March 2023 – Reel Nerds Podcast

Show Time: Predictions for “Ted Lasso” Season 3/Series Finale

It’s hard to believe that a one-off character from a decade-old NBC Sports commercial has completely stolen my heart (and the hearts of millions of other people) and somehow became an acclaimed series along the way.

“Ted Lasso” — the story of an American football coach who moves to England to coach the other type of football (AKA soccer) — has returned for its third and presumably final season. All the creatives have said they wrote and shot this season as though it was their last, and I honestly hope that stays true. I do expect and somewhat hope there will be a spin-off series down the road, but I believe the story of Ted Lasso himself is coming to a close this spring.

As I write this, the first two episodes of Season 3 have already dropped, and the third episode is dropping later tonight. I had hoped to put this together before they aired, but ran out of time. Still, I wanted to have a little fun by sharing my predictions for the next 10 episodes.

WARNING: HERE BE SPOILERS!!!

In my predictions, I’ll be going over some tidbits from v a r i o u s t r a i l e r s a n d TV spots we’ve gotten already, some set photos from fans who saw them filming certain scenes, and interviews and BTS footage. So, if you don’t even want anything remotely close to spoilers for S3, turn back now!

Also, I don’t pretend that all of these predictions are unique to me. Some of them are, but others are theories/predictions that many in the fandom believe in, and I’m simply one of them.

So, with all this preamble out of the way, let’s dive right into my predictions for the third and final season of “Ted Lasso.”

AFC Richmond

So, before I do really deep dives into the individual characters, I’m going to give a brief overview of how the team itself will do this season.

We saw in 3.02 that the Greyhounds tied their first game at Chelsea and now they’re adding superstar Zava to their ranks. I think in this first third of the season — both the soccer season and S3 — we’ll see Richmond doing really well. This will be thanks to Zava giving the team extra firepower on the field, even if I think there will be drama in the locker room. (I’ll get into that more later.)

However, in the second third of the season, I think Richmond will experience a series of unfortunate events. I think something will happen to Zava — either he’ll leave or he’ll get injured — leaving the team adrift. There’s a shot of the entire team in one of the trailers, and I’m guessing it’s from an episode about halfway through the season, and I didn’t spot Zava among the players. Granted, maybe I missed him, but I think still think there’s a good chance Zava will leave or get injured after a few episodes.

Around this same time, we’ll get Isaac’s suspension. In one trailer, we get a shot of Isaac in the stands accosting someone, and in another shot, we see him in street clothes tapping the ‘Believe’ sign. I’m not sure how long a suspension for fighting a fan would last. It might be through the rest of the season, or it might be only for part of it.

If he’s only suspended for a few months, I think his return could serve as a turning point for Richmond in the final third of the season. Between Isaac returning from his suspension and Nate rejoining the coaching staff (more on that later), Richmond will be a force to be reckoned with — especially if Zava or Jamie also return after being injured. (UPDATE: I rewatched the shot of Isaac fighting the fan, and it appears there’s another Richmond player next to him. I can’t tell if it’s Zava — it might be. It’s possible Zava starts the fight with the fan, Isaac goes into the stands to get him, a fan mouths off to Isaac too and that’s when he accosts the guy. Then, both Zava and Isaac would get suspended — explaining why both of them a p p e a r t o b e m i s s i n g from the “I love you guys so very much” moment in the main S3 trailer.)

Just like Ted said last season, the middle of the season will be the team’s ‘dark forest.’ Things will look grim between Zava leaving/getting injured, Isaac being suspended, Jamie maybe getting injured too (more on that later), and probably a host of other things.

We know from set photos that Ted & co. travel to Amsterdam in the middle of the season. Not sure whether they’re doing so to play an off-season game or simply as a vacation to regroup from their slump. I don’t think Amsterdam will be a turning point for the team — I think they’ll continue to struggle to some degree after the trip — but it will be a turning point for some of the characters in their individual arcs. (I’ll delve into who/why in the next section.)

So, in the final third of the season, Richmond is going to make a significant comeback thanks to various people returning to the program (Nate, Isaac, Zava?, Jamie?), winning games they should’ve tied and tying games they should’ve lost. Ultimately, they’ll start overachieving and proving all the haters wrong. As they go into their final game, they’ll have a chance to “win the whole fucking thing,” as Ted said in the S1 finale. And, because this is a sports comedy, where the heroes triumph in the end, I believe they will win the championship just as Ted predicted.

But, as we got hints of in the S3 premiere, helping Richmond win a championship will prompt a big change for Ted. Which leads me to my next section:

Ted & Rebecca

I think it’s a no-brainer that the season/series will end with a shot of Ted’s face. S1 opened and closed with Rebecca in her office. S2 opened and closed with shots of Nate on the soccer field (albeit different fields). So, just as S3 opened with a shot of Ted’s face in an airport, I think it’ll close with a shot of Ted’s face, probably at an airport.

From the S3 premiere, it’s clear that part of Ted’s arc this season will be about finding reasons either to return to Kansas or stay in Richmond. If Richmond does win “the whole fucking thing” as Ted and Rebecca hope, I think Ted will feel as though he’s accomplished everything he set out to do. The team will have made history; all the players will be better people than when he first arrived; and Rebecca’s legacy as Richmond’s owner will be cemented.

Between Ted talking about his dad in S2 and S3 opening with Henry visiting Ted, I think it’s safe to say that Ted will feel obligated to return to Kansas and be more active in Henry’s life. He accomplished what he wanted to at Richmond, and now he needs to focus on being a dad.

So, the final scene will be him at the airport. But, I don’t think he’ll be alone.

Whether she catches him at Heathrow before he leaves, or hops on a private jet and meets him in Kansas City, I think Rebecca will convince him not to go. Or… she’ll go with him.

Yes, fam, I think Ted and Rebecca are our endgame couple for “Ted Lasso.” Much of S3 will be focused on building this up. We already had a very significant moment in the premiere, when Rebecca was vulnerable with Ted — something we rarely see from her — and asked him to fight back (for her)!!

Up till now their relationship has been platonic but significant. She’s the one who instantly recognizes his panic attacks in S1 and S2; he defends her from Rupert at the gala and during the darts game; he bakes her biscuits every day; she ‘saves’ him from spending Christmas alone in S2 … There are too many moments to mention.

In any case, I think their relationship will really start to shift after the Amsterdam episode, which will probably be Episode 6 or 7.

ICYMI: The “Ted Lasso” cast and crew filmed scenes in Amsterdam for this season, which is significant because the creators came up with the character of Ted Lasso in Amsterdam. So, needless to say, when the show “Ted Lasso” returns to the character’s “birthplace,” it’s going to be for some serious stuff.

So, leading into the Amsterdam episode, Ted and Rebecca will keep doing their usual stuff. They’ll have more significant interactions, but they’ll remain platonic. I think Amsterdam will be where one or both of them realize they have feelings for the other. (I’m putting my money on Rebecca realizing she likes Ted first.)

Anyway, this revelation will complicate their relationship through the remainder of the season/series. But, when Ted announces that he intends to return to Kansas after the final game, he and Rebecca will have an honest conversation about how they feel.

Before S3 premiered, I predicted on social media that Rebecca would go back to Kansas with Ted, and I do still see that as a genuine possibility. But, after seeing Episodes 1 and 2, I think it’s more likely that Rebecca will convince Ted to stay in England … at least for a while. Maybe they’ll go to Kansas together some day, but they’ll want to spend some time as a couple first.

Either way, I think the season has to end with Ted giving up his coaching gig. Whether it’s because he intends to return to Kansas or because he’s now dating the team’s owner, he can’t stay AFC Richmond’s coach.

Before I jump into who I think will succeed Ted as head coach, I wanted to touch on a few other predictions I have for Ted and Rebecca individually in S3:

By the end of the season, Ted will have some legit soccer knowledge. Up to now, he was mostly coasting on charm and the people around him. He let them focus on the strategies, lineups, techniques, play calls, etc., and he worried more about the team dynamics and morale. But, I think by the end of the season, Ted will come into his own as a proper soccer coach. Maybe he won’t be as smart as Nate or Roy, but he’ll be much, much better than he was in S1-2. We’ve already seen glimpses with him saying that he and Henry played a lot of FIFA video games over the summer, and him starting to read Beard’s soccer book.
Ted will continue his therapy sessions with Dr. Sharon, and he’ll have a lot of insecurities about his ex-wife moving on while he’s still processing their divorce. He’ll also continue exploring his role as a father, as I said earlier, wanting to return to Kansas to be more active in Henry’s life.
Based on set photos, we know Ted’s mom comes to visit him. I predict this will be either in the penultimate episode and/or the finale. I think Ted’s mom will help him realize what he wants to do once he’s accomplished everything at Richmond, and where he needs to go next. I also just generally think Rebecca meeting Ted’s mom is going to be hilarious — just like Ted meeting her mom was.
Rebecca will have a confrontation with her mother, and a separate one with Sassy. Both of them have been less-than-ideal influences in her life, and she needs to either set boundaries or cut ties completely. I think she may divulge to Sassy that she has feelings for Ted, which could lead to a major argument between them.
This one might be a bit of a stretch, but it’s possible that Rebecca will have a realization about Ted needing to go back to Henry based on her experiences with Nora. Rebecca disappeared from Nora’s life for six years, so much so that when she started spending time with her again, Nora was completely different from the little girl she remembered. When Ted shares with Rebecca how he feels he needs to return to Kansas to be there for Henry, Rebecca might be able to relate (on a smaller scale) based on her experiences with Nora.
Rebecca will ultimately triumph over Rupert. Not sure exactly what form it’ll take (maybe she’ll find out he’s cheating on his current wife Bex and spill the beans?), but there’s no doubt in my mind Rebecca will have the last laugh against Rupert.

OK. Now that we’ve addressed our two leads, let’s move onto the other couple on this show:

Roy & Keeley

I think it’s pretty obvious that Roy and Keeley are getting back together. I just think that Roy needs to grow a lot first.

We’ve seen hints at this in the first two episodes — the remark about how he needs to surrender to the earth, and the later conversation about him preferring to end things on his own terms rather than letting things play out (ie, quitting over being fired). Roy has a lot of growing to do personally before he can be in a relationship with anyone.

