Failure to Franchise

"Fighting VideoLAMES" concludes, with a look at the adaptation at one of the most popular, financially successful fighting game franchises in the world. But even that pedigree wasn't enough to save the movie from a lengthy struggle to even get released. Disregarded by many fans upset over changes to the source material, and equally disavowed by the game's creators, the Tekken movie is arguably one of the lesser-known cinematic video game adaptations. But does any of that necessarily mean it's bad? We're here to discuss that very question, and also ponder what exactly constitutes a "failed franchise," as this movie did manage a sequel of sorts a few years later. So why are we talking about it here? Listen on to find out! Plus, a preview of our upcoming episodes with the selection of our annual "Summer Surprise" movies! Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd

"Fighting VideoLAMES" continues with a look at the adaptation of Tecmo's Dead or Alive video game franchise. The games, about an international martial arts tournament put on by a mysterious, potentially sinister corporation, are known not only for their fast-paced hand-to-hand combat and colorful roster of characters, but also for their focus on beautiful, badass female characters and, controversially, the "jiggle physics" animation that is used to bring them to life (most infamously seen in the Dead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball spinoff). The 2006 cinematic adaptation, helmed by Hong Kong martial arts film legend Corey Yuen, looked to embrace the same outlandish, silly, and sexy spirit as the games. But this begs the question; is the resultant film ultimately more exploitative than exciting? We knew we couldn't (shouldn't?) try to answer this question alone, so for this discussion, we've recruited an actual woman (gasp!) to join in the fun. That's right, our friend Jackie returns to F2F to discuss her own experience with video games (and their sometimes heavily gendered nature), before we all dive in dissect DOA: Dead or Alive, in what is, surprisingly, our biggest episode yet! Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd Jackie's Twitter

For the latest installment of "Fighting VideoLAMES," we're looking at Capcom's second attempt to bring their beloved Street Fighter II to the big screen. Far from the silly, colorful spectacle of the JCVD/Raul Julia version, this time around Capcom opted for a more grounded, dramatic take, focusing primarily one single Street Fighter character in hopes of kicking off an MCU-like string of sequels ultimately culminating in a big team-up movie. But even with Kristen Kreuk, a hot TV star of the time, in the titular role as one of the video game's most popular characters, Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li once again failed to cement Street Fighter as a cinematic brand. So what went wrong this time? How much can you change from the source material before you're no longer really making a true adaptation? And just what is going on with that Chris Klein performance? We discuss all this, and more! Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd

We're kicking off "Fighting VideoLAMES," a four-episode series covering cinematic adaptions of fighting video-games, with the first of two movies based on one of the most iconic, popular fighting games of all time: 1994's Street Fighter. With an all-star cast including Jean Claude Van Damme and Raul Julia (in his final onscreen appearance), produced by the very company that made the video game, and released while Street Fighter II mania was at a high, the movie seemed like a can't-miss proposition. And, to be fair, the movie was a financial success. But between an extra chaotic production and fan dissatisfaction over liberties taken with the story and characters of the game, the movie still quickly took on the reputation of an infamous cinematic disaster. The question is, is the movie truly an unwatchable mess, or is it actually the enjoyable camp classic its growing cult of fans and defenders over the years claim it to be? Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd

"Mark WahlTURD & the Yucky Bunch" concludes, as the singer-turned-actor-turned-business-mogul and his frequent collaborator, director Peter Berg, leave behind the growing unpredictability of theatrical box office for the apparent comfort and safety (and big paydays) of the streaming world. But even there, you're not entirely safe from the perils of a failed franchise starter, as you'll hear when we discuss 2020's Spenser Confidential, the cinematic adaptation of a popular series of detective novels which already enjoyed some filmed success in the TV world in previous years. So why wasn't this later made-for-the-small-screen effort able to hook audiences in the same way? And, perhaps more importantly, does that even matter to Wahlberg, as his career and interests have shifted in new directions? Join us for our first ever look at a streaming-exclusive movie! And, as always, stay pray'd up. Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd

The third installment of "Mark WahlTURD & the Yucky Bunch" jumps ahead 15 years to 2018, where Mark Wahlberg, now very much a movie star, is looking to team up with director Peter Berg, his recent favorite collaborator, for a new espionage action thriller. But it's a rocky road to get there, as the movie in question was originally developed as a potential star vehicle for a totally different performer. Why did Mile 22 evolve into something else entirely? How did Wahlberg's "James Silva" go from supporting role to main character? What is a "gauntlet movie," and does Mile 22 fit the definition? And, most importantly, is the movie any good, and did it deserve sequels? We discuss all this, and more! Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd

"Mark WahlTURD & the Yucky Bunch" rolls along into 2003, when a much-in-need-of-a-comeback Mark Wahlberg decided to hop on the then popular trend of remaking classic '60s heist movies, with a modern update of the beloved Michael Caine crime caper The Italian Job. Here, Wahlberg and a crew of fellow eccentric thieves (a "funky bunch," if you will) seek to pull off a heist as revenge against a former compatriot who has done them wrong. The movie's action scenes undeniably started a Mini Cooper popularity boom, but what about the rest of the movie? Is it as sexy as The Thomas Crown Affair? Is it as cool as Ocean's Eleven? Why did one of its stars hate being in it? And, most importantly for our theme, did it reignite Wahlberg's flailing movie star career? We discuss all this, and more! Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd

Here at Failure to Franchise, we don't like making fun of actors. So trust us when we say our new theme, “Mark WalhTURD and the Yucky Bunch,” dedicated to four failed franchise starters from Boston rapper-turned-actor Mark Wahlberg, is, uh, a tribute. First up, 2001's Planet of the Apes remake, which was meant to be Wahlberg's first foray into mega-blockbuster leading man territory. Helmed by beloved Hollywood weirdo Tim Burton, and featuring incredible makeup effects by Rick Baker, the film seemed like a can't-miss attempt to reboot the classic sci-fi franchise. Instead, it left the series in need of another reboot attempt a decade later. What went wrong? We're here to figure it out! Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd

"FebruaRYAN" concludes with a look at 2014's Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit. Twelve years after The Sum of All Fears failed to reignite the Jack Ryan franchise, Paramount tried once again to tell a new Ryan origin story, with a new "hot young star of the moment" leading man in the role. But this particular Ryan movie arrived in a post-MCU world, when the importance of "IP" had become even more evident, and the concept of - say it with us - "cinematic universes" had become all the rage. How did that affect the approach to Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit? And why did the movie ultimately suffer essentially the same fate as its predecessor? We discuss all this, and more, as we wrap up our look at failed reboots of Tom Clancy's beloved CIA analyst. Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd

It's out with January, and in with "FebruaRYAN." That's right, this month we're taking a look at Tom Clancy's beloved CIA analyst turned reluctant hero, Jack Ryan. After the successes of The Hunt for Red October, with Alec Baldwin as Ryan, and Patriot Games and Clear and Present Danger, which saw Harrison Ford take over the role, Paramount Pictures were sure they had a long-running, bulletproof spy-thriller franchise on their hands. And yet, two subsequent attempts to reboot the series were both dead-ends. In this episode, we're looking at the first attempt to relaunch the series with a new origin for the Jack Ryan character, and a new, younger leading man in the role - 2002's The Sum of All Fears, starring Ben Affleck as Ryan. Arriving just months after the tragedy of 9/11, this movie seemed advantageously primed to capitalize on the news of the day in order to muster extra attention. But was the film's story a little too close to recent events for the audience's comfort? And was Ben Affleck's recently changing fortunes as a leading man more of a distraction than a benefit? Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd

"The Mutant GENEuary" wraps up with a movie that is very much not a YA adaptation. In fact, Mutant Chronicles is the long-awaited cinematic adaptation of a popular table-top RPG and video game franchise. After several abandoned attempts to make a big budget studio version of the property, starting in the 90s, fans were finally delivered an independent film adaptation in 2008 that adopted the green-screen aesthetics of recent box-office hits Sin City and 300. Would fans feel forgiving of, or even excited by, the movie's unique look? And would the presence of a couple beloved genre-film stars be enough to make up for the liberties the film took with the source material's story?  Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd

It's a new year, and a new theme! We're transforming - or should we say "mutating" - the month of January into "The Mutant Gene-uary!" That's right, a month dedicated to mutants, and we're kicking it off with 2020's The New Mutants, the last film released from the original regime of the 20th Century Fox X-Men franchise. Based on a popular X-Men spin-off comic, The New Mutants was meant not only to expand the horizons of what a superhero movie could be, by taking a more horror-based approach, but also to add a new offshoot franchise to the overall X-Men cinematic universe, with a brand new team of young mutant heroes. But after a troubled production and multiple release-date delays, The New Mutants ultimately limply arrived after Disney's purchase of Fox meant the existing X-Men film franchise would be no more. Putting the behind-the-scenes politics aside, did The New Mutants truly deserve its fate? To discuss this, in the spirit of shared universes and comic book crossovers, we're joined in this episode by Joe, Trev's co-host on the Days of Future Podcast: Examining the X-Men podcast, for what promises to be an X-cellent conversation. (get it?) Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd Days of Future Podcast Days of Future Podcast Instagram Days of Future Podcast Twitter

