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Today, Matt & Todd journey deeper into Cosmic Horror Month with 1994's John Carpenter's In the Mouth of Madness. This is a film built on questions, mysteries, and, of course, plenty of madness. Fans of H.P. Lovecraft's work will find a lot to love here, even if they won't find many clear answers. As Matt puts it, this may be Carpenter's most challenging film, but we both agree it features some of the greatest, creepiest, and most unforgettable visuals of his entire career. In the Mouth of Madness is anchored by a strong cast starring: Sam NeillJulie CarmenJürgen ProchnowDavid WarnerJohn GloverBernie CaseyPeter JasonCharlton HestonFrances Bey (unanimous Like several of Carpenter's other films, this one received a mixed reception upon release. Much like the other entries in his "Apocalypse Trilogy", 1982's The Thing and 1987's Prince of Darkness, In the Mouth of Madness has steadily gained a devoted cult following as adventurous horror fans continue to discover its uniquely unsettling and deliberately confusing experience. Yes, it's confusing and offers no easy answers, but don't let that stop you. Driving viewers toward confusion, uncertainty, and perhaps even a little madness is exactly the point. More importantly, the film is packed with some of the finest atmosphere Carpenter ever put on screen, delivering scene after scene of creeping dread, disturbing imagery, and unforgettable horror. _____________ Matt has over 100+ lists for movie suggestions on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Letterboxd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and on Bluesky: @MovieMattSirois Terrible movies often find him, even under under the alias Marcus, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Movie Asylum of the Weird, Bad and Wonderful⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow who we follow at the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Once Upon a Geek⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The FadeOut Podcast⁠⁠⁠s⁠

Today, Matt & Todd are joined by Mike to discuss the 1997 box office flop turned cult classic, Event Horizon. Despite arriving with a strong cast, and a unique blend of science fiction and horror, Event Horizon failed to find an audience in theaters. The film struggled to recoup its budget and was quickly overshadowed by Paramount's next massive release: James Cameron's Titanic. Studio interference and difficult test screenings resulted in a somewhat muddled final cut, but beneath those compromises remains an outstanding example of cosmic sci-fi horror. While its theatrical run was disappointing, Event Horizon gradually found new life through home video, cable, and streaming. Over the years, word of mouth transformed this unsettling experience into a cult favorite. Directed by Paul W. S. Anderson, Event Horizon stars: Laurence FishburneSam NeillKathleen QuinlanJoely RichardsonRichard T. JonesJack NoseworthyJason Isaacs, Whit Bissell Award WinnerSean Pertwee, Whit Bissell Award Winner Like the lost starship from which it takes its name, Event Horizon drifts through the darkness waiting to be discovered, revealing unimaginable cosmic horrors to anyone brave enough to come aboard. Join us as we revisit one of science fiction horror's most enduring cult classics and explore why its reputation has only grown stronger with time. _____________ Matt has over 100+ lists for movie suggestions on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Letterboxd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and on Bluesky: @MovieMattSirois Terrible movies often find him, even under under the alias Marcus, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Movie Asylum of the Weird, Bad and Wonderful⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow who we follow at the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Once Upon a Geek⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheFade Out Podcast⁠⁠⁠s⁠

