Stamper Cinema

Flix & Sips: Platoon (1986)

Greetings! In this week's FLIX & SIPS episode of Stamper Cinema, we head into the jungle to break down Oliver Stone’s Platoon (1986) - one of the most raw, emotional, and as John says, 'Influential war films ever made.'
Drawing from Stone’s own combat experience, the film explores the moral battle between two opposing forces within one platoon: the compassion of Sergeant Elias vs the ruthless survival instincts of Sergeant Barnes.
We dig into the film’s themes of brotherhood, fear, leadership, and the psychological cost of war, while also examining the unforgettable performances, iconic cinematography, and the haunting use of Samuel Barber’s “Adagio for Strings.” Oh, and because this is FLIX & SIPS, there's much beer drinking too. Enjoy!
 
Want to be a guest on Stamper Cinema? Send Andrew Stamper a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1631718514660x735433606388177700
 

Flix & Sips: Stripes (1981)

 
Greetings! In the episode we're introducing a new series to Stamper Cinema. We're calling it Flix & Sips. In these episodes, John swaps his role as recurring guest for recurring co-host. We still talk movies, we still share stories, and we still share a few drinks while we do it. Okay, so maybe not much has changed - but hey, we've got a fancy new logo for our discussions.
Anyway, first up in our Flix & Sips series, we discuss the 1981 Ivan Reitman comedy classic, Stripes. And y'all, despite the beer buzz, we cover it all: Bill Murray’s irresistible deadpan,  Harold Ramis’ understated brilliance, an RV tank, mud wrestling, SGT. Hulka's big toe, John Candy's infectious laugh. Oh, and there's the part where I dive into my own Navy basic training days.(at length… possibly too at length).
Grab a brew, hit play, and join us for the most fun you can have without enlisting (again). Enjoy responsibly! ;)
Links
Stripes IMDB
Stripes - Rotten Tomatoes
https://www.stampercinema.com

A Dozen (or so) Vampire Movies To Sink Your Teeth Into

Greetings! Halloween is here, and in this week's episode we're going for the jugular! That's right, we're talking Vampires. Some good, some bad, but all are essential. I've got a dozen-ish vampire films you must see before you die. Whether it's the silent terror of Nosferatu or the chaotic comedy of What We Do in the Shadows. We've got something for everyone. (Sleepwalkers, anyone?)
So grab your garlic, Holy Water, dim the lights, and press play. Because immortality looks great in 4K. Enjoy!
Movies Discussed
Nosferatu
The Lost Boys
Near Dark
Once Bitten
My Best Friend is a Vampire
Vampire's Kiss
Dracula
Sleepwalkers
From Dusk Till Dawn
A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night
Let the Right One In
What We Do In the Shadows
Sinners
Related Links
https://www.stampercinema.com
https://www.stampercinema.com/fright-night-1985/
https://www.stampercinema.com/bram-stokers-dracula-with-ryan-winter/
 

Bordello of Blood (A watchalong episode with writer Alan Katz)

Happy Halloween, boils and ghouls! This week on a very special episode of Stamper Cinema, we’re diving deep into one of the wildest horror-comedies of the 1990s — Bordello of Blood! But even better, we're making it a watchalong with the film's co-writer Alan Katz!
This blood-soaked romp was the second feature film spun out of HBO’s legendary Tales from the Crypt series... and also its last. SAD.
The movie stars Dennis Miller as a snarky private eye who stumbles upon a secret underground brothel run by vampires — led by none other than Lilith, played by Angie Everhart. Also along for the ride: Erika Eleniak, Corey Feldman, and, of course, a cackling appearance from the Crypt Keeper himself.
CRYPT KEEPER NOTE: To properly join in with this Bordello of Blood episode, hop over to SHUDDER for a free trial (link below) and be sure to hit play when Alan and Andrew do. They promise to make it a fang-tastic Halloween discussion *hehehehe! 
Related links
https://www.shudder.com/
Bordello of Blood - IMDB Page
How NOT To Make A Movie Podcast - Spotify
How NOT To Make A Movie Podcast - Apple
https://www.stampercinema.com

White Nights (with Phil Dukarsky)

Greetings! In this episode of Stamper Cinema, we step into the Cold War era with Taylor Hackford’s White Nights (1985), a film that blends political tension, dance, and the undeniable magnetism of its cast. Starring Mikhail Baryshnikov as a Soviet ballet dancer who defects and Gregory Hines as an American tap dancer forced into exile, the film explores themes of freedom, loyalty, and identity against the backdrop of East–West tensions. With strong supporting performances from Helen Mirren and Isabella Rossellini, plus Lionel Richie’s Oscar-winning song “Say You, Say Me,” White Nights is as much a cultural artifact as it is a character drama.
Joining us for the action is writer/filmmaker/and movie lover, Phil Dukarsky. Phil does a great job breaking down its Cold War context, unforgettable dance sequences, and how the film resonates nearly four decades later. 
So whether you’re drawn to the performances, the politics, or just the power of dance, this episode has something for you. Enjoy!
White Nights links
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0090319/
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/white-nights
https://letterboxd.com/film/white-nights-1985/

