The Bark Knight Podcast

The Oscars are almost here, and we’re diving into our 2026 predictions across the biggest categories—Best Picture, acting races, Director, Screenplay, Score, and more. We break down the frontrunners, key snubs, and which films could take over the night. Who’s winning? Let’s get into it.Chapters00:00:00 Introduction00:00:09 Episode Overview00:00:32 Categories We Won’t Cover00:01:03 The Little Theatre in Rochester, NY & CinemaCafe in Virginia Beach00:02:30 Categories We Will Cover00:02:56 Achievement in Casting00:09:58 Best Production Design00:14:24 Expectations & the Theatre Experience00:18:09 Best Editing00:20:00 The Power of Shooting on Film00:22:23 The Weapons Snub00:28:32 Best Costume Design00:30:34 Wicked and Other past Best Costume Winners00:32:39 The Strengths and Issues of Frankenstein00:35:32 Jacob Elordi Compared to Robert Pattinson’s Batman00:37:46 Bringing it back to Frankenstein00:38:44 The Bride & Jessie Buckley00:39:47 Best Cinematography00:43:41 Best Visual Effects00:46:28 Best Original Score00:47:10 Max Richter’s On the Nature of Daylight00:50:09 Sinners Score vs One Battle After Another Score00:52:09 Score Snubs (F1, Tron: Ares, Jay Kelly, The Testament of Anne Lee, Challengers in 2025)00:56:22 Best Adapted Screenplay00:59:03 Best Make-Up and Hairstyling01:02:05 Best Original Screenplay01:02:32 Comparing Sentimental Value, Jay Kelly, and Hamnet01:13:40 Best Original Song01:17:34 Best Supporting Actor01:25:02 Best Animated Feature01:27:46 Guillermo del Toro Filmography01:29:26 Best Supporting Actress01:36:04 Best International Feature Film01:36:25 The Secret Agent Reviews01:42:42 Best Director01:46:48 Best Actress01:50:42 Amanda Seyfried and The Testament of Anne Lee Snub01:51:15 Jesse Buckley’s Performance01:53:38 Best Actor01:54:04 The Case for Leonardo DiCaprio (The Revenant)01:56:45 The Case for Michael B Jordan (Creed, The Black Panther)02:01:02 The Case for Ethan Hawke (The Before Trilogy,Juliet Naked)02:04:07 Wagner Maura (Narcos, Civil War)02:04:50 The Timothy Chalemet Situation02:08:56 Wagner Moura Part 202:09:40 Best Actor Snubs (Jesse Plemons, Paul Mescal)02:11:00 Best Picture02:25:12 Marty Supreme’s Award Chances02:26:55 Episode WrapEditor’s NoteA previous version of this episode was uploaded with audio issues. This version has been fully corrected.

This episode of The Bark Knight Podcast reflects on the actors we’ve lost across 2025 and 2026 and celebrates the performances that shaped film and television across generations.We revisit the careers of Gene Hackman, Robert Redford, Diane Keaton, Catherine O’Hara, Robert Duvall, James Van Der Beek, Eric Dane, Tom Noonan, and Robert Carradine before transitioning into the latest movie news and a physical media showcase featuring the Alien VHS Trilogy & The Crow 4K Steelbook.Follow, rate, and subscribe to help keep the reels turning.Chapters00:00:00 Introduction00:00:09 Episode Overview00:00:57 Catch Up with Send Help Review00:02:37 Actors from 202500:02:57 Gene Hackman (Williams Friedkin’s The French Connection and To Live and Die in L.A.)00:05:03 Unforgiven, The Quick and the Dead00:06:30 To Live and Die in LA / Down and Out in Beverly Hills00:06:44 Back to The Quick and the Dead, The Conversation00:08:14 The Poseidon Adventure00:10:14 Late Stage Hackman (Behind Enemy Lines, The Replacements, Enemy of the State)00:12:07 In Closing on Gene Hackman00:13:06 Robert Redford (Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Jeremiah Johnson, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Avengers: Endgame)00:15:24 Mom Movies (The Horse Whisperer, A River Runs Through It, Up Close and Personal) and The Last Castle, The Sting, and Sneakers00:16:53 In Closing on Robert Redford00:17:22 Diane Keaton (The Godfather Trilogy, Annie Hall, Something’s Gotta Give, The Father of the Bride, The Family Stone)00:19:52 In Closing on Diane Keaton00:19:59 Actors from 202600:20:02 Catherine O’Hera (Home Alone, The Last of Us Part 2, The Studio, Schitt’s Creek, John Candy: I Like Me documentary, Beetlejuice, A Mighty Wind, The Wild Robot)00:25:16 In Closing on Catherine O’Hara00:26:01 Robert Duvall (The Godfather, The Godfather Part II, Apocalypse Now, Gone in 60 Seconds, Falling Down, Gods and Generals, Jack Reacher, Lonesome Dove, Open Range00:27:44 His 2000’s Output (Gone in 60 Seconds, Secondhand Lions, We Own the Night)00:31:19 The Variety of his Output (Days of Thunder, The Apostle, Sling Blade, The Judge)00:33:25 In Closing on Robert Duvall00:34:54 James Van Der Beek (Dawson’s Creek, Varsity Blues, Jaw and Silent Bob Strike Back, Kevin Smith, Jay and Silent Bob Reboot)00:41:00 Eric Dane (Grey’s Anatomy, X-Men: The Last Stand, Countdown, Feast)00:45:54 Tom Noonan (The X-Files, RoboCop 2, Manhunter, Hell on Wheels, Last Action Hero, Heat, Eight Legged Freaks, Knockaround Guys, Synecdoche, New York)00:49:23 Robert Carradine (Revenge of the Nerds, Lizzie Macguire, Body Bags, Ghosts of Mars, Escape from LA)00:51:40 Why we chose to do this episode now00:52:32 News00:52:41 Nathan Fillion & the Cast of Firefly teasing some sort of reunion00:56:31 New The Mummy with Brendon Fraser and Rachel Weisz in the works00:59:12 Patrick’s Spartacus Story01:01:07 Spider-Noir Trailer Dropped01:03:03 Sony confirms they will be rebooting their Spider-Man spin-off franchise with new actors01:04:15 Physical Media Showcase01:04:18 Alien VHS Trilogy01:05:40 The Crow 4K Steelbook01:08:52 Why the Crow Franchise hasn’t been able to duplicate01:13:30 Episode Wrap

