Cinebanter Rewind: DRAG ME TO HELL (2009)

The mp3 of this episode can be found here.

In this episode, a classic, horror-filled Cinebanter episode is revisited just in time for the Halloween holiday.

The breakdown is as follows:

• 0:00 Intro by Tassoula
• 0:32 Original 2009 Review of DRAG ME TO HELL
• 28:54 Credits

We hope you enjoy this trip down memory lane!

Cinebanter #85 - CRAZY HEART

The MP3 of Cinebanter #85 is available here.

In this episode, Michael and Tassoula nurse a metaphorical bottle of whiskey as they review the country crooner CRAZY HEART. In The Last Five®, Michael is wounded that Tassoula doesn't remember him sharing a favorite indie with her, while Tassoula is embarrassed she sat through the latest clichéd chick flick. They also comment on the recent GLAAD award nominations. The breakdown is as follows:

• 00:00 Intro
• 00:32 CRAZY HEART Discussion
• Break
• 22:06 To Sum It Up
• Break
• 22:37 The Last Five®
• 1:00:08 GLAAD Award Nominees
• 1:07:02 Credits & Outtakes

Michael's Last Five in this episode were: PERSONA, Y TU MAMA TAMBIEN, A SINGLE MAN, PRISON BREAK: SEASON 1 and THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE Tassoula's Last Five in this episode were: ME AND ORSON WELLES, SWEET JANE, LEAP YEAR, THE IMAGINARIUM OF DR. PARNASSUS and PURPLE VIOLETS.

If you'd like to subscribe to the show (it's free, of course) via iTunes, click here.

The show is also available on Podcast Alley, and blubrry. Please vote for us at any of those sites and leave comments if you like what you hear.

Want to donate to the show and help with production costs, server fees, etc.? Click on the "Make a Donation" button to the left of this blog.

Special thanks to Brad Daane and Mark Cummins for providing the original music in this episode.

Reviews and/or notes of every movie Michael sees can be found at his MichaelVox website.

Tassoula has reviews, musings and movie-related product links at Tassoula's Movie Review Blog.

Feedback is always welcome - you may leave comments here or e-mail the hosts at cinebanter@gmail.com.

We hope you enjoy the show!

Cinebanter Special Edition - 4th ANNUAL TELEBANTER

The mp3 of this show can be found here. In this episode, Michael and Tassoula fondly look back on their top 10 shows of 2009 in the 4th ANNUAL TELEBANTER. They also share listener lists and announce the topic of Cinebanter #85:

• 00:00 Intro
• 00:32 Top 10 of 2009 (10 - 6)
• Break
• 17:33 Top 10 of 2009 (5 - 1) and Listener Lists
• 1:07:51 Credits & Outtakes

If you'd like to subscribe to the show (it's free, of course) via iTunes, click here.

The show is also available on Podcast Alley, and blubrry. Please vote for us at any of those sites and leave comments if you like what you hear.

Want to donate to the show and help with production costs, server fees, etc.? Click on the "Make a Donation" button to the left of this blog.

Special thanks to Brad Daane and Mark Cummins for providing the original music in this episode.

Reviews and/or notes of every movie Michael sees can be found at his MichaelVox website.

Tassoula has reviews, musings and movie-related product links at Tassoula's Movie Review Blog.

Feedback is always welcome - you may leave comments here or e-mail the hosts at cinebanter@gmail.com.

We hope you enjoy the show!

Cinebanter #84 - AVATAR

The MP3 of Cinebanter #84 is available here.

In this episode, Michael and Tassoula venture into Pandora as they review James Cameron's AVATAR. In The Last Five®, they both recall their thoughts on INVICTUS and a few small documentaries. They also respond to a Listener Last Five and announce their next show. The breakdown is as follows:

• 00:00 Intro
• 00:32 AVATAR Discussion
• Break
• 28:50 To Sum It Up
• Break
• 29:34 The Last Five®
• 53:04 Listener Last Five (Jordan in Greenville, SC)
• 1:03:09 Credits & Outtakes

Michael's Last Five in this episode were: ME AND ORSON WELLES, FLOWER SNAKE, INVICTUS, LAKEVIEW TERRACE and WHAT WOULD JESUS BUY? Tassoula's Last Five in this episode were: A CHRISTMAS STORY, A CHRISTMAS TALE, EVERY F-ING DAY OF MY LIFE, INVICTUS and UP IN THE AIR.

