A meticulous surveillance expert begins to unravel when a routine wiretap reveals a conversation he doesn’t fully understand—but can’t ignore. As his paranoia grows, he’s forced to question what’s real, what’s hidden, and whether he’s complicit in something far darker than he imagined.

Craig, Elisabeth and guest Brendan Agnew talk about paranoia, Christmas cookies, clogged toilets and the movie “The Conversation” on this week’s Matinee Heroes!!

Show Notes

• 0:51

  Craig, Elisabeth and Brendan Agnew introduce June Hackman month by discovering which Gene Hackman movies are Brendan's favorites.

• 11:38

  Craig, Elisabeth and Brendan discuss "The Conversation"

• 54:10

  Recasting

• 1:09:25

  Double Feature

• 1:15:00

  Final Thoughts

• 1:23:32

  A preview of next week's episode "The Birdcage"

Next week we continue June Hackman with one of his funniest roles in "The Birdcage"

Recorded live at EmpireCon 2019 in Los Angeles, this episode of Conversations with Craig lifts the curtain on the unsung crew who brought the original Star Wars trilogy to life—Jawas, model-makers, second-unit directors, and yes, Yoda’s actual right hand. From childhood desert shoots to Harrison Ford with a saw, this panel had it all.

• Jawa Justice League: Three OG Jawas—Tim Donaldson, Andrea Wickman, and Fraser Diamond—recall what it was really like filming in Death Valley, sweating through robes, carrying disassembled droids, and surviving desert wildlife.
• Ford v. Falcon: Second-unit director Harley Cokeliss reveals how a frustrated Harrison Ford nearly sawed a hole through the Millennium Falcon during a lighting delay.
• Puppets and Persistence: Mike Quinn, the man behind Nien Nunb and Yoda’s right hand, explains how hanging around the set got him the job—and a footnote in Star Wars history.

“Star Wars is kind of like the genie that just keeps granting wishes.” - Mike Quinn

Want more exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes stories from the people who bring your favorite characters to life? Subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on your favorite podcasting platform for more behind-the-scenes stories and exclusive interviews.

On the Viking Isle of Berk, young Hiccup defies tradition by befriending a dragon named Toothless. When an ancient threat endangers both dragons and humans, their bond becomes the key to survival. Together, they must rise above fear and forge a new path toward peace and leadership.

Craig, Elisabeth and Guest Rob Ervin discuss parenting, the Minions, finding your place and the movie “How to Train your Dragon” on this week’s Matinee Heroes!!!

Show Notes

• 1:05

  Craig, Elisabeth and Rob talk about cartoons and The Minions.

• 19:32

  Craig, Elisabeth and Rob discuss "How to Train Your Dragon"

• 46:22

  Recasting

• 1:04:36

  Double Feature

• 1:08:17

  Final Thoughts

• 1:15:03

  A preview of next week's episode "The Conversation"

Next week we celebrate June Hackman! An entire month dedicated to Gene Hackman and we start with "The Conversation".

Today, May 30th we lost past guest Loretta Swit.

As is tradition. we’re replaying a episode we did on the original MASH that included my panel with Loretta and her cast mate Jamie Farr during last years Retro Expo on July 13th 2024. I was fortunate enough to meet Lorreta twice. The first time was in Tampa Bay and was fortunate enough to enjoy lunch with her, Jamie and Jeff Maxwell. The way she would dote on Jamie who is 90 himself and has limited mobility was so cute and at Retro Expo, she hustled down the entire convention center to give a fan an autograph who had missed her while she was away from her table. She didn’t want to disappoint anyone. And she certainly did not.

Here's to you, Loretta.

Po may be the laziest, clumsiest panda in the Valley of Peace, but he secretly dreams of becoming a kung fu legend. When the villainous snow leopard Tai Lung threatens the Valley, Po is unexpectedly chosen to fulfill an ancient prophecy. Under Master Shifu’s training, he embarks on a high-kicking adventure to stop Tai Lung’s evil plans.

Craig, Elisabeth and guest Riley Brown discuss fanboys, self-belief vs destiny, cryptic mentors and the movie “Kung Fu Panda” on this week’s Matinee Heroes!

Show Notes

• 0:54

  Craig, Elisabeth and Riley talk about cartoons and fandoms.

• 12:30

  Craig, Elisabeth and Riley discuss "Kung Fu Panda"

• 48:56

  Recasting

• 1:07:15

  Double Feature

• 1:11:14

  Final Thoughts

• 1:15:36

  A preview of next week's episode "How to Train Your Dragon"

Next week Ani-MAY-tion ends with a fan favorite "How to Train Your Dragon"

After years of playing it safe, Mr. Fox breaks a promise to his wife and returns to his wild ways, stealing from the ruthless farmers Boggis, Bunce, and Bean. His actions put his family and their animal friends in danger, forcing them to hide deep underground. Now, Mr. Fox must use all his cleverness to outsmart the farmers and save his community.

Craig and Elisabeth are joined by Movies that Make Us hosts Tracy Mangum and Jake Dietz to discuss quirkiness, Wes Anderson, sex shops and “Fantastic Mr. Fox” on this week’s Matinee Heroes!

Show Notes

• 1:04

  Craig, Elisabeth, Tracy Mangum and Jake Dietz talk about the cartoons Jake's kids enjoy.

• 14:41

  Craig, Elisabeth, Tracy and Jake discuss "Fantastic Mr. Fox"

• 51:33

  Recasting

• 1:27:44

  Double Feature

• 1:32:21

  Final Thoughts

• 1:42:57

  A preview of next week's episode "Akira"

Next week Ani-MAY-tion gets retro with the classic 80's anime "Akira"

Recorded live at EmpireCon 2019 in Los Angeles, this episode of Conversations with Craig dives deep into the foam, felt, and freakishly fun world of movie puppetry with two absolute legends: Mike Quinn and David Barclay. These are the guys who’ve literally had their hands inside Yoda—yes, literally—and helped bring the most beloved alien puppet in cinema history to life. From The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi to The Dark Crystal and Little Shop of Horrors, Mike and David have been at the heart of some of the biggest (and weirdest) creatures ever to hit the screen—and yes, they even pulled out a Yoda puppet mid-panel. You’ve never seen a conversation get this real.

• The Secret Life of Yoda: Mark Hamill helped launch David’s career after meeting him in a London toy store, while Mike snuck onto The Muppet Show set using cigarettes and chocolate.
• Audrey II's Gym Routine: It took eight weeks—and some torn muscles—to shoot one song for Little Shop of Horrors with the massive Audrey II puppet.
• Live at the Hollywood Bowl: Performing Muppets live is no joke—just ask Mike, who once took a couch to the head mid-show.

“Yoda in Return of the Jedi? That was me. Just the right hand. But hey, sometimes that’s all you need.” – Mike Quinn

Want more exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes stories from the people who bring your favorite characters to life? Subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on your favorite podcasting platform for more behind-the-scenes stories and exclusive interviews.

When a flashy American rooster struts into the coop, the hens think he might just be their ticket to freedom. But when the farmers roll in a chicken-pie making machine, escaping becomes a lot more urgent—and they’ll have to hatch a new plan to get out alive. Time is running out, and the flock will need brains, bravery, and a little bit of luck to pull off the ultimate breakout.

Craig and Elisabeth talk about rural business plans, deceptive fowls, 90s cartoons and the movie “Chicken Run” on this week’s Matinee Heroes!

Show Notes

• 1:19

  Craig and Elisabeth talk about the cartoons they watched as kids.

• 9:44

  Craig and Elisabeth discuss "Chicken Run"

• 37:25

  Recasting

• 53:12

  Double Feature

• 55:25

  Final Thoughts

• 1:01:55

  A preview of next week's episode "The Fantastic Mr. Fox"

Next week Ani-MAY-tion gets extra quirky with Wes Anderson's "Fantastic Mr. Fox".