392 – Robin Hood (2010)

We’re back to discussing the filmography of director Ridley Scott this week, though this episode was recorded… before the news of his Honorary Oscar. Nope, there is also a new riff on a Robin Hood this week, so we’re talking his ongoing collaboration with Russell Crowe and their 2010 take on the fable. Arriving at the beginning of the summer, the film did respectable business but failed to match the respect and Academy love for their first epic together Gladiator.

This episode, we discuss the film’s intended origins as a Sheriff of Nottingham film and its final approach as an ensemble piece of political intrigue. We also talk about Oscar Isaac’s eyeliner-forward performance, the miscasting of Cate Blanchett as a Marion more derivative of other female action characters, and Scott’s stretch of darker movies post-Gladiator.

Topics also include the 2010 Cannes Film Festival, the non-controversy of The King’s Speech’s set locations, and slow mo bow and arrows.

372 – The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (w/ Natalie Walker!)

Happy Holidays, Garys! This week, we have some unfinished business with Keira Knightley and who better than our pal, actress Natalie Walker to join us for the holiday season. In 2018, Oscar pedigreed Lasse Hallström and family friendly Joe Johnston adapted the classic Nutcracker story for the screen in a grab bag of Disney certified IP flare. Okay, sure, this isn’t the most THOB-y of titles, but it does give us an excuse to talk about Keira Knightley’s deranged (complimentary) performance and unpack just what the hell each of the titular four realms are.

This episode, we finally get to that Keira Knightley Six (Seven… ugh!) Timers Quiz! We also talk about reshoots that led to Lasse Hallström and Joe Johnston sharing directorial duties, the glorious dance sequences led by Misty Copeland, and Christmas movie Oscar nominees.

Topics also include Polish Oscar winning shorts, seeing the Nutcracker ballet as children, and Morgan Freeman with an eyepatch.