You Can Call These Al

    We close out 2022 with a tribute to prolific high concept low budget auteur Albert Pyun.

     Deciding to make three American urban crime drama films for the price of one, all filmed in the same abandoned factory warehouse somewhere in Eastern Europe, all starring Ice-T and featuring Ernie Hudson Jr. Corrupt has ended years of gang wars by taking over both factions. MJ immediately disrupts the new status quo by stealing from him. Corrupt has always had his eye on MJ's sister Jodi. Will Corrupt get both Jodi and his property? Will MJ and Jodi get out of their deadly neighborhood? Corrupt.
     A mysterious virus that kills all exposed and has turned Boston into a quarantine zone. The only way into the rest of the US is a special passport that is only to government employees or through black market forgeries. Officer Delon, desperate to get her son out, finally buys a fake immediately before called to capture a walking viral timebomb who will kill everyone in Boston within the next 2 hours. Will Delon get her son to safety? Will Boston be swept away in a wave of violent viral violence? Adrenalin: Fear the Rush.
     Brick Bardo is a cop on the planet Arturos. He carries the most powerful handgun in the universe, a Kruger Blaster. When he chases his nemesis through a strange energy field, Brick finds himself stranded on Earth and only 13 inches tall. He is immediately swept up in a neighborhood's personal war on drugs and the gang that supplies them. Fortunately, his enemy has found himself on the opposing side once again. Will Brick reach a more fitting height for an action hero? Will the gang get their hands on the powerful, if tiny, alien bomb that ensures they will be able to rule over the city? Dollman.
     All that and Dave sings, Tyler gets wet, and Kevin's eye balls fall out of his head. Join us, won't we?
  Episode 290- You Can Call These Al

Bear Naked Ladies

     This week we have no tinsel or cheer or anything like that. We do have an invisible future sex offender and an epic kids show for one.

     Grover Dunn is obsessed with vindicating his late father's memory by perfecting his final mad science experiment. Soon he discovers that the stakes are higher than imagined with a devious dean and a high school sports scandal. Will Grover get the girl next door? Will his only friend get therapy before ending up the most sought after pervert in the tri state area? The Invisible Kid.
     James has spent his whole life living in a bunker with only his parents, a couple friends on a message board, and the monthly delivery of a Brigsby Bear video tape. When police kick in the door and he learns he was abducted 25 years ago, the world is fine, and everything he knew was an elaborate fiction orchestrated by his captors. Can James integrate himself into modern society? Will he and his biological family find a common ground to relate from? Can James finish the adventures of Brigsby Bear?
     All that and Kevin tries to spread seasonal joy, Dave plots a murder, and Tyler needs to find a new place to hide his Mall Santa collection. 
   Episode 289- Bear Naked Ladies

A Confederacy of Dunstes

    This week- teenage rebellion and racism. 

     Jay takes the bus 2-hours each way to get a better education so he can fulfill his dream of carpet bombing the Middle East for the US Navy. Nicole is a Congressman's daughter in the middle of a pretty average teenage rebellion with an added layer of unaddressed trauma. When they get together... stuff happens... kinda... and a lesson is learned... sorta... Crazy/Beautiful.
     Kazuma is searching for his lost sister. He finds help from Mako, leader of the girl gang The Alleycats. Unfortunately, he arrives just hours before Baron, leader of the Eagles, decides to rid the town of its mixed race population. Will Kazuma find his sister? Will Baron succeed? Where will Mako and the Alleycats stand when caught between the two? Stray Cat Rock: Sex Hunter.
     Also Dave jumps into the Holidays, Kevin Hallmarks the days, and Tyler joins the local Reign in Hell Deer biker gang to burn all festive festoonery.
    Join us, won't you?
  Episode 288- A Confederacy of Dunstes

Perpetual Luminescence

     This week- a dream of forgetting and a dream of the undead.

     After learning that his former girlfriend had her memories of him erased, Joel decides to undergo the same procedure. Meanwhile, the staff of the mind wiping clinic have drama of their own. Michel Gondry's surrealist exploration of memory and romance- Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.
     Keith and AJ want to hire a stripper to bypass the normal fraternity initiation. Since living in a 1980s movie means being unable to do anything in a reasonable way, the pair make a deal with rich and lonely student Duncan to get a ride to the next town where they plan to find a dancer to hire for immediate return to the campus. Going to an area of town where everything else shuts down before sunset, they decide to stop at the most desperate to avoid outside attention club ever opened. Of course, the club is owned and operated by vampires. The first feature by prolific action screenwriter Richard Wenk- Vamp.

     All that and Kevin slips in to some holly jolly, Dave scams for a slot on the nice list, and Tyler has a body cast chair made of Craig. Join us, won't you?
    Episode 287- Perpetual Luminescence

Rural Bags of Dirt

     This week- two unreported sexual assaults, six rapists, and two male leads who make everything about themselves... 

     When Paul, a greasy kid from a small Midwest town, is accepted to NYU on an academic scholarship. The university rooms him with 3 roofie slinging serial rapists from the city who resent his polite and hardworking ways. Soon Paul finds himself sleeping in the back of a strangely always empty veterinarian's office. When, for more reasons that are impossible to discern, his former roommates talk him into letting them throw a party at the vet's while he's out at a concert. Coming home he finds a classmate, hardworking and studious Dora, overdosed and abandoned on his toilet. Romance ensues? Some people have a lot of nostalgia and love for Amy Heckerling's Loser. 

     An American applied mathematician, David, and his English wife, Amy, move to the small Cornish moorland town she grew up in. Taking residence in the isolated and dilapidated Trechers Farm, David hires a few local men to fix the garage and take care of the rat problem. Soon tensions with the locals grow over David's aloofness and cracks in his marriage spread. When David takes in an injured man and refuses to give him over to vigilantes, it all boils over in a rush of violence. Is a civilized man pushed too far, is this the inevitable beast inside a man all along, or is this an inadvertent criticism of the toxic masculinity the filmmaker thought he was celebrating? There are no easy answers in Sam Peckinpah's Straw Dogs.

