Part 4 of The Holiday Season - January/New Year

In this episode, Eric Picks something disney for the New Year… dig into the curious case of Dick Tracy (1990)—a movie that was marketed as the next big cultural phenomenon but somehow slipped through the cracks of nostalgia.

The crew kicks things off by recalling their own memories of Dick Tracy: the early-90s media blitz, video game tie-ins, trading cards, and a merchandising frenzy that spread from McDonald's to toy stores. Despite the hype, most people seem to remember the branding more than the film itself—echoing Eric Hathorn’s idea that Dick Tracy is “more famous than familiar.”

But what went wrong? Was it the film’s indecisive tone—part cartoonish, part adult? Did Warren Beatty’s seriousness as the titular detective make him less relatable than a Tony Stark or Batman? The hosts explore how the movie’s world, characters, and ambitious production value were overshadowed by a marketing machine that couldn’t quite stick the landing.

They also debate whether the film’s New Year’s Eve climax makes Dick Tracy the ultimate January pick, and discuss why the movie never spawned the franchise Disney hoped for. From Al Pacino’s over-the-top Big Boy Caprice to Madonna’s memorable role, the episode is packed with nostalgia, pop culture trivia, and playful speculation (including casting Willem Dafoe in a hypothetical remake).

Join the Society as they rate and reflect on Dick Tracy—a blockbuster that’s become a rare cut over time—and set the stage for their next deep dive into concept albums from the world of music.

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Part 3 of The Holiday Season - December/Christmas!

On this episode of the Rare Cuts Media Society, hosts Andrew, Mike, Eric, and Rob dive into the unconventional holiday spirit with a deep discussion of the 2003 animated film "Tokyo Godfathers." Rob Picked this month and leads the group through the unique story of three homeless individuals in Tokyo who find an abandoned newborn on Christmas Eve, sparking a wild journey filled with unexpected twists, emotional revelations, and plenty of holiday chaos. The crew reflects on the stylistic choices of anime, the impact of director Satoshi Kon, and the way the film handles themes like found family, redemption, and LGBTQ representation. Along the way, expect plenty of laughs, personal insights, and even some friendly score debates as the hosts dissect what sets "Tokyo Godfathers" apart as a holiday gem. Whether you're an anime veteran or a newcomer, this episode is a festive rare cut you won't want to miss!

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Part 2 of The Holiday Season - November/Thanksgiving!

This month, Mike brings the 2015 indie drama "Krisha" to the Thanksgiving table—a movie about a woman who reenters her family’s orbit for a tension-filled Thanksgiving after years struggling with addiction.

Joined by Andrew, Rob, and Eric, the hosts dig into what makes this micro-budget film both unsettling and deeply authentic, from its real-life family casting to the spiraling anxiety and confrontation at the heart of its story. The conversation tackles everything from acting performances and family dynamics to why Thanksgiving is the perfect holiday setting for catastrophe. Plus, the hosts don’t shy away from how uncomfortable and relatable the film’s depiction of familial stress can be. Stay tuned for honest reactions, a touch of humor, and the usual Rare Cuts scoring, as the crew asks: Can a homemade movie about a fractured holiday actually stick with you—and would anyone ever dare let Krisha cook the turkey again?

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Part 1 of The Holiday Season - October/Halloween!

In this episode, Eric Andrew, Rob, and Mike dive deep into the eerie 1988 film Lady in White—a unique Halloween-season pick that blends ghostly chills with heartfelt, personal storytelling. Set in 1962, the movie follows young Frankie Scarlatti as he uncovers a decades-old mystery, encountering both supernatural forces and the grim realities of small-town life. Andrew Picked for October and Halloween In this episode, the hosts unpack the film’s origins as a deeply autobiographical project by writer-director Frank LaLoggia, discuss its distinctive 1960s upstate New York setting, and debate whether Lady in White truly qualifies as a horror film—or is it something else entirely? From personal stories and technical filmmaking challenges to themes of racial tension and family, no unsettling detail goes untouched. Join the Rare Cuts crew as they explore what makes Lady in White stand out, how its shoestring budget shaped the final product, and why it remains a noteworthy, if underseen, entry in the Halloween movie canon.

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Part 4 of James Bond Sidecars: George Lazenby

In this episode, Eric Andrew, Rob, and Mike dive deep into the oddity that is "Fox Hunt," the 1996 interactive movie/video game mashup that dared to blend live-action slapstick comedy with ’90s-era full-motion video gaming. This time Eric Picked the James Bond Side Car for Georg Lazenby! This installment marks the finale of the Society’s James Bond “sidecar” arc—an exploration of unusual projects by former Bond actors—where the spotlight falls on George Lazenby’s truly unique post-Bond endeavor. Our hosts dissect everything from the messy plot and wild tone to the unexpected cast, which includes Rob Lowe, Gary Coleman, and an original score by Mark Mothersbaugh of Devo. Along the way, they debate whether "Fox Hunt" is an overlooked cult treasure or a relic better left, well, forgotten. Tune in for laughs, in-depth analysis, and plenty of nostalgia (and, yes, a few jokes about questionable production decisions and nipple-whipping). Whether you love hidden gems or just want to hear about one of the strangest Bond alumni projects ever made, this episode is sure to entertain!

