On its 50th Anniversary, THE EXORCIST can still boast being as effective today as it was on its release date. With an intense production & determined minds, mix in some truth & multiple controversies, this film cemented a permanent place in pop culture history. Take a trip back to uncover the story behind the film which caused people to question their beliefs & faint in theaters. 

///***Discussions include***\\\William Peter Blatty’s inspiration for & true story behind The Exorcist novel, plus fact vs. fiction comparisons; early readings & retaining the novel’s integrity; securing & fighting for William Friedkin to direct; screenplay adaptation, pacing & themes; production difficulties & studio interference; assembling the cast, complications, behind the scenes stories & character breakdowns; music, special effects, make-up & stunts; Friedkin’s unorthodox methods of direction & marketing, injuries & rumors; release, audience reactions & recognition; the 2000 re-release, initial sequels & memorable scenes. Linda Blair, Ellen Burstyn, Jason Miller & Max von Sydow star in THE EXORCIST (1973) /// Directed by William Friedkin. . ///***Picks of the Week***\\\• Lindsay’s Pick: BUG (2006). Ashley Judd, Michael Shannon, Harry Connick Jr. /// Directed by William Friedkin.• Justin’s Pick: CRUISING (1980). Al Pacino, Paul Sorvino, Karen Allen, Richard Cox /// Directed by William Friedkin..///***MurrayMoment***\\\Meager Murray Christmas memories, plus some love thrown to the family matriarch, Lucille. ///***Final Thoughts on THE EXORCIST***\\\ . Stay Tuned! We’ll return in February 2024 with All-New Episodes! • Please rate, review & subscribe.• Follow on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok & YouTube.• Hosts: Justin Johnson & Lindsay Reber // Music: Matt Pace // Announcer: Mary Timmel // Logo: Beau Shoulders.www.dontpushpausepodcast.com [email protected] Be Kind & Rewatch // December 5th, 2023

For being an underseen Martin Scorsese film, AFTER HOURS is responsible for rescuing his career in 1985. This wild, insulated world weaves an intricate web of curiosity & chance rolled into an anxiety dream. Scorsese’s fast-paced, down & dirty style takes up residence within the dark corners of New York for this one-night-only adventure of survival.

//***Discussions include***\\Actors Griffin Dunne & Amy Robinson tracking down the screenplay, finding a director & controversial story origin; what led Scorsese the project; recirculating themes, foreshadowing & key plot points; use of dark comedy, action & anxiety in the film; cast & extreme performances; lighting, cinematography, editing & score; reception, effect on Scorsese’s career & behind the scenes stories.Griffin Dunne, Rosanna Arquette, Teri Garr & Catherine O’Hara star in AFTER HOURS (1985) /// Directed by Martin Scorsese.//***Picks of the Week***\\• Lindsay’s Pick: SOMETHING WILD (1986). Melanie Griffith, Jeff Daniels, Ray Liotta /// Directed by Jonathan Demme.• Justin’s Pick: BRINGING OUT THE DEAD (1999). Nicolas Cage, Patricia Arquette, John Goodman, Ving Rhames /// Directed by Martin Scorsese..//***MurrayMoment***\\Billy takes his youngest sibling, Joel, on a journey without telling him where they’re going. //***Final Thoughts on AFTER HOURS***\\Next Episode: THE EXORCIST (1973)• Please rate, review & subscribe.• Follow on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok & YouTube.• Hosts: Justin Johnson & Lindsay Reber // Music: Matt Pace // Announcer: Mary Timmel // Logo: Beau Shoulders.www.dontpushpausepodcast.com (http://www.dontpushpausepodcast.com/)[email protected] Kind & Rewatch // November 7, 2023

‘Tis the season! Strap on the chainsaw, brush up on your ancient Latin & saddle up for a relentlessly manic ride back to the cabin. Bruce Campbell & the Evil Dead crew return for this inventive, rip-roaring adventure that won’t stop until you’re possessed by its spirit!//***Discussions include***\\ The original Evil Dead creators returning to their roots, finding a producer & redux of Stephen King involvement; location importance & corner cutting; assessing what a sequel looks like, plot points, mixing horror & comedy; massive array of practice special effects & favorite moments; cast discussion & on set hardships; skirting around the MPAA rating, release, sequels & longevity of the franchise.   Bruce Campbell, Sarah Berry, Kassie Wesley, Dan Hicks, Richard Domeier & Ted Raimi star in EVIL DEAD II (1987) /// Directed by Sam Raimi.   //***Picks of the Week***\\ Lindsay’s Pick: BRAIN DAMAGE (1988). Rick Hearst, Jennifer Lowry, Gordon MacDonald /// Directed by Frank Henenlotter. Justin’s Pick: BUBBA HO-TEP (2002). Bruce Campbell, Ossie Davis, Ella Joyce, Heidi Marnhout, Bob Ivy /// Directed by Don Coscarelli. . //***MurrayMoment***\\ Billy plays the role of baseball announcer when he subs in for the Cubs mainstay, Harry Caray, in the spring of 1987   //***Final Thoughts on EVIL DEAD II***\\   Next Episode: AFTER HOURS (1985) Please rate, review & subscribe. Follow on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok & YouTube. Hosts: Justin Johnson & Lindsay Reber // Music: Matt Pace // Announcer: Mary Timmel // Logo: Beau Shoulders. www.dontpushpausepodcast.com [email protected]   Be Kind and Rewatch // October 10th, 2023.

