Wee LaF for the March 11th Weekend - LaF 132

Welcome to episode 132 of LaF. Richard Lusk and Ryan Bull are previewing four films that are opening in wide release for the March 11th weekend. First, 10 Cloverfield Lane starring John Goodman and Mary Elizabeth is a sci-fi thriller produced by J.J. Abrams. The film follows a young woman who is held against her will in a bomb shelter after being told the world has suffered a major chemical attack. Next, Sacha Baron Cohen tries to hit comedy gold with The Brothers Grimsby also starring Mark Strong. Two long lost brothers reunite after years of being separated, only to find themselves forced join together to form the ultimate spy team. For the romantics comes The Perfect Match starring Terrence Jenkins and Cassie Ventura as romantic lovers who are trying to put Charlie's playboy past firmly in the past. Lastly, just in time for Easter is The Young Messiah starring Adam Greaves-Neal as a seven year Jesus who learns of his religious identity and must deal with the repercussions of his faith.     

Are you going to movies this weekend? Send in your review by emailing the show at theLaFpodcast@gmail.com, tweeting @theLaFpodcast, or messaging us on Facebook.com/theLaFpodcast. The best comments will get read on a future show.

Spotlight - LaF 131

Welcome to today’s review of Tom McCarthy’s journalist procedural Spotlight. An all-star cast led by the iconic Michael Keaton, play the Boston Globe reporters who uncovered a massive scandal involving the local Catholic Archdiocese and child molestation. The film is an engrossing look into how newspapers bring their stories to the page. Using a deft hand, the difficult subject of pedophilia and its effect on every part of the Boston community is uncovered layer by layer and expertly examined. This masterful craftsmanship has earned six Oscar nominations for Directing, Original Screenplay and Supporting Acting for Rachel McAdams and Mark Ruffalo.

Join us as the LaF podcast gets ready to publish their front page review of Spotlight.

Room - LaF 130

Today’s review is of Lenny Abrahamson’s harrowing film adaptation of the New York Times best selling novel Room. Brie Larson’s powerful portrayal as Joy Newsome, has made her an early front runner to win the Best Actress Oscar. Having been forced to live in terror in a small locked room for seven years, she tries to be the best parent possible to her five year old son, played by newcomer Jacob Newsome, and raise him sheltered from the horror of their situation, while giving him all the warmth and love of a normal childhood. The film uses the bond of mother and child to explore thematically the incredible power and resiliency of love. The Academy of Motion Pictures has nominated this universally acclaimed movie for two other awards in Adapted Screenplay and Best Director.

Join LaF on another Best Picture review as they discuss Room.

The Revenant - LaF 129

Today’s review is about the wilderness survival tale The Revenant. The film depicts the true story of Hugh Glass’s attempt to trek 200 miles alone after being mauled by a bear and left for dead by his hunting party. Filmed using only natural light, every shot is a masterpiece that has rightfully earned the movie nominations for Best Visual Effects, Cinematography, and Director.The film has earned nine other nominations covering almost aspect of filmmaking, from Leonardo DiCaprio’s and Tom Hardy’s Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor nods, to award consideration for Production Design, Sound Editing, and Costume Design. At the end of the night, there is good chance this film walks away with more Oscars than any other 2015 film. 

Bundle up and join LaF’s attempt to retrace the footsteps of one man’s incredible journey as they review The Revenant.

The Martian - LaF 128

The review du jour is Ridley Scott’s sci-fi drama The Martian. Matt Damon has been nominated as Best Actor for his role as Mark Watney, an astronaut stranded on Mars after accidentally being assumed dead. The rest of the film’s cast is a who’s who of Hollywood elite featuring Jessica Chastain, Kate Mara, and Michael Pena as the astronauts racing to save Mark, and Jeff Daniels, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Sean Bean, and Kristen Wiig comprising the NASA staff coordinating the rescue. This box office juggernaut has a legitimate chance to chance to collect a lot of Oscar gold. The film has been a smash hit with audiences and critics alike, so it is no surprise the film has garnered 7 Academy Award nominates, including Adapted Screenplay, Production Design, and Visual Effects. 

Join LaF as they strap in for an intergalactic voyage to the fourth planet to review The Martian.

Mad Max Fury Road - LaF 127

For today’s review, The LaF Podcast races into the future to discuss George Miller’s Mad Max: Fury Road. This fourth installment of the Mad Max series may possibly be the best action movie of all time. A high-Octane, High-Speed, High-Concept thriller that delights and thrills its audience through its tight stunt choreography and incredible practical effects, this movie may be the overall winner of this year’s Oscar Race, boasting 9 additional nominations including Best Director, Best Cinematography, Film editing, and Visual Effects. A virtuoso technical achievement, Fury Road stars Tom Hardy as the titular Max Rockatansky and contains an impressive physical acting performance  by Charlize Theron as Imperator Furiosa, who may have reason to be even angrier than Max himself.

