Proletarian Contrarian

Movies! They're madness, for me and you. They certainly are, at least, for writer, director, producer, and star of "Me You Madness," (2021), Louise Linton. Deadly annoying and agonizingly pretentious, it still manages to remain the worst thing of all: boring as hell. Combine Don Jr.'s coke-addled mania, the inhuman sociopathy of Stephen Miller, and the screeching arrogance of noted YouTube critic Doug Walker and you get something approximating this bomb. Our Patreon: www.patreon.com/pro_con Music- "when the struggle itself becomes identified with a series of defeats" by 红山郡 (hongshanjun.bandcamp.com/album/-) "I'm So Excited" by The Pointer Sisters

EPISODE 100 BABY WHOOOOOO!!!!! Lewis and Nick have finally logged one hundred episodes, just as Aang the Avatar spent one hundred years in his iceberg. Speaking of which, the movie sucks! The boys took a big risk and it really did not pay off on this infamous critical bomb. Crappy writing, shoddy effects, explicit whitewashing, and a gaggle of awkward childhood actors make this turkey more forgettable than entertainingly awful. Our Patreon: www.patreon.com/pro_con Music- "when the struggle itself becomes identified with a series of defeats" by 红山郡 (hongshanjun.bandcamp.com/album/-) "Yub Nub" by John Williams Introduction narration and music to "Avatar: The Last Airbender" (2005-08)

Lewis and Nick wrap up their ad hoc Bush month with "Team America: World Police" (2004) featuring their good old buddy Sal. A mindless, directionless piece of dumb-smart-guy satire, this musical puppet show does a disservice to both forms of media from which it borrows so liberally without offering anything of itself. Technical virtues aside, all political/cultural commentary is nothing better than what you'd get from a foul-mouthed fourth grader. Our Patreon: www.patreon.com/pro_con "An Oral History of Wonder Showzen" by Brian Raftery: https://bit.ly/38PQZ7s "The Predator and the Jokester" by Lauren Berlant: https://bit.ly/3pF5jVV "Puppet Masters" by Heather Havrilesky: https://bit.ly/3536y9y "Rivethead" by Ben Hamper: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/209768.Rivethead Music- "when the struggle itself becomes identified with a series of defeats" by 红山郡 (hongshanjun.bandcamp.com/album/-) "Freedom Isn't Free" by Trey Parker "America, Fuck Yeah" by Trey Parker

Our Patreon: www.patreon.com/pro_con Music- "when the struggle itself becomes identified with a series of defeats" by 红山郡 (hongshanjun.bandcamp.com/album/-) "Christmas at Ground Zero" by "Weird Al" Yankovic

Our unexpected trip through the Bush era continues with "Homecoming" (2005) from pod favorite Joe Dante. Being the sixth episode of the anthology series "Masters of Horror," the flick adds a spooky twist on issues such as the U.S. War on Terror, veterans reintegrating into society, and national interference in federal elections. Timely! Lewis and Nick have once again managed to reanimate a decaying, forgotten classic. Our Patreon: www.patreon.com/pro_con Music- "when the struggle itself becomes identified with a series of defeats" by 红山郡 (hongshanjun.bandcamp.com/album/-) "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" by Green Day

Lewis and Nick are back after a brief break with a showstopper from Brian De Palma: "Redacted" (2007). An avant-garde anti-war piece, the film is comprised entirely of fictional diegetic footage. This truly singular work utilizes unknown actors to further heighten the blur of fact and fiction. Chalk up another one on BDP's list of bangers. Our Patreon: www.patreon.com/pro_con Outro: Bill O'Reilly, the O'Reilly Factor Music- "when the struggle itself becomes identified with a series of defeats" by 红山郡 (hongshanjun.bandcamp.com/album/-)

Lewis and Nick summon friend of the show Amanda to examine what is perhaps the ultimate 90's film, "Practical Magic" (1998). This adaptation of Alice Hoffman's 1995 novel focuses on early performances from Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman as witch sisters. Snappy and charming, the episode also allows for plenty of digressions into contemporary paganism and New England trivia. Our Patreon: www.patreon.com/pro_con Music- "when the struggle itself becomes identified with a series of defeats" by 红山郡 (hongshanjun.bandcamp.com/album/-) "This Kiss" by Faith Hill

