Advertise on podcast: North of Normal

In this episode, Andrew Hunter Scholey and Melissa Jean Miller discuss "Paying For It" (2024): the Sook-Yin Lee directed adaptation of Chester Brown's memoir of the same name. They discuss how it works overall as an adaption, Sook-Yin Lee's other directorial efforts, and how the film tackles its controversial subject matter.

This episode, Andrew Hunter Scholey and Melissa Jean Miller sit down to have a conversation about the Naomi Jaye directed film, "Darkest Miriam" (2024). They discuss the film's source material, the novel "The Incident Report " by author Martha Ballie. Topics also include the films star Britt Lower, the film's portrayal of grief and books... lots of talk about books.

In this one, Colin Everet and Andrew Hunter Scoley discuss the Bob Clark-directed Holmes/Ripper mystery, "Murder By Decree" (1979). They discuss the great performances including a stunning brief turn from Geneviève Bujold, what sets this one apart from oner Sherlock Holmes adaptions, and Hunter does his best to explain the ending! This one has been on the list to do for a while and is quite the treat of a film.

After a busy life hiatus, host Andrew Hunter Scholey is back to make James Thornton watch what is widely considered to be one of the worst sitcoms ever made. They have a chat about the situation comedy in general, then they turn their thoughts to the topic at hand. How did this show come to be? Is it really as bad as its reputation? Can James even remember what he watched a couple of days ago? These pressing questions will be answered.

James Thornton is back with Andrew Hunter Scholey to dive back into the world of the Canadian slasher film with "Hello Mary Lou: Prom Night II" (1987). Is this an actual sequel to the original classic, "Prom Night" (1980)? Is this film an underrated gem? Why is it called that? All that and more is discussed.

Guest Colin Everett and host Andrew Hunter Scholey discuss "Monkey Warfare" (2006). A film that's been on the list to-do for a while. This episode they also discuss direct action activism, specifically the nearly forgotten Canadian activist group, The Squamish Five. A brief chat about the Jean-Luc Goddard film, "La Chinoise". But mainly they discuss the cast, especially the late Tracy Wright and how great she is.

In this episode, Ryan Barnett returns to discuss his latest projects with host Andrew Hunter Scholey. They include his recent series "Story Girl" about beloved author Lucy Maud Montgomery, and his upcoming series about another beloved Canadian, John Candy. They then move into discussing a film that Ryan suggested, the Quebec "Maple Syrup Porno" film, "Valérie" (1969). What is that genre of film anyways? Why does this film exist? Is this film any good? And is this film actually one of the most important Canadian films ever made? The answer to that last question is yes. For answers to the other questions, you'll just have to listen.

Who could talk for over an hour and a half about the Daniel Radcliffe/Adam Driver-starring romcom? James Thornton and Andrew Hunter Scholey can of course.... Take the romantic plunge as they discuss the careers of the film's young cast, some random hot takes about relationships and dating and ultimately.... Why did no one see this (mostly) charming take on the old genre.

In this episode, Andrew Hunter Scoley and Colin Everett sit down to discuss "It's All Gone Pete Tong" (2004): the second feature film by Canadian FUBAR director Michael Dowse. Is this even a Canadian film? What does the film's title even mean? How does this movie age in terms of its portrayal of disabilities? That and much more are discussed within.

Skyler Greencorn and Andrew Hunter Scholey dust the cobwebs off of the Cronenberg series and return with a doozy: David Cronenberg's criminally under seen 2002 film, "Spider". They explore where is David at this point in his career. Why no one seems to have seen this film despite it being very good. Some crazy things that were going on around this film when it was made that impacted some of those involved. All of this and a brief chat about the passing of the other David... David Lynch.

In this episode Andrew Hunter Scholey and Melissa Jean Miller take a serious dive into a serious look into the world of competitive cheerleading. First they talk about some changes at the show, including a fun new art project on the podcasts socials. Then they go into producer/director/songwriter D.W. Waterhouse and producer/lead actor Devery Jacobs' amazing feature film. They discuss the crazy world of competitive cheerleading, ambition in the face of mental health and for fun the hosts talk about how their anxieties manifest. Fun! Oh and also they discuss the best shot from a film last year. So yeah, there's that.

In this episode, host Andrew Hunter Scholey and James Thornton get into the Valentine's spirit with an episode they've been meaning to do since day one. How is this film through the lens of those living in Nova Scotia, where the movie was filmed and takes place? Why did the film get butchered and not seen as intended for almost 40 years? Why do James and Hunter discuss their disdain for public showers? Tune in to find out about "the most Canadian horror film ever made" and a personal fav of the hosts.

This episode we dive back into the world of Director/Writer, Andrea Dorfman. Host Andrew Hunter Scholey and returning guest Melissa Jean Miller discuss Dorfman's 2014 film collaboration with musician/poet Tany Davis, "Heartbeat". They also discuss their first project together, the wildly popular short film/youtube video "How to Be Alone", and the themes it shares with "Heartbeat". Our hosts also discuss the difficult relationships artists can have with their art, what local film locations from the film Hunter could figure out and also discuss...... babies and parenting.... just a little.

RUMOURS! GUY MADDIN! Since it's been a bit, Colin Everett and Andrew Hunter Scholey take a massive dive into the highly anticipated new release by one of Canada's greatest directors! Where has Guy Maddin been for the last decade? Why is Cate Blanchett in this weird Canadian film and why does she rule? What's with the giant brain in the woods? Does the Canadian Prime Minister practice safe sex? All will(?) be answered as the hosts have a blast discussing one of their favourite films of the year!

James Thornton returns to discuss a fav of host Andrew Hunter Scholey. They tackle the career of director Phillip Borsos, the unusual production of the film, and Hunter has another chance to gush about one of his favourite actors, Richard Farnsworth. Strap in for a discussion about one of the best Canadian films ever made.