Phil just got back from rubbing elbows with the D.C. social set. Dean stayed in town and hit a Hollywood party and hit it hard based on the stories he shares (Fran Drescher? Poop? Three bottles of champagne?). In addition to comparing notes on their holiday hijinx, Dean and Phil discuss the many films they’ve seen during the past two weeks. Phil saw several foreign language films, including a couple of fantastic ones you won’t want to miss. Dean reveals he saw The Spirit. This makes Phil very angry. Truth be told, though, from the Screen Actors Guild to Proposition 8, from people not knowing history to Dean’s viewing habits, Phil really comes out swinging … The boys are back and 2009 can finally begin!

The holidays are a time for reflection and on this week’s show, Dean and Phil really get into the act … They reflect on the lives of two very different people who died this past week and on the very dramatic influence each individual had on the world of entertainment … They ruminate on some interesting filmmaking questions sent to them by one of our regular listeners … They pontificate on the nature of “honorary” awards in the face of the controversy surrounding the forthcoming Academy Awards honoring of Jerry Lewis … Finally, they set their own personal “Christmas Movie Wish-List” (the movies they know they need to see before compiling their annual Top Ten list). It’s a lot for an hour, but that’s just Dean and Phil. “Give ’til it hurts and then give some more” is their motto. Especially at the holidays!

Dean is back from the Eco Gift Fest with some rather sad news about the state of “Green” commerce in the face of the current “economic downturn.” That downturn isn’t keeping people away from movie theatres and Dean and Phil analyze the latest box office returns. They also get into some filmmaking nitty-gritty, discussing the importance of tone, as well as the art and business of choosing roles as an actor. Finally, they discuss a wide range of films, including a few you really need to check out! Sure, it sounds dull, but for some strange reason, it’s one of our funniest shows ever.

An action-packed hour if ever there was one! Dean and Phil discuss the reading of Phil’s new screenplay, compare notes on their Thanksgiving adventures, weigh in on the SAG strike authorization vote, preview more than a dozen early December film releases, and discuss the Spirit Award Nominations ( indie film’s “Oscars”). They also send out birthday wishes to Phil’s collaborator on Karl Rove, I Love You, Mr. Dan Butler (”Bulldog” on TV’s “Frasier”), who turns 54 years young today (check out the interview we did with Dan Butler in Chillpak Hollywood Hour #63). And if that weren’t enough, they offer several bits of practical advice for indie filmmakers. And Phil gets spanked.

Dean Haglund and Phil Leirness are live from the set of Rough Hustle, a feature film co-starring Dean. They interview the writer-director, the executive producer and they discuss the joys of ’80’s video game Galaga!

 

Phil may be deeply ensconced in the woods of Vermont and Dean may be shooting a movie this week, but neither of those things can keep us from bringing you a brand new show! Long time listeners (like Erynn) have been clamoring for another one of Dean and Phil’s special Top Ten shows. This time, Dean and Phil countdown their all-time favorite comedians … Hundreds of names get mentioned, personal influences and inspirations are revealed and historic context and significance are analyzed. You won’t want to miss it!

Our 52nd Episode! Guess that means a year – Dean and Phil serve up a plate of knowledge and advice about the entertainment business, and you should listen up. Special guest: Mila the Doberman.

The scathing commentary! The ugly truths! Listen and learn who will win the $10 office Oscar pool!

We know you’ve been waiting, and here it is. I’m pretty sure Dean and Phil spent their entire weekends watching movies, avoiding the uncommonly torrential SoCal rains, and it paid off, because this is the greatest Top 10 movie countdown. Ever.

Oscar, schmockter, this is what you want to know!