In a Pro/Con first, Nick's brother Paul (IG: tiger.got.your.tongue) joins him and Lewis to discuss "Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed" (2004). A love letter to the series penned by James Gunn, its stellar cast and sharp writing give this goofy caper some heft. Even the monstrously unconvincing CGI comes across as cartoony rather than lame. Worst thing we can say is that it feels a tad overlong. Our Patreon: www.patreon.com/pro_con Music- "when the struggle itself becomes identified with a series of defeats" by 红山郡 (hongshanjun.bandcamp.com/album/-) "Scooby-Doo, Where Are You?" by MXPX

In a Pro/Con first, Maddie and Zoe of TMI Yacht Club Podcast join Lewis and Nick for the first FOUR-HOST Pro/Con episode! Everyone tucks in to "Feed" (2005), one of the more unsavory films discussed on the show. Perhaps one of the weirdest artifacts of the post-9/11 grossout horror wave, "Feed" what you get when a normie dudebro duo gorges on too many early aughts shock sites. TMI Yacht Club Podcast: https://anchor.fm/tmi-yacht-club TMI Yacht Club Twitter: https://twitter.com/TMIYachtClubPod Our Patreon: www.patreon.com/pro_con Music- "when the struggle itself becomes identified with a series of defeats" by 红山郡 (hongshanjun.bandcamp.com/album/-) "I Love Life" by Cameron McLean, Mark Higgins and Andrew Higgins

T (@ tgracchus1848) of the Machete y Mate podcast joins Lewis and Nick on a journey to the ancient world of 2010. Myspace was banished to Hades, having fallen in combat to Facebook; Obama's first term on Mount Olympus was in full swing; and the meme "Release the Kraken" was released on an unsuspecting internet. "Clash of the Titans" (2010), and its Impact font meme, reigned. A lesser film than its source, the remake remains forgettable, yet fun. Machete y Mate Podcast: https://anchor.fm/machete-y-mate Machete y Mate Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/macheteymate Machete y Mate Twitter: https://twitter.com/macheteymate Our Patreon: www.patreon.com/pro_con Music- "when the struggle itself becomes identified with a series of defeats" by 红山郡 (hongshanjun.bandcamp.com/album/-) "Release the Kraken" by Ramin Djawadi

Mama mia, paisans! Pro/Con video game correspondent Hailey is back to review another misbegotten video game adaptation: "Super Mario Bros." (1993). Joining Lewis and Nick, the trio dive deep into the first live-action video game film. Bob Hoskins, Dennis Hopper, and Leguizamo The God are all in top form here, but a wonky dystopian fantasy tale that's one part Blade Runner and one part Land of the Lost does not a Mario movie make. Hailey's music: www.little-thief.bandcamp.com Our Patreon: www.patreon.com/pro_con Music- "when the struggle itself becomes identified with a series of defeats" by 红山郡 (hongshanjun.bandcamp.com/album/-) "Koopa, the Party Poopa" performed by Richard Edson and Fisher Stevens "Ground Theme" by Koji Kondo "Super Mario 64 Main Theme" by Koji Kondo

Guest month is truly in swing now as Lewis and Nick welcome Pro/Con's sports correspondent Jose (@ Guy42Mao) back onto the pod. Jose's pick "Escape to Victory" (1981) is a truly strange beast: a WWII period piece sports/war drama from John Huston. Solid direction, impressive production, and a memorably offbeat story can't offset a lackluster, meandering script. Pelé does some cool kicks, though. Our Patreon: www.patreon.com/pro_con Music- "when the struggle itself becomes identified with a series of defeats" by 红山郡 (hongshanjun.bandcamp.com/album/-) "Escape to Victory" theatrical release trailer

