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Matinee Heroes

Craig Price - Elisabeth Rappe - Alan Cerny

Matinee Heroes is a movie podcast about the characters we love, the stories that stick with us, and what makes a great hero work. Craig Price, Alan Cerny, and Elisabeth Rappe dig into superheroes, sci-fi, action, animation, classics, cult favorites, and more—exploring the choices, flaws, and moments that make these characters memorable, with plenty of opinions and laughs along the way.

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  • 26 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 1 hr 16 min
  • English

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  • Saturday · 1 hr 46 min

    Encore Presentation: They Live

    To celebrate Matinee Heroes reaching 500 episodes, we’re revisiting another milestone from the show’s history. This special Encore Presentation brings back Episode 250: They Live, originally released on October 23, 2021. Craig Price and Alan Cerny are joined by Derek McCaw of Fanboy Planet to look back at John Carpenter’s 1988 cult classic, a sharp blend of science fiction, action, horror, and social satire. Originally released as part of Matinee Villains month, the episode also marked Matinee Heroes’ 250th episode, making They Live the perfect halfway-point milestone to revisit on the road to 500. THEY LIVE A wanderer without meaning in his life, discovers a pair of sunglasses capable of showing the world the way it truly is. both the media and the government are comprised of subliminal messages meant to keep the population subdued, and that most of the social elite are skull-faced aliens bent on world domination. With this shocking discovery, Nada fights to free humanity from the mind-controlling aliens. Craig, Alan and guest Derek McCaw (@fanboyplanet on twitter) discuss how the world is stacked against you, FanX and Fantastic Fest, our 250th episode and the movie “They Live” on this week’s Matinee Villains!!

  • September 12 · 1 hr 6 min

    Encore Presentation – Batman

    To celebrate Matinee Heroes reaching 500 episodes, we’re revisiting another milestone from the show’s history. This special Encore Presentation brings back Episode 125: Batman, originally released on May 18, 2019 and recorded live at Comicpalooza. Craig Price and Alan Cerny are joined by Heather from Nerdy Bitches to look back at Tim Burton’s 1989 Batman, the film that helped redefine the superhero movie for a new generation. Recorded in front of a live convention audience, the episode captures the energy, humor, and larger-than-life atmosphere that made this one of Matinee Heroes’ most memorable early live shows. BATMAN Having witnessed his parents' brutal murder as a child, millionaire philanthropist Bruce Wayne fights crime in Gotham City disguised as Batman, a costumed hero who strikes fear into the hearts of villains. But when a deformed madman who calls himself "The Joker" seizes control of Gotham's criminal underworld, Batman must face his most ruthless nemesis ever while protecting both his identity and his love interest, reporter Vicki Vale. Alan, Craig and special guest Heather (@NerdyBitchesPod on twitter) talk dual identities, wasted resources, Nerdy Bitches and the movie Batman Live! from Comicpalooza on this week’s Matinee Heroes.

  • September 7 · 45 min

    Lucy Lawless and Renee O’Conner – Sept 2018 – CONversations with Craig

    Lucy Lawless and Renée O’Connor spent six seasons battling gods, warlords, monsters, and occasionally each other on Xena: Warrior Princess. But when they reunited at FanX Salt Lake in 2018, the conversation went well beyond chakrams and battle cries. Lucy and Renée talked about the friendship at the heart of Xena, the strange places their careers have taken them since, and why the connections we make along the way may matter more than any role. Returning to Xena: Lucy and Renée share what it might take to bring Xena and Gabrielle back—including why a comedy might be much more appealing than getting up at five in the morning to learn stunt fights again. Finding the love: Renée explains the simple idea that helped define Xena and Gabrielle’s relationship: when a scene wasn’t working, they would “look for the love,” even when the characters were fighting. Life beyond the warrior princess: From Parks and Recreation and Flight of the Conchords to filmmaking, theater, opera lessons, rescue animals, and stories about Kevin Smith, Lucy and Renée look back at the people and experiences that stayed with them. “These are moments in time and you just embrace every second of it and just absorb it and remember it.” - Renée O’Connor Want more exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes stories from the people who bring your favorite characters to life? Subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on your favorite podcasting platform for more behind-the-scenes stories and exclusive interviews.

