Raiders of the Podcast

     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

     Four dads, zero grills, zero puns. The best evidence yet that something truly terrible is happening. Don't worry, there's plenty of emotional and physical abuse to make up for it.    Cape Fear Minisode 7- Potentialpopspalooza

     Someone dosed the iced tea and now we all have to sweat it out together. To make matters worse, Tom and Anna are determined to make issues with their new neighbor and a squatter is going to give the surprise landlords a real headache.    Cape Fear Minisode 6- Of COURSE I'd CCH Pound Her

     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

     After a night of drinking with Max, Tom's hangover is far worse than he imagined possible. Anna tracks down Neveah's mother with devastating consequences. Meanwhile, Max meets his new neighbors and they seem lovely.   Cape Fear Minisode #5- Please Won't You Be My Neighbor?

     This week- a pair of films about people desperate for love and only finding pain.     Katie works full time at the diner to take care of her mother, dreams of going to San Francisco, and tries to reach that goal through supplemental sex work. When she meets fresh from prison Bruno working at a local auto shop, a chain of events that will change her life forever. A first feature from the writer-director and carried by an incredible lead performance- Katie Says Goodbye.     First Holmes is summoned to the ballet for an unusual request. Later Holmes finds himself with some fishy dealings in Scotland. Two unpublished cases from the files of Doctor John Watson are presented here and draw a clear separation from the literary and flesh Holmes. Billy Wilder's affectionate and humorous pastiche ranks among the best film versions of the great detective- The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes.     All that plus Dave and Kevin carry on with stiff upper lips, a wild Craig appears, Tyler screams into the void, and a visitor arrives with some pressing bidness. Join us, won't you?   Episode 473- Of Lochs and Chains 

This week- the boys take a trip to an art exhibit, the girls visit a pop up artist, and Max tries to buy a car in Cape Fear episode 4 "Pierced". Cape Fear Minisode #3- But What You Make Others See

     This week four films from one of the best crime/thriller/mystery/romance/comedy/drama/fantasy/action directors that's ever been- Johnnie To.     Police Captain Zhang arrests drug manufacturer Choi while Choi is fleeing from an explosion at one of his facilities. Realizing that his penalty will be death, Choi makes a deal to deliver "Uncle Bill" a high tier drug lord with designs on expanding his operation globally. A smart and tense thriller with brilliant set pieces- Drug War.     Chi-yan is a brilliant and motivated financial analyst whose love life is torn between her very attractive but philandering boss and the former alcoholic architect in the building across the street. A tightly plotted and often actually funny romcom with a trio of charming leads- Don't Go Breaking My Heart.     Inspector Ho had inherited a cold case of a missing police officer whose gun is being used in a series of crime. Ho turns to the brilliantly gifted Detective Bun who had been forced into retirement due to his deteriorating mental health. A wildly inventive, surreal, chaotic, and darkly comedic ride through the night streets looking for needles in a concrete haystack- Mad Detective.     Triad boss Lung barely survives an assassination attempt at a restaurant. To ensure his safety, they pull Curtis, a once brutally cold and efficient enforcer, out of retirement to head a five man protection detail. Brilliantly shot and edited, tightly plotted, respectfully treating its characters like professionals, stuffed with tense action scenes- The Mission.     All that plus Dave gushes so hard he might spring a leak and Kevin watches with cold detachment. Join us, won't you?   Episode 472- To the Line

     This week we play catch up with Apple TV's Cape Fear, covering episode 2 "Why Would I Want to Hurt You?" & 3 "Phantom Sensations", and IMMEDIATELY find ourselves behind again. So have a seat on the veranda, take a nice long sip on some tea so sweet you might believe the South actually could rise again, and join Dave and Kevin for some gossip about those Bowden's across the street.   Cape Fear Minisode #2- Two Thumbs Up

