TV & FilmFilm ReviewsFilm InterviewsExplicit

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.

Play

Open in

31 episodes
weekly
Avg 1 hr 14 min
English

Support the show

Goes straight to the publisher. podnod takes nothing.

Become a Matinee Hero - Donate Today!

Episodes 31

Newest Oldest Longest

All20 Unplayed20 In progress0 Played0

Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.

Saturday · 1 hr 10 min
Lady in White
LADY IN WHITE Nine-year-old Frankie lives in a small town haunted by a serial child killer. When a Halloween prank leaves him locked inside his school, Frankie witnesses the ghostly reenactment of the killer’s first murder. Guided by the victim’s restless spirit, Frankie sets out to expose a murderer who may be closer than he thinks. Craig, Elisabeth and Alan talk about children’s horror, ghosts, tonal mishmashes and the movie “Lady in White” on this week’s Matinee Villains! Show Notes 0:51 Craig, Elisabeth and Alan talk about their experiences with ghosts. 8:52 Craig, Elisabeth and Alan discuss "Lady in White." 48:54 Recasting 1:06:52 Double Feature 1:10:25 Final Thoughts 1:13:52 A preview of next week's episode "Nosferatu." Next week, we continue Matinee Villains month with modern remake of the classic vampire tale "Nosferatu."
October 10 · 1 hr 15 min
Interview with the Vampire
INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE In modern-day San Francisco, a mysterious vampire shares the extraordinary story of his 200-year existence with a young reporter. His journey through the centuries is filled with love, betrayal, and an endless struggle with his dark nature. As he recounts his past, he reveals the loneliness and torment of living forever while the world around him changes. Craig, Elisabeth and guest Annie Bulloch talk about depressed vampires, 1990s queer culture, vampiric werewolves and the movie “Interview with the Vampire” on this week’s Matinee Villains! Show Notes 0:51 Craig, Elisabeth and Annie Bulloch talk Jackalopes and cryptids. 8:52 Craig, Elisabeth and Annie discuss "Interview with the Vampire." 48:54 Recasting 1:06:52 Double Feature 1:10:25 Final Thoughts 1:13:52 A preview of next week's episode "Lady in White" Next week, we continue Matinee Villains month with an odd and disorienting small-town ghost story in "Lady in White."
October 5 · 47 min
Dylan McDermott – September 2025 – CONversations with Craig
Dylan McDermott has built a career by refusing to stay in one place for very long. From leading-man roles to complicated villains, television dramas to comedy, he has continued to find new ways to challenge both himself and the way audiences see him. Recorded live at FanX Salt Lake, Dylan joins me to talk about the people and experiences that helped shape that career. He shares what it was like being a young actor opposite Clint Eastwood in In the Line of Fire, watching Sally Field work on Steel Magnolias, and why working with producers like Ryan Murphy has given him the freedom to keep reinventing himself. And for the first few minutes, we also get a visit from his rescue dog, Otis. Learning from legends — Dylan looks back on working with Clint Eastwood, Sally Field, Richard Attenborough, Jodie Foster and others, and the lessons he picked up by simply watching how great people work. The importance of reinvention — From The Practice to American Horror Story, Law & Order: Organized Crime and FBI: Most Wanted, Dylan explains why an actor can’t stay comfortable for too long and why changing audience expectations has become an important part of his career. Finding freedom in the work — Dylan talks about bombing at the Comedy Cellar, embracing failure, improvising more as he got older, and reaching the point where acting became less about proving himself and more about enjoying the moment. “I think when I was a young actor I was trying to prove to you that I was a good actor, and now I don’t care about that. I only like it for me now.” – Dylan McDermott 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.
October 3 · 1 hr 10 min
Sexy Beast
SEXY BEAST Retired safecracker Gal Dove is enjoying a peaceful new life in Spain with the wife he adores. His paradise is shattered when the volatile Don Logan arrives with an offer Gal desperately wants to refuse. Don is determined to drag him back to London for one last big score—whether Gal likes it or not. Craig, Elisabeth and guest Derek McCaw talk about sociopaths, saying "I love you", British tanning and the movie “Sexy Beast” on this week’s Matinee Villains! Show Notes 1:02 Craig, Elisabeth and Derek McCaw talk recent convention happenings 10:23 Craig, Elisabeth and Derek discuss "Sexy Beast." 44:31 Recasting 1:01:55 Double Feature 1:03:47 Final Thoughts 1:07:58 A preview of next week's episode "Interview with the Vampire." Next week, we continue Matinee Villains month with blood sucking mega stars in "Interview with the Vampire."
September 26 · 1 hr 4 min
Encore Presentation: Field of Dreams
To celebrate Matinee Heroes reaching 500 episodes, we’re revisiting another milestone from the show’s history. This special Encore Presentation brings back Episode 375: Field of Dreams, originally released on April 6, 2024. Craig Price and Alan Cerny look back at the 1989 classic about baseball, faith, family, and following a dream even when no one else understands it. Along the way, they discuss getting through dark times, the enduring magic of baseball, and just how sweet James Earl Jones really was. As Matinee Heroes’ 375th episode, Field of Dreams marked the final major milestone on the road to 500 and makes a fitting Encore Presentation as we celebrate how far the show has come. FIELD OF DREAMS Alan and Craig discuss the faith around baseball, getting through dark times, how sweet James Earl Jones really is and the movie "Field of Dreams" on this week's Matinee Heroes!
September 19 · 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 · 56 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 3 min
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."

Showing 1–20 of 31 episodes