The Cine-Files' Steve Morris and John Rocha wrap up their special three day deep dive into the best of the Rankin/Bass Christmas Specials with 1974's THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS. Directed by Jules Bass and Arthur Rankin Jr., the special is based on Phyllis McGinley's book and stars Shirley Booth as Mrs. Claus, Mickey Rooney reprising his role as Santa Claus, Dick Shawn as Cold Miser, and George S. Irving as Heat Miser. Steve and John go scene by scene thru this wonderful Christmas special and explore why it still endures as a Christmas classic all these years later.

The Cine-Files' Steve Morris and John Rocha continue their special three day deep dive into their favorite Rankin/Bass Christmas Specials with 1970's SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN' TO TOWN. Directed by Jules Bass and Arthur Rankin Jr. the special stars Fred Astaire S.D. Kluger/Narrator, Mickey Rooney as Kris Kringle/Santa Claus, Keenan Wynn as Winter Warlock, and Paul Frees as Burgermeister Meisterburger. Steve and John go scene by scene thru this wonderful special and explore why it endures and is a staple of Christmas for so many of us.

The Cine-Files' Steve Morris and John Rocha begin a special Christmas three day deep dive into their favorite Rankin/Bass Christmas Specials. On this episode, they revisit and explore 1964's RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER adapted by Romeo Muller and directed by Larry Roemer. The special stars Burl Ives as Sam the Snowman/Narrator, Billie Mae Richards as Rudolph, and Larry D. Mann as Yukon Cornelius. Steve and John go scene by scene thru this wonderful special and explore why it endures and is a staple of Christmas for so many of us.

On this episode of The Cine-Files, Steve Morris and John Rocha conclude their exploration of 1965 Best Picture winner THE SOUND OF MUSIC directed by Best Director winner Robert Wise and starring the incredible Julie Andrews who was nominated for her performance and Christopher Plummer. A classic film that was nominated for 10 Academy Awards, features new music and songs from Rodgers and Hammerstein and has endured the test of time as it still remains in the Top 100 lists of numerous AFI lists. Steve and John go thru the movie scene by scene to break down the direction, acting, story beats, soundtrack choices and action sequences.

On this episode of The Cine-Files, Steve Morris and John Rocha continue their exploration of 1965 Best Picture winner THE SOUND OF MUSIC directed by Best Director winner Robert Wise and starring the incredible Julie Andrews who was nominated for her performance and Christopher Plummer. A classic film that was nominated for 10 Academy Awards, features new music and songs from Rodgers and Hammerstein and has endured the test of time as it still remains in the Top 100 lists of numerous AFI lists. Steve and John go thru the movie scene by scene to break down the direction, acting, story beats, soundtrack choices and action sequences.

On this episode of The Cine-Files, Steve Morris and John Rocha begin their exploration of 1965 Best Picture winner THE SOUND OF MUSIC directed by Best Director winner Robert Wise and starring the incredible Julie Andrews who was nominated for her performance and Christopher Plummer. A classic film that was nominated for 10 Academy Awards, features new music and songs from Rodgers and Hammerstein and has endured the test of time as it still remains in the Top 100 lists of numerous AFI lists. Steve and John go thru the movie scene by scene to break down the direction, acting, story beats, soundtrack choices and action sequences.

On this episode of The Cine-Files, Steve Morris and John Rocha walk back into the world of the MCU by bringing you Part 2 of their breakdown and discussion of 2014's GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY. The film from director James Gunn starring Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldaña, Bradley Cooper, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, Karen Gillan, Glenn Close, John C. Reilly, Michael Rooker, and Lee Pace. Considered by man Marvel fans as one of their favorite MCU movies, the film features Thanos, a battle for another Infinity Stone, the Kree, and the coming together of one of the best teams in the first four phases of the MCU. Steve and John go thru the movie scene bye scene to break down the direction, acting, story beats, soundtrack choices and action sequences,