If you'd like to subscribe to the show (it's free, of course) via iTunes, click here.

The show is also available on Podcast Alley, and blubrry. Please vote for us at any of those sites and leave comments if you like what you hear.

Want to donate to the show and help with production costs, server fees, etc.? Click on the "Make a Donation" button to the left of this blog.

Special thanks to Brad Daane and Mark Cummins for providing the original music in this episode.

Reviews and/or notes of every movie Michael sees can be found at his MichaelVox website.

Tassoula has reviews, musings and movie-related product links at Tassoula's Movie Review Blog.

Feedback is always welcome - you may leave comments here or e-mail the hosts at cinebanter@gmail.com.

We hope you enjoy the show!

Cinebanter #83 - BROTHERS

The MP3 of Cinebanter #83 is available here.

In this episode, Michael and Tassoula enlist for drama as they review Jim Sheridan's BROTHERS. In The Last Five®, Michael finds a steamy Japanese gem, while Tassoula gets scared by one of her favorite holiday tales. In addition they announce the PIRATE RADIO giveaway winner. The breakdown is as follows:

• 00:00 Intro
• 00:32 BROTHERS Discussion
• Break
• 31:52 To Sum It Up
• Break
• 32:35 The Last Five®/PIRATE RADIO Giveaway Announcement
• 1:05:03 Credits & Outtakes

Michael's Last Five in this episode were: PRECIOUS: BASED ON THE NOVEL "PUSH" BY SAPPHIRE, NIGHT OF THE HUNTER, PIRATE RADIO, ME AND ORSON WELLES and FLOWER SNAKE. Tassoula's Last Five in this episode were: VALENTINO: THE LAST EMPEROR, THE MAID, LOVE ACTUALLY, TITANIC and DISNEY'S A CHRISTMAS CAROL.

If you'd like to subscribe to the show (it's free, of course) via iTunes, click here.

The show is also available on Podcast Alley, and blubrry. Please vote for us at any of those sites and leave comments if you like what you hear.

Want to donate to the show and help with production costs, server fees, etc.? Click on the "Make a Donation" button to the left of this blog.

Special thanks to Brad Daane and Mark Cummins for providing the original music in this episode.

Reviews and/or notes of every movie Michael sees can be found at his MichaelVox website.

Tassoula has reviews, musings and movie-related product links at Tassoula's Movie Review Blog.

Feedback is always welcome - you may leave comments here or e-mail the hosts at cinebanter@gmail.com.

We hope you enjoy the show!

"Plugged In" Show Available for Download

Hear Michael and Tassoula on Episode #49 of Plugged In, by visiting this site and downloading or listening via iTunes:

