Talking Pondo

Clifton Campbell, Marty Ketola
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Film Reviews
  • Updated Weekly

From summer blockbusters to indie darlings, Talking Pondo celebrates the joy of watching, questioning, and occasionally roasting the movies that shape our lives. Every week, hosts Clif Campbell and Marty Ketola sit down to swap movies and swap opinions. Each of them brings a film to the table and together they dig into what makes it work (or not). Sometimes, there's a guest!Whether you’re a casual moviegoer or a die-hard cinephile, there’s always room for more movie talk. And yes, there will be spoilers! Making Pondo is a discussion with Clif, Marty and a guest from one of their many productions.

  1. 3d ago

    They Will Kill You and Eddie and the Cruisers with Jim and Dani Hoey - Talking Pondo

    Send us Fan Mail  In this episode, return guests Jim and Dani Hoey (from "Bravo for the B-Side") join the podcast. They bring along the movie They Will Kill You, while Marty and Clif give Jim and Dani the movie Eddie and the Cruisers to watch.  First up is Eddie and the Cruisers, the 1983 cult favorite starring Tom Berenger and Michael Paré. The gang digs into the story of Eddie Wilson, a mysterious rock star who disappeared along with the master tapes of his band's unreleased album. They talk about the film's themes of artistic obsession and authenticity. The gang also touches on how a movie that initially flopped in theaters eventually became a sleeper hit (thanks to cable television and a soundtrack that refused to die). They also spend some time wondering if Kurt Cobain might have watched this movie. Then it's time for They Will Kill You, a very different kind of movie. Clif, Marty, Dani and Jim dive into this gleefully bloody horror ride and discuss it's relentless set pieces, creative kills, physical performances and willingness to keep throwing increasingly ridiculous things at the audience. The group isn't necessarily looking for a complicated story here. Sometimes you just want the eyeballs, appendages, exploding heads and flaming axes. Along the way: Buddy Holly, Nirvana, Jim Varney, Tom Berenger's seemingly nonexistent aging process, Patricia Arquette's questionable accent and Satan's impressive Kung Fu skills. #TalkingPondo #FilmPodcast #EddieAndTheCruisers #TheyWillKillYou #DaniHoey #HorrorMovies #80sMovies #MovieReview  Support the show Find our films here: The Love Song of William H Shaw Revenge of Zoe Writing Fren-Zee Making Pondo on Facebook Bluesky Instagram Making Pondo on Letterboxd: Season One Season Two Season Three Season Four Theme Song "The Rain" by Russ Pace Photos by Geoffrey Notkin

    They Will Kill You and Eddie and the Cruisers with Jim and Dani Hoey - Talking Pondo

  2. Aug 24

    Tomboy and The Nice Guys - Talking Pondo

    Send us Fan Mail  In this episode, Marty gives Clif the movie Tomboy to watch and Clif gives Marty the movie The Nice Guys to watch.  First up is The Nice Guys, Shane Black's 2016 buddy comedy starring Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling. Clif and Marty dig into the mismatched private eyes, the wonderfully weird supporting characters, the movie's pitch-black sense of humor and Gosling's performance as the most clumsy detective since Inspector Gadget. They also revisit Black's obsession with Christmas, the film's 1970s setting and the mystery at the center of a movie that somehow manages to be both a detective story and a complete clown show. Then it's back to 1985 for Tomboy, starring Betsy Russell as a fiercely independent mechanic and stock car driver who challenges a chauvinistic racer to prove she can beat him on the track. And just maybe she will win his respect along the way. Clif and Marty examine this gloriously strange time capsule of an '80s movie - from it's questionable attempts at female empowerment to it's endless montages, bizarre side plots and a car that apparently needs it's own computer system. Along the way: listener mail, The Jerk comparisons, Misty Mountains and missing hobbits, Malibu Grand Prix memories, donuts and the question of whether the internet finally killed the "teenagers desperately trying to lose their virginity" movie genre. #TalkingPondo #FilmPodcast #TheNiceGuys #Tomboy #ShaneBlack #RussellCrowe #RyanGosling #80sMovies  Support the show Find our films here: The Love Song of William H Shaw Revenge of Zoe Writing Fren-Zee Making Pondo on Facebook Bluesky Instagram Making Pondo on Letterboxd: Season One Season Two Season Three Season Four Theme Song "The Rain" by Russ Pace Photos by Geoffrey Notkin