     All that and Dave sees a doc, Kevin finally turns on a light, and Tyler ate a lot of pie. Join us, won't you?

  Episode 286- Rural Bags of Dirt

Step On Turn On Gershon

     This week we bring November to a close with a triple dose of 90s Erotic Thrillers. 

     Nomi Malone, a young drifter, heads to Las Vegas with dream of making it big as a showgirl. After a rough start, she finds an in through befriending a costume designer on the hottest ticket in town. Soon Nomi will be swept up in the power games and politics of  revue star diva, Crystal Conners, and her entertainment director boyfriend, Zack Carey. Does Nomi have what it takes to rise to the top? Can she navigate the sexually charged waters? Or will she be pulled under, another victim of the bright lights in the desert? The first, and only, NC-17 film to get a wide mainstream release. Paul Verhoeven's Showgirls.
     Corky is an ex-con, recently released, and taking work as building handy person. Violet is the long time girlfriend of Caesar, a mob money launderer, is desperate to get away and make a new life. Violet sets her sights on Corky and Caesar brings home $2 million in blood covered cash, she sees a chance to finally be able to get out. The neo-noir directorial debut of The Wachowskis, Bound.
     In the rich suburb of Blue Bay a wealthy teen accuses her high school guidance councilor of rape. Soon another girl, from the other side of the bayou, also comes forward. Not satisfied with the trial's conclusion, a police detective begins pulling on the dangling threads. A tangled web of suspicion and quintuple twists that are almost as hot as the south Florida summer. John McNaughton's Wild Things.
     All that and Dave weeps for a French king, Tyler tries some new cuisine, and Kevin can't stop his Bogart impression. Join us, won't we?
 Episode 285- Step On Turn On Gershon

Rothrocking and Judo Rolling

     This week- a pair of Hong Kong martial art noirs. 

     Prosecutor Ha is was as by-the-book as they came. Until his mentor was gunned down in broad daylight and the vital witness in his current case is murdered with their entire family. Now Ha is taking matters into his own hands. Senior Inspector Cindy Si is a dedicated investigator with a strict view of justice. They find themselves in a deep conspiracy with roots in the very heart of the system they have both dedicated their lives to. Corey Yuen's Righting Wrongs.
     Depressed alcoholic and karaoke bar manager, Sze-to Bo, turned his back on his champion judo career for reasons no one knows. Current judo champion and competitive fighter, Tony, only want a fight with Bo. A singer, Mona, seeks refuge in the bar from her evil manager. Old and frail Cheng, with his dementia suffering son Ching, seek to restore their dojo to its former glory. Johnnie To's Throw Down. 
     All that and Tyler comes out of hiding, Dave watches a doc, and Kevin finally learns to read. Join us, won't you?
    Episode 284- Rothrocking and Judo Rolling

Mopey Guys

    This week, two movies about fast friendships tested with mental health issues.

     In the adult industry, according to the opening text, mopes are guys who do the worst jobs, the lowest position possible. Based on the true story of Tom Dong and Steve Driver, professional porn supporting actors. Can Steve's big dreams drive them to their glorious dream wonderland? Why did Tom leave his skilled well paid profession to do this full time? I don't know and neither do the makers of... Mope.
     Washington, D.C. detective and forensic psychologist Dr. Alex Cross heads to Durham, North Carolina to help find his missing niece. Within 2 hours of arrival, he discovers that his niece was taken by a prolific serial abductor, rapist, and killer who calls himself Casanova. Shortly after his arrival, Kate McTiernan, an internist at the University hospital, is taken from her home in the middle of the night. Luckily for all, Kate is a fighter and soon will slip her captor to help Cross bring him to justice. Casanova just wants to... Kiss the Girls.
     All that and Kevin gets his morally ambiguous cynicism on, Dave wrangles a large lizard, and Tyler communicates across a rainy void. Join us, won't you?
   
   Episode 283- Mopey Boys

Driving Ms. Sadie

    This week- two deep friendships inspired by unusual circumstances.

     While digging through yard sales to give her yellow dull room a nice home feel, Jane buys an ancient thermos, that will make a lovely vase, from Sadie. When her perfectly clipped flowers are still too tall for the thermal vase, Jane fines ten thousand dollars in old bills inside. When her attempt to return the cash is rebuffed, Jane makes it her mission to befriend the obviously lonely elderly woman as another way to repay her debt. There's also some porn, a jealous roommate, COD playing, and high drama around a small dog named... Starlet.

     Toby has an advanced bio-mechanical device implanted in his chest. This device makes him faster and stronger than is humanly possibly. Not wanting it, he flees Hong Kong with the intention of selling the device to a company in sunny California. Unfortunately, assassins are hot on his trail. Malik is a down on his luck, having recently been tossed from his home for another man. When Tody has no choice but to take Malik hostage, the duo embark on a road trip full of odd characters and high octane fistfights. Will Toby reach his destination before being dispatched by a hillbilly commando team or biomechanical assassin 2.0? Will Malik realize that he deserves better and settle down in a small motel somewhere between LA and San Francisco? Why is this film called... Drive.
     All that and a twin in wicker, multiple noirs in fog, and old faves returned. Join us, won't you?

