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PODCAST

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.

tv & film film reviews

All Episodes

01:15:37

Crimson Tide

Matinee Heroes ·

2025/06/21

CRIMSON TIDE After the Cold War, a rogue Russian republic with nukes threatens global security. Captain Frank Ramsey brings on a sharp but untested officer—Lieutenant Commander Ron Hunter, —to join him aboard the USS Alabama. When conflicting orders come in and Ramsey pushes for a strike, Hunter fears they could start a nuclear war, setting off a tense standoff that could decide the fate of the world. Craig, Elisabeth and Alan talk about personal interpretation, celebrating Gene Hackman, the

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01:40:51

The Birdcage

Matinee Heroes ·

2025/06/14

THE BIRDCAGE Young engaged couple Val and Barbara bring their wildly different families together for one tense dinner. To win over Barbara’s ultra-conservative father, Val’s gay, club-owning dad Armand hides his drag queen partner Albert and pretends to embody straight-laced American values. But as the evening unravels, keeping up appearances gets hilariously out of hand. Craig, Elisabeth and guest Liz Serna talk about they gay 90’s, despicable children, the sexiness of Christine Baranski and the

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01:26:02

The Conversation

Matinee Heroes ·

2025/06/07

THE CONVERSATION A meticulous surveillance expert begins to unravel when a routine wiretap reveals a conversation he doesn’t fully understand—but can’t ignore. As his paranoia grows, he’s forced to question what’s real, what’s hidden, and whether he’s complicit in something far darker than he imagined. Craig, Elisabeth and guest Brendan Agnew talk about paranoia, Christmas cookies, clogged toilets and the movie “The Conversation” on this week’s Matinee Heroes!! Show Notes 0:51 Craig, Elisabeth

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54:53

Episode 6 - Star Wars BTS - Now it Can Be Told -...

Matinee Heroes ·

2025/06/02

Recorded live at EmpireCon 2019 in Los Angeles, this episode of Conversations with Craig lifts the curtain on the unsung crew who brought the original Star Wars trilogy to life—Jawas, model-makers, second-unit directors, and yes, Yoda’s actual right hand. From childhood desert shoots to Harrison Ford with a saw, this panel had it all. Jawa Justice League: Three OG Jawas—Tim Donaldson, Andrea Wickman, and Fraser Diamond—recall what it was really like filming in Death Valley, sweating through

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01:18:01

How To Train Your Dragon

Matinee Heroes ·

2025/05/31

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON On the Viking Isle of Berk, young Hiccup defies tradition by befriending a dragon named Toothless. When an ancient threat endangers both dragons and humans, their bond becomes the key to survival. Together, they must rise above fear and forge a new path toward peace and leadership. Craig, Elisabeth and Guest Rob Ervin discuss parenting, the Minions, finding your place and the movie “How to Train your Dragon” on this week’s Matinee Heroes!!! Show Notes 1:05 Craig,

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01:57:01

In Memoriam - Loretta Swit 1937-2025

Matinee Heroes ·

2025/05/31

IN MEMORIAM: LORETTA SWIT 1937-2025 Today, May 30th we lost past guest Loretta Swit. As is tradition. we’re replaying a episode we did on the original MASH that included my panel with Loretta and her cast mate Jamie Farr during last years Retro Expo on July 13th 2024. I was fortunate enough to meet Lorreta twice. The first time was in Tampa Bay and was fortunate enough to enjoy lunch with her, Jamie and Jeff Maxwell. The way she would dote on Jamie who is 90 himself and has limited mobility was

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01:18:19

Kung Fu Panda

Matinee Heroes ·

2025/05/24

KUNG FU PANDA Po may be the laziest, clumsiest panda in the Valley of Peace, but he secretly dreams of becoming a kung fu legend. When the villainous snow leopard Tai Lung threatens the Valley, Po is unexpectedly chosen to fulfill an ancient prophecy. Under Master Shifu’s training, he embarks on a high-kicking adventure to stop Tai Lung’s evil plans. Craig, Elisabeth and guest Riley Brown discuss fanboys, self-belief vs destiny, cryptic mentors and the movie “Kung Fu Panda” on this week’s Matinee

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01:44:31

Fantastic Mr Fox

Matinee Heroes ·

2025/05/10

FANTASTIC MR. FOX After years of playing it safe, Mr. Fox breaks a promise to his wife and returns to his wild ways, stealing from the ruthless farmers Boggis, Bunce, and Bean. His actions put his family and their animal friends in danger, forcing them to hide deep underground. Now, Mr. Fox must use all his cleverness to outsmart the farmers and save his community. Craig and Elisabeth are joined by Movies that Make Us hosts Tracy Mangum and Jake Dietz to discuss quirkiness, Wes Anderson, sex shops

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50:03

Episode 5 - Mike Quinn and David Barclay -...