Today Matt & Todd kick off Halloween season by delving into The Gate, a 1987 supernatural horror film directed by Tibor Takács. When The Gate hit HBO, it quickly became an instant rewatch for us, we're surprised it took us so long to get to it. As 1980s horror films go, this one is fairly tame. It is PG-13, after all, but don't let that turn you off. The Gate is a lot of fun. What it lacks in sex, drugs, and splatter, it makes up for with story, atmosphere, and practical effects that still hold up nearly 40 years later. Whether you're discovering it for the first time or revisiting an old favorite, it's well worth your time. One of the things that makes The Gate stand out is that it features a cast of surprisingly likable characters. Unlike many horror films, you're not simply waiting for everyone to be picked off one by one. There's genuine heart here, which gives the story emotion often missing from the genre. We like to call it a "starter horror film." There is some genuinely creepy material that still works today, but it's accessible enough for a wide audience. The Gate stars: Stephen Dorff as GlenChrista Denton as Alexandra "Al" (Whit Bissell Award Winner - Todd)Louis Tripp as Terry ChandlerKelly Rowan as Lori LeeJennifer Irwin as Linda LeeDeborah Grover as MomScot Denton as DadIngrid Veninger as Paula (Whit Bissell Award Winner - Matt)Sean Fagan as EricLinda Goranson as Mrs. ChandlerCarl Kraines as The WorkmanAndrew Gunn as Brad A few years later, Tibor Takács returned with The Gate II: Trespassers. It's a fun sequel in its own right, though a bit more uneven than the original. While it doesn't resonate as strong, or hit the mark as well as the first film, there's still plenty to enjoy. The original is an enduring cult-classic, a status well deserved. While Trespassers may not be quite as good, it offers enough creativity and charm to make it worth a watch on its own merits. _____________ Matt has over 100+ lists for movie suggestions on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Letterboxd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ You can reach out on Bluesky:@MovieMattSirois Terrible movies often find him, even under under the alias Marcus at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Movie Asylum of the Weird, Bad and Wonderful⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow who we follow at the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Once Upon a Geek⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheFade Out Podcast⁠⁠⁠s⁠

The TV/Movie Rewind Podcast, with Matt & Todd, returns this week with a returning guest, Gabe Crate, for our return to the Planet of the Apes franchise with: Return to the Planet of the Apes (1975). This is the 6th and final installment of the series that began in 1968 and branched into at least three different timelines from its Charlton Heston beginnings, now arriving at its final, animated end. What Return lacks in animation frames, it more than makes up for in stunning art detail headed by Director Doug Wildey, settling on a more modern look at life on Earth in the 3000s. The Apes have established modern cities complete with movies, TV, radio, airplanes, the works of William Apespeare, and even a bit of kaiju action. Return to the Planet of the Apes (1975) features the voices of: Bill Hudson — voiced by Tom Williams and Richard Blackburn Dr. Zaius — voiced by Richard Blackburn Jeff Allen — voiced by Austin Stoker Judy Franklin — voiced by Claudette Nevins General Urko — voiced by Henry Corden (…wait, is that Fred Flintstone?) Cornelius — voiced by Edwin Mills and Henry Corden Zira — voiced by Philippa Harris Despite its short run (13 episodes), the series is a fascinating artifact: a high‑fantasy, high‑concept reinterpretation of Apes lore that feels like a Saturday‑morning cartoon filtered through the aesthetics of pulp sci‑fi paperback covers. It’s weird, ambitious, and absolutely worth revisiting as the final animated echo of the original Apes saga. And as peculiar as the advanced Ape society might seem to fans of the film and TV installments, these elements more closely reflect aspects of the novel (and the original Rod Serling treatment) that were hindered by film‑budget constraints. _____________ Matt has over 100+ lists for movie suggestions on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Letterboxd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ You can reach out on Bluesky:@MovieMattSirois Terrible movies often find him, even under under the alias Marcus at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Movie Asylum of the Weird, Bad and Wonderful⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow who we follow at the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Once Upon a Geek⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheFade Out Podcast⁠⁠⁠s⁠

