We'll be back soon!

Sorry for the delay!

Steve is currently in Chicago so that explains the mysterious delay on our next episode. Please excuse our lack of updates, we'll be back next week!

Episode 29: Six Months Later...

Our first episode in six months includes a lot of diverse reviews: I talk about Lars Von Trier's sexual saga NYMPHOMANIAC and the excellent indie revenge thriller BLUE RUIN. Steve shares why he loves ROCKY III but despises ROCKY IV, and he praises the documentary BIRTH OF THE LIVING DEAD, which documents the making of George Romero's NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD.And finally, we try to figure out why Cineplex Odeon would like to charge patrons extra for "the best seats". That and much more!

We were gone...only to return!

After several months of being on an indefinite hiatus, LIVING IN LETTERBOX will finally return to the podcast universe.

The reason why the show stopped was simply because of gnarly technical issues, mainly the fact that my Macbook died a slow, horrible death--Yes, Macbooks aren't indestructable. All of these problems have finally been resolved, and Steve and I are ready to talk movies on the air once again!

We plan to have our next episode online by June 6, and we will have a wealth of material to discuss, so stay tuned. In the meantime, listen to all of our previous episodes and subscribe to the show on iTunes.

Yours,
Andrew

Episode 28: Unadaptable

This month, we start by talking about Paul Walker's death and how it affects the future of FAST & FURIOUS 7.

On the lighter side of things, Steve recommends a movie to me that he didn't care for at all, but felt I would really enjoy: director William Friedkin's 1983 flop DEAL OF THE CENTURY, a war arms satire starring Chevy Chase!

I review what I feel is the best film of 2013 so far, 12 YEARS A SLAVE, plus BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOR, Spike Lee's remake of OLD BOY and BIG STAR: NOTHING CAN HURT ME, a documentary about the 70s rock band whose cult following brought them out of obscurity.

We also talk about the golden days of movie novelizations and Steve reviews INDIE GAME: THE MOVIE which is a revealing doc about the merciless and painful obsession of creating video games.

Episode 27: The Great Void

This month Steve and I delve into alternate kinds of dark territory by reviewing the monolithic sci-fi hit GRAVITY and the remake of MANIAC starring Elijah Wood. I also review THE KILLER SNAKES, a 1973 horror film produced by the Shaw Brothers. We also discuss the difficulties of separating art from artist, case in point: the author Orson Scott Card, who wrote the book ENDER'S GAME, and his controversial stance on homosexuality. Can you endorse a person's literature, film or other work of art and easily reject their unpopular opinions and actions? This and a whole lot more great chatter on this episode.

Episode 26: Punchy Titles

Steve and I talk about the viral phenomenon that is SHARKNADO and why this made-for-cable shark hybrid movie became so successful. Steve reviews two recent documentaries about movies: CLEANFLIX which reveals how Mormons are able to watch R-rated films and THAT GUY WHO WAS IN THAT THING, about the lives and careers of some very familiar character actors.

I review two notable classics, the 1966 adventure THE NAKED PREY and Wim Wenders' classic PARIS, TEXAS. Steve also recommends a film with the wonderful title of MAGIC COP.

Episode 25: The Summer's End

This month, Steve and I wrap up the summer by discussing the works of Edgar Wright and his latest film THE WORLD'S END and we also talk a lil' Woody Allen as I review his new film BLUE JASMINE. We also exchange our thoughts about a very interesting New York Times article about how fatherhood changes movie-going habits in surprising ways. Here's a link to that story here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/01/magazine/two-sucked-thumbs-up.html?ref=magazine&_r=2&

Episode 24: Where's Your Personal Limit?

This month, Steve and I praise PACIFIC RIM and discuss Guillermo del Toro's fine career, but things get a lot darker when Steve recommends (with reservations) a horror film that combines drug abuse, sex, an Elvis look-a-like and a parasitic baby, it's title: WON TON BABY! Speaking of having reservations, Steve had a few of those as I reviewed the startling documentary THE ACT OF KILLING, which allowed men who committed genocide to artfully recreate their crimes on camera. Even if you're an adventurous filmgoer like we are, we all have limits. Does this film cross it for you?