The creative minds behind TEEN WOLF never dreamt it would turn into an iconic film of the ‘80s. With strategic timing & the film’s rising star, this independent werewolf movie would become the most unlikely smash hit. Grab your basketball, letterman’s jacket & get ready for some nostalgia — it’s time for a wall-to-wall Michael J. Fox episode!   

//***Discussions include***\\The young writers behind the script & story inspirations; tonality & various themes; importance of casting Fox & his rise to TV popularity; finding a director, casting & supporting character impact on the film; costuming, stunts & basketball sequences; Family Ties influence & Back to the Future connections; music, behind the scenes nuggets; the calculated release of the film, how it holds up almost 40 years later, plus that 1987 sequel.Michael J. Fox, James Hampton, Susan Ursitti & Jerry Levine star in TEEN WOLF (1985) /// Directed by Rod Daniel.//***Picks of the Week***\\• Lindsay’s Pick: THE SECRET OF MY SUCCESS (1987). Michael J. Fox, Helen Slater, Margaret Whitton, Richard Jordan /// Directed by Herbert Ross.• Justin’s Pick: LIGHT OF DAY (1987). Michael J. Fox, Joan Jett, Michael McKean, Gena Rowlands /// Directed by Paul Schrader.//***MurrayMoment***\\Turns out, Michael J. Fox & Bill have been hitting the golf courses together for quite some time. //***Final Thoughts on TEEN WOLF***\\Next Episode:EVIL DEAD II (1987)• Please rate, review & subscribe.• Follow on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok & YouTube.• Hosts: Justin Johnson & Lindsay Reber // Music: Matt Pace // Announcer: Mary Timmel // Logo: Beau Shoulders.www.dontpushpausepodcast.comdontpushpausepodcast@gmail.comBe Kind and Rewatch // September 12th, 2023.

This slyly executed, savage satire of a serial killer losing touch with reality was plagued with controversy from its original conception. Even now, the pathology of AMERICAN PSYCHO continues to spark dialogue with its entertaining critique of society & obsession, comic irony & why it remains relevant over 20 years later. Let’s peel back the mask & unveil truth behind this multifaceted, yet often misunderstood film.

 //***Discussions include***\\Background on Bret Easton Ellis’ contentious novel; early script variations, selling the story & searching for a director; Mary Harron & Guinevere Turner adapting the novel into a sharp & clear-headed, contemplative screenplay; tonal shifts, interpreting dark comedy & satire, recurring themes & the film’s climax; reflecting 80s culture & music choices; main cast discussion & intense struggle over casting the lead, plus release & reception. Christian Bale, Willem Defoe, Cara Seymour & Chloë Sevigny star in AMERICAN PSYCHO (2000) /// Directed by Mary Harron.//***Picks of the Week***\\• Lindsay’s Pick: DERANGED (1974). Roberts Blossom, Leslie Carlson, Marian Waldman, Micki Moore /// Directed by Alan Ormsby & Jeff Gillen. • Justin’s Pick: RAMPAGE (1987). Michael Biehn, Alex McArthur, Deborah Van Valkenburgh, Grace Zabriskie/ / Directed by William Friedkin.//***MurrayMoment***\\Comparing the stark differences on conformity between Bill & Patrick Bateman. //***Final Thoughts on the Music of AMERICAN PSYCHO ***\\Next Episode:TEEN WOLF (1985)• Please rate, review & subscribe.• Follow on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok & YouTube.• Hosts: Justin Johnson & Lindsay Reber // Music: Matt Pace // Announcer: Mary Timmel // Logo: Beau Shoulders.www.dontpushpausepodcast.comdontpushpausepodcast@gmail.comBe Kind and Rewatch // August 15th, 2023.

