Watch This With Rick Ramos
Comedian Rick Ramos and Writer Ibrahim Chavez sit down each week to talk current theatrical releases, suggestions for additional movie watching choices, and - most importantly - the meaning, power, and purpose of entertainment in our world. A film fans dream come true with a philosopher's angle, WatchThis is about the art, beauty, and possibilities of cinema. Each week Ramos & Chavez discuss the greatest films ever made (including those that you may have missed) as well as the artists that have created these films. They also go further into the subject matter, discussing how much these films mean to each of them and how much they will - hopefully - mean to you. Enjoy!
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#561 - Crimson Tide - WatchThis W/RickRamos
08/20/2025
#561 - Crimson Tide - WatchThis W/RickRamos
Battle for the Conn: Tony Scott's Crimson Tide You can never get enough Denzel Washington. This week Mr. Chavez & I sit down to talk the first of five collaborations with director Tony Scott, 1995s Crimson Tide. This first collaboration of Washington and Scott would fall almost directly in the middle of Scott's career and would be the fourth collaboration between Scott and the Don Simpson/Jerry Bruckheimer producing behemoth. This episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos takes a look at the relationship between Scott and his producing partners; the creation of the look and style that would come to define a great deal of 80s and 90s action films, as well as the relationship betwen Scott's style and what would later be adopted and expanded on by Michael Bay. We also take a look at the tremendous star power in pitting Denzel Washington and Gene Hackman against one another in a film that makes palpable argument for both of their characters. Two of the greatest actors of the last quarter of the 20th Century elevating everything about a film that Mr. Chavez & I are divided on. Take a listen and let us know what you think. Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions are always welcomed at . Many, Many Thanks. For those of you who would like to donate to this undying labor of love, you can do so with a contribution at Anything and Everything is appreciated, You Cheap Bastards.
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#560 - The Book of Eli - WatchThis W/RickRamos
08/13/2025
#560 - The Book of Eli - WatchThis W/RickRamos
Denzel Wandering the Wasteland: The Hughes Brothers' The Book of Eli There are few great actors who can also be considered movie stars. Denzel Washington is certainly on that short list. A few weeks back we discussed his crowning achievement, Malcolm X. In 2010 he would produce and star in the Hughes Bros. directed, The Book of Eli. The rare instance of an action film with a purpose beyond mere entertainment, The Hughes Bros. brought to the screen one of the great "neglected" films of the 21st Century. In a post-apocalyptic world, Washington plays Eli, a man wandering the desolate remanants of America on a mission. For those who have seen the movie there is very little to say in this blurb, except that the film is far greater than the attention it has received. For those who have not seen it, you're in for a treat. Take a listen as we look at this neglected film and the performances of Washington, Gary Oldman, Mila Kunis, Malcolm McDowell, and Jennifer Beals. Truly an Underrated Film. Take a listen and let us know if you agree. Questions, Comments, Complaints, and Suggestions can be directed to . Many, Many Thanks. For those of you who would like to donate to this undying labor of love, you can do so with a contribution at - Anything and Everything is appreciated, You Cheap Bastards.
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#559 - American History X - WatchThis W/RickRamos
08/06/2025
#559 - American History X - WatchThis W/RickRamos
Neo-Nazi Family Drama: Tony Kaye's American History X Some films simply don't age well. With the passing years the problems of a narrative can become glaring. Such is the case with Tony Kaye's American History X (1998). A difficult subject that would have been better served with a revised script and a stronger director, American History X suffers from a forced and simplistic narrative. Good performances and interesting cinematography (by director Kaye) are simply not enough to overcome a story that my partner dismsses as "after-school special". Although this film is widely admired in some circles, your favorite movie podcasters are less than impressed. Take a listen as we break down the problems this film carries. It's an interesting conversation; continuing our look at a collapsing and disintegrating America. As always we can be reached at - Many, Many Thanks. For those of you who would like to donate to this undying labor of love, you can do so with a contribution at - Anything and Everything is appreciated, You Cheap Bastards.