Episode 23: Project Sequel

Steve has made a point of watching underrated sequels of the past, including FRENCH CONNECTION 2, which we both discuss in length. How many sequels include a harrowing drug addiction battle in the middle? Plus I review THE LONE RANGER and recount my childhood obsession with VHS recording. We also pay tribute to the late James Gandolfini and Jim "Black Belt Jones" Kelly. Listen! Download! Comment!

Episode 22: Rain and Death

This month, Steve gushes over FAST & FURIOUS 6 and we both agree that the new punk rock documentary A BAND CALLED DEATH is well worth seeing and that the morbidly named band is well worth listening to. We review Michael Douglas as Liberace in BEHIND THE CANDELABRA and we also speculate as to why Leonard Nimoy is allowed in the J.J. Abrams STAR TREK universe and not William Shatner. Plus, Steve sings praises of the classic musical SINGIN' IN THE RAIN.

Episode 21: Macho Topless Moments

Steve had fun watching Tom Cruise in COCKTAIL on Blu-ray, which is a movie that doesn't seem to understand how bartender really works. He also dug into his pile of shame and pulled out ALIEN VS. PREDATOR: REQUIEM and SKYLINE. I review two offbeat classic films released on Blu-ray by Olive Films: the science-gone-wrong/film noir hybrid SHE DEVIL (1957) and the terrific and under seen black revolutionary film UPTIGHT (1968) I also give my take on Danny Boyle's latest film TRANCE.

We also do a belated tribute to Roger Ebert and discuss what we enjoyed about his diverse body of work. Enjoy!

Episode 20: You Must Remember This

Hey folks, Andrew here.

Roger Ebert has died at the age of 70. This is a major loss to lovers of cinema and film criticism. I grew up watching Siskel & Ebert and later Ebert & Roeper as well as reading his reviews of the latest movies. His influence on me was so profound that it went beyond just movies. He taught me so much about criticism, writing, journalism, and thinking and he shaped my sensibility as a young filmgoer more than anyone, including many of the filmmakers I admire. He is already missed.

This episode includes a brief salute to Mr. Ebert but a proper tribute to him from Steve and I will take place on the following episode next month.

On this show, Steve and I crosstalk about Harmony Korine's SPRING BREAKERS and what we loved about it. Steve enthusiastically appraises WILLOW, which recently got released on Blu-ray. Towards the end of the show, we also talk about the power of Chuck Norris' beard, which he lost when he recently shaved it off!

Aside from hearing the podcast on this blogger site, you can subscribe to the show on iTunes. Please do so and leave a review as well. See you at the movies.

Episode 19: What's Up, Willis?

We're back! Did you miss us? After a two month hiatus, we finally return to podcast land! The only real change to the show will be our scheduling. Instead of one new show a week, it will now be a monthly show. The benefit of this, besides making it easier for our busy schedules, is that we'll have more time to watch a lot of movies and therefore, have a lot to discuss for your listening pleasure. A new episode will be made available the first Friday of every month here and on iTunes.

On this episode, Steve and I both agree that A GOOD DAY TO DIE HARD was a disappointment but we switch gears and agree that the Barbra Streisand comedy WHAT'S UP, DOC? is a fantastic movie. I also recommend a couple of British gangster films from the 70s and Steve raves about a British horror film. Listen in, blokes!

Rebooting

Hey folks,

As you may already know, LIVING IN LETTERBOX has been on hold for over a month. Skype issues, scheduling and commitment problems have put the podcast in a standstill that has made it's future uncertain. But now, Steve and I have agreed that the best solution is to bring you the show once a month instead of once a week. Steve juggles fatherhood, a fulltime job and other obligations so once a month seems more workable for us.

We're just about ready to resume recording and uploading the show for your listening pleasure once again. An update will follow shortly. We hope you continue to listen and spread the word about our podcast via Twitter, Facebook and other social media. See you at the movies.

