It's Halloween time again, and we're looking at the last two original horror franchises we haven't done yet! First up - a story that starts off a thriller, turns to horror, and then clips into the realm of science fiction as well! Written and directed by Don Coscarelli, 1979's "Phantasm" kicks off with a cemetery, an amorous couple, and a stabbing, which provides the reason for our protagonists, Mike (A. Michael Baldwin), Jody (Bill Thornbury), and Reggie (Reggie Bannister) to arrive at Morningside Funeral Home and Cemetery for the funeral services. While Mike and Reggie attend as guests, Jody is spying from the nearby woods, and witnesses the funeral director, someone referred to only as "The Tall Man," (Angus Scrimm), pick up the body-filled coffin by himself and deposit it in the hearse. Of course, neither Mike nor Reggie believe him, so Jody begins a quest to find proof that something strange is going on at the funeral home. Only after witnessing the death of the graveyard's caretaker (Kenneth V. Jones) after he's impaled on a chrome-sphere that sprouts blades and a drill, and chopping the Tall Man's fingers off, does Jody have sufficient proof to convince Mike and Reggie. The inevitable showdown between the trio and the Tall Man can only end one way... but who will emerge victorious? Also starring Kathy Lester, Terrie Kalbus, and Mary Ellen Shaw.

As we continue our pairing of superhero origin stories in the MCU, we move ahead three years to what is arguably the best origin story to come out of Marvel studios yet! Directed by Joe Johnston, 2011's "Captain America: The First Avenger" begins with a team of scientists in the Arctic circle investigaving something that the shifting ice has revealed, some sort of immense vehicle. Once the on-site team is able to get inside, they discover, still frozen in the ice, a round shield with red and white circles surrounding a blue field with a white star. Cut to World War II, and a German military officer named Johan Schmidt (Hugo Weaving) is in Norway, pursuing an artifact reputed to have magical powers. He finds what he is looking for and orders the temple that was housing it destroyed. Then, in New York City, we see a thin, unwell-looking young man named Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) attempting to sign up to fight in the war. Unfortunately, his long list of physical maladies renders him unfit for service, even though his best friend James Buchanan "Bucky" Barnes (Sebastian Stan) has already enlisted and been assigned to the same unit Steve's father fought in, the 107th. Eventually, Steve tries again and is confonted by Bucky, who questions his reasoning. This conversation is overheard by Dr. Abraham Erskine (Stanley Tucci) who is recruiting for a top-secret experiment. He forces Steve to confess to multiple attempt to sign up, and asks him why. He's satisfied enough with Steve's answer to offer him a chance to participate in his experiment, which Steve jumps at. At boot camp, Steve meets MI-6 Agent Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell) and their unit's commanding officer Colonel Chester Phillips (Tommy Lee Jones). Ultimately, even though Steve is the weakest member of the unit, he is chosen for Erskine's experiment, and turned into America's first Super Soldier. But, after Erskine is killed immediately after his success, and the last vial of super-soldier serum stolen, Steve bursts into action, discovering exactly what the serum has turned him into. He catches the assassin, but before he can take him in or question him extensively, the assassin commits suicide by cyanide. Steve is then whisked off by Senator Brandt to become the symbol of the war effort and assist the government in selling war bonds. Ultimately, however, Steve ends up near the front in Europe, and takes it upon himself to rescue the remaining members of the 107th, including Bucky, and returns them to Colonel Phillips, along with stolen vehicles and weapons using the strange blue energy Schmidt has managed to leech from the magical artifact. Thus the stage is set for Captain America to go up against his first supervillain, when Schmidt's true identity is revealed, with the fate of the free world in the balance! Also starring Toby Jones, Dominic Cooper, Neal McDonough, Natalie Dormer, and Samuel L. Jackson! And the gents reveal which two films they'll be reviewing as they pay tribute to the late, great Robert Redford!