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#558 - Malcolm X (Part 2) - WatchThis W/RickRamos
08/01/2025
#558 - Malcolm X (Part 2) - WatchThis W/RickRamos
A Time for Martyrs: Spike Lee's Malcolm X Last Week Spike Lee, Ernest Dickerson, and Denzel Washington started Mr. Chavez & Myself on an artistic, political, and introspective journey. We originally intended to discuss this masterpiece in one episode, however art, life, and the conversation often dictate a different outcome. Last week was the "making" of Malcolm X, this week WatchThis W/RickRamos dives into the beauty, power, and ground-breaking nature of this labor of love/passion project/grand cinematic statement. It is rare when so many of the cinematic elements come together to make a powerful and important statement of this type. In 1992 Malcolm X did just that. This week we sit down to remember and praise a truly great film. Take a listen and let us know what you think - - Many, Many Thanks. For those of you who would like to donate to this undying labor of love, you can do so with a contribution at - Anything and Everything is appreciated, You Cheap Bastards.
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#557 - Malcolm X (Part I) - WatchThis W/RickRamos
07/23/2025
#557 - Malcolm X (Part I) - WatchThis W/RickRamos
By Any Means Necessary: Spike Lee & The Making of Malcolm X Cinema can change attitudes, englighten ignorance, strengthen understanding and faith. In 1992 director Spike Lee would partner with star Denzel Washington and long-time cinematographer (and NYU schoolmate) Ernest Dickerson to bring to the big screen the life of one of the most important firgures of the 20th Century, Malcolm Little to become "Red" to become Malcolm X, to become el-Hajj Malik el-Shabazz. In an expansive narrative that covers over four decades and - could be argued - encapsulates the experience of Black life in the history of the United States, Spike Lee's Academy Award ignored film (save Denzel Washington's Best Actor Nomination that was lost to Al Pacino for Scent of a Woman) is certainly one of the great artistic, social, and political achievements of the 20th Century. What started out as a reflection on this thirty-three year old film quickly revealed itself as a subject that would demand two episodes to truly understand Lee, Washington, and Dickerson's masterpiece. This week Mr. Chavez & I dive into the history of the films production (a 27 year odyssey that would see a change of directors, misunderstanding, financial complications, and controversy within the Black Community). This discussion took us to some emotional and thought-provoking places. We are honored to share this with you. As always we can be reached at . Many Thanks. For those of you who would like to donate to this undying labor of love, you can do so with a contribution at - Anything and Everything is appreciated, You Cheap Bastards.
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#556 - Civil War - WatchThis W/RickRamos
07/15/2025
#556 - Civil War - WatchThis W/RickRamos
Chaos, Frame by Frame: Alex Garland's Civil War We're on top of it. The podcast continues to look into the possible disintegration of this country. We've discussed dystopias, comical and deadly serious looks at atomic annhilation, immigration abuse, fascism, paranoia, and now the full-on dissolution of the country. Last year Alex Garland directed Civil War a well-acted, interesting look at the fracturing of the United States. It's a problematic film that - probably - bit off far more than it could possibly chew. There's a great deal to admire in this film, including an exceptional Kirsten Dunst, however the film itself falls short of capturing a realistic and compelling scenario that would inhabit this story. Take a listen and let us know if you agree, disagree, or are unsure. As always, we can be reached at . - Our Continued Thanks. For those of you who would like to donate to this undying labor of love, you can do so with a contribution at - Anything and Everything is appreciated, You Cheap Bastards.
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#555 - 13 Assassins - WatchThis W/RickRamos
07/07/2025
#555 - 13 Assassins - WatchThis W/RickRamos
Total Massacre - Takashi Miike's 13 Assassins Not a whole lot is better this week, so Mr. Chavez & I find ourselves digging deeper into an examination, coping, and understanding of Fascism, Cruelty, and Troubling Political Rule with this week's film, Takashi Miike's 2010 13 Assassins. Miike's vision is typically brutal, violent, and magnificent. 13 Assassins exceeds the critical constraints of your "Typical Action Film" with a look at Samurai Culture during the Edo Period (1603-1868 - in this case, 1844). With a strong debt to Akira Kurosawa and Seven Samurai, Miike's film is an action-packed drama that holds a mirror to society and the abuses of power seen throughout history. A fifteen year old film, set nearly 200 years in the past, 13 Assassins has a great deal to teach, if we are willing to learn. Take a listen and let us know what you think - - This is a damn good talk - Many Thanks. For those of you who would like to donate to this undying labor of love, you can do so with a contribution at - Anything and Everything is appreciated, You Cheap Bastards.