At last, it's here--after having put it off for so long, Nick tactically engages with the Zack Snyder opus "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" (2016). Lewis and special guest Cooper of the Machinic Unconscious Happy Hour podcast, veterans of the Batman v Superman institution, induct Nick into this unholy order of a movie that isn't actually that bad. Remove Eisenberg Luthor and Doomsday in the final act, and you have a halfway-decent superhero flick! Something more substantial than 90% of the MCU, at any rate. Cooper's Links: https://soundcloud.com/podcast-co-coopercherry https://www.patreon.com/muhh https://twitter.com/unconscioushh Our Patreon: www.patreon.com/pro_con Music- "when the struggle itself becomes identified with a series of defeats" by 红山郡 (hongshanjun.bandcamp.com/album/-) "Batman Theme" by Neal Hefti

Pro/Con's Carpenter Month ends with a bang! If only abolishing the police were so easy. Lewis and Nick watched the remake of "Assault on Precinct 13" (2005), a choppy, uneven adaptation of the 1976 original. A few memorable performances (namely Laurence FIsburne, Drea de Matteo, and John Leguizamo) can't salvage this mess. At least Leguizamo gets to kill a cop with a katana. Our Patreon: www.patreon.com/pro_con Music- "when the struggle itself becomes identified with a series of defeats" by 红山郡 (hongshanjun.bandcamp.com/album/-) "Assault On Precinct 13 (Main Title)" by John Carpenter and Alan Howarth "Generique Assault" by KRS-One

Another Carpenter flick in the bag. Lewis and Nick plowed through "Village of the Damned" (1995), a striking film which makes a strong case against ever having children. This odd entry comes late in Carpenter's oeuvre, and has a few notably weird aspects: Christopher Reeve's final pre-accident appearance, a sizable flock of competent children actors, and Mark Hamill. This quirky flick is worth checking out, particularly given that it's a tight 98 minutes. Our Patreon: www.patreon.com/pro_con Music- "when the struggle itself becomes identified with a series of defeats" by 红山郡 (hongshanjun.bandcamp.com/album/-) "March of the Children" by John Carpenter and Dave Davies

Carpenter Month hits its first true speed bump, which goes by the name of "Black Moon Rising" (1986). Only tangentially related to Carpenter himself (who received a story credit), this awkward heist film has a smattering of clever sequences, but never really coheres into a solid story. With this in mind, listen along as Nick attempts to regale Lewis with anecdotes from his teenage years when he would climb on top of local arcade buildings for the thrill of it. Our Patreon: www.patreon.com/pro_con Music- "when the struggle itself becomes identified with a series of defeats" by 红山郡 (hongshanjun.bandcamp.com/album/-) "Bad Moon Rising" by Creedence Clearwater Revival

Pro/Con's quarantine hive mind has retconned August into John Carpenter Month! This week we review the underrated "Halloween III: Season of the Witch" (1982). A bizarre plot, a catchy jingle, and a pitch-perfect tone officially makes III the second-best Halloween film of the franchise. What makes III a true Pro/Con classic, however, is its nuanced metatextuality and relevant themes (namely, anti-capitalism, anti-natalism and racism against the Irish) that kept Lewis and Nick engaged throughout. Our Patreon: www.patreon.com/pro_con Music- "when the struggle itself becomes identified with a series of defeats" by 红山郡 (hongshanjun.bandcamp.com/album/-) "Halloween Montage" by John Carpenter, Alan Howarth and Tommy Lee Wallace

The Master of Horror John Carpenter makes his Pro/Con debut! Unfortunately, it's pretty horrible. Lewis consoles Nick as he agonizes over the first Carpenter film he doesn't love, "Ghosts of Mars" (2001). Horny Jason Statham and a particularly campy Ice Cube, along with a couple of old school shootouts, make this film semi-watchable. Otherwise, for Carpenter completists only. Our Patreon: www.patreon.com/pro_con Music- "when the struggle itself becomes identified with a series of defeats" by 红山郡 (hongshanjun.bandcamp.com/album/-) "Fight Train" by Robin Finck, John Carpenter and Anthrax