In this episode of The Bark Knight Podcast, we continue our Sci-Fi Classics series with a deep dive into Blade Runner and Blade Runner 2049, two films that shaped what modern sci-fi looks and feels like.We break down the different cuts of the original film, the world-building and lore of the Blade Runner universe, and the questions that still spark debate decades later: Is Deckard human? What actually defines humanity? And, why does this franchise hit so differently than other sci-fi classics like Alien, The Thing, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and E.T.?As conversation shifts to Blade Runner 2049, we dig into Denis Villeneuve’s approach to legacy sequels, the film’s pacing and theatrical experience, the role of AI and Joi, and how the sequel expands on themes of identity, memory, and the moral decay of humanity. Along the way, we touch on Harrison Ford’s unique screen presence, Vangelis’ iconic score, practical effects vs. miniatures, and how Blade Runner fits into the broader sci-fi lexicon alongside modern directors like Christopher Nolan.This one is for lovers of the science fiction genre who enjoy digging into its origins and how they paved the way for the modern classics of today.Chapters00:00:00 Introduction00:00:09 Episode Overview00:00:49 Blade Runner00:01:05 Dan’s Initial Thoughts00:02:33 The Different Versions00:05:07 Paul’s Feelings on the Franchise00:06:36 The Background & Lore00:08:55 Comparing to Other Classics (Close Encounters of the Third Kind, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, Alien, John Carpenter’s The Thing)00:11:55 Harrison Ford00:13:112 The Climax00:18:45 Harrison Ford’s Everyman Abilities00:21:20 Ambiguity, Deckard’s Humanity, & Harrison Ford’s Punches00:25:47 The Score from Vengelis00:28:313 Usage of Miniatures, Establishing Shot, & Shooting Techniques00:33:00 The Decay of Morality00:37:45 Blade Runner Final Thoughts00:40:28 Blade Runner 2049 Initial Thoughts00:46:31 Background, Prologues, and Jared Leto00:49:34 The Casting00:52:07 Deckard’s Humanity & His Child’s Identity00:53:22 K & Joi’s Relationship00:56:36 The Theatre Experience, Sequel Plans, Pacing, & Dune 201:02:46 The Baseline Test & Using Tension01:04:58 Joi & AI Girlfriends01:06:38 The Decay of Morality & the Hubris of Mankind01:08:30 Denis Villeneuve & Christopher Nolan01:12:14 Dune: Part 2, Dune: Part 3, & Avengers: Doomsday01:15:54 Final Thoughts01:16:51 Other Media & What’s Next01:17:40 Episode Wrap

While waiting for Dan to join the episode, Paul and Patrick end up getting sidetracked into a full-on discussion about the final season of Stranger Things and how series finales land (or completely miss the mark). That turns into a broader chat about endings across TV, from Battlestar Galactica to The X-Files and beyond.We also spend a big chunk of the episode unpacking Tron: Ares, what we liked, what didn’t work for us, and why it didn’t quite live up to Tron: Legacy.Spoiler-free, honest thoughts, a lot of franchise frustration, and even a few disagreements.Chapters00:00:00 Introduction00:00:09 Stranger Things Season Finale Talk00:03:42 Battlestar Galactica Finale00:05:03 Back to Stranger Things00:06:53 The Final Battle00:09:58 Peacemaker Season 200:10:27 The Night Manager Season 2, Fallout, Ponies, The X-Files, The Venture Brothers00:13:49 Tron: Ares00:21:09 Episode Wrap

In this episode, we dive deep into 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, breaking down the latest chapter in the franchise with a full review, spoiler discussion, and theories about where the story may go next. We explore director Nia DaCosta’s approach, Alex Garland’s screenplay, early critical and audience reactions, box office performance, and how The Bone Temple expands the mythology of the infected.After a non-spoiler review, we move into full spoiler territory, analyzing key scenes, character arcs, and lingering mysteries, including Selena’s whereabouts, the future of the cure, emerging infected hierarchies, and what this film sets up for a potential third installment. We also spotlight standout moments like the Iron Maiden scene and discuss why they matter within the broader narrative.The episode wraps up with movie news and physical media, including thoughts on The Rip, Netflix’s commitment to a 45-day theatrical window, first impressions of Lee Cronin’s The Mummy trailer, and a physical media showcase featuring 28 Years Later on 4K Blu-ray and the Evil Dead Rise 4K Edition from Arrow Video.Chapters00:00:00 Introduction00:00:09 Episode Overview00:00:42 Director (Nia Dacosta) & Writer (Alex Garland) Background00:05:44 Reviews (IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, Metacritic, Cinemascore)00:09:35 Budget & Box Office00:14:55 Our Non-Spoiler Reviews00:22:06 Spoiler Discussion00:26.59 Erin Kellyman00:31:24 Selena’s Whereabouts, The Cure, & Samson Theories00:39:46 Hierarchies & Territories of the Infected00:41:28 Looking to the Third Movie00:46:23 The Iron Maiden Scene00:49:08 News00:49:11 The Rip Review00:53:13 Netflix CEO commits to 45 day theatrical window00:55:52 Physical Media Showcase 28 Years Later 4K Blu-Ray & Evil Dead Rise Arrow Video 4K00:58:23 Lee Cronin’s The Mummy Trailer00:59:10 Episode Wrap

In this episode, we count down our Top 10 Favorite Movies of 1983, a landmark year in cinema packed with future classics, cult favorites, and genre-defining films. Dan and Patrick each bring their own ranked lists, leading to debates, overlaps, and very different perspectives on what makes a movie truly stand the test of time.From major studio releases to darker genre entries and underseen gems, we break down why these films mattered then and why they still resonate today. Along the way, we discuss legacy, performances, cultural impact, and where some of these titles fit in within the larger film lexicon.We also highlight a list of honorable mentions before wrapping up with final thoughts on why 1983 remains one of the most fascinating years in movie history.Chapters00:00:00 Introduction00:00:09 Episode Overview00:02:24 Dan 10 - Rumble Fish00:05:19 Patrick 10 - Sudden Impact00:09:42 Dan 09 - The Right Stuff00:12:22 Patrick 09 - The Outsiders00:14:04 Dan 08 - The Outsiders00:15:50 Patrick 08 - The Dead Zone00:19:56 Dan 07 - A Christmas Story00:22:42 Patrick 07 - Risky Business00:31:02 Dan 06 - Trading Places00:34:51 Patrick 06 - Uncommon Valor00:39:52 Dan 05 - Cujo00:41:15 Patrick 05 - Blue Thunder00:48:49 Dan 04 - The Dead Zone00:52:56 Patrick 04 - Scarface00:56:13 Dan 03 - Scarface00:57:46 Patrick 03 - The Keep01:03:09 Dan 02 - Star Wars: Return of the Jedi01:04:41 Patrick 02 - John Carpenter’s Christine01:07:12 Dan 01 - The King of Comedy01:10:21 Patrick 01 - Star Wars: Return of the Jedi01:13:05 Honorable Mentions: National Lampoon’s Vacation, Sleepaway Camp, Curtains, Twilight Zone: The Movie, Grizzly II: Revenge, Mausoleum, Cheech & Chong Still Smoking, The Funny Farm, Strange Brew, Eddie & the Cruisers, Terms of Endearment, Psycho II, War Games, Flashdance01:16:05 Episode Wrap

As we close out the 2025 year, Patrick hosts this episode presenting his favorite movie scores, trailers, TV series, and Top 10 list for the year. From there, he looks ahead at his Top 10 most anticipated movies of 2026.Chapters00:00:00 Introduction00:00:09 Episode Overview00:01:19 Movie Scores00:01:34 Honorable Mention - Jay Kelly from Nicholas Britell00:02:40 3 - F1: The Movie from Hans Zimmer00:03:32 2 - Tron: Ares from Nine Inch Nails00:04:54 1 - Sinners from Ludwig Göransson00:06:04 My Favorite Movie from Another Year that I didn’t Watch Until This Year - Gretel & Hansel from Osgood Perkins00:07:13 Favorite TV Series - Andor00:08:33 Favorite Movie Trailer - Black Phone 200:09:57 Top 10 Favorite Movies of 202500:10:06 10 - The Long Walk00:11:18 09 - F1: The Movie00:12:41 08 - Good Boy00:13:52 07 - The Monkey00:15:07 06 - Freaky Tales00:16:17 05 - Black Bag00:17:53 04 - Black Phone 200:19::21 03 - Predator: Badlands00:19:56 02 - One Battle After Another00:21:12 01 - Sinners00:23:11 2026 Most Anticipated00:23:31 10 - The Bride00:24:10 09 - Clayface00:24:36 08 - Avengers: Doomsday00:25:47 07 - Evil Dead Burn00:26:14 06 - Scream 700:26:33 05 - 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple00:26:52 04 - Dune: Part Three00:27:18 03 - Disclosure Day00:27:40 02 - Werwulf00:28:17 01 - The Odyssey00:28:52 A Look Back at my 2025 Most Anticipated00:29:16 Episode Wrap

