Catching Up On Cinema: Recent Episodes
Trevor Hart
A comedic film analysis podcast wherein friends introduce one another to their favorite movies, and Catch Up on their Cinema. https://linktr.ee/CatchingUpOnCinema
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This week, Kyle and Trevor get back to basics and review Les Mayfield's, Encino Man (1992)!
An early Pauly Short vehicle featuring Brendan Fraser in his first starring role, Encino Man (1992) is totally tubular, light-hearted 90's cheese.
Shockingly enough, this was a first time watch for Trevor.
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This week, Trevor does a soloreview of Kiah Roache-Turner's, Sting (2024)!
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It's once again time for another installment of Catching Up On Cinema's most popular sub-series, “My Brother Pissed On Me”!
Trevor is on vacation this week, so Kyle and Nik are handling the main episode this week.
Join brothers Kyle and Nik as they talk about the almost universally loathed, but occasionally beloved, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)!
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Join Trevor and his buddy Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast talk about "Valiant Vehicles", wherein in they discuss movies from their respective collections that prominently feature ground-based vehicles!Brad's Picks:The Mad Max Series (1979 - 2015) - 7:45The Man with the Golden Gun (1974) - 39:00Crash (1996) and The Counselor (2013) - 1:00:20Trevor's Picks:Sorcerer (1977) - 27:40Black Dog (1998) - 52:50Black Rain (1989) - 1:14:15
1:28:30And stick around for the speed round, where Trevor and Brad briefly talk about runner up picks that they didn't have time to spotlight.Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitter and Instagram.
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly Catching Up On Blu-Ray episode!
In this episode, Trevor and Brad take a look at the physical media releases for the month of May 2024.
Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitter and Instagram.
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This May is “Summer Camp Edition” at Catching Up On Cinema!
All month long, Kyle and Trevor will be reviewing summer camp themed movies.
This week, Kyle and Trevor review Nancy Meyers', The Parent Trap (1998)!
A remake of the beloved 1961 Disney rom-com of the same name, The Parent Trap (1998) served as the directorial debut of writer/producer Nancy Meyers, as well as the feature film debut of actress, Lindsay Lohan.
Bookended by camping sequences, both at a summer camp, and roughing it in the great outdoors, The Parent Trap is an terrific family comedy that is bolstered by exceptional production values, and a delightful cast affable performers.
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WARNING! THIS EPISODE CONTAINSMINOR SPOILERS FOR DUNE: PART TWO (2024) WARNING!
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This May is “Summer Camp Edition” at Catching Up On Cinema!
All month long, Kyle and Trevor will be reviewing summer camp themed movies.
This week, we pull double duty and review both Tom McLoughlin's, Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986), AND Denis Villeneuve's, Dune: Part Two (2024)!
The sixth entry in the classic slasher franchise, Tom McLoughlin's, Friday the 13thPart VI: Jason Lives (1986) represents a major transition point in the series.
Featuring the return of Jason Voorhees (after his disappointing absence in Part V), the introduction of supernatural elements to the Voorhees lore, and a campier, more playful tone, Part VI is often regarded as one of the more creative and memorable sequels in the franchise.
Denis Villeneuve's, Dune: Part Two (2024) is the epic sequel to the director's previous Dune: Part One (2021), with both films comprising the events of Frank Herbert's legendary sci-fi novel.
While by no means a “summer camp” film, Kyle found himself too bored by Friday the 13th Part VI to devote an entire podcast to, so throughout the episode he and Trevor occasionally pivot to discussing/reviewing Dune: Part Two.
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This May is “Summer Camp Edition” at Catching Up On Cinema!
All month long, Kyle and Trevor will be reviewing summer camp themed movies.
This week, Trevor talks about Stephen Brill's, Heavyweights (1995)!
A personal favorite kid power/live-action Disney movie of Trevor's, Heavyweights (1995), is weak on morals, but big on laughs.
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This May is “Summer Camp Edition” at Catching Up On Cinema!
All month long, Kyle and Trevor will be reviewing summer camp themed movies.
To kick things off, Kyleintroduces Trevor to Jonathan Prince's, Camp Nowhere (1994)!
A beloved, but somewhat underseen Disney “kid power” camp film from the mid-90's, CampNowhere (1994) is a surprisingly clever kid friendly heist/farce that happens to be a childhood favorite of Kyle's.
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Join Trevor and his buddy Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast talk about "Vigorous Vacations", wherein we'll be talking about movies about characters going on vacation.Trailer Talk - 4:00 - 18:30Brad's Picks:The Visit (2015) and Old (2021) - 21:30A Perfect Getaway (2009), Vacancy (2007) and Joy Ride (2001) - 37:30Spring Breakers (2012) - 1:00:00Hostel (2005), Hostel: Part II (2007), The Mist (2007), Saw X (2023) and Men (2022) - 1:19:30Trevor's Picks:Jaws 1 - 4 (1974 - 1987) and The Shallows (2016) - 29:00Titanic (1997) - 48:00Silent Hill (2006) - 1:11:45
1:33:00And stick around for the speed round, where Trevor and Brad briefly talk about runner up picks that they didn't have time to spotlight.Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitter and Instagram.
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly Catching Up On Blu-Ray episode!
In this episode, Trevor takes a look at the physical media releases for the month of April 2024.
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This April, Catching Up On Cinema becomes “Catching Up On Kayfabe,” a pro-wrestling podcast!
All month long we'll be reviewing WWF/WWE shows from 1998, The Attitude Era.
This week, to close out ourmonth of pro-wrestling related content, Kyle and Trevor sit down to review Darren Aronofsky's, The Wrestler (2008)!
Starring Mickey Rourke as an aging pro-wrestler, and Marisa Tomei as a stripper looking for a way out, the film is a thoughtful and gripping human drama that is highly respectful of the art of pro-wrestling.
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This April, Catching Up On Cinema becomes “Catching Up On Kayfabe,” a pro-wrestling podcast!
All month long we'll be reviewing WWF/WWE shows from 1998, TheAttitude Era.
This week, we're joined by Richie of the Super Media Brospodcast and gonstFM radio station, as we finally sit down to review the second half of the No Way Out of Texas: In Your House pay-per-view!
A haphazardly constructed card that suffers greatly from the absence of then WWF world heavyweight champion, Shawn Michaels, the second half of No Way Out of Texas is a bit of a letdown, but a chaotic and consummately Attitude Era one nonetheless.
Matches featured in this week's discussion include:
Ken Shamrock, Ahmed Johnson and DOA vs. The Nation of Domination
Kane vs. Vader
Stone Cold Steve Austin, Owen Hart, Cactus Jack and Chainsaw Charlie vs. HHH, The New Age Outlaws, and Savio Vega
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This April, Catching Up On Cinema becomes “Catching Up On Kayfabe,” a pro-wrestling podcast!
All month long we'll be reviewing WWF/WWE shows from 1998, The Attitude Era.
This week, we're joined by Richie of the Super Media Brospodcast and gonstFM radio station, as we finally sit down to review the first half of the No Way Out of Texas: In Your House pay-per-view!
A haphazardly constructed card that suffers greatly from the absence of then WWF world heavyweight champion, Shawn Michaels, the first half of No Way Out of Texas is a somewhat tedious affair.
Matches featured in this week's discussion include:
The Headbangers vs. Marc Mero and Goldust
Taka Michinokuvs. Pantera
The Godwinns vs. The Quebecers
Justin Bradshaw vs.Jeff Jarrett
Follow Richie's awesome podcast and radio showhere:
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https://linktr.ee/gonstfm
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This April, Catching Up On Cinema becomes “Catching Up On Kayfabe,” a pro-wrestling podcast!
All month long we'll be reviewing WWF/WWE shows from 1998, The Attitude Era, more specifically the programming leading up to and including the No Way Out of Texas: In Your House pay-per-view.
This week, we continue with a review of the 246thepisodes of Monday Night Raw, which occurred on February 9th, 1998 in Evansville, IN.
The “go home” Raw before the Now Way Out of Texaspay-per-view, the episode is once again rife with shenanigans and inconclusive finishes, but features several entertaining promosdesigned to set the stage for the pay-per-view to come, and perhaps more importantly, Mike Tyson's involvement in Shawn Michaels and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin's upcoming clash at Wrestlemania XIV
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This April, Catching Up On Cinema becomes “Catching Up On Kayfabe,” a pro-wrestling podcast!
All month long we'll be reviewing WWF/WWE shows from 1998, The Attitude Era, more specifically the programming leading up to and including the No Way Out of Texas: In Your House pay-per-view.
This week, we kick things off with the 243rd episodesof Monday Night Raw, which occurred on January 12th, 1998 in State College, PA.
The “go home” Raw before the '98 Royal Rumble, thepay-per-view directly preceding No Way Out '98, the episode is largely lacking in quality in-ring action, but is buoyed by frequent appearances by “Stone Cold” Steve Austin throughout the show.
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Join Trevor and his buddy Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast for "The Backlog Boogie Part Trois," wherein we'll be talking (for the 3rd time) about movies that (regrettably) remain forever stuck in our backlog.Brad's Picks:Evil Laugh (1986) - 11:45Operation Fortune: Ruse De Guerre - 32:00After Hours (1985), Mean Streets (1973) and The Irishman (2019) - 48:00All the Haunts Be Ours (Severin) 1:10:40Trevor's Picks:Kamen Rider Black RX (1988 - 1989) - 20:00Marlowe (2022) - 42:00The Raid: Redemption (2011), Titanic (1997) and Conan the Barbarian (1982) and Conan the Destroyer (1984) - 56:30
1:26:30And stick around for the speed round, where Trevor and Brad briefly talk about runner up picks that they didn't have time to spotlight.
Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitter and Instagram. Follow us on Instagram @catchinguponcinema Follow us on Twitter @CatchingCinema
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly Catching Up On Blu-Ray episode!
In this episode, Trevor and Brad take a look at the physical media releases for the month of March 2024.
Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitter and Instagram.
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This March is “Mostly Woody” month at Catching Up On Cinema!
All month long, we'll be taking a look at some of the earlier films of actor Woody Harrelson!
This week, Trevor and Kyle review Ron Shelton's, Play It to the Bone (2000)!
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SORRY FOR THE BOTCHED RELEASE! AUDIO SHOULD BE UPDATED NOW!
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This March is “Mostly Woody” month at Catching Up On Cinema!
All month long, we'll be taking a look at some of the earlier films of actor Woody Harrelson!
This week, Trevor and Kyle review Ron Howard's, EdTV (1999)!
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This March is “Mostly Woody” month at Catching Up On Cinema!
All month long, we'll be taking a look at some of the earlierfilms of actor Woody Harrelson!
This week, Trevor and Kyle review Oliver Stone's, Natural BornKillers (1994)!
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This March is “Mostly Woody” month at Catching Up On Cinema!
All month long, we'll be taking a look at some of the earlier films of actor Woody Harrelson!
This week, Kyle and Trevor review Ron Shelton's, White Men Can't Jump (1992)!
Directed by minor league baseball player turned prolific directorof sports films, Ron Shelton, White Men Can't Jump (1992) is a sports comedy centered around L.A. street ball hustlers.
Starring Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson, as well as featuringRosie Perez in a key supporting role, the film is a delightful timecapsule of early 90's West coast culture, encapsulating many of the sights, sounds and prominent social themes of the era.
Packed with trash talk, elegantly staged basketball sequences, and wrong-headed hyper masculinity, the film boldly invites the viewer to both cheer for, and scorn its protagonists in equal measure.
Oddly structured, and not consistently crowd pleasing in the waymany would expect from a “sports comedy”, White Men Can't Jump is nevertheless an enjoyable sports film, albeit a somewhat more dramatic and realistic one than one might expect.
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Join Trevor and his buddy Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast as they talk about movies from their collections with nostalgic and "Sentimental Scores"!Brad's Picks:Signs (2002) by James Newton Howard - 5:45The Social Network (2010) by Atticus Ross and Trent Reznor - 35:00Jurassic Park (1993) and Home Alone (1990) and more by John Williams - 58:00Ghostbusters (1984) by Elmer Bernstein - 1:35:50Trevor's Picks:Face/Off (1997), The Bourne Trilogy (2002 - 2007), and Green Zone (2010) by John Powell 20:45The Matrix Trilogy (1999 - 2003) by Don Davis, Juno Reactor, Rob Dougan and Gocoo - 47:30Broken Arrow (1996), Black Rain (1989), Backdraft (1991), Gladiator (2000), The Rock (1996) and The Dark Knight Trilogy (2005 - 2011) by Hans Zimmer - 1:18:30Robocop (1987), Conan the Barbarian (1982), Conan the Destroyer (1984), Starship Troopers (1997), and Under Siege 2: Dark Territory (1995) by Basil Poledouris - 1:49:001:59:30And stick around for speed round, where Trevor and Brad briefly talk about runner up picks that they didn't have time to spotlight.Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitter and Instagram. Follow us on Instagram @catchinguponcinema Follow us on Twitter @CatchingCinema
linktr.ee/CatchingUpOnCinemaIt's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly Catching Up On Blu-Ray episode!Join Trevor as he takes a look at the blu-ray releases for February 2024!Follow us on Instagram @catchinguponcinemaFollow us on Twitter @CatchingCinema
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This February is “Frame of Reference” month at Catching Up OnCinema!
All month long, Trevor and Kyle will be reviewing films that havefrequently been referenced in recent episodes of the podcast.
This week, Trevor and Kyle review John Woo's, Face/Off (1997)!
Hong Kong legend, John Woo's, third American feature film, and the first that he was granted extensive creative control over, Face/Off (1997) may very well be the best of director Woo's Hollywood productions.
Headlined by John Travolta and Nicolas Cage, talented actors who clearly relished the opportunity to attempt to ape one another and give dual performances, Face/Off is equal parts rousing action thriller, and over-the-top psycho drama.
Grand and bombastic in both emotional content and actionspectacle, Face/Off is never lacking in terms of energy and momentum, resulting in a film that, while debatable if it's deserving to be counted among director Woo's finest films, may be one of his most balanced and approachable.
Quotable, meme-able, and undeniably memorable, Face/Off is a rare example of a script landing in the lap of exactly the right director, who in turn cast exactly the right duo of chronic over-actors to lean into the material and make an otherwise ridiculous premise truly sing.
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This February is “Frame of Reference” month at Catching Up OnCinema!
All month long, Trevor and Kyle will be reviewing films that havefrequently been referenced in recent episodes of the podcast.
This week, Trevor and Kyle review Martin Campbell's, The Mask of Zorro (1998)!
A long gestating project that encountered many delays, ran overbudget, and saw many directors step into and out of the director'schair, The Mask of Zorro (1998) would ultimately be ushered intotheaters by director Martin Campbell in the summer of '98.
Starring Antonio Banderas and Anthony Hopkins as the titularZorro, and featuring Catherine Zeta-Jones in a star making turn as Elena, The Mask of Zorro is a gorgeous production, both in terms of the aesthetic appeal of its stars and starlets, and the sumptuous production design.
Much as was the case in director Campbell's previous film,GoldenEye (1995), the stunt work and action choreography in The Mask of Zorro is top-notch, showcasing dynamic swordplay, horseback riding, and acrobatics.
Energetically scored by James Horner, the soundtrack for The Mask of Zorro is highly thematic, with memorable flourishes and melodies sprinkled throughout, and some truly show stopping action cues making the production soar whenever Zorro jumps into the fray.
Unlike other modern takes on comic book and radio heroes such as The Shadow (1994) or The Phantom (1996), The Mask of Zorro successfully manages to find a comfortable balance in showing reverence for and paying homage to classic Hollywood, resulting in a film that is wholly modern in its pacing and editing, while clearly bearing the DNA of swashbucklers of old.
A magnificent action film with a period charm, The Mask of a Zorro is a movie that this reviewer eagerly anticipated prior to itsrelease, greatly enjoyed when it arrived in theaters and on VHS, and now, roughly 25 years later, has grown to truly love.
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This February is “Frame of Reference” month at Catching Up On Cinema!
All month long, Trevor and Kyle will be reviewing films that have frequently been referenced in recent episodes of the podcast.
This week, Trevor and Kyle review Felix Enriquez Alcala's, Fire Down Below (1997)!
One of Steven Seagal's last major theatrical releases, Fire Down Below (1997) is an environmentally conscious action-thriller set in rural Kentucky.
Featuring a host of country music star cameos, including celebrated singer/songwriter Kris Kristofferson as the chief antagonist, Fire Down Below is a cozy, but not especially thrilling watch.
Apparently both gutted, and neutered in post-production, Fire Down Below is short on action, and long on down-home Appalachian charm.
With beautiful locations and scenery, and capable performances from everyone in the cast not named “Seagal,” with a few more aikido flips and a little less “geetar” strumming, Fire Down Below could perhaps have been considered one of the few truly “good” Steven Seagal films, however sadly, it was not meant to be.
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This February is “Frame of Reference” month at Catching Up OnCinema!
All month long, Trevor and Kyle will be reviewing films that havefrequently been referenced in recent episodes of the podcast.
Due to a technical snafu, our initial review this month, of BrianHelgeland's, Payback (1999) had to be re-recorded as a solo affair,featuring only Trevor on the mic.
A grim neo-noir crime thriller, Payback (1999) was prolificHollywood writer Brian Helgeland's feature directorial debut.
Apparently a somewhat contentious production, Helgeland wasapparently ousted from the production at some point during filming.
Despite often being criticized for its cruel atmosphere, the filmwould later receive a director's cut, overseen by Helgeland, that isconsiderably shorter than the theatrical cut, though it is up fordebate which version is the superior cut.
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Join Trevor and his buddy Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast as they talk about movies from their collections that feature "S-s-snow!"Brad's Picks:Misery (1990) - 5:30The Hateful Eight (2015) - 27:00On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969) and Spectre (2015) - 50:15The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) - 1:17:30Trevor's Picks:The Grey (2011) - 16:30Lone Wolf and Cub: White Heaven in Hell (1974) - 38:45War for the Planet of the Apes (2017) - 58:45Captain America 1 - 3 (2011 - 2016), Highlander III: The Final Dimension (1994) and Ghost Warrior (1984) - 1:25:451:35:45And stick around for speed round, where Trevor and Brad briefly talk about runner up picks that they didn't have time to spotlight.Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitter and Instagram. Follow us on Instagram @catchinguponcinema Follow us on Twitter @CatchingCinema
linktr.ee/CatchingUpOnCinemaIt's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly Catching Up On Blu-Ray episode!Join Trevor as he takes a look at the blu-ray releases for January 2024!Follow us on Instagram @catchinguponcinemaFollow us on Twitter @CatchingCinema
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This month is “Dark Hero” month at Catching Up On Cinema
All month long, Kyle and Trevor will be reviewing superhero movies of the antihero or dark hero variety!
This week, Trevor and Kyle review Jonathan Hensleigh's, The Punisher (2004)!
The 2nd live-action adaptation of the Marvel comics character, and the first to be produced during the 2000's boom of the superhero genre, The Punisher (2004) stars Thomas Jane as the titular Punisher.
Written and directed by first time director Jonathan Hensleigh, The Punisher is a sleepy and overplotted revenge film with a strong cast and some decent performances, but is severely lacking in momentum and energy.
Not especially colorful, nor especially thrilling, The Punisher often feels cheap, with much of the proceedings feeling muted and lacking a consistent tone or energy.
The film's one major saving grace comes in form of a single, 5 minute long action sequence involving former pro-wrestler Kevin Nash as “The Russian”, squaring off against Jane's Punisher in a comedic and creatively staged dust up.
A middling rendition of one of the most live-action adapted characters in Marvel's roster, The Punisher was par for the course among the Daredevils (2003) and Elektras (2005) of its day, however standards have changed, and unfortunately, despite Thomas Jane and Kevin Nash's best efforts, in 2024 The Punisher just doesn't hold up.
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This month is “Dark Hero” month at Catching Up On Cinema
All month long, Kyle and Trevor will be reviewing superhero moviesof the antihero or dark hero variety!
This week, Trevor and Kyle review Stephen Norrington's, Blade(1998)!
Both popula and financially successful at the time of its release,Stephen Norrington's, Blade (1998), is an early live-action Marvelcomics film that at one point faded into obscurity, but has sinceseen its cultural footprint grow in recent years.
Released just prior to The Matrix (1999), as well as the comicbook/superhero movie boom of the 2000's, beginning with 20thCentury Fox's, X-Men (2000), Blade stands as the forerunner for manyof the trends that would become ubiquitous in Hollywood action cinemain the coming years.
Starring Wesley Snipes, who would represent the character to sucha crowd-pleasing degree that subsequent iterations of the titularBlade would be altered to match his appearance and mannerisms, Bladeis a high-energy action film that is distinctly of its time, yetremains quite charming for those with a strong tolerance forlate-90's aesthetics.
In actuality more of a supernatural action film than a superheromovie, in the long history of Big 2 (DC and Marvel) comic bookadaptations, Blade holds the distinction of being both one of theearliest Marvel films (bearing an African American protagonist noless, as well as being a nasty and gritty), as well as being a rare,R-rated Marvel film, produced well before the rise of Marvel Studios'more homogenized branding and aesthetic.
A cultural artifact of late 90's aesthetics and trends, as well asthe crown jewel of director Norrington's very short filmography,Blade is an energetic and brutal superhero flick that is well worthrevisiting.
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This month is “Dark Hero” month at Catching Up On Cinema
All month long, Kyle and Trevor will be reviewing superhero moviesof the antihero or dark hero variety!
This week, Trevor and Kyle are joined by the latter's brother,Nik, to review Mark A.Z. Dippe's, Spawn (1997)!
Adapted from Todd McFarlane's comic of the same name, Spawn (1997)is a messy and often boring superhero film from the nu metal schoolof aesthetics and tone.
Debuting via publisher Image Comics in 1992, Spawn's popularitycontinues to endure to this day, leading to guest appearances invideo games like Mortal Kombat 11, and a long rumored 2ndlive action film currently being pitched to Blumhouse and other filmstudios.
Starring Michael Jai White as the titular Spawn/Al Simmons, thefilm represents the feature directorial debut of Mark Dippe, whoseexperience in CGI animation and compositing likely served as theimpetus for putting him at the helm of an effects intensive film likeSpawn.
Uneven in pace, tone, and consistency of effects quality, Spawn isa frustrating film that's fleeting positive elements are so scant,and zip by with such rapidity, that the film's trailer may very wellconsist of every worthwhile shot in the film.
Financially successful (after rental and VHS sales), Spawn, muchlike the comic from which its, for lack of a better term, spawned,retains a mixed legacy, of being alternately reviled, or laudedas a cult classic, depending on who you ask, and more importantly,how big a fan they are of Korn or Marilyn Manson.
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This month is “Dark Hero” month at Catching Up On Cinema
All month long, Kyle and Trevor will be reviewing superhero movies of the antihero or dark hero variety!
This week, Trevor and Kyle review Alex Proyas', The Crow (1994)!
Adapted from James O'Barr's indie comic of the same name, The Crow (1994) is a visually astounding Gothic revenge thriller.
Starring Brandon Lee as the titular Crow/Eric Draven, the film holds the unfortunate distinction of being Lee's final screen role, as he tragically lost his life due to an accident during production.
A magnificent showcase of director Proyas' capable eye for production design and cinematography, The Crow is lovingly lit and framed, employing a wide variety of special effects techniques to bring its nightmarish and borderline supernatural vision of Detroit to life.
Possessed of a terrific cast of noteworthy character actors, but hamstrung by a simplistic narrative and thin characterizations, The Crow is a film that is unfortunately far from the sum of its parts, however its aesthetic charms are truly remarkable.
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Happy New Year!
This month is “Dark Hero” month at Catching Up On Cinema
All month long, Kyle and Trevor will be reviewing superhero moviesof the antihero or dark hero variety!
This week, we kick things off with a review of Sam Raimi's,Darkman (1990)!
Released hot on the heels of the resounding box office success ofTim Burton's Batman (1989), Sam Raimi's Darkman (1990) is an originalsuperhero film that was partially inspired by the enduring pulp icon,The Shadow.
Possessed of director Raimi's trademark visual style and comedicflair, Darkman was a financial success, and served as an importantstepping stone in establishing Raimi as a valuable director in theeyes of major Hollywood studios.
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Join Trevor and his buddy Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast as they talk about blu-rays and 4ks that they added to their collection this holiday season!Brad's Picks:(VINEGAR SYNDROME UNBOXING) - 3:30Don't Answer the Phone! (1980)The Lamp (1987)Gorgo (1961)Made in Hong Kong Volume One The Boogeyman (1980)Invisible Maniac (1990)Curucu, Beast of the Amazon (1956)Freeway (1996)Freeway II: Confessions of a Trickbaby (1999)Blood for Dracula - 28:00Faceless (1988)All the Haunts Be OursSpider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023) - 55:45Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (2023)Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023)Barbie (2023) - 1:21:00Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One (2023)Oppenheimer (2023)Trevor's Picks:(VINEGAR SYNDROME UNBOXING) - 15:30Ebola Syndrome (1996)Bio Zombie (1998)Righting Wrongs (1986)Battle Kaiju Series 01: Ultraman vs. Red King - 38:30Memories (1995)The Big-O (1999 - 2001)Dragons Forever (1988) - 1:06:00The Princess Bride (1987)Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitter and Instagram. Follow us on Instagram @catchinguponcinema Follow us on Twitter @CatchingCinema
linktr.ee/CatchingUpOnCinemaIt's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly Catching Up On Blu-Ray episode!Join Trevor as he takes a look at the blu-ray releases for December 2023!Follow us on Instagram @catchinguponcinemaFollow us on Twitter @CatchingCinema
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Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
This week on Catching Up On Cinema, Kyle and Trevor reviewWolfgang Petersen's, Enemy Mine (1985)!
An over-budgeted box office flop with a checkered productionhistory, Enemy Mine (1985) is a charming, if uneven, sci-fi fable.
On the subject of “checkered production history,” the storygoes that director Wolfgang Petersen was courted to take the helm ofEnemy Mine over 5 weeks into the films' production, after originaldirector Richard Loncraine apparently failed to meet the producer'sexpectations.
After director Petersen paused and rewound production to beginanew and remake the film from whole cloth, the production budget ofEnemy Mine would essentially double.
To make matter worse, the film failed to generate interest at thebox office, and Enemy Mine would go on to be regarded as a financialfailure.
Despite failing to find an audience during its theatrical run,Enemy Mine has since gone on to become somewhat of a cult classic,largely on the strength of its handsome production design, andwinning performances from both Louis Gossett Jr. and Dennis Quaid.
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This week on Catching Up On Cinema, Kyle and Trevor review PeterHyams', Timecop (1994)!
A time travel action thriller from director Peter Hyams, Timecop(1994) is often thought of as Jean-Claude Van Damme's most profitablefilm, released in what would go on to be a very successful year for“The Muscles from Brussels”.
Produced by Sam Raimi and Dark Horse Entertainment, Timecop is anoddly tepid action film, lacking the flair or dynamism of many of itscontemporaries.
While the performances and dialogue are on point, executed anddelivered with aplomb by a very capable cast of familiar faces andcharacter actors, Van Damme himself often comes across as slightlychecked out.
While director/cinematographer Hyams' signature stark productiondesign and murky black lighting schemes are of a high degree ofcraftsmanship, in some ways they hamper the tone, forcing the film tobe perhaps more serious than it ought to be.
Featuring some nifty CGI effects work for its vintage,Timecopgenerally has a high degree of polish in its presentation, howevermuch of the action feels weightless and low stakes, with very fewaction beats being worthy of Van Damme's highlight reel.
A middling JCVD film that likely earned its box office successthrough riding the 90's wave of sci-fi “techno thrillers”, andthe promise of its star's muscular buttocks being featuredprominently as co-star.
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This week on Catching Up On Cinema, Kyle returns to talk to Trevor about Danny and Michael Philippou's, Talk to Me (2022)!
Produced by acclaimed studio, A24, Talk to Me (2022) is a supernatural horror from directors Danny and Michael Philippou.
Coming from a background in YouTube content creation, Talk to Me is the Philippou brother's feature film debut, as well as one of most financially successful films in A24's catalog.
Violent and not short on contemporary thematic material, the film is at times energetic and slickly produced, though unfortunately lacks cohesion in its second half.
Anyone else think of Flatliners (1990) when they were watching this?
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SPOILERS BEGIN AROUND THE 29 MINUTE MARK
This week Trevor is joined by Richie AKA MdntAgntRAW from the Super Media Bros. Podcast to review Takashi Yamazaki's, Godzilla Minus One (2023)!
Released domestically in October, Godzilla Minus One (2023) is the the most recent Japanese produced Godzilla film since Hideaki Anno and Shinji Higuchi's critically acclaimed, Shin Godzilla (2016).
A post-war period film, Godzilla Minus One returns the franchise to its roots, exploring not only horrors of nuclear bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, but also the painful process of rebuilding following the nation's unconditional surrender.
While Godzilla Minus One exceeds expectations in terms of the quality and breadth of its effects driven destruction sequences, in truth, the film's greatest strength comes in the form of it's very raw, and compelling characterizations and themes.
At times feeling like an apology to the Japanese public for the intentions and actions of the long since defunct Empire of Japan, Godzilla Minus One boldly confronts many of the traumas endured by the Japanese, both civilian and military, during and immediately after the Pacific War.
Horrifying, beautiful, uplifting, and occasionally quite funny, Godzilla Minus One is a fantastic film that deftly utilizes the franchise framework to unexpectedly deliver a compelling human drama that exceeds all expectations.
An truly exceptional Godzilla film, fit for the Big G's 70th anniversary.
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Also, check the Odd Pods Media Network while you're at it!
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Join Trevor and his buddy Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast as they share some "Partner Picks" from their collections e.g. movies that they'd like to share with their significant others.Brad's Picks:7:15 - Compliance (2012)30:15 - The Child's Play Franchise (1988 - Ongoing)57:30 - The Bird with the Crystal Plumage (1970)1:22:00 - Shutter Island (2010)Trevor's Picks:18:00 - Coup De Cinema (2014)41:30 - Lethal Weapon 1 - 4 (1988 - 1998)1:10:05 - Beavis and Butt-Head Do America (1996)1:31:45And stick around for speed round, where Trevor and Brad briefly talk about runner up picks that they didn't have time to spotlight.Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitter and Instagram. Follow us on Instagram @catchinguponcinema Follow us on Twitter @CatchingCinema
linktr.ee/CatchingUpOnCinemaIt's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly Catching Up On Blu-Ray episode!Join Trevor as he takes a look at the blu-ray releases for November 2023!Follow us on Instagram @catchinguponcinemaFollow us on Twitter @CatchingCinema
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Once again, it is “No Theme November” here at Catching Up On Cinema!
We'll be reviewing whatever the f*ck we want for the next 4 weeks, so expect little to no consistency between picks this month.
This week, Trevor conducts a solo review of Steven Kostanski's, Manborg (2011)!
Reportedly shot in director Kostanski's garage and produced for $1000 CAD, Manborg (2011) is a charming low budget sci-fi film, packed to the brim with imaginative and resourceful special effects.
While the film's presentation is occasionally rough, largely coming in the form of less than perfect chroma key effects, to this reviewer it in no way effected its entertainment value.
Chock full of references to shlock cinema, perhaps most notably Eliminators (1986), a film which featured a “Mandroid” fighting alongside a team of martial artists, Manborg carries the delightful vibe of an ambitious film, produced with the intent of cramming in all of the director's favorite things onto a single canvas.
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Once again, it is “No Theme November” here at Catching Up On Cinema!
We'll be reviewing whatever the f*ck we want for the next 4 weeks, so expect little to no consistency between picks this month.
This week, Trevor conducts a solo review of Koji Hashimoto's, Gojira (1984), as well as Roger Corman produced recut, Godzilla 1985!
Sometimes referred to as The Return of Godzilla, Gojira (1984) represented the character's return to the silver screen after a 9 year absence.
Serving as the first film in the series' Heisei era, the film's tone is returns the franchise to it's more serious roots, once again portraying the titular monster as an intimidating and menacing presence.
Produced with state of the art special effects, the film was a serious effort on the part of Toho studios, successfully bringing the iconic monster to a new generation of fans, and reigniting and reinvigorating the franchise for another 10 years.
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Once again, it is “No Theme November” here at Catching Up On Cinema!
We'll be reviewing whatever the f*ck we want for the next 4 weeks, so expect little to no consistency between picks this month.
This week, Trevor conducts a solo review of Paul Jay's documentary, Hitman Hart: Wrestling with Shadows (1998)!
Centered around the subject of legendary wrestler Bret “The Hitman” Hart, the documentary is a gripping and candid examination of the world of professional wrestling during the “Monday Night War”.
Using “The Montreal Screwjob” as both framing device and climax, the film serves as one of the more honest examinations of the fateful events of Survivor Series '97, far more raw than many of the WWE Studios produced documentaries that would be released in subsequent years.
Additionally, this review also includes mention of the director's follow up mini-doc, The Life and Death of Owen Hart, which was also included on the Canadian International Pictures blu-ray disc.
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Once again, it is “No Theme November” here at Catching Up On Cinema!
We'll be reviewing whatever the f*ck we want for the next 4 weeks, so expect little to no consistency between picks this month.
First up, Trevor conducts a solo review of Ryuhei Kitamura's, No One Lives (2012)!
Starring Luke Evans, No One Lives (2012) is a bloody and stylish pseudo-slasher with a twist.
Produced by WWE Studios, the film also features the former Funkasaurus, Brodus Clay, in a very small role.
Fair warning, Trevor picked this one largely as an excuse to wax nostalgic and talk at length about the director, so feel free to skip the first half or so of the episode if all you want is a straightforward review of the movie itself.
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Join Trevor and his buddy Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast for some "Halloween Havoc" as they discuss various horror movies from their respective collections!Brad's Picks:5:00 - Freaks (1932)30:30 - The Mist (2007)1:01:15 - Two Evil Eyes (1990)1:28:00 - Terrifier 2 (2022)Trevor's Picks:17:25 - Uncut Gems (2019) and Shiva Baby (2020)48:45 - Pumpkinhead (1988)1:18:10 - Tokyo: The Last Megalopolis (1988) and Doomed Megalopolis (1991)1:41:30And stick around for speed round, where Trevor and Brad briefly talk about runner up picks that they didn't have time to spotlight.Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitter and Instagram. Follow us on Instagram @catchinguponcinema Follow us on Twitter @CatchingCinema
linktr.ee/CatchingUpOnCinemaIt's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly Catching Up On Blu-Ray episode!Join Trevor as he takes a look at the blu-ray releases for October 2023!Follow us on Instagram @catchinguponcinemaFollow us on Twitter @CatchingCinema
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Happy Halloween!
It's October, so that means it's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's annual, “Kyle's Killer October” event month!
All month long, Catching Up On Cinema's resident horror enthusiast, Kyle, will be taking creative control of the program, offering up new reviews for a wide variety of horror flicks from week to week.
This week, Kyle and Trevor review Michael Dougherty's, Trick 'r Treat (2007)!
The feature directorial debut for Michael Dougherty, Trick 'r Treat (2007) is a collection of horror vignettes set in a small town on Halloween night.
Slickly directed and highly approachable for younger viewers and those not especially fond of overly scary Halloween cinema, much like the director's later film, Krampus (2015), Trick 'r Treat has become somewhat of a modern holiday cult classic.
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It's October, so that means it's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's annual, “Kyle's Killer October” event month!
All month long, Catching Up On Cinema's resident horror enthusiast, Kyle, will be taking creative control of the program, offering up new reviews for a wide variety of horror flicks from week to week.
This week, Kyle and Trevor review The Hughes Brother's, From Hell (2001)!
Based on the acclaimed Alan Moore comic of the same name, From Hell (2001) is a grim and grisly fictionalized account of Jack the Ripper's reign of terror in 19th century London.
While the films technically stars American actors, Johnny Depp and Heather Graham, From Hell is bolstered by the presence of many excellent British stalwarts, including the likes of Ian Holm and Robbie Coltrane.
Featuring lovely production design and attention to detail in both its visual stylings and satisfyingly constructed mystery elements, From Hell is far from essential viewing, though it remains an entertaining and exceptionally handsome detective feature and period piece.
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It's October, so that means it's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's annual, “Kyle's Killer October” event month!
All month long, Catching Up On Cinema's resident horror enthusiast, Kyle, will be taking creative control of the program, offering up new reviews for a wide variety of horror flicks from week to week.
This week, Kyle and Trevor review Alexandre Aja's, Haute/High Tension (2003)!
An early film in the unofficial, “New French Extremity” movement of the 2000's, Alexandre Aja's Haute/High Tension (2003) is a slickly produced, beautifully shot, and exceptionally brutal home invasion thriller with a novel twist.
Best experienced without spoilers, the film is nevertheless a very taut and immediate experience, such that it proves a worthwhile horror experience, even divorced from its twists and gimmicks.
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It's October, so that means it's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's annual, “Kyle's Killer October” event month!
All month long, Catching Up On Cinema's resident horror enthusiast, Kyle, will be taking creative control of the program, offering up new reviews for a wide variety of horror flicks from week to week.
This week, Kyle and Trevor review Adam Green's, Frozen (2010)!
A streamlined and well-acted isolation thriller about 3 young folks (Shawn Ashmore, Emma Bell and Kevin Zegers) trapped high above the ground on a ski lift at night, Frozen (2010) is writer-director Adam Green's most mature and mainstream friendly film.
Shot “on location,” high above the ground and amid the elements, Frozen's minimalist presentation and concept in no way hinder the quality of its cinematography and editing, with varied camera angles, scenarios, and sincere performances doing much to prevent the film from becoming as boring or repetitive as one might expect given its simple concept.
Novel, and just clever enough to get quite a lot of mileage out of its core premise, Frozen is a quaint, but quite enjoyable little horror thriller.
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It's October, so that means it's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's annual, “Kyle's Killer October” event month!
All month long, Catching Up On Cinema's resident horror enthusiast, Kyle, will be taking creative control of the program, offering up new reviews for a wide variety of horror flicks from week to week.
First up, Kyle and Trevor review the Universal horror classic, George Waggner's, The Wolf Man (1941)!
Featuring horror legend Lon Chaney Jr. as the titular Wolfman, as well as featuring fellow horror icon and frequent co-star, Bela Lugosi, The Wolf Man (1941) is a handsome and briskly paced monster flick whose stellar reputation is well deserved.
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Join Trevor and his buddy Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast, as they chat about "An Ensemble of E's" e.g. movies from their collections that begin with the letter "E"!Brad's Picks:6:00 - The Exorcist (1973)41:30 - Enemy (2013)1:03:30 - Everybody Wants Some (2016)1:26:00 - Eastern Promises (2007)Trevor's Picks:22:00 - The Expendables 1 - 3 (2010 - 2014)52:30 - Edward Scissorhands (1990) and Ed Wood (1994)1:16:00 - Event Horizon (1997)1:37:00And stick around for speed round, where Trevor and Brad briefly talk about runner up picks that they didn't have time to spotlight.Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitter and Instagram. Follow us on Instagram @catchinguponcinema Follow us on Twitter @CatchingCinema
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly Catching Up On Blu-Ray episode!
Join Trevor and Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast as they take a look at the blu-ray releases for September 2023!
Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitter and Instagram.
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This September is Masterclass month at Catching Up On Cinema!
September is the anniversary month of Catching Up On Cinema, and this year we're celebrating the completion of 5 years of weekly podcasting.
For this year's Masterclass, Trevor and Kyle will be reviewing all 4 films in Richard Donner's Lethal Weapon series of films.
This week, Trevor review the last in the series, Lethal Weapon 4 (1998)!
After the massive box office success of Lethal Weapon 3 (1992), the series would go on extended hiatus for the first and only time in the history of the franchise, with the series finale, Lethal Weapon 4 (1998) not arriving in theaters until July of '98.
Historically known to be a somewhat troubled, and extraordinarily rushed production, Lethal Weapon 4 is a cluttered, but confidently constructed and agile film that skillfully allocates its screen time to giving series fans their money's worth.
Much like LW2 and 3, LW4 leans heavily on improvisation, with much of the cast apparently riffing and playing off of Richard Donner's various on-set prompts, though to the credit of the actors and the army of overworked writer's that apparently rewrote the script on the daily, the material feels tighter, more heartfelt, and ultimately more fun than in the previous film.
Featuring the most impressive and crisply executed fight choreography and stunt work in the history of the franchise, the film features Jet Li (in a rare villainous turn) in his Hollywood film debut as Wah Sing Ku, as well as host of familiar Asian American stunt and acting talent, with many scenes partially choreographed by Hong Kong legend, Corey Yuen.
As was the case with the transition from Lethal Weapon 2 (1989) to Lethal Weapon 3 (1992), Lethal Weapon 4 swaps cinematographer's, this time trading out Jan de Bont, for Andrzej Bartowiak, who had served as de Bont's DP on his feature film debut, Speed (1994), and would go on to direct films himself, many of which featured Jet Li.