I do think Roy and Ms. Bowen, Phoebe’s (former?) teacher, might go out on a few dates. They set up in S2 that she might have a crush on him, but I think it’ll ultimately be a stepping stone to help him get back together with Keeley. Maybe he realizes that, as nice as Ms. Bowen is, she’s not Keeley. And as Roy told Rebecca last season, “You deserve to be with someone who makes you feel like you’ve been struck by fucking lightning! Don’t you dare settle for fine!” I think that moment will come back around, likely with Rebecca repeating the line back to him.

As for Keeley, her subplot has been the least interesting part of Season 3 for me thus far. It’s not terrible, but it’s not really grabbing me either. During my rewatches, I’ve just skipped those scenes. I think, generally, Keeley will step into that ‘boss’ role. She’s going to take pages from Ted and Rebecca’s books and learn how to motivate people and create good team chemistry. She’ll help break her coworkers out of their stuffy molds and really liven up the place, just like Ted did at Richmond. I also think she’ll channel Rebecca and help her friend become the next Keeley.

So, earlier I said that Ted will ultimately resign as Richmond’s head coach, and I could see Roy succeeding Ted. I don’t think it’s a certainty — because there’s another candidate out there — but I do think it’s a strong possibility. Roy started out the series as a past-his-prime footballer who thought Ted was a joke and hated everything Ted tried to do when he first came to Richmond. So, having Roy succeed Ted and continue that work at Richmond would be a great way to end his arc.

I’ve seen a few people theorizing that Beard will take over after Ted, but I honestly think Roy makes more sense. He has more cred as a former footballer, and the fans already love him. While Ted will plan to leave England, I think Beard will choose to stay at Richmond as an assistant for Roy … or for the other possible candidate to replace Ted:

Nate

Yes, I think it’s pretty obvious Nate isn’t going to stay on ‘the dark side’ forever. He is the Anakin Skywalker to Rupert’s Emperor Palpatine, so it’s only a matter of time before Nate reconciles with Ted and returns to ‘the good side.’

There’s a lot to unpack with Nate, but his arc will ultimately boil down to his relationship with Ted and his relationship with Rupert. He’ll see Rupert for the snake he really is and second-guess all his assumptions and criticisms about Ted.

Right now, Rupert is using Nate as a pawn in his grand game against Rebecca and Ted. It’s possible Nate senses this, but doesn’t care because he likes having Rupert’s approval and the power that comes with being a football club manager (rather than an assistant coach or a kit man).

But, I think we’ll soon see that Nate isn’t prepared to be a head coach, and that he’s the exact opposite of Ted.

Ted is very open with his players, creating a good sense of teamwork and collaboration among his staff. Even just walking into the training facilities, he has good banter and friendly greetings for all his coworkers. His office is on the ground floor, right next to the locker rooms. He also shares the office with Beard, and the door between their office and Roy’s is frequently open. He’s rarely on his phone, and doesn’t seem to use social media very much.

Meanwhile, in the few scenes we’ve had at West Ham, Nate’s been very demeaning toward his players, and doesn’t seem to have any rapport with his fellow coaches. In the season premiere, when he arrives at West Ham, he doesn’t respond at all to the staffer who tells him “hello.” His office is on the second or third floor, secluded and isolated. It’s away from the locker rooms, likely on a floor of other offices. But we don’t see any other coaches visiting Nate or vice versa. Also, Nate is constantly on his phone, checking social media.

Ultimately, Nate will find out the hard way just what it takes to be a successful coach. Unlike Ted, who seemingly lets criticism roll right off his back, Nate can’t let things go. The pressure will get to him and West Ham, specifically Rupert.

I think, in the latter half of the season, there will be a confrontation between Rupert and Nate. Rupert will be lashing out at Nate, feeling that he’s destroying West Ham. And it’ll become clear to Nate that Rupert was just using him and that he never believed in him the way Ted did.

We know from the trailers that Richmond will likely win or tie at West Ham, causing Nate to be absolutely furious with his team; and that later, Ted and Henry attend a West Ham game (probably while Henry’s visiting over fall/Thanksgiving/Christmas break).

I think I saw someone theorize that Henry will ask for Nate’s autograph and inadvertently tell Nate about Ted having Nate’s picture on his dresser at home. I don’t know about that specifically, but I think there will be a moment midseason that will force Nate to rethink how he treated Ted and whether leaving Richmond was the right thing. And, considering how Henry was a big advocate for Nate’s little Lego man rejoining Richmond in the S3 premiere, I think it’s possible Henry will be a catalyst for Nate rethinking his relationship with Ted.

Anyway, after all this, I think we’ll have the confrontation between Nate and Rupert, and that will be the final straw for the ‘fallen from grace’ coach. Nate will realize he shouldn’t have left Richmond. He’ll regret everything he said to Ted, prompting him to reconcile with his former mentor. Not only will Ted forgive him, but he’ll also probably offer him his job back.

This will probably be in the last 2-4 episodes of the season, and I think Nate coming back to Richmond for the final few games will be a major turning point for the team. If Richmond is going to win the whole fucking thing, as Ted predicted in the S1 finale, then Nate returning will have to be part of that.

Now, by the season finale, when Ted announces that he plans to leave Richmond, it is possible that he’ll choose Nate to succeed him as head coach. Seeing this wimpy kit man who was constantly bullied by the team becoming Richmond’s head coach, and seeing the man Ted dubbed “Nate the Great” who fell to the ‘dark side’ but came back to help Richmond to victory, would also be a satisfying conclusion to Nate’s arc.

But, in my personal opinion, I think it’d be best for Nate and everyone else if he leaves for another program — but with Ted & company’s blessing this time. I think he’ll realize that staying at Richmond would be too awkward with Ted leaving, as he might feel out-of-place coaching alongside Roy and Beard. It’s also likely that he’ll feel like he’s “outgrown” Richmond (in a good way) and that he needs to move on and do his own thing. Maybe he’ll decide to coach elsewhere in Europe — hell, maybe he’ll even go to the United States. (Wouldn’t that be hilarious?!)

Also, just like Rebecca, Nate needs to have some kind of ‘come to Jesus’ moment with his parents, specifically his dad. Nate’s relationship with his dad is the driving force behind his insecurities. His father doesn’t give Nate the time of day, so when Ted did, Nate picked Ted as a replacement father-figure. So, for the audience to feel like Nate’s fully matured from the awkward kit man we met in S1, he really needs to address his problems with his dad and with Ted.

Honestly, I think Nate’s reconciliation with Ted in the latter half of the season is going to be the most emotional moment in the show up to that point. Although, I do think the final Ted/Rebecca scene is going to top even that.

The Supporting Cast

This section shouldn’t take long, as I don’t have a lot of confident predictions for Beard, Higgins or the Richmond players.

As I said, I think Beard will stay in England as an assistant when Ted announces he’s going back to Kansas.

For Higgins, I think he’ll come into his own more by the end of the show. He was introduced as this very second-fiddle, butt-of-the-joke sort of character, but he’s really grown into someone who’s less awkward and more accepted by the Richmond players and staff. I think he’ll continue that trajectory, likely with some big promotion or recognition, but I’m not sure what. I saw one prediction that, when Rebecca goes back to Kansas with Ted, she’ll leave Richmond to Higgins. I like that idea on paper, but I don’t know how it’d work in execution. Owners need a lot of money to keep their team at the top of the league, and Higgins doesn’t seem to have that money. Although, I guess if Rebecca just gives him the team, he’ll start getting all those incomes (especially if they win the championship) without having to pay anything for it. But, that’s more of an idea that’s floating around, not a solid theory I’m putting forward.

Now, moving to the players: With Zava joining Richmond, this should kick off a nice little arc for Jamie. He’ll really come to terms with his role on the team — he’s not used to sharing the spotlight with someone equally gifted and equally cocky. Zava will challenge that status quo, and the two will likely butt heads.

If I were writing Jamie’s arc for S3, I’d have him get injured and be sidelined for a good chunk of the season. It wouldn’t be a career-ending injury, but it’d serve as a wake-up call that he’ll soon be where Roy was in S1 — at the end of his footballer career. I want to see Jamie develop an “after football” career plan — whether that’s becoming a pundit, a coach or something else. This would show how much he’s grown and how he’s not so egotistical that he thinks he’ll play forever.

I also think we’ll have another appearance from Jamie’s dad, and I think we’ll see Jamie and Roy becoming better friends in S3. Jamie won’t be tempted to hit on Keeley anymore, despite her and Roy breaking up. Ideally, I think Jamie will get a love interest in the latter half of the season, just to show how he’s moved on from Keeley and reaffirming to the audience that the Roy-Keeley-Jamie love triangle is definitely over.

I don’t have major predictions for the other players, though. Like Jamie, I hope Sam gets a nice love interest to show the audience that he’s moved on from Rebecca.

Additionally, once Isaac gets suspended for fighting, we see Sam wearing the captain band in the trailer, signifying how much of a leader he’s become on the team. To be honest, I think Sam is poised to become a franchise player at Richmond. If he didn’t leave in S2 to play for Morocco, I don’t think he’s going to leave at all. Maybe he’ll have enough money/stability to bring his family to the UK, and help him run his restaurant?

Finally, I’ll just briefly mention Colin. I’ve said on Twitter that Colin has consistently been the butt of the joke through S1-2. Of Nate’s three original bullies, we’ve seen tremendous growth from Jamie and Isaac. Now, S3 will be Colin’s turn. I think he’ll come into his own as a Richmond player. Someone predicted he could get into a serious car accident, possibly as a suicide attempt. I don’t think the show will go quite that dark, but I do think Colin will get some serious screen time in S3. After everything Nate did to him in S2, he needs to prove his worth to all the naysayers, like the nun he mentioned in the S3 premiere.

Anyway, I’ve been throwing a lot of predictions at you in this post. So, here’s a recap of the MAJOR ones:

TL;DR

Roy and Keeley get back together, possibly getting engaged.
Richmond wins “the whole fucking thing.”
Ted announces he’s leaving Richmond to return to Kansas and be with his son.
Roy will take over as head coach.
Beard will stay on as an assistant to Roy.
Nate will leave West Ham, reconcile with Ted & co., help Richmond win the championship, but then leave to coach another franchise (not Richmond or West Ham).
Ted and Rebecca have a scene at the airport, where she decides to go with him OR she convinces him to stay. And that’s the final scene of the show — Ted and Rebecca at the airport.

