Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona Episode: 04-09-25 - Entertainment Drill - List Of Movies With The Greatest Opening Scenes All Time
Release Date: April 9, 2025
Host/Author: 98KUPD | Hubbard Radio

Introduction

In the April 9, 2025 episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness on Arizona's #1 Morning Radio Show, host John Holmberg engages co-hosts Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, and Dick Toledo in an animated discussion centered around some of the greatest opening scenes in cinematic history. Titled "Entertainment Drill," the episode delves deep into what makes these initial moments so impactful, memorable, and influential in setting the tone for the entire film.

Top Movie Opening Scenes Discussed

1. Scream

Brady Bogen kicks off the conversation by championing the opening of Scream, emphasizing its mastery in crafting suspense and intrigue from the very beginning.

"The first 10 minutes of Scream are some of the best movie making ever." (05:03)

2. Raiders of the Lost Ark

Moving to adventure classics, Larry McFeely and Brady reminisce about the gripping initiation of Raiders of the Lost Ark, highlighting the iconic idol chase scene.

"The opening scene where he's going after killing the idol. Start the plane." (05:19)
"That is the first scene of the movie. Holy cow." (05:24)

3. Goodfellas

The discussion transitions to the intense and gritty opening of Goodfellas, focusing on the memorable "Guys in the Trunk" scene where violence and ambition intersect.

"The guys in the trunk. Stab him to death. Always wanted to be a gangster." (05:33)
"That's the opening scene of the Godfather." (07:21) (Note: Clarification between Goodfellas and The Godfather occurs later)

4. There Will Be Blood

Brady expresses mixed feelings about There Will Be Blood, praising its beginning but critiquing its descent into overwhelming sadness.

"Drink your milkshake. I am an oil man." (06:07)
"It's the saddest movie that's ever been made." (05:54)

5. Inglourious Basterds

The team touches on Inglourious Basterds, particularly the intense interrogation scene featuring Christoph Waltz's character, capturing the tension and psychological drama.

"Kristoff Waltz interrogates the farmer. It's so intense about the squirrel." (06:37)

6. The Godfather

A deep dive into The Godfather's opening scene reveals its subtle power in establishing characters and setting the narrative's tone.

"Don Corleone grants favors during his daughter's wedding." (06:45)
"We're not gonna let you out of here. Me, Smith and Wesson." (10:03)

7. Once Upon a Time in the West

Larry McFeely highlights the Western epic Once Upon a Time in the West, praising its action-packed introduction at a deserted train station.

"Ray001 A Space Odyssey. That's pretty good." (08:03) (Possible mix-up in conversation)
"They had Once Upon a Time in the West... Charles Bronson. He gets into a shootout with three gunmen at a deserted train station." (07:53)

8. Star Wars

Brady lauds the immediate engagement of Star Wars' opening, applauding its ability to thrust audiences into an epic narrative without delay.

"Star wars gets going right off. There's no, like, waiting for any action on that one." (15:19)

9. Others Mentioned

The conversation also briefly touches upon other notable films such as Saving Private Ryan, No Country for Old Men, and Gladiator, each praised for their distinctive and impactful openings.

Notable Quotes and Insights

• Brady Bogen on React Defense's adaptable self-defense training:

  "It's not all just one thing. You don't have to be so, you know, black and white and glued to one idea. It moves, it evolves, it's a living thing." (03:00)

• John Holmberg reflecting on The Godfather's depth:

  "He's not saving any money." (05:52) (Contextual comment on movie's themes)

• Larry McFeely on community concerns regarding JBJ Soul Kitchen:

  "The mayor says mothers shouldn't have to walk through a large gang of drunk and mentally ill men with your children." (10:55)

Host Interactions and Banter

Throughout the episode, the hosts engage in lively banter, often interjecting humorous and relatable comments that add depth to their discussions. Brady and Larry frequently exchange playful jabs, particularly when recalling specific movie scenes or debating their merits.

Brady: "He was like, you weren't prepared. See kid? So he signed up immediately after lesson one." (03:30)
Larry: "I don't know. New Jersey." (11:25)

Audience Engagement

Listeners contributed via emails and texts, enriching the dialogue with their perspectives on various movie openings. Brady acknowledges the influx of listener feedback, particularly regarding classics like Saving Private Ryan and No Country for Old Men, highlighting the communal experience of film appreciation.

"Now, you might ask yourself, did I feel lucky?" (10:32) (Referring to Dirty Harry quote)

Conclusion

The episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness masterfully blends passionate film analysis with entertaining host dynamics, offering listeners a comprehensive look at some of cinema's most unforgettable opening scenes. By dissecting what makes these moments resonate, the hosts provide valuable insights into filmmaking techniques that captivate audiences from the very first frame.

Timestamps

• 05:03: Brady praises Scream's opening.
• 05:19: Discussion on Raiders of the Lost Ark.
• 05:33: Conversation about Goodfellas.
• 05:54: Brady's take on There Will Be Blood.
• 06:37: Talk on Inglourious Basterds.
• 06:45: Insights into The Godfather's opening scene.
• 07:53: Highlights on Once Upon a Time in the West.
• 08:03: Overview of Star Wars.
• 10:55: Larry discusses community issues related to JBJ Soul Kitchen.
• 15:19: Brady on Star Wars opening.

Note: Advertisements, promotional segments, and non-content discussions were intentionally excluded to maintain focus on the episode's primary subject matter.