Darek Thomas Podcasts

Episode 431. "Back to the Future II and III" Actor: Jeffrey Weissman. Jeffrey Weissman is a seasoned actor with some impressive credits under his belt. They include Back to Future II and III, Pale Rider and many more. Jeffrey's story in the Back to the Future franchise is interesting, complicated and fascinating. Crispin Glover who played George Mc…

Episode 430. "Frasier" Composers: Bruce and Jason Miller. Father and Son, Bruce and Jason Miller join me to talk Fraiser, Scoring and working with family. This was a really fun conversation. In the world of television, there are few themes as iconic as the jazzy, melodic tune of "Tossed Salad and Scrambled Eggs." This beloved theme song, which open…

Episode 429. Monarch: Legacy of Monsters. Composer. Leopold Ross. Leopold Ross is a very talented composer whose work includes the iconic The Book of Eli, Triple 9, Blackhat and the current #appletvplus hit show #monarchlegacyofmonsters We talk about his very talented brother Atticus Ross, the opportunity to score on his own, The power of the Book …

Episode 428. "Fingernails" Director" Christos Nikou. Anna (Buckley) and Ryan (White) have found true love. It’s been proven by a controversial new technology. There’s just one problem: Anna still isn’t sure. Then she takes a position at a love-testing institute, and meets Amir (Ahmed). “Fingernails” is the second feature and first English-language …

"DREDD" Composer: Paul Leonard-Morgan. Paul Leonard-Morgan has composed some pretty amazing scores- Limitless, The Tomorrow Man and the iconic and very original "DREDD" score. EMMY nominated, BAFTA winning and Ivor Novello nominated composer who has become one of the most sought-after tv & film composers in the US and UK, as well as taking the conc…

Episode 426. "Beacon 23" Executive Producer: Glen Mazzara. Glen Mazzara is an accomplished Showrunner and Producer. He was key in the early days of The Walking Dead. We discuss that and his new show on MGM+ "Beacon 23" an absolutely fun and binge worthy show. “BEACON 23” takes place in the farthest reaches of the Milky Way and follows Aster (Lena H…

Neil deGrasse Tyson and Scott Hamilton Kennedy. Episode 425. Neil deGrasse Tyson and Academy Award Nominee Scott Hamilton Kennedy discuss their new Documentary "Shot in the Arm". We discuss NASA, Covid, Neil's guilty pleasure science fiction movie, Neil's most emotional Science Fiction movie, my favorite NDT quote and so much more. I really enjoyed…

(Episode 424) "Lawman: Bass Reeves" Director: Damian Marcano. Director Damien Marcano directs the second half of the new hit Paramount+ series "Lawman: Bass Reeves" (Episodes 4-8). We talk all things Bass Reeves! Bass Reeves is the untold story of the most legendary lawman in the Old West, LAWMEN: BASS REEVES follows the journey of Reeves (Oyelowo)…

Episode 423. "Lawman: Bass Reeves" Creator, Writer, Showrunner and EP. Chad Feehan. Chad Feehan stops in to talk Lawman: Bass Reeves, the new show premieres November 5th on Paramount Plus. Bass Reeves is the untold story of the most legendary lawman in the Old West, LAWMEN: BASS REEVES follows the journey of Reeves (Oyelowo) and his rise from ensla…

Episode 422. NFL Icons NFL Films Supervising Producer: Paul Camarata Paul and I talk #notredame #usc the history of the NFL, his four part series on MGM+, The New York Giants, Steve Sabol and his amazing work, The NFL expanding to Europe, #hardknocks and the importance of preserving NFL History with the hopes of educating future generations. Welcom…

Episode 421. "The Enfield Poltergeist" Director: Jerry Rothwell. Director Jerry Rothwell stops by to talk about the Enfield #poltergeist the chilling true story of the world’s most famous poltergeist case through original audio recordings made inside the house as the events unfolded. This took place in Enfield #england Jerry and I dive into the ser…

Episode 420. "Pulp Fiction" Actor: Phil LaMarr. Actor Phil LaMarr joins me to talk Pulp Fiction, Star Wars, his career in acting and so much more. A Los Angeles native, Phil is an alumnus of Yale University and The Groundlings Theater and is perhaps best known as one of the original cast members of MAD TV, “Hermes” on FUTURAMA, "Marvin" in PULP FIC…

Episode 419. "Billy The Kid" Creator and Writer: Michael Hirst and EP Donald De Line. Great Interview about the #mgmplus hit show #billythekid Michael Hirst (The shows creator and writer) and Donald De Line (EP). We discuss the shows popularity, The changing of actors in Season 2 for the John Tunstall character, The wonderful cast, The life of Bill…

Episode 418. "Sunshine" Cinematographer: Alwin Küchler. Alwin Küchler is talented and legendary cinematographer known for shooting such films and shows as #divergent #sunshine #tetris #themauritanian #hanna #ripd #stevejobs and so many more. We discuss his career, actors he's worked with specifically #katewinslet and #cillianmurphy and his rapport …

Episode 417. "Castlevania: Nocturne" Composer: Trey Toy. Trey Toy is a Los Angeles-based composer, producer, guitarist and electronic musician. He is known primarily for his work in film, television and video games and has contributed music to a wide range of projects, from Emmy Award-winning shows such as Ozark (Netflix) and Vikings (History Chann…

Episode 416. "1923, 1888, Yellowstone" Editor: Chad Galster. Chad Galster, ACE is an editor and producer best known for his frequent collaboration with filmmaker Taylor Sheridan. The pair have worked closely together on every season of the hit television series Yellowstone (2018), as well as Yellowstone prequels 1883 (2021) and 1923 (2022), Special…

Episode 415. "Gran Turismo" Cinematographer: Jacques Jouffret. Jacques Jouffret is an immensely talented cinematographer whose filmography includes the awesome #granturismo #jackryan #fatherstu #thepurge #bloodshot and so many more. Jacques and I go into depth about his filmography, his journey and passion for making films. I really enjoyed this co…

Episode 414. "Special Ops: Lioness" Movie Composer: Andrew Lockington. Andrew Lockington is a wonderful composer whose credits include Rampage, San Andreas, The Space Between Us, The Kindness of Strangers and most currently Mayor of Kingstown and Special Ops: Lioness. Andrew and I touch on a variety of topics including turning getting older, the no…

Episode 413. "Gran Turismo" Composer: Andrew Kawczynski. Talented composer Andrew Kawczynski joins me to talk about working with Hans Zimmer, Lorne Balfe, his impeccable filmography, burn out, completely investing yourself in your work and his new fantastic score in Gran Turismo. Fun Interview. Super talented composer. #granturismo #granturismo7 #g…

Episode 412. "Secretariat" Otto Thorwarth Otto Thorwarth is a former jockey that amassed hundreds of wins over an 15 year career. In 2010 he was cast to portray legendary, hall of fame jockey Ronny Turcotte in #disney #secretariat #movie The movie is one of my most favorite sports movies and stars #johnmalkovich and #dianelane Otto and discusses th…

Episode 411. "Son of a Critch" Executive Producer: Andrew Barnsley. Fun chat with Executive Producer who helped produce #schittscreek and currently the very fun "Son of a Critch" which I found very much to be similar to a Canadian #thewonderyears Andrew and I discuss why there is such a huge gap between the quality of television comedies and cinema…

Episode 410. "Eye In The Sky" Movie Composer: Paul Hepker. Paul Hepker is a talented composer whose "Eye In The Sky" remains one of my most favorite movie scores. It is also Alan Rickman's last movie. His other credits include Rendition, Tsotsi and so many more. Born in Zimbabwe and raised in South Africa, Paul Hepker trained as a concert pianist u…

Episode 409. Richard Tyson. Richard Tyson is a gifted actor known for his iconic roles in Three O'Clock High, Kindergarten Cop, There's Something about Mary, Kingpin, Blackhawk Down and many more. The interview is essentially two parts. The first half is Richard's life, the second half is Richard's filmography. Time Stamps here: Some key points Ric…

Bonus Episode: TERRIFICON. Reflecting on Terrifcon, podcasting, upcoming Comic Cons and more. Monday Morning Critic: Instagram, TiKTok, YouTube and Facebook. www.imdb.com/title/tt12597724/ www.mmcpodcast.comBy Darek Thomas

Episode 408. Actor Sean Kanan returns to talk the Sag-Aftra strike, his appearances this week at New York Comedy Club (Stanford), Terrficon (Mohegan Sun) and more! Welcome back, Sean Kanan. Monday Morning Critic: Instagram, TiKTok, YouTube and Facebook. www.imdb.com/title/tt12597724/ www.mmcpodcast.com…