Join the LaF Podcast as they ride along with Ripsaw Imperator, the Organic Mechanic, and the Doof-Warrior to "Fang it" down the Fury Road in pursuit of Furiosa’s War Rig.

The Big Short - LaF 126

Welcome to this special edition of LaF: LaF goes to the Oscars.

Our review today features Adam McKay's dissection of the 2008 financial crisis, The Big Short. Boasting five academy award nominations, this movie made quite an impact at the end of the year, and, like its subject matter, took many people by surprise. Marked by witty dialogue, snappy editing and innovative film techniques, The Big Short solidified its Oscar chances by winning top honors at this year's Producer's Guild Awards. Other Oscars nominations go to Christian Bale for his performance as financial analyst Michael Burry, and Best Director Adam McCay who also earned a Best Adapted Screenplay nod along with Charles Rudolph. Rounding out the nominations is Hank Corwin for Best Film Editing. In addition to Bale, this film boasts an impressive cast which includes Ryan Gosling, Brad Pitt, and Steve Carrell. 

The LaF Podcast wanders into the confusing world of Default Swaps, Hedge Funds and Synthetic CDOs to analyze The Big Short. 

Brooklyn - LaF 125

Welcome to this special edition of LaF: LaF goes to the Oscars. 

Today's film is director John Crowley's critically acclaimed 1950's period drama, Brooklyn. Boasting impressive acting performances from Saoirse Ronan as young lass Eilis; Emory Cohen as her Italian working-class boyfriend, Tony; and Domhnall Gleason as Jim Farrell, this movie effectively captures the Irish Immigrant experience and examines the intense conflict between responsibility and romance. In addition to Best Picture, the film earned two other Oscar nominations for best actress and best adapted screenplay for Nick Hornby based on Colm Toibin's novel of the same name. 

Join us as the LaF Podcast takes the long, arduous journey by freighter to and from Ireland to review the film Brooklyn. 

Deadpool - LaF 124

Welcome to episode 124 of LaF. Today's show has the fellas reviewing the hit Marvel superhero film Deadpool starring Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, and T.J. Miller. The film is tearing up the box office as it sets all sorts of records with a mix of raunchy comedy, profane language and R-rated violence. Ryan Bull and Richard Lusk cover it all as they review the film, talk about Ryan Reynolds filmography, and debate whether the world needs more R-rated superhero films.  

Have you seen Deadpool? Send in your review by emailing the show at theLaFpodcast@gmail.com, tweeting @theLaFpodcast, or messaging us on Facebook.com/theLaFpodcast. The best comments will get read on a future show.

Need a announcer voice for your next project? Contact LaF announcer John Andersen at Hawk1mann@yahoo.com for all your voice work needs. 

Wee LaF for the February 19th Weekend - LaF 123

Welcome to episode 123 of LaF. On today's show, Ryan Bull and Richard Lusk preview all the new films opening in theaters for the February 19th weekend. First, Race starring Stephan James, is a biopic of Jesse Owens' rise to greatest and his greatest challenge when he went to Germany to compete in the 1936 Olympics. Also in wide release, Risen starring Joseph Fiennes as Roman Military Tribune Clavius who is given the mission of recovering Jesus Christ's body after it disappears following his crucifixion. Lastly, The Witch, is a horror film from first time director Robert Eggers. The movie is set in 1630s New England and follows a family forced to deal with witchcraft, black magic, and possession. The guys also have a Redbox pick for those planning on staying home this weekend. 

Are you going to the movies this weekend? Let LaF know what you saw. Send in your review by emailing the show at theLaFpodcast@gmail.com, tweeting @theLaFpodcast, or messaging us on Facebook.com/theLaFpodcast. The best comments will get read on a future show.

Bridge of Spies - LaF 122

Welcome to this special edition of LaF: LaF goes to the Oscars. Ryan and Richard, along with special guests, analyze and discuss the Best Picture nominations for 2015. For episode 122, the guys are reviewing director Steven Spielberg's Bridge of Spies. Co-written by Matt Charman, Joel and Ethan Coen, this period picture takes us back to the height of the Cold War to dramatize a prisoner exchange involving the downed American U2 spy plane pilot, Gary Powers and a KGB spy arrested for espionage. The taut thriller stars Tom Hanks as James Donovan, Amy Ryan as his wife Mary, and nominated best supporting actor Mark Rylance as the Soviet spy Rudolf Abel. In addition to Best Picture, this film has earned 5 other Oscar nominations including Production Design and Original Screenplay. 