Lewis and Nick lindy hop back in time to the year 1941 as they recap Steven Spielberg's..."1941" (1979). This flick from Spielberg's early era sits at an odd moment in his career, and remains his only straight-up comedy. With a huge star-studded cast, show-stopping dance numbers, impressive special effects, and some genuinely hilarious bits, "1941" remains worth revisiting for the sheer spectacle alone. Our Patreon: www.patreon.com/pro_con Music- "when the struggle itself becomes identified with a series of defeats" by 红山郡 (hongshanjun.bandcamp.com/album/-) "In the Mood" by Glenn Miller and His Orchestra

John Frankenheimer apparently predicted the future, because 1982's "The Challenge" is an eerily accurate depiction of the contemporary weeaboo. Scott Glenn plays Nick in another life as he stumbles his way to Japan, joins a secret samurai society, falls in love with the sensei's daughter, storms a brutalist/vaporwave evil stronghold, and wields a katana of destiny. Lewis is standing by to help you make it through Nick's mispronounced Japanese. Our Patreon: www.patreon.com/pro_con Outro - "The Challenge" trailer Music- "when the struggle itself becomes identified with a series of defeats" by 红山郡 (hongshanjun.bandcamp.com/album/-)

Lewis and Nick dive deep into their consumerist-driven childhoods by reviewing "Godzilla" (1998) and reminiscing about its associated merchandise. A strange beast of the late 90's, Emmerich's would-be summer blockbuster can't live up to those golden halcyon memories of the Pro/Con boys. Our Patreon: www.patreon.com/pro_con Music- "when the struggle itself becomes identified with a series of defeats" by 红山郡 (hongshanjun.bandcamp.com/album/-) "Godzilla" by Blue Öyster Cult Theme song from the 1978 Hanna-Barbera Godzilla cartoon series "Come with Me" by Puff Daddy ft. Jimmy Page

In a Pro/Con first, Lewis and Nick interview director Wych "Kaos" Kaosayananda. Wych directed the film "Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever" as covered on Pro/Con in episode 50. After having heard the review, Wych reached out to the boys, and history was made. The trio discuss the trajectory of Wych's career, its highlights and lowlights, and where things stand in a world under quarantine. Our Patreon: www.patreon.com/pro_con Music- "when the struggle itself becomes identified with a series of defeats" by 红山郡 (hongshanjun.bandcamp.com/album/-) "Labrea Tar Pit" by Glass Candy (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Glass_Candy)

Pro/Con examines its oldest film to date, 1938's "You and Me" from seminal director Fritz Lang. A dud when released, this genre-bending rom com/musical/crime caper is something truly unique. Power couple George Raft and Sylvia Sidney lead a charming cast of ne'er-do-wells through the old-fashioned (and depressingly relevant) hellscape of retail work. This overlooked classic demands reevaluation. Our Patreon: www.patreon.com/pro_con Music- "when the struggle itself becomes identified with a series of defeats" by 红山郡 (hongshanjun.bandcamp.com/album/-) "Song of the Cash Register" by Kurt Weill and Sam Coslow

Lewis and Nick continue their streak of straight-up good movies with returning Pro/Con champion Ang Lee's "Gemini Man" (2019). This flick is best described as "the love child of Brian De Palma and John Woo," making it the best possible version of a third Mission Impossible . Incredible action, solid performances, and a striking thematic undercurrent more than make up for some bad de-aging effects. Our Patreon: www.patreon.com/pro_con Music- "when the struggle itself becomes identified with a series of defeats" by 红山郡 (hongshanjun.bandcamp.com/album/-) "Just the Two of Us" by Will Smith

Lewis and Nick continue their unsettling trend of enthusiastically appreciating the movies they recap with "Deacons for Defense" (2003), a retelling of the beginning of the titular organization. Director Bill Duke helms an incredible cast while employing a TV-movie budget to impressive effect. Sincerely moving, it is both regrettable and inspiring that this film continues to be so relevant. NOTE: Local bail funds and activist organizations are most deserving of financial support at the moment. As mentioned in the episode, it is best to vet any organization before donation. Official George Floyd Memorial Fund: https://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd Directory of Community Bail Funds: bit.ly/localbailfunds Black Lives Matter Donation Page: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ms_blm_homepage_2019 Music- "when the struggle itself becomes identified with a series of defeats" by 红山郡 (hongshanjun.bandcamp.com/album/-) "The Cities Are Burning" by Jimmy Collier and Frederick Douglass Kirkpatrick (co-founder of the Deacons for Defense and Justice)

