Matinee Heroes

THE DEER HUNTER Michael, Nick and Steven are lifelong friends who work in the mill, hang out at the local bar, and bond on regular deer hunts in the mountains. Before they ship out to Vietnam, they celebrate Steven’s wedding and take one last trip together, completely unaware of how the war will destroy their innocence. In Vietnam, they are thrown into brutal combat and captivity that leaves them physically and emotionally scarred, and for the survivors, it becomes almost impossible to ever truly find their way back home. Craig, Elisabeth and guest Blake Casselman talk about post-Vietnam attitudes, trauma bonding, the streaming premiere of “Limbo” and the movie “The Deer hunter” on this week’s Matinee Heroes! Show Notes 1:22 Craig, Elisabeth and guest Blake Casselman talk about the streaming debut of his film "Limbo" now playing at Reveel.net 13:37 Craig, Elisabeth and Blake discuss "The Deer Hunter" 58:09 Recasting 1:27:01 Double Feature 1:30:44 Final Thoughts 1:40:13 A preview of next week's episode "Gone with the Wind" Our next no-ender you may not give a damn about but it's "Gone with the Wind"

BEN-HUR An aristocratic Jew living in Judaea incurs the wrath of a childhood friend, now a Roman tribune. Forced into slavery on a galley and made to witness the brutal persecution of his family, he survives, silently nurturing a relentless dream of vengeance. Craig, Elisabeth and guest Derek McCaw talk about historical fiction, intermissions, inner fat kids and the movie “Ben Hur” on this week’s Matinee Heroes! Show Notes 1:04 Craig, Elisabeth and Derek McCaw talk about their inner and outer fat kids. 10:04 Craig, Elisabeth and Derek discuss "Ben-Hur" 47:30 Recasting 1:10:09 Double Feature 1:13:09 Final Thoughts 1:20:09 A preview of next week's episode "The Deer Hunter" Our next no-ender is the post-Vietnam drama "The Deer Hunter"

TITANIC A young aristocratic woman named Rose, suffocating in a rigid engagement, falls for free-spirited third-class passenger Jack Dawson aboard the unsinkable ocean liner - Titanic. Their secret romance defies class and her possessive fiancé as the ship sails toward disaster. When it hits an iceberg, their struggle to survive reveals love, sacrifice, and the brutal divide between those rescued and those left behind. Craig, Elisabeth and guest Ryley Brown talk about touchstone cinema, historical fiction, PCP chowder and the movie “Titanic” on this week’s Matinee Heroes. Show Notes 1:20 Craig, Elisabeth and Ryley Brown talk about boats. 7:37 Craig, Elisabeth and Ryley discuss "Titanic" 1:08:03 Recasting 1:44:36 Double Feature 1:47:42 Final Thoughts 1:56:31 A preview of next week's episode "Ben-Hur" Our next no-ender is the biblical fiction "Ben-Hur"

Enrico Colantoni brought warmth, candor, and craft to the stage at FanX Salt Lake in September 2025, moving from first-time motion capture on Indiana Jones and the Great Circle to lived-in stories from Veronica Mars, Flashpoint, and Person of Interest, blending practical acting insights with dry wit, a steady respect for the work, and genuine connection with the audience. Enrico recounts his first stab at motion capture on Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, cracking up about the clingy gray suit and the pure imagination it takes to act to a green void. The infamous Veronica Mars black eye turns out to be a street-hockey souvenir, and the father–daughter magic with Kristen Bell comes from leading with heart instead of tricks. Whether commanding in Flashpoint or charmingly dangerous in Person of Interest, he builds every role by finding the human first, even when the character would rather hide it. “It’s my heart with different language. My heart in a different costume” - Enrico Colantoni Want more exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes stories from the people who bring your favorite characters to life? Subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on your favorite podcasting platform for more behind-the-scenes stories and exclusive interviews.

DANCES WITH WOLVES A Civil War soldier on the frontier bonds with a Lakota band and is drawn to the clarity of their way of life. Welcomed into the community and given the name Dances with Wolves, he falls for a white woman raised within the tribe. That fragile peace breaks when Union soldiers arrive to claim the land. Craig, Elisabeth and guest Annie Bulloch talk about reconciling America's bloody past, life on the frontier, confident dogs and the movie “Dances with Wolves” on this week’s Matinee Heroes!! Show Notes 0:57 Craig, Elisabeth and Annie Bulloch talk about Texas and dogs. 15:32 Craig, Elisabeth and Annie discuss "Dances with Wolves" 1:24:35 Recasting 1:52:30 Double Feature 2:02:08 Final Thoughts 2:06:40 A preview of next week's episode "Titanic" Our next no-ender is the monster hit "Titanic"