On this episode of The Cine-Files, Steve Morris and John Rocha walk back into the world of the MCU by bringing you Part 1 of their breakdown and discussion of 2014's GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY. The film from director James Gunn starring Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldaña, Bradley Cooper, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, Karen Gillan, Glenn Close, John C. Reilly, Michael Rooker, and Lee Pace. Considered by man Marvel fans as one of their favorite MCU movies, the film features Thanos, a battle for another Infinity Stone, the Kree, and the coming together of one of the best teams in the first four phases of the MCU. Steve and John go thru the movie scene bye scene to break down the direction, acting, story beats, soundtrack choices and action sequences,

On this episode of The Cine-Files, Steve Morris and John Rocha get ready for Halloween by traveling back to 1986 to bring you Part 2 of their breakdown and discussion on THE FLY starring Jeff Goldblum, Geena Davis and John Getz. Directed and co-written by David Cronenberg with a score from Howard Shore, the film is loosely based on George Langelaan's 1957 short story and the 1958 film of the same name. The Fly tells the story of an eccentric scientist (Goldblum) who, after one of his experiments goes wrong, slowly turns into a fly-hybrid creature to the horror of his journalist girlfriend (Davis). The film won an Oscar for Best Makeup and Goldblum's performance is an Oscar worthy one. The Fly is considered one of the greatest horror movies ever made. Steve and John walk you thru this movie scene by scene to break down the acting, direction, script, score and cinematography as well as discussing the themes and messages in the movie.

On this episode of The Cine-Files, Steve Morris and John Rocha get ready for Halloween by traveling back to 1986 to bring you Part 1 of their breakdown and discussion on THE FLY starring Jeff Goldblum, Geena Davis and John Getz. Directed and co-written by David Cronenberg with a score from Howard Shore, the film is loosely based on George Langelaan's 1957 short story and the 1958 film of the same name. The Fly tells the story of an eccentric scientist (Goldblum) who, after one of his experiments goes wrong, slowly turns into a fly-hybrid creature to the horror of his journalist girlfriend (Davis). The film won an Oscar for Best Makeup and Goldblum's performance is an Oscar worthy one. The Fly is considered one of the greatest horror movies ever made. Steve and John walk you thru this movie scene by scene to break down the acting, direction, script, score and cinematography as well as discussing the themes and messages in the movie.

On this episode of The Cine-Files, Steve Morris and John Rocha put on their New York Knights jerseys and travel back to 1984 to explore THE NATURAL. A film we discussed early in the show's run and one that the fans have asked us to revisit and do a deeper dive on. Starring Robert Redford as the iconic baseball hero Roy Hobbs, Glenn Close, Kim Basinger, Barbara Hershey, Wilford Brimley, Richard Farnsworth, Robert Prosy, Darren McGavin, and Michael Madsen. Directed by Barry Levinson and based on the book by Bernard Malamud with a score from Randy Newman, the film was nominated for four Academy Awards: Actress in a Supporting Role (Glenn Close), Cinematography (Caleb Deschanel), Art Direction, and Music (Randy Newman).

On this episode of The Cine-Files, Steve Morris and John Rocha put on their New York Knights jerseys and travel back to 1984 to explore THE NATURAL. A film we discussed early in the show's run and one that the fans have asked us to revisit and do a deeper dive on. Starring Robert Redford as the iconic baseball hero Roy Hobbs, Glenn Close, Kim Basinger, Barbara Hershey, Wilford Brimley, Richard Farnsworth, Robert Prosy, Darren McGavin, and Michael Madsen. Directed by Barry Levinson and based on the book by Bernard Malamud with a score from Randy Newman, the film was nominated for four Academy Awards: Actress in a Supporting Role (Glenn Close), Cinematography (Caleb Deschanel), Art Direction, and Music (Randy Newman).

On this episode of The Cine-Files, Steve Morris and John Rocha finish up their journey thru Paul Newman's films with their discussion of 1982's THE VERDICT. Directed by Sidney Lumet with a screenplay from David Mamet, the film co-stars James Mason, Jack Warden, and Charlotte Rampling. It is considered one of the greatest courtroom dramas ever made and was nominated for five Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Mason), and Best Adapted Screenplay. Steve and John go scene by scene thru this movie and explore the acting, direction, writing and the effect the film has on us today.

