Joseph J. Airdo's Articles

Joseph J. Airdo is a film critic, producer and on-air personality for Breakthrough Entertainment, a talk radio show airing 10-11 a.m. Saturdays on KPHX 1480 AM and BreakRadioShow.com that shines a spotlight on the practical perspectives of the topics and themes explored in movies. He has a pet duck named Frozen who is as opinionated about movies as he is. E-mail him at joseph.airdo@gmail.com.

Among the new movies that were released Friday, Feb. 19 are a western starring real-life father and son Donald Sutherland and Kiefer Sutherland and a horror anthology that takes place on a desolate stretch of desert highway. ‘Forsaken’ Kiefer Sutherland … Read More

Segment 1 – Host Chat: Valentine’s Day / Taste Test: Toffee-tastic Girl Scout Cookies Segment 2 – Interview: Actress Judi Evans (“Days of Our Lives”) Segment 3 – Taste Test: Mrs. Barry’s Kona Cookies Segment 4 – Review: “Tumbledown” / Interview: Director Sean Mewshaw (“Tumbledown”)* *Available … Read More

Among the new movies that were released Friday, Feb. 12 are a romantic dramedy starring Rebecca Hall and Jason Sudeikis, a documentary from Michael Moore and a comedy sequel starring Ben Stiller. ‘Standoff’ Thomas Jane plays a troubled veteran who … Read More

Segment 1 – Host Chat: A Graffiti Crawl Recap, a Havasupai Hangover and a Big Caucus Segment 2 – Interview: Filmmaker Rhett Grametbauer (“25,000 Miles to Glory”) Segment 3 – Super Bowl Commercials Preview and Death Wish Coffee Taste Test Segment 4 – Interview: … Read More

Among the new movies that were released Friday, Feb. 5 are a star-studded comedy from Joel and Ethan Coen, a legal thriller in which Josh Duhamel finds himself caught in between Anthony Hopkins and Al Pacino and a thriller that … Read More

Segment 1 – Host Chat Segment 2 – Review: “Kung Fu Panda 3” Segment 3 – Interview: Marc Brody (Panda Mountain) Segment 4 – Review: “The Finest Hours” Segment 5 – Interview: Wayne Spivak (Association for Rescue at Sea) Segment 6 – Interview: Cast of “Cooper Barrett’s … Read More

The cast of “Cooper Barrett’s Guide to Surviving Life” (Jack Cutmore-Scott, Meaghan Rath, James Earl and Charlie Saxton) will be outside the ASU bookstore at 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 25 handing out hangover shots and then inside AMC Centerpoint 11 at 4:30 … Read More

Segment 1 – Opening Host Chat Segment 2 – Review: “Caged No More” Segment 3 – Interview: Actor Alan Powell (“Caged No More”) Segment 4 – Interview: Actress Aliza Vellani (“The X-Files”) Segment 5 – Interview: Artist Niki Woehler (Part 1) Segment 6 – Interview: Artist Niki … Read More

Among the new movies that were released Friday, Jan. 22 is a drama aiming to stop human trafficking. ‘Caged No More’ Loretta Devine plays a grandmother who discovers that her two granddaughters have been kidnapped by their sinister father (Kevin … Read More

Segment 1 – Opening Host Chat Segment 2 – Review: “13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi” Segment 3 – Interview: Actor Demetrius Grosse (“13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi”) Segment 4 – In Memorium: David Bowie and Alan Rickman Segment 5 … Read More

Among the new movies that were released Friday, Jan. 15 are an actioner from director Michael Bay, a character study starring Richard Gere and a drama that features a potentially controversial relationship. ‘13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi’ John … Read More

Segment 1 – Post-Holiday Host Chat Segment 2 – Review: “Anomalisa” Segment 3 – Review: “The Revenant” (Part 1) Segment 4 – Interview: Actress Shalita Grant (“Mercy Street”) Segment 5 – Interview: Jacqueline Piñol (“Bordertown”) Segment 6 – Interview: Actor Nick Swardson (“Hell and Back”) Segment … Read More

Among the new movies that were released Friday, Jan. 8 are an animated project from writer/director Charlie Kaufman and a wilderness drama starring Leonardo DiCaprio. ‘Anomalisa’ David Thewlis voices a man who, crippled by the mundanity of his life, experiences … Read More

Breakthrough Entertainment counts down world famous film critic Joseph J. Airdo’s Top Ten Movies of 2015 and re-vists their conversations with some of their greatest guests from over the past year.

