Cinemaspection

  Bob, Corinne, and Tim prowl the dark alleys of Gotham to take on the cultural phenomenon that was Tim Burton's Batman from 1989. We discuss the controversial casting of Michael Keaton as the Caped Crusader, compare the movie's depiction of the Dark Knight to his other TV and film appearances, and ponder the Batmobile-sized plot holes in its screenplay. Warning: Contains explicit language, spoilers, and speculation on the potential crime-fighting career of the Mooseman!

While recording out last episode on Superman: The Movie, Ellie and I commented on the various sequels and spin-offs, eventually getting into a little debate about the merits of Zack Snyder's Man of Steel. While brief, the discussion ran a bit too long for the episode and had to be trimmed down but we thought it would be interesting to present it uncut here as everyone gears up for the sequel, Batman v. Superman. Be advised if you haven't seen Man of Steel yet, we do get into some spoilers. Enjoy.  

  After nearly forty years, Ellie and Tim still believe a man can fly as they talk about the Man of Steel's first feature film outing, Superman: The Movie from 1978. We discuss the value of Superman as an symbol of optimism and decency in a cynical age, comment on the perceived religious metaphors in the Superman mythos, and Ellie describes their childhood encounter with the man himself, Christopher Reeve. Warning: Contains explicit language, spoilers, truth, justice, and the American way.   Our theme song is "Nostalgia TV" by Edward Jonathan Blakeley through Lynne Publishing.

  Don't tell the parents! Bob offers a comics history lesson and Tim deals with childhood trauma as they look at George Romero's Creepshow from 1982. Topics discussed include the warped moral code of horror comics, how Romero's social commentary seeps into the film's segments, and just what the hell that thing in the crate is. Warning: Contains explicit language and spoilers, but if you want cake you'll have to bring it yourself.   Our theme song is "Nostalgia TV" by Edward Jonathan Blakeley through Lynne Publishing.

  For this Valentine's Day, Corinne, Chris, Sarah, and Tim are putting it on 22 as they grab a drink at Rick's and enjoy the charms of 1942's Casablanca. Listen in as we discuss the political dimensions of this classic romance, note how the film helped shape Humphrey Bogart's onscreen persona, and explore whether Casablanca itself symbolizes purgatory amidst the chaos of World War II. Warning: Contains explicit language, spoilers, and baby gurgling.   Our theme song is "Nostalgia TV" by Edward Jonathan Blakeley through Lynne Publishing.

  Corinne and Tim try to figure out who's who as they watch John Carpenter's version of The Thing from 1982. Listen in as we speculate on why the film failed critically and commercially during the busy summer of '82, comment on the film's themes of isolation and paranoia, and discuss the lack of women in the cast. Warning: Contains explicit language, spoilers, and some unorthodox chess strategy.   Our theme song is "Nostalgia TV" by Edward Jonathan Blakeley through Lynne Publishing.

  As the year ends, we have one last holiday gift to unwrap. Corinne and Tim come down from their high castle to talk about Tim Burton's fairy tale Edward Scissorhands from 1990. We'll discuss Burton's forays into magical realism, how the film illustrates the relationship between the artist and mainstream society, and the viability of a cookie-based economy. Warning: Contains explicit language, spoilers, and lots of sniffly noises (I had a cold. Sorry.)   Our theme song is "Nostalgia TV" by Edward Jonathan Blakeley through Lynne Publishing.

  Corinne and Tim will have to start taking chances as they present their points-of-view on the odd film noir thriller Dark Passage from 1947. We'll discuss the chemistry between married co-stars Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall as compared to their earlier collaborations, the use of first-person perspective in the movie, and the script's over-reliance on dubious coincidences. Warning: Contains spoilers, explicit language, and a distinct lack of evidence.   Our theme song is "Nostalgia TV" by Edward Jonathan Blakeley through Lynne Publishing.

  Want us to fight the fight? Bob "Moviebob" Chipman and Tim will fight the big fight and step into the ring with the original Rocky from 1976. We'll discuss the relationship of Sylvester Stallone to his most famous role, explore how the film conforms to and deviates from social conventions regarding sports movies, and comment on the movie's representation of the American Dream. Warning: Contains spoilers, explicit language, and discussion of Lt. Worf's televised dishonor.   Our theme song is "Nostalgia TV" by Edward Jonathan Blakeley through Lynne Publishing.

  Corinne and Tim face their toughest mission yet as they come up against Dr. No, the original James Bond film from 1962. We'll discuss the film's blatant sexism and racism, its role in establishing the formula for the rest of the Bond film series, and how the exploits of Bond reflect England's role in international affairs in the 1960s. Warning: Contains spoilers, explicit language, and bad Sean Connery impersonations. Also please be advised that in discussing the movie we do reference a sexual assault brought up as a plot point in the film.   Our theme song is "Nostalgia TV" by Edward Jonathan Blakeley through Lynne Publishing.

