The Searchers

Stranger Things: Series Finale - Episode 112

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!

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Our episode catalogue: https://searchersfilmpodcast.podbean.com/

Tokyo Sonata (2008) - Ep 111

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

 

 

A Christmas Carol (1984) - Episode 110

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!

Eastern Condors (1987) - ep 109

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.

John Candy: I Like Me (2025) - Episode 108

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/

 

Trading Post V: Heroics in the Summer Heat - Episode 107

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/

R-Point (2004) - Episode 106

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!

Encounter of a Spooky Kind (1980) - Episode 105

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/