We’re hoping that Episode 45 of The Film ‘89 Podcast will be a soothing balm to the soul in these troubling times we find ourselves in. With much of the world in lockdown and sports of all kind cancelled, we’ve decided to take a look back at director Phil Alden Robinson’s beloved 1989 baseball themed film, Field of Dreams. Far more than a mere sports drama, Field of Dreams is a heart warming, magical and deeply romantic tale of familial redemption and reunification, passion and longing for a byg...
Apr 19, 2020•1 hr 28 min
A wise man once said, “art is whatever we do when we’re not focussed on survival”. Well that wise sage was none other than frequent Film ’89 Podcast guest-host and contributor to film89.co.uk, Mr Bill Scurry. Bill joins Neil & Skye for an episode that’s very much a departure from the norm, something quite different to what our listeners are used to but then these aren’t normal circumstances that we find ourselves in as the world is gripped by a deadly pandemic that’s brought life as we know ...
Mar 20, 2020•1 hr 42 min
In Episode 43 of The Film ’89 Podcast, Skye is joined by returning co-hosts, Bill Scurry and John Arminio as they go all nostalgic for arguably their most beloved childhood franchise, The Transformers. The guys explore the genesis of the famous and innovative toy line, its accompanying animated TV series and the 1986 theatrical animated film, Transformers: The Movie which emotionally scarred an entire generation with its callous offing of innumerable beloved and long established characters. Feat...
Feb 01, 2020•2 hr 16 min
In Episode 42 of The Film ‘89 Podcast, Skye is joined by a man who is now Film ‘89’s official Californian representative as well as a boxing expert, cinephile and all-round gentleman, Mr Jacob Rivera as they give their in-depth and spoiler-filled review of director Sam Mendes’ critically acclaimed, Golden Globe winning and multi-Oscar nominated WWI film, 1917. They also give their rundown of their all-time favourite depictions of war in film and television with the usual input from their fellow ...
Jan 16, 2020•19 min
In an alcohol fuelled celebration of the second anniversary of The Film ‘89 Podcast, Neil and Skye ring in a new year in style as they welcome back a long lost friend and former co-host, Jim Cottle. This slightly inebriated trio go back to that galaxy far, far away to bring you their in-depth and very much spoiler-filled verdict on not just one but two new Star Wars properties. First up is Episode 9 of the main Star Wars saga, The Rise of Skywalker. Will this third and final film in the sequel t...
Jan 08, 2020•1 hr 59 min
On Episode 40 of The Film ’89 Podcast, Steve is joined by his close friend and Film ’89 contributor, Tony Sower to give their in-depth and spoiler-filled analysis of director Martin Scorsese’s long awaited film adaptation of author Charles Brandt’s novel, I Heard You Paint Houses. Retitled, The Irishman, the 26th full length feature film from Scorsese is also his longest film to date and is also a first in that it’s primary form of distribution after a limited theatrical run is via the streaming...
Nov 21, 2019•1 hr 10 min
Episode 39 of The Film ’89 Podcast is a very special one as Steve and Skye interview two-time Oscar winning visual effects supervisor, Phil Tippett. Phil is a true legend in the field of visual effects, having specialised in creature design and character animation as well as being a director and producer whose contribution to film will be held in the same regard as the likes of Willis O’Brien, Dick Smith, Rick Baker, Douglas Trumbull, Jim Henson, Dennis Muren, Stan Winston, Rob Bottin, Stuart Fr...
Nov 19, 2019•1 hr 24 min
Episode 38 of The Film ‘89 Podcast celebrates both one of horror’s most respected authors, Stephen King as well as one of cinema’s most revered auteur directors, the late, great Stanley Kubrick as Steve and Skye wrap up warm, pack the snowcat and head off to the remote Overlook Hotel for an in-depth discussion of Kubrick’s 1980 film adaptation of King’s 1977 novel, The Shining. The guys discuss the friction between author and director over the changes Kubrick made to King’s story and the differe...
