Greatest Movie Of All-Time Thomas Duncan

Dana and Tom with returning guests, Jesse Sertle (fellow group member of CineMadison; previously on Rounders and Easy Rider; @jsertle on IG) and Keith Techmeier (brother-in-law of Tom, previously on Ghostbusters, Red River, and Saving Private Ryan), discuss the cosmic justice film, Once Upon a Time...In Hollywood (2019): written and directed by Quentin Tarantino, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and Margot Robbie.
Plot Summary: Welcome to 1969 Los Angeles, where everything is changing, and the golden age of Hollywood is giving way to something darker. Enter Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio), a former TV Western star struggling to find his place in a rapidly evolving industry. Alongside him is Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt), Rick's laid-back, enigmatic stunt double and best friend, who's equally adrift but with a mysterious past that suggests he can handle anything thrown his way.
As Rick navigates a career in freefall, he's desperate to reclaim the limelight, landing guest roles in TV series and contemplating a move to Italy to star in spaghetti westerns. Cliff, meanwhile, spends his days driving around the sun-drenched city, running errands for Rick and crossing paths with an eclectic mix of Hollywood's fringe characters.
Just next door to Rick lives Sharon Tate (Margot Robbie), the radiant rising star whose life is brimming with promise and possibility. Unbeknownst to Rick and Cliff, Sharon's fate is on a collision course with the notorious Manson Family, a group of twisted outcasts led by the sinister Charles Manson (Damon Herriman).
As the lives of Rick, Cliff, and Sharon intertwine in unexpected ways, they each face their own reckonings with the harsh realities of a changing world. Set against a meticulously crafted backdrop of a bygone era, Once Upon a Time... In Hollywood is a love letter to the city of angels, an exploration of fame, friendship, and the insidious shadows lurking just beneath the glittering surface.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
02:27 Cast and Recognition for Once Upon a Time...In Hollywood
05:09 Relationship(s) to the Film
09:09 What is Once Upon a Time...In Hollywood About?
13:23 Controversy and Wish Fulfillment: Quentin Tarantino's Historical Re-tellings
20:39 Plot Summary for Once Upon a Time...In Hollywood
22:42 Did You Know?
25:07 First Break
25:56 Ask Dana Anything
29:40 Best Performance(s)
46:50 Best/Favorite/Indelible Scene(s)
55:51 Second Break
56:53 In Memoriam
58:20 Best/Funniest Lines
01:02:40 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy
01:10:13 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance
01:14:59 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty
01:19:44 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness
01:23:14 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability
01:26:57 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total
01:28:21 Remaining Question(s)
01:37:48 Thank You to Our Guests
01:41:12 Credits
You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast) or find our Facebook page at a...

Dana and Tom with guest Jesse Sertle (fellow group member of CineMadison, previously on Rounders, @jsertle on IG) discuss the dawn of New Hollywood with Easy Rider (1969): written and directed by Dennis Hopper with Peter Fonda and Terry Southern, starring Dennis Hopper, Peter Fonda, and Jack Nicholson.
Plot Summary: In the open road odyssey "Easy Rider," director Dennis Hopper and co-star Peter Fonda embody the restless spirit of the 1960s counterculture. The film, a rambling narrative of freedom and disillusionment, follows two bikers, Wyatt (Fonda) and Billy (Hopper), as they traverse the American Southwest in search of authenticity and liberation. The duo's journey, funded by a drug deal, becomes a kaleidoscopic exploration of the American landscape, both physical and cultural.
The film captures a nation in transition with its stunning cinematography showcasing the vastness of America while contrasting it with the intimacy of its small towns and eccentric characters. Along the way, they encounter an assortment of characters, from an idealistic lawyer (Jack Nicholson) to a communal farm, representing the era’s ideological clashes.
"Easy Rider" is a raw, poignant, and at times, tragic reflection on the price of freedom and the inevitable collision between personal liberty and societal norms. The film’s haunting ending, set against the backdrop of a sun setting over the American landscape, leaves viewers with a sense of loss and contemplation. Hopper’s direction, combined with Fonda’s cool demeanor and Nicholson’s electrifying performance, creates a cinematic experience that is as timeless as it is of its time.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
01:59 Cast and Recognition
04:12 Relationship(s) to Easy Rider
07:54 What is Easy Rider About?
