TFR Ep. 154: Jack Reacher, Who Dat?

Tom Cruise is… Jack Reacher...?  A 6' 2" hulking mass of man, former MP, hell bent on his own brand of justice.  How miscast is Cruise as Reacher?  Or does that really even matter?  Cruise's potential next franchise is here, and to go with last week's Inventory, does the film live up to the bad assness of its trailer?  We'll review the big releases on Blu-Ray and DVD.  Then it's the return of our role playing game, Who Dat?  A title we stole from an NFL commercial starring Drew Brees from what, 3/4 years ago…?  But we're not one to let some things go.  I'd say it's more laziness then an appreciate for tradition.  We hope you all had a great Christmas (if you celebrate) and there's really no one better to ring in the new year with but Chris and Dave.  We're The First Run.


Download the show from iTunes here: Episode 154

Or stream the show now by clicking here: PLAY!


00:00-14:58: Intro/Jack Reacher
14:59-22:33: Blu-Ray & DVD Picks
22:34-35:19: Who Dat?
35:20-37:32: Wrap Up

Theme music provided by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 153: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, Inventory Of Trailers Better Than Their Films

"Bagginsis, what is a Bagginsis?"  You think we'd all know by now.  Peter Jackson returns with his Hobbits and Dwarves in the Lord of the Rings prequel: 'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey'.  Martin Freeman takes over the role of Bilbo Baggins, Sir Ian McKellen is back as Gandalf, and there's a dragon!  Well, not quite yet.  Is 'The Hobbit' the return to Middle Earth we'll all been waiting for, or should we just have stuck with stamping New Zealand on our passports.  We'll review the big release on blu-ray and dvd.  That's right, I said release.  Singular.  We'll discuss Dave's Instant Streaming pick of the week!  Then it's our Inventory of Trailers Better Than The Films Themselves.  Download the latest episode of The First Run, and if it's no good, we eats it whole.


Download the show from iTunes here: Episode 153

Or stream the show now by clicking here: PLAY!


00:00-12:30: Intro/The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
12:31-17:50: Blu-Ray & DVD Pick
17:51-32:21: Inventory Of Trailers Better Than Their Films
32:22-35:26: Wrap Up

Theme music provided by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey 

TFR Ep. 152: Hitchcock, The Girl, Inventory Of Hitchcock Stuff

This week on The First Run, we're right in my wheel house.  Alfred Hitchcock.  Possibly my all time favorite director.  No one brought more style, wit, and suspense to the screen during their lifetime.  To hell with Scorsese not winning an Oscar (which he eventually did).  But Hitch? Never.  Sure he got some life time achievement award, but that's a BS move.  Ranting aside, this week we returned to our old format of two films.  The first, 'Hitchcock'.  Starring Anthony Hopkins and Helen Mirren where we get the real, somewhat fictionalized, story of the making of the classic 'Psycho'.  But exactly how interesting can a movie about the making of a movie be?  We also watched the HBO Film 'The Girl'.  The tawdry tale of Tippi Hedren's nightmare filming of the last Hitchcock classics, 'The Birds' and 'Marnie'.  Does this inside look of another part of Hitch's career paint an even more detailed picture of the director?  We'll review the big releases for Tuesday, December 18th.   The last big holiday releases.  Then it's possibly the mot unique Inventory we've done.  Our Top 5 Hitchcock Things.  So enjoy another episode, and maybe stay on the highway this time instead of staying in one of those remote motels off the drag.  We’re The First Run.

Download the show from iTunes here: Episode 152

Or stream the show now by clicking here: PLAY!


00:00-11:56: Intro/Hitchcock
11:57-22:57: Blu-Ray & DVD Picks
22:58-29:11: The Girl
29:12-39:50: Inventory Of Hitchcock Stuff
39:51-43:18: Wrap Up

Theme music provided by Jamal Malachi Ford Bey

TFR Ep. 151: Killing Them Softly, Inventory Of The Best Films Of 2004

This week on The First Run, we saw a film the received the dreaded CinemaScore of 'F'.  Brad Pitt's worst box office opening weekend ever, with 'Killing Them Softly'.  It's a story old as time.  Sad meth addict robs local poker game, boy kills meth addict, demands payment for the hit.  It's the fiber of this country.  Fair wage for a fair days work.  So does the neo-noir earn the F that Joe Movie-goer gave it?  We review the big releases on Blu-Ray & DVD.  And we get back to our Annual Inventories with the Best Films of 2004.  So settle in for the latest episode from your buddies Chris & Dave.  No, seriously.  It's actually a pretty good show this week.

