From movie theatre usher to accomplished executive, Dennis Camlek channeled his childhood passion for movies into a career in entertainment marketing. Each episode finds Dennis joined by industry thought leaders and content creators to discuss their own passions and achievements, while also addressing topical issues shaping today’s media landscape. Who knew mopping movie theatre floors would lead to this? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Time has been kind to Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining.” His adaptation of the best-selling novel was initially dismissed by critics and author Stephen King, however it has since been hailed for its chilling aesthetic, superb visual fabric and harrowing sound design. Always ahead of his time, Kubrick got the last laugh, as "The Shining" is now rightfully considered one of the greatest horror films in cinema. Steve Cozzolino checks in to the Overlook and joins Dennis to discuss why all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 57 - "No Country for Old Men" (01:41:55)
Celebrated screenwriters with a distinct world view, Joel and Ethan Coen pivoted in 2007 with an adaptation of Cormac McCarthy’s novel No Country for Old Men; and in typical Coen Bros. fashion they turned in one of the great works of the 21st century, the winner of the Best Picture Academy Award. While guest Jason Thompson would never take a satchel of drug money he still joins Dennis to celebrate this masterwork from two of the most significant filmmakers of this generation. Don’t put it in your pocket sir, it’s your lucky quarter. Anywhere not in your pocket, where it'll get mixed in with the others and become just a coin. Which it is. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 56 - "Almost Famous" (01:32:53)
In 1973 most 15 year olds barely scratch together enough cash to buy an album, yet Cameron Crowe was already touring with bands like Led Zeppelin, The Allman Brothers and Fleetwood Mac, and writing about it for Rolling Stone. He harnessed those talents into a successful filmmaking career and that early experience was showcased in the critically-acclaimed "Almost Famous." Music lovers Laura Lubrano and Jason Zollan return to the show and join Dennis to stand up for the uncool, because the only true currency in this bankrupt world is what you share with someone else when you're uncool. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 55 - "Midnight Run" (01:35:14)
It's amazing to think that bounty hunter Jack Walsh was a consolation prize for Robert DeNiro after he lost the starring role in “Big” to Tom Hanks. It worked out for both of them - and for us, luckily - as 1988’s “Midnight Run” would become an adored masterpiece of the buddy action genre. Television development executive (and former colleague) Hugh Fitzpatrick joins Dennis to savor every morsel of this superb, odd couple road trip. So sit down, relax, have a sandwich, drink a glass of milk, do some effin’ thing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 54 - "Predator" (01:20:17)
Director John McTiernan hit an incredible trifecta, having helmed the action classics “Die Hard” (1988) and “The Hunt for Red October” (1990)...but it all started with 1987’s “Predator,” a muscular action-horror hybrid, featuring a unique premise: Arnold Schwarzenegger and the world’s best soldiers are hunted down by a far superior alien enemy. The box office hit spawned a hugely successful franchise, with sequels, spinoffs and reboots still being made to this day. To think Jean-Claude Van Damme was almost in it, too. With Ol' Painless in tow, Julius Benedict drops into the jungle to savor this action classic; but he and Dennis better hurry and get to the choppa! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 53 - "Get Shorty" (01:27:59)
The massive success of “Pulp Fiction” created an arms race for talky crime films. Producers flocked to the genre master himself, author Elmore Leonard. After decades of failed adaptations, Hollywood once again raided his bookshelves, and first up was 1995’s “Get Shorty,” a film MGM wanted Quentin Tarantino to direct. Too busy adapting another Leonard bestseller (Rum Punch, which would become “Jackie Brown,”) Tarantino passed, but not before convincing John Travolta to star as loan shark turned film producer Chili Palmer. Andrew Fryer joins Dennis to revisit this industry comedy that suggests Hollywood may be tougher to navigate than organized crime. After all, sometimes you do your best work when you've got a gun to your head. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 52 - "Keep the Bottle Close" (01:45:59)
Amazing how a random dinner with a total stranger can quickly turn into a fulfilling friendship, one fueled by a mutual pursuit of creative exploration. Serendipity came calling when Nick Malone first met Dennis in 2012. A former actor turned husband who retired from his craft, he had no idea that Dennis would soon share a screenplay he’d written - “Keep the Bottle Close” - a project he intended to produce as a living, breathing television pilot (ultimately filmed in 2015). As one door closed, another one opened, allowing Nick to step in front of the camera one last time. Sometimes it pays to order off the menu. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 51 - "Jaws" (01:44:47)
Fifty years ago producers Richard Zanuck and David Brown handed the directing reins of a best-selling novel to a young, upcoming filmmaker named Steven Spielberg. Moviegoers, the motion picture industry, and the country at large had no idea what was in store. An unprecedented release - and a critical and commercial triumph - “Jaws” has endured for decades and will forever remain part of the cultural conversation. Jim Camlek and his little brother celebrate this masterclass in story, character and execution. Here’s to swimming with bowlegged women! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 50 - "Back to the Future" (01:48:30)