     This week- two films about dudes justifying their actions as being pushed to extremes by manipulative outside forces.     Odin James, an African-American basketball prodigy, has earned a leadership position on a highly competitive  private school's predominately white and upper-middle class team and the interest of many college recruiters. When Odin shares his team MVP award with Michael, Hugo, the coach's jealous son, devises a plot to take them both down so he can step into the team's spotlight. An updated take on Shakespeare and the second directorial feature from playwright and character actor Time Blake Nelson- O.     Charles Dexter Ward has inherited the grand mansion overlooking the small town of Arkham, Massachusetts. Little does he suspect that is the same place where the town burned his forebearer, the necromancer Joseph Curwen, 110 years earlier. The sixth film in Roger Corman's Poe cycle and the first film adaption of a H.P. Lovecraft story- The Haunted Palace.      All that and Kevin and Dave make the most of their time, ignoring the mysterious disappearances around them. Join us, won't you?   Episode 471- Full Court Haunt

     This week- We pick up a guy from jail and join a tale of revenge that has been told three times before. That's right- Kevin, Craig, and Dave are talking about Apple TV's Cape Fear episode 1.   Cape Fear Minisode #1- Maxxed Out

     This week- two films about emotionally stunted males struggling against overwhelming forces.     Young David witnesses a flying saucer land in his backyard. When his father goes to investigate, he returns a changed man. Soon everyone around David begins to change drastically and only psychologist Dr. Pat Blake believes his shocking tale. Can Earth hope to stand any chance against an intergalactic threat? How long until all mankind is overwhelmed by mu-TANTS? Or will we all die at the hands of Invaders from Mars?     Joe Marks, a psychotic arms dealer, and Nighthawk, his ambitious assistant manager, clean out a National Guard armory with plans to put military hardware in the hands of every gang in LA. James Long, LAPD lieutenant and man of little expression, goes undercover to bring their plans down. Is there anyone Marks won't remove to get what he wants? How loyal is Nighthawk? Do Long's facial muscles work? The answers to these questions lie at the Killpoint.     All that plus Kevin and Craig get lyrical about tea cakes while Dave wonders if he has the power after all. Join us, won't you?   Episode 470- Point of Contact

     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

     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

     This week (part 2)-Nate Jacobs rattles Tyler and Craig with his latest underground project... It's Euphoria episode 7, dig it!   Minisode 7- euphorically snake bit

     This Week- Remember the Alamo!!! Something Rue won't be forgetting any time thanks to the 6th episode of Euphoria season 3! Yee-haw and such!   Minisode #6- Euphorically Waiting to See

     This week a look at one of the cultiest cult television series that tried to shatter its audience's ideas about... everything...     An unnamed government employee angrily resigns. While packing after heading home, he is gassed unconscious and wakes up in  The Village, a quirky yet charming seaside village. Cut off from the outside world and endlessly questioned by the Village's leader, a figure that only goes but the name Number 2. Will the Prisoner escape? Will he ever confront the elusive Number One?  A surreal and nightmarish allegory- The Prisoner.     All that and Anna returns, Tyler watches from a safe distance, Kevin wants information, Craig insists he is not a number, and Dave wears the face of another primate. Join us, won't you?   Episode 468- It Takes A Village

     This week- two movies about men reintegrating into society after extended absences for vastly different reasons.     Conor lives a life cut off from the world with Sandy, his dog. Finding himself intrigued by a video game ad promising more immersion than ever before. What starts as disappointment soon leads to a journey beyond Conor's door to places he never imagined. The sixth existential DIY analog odyssey from Albert Birney- OBEX.     Eddie finally comes home after five years as a prisoner of war. Soon he learns things have changed more than he ever imagined and there is no help coming from those important to his previous life or the VA. Driven to an extreme, Eddie tried a desperate move to take care of himself and his mother. Michael Pressman's ambitiously social commentary dramedy that was butchered by the studio but still propped up by a strong performances from Richard Pryor and the supporting cast- Some Kind of Hero.     All that and Tyler's canvas gets more crowded, Craig explores new avenues, Kevin grumbles about the future, and Dave considers wanting information. Join us, won't you?   Episode 467- Don't Hate the Player

