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"

corded 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".

A soft-spoken bouncer is recruited to a struggling minor league hockey team after showcasing his raw fighting skills during a brawl. Thrown into the brutal world of professional hockey, he battles opponents, wrestles with his own insecurities, and struggles to earn the respect of hardened teammates, all while trying to understand what he’s truly fighting for.

Craig, Elisabeth and Alan talk about Great F’n Movies, Casa Bonita, the Jack Reacher of hockey and the movie “Goon” on this week’s Matinee Heroes!

Show Notes

• 0:49

  Craig, Elisabeth and Alan talk about Denver's Casa Bonita.

• 17:32

  Craig, Elisabeth and Alan discuss "Goon"

• 37:55

  Recasting

• 1:00:10

  Double Feature

• 1:08:12

  Final Thoughts

• 1:12:01

  A preview of next week's episode "Chicken Run"

Next week we start Ani-MAY-tion with a claymation classic "Chicken Run"

The Matinee Heroes crew is back with a special presentation on Andor Season 2, and let’s just say—this one doesn’t play it safe.

Host Craig Price joins Alan Cerny and Elizabeth Rapp to discuss how Andor ditches the fan service for real stakes, mature storytelling, and brutal political commentary. With all 12 episodes dropping early, Disney clearly believes in this season—and they should.

Season 2 doesn’t just flirt with heavy themes—it wades into fascism, rebellion, and moral ambiguity without a life jacket. If Season 1 surprised you, Season 2 swings even harder, turning the spotlight on characters who are messy, conflicted, and all too real.

From Cassian Andor’s emotional descent to Mon Mothma’s political sacrifice, this is Star Wars with consequences. Yes, there are familiar faces, but this show earns them. It’s not about nostalgia—it’s about impact.

This might be the best storytelling Star Wars has ever produced. Period. Even if you’re not a fan of the galaxy far, far away, Andor Season 2 is worth your time.
📺 Now streaming on Disney+

Disgraced college coach Norman Dale lands a last-chance job leading a high school team in a small-town Indiana. With the town against him, a star player sidelined by a concerned teacher and an alcoholic assistant by his side, Dale must fight for redemption one game at a time.

Craig, Elisabeth and guest Paul Hitchcock talk about the late Gene Hackman, high school sports politics, montages and the movie “Hoosiers” on this week’s Matinee Heroes!

Show Notes

• 1:01

  Craig, Elisabeth and guest Paul Hitchcock talk about high school basketball.

• 11:05

  Craig, Elisabeth and Paul discuss "Hoosiers"

• 50:35

  Recasting

• 1:11:34

  Double Feature

• 1:15:18

  Final Thoughts

• 1:25:14

  A preview of next week's episode "Goon"

Next week we end sports movies where we started, talking hockey and the movie "Goon".

Roy Hobbs was born to play baseball—and nothing was going to stand in his way. A natural talent with a lightning bolt for a bat, he quickly catches the eye of scouts and earns the admiration of sportswriter Max Mercy. But just as his star begins to rise, a chance encounter with a mysterious woman derails everything. Years later, Hobbs resurfaces as a seemingly unknown rookie with the New York Knights. Despite clashing with crusty manager Pop Fisher, he becomes the team’s secret weapon—and a threat to the shady team owner, the Judge, who would rather see Hobbs fail than win it all.

Craig, Elisabeth and guest Derek McCaw talk about American Mythos, 47-year-old teenagers, the undeniable love of sports films and the movie “The Natural” on this week’s Matinee Heroes!

Show Notes

• 1:26

  Craig, Elisabeth and guest Derek McCaw talk about their love of baseball movies despite their indifference to baseball.

• 9:47

  Craig, Elisabeth and Derek discuss "The Natural"

• 54:14

  Recasting

• 1:15:36

  Double Feature

• 1:19:31

  Final Thoughts

• 1:23:34

  A preview of next week's episode "Hoosiers"

Next week we continue sports movies with a tribute to Gene Hackman and "Hoosiers"

Get ready to jump into the world of Star Wars animation with some of the most legendary voice actors in the galaxy! Recorded live at Retro Expo 2024 in Plano, Texas, this unforgettable panel reunited the cast of The Clone Wars and Rebels for a conversation full of laughs, surprises, and incredible behind-the-scenes stories. From Ahsoka Tano to Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker to Hera Syndulla, these voice actors have brought some of the most beloved Star Wars characters to life, shaping the animated universe in ways fans will never forget.

• Clone Wars and Rebels’ Impact: The actors reflected on how the animated series expanded the Star Wars universe and why they still hold a special place in fans’ hearts.
• Steve Blum Surprise Call: When one Rebels cast member was missing, they took matters into their own hands and called Steve Blum live during the panel!
• Behind-the-Scenes Bloopers: The cast revealed hilarious stories from the recording booth, including moments where they couldn’t stop laughing during emotional scenes.

“Oh, you think Rebels was chaotic? Try sitting on a stage with all of us!” – Tiya Sircar

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.