Miscellaneous/’Just For Fun’ Predictions

I thought of a couple of other random things while putting together this post. Most of these are random one-off predictions, but here ya go:

When Richmond plays at West Ham in a few episodes, Zava is going to help Richmond win or tie. This will really piss off Nate and Rupert, who wanted so badly to beat Richmond with Zava on their team. (Callback to the most recent episode.)
Ted will finally learn the offside rule and make a legit argument about it in a game, probably the finale. (This will be an inverse of the S1 finale.)
Rebecca will be wearing red in her final scene, and Ted will be wearing blue. (This is a Wizard of Oz reference. Rebecca=ruby slippers/way home; Ted=Dorothy)
With Ted leaving Richmond, I believe Roy will take Ted’s spot in The Diamond Dogs. However, I think Ted will dub Higgins as the leader of The Diamond Dogs in his stead, as Higgins is the best fit personality-wise. I also think Will will take Nate’s old spot. So the final set of Diamond Dogs will be: Higgins, Roy, Beard and Will. (Callback to various things.)
EDIT: We will also get another reference to Roy’s “yoga moms” group in S3. We’ve had at least one in S1 and S2, so I imagine we’ll either get another reference or scene with them this season. It’s possible he’ll introduce Jamie to them, but more likely we’ll get a scene where they tell Roy they always knew he was a famous footballer and just never said anything. Roy did say in S1 that they had no idea who he was, but I have a hard time believing someone in England wouldn’t recognize a famous footballer. I mean, would a group of yoga moms in the United States not recognize … I don’t know, Peyton Manning or Patrick Mahomes? Even if they didn’t recognize his face, wouldn’t they have heard his name somewhere? Anyway, I just think it’d be fun to see them again. (Callback to multiple episodes.)
We will learn the identity of the high-scorer of the Crown & Anchor’s Wizard of Oz pinball machine. (Callback to the S2 episode where Ted’s playing pinball.)
Trent’s book will have a pun in the main title, like “Better off Ted” or something like that. (This is just generally obvious based on all the headlines we’ve seen in this show, but I think Keeley said something in S1 about the power of rhymes and puns in England.)
“New Rebecca” (AKA Bex) will divorce Rupert after she realizes what a manipulative asshole Rupert is, just as Rebecca did. NGL, Rupert is probably going to cheat on Bex just like he did with Rebecca. (This seems obvious to me.)
We will get at least one more scene of Higgins playing upright bass. (A bit random, but we’ve gotten one scene like this every season thus far. *shrugs*)
Similarly, I think we’ll get another scene of someone spelling out “Hi” on the ground with objects/people. (Again, we’ve gotten one instance in every season so far.)
Colin will start dating someone he met off Bantr. (As I said earlier, Colin’s been the butt of the joke for long enough, and he deserves a happy ending. Him finding someone on Bantr, the company that sponsors his team, would be hilarious.)
We will get at least one scene at Sam’s new restaurant. (After I wrote this, I realized there’s a shot in one of the trailers where it looks like the players are at a restaurant. So, yeah, this is basically already confirmed.)
The flight attendant lady who took Henry to his plane will appear again in the finale, probably when Ted is trying to board his flight. (Callback to S3 premiere)
Beard and Jane will still be doing their on-again-off-again thing in the finale. I honestly don’t think the guy is ever going to leave her for real. If he was going to, he would’ve done it by now. Hell, maybe they’ll be talking about getting engaged/married by the finale. (IDK. Seems obvious.)
The Pub Guys will get Richmond/Ted Lasso tattoos. (Callback to earlier episode.)
Ted will call someone a wanker — probably the old guy he sees outside the pub who calls him a wanker. (IDK. I feel like he’s got to do it at some point.)
Once word gets out that Ted is leaving Richmond, he’ll get an offer to coach at another English soccer club. (Reference to the second “Ted Lasso” commercial from NBC Sports.)
UPDATE: We will definitely get a third “confession” moment between Rebecca and Ted in Ted’s office, mirroring when she confessed why she hired him in S1 and when she told him about Sam in S2. Ted himself already set this up last season, with him and Rebecca saying they’d reconvene at the same time, same place in S3. This will be the penultimate episode (3.11), and I imagine that Rebecca’s big confession will be that she has feelings for Ted. Now, I see one of two scenarios happening:
- 1) Rebecca will make her confession to Ted, as scheduled, and he’ll tell her that he’s decided to go back to Kansas after the final game, causing both of them to reevaluate their decisions over the next two episodes.
- 2) Rebecca will plan to tell Ted that she’s in love with him, but he’ll interrupt her and tell her about his plans to return to Kansas. Thus, Rebecca will decide not to tell him then and there, prompting her to do a romcom-style airport run in the finale, so she can confess her feelings before he leaves.

Alright, fam, thanks for sticking to the end of this post! I look forward to the remaining 10 episodes and sending this show out in style. Let’s go, Richmond!

Ryan’s 150 Favorite Films: Number 121, Sleepaway Camp (1983)

One of the most frequent questions I am always asked being the host of the greatest movie podcast ever (opinions may vary) is “What’s your favorite movie?” That answer has been the same since I was 11 years old. But it also isn’t as easy to explain why I love some movies more than others.

As an art form, movies are by their nature interpretative. Some people will point to a film’s box office total as a barometer for a film’s quality, this might not be true again because although it might be popular to the masses it might not appeal to you. I am looking at you Avatar, which is not one of my favorite films, not by a longshot.

Also, if the film wins an Academy Award for Best Picture, that hardly means it’s one of my favorite films, looking at you The English Patient, in fact I hardly agree with the Academy. Having said that, I am sure that some people love Avatar and The English Patient. And that’s what makes movies so great.

I, also am not a professional critic. I love film. I try and find merit in all film. As a host of a podcast that attempts to give every movie a chance, I believe that is the best way to approach movies, let the lights go out and try and enjoy yourself. You might find a “diamond in the rough.”

When thinking of my favorite movies to share with you, my loyal listeners, I thought 100 wasn’t going to be enough. So, I am proud to present my 150 Favorite Films, right now. These will change, I know they will.

See you at the movies!

***Spoilers Ahead!***

121. Sleepaway Camp (1983) Directed by Robert Hiltzik

The Movie: It’s a beautiful day at the lake, John (Dan Tursi) and his boyfriend Lenny (James Paradise) are taking John’s children, Angela and Peter out for a boating trip. When the boat capsizes, John and his children try to swim to shore. But they never make it. They swim right into the path of a speeding boat. The accident kills John and Peter, leaving Angela (Felissa Rose) to leave with her eccentric Aunt Martha (Desiree Gould).

Several years have passed and Angela and her foul mouthed cousin Ricky (Jonathan Tiersten) are sent to summer camp at Camp Arawak. There Angela is the victim of bullying, especially by fellow camper Judy (Karen Fields). Not to be outdone, the camp consolers also tease Angela, lead by Meg (Katherine Kamhi).

A lot is wrong at Camp Arawak, the head cook Artie (Owen Hughes) sets his sights on Angela. Artie attempts to sexually assault Angela and is attacked by an unknown assailant. The camp owner Mel (Mike Kellin) doesn’t seemed to worried and deems Artie’s scalding by boiling water an accident.

Angela continues to be the subject of bullying, this time it’s Kenny (John E. Dunn) and Mike (Thomas E. Van Dell). Ricky has had enough and along with his friend Paul (Christopher Collet) get into a fight with Kenny and Mike. Paul befriends Angela and asks her to a movie. Kenny doesn’t make to the movie as he drowned, also ruled an accident by Mel.

At the movie Paul puts the moves on Angela and kisses her. Angela is teased by Billy (Loris Diran), who meets his end by being stung to death by bees. Finally, Mel thinks that there might be a killer at the camp.

After being kissed by Paul again, Angela struggles with emotions from her childhood. She flashes back to seeing her father in bed with another man. This leads to Meg seducing Paul and them kissing, only to be found by Angela. Paul attempts to explain himself to Angela, but Meg and Judy intervene and throw Angela into the lake. To add insult to injury, Angela also has sand thrown at her by the children at the camp. When she tells Ricky, he vows revenge. Meg takes a shower and meets her end by the point of a knife.

Paul tries to explain himself to Angela at the camp dance and tells Angela to meet him by the water. Mel soon finds a mutilated Meg and four children literally hacked to pieces. The night of terror does not end there as Judy is murdered by a curling iron in the um lady parts…

Mel believes that Ricky is the killer. Mel tracks Ricky down and starts to wail on him. Mel takes an arrow to the throat for his effort, meaning Ricky is not the killer.

Police arrive at the camp at start searching for the missing campers. Paul and Angela are near the lake and Paul asks Angela to go for a swim. Ricky is found unconscious by police and fellow campers have found Angela.

Angela is naked, holding Paul’s decapitated head. We soon learn that Angela died in the boating accident, and Peter has been forced to grown up as a girl after Aunt Martha got custody of Peter. Since Martha already had a son, she raised Peter as Angela, the girl she always wanted.

Why I Love Sleepaway Camp (1983): The slasher phase had many knockoffs and cheapies made in the early to mid 80’s. To stand out, not only did the movie need a hook, but also the body count we as audience members craved.

Like a bolt of lightning Sleepaway Camp struck me when I first saw it. Another Blockbuster Video favorite, I immediately latched onto the weirdness of the whole picture. And the ending is without a doubt one of the most shocking you will see in film.

The tone of the film is hard to pin down at first. It almost plays as if John Waters were to make a slasher film. The over the top acting by some of the actors, especially Desiree Gould, Aunt Martha gave the film a surreal quality. But there is more to Sleepaway Camp. First and foremost, the two leads Felissa Rose and Jonathan Tiersten elevate the script into something special.

Rose’s shy and timid “Angela” makes her reveal at the end that more shocking. And Tiersten is an all-star and hilarious. His intensity he brings to Ricky is palpable, but what makes him a fan favorite is his line delivery, never over the top, always on point. Maybe his most memorable line from the film;

Billy: Eat shit and die, Ricky!

Ricky: Eat shit and live, Bill!

Sleepaway Camp lures you in with a promise of another summer camp slasher flick. And while it does deliver the goods, its unconventional approach to storytelling and a shocking ending make it an all time classic slasher.

Bonus! Tales from Behind the Scenes of The Reel Nerds Podcast:

I can say unequivocally too that Jonathan Tiersten is a great dude. If you allow me to reach back into my Reel Nerds memories for just a moment to tell you a story.

At Mile High Horror 2012, we were given a small booth in a corner with an opportunity to interview the celebrities there. Being really new to the scene, we The Nerds kinda just sat back and interviewed the film fans.