Episode 407. "Spaceballs" Actor: Jim J. Bullock. Jim J. Bullock is a legendary actor who has been in a wide array of hit shows and movies. These include Hollywood Squares, Too Close For Comfort, Spaceballs, Seinfeld and so many more. Jim and I get into his work, life and people he's met along the way which include Ted Knight, Joan Rivers, Vincent P…

Episode 406. "The Crown" and Outlander" Actor: Mark Lewis Jones. You can currently find my next guest in "Outlander" as Tom Christie. Mark is a seasoned actor with a wonderful body of work. Most notably as Edward Millward in "The Crown". Tywysog Cymru remains one of the best episodes in the series. Mark and I talk Outlander, Wales, Wrexham A.F.C, T…

Episode 405. "FROM" Actor: Elizabeth Saunders (Donna) Liz comes on for a second time to talk about how Donna could use some tequila after the season she just had, Donna's stress level in Season 2, that cliff hanger ending and her thoughts on some of the cast. I love Liz. She's super-talented, fun and a big part of "FROM" Monday Morning Critic: Inst…

Episode 404. "Swagger" Actors: Orlando Jones, Tristan Mack Wilds and Shinelle Azoroh. Three wonderful actors join me to talk "Swagger". Actor Orlando Jones (#evolution #thereplacements #madtv ), Tristian Mack Wilds (#thewire ) and Shinelle Azoroh ( #magnumpi ). Truly enjoyed this conversation and they are absolutely wonderful in #appletvplus "Swagg…

Episode 403. "Swagger" Actors: Quvenzhané Wallis and Isaiah Hill I had a chance to speak two absolutely wonderful actors that you can currently find in "SWAGGER" on #appletvplus. Quvenzhané Wallis and Isaiah Hill are one hell of a team on screen. Quvenzhané is the youngest nominee in the History of the Academy Awards. At NINE years old she was nomi…

"Fatal Attraction" Actors: Amanda Peet and Alyssa Jirrels talk about their roles in #fatalattraction currently on #paramountplus If you are looking for an excellent interview to watch with Amanda Peet, find the one with her and Gordon Keith. Gordon Keith was #betweentwoferns before it was a thing. They are both fantastic. Monday Morning Critic: Ins…

Episode 402. "Ted Lasso" Actor: Bill Fellows. You can currently find Bill Fellows in the final season of #tedlasso #tedlassoseason3 as George Cartrick, such an underrated character. Bill and I talk Ted Lasso, why it works so well, his character and much more. Immensely underrated actor and absolutely wonderful person. Welcome, Bill Fellows. Monday …

Episode 402. In this episode I Recap the Philadelphia fan expo, meeting your heroes, Comic Cons, MMC Movie Loft and loving what you do and The Randy Quaid Experience. Monday Morning Critic: Instagram, TiKTok, YouTube and Facebook. www.imdb.com/title/tt12597724/ www.mmcpodcast.comBy Darek Thomas

Episode 401. "FROM" Actor: A.J. Simmons. Actor A.J. Simmons (Randall) joins me to talk about "FROM". Talking points we touched on: 1. Is Randall the next Daryl Dixon? 2. When the series ends, will the audience come to like Randall? 3. Working with Eion Bailey. (Jim Matthews) 4. Randall's "Feud" with Donna. 5. Is Randall correct in his theories? AJ …

Episode 400. "Grease: Rise of The Pink Ladies" Actor: Alexis Sides. (Potato). Actor: Alexis Sides. You can currently find Alexis Sides in the #paramountplus show "Grease: Rise of The Pink Ladies. Alexis and I get into Mexican born actors, opportunities for Mexican actors, his life growing up, giving up on his passion for soccer, going 0 for 75 in h…

Episode 399. "FROM" Actor: Nathan D. Simmons. Nathan joins me to talk "FROM". We discuss the wonderful Episode 206, the fantastic cinematography in that episode, Elgin being a key part in "Fromville" and what his character brings to one of the best shows on television. Nathan is a wonderful actor with a bright future. Welcome, Nathan D. Simmons. Mo…

Episode 398. "FROM" Actor: Corteon Moore (Ellis). Corteon Moore is currently in the hit show "FROM" as Ellis. Corteon and I talk about his character Ellis, the show "FROM", the upcoming and highly anticipated Episode 206, spending two months at Harold Perrineau's house, Stephen King and more! We digest and process quite a bit in 10 minutes! You wil…

