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Jay and Mark are joined by Zanandi (@ZaNandi on Twitter) to discuss the second chapter of the Deep Blue Sea 2 DVD. This is a wonderful chapter as we get an all-timer Deep Blue Sea quote, and get to meet the majority of the film’s cast. In this episode, they discussing joy swimming, yellow ties, and Traitor Slent. Enjoy!
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The Movies, Films and Flix Podcast – Episode 354 – My Best Friend’s Wedding, Bad Karaoke, and Good Romantic Comedies
You can download or stream the pod on Apple Podcasts, Tune In, Podbean, or Spreaker (or wherever you listen to podcasts…..we’re almost everywhere).
If you get a chance please make sure to review, rate and share. You are awesome!
Mark and Erik discuss the 1997 romantic comedy My Best Friend’s Wedding. Directed by P.J. Hogan, and starring Julia Roberts, Cameron Diaz, Rupert Everett and Dermot Mulroney, the film focuses on what happens when a food critic attempts to sabotage her best friend’s wedding (lots of cheeky or shenanigans). In this episode, they talk about Julia Roberts huge run in the 1990s, bad karaoke, and good romantic comedies. Enjoy!
If you are a fan of the podcast, make sure to send in some random listener questions so we can do our best to not answer them correctly. We thank you for listening, and hope you enjoy the episode!
You can download the pod on Apple Podcasts, Tune In, Podbean, or Spreaker.
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John’s Horror Corner: Willy’s Wonderland (2021), a Nic Cage horror-comedy… what else did you need to know?
MY CALL: This movie is far from amazing and, frankly, ranks well below the likes of Cage’s most recent (and clearly higher budget) horror endeavors (Mandy, The Color Out of Space). But this movie certainly has its place, and it knows exactly what it is. And what it is, is a playful yet mean, brutal yet laughably fun B-movie romp. And it does a great job of that. MORE MOVIES LIKE Willy’s Wonderland: The most similar film on the market would probably be The Banana Splits (2019). If you find you need more Nic Cage horror in your life, then you should turn to Mandy (2018; podcast discussion) and The Color Out of Space (2019).
In case my review leaves you on the fence about this film, please check out Mark’s review of and podcast discussion of Willy’s Wonderland.
There are certain words that never cross my mind when considering films starring Nic Cage—reasonable, grounded and rational fall firmly in this category. Yet this is as close as I’ve ever seen him come to it. As soon as we meet Cage’s antihero, it becomes abundantly clear that his character’s complete dialogue-less silence was a part of the elevator pitch of this movie.
After blowing out four tires and lacking the cash to pay for the repairs, our quiet drifter (Cage) agrees to spend the night cleaning the Chucky Cheese knock-off Wally’s Wonderland. That very night, a group of twentysomethings intend to burn down the malevolent party venue to end their local town curse.
Director Kevin Lewis lets you know exactly what this film is right away. The locals are bringing a drifter to Wally’s to die, presumably as some sort of sacrifice, to the hands of animatronic characters that start moving on their own almost as soon as we see them. We are informed that these demonic entertainers have claimed many lives over the years. But this drifter won’t be the next!
The violent action would only be passable were it not for Cage’s trademark manic demeanor. That’s the delicious icing on an otherwise plain but serviceable cake. He frenzies like a shark in bloodied water and flails Ozzy the Ostrich like a Tasmanian Devil in a kumite death match, even tearing out its oily dripping robotic spine! And then… he calmly bags it with the rest of the trash, changes his shirt and drinks a soda. Mr. Cage, like your famous movie, sir, you are a national treasure.
The splatter violence includes a prison style curb stomp, but other death scenes are totally phoned in. Put simply, when Cage is doing the killing it’s a lot more fun to watch. And when he’s not… it’s not. But at least they’re all blood-dousing deaths.
