The Criterion Collection, the last vestige of truly collectible DVD and Blu-Ray movies in existence. These are well produced, fancy pants editions of important and interesting films for the discerning film lover. We continue our journey through Jim's collection of movies with... The Manchurian Candidate Spine Number: 803 Director:John Frankenheimer Genre: Drama   Ever since the first time I saw "The Manchurian Candidate," back in college I have maintained the same opinion. It was possibly the best opening and closing of any movie ever with a damned solid film in between. It holds up as well as it did on the first viewing. The Manchurian Candidate does what a good suspense movie is supposed to do. It sets up a fantastic scenario, leaves you completely in the dark as to how it could possibly work out, and then doesn't tip its hand until the very end. Honestly, if you haven't seen it, even if you don't listen to this show, you should do yourself a favor and check it out. But then, you should totally listen to the show because... why on earth would you not? Next time... Spine number 821: Dr. Strangelove: or How I Learned To Stop Worrying and Love The Bomb Also, check this out. The Life Masters is now it's own show with its own site and own dedicated feed. That's right, we have two completely different shows!  Right now check it out at www.thelifemasters.podbean.com. You can also drink in our brilliance on Youtube for both The Film Thugs and The Life Masters. http://fantasymovieleague.com/ Looks like Summer Movie League has officially become Fantasy Movie League. It looks quite fun. Here's how it works. You have an 8 screen theater. Every week you pick movies and have a budget/salary cap you have to stay under. Then you compete against other theaters in your league. It's fantasy football for movie people. Our league is Film Thugs 2015 and the password is Porterhouse. And remember, you can be a part of the show any time you wild like. How's that? All you have to do is call or e-mail us. If you live in the US, or any place that makes calling the US easy, just dial 512-666-RANT and leave us a voicemail. We will read the Google Voice transcript and play your message. It's both funny AND informative. If you live outside the US you can call us on Skype at The_Film_Thugs. You can leave a message, or someone might actually answer. E-mail us at [email protected] and we will read/play whatever you send us, or you can e-mail [email protected] to be part of  an upcoming "Ask the Film Thugs" show, where we answer questions on any subject without having heard them first. Also, we are on twitter @thefilmthugs and on Facebook and Vine. Also, be sure to check back often for our new endeavor The Life Masters, where we answer questions to other advice columnists. Thanks for listening, and until next week...