In the first installment of our Sci-Fi Classics Series, we explore two foundational science fiction films that helped to define the genre: Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey and Steven Spielberg’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind. These legendary filmmakers shaped the language of modern sci-fi, and, here, we break down what makes each film so special.In the second half of the episode, we discuss Spielberg’s wide-ranging influence on the genre, our personal favorite films of his, and the connective tissues that run throughout his work.With the trailer release for Spielberg’s newest film, Disclosure Day, we also dig into our theories on the movies themes, how the aliens might fit into the story, who the antagonists may be, and how the religious undertones of this trailer echo elements of Spielberg’s other extraterrestrial films.Chapters00:00:00 Introduction00:00:09 Episode Overview00:02:12 2001: A Space Odyssey00:02:26 Background Overview with Paul00:04:17 The Influence on Star Wars and Other Movies00:06:00 Some People Will Not Like It00:11:39 The Impressiveness of the Filmmaking Shots00:15:41 The Novel00:18:20 HAL & Artificial Intelligence (AI)00:25:35 The Monolith00:26:18 The Inspiration of the Sci-Fi Classics Series00:28:06 The Ending - Annihilation & Charlie & the Chocolate Factory00:32:39 The Impact00:36:53 Close Encounters of the Third Kind00:37:05 Background Overview with Paul00:39:30 Dan’s Review00:40:45 Spielberg's Influence00:42:48 Alien Communication Through Lights & Music00:45:25 The Characters & Actors00:49:40 The Optimism00:52:49 Theatrical Cut v Special Edition v Director’s Cut00:54:47 Favorite Scenes, Sequences, & Shots01:01:51 Our Favorite Spielberg Movies01:05:59 Steven Spielberg’s Analysis of the Family Unit01:08:26 Columbia Pictures & Final Thoughts01:10:04 Disclosure Day Trailer & War of the Worlds Discussion01:18:15 Theories on the Aliens01:21:42 The Eye Changing Scene (with Stargate Universe Reference)01:23:02 Religion & Aliens01:25:14 Paramount Ownership of Indiana Jones Distribution Rights01:25:51 Episode Wrap

Welcome to our latest Blind Spots episode, where we finally watch the movies we absolutely should have seen by now. This week, we’re diving into two modern cult favorites: Insidious and Jennifer’s Body. We break down the casts, themes, legacy, characters, and why these films still spark conversation years later. Plus: James Wan & Leigh Whannell’s partnership, the art of the jump scare, and the Emo Era’s influence on Jennifer’s Body.We also cover a massive week in film news, including updates on Heat 2, Ryan Coogler’s X-Files & Sinners projects, the Paul Dano/Matthew Lillard/Owen Wilson drama with Quentin Tarantino, Mike Flanagan's new Exorcist movie with Scarlet Johansson, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, and morealong with a stacked Physical Media Showcase.Chapters00:00:00 Introduction00:00:09 Episode Overview00:01:04 Insidious Overview00:01:46 Dan Review & Discussion00:05:36 Patrick’s Analysis00:08:01 James Wan’s Relationship with Leigh Whannel00:09:20 The Cast & Characters (Lin Shaye, Rose Byrne, Patrick Wilson)00:15:32 Final Thoughts00:17:34 The Influence & Legacy (Universal ride, sequels, The Conjuring)00:20:26 The Ending & Elise’s Fate00:25:57 Blumhouse, Atomic Monster, & Aquaman00:28:38 Jennifer’s Body Overview00:28:47 Director Karyn Kasuma (The Invitation)00:29:24 Cast (Megan Fox, Amanda Seyfried, Adam Brody)00:29:51 Plot00:30:27 Initial Thoughts00:32:28 Marketing on Megan Fox’s Sex Appeal00:34:05 The Emo Era00:40:25 The Social Groups & Dynamics of the 2000’s00:41:56 Fox Atomic & Final Thoughts00:42:35 The News00:42:41 Ryan Coogler, The X-Files, & Sinners00:48:59 Heat 2 Officially in Development with Script & Leonardo DiCaprio Confirmations00:52:19 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple Reviews are very positive00:53:10 Scarlett Johansson Cast in Mike Flanagan’s new Exorcist Movie00:56:20 Matthew Lillard, Paul Dano, Owen Wilson, & Quentin Tarantino00:59:38 Physical Media Showcase00:59:43 Dan - Shudder 10th Anniversary Box Set01:01:32 Patrick - The Keep 4k from Vinegar Syndrome01:04:44 1983 Episode Preview01:06:51 Episode WrapIf you enjoyed the episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a rating, it really helps keep the reels turning.

Welcome back to The Bark Knight Podcast!In this episode, we’re counting down our Top 10 Favorite Movies of 2023, a packed year filled with surprise hits, massive blockbusters, unforgettable indies, and plenty of genre gems.We compare picks, debate the standouts, dive into craft, performances, and cultural impact, and wrap it all with a massive list of Honorable Mentions. If you love movies, this is a big one.Chapters00:00:00 Introduction00:00:09 Episode Overview00:00:34 Top 10 Disclaimer00:01:35 10 - The Boy and the Heron, Super Mario Bros., Strange Darling00:09:27 09 - Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, The Creator, Evil Dead Rise00:16:11 08 -  Evil Dead Rise, American Fiction00:22:33 07 - Talk to Me, The Iron Claw, Oppenheimer00:27:53 06 - Oppenheimer, Trap Tangent, The Killer00:38:28 05 - Sisu, Godzilla Minus One, John Wick 400:43:41 04 - Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Poor Things, When Evil Lurks00:52:58 03 - John Wick 4, The Holdovers (with Christmas convo), Talk to Me01:00:55 02 - Guardians of the Galaxy 3, The Boy and the Heron, Godzilla Minus One01:09:43 01 - Godzilla Minus One, Past Lives, The Equalizer 301:23:49 Honorable Mentions - M3gan, No One Will Save You, Somebody I Used to Know, You Hurt My Feelings, Asteroid City, Barbie, Dream Scenario, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Creed III, Extraction 2, V\H\S\85, The Pope’s Exorcist, Tetris, The Boogeyman, It Lives Inside, Air, Shooting Stars, Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning, Woman of the Year, Ant-Man & the Wasp, Quantumania, The Flash, Aquaman 2, Knock at the Cabin, Cocaine Bear01:30:49 Looking Forward01:33:13 Episode WrapWhat were YOUR favorite movies of 2023?Drop your Top 10 in the comments, we always love comparing lists!If you enjoy the show, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a rating so more movie fans can join the community!🎬 Listen to more episodes at: https://barkknightmedia.com/