On this episode of The Cine-Files, Steve Morris and John Rocha continue their journey thru Paul Newman's films with Part 2 of their discussion on 1982's THE VERDICT. Directed by Sidney Lumet with a screenplay from David Mamet, the film co-stars James Mason, Jack Warden, and Charlotte Rampling. The film is considered one of the greatest courtroom dramas ever made and was nominated for five Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor in a Leading Role (Newman), Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Mason), and Best Adapted Screenplay. Steve and John go scene by scene thru this movie and explore the acting, direction, writing and the effect the film has on us today.

On this episode of The Cine-Files, Steve Morris and John Rocha continue their journey thru Paul Newman's films with Part 1 of their discussion on 1982's THE VERDICT. Directed by Sidney Lumet with a screenplay from David Mamet, the film co-stars James Mason, Jack Warden, and Charlotte Rampling. The film is considered one of the greatest courtroom dramas ever made and was nominated for five Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor in a Leading Role (Newman), Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Mason), and Best Adapted Screenplay. Steve and John go scene by scene thru this movie and explore the acting, direction, writing and the effect the film has on us today.

On this episode of The Cine-Files, Steve Morris and John Rocha continue their Paul Newman and Robert Redford film exploration with Part 2 of their discussion on the 1973 Best Picture winner THE STING. From director GEORGE ROY HILL, this classic caper film also costars Robert Shaw, Charles Durning, Eileen Brennan, Ray Walston, Harold Gould and host of other fantastic character actors. Nominated for 10 Academy Awards, it won seven of them including Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay for David S. Ward, Best Score for Marvin Hamlisch and more. Steve and John go scene by scene thru this movie and explore the acting, direction, the writing and the effect the film has on us today.

If you haven't seen this incredible film you can buy or stream it right here: https://amzn.to/3MtNXbO

On this episode of The Cine-Files, Steve Morris and John Rocha continue their Paul Newman and Robert Redford film exploration with Part 1 of their discussion on the 1973 Best Picture winner THE STING. From director GEORGE ROY HILL, this classic caper film also costars Robert Shaw, Charles Durning, Eileen Brennan, Ray Walston, Harold Gould and host of other fantastic character actors. Nominated for 10 Academy Awards, it won seven of them including Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay for David S. Ward, Best Score for Marvin Hamlisch and more. Steve and John go scene by scene thru this movie and explore the acting, direction, the writing and the effect the film has on us today.

If you haven't seen this incredible film you can buy or stream it right here: https://amzn.to/3MtNXbO

On this episode of The Cine-Files, Steve Morris and John Rocha begin their Paul Newman and Robert Redford film explorations with Part 2 of their discussion on BUTCH CASSIDY and THE SUNDANCE KID from director GEORGE ROY HILL. This classic also stars the great Katherine Ross and features a score from composer Burt Bacharach and the Oscar winner for Best Song "Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head". A film that won 4 out of the 7 Oscars it was nominated for and outlived some of the mixed reactions from film critics at the time to become a much beloved, deftly funny, and tragic modern Western classic.. Steve and John go scene by scene thru this movie and explore the acting, direction, the writing and the effect the film has on us today.

On this episode of The Cine-Files, Steve Morris and John Rocha begin their Paul Newman and Robert Redford film explorations with Part 1 of their discussion on BUTCH CASSIDY and THE SUNDANCE KID from director GEORGE ROY HILL. This classic also stars the great Katherine Ross and features a score from composer Burt Bacharach and the Oscar winner for Best Song "Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head". A film that won 4 out of the 7 Oscars it was nominated for and outlived some of the mixed reactions from film critics at the time to become a much beloved, deftly funny, and tragic modern Western classic.. Steve and John go scene by scene thru this movie and explore the acting, direction, the writing and the effect the film has on us today.

