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Is "Die Hard" the ultimate Christmas movie, or is it just an action-packed romp with a holiday backdrop? Join us this Christmas Eve as we sip on Knob Creek bourbon and indulge in some Black Friday cannabis deals, while tackling this age-old debate with our signature high and dry flair. We reminisce about the 80s, fondly recalling TV classics and new panel shows featuring Michael Ian Black, before diving into our structured three-part method to dissect "Die Hard." From assessing the film's quality, to exploring its deeper themes, and finally imagining ourselves in the movie, it's a conversation filled with whiskey-fueled insights and spirited debates.

As the conversation unfolds, we don't shy away from the polarizing reception of films like "Avatar," juxtaposing its storytelling with classics like "Dances with Wolves" and discussing the audience's thirst for mature thrillers akin to "The Thomas Crown Affair." We dissect Bruce Willis's everyman appeal and Alan Rickman's villainous charm, sparking debates over his performances in other films like "Dogma" and "Galaxy Quest." A humorous critique of J.K. Rowling's characterization choices in the Harry Potter series adds a whimsical twist to our analysis, while the iconic elements of "Die Hard" — from its dynamic cinematography to its diagenic music choices — keep us hooked.

In the final chapters, we venture into the realm of societal norms, the notion of the ends justifying the means, and the evolution of character dynamics in "Die Hard." We muse over the film's surprising progressiveness, lack of outdated stereotypes, and the complexities of John McClane's relationships. With a speculative twist, we imagine how a new character could shake up the plot, and explore precision in handling dangerous situations, all while humorously reimagining "Die Hard" with fresh perspectives. As we plan our holiday movie lineup, we look forward to "Muppet Christmas Carol" for New Year's, wrapping up our episode with laughter, whiskey, and a nod to the classics.

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Remember the days when X-Play was the highlight of your gaming universe? Neither do we. We spice things up with tales from our personal lives, recounting our recent lobster diving adventures and the sweaty challenge of surviving without air conditioning. As Halloween looms, we dish out our thoughts on the Silent Hill 2 remake, perfect for setting the spooky mood this season.

Ever wondered what makes a movie worth watching again? We unpack our unique "Luke method of filmology," evaluating films based on acting, cinematography, score, story, and the elusive rewatchability factor. This leads us to a spirited debate on the recent film "The Creator," where we critique its plot holes and underwhelming performances through a comedic lens. We also explore the enigmatic world of vampire films, arguing passionately that none can transcend a meager six out of ten. Sci-fi films aren't safe from our scrutiny either, as we dissect their unrealistic portrayals of futuristic tech and military strategies, all with a healthy dose of humor.

Finally, we dive into the chaotic world of AI depictions and retrofuturistic themes, drawing comparisons to beloved styles like "Fallout" and "The Jetsons." We engage in a whimsical 'what if' scenario, imagining alternate storylines that could have salvaged some of the films we critique. From satirical takes on plot inconsistencies to humorous riffs on character dynamics and military absurdities, this episode delivers laughs and critical insights in equal measure. Whether you're a sci-fi aficionado or just in it for the laughs, there's something here for everyone. So tune in, have a chuckle, and join us as we keep it real in the world of film and gaming nostalgia.

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What if your presence could change the fate of the "Prometheus" crew? In this electrifying episode of the High and Dry Podcast, we beat the San Diego heat with some boogie boarding and nostalgic chats about the animated classic "Home Movies," brought to life by Brendon Small and H. Jon Benjamin. We also zero in on how humor ages, spotlighting Trevor Noah's self-deprecating wit as a timeless example. Personal updates abound: Ryan narrowly escapes a stress migraine, Luke recharges with a movie outing, and James battles the coastal heat sans air conditioning.

