Stay up to date on the latest films with Movie Reviews featured in two short segments — Take Two and Freeze Frame. “Freeze Frame” is a two-minute countdown of films reviewed by Russ Simmons, an award-winning film critic, whose work has been featured on television and in print for nearly two decades. “Take Two” hosts Russ Simmons and Susan Sanders, a former psychotherapist, review independently made films and art-house movies currently showing in Kansas City.
Take Two Air Times:
- Friday at 12:32 pm
- Saturday at 5:58 pm
- Wednesday at 12:30 pm
Freeze Frame Air Times:
- Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 10:58 am
- Sunday at 12:30 pm
- Monday at 12 Noon on “Arts Magazine”
TAKE TWO: “Louder Than Bombs” Film Review ORIGINAL BROADCAST: May 6, 2016 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:00 — 3.1MB)
Gabriel Byrne, Jesse Eisenberg and Isabelle Huppert star in “Louder Than Bombs,” a thoughtful, well acted and profoundly sad look at how one family deals with grief after a tragic event. Russ says, "It’s smart, observant and involving, but never quite achieves the level of emotional devastation it was aiming for." Susan says, "I really had trouble with this film."
FREEZE FRAME: “Captain America: Civil War,” “Tale of Tales” Film Review ORIGINAL BROADCAST: May 6, 2016 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:01 — 3.2MB)
The latest comic book extravaganza from the folks at Marvel, “Captain America: Civil War” is everything that “Batman v Superman” wishes it could have been. A villain cleverly manipulates The Avengers into a battle that splits the team in two, pitting Iron Man and his super allies against Captain America and his Avenger crew. Naturally, when these forces got into battle with one another, mayhem abounds. Even though there are some dark themes in “Civil War,” the movie has plenty of action, good humor and a real sense of fun, so it never devolves into sharing the dour and brooding tone that plagued “Batman v Superman.” “Captain America: Civil War” proves that, a house divided…can be very entertaining.
TAKE TWO: “Miles Ahead” Film Review ORIGINAL BROADCAST: April 29, 2016 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:59 — 4.6MB)
Kansas City's own Don Cheadle wrote, produced, directed and stars in this experimental "biopic" about legendary jazz trumpeter, Miles Davis. Susan and Russ have very different perspectives on this movie, which is fictional and not a conventional biography in any sense of the word.
FREEZE FRAME: “Keanu,” “Mother’s Day,” “Papa: Hemingway in Cuba,” “Louder Than Bombs” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: April 29, 2016 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:01 — 4.6MB)
Key & Peele’s first feature film together may be a one-joke affair…but it’s a very funny joke. Fans of the duo’s Comedy Central sketch show will love “Keanu,” a raunchy, irreverent satire…and so will many newcomers. The comics play nerdy cousins who pose as hardcore drug dealers in an effort to regain a stolen kitten. There’s enough violence, drugs and foul language in this gleefully goofy romp to easily earn an R-rating, but the vibe is so sweet natured, that it’s almost inoffensive. This “Keanu” is one cool cat.
TAKE TWO: “Barbershop: The Next Cut” #FilmReview ORIGINAL BROADCAST: April 22, 2016 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:56 — 3.1MB)
Ice Cube and Common lead the cast in the third (or fourth, if you count "Beauty Shop") in the comedy franchise. This time out, the barbers and hairdressers are concerned about rising gang violence in their Chicago neighborhood. Susan and Russ chat about the mix of comedy, social commentary and soap opera in this production. Other cast members include Eve, Cedric the Entertainer, Regina Hall and Nikki Minaj.
FREEZE FRAME: “The Huntsman: Winter’s War,” “Miles Ahead,” “The Invitation,” “April and the Extraordinary World.” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: April 22, 2016 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:59 — 3.3MB)
Someone must have watched the Pixar/Disney films “Brave” and “Frozen” and then decided they should do a very gloomy amalgamation of those stories. The result is “The Huntsman: Winter’s War,” a sequel to 2012’s “Snow White and the Huntsman.” A great cast, terrific production values and impressive costumes almost save this murky and violent fairy tale…but it never achieves any real magic.
TAKE TWO: “I Saw the Light” #filmreview #podcast ORIGINAL BROADCAST: April 8, 2016 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:57 — 3.1MB)
British actor Tom Hiddleston (Loki in "Thor" and "The Avengers") takes on the role of country music legend Hank Williams. Elizabeth Olsen plays his talentless wife who also wanted to be a star. Famed producer Mark Abraham took on the screenwriting and directing chores on this one. Susan and Russ are of one mind about the movie's effectiveness.
FREEZE FRAME: “The Boss,” “Midnight Special,” “Mr. Right” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: April 8, 2016 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:00 — 3.1MB)
After viewing Melissa McCarthy’s goofy comedy “The Boss,” you may be tempted to say, “You’re fired!” McCarthy plays a self-centered business tycoon who gets busted for insider trading and attempts a comeback after her jail stint. The language is foul and the humor is as crass as it is broad. McCarthy’s comic skill is the movie’s only saving grace. To say “The Boss” is a slight improvement over McCarthy’s “Tammy” is damning with faint praise.
TAKE TWO: “Remember” film review podcast ORIGINAL BROADCAST: April 1, 2016 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:59 — 3.2MB)
Canadian filmmaker Atom Egoyan offers a dark drama about a Holocaust survivor who is suffering from dementia. He plots with another survivor, confined to a wheelchair, to assassinate a Nazi guard who was responsible for the death of members of their families. Susan and Russ have very different takes on this film which stars two Oscar-winning actors, Christopher Plummer and Martin Landau.
FREEZE FRAME: “I Saw the Light,” ” Eye in the Sky” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: April 1, 2016 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:00 — 3.1MB)
Hank Williams was one of the greatest country music stars of all time. His short and complicated life could make a truly great movie. Sadly, the musical biopic “I Saw the Light,” ain’t it. British actor Tom Hiddleston stars as the singer/songwriter whose cheatin’ ways, abuse of booze and drugs and emotional instability torpedoed all of his relationships. Elizabeth Olsen plays his talentless wife who wanted him to make her a star. These gifted actors can’t overcome the script’s fractured and episodic nature that never allows it to achieve any dramatic momentum. The only time the movie comes to life is during the sporadic musical numbers, and none of those are performed in their entirety. “I Saw the Light” could easily have been called, “Lost in the Dark.”
TAKE TWO: “Hello, My Name is Doris” #filmreview #podcast ORIGINAL BROADCAST: March 25, 2016 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:55 — 3.2MB)
Two-time Oscar winner Sally Field stars in a comic drama that serves as an offbeat character study. Field plays an emotionally-stunted older woman who falls in love with a much younger man she meets at work. The solid supporting cast includes Tyne Daly, Stephen Root, Max Greenfield, Beth Behrs and Elizabeth Reaser. It's written and directed by Michael Showalter ("Wet. Hot American Summer").
FREEZE FRAME: “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2,” “Remember” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: March 25, 2016 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:01 — 3.3MB)
The much-heralded superhero smack down has finally arrived. “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” is action-packed and visually striking. Problem is, it’s just not much fun.
TAKE TWO: “10 Cloverfield Lane” #filmreview #podcast ORIGINAL BROADCAST: March 18, 2016 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:00 — 3.2MB)
Russ and Susan take us into another dimension, "a dimension not only of sight and sound but of mind. A journey into a wondrous land of imagination." But the next stop isn't "The Twilight Zone," it's "10 Cloverfield Lane," an offbeat thriller about an eccentric man (John Goodman) who abducts a young woman (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) and takes her to an underground bunker. Is he a crazy kidnapper or is he saving her from an even worse fate? It's an effort by first-time director Dan Tractenberg and producer J.J. Abrams ("Star Wars: The Force Awakens.")
FREEZE FRAME: “The Divergent Series: Allegiant,” “Hello, My Name is Doris,” “The Bronze” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: March 18, 2016 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:01 — 3.3MB)
Shailene Woodley and a likable cast do their best with what they’ve been given, but “Allegiant” comes off as little more than “The Hunger Games-Lite.”
