In this latest episode of the Substandard (subscribe, leave a review, tell your friends), Sonny Bunch admits to being strangely drawn to The 15:17 to Paris despite all indications it's a dud (such are the perils of using non-actors portraying themselves). We then delve into the Clint Eastwood oeuvre—is he at his best as an actor, director, or both?
Sonny is a big fan of High Plains Drifter. JVL and I still love In the Line of Fire (directed by Wolfgang Peterson and with a stellar cast that includes Eastwood, Rene Russo, John Malkovich at his most Malkovich, Fred Thompson being Fred Thompson, Gary Cole, and the recently departed John Mahoney). It's a terrific thriller with a tight script—and, at times, funny. If for some unimaginable reason you have not seen In the Line of Fire, put it at the top of your list. "I know things about pigeons, Lilly."
But wait, there's more! JVL circles back to our Olympics episode and the fawning over North Korea. "Gene" was supposed to review The 15:17 to Paris but took a wrong turn. I pester Sonny to yet again recount the time he met Clint Eastwood and received the Clint glare.
As JVL reminds us, January and February are the dead months at the box office, so it's a slightly shorter episode than usual. But next week is Black Panther. Plus I will most likely discuss my recent trip to True Food Kitchen and what it felt like to consume quinoa, tofu, kale, and Kombucha in one sitting. Needless to say I was on the edge of my seat!