Finding Matadory

     This week a pair of films with dire actions at sporting events.

     Carmen is placed in the care of her stepmother. Encarna is a scheming and vicious former nurse who used Carmen's mother's death in childbirth and her father's tragic bullfighting injury who will not let anything upset her lavish lifestyle. After the death of her father, Carmen escapes an assassination attempt but revives with no memory of her past but fortunately finds a place with a travelling group of bullfighters with dwarfism. A silent masterpiece that finds a new approach to the ancient Grimm tale- Pablo Berger's Blancanieves.
     Peter van Cleese witnessed his grandfather's mysterious disappearance 17 years ago. Now he has returned to claim his inherited lodge and allow his group of friends to join the Muskie Madness. Unfortunately for all, what befell his grandfather will soon be targeting everyone on the lake. No one is safe from- Blood Hook.
     All that and Craig is conflicted, Kevin wants a special cheese, and Dave can not master the art of the perfect cast. Join us, won't you?

   Episode 484- Finding Matadory

Funky Stumps

     This week- a pair of films about people put into unusual situations. 

     Rex has just served an 8 year sentence for the death of a bank teller cause by his actions while confronting a group of thieves. Rex decides to take a nice long vacation in Finland. As soon as he lands, Rex is abducted and now has to find a way out of a very hungry nightmare. The fifth film from director Alister Grierson just might make you exclaim- Bloody Hell.
     A Japanese surrealist sketch comedy anthology featuring women at an onsen, a high school homeroom that has much to tell, two young dreamers who do not dream the same thing, and three brothers that ladies just do not care for. Cronenbergian instruments, aliens that feed on dreams, the music in one's soul, vaudeville slapstick, and one truly Funky Forest: The First Contact.
     All that and Dave has a private anniversary party, Craig second guesses his life choices, and Kevin lives in the blissful warmth of his platinum trophy. Join us, won't you?
   Episode 483- Funky Stumps

The Devil & Ms. Manion

     This week we cross examine a pair of films featuring musicians in speaking roles.

     After small town lawyer Paul Biegler loses his reelection for DA, he spends his time quickly burning through his savings and fishing. When Mrs. Manion asks he defend her Army Lieutenant husband, who is charged with murdering an innkeeper, Barney Quill. Lt Manion claims he doesn't have any memory of the event. The first revisionist legal drama and another of Otto Preminger's most aggressive works pushing back against taboo and censorship, Anatomy of a Murder.

     The Relentless, a pan-Atlantic rock band, come together under the charismatic leadership of Johnny Faust. The band begins having strange run-ins with a many who claims he just might be The Devil and will make them the biggest act on Earth for the outrageously reasonable price of a single human sacrifice. Soon they find themselves on top of the charts and connected to a massive outbreak of extreme violence. The second feature from Ash Avildsen, the founder of Sumerian Records and featuring a score by Korn frontman Jonathan Davis, American Satan.

     All that and Craig forgets and Dave endures and Kevin lives in blissful denial of the same thing while Tyler shouts love from the void. Join us, won't you.

   Episode 482- The Devil & Ms. Manion

Plane and Simple

     This week a pair of films about men who neglect their families in the name of work.

     Mel Bakersfield keeps his airport open despite the protesting townies, an epic snowstorm, and a board of commissioners ready to undermine him. at the heavy cost of estranging his wife and daughters. Captain Vernon Demerest is always on the move, from airport to airport and stewardess to stewardess, keeping his wife in a holding pattern until he finally decides to settle down. As a long night wears on, their fates and the fate of all aboard TSA Flight 45 hang precariously on one passenger's desperate plan. The films which kicked off the golden age of disaster films, and launched three sequels of its own, Airport.
     Wanda Saknussemm receives word that her archeologist father, who abandoned her years ago to pursue his consuming obsession with Atlantis, has died after falling into a bottomless pit. Throwing aside her safely boring daily life to take her only chance to learn something about the man who left her behind, Wanda soon finds herself falling down the same pit. Shen winds up at the center of the Earth, being hunted by the underground government, and meeting with a parade of helpful and attractive men. Will Wanda find her father alive? Will she ever get back to the safety and security of Malibu? A cult classic from Canon Films by the prolific low budget high concept Albert Pyun, Alien from L.A.
     All that and Dave prepares and Kevin gloats. Join us, won't you?
   Episode 480- Plane and Simple

Sponsored Interruptions

     This week- two tales of corporate greed in small towns with unusual traffic problems.

     Cru is a young BMX enthusiast blows off studying for the SAT to endlessly practice in a diy bike park. His daily routine is upended when all the top bike brands and riders descend on his small world for the biggest BMX event ever- Helltrack. Does he make his mother proud and take the test or does he compete in the race for his one chance to realize his dreams? The final theatrical feature from stunt legend Hal Needham- Rad.
     A local sandwich shop is pulled into a vicious advertising fight with the buffet on the other end of its shopping center. Soon a hum, a sinkhole, and a series of missing people engulf the town. A cult leader tries to resist, an attorney tries to stay on the right side of the apocalypse, and a pawn shop tries to simply stay open. Told almost entirely though local ads and news clips, a satirical horror of eldritch appetites- Buffet Infinity.
     All that and Kevin still dreams of dirt track glory, Craig has a mighty hunger for pandimensional curry, and Dave does not earn the Power of Understanding. Join us, won't you?
   
