The Searchers

Arthur (1981) - Episode 122

Ben surprised both Kevin and Chris with his recent review decision: Arthur (1981). Let’s take a trip to when Christopher Cross’ hit, “Arthur’s Theme”, made its way through movie theatre speakers nationwide. This sweet comedy-drama set in the Big Apple’s confines, pitting the silly lampooned wiles of upper-class hollowness with the brash honesty of the blue-collar, just comes to depict a man-child’s growth to become a true man. An individual with wisdom and fortitude, as he’s now found someone to love, his heart caught between the moon and New York City. 

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Shogun's Shadow (1989) - Episode 121 w/ John Grace

Ben is once again joined by John Grace from the Midnight Movie Cowboys to review Shogun's Shadow (1989), starring Ken Ogata and Sonny Chiba. The Searchers love to dig into foreign cinema, especially Japan's, so it was a no brainer. So what started as a listener request turned into another collab on obscure (ish) cinema, which is what we do here as you already know. We touch upon the film's 2022 Blu-ray release thanks to Shout Factory (now on GRUV), who were generous enough to post a free copy on their YouTube page: Here, for which we are most grateful. In addition, we discuss Toei's reputation for selling rights to films in the west, Sonny Chiba's career, Hong Kong action films, Corey Yuen, Hideo Gosha, Bruce Lee, and a whole lot more tangential topics. Does this Sonny Chiba film hold up? Did a horse explode during the production of this movie? Will Ben's mic ever truly work properly? Well.. Listen and find out!

Submit your mailbags to us at thesearcherspodcast@gmail.com. Thank you.

Please rate us a 5/5, and review us on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to us.

Follow us on Letterboxd.com if you'd like to see what we've recently watched. Ben, Chris, & Kevin

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

MMC's website

John's Letterboxd

 

Anemone (2025) - Ep 120

We’ve covered our fair share of recent releases over the past few years, but 2025 has been selective—only Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning and John Candy: I Like Me have made the cut so far. So today, we return to another standout from last year. Starring Daniel Day-Lewis in his long-awaited return after seven years away from the screen, and directed by his son Ronan Day-Lewis in his debut, Anemone is a meditative exploration of prayer, pain, silence, and reconciliation. At its core, the film traces a fractured father-son relationship shaped by internal suffering, yet still reaching—however distantly—toward hope.

Joined by returning guest Tyler, we dive deep into the film’s layered influences and ideas: echoes of The Searchers, threads of Greek and Egyptian tragedy, shades of Andrei Tarkovsky, and the meta-text of a real-life father-son duo bringing this story to life. We also explore themes of paternal and fraternal order, the weight of legacy, and the quiet epiphany of fading archetypes. And yes… we ask the important question: does he drink our milkshake (again)?

Around the World in 80 Days (2004) - Ep 119

The Searchers are again joined by Mr. Nick Langdon to discuss a Around the World in 80 Days starring Jackie Chan. This entry in the ‘Misunderstood’ mini-arc was of course chosen by Mr. Kevin Chan.

In this Searchers episode, the group revisits this 2004 globe-trotting adventure to unpack its blend of steampunk (CGI) spectacle, Chan's Western style slapstick comedy, and Steve Cooganisms, and it is no surprise also martial arts flair. Is this loose adaptation of the classic story unfairly dismissed, or does it struggle to find its identity amid tonal chaos and star-powered cameos? Along the way, we dig into Chan’s Hollywood era, the film’s ambitious production, and whether its playful energy outweighs its narrative detours. Join us as we race against the clock, circle the world (literally with our 3 spread-out time zones), and decide if this often-overlooked blockbuster deserves a second look.

Please rate us a 5/5 on Apple, Spotify, or Podbean, and review us on Apple. We luv yew baybee, as Jackie would say. 

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

Driven (2001) - Episode 118

Alrighty, loyal listeners! After the high-seas chaos of Cabin Boy, we’re trading waves for wheels and hitting the scorching asphalt. This week, Ben, Chris, and Kevin dive into a high-octane F1 racing drama starring Sylvester Stallone as part of our new “Misunderstood” film series.

Directed by Renny Harlin and co-written by Stallone himself, this episode shifts into gear with conversations about race car culture, Stallone’s career highs and lows, and the cloud of negativity that’s followed this film since its release. But is that criticism justified—or has this movie been unfairly left in the dust? Is it a misfire, or an underrated gem worth revisiting? Buckle up and tune in to find out!

Next up is a similar type of film starring a pod favorite, and it's with a guest from down undahh!

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

 

Cabin Boy (1994) - Episode 117

Not every movie is a masterpiece, and not every comedy plays by the rules—but can a film be gleefully stupid and strangely brilliant at the same time? Join the gang as we dive into the wild fantasy comedy Cabin Boy (1994), the polarizing oddball from Disney’s now-defunct Touchstone Pictures banner (with a little Tim Burton magic in the producer’s chair). Chris mistook it as conventional when picking this review—prepare for groans, laughs, debates, and plenty of gabbing about this bizarre misadventure. Arrogance gets a reality check, a pampered “fancy lad” gets humbled the hard way, and perhaps we all hopped aboard the wrong ship (stagecoach?) This may be a bumpy ride, so don't get seasick! Oh fancy boy, indeed…

Next up is a similar type of film starring Sly. Stay tuned. 

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

Fe-Biao-ary Part II: The Return of Billy Biao Biao! The Iceman Cometh (1989) and A Kid from Tibet (1991) - Episode 116

Kevin, Ben, and Chris return to the fun topic of Billy Biao Biao to discuss 1989's The Iceman Cometh and 1991's A Kid from Tibet. These are two vastly different films compared to most of Yuen Biao's filmography, figuratively and actually a departure from the Three Dragons' bread and butter. The Iceman Cometh is a pseudo-Highlander action film with time traveling warriors, and A Kid from Tibet is Yuen Biao's only directorial effort. Does Yuen Biao measure up to his brothers: international phenom Jackie Chan and Hong Kong legend Sammo Hung? Listen and find out!

Chanuary walked so Fe-Biao-ary could run. And don’t worry, when autumn hits, Hungtober awaits.

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"Fe-Biao-ary" Part I: Rosa (1986) and On the Run (1988) - Episode 115

This is it... the moment some of you Hong Kong cinema fans have all been manifesting. Welcome to "Fe-Biao-ary," now officially locked into your cinematic calendars. This episode is a double bill — or as we like to joke, a “Biao Biao” (we had to brush up on our Cantonese for that heavy hitting joke).

In episode 115, The Searchers are pairing Rosa with On the Run, two tonally opposite films united by one constant: Yuen Biao and his effortlessly compelling chemistry with his leading ladies. Rosa leans into lighter, more relaxed comedy territory with Biao's co-lead singer songwriter and actor Lowell Lo. On the Run swerves sharply into brooding, arthouse intensity — the 1988 cult classic from Alfred Cheung that absolutely refuses to pull its punches. Check both out on home video at 88films. 

Chanuary walked so FeBiaoary could run. And don’t worry, when autumn hits Hungtober awaits.

Please rate us a 5/5 on Apple, Spotify, or Podbean, and review us on Apple. 

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

Note: Biao is pronounced "bew"