     This week - The disassembly of Nate Jacobs continues over at Raiders as Craig and Tyler jump into episode 5 of Euphoria. It's poppin' off people, let's see if they can sew it back on!   Minisode #5- Attack of the EUPHORICALLY Tall Woman

     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

     This week- What's next in Euphoria after things REALLY popped off in last week's episode? Sex? Drugs? Tyler dry-humping the screen?!?!?!     Odds for all as at 1:1in our latest Euphoria min-sode! Episode four!   Euphorically Halfway

     This week- two films about secret plots and sports.     David Kabakov, a Mossad agent, finds a pre-recorded message claiming credit and giving reasons for a future terror attack somewhere in the United States. Michael Lander, a Goodyear blimp pilot and former POW, longs for death. A spectacular death that will punish all he sees as having wronged him by turning the blimp into a bomb and detonating it during Super Bowl X. Directed by John Frankenheimer, who created the modern political thriller genre, and based on the first book by Thomas Harris- Black Sunday (1977).     Born and raised as a child soldier in Eritrea before being adopted by an affluent progressive White family, Luce is an all-star athlete and beloved by his community. When he turns in a report about a controversial political philosopher, his history teacher Harriet Wilson brings her concerns to Luce's adopted mother, Amy. The third film from Julius Onah is a brilliantly acted and complex narrative about race, class, and respectability politics- Luce.     All that and Dave gets monochromatic, Tyler shudders with anticipation, Kevin contemplates combat sports, and Craig watches from a safe distance. Join us, won't you?   Episode 465- Luce-y in the Sky with Bruce Dern

     This week - You are cordially invited to celebrate a most wonderous union, that's right, Tyler and Craig are back with another Euphoria mini-sode!      Join us and pop some corks as we discuss episode 3 of this latest season, featuring all the madness, mayhem and mutilation you can stomach!   Minisode #3- Who Euphorically Wore It Better?

     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

     This week - Tyler and Craig have tagged in for another (whole week behind) chat about the latest episode of Euphorla's third season.     Can Tyler keep his powder dry for more than two seconds? Can Tyler keep ANYTHING dry for more than two seconds?      Strap in, wrap up and find out as we dig into episode two!    Alamo's Even Sexier Euphoric Minisode 2

     This week we close out the month with a gang of puppets moving one frame at a time.     In 1957, a rare Sumatran rat monkey was smuggled into New Zealand and put on display. When meek Lionel's domineering mother is bit by the rat monkey, he soon finds himself desperately trying to contain a zombie outbreak. The last of Peter Jackson's early splatter comedies, Braindead (aka Dead Alive).     Norman Babcock can speak to the dead. As the anniversary of the town's witch trial approaches, Norman beings having nightmarish visions of the past. Soon he has to decide if he will continue the yearly traditions of soothing a very restless spirit or choose a new approach. The second feature from Laika, ParaNorman.     Grace Pudel is a young girl in 1970s Australia. When her father dies, she and her twin brother, Gilbert, are sent to different foster families on opposite sides of the country. Despite Gilbert writing letters promising their reunion, Grace is unable to form connections, which leads to her hording all the snail-themed products she finds. The latest feature from minimalist tragicomedy auteur Adam Elliot, Memoir of a Snail.     Iria, an extraterrestrial bounty hunter, and her AI sidekick, Bob, arrive on Earth to capture a fugitive. They plan to hold their confrontation in The Zone, a virtual environment, to lessen damage to the natives. Unfortunately, this draws a lot of power and pulls a pair of electric company technicians into the fight. The second feature from tokusatsu mastermind Keita Amemiya- Zeiram.     All that and Tyler is still euphoric, Craig gets euphemistic, Dave uses some eucaine, and Kevin debates adding a eucleidae to his woodland army. Join us, won't you?   Episode 462- STOP! Motion Time