SINNERS Two estranged twins head back to their Mississippi hometown hoping for a clean slate, but old grudges, buried secrets, and a town that doesn’t forget greet them at the county line. Soon they discover that an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back. Craig, Elisabeth and guest Derek McCaw talk about uncomfortable truths, the allure of vampires, Halloween candy and the movie “Sinners” on this week’s Matinee Villains! Show Notes 1:16 Craig, Elisabeth and Derek McCaw talk about vampires and zombies. 11:38 Craig, Elisabeth and Derek discuss "Sinners" 1:05:01 Recasting 1:34:30 Double Feature 1:42:45 Final Thoughts 1:50:00 A preview of next week's episode "Dances with Wolves" November brings a month of long epics! No-ender starts with the 4-hour "Dances with Wolves"

TAXI DRIVER Travis Bickle can’t sleep, so he drives a cab all night. The city wears him down and he starts to crack. After meeting campaign worker Betsy, he fixates on “saving” the world. First by plotting a hit on a politician, then by trying to rescue a 12-year-old prostitute named iris as he descends into vigilante delusion, one ride at a time. Craig, Elisabeth and guest Brendan Agnew talk about sweaty New York, anti-hero or villain, Halloween goings on and the movie “Taxi Driver” on this week’s Matinee Villains!! Show Notes 1:00 Craig, Elisabeth and Brendan Agnew talk about Marion's Halloween costume. 6:00 Craig, Elisabeth and Brendan discuss "Taxi Driver" 54:54 Recasting 1:24:59 Double Feature 1:31:19 Final Thoughts 1:35:37 A preview of next week's episode "Sinners" Matinee Villains month concludes one of the best horror movies of 2025:  "Sinners"

AMERICAN PSYCHO Patrick Bateman is a polished Wall Street executive. Behind the perfect suit, he hides a predatory, psychopathic ego from his coworkers. After hours in 1980s New York, he unleashes it as a brutal serial killer. Craig and Elisabeth are joined by Everything I Learned From Movies Steve and Izzy to discuss the 80’s greed, unreliable narrators, the International Gay Rodeo and the movie “American Psycho” on this week’s Matinee Villains. Show Notes 1:00 Craig, Elisabeth, Steve and Izzy talk about Stizzy's trip to Reno for the International Gay Rodeo. 15:08 Craig, Elisabeth, Steve and Izzy discuss "American Psycho" 36:33 Recasting 56:01 Double Feature 1:00:00 Final Thoughts 1:09:08 A preview of next week's episode "Taxi Driver" Matinee Villains month continues with an all time classic, still relevant today "Taxi Driver"

Two icons of 90s television and beyond—Rose McGowan (Scream, Planet Terror) and Holly Marie Combs (Picket Fences, Pretty Little Liars)—took the stage at FanX Salt Lake City 2023 for a heartfelt, funny, and wide-ranging conversation that delighted longtime fans. From sharing memories of growing up as child actors to reflecting on their post-Hollywood lives, the panel blended nostalgia, honesty, and plenty of laughs. Both McGowan and Combs began working as teenagers, navigating the strange realities of Hollywood at a young age. Combs spoke about finding “family” on the set of Picket Fences, while McGowan described how life in the industry made relationships feel temporary—but also taught her how to bond quickly and deeply with cast and crew. The conversation wasn’t just about their acting careers. Combs revealed her lifelong connection to the restaurant world—her family worked in the industry, and she and her husband now own a diner and an Italian spot where he perfected the fries after months of testing. McGowan, meanwhile, discussed her activism and her quieter life in Mexico, where she spends time observing monkeys in the jungle and escaping the chaos of Hollywood. The most powerful moments came when both reflected on resilience and inspiration. Combs pointed to co-star and longtime friend Shannon Doherty, calling her “tougher than she’s ever been” as she continues treatment and meets fans with strength and generosity. McGowan praised everyday “quiet heroes”—single parents and working families who inspire her with their perseverance. “It’s pretty magical that this many people still care about the thing we’re not supposed to talk about.” – Holly Marie Combs Want more exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes stories from the people who bring your favorite characters to life? Subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on your favorite podcasting platform for more behind-the-scenes stories and exclusive interviews.