http://www.pluggedinshow.org/#49

~~~

PIRATE RADIO Giveaway Winner Announced

Congratulations to Cynthia of San Jose, Calif. who won our PIRATE RADIO prize package including an iPod cozy and a CD of the film's soundtrack.

We thank her for her donation to the show!

Cinebanter #82 - PIRATE RADIO

The MP3 of Cinebanter #82 is available here.

In this episode, Michael and Tassoula rock the boat as they review PIRATE RADIO. In The Last Five®, they both discuss PRECIOUS, the "buzz film" of the year. In addition they announce the PIRATE RADIO giveaway. The breakdown is as follows:

• 00:00 Intro
• 00:32 PIRATE RADIO Discussion
• Break
• 25:12 To Sum It Up
• Break
• 25:45 The Last Five®/PIRATE RADIO Giveaway
• 58:19 Credits & Outtakes

Michael's Last Five in this episode were: LOOK BACK IN ANGER, THE MESSENGER, CAPITALISM: A LOVE STORY, PRECIOUS and NIGHT OF THE HUNTER. Tassoula's Last Five in this episode were: AN EDUCATION, 2012, ELEGY, COUPLES RETREAT and THE GIRLFRIEND EXPERIENCE.

If you'd like to subscribe to the show (it's free, of course) via iTunes, click here.

The show is also available on Podcast Alley, and blubrry. Please vote for us at any of those sites and leave comments if you like what you hear.

Want to donate to the show and help with production costs, server fees, etc.? Click on the "Make a Donation" button to the left of this blog.

Special thanks to Brad Daane and Mark Cummins for providing the original music in this episode.

Reviews and/or notes of every movie Michael sees can be found at his MichaelVox website.

Tassoula has reviews, musings and movie-related product links at Tassoula's Movie Review Blog.

Feedback is always welcome - you may leave comments here or e-mail the hosts at cinebanter@gmail.com.

We hope you enjoy the show!

What Ebert Thinks

Once A.O. Scott and Michael Phillips saved At the Movies, and I started watching again, at the back of my mind I was always wondering how Roger Ebert took the news.

Today, in his blog, I found out.

What boggles my mind is how dumb the entertainment industry is when it comes to handling film critics (and anticipating what real film fans want).

At least with the new incarnation of the classic show, they got it half right.

Cinebanter #81 - AN EDUCATION

The MP3 of Cinebanter #81 is available here.

In this episode, Michael and Tassoula head back to the school of life as they review AN EDUCATION. In The Last Five®, Michael is impressed with one of the Secret Movie Club selections, while Tassoula suffers through some duds. The hosts also respond to a Listener Last Five and mail in regard to their BRIGHT STAR episode. The breakdown is as follows:

• 00:00 Intro
• 00:32 AN EDUCATION Discussion
• Break
• 22:55 To Sum It Up
• Break
• 23:49 The Last Five®
• 55:34 Listener Last Five (Miran in Toronto) and Listener Feedback
• 1:07:10 Credits & Outtake

Michael's Last Five in this episode were: GOAL: THE DREAM BEGINS, ALL THAT HEAVEN ALLOWS, LOOK BACK IN ANGER, THE MESSENGER and CAPITALISM: A LOVE STORY. Tassoula's Last Five in this episode were: THE INVENTION OF LYING, WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE, CAPITALISM: A LOVE STORY, ACT OF GOD and THIS IS IT.

If you'd like to subscribe to the show (it's free, of course) via iTunes, click here.

The show is also available on Podcast Alley, and blubrry. Please vote for us at any of those sites and leave comments if you like what you hear.

Want to donate to the show and help with production costs, server fees, etc.? Click on the "Make a Donation" button to the left of this blog.

Special thanks to Brad Daane and Mark Cummins for providing the original music in this episode.

Reviews and/or notes of every movie Michael sees can be found at his MichaelVox website.

Tassoula has reviews, musings and movie-related product links at Tassoula's Movie Review Blog.

Feedback is always welcome - you may leave comments here or e-mail the hosts at cinebanter@gmail.com.

We hope you enjoy the show!

Show #81 Coming Soon

Michael and Tassoula are back from following U2 and have decided to review AN EDUCATION for their next show. They'll also share a Listener Last Five and catch up on Listener Feedback from their BRIGHT STAR episode.

Tune in November 16th for all of the fun.

Cinebanter Greatest Hits, Volume 2

The MP3 of the Greatest Hits Volume 2 episode can be found here.

In this episode, Michael and Tassoula take a trip down memory lane and look back on Cinebanter shows 11 through 20, which aired between November of 2006 and February of 2007. The breakdown is as follows:

• 00:00 Introduction
• 00:57 Episode 11: Tassoula and her "re-casting"
• 02:37 Episode 12: Make for Refund
• 04:26 Episode 13: Type it, Tassoula
• 06:28 Episode 14: To Catch a Predator
• 10:02 Episode 15: Michael's Chosen Director
• 14:47 Episode 16: Live from Kinko's
• 19:01 Episode 17: Mental Gymnastics
