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

Euphorically Sexy Minisode #1

     This week- we interrupt the usual Wednesday post excitement to deliver our first Euphoria minisode! Craig and Tyler will be double-teaming the new season of Euphoria with episodes dropping every Wednesday for the next 8 weeks!

     First up, as is customary, episode one of the third season of HBO's hit.

     Listen up or Rue the day! 

   Euphorically Sexy Minisode #1

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

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

Interpretive Rants

     This week- two films about damaged psychologically manipulative men and the women entangled with them.
     In 1996 a virus wiped out the majority of humanity and forced the survivors underground. Now in a desperate attempt to salvage some future, volunteers are sent back in time in the hopes to trace the virus origin and obtain a sample of it in its purist form. James Cole, a prisoner traumatized from seeing a man murdered in a airport in his youth, is accidentally sent 6 years too early and sets off a chain of events with devastating consequences. Terry Gilliam's feature adaption of Chris Marker's 1967 short film, 12 Monkeys.
     The police investigate the murder of Laura Hunt, killed with a shot to her face in the doorway of her apartment. We the  a young, beautiful, and highly successful advertising executive killed by her sardonic newspaper columnist friend, her parasitic playboy fiancé, her jealous wealthy socialite aunt, or her well intentioned maid? Is there a twist in this knot of boiling jealousies? Directed by one of the most influential directors of the Noir Era and 1999 inductee to the Library of Congress National Film Registry, Laura.
     All that and Kevin has trouble reintegrating into society, Tyler tries new baked goods, Dave is invited out, and Craig fails to rise above it all. Join us, won't you?

   Episode 440- Interpretive Rants
 

A Nihilist and a Dancer Walk into a Bar

     This week- a pair of films with strong female characters and their lovers being caught up in another man's violence. 

     Driving home from a club, Amy and Jordan pick up magnetic drifter X. Soon they find themselves on the run through a deadpan pastiche of early 90s America. The 2023 director's cut of a totally heterosexual film by Gregg Araki that already left a massive transgressive shadow over generations of indie filmmakers, The Doom Generation.

     Violeta, a popular featured dancer at a Mexico City cabaret, rescues a newborn left in a red-light district trash can. Refusing to give up the infant, Violeta starts down a path that will bring violence and loss to those around her. A musical melodrama from the Golden Age of Mexican Cinema with gorgeous cinematography by Gabriel Figuerao, highlighting his incredible handling of chiaroscuro, and a powerhouse performance from Ninón Sevilla, Victimas del Pecado (English title: Victims of Sin).

     All that while Craig and Kevin build a man, Dave tears him apart, and Tyler irons his US flag bed spread. Join us, won't you?
   Episode 439- A Nihilist and a Dancer Walk into a Bar

Pup Tent

     This week the inmates try to run the asylum to varying degrees of success.

     Randle McMurphy is moved from a hard labor prison farm for a psychological evaluation. Nurse Ratched maintains strict control, through fear and intimidation, over the ward he is placed. McMurphy's lively and rebellious nature immediately put them at odd to dire consequences. Winner of Best Picture, Director, Actor, Actress, and Adapted Screenplay at the 1976 Academy Awards, inducted into the US Library of Congress National Film Archive in 1993, and widely held as an enduring masterpiece in American cinema- One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.

     After her brother dies, Kaori teams up with a ridiculously over the top pervert but equally skilled private investigator, Ryo Saeba. As they attempt to figure out who killed her brother and behind the new drug he was investigating, they get caught up in a dangerous life and death struggle. Based on the influential manga by Tsukasa Hojo, City Hunter.

     All that and Kevin and Dave clash over a divorce, Tyler tries to enter the 1st of 36 Chambers, and Craig makes an adjustment. Join us, won't you?
   Episode 438- Pup Tent

Womb with a View (And Other Assorted Tales)

     This week- three horror movies about identity and society.

     Corky is a magician and ventriloquist about to break into the mainstream. When the network backing his major debut asks for a standard medical examination for insurance reasons, he fears his deeply held secret will be revealed. Corky flees to his hometown in the Catskills. Will Corky be able to pull himself out of his spiraling mental health crisis? Will the beautiful resort owner, and former classmate, accept Corky as he is or will she choose her loveless home? How many cigars can an elderly man smoke in a day? A quartet of incredible performances in a tale of psychological torment come together as a kinda... Magic.
     Seven college friends reunite together at cabin in the woods to celebrate Juneteenth. Despite lengthy separation, as soon as the majority are together again old dynamics and resentments immediately come back. In the game room, they find a deeply racist board game that addresses them directly. Will they survive the night? What happened to the two who obviously arrived first and decorated? Who is behind this deadly game of trivia and identity? One of the sharpest horror comedies of the last decade, The Blackening.
     In a devastated world, Mariano spends his days making gas for others outside and slowly converting his cavernous space into an actual cave. When siblings Lucio and Fauna invade his space, Mariano presses them into helping him in exchange for food and shelter. Soon the demands become more horrific and extreme. Will the siblings escape the lascivious hermit's clutches? What is Mariano actually doing? What exactly is happening outside? A fiesta of gorgeous and grotesque images that drive to a fever pitch of flesh, We Are the Flesh.
     All that and Dave gets drawn back to the 80s, Tyler takes a tour through a gas station serial killer attraction, Kevin gets back into whittling, and Craig cleans up after us all emotionally. Join us, won't you?
   Episode 435- Womb with a View (And Other Assorted Tales)

