David Lester
Podcaster
Co-Host of the ‘Veterans of Culture Wars’ podcast and the ‘Does the Bible say THAT?’ Podcast. Dave was born and raised in the southern suburbs of Seattle and went to college in the flat cornfields of Indiana. He converted to Christianity at the age of 14 (Evangelical tradition) and Jesus remains the core part of his life. His love of movies began as a kid and continues through this day.
Favorite Director(s):
The Coen Bros, Steven Spielberg, Christopher Nolan, David Fincher, Michael Mann, Spike Lee, Jordan Peele, Kathryn Bigelow
Guilty Pleasure Movie:
Dumb and Dumber
91
April 11, 2025
Hostages & Kidnappings Movie Draft (w/ Dave Lester)
Hostage and kidnapping stories actually have a rich history in film. From serious dramas, to edge-of-your-seat thrillers, to comedies, there was a lot of great cinema to choose from for this week’s movie draft. This draft follows up our discussion of Spielberg’s Munich, and it is fully of fun discussion of some of the most fun and/or thrilling hostage movies. https://www.establishingshotpod.com/ Feedback: Email us at establishingshotpod@gmail.com Leave a voicemail from the button on the rig...
Guest: David Lester
90
April 4, 2025
Munich (w/ Dave Lester)
Munich is one of Spielberg’s least discussed movies and undeservedly so. It displays some of his best action set pieces, contains serious contemplative political and ethical questions, and has all of the iconic Spielbergian shots and framing. And that is not even to mention that its subject matter dealing with Israeli-Palestinian conflict is still just as relevant as ever. My guest and I marvel at what this movie accomplishes (cinematically and ethically), discuss some of its weaker point mole h...
Guest: David Lester
34
March 1, 2024
Duel (w/ Dave Lester)
Steven Spielberg’s Duel was never supposed to be as successful as it was. As a movie of the week TV feature in 1971, the 24 year old director gained the attention of critics and studios alike with a road thriller that begged to be on the big screen. We discuss this TV movie that launched his career along with briefly talking about his other two TV movies, Something Evil, a low budget, rural horror and Savage, a failed TV pilot episode. https://www.establishingshotpod.com/ Feedback: Email...
Guest: David Lester
33
Feb. 23, 2024
Car Chase Movie Draft (w/ Dave Lester) & My Neighbor Totoro Review w/ My Son
Steven Spielberg’s Duel inspired me to do a Car Chase Movie Draft with my guest, Dave Lester. Listen as we take turns drafting what we think are some of the best movie car chases out there. I also share some honorable mentions and do a review of My Neighbor Totoro with my five year old son. https://www.establishingshotpod.com/ Feedback: Email us at establishingshotpod@gmail.com Leave a voicemail from the button on the right side of the screen on our website https://www.establishingshotpo...
Guest: David Lester
19
Sept. 22, 2023
Insomnia (w/ Dave Lester)
In our discussion about Christopher Nolan’s first studio feature, Insomnia, we examine why this feels like his forgotten film. Somehow with Insomnia’s studio budget, star-studded cast, adapted script, and its fairly standard narrative structure, Nolan is still able to display his unique style as he gives us an incredibly interesting character study. Finally, we do a movie draft of foreign language films and their American remakes and share our recommendations of the week. https://www.estab...
Guest: David Lester