World War II Movie Night

Check out the latest in our series of spoiler-free reviews, "The Mosquito Bowl," out this weekend! See what happens when a longtime director - and star of one of our favorite World War II movies - tackles his distant relative's hit book about Marines passing the time with a football game as they await their latest mission: the Battle of Okinawa! 

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"Pressure" hits theaters in wide release tomorrow, Friday, May 29. Please enjoy World War II Movie Night's spoiler-free review of this D-Day movie, starring Brendan Fraser as General Dwight D. Eisenhower. 

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Tonight we look at a movie very concerned with real-life events and real-life people from the War. The makers of 2001's "To End All Wars" probably thought it would be a big movie/Oscars contender. But... something happened on the way to cinematic glory. We'll examine what that was, and whether TEAW is still salvageable... Asides include Kiefer Sutherland movies, "Bridge on the River Kwai," and September 2001. 

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Tonight's selection is 2014's "Phoenix," a German vehicle highly thought-of in some circles. Upon the war's end, camp-survivor Nelly returns to a Berlin very different from the one she left. Everyone has something to hide, and questions are not welcome. But when Nelly starts to see certain faces she questions what happened to her friends and, most of all, her husband. See if WWIIMN thinks as highly of this European drama as others do... asides include Men's Health magazine and its take on World War II movies, and the sad basement-apartment I had in college. 

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Hey, please enjoy World War II Movie Night's spoiler-free review of a movie that came out in theaters a few hours ago, "Nuremberg" (and please excuse the commercial!).  

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World War II Movie Night returns with a classic, 1955's "Mister Roberts." Follow Henry Fonda (the titular character) as he juggles the dysfunction of his ship, from the dire morale to a vindictive captain (Jack Cagney) to the unruly Ensign Pulver (Jack Lemmon, who won an Oscar for the role). Palm trees, nurses and a goat keep things humming... asides include the legendary John Ford (and how he treated his actors), Betsy Palmer's unlikely late-career boon, and my thoughts on a certain dynamic of the the man-woman thing. 

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World War II Movie Night comes back from the dead for a bonus episode! We break with normal format for a... clipshow! Yes, we count down the top 10 scenes ever played on the podcast, plus two for educational purposes. Who will make the cut? And how much will you disagree? LOL. But seriously folks, chill out and enjoy this playful, experimental episode. 

P.S.: Note that there are MAJOR spoilers in this presentation, a point I address right out of the gate. 

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This is it! World War II Movie Night's 100th episode! Some celbratory plaudits are followed by a big announcement. As for the movie, it's one that was planned for the 100th episide before even the first one was recorded, 2017's "Dunkirk." Christopher Nolan parlayed the cash and clout from his Batman trilogy to bring his passion project into existence: a multi-layered take on one of the lesser-known stories from the war: the then-Allies being pushed to the sea in the Battle of France, and the frantic attempts to evacuate them. So sit back and enjoy the biggest milestone a...

World War II Movie Night returns to a ripe year for 1949's "Sands of Iwo Jima," a definitive U.S. Marines movie and starring vehicle for one John Wayne. This movie also features a very interesting connection to the war itself that may or may not merit celebration, which we'll get into... Asides include "Karate Kid" and its little-noticed World War II subplot, my non-relationship with coffee, and I go all Child Protective Services on a character in the movie! 

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Tonight we explore a movie that resulted from trying to make another "The Longest Day" (1962) for the late '70s. Yes, 1977's "A Bridge Too Far" shares many logistical, stylistic and thematic similarities with TLD, including the same author of the source novels. So join us as we chase a movie with a long runttime and myriad stars of its time, as they execute a real-life paratrooper-centered operation after D-Day. Asides include... a corporate paradox and a funny name-joke from "The Sopranos." 

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Ahoy hoy! Tonight World War II Movie Night closes out Spooky Movie Month with 1998's "Apt Pupil." Based on a 1982 Stephen King novella, tonight's movie sees up-and-coming director Bryan Singer follow his praised debut ("The Usual Suspects") with an adaptation that gives a late-'90s slickness to King's tale of an All-American teenager who discovers a Nazi in his neighborhood. Oh, and as far as tonight's episode? Strap in!... asides include, the ages of actors who play teenagers, Anthrax, and many, many things Stephen King. 

World War II Movie Night kicks off Spooky Movie Month with 1978's "The Boys from Brazil." Is it horror? Is it science fiction? Is it Nazi'sploitation? The question is debated to this day. What we do know is that it was nominated for Oscars and has Gregory Peck playing... a 1970s Josef Mengele! Join us for a record three (!) entries into the Trophy Case,  and more accents than you can keep track of!... Asides include Sharon Stone, Steve Guttenberg, "The Exorcist," the unknown history of Japan's  Unit 731, and which are the scariest dog breeds? 

