Movie Madness

Hosted by film critic Erik Childress presenting reviews, interviews, film festival coverage, DVDs, awards and more!


James Laczkowski James Laczkowski

Episode 132: The 2019 SXSW Film Festival

Erik Childress returns from his 17th year covering the festival in Austin and has in store some long lead previews including the latest from Seth Rogen; one opposite Charlize Theron and another producing for the great Jacob Tremblay. But there are also reviews for Kevin Costner, Tatiana Maslany and Nick Kroll, a reminder of one of the year’s best performances from Elisabeth Moss and everything leading up to the film that was not only the best of SXSW but the best film Erik has seen to date this year. On top of it all is a preview of the Chicago Critics Film Festival taking place this May once again at the Music Box Theatre.

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James Laczkowski James Laczkowski

Episode 131: DY-NO-MITE! Willie…Dynamite!

Getting caught up on the latest in Blu-rays is what Erik Childress and Sergio Mims do for you. They go through some recently praised horror along with the taboo remnants of yesteryear involving The Group and a certain Boss. Though the past comes back with the terrific remake of A Star is Born they also have time to talk Hitchcock, Charles Burnett and the long-awaited third commentary track of Mr. Mims.

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James Laczkowski James Laczkowski

Episode 130: The Marvel Us

Marvel’s first female superhero headliner arrives in theaters with a lot of excitement and its share of unnecessary toxic controversy. Erik Childress is joined by Erik Laws who went in with excitement and come out addressing not just the controversy swirling around ungrateful manbabies but also a real sense of disappointment. The Eriks attempt to navigate the middle ground and articulating where Captain Marvel comes up short in its storytelling and characterizations without being called out by one quotient and embraced by the other.

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James Laczkowski James Laczkowski

Episode 129: The 2019 Sundance Film Festival

It was Erik Childress’ 17th year attending the Sundance Film Festival and he saw 30 films Tune in to hear him tell you about the best, the worst and a bunch in-between. Along the way he reveals a favorite encounter he had with one of the fest volunteers and discusses with Sergio Mims the controversy over a certain banned blogger and his failed attempts to get reinstated. Plus, a special interview by Sergio Mims of Academy Award winning director, Barry Jenkins, about his latest work, the great If Beale Street Could Talk.

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James Laczkowski James Laczkowski

Episode 128: One Small Step…AND THEY BLEW IT!

Erik Childress and Sergio Mims bring you the first NEW Blu-ray show of 2019 as they take you through the inspiration for Martin Scorsese’s Hugo, some icky obsessions courtesy of Shout Factory and catch up on some titles from Twilight Time. They also discuss the 25th Anniversary of Schindler’s List, their muted thoughts on a Billy Wilder classic and then get into angry detail at how Damien Chazelle’s First Man was screwed by its studio, audiences, awards and politicians alike. But first, the box office returns to Movie Madness and Erik takes you through the beginning of some new angles on how to look at the numbers.

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James Laczkowski James Laczkowski

Episode 127: WHY IS THIS NOT ON BLU-RAY? (Chapter 3)

Before Erik Childress and Sergio Mims get to films you CAN get on Blu-ray FOR 2019 they continue their ongoing crusade to get films out that are still not available yet in the format. Sergio has some classic releases you may not be aware of. Erik has some more modern titles from major filmmakers that are yet to be released in the format they deserve including one major television title. They also call out studios for choosing not to release Blu-ray versions of recent critically-acclaimed award winners. They run down nearly 20 titles and throw out some others for good measure. Will we see them finally in 2019?

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James Laczkowski James Laczkowski

Episode 126: The 2018 Oscars (Nominations)

The first podcast of 2019 is an overview of the awards season with Erik Childress. He takes you back to the pre-Thanksgiving conversation with Sergio Mims as they did some extremely early prognostication. Then he brings you back to the days before the Oscar nominations to present analysis of who is still in the running and who is likely to get nominated. Tune in for his full predictions for this year’s Oscars.

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James Laczkowski James Laczkowski

Episode 125: Last-Minute Gift Guide For 2018 (Part 2)

On the final show of 2018 Erik Childress and Sergio Mims want to make sure you have not overlooked anything on your cinematic shopping list for Christmas (and after.) A bunch of great cult titles and TV shows from Mill Creek, THE best action film of the year, an overlooked gem from the Chicago Critics Film Festival and Sergio’s candidate for one of the Blu-ray releases of the year.

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James Laczkowski James Laczkowski

Episode 124: Does Aquaman Sink Or Swim? Or Just Stinks?

Just two episodes ago Erik Childress and comic book expert Erik Laws were delighted talking about the surprise that Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse was. Now it is DC’s turn in the spotlight and, boy, things are not nearly as delightful. More like disappointment and disgust as you will hear as their discussion goes from dismay to shock to outright anger.

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James Laczkowski James Laczkowski

Episode 123: Last-Minute Gift Guide For 2018 (Part 1)

We’re clearing out the year-end releases and telling you about a lot of our favorites if you’re still stuck for Christmas ideas for the movie lovers in your family. There’s a little Capra and a lot of critters, creepy roommates and creepier moms, a racist congressman, Spike Lee’s KKK and a Coen Bros. 4K. Plus we have a title we can scratch off our Not-On-Blu-Ray show, an underrated remake and a really special release paying full tribute to a comic legend.

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