig, Elisabeth and Annie Bulloch talk about Texas and dogs. 15:32 Craig, Elisabeth and Annie discuss "Dances with Wolves" 1:24:35 Recasting 1:52:30 Double Feature 2:02:08 Final Thoughts 2:06:40 A preview of next week's episode "Titanic" Our next no-ender is the monster hit "Titanic"
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Sinners
10/25/2025
Sinners
SINNERS Two estranged twins head back to their Mississippi hometown hoping for a clean slate, but old grudges, buried secrets, and a town that doesn’t forget greet them at the county line. Soon they discover that an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back. Craig, Elisabeth and guest Derek McCaw talk about uncomfortable truths, the allure of vampires, Halloween candy and the movie “Sinners” on this week’s Matinee Villains! Show Notes 1:16 Craig, Elisabeth and Derek McCaw talk about vampires and zombies. 11:38 Craig, Elisabeth and Derek discuss "Sinners" 1:05:01 Recasting 1:34:30 Double Feature 1:42:45 Final Thoughts 1:50:00 A preview of next week's episode "Dances with Wolves" November brings a month of long epics! No-ender starts with the 4-hour "Dances with Wolves"
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Taxi Driver
10/18/2025
Taxi Driver
TAXI DRIVER Travis Bickle can’t sleep, so he drives a cab all night. The city wears him down and he starts to crack. After meeting campaign worker Betsy, he fixates on “saving” the world. First by plotting a hit on a politician, then by trying to rescue a 12-year-old prostitute named iris as he descends into vigilante delusion, one ride at a time. Craig, Elisabeth and guest Brendan Agnew talk about sweaty New York, anti-hero or villain, Halloween goings on and the movie “Taxi Driver” on this week’s Matinee Villains!! Show Notes 1:00 Craig, Elisabeth and Brendan Agnew talk about Marion's Halloween costume. 6:00 Craig, Elisabeth and Brendan discuss "Taxi Driver" 54:54 Recasting 1:24:59 Double Feature 1:31:19 Final Thoughts 1:35:37 A preview of next week's episode "Sinners" Matinee Villains month concludes one of the best horror movies of 2025: "Sinners"
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American Psycho
10/11/2025
American Psycho
AMERICAN PSYCHO Patrick Bateman is a polished Wall Street executive. Behind the perfect suit, he hides a predatory, psychopathic ego from his coworkers. After hours in 1980s New York, he unleashes it as a brutal serial killer. Craig and Elisabeth are joined by Everything I Learned From Movies Steve and Izzy to discuss the 80’s greed, unreliable narrators, the International Gay Rodeo and the movie “American Psycho” on this week’s Matinee Villains. Show Notes 1:00 Craig, Elisabeth, Steve and Izzy talk about Stizzy's trip to Reno for the International Gay Rodeo. 15:08 Craig, Elisabeth, Steve and Izzy discuss "American Psycho" 36:33 Recasting 56:01 Double Feature 1:00:00 Final Thoughts 1:09:08 A preview of next week's episode "Taxi Driver" Matinee Villains month continues with an all time classic, still relevant today "Taxi Driver"
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Episode 10 - Rose McGowan and Holly Marie Combs - CONversations with Craig
10/06/2025
Episode 10 - Rose McGowan and Holly Marie Combs - CONversations with Craig
Two icons of 90s television and beyond—Rose McGowan (Scream, Planet Terror) and Holly Marie Combs (Picket Fences, Pretty Little Liars)—took the stage at FanX Salt Lake City 2023 for a heartfelt, funny, and wide-ranging conversation that delighted longtime fans. From sharing memories of growing up as child actors to reflecting on their post-Hollywood lives, the panel blended nostalgia, honesty, and plenty of laughs. Both McGowan and Combs began working as teenagers, navigating the strange realities of Hollywood at a young age. Combs spoke about finding “family” on the set of Picket Fences, while McGowan described how life in the industry made relationships feel temporary—but also taught her how to bond quickly and deeply with cast and crew. The conversation wasn’t just about their acting careers. Combs revealed her lifelong connection to the restaurant world—her family worked in the industry, and she and her husband now own a diner and an Italian spot where he perfected the fries after months of testing. McGowan, meanwhile, discussed her activism and her quieter life in Mexico, where she spends time observing monkeys in the jungle and escaping the chaos of Hollywood. The most powerful moments came when both reflected on resilience and inspiration. Combs pointed to co-star and longtime friend Shannon Doherty, calling her “tougher than she’s ever been” as she continues treatment and meets fans with strength and generosity. McGowan praised everyday “quiet heroes”—single parents and working families who inspire her with their perseverance. “It’s pretty magical that this many people still care about the thing we’re not supposed to talk about.” – Holly Marie Combs Want more exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes stories from the people who bring your favorite characters to life? Subscribe to our podcast on , , or on for more behind-the-scenes stories and exclusive interviews.
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Fresh
10/04/2025
Fresh
FRESH Noa’s dating life is a dumpster fire of ghosters and red flags, until she meets Steve, who seems refreshingly normal. A romantic getaway soon feels… off. She discovers he has a taste for something truly monstrous and must fight back to make it out alive. Craig, Elisabeth and guest Mark Woodring talk about the current state of dating, Nine-Inch Nails, cannibalism and the movie “Fresh” on this week’s Matinee Villains!! Show Notes 1:09 Craig, Elisabeth and Mark Woodring talk about Nine Inch Nails and FanX. 11:29 Craig, Elisabeth and Mark discuss "Fresh" 46:05 Recasting 1:00:20 Double Feature 1:03:40 Final Thoughts 1:09:33 A preview of next week's episode "American Psycho" Matinee Villains month continues with the Christian Bale in "American Psycho"
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CastOFF Live from Comicpalooza 2025
09/27/2025
CastOFF Live from Comicpalooza 2025
LIVE FROM COMICPALOOZA 2025 - CASTOFF!! 4 players enter - 2 will win. Live from this past Comicpalooza, the BryFy podcast vs Spoop Squad recast Andor while the hosts of the Cult 45 podcast battle each other over recasting Revenge of the Sith. Next week, Matinee Villains month starts and we sink our teeth into "Fresh"
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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - Live from Retro Expo 2025
09/20/2025
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - Live from Retro Expo 2025
TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES In New York City, a mysterious ooze transforms four ordinary turtles into wisecracking, pizza-loving, ninja-fighting heroes. Trained in the art of Ninjutsu by their wise rat sensei, Splinter, the brothers — Michelangelo, Donatello, Raphael, and Leonardo — take to the streets to fight crime. But when a deadly rogue ninja, a former student of Splinter, shows up and unleashes chaos on the city, it’s up to the turtles to step up and save the day. Craig and Rob talk about foam rubber animals, regional accents, Retro Expo and the movie Teenage Mutant Ninja turtles on this week’s Matinee Heroes!! Next week, another live episode from Comicpalooza as we dust off the game show CastOFF! for 2 Star Wars themed competitions.
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Superman II: The Donner Cut - Live from Retro Expo
09/13/2025
Superman II: The Donner Cut - Live from Retro Expo
SUPERMAN II: THE RICHARD DONNER CUT Kryptonian warlord General Zod and his deadly crew are accidentally released from their space prison—and they’ve got their sights set on Earth. Just as they begin their reign of terror, Superman makes a life-changing choice: give up his powers to be with Lois Lane. Now the world’s greatest hero has to decide—love or duty—while the planet hangs in the balance. Craig and Rob Ervin talk about their favorite Superman, athletic nerds, Retro Expo and the movie "Superman II" on this week’s Matinee Heroes!! Next week, another live episode from Retro Expo with Rob Ervin. Craig is forced to talk about "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles."
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Revenge of the Sith - Live from Comicpalooza
09/06/2025
Revenge of the Sith - Live from Comicpalooza
STAR WARS EPISODE III: REVENGE OF THE SITH It has been three years since the Clone Wars began. Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi and Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker rescue Chancellor Palpatine from General Grievous, the commander of the droid armies—but Grievous escapes. Suspicions grow within the Jedi Council about the Chancellor, especially given his close relationship with Anakin. When Anakin is asked to spy on him, resentment boils over, and consumed by frustration and doubt, he turns to the Dark Side. Craig and Alan triumphantly return to Comicpalooza to talk about the Corruption of Anakin Skywalker, the Star Wars prequels, sweating in Houston and the movie "Revenge of the Sith" on this week’s LIVE Matinee Heroes!! Next week, another live episode, this time at Retro Expo as Rob Ervin joins in to talk "Superman II".
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Episode 9 - Brent Spiner and John de Lancie - CONversations with Craig
09/01/2025
Episode 9 - Brent Spiner and John de Lancie - CONversations with Craig
wo fan favorites from the Star Trek universe—Brent Spiner (Data, Lore, Dr. Soong) and John de Lancie (Q)—took the stage at FanX Salt Lake City to swap stories, tease each other, and reflect on careers that stretch far beyond the Final Frontier. What unfolded was a lively, heartfelt, and hilarious panel that explored everything from Breaking Bad and My Little Pony to truth-telling in acting and the evolving humanity of their iconic characters. Houston Roots and Astroworld Memories: Spiner began with stories about Houston, Texas, and their early days performing at Astroworld. What started as gunfighting shows quickly evolved into creative theater, with Spiner even co-writing a “medicine show” alongside fellow actor Trey Wilson. The pair reminisced about the unpredictability of live performance and the strange lessons learned under the summer sun. Breaking Bad and the Outsider Experience: De Lancie also shared his time on Breaking Bad, where he immediately sensed he was stepping into something special. “You can tell almost immediately whether the show is really clicking when you walk on the set. Everybody was playing at a high level.” As a guest actor, he described the balancing act of finding his place in a family that had already been working together for years. Perhaps the most meaningful moments came when both actors reflected on how Star Trek used philosophy and morality as story engines. Spiner pointed to The Measure of a Man as a defining episode about personhood and slavery, while de Lancie emphasized Q’s dynamic with Picard as a constant battle of wills. Both acknowledged the audience’s role in shaping how they now see their characters and themselves. “We could not do our work properly if we went up there to lie. We actually are looking for the truth.” – John de Lancie Want more exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes stories from the people who bring your favorite characters to life? Subscribe to our podcast on , , or on for more behind-the-scenes stories and exclusive interviews.
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Labyrinth
08/30/2025
Labyrinth
LABYRINTH Frustrated with her baby brother, sixteen-year-old Sarah wishes the goblins would take him away—only to have her wish granted. Given thirteen hours to navigate a fantastical labyrinth, she must journey through a maze of strange creatures and challenges to rescue him from the Goblin King. Craig, Elisabeth and guest Derek McCaw talk about the deception of nostalgia, the power of David Bowie, post–Comic-Con chit chat and the movie “Labyrinth” On this week’s Matinee Heroes. Show Notes 0:59 Craig, Elisabeth and Derek McCaw talk about San Diego Comic Con. 6:20 Craig, Elisabeth and Derek discuss "Labyrinth" 37:48 Recasting 55:41 Double Feature 1:01:31 Final Thoughts 1:04:36 A preview of next week's episode "Revenge of the Sith" September is in the air and the Matinee Heroes traditional month of rest will be all live! Pre-recorded of course. First, a live recording of "Revenge of the Sith" from Comicpalooza!
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Air Force One
08/23/2025
Air Force One
AIR FORCE ONE Air Force One falls into the hands of violent radicals demanding freedom for their captured leader. With the First Lady and her family trapped on board, the clock ticks as the hijackers threaten to kill a hostage every half hour. But hidden below, the President prepares to strike back and reclaim both his family—and his plane. Craig, Elisabeth and Paul Hitchcock talk about Craig’s favorite president, movies trapped in time, Tim being Tim and the movie “Air Force One” on this week’s Matinee birthday! Show Notes 1:03 Craig, Elisabeth and Paul talk about fictional and factual presidents. 8:46 Craig, Elisabeth and Paul discuss "Air Force One" 1:01:47 Recasting 1:24:14 Double Feature 1:28:00 Final Thoughts 1:32:07 A preview of next week's episode "Labyrinth" Next week, we continue finish our fairy tales with an all time classic "Labyrinth"
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Willow
08/16/2025
Willow
WILLOW A young farmer is thrust into an epic quest when he’s tasked with protecting a magical child from an evil queen. Along the way, he’s joined by a roguish swordsman, fierce allies, and a touch of sorcery. Together, they face dark forces in a battle where destiny hangs in the balance. Craig, Elisabeth and guest Paul Hitchcock talk about a young Warwick Davis, fantasy in the 80s, the reputation of reshoots and the movie “Willow” on this week’s Matinee Heroes Show Notes 1:04 Craig, Elisabeth and Paul talk about reshoots. 11:44 Craig, Elisabeth and Paul discuss "Willow" 55:56 Recasting 1:26:10 Double Feature 1:28:18 Final Thoughts 1:36:12 A preview of next week's episode "Air Force One" Next week, we continue deal with a different type of fairy tale dealing with politics and the most kick-ass president ever in "Air Force One".
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Ladyhawke
08/09/2025
Ladyhawke
LADYHAWKE After escaping a dungeon, young thief Phillipe Gaston crosses paths with Capt. Navarre, a man bound by a strange curse. He and his beloved, Lady Isabeau, have been doomed by the wicked Bishop of Aquila to never be together except at twilight. With Gaston’s help, they set out on a perilous mission to overthrow the Bishop and shatter the enchantment. Craig and Elisabeth are joined by birthday boy Alan to talk about being 56, a Comicpalooza recap, horrible scores and the movie “Ladyhawke’ on this week’s Matinee Birthday! Show Notes 1:17 Craig, Elisabeth and Alan talk about Comicpalooza and turning 56. 12:36 Craig, Elisabeth and Alan discuss "Ladyhawke" 44:52 Recasting 1:12:39 Double Feature 1:14:54 Final Thoughts 1:22:35 A preview of next week's episode "Willow" Next week, we continue a month of fairytale movies with "Willow".
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