David Fincher’s SE7EN (1995) creates an unforgettable story & blends it into an entertaining, visionary procedural thriller with brutal realities & tonal complexities. Decades later, this bleak world of SE7EN continues to invade psyches with its cleverness & cynical mentality. Serial Killer Summer begins now!//***Discussions include***\\ Backstory on David Fincher’s career pre-1995; inspirations behind SE7EN’s story & structure, evolving conventions, style, pacing, themes, setting; selling the film & studio interference; cast, character & story breakdowns; music, score, lighting, coloration & controversial ending; test screening, release & reception.   Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt & Gwyneth Paltrow star in SE7EN (1995) /// Directed by David Fincher.   //***Picks of the Week***\\ Lindsay’s Pick: KISS THE GIRLS (1997). Ashley Judd, Morgan Freeman, Cary Elwes, Tony Goldwyn /// Directed by Gary Fleder. Justin’s Pick: SUMMER OF SAM (1999). John Leguizamo, Adrien Brody, Mira Sorvino, Jennifer Esposito // Directed by Spike Lee.     //***MurrayMoment***\\ Billy learns sometimes going uncredited is what’s best for a film’s publicity.   //***Final Thoughts on SE7EN***\\ Next Episode: AMERICAN PSYCHO (2000) Please rate, review & subscribe. Follow on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok & YouTube. Hosts: Justin Johnson & Lindsay Reber // Music: Matt Pace // Announcer: Mary Timmel // Logo: Beau Shoulders. www.dontpushpausepodcast.com [email protected]   Be Kind and Rewatch // July 18th, 2023.

For our Fifth Anniversary, returning to a nostalgic, lifelong favorite was a no-brainer. Forty years ago, NATIONAL LAMPOON’S VACATION set a standard for not only comedy & road trip films, but also introduced the edgy family film. Through humor, familiar experiences & relatable characters, the Griswold family spawned an unexpected franchise which continues to be passed down throughout the years. Hop in the ‘ol family truckster because we’re hitting the road! //***Discussions include***\\John Hughes’ original story & major script changes, plus National Lampoon, Harold Ramis & Chevy Chase connections; selling the film, creating a uniquely mobile production & challenges therein; type of comedy wrapped in a daring family film; cast, improv moments, stunts & theme song; omitted scenes & original ending; release, sequels, behind-the-scenes stories & favorite moments. Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Dana Barron & Anthony Michael Hall star in NATIONAL LAMPOON’S VACATION (1983) /// Directed by Harold Ramis. //***Picks of the Week***\\    •    Lindsay’s Pick: SEEMS LIKE OLD TIMES (1980). Goldie Hawn, Chevy Chase, Charles Grodin, T.K. Carter /// Directed by Jay Sandrich.    •    Justin’s Pick: FLETCH (1985). Chevy Chase, Richard Libertini, Dana Wheeler-Nicholson, Tim Matheson // Directed by Michael Ritchie.     //***MurrayMoment***\\The infamous Billy & Chevy fight — It’s time to set the record straight on what really happened & the motivations behind it. No rumor mill gossip here — only facts & quotes to bring you the full truth, finally! //***Final Thoughts on VACATION***\\ Thanks for listening, sharing & keeping us going for 5 years!   Next Episode: SE7EN (1995)    •    Please rate, review & subscribe.    •    Follow on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok & YouTube.    •    Hosts: Justin Johnson & Lindsay Reber // Music: Matt Pace // Announcer: Mary Timmel // Logo: Beau Shoulders.www.dontpushpausepodcast.comdontpushpausepodcast@gmail.com Be Kind and Rewatch // June 20th, 2023.

Spirited hard work continues to pay off even 20 years after SCHOOL OF ROCK’s conception. The heart of rock ‘n roll beats strong with this success story spearheaded by a comedy thundercat, an enigmatic director, an ever-evolving writer & a band of incredibly talented kiddos all sharing the stage with equal importance.//***Discussions include***\\Brief backgrounds on writer/co-star, Mike White, his friendship with Jack Black & director Richard Linklater’s involvement; using conventional fantasy, progressiveness, real-life elements & backstory, plus creating a kids movie palatable to adults; addressing the documentary, Rock School (2005); creating the film’s musical landscape & inspirations; in-depth cast discussion, strength of characters, favorite scenes & longevity of the film.Jack Black, Joan Cusack, Mike White, Sarah Silverman & a band of incredibly awesome kids star in SCHOOL OF ROCK (2003) /// Directed by Richard Linklater.//***Picks of the Week***\\    •    Lindsay’s Pick: CHUCK & BUCK (2000). Mike White, Chris Weitz, Lupe Ontiveros /// Directed by Mike White.    •    Justin’s Pick: WAKING LIFE (2001). Wiley Wiggins, Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy // Directed by Richard Linklater.//***MurrayMoment***\\Spotlighting a particularly strong stage performance of Bill’s in CRADLE WILL ROCK (1999), co-starring Joan Cusack & Jack Black. //***Final Thoughts on SCHOOL OF ROCK***\\Next Episode:Our 5 Year Anniversary!NATIONAL LAMPOON’S VACATION (1983)    •    Please rate, review & subscribe.    •    Follow on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok & YouTube.    •    Hosts: Justin Johnson & Lindsay Reber // Music: Matt Pace // Announcer: Mary Timmel // Logo: Beau Shoulders.www.dontpushpausepodcast.comdontpushpausepodcast@gmail.comBe Kind and Rewatch // May 23rd, 2023.