In addition to the aforementioned Jet Li as the chief antagonist, Wah Sing Ku, LW4 also introduces Chris Rock as Lee Butters, comedic foil for Joe Pesci's returning Leo Getz, and son-in-law to Danny Glover's Roger Murtaugh.
Frequently hilarious, and featuring far and away the most energetic, violent, and dynamic action in the series, Lethal Weapon 4 is an excellent sequel, and an exceptional and heartfelt finale to a remarkable franchise.
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This September is Masterclass month at Catching Up On Cinema!
September is the anniversary month of Catching Up On Cinema, and this year we're celebrating the completion of 5 years of weekly podcasting.
For this year's Masterclass, Trevor and Kyle will be reviewing all 4 films in Richard Donner's Lethal Weapon series of films.
This week, Kyle and Trevor review Lethal Weapon 3 (1992)!
Debuting in theaters in May of 1992, Richard Donner's Lethal Weapon 3 (1992) pulls double duty as being far and away the most profitable of in the franchise, while perhaps also being the least cohesive and satisfying film in the series.
On par with Lethal Weapon 2 (1989) in terms of the scale and quality of its action and production design, Lethal Weapon 3 subs in Jan De Bont for Stephen Goldblatt as cinematographer for the production, resulting in silky smooth action shots, and anamorphic lens flares aplenty.
The first in the series to be completely divorced from Shane Black's pen, Lethal Weapon 3 is more focused on further crystallizing the characterizations developed over the previous 2 films than actually evolving them.
While not lacking for interesting situations for Riggs and Murtaugh to get into, the film very much represents a shift in the priority of the franchise from keeping the plot moving, to providing setups and premises for our immensely affable cast to riff off of.
Continuing the trend of growing the Lethal Weapon “family” of characters, the film once again features Joe Pesci, (somehow dialed up beyond the 11 that his character of Leo Getz debuted at in the previous film) and adds Rene Russo to the cast as Lorna Cole, Martin Riggs' high-kicking new love interest.
Additionally, Lethal Weapon 3 also features a largely wasted Stuart Wilson as its chief antagonist, as well as a host of familiar genre film favorites such as Sven-Ole Thorsen and Nick Chinlund in generic goon roles.
Often very funny, and packed with just enough action and stunts to never be boring, Lethal Weapon 3 is a fine sequel in a remarkably consistent series, however it is often lacking in focus, earning brownie points for featuring social commentary and earnest dramatic elements, but stumbling somewhat in its soggy attempts to tie it all into a cohesive whole.
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This September is Masterclass month at Catching Up On Cinema!
September is the anniversary month of Catching Up On Cinema, and this year we're celebrating the completion of 5 years of weekly podcasting.
For this year's Masterclass, Trevor and Kyle will be reviewing all 4 films in Richard Donner's Lethal Weapon series of films.
This week, Kyle and Trevor review the bombastic first sequel in the series, Lethal Weapon 2 (1989)!
Arriving in theaters in July of 1989, one of the more memorable and profitable summers in Hollywood history, Richard Donner's Lethal Weapon 2 (1989) is often regarded as the finest entry in the series.
Upping the ante in terms of the scale of its action and quickness of its pace, Lethal Weapon 2 is a fantastic sequel that does all that a studio could hope an action sequel could accomplish.
Though Shane Black does not return as screenwriter, Lethal Weapon 2 looks every bit of its $30 million budget, but more importantly, it honors the legacy of the characters presented in the first film, carrying their characterizations forward in meaningful and interesting ways.
While virtually all of the familiar faces introduced in the first film return here in Lethal Weapon 2, the film features Joe Pesci, making his franchise debut as comic relief character, Leo Getz.
Additionally, Lethal Weapon 2 features Joss Ackland and Derrick O'Connor in delightfully slimy villainous roles, and well Patsy Kensit as a pivotal new love interest for Mel Gibson's character of Martin Riggs.
Exceeding the first films intensity and scope of action, and tuning up the volume and tempo of its comic antics, Lethal Weapon 2 is a fantastic sequel that is, at the very least, equal to its predecessor; though by all rights it very well may be the very best in a truly outstanding series.
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This September is Masterclass month at Catching Up On Cinema!
September is the anniversary month of Catching Up On Cinema, and this year we're celebrating the completion of 5 years of weekly podcasting.
For this year's Masterclass, Trevor and Kyle will be reviewing all 4 films in Richard Donner's Lethal Weapon series of films.
First up this month is a solo review from Trevor of the first film in the series, Lethal Weapon (1987)!
Directed by Richard Donner, written by Shane Black, and produced by Joel Silver, the first Lethal Weapon (1987) is a somewhat darker and moodier experience than the more colorful and energetic sequels, however the chemistry of cast and crew alike are very much evident from minute one of this, the very first in what would become one of the most beloved of buddy cop film franchises.
Starring Mel Gibson as Martin Riggs, and Danny Glover as Roger Murtaugh, Lethal is far from the first buddy cop/odd couple films, however many are quick to point out that while it may not have pioneered the genre, it very well may have perfected it.
Despite occasionally dipping into seriously dark subject matter, Richard Donner's direction, and the ever growing cast of immensely affable characters throughout the Lethal Weapon series, exhibit a precious, familial warmth that feels wholly genuine and proves to be the series calling card.
While not as bombastic or violent as John McTiernan's, Die Hard (1988), or indeed any number of other 1980's action films, Lethal Weapon sets itself apart from the rest by squarely placing its focus on characterization and character development.
While Lethal Weapon is a great film in and of itself, it is the first, necessarily darker chapter, in a story that spans 4 films and 10 years, and as a result, this reviewer feels it ultimately benefits greatly from the existence of characterization and story beats contained in its sequels.
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly Catching Up On Blu-Ray episode!
In this episode, Trevor takes a look at the physical media releases for the month of August 2023.
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Join Trevor and his buddy Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast, as they chat about "Notable Needle Drops" e.g. noteworthy uses of licensed music in film.Brad's Picks:6:00 - Inglourious Basterds (2009) - Cat People (Putting Out Fire) by David Bowie24:00 - The Batman (2022) - Something in the Way by Nirvana43:30 - Red Rocket (2021) - Bye Bye Bye by NSYNC1:05:45 - Boogie Nights (1997) and Magnolia (1999) - Best of My Love by The Emotions and One by Aimee Mann1:24:00 - Dazed and Confused (1993) - Slow Ride by FoghatTrevor's Picks:18:00 - Bullet Train (2022) - Sukiyaki by Kyu Sakamoto33:00 - Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017) - The Chain by Fleetwood Mac52:30 - Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie (1994) - Ultra by KMFDM1:16:00 - Goon (2011) - Nessun Dorma from Turandot, by Giacomo Puccini1:40:30And stick around for speed round, where Trevor and Brad briefly talk about runner up picks that they didn't have time to spotlight, including songs from films like:BeetlejuiceThe GraduateBeavis and Butt-Head Do AmericaThe Cable GuyTop GunZodiacMortal KombatAmerican PsychoScarfaceLost in TranslationSpider-Man 2Shaun of the DeadBloodsportGarden StateCheck out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitter and Instagram.
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This month is “Action August” at Catching Up On Cinema!
All month long, we'll be reviewing high concept action thrillers that involve environmental gimmicks in some fashion.
This week,Trevor conducts a solo review of Robert Butler's, Turbulence (1997)!
Starring Ray Liotta and Lauren Holly, Turbulence (1997) is a clumsy action-thriller taking place on a 747 jumbo jet.
Released the same year as the superior Con Air (1997) and Air Force One (1997), Turbulence was a box office failure that is largely forgotten by Hollywood and the general public.
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linktr.ee/CatchingUpOnCinemaThis month is “Action August” at Catching Up On Cinema!All month long, we'll be reviewing high concept action thrillers that involve environmental gimmicks in some fashion.This week, Kyle and Trevor review Renny Harlin's, Cliffhanger (1993)!A wildly successful alpine action-thriller from a rough spot in star Sylvester Stallone's filmography, Renny Harlin's Cliffhanger (1993) is perhaps the progenitor of the slew of “environmental action-thrillers” that would be released during the 1990's.Packed with noteworthy character actors from the era, Cliffhanger is a handsome and cartoonish romp may not be the finest example of the genre, but remains immensely watchable to this day.Follow us on Instagram @catchinguponcinemaFollow us on Twitter @CatchingCinema
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This month is “Action August” at Catching Up On Cinema!
All month long, we'll be reviewing high concept action thrillers that involve environmental gimmicks in some fashion.
This week however, we take a break from the gimmicky action thrillers, as Trevor and his buddy Brad from the Cinema Speakpodcast head out to the theater to review Christopher McQuarrie's, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One (2023)!
Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitter and Instagram.
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This month is “Action August” at Catching Up On Cinema!
All month long, we'll be reviewing high concept action thrillers that involve environmental gimmicks in some fashion.
This week, Kyle returns to the podcast to help Trevor review Curtis Hanson's, The River Wild (1994)!
An excellent wilderness adventure-thriller set on a raging river, The River Wild (1994) is headlined by Meryl Streep, and also features Kevin Bacon as a terrific villain.
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This month is “Action August” at Catching Up On Cinema!
All month long, we'll be reviewing high concept action thrillers that involve environmental gimmicks in some fashion.
To kick things off, Trevor conducts a solo review of Deran Sarafian's, Terminal Velocity (1994)!
Starring Charlie Sheen, Terminal Velocity (1994) is a breezy and enjoyable skydiving themed espionage thriller that features an affable cast of players and handsome aerial stunts and cinematography.
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly Catching Up On Blu-Ray episode!
In this episode, Trevor takes a look at the physical media releases for the month of July 2023.
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Join Trevor and his buddy Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast, as they chat about their "Recent Reviews!" AKA blu-rays from their collections that they've watched recently.
Brad's Picks: 10:00 – Roar (1981) 33:15 - The Haunting (1999) 53:50 - Dolly Dearest (1991) 1:22:35 - Scary Tales (1993)
Trevor's Picks: 19:50 - Outland (1981) 46:15 - The Wraith (1986) 1:09:15 - Max Zhang and Philip Ng movies 1:33:35 - Dobermann (1997)
1:40:30 And stick around for speed round, where Trevor and Brad briefly talk about runner up picks that they didn't have time to spotlight!
Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitter and Instagram.
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This week, Trevor conducts a solo review of Rolfe Kanefsky's, There's Nothing Out There (1991)!
A silly and boob-tacular horror-comedy, There's Nothing Out There (1991) is a fun little creature feature that is made infinitely more watchable (and memorable) due to the inclusion of Mike (Craig Peck), a self-aware, horror movie aficionado/audience proxy that is thankfully more entertaining than annoying.
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This week, Trevor conducts a solo review of George Tillman Jr.'s, Big George Foreman: The Miraculous Story of the Once and Future Heavyweight Champion of the World (2023)!
Starring Khris Davis as boxing legend, George Foreman, Big George Foreman: The Miraculous Story of the Once and Future Heavyweight Champion of the World (2023) is a biopic from Christian film production house, Affirm Films.
A faith oriented sports drama, Big George Foreman is too sanitized to be juicy with its melodrama, however the production is largely competent throughout, and aside from a couple of lackluster impersonations, (the guy they got to play Jim Lampley fails to deliver “It happened!” with the appropriate gusto) the performances are quite solid.
Benefiting massively from being based on a legitimately fascinating and incredible true story, Big George Foreman is a serviceable, albeit expectedly preachy sports drama that to be made eventually, but definitely could've been done better.
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This week, Trevor conducts a solo review of Alexandre Bustillo and Julien Maury's, The Deep House (2021)!
A French horror film, The Deep House (2021) is a slickly shot, underwater haunted house film with a novel concept and a terrific ending.
Somewhat soggy in its middle portions, and lacking in scares, The Deep House is ambitious and creative, but ultimately fails to truly impress or engage.
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This week, Trevor conducts a solo review of James Glickenhaus', McBain (1991)!
In a shocking (and disappointing) turn of events, Trevor learns that the film McBain (1991) actually has ZERO connection to character/movies of the same name featured in The Simpsons.
MENNNNNDOZAAAAAAA!!!!!!!
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly Catching Up On Blu-Ray episode!
In this episode, Trevor takes a look at the physical media releases for the month of June 2023.
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Join Trevor and his buddy Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast, as they chat about their "Recent Reviews!" AKA blu-rays from their collections that they've watched recently.
Brad's Picks: 12:00 – Chopping Mall (1986) 40:15 – The Executioner (1963) 1:04:00 - M. Butterfly (1993) 1:31:30 - Witness to Murder (1954), and He Ran All the Way (1951)
Trevor's Picks: 23:30 – The Most Dangerous Game (1978) 50:45 - Sakra (2023), and Fist of the Condor (2023) 1:19:25 – Tiger Cage trilogy (1988 - 1991)
1:45:45 And stick around for speed round, where Trevor and Brad briefly talk about runner up picks that they didn't have time to spotlight!
Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitter and Instagram.
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This week, Trevor conducts a solo review of Sam Hargrave's, Extraction 2 (2023)!
Headlined by Chris Hemsworth, Extraction 2 (2023) is a ballistic action sequel, courtesy of former stuntman turned directior, Sam Hargrave.
Featuring an incredibly slick, 21 minute and 7 second long “oner,” or one-take action sequence, Extraction 2 successfully ups the action ante when compared to the first film, though sadly only for as long as that splendid sequence lasts.
Thin in terms of plot and characterization, Extraction 2 sadly repeats many of the same emotional beats from the first film, and rarely outright exceeds the action spectacle of the original outside of the aforementioned one-take sequence.
A quality action film through and through, Extraction 2 stands head and shoulders above your average RedBox actioner, though it overstays its welcome somewhat, and occasionally feels as if it should have been a brilliant 21 minute short rather than a 2 hour Netflix feature.
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This week, Trevor conducts a solo review of Ernesto Diaz Espinoza's, Fist of the Condor (2023)!
A slick martial arts film from Chile, Fist of the Condor (2023) is the fifth collaboration between director Espinoza and star Marko Zaror.
Paying homage to both old school kung fu films, and shonen anime such as Fist of the North Star, Fist of the Condor delivers the expected thrills and feats of physicality that one would expect, however perhaps its most interesting aspect comes not in the form of action, but rather its structure and editing.
Presented as a series of chapters, Fist of the Condor's episodic style, frequent cutaways, use of inner monologue, and frequent use of slow motion and time distortion, feel evocative of anime to a degree that is seldom seen in live-action film.
Not the best collaboration between director Espinoza and star Zaror, nor the worst, Fist of the Condor is nevertheless, both stylish and compelling enough to warrant a watch, and will hopefully serve to draw more fans to Marko Zaror's body of work in the wake of his turn as Chidi in John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023).
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This week, Trevor is joined by his brother Matt to review Michael B. Jordan's, Creed III (2023)!
Directed by franchise star, Michael B. Jordan, Creed III (2023) is the latest film in the Rocky/Creed series of films.
The first Creed film to not feature Sylvester Stallone or the character of Rocky Balboa, Creed III suffers from a bit of an identity crisis in the form of attempting to strike out on its own and forge a new path, while simultaneously deliberately referencing elements from earlier films in the series.
While the film is stylish in presentation, and attempts to examine some legitimately interesting contemporary themes regarding modern masculinity, the overall execution of the narrative in Creed III is deeply flawed, in frustrating ways.
Strangely rushed in its 2nd half, and lacking in confidence and consistency in its characterizations, Creed III is an ambitious, but unfortunately well below average entry in the Rocky/Creed series.
Be sure to check out Matt's podcasts:
Couch Co-Op:
https://open.spotify.com/show/3G7mrJd8DEVcSC2BH1VSMe
The Hollywood Brunettes:
https://open.spotify.com/show/75OxnIkQ6SMV5SQ39abwlY
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GO!
GO!
LET'S GO!
This week, Trevor does a solo review of Hideaki Anno's, Shin Kamen Rider (2023)!
The latest film in the “Shin” series of films, each a reimagined version of a long-running Japanese media franchise from director Hideaki Anno, Shin Kamen Rider (2023) is a remake of/tribute to Shotaro Ishinomori's original Kamen Rider TV series and manga from the 70's.
Filled with the director's signature visual flair, science jargon, and heady, philosophical diatribe, Shin Kamen Rider is very much an Anno production, through and through.
Episodically structured in a similar manner to Shin Ultraman (2022), and immensely crowd pleasing in fits and spurts, Shin Kamen Rider is somewhat of an uneven experience, with occasional moments of brilliance that are unfortunately spaced out across a great deal of material that lacks cohesion.
An enjoyable watch, Shin Kamen Rider is a very good film among a “trilogy” of truly great films.
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly Catching Up On Blu-Ray episode!
In this episode, Trevor takes a look at the physical media releases for the month of May 2023.
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On YouTube!:
https://www.youtube.com/live/Ud0kZfSGCQ8?feature=share
linktr.ee/CatchingUpOnCinema It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly, “Tales From the Shelf” episode! Join Trevor and his buddy Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast for "May of the Monsters"! Throughout this episode, the duo discuss various monster movies from their respective collections.
Brad's Picks: 14:30 – The Ruins (2008) 38:00 – The Graveyard Shift (1990) 1:00:00 – Tremors (1990) 1:19:30 - It Follows (2014)
Trevor's Picks: 26:00 – Orca (1977) 48:50 – The Valley of Gwangi (1969) 1:09:00– The Guyver (1991) and Guyver 2: Dark Hero (1994) 1:28:50 - Pumpkinhead (1988)
1:37:00 And stick around for speed round, where Trevor and Brad briefly talk about runner up picks that they didn't have time to spotlight!
Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitter and Instagram.
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This May, Kyle takes control of all the programming designs on Catching Up On Cinema, for a special event that we're calling, “Kyle's Kitchen Sink”!
All month long, Kyle follows his nose, allowing his impulsivity and gut instinct to drive his movie selection process from week to week.
This week, Kyle has us review John Woo's, Hard Boiled (1992)!
The Stairs.
The Warehouse.
The Hospital.
The Hallway.
Regarded as of one of the grandest and most bombastic films among John Woo's illustrious filmography, Hard Boiled (1992) is an action fan's dream come true.
Starring national treasures, Chow Yun-fat and Tony Leung, as well as the always brilliant Anthony Wong in a small but memorable villainous turn, Hard Boiled is ultimately an all-gas-no-brakes production, largely focused on violent spectacle rather than reveling in the melodrama that is often endemic to Woo's filmography and the heroic bloodshed genre in general.
Featuring no less that 3 protracted action sequences that are packed to the brim with creativity and excellence in execution, Hard Boiled is an all-time great, well-deserving of its reputation and place in the annals of action cinema history.
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This May, Kyle takes control of all the programming designs on Catching Up On Cinema, for a special event that we're calling, “Kyle's Kitchen Sink”!
All month long, Kyle follows his nose, allowing his impulsivity and gut instinct to drive his movie selection process from week to week.
This week, Kyle has us review Stephen Soderbergh's, Traffic (2000)!
A critically acclaimed Best Picture nominee that boasts an incredible ensemble cast of players, Traffic (2000) is a compelling and nuanced exploration of the illegal drug trade between the United States and Mexico.
Deliberately uncinematic at times, the film often has the feel of a documentary, or a story that one is intended to merely observe rather than become a vested participant in.
Also involved in the writing process, as well as serving as the chief camera operator, director Stephen Soderbergh deftly manages the production, delivering an intricate narrative with an incredible number of moving parts, that never once casts the viewer adrift.
Earnest in it's characterizations and exploration of its subject matter, the film manages to realistically portray the perpetual quagmire that is attempting to combat/control the illegal drug trade in the United States, while somehow managing to avoid devolving into a dreary, nihilistic slog.
A truly exceptional film from a very talented director with a knack for breaking taboos, both stylistic and thematic in nature, Traffic (2000) is a must see.
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This May, Kyle takes control of all the programming designs on Catching Up On Cinema, for a special event that we're calling, “Kyle's Kitchen Sink”!
All month long, Kyle follows his nose, allowing his impulsivity and gut instinct to drive his movie selection process from week to week.
This week, Kyle is unable to host, as he has been recruited by The Hammond Foundation to investigate isla Sorna, just off the coast of Costa Rica, however in his stead, Trevor conducts a solo review of Mark Williams', Blacklight (2022)!
One of the more recent in the long line of Liam Neeson headlined actioners, Blacklight is a tepid conspiracy thriller that lamely attempts to masquerade as an action film.
Often boring, and frequently preachy, Blacklight is one of the more eminently skippable of late era Neeson thrillers, and perhaps the worst of his 2022 filmography.
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This May, Kyle takes control of all the programming designs on Catching Up On Cinema, for a special event that we're calling, “Kyle's Kitchen Sink”!
All month long, Kyle follows his nose, allowing his impulsivity and gut instinct to drive his movie selection process from week to week.
This week, Kyle has us review David Bruckner's, The Night House (2020)!
Subtle and intimate, The Night House (2020) is an emotionally intense supernatural horror film benefits greatly from an incredible lead performance from Rebecca Hall.
Subdued and unafraid to utilize long stretches of silence or truly uncomfortable sequences of heavy drama to engage its viewers, The Night House is a confident little horror film may not play especially well to mainstream audiences, but is guaranteed to satisfy those that might seek it out.
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It's once again time for another installment of Catching Up On Cinema's most popular sub-series, “My Brother Pissed On Me”!
Join brothers Kyle and Nik as they talk about one of their favorite childhood films, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991)!
Known to have been a chaotic and somewhat messy production, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves served as a major star vehicle for a surging Kevin Costner at the peak of his popularity.
Buoyed by charismatic production values, and a delightfully comedic and over-the-top performance from Alan Rickman, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves remains a popular and beloved adventure film, particularly among 90's kids.
Per Nik's request, the following is a quote from the episode:
“I just like, love the concept of being trapped in a mall, with zombies outside.
One of my favorite video games, top 10 of all time.
Dead Rising.
You're trapped in a mall. With zombies.”
~ Nik
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This May, Kyle takes control of all the programming designs on Catching Up On Cinema, for a special event that we're calling, “Kyle's Kitchen Sink”!
All month long, Kyle follows his nose, allowing his impulsivity and gut instinct to drive his movie selection process from week to week.
First up this month, Kyle has us review Michael Curtiz', The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)!
A classic Technicolor swashbuckler starring Errol Flynn, The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) is a joyful and timeless adventure film.
Also starring frequent Errol Flynn co-star, Olivia De Havilland and Basil Rathbone, as well as featuring Claude Rains in fine form as the delightfully villainous Prince John, The Adventures of Robin Hood boasts a handsome cast of massively charismatic players.
Structured in an episodic fashion, and covering most of the more famous story beats and characters in the broader Robin Hood lore, The Adventures of Robin Hood serves as an excellent introduction to the character and his associated tropes.
Filled with vibrant costumes and sets, and a cavalcade of wondrous stunt work, The Adventures of Robin Hood is a charming and energetic film that gleefully and awkwardly chortles in the face of any who would think it “too old” to be fun.
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly Catching Up On Blu-Ray episode!
In this episode, Trevor and Brad a look at the physical media releases for the month of April 2023.
Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn atCinema Speak, or onTwitterandInstagram.
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Video version on YouTube!
https://www.youtube.com/live/tXci5lkNd5I?feature=share
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly, “Tales From the Shelf” episode! Join Trevor and his buddy Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast, as they chat about some "Kick-Ass Comedies" from their movie collections!
Throughout this episode, the duo discuss the 4th films in franchises that they own.
Brad's Picks:
7:00 – Superbad (2007)
26:00 – Monty Python and The Holy Grail (1975) and A Fish Called Wanda (1988)
51:00 – The World's End (2013)
Trevor's Picks:
15:00 – Goon (2011) and Goon: Last of the Enforcers (2017)
40:00 – Tommy Boy (1995)
1:03:30 – The Addams Family (1991) and The Addams Family Values (1993)
And stick around for speed round, where Trevor and Brad briefly talk about runner up picks that they didn't have time to spotlight!
Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitter and Instagram.
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This April is “Cyber Techno Future Shock” month at Catching Up On Cinema!
All month long we'll be reviewing some of the goofiest “techno-thrillers” from the 90's.
This week, Trevor and Kyle review Brett Leonard's, Virtuosity (1995)!
Starring a prime Denzel Washington, and featuring the American film debut of a young Russell Crowe, Virtuosity (1995) is sadly little more than a middling VR obsessed techno-thriller from Brett Leonard, the director of previous episode/techno-turd, The Lawnmower Man (1992).
Touching on heady concepts such as the dangers of AI, and VR content being incorporated into actual reality, Virtuosity is ultimately very little more than a basic cat-and-mouse manhunt film, albeit one that features a nifty sci-fi bent, and is populated with some of the more audacious sights and sounds of mid-90's American culture.
Neither particularly deep in it's exploration of tech, nor especially thrilling, Virtuosity is unfortunately best remembered as a colorful yet hideous time capsule of mid-90's aesthetics, and as a minor trivia factoid in that it serves as Russell Crowe's introduction to Hollywood, and serves as his first collaboration with Denzel Washington prior to them working together again in the much better film, Ridley Scott's, American Gangster (2007).
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This April is “Cyber Techno Future Shock” month at Catching Up On Cinema!
All month long we'll be reviewing some of the goofiest “techno-thrillers” from the 90's.
This week, Trevor and Kyle review Irwin Winkler's, The Net (1995)!
A paranoia/conspiracy thriller based around contemporary hacking and computer tech being used to infiltrate and disrupt systems many of us take for granted, The Net (1995) is a dreadfully dull film with a solid concept and piss poor execution.
Sluggishly paced, dull to look at, and painfully dry in its presentation and exploration of tech and computer systems, the film is likely only remembered for the novelty factor of being an early vehicle for Sandra Bullock, a sequence wherein a character orders a pizza via the 'net (in 1995!), and as the butt -end of a clever joke from Seinfeld.
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This April is “Cyber Techno Future Shock” month at Catching Up On Cinema!
All month long we'll be reviewing some of the goofiest “techno-thrillers” from the 90's.
This week, Trevor conducts a solo review of Rachel Talalay's, Ghost in the Machine (1993)!
A story of a serial killer that continues his killing ways after being transformed into a electrical force that can inhabit and manipulate all things connected to the electrical grid, Ghost in the Machine (1993) is a colorful and at times silly horror film that plays fast and loose with science and physics.
Featuring Final Destination-esque, Rube Goldberg machine style kill sequences, happy rap, mischievous/petulant kids with floppy hair, and copious amounts of CGI, including one VR sequence, Ghost in the Machine is terrific nostalgia fodder for those of the cowabunga generation.
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linktr.ee/CatchingUpOnCinemaIt's once again time for another installment of Catching Up On Cinema's most popular sub-series, “My Brother Pissed On Me”!Join brothers Kyle and Nik as they sit down for a nice, long chat about all things Star Wars!Check your nostalgia goggles at the door, as the brothers speak candidly about the original, prequel, and sequel trilogies, some of the Disney+ streaming shows, and even a number of the extended universe video games.Follow us on Instagram @catchinguponcinemaFollow us on Twitter @CatchingCinemaLike, share, subscribe, and we'll catch you next time!
linktr.ee/CatchingUpOnCinemaThis April is “Cyber Techno Future Shock” month at Catching Up On Cinema!All month long we'll be reviewing some of the goofiest “techno-thrillers” from the 90's.First up, Trevor and Kyle review Brett Leonard's, The Lawnmower Man (1992)!Featuring at the time groundbreaking CGI animated sequences that are utterly laughable by contemporary standards, as well as pre-internet concepts regarding virtual reality subsuming actual reality, The Lawnmower Man is a difficult watch without the aid of rose tinted glasses, however for those with sufficient nostalgia for it's aesthetic, it's an often dull but still somehow charming cyber-thriller.Follow us on Instagram @catchinguponcinemaFollow us on Twitter @CatchingCinemaLike, share, subscribe, and we'll catch you next time!
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly Catching Up On Blu-Ray episode!
In this episode, Trevor takes a look at the physical media releases for the month of March 2023.
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linktr.ee/CatchingUpOnCinemaIt's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly, “Tales From the Shelf” episode!In honor of the recent release of John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023), in this installment, Trevor is once again joined by his good buddy Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast to discuss "Fantastic Fours"!Throughout this episode, the duo discuss the 4th films in franchises that they own.Brad's Picks:3:00 - Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (1984)25:30 - [•REC]⁴: Apocalypse (2014)54:30 - Rambo (2008)1:15:00 - The Final Destination (2009)1:38:30 - Scanner Cop (1994)Trevor's Picks:13:30 - Jaws: The Revenge (1987)38:30 - In the Line of Duty IV (1989) and Highlander: Endgame (2000)1:05:00 - Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug (1991)1:29:30 - X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009), Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning (2012), Boyka: Undisputed 4 (2017), and Ip Man: The Finale (2019)And stick around for speed round, where Trevor and Brad briefly talk about runner up picks that they didn't have time to spotlight!Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitter and Instagram.Follow us on Instagram @catchinguponcinemaFollow us on Twitter @CatchingCinema
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This March, “VHS Cover Art” Month returns at Catching Up On Cinema!
Every week we'll be reviewing films with incredible cover art from the VHS era.
This week, Kyle and Trevor review Joe Dante's, The Howling (1981)!
An early hit in Joe Dante's filmography, The Howling (1981) is an unusual werewolf film that is largely remembered for the makeup effects contributions of a young Rob Bottin.
Released in 1981, a year that would also see the release of John Landis' darkly comedic, An American Werewolf in London, and Michael Wadleigh's lesser known, Wolfen, The Howling is likely remembered as the 2nd best werewolf film that came out that year.
Charismatically shot and directed, with a strong presentation overall, The Howling has a many positive elements, however its meandering 2nd act, and strangely hurried and muddled climax result in an experience possessed of some truly high highs, with unfortunately very little connective tissue tying it all together.
A fine werewolf film that unfortunately, in the eyes of this reviewer, will forever play second fiddle to An American Werewolf in London.
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This March, “VHS Cover Art” Month returns at Catching Up On Cinema!
Every week we'll be reviewing films with incredible cover art from the VHS era.
This week, Trevor and Kyle review Steve Miner's, House (1986)!
Produced by veteran horror producer Sean S. Cunningham, and written by a young Fred Dekker, House (1986) is a strange supernatural “horror comedy” that feels like a lame imitation of superior contemporary genre films such as Evil Dead (1981), Poltergeist (1982) and Ghostbusters (1984).
A tonal mess of a film, House features some decent makeup effects, but the editing lacks energy, and the movie sadly fails to deliver engagement in the form of chuckles or scares.
Despite all of these liabilities, House's biggest stumble comes in the form of its clumsy and half-hearted exploration of the Vietnam war and the trauma inflicted upon those that participated in that conflict.
While it is apparent that at some point in production, aspects of the script were likely meant to be using supernatural shenanigans and frequent disruptions as some form of nonliteral metaphor for the protagonist's struggle in allowing himself to confront his repressed trauma, (e.g. writing a book about the war) the execution of these elements in the finished film are confusing, underdeveloped, and often lame.
Often feeling like a hodgepodge of interesting ideas that found themselves cobbled together in exactly the wrong film, House is a cult horror-comedy that this author sadly found very little enjoyment in viewing, and will likely only remember for its decent effects work and the inherent novelty factor found in its cast of (at the time) contemporary TV stars.
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This March, “VHS Cover Art” Month returns at Catching Up On Cinema!
Every week we'll be reviewing films with incredible cover art from the VHS era.
This week, Kyle and Trevor review Mark Pavia's film adaptation of the Stephen King short story of the same name, The Night Flier (1997)!
Originally airing on HBO and starring a foul-mouthed Miguel Ferrer at his surly best, The Night Flier (1997) is a vampire film that is more of a detective story than the outright creature feature vibes that its cover art might suggest.
Shot on a tight 30 day schedule, The Night Flier is nevertheless a well-constructed and performed horror flick that is rife with King-isms, ultimately resulting in a cozy watch for fans of King and vampire fiction alike.
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February was “Guilty Pleasures” month at Catching Up On Cinema, but we had so much fun we decided to keep it going for one more week.
In this special bonus “Guilty Pleasure” episode, Trevor is joined by his buddy Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast to review Rob Cohen's, The Hurricane Heist (2018)!
Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitter and Instagram.
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It's been a long time coming, but it's once again time for another installment of “My Brother Pissed On Me”!
Join brothers Kyle and Nik as they review the TV miniseries, Merlin (1998)!
Headlined by Sam Neill, and featuring Helena Bonham Carter and Martin Short, Merlin (1998) was a strange fantasy epic that the brothers grew up watching on VHS.
Stay tuned to find out if it holds up to a rewatch in 2023.
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly Catching Up On Blu-Ray episode!
In this episode, Trevor takes a look at the physical media releases for the month of February 2023.
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly, “Tales From the Shelf” episode!
In this installment, Trevor is once again joined by his good buddy Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast to discuss black and white films in “Glorious Grayscale”!
Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitter and Instagram.
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This February is Guilty Pleasures month at Catching Up On Cinema!
All month long, we'll be exploring the movies that we know to be suck-y, but we love 'em anyway.
Additionally, all month long we'll be changing up the show format to match that of our guest hosts from week to week.
This week Trevor is joined by Richie AKA MdntAgntRAW from the Super Media Bros. Podcast for a “Cult Cinema Showdown” review of Danny Leiner's, Dude, Where's My Car? (2000) and Mike Judge's, Beavis and Butt-Head Do America (1996)!
Check out Richie's podcast at https://www.supermediabrospodcast.com/
Follow them on Twitter @SuperMediaBros_
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Also, check the Odd Pods Media Network while you're at it!
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This February is Guilty Pleasures month at Catching Up On Cinema!
All month long, we'll be exploring the movies that we know to be suck-y, but we love 'em anyway.
Additionally, all month long we'll be changing up the show format to match that of our guest hosts from week to week.
This week we're joined by Michele and Brian from the Movies For Life podcast to review a pair of their guilty pleasure films in the form of Tommy O'Haver's, Get Over It (2001), and Stephen King's, Maximum Overdrive (1986)!
Find Brian on Twitter, Instagram, as well as at Bloody-Disgusting.com.
Find Michele on Instagram
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This February is Guilty Pleasures month at Catching Up On Cinema!
All month long, we'll be exploring the movies that we know to be suck-y, but we love 'em anyway.
Additionally, all month long we'll be changing up the show format to match that of our guest hosts from week to week.
This week, Kyle and Trevor review Alex Proyas', Knowing (2009), and a “Guilty Pleasure” pick selected by their friends over at the Super Media Bros podcast, M. Night Shyamalan's, Signs (2001)!
0:00 – 5:00 - Intro
5:00 - 1:04:00 – Knowing (2009)
1:04:00 – 2:20:00 - Signs (2001)
2:20:00 – The Showdown
Check out Richie's podcast at https://www.supermediabrospodcast.com/
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This February is Guilty Pleasures month at Catching Up On Cinema!
All month long, we'll be exploring the movies that we know to be suck-y, but we love 'em anyway.
Additionally, all month long we'll be changing up the show format to match that of our guest hosts from week to week.
In this, the first week of Guilty Pleasures month, Kyle and Trevor are joined by Chase Keys from the SNEScapades podcast to review a trio of diverse Guilty Pleasure films:
9:00 – 58:00 - Rent (2005)
58:00 – 1:36:00 – Rock Star (2001)
1:36:00 – 2:11:00 – Ernest Goes to Jail (1990)
2:11:00 – 2:18:00 – Ranking our picks
Check out Chase Keys and Emmy Zero on SNEScapades at HonestPirahna.com, Anchor, or reach out to Chase on Twitter @SNEScapades.
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WARNING! THIS EPISODE CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR A NUMBER OF GREAT FILMS! WARNING!
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly, “Tales From the Shelf” episode!
In this installment, Trevor is once again joined by his good buddy Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast to discuss films with “Fantastic Finales”!
Spotlighted this episode, are noteworthy films from Trevor and Brad that have incredible climaxes, powerful final sequences, or brilliant final shots.
5:00 – 11:45 – Munich (2005
12:30 – 23:00 – SPL (2005)
23:30 – 33:30 – Before Sunset (2004)
33:30 – 45:00 – Gamera 3: Revenge of Iris (1999)
46:30 – 55:00 – Inglourious Basterds (2009)
55:30 – 1:05:45 – The Gray (2005)
1:06:00 – 1:13:00 – The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)
1:13:30 – 1:18:45 – Scarface (1983)
And stick around for the "speed round," where Trevor and Brad quickly talk about a handful of their runner-up picks:
The Godfather, Blowout, Lost in Translation, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, The Social Network, First Reformed, The Hurt Locker, Zero Dark Thirty, Heat, Transformers the Movie, Godzilla (2014), Jaws, Jurassic Park, Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends, Rocky, Beavis and Butthead Do America, The Street Fighter Trilogy, Mortal Kombat, Orca, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Backdraft, Little Shop of Horrors, The Wild Bunch, City of Violence
Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitter and Instagram.
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly Catching Up On Blu-Ray episode!
Join Trevor and Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast as they take a look at the blu-ray releases for January 2023!
Happy New Year!
Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitter and Instagram.
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This week, Trevor reviews Zach Cregger's, Barbarian (2022)!
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This week, Kyle and Trevor review Damien Leone's, Terrifier 2 (2022)!
A direct continuation of the events of Terrifier (2016), as well as a progression of the franchise much in the way Gareth Evans' The Raid (2011) expanded the scope for The Raid 2: Berandal (2014), Damien Leone's Terrifier 2 (2022) is a spirited sequel that improves upon the original in virtually every regard.
Representing far more than a simple upgrade in terms of gallons of blood spilt and buckets of viscera splattered, Terrifier 2 represents a meaningful effort on the part of creator and crew to improve upon aspects of the original that were nigh universally regarded by the fanbase to be detrimentally anemic, namely characterization and plot.
While not a full-on character study, over the course of its near 2 and a half hour runtime, Terrifier 2 succeeds in introducing and fleshing out a small cast of well-considered characters, ably performed by all involved, in particular star and “Final Girl,” Lauren LaVera.
While somewhat overlong, Terrifier 2 features stellar production values that belie its more than modest $250k budget, but perhaps more important, it boasts a coherence and clarity of vision across all aspects of production that is massively impressive, and highly commendable.
The little horror that could, Terrifier 2 is far from a perfect film, but it truly feels like the movie Damien Leone wanted to make, and based on its incredible word of mouth reputation and unexpected box office success, I'd say the fanbase are quite happy with the result.
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This week, Kyle and Trevor review Joseph Kosinski's, Top Gun: Maverick (2022)!
A long gestating project originally pitched as “legacy sequel” from original Top Gun (1986) director, Tony Scott, Top Gun: Maverick (2022) is refreshingly sincere crowd pleaser from Joseph Kosinski.
In spite of the film losing Scott's participation due to his untimely passing, Kosinski, having previously directed the aesthetically wondrous (but emotionally overwrought) Tron: Legacy (2010), as well as the Tom Cruise vehicle Oblivion (2013), was a natural fit to helm Top Gun: Maverick.
Bearing a structure more akin to an action heavy heist/caper rather than the original's sports drama format, Top Gun: Maverick is often blunt, and always straightforward with its storytelling, though in many ways, these attributes prove to be its greatest strengths.
Deliberately repetitious, both in terms of dialogue and in terms of structure, Top Gun: Maverick can be grating in its early sequences, however at a certain point it becomes apparent that the film is training you, much in the way its training its characters, to identify and anticipate the stakes of the drama in order to maximize the impact of its bombastic finale.
Beautifully shot, and possessed of a health dose of (rather than heaping pile of) symmetry and reverence to/for the original Top Gun, Top Gun: Maverick is the rare “legacy sequel” that puts a premium on continuing the story of its protagonist e.g. “Maverick”, rather than exploiting him as an ambassador between audiences and the next generation of twee action figure heroes and heroines.
Beautiful elemental in the way it communicates with the viewer, Top Gun: Maverick's soul is made of equal parts heart and cheese, but make no mistake, it is top of the line crowd pleasing action cinema, and entirely worthy of its incredible success.
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This week on Catching Up On Cinema, Kyle returns to the program to review Mark Mylod's, The Menu (2022)!
A deviously clever, pitch black comedy thriller, The Menu boasts stellar performances from Ralph Fiennes, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Nicholas Hoult, among others.
Bubbling over with subtext and meta text relating to the complicated relationship between those that produce and those that consume, The Menu is a lovingly crafted piece of entertainment, as well as a provocative and timely work of social and artistic commentary.
A well considered production that perseveres in spite of changing both director and lead actress prior to production, The Menu is a film that asks you to savor its thematic flourishes, but thankfully manages to offer a satisfying meal for those that would prefer to get to the cheeseburger, er, meat of the matter.
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Happy New Year!
In this, the first episode of Catching Up On Cinema for the year 2023, Trevor does a solo review of Chuck Russell's, Paradise City (2022)!
