Through the Valley of Sumo

    This week- two movies about people following their calling outside of social norms and expectations.
     In order to graduate Shuhei Yamamoto cuts a deal with his thesis supervisor. He must join the university sumo club and participate in an upcoming tournament. With only one other club member, Shuhei finds himself rebuilding the club from scratch. One of the very few movies about sumo and, arguably, one of the best sports films ever made- Sumo Do, Sumo Don't.
     A street preacher spends his days telling those walking Hollywood Boulevard that God loves them. One day, a young woman wonders out of her job while having an emotional crisis and crosses his path. Originally debuting at the 1998 New York Underground Film Festival before being removed from view to undergo reshoots 9 years later and resurface on YouTube in 2012. The first feature by music video and commercial director Erick Ifergan- Johnny 316.
     Kevin and Dave get a reanimating jolt, Craig finds a gem that everyone will enjoy, and Tyler spreads ruin in the way only he can. Join us, won't you?

   Episode 460- Through the Valley of Sumo

Sex Wax, Reins & Bits

     This week- a pair of psychodramas about mentally unwell women and how they navigate societies determined to restrict and limit them.

     It's summer and Florence is determined to make the best one ever and begins experiencing inexplicable blackouts. As the endless summer drags on, she begins to suspect that she might just be the serial killer that has been targeting the people around her. Meanwhile Captain Monica Stark, a tough career centered policewoman, is on the case. A cult film based on a cult play written by and costarring cult icon Charles Busch- Psycho Beach Party.
     Amanda, an upper-class teenager with alexithymia, reconnects with her estranged friend, socially adept and academically inclined, Lily. As they reestablish their bond, they start planning to murder Lily's stepfather and enlist a small time dealer to pull the trigger. A strong debut thriller with three fantastic performances driving it like a team of- Thoroughbreds. 
     All that and Dave climate controls, Tyler is disappointed to learn what "boob tube" means, Craig finds some gold, and Kevin warps the space-time continuum two films at a time. Join us, won't you?
   Episode 459- Sex Wax, Reins & Bits

Unswung Hammer

     This week we pack a toolbox with overlooked titles from The Studio That Dripped Blood.

     Simon, an aged American tourist, picks up Joan, a young local, after Joan had previously lured him into a mugging. This rages her biker gang leading brother, King, who chases them around the coast. Eventually the pair take refuge in a very curious cave full of well mannered school children. An anti-nuclear sci-fi drama directed by a backlisted American director-  The Damned.
     A novelist arrives in an unassuming town, exactly 40 years after its last outbreak of vampires, just in time for its next one. Meanwhile, the reincarnated lady loving vampire finds a finishing school, stuffed to the rafters with nubile young socialites, on the grounds of their castle property. Having become obsessed with one of the students, the novelist maneuvers to become a teacher at the school. Soon enough both of the nubile focused predators cross paths but nothing can sate- Lust for a Vampire.
     Jean Carter, daughter of a small Canadian town's freshly hired school principal, has a restless night and confides to her parents about an event that happened with her new friend and an elderly man. The Carters demand charges be brought against the patriarch of the wealthiest and most powerful family in town. As extreme hostility toward the Carters build, another horrible crime looms in the future. A statement on community being weaponized to support wealth and power at all costs, regardless of victim and history- Never Take Sweets from a Stranger.
     Captain Collier comes to a town on the Romney Marsh to investigate rumors of smuggling. Doctor Blyss, the town's parson, is behind the smuggling ring and has a secret only shared with two others. The town's coffin-maker and a mute former pirate in the custody of Collier. The two men will soon have a fatal confrontation. Based on the first book in Russell Thorndike's classic adventure series and forced to use an alternate title due to Disney adapting another title in the series simultaneously- Captain Clegg.
     All that and Dave watches some TV, Tyler wonders if he's lost a bit of his joy, Kevin wonders if squirrels can smuggle, and Craig watches some deep cuts. Join us, won't you?
   Episode 458- Unswung Hammer

Real Boy

     This week- two films about people pushed to desperate measures for love and socioeconomic security.

     After an emergency landing, a young boy must spend a week with his estranged uncle. Fortunately, the uncle is desperate to manipulate his girlfriend into believing he wants children and jumps at the opportunity. When a promise is broken, dire consequences for all ensue. A cult classic dark comedy- Clifford.

     After a chance meeting, a young couple are drawn together. Substance abuse, emotional issues, domestic violence, and hostile work environments keep them in an untenable situation. Just as it all seems ready to collapse, they find the answer to all their problems, bank robbery. A tragically overlooked social commentary laden romantic crime thriller- Normal Life.

     All that and Kevin bribes wildlife, Dave gets names wildly wrong, Craig plots, and Tyler might have misunderstood an assignment. Join us, won't you?

   Episode 457- Real Boy

Without A Haunt of My Own

     This week- two films about people confronting their worlds changing.

     Lorenz Hart slips away from his creative partner's first work without him to hold court before the opening night celebration begins. As the night goes on, Hart's insecurities, jealousy, and self-destructive tendencies simmer. Richard Linklater's 23rd film boasts incredible central performance, strong support and beautiful production design- Blue Moon.
     After her sister disappears, Joo-young rushes back to their shared apartment to search for her. Meanwhile, the man in the apartment below begins to make threats over noises no one else can hear and the head of the residents group is determined to stop anything from derailing her renovation plans. The first feature from Kim Soo-jin offers a mix of atmosphere and social commentary- Noise.

     All that and Tyler gets a jolt, Kevin marshals his forces, Craig contemplates better mousetraps, and Dave reaffirms that the princess is always going to be in another castle. Join us, won't you?
   Episode 456- Without A Haunt of My Own

Loadsa Shooting

     This week- two films featuring explosions of wildly different natures.

     When Jean, a middle age writer living in Paris, reconnects with Claire, an old friend, at a party. Claire introduces him to her beautiful new toy and draws him into a sadomasochistic triangle. Based on Catherine Robbe-Grillet's Lacanian exploration of abjection and desire, directed by porno chic auteur Radley Metzger, and part of MOMA's permanent collection- The Image.
     A drifter with perfect aim and a lactating sex worker find themselves in custody of the most sought after newborn in the country. The pair try to untangle a conspiracy behind the birth and endless attempts on the baby's life. Meanwhile a henpecked savant assassin is hot on their heels. Michael Davis's cartoon inspired cult action comedy- Shoot 'Em Up.
     All that and Tyler breaks tradition, Dave learns to live with disappointment, Craig deep dives, and Kevin clarifies. Join us, won't you?
   Episode 455- Loadsa Shooting

Back with Another of Those Rothrocking Bleeps

     This week a pair of films about people reluctantly stepping into roles they never wanted but have to for the greater social good.

     After her sister and nephew are murdered, a psychologist with multiple black belts gets psychic powers. Using her new found powers for justice, she begins to investigate the crime ring that is responsible for her sister's murder. A cult classic of the straight to video action era, that takes the star out of her comfort zone and drops her and the audience right into the director's favorite dreams- Sworn to Justice.
     12-year-old John begins to develop episodes of tics and uncontrollable echolalia that no one understands. 13 years later John is directionless and hopelessly resigned to his situation with a diagnosis that offers no hope of reprieve. When he reconnects with a school friend and his family, John begins taking control of his own life. A biopic that skillfully balances the  complicated disorder with an amiable nature supported by a terrific cast- I Swear.
     All that and Craig experiences joy, Tyler experiences pain, Dave still feels noting, and Kevin plots to unearth somethings that may be best left forgotten. Join us, won't you?
   Episode 454- Back with Another of Those Rothrocking Bleeps