• 22:55 Episode 18: Shut up!
• 26:24 Episode 19: "I might have insomnia, but you have narcolepsy."
• 30:11 Episode 20: The Epitome of Yentas
• 34:02 Credits and Outtakes

As always, if you have feedback on the show, or would like to send us your Last Five®, please send us a message at cinebanter@gmail.com.

If you'd like to contribute to the show, please click the "donate" button to the left of our blog.

Thanks for your support!

Cinebanter #80 - BRIGHT STAR

The MP3 of Cinebanter #80 is available here.

In this episode, Michael and Tassoula witness a thing of beauty as they review Jane Campion's BRIGHT STAR. In The Last Five®, Michael enjoys some classic Hitchcock, while Tassoula immerses herself in U2 during a national academic conference. The breakdown is as follows:

• 00:00 Intro
• 00:32 BRIGHT STAR Discussion
• Break
• 10:34 To Sum It Up
• Break
• 11:33 The Last Five®
• 39:05 Credits & Outtake

Michael's Last Five in this episode were: PROZAC NATION, THE BICYCLE THIEVES, ZOO, REAR WINDOW and TO HAVE AND HAVE NOT Tassoula's Last Five in this episode were: CASABLANCA, THE HEART OF AMERICA TOUR, IT MIGHT GET LOUD, U2 3D and LAST CHANCE HARVEY.

If you'd like to subscribe to the show (it's free, of course) via iTunes, click here.

The show is also available on Podcast Alley, and blubrry. Please vote for us at any of those sites and leave comments if you like what you hear.

Want to donate to the show and help with production costs, server fees, etc.? Click on the "Make a Donation" button to the left of this blog.

Special thanks to Brad Daane and Mark Cummins for providing the original music in this episode.

Reviews and/or notes of every movie Michael sees can be found at his MichaelVox website.

Tassoula has reviews, musings and movie-related product links at Tassoula's Movie Review Blog.

Feedback is always welcome - you may leave comments here or e-mail the hosts at cinebanter@gmail.com.

We hope you enjoy the show!

Cinebanter #79 - THE INFORMANT!

The MP3 of Cinebanter #79 is available here.

In this episode, Michael and Tassoula follow the trail of THE INFORMANT! as portrayed by Matt Damon. In The Last Five®, Michael searches for the ultimate in depression films, while Tassoula remembers the late Patrick Swayze. The hosts also respond to Listener Feedback about their most recent show. The breakdown is as follows:

• 00:00 Intro
• 00:32 THE INFORMANT! Discussion
• Break
• 12:25 To Sum It Up
• Break
• 12:49 The Last Five®
• Break
• 43:39 Listener Feedback
• 48:41 Credits & Outtake

Michael's Last Five in this episode were: WHICH WAY HOME?, THE WAY WE GET HOME, INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS, EXTRACT and PROZAC NATION Tassoula's Last Five in this episode were: BIG FAN, COAL MINER'S DAUGHTER, SERAPHINE, GHOST and EXTRACT.

If you'd like to subscribe to the show (it's free, of course) via iTunes, click here.

The show is also available on Podcast Alley, and blubrry. Please vote for us at any of those sites and leave comments if you like what you hear.

Want to donate to the show and help with production costs, server fees, etc.? Click on the "Make a Donation" button to the left of this blog.

Special thanks to Brad Daane and Mark Cummins for providing the original music in this episode.

Reviews and/or notes of every movie Michael sees can be found at his MichaelVox website.

Tassoula has reviews, musings and movie-related product links at Tassoula's Movie Review Blog.

Feedback is always welcome - you may leave comments here or e-mail the hosts at cinebanter@gmail.com.

We hope you enjoy the show!

Cinebanter #78 - L'AVVENTURA

The MP3 of Cinebanter #78 is available here.

In this episode, Michael and Tassoula avoid current films to instead review the 1960 classic L'AVVENTURA. In The Last Five®, Michael finds another freaky Asian flick, while Tassoula recounts two of the most romantic films in existence. The hosts also respond to two Listener Last Fives and Listener Feedback about their most recent show. The breakdown is as follows:

• 00:00 Intro
• 00:32 L'AVVENTURA Discussion
• Break
• 14:10 To Sum It Up
• Break
• 14:35 The Last Five®
• Break
• 49:15 Listener Last Fives (Nathan in Lincoln; Scott in Tallahassee) & Feedback
• 1:06:04 Credits & Outtake

Michael's Last Five in this episode were: DISTRICT 9, ADVENTURELAND, THE WAY WE GET BY, THE ISLE and WHICH WAY HOME? Tassoula's Last Five in this episode were: SOUND AND FURY, IT MIGHT GET LOUD, BEFORE SUNRISE, BEFORE SUNSET and WHEN DID YOU LAST SEE YOUR FATHER?

If you'd like to subscribe to the show (it's free, of course) via iTunes, click here.

The show is also available on Podcast Alley, and blubrry. Please vote for us at any of those sites and leave comments if you like what you hear.

Want to donate to the show and help with production costs, server fees, etc.? Click on the "Make a Donation" button to the left of this blog.