As America implodes in real time, Lewis, Nick, and special guest Lucas (@ OofMadonn) take a moment to return to the warm, ska-infused nostalgia of "Digimon: The Movie" (2000). A truly bizarre product, the flick isn't really one solid narrative, it's basically three TV specials stitched together. Some sharply animated sequences, a few truly hilarious moments, and the threat of internet blackout and nuclear annihilation keep this curiosity relevant. Our Patreon: www.patreon.com/pro_con Coronamon: https://digimon.fandom.com/wiki/Coronamon Music- "when the struggle itself becomes identified with a series of defeats" by 红山郡 (hongshanjun.bandcamp.com/album/-) "Digi Rap" by MC Pea Pod and Paul Gordon

Lewis and Nick examine the podcast-to-fash pipeline by discussing the biopic "Geronimo: An American Legend" (1993), written by arch-fascist John Milius. While this Revisionist Western exults in the less savory aspects of the Spartan-Zen ethos, it also explores the truly horrendous actions of the U.S. government against Native Americans through a critical lens. This sentiment, Walter Hill's direction, along with a collection of stellar performances from the lead and background actors in some truly gorgeous shooting locations, make for a memorable, tragically true story. Our Patreon: www.patreon.com/pro_con Music- "when the struggle itself becomes identified with a series of defeats" by 红山郡 (hongshanjun.bandcamp.com/album/-) "Geronimo: Main Title" by Ry Cooder

Roll up your attributes, fill out your character sheets, and self-select into your chosen races (predicated upon skull shape)--it's time for a session of "Dungeons & Dragons" (2000)! The bane of geeks across the realm, it's nothing if not well suited to its source material. Hovering somewhere between "enthusiastic fan film" and "entertaining dreck," this flick at least has the decency to give Lewis and Nick a springboard to scrutinize the game itself. Our Patreon: www.patreon.com/pro_con Outro: D&D animated series opening (1983-1985) Music- "when the struggle itself becomes identified with a series of defeats" by 红山郡 (hongshanjun.bandcamp.com/album/-)

Martin Scorsese makes his big Pro/Con debut with "Boxcar Bertha" (1972). As Marty's second feature film, its roughly hewn aesthetic is a perfect match for its subject material. Leftist criminal exploitation film never looked so good, or felt so relevant to what's going on today. Our Patreon: www.patreon.com/pro_con Music- "when the struggle itself becomes identified with a series of defeats" by 红山郡 (hongshanjun.bandcamp.com/album/-) Score by Gib Guilbeau and Thad Maxwell

Star Wars is dead; long live Star Wars. Friend of the show and subject matter expert Molly (@ mythofmadness) joins Lewis and Nick for an agonizing deep dive into "Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker" (2019). Tune in to learn why Reylo is exactly the ship that this misbegotten trilogy needed; to stan Babu Frik (blessed be his name); and to at long last put to rest our own personal obsessions with this crumbling cultural monolith. Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pro_con Music- "when the struggle itself becomes identified with a series of defeats" by 红山郡 (hongshanjun.bandcamp.com/album/-) "Blasterproof" from the Kinect Star Wars soundtrack

Strap in and count down with Lewis and Nick as they review Brian De Palma's "Mission to Mars" (2000), a film that essentially amounts to being the Dudes Rock version of "2001: A Space Odyssey." Packed with a stellar cast and some classic BDP flourishes, it's good enough to make you forget it was based off of a Disney ride. Our Patreon: www.patreon.com/pro_con Music- "when the struggle itself becomes identified with a series of defeats" by 红山郡 (hongshanjun.bandcamp.com/album/-) "A Martian" by Ennio Morricone