     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

     This week a pair of films about men being awful and getting rewarded for it.      After having lead French forces against the English in several campaigns during the Lancastrian War,  Jeanne d'Arc is brought before a clerical court for heresy. The judges and majority of the audience are loyal to England and plotting for an unavoidable conviction. Based on the transcripts of the actual trial and widely considered one of the greatest films ever made- The Passion of Joan of Arc.     Three loser friends are talked into joining an underground pool tournament run by Daddy, a local crime lord, in order to help save their neighborhood hangout. As they move up the bracket, pressure from both Daddy and the women in their lives begins to have an effect on their game. Can the boys save the bar, will they collapse under the threats of loneliness and losing a finger, or will they thrive as Stickmen?     All that and Kevin goes to the theatre, Craig gets some deep cuts, Dave gets a completely different kind of cut, and Tyler feels euphoric. Join us, won't you?   Episode 461- Chalk It Up to Misogyny

    This week- two movies about people following their calling outside of social norms and expectations.     In order to graduate Shuhei Yamamoto cuts a deal with his thesis supervisor. He must join the university sumo club and participate in an upcoming tournament. With only one other club member, Shuhei finds himself rebuilding the club from scratch. One of the very few movies about sumo and, arguably, one of the best sports films ever made- Sumo Do, Sumo Don't.     A street preacher spends his days telling those walking Hollywood Boulevard that God loves them. One day, a young woman wonders out of her job while having an emotional crisis and crosses his path. Originally debuting at the 1998 New York Underground Film Festival before being removed from view to undergo reshoots 9 years later and resurface on YouTube in 2012. The first feature by music video and commercial director Erick Ifergan- Johnny 316.     Kevin and Dave get a reanimating jolt, Craig finds a gem that everyone will enjoy, and Tyler spreads ruin in the way only he can. Join us, won't you?   Episode 460- Through the Valley of Sumo

     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

     This week we pack a toolbox with overlooked titles from The Studio That Dripped Blood.     Simon, an aged American tourist, picks up Joan, a young local, after Joan had previously lured him into a mugging. This rages her biker gang leading brother, King, who chases them around the coast. Eventually the pair take refuge in a very curious cave full of well mannered school children. An anti-nuclear sci-fi drama directed by a backlisted American director-  The Damned.     A novelist arrives in an unassuming town, exactly 40 years after its last outbreak of vampires, just in time for its next one. Meanwhile, the reincarnated lady loving vampire finds a finishing school, stuffed to the rafters with nubile young socialites, on the grounds of their castle property. Having become obsessed with one of the students, the novelist maneuvers to become a teacher at the school. Soon enough both of the nubile focused predators cross paths but nothing can sate- Lust for a Vampire.     Jean Carter, daughter of a small Canadian town's freshly hired school principal, has a restless night and confides to her parents about an event that happened with her new friend and an elderly man. The Carters demand charges be brought against the patriarch of the wealthiest and most powerful family in town. As extreme hostility toward the Carters build, another horrible crime looms in the future. A statement on community being weaponized to support wealth and power at all costs, regardless of victim and history- Never Take Sweets from a Stranger.     Captain Collier comes to a town on the Romney Marsh to investigate rumors of smuggling. Doctor Blyss, the town's parson, is behind the smuggling ring and has a secret only shared with two others. The town's coffin-maker and a mute former pirate in the custody of Collier. The two men will soon have a fatal confrontation. Based on the first book in Russell Thorndike's classic adventure series and forced to use an alternate title due to Disney adapting another title in the series simultaneously- Captain Clegg.     All that and Dave watches some TV, Tyler wonders if he's lost a bit of his joy, Kevin wonders if squirrels can smuggle, and Craig watches some deep cuts. Join us, won't you?   Episode 458- Unswung Hammer