FRESH Noa’s dating life is a dumpster fire of ghosters and red flags, until she meets Steve, who seems refreshingly normal. A romantic getaway soon feels… off. She discovers he has a taste for something truly monstrous and must fight back to make it out alive. Craig, Elisabeth and guest Mark Woodring talk about the current state of dating, Nine-Inch Nails, cannibalism and the movie “Fresh” on this week’s Matinee Villains!! Show Notes 1:09 Craig, Elisabeth and Mark Woodring talk about Nine Inch Nails and FanX. 11:29 Craig, Elisabeth and Mark discuss "Fresh" 46:05 Recasting 1:00:20 Double Feature 1:03:40 Final Thoughts 1:09:33 A preview of next week's episode "American Psycho" Matinee Villains month continues with the Christian Bale in "American Psycho"

LIVE FROM COMICPALOOZA 2025 - CASTOFF!! 4 players enter - 2 will win.  Live from this past Comicpalooza, the BryFy podcast vs Spoop Squad recast Andor while the hosts of the Cult 45 podcast battle each other over recasting Revenge of the Sith. Next week, Matinee Villains month starts and we sink our teeth into "Fresh"

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES In New York City, a mysterious ooze transforms four ordinary turtles into wisecracking, pizza-loving, ninja-fighting heroes. Trained in the art of Ninjutsu by their wise rat sensei, Splinter, the brothers — Michelangelo, Donatello, Raphael, and Leonardo — take to the streets to fight crime. But when a deadly rogue ninja, a former student of Splinter, shows up and unleashes chaos on the city, it’s up to the turtles to step up and save the day. Craig and Rob talk about foam rubber animals, regional accents, Retro Expo and the movie Teenage Mutant Ninja turtles on this week’s Matinee Heroes!! Next week, another live episode from Comicpalooza as we dust off the game show CastOFF! for 2 Star Wars themed competitions.

SUPERMAN II: THE RICHARD DONNER CUT Kryptonian warlord General Zod and his deadly crew are accidentally released from their space prison—and they’ve got their sights set on Earth. Just as they begin their reign of terror, Superman makes a life-changing choice: give up his powers to be with Lois Lane. Now the world’s greatest hero has to decide—love or duty—while the planet hangs in the balance. Craig and Rob Ervin talk about their favorite Superman, athletic nerds, Retro Expo and the movie "Superman II" on this week’s Matinee Heroes!! Next week, another live episode from Retro Expo with Rob Ervin. Craig is forced to talk about "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMJPwRWaZBI&ab_channel=RottenTomatoesClassicTrailers

STAR WARS EPISODE III: REVENGE OF THE SITH It has been three years since the Clone Wars began. Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi and Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker rescue Chancellor Palpatine from General Grievous, the commander of the droid armies—but Grievous escapes. Suspicions grow within the Jedi Council about the Chancellor, especially given his close relationship with Anakin. When Anakin is asked to spy on him, resentment boils over, and consumed by frustration and doubt, he turns to the Dark Side. Craig and Alan triumphantly return to Comicpalooza to talk about the Corruption of Anakin Skywalker, the Star Wars prequels, sweating in Houston and the movie "Revenge of the Sith" on this week’s LIVE Matinee Heroes!! Next week, another live episode, this time at Retro Expo as Rob Ervin joins in to talk "Superman II". https://youtu.be/jxD8RlGnP64?si=f4tS44Q52iBC2h0L

Two fan favorites from the Star Trek universe—Brent Spiner (Data, Lore, Dr. Soong) and John de Lancie (Q), took the stage at FanX Salt Lake City to swap stories, tease each other, and reflect on careers that stretch far beyond the Final Frontier. What unfolded was a lively, heartfelt, and hilarious panel that explored everything from Breaking Bad and My Little Pony to truth-telling in acting and the evolving humanity of their iconic characters. Houston Roots and Astroworld Memories: Spiner began with stories about Houston, Texas, and their early days performing at Astroworld. What started as gunfighting shows quickly evolved into creative theater, with Spiner even co-writing a “medicine show” alongside fellow actor Trey Wilson. The pair reminisced about the unpredictability of live performance and the strange lessons learned under the summer sun. Breaking Bad and the Outsider Experience: De Lancie also shared his time on Breaking Bad, where he immediately sensed he was stepping into something special. “You can tell almost immediately whether the show is really clicking when you walk on the set. Everybody was playing at a high level.” As a guest actor, he described the balancing act of finding his place in a family that had already been working together for years. Star Trek used philosophy and morality as story engines: Spiner pointed to The Measure of a Man as a defining episode about personhood and slavery, while de Lancie emphasized Q’s dynamic with Picard as a constant battle of wills. Both acknowledged the audience’s role in shaping how they now see their characters and themselves. “We could not do our work properly if we went up there to lie. We actually are looking for the truth.” – John de Lancie Want more exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes stories from the people who bring your favorite characters to life? Subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on your favorite podcasting platform for more behind-the-scenes stories and exclusive interviews.

