The Searchers
Film, TV & Pop Culture
About
The Searchers podcast is the passion of three cinephiles who seek to guide you across the potentially overwhelming and untraversed regions of cinema. After a long day toiling through the grassy knolls, dry deserts, and rocky slabs, you deserve a break. Come on down and warm yourself by the fire, crack open a beer, and join us. New episodes every other week.
Episodes
- Shogun's Shadow (1989) - Episode 121 w/ John Grace
The Searchers podcast, with guest John Grace, reviews the 1989 film Shogun's Shadow. The discussion covers the movie's release, Sonny Chiba's career, and other tangential film topics.
- Anemone (2025) - Ep 120
This episode reviews the 2025 film Anemone, starring Daniel Day-Lewis and directed by Ronan Day-Lewis. The discussion covers the film's exploration of father-son relationships, prayer, pain, silence, reconciliation, and its influences, inc…
- Around the World in 80 Days (2004) - Ep 119
The Searchers, with guest Nick Langdon, discuss the 2004 film 'Around the World in 80 Days' starring Jackie Chan. They analyze its mix of steampunk, comedy, martial arts, and its reception.
- Driven (2001) - Episode 118
The Searchers podcast crew dives into the 2001 F1 racing drama Driven, starring Sylvester Stallone. They discuss race car culture, Stallone's career, and the film's often negative reception, questioning if it's an underrated gem.
- Cabin Boy (1994) - Episode 117
The Searchers podcast reviews the 1994 fantasy comedy Cabin Boy, discussing its polarizing nature and whether its gleeful stupidity achieves a strange brilliance. The hosts share laughs, debates, and observations on the film's narrative an…
- Fe-Biao-ary Part II: The Return of Billy Biao Biao! The Iceman Cometh (1989) and A Kid from Tibet (1991) - Episode 116
Hosts Kevin, Ben, and Chris discuss Yuen Biao's films The Iceman Cometh (1989) and A Kid from Tibet (1991), which depart from his typical work. The Iceman Cometh features time-traveling warriors, while A Kid from Tibet marks Yuen Biao's so…
- "Fe-Biao-ary" Part I: Rosa (1986) and On the Run (1988) - Episode 115
This episode reviews Yuen Biao films Rosa (1986) and On the Run (1988). Rosa features Biao with Lowell Lo in a lighter comedy, and On the Run is an intense 1988 cult classic directed by Alfred Cheung.
- The Searchers' Top 50 Westerns - Episode 114 w/ Mitch Capps
Mitch Capps joins The Searchers hosts to discuss their favorite Western films. Future episodes will cover Yuen Biao and his films.
- Iskalawag: Ang Batas Ay Batas - Episode 113 w/ Odie Arbuckle
The Searchers podcast features guest Odie Arbuckle to discuss the rare 1997 Filipino action film 'Iskalawag: Ang Batas Ay Batas'. The episode delves into the film's characteristics, Filipino cinema, and broader film discussions.
- Stranger Things: Series Finale - Episode 112
In this episode of The Searchers, hosts Chris and Ben discuss the series finale of Stranger Things. They share their general thoughts on the entire season and the series as a whole.
- Tokyo Sonata (2008) - Ep 111
Ben and Chris cover Kiyoshi Kurosawa's film Tokyo Sonata for the first episode of 2026.
- A Christmas Carol (1984) - Episode 110
The Searchers Podcast discusses the 1984 film adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. Hosts Kevin and Alan analyze the film's performances, cinematography, and its status as a potentially superior adaptation of the classic novell…
- Eastern Condors (1987) - ep 109
This episode of The Searchers covers the 1987 Sammo Hung film Eastern Condors. The discussion, featuring guest Nick Langdon, focuses on the film's shift to a war-action epic with brutal combat, contrasting with Hung's usual comedic roles.
- John Candy: I Like Me (2025) - Episode 108
The Searchers podcast explores a Colin Hanks documentary on Canadian actor John Candy, examining his comedic performances, intimate reflections, and enduring connection with audiences.
- Trading Post V: Heroics in the Summer Heat - Episode 107
In Episode 107, The Searchers revisit their Trading Post series with a focus on 80s cult classics Streets of Fire and The Legend of Billie Jean. They delve into the films' themes of rebellion, cultural significance, music, and memorable ch…
- R-Point (2004) - Episode 106
This episode of The Searchers reviews the 2004 South Korean film R-Point. It explores the movie's themes of horror and war, focusing on a Korean squad's mission in the Vietnam War.
