This week’s “Cogill Wine & Film, A Perfect Pairing” Podcast on reVolver Podcasts we welcome special guest Chris Vognar of the Dallas Morning News to the show as Hayley was on a wine trip to Napa and Sonoma. I was delighted to have Chris join us for the program, and look forward to Hayley returning to share her adventures in California wine country next week. Listen to the show here, clicking “Episode 54.” Or listen through iTunes, Spotify, IHeartRadio or Google Play Music. More on my discussion with Chris, and our three featured films below.

Chris Vognar writes full time for The Dallas Morning News as a “Culture Critic” covering everything from movies and music to books and popular culture. He is one of the best I know at articulating his thoughts concerning art and how it works it’s way into our lives and in some cases changes the way we might perceive the world.

His insight into film has always been a beacon for me because it comes from a place of research and understanding. It’s a rare occasion when I disagree with Chris Vognar but when I do I’m fully aware of the case he makes and why. Vognar is not a good writer but a great writer.

So, while Hayley was in wine country chasing the grape, it was a selfish treat for me to have Chris Vognar as a special guest on our “Cogill Wine & Film” podcast so I can pick his brain about movies of substance and importance.

Vognar felt “Spider-Man: Homecoming” was pure fun as a film going experience, getting away from the super-seriousness of the genre and replacing it with a sense of school boy joy.

He also loved, “Baby Driver,” from writer-director Edgar Wright, a film we agree that might be the best so far this year. A remarkable movie of rhythm and beats that play to the tune of crime, romance, and life.

He speaks highly of, “The Big Sick,” as a compassionate excursion into tolerance and interracial relationships, and a huge hit on the independent film circuit.

I throw in my two cents about the epic nature of, “War For The Planet Of The Apes,” comparing it’s subject matter to great prisoner of war films like, “The Great Escape,” and David Lean’s, “Bridge On The River Kwai.”

And I can’t stop thinking and talking about, “Okja,” only on Netflix. A one of a kind movie about a South Korean girl who raises a giant pig, travels to America and faces a giant meat eating corporation. A true work of art and conscience.  Hayley and I will share a bit more about this on next week’s show, as I know it deeply touched her as well.

Thanks, Chris Vognar, for listening to me. I certainly enjoyed and admired listening to you.