Cinemantics

Co-host G. Warlock Vance and I discuss Nobuhiko Obayashi's House, an explosion of trippy weirdness from 1977. I explain our lengthy hiatus before Warlock analyzes the film's themes and how it fits into the J-Horror tradition. We also geek out over the technical accomplishments of the film and gleefully recount its stunningly bizarre death sequences. House is calling to you, so come back home and get married.

In the first episode of Cinemantics to have more than one co-host, I am joined by Jeffery Heatherly, Stephanie C. Kernisan and Greg Green in a discussion of Ron Underwood's Tremors (1990). During our wide-ranging conversation Stephanie gives a spirited plot recap, Greg enlightens us on the definition of dark comedy and Jeff complains about oddly edited profanity. Plus, Stephanie sings fake Reba McEntire songs!

Co-host Greg Green and I discuss Ryuhei Kitamura's Versus (2000). We went into this Japanese action/horror/gangster/zombie movie expecting it to be awesome. Sadly, we came out disappointed. We examine the nonexistent story, poorly developed characters, extreme lack of continuity and a sorely underused villain while also praising some of the cinematography and fight choreography. We'd also like to reiterate that Yellowstone National Park is NOT in Canada.

Our month honoring the collaborations of director John Carpenter and actor Kurt Russell draws to a close as co-hosts Jeffery Heatherly and Ryan Houser join me in a discussion of Escape From L.A. (1996). Whereas Escape From New York was slow and serious, this is a fast-paced, campy thrill ride . . . and we love it. Topics of conversation include theories about how the script was written, ridiculous action sequences, special effects of varying quality and what would happen if Randy Newman made a cameo. Whether you're on a surf board or a hang glider, it's an episode you're bound to enjoy!

Our month-long tribute to the collaborations of director John Carpenter and actor Kurt Russell continues as co-host Jeffery Heatherly and I discuss Big Trouble In Little China (1986). While we enjoy it more than Escape From New York, we find this one a bit too convoluted to be a classic. Our typically tangential conversation touches on, among other things, Asian character actors, cheesy theme songs, anticlimactic villain deaths and the TV series Goosebumps. Join us, won't you?

Our month-long tribute to the collaborations of director John Carpenter and actor Kurt Russell continues as co-host G. Warlock Vance and I discuss the sci-fi horror classic The Thing (1982). Topics of conversation include nihilism in the film, the need for communication, Rob Bottin's amazing visual effects and the weather in Antarctica. It's a perfect episode for anyone who goes there.

This month beloved actor Kurt Russell turns 60. To celebrate, Cinemantics is devoting the month to his collaborations with legendary director John Carpenter. In our first installment, co-hosts Jeffery Heatherly and Ryan Houser join me in a discussion of Escape From New York (1981). Our reception is decidedly lukewarm. We praise Russell and the look of the film but criticize its slow pace and droning soundtrack. We also unearth some nepotism in the film's casting. It's an episode that's truly A#1.

Co-host Jeffery Heatherly and I bid farewell to the holiday season with a discussion of Nicholas Webster's Santa Claus Conquers The Martians (1964). Frequently labeled as one of the worst movies ever made, Jeff and I actually found its '60s kitsch to be quite charming. We discuss, among other things, a perpetually drug-addled Santa, the archetypal science-fiction robot, a supremely cheesy soundtrack and the fakest polar bear in history. From everyone at Cinemantics, happy holidays and hooray for Santa Claus!

The Month of Moore comes to a close as co-host Jeffery Heatherly and I discuss Zack Snyder's Watchmen (2009), an adaptation of the groundbreaking graphic novel by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons. Mired in development hell for years, this movie could have been a disaster - but it came out as good an adaptation as anyone could have hoped for. Jeff and I love it. Just a few of the many topics of discussed here: Broadway's effect on great actors, changes from the novel that work for the better, the impact of a well-placed song and the public's obsession with a certain blue phallus. Plus, a surprise cameo!