Billed as both the latest and (potentially) last of Bruce Willis' rather unfortunate string of direct-to-video films, Paradise City (2022) is a bland actioner that, while admittedly hamstrung by a cognitively comprised star and a tight shooting schedule, largely fails to add up to the sum of its parts.
Despite a boasting a capable director in the form of Chuck Russell, decent production values, and a cast of eager supporting players, Paradise City is coherent and seldom embarrassing, but sadly not much more than that.
Bonus points for successfully telling a (simple) story and achieving feature length, e.g. being a film.
Also, bonus points for the part where the dude is dropped into the greenscreen volcano.
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly Catching Up On Blu-Ray episode!
Join Trevor and Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast as they take a look at the blu-ray releases for December 2022!
Happy New Year!
Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitter and Instagram.
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly, “Tales From the Shelf” episode!
In this installment, Trevor is once again joined by his good buddy Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast to discuss "Aquatic Adventures".
Spotlighted this episode, are noteworthy films from Trevor and Brad that involve action set amid, under, or atop the water.
Brad's Picks:
Titanic (1997)
Zombi 2 (1979)
Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954)
The Beach Bum (2019)
Trevor's Picks:
The Beast (1996)
Godzilla 1984, Shin Gojira (2016) and Godzilla vs. Kong (2021)
Northern Limit Line (2015), Dunkirk (2017) Saving Private Ryan (1998)
And stick around for the "speed round," where Trevor and Brad quickly talk about a handful of their runner-up picks.
Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitter and Instagram.
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This December is “Satanic Santa” month at Catching Up On Cinema!
All month long, we'll be reviewing Christmas movies featuring murderous, rampaging Santa Claus!
This week, Trevor reviews Dick Maas', Sint / Saint (2010)!
A Dutch film concerning an evil Sinterklaas coming to murder the populace of Amsterdam, Sint (2010) is a visually dynamic and gory holiday horror-comedy that unfortunately fails to fully deliver on the promise of its premise.
Unevenly paced, and lacking in character, Sint shows flashes of brilliance in its more energetic moments, but on the whole, sadly fails to make an impression.
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This December is “Satanic Santa” month at Catching Up On Cinema!
All month long, we'll be reviewing Christmas movies featuring murderous, rampaging Santa Claus!
This week, Kyle and Trevor review Joe Begos', Christmas Bloody Christmas (2022)!
Released as a Shudder Original on the streaming service of the same name, Christmas Bloody Christmas (2022) is a holiday themed slasher film from director Joe Begos.
Originally conceived as (another) remake of Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984), Christmas Bloody Christmas, as it exists in its completed form, more closely resembles a remake of The Terminator (1984), solely due to the structure of its 3rd act, and inclusion of a tenacious, mechanical killer, rather than anything having to do with plot or execution.
Possessed of a thin concept that is oddly reminiscent of Joe Dante's, Small Soldiers (1998), Christmas Bloody Christmas is a dirt simple, though unfortunately somewhat tedious slasher.
Perhaps best presented as a 45 minute episode of Creepshow, rather than a feature length film, Christmas Bloody Christmas is unexpectedly talkie in its first half, featuring numerous overlong, scenes of bawdy, overlapping dialogue that are remarkably naturalistic in delivery and pacing, but utterly unwelcome in a film with a concept and aesthetic presentation such as this.
Often a delight to look at, Christmas Bloody Christmas boasts fantastic set dressings and production design, featuring audacious and hyper-stylized lighting schemes that bathe each scene with gorgeous, or alternatively, hideous, splashes of color.
Noisy, and maximalist in nature, Christmas Bloody Christmas betrays the promise of its aesthetics and rock stupid concept by failing to deliver in the execution of its kill sequences.
Unexpectedly restrained in the guts and gore department, Christmas Bloody Christmas features no less than 3 instances of kills that are not just cut away from before the fluids start flowing, but unfairly teased as kills that have clear potential to deliver visceral thrills.
At least one of the aforementioned kill-botches bears some evidence of perhaps being the result of a failed or incomplete practical effect, however this is just a guess from this reviewer.
A flawed slasher that shows craft and verve in writing, lighting and performance, perhaps too much given the overly indulgent nature of its many dialogue sequences, Christmas Bloody Christmas is not a horror film without strengths, however for this reviewer, it is a film that needed many of its darlings killed, in favor of processing them into a leaner and more digestible package.
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
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This December is “Satanic Santa” month at Catching Up On Cinema!
All month long, we'll be reviewing Christmas movies featuring murderous, rampaging Santa Claus!
This week, Kyle and Trevor review Eshom and Ian Nelms', Fatman (2020)!
Starring Mel Gibson as a world weary Chris Cringle on the edge of (2 days?) to retirement, Fatman (2020) is an unconventional Christmas film that is possessed of interesting ideas, but sadly fails to expand on any of them to any satisfying degree.
In the universe of Fatman, Santa Claus is not only real, he is a known entity to the U.S. Government, and a core contributor the world economy.
In Fatman, Santa is a small business owner that lives on a farm, owns guns, and (grudingly) pays taxes.
While the core plot of the film involves a wealthy and nefarious young brat hiring a hitman to kill Santa after receiving a well-deserved lump of a coal on Christmas morning, the majority of the runtime of Fatman is devoted to Mel Gibson griping about the taxman, and watching the always entertaining Walton Goggins go on an extended roadtrip.
Not funny enough to be a comedy, and not action oriented enough to satisfy the Redbox crowd, Fatman is a strange beast of an indie film that occasionally probes interesting material with its scripting, but is a sadly lacking in cohesiveness, resulting in a movie that is perhaps more interesting to talk about than to actually watch or enjoy.
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This December is “Satanic Santa” month at Catching Up On Cinema!
All month long, we'll be reviewing Christmas movies featuring murderous, rampaging Santa Claus!
This week, Kyle and Trevor review David Steiman's, Santa's Slay (2005)!
Starring former NFL player and pro wrestler Bill Goldberg as the titular Santa, Santa's Slay (2005) is an unrepentantly juvenile and lewd horror-comedy with its tongue firmly planted in its rosy, sugar plumb encrusted cheeks.
Clumsily scripted, but ably performed, Santa's Slay is a Christmas film penned by a writer's room of young bros raised purely on a media diet of South Park, Vince Russo-era WCW, and a never ending loop of Girls Gone Wild commercials.
Eric Cartman was their father.
Scott Steiner, their mother.
The steel drum anthem of the Girls That Have Gone Wild For Want of Beer and Beads, their evening lullaby.
Lit like a Scary Movie film, with a horrendous soundtrack consisting of unknowable, bargain bin Christmas(?) songs and low grade midi tracks, Santa's Slay is nevertheless a competent production, with fine costuming for the title character, a larger comprehensible narrative, and occasionally decent production values.
A fun, good-bad ride for the majority of its scant 78 minute runtime, Santa's Slay unfortunately fails to outright stick the landing, with a baffling and utterly flat finale that feels suspiciously like a result of the production losing access to Bill Goldberg prior to filming a proper conclusion.
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly Catching Up On Blu-Ray episode!
Join Trevor and Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast as they take a look at the blu-ray releases for November 2022!
Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitter and Instagram.
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly, “Tales From the Shelf” episode!
In this installment, Trevor is once again joined by his good buddy Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast to discuss "A Dollop of D's"!
Spotlighted this episode, are noteworthy films from Trevor and Brad that have titles beginning with the letter "D".
Brad's Picks:
Dumb and Dumber (1994)
Don't Look Now (1973)
Dolls (1987) and Dolly Dearest (1991)
The Deer Hunter (1978)
Trevor's Picks:
The Darkman Trilogy (1990 - 1996)
Deep Cover (1992)
The Daimajin Trilogy (1966)
Doberman (1997)
And stick around for the "speed round," where Trevor and Brad quickly talk about a handful of their runner-up picks.
Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitter and Instagram.
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This November is “No Nut November” at Catching Up On Cinema!
All month long, we'll be reviewing erotic thrillers from the 80's and 90's!
This week, Trevor and Kyle celebrate the 200th episode of Catching Up On Cinema with a review of John McNaughton's, Wild Things (1998)!
Released at a time when the erotic thriller genre was being phased out in favor of teen-focused sex comedies and Scream (1996) rip offs, Wild Things (1998) is a competent neo-noir that has since developed a minor cult following.
Benefiting massively from the charms of its charismatic and very game cast of players, Wild Things is nothing special from a writing or production standpoint, however it manages to keep the viewer engaged with a steady drip of smolder, sex, and plot twists.
Perhaps best remembered as the film featuring (executive producer) Kevin Bacon's penis in a brief, but essential cameo, Wild Things is a decent erotic thriller, that, perhaps unfortunately, also perhaps marks the transition point for the subgenres' trajectory towards hibernation/obscurity.
Special thank to Kyle's brother Nik, Trevor's brother Matt, and all our podcasting friends
Brad @cinemaspeak
Harrison and Jordan @GriefBurrito
Chase Keys and EmmyZero @snescapades
Chris @playcomicscast
Brian and Michele @MovieLifePod
Richie @SuperMediaBros_
And thanks to you, the listener, for tuning in and supporting us all these years!
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This November is “No Nut November” at Catching Up On Cinema!
All month long, we'll be reviewing erotic thrillers from the 80's and 90's!
This week Kyle and Trevor review William Friedkin's, Jade (1995)!
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This November is “No Nut November” at Catching Up On Cinema!
All month long, we'll be reviewing erotic thrillers from the 80's and 90's!
This week Trevor does a solo review of Phillip Noyce's, Sliver (1993)!
Released almost exactly one year after her star making turn in the massively successful Basic Instinct (1992), Sliver (1993) saw Sharon Stone return to the erotic thriller subgenre, albeit without the benefit of the one-two punch of Paul Verhoeven's slick and wildly excessive directorial flourishes, and Jan De Bont's sumptuous lighting and lensing.
Once again working from a screenplay penned by genre veteran and Hollywood sleaze maestro, Joe Esztherhas; Sliver sees Sharon Stone cast not a femme fatale as in case of the pairings earlier effort, Basic Instinct, but as a weirdly passive, shy woman that may be more sexually adventurous than even she would care to admit.
A murder-mystery whodunit that often feels utterly uninterested in detective work or suspense building, Sliver somewhat delivers on the eroticism and thrills one would expect from an erotic thriller, however the connective fiber between the elements, so essential to creating an effective and cohesive genre film, are sorely lacking.
Dull and aimless in instances where its handsome and talented cast still have their clothes on, Sliver is not bereft of interesting thematic content or compelling performances, though at the end of the day it all feels very slight and surface level, and sadly doesn't amount to a film that could be considered much more than “adequate” or “serviceable”.
Reportedly a troubled production in the form of the MPAA requiring massive reedits to avoid an NC-17 rating, and negative test audience reactions compelling the producers to insist on changing the identity of the killer and the entire ending well into post-production, Sliver is a film that was restructured within an inch of its life, such that its a small miracle that it was even able to limp its way into theaters as a coherent narrative at all.
Many point to Basic Instinct (1992) as being at or near the pinnacle of the erotic thriller boom of the era, and appropriately enough, Sharon Stone and Joe Esztheras' very next project together, Sliver (1993), would go on to represent the cresting of the wave for the genre.
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This November is “No Nut November” at Catching Up On Cinema!
All month long, we'll be reviewing erotic thrillers from the 80's and 90's!
This week on Catching Up On Cinema, Trevor does a solo review of Paul Verhoeven's, Basic Instinct (1992)!
Working from a script penned by genre stalwart Joe Esztherhas, Verhoeven's Basic Instinct (1992) represents an acceleration in the ongoing evolution of the then booming erotic thriller subgenre.
Starring Michael Douglas and an up-and-coming Sharon Stone, Basic Instinct is a raunchy neo-noir whodunit.
Profane, explicit, and positively dripping with body fluids at every turn, Basic Instinct is thankfully more than just an expensive fuck film from the 90's.
Brilliantly shot and scored by Jan De Bont and Jerry Goldsmith respectively, and performed with intensity and verve by a who's who of recognizable names and faces, Basic Instinct's only true liability is its (reportedly) $3 million screenplay.
Robbed of momentum in its later stages by the necessity of the whodunit aspect of the narrative taking precedence over the fucking and fighting, Basic Instinct unfortunately allows itself to get bogged down with too many repetitive interrogation sequences in the lead up to its resolution.
A sexy, fun watch, Basic Instinct is not as consistently entertaining or as layered as many of Verhoeven's best mainstream American efforts, however it is effortlessly memorable, and easily a standout among the subgenre.
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This November is “No Nut November” at Catching Up On Cinema!
All month long, we'll be reviewing erotic thrillers from the 80's and 90's!
This week we kick things off with a review Adrian Lyne's, Fatal Attraction (1987)!
A wildly successful erotic thriller from genre maestro Adrian Lyne, Fatal Attraction (1987) is by no means the first of its kind, however it can easily be pointed to as one of the most important and influential to the mainstream proliferation of the subgenre.
Featuring Michael Douglas, who would soon find himself occupying the enviable role of the poster boy for erotic thriller leading men, as well as the at the time surging Glenn Close, Fatal Attraction (1987) is an exceedingly handsome thriller, in terms of both the aesthetic charms of its cast, as well as in terms of its crisp lighting and cinematography.
In spite of the quality of performance and raw filmmaking talent poured into the film, Fatal Attraction is nevertheless a somewhat strange film to evaluate in 2022.
Featuring a vague portrayal of mental illness in the form of Glenn Close's, Alex, as well an adulterous protagonist in the form of Michael Douglas', Dan, Fatal Attraction's narrative arc and tendency to look up upon the character of Dan in a positive/sympathetic light, may be difficult pills for contemporary audiences to swallow.
In spite of its somewhat dated cultural perspectives, Fatal Attraction is a superior erotic thriller possessed of fantastic production values and engaging drama that never veers into disingenuous melodrama.
An exciting and highly profitable film that would ensure that director, star, and subgenre alike would occupy an important niche in Hollywood for years to come.
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Happy Halloween from all of us here at Catching Up On Cinema!
In this, the first of a new series of bonus episodes that Kyle has proudly dubbed, “My Brother Pissed On Me,” Kyle and his brother Nik reminisce about the 90's phenomenon that was R.L. Stine's, Goosebumps.
Primarily focusing their discussion around the book series and the late-90's TV adaptations of The Werewolf of Fever Swamp and A Night in Terror Tower, the 2 brothers nevertheless find plenty of opportunities to verbally piss on one another throughout.
Happy Halloween!
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly Catching Up On Blu-Ray episode!
Join Trevor as he takes a look at the blu-ray and 4k releases for October 2022!
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly, “Tales From the Shelf” episode!
In this installment, Trevor is once again joined by his good buddy Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast for a "Rainbow Roundup"!
All the films discussed this episode bear spines featuring the colors of the rainbow (red, orange, yellow, green, cyan, blue and indigo).
Brad's Picks:
The Babadook (2014)
The Hunt (2020)
One Cut of the Dead (2017)
The War of the Worlds (1953)
John Wick (2014)
Small Soldiers (1998)
Fast Five (2011)
Trevor's Picks:
The Street Fighter Collection (1974)
The Last Dragon (1985)
Undisputed III: Redemption (2010)
Godzilla 1984 (1984)
To the Fore (2015)
The Wild Bunch (1969)
Arachnophobia (1990)
Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitter and Instagram.
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In a very special, “Theatrical Edition” of Catching Up On Cinema, Kyle and Trevor review David Gordon Green's, Halloween Ends (2022)!
The third and final chapter of David Gordon Green's recent trilogy of films, Halloween Ends (2022) is yet another in a long line of highly divisive Halloween/Michael Myers sequels.
The 13th entry in the Halloween film series, Halloween Ends sees the franchise veer into unexpected territory, dedicating much of its screen time and characterization to elements that are potentially unwelcome by Michael Myers super fans.
Earnest (albeit ham-fisted) in its continued exploration of the themes of trauma and hysteria introduced in Gordon Green's own Halloween (2018) and Halloween Kills (2021), Halloween Ends is unfortunately a case of a film being possessed of fine ideas that are unfortunately not explored to the extent one would hope after an entire trilogy spent dog paddling in them.
Handsomely shot, and once again beautifully scored by the father son duo of John and Cody Carpenter, Halloween Ends is tonally and aesthetically in line with earlier entries in the series, though in some ways that may be to its detriment.
3/4ths of a bold and unique entry in the Halloween franchise, Halloween Ends is a well made slasher with strong performances and interesting ideas, though it unfortunately betrays itself in its final reel by concluding the story that franchise fans would likely demand, rather than the one that the film had been telling, quite ably, prior to the finale.
Alternatively, one could also view the film as an earnest conclusion of the Laurie Strode/Michael Myers story, effectively conveying the evolution of Laurie's struggle with her trauma.
Perhaps Halloween Ends' greatest liability comes in the form of effectively innovating, introducing ideas and characters that this reviewer was more interested in continuing to explore, amid a concluding chapter in a trilogy that's conclusion was near preordained by virtue of Ends needing to maintain symmetry with Gordon Green's earlier films.
A divisive film, to the point that this reviewer is still uncertain of its overall quality and enjoyability, Halloween Ends is a fine, if not somewhat uneven Halloween sequel.
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This October marks the return of Catching Up Cinema's annual, “Kyle's Killer October” month!
All month long, Kyle will be taking creative control of the program, with this year's theme being an exploration of the filmography of Rob Zombie!
This week, the last of Kyle's Killer October, we review Rob Zombies', Halloween II (2009)!
One of the more divisive entries in the long running series, Rob Zombies' Halloween II (2009) is a direct follow up to the director's remake of Halloween (2007).
In the wake of the box office success of Halloween 2007, Rob Zombie was granted greater creative control in directing Halloween II, resulting in a more eccentric and visually dynamic film.
Beginning with events and scenarios very similar to Halloween 2 (1981), Rob Zombies' Halloween sequel very quickly transitions into at the time unfamiliar territory for the franchise, picking up narratives of Laurie Strode, Dr. Loomis and Michael Myers as they cope with their mutual traumas brought on by the events of the previous Halloween.
While the films differ drastically in their execution and aesthetic presentation, in terms of thematic content, Rob Zombies' Halloween II covers much of the same ground as David Gordon Green's recent trilogy of films.
Too inconsistent with it's internal logic and overall entertainment value to be considered more than a “good” Halloween film, Zombies' Halloween II nevertheless has much to offer in terms of cinematography and gore, resulting in a film that likely belongs squarely in the middle of the franchise rankings, rather than the complete rock bottom that many have characterized it as.
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This October marks the return of Catching Up Cinema's annual, “Kyle's Killer October” month!
All month long, Kyle will be taking creative control of the program, with this year's theme being an exploration of the filmography of Rob Zombie!
This week, we review Rob Zombie's, Lords of Salem (2012)!
Coming hot on the heels of his tenure on the Halloween franchise, Lords of Salem (2012) would see writer/director Rob Zombie trade the more substantial budgets of mainstream horror, in favor of the creative control offered by operating within the micro-budgeted world of Blumhouse Productions.
Produced on a $1.5 million budget, Lords of Salem stands apart from the vast majority of Zombie's filmography, offering a more existential and supernatural brand of horror than the director's more typically immediate and visceral fare.
Possessed of occasionally psychedelic visuals, and a plot progression that seems intentionally vague and distorted, Lords of Salem is clearly a labor of love from director Zombie, though the fruits of said labor are unfortunately meted out in fits and spurts.
Showcasing many of his strengths in the form of fascinating audio-visual design, while downplaying most of his major weaknesses, namely crass and unnatural dialogue, Lords of Salem is an atypical offering from director Rob Zombie, however in some ways it may one of his very best.
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This October marks the return of Catching Up Cinema's annual, “Kyle's Killer October” month!
All month long, Kyle will be taking creative control of the program, with this year's theme being an exploration of the filmography of Rob Zombie!
This week, we review Rob Zombie's remake of John Carpenter's original, Halloween (2007)!
Produced in the wake of the poorly regarded Halloween: Resurrection (2002), as well as the untimely death of lead producer on the franchise, Moustapha Akkad, Halloween 2007 was to serve as both a new beginning for the franchise, and a radical tonal/textural departure from earlier Michael Myers films.
Produced by Moustapha Akkad's son, Malek, after numerous failed attempts to greenlight crossover Halloween projects in the hopes of aping the success of the earlier Freddy vs. Jason (2003), Rob Zombie was approached to both write and direct Halloween 2007, essentially being given carte blanche in all areas of production.
Half prequel, and half remake of John Carpenter's 1978 original, Zombie's Halloween bears many of the director's trademarks, e.g. vulgar dialogue, a grungy pseudo-70's aesthetic, and a cast populated with a who's who of grindhouse cinema character actors, however it's debatable how much of them are a good fit for the world of Michael Myers.
Mean-spirited and brutal in ways that many “mascot” slasher films are not, Halloween 2007 is wildly effective in eliciting an emotional response from the viewer, however in the case of this reviewer, said emotions detract from rather than enhance the experience.
Halloween 2007 boldly attempts to fill in many blanks in the backstory of Michael Myers that may or may not be best left unfilled, presenting a prologue segment that doesn't necessarily explain Myers' psychopathy, though it does seem to point to his prolonged incarceration as perhaps being responsible for exacerbating it.
A highly divisive entry in the franchise, Halloween 2007 is perhaps best regarded as “Rob Zombies' Halloween,” as it fits cleanly into the director's oeuvre, which by its very nature, classifies the film as one that will only appeal to a very specific niche audience.
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This October marks the return of Catching Up Cinema's annual, “Kyle's Killer October” month!
All month long, Kyle will be taking creative control of the program, with this year's theme being an exploration of the filmography of Rob Zombie!
This week, we kick things off with a review of Rob Zombie's feature directorial debut, House of 1000 Corpses (2003)!
The first of a trilogy of films concerning the Firefly family of hellbillies, House of 1000 Corpses is strong debut from Zombie, proudly wearing its numerous influences on its sleeves, and showcasing the director's eye for production design and visual flair.
Employing a plethora of cinematographic, editing and makeup effects techniques and technologies, House of 1000 Corpses bears the fingerprints of a first time filmmaker, giddy with excitement at the prospect of using every tool in the box, regardless of it's practicality for the task at hand.
In spite of being packed to the gills with bizarre interstitial and non-sequitur cut away sequences, House of 1000 Corpses doesn't quite achieve a 90 minute run time, resulting in halting and episodic an experience that strongly favors imagery and energy over narrative and characterization.
Rejuvenating the careers of future Rob Zombie regulars, Sid Haig and Bill Moseley, as well as introducing audiences to his wife Sheri Moon, House of 1000 Corpses is a fine debut horror film from a unique filmmaker with a signature style and penchant for examining levels of brutality and meanness seldom featured in mainstream horror cinema.
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly Catching Up On Blu-Ray episode!
Join Trevor and Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast as they take a look at the blu-ray releases for September 2022!
Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitter and Instagram.
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly, “Tales From the Shelf” episode! In this installment, Trevor is once again joined by his good buddy Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast for discussion of "Powerful Pairings" of directors and stars!
Brad's Picks:
David Lynch and Kyle MacLachlan
Dario Argento and Daria Nicolodi
Paul Thomas Anderson and Philip Seymour Hoffman
Peter Berg and Mark Wahlberg
Trevor's Picks:
Gareth Evans and Iko Uwais
Yuen Woo Ping and Donnie Yen
Jesse V Johnson and Scott Adkins
Paul Greengrass and Matt Damon
And make sure to stick around as the 2 wrap things up with a customary “Speed Round” (1:40:00) of runner up films that didn't quite make the cut.
Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitter and Instagram.
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This September is “Masterclass Month” at Catching Up On Cinema!
Every September, Trevor and Kyle celebrate the anniversary of Catching Up On Cinema by doing a deep dive into one of cinemas most famous franchises.
September 2022 marks the 4th year anniversary of the show, and to celebrate the occasion, Trevor and Kyle will be reviewing the first 4 films of the X-Men film series!
This week, Trevor and Kyle review Gavin Hood's, X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)!
A troubled production in many regards, Gavin Hood's, X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009) was to serve as the first in a new subseries of X-Men Origin films, however it's critical failure would result the subsequent cancellation and reworking of the proposed X-Men Origins: Magneto film into X-Men First Class (2011).
The first of 3 solo Wolverine films to be headlined by Hugh Jackman as the title character, X-Men Origins is an odd duck of a film that goes to great lengths to draw attention to subtle elements connecting it to the previous X-Men films, while simultaneously completely bungling the same procedure in regards to major plot elements and characterizations.
Produced nearly parallel to X-Men: The Last Stand (2006), X-Men Origins is an incredibly expensive sequel that often feels like the result of the former films' creative table scraps.
While not explicitly stated (publicly), it is heavily rumored that director Gavin Hood was strong-armed by 20th Century Fox into making a more a cheesier and more lighthearted film than he would have preferred.
Hampered by a clunky and highly utilitarian script, as well as a hurried editing style and evidence of unfinished and/or rushed visual effects work, X-Men Origins bears many of the hallmarks signs of a troubled or creatively hamstrung production.
A fine exhibition of Hugh Jackman and Liev Schrieber's screen presence and raw charisma, X-Men Origins: Wolverine is watchable and largely inoffensive, however in failing to impress on the action and effects front, and failing to fit cleanly into series continuity, Origins is likely remembered as a smear on the franchise to be wiped clean by later films in the series, or not remembered at all.
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This September is “Masterclass Month” at Catching Up On Cinema!
Every September, Trevor and Kyle celebrate the anniversary of Catching Up On Cinema by doing a deep dive into one of cinemas most famous franchises.
September 2022 marks the 4th year anniversary of the show, and to celebrate the occasion, Trevor and Kyle will be reviewing the first 4 films of the X-Men film series!
This week, Trevor and Kyle review Brett Ratner's, X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)!
Produced under hurried and less than ideal circumstances, The Last Stand is the third X-Men film, as well as the first to not be helmed by (problematic) director Bryan Singer.
With Singer departing the series after X2 (2003) in favor of directing Superman Returns (2006), bringing with him X-Men alum James Marsden and X2 writers, Michael Dougherty and Dan Harris, The Last Stand had unfortunate beginnings at Fox as a massively expensive trilogy capper that went into production with neither a finished script, nor a director assigned to it.
Seemingly the studios last choice to helm the project after an industry wide talent search, (the problematic) Brett Ratner would receive the gig, fittingly as a result of essentially being the last man standing.
Significantly less visually interesting, less creatively inspired, and less willing to properly explore it's own thematic content, The Last Stand is not quite an outright bad superhero film, though it fails to live up to the lofty standards set by its more handsome and daring predecessors.
Oddly obsessed with needlessly and incessantly referencing the Marvel comics source material, while simultaneously contradicting and spitting in the face of it in equal measure, The Last Stand is a production that is not without heart or inspiration, rather a lack of organization and purpose prove to be its most damning liabilities.
One of the most expensive productions of its time, X-Men: The Last Stand only occasionally looks or feels its budget, and only occasionally feels like a movie that the majority of those involved were actually enthused about making.
Representing the first critical speed bump in the X-Men series, The Last Stand is a workmanlike effort that serves as the very necessary, but aesthetically and tonally dissonant resolution, to the first leg of a film franchise that would unfortunately need to get worse before it would need to reinvent itself in order to get better.
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This September is “Masterclass Month” at Catching Up On Cinema!
Every September, Trevor and Kyle celebrate the anniversary of Catching Up On Cinema by doing a deep dive into one of cinemas most famous franchises.
September 2022 marks the 4th year anniversary of the show, and to celebrate the occasion, Trevor and Kyle will be reviewing the first 4 films of the X-Men film series!
This week, Trevor is joined by Kyle's brother Nik to review Bryan Singer's, X2: X-Men United (2003)!
Often regarded as one of the best films of the X-Men series, X2 serves as both a bold escalation and remarkably seamless continuation of the narrative of the director's earlier effort, X-Men (2000).
Possessed of a higher budget and longer production cycle, as well as no longer hamstrung by the need for the heavy exposition dumps often required in franchise starter films, X2 features a number of show stopping sequences that largely blow the at times tepid prior film out of the water
Bolder in its exploration of themes and characterizations, X2 is at times melodramatic, though never insincere, with winning performances from new and old cast members alike.
In the 3 years between the release of the 2 films, many production elements of X-Men, namely the cast and visual effects team, proved to cure and crystallize in positive ways, resulting in a larger and more ambitious sequel that beautifully complements, but also betters the prior film.
One of the better superhero films of its day, and easily one of the best of a very spotty franchise, X2 is feels like a more complete thought than its predecessor, and as a result, will largely be remembered as the film that do away with introducing us to mutantkind, and instead insist on truly showing us what they can do.
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This September is “Masterclass Month” at Catching Up On Cinema!
Every September, Trevor and Kyle celebrate the anniversary of Catching Up On Cinema by doing a deep dive into one of cinemas most famous franchises.
September 2022 marks the 4th year anniversary of the show, and to celebrate the occasion, Trevor and Kyle will be reviewing the first 4 films of the X-Men film series!
Produced amid the perfect storm that was Marvel Comics' bankruptcy, (and subsequent farming out of their IP) and the commercial success of New Line's, Blade (1998), X-Men (2000) would go on to spawn a live-action series that persists to this day.
Arriving in time to capitalize on the popularity of the X-Men comics, and perhaps most importantly, the Fox Kids animated TV series, X-Men played a very important role in resurrecting the superhero genre of film in the post-Batman and Robin (1997) era.
Although somewhat tainted by the unseemly reputation of its director, X-Men endures to this day as a very sincere, if not mostly faithful adaptation of the comic book source material, as well as an excellent primer for the uninitiated into X-Men lore.
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly Catching Up On Blu-Ray episode!
Join Trevor as he takes a look at the blu-ray and 4k releases for August 2022!
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly, “Tales From the Shelf” episode! In this installment, Trevor is once again joined by his good buddy Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast for a "Birth Year Bonanza"!
All the titles discussed this month are selections from the birth years of Brad (1993) and Trevor (1987).
Brad's Picks:
Ticks
Needful Things
Dazed and Confused
Demolition Man
True Romance
Trevor's Picks:
Miami Connection
Robocop
Lethal Weapon
Predator
The Untouchables
And make sure to stick around as the 2 wrap things up with a customary “Speed Round” (1:40:00) of runner up films that didn't quite make the cut.
Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitter and Instagram.
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This week on Catching Up On Cinema, Trevor reviews Julius Avery's, Samaritan (2022)!
Headlined by Sylvester Stallone, Samaritan (2022) is a quaint and generic, but largely well-directed and produced superhero flick.
One part Last Action Hero (1993), and one part Resurrecting the Champ (2007), the film is not devoid of interesting ideas, though it sadly opts to pivot away from deeply exploring any of them.
While Stallone may receive top billing, Javon "Wanna" Walton is very much the protagonist, making it highly likely the films' brisk pace and surface level exploration of themes are symptomatic of it being intended for a young teen audience.
Sincerely performed, with engaging cinematography and editing, the film is a highly competent production from a technical standpoint, but sadly lacks originality and that certain je ne sais quoi that is required for an indie superhero flick to resonate with audiences in a very crowded subgenre.
Not a terrible film by any measure, Samaritan's legacy will likely go onto be that of a keep busy project for an aging Stallone, and a "movies his dad made him do when he was a minor" film on the early filmography of young Javon Walton.
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This week on Catching Up On Cinema, Trevor reviews Martin Campbell's, Memory (2022)!
A remake of The Alzheimer Case (2003), which in turn was based on a novel by Belgian author Jef Geeraerts, Memory (2022) boasts a strong concept, but largely fails to reach beyond lower-mid tier of post-Taken era Liam Neeson actioners.
Well shot and acted, with winning performances from both Neeson and genre stalwarts, Guy Pearce and Ray Stevenson, Memory's biggest liability comes in the form of its stilted plotting, which in turn springs from the lack of screentime devoted to its most compelling elements.
Hardly an action film, Memory features just enough pyrotechnics and fisticuffs to keep most viewers from nodding off, though most of its thrills come in brief, albeit well shot and edited bursts that thankfully do well to conceal the stiffness of the performers.
Bogged down by a highly political and inflammatory core plot regarding human trafficking and child pornography, Memory is a dull conspiracy thriller that, in the opinion of this reviewer, would have been better served being presented as a simple, yet intimate character study.
Not an outright miss, but far from exemplary by the lofty standards of both the on and offscreen talent, Memory, sadly, is likely to be one of the least memorable of recent Neeson films.
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This week on Catching Up On Cinema, Kyle and Trevor review Dan Trachtenberg’s, Prey (2022)!
The latest film in the Predator franchise, Prey concerns a young Comanche woman doing battle with a Predator/yautja in the early 1700’s.
Wisely pivoting away from the overly complicated (and downright silly) concepts introduced in the prior entry in the series, The Predator (2018), Prey is refreshingly straightforward and back-to-basics, both in terms of its plotting and in terms of the complexity of weaponry utilized by the cast.
Ably headlined by Amber Midthunder as apriring Comanche hunter, Naru, Prey’s plot hews closer to Predators (2010) than Predator (1987) in that it prioritizes character examination and growth over pure suspense and action.
Aptly (and cleverly) titled, the relationship between our protagonist and the iconic Predator is fascinating to watch unfold, with many subtle revelations being effectively communicated to the viewer through visual plantings and payoffs rather than clunky exposition.
Though blunt in its use of metaphor and drawing of parallels between elements of American history, the sincerity of Prey’s production design and period detail result in an experience that is thankfully devoid of cringe or eye rolls.
With simple, but highly relatable characterization, gobs of terrifically violent and organically choreographed action, Prey succeeds where many a Predator sequel has failed, delivering on expected franchise elements, while adding some new and very welcome wrinkles to its rich tapestry of tropes.
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This week, Trevor embarks on a solo review of Jung Byung-gil's, Carter (2022)!
Currently a Netflix exclusive, Carter is a bombastic and over the top Korean action film that is shot and edited to feel like a single-continuous shot.
Packed from end to end with less than stellar green screen work, and disruptive, digitally assisted match cuts, the films core gimmick often times feels like its greatest liability.
Anarchic, both in terms of its utter disregard for traditional cinematic visual language, and in terms of its internal logic in regards to the physics of its action design, Carter is a bold experiment in action cinema that's novelty greatly outweighs its entertainment value.
Occasionally displaying flickers of brilliance in its action choreography and camera placement, the ragged, unpolished nature of Carter's editing and general visual clarity unfortunately result in a frustrating experience that finds the viewer constantly wanting to discard the one-shot concept in favor of a more traditional cinematic.
Overlong, relentlessly stupid, and yet somehow po-faced affair, Carter unfortunately only manages to succeed in delivering thrilling momentsamid all the noise and chaos across its multitude of action set pieces.
An action film that will find itself, in this reviewer's opinion; without a single blu-ray chapter devoid of some form of frustration or disappointment, Carter is a praise-worthy effort that's overall quality fails to match the enthusiasm and boldness of its production crew.
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WARNING! THIS EPISODE CONTAINS FULL SPOILERS FOR THE NORTHMAN! (2022) WARNING!
This week, Kyle and Trevor review Robert Eggers', The Northman (2022)!
Eggers' third feature following the modestly budgeted The Witch (2015) and The Lighthouse (2019), The Northman serves as the director's first foray into the realm of large budget/large scale filmmaking.
While the difference in production scale is immediately noticeable from frame one, The Northman nevertheless bears many of the core traits of Egger's oeuvre, most notably a perpetually grim and nihilistic atmosphere cast upon actors and set dressings that seem directly pulled from a bygone era rather than recruited from Central Casting.
Despite an action heavy marketing campaign, in actuality The Northman pulls double duty as both a bombastic and mythic tale of violent revenge, as well as a beautiful and detailed rendering of a place and time.
While quite successful in conveying these pillars of it's presentation, it's aesthetics and elemental, visceral thrills, The Northman's true depth comes from it slyly pulling triple duty in the form of quietly, and scornfully condemning the violence and sensibilities of the world it so lovingly recreates for it's viewers.
Adapted from the Nordic tale of Amleth, The Northman can be read straightforwardly as both a Conan the Barbarian (1982) esque revenge epic, complete with a “triumphant” ending (from a certain point of view), as well as a curious dissection of said tale, occasionally outright judging, but always questioning the sanctity of the beliefs and culture of it's denizens.
The Northman was, for this reviewer anyway, a puzzle that vexed more than delighted over the course of it's 137 minute run time, however after the fact, with time to ponder, and opportunity to discuss, one that proved to be quite satisfying in spite of it's insolvable nature.
Perhaps too busy or layered for it's own good, possessed of innumerable quirks and riddles in it's presentation that may never be fully explained, The Northman revels in the savagery and philosophies of a more brutal era, while never fully abandoning the perspective and sensibilities of it's 2022 lensing.
A challenging film that likely doesn't care how you feel about it, so long as you think about it, The Northman, in spite of its poor audience ratings and even poorer box office returns, a fine offering from Robert Eggers, more than worthy of his growing filmography of “The” films.
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly Catching Up On Blu-Ray episode!
Join Trevor and Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast as they take a look at the blu-ray releases for July 2022!
Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitter and Instagram.
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly, “Tales From the Shelf” episode!
In this installment, Trevor is once again joined by his good buddy Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast to brave the terror of "The Ghastly Grab Bag"!
And make sure to stick around as the 2 wrap things up with a customary “Speed Round” (2:04:15) of runner up films that didn't quite make the cut.
Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitter and Instagram.
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linktr.ee/CatchingUpOnCinema This week, Trevor and Kyle review Kurt Wimmer's, Equilibrium (2002)! A stylish actioner, Equilibrium is a fine dystopian sci-fi film that occasionally punches above it's budgetary weight class in terms of action design and presentation. Perhaps written and pushed into production as a result of the success of The Wachowski's, The Matrix (1999), as well as drawing inspiration from classic genre fiction, like 1984, Fahrenheit 451, and Brave New World, the story of Equilibrium is set against the backdrop of Libria, a near future city that has opted to forcibly suppress the emotional capabilities of its populace. Fascist and totalitarian, everything from the policies, to the wardrobe and architecture of Libria, are very intentionally evocative of Hitler's Nazi party. Starring Christian Bale, and featuring strong supporting performances from capable actors such as Emily Watson, Sean Bean, and Taye Diggs, on paper one would expect Equilibrium to be an actor's film, however in actuality, the film's action design and aesthetics prove to be its most memorable elements. Making use of a fictional martial art referred to as “Gun Kata,” the film features several brief, but dynamic and cleverly staged action sequences that manage to wow, in spite of the more technical aspects of their execution being formulated via clever editing rather than raw athleticism and performance. With sincere performances, and an efficient, if not somewhat plodding script, Equilibrium is not essential viewing for fans of the genre or it's numerous stars, however it maintains minor cult status and remains highly capable scratching any potential itches one might have for the very specific flavor that is “early 2000's action.” A fine and well considered genre film that would likely fail to live up to expectations if one has them going in, but may potentially surprise or impress viewers going in blind. Follow us on Instagram @catchinguponcinema Follow us on Twitter @CatchingCinema Like, share, subscribe, and we'll catch you next time!
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This week, Kyle and Trevor take a chance and review M.J. Bassett's, Deathwatch (2002)!
A prolific action film and television director, Bassett's Deathwatch is unfortunately a dour and halfbaked war-horror film.
Headlined by a very young Jamie Bell, and featuring the prodigious talent of Andy Serkis at a pivotal moment in his career, the films' cast proves to one of it's few highlights.
Similarly, aside from heavy-handed and somewhat chintzy instrumentation in it's score, as well as questionable usage of CGI, the films' cinematography, and in particular it's production design, prove to be quite competent.
The real issue with Deathwatch proves to be in the execution and direction of its narrative.
Largely devoid of coherent internal logic, the film often feels incapable of, rather than unwilling to, explain itself.
Never truly boring, and with a capable cast of actors peforming before lovingly detailed and designed sets, the film is far from terrible, but unfortunately nowhere near the sum of its parts
A missed opportunity likely brought on by lack of financing, lack of time, or too great or too little ambition on the part of the director.
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This week, Trevor and Kyle review Paul W.S. Anderson's, Resident Evil (2002)!
Largely divorced from the then relatively nascent lore of the Capcom video game series from which it was adapted, Anderson's Resident Evil is a noisy nu metal nightmare that contains fleeting moments of brilliance.
Massively profitable, but critically maligned, the success of Anderson's Resident Evil would nevertheless result in a series of 6 films, most of which directed by Anderson himself, and all of which are headlined by his wife, actress Milla Jovovich.
Owing much of it's structure to Aliens (1986), Resident Evil suffers greatly from bearing a similar tension to release ratio to Cameron's sci-fi horror classic, while lacking the budget or creativity to deliver payoffs equivalent to the showstopping moments of James Cameon's film.
Lacking in both monsters and gore, like Anderson's own Mortal Kombat (1995), the film comes across as somewhat toothless, though in a manner that is irksome unlike in the case of the former, PG-13 rated film.