We’re diving into the new The Running Man movie, breaking down its production, setup, budget, reviews, and whether it lives up to the legacy. We also talk the cast including Glenn Powell, Lee Pace, Coleman Domingo, Josh Brolin, Katy O’Brian, and the new lineup of runners and hunters.We also cover major genre news including:Alien: Earth renewed for Season 2 - with Predator & Terminator talkInsidious 6 wraps filming and marks Lin Shaye’s final acting roleDisney+ announces AI-generated user content toolsPLUS our weekly Physical Media ShowcaseIndependence Day VHSCriterion Collection Sorcerer 4K Edition (with Vertical Limit & Lost comparisons)Stick around for reviews, reactions, and plenty of surprises along the way!Chapters00:00:00 Introduction00:00:09 Episode Overview00:01:13 The Running Man Production Breakdown00:03:49 The Setup of the Gameshow00:06:05 Budget & Box Office00:07:08 Reviews (IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, Metascore, Cinemascore, Threads)00:09:03 Dan & Friends Thoughts00:13:47 Patrick’s Thoughts00:18:45 The Cast00:18:48 Lee Pace00:21:12 Coleman Domingo, (with Jamie Lawson & Katy O’Brian)00:23:08 Josh Brolin00:27:52 The Other Runners (Katy O’Brian & Martin Herlihy)00:31:13 The Hunters00:32:42 David Zayas (Dexter, The Bear) Cameo00:33:11 News00:33:13 Alien: Earth Renewed for Season 2 (with Predator & Terminator Talk)00:37:42 Insidious 6 Wraps Filming, will be Lin Shaye’s Final Acting Role00:39:52 Pay-Per-View00:40:46 Dan Hasn’t Seen Any Insidious Movies00:44:49 Disney CEO, Bob Iger, Announces New AI-Generated User Content Feature for Disney+00:48:08 Physical Media Showcase00:48:14 Dan - Independence Day VHS00:49:42 Patrick - Criterion Collection Sorcerer 4K Edition (with Vertical Limit & Lost Comparison)00:54:41 Episode Wrap

This episode is nearly all dedicated to Predator: Badlands, the latest movie from the Predator franchise from 20th Century Studios. We break down the cast and crew, the video games inspirations, the updates to the lore and mythology, and even take some time to talk about the previous entries in the franchise including Prey, Predator: Killer of Killers, The Predator, and the Alien vs Predator movies. We also review the easter eggs to other movies and the tie-ins to the greater Alien and Predator worlds.We finish the episode off with the latest film and industry news and the latest pulls from our Physical Media Showcase.Chapters00:00:00 Introduction00:00:09 Episode Overview00:01:05 Predator: Badlands Background00:01:12 Writer/Director Dan Trachtenberg (10 Cloverfield Lane, Prey, Predator: Killer of Kilelrs) & Patrick Aison (Prey)00:01:49 Budget & Box Office00:03:07 Publication Reviews (IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, Metascore, Cinemascore, Threads & the socials)00:04:52 Dan’s Review00:09:02 Patrick’s Review00:12:39 The Planet & the Filming Locations00:13:55 Box Office Second Week Predications with The Running Man, Keeper, & Now You See Me, Now You Don’t Releases00:16:06 State of the Alien & Predator Franchises Since Disney’s Acquisition00:18:38 The Script Development Process00:20:26 The Predator Reception00:23:28 The Synths & The Video Games00:24:51 Elle Fanning’s Duel Roles00:26:12 The Comedic Elements00:27:37 The Soundtrack - Sarah Schachner (Prey) & Benjamin Wallfisch (Alien: Romulus)00:28:45 Alien vs Predator, The Lore, & The Monsters00:33:00 Video Game Inspiration (Shadow of the Colossus, Monster Hunter, Halo, Ratchet & Clank)00:37:23 Complaints of the “Disneyfication” of the Predator Franchise00:38:30 Spoiler Territory00:41:40 The Role of the Brothers in Prey & Predator: Badlands00:45:05 Independence Day Easter Egg00:46:51 The Future of the Franchise00:50:55 The News00:50:59 Pan’s Labyrinth Getting Re-Released in Theatres in 202600:52:25 Keeper Releasing in Theatres this Week00:55:17 Joesph Kosinski is in Talks with Michael B Jordan and Austin Butler in Talks for Miami Vice Remake00:57:13 Gremlins 3 Announcement with Chris Columbus, Steven Spielberg, and the Writers of Final Destination: Bloodlines01:00:47 Physical Media Showcase01:00:54 Dan’s Anaconda Blu-Ray Steelbook01:03:16 Patrick’s Predator & Predator 2 DVD Collector’s Editions01:07:13 Episode Wrap