10:47 The Impact of Easy Rider on the Film Industry
15:50 The Relevance of Easy Rider Today
17:40 Plot Summary for Easy Rider
19:22 Did You Know?
21:09 First Break
23:20 Ask Dana Anything...
25:16 Best Performance(s)
34:08 Best/Favorite/Indelible Scene(s)
42:05 Second Break
43:01 In Memoriam
43:36 Best/Funniest Lines
44:54 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy
50:28 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance
55:44 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty
57:49 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness
01:03:51 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability
01:06:29 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total
01:07:55 Remaining Questions
You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast) or find our Facebook page at Greatest Movie of All-Time Podcast.
For the video version of this episode, go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKeAEQ4qkUQ
For more on the episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/easy-rider-1969-ft-jesse-sertle
For the entire rankings list so far, go to:Full Graded List - Greatest Movies of All-Time
Keywords:
Easy Rider, counterculture, new Hollywood, independent film, freedom, disillusionment, disconnect, Dennis Hopper, Jack Nicholson, Easy Rider, film industry, independent projects, studio system, 1970s culture, family, backgrounds, death row, Wisconsin prisons, novelty, classicness, rewatchability, ending,...

Dana and Tom with returning guest Kieran B (Host and Creator of the Best Picture Cast; @bestpicturecast on X, IG, Letterboxd) and new guest, Sara Shea (Host and Creator of Shea Cinema; @sheacinema on X, IG) revisit one of the defining legal drama in film, 12 Angry Men (1957): directed by Sidney Lumet, written by Reginald Rose, score by Kenyon Hopkins, cinematography by Boris Kaufman, starring Henry Fonda, Lee J. Cobb, Martin Balsam, Jack Klugman, Jack Warden, and Robert Webber.
Plot Summary: "12 Angry Men" is a masterclass in cinematic storytelling, a film that transcends its simple setting to explore the complexities of human nature and the intricacies of the American justice system. Directed by Sidney Lumet, this 1957 classic features a powerhouse performance by Henry Fonda, leading an ensemble cast through a tense, emotionally charged jury deliberation.
The plot revolves around twelve jurors tasked with deciding the fate of a young man accused of murder. As the film unfolds almost entirely within the confines of a single jury room, the characters' personal biases, prejudices, and moral dilemmas come to the forefront. Fonda’s Juror 8 stands as the lone voice of doubt against an initial consensus of guilt, gradually dismantling the case piece by piece through logical reasoning and relentless questioning.
"12 Angry Men" remains a timeless reflection on justice, democracy, and the power of reasonable doubt. It’s a film that challenges viewers to look beyond the surface and question the assumptions that underpin their beliefs. This is not just a courtroom drama; it is an enduring examination of the moral and ethical struggles that define us all.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions
03:38 The Dreaded New Guest Questions
12:36 Background for 12 Angry Men - Cast and Recognition
16:03 Relationship(s) to 12 Angry Men
24:51 What is 12 Angry Men About?
31:13 Is 12 Angry Men Too Idealistic or Naive?
36:54 Plot Summary
38:32 Did You Know?
39:56 First Break
40:37 Ask Dana Anything
50:57 Who Would You Want to Play You in the Movie of Your Life?
55:29 The Stanley Rubric
56:55 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy
01:05:00 The Stanley Rubric - Impact and Significance
01:18:27 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty
01:29:34 Second Break
01:39:09 In Memoriam
01:42:52 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness
01:48:26 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability
01:52:29 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score/Final Score
01:54:07 Remaining Questions for 12 Angry Men
02:09:05 Thank You to Our Guests
02:12:56 Credits
You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast) or find our Facebook page at Greatest Movie of All-Time Podcast.
For more on the original episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/51-12-angry-men-1957
For more on the episode, go to: a...

Dana and Tom with returning guest, Sarah Duncan (@thenomadicarchaeologist) and new guest, Joe Boukhari (Instagram and Letterboxd Film Commentator - I'll Get to It When I Get to It and @bagodonuts) discuss the polarizing Best Picture winner for 1994, Forrest Gump: directed by Robert Zemeckis, written by Eric Roth, music by Alan Silvestri, starring Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise, and Sally Field.
