Friendly Fire
John Roderick, Adam Pranica and Benjamin Ahr Harrison
A history podcast with a twist: Friendly Fire uses war movies as a point of entry on not only the history of war, but the history of how societies think about war. John Roderick, Adam Pranica and Benjamin Ahr Harrison dissect movies from throughout the history of cinema, talk about film production, pedantic quibbles with costumes and airplanes, and keep you laughing the entire time.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 15, 2019 • 1h 17min
Top Secret! (1984)
Can a parody film be a war film? Of course it can, just throw in a dash of rock 'n roll and a couple hamburgers! On today's episode Adam, Ben, and John must continue the struggle—while they review this 1984 classic. This film is available on : Amazon, Apple, and your local librarySupport our showNext Film: Alexander (The Ultimate Cut)Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library
Nov 8, 2019 • 1h 27min
Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
Does a super-soldier serum help win wars, or does it simply create a new type of arms race? On today's episode Adam, Ben, and John need a rain check on that dance while they review this 2011 roller-coaster!This film is available on : Amazon, Apple, and your local librarySupport our showNext Film: Top Secret!Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library
Nov 1, 2019 • 1h 30min
Beasts of No Nation (2015)
A soldier who has a brain that's still developing can lead to unspeakable results. But some nations will stop at nothing to create the best army within their means. On today's episode Adam, Ben, and John just want to be happy in this life after reviewing this 2015 drama. This film is available on : NetflixSupport our showNext film: Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library
Oct 25, 2019 • 1h 12min
The Bridge at Remagen (1969)
A bridge cannot take sides, although it can transfer hands after a battle—but that won’t keep it from collapsing. And on today’s episode Adam, Ben, and John find out who’s the enemy while they review this 1969 drama.This film is available on:Amazon, Apple, and your local librarySupport our show!Next Film: Beasts of No Nation (2015)Available on: Netflix
Oct 18, 2019 • 1h 18min
Eye in the Sky (2015)
Is this film an expanded ethical thought experiment, or a slice of life via modern warfare? On today's episode Adam, Ben, and John are fueled by postings on YouTube. While they review this 2015 thriller.This film is available on:Amazon,YouTube, and your local librarySupport our show! Next Film: The Bridge at Remagen (1969)Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library
Oct 11, 2019 • 1h 12min
The Sun (2005)
Can a war film disregard aspects of history to better explain the subtleties of diplomatic defeat? Director Aleksandr Sokurov sure thinks so! On today's episode Adam, Ben, and John have only one unresolved issue left—while they review this 2005 drama.This film is available on:Amazon,YouTube, and your local librarySupport our show! Next Film: Eye in the Sky (2015)Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library
Oct 4, 2019 • 1h 17min
They Were Expendable (1945)
Sometimes war movies are adventures, sometimes they’re to-the-point biopics, other times they're a surprisingly refreshing mix of both. On today's episode Adam, Ben, and John, sit around on their duffs while reviewing this 1945 drama!This film is available on:Amazon, Apple, and your local librarySupport our show! Next Film: The Sun (2005)Available on:Amazon,YouTube, and your local library
Sep 27, 2019 • 1h 9min
The Mouse That Roared (1959)
It's a war-plan so crazy it just might work! Can this Peter Sellers farce bring forth the same wartime hilarity as Dr. Strangelove? On today's episode Adam, Ben, and John surrender to overwhelming powers, in a military manner, while reviewing this 1959 comedy!This film is available on:Amazon, Apple, and your local librarySupport our show! Next Film: They Were Expendable (1945)Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library
Sep 24, 2019 • 1h 17min
Edge of Tomorrow (2014) [Pork Chop Feed]
An officer who has never seen a day of combat finds himself living the same day over and over again.Friendly Fire is made possible by the support of our listeners. Support Friendly Fire to receive a monthly Pork Chop episode and all the other Maximum Fun bonus content!
Sep 20, 2019 • 1h 29min
Zero Dark Thirty (2012)
The line between reality and fiction can be extremely thin in war pictures. And when a film resonates close to home for the viewer, extreme can take a back seat to emotion. On today's episode Adam, Ben, and John sit where they want, while reviewing this 2012 thriller!This film is available on:Amazon, Apple, and your local librarySupport our show! Next Film: The Mouse That Roared (1959)Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library
