Tv/Movie Rewind

Today Matt & Todd take on one of Alan Smithee's finest: 1986’s Let’s Get Harry. Starring: Michael Schoeffling Thomas F. Wilson Glenn Frey Rick Rossovich Ben Johnson Mark Harmon Whit Bissell Award Winner Gary Busey and Robert DuvallThe premise is simple: Earnest regular guys hire a mercenary (Duvall) to find proof of a friend brother's kidnapping. A foundation of solid action, a great performance by Gary Busey and further elevation by Robert Duvall couldn't help this movie become a hit. There's fun to be had here if you're a fan of 80's action even if it isn't near the top of our list.If you love the era, the vibe, or the “ordinary men on an impossible mission” check it out.Matt has over 100+ lists for movie suggestions on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Letterboxd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠You can reach out on Bluesky: @MovieMattSirois Terrible movies often find him, even under under the alias Marcus at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Movie Asylum of the Weird, Bad and Wonderful⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Follow who we follow:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Once Upon a Geek⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Fade Out Podcast⁠⁠

Today Matt & Todd ride into town with the 1981 Western‑adventure The Legend of the Lone Ranger, directed by William A. Fraker.This movie famously flopped at the box office; partly because of its flaws, but just as much because of the deeply questionable studio decisions surrounding its production. Among them:They alienated one of the original Lone Ranger actors.They cast someone who simply “looked good in the mask.”They then dubbed him entirely.They tinkered with the character’s legacy.They gave a such a silly explanation for the Ranger’s iconic silver bullets.Add all that up and you’d expect a disaster……but what you actually get is a pretty fun Western adventure.Not perfect: there’s some cheese, some studio weirdness, and some choices that don't quite work; but what’s on screen is still a rollicking, pulpy good time in the spirit of The Adventures of Brisco County Jr. or The Mummy (1999). There’s some out‑of‑place balladeering, it takes a while for the masked man to actually mask up, and it’s definitely not the definitive telling of the Lone Ranger mythos. But taken on its own terms, it’s a lively, earnest, slightly goofy Western that probably got hit harder by critics than it deserved. Probably fair to say that even in its best life it didn't live up to the hype meant to surround it. It was a bust for sure.Is it “good” though? We think so, but that’s for you to decide.The Legend of the Lone Ranger (1981) stars:Klinton Spilsbury (James Keach, voice) as John Reid / The Lone RangerMichael Horse as TontoChristopher Lloyd as Maj. Bartholomew “Butch” CavendishWhit Bissell Award Winner: Matt Clark as Sheriff WiattJuanin Clay as Amy StrikerWhit Bissell Award Winner: Jason Robards as Ulysses S. GrantJohn Bennett Perry as Ranger Captain Dan ReidMerle Haggard as the BalladeerMatt has over 100+ lists for movie suggestions on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Letterboxd⁠⁠⁠⁠You can reach out on Bluesky: @MovieMattSirois Terrible movies often find him, even under under the alias Marcus at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Movie Asylum of the Weird, Bad and Wonderful⁠⁠⁠⁠.Follow who we follow:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Once Upon a Geek⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Fade Out Podcast⁠⁠

