Episode list

Michael Bay's ARMAGEDDON was released in 1998 and became a global box office sensation, but there are many interesting facts about the production that you may not be aware of. While the film is often criticized for its improbable set up (turning oil drillers into astronauts instead of the other way around) it's this herculean feat that gives the film its enduring quality. The production of Armageddon was a race against the clock, to beat the Steven Spielberg produced DEEP IMPACT to theaters. This film is a grand hymn to the American Spirit and an important addition to the disaster picture genre. It features an incredible ensemble cast fresh off of independent successes (Ben Affleck, Liv Tyler, Billy Bob Thornton, Owen Wilson, Steve Buscemi).

TWISTER (1996) is helmed by Dutch cinematographer-turned-director Jan de Bont. After the success of Jurassic Park, Stephen Spielberg wanted to keep exploring the new world of computed generated imagery and find new stories to tell. He was originally planning on directing the film himself, until he saw de Bont's breakout feature SPEED (starring Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock). The Wizard of Oz has proven to be an endless source of inspiration for Spielberg and he wanted to explore tornados for his next Amblin Entertainment produced project. Martin Scorsese lends his distinct articulation and passion for this landmark Action-Adventure-Romance that turned Helen Hunt into a bonafide movie star.

Many don't know that Harold Ramis' beloved comedy classic BEDAZZLED is actually a remake from master filmmaker Stanley Donen (Singin' in the Rain, Charade, Funny Face). This sexy reimagining of Faust tells the story of a hapless loser (brilliantly played by Brendan Fraser) and his once in a lifetime opportunity to find true love. We've seen the devil portrayed many times in films over the 20th Century, but this is a fresh approach. Despite the suggestive title of Josef von Sternberg's "The Devil is a Woman," we actually hadn't see the devil portrayed as an attractive woman before. Elizabeth Hurley follows the success of Austin Powers by portraying the Princess of the Underworld in this parable with the timeless lesson of "be careful what you wish for."

Science Fiction has always been used as a metaphor for greater social issues. While MEN IN BLACK is undoubtedly the most popular film I'm covering in this series, it also has hidden themes of xenophobia, ageism and feminism. The film was executive produced by Steven Spielberg and directed by former Coen Brother Cinematographer Barry Sonnenfeld. This film is particularly important in our series because it showcases the seamless blend of practical effects from Rick Baker's effects team and the computer wizardry of Industrial Light and Magic. If you rewatch the film, just looking at the Edgar Bug Character, you'll see the point of no return when it comes to CGI's permanence in the art of filmmaking. The film stars Tommy Lee Jones (fresh off his Oscar win from The Fugitive) and Will Smith (who was hesitant to do 2 alien pictures back-to-back after acting in Independence Day). Learn who the studio originally wanted as the leads, how Spielberg convinced Smith to do the picture, and much much more.

By the time RUSH HOUR hit theaters in 1998, Jackie Chan was already a legend in the Hong Kong film industry. He directed, acted, stunt coordinated and often sang the theme songs for his films. He was starting to make films in America in the 90's (Mr. Nice Guy, Rumble in the Bronx) but the films were dubbed in English. It took a young NYU film school grad by the name of Brett Ratner to bring the real Jackie Chan to an American audience. Ratner made his first film at the age of 26 (much like Orson Welles when he made Citizen Kane) and wanted to re-team with Tucker for his second feature. While Chan had the physical comedy down, Tucker brought the verbal. Learn how this young director channeled many elements from his past to pull off the first film in a lucrative franchise.

BIG MOMMA'S HOUSE isn't just a repackaging of MRS. DOUBTFIRE, it's a spiritual film that explores the ultimate Christian Value of Redemption. The film was always meant as a vehicle for Martin Lawrence (who was no stranger to playing believable female characters on his TV show MARTIN). Men portraying women to get something they want has been done many times in cinema (SOME LIKE IT HOT, TOOTSIE) and even goes back to Shakespeare. But it might surprise you to learn that the biggest influence on BIG MOMMA'S HOUSE was the Charles Laughton directed gothic masterpiece THE NIGHT OF THE HUNTER. Enjoy this deep dive on an underrated classic from Universal Studios. Why is there no BIG MOMMA'S HOUSE ride at Universal Orlando?