    Tomboy and The Nice Guys - Talking Pondo

  3. Aug 17

    Boyhood and Project Hail Mary - Talking Pondo

    Send us Fan Mail  In this episode, Marty gives Clif the movie Boyhood to watch and Clif gives Marty the movie Project Hail Mary to watch.  First up is Boyhood, Richard Linklater's ambitious coming-of-age film that follows Mason from childhood through his arrival at college and is filmed over twelve actual years with the same cast. Clif and Marty dig into the film's unique production, it's time-capsule quality and it's great technical achievement. The question at the heart of their discussion: is watching someone grow up enough to make a compelling story? Marty finds plenty to appreciate in Linklater's experiment, while Clif has a few more reservations. Then it's off to space for Project Hail Mary, the new sci-fi adventure starring Ryan Gosling as a science teacher who wakes up alone aboard a spaceship with no memory of how he got there. As his memories return, he discovers that saving Earth may depend on solving an enormous scientific mystery and an unexpected friendship. Clif and Marty talk science, storytelling, the film's visual choices, Ryan Gosling's particular brand of likability and how a big, expensive space movie can still feel surprisingly warm and human. Along the way: Ethan Hawke's questionable parenting choices, Beatles mixtapes, Ryan Gosling's Mickey Mouse Club past and Rocky the alien. #TalkingPondo #FilmPodcast #Boyhood #ProjectHailMary #RichardLinklater #RyanGosling #SciFiMovies #MovieReview  Support the show Find our films here: The Love Song of William H Shaw Revenge of Zoe Writing Fren-Zee Making Pondo on Facebook Bluesky Instagram Making Pondo on Letterboxd: Season One Season Two Season Three Season Four Theme Song "The Rain" by Russ Pace Photos by Geoffrey Notkin

    Boyhood and Project Hail Mary - Talking Pondo

  4. Aug 10

    Dragonheart: A New Beginning and Rollerball (2002) with Derek Schlender - Talking Pondo

    Send us Fan Mail  In this episode, return guest Derek Schlender ("Schlender 5 Productions") joins the podcast. He brings along the movie Dragonheart: A New Beginning. Marty and Clif give Derek the movie Rollerball (2002) to watch. First up is Rollerball, the much-maligned remake of the 1975 sci-fi classic. Clif, Marty and Derek dissect everything from the chaotic editing and baffling storytelling to the early-2000s soundtrack overload, while asking how a movie with this much money and talent behind it could go so spectacularly off the rails. Then it's on to Dragonheart: A New Beginning, the direct-to-video follow-up to the fantasy favorite. The gang struggles to find anything resembling the magic of the original as they pick apart the effects, performances, questionable story choices and a dragon that doesn't exactly inspire confidence. Even Derek admits he may have pushed his luck with these picks. But, sometimes tearing apart a bad movie can be just as entertaining as celebrating a great one. Along the way: fake Russian accents, Pink and Slipknot cameos, Scooby-Doo comparisons, poisoned skeletons, dragon anatomy and Derek apologizing over and over. Support the show Find our films here: The Love Song of William H Shaw Revenge of Zoe Writing Fren-Zee Making Pondo on Facebook Bluesky Instagram Making Pondo on Letterboxd: Season One Season Two Season Three Season Four Theme Song "The Rain" by Russ Pace Photos by Geoffrey Notkin

    Dragonheart: A New Beginning and Rollerball (2002) with Derek Schlender - Talking Pondo

  5. Aug 3

    The Last Stop in Yuma County and Streets of Fire with Ryan Verrill - Talking Pondo

    Send us Fan Mail  In this episode Ryan Verrill, co-founder of Antenna Releasing, joins the podcast. He brings along the movie The Last Stop in Yuma County. Marty and Clif give Ryan the movie Streets of Fire to watch. Before diving into this week's picks, Ryan talks physical media, boutique Blu-rays and what it takes to launch a new independent film distribution company.  First up is Streets of Fire, Walter Hill's neon-soaked rock 'n' roll fairy tale starring Michael Paré, Diane Lane and Willem Dafoe. Clif, Marty and Ryan celebrate the film's unforgettable visual style, killer soundtrack, larger-than-life characters and why this gloriously over-the-top cult classic still feels perfectly '80s.  Then it's on to The Last Stop in Yuma County, the tense crime thriller from Francis Galluppi. With Ryan having worked alongside Galluppi through Antenna Releasing, the discussion offers a unique behind-the-scenes perspective on the film's journey to audiences, while also celebrating its sharp writing, terrific ensemble cast and expertly sustained tension.  Along the way: physical media collecting, puddles as cinematography, music videos hiding inside movies and a lot of Walter Hill appreciation. #TalkingPondo #FilmPodcast #StreetsOfFire #TheLastStopInYumaCounty #RyanVerrill #AntennaReleasing #PhysicalMedia #MovieReview  Support the show Find our films here: The Love Song of William H Shaw Revenge of Zoe Writing Fren-Zee Making Pondo on Facebook Bluesky Instagram Making Pondo on Letterboxd: Season One Season Two Season Three Season Four Theme Song "The Rain" by Russ Pace Photos by Geoffrey Notkin

    The Last Stop in Yuma County and Streets of Fire with Ryan Verrill - Talking Pondo