This movie is far from amazing and, frankly, ranks well below the likes of Cage’s recent (and clearly higher budget) horror endeavors (Mandy, The Color Out of Space). But this movie certainly has its place, and it knows exactly what it is. And what it is, is a playful yet mean, brutal yet laughable B-movie romp. And it does a great job of that. Really, I’m not sure it would work a fraction as well without Cage.
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John’s Horror Corner: Death-scort Service (2015), the ultra-sleazy X-rated horror I accidentally watched.
MY CALL: This was… an experience. And it’s an experience not meant for the masses. I often found myself not believing what I was watching! Like, it’s not porn… but it’s porn. MORE MOVIES LIKE Death-scort Service: Not sure. But I’d guess more films by the same director. There are apparently two sequels (2017, 2018).
Co-writer and director Sean Donohue (Die Die Delta Pie, Naked Cannibal Campers) has made a movie that makes sure you are well-aware that it knows exactly what is: gory smutty porny nonsense. Yes, this is an incredibly smutty film. But I’m somehow a tad impressed, even if also a bit embarrassed to admit I’ve watched it—and I am not afraid to admit to owning two Human Centipede films (which are, no joke, like Disney films compared to this). With a budget of $1500, it fairs better than numerous horror films with literally 10-50 times its budget.
Let’s be honest, as an adult I really disfavor smutty horror these days. But this one feels like a puberty time capsule. This is exactly what I was hoping to rent from Blockbuster based on a risqué VHS box in the early 90s. Why? Because back then I really wanted to see boobs or learn more about sex and very few people I knew had a computer. So when this movie opens with an extra-long (extremely Penthouse forum-ish) shower scene, all I can think is “this would mesmerize 12-year-old me.” And what this offers that Playboy does not is naked women doused in blood in a Psycho (1960) death scene homage… if that’s your thing. But if you’ve read this far, it just might be. Or maybe you’re just baffled by what I’m writing right now.
Make no mistake, this movie has loads of shower scenes and full-frontal nudity (including elderly male). But sometimes I also feel like I have a view directly to women’s internal organs! I’m not exaggerating. This should clearly be rated X and not just NC-17… because you see a lot! If you couldn’t get to the all-nude strip club because of COVID, then this movie might be the next best thing. Not sure what to call this… softcore horror porn maybe? I mean, the death scenes even wander into the pornographic zone and basically nothing was this pornographic in any horror section of any video store that I’m aware (unless you were in an Adult Video Store). This is like a porn-LITE parody of a horror movie without the parody.
To this film’s credit, it tries really hard with some of these gory death scenes. One featured the victim pulling on her own guts (that appeared to be gelatinous animal fat and animal livers); another power-drilled a woman in the head; there was a perversely mean death by violent penetration; our killer forms a face from lacerated bits of the victims; and there’s some just plain mean sexual mutilation. I feel I might be seeing some mild influence from Maniac (1980) here.
Most of you are likely wondering how I even came to watch this. So my recommendation is that you know who you are and if this is for you. There’s no convincing with a film like this. You’re either titillated that this was even made, or disgusted by existence. Choose your side.
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John’s Horror Corner: The Dark and the Wicked (2020), a chilling and unforgiving account of mortals exposed to primordial evil.
MY CALL: This most impressive film boasts outstanding writing, filmmaking and performances. Chillingly unforgiving, it begins with an unnerving tension that never loosens its grip. For a film with so little say, it leaves me stunned. This movie doesn’t spare anyone. Not the elderly, the devout, the innocent, or the young. It has no moral, no allegory, no hidden meaning, and no special message. Just raw, unadulterated horror befalling no one who deserved it. Expect to be impressed… and drained. MORE MOVIES LIKE The Dark and the Wicked: Looking for more horrifying family therapy sessions, try Frailty (2001), Goodnight Mommy (2014), The Visit (2015), Get Out (2017), Hereditary (2018), Us (2019), The Lodge (2019) or Midsommar (2019).