Download the show from iTunes here: Episode 151

Or stream the show live by clicking here: PLAY!


00:00-13:49: Intro/Killing Them Softly
13:50-23:50: Blu-Ray & DVD Picks
23:51-38:41: Inventory Of The Best Films Of 2004
38:42-40:32: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 150: Life Of Pi, Inventory Of GIfts For Movie Lovers

This week on The First Run we take a look inside ourselves.  A deep, deep, terrifying look into our own souls and debate the meaning of life and truth and don't share it with any of you in fear we'll spoil this week's film, 'Life Of Pi'.  We review the big releases on Blu-Ray & DVD.  Then it's Dave's favorite Inventory, our annual list of Gift For Movie Lovers.  So make that list, check it twice, and listen to our latest episode while you do your holiday shopping. Oh, and happy 150th episode to us!

Download the show from iTunes here: Episode 150

Or stream the show now by clicking here: PLAY!

00:00-11:35: Intro/Life Of Pi
11:36-23:38: Blu-Ray & DVD Picks
23:39-39:35: Inventory Of Gifts For Movie Lovers
39:36-42:36: Wrap Up

Theme music provided by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 149: Lincoln, What Are The Odds?

Possibly the most beloved director of his generation, teamed up with the world's greatest living actor, bring us the story of arguable the greatest president this country has known with 'Taft: The Letting Out Of America's Slacks' or 'How A Country Began To Embrace Obesity'.  Actually, no.  It's Lincoln. Ol' penny face himself.  Can Steven Spielberg, Daniel Day Lewis, and an all star cast bring one of the most tumultuous, and important moments of not only this country's past, but perhaps the planet's, to life?  AND entertain?  Well, who else would you call on to do it?  We'll review the big releases on Blu-Ray and DVD.  Then take it to the Vegas odds makers with the return of everyone's third favorite First Run game, 'What Are The Odds?'.  




Download the show from iTunes here: Episode 149

Or stream the show now by clicking here: PLAY!


00:00-13:05: Intro/Lincoln
13:06-23:36: Blu-Ray & DVD Picks
23:37-43:17: What Are The Odds?
43:18-45:08: Wrap Up

Theme music provided by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 148: Skyfall, Inventory Of Bond Villains & Films

Well, this is it.  My most anticipated film of the year not named 'The Dark Knight Rises' is here.  Daniel Craig returns for his third outing as the legendary spy, James Bond.  Sam Mendes, the man who brought us 'American Beauty', 'Road To Perdition', and 'Revolutionary Road' takes a shot at directing a Bond film.  The last non-action director we had was Marc Forster who brought us the flawed 'Quantum of Solace', though it had great action scenes, they were few and a far between.  So is 'Skyfall' the proposed return to form, but with a renewed focus characterization and acting? Or is it 'Quantum Of Solace part 2'?  We'll review the big releases on Blu-Ray & DVD for this upcoming Tuesday.  Then do a double Inventory in honor of 007.  Our favorite Bond Villains, then an old school ranking of the top 5 Bond films.  So shake that martini and pour yourself a drink as I see exactly what kind of damage I can inflict with this laptop.

Download the show from iTunes here: Episode 148

Or stream the show now by clicking here: PLAY!

00:00-19:07: Intro/Skyfall
19:08-26:11: Blu-Ray & DVD Picks
26:12-38:42: Inventory Of Bond Villains
38:43-54:08: Inventory Of Bond Films
54:09-58:57: Wrap Up

We had some audio issues with Dave's mic.  Not bad, just not as good as Scalzo.

TFR Ep. 147: Flight, TFR Libs

Denzel Washington returns in the Robert Zemeckis helmed 'Flight'.  The story of a troubled airline pilot's battle with personal demons, as he comes under the harsh media spotlight after performing maneuvers in the air that saves most of his passengers.  Washington's character study has already drawn Oscar buzz.  But how does the rest of the film hold up?  We run down the big releases on Blu-Ray and DVD.  Then it's the return of everyone's favorite fill in the blank game, TFR Libs.  So have a double, neat, and give John Goodman a call.  Just to take the edge off.  