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#554 - Born in East L.A. - WatchThis W/RickRamos
07/02/2025
#554 - Born in East L.A. - WatchThis W/RickRamos
Operation Wetback: Richard "Cheech" Marin's Born in East L.A. Somethings refuse to change and what was true three and a half decades ago continues to be true today. With a nation struggling under the hand of an adminstration refusing to look at human beings as anything more than numbers, "Cheech" Marin's Born in East L.A. seems even more relevant today than it did when it premiered in the summer of 1987. Marin's film (the first of his projects after the end of his partnership as the ground-breaking comedy troupe, Cheech & Chong) is a - at points a silly and slapdash - look at immigration, deportation, and the struggle for the American Dream. I would argue that it's the "Most Chicano" film ever made; the one that most accurately depicts the experience of being Mexican-American, working and living in the United States. Marin's film is silly and - at times - sloppy, but it has true heart and a point of view rarely seen in cinema before and since. As always, the film is a stepping stone to the conversation that revolves around the real world. It is with great pleasure that we look at this film with old and new eyes. Take a listen and let us know what you think. We can always. be reached at - Many Thanks! For those of you who would like to donate to this undying labor of love, you can do so with a contribution at - Anything and Everything is appreciated, You Cheap Bastards.
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#553 - Fail Safe/Dr.Strangelove - WatchThis W/RickRamos
06/24/2025
#553 - Fail Safe/Dr.Strangelove - WatchThis W/RickRamos
Mutual Doomsday: Stanley Kubrick's Dr. Strangelove/Sidney Lumet's Fail Safe Recording a mere two days before Donald Trump fired on Iran, Mr. Chavez & I sit down to discuss nuclear war and the incredible self-destructiveness of humankind. In 1963 Stanley Kubrick would direct one of his earliest masterpieces. With a ridiculous and hilarious George C. Scott, frighteningly honest Sterling Hayden, and a briliant Peter Sellars in a trio of roles that stands as one of the (three) greatest comic performances in cinema. There is a great deal going on in this film, however much of it's power has been dismissed as mere comedy. Surprisingly, a second film from 63 would provide an even more powerful statement of the danger of nuclear war. Sidney Lumet's film would die in the shadow of Kubrick's great comedy. On this episode Mr. Chavez & I are thrilled to do our part to bring light to this criminally neglected film. Take a lesson and let us know what you think - . Many, Many Thanks. For those of you who would like to donate to this undying labor of love, you can do so with a contribution at - Anything and Everything is appreciated, You Cheap Bastards.
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#552 - The Conformist - WatchThis W/RickRamos
06/18/2025
#552 - The Conformist - WatchThis W/RickRamos
Kill Along to Get Along: Bernardo Bertolucci's The Conformist Does Life Imitate Art or Does Art Predict and Comment on Life? Regardless of Bernardo Bertolucci's reputation - admitted questionable actions in the realization of art - the Italian filmmaker is regarded as one of the great Auteurs of Cinema. Films from 1900 (1976) thru the Oscar-winning The Last Emperor (1987), and the controversial (artistically and production-wise) Last Tango in Paris (1972), have explored the human eperience through Sexuality, Social Taboos, Class Conflict, and - in his directorial debut 1970s The Conformist, Politics. Lensed by the great Italian cinematographer Vittorio Storaro, The Conformist may have some of the most beautiful images ever captured in Cinema while telling a story of Political Ideology, Conformity, and the rise of Fascism. Questions rise in this 1970 film that have surprisingly presented themselves again over fifty years later. This is a difficult film in viewing, however it is incredibly important in what it has to say and how it says it. Take a listen and let us know what you think. Agree or Disagree, the Point is the Conversation. Let us know what you think - . Many Thanks. For those of you who would like to donate to this undying labor of love, you can do so with a contribution at - Anything and Everything is appreciated, You Cheap Bastards.