That changed when a funny, and sweet man approached our booth and asked us what we do. I told him and as I was talking to him, it hit me. This is cousin Ricky from Sleepaway Camp! Not only did Jonathan sit down for a long interview, he also introduced to other celebrities there. Like Jeffrey Reddick, writer and creator of Final Destination. Jonathan also became a real friend. No joke or name dropping going on here. He is a genuinely nice person. He made us legitimate at the Horror Show and gave me confidence to talk to other celebrities, Jonathan told me, “what’s the worst they can say, no?” He was right of course, and I learned that most will sit down with us.

Also, Jonathan agreed to be in our silly “Podshow”. Not only that but playing a version of himself where he is a killer. He invited us to his home. Let us film with him all day and made us ribs when we were done. That’s not the end either. When we debuted the short at a film festival, Jonathan agreed to make an appearance not only as the star of the short film, but as a judge as well. I am not sure how many of my listeners and readers are privy to how much Jonathan helped us in the beginning, but I am forever in his debt because he did.

Ryan’s 150 Favorite Film: Number 122, Mr. Lucky (1943)

See you at the movies!

***Spoilers Ahead!***

122. Mr. Lucky (1943) Directed by H.C. Potter

The Movie: Joe Adams (Cary Grant) is a draft dodging, con man. Joe’s luck runs out when he and his partner, Zepp (Paul Stewart) both get the numbers called to join the fight. Joe does have one more ace up his sleeve. His lackey Joe Bascopoulos has died, and his status is 4F, meaning he is unfit for duty. Joe and Zepp decide to gamble for Bascopoulos’ identity so they do not have to enter the war. Zepp cheats, but Joe still wins and assumes Bascopoulos’ identity. Zepp meanwhile fails his physical examination and is denied enlistment.

Joe as an idea for a gambling ship, the problem is he has no money. Ever the con man, Joe meets Captain Veronica Steadman (Gladys Cooper) and talks her into bankrolling a “charity” casino, in which the profits will be used to outfit a relief ship. Captain Steadman agrees, but Joe is meet with some pushback from Lieutenant and wealthy socialite, Dorothy Bryant (Laraine Day).

Joe is a charming con man and eventually wins Dorothy over, by teaching her some Australian slang, and being a quick thinker.

On the day of the charity ball, Joe receives a letter from Greece. Joe, curious about its contents takes it to a Greek Orthodox priest to translate it for him. Joe learns that the letter is from Bascopoulos’ mother. Joe learns that she is in Axis-occupied Greece. Not only that but Bascopoulos brothers fought the Nazi’s to the death, so too did all the men in their village. Joe for the first time realizes that maybe being a con man isn’t the way to be.

At the ball, Joe’s plan to steal money from the rich is coming into focus. Joe uses cash boxes with fake bottoms to move the money. Joe soon is overcome with guilt and changes his mind, he tells “Crunk” (Alan Carney) that the money will in fact go to the war relief.

Zepp hears this and takes Joe at gunpoint. Dorothy believes Joe is in on the scam, Joe ever the quick thinker, knocks her out, thus protecting her. As Zepp begins to collect the money, Joe attacks him, and kills him, brutally. Joe is shot in scuffle and runs away. Leaving only a trail of blood.

Dorothy receives the money from Joe, through his friend Swede (Charles Bickford) at the dock. Dorothy learns that Joe has died, but when a policeman shows her his picture, she realizes that’s not the Joe she knows. Dorothy learns that there is a ship in the dock that Bascopoulos works on. She rushes there and finds Joe. She begs Joe to take her with him to Europe. Joe refuses, telling Dorothy that she deserves someone better. Joe leaves. Dorothy believes that on the return trip from Europe, Joe’s ship is torpedoed. Dorothy overcome with grief visits the pier every night, hoping for Joe’s return.

Joe does return, by a dinghy, but on the other end of the pier. As Joe excitedly exits the boat the guard tells him he can’t leave it tied where it’s at. Joe makes a deal with the watchman, he will flip a coin and whomever losses must move the boat. Joe is given heads and wins. Dorothy sees him and runs and embraces him. Swede looks at the coin, it’s heads on both sides.

Why I Love Mr. Lucky (1943): Up to this point in his career Cary Grant did not delve too much into darker characters, sure there was Johnnie Aysgarth in Suspicion, but that was a red herring. In Mr. Lucky, Grant uses what us as audience members expect from him against us.

Grant is funny, charming and handsome but that’s what makes Joe such a great con man. He lulls you into liking him and when you least suspect it, he uses that power and pulls the rug out from under your feet.

Joe is not a good guy. It takes the good in Laraine Day’s Dorothy and the sacrifice of men across the Atlantic for Joe to see the wrongs he has done, and Grant is a master at taking us along for the ride.

H.C. Potter keeps the film from being too predictable, with stylish fog peppering the opening and ending of the film, giving the movie a mysterious and dangerous feel.

Not lost in the gambling, double-crossing and brutal killing of a man at the hands of Grant, is still the most charming man to ever grace the big screen. His scenes with Day, teaching her slang are some of the most fun scenes in Grant’s career.

Mr. Lucky takes what we know about Cary Grant, what we love about Cary Grant and turns it on its side. It is one of the only films in Grant’s incredible career where you are not sure if you should be rooting for him, or against him. In the end, Grant’s charisma wins out and makes Mr. Lucky one of his most underrated films.

Ryan’s 150 Favorite Films: Number 123, A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

See you at the movies!

***Spoilers Ahead!***

123. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) Directed by Wes Craven

The Movie: Tina Gray (Amanda Wyss) is attacked in her dreams by a man (Robert Englund) that has blades on a glove. The attack happens in a darkened boiler room. Somehow, Tina’s nightgown has been slashed. How can this be if it happened in her dream?

Tina tells her friend Nancy Thompson (Heather Langenkamp) and Nancy’s boyfriend Glen (Johnny Depp). Nancy and Glen tell Tina that they will stay at her house while her mother is out of town. Tina learns that Nancy is also having the same dream of the man, wearing a hat, disfigured and blades on his hand.

At the Tina’s house, her boyfriend Rod Lane (Jsu Garcia) decides to stay the night as well. That night Tina is attacked by the man again. She starts to thrash in her sleep, waking Rod up. Rod is terrified when Tina’s sleeping body is picked up and slashed, killing her in a violent and bloody attack. Rod flees and Nancy and Glen find her lifeless body.

Rod is arrested the next day by Don Thompson (John Thompson) a Lieutenant at the police department. Nancy meanwhile is at school, where she falls asleep, and once again is attacked by the disfigured man. Nancy sensing that she is asleep, burns herself, waking her up. Nancy notices the burn mark on her arm, understanding she can be hurt in the nightmares she has about the disfigured man.

Nancy visits Rod in jail. When Rod explains his nightmares and what happened to Tina, Nancy is convinced that the disfigured man is attacking all of them in their sleep. Nancy believes that the disfigured man is responsible for Tina’s death not Rod.

Nancy returns home, only to fall asleep in the bathtub. The ominous glove appears from the depths, attacking Nancy. Nancy escapes death but asks Glen to stay with her when she falls asleep and keep her safe. Glen agrees but he too falls asleep. In her nightmare, Nancy sees the disfigured man about to kill Rod in his jail cell. Interrupted, the man goes after Nancy. Nancy is woken by her alarm clock. Rod is not so lucky, he is killed by hanging, looking like a suicide.

Sensing that her daughter is in trouble, Nancy’s mother Marge (Ronee Blakley) takes her to a sleep disorder clinic. There she has another nightmare, during a fight with the ma, she pulls off his fedora, wakes up and is shocked to learn that she pulled the fedora into the real world. Written in the fedora is the name “Fred Krueger”.

Marge confesses to Nancy that Krueger was a child murderer who escaped prosecution on a technicality and the parents of Springwood took matters into their own hands. They cornered Krueger and burned him alive. Nancy now knows that Krueger is after her and her friends by him as revenge.

Nancy attempts to warn Glen; however, his parents will not allow her to speak with him. That night, Glen falls asleep and is killed by Krueger.

Nancy realizes that the only way to kill Krueger is to bring him into her world. Nancy tells her father to break into her home and wake her up in twenty minutes. Nancy sets booby traps around her house and goes to sleep.

Nancy grabs Krueger and pulls him into the real world. Krueger chases Nancy and falls victim to her traps. Nancy lights Krueger on fire and locks him into the basement. The police rush into Nancy’s home, and go upstairs and find Krueger, on fire smothering Marge on her bed. They both disappear into the bed after the fire is put out. Krueger, is not finished as he rises from the bed and lunges at Nancy. Nancy realizes that fear gives Krueger his powers, she simply turns her back. Krueger vanishes, unable to inflict damage onto Nancy.

The next morning Nancy leaves her home, and goes to Glen’s car, all of her friends are now alive. But everything is not what it seems. The top of Glen’s convertible closes, revealing the colors of Krueger’s sweater. The car tears off down the street. Children are playing jump rope in the front yard singing Krueger’s nursery rhyme, “One, two, Freddy’s coming for you…” Marge who is also alive is pulled through the door window by Kreuger…

Why I Love A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984): The slasher craze was slowly winding down in 1984. After being the most popular subgenre of horror thanks to Friday the 13^th and Halloween, it seemed that the formula was getting stale. And with no boogeymen as terrifying as Jason Voorhees or Michael Myers was unleashed to the movie going crowd, most were as undistinguishable as the lifeless bodies of Jason’s exploits.

In comes Wes Cravens sinister A Nightmare on Elm Street and an awesome new villain in Freddy Krueger. It is refreshing in revisiting this film how scary Krueger is. Robert Englund delivers an all-time performance that is menacing and full of glee for the macabre. Kreuger would slowly devolve into a court jester, spewing of “funny” one-liners and it would take Craven returning 10 years later and Wes Craven’s New Nightmare for Freddy to regain his past glory. And truth be told, I really only like a couple of the films in the series, but when they are working they are great entertainment.

Heather Langenkamp gives Nancy the smarts and the toughness we want from a “Final Girl”. Her determination to end Kreuger’s reign of terror makes her easy to root for. The special effects are first rate. Freddy’s makeup is bone-chillingly memorable. But perhaps the most memorable sequence is Glen’s death. Johnny Depp’s first movie is highlighted by a geyser of blood that emanates from his waterbed after Freddy pulls him into his nightmare.