  Episode 479- Sponsored Interruptions

Point of Contact

     This week- two films about emotionally stunted males struggling against overwhelming forces.

     Young David witnesses a flying saucer land in his backyard. When his father goes to investigate, he returns a changed man. Soon everyone around David begins to change drastically and only psychologist Dr. Pat Blake believes his shocking tale. Can Earth hope to stand any chance against an intergalactic threat? How long until all mankind is overwhelmed by mu-TANTS? Or will we all die at the hands of Invaders from Mars?

     Joe Marks, a psychotic arms dealer, and Nighthawk, his ambitious assistant manager, clean out a National Guard armory with plans to put military hardware in the hands of every gang in LA. James Long, LAPD lieutenant and man of little expression, goes undercover to bring their plans down. Is there anyone Marks won't remove to get what he wants? How loyal is Nighthawk? Do Long's facial muscles work? The answers to these questions lie at the Killpoint.

     All that plus Kevin and Craig get lyrical about tea cakes while Dave wonders if he has the power after all. Join us, won't you?
   Episode 470- Point of Contact

To Sleep Perchance To Ream

     This week- two films about dreams showing terrifying futures.

     In the distant future, humanity has given up dreaming for immortality. An anthology following one dreamer's last four dreams with each dream connecting to ayatana, the six sense recognized in Buddhist philosophy, and told through a century of the evolving language of cinema. Bi Gan's third feature is nothing short of a masterpiece of constantly changing style and narrative techniques- Resurrection.
     Smith, a film student, had been having strange dreams featuring people he hasn't met yet. Meanwhile, his best friend, Stella, gets involved with a violent obsessive who possesses strange powers. A sex comedy mystery presented as a mischievously open and mostly carefree adventure that, in typical Greg Araki fashion, celebrates multiple facets of human sexuality and expression- Kaboom.
     All that plus Dave, Kevin, and Craig find themselves in multiple luminal spaces and Tyler meets with old friends. Join us, won't you?
   Episode 469- To Sleep Perchance To Ream

Don't Hate the Player

     This week- two movies about men reintegrating into society after extended absences for vastly different reasons.

     Conor lives a life cut off from the world with Sandy, his dog. Finding himself intrigued by a video game ad promising more immersion than ever before. What starts as disappointment soon leads to a journey beyond Conor's door to places he never imagined. The sixth existential DIY analog odyssey from Albert Birney- OBEX.
     Eddie finally comes home after five years as a prisoner of war. Soon he learns things have changed more than he ever imagined and there is no help coming from those important to his previous life or the VA. Driven to an extreme, Eddie tried a desperate move to take care of himself and his mother. Michael Pressman's ambitiously social commentary dramedy that was butchered by the studio but still propped up by a strong performances from Richard Pryor and the supporting cast- Some Kind of Hero.
     All that and Tyler's canvas gets more crowded, Craig explores new avenues, Kevin grumbles about the future, and Dave considers wanting information. Join us, won't you?
   Episode 467- Don't Hate the Player

Be Kind (to Tyler) Rewind

     This Week- two films that cause no harm to Tyler and leave him filled with the joys of life and a new car smell.

     A videotape with a brutal attack on it is found in a refrigerator, clutched in a dismembered hand. Two separate but overlapping investigations into who made the tape and its authenticity being. One from a young videographer who becomes increasingly obsessed with the violent images, the other from a crusading journalist with a mysterious history of her own. An artful and genre-defying pink film from one of Japan's most transgressive filmmakers- Re-Wind (aka Celluloid Nightmare).
     A hacker is exposing all of Salem's private moments. Starting with exposing the bigoted mayor's hypocritical sexual adventures and pictures from the mild-mannered high school principal of his daughter in the bath. Before either firestorm settles, the hacker releases the private information of half the town. Soon masked vigilantes flood the streets looking for revenge and find themselves pointed at high school senior Lily and her three friends. The second feature from Euphoria creator Sam Levinson- Assassination Nation.
     All that and Dave doesn't want to read any more, Kevin will never forgive this new trauma, Craig forges new ground, and Tyler spends a full week in his happy place. Join us, won't you?

   Episode 464- Be Kind (To Tyler) Rewind

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

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

Poly Wants A Sacrifice

     This week- two films about alternative family structures.