TAKE TWO: “Whisky Tango Foxtrot” #FilmReview #Podcast ORIGINAL BROADCAST: March 11, 2016 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:00 — 3.2MB)
Susan and Russ take a look at Tina Fey's comic drama about a journalist and the experiences she had that were chronicled in her memoir, "The Taliban Shuffle: Strange Days in Afghanistan and Pakistan."The film also stars Margot Robbie, Martin Freeman, Billy Bob Thornton and Alfred Molina. It was directed by the team of John Requa and Glenn Ficarra ("Crazy, Stupid Love.")
FREEZE FRAME: “10 Cloverfield Lane” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: March 11, 2016 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:01 — 3.2MB)
Back in 2008, producer J.J. Abrams surprised audiences with a nifty sci-fi opus called, cryptically, “Cloverfield.” It seemed to have arrived out of nowhere and when on to become a box office smash. Well, Abrams has yet another surprise up his sleeve. The terrific suspense thriller "10 Cloverfield Lane" is the unannounced follow-up.
TAKE TWO: Audio Podcast of “Mustang” Film Review ORIGINAL BROADCAST: March 4, 2016 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:00 — 3.3MB)
Susan and Russ take on "Mustang," a film from Turkey that was nominated for this year's Best Foreign Language Oscar. "Mustang" tells the tale of five sisters who are virtually imprisoned in a family member's home to protect their virtue. They're removed from school and are taught skills needed to be obedient wives to the local boys that the family will choose for them. It was written and directed by Deniz Gamze Ergüven and won César Awards for Best First Feature and Best Original Screenplay.
FREEZE FRAME: “Zootopia,” “London Has Fallen,” “Whisky Tango Foxtrot” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: March 4, 2016 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:01 — 3.3MB)
With a name like “Zootopia,” you might expect a cute Disney animated flick about anthropomorphic animals. And while you’d be right, “Zootopia” is much, much more. It’s a wildly imaginative, beautifully animated comic crime thriller. “Zootopia” is a utopian city where predator and prey peacefully co-exist by suppressing their aggressive instincts. But when a bunny cop investigates a missing person’s case, she discovers the city’s dark underbelly. “Zootopia” slyly comments on humanity and the very the nature of civilization. There are a few scary moments that might disturb very young viewers, but this funny, thoroughly engaging movie is the year’s most pleasant cinematic surprise.
TAKE TWO: A Film Review of Michael Moore’s “Where to Invade Next” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: February 26, 2016 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:59 — 3.2MB)
Susan and Russ check out Michael Moore's latest documentary. This travelogue has Moore traveling the world to see how other countries are handling some of the problems we're trying to cope with here in the USA.
FREEZE FRAME: “Eddie the Eagle,” “Gods of Egypt,” “Triple Nine,” “Mustang” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: February 26, 2016 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:00 — 3.2MB)
Although you’ll feel shamelessly manipulated by the cheery sports flick “Eddie the Eagle,” you probably won’t mind too much. Taron Egerton and Hugh Jackman star in the true story of a somewhat mentally challenged British ski jumper and the drunken ski bum who trains him to compete in the 1988 Olympics. The movie so lightweight that it threatens to blow right off the screen, but the likable stars and good-natured spirit make it a painless time-waster.
TAKE TWO: “The Lady in the Van” Highlights Homelessness ORIGINAL BROADCAST: February 19, 2016 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:00 — 3.2MB)
Dame Maggie Smith leaves "Downton Abby" behind long enough to portray a homeless woman suffering from mental illness who occupies a parked van in the driveway of acclaimed British writer, Alan Bennett. Smith played this role to much acclaim on the British stage in 1999 and again on BBC radio in 2009. Both the play and the movie were written by Bennett, based upon his own experiences. The director is Nicholas Hytner, who also collaborated with Bennett on "The Madness of King George" and "The History Boys."
FREEZE FRAME: “Risen,” “Race,” “The Lady in the Van” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: February 19, 2016 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:01 — 3.2MB)
Many recent faith-based films have suffered from low budgets and mediocre acting. Not so with “Risen,” a new take on the story of the resurrection of Christ.
TAKE TWO: “45 Years” #FilmReview ORIGINAL BROADCAST: February 12, 2016 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (3.2MB)
Russ and Susan take a look at "45 Years," a haunting drama about marriage. It features an Oscar-nominated performance from Charlotte Rampling as a woman who makes a discover that brings her to believe that her 45 year marriage may have been a sham. It also features a fine performance from Tom Courtenay as her husband who has hidden something from her for decades.
FREEZE FRAME: “Deadpool,” “Zoolander 3,” “How to be Single,” “Where to Invade Next,” “Son of Saul” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: February 12, 2016 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:01 — 3.4MB)
First, the bad news: The edgy R-rated Marvel superhero movie “Deadpool” is smutty, vulgar, tasteless and perverse. Now, the good news: “Deadpool” is funny, sharply made and Ryan Reynolds is terrific as the X-Men’s snarky, wisecracking antihero. If you’re not easily offended, “Deadpool” could prove to be a shamelessly raunchy guilty pleasure. Just leave the kids at home.
TAKE TWO: New Coen Brothers Farce – “Hail, Caesar” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: February 5, 2016 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:00 — 3.3MB)
Susan and Russ fill us in on a poke in the eye to old Hollywood that features an all-star cast.
FREEZE FRAME: “Hail, Caesar,” “45 Years” Film Review ORIGINAL BROADCAST: February 5, 2016 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:59 — 3.2MB)
Russ covers the latest farce from the Coen Brothers as well as an Oscar-nominated British drama.
TAKE TWO: “Anomalisa” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: January 29, 2016 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:59 — 1.4MB)
"Anomalisa," the Oscar-nominated animated offering from Charlie Kaufman, gets very different reactions from Susan and Russ.
FREEZE FRAME: “The Finest Hours” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: January 29, 2016 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:58 — 1.4MB)
The true story of a daring rescue at sea is the focus for Russ this week.
TAKE TWO: “Joy” with Jennifer Lawrence ORIGINAL BROADCAST: January 22, 2016 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:00 — 4.6MB)
Susan and Russ share their takes on the latest collaboration between Jennifer Lawrence and David O. Russell.
FREEZE FRAME: Animated “Anomalisa” and “Mojave” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: January 22, 2016 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:00 — 4.6MB)
Russ covers two oddball offerings from screenwriters-turned-directors.
TAKE TWO: “Carol” with Cate Blanchett ORIGINAL BROADCAST: January 8, 2016 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:58 — 3.3MB)
Susan and Russ have different perspectives on a romantic drama starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara.
FREEZE FRAME: “The Revenant” with Leonardo DiCaprio ORIGINAL BROADCAST: January 8, 2016 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:59 — 3.3MB)
Russ covers the Golden Globe-winning Western starring Leonardo DiCaprio.
TAKE TWO: “Carol” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: January 1, 2016 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:00 — 3.3MB)
Susan and Russ have very different takes on a new drama starring Cate Blanchett.
FREEZE FRAME: Russ’ Top Ten Movies of 2015 ORIGINAL BROADCAST: January 1, 2016 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:01 — 3.3MB)
Russ covers the cream of the year's cinematic crop.
FREEZE FRAME: Review of “Joy” Plus 8 More Films ORIGINAL BROADCAST: December 25, 2015 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:00 — 2.5MB)
The theaters are loaded for Christmas. Some are gifts and others are lumps of coal. Russ sorts out all the holiday film releases, including "The Hateful Eight," "The Big Short," "Daddy's Home," "The Danish Girl," "Carol, "Concussion," "Joy," "Youth," and "Point Break."
TAKE TWO: “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” Film Review ORIGINAL BROADCAST: December 24, 2015 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:58 — 2.5MB)
Susan Sanders and Russ Simmons weigh in on "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," a minor little indie release.
