Movie Madness

On the final Movie Madness episode for 2025, Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy review nine movies for the holidays. They include a documentary about Seymour Hersh breaking the stories on human rights atrocities (Cover-Up) while Wagner Moura is up against political turmoil in Brazil (The Secret Agent). Even water polo has bullies as it turns out (The Plague) and the job market becomes actual murder in the latest from Chan Wook-Park (No Other Choice). Will Arnett separates from Laura Dern and tries stand-up comedy (Is This Thing On?) while Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson get together to perform Neil Diamond tunes (Song Sung Blue). Sydney Sweeney goes to work for Amanda Seyfried’s off-kilter family (The Housemaid) and Timothee Chalamat hustles his way to ping pong glory (Marty Supreme). Finally, James Cameron is back with the third of his Pandora films. Please let there not be a fourth (Avatar: Fire and Ash). We will return Jan. 2 with our choices for the best of the year with Collin Souter.3:42 - Cover-Up12:00 - The Plague20:01 - The Secret Agent31:07 - Is This Thing On?45:47 - Song Sung Blue1:00:00 - No Other Choice1:09:17 - The Housemaid1:24:03 - Marty Supreme1:39:30 - Avatar: Fire and AshCLICK ON THE FILMS TO RENT OR PURCHASE AND HELP OUT THE MOVIE MADNESS PODCASTSIGN UP FOR AUDIBLEBe sure to check outErik’s Weekly Box Office Column – At Rotten TomatoesCritics’ Classics Series – At Elk Grove Cinema in Elk Grove Village, ILChicago Screening Schedule - All the films coming to theaters and streamingPhysical Media Schedule - Click & Buy upcoming titles for your library.(Direct purchases help the Movie Madness podcast with a few pennies.)Erik’s Linktree - Where you can follow Erik and his work anywhere and everywhere.The Movie Madness Podcast has been recognized by Million Podcasts as one of the Top 100 Best Movie Review Podcasts as well as in the Top 60 Film Festival Podcasts and Top 100 Cinephile Podcasts. MillionPodcasts is an intelligently curated, all-in-one podcast database for discovering and contacting podcast hosts and producers in your niche perfect for PR pitches and collaborations. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit erikthemovieman.substack.com

Erik Childress and Peter Sobczynski close out the year in physical media with a lot of suggestions for your Christmas baskets. For the more adventurous who don’t mind a little darkness with their holidays you have Paul Thomas Anderson’s adult film industry epic and the booze-filled trip through sin city that won Nicolas Cage his Oscar. There is sci-fi anime, David Cronenberg’s tale of infection and the Wachowskis’ epic journey of conspiracy and souls. Joe Dante’s sprawling dare of a film experience finally comes home…if you can get it. For those who need to laugh, four of the classic Pink Panther films have been upgraded. And for the kid in all of us that we could all get in touch with these holidays, the original Turtles in a Half-Shell get a box set, Tim Burton’s timeless debut with Pee-Wee Herman and everyone’s favorite talking pig are all here for you. All this plus our thoughts on the tragic murder of Rob Reiner.1:40 - A Tribute to Rob Reiner5:44 - Criterion (Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure (4K), David Byrne’s American Utopia (4K))17:44 - Warner Archive (On Borrowed Time)23:14 – Warner Bros. (Boogie Nights (4K))34:00 - Shout Factory (Rabid (1977) (4K), Leaving Las Vegas (4K), Perfect Blue (4K), Cloud Atlas (4K))1:07:51 - Kino (Scars of Dracula (4K), Walking Tall (2004) (4K), The Pink Panther (1963) (4K), A Shot in the Dark (4K), The Pink Panther Strikes Again (4K), Revenge of the Pink Panther (4K), Babe (4K), Babe: Pig in the City (4K))2:15:52 - Arrow (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Trilogy (4K))2:36:02 - Vinegar Syndrome (The Movie Orgy)2:48:38 - New TV & Theatrical Titles On Blu-ray (Wally Gator: The Complete Series, Lippy the Lion & Hardy Har Har: The Complete Series, Monk: The Complete Series, A Big Bold Beautiful Journey, Black Phone 2 (4K), Bugonia (4K), Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point, Good Night, and Good Luck: Live from Broadway, Hot Spring Shark Attack, Thank You Very Much)CLICK ON THE FILMS TO RENT OR PURCHASE AND HELP OUT THE MOVIE MADNESS PODCASTSIGN UP FOR AUDIBLEBe sure to check outErik’s Weekly Box Office Column – At Rotten TomatoesCritics’ Classics Series – At Elk Grove Cinema in Elk Grove Village, ILChicago Screening Schedule - All the films coming to theaters and streamingPhysical Media Schedule - Click & Buy upcoming titles for your library.(Direct purchases help the Movie Madness podcast with a few pennies.)Erik’s Linktree - Where you can follow Erik and his work anywhere and everywhere.The Movie Madness Podcast has been recognized by Million Podcasts as one of the Top 100 Best Movie Review Podcasts as well as in the Top 60 Film Festival Podcasts and Top 100 Cinephile Podcasts. MillionPodcasts is an intelligently curated, all-in-one podcast database for discovering and contacting podcast hosts and producers in your niche perfect for PR pitches and collaborations. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit erikthemovieman.substack.com