     One night Veronica meets Abel, a freelance music journalist, at a concert and sparks fly. That same night she meets Zed, a drummer, and sparks fly. She begins dating both men and eventually brings them together in a polyamorous cohabitation. Despite some simmering tension between Zed and Abel, Veronica is mostly content with her life... until she meets successful up and coming director Mike, a recently single serial monogamist, and learns she is pregnant. Will Veronica choose her nontraditional love or throw it all aside for security and tradition? A modernist take on screwball romantic comedy from Greg Araki, one of the indie auteurs of the New Queer Cinema movement, Splendor.
     Sarah Jane is an orphan hired to do live-in secretarial work for a reclusive author of works on the paranormal and occult. His latest work eerily reflects her recurring nightmares about a bloody ritual to summon the cult's demonic master. Trying to settle into her new situation in a new town, she keeps meeting unsettling people and situations. Soon she enlists the help of the local vicar to figure out what is going on. Widely regarded as the turning point for the low budget cult filmmaker whose five decade career spanned every genre with a prolific output, Michael J. Murphy's Moonchild.
     All that and Dave gets weird, Kevin champions to overlooked, Craig gets jealous of recording software, and Tyler keeps sweating in... anticipation... Join us, won't you?
   Episode 452- Poly Wants A Sacrifice

Grime Guy

     This week- two movies about new families and arguable amounts of crime.

     Just as Charlie Babbitt, a grey-market collectible car dealer, hits a snag in his biggest deal, he learns about his estranged father's death. After looking into the will, Charlie finds he has an extremely regimented, autistic savant, older brother, Raymond, living in an institution. Charlie takes Raymond out of his daily routine and demanding half the estate for his return. Will Charlie get what he feels is rightfully his? Will the brothers find a way to connect and communicate? The film that introduced autism spectrum disorder to the public at large, coinciding with more broadly defined diagnosis criteria in the DSM-III-R, published the same year- Rain Man.
     Aurora lives with in terror that the monster under her bed will eat her parents. Desperate for help, she follows her neighbor, a hit man, across the hall and believes sees him kill a dragon. Knowing the only monsters are people and that her parents hat to have been killed accidentally by his enemies, the neighbor tries to protect the girl and save himself. Will Aurora find safety from both human and inhuman monsters? Will the neighbor realize that sometimes monsters are under your bed? Long time television auteur Bryan Fuller makes a stylish and imaginative feature debut- Dust Bunny.
     Meanwhile Dave gets MSTie eyed, Tyler finds more things to love, and a plot begins that will leave them looking back and wondering if their lives derailing were just the twisted hand of fate or the machinations of KEVIN! Join us, won't you?
   Episode 451- Grime Guy

Stay Gold

     This week- two movies about relationships... with ourselves and with others. 

     Nicky, a small time gangster, stole from his boss. With nowhere else to go, he calls his old friend Mikey, also employed by the same local crime boss. Together the two drift through the city at night with a hitman not far behind. An anxiety inducing melodrama about male friendship and cruelty driven masculinity, with a pair of staggeringly brilliant performances, a sharply witty script and equally edged direction from Elaine May- Mikey and Nicky.
     An intersex sex worker goes on the run after a mobster dies in his company. On the way he takes a hard look at his life, relationships, challenges with his own identity, and if any of it is what he wants. An incredible script, written by lead River Gallo, driving a bus full of strong performances and stylishly assured direction in a film that that deserves far more eyeballs than it has received so far- Ponyboi.
     All that and Kevin feels feeling inside, Dave suffers in more ways than one, and Tyler guzzles the sweet sweet wine of victory. Join us, won't you?
   Episode 450- Stay Gold

A Good Day to Nakadai Hard

     This week a four film tribute to an actor whose career spanned seven decades, the legendary Tatsuya Nakadai.

     A penniless samurai leaves his wife for improved social status and the daughter of wealthy family. A young woodcutter, taking refuge from a blizzard, confronts a yuki-onna. A blind musician performs for a dead Emperor, who plans to keep him playing in his ghostly court forever. A lord sees a face he doesn't know reflected back in his cup of tea and soon is visited by their ghostly and murderous attendants. Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful films of all time and based on the legends collected by Yakumo Koizumi, whose work gave Western audiences their first look into Japanese culture- Kwaidan.
     An amoral master swordsman, with a habit of random street murders, has to leave his home after killing an opponent after a duel and takes his opponent's wife with him. Two years later, in Edo, he has joined a secret assassin squad to support the shogunate and his past begins to catch up with him. The first in a planned trilogy, never completed due to the amounts of violence in the first film, based on one of the longest books ever written over 41 volumes and published over 28 years, The Sword of Doom.
     Masagoro Kiryuin, a contradictor gang-boss who sees himself as a chivalric protector, adopts a daughter. Matsue is smart, has a thirst for knowledge, and struggles against the boundaries society has set for her. A yakuza melodrama that covers several decades of their lives- Onimasa (aka Kiryûin Hanako no shôgai).
     2,217 British and Australian prisoners of war had been forced to work on the Burma railway and build a bridge. Now they are being taken to Japan to fill in the increasing manpower shortage. Stuffed into the hold of a hell ship, without enough air, water, or food, it seems unlikely the majority will survive to their destination. Or will they all die at the hands of patrolling American submarines? Not a sequel to the similarly titled classic, Return from the River Kwai. 
All that and Kevin might never Returnal from his current obsession, Craig shares a pain Tyler knows well, and Dave might be napping in his chair. Join us, won't you?
   Episode 449- A Good Day to Nakadai Hard

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