-Andrew

Episode 18: His Name Is Django / The Best of 2012

After a few weeks off we finally return with our first show of 2013. We take a look back at our favourite films of last year but first, we finally dig into the gritty, bombastic spaghetti western take on the nastiness of slavery in DJANGO UNCHAINED which just received a few Oscar nods.

Episode 17: The Christmas Show - Parental Guidance from Bad Santas, terrorists & Ben Affleck

We all have our favourite Christmas movies: MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET, IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE, A CHRISTMAS STORY, etc. But there are many holiday films that don't get the attention that those titles do. On our first Christmas show (and the last episode of 2012) Steve and I shed some light on a few neglected Yuletide flicks. Steve also gives his expert opinion on THE HOBBIT. Pour yourself some eggnog, dim the lights and have a listen!

Episode 16: One for Bond, One for the West

This week, Steve talks about his enthusiastic first ever viewing of GOLDFINGER on Blu ray, as he goes through his 007 boxset. And I prime myself for DJANGO UNCHAINED's Christmas Day release by outlining my plan to watch as many classic westerns as possible, including spaghetti westerns like MY NAME IS NOBODY, THE GRAND DUEL and offbeat American westerns like the underrated gem HANNIE CAULDER, starring Raquel Welch.

Also, I review the indie comedy SLEEPWALK WITH ME, starring stand-up comedian Mike Birbiglia, which I feel is one of the best films of this year. Plus Steve reveals how Peter Jackson successfully squashed plans for a Hobbit straight-to-DVD ripoff. Listen, enjoy and leave us your comments or suggestions below! And if you enjoy this podcast, please spread the word on Twitter, Facebook or by classic word of mouth!

Plus! We're finally available directly on iTunes! Subscribe and please leave us a rating or review!

Episode 15: What's So Funny? A look at modern comedies

It seems Steve and I have much different tastes when it comes to comedies. In the past decade, we've experienced a rising popularity in ribald rated R comedies like THE 40 YEAR OLD VIRGIN, BORAT, THE HANGOVER & BRIDESMAIDS. I've enjoyed these films. My co-host Steve has not. This week, we explore our disagreements in comedies, including what we believe are underrated classics of the genre, including some that are misunderstood (see above.) Listen in to see who has the last laugh.

Episode 14: A Visit From The Drunken Master

Steve is busy with baby duties so he is out of commission this week. But at the last minute I snagged my good friend, nicknamed The Drunken Master, to be my substitute co-host. We do a radio show together called The Drunken Master Revue, which airs Mondays at 9am EST on 93.1 CKCU-FM here in Ottawa. You can listen to that program live or archived at ckcufm.com

On this special episode, we talk everything from Star Wars porn, to Django Unchained, Cloud Atlas, James Bond and more. The Drunken Master knows his stuff and has strong opinions so he's the perfect sub to join me this week.

Oh, and if you're wondering why I have a picture from WEEKEND AT BERNIE'S at the top, you'll have to hear the episode to find out. Enjoy!

Episode 13: Bonus show! A conversation with stuntman/actor/filmmaker Gary Kent

Hey folks!

I mentioned via Twitter that I'd post two episodes this week but Steve is sick with a little bronchitis, so instead of a regular show, I thought I'd reach back into my personal archives and present an interview I did a couple of years back with Gary Kent, a stuntman, actor and filmmaker whose over 50 year career in the film business includes rubbing (bruised) elbows with Jack Nicholson, Warren Oates, Lee Marvin and filmmakers like Richard Rush (Freebie and the Bean) Al Adamson (Satan's Sadists) and Brian DePalma (Phantom of the Paradise.) He's done stunts on various biker, horror and even softcore skin flicks, often playing "Bad guy #1". He's directed two independent films: the 70s headtrip flick THE PYRAMID and RAINY DAY FRIENDS, a drama about cancer survival, both of which have been rereleased on DVD after years of obscurity.

When you work in movies, anything can happen. One of Gary's more bizarre stories includes crossing paths with Charles Manson and his followers while on location shooting a western. All his stories are documented in his memoir SHADOWS & LIGHT. Great stories abound!