Watch This With Rick Ramos

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#331 - The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance - WatchThis W/RickRamos Jun 13, 2021

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Printing the Legend: John Ford's The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance

On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I sit down to discuss a classic of Western Cinema - and arguably one of the greatest films ever made - John Ford's The Man Who Shot LIberty Valance. We discuss the Western, Mythology & Legend, and - of course - Ford Stewart & Wayne. Take a listen . . . it's a fun look into a respected film that is - oftentimes - overshadowed by so much of what Ford and Wayne created. Let us know what you think. Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. Thanks!

#330 - History of Rock N Roll Part III: Bob Dylan Continued - WatchThis W/RickRamos Jun 07, 2021

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History of Rock 'N Roll Part III: Bob Dylan Continued - Masked and Unmasked

This week Ibrahim & I continue looking at the career and artistry of Bob Dylan. Focusing on Dylan's career following his Triumph motorcycle accident (July 29, 1966) and his re-emergence, with Ibrahim & I focusing on The 1975 Rolling Thunder Tour (chronicled in Martin Scorsese's excellent Netflix documentary, Rolling Thunder Revue). We also look at Todd Hayne's 2007 I'm Not There and Larry Charles' Masked & Anonymous (2003). This is a fun one. Take a listen and let us know what you think. Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. Thanks!

#329 - History of Rock N Roll Part II: Bob Dylan May 30, 2021

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History of Rock 'N Roll Part II: Bob Dylan - Original Vagabond

On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I continue our look at The History of Rock 'N Roll looking at the career, influence, and artistry of Bob Dylan. Take a listen as we look at this incredibly influential artist through the eyes of D.A. Pennebaker's 1967 behind-the-scenes documentary Don't Look Back and Martin Scorsese's early career-spanning documentary No Direction Home: Bob Dylan (2005). Take a listen as we profile one of the most important artists of the 20th Century and - arguably - the most important songwriter in the English language.

Thanks for the continued Love & Support. Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com.

#328 - The Death of the Video Store - WatchThis W/RickRamos May 24, 2021

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Hanging Onto Yesterday - The Birth, Evolution, and Death of The Video Store

On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I sit down to discuss memories of the video store . . . whether the Mom & Pop stores, the chain stores, and the monster that ate it all - Blockbuster Video. We discuss the anarchy and danger of the Mom & Pop versus the bulldozer that was Blockbuster Video and later Netflix and the streaming revolution. For this episode we focus on our memories of growing up on cable television, the library, and the video store, and we couple this with two streaming documentaries that examine this history: Netflix's The Last Blockbuster and (streaming free on Tubi) Rewind This. This is a damn good time remembering this soul and intellectual formative period. Take a listen and see how much of it you can remember.

Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. Many Thanks for the Continued Support.

#327 - History of LA Part I - ZOOT SUIT - WatchThis W/RickRamos May 17, 2021

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"Another way to say 'Mexican'" - Luis Valdez's Zoot Suit

This week Mr. Chavez and I get a bit personal with a discussion of a classic in Chicano Cinema . . . 1981's Luis Valdez directed Zoot Suit. The story of Enrique "Hank" Leyvas (Reyna in the theatrical play and film) and his - and his crews' - railroading into San Quentin for the 1941"Sleepy Lagoon" Murder. In a case that was a clear abuse of the justice system, Leyvas was pushed through a trial that was little more than a circus designed to give the impression of justice. Valdez's film is photographed and performed as the play itself was produced both in Los Angeles and on Broadway. Mr. Chavez and I examine the cultural importance of the film, but also the history of Los Angeles, race-relations, and the ongoing fight for representation. This is an episode that - definitely - grabbed a hold of both of us and carried us to places that deserve discussion, but which are so often ignored. Take a listen. We think you may learn a li'l bit about a hidden history.

Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. Many Thanks.

#326 - Christopher Nolan's TENET - WatchThis W/RickRamos May 10, 2021

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Magic of The Illusion or Stepping Back from the Rabbit - Christopher Nolan's TENET

On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I sit down to discuss the problems and overreach of Christopher Nolan's Tenet (2020). For a filmmaker as bold, inventive, and risk-taking as Christopher Nolan, Tenet is a serious letdown. Take a listen as we discuss the film's various flaws and disappointments, as well as what does work about the film. We went for a fair and balanced discussion. We hope you see it that way. Thanks for listening.

Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com.

