Tag: cody clarke

Star Wars: The Premake – All Of ‘A New Hope’, Recreated Shot-By-Shot From Pre-1977 Media

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Star Wars: The Premake (2015) | By John D’Amico | 118 min.

A couple years ago when John D’Amico first told me he was planning on doing this, it of course sounded awesome, but it seemed to me like it might become a Synecdoche, New York-esque endeavor that would take over his life for decades. I just couldn’t fathom it ever actually being completed, even a rough cut. But then again, we’re talking about the guy behind Shot Context—if anyone were going to do this, and do it without growing old and grey, it’d be him. His encyclopedic knowledge of film, and ability to pinpoint homages, ripoffs, and coincidences throughout all of film history, never ceases to amaze me.

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Smug Film Podcast Episode #54 – Harry Brewis / Jar Jar Binks / Lumpawaroo / Star Wars Prequels / Wookieepedia (11/9/15)

Episode 541:19:56 | View on iTunes | Download Mp3

On this episode, Cody Clarke, John D’Amico, and Jenna Ipcar are joined by Harry Brewis for a discussion of all things Star Wars prequels, including Lumpawaroo’s Jar Jar Binks theory! Plus, a voicemail from Richard Karpala, and Chloe Pelletier reviews Spectre!

If you have a question or comment that you’d like answered/played on the show, call our voicemail box at 718-395-9711, and be sure to leave your name as well!

And, if you haven’t already, head on over to our Patreon, where we’ve got a bunch of great rewards for listeners who donate to the show. Donating one dollar a month gets you a bonus mini-episode of the show in your inbox every Monday! These special episodes will never be available on iTunes or SmugFilm.com or anywhere else. The only way to hear them is by donating. And we’ve got a bunch of other great rewards too on there too, so check it out today!
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#45 – 1979 in Film / Frank Santopadre of Gilbert Gottfried’s Amazing Colossal Podcast (9/7/15)

Episode 451:27:26 | View on iTunes | Download Mp3

On this episode, John D’Amico, Jenna Ipcar and I are joined by special guest Frank Santopadre, co-host of Gilbert Gottfried’s Amazing Colossal Podcast, for a discussion about the films of 1979! Plus, Chloe Pelletier with a review of The Visit!

If you have a question or comment that you’d like answered/played on the show, call our voicemail box at 718-395-9711, and be sure to leave your name as well!
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‘Whiplash’ is Anime

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Whiplash (2014)
Written and Directed by Damien Chazelle
107 min.

Finally saw Whiplash, last year’s little-engine-that-could (and did—four Oscars). Can’t say I’m surprised at all that it was so well-received by critics and audiences alike—it’s a visceral, exciting film, one that, given its mundane subject matter, takes you by surprise with its intensity. An artificial, superimposed intensity, sure (a realistic film about getting good at drums would be more the vibe of Jeanne Dielman, but louder) but an intensity that is undeniably effective. At certain moments, I was quite literally on the edge of my seat.

My praise for the film ends there though, other than to say that J.K. Simmons delivers a phenomenal performance, his career best. And, there’s a few genuinely funny parts when you least expect them. In general though, the film is a shallow one. More specifically, it’s two-dimensional—so two-dimensional it’s damn near cel-based.

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Smug Film Podcast Episode #41 – Normal Bob Smith / Amazing Strangers / Union Square / Jesus Dress Up (8/10/15)

Episode 411:10:12 | View on iTunes | Download Mp3

On this episode, John D’Amico and I are joined by documentarian, illustrator, and photographer, Normal Bob Smith! His addictive and brilliant YouTube series Amazing Strangers is coming to a close, and we absolutely had to have him on the pod before he left NYC to begin a new chapter in his life. Be sure to listen closely to the episode to find out how you can win a signed Normal Bob prize!

Plus, Chloe Pelletier reviews The Tribe, and Jenna Ipcar leaves a voicemail question for Normal Bob! If you have a question or comment that you’d like answered/played on the show, call our voicemail box at 718-395-9711, and be sure to leave your name as well!
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