Michael Ian Black joins us to talk the films of Sylvester Stallone!
We kick off this month by looking back at some of the key new releases, including Darren Aronofsky’s allegorical and grammatically-troubled mother! (00:50), Matthew Vaughan’s action sequel Kingsman: The Golden Circle (05:49), Andy Muschietti’s adaptation of the Stephen King classic It (09:32), and the popular Australian indie comedy That’s Not Me (13:57).
Lee then talks with this month’s guest, actor and writer Michael Ian Black (Wet Hot American Summer, Ed, This Is 40, Another Period), to look at the films of writer/director/actor Sylvester Stallone. Stallone’s reputation as a muscle-bound 1980s action hero belies his work behind the camera, with a filmography that’s far more complex and thoughtful than he is often credited with. Michael takes us through this varied and fascinating career, and reveals his theory on what Sly’s films are really about (17:16).
Rochelle then rejoins the show to wrap up the episode and give her thoughts on Stallone’s filmography and the discussion with Michael. (55:16)
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Black On Stallone: click to read this episode’s show notes!
Plus this episode’s announcement and the Sylvester Stallone Cheat Sheet.
CORRECTION: During the review of mother!, I said that the woman in the film’s opening shot was played by Rachel Weisz. It turns out this is not, in fact, the case. The Foremother is played by Canadian actress Sarah-Jeanne Labrosse. Although this completely undoes the point I was making, I still totally think auteur theory is A Thing.