First-time filmmakers rarely explode on the scene like brothers Albert & Allen Hughes. Amid the racial tensions & frustrations of early 1990's Los Angeles, MENACE II SOCIETY tapped into the gritty truth of the time. A powerful & empathetic look into a community misrepresented by mainstream media, this film was not only important in its heyday, but its unflinching realness hits even harder 30 years later.//***Discussions include***\\A brief history of the Hughes Brothers before MENACE; writing development, research, channeling a perspective & selling the script; reality vs. media representation; tonality, themes, underlying messages & film influences; shooting on location, visual style, depiction of violence, emotional impact & heightened realism; toxic masculinity & female perspective; use of narration & humor; cast, audition stories & character dynamics; post-production, release, reception & retrospective observations.Tyrin Turner, Larenz Tate, Jada Pinkett, MC Eiht & Vonte Sweet star in MENACE II SOCIETY (1993) /// Directed by The Hughes Brothers.//***Picks of the Week***\\    •    Lindsay’s Pick: JASON’S LYRIC (1994). Allen Payne, Jada Pinkett, Bokeem Woodbine, Lisa Nicole Carson /// Directed by Doug McHenry.    •    Justin’s Pick: STRAIGHT OUT OF BROOKLYN (1991). Lawrence Gilliard, Jr., George T. Odom, Ann D. Sanders, Barbara Sanon /// THE INKWELL (1994). Larenz Tate, Joe Morton, Suzzanne Douglas, Glynn Turman // Both films directed by Matty Rich.    //***MurrayMoment***\\At the suggestion of Chevy Chase, Billy & brother Brian hit up Rodney Dangerfield for marijuana during the filming of CADDYSHACK. //***Final Thoughts on MENACE II SOCIETY***\\Next Episode:SCHOOL OF ROCK (2003).    •    Please rate, review & subscribe.    •    Follow on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok & YouTube.    •    Hosts: Justin Johnson & Lindsay Reber // Music: Matt Pace // Announcer: Mary Timmel // Logo: Beau Shoulders.www.dontpushpausepodcast.comdontpushpausepodcast@gmail.comBe Kind and Rewatch // April 25th, 2023

A man wrongfully accused of viciously murdering his wife is a story that’s been around for ages. And in the 30 years since its release, THE FUGITIVE remains one of the most masterfully told thrillers in which action sequences are just as enthralling as the story itself. Time to dive behind the making of this expertly executed film wherein spontaneity, reliance on creativity & collaboration were key to composing this unforgettable classic.//***Discussions include***\\Origin behind & evolution of THE FUGITIVE story; script development, writing scenes & dialogue on the fly; style & conditions of the production with behind the scenes stories; casting heavyweights, supporting cast & usage of Chicago; strategic special effects engineering, bold editing choices, sound & score; omitted storylines, release, reception & longevity of the film.   Harrison Ford, Tommy Lee Jones, Sela Ward & Joe Pantoliano star in THE FUGITIVE (1993) /// Directed by Andrew Davis.//***Picks of the Week***\\    •    Lindsay’s Pick: THE FINAL TERROR (1983). Adrian Zmed, Joe Pantoliano, Daryl Hannah, Lewis Smith /// Directed by Andrew Davis.    •    Justin’s Pick: BLACK MOON RISING (1986). Tommy Lee Jones, Linda Hamilton, Lee Ving, Bubba Smith /// Directed by Harley Cokeliss.//***MurrayMoment***\\The origins of how Harrison Ford influenced Bill’s LOST IN TRANSLATION character, Bob Harris. //***Final Thoughts on THE FUGITIVE***\\Next Episode:MENACE II SOCIETY (1993).    •    Please rate, review & subscribe.    •    Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & YouTube.    •    Hosts: Justin Johnson & Lindsay Reber // Music: Matt Pace // Announcer: Mary Timmel // Logo: Beau Shoulders.www.dontpushpausepodcast.comdontpushpausepodcast@gmail.comBe Kind and Rewatch // March 28th, 2023.