Hellboy is a detailed, wild ride that appeals directly to Levi and Eric’s geeky sensibilities. It also represents a unique and outstanding entry into the comic book genre. Plus, there are plenty of del Toro-isms to go around. Lovecraftian monsters? Check. Catholic symbolism? Check. Glowsticks? Check. Hellboy is a big story that goes down smooth. Bravo, Guillermo. Join us next week for Pan’s Labyrinth.
Special thanks to Glenn Seubert for commissioning this podcast on the 1964 British film “Zulu”. Directed by Cy Endfield and starring Stanley Baker and a very young Michael Caine, it depicts a fictionalized version of a real life stand off between 100 British soldiers and 4,000 Zulu warriors in the battle for South Africa. The film is gorgeous in it’s look and especially color palette, and the lead performances by Baker and Caine are interesting as two soldiers vying for power and making tough decisions under an extremely daunting challenge. We both cry out for more cultural and historical context for this film, and while Jim had problems with some aspects of the film being dated, I enjoyed it for the throw back to a classic age of cinema that it is.
The Russian import “Hardcore Henry”, directed by Ilya Naishuller and starring Sharlto Copley and Haley Bennett, is either some brilliant, imaginative, humorous, over the top action flick, or it is an over-long, boring, tedious, graphic waste of time that may or may not make you physically ill. Or maybe it’s both? Jim and A.Ron debate the film’s merits accordingly.
Thanks go to Dan G, perhaps better known as the forum denizen DancesWithWookies, has selected the 2007 minimalist sci-fi/philosophic film “The Man from Earth” for his commissioned podcast. Directed by Richard Schenkman and written by the late Jerome Bixby, it asks us to entertain the idea of a 14,000 year old paleolithic man who has managed to adapt and survive to our modern day. His winding tale through history may intrigue or infuriate you, depending on your appetite for detail or willingness to engage with the ideas and concepts of the film, and move beyond the limitations of it’s budget and construction
Mimic is an uneven ride through a deep and intricate del Toro world. There were some things we really loved, some we found laughable, and others that had us scratching our heads. So create an ant farm, click your spoons together, (maybe) become pregnant from a bug bite, and join us. It’s Mimic time!
We review Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. We didn’t like it. If you did, I’m really happy for you, but I’d recommend skipping the podcast because we’re going to sound like Lex Luthor explaining Greek history, which is to say utterly deranged and insane. Enjoy our spoiler-free review and very brief discussion of the trailers we saw before tonight’s main event, but if you want the whole spoiler-filled take down of DC’s risible attempt to launch a multi-movie franchise, you’ll need to join the Club.
Jude from New Zealand shows some homeland pride by selecting the incendiary Kiwi film from 1994, “Once Were Warriors”, for her commissioned podcast pick. Directed by Lee Tamahori and starring Temuera Morrison and Rena Owen, it features a soul destroying portrait of life for a Maori family living in the slums of Auckland. The picture pulls no punches, and yet manages to be thought provoking, sympathetic, and even uplifting and hopeful, assuming you calibrate your definition of “uplifting” and “hopeful” to David “The Wire” Simon settings. We simply are blown away by the performances of everyone in this film, particularly Morrison who plays the extremely charismatic, extremely violent Jake “the Muss”, and are intrigued by the examination of domestic violence, crime, and racial issues as seen through the very distinct lens of New Zealand.
Cronos is Guillermo del Toro’s first feature film, and while it’s a bit rough around the edges it’s the type of film that sticks with you. With macabre imagery, morbid curiosity, and Ron Perlman’s broken nose, there’s a lot to take in. So wind up the golden bug, sleep in a toy box, and rip your skin off. Let’s go!
Guillermo del Toro is our next director on Direct! The voting margin was razor-thin, but in the end the stylized Mexican director who has brought us Hellboy, Pan’s Labyrinth, and Pacific Rim took the crown. Aside from the cinematic experiences he has brought us, Del Toro is unique in that he is almost as well known for the movies he hasn’t made. What really endears him to us is his inherent geekiness, and the fervor with which he builds magnificent worlds.
Jim and A.Ron took in the psychological thriller “10 Cloverfield Lane”, and have a lot to say about the performances, the plot, and the trailers previewing movies we may or may not be interested in. The movie is directed by talented rookie Dan Trachtenberg, and stars Mary Elizabeth Winstead, John Goodman, and John Gallagher Jr, and is being called the “spiritual successor” to the original J.J. Abrams joint, “Cloverfield”, whatever the hell that means. Everyone can enjoy the non-spoiler reviews, but you’ll have to be a Club Bald Move member to hear the full podcast. We’ll be back in two weeks for the potential blockbuster/turd “Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice”!