Today Matt & Todd are invaded by the 1986 sci‑fi‑horror‑comedy Critters, directed by Stephen Herek.Pint‑sized, ravenous, space-hedgehog critters escape space-prison and head to earth for a feast, crash landing on a quiet Kansas farm. Hot on their trail are two morphing alien bounty hunters who are armed, dangerous, and able to change their faces (with varying success).If you’re expecting something in the vein of Gremlins, be warned: Critters is its own wonderfully weird beast. The tone leans far more into 1950s creature‑feature energy. It is closer to The Blob (1958) than Poltergeist (1982). This one keeps its own “offbeat meets surreal” personality and impressive practical effects.If you’re a fan of retro sci‑fi and drive‑in monster mayhem, this one sits comfortably alongside: Night of the Creeps Return of the Living Dead The Blob (1958) The Fly (1958)Critters features:Dee Wallace StoneTerrence MannM. Emmet WalshBilly Green BushScott GrimesWhit Bissell Award Winner Nadine van der VeldeWhit Bissell Award Winner Don Keith OpperLyn ShayeBilly ZaneA cult classic with teeth: Critters is a chaotic, charming slice of ’80s creature cinema that still hits the spot.Matt has over 100+ lists for movie suggestions on ⁠⁠⁠Letterboxd⁠⁠⁠You can reach out on Bluesky: @MovieMattSirois Terrible movies often find him, even under under the alias Marcus at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Movie Asylum of the Weird, Bad and Wonderful⁠⁠⁠.Follow who we follow:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Once Upon a Geek⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Fade Out Podcast⁠⁠

Today Matt & Todd dive into one of the great under‑sung gems of 1970s cinema: the 1973 ensemble whodunnit mystery‑thriller The Last of Sheila, directed by Herbert Ross.Featuring a stacked cast of Hollywood heavy hitters:Richard BenjaminDyan CannonJames CoburnJoan HackettJames MasonIan McShaneRaquel WelchMovie producer Clinton Greene invites a group of industry friends aboard his luxury yacht, the Sheila, for what’s supposed to be a pleasure cruise. When they arrive he reveals that he has also spun up an elaborate parlor game: a mystery scavenger hunt where each guest is assigned a “secret” the others must uncover. As the game unfolds it is clear that there is more to this group that meets the eye.With a screenplay co‑written by Anthony Perkins and Stephen Sondheim, this film is filled with sharp dialogue and Hollywood satire. It is a great twisty murder mystery, a classic of the genre that still feels as clever as the first time we saw it.This episode contains full spoilers, including the ending, so make sure you watch The Last of Sheila before listening. Trust us—you’ll want to experience the reveals for yourself.

Today Matt and Todd venture into Gymkata:“The skill of gymnastics… the KILL of karate!” Starring champion gymnast Kurt Thomas as champion gymnast Jonathan Cabot, the film follows his training to compete in The Game: a cross‑country gauntlet of traps, assassins, and inexplicable pommel horses placed in the wild. The prize for surviving? One wish from the Khan of Parmistan. The U.S. government’s wish? Permission to install a satellite base for Reagan’s “Star Wars” program.The movie flopped on release, but time has been kind to this fever dream. It's unusual blend of Cold War paranoia, martial‑arts enthusiasm, and “why not?” energy makes it a flawed but undeniably entertaining ride. If you’re tolerant of cheesy cinema, or actively seek it out, Gymkata delivers a very fun time. It’s infamous, fairly so, but what else are you watching this weekend anyway? Decide for yourself whether it’s at least “so bad it’s good.”Directed by: Robert ClouseStarring:Kurt Thomas as Jonathan CabotTetchie Agbayani as Princess RubaliRichard Norton as Commander ZamirEdward Bell as PaleyBob Schott as ThorgWhit Bissell Award Winner Buck Kartalian as The KhanWhit Bissell Award Winner for sound by Cutter’s Inc.Matt has over 100+ lists for movie suggestions on ⁠⁠Letterboxd⁠⁠You can reach out on Bluesky: @MovieMattSirois Terrible movies often find him, even under under the alias Marcus at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Movie Asylum of the Weird, Bad and Wonderful⁠⁠.Follow who we follow:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Once Upon a Geek⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Fade Out Podcast⁠⁠⁠