Special thanks to Brad Daane and Mark Cummins for providing the original music in this episode.

Reviews and/or notes of every movie Michael sees can be found at his MichaelVox website.

Tassoula has reviews, musings and movie-related product links at Tassoula's Movie Review Blog.

Feedback is always welcome - you may leave comments here or e-mail the hosts at cinebanter@gmail.com.

We hope you enjoy the show!

Show Date Change: It's a Good Thing

Episode #78, originally scheduled to air on Labor Day (9/7) has been bumped to the following week (9/14) to allow our listeners time to queue up the classic film we're reviewing (L'AVVENTURA, 1960), and to let the hosts adjust to another school year in their day jobs.

In the meantime, keep the feedback regarding DISTRICT 9 and 500 DAYS OF SUMMER coming, and send us your Last Five®!

Cinebanter #77 - DISTRICT 9

The MP3 of Cinebanter #77 is available here.

In this episode, Michael and Tassoula consider the moral and social implications of DISTRICT 9. In The Last Five®, Michael dislikes one of his partner's recommendations, while Tassoula suffers through a horrible chick flick. The hosts also respond to two Listener Last Fives. The breakdown is as follows:

• 00:00 Intro
• 00:32 DISTRICT 9 Discussion
• Break
• 16:32 To Sum It Up
• Break
• 17:09 The Last Five®
• Break
• 42:36 Listener Last Fives (Dave in Baltimore; Jordan in South Bend)
• 57:02 Credits & Outtake

Michael's Last Five in this episode were: AXIS OF EVIL COMEDY TOUR, I LOVE YOU, MAN, THE BOURNE TRILOGY, ROSETTA and NOTHING IS PRIVATE. Tassoula's Last Five in this episode were: BETTY BLUE: THE DIRECTOR'S CUT, CHERI, A PERFECT GETAWAY, TOY STORY 2 and NIGHTS IN RODANTHE.

If you'd like to subscribe to the show (it's free, of course) via iTunes, click here.

The show is also available on Podcast Alley, and blubrry. Please vote for us at any of those sites and leave comments if you like what you hear.

Want to donate to the show and help with production costs, server fees, etc.? Click on the "Make a Donation" button to the left of this blog.

Special thanks to Brad Daane and Mark Cummins for providing the original music in this episode.

Reviews and/or notes of every movie Michael sees can be found at his MichaelVox website.

Tassoula has reviews, musings and movie-related product links at Tassoula's Movie Review Blog.

Feedback is always welcome - you may leave comments here or e-mail the hosts at cinebanter@gmail.com.

We hope you enjoy the show!

It's DISTRICT 9 for show #77

Get your alien eyes on and head out to see the current box office topper DISTRICT 9, because MichaelVox and Tassoula will be discussing it on Monday's episode of Cinebanter.

Stay tuned!

Cinebanter #76 - 500 DAYS OF SUMMER

The MP3 of Cinebanter #76 is available here.

In this episode, Michael and Tassoula spend 500 hours talking about 500 DAYS OF SUMMER, creating their longest show ever recorded. And in The Last Five®, Michael catches up with a bromance comedy, while Tassoula discovers an Australian classic. The breakdown is as follows:

• 00:00 Intro
• 00:32 500 DAYS OF SUMMER Discussion
• Break
• 51:48 To Sum It Up
• Break
• 52:13 The Last Five®
• Break
• 1:27:36 Credits & Outtakes

Michael's Last Five in this episode were: LORNA'S SILENCE, SWEPT AWAY, LIES, I LOVE YOU, MAN and THE BOURNE TRILOGY. Tassoula's Last Five in this episode were: PROM NIGHT IN MISSISSIPPI, ORPHAN, THE SWEETEST SOUND, PICNIC AT HANGING ROCK and AFTER INNOCENCE.

If you'd like to subscribe to the show (it's free, of course) via iTunes, click here.

The show is also available on Podcast Alley, and blubrry. Please vote for us at any of those sites and leave comments if you like what you hear.

Want to donate to the show and help with production costs, server fees, etc.? Click on the "Make a Donation" button to the left of this blog.

Special thanks to Brad Daane and Mark Cummins for providing the original music in this episode.

Reviews and/or notes of every movie Michael sees can be found at his MichaelVox website.

Tassoula has reviews, musings and movie-related product links at Tassoula's Movie Review Blog.

Feedback is always welcome - you may leave comments here or e-mail the hosts at cinebanter@gmail.com.

We hope you enjoy the show!

A Screenwriter Who Hates to Write

Actress Natalie Portman and Venture Capitalist Christine Aylward have launched a new Web site called MakingOf, which features behind-the-scenes content from film industry insiders.

One of the highlighted videos today is an exclusive interview with Screenwriter John August who talks about what it takes to be a successful scribe in Tinseltown.

It always amazes me how the philosophies and methods of writers in the same industry can vastly differ.

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