Download the show from iTunes here: Episode 147

Or stream the show now by clicking here: PLAY!


00:00-10:12: Intro/Flight
10:13-18:45: Blu-Ray & DVD Picks
18:46-36:00: TFR Libs
36:01-38:46: Wrap Up

Theme music provided by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 146: Cloud Atlas, Inventory Of Films 2.5 Hours+ Long

It's the largest, most expensive independent film ever made, 'Cloud Atlas'.  Jointly directed by Wachowski's and Tom Tyker, the potentially epic science fiction drama stars Tim Hanks, Halle Berry, Jim Broadbent, Hugo Weaving and a whole bunch more folks.  So is the film based on an allegedly unfilmable novel work?  Or does the whole escapade collapse under its lofty ambitions?  We'll also review the big releases on Blu-Ray & DVD.  Then close it all out with our Inventory of films with a two and a half (or more) hour run time.  So settle in for a show that reaches across generations of people and the love we all share. 

Download the show from iTunes here: Episode 146

Or stream the show now by clicking here: PLAY!


00:00-13:23: Intro/Cloud Atlas
13:24-26:43: Blu-Ray & DVD Picks
26:44-40:12: Inventory Of Films 2 1/2 Hours Or More
40:13-42:25: Wrap Up

Theme music provided by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 145: Sinister, The Lounge: Halloween Special

It's a special Halloween bonus episode of The First Run!  Your intrepid hosts Chris and Dave are joined with retired First Runners Matt and Espo for a discussion of the Ethan Hawke horror film, 'Sinister'.  Each host also picked a film for the rest of the team to watch as well.  Chris selected 'The Loved Ones'.  Matt chose 'Martyrs', Dave opted for the original 'House On Haunted Hill', and Espo picked 'Student Bodies'.  Chris also touches on 'Paranormal Activity 4', since he's the only one of the group to have seen it.  We also feature a contest where the guys reenact a scene from a horror classic, and if you can identify the film, we'll send you a copy of it on Blu-Ray or DVD ( or some other film if you already own it)*.  So carve the pumpkins, dim the lights, prep the razor blades for the candy.  It's an all new, all spooky episode of The First Run.

Download the show from iTunes here: Episode 145

Or stream the show now by clicking here: PLAY!


00:00-14:28: Intro/Sinister & Paranormal Activity 4
14:29-27:17: House On Haunted Hill & Student Bodies
27:18-31:54: TFR Scenes Contest
31:55-54:55: Martyrs & The Loved Ones

*E-mail your guess to thefirstrun@gmail.com.  All correct entries received will be placed in a hat, and one winner will be selected at random.  Contest closes on November 12, 2012.

TFR Ep. 144: Argo, Inventory Of Films Based On A True Story

This week on the big show, we check out Ben Affleck's latest film 'Argo'.  After 'Gone Baby Gone' and 'The Town', has Affleck come up with a winner, or continued his march toward mediocrity?  We also talk about our Five favorite movies based on true stories.  Will the guys pick the same number one?  (Hint: No.)  And of course we will inform you of the biggest upcoming Blu-Ray and DVD picks, as well as an Instant Viewing Pick, for those of you too cheap to buy the disc.  All this and more, on The First Run.

Download the show from iTunes here: Episode 144

Or stream the show now by clicking here: PLAY!

00:00-11:15 Intro/Argo
11:16-19:25 Blu-Ray/DVD Picks
19:26-32:00 Inventory Of Films Based On A True Story
32:01-33:43 Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 143: Seven Psychopaths, Inventory Of The Best Films Of 2005

This week on the big show, we caught up with the latest from the man who brought us the darkly brutal and brilliant 'In Bruges', writer/director Martin McDonough with 'Seven Psychopaths'.  The film stars Colin Farrell as a struggling screenwriter, Sam Rockwell as Farrell's buddy and the legendary Christopher Walken as a few of ne'er do wells that get into some whacky high jinks with Woody Harrelson's gangster who loves his dog just a little too much.  We review the upcoming big releases on blu-ray & dvd, and run down our Inventory of the best films of 2005.