Join us now as the LaF Podcast travels to Berlin's Glienicke Bridge in 1962 to review Bridge of Spies. 

Have you seen Bridge of Spies? Send in your review by emailing the show at theLaFpodcast@gmail.com, tweeting @theLaFpodcast, or messaging us on Facebook.com/theLaFpodcast. The best comments will get read on a future show.

Hail, Caesar! - LaF 121

Episode 121 has the guys reviewing the Coen brothers newest film Hail, Caesar!. Ryan Bull and Richard Lusk are excited about this period piece set in 1950's Los Angeles. The film follows Hollywood fixer Eddie Mannix(played by Josh Brolin) for a day, as he tries to put out one PR fire after another. Rounding out the cast are George Clooney, Alden Ehrenreich, Ralph Fiennes, Channing Tatum, and Scarlett Johansson. In addition to reviewing the film, the guys discuss old Hollywood, Communism, and where the movie ranks in the Coen's filmography.

Have you seen Hail, Caesar!? Send in your review by emailing the show at theLaFpodcast@gmail.com, tweeting @theLaFpodcast, messaging us on Facebook.com/theLaFpodcast. The best comments will get read on a future show.  

Wee LaF for the February 12th Weekend - LaF 120

Are you going to the movies this weekend? Don't make plans until you listen to episode 103 of LaF. Richard Lusk and Ryan Bull are previewing three new films that are hitting the box office just in time for Valentine's Day. First up is Deadpool, Marvel's first R-rated superhero film. Ryan Reynolds is playing the role he was destined for as he zips up the red leather bodysuit to shoot and slice his way out of trouble. Next comes the comedy everyone has been waiting fifteen years for, Zoolander 2. Derek and Hansel are back to modeling and saving the world once again. Lastly, for those that want a rom-com for Valentine's Day is How to be Single starring Dakota Johnson, Alison Brie, Leslie Mann, and Rebel Wilson as four single ladies in New York City. 

If you go to the movies this weekend, then let LaF know. Send in your review by emailing the show at theLaFpodcast@gmail.com, tweeting @theLaFpodcast, or messaging us on Facebook.com/theLaFpodcast. The best comments will get read on a future show.

Sicario - LaF 119

Episode 119 is going to be big. Richard Lusk and Ryan Bull are reviewing Sicario, the movie that just last week earned top honors as it was named LaF's Best Film of 2015. The film is from director Denis Villeneuve and stars Emily Blunt, Josh Brolin, and Benicio Del Toro. Sicario is a hard-hitting action-drama about the U.S. war against drugs coming over the border from Mexico. While both of hosts are upset that the film did not get nominated for an Best Picture Oscar, they have decided to dedicate an entire episode to reviewing and discussing this amazing picture. In addition to the movie review, the fellas discuss the career of Denis Villeneuve, who should go see Sicario, and what makes for a perfect film.

Have you seen Sicario? Send in your review by emailing the show at theLaFpodcast@gmail.com, tweeting @theLaFpodcast, or messaging us on Facebook.com/theLaFpodcast. The best comments will get read on a future show.

Wee LaF for the February 5th Weekend - LaF 118

Welcome to episode 118 of LaF. On today's show, Richard Lusk and Ryan Bull are previewing three films that are hitting the box office for the February 5th weekend. First, Hail Caesar from directors Joel and Ethan Coen follows a Hollywood fixer around for a day as he tries to find a kidnapped actor. The film stars George Clooney, Josh Brolin, Channing Tatum, and Scarlett Johansson. For Lovers of zombies and Victorian dramas comes Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. The film combines one of Jane Austen's most famous novels with zombie fighting. Lily James, Sam Riley, Matt Smith, and Lena Headey star in the PG-13 Horror Action film. Lastly, for fans of Nicholas Sparks comes his latest novel turned film The Choice. Benjamin Walker and Teresa Palmer star as Travis and Gabby, a couple whose love is tested by life's most defining events. The fellas have streaming and Redbox picks for those staying at home this weekend. 

LaF would like to thank John Andersen. He is the voice you hear announcing the start of today's episode. If you would like to hear his voice on your next project, contact John at Hawk1mann@yahoo.com. Thanks again John for all the wonderful work. 

Are you going to the theaters this weekend? Send in your review by emailing the show at theLaFpodcast@gmail.com, tweeting @theLaFpodcast, or messaging us on Facebook.com/theLaFpodcast. The best comments will get read on a future show.