A Nightmare on Elm Street succeeds by tapping into our fear of not being in control of our dreams. But further cements its legacy by giving birth to one of films greatest villains in Freddy Krueger.

Ryan’s 150 Favorite Films: Number 124, Commando (1985)

See you at the movies!

***Spoilers Ahead!***

124. Commando (1985) Directed by Mark L. Lester

The Movie: John Matrix (Arnold Schwarzenegger) is retired, living a good life with his daughter Jenny (Alyssa Milano). They eat ice cream, he carries tree trunks, you know the simple life.

That simple life is upended when Matrix’s former superior Major General Franklin Kirby (James Olsen) informs Matrix that members of his team are being killed by mercenaries, led by an ex-member of Matrix’s team Bennett (Vernon Wells).

Soon they attack Matrix’s home and kidnap Jenny. Matrix chases them down but is overwhelmed and tranquillized. Matrix is taken to see Arius (Dan Hedaya), a former dictator that Matrix helped remove from power. Matrix is told that he needs to assassinate the new leader of Val Verde, or they will kill Jenny. Matrix agrees. But not really, he kills the man escorting him to Val Verde and jumps from the plane. Matrix knows that he has exactly 11 hours to save Jenny, that’s how long the flight to Val Verde is.

Matrix knows not to trust Arius, he knows that no matter what he does, Jenny will die unless he saves her. Matrix tracks down one of Arius men, Sully (David Patrick Kelly) with the help of reluctant flight attendant Cindy (Rae Dawn Chong).

Matrix finds Sully and gets the information that he needs from him and drops him off a cliff. In Sully’s pocket he finds a motel room key and goes to the room. There he finds and fights Cooke (Bill Duke), killing him as well.

Matrix and Cindy learn that Jenny is being held at an island hideout owned by Arius. Before Matrix goes to the island, he stocks up on weapons at an army surplus store only to be arrested by the police. Don’t worry, Cindy launches a rocket at the police and rescues Matrix. They take a seaplane and head to the island fortress.

Before Matrix goes to save Jenny, he tells Cindy to contact Major General Kirby and inform him where they are.

Arius’ army doesn’t know what hits him as Matrix mows them down with guns, grenades and saws. Jenny escapes to the basement of Aruis’ compound and Bennett finds her. Matrix finds them as well. Bennett made a big mistake taking Matrix’s daughter and is impaled by a steam pipe.

Why I Love Commando (1985): Like horror movies, I am a big sucker for 80’s action movies. Commando is one of the best. It has some of the best Schwarzenegger one-liners;

“Remember Sully, when I promised to kill you last?” “I lied”

“I eat Green Berets for breakfast. And right now, I’m very hungry!”

“Don’t disturb my friend, he’s dead tired.”

“Let off some steam Bennett!”

Speaking of Arnold, he commands the screen with a physical and imposing presence. Director Mark L. Lester knows exactly what kind of movie this is and never lets it linger on one scene for too long. It buzzes along like a saw that cuts of dictator’s army’s heads.

With non-stop action, funny one-liners and an iconic performance by Arnold Schwarzenegger, Commando is an 80’ action fans dream.

Movie Madness 2023: Selection Sunday Announcement

It’s hard to believe this will be our fourth Movie Madness tournament. Didn’t we just start this thing, like, yesterday?

In case you missed it, in 2020, because the post-season college basketball tournaments were canceled, I thought, “What better way to keep the crazy competitiveness of March alive than with a movie tournament?”

So, I introduced Corinne’s Movie Madness.

A special thank you to Brad for the excellent graphic!

Just like the basketball tournaments, we had a field of competitors facing off in one-on-one competitions. You, the Reel Nerds fans, decided which of the two movies in a given match-up advanced to the next round, and eventually crowned The Princess Bride as Movie Madness 2020’s champion.

In 2021, I got my fellow Nerds involved in a Disney/Pixar Animation tournament. Of all the amazing 16 movies, I’m happy to say my No. 1 seed, Beauty & The Beast (1991), won the 2021 crown. Then, last year, we did DC vs. Marvel and Logan came out on top of the 16-film bracket.

This March, we’re finally tapping into the origins of Movie Madness with a sports movie tournament!

The competitors and bracket mechanics

Unlike the NCAA basketball tournaments, this one is very selective. Only 16 films qualify for a coveted spot on the bracket. No doubt you’re wondering exactly how I picked 16 films out of hundreds of sports movies.

Well, first, shout out to Brad for giving me the idea for this year’s theme. I had a couple of ideas in February, but after talking to some of the other Nerds, I realized a sports movie bracket would be perfect! I’m honestly surprised I haven’t done one yet. I practically grew up on sports movies, as there were tons that came out in the 90s and early 2000s.

So, that’s where I started building this year’s bracket. I decided that, to qualify, the movie had to come out in my lifetime — 1990 or later. I realize this excludes a ton of sports movies, including very beloved ones like Rocky, Field of Dreams and Hoosiers, but I had to start somewhere. It’s possible I might put together a pre-1990 sports movie tournament in the future.

I also decided to exclude any movies that involved animals (Air Bud, Seabiscuit, etc.), and required that the movie’s main character (or co-main character) has to coach or play the given sport. So, movies where the main character is only a fan, a parent, an agent or the team’s owner don’t qualify.

So, with those criteria, I started asking my fellow Nerds and other friends what their favorite post-1990 sports movies were. Based on their suggestions and some of my own favorites, I compiled a bracket of 16 films.

I decided to create the “regions” based on what time of year the sports depicted are typically played. For example: basketball movies in the winter sports, baseball in the spring sports, etc. I know soccer/futbol is played all over the world at various times of year, so I decided to go with the season when the local college plays it — fall. I also combined year-round sports and summer sports into one category.

Then, once I figured out which region/category the movies would start in, I selected the first-round matchups based on the sports and/or the tone of the movie. Some are more comedic, so I tried to pair them up with other sports-comedies. Same thing with sports-dramas.

Thus, because of the weird formatting, we’re not doing “seeds” or rankings for each movie this year. It would’ve complicated things much more than necessary.

How you participate

Just like the college basketball tournament, Movie Madness will start Thursday, March 16!

That day, we will post the first match-up on the Reel Nerds’ Twitter page so you can cast your vote! Simple as that.

For instance, March 16 will feature our first Winter Sports matchup; whichever movie receives more votes by the time the poll ends will advance to the next round. (If there happens to be a tie, I’ll cast the deciding vote.)

Eight days later, we will advance to the second-round match-ups, and the procedure will be the same until a movie is crowned the winner. If I’m counting right, our championship matchup should be on March 30.

Announcing the field

Here is your full field:

Thursday, March 16: Cool Runnings vs. Space Jam. Who knew winter sports could be so… looney? Cool Runnings is based on the true story of the Jamaican bobsled team making its debut in the 1988 Winter Olympics. While Space Jam is the “true story” of basketball legend Michael Jordan deciding to play professional baseball, only for the Looney Tunes to convince him that basketball is where his real talent lies.
Friday, March 17: Miracle vs. Hustle. Both sports-dramas, Miracle is based on the true story of the U.S. hockey team overcoming its underdog status in the 1980 Winter Olympics; while, Hustle is a recent Netflix movie featuring Adam Sandler as a pro basketball scout who puts his career on the line to train a complete unknown for the NBA combine/draft.
Saturday, March 18: A League of Their Own vs. 42. Both dramatic retellings of true stories, ALOTO shows women playing professional baseball during World War II and 42 portrays Jackie Robinson’s role in breaking baseball’s color barrier.
Sunday, March 19: Angels in the Outfield vs. The Sandlot. Both childhood classics of mine, each film examines what happens when the impossible becomes the possible, when the imaginary becomes reality on the baseball field. Angels in the Outfield is about the titular professional baseball team receiving some divine intervention, and The Sandlot is about a group of boys who spend their summers growing and learning together on the field.
Monday, March 20: Ford V. Ferrari vs. Creed. Both more dramatic sports movies, Ford V. Ferrari is based on the real-life racing rivalry, and Creed — a sequel to the Rocky franchise — shows Apollo Creed’s son picking up his father’s gloves and stepping into the boxing ring.
Tuesday, March 21: Happy Gilmore vs. Talladega Nights. Both insanely funny sports-comedies, Happy Gilmore is what happens when a NHL reject takes up professional golfing, and Talladega Nights is about Ricky Bobby’s journey to regain his racing mojo.
Wednesday, March 22: The Big Green vs. Bend It Like Beckham. These soccer comedies are what happen when your imagination runs away with you on the field. The Big Green shows a small Texas town forming its first-ever youth soccer team, while Bend It Like Beckham is a coming-of-age story about a Punjabi-British girl’s desire to play soccer despite her family’s objections.
Thursday, March 23: Remember the Titans vs. Rudy. These football dramas show the true power of real-life underdog stories. Remember the Titans depicts the titular players having to overcome their racial prejudices when their Virginia high schools integrate, while Rudy‘s the story of an underdog who dreams of playing football at Notre Dame.

Thus, on Friday, March 24, we will start the second round and on March 30, we will have our championship showdown.

Which sports movie will take home the 2023 Movie Madness Trophy? Which Cinderella story will take the crown? Which set of underdogs will triumph in the end?

You decide!

Rod Stewart: Year by Year, Track by Track Part 7 1982-1984

Part 7: In Which Our Hero is Part of the Sex Police, a Cruel But Fair and Thankless Job

The 1980’s had just gotten under way and Rod Stewart had in two years had two platinum albums. Stewart dominated the airwaves for over a decade now, and Hollywood came calling. The comedy Night Shift was released July 30, 1982 and the closing song over the credits featured a new song by Stewart.

243. That’s What Friends Are For (Burt Bacharach, Carole Bayer Sager)

A lot of people might be shocked to learn that Dionne Warwick version of That’s What Friends Are For is not the original recording. Rod would record his version three years prior. And while Stewart’s version is a solid cover, it is impossible to hear this song now and not think about the $3 million that Warwick’s version raised for AIDS research.

Rod’s version opens with a piano, not Stevie Wonder’s trademark harmonica. Rod’s version is also more subdued. Stewart still sings his heart out. On Warwick’s she makes the chorus a little bigger and the second verse is almost completely different.

Grade: B

Stewart, riding the success of a string of five platinum albums, embarked on a world tour. Fans of Stewart were treated soon with a double live album, that although promised in the liner notes that it was completely 100% recorded live, that was not the case.

