Erik & Morgan are joined on this episode by Collin Souter and Kerry Finegan, hosts of the Christmas Movies Actually podcast to look at Walter Hill’s “rock and roll fable.” Featured within his anachronistic dystopian(?) western full of music, bikers and tough guys is the partnership between Michael Pare’s Tom Cody and Amy Madigan’s McCoy. Two soldiers on a rescue mission proving that at the core of any good friendship is respect.

Alfonso Cuaron’s resume speaks for itself and people should probably speak louder about it. Nearly 20 years ago, he took the core of P.D. James’ dystopian novel and crafted a film for the ages. Especially today. Morgan Gire and Erik Childress can’t help but gush a bit over Clive Owen along with the friendship that is forged with the young immigrant who may hold the, ahem, Key to humanity’s future.

And if you want to read more about Children of Men, buy Nick Digilio’s new book, 40 Years, 40 Films; his pick for the best film of 2006. Buy the paperback.

Al Franken’s Stuart Smalley character was a hit on Saturday Night Live but not in theaters. Is it a comedy? Erik Childress and Morgan Gire debate that along with the arc of Vincent D’Onofrio’s Donnie and the mirrors the film may have held up to some of its audience provoking a negative response. But it is the relationship between Franken’s Stuart and Laura San Giacomo’s Julia that is the focus and may rank as one of the most interesting they have covered.