Download the show from iTunes here: Episode 143

Or stream the show now by clicking here: PLAY!



00:00-12:13: Intro/Seven Psychopaths
12:14-21:43: Blu-Ray & DVD Picks
21:44-38:01: Inventory Of The Best Films Of 2005
38:02-41:10: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 142: Taken 2, Call It!

This week on the big show, we check out Taken 2: Taken Harder, starring Oscar winner Liam Neeson.  Can our second favorite Irishman (see 'Corey the Leprechaun'.  Go ahead google him, we'll wait) match the surprising success of the original Taken?  Also, we rundown the weeks Blu-Ray and DVD releases, as well as reveal or streaming pick of the week.  Last but not least we have the return of Call it!  All this and more on this week's episode of The First Run.

Download the show from iTunes here: Episode 142

Or stream it now by clicking here: PLAY!




00:00-14:52: Intro/Taken 2
14:52-30:05: Blu-Ray & DVD Picks
30:05-48:20: Call It!
48:20-51:50: Wrap Up

Theme music provided by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 141: Looper, Pitch It

This week on the First Run, Rian Johnson, a director that is currently two for two with Brick and The Brothers Bloom, returns with the time travel action-er Looper.  Can Johnson keep the streak alive with the help of Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Bruce Willis, and Emily Blunt?  And how does Johnson tackle the larger problem, making a time travel fun, and easy to grasp without too many "wait a minute" moments.  We'll review the big releases in Blu-Ray & DVD, and then it's the return of a segment we haven't done in a long time.  Pitch It, where Dave and Chris try to sell their movie ideas to imaginary Hollywood big shots, and still manage to get shut down.

Download the show from iTunes here: Episode 141

Or stream it now by clicking here: PLAY!


00:00-20:36: Intro/Looper
20:37-36:04: Blu-Ray & DVD Picks
36:05-53:38: Pitch It
53:39-56:13: Wrap Up

Theme music provided by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 140: The Master, Dredd, What are the Odds?

This week we're back to the double feature format with two films that could not be more disparate from each other.  And neither were top 5 in this weekend's box office.  PT Anderson really does return this week with Joaquin Phoenix and Phillip Seymour Hoffman in 'The Master'.  Does Anderson drink another milkshake up?  We also saw a film with what looks like surprisingly good reviews on Rotten Tomatoes of 77%.  Does it live up to the hype?  Or was Dave missing Armand Assante?  We'll review the big releases on Blu-Ray & DVD, and do our best to handicap the industry ( and when I say the industry, I mean the business) with What Are The Odds?  So Dave let's begin.  If you blink, we start all over.  What is your name...

Download the show from iTunes here: Episode 140

Or stream the show now by clicking here: PLAY!

00:00-15:24 Intro/ The Master
15:25-25:31 Blu-Ray/DVD Picks
25:31-38:50 Dredd
38:50-58:13 What Are The Odds?
58:13-1:01:58 Wrap Up

Theme music provided by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 139: Resident Evil: Retribution, Inventory Of The Best Films Of 2006

It's one of the weeks we've been waiting for around here.  PT Anderson returns with Resident Evil: Retribution!  The man who brought us Boogie Nights & There Will Be Blood tries his hand at the action/horror genre.  What a minute, crap.  Actually this is Paul WS Anderson.  Director of such luminary films as Mortal Kombat, Alien vs. Predator, and Event Horizon.  Eh, that wasn't so bad…  But it explains why this won't be up for any Oscar nominations.  Can Milla Jovovich go back to the well one more time and deliver the big bada boom?  We'll also review the big releases on blu-ray and dvd.  Then continue our Special Time Travel Edition Of Inventories with the Best Films of 2006.  So load up, sharpen your sword, and get ready to kill us some zombies!  



Download the show from iTunes here: Episode 139

Or stream the show now by clicking here: PLAY!