Today Matt & Todd explore two historically linked war epics: Zulu (1964) and Zulu Dawn (1979) We’re tackling them in reverse order of release because that’s the chronological order of the battles themselves. It’s a rare case where watching the films backwards actually gives you the forward momentum of history. Zulu Dawn (1979): The Disaster at Isandlwana Directed by Douglas Hickox, Zulu Dawn dramatizes the catastrophic British defeat at the Battle of Isandlwana in a moment that shattered the myth of imperial invincibility. The film features an enormous cast, including: Burt LancasterPeter O’TooleSimon SabelaSimon WardNigel DavenportRonald LaceyBob Hoskins…and thousands of Zulu extras whose presence gives the film its sweeping, overwhelming sense of scale. Though critically the weaker of the two films, Zulu Dawn is the necessary first chapter: a portrait of arrogance, miscalculation, and political maneuvering that pushed the British Army into an ill‑conceived invasion of Zululand. The Zulu kingdom had been cooperating with colonial authorities to that point — but the British government’s desire for expansion, coupled with manufactured provocations, set the stage for one of the empire’s most humiliating defeats. The film leans into the tragedy of command failures: scattered forces, poor reconnaissance, and a fatal underestimation of Zulu strategy. When the Zulu impis finally strike, the British camp collapses under the sheer force and coordination of the attack. It’s a war epic, but also a cautionary tale about hubris. Zulu (1964): The Stand at Rorke’s Drift Directed by Cy Endfield, Zulu is technically the “sequel,” though released 14 years earlier. It depicts the Battle of Rorke’s Drift in a desperate defensive action occurring just hours after the disaster at Isandlwana. The film stars: Stanley BakerJack HawkinsChief Mangosuthu ButheleziUlla JacobssonJames BoothMichael Caine (in his breakout role)…and, again, thousands of Zulu extras. Where Zulu Dawn is about collapse, Zulu is about endurance. A tiny British outpost, barely fortified, poorly supplied, and shaken by news of the earlier massacre, suddenly becomes the target of a massive Zulu strike. The film’s tension comes from the contrast: the Zulu forces are disciplined, coordinated, and relentless, while the British defenders are a mix of professionals, malcontents, and men simply trying to survive. The film is famous for its choreography of battle: shield walls, rifle volleys, chants, and the haunting rhythm of Zulu war songs. It’s also more character-driven, exploring class conflict, leadership under pressure, and the uneasy admiration between two sides locked in mortal combat. Neither film is a documentary. Both take liberties: compressing timelines, inventing characters, reworking the entire embodiment and sentiment of others, and shaping events for dramatic effect. But taken together, they form a compelling cinematic diptych: one battle lost through overconfidence, the next survived through grit, desperation and guile. What they absolutely nail is the sense of place: the sweeping hills of KwaZulu-Natal, the stark beauty of the African landscape, and the sheer physicality of the battles. These are rousing adventure epics, filled with unforgettable imagery and some of the fiercest large-scale combat sequences ever put on film.

Today Matt and Todd are Joined by Logan to discuss the great Jack Palance. Jack Palance wasn’t just any actor, he was a force of nature who lived more lives than most people could fit into a century. Before he ever stepped in front of a camera, he was:A coal miner, a boxer, a college football star, a United States Army veteran, a sportswriter, a short‑order cook, a waiter, a lifeguard, a model… and then one of the finest actors of his generation. Commercials, stage, television, film... Jack Palance could do anything. He even recorded a country‑western album! His career spans over fifty years, dozens of genres, and a level of intensity and charisma that few performers have ever matched. Today we’re diving into some of the highlights we’ve come to love over the years and roles that show the full spectrum of what Palance could do. Know that even in the worst films of his catalogue, his performances were always top‑notch. A true professional. A legend. If you’re not familiar with him, we hope this inspires you to check out some great movies and discover why Jack Palance remains one of the most unforgettable presences in cinema history. Shane Attack! 10 Seconds to Hell Kill a Dragon Monte Walsh Chato’s Land Dracula Without Warning Alone in the Dark Young Guns City Slickers Tango & Cash Few actors could combine menace, charm, humor, and gravitas the way Jack Palance did. Few ever will.Thanks as always for listening—and we hope you enjoy revisiting one of cinema’s true originals. _____________ Matt has over 100+ lists for movie suggestions on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Letterboxd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ You can reach out on Bluesky: @MovieMattSirois Terrible movies often find him, even under under the alias Marcus at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Movie Asylum of the Weird, Bad and Wonderful⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow who we follow at the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Once Upon a Geek⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheFade Out Podcast⁠⁠⁠s⁠

