If the Doors of Perception Were Cleansed

     This week- a pair of films about people living with extreme circumstances. 

     Split between the day- to-day life of an artist as he loses his sight to AIDS related complications and an the abstract absurdist adventure. The final work from Derek Jarman, one of the most influential voices in new queer cinema movement, Blue (1993)
     The story of a young sex worker and drug addict. As she works the streets of NYC she is put on a collision course with the mother who abandoned her when she was only six months old. The middle entry in Amos Kollek's trilogy of desperate young women- Fiona.
     All that and Tyler swims against the current, Craig loves on deep cuts, Dave reports some content, and Kevin considers adding a new species to his wild army. Join us, won't you?
   Episode 466- If the Doors of Perception Were Cleansed

Corpus Delectus

     This week we learn a lessons on loneliness and self-improvement. 

     Sonya runs her family funeral parlor. She lives an isolated and routine life, above the parlor, with her distant father. The business is slowly going under and she is under a crushing amount of debt owed to a psychotic landlord. Sonya finds an unlikely companion in the unclaimed cadaver of an elderly woman. The third film by Dwein Baltazar and produced by Black Sheep Productions, the Philippine answer to A24, Oda sa Wala (English: Ode to Nothing).
     Susan finds no satisfaction with her working class life and yearns for an escape. When her husband and father start to really push her to have a baby, her fear of forever being shackled to the daily monotony drive her to start attending Open University courses on Literature. Her tutor, Dr. Frank Bryant, is jaded by the pretensions of university culture and drowns his misery in public alcoholism. Susan's verve rekindles Frank's passion for literature and Frank's teaching opens  doors to a bohemian life and newly discovered self-confidence for Susan. Lewis Gilbert's reverse Pygmalion with a pair of fantastic lead performances and based on screenwriter Willy Russell's play of the same title, Educating Rita.
     All that and Dave drops out, Kevin has a strange interlude, and Tyler stands alone in a neon fog. Join us, won't you?
   Episode 444- Corpus Delectus

To the Victor Goes the Spoils

     This week- two films about men driven to their breaking points by obsession and cognitive issues.

     As bombs fall on England, a once famous Shakespearean actor still takes to the boards every night, knowing ever line of The Bard by heart. While Sir may still be a commanding presence on stage, off he is beginning to succumb to his age and slowly progressing dementia. His life is managed by his dresser, Norman, who has taken Sir's tirades and rants for decades. Can the pair find new ground and accept the old becomes untenable? Will they cling to the niches they long ago carved out for themselves beyond the point of tragedy? Nominated for five Oscars and six BAFTAs and released the same years as director Peter Yates' fantasy cult classic, The Dresser.
     Awaiting execution in Switzerland, Baron Victor Frankenstein tells his incredible story to a priest. Orphaned and taking control of his family estate at 15, Victor finds a tutor, Paul, with an equally inquisitive scientific mind. Thinking he has found a kindred spirit, the pair begin to experiment with the intertwining foundations of existence, reversing the finality of death. Soon Victor conceives larger and more daring experiments. The first in Hammer's unique approach to a Frankenstein series that gifts one of the greatest and most compelling villains in film, The Curse of Frankenstein. 
     All that and Dave gets kawaii, Tyler denies the call of the footlights, Craig feels true emotions swelling in the cockles of his heart, and Kevin still likes to watch. Join us, won't you?
   Episode 426- To the Victor Goes the Spoils

 

Interstellaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

     This week- a pair of films featuring men embracing new career opportunities. 

     Picking up a couple years after the events of the first film- Adam and Inez's relationship is falling apart from the pressure of children and adulthood. Miguel returns home after several years in prison to find his girlfriend has given birth to another man's child. Marfa Girl is struggling with connecting to her child, the lingering reminder of a brutal sexual assault. Will Adam accept his responsibilities? Can Inez find her own happiness? Will Marfa Girl get the mental and emotional help she so very clearly needs? Larry Clark's surprise sequel and his latest feature to date- Marfa Girl 2. 
     Grinding through paid appearances and fan films the cast of a cult space adventure TV series are barely scraping by. At a convention where they all find themselves at their wit's end with each other and the fans, lead actor Jason Nesmith is approached by a group calling themselves Thermians. Soon the fractured troupe will be swept up in a confrontation of species ending proportions. Will Jason and co prove to themselves they are more than washed up actors only good for openings of laundromats? Will the Thermian species survive until Tuesday? Can an actor's ego block out the sun? A homage to classic sci-fi and voted the SEVENTH best Star Trek film at Trek to Vegas 2013,  Galaxy Quest.
     All that and Dave still can't remember anything, Tyler mourns a well going dry, and Kevin learns he can't run from his problems because it makes his portable Blu-ray player skip. Join us, won't you?

   Episode 420- Interstellaaaaaaaaaaa

Ever Dance to ABBA in the Pale Moonlight?

     This week we take great pride in presenting three films about people who dream of starting their own businesses.

     In the summer of 1963, Jack Twist and Ennis Del Mar develop a relationship. Jack, a wannabe rodeo cowboy, dreams of fixing up his parent's ranch and turning it into a success with Ennis. Ennis, a ranch hand haunted by a memory from his childhood, is desperate to not break the facade of domestic normalcy he has built with his wife, Alma, and their two daughters. Ang Lee's masterful examinations of the yearning to belong, societal expectations of normalcy, and the consequences of denying one's true self- Brokeback Mountain.
     On the first day of summer in Rome, Alba, a Spanish engineer, picks up Natasha, a Russian bride-to-be, and takes her back to her hotel on both their last night in The Eternal City. Over the next few hours, the women tease and draw each other into the open between rounds of passion. Julio Medem's beautifully shot arthouse romantic comedy about how impactful a single night can be- Room in Rome.
     After a youth with a drug-induced smile plastered on, an aspiring comedic performer gets their chance to fulfill their dream and join the cast of UCB Live. Being unable to afford the required training fee, they join with a new friend to start their own underground comedy troupe. A DIY coming of age story, one of the best superhero films ever made, a joyfully screaming satire covering an emotional story of self-acceptance- The People's Joker.
     All that and Dave keeps forgetting things, Tyler stays consistent, and Kevin makes a desperate move for his own sanity. Join us, won't you?
   Episode 419- Ever Dance to ABBA in the Pale Moonlight?

No Pucks Given

     This week we ring in the last month of 2024 with a pair of films about people spiraling through very different existential crises.

     Lucia lives with depressed writer Lorenzo. When she returns home to an empty apartment, Lucia becomes frantic, finding a suicide note as she answers a call from the police that mentions an accident. Unable to hear more, Lucia hangs up and leaves to a small island Lorenzo always talked about. Elena lost her daughter to a tragedy and also seeks solace on the same island, where her child was conceived after a night of passion with an unknown man. Meanwhile, we witness Lorenzo's live over the last six years leading up to whatever tragic event befell him. A complex and visually striking work from divisive Spanish auteur Julio Medem, Sex and Lucia (Spanish title: Lucia y el sexo).
     When a New Jersey mob deal is broken up by a team of corrupt cops looking to rob them, low level member Joey is tasked with disposing of the guns. Especially a very distinctive nickel plated and ivory handled Smith & Wesson Model 36 belonging to Tommy Perello, son of the organization's leader. Joey instead takes the gun home and stashes it his basement where his son and their abused neighbor kid, Oleg, are playing. Oleg takes the gun and sets off a chain of events that will have Joey and the boy... Running Scared.
     All that and Dave's race has been run, Tyler makes Machiavellian moves, and Kevin has sexy snow dreams. Join us, won't you?

   Episode 389- NO PUCKS GIVEN

Ways of Bushi

     This week two movies about modern versions of ancient codes and professions just trying to survive. 

     Martha only gets through every day without any thought to what else there could be in her life. The new girl, Nandia, only dreams of something more and how to move up the ladder. Soon they are drawn together but what happens when one starts to be left behind as the other never stops looking for what is next? How far can they go before one is just a lingering reminder of earlier times? How will they adapt to their quickly changing world and how long until they are pulled apart? Dennis Iliadis' 2004 debut feature, Hardcore.
     To repay local mobster Louie for saving his life years earlier, an enigmatic man who views himself as a modern samurai becomes the best hitman working. Modeling his life off the writings in Hagakure and communicating only through messenger pigeons, it is a perfect siltation for both Louis and his retainer. Until they are ordered to kill the made man sleeping with the head of the Vargo Family's daughter. In order to cover their connection to this unsanctioned hit, the whole force of the family is coming down on... Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai. 
     All that and Dave gets ranty about ancient Japanese philosophy, Kevin tries to clear his head for some noir goodness, and Tyler learns how to be trashy in multiple languages. Join us, won't you?
    Episode 333- Ways of Bushi

Mass Rockogenic Illness

     This week a pair of films about finding acceptance and artistic expression in Ohio.

     Introverted and shy 11-year old Toni decides to stop boxing and try out for a local dance team that practices in the same building. Soon afterwards, a mysterious illness begins sweeping through the girls. As the violent seizure epidemic continues, Toni tries to find acceptance. A devastatingly powerful directorial debut with an amazing performance at its center, The Fits.
     Single mother Patti and her brother Joe, who works in a factory by day, struggle to make ends meet and play in a band at night with dreams of being something bigger. After Joe is laid off, the pair attempt to take their band on tour. While it appears to be successful, they all find themselves still struggling with finances, leading to a split between the siblings. Another Paul Schrader film about people who keep themselves prisoners of the past but in a different setting than most of his work, Light of Day.
     Join us, won't we?
   Episode 327- Mass Rockogenic Illness

Better Than Scarlet Diva?

     This week a pair of European movies about women finding themselves.

     Anna Battista, a young and beautiful award winning actress, is desperate to spread her creative wings. Tragically, everyone tries to keep her down despite everyone around her totally seeing how brilliant she is and how great her movie would be. Even more tragically, Anna has a taste for massive amounts of recreational narcotics, a penchant for racism, and is quick to obsess over the worst musicians she can find. The semi-autobiographical directorial debut from Asia Argento, Scarlet Diva.
     Diane lives with her younger brother and single father. Being a lonely teen with raging hormones, she tries to unsuccessfully explore her burgeoning sexuality with a local boy. Fortunately, a wild new neighbor is happy to drag Anna along on her casual sexual adventures. Will Diane embrace her friend's ways or forge her own path? Some call it an oedipal complex but the French call it Puppylove.
     All that and Kevin waxes lyrical, Dave takes a secret nap, Craig has a fistfight with a hairstylist, and Tyler tries to prove that he's the only man who will love her more than her father.
     Join us, won't we?
   Episode 318- Better Than Scarlet Diva?

Hill Street Boos

    This week- a couple of scam artists and a fistful of cops.

     Rookie cop Roy reports for duty in East LA. He is partnered with Andy, a veteran quickly approaching mandatory retirement. Roy thinks he will only be a cop long enough to make it through law school but, for some, the job becomes their all consuming obsession. Based on the novel by Joseph Wambaugh, The New Centurions.
     George and Kathy Lutz, with Kathy's three children, move into a beautiful home with enough room for all, a massive yard, and private lake access. It's perfect... and shocking affordable, due to one of the previous residents killing their whole family. Soon after they move in, strange things begin to happen. Is the house haunted? Will George reenact the horrific events of the previous owners? Will the priest ever get Ma Bell to fix his phone? The Amityville Horror.
     All that and Dave changes shape, Tyler rolls in something, and Kevin starts betting on internet cat fights. Join us, won't you?

     Episode 317- Hill Street Boos

Diagnosis: Samurai Night Fever

     This week two films about Chinese-Americans and cross cultural experiences. 

     Billi maintains a close relationship with her Nai Nai (paternal grandmother), despite there being half a planet between them. When Nai Nai is diagnosed with late stage terminal lung cancer, which the rest of their family have decided to keep secret from Nai Nai. The whole family gathers under false pretenses to have The Farewell.

     Jo and Steve are purchasing their taxi medallion. Their friend, Chan, volunteers to be the transactional go-between. Unfortunately, Chan has disappeared, along with the money. The two men begin a search for their friend in San Francisco's Chinatown population. Wayne Wang's second feature and part of the US National Film Registry, Chan is Missing.

    Join us, won't you?
  Episode 309- Diagnosis: Samurai Night Fever

Daddy's Back

     This week- two movies about people trapped in places they are unable to leave. Some metaphorically, others literally.

     Sascha drifts through her days, getting by as well as she can at work and with occasional visits to her young son. Maria is a dreamer who wants to be a performer and poet. When sparks fly between them, both women embrace their blooming romance but can't see how it could be threatened by their individual outlooks. The second feature by Henrika Kull, Bliss.
     Carlin just wants to keep to himself after he is transferred to a new borstal. Archer is doing his best to inconvenience the staff as peacefully as possible until his sentence is over. Alan Clarke's scathing and unflenching look at the brutality of the old UK borstal sytem, Scum.
     All that and Tyler self soothes, Craig ends his hibernation, Dave feels the ennui, and Kevin's plan for world domination begins to germinate. Join us, won't you?
    Episode 306- Daddy's Back

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

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

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

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

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

Fields of Dream

     A student's unique part-time job and a man's odyssey to fulfill his dreams.

     When his uncle dies, New Jersey grocer, Harold Bissonette comes into enough money to move his family across country and buy a California orange grove. Will his dreams of an improved life come true or will his wife and children send him into a spiral of alcoholism and despair? Maybe It's a Gift after all?
     Lucy works two jobs and a side hustle being a test subject to pay her tuition and rent. When a highly paid opportunity appears, she jumps at the chance. When that leads to a better paid but without a regular schedule job, Lucy finds herself flush. The job just happens to be voluntarily drugging herself to sleep and spending the night being groped by men. A different version of Sleeping Beauty.
     All that and Craig suffers, Tyler becomes the night, Dave gets a clue, and Kevin considers running away to join the circus.

Episode 249- Fields of Dream

Rothrock and Roll

      This week- two movies, four women, and multiple trios of bumbling idiots.

     Naama lives in an Israeli suburb with little to do except drugs and casual hook ups. When she meets a new student, they are immediately attracted to each other. Meanwhile, he racist parents are desperately searching for her AWOL sister who might have run off with a nice young Palestinian boy. Blush (aka, the much better title, Barash).
     Two of the best action stars of all time together in the second film directed by Hong Kong legend Corey Yuen and produced by Sammo Hung which started an entire subgenre. Tragically, the draws are pushed aside for some of the worst garbage outputted by the painfully unfunny Luck Stars but when allowed to do what they do best, they rival any other of the period and force you to say... Yes, Madam. 
     All that and the Spencer Mansion collapses on Dave and Tyler's heads while Kevin leaves his noir funk behind for candy colored holiday cheer. Join us, won't you?

Episode 234- Rothrock and Roll

Mind Your Teas and Qs

      This week two girls with slight daddy issues and different ways of expressing their inner turmoil. 

     13- year old Rynn's father is a poet and far too secretive for their nosey landlady, Mrs. Hallet, who keeps finding reasons to bother them. Which, in turn, gives her son reason to suspect that his bothering Rynn won't have anyone to interfere. Part takedown of small town bigotry and isolationism, part children's rights parable, part  wrapped in a unique horror mystery... what happened to The Little Girl Who Lives Down the Lane?
     Cécile has her father's ashes in a Tupperware container. Her grief turns her into the embodiment of desire as she roams through a small French seaside city. There's a vague economic crisis and a group of connected but nameless and faceless pretty young people stumble around with her. Will Cécile and the rest find whatever it is they are looking for? Or is there nothing but Q (aka Desire)?
     All that and Dave gets senile, Kevin self harms, and Tyler rolls in something. Join us, won't you?

Episode 214- Mind Your Teas and Qs