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#551 - The Trial - WatchThis W/RickRamos
06/12/2025
#551 - The Trial - WatchThis W/RickRamos
Citizen Accused: Orson Welle's Film of Franz Kafka's The Trial Few authors can lay claim to creating a genre, however it could be argued that Franz Kafka did just that with stories like The Metamorphosis, In the Penal Colony, and this week's cinematic adaptation, The Trial. The term Kafkaesque , instantly builds a sense of excitement, confusion, and paranoia in readers - many whom are only familiar with the term and not necessarily the author. This week we look at Orson Welle's 1962 adaptation of Kafka's 1925 classic, The Trial. Set (15 minutes?) in the future, Welle's beautifully realizes the confusion and terror that has made Kafka's unfinished original work a classic. It's a thrill for Mr. Chavez & I to sit down and dive into a bold and daring exploration of a famed and cherished writer, by one of the great masters of the cinema. Take a listen and ask yourself how much you see of Kafka and Welles' visions in today's troubling world. Thanks for listening. As always, we can be reached at . Many, Many Thanks. For those of you who would like to donate to this undying labor of love, you can do so with a contribution at - Anything and Everything is appreciated, You Cheap Bastards.
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#550 - Princess Mononoke - WatchThis W/RickRamos
06/03/2025
#550 - Princess Mononoke - WatchThis W/RickRamos
Forest vs Iron Town: Hayao Miyazaki's Princess Mononoke This week Mr. Chavez & I continue our exploration of Japanese anime with a look at 1997s beautiful and breathtaking Princess Mononoke. Mr. Chavez & I are both very new to the world of anime . . . these episodes are our ntroduction to this magnificent world. Featuring story elements of traditional folk tales, the hero's journey, and environment warnings. This is a magnificent motion picture; leading us into deeper and more rewarding viewings. A good beginning and a promising journey. Take a listen and let us know if you agreee. As always we can be reached at - Many Thanks. For those of you who would like to donate to this undying labor of love, you can do so with a contribution at - Anything and Everything is appreciated, You Cheap Bastards.
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#549 - Battle Royale - WatchThis W/RickRamos
05/28/2025
#549 - Battle Royale - WatchThis W/RickRamos
High School Murder Tournament - Kinji Fukasuku's Battle Royale This week Mr. Chavez & I look back to the beginning of the new millennium and an examination of the paranoia, violence, and uncertainty societies all over the world were facing. In 2000 Japanese director Kinji Fukasuku would bring to the screen one of the most controversial, thought-provoking, and challenging films of the new century. Battle Royale would stun and anger audiences in Japan and - later - throughout the world with its (seemingly) hopelessly dystopian look at a future not very distant from our own. Societies are breaking down and youth violence is running rampant; In the tradition of Kubrick's A Clockwork Orange as well as considerable debt to William Golding's 1954 novel, The Lord of the Flies, Fukasuku combines his influences in a world that resembles "reality television" without the cameras. It's a difficult and challenging movie that rewards its viewer with a sense of purpose that could have easily been overlooked. Take a listen as we remember Fukasuku's game-changing Battle Royale. As always, we can be reached at . Many Thanks. For those of you who would like to donate to this undying labor of love, you can do so with a contribution at - Anything and Everything is appreciated, You Cheap Bastards.
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#548 -Franchises, Sex Tapes, & The Future of Film - WatchThis W/RickRamos
05/21/2025
#548 -Franchises, Sex Tapes, & The Future of Film - WatchThis W/RickRamos
Franchises, Sex Tapes, & The Future of Film On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Mr. Chavez & I dive back into the archives to remember this 10 year journey. A John Turturro working-class musical, a Sean Penn/Gary Oldman/Ed Harris Hell's Kitchen crime drama, Defining Decades, and a Salute to Martin Scorsese . . . This week we look back to episodes #411-416 in this continuing Journey of Self-Indulgence. We hope you're enjoying this look back as much as we are enjoying talking it. Take a listen and let us know what you think - - Many Continued Thanks. For those of you who would like to donate to this undying labor of love, you can do so with a contribution at - Anything and Everything is appreciated, You Cheap Bastards.
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#547 - Ghost in the Shell (Live Action) - WatchThis W/RickRamos
05/13/2025
#547 - Ghost in the Shell (Live Action) - WatchThis W/RickRamos
Superficial Sci-Fi: Rupert Sanders' Ghost in the Shell On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I dive into Rupert Sanders' 2017 live-action re-imagining of Mamoru Oshii's 1995 Anime-Classic, Ghost in the Shell. There are so many things that can go wrong with an adaptation and Sanders manages to check many of those boxes. From casting Scarlett Johansson in the lead role through a amateurish handling of theme and purpose - the film is - certainly - beautiful to look at, however it misses out on so much that made the oringal anime both special and important. In an attempt to be all things to all audiences, the film fails to capture the existential ideas and philosophical statements of the original material (manga and anime film). We may be wrong, but you'd have to mount an argument against what we have to say. Feel free to let us know what you think . . . - Many Thanks. For those of you who would like to donate to this undying labor of love, you can do so with a contribution at - Anything and Everything is appreciated, You Cheap Bastards.