Absolutely Live November 6, 1982

244. The Great Pretender (Live) (Buck Ram)

Rod pleads with the crowd “Oh yes!” as he launches into a winning cover of The Platters hit. Stewart takes the song from a Doo-Wop classic and coats it with some 80’s sheen.

Stewart is in top vocal form. Stewart has a little hiccup in his voice a couple of times and it adds to the heartbreak of the song. Peppered with a scorching saxophone solo by Jimmy Zavala, Rod again proves he can do R&B like no one else.

Grade: A

245. Guess I’ll Always Love You (Rod Stewart, Tony Brock, Jim Cregan, Jay Davis, Robin Le Mesurier, Kevin Savigar, Bernie Taupin)

“Here’s a song that’s brand new. Right here tonight. So, you don’t know it.” Although Rod introduces this song in front of an “audience”, truth be told this song, along with The Great Pretender were recorded in a studio, with the crowd added later.

This is the first Rod Stewart sing I remember hearing on a cassette tape that I bought that I totally adored. I remember like it was yesterday. After seeing Rod’s Concert Video, I asked my dad if I could get a Rod Stewart tape. My father said yes and took me to our local Target. There I found Absolutely Live, and I wore that tape out in my radical Fisher Price tape deck.

Guess I’ll Always Love You, is clever, catchy and a blast of a song. Hands down one my favorite Stewart songs from the 80’s. The lyrics are so good. “I used to think I was something real special, brag about the hearts that I broke, but you came along like a hurricane honey, and snapped me like a piece of rope, oh even after all this time, when I acted so stupid and blind, you took me in when I was out, you gave me hope when there was doubt.” And I love how Stewart decides that, “I guess I’ll always love you, I guess I’ll always care.”

Grade: A+

On The Rod Stewart Sessions, there is an alternate version of “Guess I’ll Always Love You”. Stewart makes fun of this live song in a mocking tone saying, “Right. No strain. Live performance in studio”. By stripping the crowd noise from the track you hear more clearly the nuance is Stewart’s voice.

In 2009, us fans were blessed with a lot of outtakes from the Absolutely Live Sessions, some I can’t believe Stewart put on tape.

246. The Great Pretender (acoustic version) (Buck Ram)

Another example of what ended up on the record is lightyears different on Stewart’s first go around for a song. Here, he strips The Great Pretender down to only him, a guitar and some background vocals. I can’t even describe how incredible this song is. Another instrument doesn’t even pop up until about half way through the song, and it is only a handheld tambourine.

If you ever needed to know the greatness of Rod Stewart it is on this track.

Grade: A+

247. It’s Coming Out of Your Royalties (Rod Stewart)

A funny, profane look into a joke that I am sure Rod never thought would see the light of day. In this song our Hero tells the listeners that he was asked by Warner Bros. records and Tom Ruffino who at the time was the head of their International Department to play something of the live album, to which Stewart replied, “Of course Tom, I’d do anything for you and Warner Bros records. So this is Rod Stewart and we are going to give you “The Great Pretender”. Some other bloke chimes in, “What a liar you turned out to be.” Stewart replies, “Shh. Don’t ruin it!”

The next three minutes are comedy gold. Stewart name checks several high-ranking including Mo Ostin the CEO of the whole company, telling the listener that Tom Ruffino is “is in the men’s room, just putting on a show!”

The song is a barroom style sing along, that is catchy, silly and completely not for the non-P.C. crowd. As he tells the Warner Bros. executives that “you’re a load of dickheads…”

Grade: A

248. My Dad’s Trousers (Rod Stewart)

Continuing the beer hall sound, Stewart’s charm and humor are on full display as he sings quite literally about his dad’s trousers.

With a scat and no musical accompaniment, he shreds his vocals and makes us laugh.

Grade: B-

Rod concluded his tour and headed back into the studio. Like Foolish Behaviour before, Stewart planned on making his next album a double album. Stewart’s real-life drama however was getting in the way. Not only did Tony Toon, Stewart’s personal assistant, spread a rumor about Rod and a bunch of sailors. And Rod was on the outs with his manager Billy Gaff. During the Tonight I’m Yours Tour, Stewart stated that he asked for an advance for his guitarist Robin Le Mesurier. Gaff apparently told Rod, “There was no money.”

Stewart was shocked as he had spent “three months touring.” Stewart said that he and Gaff spent the rest of the flight arguing and when Gaff did not return Rod’s calls, Rod fired him.

These events would inspire and hinder his next album, Body Wishes.

Body Wishes June 10, 1983

249. Dancin’ Alone (Rod Stewart, Robin Le Mesurier)

Although I believe Body Wishes might be Stewart’s most inconsistent album, it has my one of my favorite album covers and it opens with a brilliant one-two punch.

First, is a forgotten gem of a song. I told you earlier in this article series that every Rod Stewart album has one song that should’ve been a hit, on Body Wishes that song is Dancin’ Alone. An anthem for the singles, or the a rally call for not being down on yourself, Dancin’ Alone tells the toe tapping, Chuck Berry-ish tale of “on a boulevard in Paris, I met a good old friend of mine, come on over to my place, being yourself and bottle of wine…”

Stewart goes on tell us, “It was then I witnessed, something I’d never seen, Some satisfaction, Dancin’ Alone!” And to cap it off, the hyperbolic final verse, “I was feeling rejected but I wasn’t going home, in a moment of rash decision, I threw myself right on floor, I did a backflip and somersault, Yeah the crowd called for more, So if you’re tired of watching, being left on the shelf get your satisfaction, dancin’ alone!”

Straight barn burner!

Grade: A+

There is an alternate take of “Dancin’ Alone” on The Rod Stewart Sessions. Different lyrics, and a little more restrained, it doesn’t quite capture the energy of the final track, but is a good listen for Stewart fans.

250. Baby Jane (Rod Stewart, Jay Davis)

Of all of Rod Stewart’s 80’s songs, Baby Jane might be the most 80’s of them all, and it rules. Stewart looked back at Baby Jane in Storyteller and stated, “We began laying down the track with a guide vocal, and the very first words that came from my mouth were “Baby Jane”. Cries of “Eureka!” were heard from all over the studio, hats were tossed into the sky and grown men wept. We knew we had a good one.”

Stewart was right. Baby Jane is one of his best and most fun. The tale of Baby Jane is a woman in which Our Hero knew “when you had no one to talk to. But no your living in high society, Don’t forget I know secrets about you.”

Following that up with the winning chorus, “When I give my heart again, I know, it’s gonna last forever, no one tell me where or when, I know, it’s gonna last forever!”

A huge hit for Stewart, number one in the U.K., number fourteen in the U.S., the only bummer for me personally is it took until 2022 for me to hear him sing it live, and it was as magical as I hoped it would be.

Grade: A+

251. Move Me (Rod Stewart, Tony Brock, Jay Davis, Wall Stocker, Kevin Savigar)

An angry song about a crumbling relationship, which Rod was struggling with Alana Hamilton during the recording of Body Wishes, it seeps in to some of the songs on the album.

Although not the strongest song, it has it moments lyrically. “When I’m standing next to you even in a crowd, I might as well be on another planet.” The chorus isn’t strong however and it drags the song down.

Grade: C

An alternate take of Move Me can be found on the digital extended version of the album. It is the same song with a slightly different mix. The vocals are slightly brought forward, making them more in your face.

252. Body Wishes (Rod Stewart, Jim Cregan, Kevin Savigar, Robin Le Mesurier)

The synths are heavy on the title track with Stewart touching ever so slightly on the feel of Passion. While not the most complex song it is catchy and there is some sex appeal to it. The lyrics sometimes are a little silly, “You’re so close to shootin’ that you want to burst, somebody’s sponge needs squeezin’ body wishes.”

Grade: B-

An alternate take of Body Wishes can be found on the digital extended version of the album. It is the same song with a slightly different mix.

253. Sweet Surrender (Rod Stewart, Robin Le Mesurier)

An island vibe slowly builds to Stewart singing sweetly to his love. It is a departure from the rest of the album. Rod is also restrained as he sings the song, never over singing but almost as if he is singing it for just one person, which makes the song effective.

Nice guitar work throughout the song as well by Le Mesurier gives Sweet Surrender a nice feel.

Grade: A-

An alternate take of Sweet Surrender appears on The Rod Stewart Sessions, which strips a lot of the post production embellishments. Just Our Hero and guitars. Good stuff.

254. What Am I Gonna Do (I’m So in Love With You) (Rod Stewart, Jay Davis, Tony Brock)

Happy, go-lucky, fun lyrics pepper What Am I Gonna Do (I’m So in Love With You). I remember listening to this song all the time traveling with my dad in his van to our next camping location.

It is catchy, again with the steel drums it has an island feel to it, but more bouncy than Sweet Surrender. And the lyrics, classic “Can I tell you what you mean to me? You’re as central as the air I breathe, almost impossible to believe that you’re mine.”

Bonus points for the video being incredibly silly.

Grade: A+

On the digital extended edition of Body Wishes, an alternate version of What Am I Gonna Do (I’m So in Love with You) appears. It is the same song just with a different mix.

255. Ghetto Blaster (Rod Stewart, Jim Cregan, Kevin Savigar)

“Take us to your leader!” The kids plead in this limp attempt at invoking emotions of Pink Floyd’s The Wall Part 2.

I am not a fan of this song. I think it has more to with the music, it isn’t inspiring, it comes across as a synth laden, hollow attempt at bringing forth important issues. I will say Stewart gives an impassioned read.

Grade: C-

An early version of Ghetto Blaster appears on 2009’s The Rod Stewart Sessions. The mix is slightly different, the lyrics are slightly different and not finished as well, it doesn’t make the song better, it just gives you another version, the biggest departure is the kids are gone, Rod steps up in their place singing, “Take me to your leader.”

256. Ready Now (Rod Stewart, Wally Stocker)

The sax and the synths start with great urgency on a clear swipe at Billy Gaff, Stewart isn’t even hiding who this about.

Stewart and the music are pissed, “I’m bitter now, but wait and see, you ain’t heard the last of me, I’ll dance on your grave when they finally put you away, What’d I do to deserve all this evil attention, a thousand will never buy you redemption.”

Yikes, don’t cross Rod Stewart.