Episode 397. "FROM" Actor: Hannah Cheramy. Hannah is a Canadian born actor whom you can currently find in the MGM+ hit series "FROM" Hannah and I break down her character Julie and touching on some plot points and her character. We discuss Julie's likability (or not), her characters evolution, being a teenager in a post-apocalyptic world and the st…

Episode 396. "UNSTABLE" Actor/Comedian: Aaron Branch. You can currently find Aaron in "UNSTABLE" on Netflix. He is a very talented comedian, writer, actor and artist. He graduated from Columbia College Chicago with a Bachelor of Arts in Comedy Writing and Performance. That same year, he was awarded the prestigious Bob Curry Fellowship in connection…

Episode 395. "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3" Actor: Austin Freeman. "GROOT" You can currently find Austin Freeman in "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3" as one part of the duo that bring "Groot" to life. Vin Diesel has done a wonderful job over the span of three movies to give Groot a voice, however, Austin provided vital substance and character to G…

Episode 394. "DEADPOOL" Actor: Leslie Uggams. The iconic Leslie Uggams stops by to talk about her newest film "Dotty and Soul". Leslie is a wonderful actor notorious for her work in many projects over a brilliant career. Recently her work as "Blind Al" in "DEADPOOL" 1 and 2 and "DEADPOOL" 3 set to drop in 2024. Blind Al easily remains one of my mos…

Episode 393. "FROM" Actor: Chloe Van Landschoot. ***There are some slight spoilers in this episode*** Chloe Van Landschoot has been a nurse since 2016, before and during the pandemic. She is also an actor starring in the MGM+ hit, "FROM". She is STILL serving in both capacities as a Nurse and Actor. Amazing person. You can currently find Chloe as "…

Episode 392. "Blindspotting" Actor: Jasmine Cephas Jones. You can currently find Jasmine in Season 2 of "Blindspotting" as Ashley. Jasmine is an absolutely phenomenal actor and talent. She and I discuss her time at Berklee College of Music, the difficult times she endured early on, her life changing casting in "Hamilton", her character Ashley in "B…

Episode 391. "FROM" Actor" Ricky He (Kenny) Ricky He joins me to talk about his character Kenny from the absolutely wonderful MGM+ show "FROM". Ricky and I talk Kenny's courage, the popularity of his character and why the show works on so many levels. Chinese Canadian actor, Ricky He, has quickly become a regular in television. Ricky can next be se…

Episode 390. SISU Director: Jalmari Helander. Finnish born Director Jalmari Helander talks about his film "SISU", Rambo and Quentin Tarantino influences on his work and making and writing a feature film. SISU: During the last desperate days of WWII, a solitary prospector (Jorma Tommila) crosses paths with Nazis on a scorched-earth retreat in northe…

Episode 389 "Sweet Tooth" Actor: Christian Convery. You can currently find Christian Convery in Season 2 of "Sweet Tooth". He is outstanding as the kind, brave and immensely endearing hybrid- "Gus". He is also in the recently released "Cocaine Bear" with Ray Liotta. Christian and I talk about being a "Child" actor, his work in "Cocaine Bear", getti…

Episode 388. "FROM" Actor: Kaelen Ohm (Mari) You can currently find Kaelen Ohm in "FROM" on MGM+. Kaelen and I talk about her musical and acting careers, all things "FROM" including Mari's relationship with Kristi and Kenny's horrible luck and more! Kaelen Ohm is an actor, award winning filmmaker and musician. After graduating with honors from the …

Episode 387. "Sweet Tooth" Actor: Naledi Murray. (Wendy) You can currently find Naledi Murray as "Wendy" in the Netflix hit "Sweet Tooth". She is a wonderful actor and just a great kid. Naledi and I talk about being a kid and managing her acting career, her Purple Belt in Martial Arts, working with Christian Convery (Gus), her character, "Wendy" in…

Episode 386. "Team Downey" Vice President and "Sweet Tooth" Producer Evan Moore. A nice conversation with Evan Moore who is the Vice President of "Team Downey" (Susan and Robert Downey Jr.'s) Production Company and Producer of "Sweet Tooth". Evan and I talk about "Sweet Tooth", the excellence of Will Forte, USC and working with Robert Downey Jr. Ev…

Episode 385. "FROM" Full Press Day with: Scott McCord, Elizabeth Saunders, Catalina Sandino Moreno and Eion Bailey. Monday Morning Critic: Instagram, TiKTok, YouTube and Facebook. www.imdb.com/title/tt12597724/ www.mmcpodcast.com Contact: Mondaymorningcritic@gmail.comBy Darek Thomas