Plot Summary: In Robert Zemeckis' "Forrest Gump," we follow the extraordinary journey of a seemingly ordinary man through decades of American history. Tom Hanks delivers a career-defining performance as Forrest, a man with a pure heart and limited IQ, whose life intertwines with pivotal moments from the 1950s to the 1980s.
The film is a nostalgic reflection on the turbulent events that shaped a nation, viewed through Forrest's innocent eyes. From his childhood leg braces to becoming a college football star, Forrest's life unfolds in unexpected ways, guided by his unwavering optimism and an accidental knack for being in the right place at the right time.
At its core, "Forrest Gump" is a tale of resilience and the enduring power of love and friendship. Supported by a stellar cast including Robin Wright and Gary Sinise, Zemeckis weaves together a narrative that celebrates the triumph of the human spirit amidst chaos and uncertainty. With its iconic quotes, memorable soundtrack, and poignant storytelling, "Forrest Gump" stands as a testament to the enduring charm of cinema that captures the essence of American life with humor, heart, and a touch of magic.
Chapters:
00:00 Opening Title Card
00:00 Introduction
02:32 Our Newest Guest - Joe Boukhari
09:30 Forrest Gump - Background, Cast, and Recognition
14:14 Our Relationship(s) to Forrest Gump
22:03 What is Forrest Gump about?
28:22 Why did Forrest Gump connect with America?
29:15 Criticism(s) of Forrest Gump
39:08 Plot Summary
40:49 Did You Know?
44:00 First Break
44:43 Where to Find Our Guests
49:47 Ask Dana Anything
54:57 Best Performance(s)
01:19:24 Best Scene(s)
01:33:50 Second Break
01:34:48 In Memoriam
01:36:08 Remembering Donald Sutherland
01:44:06 Best/Funniest Lines
01:48:29 The Stanley Rubric: Legacy
01:54:29 The Stanley Rubric: Impact/Significance
01:59:17 The Stanley Rubric: Novelty
02:05:53 The Stanley Rubric: Classicness
02:12:53 The Stanley Rubric: Rewatchability
02:15:47 The Stanley Rubric: Audience Score and Total Score
02:17:15 Remaining Questions
02:18:31 New Chapter
02:24:28 Thank You to our Guests
02:30:20 Credits
You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast) or find our Facebook page at Greatest Movie of All-Time Podcast.
For more on the episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com//post/forrest-gump-1994-ft-sarah-duncan-and-joe-boukhari
For the entire rankings list so far, go to:Full Graded List - Greatest Movies of All-Time
Ronny Duncan Studios
Keywords:
Forrest Gump, themes, destiny, staying true to oneself, acts of kindness, simplicity, relatable...

Dana and Tom welcome back guest, Terry Bartley (Author (https://www.terrybartleywriter.com/) and Host (Most Writers are Fans podcast)), and new guest, Adam Freed (Managing Editor and Senior Film Critic at (MovieArcher.com)), to discuss the seminal comic book film, Batman (1989): directed by Tim Burton, written by Sam Hamm and Walter Skaaren, music by Danny Elfman, starring Jack Nicholson, Michael Keaton, Kim Basinger, and Billy Dee Williams.
Plot Summary: In Tim Burton's "Batman," we are plunged into a dark, brooding Gotham City where crime festers in the shadows and hope seems a distant dream. The film opens with a scene that establishes the city’s grim atmosphere, a place where danger lurks around every corner. Bruce Wayne (Michael Keaton), the reclusive billionaire, conceals a dual identity as the masked vigilante, Batman, striving to bring order to the chaos.
"Batman" is a triumph of style over substance, a visual feast that captures the essence of the Dark Knight. It is a film where the atmosphere and aesthetic take precedence, creating an unforgettable experience that redefined the superhero genre. Batman may be a figure shrouded in darkness, but Burton’s film sheds a new light on the mythology of the caped crusader.
Chapters:
00:00 Welcome and a New Guest
07:48 Cast and Recognition for Batman (1989)
12:47 Relationship(s) to the Film
31:06 What is Batman (1989) about?
36:41 Why does Batman seem to be more popular and relatable than other "superheroes"?
