Cinemantics

Co-host G. Warlock Vance and I discuss Nobuhiko Obayashi's House, an explosion of trippy weirdness from 1977. I explain our lengthy hiatus before Warlock analyzes the film's themes and how it fits into the J-Horror tradition. We also geek out over the technical accomplishments of the film and gleefully recount its stunningly bizarre death sequences. House is calling to you, so come back home and get married.

Co-host Jeffery Heatherly and I discuss Tron, Steven Lisberger's 1982 epic of light bikes and deadly discs. In our wide-ranging conversation we talk about the lack of real logic in the plot, the techniques that went into creating this special effects milestone, consider the Tron franchise as a whole and beatbox our way into film music history.

For the last episode of the Month of Guest, co-host Jeffery Heatherly and I take a look at Waiting For Guffman (1997), Christopher Guest's first mockumentary. Among other things, we discuss the formation of the Guest aesthetic, the sexiness of Matt Keeslar, Fred Willard's surprisingly subdued performance, the worst fake musical ever made and our desire to own Remains Of The Day lunchboxes. It's an episode they'll be taking about even on Nebali!

Co-host Jeffery Heatherly and I discuss Matthew Vaughn's Kick-Ass (2010), perhaps the most realistic superhero movie ever made. We rebuke Roger Ebert's scathing review paragraph by paragraph, marvel at dead-on American accents by British actors, express our general dislike of Diablo Cody and rejoice at Nicolas Cage's career-reviving performance. It's all here in an episode that is truly kick-ass. Or is it ass-kick?

It's a groovy time for a movie time as co-host Jeffery Heatherly and I discuss Matt Maiellaro and Dave Willis' Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film For Theaters (2007). The film piles on too much weird for too long a running time, but that doesn't stop us from loving it. So get nude and feel the love for this modern cartoon classic - or we'll cut you with a linoleum knife.

Co-host Jeffery Heatherly and I throw in our buck 'o five in a discussion of Trey Parker's Team America: World Police (2004). We also cover our mutual disdain for the musical Rent, the media's treatment of 9/11, the political beliefs of Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the beloved television series South Park and the film's portrayal of Alec Baldwin. It's an episode even Matt Damon would love!

Co-host Jeffery Heatherly and I take it outside to discuss Edgar Wright's Shaun Of The Dead (2004), a romantic comedy with zombies. I love it; Jeff does not and explains why. We somehow manage to keep our usual tangents to a minimum and also try out a movie game I made up, which may or may not crash and burn. It's an episode you're sure to enjoy - although, if you've got red on you, you might want to take care of that first.

In what has become a holiday tradition, Cinemantics teams up with the Original Unoriginal Podcast to bring you a discussion of Roland Emmerich's Independence Day (1996). O.U.P. host Jeffery Heatherly and I discuss the incredible box office success of the film, defend its special effects, examine the casting, mock an alternate ending, praise composer David Arnold and espouse our love of the film in general. I also manage to shock Jeff with a surprise sign-off line. Happy Fourth of July, everyone!

After a lengthy hiatus, Cinemantics returns with an ice-kicking discussion of Joel Schumacher's Batman & Robin (1997). Although a critical and commercial failure, co-host Jeffery Heatherly and I actually rather like the movie. Topics of discussion include the legacy of the film, what actor suits the role of Batman best, R. Kelly's terrible soundtrack contribution and the merits of Arnold Schwarzenneger's portrayal of Mr. Freeze. Don't leave the Batcave without it!

In the first episode of Cinemantics to have more than one co-host, I am joined by Jeffery Heatherly, Stephanie C. Kernisan and Greg Green in a discussion of Ron Underwood's Tremors (1990). During our wide-ranging conversation Stephanie gives a spirited plot recap, Greg enlightens us on the definition of dark comedy and Jeff complains about oddly edited profanity. Plus, Stephanie sings fake Reba McEntire songs!

Co-host Greg Green and I discuss Ryuhei Kitamura's Versus (2000). We went into this Japanese action/horror/gangster/zombie movie expecting it to be awesome. Sadly, we came out disappointed. We examine the nonexistent story, poorly developed characters, extreme lack of continuity and a sorely underused villain while also praising some of the cinematography and fight choreography. We'd also like to reiterate that Yellowstone National Park is NOT in Canada.

Our month honoring the collaborations of director John Carpenter and actor Kurt Russell draws to a close as co-hosts Jeffery Heatherly and Ryan Houser join me in a discussion of Escape From L.A. (1996). Whereas Escape From New York was slow and serious, this is a fast-paced, campy thrill ride . . . and we love it. Topics of conversation include theories about how the script was written, ridiculous action sequences, special effects of varying quality and what would happen if Randy Newman made a cameo. Whether you're on a surf board or a hang glider, it's an episode you're bound to enjoy!

Our month-long tribute to the collaborations of director John Carpenter and actor Kurt Russell continues as co-host Jeffery Heatherly and I discuss Big Trouble In Little China (1986). While we enjoy it more than Escape From New York, we find this one a bit too convoluted to be a classic. Our typically tangential conversation touches on, among other things, Asian character actors, cheesy theme songs, anticlimactic villain deaths and the TV series Goosebumps. Join us, won't you?

