X-Men: Apocalypse

LaF is covering X-Men: Apocalypse on episode 150. With one of our hosts unable to make the show, Tony Christ is stepping up to answer the call to duty. He and Ryan Bull are set to review the newest superhero film to hit the box office. X-Men: Apocalypse stars James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, and Oscar Isaac, and has the mutant superhero team going up against the world's first, and possibly the most powerful, mutant. The host give their reviews, rank this film against the other X-Men films, discuss if the superhero genre is played out, and try to figure out where this franchise is headed. 

Have you seen X-Men: Apocalypse? 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 June 3 Weekend - LaF 149

Episode 149 is another weekend entertainment edition of LaF (aka Wee LaF), this time for the June 3rd weekend. Three movies are hitting theaters in wide release. First, Me Before You starring Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin tells the story of a girl who forms a bond, later love, with a newly-paralyzed man. For comedy fans, Andy Samberg stars in Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping a story of Justin Bieber like musician whose new solo album is a complete failure and whose celebrity star begins fading as a result. Lastly, cowabunga Dude! The turtles are back with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows, the film is the fifth live-action film for the turtles. The film also marks the first appearance of Kraang, Rocksteady, and Bebop so the turtles will have their hands full dealing with all the villains. 

The Nice Guys - LaF 148

Episode 148 features a review of The Nice Guys starring Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling. Our hosts, Ryan Bull and Richard Lusk, dive deep into director Shane Black's third feature film. The film is a mixture of elements the combines the humor and action of 80's buddy cop films with the pulpy plot of film noir. One of the hosts feels it is the best film he has seen so far this year. Tune in to find out who can't wait to watch it again, which acting performance was a surprise, and which acting performance was a complete miss. 

Have you seen The Nice Guys? Send 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 5 for the May 27 Weekend - LaF 147

The LaF podcast is celebrating Memorial Day weekend with episode 147 as our hosts, Richard Lusk and Ryan Bull, preview two new films opening this weekend. First, X-Men: Apocalypse is the fourth film in the franchise from director Bryan Singer. The film throws the X-Men for a loop as they are forced to fight Apocalypse, the world's first mutant and possibly the most powerful. Featuring the talents of Oscar Issac, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Hugh Jackman, Sophie Turner, and Tye Sheridan, the film boasts the largest cast of superheroes ever in a single movie. Also opening in wide release, Alice Through the Looking Glass is the sequel to 2010's Alice in Wonderland. Mia Wasikowska returns as Alice as she returns to Wonderland to save her friend the Mad Hatter. 

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.

Green Room - LaF 146

Richard Lusk and Ryan Bull are excited to review Green Room on episode 146 of LaF. Green Room is director Jeremy Saulnier's follow up film to Blue Ruin, which was LaF's top film of 2014. The film follows a punk band that accidentally stumbles upon a murder caused by some skinheads. Led by Patrick Stewart, the skinheads won't stop until they kill all of the witnesses. Our cohosts have been eagerly awaiting the release of this film ever since it was announced. Tune in to find out if the film met expectations, how to apply a proper rear naked choke, and listen to a debate about whether Jeremy Saulnier is a better director than Jeff Nichols. 

Have you seen Green Room? Send in your review by emailing the show at theLaFpodcast@gmail.com, tweeting @theLaFpodcast, or messaging us on Facebook.com/theLaFpodcast.

Wee LaF for the May 20 Weekend - LaF 145

Box offices releases for the May 20th weekend is the topic for episode 145 of LaF. Ryan Bull and Richard Lusk are back again to preview three new movies coming to theaters. First, Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising brings back Seth Rogen, Rose Byrne, and Zac Efron for some R-rated comedy. The film argues that the only thing worse than living next to a frat is living next to a sorority. For the kids, The Angry Birds Movie flies into theaters trying to capitalize on the hit video game. The animated film features the vocal talent of Peter Dinklage, Jason Sudeikis, and Kate McKinnon. Lastly, Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe team up in the Shane Black directed comedy The Nice Guys. Also the guys have streaming and rental picks for listeners that are staying at home. 

Are you going to the movies this weekend? Send in your review by emailing the show at theLaFpodcast@gmail.com, tweeting @theLaFpodcast, or messaging us on Facebook.com/theLaFpodcast. 