Today Matt & Todd are joined by Logan again to step into the arena for a film we love: 1988’s Bloodsport.The words are few, but you came here for the Bloodsport, and you get it. A mix of martial arts styles, excellent fight scenes, and a dash of slapstick make this the cinematic equivalent of your older brother’s Karate Kid. For aspiring combat‑sport athletes, it might even be their Rocky.If you’re not familiar: Bloodsport tells the inspired by true events story of veteran, martial-artist, and pirate-liason Frank Dux’s legendary performance at an underground, full‑contact tournament known as the Kumite. Bloodsport is directed by Newt Arnold and stars:Jean-Claude Van Damme as Frank DuxDonald Gibb as Ray Jackson a fellow western Kumite fighter.Leah Ayres as Janice Kent an investigative journalistNorman Burton and Forest Whitaker as CID Agents tracking the AWOL DuxWhit Bissell award winner Bolo Yeung as Chong Li (Dux's massive opponent)Whit Bissell award winner Ken Siu as Victor Lin (Dux' manager)Impressive fight choreography by Frank Dux himself with David Worth (who would later direct Kickboxer ) as cinematographerJoin us as we celebrate the punches, the splits, the slow‑motion faces of agony, and the pure Cannon‑era charm of a movie that knows exactly what it is and absolutely commits to it.Matt has over 100+ lists for movie suggestions on ⁠Letterboxd⁠You can reach out on Bluesky: @MovieMattSirois Terrible movies often find him, even under under the alias Marcus at ⁠⁠⁠⁠Movie Asylum of the Weird, Bad and Wonderful⁠.Follow who we follow:⁠⁠⁠⁠Once Upon a Geek⁠⁠⁠⁠ and  ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Fade Out Podcast⁠⁠

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and copasetic impending yearly calendar renewals. Today Matt & Todd are joined by 00‑fanboy Mike to discuss yet another holiday classic (Hello Lifetime, get on this): 1995’s GoldenEye.Directed by: Martin Campbell (also director of Casino Royale (2006))Starring:Pierce Brosnan as “Agent 007” Bond, James BondWhit Bissell Award Winner: Sean Bean as Alec TrevelyanIzabella Scorupco as Natalya Simonova(Retroactive Whit Bissell Winner:) Famke Janssen as Xenia OnatoppJoe Don Baker as Jake WadeJudi Dench as MWhit Bissell Award Winner: Alan Cumming as Boris GrishenkoWhit Bissell Award Winner: Robbie Coltrane as ZhukovskyWhit Bissell Award Winner: Minnie Driver as the woman singing "Stand by your Man" in Robbie Coltrane's sceneGoldenEye is an explosive spy thriller and widely regarded as one of the strongest Bond films; especially among those not starring Sean Connery or Roger Moore. The action kicks off immediately with a thrilling opening sequence, barrels through an all‑timer tank chase, and ends in a cataclysmic finale that keeps you locked in from start to finish.This Bond is a bit more dialed‑back than the 60s‑era madness you might associate with the Austin Powers parodies, but what it lacks in “traditional Bond‑ness” it makes up for with a sharp, modern spy thriller sensibility that is still sprinkled with just enough Bond‑flavored absurdity. That includes the usual questionable physics and, of course, whatever murder‑sex‑wrestling hybrid defines Xenia Onatopp’s particular combat style. She’d make an interesting kumite participant.(Todd here: In retrospect, I should have given Famke Janssen the Whit Bissell Award for the same reasons Alan Cumming earned his. She’s playing a strange, thankless, borderline cartoon character. Onattop is more caricature than role you can “live in”—but she delivers a perfectly unhinged performance and goes all-in on some objectively strange stuff (even for a Bond film) worth recognition. So, with the power vested in me, I’m giving her co‑credit.)While GoldenEye may not top many lists of “Christmas movies,” we think this is the perfect time of year to revisit it.