  6. Jul 27

    Excalibur and Point Blank - Talking Boorman

    Send us Fan Mail  In this episode, special guests Geoffrey Notkin and Jessica Stone are back on the podcast. Geoffrey and Jessica bring along the movie Excalibur. While Marty and Clif give them Point Blank to watch. Enjoy this special "Talking Boorman" episode, celebrating two films of the legendary director John Boorman. First up is Point Blank, Boorman's stylish revenge classic starring Lee Marvin. Clif, Marty, Geoffrey and Jessica discuss the film's dreamlike storytelling, unforgettable visuals, why it still feels decades ahead of its time and Marvin's commanding performance. Then it's time to unsheathe the sword for Excalibur, Boorman's epic retelling of the Arthurian legend. The gang celebrates it's breathtaking imagery, unforgettable performances and the lasting influence it's had on fantasy films for more than forty years. Along the way: Sid Haig surprises, sword-and-sorcery nostalgia, fantasy movie rabbit holes and cinematic metaphors everywhere you look.  #TalkingPondo #FilmPodcast #JohnBoorman #PointBlank #Excalibur #LeeMarvin #FantasyFilms #MovieReview  Support the show Find our films here: The Love Song of William H Shaw Revenge of Zoe Writing Fren-Zee Making Pondo on Facebook Bluesky Instagram Making Pondo on Letterboxd: Season One Season Two Season Three Season Four Theme Song "The Rain" by Russ Pace Photos by Geoffrey Notkin

    Excalibur and Point Blank - Talking Boorman

  7. Jul 20

    Batman and Blade with Ben Haslar - Talking Pondo

    Send us Fan Mail  In this episode, Ben Haslar from Reels of Justice joins the podcast. He brings along the movie Blade. Marty and Clif give Ben the movie Batman to watch. First up is Batman (1989), Tim Burton's gothic take on the Caped Crusader starring Michael Keaton and Jack Nicholson. Clif, Marty and Ben revisit the film that launched the modern comic book movie era. They discuss everything from Burton's unique style to Nicholson's unforgettable Joker. This version of Gotham City still casts a long shadow over superhero films today. Then it's time for Blade, where Wesley Snipes slices his way through vampires in one of the coolest action films of the '90s. The gang talks about the movie's influence on comic book cinema, it's groundbreaking action sequences and why Blade doesn't get the credit it deserves for paving the way for the superhero boom. Along the way: Juggalo origins, Batman movie rankings, vampire fashion, Michael Keaton appreciation and memorable movie quotes. #TalkingPondo #FilmPodcast #Batman89 #Blade #MichaelKeaton #WesleySnipes #MovieReview #ComicBookMovies  Support the show Find our films here: The Love Song of William H Shaw Revenge of Zoe Writing Fren-Zee Making Pondo on Facebook Bluesky Instagram Making Pondo on Letterboxd: Season One Season Two Season Three Season Four Theme Song "The Rain" by Russ Pace Photos by Geoffrey Notkin

    Batman and Blade with Ben Haslar - Talking Pondo

  8. Jul 13

    Moonlight and The Martian - Talking Pondo

    Send us Fan Mail  In this episode, Marty gives Clif the movie Moonlight to watch and Clif gives Marty the movie The Martian to watch.  Clif and Marty blast off to Mars before coming back down to Earth for one of the most acclaimed dramas of the last decade. First up is The Martian, where Matt Damon finds himself stranded on the Red Planet with nothing but potatoes, duct tape, disco and an unreasonable amount of optimism. Clif and Marty debate the film's direction, pacing and if the science is 'hard' or not. Then they turn to Moonlight, Barry Jenkin's Academy Award winning coming-of-age drama starring Mahershala Ali. Clif and Marty discuss quiet storytelling, unforgettable performances and how the film's themes of identity and loneliness create a powerful counterpoint to The Martian. Sometimes the biggest journey isn't through space. It's figuring out who you are. Along the way: 1980s slang, listener mail and potatoes as a survival strategy. #TalkingPondo #FilmPodcast #TheMartian #Moonlight #MattDamon #MahershalaAli #MovieReview #SciFiMovies  Support the show Find our films here: The Love Song of William H Shaw Revenge of Zoe Writing Fren-Zee Making Pondo on Facebook Bluesky Instagram Making Pondo on Letterboxd: Season One Season Two Season Three Season Four Theme Song "The Rain" by Russ Pace Photos by Geoffrey Notkin

    Moonlight and The Martian - Talking Pondo
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

From summer blockbusters to indie darlings, Talking Pondo celebrates the joy of watching, questioning, and occasionally roasting the movies that shape our lives. Every week, hosts Clif Campbell and Marty Ketola sit down to swap movies and swap opinions. Each of them brings a film to the table and together they dig into what makes it work (or not). Sometimes, there's a guest!Whether you’re a casual moviegoer or a die-hard cinephile, there’s always room for more movie talk. And yes, there will be spoilers! Making Pondo is a discussion with Clif, Marty and a guest from one of their many productions.

Information

  • Creator
    Clifton Campbell, Marty Ketola
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    136
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Talking Pondo
  • Show Website
    Talking Pondo