Episode 46 – In Bruges

In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss 3D chess, karaoke, and hell as they review Martin McDonagh’s IN BRUGES. Andy lauds the movie’s writing, Stephanie wonders which Colin it is, and they both think that maaaaaybe Brendan Gleason has a death kink.

Reading Recommendations: IF CHINS COULD KILL, Bruce Campbell

Episode 45 – The Iron Giant

In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss Ted Hughes and 50’s nostalgia as they review Brad Byrd’s THE IRON GIANT. Andy talks Bill Clinton, Stephanie gives a mini-dissertation on the Red Panic/Space Race in children’s literature, and they both have a crush on Dean.

Reading Recommendations:
ARIEL, by Sylvia Plath

(sure fine okay also THE IRON GIANT, by Ted Hughes)

Episode 44 – The Adventures of Baron Munchausen

In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss the Pythons, Man of la Macha, and wasted film as they review Terry Gilliam’s The Adventures of Baron Munchausen. Andy hates Robin Williams for once, Stephanie gets up to make a sammich, and they both hate this movie.

Reading Recommendations: Big Fish, by David Wallace

Episode 43 – Mirrormask

In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss Gaimanisms, folklore, and the Hensons as they review Dave McKean’s MIRRORMASK. Andy gushes about McKean, Stephanie slips into the dark like a dark, unnoticeable slippy thing, and they both love the Very Useful Book.

Reading Recommendations:

National Geographic Article on the Death of Circuses and its counterargument by the Smithsonian

Episode 42 – They Live

In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss Reaganomics and the garbage fire of 2021 as they review John Carpenter’s THEY LIVE. Andy talks the art of black and white, Stephanie talks marketing, and they both are here to chew bubblegum and kick ass.

Reading Recommendations:

CAPITALIST REALISM, by Mark Fisher, an examination of hopelessness in the face of consumerism through pop-culture (from Children of Men to Wall-E), politics, and education.

Episode 41 – Super Troopers

In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss Carl’s Jr. and ACAB as they review SUPER TROOPERS. Andy discusses syrup logistics, Stephanie gives a feminist reading for something new and different, and they both are mad at a misuse of Wonder Woman.

Reading Recommendations:

The End of Policing by Alex Vitale – on the dramatic growth of police departments, and why present reform measures will not end police assaults and killing of unarmed Black people

Episode 40 – The Fifth Element

In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss opera aliens and Trope Salads as they review Luc Besson’s THE FIFTH ELEMENT. Andy tries to defend it, Stephanie points out the classism of this universe, and they both agree that THE MUMMY is the same movie but better.

Plus, The Diva dance scene

Episode 39 – The Faculty

In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss body snatching and Animorphs as they review Robert Rodriguez’s THE FACULTY. Andy references THE THING so often you can make it a drinking game, Stephanie gives a mini-primer on Southern accents and paper-cutter pranks, and they both swoon over Robert Kurtzman’s work.

Episode 38 – Primer

In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss time travel, science, and morality and as they review Shane Carruth’s Primer. Andy dazzles with his discussion of film editing, Stephanie talks about Biblical names, and they both get more than a little confused.

Reading Recommendations:

The Astronaut’s Wives Club, by Lily Koppel (incorrectly called “First Wives Club” in the episode, which is also a novel and a movie)
Pale Blue Dot, by Carl Sagan

Episode 37 – The Addiction

In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss yet another vampire movie (but this time, make it philosophical) as they review Abel Ferrara’s The Addiction. Andy fan girls over Walken again, Stephanie is very glad she didn’t see this in her goth phase, and they both are ready for a break from vampire movies.

Reading Recommendations: NO EXIT, by Jean-Paul Sartre