Today Matt & Todd return to the HBO classics of our early days with 1981’s Victory (also known as Escape to Victory). Before soccer was a mainstream American pastime, before the FIFA movie, HBO introduced many of us to a strange, earnest, unexpectedly thrilling hybrid: a World War II prison‑camp adventure mashed together with 30 minutes of genuinely great football choreography. The film was released in theaters but did not perform well, and didn't enjoy a wide release. Some sleepy HBO Saturday is probably the first time a lot of us saw this film. Released in the summer of 1981, Victory tells the story of Allied POWs challenged to a football match staged for Nazi propaganda. Despite its star power, Sylvester Stallone is here in full “I can do anything” mode, the film landed softly in the U.S. but resonated strongly in Europe and South America, where the sport and its legends were already cultural monoliths. And that’s the secret weapon: Pelé. The Brazilian megastar (and Whit Bissell co‑winner) choreographed the on‑field action, designing plays and sequences executed by real professional players cast as POWs and German guards. The result is a thrilling, authentic stretch of football cinema that still holds up—fast, clever, and caps an unforgettable ending. Victory is also a remake of the 1961 Hungarian film Two Half‑Times in Hell, itself inspired by disputed accounts of real matches played in occupied Ukraine between former Dynamo and Lokomotiv Kiev players and their Nazi overseers. The details vary, but the myth endures: sport as resistance, pride, and survival. Forgotten by many in the U.S., Victory remains a fantastic film worth revisiting, especially now that soccer has finally found its footing here and we're still close to a world cup hangover. Much like the sport itself, you may discover it’s actually pretty great. Main Cast: Sylvester Stallone as Captain Robert Hatch Michael Caine as Captain John Colby Whit Bissell Award Winner Pelé as Corporal Luis Fernandez Max von Sydow as Major Karl von Steiner Gary Waldhorn as Hauptmann Rainer Mueller, German coach Tim Pigott-Smith as Major Rose Julian Curry as Wing Commander Shurlock Whit Bissell Award Winner Anton Differing as Commentator The Players Victory's thrilling footlball moments brought by a long list of international pros listed here (by country of birth): (Argentina) Osvaldo Ardiles (Allied Player)(Belgium) Paul Van Himst (Allied Player)(Brazil) Pelé (Allied Player)(Denmark) Søren Lindsted (Allied Player)(England) Michael Caine (Allied Player)Bobby Moore (Allied Player)Mike Summerbee (Allied Player)Russell Osman (Allied Player)Mike Summerbee (Allied Player) Robin Turner (German Player)Laurence Sivell (German Player)(Hungary) Sándor Egervári (German Player)Ferenc Fülöp (German Player)Imre Boda (German Player)(Ireland) Kevin O'Callaghan(Netherlands) Co Prins (Allied Player)(Norway) Hallvar Thoresen (Allied Player)(Poland) Kazimierz Deyna (Allied Player)(Scotland) John Wark (Allied Player)(USA) Sylvester Stallone (Allied Player)Werner Roth (German Player) _____________ Matt has over 100+ lists for movie suggestions on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Letterboxd⁠⁠⁠⁠ You can reach out on Bluesky: @MovieMattSirois Terrible movies often find him, even under under the alias Marcus at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Movie Asylum of the Weird, Bad and Wonderful⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow who we follow at the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Once Upon a Geek⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheFade Out Podcast⁠⁠⁠s⁠

Today Matt & Todd swing back into sci‑fi television with the short‑lived but fascinating 1974 TV series: Planet of the Apes. Long before the modern reboots, CBS took a swing at bringing the Apes universe to weekly television. The result is a real fun and earnest adventure series that carries the torch of its larger brethren surprisingly well. The TV version of Planet of the Apes is a perfect time capsule of 1970s genre television: equal parts Logan’s Run, The Incredible Hulk, and Wagon Train… but with orangutans. The show follows astronauts Burke and Virdon, who crash‑land on a future Earth ruled by intelligent apes. With their chimpanzee ally Galen (played by the always‑awesome Roddy McDowall) they wander from settlement to settlement helping humans, dodging gorilla