Wee LaF for the May 13 Weekend - LaF 143

Episode 143 of LaF features a preview of all the new box office releases for the May 13th weekend.  Taking advantage of the Friday the 13th spookiness is The Darkness starring Kevin Bacon, Jennifer Morrison, and Lucy Fry as a family that accidentally brings home an evil spirit from their Grand Canyon vacation. Next, Money Monster directed by Jodie Foster boasts an impressive cast of George Clooney, Julia Roberts, and Jack O'Conell. The movie tells the story of an angry investor who takes over a financial show in an attempt to get some answers. Lastly, America finally gets to see the dark comedy The Lobster starring Colin Ferrell and Rachel Weisz as two single people living in a dystopian world where people must find a mate or risk being turned into an animal.  The fellas also share there weekly streaming and Redbox picks. 

Are you going to the movies this weekend? Send in your review by emailing the show at theLaFpodcast@gmail.com, tweeting @theLaFpodcast, or messaging us on Facebook.com/theLaFpodcast.

 Do you like that announcer voice that kicks off the show every week? John Andersen is the man behind the voice. He wants to help you on your next project. Contact him at Hawk1mann@yahoo.com for all your voice work needs. 

Midnight Special - LaF 142

Episode 142 of LaF features a review Midnight Special starring Michael Shanno and Joel Edgerton. Our hosts, Richard Lusk and Ryan Bull, have been eagerly awaiting the release of director Jeff Nichol's science fiction film ever since it was announced. The movie follows a father and son who are forced to run when the government and a cult seek out the young boy because of his special powers. The film features a strong supporting cast of Kirsten Dunst, Adam Driver, and Jaeden Lieberher, who all turn in fine acting performances. In addition to the movie review, the fellas rank Midnight Special among Jeff Nichols's other films, discuss the parenting themes of the film, and find ways to disagree about presence(or lack of) plot holes.

Have you seen Midnight Special? Send in your review by emailing the show at theLaFpodcast@gmail.com, tweeting @theLaFpodcast, or messaging us on Facebook.com/theLaFpodcast. 

Do you like that announcer voice that kicks off the show every week? John Andersen is the man behind the voice and he wants to help you on your next project. Contact him at Hawk1mann@yahoo.com for all your voice work needs. 

Wee LaF for the May 6 Weekend - LaF 141

The summer blockbuster season begins this weekend with a Wee LaF that features a preview Captain America: Civil War. Richard Lusk and Ryan Bull are proud to present another episode of the Literature and Film podcast. For episode 141, they are previewing Captain America: Civil War as the only new box office release for the May 6th weekend. The fellas discuss the film, the future of Marvel films, and review their picks for the Summer Box Office challenge. Additionally, they have their weekly streaming and Redbox picks for their loyal listeners. 

Are you going to the movies this weekend? Send in your review by emailing the show at theLaFpodcast@gmail.com, tweeting @theLaFpodcast, or messaging us on Facebook.com/theLaFpodcast.

Summer Preview 2016 - LaF 140

With Summer comes a bevy of movie releases. LaF is here to help you know what go watch in theaters. For episode 140, Richard Lusk and Ryan Bull talk about eleven movies coming out between the beginning of May and the end of August. Our hosts are excited a variety of films hitting the box office, from comedies to super hero action extravaganzas. They are covering  everything from historical dramas to animated films. In addition, the fellas are making their picks for the third annual Summer Box Office Challenge. Mr. Two-Frames may be undefeated, but the L-Train has some momentum after winning the Winter Box Office Challenge. Send in your comments and let LaF know who you are picking to win. 

Did we leave any Summer movies out? Agree or disagree with our picks? Let us know by contacting the show. Email us @ theLaFpodcast@gmail.com, tweeting us @theLaFpodcast, or messaging us on Facebook.com/theLaFpodcast. The best comments will get read on a future show. 

Wee LaF for the April 29 Weekend - LaF 139

Welcome to episode 139 of LaF. Our hosts, Ryan Bull and Richard Lusk, are previewing three new movies hitting theaters on the April 29. First, from the comedy duo of Key and Peele comes their first feature film Keanu. This R-rated comedy is about two friends trying to rescue their precious kitten from a ruthless street gang. Yep. Next, Mother's Day from director Garry Marshall looks to get a jump start on Hallmark's favorite holiday. This comedy stars all the rom-com greats of the last thirty years: Julia Roberts, Kate Hudson, Jennifer Aniston, and .....Jason Sudeikis. Lastly, Ratchet & Clank attempts to break the streak of bad video game movies. The film is based off the best selling Playstation video series of the same name.