FREEZE FRAME: “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” “Sisters,” “Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip” #filmreview ORIGINAL BROADCAST: December 18, 2015 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:01 — 3.3MB)
Russ lets us know if the force is strong with series reboot, a Tina Fey-Amy Poehler comedy and the latest kids' opus featuring animated rodents.
TAKE TWO: “Brooklyn” #FilmReview ORIGINAL BROADCAST: December 11, 2015 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:00 — 3.3MB)
Susan and Russ offer insight on an old-fashioned romantic drama set in the 1950s.
FREEZE FRAME: “In the Heart of the Sea” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: December 11, 2015 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:59 — 3.3MB)
Russ covers Ron Howard's version of the seafaring epic that inspired "Moby-Dick."
TAKE TWO: “Chi-Raq” by Local Filmmaker Kevin Willmott ORIGINAL BROADCAST: December 4, 2015 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:01 — 3.4MB)
Spike Lee's modern update of the ancient Greek comedy "Lysistrata" gets the once-over from Susan and Russ.
FREEZE FRAME: “Chi-Raq” and “The Letters” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: December 4, 2015 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:01 — 3.4MB)
Two movies with local connections are on Russ' agenda. A collaboration between KU professor Kevin Willmott and director Spike Lee and a biopic of Mother Teresa by a Clinton, MO native.
TAKE TWO: “Secret in Their Eyes” #FilmReview ORIGINAL BROADCAST: November 25, 2015 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:00 — 3.3MB)
Susan and Russ cover an English-language remake of an Argentinian Oscar-winner.
FREEZE FRAME: “Creed,” “Brooklyn,” “Trumbo” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: November 25, 2015 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:01 — 3.5MB)
Russ fills us in on the "Rocky" franchise revival, an old-fashioned romantic drama and a biopic about a blacklisted screenwriter.
TAKE TWO: “The Assassin” #filmreview ORIGINAL BROADCAST: November 13, 2015 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:00 — 3.3MB)
Susan and Russ discuss "The Assassin," the winner of the Best Director award at this year's Cannes Film Fest.
FREEZE FRAME: “Room,” “The 33,” “Labyrinth of Lies,” “Man Up” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: November 13, 2015 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:59 — 3.4MB)
Claustrophobia abounds in a kidnapping drama and a dramatization of the 2010 mine disaster in Chile. Russ also covers a German drama about Nazi persecution and a British rom-com.
TAKE TWO: “Our Brand is Crisis” #filmreview ORIGINAL BROADCAST: November 6, 2015 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:00 — 3.4MB)
Sandra Bullock's political satire is the focus for Susan and Russ this week.
FREEZE FRAME: “Spectre,” “The Peanuts Movie,” “The Assassin,” “Miss You Already” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: November 6, 2015 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:59 — 3.3MB)
The latest James Bond opus, a reboot of a comic strip classic, a martial arts art film and a four-hankie tearjerker are on Russ' agenda this week.
TAKE TWO: “Coming Home” Film Review ORIGINAL BROADCAST: October 30, 2015 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:00 — 3.3MB)
Susan and Russ examine a heartbreaking Chinese drama about how 'rehabilitation' in a labor camp during the Cultural Revolution affected one couple.
FREEZE FRAME: “Our Brand is Crisis,” “Truth,” “The Keeping Room” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: October 30, 2015 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:01 — 3.2MB)
Sandra Bullock's political satire, the story of the downfall of Dan Rather and a feminist Western are on Russ' agenda for this week.
TAKE TWO: “Freeheld” Film Review ORIGINAL BROADCAST: October 23, 2015 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:00 — 3.4MB)
Julianne Moore stars in "Freeheld," a drama about a dying policewoman who tries to leave her pension benefits to her same sex partner.
FREEZE FRAME: “The Last Witch Hunter,” “Jem and the Holograms,” “Rock the Kasbah,” “Coming Home” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: October 23, 2015 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:00 — 3.3MB)
A Vin Diesel Halloween movie, a Hasbro doll adaptation, a Bill Murray comedy and a Chinese melodrama all fall under Russ' scrutiny.
FREEZE FRAME: “Bridge of Spies,” “Steve Jobs,” “Goosebumps,” “Meet the Patels” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: October 16, 2015 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:01 — 3.3MB)
Russ guides us through two high-profile true stories, a horror comedy for kids and a documentary about Indian-American matchmaking.
TAKE TWO: “99 Homes” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: October 16, 2015 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:00 — 3.2MB)
Susan and Russ discuss a social drama set against the background of the 2010 real estate collapse.
TAKE TWO: “Sicario” Film Review ORIGINAL BROADCAST: October 9, 2015 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:59 — 4.5MB)
Susan and Russ take on a morally ambiguous drama about the war on drugs.
FREEZE FRAME: “Pan,” “He Named Me Malala,” “99 Homes” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: October 9, 2015 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:59 — 4.5MB)
Russ fills us in about a Peter Pan origin story, a documentary about a Nobel Laureate and a searing social drama.
TAKE TWO: “Everest” Film Review ORIGINAL BROADCAST: October 2, 2015 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:00 — 3.3MB)
Susan and Russ get a grip on "The Everest," a mountain climbing epic.
FREEZE FRAME: “The Martian,” “Sicario,” “The Walk,” “Sleeping With Other People,” “Mississippi Grind” Movies ORIGINAL BROADCAST: October 2, 2015 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:01 — 3.3MB)
Russ reviews a wide range of films this week, including "The Martian," focusing on an otherworldly Matt Damon, "Sicario," about a hitman and "The Walk," on a high wire act.
TAKE TWO: “Black Mass” Film Review ORIGINAL BROADCAST: September 25, 2015 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:59 — 3.3MB)
Susan and Russ shoot holes in "Black Mass," Johnny Depp's gangster flick.
FREEZE FRAME: “The Intern,” “Stonewall,” “Pawn Sacrifice” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: September 25, 2015 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:00 — 3.2MB)
Russ covers "The Intern," a comedy with Robert De Niro, "Stonewall," a film about the early history of the gay rights movement and "Pawn Sacrafice," a drama about chess master Bobby Fischer.
TAKE TWO: “The Visit” Film Review ORIGINAL BROADCAST: September 18, 2015 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:03 — 3.4MB)
Susan and Russ visit "The Visit," the latest title from quirky filmmaker, M. Night Shyamalan.
FREEZE FRAME: “Black Mass,” “Everest,” “Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: September 18, 2015 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:00 — 3.3MB)
Russ gives the lowdown on "Black Mass," Johnny Depp's gangster flick, "Everest," a docudrama about a mountain tragedy and "Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials," the second in a Young Adult action series.
FREEZE FRAME: A Review of “The Visit” and “Queen of Earth” Films ORIGINAL BROADCAST: September 11, 2015 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:58 — 3.2MB)
Russ reveals if "The Visit," M. Night Shyamalan's new horror flick is worth the visit and whether "Queen of Earth," a new drama with Elizabeth Moss is truly regal.
FREEZE FRAME: “A Walk in the Woods,” “Jimmy’s Hall,” “7 Chinese Brothers” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: September 4, 2015 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:01 — 3.3MB)
Russ covers "A Walk in the Woods," the latest from actor Robert Redford, "Jimmy's Hall," a social drama from Ireland and "7 Chinese Brothers," a wacky indie comedy.
TAKE TWO: “No Escape” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: September 4, 2015 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:00 — 3.2MB)
Susan and Russ share their views on "No Escape," an action thriller starring Owen Wilson and Lake Bell.
TAKE TWO: “Diary of a Teenage Girl” Film Review ORIGINAL BROADCAST: August 28, 2015 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
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Susan and Russ discuss "Diary of a Teenage Girl," an unsettling drama about underage sex, based on an autobiographical graphic novel.
FREEZE FRAME: “No Escape,” “Zipper,” “We Are Your Friends,” “Diary of a Teenage Girl,” “Mistress America,” “Z for Zachariah” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: August 28, 2015 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
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Russ gives us an overview of "No Escape," a thriller, "Zipper," a political soap, "We Are Your Friends," a drama about the LA dance scene, "Mistress America," a screwball comedy, "Diary of a Teenage Girl," a coming-of-age drama and "Z for Zachariah," a post-apocalyptic love triangle.