- Encounter of a Spooky Kind (1980) - Episode 105
The Searchers podcast covers Sammo Hung's 1980 film Encounter of a Spooky Kind. The discussion includes genre elements, Hong Kong cinema, and tangents into related topics, with a focus on Sammo Hung's work.
- Thirst (2009) - Episode 104
This episode reviews the South Korean film 'Thirst,' a dark comedy and erotic horror about a priest who becomes a vampire. The hosts discuss his transformation, the themes of sin and redemption, and the film's exploration of Catholic humil…
- Dark Angel [AKA: I Come in Peace] (1990)- Episode 103
In this episode of The Searchers, Kevin and Chris review the 1990 Dolph Lundgren film "Dark Angel" (also known as "I Come in Peace"). They analyze Lundgren's performance, comparing him to Arnold Schwarzenegger.
- Kull the Conqueror (1997) - Episode 102
In episode 102 of The Searchers, hosts Chris and Ben review the 1997 film Kull the Conqueror, which stars Kevin Sorbo. The hosts apologize for the delay and mention upcoming Horror-Adjacent content.
- Day of the Fight (2023) - Episode 101
Chris and Kevin review 'Day of the Fight,' the 2023 directorial debut from Jack Huston. This boxing drama, reminiscent of 'Rocky' and 'Raging Bull,' delves into themes of love, faith, romance, and redemption.
- Lonely Heart [さびしんぼう, Sabishinbou] (aka Miss Lonely) (1985) - EPISODE 100!
The Searchers podcast marks its 100th episode by reviewing Nobuhiko Obayashi's 1985 film 'Lonely Heart' (aka Miss Lonely). The episode features honorary guest Nick Langdon and discusses the film's themes of loneliness and unrequited love,…
- Chizuko's Younger Sister [ふたり, Futari] (1991) - Ep 99
The Searchers podcast covers Nobuhiko Obayashi's 1991 film Chizuko's Younger Sister. The hosts analyze its blend of grief, coming-of-age, and supernatural elements through the lens of high schooler Mika dealing with her sister's ghost.
- Le Marginal [The Outsider] (1983) - Ep 98
The Searchers podcast reviews the 1983 film The Outsider, also known as Le Marginal, starring Jean-Paul Belmondo. The hosts debate whether the film is a French Dirty Harry equivalent and if Belmondo performed his own stunts.
- Ghost Rider 2 (2011) - Episode 97 w/ Joe Wilson
In episode 97 of The Searchers podcast, hosts Chris and Kevin, joined by guest Joe Wilson, review the 2011 film Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance. The discussion covers the film's themes and Nic Cage's performance.
- Animal (1977) - Episode 96
The Searchers podcast returns with a review of Claude Zidi's 1977 action film Animal, starring Jean-Paul Belmondo and Raquel Welch. The hosts discuss the movie, Belmondo's career, and other assorted topics.
- Daredevil (2003) Director's Cut - Episode 95
In episode 95 of The Searchers, hosts Chris and Kevin delve into the Director's Cut of the 2003 film Daredevil, starring Ben Affleck. They explore the movie's themes of pain, guilt, and perseverance within the context of early 2000s superh…
- Beijing Watermelon (1989) [北京的西瓜, Pekin no Suika] - Episode 94
The Searchers podcast reviews Nobuhiko Obayashi's 1989 film Beijing Watermelon, exploring its themes of community, personal responsibility, and balance. The hosts discuss the film's non-political nature despite its historical context.
- Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning (2025) - Episode 93 w/ Tyler
In episode 93 of The Searchers, hosts Ben and Kevin are joined by Tyler to review "Mission Impossible 8: The Final Reckoning." The discussion covers the entire Mission Impossible series, the use of mythology in storytelling, the state of a…
- Hulk (2003) - Episode 92
Chris and Kevin review Ang Lee's 2003 film Hulk, analyzing its experimental visuals and psychological depth. They discuss whether its art-house approach was successful and debate the film's enduring legacy and impact on comic book fans.
- That Man From Rio (1964) - Episode 91
The Searchers podcast reviews the 1964 French film "That Man from Rio," starring Jean-Paul Belmondo. The hosts discuss the film's mix of action, comedy, and romance, its adventurous plot, and whether its unique style holds up today.
- Buffalo '66 (1998) - Ep 90
This episode of The Searchers podcast covers the 1998 film Buffalo '66, written, directed by, and starring Vincent Gallo. The hosts discuss the performances by Christina Ricci, Anjelica Huston, and Ben Gazzara, and Gallo's artistic backgro…
- The American Friend (1977) - Ep 89
This episode of The Searchers Podcast covers Wim Wenders' 1977 film, The American Friend, concluding the hosts' series on "philosophical hitmen." The podcast features hosts Kevin, Chris, and Ben and is planning future episodes on Vincent G…
- Crying Freeman (1995) - Ep 88
In episode 88 of The Searchers, the hosts review Crying Freeman (1995), starring Mark Dacascos. They discuss their opinions on the film and the origins of its source material.