2015 Top Ten List #5-1 - LaF 117

Things are heating up as the guys get to the end of their 2015 Top Ten Lists on episode 117 of LaF. Joining Richard Lusk(aka the L-Train) and Ryan Bull (aka Mr. Two-Frames) in the studio is frequent guest and friend of the show Scott Laske(aka Actor Man). Things get off to a quick start when Scott manages to upset one of the hosts with his number five pick. By the time the number one picks are revealed there will be many discussions, a ton of laughter, and more than one eye roll. 

Who got it right? Whose list missed the mark completely? Send in your list and comments by emailing the show at theLaFpodcast@gmail.com, tweeting @theLaFpodcast, or sending a message on Facebook.com/theLaFpodcast. The best comments will get read on a future show.

Wee LaF for the January 29th Weekend - LaF 116

January closes out with four new releases, all of which are getting previewed on episode 116 of LaF. Richard Lusk(aka the L-Train) and Ryan Bull (Mr. Two-Frames) have their work cut out for them as they bring you a jammed-packed Wee LaF(Weekend Entertainment Edition). First, The Finest Hours starring Chris Pine, Casey Affleck, and Eric Bana tells the true story of the daring Coast Guard rescue of two oil tankers during a 1952 blizzard. This film is being released in IMAX and 3D IMAX so a least one of the hosts is super excited. For the kiddies, Kung Fu Panda 3 starring the voice of Jack Black is ready to continue Po's legendary adventures of awesomeness. For comedy fans, Fifty Shades of Black starring Marlon Wayans is ready to parody last year's Fifty Shades of Grey, as well as tons of other pop culture. Lastly, the L-Train finally gets to see one of his most eagerly anticipated films of last year when he goes to the theater to watch Jane Got a Gun. This western starring Natalie Portman, Joel Edgerton, and Ewan McGregor was pushed back from a September release. Find out why that hasn't dampened Lusk's enthusiasm one bit.

LaF would like to thank John Andersen. He is the voice you hear announcing the start of today's episode. If you would like to improve the vocal quality of your next project, contact John at hawk1mann@yahoo.com. Thanks again John for all the wonderful work. 

2015 Top Ten List #10-6 -LaF 115

Another year of movies has come to an end. Join Richard Lusk(aka the L-Train) and Ryan Bull (aka Mr. Two-Frames) as they celebrate their favorite films of 2015. Episode 115 features picks 10 through 6. A couple of the picks are going to cause fireworks when the other host finds out what was picked. Come listen for lists, but stay for arguments that follow. Find out what, if anything, the fellas agreed about for the 2015 year in cinema. 

Who got it right? Whose list missed the mark completely? Send in your list and comments by emailing the show at theLaFpodcast@gmail.com, tweeting @theLaFpodcast, or sending a message on Facebook.com/theLaFpodcast. The best comments will get read on a future show.

Wee LaF for the January 22 Weekend - LaF 114

LaF knows how to beat the cold of winter. The solution is to go and see a film at your local cineplex. Episode 114 has the L-Train and Mr. Two-Frames previewing all the new releases for the January 22 weekend. First up, Chloe Grace Moretz attempts to fill the hole left by the end of The Hunger Games franchise, as she stars in The 5th Wave. Based on the novel of same name, a series of alien attacks have destroyed most of Earth, now a young girl must save the world. For the horror fans, The Boy starring Lauren Cohan, of Walking Dead fame, accepts the worst nanny job of all time as she has to care for a life-sized doll that she comes to believe is alive. Lastly, Robert DeNiro has some spring break fun in Dirty Grandpa. Anything can happen after Zac Efron is tricked into driving his grandfather(DeNiro) to Florida for Spring Break. 

Are you going to the movies this weekend? Let LaF know what you saw. Send in your review by emailing the show at theLaFpodcast@gmail.com, tweeting @theLaFpodcast, or messaging us on Facebook.com/theLaFpodcast. The best comments will get read on a future show.

The Revenant - LaF 113

On January 14, the Academy Award nominees were announced to the world, with The Revenant garnering the most nominations. More importantly, episode 113 of The LaF Podcast came out featuring their review of Leonardo DiCaprio's newest film The Revenant. The film follows the struggle of Hugh Glass survival efforts after being mauled by a bear and left for dead by his hunting team. The L-Train and Mr. Bull discuss director Alejandro G Inarritu's struggle to capture the film using only natural light and remote locations, whether Tom Hardy's character was evil or pragmatic, and where the opening scene ranks among the best actions sequences ever filmed. All this and more on episode 113. 

LaF would like to take a moment to thank Elijah Steele for writing new theme music for the show. Once again, Elijah has proven himself to be a virtuoso. Thank you Elijah for all your help.   

Have you seen The Revenant? Send in your review by emailing the show at theLaFpodcast@gmail.com, tweeting @theLaFpodcast, or messaging us on Facebook.com/theLaFpodcast. The best comments will get read on a future show.