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#546 - Ghost in the Shell (1995) - WatchThis W/RickRamos
05/07/2025
#546 - Ghost in the Shell (1995) - WatchThis W/RickRamos
Cyborg Awakening: Mamoru Oshii's Ghost in the Shell From time to time this podcast allows Mr. Chavez & Myself the opportunity to explore new genre's. With the encouragement and recommendations of WatchThis listeners, we have had the opportunity to engage in new experiences a number of times. Some of these new viewings have been from The World of Japanese Anime (Thank You, Mr. Burroughs!). This week we dive into one of the very best, Mamoru Oshii's 1995 dystopian masterpiece Ghost in the Shell. It is rare that a film is able to deliver on so many different levels (entertaining/exciting - insightful/thought-provoking), but this is precisely what Oshii's film does. What could have been a simple and obvious look into a bleak and misery-infused Science-Fiction future is, rather, an insightful and compelling examination of Artificial Intelligence, The Soul . . . its relation to the species and culture, and intellectual and emotional awareness. This is an incredible film that mixes Fritz Lang, Blade Runner, martial-arts & gun-play, and the police procedural to examine grand existential questions. Take a listen as we continue diving deeper and deeper into the world of AI and its promises, hopes, and threats for the future. As always, we can be reached at - Many Thanks. For those of you who would like to donate to this undying labor of love, you can do so with a contribution at - Anything and Everything is appreciated, You Cheap Bastards.
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#545 - Ex-Machina - WatchThis W/RickRamos
04/29/2025
#545 - Ex-Machina - WatchThis W/RickRamos
Synthetic Sexuality: Alex Garland's Ex Machina AI continues to hold our fascination. This week Mr. Chavez & I dive into Alex Garland's examination of Artificial Intelligence with 2014s Ex Machina. Set, as Garland describes, "Ten minutes from now," Ex Machina is a fascinating film with exceptional performances from Domhnall Gleeson, Oscar Isaac, and Alicia Vikander. Few films are able to capture the subtleties and realities of science fiction paranoia with this level of skill. As these talks have continued over the last few episodes, the paranoia is becoming greater as the realities of our world begin to live up to predictions. Garland does creative and powerful work; asking questions and presenting situations that seem to be more likely than simple imagination. Take a listen and let us know what you think . . . - Many Thanks. For those of you who would like to donate to this undying labor of love, you can do so with a contribution at - Anything and Everything is appreciated, You Cheap Bastards.
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#543 - Terminator 2: Judgment Day - WatchThis W/RickRamos
04/22/2025
#543 - Terminator 2: Judgment Day - WatchThis W/RickRamos
Bad Bitch, Cyborg, & Liquid Metal: James Cameron's Terminator 2: Judgement Day Go to last week's introduction to James Cameron's The Terminator . . . fast-forward seven years. Sarah Connor is no longer a "damsel in distress". James Cameron has worked his Sigourney Weaver magical transformation on another heroine, creating one of the great female action stars in all of cinema. Once again, Sarah Connor is facing the destruction of the world. However this time she is fully aware of the danger in front, behind, above, and below. Cameron's imagination - coupled with a sheer will and an (at that time) unheard of and unlimited budget, would unleash one of the greatest sequels of all time. Basically a remake of the first film with a series of adjustments to continue the story in a logical manner, Cameron proved that imagination and drive could make up for the simplicity of a plot that had been presented before - Cinema is no stranger to The Apocalypse in its many forms. Take a listen as we reminisce on this incredible film and continue falling down the rabbit hole as we dive further into the struggles, dangers, and promise of AI. It's a good talk. Let us know what you think - . Many, Many Thanks. For those of you who would like to donate to this undying labor of love, you can do so with a contribution at - Anything and Everything is appreciated, You Cheap Bastards.
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#542 - The Terminator - WatchThis W/RickRamos
04/16/2025
#542 - The Terminator - WatchThis W/RickRamos
Skynet AI 2029: James Cameron's The Terminator If you grew up in the 1980s, you were living in a decade that would be controlled by raunchy teen sex comedies (Porky's, My Tutor, Private Lessons), John Hughes (The Breakfast Club, 16 Candles, Ferris Bueller's Day Off), and the emergence of straight to video. However there was one genre that stood above all others and would forever alter the output of Hollywood. Action films had always been a part of Hollywood, however the 1980s would unleash the talents of Sylvester Stallone and Bruce Willis, as well as lesser box office talents such as Steven Seagal, Jean Claude Van Damme, and the continuing presence of 70s holdover, Chuck Norris. One name would stand above all others, however. Inhabiting the title role of the 1984 B-Movie, Low-Budget Classic, The Terminator, Director James Cameron would establish Austrian-born, seven-time Mr. Olympia Arnold Schwarzenegger, as - possibly - the greatest Action-Star to ever grace the Big Screen. The Terminator would change cinema and introduce both actor and director as formidable and genre defining talents. This week Mr. Chavez & I dive into the world of Artificial Intelligence and discuss one of the greatest Science Fiction films ever made. What are the lessons we should have learned from Cameron's film? What did we miss? How far away are we from Skynet becoming self-aware? There's a whole lot to unpack and we're diving right into all of it. This was an exciting and wonderfully joyous trip back to the 80s and a film that greatly defined both our youths, the decade, and the evolving world of Cinema. Take a listen and let us know what you think - - Many Thanks. For those of you who would like to donate to this undying labor of love, you can do so with a contribution at - Anything and Everything is appreciated, You Cheap Bastards.
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#541 - Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas - WatchThis W/RickRamos
04/08/2025
#541 - Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas - WatchThis W/RickRamos
Gonzo Hellscape: Terry Gilliam's Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas In 1998 Director Terry Gilliam - a director whose cinematic career has been fraught with difficulty on the level of Job (see 2002s Lost in La Mancha) was finally successful in bringing to the screen Hunter S. Thompson's 1971 Classic roman รก clef of excess, paranoia, idealism, and disappointment, Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas: A Savage Journey to the Heart of the American Dream. A polariizing film upon its release in 1998, Giliam's interpretation of Thompson's 1971 vision is both awe-inspiring and troubling. There is a tremendous amount to admire in this film while at the same time there is a tremendous amount to be critical of . . . We tackle both perspectives and struggle to find some greater understanding of the late 60s, early 70s, and pain and disappointment of the 2nd decade of a new millennium. It's an interesting and volatile discussion between two friends. Take a listen and let us know what yout think about our reaction to Thompson's vision as rendered through the mind of Terry Gilliam and the equally outrageous and powerful performances of stars Johnny Depp (as Thompson) and Benicio Del Toro (as Chicano activist Oscar Zeta Acosta - the 300lb Samoan of Thompson's writing). As always we can be reached at . Many, Many, Many Thanks. For those of you who would like to donate to this undying labor of love, you can do so with a contribution at - Anything and Everything is appreciated, You Cheap Bastards.
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#540 - They Live, Fisting & Foreign Horror - WatchThis W/RickRamos
04/01/2025
#540 - They Live, Fisting & Foreign Horror - WatchThis W/RickRamos
This week we continue digging through the archives to remember the past ten years of WatchThis W/RickRamos. (Episodes #395 - #410) Great Episodes . . . Great Discussions. We dive into Mr. Chavez's Favorite Cinematic Decade - The 1990s, as well as looks at Horror both Domestic and International: Dante/Carpenter/Craven & Cronenberg/Kobayashi/Na Hong-jin/Jodorowsky, Oliver Stone, Defining the 80s, but we start everything with a terrific, exciting, worthy re-boot of the Predator series, Prey. We're having a hell of a good time remembering these episodes. Take a listen and let us know what you think - . Many Thanks. For those of you who would like to donate to this undying labor of love, you can do so with a contribution at - Anything and Everything is appreciated, You Cheap Bastards.
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#539 - Godzilla, the 60s, Hopes, & Monsters - WatchThis W/RickRamos
03/27/2025
#539 - Godzilla, the 60s, Hopes, & Monsters - WatchThis W/RickRamos
Godzilla, the 60s, Hopes, & Monsters A return to 10 years of WatchThis W/RickRamos (Episodes #384 - 394) - This week we return to the vault to look at one of the greatest movie monsters of all time . . . Toho's Godzilla. We look back on the tumultuous 1960s and the changing face of Cinema, Monsters, and Hopes for the Future. Take a listen and let us know what you think. We can be reached at - Many Thanks. For those of you who would like to donate to this undying labor of love, you can do so with a contribution at - Anything and Everything is appreciated, You Cheap Bastards.