     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

     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

     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

     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

     This week- four films about full service sex workers and how dominant social groups view them, from the dawn of the 20th century to Nazi era Germany to modern day Atlanta and Mashhad.      A new girl joins an upscale maison close, regulated and licensed legal brothels in France from 1804 to 1946, where a horrific event happened the year before. As she learns the workings of her new environment and gets used to the daily mundanities of their highly restricted and controlled lives. At the same time, the building's landlord is threatening to try and cash in on the house's popularity by skyrocketing the rent far beyond what the madam can afford. Bertand Bonello's fifth feature shows off his highly stylized approach and complex visual storytelling coming into full maturity, House of Tolerance (aka House of Pleasures, orig French title L'Apollonide: Souvenirs de la maison close)     On the eve of World War II, an ambitious SS commandant devices a plan to use a group of highly trained and loyal young women as informants stationed in a popular brothel that is frequented by both ranking Nazis and international dignitaries. The plan is a huge success but it takes a heavy toll, both emotionally and physically, on the women and the commandant becomes obsessed with one of his spies. Tinto Brass's erotic war drama inspired by an actual event, Salon Kitty.     A female Tehran-based journalist arrives in Mashhad to track down a serial killer who targets local sex workers and believes he is cleansing the city for the eight Shia Imam. She is blocked at every step by all men in authority that she encounters and beings to consider taking far riskier and increasingly dangerous methods. After his arrest, the public rally around him and his crimes. Ali Abbasi's film about a monster that isn't just a single man but a serial killer society living off deep-rooted misogyny and the complexities for anyone trying to push back, Holy Spider.     Exploring the lives of four Black trans women sex workers, Daniella Carter, Dominique Silver, Koko Da Doll, and Liyah Mitchell, in New York and Georgia through unfiltered interviews and reenactments. The first feature from D. Smith, best know for her singer-songwriter work with a who's who of Rap, R&B, and Pop musicians in the 2000s, Kokomo City.     All that and Tyler has the best week he's had so far on the podcast. Join us, won't you?   Episode 453- fille de joie

     This week- two films about alternative family structures.     One night Veronica meets Abel, a freelance music journalist, at a concert and sparks fly. That same night she meets Zed, a drummer, and sparks fly. She begins dating both men and eventually brings them together in a polyamorous cohabitation. Despite some simmering tension between Zed and Abel, Veronica is mostly content with her life... until she meets successful up and coming director Mike, a recently single serial monogamist, and learns she is pregnant. Will Veronica choose her nontraditional love or throw it all aside for security and tradition? A modernist take on screwball romantic comedy from Greg Araki, one of the indie auteurs of the New Queer Cinema movement, Splendor.     Sarah Jane is an orphan hired to do live-in secretarial work for a reclusive author of works on the paranormal and occult. His latest work eerily reflects her recurring nightmares about a bloody ritual to summon the cult's demonic master. Trying to settle into her new situation in a new town, she keeps meeting unsettling people and situations. Soon she enlists the help of the local vicar to figure out what is going on. Widely regarded as the turning point for the low budget cult filmmaker whose five decade career spanned every genre with a prolific output, Michael J. Murphy's Moonchild.     All that and Dave gets weird, Kevin champions to overlooked, Craig gets jealous of recording software, and Tyler keeps sweating in... anticipation... Join us, won't you?   Episode 452- Poly Wants A Sacrifice

     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

     This week- two movies about relationships... with ourselves and with others.      Nicky, a small time gangster, stole from his boss. With nowhere else to go, he calls his old friend Mikey, also employed by the same local crime boss. Together the two drift through the city at night with a hitman not far behind. An anxiety inducing melodrama about male friendship and cruelty driven masculinity, with a pair of staggeringly brilliant performances, a sharply witty script and equally edged direction from Elaine May- Mikey and Nicky.     An intersex sex worker goes on the run after a mobster dies in his company. On the way he takes a hard look at his life, relationships, challenges with his own identity, and if any of it is what he wants. An incredible script, written by lead River Gallo, driving a bus full of strong performances and stylishly assured direction in a film that that deserves far more eyeballs than it has received so far- Ponyboi.     All that and Kevin feels feeling inside, Dave suffers in more ways than one, and Tyler guzzles the sweet sweet wine of victory. Join us, won't you?   Episode 450- Stay Gold