  Episode 282- Driving Ms. Sadie

Milicent and Other Universal Monsters

     This week- children of the night, voyeurism as meet cute, a wedding interrupted by vigilantism, and a 68-year old wrong.
     A nobleman, from a dilapidated castle in Southeastern Europe, buys a dilapidated building in London, which once housed monks, next to the worst run asylum of its time. The nobleman soon makes a small splash with the neighbors and both young women at the asylum begin to take up his unusual habit of vampirism to differing degrees. Ah, the precode children of the night, what beautiful music they make.... Dracula.
     A different nobleman, this time from Germany, tried to hide away in a lonely location to finish the work he is obsessed with. This location is an easy and short walk from the town he and everyone he has ever known lives. Tragically, he hires an assistant of questionable competency with a cruel streak, allows himself to be distracted from the proper care and maintenance of his scientific endeavor, and keeps delegating important tasks to incompetents. His monster running loose in the hills is really the fault of... Frankenstein.
     A third nobleman, this one just returned home to Wales after nearly two decades in California, uses his father's new telescope to check out women from the village. After some light creeping, he badgers an engaged retail clerk to go with him to see the fortuneteller, Bela. The clerk wisely decides to bring a friend along on her forced trip. Unfortunately, the friend is killed by a wolf, a cursed wolf. If only our entitled perv listened to the rhyme everyone in town is happy to recite at a moments notice. A poem about... The Wolf Man.
     Doctor David dreams of lungfish. When his mentor uncovers a fossilized hand that shows a direct link between land and sea animals, David, his girlfriend of 6 months, and their boss go to help recover the rest of the artifact. Following the river to the most logical place to find the missing pieces. Before long, they will find their quarry might have a still very active... Creature from the Black Lagoon.
     Join us, won't we?
   Episode 281- Milicent and Other Universal Monsters

Knocking on Devon's Door

     This week three films about evil within ourselves, others, buildings, and lack of capitalist society's demanded productivity.

     Anton has a serious lack of motivation. All he does is sit at home, smoke the devil's weed with his friends Mick and Pnub, and fantasize about Molly, the literal girl next door. But, as they say, idle hands are the devil's playground and soon a killing spree rocks his sleepy town. Will Anton be able to save the day, get the girl, and not be arrested for truancy at the Halloween Dance? Obvs. The most late 90s of late 90s teen comedies... Idle Hands.
     Mima is trying to make a career move from j-pop idol group member to serious full-time actress. Soon Mima learns what that move will cost. An enraged fan stalks her, someone else is writing detailed posts about her daily life and private thoughts, the production company demands a taxing and traumatic filming experience, and without her old support system she beings to fell excessive amounts of impostor syndrome. Can Mima find herself or is she just a thing to be replaced? Satoshi Kon's directorial debut, Perfect Blue.
     Still grieving, Sophia rents a house in the middle of nowhere. There she convinces an alcoholic occultist, Joseph Solomon, to spend months leading her through a trying ritual to summon her guardian angel to ask for a favor- contacting her deceased child. Does Sophia have the wherewithal to endure this test of physical and spiritual fortitude? Can Joseph hold himself together long enough to see her through? A Dark Song.
     Poet Rose Elliot bought a rare book. It details three witches who secretly control the world. One of which just happens to live in the same building as Rose. Writing to her brother for help, but being unwilling to wait for the requested backup to arrive, Rose begins following the book's clues to find the witch's lair. Meanwhile, her brother, Mark, in Rome might be closer than he expects to a witch of his own. The second of Dario Argento's Three Mothers Trilogy, Inferno.
     All that and Halloween Ends.
     Join us, won't we?
   Episode 280- Knocking on Devon's Door

Congruous Sights

      This week three films that pair well together for a part of your October Challenge intake.

     Angela and Jackson Sayers are running a psychic scam on the people of Scotland. Jackson is in murderously deep debt to loan sharks and Angela begins to fear that her mental health is crumbling, just like her mother's years before. Jackson forces Angela to take on a case in what might be the worst possible place for them. Will the frauds see the light? Are there really ghosts in the West Wing? What was the real fate to befall these screaming specters? Will this be another job or are the forces at work Malevolent?

     Riley is a recovering addict living with her brother, his boyfriend, and their roommate. When her boyfriend convinces her to break into a warehouse, they find only a puzzle box. Riley accidentally solves the puzzle and avoids the hidden sacrificial blade. Soon the Hell Priest arrives to demand another sacrifice. After 15 years of development and delays and rights affirming franchise entries, the long promised reboot Hellraiser (2022).
     Chris Cleek, country attorney and extreme misogynist, discovers a feral cannibal woman bathing in a river. He decides to trap her, keep her in his root cellar, and domesticate her. Meanwhile, his daughter is going through issues of her own and his son could be following his father's footsteps a bit too closely. The middle entry in a trilogy following the supernatural feral cannibal, The Woman.

     All that and Tyler begins the Ritual of the Thorne, Dave catches up on hot titles, and Anna argues with the DA that her film choices do not equal elder abuse. Join us, won't you?
   Episode 279- Congruous Sights

Black Magic Bad Luck

     This week dabbling in the dark arts leads to trouble and murder.

     Sheriff Langley is dispatched to find a runaway bride named Kate. He finds her car abandoned on a road to a long abandoned town without any tangible sign of her ever being there. Soon he's recruited to fight Devlin, a 200-year old zombie outlaw who controls the town through a deal with Satan and Kate's current captor. Can Langley stop the forces of Hell, free the town from its curse, and let the former sheriff find a resting peace? Will Kate take up a career as the local tavern dancer? Is the Dealer faking an eye impairment? Ghost Town.
     A belated sequel to a cult film from the House of Mouse. It has been 29 years since the Sanderson Sisters came back from the dead to try and eat all the children of Salem. This time they plan to get infinite power so they can have revenge on Salem and the Traske bloodline that originally banished them from the town 350 years earlier. The only people standing in their way is a pair of aspiring teen witches and the mayor's daughter. Will the Sandersons get maximum magic power? Will the girls find a way to fight magic with magic? Will Disney wait another 29 years to fully reboot or are the young cast signed on to never ending sequels? Hocus Pocus 2.
    Mäddy decides to join the cheer squad in tribute to her late friend, Alexis, who died last year in a cheer accident. Soon she ingratiates herself into the squad. Meanwhile, Leena, Mäddy's ex-girlfriend, just cannot understand why she wants to hang around those girls and not her magical self. But Mäddy has a reason for her actions, to get revenge on Alexis' former boyfriend, Troy. Will Mäddy get her revenge? Will the girls ever have any agency of their own? How did no one notice that Troy is an over the top psychopath? All Cheerleaders Die.
    All that and so much October Horror Challenge viewings... join us, won't you?
Episode 278- Black Magic Bad Luck

Deeper Underground

     This week- Horror Movie Month begins! Be you a October Horror Challenge participant or an enthusiast who doesn't go for gimmicks or a fan of kids fright flicks or a connoisseur of the extreme, welcome to the most wonderful time of the year. 

