Off The Shelf with Phil and Dave PHIL AND DAVE

"It's not your cause, don't make it personal" - Dave makes it very personal as he takes 1997's The Jackal off the shelf this week. He explains that he's seen this movie many times over the years despite never loving it. What he does love, however, is Jack Black and Bruce Willis. Phil had never seen it before and feels as though nothing in the movie makes any sense. He's not convinced the Jackal is really all that threatening and unsure the movie succeeds in accomplishing anything it's trying to do.

It's another "Wild Summer Night" as Phil takes 1983's Eddie and the Cruisers off the shelf. Phil remembers the countless times he's seen the movie, how much he liked the first 2/3 and how good the music. Unfortunately, he also remembers the sequel. Dave knew nothing about this movie before watching it and feels that he was more interested in the investigative journalism that the beginning of the movie promises more than what comes after.

From Chicago in the 20's to New Asia in 2065, Dave takes 2023's The Creator off the shelf. Phil questions the idea of speaking about a movie so new that the cultural footprint has yet to be decided but overall enjoys the things this movie does right. Dave sees the potential of a story about A.I but doesn't always think it says what it wants to. The solid performances hold up even the story parts that are rushed and illogical

5,6,7,8... Phil finishes the "Fosse" trilogy by taking 2002's Chicago off the shelf. Dave finds musicals to be a challenge to get into but found himself getting into Richard Gere's performance. Phil recounts seeing it on Broadway recently as well as at the 5th Ave Cinema in 2002. He loves the conceit of the movie and is dazzled by John C. Reilly, too.

It's showtime, folks as Phil takes 1979's All That Jazz off the shelf. Bob Fosse's follow-up to Lenny is a masterpiece of showbusiness, narcissistic behaviour, and workaholic tendencies and the effect it has on loved ones. Phil loves just about everything about this and Dave, aside from the musical numbers, connects with the performances, led by Roy Scheider. The movie still lingers in the mind even after multiple watches.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, Podcast." It's a great week as Phil takes 1974's Lenny off the shelf. He reminisces about when he discovered this film, the rabbit hole he went down about the subject matter and the creators and how impactful they were. Dave watches the film not knowing anything about it and really enjoys the pace, character and style of the film. Found the editing to be stylish without being showy and loved the choice to film in black and white.