Grade: B-

257. Strangers Again (Rod Stewart, Jim Cregan, Kevin Savigar)

Our hero pleads with his love, “don’t give up on us!” It seems like another swipe at Alana. The song is tinged with bitterness and remorsefulness, which most people experience in relationships.

Like a lot of the songs on Body Wishes, it seems the musically it isn’t the best as there are way too many synths and embellishments, giving some songs, including Strangers Again losing some of its power.

Grade: C-

An alternate take of Strangers Again can be found on the digital extended version of the album. It is the same song with a slightly different mix. The vocals are slightly brought forward and out front. Also, gone is the cooing of “strangers again” in the chorus.

258. Satisfied (Rod Stewart, Bernie Taupin, Jim Cregan, Kevin Savigar)

Closing out the album with what feels and sounds like a show stopping ballad, Stewart belts out the lyrics, pleading with a woman that a man needs her.

Stewart again, doesn’t get the props he deserves for songwriting as lyrics that are nuanced and heartfelt pepper Satisfied. “When the world outside is threatening, and all his dreams have been destroyed, take him in your arms watch all his guards, melt like a little boy.” And he closed the song with some truly poignant lyrics, “And they say the heart’s a hunter, but its truth you can’t deny, he may never be everything you want, but for you, he’d lay down and die.”

Grade: A

An alternate version of Satisfied appears on 2009’s The Rod Stewart Sessions. By removing a lot of the synths and keeping the most important instrument, Rod’s voice unfettered you hear all the nuances in his performance, which is an A+

The Rod Stewart Sessions and the extended digital edition of Body Wishes contained three songs that were left on the cutting room floor.

259. I Wish You Would (Billy Boy Arnold)

“And away we go!” Our hero shouts at the beginning of this outtake. The Yardbirds (with Jeff Beck) recorded this song in 1965, and Rod sticks pretty close to their version.

I like the outtakes where Stewart plays not only the lead singer but also the producer. Here is shouting out directions as the song goes through its runtime.

Not quite finished, but it has a nice rough feel to it with some inspired band play.

Grade: B-

260. Show Me (Rod Stewart)

Rod is clearly still working on this song as he borrows a phrase from Guess I’ll Always Love You, “I used to think I’m something real special.” And he also uses fill in mumble words as looks for a finished product.

What we do have is about 80% of a song that is heartfelt with some great singing by Stewart. I would have loved to hear this completed; I think Rod was onto something.

Grade: B-

261. Walkin’ (Rod Stewart)

I am going to go out on a limb and say this song was written by Stewart. It has some clever lyrics with the music that seems to be almost completely. It feels like the song was nearly complete and then abandoned, which also seems to be the fate of a lot of songs from the Body Wishes sessions.

Walkin’ is a jaunty tune that about missing the woman you love and seeing her all around town, nothing earth shattering but I am glad it is available to consume.

Grade: C+

262. E or A (Rod Stewart)

“We’re going to do this in fucking “E” right? And if I’m not in fucking “E” I’ll be in “A”.”

A drunken musical lesson taught be Stewart. Not on a song per se, but really funn.

Grade: Funny

Body Wishes felt a little unfocused after the incredible success of Tonight I’m Yours. It made it into the top 5 in the U.K. but stalled at number thirty in the U.S. Rod seemed to realize it as well as his next album would be shorter, more focused and more tailored to the United States fans.Stewart even called in an old friend for help, Jeff Beck.

Camouflage June 8, 1984

263. Infatuation (Rod Stewart, Duane Hitchings, Rowland Robinson)

Not wasting anytime signaling a new more aggressive album, the lead single and first song on Camouflage, Infatuation is a guitar crunching song about being obsessed with a woman and going to lengths to be with her. I have always said that this might be sneakily some of Rod’s best lyrics, with awesome rhymes, such as this gem “Heart beats silly like a big bass drum, losing all equilibrium, maybe I’m lucky, maybe I’m free, maybe this woman is all I need.”

Easily one of Rod’s best videos as well. It’s funny and tells the story of the song brilliantly. Infatuation is the first of three songs Jeff Beck appears on, but only the guitar solo. Michael Landau provides most of the electricity in the song. Infatuation still is a popular song in Stewart’s catalogue as he still plays it live a lot of times opening the show.

Grade: A+

On the extended version of Camouflage, an alternate mix of Infatuation can be heard. It loses the slow build up at the beginning, launching right away into the song with Beck and company ripping it up. Stripped down to the core, it is a fun listen.

264. All Right Now (Andy Fraser, Paul Rodgers)

An overly slick remake to a Free classic, All Right Now is a rock ‘n’ roll classic. Stewart and band update All Right Now for an 80’s audience. Although it might feel a little unnecessary to cover, it still is an incredibly fun version.

Rod pours his heart into the cover as he is a fan of the band and the song, which comes through in his performance. My only complaint is the too clean, synth-y sound of the band.

Grade: B

An alternate mix of All Right Now appears on the digital extended version of Camouflage. Complete with Tony Brock on drums keeping count. Another mix that strips a lot of the synth, making it a little more in line with the original.

265. Some Guys Have All the Luck (Jeff Fortang)

First released by The Persuaders, and then Stewart heard it first as sung by Robert Palmer. What is truly fascinating with Some Guys Have All the Luck is each version is different the others.

Our Hero for his part combines the two versions and also changes the actual verses and the chorus. This is how The Persuaders version goes, “Some guys have all the luck, some guys have all the pain, some guys have a little sunshine in their lives, mine is only filled with rain”. Robert Palmer’s “Some guys have all the luck, some guys get all the fun, some guys have all the luck, all the luck, ooh, ooh what you gonna do when your luck begins to run.”

Stewart’s version also has an awesome breakdown after the third verse;

“If you were here with me, I’d feel so happy I could cry, you are so dear to me, I just can’t let you say goodbye.”

I would be curious on which version is the closest to how it was originally written. The lyrics on Stewart’s almost make me think that he wrote some of them. He did mention in his autobiography that the song was pieced together by several people looking for the complete version.

Stewart brings the chorus to the forefront and makes the song more of a heartache and longing. Stewart’s is also the catchiest and poppy-est of the bunch. Stewart’s also charted the highest at number 10 on the Billboard Charts.

Grade: A

266. Can We Still Be Friends (Todd Rundgren)

Originally released by Todd Rundgren in 1978, Can We Still Be Friends is given an 80’s update by Rod with synths and drum machines fighting for attention.

Rod’s version is a little more bitter in the vocal delivery, Rundgren is more longing.

Not the most essential song on the album but a fun 80’s time capsule.

Grade: C+

There is an alternate take of Can We Still Be Friends on the digital extended edition of Camouflage. The lyrics are the same, the music is slightly different.

267. Bad For You (Rod Stewart, Kevin Savigar, Jim Cregan)

I love Bad For You. It is sexy, in a really radical 80’s way. I have mentioned before that I love Rod’s down and dirty songs. Where I believe Dirty Weekend is trashy fun, Bad For You is dangerous fun. The song finds Our Hero stalking his lover, “when you turn around, I’ll be standing there.”

Bonus points for it being incredibly awesome live. On The Rod Stewart Concert Video, Stewart is wearing a pink suit, canary yellow shirt and socks and Ray-Bans, singing the song on his knees and arching all the way back, you should seek the video out. It is what a rock star looks like.

Grade: A+

To hear the Concert Video version of Bad For You, seek out Tonight’s the Night: Live 1978-1998. You will find his San Diego performance on it, unedited. That is my favorite version of the song.

268. Heart is on the Line (Rod Stewart, Jay Davis)

A ballad, 80’s style. It is slightly over produced, but it still hits the mark. Our Hero pleads that “love stop making a fool out of me.”

Heart is on the Line is catchy from beginning to end. Every time I listen to it, I find myself tapping my foot and singing it out loud. I hidden gem for sure.

Grade: B+

269. Camouflage (Rod Stewart, Kevin Savigar, Michael Omartian)

The weakest song on the album is also one of two songs that has a songwriting credit from producer, Michael Omartian. It’s loud and somewhat obnoxious, a lot like the 80’s…

Anyways… Camouflage tells the story in which Our Hero gets excited when a woman who looks like she is DTF, teases him and backs out at the end, you know, Camouflage!

On a positive note, it will teach you how to spell c-a-m-o-u-f-l-a-g-e, which is harder than it sounds.

Grade: D+

270. Trouble (Rod Stewart, Michael Omartian)

Another ballad that is a little slower than Heart is on the Line. But by allowing the song to breath a little more, it shows of Stewart’s voice which gives this song quite a bit of weight.

The lyrics are sweet, with my favorite being “Hope it all goes well in the future for you my dear, Hope you find where your heart truly belongs, I don’t know about me and tomorrow, ‘cause you’re gonna be a hard act to follow”

Grade: B

There is an alternate take of Trouble on the digital extended edition of Camouflage. The lyrics are the same, the music is pretty close, the biggest change is in the chorus. Stewart instead of just singing the lyrics sort of whispers them.

Although The Rod Stewart Sessions did not contain any songs from the Camouflage sessions, the live album, Tonight’s the Night: Live 1978-1998 contains two absolute incredible songs.

271. (Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay (Otis Redding, Steve Cropper)

An absolute stone cold classic, and Rod Stewart totally owns and crushes it. His heart is poured into every performance that he has done of this song. I am not sure when he first performed it, I can only pin down 1984 as its first appearance in a Rod Stewart show. For more Dock of the Bay goodness, seek out the YouTube video of Stewart with Nile Rodgers and the All-Star Band, live at The Apollo, holy cow.

Grade: A+

272. Hungry Heart (Bruce Springsteen)

Our Hero takes one of The Boss’ most famous and most loved songs and totally reinvents the song. Stripping it down, slowing it down, singing it like only Rod Stewart can gives the song a whole new meaning.

And I do mean stripped down version. There is only a guitar and the voice. It is an unbelievable cover. Also, there has to be a studio version of Stewart’s version somewhere, I mean they had to practice it right?

And one last note. I found this song bootlegged years ago. And after the performance the guy recording it said “I can’t believe it!” Stewart blew everyone out of the water with this cover, it is that stunning.

Grade: A+

Located during the end credits of The Rod Stewart Concert Video you will find a previously unheard song.

273. We’ll Meet Again (Hugh Charles, Parker Ross)

A short and sweet acapella version of the standard classic first made popular by Vera Lynn. The boys do a fine job in the short amount of time they perform the song.

