Neill Before Us

     This week we take a look at four films starring one of the most versatile chameleons of the last half century- the always brilliant Sam Neill.

     John Trent has had a rough couple of weeks that have lead to him being committed in a psychiatric facility. As he opens up about the eldritch horror he witnessed, only one question remains... Do you read Sutter Cane? John Carpenter's 16th feature film and still one of the best cosmic horrors ever made- In the Mouth of Madness.
     Paige and Leo's newlywed life  is torn apart when Paige loses her memories of the last five years after an accident. Paige tries to resume the life she remembers, without even caring about the glaring questions, and Leo tries to hold on to their marriage, demanding an instant connection and resisting her  need for space. Inspired by a real life story- The Vow.
     After a tragedy, Rae and John Ingram try to heal and connect with an extended trip on their boat. In the middle of the Pacific Ocean they come upon a sinking schooner and find Hughie, who claims to be the sole survivor of a severe food poisoning accident. When John goes to check out the situation, he finds the boat is salvageable and the others on board have all been mutilated. A surehanded thriller in the middle of a vast blue nowhere- Dead Calm.

     A potential general strike looms as violence and gas rationing expand. The prime minister doesn't waste a moment making a fascist power grab. As the country continues to divide and a resistance movement grows, Smith finds himself separating from his wife after learning of her affair with Bullen. Taking to a quiet island, Smith soon finds himself framed for a terrorist attack, arrested, and forced to join a fight he wanted nothing to do with. Roger Donaldson's sharp and suspenseful first feature and Sam Neill's powerful breakthrough performance- Sleeping Dogs.
     Join us, won't you?
   Episode 476- Neill Before Us

Armored Tales

     This week- two films about people driven to extreme measures to try and grab a small bit of happiness.

     A Queen is desperate for a child but jealousy overtakes her love. An older woman is pursued by an oversexed king and drives her sister to an extreme. A King is obsessed with his pet and neglects his familial duties. An epic Italian-UK-French co-production recounting stories from Giambattista Basile's Pentamerone- Tale of Tales (Italian title: Il racconto dei racconti)
     A criminal mastermind plots his biggest heist yet. A low-level crook obsesses over his ex-wife. A burlesque dancer prepares to escape. A trio of cops bumble around the City of Angels on everyone's trail. An early film from Richard Fleischer who would spend the next three decades making tentpole star vehicles- Armored Car Robbery.

     All that plus Craig gets philosophical while Dave and Kevin burn. Join us, won't you?       Episode 475- Armored Tales

Pools of Attraction

     This week- two movies about women being stigmatized, in very different ways, by societal views.

     Ben's life is going pretty well. He has a great girlfriend who is ready to throw her life plans away to stay by his side, he is the star of his high school swim team, recruiters are fighting over a chance to see his freestyle, and everyone has totally forgotten that not long ago he was a drug dealing sociopath. When he almost runs over new transfer student Madison everything begins to spin out of control. Turns out, she is a massive- Swimfan.

     While supervising a documentary interview with his father, a celebrated blind artisanal seal maker, Dong-hwan learns the remains of his mother were found at a construction site. After a strange confrontation at the funeral, and with the help of the documentary producer Su-jin, Dong-hwan decides to learn the truth of what happened to his mother four decades ago. Yeon Sang-ho writes and directs a mystery based on his own graphic novel- The Ugly [얼굴, literally Face].

     All that plus Dave mixes concrete, Tyler get bullied, Kevin attempts to project across the digital void and Craig wonders about the Michael Douglas of it all. Join us, won't you?

   Episode 747: Pools of Attraction

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

euphoric finale

     THIS WEEK! (part 3)- The final season of Euphoria comes to a close with a feature length series finale. How will Tyler cope without his precious babies?*

     *He'll just start season 1 again. Duh.

   Minisode 8- euphoric finale

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

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