Matinee Heroes

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."

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."

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."

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.

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".

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."

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!!

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."

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.

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."

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."

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."

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."

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."

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.

Throne of Blood

THRONE OF BLOOD Returning to their lord’s castle, two samurai warriors are stopped by a mysterious spirit who foretells their futures. When the first part of the prophecy comes true, one warrior begins to believe the rest may follow. Urged on by his ambitious wife, he is pushed toward betrayal, murder, and the bloody pursuit of power. Craig, Elisabeth and guest Blake Casselman talk about adapting classics, paranoia, sake and the movie “Throne of Blood” on this week’s Matinee Heroes! Show Notes 0:54 Craig, Elisabeth and Blake Casselman talk about "The Mandalorian and Grogu." 6:15 Craig, Elisabeth and Blake discuss "Throne of Blood." 35:54 Recasting 49:48 Double Feature 52:55 Final Thoughts 57:25 A preview of next week's episode "The Hangover." Next week, we celebrate the summer with goofy, fun movies, starting with "The Hangover."

The Last Duel

THE LAST DUEL A respected knight, known for his bravery and skill on the battlefield, finds himself at odds with a squire whose intelligence and eloquence have made him one of the most admired nobles in court. When the squire viciously assaults the knight’s wife, she steps forward to accuse her attacker, an act of bravery and defiance that puts her own life in jeopardy. The ensuing trial by combat, a grueling duel to the death, places the fate of all three in God’s hands. Craig, Elisabeth and guest Brendan Agnew talk about the brutality of the Middle Ages, perspectives, tornados and the movie “The Last Duel” on this week’s Matinee Heroes. Show Notes 1:23 Craig, Elisabeth and Brendan catch up on Oklahoma weather and Marion's latest movies. 10:14 Craig, Elisabeth and Brendan discuss "The Last Duel." 50:00 Recasting 1:11:01 Double Feature 1:17:57 Final Thoughts 1:22:04 A preview of next week's episode "Throne of Blood." Next week, we head to medieval Japan to talk "Throne of Blood."

Excalibur

EXCALIBUR The magical sword Excalibur begins in the hands of Uther Pendragon, but years later, it finds its way to his bastard son Arthur, the knave destined to become king. With the help of the mysterious Merlin, Arthur rises to fulfill his fate, bringing together the Knights of the Round Table at Camelot and unifying the country. But even a legendary king is still a man, and Arthur must face love, betrayal, the search for the Holy Grail, and the fight to save the kingdom he was born to rule. Craig, Alan and Elisabeth talk about Arthurian Legend, the timeless Helen Mirren, panels at Comicpalooza and the movie “Excalibur” on this week’s Matinee Heroes! Show Notes 1:00 Craig and Alan discuss all the panels they will be at for Comicpalooza 2026 13:02 Craig, Alan and Elisabeth discuss "Excalibur." 49:08 Recasting 1:15:03 Double Feature 1:18:30 Final Thoughts 1:25:18 A preview of next week's episode "The Last Duel." Next week, it's like three movies in one as we discuss "The Last Duel."

A Knight’s Tale

A KNIGHT'S TALE Born a peasant, William Thatcher sets out to change his stars, win the heart of a noble maiden, and shake up the medieval world around him. With the help of his loyal friends, he enters the brutal world of tournament jousting, where he must prove he has the courage, skill, and heart to become a legend. Craig and Elisabeth talk about Chaucer, naughty cross-stitching, droopy eyes and the movie “A Knight’s Tale” on this week’s Matinee Heroes! Show Notes 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:42 Craig and Elisabeth talk about naught cross-stitch and embroidery. 00:08:46 Craig and Elisabeth discuss "A Knight's Tale." 00:50:50 Recasting 01:22:08 Double Feature 01:24:52 Final Thoughts 01:29:41 A preview of next week's episode "Excalibur." Next week, medieval May continues with the 80's classic "Excalibur."

• Chapters

Terminator Cast – Linda Hamilton, Michael Biehn and Edward Furlong – September 2024 – CONversation with Craig

Terminator Cast - Linda Hamilton, Michael Biehn and Edward Furlong - September 2024 Recorded live at FanX Salt Lake in 2024, this special episode of CONversations with Craig brings together three icons from the Terminator franchise: Linda Hamilton, Michael Biehn and Edward Furlong. The panel looks back at the legacy of Sarah Connor, the genius and intensity of James Cameron, the practical stunt work behind The Terminator and Terminator 2: Judgment Day, and how a movie about killer machines somehow feels even more relevant in the age of AI. Linda Hamilton reflects on Sarah Connor’s legacy, calling the role a “lucky accident” while recognizing the staying power of one of cinema’s most iconic action heroes. Michael Biehn talks about James Cameron’s work ethic and vision, including how Cameron’s storytelling about the future still feels unsettlingly accurate decades later. Edward Furlong shares what it was like starting his career on Terminator 2, working with Cameron, Hamilton and Arnold Schwarzenegger before fully understanding how massive the movie would become. “Technology knows that I’m the enemy. And they treat me like the enemy. Go figure.” - Linda Hamilton 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.