The Searchers cover the series finale of Strangers Things, discuss general thoughts on the entire season, and touch upon the entire series as a whole. Chris and Ben both were watching the show with their wives, so they said what the heck. Here's something we wouldn't typically do. Enjoy! Please rate us a 5/5 on Apple, Spotify, or Podbean, and review us on Apple. Submit your mailbags to us at thesearcherspodcast@gmail.com.  Our episode catalogue: https://searchersfilmpodcast.podbean.com/

For the first episode of 2026, Ben and Chris cover Kiyoshi Kurosawa's Tokyo Sonata.     

A very Merry Christmas to you all! We’ve reached the big day before the new year, and what better choice of a film to cover than Clive Donner’s A Christmas Carol from 1984? For this one, Kevin’s bringing on an old friend of his, Alan, to join us for the show. Through such subtlety in performance, cinematography, and the natural cadence of the screen translation of Charles Dickens’ beloved novella, we take you through the delivery of this single iteration out of a very many and tell you why it truly might be the cream of the crop. A miser’s journey to resurgence and renewal that’s only so fitting for the reason for the season. So without further ado, join us, everyone, for a joyous occasion. Don’t you dare say, “Bah! Humbug!” Or else from under your feet, we’re pulling the rug! Remember to send us your mailbags at thesearcherspodcast@gmail.com! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all!

This week, Eastern Condors takes us back into familiar territory with an artist we never tire of revisiting: Sammo Hung. After covering Mr. Nice Guy and Encounters of the Spooky Kind earlier in 2025, we arrive at our fourth Sammo film on the show—but this time the laughs are traded for gunfire, jungle sweat, and brutal combat.   A stark departure from kung fu comedy and supernatural hijinks, Eastern Condors finds the magnetic Hong Kong giant tackling a grim war-action epic, showcasing yet another facet of his remarkable versatility as both performer and filmmaker. Dirty, dangerous, and unrelentingly physical, this is Sammo operating in full men-on-a-mission mode.   Joining us for the discussion is again Nick Langdon, helping us break down the film’s intensity, themes, and place within Sammo’s ever-expanding legacy.   Is this the last time Sammo Hung marches onto the show? Not a chance. And stick around—next episode, we’re ringing in the season with A Christmas Carol starring George C Scott. Thanks, as always, for listening—and locking in.

Alrighty, folks! Following our first John Candy feature, Only the Lonely — which we covered back in 2024 — The Searchers set off on a journey across the North American plains (well, Toronto) and into the warm, lasting memories of the beloved comedian and actor. This time, we’re diving into a heartfelt documentary about the cherished Canadian, directed by Colin Hanks. From fan-favorite roles like Del Griffith to the iconic Uncle Buck, Candy is explored through a more intimate, reflective lens in this new film. What exactly made the John Candy an actor and comedian of such a distinct caliber? How did he manage to connect with us so deeply, even from the other side of a screen? And what does it mean to revisit the work of a performer from a bygone era? Tune in to find out! Please rate us a 5/5 on Apple, Spotify, or Podbean, and review us on Apple. Submit your mailbags to us at thesearcherspodcast@gmail.com.  Our episode catalogue: https://searchersfilmpodcast.podbean.com/  

The Searchers' Trading Post is back! This edition is a whole lotta 80s since we gave each other Streets of Fire (1984) and The Legend of Billie Jean (1985). The Searchers explore each film’s rebellious spirit, its place in 80s pop culture, the amazing soundtracks, and the unforgettable characters that turned these summer movies into cult legends. Whether you’ve seen them a dozen times or need a reason to finally watch, this conversation delivers. Fair is fair!  Please rate us a 5/5 on Apple, Spotify, or Podbean, and review us on Apple. Submit your mailbags to us at thesearcherspodcast@gmail.com.  Our episode catalogue: https://searchersfilmpodcast.podbean.com/

Folks… did you think spooky season was over? It ain’t truly finished yet! Reaching into November now, the autumnal season has brought us to a little mash-up of Horror Adjacent™️ and Veterans Day graces. We’re covering our second South Korean film of the show. In the jungles of Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War, a Korean squad, led by Lieutenant Choi, heads into the mist and fog of a mysterious island to rescue a missing platoon. Will they get out alive? Somehow connecting the horror genre with the horrors of war itself, director Kong Su-chang brings us an interesting combination of artful and subtle scares with the injured psyches of soldiers aching to return home. Join Chris and Kevin as they delve into the mysterious jungles of warfare, silhouettes, and ghosts. Hear us out as we make our point for R-point!

