Bald Move Prestige

American Gangster (2007) Rerelease

It’s time to revisit a great film. We’re rereleasing American Gangster for all the new listeners who have joined us since we released this episode a whole five years ago. Enjoy!

Special thanks to our commissioner Josh “Anubus21” from Saxapahaw, NC.  This time he has something special to celebrate, his marriage to sweetheart Jessica.  Congratulations, you guys!  Josh selected American Gangster, the 2007 Ridley Scott crime drama starring Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe.  Jim and I have never seen it, but it immediately fit right besides other greats like Godfather, Goodfellas, Casino, and Scarface in the pantheon of films about the criminal underworld.  It’s a great looking, well written, and extraordinarily acted film, that touches on a lot of Bald Move hot buttons of racism, crime, drugs, and $50k mink coats.  Thanks again, Josh and Jessica!  Hope it was a great honeymoon five years ago!

Read More

Pale Rider (1985)

The sun is low on the horizon and a dusty stranger saunters into town. Who is it? Why, it’s writer/director/actor Clint Eastwood with his trusty instinct for making Western films. Your favorite nonagenarian filmmaker spun a tale of a gold-mining town held in the iron grip of local criminals. With great one-liners, jingling spurs, and a supernatural element, you’re sure to enjoy this adventure.

Read More

The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)

The Grand Budapest hotel from film auteur Wes Anderson has more stars than the Big Dipper. With his distinctive style, Anderson’s film glows with humor and heartfelt moments. As Ralph Fiennes works his way through a murder-mystery plot, the characters will make you giggle and shed a few tears. So, guard your nose and check out this movie with us.

Read More

Belfast (2021)

This semi-autobiographical film written and directed by Kenneth Branagh is a touching story of a Belfast family and community set against a backdrop of “the troubles”. It features great performances by kids, grown-ups, and bastions like Judi Dench. Even in the dark times, there is humor and heart all backed by the fantastic Belfast native, Van Morrison.

Read More

The Game (1997)

Watch Michael Douglas get manipulated, be his classic grouchy self, and get just as confused as you are while watching this movie. Where the soundtrack doesn’t deliver, the visuals sure do. Douglas is joined by Sean Penn and directed by David Fincher, a master of thrillers. A.Ron describes this movie as a “20th century version of ‘A Christmas Carol’”. And Jim describes this movie as…well, I think you better hear it in his own words. Check out The Game!

Read More

Up (2009)

I’m not crying, you’re crying. In a whirling kaleidoscope of colors and emotion, Pixar’s Up is just as fun and emotionally packed in a current watch as it was when it came out over 10 years ago. Featuring a curmudgeon and a lively kid, this movie will take you on an adventure that gives hope amongst the grief. Grab a handkerchief and listen in to Jim and A.Ron fight back a few tears to chat about this movie.

Read More

Syriana (2005)

This harrowing drama was written and directed by Stephen Gaghan and features a star-studded cast with George Clooney, Matt Damon, and Jeffrey Wright. The threats are real, and America seems to be a lot of them as people put their thumbs on the scales of economy and justice. Let’s ponder the questions, “What level of corruption will create a facade of a functioning society? Is shadowy corruption better than a feudal state putting people to the sword? Are you depressed yet?”

Thank you to Robert for commissioning this episode!

Read More

The Green Mile (1999)

Based on the book of the same title written by Stephen King, comes a movie adapted and directed by Frank Darabont of Walking Dead fame. Tom Hanks and Michael Clark Duncan star in this gut-wrenching film about prisoners on death row in 1930s Louisiana. Though it’s a powerful movie, it is not without its flaws and harmful stereotypes. (And pro tip, watch this movie on HBO Max.)

Read More

Nebraska (2013)

Start your road trip in the great plains state of Nebraska and join Bruce Dern, Will Forte, and Bob Odenkirk as they navigate tough family ties. Directed by Alexander Payne comes some of his signature directorial details, humor drier than the plains in the summer heat and characters that are almost larger than life. In this epically-slow burn, you’ll find yourself or your family in this story.

Read More

The Master (2012)

Written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson comes a movie starring Joaquin Phoenix, a troubled ex-soldier, and Phillip Seymour Hoffman, a cult leader. Anderson denies that that the cult in question is Scientology, but you watch the movie and try to tell us it isn’t. Amy Adams and Laura Dern also star in Anderson’s favorite movie out of his own catalog. And we wonder, did Tom Cruise ever have to go through this auditing process?

Read More