Several weeks into production of "Back to the Future," screenwriter Bob Gale and director Robert Zemeckis had a huge problem: Eric Stoltz was not giving them the performance their Spielberg backed film desperately needed. Enter budding star Michael J. Fox, the actor they wanted from the beginning. Literally working around the clock, Fox spent his days portraying television's Alex P. Keaton and his nights as time traveling teen Marty McFly. It would quickly become the role of a lifetime. With the beloved classic turning 40, David O'Sullivan joins Dennis - and Nick Malone guests hosts - as our little podcast celebrates its 50th episode. This is heavy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 49 - "Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood" (01:35:25)
A love letter bidding farewell to the 'Golden Age of Cinema,' Quentin Tarantino's "Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood" revisits a world you fully want to live in. A magnificent recreation - and readjustment - of how things both were and should have been. One could even argue that this fascinating intersection of movie history and human history should have been the last film of Tarantino's outstanding career. Ruth Metzger joins Dennis to relish the cinematic treasures of 1969 Los Angeles, a place we can never get back to. And away we go... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 48 - "Glengarry Glen Ross" (01:20:17)
A richly deserved Pulitzer cemented the legacy of David Mamet's 1983 play "Glengarry Glen Ross," but that legacy evolved during the opening minutes of James Foley's 1992 film adaptation. Alec Baldwin's memorable monologue (a scene Mamet wrote specifically for the screenplay) coupled with a murderers' row of actors, catapulted the film into a highly quoted cult classic. Media veteran Jason Wagenheim joins Dennis to discuss what it takes to get them to sign on the line which is dotted. Coffee is for closers only. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 47 - "Unforgiven" (01:37:29)
In 1984 a trusted production executive desperately tried to convince Clint Eastwood to pass on “The Cut-Whore Killing,” stressing that the screenplay was not worth his time. Eastwood placed it in a drawer, but not because of the material; only during the latter phase of his career did he feel he could earn the right to properly deconstruct the western genre. Released in 1992, “Unforgiven” would go on to win Oscars for Best Picture, Director (Eastwood), Editing, and Supporting Actor for the late Gene Hackman. Jason Thompson and Dennis roll into Big Whiskey, open a bottle and celebrate Eastwood's masterpiece. Deserve’s got nothing to do with it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 46 - "Lost in Translation" (01:31:24)
The legend of Bill Murray is real. He doesn't do contracts. If you want to work with him, you leave a message on his 1-800 number and hope he calls you back. Writer and director Sofia Coppola had no idea if he would arrive on set of "Lost in Translation." Lucky for them, he did; they were both nominated for Oscars, and her script won. Writer, film lover and media executive Laura Lubrano joins Dennis to discuss why this story of loneliness and disconnection is one of the great character studies of cinema. For relaxing times... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 45 - "Trading Places" (01:26:21)
It's hard to fathom that studio execs were initially reluctant to cast Eddie Murphy in 1983's "Trading Places." It only became the fourth highest grossing film of the year and catapulted the actor to massive global stardom (and a lucrative five picture deal at Paramount). The movie also reignited Dan Aykroyd's career and opened many new doors for Jamie Lee Curtis. Channeling his inner Winthorpe, Rob Bohn returns to the pod and joins Dennis to celebrate a comedy classic deeply inspired by the screwball films of a bygone era. Pork bellies, which are used to make bacon, which you might find in a Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato sandwich. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Filmmaker John Hughes was a master of the human condition, his characters always felt rich in authenticity. After a string of acclaimed teen films, he set his sights on adults in 1987's "Planes, Trains & Automobiles," a heartfelt road comedy about the horrors of holiday travel. Steve Cozzolino returns to the show and joins Dennis to savor the comic flavors of this Thanksgiving feast. Remember, when you're telling your little stories, here's a good idea - have a point. It makes it so much more interesting for the listener! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 43 - "Fletch" (01:34:51)
“Saturday Night Live” made Chevy Chase a star and after one season he left the show to chase fame and fortune on the big screen. After a string of hits and misses, it would take him nearly a decade to find the role he was born to play - Irwin M. Fletcher, investigative journalist in the 1985 comedy “Fletch.” Laced with razor sharp wit and breezy, deadpan charm, the film harnessed Chase’s superb improv skills and delivered the most satisfying performance of his career. Life long friend Rick Craig joins Dennis to revisit this incessantly quotable comedy classic. It’s all ball bearings nowadays! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 42 - "The Breakfast Club" (01:31:34)