On this episode of The Cine-Files, Steve Morris and John Rocha continue their month long tribute to Donald Sutherland with Part 2 of their discussion on 1980 Best Picture Winner ORDINARY PEOPLE. The film, based on Judith Guest's book of the same name, stars Sutherland, Mary Tyler Moore, and Timothy Hutton as a family in crisis navigating the death of their first born son and the near suicide of their younger son (Hutton). The film marks the directorial debut of Robert Redford and also stars a young Elizabeth McGovern and features a fantastic scene stealing turn from Judd Hirsch. The film was nominated for six Oscars and won for Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay for Alvin Sargent and Best Supporting Actor for Timothy Hutton. Steve and John go scene by scene thru this movie and explore the acting, direction, the writing and the effect the film has on us today.

On this episode of The Cine-Files, Steve Morris and John Rocha continue their month long tribute to Donald Sutherland with Part 1 of their discussion on 1980 Best Picture Winner ORDINARY PEOPLE. The film, based on Judith Guest's book of the same name, stars Sutherland, Mary Tyler Moore, and Timothy Hutton as a family in crisis navigating the death of their first born son and the near suicide of their younger son (Hutton). The film marks the directorial debut of Robert Redford and also stars a young Elizabeth McGovern and features a fantastic scene stealing turn from Judd Hirsch. The film was nominated for six Oscars and won for Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay for Alvin Sargent and Best Supporting Actor for Timothy Hutton. Steve and John go scene by scene thru this movie and explore the acting, direction, the writing and the effect the film has on us today.

On this episode of The Cine-Files, Steve Morris and John Rocha put on their old Gold's Gym shirts and short shorts to revisit 1978's PUMPING IRON starring ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER, FRANCO COLUMBO, and LOU FERRIGNO. This groundbreaking documentary launched the world of bodybuilding and fitness into the mainstream and began the Austrian Oak's ascendancy to superstardom with Lou Ferrigno also landing the role of the Hulk in THE INCREDIBLE HULK series. Steve and John discuss the influence the film had on them as young men, if the documentary holds up, the sadistic genius of Schwarzenegger and separate fact from fiction in this episode of The Cine-Files!

On this episode of The Cine-Files, Steve Morris and John Rocha put on their old Gold's Gym shirts and short shorts to revisit 1978's PUMPING IRON starring ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER, FRANCO COLUMBO, and LOU FERRIGNO. This groundbreaking documentary launched the world of bodybuilding and fitness into the mainstream and began the Austrian Oak's ascendancy to superstardom with Lou Ferrigno also landing the role of the Hulk in THE INCREDIBLE HULK series. Steve and John discuss the influence the film had on them as young men, if the documentary holds up, the sadistic genius of Schwarzenegger and separate fact from fiction in this episode of The Cine-Files!

On this episode of The Cine-Files, Steve Morris and John Rocha put on their old Gold's Gym shirts and short shorts to revisit 1978's PUMPING IRON starring ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER, FRANCO COLUMBO, and LOU FERRIGNO. This groundbreaking documentary launched the world of bodybuilding and fitness into the mainstream and began the Austrian Oak's ascendancy to superstardom with Lou Ferrigno also landing the role of the Hulk in THE INCREDIBLE HULK series. Steve and John discuss the influence the film had on them as young men, if the documentary holds up, the sadistic genius of Schwarzenegger and separate fact from fiction in this episode of The Cine-Files!

On this episode of The Cine-Files, Steve Morris and John Rocha are joined by their special guest Brendon McDonald, the producer of the WTF with Marc Maron podcast! They visit REKALL Industries to transport them back to Mars to explore Paul Verhoeven's modern Sci-Fi classic, TOTAL RECALL, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sharon Stone, Michael Ironside, Rachel Ticotin and Ronny Cox.

On this episode of The Cine-Files, Steve Morris and John Rocha are joined by their special guest Brendon McDonald, the producer of the WTF with Marc Maron podcast! They visit REKALL Industries to transport them back to Mars to explore Paul Verhoeven's modern Sci-Fi classic, TOTAL RECALL, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sharon Stone, Michael Ironside, Rachel Ticotin and Ronny Cox.