  • September 5 · 57 min

    Encore Presentation – The Incredibles

    To celebrate Matinee Heroes reaching 500 episodes, we’re going back to where it all began. This special Encore Presentation revisits Episode 1: The Incredibles, originally released on January 14, 2017. Craig Price and Alan Cerny look back at the launch of the podcast—with Elisabeth Rappe, who joined the show later—and reflect on why Brad Bird’s The Incredibles was the perfect movie to establish what Matinee Heroes was all about. Nearly a decade later, the film—and the conversation it inspired—still holds up remarkably well. THE INCREDIBLES What do you do when you are not allowed to be who you are? When the one thing that makes you special isn't allowed to be used? This week, in our premiere episode, Alan and Craig take on some heavy concepts about identity, family, responsibility and being caught up in your glory days. The two also share what movies or events led to their love of cinema and why they started the podcast. Show Notes 1:18 What is Matinee Heroes? 8:20 Discussion of The Incredibles 38:08 Recasting 45:38 Final Thoughts 47:35 First impressions of "The Outlaw Josey Wales"

  • August 29 · 1 hr 57 min

    The Empire Strikes Back

    THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK After the Rebel Alliance comes under attack from Imperial forces on the ice planet Hoth, the heroes are forced to scatter. While some escape aboard the Millennium Falcon, Luke travels to Dagobah to train with the Jedi Master Yoda. But his growing connection to the Force soon pulls him toward a dangerous confrontation with Darth Vader. Craig, Alan, Elisabeth and Brendan talk about childhood influences, space drugs, podcast trivia and the movie “The Empire Strikes Back” on this 500th episode of Matinee Heroes! Show Notes 1:24 Craig, Alan, Elisabeth and Brendan talk about 500 episodes of Matinee Heroes. 22:35 Craig, Alan, Elisabeth and Brendan discuss "The Empire Strikes Back." 1:26:09 Recasting 1:42:48 Double Feature 1:48:12 Final Thoughts 1:55:31 A preview of next week's Encore Presentation of episode #1 "The Incredibles." Next week, we celebrate our 500 episodes with a month of Encore Presentations, starting with #1 "The Incredibles."

  • August 22 · 1 hr

    The Great Muppet Caper

    THE GREAT MUPPET CAPER Intrepid journalists Kermit, Fozzie, and Gonzo get an assignment to report on a British jewel heist, sending them to England and the rowdy Happiness Hotel as they search for Lady Holiday, the socialite who was robbed. Miss Piggy soon arrives hoping to work for Lady Holiday but instead finds herself framed by Lady Holiday’s scheming brother, Nicky. Kermit and the gang must then clear Piggy’s name and uncover the truth behind the theft. Craig, Alan and Elisabeth talk about Charles Grodin’s Muppet chemistry, an encounter with Frank Oz, Craig turning 53 and the movie “The Great Muppet Caper” on this week’s Matinee Birthday!! Show Notes 1:05 Craig, Alan and Elisabeth talk about Craig's birthday. 6:53 Craig, Alan and Elisabeth discuss "The Great Muppet Caper." 38:42 Recasting 48:16 Double Feature 50:53 Final Thoughts 54:15 A preview of next week's episode "The Empire Strikes Back." Next week, an episode almost 10 years in the making. Episode 500 is here with an all time classic "The Empire Strikes Back."

  • August 15 · 56 min

    Bridesmaids

    BRIDESMAIDS Annie’s life is falling apart when her best friend, Lillian, announces she’s getting married and asks Annie to be her maid of honor. Struggling with money and her own romantic problems, Annie tries to handle the costly and sometimes bizarre traditions that come with planning a wedding. Determined to give Lillian the perfect celebration, she joins the other bridesmaids on a chaotic journey toward the big day. Craig, Elisabeth and guest Annie Bulloch talk about weddings, female led comedies, $1.99 buffets and the movie “Bridesmaids” on this week’s Matinee Heroes! Show Notes 1:05 Craig, Elisabeth and Annie discuss wedding plans. 6:53 Craig, Elisabeth and Annie discuss "Bridesmaids." 38:42 Recasting 48:16 Double Feature 50:53 Final Thoughts 54:15 A preview of next week's episode "The Great Muppet Caper." Next week, we celebrate Craig's Matinee Birthday with a childhood favorite "The Great Muppet Caper."

  • August 8 · 1 hr 4 min

    In America

    IN AMERICA The Sullivan family leaves Ireland for New York City, where Johnny hopes to make it as an actor. They settle into a cramped Hell’s Kitchen apartment and struggle to build a new life. While Johnny looks for acting work, his wife Sarah takes a job at an ice cream parlor. Both are still grieving the death of their son, Frankie, as their daughter Christie captures the family’s journey through her video camera. Craig, Alan and Elisabeth talk about immigrations, grief, Alan turning 57 and the movie “In America” as we celebrate Alan’s Matinee Birthday! Show Notes 1:02 Craig, Alan and Elisabeth discuss Alan's birthday plans. 8:40 Craig, Alan and Elisabeth discuss "In America." 30:24 Recasting 50:48 Double Feature 1:23:56 Final Thoughts 1:01:33 A preview of next week's episode "Bridesmaids." Next week, love is in the air. Or is it? We discuss the comedy classic "Bridesmaids."

  • August 3 · 49 min

    Harry Hamlin – July 2024 – CONversations with Craig

    Recorded live at Retro Expo in Plano, Texas in July 2024, Craig sits down with Harry Hamlin for a lively and genuinely engaging conversation that spans Mayfair Witches Season 2, his unforgettable Clash of the Titans stories, his viral Bolognese, and the acting lessons he learned from Laurence Olivier. Standing His Ground: Hamlin recounts how he protected Clash of the Titans from bad creative choices — including locking himself in a trailer to keep the Medusa scene intact. Mythology & Craft: With a Yale background in mythological psychology, he explains how Joseph Campbell shaped his approach to Perseus (and why the movie’s mythology is “all wrong”). Finding Courtland Mayfair: Inspired by Laurence Olivier’s “green umbrella,” Hamlin shares how a simple pinky ring instantly unlocked his Mayfair Witches character. “When they hired me, they didn’t know they were getting a badass.” - Harry Hamlin Want more exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes stories from the people who bring your favorite characters to life? Subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on your favorite podcasting platform for more behind-the-scenes stories and exclusive interviews.

  • August 1 · 1 hr 34 min

    Spider-Man: Homecoming

    SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING Thrilled by his experience with the Avengers, young Peter Parker returns home to live with his Aunt May. Guided by his mentor, Tony Stark, Peter begins embracing his new identity as Spider-Man while trying to return to his normal routine. But his desire to prove he is more than just a friendly neighborhood superhero is put to the test when the Vulture threatens everything he holds dear. Craig, Elisabeth and guest Nick Mears talk about unnecessary origin stories, John Hughes films, the perfect Peter parker and the movie “Spider-Man: Homecoming” on this week’s Matinee Heroes! Show Notes 1:12 Craig, Elisabeth and Nick Mears discuss Nick's podcast Nick Flix. 8:10 Craig, Elisabeth and Nick discuss "Spider-Man: Homecoming." 53:24 Recasting 1:20:18 Double Feature 1:23:56 Final Thoughts 1:32:31 A preview of next week's episode "In America." Next week, we celebrate Old Man Cerny with a tale of immigration: Alan’s birthday pick, "In America".

  • July 25 · 2 hr 19 min

    Brotherhood of the Wolf

    BROTHERHOOD OF THE WOLF Something is hunting the women and children of the French countryside, leaving behind a trail of blood and terror. With the creature always one step ahead, King Louis sends a renowned scientist and his Iroquois blood brother to uncover the truth. But this is no ordinary beast, and the conspiracy behind it may be even more dangerous. Craig, Elisabeth and guest Alex Barnhill talk about the beast of Gévaudan, sexy transitions, a full panel with Mark Dacascos and the movie “Brotherhood of the Wolf” on this week’s Matinee Heroes. Show Notes 1:04 Craig, Elisabeth and guest Alex Barnhill discuss FIFA in Dallas. 10:41 Craig, Elisabeth and Alex discuss "Brotherhood of the Wolf" 54:41 Recasting 1:14:57 Double Feature 1:17:24 Final Thoughts 1:21:14 Craig's exclusive interview with Mark Dacascos recorded live at Comicpalooza in Houston, Texas. 2:17:24 A preview of next week's episode "Spider-Man: Homecoming" Next week we celebrate a new Spider-Man movie with the reboot's first "Spider-Man: Homecoming."

  • July 18 · 58 min

    The Matrix Reloaded LIVE from Comicpalooza

    THE MATRIX RELOADED Humanity’s war against the machines continues as Neo, Trinity, and Morpheus fight to free their people from the Matrix, while Neo discovers his growing importance in the fate of mankind. The battle is no longer just about survival, but about understanding the truth behind the world they are trying to escape. Craig, Alan and guest Mark Woodring talk about sweaty community orgies, Mark’s first Comicpalooza, the pressure of a follow-up and the movie “Matrix: Reloaded” on this week’s Matinee Heroes! Next week the gang talks "Brotherhood of the Wolf" with the added bonus of Mark Dacascos!!