Today Matt & Todd bring you a holiday‑spirited review of the 1981 made‑for‑TV horror telefilm Dark Night of the Scarecrow.Directed by Frank De Felitta (also known as a novelist behind Aubrey Rose and The Entity)Teleplay by J.D. Feigelson & Butler HandcockStarring:Charles DurningRobert F. LyonsLane SmithTonya Crowe (Whit Bissell Award Winner)Larry DrakeJocelyn BrandoCinematography by Vincent A. MartinelliOriginally airing on CBS October 24, 1981, Dark Night of the Scarecrow is a prime example of late ’70s and early ’80s creepy nighttime television. Over the years, it has become a holiday staple, remembered fondly for its atmosphere, moody lighting, and the eerie void of cornfields at night.Charles Durning commands the screen as Otis, the town’s belligerent, but the film’s strength lies in its ensemble cast and the chilling mood that permeates every frame. While not the most gruesome horror you’ll encounter, it remains a standout thriller of its time—one that continues to hold high regard 44 years later released against Dark Night of the Scarecrow is the perfect seasonal watch. If you’re exploring classic thrillers, this one deserves a place on your list.

In 1997, James Cameron released 'Titanic', it broke box office records entertaining and inspiring millions to this day, while breathing new life into exploration of the historic wreck that sank on April 15, 1912.Remember that night, because today Matt and Todd are joined by "CollinsportGirl" Katherine, to discuss the 1958 British Made: A Night to Remember.We're thrilled to be joined again by Katherine who helped us explore a little more of the 'East Wing' at 'The Great House on the Hill' in our 'Return to Collinsport' while we discuss a disaster film now 67 years old and still as impactful as it ever was.Where Cameron's epic is a love story set amongst the backdrop of this world-changing disaster, A Night to Remember attempts to retell it as it was by giving us the closest retelling of the events this side of a modern documentary.What makes this variation of the tale stand out is the 'matter of fact' telling of the events through the eyes of the survivors. This is a well-researched movie, it does make a few errors, but tries to tell what is ultimately a story of mistakes, and most importantly unfathomable courage that leads to survival hundreds.'A Night To Remember' was produced with an enormous ensemble cast, featuring:Whit Bissell Award Winner' : Tucker McGuire as Mrs Margaret ("The Unsinkable") "Molly" BrownWhit Bissell Award Winner': George Rose as Chief Baker Charles JoughinKenneth More as Second Officer Charles Lightoller]Michael Goodliffe as shipbuilder Thomas AndrewsLaurence Naismith as Captain Edward SmithKenneth Griffith as Wireless Operator Jack PhillipsDavid McCallum as Assistant Wireless Operator Harold BrideFrank Lawton as chairman and managing director of the White Star Line J. Bruce IsmayRichard Leech as First Officer William McMaster MurdochHonor Blackman as Mrs Liz LucasRobert Ayres as Arthur Godfrey Peuchen_____________Matt has over 100+ lists formovie suggestions on ⁠Letterboxd⁠You can reach out on Bluesky: @MovieMattSirois Terrible movies often find him,even under under the alias Marcus at ⁠⁠⁠⁠MovieAsylum of the Weird, Bad and Wonderful⁠.Follow who we follow:⁠⁠⁠⁠OnceUpon a Geek⁠⁠⁠⁠ and  ⁠⁠⁠⁠TheFade Out Podcast⁠⁠

In 1994, television gave us a criminally short-lived gem: The Adventures of Brisco County Jr.. Created by Carlton Cuse and Jeffrey Boam, the series ran for just one spectacular season—27 episodes of sci-fi‑tinged Western adventure that blended pulp thrills with tongue‑in‑cheek humor.The cast was stacked:Bruce Campbell as Brisco County Jr.Julius Carry as Lord BowlerChristian Clemenson as Socrates PooleFeaturing Billy Drago as the sinister John BlyKelly Rutherford as Dixie CousinsJohn Astin as Professor WickwireAnd John Pyper-Ferguson (a dual Whit Bissell Award winner) as the unforgettable Pete HutterThe story follows Brisco, driven to hunt down the gang who murdered his father (played by R. Lee Ermey), but it’s far more than a revenge tale. With its mix of Western grit, sci-fi weirdness, and comedic charm, the show delivered equal parts fun, strangeness, and thrills. Billy Drago’s chilling turn as Bly remains a highlight—an absolutely sinister performance that elevated the series.Gone too soon, Brisco County Jr. remains one of the most fun, inventive shows of its era. If you missed it the first time around, it’s well worth rediscovering—you won’t be disappointed.----------Matt has over 100+ lists for movie suggestions on ⁠Letterboxd⁠You can reach out on Bluesky: @MovieMattSirois Terrible movies often find him, even under the alias arcus at ⁠⁠⁠⁠Movie Asylum of the Weird, Bad and Wonderful⁠.Follow who we follow:⁠⁠⁠⁠Once Upon a Geek⁠⁠⁠⁠ and  ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Fade Out Podcast⁠⁠

