Sordid Cinema Podcast

Nobody Movie Review Nobody doesn't break new ground for the action genre, but director Ilya Naishuller's fight sequences and stunt choreography are so good— and Bob Odenkirk's performance is so great— it's essential viewing for any fan of action cinema. This week on the Sordid Cinema Podcast we review the bloody, crowd-pleasing, brutal, and never dull film, and debate if we would want to see a sequel or not. All this and more! Links: LinkTree Amazon Spotify iTunes Podbean YouTube Listen Note iHeartRadio Pandora Twitter Facebook

The Book of Boba Fett Season One Review This week on After Dark, Marc Kariloff of The Nintendo NEXpress Podcast joined to talk about The Book of Boba Fett.   With a lot of sand and a bit of pathos, Star Wars is finally telling the story of Boba Fett's days after falling in the Sarlacc pit… at least for the first few episodes of Disney+'s The Book of Boba Fett. Created by Jon Favreau and featuring episodes directed by Robert Rodriguez and Bryce Dallas Howard, The Book of Boba Fett is an identity crisis running at hyper speed, splitting its focus between Boba Fett and The Mandalorian – and noticeably tipping its hand to which iconic bounty hunter Dave Filoni, Favreau and company are more interested in. Rancours, Darksabers, and Frank Oz jokes – The Book of Boba Fett has it all, and provides an entry into a wide-ranging discussion on the series itself, and the current state of Star Wars canon. (Also, Randy and Ricky should really watch Star Wars: The Clone Wars?)   Links: LinkTree Amazon Spotify iTunes Podbean YouTube Listen Note iHeartRadio Pandora Twitter Facebook

After an 11-year gap, Wes Craven and Kevin Williamson's megabuck meta-slasher Scream franchise came back with the fourth installment in 2011, and to mark the occasion, Ricky D, Justine Smith and Simon Howell went back and dissect the original trilogy (in complete and spoiler-filled detail) before tackling Scream 4, which was reviewed in both non-spoiler and very, very spoiler-y format. This recording comes from episode 268 of the Sordid Cinema Podcast (formerly known as Sound On Sight). Links: LinkTree Amazon Spotify iTunes Podbean YouTube Listen Note iHeartRadio Pandora Twitter Facebook

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Following up from our epic Lord of the Rings ‘cast, Ricky D and Simon Howell had to find a way to keep the ante high to discuss The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. They could think of nothing better than to rope in one of their very favorite critics – and first-time guest – Nick Schager (Slant Magazine, Time Out NY, The Village Voice) to dissect the movie and its attendant technological advances in detail. Discussed: dwarf psychology, videogame aesthetics, 48 frames per second, and Dead Alive. Links: LinkTree Amazon Spotify iTunes Podbean YouTube Listen Note iHeartRadio Pandora Twitter Facebook

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy Review With The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey looming, we faced a problem: how do we tackle Peter Jackson's epic, 11-hour (if we go by Extended Editions) Lord of the Rings saga without going insane? Ricky D and Simon Howell decided the best course of action was to double down. In this episode, they're joined by Tolkien fiend Kate Fulzick of the Televerse podcast and Steve Prokopy a.k.a. Capone of Ain't It Cool News to consider the entire trilogy as a unified entity, as well as weighing the films' lasting impact on movie and geek culture. This segment was recorded for episode 343 of the Sordid Cinema Podcast (formerly titled, Sound On Sight). Links: LinkTree Amazon Spotify iTunes Podbean YouTube Listen Note iHeartRadio Pandora Twitter Facebook  

Heels Season One Podcast Review This week on After Dark, we invited Mariko McDonald of the Talk AEW Podcast to discuss Heels! You don't have to be a professional wrestling fan to fall head over heels in love with the new STARZ series starring Stephen Amell. Created by Michael Waldron (Loki) with Mike O'Malley serving as showrunner, Heels centers on a family-owned wrestling promotion (the Duffy Wrestling League) and follows brothers Jack (Amell) and Ace (Alexander Ludwig) Spade as they navigate their way through the world of independent professional wrestling in their small, fictional Georgia hometown of Duffy. And much like sports entertainment, the most compelling storylines are often the ones that develop outside of the squared circle as the brothers wrestle to keep the family business alive while navigating family life in the wake of their father's death. Following eight stoic years as Oliver Queen, Amell is perfectly cast here given his long-time love affair with wrestling. In addition, his multiple appearances in several real-life wrestling promotions including the WWE and Ring of Honor, help bring far more nuance to his role. And speaking of the cast, Heels is also blessed with a star-studded supporting cast including Allen Maldonaldo, character actor treasure Chris Bauer and even the ‘Best in the World,' CM Punk who is unforgettable in his brief appearance as local wrestling legend Ricky Rabies. By now, you've most likely heard someone compare Heels to Friday Night Lights. Well, that's not a bad comparison since Heels does a superb job in keeping viewers interested even if they are not familiar with the world of professional wrestling, not unlike how Friday Night Lights reached a wide audience including those with no interest in football. And like FNL, Heels is first and foremost a family drama— it just so happens to use professional wrestling as the framing device. Ultimately, Heels is funny, dramatic, often moving, and a well-written love letter to independent wrestling. Links: LinkTree Amazon Spotify iTunes Podbean YouTube Listen Note iHeartRadio Pandora Twitter Facebook

Yellowjackets Season One Podcast Review Welcome to Sordid Cinema After Dark, a series of bonus episodes in which we break down our favourite shows, past and present. Join Randy Dankievitch, Ricky D, and rotating guests as they discuss the current state of television and why they love the shows they love! In our inaugural episode, we review the first season of Yellowjackets, the new series from Ashley Lyle, Bart Nickerson that became the sleeper hit of 2021. For the unfamiliar, Yellowjackets tells the story of a high-school soccer team who survive a plane crash deep in the Ontario wilderness and how the traumatic events continue to haunt the survivors, twenty-five years later. Think, Lord of the Flies meets Lost meets Pretty Little Liars meets The Craft. Yellowjackets is many things, including our favorite new mystery drama of the year.   Links: LinkTree Amazon Spotify iTunes Podbean YouTube Listen Note iHeartRadio Pandora Twitter Facebook

The Matrix: Down the Rabbit Hole The Matrix is a movie made of groundbreaking special effects, superb martial arts combat, and mind-bending science fiction. It's a movie that was not only ahead of its time but has stood the test of time and a movie that is still debated, decades later. It's a film full of ideas, pulling from several influences ranging from Spaghetti Westerns, Hong Kong action cinema Japanese anime, Philip K. Dick, Alice in Wonderland, William Gibson's Neuromancer, and so much more. The Matrix is a tale of perception and reality, a story about consciousness and about the birth and evolution of consciousness. It's tackle's themes of control and freedom; predestination and free will and so much more. Above all, it's a kick-ass Hollywood blockbuster that offers a wide array of genres blended into what is basically a classic tale of good versus evil. Simply put, The Matrix is one of the greatest movies ever made— easily one of the most influential movies ever made, and arguably the quintessential film of 1999. This week on the Sordid Cinema Podcast, Tilt Magazine contributor Kent M. Wilhelm drops by to help us discuss why The Matrix is one of our favourite movies of all time! Links: LinkTree Amazon Spotify iTunes Podbean YouTube Listen Note iHeartRadio Pandora Twitter Facebook

Censor Review The act of censorship cuts deep into the heart of Censor, a slick first feature from Welsh writer/director Prano Bailey-Bond. Censor is a nostalgic treat for anyone old enough to remember the infamous “video nasties” scare of the early eighties but it's also a film about the power of editing, memory, and dealing with traumatic events from your past. In other words, it's a movie about the grieving process and how deep-lying emotional trauma can cloud one's identity and judgment— but it's also a kick-ass psychological horror film that we happen to love. This week on the Sordid Cinema Podcast we break down this wonderfully ambiguous, introspective, thoughtful film and tell you why it landed on our list of the best horror films of 2021. All this and more!   Links: LinkTree Amazon Spotify iTunes Podbean YouTube Listen Note iHeartRadio Pandora Twitter Facebook

James Wan's impact on contemporary horror is undeniable. The Malaysian-born Australian filmmaker is not only the co-creator of the Saw and Insidious franchises but he's also the creator of The Conjuring Universe, the second highest-grossing horror franchise of all time. Marking his return to horror after a detour into family-friendly blockbuster filmmaking, James Wan's Malignant once again proves that the producer/director still knows a thing or two about making good horror films. Malignant is a fine patchwork quilt of '70s and ‘80s horror films and best described as a modern-day Sci-fi, supernatural Giallo with an outlandish plot that feels lifted from the best and worst Dario Argento films. This week on the Sordid Cinema Podcast, we'll tell you why Malignant is one of our ten favourite horror films of 2021 and why we had such a fun time watching it!

The Beta Test Review Writer-director-actor Jim Cummings' made a splash with Thunder Road and The Wolf of Snow Hollow, two independently produced films that were both very well received on the American indie circuit. His latest, The Beta Test, co-written and directed with its co-star PJ McCabe was 100% crowdfunded and made specifically in a way to avoid the traditional old-school corporate model of moviemaking to have complete control of the final product. The Beta Test is many things: a scathing satire of Hollywood culture; a black comedy; a detective story; and an erotic thriller that doubles as a cautionary tale about the age of digital tracking and your digital footprint. It' best described as the twisted delinquent cousin to Robert Altman's The Player— something WGA members will love, and agents will hate! This week on the Sordid Cinema Podcast, Simon Howell and Ricky D break down why The Beta Test is one of their favourite films of 2021 and explain why Jim Cummings is a star in the making. Links: LinkTree Amazon Spotify iTunes Podbean YouTube Listen Note iHeartRadio Pandora Twitter Facebook

Spider-Man: No Way Home Podcast Review Not even the pandemic can stop millions of people from flocking to theatres to watch the third installment of John Watt's Spider-Man trilogy starring Tom Holland as everyone's favourite neighborhood Spider-man! Spider-Man: No Way Home unwrapped the best Holiday gift of all, becoming the first pandemic-era movie to cross $1 billion at the global box office. The numbers that Spider-Man: No Way Home is pulling in are nothing short of incredible and now that everyone has had a chance to see the movie, we figured it was time to deliver our spoiler-heavy review of the film, Joining Ricky D to discuss Spider-Man: No Way Home is Randy Dankievitch, Marc Kaliroff, and David Harris. Links: LinkTree Amazon Spotify iTunes Podbean YouTube Listen Note iHeartRadio Pandora Twitter Facebook

Scream (1996) Review Wes Craven's Scream was an unexpected smash hit in 1996, revitalizing the horror genre and inspiring a new generation of self-knowing teen slasher films. For a generation of kids, Scream provided a gateway to horror movies, but how does it hold up 25 years later? In this episode of the Sordid Cinema Podcast, we revisit Craven's canny, witty, and surprisingly effective slasher film and explain why it not only holds up but remains one of the greatest scary films ever made. Joining us is Tilt Magazine writer, Leah Wersebe. Links: LinkTree Amazon Spotify iTunes Podbean YouTube Listen Note iHeartRadio Pandora Twitter Facebook

Succession Podcast Special! Fans already buying what Succession is selling won't need us to convince them why they should be watching the show but in this episode of the Sordid Cinema Podcast, we do our best to convince everyone else why they should be watching the popular HBO series by showrunner Jesse Armstrong. And for those who have watched all three seasons of Succession, we break down season three towards the end of the episode and speculate about what could happen moving forward. Joining us is guest host, Randy Dankievitch. Links: LinkTree Amazon Spotify iTunes Podbean YouTube Listen Note iHeartRadio Pandora Twitter Facebook

One False Move Spoiler Review This week on the Sordid Cinema Podcast, we explain why we agree with Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel that Carl Franklin's low-budget crime pic One False Move, is one of the best films of 1992. Scripted by Thom Epperson and Billy Bob Thornton, the neo-noir is hard-hitting, skillfully performed, well shot, and perfectly paced. And while the film might not be a masterpiece, it sure is better than your average thriller and also features a breakthrough performance by the late, great, Bill Paxton. Sadly, the film was neglected and forgotten over the years, but we're here to hopefully change that. Links: LinkTree Amazon Spotify iTunes Podbean YouTube Listen Note iHeartRadio Pandora Twitter Facebook

Anyone who's even remotely familiar with Quebec cinema will know his name: Xavier Dolan is currently Canada's chief prestige cinematic export, for better or worse. On episode 398 of the Sordid Cinema Podcast (then known as Sound On Sight), Kate Rennebohm and Justine Smith joined Simon Howell to debate the merits of his sixth feature, Mommy, for which he shared the Best Director prize at Cannes with none other than Jean-Luc Godard. Links: LinkTree Amazon Spotify iTunes Podbean YouTube Listen Note iHeartRadio Pandora Twitter Facebook

Dune 2021 Review There's a lot to like about Denis Villeneuve's version of Frank Herbert's Dune and this week on the Sordid Cinema Podcast we discuss what we admire about the Montreal filmmakers' adaptation of the complex, weighty sci-fi novel and how it compares to David Lynch's 1984 vision. We'll tell you why Dune is a feminist film even if it revolves around a very masculine world and explain why it has some of the best sound design of any blockbuster film in recent memory. We also examine Greig Fraser's gorgeous cinematography; Patrice Vermette's incredible production design, as well as the work of Hans Zimmer who spent months creating new instruments to help him and his team, compose the soundtrack. Needless to say, there's a lot to discuss this week. Enjoy! Links: LinkTree Amazon Spotify iTunes Podbean YouTube Listen Note iHeartRadio Pandora Twitter Facebook

Cube (1997) Review This week on the Sordid Cinema Podcast, we revisit Vincenzo Natali's 1997 science-fiction horror film Cube; a low-budget, high-concept, mind-bending, sci-fi-thriller that revolves around people trying to escape a giant cube made of 17,576 different rooms, some of which feature inescapable deadly traps. We debate if Cube was ahead of its time and discuss why we feel the film was so influential to other movies and TV shows like Squid Game, Battle Royale and Saw, to name just a few. But what really interests us is the question: how many ways can one man film a movie that all takes place in one room and still keep it engaging? All this and more!

Squid Game Podcast Review You might think we're late with our review of Squid Game, but we swear, it was all by design. Now that the hype has whittled down, we decided to sit back and discuss the Netflix phenomenon and why we think Squid Game— despite its many flaws— is one of the best shows of 2021. Squid Game has all the characteristics we love about Korean dramas including unexpected plot twists, over-the-top characters, and a story that grapples with economic anxieties and class struggles. It's part horror and part dark comedy and boasts a catchy soundtrack and impeccable set design featuring candy-colored, high-concept dystopian sets that reflect how brutal South Korean society is toward the people at the bottom. If you're familiar with manga like Liar Game, Gambling Apocalypse: Kaiji, and Battle Royale, you know what to expect. Squid Game is all that and more! Links: LinkTree Amazon Spotify iTunes Podbean YouTube Listen Note iHeartRadio Pandora Twitter Facebook

No Time To Die Podcast Review With the help of certified Bond nut and ex-co-host Edgar Chaput, Ricky and Simon take a look at the gargantuan newest entry in the venerable (or at least very, very old) action series, which provides a definitive sendoff for its current star, Daniel Craig. Yes folks, this is our much-anticipated review of No Time To Die! Discussed: what Craig's tenure says about the state of the character in the new century; the series' specific and hit-or-miss style of villainry; and the most important issue of all: does James Bond still have sex? Listen on LinkTree | Amazon | Spotify | iTunes | Podbean | YouTube | Listen Note | iHeartRadio | Pandora Follow Sordid Cinema on Twitter Follow Sordid Cinema on Facebook

David Lynch Special Part 1: Mulholland Drive Review In what turned out to be one of the most epic conversations in our podcast's history, Ricky, Simon, and Edgar Chaput were joined by David Lynch superfan and friend of the show Kate Rennebohm for a two-part dissection of David Lynch's films: 2001's Mulholland Drive and 2006's Inland Empire. Discussed: rabbits, the Lincoln assassination, the significance of doorknobs, yelling at Laura Dern, and many, many more odd tangents. Here is the first half of the special. Enjoy! Listen on LinkTree | Amazon | Spotify | iTunes | Podbean | YouTube | Listen Note | iHeartRadio | Pandora Follow Sordid Cinema on Twitter Follow Sordid Cinema on Facebook  

Midnight Mass Review This week on the Sordid Cinema Podcast, we discuss Mike Flanagan's Midnight Mass, the Netflix series which some critics are calling one of the best shows of 2021. The seven-episode creature feature smartly weaves together vampire tropes with biblical texts, blending horror with profound questions about spirituality, religion, and faith— and like Mike Flanagan's best work, the show prioritizes characters and emotions over cheap scares and shock value. As long as expectations are in check, the series' provides few scares. In fact, it's the type of show that will sooner make you cry than have you jump out of your seat— but we love it no less! Sit back, relax, and listen to us discuss in great detail this small screen gem! Joining us this week is TV critic, Randy Dankievitch. Listen on LinkTree | Amazon | Spotify | iTunes | Podbean | YouTube | Listen Note | iHeartRadio | Pandora Follow Sordid Cinema on Twitter Follow Sordid Cinema on Facebook

Nosferatu the Vampyre Review This week, we take a look back at Nosferatu – no, not that one! Werner Herzog's 1979 stab at the Dracula mythos, Nosferatu the Vampyre, complete with the great and terrible Klaus Kinski as the titular ghoul, is the one we're taking a look at this time, inspired by recent news that Robert Eggers will be making a run at the same material for his next feature. Discussed: mass rat murder, the weirdnesses of the German/English dual release, and the eternal appeal of this character. Listen on LinkTree | Amazon | Spotify | iTunes | Podbean | YouTube | Listen Note | iHeartRadio | Pandora Follow Sordid Cinema on Twitter Follow Sordid Cinema on Facebook

The Big Sleep (1946) Podcast Review Sex, drugs, gambling, pornography, murder — not the topics one normally thinks of when picturing a Humphrey Bogart movie, but they're just the tip of the iceberg of dirty dealings in Howard Hawks' adaptation of Raymond Chandler's The Big Sleep. Sure, detective Philip Marlowe finds plenty of down time to chat up with every coquette and femme fatale that crosses his path, but that's only in between uncovering blackmail rackets, staring down the barrels of multiple guns, getting worked over by burly goons, and trading bullets with slimy assassins. This week, the Sordid Cinema Podcast sinks into the seedy underworld and tries to understand exactly what the hell is going on with all the duplicity and backstabbing. Who is after what now, and why? Or maybe we'll just give up and drink in the juicy banter between Bogey and Bacall. Regardless, there's plenty to appreciate in The Big Sleep, including some artful dodging of Hays code-era restrictions. But does this Howard Hawks movie pass the Howard Hawks test? For all this and more, have a listen! Listen on LinkTree | Amazon | Spotify | iTunes | Podbean | YouTube | Listen Note | iHeartRadio | Pandora Follow Sordid Cinema on Twitter Follow Sordid Cinema on Facebook

The Suicide Squad Podcast Review This week on the Sordid Cinema Podcast, we discuss James Gunn's The Suicide Squad, a movie that's not only edgy, sharp, and funny but directed with so much style and verve, it's one of the most entertaining comic book movies ever made. With The Suicide Squad, Gunn shows that there are ways to keep things edgy while offering enough humor and action to reach a wide audience and unlike most blockbusters, everyone here is a huge fan including Patrick Murphy, who usually dislikes superhero films. In fact, we are such big fans, we all watched the movie twice this week and we're to tell you who our favourite characters are and explain why The Suicide Squad stands on its own in a way superhero movies often don't. All this and more! Listen on LinkTree | Amazon | Spotify | iTunes | Podbean | YouTube | Listen Note | iHeartRadio | Pandora Follow Sordid Cinema on Twitter Follow Sordid Cinema on Facebook

To Live and Die in L.A. Review We continue our informal, intermittent series on grimy cops vs crooks genre movies (see also: Drug War, King of New York, Hard Boiled) with William Friedkin's slick-but-gritty 1985 thriller To Live and Die in L.A. With its amoral characters, full-frontal nudity, and wildly epic car chase, this is one we (mostly) find lots to rave about.  Listen on LinkTree | Amazon | Spotify | iTunes | Podbean | YouTube | Listen Note | iHeartRadio | Pandora Follow Sordid Cinema on Twitter

It shouldn't come as a surprise that Old, the latest thriller from the endlessly inventive — if not always successful — director M. Night Shyamalan, has critics divided. Some argue the film features an intriguing concept, but its execution is extremely flawed. Others call it an entertaining thought exercise from one of Hollywood's most invigorating filmmakers that is never, not fun. Love him or hate him, as cinephiles, we can at least admire how Shyamalan has adjusted to the ebb and flow of his career by self-financing when the money isn't there. Old is in every respect, an M. Night film— written, directed, funded, and produced by the man himself— and that folks, is enough reason to spend 60 minutes discussing the movie, even if some of us absolutely hate it.

Psycho III Review Reviving Norman Bates for the decade of slasher movies was a no-brainer, but Psycho II dove too deep into irrelevant lore and forgot about the fun. Thankfully, director and star Anthony Perkins righted the wrongs of Norman's past with the wickedly entertaining Psycho III, an overlooked gem lost in a sea of sequel apathy. Artful filmmaking, economical storytelling, a talented cast, and a wonderful lead performance don't care that movies with the number three in the title aren't supposed to be good. Psycho III might not live up to the legendary reputation of Hitchcock's masterpiece, but it's a genuinely fascinating look at an iconic character from the man who knew him best. It's also a solid slasher flick with a dark sense of humor . This week, Rick, Simon, and Patrick don't make the same mistake 80s audiences did — we spend a night at the Bates Motel, soaking in all the weirdness. Topics up for discussion include brilliant callbacks, creative transitions, the burden of predecessors, bloody ice cubes, and very well-placed lamps. Sure, there's one scene most of us would change (exposition dump), but so much more we'd keep preserved like a stuffed bird. For all this and more, have a listen! Listen on LinkTree | Amazon | Spotify | iTunes | Podbean | YouTube | Listen Note | iHeartRadio | Pandora Follow Sordid Cinema on Twitter

A Quiet Place: Part II Review New movie! Remember new movies? Those still come out on occasion. Simon decided it was time to treat the Sordid Cinema audience to something a little more contemporary than usual, so it's time to dissect John Krasinski's A Quiet Place: Part II, which swaps out Office Jim in favor of a very haunted Cillian Murphy. We take this as an opportunity to look at the Quiet Place Cinematic Universe and ponder its future as one of the few major movie series (soon to have its own spinoff!) to not be based on pre-existing intellectual property. Also discussed: the influence of video games, the blessing of short runtimes, and the enduring appeal of family stories set in apocalyptic hellscapes. Listen on LinkTree | Amazon | Spotify | iTunes | Podbean | YouTube | Listen Note | iHeartRadio | Pandora Follow Sordid Cinema on Twitter

Sleepaway Camp Review This week on the Sordid Cinema Podcast, Ricky D, Patrick Murphy, and Simon Howell travel back to 1983 and review Richard Hiltzik's deeply gay-coded Sleepaway Camp. The crew discusses the many different interpretations of the film and breaks down the very famous theory citing two killers, not one. Meanwhile, Ricky explains why Ricky is one of his all-time favourite characters in a slasher film. Of course, we couldn't review the seminal 80s classic without addressing the controversial, shocking, and some would say brilliant twist ending. All this and more! Listen on LinkTree | Amazon | Spotify | iTunes | Podbean | YouTube | Listen Note | iHeartRadio | Pandora Follow Sordid Cinema on Twitter

Babe: Pig in the City Podcast Review Originally dismissed by most critics and audiences as too dour and scary for children, George Miller's Babe: Pig in the City holds up today as a beautiful, haunting portrait of the toll an urban existence can take on both human and hog. This week, the Sordid Cinema Podcast dives into the anachronistic, unwelcoming canals of this fantastical Metropolis, looking for a little decency in a cinematic world of cynicism. Join Rick, Simon, and Patrick as we break down Babe's almost-certain annihilation at the hands of a pit bull, marvel at the incredible effects and ability of the star animals to hit their marks, and have a good laugh at Ferdinand the Duck's expense. So what exactly is ‘sordid' about Babe: Pig in the City? One of our hosts was (at first) asking that same question – until a certain stretch where George Miller puts audiences through the emotional wringer. Though the story revolves around a talking sheep-pig on a wholesome mission to save his farm, there are moments of dread, suspense, action, and horror as a little pig's innocence and empathy are tested. There is also a bizarre cameo by Mickey Rooney, a drug bust at an airport, a Thunderdome-like ballroom sequence, and a monkey with a gun. Thank you, Pig, for delivering this crazy feast for the eyes and ears, and for more on Babe: Pig in the City, have a listen! Listen on LinkTree | Amazon | Spotify | iTunes | Podbean | YouTube | Listen Note | iHeartRadio | Pandora Follow Sordid Cinema on Twitter

Terminator 2 Review In 1984, director James Cameron created the Terminator franchise. His film of the same name explored a war between humanity and sentient machines, in which victory could only be assured by sending a naked bodybuilder back in time. Seven years later, he returned with Terminator 2: Judgement Day, replacing the original film's lean, gritty action with the pyrotechnics of a swollen Meatloaf video. On episode #120 of the Sordid Cinema Podcast, the Sordid Cinema crew reviewed the entire grim sci-fi action series powered by the uncanny casting of Austrian muscleman Arnold Schwarzenegger as an unstoppable, monotonous killing machine. What follows is the portion of that episode in which we reviewed Terminator 2 just months before Cameron made his return to the big screen with his long-awaited return to sci-fi, Avatar. Present on this episode is hosts Ricky D, Simon Howell, Al Kratina, and Ali McKinnon. Enjoy! Listen on LinkTree | Amazon | Spotify | iTunes | Podbean | YouTube | Listen Note | iHeartRadio | Pandora Follow Sordid Cinema on Twitter

Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning Review   When is a direct-to-video beat-'em-up also a brutally dark meditation on mortality, identity, and the cyclical nature of violence? When it's John Hyams' Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning! This hyperviolent action-horror-sci-fi hybrid divides us: is it a schlocky Z-grade knockoff or a compelling concoction all its own? The always-welcome JCVD and Dolph Lundgren are along for the ride as we hash it out.  Listen on LinkTree | Amazon | Spotify | iTunes | Podbean | YouTube | Listen Note | iHeartRadio | Pandora Follow Sordid Cinema on Twitter

The Cable Guy Review He came…He saw…He tormented… There are plenty of overnight success stories in Hollywood, but none quite like Jim Carey's rise to fame. After a stint on In Living Color, Carey transitioned to the big screen with Ace Ventura, which became a sleeper hit in the spring of 1994, grossing more than $100 million on a $15 million budget. Carrey followed that up with blockbusters like The Mask, Dumb and Dumber, Batman Forever, and Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls— all within a span of two years, helping him become the biggest box office draw in Hollywood. From there, the rubber-faced comic was hired to star in the 1996 black comedy The Cable Guy directed by Ben Stiller and co-starring Matthew Broderick, Leslie Mann, Jack Black. The film opened to a respectable $20 million but ultimately became a box office bomb, weighed down by toxic word of mouth from critics who called it a complete misfire. The bigger story, however, was how much money Carey was paid— the actor received $20 million from Columbia Pictures, as well as a 15% backend, and critics couldn't wrap their head around why a studio would pay so much for any actor to star in a comedy. 25 years later, however, The Cable Guy has found a huge cult following and is now considered one of the best dark comedies of its time— a multi-faceted parody built around a multitude of movie and television-inspired set pieces and references along with an incredible performance by Jim Carey. And not only was The Cable Guy slightly ahead of its time, with its prophetic look on the future and the internet at large— but The Cable Guy was arguably the flashpoint for the next big generation of comedy, paving the way for the next generation of comedies. On this episode on the Sordid Cinema Podcast, we dive deep into what makes the film special, even after all these years. Listen on LinkTree | Amazon | Spotify | iTunes | Podbean | YouTube | Listen Note | iHeartRadio | Pandora Follow Sordid Cinema on Twitter

Powerful organizations shrouded in secrecy, pulling strings from the shadows, snuffing out all who would dare expose the truth to an unsuspecting populace… It's hard not to love conspiracy thrillers, and 1970s movie theaters were chock full of them. This week, the Sordid Cinema crew is taking a look at one of the best, the second in director Alan Pakula's ‘Paranoia' trilogy, The Parallax View. Clearly taking inspiration from real-life political assassinations, the story features an intrepid reporter investigating a shadowy corporation that appears to be recruiting and training deadly operatives to ‘remove' political obstacles. But don't worry about getting bogged down in plot details — there are too many car chases, bar fights, bomb threats, and boat explosions to distract from what's really happening. Join Rick, Simon, and Patrick as they explain just what makes The Parallax View such a solid thriller, including the masterful cinematography, excellent staging, and overall likability of star Warren Beatty (even if someone thinks he should have been replaced). But can you trust a film that doesn't answer all the questions? We may never know exactly what's goin on, but there's a lot of fun in trying to figure it out. For all this and more, have a listen! Listen on LinkTree | Amazon | Spotify | iTunes | Podbean | YouTube | Listen Note | iHeartRadio | Pandora Follow Sordid Cinema on Twitter

Drug War (2012) Review Do you love crime movies but wish they'd just jettison all that junk you don't really need? You know, love interests? Backstories? Metaphors? Who needs 'em? Johnnie To sure didn't when he put together 2013's grim, single-minded Drug War, a movie all three of us found something (or several somethings) to enthuse about. We get into Chinese politics, the (possible) effects of snorting heroin, and consider it as the dark, lower-key anti-mirror of John Woo's Hard Boiled. Listen on LinkTree | Amazon | Spotify | iTunes | Podbean | YouTube | Listen Note | iHeartRadio | Pandora Follow Sordid Cinema on Twitter

Raiders of the Lost Arc Review It's a movie celebrating how they used to make 'em — and yet, they don't make 'em like Raiders of the Lost Ark anymore. Steven Spielberg's action masterpiece has aged easily as well as the most valuable cinematic artifacts, showcasing the thrilling combination of a brisk script, daring stunt work, and crisp staging. Oh, and can we forget Harrison Ford's iconic portrayal of Indiana Jones? Good luck to the next guy who tries to don the fedora. Yes, it's a film filled to the brim with excellence, from Douglas Slocombe's searing desert cinematography to Karen Allen's turn as a feisty boozer with a mean right fist to whoever was in charge of those melting/exploding Nazi heads. This week sees Rick, Simon, and Patrick put Indy through the wringer once again, as we take a look at what makes Raiders of the Lost Ark so great. Turns out that giant boulder booby traps, ancient tombs filled with deadly snakes, and 1920s circus strong men are just a small part of it. And how does the story structure compare to the James Bond franchise? What are our favorite moments? How can one possibly pick an MVP from such a sterling list of contributors? What — if any — changes would we make to Indiana Jones' greatest adventure? For all this and more (including finding out which one of us nerds still has an original action figure), have a listen!

Super 8 Review After a year of anticipation through teasers, images, and speculation, J. J. Abrams's third feature Super 8 (featuring his first original screenplay) was released in 2011 to much an overwhelming amount of hype. Fans expected big things while critics seemed out to tear it apart— and it didn't take long before the film became a source of fierce debate. In episode #276 of the Sordid Cinema Podcast (then called Sound On Sight) Ricky D, Justine Smith and Simon Howell sat down to discuss the sci-fi thriller and settle the score. Or at least they tried. What follows is our review of Super 8 recorded way back on June 11, 2011.  

Mission: Impossible 1996 Film Review The Mission: Impossible franchise may be more known today for its death-defying stunts and blistering action, but director Brian De Palma brought different sensibilities to the very first production of this longstanding Tom Cruise vehicle. 1996’s Mission: Impossible is a visually breathtaking ode to filmmaking skill over filmmaking spectacle, a spy thriller that eschews bullet fights and car chases for actual sneaking around. Cat-and-mouse surveillance, tense conversations, and hanging from wires are where most of the excitement lies (at least until the mask comes off at the end, revealing the summer blockbuster beneath). At the 25th anniversary of the film that kicked off a billion-dollar franchise, Rick, Simon, and Patrick weigh in on the dense script, enjoy the stylish Dutch angles and diopter lenses, and debate just who was most responsible for making this film a success. Is this entry really so different from those that followed? How is the franchise doing as a whole? And where does the original Mission: Impossible rank among its sequels? For all this and more, have a listen! Listen on LinkTree | Amazon | Spotify | iTunes | Podbean | YouTube | Listen Note | iHeartRadio | Pandora Follow Sordid Cinema on Twitter  

Hard Boiled Review This week on Sordid Cinema, we travel back to 1992, and for the first time ever on the podcast, we sit down to review a John Woo film. And not just any John Woo film, but arguably one of the single greatest action movies of all time. It’s one of Woo’s masterpieces and along with A Better Tomorrow, The Killer, and Bullet in the Head, it helped revolutionize Hong Kong action cinema! That’s right folks, we finally get around to discussing the effortlessly cool Hard Boiled. It’s safe to say, Hard Boiled is a masterpiece of action filmmaking and the ultimate expression of everything Woo became famous for. It’s perhaps the granddaddy of a genre once known as Heroic Bloodshed (a term invented by Rick Baker) and it boasts one of the greatest set-pieces ever put to celluloid— a legendary explosion of gunfire and pyrotechnics that takes up the film’s final hour. In this episode, we break down all three major action set-pieces, from the opening tea house sequence which features two iconic shots of Chow Yun Fat to the warehouse raid where Johnny Wong seizes control of the Triad gangs, and to the climactic siege on a hospital involving hundreds of extras including a dozen or so newborns trying to escape while the building around them goes up in flames. Expect to hear us gush over Woo’s direction, the movie’s famous unbroken three-minute tracking shot, Michael Gibbs soundtrack, and of course, the stellar performances from Tony Leung, Chow Yun Fat, and Philip Kwok as the eyepatch-wearing maniac Mad Dog, who’s acting and stunt work, often is overshadowed by his co-stars. Sit back, relax and get ready for a wild ride. This might be the most action-packed episode of the Sordid Cinema Podcast yet! Listen on LinkTree | Amazon | Spotify | iTunes | Podbean | YouTube | Listen Note | iHeartRadio | Pandora Follow Sordid Cinema on Twitter

Point Blank (1967) Review Way back on episode 126 of the Sordid Cinema Podcast, we reviewed John Boorman’s gritty, raw crime drama Point Blank, featuring superb performances by Lee Marvin and Angie Dickinson. The 1967 thriller combines elements of film noir with stylistic touches of the European nouvelle vague and features a fractured timeline (similar to the novel’s non-linear structure), disconcerting narrative rhythms, and a carefully calculated use of film space. Discussing the film is Ricky D, Simon Howell and former co-host, Ali McKinnon.

Black Coal, Thin Ice Review For our first non-English feature in a minute, we take a trip to Heilongjiang Province to dissect Black Coal, Thin Ice, Diao Yinan’s grim 2014 neo-noir. (Its successor, the more widely-seen The Wild Goose Lake, may, or may not be the subject of a future Sordid episode.) We get a little lost in the film’s dense and troubling plot, neon cityscapes, and many acts of cruelty and malice. But hey, at least there are fireworks! Listen on LinkTree | Amazon | Spotify | iTunes | Podbean | YouTube | Listen Note | iHeartRadio | Pandora Follow Sordid Cinema on Twitter

The legend of King Arthur has never been lacking in cinematic retellings, but none can compare to John Boorman’s gorgeous and thematically faithful Excalibur. From the vast and tangled web of source material, the director of Point Blank and Deliverance distills the epic myth down to iconic imagery backed by theatrical performances from young actors destined to be stars. This week the Sordid Cinema Podcast discusses the fantastic (and fantastical) filmmaking, dives into the lore, and admires the vision of clunky knights and a wily wizard, all bound together by primeval landscapes and a magical sword. Join Rick, Simon, and Patrick as they debate the effectiveness of green lighting and ADR, compare Excalibur to another movie involving a quest for the Holy Grail, enjoy Nicol Williamson’s sly (and often hilarious) turn as Merlin, mourn the character of Gawain, and show off their knowledge of one of the most famous tales ever told. Whether you think it’s glorious or a little goofy, there’s plenty to love about Excalibur, so have a listen! Listen on LinkTree | Amazon | Spotify | iTunes | Podbean | YouTube | Listen Note | iHeartRadio | Pandora Follow Sordid Cinema on Twitter

White Men Can’t Jump Review In 1992, Ron Shelton wrote and directed one of the greatest sports movies of all time starring a then relatively unknown Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrleslon who was previously only known for his work as the fifth lead in the popular sitcom, Cheers. On paper, White Men Can’t Jump shouldn’t have been a hit considering the lack of star power and the fact that the first 20 minutes of the movie revolves around a pickup outdoor basketball game— and yet, this unconventional sports movie became a box office success and helped popularize street ball across North America. There hasn’t been a sports film quite like it since. This week on the Sordid Cinema podcast, we dive deep into the cult classic and discuss why the movie is just as much about the art of jive as it is about basketball and why this exuberant romantic comedy is as smart about playground basketball as Bull Durham was about minor league baseball. Listen on LinkTree | Amazon | Spotify | iTunes | Podbean | YouTube | Listen Note | iHeartRadio | Pandora Follow Sordid Cinema on Twitter  

Ravenous (1999) Review In one of our most spirited episodes in recent memory, the gang unites with guest Mike Worby to sing the praises of Antonia Bird’s gonzo 1999 cannibal shocker Ravenous. Is it a horror movie, a western, a cannibalism drama, a homoerotic fable, a survival story, a historical epic, a black comedy, or a satire? The answer is yes. Also: lots of talk about Michael Nyman and Damon Albarn’s oddball score, the brilliant cast, Robert Carlyle’s demonic antics, and how to sell your friends on this one-of-a-kind movie.

The Guest Review Way back in 2014, we sat down to discuss The Guest, a pretty crafty genre pastiche written by Simon Barrett and directed by Adam Wingard of You’re Next fame. The film follows a soldier who introduces himself to the Peterson family, claiming to be a friend of their son who died in action. After the young man is welcomed into their home, a series of accidental deaths seem to be connected to his presence leaving everyone questioning who he really is. Joining us for this review was Sound On Sight’s then managing editor, Deepayan Sengupta.

Max Max and The Road Warrior The release of Mad Max: Fury Road, George Miller’s triumphant return to the franchise he created 36 years prior (!), prompted us to record a two-part extravaganza devoted to Miller’s series of post-apocalyptic thrillers. We get to Fury Road in the second half of this special; for now, former co-host Edgar Chaput rejoined us to discuss the original Mad Max, as well as its significantly more financially impactful sequel, 1981’s The Road Warrior. Listen on LinkTree | Amazon | Spotify | iTunes | Podbean | YouTube | Listen Note | iHeartRadio | Pandora Follow Sordid Cinema on Twitter

Apocalypto Review This week the Sordid Cinema Podcast gets to the (ahem) heart of what makes Mel Gibson’s 2006 action-epic, Apocalypto, still such a thrilling watch. The simple story of a Mayan villager brutally kidnapped in order to be ritually sacrificed to appease the gods, who then escapes and must race home to retrieve his expectant wife and child from a flooding well, is filled with period detail, cruel violence, and intense action. Sure, there was a bit of controversy upon the film’s release [see: Mel Gibson], and debate about the authenticity of the depiction of the Mayan civilization, but Apocalypto also went on to win praise from the likes of Martin Scorsese, Quentin Tarantino, and Spike Lee, among others. But it’s not all tapir-testicle-eating fun. Join Rick, Simon, and Patrick as they muse on the merits of Gibson’s direction, debate the clarity of the film’s messages, praise numerous performances as MVP-worthy, and touch on how the film relates to the rest of Gibson’s filmography. It’s a show packed with discussion about creepy little-girl prophets, similarities to The Passion of the Christ, and creative names for female characters. For all this and more, have a listen! Listen on LinkTree | Amazon | Spotify | iTunes | Podbean | YouTube | Listen Note | iHeartRadio | Pandora Follow Sordid Cinema on Twitter

Abel Ferrara’s King of New York wasn’t a hit with most critics back at the time of its release, but over the years it has gained a loyal, cult following and is now considered by many, one of the best gangster films of the ‘90s. Not only was the film a significant turning point in the director’s oeuvre but it helped launch the career of Christopher Walken, David Caruso, and Laurence Fishburne. This week on the Sordid Cinema podcast, we discuss the hard-edged crime thriller along with Ferrara’s career and why King of New York stands the test of time. All this and more! Listen on LinkTree | Amazon | Spotify | iTunes | Podbean | YouTube | Listen Note | iHeartRadio | Pandora  

Modern thrillers getting you down? Head back to the late 1970s and indulge in Daryl Duke’s The Silent Partner, a nasty, funny neo-noir driven by Elliott Gould and Christopher Plummer’s deadly game of cat and mouse. Loaded with gags, twists, and tons of real Toronto landmarks, the film was a critical and commercial hit at the time, but has since evolved into a cult item beloved by critics and connoisseurs of edgy Canadiana. Ricky, Simon, and Patrick offer their perspectives on the twisted characters and ponder how 21st-century audiences might take to this brutal-but-hilarious caper.