Best Hauntings to Some

     This week October comes early as we watch three ghoulish offerings for Spooky Season.

     Jimmy Bones was murdered and buried in the basement of his house. A house left abandoned as the neighborhood he loved rotted with it. Twenty-two years later a group of unexpected young entrepreneurs take the property and release Jimmy's vengeful spirit on those who betrayed him long ago. Ernest Dickerson's campy social commentating love letter to 70s blaxploitation, Bones.
     Single mother Carla Moran is repeatedly violently raped by an invisible assailant. Finding no help from psychiatrist Dr. Sneiderman, who believes her trauma is the cause of these events, Carla accepts extremes to escape her horrific situation. Sidney J. Furie's modern gothic parable of cultural female sexual victimization and repression, The Entity.
     A young nursing student goes to visit her grandparents before graduation. There she learns an awful truth and must decide if she will perpetuate this cycle or break it no matter the cost to her family and herself. An incredible debut feature from Yûta Shimotsu, Best Wishes to All (original Japanese title:みなに幸あれ Romanized: Mina no ko are).
     All that and Tyler learns to love American Football, Kevin takes a moment to prepare for OHC, and Dave does literally nothing. Join us, won't you?
   Episode 432- Best Hauntings to Some

Kicking the Habit

     This week- a young people finding themselves while facing criminal forces of varying types.

     After her parent's divorce, Jane finds herself in a new homes at a new school and completely isolated from her family and peers without anyone who seems to care at all. That all changes after she encounters a group of teens surrounding Irish drug dealer Jamie. Soon Jane finds herself falling in love with Jamie who is more than happy to exploit the situation. The debut feature from writer-director Sarah Elizabeth Mintz and inspired by her own youth, Good Girl Jane.
     David Sloan and his trainer Xian Chow arrive in Rio for a championship bout. David befriends a pair of young street kids, Marcos and Isabella. Soon the group finds themselves going against a local criminal organization that isn't just fixing fights but also trafficking young girls run by American expat, Frank Lane. Will the last Sloan brother once again emerge victorious against a criminal empire? Will Isabella never be seen again? Can Xian finally breakthrough Marcos's tough shell? The third entry in the franchise that made JCVD an international action star, Kickboxer III: The Art of War.
     All that and Dave watches it, Tyler begins having fever dreams about returning to The Grid, and Kevin prepares to run for his life. Join us, won't you?
   Episode 429- Kicking the Habit

Eva Brauhhhhhhhn

     This week a pair of films about desperate men who seek the most toxic relationships with women possible. 

     Marcus is 30-years old and considers himself "a lonely, desperate man". He spends his nights as a security guard alone in an empty location, his days looking at pornography and peeping in windows. Slightly overweight and unable to create relationships, Marcus turns to secretly recording his encounters with prostitutes and losing his grip on reality. A black comedy from experimental filmmaker and musician, Ronnie Cramer with a soundtrack by his no wave post-punk goth adjacent sporadically recording for 40 years band Alarming Trends- Even Hitler Had a Girlfriend.
     A recovering alcoholic bank robber, Doug, from Boston's locally notorious Charlestown are pushed into increasingly dangerous and audacious heists by their neighborhood florist and Irish mob boss as the FBI openly targets them. Meanwhile, Doug begins a relationship with a bank manager he and his crew recently took as a hostage. Can Doug find a way to break the cycle of criminal behavior he inherited from his father? Is there safety in the sunny Florida landscape Doug believes his mother escaped to long ago? The second feature by director-star-cowriter Ben Affleck and based on a book by Chuck Hogan- The Town.
     All that and Dave finds a weird VHS tape, Tyler parks the cahr, Craig finds his twin, and Kevin judges us while sewing tiny general costume for a military squirrel promotion. Join us, won't you?
   Episode 427- Eva Brauhhhhhhhn

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

 

Ballad of Vengeance

     This week- films about people escaping prisons of both the emotional and physical varieties.