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World War II Movie Night is shocked, shocked! to finally be doing our most famous movie ever, 1942's "Casablanca." When its creators made "Casablanca," they knew they had a good movie on their hands, but they didn't realize it would blow up into one of the most watched, remembered, quoted movies of all time. Tonight we examine: why is that? Why does this movie have the legacy it does? We also delve into why the plot is harder to remember than you think... asides include chess, gambling, and a Bob Dylan song. 

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Tonight we explore 2002's "The Pianist," a movie that can be attributed to multiple countries EXCEPT America, for a very specific reason. How good (or not) is this movie that won its maker a (controversial) Best Director and its titular star a Best Actor? The answer's pretty striking, as we explore probably the best movie you can watch about what happened in Poland during the war... Asides include... well, really just one, but it's a DOOZY! 

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Tonight we revisit the Royal Air Force for a special bombing mission: to destroy a German V-2 rocket factory. But that's easier said than done, given the details of the mission. Meanwhile, what will become of the Norwegian resistance-fighter helping the mission? Can gruff American Roy Grant separate his feelings about the mission from his feelings about the resistance-fighter's sister? Let's find out!... Asides include yet another "Sopranos" reference, the "Top Gun" sequel, the 1986 Challenger explosion, and the decades-long debate over whether tonight's movie or 1955's "The Dambusters" influenced the Death-Star scene in "Star Wars." 

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Tonight World War II Movie Night returns to non-English WWII movies that punch ya' in the gut with 1993's "Stalingrad"! A platoon of German soldiers is plucked from the Italian Riviera for a new mission at the Eastern Front: Stalingrad. Despite thinking they'll make short work of the Russians, what the soldiers go through is akin to a horror movie, with not only death, injury and starvation, but death of idealism and identity... asides include Ice Cube's ruminations on 1993, and a Sopranos reference ("Pine Barrens"!). 

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Tonight we return to form with a real meat-and-potatoes World War II movie. Hollywood player Samuel Fuller had written, directed or produced countless pulpy movies for decades. However, he decided to mine his own World War II experiences for "The Big Red One," which ended up being his greatest achievement. An old-fashioned, combat-heavy ensemble piece, TBRO features the ever-dependable Lee Marvin, and the fresh-off-dizzying-fame Mark Hamill as they trudge through the European theater (and Rommel's Africa)... Asides include a theory about "Saving Private Ryan," the use of the word 'retarded,' and the origin of the term 'five will...

Tonight we consider a highlight of Italian cinema, and world cinema in general: 1945's "Rome, Open City." Roberto Rossellini wanted to make a movie reflecting his and others' experiences living in Occupied Italy. He may have succeeded too much, as although "Rome, Open City" would become an honored part of Italy's hertigae, it was initially cold-shouldered by Italian audiences, who didn't want to be reminded of the situation they had lived for so long... asides include the embarassment of being young and highbrow, Pope Francis, junkie liars, and Italians' weird fixation on faces. 

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World War II Movie Night covers one of the more compelling post-war events with 2018's "Operation Finale," which portrays the secret Mossad mission to kidnap Adolf Eichmann from Argentina and bring him back to Israel. Along the way we address just how and why Argentina became a haven for Nazis after the war. Oh, and did we mention Ben Kingsley plays Eichmann!?... Asides include the Onion, Bernie Sanders, why comedy isn't funny anymore, "American Pie," and D.B. Cooper. 

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World War II Movie Night does a listener request with the 1968 American movie, "Hell in the Pacific," about two men trapped on an island together, and one of them we never even hear what he's saying! Despite this sparse premise, director John Boorman turns in a surprisingly eventful character study... asides include a time I could've scored some WWII LIFE magazines, at least two times this premise has been done before and after, an acclaimed filmmaker who helmed a movie so bad it made people physically agressive, and the elephant in the room: my misadventures in pronunciation. 

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Tonight we're having a communist party (!) as we look at a part of the War not often explored, the Russian camps. Storied director Peter Weir ("Gallipoli") brought this true (?) story to the screen in 2010, starring Ed Harris and Colin Farrell. The result? An overlooked gem and a muscular statement against Stalinism... Asides include, there are too many movies, Boris Yeltsin's lost in the supermarket, Bill Cosby endorsed an '80s dessert item to great effect, and why was Ed Harris so pissed at the '99 Oscars? 

