And we’re back! It’s been along layoff since James and I had a chance to sit down and record a new podcast, and thanks to the wonders of memory, in this episode you’ll hear exactly why this is so. We also talk briefly about the Oscars, more specifically on the In Memorium montage that honors those who have lost their life in the past year, and we note some of the most obvious snubs from this montage, including the man we devote this episode to, writer/director Dan O’Bannon.
O’Bannon isn’t a household name, but his contributions to the Alien franchise and zombie lore alone make him as influential as anyone you are likely to find working in genre films. But then, the Academy isn’t fond of genre films, so why should they be fond of Dan O’Bannon?
So in this episode James and I tackle five of his films as our own way of honoring a man who has made movie watching just so damn enjoyable for us over the years. You may not know who he is, but you’ll be hard pressed to avoid his influences in modern film. He was an incredible talent, and film making is a lesser medium with his loss, and a whole lot less fun. But hopefully you’ll take the time to try out some of his films and finally see just what you’ve been missing.
Once again James and I sit down to discuss films both old and new, now with TWO working microphones! We dive head first into discussing MOON after our gag order has finally been lifted, let it be known that we get into pretty heavy spoilers, so much so that I will actually be including show notes for this episode to help people that wish to avoid them as best I can.
In this episode you also get to hear about James’ new coworkers picking a peck of pickled … ummm … well you’ll hear for yourself. And of course we cover our theme for this episode, When Animals Attack! We watched Link and Long Weekend, and with such a seemingly low brow sub-genre, it will be interesting to see if either of these films aspire to be anything more then schlocky scare fests that appeal to the lowest common denominator.
And of course at the end of the show we once again subject James to the selection gauntlet. What will be next episodes theme? And will James finally pick a movie that I want to watch?
Be sure to leave any comments about this episode below. If you have films you’d like us to consider, or have a great idea for a theme for a future episode, feel free to email us inbox at wherethelongtailends dot com.
Thanks and hope you enjoy the show!
Show Notes 0:00 – Lions
2:35 – Introductions
12:10 – James opens a can of pickles
14:10 – MOON review
18:00 – MAJOR SPOILERS ALERT
37:15 – When Animals Attack!
39:00 – Link
64:00 – Long Weekend
83:40 – Next episodes theme and film selection
After reading a recent review of the Independent film Shuttle by Star Tribune film critic Colin Covert, I may or may not have challenged his sanity and his sobriety in this post. But in an effort to be fair I decided to attend the film anyways and see if Colin actually knew what he was talking about. The result?
I’m sorry to say that Colin Covert, film critic for the Star Tribune, and self-proclaimed “SANEST MAN ALIVEEEEE!” was right, Shuttle is a decent little thriller that does more with its premise then a certain recent big budget film that had a similar low brow concept and rode it to a $100 million American Box Office take.
It helps that Shuttle takes a truly absurd premise (an airport shuttle driver kidnaps his 5 passengers all while driving) and milks it for all it is worth and that the two primary leads, Tony Curran (Red Road) and Peyton List (Mad Men) are actually talented actors. Curran in particular is someone who really should be better known, and if you haven’t watched Red Road make sure to as soon as possible. It is a masterpiece.
Oh sure the film has plenty of holes and numerous continuity errors, but the plot whips along and the actors totally sell their roles. The film isn’t whip smart by any means, but it is performing at a level far greater then would be expected of such low grade fare. As an added bonus, the ending is fantastic and really helps drive home the film. Shuttle isn’t great art, but it is a pretty nice genre flick.
But make no mistake, even if he was correct in this instance, I’m still not sold on Colin’s sanity.
And we’re back! It’s been along layoff since James and I had a chance to sit down and record a new podcast, and thanks to the wonders of memory, in this episode you’ll hear exactly why this is so. We also talk briefly about the Oscars, more specifically on the In Memorium montage that honors those who have lost their life in the past year, and we note some of the most obvious snubs from this montage, including the man we devote this episode to, writer/director Dan O’Bannon.
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