It's the start of the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) for this pairing, and two superhero origin stories, including arguably the best one! But we start as the MCU started, with the very first film of "Phase 1" and an interesting choice it was! Directed by Jon Vavreau himself, 2008's "Iron Man" tells the story of tech mogul, inventor, and playboy Tony Stark Jr. (Robert Downey Jr.) who, after demoing a frightening new weapon for the military in Afghanistan, is captured by insurgents and forced to recreate the weapon for his captors. Unbeknownst to them, however, Tony decides first to create a miniature Arc Reactor to help keep the shrapnel from the bomb that exploded next to him from reaching his heart. But he also decides to build a power suit of armor to use to facilitate his escepa, along with his companion in capture, Yinsen (Shaun Toub). He escapes, but loses Yinsen in the attempt. He is rescued by his friend and soldier James "Rhodey" Rhodes (Terrence Howard). Back in the USA, he's reuinited with his right-hand woman, Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow) and his business partner and mentor Obidiah Stane (Jeff Bridges). At a hastily-called news conference, he announces that his company, Stark Enterprises, will no longer be manufacturing weapons. This sets in motion a series of events where Tony is staying out of the public spotlight while Obidiah handles Stark's board of directors, given Tony's announcement. While at home, Tony creates a significantly more powerful version of his chest Arc Reactor, and then sets about creating a much more streamlined and capable suit of armor. Unfortunately, while this is happening, Obidiah is secretly working against Tony, having been the one who arranged for the insurgents to capture Tony in the first place. As Tony and Obidiah head inexorably toward open conflict, Tony's genius is put to the test, and his legacy is on the line! Also starring Leslie Bibb, Faran Tahir, Paul Bettany, Jon Favreau, and Clark Gregg!

Our second film honoring Graham Greene, who passed away on September 1st, 2025, brings us to a much more recent historical story. Loosely based on the Wounded Knee Incident of 1973, and directed by Michael Apted, 1992's "Thunderheart" follows FBI Agent Ray Levoi (Val Kilmer) who, because of his Sioux heritage, is assigned to investigate a murder on a Native American reservation in the west. Upon arriving, Levoi reports to his superior officer, and a hero of Levoi's, Agent Frank 'Cooch" Coutelle (Sam Shepard). As the two agents begin investigating the murder, they run into Walter Crow Horse (Graham Greene), a Tribal police officer who immediately butts heads with the two federal officers. Levoi and Coutelle run down a list of suspect until they have only two: Maggie Eagle Bear (Sheila Tousey) and Jimmy Looks Twice (John Trudell). In addition, Coutelle warns Ray about two other factions - the local white militia headed by Jack Milton (Fred Ward) and the local chapter of AIM (the American Indian Movement). But it is encounters both with the local medicine man, Grandpa Sam Reaches (Ted Thin Elk) and Maggie's grandmother Maisy Blue Legs (Sarah Brave) that lead Ray to begin experiencing visions and connecting with the heritage he's ignored all his life. But which will win out in the end... Ray's devotion to the FBi or his new-found spiritual awakening? And who killed Leo Fast Elk (Allan R. J. Joseph)? And finally, the trio reveal which MCU films will be featured in the next pairing!

This pairing pays tribute to Native American actor Graham Greene. Born to the Oneida tribe on the Six Nations Reservation in Ontario, Canada, Greene acted in over 180 projects over his 73-year lifespan. Greene passed away on September 1st, 2025, leaving behind an amazing body of work. But the role he's likely most known for comes from a film that netted him his only Academy Award nomination (for Best Supporting Actor), 1990's "Dancing With Wolves!" Directed by, and starring, Kevin Costner, the story follows Lt. John J. Dunbar (Costner) who, seemingly critically wounded, tries to commit suicide by enemy fire, only to enable a rout by the Union army! Due to the results of his actions, his injury is treated and he's given any posting he wishes, along with the horse "Cisco" he was riding. Dunbar chooses to be assigned to the edge of the fast-vanishing American frontier. Upon arriving at Fort Hays, he is assigned to Fort Sedgwick, a very remote outpost, and travels there with a rather vulgar delivery driver named Timmons (Robert Pastorelli). Upon his arrival he finds the fort deserted, but chooses to rehabilitate it and take up his post regardless. He begins being joined by a lone wolf he names "Two Socks", who comes every evening to watch him. Eventually, the nearby Sioux tribe notice him and attempt to steal Cisco. Fortunately, the horse is wily and escapes being taken twice. Eventually, Dunbar decides to go to the tribe to try to initiate friendly relations. On the way, he finds newly widowed Stands With A Fist (Mary McDonnell), a white woman adopted by the tribe. He brings her back to the tribe, which impresses their medicine man Kicking Bird (Greene). Eventually, over many months, Dunbar and Kicking Bird forge a tentative peace, which becomes a friendship as Dunbar is slowly accepted by the rest of the tribe. But times marches inexorably forward, and the army returns to Fort Sedgwick. Also starring Rodney A. Grant, Floyd 'Red Crow' Westerman, and Tantoo Cardinal.

