Two Geeks And A Git Classic Movie Reviews

Starting in the 1940s, the name Humphrey Bogart was common knowledge as Hollywood royalty, but he didn't always play the hero. In 1948's "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre," which re-teamed him with director John Huston, Bogart plays Fred C. Dobbs, a penniless American stuck in the Mexican town of Tampico. After begging for a meal "for a fellow American" from the same man three times (John Huston's cameo), he's recruited by contractor Pat McCormick (Barton MacLane) to help build oil derricks. On this job, he meets Bob Curtin (Tim Holt), and the two strike up a friendship. After completing the job, Pat can't find the agent who's supposed to have their pay, but promises to find them as soon as he does. Fred and Bob head to a cantina to have a drink, where they discover that Pat is running a scam and has "employed" many people in the past, and paid none of them. They head to a flophouse where they meet an old man, an ex-miner, who talks romantically about hunting for gold in the mountains. The next day, the pair

In this pairing, we'll be looking at the work of one of Hollywood's biggest stars, Humphrey Bogart! We begin in 1941 and the first time a film featured John Huston as director and Bogart as star, "The Maltese Falcon!" Based on the novel by Dashiell Hammett, the story follows detective Sam Spade (Bogart) who meets a new client who introduces herself as Ruth Wonderly (Mary Astor) and delivers a story of woe about a missing sister and a ne'er-do-well who has convinced her to run away with him. Sam, and his partner Miles Archer (Jerome Cowan) agree to take the case. Miles heads out to tail Wonderly while Sam stays in the office. That evening, the police arrive to inform Sam that Miles has been killed on his stake-out. Sam tries to contact Ruth only to discover she's no longer at her hotel. The police arrive and inform Sam that not only was his partner shot and killed, but the man who supposedly ran off with Ruth's sister, Floyd Thursby, has also been killed. This sets off a decidedly twisted tale of lies, decepti

The second film in our tribute to Robert Redford gave us the first time he was both director and star in the same story! In 1998's "The Horse Whisperer," based on the book by Nicholas Evans, we're introduced to the MacLean family - father Robert (Sam Neill), mother Annie (Kristin Scott Thomas), and daughter Grace (Scarlett Johansson). While out riding horses with her friend Judith (Kate Bosworth in her first film role), there is an accident involving a semi-truck, during which Judith is killed, Grace is critically injured, and her horse, Pilgrim, is stuck by the truck and also critically injured. Grace's right leg is partially amputated, and Pilgrim is so traumatized that no one can get near her. In the hope of healing Pilgrim, and by doing so help Grace to heal as well, Annie researches horse experts and comes across a "horse whisperer" in Montana named Tom Booker (Redford). After Booker turns down her request for help on the phone, Annie decides to force the issue and embarks on a cross-country trip with Gr

We're turning to another tribute pairing this week, the second of fourth-quarter 2025. This time around, it's a celebration of the life and work of veteran actor and superstar Robert Redford, who passed away on September 16th, 2025. Directed by Sydney Pollack and starring Redford, 1972's "Jeremiah Johnson" tells one of the true-ish tale of the American frontier. Jeremiah Johnson (Redford), after serving in the U.S. Army, has chosen to embrace the life of a mountain man and heads deep into the Rocky Mountains to hunt and trap. After a rough start, he encounters Bear Claw (Will Geer), a trapper who specialized in grizzly bears. Taking Johnson in, he also takes him under his wing and orients him to life in the wilderness. While staying with Bear Claw, he meets the chief of the nearby Crow tribe of native Americans, Paints-His-Shirt-Red (Joaquin Martinez). After leaving the grizzly hunter, Jeremiah runs across the cabin of a family recently attacked by the Blackfoot tribe. "Crazy Woman," (Allyn Ann McLerie) and h

The last of the original horror franchises is the topic of this episode as we finish 2025's Halloween celebration! Directed by Sean S. Cunningham and written y Victor Miller and Ron Kurz, 1980's "Firday the 13th" introduced the world to Camp Crystal Lake and the myth of Jason! Our story begins in 1958, when we see what we'll come to realize is the first killing at Camp Crystal Lake. The film then flashes forward to 1979 and the camp's grand re-opening after many years of being shuttered. Annie (Robbi Morgan), the camp's cook, is headed in for the summer. After chatting with the locals, she's dropped off near the camp where she gets another ride. Unfortunately, this last ride turns out to be her last ride. The scene then changes to Camp Crystal Lake where the new owner, Steve Christy (Peter Brouwer), is finalizing plans to open for the summer. Assisted by counselors Alice (Adrienne King), Marcie (Jeannine Taylor), Jack (Keven Bacon, in only his 5th film role), Bill (Harry Crosby), Brenda (Laurie Bartram), and