Few filmmakers left a greater mark in the 1980’s than the late John Hughes. A student of character, dialogue and the human condition, the prolific writer and director had a keen ability to understand the teenage point of view. He was one of us; and those talents were on full display in 1985’s “The Breakfast Club," widely considered his career defining work. Jason Wagenheim returns to the pod and joins Dennis to celebrate this iconic film that influenced an entire generation. It’s demented and sad, but social. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 41 - "Point Break" (01:28:50)
A young, upstart FBI agent infiltrates a tight-knit group of surfers who rob banks so they can afford a nomadic lifestyle of spiritual enlightenment. This is the actual plot of acclaimed filmmaker Kathryn Bigelow’s 1991 action thriller, “Point Break.” Is it ludicrous? Yes. Is it absurd? Certainly. However, this muscular entertainment became a highly quotable cult classic and the reasons are justifiable. Jason Zollan returns - with two meatball sandwiches - and joins Dennis to defend why this film hangs ten on everyone’s board. Back off Warchild, seriously. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 40 - "High Fidelity" (01:42:10)
Fans were disappointed when they learned the film adaptation of the 1995 bestselling novel High Fidelity was being moved from London to Chicago. Author Nick Hornby felt it was a ridiculous thing to have any objection to…that the nationality of record store owner Rob Gordon really had no bearing on anything. He was right. John Cusack and his fellow screenwriters knew exactly what they were doing, because we all have friends like Rob, Dick and Barry, unappreciated scholars who believe music is autobiographical in their lives. Nick Malone and Jason Thompson join Dennis to unleash their inner music nerd, share some top fives and debate which came first, the music or the misery. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 39 - "Casino Royale" (01:33:58)
The Best Bond. A topic that’s been fiercely debated for generations…and all it took was an efficient, black and white cold open to confidently announce to the world that Daniel Craig had something to say about it. In “Casino Royale,” a new James Bond had arrived: a brooding, flawed 007, a man wounded by life, yet still believed in the cause. Jim Camlek returns to the show to revisit this spectacular achievement that rebooted - and saved - the Bond franchise. Enjoy it shaken or stirred, we don’t give a damn. (Dedicated to the loving memory of Roger Camlek). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 38 - "GoodFellas" (01:32:25)
When Martin Scorsese first read the 1985 nonfiction book Wiseguy, he immediately called author Nicholas Pileggi and told him “I’ve been waiting for this book my entire life.” To which Pileggi replied, “I’ve been waiting for this phone call my entire life.” And that is how 1990’s “GoodFellas” came to be. Scorsese instantly knew how to make the film - 'to begin the story like a gunshot and have it get faster from there.' Ruth Metzger returns to the show and joins Dennis to dig deep on what is widely considered the best gangster film ever made...and also one of the great masterpieces of American cinema. Now go home and get your shine box! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 37 - "Red Dawn" (01:36:11)
John Milius' "Red Dawn" was released in 1984 against the backdrop of the Cold War, when tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union were at an all-time high. A premise only Hollywood could love: World War III is waged on U.S. soil and a group of high schoolers decide to take up arms against their aggressors. Hell yes! Rob Bohn joins Dennis for his second tour of duty to celebrate this action classic, the first PG-13 film ever released. Wolverines! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 36 - "Major League" (01:31:40)
As a suffering, lifelong Cleveland fan, filmmaker David S. Ward figured the only way the Indians would ever win the World Series is if he wrote a movie allowing them to do so. And it would need to be a comedy, of course, because “nobody would believe it as a drama.” Ward’s dream came to fruition with 1989’s “Major League,” the film that players will tell you is their favorite baseball movie hands down. With a touch of Crisco and a pinch of Bardol, baseball purist Jason Thompson joins Dennis to celebrate America’s favorite pastime and discuss why this film gets all the little things right. Yo bartender, Jobu needs a refill! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 35 - "Lethal Weapon 2" (01:28:56)
When Richard Donner’s “Lethal Weapon 2” was released in 1989 it not only conquered the box office, it quickly and assuredly climbed the ranks of movie sequels which surpassed their predecessors…a rare feat. This rousing entertainment wears its heart on its sleeve. Laced with wit and spectacular action, the film is widely considered the best of the franchise. Author and media executive, Andrew Fryer, joins Dennis to discuss how the filmmakers perfectly harnessed the magic of Riggs and Murtaugh. So come on, be original, say yes, everyone else says no! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 34 - "Swingers" (01:27:47)
It’s hard to imagine a film as treasured as 1996’s “Swingers” actually failing at the box office. But it happened. Only a shrewd marketing push by Buena Vista Home Video gave the movie a second life, and in short order it became a highly-quotable cult classic. It also catapulted the careers of Jon Favreau, Vince Vaughn and director Doug Liman. Ad tech executive Jason Zollan, the guy behind the guy behind the guy, joins Dennis to discuss why this superb indie comedy defied the odds. We’re all growns up! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