Our month-long tribute to the collaborations of director John Carpenter and actor Kurt Russell continues as co-host G. Warlock Vance and I discuss the sci-fi horror classic The Thing (1982). Topics of conversation include nihilism in the film, the need for communication, Rob Bottin's amazing visual effects and the weather in Antarctica. It's a perfect episode for anyone who goes there.

This month beloved actor Kurt Russell turns 60. To celebrate, Cinemantics is devoting the month to his collaborations with legendary director John Carpenter. In our first installment, co-hosts Jeffery Heatherly and Ryan Houser join me in a discussion of Escape From New York (1981). Our reception is decidedly lukewarm. We praise Russell and the look of the film but criticize its slow pace and droning soundtrack. We also unearth some nepotism in the film's casting. It's an episode that's truly A#1.

2010 was the Year of Godzilla at Cinemantics, a fact you may have forgotten as we covered only one movie featuring the giant rampaging lizard the entire year. In this episode, originally scheduled to air at the end of 2010, co-host Jeffery Heatherly and I attempt to rectify the problem with a discussion of Roland Emmerich's Godzilla (1998). Despite its many flaws, we rather like this big budget B movie - and Jeff lays out the rather intriguing theory that it's actually a satire. Plus, we resurrect a certain movie game!

After a much-needed hiatus, co-host Jeffery Heatherly and I return to finally discuss a film that has come up often on both our shows: Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight (2008). A lifelong Batman fan, Jeff takes the opportunity to lay out all of his problems with the film, while I do my best to defend it. Our many topics of conversation include the film's depiction of the Joker, casting successes and failures, the upcoming sequel The Dark Knight Rises and the legacy of the late Heath Ledger. Welcome to a world without rules.

Co-host Jeffery Heatherly and I bid farewell to the holiday season with a discussion of Nicholas Webster's Santa Claus Conquers The Martians (1964). Frequently labeled as one of the worst movies ever made, Jeff and I actually found its '60s kitsch to be quite charming. We discuss, among other things, a perpetually drug-addled Santa, the archetypal science-fiction robot, a supremely cheesy soundtrack and the fakest polar bear in history. From everyone at Cinemantics, happy holidays and hooray for Santa Claus!

The Month of Moore comes to a close as co-host Jeffery Heatherly and I discuss Zack Snyder's Watchmen (2009), an adaptation of the groundbreaking graphic novel by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons. Mired in development hell for years, this movie could have been a disaster - but it came out as good an adaptation as anyone could have hoped for. Jeff and I love it. Just a few of the many topics of discussed here: Broadway's effect on great actors, changes from the novel that work for the better, the impact of a well-placed song and the public's obsession with a certain blue phallus. Plus, a surprise cameo!

Co-host Jeffery Heatherly and I discuss Christopher Guest's 2003 mockumentary A Mighty Wind, a comedy with surprising emotional depth. I sing "Ave Maria" à la Michael Hitchcock and dispel any rumors about band camp that might have been started by American Pie. Jeff offers his opinion of folk music and laments how talented comedians are shortchanged in film and television. It's an episode you'll love to hear even if it's not autumn.

The Month of Moore continues as co-host Jeffery Heatherly and I discuss Stephen Norrington's The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003). Based on the graphic novel by Alan Moore and Kevin O'Neill, Jeff and I agree that this action movie isn't entirely without merit, but on the whole doesn't do justice to its intriguing premise. Topics of conversation include Sean Connery's accent, pencil thin mustaches, uneven CGI, dumb marketing strategies and a hypothetical league of American gentlemen. It's an episode that's truly extraordinary - or, at least, more so than this movie.

Co-host Jeffery Heatherly and I invite you to remember, remember the fifth of November as we discuss James McTeigue and the Wachowski Brothers' V For Vendetta (2006), which kicks off a series of episodes based on the work of beloved comic book author Alan Moore. Our conversation at times borders on political as we explore the film's themes of government and terrorism, but mostly we stick to our usual shenanigans. We also explore the similarities between the film and George Orwell's classic novel Nineteen Eighty-Four. It's an episode that surely vindicates the vigilant and the virtuous. England prevails!

To celebrate the one-year anniversary of Cinemantics, co-host Jeffery Heatherly and I bring you an extra-long discussion of our favorite film of 2010, Edgar Wright's Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World! During our wide-ranging conversation we defend Michael Cera against people who claim he only plays one character, applaud the film's depiction of gays, geek out over video game references and rebut a particularly scathing review. In short, it's an episode anyone in lesbians with this movie will want to hear!

Co-host Jeffery Heatherly and I discuss Jody Hill's 2009 black comedy Observe & Report. Populated by a despicable cast of characters, it's a fearless movie that goes to some truly dark places - and we love it. Topics of conversation include the career of Seth Rogen, Anna Faris' willingness to make herself disgusting in the name of comedy and the mixed critical reception of the film. Two final points: You should not compare this movie with Paul Blart: Mall Cop, and Jeff is not a terrible person!