Remember 2008? Lewis and Nick sure do, but if you don't, check out "Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay" (2008). Experience the thrills of low-hanging stoner and sex jokes. Feel the excitement of smug apolitical centrism. Relive the wonder of sir epic bacon himself, Neil Patrick Harris (random!!). A show-stopping performance by James Adomian as George W. Bush (America's Hitler, whose birthday happens to be 04/20 lol) isn't enough to save this musty flick. Our Patreon: www.patreon.com/pro_con Music- "when the struggle itself becomes identified with a series of defeats" by 红山郡 (hongshanjun.bandcamp.com/album/-) "Gospel Weed Song" by Bizarre

Assistant Professor of German Paul (@ pdobryden) joins Lewis and Nick to discuss one of the most extraordinary figures of the film world, aristocratic failson extraordinaire Florian Maria Georg Christian Graf Henckel von Donnersmarck (real name). The product of a socialist mother and an anti-Communist father, Florian grew to become one of the most fascinating figures of contemporary cinema. We dive into various sources, including an interview in the National Review(!) to suss out the mystery behind this German count of bourgeois sentiment. We also discuss his 2010 film "The Tourist" for a bit, as a treat. Our Patreon: www.patreon.com/pro_con Music- "when the struggle itself becomes identified with a series of defeats" by 红山郡 (hongshanjun.bandcamp.com/album/-) "Starlight" by Muse

Lewis and Nick jump back to the 80's for a post-mortem on Hal Ashby's final film, the neon-soaked neo-noir "8 Million Ways to Die" (1986). What begins as an awkward genre piece ends up as one of the more singular movies ever featured on the podcast. From a bizarre shootout in an empty warehouse to a nuanced depiction of alcoholism to Andy Garcia's rat tail, this flick does it all. Our Patreon: www.patreon.com/pro_con Outro narration by Jeff Bridges and Vyto Ruginis Music- "when the struggle itself becomes identified with a series of defeats" by 红山郡 (hongshanjun.bandcamp.com/album/-) Score by James Newton Howard

Okay, we got to the good non-Milius Conan. Join Lewis and Nick as they lustily gorge themselves on "Conan the Destroyer" (1984), a far more delectable meal than the 2011 reboot. Come for peak Schwarzenegger, stay for Grace Jones, Andre the Giant, Mako Iwamatsu, Wilt Chamberlain, and Tracey Walter all coming together to film a goofy, live-action D&D adventure. Intro and outro narration by Mako Music- "when the struggle itself becomes identified with a series of defeats" by 红山郡 (hongshanjun.bandcamp.com/album/-)

Join your Pro/Con boys as they review the contemporary 2020 documentary "RoboCop 3" (1993) and do everything in their power to talk about comics and shit instead. Truly awful, this entry in the illustrious RoboCop saga is a bonkers mishmash of screenwriter Frank Miller's Japanophile sensibilities and director Fred Dekker ripping off the first two films in the series. Tune in for tons of idiosyncratic Lewis/Nick content! Our Patreon: www.patreon.com/pro_con Music- "when the struggle itself becomes identified with a series of defeats" by 红山郡 (hongshanjun.bandcamp.com/album/-) "Robocop 3 Theme" by Basil Poledouris

Our very first Patreon-exclusive episode demands an exceptional film, and "Ewoks: The Battle of Endor" (1985) certainly delivers. A direct sequel to 1984's "Caravan of Courage," "The Battle for Endor" is the more uneven film, yet the one that achieves greater emotional extremes--from camp to whimsy to sincere grief. Featuring space orcs, a sweet castle, and Wilford Brimley, you couldn't in good conscience ask for much more from a 1980's TV film. "The Battle for Endor" proves that Star Wars, for all its crass commercialism, has some real heart if you know where to find it. Music- ABC Sunday Night Movie Intro www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGFQVLH-XSE "when the struggle itself becomes identified with a series of defeats" by 红山郡 (hongshanjun.bandcamp.com/album/-) "Ewok Celebration (Yub Nub)" by John Williams and Ben Burtt