Feel the thrill as we dissect Ridley Scott's "Prometheus" using our unique three-part method. From discussing our choice blends of smokes and drinks to analyzing societal notions of masculinity portrayed in media, our conversation is anything but dry. We evaluate the film within the context of the "Alien" franchise, comparing its impact on audiences from different eras. Luke shares his experience of watching "Prometheus" as his gateway into the "Alien" series, sparking a lively discussion on storytelling and character evolution.

The episode crescendos with an exploration of "Prometheus" themes, from the perils of curiosity to the quest for meaning. We muse on the film's technological predictions and the potential risks of advanced AI. Imagining ourselves in the movie, we humorously ponder how our actions might alter the narrative, and critique the characters' often questionable decisions. Finally, we toast Ridley Scott, lauding his cinematic legacy while offering candid thoughts on his recent works. Don't miss this episode for a fresh, entertaining perspective on a sci-fi classic!

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Ever found yourself cheering for a hero who’s not so heroic? We kick off this episode of the "High and Dry Podcast" with a toast to confusion and camaraderie, reminiscing about "Greg the Bunny" and how humor has aged over time. Amid the sweltering heatwave stories, we raise our glasses (and joints) to the timeless Western, "Tombstone." Dive into our initial impressions while we indulge in Acapulco Gold, strawberry shortcake resin, and Kentucky straight bourbon. Kurt Russell's mustache? Worth every puff and sip.

Get ready for a no-holds-barred critique of "Tombstone," where we dissect everything from its pacing quirks to its mixed bag of acting performances. Val Kilmer’s Doc Holliday is a standout, while Bill Paxton didn’t quite hit the mark. We weigh in on the film’s traditional score and its impact on the viewing experience. Our unique blend of technical insights and personal takes offers a fresh perspective on this star-studded Western. And let's be honest, sometimes nostalgia gets in the way, but we’re here to keep it real.

As we shift gears, our conversation gets deeper, exploring the romanticization of flawed heroes like Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday. The episode wraps up with a sardonic reflection on heroism, morality, and those iconic cowboy stories that have shaped our cultural landscape. From the complexities of regret to the impractical yet legendary imagery of cowboys, we tackle it all with humor and honesty. Tune in for an engaging mix of critique, nostalgia, and thought-provoking discussions that will leave you pondering the true nature of heroism.

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What if you found yourself enlisted in a fascist military regime, all while under the influence of Acapulco Gold? Buckle up for a wild ride as we kick off the High and Dry Podcast with a hilarious and unfiltered breakdown of the cult classic "Starship Troopers." With our good friend Luke, an IT wizard and skunk ape enthusiast, we embark on a journey through this satirical sci-fi universe, first with sober minds, and then with our senses enhanced by some choice liquor and cannabis. This episode is packed with laugh-out-loud moments and sharp insights as we dissect the film's special effects, acting, and its biting sociocultural commentary.

Ever wondered how a 120-proof whiskey can elevate a movie critique? We raise our glasses for a tasting of Knob Creek Single Barrel Select, both straight and in our custom-made "Klendathu Spritzer." As the whiskey flows, so do our candid thoughts on "Starship Troopers," rating everything from its mesmerizing score to its rewatchability factor. Join us in toasting the film's brilliance and its timeless ability to entertain with its satirical take on militarism, gender roles, and authoritarianism.

To round things off, we venture deeper into the absurd yet thought-provoking world of "Starship Troopers." We unwrap the intentional acting choices and narrative subtleties that lampoon fascist ideologies, all while imagining our own roles within this hyper-militarized society. Luke's vision of himself as a spaceship IT tech or barber, James's fantasy of being a sentient bug, and our collective musings on characters’ fitness obsessions will leave you in stitches. Get ready for a blend of humor, fitness talk, and insightful critique that promises to keep you entertained from start to finish.