As we approach the end of the year, Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy still have six reviews for this week. They include a documentary about the inventor of Pantone (The King of Color) as well as Mamoru Hosoda’s anime about a princess avenging her father’s death (Scarlet). The Ripley-like influencer from a 2022 thriller is on the prowl again (Influencers) as is the guy from the ‘80s who dressed like Santa Claus and killed a bunch of people but this time with a derivative twist (Silent Night, Deadly Night). The creator of Pushing Daisies and Hannibal makes his debut about a girl who hires a hitman to take care of the monster under her bed (Dust Bunny). Finally, the legendary James L. Brooks’ returns with his first film in 15 years and the guys have very different takes on it.1:38 - The King of Color9:09 - Silent Night, Deadly Night18:46 - Scarlet26:02 - Influencers36:59 - Dust Bunny45:36 - Ella McCayCLICK ON THE FILMS TO RENT OR PURCHASE AND HELP OUT THE MOVIE MADNESS PODCASTSIGN UP FOR AUDIBLEBe sure to check outErik’s Weekly Box Office Column – At Rotten TomatoesCritics’ Classics Series – At Elk Grove Cinema in Elk Grove Village, ILChicago Screening Schedule - All the films coming to theaters and streamingPhysical Media Schedule - Click & Buy upcoming titles for your library.(Direct purchases help the Movie Madness podcast with a few pennies.)Erik’s Linktree - Where you can follow Erik and his work anywhere and everywhere.The Movie Madness Podcast has been recognized by Million Podcasts as one of the Top 100 Best Movie Review Podcasts as well as in the Top 60 Film Festival Podcasts and Top 100 Cinephile Podcasts. MillionPodcasts is an intelligently curated, all-in-one podcast database for discovering and contacting podcast hosts and producers in your niche perfect for PR pitches and collaborations. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit erikthemovieman.substack.com

Just a few weeks until Christmas and there is plenty of physical media to fit under the tree as Erik Childress and Peter Sobczynski’s roundup this week’s selections. They include a little Powell and Pressburger and some Oscar nominees from Penny Marshall and Mira Nair. There is some more from Dan Curtis, a giant snake and one of Robert Altman’s more obscure oddities. Lionsgate alone has one of the great making of documentaries of all time, Kevin Smith’s hilarious riff on religion and faith plus the film that makes Tarantino lash out on The Hunger Games. There are grandiose collections from the Shaw Brothers and the first name of mainstreamed erotica. Plus of pair of upgrade for Steven Spielberg from one of his glorious double-film years.1:45 - Criterion (I Know Where I’m Going! (4K), Salaam Bombay! (4K))9:34 - Film Masters (Lady of Burlesque)12:24 - Kino (Dead of Night (4K), Dan Curtis’ Gothic Tales)18:33 - Arrow (Shawscope (Volume Four))26:47 - Radiance (O.C. and Stiggs)39:41 - Sony (Awakenings (4K), Anaconda (4K Steelbook))56:07 - Lionsgate (Hearts of Darkness (4K), Dogma (25th Anniversary) (4K), Battle Royale 4K)1:25:17 - Paramount (Minority Report (4K), Catch Me If You Can (4K))1:45:06 - Severin (Saga Erotica: The Emmanuelle Collection 4K)2:06:52 - New Theatrical Titles On Blu-ray (Good Fortune (4K), I’m Still Here, The Strangers: Chapter 2, Beast of War, Dead of Winter (2025), Rabbit Trap, A Savage Art, London Calling)2:09:33 - New Blu-ray AnnouncementsCLICK ON THE FILMS TO RENT OR PURCHASE AND HELP OUT THE MOVIE MADNESS PODCASTSIGN UP FOR AUDIBLEBe sure to check outErik’s Weekly Box Office Column – At Rotten TomatoesCritics’ Classics Series – At Elk Grove Cinema in Elk Grove Village, ILChicago Screening Schedule - All the films coming to theaters and streamingPhysical Media Schedule - Click & Buy upcoming titles for your library.(Direct purchases help the Movie Madness podcast with a few pennies.)Erik’s Linktree - Where you can follow Erik and his work anywhere and everywhere.The Movie Madness Podcast has been recognized by Million Podcasts as one of the Top 100 Best Movie Review Podcasts as well as in the Top 60 Film Festival Podcasts and Top 100 Cinephile Podcasts. MillionPodcasts is an intelligently curated, all-in-one podcast database for discovering and contacting podcast hosts and producers in your niche perfect for PR pitches and collaborations. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit erikthemovieman.substack.com

Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy kick off December with 11 reviews for you. On the photography and journalism side Steve has a pair of documentaries to talk about (Steve Schapiro: Being Everywhere, The New Yorker At 100) while Erik looks at the story of Christmas Tree sellers (The Merchants of Joy). There is a horror film about the trail of an infamous piece of footage (Man Finds Tape) as well as survivalist Mel Gibson protecting a woman from the cartel after her (Hunting Season). Michelle Pfeiffer goes for mom of the year during Christmas (Oh. What. Fun.) while Dangerous Liaisons meets a fairy tale setting (100 Nights of Hero). An infamous stage musical gets a filmed revival on film (Merrily We Roll Along) and Quentin Tarantino’s multi-volume martial arts epic gets pieced together as one (Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair). Finally the animatronic pizza place characters from the video game are back (Five Nights at Freddy’s 2) and George Clooney is a moviestar going through a three-quarter life crisis (Jay Kelly).4:00 - Steve Schapiro: Being Everywhere10:23 - The New Yorker At 10017:53 - The Merchants of Joy25:16 - Man Finds Tape34:29 - Hunting Season40:17 - Oh. What. Fun.49:22 - 100 Nights of Hero1:01:09 - Merrily We Roll Along1:08:09 - Five Nights at Freddy’s 21:19:38 - Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair1:29:26 - Jay KellyCLICK ON THE FILMS TO RENT OR PURCHASE AND HELP OUT THE MOVIE MADNESS PODCASTSIGN UP FOR AUDIBLEBe sure to check outErik’s Weekly Box Office Column – At Rotten TomatoesCritics’ Classics Series – At Elk Grove Cinema in Elk Grove Village, ILChicago Screening Schedule - All the films coming to theaters and streamingPhysical Media Schedule - Click & Buy upcoming titles for your library.(Direct purchases help the Movie Madness podcast with a few pennies.)Erik’s Linktree - Where you can follow Erik and his work anywhere and everywhere.The Movie Madness Podcast has been recognized by Million Podcasts as one of the Top 100 Best Movie Review Podcasts as well as in the Top 60 Film Festival Podcasts and Top 100 Cinephile Podcasts. MillionPodcasts is an intelligently curated, all-in-one podcast database for discovering and contacting podcast hosts and producers in your niche perfect for PR pitches and collaborations. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit erikthemovieman.substack.com