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#538 - Cynicism, Rogan, & What Would Carlin Say? - WatchThis W/RickRamos
03/19/2025
#538 - Cynicism, Rogan, & What Would Carlin Say? - WatchThis W/RickRamos
Cynicism, Rogan, & What Would Carlin Say? - Remembering 500 Episodes We come back to this celebration as we look through the archives and reminisce and what these episodes have meant to us. Take a listen as we remember the good times, arguments, and great cultural gifts that Pop Culture, Music, Television, and - of course - Cinema have gifted us. It's a fun conversation . . . We hope you enjoy it. Send us your thioughts: . Many Thanks. For those of you who would like to donate to this undying labor of love, you can do so with a contribution at - Anything and Everything is appreciated, You Cheap Bastards.
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#537 - The Road - WatchThis W/RickRamos
03/10/2025
#537 - The Road - WatchThis W/RickRamos
Carry the Fire, Get to the Coast: John Hillcoat's The Road Bleak & Dark, Hopeless & Beautiful . . . On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Mr. Chavez & I sit down to discuss one of the most brutal and powerful films to emerge from the studio system in decades. In 2009 Director John Hillcoat adapted Cormac McCarthy's 2006 novel The Road. Featuring a career best Viggo Mortensen as "Man" and newcomer Kodi Smit-McPhee as "Boy" - two of the last surviving humans, left to wander the desperate and perilous remains of a world rapidly dying. There's only so much that should be said in this synopsis. The magic of a viewing is in the discovery. It's a thrill for the both of us to watch, conemplate, and discuss this film. Take a listen. We hope you enjoy it. As always we can be reached at - Many Thanks. For those of you who would like to donate to this undying labor of love, you can do so with a contribution at - Anything and Everything is appreciated, You Cheap Bastards.
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#536 - Idiocracy - WatchThis W/RickRamos
03/03/2025
#536 - Idiocracy - WatchThis W/RickRamos
Dumbing Down the Future - Mike Judge's Idiocracy This is an especially fun one! This week Mr. Chavez & I take a trip into a very funny, very frightening, and very likely future. In 2006 20th Century Fox released Mike Judge's Idiocracy in a manner that almost guaranteed that no one would ever see it. . . . but the film would survive. Judge's bleak and pessiimistic vision of the future - the year 2505 - would find a cult audience that would embrace its hilarious prediction of a Professional Wrestler President, warehouse stores as a kind of Mecca, Fast-Food Restaurants as cheap, disgusting food and sex providers, and a population of such minimal intelligence that an "Average Joe" cryogenically frozen and awoken in the future would find himself the "Smartest Man on Earth". Judge spares no targets and we are grateful for the ride Idiocracy takes its viewers on. There's a whole lot to unpack here. Great Satire is usually ahead of its time and that is surely the case with this film. Judge would later joke, "I'm no prophet, I was off by 490 years." Sadly, he was right. Take a listen and let us know if you agree. As always, we can be reached at . Many Thanks. For those of you who would like to donate to this undying labor of love, you can do so with a contribution at - Anything and Everything is appreciated, You Cheap Bastards.
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#535 - Munchausen,Tarkovsky, and Noir - WatchThis W/RickRamos
02/25/2025
#535 - Munchausen,Tarkovsky, and Noir - WatchThis W/RickRamos
Dreams with Gilliam, The Rolling Stones Through the Years, The Silent Voice, The Magic of Tarkovsky, Zappa, A Trio of Very Different Noir On this week's episode Mr. Chavez & I return to reminiscing on 500 shows. We begin with the beauty and magic of Terry Gilliam with The Adventures of Baron Munchausen, through a look at Rock 'N Roll and The Rolling Stones, A beginning series of movies that defined their decades, the beauty of Soviet Cinema with Andrei Tarkovsky, and The Dark Brilliance of Film Noir. It's a fun look back; We hope you'll take the ride with us. Many Thanks. We can always be reached at . For those of you who would like to donate to this undying labor of love, you can do so with a contribution at - Anything and Everything is appreciated, You Cheap Bastards.