Matinee Heroes ·

2025/05/05

corded live at EmpireCon 2019 in Los Angeles, this episode of Conversations with Craig dives deep into the foam, felt, and freakishly fun world of movie puppetry with two absolute legends: Mike Quinn and David Barclay. These are the guys who’ve literally had their hands inside Yoda—yes, literally—and helped bring the most beloved alien puppet in cinema history to life. From The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi to The Dark Crystal and Little Shop of Horrors, Mike and David have been at the

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01:04:37

Chicken Run

Matinee Heroes ·

2025/05/03

CHICKEN RUN When a flashy American rooster struts into the coop, the hens think he might just be their ticket to freedom. But when the farmers roll in a chicken-pie making machine, escaping becomes a lot more urgent—and they’ll have to hatch a new plan to get out alive. Time is running out, and the flock will need brains, bravery, and a little bit of luck to pull off the ultimate breakout. Craig and Elisabeth talk about rural business plans, deceptive fowls, 90s cartoons and the movie “Chicken Run”

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01:14:29

Goon

Matinee Heroes ·

2025/04/26

GOON A soft-spoken bouncer is recruited to a struggling minor league hockey team after showcasing his raw fighting skills during a brawl. Thrown into the brutal world of professional hockey, he battles opponents, wrestles with his own insecurities, and struggles to earn the respect of hardened teammates, all while trying to understand what he’s truly fighting for. Craig, Elisabeth and Alan talk about Great F’n Movies, Casa Bonita, the Jack Reacher of hockey and the movie “Goon” on this week’s

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29:53

Special Presentation - Andor 2 preview

Matinee Heroes ·

2025/04/21

The Matinee Heroes crew is back with a special presentation on Andor Season 2, and let’s just say—this one doesn’t play it safe. Host Craig Price joins Alan Cerny and Elizabeth Rapp to discuss how Andor ditches the fan service for real stakes, mature storytelling, and brutal political commentary. With all 12 episodes dropping early, Disney clearly believes in this season—and they should. Star Wars Grows Up Season 2 doesn’t just flirt with heavy themes—it wades into fascism, rebellion, and moral

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01:27:56

Hoosiers

Matinee Heroes ·

2025/04/19

HOOSIERS Disgraced college coach Norman Dale lands a last-chance job leading a high school team in a small-town Indiana. With the town against him, a star player sidelined by a concerned teacher and an alcoholic assistant by his side, Dale must fight for redemption one game at a time. Craig, Elisabeth and guest Paul Hitchcock talk about the late Gene Hackman, high school sports politics, montages and the movie “Hoosiers” on this week’s Matinee Heroes! Show Notes 1:01 Craig, Elisabeth and guest

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01:26:24

The Natural

Matinee Heroes ·

2025/04/12

THE NATURAL Roy Hobbs was born to play baseball—and nothing was going to stand in his way. A natural talent with a lightning bolt for a bat, he quickly catches the eye of scouts and earns the admiration of sportswriter Max Mercy. But just as his star begins to rise, a chance encounter with a mysterious woman derails everything. Years later, Hobbs resurfaces as a seemingly unknown rookie with the New York Knights. Despite clashing with crusty manager Pop Fisher, he becomes the team’s secret

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46:46

Episode 4 - Star Wars Animation - CONversations with...

Matinee Heroes ·

2025/04/07

Get ready to jump into the world of Star Wars animation with some of the most legendary voice actors in the galaxy! Recorded live at Retro Expo 2024 in Plano, Texas, this unforgettable panel reunited the cast of The Clone Wars and Rebels for a conversation full of laughs, surprises, and incredible behind-the-scenes stories. From Ahsoka Tano to Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker to Hera Syndulla, these voice actors have brought some of the most beloved Star Wars characters to life, shaping the animated

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01:06:34

Slap Shot

Matinee Heroes ·

2025/04/05

SLAP SHOT In the gritty steel town of Charlestown, things look grim: the local mill is about to lay off 10,000 workers, and the minor league hockey team, the Charlestown Chiefs, faces its final season after years of failure. To try and save the team, frustrated player-coach Reggie Dunlop unleashes the Hanson Brothers—three bruisers known more for fists than finesse—whose violent style electrifies the fans. Dunlop capitalizes, turning the struggling team into a rough-and-tumble spectacle that packs

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01:27:10

Cast Away

Matinee Heroes ·

2025/03/29

CAST AWAY When obsessively punctual FedEx executive Chuck Noland boards a flight to Malaysia, a violent storm sends his plane crashing into the Pacific Ocean. Stranded alone on a deserted island, Chuck fights for survival as initial rescue attempts fail. For years, accompanied only by his handmade volleyball friend, Wilson, Chuck clings to hope, determined to one day escape and return home to his love, Kelly. Craig and Elisabeth talk how to carry a movie by yourself, bonding of inanimate objects,

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01:00:30

The Martian

Matinee Heroes ·

2025/03/22

THE MARTIAN After a violent Martian storm forces astronauts to abandon their mission, Mark Watney is mistakenly left behind and presumed dead. Stranded alone with limited resources, Watney must rely on sheer ingenuity, determination, and humor to survive on a planet eager to finish him off. Back on Earth, NASA collaborates urgently with global experts to devise a rescue plan, while Watney's crewmates launch their own risky mission to bring him home. Craig, Elisabeth and guest Brendan Agnew talk

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01:26:10

Far and Away

Matinee Heroes ·

2025/03/15

FAR AND AWAY Joseph, a poor Irish farmer, and Shannon, a rebellious landlord's daughter, journey together from Ireland to America seeking freedom and a fresh start in the Oklahoma land rush. After arriving in Boston, their dreams get delayed when harsh realities force them to fight for survival in unexpected ways. As challenges mount and tensions rise, Joseph and Shannon must confront their feelings for each other and decide whether their ambitions are worth risking it all. Craig and Elisabeth talk

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01:32:37

3:10 to Yuma

Matinee Heroes ·

2025/03/08

3:10 TO YUMA Outlaw Ben Wade terrorizes 1800s Arizona, preying on the Southern Railroad until he's finally captured. Struggling rancher Dan Evans volunteers to escort him to the 3:10 train to justice, but the journey is riddled with peril. As they battle relentless pursuers, a grudging respect forms between them—but survival is anything but guaranteed. Craig, Elisabeth and guest Paul Hitchcock talk about charismatic bad guys, Colorado ghost towns, honoring a code and the move “3:10 to Yuma” on this

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198 results

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