Born July 5, 1928 in Depoy, Ky. Warren Mercer Oates came to our screens in 1953 and began a career as one of the finest actors you might never have heard of.From his debut through 1982, Oates delivered unforgettable performances in films such as: The Wild Bunch, In the Heat of the Night, Return of the Seven, and Two-Lane Blacktop. He became a frequent collaborator with two of the most influential filmmakers of his era—Sam Peckinpah and Monte Hellman—featuring in some of their most iconic works throughout the 60s and 70s.Oates passed away in 1982 at the age of 53, leaving behind a legacy of gritty, soulful, and often overlooked brilliance.One of the finest actors in front of a camera has an ecclectic list of some fantastic performances that ought to be recognized by film fans at large.This isn’t a comprehensive list, but it’s a passionate one. Listen with Matt, Todd and their guest Logan in as we celebrate the work of an industry legend who remains underseen by far too many audiences.---------------Matt has over 100+ lists for movie suggestions on ⁠Letterboxd⁠You can reach out on Bluesky: @MovieMattSirois Terrible movies often find him, even under under the alias Marcus at ⁠⁠⁠⁠Movie Asylum of the Weird, Bad and Wonderful⁠.Follow who we follow:⁠⁠⁠⁠Once Upon a Geek⁠⁠⁠⁠ and  ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Fade Out Podcast⁠⁠

Today, Matt & Todd are joined by Mike to discuss the 1948 comedy-horror classic Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein.Directed by Charles Barton.Starring:Bud Abbott as ChickLou Costello as WilburBela Lugosi as DraculaJane Randolph as JoanLenore Aubert as SandraWhit Bissell Award winners:Glenn Strange as Frankenstein’s MonsterLon Chaney Jr. as The Wolf ManFrank Ferguson as Mr. McDougalChick Young and Wilbur Grey are your average porters, tasked with handling cargo arriving from abroad. Temperamental Mr. McDougal, who runs a wax museum, has two large crates containing the bodies of Dracula and Frankenstein’s Monster. Frustrated with their bumbling ways, McDougal insists they deliver the crates directly to his museum.What follows is a hilarious horror adventure featuring three icons of classic monster cinema in their Universal swan song—marking the end of an era of terror.Add in the rapid-fire dialogue and genius timing of the legendary comedy duo, and you’ve got a timeless piece of entertainment wrapped in a surprisingly solid monster movie.Maybe you’re a fan of classic cartoons that borrowed liberally from their act—or maybe you’ve never seen Abbott & Costello in action. Either way, now’s the perfect time to revisit this spooky Halloween gem and keep these legends of comedy, screen, and nightmares alive._____________Matt has over 100+ lists for movie suggestions on ⁠Letterboxd⁠You can reach out on Bluesky: @MovieMattSirois.Terrible movies often find him, even under under the alias Marcus at ⁠⁠⁠⁠Movie Asylum of the Weird, Bad and Wonderful⁠.Follow who we follow: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Once Upon a Geek⁠⁠⁠⁠ and  ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Fade Out Podcast⁠⁠