TAKE TWO: “Listen to Me, Marlon” film review ORIGINAL BROADCAST: August 21, 2015 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
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Susan and Russ share their takes on "Listen to Me, Marlon," a "autobiographical" documentary about one of the cinema's greatest actors.
FREEZE FRAME: “Hitman: Agent 47,” “Listen to Me, Marlon,” “Being Evel” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: August 21, 2015 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
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Russ takes a hit for us by viewing "Hitman: Agent 47," a video game movie and provides the lowdown on two documentaries about two eccentric celebs, "Listen to Me, Marlon" and "Being Evel."
TAKE TWO: “The Gift” is a Thriller ORIGINAL BROADCAST: August 14, 2015 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
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Susan and Russ get creeped out by "The Gift," a new psychological thriller.
FREEZE FRAME: “Straight Outta Compton,” “The Man from U.N.C.L.E” Film Reviews ORIGINAL BROADCAST: August 14, 2015 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
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"Straight Outta Compton," a drama about the rise of rap group NWA and "The Man from U.N.C.L.E.," a tongue-in-cheek spy thriller hit theaters this week. Russ gives the scoop.
FREEZE FRAME: “Fantastic Four,” “Irrational Man,” “The Gift,” “Shaun the Sheep.” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: August 7, 2015 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
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Russ marvel's at the failure of "Fantastic Four," Marvel's latest and reviews "Irrational Man," a Woody Allen drama, "The Gift," a psychological thriller and "Shaun the Sheep," an stop-motion animated feature.
TAKE TWO: “The Stanford Prison Experiment” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: July 31, 2015 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
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Susan and Russ consider "The Stanford Prison Experiment," an unsettling true story about an ill-fated 1970s psychological study.
FREEZE FRAME: “Mission: Impossible-Rogue Nation,” “Vacation,” “Infinitely Polar Bear,” “The Stanford Prison Experiment.” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: July 31, 2015 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
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Russ covers "Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation," Tom Cruise's latest, "Vacation," the re-boot of a classic comedy, "Infinitely Polar Bear," a Mark Ruffalo drama, and "The Stanford Prison Experiment," the screen version of a textbook psychology experiment.
TAKE TWO: Film Review of “Amy” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: July 24, 2015 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
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The tragic life of singer Amy Winehouse is profiled in "Amy," a heartbreaking documentary.
FREEZE FRAME: Film Review of “Pixels” and “Paper Towns” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: July 24, 2015 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
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Russ provides fair warning on "Pixels," Adam Sandler's new sci-fi comedy and "Paper Towns," the latest dramedy aimed at young audiences.
TAKE TWO: “Trainwreck” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: July 17, 2015 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
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Russ and Susan disagree on "Trainwreck," the outrageous new comedy from Judd Apatow.
FREEZE FRAME: “Ant-Man,” “Mr. Holmes,” “Trainwreck,” “LIla & Eve” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: July 17, 2015 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
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Russ covers "Ant-Man," homeboy Paul Rudd's entry into the Marvel universe, plus "Mr. Holmes," Ian McKellan's take on an aging detective, "Trainwreck," Amy Schumer's movie debut and "Lila & Eve," a thriller with J. Lo and Viola Davis.
TAKE TWO: “Magic Mike XXL” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: July 10, 2015 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
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Is a sequel to the "Magic Mike" hit about male strippers worth a ladies' night out? Susan and Russ give us the lowdown.
Freeze Frame: “Minions,” “Amy,” “The Gallows” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: July 10, 2015 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
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Russ covers the movie bases with "Minions," a kids' flick, "Amy," an intriguing documentary about Amy Winehouse, and "The Gallows," a low-budget horror entry.
FREEZE FRAME: Terminator Genisys, Magic Mike XXL ORIGINAL BROADCAST: July 1, 2015 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
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They're both back. Arnold is a time traveling cyborg in "Terminator Genisys" and Channing Tatum is an exotic dancer in "Magic Mike XXL." Russ lets us know if either is worth our time.
TAKE TWO: “Me, Earl & the Dying Girl” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: July 1, 2015 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
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Susan and Russ tackle "Me, Earl & the Dying Girl," a comic drama about the friendship between teens when one has leukemia.
FREEZE FRAME: Ted 2; Max; Me, Earl & The Dying Girl ORIGINAL BROADCAST: June 26, 2015 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
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Is Ted 2, a film about a raunchy teddy bear bearable? Is "Max" a movie dog? Is "Me, Earl & the Dying Girl," the big winner at Sundance, worth the hype? Russ weighs in.
TAKE TWO: Inside Out ORIGINAL BROADCAST: June 26, 2015 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
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Russ and Susan (a critic and a psychotherapist) give us the lowdown on how a child's emotions are depicted in "Inside Out," the latest Pixar outing.
Take Two on “Four Way Stop” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: June 19, 2015 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
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Susan Sanders gives us a look at "Four Way Stop," a drama from the Free State Film Festival.
Freeze Frame: Get the “Dope” on “Inside Out” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: June 19, 2015 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
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Russ covers two films from opposite ends of the cinematic spectrum. "Inside Out" is an animated Pixar offering, and "Dope" is an R-rated Sundance hit.
Take Two: Remembering Brian Wilson in “Love & Mercy” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: June 12, 2015 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
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Susan and Russ give some love to "Love & Mercy," the Brian Wilson biopic.
Freeze Frame: “Jurassic World,” “About Elly,” “Madame Bovary,” and “Gemma Bovary” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: June 12, 2015 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
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Russ lets us know if "Jurassic World," the latest in the dino franchise has bite and covers "About Elly," a strong Iranian film and two adaptations of Flaubert's classic, "Madame Bovary" and "Gemma Bovary."
Take Two: An Interrogation of “An Honest Liar” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: June 5, 2015 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
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Susan and Russ give us their perspective on "An Honest Liar," a documentary about magician and professional debunker, The Amazing Randi.
Freeze Frame: “Love & Mercy,” “Spy,” and “Entourage” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: June 5, 2015 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
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Check out reviews of "Love & Mercy," a biopic of Beach Boys' Brian Wilson, "Spy," a secret agent spoof with Melissa McCarthy, and "Entourage," the big screen version of an HBO series get the once-over from Russ Simmons.
Take Two: “Kumiko: The Treasure Hunter” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: May 29, 2015 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
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"Kumiko: The Treasure Hunter," a character study about a disturbed Japanese woman gets the once-over from Susan Sanders and Russ Simmons.
Freeze Frame: “San Andreas” and “An Honest Liar” in Theatres ORIGINAL BROADCAST: May 29, 2015 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
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Russ warns us about "San Andreas," a disaster flick starring The Rock and explains why "An Honest Liar," a documentary about magician "The Amazing Randi" is worth your time.
Freeze Frame: “Tomorrowland,” “Kumiko, the Treasure Hunter,” “The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: May 22, 2015 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
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"Tomorrowland," Disney's big budget sci-fi extravaganza and two art house flicks -- "Kumiko, the Treasure Hunter," "The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared" -- are on Russ' agenda this week.
Take Two: Go to a Nearby Theater for “Far from the Madding Crowd” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: May 22, 2015 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
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Susan and Russ cover "Far from the Madding Crowd," a lushly produced romance adapted from Thomas Hardy's classic 1874 novel.
Freeze Frame: Thumbs-Up for “Mad Max: Fury Road,” “Pitch Perfect 2,” “Far From the Madding Crowd” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: May 15, 2015 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
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In a really unusual week, Russ gives 'thumbs way up' to three new movies, "Mad Max: Fury Road," "Pitch Perfect 2," and "Far From the Madding Crowd."