Our second film has become something of a cultural signpost about the longevity and legacy of 1950s and 60s soul music! Directed by Alan Parker, 1991's "The Commitments" chronicles the rise and fall of something of an anomaly: An Irish Soul band! Jimmy Rabbitte (Robert Arkins) has decided he wants to found, and manage, an Irish soul band. The only problem: Finding enough quality musicians to staff the band, and then keeping the peace between them! He recruits guitarish Outspan Foster (Glen Hansard) and bassist Derek Scully (Ken McCluskey) out of another band where they're languishing playing pop tunes. He also recruits keyboardist Steven Clifford (Michael Aherne), alto saxophonist Dean Fay (Felim Gormley), drummer Billy Mooney (Dick Massey), and female backup singers Bernie McGloughlin (Bronagh Gallagher), Natalie Murphy (Maria Doyle Kennedy), Imelda Quirke (Angelina Ball), and lead vocalist Deco Cuffe (Andrew Strong). His last addition is an veteran trumpet player, someone who played with many of the original soul artists and acts, Jimmy "The Lips" Fagan (Johnny Murphy). Unfortunately, sparks fly almost immediately as Jimmy seduces the three women, and Deco's attitude alienates everyone else in the band. It's a race to see if they can overcome their differences and find their own soul before the fractures in the group grow too large for them to continue! Plus, the three reveal which two films they'll be reviewing next as they pay tribute to actor Graham Greene, who passed away on September 1st, 2025.

This week (and next) we're looking at films about music bands. We're starting off with a film that starred an actual rock legend, alongside (at the time) a rising star! Written and directed by Paul Schrader, 1987's "Light of Day" follows the lives of two working-class siblilngs, Joe Rasnick (Michael J. Fox) and his sister Patti (Joan Jett), trying to eke out a living while still finding time to embrace their love of rock 'n roll music. Unfortunately, the two siblings are at odds about their parents, Jeanette (Gena Rowlands) and Benjamin (Jason Miller). Jeanette is seriously religious, something her husband has adopted as well, which sits fine with Joe but has alienated Patti from her mother. Meanwhile, Patti is trying to balance being a mom herself with her desire to perform music, with the music winning out, leaving Joe to pick up the pieces, including taking care of his nephew. Will the two find a way to keep music in their lives amidst all the other turmoil and trials they're continually experiencing? Also starring Michael McKean, Thomas G. Waites, Cherry Jones, and Michael Rooker!

The second film in our tribute to Terrance Stamp, who passed away on August 17th, 2025, is a story of a father trying to find out the truth about his daughter's death. Directed by Stephen Soderberg and written by Lem Dobbs, 1999's "The Limey" follows Wilson (Stamp), who is recently out of prison in England, traveling to Los Angeles to investigate the death of his daughter Jennifer (Melissa George). One there, he tracks down Jennifer's friend Ed (Luis Guzman), who sent him the newspaper clipping about her death. Luis tells him what he knows, about Jennifer's friend Elaine (Lesley Ann Warren) and her long-term boyfriend Valentine (Peter Fonda). Wilson begins to follow what clues he has, and ends up at one of Valentine's parties. There, he manages to take out one of Valentine's bodyguards who tries to forcibly eject him from the party. After a confrontation with Valentine's right-hand, Avery (Barry Newman), Wilson and Luis start to plan out how to take Valentine down. But, as with most plans, things don't go quite as intended. Also starring Joe Dallesandro and Nicky Katt. Plus, the guys reveal two films about the ups and downs of being in a professional music band they'll be looking at for the next pairing!

We're pausing our list of pairings for a couple weeks in order to pay tribute to a great actor who passed away recently. Terrence Stamp left us on August 17th, 2025, but what remains is a filmography of amazing performances, two of which we're going to spotlight. First up, what is likely his most well-known role! Directed by Richard Donner and Richard Lester, 1980's "Superman II," Stamp plays General Zod, leader of the recently freed criminal Kryptonians. Zod arrival on Earth, along with the man-hating Ursa (Sarah Douglas) and the mute beat Non (Jack O'Halloran) coincides with Superman's (Christopher Reeve) decision to give up his power in order to be with his love, Lois Lane (Margot Kidder) full-time. While they're together in the Fortress of Solitude, the three evil Kryptonians subjugate the entire planet. It's only when Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman) arrives to visit them in the White House that they learn the son of their jailor, Jor-El (Marlon Brando) is also on Earth. This sets up a world-shaking conflict, but how will Superman prevail against three beings as strong, or maybe even stronger, than himself? Also returning for this sequel are Ned Beatty as Otis, Valerie Perrine as Eve Teschmacher, Marc McClure as Jimmy Olsen, and Jackie Cooper as Perry White!