Among the movies that are the best of 2015 are the long-awaited new installment in the “Jurassic Park” franchise, a sequel that re-visits the Griswold family for a new generation and a family flick featuring one of the most famous … Read More

Breakthrough Entertainment gets you ready to ring in the new year with World Almanac senior editor Sarah Janssen, comedian Paul Rodriguez, Tournament of Roses president Mike Matthiessen, kissing expert Andrea Demirjian, champagne expert Ruth Frantz and – live from Times … Read More

Among the new movies that were released Friday, Dec. 25 are a comedy that combines the skills of Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferrell, Quentin Tarantino’s latest cinematic masterpiece and a dramedy that re-teams the talents of David O. Russell, Jennifer … Read More

“When I was ready to call it quits with catering, I decided my next business would celebrate the one food I love most: cookies! Cookies are all love. A little sweet bite to make you feel better – even if … Read More

Ingredients 2 cups flour 1/2 cup crystallized ginger, minced 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon ginger 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon cloves 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 stick unsalted butter 3/4 cup dark brown sugar 1/4 cup molasses 1 egg 1/2 … Read More

Breakthrough Entertainment celebrates Christmas – and the release of “Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens.” “The Chew’s” Carla Hall bakes up a batch of her favorite Christmas cookies, “Home and Family’s” Mark Steines imparts his holiday entertaining expertise, … Read More

Among the new movies that were released Friday, Dec. 18 are a drama in which Eddie Redmayne plays a transgender pioneer, the highly anticipated new entry in the “Star Wars” franchise and a drama in which Michael Caine and Harvey Keitel … Read More

Breakthrough Entertainment celebrates Santarchy, featuring some of the craziest Christmas carols this side of the North Pole. Guests include acclaimed food artisan Robert Lambert, “So You Think You Can Dance” contestants JJ, Megz and Hailee and “America’s Got Talent” comedian … Read More

Among the new movies that were released Friday, Dec. 11 are a comedy from “Napoleon Dynamite” writer/director Jared Hess, a true adventure from director Ron Howard and a western starring none other than Adam Sandler. ‘Don Verdean’ Sam Rockwell plays … Read More

Coinciding with the release of “Krampus,” Breakthrough Entertainment presents Songs Made Scary by Horror Movies: Christmas Edition. Writer/director Mitch Davis and composer Christian Davis discuss their festive new film “Christmas Eve” while actress Jen Lilley previews her new holiday album … Read More

Among the new movies that were released Friday, Dec. 4 are three Christmas movies – an ensemble dramedy, a horror comedy and a star-studded special. ‘Christmas Eve’ When a power outage traps six different groups of New Yorkers inside elevators … Read More

Breakthrough Entertainment highlights this holiday season’s hottest gifts. (Download MP3) Segment 1 – Seasonal Souvenirs New Mexico Pinon Coffee, Rold Gold Holiday Dipped Pretzels, Teleflora, Tipsy Elves Sweaters and Topperfino Segment 2 – Spectacular Spirits Bacon Jam, Bulldog Gin, LEAF Organic Vodka, Ludlows Cocktails … Read More

Breakthrough Entertainment celebrates Thanksgiving. A Butterball Turkey Talk-Line representative bastes the bird as chef Eric Reinart serves some scrumptious mashed potatoes and gravy without breaking the bank. Dinner guests include director Jackie Earle Haley (“Criminal Activities”) and actor Simon Pegg … Read More

Among the new movies that were released Friday, Nov. 20 is a crime thriller starring John Travolta and Jackie Earle Haley, a romantic comedy starring Simon Pegg and Lake Bell and a Christmas comedy starring Seth Rogen, Joseph Gordon Levitt … Read More

Ahead of the lighting of the tallest Christmas tree in the nation at the Outlets at Anthem, Breakthrough Entertainment speaks with the event’s performers ASU Pitchforks, Just Seconds Apart and Maggie Rose. Films featured include “Brooklyn,” “Heist,” “I Smile Back,” … Read More

Among the new movies that were released Friday, Nov. 13 is period drama set in 1950s America, a Christmas-themed ensemble dramedy and a football flick from the writer of “Rudy” and “Hoosiers.” ‘Brooklyn’ Saoirse Ronan plays a young Irish immigrant … Read More

Breakthrough Entertainment celebrates the release of “Spectre,” the 50th anniversary of “Days of Our Lives” and the kickoff of its Countdown to Christmas. Guests include author Paul Simpson (“Bond vs. Bond: The Many Faces of 007”), “Days of Our Lives” … Read More

Among the new movies that were released Friday, Nov. 6 is the 24th installment in the James Bond franchise. ‘Spectre’ Daniel Craig reprises his role of James Bond who receives a cryptic message from his past that sends him on … Read More

Breakthrough Entertainment celebrates Halloween, coinciding with the release of “Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse.” The gruesome guest guest list includes Matt Mogk (Zombie Research Society), actress E.G. Daily (“31”), actor Ray Santiago (“Ash vs. Evil Dead”), actress Juliet Landau … Read More