LABYRINTH Frustrated with her baby brother, sixteen-year-old Sarah wishes the goblins would take him away—only to have her wish granted. Given thirteen hours to navigate a fantastical labyrinth, she must journey through a maze of strange creatures and challenges to rescue him from the Goblin King. Craig, Elisabeth and guest Derek McCaw talk about the deception of nostalgia, the power of David Bowie, post–Comic-Con chit chat and the movie “Labyrinth” On this week’s Matinee Heroes. Show Notes 0:59 Craig, Elisabeth and Derek McCaw talk about San Diego Comic Con. 6:20 Craig, Elisabeth and Derek discuss "Labyrinth" 37:48 Recasting 55:41 Double Feature 1:01:31 Final Thoughts 1:04:36 A preview of next week's episode "Revenge of the Sith" September is in the air and the Matinee Heroes traditional month of rest will be all live! Pre-recorded of course. First, a live recording of "Revenge of the Sith" from Comicpalooza!

AIR FORCE ONE Air Force One falls into the hands of violent radicals demanding freedom for their captured leader. With the First Lady and her family trapped on board, the clock ticks as the hijackers threaten to kill a hostage every half hour. But hidden below, the President prepares to strike back and reclaim both his family—and his plane. Craig, Elisabeth and Paul Hitchcock talk about Craig’s favorite president, movies trapped in time, Tim being Tim and the movie “Air Force One” on this week’s Matinee birthday! Show Notes 1:03 Craig, Elisabeth and Paul talk about fictional and factual presidents. 8:46 Craig, Elisabeth and Paul discuss "Air Force One" 1:01:47 Recasting 1:24:14 Double Feature 1:28:00 Final Thoughts 1:32:07 A preview of next week's episode "Labyrinth" Next week, we continue finish our fairy tales with an all time classic "Labyrinth" https://youtu.be/O2yd4em1I6M?si=LLR8pJKC1yQNURFx

WILLOW A young farmer is thrust into an epic quest when he’s tasked with protecting a magical child from an evil queen. Along the way, he’s joined by a roguish swordsman, fierce allies, and a touch of sorcery. Together, they face dark forces in a battle where destiny hangs in the balance. Craig, Elisabeth and guest Paul Hitchcock talk about a young Warwick Davis, fantasy in the 80s, the reputation of reshoots and the movie “Willow” on this week’s Matinee Heroes Show Notes 1:04 Craig, Elisabeth and Paul talk about reshoots. 11:44 Craig, Elisabeth and Paul discuss "Willow" 55:56 Recasting 1:26:10 Double Feature 1:28:18 Final Thoughts 1:36:12 A preview of next week's episode "Air Force One" Next week, we continue deal with a different type of fairy tale dealing with politics and the most kick-ass president ever in "Air Force One". https://youtu.be/FItgZOuaPVY?si=lDGdq_E3owSpgGtd

LADYHAWKE After escaping a dungeon, young thief Phillipe Gaston crosses paths with Capt. Navarre, a man bound by a strange curse. He and his beloved, Lady Isabeau, have been doomed by the wicked Bishop of Aquila to never be together except at twilight. With Gaston’s help, they set out on a perilous mission to overthrow the Bishop and shatter the enchantment. Craig and Elisabeth are joined by birthday boy Alan to talk about being 56, a Comicpalooza recap, horrible scores and the movie “Ladyhawke’ on this week’s Matinee Birthday! Show Notes 1:17 Craig, Elisabeth and Alan talk about Comicpalooza and turning 56. 12:36 Craig, Elisabeth and Alan discuss "Ladyhawke" 44:52 Recasting 1:12:39 Double Feature 1:14:54 Final Thoughts 1:22:35 A preview of next week's episode "Willow" Next week, we continue a month of fairytale movies with "Willow".

Recorded live at Horrorthon 2018, this episode of CONversations with Craig features a captivating, insightful, and often humorous conversation with legendary horror filmmaker Mick Garris. From adapting Stephen King’s novels into iconic miniseries like The Stand and The Shining, to creating the influential Post Mortem podcast, Garris shares compelling behind-the-scenes stories from his illustrious career. Whether he's revealing secrets about working with Anthony Perkins on Psycho IV or sharing his approach to storytelling, Garris delivers wisdom, wit, and an authentic passion for horror. King's Collaborator: Garris dives deep into his frequent collaborations with Stephen King, discussing why their creative partnership works and the unique challenges of adapting King's deeply personal and often complex stories. Perkins and Psycho: An intense and illuminating experience directing Anthony Perkins revealed critical insights into character-driven filmmaking, cementing Garris’s ability to navigate complicated creative dynamics. Horror with Heart: Garris reflects on the true power of horror—not just scares, but its capacity to explore profound human emotions, societal anxieties, and personal loss through storytelling. “Horror has the ability to use social and political situations as metaphor without being preachy. It puts you in touch with fears that feel personal.” – Mick Garris Want more exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes stories from the people who bring your favorite characters to life? Subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on your favorite podcasting platform for more behind-the-scenes stories and exclusive interviews.