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Ever wonder what happens when bullies get what's coming to them? On this episode of the High n' Dry Podcast, we reminisce about the wild reality show "Bully Beatdown" before diving headfirst into the eerie world of "It Follows." With potent Acapulco Gold in hand and a 60s-inspired vodka martini at our side, we dissect the film's unique take on horror, providing a mix of humor and sharp insights. From its stationary camera shots to Maika Monroe's gripping performance, our conversation brings out the hidden layers of this low-budget thrill-ride.

Our analysis doesn't stop at mere cinematic techniques. We unravel the deeper themes of trauma, fear, and responsibility that make "It Follows" a standout in the horror genre. By comparing it to other films like "Smile" and "Invisible Man," we shed light on the unsettling nature of the entity and its impact on the characters. The moral dilemmas faced by the protagonist, and the allegorical significance of the entity as more than just an 'STD demon,' are laid bare, offering a fresh perspective on the consequences of one's actions.

Ever wondered how you'd handle an unstoppable, shape-shifting horror? We do too, with a mix of practicality and humor. From building a community of hunters to conducting scientific experiments, we explore various hypothetical scenarios and even draw parallels to popular memes. Our blend of personal anecdotes, engaging speculation, and light-hearted banter makes this episode a rollercoaster of thoughtful discussion and entertaining hypotheticals. So join us on the High n' Dry Podcast, where we face our fears with a cocktail and a laugh at the ready!

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Ever wondered how a movie can transform our perception of pop culture? We kick things off with a hilarious recount of our rocky relationship with the Titus show, and seamlessly transition into a heartfelt appreciation for "The Fifth Element." Our personal stories, steeped in the chaos of dysfunctional families, offer a unique, candid lens through which we digest our favorite films. This episode is a toast to our new listeners in LA and North Hollywood, fueled by the delightful combo of Kush Mountain cannabis and Knob Creek bourbon.

Get ready to laugh as we share our high thoughts on the sci-fi classic "The Fifth Element." From the ingenious world-building and unforgettable performances by Bruce Willis and Mila Jovovich to Chris Tucker's scene-stealing antics, we leave no stone unturned. We poke fun at the outdated CGI, praise the film’s humor, and even draw parallels between Ruby Rhod’s character and modern social media personalities. The chat veers into comparisons with other sci-fi flicks, and we don’t shy away from discussing Mila Jovovich's career trajectory, all while enjoying the flavors and effects of our favorite bourbon and cannabis.

Our conversation takes a deeper turn as we dissect the age dynamics in Hollywood and reflect on the dystopian themes that "The Fifth Element" cleverly mirrors from our own societal struggles. We humorously debate the impracticality of an anarchist society, joke about the inevitability of power struggles, and imagine ourselves in the film making better choices. Tune in for a rollercoaster of humor, critique, and nostalgia that celebrates the timeless appeal of this iconic movie.

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Ever wondered what happens when you mix John Wayne swagger with martial arts mayhem? Join us as we bring a nostalgic and slightly tipsy twist to John Carpenter’s cult classic "Big Trouble in Little China." Hosts Ryan Baron North and James Crosslin, along with our guest Reece Merritt, kick things off with a hilarious nod to the game show "Win Ben Stein's Money" before diving headfirst into the quirky world of an ’80s VHS experience. With an ice-clinking toast to our new listeners from Florida and the UK, we share our first impressions—some of us are seeing this wild ride for the very first time, while others are reliving their adolescent movie nights.

Get ready for a passionate defense of why "Big Trouble in Little China" deserves a spot in the pantheon of great action films, possibly even outranking "Terminator 2." Reece isn't just a guest; he's a die-hard fan who argues it's one of the top three movies ever. We take you through John Carpenter's brilliant fusion of a John Wayne-style narrative with martial arts, showing how he seamlessly transitioned from horror to create this offbeat gem. We also pay tribute to Carpenter’s wider filmography, celebrating his knack for unforgettable storytelling that has shaped our cinematic tastes. Don’t miss out on the laughs, the insights, and the hypothetical scenarios that will leave you questioning how you ever lived without this cult classic in your life.

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