Grade: B-

Although Rod did not enjoy the sales that he has become used to, both Body Wishes and Camouflage had their moments. Rod looked to get back on track in the second half of the 1980’s. Stay tuned for Part 8-In Which Our Hero Continues His Chart Topping Ways By Staying Forever Young.

Ryan’s 150 Favorite Films: Number 125-Star Wars: Episode VII-The Force Awakens (2015)

See you at the movies!

***Spoilers Ahead!***

125. Star Wars: Episode VII-The Force Awakens (2015) Directed by J.J. Abrams

The Movie: Years after the fall of the Empire a new threat has emerged in the Galaxy, The First Order. The First Order sends Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) to the planet of Jakku after it learns that the New Republic has learned the location of rogue Jedi Master Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill).

On Jakku, Lor San Tekka (Max Van Sydow) gives the map of Skywalker’s location to Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) and to his droid BB-8. Poe attempts to flee but is pinned down by Stromtrooper fire. Poe tells BB-8 to get away and that he will find him.

Kylo Ren confronts Lor San Tekka, and kills him prompting Poe to fire his blaster at Ren. Ren stops the blaster and uses the force to discover that Poe has hidden the map somewhere. Kylo Ren takes Poe hostage and orders the Stormtroopers to kill all the villagers, which they do. One Trooper however is unable to follow the order, we learn of this Troopers name, FN-2187.

BB-8 is rescued by a scavenger named Rey (Daisy Ridley). Rey at first tries to sell BB-8, but soon realizes he is more valuable than thought. On the Star Destroyer, Kylo Ren learns of BB-8 and orders his troops to find it on Jakku.

Poe is rescued by FN-2187 and they make a daring escape from the Star Destroyer, with Poe commandeering a TIE Fighter. On board Poe asks FN-2187 for his name. Poe tells him he doesn’t like and names him “Finn”. Poe and Finn are unable to escape from the First Order and are shot down and crash on Jakku. Finn believes Poe died in the crash and takes his jacket. Finn makes his way to an outpost. There he meets Rey and BB-8, who recognizes Poe’s jacket. Finn pleads with Rey telling her that he is part of the Resistance and he can lead Rey and BB-8 to a Resistance outpost.

The First Order descends onto Jakku and starts to attack Finn and Rey. They run into a junkyard looking for a ship to escape. They spot one, the Millennium Falcon. Rey, Finn and BB-8 escape, but are soon pulled onto another ship. The ship just happens to be piloted by Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew and Joonas Suotamo). A confrontation between the old crew and the new crew is interrupted by a couple of gangs coming to collect on Han Solo. By working together, they escape and Han Solo reluctantly aggress to help them by taking them to see Maz Kanata (Lupita Nyong’o).

On the Starkiller Base, a planet that is a weapon, General Hux (Domhall Gleeson) gets the approval from Supreme Leader Snoke (Andy Serkis) to use the weapon, which can destroy a planet. Snoke is concerned about Kylo’s feelings for his father, Han Solo. Kylo reassures Snoke that his father means nothing to him.

Han learns that BB-8’s map is incomplete and informs Rey that Skywalker was attempting to rebuild the Jedi Order but when an apprentice turned to the Dark Side and killed the other apprentices, Skywalker went into exile.

Han brings them to the planet Takodana to meet Maz and offer Rey a job. Maybe. We soon learn that Rey has some Force power and it draws her to a vault. She finds a lightsaber belonging to Luke Skywalker. Rey is haunted by disturbing visons and runs away. Maz sensing that there is more to Rey, asks Finn to care for the lightsaber.

The First Order demonstrates the awesome power of the Starkiller Base by destroying the New Republic capital of Hosnian Prime and neighboring planets. The First Order then appears on Takodana to look for BB-8 and crush the Resistance. The Rebels are being overrun when they are recued by Resistance fighters, led by Poe Dameron. In looking for BB-8, Kylo Ren finds Rey, sensing that she has seen the map, Kylo takes her hostage, no longer needing BB-8. At the battlefield, Han Solo is reunited with General Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher).

On board the Starkiller Base, Kylo learns that Rey is resisting his mind-reading and that she indeed has The Force within her. Kylo shocked, informs Snoke. Snoke tells Kylo to bring Rey to him. With Kylo gone, Rey uses the Jedi mind trick on a hapless Stormtrooper to free her and she escapes. On Takodana, the Resistance plans their attack with Finn telling them he can get inside the base and destroy it from within. Han and Chewbacca decide to take Finn on the mission and blow up the base with planted explosives.

Han, Chewbacca and Finn infiltrate the base. There Han learns that Finn does not really know how to destroy the Starkiller Base, he only wants to save Rey. They are reunited and Han finds Kylo inside the base. Han pleads with his son, calling him by his birth name, Ben. Han believes he can get through to Kylo Ren and Kylo tells him that he doesn’t know if he is strong enough to do what he must. Han places his hand on Kylo’s face, and Kylo stabs him figuratively and literally through the heart, killing his own father. Enraged Chewbacca shoots Kylo, plants his bombs and detonates them. The Resistance pilots are successful in destroying the bases thermal oscillator.

Outside, Kylo confronts Finn and Rey. Kylo knocks Rey back and engages in a lightsaber duel with Finn. Finn is soon overpowered by Kylo and loses his lightsaber. Kylo attempts to use the Force to retrieve the lightsaber. Kylo is overpowered by Rey, who gains possession of the lightsaber and beats Kylo. The planet starts to implode, Kylo is saved by Snoke and Rey and Finn are saved by Chewbacca.

Rey leaves Leia and the Resistance to find Skywalker, as R2-D2 had the missing part of the map. Rey finds Luke and presents him with his lightsaber.

Why I Love Star Wars: Episode VII-The Force Awakens (2015): Although I loved Episode III, (see entry 147) the rest of the prequel trilogy, while fun wasn’t as good as I hoped. The Force Awakens is one of the best theater experiences I have ever had. Enjoying Star Wars is everything. Seeing Star Wars with an enthusiastic crowd is the best. I can’t tell you how cool it is to see Han Solo and hear everyone cheer.

The Force Awakens also introduces a tragic and terrifying new villain in Kylo Ren. His introduction is so badass. Who doesn’t love the way he stops a laser from a blaster using the Force?

Rey is my favorite new Star Wars character. She is brave, tough and smart. She doesn’t back down from fights and Daisy Ridley’s performance is restrained and powerful.

The film is an absolute stunner as well. Abrams uses the effect of lights to great effect. The blues and the reds the pepper the final lightsaber duel in the snow is breathtaking. The reds and blacks that permeate The First Order is menacing and sleek. The set designs, the alien designs are all amazing, being sucked back into the world of Star Wars was smooth.

By introducing new characters and recapturing the magic of the earlier Star Wars films, The Force Awakens delivers action, adventure, humor and heartbreak, giving fans what they longed for in a Galaxy Far Far Away.

Ryan’s 150 Favorite Films: Number 126, Penny Serenade (1941)

See you at the movies!

***Spoilers Ahead!***

126. Penny Serenade (1941) Directed by George Stevens

The Movie: Julie Gardiner (Irene Dunne) reflects on her life as she listens to “Penny Serenade”. Julie remembers the night she meet charming news reporter Roger Adams (Cary Grant). The two meet on a snow dusted New Year’s Eve and their whirlwind marriage. Julie and Roger continue their romance on his train to San Francisco.

Roger is sent to Tokyo and Julie soon joins him. Julie is pregnant and excited to spend the time with Roger. Tragedy strikes however as an earthquake rocks Tokyo. Julie loses her unborn child and her and Roger return to San Francisco.

Julie is informed by her friend Applejack (Edgar Buchanan) that her and Roger should adopt a child. Roger, meanwhile is struggling to keep his newspaper afloat, Julie focuses on a nursery for an impending arrival of a child.

Julie and Roger apply for a child, a two-year-old boy. The director of the adoption agency Miss Oliver (Beulah Bondi) and informs Roger and Julie that a five-week-old girl is available. Roger is not so sure as he wanted a boy, but when he sees the young girl he falls in love with her.

Roger and Julie are put on a one year probation for the child, where they must prove to be fit parents. During the year, Roger has lost his newspaper and does not have a stable income. Roger is told that the law will not allow him to keep his daughter. Roger makes an impassioned plea to the judge over seeing their adoption. Julie and Roger are granted custody of their daughter, Trina.

The years go by and the family continues to experience love and fulfillment. One Christmas, Julie and Roger are told that although Trina is too young to play an angel in a play, she is given the role of “echo” and they beam with pride.

Tragedy strikes the Adams’ again as in a letter to Miss Oliver, Julie informs her that Trina has died, and Roger is in the midst of a depression. Julie believes that she might be the reason and plans on leaving Roger. As Julie is about to leave, they receive another phone call from Miss Oliver. Miss Oliver informs that a two-year-old has become available. Julie and Roger decide to adopt the child and rebuild their family.

Why I Love Penny Serenade (1941): First and foremost, any film with both Cary Grant and Irene Dunne is guaranteed to be a winner (see my list, much later). Also. It is a legitimate tear jerker, which the stars deliver the goods. Grant’s plea with the judge is a highlight, in fact Grant would say this film is his best performance and he was nominated and robbed of an Academy Award. This was his first nomination.

Irene Dunne is so lovely in the film. She too loves the film as she said it reminds her of her adopted daughter.

George Stevens once again proves he is underappreciated director. He keeps the melodrama from being too wrought with clean cuts and smooth camera movements.

The use of music in the film is genius, and Dunne’s Julie reflecting on the music to high and low points of her life is pure joy and heartbreak.

Penny Serenade is a masterclass in great acting, beautifully told with charming leads and stellar direction.

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Month: March 2023

Show Time: Predictions for “Ted Lasso” Season 3/Series Finale

AFC Richmond

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Ryan’s 150 Favorite Films: Number 121, Sleepaway Camp (1983)

Ryan’s 150 Favorite Film: Number 122, Mr. Lucky (1943)

Ryan’s 150 Favorite Films: Number 123, A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

Ryan’s 150 Favorite Films: Number 124, Commando (1985)

Movie Madness 2023: Selection Sunday Announcement

The competitors and bracket mechanics

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Announcing the field

Rod Stewart: Year by Year, Track by Track Part 7 1982-1984

Ryan’s 150 Favorite Films: Number 125-Star Wars: Episode VII-The Force Awakens (2015)

Ryan’s 150 Favorite Films: Number 126, Penny Serenade (1941)