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Part 3 of James Bond Sidecars: Sean Connery

In this week's episode, our hosts Andrew, Eric, and Rob,take a dive deep into the shadowy world of 19th-century Pennsylvania coal mines as they dissect Mike’s Pick for Sean Connery’s Bond the 1970 historical drama "The Molly Maguires," starring Sean Connery and Richard Harris. Kicking things off, the crew reminisces about their favorite Sean Connery films (with more than a few detours into his most extravagant and occasionally questionable roles), before Mike takes us on a journey into the grim realities of coal mining, labor unrest, and undercover intrigue. The hosts debate the effectiveness of the film’s stark, dialogue-free opening, share laughs about Connery’s never-changing accent, and dig into why the movie’s message, pacing, and even its very name may have doomed it to box office obscurity. Along the way, they highlight the historically murky legacy of the real Molly Maguires, the impact of labor struggles, and the surprisingly pivotal role of a barroom brawl. Is this a story about fighting back—or does it simply reinforce a sense of inevitability and defeat? And would anyone have seen this film if it was called "The Irish Boom Booms"? Grab a seat around our (figurative) pub table as we unearth the forgotten history, cinematic curiosities, and lasting question of why this rare cut remains such a seldom-seen piece of Connery’s legacy. All this and more on this episode of Rare Cuts Media Society!

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Part 2 of James Bond Sidecars: Daniel Craig

Its a special milestone episode of Rare Cuts Media Society! In this 50th installment, your hosts gather to celebrate by diving into the 2004 British crime thriller, Layer Cake, starring a pre-Bond Daniel Craig. This episode is all about uncovering hidden gems, and the team brings their signature humor and insight to a film that arguably set the tone for the grittier, modern James Bond era. Kicking things off, Rob explains why he chose Layer Cake for the show’s ongoing James Bond “sidecar” theme—pointing out how Craig’s cool, collected demeanor here foreshadows his legendary 007 run. The hosts debate just how much of Bond’s DNA is present in Craig’s character, from his steely glances to his overconfidence in a world riddled with double crosses and shifting allegiances. As they break down Layer Cake’s dizzying plot twists, the team compares it to other crime classics like The Departed and Trainspotting, discussing whether the film’s relentless reversals keep viewers on their toes or leave them spinning. They also weigh in on the movie’s British setting, stylized violence, incredible cast, and era-defining soundtrack—plus a spirited discussion about the film’s infamous ending and the mysterious choice to leave Craig’s character nameless. And of course, in true Rare Cuts fashion, the hosts don’t miss the chance to imagine who Willem Dafoe could have played in this modern gangster tale. Whether you’re a fan of Daniel Craig, crime thrillers, or just love to hear a thoughtful, sometimes hilarious debate about cult classics, this episode is packed with fresh takes, nitpicks, and behind-the-scenes insights—perfect for anyone looking to celebrate 50 episodes of rare and remarkable cinema.

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Part 1 of James Bond Sidecars: Roger Moore

Rare Cuts Media Society dives headfirst into a new theme and the 1978 film "The Wild Geese"—a hidden cinematic gem where Bond is not quite Bond, but still acts a whole lot like him. Assigned to explore the non-Bond roles of James Bond actors, this episode spotlights Sir Roger Moore as a sly mercenary pilot on a secret mission in southern Africa, alongside a star-studded (for the time) cast including Richard Burton and Richard Harris. The crew unpacks the film’s wild ride: from its unique "Bond-adjacent" opening credits—geese and all—to its transition from snappy British drama to full-on mercenary war movie, all underscored by a soundtrack more circus than suspense. With wit and humor, the hosts pick apart everything from the film’s questionable production choices (was that a sword fight or slapstick?) to the convoluted motivations behind its high-stakes rescue plot. Along the way, they debate the merits of “realistic” war films, 1970s British cinema quirks, and whether the so-called "all-star" cast still packs a punch today. From behind-the-scenes trivia—including Roger Moore’s reluctance to share lines with heavyweights Burton and Harris—to speculation about a modern-day remake (yes, Willem Dafoe gets a mention), this episode has it all: nostalgia, critique, and the kind of side-splitting banter you’ve come to expect from Rare Cuts. Stick around as the hosts give "The Wild Geese" their newly expanded scoring treatment and preview what’s next on their James Bond sidecar journey. Don’t miss it!

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