It's Halloween time again, and we're looking at the last two original horror franchises we haven't done yet! First up - a story that starts off a thriller, turns to horror, and then clips into the realm of science fiction as well! Written and directed by Don Coscarelli, 1979's "Phantasm" kicks off with a cemetery, an amorous couple, and a stabbing, which provides the reason for our protagonists, Mike (A. Michael Baldwin), Jody (Bill Thornbury), and Reggie (Reggie Bannister) to arrive at Morningside Funeral Home and Cemetery for the funeral services. While Mike and Reggie attend as guests, Jody is spying from the nearby woods, and witnesses the funeral director, someone referred to only as "The Tall Man," (Angus Scrimm), pick up the body-filled coffin by himself and deposit it in the hearse. Of course, neither Mike nor Reggie believe him, so Jody begins a quest to find proof that something strange is going on at the funeral home. Only after witnessing the death of the graveyard's caretaker (Kenneth V. Jones) a

As we continue our pairing of superhero origin stories in the MCU, we move ahead three years to what is arguably the best origin story to come out of Marvel studios yet! Directed by Joe Johnston, 2011's "Captain America: The First Avenger" begins with a team of scientists in the Arctic circle investigaving something that the shifting ice has revealed, some sort of immense vehicle. Once the on-site team is able to get inside, they discover, still frozen in the ice, a round shield with red and white circles surrounding a blue field with a white star. Cut to World War II, and a German military officer named Johan Schmidt (Hugo Weaving) is in Norway, pursuing an artifact reputed to have magical powers. He finds what he is looking for and orders the temple that was housing it destroyed. Then, in New York City, we see a thin, unwell-looking young man named Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) attempting to sign up to fight in the war. Unfortunately, his long list of physical maladies renders him unfit for service, even thoug

It's the start of the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) for this pairing, and two superhero origin stories, including arguably the best one! But we start as the MCU started, with the very first film of "Phase 1" and an interesting choice it was! Directed by Jon Vavreau himself, 2008's "Iron Man" tells the story of tech mogul, inventor, and playboy Tony Stark Jr. (Robert Downey Jr.) who, after demoing a frightening new weapon for the military in Afghanistan, is captured by insurgents and forced to recreate the weapon for his captors. Unbeknownst to them, however, Tony decides first to create a miniature Arc Reactor to help keep the shrapnel from the bomb that exploded next to him from reaching his heart. But he also decides to build a power suit of armor to use to facilitate his escepa, along with his companion in capture, Yinsen (Shaun Toub). He escapes, but loses Yinsen in the attempt. He is rescued by his friend and soldier James "Rhodey" Rhodes (Terrence Howard). Back in the USA, he's reuinited with his righ

Our second film honoring Graham Greene, who passed away on September 1st, 2025, brings us to a much more recent historical story. Loosely based on the Wounded Knee Incident of 1973, and directed by Michael Apted, 1992's "Thunderheart" follows FBI Agent Ray Levoi (Val Kilmer) who, because of his Sioux heritage, is assigned to investigate a murder on a Native American reservation in the west. Upon arriving, Levoi reports to his superior officer, and a hero of Levoi's, Agent Frank 'Cooch" Coutelle (Sam Shepard). As the two agents begin investigating the murder, they run into Walter Crow Horse (Graham Greene), a Tribal police officer who immediately butts heads with the two federal officers. Levoi and Coutelle run down a list of suspect until they have only two: Maggie Eagle Bear (Sheila Tousey) and Jimmy Looks Twice (John Trudell). In addition, Coutelle warns Ray about two other factions - the local white militia headed by Jack Milton (Fred Ward) and the local chapter of AIM (the American Indian Movement). But i

This pairing pays tribute to Native American actor Graham Greene. Born to the Oneida tribe on the Six Nations Reservation in Ontario, Canada, Greene acted in over 180 projects over his 73-year lifespan. Greene passed away on September 1st, 2025, leaving behind an amazing body of work. But the role he's likely most known for comes from a film that netted him his only Academy Award nomination (for Best Supporting Actor), 1990's "Dancing With Wolves!" Directed by, and starring, Kevin Costner, the story follows Lt. John J. Dunbar (Costner) who, seemingly critically wounded, tries to commit suicide by enemy fire, only to enable a rout by the Union army! Due to the results of his actions, his injury is treated and he's given any posting he wishes, along with the horse "Cisco" he was riding. Dunbar chooses to be assigned to the edge of the fast-vanishing American frontier. Upon arriving at Fort Hays, he is assigned to Fort Sedgwick, a very remote outpost, and travels there with a rather vulgar delivery driver named