00:00-14:53: Intro/Resident Evil: Retribution
14:54-35:36: Blu-Ray & DVD Picks
35:37-50:47: Inventory Of The Best Films Of 2006
50:48-55:35: Wrap Up

Theme music provided by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 138: V/H/S, Inventory Of Movie Monsters

Man, there was nothing worth seeing in the theaters last weekend, so we embraced the possible future of entertainment, an On Demend movie at home.  It's part of the new Hollywood business model for smaller, indie films.  On Demend or digital early release dates, then small theater runs.  So we sat down with the horror film that's getting all the buzz, V/H/S.  Does this anthology deliver the scares?  Or should we just have watched 'Trick 'R' Treat' again?  We'll review the big releases on Blu-Ray and DVD, then seal the coffin on this undead show with an Inventory of Our Favorite Movie Monsters.  So prepare yourself for most frightening, creepy episode of the First Run yet!  Well, at least until we get to the Halloween episode.

Download the show from iTunes here: Episode 138

Or stream the show now by clicking here: PLAY!


00:00-13:12: Intro/ V/H/S
13:12-26:53: DVD/ Blu-Ray Picks
26:53-42:43: Inventory Of Movie Monsters
42:43-47:52: Wrap Up

Theme music provided by Jamal Malachi-Ford Bey

TFR Ep. 137: Lawless, Rest Of 2012 Preview, Inventory Of Our Most Anticipated Films Left In 2012

It's films like these that I struggle with.  I was at a crossroad.  Tom Hardy, Guy Pearce, Jessica Chastain, Mia Wasikowska, (and maybe Gary Oldman?) directed by John Hillcoat that did the awesome 'The Proposition', and the good, 'The Road'.  Sounds good so far.  Then there's Shia LaBouf.  A fine actor, sure, but a screen presence that just grates on me.  But surely I'm professional enough to not let that get in my way of enjoying this, right?  It's clearly all set up for us to love.  So does Lawless wet our appetite for a bootlegging, prohibition area thrill ride?  Or would we be better off going blind from some bath tub swill.  We'll review the big releases on Blu-ray & DVD for Tuesday, September 11th.  We also have our big Rest of 2012 preview, plus an Inventory of Our Five Most Anticipated Films set for release this year.  So settle in for a super-sized, whiskey filled episode of your 3rd favorite movie podcast.  We're The First Run.

Download the show from iTunes here: Episode 137

Or stream the show now by clicking here: PLAY!

00:00-13:01: Intro/Lawless
13:02-19:22: Blu-Ray & DVD Picks
19:23-47:53: The Rest Of 2012 Preview
47:54-1:09:31: Inventory Of Our Most Anticipated Films Left In 2012
1:09:32-1:12:41: Wrap Up

Theme music provided by Jamal Malachi-Ford Bey

TFR Ep. 136: Premium Rush, Who Dat?

Can bicycle chase last an entire movie?  We will find out in Joseph Gordon Levitt's new bicycle thriller Premium Rush.  A movie that is pretty much a documentary on Dave's teenage years.  (ed. this is not a fact) We also check out the weeks new releases on Blu-Ray and DVD, and the Web.  Then we bring back one of our favorite segments Who Dat?  Where we get to show the world why we are reviewing movies, and not acting in them.  All this and more, this week on THE FIRST RUN!

Download the show from iTunes here: Episode 136

Or stream the show now by clicking here: PLAY!

00:00-14:26: Intro/Premium Rush
14:27-26:31: Blu-Ray & DVD Picks
26:32-48:28: Who Dat?
48:29-50:16: Wrap Up

Theme music provided by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 135: The Expendables 2, TFR Libs

The summer action season ends in fire, some say ice.  From what I've tasted of Stallone's 'Expendables 2', will I hold with those who favor fire?  And large explosions and knife fights?  But if I had to watch the summer season end twice, I think I know enough of Stallone, to say that the upcoming relaunch of 'Judge Dredd', simply titled 'Dredd', which will probably also not be great, will suffice.  We'll review the big releases on Blu-Ray and DVD this upcoming Tuesday, and close out this poetry slam that is The First Run.

Download the show from iTunes here: Episode 135

Or stream the show live by clicking here: PLAY!

00:00-14:26: Intro/The Expendables 2
14:27-26:31: Blu-Ray & DVD Picks
26:32-48:28: TFR Libs
48:29-50:16: Wrap Up

Theme music provided by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey