Episodes

  • Episode 118 : Major League

    Episode 118 : Major League
    Jul 9 2024

    A movie that rallies behind underdogs has timeless appeal. The genuine camaraderie in MAJOR LEAGUE infuses audiences with the baseball spirit like no other sports comedy. Rooting for these Clevelanders is a no-brainer, so join us on this redemption story filled with heartfelt nuances & plenty of laughs. 
///***Discussions include***\\\ Writer/Director David S. Ward’s inspiration & career background; grounding the story in reality, authenticity & fandom; lengthy development process, chance meetings & studio doubts; gaining permission from the MLB, main shooting locations, filming tricks; requirements for casting, baseball boot camp & main character breakdowns; music, reception, sequels & favorite moments.

    Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger, Wesley Snipes & Rene Russo star in MAJOR LEAGUE (1989) /// Directed by David S. Ward.

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    ///***Picks of the Week***\\\ • Lindsay’s Pick: EIGHT MEN OUT (1988). John Cusack, David Strathairn, D.B. Sweeney, John Mahoney /// Directed by John Sayles. • Justin’s Pick: 61* (2001). Thomas Jane, Barry Pepper, Anthony Michael Hall /// Directed by Billy Crystal. . ///***MurrayMoment***\\\ Find out what Bill was up to during the days surrounding the Cubs vs. Indians 2016 World Series.

    ///***Final Thoughts on MAJOR LEAGUE***\\\

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    Coming in August: ARACHNOPHOBIA (1990)

    — Please rate, review & subscribe. — Follow on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok & YouTube. — Hosts: Justin Johnson & Lindsay Reber // Music: Matt Pace // Announcer: Mary Timmel // Logo: Beau Shoulders. www.dontpushpausepodcast.com dontpushpausepodcast@gmail .com

    Be Kind & Rewatch // July 9, 2024.
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    1 hr and 56 mins
  • Episode 117 : Speed

    Episode 117 : Speed
    Jun 4 2024

    No better way to celebrate our 6th Anniversary than with the 1994 summer blockbuster, SPEED. This rollercoaster ride was never expected to have a massive impact, catapult careers or be anything more than a B-movie. Aging well with its precision & unrelenting tension, SPEED’s realism has kept it in the top tier of solid action films of the last 30 years. They truly don’t make ‘em like this anymore. 
///***Discussions include***\\\ Script evolution, revisions, structure, tonal changes & complete overhaul; studio struggle & hesitations, turnaround, more revisions; turning a renowned cinematographer into a first-time director; on-location shooting, action sequences, stunt work; miniatures, practical & optical effects; casting, main cast discussion & chemistry between the leads; pacing, editing & the film’s aesthetic; music, sound & score; marketing, release, reception, awards & sequel.

    Keanu Reeves, Sandra Bullock, Dennis Hopper & Jeff Daniels star in SPEED (1994) /// Directed by Jan de Bont.

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    ///***Picks of the Week***\\\ • Lindsay’s Pick: THE NET (1995). Sandra Bullock, Jeremy Northam & Dennis Miller /// Directed by Irwin Winkler. • Justin’s Pick: OUT OF THE BLUE. (1980). Dennis Hopper, Linda Manz, Raymond Burr & Sharon Farrell /// Directed by Dennis Hopper. . ///***MurrayMoment***\\\ Find out why Sweden has an alleged beef with Billy behind the wheel of a golf cart.

    ///***Final Thoughts on SPEED***\\\

    . Coming in July: MAJOR LEAGUE (1989)

    — Please rate, review & subscribe. — Follow on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok & YouTube. — Hosts: Justin Johnson & Lindsay Reber // Music: Matt Pace // Announcer: Mary Timmel // Logo: Beau Shoulders. www.dontpushpausepodcast.com

    dontpushpausepodcast@gmail.com

    Be Kind & Rewatch // June 4, 2024
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    2 hrs and 18 mins
  • Episode 116 : Showgirls

    Episode 116 : Showgirls
    May 7 2024
    Teaming up a sought-after writer & acclaimed director on a film should mean a box office smash. But the extravagant wildcard that is SHOWGIRLS was ridiculed the moment it hit theaters. However, reevaluation of the film’s heightened reality, intensity & stunning production quality have dispelled many early criticisms. Slap on some glitter, paint your nails & grab your switchblade because it’s time to discover the story behind this kitschy, controversial classic. 
///***Discussions include***\\\ Origin of & intentions behind the story, inspirations & production derailment; re-teaming of a celebrated & button-pushing writer/director duo, rewrites & funding; intentional visual style, overall hyperbolic nature & tonality; staging, choreography & physical demands; casting the lead, plus main cast & character breakdowns; struggle with NC-17 rating, advertising, reception & repercussions, plus the revival & longevity. Elizabeth Berkley, Gina Gershon & Kyle MacLachlan star in SHOWGIRLS (1995) /// Directed by Paul Verhoeven. ///***Picks of the Week***\\\ • Lindsay’s Pick: BOUND (1996). Gina Gershon, Jennifer Tilly, Joe Pantoliano /// Directed by Lana Wachowski & Lilly Wachowski. • Justin’s Pick: STARSHIP TROOPERS. (1997). Casper Van Dien, Dina Meyer, Denise Richards, Neil Patrick Harris /// Directed by Paul Verhoeven. . ///***MurrayMoment***\\\ Billy finds himself in a perilous pool situation. ///***Final Thoughts on SHOWGIRLS***\\\ Coming in June: SPEED (1994) • Please rate, review & subscribe. • Follow on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok & YouTube. • Hosts: Justin Johnson & Lindsay Reber // Music: Matt Pace // Announcer: Mary Timmel // Logo: Beau Shoulders. www.dontpushpausepodcast.com dontpushpausepodcast@gmail.com Be Kind & Rewatch // May 7, 2024
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    2 hrs
  • Episode 115 : Donnie Darko

    Episode 115 : Donnie Darko
    Apr 10 2024
    Selling an atmospheric, science-fiction film about an extraordinary teenager discovering time travel & saving the world was a lofty pitch for a feature film debut. But writer/director Richard Kelly crafted a mind-bending, unconventional story, packed with powerful visuals & rich subtext, which has now turned it into a modern cult classic. It’s time to unravel the inner-workings of DONNIE DARKO. ///***Discussions include***\\\ Richard Kelly’s script influences, unwavering ambitiousness & vision for the film; finding a production house, churning up interest & lucky breaks; themes, mythology & interpretations; cast influences & character breakdowns; production, visual effects, cinematography & editing; usage of music & score; challenges with releasing, selling & marketing; memorable scenes, reception, Director’s Cut & legacy. Jake Gyllenhaal, Jena Malone, Mary McDonnell, Drew Barrymore & so many more star in DONNIE DARKO (2001) /// Directed by Richard Kelly. ///***Picks of the Week***\\\ • Lindsay’s Pick: NOWHERE (1997). James Duval, Rachel True, Nathan Bexton, Christina Applegate /// Directed by Gregg Araki. • Justin’s Pick: PRISONERS (2013). Jake Gyllenhaal, Hugh Jackman, Terrence Howard, Paul Dano, Viola Davis /// Directed by Denis Villeneuve. ///***MurrayMoment***\\\ Billy’s surprising entrance into the Marvel superhero world. ///***Final Thoughts on DONNIE DARKO***\\\ Coming in May: SHOWGIRLS (1995). • Please rate, review & subscribe. • Follow on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok & YouTube. • Hosts: Justin Johnson & Lindsay Reber // Music: Matt Pace // Announcer: Mary Timmel // Logo: Beau Shoulders. www.dontpushpausepodcast.com dontpushpausepodcast@gmail.com Be Kind & Rewatch // April 2024
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    2 hrs and 19 mins
  • Episode 114 : Party Girl

    Episode 114 : Party Girl
    Mar 12 2024

    Independent cinema & Parker Posey were once synonymous together. PARTY GIRL provides a nuanced & legitimate snapshot of mid-‘90s New York, complete with updated screwball comedy vibes, an inspiring dose of youth-to-adulthood transition & charm from beginning to end. Strap in for this love letter to indie film! 
///***Discussions include***\\\ Story conception, inspirations, writer/director collaboration & refining the script; themes, tonality, authenticity & capturing a niche, contemporary reality; type of film & culture-clashing; finding the cast, character discussion & Parker Posey background; heavy music & fashion/costuming influences; difficulties with releasing, premiere & longevity of the film.

    Parker Posey, Omar Townsend, Guillermo Diaz & Sasha von Scherler star in PARTY GIRL (1995) /// Directed by Daisy von Scherler Mayer.

    ///***Picks of the Week***\\\ • Lindsay’s Pick: THE HOUSE OF YES (1997). Parker Posey, Freddie Prince Jr., Josh Hamilton, Tori Spelling /// Directed by Mark Waters. • Justin’s Pick: PRICE CHECK (2012). Parker Posey, Eric Mabius, Amy Schumer, Annie Parisse /// Directed by Michael Walker. ///***MurrayMoment***\\\ The same Lower Manhattan filming region for PARTY GIRL once provided a refuge for Billy & his SNL counterparts — time to go inside the legendary Blues Bar.

    ///***Final Thoughts on PARTY GIRL***\\\

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    Coming in April: DONNIE DARKO (2001).

    • Please rate, review & subscribe. • Follow on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok & YouTube. • Hosts: Justin Johnson & Lindsay Reber // Music: Matt Pace // Announcer: Mary Timmel // Logo: Beau Shoulders. www.dontpushpausepodcast.com dontpushpausepodcast@gmail.com

    Be Kind & Rewatch // March 2024
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    1 hr and 42 mins
  • Episode 113 : The Before Trilogy

    Episode 113 : The Before Trilogy
    Feb 13 2024
    Richard Linklater’s BEFORE SUNRISE, BEFORE SUNSET & BEFORE MIDNIGHT beautifully articulate how finding a rare connection with another person can affect one’s path in life. Without leaning on nostalgia or typical romantic tropes, THE BEFORE TRILOGY became an unintentional series, and spoke volumes about being in the present moment, being affected by the past & moving to the future. 

///***Discussions include***\\\ Brief history of Linklater’s career until BEFORE SUNRISE & between the series’ sequels; real-life inspiration behind the continuing story; Kim Krizan & lead actors’ involvement in methodical scriptwriting; importance in casting, chemistry & comfortability; selling the initial script, finding funding & garnering interest in sequels; overall themes, use of time & relatability; breakdowns of each film, growth of characters & relationship evolution throughout multiple years, plus the reception of each film. Julie Delpy & Ethan Hawke star in BEFORE SUNRISE (1995), BEFORE SUNSET (2004) & BEFORE MIDNIGHT (2013) /// Directed by Richard Linklater. ///***Picks of the Week***\\\ Returning in Episode 114. ///***MurrayMoment***\\\ Returning in Episode 114. ///***Final Thoughts on THE BEFORE TRILOGY***\\\ Next Up: PARTY GIRL (1995) • Please rate, review & subscribe. • Follow on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok & YouTube. • Hosts: Justin Johnson & Lindsay Reber // Music: Matt Pace // Announcer: Mary Timmel // Logo: Beau Shoulders. www.dontpushpausepodcast.com dontpushpausepodcast@gmail.com Be Kind & Rewatch // February 13, 2024.
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    1 hr and 51 mins
  • Episode 112 : The Exorcist

    Episode 112 : The Exorcist
    Dec 5 2023

    On its 50th Anniversary, THE EXORCIST can still boast being as effective today as it was on its release date. With an intense production & determined minds, mix in some truth & multiple controversies, this film cemented a permanent place in pop culture history. Take a trip back to uncover the story behind the film which caused people to question their beliefs & faint in theaters. 

///***Discussions include***\\\ William Peter Blatty’s inspiration for & true story behind The Exorcist novel, plus fact vs. fiction comparisons; early readings & retaining the novel’s integrity; securing & fighting for William Friedkin to direct; screenplay adaptation, pacing & themes; production difficulties & studio interference; assembling the cast, complications, behind the scenes stories & character breakdowns; music, special effects, make-up & stunts; Friedkin’s unorthodox methods of direction & marketing, injuries & rumors; release, audience reactions & recognition; the 2000 re-release, initial sequels & memorable scenes.

    Linda Blair, Ellen Burstyn, Jason Miller & Max von Sydow star in THE EXORCIST (1973) /// Directed by William Friedkin.

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    ///***Picks of the Week***\\\ • Lindsay’s Pick: BUG (2006). Ashley Judd, Michael Shannon, Harry Connick Jr. /// Directed by William Friedkin. • Justin’s Pick: CRUISING (1980). Al Pacino, Paul Sorvino, Karen Allen, Richard Cox /// Directed by William Friedkin. . ///***MurrayMoment***\\\ Meager Murray Christmas memories, plus some love thrown to the family matriarch, Lucille.

    ///***Final Thoughts on THE EXORCIST***\\\

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    Stay Tuned! We’ll return in February 2024 with All-New Episodes!

    • Please rate, review & subscribe. • Follow on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok & YouTube. • Hosts: Justin Johnson & Lindsay Reber // Music: Matt Pace // Announcer: Mary Timmel // Logo: Beau Shoulders. www.dontpushpausepodcast.com dontpushpausepodcast@gmail.com

    Be Kind & Rewatch // December 5th, 2023
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    2 hrs and 29 mins
  • Episode 111 : After Hours

    Episode 111 : After Hours
    Nov 7 2023
    For being an underseen Martin Scorsese film, AFTER HOURS is responsible for rescuing his career in 1985. This wild, insulated world weaves an intricate web of curiosity & chance rolled into an anxiety dream. Scorsese’s fast-paced, down & dirty style takes up residence within the dark corners of New York for this one-night-only adventure of survival.

//***Discussions include***\\ Actors Griffin Dunne & Amy Robinson tracking down the screenplay, finding a director & controversial story origin; what led Scorsese the project; recirculating themes, foreshadowing & key plot points; use of dark comedy, action & anxiety in the film; cast & extreme performances; lighting, cinematography, editing & score; reception, effect on Scorsese’s career & behind the scenes stories. Griffin Dunne, Rosanna Arquette, Teri Garr & Catherine O’Hara star in AFTER HOURS (1985) /// Directed by Martin Scorsese. //***Picks of the Week***\\ • Lindsay’s Pick: SOMETHING WILD (1986). Melanie Griffith, Jeff Daniels, Ray Liotta /// Directed by Jonathan Demme. • Justin’s Pick: BRINGING OUT THE DEAD (1999). Nicolas Cage, Patricia Arquette, John Goodman, Ving Rhames /// Directed by Martin Scorsese. . //***MurrayMoment***\\ Billy takes his youngest sibling, Joel, on a journey without telling him where they’re going. //***Final Thoughts on AFTER HOURS***\\ Next Episode: THE EXORCIST (1973) • Please rate, review & subscribe. • Follow on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok & YouTube. • Hosts: Justin Johnson & Lindsay Reber // Music: Matt Pace // Announcer: Mary Timmel // Logo: Beau Shoulders. www.dontpushpausepodcast.com (http://www.dontpushpausepodcast.com/) dontpushpausepodcast@gmail.com Be Kind & Rewatch // November 7, 2023
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    1 hr and 50 mins