Among the new movies that were released Friday, Oct. 30 is a coming-of-age zom-com. ‘Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse’ Tye Sheridan, Patrick Schwarzenegger and Logan Miller play scouts who, on the eve of their last camp-out, discover the true … Read More

Breakthrough Entertainment’s Halloween Spooktacular continues with Songs Made Scary by Horror Movies V. The ghostly guest list includes actor Chris Murray (“Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension”), Tim Pugsley (13th Floor and Fear Farm), composer Mac Quayle (“American Horror Story” and … Read More

Among the new movies that were released Friday, Oct. 23 are a western about an unlikely team of gunslingers who set out to rescue settlers who have been kidnapped by a group of cannibal savages and the final installment in … Read More

Breakthrough Entertainment’s Halloween Spooktacular continues, coinciding with the releases of “Goosebumps” and “Tales of Halloween.” The grisly guest list includes director Darren Lynn Bousman (“Tales of Halloween”), Bill Tomalchoff (Arizona Field of Screams) and actress Sarah Butler (“I Spit on … Read More

Among the new movies that were released Friday, Oct. 16 are a Cold War drama starring Tom Hanks, a family-friendly fright-fest starring Jack Black and a Halloween anthology featuring ten terrifying tales. ‘Bridge of Spies’ Tom Hanks plays an American … Read More

Breakthrough Entertainment’s Halloween Spooktacular continues, coinciding with the releases of “The Final Girls” and “Knock Knock.” The ghastly guest guest list includes Jackson Keith (Jack and Jill’s Haunted Hill), actress Blair Bomar (“From Dusk Till Dawn”), actress Jeannine Kaspar (“Freeheld”) … Read More

Among the new movies that were released Friday, Oct. 10 are a comedic horror flick that pulls its viewers into an 80’s slasher, a thriller in which Keanu Reeves answers a door that should have never been opened and a … Read More

Breakthrough Entertainment’s Halloween Spooktacular begins, coinciding with the releases of “A Christmas Horror Story” and “Goodnight Mommy.” The ghoulish guest list includes actor George Buza (“A Christmas Horror Story”), John Eslich (Haunted Attraction Association), actress Leanne Lapp (“iZombie”) and actress … Read More

Among the new movies that were released Friday, Oct. 2 are a holiday-set horror anthology, a German-language thriller and a cinematic recreation of Philippe Petit’s walk across a wire strung between the World Trade Center towers. ‘Addicted to Fresno’ Judy … Read More

Coinciding with the release of “The Green Inferno,” Breakthrough Entertainment has a conversation with cannibalism expert Carol A. Travis-Henikoff. Other guests include musician Natalia “Saw Lady” Paruz (“Time Out of Mind”), actor Nikola Kent (“Ray Donovan”) and director Ron May … Read More

Among the new movies that were released Friday, Sept. 25 are Eli Roth’s long-awaited cannibalism thriller, an early Halloween treat starring Nicolas Cage and a drama in which Richard Gere plays a homeless, mentally-ill man. ‘Ashby’ Nat Wolff plays a … Read More

Breakthrough Entertainment climbs “Everest” with Alpenglow Expeditions mountaineer Adrian Ballinger, live via satellite phone from Camp 2 on Makalu. Actress/co-writer Hailey Smith also stops by the studio to discuss “Once I Was a Beehive” while “Cooties” and “Sleeping with Other … Read More

Among the new movies that were released Friday, Sept. 18 are a comedic horror flick featuring feral children, a drama about a climbing expedition that is devastated by a severe snowstorm and a family dramedy set at a bible-themed girls’ … Read More

Breakthrough Entertainment previews this fall’s new and returning television series with actress Tia Mowry (“Instant Mom”), actor Atticus Shaffer (“The Middle”) and actor Sean Maguire (“Once Upon a Time”). Pop artist Tyler Ward also talks about his Yellow Boxes Tour and The … Read More

Among the new movies that were released Friday, Sept. 11 are a sequel to an actioner produced by WWE Studios, a faith-based flick featuring a look at the afterlife and comedy about two people’s quest to go from quirky to … Read More

Coinciding with the release of “A Walk in the Woods,” Breakthrough Entertainment hikes the Appalachian Trail with Bob “Sir-Packs-Alot” Gabrielsen. Director Don Argott also previews his new comedy”Slow Learners” and writer/director Liz Manashil and actress Christine Weatherup provide an update about … Read More

Among the new movies that were released Friday, Sept. 4 are a romantic drama starring and directed by Chris Evans, a sports comedy starring Jeremy Sisto and David Walton and an Appalachian Trail-set dramedy starring Robert Redford and Nick Nolte. … Read More