On this episode of The Cine-Files, Steve Morris and John Rocha bring you Part 2 of their breakdown and discussion of the 2001 British gangster classic SEXY BEAST from Academy Award nominated director Jonathan Glazer! The film stars Ray Winstone, Ian McShane, Amanda Redman and Ben Kingsley who delivers one of the greatest performances of his career. Kinglsey was nominated for an Oscar and Golden Globe for his work as the menacing, emotionally stunted, terrifying and battering ram of Id that is Don Logan. A cleverly written and directed heist movie that ISN"T about the heist, it features iconic dialogue, unforgettable scenes and a surprisingly beautiful and honest love story at the heart of it all. John and Steve head to Gal and DeeDee's house in sunny Spain for Part 2 of their discussion on Sexy Beast.

On this episode of The Cine-Files, Steve Morris and John Rocha bring you Part 1 of their breakdown and discussion of the 2001 British gangster classic SEXY BEAST from Academy Award nominated director Jonathan Glazer! The film stars Ray Winstone, Ian McShane, Amanda Redman and Ben Kingsley who delivers one of the greatest performances of his career. Kinglsey was nominated for an Oscar and Golden Globe for his work as the menacing, emotionally stunted, terrifying and battering ram of Id that is Don Logan. A cleverly written and directed heist movie that ISN"T about the heist, it features iconic dialogue, unforgettable scenes and a surprisingly beautiful and honest love story at the heart of it all. John and Steve head to Gal and DeeDee's house in sunny Spain for Part 1 of their discussion on Sexy Beast.

The Cine-Files aka Steve Morris and John Rocha return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe with our special guest: actor, writer and The Geek Buddies co-host Shannon McClung. All three of them explore one of the greatest superhero movies ever made: Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Directed by The Russo brothers and starring Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, Samuel L. Jackson and Robert Redford, Captain America: The Winter Soldier is both an homage to the classic espionage films of the 70s and an incredible action movie with brilliant fight choreography, amazing stunts and stunning visual effects. 

The Cine-Files aka Steve Morris and John Rocha return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe with our special guest: actor, writer and The Geek Buddies co-host Shannon McClung. All three of them explore one of the greatest superhero movies ever made: Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Directed by The Russo brothers and starring Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, Samuel L. Jackson and Robert Redford, Captain America: The Winter Soldier is both an homage to the classic espionage films of the 70s and an incredible action movie with brilliant fight choreography, amazing stunts and stunning visual effects. 

On this episode of The Cine-Files, Steve Morris and John Rocha continue their SEASON OF MARTIN SCORSESE with Part 3 of their deep dive into 1988's THE LAST TEMPTATION OF CHRIST. Considered one of the most thought provoking and controversial movies about the life of Jesus Christ. It focuses on his struggle with various forms of temptation including fear, doubt, depression, reluctance, and lust. Based on the book by Nikos Kazantzakis with a screenplay from Paul Schrader, the film received one Oscar nomination for Best Director for Scorsese and a Grammy for the soundtrack titled PASSION composed by musician Peter Gabriel. The film stars Willem Dafoe, Harvey Keitel, Barbara Hershey, David Bowie, and Harry Dean Stanton.

On this episode of The Cine-Files, Steve Morris and John Rocha continue their SEASON OF MARTIN SCORSESE with Part 2 of their deep dive into 1988's THE LAST TEMPTATION OF CHRIST. Considered one of the most thought provoking and controversial movies about the life of Jesus Christ. It focuses on his struggle with various forms of temptation including fear, doubt, depression, reluctance, and lust. Based on the book by Nikos Kazantzakis with a screenplay from Paul Schrader, the film received one Oscar nomination for Best Director for Scorsese and a Grammy for the soundtrack titled PASSION composed by musician Peter Gabriel. The film stars Willem Dafoe, Harvey Keitel, Barbara Hershey, David Bowie, and Harry Dean Stanton.