41:28 Is Batman (1989) responsible for the Superhero Boom?
47:21 Plot Summary
48:30 Did You Know?
52:14 First Break
53:00 Where to Find our Guests Work...
57:22 Ask Dana Anything - Follow-Up
59:22 Best Performance(s)
01:13:05 Best/Favorite/Indelible Scene(s)
01:26:16 Second Break
01:27:12 In Memoriam
01:28:10 Best/Funniest Lines
01:30:03 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy
01:39:20 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance
01:50:35 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty
01:55:18 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness
02:01:26 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability
02:07:50 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Total Score
02:09:13 Remaining Questions for Batman (1989)
02:25:43 Guest Thank You(s)
02:27:56 Closing and Credits
You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast) or find our Facebook page at Greatest Movie of All-Time Podcast.
For more on the episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com//post/batman-1989-ft-terry-bartley-and-adam-freed
For the entire rankings list so far, go to:Full Graded List - Greatest Movies of All-Time
Ronny Duncan Studios
Keywords: Batman, film, Tim Burton, generational ownership, cultural impact, box office success, Tim Burton, Batman, Joker, relatability, duality, societal context, superhero genre, Jack Nicholson, Danny Elfman, Batman, 1989, scenes, lines, performances, depth, theme song, Kim Basinger, Vicky Vale, script, Tim Burton, direction, pacing, camera work, Best Scene, indelible moments, legacy, film, Batman, impact, significance, legacy, originality, execution, classicness, rewatchability, audience score, Batman, ranking, films, Joker, Kim Basinger, actresses, Hollywood, Batmobile,...

Dana and Tom welcome new guest, Scott Cole (Twitter-X/IG (@colecommascott) movie commentator, and occassional writer/contributor for The Movie Friends podcast.com (@moviefriendspodcast)), to the show to discuss the neo-noir classic, Chinatown (1974): directed by Roman Polanski, written by Robert Towne, starring Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, and John Huston.
Plot Summary: Chinatown (1974), directed by Roman Polanski, is a masterful blend of noir and tragedy that stands as one of the great achievements in American cinema. The film stars Jack Nicholson as Jake Gittes, a private detective whose specialty is uncovering marital infidelities. When he is hired by a woman claiming to be Evelyn Mulwray (Diane Ladd) to investigate her husband’s suspected affair, Gittes is drawn into a labyrinth of deceit, corruption, and murder. Set against the backdrop of 1930s Los Angeles, the plot thickens as Gittes discovers the true Evelyn Mulwray (Faye Dunaway) and realizes he has been duped. The deeper he digs, the more he uncovers a sinister conspiracy involving water rights and the powerful land magnate Noah Cross (John Huston).
Chinatown is not just a detective story; it is a commentary on the corruption and decay that lie beneath the surface of society, a theme that remains relevant to this day. In the end, as the iconic final line suggests, "Forget it, Jake. It’s Chinatown," the film reminds us that some mysteries are better left unsolved, and some wounds never heal.
0:00 Welcome – First-Time Guest Questions
5:05 Cast and Recognition
9:03 Relationship(s) to the Film
14:19 What is this Film About?
22:52 Why is this Film Important to the Detective/Mystery Genre?
26:46 The Elephant in the Room…
34:55 Plot Summary
36:27 Did You Know?
38:51 First Break
41:14 Ask Dana Anything
54:17 Best Performance(s)
1:08:23 Best/Favorite/Indelible Scene(s)
1:16:20 In Memoriam
1:17:41 Best/Funniest Lines
1:19:38 The Stanley Rubric/Legacy
1:25:24 Impact/Significance
1:31:53 Novelty
1:37:09 Classicness
1:42:05 Rewatchability
1:46:02 Audience Score/Recap
1:46:27 Final Score
1:47:22 Remaining Question(s)
1:53:02 Listener Question(s)
1:57:23 Guest Acknowledgement
1:58:30 Final Thoughts
1:59:55 Credits
You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast) or find our Facebook page at Greatest Movie of All-Time Podcast.
For more on the episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com//post/chinatown-1974-ft-scott-cole
For the entire rankings list so far, go to:Full Graded List - Greatest Movies of All-Time
Ronny Duncan Studios