This week, we have “Don McKay” writer/director Jake Goldberger. Lon loved his film; Farrell was less enthusiastic. Now he’s coming in to settle the score! Plus, reviews of “The Town,” “Cemetery Junction,” “I’m Still Here,” trailer talk and a brand-new CAGE MATCH!

Hosts

Farrell Roth
Roger Erik Tinch
Lon Harris

Guests

Jake Goldberger
Writer/Director of “Don McKay”

Jonathan Harris
Host of “This Week in Cause”

Introduction

Farrell introduced a show with a new look this week. We’ve added some couches and put producer Lon Harris in one of the host chairs.

Trailer Talk

“The Fighter”

The hosts took a look at this boxing drama from director David O. Russell (“Three Kings,” “I Heart Huckabees”). Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale star as in this true story of welterweight “Irish” Micky Ward.

The hosts noted that this was a major departure for Russell, who’s best known for more experimental comedies than sports movies. Lon felt that the set-up seemed a bit cookie-cutter and predictable, and has clear echoes of films like “Rocky” and “Cinderella Man.”

“Girlfriend”

This independent drama from writer/director Justin Lerner stars Evan Sneider as a young man with Down Syndrome who’s infatuated with a single mother (played by Shannon Woodward). The film has been a hit at the 2010 Toronto International Film Festival. All the hosts were intrigued by the trailer, which also features Jackson Rathbone of the “Twilight” series.

In Theaters

“The Town”

The hosts all reviewed co-writer/director/star Ben Affleck’s new crime drama about bank robbers in Boston’s Charlestown neighborhood. All hosts agreed that the film was tight, professionally made and gripping. Roger pointed out the masterful action sequences, which Farrell also praised, particularly in comparison to the lame chase scenes in this summer’s “Salt.” Blake Lively’s performance was also a hit with the panel.

Lon felt that the film was very similar to “Heat,” but lacked Michael Mann’s epic scope and unique visual style.

“I’m Still Here”

Farrell reviewed this mockumentary about actor Joaquin Phoenix’s decision to retire from movies in order to pursue a career as a rapper. Though the film – from director Casey Affleck – has since been revealed to be a “hoax,” she still felt it has relevance as a look at the experience of being a celebrity and the mental strain that it places on performers. She found the movie sad, in how it depicts the loneliness of being a famous actor.

Hollywood Headlines

- Trent Reznor releases new “Social Network” tracks

The full album comes out September 28th. It will be available for $2.99 from Amazon.com.

- Nicolas Cage sued by his son’s mother

Christina Fulton is accusing Cage of throwing her out of her home, as well as mental and emotional abuse. She also says that Cage turned over all parenting duties to her, forcing her to abandon her own acting career. She’s asking for $13 million.

- Sacha Baron Cohen to play Freddie Mercury

British comedian Sacha Baron Cohen (“Borat”) will portray Queen frontman Freddie Mercury in an upcoming biopic, who passed away back in 1991. The hosts all agreed that this was a great casting choice, as Baron Cohen is both extremely talented and a good physical match for the rock singer. Lon, however, was curious as to whether the comedian (who sang in “Sweeney Todd” previously) would actually be capable of performing Mercury’s songs.

- Blake Lively talks about auditioning for “The Town”

Though it’s a huge departure from her role on “Gossip Girl,” Blake Lively was very eager to appear in Affleck’s Boston-set crime saga. She worked on her Boston accent prior to the audition so diligently, Affleck asked her what part of Boston she was from during their first meeting.

- Brian Austin Green talks about his marriage

Brian Austin Green (aka Mr. Megan Fox) talks in Details Magazine about his relationship with the movie star, and how he feels about her bringing home more money than he does. Farrell took issue with Green’s depiction of his feelings on acting, which are largely negative.

DVD/VOD

“Cemetery Junction”

Tinch, typically a big Ricky Gervais fan, nevertheless was not blown away by this drama from the writer/director, set in the Reading area of England. He feels Gervais and co-writer Stephen Merchant (best known for the TV series “The Office” and “Extras”) are better when focusing on comedy. Farrell said the movie was not horrible, but was a “why bother movie.”

Interview with Jake Goldberger

Goldberger wrote and directed the indie comedy/thriller “Don McKay,” which Lon and Farrell reviewed on a previous show.

“Don McKay” trailer

Goldberger talked about his amazing journey from writing “Don McKay” and then spending 8 years trying to get the film developed. He started the process with no filmmaking experience, determined to direct his own movie and keep it true to the sort of peculiar spirit of the screenplay. (This Huffington Post article by Goldberger covers much of the actual process of making the film.)

He also discussed some of his inspirations behind the movie, including early Coen Brothers films, film noir and Roman Polanski movies.

Cage Match!

Lon reviewed “National Treasure,” which featured minimal Cage-y insanity, and thus proved something of a disappointment. The film does feature Cage doing a dramatic reading from the Declaration of Independence, which led the hosts to discuss other historical documents they’d like to see Cage read dramatically. (“Communist Manifesto” won out.)

CAGE SCORE: 2.8

Jonathan reviewed “Con Air,” which included not just a lot of Cage craziness, but also a scenery-chewing turn from John Malkovich. Jonathan invented the new ranking Cageovich to rate a movie’s Nicolas Cage and John Malkovich-combined craziness. “Con Air” earns 9 Cageoviches.

Closing

Join us next week for guest Amanda Schull of the film “Mao’s Last Dancer.”