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279 - The Whole Nine Yards

6/5/2026

 
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The Whole Nine Yards is a 2000 crime farce that pairs Bruce Willis' comeback with Matthew Perry’s comedic peak. This underrated gem explores a zany suburban tale of hitmen, marriage schemes, and contract killers. Willis, fresh off The Sixth Sense, and Perry, in his Friends fame, deliver standout performances alongside Amanda Peet and Michael Clark Duncan. The film’s improvisational vibe and quirky energy are enhanced by its memorable visual style and jazzy score. Despite lukewarm critical reception, it grossed over $100 million worldwide, proving its appeal as a hidden treasure in the comedy-crime genre.

278 - Sgt. Bilko

5/28/2026

 
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​Revisiting Sergeant Bilko brings nostalgic charm despite its outdated humor. Steve Martin's antics as a scheming con man still entertain, though some jokes haven't aged well. We explore the film's roots, its box office flop, and imagine a modern remake. Whether you're a fan or curious, this episode questions if some jokes are best left in the past.

277 - My Cousin Vinny

5/21/2026

 
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​Discover why My Cousin Vinny remains a beloved classic as we delve into its clever storytelling and standout performances. Explore Marissa Tomei's Oscar-winning role and Joe Pesci's comedic genius, while uncovering behind-the-scenes insights that reveal the film's enduring charm. Perfect for fans of courtroom comedies and those curious about cinematic gems, this episode offers a fresh perspective on a timeless favorite.

276 - Clue

5/14/2026

 
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​Clue blends a stellar ensemble cast, razor-sharp wit, and a revolutionary triple-ending format. This episode explores the genius of director Jonathan Lynn, the film's inventive shot selection, and the memorable performances of Tim Curry and so so many others. Discover why Clue remains a timeless gem, perfect for cinephiles and comedy lovers alike.

275 - Kagemusha

5/7/2026

 
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​We close House of Kurosawa with Kagemusha (1980), where a thief becomes body double for a dying warlord and learns pretending to be powerful is harder than having it. Made with support from George Lucas and Francis Ford Coppola, Kurosawa crafted a meditation on identity and performance. The color is stunning, the battle sequences are chaos, and the film asks whether anyone can tell the difference between a real leader and a convincing fake. It's slow, beautiful, and punishing cinema about impostors and power.

274 - Yojimbo

4/30/2026

 
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This week, we discuss Kurosawa's "Yojimbo," a film that blends Western grit with Japanese flair, redefining genre boundaries with sharp humor and raw action. This episode explores the film's Western influences, Kurosawa’s skillful use of visuals, and Toshiro Mifune's magnetic presence. Discover how clever audio and visual signals guide viewers through suspenseful twists, while we discuss the film's lasting impact on cinema.

273 - The Hidden Fortress

4/23/2026

 
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This episode tracks into the film’s storytelling, pacing, and visual style, revealing its impact on George Lucas and the potential for Mifune in the Star Wars universe. Discover Kurosawa’s balance of humor and heroism, and how his use of widescreen format creates emotional depth. Perfect for film lovers and Star Wars fans, this episode connects Eastern cinema with Western storytelling, offering fresh insights into a timeless classic.

272 - Seven Samurai

4/16/2026

 
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​Seven Samurai by Akira Kurosawa is a classic film that has shaped cinema worldwide. This episode explores its themes of responsibility and heroism, along with its groundbreaking storytelling and cinematography. We discuss why the film remains relevant today and how it continues to inspire. Whether you're a film enthusiast or just curious, you'll gain fresh insights into this influential work.

271 - Rashomon

4/9/2026

 
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​This episode kicks off our Kurosawa retrospective with Rashomon, examining its innovative storytelling through multiple perspectives and its impact on cinema. We explore the film's themes of truth and perception, and its influence on directors like Lucas and Spielberg. Perfect for film enthusiasts and students.

270 - Mr. Holmes

4/3/2026

 
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​In this episode, we step into Mr. Holmes, a film that explores Sherlock Holmes in his twilight years, portrayed by Ian McKellen. The movie, directed by Bill Condon, offers a slow-burning narrative that intertwines themes of memory, aging, and detective work. We analyze the film's layered storytelling, including its use of unreliable narration and flashbacks, which create a complex portrait of Holmes' mental state. Our discussion highlights McKellen's mesmerizing performance and the film's exploration of universal fears of aging and forgetfulness. Whether you're a Sherlock enthusiast or a fan of character-driven drama, this episode invites you to reconsider what a detective’s final chapter truly looks like.
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    Show Description

    If you’re looking for the best movie podcast for everyone who appreciates movies, subscribe to “Houselights” today!

    Each week, hosts Darren Moser, John Mills, and Tristan Riddell share what they see as a movie director’s signature approach and how it shaped the movies you love. Join them as they unpack the works of some of the most prominent directors - and the lost works of the most masterful auteurs.

    So, if you’re interested in the stories behind the story, the decisions that shape our favorite films, and the people who make them happen, “Houselights” is the best movie podcast for you.

Shows

The A24 Project
Aggressive Negotiations
Babble for Five
Ceti Alpha 3
Filibuster
Goodnight Moon
Great Shot, Kid
Owl Post
​Missing Frames
Nerd Nuptial
Punch It
RetroPerspective
​Time & Space
​The Senate Floor
© COPYRIGHT 2019. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • Shows
    • The A24 Project
    • Aggressive Negotiations
    • Babble for 5
    • Ceti Alpha 3
    • Filibuster
    • Great Shot, Kid
    • Goodnight Moon
    • Houselights
    • Makers Method
    • Missing Frames >
      • Superman Interviews
    • Nerd Nuptial
    • Nerd Party News
    • Owl Post
    • Punch It
    • RetroPerspective
    • Second Contact
    • Throwback Paperback
    • Time and Space
    • The Senate Floor
    • Training Montage
  • Search
  • Hosts
  • Contact
  • Social Media
    • Facebook
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    • Bluesky