Our second film has become something of a cultural signpost about the longevity and legacy of 1950s and 60s soul music! Directed by Alan Parker, 1991's "The Commitments" chronicles the rise and fall of something of an anomaly: An Irish Soul band! Jimmy Rabbitte (Robert Arkins) has decided he wants to found, and manage, an Irish soul band. The only problem: Finding enough quality musicians to staff the band, and then keeping the peace between them! He recruits guitarish Outspan Foster (Glen Hansard) and bassist Derek Scully (Ken McCluskey) out of another band where they're languishing playing pop tunes. He also recruits keyboardist Steven Clifford (Michael Aherne), alto saxophonist Dean Fay (Felim Gormley), drummer Billy Mooney (Dick Massey), and female backup singers Bernie McGloughlin (Bronagh Gallagher), Natalie Murphy (Maria Doyle Kennedy), Imelda Quirke (Angelina Ball), and lead vocalist Deco Cuffe (Andrew Strong). His last addition is an veteran trumpet player, someone who played with many of the origina

This week (and next) we're looking at films about music bands. We're starting off with a film that starred an actual rock legend, alongside (at the time) a rising star! Written and directed by Paul Schrader, 1987's "Light of Day" follows the lives of two working-class siblilngs, Joe Rasnick (Michael J. Fox) and his sister Patti (Joan Jett), trying to eke out a living while still finding time to embrace their love of rock 'n roll music. Unfortunately, the two siblings are at odds about their parents, Jeanette (Gena Rowlands) and Benjamin (Jason Miller). Jeanette is seriously religious, something her husband has adopted as well, which sits fine with Joe but has alienated Patti from her mother. Meanwhile, Patti is trying to balance being a mom herself with her desire to perform music, with the music winning out, leaving Joe to pick up the pieces, including taking care of his nephew. Will the two find a way to keep music in their lives amidst all the other turmoil and trials they're continually experiencing? Also

The second film in our tribute to Terrance Stamp, who passed away on August 17th, 2025, is a story of a father trying to find out the truth about his daughter's death. Directed by Stephen Soderberg and written by Lem Dobbs, 1999's "The Limey" follows Wilson (Stamp), who is recently out of prison in England, traveling to Los Angeles to investigate the death of his daughter Jennifer (Melissa George). One there, he tracks down Jennifer's friend Ed (Luis Guzman), who sent him the newspaper clipping about her death. Luis tells him what he knows, about Jennifer's friend Elaine (Lesley Ann Warren) and her long-term boyfriend Valentine (Peter Fonda). Wilson begins to follow what clues he has, and ends up at one of Valentine's parties. There, he manages to take out one of Valentine's bodyguards who tries to forcibly eject him from the party. After a confrontation with Valentine's right-hand, Avery (Barry Newman), Wilson and Luis start to plan out how to take Valentine down. But, as with most plans, things don't go qui

We're pausing our list of pairings for a couple weeks in order to pay tribute to a great actor who passed away recently. Terrence Stamp left us on August 17th, 2025, but what remains is a filmography of amazing performances, two of which we're going to spotlight. First up, what is likely his most well-known role! Directed by Richard Donner and Richard Lester, 1980's "Superman II," Stamp plays General Zod, leader of the recently freed criminal Kryptonians. Zod arrival on Earth, along with the man-hating Ursa (Sarah Douglas) and the mute beat Non (Jack O'Halloran) coincides with Superman's (Christopher Reeve) decision to give up his power in order to be with his love, Lois Lane (Margot Kidder) full-time. While they're together in the Fortress of Solitude, the three evil Kryptonians subjugate the entire planet. It's only when Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman) arrives to visit them in the White House that they learn the son of their jailor, Jor-El (Marlon Brando) is also on Earth. This sets up a world-shaking conflict, b

The companion film for our werewolf/coming-of-age stories is a unique one. Filmed in Canada, directed by John Fawcett and written by Fawcett and Karen Walton, 2000's "Ginger Snaps" tackles the puberty issue from the female perspective. Ginger (Katharine Isabelle) and Bridgette (Emily Perkins) Fitzgerald are the outcast sisters at their high school, obsessed with death and making their mark on the world through some very dark art and a suicide pact. They're also dealing with a haughty and beautiful mean girl, Trina (Danielle Hampton) and a high-school romeo on the make, Jason (Jesse Moss), and some creature killing local dogs. To top everything off, Ginger gets her first period, something she desperately wanted never to happen. After deciding to kidnap Trina's dog as revenge, they find the dog already dead, leading to Ginger being attacked by whatever's responsible. It turns out that the creature responsible is a werewolf, who is later killed by drug dealer Sam's (Kris Lemche) van. As Ginger starts to experien