Sometimes when we're recording we get a bit punchy and things get a bit strange. Such is this case with this odd little outtake, captured during a break as Corinne, Ellie, and I recorded our Something Wicked This Way Comes episode. Here in our downtime we expound on the perception of Ewoks and discuss how Mr. Dark might operate in the Star Wars universe. Enjoy... if possible.  

  Ellie, Corinne, and Tim get lost in the magic mirror maze and reflect on Jack Clayton’s adaptation of Ray Bradbury’s spooky fantasy Something Wicked This Way Comes from 1983. We’ll discuss the film’s turbulent production and reshoots, its themes of age and regret, and whether Mr. Dark is in fact the mirror universe version of Willy Wonka. Warning: Contains explicit language, spoilers, and gruesome book abuse.   Our theme song is "Nostalgia TV" by Edward Jonathan Blakeley through Lynne Publishing.

  Gather round the maypole as Corinne, Polly, and Tim journey to scenic Summerisle to keep an appointment with The Wicker Man from 1973. We'll discuss this chilling suspense film's depiction of belief systems in conflict, comment on the power of its unforgettable ending, and lament the twin crimes of film location vandalism and bad remakes. Warning: Contains explicit language, spoilers, and a frog in the throat. Also, due to some microphone issues, the sound mix on some portions of this episode is a little wiggy. We hope this doesn't detract from your enjoyment of the program.   Our theme song is "Nostalgia TV" by Edward Jonathan Blakeley through Lynne Publishing.

Chris, Corinne, Sarah, and Tim are getting off of the window seat and heading to Happydale to discuss Arsenic and Old Lace from 1944. Join us as we debate the morality and motivations of the Brewster murders, praise Cary Grant's broad acting choices, and consider the film's metaphorical criticism about American history. Warning: Contains explicit language, spoilers, and CHAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGE!!!! Our theme song is "Nostalgia TV" by Edward Jonathan Blakeley through Lynne Publishing.

  Chris, Corinne, Sarah, and Tim dig beneath the surface of the 1990 creature feature Tremors. Subjects discussed include the metaphorical significance of the town of Perfection, the film's seamless puppet and model effects, and the great human need for further adventures with Val and Earl. Warning: Contains explicit language, spoilers, and bad TV-version overdubbing.   Our theme song is "Nostalgia TV" by Edward Jonathan Blakeley through Lynne Publishing.

  Corinne, Rosie, and Tim hop into their stylish steampunk time machine to chat about Nicholas Meyer's Time After Time from 1979. Listen as they compare the film's depiction of  H.G. Wells to the real man, attempt to reconcile the film's lapses in spatiotemporal logic, and wonder what the hell is with Mary Steenburgen's accent. Warning: Contains explicit language, spoilers, and a problem with the Heisenberg compensators.   Our theme song is "Nostalgia TV" by Edward Jonathan Blakeley through Lynne Publishing.

  This time Tim and MovieBob himself, Bob Chipman, discuss the real movie stars: the often scary, sometimes goofy, and generally awe-inspiring characters that put the creature in creature features. What makes a great movie monster? Why are they so appealing? And as we run down our list of the greatest beasties ever to invade a movie screen, which critter will come out on top? Warning: Contains explicit language, spoilers, and a whole lot of kaiju.   Our theme song is "Nostalgia TV" by Edward Jonathan Blakeley through Lynne Publishing.

  Corinne and Tim spend a hot summer day discussing Dog Day Afternoon, Sidney Lumet's gripping portrait of a bank heist gone wrong. Topics include the amazing true story that inspired it, the intensity of young Al Pacino, the film's depiction of gay and transgender characters, and its influence on subsequent heist movies. Warning: Contains explicit language, spoilers, and ATTICA!! ATTICA!! ATTICA!!!   Our theme song is "Nostalgia TV" by Edward Jonathan Blakeley through Lynne Publishing.

  Corinne, Rosie, and Tim fend off clowns, trees, and swimming pools to discuss the trauma-inducing Poltergeist from 1982. Topics include the controversy over who actually directed the film, the supposed 'Poltergeist curse,' and the surprisingly strong roles for women in the movie. Warning: Contains explicit language, spoilers, and obstetric symbolism.   Our theme song is "Nostalgia TV" by Edward Jonathan Blakeley through Lynne Publishing.

  Corinne and Tim are just here for the gasoline... and to talk about Mad Max 2 a.k.a. The Road Warrior. Join us on a road trip about thirty years back along the fury road as we discuss the film's influence on post-apocalyptic cinema, George Miller's unique form of action film-making, and wasteland fashion. Warning: Contains explicit language, spoilers, and practical stunt-work.   Our theme song is "Nostalgia TV" by Edward Jonathan Blakeley through Lynne Publishing.