For their 207th episode, two long-driving film critics, two short-putting dads, and two gold jacket-wearing teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan have kept returning guest, Cati Glidewell of The Blonde in Front and Film Obsessive, to talk about one more summer entertainment target. They bit the nostalgia bug to experience Netflix's "Happy Gilmore 2," celebrating the return of comedy legend Adam Sandler to one of his most hallowed characters. The trouble was the 10 pounds of cameo-rich, checkbo...
Aug 08, 2025•49 min•Ep. 207
For their 206th episode, two invisible film critics, two rocky dads, and two stretchy teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, visit Marvel's next summer blockbuster, the hotly anticipated "The Fantastic Four: First Steps." They are not alone, either. The hosts welcome back frequent guest, Cati Glidewell of The Blonde in Front and Film Obsessive, to weigh in on all of the family dynamics and kitschy period-era style. They were ready for a no-homework Marvel movie. Come learn more and stay for th...
Aug 01, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 206
For their 205th episode, two mask-pulling film critics, two special agent dads, and two stuntman teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, return for their second of four retrospective episodes discussing the "Mission: Impossible" franchise. Covering the next two, this episode breaks down the J.J. Abrams entry, "Mission: Impossible III" from 2006 and the Brad Bird live action graduation of "Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol" from 2011. The fellas take note of the films that would begin the inf...
Jul 25, 2025•52 min•Ep. 205
For their 204th episode, two heroic film critics, two hopeful dads, and two cape-wearing teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, vault their podcast up in the sky to address the hotly anticipated and hot button summer blockbuster, "Superman," directed by James Gunn and starring David Corenswet in the tights and spectacles. Our hosts are unafraid to celebrate the movie and address the so-called controversies. Come learn more and stay for the mutual love and respect that fun movies encapsulate. E...
Jul 18, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 204
For their 203rd episode, two list-making film critics, two highly ranked dads, and two Top 100 teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, take this new episode as an editorial chance to talk about the hubbub created in the cinephile world recently when The New York Times asked for public input to create a master list of the Top 100 films of the 21st Century so far (never mind that there's still six months of 2025 left, but I digress). The hosts highlight their official Top 10 submissions, comparin...
Jul 06, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 203
For their 202nd episode, two sneak-attacking film critics, two camoflauged dads, and two warrior teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, draw their swords and pistols on a frequently-mentioned franchise on the podcast: the "Predator" series. In June, Hulu released the stunningly animated "Predator: Killer of Killers," which continues the new stewardship of writer-director Dan Trachtenberg, who put "Predator" back in the intimating and scary side of cinema with "Prey" a few years ago. The new an...
Jun 27, 2025•37 min•Ep. 202
For their 201st episode, two mask-pulling film critics, two special agent dads, and two stuntman teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, begin a group of retrospective episodes reflecting on the recently finalized "Mission: Impossible" franchise. Taking them a pair at a time, this first episode covers Brian De Palma's "Mission: Impossible" from 1996 and its wild 2000 sequel "M:I-2" from director John Woo. Will and Don are united in praising these two standalone adventures that flaunted what mad...
Jun 20, 2025•53 min•Ep. 201
For their historic 200th episode, two detective-minded film critics, two dream theory dads, and two noir-loving teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, have reached a milestone that deserved a big movie and the help of stellar new guest. The hosts welcome Chicago-based film critic and artist Jeff York of The Establishing Shot and Pipeline Artists to compare two examples of poisonous Hollywood settings separated by decades and mere blocks of postal addresses. Our trio compares the dangerous and ...
Jun 13, 2025•1 hr 37 min•Ep. 200
For their 199th episode, two altruistic film critics, two anagram-loving dads, and two hacker school teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, tuck themselves into the warm sheets of the 1990s with the steady 1992 hit, "Sneakers." Directed by "Field of Dreams" director Phil Alden Robinson and top-lined by the Oscar-winning duo of Robert Redford and Sidney Poitier, this little pre-internet cyber caper has charm for days, topics that have held up in 30+ years, and perfect ensemble cast. Those trait...
Jun 06, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 199
Andor Season 2 just wrapped up on Disney+ so let's go all the way back to 2023... And see what the Cinephile Fitsters had to say about Star Wars: Return of the Jedi on its 40th anniversary. https://discord.gg/N6MKWXU2 https://www.teepublic.com/user/ruminationsradionetwork https://www.instagram.com/cinephilehissyfit/ https://www.instagram.com/casablancadon/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/CinephileFit www.RuminationsRadioNetwork.com www.instagram.com/RuminationsRadioNetwork Twitter: RuminationsRadio...
May 23, 2025•59 min
Hop in your way back machine of choice and enjoy this classic episode from The Ruminations Radio Network's own Cinephile Mavericks; Don and Will, as the two wax poetic and respectful on the great Stan Winston. https://discord.gg/N6MKWXU2 https://www.teepublic.com/user/ruminationsradionetwork https://www.instagram.com/cinephilehissyfit/ https://www.instagram.com/casablancadon/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/CinephileFit www.RuminationsRadioNetwork.com www.instagram.com/RuminationsRadioNetwork Twitt...
May 16, 2025•52 min
For their 198th episode, two avenging film critics, two reject dads, and two asterisk-owning school teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, arrive at the opening big hitter of the summer of the 2025. As usual, Marvel Studios staked claim the first week of May release slot for "Thunderbolts." The self-described "lapsed" Marvel shill and the Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic who graded the movie to a minority "rotten" rating couldn't be farther apart on this one. After a long streak of mutual love,...
May 09, 2025•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 198
For their 197th episode, two non-musical film critics, two vampiric dads, and two enthralled school teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, turn their gaze and their microphones to the big April hit of Ryan Coogler's "Sinners" starring Michael B. Jordan. Our two fellas walked away very impressive with every aspect of this wild genre mashup. They see myth and relevance with every pluck of the movie's dobro. Come learn more and stay for the mutual love and respect that fun movies encapsulate. Enj...
May 02, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 197
For their first Pateon exclusive episode, two lovestruck film critics, two "Crazy for Swayze" dads, and two ditto-making school teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, check off a few delightful and dreamy boxes with an opposite on the 1990 smash hit "Ghost." The movie has been in Don's all-time Top 10 for decades, and Will---coming off a 1990 binge with his recent first-time viewing of "Pretty Woman"---finally caved to curiosity and pressure to check off the Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore, and Who...
Apr 25, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 196
For their 195th episode, two imposter film critics, two murderous dads, and two non-Italian school teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, stay in the monumental year of 1999 for one more week with another cornerstone film. Lapped at the time by the likes of "The Matrix," "American Beauty," "Magnolia," and "Fight Club," stands the late Anthony Minghella's salacious "The Talented Mr. Ripley" starring the early white-hot coals of Matt Damon, Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Philip Seymour Hoffman. ...
Apr 18, 2025•57 min•Ep. 195
For their 194th episode, two beatnik film critics, two Cold War-curious dads, and two robotic school teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, turn it back to the great year of 1999 to love on a flop that turned into a classic. Brad Bird's "The Iron Giant" has gone from being trounced at the box office to being an animation exemplar for all ages, and our guys are here to admire its popularity and quality. Come learn more and stay for the mutual love and respect that fun movies encapsulate. Enjoy ...
Apr 12, 2025•41 min•Ep. 194
For their 193rd episode, two suburbanite film critics, two nanny-gawking dads, and two accosted school teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, circle back to a cinematic cottage industry found in the 1980s and 1990s of so-called domestic terror: stories that preyed on the pearl-clutching fears of the upper middle class. One of the best to get the audience's blood boiling was 1992's "The Hand That Rocks the Cradle" directed by the late Curtis Hanson and starring Rebecca De Mornay. It's time to s...
Apr 04, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 193
For their 192nd episode, two haughty film critics, two betrothed dads, and two classical school teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, refine their usual viewing to discuss possibly unexpected from their norm, but something with extreme class. We're talking about director Joe Wright's sumptuous 2005 adaptation of Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice," starring Kiera Knightly in her prime stardom. The gents are joined by a special guest: Will's daughter Lizzie, an ardent fan of the book and movie...
Mar 28, 2025•56 min•Ep. 192
For their 191st episode, two Secret Service film critics, two sweaty dads, and two counterfeit school teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, seep into the seedy side of nefarious crimes of money and the slimy side of Los Angeles with William Friedkin's 1985 stunner "To Live and Die in L.A." Our guys always make time for a Willem Dafoe blind spot and this was a winner, thanks to the detailed mystery and the bold swerves orchestrated by the director. Come learn more and stay for the mutual love ...
Mar 21, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 191
For their 190th episode, two enlisted film critics, two centerfold dads, and two non-silent school teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, pull up their anchors, load their guns, and take on an 1990s action movie classic! Steven Seagal (and us) never had it better than 1992's "Under Siege," co-starring Tommy Lee Jones and Gary Busey. This was director Andrew Davis's audition tape for "The Fugitive," and it becomes comical how much Seagal is squeezed out of his own movie. We talk about all the w...
