The Searchers close out this arc on Jean-Paul Belmondo actioners with The Outsider from 1983, not to be confused with the Francis Ford Coppola film. Is this the famous Frenchman's Dirty Harry clone? Was he too old to do all his own stunts? Come listen to the latest episode and find out! On the next episode, Chris and Ben cover another film from the great Obayashi. Please rate us a 5/5 on Apple, Spotify, or Podbean, and review us on Apple. Submit your mailbags to us at thesearcherspodcast@gmail.c...
Aug 18, 2025•58 min•Ep. 98
Folks, Chris and Kevin are once more at it again. The stagecoach on this wild cinematic trail takes listeners on a third detour back onto the “Non-Algorithmic Superhero Film” route, and this time it’s rather red like the last one, but a bit more fiery. The Searchers review Neveldine and Taylor’s Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance from 2011, with the one and only Nic Cage, sporting the leather jacket and riding a flaming motorcycle once again. Not only that, but we’ve got a returning guest, Joe Wil...
Aug 04, 2025•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 97
Hey all, we're back! All three Searchers return to Jean-Paul Belmondo action films this time reviewing Claude Zidi's Animal from 1977. JPB stars alongside American superstar Raquel Welch hence the American release title, "Stuntwoman." We discuss the film, more about Jean-Paul Belmondo's career, and many tangents on random things like Peter O'Toole's Oscar nominations. Check Animal (1977) out on Tubi, HERE ! Up next, Kevin and Chris cover Ghost Rider 2 with a special guest. Please rate us a 5/5 o...
Jul 16, 2025•58 min•Ep. 96
Chris and Kevin take a look at Daredevil (2003), specifically the Director’s Cut, directed by Mark Steven Johnson and starring Ben Affleck as the blind vigilante from Hell’s Kitchen. This episode explores a film often dismissed, but one that reveals more on a closer look — a story about pain, guilt, and perseverance. So hop on the Searcher's stage — we’re digging into the forgotten corner of early 2000s superhero cinema. Follow us on Letterboxd.com if you'd like to see what we've recently watche...
Jul 04, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 95
Ben and Chris come back around to Japanese cinema with a review of Nobuhiko Obayashi's 1989 film, Beijing Watermelon . While made considering Japan's and China's complicated history and produced coincidentally with the events of Tiananmen Square in 1989, Obayashi bends the rules of cinema once again to make a beautiful and non-political film about community, personal responsibility, and balance. With apparent influence from the likes of both Capra and Ozu, The Searchers discuss the vital nature ...
Jun 19, 2025•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 94
Kevin and Ben are joined by Letterboxd reviewer extraordinaire and friend of the pod Tyler to discuss the new Tom Cruise movie in an effort to save cinema once again. In addition to reviewing MI 8: The Final Reckoning , we discuss the Mission Impossible series as a whole, storytelling with mythology, artificial intelligence as of 2025, the future of cinema, and more. Your mission, should you choose to accept, is to sit back, mow the grass, commute to your workplace, or whatever it is that you do...
Jun 12, 2025•1 hr 56 min•Ep. 93
In this episode, Chris and Kevin review Ang Lee’s Hulk , a bold and visually experimental take on the superhero genre. They explore the film’s unique split-screen techniques and its psychological focus on Bruce Banner’s inner conflict. Was this ambitious, art-house approach a stroke of genius, or did it miss the mark with comic book fans? Tune in as we unpack the film’s legacy, its flaws, and the moments of brilliance that continue to spark debate among comic book fans. Follow us on Letterboxd.c...
Jun 05, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 92
In this episode, The Searchers dive into the 1964 French classic That Man from Rio , a film that blends action, comedy, and romance in the most improbable ways. Join us as we unpack Jean-Paul Belmondo’s irresistible charm as he embarks on a wild adventure through the streets of Rio de Janeiro. From stolen artifacts to high-flying stunts, this film has it all—and then some! But does its quirky blend of slapstick and suspense still hold up today? Tune in for a review that’s as fast-paced as Belmon...
May 21, 2025•59 min•Ep. 91
Chris and Kevin take a detour this week into the icy grip of a Buffalo winter with Buffalo '66 . Written, directed by, and starring Vincent Gallo, the film also features standout performances from Christina Ricci, Anjelica Huston, and Ben Gazzara. Gallo’s background as a painter, musician, and songwriter lends the film a unique, outsider sensibility—raw, personal, and unmistakably his. We’ll be back soon with a new episode. Thanks for listening. If you like what you heard, please rate us a 5/5 o...
May 15, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 90
Kevin, Chris, and Ben finish off the "philosophical hitman" series with Wim Wenders' The American Friend (1977). The Searchers will return to you next time with an episode on a Vincent Gallo film before diving into their next 3 episode arc. Thanks for listening, and we'll catch you in May! If you like what you heard, please rate us a 5/5 on Apple, Spotify, or Podbean, and review us on Apple. Submit your mailbags to us at thesearcherspodcast@gmail.com . We'll read both on air. Follow us on Letter...