This is one of those film’s I’d probably have never were it not for the recommendation of Mark Hofmeyer, who turned me to the likewise unforgiving film The Blackcoat’s Daughter (2015; podcast discussion).
From its dawning scenes, this film casts a quietly threatening atmosphere as we observe a day in the life of a farmer’s wife, and one of the final days of the ill farmer (Michael Zagst). The drab palette of the chilly bleak setting complements shots of the ominous night unnerving a barned goat herd. Something is clearly amiss. This is a feeling you’ll find inescapable throughout this film, from very beginning to very end.
Moving to the house as the adult children of the home-hospiced patriarch arrive, there is something wrong with Mother (Julie Oliver-Touchstone; Preacher, Blood Suckers from Outer Space). She urges her children to leave, that they don’t understand, that she doesn’t need them… but her claims clearly shroud some dark secret truth. Siblings Louise (Marin Ireland; The Empty Man) and Michael (Michael Abbott Jr.; Hell House) soon come to learn more about their mother’s strange behavior, and stay to tend to their father on the remote rural farm. There are some truly gorgeous shots in this film. It’s bleak… but the camera certainly found beauty in the sunsets silhouetted by the ranch’s black edges.
The household carries a less in-you-face Paranormal Activity (2007)–Poltergeist (1982) meets Insidious(2010) vibe. Their haunting develops from subtly shifting objects to disturbing waking visions. But the discovery of their mother’s journal brings with it dark revelations. As most haunting films tend to wander into over-the-top theatrics with gore or jump scares, this film remains more subdued. This lighter touch makes its presentation more grounded, but more calmly disturbing. And disturbing they are.
I am not easily shocked. But the kitchen scene had me reeling and yelling at my television—just brutal! I’d also warn of the suicide scenes (yes, plural), one of which being notably more graphic than the others. And let’s also issue a general warning about knitting needles. Dastardly things, they are! Considering the obvious supernatural nature of this film, its execution of violence is often rather unsensationalized. But it will disturb you no less for it.
Viewers will find nothing explained in this story. We don’t learn any whys or hows to the maladies that have stricken this family. Essentially this film chronicles an example of a mortal brush with true evil. But primordial evil is not meant to be understood… it is only to be feared.
This was a solid film with outstanding writing, filmmaking and performances across the board. It begins with an unnerving tension that never loosens its grip until the credits. For a film with so little say, it leaves me stunned. Writer and director Bryan Bertino (Mockingbird, The Monster, The Strangers) has birthed something chillingly unforgiving. This movie doesn’t spare anyone. Not the elderly, the devout, the innocent, or the young. It has no moral, no allegory, no hidden meaning, and no message. Just raw, unadulterated horror befalling no one who deserved it.
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The Movies, Films and Flix Podcast – Episode 353: Dawn of the Dead, Zack Snyder, and Excellent Remakes
You can download or stream the pod on Apple Podcasts, Tune In, Podbean, or Spreaker (or wherever you listen to podcasts…..we’re almost everywhere).
If you get a chance please make sure to review, rate and share. You are awesome!
Mark and Doug discuss the Zack Snyder directed Dawn of the Dead. Released in 2004, this excellent remake was written by James Gunn and features fun performances from Sarah Polley, Ving Rhames, Jake Weber and Ty Burrell. In this episode, they discuss fast zombies, Richard Cheese and what makes this remake work. Enjoy!
If you are a fan of the podcast, make sure to send in some random listener questions so we can do our best to not answer them correctly. We thank you for listening, and hope you enjoy the episode!
You can download the pod on Apple Podcasts, Tune In, Podbean, or Spreaker.
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You can listen to Deep Blue Sea – The Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spreaker, Spotify, Tunein, Podcast Addict, Amazon, Google Podcasts, and everywhere else you listen to podcasts. Also, make sure to like our Facebook page!
Please make sure to rate, review, share, and subscribe!
Jay and Mark are joined by returning guest Nick Rehak (@TheRehak on Twitter) to begin their 11 chapter exploration of Deep Blue Sea 2. In this episode, they discuss The Aquabats, The Truman Show, and Trent Slater/Slater Trent. Enjoy!
If you haven’t watched Deep Blue Sea 2 yet, it’s cool. These episodes are loaded with a lot of insanity and fun. You’ll love it, even if you haven’t watched it.
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The Falcon and the Winter Soldier – First Episode Review
After Avengers: Endgame went epic, and WandaVision got weird (which I loved), it’s nice to see an MCU show that features human-scale action and small(ish) stakes again. It’s hard to get a read on the show because only the first episode of The Falcon the Winter Soldier was available for critics. However, the first episode promises expensive action scenes, human drama, and hopefully zero world-ending snaps.
I’m going to share some non-spoiler thoughts about what I liked about the first episode. This will prevent any spoilers, and hopefully not wreck any surprises that the first episode has in store.
- It’s nice seeing Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) having a personality again. Sure, he’s tortured because he’s been a killing machine for decades, but, he reads as human again. It’s cool.
- The opening action scene is massive, but, it isn’t GIGANTIC. I’s nice watching humans battle each other.
- Anthony Mackie is an excellent actor, and it’s refreshing watching him do more than be Captain America’s second-in-command. It’s neat seeing him figuring out his role in a post Avengers: Endgame world.
- Also, since Sam Wilson is a human, the action is much more grounded and “realistic.” It’s refreshing knowing that Sam can be killed by ordinary means. It adds a more dangerous feel to the ludicrous action scenes.
- The new supporting characters are fun. New blood is always welcome.
- Bucky Barnes can put down some beer.
- I love a good Lucky Cat bit
- Bucky Barnes tells jokes
The biggest hope for the six-episode show is that it isn’t weighed down by fan theories, and that it stays somewhat grounded in the way that Iron Man, Ant-Man and Captain America: Winter Soldier were. The first episode gives me hope!
Let me know what you thought about the first episode in the comments.
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John’s Horror Corner: Dead Silence (2007), James Wan’s jumpy-fun killer ventriloquist flick.
MY CALL: Often regarded as silly or even bad, I feel this film gets a bad rap for the wrong reasons. It’s quietly creeper with the occasional jumpscare and shocking gore gag. Nothing high brow to be found here. But it’s still a damn fun movie! Strong recommendations for a fun Friday night popcorn flick. MORE MOVIES LIKE Dead Silence: Well, for more ventriloquism in horror, check out Magic (1978), Tales from the Crypt S2 “The Ventriloquist’s Dummy”(1990) and that police station scene from Killer Klowns from Outer Space (1988).
Shortly after the mysterious delivery of an unnerving antique ventriloquist dummy, Jamie (Ryan Kwanten; Flight 7500, True Blood) finds his wife (Laura Regan; They, Hollow Man II) horrifically murdered with her disturbingly disfigured face reminiscent of such horrors as Mirrors (2008) or The Ring (2002). Recalling the local folklore of his childhood—Mary Shaw, a ghastly old woman who obsessed over her dolls and ventriloquist dummies—Jamie returns to his hometown of Raven’s Fair to try and solve his wife’s murder. Meanwhile Detective Lipton (Donnie Wahlberg; Dreamcatcher, Saw 2-4) stays close behind with Jamie as the top suspect of the murder.
To fill in the gaps of the local history, Jamie visits his father (Bob Gunton; Bats, The Shawshank Redemption) and stepmother Ella (Amber Valletta; What Lies Beneath, Premonition, Gamer). Truly the stuff of folklore, Mary Shaw (Judith Roberts; Eraserhead, Death Sentence) and the townspeople of Raven’s fair have a story like Freddy Krueger and the parents and teenagers of Springwood. This film holds up really well and, despite its slower pacing, it remains interesting enough during it slow points to keep my attention. This is especially aided by the on-screen dynamic between Kwanten and Wahlberg, and the curious relationship between Jamie’s father and stepmother.
The gore is not so abundant since this is not a body count style horror, but more a jumpy scary popcorn flick. But what gore we do see is jolting. These slack-jawed deathly images are meant to disturb, and they succeed! Director James Wan (Saw, Insidious 1-2, The Conjuring 1-2) and his co-writer Leigh Whannell (Saw 1-3, Insidious 1-4, Cooties, Upgrade, The Invisible Man) are regarded as modern horror visionaries, and we can see them finding their quiet footing in Raven’s Fair. You’ll definitely find the DNA of Saw (2004) and The Conjuring (2013) series here.
Employing silence in horror is a common filmmaking tool. However, Wan gives an other-worldly twist to this device as his characters react to the unnatural silencing of everyday sounds in an almost meta aspect. Other tropes such as the “horror drag” or dolls that only move when unobserved are played wisely and blatantly for thrills. Because that’s what this movie is: a dreadful carnival ride with the occasional fun thrill. Some imagery could almost be considered hokey were it not so harrowingly presented. Capturing this style and pseudo-fantasy atmosphere most recently was the wraparound story from The Mortuary Collection (2019) and NOS4A2 (2019-2020).
Often regarded as silly or even bad, I feel this film gets a bad rap for the wrong reasons. It’s supposed to be a quiet creeper with the occasional jumpscare and gory shock gag. There’s no reason to think this was being passed as high brow film. But it’s still good filmmaking and a damn fun movie! Strong recommendations for a fun Friday night popcorn flick.
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The Wolf of Snow Hollow – A Wildly Enjoyable Film That Brings Something New to the Horror Genre
Quick Thoughts: The Wolf of Snow Hollow is an refreshingly alive comedy/drama/horror film from the mind of director/writer/producer/star Jim Cummings. If you’re looking for a unique experience, you should watch this movie.
The Wolf of Snow Hollow focuses on an incredibly angry Sheriff’s deputy named John Marshall (Cummings) investigating a string of murders in the small skiing town he lives in. Normally, investigating brutal murders would be stressful enough, but in true Jim Cummings fashion, there’s many more things annoying John. His father Sheriff Hadley (Robert Forster) has a heart murmur, his co-workers are convinced a werewolf is on the loose, and his relationship with his daughter is strained after a bad divorce and years of alcoholism have forced him to attend weekly Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. To make matters worse, pretty much everyone in the town needles John (including Ricky….), and he deals with the pressure and stress in wildly inappropriate ways that involve fist-fights, drinking, and choking medical examiners. Basically, he tries really hard, but he rarely tries to resist outbursts of anger.
The only sane person in his life is Officer Julia Robson (Riki Lindhome), a capable cop who single handedly keeps the small police department together – while none of her male coworkers notice. One of the pleasures of the movie is watching Office Robson deal with the locals and keep her cool when she finds herself in the middle of arguments between the idiot cops (check out the way she’s framed in the film). It doesn’t help that the killer leaves very little evidence (or do they?), and since the kills take place on backroads, the FBI won’t get involved because the murders didn’t take place on federal roads. Thus, a police department with an unhealthy sheriff, and unfocused, superstitious deputies who pretty much only write parking tickets, have to catch a serial killer.
What makes The Wolf of Snow Hollow so good is how it uses the horror genre to sneak in subplots about addiction, anger and grief. It’s an occasionally very funny experience that features a star making performance from Cummings (he is also excellent in Thunder Road). The movie goes places you’ll never see coming, and it does a solid job showing how anger can be passed down from parents to children. The film also rewards repeat viewings as there are blink-and-you’ll-miss-them moments involving John punching himself in face while leaving an AA meeting, or throwaway comments that are much deeper than they seem. If you are looking for an ingenious “horror” film that features fun twists and likable performances, you need to check out The Wolf of Snow Hollow.
Movies, Films & Flix 