Clear and Present Dudes: A Thriller Movies Podcast

Sitrep: Jack Ryan: Ghost War (2026); Spider-Noir; Widow's Bay; Hokum (2026)

SITREP: The Dudes are taking a short break for vague geopolitical reasons! Meanwhile we have the report on the latest John Krasinski Jack Ryan thriller 'Ghost War'. It's a great movie if you love your movies full of adverts for Dubai and Uber Eats and devoid of character. In happier news, we chat Spider-Noir with the great Nicholas Cage, the incredible Widow's Bay and Damian McCarthy's latest horror feature 'Hokum'. Please check out the movie Ruari worked on (composer and co-producer) now available to stream in its entirety on youtube: Ropes: The Entire Mystery. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3H_586xoLtc&t=8s

Jack Reacher Reacharound Pt 1: Jack Reacher (2012) and Never Go Back (2016)

The Dudes delve deep into the crime thriller vigilante justice world of Jack Reacher - former military policeman investigator turned civilian drifter with nothing to lose and strong moral compass. Here in Jack Reacher (2012) and its Sequel Jack Reacher: Never Go Back, the titular Jack is played by Tom Cruise. We try to brush off the basic criticism (he's a bit short) and try and focus on the positives. FOR ONCE we have a possible answer for "how does this shit go down in Germany?"

Master and Commander: Far Side of the World (2003)

Quick's the word and sharp's the action! The Dudes hoist the mainsail, get a broad reach on the Acheron and make hot pursuit for the Horn! 1805! OCEANS ARE BATTLEFIELDS! SHIPS ARE STICK INSECTS! IRISH DOCTORS ARE SPIES! HOBBITS ARE SAILORS! The Dudes dive deep into 2003's Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World. In this episode of Clear and Present Dudes, we review and analyse Peter Weir’s 2003 naval war film Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World, starring Russell Crowe as Captain Jack Aubrey and Paul Bettany as Dr Stephen Maturin. We discuss the film’s historical accuracy, Royal Navy detail, Napoleonic warfare, naval gunnery, the Acheron, HMS Surprise, Patrick O’Brian’s Aubrey–Maturin novels, the soundtrack, the cast, the best quotes, and why this should have launched a full Master and Commander franchise. Master and Commander, Russell Crowe, Paul Bettany, Peter Weir, Patrick O’Brian, Aubrey Maturin, Royal Navy, Napoleonic Wars, naval warfare, historical accuracy, war movies, military movies, dad cinema, film review, movie podcast, Clear and Present Dudes

Miami Vice: Brother's Keeper (1984)

The Dudes don (Johnson) their Ray Bans and pastel suits, fire up the Ferrari Testarossa and hit the beach in this deep dive into the iconic feature-length pilot of Miami Vice. It's a vibe. It's a scene. It's groundbreaking TV that changed the medium forever, and gave us some of the sexiest most dramatic music videos of all time. It made Phil Collins seem cool. It made Leonard Cohen into a gangster, and it gave the world Phillip Michael Thomas, before taking him back again. *Spoilers! This is a spoiler cast and we are spoiling this 42 year-old movie* This episode explores the iconic TV series Miami Vice, its cultural impact, production details, and memorable scenes, with insights into its aesthetic, music, and character dynamics. A must-listen for fans of 80s TV and crime dramas. Join us as we explore the iconic style, memorable scenes, and behind-the-scenes stories of Miami Vice, featuring insights into its cinematic techniques, cultural impact, and the careers of its stars. Perfect for fans and newcomers alike, this episode delves into what makes the show a timeless classic. Join us as we explore the iconic TV series Miami Vice, its cultural impact, memorable quotes, fashion, and behind-the-scenes insights. Dive into a nostalgic journey through 80s style, music, and legendary moments that defined a generation. keywords Miami Vice, 80s TV, Michael Mann, crime drama, pop culture, TV analysis, music video style, Don Johnson, Philip Michael Thomas Miami Vice, 80s TV, cinematic style, Don Johnson, Philip Michael Thomas, TV history, pop culture, crime drama, Miami, nostalgia Miami Vice, 80s TV, Michael Mann, TV nostalgia, fashion, music, iconic quotes, police dramas, pop culture

Cisco Pike (1971)

The Dude's observe the special date with a stoner-adjacent thriller (in name only) Cisco Pike, starring Kris Kristofferson, Gene Hackman and Karen Black! Kris walks around a bunch. We hear some of his music. Gene Hackman sweats. We talk about a bunch of other movies because 2 out of 3 dudes did not love it! This is a spoilercast and every episode is full spoilers, not that you can spoil this. Cisco Pike, Kris Kristofferson, 1970s cinema, drug culture, film analysis, cult classics film analysis, Gene Hackman, Harry Dean Stanton, cinema history, movie discussion, actor careers, film themes, classic movies, industry insights, film critique film analysis, cult classics, movie discussion, director spin, fan theories, Gene Hackman, 70s LA, movie missed opportunities