Don’t Push Pause Don’t Push Pause

No better way to celebrate our 6th Anniversary than with the 1994 summer blockbuster, SPEED. This rollercoaster ride was never expected to have a massive impact, catapult careers or be anything more than a B-movie. Aging well with its precision & unrelenting tension, SPEED’s realism has kept it in the top tier of solid action films of the last 30 years. They truly don’t make ‘em like this anymore.
///***Discussions include***\\\Script evolution, revisions, structure, tonal changes & complete overhaul; studio struggle & hesitations, turnaround, more revisions; turning a renowned cinematographer into a first-time director; on-location shooting, action sequences, stunt work; miniatures, practical & optical effects; casting, main cast discussion & chemistry between the leads; pacing, editing &  the film’s aesthetic; music, sound & score; marketing, release, reception, awards & sequel.
Keanu Reeves, Sandra Bullock, Dennis Hopper & Jeff Daniels star in SPEED (1994) /// Directed by Jan de Bont.
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///***Picks of the Week***\\\• Lindsay’s Pick: THE NET (1995). Sandra Bullock, Jeremy Northam & Dennis Miller /// Directed by Irwin Winkler.• Justin’s Pick: OUT OF THE BLUE. (1980). Dennis Hopper, Linda Manz, Raymond Burr & Sharon Farrell /// Directed by Dennis Hopper..///***MurrayMoment***\\\Find out why Sweden has an alleged beef with Billy behind the wheel of a golf cart.
///***Final Thoughts on SPEED***\\\
.Coming in July:  MAJOR LEAGUE (1989)
— Please rate, review & subscribe.— Follow on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok & YouTube.— Hosts: Justin Johnson & Lindsay Reber // Music: Matt Pace // Announcer: Mary Timmel // Logo: Beau Shoulders.www.dontpushpausepodcast.com
dontpushpausepodcast@gmail.com
Be Kind & Rewatch // June 4, 2024

Teaming up a sought-after writer & acclaimed director on a film should mean a box office smash. But the extravagant wildcard that is SHOWGIRLS was ridiculed the moment it hit theaters. However, reevaluation of the film’s heightened reality, intensity & stunning production quality have dispelled many early criticisms. Slap on some glitter, paint your nails & grab your switchblade because it’s time to discover the story behind this kitschy, controversial classic. 
///***Discussions include***\\\Origin of & intentions behind the story, inspirations & production derailment; re-teaming of a celebrated & button-pushing writer/director duo, rewrites & funding; intentional visual style, overall hyperbolic nature & tonality; staging, choreography & physical demands; casting the lead, plus main cast & character breakdowns; struggle with NC-17 rating, advertising, reception & repercussions, plus the revival & longevity.Elizabeth Berkley, Gina Gershon & Kyle MacLachlan star in SHOWGIRLS (1995) /// Directed by Paul Verhoeven.///***Picks of the Week***\\\• Lindsay’s Pick: BOUND (1996). Gina Gershon, Jennifer Tilly, Joe Pantoliano /// Directed by Lana Wachowski & Lilly Wachowski.• Justin’s Pick: STARSHIP TROOPERS. (1997). Casper Van Dien, Dina Meyer, Denise Richards, Neil Patrick Harris /// Directed by Paul Verhoeven..///***MurrayMoment***\\\Billy finds himself in a perilous pool situation.///***Final Thoughts on SHOWGIRLS***\\\Coming in June:  SPEED (1994)• Please rate, review & subscribe.• Follow on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok & YouTube.• Hosts: Justin Johnson & Lindsay Reber // Music: Matt Pace // Announcer: Mary Timmel // Logo: Beau Shoulders.www.dontpushpausepodcast.com dontpushpausepodcast@gmail.comBe Kind & Rewatch // May 7, 2024




 




 

Selling an atmospheric, science-fiction film about an extraordinary teenager discovering time travel & saving the world was a lofty pitch for a feature film debut. But writer/director Richard Kelly crafted a mind-bending, unconventional story, packed with powerful visuals & rich subtext, which has now turned it into a modern cult classic. It’s time to unravel the inner-workings of DONNIE DARKO.///***Discussions include***\\\Richard Kelly’s script influences, unwavering ambitiousness & vision for the film; finding a production house, churning up interest & lucky breaks; themes, mythology & interpretations; cast influences & character breakdowns; production, visual effects, cinematography & editing; usage of music & score; challenges with releasing, selling & marketing; memorable scenes, reception, Director’s Cut & legacy.Jake Gyllenhaal, Jena Malone, Mary McDonnell, Drew Barrymore & so many more star in DONNIE DARKO (2001) /// Directed by Richard Kelly.///***Picks of the Week***\\\    •    Lindsay’s Pick: NOWHERE (1997). James Duval, Rachel True, Nathan Bexton, Christina Applegate /// Directed by Gregg Araki.    •    Justin’s Pick: PRISONERS (2013). Jake Gyllenhaal, Hugh Jackman, Terrence Howard, Paul Dano, Viola Davis /// Directed by Denis Villeneuve.///***MurrayMoment***\\\Billy’s surprising entrance into the Marvel superhero world.

