RSS/iTunes/Spotify

Billed as “the screen’s first erotic kung-fu classic”, FIRECRACKER stars RAW FORCE’s Jillian Kesner as a butt-kicking karate expert who travels to Hong Kong (actually the Philippines) to track down her journalist sister who recently vanished. Featuring topless fight scenes, stick fighting and, of course, Vic Diaz as “Grip”. Essentially a remake of TNT JACKSON (which director Cirio H. Santiago would remake again in 1992 as ANGELFIST), FIRECRACKER is extremely silly, but is it any fun? Listen to the latest episode of WHATEVER HAPPENED TO VIC DIAZ and find out!

RSS/iTunes/Spotify

On this rip-roaring episode of Cinema Fantastica we’re traveling to the 2014 (premiere) edition of the Chattanooga Film Festival in Chattanooga, Tennessee to pit two festival favs against each other: James Ward Byrkit’s low budget sci-fi mindbender COHERENCE vs Sion Sono’s epic tribute to filmmaking (and “mankind’s greatest achievement”) WHY DON’T YOU PLAY IN HELL? Which movie reigns supreme? Listen and find out!

RSS/iTunes/Spotify

On this heart-racing episode of WILD IN THE STREETS we’re looking at the seminal 1972 poliziottesco film EXECUTION SQUAD (aka La polizia ringrazia)! The film takes a surprisingly balanced look at the war between cops and criminals in Italy in the early 70s, with a sympathetic police commissioner (Enrico Maria Salerno) battling both violent psychopaths, as well as a group of vigilantes (the EXECUTION SQUAD) taking vengeance into their own hands. CHECK IT OUT!

RSS/iTunes/Spotify

On this episode of WE DO OUR OWN STUNTS, a chronological Jackie Chan podcast, Jackie is still stuck in Korea with Lo Wei who is determined to make him a star. His next attempt is 1977’s TO KILL WITH INTRIGUE, an often baffling revenge film featuring Hsu Feng as a memorably sadistic villain who falls in love with Jackie’s Lei Shao-feng! There’s plenty of other twists and turns and both odd AND impressive martial arts. Check it out!

RSS/iTunes/Spotify

Nothing in your education or experience could prepare you for Alejandro Jodorowsky’s THE HOLY MOUNTAIN and on this episode of JodoWOWsky we’re going long on one of the strangest, most unique, most transformative films ever made. We start by discussing Jodorowsky’s career post-El Topo and the preparation for – and influences on – THE HOLY MOUNTAIN, before we dive into the film proper, discussing our thoughts, interpretations and feelings about each section. We finish with the film’s post-production and wide ranging influences: from Kanye West, to Beyonce, to MGMT and beyond!

Your hosts are Cinema Smorgasbord regulars Doug Tilley (@Doug_Tilley) and Liam O’Donnell (@LiamRulz), but they are joined on this adventure by the always wonderful and incisive Julia Marchese!

Julia is a filmmaker, actor, writer, film programmer and podcaster. Julia’s first film was Out of Print, a documentary about the importance of revival cinema and 35mm to culture. The film has played all over the world in film archives, art house cinemas and universities. The 35mm print of the film is now housed at The Academy Film Archives. Her next project is a short film adaptation of Stephen King’s short story “I Know What You Need”. She is the co-host of Horror Movie Survival Guide, a weekly podcast that takes a deep dive into a different horror film each week, focusing on how to become the final girl. You can follow her on her social media platforms

juliamarchese.com

RSS/iTunes/Spotify

On this episode of HOW DO YOU DO, FELLOW KIDS? we continue our journey through the career of Steve Buscemi with the hilarious Armando Iannucci-directed 2017 comedy THE DEATH OF STALIN. Adapted from a French graphic novel, the film deals with the political maneuverings that kick into gear following the sudden death of Joseph Stalin in 1953. Featuring an all-star cast, including Simon Russell Beale, Michael Palin, Jeffrey Tambor, Jason Isaacs and, of course, Steve Buscemi as Nikita Khrushchev. CHECK IT OUT!

RSS/iTunes/Spotify

On the latest ERIC ROBERTS IS THE MAN: REDUX we’re joined by author/director Jeremy Herbert to watch 1999’s FACADE! It’s filled with crime, obnoxious noises, “comedy”, and so much more. We also chat about Steven Seagal, DISNEY ADULTS, the monsterverse, dog spies and, of course, all things Eric Roberts! CHECK IT OUT!

This episode’s guest is Jeremy Herbert. Check him out on Twitter @DDayFilms

Check out the trailer for NIGHT WALK

Check out the trailer for APE VS. MONSTER

 

RSS/iTunes/Spotify

After that last episode of FORGOTTEN GEMS? we were feeling a little down, so to pick up our spirits we decided to watch a film that is only PARTIALLY miserable: the Golden Bear winning Brazilian-French film CENTRAL STATION from 1998. Featuring death, despair, and – rather improbably – hope, it includes an incredible (and Academy Award nominated) performance from Fernanda Montenegro. BUT IS IT ANY GOOD? Let’s find out!

RSS/iTunes/Spotify

Well, here’s something a bit different. We were both dreading having to talk about ANNIE HALL on the latest episode of PRAISING KANE (Liam even wanted to skip this episode entirely), so instead, we spend the first half of the episode talking about why we almost skipped it (yes, it’s because of Woody Allen), our frustrations with separating art from artist, and how we personally deal with films that have been poisoned by the actions of people involved. After the break we shift gears to give our general thoughts on the film and, of course, Carol Kane’s performance within. Check it out.

RSS/iTunes/Spotify

On this episode of YOU DON’T KNOW DICK we’re joined by CLAPBOARD JUNGLE director Justin McConnell to discuss Joe Dante’s wonderful 1985 science-fiction film EXPLORERS, starring Ethan Hawke, River Phoenix, Jason Presson and – of course – Dick Miller as Charlie Drake. We talk about 80’s nostalgia, the film’s often-criticized third act, wonder AND awe, and of course all things Dick Miller. Check it out!

Check out Justin McConnell on Twitter @UnstableGround and head over to http://www.unstableground.net/ to check out all his films, including the incredible CLAPBOARD JUNGLE.

And the Lehigh Valley Apparel Creations REEL RUMBLE REDUX IS COMING TO MAHONING DRIVE-IN on MAY 21st and 22nd! Buy tickets here: https://mahoningdrivein.ticketleap.com/reelrumble/