soldiers, and trying to uncover the truth behind their own timeline. Given a few more seasons to cook, this series might have carved out an enduring legacy in its own right. What makes the show compelling today is how much time it gives the world to breathe. The humans are always in danger, but the pacing would allow for calmer exploration of culture, of power dynamics, of the uneasy coexistence between species. It’s less about revolution and more about compassion, curiosity, and the small victories of people trying to survive in a world stacked against them. If you’re a fan of the original films, classic TV sci‑fi, or just curious how the Apes franchise reinvented itself on the small screen, this series is a fully entertaining detour. It works beautifully as a companion to the movies—distilling their energy into a slower, more thoughtful crawl, and it stands on its own as a look at the divide between those who have power and those who don’t. It was a short run but it took a very hard swing and connected, even if it only had the one at-bat. Why did this become a baseball analogy? I don't know either. It just felt right somehow... Planet of the Apes (Television 1974) Main Cast: Roddy McDowall as GalenRon Harper as Colonel Alan VirdonJames Naughton as Major Peter J. BurkeMark Lenard as Security Chief UrkoBooth Colman as Councillor Zaius_____________ Matt has over 100+ lists for movie suggestions on ⁠⁠⁠Letterboxd⁠⁠⁠ You can reach out on Bluesky: @MovieMattSirois Terrible movies often find him, even under under the alias Marcus at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Movie Asylum of the Weird, Bad and Wonderful⁠⁠⁠. Follow who we follow at the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Once Upon a Geek⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheFade Out Podcast⁠⁠⁠s⁠

This week we take a sharp left turn from our usual cinematic diet of Tombs of the Blind Dead, Maniac Cop, and Tango & Cash to talk about a genuine masterpiece of American filmmaking. Yes, the same podcast that once "recommended" Raiders of the Living Dead with a straight(ish) face is now asking you to sit down for a three‑hour post‑WWII drama about ordinary people trying to rebuild their lives.And it’s worth every minute.William Wyler’s The Best Years of Our Lives still resonates with a grounded emotional honesty that’s hard to find; especially in the kinds of movies we usually bring to the table. You won’t find a single bullet, a Reb Brown scream, a spiked shoulder pad, or anyone cutting pizza with scissors. What you will find is a film that takes the “boring parts” of action movies: talking, relationships, consequences, and makes them riveting through sharp writing and extraordinary performances.This is a movie that trusts its actors to carry three hours of humanity, vulnerability, and quiet power. And they do.Directed by: William Wyler (1946)Starring: Myrna Loy as Milly StephensonFredric March as Technical Sergeant Al StephensonDana Andrews as Captain Fred DerryTeresa Wright as Peggy StephensonVirginia Mayo as Marie DerryCathy O’Donnell as Wilma CameronWhit Bissell Award Winner Hoagy Carmichael as Butch EngleHarold Russell as Petty Officer 2nd Class Homer ParrishGladys George as Hortense DerryRoman Bohnen as Pat DerryWhit Bissell Award Winner Marlene Aames as Luella ParrishIf you’re not in the mood for three hours of talking, we get it—we’ve got over 200 other movies to suggest. But if you’re willing to try something infinitely less bloody and probably more thoughtful, this one is well worth your time.Maybe it’s a little too cute, a little too uplifting, and maybe it only shows three very specific walks of life that (spoilers) turn out pretty well. But maybe we need a movie like that. Maybe we need something that isn’t cartoonishly cynical for shock value, something that actually thinks about its subject. Less than a year after WWII ended, this film dared to talk about things people weren’t ready to talk about.We’ve thrown around the phrase “perfect movie” before, but what we really mean is a movie you finish and think: no notes. That’s subjective, sure. Nothing is truly perfect. But for two guys who would otherwise recommend Psycho Goreman without blinking, this film is as close as it gets because of how it can reach us anyway.We hope you find it, watch it, and enjoy it as much as we did.Thanks as always for listening—and we’ll see you next time._____________ Matt has over 100+ lists for movie suggestions on ⁠⁠Letterboxd⁠⁠ You can reach out on Bluesky: @MovieMattSirois Terrible movies often find him, even under under the alias Marcus at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Movie Asylum of the Weird, Bad and Wonderful⁠⁠. Follow who we follow at the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Once Upon a Geek⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheFade Out Podcast⁠⁠⁠s