The fellas also give out their weekly streaming and Redbox picks for the week. 

Are you going to the 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.

The Invitation - LaF 138

Can a dinner party in L.A. provide enough suspense to sustain an entire film? Richard Lusk and Ryan Bull find out as they review The Invitation on episode 138. From director Karyn Kusama(Jennifer's Body and Aeon Flux) comes horror/thriller The Invitation starring Logan Marshall-Green and Michiel Huisman. The film is about a man who believes the dinner party being held by his ex-wife is the start of something horrible for himself and all the other guests. In addition to reviewing the film, the fellas also discuss other recent thrillers, the genre in general, and argue about the film's ending. 

Have you seen The Invitation? Send in your review by emailing the show at theLaFpodcast@gmail.com, tweeting @theLaFpodcast, or messaging us on Facebook.com/theLaFpodcast.

Wee LaF for the April 22 Weekend - LaF 137

REJOICE! LaF has returned after a brief hiatus. For episode 137,  Richard Lusk and Ryan Bull are previewing two new films hitting theaters on April 22. First, Elvis & Nixon tells the untold story of Nixon meeting with Elvis at the White House. This historic comedy stars Kevin Spacey  as Richard Nixon, and Michael Shannon as Elvis Presley. Next, The Huntsman: Winter's War starring Chris Hemsworth, Jessica Chastain, Charlize Theron, and Emily Blunt is the prequel to 2012's Snow White and the Huntsman. In this film, two rival witch queen sister are battling for control of all the lands. Caught in the middle are two warriors who must keep their forbidden love a secret. 

The fellas have their weekly Redbox and streaming picks for those staying away from the box office this weekend. 

Did you go to the 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.

The Bronze - LaF 136

LaF is reviewing The Bronze for episode 136. Melissa Rauch(Bernadette on The Big Bang Theory) stars as former bronze winning gymnastic Hope Greggory who is forced to help coach a young gymnastics star. If she does well, then she will lose her celebrity statues as the greatest thing to come out of Amherst, Ohio. This foul-mouthed comedy has given Ryan Bull and Richard Lusk to talk about. Find out who liked the film, why this film isn't a bigger hit, and where this movie ranks among sport comedies. 

Have you seen The Bronze? Send your review by emailing the show at theLaFpodcast@gmail.com, tweeting @theLaFpodcast, or messaging us on Facebook.com/theLaFpodcast.

Wee LaF for the March 25 Weekend - LaF 135

Richard Lusk and Ryan Bull return for episode 135 of the LaF podcast as they preview two major releases for the March 25 weekend. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is set to open big. The L-Train and Mr. Two-Frames discuss just how big, their anticipation, and which side they are rooting for. Also, the fourteen year wait is over as My Big Fat Wedding 2 finally arrives. The film features all of the old cast as the Portokalos family gathers for another wedding. Don't forget to listen for the guys Redbox and streaming picks for the week. 

Remember - LaF 134

On episode 134 of LaF, Ryan Bull and Richard Lusk are reviewing Remember, starring Christopher Plummer, Martin Landau, and Dean Norris. The Atom Egoyan directed film is about an Auschwitz survivor with dementia who goes in search of the Nazi who killed his family seventy years earlier. The film is an interesting exploration of both the cruelty of growing old, and the cruelty that creates the desire for revenge. 

Have you seen Revenge? Send in your review by emailing the show at theLaFpodcast@gmail.com, tweeting @theLaFpodcast, or messaging us on Facebook.com/theLaFpodcast. 

Wee LaF for the March 18th Weekend - LaF 133

Welcome to episode 133 of LaF. Richard Lusk and Ryan Bull are previewing three movies opening in theaters for the March 18th weekend. First, The Divergent Series: Alligiant starring Shailene Woodley is the continuation of the teenage dystopia saga of Tris. This is the third of four planned films for the series. Next, Miracles from Heaven is the adaptation of the best selling Christian faith novel of the same name. Based on a true story, the movie is a about a young girl suffering from a rare disease who was miraculously cured after God caused her to fall from a a tree. Lastly, The Bronze starring Melissa Rauch as a foul-mouthed former gymnastic having to deal with no longer being a star. 

Are you going to the movies this weekend? Send in your review by emailing the show at theLaFpodcast@gmail.com, tweeting @theLaFpodcast, or messaging us on Facebook.com/theLaFpodcast.  

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.

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.