Take a backseat with Nick and listen to Lewis fanboying over Joe Dante and his 2003 film "Looney Tunes: Back in Action." A loving homage to all things Looney and Tuney, Dante also takes time to pack in as many references to classic science fiction as possible, and more than a few to the weirdo films of Classic Hollywood as well. Definitely one of the top-tier movies we've reviewed for the show, and one of the very real reasons Pro/Con even exists. Our Patreon: www.patreon.com/pro_con Music- "when the struggle itself becomes identified with a series of defeats" by 红山郡 (hongshanjun.bandcamp.com/album/-) "The Merry Go Round Broke Down" by Dave Franklin and Cliff Friend, arranged by Jerry Goldsmith

Ripped straight from the sensational pages of Jack London comes 1972's "The Call of the Wild," the classic tale of a dog gone, uh, wild. Director Ken Annakin [sic] adds an interesting stylistic flourish, somewhat reminiscent of a roughly cut nature documentary. The film is a fine adaptation of London's classic, faithful in both depiction and tone. Plus the dogs are cute. Our Patreon: www.patreon.com/pro_con Music- "when the struggle itself becomes identified with a series of defeats" by 红山郡 (hongshanjun.bandcamp.com/album/-) Score by Carlo Rustichelli

Author June Sayers (@ JuneSayers1) joins Lewis and Nick to discuss sex work, the alienation of the late aughts, and the supremely underrated direction of "The Girlfriend Experience" (2009). This nearly plotless film, which explores the ennui of existence, is a supreme testament to the validity of hot rights (neatly capturing the prime interests of Lewis, Nick, and June, respectively). Soderbergh and star Sasha Grey knock it out of the park with this late capitalist masterpiece. June's Patreon: www.patreon.com/junesayers Our Patreon: www.patreon.com/pro_con A Whore's Manifesto: https://thorntreepress.com/a-whores-manifesto/ Music- "when the struggle itself becomes identified with a series of defeats" by 红山郡 (hongshanjun.bandcamp.com/album/-) "Hot Tub" by Freedom Tickler

Boot up your simstim decks, jack in to the Matrix grid, and run a search for "Pro/Con Episode 62." You'll find that your favorite couple of Gentlemen Losers, Lewis and Nick, have thoroughly analyzed "Johnny Mnemonic" (1995). Jam-packed with incredible sets, weirdo 90's imagery, and prescient CGI graphics better suited to a basic cable late-night heartburn commercial, this cyberpunk classic has been marinating in its anachronisms for two and a half decades, and has developed a fuller, richer flavor for it. Our Patreon: www.patreon.com/pro_con Room service rant by Keanu Reeves Music- "when the struggle itself becomes identified with a series of defeats" by 红山郡 (hongshanjun.bandcamp.com/album/-)

"Who knows what bullshit lurks in the heart of Online.....Pro/Con knows!" Thus concludes Pro/Con's pulp month! Slip into a dark alleyway with Lewis and Nick and watch out for "The Shadow" (1994). An odd entry of the 90's pulp adaptation craze, this gem offers much to appreciate despite some wonky acting. Pinpoint aesthetics, fanciful writing, and an eerie tone all come together for some truly bizarre, pulpy goodness. Our Patreon: www.patreon.com/pro_con Music- "when the struggle itself becomes identified with a series of defeats" by 红山郡 (hongshanjun.bandcamp.com/album/-) "Original Sin (Theme from The Shadow)" by Taylor Dayne

PATRON BONUS EP ALERT! https://www.patreon.com/posts/episode-60-band-34163707 Okay, we got to the good non-Milius Conan. Join Lewis and Nick as they lustily gorge themselves on "Conan the Destroyer" (1984), a far more delectable meal than the 2011 reboot. Come for peak Schwarzenegger, stay for Grace Jones, Andre the Giant, Mako Iwamatsu, Wilt Chamberlain, and Tracey Walter all coming together to film a goofy, live-action D&D adventure.