     Someone is killing the staff at Pleasure Island, a sprawling resort owned by former beach bum singer, Coconut Pete. Can the staff hold out until the boat arrives to safely take them back to the mainland? Could the killer be the new magic fingered masseur, Lars? Could it be Coconut Pete's nephew? Will aerobics instructor Jenny survive to take her place as a world beloved exercise guru? Is anywhere safe on Broken Lizard's Club Dread?
     Perfection, Nevada... a small town with a big problem. Val and Earl have had enough with their lot as handymen, doing every dirty job as it comes up. The boys decide to pack up and head to neighboring Bixby. Unfortunately, they waited a day to long to come to this realization and will soon find everyone between them and freedom has fallen prey to something new. Rhonda, a seismology student conduction a study in the valley, has found some unusual and worrying readings. Survivalists, Burt and Heather Gummer, believe they are prepared for any situation... they are wrong. A b-movie masterpiece and the last practical creature feature before the CG effects boom... Tremors.
     A squad of British soldiers think they are in the Scottish highlands for a training exercise against a special forces unit. Before long they find only one member of the other squad, alive but grievously wounded. They will soon learn their real reason for being there... as bait for werewolves. Can the squad last the night or will they be taken in the onslaught of teeth and fur? Multiple cult filmmaker Neil Marshall's debut feature, Dog Soldiers.

     All that and Kevin prepares, Dave misses the joke, and Tyler joins in limited capacity through digital voodoo. Join us, won't you?

Episode 277- Deeper Underground

Plead the Fifth

     This week part fives. Four films from five franchises than there are Ninja Turtles!

     The Father of Zombies take on found footage. A group of college kids and their fuckwitted professor get swept up in the zombie apocalypse and one decides to never stop filming. Even when it's beyond the point of absolute necessity for the survival of his companions. They stumble onto several ridiculously helpful, and one not so helpful, groups of obvious sequel set up. The penultimate entry in a true master's genre defining series. George A. Romero's Diary of the Dead.
     A power mad former F-1 driver, a washed out mechanic, a reporter, a Nazi engineer, and the world's sweetest sapient WV Beetle all cross paths on a race through a lonely stretch. Will the engineer make an evil Bug? Will the mechanic and the reporter ever realize the depth of their feelings? Why does only one person doubt the emotional intelligence of vehicles? Some of that might be answered in The Love Bug.
     Do not allow Paul Kersey into your life. It will get you killed. For the final time, everyone's favorite squinting mass murderer is back and this time... it's personal! Okay, it's always personal. This time there's a precocious kid and high fashion!  Death Wish V: The Face of Death!
A corrupt detective finds the Lament Configuration at the scene of a shockingly vicious occult themed murder. Soon he is pulled into a deadly game of cat and mouse. Will he be able to resist temptation and see his path out of the darkness or will he be consumed by his own inner demons? Hellraiser: Inferno.
     All that and Kevin escaped, Craig tries to sneak out, Tyler is counting the days, and Dave corrupts all. Join us, won't you?

Episode 276- Plead the Fifth

A Royal Sacrifice

     This week a two pairs go on excursions that shed light on their inner psyches. 

     He's riding that dot-com bubble, she's a stripper, and together they are... in Los Vegas for three days. After being dumped, Richard is disconnected from the world and to try and find his way back he offers Florence ten thousand dollars for three nights. She accepts with some conditions. Are their experiences just business or is there a deeper connection? Will Richard find his way back to whatever he was or will he remain a shell of his former self? Will Florence's band cut their demo and allow her to follow her dreams? Or will it all go to hell because of what is really The Center of the World?
     Bill S Preston, Esq. and Ted "Theodore" Logan are about to being fulfilling the destiny that led them to a most Excellent Adventure. All they need to do is learn how to play, win the San Dimas Battle of the Bands, against competition like Primus, and shake the evil robot replacements sent from the future to kill them. This time going through the realms of the afterlife with the Grim Reaper on their trail, can the boys possibly pull it off and save the future? Will the paradise they create become a fascist craft foam nightmare? Is there anyway the next release can subtitle Station, even as a hidden extra? Where will they go on Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey?
     All that and one of us is picked to perform a solemn and ancient service. Join us, won't you?
Episode 275: A Royal Sacrifice

Windows

    This week one man dreams of a life and a town celebrates its people and their eccentricities.

     Ivan is unable to follow in his father's footsteps. He flees Russia, trading the organized crime organization he was meant to one day inherit for the sunny skies of California. Soon he makes friends, meets a girl, and everything starts to look optimistic. Unfortunately, back home, his Uncle has made moves to take control which have put Ivan in the center of his sights. The feature length debut of an infamous disasterpiece auteur. Can you find hops when you are Born into Mafia?
     Virgil, Texas is having a week long run to its sesquicentennial celebration. A stranger has come to witness the proceedings and get a glimpse at those who make it what it is. A celebration of eccentricity and individuality with a great soundtrack and more sets of twins than you could shake a stick at. Roll up for some True Stories.
     All that and Tyler practices his disappearing act, Kevin plans an escape, Dave lets the water hold him down, and Craig plots future acts of violence. Join us, won't you?

Episode 274- Windows

The Merriness Spectrum

     This week- a film about people who suffer from a laughing compulsion and a film about people who have never felt joy, except in stolen fleeting moments.

     Richard, the Norman King of England, is taken captive and held for ransom on his trip home from crusading. His brother, Prince John, takes the opportunity to name himself regent and make a play for the kingdom. A Saxon noble decides to stand against the regent and his tyrannical rule by stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. Close to 100 years later and still one of the best tellings of... The Adventures of Robin Hood.

     In 1856, New York state at the northern end of the Catskills, there is a small isolated farm run by Dyer and Abigail. They are both devastated with the recent loss of their daughter. As the gap between them grows ever wider and more lonely in their marriage based solely on practicality, another childless couple take residence at the farm next door. Soon Abigail befriends new neighbor, Tallie, and their relationship takes a turn Abigail never expected. Beautiful production design, strong performances, and assured direction give the pair a glimpse at The World to Come.

     All that and Dave sees sequels, Tyler seeks the third Kingdom, Kevin prepares to binge, and Craig revisits old friends. Join us, won't you?

Episode 273- The Merriness Spectrum

Bombs Away!!

    This week three films that did not perform so well at the theatrical box office.

     For the last 1,000 years Earth has been ruled by the 9-foot tall Psychlos. They have been using human slave labor to strip the planet of all resources. A few pockets of free humans still survive in remote areas. Refusing to give up hope, Jonnie Goodboy, leaves the safety he has always known to find a way to revolt. Soon he will be swept up in Psychlo Cheif of Earth Security Terl's plots and machinations. Based on the book by cult leader L Ron Hubbard, a scam to defraud investors pretending to be a film.... Battlefield Earth.
     Chun-Li was taught wushu by her father and lived an idyllic, piano focused, life in her palatial Hong Kong estate. Until the day Bison and Balrog brought a group of the evil criminal organization Shadaloo to abduct her father. Now all grown up, Chun-Li will set out on a quest for revenge. She isn't the only one out for Bison, complicating things are Interpol agent Charlie Nash and Gen, a would be mentor in the ways of super powers. Soon she and her allies find themselves in a race against time to stop Bison's evil scheme of gentrifying land development and to intercept the White Rose, an object he desires more than anything. Based on the classic fighting game series in the looses manner possible, Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li. 
     In 1964, Frank visited the World's Fair to sell his jetpack. Seeing potential in him, he is given a special pin by a girl named Athena and instructs him to follow her for a cruise through It's A Small World. Not being able to resist, Frank soon finds himself in an alternate dimension full of the most generic pulp sci-fi the 1940s had to offer. Jumping to today, Frank is banished from the shining city of hope and it is up to young domestic terrorist Casey Newton, who keeps breaking into a government facility to stop its scheduled destruction by endangering her father's career and freedom, to save the day with... optimism. Brad Bird's $200+ million dollar flop, Tomorrowland.
     All that and Craig shops for catheters, Dave casts a spell, Tyler awaits a trailer, and Kevin embraces all the world has to offer. Join us, won't you?
Episode 727: Bombs Away!!! or Dear Mr. Laurie, Please Release Paper Soldier. Thanks.

Destruction Unseeing

     This week- a pair of dialog focused single location films with leads who have less than 20/20 vision.
     Harry Roat is looking for a doll. The doll is full of heroin. Suzy Hendrix is still adjusting to life without sight and relies on her husband, Sam, and neighbor girl, Gloria. While Sam is away on business, an old Marine buddy drops by just in time for Suzy to be swept up in deadly con game. Will Roat find his doll? Will Suzy be able to navigate this maze of treachery? Or will they all have to Wait Until Dark.
     Corey is having his annual birthday gathering of his oldest group of friends. This year old secrets and hurts will resurface as their endless bickering and threats finally bubble over. All the while something awful is happening outside those apartment walls. Sometimes its good to get everyone together for The Razing.
     All that and Dave gets witchy, Tyler gets twitchy, and Kevin finally gets treatment for his constantly feeling itchy. Join us, won't you?

  Episode 271- Destruction Unseeing

Nocturnal Lo-Fi

     This week- two movies about psychopaths and their women they obsess over.
     Rob Gordon is a self centered jerk who never sees outside himself. When his girlfriend leaves him, he goes on a quest to figure out why all of his relationships go badly. The movie that brought Jack Black to national attention and the ultimate movie for anyone who just really loves top 5 lists. Is Rob forever to be living the imperfections or will he find how to live in High Fidelity? 

     Kyeong-mi works the sign language desk for a call center. One night she stumbles on a woman stabbed in an alley and finds herself the next target for a serial killer. Now she and her mother are playing a terrifying game of cat and mouse through the silent city. Will Kyeong-mi make it to Midnight or will she or someone close to her pay the price for looking in the alley?

Join us, won't you?

Episode 270- Nocturnal Lo-Fi

Larcenist Odyssey

     This week unauthorized visitors to vaults and spring formals. 

     Frank has set up his life as he wanted it, a pair of successful businesses to front for his more lucrative jewel theft enterprise, and has finally decided to take the next step in his life by starting a family in a relationship that is open and honest about his life. Tragically, at the same time, his long term associate and fence is killed for skimming off the top by a Chicago Outfit boss. Not wanting to let an asset of Frank's value get away, he is approached by the boss with a deal he just can't pass up. Michael Mann's feature debut with a career defining performance from James Caan, Thief.
     A guitar shaped spaceship sails majestically through the heavens as its crew search for the source of the sounds that give their lives meaning... rock and roll music. Finally having pinpointed Earth, the crew and their robot 1359, visit the little town of Speelburgh and meet singer Dee Dee. Dee Dee catches the eye of the alien commander but, tragically, she's the girl of local Rock band leader, Frankie. Toss everything you might find channel surfing through late night 80s TV and you have... Voyage of the Rock Aliens.

     All that and Tyler gets lost in New Raccoon City, Dave feels under the weather, and Kevin observes the totality of the multiverse. Join us, won't you?
    Episode 269- Larcenist Odyssey

Seamy Reman

   This week two films about master negotiators. 

     Small time con, Eddie, can sell anything to anyone. He dreams of one day opening his own store and sees it as his way out from under the ever more controlling grip of local crime boss, John Power. Unfortunately, right when it seems things might go Eddie's way for once, things take a turn toward the horrible as Power's nephew (and Eddie's partner) absconds with Power's young bride and a lockbox full of cash. Is there a light at the end of this tunnel or is there only death waiting Trojan Eddie?
     The tenth film overall in the franchise. The fourth and final film with the Next Gen crew. The Enterprise-E is forced to deal with a coup within the Romulan Star Empire when a coup leaves Shinzon, an imperfect clone of the Enterprise's own captain Jean-Luc Picard, as Praetor. A box office disappointment, it led Paramount to declare "franchise fatigue" and put the franchise in a box on a low shelf for a few years. Fantastic ship effects and the always wonderful Patrick Stewart just weren't enough to save Star Trek: Nemesis.
    Join us, won't you?
Episode 268- Seamy Reman

Sliding Down That Hill

    This week Dave, Tyler, Kevin and Anna get into some deeper things. From season 4's potential unintended effects on the coming D&D movie to the racism inherent in the system to mandatory Metallica lawsuit jokes.

     Join us, won't you?
     Episode 267- Sliding Down That Hill: Stranger Things Season 4 pt 2

At Your Vecna Call

    Kevin, Tyler, and Dave are joined by Anna to talk about Stranger Things season 4. Fingers on the pulse... if the pulse was in a totally different spot on the corpse of pop culture.

     Part 1 of 2! This week our general impressions, next week digging a little deeper.

     Join us, won't you?
Episode 266- At Your Vecna Call: Stranger Things Season 4 part 1

Beach Inflatables

     This week two people look for meaning and purpose in vastly different ways.

     Nozomi lives with middle age waiter Hideo. Hideo bathes her, dresses her, has long heart felt conversations, takes her for walks in a wheelchair, and makes passionate love to her. Nozomi is a cheap blow up sex doll. One day she finds a heart and comes to life. Hirokazu Kore-eda's bittersweet meditation on the intricacies of relationships and the loneliness of existence, Air Doll.
     Moondog is a plagiaristic poet who hasn't published anything in a long time. His life is an endless hedonistic cruise around Miami and the Florida Keys, paid for by his incredibly rich wife's money. Until one night it all comes to an abrupt stop after an accident leaves him cut off until he finally finishes his book and in court ordered rehab. A love or loath comedy with a strong cast and single character laser focus, Harmony Korine's The Beach Bum.
     All that and hey look we are finally on Spotify. Join us, won't you?

Episode 265- Beach Inflatables

The Crystal Blaze

    This week- the music of life and reality (television).

     One of media's more elusive creatures... a musical sequel. Brad and Janet Majors' live a normal life of quiet desperation in their town of Denton, USA. Much to the citizen's enjoyment, Denton has been encased by Farley Flavors and his DTV broadcast network. Everyone in town is either cast, crew, or studio audience for DTV programming. When Bard and Janet are called to participate in a game show, their lives take a turn. Will Janet find that she has always only desired fame? Will Brad ever come to terms with his trauma based emotional blockage? Or will they both be receiving the high ratings with Shock Treatment?
     A biopic about country music artist Blaze Foley. Scenes of his life are cut between recording his final performance and two of his friends being interviewed. Directed by Ethan Hawke and co-written by Foley's real life muse Sybil Rosen, Blaze.
     All that and Kevin enters a blissful hyper reality, Tyler themes it up, and Dave sees some docs. Join us, won't you?

Episode 264: The Crystal Blaze

We've Got Wyrms

     This week a trio of movies with dragons. 

     When Babydoll is committed by her stepfather, placed on the quick lobotomy list by an evil orderly... and... she gets part of her brain removed which sends her into a dual layered fantasy world where she images herself plotting her way to freedom from sex slavery and fighting a guerilla war against male oppression. Full of director Zack Snyder's usual flourishes and video game level styled fights... if you question its messaging and intent you will feel a Sucker Punch.
     A knight of "The Old Code" spends years training and teaching Prince Einon in the hopes he will be a better king than his tyrannical father. When suppressing a rebellion, the king is killed but Einon is accidentally grievously wounded. Desperate, his mother and the knight take the prince to a dragon who makes a pact and saves the prince's life. Soon, Einon shows himself to be worse than his father and the knight vows to make the dragon pay for corrupting the prince. Eventually the last knight and the last dragon will face off and see what makes a Dragonheart.
     Urland is being terrorized by Vermithrax Pejorative, a 400-year old dragon. In order to appease the creature, the king has been running a lottery to choose a sacrificial virgin twice a year. Valerian, a youth from a small town, leads a group to plead their case to Ulrich, the last sorcerer. Soon politics, religion, and the end of the time of magic will collide as someone who should never be a hero, Ulrich's apprentice Galen, has the responsibility for all dropped on him. Will he fold under the weight or rise to be the Dragonslayer?
   All that and Dave gets some TV time, Kevin tries many flavors, and Tyler finds that when he gets angry he transforms into a large green force of destruction. Join us, won't you?

Episode 263- We've Got Wyrms

 

Cloak & Glamour

    This week four people fighting against oppressive structures. 

     When Noxeema Jackson and Vida Boheme tie in the competition for New York City's "Drag Queen of the Year" they set off for Hollywood and the "Miss Drag Queen of America Pageant", with their protégé Chi-Chi, in a 1967 Cadillac DeVille. Soon they are taking refuge in Snydersville waiting for a replacement car part with a bigoted, but fairly inept, sheriff on their trail. Endlessly quotable, stuffed with cameos, and always dressed on point- To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar.
     Recently unemployed accountant, Morgan Sullivan, is bored. Not wanting to wait for a pity opening at his wife's father's firm, he secretly takes a position in corporate espionage for Digicorp. Taking the alias Jack Thursby, he infiltrates conventions to secretly record and pass confidential reports to his bosses. His life of excitement doesn't last long as he soon meets Rita Foster and is shown that there is far far more going on than he was led to believe. Morgan isn't recording information from other companies, he is having his own identity and sense of self pulled away and replaced with a Digicorp sleeper agent. A hasty deal with Rita's shadowy and dangerous boss may be his only hope of survival. Can Morgan figure out this tangled puzzle of double crosses and plots or will he be crushed in the corporate cogs of an unsolvable Cypher.
     All that and Dave sees a doc, Tyler goes to his happy place, and Kevin starts to glitch. Join us, won't you?
Episode 262- Cloak & Glamour

A Natural Bluish Hue

    This week- two films about doctors being less than ethical. 

     Pharmaceutical giant, Roritor, is in need of something new. In his desperation to save his lab, Dr. Chris Cooper will overstate the readiness of his antidepressant, GLeeMONEX. Chemically, the drug reaches into your brain and unlocks on to your happiest memory, chemically, and makes your happy happy, chemically. The drug sweeps the world, quickly caught up in Roritor's plans to make it readily and immediately available to all and an unforeseen side effect makes itself known. A cult classic from the director of Tiger Claws and one of the greatest sketch comedy troupes of all time Kids in the Hall: Brain Candy.
     Jack is a sad boi with mother issues. April is a singer at a club with child abandonment issues. When they meet, Jack's health takes a turn for the worst. Only Dr. Bergman may be able to save him but the good doctor is holding something back. Will Jack succumb to his sad boi? Will April ever get back into skating? What blackmail does the Australian government have on Hugo Weaving? How long until your patience is Expired (aka Loveland)?
     All that and Dave talks about high literature, Kevin overdoses on TV series box sets, and Tyler dresses all emo and shiz. Join us, won't you?

EPISODE 261: A NATURAL BLUISH HUE

WYLD FELYNES

     This week- the filmatic embodiment of poptimisim and brutal psychic preteens in the Land of the Midnight Sun.

     When The Great Ones' destiny is about to take a most heinous turn to catastrophe, a line to the Circuits of Time open up and a most triumphant undertaking of timeline restoration begins. Will they fix what went wrong and put their futures back on track or will advanced knowledge of their destinies disrupt them and send it all spiraling out of control decades later? Either way, it is Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure.
     Ida and Ana move to a new apartment complex. They befriend two of the neighborhood children, only to discover that three of them have low level psychic abilities. Playtimes of mind toss and long distance telephone fill a few summer days. Soon the gaggle of psychic kids find they are stronger together, and one of them is shockingly strong alone and has no issues with extreme measures. How long until they tear themselves and each other apart? They might look it but don't think they are The Innocents.
     All that and Kevin sells out, Dave tries to comfort watch, and Tyler plots true evil. Join us, won't you?

    Episode 260- WYLD FELYNES

PADME!

     This week we discuss ancient history in a place not remotely near any of us. 

     It is a time of dishevel as the Trade Federation takes negotiations to drastic levels. Jedi Knight Qui-Gon Jinn and his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi attempt to open new lines of communication, only to be hurled into a multi-planet adventure where they will discover The Space Messiah and face off against... STAR WARS: EPISODE 1- The Phantom Menace!
     Ten years have passed and still no Jedi has come to understand the concept of balance. Obi-Wan finds himself on a mission in a missing solar system. Anakin Skywalker finds himself getting funky with a senator in the Naboo lake area. Soon the long brewing war will boil over into full intergalactic slaughter. STAR WARS: EPISODE 2- Attack of the Clones.
     Three more years have come and gone. Anakin feels that not enough of his fellow Jedi kiss his butt enough, so he joins the Dark Side with little to no prompting. Obi-Wan has a side story against a robot general to take him out of the main action. Some folks love it, others do not. Still you can't argue that it's the last in the Prequel Trilogy... STAR WARS: EPISODE 3- Revenge of the Sith.
     Fifteen years ago Galen Erso was ripped from his hiding place to help the Empire build their ultimate weapon and his daughter, Jyn, was taken under the wing of super rebel Saw Gerrera. Since then Jyn has grown into a full tilt bad ass action hero. When Galen gets a message out about a weakness he has hidden in the ultimate weapon, Jyn gathers a team to get the plans and make sure that it is never used on the repressed planets. She gathers a team including BFFs Baze Malbus and Chirrut Îmwe. Unfortunately, the Resistance saddles her with an incompetent babysitter named Cassian Andor. Andor is just there interrupt all character moments and incompetently stumbles in the way of every other while making sure no one ever stops thinking about better similar characters that appeared in the other movies. Andor is the fucking worst and ensures that they can't possibly succeed in Rogue One: A STAR WARS STORY.
     All that and Tyler feels something akin to joy, Dave's suffering manifests as actual tooth pain, and Kevin stops to smell a lot of roses as a desperate measure of holding on to his sanity.
Join us, won't you?

Episode 259- PADME!

Wrestling Lovers

     This week two totally unrelated groups oiled up and groping each other. 
     One the greatest to ever step into a wrestling ring, El Santo, faces off against the forced of evil once again. With the Blue Demon in tow, Santo stands against a full stable of off brand Universal Monsters. Action, adventure, romance, a mask match against a vampire. All the lucha your heart could desire. Santo and the Blue Demon vs the Monsters! (Santo el enmascarado de plata y Blue Demon contra los monstruos)
     Bella Cherry arrives in LA from Sweden with a laser focus on becoming the next big name in porn. With another newcomer from her model house, she navigates the world of adult entertainment and pushes her personal boundaries farther than she ever expected. A powerhouse performance, a slightly less male gaze look at the industry and a passing nod at almost all its inherent issues. Pleasure makes for one impressive debut feature.
     All that and Dave takes a nap, Kevin lords his classy taste over us, and Tyler prepares for the glory to come. Join us, won't you?

Episode 258- Wrestling Lovers

Glowing Axe Dances

    This week whirling, fast, furious, breathtaking, intricately choreographed action of multiple varieties.
     LeRoy dreams of becoming a great martial arts master. Taking a journey to find a master who will help him unlock The Glow, the final level of accomplishment which allows one to channel energy into a glow around their body. Sho'Nuff, another martial artist, sees LeRoy as the last remaining obstacle to his being acknowledged as the True Master of Martial Arts. Meanwhile, a mogul with criminal tendencies sends his men to kidnap a popular local VJ to force her into playing his girlfriend's video on the air and in a prime location. Soon all of their fates are on a collision course. Who will emerge as The Last Dragon?
     The violent and brutal Axe Gang rule the streets. Sing and Bone are small time hustlers who aspire to join the gang and shakedown that uses the people's fear. When a small extortion doesn't go as planned, the slum of Pig Sty Alley becomes a giant battleground between the gang and some unlikely heroes. Part kung fu action, part live action cartoon, part attempt to bring a modern high budget slickly stylish take on classic Hong Kong martial arts films to a world suddenly hungry for them- Kung Fu Hustle.
     A film based on a musical based on an Italian film. Charity Hope Valentine is a taxi dancer who longs for love. With a spirited and charming lead performance and some solid musical numbers to back it up, maybe there's some hope for Sweet Charity after all.
All that and Kevin tried mind bendingly long form films, Anna gets her prestige TV on, and Dave reads a book with lots of pictures. Join us, won't you?

Episode 257- Glowing Axe Dances

Varying Degrees of Peril

    This week a women in varying degrees of danger and distress.

     Biker Ako joins Mei and her all girl gang, The Stray Cats/Alleycats, for a knife fight. Meanwhile, Mei's boyfriend is so desperate to join the right-wing nationalist Seiyu Group. He takes the assignment of talking an old boxer friend into taking a dive. Things do not go as planned, which places Mei and the girls firmly in the group's sites and on the run through the youth corridors of Shnjuku, Tokyo. What will happen to Stray Cat Rock: Delinquent Girl Boss (aka Alleycat Rock: Female Boss)?

     Mr. Wilson works for the US government hunting a Nazi war criminal, Franz Kindler, who erased all records of his existence. Following a known associate of Kindler's to Connecticut his path will soon intersect with those of Mary Longstreet, daughter of a Supreme Court Justice, and her fiancé Charles Rankin, prep school teacher and clock enthusiast. The first feature to use real Holocaust concentration camp footage. What secrets will be unearthed by The Stranger?

     After a tragic accident bereaves them of a child, Rachel and Anthony take their surviving child halfway around the world to the Finish town Anthony grew up in. Soon unusual things begin happening to Rachel and her son. Does something demonic and evil lurk under their feet? You will probably figure it out early and have to endure the remaining 70 or so minutes with teeth gritted. Better yet- just do not watch The Twin.
     All that and Dave paints a letter while Kevin learns just how long he can sit before his butt goes numb. Join us, won't you?

Episode 256- Varying Degrees of Peril

Musically Inclined

      This week we close out April with a mixtape of jams just for you.

"It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp"- Hustle & Flow, DJay

"Love Will Tear Us Apart"- Control, Joy Division

"Too High to Cry Too Rare to Care"- Uncle Peckerhead, Duh

"That Thing You Do!"- That Thing You Do, The O'Needers
"Padme Cometh"- Tyler and the Padwans
"Seven Hour Art Picture Show"- The Tartan Experience
"Crying in the Arcade Neon"- Bearded Tragedy

     We hope you like it. Timing out the ads was freaking hard.

Episode 255- Musically Inclined

The Chilean Epistle

     This week- two films about reaching out to the wide world through the written word.
     It is the last issue of the Eunni-sur-Blazé bureau of the Liberty, Kansas Evening Star. Take a look at the final articles to ever roll off those presses and the lovingly crowd sourced obituary of its managing editor and co-founder. A parody tribute to the gone 1950s glory days of The New Yorker. A film that takes many of that publications best contributors and twees them to maddening levels. A film so Wes Anderson that if it's ever screened with any of this other films it may rip apart our reality... The French Dispatch.
     Daniela is eager to explore her sexuality despite the oppression of her heavily Protestant family. She starts a blog to share her exploration with others in similar circumstances. Before long she finds herself in a precarious position at home and questioning everything she was raised to believe while also perusing relationships with two coworkers at her religious television internship. Will she return to her faith? Will she pick the religious boyfriend or the secular girlfriend? How many different lives can she juggle before they all collapse upon her? How long until her mother discovers her blog? Will Daniela settle or remain Young & Wild (Joven y alocada)?
     All that and Dave becomes the night, Tyler forgets something, and Kevin makes peace with visitors from beyond the sky. Join us, won't you?

 
Episode 254- The Chilean Epistle

Let Sleeping Pods Lie

    This week two films about the loss of one's soul in the quest to conform with one's social peers.

     The small town of Santa Mira is having a transient Capgras delusion epidemic. Town physician, Dr. Miles Bennell, is urgently called back from his vacation to try and deal with it. Before long, the good doctor and his suddenly divorced former girlfriend are caught up in a plot of intergalactic origin and just one short catnap away from being consumed by the first film version of modern fiction's most versatile metaphor- Invasion of the Body Snatchers.
     John LeTour, a delivery boy for a high class dealer, is having a midlife crisis. Consumed with feelings directionless with increasing loss of perspective as his boss contemplates moving from pharmaceuticals into cosmetics, he suffers from insomnia and uses his nights filling up composition notebooks journaling his adrift memories. One night, when dropping off a little something for a connection, he runs into his former lover as she maintains vigil over her dying mother. Soon John will be caught up in a murder investigation, a reignited obsession, and the ever piling garbage. Light Sleeper.
     All that and Dave's gotta go fast, Tyler gets an upgrade, and Kevin surprises everyone. Join us, won't you?

Episode 253- Let Sleeping Pods Lie