Nov 05, 2019•1 hr 44 min
In Episode 37 of The Film ‘89 Podcast, Neil and Skye discuss the long running Terminator franchise that began in 1984 with James Cameron’s breakout action/sci-fi classic and has since spawned no less than 5 sequels, the latest of which is the Tim Miller directed, Terminator: Dark Fate, which sees Linda Hamilton return to the iconic role of Sarah Connor. Also returning is Arnold Schwarzenegger in a new story by Cameron himself. Will this latest instalment live up to the great legacy of Cameron’s ...
Oct 28, 2019•1 hr 43 min
In Episode 36 of the Film ‘89 Podcast, Richie, Haydn and Skye go all-in on a spoiler-filled review of Warner Bros’ latest adaptation of a DC Comics property, director Todd Phillips’s Joker, starring Joaquin Phoenix and Robert De Niro. Since it’s debut at the Venice Film Festival, where it won the prestigious Golden Lion Award for Best Film, Joker is a movie that has been the subject of much controversy with its themes of society’s ill-treatment of people with mental health issues, it’s anti-hero...
Oct 14, 2019•1 hr 30 min
In Episode 35 of The Film ‘89 Podcast we go all out action as we explore in-depth, one of the most beloved franchises of the 1980s and beyond. Starting with the taut 1982 film, First Blood, Neil and Richie take a razor sharp Bowie knife to this classic Sylvester Stallone action-thriller. Next up is the 1985 sequel, Rambo: First Blood Part II, followed by Rambo III in 1988. The franchise was resurrected in the form of 2008’s über violent third sequel, simply titled, Rambo which leads us to the ma...
Oct 04, 2019•3 hr 2 min
Episode 34 of The Film ‘89 Podcast is our biggest episode yet as we dive headlong into an in-depth celebration and analysis of a classic western that’s celebrating its 60th anniversary, Howard Hawks’ much loved 1959 film, Rio Bravo, starring John Wayne, Dean Martin, Ricky Nelson and Angie Dickinson. We discuss the genesis of the film - a response by Hawks to the 1952 Gary Cooper western, High Noon. We explore the film’s themes, discuss its great cast and compare it to other westerns from an era ...
Sep 10, 2019•2 hr 53 min
Episode 33 of the Film ‘89 Podcast is a celebration of the films of Quentin Tarantino as we provide the most in-depth (and therefore spoiler-filled) analysis of a single film that Film ‘89 have covered so far as Neil and Skye are joined by the phenomenally talented film poster and key film art illustrator, Tony Stella. The film in question is of course Tarantino’s love letter to the film industry, Once Upon A Time In... Hollywood. The film has received much critical praise but like many of Taran...
Aug 23, 2019•2 hr 16 min
Episode 32 of The Film ’89 Podcast is a loving celebration of 45 years of one of the defining modern examples of the film-noir, Roman Polanski’s 1974 crime thriller mystery, Chinatown, starring Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway and John Huston. Joining Steve and Skye to discuss his all-time personal favourite film is returning guest host and founder and co-host of the brilliant ‘I Don’t Get It’ Podcast, the venerable Mr Bill Scurry. Bill brings with him is insatiable passion for and knowledge of film...
Jul 25, 2019•2 hr 3 min
In this bumper sized double issue (episode) of The Film ‘89 Podcast, Richie, Neil and Skye are joined by the winner of last year’s Film ’89 contest, Chris Beynon, who is claiming his prize of a guest-host spot on the show. Chris has gone to the trouble of coming all the way to us to record in person as we give you not one, but two in-depth, spoiler-filled reviews of two of the summer’s biggest films. First up is Disney Pixar’s fourth entry in their long running and beloved Toy Story series, Toy ...