The companion film for our werewolf/coming-of-age stories is a unique one. Filmed in Canada, directed by John Fawcett and written by Fawcett and Karen Walton, 2000's "Ginger Snaps" tackles the puberty issue from the female perspective. Ginger (Katharine Isabelle) and Bridgette (Emily Perkins) Fitzgerald are the outcast sisters at their high school, obsessed with death and making their mark on the world through some very dark art and a suicide pact. They're also dealing with a haughty and beautiful mean girl, Trina (Danielle Hampton) and a high-school romeo on the make, Jason (Jesse Moss), and some creature killing local dogs. To top everything off, Ginger gets her first period, something she desperately wanted never to happen. After deciding to kidnap Trina's dog as revenge, they find the dog already dead, leading to Ginger being attacked by whatever's responsible. It turns out that the creature responsible is a werewolf, who is later killed by drug dealer Sam's (Kris Lemche) van. As Ginger starts to experience yet more physical changes, Bridgette and Sam begin to search for some sort of cure. But, as in any good horror film, things go awry in a most spectacular way. Also starring John Bourgeois and Mimi Rogers! Plus, the gents reveal which two films chronicling the rise and fall of a band make up their next pairing!

This pairing combines the werewolf genre with coming-of-age stories! First up, it's back to the cheese-fest that was the 1980s and Michael J Fox's follow-up film to the sensation that was "Back to the Future!" Directed by Rod Daniel, and written by Jeph Leob and Matthew Weisman, 1985's "Teen Wolf" tells the story of high school student and mediocre basketball player Scott Howard (Fox). Scott has two close friends, the wild and unpredictable Stiles (Jerry Levine) and the subtly gorgeous "Boof" (Susan Ursitti) who'd like to be more than friends. Unfortunately for her, Scott has a crush on the blonde popular girl Pamela (Lorie Griffin). And to make matters worse, Scott begins to experience some... interesting physical changes, beyond that of normal puberty: He's a werewolf. Of course, the first time he fully turns, he discovers that he comes from a family of werewolves when he comes face-to-face with "shifted" father, Harold (James Hampton). But when Scott shifts to werewolf form on the basketball court in the middle of a game, his life takes an unexpected turn and he becomes both a successful athlete and quite popular! But sudden fame and popularity has its drawbacks too, as Scott soon learns. Also starring Matt Adler, Mark Holton, and Jay Tarses!

Our second film is an independent venture from England, loosely based on the legend of two infamous East London gangsters Ronald and Reginald Kray. Directed by Sacha Bennett, 2014's "We Still Kill the Old Way" focuses on brothers Charlie (Steven Berkoff) and Richie (Ian Ogilvy) Archer. Long after they ruled the streets, Charlie still lives in East London while Richie has moved to Spain. Unfortunately a new gang has moved into the Archer's old neighborhood. Calling themselves the E2, this group of post-adolescent thugs, led by the sociopathic Aaron (Danny Boy Hatchard), rule the streets through extreme violence and terror. Aaron is currently wooing a young girl, Lizzie (Dani Dyer), and after finally getting her in bed, lures her to an alley where the rest of his boys plan to rape her. Charlie, headed home from a night out, catches the gang in the act and tries to stop it, allowing Lizzie to escape. Facing off against the E2, however, results in Charlie's death. Lizzie (Lysette Anthony), an old friend of the Archer's and the person who found Charlie's body in the alley, calls Richie in Spain to inform him of his brother's death. Shortly thereafter, Richie returns to East London and reunites with several of his old crew members: Roy (Christopher Ellison), Arthur (James Cosmo), and Butch (Tony Denham). The four of them embark on a mission to discover who killed Charlie and enact revenge for everything else they've done as well. Also starring Alison Doody, Johnny Palmiero, and Nathan Clarke. Plus, find out which two non-traditional werewolf movies Buddy has in store for the team in the next pairing!