Black Friday may be behind us but December has so much to gift your loved ones. Erik Childress and Peter Sobczynski have some great new suggestions this week on physical media. Parents have a chance to introduce their kids to the entire collection of Tom & Jerry while dad can revisit their ‘80s memories of Heather Thomas and Kim Cattrall. Speaking of which, Lucinda Dickey’s legendary mix of Flashdance and ninjas gets the 4K upgrade as does one of John Woo’s masterpieces and one of the greatest comedies of all-time.4:19 - Criterion (His Girl Friday (4K))15:45 - Warner Archive (Tom And Jerry: The Golden Era Anthology (1940-1958))22:35 - Arrow (The House with Laughing Windows (4K), Wild Style (4K))32:47 - Sandpiper (Zapped, Mannequin)47:24 - Kino (Ninja Trilogy 4K)1:01:24 - Shout Factory (The Killer (4K))1:15:37 - New Theatrical Titles On Blu-ray (Chain Reactions, Code 3, Diciannove)1:16:57 - New Blu-ray AnnouncementsCLICK ON THE FILMS TO RENT OR PURCHASE AND HELP OUT THE MOVIE MADNESS PODCASTSIGN UP FOR AUDIBLEBe sure to check outErik’s Weekly Box Office Column – At Rotten TomatoesCritics’ Classics Series – At Elk Grove Cinema in Elk Grove Village, ILChicago Screening Schedule - All the films coming to theaters and streamingPhysical Media Schedule - Click & Buy upcoming titles for your library.(Direct purchases help the Movie Madness podcast with a few pennies.)Erik’s Linktree - Where you can follow Erik and his work anywhere and everywhere.The Movie Madness Podcast has been recognized by Million Podcasts as one of the Top 100 Best Movie Review Podcasts as well as in the Top 60 Film Festival Podcasts and Top 100 Cinephile Podcasts. MillionPodcasts is an intelligently curated, all-in-one podcast database for discovering and contacting podcast hosts and producers in your niche perfect for PR pitches and collaborations. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit erikthemovieman.substack.com

It’s Thanksgiving week and there are movies to see. Some great ones too and seven of them are covered this week by Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy. Shih-Ching Tsou, a producer of Sean Baker’s films, returns behind the camera with a unique family drama on Netflix (Left-Handed Girl) where you can also see a fascinating journalistic mystery about the Vietnam War (The Stringer: The Man Who Took The Photo). Brendan Fraser takes on a unique acting challenge in Japan (Rental Family) while Miles Teller & Elizabeth Olsen die and must figure out if they want to spend the afterlife with each other (Eternity). Chloe Zhao delivers the emotional wringer of the year (Hamnet) while Rian Johnson gives us the third chapter of his fantastic Knives Out series (Wake Up Dead Man). Finally it’s been nine years by Disney takes us back to the animal world for another timely mystery (Zootopia 2).3:46 - Left-Handed Girl10:32 - Rental Family22:23 - The Stringer: The Man Who Took The Photo31:42 - Eternity45:43 - Hamnet58:50 - Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery1:13:02 - Zootopia 2CLICK ON THE FILMS TO RENT OR PURCHASE AND HELP OUT THE MOVIE MADNESS PODCASTSIGN UP FOR AUDIBLEBe sure to check outErik’s Weekly Box Office Column – At Rotten TomatoesCritics’ Classics Series – At Elk Grove Cinema in Elk Grove Village, ILChicago Screening Schedule - All the films coming to theaters and streamingPhysical Media Schedule - Click & Buy upcoming titles for your library.(Direct purchases help the Movie Madness podcast with a few pennies.)Erik’s Linktree - Where you can follow Erik and his work anywhere and everywhere.The Movie Madness Podcast has been recognized by Million Podcasts as one of the Top 100 Best Movie Review Podcasts as well as in the Top 60 Film Festival Podcasts and Top 100 Cinephile Podcasts. MillionPodcasts is an intelligently curated, all-in-one podcast database for discovering and contacting podcast hosts and producers in your niche perfect for PR pitches and collaborations. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit erikthemovieman.substack.com