Jul 12, 2019•2 hr 1 min
We’re not supposed to talk about Episode 30 of The Film ‘89 Podcast where we remove our shirts and shoes to celebrate the 20th anniversary of director David Fincher’s searing, controversial and hugely faithful adaptation of the acclaimed novel by author Chuck Palahniuk, Fight Club. This playfully subversive film defies categorisation and refuses to submit to genre convention. It’s Fincher at the absolute top of his game and is a film like no other. Joining us to dissect Fight Club is Jacob River...
Jun 23, 2019•1 hr 56 min
On Episode 29 of The Film ‘89 Podcast we welcome back filmmaker, writer on film, prolific podcaster and the host of the brilliant Flixwise Canada Podcast, Martin Kessler. This episode we’ll be reviewing Season 5 of Netflix’s Black Mirror as well as giving an in-depth overview of the series in its entirety and, in keeping with a recurring theme on Black Mirror, we’ll be discussing our all-time favourite video games. Index: Black Mirror Season 5 and series overview - 0:05:45 Favourite Video Games ...
Jun 13, 2019•2 hr 31 min
For Episode 28 of The Film ‘89 Podcast, we’re boldly going somewhere we’ve never gone before on the show as we explore the long-running television and film phenomenon that is Star Trek and in particular it’s first big screen outing, director Robert Wise’s 1979 film, Star Trek: The Motion Picture. Joining us this episode are two of our favourite former guest hosts; filmmaker and co-host of the culturally invaluable I Don’t Get It Podcast, the ineffable Bill Scurry and Comix Connection’s John Armi...
May 13, 2019•2 hr 4 min
Episode 27 of The Film ‘89 Podcast is dedicated entirely to Marvel Studios’ latest film, Avengers: Endgame. A movie this big, being the culmination of over 11 years worth of meticulously crafted long-form storytelling spread out over 22 films, is deserving of special attention as Neil, Skye and the Film ‘89 Team’s newest member, James Pearce, go in-depth to review and analyse in forensic detail this colossal cinematic achievement. We’ll be leaving no Infinity Stone left unturned as we lay bare t...
Apr 28, 2019•1 hr 54 min
In Episode 26 of The Film ’89 Podcast we’re joined by a very special guest host, from Comix Connection in Pennsylvania, he’s a frequent guest on esteemed Podcasts such as Wrong Reel and Hellbent for Horror to name but two and is a hugely knowledgeable cinephile and all-round top chap, it’s Mr John Arminio. John joins us to celebrate the 40th anniversary of director Francis Ford Coppola’s Vietnam War epic, Apocalypse Now. Not only is Apocalypse Now one the most highly regarded war films ever made...
Apr 17, 2019•1 hr 47 min
In Episode 25 of The Film ‘89 Podcast, Steve and Skye are joined by a very special guest co-host, the founder of and writer for The Pink Smoke, John Cribbs, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of one of their all-time favourite films, the 1989 Tom Hanks comedy vehicle, The ‘Burbs. The ‘Burbs’ director is also the subject of this episode’s Favourite 3 segment as the guys discuss their favourite Joe Dante films. Index: The ‘Burbs - 0:05:20 Favourite 3 Joe Dante films - 1:14:00...
Mar 28, 2019•1 hr 52 min
In a packed 24th episode of The Film ‘89 Podcast, Skye, Neil and Richie review the new Netflix comedy series After Life from comic/writer/actor Ricky Gervais, they give their in-depth analysis and verdict on the 21st film from Marvel Studios, Captain Marvel and in keeping with the theme of the mid-nineties-set, superhero spectacular, they discuss their three favourite films from 1995. Index: Review - After Life - 0:01:15 Main Review - Captain Marvel - 0:33:14 Favourite 3 Films of 1995 - 1:43:41...
Mar 13, 2019•2 hr 9 min
It’s a packed office at Film ‘89 Towers for Episode 23 of The Film ‘89 Podcast as Skye, Steve, Neil and Haydn review the (kind of) live-action adaptation of beloved Japanese Manga, Battle Angel Alita, retitled, Alita: Battle Angel, from director Robert Rodriguez and producer James Cameron. It’s a showcase of often brilliant special effects and makes superb use of the 3D and IMAX formats but how does the film hold up as a whole and is it a worthy and worthwhile adaptation? We discuss our favourit...