Revenge is the topic of this pairing, with a film from each of the last two decades. To lead off, the film that's become synonymous with picking on the wrong guy... Directed by Pierre Morel, and written by Luc Besson and Robert Mark Kamen, 2008's "Taken" turned Liam Neeson from a romantic lead into an action star! Bryan Mills (Neeson) is a divorced father trying to be a part of his daughter's life after being mostly-absent due to his job. Unfortunately, his ex-wife Lenore (Famke Janssen) has re-married to Stuart (Xander Berkeley), a rich international businessman, who spoils their daughter Kim (Maggie Grace) very effectively. After being guilted into allowing Kim and her friend Amanda (Katie Cassidy) to go off to Paris on their own, his worst nightmare comes true: Kim is kidnapped by the Albanian mob and will be forced into a life of prostitution. But Bryan has a particular set of skills, and tells the kidnapper on the phone that he will use them to track them all down, kill them, and bring his daughter back safely. Of course, they don't believe him. They should have. Also starring Leland Orser, Jon Gries, David Warshofsky, and Holly Valance.

Our second film looking at the perils of alcoholism takes a slightly different angle on the subject. In 1962's "Days of Wine and Roses, directed by none other than Blake Edwards, instead of a single alcoholic, it's a pair. Joe Clay (Jack Lemmon) is the new head of Public Relations for his firm, meets Kristen Arnesen (Lee Remick), who he has mistaken for a 'party girl.' She turns out to be his boss, Jim Hungerford's (Jack Klugman) secretary. After a tumultuous re-introduction in the office, Joe and Kristen have dinner, where Joe convinces Kristen to try a Brandy Alexander, and she gets tipsy for the first time in her life. They end up getting married, over the objections of Kristen's father Ellis Arnesen (Charles Bickford), and have a daughter they name Debbie. Unfortunately, due to Joe's drinking problem, Kristen ends up becoming an alcoholic as well. The rest of the tale has many twists and turns, and not the happiest of endings, but upon its release, it had the effect of helping to normalize Alcoholics Anonymous in the United States. Also starring Jack Albertson, Alan Hewitt, Tom Palmer, and Maxine Stuart. Also, the fellows reveal which two modern revenge films will make up their next pairing!

This pairing takes a long, serious look at the perils of alcoholism, with two classic films. Starting off, it's the first film to have the same individual win the Academy Awards for Best Director and Best Screenplay for the same project. In writer/director Billy Wilder's "The Lost Weekend," from 1945, we're introduced to writer Don Birnam (Ray Milland, who also won the Academy Award for Best Actor for this film) who is getting ready to leave for a long weekend of writing on a farm out in the middle of nowhere. His brother, Wick (Phillip Terry) is going with him, and has taken great pains to make sure that Don is taking no alcohol with him, as Don is an alcoholic. Don's girlfriend, Helen St. James (Jane Wyman) stops in to encourage him and send him off with a few small gifts. All the while, Don is desperately trying to get a bottle of whiskey he's hung out his window on a string into his luggage without Wick or Helen seeing him. After Wick discovers the bottle and dumps it out, they both depart, leaving Don frantically searching his apartment for one of the other bottles he's hidden... to no avail: Wick has found them all and disposed of them. But the arrival of their cleaning lady tips Don off to a ten-dollar bill she's supposed to receive for her work. Instead, Don lies about finding it and, after she departs, heads off to the liquor store, and then the bar. There, he's served and admonished by bartender Nat (Howard Da Silva), and flirted with by local call girl Gloria (Doris Dowling). This begins a booze-fueled spiral that might just be terminal, depending on Don's choices and Helen's commitment. Also starring Frank Faylen, Anite Sharp-Bolster, and Frank Orth.

Our second feature in our pairing of Cohen Brothers movies was their follow-up to last week's film! In 2000's "O Brother, Where Art Thou," the brothers took the classic Greek myth of "The Odyssey" and set it during the US's great depression in the 1930s! Ulysses Everett McGill (George Clooney), along with fellow convicts Pete (John Turturro) and Delmar (Tim Blake Nelson) have escaped from a chain gang and are on the run from the law, headed for Everett's family cabin to retrieve a million dollars in stolen money that's supposedly buried there. After bring freed from their shackles by Pete's cousin, the three are later turned in by that same relative. After a daring escape, they meet up with a young black man named Tommy Johnson (Chris Thomas King) who tells them he's just sold his soul to the Devil in order to be able to play his guitar like a master. The four end up visiting a small, independent recording studio run by a radio station man (Stephen Root), and they record a version of "Man of Constant Sorrow" as the "Soggy Bottom Boys." The end up falling in with George "I'm not Babyface!" Nelson (Michael Badalucco) for his third consecutive bank heist and miraculously manage to get away! Meanwhile, their recording of "Man of Constant Sorrow" has become a huge hit, and music industry folk are also trying to track them down... to offer them a contract! From there, the story just gets deeper and more complicated, but in the end Everett, Pete, and Delmar get almost everything want. Almost. Also starring John Goodman, Holly Hunter, Wayne Duvall, and Daniel von Bargen! Plus, the trio reveal which two classic cautionary tales about the perils of drinking will make up the next pairing!

