The Top 100 Project

The 95th edition of the T100P features the ultimate underdog story before the series turned into amusing self-parody. Sly Stallone's signature role made him a huge star, something he wouldn't have achieved if he didn't write his own script with such authenticity. He was a DIY kind of guy. Order some Sparkplug.Coffee and punch that play button!

One of Ryan's favourite sayings: "There's nothing the media likes talking about more than the media." It's fitting that we got mad as hell in this future-seeing satire that rips television and corporate money-licking to shreds. Podcast #94 covers the brilliance of the Chayefsky screenplay, Lumet's direction and the actors (especially Dunaway & Holden). Hit that link to Sparkplug to get your coffee and then engage our ferocity!

Journalists as righteous heroes? Fantasy film? Nope. T100P podcast #93 is based on the all-too-real story of Woodward & Bernstein's dogged pursuit of the truth in the Watergate break-in. Redford & Hoffman are very fine as the reporters and Jason Robards is fantastic as their editor. This is an unusual thriller with a complicated plot, but it remains a strong work. Enhance your caffeine supply by going to Sparkplug.Coffee, then dig in!

First, the winner of our “Pick Your Podcast” contest is announced right at the top of the 92nd episode of the T100P! Then we get into our longest discussion yet about Marty Scorsese’s first of many masterpieces. Robert De Niro & the whole cast stink of authenticity, as does 1970s NYC. We tackle mental illness, frustrated sexuality and of course loneliness. To better enjoy all that dark stuff, get yourself an order of Sparkplug Coffee!

All therapy and no freedom makes Mac something something. Jack Nicholson roars through the asylum in T100P podcast numero 91, messing with protocol, rule-following and sexual politics. There are many layers in this inspirational onion of a movie and we went down all sorts of crazy avenues. To find out more, pound that button, but also click to order some Sparkplug Coffee to get your grounds for a cup o' joe!

The thrills, the chase, the blood, the teeth! Our 90th T100P podcast covers the rare thriller/horror/action flick on the list, which just happens to be Ryan’s favourite movie. Bev digs it too, even though Spielberg is behind the bullhorn. Listen, but first order enough Sparkplug Coffee to fill “a bigger boat”.

Robert Altman's outstanding musical dramedy is the 89th T100P podcast. Keith Carradine and Lily Tomlin are among the 2 dozen actors with prominent roles...and a lot of them sing their own songs! Altman's masterpiece has so much heart and subtext, Ryan nearly couldn't take it (shades of Shane). Do not miss this movie! And to help you soldier through its lengthy running time, order up some grounds from our longtime sponsor, Sparkplug Coffee.

The crime sage continues in our 88th edition of the T100P. Al Pacino and John Cazale are outstanding, although the rest of the cast kills it too. Francis Coppola's second-most worshipped film also features De Niro aping Brando as young Vito. Is this the equal of Part I...or even better? Our long chat about a long movie requires your rapt attention!

T100P podcast #87 covers one of the most flawless movies you'll ever see. Highlights: Polanski's direction, Towne's screenplay, Goldsmith's music, and Nicholson, Dunaway & Huston headlining a superb cast. The plot is convoluted and the life-imitating-art aspects are eerie, but the film itself remains practically perfect. Hear us and don't forget your caffeine enhancement, Jake, by ordering some Sparkplug Coffee.

George Lucas's 1st AFIer is a lot more grounded than his most famous one, but it was a monster success all its own. The young cast (many first-timers) is uniformly excellent and the soundtrack is just lovely. Rev up your little deuce coupe for T100P podcast #86 while percolating that java juice from Sparkplug Coffee!

We tip our hat to the stupidest observance on the calendar with our 9th Not 100 Project podcast. The AFI hasn’t paid this beloved flick its due, but we’re part of a vast group that loves it. It’s a unique comedy with a big heart and Bill Murray & Harold Ramis have rarely been better. Download...but rent to start. And order some Sparkplug Coffee!

If we have to hard-sell you on T100P podcast #85, then you probably don’t like classic movies in the first place. Then again, maybe you---like Peter Griffin---believe the movie “insists upon itself.” Either way, we’ve got a lengthy discussion ready for your earholes. Even so, we probably missed 12 or 40 good points of discussion. While you listen to us break down one of the greatest of the greats, head on over to Sparkplug.Coffee!

The 84th T100P podcast is the final musical on the list. Liza Minnelli absolutely rocks the Cabaret in the movie of same. The Ellises differ on this one, but (maybe?) not as widely as expected. Lap it up, then order yourself some Sparkplug Coffee to lap up!

Our first ‘cast of 2015 is the last Stanley Kubrick Top 100 film! Malcolm McDowell wrings every drop out of his iconic character. Alex is one of the meanest “victims” ever put on film. We also get into off-point discussions about crime, punishment, morality and the greatness of Kubrick. Get down to it, then go over to our sponsor, Sparkplug Coffee!

Popeye’s here in the action-packed Gene Hackman cop thriller. Chasing foreign smack peddlers in the dead of winter and putting the public at risk makes for a complex flick. Hear us! Also, we spend 5 minutes at the end looking back at our 46 T100P flicks from this year and look ahead to 2015’s slate. And order yourself some Sparkplug Coffee!

New Hollywood meets Classic Hollywood in this John Ford homage. Names like Bogdanovich, Bridges, Burstyn and Bottoms are featured in our 81st T100P podcast. All of them are “one & done” after this though. Enjoy their fine work while you can. How do we feel about LPS's ranking on the Top 100? You must know! And...Sparkplug Coffee!

The 80th T100P podcast chronicles the WWII adventures of General George S. Patton, played so memorably by George C. Scott. War biopics are not a barrel of fun, but we managed to have some fun WITH this movie. How many people have compared the General to Mike Tyson & Barry Bonds? We did! Find out why. Plus…Sparkplug Coffee!

The ‘70s are upon us! Bring on the best decade in film history. We kick it off with Robert Altman’s funny war blockbuster which inspired the beloved TV show. It has some unforgivable “isms” though. Hit that play button on our 79th T100P ‘cast to get the bloody skinny. And order yourself some Sparkplug Coffee!

Funny westerns are not common and our 78th ‘cast features a big debate about whether or not that shift in tone works. Newman & Redford do have unmatched chemistry in this smash hit. This is our final 1960s film, but the movies are just going to get better in the ‘70s! Meanwhile, ask yourself “who are those guys” and hear us break it all down. And, Canadians, order yourself some Sparkplug Coffee!

Get your motor runnin’ because our 77th edition revs up the hippy bike movie. Jack Nicholson became a star, Peter Fonda became the icon of cool and Dennis Hopper became a madman (and he also directed one of the most influential films in history). If you want to know what we thought of this ‘un, don’t blow it like Billy & Wyatt. Listen! Also, go get yourself some Sparkplug Coffee…