Today Matt and Todd are joined once again by Fire & Water Podcast Network’s “Shagg” Matthews for another cartoon classic: this time the one that started an empire of spooky hijinks, bubble‑gum pop, and unmaskings. We’re talking 1969’s Scooby‑Doo, Where Are You!, the original series that launched the entire Scooby‑Doo franchise and set the tone for everything that followed. The classic gags, the groovy chase songs, the chocolate‑sauce‑covered salami, the Scooby Snacks, and of course… the meddling. Premiering on September 13th, 1969, Scooby‑Doo, Where Are You! was an instant hit and remains a time‑worn classic nearly six decades later. Through countless TV series, films, comics, crossovers, reboots, and reinventions, the original still stands tall as the blueprint for the entire mystery‑solving genre. Created by Joe Ruby and Ken Spears (later of Ruby‑Spears Productions, the team behind many 1980s Saturday‑morning staples) the show features the immortal original cast, iconic theme recordings, and some of the grooviest bubble‑gum pop ever pressed onto a cartoon soundtrack. Season 2’s chase songs alone (Pretty Mary Sunlight, Daydreamin’, etc.) are a vibe all their own. Scooby‑Doo, Where Are You! remains a perfect time capsule that still sets the standard for the entire Scooby‑Doo diaspora that followed. Featuring the original voice cast: Don Messick as Scooby‑Doo and miscellaneous charactersCasey Kasem as Shaggy Rogers and miscellaneous charactersFrank Welker as Fred Jones and miscellaneous charactersStefanianna Christopherson (Season 1) and Heather North (Seasons 2–3) as Daphne BlakeNicole Jaffe as Velma Dinkley Music: Season 1 theme: Larry Marks Season 2 theme & chase songs: Austin Roberts Whether you grew up with the original, discovered it through reruns, or came in through one of the many later incarnations, Scooby‑Doo, Where Are You! remains a foundational piece of animated mystery‑comedy—still funny, still charming, still groovy. Special thanks to "Shagg" again for joining us in revisiting the legendary highjinks of the beloved great dane and gang. Find the Irredeemable Shagg @ the Fire & Water Podcast here on Spotify and https://fireandwaterpodcast.com/Spotify – SearchFor the 'Fire And Water Podcast Network' and 'The Irredeemable Shagg' _____________ Matt has over 100+ lists for movie suggestions on ⁠Letterboxd⁠You can reach out on Bluesky: @MovieMattSirois Terrible movies often find him, even under under the alias Marcus at ⁠⁠⁠⁠Movie Asylum of the Weird, Bad and Wonderful⁠. Follow who we follow at the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Once Upon a Geek⁠⁠⁠⁠ and  ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Fade Out Podcast⁠⁠s

Today Matt & Todd crack open the VHS clamshell and revisit the ultimate case of First Blood at home: 1985’s The Park is Mine, starring Tommy Lee Jones; This is Matt & Todd’s new venture into the original Parks & Rec[1]: an HBO‑produced 1985 Vietnam-vet-splotation film that plays like First Blood filtered through The A‑Team instead of Sam Peckinpah. Directed by Steven Hilliard Stern, The Park is Mine is fast‑paced, earnest, entertaining, and flawed. There’s no question about the talent involved. Tommy Lee Jones brings a grounded intensity, Yaphet Kotto elevates every scene he’s in, and the supporting cast delivers exactly the kind of genre‑movie charm you want from a mid‑80s HBO original. Starring: Tommy Lee JonesHelen ShaverEric Peterson — Whit Bissell WinnerLawrence DanePeter Dvorsky — Whit Bissell WinnerYaphet Kotto The violence dialed down and the message… well, also dialed down. What it lacks in blood and thematic clarity, it replaces with brief nudity, explosions, and solid performances. The premise is compelling, even if the film doesn’t explore it deeply and seems to rely on your familiarity with other properties to fill in the emotional blanks. But here’s the thing: nostalgia carries weight. This movie is etched into the halcyon days of early HBO—when NeverEnding Story, Beastmaster, and Commando looped endlessly and everything felt like it clicked. Maybe we do love us some Tommy Lee Jones and Yaphet Kotto as well, there's probably some bias here but it is fair to say this is more of a worthwhile tangent than a hidden gem. Thanks for coming with us. Footnotes: [1] Unsubstantiated internet rumor[2][2] That I made up. The Park Is Mine is based on a 1981 novel of the same name by Stephen Peters, who also wrote the screen play for 1998's Wild Things.