Our talk show, "From the Balcony," is usually for our Patreon supporters, but we wanted to share this one with everyone as a big "THANK YOU!" to everyone who listens to our show! Were it not for you, we wouldn't still be going 9 years after we started! This is the story of how this podcast began as an idea from a comic and sci-fi convention, and what it means to the three of us that you're listening and have been for all these years!

This pairing celebrate the work of writer and director brothers Joel and Ethan Cohen! First up, made in 1998 but set at the beginning of the 90s, "The Big Lebowski" follows the misadventures of a man named Jeffrey Lebowski (Jeff Bridges), although he prefers to be known as "The Dude." He's at home, when two men break into his home, threat him with bodily harm if he doesn't cough up the money to pay his wife's debts, and then they urinate on his rug. Unfortunately, the Dude isn't married, and the men clearly have the wrong guy. Later, at a bowling alley, his friends Donny (Steve Buscemi) and Walter Sobchak (John Goodman) hear the Dude's tale of woe and Walter convinces the Dude to visit the "other" Jeffrey Leboswki and seek restitution for his ruined rug! The next day, the Dude meets the "big" Lebowski (David Huddleston) and his aide Brandt (Philip Seymour Hoffman). The "big" Lebowski flat out refuses to make the Dude whole, but on his way out, he lies to Brandt and ends up taking a rug from the mansion home with him. Unfortunately, this is just beginning of what becomes a comedy of errors when the "big" Lebowski's wife, Bunny (Tara Reid), gets kidnapped, and he and Brandt hire the Dude to deliver the ransom money and get her back! But, due to Walter's interference, things don't go as planned and the story just continues to spin out of control from there. Also starring Julianne Moore, Peter Stormare, Flea, and John Turturro!

The second film in our pairing was originally conceived as a re-make of the 1984 version, but was reconned into a sequel to make way for "Karate Kid: Legends" which would combine the two stories. The 2010 version of "The Karate Kid," directed by Harald Zwart, finds Dre Parker (Jaden Smith) and his mother Sherry (Taraji P. Henson) moving from Detroit, Michigan to Beijing, China for Sherry's work. There, Dre meets the building handyman, Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) when he goes to request a repair for their new apartment. He then heads to a nearby park, where he meets Meiying (Wenwen Han) and sparks fly! Unfortuntely for Dre, the leader of a group of young Kung Fu students, Cheng (Zhenwei Wang), takes exception to Meiying showing affection toward a foreigner and ends up beating up Dre. Again, similar to the original story, Dre finds a way to get back at the bullies and is attacked by five of them and hurt, but Mr. Han arrives and saves him. They travel together the next day to try to make peace, but the Master of the bully's dojo, Sensei Li (Rongguang Yu), demands that either Dre or Mr. Han fight to settle the matter of honor. Mr. Han instead offers to have Dre settle the issue at the upcoming Kung Fu tournament, and Sensei Li agrees. The film follows the storyline from the first movie, but with enough differences (Kung Fu vs. Karate for example) to keep it entertaining and to have you cheering Dre along his journey! Plus, the gents reveal which two Cohen Brothers films will be the first reviewed on the podcast!

In honor of the joining of two great movies in "Karate Kid: Legends," which came out on May 30th, 2025, we're looking at the two films that gave us the new film! First up, directed by John G. Avildsen, 1984's "The Karate Kid" introduced audiences to the story that would become an enduring franchise. Fifteen-year-old Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) and his mother, Lucille (Randee Heller) have left their home in New Jersey and moved across the country to Los Angeles. After getting invited to a beach party by another teen who lives in the same apartment, Daniel meets Ali Millis (Elisabeth Shue) and the attraction is immediate. Unfortunately, her ex-boyfriend Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) arrives and takes exception to Daniel's interest in Ali and beats him up. Meanwhile, back at his apartment, Daniel meets the handyman Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita), who sees the young man struggling and teaches him the art of Bonsai. After Daniel exacts some minor revenge on Johnny and his pack, they beat Daniel unconscious, but Mr. Miyagi intervenes and sends the bullies packing. The next day, after attempting to forge peace with the sensei of the Cobra Kai dojo, John Kreese (Martin Kove), Mr. Miyagi agrees that Daniel and the bullies will settle their differences in the upcoming karate tournament. But will Daniel be ready to face the forces of Cobra Kai in time for the competition?