"It's Poddin' Time! We're closing out "Failure to Franchise presents Trev & Chris-tmas" with Trev's gift to Chris - a chance to revisit 2017's big-screen blockbuster reboot of Power Rangers. With a team of up-and-coming young actors as the titular heroes, and a couple Hollywood heavy hitters backing them up in supporting roles - including one with an interesting prior connection to the franchise - it sure seemed like Power Rangers was well-suited to cash in on the overall success of the superhero franchise and finally make the long-running kids TV franchise an actual cinematic player. But with criticisms of too-little-action and a perhaps too-serious tone, the film failed to connect in a big way. But do we believe these Rangers deserved another shot at the Morphin' Grid? Stock up on your Krispy Kreme and give a listen.  Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd

It's once again the most holly, jolly time of the year - "Failure to Franchise presents Trev and Chris-tmas," when we gift each other movies off our long F2F list that we might otherwise not be getting to anytime soon. First up, Chris gifts Trev a notorious box-office and critical flop that Trev has nonetheless always wanted to see ever since it first half-heartedly sputtered into theaters. But...why? Perhaps it has something to do with the film's bizarre origins. After all, how many would-be Hollywood blockbusters can legitimately claim to come from the mind of an actual four-year-old? Well, Monster Trucks can! So strap in and buckle up, as we take this surprisingly star-studded take on the "boy and his pet monster" trope out for a spin around the track.  Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd

In the return of our "Success to Series" spin-off show, we're taking a look at one of the most popular and unique horror franchises of the 2000s, Final Destination. What is it about the series' pitch-black humor and overly-elaborate death scenes that we find so amusing? We try to get to the bottom of this question, while also exploring the original film's surprising TV origins, sharing our favorite deaths from each installment, ranking the individual films, and paying tribute to the late, great Tony Todd. Plus, we write and share Final Destination-style death scenes for each other! So watch out for falling objects, make sure to step over any tripping hazards, and - whatever you do - don't drive behind any logging trucks while you listen to this in-depth discussion of Final Destination. Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd

"Noyce-vember," our month-long tribute to journeyman director Phillip Noyce, concludes! So how did Noyce follow up the disappointment of 1997's The Saint (which we looked at last time), you ask? Simple - by recruiting one of Hollywood's biggest stars, Denzel Washington, teaming him with a young starlet on the brink of mega-stardom named Angelina Jolie, and putting them together in an adaptation of a recent hit crime-thriller novel. Sounds like a good plan, right? Except he ended up with another failed franchise starter! What's the deal?? Well, we're taking a look at The Bone Collector to see if it's a truly worthy entry in the "90s serial killer movie" canon, or just another tired Se7en wannabe. Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd

Here at Failure to Franchise, we love a dependable journeyman. And that's why we're kicking off "Noyce-vember," a one month tribute to one of Hollywood's (well, technically, Australia's) most unsung journeymen directors, Phillip Noyce. First up, his 1997 adaptation of The Saint, a popular vigilante character who had already graced the world of literature, radio, film, and - most notably - a beloved '60s television series starring Roger Moore. For this wannabe movie blockbuster version, Noyce recruited Val Kilmer as the titular master of disguise. After 1995's Batman Forever and Heat culminated a fairly undeniable cinematic run for Kilmer, a few misses in 1996 meant The Saint - the movie he chose to do instead of another Batman film - was an important moment in his career...the moment where moving forward  he would either be confirmed as a legitimate, franchise-launching leading man, or seen more a comeback-seeking former star more known for his alleged difficulty to work with. Well, we all know how that worked out. But should The Saint have elevated Kilmer to another level? We discuss this, and much more! Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd

An iconic character, beloved around the world. A fairly successful box-office haul. And a creative team including Steven Moffat, Edgar Wright, Joe Cornish, Kathleen Kennedy, Peter Jackson, and Steven freakin' Spielberg!! What the hell is this movie doing on our show?! That's what we're here to figure out, as "Animation (3D)evastation" concludes with a look at The Adventures of Tintin. Sought after as a movie project by Spielberg as early as 1983, it may have taken over three decades to finally make it to the big screen, but this meant the project had time for its breathtaking motion-capture CGI technology to catch up to the visions of its filmmakers. Would those technological breakthroughs be enough to satisfy the character's global audience...and win over the less familiar American audience? And if not, why not? We discuss this and much more, as we ask the eternal question, "just what is this Tintin guy's deal, anyway?" Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd

It's a long held belief in Hollywood that, with only a few exceptions, cinematic adaptations of video games just don't work. So perhaps it's not surprising that the makers of the first big-screen Final Fantasy movie in 2001 thought it would be more beneficial to concentrate on at least creating a groundbreaking technological achievement, rather than worry about sticking to the story elements and tone the popular game series was known for. But when that desire ended up causing a lengthy, over-budget, and complicated production, the question became - and remains - was their ambition applaudable or misguided? Or maybe both? We're kicking off "Animation (3D)evastation" by asking that very question...and pondering the possibilities of fully digital movie stars, with Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within. Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd

Our "Animation (2D)evastation" month concludes with The Road to El Dorado, Dreamworks Animation's 2000 attempt not only to pay tribute to the classic Bob Hope & Bing Crosby Road To... movies of the past, but also - more importantly - try to beat Disney at their own game with a rollicking, animated musical adventure. And they even went the distance of recruiting Lion King music collaborators Tim Rice and Elton John to try to recapture the same magic again. So what exactly kept Road to El Dorado from enjoying Lion King-level success? Why does it enjoy a cult following today? And how important is it to have everyone involved with the production of a movie trying to make the same kind of movie? We discuss all this, and more! Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd

"Animation (2D)evastation," a month dedicated to two 2D animated failed franchise starters, kicks off with a look at 1999's Doug's 1st Movie. Based on Doug, the hit series that started as one of the original "Nicktoons" on Nickelodeon, before being bought by Disney and moving to Disney for its later seasons, Doug's 1st Movie was an attempt to see if the series could make the jump to feature length. Though, to be fair, not necessarily theatrical success, at least at first, since the project was first conceived as a straight-to-video effort. So what made Disney change their minds and decide to put it in theaters, and was it a good decision? Well, we're covering it on this show, so you probably know the answer to that, but still, we're here to talk about it!  Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd

We're wrapping up our "Summer Surprise" series with an unexpectedly timely episode. With Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice coming soon, we're taking a look at one of director Tim Burton's lesser remembered films, one that certainly didn't get a sequel (duh). This YA lit adaptation (shudder) is essentially Burton's riff on the X-Men, as Eva Green does her best Professor Xavier impression as the headmistress of a special home for children with unique abilities. Does Burton's unique aesthetic fit well with the source material? Is the film too gruesome for young children? Most importantly, is Eva Green given enough screentime?? We discuss all this and more, as we get stuck inside the time loop that is Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd

"Summer Surprise" continues, with our look at the 2019 reboot of the popular, long-running Child's Play/Chucky franchise. But unlike most reboots, this one had an interesting wrinkle; it was done at a time when the filmmakers behind the original Chucky franchise still had every intention of keeping their series going, as well. So how did this attempt at a separate, parallel Chucky continuity come to be? How did it work to differentiate itself from the other version? And in doing so, did it stay true to the spirit of the original Child's Play, or did it establish too much of its own identity, thus making it hard to view as part of the same franchise? We tackle all these questions, and more. This is for Tupac. Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd

Our annual "Summer Surprise" series, in which our movies are chosen by an online randomizer, kicks off, with F2F's second Luc Besson. We both loved The Fifth Element, but what do we think of Besson's more grounded, earthbound, 1994 hitman action-thriller, Leon: The Professional? Remembered as the cinematic debut of a young Natalie Portman, and for an iconic, meme-generating Gary Oldman performance, as well as introducing a global audience to French star Jean Reno, the film remains highly controversial today, thirty years after its release, for elements both onscreen and off. But do those controversial elements detract from the movie, or make it more compelling? How much can and should one separate an artist's real life from the art they produce? We ponder this, and much more, as we wade into the dicey waters of discussing Leon: The Professional. Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd

Just because the movies we watch might be considered "failures," doesn't mean the same can be said for our podcast! That's right, it's our 100th episode, a special look back at four year's worth of covering Hollywood mistakes, missteps, and misfires. To celebrate the occasion, we've each picked our favorite movies and performances from the 99 films we've featured so far, as well as our least favorite movies, and we also have special shout-outs for the most frequent directors, screenwriters, and actors from the first four years of F2F movies. Plus, as is tradition, we allow an online randomizer to pick our next three movies as we head into our annual "Summer Surprise" theme series. Thank you to everyone who has listened and/or subscribed over these 100 episodes. Here's to the next 100...and probably more, since Hollywood can't seem to permanently learn any lessons! Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd

"Summer Sweeps" concludes, with a look at Universal's 2009 attempt to launch another series of big-budget dinosaur adventure movies. This time, they turned to a cult-classic 70s television series from famed producers and puppeteers, Sid & Marty Krofft. But by giving the movie a comedic bent the show never had, and by trading in the practical FX of the original for glossy CGI, did the filmmakers behind Land of the Lost truly pay tribute to the source material, or potentially disrespect it? We discuss this, the merits of juvenile humor, whether Will Ferrell could ever transition to pure drama, and much more. So join us for this final "Summer Sweeps" entry before our 100th Episode spectacular! Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd

"Summer Sweeps" rolls right along, as we turn our attention to the cinematic adaptation of Get Smart, the popular 60s television spy-spoof from comic legends Mel Brooks and Buck Henry. For the movie version, Hollywood recruited heavy-hitters such as Steve Carrell, Anne Hathaway, Alan Arkin, and even Dwayne "Franchise Viagra" Johnson, and were rewarded with a genuine hit. So why didn't the success of the film spawn the hoped-for franchise? What's the deal with straight-to-video spin-off films? How much Subway product placement is too much Subway product placement? And, most importantly, does the Get Smart movie live up to the comedic legacy of the original series? We discuss all this, and more! Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd

"Summer Sweeps" rolls on, with our look at Michael Mann's 2006 adaptation of his classic '80s detective series, Miami Vice. Coming back to the property that played a big part in making his Hollywood career, and doing so with a recently minted movie star in Colin Farrell and recent Academy Award winner Jamie Foxx, probably seemed like a can't-lose scenario for Mann. But the movie version of Miami Vice was a notoriously chaotic and even dangerous production, before the film itself was released to lackluster box-office and confused reactions from audiences and critics alike, many of whom seem befuddled the film was so different than the show that inspired it. In recent years, the movie has been reclaimed by a devoted cult of fans who say it was simply ahead of its time. So who's right - the Vice-heads, or the original detractors?  Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd

Our "Summers Sweep" look at failed movie adaptations of classic TV series continues, with one of the more "movies that time forgot" entries we've ever covered: the 1999 update of the late 60s/early 70s, "youth-delinquents-turned-undercover-cops" detective series, The Mod Squad. Despite an impressive cast - including Claire Danes, Omar Epps, Giovanni Ribisi, Dennis Farina, Josh Brolin, and Richard Jenkins - the Mod Squad movie still failed to make much of an impact with critics or audiences at the time of its release...or in the years since. Could it be that trying to update a premise so inextricably tied to a particular time-period and youth movement was a bad idea? We ponder this question and more, while also discussing the importance of exposition in origin stories, the value of commercial tie-ins with Levis Jeans, and the risks of "going Full Ribisi." So take a listen, if you can dig it, daddy-o. Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd

May is here, and that means it's time for "Summer Sweeps," a five-episode look at failed cinematic adaptations of classic television series. First up, The Avengers. No, not those Avengers! We're talking about the 1998 attempted-blockbuster, starring Ralph Fiennes, Uma Thurman, and Sean Connery, based on the cult-classic British spy action-comedy series of the '60s. While the original show - which had a fascinating development history - was popular in both the UK and North America, and made stars out of both Patrick Macnee and Diana Rigg, the '98 movie was, well, less well-received. But what went wrong? Does the movie manage to capture the campy-charm of its source material? Can the entirety of a decade-spanning, ever-evolving series really be encapsulated in a 90-minute movie? And is there a potentially more successful longer-cut of the film, waiting to be seen? We discuss all this, and more!  Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd

"Evil Easter" concludes, with a look at 2013's Evil Dead...uhhh, remake? Reboot? Re-imagining? Look, whatever you want to call it, it's another movie where a bunch of kids in a cabin get murdered by demonic forces, okay? The question is, without the franchise's beloved, iconic leading man, Bruce Campbell, and with series director Sam Raimi now just in a producer role instead of in the director's chair, could new director Fede Alvarez and a brand new cast manage to capture the bloody-good-time spirit of the original trilogy? And what tone would the 2013 entry even aim for, given the tonal smorgasbord of the first three movies? Come with us as we head to the cabin, stupidly read from the obviously evil book, and seek to answer these questions, and more. Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd

Our "Evil Easter" month kicks off with Evilspeak, from 1981...or, uh, 1982. Look, we'll explain. All you need to know is this a Satanic Panic-fueled story of a bullied young cadet at a military academy who uses an Apple II computer to translate the Latin passages in a mysterious old book he finds, in the process allowing demonic forces to take over the computer, and - eventually - him, as well. Yeah, yeah, a really common story, but this one has Clint Howard in his first movie leading role! A gory cult classic that was intense enough to end up on the infamous UK "Video Nasties" list, Evilspeak still didn't manage to earn any sequels, even in a decade quick to create supernatural-slasher franchises when it could. So, what happened? We discuss this, as well as our thoughts on the film, and Clint Howard as a performer, in general. Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd

"Monster March Madness" concludes with our look at 2007's totally-normal-named Dragon Wars: D-War, the first South Korean film to receive a wide theatrical release in North America! Wow, with a fact like that, it must be something special, right? Well, yeah, sorta...just not in the way you might think. Join us as we discuss the film's, uh, interesting writer/director, Shim Hyung-rae, before delving into Dragon Wars' FX, characters, and narrative decisions. Take our word for it...this is a wild one. Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd

We're kicking off "Monster March Madness," a month dedicated to giant monster movies, with one of the biggest movies (literally) we've looked at yet, the first American attempt at adapting Godzilla as a Hollywood blockbuster. The Japanese Godzilla series is one of the longest-running, most successful film franchises in cinema history. So what could go wrong when you choose the director of a recent smash-hit sci-fi summer blockbuster and let him loose on the property, armed with cutting-edge Hollywood FX? Well, almost the entire Godzilla fanbase could answer that one for you, but we're gonna discuss it, too! And we're not doing it alone. For this episode, we've recruited two very special guests who are no strangers to this movie or Godzilla, in general - the hosts of the Kaiju Transmissions Podcast, Kyle Byrd & Matt Parmley. So join us for an epic podcast crossover as we talk unsold toys, extreme usage of Simpsons cast-members, Jurassic Park comparisons, and more. Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd The Kaiju Transmissions Podcast

"FRIENDruary" concludes, with our look at the 2018 robotic-dog movie that we swear actually exists! No, really! Based on a Kickstarter-funded short film, A.X.L. is yet another movie that combines robo-dogs with the gritty world of off-road motorbike racing. But even if you're sick of that old chestnut, maybe you'll like it more with a little helping of The Punisher himself, Thomas Jane?? Well, maybe not, but even still, why not sit back and listen to our discussion of the movie, as we try to figure out if writer/director Oliver Daly's gamble to turn his short into a big-screen adventure paid off....creatively, if not financially. Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd

We're kicking off "FRIENDruary" with a look at Paul Rudd's "favorite" movie, 1988's Mac & Me. Both a shameless rip-off of Steven Spielberg's E.T. AND a shameless fast-food commercial disguised as a movie, Mac & Me is that special sort of crazy that only Hollywood in the 80s could give us. Over the years, it's developed quite the cult following, but does it truly deserve it? We discuss that question, as well as the thin line between "cute" and "terrifying," the unbelievable alternate ending, and more. So join us for a McDonald's Dance Party and listen on! Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd

The "New Year's Punishment Party" concludes, with our look at 2008's Punisher: War Zone, Frank Castle's final big-screen adventure (to date). In the wake of 2004's Punisher film, attempts were made to create a sequel starring Thomas Jane, but over time the project evolved into a brand-new reboot with a different (and controversial) director, different leading-man, different continuity, and a vastly different tone. Starring the late, great Ray Stevenson, War Zone is an over-the-top, colorful, campy, and extremely bloody take on the Marvel Comics anti-hero. But is this wild swing of a movie truly in the spirit of the character, or is it the misguided mess many critics accused it of being at the time? Listen on to find out our thoughts. Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd

The "New Year's Punishment Party" continues, as we take a look at the second big-screen Punisher adaptation, from 2004, starring Thomas Jane and John Travolta. Made as the character was enjoying a second-wave of popularity in the comics world, and produced right on the cusp of the incoming box-office and cultural dominance of comic-book movies, The Punisher (2004) is an interesting snapshot of a strange time for the genre. But does this one get the character right? Does it improve on the lesser-known 1989 version? Does he actually wear the skull logo?? Well, yes, I'll answer that one right now...he does. Join us as we discuss the film's wild tonal swings, the eclectic mix of supporting characters, and the unique revenge plot (and whether or not said plot truly feels like a Punisher movie). Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd

Failure to Franchise is kicking off 2024 with our "New Year's Punishment Party!" No, it's not a weird S&M thing, ya freaks! Instead, we're spending January looking at not one, not two, but three failed attempts to start a movie franchise based on one of Marvel Comics most popular (and problematic) characters, Frank Castle, AKA the violent vigilante known as The Punisher. First up, we travel back to 1989, the year of Tim Burton's Batman, to look at the year's other comic book movie about a black-clad avenger. What's that? You don't remember another one? That's probably because 1989's The Punisher, starring Dolph Lundgren, was unceremoniously dumped straight-to-video in the US, and is largely forgotten today. But does the first cinematic Punisher movie deserve such a fate, or is it an underappreciated 80s action classic?  Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd

The third annual "Failure to Franchise Presents Trev and Chris-Mas" wraps up (see what I did there?) with a look at 1999's The Thomas Crown Affair, a remake of the 1968 classic heist movie starring Steve McQueen and Faye Dunaway. This time around, the titular main character is played by Pierce Brosnan, taking a break from his then current role as James Bond (heard of it?), to try to add another blockbuster franchise under his belt. But despite bringing Rene Russo and Denis Leary along for the ride, getting acclaimed action director John McTiernan to helm the project, and the movie being a box-office success, Brosnan's hopes for a new franchise were still left unrealized. So what happened? Join us as we close out 2023 by discussing that very question, as well as our own thoughts on the film. Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd

The Third Annual "Failure to Franchise Presents: Trev & Chris-Tmas" kicks off with Trev's present for Chris - a critically acclaimed but audience-ignored neo-noir comic crime-thriller from a celebrated screenwriter and starring two beloved movie stars. So why the heck did The Nice Guys sink like a fish at the box office in 2016? We're here to try to figure it out, as we discuss writer/director Shane Black's distinctive aesthetic, the comic abilities of Ryan Gosling, why a bigger Russell Crowe might be a better Russell Crowe, and how a 12-year-old girl can maybe be the biggest badass in a movie full of tough-talking criminals, bruisers, and detectives.  Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd

Our "DCPU" series concludes, with the most recent movie we have ever covered! That's right, we're going all the way back to, uh, earlier this year, for an in-depth look at the looong-in-the-works superhero epic, The Flash. Why are we already so confident this one will be a non-starter? Well, between the change in DC cinema leadership since its release, the multiple controversies surrounding the lead actor, and the lackluster box office, it seems a safe bet! But that's only scratching the surface of things to talk about, as we also discuss the film's questionable FX, awkward humor, nostalgia bait, arguably-ghoulish usage of deceased actors, and how weird it is to have a movie featuring beloved actor Michael Keaton return to his iconic Batman role and have it barely make a dent in the public consciousness! But of course, the question is...did we like it?? Listen on and find out. Plus, we end the show by gifting each other our next two movies, as we prepare for our annual "Failure to Franchise presents Trev & Chris-tmas." Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd

Over ten years in development. A narrative connection to a recently successful superhero franchise starter, Shazam. And a globally beloved megastar in the lead role. And yet none of that could keep 2022's Black Adam from becoming the next entry in our "DCPU" series. So what exactly went wrong with this long-in-the-works entry about one of DC's biggest anti-heroes? How much blame can fall onto that leading man, Dwayne Johnson, who promised to change the hiearchy of the DC universe, but instead walked away from the experience looking more fragile than ever before? And just how dirty did they do Henry Cavill? We discuss all this, and more, as we once again consider whether Johnson's "franchise Viagra" moniker is truly deserved. Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd

Happy HALoween!! Light your GREEN jack-o-LANTERN, and join us for an extra spooky(?) episode, as we continue our trip through the "DCPU" with 2011's Green Lantern. That's right, the superhero debacle so infamous, even its own star still frequently mocks it today. But how did a comic book movie released at the height of the character's comic popularity, and at a time when superhero movies were undeniably on the rise, end up such a pop culture punching bag? And is the reputation deserved? We discuss these questions, and more! Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd

Our look at the "DC-PU" continues, with Superman Returns, directed by...uhh, never mind. The film stars Brandon Routh, Kate Bosworth, and...uhhh...never mind about that, also. Look, clearly this isn't the easiest movie to talk about that we've ever done, for obvious reasons. But it IS, nonetheless, an important part of the history of arguably the most iconic superhero of them all - an attempt to resurrect and reboot a failed franchise and send it soaring to new heights. But was it perhaps too weighed down by its adherence to what came before? Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd

When is a Superman movie not a Superman movie? Heck, when is a superhero movie barely a superhero movie? And, just because a superstar athlete is charismatic both on and off the court, does that mean they're ready for movie stardom? We ponder all these questions and more, as our look into the "DC-PU" continues with 1997's Steel, starring Shaquille O'Neal. With a mega-producer shepherding the project and one of the world's most beloved cultural icons in the lead, this might have seemed like a can't-miss proposition back in '97. Instead, Steel's ultimate legacy might be a cautionary tale about what happens when a writer/director seemingly doesn't have the same affinity for the source material as the others involved.  Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd  

You've heard of the DCEU, but for the next three months, we're examining the "DC..P-U." That's right - we're looking at nearly 40 years' worth of failed DC superhero franchise starters. Kicking things off is 1984's Supergirl, a spin-off of the popular Christopher Reeve Superman series, but one so troubled and misguided that DC Comics parent company Warner Bros. washed their hands of it after financing it, and let another company altogether release it. Starring an unknown-at-the-time Helen Slater as Superman's titular cousin, and cinema icon Faye Dunaway as the evil witch Selena, Supergirl is one of Hollywood's first female-led comic book movies...which would probably be more impressive if the story didn't basically boil down to two women fighting over a man. Join us as we look at the good, the bad, and the very weird of this cult favorite(?). Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd

"Summer Surprise" concludes with what is, in some ways, our most unexpected episode yet. The randomizer has decided to send us back to a movie we both already watched together during COVID-19 quarantine, a movie neither of us were eager to visit again. It defeated us then...will it somehow defeat us again?? You'll have to listen to find out, as the discussion takes a turn, resulting in one of our most unique episodes yet. But hey, maybe that's appropriate for a Disney family movie where Josh Gad eats dirt and blows it out his ass...literally. 'Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd

"Summer Surprise" continues, with an unexpectedly relevant movie selection from the online randomizer! As Disney's recent Haunted Mansion reboot is currently bombing in theaters (most likely on its way to be covered on this show someday), we take a look back at the original cinematic take on the popular ride, from 2003. Released the same year as Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl, this was meant to seal the deal that theme-park-rides-turned-movies would be Disney's next big movie trend. Starring Eddie Murphy and from one of the co-directors of The Lion King, and based on one Disney's most beloved theme park attractions, it seemed a surefire hit. Instead, the so-so box-office performance and critical drubbing it received more-or-less put the kibosh on any ride-movies not called Pirates for quite some time. So...what went wrong?  Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd

And now, back to our regularly scheduled "Summer Surprise" programming. Travel back with us to the early nineties, a time when the world was still ninja-crazy, Leslie Nielsen's star-power was so on the rise that even a few minutes of screen-time seemed like it might boost a movie, and when Hollywood was ready to see if this Rob Schneider guy from SNL could maybe cross over into movies. Clearly designed by New Line Cinema to capitalize on their Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles success, and meant as a star vehicle for a unique father-son martial arts team, the family action-comedy Surf Ninjas is admirable for its mostly Asian cast...still a rarity today, and almost unheard of from studio movies in 1993. But is that the only nice thing we'll have to say about it? Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd

"Jake JULYenhaal" concludes with a look at 2011's time-travel thriller, Source Code. But wait - was this legit hit actually meant to launch a franchise? We discuss the film's journey from spec script to movie to potential series starter, as well as diving into the movie itself. Do the story's logical and ethical hiccups hamper the film? Does it play fair by its own time travel rules? Is the man of the hour, Jake Gyllenhaal, better served here than he was in Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time? And why the heck does Hollywood keep underutilizing Michelle Monaghan and Vera Farmiga? All this, and more! Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd