Cinema Smorgasbord

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We knew this day was coming, but it's the FINAL EPISODE of WHATEVER HAPPENED TO VIC DIAZ?, our glorious deep-dive into the film career of "the Filipino Peter Lorre" Vic Diaz which was one of our first ever podcasts under the Cinema Smorgasbord banner. It's been a fine few years, and what better way to round things out than with an all-timer exploitation classic starring Pam Grier and Margaret Markov as two women chained together and making their way through a peril-filled "South American" jungle. Add in a truly demented Sid Haig performance and you've got a recipe for (filthy) fun. And of course we have a tremendous Vic Diaz performance as the sleazy drug dealer Victor "Vic" Cheng! Let's end this thing with a bang! Read more

Cinema Smorgasbord Sells Out

Episode 259 – Cinema Smorgasbord Sells Out – Conclave (2024)

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The Pope is DEAD and someone needs to replace him in Edward Berger's unique political thriller/mystery CONCLAVE from 2024, featuring Ralph Fiennes as Cardinal Lawrence, who is leading the replacement process, as well as Stanley Tucci, Lucian Msamati, John Lithgow, and Sergio Castellitto as potential new popes (if they can get the votes). It's fascinating stuff, with a controversial element that we'll get into during our spoiler section (don't worry, we'll warn you!). We also chat about the recent passing of David Lynch in the opening segment, so get ready and LISTEN!Read more

Further Reeding

Episode 258 – Further Reeding – The Brood (1979)

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CANADA! DIVORCE! Are there any two sweeter words in the English language? I can think of one: CRONENBERG! On this episode of FURTHER REEDING we're getting personal with the 1979 David Cronenberg-directed horror classic THE BROOD starring Art Hindle, Samantha Eggar and - of course - OLIVER REED! It's a film full of complexity, autobiographical elements, (possible) misogyny and killer mutant kids so you know it's right up our alley. Listen and hear some THOUGHTS!Read more

Episode 257 – Wild in the Streets – The Cynic, The Rat and The Fist (1977)

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On this episode of WILD IN THE STREETS, Maurizio Merli is (former) Inspector Leonardo Tanzi, a retired cop constantly disciplined for his unusual (brutal) methods, which in this case involves faking his own death so he can take down the psychopathic Luigi 'The Chinaman' Maietto (Tomas Milian) and master criminal Frank Di Maggio (John Saxon) in Umberto Lenzi's THE CYNIC, THE RAT AND THE FIST. Full of two-fisted action, and a "laser" wall you have to see to believe, there's plenty to like - and be confused by - here, but is it any good? We talk about the good, the bad and the ugly (and try to decide exactly which character is meant to be the cynic/rat/fist) and will let you know. Enjoy!Read more

How Do You Do Fellow Kids?

Episode 256 – How Do You Do, Fellow Kids? – Hotel Transylvania (2012)

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What better time to watch a computer animated feature about monsters than.. uh.. January? Well, we're doing it anyway! On this episode of HOW DO YOU DO, FELLOW KIDS? we're watching the Sandlerverse-adjacent animated comedy HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA and it's.. actually not too bad. Featuring the vocal talents of Adam Sandler, Selena Gomez, Andy Samberg, Kevin James, and - of course - Steve Buscemi, it's about a bunch of monsters in a hotel or something. I don't know. Just listen to the thing. Thanks!Read more

Praising Kane

Episode 255 – Praising Kane – Jumpin Jack Flash (1986)

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It's the first episode of 2024 and PRAISING KANE is packed with wild Carol Kane content, starting with the hour long episode of Shelley Duvall's TALL TALES & LEGENDS adapting the famous poem "Casey at the Bat".. sort of! With Elliott Gould, Howard Cosell, Bob Uecker, Bill Macy and CAROL KANE! It's plenty odd. Then we look at an episode of the 80s comedy crime series CRAZY LIKE A FOX /w Jack Warden and John Rubinstein, featuring Carol Kane guesting as a beleaguered secretary. Then it's time for the main event, the Penny Marshall directed comedy-thriller JUMPIN JACK FLASH starring Whoopi Goldberg and a slew of famous faces in supporting roles- including Carol Kane! It's a Liam O'Donnell childhood favorite, but does it hold up? Let's find out!Read more

You Don't Know Dick

Episode 254 – You Don’t Know Dick – Rock ‘n’ Roll High School (1979) (/w Oscar Goff)

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Happy (almost) new year! We're ending 2024 with an all-timer episode of YOU DON'T KNOW DICK (the world's finest Dick Miller podcast) featuring guest Oscar Goff joining us to not only chat about a Season 6 episode of WHO'S THE BOSS (featuring Dick Miller as a suspicious hotel manager), but also a lengthy discussion on Alan Arkush's beloved 1979 comedy ROCK 'N' ROLL HIGH SCHOOL featuring P.J. Soles, The Ramones, Paul Bartel & Mary Woronov and - of course - Dick Miller! Learn about PUNK MUSIC from the experts! Enjoy and see you on the other side.Read more

Episode 253 – The Cinema Smorgasbord Holiday Special – Switch (2023) & R.M.N. (2022)

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It's the Cinema Smorgasbord HOLIDAY SPECIAL and as usual we're heading (virtually) to the Weihnachtsfilmfestival in Berlin, Germany to check out TWO films that played at their 2023 edition. We start with the sweet Korean fantasy comedy SWITCH from 2023, about a superstar actor who learns a few lessons in love and humility after having his life switched with that of his lowly assistant. Then we finish off with the devastating Romanian drama R.M.N., about the xenophobic fallout when some Sri Lankan workers are hired at a Transylvanian bread company. It's a very special episode so why not send the kids to bed and listen? Read more

Episode 252 – Bartel Me Something Good – Utterly Without Redeeming Social Value (1969) & Mortuary Academy (1988)

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BARTEL ME SOMETHING GOOD returns with two films co-written by the man himself! We start with a rare oddity, the Paul Bartel-starring sex comedy(?) UTTERLY WITHOUT REDEEMING SOCIAL VALUE from 1969, also featuring Don Calfa and a guy who makes robotic art. FUN! Then we're finishing up with the totally bizarre, totally tasteless Police Academy.. uh.. spoof? from 1988 MORTUARY ACADEMY, which reunited Paul Bartel and Mary Woronov! How do we feel about it? It's complex! Listen!Read more

We Do Our Own Stunts

Episode 251 – We Do Our Own Stunts – Project A (1983)

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A seismic shift in Hong Kong filmmaking occurs on this episode of WE DO OUR OWN STUNTS with the release of the legendary action-comedy PROJECT A in 1983. Directed by (and - of course - starring) Jackie Chan, alongside his Peking Opera classmates Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao, it's a raucous, often hilarious and stunt filled thrill ride packed with pirates, pratfalls and one infamous fall from a clock tower that has to be seen to be believed. It changed filmmaking forever and sent Jackie's already ascending star into the stratosphere. But does it hold up? Let's check it out!Read more

Eric Roberts is the Man Redux

Episode 250 – Eric Roberts is the Man – Runaway Train: or, The Story of My Life So Far (2024) (/w Will Sloan)

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It's episode 250(!!) of Cinema Smorgasbord, and what better way to celebrate than a brand new episode of ERIC ROBERTS IS THE MAN covering Eric Roberts' recently released autobiography Runaway Train: or, The Story of My Life So Far, as well as the slew of media Eric has been doing around it - including appearing on Dancing With the Stars! For such a monumental episode we needed a monumental guest, so joining us will be fellow Eric Roberts enthusiast (and co-host of The Important Cinema Club and Michael & Me podcasts) Will Sloan, who has some big thoughts on the book, DWtS and SO MUCH MORE. All that and the latest Eric Roberts news, so CHECK IT OUT! Read more

Cinema Smorgasbord Sells Out

Episode 249 – Cinema Smorgasbord Sells Out – The Shadow Strays (2024)

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On this bloodthirsty episode of CINEMA SMORGASBORD SELLS OUT we're sitting down with Timo Tjahjanto's epic, gore-filled action film THE SHADOW STRAYS, currently streaming on Netflix! Starring actress/model Aurora Ribero as "13", a 17-year-old assassin who gets suspended after a botched mission and befriends 11-year-old Monji. But when Monji gets kidnapped 13 gets some very, very, very blood revenge on his kidnappers while getting on the wrong side of her assassin group. UH OH! We also chat about Indonesian action as a whole because WHY NOT? Check it out!Read more

Wild In The Streets

Episode 248 – Wild in the Streets – Rulers of the City (1976) (aka Mister Scarface)

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A trio consisting of fun-loving Tony (Harry Baer), the more serious minded Ric (Al Cliver) and the bombastic Napoli (Vittorio Caprioli) take on the vicious Mazari (Jack Palance) in the 1976 Italian action film RULERS OF THE CITY (aka MISTER SCARFACE), another poliziotteschi classic from genre master Fernando Di Leo which includes a surprising amount of comedy amongst the usual array of car (and foot!) chases, motorcycle stunts and gunfights. Tony years for a relaxing life in Brazil but gets on the bad side of the mob, while Ric wants revenge for the murder of his father, which means they have to stay one step ahead of baddies as they play pool, have group sex and get themselves in deeper and deeper trouble. It's fun! All of this and a little introductory summary of our experience with Italian crime films over these last few years. Check it out!Read more

Whatever Happened To Vic Diaz?

Episode 247 – Whatever Happened to Vic Diaz? – The Deathhead Virgin (1974)

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On this episode of WHATEVER HAPPENED TO VIC DIAZ? we're with two American lunkheads (played by Jock Gaynor and Larry Ward) exploring shipwrecks in the Philippines when one of them happens upon the skeleton of an ancient Moro princess.. UH OH! Soon we've got possession, murder, cock fighting, nude underwater photography and a whole lot more (including Vic Diaz)! It even has a fun twist thrown in for good measure. All that and a conversation about sexploitation films and how they make us feel (the answer may surprised you). ENJOY!Read more

JodoWOWsky

Episode 246 – JodoWOWsky Part 16 – Madwoman of the Sacred Heart (1992), Bouncer (1997-2003), The Shadow’s Treasure (1999)

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COMICS! WE LOVE 'EM! And so does Alejandro Jodorowsky, and on this episode of the world's finest Jodorowsky-themed podcast JodoWOWsky we're going deep on three of Jodo's most impressive comic works of the 90s and 2000s. We start by checking out his post-Incal collaboration with the legendary Jean "Moebius" Giraud: the mind-bending satire MADWOMAN OF THE SACRED HEART! Next up are two collaborations with the ALSO legendary François Boucq, starting with his epic violent western BOUNCER, and finishing with the playful collection of fables THE SHADOW'S TREASURE. All that and all of the latest Jodorowsky news. Who could ask for anything more? Enjoy! Read more

Episode 245 – Halloween Horror Special – Strange Darling (2023) & Daddy’s Head (2024)

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We were working in the lab, late one night.. recording a brand new HALLOWEEN HORROR PODCAST SPECIAL featuring two recent horror(ish) features to put HEAD TO HEAD! We start with a conversation about some of our recent favorite (and least favorite) horror films before moving onto a discussion on the twisty crime horror STRANGE DARLING from 2023 and ending with the moody British horror DADDY'S HEAD from 2024! CHECK IT OUT!Read more

Praising Kane

Episode 244 – Praising Kane – Transylvania 6-5000 (1985)