Apr 30, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 89
The Searchers discuss the 2nd film in their philosophical hitman series, Crying Freeman starring Mark Dacascos. We discuss our thoughts on the film, the origins of the source material, and a few tangents are made. We'll be back soon with the 3rd and final entry, The American Friend . Enjoy!
Apr 23, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 88
For the first "Cinema Crusades" episode in two years, Chris and Ben discuss the recent deaths of Val Kilmer and Richard Norton. Of course, more movies are discussed as the pair pick apart their recent watches. As promised, Crying Freeman will be discussed on episode 88. Thanks for listening. If you like what you heard, please rate us a 5/5 on Apple, Spotify, or Podbean, and review us on Apple. Submit your mailbags to us at thesearcherspodcast@gmail.com . We'll read both on air. Follow us on Lett...
Apr 04, 2025•56 min•Ep. 87
The Searchers are back with another episode, this one starting off the next arc: "the philosophical hitman." Chris picked Looper starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Bruce Willis, directed by the now-infamous Rian Johnson. Does this movie hold up, or not? Listen and find out! Next up will be a new Cinema Crusade episode followed by a review on Crying Freeman. If you like what you heard, please rate us a 5/5 on Apple, Spotify, or Podbean, and review us on Apple. Submit your mailbags to us at thesear...
Mar 30, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 86
Okay, gang. Last episode on Jackie for a while! We discuss his two "Shanghai" films with costar Owen Wilson. Next time we are back with an episode on a film from 2012 with Bruce Willis... wink wink.
Mar 18, 2025•1 hr 32 min•Ep. 85
Two Jackie films made in Australia must be discussed with the Searchers' resident Aussie, so of course that means it's another episode with Nick Langdon. The discussion focuses on the subject films and their different cuts, Sammo's vs. Jackie's direction, why New Line Cinema is never to be trusted, and much more. This may be our longest episode in over two years; so get your favorite snacks, possibly an adult beverage, and join us for more Jackie Chan. The road to episode 100 continues! Thank yo...
Mar 04, 2025•1 hr 58 min•Ep. 84
The Searchers are back with our second Jackie Chan movie in a row... this time it's Crime Story from 1993 where we see our star try something new with a more serious role and very serious film. Listen to us discuss it along some other films in Chan's repertoire. Next episode will cover two 1990s Jackie Chan films to round out this mini series on Jackie. See you next time! If you like what you heard, please rate us a 5/5 on Apple, Spotify, or Podbean, and review us on Apple. Submit your mailbags ...
Feb 23, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 83
We are starting something new for 2025 where we cover a group of movies revolving around one topic: an actor, a director, theme, a genre, or whatever else. Coincidentally, we picked Jackie Chan as our first topic which brings us back to one of the reasons Kevin and Ben started this thing in 2022: being big fans of JC. Chris "picked" this one since we've been giving him a hard time about it for over a year, and it just so happens that Kevin gifted him the Criterion Blu-ray set in December. Listen...
Feb 17, 2025•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 82
The Searchers are all back to cover Clint Eastwood's 1980 film, Bronco Billy . Don't miss this one, folks! Our episode catalogue: https://searchersfilmpodcast.podbean.com/
Feb 04, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 81
Kevin and Chris cover Chris Columbus' 1991 film Only the Lonely starring John Candy, Maureen O'hara, Ally Sheedy, and Anthony Quinn. Next episode will focus on Clint Eastwood, for the wondering listener(s)! If you like what you heard, please rate us a 5/5 on Apple, Spotify, or Podbean, and review us on Apple. Submit your mailbags to us at thesearcherspodcast@gmail.com. We'll read both on air. Follow us on Letterboxd.com if you'd like to see what we've recently watched and/or reviewed. Ben , Chri...
Jan 21, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 80
Chris is joined by Nick Langdon and Max (mushiminion) to discuss John Frankenheimer and his 1973 film Impossible Object . Don't miss this detailed deep dive into Frankenheimer... enjoy! Follow Nick and Max on Letterboxd, HERE and HERE respectively. If you like what you heard, please rate us a 5/5 on Apple, Spotify, or Podbean, and review us on Apple. Submit your mailbags to us at thesearcherspodcast@gmail.com. We'll read both on air. Follow us on Letterboxd.com if you'd like to see what we've re...
Jan 13, 2025•1 hr 44 min•Ep. 79
Ben is joined by frequent guest Odie Arbuckle to discuss Let Him Rest In Peace from director Yôichi Sai. Odie graciously spent hours reading the book the film is based off of in Japanese to help provide context to this episode. The discussion focuses on the similarities between Japanese and Westerns filmmaking, Okinawa, Japanese regional filmmaking, and the universal themes of the film. For the episode, Odie watched many films from the late Yôichi Sai—let him rest in peace! Happy New Year to Odi...