Just in time for Black Friday week, Erik Childress and Peter Sobczynski get you caught up on this week’s collection of physical media. There’s no less than four classic Abbott and Costello titles and five Death Wish films. One of the great Jane Austen adaptation celebrates its 20th anniversary in 4K. Sean Penn battles his criminal father, Christopher Walken, while William Powell and Myrna Loy team up again outside of the Thin Man films. The sword and sandals are represented twice in the ‘80s from The Barbarian Brothers (and Eva LaRue) plus the Don Coscarelli film that may be the living embodiment of the perfect cable movie. Finally, the duo lead off with a deep dive into Stanley Kubrick’s final film, the perfect Christmas movie for everyone.3:56 - Criterion (Eyes Wide Shut (4K))25:37 - Warner Archive (I Love You Again)31:11 - Kino (Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (4K), Abbott and Costello Meet the Invisible Man (4K), Abbott and Costello Meet Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (4K), Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy (4K), Ilsa, Harem Keeper of the Oil Sheiks (4K), The Death Wish Collection, The Barbarians)1:15:12 - Shout Factory (The Beastmaster (4K))1:26:34 - Cinematographe (At Close Range (4K))1:35:34 - Universal (Pride and Prejudice (4K))1:44:42 – New Theatrical Titles On Blu-Ray (The Long Walk (4K), The Conjuring: Last Rites (4K), Primitive War (4K), Anemone (4K), Coyotes, The Roses, Bone Lake, Eleanor the Great, Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie)CLICK ON THE FILMS TO RENT OR PURCHASE AND HELP OUT THE MOVIE MADNESS PODCASTSIGN UP FOR AUDIBLEBe sure to check outErik’s Weekly Box Office Column – At Rotten TomatoesCritics’ Classics Series – At Elk Grove Cinema in Elk Grove Village, ILChicago Screening Schedule - All the films coming to theaters and streamingPhysical Media Schedule - Click & Buy upcoming titles for your library.(Direct purchases help the Movie Madness podcast with a few pennies.)Erik’s Linktree - Where you can follow Erik and his work anywhere and everywhere.The Movie Madness Podcast has been recognized by Million Podcasts as one of the Top 100 Best Movie Review Podcasts as well as in the Top 60 Film Festival Podcasts and Top 100 Cinephile Podcasts. MillionPodcasts is an intelligently curated, all-in-one podcast database for discovering and contacting podcast hosts and producers in your niche perfect for PR pitches and collaborations. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit erikthemovieman.substack.com

Eight movies are reviewed this week with Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy including a little catch-up from our previous week off. Steve checks out a Minka Kelly rom-com (Champagne Problems) and a film that owes a lot to the world of Euro-spy films (Reflection in a Dead Diamond). Speaking of which Mark Wahlberg’s Morgan family is back for their own European intrigue (The Family Plan 2) while a documentary charts the business angle that is thriving from school children being in actual danger (Thoughts & Prayers) and Josh O’Connor tries to pick up the pieces after a wildfire (Rebuilding). There is the invincible hero who fought Nazis now on the run from the Soviets (Sisu: Road to Revenge) while Glen Powell has to survive 30 days to win a billion dollars in the re-adaptation of Stephen King’s novel (The Running Man). Finally, the witches of Oz return to complete their story with a giant thud. (Wicked: For Good)6:40 - Champagne Problems13:45 - Thoughts & Prayers21:06 - Reflection in a Dead Diamond27:11 - The Family Plan 238:50 - Rebuilding48:19 - Sisu: Road to Revenge57:11 - The Running Man1:11:09 - Wicked: For GoodCLICK ON THE FILMS TO RENT OR PURCHASE AND HELP OUT THE MOVIE MADNESS PODCASTSIGN UP FOR AUDIBLEBe sure to check outErik’s Weekly Box Office Column – At Rotten TomatoesCritics’ Classics Series – At Elk Grove Cinema in Elk Grove Village, ILChicago Screening Schedule - All the films coming to theaters and streamingPhysical Media Schedule - Click & Buy upcoming titles for your library.(Direct purchases help the Movie Madness podcast with a few pennies.)Erik’s Linktree - Where you can follow Erik and his work anywhere and everywhere.The Movie Madness Podcast has been recognized by Million Podcasts as one of the Top 100 Best Movie Review Podcasts as well as in the Top 60 Film Festival Podcasts and Top 100 Cinephile Podcasts. MillionPodcasts is an intelligently curated, all-in-one podcast database for discovering and contacting podcast hosts and producers in your niche perfect for PR pitches and collaborations. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit erikthemovieman.substack.com

It’s a week in physical media that would make current Secretary of Transportation, Sean “I can’t guarantee safety” Duffy, blush. Erik Childress and Peter Sobczynski take you through a week that includes the film that sent The Color Purple home empty, one of the Mars movies of 2000-01 and a decade-old adaptation of a Broadway smash. There’s also another prestige Oscar winner from Merchant Ivory, the Marx Brothers go to the circus and Simon Pegg & Nick Frost pay tribute to science fiction. One of John Woo’s most memorable films gets an upgrade in a new set and if you want to see one of the films they were making during Scorsese’s The Aviator, Criterion has you covered.3:50 - Criterion (Hell’s Angels (4K), El (4K))18:30 - Warner Archive (At the Circus, The Bride Came C.O.D.)32:07 - Kino (The Gracie Allen Murder Case, Howards End (4K), Paul (4K))54:00 - Universal (Out of Africa (4K))1:02:43 - Arrow (Red Planet (4K))1:11:54 - Sony (Rent (4K))1:17:31 - Shout (A Better Tomorrow Trilogy (4K))1:30:18 – New Theatrical Titles On Blu-ray (Splitsville, Universal Language, I’m ‘George Lucas’: A Connor Ratliff Story, Secret Mall Apartment, Riefenstahl)1:35:06 - New Blu-ray AnnouncementsCLICK ON THE FILMS TO RENT OR PURCHASE AND HELP OUT THE MOVIE MADNESS PODCASTSIGN UP FOR AUDIBLEBe sure to check outErik’s Weekly Box Office Column – At Rotten TomatoesCritics’ Classics Series – At Elk Grove Cinema in Elk Grove Village, ILChicago Screening Schedule - All the films coming to theaters and streamingPhysical Media Schedule - Click & Buy upcoming titles for your library.(Direct purchases help the Movie Madness podcast with a few pennies.)Erik’s Linktree - Where you can follow Erik and his work anywhere and everywhere.The Movie Madness Podcast has been recognized by Million Podcasts as one of the Top 100 Best Movie Review Podcasts as well as in the Top 60 Film Festival Podcasts and Top 100 Cinephile Podcasts. MillionPodcasts is an intelligently curated, all-in-one podcast database for discovering and contacting podcast hosts and producers in your niche perfect for PR pitches and collaborations. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit erikthemovieman.substack.com