Take Two: “D Train” Derailed ORIGINAL BROADCAST: May 15, 2015 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
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Susan and Russ take down a Jack Black comedy, "D Train," that needs to be derailed
Take Two: “The Clouds of Sils Maria” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: May 8, 2015 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
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Susan and Russ share the reasons why "The Clouds of Sils Maria" is a smart but off-putting movie is a mixed bag.
Freeze Frame: Lame Hollywood Moves with “Hot Pursuit” and “The D Train” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: May 8, 2015 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
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Russ explains that two lame buddy Hollywood comedies -- "Hot Pursuit" and "The D Train" -- are the best that Hollywood can offer us this week.
Take Two: “Ex Machina” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: May 1, 2015 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
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Susan and Russ agree that "Ex Machina," the new science fiction thriller about artificial intelligence is the best movie of the year, so far.
Freeze Frame: “Marvel’s The Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “The Clouds of Sils Maria” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: May 1, 2015 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
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Could two films be more divergent? Russ takes on "Marvel's The Avengers: Age of Ultron," the comic book juggernaut, and "The Clouds of Sils Maria," an art film about a aging actress.
Take Two: “Woman in Gold” Sparkles with Helen Mirren ORIGINAL BROADCAST: April 24, 2015 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
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Susan and Russ check out "Woman in Gold," the latest Helen Mirren vehicle, about a woman who attempts to reclaim art stolen by the Nazis.
Freeze Frame: “Ex Machina,” “The Water Diviner,” and “Little Boy” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: April 24, 2015 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
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Russ thinks "Ex Machina," a new sci-fi effort is the year's best so far. "The Water Diviner," Russell Crowe's directorial debut, and "Little Boy," a new faith-based offering are also covered.
Freeze Frame: You’ll “Like” Horror Flick “Unfriended” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: April 17, 2015 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
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"Unfriended," a unique and original new horror entry gets a few "likes" from Russ.
Take Two: “Merchants of Doubt” Spin on Climate Change ORIGINAL BROADCAST: April 17, 2015 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
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Susan and Russ weigh in on "Merchants of Doubt," an insightful documentary about climate change spin doctors.
Freeze Frame: “Merchants of Doubt” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: April 10, 2015 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
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FREEZE FRAME: "Merchants of Doubt"
Russ scrutinizes a frightening but important documentary about professional spin doctors who create confusion about the concept of climate change.
Take Two: “Selma” and Racial Stereotyping ORIGINAL BROADCAST: April 10, 2015 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
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In the aftermath of a racial stereotyping controversy surrounding the film "Get Hard," Susan and Russ take a look back at the recent civil rights flick, "Selma."
Freeze Frame: “Furious 7” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: April 3, 2015 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
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Russ marvels at the empty-headed joys of "Furious 7," the latest action epic in the "Fast and Furious" franchise.
Take Two: “Get Hard” Kevin Hart and Will Ferrell ORIGINAL BROADCAST: April 3, 2015 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
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Susan and Russ have very different takes on "Get Hard," the goofball comedy starring Kevin Hart and Will Ferrell.
Freeze Frame looks at “Get Hard,” “Home,” “It Follows” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: March 27, 2015 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
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Russ wonders about racial stereotypes in the Will Ferrell/Kevin Hart comedy, "Get Hard" and covers the animated fantasy, "Home" and the creepy horror entry, "It Follows."
Freeze Frame: “Insurgent,” “The Gunman,” and “Do You Believe?” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: March 20, 2015 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
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"Insurgent," the second installment in the "Divergent" series, "The Gunman," a Sean Penn action flick and "Do You Believe?," a faith-based drama are up for Russ' inspection.
Take Two: “Run All Night” From This Action Thriller ORIGINAL BROADCAST: March 20, 2015 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
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Susan and Russ take on "Run All Night," Susan and Russ take on Liam Neeson's latest action thriller.
Freeze Frame: “Cinderella,” “Run All Night” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: March 13, 2015 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
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Two movies that couldn't be less alike are in the spotlight this week, "Cinderella," a Disney fairy tale and "Run All Night," a violent mob thriller.
Take Two: “The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: March 13, 2015 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
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Should they have made a sequel to "The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel," the popular film about British seniors in India? Susan and Russ weigh in.
Freeze Frame: “Hot Tub Time Machine 2” and “Song of the Sea” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: February 20, 2015 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
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"Hot Tub Time Machine 2," an unnecessary comedic sequel, and "Song of the Sea," an Oscar-nominated animated feature are the subjects of this week's reviews from Russ.
Freeze Frame: “Fifty Shades of Grey,” “Kingsman: The Secret Service,” “Still Alice,” “Mr. Turner” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: February 13, 2015 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
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Russ covers the so-called "hottest" movie of the year, plus a spy spoof, an Oscar contender and an art house flick. Listen to reviews of "Fifty Shades of Grey," "Kingsman: The Secret Service," "Still Alice," and "Mr. Turner" during this episode of Freeze Frame.
Freeze Frame: “Jupiter Ascending,” “Two Days, One Night,” and More ORIGINAL BROADCAST: February 6, 2015 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
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Russ sorts through a sci-fi opus, a French language social drama, a 3-D cartoon and a medieval action fantasy. The movies are: "Jupiter Ascending," "Two Days, One Night," "The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water," "Seventh Son."
Take Two: “Black or White” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: February 6, 2015 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
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Susan and Russ take on "Black or White," Kevin Costner's drama about contemporary race relations.
Take Two: Cake ORIGINAL BROADCAST: January 30, 2015 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
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"Cake," Jennifer Aniston's dark drama about a woman addicted to pain killers, is the focus of Russ and Susan's review this week.
Freeze Frame: “A Most Violent Year,” “Black or White, “Project Almanac” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: January 30, 2015 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
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Russ fills us in on an 80s-style crime movie, a social drama about race relations and a teen time travel opus when he reviews "A Most Violent Year," "Black or White, and "Project Almanac."
Take Two: “American Sniper” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: January 30, 2015 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
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Susan and Russ cover "American Sniper," the biggest war movie in box-office history.
Freeze Frame: “The Boy Next Door,” “Song One” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: January 23, 2015 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
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Can J-Lo generate the thrills? Is Song One worth singing about? Russ chimes in on both "The Boy Next Door," "Song One."
Freeze Frame: Reviews of “American Sniper” and “Foxcatcher” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: January 16, 2015 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
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Russ reviews two tragic true stories, one of a Navy Seal sharpshooter and the other about a paranoid schizophrenic millionaire.
Take Two: “Big Eyes” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: January 9, 2015 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
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Susan and Russ check out the bizarre true story of 60s era artists, Margaret and Walter Keane.
Freeze Frame: “Selma,” “Inherent Vice” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: January 9, 2015 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
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Is "Selma" worth marching to? "Inherent Vice" nice? Russ weighs in on these very different films.
TAKE TWO: “The Interview” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: January 2, 2015 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
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Susan and Russ have very different opinions about the most controversial movie of the year.
FREEZE FRAME: “The Best Movies of 2014” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: January 2, 2015 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
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Russ does his annual Top Ten countdown of the year's finest cinematic offerings.
Take Two Goes on a “Wild” Trek ORIGINAL BROADCAST: December 26, 2014 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
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Russ and Susan share their views of the big-screen adaptation of Cheryl Strayed's bestselling memoir about her harrowing 1100 mile trek on the Pacific Crest Trail.
“Unbroken, “Into the Woods,” “The Imitation Game,” “Big Eyes” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: December 26, 2014 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
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Russ reviews the Christmas Day openings, including Angelina Jolie's directorial effort and the adaptation of the Broadway musical, "Into the Woods."
Take Two Reviews “Top Five” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: December 19, 2014 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
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Russ and Susan examine the raunchy big-screen comedy, "Top Five," written, directed by and starring Chris Rock.
“The Hobbit 2,” “Night at the Museum 3,” “Wild” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: December 19, 2014 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
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Russ takes a look at the finales of two popular movie franchises as well as a new drama starring Reese Witherspoon.
Swank, Jones Star in “The Homesman” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: December 12, 2014 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
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Russ and Susan seek common ground on a bleak Western entry.
