GUEST ALERT: Oz and Curtis are checking the silos, watching the radar, and hoping the burger they just ordered isn't their last meal! Joining us to navigate this high-stakes nuclear standoff is acclaimed film critic and educator Don Shanahan to break down the intense, underrated Nuclear Thriller: Deterrence!

President Walter Emerson (Kevin Pollak), the first Jewish President and an appointee facing a tough re-election, finds his motorcade stranded in a massive blizzard at a remote Colorado diner. While the world outside freezes, a massive geopolitical crisis erupts: Iraq has invaded Kuwait, and the response triggers a terrifying nuclear standoff. Stuck in a booth with his advisors and a handful of locals, Emerson must decide if he’s willing to push the button to save the world—or destroy it.

We break down the film’s white-knuckle tension with Don’s expert eye for the "lessons" within the frame: Kevin Pollak’s incredible, authoritative performance, the film’s "Stage Play" feel that keeps the focus entirely on the ethics of war, and the chillingly logical arguments for and against the use of Nuclear Deterrence. Is Deterrence a forgotten masterpiece of 90s Indie Cinema and a terrifying look at global power, or just a movie that proves the most dangerous place to be during World War III is a diner with bad coffee? Tune in for our full Deterrence 1999 movie review!

Meet Our Guest: Don Shanahan

Don is a Rotten Tomatoes-approved film critic and the creator of Every Movie Has a Lesson. You can find his deep-dive reviews, educational insights, and podcasting adventures at the links below:

• Film Obsessive: https://filmobsessive.com

• Every Movie Has a Lesson: https://www.everymoviehasalesson.com

• Cinephile Hissy Fit Podcast: [Find it on Apple Podcasts/Spotify]

If you’re into analyzing political dramas, appreciating films that do a lot with a single location, or listening to three guys who would definitely panic and hide in the walk-in freezer the moment the Red Phone rang, this episode is for you.

To secure your content and avoid a global meltdown, follow the signal straight to https://LetsTalkAboutFlix.com — where our takes are as hot as a fresh grill and guaranteed to be a thought-provoking listen.

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