     Herb McGwyer arrives at a remote island off the coast of Wales for a lucrative gig for a small group of fans. When he arrives he finds a stage that is just a pallet on the beach and the group consists solely of widowed superfan Charles Heath. Soon Herb will learn that isn't the only surprise Charles has planned... he's forcing a surprise reunion show with Herb's former partner, Nell Mortimer. Will the concert proceed as planned? What is Charles motivation for this scheme? Who will hear The Ballad of Wallis Island?
     Nami Matsushima is set up for a brutal assault by her police detective boyfriend, Sugimi, to get a Yakuza payout. After failing to get revenge, Nami is sent to a prison run by sadistic and lecherous guards. After a failed escape attempt, Sugimi and his yakuza connections plot to use the inmates to eliminate Nami. Will Matsu get her revenge? Can the tenuous hold of the guards keep the simmering tensions from boiling into a full riot? An expressionist exploitation that ranks among the best women-in-prison films, Female Prisoner #701: Scorpion. 
     All that and Tyler makes Dave feel old, Kevin embraces cottagecore, and Craig gets the warm fuzzies. Join us, won't you?
   Episode 424- Ballad of Vengeance

Catfishing Cannibals

     This week two movies about young people trying to escape their dead end homelives only to end up in harrowing situations.

     When a nonverbal boy and beloved pet duck, Mr. Quack Quack, is threatened, the pair run away by boat. Before too long, they find themselves on a strange island. Captured by The Swampies, a group of crocodile pirates, the pair have no choice but to seek help from the island's other inhabitants, the Rare Blue Apes. A psychotronic kids musical adventure made by a 1970s exploitation porn director, The Rare Blue Apes of Cannibal Isle (aka The Pirates of Cannibal Isle aka Cap'n Krok and the Rare Blue Apes).
     Lily and Alison are best friends. Lily is death obsessed after the suicide of her father. Alison finds safety from her alcoholic father with her uncle's horses. Both girls just exist without hope or dreams of a future around their poverty stricken California town. When they meet a group of skaters passing through, they decide to follow them to LA. The first feature directed by the founder of FSU, Elgin James, Little Birds.
     All that and Tyler hangs out with a fisherman, Craig dissects a genre, Kevin reminisces, and Dave misidentifies it as both a bird and a plane. Join us, won't you?

   Episode 422- Catfishing Cannibals

Amish Paradise

     This week- Two English find something special with among the Amish and a standardization of a theme.

     After a young Amish boy sees the murder of an undercover police officer in a Philadelphia train station. Detective Captain John Book takes the case. Soon he, the boy, and the boy's mother find themselves the target of a conspiracy in the very halls of justice. Will Book be able to protect them? Will they be able to find refuge among the Swiss Anabaptists? What will be the consequence of Book's increasing attraction to an Amish woman? Peter Weir once again takes a look at the intersection of contrasting cultures in the middle of a crime thriller- Witness.

     After being caught at an illicit polka party, Al finds himself estranged from his parents but also free to pursue his life's dream- to have 20,000 people every night singing HIS words... to someone else's music. Soon he capture the interest of hitmaker Dr. Demento and starts a musical revolution. Before Al can make his happy ending, an ambitious young singer from Michigan and a notorious drug lord hatch separate schemes to use him and his music for their own ends. Will Al make amends with his parents? Will his roommates suddenly display hidden musical talents just when a band is in desperate need? Will alcohol and the pressure of fame destroy our accordioned adorned genius as it has Mozart and so many other brilliant trailblazers? The feature length version of a 2010 Funny of Die shirt that illuminates one of pop culture's most enigmatic figures- Weird: The Al Yankovic Story.
     All that and the guys marvel at our new theme by the also brilliant and enigmatic Linus Fitness-Centre. Join us, won't you? 

   Episode 421- Amish Paradise

Knight Betrayal

     This week- two films about dreamers being betrayed by trusted individuals working for the government.

     In 1968, William O'Neal is arrested for attempting to steal a car while posing as a federal agent. While in custody he is approached by the FBI who make an offer he can't refuse- the charges will disappear if he infiltrates the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party and relays information on its leader, Fred Hampton. Based on a true story, the second feature from Shaka King, Judas and the Black Messiah.

    The CIA has secretly hires Professor Hathaway to make a laser weapon precise enough to carry out illegal political assassinations from outer space. Hathaway recruits a team of brilliant students to do the work for him as he redirects project funds to build a massive new house. As the deadline looms he recruits a budding genius in physics, Mitch, and places him under one of his heroes, Chris Knight, now a disillusioned slacker just trying to survive his final year. A 1980s comedy classic and one of the best college films of that century- Real Genius.
     All that and Dave pregames with the game, Tyler rides the movies like a pro, and Kevin plans a march of the squirrel army. Join us, won't you?
   Episode 413- Knight Betrayal