Today Matt and Todd explore (Stephen King's) The Mist, released in 2007, directed by Frank Darabont:Starring:Thomas Jane,Whit Bissell Winners Marcia Gay Harden and Andre Braugher,Jeffrey DeMunn,Laurie Holden,Toby JonesThomas Jane, his son, and a group of grocery store staff & patrons are enveloped by a thick mist with unseen menaces lurking within. Based on the Stephen King short story.This is an absolute favorite for Matt, listen to him rave about his favorite King Adaptation and one of his favorite horror movies ever!Follow Matt:Matt has over 100+ lists for movie suggestions on LetterboxdYou can reach out on Bluesky:@MovieMattSirois Terrible movies often find him, even under under the alias Marcus at ⁠⁠⁠Movie Asylum of the Weird, Bad and Wonderful.Follow who we follow:⁠⁠⁠Once Upon a Geek⁠⁠⁠ and  ⁠⁠⁠The Fade Out Podcast⁠

In 1999, we were treated to a full re-imagining of the 1959 horror classic House on Haunted Hill. Directed by William Malone and loosely adapted from Robb White’s original story by screenwriter Dick Beebe, this is one of those rare remakes/reboots/re-imaginings where homage and inspiration meet and produce something welcome at just the right time.This update is completely different in just about every way—except for the basic kernel of the story.Geoffrey Rush (as Steven Price) and his wife Famke Janssen (Evelyn) host a party of unsuspecting guests for a night filled with shock and terror. The animosity between the couple and the characterization of Watson Pritchett (Chris Kattan) are carried over, and yes, there’s a very large house with some very scary things. But that’s about where the similarities end.This re-imagining updates the tone to a contemporary horror standard: heavy on computer effects, much gorier, both almost loud enough to overshadow the entertaining performances from the entire cast, but it doesn't. In the end it all works for a lot of fun.Our party guests are rounded out by:Taye DiggsAli LarterPeter GallagherBridgette WilsonAnd the great Jeffrey Combs as Dr. VannacuttIt’s slick, it’s loud, it’s bloody—and it’s a lot of fun. A haunted house movie for the late ’90s, with just enough weirdness to make it memorable.Follow Matt:Matt has over 100+ on LetterboxdYou can reach out on Bluesky: @MovieMattSirois Terrible movies often find him, even under under the alias Marcus at ⁠⁠⁠Movie Asylum of the Weird, Bad and Wonderful.Follow who we follow: ⁠⁠⁠Once Upon a Geek⁠⁠⁠ and  ⁠⁠⁠The Fade Out Podcast⁠

Today Matt and Todd welcome frequent collaborator Mike to discuss another childhood horror classic.In 1979 we were treated to a Universal remake of their 1931 classic: Dracula, directed by the great John Badham and starring: Frank Langella as Dracula Lawrence Olivier as Abraham Van Helsing Kate Nelligan as Lucy Seward, Donald Pleasance as Jack Seward Whit Bissell Award Winners Janine Druvitski as asylum patient Annie, Jan Francis as Lucy and Tony Haygarth as Renfield.This retelling of Bram Stoker's gothic classic makes some changes to the story we remember, but you get what you came for, including a tremendous score by legend John Williams. A worthy successor to the 1931 classic, even if not our favorite, it offers its own haunting scenes and terrific performances that keep us rewatching.Follow Matt:Matt has over 100+ on LetterboxdYou can reach out on Bluesky: @MovieMattSirois Terrible movies often find him, even under under the alias Marcus at ⁠⁠⁠Movie Asylum of the Weird, Bad and Wonderful.Follow who we follow: ⁠⁠⁠Once Upon a Geek⁠⁠⁠ and  ⁠⁠⁠The Fade Out Podcast⁠

Today Matt & Todd observe the wasteland of 1968 alongside Vincent Price in: 1968's The Last Man on Earth.The Last Man on Earth stars:Vincent Price as Dr. Robert MorganFranca Bettoia as Ruth CollinsEmma Danieli as Virginia MorganGiacomo Rossi-Stuart as Ben CortmanWhit Bissell Award Winner: Umberto Raho as Dr. MercerChristi Courtland as Kathy MorganThe director credits go to Sidney Salkow and Ubaldo Ragona.Based on the novel I am Legend by Richard Matheson, also co-screenwriter with William F. Leicester.Set in 1968 we find Dr. Robert Morgan going about his daily routine as a vampire hunter. The vengeful undead have taken over the world as far as Dr. Morgan knows, and he's taking out as many as he can before his own life or sanity give in.It is an imperfect little gem that overcomes any detractions for us with a compelling story, haunting atmosphere, and a good cast with a classic performance by a legend.This one is a lot of fun and a fun entry point into classic independent horror.---Follow Matt:Matt has over 100+ on LetterboxdYou can reach out on Bluesky:@MovieMattSirois Terrible movies often find him, even under under the alias Marcus at ⁠⁠⁠Movie Asylum of the Weird, Bad and Wonderful.Follow who we follow:⁠⁠⁠Once Upon a Geek⁠⁠⁠ and  ⁠⁠⁠The Fade Out Podcast⁠

Today, Matt & Todd explore the world of organized crime through 1973’s The Friends of Eddie Coyle, directed by Peter Yates and based on the novel by George V. Higgins.Starring:Robert MitchumRichard JordanSteven KeatsPeter BoyleThe Friends of Eddie Coyle is a standout in crime cinema: character-driven, understated, and calmly realistic in its portrayal of Boston’s underworld in the early ’70s. No car chases. No slow motion. No glitz. No orchestral swells or streets of blood. This is just a gritty, day-in-the-life look at hardened veteran criminals who are too far in, with few ways out.The film opens with Eddie (Mitchum) staring down a 3–5 year sentence in New Hampshire for hijacking a whiskey truck. Desperate to avoid prison, he starts looking for help with the law, crossing paths with some of the most dangerous people in town.What follows is a gripping tale of crime and consequence.This one’s a masterpiece, plain and simple—and Matt’s favorite crime movie of all time.FollowMatt:Matt has over 100+ on LetterboxdYou can reach out on Bluesky:@MovieMattSirois Terrible movies often find him,even under under the alias Marcus at ⁠⁠⁠Movie Asylum of the Weird, Bad and Wonderful.Follow who we follow:⁠⁠⁠Once Upon a Geek⁠⁠⁠ and  ⁠⁠⁠The Fade Out Podcast⁠

Today, Matt and Todd get into the 1958 sci-fi horror classic: The Blob. Directed by Irvin S. Yeaworth and starring:Steve McQueen as Steve AndrewsAneta Corsaut as Jane MartinEarl Rowe as Lt. Dave BartonWhit Bissell Award winners Stephan Chase as Dr. Halen and Olin Howlin as BarneySpecial mention to “Steve’s” friends, the Teenagers:Robert Fields as TonyJames Bonett as “Mooch”Anthony Franke as AlThe Blob is a sci-fi horror masterpiece from the heyday of the genre. When I (Todd) first saw it, I expected to riff on 1950s quaintness and clunky special effects. What we got instead was a fantastically charming movie—where the best parts might not even involve the titular, indescribable alien mass of destruction.Steve McQueen is a treat to watch as a nearly 30-year-old “teenager,” joined by his similarly aged pals as they battle adult cynicism and a gelatinous lifeform that dissolves everything in its path.The Blob could be accused of being far better than it had any right to be. Charming performances and real impending dread combine into an 86-minute joyride—a true gem of 1950s sci-fi with unexpectedly strong acting and a surprisingly grounded emotional core.Steve McQueen, a legend taken from us too soon, shines here in one of his earliest and still most memorable roles—as a vulnerable, scared, but determined teen hero.Oh, and we also get an all-time banger of a theme song from songwriting super-legend Burt Bacharach and Mack David.------------Follow Matt:Matt has over 100+ on LetterboxdYou can reach out on Bluesky: @MovieMattSirois Terrible movies often find him, even under under the alias Marcus at ⁠⁠⁠Movie Asylum of the Weird, Bad and Wonderful.Follow who we follow: ⁠⁠⁠Once Upon a Geek⁠⁠⁠ and  ⁠⁠⁠TheFade Out Podcast⁠