  • July 11 · 1 hr 23 min

    O Brother, Where Art Thou

    O BROTHER, WHERE ART THOU Ulysses Everett McGill is serving a hard-labor sentence in Mississippi when he convinces two fellow prisoners to escape with him. Claiming that a fortune in buried treasure is waiting, he leads the trio across the state. Still shackled together, they race to find the money while staying one step ahead of the authorities. Craig, Elisabeth and guest Brendan Agnew discuss the Odyssey, southern gothic, pomade and the movie “O Brother, Where Art Thou” on this week’s Matinee Heroes! Show Notes 0:58 Craig, Elisabeth and Brendan Agnew discuss Marion's summer movie intake. 13:35 Craig, Elisabeth and Brendon discuss "O Brother, Where Art Thou." 49:55 Recasting 1:09:18 Double Feature 1:12:25 Final Thoughts 1:20:33 A preview of next week's episode "Matrix Reloaded." Next week, live from Comicpalooza it's "Matrix Reloaded."

  • July 6 · 1 hr 1 min

    David Anders – May 2015 – CONversations with Craig

    In May 2015, Craig sat down with David Anders at Comicpalooza in Houston for one of the very first convention panels he ever moderated. Anders, known for playing unforgettable villains and complicated characters in Alias, Heroes, iZombie, The Vampire Diaries, and Once Upon a Time, looked back on his career, his reputation as one of the rare American actors known for convincing British accents, and the mentors who helped shape him. The conversation moved from funny set stories to emotional reflections on rejection, persistence, and the people who gave him a chance. David talked about the early days of Alias, how J.J. Abrams fought for him to get the role of Sark, and why the character being British changed the course of his career. He shared stories from Heroes, iZombie, The Vampire Diaries, and Once Upon a Time, including the strange fun of playing characters who are villains, undead, immortal, or just beautifully terrible. In one of the most personal moments of the panel, David opened up about giving up sports, finding acting, moving to Los Angeles at 18, and the teachers and mentors who helped him keep going. “Always know everyone, know the scene backwards and forwards. Just know your words. And always be 15 minutes early.” Want more exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes stories from the people who bring your favorite characters to life? Subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on your favorite podcasting platform for more behind-the-scenes stories and exclusive interviews.

  • July 4 · 1 hr 29 min

    Happy Gilmore

    HAPPY GILMORE Happy Gilmore only wants one thing: to play hockey. But when his grandmother is about to lose her house, he discovers his slap shot gives him an outrageous edge on the golf course. Now he has to turn his anger issues into prize money, while dragging the polite world of professional golf into total chaos. Craig, Elisabeth and guest Jeff Penn talk about golf, mannequin hands, Christopher McDonald's induction into the William Atherton Asshole Hall of Fame and the movie “Happy Gilmore” on this week’s Matinee Heroes! Show Notes 0:59 Craig, Elisabeth and Jeff Penn induct Christopher McDonald into the 2nd Annual William Atherton Asshole Hall of Fame. 19:16 Craig, Elisabeth and Jeff discuss "Happy Gilmore." 54:41 Recasting 1:10:30 Double Feature 1:14:59 Final Thoughts 1:27:13 A preview of next week's episode "O Brother, Where Art Thou." Next week, we celebrate Christopher Nolan's "Odyssey" with a different telling of Homer's tale with "O Brother, Where Art Thou."

  • June 27 · 1 hr 24 min

    The Great Outdoors

    THE GREAT OUTDOORS Outdoorsy Chicago family man Chet Ripley takes his wife, Connie, and their kids to a Wisconsin lakeside cabin for a peaceful vacation. But the getaway is derailed when Connie’s obnoxious brother-in-law Roman arrives with his family, turning a relaxing weekend into a battle between laid-back fun and uptight excess. Craig, Elisabeth and guest Tami Anderson talk about family dynamics, bald butt bears, kink shows and the movie “The Great Outdoors” on this week’s Matinee Heroes! Show Notes 0:59 Craig, Elisabeth and Tami Anderson talk about going to the "Kink" show. 14:08 Craig, Elisabeth and Tami discuss "The Great Outdoors." 1:00:14 Recasting 1:12:13 Double Feature 1:17:30 Final Thoughts 1:22:15 A preview of next week's episode "Happy Gilmore." Next week, our 2nd annual William Atherton Asshole Hall of Fame induction ceremony and the movie "Happy Gilmore."