#325 - John Waters: Study in Filth - WatchThis W/RickRamos May 03, 2021

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John Waters - Examining the Genre-Bending & Culture-Crashing Art of a Filth Icon

Has there ever been a figure in popular (or even underground) culture quite like Baltimore's John Waters? I would argue that Mr. Waters is a unique and essential artist in the history of American Cinema. From his early days as an underground filmmaker with such classics as Multiple Maniacs (1970), Female Trouble (1974), and - of course - 1972's Pink Flamingos, thru his mainstream breakthroughs, including Hairspray (1988), Cry-Baby (1990), and Serial Mom (1994), Waters - over a period of 50 years - has been a truly visionary artist. These are not easy films to watch, but they were never meant to be. Waters' work has always been a kind of litmus test determining "squareness", hypocrisy, and narrow-mindedness. If you have a problem with Waters, then most likely your an uptight prick. John Waters - along with a loyal production crew (Pat Moran, Vincent Peranio, Van Smith) and stable of actors (Mink Stole, David Lochary, Edith Massey, and - later - Ricki Lake, Patty Hearst, Traci Lords) defined the "Midnight Movie" and subversive cinema. All of this was made possible through Waters' culture-challenging attack and his collaboration with the iconic Drag Queen, Harris Glenn Milstead, better known as Divine (1945-1988). A fantastic documentary - I Am Divine - profiles the life and times of the great performer.

This was a lot of fun. Take a listen and let us know what you think. Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. Many Thanks.

#324 - The History of Rock 'N Roll Part I - WatchThis W/RickRamos Apr 26, 2021

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The Devil's Music: The Birth of Rock 'N Roll - Little Richard, Bo Diddley, Fats Domino, Jerry Lee Lewis, Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, & Charles Edward Anderson Berry

On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I sit down to discuss the power, influence, and long-lasting cultural and artistic power of Rock 'N Roll Music. From it's origins in the Blues, Rhythm & Blues, and Country Music thru the pairing down of a "Big Band Sound" and the power of Gospel and The Church, Rock 'N Roll is often a misunderstood and difficult subject to discuss. We're going to include looks at Great Balls of Fire (1989 Dir. Jim McBride), La Bamba (1987 Dir. Luis Valdez), The Buddy Holly Story (1978 Dir. Steve Rash), and Chuck Berry: Hail, Hail Rock 'N Roll (1987 Dir. Taylor Hackford) in order to gain a better understanding of the music, the artists, and the times that created these sounds.

At the end of the day all we're trying to do is bring a bit of understanding and convey our appreciation and admiration for this music. Hail, Hail Rock 'N Roll!

Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. Many Thanks For Your Continued Love & Support.

#323 - The Impact of Mtv - WatchThis W/RickRamos Apr 19, 2021

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I Want My MTV - A Revolution in Music, Image, & Popular Culture

A hell of a stroll down memory lane as Ibrahim & I look back at the power and impact of Mtv. From it's humble beginnings as a throw-away cable channel showcasing popular artists - Top 20 Music and Youth Culture - the channel would rapidly evolve into a driving force in American & World culture. There was a time when Mtv gave us music to listen to, told us what to wear, opened us up to cultural differences and change. The channel brought us dance parties (Spring Break & Club Mtv), game shows, (Remote Control), niche shows (Headbanger's Ball, 120 Minutes, & Yo! Mtv Raps), and news (Mtv News, The Week in Rock, & The Great Kurt Loder). From Michael Jackson crashing through artistic racial barriers to Madonna transforming the very definition of entertainer, Mtv - in its first decade was an artistic and cultural game-changer. Take a listen to a couple of old bastards as they reminisce on how great the ride was.

Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. Our Continued Love & Thanks!

#322 - Remembering Max Von Sydow - WatchThis W/RickRamos Apr 12, 2021

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Knight, Priest, King: Remembering the Many Faces of Max Von Sydow (4/10/29 - 03/08/20)

On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I sit down to remember the great Swedish actor, Max Von Sydow. A brilliant actor who starred in some of the most iconic films of our time, Von Sydow passed away last March a few short weeks away from his 91st birthday. This week we discuss the great actor's career and the various factors that made him unforgettable over a period of seven decades and over 150 films. From his breakthrough role in Ingmar Bergman's The Seventh Seal thru his roles as both Jesus (The Greatest Story Ever Told) and The Devil (Needful Things), Father Merrin (The Exorcist), and numerous supporting roles for directors from Steven Spielberg (MInority Report) and David Lynch (Dune) to Woody Allen (Hannah & Her Sisters) and Martin Scorsese (Shutter Island), Von Sydow proved an actor of incredible range, authority, and sensitivity.

It was a pleasure to remember and discuss this great actor. Take a listen and let us know what you think. Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. Many Thanks!

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