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#534 - A Clockwork Orange - WatchThis W/RickRamos
02/17/2025
#534 - A Clockwork Orange - WatchThis W/RickRamos
Cinematic Karma - Stanley Kubrick's A Clockwork Orange WatchThis fan and BuyMeACoffee contributor, Alan Lamberg, suggests this week's title, Stanley Kubrick's 1971 controversial (masterpiece - ?), A Clockwork Orange. In the late 60s and early 70s the cinematic landscape was changing and evolving into a very different creature. Arthur Penn's Bonnie & Clyde and Sam Peckinpah's The Wild Bunch would usher in a new era of cinematic violence. Stanley Kubrick would soon pick up the baton and create one of the most polarizing and controversial films ever made. From the novella by Anthony Burgess, Kubrick would create a dystopian England that would change the attitudes and expectations of film audiences. With a powerful and compelling performance by Malcolm McDowell, A Clockwork Orange has riveted audiences since its premiere in 1971. Fifty plus years later we have to ask ourselves if the film continues to offend and frighten as it did those many years ago. Mr. Chavez & I definitely have our opinions and are thrilled to lay it out for you the listener. Sit down, download, and enjoy a spirited discussion on the film, its role in cinematic history, and Kubrick's continuing power as a filmmaker. It's a fun time. As always, we can be reached at - Many Thanks. For those of you who would like to donate to this undying labor of love, you can do so with a contribution at - Anything and Everything is appreciated, You Cheap Bastards.
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#533 - White Saviors & Raging Bulls- WatchThis W/RickRamos
02/11/2025
#533 - White Saviors & Raging Bulls- WatchThis W/RickRamos
Whitey Saves the Day, Jake Won't Go Down, The Beatles Break Up, & More This week Mr. Chavez & I return to a project that began in the middle of last year, releasing an episode recorded many months ago, and exploring the first 500 shows of WatchThis W/RickRamos. It's taken some time to get back to this, but we find ourselves returning to Memory Lane and plan on spending the next few months peppering the podcast with our reflections on what has come before; what it meant then, what it means now, and what it may mean in the future. A whole lot to unwrap, but we're having a great time doing it. This week reflections on: Denis Villeneuve's Dune, Scorsese's Raging Bull, Hitchcock's Rear Window, and Peter Jackson's The Beatles: Get Back. The opinions are as strong as ever. We thank you for taking the trip with us. As always, we can be reached at - Many Thanks. For those of you who would like to donate to this undying labor of love, you can do so with a contribution at - Anything and Everything is appreciated, You Cheap Bastards.
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#532 - David Lynch Remembered - WatchThis W/RickRamos
02/04/2025
#532 - David Lynch Remembered - WatchThis W/RickRamos
David Lynch: The Art of Dark Dreams This week Mr. Chavez & I remember and say farewell to one of the greats of Cinema - David Lynch (01/20/46 - 01/15/25). Goodbye, Mr. Lynch; we were fortunate to have you. For those of you who would like to donate to this undying labor of love, you can do so with a contribution at - Anything and Everything is appreciated, You Cheap Bastards.
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#531 - The Act of Killing - WatchThis W/RickRamos
01/27/2025
#531 - The Act of Killing - WatchThis W/RickRamos
When Evil Men Remember: Joshua Oppenheimer, Christina Cynn, & an Anonymous Indonesian Director's The Act of Killing This week Mr. Chavez & I go up river for one of the most powerful, depressing, and meaningful documentaries ever made, The Act of Killing. This 2012 documentary explores the Indonesian mass killings, rapes, and tortures that occurred between 1965 and 1966 of alleged Communist Chinese and others opposed to the Indonesian New Order Regime. What sets this documentary apart from other films of similar subject matter is the straight-forward and excited re-tellings of these war crimes by the very torturers and murderers originally involved and still living unpunished in the country. The filmmakers approach the subject matter in a novel way, allowing the perpetrators to speak freely and - horrifically - to re-enact their crimes through a series of "cinematic re-creations" stylized as War Films, Westerns, and Film Noir. A film that demands to be seen and is an incredible example of what the art of cinema and documentaries are capable of. Take a listen as we explore this powerful and disturbing motion picture. As always, we can be reached at . Many Thanks. For those of you who would like to donate to this undying labor of love, you can do so with a contribution at - Anything and Everything is appreciated, You Cheap Bastards.
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