Three O’Clock High is a 1987 teen comedy directed by Phil Joanou, starring:Casey Siemaszko as JerryAnne Ryan as FrannyRichard Tyson as Buddy RevellWhit Bissell Award winners Stacey Glick as Brei (Jerry’s sister), and co-winners Scott Tiler & Guy Massey as Bruce and Scott, amateur documentary filmmakers.Written by Richard Christian Matheson and Thomas Szollosi.Released in 1987, a critical moment for teen comedies. Just two years prior, we got Weird Science (twice!), Pretty in Pink, The Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. This one didn’t quite land the same way. It underperformed at the box office and didn’t win over critics for the most part.So… what happened?We don’t really know. But we're talking about why we liked it!Today, we’re talking about this overlooked gem of the genre. Loosely riffing on the 1952 western High Noon, Three O’Clock High gives us a surreal, anxiety-laced day in the life of Jerry Mitchell. He’s just a regular student who accidentally crosses paths with Buddy Revell—a hulking new kid with a violent reputation. The showdown is set: 3 o’clock, after school, in the parking lot. No escape.Unlike its teen comedy peers, this one leans darker. It’s not Bad Boys, but there’s definitely more blood and missing teeth than the movies above.Instead of cliques and awkward prom moments, we get likable characters squaring off against a clear villain. It’s a refreshing twist—less detention hall, more clumsy sheriff-vs-bandit showdown.Also we get a killer soundtrack by Tangerine Dream!----Follow Matt:Matt has over 100+ on LetterboxdYou can reach out on Bluesky:@MovieMattSirois Terrible movies often find him, even under under the alias Marcus at ⁠⁠⁠Movie Asylum of the Weird, Bad and Wonderful.Follow who we follow: ⁠⁠⁠Once Upon a Geek⁠⁠⁠ and  ⁠⁠⁠The Fade Out Podcast⁠

Pitch Black is 2000 a sci-fi/action horror film directed by David Twohy.Starring:Vin Diesel as Richard B. RiddickRadha Mitchell as FryeWhit Bissell Award winner Cole Hauser as JohnsKeith David as Abu "Imam" al-WalidRhiana Griffith as JackWhit Bissell Award winner Lewis Fitz-Gerald as ParisPitch Black was an instant classic for us when it dropped back in 2000. The film that launched Vin Diesel’s career features a fantastic cast, striking imagery, and a vibe that’s equal parts eerie and cool.It performed well as it more than doubling its modest budget and spawned two (soon to be three) sequels, animated shorts, and a surprisingly excellent video game.Critically, the reception was mixed. The cries of “derivative!” aren’t entirely off-base and are pretty easy things to say regarding genre films. That's not what we're about though. We're about consuming sci-fi coolness. And Pitch Black absolutely delivers every course.Yes, it leans into familiar tropes and trappings, but if we're being honest, that’s kind of what we came for.And we’d argue that passing it as just derivative misses the point. For fans who want this kind of story, Pitch Black offers something special: great performances, a very human core, and inspired creature effects and camera work that reward you if you’re paying attention. We love it.---------Follow Matt:Matt has over 100+ on LetterboxdYou can reach out on Bluesky: @MovieMattSirois Terrible movies often find him even under under the alias Marcus at ⁠⁠⁠Movie Asylum of the Weird, Bad and Wonderful.Follow who we follow:⁠⁠⁠Once Upon a Geek⁠⁠⁠ and  ⁠⁠⁠The Fade Out Podcast⁠