This pairing combines the werewolf genre with coming-of-age stories! First up, it's back to the cheese-fest that was the 1980s and Michael J Fox's follow-up film to the sensation that was "Back to the Future!" Directed by Rod Daniel, and written by Jeph Leob and Matthew Weisman, 1985's "Teen Wolf" tells the story of high school student and mediocre basketball player Scott Howard (Fox). Scott has two close friends, the wild and unpredictable Stiles (Jerry Levine) and the subtly gorgeous "Boof" (Susan Ursitti) who'd like to be more than friends. Unfortunately for her, Scott has a crush on the blonde popular girl Pamela (Lorie Griffin). And to make matters worse, Scott begins to experience some... interesting physical changes, beyond that of normal puberty: He's a werewolf. Of course, the first time he fully turns, he discovers that he comes from a family of werewolves when he comes face-to-face with "shifted" father, Harold (James Hampton). But when Scott shifts to werewolf form on the basketball court in the m

Our second film is an independent venture from England, loosely based on the legend of two infamous East London gangsters Ronald and Reginald Kray. Directed by Sacha Bennett, 2014's "We Still Kill the Old Way" focuses on brothers Charlie (Steven Berkoff) and Richie (Ian Ogilvy) Archer. Long after they ruled the streets, Charlie still lives in East London while Richie has moved to Spain. Unfortunately a new gang has moved into the Archer's old neighborhood. Calling themselves the E2, this group of post-adolescent thugs, led by the sociopathic Aaron (Danny Boy Hatchard), rule the streets through extreme violence and terror. Aaron is currently wooing a young girl, Lizzie (Dani Dyer), and after finally getting her in bed, lures her to an alley where the rest of his boys plan to rape her. Charlie, headed home from a night out, catches the gang in the act and tries to stop it, allowing Lizzie to escape. Facing off against the E2, however, results in Charlie's death. Lizzie (Lysette Anthony), an old friend of the Ar

Revenge is the topic of this pairing, with a film from each of the last two decades. To lead off, the film that's become synonymous with picking on the wrong guy... Directed by Pierre Morel, and written by Luc Besson and Robert Mark Kamen, 2008's "Taken" turned Liam Neeson from a romantic lead into an action star! Bryan Mills (Neeson) is a divorced father trying to be a part of his daughter's life after being mostly-absent due to his job. Unfortunately, his ex-wife Lenore (Famke Janssen) has re-married to Stuart (Xander Berkeley), a rich international businessman, who spoils their daughter Kim (Maggie Grace) very effectively. After being guilted into allowing Kim and her friend Amanda (Katie Cassidy) to go off to Paris on their own, his worst nightmare comes true: Kim is kidnapped by the Albanian mob and will be forced into a life of prostitution. But Bryan has a particular set of skills, and tells the kidnapper on the phone that he will use them to track them all down, kill them, and bring his daughter back

Our second film looking at the perils of alcoholism takes a slightly different angle on the subject. In 1962's "Days of Wine and Roses, directed by none other than Blake Edwards, instead of a single alcoholic, it's a pair. Joe Clay (Jack Lemmon) is the new head of Public Relations for his firm, meets Kristen Arnesen (Lee Remick), who he has mistaken for a 'party girl.' She turns out to be his boss, Jim Hungerford's (Jack Klugman) secretary. After a tumultuous re-introduction in the office, Joe and Kristen have dinner, where Joe convinces Kristen to try a Brandy Alexander, and she gets tipsy for the first time in her life. They end up getting married, over the objections of Kristen's father Ellis Arnesen (Charles Bickford), and have a daughter they name Debbie. Unfortunately, due to Joe's drinking problem, Kristen ends up becoming an alcoholic as well. The rest of the tale has many twists and turns, and not the happiest of endings, but upon its release, it had the effect of helping to normalize Alcoholics Anon

This pairing takes a long, serious look at the perils of alcoholism, with two classic films. Starting off, it's the first film to have the same individual win the Academy Awards for Best Director and Best Screenplay for the same project. In writer/director Billy Wilder's "The Lost Weekend," from 1945, we're introduced to writer Don Birnam (Ray Milland, who also won the Academy Award for Best Actor for this film) who is getting ready to leave for a long weekend of writing on a farm out in the middle of nowhere. His brother, Wick (Phillip Terry) is going with him, and has taken great pains to make sure that Don is taking no alcohol with him, as Don is an alcoholic. Don's girlfriend, Helen St. James (Jane Wyman) stops in to encourage him and send him off with a few small gifts. All the while, Don is desperately trying to get a bottle of whiskey he's hung out his window on a string into his luggage without Wick or Helen seeing him. After Wick discovers the bottle and dumps it out, they both depart, leaving Don fr