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At first blush, 1943's "Bataan" might seem like a run-of-the-mill, black-and-white, ensemble-cast World War II movie: easily absorbed and easily dismissed. Upon closer inspection, though, it reveals itself as a fascinating bit of mid-war propoganda, i.e., a passion play and literal call-to-arms. We'll also examine its surprising horror elements, as the faceless Japanese pick off our men in a near slasher-scenario... asides include some thoughts on the racial tolerance (or lack thereof) of decades past, and a deep dive on a Cheap Trick song. 

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World War II Movie Night keeps the faith (and the format) as we delve into the 2015 Hungarian movie "Son of Saul," which many believe gives the truest representation of life in Auschwitz outside an actual documentary. Saul is a "Sonderkommando," prisoners given unpleasant duties in the camp in exchange for a slightly better status - until they're no longer useful, that is... Asides include a certain TV show, and the unexpected WWII-related thing Donald Trump, Justin Bieber, and Arnold Schwarzenegger have in common. 

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Join World War II Movie Night as we reassess the oft-maligned "Valkyrie," from 2008. No casting in one of our movies was as criticized from jump as Tom Cruise playing Claus von Stauffenberg, the German colonel who made the most famous attempt on Hitler's life. "Valkyrie" had almost everything going for it: acting, writing, directing, and a bigger budget than the filmmakers even asked for - so why was it deemed mediocre, and was that unfair?... asides include Scientology, German guilt, the inherent creepiness of Goebbels, and How High was Hitler? 

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It'd be hard to find a more successful movie - at least upon release - than Miramax's "The English Patient." This late-1996 pic made tons of money, swept the Oscars, and was one of the most critically acclaimed movies of the decade. Case settled, right? Not so fast. On World War II Movie Night we like to look past the luster. Does TEP hold up? Is it an actual WWII movie? Join us as we ponder the deeper questions... Asides include the shenanigans of Harvey Weinstein, "Seinfeld" as a cultural barometer, and the weird connetion between TEP and an...

Tonight we do the 1981 American sports movie "Victory" (also called "Escape to Victory" in European markets). A powerhouse cast of Sylvester Stallone, Michael Caine, Max von Sydow and Pele take us through the story of Allied POWs who agree to stage a soccer game against Germans. The idea quickly spirals out of control, though, resulting in bigger stakes than they could've imagined... asides include sports movies, Pele's recent death, and the time I faked my way through coaching a season of youth soccer. 

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Kind-of a Halloween episode tonight, as World War II Movie Night does 2018's "Overlord." Mega-producter J.J. Abrams brings us this zombie gorefest that's also an homage to "Nazi'ploitation," a mostly-'70s genre that saw horror, thrillers, and even pornos centered around history's most reliable villains. So turn off your brain and enjoy the fast-paced action as a D-Day unit behind enemy lines in France has a timely mission before the boats hit the beaches; complications arise when they stumble upon secret experiments meant to ensure a 1,000-year Reich!... Asides include numerous observations about horror and exploitation, the African-American...

Tonight World War II Movie Night does 1970's "Patton," a curious biopic that straddles the line between the Big Epics of the 50s/60s, and what filmmaking would become in the '70s. George C. Scott plays George S. Patton in a role so iconic it was parodied for years afterward. Join us as we address almost every element of the European theater, from the invasion of Sicily to D-Day to the Battle of the Bulge... asides include the so-called Goodfellas Effect, Spuds MacKenzie, and translator humor. 

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World War II Movie Night does its 4th (!) movie starring Robert Mitchum with 1957's "Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison." During the War in the Pacific, a U.S. Marine washes ashore a small island improbably inhabited by a Nun (Deborah Kerr). The Japanese periodically poke their heads around, but for the most part it's just the Marine and the Nun, figuring out their new, shared living situation. Made by the same director who did "The African Queen," HKMA may be an attempt to do for WWII what that movie did for WWI... Asides include the famous - and unexpectedly moving...

No, 1949's "Battleground" isn't the most original World War II movie, but many consider it one of the best examples of what it is: the ensemble, combat-heavy, real-events-lightly-fictionalized genre. See how our group does in the Battle of the Bulge, as Germans try to infiltrate the lines. Because why? Because Nuts!... asides include people who have never seen snow, and a discussion of SPAM. 

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The whole country's got Oppenheimer fever (and heatstroke)! Yes as Christopher Nolan's biopic enters theaters with surprising fanfare, World War II Movie Night offers a short review - without spoilers! You can absolutely listen to this episode before going to see "Oppenheimer" and not have the experienced diminished. 