Dec 31, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 78
Merry Christmas (and eventually Happy New Year's) from The Searchers. The three of us cover Trading Places starring Dan Aykroyd and Eddie Murphy from 1983, directed by the now less-than-favored John Landis. Because of the hectic time of year and recent personal developments, please forgive the "rougher" cut that must be released, otherwise we'd have missed the release before Christmas Day. We can't have that for all the loyal listeners. Enjoy! If you like what you heard, please rate us a 5/5 on ...
Dec 24, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 77
To begin the Christmas season on The Searchers podcast, Kevin and Chris review the French film "Merry Christmas" aka Joyeux Noël from 2005 starring Diane Kruger, Guillaume Canet, and Daniel Brühl. We'll catch you for one more Christmas episode in 2024, and possibly a bonus episode--we'll see! Merry Christmas! If you like what you heard, please rate us a 5/5 on Apple, Spotify, or Podbean, and review us on Apple. Submit your mailbags to us at thesearcherspodcast@gmail.com. We'll read both on air. ...
Dec 09, 2024•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 76
This week Kevin and Chris cover movie-directin', wine-makin' Francis Ford Coppola's The Conversation starring Gene Hackman. Happy Thanksgiving to our listeners and stay safe on the big travel days! Enjoy and we'll see you in December. If you like what you heard, please rate us a 5/5 on Apple, Spotify, or Podbean, and review us on Apple. Submit your mailbags to us at thesearcherspodcast@gmail.com. We'll read both on air. Follow us on Letterboxd.com if you'd like to see what we've recently watched...
Nov 26, 2024•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 75
Happy almost-Thanksgiving to all you lovely listeners out there. This week The Searchers cover John Boorman's Excalibur with guest and friend o' the pod Bryant Tyler. This film features the well-known Arthurian legend with a whole lot of meaningful symbology, which we'll get into and explain on the episode. It's a fun one, and thanks to Bryant for joining the gang to discuss another classic movie that audiences need to rediscover. We'll see you in December, y'all! Bryant can be found on Letterbo...
Nov 19, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 74
Searchers hosts Ben and Chris are again joined by regular Aussie guest Nick Langdon to discuss one of his favorite movies Dark City from director Alex Proyas. Several tangents about 90s neo-noir cinema, comic book films, and Australian filmmaking (and more) ensue, but it's a fun informative ride nonetheless. Thanks for joining us again, Nick! Video discussed during show: Similarities between The Matrix and Dark City ***Check out Kevin Chan's video essay on Top Gun 2, HERE . *** If you like what ...
Nov 11, 2024•1 hr 34 min•Ep. 73
The Searchers' 2024 Halloween episode is here. Enjoy! (Timestamps included on your platform of choice) Six movies covered: Theatre of Blood (1973), House of Wax (1953), The Frighteners (1996), The Friends of Eddie Coyle (1973), Abbot and Costello's Who Done It? (1942), Hannah and Her Sisters (1986) If you like what you heard, please rate us a 5/5 on Apple, Spotify, or Podbean, and review us on Apple. Submit your mailbags to us at thesearcherspodcast@gmail.com. We'll read both on air. Follow us o...
Oct 29, 2024•1 hr 50 min•Ep. 72
Back with another one! The boys welcome Canadian and Indie filmmaker Andrew Cymek onto the show to discuss film making, his story, a large discussion on his passion project Night Cries (2015), behind the scenes stories with big names, and Batman in media. Join us on this one to hear from someone who's been working in the industry for decades. Thanks for joining us, Andrew! Find Andrew on Instagram, HERE . Night Cries is on Tubi as of the posting of this episode, HERE. If you like what you heard,...
Oct 16, 2024•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 71
The Searchers cover My Neighbors the Yamadas from Studio Ghibli director Isao Takahata. The discussion delves into Japanese culture, Takahata's films, animation styles, Joe Hisaishi & Ghibli music, and more. Please enjoy this fun episode. If you like what you heard, please rate us a 5/5 on Apple, Spotify, or Podbean, and review us on Apple. Submit your mailbags to us at thesearcherspodcast@gmail.com. We'll read both on air. Follow us on Letterboxd.com if you'd like to see what we've recently...
Oct 09, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 70
What's up, babe? How you doin'? We're back with some extremely positive waves with this one. Our first Clint Eastwood movie; it's about damn time! Is Kelly's Heroes an all timer war picture or is it hippy revisionism? Listen and find out, only on The Searchers! If you like what you heard, please rate us a 5/5 on Apple, Spotify, or Podbean, and review us on Apple. Submit your mailbags to us at thesearcherspodcast@gmail.com . We'll read both on air. Follow us on Letterboxd.com if you'd like to see...
Sep 30, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 69