Feb 13, 2019•1 hr 53 min
In our special festive Episode of The Film ‘89 Podcast we’re joined by boxing expert, film writer and über cinephile, Jacob Rivera to discuss the action classic, Die Hard as it celebrates its 30th anniversary. Directed by John McTiernan (Predator, The Hunt for Red October) and starring Bruce Willis and Alan Rickman, Die Hard is regarded as not only one of the greatest films of the 1980s but of all time and one that redefined the action genre. It not only spawned four sequels but also a plethora ...
Dec 19, 2018•2 hr 10 min
In the colossal 21st episode of The Film ‘89 Podcast, Richie, Haydn & Skye take an in-depth look back at director Steven Spielberg’s big-screen adaptation of author Michael Crichton’s Jurassic Park which celebrated its 25th Anniversary this year. They explore the making of this beloved summer blockbuster, it’s themes and the elements that elevate it above that of a mere big budget action film. There’s an intelligence and a beating heart to the film that helped solidify it as one of the great...
Dec 06, 2018•2 hr 24 min
In Episode 20 of The Film ‘89 Podcast we’re joined by cinephile extraordinaire, champion of the Blu-Ray format and physical media, frequent guest-host of the Wrong Reel Podcast, Criterion Cast and many more besides, Mr Dave Eaves. This episode we take the deep dive into the dizzying maelstrom of possession, deception and murder that is Alfred Hitchcock’s 1958 masterpiece, Vertigo. Hailed by critics as one of the greatest films of all time, we examine the making of Vertigo, explore its themes and...
Nov 21, 2018•1 hr 46 min
In Episode 19 of The Film ‘89 Podcast we’re joined by a very special guest, England-based movie poster and key art illustrator Paul Shipper. Paul is one of the most talented artists working in the film industry with credits that include theatrical posters for such films as Marvel Studios’ Doctor Strange and Avengers: Infinity War, Disney’s Big Hero 6 and Star Wars: The Last Jedi and many more. Paul has also created innumerable pieces of cover art for Blu-Ray releases from such esteemed labels as...
Nov 12, 2018•1 hr 15 min
In the mothership sized 18th episode of The Film ‘89 Podcast, Neil and Skye are joined by a multi-talented movie savant who wears many dapper hats; co-host of the brilliant “I Don’t Get It Podcast”, a frequent co-host of Wrong Reel and the genius behind Twitter & Facebook’s Daily Cobra Commander, Mr Bill Scurry. This episode the guys move away from film into the realm of television as they peel the latex face off one of the most beloved of all television miniseries, Kenneth Johnson’s ‘V’ and...
Oct 30, 2018•2 hr 46 min
In Episode 17 of the Film ‘89 Podcast, Skye and Steve are joined by arguably their most long-awaited guest co-host, James Hancock, the creator and host of the phenomenal Wrong Reel Podcast as well as his ever increasingly popular YouTube channel, ‘Geekin’ with James Hancock’. James and the guys take the deep dive on the fascinating behind the scenes story of one of Hollywood’s most notoriously difficult and prolonged productions, 20th Century Fox’s epic, audacious and totally out of control 1963...
Oct 16, 2018•1 hr 35 min
In Episode 16 of The Film ‘89 Podcast Neil and Skye are joined by filmmaker and host of the Flixwise Podcast and contributor to film89.co.uk, Martin Kessler for an in-depth discussion of the long-running action/science-fiction franchise that began in 1987 with director John McTiernan’s Predator starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. The guys examine what makes Predator such an enduring classic and discuss the sequels Predator 2, Predators and the cross-over Alien vs. Predator films. This all leads to t...
Sep 18, 2018•2 hr 13 min