Today Matt, Todd, and would‑be companion Mike travel through spacetime and land in the Antarctic for the 6th serial of the 13th season of the classic BBC series Doctor Who. “Seeds of Doom” originally aired from January 31 to March 6, 1976, and if you’re a fan of John Carpenter’s The Thing, Howard Hawks’ The Thing From Another World, or classic sci‑fi horror in general, you’re going to feel right at home. This is one of the earliest and most effective examples of British TV doing icy paranoia and creeping body‑horror on a shoestring. Even if you only know Doctor Who from its 21st‑century resurgence starting with Christopher Eccleston, this story is anchored by perhaps the most iconic Doctor of all time: Tom Baker. His mix of alien aloofness and manic energy are as legend as his scarf is iconic. The adventure begins at a remote Antarctic research base where a mysterious seed pod is unearthed; one that quickly draws the attention of Harrison Chase, a criminally unhinged botanist / eco‑terrorist / millionaire played with comic‑villain perfection by Tony Beckley. And every great villain needs a henchman: John Challis delivers a Whit BIssell-winning performance clean sweep as Scorby; a man who looks like he was born to menace people in cold climates. Whether you’re a longtime fan, a newcomer, or just someone who loves classic sci‑fi horror with a dash of British eccentricity, Seeds of Doom is one of the high points of the Tom Baker era. It’s atmospheric, creepy, funny, and surprisingly intense, definitely one of our highest recommendations.

Today Matt & Todd saddle up with (not Wolverine) Logan for a retrospective on one of cinema’s most iconic, sharp‑eyed but little-discussed legends: Lee Van Cleef. Few actors have ever done more with a squint, a silhouette, or the simple act of entering a room. Lee Van Cleef embodied a whole cinematic archetype. From Westerns to war films to Italian genre oddities to 80s action pulp, his career is a treasure full of gems any actor would be proud of. This episode explores the major stops along that trail, to name a few that we mention: High Noon (1952) Van Cleef’s film debut, silent but unforgettable. Even without dialogue, he stands out—those cheekbones and that stare do half the acting for him. A small role, but the beginning of legend. For a Few Dollars More (1965) The real turning point. As Colonel Douglas Mortimer, Van Cleef becomes a full‑fledged Leone gunslinger. He was cool, lethal, and unexpectedly soulful. He matches Eastwood beat for beat, proving he wasn’t just a villain, but a presence. The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly (1966) Angel Eyes. One of the greatest villains in film history. Van Cleef’s performance is all precision: calm, polite, and terrifying. The Big Gundown (1966) A masterpiece of the Spaghetti Western era. Van Cleef’s Jonathan Corbett is a bounty hunter with a conscience, and the film gives him room to be complex, conflicted, and commanding. This is peak Van Cleef—charismatic, dangerous, and magnetic. The Big Showdown (1967) A looser, more playful follow‑up to Gundown, showing Van Cleef’s ability to shift gears without losing his edge. He’s still the coolest man in the room, but now with a wink. Barquero (1970) A criminally underrated American Western and one of Van Cleef’s best roles. As Travis, the ferry‑man who becomes the last line of defense against a gang of killers, Van Cleef is gruff, stubborn, and absolutely riveting. This is the movie that proves he wasn’t just a European Western icon—he could carry a gritty American frontier story with equal force. If you watch only one deep‑cut Van Cleef film, make it Barquero which features a tremendous cast with stellar performances including the always great Warren Oates and Forrest Tucker. Escape from New York (1981) Snake Plissken may be the star, but Van Cleef’s Hauk is the heavy with a steel core. Older, grayer, but still radiating authority. Code Name: Wild Geese (1984) Pure 80s Euro‑action pulp. Van Cleef brings gravitas to a movie that desperately needs it, elevating the mercenary‑mayhem with that trademark “I’ve seen everything and survived it” energy. One of the most action-packed endings you'll see with a lifetime of pyrotechnics in one scene. The Master (1984, TV Series) Van Cleef as a ninja master. On television. In the 80s. Is it absurd? Yes. Is it terrible? Actually, no. Its really just fine 80s cheese. He brings sincerity to a role that could’ve been pure camp, and the result is a cult oddity that’s impossible not to enjoy. Plus: Ride Lonesome, Sabata, The Magnificent Seven Ride, The Octagon Lee Van Cleef never phoned it in, even in the wildest genre films. He could be heroic, villainous, or something intriguingly