On this episode of The Cine-Files, Steve Morris and John Rocha continue their SEASON OF MARTIN SCORSESE with Part 1 of their deep dive into 1988's THE LAST TEMPTATION OF CHRIST. Considered one of the most thought provoking and controversial movies about the life of Jesus Christ. It focuses on his struggle with various forms of temptation including fear, doubt, depression, reluctance, and lust. Based on the book by Nikos Kazantzakis with a screenplay from Paul Schrader, the film received one Oscar nomination for Best Director for Scorsese and a Grammy for the soundtrack titled PASSION composed by musician Peter Gabriel. The film stars Willem Dafoe, Harvey Keitel, Barbara Hershey, David Bowie, and Harry Dean Stanton.

On this episode of The Cine-Files, Steve Morris and John Rocha add a new wrinkle to their SEASON OF MARTIN SCORSESE with this discussion on Hollywood's relationship with Religion on Film. This is a discussion that both of them felt they needed to have before diving into their breakdown and discussion on THE LAST TEMPTATION OF CHRIST which will commence next week.

On this episode of The Cine-Files, Steve Morris and John Rocha continue their SEASON OF MARTIN SCORSESE with Part 3 of their deep dive in Raging Bull, the 1980 Best Picture nominee. Considered one of the greatest boxing films and Scorsese films of all time, this movie stars Robert De Niro as true life boxer Jake LaMotta who battles his demons and unleashes his paranoia, insecurities and violent jealousy on his brother Joey (Joe Pesci) and his wife Vicky (Cathy Moriarty) as he pursues the middleweight crown. A tough film to watch, but a masterpiece to behold.

On this episode of The Cine-Files, Steve Morris and John Rocha continue their SEASON OF MARTIN SCORSESE with Part 2 of their deep dive in Raging Bull, the 1980 Best Picture nominee. Considered one of the greatest boxing films and Scorsese films of all time, this movie stars Robert De Niro as true life boxer Jake LaMotta who battles his demons and unleashes his paranoia, insecurities and violent jealousy on his brother Joey (Joe Pesci) and his wife Vicky (Cathy Moriarty) as he pursues the middleweight crown. A tough film to watch, but a masterpiece to behold.

On this episode of The Cine-Files, Steve Morris and John Rocha continue their SEASON OF MARTIN SCORSESE with Part 1 of their deep dive in Raging Bull, the 1980 Best Picture nominee. Considered one of the greatest boxing films and Scorsese films of all time, this movie stars Robert De Niro as true life boxer Jake LaMotta who battles his demons and unleashes his paranoia, insecurities and violent jealousy on his brother Joey (Joe Pesci) and his wife Vicky (Cathy Moriarty) as he pursues the middleweight crown. A tough film to watch, but a masterpiece to behold.

John Rocha and Steve Morris return to the world of Henry Hill and the Mafia as things fall apart in part three of their exploration of Martin Scorsese's organized crime masterpiece, Goodfellas. At this point, all the romance of the gangster life is gone as the distrust, greed, violence and drug induced paranoia gains momentum towards a tragic end. 

In Part Two of our exploration of Martin Scorsese's Goodfellas, Henry falls in love, makes one of the biggest scores of his life. witnesses two brutal murders, has to bury a body (twice), and gets sentenced to ten years in Prison.

You asked for it Cine-Files! In last year's listeners survey we asked which movie from the early days of the podcast did you want us to redo in our more in depth format. The answer wasn't even close, Martin Scorsese's gangster classic, Goodfellas. When we did this the first time, way back in 2016, the entire episode was just over one hour. This time part one is almost two hours.

Needless to say this is going to be several parts and we couldn't be more excited.

John and Steve love this movie so much that they thought about going back to the beginning and starting Groundhog Day all over again but, in the end they decided just to record part 2. (you're welcome to put both episodes on a loop though, if that's your thing)

So we know that technically we should be reviewing this movie in February but, frankly, we have some big plans coming up and the fact is we just couldn't wait. After all, when you find a good movie you just want to dig in and explore every detail over and over again.