Films: “Exodus: Gods and Kings,” “Top Five,” “The Bobadook” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: December 12, 2014 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
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Russ reviews Ridley Scott's revisionist version of the Biblical story of Moses, Chris Rock's edgy comedy and an Australian horror flick.
Russ Simmons Reviews “Homesman” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: December 5, 2014 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
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Tommy Lee Jones directs Hillary Swank in a dark Western based on the 1988 novel by Glendon Swarthout. Russ has a review.
Review of “Rosewater” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: December 5, 2014 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
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Russ and Susan share their views on the directorial debut of Jon Stewart from "The Daily Show."
Take Two Reviews “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay-Part 1” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: November 21, 2014 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
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Russ and Susan find common ground on this film about the dystopian future.
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 ORIGINAL BROADCAST: November 21, 2014 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
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Russ covers the latest in the wildly popular YA sci-fi movie series starring Jennifer Lawrence.
“Rosewater” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: November 14, 2014 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
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Jon Stewart of "The Daily Show" makes his filmmaking debut with the new drama, "Rosewater."
Sneak Peak on “Film Noir” Festival ORIGINAL BROADCAST: November 14, 2014 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
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Russ and Susan give us a sneak peak at the Film Noir offerings at the Alamo Drafthous
“Citizenfour”, “Interstellar” and “Big Hero 6” Reviews ORIGINAL BROADCAST: November 7, 2014 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
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Russ reviews the latest from filmmaker Christopher Nolan, a zippy Disney animated flick and a documentary about Edward Snowden.
‘St. Vincent’ with Bill Murray ORIGINAL BROADCAST: October 31, 2014 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
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Russ and Susan have slightly different perspectives on the sentimental Bill Murray comedy, "St. Vincent."
Reviews of ‘Birdman’ and ‘Nightcrawler’ ORIGINAL BROADCAST: October 31, 2014 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
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Russ Simmons gives us the latest on a couple of possible Oscar contenders open this week, including the eccentric black comedy, "Birdman" starring Michael Keaton and the dark thriller, "Nightcrawler" with Jake Gyllenhaal.
“Men, Women and Children” and “Fury” Movie Reviews – Freeze Frame ORIGINAL BROADCAST: October 17, 2014 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
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Russ covers the brutal Brad Pitt WWII flick, "Fury" and the ensemble drama "Men, Women & Children," starring Adam Sandler and Jennifer Garner.
Take Two: “Fury” with Brad Pitt ORIGINAL BROADCAST: October 17, 2014 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
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Russ and Susan weigh in on the ultra-violent Brad Pitt war drama, "Fury."
Take Two: “Gone Girl” Movie Review ORIGINAL BROADCAST: October 10, 2014 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
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Kansas City native Gillian Flynn's novel "Gone Girl" is the top movie at the box office and Russ and Susan agree that it's an early Oscar contender.
Film Reviews: The Judge, The Notebook, and Kill the Messenger ORIGINAL BROADCAST: October 3, 2014 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
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Freeze Frame with Russ Simmons reviews three films: The Judge with Robert Downey, Jr and Robert Duvall, The Notebook, an ultra bleak Czech film, not to be confused with the love story film of the same title, and Kill the Messenger, a film following a journalist in the 1980's who broke a story about a twisted CIA-sponsored program to arm the Nicaraguan contras through introduction of crack cocaine in the U.S. in the 1980's.
Gone Girl: “What have we done to each other?” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: October 3, 2014 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:57 — 3.1MB)
This review covers "Gone Girl," a movie getting a lot of well-deserved attention, based on the book of the same title by Missouri author Gillian Flynn.
Movie Review: “The Good Lie” Has a KC Link ORIGINAL BROADCAST: October 3, 2014 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
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Russ and Susan check out "The Good Lie," a film about Sudanese refugees that takes place in Kansas City.
The Drop: James Gandolfini’s Last Film ORIGINAL BROADCAST: September 19, 2014 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
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The Drop is a 2014 American crime drama film directed by Michaël R. Roskam and written by Dennis Lehane. The film is based on Dennis Lehane's 2009 short story "Animal Rescue". Lehane also adapted the script into a 2014 novel of the same name. The film stars Tom Hardy, Noomi Rapace, James Gandolfini, Matthias Schoenaerts, John Ortiz and James Frecheville. It was screened in the Special Presentations section of the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival, and was released theatrically on September 12, 2014.
“Life Of Crime” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: September 6, 2014 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:59 — 3.2MB)
Fox 4's Russ Simmons and KKFI's Susan Sanders give their takes on the offbeat new comedy Life Of Crime, starring Jennifer Aniston, Tim Robbins, and Mos Def.
“And So It Goes” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: August 5, 2014 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
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Susan Sanders and Russ Simmons review Rob Reiner's new film, And So It Goes, starring Diane Keaton and Michael Douglas.
“Boyhood”, “Get On Up”, and “Guardians Of The Galaxy” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: August 4, 2014 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:58 — 3.3MB)
Russ Simmons gives us a preview of Richard Linklater's epic 12-year project, "Boyhood", featuring Ethan Hawke, Patricia Arquette, and Ellar Coltrane, as well as the new James Brown biopic "Get On Up", starring Chadwick Bozeman, and Chris Pratt in the eagerly-anticipated Marvel flick "Guardians Of The Galaxy".
“Gore Vidal: The United States of Amnesia” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: July 29, 2014 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:57 — 3.3MB)
Russ Simmons and Susan Sanders review the provocative, academic documentary Gore Vidal: The United States of Amnesia, directed by Nicholas D. Wrathall.
“Lucy”, “And So It Goes”, “Gore Vidal: The United States of Amnesia”, and more ORIGINAL BROADCAST: July 28, 2014 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:58 — 3.4MB)
Russ Simmons gives us a look into Scarlet Johansson's sci-fi thrill ride "Lucy", directed by Luc Besson, as well as the new Rob Reiner/Diane Keaton/Michael Douglas vehicle "And So It Goes".
Top Two Favorite Films of 2014 ORIGINAL BROADCAST: July 22, 2014 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:00 — 3.4MB)
Russ and Susan give their picks at the halfway point of the year for their top two favorite films of the year: Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes, Locke, and Gravity.
“The Purge: Anarchy”, “Venus In Furs”, KC Fringe Fest and more! ORIGINAL BROADCAST: July 21, 2014 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:00 — 3.6MB)
Fox 4's Russ Simmons gives us a sneak peek into the sequel The Purge: Anarchy, Roman Polanski's Venus In Furs, the Roger Ebert biopic Life Itself, Planes, Fire & Rescue, Sex Tape, a look into the films premiering at the KC Fringe Festival, and much more.
“Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes”, “Third Person” & The KC Fringe Fest ORIGINAL BROADCAST: July 14, 2014 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
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Russ Simmons gives us a preview of the sequel "Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes", starring Gary Oldman, Jason Clarke, and Keri Russell, Oscar-winning director Paul Haggis' "Third Person" as well as a glimpse at the KC Fringe Festival.
Susan and Russ chat about the pros and cons of Melissa McCarthy’s road comedy, “Tammy.” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: July 6, 2014 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
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Susan and Russ chat about the pros and cons of Melissa McCarthy's road comedy, "Tammy."
Russ takes a look at Melissa McCarthy’s comedy, “Tammy” and the sci-fi flick for kids, “Earth to Echo.” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: July 7, 2014 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
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Russ Simmons gives us a peek at Melissa McCarthy's screenwriting debut, "Tammy", as well as "E.T." redux "Earth To Echo", as well as "The Double", "Begin Again", and "Deliver Us From Evil".
“The Rover” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: June 24, 2014 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
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Susan and Russ review the new Robert Pattinson and Guy Pearce film, the Mad Max-esque Australian film The Rover.
“Neighbors” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: May 13, 2014 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:56 — 2.5MB)
Fox 4's Russ Simmons and KKFI's Susan Sanders review the raunchy new Zac Efron and Seth Rogen comedy, Neighbors.