     This week a four film tribute to an actor whose career spanned seven decades, the legendary Tatsuya Nakadai.     A penniless samurai leaves his wife for improved social status and the daughter of wealthy family. A young woodcutter, taking refuge from a blizzard, confronts a yuki-onna. A blind musician performs for a dead Emperor, who plans to keep him playing in his ghostly court forever. A lord sees a face he doesn't know reflected back in his cup of tea and soon is visited by their ghostly and murderous attendants. Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful films of all time and based on the legends collected by Yakumo Koizumi, whose work gave Western audiences their first look into Japanese culture- Kwaidan.     An amoral master swordsman, with a habit of random street murders, has to leave his home after killing an opponent after a duel and takes his opponent's wife with him. Two years later, in Edo, he has joined a secret assassin squad to support the shogunate and his past begins to catch up with him. The first in a planned trilogy, never completed due to the amounts of violence in the first film, based on one of the longest books ever written over 41 volumes and published over 28 years, The Sword of Doom.     Masagoro Kiryuin, a contradictor gang-boss who sees himself as a chivalric protector, adopts a daughter. Matsue is smart, has a thirst for knowledge, and struggles against the boundaries society has set for her. A yakuza melodrama that covers several decades of their lives- Onimasa (aka Kiryûin Hanako no shôgai).     2,217 British and Australian prisoners of war had been forced to work on the Burma railway and build a bridge. Now they are being taken to Japan to fill in the increasing manpower shortage. Stuffed into the hold of a hell ship, without enough air, water, or food, it seems unlikely the majority will survive to their destination. Or will they all die at the hands of patrolling American submarines? Not a sequel to the similarly titled classic, Return from the River Kwai. All that and Kevin might never Returnal from his current obsession, Craig shares a pain Tyler knows well, and Dave might be napping in his chair. Join us, won't you?   Episode 449- A Good Day to Nakadai Hard

     This week we arrive late as a party and finally close the on Hawkins Lab Sourcebook Unusual Contrivances Adventure Inverted Corporeal Supplement 5e.     Anna rolls a nat20 saving throw, Kevin rethinks his Orc Wizard, Tyler misuses his Seduce Everything strategy, Dave gets his hand stuck in the dice tower... again... and the dice finally put an end to the tyrannical plans of the Illithid. Join us, won't you?   Episode 448- SPOILER THINGS

     This week- two films about men with great destines.     After attempting suicide, former court composer of Joseph II, Antonio Salieri confesses to having murdered Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. 49 years earlier, learning that Mozart was a childishly obscene reprobate with divine musical inspiration lead Salieri to renounce God and swear to take his revenge by destroying Mozart. Another masterwork by one of cinema's patron saints of nonconformity, Miloš Forman, with a screenplay by Peter Shaffer, based on his Tony Award winning play, and driven by one of the greatest villain performances ever put to film, Amadeus.     In 2005, a seemingly random mass stabbing left two people dead and one injured before the assailant jumped off a cliff; his body was never found. Three years later, found footage horror filmmaker Koji Shiraishi sets out to make a documentary about the aftermath and interviews the survivors. Shohei Eno, whose wounds are in the shape of a strange symbol, claims that he is grateful and ever since has witnessed miracles nearly everyday. Before long, Eno begins to hint at another act of extreme violence will be happening soon and insists  Shiraishi has a part to play in it. A found footage by the director who literally wrote the Textbook of Fake Documentaries and made two of the first J-Horrors to breakout internationally, Koji Shiraishi's woefully overlooked Occult.     All that and Dave describes his loungewear, Tyler suffers in Indiana, and Kevin makes friends with the little guy from Asobi. Join us, won't you?   Episode 447- Haunt Me Amadeus