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It's the SPOOOoooOOOkiest month, so why not check out the surprisingly un-spooky (and, honestly, pretty unfunny) TRANSYLVANIA 6-5000 on the world's finest chronological Carol Kane podcast PRAISING KANE? Starring Jeff Goldblum and Ed Begley Jr. as two hapless tabloid reporters forced to go to Transylvania to work on a story about monster sightings, the film has supporting performances from Joseph Bologna, John Byner, Michael Richards, Jeffrey Jones (ugh), an extremely underutilized Geena Davis and - of course - Carol Kane! Directed by frequent Mel Brooks collaborator Rudy De Luca and bankrolled by the Dow chemical company (?) it's plenty weird. How weird? Let's find out!Read more

How Do You Do Fellow Kids?

Episode 243 – How Do You Do, Fellow Kids? – Things to Do in Denver When You’re Dead (1995)

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On a returning HOW DO YOU DO, FELLOW KIDS? (the world's finest Steve Buscemi-themed podcast) we're looking at the stylized 90s crime caper THINGS TO DO IN DENVER WHEN YOU'RE DEAD, featuring a cast full of recognizable faces: including Andy Garcia, Christopher Lloyd, William Forsythe, Bill Nunn, Treat Williams, Christopher Walken, Fairuza Balk and - of course - Steve Buscemi as "Mr. Shhh". But is it just a Tarantino rip-off, or does it have more to offer? LET'S FIND OUT! We also check out the latest Buscemi news because WHY THE HECK NOT? Read more

George Kennedy is my Copilot

Episode 242 – George Kennedy is My Copilot – Earthquake (1974)

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What's a George Kennedy-themed podcast without a DISASTER? On this episode of George Kennedy is My Co-Pilot California is hit by the BIG ONE in 1974's EARTHQUAKE where an all-star cast (including Charlton Heston, Ava Gardner, Richard Roundtree, Lorne Greene, Geneviève Bujold and - of course - George Kennedy) have to deal with the after-effects of a massive tremor that destroys most of California. Of course, before the quake hits there's plenty of melodrama and complex relationships (script by Mario Puzo!), but once the earth starts to move things get properly apocalyptic. Our EARTHQUAKE talk is preceded by a short chat about a late-era episode of the television sitcom WINGS featuring George playing a put-upon version of himself! ENJOY! Read more

Episode 260 – Whatever Happened to Vic Diaz? – Black Mama, White Mama (1973) (THE FINALE!)

Episode 259 – Cinema Smorgasbord Sells Out – Conclave (2024)

Episode 258 – Further Reeding – The Brood (1979)

Episode 257 – Wild in the Streets – The Cynic, The Rat and The Fist (1977)

Episode 256 – How Do You Do, Fellow Kids? – Hotel Transylvania (2012)

Episode 255 – Praising Kane – Jumpin Jack Flash (1986)

Episode 254 – You Don’t Know Dick – Rock ‘n’ Roll High School (1979) (/w Oscar Goff)

Episode 251 – We Do Our Own Stunts – Project A (1983)

Episode 250 – Eric Roberts is the Man – Runaway Train: or, The Story of My Life So Far (2024) (/w Will Sloan)

Episode 249 – Cinema Smorgasbord Sells Out – The Shadow Strays (2024)

Episode 248 – Wild in the Streets – Rulers of the City (1976) (aka Mister Scarface)

Episode 247 – Whatever Happened to Vic Diaz? – The Deathhead Virgin (1974)

Episode 246 – JodoWOWsky Part 16 – Madwoman of the Sacred Heart (1992), Bouncer (1997-2003), The Shadow’s Treasure (1999)

Episode 245 – Halloween Horror Special – Strange Darling (2023) & Daddy’s Head (2024)

Episode 244 – Praising Kane – Transylvania 6-5000 (1985)

Episode 243 – How Do You Do, Fellow Kids? – Things to Do in Denver When You’re Dead (1995)

Episode 242 – George Kennedy is My Copilot – Earthquake (1974)

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