“The Railway Man” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: May 6, 2014 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
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Susan Sanders and Russ Simmons give their opinions on Colin Firth and Nicole Kidman's British WWII drama, The Railway Man.
“Under The Skin” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: April 29, 2014 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:56 — 2.4MB)
The new erotic-sci fi thriller Under The Skin with Scarlett Johansson is analyzed by Susan and Russ.
“The Unknown Known” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: April 22, 2014 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
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Errol Morris' documentary on the controversial former Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld, The Unknown Known, is given the once-over by Fox 4's Russ Simmons and KKFI's Susan Sanders.
“Draft Day” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: April 15, 2014 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
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KKFI's Susan Sanders and Russ Simmons review Kevin Costner's new movie, Draft Day, a manipulative, soap-y story about the front office of an NFL team.
“Draft Day”, “Oculus”, “The Unknown Known”, plus more ORIGINAL BROADCAST: April 14, 2014 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
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Russ Simmons profiles Kevin Costner's latest flick Draft Day, creepfest Oculus, Errol Morris' documentary The Unknown Known, about Donald Rumsfeld, and Rio 2, as well as Lunchbox, Rob The Mob, and much more.
“Noah” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: April 8, 2014 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:00 — 2.7MB)
Mad Max meets Titanic meets the Bible as FOX 4's Russ Simmons and KKFI's Susan Sanders review Darren Aronofsky's Noah, starring Russell Crowe and Jennifer Connelly.
Captain, Particle Fever and KC Film Fest ORIGINAL BROADCAST: April 7, 2014 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:00 — 2.5MB)
Russ Simmons profiles Captain America: The Winter Soldier with Chris Evans, the Higgs-Boson documentary Particle Fever, and gives us an update on the Kansas City Film Fest happening this month.
“300: Rise Of An Empire” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: March 25, 2014 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:59 — 2.5MB)
Fox 4's Russ Simmons and KKFI's Susan Sanders review gladiator action flick 300: Rise Of An Empire, starring Aussie actor Sullivan Stapleton and Eva Green.
Movie Reviews: Need for Speed, Single Mom’s Club, and Others ORIGINAL BROADCAST: March 17, 2014 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
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Russ Simmons previews the latest movies opening this week: Need For Speed starring Aaron Paul, indie film Tim's Vermeer, biopic Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me, Tyler Perry's Single Mom's Club, starring Wendi McLendon-Covey, and Better Living Through Chemistry starring Sam Rockwell and Olivia Wilde.
“Divergent, “Grand Budapest Hotel,” and “Muppets: Most Wanted” Film Reviews ORIGINAL BROADCAST: March 24, 2014 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:58 — 2.5MB)
FOX 4 film critic Russ Simmons breaks down for you the latest films opening at your local theater this week: sci-fi film Divergent, starring Kate Winslet, Wes Anderson's The Grand Budapest Hotel, starring Ralph Fiennes, indie horror flick Enemy starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Muppets: Most Wanted, and Blood Ties starring Clive Owen and Marion Cotillard.
“Tim’s Vermeer” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: March 18, 2014 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
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Russ Simmons and Susan Sanders review Penn & Teller's documentary, Tim's Vermeer, about inventor Tim Jenison's efforts to duplicate the painting techniques of Johannes Vermeer.
“The Wind Rises” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: March 11, 2014 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:58 — 2.5MB)
Russ Simmons and Susan Sanders review the Impressionistic Japanese animated film by Hayao Miyazaki, The Wind Rises, a look at the life of Jiro Horikoshi, the man who designed Japanese fighter planes during World War II.
Freeze Frame: 3-7-14 to 3-13-14 ORIGINAL BROADCAST: March 10, 2014 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:58 — 2.5MB)
Russ Simmons previews anticipated sequel 300: Rise Of An Empire, the family-friendly Peabody & Sherman, French export Stranger By The Lake, and restaurant documentary Spinning Plates.
“In Secret” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: March 4, 2014 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:59 — 2.5MB)
Russ Simmons and Susan Sanders review the adaptation of Émile Zola's novel Thérèse Raquin, the film In Secret, starring Elizabeth Olsen and Jessica Lange.
Freeze Frame: 2-28-14 through 3-6-14 ORIGINAL BROADCAST: March 3, 2014 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:00 — 2.4MB)
KKFI and Fox's Russ Simmons profiles Son Of God, the Oscar-nominated Japanese animated film The Wind Rises, and Nonstop featuring Liam Neeson.
Movie Review: “The Past” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: February 25, 2014 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
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Russ Simmons and Susan Sanders give their takes on Asghar Farhadi's Iran-via-Paris drama The Past (Le Passé), starring Bérénice Bejo and Tahar Rahim.
Movie Reviews: Pompeii, 3 Days to Kill, Barefoot ORIGINAL BROADCAST: February 24, 2014 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 3:59 — 3.9MB)
Russ Simmons gives us a look at visual epic Pompeii, In Secret with Jessica Lange, Kevin Costner's Three Days To Kill, and romantic drama Barefoot.
Movie Review: “The Monuments Men” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: February 18, 2014 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:59 — 1.4MB)
Russ and Susan review The Monuments Men, directed and acted in by George Clooney, about the men who risked their lives to protect international treasures and works of art from the Nazis in WWII.
Movie Reviews: Robocops, About Last Night, Gloria, and More ORIGINAL BROADCAST: February 17, 2014 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
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The remakes of Robocop and About Last Night are previewed by Russ Simmons, as is A Winter's Tale with Colin Farrell, Asghar Farhadi's The Past, Chilean film Gloria, and the remake of 1981's Endless Love.
Movie Review: “Labor Day” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: February 11, 2014 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:58 — 2.4MB)
Russ Simmons gives us a look at visual epic Pompeii, In Secret with Jessica Lange, Kevin Costner's Three Days To Kill, and romantic drama Barefoot.
Movie Reviews: Legos, Monuments, Vampires and A Field in England ORIGINAL BROADCAST: February 10, 2014 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
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Russ Simmons profiles cartoon satire The Lego Movie, The Monuments Men starring George Clooney, teen comedy Vampire Academy, and horror film A Field In England, set in 1648.
Take Two: “Her” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: January 21, 2014 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:57 — 2.4MB)
Susan Sanders and Russ Simmons discuss the Oscar-nominated science-fiction romance Her, starring Joaquin Phoenix and Scarlet Johansson.
Movie Reviews: August: Osage County, Her, Lone Survivor, and Jack Ryan ORIGINAL BROADCAST: January 20, 2014 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:01 — 2.6MB)
Russ Simmons gives us a preview of August: Osage County with Meryl Streep, Her starring Joaquin Phoenix, and much more.
Russ Simmons Reviews the Worst Movies of 2013 ORIGINAL BROADCAST: January 14, 2014 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
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Russ Simmons gives his Worst Of… picks for 2013.
Take Two: “The Great Beauty” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: January 14, 2014 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
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Russ and Susan discuss Italian film A Great Beauty by Jep Cambardella.
Take Two: “The Wolf Of Wall Street” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: January 7, 2014 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:57 — 1.8MB)
Russ Simmons and Susan Sanders chat about Martin Scorcese's raunchy, Oscar-nominated film The Wolf Of Wall Street
Movie Reviews: Fruitvale Station, American Hustle and More ORIGINAL BROADCAST: January 6, 2014 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
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Russ gives his picks for Best Films of 2013.
Take Two: “Out Of The Furnace” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: December 24, 2013 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:55 — 2.4MB)
Russ and Susan chat about Scott Cooper's Out Of The Furnace, starring Christian Bale and Casey Affleck.
Anchorman 2, American Hustle, Saving Mr Banks, Inside Llewyn Davis and More ORIGINAL BROADCAST: December 23, 2013 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:58 — 2.2MB)
Films highlighted this week include Anchorman 2, Walking With Dinosaurs, Saving Mr. Banks, and American Hustle.
