AIPT Movies Alex Harris, Matt Paul, AIPT, Tim Gardiner

It’s April, so that means it’s time for the AIPT Movies podcast’s “No EscApril” series, where we celebrate the wonder of thrillers! Not quite horror, not quite action, that sweet spot in the middle where danger is afoot, and lives are still on the line! In this week’s episode, Alex, Tim, and Matt discuss Alfred Hitchock’s mistaken-identity mystery thriller, North by Northwest! Possibly the most iconic gray suit in movie history! Classic filmmaking techniques and visual effects! A cornucopia of fantastic mid-century design and fashion, featuring the work of legendary artist Saul Bass! Cary Grant being surprisingly charming while running away from an airplane! Eva Marie Saint as an early archetype for the modern femme fatale! A fun, punchy script full of twists and suspense! A movie that not only created the template for the James Bond series, but also influenced countless other movies, such as Catch Me If You Can and Total Recall (we think)! In addition, Alex shares his spoiler-free thoughts on Civil War and Law Abiding Citizen!

It’s April, so that means it’s time for the AIPT Movies podcast’s “No EscApril” series, where we celebrate the wonder of thrillers! Not quite horror, not quite action, that sweet spot in the middle where danger is afoot, and lives are still on the line! In this week’s episode, Alex, Tim, and Matt discuss Daniel Craig’s first appearance as James Bond, the gritty spy action-thriller, Casino Royale! Breathtaking stunt work that includes an incredible Parkour chase sequence! Countless exotic locations! That creepy Body Worlds exhibit! A now-classic Bond theme from the late and great Chris Cornell! Disturbing torture methods! Surprisingly tense gambling scenes thanks to veteran director Martin Campbell! A solid cast that includes Mads Mikkelsen weeping blood, Eva Green, Jeffrey Wright, an irreplaceable Judi Dench, and Daniel Craig seamlessly owning the iconic role of James Bond! A movie that adds depth and complexity to a well-established character, showing that reboots/prequels CAN work if done correctly! In addition, Tim recommends the 2009 anime, Redline, while Alex shares his spoiler-free thoughts on Ricky Stanicky and his beloved Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire!

It’s March, so that means it’s time for the AIPT Movies podcast’s “Get Your Ass to March” series! Where we cover movies that relate to the planet Mars and/or the 1990 sci-fi classic, Total Recall! In this week’s episode, Alex, Tim, and Matt kick off the series by discussing another film set on that mysterious and alluring red planet, John Carpenter’s 2001 space-action-horror flick Ghosts of Mars! Shocking deaths and beheadings! A deeply misguided attempt to impress a girl with one’s can-opening skills! A flashback within a flashback within a flashback! Creepy Mars vibes and visuals that evoke the fear of a nightmare on a dead planet! Hot Topic space-zombies with muppet voices! A possibly-miscast Natasha Henstridge! Pam Grier! Young Jason Statham with some degree of hair! Ice Cube having a lot of fun at least! A somewhat misunderstood attempt at a crowd-pleasing blockbuster from legendary director John Carpenter, that continues his impressive and distinctive work as a composer, even if it’s occasionally a little too metal for its own good! In addition, Tim and Alex share their spoiler-free thoughts on Dune 2, while Alex talks about another late-career John Carpenter joint, Escape from L.A.!

It’s March, so that means it’s time for the AIPT Movies podcast’s “Get Your Ass to March” series! Where we cover movies that relate to the planet Mars and/or the 1990 sci-fi classic, Total Recall! In this week’s episode, Alex, Tim, and Matt kick off the series by discussing a movie that satisfies BOTH qualifiers, Paul Verhoeven’s 1990 sci-fi classic, Total Recall! Hologram gags! Explosive decompression! Disturbingly inhuman, cab-driving robots! A classic musical score from Jerry Goldsmith! Bone-crunching sound FX! The psychic space mutant, Kuato! The quickest divorce you’ve ever seen! Possibly the greatest human-shield in movie history! Incredible, kinda-gross-looking practical FX from the reclusive and legendary Rob Bottin! A wonderful cast that includes an unrecognizable Hank from Breaking Bad, Michael Ironside’s weird run, Ronny Cox playing his character from RoboCop, Sharon Stone and Rachel Ticotin in a rough & tumble girl fight, and Arnold Schwarzenegger delivering some of the greatest one-liners of his career! The satirical carnage of Paul Verhoeven meets the larger-than-life theatrics of an Arnold movie in this exploration of class, capitalism, and the hidden desires of the human psyche! The planet Mars never looked so good! In addition, Alex shamefully admits that he had never seen the Nicolas Cage/John Cusack action-banger, Con-Air, until recently, and shares his spoiler-free thoughts!

It’s February, so that means it’s time for the AIPT Movies podcast’s “Shredruary” series! Where we cover movies that revolve around music or musicians! In this week’s episode, Alex, Tim, and Matt discuss iconic genre director Walter Hill’s 1984 Rock n’ Roll Fable, Streets of Fire! A scary biker gang led by an unnerving-yet-alluring Willem Dafoe! A terrifying Ed Begley Jr.! Infectious music from Jim Steinman, Ry Cooder, Dan Hartman, Stevie Nicks, The Blasters, and Boston-based new wave band, Face to Face! Diane Lane looking incredible while playing one of the greatest fictional rock stars of all time! A story out of time, transporting you to a world that feels both nostalgic and somewhat futuristic (for the time it was released at least)! A sonic and visual feast, this movie was made for fans of noirs, cars, and motorcycle bars! In addition, Alex shares his spoiler-free thoughts on the new Aaron Eckhart action movie, The Bricklayer, and the South Korean revenge thriller, Ballerina!

It’s February, so that means it’s time for the AIPT Movies podcast’s “Shredruary” series! Where we cover movies that revolve around music or musicians! In this week’s episode, Alex, Tim, and Matt discuss 2001’s satirical musical comedy, Josie and the Pussycats! Endless product placement! A classic and catchy soundtrack that features Letters to Cleo’s Kay Hanley and (we think) Matthew Sweet! A consistently funny movie that effortlessly bounces between witty, subversive moments and silly, slapstick comedy! Fun, creative direction from Can’t Hardly Wait’s Deborah Kaplan and Harry Elfont! A perfect cast that includes Rachael Leigh Cook, Rosario Dawson, Tara Reid, Parker Posey, Alan Cumming, Missi Pyle, possibly the greatest boy band of all time, Dujour, and the vocal talents of Mr. Moviefone! A misunderstood, ahead of its time gem - with a sweet message about being true to yourself and not getting caught in the cogs of consumerism - that has found the cult following it deserves despite its disappointing box office! In addition, Tim shares his spoiler-free thoughts on 1988’s Alien Nation and the Oscar-winning cinematographer of Cool as Ice, while Alex talks about Shin Ultraman, Knight and Day, The Beekeeper, and Sniper G.R.I.T.!