The Front Row Network Front Row Movie Reviews

Front Row Classics welcomes author, critic and essayist, Kristen Lopez. Brandon and Kristen discuss her new book, "But Have You Read the Book?: 52 Literary Gems That Inspired Our Favorite Films". The book is a helpful guide both readers and cinephiles to programs their own book club or film festival. Films covered in the conversation range from Golden Age gems like The Thin Man & Rebecca to more modern classics like The Princess Bride and Jurassic Park. 
"But Have You Read the Book?: 52 Literary Gems That Inspired Our Favorite Films" is available from Turner Classic Movies and Running Press wherever books are sold.
Kristen Lopez is a pop culture essayist and TV editor for IndieWire. She has worked as an entertainment journalist for over 15 years, with her articles appearing at Variety, MTV, TCM, and Roger Ebert. A California native, Kristen was raised in a small suburb near Sacramento and graduated with a Masters in English from California State University, Sacramento. She is the creator of the classic film podcast, Ticklish Business. Based in Los Angeles, she enjoys reading and finding Old Hollywood connections in her neighborhood in her free time. But Have You Read the Book? is her first book.

Front Row Classics celebrates the 100th birthday of Warner Brothers with one of the best films to ever come out of the studio. Emmett Stanton and Jay Hoffman join Brandon to discuss 1948's, The Treasure of the Sierra Madre. The hosts discuss the themes of greed and paranoia beautifully told in John Huston's uncompromising masterpiece. They also pay tribute to the unforgettable performances of Humphrey Bogart and Walter Huston. Topics also include the groundbreaking location shooting, the mystery surrounding the original novel and a certain iconic line about "stinking badges".

Front Row Classics celebrates one of the most critically acclaimed movies of all time. We're taking a look at Martin Scorsese's 1980 film, Raging Bull. Brandon is joined by Noah Henry and Guilty Pleasure's Lou Hare. The three hosts discuss the career defining performance of Robert DeNiro as real-life boxer, Jake LaMotta. They also pay tribute to Scorsese's approach of subverting all expectations of a typical boxing movie.

Front Row Classics celebrates the teaming of Rock Hudson and Doris Day in their signature romantic comedy, Pillow Talk. Brandon is joined by Erin McCabe from Front Row Flashbacks this week. The two hosts discuss the undeniable chemistry between the two leads along with the quirky supporting cast. They also touch upon the gender politics that permeate throughout the film. Topics also include the unique and colorful aesthetic created by the set designers and cinematographers. 

In the latest episode of #OriginalBroadwayCast, Gus Gordon welcomes Broadway mainstay Jason Graae
 

Jason starred in the Broadway productions of A Grand Night For Singing, Stardust, Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?, and Falsettos. His Off- Broadway credits include Forever Plaid, Olympus on My Mind, Snoopy, Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh (Drama Desk Nomination- Best Actor in a Musical), and many more. Jason played the Wizard in the National Tour of Wicked and Harry Houdini in the Los Angeles production of Ragtime. He has appeared on dozens of musical theatre recordings, including the original or studio cast recordings of Forever Plaid, Drat the Cat, Lucky Stiff, and Olympus on My Mind and several solo albums for producer Bruce Kimmel. He has appeared in countless television shows, and was the voice of Lucky the Leprechaun in TV commercials for Lucky Charms cereal in the 1990’s.

 
We hope you enjoy this conversation between Gus and Jason.

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Please enjoy this episode of ORIGINAL BROADWAY CAST and as always, we’ll see you in the front row!

It's one of our favorite annual traditions here at the Network! The Oscars Forum returns in 2023 where our personalities are breaking down the Best Picture nominated films! Hear from Ryan, Jay, Brandon, Steve and Larry as they discuss the first half of this year's films: Avatar 2, The Banshees of Inisherin, Triangle of Sadness, The Fabelmans & Everything, Everywhere, All At Once.

 
Featuring: Ryan Lootens, Larry Smith, Jay Hoffman, Steve Sykes, Brandon Davis & Tristan Tapscott

 
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FIND US ON NPR ILLINOIS! https://www.nprillinois.org/programs/front-row-network

JOIN PODCAST PALS! – https://www.facebook.com/thefrontrownetwork

FIND US ON TWITTER – https://twitter.com/frontrowreviewz

FIND US ON INSTAGRAM – https://www.instagram.com/frontrownetwork

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Please enjoy this SPECIAL OSCARS COVERAGE and as always, we’ll see you in the front row!