  • June 20 · 1 hr 26 min

    The Sure Thing

    THE SURE THING Gib is a college freshman who can’t catch a break with women. When he hears a gorgeous girl in California is interested in him, he joins a cross-country carpool to meet her. The catch? Alison, the uptight classmate who already rejected him, is along for the ride. What starts as a nightmare road trip slowly turns into something neither of them expected. Craig, Elisabeth and guest Derek McCaw talk about if opposites attract, 50-year-old undergrads, summer in central California and the movie “The Sure Thing” on this week’s Matinee Heroes! Show Notes 1:01 Craig, Elisabeth and Derek talk vacationing in Central California. 9:46 Craig, Elisabeth and Derek discuss "The Sure Thing." 50:45 Recasting 1:13:20 Double Feature 1:17:58 Final Thoughts 1:24:48 A preview of next week's episode "The Great Outdoors." Next week, we wrap up our summer fun movies with "The Great Outdoors."

  • June 13 · 1 hr 18 min

    The Sandlot

    THE SANDLOT In the summer of 1962, new kid Scottie Smalls moves to town and is taken under the wing of a talented young baseball player and his rowdy sandlot team. He quickly gets pulled into their chaotic summer and learns that fitting in can be just as tricky as playing the game. But when a prized baseball is hit over a fence, the boys must retrieve it from the yard of the legendary Beast. Craig, Elisabeth and guest Rob Ervin talk about coming of age movies, convention going, PR photos and the movie “The Sandlot” on this week’s Matinee Heroes! Show Notes 0:59 Craig, Elisabeth and Rob Ervin talk about this year's conventions they've attended. 15:53 Craig, Elisabeth and Rob discuss "The Sandlot." 56:30 Recasting 1:05:33 Double Feature 1:10:32 Final Thoughts 1:15:36 A preview of next week's episode "The Sure Thing." Next week, we continue to celebrate fun movies with "The Sure Thing."

  • June 6 · 1 hr 34 min

    The Hangover

    THE HANGOVER Two days before his wedding, Doug heads to Las Vegas with three friends for one unforgettable bachelor party. The next morning, his friends wake up with no memory of the night before, and Doug is nowhere to be found. With the wedding fast approaching, they must retrace their chaotic night and find him in time to get back to Los Angeles for the ceremony. Craig, Elisabeth and guest Paul Hitchcock talk about bachelor parties, tattoo highs and lows, Las Vegas and the movie “The Hangover” on this week’s Matinee Heroes! Show Notes 1:05 Craig, Elisabeth and Paul Hitchcock talk about trips to Las Vegas 12:44 Craig, Elisabeth and Paul discuss "The Hangover." 1:04:05 Recasting 1:17:23 Double Feature 1:22:49 Final Thoughts 1:31:40 A preview of next week's episode "The Sandlot." Next week, we continue to celebrate the summer with "The Sandlot."

  • May 31 · 41 min

    2024 FanX Animation Voice Actor Panel – CONversation with Craig

    2024 FanX Animation Voice Actor Panel Recorded live at FanX 2024, this episode of Conversations with Craig features Craig moderating a lively animation voice actor panel with Phil LaMarr, Spencer Grammer, Fred Tatasciore, Sean Chiplock, Khary Payton, and Jess Harnell. The conversation moves from career stories and fan questions to voice acting techniques, music, artificial intelligence, convention life, and the unpredictable comedy that happens when a room full of performers starts riffing off each other. The panelists discuss how voice acting has changed as fans have become more familiar with the people behind their favorite animated characters and video game roles. Audience questions lead to stories about auditions, musical inspiration, performance anxiety, AI, and the challenge of bringing emotion to even the smallest lines. The panel gets wonderfully ridiculous with dramatic Pac-Man, Call of Duty Zombies holiday music, cage-free zombies, emotional dot-dot-dots, and a surprisingly confident ruling on whether water is wet. “I’m damned displeased to be killed in this fashion.” - Fred Tatasciore Want more exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes stories from the people who bring your favorite characters to life? Subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on your favorite podcasting platform for more behind-the-scenes stories and exclusive interviews.

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