- Cinema Crusades III: Val Kilmer, Richard Norton, and more - Ep 87
In episode 87 of The Searchers, titled "Cinema Crusades III: Val Kilmer, Richard Norton, and more," hosts Chris and Ben discuss the recent deaths of actors Val Kilmer and Richard Norton. They also review films they have recently watched. T…
- Looper (2012) - Ep 86
In episode 86 of The Searchers Podcast, hosts Ben, Chris, and Kevin review the 2012 film Looper. They discuss the movie, starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Bruce Willis and directed by Rian Johnson, to determine if it still holds up.
- Shanghai Noon (2000) and Shanghai Knights (2003) - Ep 85
This episode of The Searchers podcast covers Jackie Chan's films "Shanghai Noon" and "Shanghai Knights," both co-starring Owen Wilson. The hosts mention they will cover a 2012 Bruce Willis film in a future episode.
- First Strike (1996) and Mr. Nice Guy (1997) - Ep 84 w/ Nick Langdon
The Searchers podcast discusses Jackie Chan's Australian films 'First Strike' (1996) and 'Mr. Nice Guy' (1997) with guest Nick Langdon. The episode covers different film cuts, directorial differences, and distribution issues.
- Crime Story (1993) - Ep 83
This episode of The Searchers podcast covers the 1993 Jackie Chan film Crime Story, highlighting Chan's departure into a more serious role. The hosts, Ben, Chris, and Kevin, also discuss other films within Chan's body of work.
- Police Story (1985) - Ep 82
The Searchers podcast begins a new series covering movies by topic, starting with Jackie Chan and his 1985 film "Police Story." The hosts discuss the movie, modern action films, and Jackie Chan's star persona.
- Bronco Billy (1980) - Ep 81
In episode 81 of The Searchers podcast, the hosts discuss Clint Eastwood's 1980 film, Bronco Billy.
- Only the Lonely (1991) - Ep 80
Kevin and Chris cover the 1991 film "Only the Lonely." The next episode will focus on Clint Eastwood. Listeners are encouraged to rate and review the podcast.
- Impossible Object (1973) [aka Story of a Love Story] - Ep 79
Chris, Nick Langdon, and Max discuss John Frankenheimer's 1973 film Impossible Object. The episode offers a deep dive into the movie.
- Let Him Rest in Piece (1985) [Tomo yo shizukani nemure, 友よ、静かに瞑れ] - Ep 78 w/ Odie Arbuckle
Ben and guest Odie Arbuckle discuss the 1985 film "Let Him Rest In Peace" by Yôichi Sai. The conversation covers the film's basis in a Japanese book, themes of Okinawa, regional Japanese filmmaking, and universal elements, comparing it to…
- Trading Places (1983) - Ep 77
The Searchers podcast, in episode 77, covers the 1983 film Trading Places, starring Dan Aykroyd and Eddie Murphy. The hosts apologize for a rougher edit due to the holiday season.
- Joyeux Noël (2005) - Ep 76
The Searchers podcast hosts Kevin and Chris review the 2005 French film "Merry Christmas" (Joyeux Noël). They discuss the film starring Diane Kruger, Guillaume Canet, and Daniel Brühl as they kick off the Christmas season.
- The Conversation (1974) - Ep 75
Kevin and Chris review the 1974 film The Conversation, directed by Francis Ford Coppola and starring Gene Hackman. The hosts wish listeners a Happy Thanksgiving.
- Excalibur (1981) - Ep 74 w/ Bryant Tyler
The Searchers podcast, with guest Bryant Tyler, discusses John Boorman's 1981 film Excalibur. The episode delves into the movie's portrayal of Arthurian legend and its meaningful symbology.
- Dark City (1998) - Ep 73
The Searchers hosts Ben and Chris, joined by guest Nick Langdon, discuss the 1998 film Dark City. The conversation includes tangents on 90s neo-noir, comic book films, and Australian filmmaking.
- Trading Post IV: Halloween 2024 - Ep 72
The Searchers' 2024 Halloween episode, Trading Post IV, covers six films: Theatre of Blood (1973), House of Wax (1953), The Frighteners (1996), The Friends of Eddie Coyle (1973), Abbot and Costello's Who Done It? (1942), and Hannah and Her…