Movie Reviews: The Hobbit, Armstrong Lie, Madea’s Christmas ORIGINAL BROADCAST: December 16, 2013 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
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The Hobbit's second installment, The Armstrong Lie and Madea's Christmas are highlighted.
Take Two: “Philomena” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: December 10, 2013 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
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Russ Simmons and Susan Sanders give their reviews of Philomena, based on a true story and starring Dame Judi Dench and Steve Coogan.
Movie Review: Out of the Furnace and Tivoli’s Kickstarter ORIGINAL BROADCAST: December 9, 2013 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:56 — 2.2MB)
Christian Bale's new movie is discussed, along with the Tivoli Theatre's Kickstarter campaign.
Take Two: “Nebraska” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: December 17, 2013 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:53 — 2.2MB)
Russ Simmons and Susan Sanders tackle Bruce Dern's latest movie, the melancholy Nebraska, directed by Alexander Payne, and also starring Will Forte.
Freeze Frame: November 22-28, 2013 ORIGINAL BROADCAST: November 25, 2013 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
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The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Delivery Man, Dallas Buyers Club and Kill Your Darlings are covered.
Take Two: November 22-28, 2013 ORIGINAL BROADCAST: November 25, 2013 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
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Controversial film "Blue Is The Warmest Color" is highlighted.
“All Is Lost” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: November 18, 2013 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
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Russ and Susan chat about Robert Redford's solo turn in the movie All Is Lost, an American survival film written and directed by J. C. Chandor.
“12 Years A Slave” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: November 11, 2013 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:58 — 2.3MB)
Russ Simmons and Susan Sanders discuss their takes on 12 Years A Slave, a British-American epic historical drama film.
“12 Years A Slave”, “Ender’s Game”, “Last Vegas”, “About Time”, “Wadjda”, “Muscle Shoals” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: November 4, 2013 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:59 — 2.3MB)
Today's films covered by host Russ Simmons are 12 Years A Slave starring Michael Fassbender, Ender's Game starring Harrison Ford, the geriatric comedy Last Vegas starring Robert DeNiro, About Time starring Bill Nighy and Rachael McAdams, the Saudi Arabian film Wadjda starring Waad Mohammed, and the collaborative music film Muscle Shoals.
“The Counselor”, “Bad Grandpa”, “A Touch Of Sin”, “The Summit”, Glenwood Arts Theatre showing KAN Film Fest selections ORIGINAL BROADCAST: October 28, 2013 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:59 — 2.3MB)
Russ Simmons previews new movies opening this week: The Counselor starring Michael Fassbender, Johnny Knoxville's Bad Grandpa, Chinese-language film A Touch of Sin, and true-life climbing adventure The Summit. Also, he tells of the KAN Film Festival selections receiving a limited edition screening at the Glenwood Arts Theatre.
“Carrie”, “The Fifth Estate”, “The Escape Plan”, “Concussion” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: October 21, 2013 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:57 — 2.2MB)
Today on Freeze Frame, Russ Simmons gives us a glimpse into the upcoming films Carrie, the reboot starring Chloe Grace Moretz, WikiLeaks biopic The Fifth Estate starring Benedict Cumberbatch, The Escape Plan starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone, and Concussion starring Robin Weigert.
“Captain Phillips” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: October 21, 2013 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:57 — 2.2MB)
Russ Simmons and Susan Sanders chat about Captain Phillips, an American action thriller based on real events surrounding the Somalian pirate takeover of a cargo ship, directed by Paul Greengrass and starring Tom Hanks and Barkhad Abdi.
“Captain Phillips”, “Machete Kills”, “Inequality For All”, “Escape From Tomorrow”, “Romeo and Juliet”, “Red Wing” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: October 14, 2013 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:58 — 2.2MB)
Russ gives us a look at movies opening this week, including true-life adventure Captain Phillips starring Tom Hanks, Grindhouse-inspired sequel Machete Kills starring Charlie Sheen and Sofia Vergara, income disparity documentary Inequality For All with Robert Reich, sci-fi flick Escape From Tomorrow directed by Randy Moore, Julian Fellowes' take on Romeo and Juliet, and Red Wing starring Bill Paxton.
“Prisoners” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: October 7, 2013 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
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Russ and Susan analyze Prisoners, an American thriller film directed by Denis Villeneuve.
“Gravity”, “Runner Runner”, “Good Old Frieda”, “Parkland”, “Hot Cuisine”, and 13th KAN Film Festival ORIGINAL BROADCAST: October 7, 2013 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
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This week, Russ Simmons gives us a look at Gravity starring Sandra Bullock, Runner Runner starring Justin Timberlake, Good Ol' Freda starring Zac Efron, JFK drama Parkland with Paul Giamatti, French-language film Hot Cuisine, and a glimpse into the 13th annual KAN Film Festival.
“Hannah Arendt” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: September 30, 2013 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:59 — 1.8MB)
This week's review is of the biopic Hannah Arendt, a German-Luxembourgian-French drama film about German-Jewish philosopher and political theorist Hannah Arendt directed by Margarethe von Trotta and starring Barbara Sukowa.
“Rush”, “Don Jon”, “Enough Said”, “Baggage Claim”, “Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs 2”, “Cutie And The Boxer” and the Kansas International Film Festival ORIGINAL BROADCAST: September 30, 2013 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
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Today, Russ Simmons tells us about Rush starring Chris Hemsworth, Don Jon with Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Enough Said with Julia Louis-Dreyfus and James Gandolfini, Baggage Claim with Paula Patton, Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs 2 starring Bill Hader, Cutie And The Boxer starring Ushio and Noriko Shinohara, and also news about the Kansas International Film Festival.
“In A World” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: September 23, 2013 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
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This week on Take Two, Russ Simmons and Susan Sanders review In A World, directed by and starring Lake Bell in her feature-length writing, directing, and producing debut. The film follows a young woman doing voice-over work for film trailers.
“Prisoners”, “Short Term 12”, “Thanks For Sharing”, “Battle Of The Year”, “Populaire”, “Salinger”, and “Wizard of Oz: IMAX” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: September 23, 2013 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:58 — 1.8MB)
Russ gives his take on Prisoners starring Hugh Jackman and Maria Bello, Short Term 12 starring Brie Larson, Thanks For Sharing starring Mark Ruffalo, Battle of the Year starring Josh Holloway, Populaire starring Berenice Bejo, Salinger starring Phillip Seymour Hoffman, and Wizard of Oz in its digitally-remastered IMAX debut.
“The Family”, “Insidious: Chapter 2”, “Austenland”, “In A World” and “Hannah Arendt” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: September 16, 2013 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:59 — 1.8MB)
Russ Simmons gives his take on The Family, starring Michelle Pfeiffer, Robert DeNiro and Tommy Lee Jones, Insidious: Chapter 2 starring Rose Byrne and Patrick Wilson, Austenland starring Keri Russell, In A World starring Lake Bell, and Hannah Arendt starring Barbara Sukowa.
You get it all in one film – France, crime, comedy, the mob, Tommy Lee, Pfeiffer and De Niro ORIGINAL BROADCAST: September 16, 2013 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:58 — 1.8MB)
The Family, also known as Malavita, is a 2013 English-language French action crime comedy film based on a novel by Tonino Benacquista and directed by Luc Besson, starring Robert De Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer, Tommy Lee Jones, and Dianna Agron.
“Ain’t Them Bodies Saints” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: September 9, 2013 | Fridays, 12:30 pm, Saturdays, 5:58 pm)
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On Take Two today, Russ Simmons and Susan Sanders review Ain't Them Bodies Saints, an American romantic crime drama film written and directed by David Lowery, starring Casey Affleck and Rooney Mara.
“Riddick”, “Museum Hours”, and “Adore” ORIGINAL BROADCAST: September 9, 2013 | Noon on "Arts Magazine"
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:59 — 1.8MB)
Russ Simmons gives his take on Riddick, a British-American science fiction film and the third installment in the The Chronicles of Riddick film series, starring Vin Diesel.
