This week for #FlashbackFriday, listener, we discuss an absolute masterpiece of a film from glorious 1996 made by a none other than Francis Ford Coppola. All of our hosts watching this movie find it absolutely divine and wish they could see more like it. Arthur reminded everyone how he has the special edition blu-ray on his shelf for good reason, and argues eloquently how it is deserving of a Criterion release. Alex and Dalton both discussed the need for the score on their iPods.
This film uses the power of stars like Robin Williams, Jennifer Lopez, Bill Cosby, and Diane Lane to balance plot and tone in perfect harmony. However, none other than Fran Drescher steals every scene and nails every line.
Dustin felt her performance was Oscar worthy.
In analysis, Alexandra points out how Robin William’s humor is a proto-feminist masterpiece. Dalton reiterates his fondness for this movie and reminisces about watching this film every weekend with his entire family. He then uses this evidence to talk about the movie-going experience as a sociological mechanism for bringing families closer together. Arthur compares the original version of this film to the edited-for-tv version as a mode of adaptation theory. Finally, Dustin takes all the hosts to church when he discusses the character of Jack as a metaphor for Jesus Christ.
Click to the next page for more of our thoughts on this film, listener!
Alexandra Bohannon just graduated with her Master’s in Public Administration, and is on the job hunt. She’s also on an a weightlifting team and podcasts way too much. Keep up with Alexandra’s most recent flicks on Letterboxd @Alexvbooks or follow her on Twitter @alexvbrohannon
