250 - Pt. 2 - Conan The Barbarian (RT)

Well, it was The 80s, so maybe we were all a little easier to impress. With that in mind, how does CONAN THE BARBARIAN hold up in a world that’s been inundated with fantasy epics since its release? Can we spot what James Cameron might have seen in young Arnold Schwarzenegger back then? And will anyone think of the original Conan fans? That, and more, in this Real Talk segment!

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250 - Pt. 1 - Conan The Barbarian (CC)

There’s such a thing as Pre-Terminator Arnold Schwarzenegger and, oh boy, it’s a tough experience to sit through. Exhibit A? CONAN THE BARBARIAN, which was appreciated by critics and audiences enough to get a sequel, despite featuring a wooden performance from Arnie and excessive slow-mo that would make Zack Snyder proud. Listen to Alex & Julio marvel at the T-800’s humble beginnings!

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FIRF #3 - In America

The third installment of Fresh Immigrants, Rotten Fascists focuses on The Sullivans - an Irish family trying to start anew in America. So, of course, the movie is called IN AMERICA! Directed by Jim Sheridan, with Oscar-nominated performances from Samantha Morton and Djimon Hounsou, it’s the kind of film that’s determined to make you cry, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

Thank you for checking this new project out, whether you are a long-time Contrarians fan or someone who’s just trying to listen to people talking positively about immigrants and negatively about fascism. If you have any recommendations for future entries in the series, let us know!

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249 - Pt. 2 - That Awkward Moment (RT)

Is there still room in modern society for the man-child R-rated comedy? Can bros still be funny, or are they mostly cringe these days? Either way, it certainly helps your movie when you have a stacked cast, populated by incredibly charismatic performers poised to take over Hollywood. THAT AWKWARD MOMENT would triple its budget today, but it could also get a more charitable read from critics. Find out how we really feel about it in this Real Talk segment!

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249 - Pt. 1 - That Awkward Moment (CC)

Ah, yes, that awkward moment when you find out one of the funniest R-rated romcoms of the new millennium is rotten on the Tomatometer. Joke’s on critics, however, as the cast of THAT AWKWARD MOMENT went on to be major power players in Hollywood, despite that 23% green splotch: Efron, Jordan, Teller, Poots, Davis, come on! Listen to Alex & Julio as they make a desperate plea for more movies about bad boys learning to be sensitive good boyfriends.

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After Hours: Rocky III (A Patreon Sampler)

Here’s a bonus treat for you, Contrarians Listeners! As discussed at the end of our The Matrix episode, the Patreon After Hours for that recording is a two-parter. We’ve decided to make Part One, which deals with Rocky III and Alex’s conflicted feelings about Hulk Hogan, available on the show’s main feed. Enjoy!

And if you like this type of conversation, there’s plenty more on our Patreon channel - found at patreon.com/contrarianprime - including Part Two of this After Hours, which tackles our final MTV Banger of the Summer: the celebrated documentary HOOP DREAMS!

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248 - Pt. 1 - Casablanca (CC)

You know why, as of this recording, CASABLANCA still doesn’t have a Criterion edition? Probably because The Powers That Be know that 99% Tomatometer score is a hollow accolade. The Rick/Ilsa/Lazlo love triangle was captivating back when we were in the throes of WW2 but, watching it today, it’s a silly distraction from serious international issues. Listen to Alex & Julio as they do their best not to sing La Marseillaise on this episode!

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247 - Pt. 1 - Big Daddy (CC)

What’s most irresistible than a 90s slacker finding his inner father figure and (sort of) adopting an orphan? Adam Sandler’s off-kilter take on Annie charmed audiences everywhere - even as it turned critics off. And so BIG DADDY’s 39% Tomatometer score is offset by Adam Sandler’s MTV Movie Awards win for Best Comedic Performance. Listen to Alex & Julio as they close The Summer of the (MTV) Bangers in style!

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