Shot with confidence, and with decent production values, Resident Evil bears the director's signature aesthetic flair, however it's hyper-kinetic editing and ultra-aggressive soundtrack often feel out of step with it's action choreography, resulting in a film that is all too obviously trying to be more entertaining than it actually is.
Possessed of a couple of memorable sequences, Resident Evil is not a total loss, however it's reputation in 2022 is largely that of being the first in a decade and a half's worth of Jovovich/Anderson productions, but more specifically, a passable video game adaptation from an era of truly horrendous video game adaptations
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This week, Kyle and his brother Nik review Guillermo Del Toro's, Blade II (2002)!
Trevor was unable to attend this week's recording, as he was unfortunately trapped in a Florida avalanche.
A sequel to the Wesley Snipes headlined Marvel comic adaptation, Blade (1998), Del Toro's chapter of the franchise sees the mythology expanded, and the action and production design greatly refined.
Written by frequent comic book adapter, David S. Goyer, the film continues the series' penchant for exploring the concept of vampirism through a more scientific lens, while at once providing ample opportunity for fight coordinator Donnie Yen to wow audiences with his flashy and innovative stylings.
Despite being a sequel, to a Marvel property no less, Blade II bears many of the hallmarks of a Del Toro film, not just in terms of thematic content, but also in the the presence of frequent collaborators, Ron Perlman and composer Marco Beltrami.
In spite of a false start in the form of Mimic (1997), Blade II would serve as the breakthrough film for Guillermo Del Toro's career in mainstream international cinema, resulting in a beautiful and varied body of work that has yielded both Oscar gold and boffo box office returns.
Easily an equal to, if not the better of the original, Blade II is a fantastic sequel that ups the emotionality, juices up the gore, and continues to make Wesley Snipes out to be the coolest hero in all of comic book cinema.
More Pacific Rim (2013) than The Devil's Backbone (2001), Blade II may not be highbrow Del Toro, but it's a Del Toro film through and through, and a damn fun one at that.
Highly recommended for action-horror fans, or anyone with a pulse.
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly Catching Up On Blu-Ray episode!
Join Trevor and Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast as they take a look at the blu-ray releases for June 2022!
Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitter and Instagram.
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly, “Tales From the Shelf” episode!
In this installment, Trevor is once again joined by his good buddy Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast to discuss "A Cluster of C's," e.g. films from their collections that begin with the letter "C"!
Brad's Picks:
Children of the Corn (1984) - 4:00
The Cable Guy (1996) - 35:45
The Candy Snatchers (1973) - 57:45
Chopping Mall (1986) - 1:20:45
Crawl (2019) - 1:43:25
Trevor's Picks:
Close Range (2015), Criminal (2016) and Castle Falls (2021) - 23:00
A Cure for Wellness (2016) - 47:35
Cinderella Man (2004) and Chuck (2017) - 1:07:30
Camino (2015) - 1:31:55
Cyborg (1989) - 1:52:15
And make sure to stick around as the 2 wrap things up with a customary “Speed Round” (2:04:15) of runner up films that didn't quite make the cut.
Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitter and Instagram.
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This June is “VHS Cover Art” month at Catching Up On Cinema!
Every week we'll be reviewing films with incredible cover art from the VHS era.
This week, Kyle and Trevor review Brian Trenchard-Smith's, Night of the Demons 2 (1994)!
A direct-to-video follow up to Kevin S. Tenney's, Night of the Demons (1988), the film is a raunchy and entertaining sequel to it's minor cult hit predecessor.
Like the original, Night of the Demons 2 is possessed of (heh) a host of clever and well engineered practical makeup effects and effects that largely serve to compensate for it's flimsy plotting and characterization.
While most of the fun and horror is confined to it's last act, the film is never truly boring, and very much seems to understand the expectations of its audience.
Juvenile and trashy, but undeniably fun, Night of the Demons 2 may not be able to match the production values of the original, however some of its effects and gags are implemented in more interesting ways than the first film, resulting in a rare direct-to-video sequel that matches and occasionally surpasses it's predecessor.
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This June is “VHS Cover Art” month at Catching Up On Cinema!
Every week we'll be reviewing films with incredible cover art from the VHS era.
This week, Trevor sits down for a solo review of George Pavlou's, Underworld (1985)!
Also known by the title “Transmutations,” Underworld served as famed horror novelist Clive Barker's first writing gig in the world of film.
Poorly regarded, and scarcely referenced among Barker's extensive body of work, the film has largely been discarded and forgotten by both it's author and the horror fandom alike.
Not lacking in obvious subtext and themes relevant to the author and his body of work, the film, with it's low budget and pedestrian production values, feels in retrospect to be an incomplete vision, one that would later be much better actualized on screen in the form of Barker's later film Nightbreed (1990).
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This June is “VHS Cover Art” month at Catching Up On Cinema!
Every week we'll be reviewing films with incredible cover art from the VHS era.
This week, Kyle and Trevor review Adam Marcus', Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday (1993)!
Oft regarded as the black sheep of the franchise, Jason Goes to Hell is the 9th installment of the Friday the 13thseries of slasher films.
Originally conceived by franchise shepherd Sean S. Cunningham as an opportunity to crossover his Friday the 13th series with A Nightmare on Elm Street in the form of a Freddy vs. Jason project (a decade before that film would actually be produced), Jason Goes to Hell would be the first Friday film to be distributed by “The House that Freddy Built," New Line Cinema.
Directed by 23 year old Adam Marcus, and apparently shot from a fragmented and indecipherable script, Jason Goes to Hell is a largely maligned chapter in the franchise that represents perhaps the most dramatic deviation from the standard narrative formulae and established tropes of the series.
Despite franchise favorite, Kane Hodder, donning the hockey mask and machete in the film, Jason Goes to Hell is a difficult pill to swallow for Jason fans, with the character being unceremoniously executed within the first 5 minutes of the film, and only returning (in proper) for it's closing moments.
While the film is commendable for trying something new, the clumsy pacing, baffling and overly complicated plot/mythology, and deeply unsatisfying body hopping gimmick that denies viewers the opportunity to see their favorite slasher in action, results in a clunky mess that completely fails to make it to the fireworks factory.
Produced by Sean S. Cunningham, and possessed of some solid effects from Greg Nicotero and KNB EFX, as well as a (sadly lackluster) score by franchise stalwart Harry Manfredini, Jason Goes to Hell had good people involved that were attempting to do good work, however every story has to have a lowest point, and Jason Goes to Hell may just be that for the Friday the 13th films.
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This June is “VHS Cover Art” month at Catching Up On Cinema!
Every week we'll be reviewing films with incredible cover art from the VHS era.
First up this month, Trevor and Kyle take a look at Douglas McKeown's, The Deadly Spawn (1983)!
Alternatively known as “Return of the Aliens: The Deadly Spawn,” and “The Return of the Alien's Deadly Spawn,” the cover art for The Deadly Spawn stands out as one of the more memorable video store discoveries of Trevor's youth.
Of particular note on the cover, is the prominently featured Deadly Spawn monster (created by John Dods), which while rendered via paint on the cover, proves to be every bit as impressive puppet in the actual film.
While far from an essential film, even for horror afficionados, the goopy and toothy visage of The Deadly Spawn has proven to have some legs in pop culture, at one point even being featured as one of the bosses in the Splatterhouse series of video games.
A pleasantly straightforward small town alien invasion film, The Deadly Spawn proudly bears it's influences on it's sleeves, even going so far as to directly reference numerous B-movie classics.
Though structured very similarly to a typical B-movie, the film is by no means a complete paint by numbers affair, offering several surprises in regards to who among the cast of players find themselves caught in the monster's maw.
Occasionally dull, and unfortunately not possessed of dialogue or characterizations that are eccentric or off-kilter to provide “good-bad” entertainment, the charm in viewing The Deadly Spawn springs entirely from it's creature and gore effects, all of which elevate the production and allow it (in fits and spurts) to punch significantly above the weight of it's minuscule budget.
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly Catching Up On Blu-Ray episode!
Join Trevor for this solo episode wherein he takes a look at the blu-ray releases for May 2022!
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly, “Tales From the Shelf” episode!
In this installment, Trevor is once again joined by his good buddy Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast to discuss films that are under 90 minutes long, i.e. “Lean & Juicy”!
Movies featured in this discussion include:
Brad's Picks:
Unhinged (2020
Rope (1948)
A Bay of Blood (1971)
My Life as a Courgette (2016)
The McPherson Tape (1989)
Trevor's Picks:
The Shallows (2016)
Body Parts (1991)
Megazone 23 (1985 – 1989), Bubblegum Crisis (1987 – 1991), and M.D. Geist (1986)
Black Dynamite (2009)
Death Trance (2005)
And make sure to stick around as the 2 wrap things up with a customary “Speed Round” of runner up films that didn't quite make the cut.
Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitter and Instagram.
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This May is “Masterclass Revisited” month at Catching Up On Cinema!
All month long, we'll be revisiting the subjects of Masterclass months we've done over the years to review films that may have slipped through the cracks.
This week we're wrapping up our Masterclass of the Alien franchise with long overdue review of Ridley Scott's, Prometheus (2012)!
Written by Jon Spaihts, and later tailored and refined by Damon Lindelof, Prometheus serves as a both a prequel to Alien (1979) as well as director's Scott's long awaited return to the franchise.
An enthusiastic effort from Ridley Scott, Prometheus boasts the director's trademark heady themes and large scale visual flair, however on occasion it's split parentage between 2 very distinct writer's voices can be felt across it's streamlined 124 minute run time.
Beginning life (on the page) as a straight up prequel and direct lead in to Scott's own Alien (1979), later drafts of the screenplay, and indeed the final film version of Prometheus would see the narrative lean harder into exploring the Engineers and the human races' connection to them.
Hiccups and vagaries in the screenplay aside, Prometheus is a mesmerizing visual experience, possessed of some truly astounding production design and 3D cinematography, as well as some show stopping sequences of tension and violence that rank very high not just among Scott's illustrious filmography, but all of sci-fi horror cinema.
While an enjoyable experience in isolation, Prometheus is not an especially strong prequel to the Alien franchise as a whole, however from this author's perspective, the film serves as a wonderful introduction to Michael Fassbender's character of David, who in turn goes on to become a compelling throughline to Ridley Scott's, Alien: Covenant (2017).
Not quite a masterpiece, Prometheus currently stands as the (exceedingly handsome) black sheep of the Alien series, however should a satisfying concluding chapter of it and the character of David's narrative eventually be made, it very well could find it's significance in the franchise canon promoted by leaps and bounds.
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This week, Kyle and Trevor review Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett's, Scream (2022)!
The first of the series to not be directed by horror icon Wes Craven, Scream 2022 is the fifth and most recent entry in the long running slasher franchise.
Heralded for it's novel mix of comedy, horror, and self-aware meta commentary regarding the slasher genre, the Scream series is an exceptional and innovative mainstream horror franchise.
Remarkably consistent in it's quality of production and entertainment value, (aside from a slight speed bump in the form of Scream 3) Wes Craven's tenure is largely devoid low points.
While the absence of Craven and series writer and steward Kevin Williamson are most certainly felt upon viewing Scream 5, the film largely manages to live up to the long legacy of the franchise.
Ruthlessly self-aware of contemporary franchise movie trends and the niche it occupies therein, Scream 5 continues the series standard of innovation, this time turning it's meta/social commentary lens toward legacy sequels and internet fanbases surrounding said sequels.
Following suit with the current trend of launching a new cast of characters by pairing them up with legacy players from years and films past, Scream 5 only real glaring liability comes in form of it's new faces sadly failing to impress amid frequent nostalgia pops spawned from witnessing the originals strut their stuff.
Wes Craven continues to be missed, and Scream 5 is worse for it, however I'm pleased to know that the latest film in the series follows suit by being a solid contemporary slasher/whodunit with some innovative ideas and something to say.
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linktr.ee/CatchingUpOnCinema Apologies to Alice Krige, whose name is mispronounced consistently in this episode. "Kree-Guh," Trevor. It's pronounced, "Kree-Guh." This week, Kyle and Trevor review David Blue Garcia's, Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022)! The latest entry in the long running series of horror films, TCM 2022 is produced by prolific franchise horror innovator, Fede Alvarez. Set in a new continuity wherein all films subsequent to Tobe Hooper's classic The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) have been erased from the canon, the film features Mark Burnham donning the skin face mask and butcher's apron of franchise mascot Leatherface, now 50 years older, but no less deadly (or spry) than Gunnar Hansen's original incarnation. Having much more in common with traditional slasher films than the original films more nuanced approach to it's horror/entertainment, TCM 2022 sees Leatherface promoted to full-on “slasher hero” status, wherein we the viewer are meant to cheer the character on rather than dread his next appearance. Drenched in gore, and deeply unsympathetic to the plight of the Gen-Z cattle that are brutally slaughtered during the course of it's 81 minute run time, TCM 2022 is a fine modern slasher that manages the delicate task of remaining earnest with it's grim and fatalistic themes, while still managing to be a colorful and crowd pleasing mainstream horror sequel. Follow us on Instagram @catchinguponcinema Follow us on Twitter @CatchingCinema Like, share, subscribe, and we'll catch you next time!
WARNING! FULL THIS EPISODE CONTAINS FULL SPOILERS FOR THE BATMAN! *WARNING!*
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This May is “Masterclass Revisited” month at Catching Up On Cinema!
All month long, we'll be revisiting the subjects of Masterclass months we've done over the years to review films that may have slipped through the cracks.
This week, we're once again hitting the streets of Gotham City to review Matt Reeves', The Batman (2022)!
Conceived and produced during the collapse of Zack Snyder and Ben Affleck's tenure on the franchise and character respectively, The Batman serves as the first of a new trilogy of films to be helmed by director Reeves.
Featuring Robert Pattinson as a Bruce Wayne with 2 years of Batman-ing and fear mongering under his utility belt, Pattinson's rendition of the character represents the most vulnerable and most obviously traumatized version yet seen on film.
Also featuring Zoe Kravitz as Selina Kyle/Catwoman, Jeffrey Wright as Lt. Jim Gordon, Andy Serkis as Alfred Pennyworth, a nigh unrecognizable Colin Farrell as The Penguin/Oswald Cobblepot, and Paul Dano as The Riddler, the film boasts strong performances all around, with lead Pattinson surprisingly occupying the majority of the film's screen time.
Nearly 3 hours long, The Batman is a complexly structured film, rich with themes, ideas, and beautiful imagery, but seemingly designed from the ground up to be frustrating in it's pacing and plot progression.
In spite of its incredible arsenal of themes and social commentary, the film boasts enough popcorn entertainment sequences to please general audiences, though it's fair to assume its equally incredible run time could be a bridge too far for some.
Potentially the most explicitly political and thought provoking of Batman films, Reeves' tenure on the character, much like his run on the Planet of the Apes franchise, seems to be defined by delivering spectacular imagery, while favoring the demands of the character and narrative over that of audience expectations.
Dark, brutal, and completely unwilling to be as dumb and simple as we occasionally expect super hero movies to be, The Batman may not yield pure entertainment with a casual watch, but if you're in the mood to chew on a few riddles in order to get to the juicy center of the matter, you'll find yourself handsomely rewarded.
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This May is “Masterclass Revisited” month at Catching Up On Cinema!
All month long, we'll be revisiting the subjects of Masterclass months we've done over the years to review films that may have slipped through the cracks.
First up this month is another tour of Gotham City, as we sit down to review Bruce Timm and Eric Radomski's, Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993)!
Based on the groundbreaking Batman: The Animated Series cartoon, the film is the first feature length animated film in the long history of the character.
Initially planned as a direct-to-video project that was later fast tracked and released on Christmas day in 1993, the film would ultimately be critically adored, but sadly a total bomb at the box office.
Completed and released within a ludicrous 8 month production cycle, the film is fairly pedestrian in terms of cinematography and fluidity of animation, however most will agree it's “dark deco” aesthetic and glorious score by composer Shirley Walker more than make up for whatever technical shortcomings it may have.
Boasting the same voice cast as the animated series, including the one-two punch of the inimitable Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill as Bats and Joker respectively, the film is a mature and focused affair, exploring aspects of the characters that would not be revisited in earnest for over a decade.
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly Catching Up On Blu-Ray episode!
Join Trevor for this solo episode wherein he takes a look at the blu-ray releases for April 2022!
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly, “Tales From the Shelf” episode!
In this installment, Trevor is joined by his buddy Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast to take part in “The Backlog Boogie: Part Deux”!
Brad's Picks:
The Killing (1956)
Silent Madness (1984) and Forgotten Gialli: Volume One (Vinegar Syndrome box set)
Stephen King's The Stand (1994) and The Stand (2020)
Serial Mom (1994) and Species (1995)
Trevor's Picks:
Tampopo (1985)
Outlaw Star (1998) and Neon Genesis Evangelion Collector's Edition Box Set
Warriors of the Rainbow: Seediq Bale (2011) and Zack Snyder's Justice League (2021)
One Cut of the Dead (2017) and Special Actors (2019)
And make sure to stick around as we wrap things up with a customary “Speed Round” of runner up films that didn't quite make the cut.
Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitterand Instagram.
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This April at Catching Up On Cinema, we'll be scraping the bottom of the barrel and reviewing “The Awful Aughts”!
This week Trevor is joined by Harrison and Jordan from the Grief Burrito podcast to review infamous director Uwe Boll's, BloodRayne (2005)!
An adaptation of the mildly successful video game property of the same name, the film attempts to cash in on 2 separate trends that were fairly popular through the 2000's, namely video game movies, and leather bound, female headlined action films.
Featuring director Boll's signature style of a rushed and incoherent narrative coupled with an inexplicably notable ensemble cast of actors, the film is often regarded as one of the better overall effort's among his loathsome filmography.
Special thanks to our special guests, Harrison and Jordan from the Grief Burrito podcast!
Check our their website @https://www.griefburrito.com/
Find their socials here
Find their community Discord here
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This April at Catching Up On Cinema, we'll be scraping the bottom of the barrel and reviewing “The Awful Aughts”!
This week Trevor, Kyle and Nik sit down to review James Wong's, Dragonball Evolution (2009)!
Based on Akira Toriyama's beloved manga, the film serves are one of the earliest examples of a live-action anime adaptation.
Critically panned, and a financial failure, the film is an ugly and lifeless affair, utterly devoid of any of the spirit and charm of it's source material.
Released several years too late to capitalize on the peak of Dragonball Z's popularity in the U.S., the film curiously eschews referencing or including many of the more popular elements of the source material, resulting in a film that fails at delivering even the most basic of fanservice pops.
It is cancer.
I'm sleep
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This April at Catching Up On Cinema, we'll be scraping the bottom of the barrel and reviewing “The Awful Aughts”!
This week Trevor and Kyle review Joseph Kahn's, Torque (2004)!
A motorcycle themed action film from one of the producer's of The Fast and the Furious films, Torque is a delightfully gaudy distillation of some of the uglier visual and action choreography trends of the aughts.
Directed by highly acclaimed music video director Kahn, the film is highly ambitious in it's action design and editing, boasting some stunts and shots that are laudable in their creativity and absurdity.
Terribly acted, and often hideous to look at, Torque nevertheless proves to be a highly entertaining and nonsensical actioner, offering both ironic and sincere thrills in equal measure.
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This April at Catching Up On Cinema, we'll be scraping the bottom of the barrel and reviewing “The Awful Aughts”!
Every week this month, we'll be reviewing crappy movies from the 2000's, beginning with Joe Berlinger's, Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2 (2000)!
An ill-conceived follow up/cash-in of the massively successful The Blair Witch Project (1999), the film is notorious for being a rushed, confusing, messy, and moreover quite boring horror sequel.
While well acted and possessed of a couple of good ideas, the film is edited in a borderline incomprehensible manner, and sadly lacks any real teeth or punch, resulting in a sloppy film that offers very little logic or subtlety when it comes to it's core mystery.
Sadly, due to a technical issue, Trevor's audio was lost during the initial recording session with Kyle, resulting in this episode being a truncated, solo offering from Trevor.
Sorry folks, we'll do better next time. Promise.
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly Catching Up On Blu-Ray episode!
This time around, Trevor is once again joined by his good friend Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast in reviewing the month's physical media releases.
Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitter and Instagram.
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly, “Tales From the Shelf” episode!
In this installment, Trevor is joined by his buddy Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast to discuss some “Dynamite Documentaries” from their movie collections!
Brad's Picks:
Gimme Shelter (1970)
The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst (2015)
Gates of Heaven (1978)
Citizenfour (2014)
Trevor's Picks:
Kung Fu Elliot (2014)
Electric Boogaloo: The Wild, Untold Story of Cannon Films (2014) and The Go-Go Boys: The Inside Story of Cannon Films (2014)
Raiders!: The Story of the Greatest Fan Film Ever Made (2015)
Beyond the Mat (1999)
And make sure to stick around as we wrap things up with a customary “Speed Round” of runner up films that didn't quite make the cut.
Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitterand Instagram.
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This week, Trevor and Kyle Catch Up On Christian Alvart's, Pandorum (2009)!
A high concept sci-fi action thriller, the film concerns a group of space faring amnesiacs awaking from hyper sleep to find themselves adrift in the cosmos, and beset upon by a horde of rampaging cannibal monsters.
Starring Dennis Quaid and Ben Foster, as well as featuring MMA veteran Cung Le in one of his earlier film performances, the film boasts strong performances in both acting and in terms of it's occasional spurts of intense stunt work.
While the film's script boasts many fascinating ideas and concepts, it's odd balance of action and psychological horror results in a somewhat flat experience that largely fails to find it's footing.
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This week, Kyle introduces Trevor to Nick Cassavetes', Alpha Dog (2006)!
Based on the true story of the kidnapping and murder of Nick Markowitz, (here named “Zack Mazursky” and played by a young Anton Yelchin) the film is a unique crime drama that sees dumb young men making increasingly dumb decisions that ultimately result in their mutual destruction.
Populated with an all-star cast of young up and comers, as well as boasting surprisingly effective turns from veterans Bruce Willis and Sharon Stone, the film is a well acted and well constructed crime drama that manages to remain highly watchable despite it's largely unlikable cast of characters.
Equal parts frustrating and tragic, the film manages to be secretly brilliant in it's dumbness, presenting itself as being fully aware of the gross incompetence and ugliness of it's denizens, while boldly standing by on the sidelines as they ride the inertia of their apathy poor decisions on a downward spiral towards oblivion.
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This week, Trevor sits down for a solo review of Ryuhei Kitamura's, Aragami (2003)!
Produced as one half of the “Duel Project,” a collaboration between directors Ryuhei Kitamura and Yukihiko Tsutsumi, the film was constructed under a series of strict guidelines, namely:
The film had to take place in a single location.
The film had to feature a “duel” as part of it's main plot.
The film had to be shot in one week.
Starring Takao Osawa and Masaya Kato, Aragami (2003) concerns a young samurai being cared for an then forced to do battle with an immortal swordsman in the hopes that the latter can be freed from his mortal coil in glorious battle.
Somehow managing to feel overlong at a scant 78 minutes in length, the film suffers from a repetitive midsection, but is otherwise a handsome and charismatic little action film that wears it's influences and enthusiasm on it's sleeves.
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This week, Catching Up On Cinema is joined by Kyle's brother Nik to review John Milius', Conan the Barbarian (1982)!
Based on the popular pulp fiction character created by author Robert E. Howard, the film is a violent, mythic tale of swords and sorcery.
Hot on the heels of his star making turn in the documentary, Pumping Iron (1977), the film serves as one of Arnold Schwarzenegger's earliest starring roles.
Financially back by powerhouse producers Dino De Laurentiis and Edward R. Pressman, written by Oliver Stone, and directed by Hollywood wild man, John Milius, the film is a massive and thoughtfully conceived experience, confident in it's intent and tone.
Brandishing production design by Alien (1979) designer Ron Cobb, and a magnificent, operatic score composed by Basil Poledouris, the film dazzles the eyes and ears during it's numerous, wordless interludes.
Packed with talent on the screen and behind the scenes, the film is a near timeless adventure epic that has was massively successful at it's time of release, and has since gone on to be remembered as one of Schwarzenegger's better films.
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This week on Catching Up On Cinema, Kyle and Trevor sit down for a casual, unfocused discussion, a “Coffee Talk” if you will.
Instead of focusing on analyzing a single film this week, the format of today's episode is that of a casual conversation between friends, catching up on the film's they've watched recently.
Movies discussed in this episode include Matt Reeves' upcoming The Batman (2022) as well as his Planet of the Apes films, The Last Duel, Possession, and C.H.U.D.
This show could very well end up being an isolated experiment, but regardless, we hope you all enjoy it.
Thanks for listening.
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly Catching Up On Blu-Ray episode!
This time around, Trevor is once again joined by his good friend Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast in reviewing the month's physical media releases.
Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitter and Instagram.
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On YouTube!https://youtu.be/8eS-o8HUGaw
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly, “Tales From the Shelf” episode!
In this installment, Trevor and Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast are joined by Brian and Michele from the Movies For Life podcast to discuss some “Extreme Editions” from their movie collections!
Brian's Picks:
King Kong (Special Edition DVD, 1933) – 5:20
The Last House on the Left (Arrow Special Edition Blu-Ray, 1972) – 21:30
Possession (Mondo Vision, 1981) – 33:05
Ran (Criterion DVD, 1985) and Dawn of the Dead (Ultimate Edition DVD, 1978) – 59:55
Casablanca (Warner Bros. 75th Anniversary Blu-Ray Box, 1942) – 1:47:05
Michele's Picks:
Child's Play (Scream Factory Collector's Edition, 1988) – 11:25
Psycho: The Complete Collection (Via Vision, 1960 – 1998) – 41:55
Tremors (Arrow Special Edition, 1990) – 1:15:10
Crimson Peak (Arrow Special Edition, 2015) - 1:53:30
Brad's Picks:
The Hills Have Eyes (Arrow Special Edition Blu-Ray, 1977) – 16:30
Menace II Society (Criterion 4k, 1993) – 49:25
Homegrown Horrors: Vol. 1 (Vinegar Syndrome, 1988 - 1992) – 1:23:25
Midsommar (A24 Director's Cut Blu-Ray, 2019) - 2:02:35
Trevor's Picks:
The Patlabor movie trilogy (Collector's Edition DVDs, 1989 – 2002) – 27:25
Kamen Rider V3 Special Edition Boxset (Generation Kikaida DVDs, 1973 – 1974) – 54:45
Flash Point (Deltamac DVD, 2007) – 1:31:50
Ultraman Boxsets (Mill Creek Blu-Rays, 1966 – 1975) – 2:09:25
And make sure to stick around as we wrap things up with a customary “Speed Round” of runner up films that didn't quite make the cut.
Find Brian on Twitter, as well as at Bloody-Disgusting.com.
Find Michele on Twitter.
Check out Movies For Lifeon Twitter @movielifepod. Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitterand Instagram.
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This February at Catching Up On Cinema is “NOT Made in America” month!
All month long we'll be reviewing foreign films that have garnered American remakes.
This week, Kyle and Trevor review Kiyoshi Kurosawa's, Pulse (2001)!
Released during the popular wave of J-Horror films in the early 2000's, the film is bold and quietly unsettling examination of the horrors of loneliness amid technological innovation and increasingly alienating social trends.
Beautifully shot, and edited with a steady hand, the film is short on shocks and thrills, but boasts an oppressive atmosphere that can get under ones' skin when approached with the correct mindset.
While the film's concepts are genuinely chilling, they are also unfortunately it's weakest point, as they are largely ill-defined, and not especially well executed over the course of it's slightly too long runtime.
Remade in America in 2006, (from a screenplay co-written by Wes Craven) the Western version of the film is well shot and far more explicit in it's approach to delivering scares, however it too is perhaps best remembered as little more than a mediocre J Horror film.
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This February at Catching Up On Cinema is “NOT Made in America” month!
All month long we'll be reviewing foreign films that have garnered American remakes.
This week, Kyle and Trevor review Erik Skjoldbjærg's, Insomnia (1997)!
A Norwegian noir from the Criterion collection, as well as director Skjoldbjærg's feature debut, the film is a beautifully constructed and entrancing experience.
Remade for American/English speaking audiences by famed director Christopher Nolan in 2002, both versions of the film have their individual merits, however the Norwegian original proves to be the more layered and thought provoking experience.
Borderline daring in it's execution and presentation, the film is masterfully constructed in a variety of subtle ways that are deeply rewarding to particularly attentive viewers.
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This February at Catching Up On Cinema is “NOT Made in America” month!
All month long we'll be reviewing foreign films that have garnered American remakes.
This week, Trevor forces Kyle to join him in reviewing Pierre Morel's, District B13 (2004)!
The feature directorial debut of Luc Besson protege Morel, this French import is notable for serving as one of the earliest and most prominent showcases of parkour in mainstream film.
Starring one of the founders of the art form, David Belle, as well as fellow as traceur and stunt maestro Cyril Raffaelli, the film is lean, fast paced, and occasionally breathtaking in instances where the dialogue takes a backseat to acrobatics and techno music.
While far from perfect, and difficult to recommend to all but the most ardent of action movie fans, the film is nevertheless memorable as an important bullet point in the history and progression of trends mid-2000's action cinema.
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This February at Catching Up On Cinema is “NOT Made in America” month!
All month long we'll be reviewing foreign films that have garnered American remakes.
First up is a Kyle pick in the form of Michael Haneke's, Funny Games (1997)!
An Austrian film that was remade and shot in English by director Haneke in 2007, the film is an utterly brutal and subversive home invasion thriller that is best described as “an experience” rather than “entertainment.”
Doubling as both a tense thriller and highly complex meta commentary regarding violence and titillation in media/entertainment, the film is deeply challenging, but incredibly rewarding to those that are willing to ponder on it.
Highly judgmental of it's own audience, and intentionally subversive in ways that may prove too frustrating for some, the film is nevertheless a deftly constructed work of art that we here at Catching Up On Cinema quite enjoyed.
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly Catching Up On Blu-Ray episode!
This time around, Trevor is once again joined by his good friend Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast in reviewing the month's physical media releases.
Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitter and Instagram.
Follow us on Instagram @catchinguponcinema
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This January at Catching Up On Cinema, we'll be doing a bit of housekeeping and Catching Up On cinema from the year 2021.
In the final installment of our Catching Up On 2021 event, Kyle and Trevor sit down to review Sion Sono's, Prisoners of the Ghostland (2021)!
The first English language production from famed Japanese indie director Sono, the film is truly bizarre experience headlined by the inimitable Nicolas Cage.
A pseudo supernatural samurai Western that is one part Mad Max, one part Fallout, one part Kane and Lynch, and apparently inspired by George Orwell's Animal Farm, the film is packed to the brim with fascinating images and concepts, but falls utterly flat on it's face attempting to convey it's message(s) to the viewer.
Featuring an international cast of likable and capable performers, as well as ambitious and impressive production design, the film is hardly the sum it's parts, resulting in a messy film, clumsily paced film that largely fails to engage.
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On YouTube!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwrAEzy-07w
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly, “Tales From the Shelf” episode!
In this installment, Trevor is once again joined by his good buddy Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast to explore some of the “Terrific TV” and streaming series discs in their respective collections.
Brad's Picks:
Breaking Bad (2008 - 2013)
Stephen King's It (1990)
The Knick (2014 - Ongoing)
Cursed Films (2020 - Ongoing)
Trevor's Picks:
Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995 - 1996)
Bio-Booster Armor Guyver (1989 OVA Series and 2005 TV series)
Gangs of London (2020 - Ongoing)
Netflix Marvel Series (2015 - 2019)
And make sure to stick around as the 2 wrap things up with a customary “Speed Round” of runner up films that didn't quite make the cut.
Shout out to @JayCheel from the Film Junk Podcast for hosting a wonderful show, and directing Cursed Films, one of Brad's picks for this month's episode.
Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitterand Instagram.
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Special thanks to Ben Johnson from Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast, whose interviews with James Nunn and Lee Charles were referenced prior to recording this episode!
This January at Catching Up On Cinema, we'll be doing a bit of housekeeping and Catching Up On cinema from the year 2021.
This week, Trevor sits down to do a solo review of James Nunn's, One Shot (2021)!
Headlined by martial arts superstar Scott Adkins, the film is an incredibly ambitious military action flick, deftly constructed to look and feel like a single continuous take.
The 3rd collaboration between director and star Adkins, the film represents yet another leap forward in the careers of both professionals, demonstrating that hard work and thoughtful planning can yield incredible results, even with a relatively low budget and a 20 day shoot.
Not merely the product of a production “gimmick,” One Shot is an exceptional action film that executes and adheres to it's premise, conveying legitimate drama as well as violent action spectacle with equal intensity and sincerity.
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This January at Catching Up On Cinema, we'll be doing a bit of housekeeping and Catching Up On cinema from the year 2021.
This week, Trevor and Kyle sit down to review Michael Sarnoski's, Pig (2021)!
A critical indie darling from 2021, the film pulls double duty as both a skillful and confident directorial debut for Michael Sarnoski, as well as an incredible platform for displaying the gentler and more subtle ranges of star Nicolas Cage's acting ability.
Contemplative and thematically dense, like a fine meal, the film demands intimate engagement with it's audience in order to yield the richest results.
Beautifully shot and cut with an even hand, in spite of it's subject matter, the film boasts and elemental and somehow organic warmth to it that manage to buoy the experience and prevent it from feeling weighed down by it's more dour notes.
A layered experience that, again, much like a fine meal, is made further enjoyable via sharing and discussion long after it's conclusion.
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WARNING! This episode contains FULL spoilers for The Matrix Resurrections (2021)! *WARNING!*
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Happy New Year!
This January at Catching Up On Cinema, we'll be doing a bit of housekeeping and Catching Up On cinema from the year 2021.
First up, Trevor and Kyle sit down to review Lana Wachowski's, The Matrix Resurrections (2021)!
Spawned from the massively influential trilogy of films from the early 2000's, Resurrections serves as a sloppy and underwhelming follow up to a series that truly deserved better.
A somewhat contentious production with a tricky path to completion, the film, as is expected from both creator and franchise alike, contains elements of metatextual commentary that are legitimately interesting, but unfortunately do little to aid the narrative or engage the viewer.
Though the film contains many returning cast and crew, namely Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Ann Moss in the lead roles, the absence of composer Don Davis and martial arts choreographer Yuen Woo-ping are both unfortunate and eminently noticeable.
An unnecessary sequel among a sea of addendums and appendages to long lived franchises, the film has the good conscience to be cheeky regarding the questionable nature of it's own existence, however this only results in an aggressively dull narrative, and one that unfortunately does not benefit from the excess and bombast of it's predecessors.
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly Catching Up On Blu-Ray episode!
This time around, Trevor is once again joined by his good friend Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast in reviewing the month's physical media releases.
Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitter and Instagram.
Follow us on Instagram @catchinguponcinema
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“Kyle's Cold Christmas” event month concludes at Catching Up On Cinema with Trevor's solo review of Marvin Kren's, Blood Glacier (2013)!
With a plot concerning hybrid monsters spawned from microorganisms housed within a bloody red glacier in the Austrian alps, the film is a surprisingly sincere and deftly constructed creature feature.
Featuring lovely on location shots, and practical puppet creatures, the film is far from the most impressive of monster films, however it earns a whole host of brownie points for it's earnest tone and the low tech presentation of it's monsters.
Happy New Year from all of us here at Catching Up On Cinema!
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On Youtube!
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly, “Tales From the Shelf” episode!
In this installment, Trevor is once again joined by his good buddy Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast to explore some of the films from their respective collections that sport some “Amazing Artwork”!
Brad's Picks:
Urban Legend (1998)
The Vanishing (1988)
Homegrown Horrors Vol. 1 (Vinegar Syndrome – Beyond Dream's Door, Final Exam and Winter Beast)
The James Bond Collection (MGM, individual releases)
The Master (2012)
Trevor's Picks:
Versus (2000)
Ultraman Mebius & the Ultra Brothers (2006), Mega Monster Battle: Ultra Galaxy (2009) and Kamen Rider: The Next (2007)
In Search of Darkness (2019) and In Search of Darkness: Part II (2020)
Resurrection of Golden Wolf (1979)
Ichi the Killer (2001), MD Geist (1986), Mechanical Violator Hakaider (1995), Mirai Ninja (1988), Crying Fist (2005) and Shamo (2007)
And make sure to stick around as the 2 wrap things up with a customary “Speed Round” of runner up films that didn't quite make the cut.
Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitterand Instagram.
Follow us on Instagram @catchinguponcinema
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“Kyle's Cold Christmas” event month continues at Catching Up On Cinema, sans Kyle, with Trevor and his brother Matt's review of Ruben Ostlund's, Force Majeure (2014)!
Titled “Turist” in it's native Sweden, the film is a thoughtful and wry examination of a struggling family of ski vacationers.
While any back of the box plot description of the film will likely greatly emphasize an avalanche as the catalyst for the plot, the deeply layered structure of the narrative, and the subtly of the characterizations therein make for a film that feels confident in allowing large pieces of the narrative to exist beyond the borders of the frame.
A film that benefits from subsequent viewings, the film is rich with thematic content, in particular concerning masculinity and gender roles.
A beautiful and often hilarious film, Force Majeure is a delightful watch, that opens the door for equally delightful discussion.
Be sure to check out Matt's podcasts:
Couch Co-Op:
https://open.spotify.com/show/3G7mrJd8DEVcSC2BH1VSMe
The Hollywood Brunettes:
https://open.spotify.com/show/75OxnIkQ6SMV5SQ39abwlY
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Kyle returns to Catching Up On Cinema after a month long absence to kickoff December 2021's, “Kyle's Cold Christmas” event month!
All month long, we'll be reviewing frigid films to chill the bones.
This week, Trevor and Kyle review Philipp Stolzl's German mountaineering drama, North Face (2008)!
Based on true events, the film concerns a group of German and Austrian climber's arduous attempt to be the first to summit the North face of the infamous Eiger peak.T
Set in the 1930's, during the reign of the Nazi party in Germany, the film deftly combines elements of socio-political commentary sprinkled amidst utterly breathtaking sequences of daring and heroism.
At times brutal and painful to watch, the film pulls no punches in it's depiction of the harsh weather and terrain of the Eiger.
A truly exceptional survival-adventure film, North Face stands as one of finer films that Trevor has selected to review for Catching Up On Cinema.
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Kyle returns to Catching Up On Cinema after a month long absence to kickoff December 2021's, “Kyle's Cold Christmas” event month!
All month long, we'll be reviewing frigid films to chill the bones.
First up this month is our review of Xavier Gens', Cold Skin (2017)!
Starring David Oakes, Ray Stevenson, and Aura Garrido (in full body creature makeup and prosthetics), the film is a horror tinged psycho drama concerning men waging a constant war of attrition with strange amphibious humanoids from the deep.
Shot on location in on scenic beaches of the Canary Islands, the film is heavily allegorical in nature, with very explicit references being made to World War I, and The Divine Comedy.
Deliberately repetitious in it's structure, the film suffers from a bit of an identity crisis, mostly failing to comfortably settle into a rhythm or tone, resulting in either a heady character study interrupted by action beats, or a rather tame horror film weighed down by frequent lulls in the action.
Not at all lacking in creativity or enthusiasm, the film plays host to many interesting ideas and allegories, but ultimately fails to engage due to it's inconsistent pace and tone, coupled with a less than satisfying conclusion.
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly, “Tales From the Shelf” episode!
In this installment, Trevor is once again joined by his good buddy Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast in resuming the alphabetical exploration of their respective movie collections, this month advancing to films beginning with the letter “B”.
Join the 2 as they dive into “A Basket of B's” to discuss some of their favorite “B” films.
Brad's Picks:
Big Trouble (2002)
Blow Out (1981)
Burn After Reading (2008
Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992)
The Beach Bum (2019)
Trevor's Picks:
Bushwick (2017)
Brazil (1985)
Beetlejuice (1988), Batman (1989), Batman Returns (1992) and Big Eyes (2014)
Backdraft (1991)
And make sure to stick around as the 2 wrap things up with a customary “Speed Round” of runner up films that didn't quite make the cut.
Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitterand Instagram.
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This month is “No Theme November” at Catching Up On Cinema!
Every week this month we're going to be having special guest hosts that will be selecting the movies we'll be reviewing, for whatever reason they see fit.
This week, Trevor is joined by friend and frequent collaborator, Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast, to review Brian De Palma's, Snake Eyes (1998)!
Starring Nicolas Cage, the film is a slick and incredibly stylish conspiracy thriller that boasts most of, if not all of the director's trademark cinematographic flourishes.
Not especially successful in it's day, both critically and financial, the film is a ripe candidate for reevaluation, as while the film certainly has it's weaknesses, it's audio-visual flair and tense setpieces more than offset those liabilities.
Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitterand Instagram.
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly Catching Up On Blu-Ray episode!
This time around, Trevor is once again joined by his good friend Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast in reviewing the month's physical media releases.
Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitter and Instagram.
Follow us on Instagram @catchinguponcinema
Follow us on Twitter @CatchingCinema
Like, share, subscribe, and we'll catch you next time!
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This month is “No Theme November” at Catching Up On Cinema!
Every week this month we're going to be having special guest hosts that will be selecting the movies we'll be reviewing, for whatever reason they see fit.
This week, Trevor is joined by SteampunkLink of the SNEScapades podcast to review Brad F. Grinter and Steve Hawkes', Blood Freak (1972)!
Potentially the only Christian, anti-GMO monster movie, the film is a B-movie oddity that truly needs to be seen to be believed.
Smutty and offensive in subject matter, and utterly incompetent in execution, the film concerns the tale of Herschell (co-director Hawkes) and his transformation into a Man-Turkey/Blood Freak via the deadly combination of pain killers, SUPER marijuana and... genetically modified turkey meat.
Featuring some heavy handed religious preaching and messaging, as well as frequent (hilarious and nonsensical) direct to camera monologues delivered by co-director Brad F. Grinter, the film is a nigh incoherent mess, but one that delivers many unintentional laughs through the apparent sincerity of the production.
Check out SteampunkLink and Emmy Zero on SNEScapades at HonestPirahna.com, Anchor, or reach out to Link on Twitter @SNEScapades
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This month is “No Theme November” at Catching Up On Cinema!
Every week this month we're going to be having special guest hosts that will be selecting the movies we'll be reviewing, for whatever reason they see fit.
This week, Trevor is joined by his friend Sean Parker from Hapstance Filmsto review Ronny Yu's, Fearless (2006)!
A martial arts biopic starring Jet Li as the historic wushu master Huo Yuanjia, the film serves as both a wonderful exhibition of traditional Chinese martial arts forms, as well as heavy handed delivery system for traditional Chinese cultural values.
Falsely billed at the time of release as Jet Li's “final” wuxia/period martial arts film, the film showcases Li's talents across a wide variety of tones, styles and settings under the careful guiding hand of Yuen Woo Ping's masterful choreography.
A true martial arts epic, the film paints it's narrative and themes in the very broadest of strokes, however it's stellar production values and frequent instances of incredible martial arts spectacle serve to even out the experience, resulting in an overall highly engaging moviegoing experience.
Find Sean Parker and Hapstance Films on Youtube at:
https://www.youtube.com/hapstancefilms
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In this very special Theatrical Edition of Catching Up On Cinema, Trevor sits down for a solo review of Sylvester Stallone's Rocky IV: Rocky vs. Drago The Ultimate Director's Cut (2021)!
Released in theaters as a one night only Fathom event, the film is a revised edition of Rocky IV (1985).
Cut together with a pace and texture that more closely matches the look and feel of the earlier Rocky films, this revision of Rocky IV serves as a slightly more focused and mature version of what is often regarded as the most commercial and dumb, but also most rewatchable and fun film in the series.
Not a perfected version of the film by any means, the new cut of Rocky IV manages as many victories as it does missteps, with some additions serving as fantastic highlights to the series, and others feeling like extraneous changes that do more harm than good.
A novel attempt at constructing a more sincere and mature Rocky IV that will entice Rocky super fans, but will likely go on to be considered little more than a bizarre and unnecessary "special edition" to most moviegoers.
NOTE: Stallone teased a Rocky prequel TV series during the Q&A, though time will tell if that was just wishful thinking on the part of the director.
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This month is “No Theme November” at Catching Up On Cinema!
Every week this month we're going to be having special guest hosts that will be selecting the movies we'll be reviewing, for whatever reason they see fit.
This week we're joined by Richie AKA MdntAgntRAW from the Super Media Bros. Podcast to review Satoshi Kon's, Paprika (2006)!
The final completed film of Kon, Paprika stands as both a beautiful and delightful work of feature length animation, as well as a thorough and depthful exploration of many of the themes and concepts that were near ubiquitous across the director's filmography.
Wonderfully animated by venerable Japanese animation studio, Madhouse, and scored by frequent collaborator with the director, composer Susumu Hirasawa, the film is an audio visual tour de force, employing state of the art technology in every facet of it's production.
Highly respected by his peers worldwide, director Satoshi Kon unfortunately passed away in 2010 at the age of 46, with his subsequent project following completion of Paprika, Dreaming Machine, slipping into production limbo, likely never to be completed.
Check out Richie's podcast at https://www.supermediabrospodcast.com/
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Also, check the Odd Pods Media Network while you're at it!
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This month is “No Theme November” at Catching Up On Cinema!
Every week this month we're going to be having special guest hosts that will be selecting the movies we'll be reviewing, for whatever reason they see fit.
First up this month, we're joined by Kyle's brother Nik to review his pick for “No Theme November”, Chuck Russell's, The Blob (1988)!
A remake of the B-movie classic, The Blob (1958), the film is a gruesome and slickly constructed update that largely tops the original.
While no deaths actually occur onscreen in the '58 original, the verve displayed in the execution of some of the truly grotesque and explicit blob related violence in the remake feel almost like the result of a production mission statement on the part of the effects crew.
Written by Frank Darabont, the film proves to be much more than a gory exhibition of top of the line practical and optical effects, boasting likable characters and a tightly constructed script in addition to it's impressive visuals and slick pace.
Starring Kevin Dillon, Shawnee Smith, and a menagerie of notable character actors and familiar faces,The Blob (1988) is an exceptional remake that respectfully builds upon the solid framework of the original film's premise, and expands it in exciting and frightening new ways.
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly Catching Up On Blu-Ray episode!
This time around, Trevor is once again joined by his good friend Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast in reviewing the month's physical media releases.
Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitter and Instagram.
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly, “Tales From the Shelf” episode!
In this installment, Trevor is once again joined by his good buddy Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast to discuss “A Collection of Cuts”.
Movies featured in this discussion include:
Brad's Picks:
Deep Red (1975) – International Cut
Re-Animator (1985) – Integral Cut
Midsommar (2019) - Director's Cut
Black Sabbath (1963) – American Cut
Doctor Sleep (2019) - Director's Cut
Trevor's Picks:
Fist of the North Star (1986) – Lost footage, alternate ending
The Punisher (1989) – Unrated Cut
Robocop (1987) – Unrated Cut
The Guyver (1991) – Unrated Cut
Mobile Suit Gundam Trilogy
Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam: A New Translation
Ghost in the Shell (1995) – 2.0 Edition
Macross Plus – OVA and Movie Edition
New Mobile Report Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz – OVA and Movie Edition
Rambo: Last Blood (2019) – Extended Cut
The Expendables (2010) – Extended Director's Cut
Deadpool 2 (2018) – Super Duper Cut
Apocalypse Now – Original, Redux and Final Cut
The Godfather Coda: The Death of Michael Corleone (2020)
And make sure to stick around as the 2 wrap things up with a customary “Speed Round” of runner up films that didn't quite make the cut.
Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitterand Instagram.
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HALLOWEEN KILLS (2021) REVIEW BEGINS AT 54:00
It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's 3rd annual, “Kyle's Killer October” event month!
This week sees Kyle and Trevor completing their exploration of horror musicals with a review of Agnieszka Amoczynska's, The Lure (2015)!
Described as, “the best Goth musical about man-eating mermaids ever made,” the film is a wildly imaginative and visually lush horror themed musical that loosely follows the story of Hans Christian Andersen's, The Little Mermaid.
A Polish film rife with subtext and autobiographical content pertaining to the director's own life experiences, the movie is bold and adventurous with it's imagery and subject matter.
Released domestically as part of The Criterion Collection, The Lure (2015) is a complex film that may repulse some viewers, however, as evidenced by the nature of our host's conversation about the film, it is a rich film that is perhaps better understood through discussion or repeat viewings.
In addition to Catching Up On Cinema's review of The Lure (2015) this week, we're also offering our audience a special bonus review of David Gordon Green's, Halloween Kills (2021)!
Released this month in both theaters and via The Peacock streaming service, the film is the latest in the legendary slasher franchise, serving as a direct sequel to Gordon Green's Halloween (2018).
A spur of the moment review brought on by Kyle's intense, negative reaction to the film, this bonus review sees both hosts getting heated in a way that is seldom heard on Catching Up On Cinema.
Spoiler alert: They didn't like it.
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's 3rd annual, “Kyle's Killer October” event month!
This week Kyle and Trevor continue their foray into the world of horror musicals with a review of Tim Burton's, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)!
Adapted from Steven Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler's stage musical, which in turn was inspired by Penny Dreadfuls from the late1800's, the film is a gleefully violent and twisted Gothic affair that feels well suited to the director's stylistic tendencies.
Starring Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, and featuring Alan Rickmand and Sacha Baron Cohen in supporting roles, the film is an audio visual delight, with lovingly detailed sets and costumes doing wonders to complement the film's bombastic score an dynamic musical numbers.
Originally conceived as a project for director Sam Mendes, and heavily condensed from it's original stage iteration, the film utilizes the unique benefits of the cinematic medium, leveraging skillful editing and cinematography to offer a more intimate and focused version of the narrative that is wholly satisfying.
Highly recommended for fans of macabre tales and Tim Burton's aesthetics.
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's 3rd annual, “Kyle's Killer October” event month!
This week Kyle and Trevor continue their foray into the world of horror musicals with a review of Frank Oz's, Little Shop of Horrors (1986)!
Originating as an ultra low budget Roger Corman film from 1960, Little Shop of Horrors would later be expanded and reconceptualized as an off-Broadway musical created by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, which in turn serves as the foundation for the 1986 film adaptation.
Featuring Rick Moranis, Ellen Greene (featured in the stage version), Steve Martin, the voice of Levi Stubbs, and a host of high profile cameos, the film is an absolute joy to watch, with winning performances and a insanely catchy track list.
With skillful direction from Frank Oz, the film features some of the most impressive live puppetry in cinematic history, with Levi Stubbs' amazing voice and the work of no less than 60 puppeteers (working simultaneously!) successfully bringing to life the iconic character of Audrey II.
While a critical and financial success, the film has long bore the reputation of having one of the more notorious alternative endings in mainstream cinematic history.
Rest assured, the Director's Cut is covered in our exhaustive review of this awesome film.
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's 3rd annual, “Kyle's Killer October” event month!
This year's theme is horror musicals, with our first review this month being Jim Sharman's, The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)!
Originally a stage production created by Richard O'Brien (Riff Raff), and critically despised during it's original theater run, the film is widely regarded as the quintessential cult/midnight film.
Starring Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick, the aforementioned Richard O'Brien and a brief turn by a then nascent Meat Loaf, the film is a raucous and often hilarious experience that was massively ahead of it's time in a variety of ways.
A massive cultural touchstone for many, the film enjoys a nigh legendary reputation among those within and adjacent to the LGBTQ+ community, and continues to be screened in theaters worldwide on a consistent basis.
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Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/Y3T5-oIhuqI
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly, “Tales From the Shelf” episode!
In this installment, Trevor is once again joined by his good buddy Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast to discuss “A Selection of Sequels”.
Brad's Picks:
Mission: Impossible 2 (2000)
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Part 2 (1986)
The Leftovers, Season 2 (2015)
28 Weeks Later (2007)
Trevor's Picks:
Bloodsport 2 (1996) and Undisputed 2: Last Man Standing (2006)
Highlander II: The Quickening (1991)
Rocky II (1979), Rambo: First Blood Part 2 (1985) and The Bourne Supremacy (2004)
Batman Returns (1992)
And make sure to stick around as the 2 wrap things up with a customary “Speed Round” of runner up films that didn't quite make the cut.
Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, on Youtube, or on Twitterand Instagram.
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly Catching Up On Blu-Ray episode!
This time around, Trevor is once again joined by his good friend Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast in reviewing the month's physical media releases.
Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitter and Instagram.
Follow us on Instagram @catchinguponcinema
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“The Indiana Jones Masterclass” concludes at Catching Up On Cinema as Trevor is joined by Kyle's brother Nik to review Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)!
Released nearly 20 years after the previous entry in the series, Indiana Jones' 4th adventure is widely regarded as the worst of an otherwise stellar series of films.
Despite it's poor reputation, the film boasts an incredible pedigree, once again reuniting director Steven Spielberg with stars Harrison Ford and Karen Allen, producers George Lucas, Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall, composer John Williams, and all of talented folks at Industrial Light and Magic.
In addition to the more familiar elements of the cast and production crew, the film also introduces a sprawling cast of supporting players including the likes of Shia LaBeouf as Indy's son Mutt, Cate Blanchett as Irina Spalko, and Ray Winstone and John Hurt as the less than memorable Mac and Oxley respectively.
Despite being largely shot on location and in lavishly designed sound stages, the film unfortunately bears a visual texture and style that fails to jive with that which came before.
While most involved in the production speak positively of their experiences in making the film, Kingdom of the Crystal Skull stands as a flabby, vexing, and outright extraneous entry in a lean franchise that, up until it's 4th chapter, stood as one of the most consistently thrilling and excellent sagas in film history.
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“The Indiana Jones Masterclass” continues at Catching Up On Cinema with Kyle and Trevor's review of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)!
Serving as the concluding chapter of the initial trilogy of Indiana Jones films, the Last Crusade once again reunites director Steven Spielberg, producer George Lucas, composer John Williams, and star Harrison Ford, for what is often regarded as the finest entry in the entire franchise.
More character and dialogue driven than previous films in the series, the movie has a brighter audio-visual texture to it that results in a more lighthearted and outright fun adventure than it's grimmer and more violent predecessor, the Temple of Doom (1984).
In addition to Harrison Ford's enthusiastic and subtly comic third at bat as Indy, the film also costars the legendary Sean Connery, playing against type as the bookish Henry Jones Sr., and also features the return of Denholm Elliott as Marcus Brody, and John Rhys-Davies as Sallah.
Intentionally structured to mirror many of the story and action beats of Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), the film brings back the gleefully punchable Nazis of the first film, and subs snake pits for rat infested tombs, and protracted truck chases for equally protracted tankchases, though at no point does it feel like anything less than a worthy sequel to the nigh untouchable standards set by that film.
Probably the warmest and most eminently watchable of all the Indiana Jones films, the Last Crusade stands as one of the finest 3rdentries in all of film history.
A fitting review subject for Catching Up On Cinema's 3rd year anniversary celebration.
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“The Indiana Jones Masterclass” continues at Catching Up On Cinema with Kyle and Trevor's review of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)!
Once again directed by Steven Spielberg, scored by John Williams, and starring Harrison Ford as the iconic adventure hero, the film is technically a prequel to Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), the first sequel in the franchise history, and the first film in the series to bear the “Indiana Jones” name in it's title.
Conceived of and produced by George Lucas in the midst of an ugly divorce, the film is somewhat infamous for it's dark tone and imagery in spite of it's PG rating.
Oft regarded as the lesser of the original trilogy of Indy films, Temple of Doom turned a handsome profit in it's original theatrical release, but is sadly regarded by it's director as a bit of a misstep in his career, with the one indisputable positive coming out of the production being him meeting his future wife on the set.
In addition to Ford's Indy, the cast also consists of the likes of Kate Capshaw (Spielberg's aforementioned future wife) as the pampered and obnoxious club singer, Willie Scott, Ke Huy Quan as Indy's invaluable little buddy, Short Round.
Additionally, our cast of villains is rounded out by Roshan Seth as the less than threatening Chattar Lal and Amrish Puri as the formidable cult leader, Mola Ram.
Somewhat of a tonal mess of a film, Temple of Doom is nevertheless a very worthy and radically different sequel from Raiders, boasting some of the most impressively lit and constructed sets in the franchise, and an utterly relentless third act that sees the film tossing it's script out the window in favor of pure, unfiltered, roller coaster action.
A lesser Indiana Jones film, but still better than many franchises' best.
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This month is “Masterclass Month” at Catching Up On Cinema!
All through September, we'll be doing a deep dive on the Indiana Jones film series!
Created by George Lucas, directed by Steven Spielberg, scored by John Williams, and starring the inimitable Harrison Ford, the films (with the exception of the 4th entry in the series) are some of the finest action-adventure productions in cinema history.
Our Masterclass begins with a review of Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), the film that would kickoff the franchise and introduce audiences to the instantly iconic figure of Harrison Ford's Dr. Henry “Indiana” Jones.
Directed by Steven Spielberg at the urging of his friend and colleague George Lucas, the film also stars the likes of Karen Allen, Paul Freeman, and John Rhys-Davies.
A beloved action classic with near unparalleled momentum and pacing, the film would serve as host to some of the most innovative and daring stunt work of all time, instantly raising the bar for the genre and the craft.
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly Catching Up On Blu-Ray episode!
This time around, Trevor is once again joined by his good friend Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast in reviewing the month's physical media releases.
Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitterand Instagram.
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“The Month of Moss” concludes at Catching Up On Cinema as Trevor and Kyle sit down to review Leigh Whannell's, The Invisible Man (2020)!
Representing the first pivot away from Universal's failed “Dark Universe” project, the film is a unique and highly engaging adaptation of H.G. Wells' novel of the same name.
Told from the perspective of a victim of the titular invisible entity rather than the being themselves, the film is a slick and taut thriller packed with performances and set piece moments that punch considerably above the weight of it's modest $7 million budget.
Packed with social commentary regarding abusive relationships, gaslighting, and toxic narcissism, the film manages the rare feat of being both socially relevant and entertaining to mainstream audiences.
Episode 1 - Nothing But Trouble (1991)
https://anchor.fm/catchinguponcinema/episodes/Episode-1---Nothing-But-Trouble-1991-e296r5
The Mummy (1999) vs. The Mummy (2017)
https://anchor.fm/catchinguponcinema/episodes/The-Mummy-1999-Vs--The-Mummy-2017-e2at9a
Episode 100 - Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
https://anchor.fm/catchinguponcinema/episodes/Episode-100---Terminator-2-Judgment-Day-1991-ekvktu
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“The Month of Moss” continues at Catching Up On Cinema as Kyle and Trevor reunite to record in person for the first time since the pandemic to review Josephine Decker's, Shirley (2020)!
A largely fictionalized account of a chapter in the life and career of novelist Shirley Jackson, the film is an murky and dreamlike tale of devious social manipulation and the creative process.
Adapted from a novel of the same name by Susan Scarf Merrell, the contains winning performances from it's headliner, Elisabeth Moss, as well as from her supporting cast in the form of a particularly animated Michael Stuhlbarg as her husband, an enigmatic quietly disturbed turn from Odessa Young as her young guest/research subject, and a very capable Logan Lerman as the latter's aloof and distant husband.
A unique film from a unique filmmaker, film serves as one of more prominent examples of Elisabeth Moss' prodigious acting talent.
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Youtube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLQt9Qqx68I
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly, “Tales From the Shelf” episode!
In this installment, Trevor is once again joined by his good buddy Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast to discuss the most “Rewatchable Relics” in their movie collections.
Movies featured in this discussion include:
Brad's Picks:
Home Alone (1990)
The Cable Guy (1996)
Inception (2010)
Shaun of the Dead (2004)
Trevor's Picks:
The Rocky Series (1976 – 2006)
Ernest Goes to Jail (1990)
The Beast (1996)
The Secret of NIHM (1982)
And make sure to stick around as the 2 wrap things up with a customary “Speed Round” of runner up films that didn't quite make the cut.
Episode 135 – The World's End (2013) featuring Harrison and Jordan from Grief Burrito
https://anchor.fm/catchinguponcinema/episodes/The-Worlds-End-2013-e12pc30
Special thanks to our special guests, Harrison and Jordan from the Grief Burrito podcast!
Check our their website @ https://www.griefburrito.com/
Find their socials here
Find their community Discord here
Episode 96 – Fatal Fury The Motion Picture (1994)
https://anchor.fm/catchinguponcinema/episodes/Episode-96---Fatal-Fury-The-Motion-Picture-1994-ehsaho
Creed 2 (2018) Review
https://anchor.fm/catchinguponcinema/episodes/Creed-II-2018-Review-e2nkgh
Featuring Matt from Couch Co-Op and The Hollywood Brunettes
Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitterand Instagram.
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“The Month of Moss” continues at Catching Up On Cinema, as Trevor and Kyle review Alex Ross Perry's, Her Smell (2018)!
Starring Elisabeth Moss as the self-destructive front woman of a 90's femme punk band, the film is a scummy and delirious descent into and out of the depths of madness.
Segmented into 5 long scenes that detail pivotal moments in the evolution and degradation of the band and it's leader, the film serves as a stellar exhibition of Elizabeth Moss' range and fearlessness as an actor.
Often uncomfortable, and intentionally alienating, both in aesthetics and scene construction, the film is challenging, but utterly confident and capable in what it is trying to achieve.
Much like the genre of punk itself, it is a product that will be misunderstood by many, but will be loved by the very few that it actually cares to win the affection of.
Episode 33 - SLC Punk (1998)
https://anchor.fm/catchinguponcinema/episodes/Episode-33---SLC-Punk-1998-e3sc7k
Episode 64 - Green Room (2015)
https://anchor.fm/catchinguponcinema/episodes/Episode-64---Green-Room-2015-ea1gba
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“The Month of Moss” continues at Catching Up On Cinema, as Trevor conducts a solo review of Ruben Ostlund's, The Square (2017)!
Featuring Elisabeth Moss in a small but memorable supporting role, the film is a Swedish production headlined by fast rising Danish actor Claes Bang.
A dense production, both in terms of run time and thematic content, The Square is the rare film that continually vexes and tests it's audience while somehow managing to remain deeply engaging throughout.
Featuring a handful of truly showstopping sequences, including a breathtaking physical performance from famed mo cap actor Terry Notary, the film is a fascinating and thoughtful experience that occasionally feels it has too much to say, though I'm grateful to have heard what little I could.
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This August is “The Month of Moss” at Catching Up On Cinema!
This month, we'll be doing a deep dive into the filmography of actress Elisabeth Moss.
Kicking things off is our review of Charlie McDowell's, The One I Love (2014)!
Serving as the director's feature debut, the film is a deftly constructed, minimalist comedic thriller.
Almost entirely focused on the interplay between co-leads Elisabeth Moss and Mark Duplass, the film serves as a strong showcase for both actor's dramatic range and knack for improvisation.
An engaging and well considered effort from all involved, the film is best enjoyed without prior knowledge of it's concept, so by all means, please treat yourself and give it a watch before listening to our take on it.
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly Catching Up On Blu-Ray episode!
This time around, Trevor is once again joined by his good friend Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast in reviewing the month's physical media releases.
Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitterand Instagram.
Episode 135 (Featuring Grief Burrito) – The World's End (2013:
https://anchor.fm/catchinguponcinema/episodes/The-Worlds-End-2013-e12pc30
Mortal Kombat (2021) Review:
https://anchor.fm/catchinguponcinema/episodes/Catching-Up-On-Cinema-Theatrical-Edition---Mortal-Kombat-2021-e10114t
Hydra (2019) Review (Special thanks to Film Combat Syndicate):
https://anchor.fm/catchinguponcinema/episodes/Catching-Up-On-Cinema-Theatrical-Edition---Hydra-2019-e9msin
Episode 27 – The Boondock Saints (1999):
https://anchor.fm/catchinguponcinema/episodes/Episode-27---The-Boondock-Saints-1999-e3ge9j
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In this installment of Catching Up On Cinema's “Ladies' Night” event month, Kyle and Trevor review David Leitch's, Atomic Blonde (2017)!
Starring Charlize Theron as the titular Atomic Blonde, the film is a slick and stylish spy thriller set in East/West Berlin during the turbulent final days of the Soviet Union.
The solo directorial debut of David Leitch (who co-directed John Wick), the film is a strong initial offering that would pave the way for it's director to immediately take the reins of blockbuster films in the years to come.
With a supporting cast consisting of the likes of James McAvoy, Sofia Boutella, John Goodman, Eddie Marsan, and Toby Jones, the film is never dull and is surprisingly generous to it's performers and dialogue despite the action heavy pedigree of it's production crew.
While Charlize Theron is a truly spectacular in the film, both as an actress and action performer, perhaps the greatest compliment to the production must be given to Sam Hargrave and all of the folks at 87Eleven Action Design, who would serve to conceive, construct and perform one of the most memorable action set pieces in recent cinema history:
https://youtu.be/lO3Q8OHqNxY
John Wick 3: Parabellum (2019) Review:
https://anchor.fm/catchinguponcinema/episodes/Catching-Up-On-Cinema-Theatrical-Edition---John-Wick-Chapter-3---Parabellum-2019-e45ol9
Episode 136 – Trainspotting (1996):
https://anchor.fm/catchinguponcinema/episodes/Trainspotting-1996-e137435
Episode 135 – The World's End (2013):
https://anchor.fm/catchinguponcinema/episodes/The-Worlds-End-2013-e12pc30
Episode 36 – Man of Tai Chi (2013):
https://anchor.fm/catchinguponcinema/episodes/Episode-36---Man-of-Tai-Chi-2013-e43h43
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In this installment of Catching Up On Cinema's “Ladies' Night” event month, Kyle and Trevor review Renny Harlin's, The Long Kiss Goodnight (1996)!
Starring Geena Davis in a rare action heavy role, the film concerns an amnesiac lady spy recovering her lost memories and wrapping up loose ends.
Directed by Renny Harlin (former husband to our leading lady), written by Shane Black, and costarring the likes of Samuel L. Jackson and Brian Cox, the film has all of the components of a 90's action classic, but ends up falling short of the sum of it's parts.
Filled with Shane Black-isms and creative, explosive stunt work and pyrotechnics, the film is a fine action film, but unfortunately not the star making feature that it's director and star had hoped it would be.
Episode 130 – The Fifth Element (1997):
https://anchor.fm/catchinguponcinema/episodes/The-Fifth-Element-1997-e10lj4a
Episode 111 – Die Hard (1988):
https://anchor.fm/catchinguponcinema/episodes/Episode-111---Die-Hard-1988-eoas3e
Episode 108 – Black Christmas (1978):
https://anchor.fm/catchinguponcinema/episodes/Episode-108---Black-Christmas-1974-engvei
Episode 70 – Twister (1996):
https://anchor.fm/catchinguponcinema/episodes/Episode-70---Twister-1996-eap0fk
Episode 69 – Mortal Kombat (1995):
https://anchor.fm/catchinguponcinema/episodes/Episode-69---Mortal-Kombat-1995-eakdvd
Episode 10 – The Three Musketeers (1993):
https://anchor.fm/catchinguponcinema/episodes/Episode-10---The-Three-Musketeers-1993-e2lhkp
Follow us on Instagram @catchinguponcinema
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Youtube Link:
https://youtu.be/oNSKVYhFQMw
linktr.ee/CatchingUpOnCinema
It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly Tales From the Shelf episode!
In this installment, All the A's, Trevor and Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast sit down to talk about some of the noteworthy films in their collections that begin with the letter “A”.
Movies featured in this episodes include:
Audition (1999)
Alive (2002)
Aragami (2003) – Films by Ryuhei Kitamura
Azumi (2003)
The Act of Killing (2012)
American Movie (1999)
Alps (2011)
Anaconda (1997)
Arachnophobia (1990)
Angry Video Game Nerd: The Movie (2014)
American Horror Project Volume One:
Malatesta's Carnival of Blood, 1973
The Witch Who Came from the Sea (1976)
The Premonition (1976)
The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)
And Trevor shares approximately 9,000 Scott Adkins films during the Speed Round!
Episode 8 – Versus (2000)
https://anchor.fm/catchinguponcinema/episodes/Episode-8---Versus-2000-e2k4b0
Episode 42 – American Movie (1999)
https://anchor.fm/catchinguponcinema/episodes/Episode-42---American-Movie-1999-e4ia5k
Episode 67 – Highway to Hell (1991) and Audition (1999)
https://anchor.fm/catchinguponcinema/episodes/Episode-67---Highway-to-Hell-1991-and-Audition-1999-eafnnu
Episode 91 – Captain Blood (1935)
https://anchor.fm/catchinguponcinema/episodes/Episode-91---Captain-Blood-1935-egdid3
Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitter and Instagram.
Follow us on Instagram @catchinguponcinema
Follow us on Twitter @CatchingCinema
Like, share, subscribe, and we'll catch you next time!
linktr.ee/CatchingUpOnCinema
This week, “Ladies' Night” continues at Catching Up On Cinema as Kyle and Trevor sit down to review Corey Yuen's Yes, Madam! (1985).
Produced by Sammo Hung, the film serves as an early showcase for the martial arts capabilities of it's dual leading ladies', Michelle Yeoh and Cynthia Rothrock.
Though the women carry the bulk of the action spectacle, the majority of the film's runtime is actually devoted to Tsui Hark, John Shum and Mang Hoi's farcical escapades as a trio of immoral grifters that get in over their heads.
Colorful, and unapologetically silly, the film is an outstanding, if grossly uneven example of 80's Hong Kong cinema.
Episode 29 – The Killer (1989)
https://anchor.fm/catchinguponcinema/episodes/Episode-29---The-Killer-1989-e3ka5s
Clips for Kyle
The Ending - Blood Debts (1985)
https://youtu.be/u61F_qvdid0
Liam Neeson Hops a Fence – Taken 3 (2014)
https://youtu.be/gCKhktcbfQM
The Hangman – Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993)
https://youtu.be/TM0sXkxyK5c
Don Giovanni – Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993)
https://youtu.be/VZzGGKNAwWs
Bathroom Fights
Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018)
https://youtu.be/egwR6gS9UMM
True Lies (1994)
https://youtu.be/VZpDzfEVg8M
The Man From Nowhere (2010)
https://youtu.be/dWe2K41hbnk
The Outlaws (2017)
https://youtu.be/tTLJ9vl57uk
Find us online at catchinguponcinema.com
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linktr.ee/CatchingUpOnCinema
This July is “Ladie's Night” at Catching Up On Cinema!
This month we'll be taking a look at a number of action movies headlined by women, beginning with Jack Hill's, Foxy Brown (1974)!
Starring Pam Grier, the film is one of the most famous of Blaxploitation films, serving as the launchpad for both the actress and character's ascent to legendary pop culture icon status.
Mean spirited, funky, and packed with social commentary, the film is very much an exploitation film, however it holds the distinction of serving as a highly influential movie to the likes of Quentin Tarantino and many other high profile members of the film community.
Find us online at catchinguponcinema.com
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linktr.ee/CatchingUpOnCinema
In the final installment of Catching Up On Cinema's “Drinking Movie Month,” Kyle and Trevor review Lexi Alexander's, Punisher: War Zone (2008).
Released as part of the short-lived Marvel Knights project, the film is the third live-action adaptation of the comic book property following the Dolph Lundgren version from the late 80's, and the Thomas Jane headlined one from just 4 years prior.
Directed by Lexi Alexander, the film is simultaneously the most explicitly gory violent, as well as the most aesthetically vibrant and colorful of Punisher films.
Starring Ray Stevenson as perhaps the most visually “correct” version of The Punisher on film according to the comic book canon, the movie also boasts a solid supporting cast in the form of Dominic West as a scenery chewing Jigsaw, Bruce Hutchinson as his brother LBJ, Colin Salmon as action hero in training Agent Budiansky, and Julie Benz as the token Lionsgate leading lady from the late 2000's.
Episode 18 – Green Street Hooligans (2005)
https://anchor.fm/catchinguponcinema/episodes/Episode-18---Green-Street-Hooligans-2005-e329sm
Catching Up On Cinema: Theatrical Edition - Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019) https://anchor.fm/catchinguponcinema/episodes/Catching-Up-On-Cinema-Theatrical-Edition---Godzilla-King-of-the-Monsters-2019-e4caao
Find us online at catchinguponcinema.com
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly Catching Up On Blu-Ray episode!
This time around, Trevor is once again joined by his good friend Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast in reviewing the month's physical media releases.
Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitter and Instagram.
Find us online at catchinguponcinema.com
Follow us on Instagram @catchinguponcinema
Follow us on Twitter @CatchingCinema
Like, share, subscribe, and we'll catch you next time!
linktr.ee/CatchingUpOnCinema
In this installment of Catching Up On Cinema's “Drinking Movie Month,” Kyle introduces Trevor to Danny Boyle's, Trainspotting (1996)!
Based on a novel by Irvine Welsh, the film is a charismatic and high energy tale about a gang of troubled Scottish youths and their misadventures in navigating drug abuse in the modern world.
Headlined by a very young Ewan McGregor, the film is packed with emerging Scottish and British talent, consisting of the likes of Ewen Bremner, Robert Carlisle, Jonny Lee Miller and Kevin McKidd.
Stylish and borderline anarchic in it's presentation, the film's presentation and breakneck pace are utterly intoxicating, all the while somehow managing a largely upbeat atmosphere despite the subject matter periodically veering into truly dark territory.
Ewen Bremner also co-starred in AVP (2004), a film that was discussed in our very first upload!:
https://anchor.fm/catchinguponcinema/episodes/The-Predator-Master-Class-e296jl
Episode 18 - Green Street Hooligans (2005), featuring that awful looking pea dish:
https://anchor.fm/catchinguponcinema/episodes/Episode-18---Green-Street-Hooligans-2005-e329sm
Episode 31 – 28 Days Later (2002), also directed by Danny Boyle:
https://anchor.fm/catchinguponcinema/episodes/Episode-31---28-Days-Later-2002-e3o71h
Episode 32 – Dog Soldiers (2002), starring Kevin McKidd:
https://anchor.fm/catchinguponcinema/episodes/Episode-32---Dog-Soldiers-2002-e3qn2i
Episode 59 – The Beach (2000), also directed by Danny Boyle:
https://anchor.fm/catchinguponcinema/episodes/Episode-59---The-Beach-2000-e966jv
Find us online at catchinguponcinema.com
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Youtube Link:
https://youtu.be/pbwzEXs8rH4
It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly Tales From the Shelf episode!
In this installment, Boffo Box Sets, Trevor and Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast sit down to talk about the box sets in their respective movie collections
Movies featured in this episodes include:
The Before Trilogy
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pizza Box Collection
The Scream Factory Halloween Box Set
The Die Hard Nakatomi Plaza Collection
The Pierre Etaix Box Set
The Dark Knight Trilogy Collector's Edition
The Phantasm Complete Series Collection
The Ip Man Series 4k Collection
The Alien Anthology
The Neon Genesis Evangelion Perfect Collection
The Rec Series Collection
And stick around for the Big Finish where we do a speed round of any spillover titles that didn't make the cut for the full discussion!
The movie Trevor couldn't remember the name of is called Afflicted (2013)
Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitter and Instagram.
Find us online at catchinguponcinema.com
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Follow us on Twitter @CatchingCinema
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In this week's installment of Catching Up On Cinema's “Drinking Movie Month,” the boys are joined by Harrison and Jordan from the Grief Burrito podcast to review Edgar Wright's, The World's End (2013)!
The last in Wright's “Three Flavours Cornetto” trilogy, the film reunites many of the cast and crew from previous films in the series (Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz), most prominent among which being Simon Pegg and Nick Frost.
Boasting Wright's signature flair for swift, dynamic editing, and razor sharp dialogue, the film is a comedy gem that doubles as an engaging sci-fi actioner.
While the technical aspects of the production are stellar, it's all-star supporting cast consisting of the likes of Patty Considine, Martin Freeman, Eddie Marsan, Rosamund Pike, and even brief appearances by Pierce Brosnan and Bill Nighy, ensure that it's greatest assets are it's characters and the dynamics of their interactions.
TL;DR“Nick Frost is a beast.”
Special thanks to our special guests, Harrison and Jordan from the Grief Burrito podcast!
Check our their website @ https://www.griefburrito.com/
Find their socials here
Find their community Discord here
Michael Smiley's previous appearances on Catching Up On Cinema:
Episode 25 – The Hallow (2015)
https://anchor.fm/catchinguponcinema/episodes/Episode-25---The-Hallow-2015-e3ef55
Episode 79 – Free Fire (2016)
https://anchor.fm/catchinguponcinema/episodes/Episode-79---Free-Fire-2016-ecorjt
Episode 101 – Kill List (2011)
https://anchor.fm/catchinguponcinema/episodes/Episode-101---Kill-List-2011-ela016
Find us online at catchinguponcinema.com
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In this week's installment of Catching Up On Cinema's “Drinking Movies Month” event, Kyle and Trevor review Joe Wright's biopic, Darkest Hour (2017).
Starring Gary Oldman in an Academy Award winning performance as Winston Churchill during the early days of his time as Prime Minister of the UK, the film is a stylish and dazzling well acted historical drama.
An actor's film, Oldman gives his all and totally disappears in his role as Churchill, aided in no small part by Kazu Hiro's incredible and seamless prosthetic effects work.
Occasionally bogged down by the weight of it's own subject matter, the film's momentum is buoyed by the inclusion of the likes of Kristin Scott Thomas, Stephen Dillane, Ben Mendelsohn and Lily James in supporting roles.
Last week's Drinkin' Movie
Episode 133 – Withnail and I (1987):
https://anchor.fm/catchinguponcinema/episodes/Withnail-and-I-1987-e11v3o4
Find us online at catchinguponcinema.com
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This June is "Drinking Movies Month" at Catching Up On Cinema!
All month long, Kyle will be introducing Trevor to some of his favorite movies to drink along to.
This month we kick things off with a review of Bruce Robinson's darkly comedic, Withnail and I (1987)
A worthy entrant in the Criterion collection, the film is an extremely British cult film with lasting appeal.
Starring a nascent Richard E. Grant as Withnail, and Paul McGann as the titular "I", the would serve as the launchpad for both men's careers.
Though all of our principle cast are continually guzzling down all manner of alcoholic beverages throughout the duration of the film, Kyle's recommendation is that a viewing of Withnail and I is best paired with a bottle of red wine.
Find us online at catchinguponcinema.com
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly Catching Up On Blu-Ray episode!
This time around, Trevor is once again joined by his good friend Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast in reviewing the month's physical media releases.
Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitter and Instagram.
Find us online at catchinguponcinema.com
Follow us on Instagram @catchinguponcinema
Follow us on Twitter @CatchingCinema
Like, share, subscribe, and we'll catch you next time!
In this week's episode of Catching Up On Cinema, Kyle and Trevor sit down to review Zack Snyder's, Army of the Dead (2021)!
Conceived in the late 2000's as a follow up to Snyder's wildly successful feature directorial debut, Dawn of the Dead (2004), the film spent over a decade in developmental Hell before it's eventual 2021 release to theaters and Netflix.
Starring Dave Bautista and an international cast of ensemble players including the likes of Ella Purrell, Ana de la Reguera, Omari Hardwick, and Samantha Win, the film is concerns a heavily armed troupe of mercenaries infiltrating a zombie infested Las Vegas in the hopes of raiding the contents of a casino vault.
Advertised as a colorful, fun, action packed thrill ride, the film is, in actuality, fairly sluggish and dour.
Bizarrely melodramatic and emotionally overwrought, the film is bookended by excellent action/spectacle setpieces, however it is brought down by a bloated an drab middle section.
Stay tuned after the show for a quick PSA regarding the dead pixels scattered throughout the film.
Credit for @redlettermedia for confirming what I had only suspected at the time of viewing.
Episode 81 – Dawn of the Dead (1978) w/Brad from Cinema Speak:
https://anchor.fm/catchinguponcinema/episodes/Episode-81---Dawn-of-the-Dead-1978-ed9p5m
You can find Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak, on Stitcheror wherever you get your podcasts.
You can also find him on Twitter @thecinemaspeak, and on Instagram @cinemaspeakpodcast
Find us online at catchinguponcinema.com
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Yes, Trevor is aware that he often referred to Garret Dillahunt as Garrett Hedlund. He has been punished accordingly
It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly "Tales From the Shelf" episode!
In this installment, Trevor and his buddy brad from the Cinema Speak podcast sit down to swap stories about the movies in their respective collections that boast the most "Artful Aesthetics".
Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitter and Instagram.
Brad's Picks:
Manhunter (1986)
Halloween (1978) - Bonus chat about Dean Cundey
Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
Fargo (1996) - Bonus chat about Roger Deakins
The Master (2012)
Trevor's Picks:
Akira (1988)
Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992)
Loving VIncent (2017)
Sekigahara (2017)
Crimson Peak (2015)
Additionally, both hosts also conclude the show with the customary "Speed Round", wherein they run through a number of runner up films they had set aside prior to recording the episode.
Catching Up On Cinema Presents: Tales From the Shelf - Stupendous Scores:
https://anchor.fm/catchinguponcinema/episodes/Catching-Up-On-Cinema-Presents-Tales-From-the-Shelf---Stupendous-Scores-emnusk
Catching Up On Cinema - Episode 38 - Halloween (2018):
https://anchor.fm/catchinguponcinema/episodes/Episode-38---Halloween-2018-e4809u
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In this week's installment of Catching Up On Cinema, Kyle introduces Trevor to Rose Glass' psychological horror film, Saint Maud (2020)!
A British A24 production, and considered part of the vaunted “elevated horror” subgenre, the film is a feverish and truly unsettling descent into madness.