///***Final Thoughts on DONNIE DARKO***\\\Coming in May: SHOWGIRLS (1995).    •    Please rate, review & subscribe.    •    Follow on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok & YouTube.    •    Hosts: Justin Johnson & Lindsay Reber // Music: Matt Pace // Announcer: Mary Timmel // Logo: Beau Shoulders.www.dontpushpausepodcast.comdontpushpausepodcast@gmail.comBe Kind & Rewatch // April 2024

Independent cinema & Parker Posey were once synonymous together. PARTY GIRL provides a nuanced & legitimate snapshot of mid-‘90s New York, complete with updated screwball comedy vibes, an inspiring dose of youth-to-adulthood transition & charm from beginning to end. Strap in for this love letter to indie film!
///***Discussions include***\\\Story conception, inspirations, writer/director collaboration & refining the script; themes, tonality, authenticity & capturing a niche, contemporary reality; type of film & culture-clashing; finding the cast, character discussion & Parker Posey background; heavy music & fashion/costuming influences; difficulties with releasing, premiere & longevity of the film.
Parker Posey, Omar Townsend, Guillermo Diaz & Sasha von Scherler star in PARTY GIRL (1995) /// Directed by Daisy von Scherler Mayer.
 
///***Picks of the Week***\\\• Lindsay’s Pick: THE HOUSE OF YES (1997). Parker Posey, Freddie Prince Jr., Josh Hamilton, Tori Spelling /// Directed by Mark Waters.• Justin’s Pick: PRICE CHECK (2012). Parker Posey, Eric Mabius, Amy Schumer, Annie Parisse /// Directed by Michael Walker.///***MurrayMoment***\\\The same Lower Manhattan filming region for PARTY GIRL once provided a refuge for Billy & his SNL counterparts — time to go inside the legendary Blues Bar.
///***Final Thoughts on PARTY GIRL***\\\
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Coming in April: DONNIE DARKO (2001).
• Please rate, review & subscribe.• Follow on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok & YouTube.• Hosts: Justin Johnson & Lindsay Reber // Music: Matt Pace // Announcer: Mary Timmel // Logo: Beau Shoulders.www.dontpushpausepodcast.comdontpushpausepodcast@gmail.com
Be Kind & Rewatch // March 2024

Richard Linklater’s BEFORE SUNRISE, BEFORE SUNSET & BEFORE MIDNIGHT beautifully articulate how finding a rare connection with another person can affect one’s path in life. Without leaning on nostalgia or typical romantic tropes, THE BEFORE TRILOGY became an unintentional series, and spoke volumes about being in the present moment, being affected by the past & moving to the future. 

///***Discussions include***\\\Brief history of Linklater’s career until BEFORE SUNRISE & between the series’ sequels; real-life inspiration behind the continuing story; Kim Krizan & lead actors’ involvement in methodical scriptwriting; importance in casting, chemistry & comfortability; selling the initial script, finding funding & garnering interest in sequels; overall themes, use of time & relatability; breakdowns of each film, growth of characters & relationship evolution throughout multiple years, plus the reception of each film. Julie Delpy & Ethan Hawke star in BEFORE SUNRISE (1995), BEFORE SUNSET (2004) & BEFORE MIDNIGHT (2013) /// Directed by Richard Linklater.///***Picks of the Week***\\\Returning in Episode 114. ///***MurrayMoment***\\\Returning in Episode 114.///***Final Thoughts on THE BEFORE TRILOGY***\\\Next Up:  PARTY GIRL (1995)• Please rate, review & subscribe.• Follow on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok & YouTube.• Hosts: Justin Johnson & Lindsay Reber // Music: Matt Pace // Announcer: Mary Timmel // Logo: Beau Shoulders.www.dontpushpausepodcast.comdontpushpausepodcast@gmail.com Be Kind & Rewatch // February 13, 2024.




 




 

On its 50th Anniversary, THE EXORCIST can still boast being as effective today as it was on its release date. With an intense production & determined minds, mix in some truth & multiple controversies, this film cemented a permanent place in pop culture history. Take a trip back to uncover the story behind the film which caused people to question their beliefs & faint in theaters. 

///***Discussions include***\\\William Peter Blatty’s inspiration for & true story behind The Exorcist novel, plus fact vs. fiction comparisons; early readings & retaining the novel’s integrity; securing & fighting for William Friedkin to direct; screenplay adaptation, pacing & themes; production difficulties & studio interference; assembling the cast, complications, behind the scenes stories & character breakdowns; music, special effects, make-up & stunts; Friedkin’s unorthodox methods of direction & marketing, injuries & rumors; release, audience reactions & recognition; the 2000 re-release, initial sequels & memorable scenes.
Linda Blair, Ellen Burstyn, Jason Miller & Max von Sydow star in THE EXORCIST (1973) /// Directed by William Friedkin.
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///***Picks of the Week***\\\• Lindsay’s Pick: BUG (2006). Ashley Judd, Michael Shannon, Harry Connick Jr. /// Directed by William Friedkin.• Justin’s Pick: CRUISING (1980). Al Pacino, Paul Sorvino, Karen Allen, Richard Cox /// Directed by William Friedkin..///***MurrayMoment***\\\Meager Murray Christmas memories, plus some love thrown to the family matriarch, Lucille.
///***Final Thoughts on THE EXORCIST***\\\
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Stay Tuned! We’ll return in February 2024 with All-New Episodes!
• Please rate, review & subscribe.• Follow on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok & YouTube.• Hosts: Justin Johnson & Lindsay Reber // Music: Matt Pace // Announcer: Mary Timmel // Logo: Beau Shoulders.www.dontpushpausepodcast.com dontpushpausepodcast@gmail.com
Be Kind & Rewatch // December 5th, 2023