     This week- a pair of films about men driven to extremes.     Two Vietnam Vets begin having similar ultrarealistic dreams about a member of their fireteam who died in a POW camp. Soon they start waking up with actual injuries they received in their dreams. In a desperate effort to save their buddy and stop a sadistic traitor they gear up for one final nocturnal confrontation. A high concept action thrillers from VHS pioneer David A. Prior, Night Wars.     Recently released from prison career criminal, Johnny Clay, has a plan to rob a racetrack with a potential take of $2 million. His heist plan is more than able to work with a small crew, assuming there are no leaks or unlucky breaks... The  third feature from legendary filmmaker Stanley Kubrick, an expertly crafted and stylish late classic period Noir, The Killing.     All that and Craig is unrepentant, Tyler fears the future, Dave goes unrestricted, and Kevin makes moves that would make Machiavelli blush. Join us, won't you?   Episode 446- Beating A Dead Horse

     This week- we spread peace on Earth and good will towards all humanity through painful cinematic suppositories specially chosen to mentally and emotionally break each other.     Jack is an aging football hooligan. After a fight, Jack is arrested for possession of cocaine and gets sentenced to six weeks of couples' therapy. Jack's wife, Dani, is emotionally isolated, spending all her time just caring for Jack's son and home, long ago forced to give up on her artistic dreams so Jack wouldn't feel lesser. If you think that sounds like an interesting set up to a solid kitchen sink drama... it isn't. How far can Danny Dyer's charisma and attitude carry a feature? Why doesn't Stephanie Leonidas not have a good enough career to turn this down? Marching Powder.     A dissection leads to an unsettling physiological anomaly. A young male narrator is obsessed with his sister. When she is revealed to be pregnant, the young man begins to farther detached, eventually choosing to commit the most vicious act he can imagine. An orgy with the planet. A man suffering from religious psychosis is a compulsively masturbating pornography addict. His guilt drives horrific sexual  nightmares. An experimental art horror anthology, filmed over a period of nearly 6 years, Subconscious Cruelty.     In 2045, the population of the world take refuge from reality in a huge virtual reality sandbox created by the late James Halliday. When Halliday died, an Easter Egg hunt for three keys was kicked off with the ultimate prize being total control of the game. When Wade Watts finds the first key, he and his friends find themselves in the crosshairs of Nolan Sorrento, who will stop at nothing to win. Based on a once wildly popular novel and directed by a living legend who should be perfect for it, Ready Player One.     A fantasy though an inflatable land of wonder and the 1964 Philadelphia Gimbles Thanksgiving Day Parade. Fun in Balloon Land.     All that and Dave Yippie Ki-Yays, Kevin can't keep track of it all, and Tyler plots to throw a spanner in the works. Join us, won't you?   Episode 445- Secret Satan 3

     This week we learn a lessons on loneliness and self-improvement.      Sonya runs her family funeral parlor. She lives an isolated and routine life, above the parlor, with her distant father. The business is slowly going under and she is under a crushing amount of debt owed to a psychotic landlord. Sonya finds an unlikely companion in the unclaimed cadaver of an elderly woman. The third film by Dwein Baltazar and produced by Black Sheep Productions, the Philippine answer to A24, Oda sa Wala (English: Ode to Nothing).     Susan finds no satisfaction with her working class life and yearns for an escape. When her husband and father start to really push her to have a baby, her fear of forever being shackled to the daily monotony drive her to start attending Open University courses on Literature. Her tutor, Dr. Frank Bryant, is jaded by the pretensions of university culture and drowns his misery in public alcoholism. Susan's verve rekindles Frank's passion for literature and Frank's teaching opens  doors to a bohemian life and newly discovered self-confidence for Susan. Lewis Gilbert's reverse Pygmalion with a pair of fantastic lead performances and based on screenwriter Willy Russell's play of the same title, Educating Rita.     All that and Dave drops out, Kevin has a strange interlude, and Tyler stands alone in a neon fog. Join us, won't you?   Episode 444- Corpus Delectus

     This week we sneak through a military check point for the penultimate trip to a small Indiana town.     A year after the ground split open life had found a new rhythm in Hawkins, Indiana. The military, being the fine upstanding and not at all suspicious or questionable industrial-complex it is, has slapped metal adhesive medical strips on the gaping pandimensional cracks and spends the rest of its time hunting a certain numerically named psychic. Kids go to school and read classic sci-fi/fantasy novels. Free roaming imaginary friends impart wisdom their playmates shouldn't know. And a confrontation is drawing close. Stranger Things Season 5 part 1.     All that and we dust off Anna, Dave has feelings, Kevin embraces his nurturing instinct, and Tyler is only lightly drugged while tied to a chair. Join us, won't you?   Episode 443- Lets Do the Time Hop(per) Again