Headlined by Morfydd Clark as the titular Maud, and featuring Jennifer Ehle as a prickly cancer patient who Maud becomes obsessed with saving, both physically and spiritually, the film is an intimate character study that pulls no punches in exploring the darkness that can manifest from trauma, isolation and despair.
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In this episode of Catching Up On Cinema, Trevor is joined by Harrison from the Grief Burrito podcast to review Luc Besson's, The Fifth Element (1997)!
Starring Bruce Willis, Milla Jovovich and Gary Oldman, the film is a wildly imaginative sci-fi blockbuster with uniquely French sensibility and and aesthetic.
Featuring costuming by Jon-Paul Gauthier, design work by Moebius, and a colorful and varied score composed by Eric Serra, the film is an audio-visual treat for every frame of it's 126 minute runtime.
Check out Harrison and his buddy Jordan at griefburrito.com or hit up Harrison on social media @griefburrito or @HazzWild
Find us online at catchinguponcinema.com
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In this episode of Catching Up On Cinema, Trevor and his brother Matt sit down to review Darius Marder's 2020 Oscar darling, Sound of Metal (2020)!
Headlined by Riz Ahmed, and co-starring Olivia Cooke and 2020 best supporting actor winner, Paul Raci, the film is a weighty but refreshingly organic drama focusing on the events that unfold when a young drummer/recovering addict discovers he is going deaf.
While Ahmed's character of Rubi is featured in virtually every scene, the production makes frequent shifts in perspective, both audio and visual, that show a level of care and attention to detail that is truly commendable.
An actor's film, the movie is never hurried, and often allows incredible cast of actors truly inhabit and and embody each scene, such that one often feels that any one of it's characters could easily headline a compelling film/story of their own.
Beautifully written and edited, the film is streamlined and thought provoking, making for an easily digestible, but densely layered experience that is difficult to find fault with.
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WARNING! This episode contains total spoilers for Mortal Kombat (2021) *WARNING!*
In a very special Theatrical Edition of Catching Up On Cinema, Trevor and Kyle, and the latter's brother Nik knuckle down to review Simon McQuoid's, Mortal Kombat (2021)!
A reboot of the videogame adapted movie series that began with Paul W.S. Anderson's 1995 live action iteration, the film serves the dual role of being both a delivery system for fanservice and Easter eggs, as well as a radical new take on the early chapters of the established franchise canon.
Curiously headlined by Lewis Tan as Cole Young, a character not featured in the game series, the remainder of the cast is comprised of fan favorite characters (as well as a few obvious expendables) portrayed by a diverse range of charismatic actors and true blue martial artists.
While the snappy, largely improvised dialogue of Josh Lawson's Kano will likely see the actor walking away from the production as the fan favorite, Joe Taslim and Hiroyuki Sanada blow the majority of the cast out of the water when it comes to the martial arts and emotionality components of performance quality.
An example of a rare American martial arts blockbuster, the film was one of Trevor's most anticipated of 2021.
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In the finale of Catching Up On Cinema's Action April event month, Kyle and Trevor review Steven Seagal's, On Deadly Ground (1994)!
To date the only film directed by Seagal himself, On Deadly Ground is far from the best film in the martial artist turned actor's less than stellar filmography, however it is the film that best represents the man and his oddly specific brand of indulgences and quirks.
Notorious for it's bizarre combination of environmentalist/ecoterrorist messaging and brutal action spectacle, the film is often sloppy, always silly, yet surprisingly sincere in it's closing minutes.
While On Deadly Ground would serve to herald the impending doom of Seagal's silver screen exploits, it exists today as an ironically entertaining novelty, and as a grim reminder of what can happen when a grossly untalented, egocentric bully is given the keys to his own destiny.
Truly, the only man that could defeat Steven Seagal, on screen or otherwise, was Steven Seagal.
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This episode was recorded during a brief stretch of time wherein the absolute best source for physical media news, blu-ray.com, was down
It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly Catching Up On Blu-Ray episode!
This time around, Trevor is once again joined by his good friend Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast in reviewing the month's physical media releases.
Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitter and Instagram.
Find us online at catchinguponcinema.com
Follow us on Instagram @catchinguponcinema
Follow us on Twitter @CatchingCinema
Like, share, subscribe, and we'll catch you next time!
In this week's installment of Catching Up On Cinema's Action April event, Kyle, Trevor and Matt review Jean-Claude Van Damme's, Hard Target (1993)!
The first American production to be directed by prolific Hong Kong wunderkind, John Woo, the film serves both as a showcase for JCVD's talents as a legitimate action star, as well as a solid introduction for Western audiences to Woo's knack for framing artful action choreography.
Packed to the gills with peculiar quirks and flourishes particular to both the leading man as well as his director, the film is somewhat tonally uneven and melodramatic at times, though never boring and often spectacular in it's third act.
Make sure to check out Matt's "book club for video games," podcast, Couch Co-Op!
He also has a new wrestling podcast, The Hollywood Brunettes, so check that out too!
Find us online at catchinguponcinema.com
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly Tales from the Shelf episode!
In this installment, Standout Scenes, Trevor is joined by his good buddy Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast in reviewing movies from their collection that have exceptional set piece moments.
Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitter and Instagram.
Find us online at catchinguponcinema.com
Follow us on Instagram @catchinguponcinema
Follow us on Twitter @CatchingCinema
Like, share, subscribe, and we'll catch you next time!
In this very special, "theatrical" edition of Catching Up On Cinema, Kyle and Trevor review Adam Wingard's eagerly anticipated daikaiju blockbuster, Godzilla vs. Kong (2021)!
The equivalent of The Avengers for Legendary studios' Monsterverse franchise, the film is a briskly paced, crowd pleasing affair that wisely delivers no more or less than it's almost comically simplistic title offers.
Probably the least ambitious of the Monsterverse films in terms of worldbuilding and human/monster integration during it's battle sequences, the movie is nevertheless offers visceral thrills and visual splendor, well suited for the theatrical experience.
Pairs well with pizza and beer.
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In this week's installment of Catching Up On Cinema's Action April event month, Kyle and Trevor are joined by the former's brother Nik in reviewing Mark L. Lester and Arnold Schwarzenegger's cheesy action classic, Commando (1985)!
Seemingly produced in direct response to the success of the Rambo series, and indeed the emergence of the over-the-top jingoistic action films of the day, the film embraces the larger than life qualities of it's headlining star, trading in patriotism and political commentary for one liners and absurdism.
Not exactly regarded as being a top tier movie in the storied career of the Austrian Oak, the film is nevertheless a campy and fun diversion that serves as perhaps the best example of what most (ignorant) people assume his films to be.
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This month is Action April at Catching Up On Cinema!
Every week we'll be taking a look a blockbuster action flick from the filmographies of some of the greatest stars in action cinema.
To kick things off, Trevor and his brother Matt review George P. Cosmatos' mid-80's action classic, Rambo: First Blood Part 2 (1985)!
The first of several louder, dumber and more violent sequels to the surprisingly contemplative and engrossing First Blood (1982), the served to repackage the John Rambo character into the pop culture figure he's best remembered as, as well as secure star Sylvester Stallone's position as one of the most prominent of 80's action stars.
Make sure to check out Matt's gaming podcast, Couch Co-Op!
He also has a new wrestling podcast, The Hollywood Brunettes, so check that out too!
Find us online at catchinguponcinema.com
Follow us on Instagram @catchinguponcinema
Follow us on Twitter @CatchingCinema
Like, share, subscribe, and we'll catch you next time!
It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly Catching Up On Blu-Ray episode!
This time around, Trevor is once again joined by his good friend Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast in reviewing the month's physical media releases.
Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitter and Instagram.
Find us online at catchinguponcinema.com
Follow us on Instagram @catchinguponcinema
Follow us on Twitter @CatchingCinema
Like, share, subscribe, and we'll catch you next time!
In this week's installment of Catching Up On Cinema's March of the Monsters event month, we review Hideaki Anno and Shinji Higuchi's modern monster classic, Shin Gojira (2016)!
Produced only a few short years after the Tohoku earthquake and subsequent Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster of 2011, the film boldly reinstates Godzilla's status as the living embodiment of a nation and people's fears and insecurities, not just of nuclear technology and weapons, but of their complicated and delicate position in the geopolitical landscape.
Starring a cast of thousands, and filled with equal measures of biting political commentary and bold nationalistic sentiments, the film swept the Japanese equivalent of the Academy Awards.
Brilliant, engaging, and innovative in every way that a movie can be, Shin Gojira is a truly exceptional film that non-Godzilla fans should consider adding to their watchlists.
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Catching Up On Cinema's March of the Monsters event month continues with a review of John Guillermin's King Kong (1976)!
The brainchild of prolific Italian film producer Dino De Laurentiis, the film is a tepid remake of the 1933 original, swapping stop-motion for suitmation, and the premise of a film project gone wrong to an oil expedition gone bad.
Starring Jessica Lange in her cinematic debut, as well as a young Jeff Bridges and a scenery chewing Charles Grodin, the film is well acted and grand in scope, but largely tedious and devoid of genuine thrills.
While Rick Baker and Carlo Rombaldi's animatronic and suitmation effects are impressively expressive for their day, the film's decision to cast the titular ape as a sympathetic/romantic figure results in a confusing and uneven affair that feels handicapped by it's own ambition.
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly Tales from the Shelf episode!
In this installment, Blind Buys, Trevor is joined by Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast in sharing stories about movies they've purchased before actually watching the film.
Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitter and Instagram.
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March of the Monsters continues at Catching Up On Cinema with a review of the original Japanese cut of Ishiro Honda's, King Kong vs. Godzilla (1962)!
The first Godzilla film to be shot in color, as well as the first to debut many of composer Akira Ifukube's most iconic theme musics for the Big G, the film serves as the prototype for the majority of Show era Godzilla films to come.
Officially released in the US for the first time just last year as part of the Criterion collection, the original cut of the film has long been a rarity in the American film market.
More slowly paced than the American recut, but more consistent in tone, the original cut of King Kong vs. Godzilla is not likely to be considered a favorite among modern fans, however to this day it remains one of most theatrically attended of all Japanese Godzilla films.
Colorful and light hearted, the film is an enjoyable novelty that delivered the goods where it mattered, and set the stage for Godzilla's wild success in the many years to come.
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March of the Monsters month at Catching Up On Cinema continues with a review of Ishiro Honda's groundbreaking daikaiju masterpiece, Gojira (1954)!
A grim, allegorical tale of the horrors of nuclear weapons from a uniquely Japanese perspective, the film is often mistakenly thought of as just another dime a dozen atomic age B-movie, largely due to it's slightly inferior repackaging in the form of the recut, Godzilla, King of the Monsters (1956).
Stunningly photographed, and ably acted, the film is nevertheless an astounding piece of sci-fi horror that still packs a punch when digested with proper historical context.
Directed by Ishiro Honda, produced by Tomoyuki Tanaka, with effects by Eiji Tsuburaya, musical score by Akira Ifukube, and Haruo Nakajima donning the 220 lbs Godzilla suit, the film represents the film assemblage of what could easily be considered the "Dream Team" of tokusatsu craftsmen.
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This March is "March of the Monsters" month at Catching Up On Cinema!
In celebration of the imminent release of Godzilla vs. Kong (2021), Trevor and Kyle will be reviewing the titular monster's films all month long.
To start things off, the boys sit down to review the earliest film in the chronology of both franchises, Merrian C. Cooper's original King Kong (1933)!
Featuring groundbreaking stop motion animation from effects pioneer Willis O'Brien, the film is easily one of the most iconic and influential of all time.
A true treasure of cinema, King Kong deserves to be seen by any and all that have an interest in the medium of film.
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly Catching Up On Blu-Ray episode!
This time around, Trevor is once again joined by his good friend Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast in reviewing the month's physical media releases.
Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitter and Instagram.
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly Tales From the Shelf episode!
This time around, Trevor and his buddy Brad from Cinema Speak are joined by Harrison of the Grief Burrito podcast!
Pivoting away from the usual Tales From the Shelf format of swapping stories about movie collecting, this month's episode, the Super Turbo Champion: Plus Alpha edition, sees our hosts talking about video games and their respective experiences growing up with and collecting games.
Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitter and Instagram.
Additionally, check out Harrison's show Grief Burrito, or feel free reach out to he or any of his lovely cohosts on the Twitter.
Also check out Trevor's brother Matt's show, Couch Co Op.
Additionally, some of the other resources mentioned during the episode include:
Noah Gervais, creator of some of the most insightful and in depth game reviews you can find on Youtube.
Hazbin Hotel, the wildly popular Youtube animation that Harrison was kind enough to introduce us to.
Night in the Woods, the lovely game that Harrison talked up during the episode.
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In the final installment of Catching Up On Cinema's Sports Movie Month, Kyle and Trevor get in the cage to review Gavin O'Connor's, Warrior (2011)!
Starring Joel Edgerton, Tom Hardy, and Nick Nolte in an Academy Award nominated performance, the film tells the gritty tale of a broken family that is inexplicably reunited during the events of a high-stakes mixed martial arts tournament.
Possessed of some truly great acting performances, the film is nevertheless somewhat clunkily written, and not particularly well shot or edited when the action inevitably shifts from verbal to outright physical sparring.
Probably the best serious movie about MMA, the film is an above-average sports drama, though far inferior to the director's earlier effort, Miracle (2004).
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In this week's installment of Catching Up On Cinema's Sports Movie Month, Trevor introduces Kyle to Ryoo Seung-wan's boxing drama, Crying Fist (2005)!
A hitting hitting, dual perspective narrative following the exploits of a washed up amateur boxer (Choi Min-sik) and young, hardscrabble street tough (Ryoo Seung-bum), the film is an exceptional and unconventional sports drama.
Equal parts depressing and uplifting, the film is bolstered by a pair of truly outstanding performances from it's pair of lead actors, both in their ability to emote and carry the drama of the film, but also in their ability to ably perform the incredibly brutal and realistic boxing sequences.
Highly recommended if you're able to find a way to watch it.
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The Super Bowl has come and gone, but Catching Up On Cinema's Sports Movie Month continues!
In this week's installment, Kyle and Trevor review Oliver Stone's, Any Given Sunday (1999)!
Starring Al Pacino, Jamie Foxx, Cameron Diaz and host of other familiar faces, the film is an edgy and scintillating examination of (non-NFL affiliated) professional football.
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February is Sports Movie Month at Catching Up On Cinema!
This month we'll reviewing films that center around some of our favorite sports.
First up, Kyle introduces Trevor to the sport of wrestling via Harold Becker's Vision Quest (1985)!
Starring a young Matt Modine as standout varsity wrestler (from Spokane, WA!) Louden Swain, the film is a coming of age tale based on a novel by the same name.
While the story is more precisely centered on the development and human drama of a young man during a pivotal moment in his life, the film is nevertheless a very effective sports drama, with much of the wrestling training and choreography having a grit and roughness to it that is rare in film, especially at the time of it's release.
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly Catching Up On Blu-Ray episode!
This time around, Trevor is once again joined by his good friend Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast in reviewing the month's physical media releases.
Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitter and Instagram.
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In the final installment of Catching Up On Cinema's Video Game Movie Month, Kyle and Trevor once again invite Kyle's brother Nik to assist them in reviewing John R. Leonetti's, Mortal Kombat Annihilation (1997)!
Featuring Robin Shou and Talisa Soto as the only 2 returning cast members from the first film, MK Annihilation is a lackluster sequel that utterly fails to measure up to the charm and visual flair of the original.
Overstuffed with lazy and inaccurate renditions of the franchises' core characters, the film is perhaps most noteworthy for it's meme worthy, cringe inducing dialogue, and absolutely horrendous (and overutilized) CGI character animation.
Good for a laugh with friends, the film is otherwise without value outside of serving as an early showcase for the talents of future stunt kings Ray Park and JJ Perry.
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In this installment of Catching Up On Cinema's Video Game Movie Month, Kyle and Trevor are joined by SteampunkLink and Emmy Zero from the SNEScapades podcast in reviewing Super Mario Bros. (1993)!
Directed by Rocky Morton and Annabel Jankel, the film is the first live-action video game feature film.
A historically troubled production, resulting in most of the cast and crew having nothing but awful things to say about the directors, the film is (unsurprisingly) a grossly uneven experience from start to finish.
With solid sets and production design, as well as state of the art morphing effects and animatronic puppetry, the film occasionally springs to life on a purely visual level, but ultimately fails to engage.
Check out SteampunkLink and Emmy Zero on SNEScapades at HonestPirahna.com , Anchor , or reach out to Link on Twitter @SNEScapades .
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly Tales From the Shelf episode!
In this installment, the first of 2021, Trevor is once again joined by Brad of the Cinema Speak podcast for a segment the latter has dubbed:
The DVDumpster.
Potentially Brad's least favorite physical media format, the 2 collectors spend roughly an hour and a half going back and forth sharing some of the WORST DVDs in their respective collections.
Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitter and Instagram.
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In this week's installment of Catching Up On Cinema's Video Game Movie Month, Kyle and Trevor are once again joined by Matt in reviewing Steven E. de Souza's Street Fighter (1994)!
An energetic, albeit loose; adaptation of the wildly popular Capcom fighting game series, the film often bears a stronger resemblance to Hasbro's G.I. Joe franchise rather than it's source material.
A fairly handsome and surprisingly well structured film in spite of a producer's mandate requiring all 16(!) of the playable characters from the game being featured in it, the movie's legacy finds it resting securely in the "not bad" category of video game films.
Starring Jean-Claude Van Damme at the height of his box office appeal (and cocaine habit), and Raul Julia, in his final performance before his untimely death, the film ultimately serves as a poor exhibition of the former's talents, and a memorable and bombastic farewell for the latter.
Make sure to check out Matt's "book club for videogames" podcast, Couch Co-Op!
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January 2021 is "Video Game Movie Month" at Catching Up On Cinema!
First up this month, Kyle and Trevor are joined by Orion in reviewing Christophe Gans', Silent Hill (2006)!
A passion project for the French director, the film is a live-action adaptation of the Konami video game series of the same name.
Featuring cinematography, design elements, and even music lifted directly from many of the games, the film is a rare example of a video game movie that goes to great lengths to remain true to its source material.
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In this, the final installment of Catching Up On Cinema's "Kyle's Brutal Christmas" event month, Trevor and Kyle are joined by the latter's brother Nick in reviewing the gold standard of 80's action cinema, Die Hard (1988)!
Directed by John McTiernan, the film is one of the most popular and well known action films in the history of the genre, such that it has received a whole host of sequels and loosely affiliated videogame adaptations, inspired countless imitators, and indeed served as the progenitor of the "Die Hard In A..." subgenre.
Popular among Millenials as a sub-ironic choice for "Favorite Christmas Movie," Die Hard is a essentially a modern cultural institution, one that is perhaps rapidly approaching A Christmas Story levels of super saturation in the public consciousness.
Regardless of HOW one appreciates Die Hard, at the end of the day the film is a sleek and deftly constructed thriller of the highest caliber, with no expense spared in any single area of it's production, be it writing, lensing, or structure and editing.
Christmas movie or not, (it is) long after our generation inevitably over commercializes, overanalyzes and intellectualizes it into oblivion and out the public consciousness, Die Hard will endure.
Die Hard is undeniable, and deserving of even more praise than I'm capable of expressing.
It's not Fritz, it's Heinrich!
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly Catching Up On Blu-Ray episode!
This time around, Trevor is once again joined by his good friend Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast in reviewing the month's physical media releases.
Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitter and Instagram.
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WARNING! THIS EPISODE INCLUDES FULL SPOILERS FOR THE FILM! *WARNING!*
In this episode of Catching Up On Cinema's "Kyle's Brutal Christmas" event month, Kyle and Trevor review Jim Cumming's thoroughly enjoyable sophomore feature film, The Wolf of Snow Hollow (2020)!
Written, directed by, and starring Jim Cummings, the film is a pitch black comedy centered around a high strung sheriff's deputy grappling with the realities of adulting, and a series of gruesome serial murders in the town of Snow Hollow.
Featuring stellar performances from the top to bottom, including a warm and often hilarious turn by the late, great Robert Forster, the film serves to showcase the talents of all those involved, journeyman and newcomer alike.
Possessed of a unique and often disarming tone, the film is often uproariously hilarious, while at once grim and almost painfully genuine at times.
A strong recommend to anyone interested, or furthermore, anyone seeking to add a new writer/director to their watchlist.
Merry Christmas and happy holidays!
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly Tales From the Shelf episode!
In this installment, "Fave Filmmakers," Trevor and his good buddy Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast spotlight a director that they have a particular affinity for.
This time around, Trevor selected veteran Hong Kong filmmaker, Dante Lam.
Starting out as a director of both lowbrow screwball comedies, and hardboiled cop films, Lam has in recent years ascended to the top of the Chinese film industry, crafting huge budget patriotic action films squarely targeted at mainland Chinese audiences.
Not to be outdone, Brad selected the imitable David Lynch as his fave filmmaker for this month.
A personal favorite of Brad's, and indeed of many film fans the world over, Lynch has long been heralded as one of the most unique and talented voices in a modern American film.
Possessed of a style so simultaneously nebulous and distinct as to be best defined as simply "Lynchian" in nature, David Lynch is a fave filmmaker that has long been deserving of an episode on Catching Up On Cinema.
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In this week's installment of Catching Up On Cinema's Kyle's Brutal Christmas event month, we hop across the Atlantic to review Julien Maury and Alexandre Bustillo's French horror thriller, Inside (2007)!
Starring Beatrice Dalle and Alysson Paradis, the film is one of the most critically acclaimed of the "new wave" of gory French horror flicks from the late 2000's.
A particularly brutal home invasion thriller featuring an isolated and very pregnant protagonist on the verge of going into labor, the film is infamous for it's gruesome, gory imagery, and unflinching attitude in regards to generally accepted taboos of the genre.
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In this week's installment of Catching Up On Cinema's "Kyle's Brutal Christmas" event month, Kyle and Trevor review Bob Clark's Black Christmas (1974)!
An early entry in the slasher subgenre of horror films, the movie is certainly profane at times, but is otherwise fairly quaint and subdued in terms explicit content when compared to later examples of the genre.
Starring the likes of Olivia Hussey, Margot Kidder and John Saxon, the film is an exceptional production from top to bottom, with great attention to detail in the construction of the script, as well as the lighting and sound design.
Criminally underappreciated, Black Christmas is a proto-slasher that all fans of the genre owe it to themselves to catch up on.
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This month is Kyle's BRUTAL Christmas at Catching Up On Cinema!
All month long, Kyle is going to be in charge of the movie selections, and from the sound of the title for this month's theme, I have a feeling we're in for a bloody good time.
First up this December is our review of Martin McDonagh's In Bruges (2008)!
Starring Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson as Irish hitmen hiding out in the Belgian city of Bruges, the film is a beautifully written and acted romp that is somehow both brilliantly comedic, and darkly depressing.
A first viewing for Trevor, and a welcome rewatch for Kyle, the film comes highly recommended to anyone that can appreciate pitch black comedy and a bit of gore.
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly Catching Up On Blu-Ray episode!
This time around, Trevor is once again joined by his good friend Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast in reviewing the month's physical media releases.
Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitter and Instagram.
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In the final installment of Catching Up On Cinema's No Theme November event month, Trevor subjects he and Kyle to Stephen Norrington's writing and directorial debut, Death Machine (1994)!
A low budget, but largely competent sci-fi horror flick from the man that later helm Wesley Snipes' Blade (1998), the film serves as an enjoyable slice of cyberpunk nostalgia.
Packed to the gills with veteran character actors and explicit references/homages to titans of the genre, chief among which being Aliens and Terminator, Death Machine wears it's influences on it's sleeves with childlike glee and exuberance.
Hardly a brilliant directorial debut, but an enjoyable one for those that share the director's love for the many (better) films that would serve to inspire him.
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly Tales From the Shelf episode!
This month, Trevor is joined by Brad of the Cinema Speak podcast, this time to review some films from their collections featuring some "Stupendous Scores"!
Movies and composers highlighted in this discussion:
A Cure For Wellness (2013) - Benjamin Walfisch
Signs (2002) - James Newton Howard
Glory (1989) and Aliens (1986) - James Horner
In Bruges (2008) - Carter Burwell
Departures/Okuribito (2008) - Joe Hisaishi
The Master (2012) - Johnny Greenwood
Conan the Barbarian (1982) - Basil Poledouris
The Social Network (2010) - Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross
Tenebrae (1982) - Goblin
Thief - (1981) Tangerine Dream
Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack (1988) - Shigeaki Saegusa
And the complete works of Kenji Kawai!
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Catching Up On Cinema's "No Theme November" event month continues, this time with a review of Byron Haskin's The War of the Worlds (1953)!
Based on the H.G. Wells novel of the same name, the film is the first film version of the oft adapted sci-fi classic.
Boasting Academy Award winning visual effects and masterful sound design, the film is one of the most iconic of the "invaders from outer space" subgenre of the 1950's.
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In this week's installment of Catching Up On Cinema's No Theme November event, Trevor is once against joined by his brother Matt in reviewing Paul Verhoeven's sci-fi action classic, Total Recall (1990)!
Headlined by a prime Arnold Schwarzenegger, the film is a wildly inventive tale that pulls double duty as both a simple blood and guts action thriller, and a thought provoking study in multi-layered narrative structures.
Boasting state of the art special and visual effects by ILM and Rob Bottin, as well as Verhoeven's trademark atmosphere of cerebral sleaze, the film is a truly spectacular experience that stands at or near the top of both Arnold and Verhoeven's respective filmographies.
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This month is "No Theme November" at Catching Up On Cinema!
All throughout the month of November, we'll be reviewing anything and everything that we feel like from week to week.
To kick things off, Trevor is joined by his brother Matt in reviewing Damien Chazelle's critically acclaimed drama, Whiplash (2014)!
Starring Miles Teller as a drummer that will stop at nothing to achieve greatness, and the inimitable J.K. Simmons as the teacher that pushes him to the brink, the film is a modern classic that both dramatically engrossing and thought provoking.
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly Catching Up On Blu-Ray episode!
This time around, Trevor is once again joined by his good friend Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast in reviewing the month's physical media releases.
Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitter and Instagram.
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In the final installment of "Kyle's Killer October", Kyle serves us a heaping mound of Danish arthouse in the form of Lars Von Trier's Antichrist (2009)!
Officially classified as "experimental psychological horror", the film represents a deliberate attempt on the part of the enigmatic filmmaker to create a true horror film.
Starring Charlotte Gainsbourg and Willem Dafoe as a married couple that have recently lost their infant son, the film is a visceral and highly visual exploration of grief, pain and despair.
An intensely personal exploration of his own anxieties and depression, the film is deeply rich and allegorical, but only truly known to the writer-director himself.
CHAOS. REIGNS.
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CAUTION: THIS PODCAST CONTAINS FULL SPOILERS FOR BEN WHEATLEY'S KILL LIST!
In this week's installment of Catching Up On Cinema's "Kyle's Killer October" event month, Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast stops by to review Ben Wheatley's Kill List (2011)!
A gripping and utterly unpredictable experience, the film is somehow at once a modern horror classic, and something not at all horror related as well.
Featuring the likes of Neil Maskell, Michael Smiley and MyAnna Buring, all of whom are partially credited with improvising portions of the script, Kill List is an entrancing and masterful horror film that is best experienced without any prior knowledge of it's nature and content.
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It's once again time for some more Tales From the Shelf!
In this month's episode, Trevor is once again joined by Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast for what the duo are calling, "The Steelbook Showdown".
As the name implies, this episode of Tales From the Shelf sees Trevor and Brad sharing some stories about the steelbooks in their respective movie collections.
A niche collecting practice amid a somewhat niche collecting hobby, steelbook collecting tends to be reserved for hardcore, or hardcore adjacent collectors.
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This week we celebrate the 100th episode of Catching Up On Cinema!
In the past 2 years we've had a ton of fun exploring reviewing movies that were a bit off the beaten path, but to celebrate this historic milestone for the show, we've decided to give ourselves a victory lap in the form of a review of the 90's sci-fi classic, Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)!
Directed by James Cameron and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, the film is one of the most solidly constructed action movies in all of film history.
Boasting groundbreaking CGI effects work, and stellar performances from costar Linda Hamilton, newcomer Edward Furlong, and Robert Patrick as the menacing and iconic T-1000, the film also holds the distinction of being regarded as one of the best sequels of all time.
Regardless of film's countless accolades and critical acclaim, at the end of the day, T2 (the title most true fans know the film by) is film that is personally important to both Kyle and Trevor, and one that feels more than appropriate to serve as subject for our 100th episode.
Thanks for listening!
Here's to 100 more!
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It's once time for Catching Up On Cinema's 2nd annual "Kyle's Killer October" event month!
This month, Kyle has selected a number of films that fall under the category of "unconventional horror."
First up this Killer October, is Jonathan Glazer's thought provoking sci-fi horror film, Under the Skin (2013).
Adapted from a novel of the same name, and starring Scarlett Johannsen as an alien hiding in plain sight in modern day Scotland, the film is a rich experience, both in terms of thematic content and aesthetic presentation.
Featuring lovely shot compositions, a truly unique and detailed soundscape, and powerful, borderline non-verbal acting performances, the film is a beautiful, if unnerving piece of modern horror history.
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly Catching Up On Blu-Ray episode!
In this installment, the September 2020 edition of the show, Trevor and Brad of the Cinema Speak podcast sit down to review the physical media (DVD, Blu-Ray and 4k) releases for the calendar month.
Fair warning, about 80% of this episode consists of Brad and Trevor talking about animal attack movies.
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In the final installment of Catching Up On Cinema's Batman Masterclass, Trevor reviews the Zack Snyder Era of the Bat saga!
The most recent chapter of Batman's silver screen exploits, as well as the first that has presented the character as a member of the Justice League and element of greater DC universe, this era of the Caped Crusader's silver screen exploits would prove to be turbulent, confused, and ultimately underwhelming, both critically and at the box office.
Perhaps more appropriately referred to as The DCEU (DC Extended Universe) iteration of the character, this portion of the Bat's history would see the character appear in 3 films, directed by 4 different in directors, across barely 2 years.
By contrast, Christopher Nolan's time with the character saw the release of 3 films over 7 years.
Debuting in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), appearing briefly in Suicide Squad (2017), and most recently co-starring in Justice League (2017), this era would see Ben Affleck don the cape and cowl as Batman/Bruce Wayne.
Visually and thematically inspired by Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns (1986), this iteration of the character would be presented as being older, bulkier, and straight up meaner than that of previous cinematic renditions of the character.
Perhaps in part due to the largely negative reception of Zack Snyder's BvS, Batman would undergo a gradual lightening of tone in subsequent films of this era, both in terms of aesthetic and performance.
This trend would culminate in Batman's borderline silly presentation in Justice League, a film which was (somewhat controversially) completed by Joss Whedon, despite Snyder's name being listed as director.
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In this installment of Catching Up On Cinema's Batman Masterclass, we review the final chapter in Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight Trilogy, The Dark Knight Rises (2012).
Featuring the same cast and crew as the first two films in the series, the final chapter would see Tom Hardy, Anne Hathaway and Marion Cotillard join the main cast.
Despite working from a script that goes to great lengths to reference events and story threads featured in earlier chapters of the trilogy, the untimely death of Heath Ledger prior to the release of The Dark Knight (2008) resulted in a concluding chapter that is both unwilling and unable to acknowledge the most dynamic and revolutionary elements of it's predecessor.
A sprawling, messy, and overly ambitious film, both in terms of scope and execution, the The Dark Knight Rises is very likely the least of Nolan's trilogy, however Tom Hardy's Bane is no less an iconic performance than Ledger's Joker, and the first half of the film is well-paced and full of terrific action set pieces.
A frustrating and muddled conclusion, but one that I find myself constantly re-watching, over and over again.
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly Tales From the Shelf episode: The 4k Fandango!
In this installment, Trevor and Brad of the Cinema Speak podcast probe the depths of their movies collections to swap some stories about their 4k discs.
Movies discussed in this month's episode include:
Brad's Picks:
Hereditary
The Deer Hunter
Godzilla
Hannibal
Bram Stoker's Dracula
Prometheus
Trevor's Picks:
Beetlejuice
Blade Runner 2049
The Accountant
Alien Covenant
Antman and the Wasp
Resident Evil: Vendetta
Glory
The Quick and the Dead
Jaws
Ip Man 4: The Finale
Logan
Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitter and Instagram.
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In this week's installment of Catching Up On Cinema's Batman Masterclass, we review the Christopher Nolan era of the franchise!
With Joel Schumacher's Batman and Robin (1997) representing a critical low point for the series (and the superhero film genre in general), any potential for Schumacher having a third at-bat with the franchise was tossed out the window, and the caped crusader would not be allowed another silver screen adventure for nearly a decade.
In the absence of the caped crusader however, the late-90's, beginning with Blade (1998) and X-Men (2000), would serve as the origin point for the age of superhero films we currently find ourselves in.
With the public clamoring for more costumed heroes, Warner Bros. would contract auteur filmmaker Christopher Nolan to resurrect the Bat in 2005 along with actor Christian Bale assuming the cape and cowl.
Together with David S. Goyer (writer of Blade), Nathan Crowley (production designer), Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard (composers) and his brother Johnathan, Christopher Nolan would boldly set forth to begin the franchise anew, fittingly enough with a film titled Batman Begins (2005).
The first of the series to explicitly detail the life's journey of Bruce Wayne from childhood to masked crimefighter, the film's stunning cinematography, lively editing, and generally more serious tone would prove to be a success that would result in an entire trilogy of films:
The brooding and mythic Batman Begins (2005), the genre redefining crime drama, The Dark Knight (2008), and the messy but wildly ambitious war epic finale, The Dark Knight Rises (2012).
In this, the first of two episodes exploring Nolan's Dark Knight Trilogy, we review the first 2 films in the series.
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In this week's installment of Catching Up On Cinema's Batman Masterclass, we review the Joel Schumacher era of the franchise!
In the wake of thee critical and public dissatisfaction with unsettling imagery and tone of Tim Burton's Batman Returns (1992), Warner Bros took steps to ensure that the mid-90's represent a kinder, gentler era in the live-action film adventures of the Bat.
Explicitly ordered to produce brighter, more kid friendly Batman films, Joel Schumacher's time at the helm of the Batman franchise gave us the massively successful Batman Forever (1995), and the critically derided Batman and Robin (1997).
Riddled with subtext and aesthetic and directorial flourishes, both films are undeniably products of Schumacher's creative hand and eye, however behind the scenes materials and interviews have since made it equally clear that Warner Bros and other vested parties were not prepared to offer him the same creative control that other directors of Batman would be afforded.
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It's September, so it must be Masterclass Month at Catching Up On Cinema!
This month we'll be taking a deep dive into the entirety of the live-action Batman film series, one era at a time.
In the first installment of this Masterclass, we review the Tim Burton era of the franchise, consisting of the groundbreaking Batman (1989) and it's bizarre and somewhat divisive follow-up, Batman Returns (1992).
Setting the tone for an entire wave of comic book films to come, and effectively crystallizing the rapidly evolving grim and gritty characterization of the character in the comics, the Tim Burton era of the franchise serves not just as a pivotal moment in Batman history, but of pop culture history in general.
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly Catching Up On Blu-ray episode!
In this installment, Trevor is joined by Brad from the Cinema Speak podcast as the 2 movie collectors review the physical media release for the month of August 2020.
Check out Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitter and Instagram.
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In the final installment of Catching Up On Cinema's second annual Anime August event month, Kyle and Trevor take a look at Hiroyuki Okiura's Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade (1999)!
Based on a sprawling multimedia franchise created by Mamoru Oshii, the film is a melancholy tale of lost souls trying to eke out a living under a brutal fascist regime in 1950's Tokyo.
More of a "look and feel" experience than a straightforward narrative or character study, the film is nevertheless a technical wonder, boasting exceedingly detailed background paintings and astonishing rendered mechanical designs.
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In this week's installment of Catching Up On Cinema's Anime August event month, Trevor and Kyle review Gisaburo Sugii's Street Fighter 2: The Animated Movie (1994)!
An adaptation of the beloved Capcom fighting game, the film is a near plotless, unabashed parade of spectacularly animated fanservice.
Featuring the entire roster of characters from the franchise up to the time of it's release (including a cameo by Akuma/Gouki), the film largely exists as a promotional tool for the massively popular arcade game.
In spite of this however, the film is by no means a 100% cynical production, with many of the of the plot points and character design elements developed specifically for the film going on to influence subsequent games in the series.
Sluggishly paced, with repetitive and formulaic plot progression, the film sadly is only truly engaging for moments at a time, with the technical aspects of the animation being praiseworthy rather than entertaining.
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In this month's edition of Catching Up On Cinema's Tales From the Shelf, Trevor and Brad of the Cinema Speak podcast break it down to The Backlog Boogie!
Emotions run high as the 2 collectors explore the more neglected corners of their film collections, highlighting both oddities and films that deserve to be bumped to the fore of their respective viewing queues.
As is the norm, most of Trevor's picks consist of obscure and/or foreign region movies from Asia.
Highlight:
Brad shares his complete Vestron Video collection!
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In this week's episode of Catching Up On Cinema's Anime August event month, Trevor and Kyle sit down for a casual, if not meandering review of Masami Obari's Fatal Fury: The Motion Picture (1994)!
The concluding (and only feature length) chapter of a short lived anime series, the film largely serves as a promotional tool for the SNK fighting game series of the same name, as well as that of a platform for gratuitous fanservice.
A treasure hunt/chase story in the same vein as Avengers: Infinity War or any of the Indiana Jones films, the film is by no means a lazy effort, boasting a gorgeous soundtrack by Toshihiko Sahashi, and ambitous cinematography on the part of first (and only) time feature director Obari.
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It's once again time for Anime August here at Catching Up On Cinema!
This week, Trevor forces Kyle to sit through Yoshiaki Kawajiri's Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust (2000)!
With character designs by Yoshitaka Amano, and featuring fluid, gorgeously rendered animation and background paintings, the film is a Gothic sci-fi actioner that unfortunately suffers from poor pacing and a bloated runtime.
Undeniably stunning in terms of production design and action choreography, the film's technical brilliance is unfortunately only allowed to be appreciated in fits and spurts, making for a frustrating, and somewhat tepid experience.
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In the final episode of Catching Up On Cinema's Catching Up On Black & White month, Kyle and Trevor review J. Lee Thompson's, Cape Fear (1962)!
Starring Gregory Peck and Robert Mitchum, the film is a gripping thriller with sharp writing and expertly crafted tension and atmosphere.
Over the course of the review, both Kyle and Trevor make numerous references to the Martin Scorsese remake, to the point that this episode effectively doubles as a compare and contrast of the 2 films.
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In this week's installment of Catching Up On Cinema's, Catching Up On Black & White event, Kyle and Trevor review James Whales', The Bride of Frankenstein (1935)!
Often heralded as Whales' masterpiece, and a standout among the first cycle of Universal horror films, the movie is a lively and campy classic of horror cinema.
Starring Boris Karloff as the monster, and Elsa Lanchester as the titular bride, the films' true MVP is Ernest Thesiger as the conniving and reptilian Dr. Pretorious.
Wonderfully shot and lit, with lavish production design and sets, the film deserves special note as being not a only a sequel that betters it's predecessor, but a sequel that represents a massive leap forward in nearly every regard.
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly event, Catching Up On Blu-Ray: July 2020 edition!
This month is a little all over the place in terms of quality of blu-ray releases.
Opening strong with War of the Worlds (1953) from Criterion, the majority of the releases on the calendar unfortunately fail to live up to that standard.
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In this week's installment of Catching Up On Cinema's Catching Up On Black & White event, Kyle has Trevor sit down to review Kevin Smith 90's indie classic, Clerks (1994)!
Written, directed, and edited by Smith (who is also featured in the cast as Silent Bob), the film is an American cultural artifact of the young adult culture and existential angst of the 1990's.
Shot on a shoestring budget, and able performed by an energetic cast of pseudo actors, the film is by no means high art, but is nevertheless quite valuable as a piece of indie film history.
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In this month's Tales From the Shelf, Catching Up On Cinema once again welcomes Brad from The Cinema Speak podcast to join in as we share some more movie collecting stories!
This month's theme, Top Shelf Treasures, is intended to serve as an opportunity for Trevor and Brad to spotlight some of the movies that they are most proud to have in their collection.
While some flexing is certain to occur (it's hard not show off A LITTLE when it comes to talking about collectibles), the true purpose of the episode is for both hosts to really dig deep and talk about some of the movies that mean the most to them, regardless of their monetary value.
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July is Catching Up On Black & White month here at Catching Up On Cinema!
First up this month, Kyle and Trevor review Michael Curtiz' swashbuckling classic, Captain Blood (1935)!
The first major starring role of superstar Errol Flynn and his frequent co-star Olivia de Havilland, the film is a snappy and energetic adventure that continues to entertain in spite of it's age.
Boasting ambitious effects work and handsome production design, the film serves as a rare example of a classic Hollywood film that really does have a little something for everyone.
