TGN Film Club is back for Volume 8. As with past volumes, Jason and James have each selected five movies that they hope you’ll love. From Jason’s jungle-heavy picks to James selection of a film that made him feel very dumb, it’s a great stack of movies with plenty of variety.
If you enjoyed Body of Lies and want more mid-2000s Middle East intrigue, check out Syriana (maybe it's been included in previous Film Club episodes). In my opinion Syriana outclasses Body of Lies in just about every category. Like Body of Lies, it has an incredible cast; unlike Body of Lies, Syriana does not have Russell Crowe trying out a Southern accent.
And then cleanse your palate with Burn After Reading.
Fun episode! The Hunt for Red October reminded me of Wolfgang Peterson’s 1981 classic Das Boot, which follows a German u-boat crew. While it’s been a number of years since I last watched it, it still stands as the most claustrophobic I’ve been watching a movie.
Tenet deserves to be rewatched, many times. It's fascinating. But you definitely need to watch any behind the scenes you can find. I know there's lots of bonus footage and commentary on the physical disc. It'll make you appreciate the movie more. There's also videos on YouTube that sync up the time lines. (it's still confusing, but helpful).
Note: people who were involved with making the film felt dumb too :)
Seconding A Bridge Too Far. Incredible movie and I'm not just saying that as a former paratrooper, I had a VHS copy as a kid and watched it over and over. Speaking of Edward Fox, I don't think it's been in a Film Club before but it absolutely should be: The Day of the Jackal. A perfect thriller.
Jason, in the realm of jungle adventure I recommend that you source copies of the October 2000 , March 2001, and August 2001 National Geographic magazine. Each contains a partial account of the "MegaTransect" across Africa undertaken by Mike Fay, Nick Nichols, and the rest of their crew. It has beautiful descriptions of the land, animals, hardships, friendships and various mishaps that occurred during their 2,000 mile trek across the Congo Basin.
Absolutely loved hearing First Blood added to the mix. One of my favorites of all time. If you like the film, check out the book. It delves deeper into Dennehey and Stallone’s characters...two war heroes in their own right (Korea/Vietnam) trying to be righteous and not quite knowing how after they came back to the states. You don’t know who to root for in the book. Great ep guys.
James, great timing on the wrist check. I got to see your Seiko GMT in person in Chicago and was really impressed. Topper’s sent out an email last night saying the SSKs were back in stock and I have never pulled out my credit card faster to buy a watch. I should have mine in hand this weekend.
On the book side, if you liked the "Lost city of Z" you will love "The River of Doubt" - Biography of Theodore Roosevelt's exploration of the Amazon. Much like "Endurance" it shows how different expeditions were 100 years ago - all the more fascinating because its a true story.
If you enjoyed Body of Lies and want more mid-2000s Middle East intrigue, check out Syriana (maybe it's been included in previous Film Club episodes). In my opinion Syriana outclasses Body of Lies in just about every category. Like Body of Lies, it has an incredible cast; unlike Body of Lies, Syriana does not have Russell Crowe trying out a Southern accent.
And then cleanse your palate with Burn After Reading.
You guys should give Donnie Darko a watch. Weird sci-fi but my favorite movie ever made.
On the Patagonia front... i love their products. But, I am still baffled that they do paper catalogs.
Re: Tenet... I don’t think I could sit through it again.
Fun episode! The Hunt for Red October reminded me of Wolfgang Peterson’s 1981 classic Das Boot, which follows a German u-boat crew. While it’s been a number of years since I last watched it, it still stands as the most claustrophobic I’ve been watching a movie.
What a mix of great movies. Miss the Cold War 🤣 as a kid of the 80s definitely. Re watched Tom Clancy movies a million times.
First Blood is so underrated but it’s like Rocky 1 a great movie (I think those are his best movies plus Copland - highly recommend).
A Bridge too Far is a must of course and talking about actors - Clive Owen is so cool. My favourite of his movies is the International.
Tenet deserves to be rewatched, many times. It's fascinating. But you definitely need to watch any behind the scenes you can find. I know there's lots of bonus footage and commentary on the physical disc. It'll make you appreciate the movie more. There's also videos on YouTube that sync up the time lines. (it's still confusing, but helpful).
Note: people who were involved with making the film felt dumb too :)
Great film club!
Clive Owen: has been on my radar since my favorite (short) film (9 minutes):
directed by Guy Ritchie and staring (his wife) Madonna and an exceptional performance by BMW’s M5 : “The STAR”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1dYv_gKTA8
Like one of the comments states:” BMW will never be this cool again”
Clive is in 5 of these shorts from 2001 if ya want more.
Seconding A Bridge Too Far. Incredible movie and I'm not just saying that as a former paratrooper, I had a VHS copy as a kid and watched it over and over. Speaking of Edward Fox, I don't think it's been in a Film Club before but it absolutely should be: The Day of the Jackal. A perfect thriller.
Jason, in the realm of jungle adventure I recommend that you source copies of the October 2000 , March 2001, and August 2001 National Geographic magazine. Each contains a partial account of the "MegaTransect" across Africa undertaken by Mike Fay, Nick Nichols, and the rest of their crew. It has beautiful descriptions of the land, animals, hardships, friendships and various mishaps that occurred during their 2,000 mile trek across the Congo Basin.
Absolutely loved hearing First Blood added to the mix. One of my favorites of all time. If you like the film, check out the book. It delves deeper into Dennehey and Stallone’s characters...two war heroes in their own right (Korea/Vietnam) trying to be righteous and not quite knowing how after they came back to the states. You don’t know who to root for in the book. Great ep guys.
James, great timing on the wrist check. I got to see your Seiko GMT in person in Chicago and was really impressed. Topper’s sent out an email last night saying the SSKs were back in stock and I have never pulled out my credit card faster to buy a watch. I should have mine in hand this weekend.
Now I have to go back and watch Tenent again. I was totally lost the first time through. Like you James, I thought it was me not being smart enough.
One.
Ping.
Only.
Need I say more?!? ❤️
On the book side, if you liked the "Lost city of Z" you will love "The River of Doubt" - Biography of Theodore Roosevelt's exploration of the Amazon. Much like "Endurance" it shows how different expeditions were 100 years ago - all the more fascinating because its a true story.
https://www.amazon.com/River-Doubt-Theodore-Roosevelts-Darkest/dp/0767913736