It’s a packed week on physical media this week, thanks at least to one filmmaker. But Erik Childress and Peter Sobczynski have plenty of good stuff for your libraries this week. They include one of the great filmmaking documentaries with Werner Herzog. There are a pair of Oscar-winning Best Pictures making their 4K debuts as well as a pair of Jim Carrey upgrades. Alex Winter’s ‘90s cult film gets an incredible new package and one of Peter’s favorite directors gets a package worth celebrating. If you’re a fan.6:05 - Criterion (Burden of Dreams (4K))13:02 - Lionsgate (The Descent 4K)18:10 - Kino (Frightmare)22:41 - Warner Bros. (One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (4K))33:45 - Shout Factory (Spotlight (4K), Snowden (4K))46:24 - Drafthouse Films (Freaked (4K))54:35 - Arrow (The Mask (4K))1:05:16 - Universal (How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (4K), U-571 (4K))1:21:49 - Sony (The Luc Besson 9-Movie Collection (1983-2005) (4K))1:49:31 - New TV Titles On Blu-ray (Ted Lasso: The Richmond Way (4K), Creepshow: Complete Series (2019-2022), Two and a Half Men: The Complete Series, The Morning Show (Seasons 1 & 2))1:50:41 - New Theatrical Titles On Blu-ray (The Naked Gun (2025) (4K), Caught Stealing (4K), Together (4K), Spinal Tap II: The End Continues (4K), Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale (4K), Freakier Friday, The Count of Monte Cristo, Him (4K), Eden, Red Sonja (2025))1:57:01 - New Blu-ray AnnouncementsSIGN UP FOR AUDIBLECLICK ON THE FILMS TO RENT OR PURCHASE AND HELP OUT THE MOVIE MADNESS PODCASTBe sure to check outErik’s Weekly Box Office Column – At Rotten TomatoesCritics’ Classics Series – At Elk Grove Cinema in Elk Grove Village, ILChicago Screening Schedule - All the films coming to theaters and streamingPhysical Media Schedule - Click & Buy upcoming titles for your library.(Direct purchases help the Movie Madness podcast with a few pennies.)Erik’s Linktree - Where you can follow Erik and his work anywhere and everywhere.The Movie Madness Podcast has been recognized by Million Podcasts as one of the Top 100 Best Movie Review Podcasts as well as in the Top 60 Film Festival Podcasts and Top 100 Cinephile Podcasts. MillionPodcasts is an intelligently curated, all-in-one podcast database for discovering and contacting podcast hosts and producers in your niche perfect for PR pitches and collaborations. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit erikthemovieman.substack.com

Eight reviews are on the docket this week with Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy. They include a film about a recording of a photographer telling us about their day (Peter Hujar’s Day). Steve covers many of the elements with a documentary about one of the biggest franchises ever (Fire and Water: Making the Avatar Films) and the hunts for millions in the tundra (Ice Fall). Sydney Sweeney becomes one of the most successful female boxers ever (Christy) and Russell Crowe is on trial for being Hitler’s second-in-command (Nuremberg). A non-binary teenager is kicked out of their home (I Wish You All The Best). Jennifer Lawrence goes through hell after having a baby with Robert Pattinson (Die, My Love) and the antagonist becomes the protagonist in the continuing adventures of a 40+-year franchise – or two (Predator: Badlands).4:46 - Fire and Water: Making the Avatar Films13:45 - Peter Hujar’s Day23:08 - Ice Fall30:21 - Christy41:37 - I Wish You All the Best51:10 - Nuremberg1:06:52 - Die, My Love1:21:02 - Predator: BadlandsCLICK ON THE FILMS TO RENT OR PURCHASE AND HELP OUT THE MOVIE MADNESS PODCASTBe sure to check outErik’s Weekly Box Office Column – At Rotten TomatoesCritics’ Classics Series – At Elk Grove Cinema in Elk Grove Village, ILChicago Screening Schedule - All the films coming to theaters and streamingPhysical Media Schedule - Click & Buy upcoming titles for your library.(Direct purchases help the Movie Madness podcast with a few pennies.)Erik’s Linktree - Where you can follow Erik and his work anywhere and everywhere.The Movie Madness Podcast has been recognized by Million Podcasts as one of the Top 100 Best Movie Review Podcasts as well as in the Top 60 Film Festival Podcasts and Top 100 Cinephile Podcasts. MillionPodcasts is an intelligently curated, all-in-one podcast database for discovering and contacting podcast hosts and producers in your niche perfect for PR pitches and collaborations. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit erikthemovieman.substack.com