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly Catching Up On Blu-Ray episode!
Unfortunately sans Kyle, these are some of the highlights of the blu-ray releases reviewed by Trevor this month:
Jaws (4k, 1975)
Parasite (4k, 2019)
Watchmen: An HBO Limited Series (2019)
Glengarry Glen Ross (Shout Select, 1992)
Tokyo Godfathers (2003)
Al Adamson: The Masterpiece Collection (1960 - 2019)
One Cut of the Dead (2017)
Creepshow: Season 1 (2019)
The Hunt (2019)
We Summon the Darkness (2019)
Brian's Song (1971)
Princess Caraboo (Shout Select, 1994)
Once Upon a Time in China 2 - 6 (1992 - 1997)
Columbia Classics Collection (1939 - 1996)
Gladiator (4k, 2000)
Braveheart (4k, 1995)
The Cameraman (Criterion, 1928)
The Giant Spider Invasion (1975)
Portrait of a Lady on Fire (Criterion, 2019)
Dream Demon (Arrow, 1988)
Tokyo Olympiad (Criterion, 1965)
Come and See (Criterion, 1985)
Orca: The Killer Whale (Shout, 1977)
Force of Nature (2020)
Crusher Joe: The Move (1983)
And many more!
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In the final episode of Catching Up On Cinema's 'Preciating Peter Weller month, Kyle and Trevor sit down to review David Cronenberg's bizarre masterpiece, Naked Lunch (1991)!
Adapted from the literary works and life of Beat Generation author William S. Burroughs, the film is a strange and occasionally barely comprehensible journey into the drug addled fever dreams of a troubled man in troubled times.
Confidently directed by Cronenberg (who also wrote the film), the movie contains many of the images and set pieces one would expect from the master of "body horror", however the film's challenging and dreamlike editing style may it's most noteworthy characteristic.
Fearlessly acted by a cast of notables including the likes of Judy Davis, Ian Holm, and Roy Scheider, the film is certainly not everyone's cup of tea, however it very much earns it's place among the Criterion collection.
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In this week's installment of Catching Up On Cinema's 'Preciating Peter Weller event month, Kyle and Trevor review "that rat movie", George P. Cosmatos' Of Unknown Origin (1983)!
Featuring Peter Weller in his first starring role, the film is a lean and energetic man vs. beast film in the tradition of Moby Dick or Jaws.
Often ridiculous in the best of ways, the film is buoyed by clever editing and a winning performance from Mr. Weller.
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In this week's episode of Catching Up On Cinema's 'Preciating Peter Weller event month, Kyle and Trevor take a look at W.D. Richter's 80's cult classic(?), The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension (1984)!
Starring Peter Weller as the titular Banzai, and featuring a charming of notables such as Jeff Goldblum, Ellen Barkin, Clancy Brown, John Lithgow, and Christopher Lloyd, the movie is an obscure cult film that in some ways bears a closer resemblance to an absurdist art project.
Presented in a format similar to Star Wars Episode IV, or perhaps more appropriately, Leonard Part 6, Buckaroo Banzai comes at you hard and fast with references to previous adventures and concepts that have not, nor ever will come to pass.
Possessed of an surplus of creativity and a deficit of energy, the film threatens to be wholly unapproachable at times, but is just barely saved by the charisma and relative gameness of it's cast.
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly "Tales From the Shelf" episode!
In this month's installment, Trevor is once again joined by Brad of the Cinema Speak podcast, as the 2 share their picks for their respective "Nifty Name Stacks".
For the unintiated, a Name Stack is simply a stack of movies that, when you take the first letter of their respective titles and arrange them in order, comprises the name of the owner.
Example:
T - Titanic
R - The Road Warrior
E - E.T. the Extraterrestrial, etc.
You can find Brad's stuff on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitter and Instagram.
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In this week's installment of Catching Up On Cinema's 'Preciating Peter Weller month, Kyle and Trevor take a look at Christian Duguay's Screamers (1995)!
Based on a story by Philip K. Dick, the film is an impressively shot, but sluggishly paced sci-fi slog that features some stellar matte paintings and foundational story elements, but ultimately fails to engage.
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June is 'Preciating Peter Weller month at Catching Up On Cinema!
This month we'll take taking a look at the filmography of Peter Weller, a prominent leading man from the 80's and 90's that holds the proud distinction of not only portraying Robocop, but also serving as the voice of Batman in the animated adaptation of The Dark Knight Returns!
This week, we're jumping smack into the middle of Mr. Weller's filmography with a review of Irvin Kershner's Robocop 2 (1990)!
Lighter in tone than it's predecessor, but nearly as clever and violent, the film is a worthy sequel that is often overlooked.
Featuring some of Phil Tippet's best stop-motion animation, the movie is a splashy and colorful special effects showcase that is definitely worth a look for any fans of the original film.
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It's that time of the month again, as Catching Up On Cinema once again takes a look at the release calendar for the May 2020 edition of "Catching Up On Blu-Ray"!
Some of the physical media highlights from this month:
The Mask of Zorro (4k, 1998)
Bloodshot (4k, 2020)
The Lodge (2019)
Gretel & Hansel (2020)
Tigers Are Not Afraid (2017)
Six Moral Tales (Criterion, 1963 - 1972)
The Jesus Rolls (2020)
White Fire (Arrow, 2020)
Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn (4k, 2020)
The Great Escape (Criterion, 1963)
Fantasy Island (2020)
Vivarium (2019)
The Call of the Wild (4k, 2020)
WWE: Wrestlemania 36 (2020)
American Rickshaw (1989)
Redcon-1 (2018)
Top Gun (4k, 1986)
War of the Worlds (4k, 2005)
Days of Thunder (4k, 1990)
The Blues Brothers (4k, 1980)
Sonic the Hedgehog (4k, 2020)
Onward (4k, 2020)
Justice League: Apokolips War (4k, 2020)
The Evil of Frankenstein (Scream Factory, 1964)
The Way Back (2020)
Brahms: The Boy II (2020)
Lone Wolf McQuade (1983)
Dance, Girl, Dance (Criterion, 1940)
The Woman (Arrow, 2011)
Downhill (2020)
Rad (4k, 1986)
The Invisible Man (4k, 2020)
The Deer Hunter (Shout Select, 4k, 1978)
Zombie (4k, 1979)
Solid Metal Nightmares: The Films by Shinya Tsukamoto (Arrow, 1987 - 2018)
Scorsese Shorts (Criterion, 1963 - 1978)
Blood Tide (Arrow, 1982)
Ultraman Ace (1972 - 1973)
The Man Standing Next (2020)
And many more!
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In the final episode of Catching Up On Cinema's "May is For Monsters" event, Kyle and Trevor revisit Victor Salva's, Jeepers Creepers (2001)!
Starring Gina Philips and Justin Long, the film is a surprisingly well shot and tightly constructed chase film.
Featuring a memorable design for the titular Creeper, and a handful of fun scare moments, the film manages to achieve quite a bit in spite of it's modest budget.
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In this installment of Catching Up On Cinema's "May is For Monsters" event, we review the new Shudder exclusive, Monstrum (2018)!
Directed by Heo Jong-ho, and starring Kim Myung-min, Lee Hye-ri, and Choi Woo-shik, the film is spectacle driven monster on the loose flick set during Korea's Joseon era.
Equal parts blockbuster action thriller and traditional creature feature, the film is a handsome and energetic thrill ride that has something for everyone.
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In what will (hopefully) become a monthly event on Catching Up On Cinema, Trevor is once again joined by Brad of Cinema Speak to share some more "Tales From the Shelf"!
The title of this month's episode is "Distribution Disco", wherein Trevor and Brad list talk at length about (and rank!) some of their favorite disc publishers.
You can find Brad's stuff on Libsyn at Cinema Speak, or on Twitter and Instagram.
SPOILER BELOW:
Brad's Picks
-
Kino
-
Shout/Scream Factory
-
Arrow
-
Criterion
Trevor's Picks
-
Magnet
-
Animeigo
-
CJ Entertainment
-
Well Go
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In this week's installment of Catching Up On Cinema's "May is for Monsters" event month, Kyle has our hosts review Conor McMahon's, From the Dark (2014)!
Shot on a shoestring budget in the Irish countryside, the film is one part relationship drama, one part home invasion creature feature set in an isolated farmhouse.
With only a couple of standout moments throughout it's runtime, the film is not exactly a hidden gem, however the conversation that springs from our viewing of the film made it worth our time in the end.
Brace yourself for a lot of references to and quotes from a lot of other, better films!
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"May is For Monsters" at Catching Up On Cinema!
This month we'll be taking a look at all manner of monster movies, ranging from good old fashioned ghost stories, to gooey sci-fi gore fests.
First up this month is William Eubanks' deep sea creature feature, Underwater (2020)!
Starring Kristen Stewart, Jessica Henwick, Vincent Cassel and TJ Miller, the film is a charismatic and briskly paced thriller that doesn't attempt to reinvent the wheel in any fashion, but is a fun ride for those willing to check their expectations at the door.
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly "Catching Up On Blu-Ray" episode!
April 2020 was a big month for physical media releases, and some of the titles covered in this episode include:
Little Women (2019)
Beyond the Door (Arrow, 1974)
Cats (2019)
Dolittle (4k, 2020)
VFW (4k, 2019)
Army of Shadows (Criterion, 1969)
Terror Train (1980)
Escape from Pretoria (2020)
Police Squad!: The Complete Series (1982)
Underwater (2020)
V: The Final Battle (1984)
Just Mercy (2019)
The Golem (Kino, 1920)
Eye See You (2002)
Homeboy (1988)
Stray Cat Rock: The Collection (Arrow, 1970 - 1971)
Seijun Suzuki's The Taiso Trilogy (Arrow, 1980 - 1991)
Death Kappa (2010)
Bad Boys For Life (4k, 2020)
The Curse of the Werewolf (1961)
Ip Man 4: The Finale (4k, 2019)
The Turning (2020)
Alastair Sim's School for Laughter (1947 - 1960)
Blood & Flesh: The Reel Life and Ghastly Death of Al Adamson (2019)
The Grand Budapest Hotel (Criterion, 2014)
Malabimba (1979)
Elvira: Mistress of the Dark (Arrow, 1988)
Guns Akimbo (2019)
Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion's Revenge (4k, 2020)
The Rhythm Section (2020)
Unstoppable (2018)
Butt Boy (2019)
Chasing the Dragon II: Wild Wild Bunch (2019)
And many more!
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In the grand finale of Catching Up On Cinema's "Stay the F*ck Inside" event month, we're joined by Brad from Cinema Speak as we take a deep dive into George Romero's apocalyptic zombie epic, Dawn of the Dead (1978)!
A pillar of the genre, the film is equal parts entertaining and horrific, with memorable characters, and a core concept that spawned endless imitators over the years.
You can find Brad's podcast, Cinema Speak, on Stitcher or wherever you get your podcasts.
You can also find him on Twitter @thecinemaspeak, and on Instagram @cinemaspeakpodcast
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Catching Up On Cinema continues to "Stay the F@ck Inside", as Kyle and Trevor sit down for a review of Neil Marshall's gory post-apocalyptic action flick, Doomsday (2008)!
Starring Rhona Mitra, Bob Hoskins, and Malcolm MacDowell, the film is essentially "Mad Max in Scotland"... with knights.
Heavily inspired by classic films such as Escape from New York, The Road Warrior, and Aliens, the film is a bloody good time that stands as far from the best, but likely the director's most ambitious project.
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In this week's installment of Catching Up On Cinema's "Stay the F@ck Inside" event month, Trevor and Kyle keep their heads down as they take a deep dive into Ben Wheatley's Free Fire (2016)!
Starring Cillian Murphy, Armie Hammer, Jack Reynor, Sharlto Copely and Brie Larson, the film takes place in a single location and is essentially a 90 minute gunfight.
Featuring stylish gunplay and sharp lensing, the film is a simple and entertaining actioner with a touch of dark comedy.
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In what is hopefully the first of many collaborative efforts, Trevor invites Brad of the Cinema Speak podcast to join him in talking about movies.
In another first for Catching Up On Cinema, this episode is part of a new series we're calling "Tales From the Shelf", i.e. episodes centered around talking about the host's personal collections of films.
The theme for the inaugural episode in this series is movies that we're not especially proud to own copies of, or "Blu-Ray Blunders" as we've taken to calling it.
Thanks again to Brad for joining us on the show.
Check him out on Cinema Speak, or on Twitter and Instagram
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In response to the current predicament we're all in worldwide, April is hereby officially dubbed "Stay the F*ck Inside" month at Catching Up On Cinema.
Being as we're all doing our best to stay indoors these days, this month's programming will revolve around the theme of isolation, both thematically and in terms of filmmaking and premise.
Our first pick this month is Kim Sung-su's South Korean blockbuster, Flu (2013)!
Taking place in the city of Bundang during a martial law enforced lockdown brought on by a deadly flu outbreak, the film impresses with it's imagery and brutality, but is often confusing in tone.
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It's time once again for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly "Catching Up On Blu-Ray" episode!
Some of the major physical media releases spotlighted in the March 2020 episode include:
Dark Water (2019)
Queen & Slim (4k, 2019)
Ne Zha (4k, 2019)
Verotika (2019)
Radioflash (2019)
Superdome (1978)
The Sonata (2018)
I Am Fear (2020)
My Hindu Friend (2015)
Go Back to China (2019)
Uncut Gems (2019)
Beauty and the Beast (4k, 1991 and 2017)
Spies in Disguise (4k, 2019)
Charlie's Angels (4k, 2019)
The Ten Commandments (1923 - 1956)
Inseminoid (1981)
The Witch: Subversion (2018)
Salesman (Criterion, 1968)
Luz (2018)
Jumanji: The Next Level (4k, 2019)
Richard Jewell (2019)
Superman: Red Son (4k, 2019)
Cannibal Apocalypse (1980)
A Hidden Life (2019)
Bamboozled (Criterion, 2000)
Black Christmas (2019)
One Piece: Stampede (2019)
Sudden Death (1995)
1917 (4k, 2019)
April Fool's Day (Shout Factory, 1986)
The Wizard (1989)
Leave Her to Heaven (Criterion, 1945)
The Cranes Are Flying (Criterion, 1957)
The Grudge (2020)
Frankenstein: The True Story (1973)
Come to Daddy (2019)
Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker (4k, 2019)
VFW (4k, 2019)
The Captain (2019)
And many more!
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In the final episode of Catching Up On Cinema's "Moving On March" event month, Trevor has Kyle sit down to watch his FIRST Bruce Lee movie ever, Enter the Dragon (1973)!
Directed by Robert Clouse, the film is the last (completed) and most culturally significant film in the career of the Chinese-American martial arts icon, Bruce Lee.
Co-starring John Saxon and featuring the debut performance of Jim Kelly, as well as featuring cameos from Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao, Enter the Dragon is one of most influential films to come out of the martial arts subgenre.
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"Moving On March" continues at Catching Up On Cinema, as dip our toes into the illustrious filmography of the late Robin Williams in a form of a review of The Fisher King (1991)!
In addition to stellar cast consisting of the likes of Jeff Bridges and Mercedes Ruehl, the film is directed by Terry Gilliam and is possessed of all the whimsical and aesthetic flair that has long been his trademark.
While far from a career defining role, Robin Williams gives a multilayered and heart filled performance in the film that demonstrates his tremendous versatility as an actor.
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Catching Up On Cinema's "Moving On March" event month continues with a celebration the life and career of the late Kirk Douglas via a review of Walt Disney's 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954)!
Starring the aforementioned Kirk Douglas, James Mason, and Peter Lorre, the film is a colorful and charming adaptation of Jules Verne's classic adventure novel.
A favorite of Trevor's early childhood, the movie features Academy Award winning special effects, as well as several iconic performances and sequences that should be seen by any film connoisseur.
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Catching Up On Cinema's "Moving On March" event continues with a look at Sidney Lumet's brutal family drama, Before the Devil Knows You're Dead (2007)!
Directed by Sidney Lumet, and starring Philip Seymour Hoffman, Ethan Hawke, and Albert Finney, the film is a detailed and skillfully constructed look at the utter destruction of a family.
The film carries an off-kilter, Coen-esque atmosphere that gives the proceedings a feeling of grim, inevitable, weight, that is not for the faint of heart.
An excellent film, crafted by an expert director working with some of the best actors of their respective generations.
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It's a new month, which means it's time for a new event here at Catching Up On Cinema!
This month is "Moving On March," an event wherein the guys will be taking a look at films starring actors and/or directors that have recently, and unfortunately, passed away.
This week we reviewed Cory Finley's darkly comedic directorial debut, Thoroughbreds (2017).
A uniquely twisted tale of teenage sociopaths, the film stars Anya Taylor-Joy and Olivia Cooke, as well as features the final performance of the late Anton Yelchin.
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It's once again time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly "Catching Up On Blu-Ray" special!
In this edition, we take a look at the physical media releases for the month of February 2020.
Some highlights among this months releases include:
Doctor Sleep (4k, Director's Cut, 2019)
Waves (2019)
The Nightingale (Director of The Babadook, 2018)
Boyz in the Hood (4k, 1991)
The House that Jack Built (2018)
Rabid (2019)
FLCL: Progressive/Alternative (2018)
Grand Isle (Nic Cage and Kelsey Grammar! 2019)
Brain Damage (Arrow, 1988)
My Bloody Valentine (Shout Factory, 1981)
Ford v Ferrari (4k, 2019)
First Love (2019)
Transylvania 6-5000 (1985)
Robocop (Arrow, 1987)
In Fabric (2018)
Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: Diamond is Unbreakable (2017)
Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound (Documentary, 2019)
Jojo Rabbit (4k, 2019)
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (4k, 2019)
Midway (4k, 2019)
21 Bridges (2019)
Teorema (Criterion, 1968)
Antonio Gaudi (Criterion, 1984)
Knives Out (4k, 2019)
Color Out of Space (Nic Cage! 4k, 2019)
Frozen II (4k, 2019)
Pet Sematary Two (Shout Factory, 1992)
Three Fantastic Journeys by Karel Zeman (Criterion, 1955 - 1961)
The Hunt for Red October (4k, 1990)
Paris is Burning (Criterion, 1990)
The Return of Ultraman (1971 - 1972)
Not for Resale: A Retro Game Store Documentary (Documentary, 2019)
And many more!
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In the last episode of Catching Up On Cinema's "Guilty Pleasures" month, Kyle and Trevor take a deep breath and dive headfirst into Joel Schumacher's vapid and intensely wrongheaded coming-of-age drama, St. Elmo's Fire (1985)!
Featuring roughly 1/3rd of the brat pack, as well as a very young, saxophone toting Rob Lowe, the film is one of those rare, special films that fits snugly into the category of "fascinatingly bad."
In spite of it's flaws, St. Elmo's Fire is a cozy watch, and one that both Kyle and Trevor find immensely rewatchable in the "so bad it's good" sort of way.
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For this week's episode in Catching Up On Cinema's "Guilty Pleasures" event month, Trevor has Kyle check out Robert Zemeckis' heavy handed drama, Flight (2012)!
Starring Denzel Washington as an alcoholic pilot that performs a miraculous act of heroism while drunk on the job, is a clunky and somewhat tame character study that nevertheless earned it's star a Best Actor nomination.
While Trevor concedes that the film is fairly plain and not the best work of anyone involved, for whatever reason, he finds it very watchable, and thus, considers it a personal Guilty Pleasure film in his collection.
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In this week's installment of Catching Up On Cinema's "Guilty Pleasures" event month, Kyle has Trevor sit down to take a look back at Jan De Bont's computer effects showcase, Twister (1996)!
Starring Bill Paxton, Helen Hunt, Philip Seymour Hoffman and a veritable who's who of 90's character actors, the film is a briskly paced natural disaster flick that boasted some of the finest and most ambitious CGI effects of it's day.
Executive produced by Steven Spielberg, written by Michael Crichton and Joss Whedon, and scored by Marc Mancina, Twister was a massive event film that stands as one of the standouts of the modern disaster movie subgenre.
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February is "Guilty Pleasures" month at Catching Up On Cinema!
For the next 4 weeks, Kyle and Trevor will be reviewing movies that most people hate, but they secretly love.
First up this month is Paul W.S. Anderson's video game adaptation, Mortal Kombat (1995)!
Starring Robin Shou, Cary Hiroyuki Tagawa and Christopher Lambert, the film is one of the earliest (and best) video game movies.
While heavily inspired by the concept and structure of Enter the Dragon (1973), the film's strongest asset is it's lighting and production design rather than it's somewhat lackluster martial arts sequences.
Despite this, Mortal Kombat manages to be a fun nostalgia trip for fans of the video game series and high concept action movies of the 90's.
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It's once again time for our monthly Catching Up On Blu-Ray episode!
In this edition, the first of the new year, we take a look at the major physical media releases for the month of January.
Some highlights this month:
Joker (4k, 2019)
The Lighthouse (2019)
Holiday (Criterion, 1938)
Gemini Man (4k, 2019)
Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (4k, 2019)
The Fugitive Kind (Criterion, 1960)
Running with the Devil (Nic Cage! 2019)
Pirahnas (2019)
Beyond the Law (Steven Seagal and DMX! 2019)
Jay and Silent Bob Reboot (2019)
Zombieland: Double Tap (4k, 2019)
The Addams Family (2019)
Pain and Glory (2019)
Le Petit Soldat (Criterion, 1963)
Countdown (2019)
Black and Blue (2019)
In Search of the Last Action Heroes (Oliver Harper, 2019)
Parasite (2019)
Terminator: Dark Fate (4k, 2019)
Tammy and the T-Rex (4k, 1994)
Fail Safe (Criterion, 1964)
All About My Mother (Criterion, 1999)
Body Parts (1991)
Edge of the Axe (Arrow, 1988)
Harriet (2019)
Berserker (Vinegar Syndrom, 1987)
Beyond the Door III (Vinegar Syndrome, 1989)
And many more!
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This week we bring our Fcked Up Sh!t event month to a close with a double-header review of 2 dramatically different and (unfortunately) not-especially-fcked up movies: Highway to Hell (1991) and Audition (1999)!
Directed by Ate De Jong, Highway to Hell (1991) is a fairly tame screwball adventure comedy that features some charming effects work and sadly very little else.
In stark contrast to that, Audition (1999) is an early work masterpiece from the filmography of Japanese director Takashi Miike. Brilliantly edited, and tightly scripted, the film feels a bit tame by today's standards in terms of horror content, however this does little to detract from it's status as a bonafide modern classic of Japanese cinema.
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Catching Up On Cinema's "Fcked Up Sh!t" month continues, as Kyle and Trevor sit down to review the Emiliano Rocha Minter's challenging and indisputably fcked up indie film, We Are the Flesh (2016)!
A Mexican and French joint production, the film is equal parts horrifying and provocative, featuring themes and images that might be too much for some to bear.
In spite of it's raw and brutal nature, the film is nevertheless deeply layered and rife with potential allegorical meaning, such that to call it an "art" film is not an act of pretension, but rather a statement of fact.
Stay tuned immediately following our discussion for a brief follow-up segment from Kyle!
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F*cked Up Sh!t month continues, as Trevor has Kyle sit down view the bizarre, pseudo-experimental indie film, Like Me (2017)!
The only feature film credited to writer-director Robert Mockler, the movie is messy (in more ways than one) and confused in it's storytelling, but features some striking imagery and editing in some of it's trippier sequences.
Starring Addison Timlin as an emotionally detached young woman seeking internet fame via the production of grotesque and occasionally destructive videos, the movie unfortunately only just barely scratches the surface of the realm of F*cked Up Sh!t in cinema.
The search goes on for truly F*cked Up Sh!t in cinema!
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This January at Catching Up On Cinema is "F*cked Up Sh!t" Month!
Being as this is a show about expanding our horizons and pushing boundaries, we felt it would be appropriate to use this month to take a deep dive into the world of twisted and/or brutal cinema, AKA "F*cked Up Sh!t".
Our first F*cked Up movie this month is Jeremy Saulnier's punk rock thriller, Green Room (2015)!
Starring Anton Yelchin, Imogen Poots, and a surprise appearance by Patrick Stewart, the film is a tightly scripted and brutally violent thrill ride.
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It's once again time for our monthly Catching Up On Blu-Ray episode!
Some of the physical media releases this month include:
Ready or Not (2019)
Big Trouble in Little China (Shout Factory, 1986)
Game of Thrones, The Complete Series (2011 - 2019)
Slaughterhouse-Five (Arrow, 1972)
The Story of Temple Drake (Criterion, 1933)
Tunes of Glory (Criterion, 1960)
The Phantasm Collection (Well Go, 1979 - 2016)
She (1982)
The Goldfinch (2019)
Waterworld (Arrow, 1995)
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (4k, 2019)
It: Chapter Two (4k, 2019)
The Fly Collection (Shout Factory, 1958 - 1989)
Hustlers (4k, 2019)
Until the End of the World (Criterion, 1991)
Millennium Actress (2001)
Ultraseven: The Complete Series (1967 - 1968)
Aces: Iron Eagle III (1992)
Ad Astra (4k, 2019)
Rambo: Last Blood (4k, 2019)
Silver Bullet (Shout Factory, 1985)
Downton Abbey (2019)
Abombinable (4k, 2019)
Long Day's Journey Into Night (2018)
Judy (2019)
The Psyborgs (2019)
Batman Beyond: The Complete Series (1999 - 2001)
And many more!
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Special thanks to Film Combat Syndicate, who were kind enough to grant us access to the film for review!
In this very special bonus episode of Catching Up On Cinema, Trevor reviews Kensuke Sonomura's indie martial arts flick, Hydra (2019)!
Starring veteran stuntman Masanori Mimoto, the film is a small, but ambitious production that punches far above it's budget's weight in the realm of action and martial arts choreography.
With a likable cast and truly fantastic and unique fight sequences, the film is a treat for martial arts connoisseurs on the lookout for a new flavor of action to add to their palette.
Happy New Year!
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Merry Christmas, happy holidays, and an even happier New Year from us here at Catching Up On Cinema!
In this, the last of our holiday/winter themed episodes for the year, Trevor has Kyle sit down to watch writer/director George Gallo's brilliantly cast, but intensely flawed Christmas comedy, Trapped in Paradise (1994)!
Starring Nicolas Cage, Jon Lovitz and Dana Carvey as a trio of bank robber brothers that find themselves stranded in a idyllic Pennsylvania town, the film is rarely as entertaining as it ought to be, but far from a waste of time if you're a fan of any of the leads.
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In this episode of the podcast, John Cusack makes his second consecutive appearance on the show (sans Oliver Platt) as Kyle takes the show into the realm of true crime with a review of the Alaskan serial killer flick, The Frozen Ground (2013)!
The only film directed by writer Scott Walker, the film is largely a vehicle for the then up and coming Vanessa Hudgens, despite Nicolas Cage's name getting the marquee treatment on the poster and DVD cover.
A dreary, depressing slog, the film nevertheless manages to shed light on the most high profile serial killer case of Alaska's recent history.
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In this episode of the podcast, Kyle has Trevor sit down to watch Harold Ramis' underrated Christmas themed black comedy, The Ice Harvest (2005)!
Featuring John Cusack, Billy Bob Thornton, and Connie Nielsen, the film is a breezy and slick caper that is perfect for a rainy or snowy night in.
Bonus: The film features a drunk Oliver Platt at steady intervals, so if ever you're bored while viewing the film, just keep that in the back of your mind ;)
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It's the first week of December, which means it's time to review some wintery and vaguely holiday related films!
First up this month is the 2nd in Shusuke Kaneko's Heisei era trilogy, Gamera 2: The Advent of Legion (1996)!
Briskly paced and cleverly shot and edited, the film is among the very best of the daikaiju subgenre of Japanese sci-fi.
Okay, so maybe the first movie this month has essentially nothing to do with the holidays, but at the very least the film contains a handful of scenes shot in the snow.
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In this episode, Kyle has Trevor watch Danny Boyle's beautiful and intense coming-of-age tale, The Beach (2000)!
Featuring an attractive and charismatic cast of internationals, including the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert Carlyle, and Tilda Swinton, the film is a mature take on the familiar tale of a boy discovering paradise... and the complications that result from said discovery.
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It's one again time for our monthly Catching Up On Blu-Ray episode!
Some of the major blu-ray and 4k releases coming out this November are:
Fast and Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw (4k, 2019)
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (2019)
Universal Soldier (4k, 1992)
The Art of Racing in the Rain (2019)
The Three Flavour Cornetto Trilogy (4k, Directed by Edgar Wright)
Cats (1998)
Undercover Brother 2 (2019)
The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019)
Good Boys (2019)
The Farewell (2019)
Daytrippers (Criterion, 2006)
Flowers in the Attic (Arrow, 1987)
The Phantom Creeps (1939)
Bliss (2019)
C.H.U.D. (Arrow, 1984)
The Stuff (Arrow, 1985)
Suspiria (4k, 1977)
Cold War (Criterion, 2018)
Betty Blue (Criterion, 1986)
Dora the Explorer and the Lost City of Gold (2019)
Memory: The Origins of Alien (2019)
Ultraman Orb and Geed (2016 - 2018)
The Divine Fury (2019)
Robocop (Arrow, 1987)
Dracula (1979)
All About Eve (Criterion, 1950)
Now, Voyager (Criterion, 1942)
Angel Has Fallen (4k, 2019)
Tammy and the T-Rex (4k, Newly Restored "Gore Cut", 1994)
And many more!
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In this episode, Kyle has Trevor pay another visit to the literary works of Alexandre Dumas in form of Randall Wallace's take on the 3 Musketeers, The Man in the Iron Mask (1998)!
Starring Jeremy Irons, John Malkovich, Gerard Depardieu and Gabriel Byrne as the musketeers, as well as Leonardo DiCaprio in dual roles, the film is a somewhat tepid costume drama that was unfortunately marketed as an action-adventure film.
The best elements of the film are Jeremy Irons' magnificent wig, and Gerard Depardieu's greasy French ass.
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In this episode of the podcast, Trevor and Kyle review another Donnie Yen and Wilson collaboration, the cop drama/martial arts actioner, Flash Point (2007)!
A prequel to last week's SPL: Sha Po Lang (2005), the film is briskly paced and largely succeeds in upping the ante in terms of spectacle in it's fight choreography, and ridiculousness in terms of good old fashioned Hong Kong melodrama.
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WARNING Kyle drops some minor spoilers for Game of Thrones season 8 in this episode WARNING
In this episode, Trevor takes the show back into the world of Hong Kong cinema to review Wilson Yip and Donnie Yen's first film collaboration, SPL: Sha Po Lang (2005)!
Serving as a massive turning point in the career of director and star alike, the film is a stylish cops and robbers flick that just so happens to include some of the most thrilling and innovative fight choreography of the 2000's.
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In this very special Triple Threat edition of Catching Up On Cinema, Trevor invites his brother Matt to join he and Kyle in celebrating the Halloween season with a discussion regarding the subject of DEATH in cinema.
Ranging from the hilarious, the spectacular, and the emotionally devastating, the boys manages to cover no less than 50 different cinematic deaths in this episode, with about a half dozen coming from Steven Spielberg's Saving Private Ryan.
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WARNING The film reviewed in this episode contains explicit scenes of real life animal cruelty. Proceed at your own risk. *WARNING*
In the final installment of "Kyle's Killer October," Kyle decides to go for broke and have he and Trevor mutually catch up on one of more infamous horror films in the annals of film history, Ruggerio Deodato's massively controversial Cannibal Holocaust (1980)!
Banned in several countries due to it's graphic content, most notably the onscreen killings of multiple animals and several murder and rape scenes that were, for a time, thought to have been genuine, the film has a storied reputation in the horror community for pushing the boundaries of the medium.
Despite the stomach churning qualities of the subject matter and content, the film is nevertheless a technically sound film with a wholly unique narrative structure.
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In this weeks installment of "Kyle's Killer October," the Catching Up On Cinema boys venture to the Great White North to check out Steve Kostanki and Jeremy Gillespie's gory cosmic horror experience, The Void (2016)!
Featuring lovingly crafted (and gooey) animatronic and makeup effects, the film is a trippy and intense thrill ride that is worth a watch for practical effect enthusiasts.
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It's a new month, which means it's time for our monthly "Catching Up On Blu-Ray" episode!
Some of the highlights among the physical media releases this October include:
Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019, 4k)
The Shining (1980, 4k)
Pan's Labyrinth (2006, 4k)
Zombieland (2009, 4k)
Chernobyl (2019)
Gremlins (1984, 4k)
Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket (1989)
Driven (2018)
Ator, the Fighting Eagle (1982)
Toy Story 4 (2019, 4k)
Midsommar (2019, Extended Edition)
Annabelle Comes Home (2019)
The Killer Dolls (1975)
Scarface (1983, 4k)
Crawl (2019)
Haxan (1922, Criterion)
3 From Hell (2019, 4k)
Ultraman: The Complete Series (1966 - 1967)
Ultra Q: The Complete Series (1966)
Stuber (2019, 4k)
Killer Nun (1975, Arrow)
The Lion King (2019, 4k)
When We Were Kings (1996, Criterion)
Godzilla: The Showa Era (1954 - 1975, Criterion)
An American Werewolf in London (1981, Arrow)
The Blob (1988, Shout Factory)
It's A Wonderful Life (1946, 4k)
The Wizard of Oz (1939, 4k)
Night Beast (1982)
And many more!
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In this week's episode in "Kyle's Killer October," the Catching Up On Cinema crew take a close look at Scott Derrickson's ghostly thriller, Sinister (2012)!
Made on the cheap and featuring a winning performance by star Ethan Hawke, as well as generally exceptional production values, the film was one of the more memorable of the late 2000's resurgence of no frills spectral horror flicks.
Fair warning, a decent chunk of this episode is just us yelling about Spider-Man and talking up the awesomeness of Vincent D'Onofrio.
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"Kyle's Killer October" heads to the land downunder, as he and Trevor sit down to Catch Up On Jennifer Kent's psychological horror masterpiece, The Babadook (2014)!
A challenging film with stunning production design and cinematography, the film is deeply layered and bold in subject matter and execution.
The feature directorial debut of Jennifer Kent, the film boasts a stellar reputation among horror fans, and is strong recommend to anyone with an interest in exploring the darker side of human psychology.
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It's October, which means it's time for us to take a deep dive into the world of horror!
This month, Kyle is going to be in charge of all of the movie selections for a special Halloween themed event we're calling "Kyle's Killer October".
The general theme this year is that of "modern" horror, meaning mostly stuff from the 2000's and onward.
First up is James Wan's game changing spectral possession flick, Insidious (2010)!
Starring Patrick Wilson (how could anyone not like him?) and Rose Byrne, and featuring a special appearance by Lin Shaye, the film is essentially an ultra low budget, spooky rollercoaster ride.
Together with Paranormal Activity, it revitalized the ghost/haunted house subgenre of horror in the late 2000's and beyond.
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Once more, it's time for our monthly Catching Up On Blu-Ray, September 2019 edition!
Some highlights of the physical media releases from this month:
Rambo (4k, 2008)
Booksmart (2019)
Men In Black: International (4k, 2019)
Ma (2019)
Nightmare Cinema (2018)
Fists in the Pocket (Criterion, 1965)
Darlin' (2019)
John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum (4k, 2019)
Casino (4k, 1995)
Aladdin (4k, 1992 and 2019)
The Dead Don't Die (2019)
Lockup (4k, 1989)
X-Men: Dark Phoenix (4k, 2019)
Polyester (Criterion, 1981)
The VelociPastor (2018)
Kung Fu League (2018)
To Hell and Back: The Kane Hodder Story (2017)
Gunsmith Cats (1995)
Stephen King's The Stand (1994)
Child's Play (4k, 2019)
Anna (4k, 2019)
The Circus (Criterion, 1928)
The Vineyard (WRITTEN, DIRECTED BY, AND STARRING JAMES HONG, 1989)
Hellraiser and Hellraiser II: Hellbound (Arrow, 1987 and 1988)
A Score to Settle (Nic Cage! 2019)
And many more!
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In the 4th installment in The Alien Masterclass, Kyle and Trevor tackle Jean-Pierre Jeunet's 1997 oddity, Alien Resurrection (1997)!
Written by Joss Whedon, and starring a menagerie of stellar character actors, the film is a tonal mess that is best described as the black sheep of the franchise.
Sporting sumptuous visuals and satisfying action and gore, the film is nevertheless a fun ride that (somehow) manages to stand out among it's contemporaries.
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This week in Catching Up On Cinema's "Alien Masterclass," Kyle and Trevor take a good long look at David Fincher's divisive and thoroughly unloved entry in the series, Alien 3 (1992)!
Effectively disowned by it's director, the film's troubled production history is easily more interesting than the gloomy, confused mess that made it's way to theaters.
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In part 2 of our Alien Masterclass series, we review James Cameron's action/sci-fi game changer, Aliens (1986)!
Trevor's personal favorite in the franchise, the film is regarded as a classic among classics in it's genre, holding the reputation as being one of the rare sequels that manages to equal or surpass the original.
Starring a who's who of James Cameron regulars, and some of Stan Winston and James Horner's finest work, the movie is a masterpiece of cinema that deserves every minute of the 2 and a half hours that Kyle and Trevor dedicate to discussing it.
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In celebration of Catching Up On Cinema's 1st year anniversary of programming, Kyle and Trevor take it upon themselves to revisit the show format that kicked off the entire series: The Masterclass!
Seeing as the Predator franchise served as the inaugural Masterclass episode, it only seems fitting that we follow things up with a deep dive into the closely related Alien franchise!
Throughout the month of September, we'll be doing a comprehensive review of all of the movies starring 20th Century Fox's iconic chest bursting, acid bleeding, extraterrestrial menace!
In this first episode in the Masterclass, we review i.e. gush about/jerk off to the movie that started it all, Ridley Scott's Alien (1979)!
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It's the 50th episode of Catching Up On Cinema!
In celebration of this major milestone, Kyle and Trevor decide to revisit a film franchise that was important to both of them in their respective youths, Stephen Sommer's The Mummy Returns (2001)!
While not "good" in the traditional sense, the film is very much a product of it's time and has the distinction of being a very cozy and immensely rewatchable experience.
Check out our The Mummy '99 vs. The Mummy 2017 episode for our thoughts on the first film in the series:
https://anchor.fm/catchinguponcinema/episodes/The-Mummy-1999-Vs--The-Mummy-2017-e2at9a
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In the final episode of "Anime August," Trevor reviews the critically acclaimed psychological thriller, Perfect Blue (1997)!
The directorial debut of famed animator Satoshi Kon, the film is notable for it's elaborate editing and rich thematic content.
Please note, the original recording of this episode, featuring both Trevor and Kyle in the standard conversational format, was unfortunately lost due to a hard drive error.
As a result, Trevor was forced to re-record the episode without Kyle, making this the first (and hopefully last) instance of a "solo" episode in the show's history.
Make sure to check back next week for the 50th episode of Catching Up On Cinema!
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Once again, it's time for our monthly "Catching Up On Blu-Ray" episode of the podcast!
Physical media releases are pretty varied this time around, with some of the biggest of the big blockbusters dropping at various point throughout the month, as well as some funky looking indie flicks.
A small preview of what's covered in the episode:
Alice, Sweet Alice (Arrow, 1976)
Detective Pikachu (4k, 2019)
Batman: Hush (4k, 2019)
What We Left Behind: Looking Back at Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (Documentary, 2018)
Tiger Milk (2017)
Attrition (Steven Seagal! 2018)
A Bitter Legacy (Documentary, 2016)
Avengers: Endgame (4k, 2019)
Shadow (4k, 2018)
The Inland Sea (Criterion, 1991)
Another Stakeout (1993)
Brightburn (4k, 2019)
Cruising (Arrow, 1980)
The Witches (1990)
Magnificent Obsession (Criterion, 1954)
I Trapped the Devil (2019)
The Brink (2017)
Apocalypse Now: 40th Anniversary Edition (4k, 1979)
Stand By Me (4k, 1986)
Godzilla: King of the Monsters (4k, 2019)
Rocketman (4k, 2019)
The Koker Trilogy (Criterion, 1987 - 1994)
Aspen Extreme (1993)
And many more!
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In this, the third installment in Catching Up On Cinema's "Anime August," Trevor has Kyle view the critically acclaimed Princess Mononoke (1997)!
Animated by Studio Ghibli and directed by one of the most famous and influential of anime directors, Hayao Miyazaki, the film represents one of the earlier success stories in the realm of mainstream success for the medium worldwide.
Set in the Muromachi era of feudal Japan, the film is an aesthetic wonder, featuring luscious background paintings and lovingly detailed, hand-drawn animation throughout the entirety of it's (considerable) 134 minute run time.
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In the second installment of "Anime August", Trevor and Kyle sit down to talk about Mamoru Oshii's 1995 cyberpunk classic, Ghost in the Shell!