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World War II Movie Night returns with what's considered one of the greatest, best, and most revered movies ever made, Steven Spielberg's "Schindler's List." The master director was already having a good 1993 with summer blockbuster "Jurassic Park," but before the year was out he snuck this 3+hour, black-and-white Holocaust drama into theaters, making history. Given the movie's reputation, we take a slightly different tack tonight as we examine the backlash that emerged, as well as look for humor in "Schindler's List" (which is there)... Asides include "Seinfeld," yes, "Seinfeld." 

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World War II Movie Night returns to old-school, black-and-white British WWII movies with 1955's "The Colditz Story." Officer prisoners from different European countries compete (?) to escape from Colditz, the infamous Nazi fortress prison. Can the British break their unlucky streak and get some 'home runs'? Tonight we find out with this very accurate movie. 

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"Operation Storm King"... https://www.amazon.com/Operation-Storm-King-Elliott-Sumers/dp/B0BYRPXN51/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1G5V5ETWJT37O&keywords=operation+storm+king+e...

Tonight we have not only a Japanese production but also our first animated movie. Since "Grave of the Fireflies" appeared in the late '80s, it has steadily garnered a following in the West, notably led by its biggest advocate, Roger Ebert. Seita, 14, must care for his 4-year-old sister Setsuko, after their home is destroyed and their mother killed in the firebombings of 1945. Regarded as one of the saddest movies ever made, this one really tests World War II Movie Night's mission to be a fun podcast, but we manage... Asides include a mini book club, the more unfortunate e...

Tonight World War II Movie Night covers the 1951 Marines-tribute, "Halls of Montezuma." The men have to take an unnamed Pacific island from the Japanese. Progress is going well until they're hit with rockets from an unknown location. With only hours to discover the source of the rockets, our guys must overcome their personal issues to complete a life-or-death quest. Although not as famous as many WWII combat-themed movies of the time, HoM sports some stylistic touches that likely influenced subsequent WWII films (including "Saving Private Ryan")... Aisdes include how people watched movies decades ago, the 1999 Columbine massacre, McCarthyism, and...

What happens when the guy who made "Robocop," "Basic Instinct" and "Showgirls" makes a World War II movie in his native Netherlands? Tonight we find out with the 2006 Dutch film, "Black Book." There's quite a bit of sex and violence (again, the guy) as Rachel/Ellis joins the Resistance Underground against their Nazi occupiers. All is not as it seems, though, and preconceptions about good guys and bad guys get jostled... Asides include the rather stunning fallout from "Showgirls," an ultra-obsucre movie about a murderous elevator, and the importance of brushing one's teeth after vomiting. 

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World War II Movie Night goes up and away yet again with 1949's "Twelve O'Clock High." Regarded as a darker take on the war, compared to more optimistic fare such as "Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo," "Twelve O'Clock High" follows the 918, an American bomber group flying missions out of England. Things are bad, though, so Gregory Peck is brought in to make the boys' lives miserable, compared to his softer-touch predacessor. Can Peck's Savage get the job done? Who will die, and who will merely lose his head?... Asides include the newspaper life, Harvey Weinstein, and movies that open with...

World War II Movie Night goes back to the comedy well with Neil Simon's "Biloxi Blues" a 1988 movie based on his play of the same name. Matthew Broderick is Jerome, a young Jewish man from Brooklyn who couldn't be more out of his element at boot camp in Mississippi. Will he fulfill his wish to lose his virginity? Will he ever shake the scrutiny of the sadistic drill sergeant (Christopher Walken)? We won't learn much about the war tonight, but we will try to have some fun, so sit back and enjoy... Asides include the concept of age-appropriateness in...

Tonight we conclude our Pearl Harbor series with 1970's "Tora Tora Tora," a perennial favorite of World War II-movie sticklers. The producer of "The Longest Day" wanted to do for Pearl Harbor what that movie did for D-Day. The result was Tora(3), a movie that incorporates twin productions about the event, one from the American perspective and one from the Japanese (with the actual planners of the real attack hired as consultants for accuracy!). A true World War II-movie cult classic... Asides include an obscure Memphis rock band, and what Yamamoto and George Carlin have in common. 

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Happy (?) Dec. 7! To mark the anniversary World War II Movie Night finally gets to the only movie to bear the event's name, 2001's "Pearl Harbor." A red-hot Michael Bay used his clout to make this Disney summer blockbuster (in a darkly ironic twist, released just a few months before Sept. 11). The results? Well... it's complicated. Tonight we explore not only the movie but the culture that surrounded it, and exactly why Michael Bay was so popular... Asides include-too many to name. 

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