     This week a pair of films about people forced by circumstances to face the harshness of reality with flights of fancy.     Lera is a sociology student who has been tasked with doing a door to door survey. She spends her nights caring for her sick and sleepwalking mother, supporting them both by dancing at a seedy gentleman's club, and trying to avoid her estranged emotionally abusive alcoholic father. The second feature written and directed by Natalya Kudryashova delicately balances grim realism with lyrical fantasies- Gerda.     After witnessing the murder of her jewel stealing boyfriend, Carmen is escorted across Texas by a pair of unorthodox FBI agents with three professional killers hot on their heels. One of the many once forgotten indie films brought to cult prominence by Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas, the first feature by long time stunt man John Stewart- Action U.S.A.     All that and Craig contemplates the joys of staying home the others take their penultimate trip to a small town in Indiana. Join us, won't you?   Episode 442- No Stunts in the Champagne Room

     This week we celebrate the warriors of post classic Hollywood B films who celebrated and reveled in their chosen field just in time for Americans to glut themselves on turkey and gravy.     Park Plaza Mall has just installed the newest high tech in security, a trio of security robots designed to subdue and apprehend thieves and trespassers, and impenetrable steel doors across all exits. The same night they are implemented, Allison, a pizzeria waitress, and nerdy Ferdy are both talked into attending an after hours party in the mall's furniture store. Tragically, something goes terribly wrong before the last frolicking retail employees can lock up for the night. A cult favorite that might be about excesses of consumerism and the extreme paranoia of security focused capitalist societies OR might just be another excuse for Jim Wynorski to hang out with young blondes- Chopping Mall.     One night some workers discover a tasty creamy substance bubbling out of the ground at a Georgia quarry. Soon it is on every store shelf in America and there are multiple tubs in every home. A zero calorie addictive treat that is so good you won't even care you've turned into an alien zombie. Independent maverick auteur Larry Cohen's directly confrontational satire of consumerism, mass media, and the health food industry, with a great performance from his one true muse, Michael Moriarty. Enough is never enough of... The Stuff.     Former sweethearts Wendy, whose one semester at college has let her explore her inner radical antiestablishment lesbian, and Arbie, who stayed behind to take care of his parents, find themselves in opposition when a fast food chicken restaurant paves over Tromaville's Native American burial ground. In a fit of jealousy, after seeing Wendy protesting with her girlfriend Micki, Arbie takes a job working the greasy fried register. Before long both the misfit employees and the protesters outside begin dying and undead feathers start flying. Lloyd Kaufman's black comedy horror musical, made entirely by volunteers from all over the world and using donated props from just as many far flung studios and TOTALLY NOT another satire of consumerism, Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead.     Australian super stunt man, Grant Page, takes a job working for an American television series and moves to LA. Once there he reunites with his cousin, a member of the band Sorcery, a rock band with fantasy theatrical stage shows. Refusing to rest after Grant is injured on his very first stunt, his dedication to his craft draws the attention of both the show's lead actress, Monique van de Ven, but also journalist Lois. Together the threesome attend a lot of Sorcery concerts, attend lavish Hollywood parties with the band, and occasionally meditate on the joys of extreme living. Brian Trenchard-Smith's attempt to make Page a world class action star and Sorcery something more than an 8th rate Alice Cooper clone, Stunt Rock.     All that and Dave questions all his life choices up to this moment, Tyler begins to spontaneously cry at the sight of Eggos, Kevin finishes his naughty and naughtier list, and Craig finally opens a stack of blu-rays he was keeping to use as currency once the global AI bubble bursts and drowns us all. Join us, won't you?   Episode 441- B ALL YOU CAN B

     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 

     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

     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