Featuring technically astounding animation and uniquely introspective and philosophical themes, the film is beloved by many and heralded as a major source of inspiration for many subsequent sci-fi properties.
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This month is Anime August here at Catching Up On Cinema!
For the next 4 weeks, Trevor is going to be taking Kyle on a journey through the colorful and varied world of Japanese animation, beginning with Gainax and Takeshi Mori's Otaku No Video (1991)!
A farcical tale about 2 young men striving to make it big in the anime industry, the 2-part OVA (original video animation) is a unique, multi-layered meta commentary on the medium and culture.
Featuring live-action documentary interviews with a variety of "otaku" (broad definition: nerdy fanatics) the anime is a strong introduction to and examination of the world of anime and manga.
Please note, the live-action interview/documentary segments in this OVA are in fact staged sequences performed by actors
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In this final installment of Catching Up On Cinema's "Movies About Making Movies" month, Kyle and Trevor take a look at The Shark is Still Working (2012), Erik Hollander's heartfelt documentary about the making and legacy of Steven Spielberg's legendary blockbuster film, Jaws (1975).
While the documentary is a little fluffy, and perhaps more of a tribute to rather than a true documentary of the making of Jaws, Kyle and Trevor manage to get a good conversation out of it, often going on random tangents and sharing anecdotes that are largely unrelated to the film.
Happy Shark Week everyone!
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In this very special episode in our "Movies About Making Movies" month, Kyle and Trevor review Jon Schepp's terrific documentary about the Tim Burton Superman film that never was, The Death of Superman Lives: What Happened (2015)!
Comprised of interviews with the producers and pre-production that tirelessly worked on Superman Lives prior to it's abrupt cancellation, and featuring a wealth of behind the scenes test footage and concept art, the documentary serves as the definitive look at what could have been a truly unique superhero film.
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In this installment of our "Catching Up On Movies About Making Movies" month, Trevor introduces Kyle to the delightfully shocking Canadian documentary, Kung Fu Elliot (2014)!
Following the exploits of one Elliot "White Lightning" Scott and his attempts to make no budget action films and become "Canada's first action star", the documentary begins as a story about a wide-eyed dreamer, only to become something much darker and more compelling than most would expect.
Directed by Matthew Bauckman and Jaret Belliveau, Kung Fu Elliot is one of Trevor's favorite documentaries, and one we here at Catching Up On Cinema feel is criminally overlooked.
Do yourself and look it up on Amazon Prime if you haven't already:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B07BLM27YP/ref=cm_sw_tw_r_pv_wb_6oHjtcRr4v3z7
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In second installment of our "Catching Up On Movies About Movies" month, Trevor has Kyle watch one of his favorite documentaries of all time, Chris Smith's intimate portrait of a struggling filmmaker, American Movie (1999)!
Following the exploits of wannabe filmmaker Mark Borchardt, the film is an intimate portrait of a frustrated and struggling artist and his efforts to eke out a living, ply his craft, and grapple with his own personal demons.
Shot between 1995 and 1997, the film is a precious time capsule of the human condition in middle America.
Serious question: Is peppermint schnapps with Sprite a good drink?
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It's that time of the month again, as Kyle and Trevor sit down for the July 2019 edition of "Catching Up On Blu-Ray".
Some highlights of this month's physical media releases:
Putney Swope (1969)
Escape Plan: The Extractors (2019)
Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin - Chronicle of the Loum Battlefield (2015 - 2018)
Mothra (1961)
Hulk (4k, 2003)
Waterworld (4k, 1995)
Pet Sematary (4k, 2019)
High Life (2018)
The BRD Trilogy (Criterion, 1978 - 1982)
Europa Europa (Criterion, 1990)
Peter Pan (Kino, 1924)
Transit (2018)
Shazam! (4k, 2019
Klute (Criterion, 1971)
Moon (4k, 2009)
The Baker's Wife (Criterion, 1938)
Fast Color (2019)
Breakthrough (4k, 2019)
Abduction (Scott Adkins!, 2018)
Alita: Battle Angel (4k, 3D, 2019)
Weird Science (Arrow, 1985)
Do the Right Thing (Criterion, 1989)
1984 (Criterion, 1984)
The Doors (4k, 1991)
Hellboy (4k, 2019)
Missing Link (2019)
The Loveless (Arrow, 1981)
Critters Attack! (2019)
Master Z: The Ip Man Legacy (2018)
Glory (4k, 1989)
Long Shot (2019)
The Big-O: Complete Collection (1999 - 2003)
El Chicano (2018)
And many more!
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This July is "Movies About Making Movies" month at Catching Up On Cinema!
Kyle's first pick for this month is the critically acclaimed documentary, Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker's Apocalypse (1991)!
Telling the tale of Francis Ford Coppola's infamously troubled production of Apocalypse Now (1979), the documentary is often cited as an example of a behind-the-scenes tale that may potentially eclipse the film it's based around in terms of entertainment value.
Featuring interviews with most of the major players involved in the production of the film, including Coppola and his wife, Martin Sheen, and Dennis Hopper, the documentary is easily one of the best movies about the making of a movie that you'll ever see.
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In the last episode of our very loose, "Most Recent Entry in a Long-Lived Franchise" series of episodes, Kyle has Trevor sit down with him to discuss Ridley Scott's 2017 return to the Alien franchise proper, Alien: Covenant (2017)!
Building on the themes and characters first introduced in the director's earlier film, Prometheus, Alien: Covenant is a beautiful, but often misguided and silly entry in the series.
Michael Fassbender, committing to the role and delivering a stellar performance despite the "fingering" scene!
Katherine Waterston, bearing one of the worst hairdos in recent memory and developing a potty mouth in the closing act!
Billy Crudup REALLY believes in Jesus, and he needs to remind you of that in every scene he's in!
Danny McBride, stuck in space with 2 hot young people, and somehow he's upset about it!
And guest starring James Franco as a burning CGI corpse!
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We're a bit late this month, but it's time for Catching Up On Cinema's monthly Catching Up On Blu-Ray episode for the month of June 2019!
Notable releases this month:
Viy (1967)
Batman (1989) - Batman and Robin (1997), now on 4k!
Toy Story (1995) - Toy Story 3 (2010), now on 4k!
Batman vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2019)
The Andromeda Strain (1971, Arrow)
The Man Who Laughs (1928)
The Man Who Killed Don Quixote (2018)
The Kid (2019)
Captain Marvel (2019, 4k)
Leprechaun Returns (2018)
The Entity (1982)
Swing Time (1936, Criterion)
Captive State (2019)
Five Feet Apart (2019)
T-34 (2018)
Us (2019, 4k)
Under the Silver Lake (2018)
Beach Bum (2018)
L'humanité (1999, Criterion)
La vie de Jésus (1997, Criterion)
Lost Highway (1997)
Night of the Creeps (1986)
Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2001, Criterion)
Dumbo (2019, 4k)
Night Killer (1990)
Double Face (1969, Arrow)
Robowar (1988)
Furie (2019)
And many more!
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WARNING! Total spoilers for Godzilla: King of the Monsters! WARNING!
In this special Theatrical Edition of Catching Up On Cinema, Kyle and Trevor head out to the theater to check out the 3rd entry in Legendary's "Monsterverse" franchise, Michael Dougherty's Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019)!
Featuring the heaviest of heavy hitters in the long lived Godzilla franchise, the movie is an unapologetic love letter to the older generation Godzilla films.
While the human aspect of the story and plot is both problematic and unintentionally silly, the monster action is solid, and as Trevor mentions early on in the episode, most of the film's weaker aspects can actually be interpreted as the filmmaker's remaining true to the source material.
Kyle Chandler, beating off to the sounds of wolves eating!
Vera Farmiga as perhaps the most unstable and unforgivable character in recent film history!
Millie Bobby Brown as the "Kenny" of the film!
Ken Watanabe, sacrificing himself for to enhance the film's Chinese box office earnings!
Zhang Ziyi as 2 different characters! How the Hell did I miss that!?
Charles Dance, somehow failing to go "full evil" over the course of a 2 hour+ movie!
And Godzilla, Mothra, Rodan and King Ghidorah, delivering the goods on the few occasions the editor sees fit to let them!
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In the 2nd installment in Catching Up On Cinema's "Franchise Month," Trevor forces Kyle to subject himself to Sam Mendes' 2nd go 'round at the James Bond franchise: Spectre (2015)!
Boasting a strong cast and truly magnificent cinematography, the film is dragged down by a clumsy, lackluster script, and is regarded by many as one of the lesser Bond films of the modern era.
It needs to be said upfront, Trevor is an avid Bond fan, while Kyle is a casual viewer at best.
Daniel Craig, looking for a way out of the franchise since 2008!
Lea Seydoux, not nearly as hot if you take away the accent!
Christoph Waltz, as "Totally Not Blofeld"!
Dave Bautista, denied a speaking role, but here to save the movie anyway!
Special guest appearance by Gary Busey!
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It's the first week of June, so naturally the boys are reviewing... David Gordon Green's Halloween (2018)?
This month's reviews will be part of something we're casually referring to as "Franchise Month."
Essentially, the idea this month is to tackle the most recent films in long lived franchises.
Streamlining the franchise canon by disregarding the events of all the Halloween films aside from the 1978 original, Halloween 2018 is a slick and pleasantly restrained entry in the series that pulls double duty as both a satisfying capstone to the series, as well as (very likely) the kickoff point for a future films.
Jamie Lee Curtis as Laurie Strode, badass grannie!
Judy Greer as a mom! Of course!
John Carpenter, returning as composer and truly fuckin' bringing it!
Michael Meyers, finding time for arts and crafts in between murdering folks!
"It's not a cage... It's a trey-ahp."
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Catching Up On Keanu month draws to a close as Kyle has Trevor sit down to watch Carl Rinsch's universally reviled pseudo-Japanese fantasy action flick, 47 Ronin (2013)!
A troubled production that saw the woefully inexperienced director removed from the project in it's post-production stages, the film represents the perfect storm of a bad script, given to painfully untalented director gifted with far too generous a budget.
Keanu as a hapa samurai that is generally kind of a dick and has the superpower of being able to move at slightly above average speeds!
Hiroyuki Sanada as the coolest person in the movie that gets far too little screentime!
Tadanobu Asano and Rinko Kikuchi as the 2nd and 3rd coolest people in the movie with nothing to do!
Cary Hiroyuki Tagawa as a lord presiding over a tournament, and he DOESN'T yell "YOUR SOUL, IS MINE!"???
Silver Samurai! Tattoo Man that was ALL OVER the marketing and appears in one scene! Gedde "Long Duk Dong" Watanabe!?
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WARNING! Total spoilers for John Wick 3! WARNING!
In a special Theatrical Edition of Catching Up On Cinema, Kyle and Trevor sit down to review the Keanu Reeves action flick, John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum (2019)!
The centerpiece of Catching Up On Keanu month, the film is a wholly satisfying action extravaganza packed to the gills with extraordinary choreography, violence, and who's who of notables from the stunt world.
Books, guns, knives, horses!?
Tiger Chen fighting with and killed by his good friend Keanu!
Crotches being shot and bitten with alarming frequency!
Keanu getting thrown through all of the glass in New York city!
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For the third installment in our "Catching Up On Keanu" month, Trevor has Kyle sit down to watch the only film ever directed by Keanu Reeves, Man of Tai Chi (2013)!
Starring longtime collaborator and friend of Keanu's, Tiger Chen, the film is a quaint, but technically sound action film that was seemingly built from the ground up to be a showcase of the at the time largely unknown Chen's martial arts ability.
Featuring token appearance by several noteworthy martial arts actors, including Iko Uwais and Silvio Simac, the movie is a love letter to the genre that fails to break any new ground, but proudly justifies it's existence with the obvious signs of care and and commitment put forth by the lead actors and director.
Tiger Chen, failing to emote but wowing with his tai chi prowess!
Keanu Reeves, lookin' kind of stiff and making "ghost face" into the camera at random!
Iko Uwais, in his least satisfying role this side of The Force Awakens!
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In this 2nd installment in our "Catching Up On Keanu" month, Kyle selects the 1996 action-thriller, Chain Reaction (1996)!
Directed by prolific action director Andrew Davis, the film is a rather conventional thriller in the tradition of films such as The Fugitive (which was also directed by Davis) and The Net.
Starring Keanu Reeves as a physicist/machinist/musician, Rachel Weisz as his main squeeze, and Morgan Freeman as the friendliest morally dubious bad guy(?) in cinema history, the movie is largely average, but very nostalgic for those us who were young during this particular era in action movie history.
A boring plot bookended by 2 giant explosions!
Morgan Freeman, making cigars look sexy!
Baby Rachel Weisz as the most delightful drunk in cinema history!
Brian Cox, flaunting his impeccable Southern accent and giving Steven Seagal a run for his money in the "Worst Run in Cinema History" competition!
And a welcome cameo from a very young and spindly Michael Shannon as a flower delivery man!
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It's time once again for our special monthly Catching Up On Blu-Ray episode!
Physical media releases highlights for the month of May include:
The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part (2019, 4k)
Forrest Gump (1994, 4k)
Broken Flowers (2005)
The Heiress (Criterion, 1949)
The Grand Duel (Arrow, 1972)
They Shall Not Grow Old (2018)
Godzilla (1998, 4k)
House of Games (Criterion, 1987)
Fighting with My Family (2019)
Cold Pursuit (2019, 4k)
Triple Threat (2018)
One Sings, The Other Doesn't (Criterion. 1977)
A Record of Sweet Murder (2014)
Backdraft 2 (2019)
Jurassic Dead (2019)
Valentine (2017)
Birds of Passage (2018)
How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (2019, 4k)
Black Moon Rising (1986)
Let the Sunshine In (Criterion, 2017)
The Upside (2018)
Blue Velvet (Criterion, 1986)
Double Impact (MVD, 1991)
Climax (2018)
Lords of Chaos (2018)
General Commander (2019)
And many more!
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In anticipation of the theatrical release of John Wick Chapter 3 - Parabellum, we've declared May 2019 to be "Catching Up On Keanu" month!
Each week in May, Kyle and Trevor will take turns selecting a Keanu Reeves film that they'd like to review for the show.
In this first episode of "Catching Up On Keanu" month, Trevor selects the grotesque lovechild of Ren, Stimpy, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Freaked (1993)!
Cheating the system a bit, Keanu actually only appears in the film in an uncredited capacity, while his longtime friend Alex Winters stars in, co-wrote and co-directed the film along with Tom Stern and Tim Burns.
Alex Winter acting like Jim Carrey in Gremlin makeup!
Keanu Reeves as Ortiz the Dog Boy!
Randy Quaid as an insta-tanned ringmaster!
A man with a sock for a head, sentient rastafarian eyeballs, a man farting an eternal flame, and a giant pile of shit shaped like Winona Ryder!
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WARNING Total spoilers for Avengers: Endgame! *WARNING*
In this special Theatrical Edition of the podcast, Kyle and Trevor sit down to talk about the cinematic event of the decade, Avengers: Endgame (2019)!
The culmination of 22 movies worth of storyline, the film a relentlessly entertaining 3 hour plus spectacle of fanservice and comic book absurdity.
In more ways than one, it is the Back to the Future 2 of superhero movies.
That being said, is the movie any good?
Tune in to find out!
BONUS:
Stick around after the sign off for Kyle and Trevor's thoughts on the upcoming Lion King remake!
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In this episode, Kyle introduces Trevor to James Merendino's punk rock drama, SLC Punk! (1998)
Starring the largely underappreciated Matthew Lillard, the film explores the journey into adulthood of a young wannabe punk rocker in mid-80's Salt Lake City, Utah.
Michael A. Goorjian as "Heroin" Bob, who at no point in the film ever uses heroin!
Christopher McDonald stealing the show as the most sensible and jaded divorced dad in cinema!
Acid trips leading to young men thinking the floor is made of hot lava!
Hugo Stieglitz as an East German drug dealer in Utah!
Cute girls with unibrows that verbally flick you in the balls!
And don't forget, "Nazis are not Satanists.... They're more like, a... gathering of people."
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In this episode, Trevor has Kyle watch Neil Marshall's lighthearted action-horror romp, Dog Soldiers (2002)!
Featuring a who's who of British/UK character actors, the film is modestly budgeted, but cleverly written entry in the long tradition of werewolf films.
Soldiers vs. Werewolves AKA Aliens meet Evil Dead!
Trevor and Kyle count the possible Jurassic Park references!
An entire 5 minute tangent about Tom Sizemore on the set of Saving Private Ryan!
And YET ANOTHER reference to Wayne's World slipped in there for good measure!
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In this episode, Kyle introduces Trevor to Danny Boyle's contemporary zombie movie classic, 28 Days Later (2002)!
Starring Cillian Murphy, Naomie Harris and Brendan Gleeson, the film is an exceptional entry in a very crowded sub-genre of horror and is especially noteworthy for kicking off the (brief) trend of "fast zombies."
Cillian Murphy, shouting "HELLO!" and turning into Rambo in the last act!
Naomie Harris, mercy killing people in the least efficient manner possible!
Brendan Gleeson, as a gigantic red herring that's all about the booze!
Christopher Eccleston, as the proud leader of the UK's horniest and least capable military unit!
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It's time for this month's Catching Up On Blu-Ray!
For those that might be unaware, this is a special monthly feature wherein Kyle and Trevor review the month's upcoming physical media releases and review the films that catch their eye.
Worth noting among this month's upcoming releases:
Bumblebee (4k, 2018)
The Mule (4k, 2018)
Vice (2018)
The Man Who Killed Hitler and then The Bigfoot (2018)
A Silent Voice: The Movie (2016)
Terraformars (2016)
The Fantastic Mr. Fox (Criterion, 2009)
The Legend of the 7 Golden Vampires (1974)
Mirai (2018)
Stranger Than Paradise (Criterion, 1974)
Welcome to Marwen (2018)
Island Zero (2018)
Enigma (1982)
We Die Young (2018)
The Karate Kid (4k, 1984)
Glass (4k, 2018)
Hard Ticket to Hawaii (1987)
Superstition (1982)
The Manitou (1978)
Dragonball Super: Broly (2018)
Destroyer (2018)
Hagazussa (2017)
Dragged Across Concrete (2018)
And many more!
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In this episode, Trevor and Kyle Catch Up On the world of Clive Barker via the horror-noir classic, Lord of Illusions (1995)!
Starring Scott Bakula, Famke Janssen, and everyone's favorite weasel, Kevin J. O'Connor, the film is an exceptional product of a rich era of high-concept, high-budget mainstream horror films.
Scott Bakula, jacked and shirtless throughout!
Famke Janssen, wearing some of the ugliest dresses in cinema history!
Kevin J. O'Connor, barfing fire snakes and floating for no reason!
Daniel von Bargen as a walking shit demon and president of Kruger Industrial Smoothing!
Mr. Butterfield and his absurdly tight pants!
And a mandrill for seemingly no reason whatsoever!
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In this episode, Trevor introduces Kyle to the Hong Kong filmography of John Woo by having him watch the Chow Yun Fat bullet ballet classic, The Killer (1989)!
With a bodycount in the triple digits, and squibs and stunts galore, the film is a melodramatic spectacle for the ages that ranks among Trevor's favorite films of his youth.
Chow Yun Fat and Danny Lee as Mickey Mouse and Dumbo: Blood Brothers!
Trevor, grappling with whether or not Dick Tracy and The Untouchables are good films!
Kyle, asking the most serious of questions: Does Bruce Willis make good films?
Wayne's World references too numerous to count!
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"An Evening with Troy Duffy" comes to a close as Kyle and Trevor review the 2nd (and potentially final) movie in bartender/bouncer/musician/screenwriter/director Troy Duffy's filmography, The Boondock Saints 2: All Saint's Day (2009)!
Starring most of the same folks from the first film, the film is largely devoid of redeeming value, and often feels painfully immature and dated.
Troy Duffy has seen The Godfather Part II and it's VERY IMPORTANT to him that you know that.
Rampant male nudity and childish gay panic slurs in the same film!?
Several minute long tangents about Jurassic Park and other (better) films!
Jerry Stiller attempting (in vain) to explain the plots of very complicated films!
The most cringe-inducing, unrepentantly pro-man non sequitur in cinema history!
Kyle and Trevor finding EVERY EXCUSE to NOT talk about the topic at hand!
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WARNING! Full spoilers for Triple Threat! WARNING!
We interrupt our month of Irish films for a very special, impromptu, Theatrical Edition of the show!
In this very special episode of the podcast, Trevor takes his brother to go see the one-night-only, martial arts action extravaganza, Triple Threat (2019)!
Directed by Jesse V. Johnson, choreographed by Tim Man, and featuring a who's who of martial arts and action stars, the film has been at or near the top of Trevor's most anticipated films list since it's announcement a couple of years ago.
While the brothers are somewhat critical of the film, it needs to be said that the critiques come from a place of love and appreciation.
While not a perfect film by any means, the novelty of seeing Scott Adkins, Tony Jaa, Iko Uwais, Tiger Chen, Michael Jai White, Jeeja Yanin, Michael Bisping, Ron Smoorenburg, and Dominique Vandenberg onscreen, beating the hell out of each other, is dream come true kind of stuff for an action fan like Trevor.
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Kyle and Trevor’s Irish themed month of Catching Up On Cinema continues with Troy Duffy’s The Boondock Saints (1999)!
The first out of only 2 films in the filmography of bartender/bouncer/musician/screenwriter/director Troy Duffy, the film is regarded as somewhat of a cult hit, as well as mini-miracle given the character and (limited) capabilities of it's director.
Rampant glorification of violence and extremist ideologies!
Ron Jeremy's stunt double being shot through a 2-way mirror!
Willem Dafoe in drag!
PRIMO BOX!
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Happy St. Patrick's Day from Catching Up On Cinema!
In keeping with the Irish-ish theme we've had for all the episodes posted this month, Kyle and Trevor invite you, the listener to join them in a special 3-part event we've taken to calling "An Evening with Troy Duffy".
For the uninitiated, Troy Duffy is of course the borderline talented Irish-American bartender/bouncer/screenwriter who is best known for writing and directing The Boondock Saints (1999).
Once thought (for about 5 minutes) to be the next big thing in Hollywood, Mr. Duffy would go on to become the subject of a cautionary tale of sorts, one that is detailed in the documentary we'll be covering in today's episode, Overnight (2003).
Look forward to follow-up episodes on both The Boondock Saints (1999) and The Boondock Saints 2: All Saint's Day (2009) AKA the entirety of Troy Duffy's theatrical filmography!
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Kyle introduces Trevor to the world of Irish horror cinema by having him watch Corin Hardy's, The Hallow (2015)!
A fairly quaint little indie creature feature, the movie was a welcome treat for the 2 to experience.
Environmentalist messages in a monster flick!
Wood imps/fae/hallow beasts!
Eye trauma!
Trevor rambling about monster movies and really basic filmmaking stuff that everyone already knows!
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This March is Irish films month at Catching Up On Cinema!
Trevor kicks things off our survey of the cinema of the Emerald Isle with a not-quite-Irish film (it's technically Scottish), The Big Man/Crossing the Line!
Starring Liam Neeson, the film is perhaps most noteworthy for featuring a protracted and brutal bare knuckle boxing sequence at it's climax.
Discussions regarding Liam Neeson's cock!
A clean shaven Billy Connolly wearing some of the ugliest suits ever featured on film!
Lengthy tangents involving the Lethal Weapon franchise!
Billy the Dog (who farts at night)!
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It's the start of a new month, which means it must be time for another Catching Up On Blu-Ray!
Highlights of the physical media releases for March of 2019:
Creed II (2018, 4k)
The Favorite (2018, Olivia Colman earned a Best Actress Oscar for her performance)
The Craft (1996)
Hellboy (2004, 4k)
Burning (Korean, 2018)
Vox Lux (2018)
The Standoff at Sparrow Creek (2018)
Kid Brother (Criterion, 1927)
The Miseducation of Cameron Post (2018)
Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse (2018, Best Animated Feature winner at the Oscars)
Columbus (2017)
Aquaman (2018, 4k)
If Beale Street Could Talk (Nominated for multiple Oscars)
Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018, 4k)
Detour (Criterion, 1945)
Japon (Criterion, 2001)
Green Book (2018, 4k, Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor winner at the Oscars)
Man's Best Friend (1993)
Perfect Blue (1997, Satoshi Kon anime)
Mortal Engines (2018, 4k)
Pet Sematary (1989, 4k)
The Street Fighter Collection (Arrow, 1973-1974)
And many more!
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CATCHING UP ON CAGE finally comes to it's conclusion as Trevor and Kyle catch up on Patrick Lussier's grindhouse crap fest, Drive Angry (2011)!
Escaping from the bowels of Hell in a souped up muscle car, the plot follows Nic Cage and Amber Heard as they battle a cult and match wits with a scene-stealing William Fichtner.
Bullshit cinematography meant to enhance the 3D experience!
Slow-motion sex gunfights!
William Fichtner delivering every line with laser precision and expert comedic timing!
Amber Heard throwing some of the ugliest punches ever committed to film!
Billy Burke disapproving of his daughter's request to go to burning man, Vin Diesel serving as corporate spokesman for Muscle Milk, and many other, dumber tangents!
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Part 3 of Kyle and Trevor's extended rant regarding the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
In this final portion of the discussion, Kyle and Trevor voice their opinions on the upcoming Captain Marvel film (note: this podcast was originally recording on 2/3/2019) as well as Avengers: Endgame and other MCU films currently in production.
Stay tuned for the closing minutes of the discussion, wherein Kyle and Trevor (mostly Trevor) name a few of the upcoming films they're currently most excited to see!
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Part 2 of Kyle and Trevor's rant regarding the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
In this (shorter) portion of the discussion, Kyle and Trevor discuss their least favorite of the MCU films.
Hint: The Ant-Man films MIGHT be part of the discussion.
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Kyle and Trevor take a breather from CATCHING UP ON CAGE month to rant about about the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) for a couple hours!
Broken up into 3 portions, this first part gives a general overview of the MCU, as well as includes Kyle and Trevor's picks for their favorite films in the series thus far.
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CATCHING UP ON CAGE month continues as Kyle and Trevor plunge headlong into Dominic Sena's borderline straight-to-video sword and sorcery flick, Season of the Witch (2011)!
Full disclosure: Kyle had originally selected the Coen Brother's Raising Arizona (1991) for this week's episode, however at the last minute he decided against it.
Nic Cage looking like an older, cooler Chad Kroeger!
Ron Perlman sucking up all the air in the room with his gigantic head!
Christopher Lee being awesome and sporting gruesome plague makeup!
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It's that time of the month again as Kyle and Trevor take a look a the upcoming DVD and Blu-Ray releases for February of 2019.
Some highlights of this month's releases:
Widows (4k, 2018)
The Girl in the Spider's Web (2018)
Dr. Seuss' The Grinch (4k, 2018)
The Cloverfield Paradox (2018)
The Sisters Brothers (2018)
The Possessed (Arrow, 1965)
Lu Over the Wall (2017)
Shame (Criterion, Ingemar Bergman, 1968)
Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt: Bandit Flower (2017)
FLCL (2000 - 2001)
Popcorn (1991)
Horror Express (Arrow, 1972)
At Eternity's Gate (2018)
Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)
The Front Runner (2018)
All That Heaven Allows (Criterion, 1955)
Overlord (4k, 2018)
A Star Is Born (4k, 2018)
Robin Hood (4k, 2018)
Cry-Baby (John Waters, 1990)
Mazinger Z: Infinity (2017)
Ralph Breaks the Internet (4k, 2018)
The Little Mermaid (4k, 1989)
Mary Queen of Scots (2018)
And many more!
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CATCHING UP ON CAGE month continues, as Trevor has Kyle sit down to watch Werner Herzog's brilliant sequel-in-name-only, Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans (2009)!
Featuring some of the finest examples of Cage-ian acting ever committed to film, it's STRONGLY recommended that you, the listener, go out and watch the film before listening to this review.
Nic Cage threatening elderly women with bodily harm and abusing every drug known to man!
Xzibit sharing a "lucky crack pipe" with our hero!
Brad Dourif as your dad's bookie!
Iguanas and dancing souls!
Fat Val Kilmer!
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CATCHING UP ON CAGE continues as Kyle makes his first selection of the month, Joel Schumacher's misguided comeback film, 8MM (1999)!
Peter Stormare, James Gandolfini and Anthony Heald competing to see who can be the greasiest, sleaziest bad guy in a movie full of greasy sleazy bad guys!
George Costanza as the gimp masked killer!
Nic Cage failing to CAGE OUT more than twice in a film!?
And Kyle and Trevor amusing themselves with bad impressions throughout!
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February is Catching Up On CAGE month at Catching Up On Cinema!
Kicking off the month long exploration of Nicolas Cage's eclectic filmography, Kyle and Trevor mutually dive headlong into the beautifully brutal acid trip that is Panos Cosmatos' Mandy (2018)!
A color palette that burns the eyes!
A thrumming, electronic score that revs you up and freaks you out in equal measure!
A chainsaw fight for the ages!
Cage-ian acting at it's best!
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In this episode, Kyle has Trevor Catch Up On Lexi Alexander's futbol hooligan epic, Green Street Hooligans (2005)!
Elijah Wood sucking at fighting!
Charlie Hunnam in a bath towel!
Gobs of British slang and jargon!
Shitty mullets and child death!
A drunken brawl every half hour to keep you interested!
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In this installment of Catching Up On Cinema, Trevor has Kyle catch up on the modern Hong Kong martial arts classic, Ip Man (2008)!
Directed by Wilson Yip, and starring the inimitable Donnie Yen (with fight choreography by the legendary Sammo Hung) the film is a personal favorite of Trevor's.
Full disclosure, this episode is less comedic than most, with Trevor mostly using it as an excuse to talk about his love for martial arts films in general.
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In this episode, Kyle and Trevor mutually Catch Up On the retro chique Canadian/New Zealand gore fest, Turbo Kid!
Bicycles and Turbo Blasters in the post-apocalyptic wasteland!
Michael Ironside wielding a golf club and grinding people into water!
Badass Cowboy Kiwi teaching youths the value of a "personal bubble".
Bad guys getting sliced into "body hats"!
STAN BUSH!!!
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WARNING! This podcast contains full spoilers for Bandersnatch!
In this episode, Kyle and Trevor make their first foray into Netflix exclusives as they review the revolutionary choose-your-own-adventure episode of Black Mirror, Bandersnatch (2018)!
Foreshadowing with a pinch of story!
Trevor rants about old videogames!
Kyle LOVES Tangerine Dream!
Trevor bitches about the format!
Kyle commits to making EVERY bad choice in the movie!
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It's that time of the month again as Kyle and Trevor ring in the new year by Catching Up On Blu-Rays for the month of January 2019!
Some of the highlights from this month's releases:
Bad Times at the El Royal (4k)
Mid 90's
Hell Fest
Asher
Halloween (2018)(4k)
Notorious (Hitchock, Criterion)
All that Jazz (Criterion)
Cliffhanger (4k)
The Uninvited (!!!)
Suspiria (2018)
All the Colors of Giallo (Documentary)
Screamers
Cobra (Collector's Edition)
Waterworld (Arrow, Special Edition)
First Man (4k)
12 Round Gun
Speed Kills (!!!)
And many more!
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"Hey, I'm sorry about Venom..."
Thank you Michelle Williams, for saying exactly what I'd tell my kid after taking them to see this movie in theaters!
In this special New Year's installment of Catching Up On Cinema, Kyle and Trevor review Sony/Marvel's loathsome pseudo-Spider-Man film, Venom (2018)!
Tom Hardy behaving like a crackhead on acid!
Venom, minus the iconic spider insignia and personality!
Riz Ahmed as a villain that doesn't know what the hell he wants!
Michelle Williams, there to push a button at the climax and little else!
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Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from Catching Up On Cinema!
In this episode, Kyle introduces Trevor to Michael Dougherty's deconstructionist modern holiday classic in the making, Krampus!
Multiple child deaths in a family horror film!
David Koechner fighting rabid gingerbread men!
Mute, obese children chugging Mountain Dew at the dinner table!
Toni Collette and Adam Scott wrasslin' with demonic toys!
Krampus and his METAL AF reindeer!
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In this installment of Catching Up On Cinema, Kyle takes Trevor on a journey into the Alaskan wilderness to experience Lee Tamahori's 1997 adventure flick, The Edge!
Anthony Hopkins as the walking personification of Wikipedia!
Alec Baldwin saying "Charles" 40,000 frickin' times!
Bart the Bear giving the finest display of bear acting in cinema history!
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It's that time of the month again, as Kyle and Trevor Catch Up On Blu-Ray for the month of December 2018!
Notable releases this month:
2001: A Space Odyssey on 4K (Cinematic classic)
The Equalizer 2 (Old man punches young people... Again)
Venom (Tom Hardy eats turds in the wind)
The Predator (Previously reviewed)
The Super (Val Kilmer lookin' baaaaaaaad)
The Lion King on 4K (Just in time for the new CGI trailer)
Death Kiss (Second coming of Charles Bronson)
The Apartment (Criterion. 'Nuff said.)
Deep Throat (!!!)
And many more!
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In this episode of Catching Up On Cinema, Trevor introduces Kyle to the mega-budgeted Cannon Films flop, Lifeforce!
Naked space vampires!
Doctors making out with zombies!
Boobs!
Exploding, laser shooting corpses!
Patrick Stewart channeling the essence of a woman and hypnotizing astronauts with his feminine wiles!
BOOOOOOOOOOBS!
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In a very special edition of Catching Up On Cinema, Kyle and Trevor sit down to discuss the merits (and faults) of the two American Godzilla films...
As well as the entirety of the Godzilla franchise cause Trevor is a super fanboy and can't help himself lol.
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Matt once again guest stars on the show, as both he and Trevor venture out to the theater to Catch Up On the 8th installment in Rocky franchise, Creed II!
What follows is a lengthy discussion about not just the newest film in the series, but the entire Rocky series and what it means to them.
WARNING! This podcast contains spoilers for Creed II. WARNING!
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Matt once again joins Kyle and Trevor for a special, Triple Threat edition of Catching of Up On Cinema!
In this installment, the 3 trade pitches for adaptations or reboots of media properties that they'd like to see committed to film someday.
Time codes for each of the pitches are listed below, as well as divided into individual chapters for your convenience:
1:50 - Matt - The Warriors
10:00 - Kyle - Michael Wincott as The Joker
18:15 - Trevor - Batman: Ten Nights of the Beast
33:30 - Matt - Die Hard
47:00 - Kyle - Guillermo Del Toro's At the Mountains of Madness
1:00:00 - Trevor - Aliens vs. Predator: The Arcade Game
1:12:20 - Matt - Timecop
1:19:20 - Kyle - Mortal Kombaaaaaaaat!!!
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In this episode, Kyle has Trevor Catch Up On a childhood favorite of his, Disney's swashbuckling adventure film, The Three Musketeers!
Charlie Sheen and Kiefer Sutherland compete to see who can covertly abuse the most substances during the shoot!
Michael Wincott smokes 2 packs between takes!
Tim Curry is FULLY erect in every scene he's in!
And just what the Hell is up with white dudes and rope swings!?
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Good lord that's a lot of nines! In this episode, Kyle has Trevor Catch Up On Roman Polanski's satanic neo-noir, The Ninth Gate!
Listen as Kyle explains to Trevor the concept of a "smoking movie!"
Johnny Depp reading and smoking!
Frank Langella self-immolating and summoning the Devil!
Floating French women that like to bang outdoors!
Sisqo!?
And yet another death by hanging! (Seriously Kyle, what the fuck man!?)
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In this episode, Trevor introduces Kyle to the cinematic oeuvre of Ryuhei Kitamura by having him Catch Up On the Japanese indie actioner, Versus!
Guns!
Zombies!
Swordplay!
Innumerable references to other, better, American films!
DEE-PACK-ITATIONS!
BONUS! A couple of minutes of behind-the-scenes audio wherein Kyle and Trevor chat about horror films from their formative years, and the horrors of franchise films owned by multiple distribution groups!
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Kyle and Trevor Catch Up On the current and upcoming Blu-Ray releases from November of 2018.
Trevor teases a potential future episodes covering Superman: The Movie and Sleepwalkers (how dare Kyle NOT see Sleepwalkers!?)
Harrison Ford markets with his FACE!
Is Big Trouble a complete waste of time!?
What is up with the Gingerbread Man!?
Trevor finally remembers the name of that Dave Bautista movie that takes place in a soccer stadium!
And for some reason, the MVP of November 2018 is Lucio Fulci, who has a number of films being re-released on blu-ray this month!
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In this episode, Trevor has Kyle catch up on the 1992 boxing/gambling flick, Diggstown!
James Woods and Bruce Dern trying to out-sleaze each other!
Oliver Platt drinking 10 pitchers of beer!
Jesus calling someone the "N" word!
Inappropriate, 3rd act tone shifts!
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In this episode, Kyle has Trevor Catch Up On his UK cinema by having him watch Guy Ritchie's directorial debut, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels!
The Porn King!
Juggernaut Footballers!
Drunken Backflips!
A Man On Fire!
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Happy Halloween 2018!
In keeping with the spirit of the season, Kyle has Trevor Catch Up On Sam Raimi's 1981 indie classic, The Evil Dead!
As a bonus, the two also discuss the merits of the 2013 remake.
Zoom lenses!
90 seconds straight of screaming!
Chainsaw skull fuckings!
Gwar roadies hijacking the effects department!
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Kyle and Trevor are once again joined in the studio by Trevor's brother Matt, as the trio discuss John Carpenter's 1982 horror classic, The Thing! The 2011 prequel of the same name is also mentioned... grudgingly.
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Trevor's brother Matt makes his Catching Up Cinema debut in this special "Triple Threat" review! Matt makes the most of his guest spot by having Kyle and Trevor catch up on Adam Rifkin's bizarre and largely forgotten, The Dark Backward!
Judd Nelson with a 3rd arm!
Necrophilia!
Disappearing/reappearing mustaches!
A world owned by a pork company!
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In light of Kyle and Trevor's mutual appreciation of Stephen Sommers' The Mummy from 1999, Trevor decides to have Kyle Catch Up On an earlier film from the director's filmography, Deep Rising!
Treat Williams as the chillest dad in the universe!
Famke Janssen being fine as hell!
The bad guy from Lethal Weapon 2 as a ship captain!
Benny!?
KANO!?
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Kyle and Trevor sit down to take a look at the upcoming physical media releases from 10/16/2018 through the end of October!
Release dates are noted throughout, as are the pair's thoughts (if any) regarding the films released within this time frame.
Trevor gushes about Buybust!
Kyle talks about French crap!
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In this episode of Catching Up On Cinema, Kyle introduces Trevor to 2013's grim and critically panned crime-thriller, The Counselor.
Directed by Ridley Scott and shot from a screenplay penned by Cormac McCarthy, the film is visually engaging and boasts a stellar ensemble cast... and yet somehow holds a 45% rating on Rotten Tomatoes(?)
Day drinking!
"The Car Scene"!
Michael Shannon vs. The Wire Man!
CHEETAH WOMEN!
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Following up on their very first collaboration together, The Predator Master Class, (https://anchor.fm/catchinguponcinema/episodes/The-Predator-Master-Class-e296jl) Kyle and Trevor bite the bullet and collectively Catch Up On Cinema by heading out to the theater to watch Shane Black's critically panned, The Predator!
Somehow, the 2 manage to rant and nitpick for longer than the actual run time of the movie.
WARNING! Total spoilers for the soon-to-be-pulled-from-theaters film!
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As fate would have it, both Kyle and Trevor recently watched 2017's ill-fated cinematic universe starter, The Mummy.
Join the 2 of them as they compare and contrast the sole entry in the Dark Universe franchise to it's (superior) 1999 predecessor.
Brendan Fraser Vs. Tom Cruise!
Arnold Vosloo Vs. Sofia Boutella!
Rachel Weisz Vs. Generic Blonde Lady!
Benny!?
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In this installment of Catching Up On Cinema, Trevor tosses Kyle a sweat and testosterone soaked curve ball in the form of the direct-to-DVD martial arts sequel, Undisputed 2: Last Man Standing!
WARNING: Approximately 95% of this podcast consists of Trevor talking AT Kyle about the majesty and badass-itude of Scott Adkins.
Ex-Power Rangers Directors!
Bad Russian Accents!
Leaping Kicks!
Endless, Detailed Descriptions Of The Male Physique!
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Kyle and Trevor get together for their very first podcast!
In this episode, the 2 discuss the entire Predator film franchise including:
Predator (1987)
Predator 2 (1990)
Aliens vs. Predator (2004)
Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007)
Predators (2010)
Additionally, the 2 make their predictions as to what they expect to see in Shane Black's The Predator (2018)!
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The very first (official) episode of Catching Up On Cinema!
In this installment, Kyle helps Trevor to Catch Up On Cinema by having (read: forcing) him to watch Dan Aykroyd’s infamous screwball horror-comedy, Nothing But Trouble!
Giant Babies, Brazilionaires and Penis Noses abound!
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