Its physical media time again on the show with Erik Childress and Peter Sobczynski talking about the film that got Dillinger killed a pre-Lady Eve comic mystery with Barbary Stanwyck & Henry Fonda. Apple goes back to physical media to add an Oscar winner to your shelf. There’s an all-star cast in a late ‘70s Godfather wannabe plus Peter Hyams’ western in space. Tim Burton gets an upgrade for one of his very best films as does the great John Woo with an action film (and baby) for the ages. Plus Criterion upgrades their entry from the John Hughes era which the duo have a lot of thoughts on.3:50 - Criterion (The Breakfast Club (4K))19:34 - Apple (CODA 4K)30:17 - Warner Archive (Manhattan Melodrama, The Mad Miss Manton)43:11 - Cinematographe (King of the Gypsies 4K)52:13 - Disney (Edward Scissorhands (4K))1:04:35 - Arrow (Outland (4K))1:15:45 - Shout (Hard Boiled (4K))1:23:21 – New TV On Blu-ray (Alfred Hitchcock Presents: The Legacy Collection, Happy’s Place: Season One)1:26:26 - New Blu-ray AnnouncementsCLICK ON THE FILMS TO RENT OR PURCHASE AND HELP OUT THE MOVIE MADNESS PODCASTBe sure to check outErik’s Weekly Box Office Column – At Rotten TomatoesCritics’ Classics Series – At Elk Grove Cinema in Elk Grove Village, ILChicago Screening Schedule - All the films coming to theaters and streamingPhysical Media Schedule - Click & Buy upcoming titles for your library.(Direct purchases help the Movie Madness podcast with a few pennies.)Erik’s Linktree - Where you can follow Erik and his work anywhere and everywhere.The Movie Madness Podcast has been recognized by Million Podcasts as one of the Top 100 Best Movie Review Podcasts as well as in the Top 60 Film Festival Podcasts and Top 100 Cinephile Podcasts. MillionPodcasts is an intelligently curated, all-in-one podcast database for discovering and contacting podcast hosts and producers in your niche perfect for PR pitches and collaborations. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit erikthemovieman.substack.com

It’s Halloween weekend and there isn’t a lot of horror but Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy still have eight films to talk about. They include a documentary about an archbishop who wrote the gay disco anthem of the ‘70s (I Was Born This Way) and another true story about drugs, family and revenge in the Ozarks (Violent Ends). There are some holiday-themed titles including a daughter realizing her mom may have fallen into a cult (Self-Help) and an animated Frankenstein-esque tale for kids (Stitch Head). The director of Conclave has Colin Farrell gambling away in Macau (Ballad of a Small Player) and Nia DaCosta swaps race and gender in an updating of Henrik Ibsen’s 1891 play (Hedda). Diane Lane watches her family come apart in a new America (Anniversary) and the pair share their memories on the 40th anniversary of a masterpiece (Back to the Future).3:32 - I Was Born This Way13:44 - Self-Help21:53 - Stitch Head30:43 - Violent Ends42:14 - Ballad of a Small Player51:14 - Anniversary1:09:10 - Hedda1:20:33 - Back to the Future (40th Anniversary re-release)CLICK ON THE FILMS TO RENT OR PURCHASE AND HELP OUT THE MOVIE MADNESS PODCASTBe sure to check outErik’s Weekly Box Office Column – At Rotten TomatoesCritics’ Classics Series – At Elk Grove Cinema in Elk Grove Village, ILChicago Screening Schedule - All the films coming to theaters and streamingPhysical Media Schedule - Click & Buy upcoming titles for your library.(Direct purchases help the Movie Madness podcast with a few pennies.)Erik’s Linktree - Where you can follow Erik and his work anywhere and everywhere.The Movie Madness Podcast has been recognized by Million Podcasts as one of the Top 100 Best Movie Review Podcasts as well as in the Top 60 Film Festival Podcasts and Top 100 Cinephile Podcasts. MillionPodcasts is an intelligently curated, all-in-one podcast database for discovering and contacting podcast hosts and producers in your niche perfect for PR pitches and collaborations. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit erikthemovieman.substack.com

It’s another week of horror, weirdness and cult titles on physical media but also another addition from our annual “Why Is This Not On Blu-ray?” shows. Erik Childress and Peter Sobczynski guide you through this week on physical media including the works of Dan Curtis, Richard Stanley and Guillermo Del Toro. Abel Ferrara’s infamous revenge picture gets the upgrade as does one of the great Godzilla films. John Carpenter’s best film of the ‘90s gets its due praise while there is a deep dive into one of the infamous slasher spoofs of the ’80s. Finally, Mike Nichols’ adaptation of an anti-war classic is reappraised with a deserving new transfer.4:00 - Criterion (Deep Crimson (4K), Nightmare Alley (2021) (4K))15:25 - Kino (The Cat and the Canary (1927) (4K), Dan Curtis’ Classic Monsters (1968-1974), Dead of Night, Dust Devil (4K))38:02 - Arrow (In the Mouth of Madness (4K), Ms. 45 (4K))55:20 - TerrorVision (Student Bodies 4K)1:16:14 - Shout (Shin Godzilla (4K), Catch-22 (4K))1:37:33 – New TV & Theatrical Titles On Blu-ray (St. Denis Medical: Season One, The Day of the Jackal: Season One, The Toxic Avenger (2023), Americana, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Smurfs, Jimmy and Stiggs, Familiar Touch)1:42:18 - New Blu-ray AnnouncementsCLICK ON THE FILMS TO RENT OR PURCHASE AND HELP OUT THE MOVIE MADNESS PODCASTBe sure to check outErik’s Weekly Box Office Column – At Rotten TomatoesCritics’ Classics Series – At Elk Grove Cinema in Elk Grove Village, ILChicago Screening Schedule - All the films coming to theaters and streamingPhysical Media Schedule - Click & Buy upcoming titles for your library.(Direct purchases help the Movie Madness podcast with a few pennies.)Erik’s Linktree - Where you can follow Erik and his work anywhere and everywhere.The Movie Madness Podcast has been recognized by Million Podcasts as one of the Top 100 Best Movie Review Podcasts as well as in the Top 60 Film Festival Podcasts and Top 100 Cinephile Podcasts. MillionPodcasts is an intelligently curated, all-in-one podcast database for discovering and contacting podcast hosts and producers in your niche perfect for PR pitches and collaborations. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit erikthemovieman.substack.com

Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy have another 11 reviews for you this week. It starts all the way back at last year’s Toronto Film Festival with Crispin Glover finding no way out of a mysterious hotel (Mr. K). Justin Lin adapts the true story of a young missionary and a lost tribe (Last Days). A ‘90s thriller gets updated (The Hand That Rocks The Cradle), an imaginary demon terrorizes people (Shelby Oaks) and zombies go after drag queens (Queens of the Dead). Kelly Reichardt tells the story of the man behind a ‘70s art heist (The Mastermind) and Richard Linklater returns with Ethan Hawke on a notable night for a songwriting legend (Blue Moon). Jesse Plemons kidnaps Emma Stone in the latest from Yorgos Lanthimos and Kathryn Bigelow returns after eight years to put us on the brink of WWIII (A House of Dynamite). The author of It Ends With Us gets her latest melodramatic adaptation (Regretting You) while The Boss finally gets a crucial part of his journey told (Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere)3:56 - Mr. K11:34 - Last Days17:48 - The Hand That Rocks the Cradle27:32 - Shelby Oaks33:28 - Queens of the Dead45:42 - The Mastermind55:03 - Blue Moon1:08:16 - Bugonia1:20:32 - Regretting You1:34:14 - A House of Dynamite1:48:00 - Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere2:01:13 – Next WeekCLICK ON THE FILMS TO RENT OR PURCHASE AND HELP OUT THE MOVIE MADNESS PODCASTBe sure to check outErik’s Weekly Box Office Column – At Rotten TomatoesCritics’ Classics Series – At Elk Grove Cinema in Elk Grove Village, ILChicago Screening Schedule - All the films coming to theaters and streamingPhysical Media Schedule - Click & Buy upcoming titles for your library.(Direct purchases help the Movie Madness podcast with a few pennies.)Erik’s Linktree - Where you can follow Erik and his work anywhere and everywhere.The Movie Madness Podcast has been recognized by Million Podcasts as one of the Top 100 Best Movie Review Podcasts as well as in the Top 60 Film Festival Podcasts and Top 100 Cinephile Podcasts. MillionPodcasts is an intelligently curated, all-in-one podcast database for discovering and contacting podcast hosts and producers in your niche perfect for PR pitches and collaborations. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit erikthemovieman.substack.com

This week in physical media with Erik Childress and Peter Sobczynski there is a whole lot of murder. Viggo Mortensen kills a bunch, Mia Goth gets in on the action, Yancy Butler does some drownings, Klaus Kinski does some biting, Brian Benben tries to solve some and Michael Biehn attempts to defend them. It’s also still the month of horror and even though a double bill of Cronenberg doesn’t exactly fit entirely, there is still plenty to be found for your October fill.3:40 - Criterion (Altered States (4K), A History of Violence (4K), The Shrouds)32:17 - Shout (Nosferatu the Vampyre (4K), The Place Beyond the Pines (4K), Savages (4K))54:20 - Kino (Rampage (1987) (4K), Radioland Murders, The Ex)1:15:51 - A24 (The X Trilogy 4K)1:30:53 - Arrow (Three / Three...Extremes)1:41:24 - New Theatrical Titles On Blu-ray (Eddington (4K), Relay, Souleymane’s Story, Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore)1:43:21 - New Blu-ray AnnouncementsCLICK ON THE FILMS TO RENT OR PURCHASE AND HELP OUT THE MOVIE MADNESS PODCASTBe sure to check outErik’s Weekly Box Office Column – At Rotten TomatoesCritics’ Classics Series – At Elk Grove Cinema in Elk Grove Village, ILChicago Screening Schedule - All the films coming to theaters and streamingPhysical Media Schedule - Click & Buy upcoming titles for your library.(Direct purchases help the Movie Madness podcast with a few pennies.)Erik’s Linktree - Where you can follow Erik and his work anywhere and everywhere.The Movie Madness Podcast has been recognized by Million Podcasts as one of the Top 100 Best Movie Review Podcasts as well as in the Top 60 Film Festival Podcasts and Top 100 Cinephile Podcasts. MillionPodcasts is an intelligently curated, all-in-one podcast database for discovering and contacting podcast hosts and producers in your niche perfect for PR pitches and collaborations. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit erikthemovieman.substack.com

Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy have seven reviews for you this week. They include a pair of the best films from Sundance this year – the harrowing documentary of the worst woman next door (The Perfect Neighbor) and the equally harrowing tale of motherhood anxiety with the great Rose Byrne (If I Had Legs I’d Kick You). One of the greatest to ever do it gets a five-part documentary on Apple TV (Mr. Scorsese). Guillermo Del Toro finally makes the film his entire career has been building towards (Frankenstein). Aziz Ansari swaps lives with Seth Rogen thanks to angel Keanu Reeves (Good Fortune). Julia Roberts gets caught in the middle of collegiate accusations (After The Hunt) and Ethan Hawke returns in your dreams as The Grabber (Black Phone 2).3:58 – The Perfect Neighbor16:16 - If I Had Legs I’d Kick You27:21 - Mr. Scorsese35:18 - Frankenstein53:31 - Good Fortune1:05:06 - After the Hunt1:29:42 - Black Phone 2CLICK ON THE FILMS TO RENT OR PURCHASE AND HELP OUT THE MOVIE MADNESS PODCASTBe sure to check outErik’s Weekly Box Office Column – At Rotten TomatoesCritics’ Classics Series – At Elk Grove Cinema in Elk Grove Village, ILChicago Screening Schedule - All the films coming to theaters and streamingPhysical Media Schedule - Click & Buy upcoming titles for your library.(Direct purchases help the Movie Madness podcast with a few pennies.)Erik’s Linktree - Where you can follow Erik and his work anywhere and everywhere.The Movie Madness Podcast has been recognized by Million Podcasts as one of the Top 100 Best Movie Review Podcasts as well as in the Top 60 Film Festival Podcasts and Top 100 Cinephile Podcasts. MillionPodcasts is an intelligently curated, all-in-one podcast database for discovering and contacting podcast hosts and producers in your niche perfect for PR pitches and collaborations. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit erikthemovieman.substack.com

It’s another packed week in October for physical media, especially on the horror side. But Erik Childress and Peter Sobczynski also serve up some Jean-Paul Belmondo, Alain Delon and Larry David for you. But yes, horror, of course. This week you have Hammer horror from Frankenstein to anthologies, Adrian Lyne’s hell on Earth with Tim Robbins and Georges Franju’s classic tale of facial reconstruction. Also if you must there is a double feature presented by Joe Bob Briggs as well as films by Rob Zombie and Eli Roth. It’s all leading up to a trilogy for everyone as Erik talks about his favorite movie of all-time and why it remains so to this day.4:17 - Criterion (Eyes Without a Face (4K))10:22 - Severin (Asylum (4K))16:51 - Lions Gate: Jacob’s Ladder 4K, The Devil’s Rejects 4K, Knock Knock 4K)33:01 - Shudder (The Last Drive-In With Joe Bob Briggs (Suitable Flesh/Mayhem))39:09 - Warner Archive (Hollywood Legends of Horror, The Curse of Frankenstein (4K), Rafferty And The Gold Dust Twins)1:01:27 - Kino (Boomerang (1976), Cop or Hood, Ilsa: She Wolf of the SS (4K), The Bone Collector (4K)1:21:55 - Universal (Back to the Future: 40th Anniversary Trilogy (4K))1:46:48 – New TV on Blu-ray (Curb Your Enthusiasm: The Complete Series (2000-2024))1:48:15 – New Theatrical Titles On Blu-ray (The Fantastic Four: First Steps (4K), Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning (4K), Weapons (4K))1:54:10 - New Blu-ray AnnouncementsCLICK ON THE FILMS TO RENT OR PURCHASE AND HELP OUT THE MOVIE MADNESS PODCASTBe sure to check outErik’s Weekly Box Office Column – At Rotten TomatoesCritics’ Classics Series – At Elk Grove Cinema in Elk Grove Village, ILChicago Screening Schedule - All the films coming to theaters and streamingPhysical Media Schedule - Click & Buy upcoming titles for your library.(Direct purchases help the Movie Madness podcast with a few pennies.)Erik’s Linktree - Where you can follow Erik and his work anywhere and everywhere.The Movie Madness Podcast has been recognized by Million Podcasts as one of the Top 100 Best Movie Review Podcasts as well as in the Top 60 Film Festival Podcasts and Top 100 Cinephile Podcasts. MillionPodcasts is an intelligently curated, all-in-one podcast database for discovering and contacting podcast hosts and producers in your niche perfect for PR pitches and collaborations. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit erikthemovieman.substack.com

Another October week and another ten movie reviews for you from Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy. They look a new rom-com with the star of the recent Strangers films (Maintenance Required) and a new Dakota Fanning horror film from the director of the original Strangers (Vicious). They go back a couple Sundances for a father/daughter story amidst the AIDS crisis (Fairyland), the same era that gave us the inspiration for a new ‘80s remake (Deathstalker). On the documentary front after Raoul Peck scares you into where our country is today (Orwell: 2+2=5) you can curl up with a film about a comic legend (John Candy: I Like Me). Jennifer Lopez takes center stage in a musical version of an Oscar winner (Kiss of the Spider Woman) while Keira Knightley tries to solve a mystery on a yacht (The Woman In Cabin 10). Finally, Channing Tatum is a criminal on the lam in a Toys ‘R’ Us (Roofman) and we go back to the world of the grid, this time with Jared Leto (Tron: Ares)3:53 - Maintenance Required13:23 - Vicious23:37 - Fairyland30:53 - Deathstalker41:21 - Orwell: 2+2=550:24 - John Candy: I Like Me59:32 - Kiss of the Spider Woman1:08:43 - The Woman In Cabin 101:19:17 - Roofman1:30:15 - Tron: AresCLICK ON THE FILMS TO RENT OR PURCHASE AND HELP OUT THE MOVIE MADNESS PODCASTBe sure to check outErik’s Weekly Box Office Column – At Rotten TomatoesCritics’ Classics Series – At Elk Grove Cinema in Elk Grove Village, ILChicago Screening Schedule - All the films coming to theaters and streamingPhysical Media Schedule - Click & Buy upcoming titles for your library.(Direct purchases help the Movie Madness podcast with a few pennies.)Erik’s Linktree - Where you can follow Erik and his work anywhere and everywhere.The Movie Madness Podcast has been recognized by Million Podcasts as one of the Top 100 Best Movie Review Podcasts as well as in the Top 60 Film Festival Podcasts and Top 100 Cinephile Podcasts. MillionPodcasts is an intelligently curated, all-in-one podcast database for discovering and contacting podcast hosts and producers in your niche perfect for PR pitches and collaborations. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit erikthemovieman.substack.com