A Discussion on AI Characters in Cinema (with Bill Cushing)

Greetings!
In this episode of Stamper Cinema, we dive into one of the most fascinating and evolving themes in film: artificial intelligence. From the earliest cinematic visions of sentient machines to today’s nuanced portrayals of AI companions, villains, and everything in between, these characters have long reflected our hopes, fears, and questions about technology’s role in our lives.
To help explore this topic, I’m joined by award-winning author (and returning guest) Bill Cushing, whose deep knowledge of storytelling, literature, and culture makes him the perfect guest to unpack the ways AI has been imagined on screen. Together, we’ll journey from classics like Metropolis and 2001: A Space Odyssey to modern masterpieces like Ex Machina and Her. Along the way, we’ll discuss why these portrayals resonate so deeply, what they reveal about society at the time of their release, and how cinema both shapes and mirrors our collective imagination about the future.
Whether AI is depicted as a trusted friend, a misunderstood being, or an existential threat, these characters remain some of the most memorable in film history. So sit back, plug in, and join us as we take a closer look at the evolving world of AI on the big screen.
 
(Oh! And to keep this totally on brand, that entire intro was created by AI.)
 
Related Links
AI in Cinema
https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/ai-films-and-tv-shows
Bill Cushing links
Amazon
Stamper Cinema link
https://www.stampercinema.com

Tenet (with filmmaker, Jaze Bordeaux)

Greetings! In this episode of Stamper Cinema, we are joined by award-winning filmmaker JAZE BORDEAUX to unravel the intricate web of Christopher Nolan’s 2020 sci-fi action epic, Tenet.
Join us as we dive deep into Nolan’s bold narrative experiments, the film’s unforgettable set pieces, its cryptic characters, and the high-concept mechanics of time inversion.
We'll also discuss Jaze's background as well as his recent debut film, the award-winning EFC. This is a good one. Enjoy!
Tenet links
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6723592/
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/tenet
Jaze Bordeaux links
https://jazebordeaux.com
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8322165/
Stamper Cinema links
https://www.stampercinema.com
 

Back to the Future - 40th Anniversary Discussion (with John Rohe)

Greetings! Welcome to the Season Six premiere of Stamper Cinema. And for this episode, Great Scott!, we’re taking a joyride through Hill Valley to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Back to the Future! Joining us for the journey is best friend of the show, John Rohe! 
We’re spending one full hour diving into the 1985 original film, followed by two 30-minute(ish) discussions of Part II and Part III—covering everything from casting and production trivia to hoverboards and Biff Tannen's Trumpian rise. 
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or watching for the first time in 2025, this episode is packed with insight, laughter, and more than a few 'heavy' moments. Enjoy! 
Fun Questions We Answer:
What’s the best performance in the trilogy?
How would you rank the films? 
Did Part II predict the future… or totally blow it?
Is Biff Tannen really based on Donald Trump?
Related Links
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088763/
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/back_to_the_future
Eric Stoltz on being fired from BTTF

Friday the 13th: Part II

Greetings! In this episode I take a deep dive into the murky waters of Crystal Lake to discover the truth about Jason Voorhees. That's right, we're talking Friday the 13th! Well, Part II, that is! 
Inside the episode:
Plot Breakdown
Jason unmasked
Slasher boom
Production Notes
Machete Rating, Kill and Sex Count
Fan Theories
Listener Questions
Enjoy!!!
Previous Friday the 13th Podcast links: 
https://www.stampercinema.com/friday-the-13th-1980/
Related Links
Friday the 13th: Part II IMDB
Life and Death On the A-List (Tom McBride Documentary)

My Blue Heaven with Andrew Davies

Greetings! In this week's episode I am joined by author/improviser Andrew Davies to discuss the 90s comedy, MY BLUE HEAVEN, starring Steve Martin. 
This quirky gem is about a a flashy, fast-talking former mobster trying to adjust to suburban life under witness protection. And oh yeah, it's loosely based on the life of Henry Hill. Yes, that Henry Hill. 
This a great episode. Enjoy! 
My Blue Heaven links
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0100212/
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1029161-my_blue_heaven
Andrew Davies links
https://www.artlyworking.com
Stamper Cinema links
https://www.stampercinema.com