Mar 14, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 190
For their 189th episode, two romantic film critics, two pretty dads, and two school teacher with hearts of gold, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, cover one more Oscar contender before the big awards. With Sean Baker's "Anora" surging up the Oscar odds charts with wins at the Critics Choice Awards, BAFTAS, and the top guilds for producers and directors, they felt the opportunity was there to announce their own tepid response to the new frontrunner. As a special pairing and point of comparison, our ...
Feb 28, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 189
For their 188th episode, two patriotic film critics, two winged dads, and two reformed Marvel Schill school teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, swoop in to sing what appears to be minority praises for the new Marvel Cinematic Universe film "Captain America: Brave New World." The movie might be bombing with critics, but we think there's plenty to love and enough exciting content for a trip to the big screen before settling for an afternoon on Disney+ in three months. Hear us genuflect at the...
Feb 21, 2025•52 min•Ep. 188
For their 187th episode, two digitized film critics, two dads who fight for the users, and two Master Control school teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, squeeze together a "TRON" double feature to cover the landmark 1982 original and its pumped-up 2010 sequel "Tron Legacy." Will was a first-time to The Grid, while Don was happy return to the films' wondrous digital abyss with a newbie. Come learn more and stay for the mutual love and respect that fun movies encapsulate. Enjoy our podcast! h...
Feb 15, 2025•58 min•Ep. 187
For their 186th episode, two glamorous film critics, two substance-abusing dads, and two out-of-control school teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, catch up to the recent Academy Award nominations to discuss "The Substance!" Filmmaker Coralie Fergeat's celebrity thriller, rife with body horror and Hollywood commentary has wowed audiences and critics alike as an exemplar of its genre worthy of Oscars and a validation measure for the career of Demi Moore. Here how our guys breakdown the hype. ...
Feb 07, 2025•58 min•Ep. 186
For their 185th episode, two futuristic film critics, two mutant dads, and two socially-consicous teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, begin a new sub-series for 2025 called "The Anniversary Parade." A host of key classics are celebrating benchmark anniversaries this year and our show will gradually crack into that list all year long. First up is Bryan Singer's "X-Men." Debuting in 2000, the movie turns 25 in 2025. Our guys chop it up and spin into an editorial on "Unknown-to-Icon Mount Rush...
Jan 31, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 185
Happy New Year! For their 184th episode, two horse-riding film critics, two horn-blowing dads, and two sieging teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, celebrated a new year with a conversation on the recent spin-off "The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim." The anime-style film is a deep prequel to the War of the Ring from the Peter Jackson cradle. It impressed us and we're bummed it's flopping at the box office. We talk about why. Come learn more and stay for the mutual love and respec...
Jan 24, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 184
For their 183rd episode, two Romanesque film critics, two dirt-rubbing dads, and two non-emperor teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, came together for a recent new release they both had circled on their calendars for a long time even before 2024. Celebrated film director Ridley Scott stepped back into the "Gladiator" arena to make the long-distance sequel "Gladiator II." This highly anticipated blockbuster did not go well with one of our hosts, causing them to live up to the pod's name with...
Jan 17, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 183
For their 182nd episode, two suspicious film critics, two Corvette-driving dads, and two sheriff-wannabe teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, dipped their toes into the wellspring that is the movie resume of the Oscar-nominated Willem Dafoe. This week's show covers 1992's "White Sands," directed by Roger Donaldson and starring Dafore alongside Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, and Mickey Rourke. Will has long been a huge admirer of Willem Dafore, but, much to our mutual surprise, he had never hea...
Jan 10, 2025•51 min•Ep. 182
For their 181st episode, two science officer film critics, two brave dads, and two assimilated teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, welcomed Neil Shurley and Ben Cahlamer for their second consecutive episode. Their challenge was to boldly go where no show had gone before. The four set their phasers on stun to cover 1996's "Star Trek: First Contact," the first solo film for the central cast and crew of "Star Trek: The Next Generaton." The memories are fond and the shared insight is fonder. Co...
Dec 13, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 181
For their 180th episode, two golden film critics, two secret agent dads, and two laser-wielding teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, brought in a pair of special guests for the first of two "guest's choice" episodes. The podcast welcomed prolific creator Neil Shurley and returning guest and Phoenix-based film critic Ben Cahlamer to put their best pretend foot forward as a secret agent. Their mission was to hop back 60 years for the anniversary of 1962's "Goldfinger," Sean Connery's third fil...
Dec 06, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 180