The Searchers finish out October with Sammo Hung's inventive genre piece Encounter of a Spooky Kind. Nick Langdon joins the gang and helps discuss the ins and outs of this fantastic Horror Adjacent™ piece. Of course there are tangents into Hong Kong cinema, Jackie Chan, Michael Mann, and other random topics; however, we focus mainly on Sammo Hung yet again  in NOT our last Sammo movie of 2025. Happy Spooky season to all the listeners! Cheers, mates.   Please rate us a 5/5 on Apple, Spotify, or Podbean, and review us on Apple. Submit your mailbags to us at thesearcherspodcast@gmail.com.  Our episode catalogue: https://searchersfilmpodcast.podbean.com/

Following Chris’s pick starring gentle giant Dolph Lundgren, we follow up with Kevin’s pick — a South Korean dark comedy and erotic horror film with Song Kang-ho as a priest who makes a radical decision out of selflessness. With plunges into Catholic humility and lustful sins, it’s a haphazard and treacherous road to find redemption, and really you’d think those concepts would float our boats, wouldn’t it? But as with the ways of the world, it’s not that simple. Join the three of us gabbing about this year’s second Horror Adjacent™️episode on the grand ol’ stagecoach, as its travails bring us over some challenging roads and into a holy man’s transformation into a vampire. A man of love for moral purity has become a vampire’s lust for blood. Be sure your soul hasn’t been corrupted, friends. We won’t be responsible! Please rate us a 5/5 on Apple, Spotify, or Podbean, and review us on Apple. Submit your mailbags to us at thesearcherspodcast@gmail.com.  Our episode catalogue: https://searchersfilmpodcast.podbean.com/

Is it Halloween, or is it Christmas? Maybe some it's both! Join Kevin and Chris discussing the show's first Dolph Lundgren film. Does he match the undeniable power of Arnie? Are his one-liner's just as good? Tune in and find out on The Searchers' first Horror Adjacent™ episode of 2025... thanks for listening! Please rate us a 5/5 on Apple, Spotify, or Podbean, and review us on Apple. Submit your mailbags to us at thesearcherspodcast@gmail.com.  Our episode catalogue: https://searchersfilmpodcast.podbean.com/  

Apologies for the delay, it's been a hectic month. Here is a recording from a couple months ago... Chris and Ben review 1997's Kull the Conqueror starring Kevin Sorbo. We'll be back with some Searcher's Horror-Adjacent™ content very soon. Thanks for listening.  Thanks to Nostalgic Covers for letting us use this kickass cover of the Joel Goldsmith score. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcmsil7uvk8 Please rate us a 5/5 on Apple, Spotify, or Podbean, and review us on Apple. Submit your mailbags to us at thesearcherspodcast@gmail.com.  Our episode catalogue: https://searchersfilmpodcast.podbean.com/  

Alright, everyone! Chris and Kevin are back, this time driving The Searchers' stagecoach from wondrous sepia tones and into the graces of beautiful black and white. A sweet film from 2023, bearing a subdued essence and yet proving itself to be such a permeating spear that’ll strike the hearts of those who see and hear. Veteran and iconic director John Huston’s very own grandson, Jack, has taken the reins behind the camera to present his directorial debut, Day of the Fight. Reminiscent of cinematic sports fare such as Stallone’s Rocky and Marty’s Raging Bull, this boxing drama expresses a unique insight into love, faith, romance, and redemption. Trust us… this isn’t the same ol’ thing all over again. So please join us and tune in for this absolutely special film that needs more recognition and more admiration! The underdog fighter vs. the heavy burden that is life. Pick yourselves back up and move forward with us, folks! Whatever you’re going through, never give up. We are rooting for you!

The Searchers celebrate their centennial episode with honorary fourth Searcher Nick Langdon. The movie focuses on Hiroki, a young man plagued by loneliness and unrequited love. When a strange girl appears out of nowhere, he is torn between believing she’s real or a creation of his own psyche. Miss Lonely is one of Chris' favorite movies from director Nobuhiko Obayashi; however, to keep with tradition and the pod's mission, we picked this film since Kevin and Nick had both not seen it.  In addition to a review of the film, we look back on other various episodes and give shout out to some past guests. If you have been with us since the beginning, you are a real one. And to all of those who have found us in the interim, thanks for joining... What took you so long? From all of us at The Searchers, sincerely thank you! Here's to another hundred.  Coming up: we have two more September releases before we get to October!  Please rate us a 5/5 on Apple, Spotify, or Podbean, and review us on Apple. Submit your mailbags to us at thesearcherspodcast@gmail.com.  Our episode catalogue: https://searchersfilmpodcast.podbean.com/

In this episode, Ben and Chris dive deep into Nobuhiko Obayashi’s poignant 1991 drama Chizuko’s Younger Sister — a lesser-known gem that blends grief, coming-of-age, and the supernatural with the director’s signature dreamlike touch. We explore how the film captures the emotional aftermath of loss through the eyes of high schooler Mika, visited by the ghost of her older sister Chizuko. How does Obayashi navigate memory and identity? What sets this apart from other Japanese dramas of the era? And why does this film still resonate over three decades later? Join The Searchers as they unpack the film’s themes, its haunting visuals, and its place in Obayashi’s unique filmography. For episode 100, we will be covering another Obayashi film with a returning guest. Who and what could they be?! Stay tuned for its release in mid September. As always, thanks for listening! Please rate us a 5/5 on Apple, Spotify, or Podbean, and review us on Apple. Submit your mailbags to us at thesearcherspodcast@gmail.com.  Our episode catalogue: https://searchersfilmpodcast.podbean.com/

The Searchers close out this arc on Jean-Paul Belmondo actioners with The Outsider from 1983, not to be confused with the Francis Ford Coppola film. Is this the famous Frenchman's Dirty Harry clone? Was he too old to do all his own stunts? Come listen to the latest episode and find out! On the next episode, Chris and Ben cover another film from the great Obayashi.  Please rate us a 5/5 on Apple, Spotify, or Podbean, and review us on Apple. Submit your mailbags to us at thesearcherspodcast@gmail.com.  Our episode catalogue: https://searchersfilmpodcast.podbean.com/

Folks, Chris and Kevin are once more at it again. The stagecoach on this wild cinematic trail takes listeners on a third detour back onto the “Non-Algorithmic Superhero Film” route, and this time it’s rather red like the last one, but a bit more fiery. The Searchers review Neveldine and Taylor’s Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance from 2011, with the one and only Nic Cage, sporting the leather jacket and riding a flaming motorcycle once again. Not only that, but we’ve got a returning guest, Joe Wilson, joining us! So folks, for one last (for now!) endeavor to introduce to you non-algorithmic comic book films, please watch your step and board the trusty stagecoach! Ride with us into sheer pandemonium and some gothic Catholicism. Heavenly glory awaits those who reject evil’s wiles! Find Joe on Letterboxd, HERE.  Please rate us a 5/5 on Apple, Spotify, or Podbean, and review us on Apple. Submit your mailbags to us at thesearcherspodcast@gmail.com.  Our episode catalogue: https://searchersfilmpodcast.podbean.com/

Hey all, we're back! All three Searchers return to Jean-Paul Belmondo action films this time reviewing Claude Zidi's Animal from 1977. JPB stars alongside American superstar Raquel Welch hence the American release title, "Stuntwoman." We discuss the film, more about Jean-Paul Belmondo's career, and many tangents on random things like Peter O'Toole's Oscar nominations. Check Animal (1977) out on Tubi, HERE! Up next, Kevin and Chris cover Ghost Rider 2 with a special guest.  Please rate us a 5/5 on Apple, Spotify, or Podbean, and review us on Apple. Submit your mailbags to us at thesearcherspodcast@gmail.com.  Our episode catalogue: https://searchersfilmpodcast.podbean.com/

Chris and Kevin take a look at Daredevil (2003), specifically the Director’s Cut, directed by Mark Steven Johnson and starring Ben Affleck as the blind vigilante from Hell’s Kitchen. This episode explores a film often dismissed, but one that reveals more on a closer look — a story about pain, guilt, and perseverance. So hop on the Searcher's stage — we’re digging into the forgotten corner of early 2000s superhero cinema. Follow us on Letterboxd.com if you'd like to see what we've recently watched and/or reviewed. Ben, Chris, & Kevin Our episode catalogue: https://searchersfilmpodcast.podbean.com/

Ben and Chris come back around to Japanese cinema with a review of Nobuhiko Obayashi's 1989 film, Beijing Watermelon. While made considering Japan's and China's complicated history and produced coincidentally with the events of Tiananmen Square in 1989, Obayashi bends the rules of cinema once again to make a beautiful and non-political film about community, personal responsibility, and balance. With apparent influence from the likes of both Capra and Ozu, The Searchers discuss the vital nature of the in-between moments and the meaning of "home," a word that may describe Obayashi's oeuvre to a T. Vinegar Syndrome's partner label Kani released Beijing Watermelon in 2024, and it can be found on Blu-ray HERE.  If you like what you heard, please rate us a 5/5 on Apple, Spotify, or Podbean, and review us on Apple. Submit your mailbags to us at thesearcherspodcast@gmail.com. We'll read both on air. Follow us on Letterboxd.com if you'd like to see what we've recently watched and/or reviewed. Ben, Chris, & Kevin Our episode catalogue: https://searchersfilmpodcast.podbean.com/

Kevin and Ben are joined by Letterboxd reviewer extraordinaire and friend of the pod Tyler to discuss the new Tom Cruise movie in an effort to save cinema once again. In addition to reviewing MI 8: The Final Reckoning, we discuss the Mission Impossible series as a whole, storytelling with mythology, artificial intelligence as of 2025, the future of cinema, and more. Your mission, should you choose to accept, is to sit back, mow the grass, commute to your workplace, or whatever it is that you do when you listen to a new edition of The Searchers Film Podcast. Thanks for listening, as always. Find Tyler on LB, HERE.  Follow us on Letterboxd.com if you'd like to see what we've recently watched and/or reviewed. Ben, Chris, & Kevin Our episode catalogue: https://searchersfilmpodcast.podbean.com/