This episode is dedicated to some of our favorite movies that we think remain largely unseen compared to their greatness. Dan’s picks include Upgrade, Just Friends, and Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story, while Patrick’s picks feature Dark City, Judgement Night, and Money Talks. In random coincidence, both of htem chose the Paul Walker vehicle, Running Scared (2006) so were able to cover that flick together.We finish the episode off with the latest film and industry news, some current events coverage, and the latest pulls from our Physical Media Showcase.Chapters00:00:00 Introduction00:00:09 Episode Overview00:00:30 Underseen Movies00:01:19 Dan - Upgrade from Leigh Whannel00:06:27 Patrick - Dark City Director’s Cut00:10:22 Dan & Patrick - Running Scared (2006)00:15:45 The DVD Previews, The Blade TV Series, and Spike TV00:16:47 The Editing00:18:24 Box Office & Recepterion00:19:53 Dan - Just Friends with Ryan Reynolds00:22:54 Talking Editing Versions of Movie on Cable TV00:24:05 Anna Faris Praise00:25:51 Judgement Night00:26:12 Cast: Emelio Estevez, Cuba Gooding Jr, Stephen Dorff, Jeremy Piven, Denis Leary00:28:59 Budget, Box Office, & Reception00:29:19 Director Stephen Hopkins (Lost in Space, Predator 2, Blown Away, The Ghost and the Darkness)00:32:03 Dan - Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story00:34:22 Breaking Out into Song00:36:19 Being Trapped in the Shadow of so Many Music Bio-Pic References00:38:00 Being Tricked into Musicals00:38:56 Money Talks00:41:50 Chris Tucker’s ‘95 - ‘9800:43:18 Brett Ratner, director of the Rush Hour Trilogy, The Family Man, Red Dragon, After the Sunset, X-Men: The Last Stand00:44:06 News00:44:12 Cinemark to Add 70mm Imax Screens Ahead of Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’00:46:09 Godzilla Minus Zero was Announced on Godzilla Day00:48:36 October Box Office Hits Three Decade Low00:54:33 Current Events00:54:42 NEO (Humanoid for the Home) Robot00:58:05 Tom Brady revealed that his current dog is a clone01:00:24 Robert Pattinson reveals he filmed as part of Dune 301:01:59 Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weiss set to return in new The Mummy movie from Radio Silence01:04:26 Physical Media Showcase01:04:36 Dan’s Reservoir Dogs 4K Steelbook01:05:38 Patrick’s Shin Godzilla 4K Collector’s01:07:57 Shout! Factory Has Shut Down Their Online Store01:09:27 Video Rental Store Set to Open in Virginia Beach01:11:37 Episode Wrap

We start the episode with a game of This or That?, then we finish where we left off in our Halfway to Halloween Special with Part II of our 31 Days of Halloween, and we finish the episode with the latest news, including our analysis of the Scream 7 trailer, our thoughts on Robert Englund getting the Hollywood Walk of Fame Star, and our Physical Media Showcase of the Pet Sematary (1989) 4K edition.Chapters00:00:00 Introduction00:00:09 Episode Overview00:00:17 This or That? With Dan - Horror Directors00:04:49 This or That? Patrick with Horror Monsters00:08:54 Bark Knight Movie Hall of Fame00:11:21 31 Days of Halloween Part II - Patrick’s Picks00:11:35 Jamie Lee Curtis Day - Terror Train00:12:25 Justin Long Day - The House of Darkness00:13:27 A24 - The Hole in the Ground from Lee Cronin (Evil Dead Rise)00:14:44 Ghostface Day - Scream 400:15:52 Horror Comedy - The Final Girls00:16:55 1990’s Day - The People Under the Stairs00:17:38 Folk Horror Day - Gretel & Hansel (Osgood Perkins)00:19:46 Evil Children Day - The Children (1980)00:20:22 Vampire Day - Daybreakers00:21:45 Wicked Wilderness Day - The Ritual (2017)00:22:34 2010’s Day - The Guest (2014)00:24:48 Found Footage Day - Host (2020)00:28:27 Period Piece Day - The Others00:29:49 Black and White Day - The Night of the Hunter (1955)00:31:50 Halloween Night Horror Coming Next00:32:33 Dan’s Picks00:32:35 The Lost Boys00:33:36 Abigail00:34:33 Poltergiest00:35:54 Christine00:38:37 Dawn of the Dead (1978)00:39:57 Stir of Echoes00:41:43 Death of a Unicorn with John Carpenter Score Talk00:43:50 A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)00:44:40 Woman of the Hour00:46:35 The Hand that Rocks the Cradle00:48:05 Companion00:49:18 28 Days Later00:49:25 Sinners00:50:43 Halloween Night - Shawn of the Dead & Halloween (1978)00:51:52 News00:51:55 Scream 7 Trailer Dropped00:56:01 Robert Englund Hollywood Walk of Fame Star on Halloween00:58:25 Physical Media Showcase - Pet Sematary (1989)01:00:14 Would you rather be a vampire from Sinners or The Lost Boys?01:01:17 Episode Wrap

We break down Black Phone 2 from the characters and actors, the setting, the homages and influences, and what’s next for the franchise.We then touch on the latest from the 31 Days of Halloween, horror news, and our Physical Media Showcase.Chapters00:00:00 Introduced00:00:09 Episode Overview00:00:27 Black Phone 2 Review00:00:35 Writer/Director Scott Derrickson, Writers C Robert Cargill & Joe Hill, EP Maggie Levin, Composer Atticus Derrickson00:02:14 Budget & Box Office00:04:10 Reviews (IMDb), Rotten Tomatoes, Metacritic, Cinemascore, Threads/Instagram00:09:02 The Cast - Ethan Hawke (Daybreakers, Sinister, The Purge, The Black Phone), Mason Thames, Madeleine McGraw, Jeremy Davies (Ravenous), Demian Bichur (The Nun, The Bridge, The Hateful Eight)00:14:58 Dan’s Review00:15:05 Is it a Nightmare on Elm Street Rip-off?00:17:15 The Isolated Camp and Winter Setting00:21:19 Dan’s Final Thoughts00:21:52 Finney & Gwen’s Family Dynamics with their Father00:26:53 The Super 8 Dream Sequences00:28:11 What’s next for the franchise?00:35:34 A Few Small Gripes00:38:29 Final Thoughts & Ratings00:39:37 31 Days of Halloween Special Episode Teaser00:42:52 News00:42:56 Osgood Perkins’ Next Film, The Young People, and Possible Lovecraft Connections00:45:05 Asmodee Acquires Cthulhu: Death May Die Board Game Brand from CMON00:47:18 New Horror Anthology Series Announced, Produced by John Carpenter titled “John Carpenter Presents”00:49:20 Melissa Barrera joins John Travolta in Renny Harlin Orca horror movie00:51:29 Physical Media Showcase - Cabin in the Woods 4K Steelbook00:53:00 Episode Wrap

We break down the first 14 days of our 31 Days of Halloween then discuss the latest horror news, followed by a discussion on the current state of the physical media market.Chapters00:00:00 Introduction00:09:00 Episode Overview00:00:29 31 Days of Halloween Halfway Point00:00:53 Dan’s Halloween Watchlist00:02:05 Eight Legged Freaks00:02:20 The Toxic Avenger (2025)00:02:50 Five Nights at Freddy’s00:03:22 Talk to Me00:03:26 Black Friday00:03:47 Longlegs00:06:28 Thi13en Ghosts00:07:16 Child’s Play00:08:21 Dangerous Animals00:09:09 Werewolves00:10:44 Scream 200:12:49 Halloween II00:16:02 Saw00:16:38 Maximum Overdrive00:18:45 Up Next: The Lost Boys00:18:54 Patrick’s Halloween Watchlist00:18:57 Prince of Darkness00:19:07 The Last Days on Mars00:20:31 Rogue00:22:07 140800:22:28 V\H\S\Halloween00:25:35 A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master00:27:23 Tremors00:29:37 Demons (Demoni)00:31:08 The Silence of the Lambs00:34:58 Halloween II00:37:59 The Lost Boys00:39:51 When a Stranger Calls00:44:54 The Cursed00:47:42 Next Up: Jamie Lee Curtis Theme Day00:49:00 News00:49:03 Predator: Badlands Final Trailer and PG-13 Rating00:50:59 Sigourney Weaver Reveals Talks of a Ripley Return Have Begun00:53:22 Sam Raimi’s Send Help Trailer00:54:54 Black Phone 2 Releasing This Weekend00:58:40 Physical Media Showcase - The Market has Been Out of Control01:00:28 A Nightmare on Elm Street 4K Steelbook Collection01:01:48 Sinners 4K Steelbook 01:05:54 Blade Runner & Blade Runner 204901:06:45 Retro Realms Halloween & Ash vs the Evil Dead01:08:14 Episode Wrap

We do a full breakdown of the first season of Alien: Earth, discussing theories, our favorite scenes, the Alien Universe lore, the new species, and much more.We also take some time to discuss our upcoming 31 Days of Halloween and what movies and topics we'll be discussing. Patrick also gives a non-spoiler review of Good Boy.Chapters00:00:00 Introduction00:00:09 Episode Overview00:01:08 Alien: Earth Full Spoiler Discussion00:08:01 The Impact of the Alien Species00:10:04 The Corporate Map of Earth00:12:27 The Alien Movie & Comics Lore00:15:56 The Xenomorph & Wendy Connection00:17:00 The Peter Pan Connections00:18:05 Ambitious World Building & Social Commentary00:19:13 T Ocellus00:20:14 World Building Cont.00:20:50 Marrow & Kirsh00:28:56 Should there have been more character demises?00:32:28 Finale Thoughts00:33:54 T Ocellus Sowing Chaos00:38:23 Our Issues with the Show00:42:38 Facehugging Other Creatures00:43:42 Character Demises Cont.00:47:20 The Show Overcomes its Flaws00:49:23 Common Misunderstandings00:49:38 The Mold Sprayer’s Plotline00:50:18 The Elevator Self-Destruct Sequence00:50:42 Boy Kavelier Misquote & Complexities00:53:01 What do the final moments mean?00:54:41 Where is Peter Weyland?00:56:00 Concluding the Prometheus & Alien: Covenant Trilogy00:58:17 Will Wendy turn into the Xeno Queen Goddess?01:01:57 The Fandom Problem01:03:08 Alien 3, Alien: Resurrection, and the Legacy Characters01:06:51 Alien: Rogue Incursion, Fireteam Elite, Dark Descent, & Isolation Video Games01:08:10 31 Days of Halloween - Calendar Release, John Carpenter, & Space Horror01:12:34 Good Boy Non-Spoilers Review01:16:42 Patrick Talks Interviewing Night of the Reaper Director, Brandon Christensen01:17:55 Episode Wrap