"Pro/Con, what is best in life?" "To subtweet your enemies, see them melt down before you, and to hear the lamentations of their mufos!" That's right folks, Pro/Con tackles 2011's "Conan the Barbarian" for part three of Pulp Month. As brutal as a barbarian's rage, it's also about as eloquent and engaging. Vague Dark Souls imagery and admirable effort from Jason Momoa can't make up for the earnest, tedious self-seriousness with which this dud takes itself. Our Patreon: www.patreon.com/pro_con Music- "when the struggle itself becomes identified with a series of defeats" by 红山郡 (hongshanjun.bandcamp.com/album/-) "Right Now" by KoЯn

"The phantom of the opera is there/Inside our pod..." Welcome, one and all, to the Pro/Con review of "The Phantom of the Opera" (2004), that most Gothic and, uh, romantic of stage musical adaptations. Joining the Pro/Con lovebirds for this romantic episode is Lewis' wife Katy, an avowed Phantomhead. Join the trio as they debate the lurid merits of director Joel Schumacher, gush over Gerard Butler's wardrobe, and ponder the mystery of Erik the Phantom's toy monkey. Our Patreon: www.patreon.com/pro_con Music- "when the struggle itself becomes identified with a series of defeats" by 红山郡 (hongshanjun.bandcamp.com/album/-) "The Phantom of the Opera" performed by Emmy Rossum and Gerard Butler

Welcome to Pro/Con's Pulp Month of 2020! Grab hold of a vine and leap headlong into "The Legend of Tarzan" (2016)! You know it's a rough one when Lewis and Nick constantly reference the Disney adaptation in a positive light. What's that, you ask? Is this movie bad? Well, does a gorilla shit in the jungle? You know it, folks! Our Patreon: www.patreon.com/pro_con Music- "when the struggle itself becomes identified with a series of defeats" by 红山郡 (hongshanjun.bandcamp.com/album/-) "Strangers Like Me" by Phil Collins, from the soundtrack to Disney's 1999 Tarzan animated film

Director Brian De Palma makes his big Pro/Con debut with "Domino" (2019). Lewis and Nick express their enthusiasm for the work of the notorious BDP in between their plot breakdown of this Eurotrash banger. A haunting soundtrack, a searing performance from Eriq Ebouaney, and a handful of memorable action set pieces give this lazy Sunday afternoon flick some staying power. Our Patreon: www.patreon.com/pro_con Music- "when the struggle itself becomes identified with a series of defeats" by 红山郡 (hongshanjun.bandcamp.com/album/-) "Carnage Festival" by Pino Donaggio

Pro/Con is officially a Zack Snyder stan podcast (third Snyder film!), apparently. Lewis and Nick examine "Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole" (2010) like an ornithologist prodding a fresh pellet. A visually stunning and earnest adaptation of the titular YA book series, the film nevertheless falls prey to all of the common issues that shadow every would-be Harry Potter. Our Patreon: www.patreon.com/pro_con Music- "when the struggle itself becomes identified with a series of defeats" by 红山郡 (hongshanjun.bandcamp.com/album/-) "To the Sky" by Owl City

How often can Lewis and Nick deflect from discussing the plot of "Out Cold" (2001)? Very often, turns out! Analyzing regurgitated Casablanca references, prodding the cultural detritus of the aughts, and dumping on Weezer is more interesting than anything in this stinker. Except for a truly inspired visual poop gag. Our Patreon: www.patreon.com/pro_con Music- "when the struggle itself becomes identified with a series of defeats" by 红山郡 (hongshanjun.bandcamp.com/album/-) "Anytime" by Eve 6

New year, new decade, old Spidey, baby! That's right, Lewis and Nick kick off 2020 by revisiting "Spider-Man 3" (2007), a wonderful, heartfelt depiction of the beloved Marvel Comics icon that is objectively more faithful than the MCU's Spider-Tech Intern. A sprinkle of some messy Twitter drama adds a spicy note to the full body of this hearty review. Excelsior! Our Patreon: www.patreon.com/pro_con Music- "when the struggle itself becomes identified with a series of defeats" by 红山郡 (hongshanjun.bandcamp.com/album/-) "Spider-Man" (theme song from the 1967 cartoon)composed by Paul Francis Webster and Robert Harris

Lovely outtakes from Lewis and Nick's weekly ritual of garbling the same damn intro. Subscribe to our Patreon for more of our charming chemistry. https://www.patreon.com/pro_con Music- "when the struggle itself becomes identified with a series of defeats" by 红山郡 (hongshanjun.bandcamp.com/album/-)