in‑between. He had a face that told stories before he spoke a word. He elevated everything he touched—from masterpieces to B‑movies to TV curiosities. If you know, you know. If you don't, find out via some of the best western and action films you missed Matt has over 100+ lists for movie suggestions on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Letterboxd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠You can reach out on Bluesky: @MovieMattSirois Terrible movies often find him, even under under the alias Marcus at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Movie Asylum of the Weird, Bad and Wonderful⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow who we follow: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Once Upon a Geek⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Fade Out Podcast⁠⁠

Apologies for the strange 'chop' underlying the audio in parts... Today Matt & Todd dive into the 1996 African‑adventure / animal‑horror thriller The Ghost and the Darkness. Arriving in theaters with a fair amount of mid‑90s buzz, the film has since become a bit forgotten—despite starring Val Kilmer and Michael Douglas, boasting a tight script by William Goldman, striking visuals, and Oscar‑winning sound design. Reviews at the time were mixed‑to‑positive, and the movie turned a modest profit, but it never quite broke through the way its pedigree suggested it might. We enjoyed the film’s supernatural-ish tone even if it was an element that landed badly to insufferably for some viewers. It can be hard to root for the “heroes,” even the movie versions as dynamic as Douglas is, or as charming as Kilmer, once you understand the historical context. But taken as a cinematic experience, what we think it’s really about is a beautifully shot, atmospheric thriller that embraces its setting, its legend, and the eerie campfire‑story energy at the heart of the tale. It’s a compelling fireside tale brought to life by a strong cast, including: Michael Douglas as Charles RemingtonVal Kilmer as Colonel John Henry PattersonJohn Kani as SamuelBernard Hill as David HawthorneWhit Bissell Award Winner Tom Wilkinson as Sir Robert BeaumontEmily Mortimer as Helena PattersonOm Puri as AbdullahHenry Cele as MahinaBrian McCardie as Angus Starling A little mythical (perhaps), a little messy, but still one of the more unique “man‑eater” films out there, The Ghost and the Darkness remains an entertaining slice of 90s adventure‑horror filmmaking. Matt has over 100+ lists for movie suggestions on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Letterboxd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠You can reach out on Bluesky: @MovieMattSirois Terrible movies often find him, even under under the alias Marcus at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Movie Asylum of the Weird, Bad and Wonderful⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow who we follow: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Once Upon a Geek⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Fade Out Podcast⁠⁠⁠

Today Matt & Todd discuss the 1934 comedy-mystery movie: The Thin Man. A wildly successful film, spawning several sequels over 92 years ago, it still sparkles with as much charm as it did on release. Based on a Novel by Dashiell Hammett (of Sam Spade fame), the incredible cast is anchored by William Powell and Myrna Loy as Nick and Nora Charles in a fairly middling mystery that is carried by two of the most engaging characters you might ever see. The mystery itself is not one of the best, but you should expect to see an effortless and timeless performance. An infectious cast, leads a great film, wrapped around an OK mystery in: The Thin Man. Directed by: Woodbridge Strong "W.S." Van Dyke Starring: William Powell as Nick Charles Myrna Loy as Nora Charles Maureeon O'Sullivan as Dorothy Wynant Nat Pendleton as Lt John Guild Minna Gombell as Mimi Wynant-Jorgenson Porter Hall as Herbert MacCaulay Whit Bissell Winner William Henry as Gilver Wynant Cesar Romero as Chris Jorgenson Edward Ellis as Clyde Wynant (the titular "Thin Man") Ethanol and Skippy as Asta the Charles' terrier. Matt has over 100+ lists for movie suggestions on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Letterboxd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠You can reach out on Bluesky: @MovieMattSirois Terrible movies often find him, even under under the alias Marcus at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Movie Asylum of the Weird, Bad and Wonderful⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow who we follow: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Once Upon a Geek⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Fade Out Podcast⁠⁠