In our Season 4 premiere, Patrick brings Brandon Christensen on the show to discuss his latest horror feature from Shudder, Night of the Reaper, the story of college student Deena, who visits home and is roped into babysitting. The local sheriff is mailed a piece of evidence and is led on a scavenger hunt to reveal the killer of another babysitter. They discuss Brandon’s filmmaking process and journey as well as some of his favorite horror movies, horror tropes, and horror sub-genres.Chapters00:00:00 Episode Start00:00:09 Episode Intro00:00:28 Brandon Christensen Intro00:01:24 About Night of the Reaper - Synopsis00:02:10 Q&A00:02:18 You wrote this alongside your brother. Tell me about that process and both of your relationship with horror.00:05:39 What are some of your favorite horror movies? (The Blair Witch Project Discussion)00:09:12 The film plays as a retro slasher mystery. What were some of your inspirations for Night of the Reaper? (When a Stranger Calls, Scream, Ghost Ship, The Ring, House of the Devil)00:12:18 Using Old School Filmmaking Methods or Styles to Establish an 80’s Vibe (House of the Devil, V/H/S, Freaky)00:15:05 Crafting the Beginning Credits00:18:07 Talking Physical Media (DVDs, LaserDiscs, Special Editions, 4K Blu-Rays, Arrow Video, Criterion, Scream Factory, Vinegar Syndrome)00:26:06 Developing the Film’s Score (Sinister, The Gate inspiration)00:28:51 Brandon’s Favorite Movie Scores (It Follows, Donnie Darko, The Social Network and Trent Reznor, Hans Zimmer)00:32:02 Discussing Working with the Shudder Team00:35:31 Are there any sub-genres Brandon is interested in?00:37:40 Doing Something Different with Reaper and Movie Twists (The Sixth Sense, Midnight Mass, Mike Flanagan, and Stephen King)00:43:37 If Brandon Could do a Stephen King Adaptation00:48:15 Utilizing Horror Movie Techniques like Jump Scares and Tension (The Haunting of Hill House, Oddity)00:53:36 Making the 80s Aesthetic Work (It Follows talk)00:58:26 Halloween Double Feature Pairing for Night of the Reaper01:01:02 The Whodunit? Feel, Red Herrings, and Rewatchability of Night of the Reaper (Scream 2)01:05:47 Episode Wrap - Upcoming Feature, Bodycam, Promotion

In their biggest episode yet, our crew, Patrick, Dan, and Paul, take on the Franchise Battle Royale, voting each franchise up the bracket until only one remains. The franchises span science-fiction, fantasy, comic book, horror, action, and blockbuster properties and cover 32 different franchises. Some were easy, some were extremely difficult, but all of them led to surprises. Join us to find our which franchise rules them all.Chapters00:00:00 Introduction00:00:14 Episode Overview00:01:53 Franchise Bracket Reveal00:03:41 Format Breakdown00:05:12 Round 100:05:13 Sci-Fi, Comic Book, & Fantasy Properties00:05:14 Round 1 - Back to the Future vs Ghostbusters00:12:33 Dune vs Alien00:19:13 Blade Runner vs The Matrix00:26:51 X-Men vs Spider-Man00:34:08 Horror Properties00:34:14 Final Destination vs Evil Dead00:39:16 Saw vs The Conjuring00:41:35 Scream vs Friday the 13th00:47:51 A Nightmare on Elm Street vs Halloween00:53:33 Action Properties00:53:34 Mad Max vs Die Hard01:01:49 Kingsman vs Jason Bourne01:03:30 John wick vs Mission Impossible01:09:44 The Fast & the Furious vs James Bond01:11:20 Blockbuster Properties01:11:21 Lord of the Rings vs Harry Potter01:11:59 The Dark Knight vs The Snyderverse01:12:37 The Hunger Games vs Twilight01:17:18 Star Wars vs the Marvel Cinematic Universe01:23:07 Round 201:23:16 Ghostbusters vs Alien01:25:42 The Matrix vs Spider-Man01:27:12 Evil Dead vs The Conjuring01:29:17 Scream vs Halloween01:30:35 Mad Max vs Jason Bourne01:31:57 Mission Impossible vs James Bond01:33:33 Lord of the Rings vs The Dark Knight01:35:28 Twilight vs Star Wars01:35:40 Round 301:35:48 Alien vs Spider-Man01:38:03 Evil Dead vs Halloween01:42:41 Mad Max vs James Bond01:44:28 Lord of the Rings vs Star Wars01:49:25 Semi-Finals01:49:37 Spider-Man vs Halloween01:50:28 James Bond vs Star Wars01:52:57 Championship01:53:02 Spider-Man vs Star Wars02:02:37 THE WINNER02:05:24 Final Thoughts02:06:51 Episode Wrap

Dan and Paul join Patrick for the 50th episode of the podcast to discuss their top five favorite movies of all time and why they hold them so dear. They also go into some of their honorable mentions and close-calls for the list and why they didn’t make it.Chapters00:00:00 Intro00:00:14 Episode Overview00:03:42 Top 5 Favorite Movies of All Time Kick-Off00:03:43 5 - Paul - John Carpenter’s The Thing00:06:28 5 - Dan - Avengers: Endgame00:10:07 5 - Patrick - Tombstone00:13:17 4 - Paul - Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind00:17:32 4 - Dan - Aliens00:22:35 4 - Patrick - Heat00:26:02 3 - Paul - Alien00:29:06 3 - Dan - Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring00:32:11 3 - Patrick - The Godfather Part I & II00:41:03 2 - Paul - Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Rings00:44:21 2 - Dan - Tombstone00:46:27 2 - Patrick - Inception00:54:46 1 - Paul - Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back01:03:17 1 - Dan - Jurassic Park01:09:18 1 - Patrick - John Carpenter’s The Thing01:18:53 Honorable Mentions - Jaws, Saving Private Ryan, The Shawshank Redemption, Natural Born Killers, Scott Pilgrim vs The World, Terminator, The Fifth Element, Blade Runner, Blade Runner 2049, Dune: Part Two, Gladiator, Sinners, Godzilla: Minus One, Shin Godzilla01:25:59 Final Thoughts01:26:49 Episode Wrap