The Searchers

Animal (1977) - Episode 96

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/

Daredevil (2003) Director's Cut - Episode 95

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/

Beijing Watermelon (1989) [北京的西瓜, Pekin no Suika] - Episode 94

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/

Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning (2025) - Episode 93 w/ Tyler

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/

Hulk (2003) - Episode 92

In this episode, Chris and Kevin review Ang Lee’s Hulk, a bold and visually experimental take on the superhero genre. They explore the film’s unique split-screen techniques and its psychological focus on Bruce Banner’s inner conflict. Was this ambitious, art-house approach a stroke of genius, or did it miss the mark with comic book fans? Tune in as we unpack the film’s legacy, its flaws, and the moments of brilliance that continue to spark debate among comic book fans.

 

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/

 

That Man From Rio (1964) - Episode 91

In this episode, The Searchers dive into the 1964 French classic That Man from Rio, a film that blends action, comedy, and romance in the most improbable ways. Join us as we unpack Jean-Paul Belmondo’s irresistible charm as he embarks on a wild adventure through the streets of Rio de Janeiro. From stolen artifacts to high-flying stunts, this film has it all—and then some! But does its quirky blend of slapstick and suspense still hold up today? Tune in for a review that’s as fast-paced as Belmondo’s character himself, filled with surprises, laughs, and a little bit of nostalgia for the golden age of French action cinema.

This is the 1st of three episodes we'll be releasing focused on Jean-Paul Belmondo action films. 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/

Buffalo '66 (1998) - Ep 90

Chris and Kevin take a detour this week into the icy grip of a Buffalo winter with Buffalo '66. Written, directed by, and starring Vincent Gallo, the film also features standout performances from Christina Ricci, Anjelica Huston, and Ben Gazzara. Gallo’s background as a painter, musician, and songwriter lends the film a unique, outsider sensibility—raw, personal, and unmistakably his. We’ll be back soon with a new episode. Thanks for listening. 

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/

The American Friend (1977) - Ep 89

Kevin, Chris, and Ben finish off the "philosophical hitman" series with Wim Wenders' The American Friend (1977). 

The Searchers will return to you next time with an episode on a Vincent Gallo film before diving into their next 3 episode arc. Thanks for listening, and we'll catch you in May! 

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/