The Fly (1986), Cronenberg's Body Horror

This movie feels like it is happening at exactly the same time, but outside of the frame lines of Clueless...and in a slightly sideways universe. What's a girl to do when her boyfriend comes back to life as a Mechanical T-Rex? This movie has the answers. Greg and Mere had a ton of fun watching and talking about this film and would love to invite you to come on in and have a ton of fun with them. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Tammy and the T-Rex 02:51 Exploring the Plot and Characters 06:00 The Insanity of the Science 09:06 The Comedic Duo and Their Scheme 12:00 The T-Rex Transformation 15:03 The Consequences of the Experiment 17:55 The Rampage Begins 20:07 The Quirky Characters of Small Town Law Enforcement 23:04 The Absurdity of the T-Rex and Its Impact 26:11 Body Shopping: A Darkly Humorous Twist 29:30 The Brain in a Jar: Exploring Identity and Existence 30:25 Low Budget Charm vs. Big Budget Expectations 36:26 Reality TV: The Illusion of Authenticity 40:52 Experiences at a Gay Sports Bar 42:04 The Intersection of LGBTQ+ Spaces 44:54 Theater Dynamics and High School Experiences 48:12 Reality TV Encounters 50:32 The Reality of Reality TV 52:17 Cultural Commentary on Gender and Media 56:56 Exploring Societal Trends and Birth Rates #movies #moviereview #filmtalk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Greg and Mere dive deeper into the film library of Nico Mastorakis with 'Blind Date' (1984). This movie is just good, not so clean fun! Is it a Thriller? Sci-Fi? Drama? Absurdist Comedy? As we have learned about the films of Mastorakis it is everything at once, nothings off the table. On the b-side we talk about film school and work experiences we have had over the years. Chapters 00:00 11am and Far Away 03:00 Exploring Nico Mastorakis' Filmography 05:51 The Nostalgia of 80s Cinema 08:59 Blind Date: A Film Overview 11:53 Character Dynamics and Themes 15:07 The Killer's Motives and Plot Twists 18:09 The Role of Technology in the Film 21:03 The Concept of Stalking in Cinema 23:47 The Climax and Resolution 27:05 Final Thoughts on Blind Date 42:08 Selfish Heroism and Trauma 44:58 The Messy Nature of Storytelling 52:08 The Absurdity of Film Production 55:49 The Reality of Awards and Recognition 01:01:07 Teaching and Learning in Film 01:15:47 Behind the Scenes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are talking about the 1984 film 'Blood Tide,' starring James Earl Jones and the guy from Karate Kid! We analyze the film's plot and production, and discuss the implications of its psychosexual horror elements, including themes of sacrifice and insanity. This movie made us really miss the low-budget creativity of the 80s and 90s. Listen to the end for some personal anecdotes from Greg's student filmmaking days and hints into what we might be watching next. Chapters - 00:00 Opening Rituals and Childhood Stories 02:58 Exploring Blood Tide and Its Creators 06:02 Master Rakas and His Unique Style 08:49 The Craft of Blood Tide 12:02 Plot Overview and Character Dynamics 15:02 Themes of Sacrifice and Insanity 23:15 Exploring Duress and Sacrifice 24:36 The Complexity of Character Relationships 26:03 The Appeal of Low-Budget Creativity 30:10 The Role of Mythology in Storytelling 32:06 The Importance of Character Development 34:10 Cultural Reflections in Film 36:32 The Evolution of Independent Cinema 40:40 The Impact of Budget on Film Quality 47:39 Underwater Filmmaking Challenges 50:30 Scrappy Student Filmmaking 52:50 Upcoming Movie Discussions 54:00 Cultural Reflections in Horror 01:00:20 Longevity and Anti-Aging Trends 01:02:58 Malthusian Sci-Fi and Overpopulation Concerns Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

High school honor student by day, h**ker by night. In this episode we dive into the 1984 film 'Angel', exploring its place in exploitation cinema, the dynamics of sex positivity, and the representation of queer identities in the 1980s. We shift to the aesthetic appeal of low-budget films and how we could make an entire podcast just about Susan Terrell. Mere talks about her nostalgia for the pre-internet days and Greg recommends sho buy a Brick. 'Angel' has a few notable sequels so let us know if you like this episode and we will watch 'Angel 2: Avenging Angel'. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Personal Anecdotes 01:30 Overview of the Movie 'Angel' 04:48 Exploration of Themes in 'Angel' 10:05 Character Introductions and Dynamics 15:00 The Killer's Role and Motivations 20:04 Queer Representation and Social Commentary 27:11 Exploring Themes of Childhood and Abandonment 30:58 The Aesthetic Appeal of Low-Budget Films 32:58 Susan Terrell's Unique Presence 35:17 The Evolution of the 'Angel' Franchise 37:15 The Punk Rock Spirit of Low-Budget Cinema 40:55 The Challenges of Modern Filmmaking 47:12 Creative Rigging and Filmmaking Innovations 48:03 Exploration of Exploitation Cinema 54:06 Nostalgia for Pre-Internet Days 56:48 The B-Side Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Moving forward Midnight Local will be focusing on forgotten movies like the ones that show up in the unique offerings of Night Flight Plus. They explore the concept of exploitation cinema, and discuss the long lost 1981 film 'Dead and Buried'. They delve into the intricacies of horror films, the importance of special effects, and the themes of reanimation and memory. The discussion transitions into cultural commentary on punk movements and the importance of fun in society, exploring how these elements reflect broader societal issues and concludes with reflections on tolerance and understanding different perspectives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is an update! We are wrapping up this season of Midnight Local and will be back in January of 2025 with more episodes. We hope everyone has a great holidays, dee you in 2025. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Midnight Local, hosts Greg and Meredith dive into the cult classic 'Serial Mom' directed by John Waters. They explore the film's themes of suburban life, the duality of its main character Beverly, and the societal commentary on media and celebrity culture. The conversation highlights the absurdity of the plot, the dark humor, and the film's satirical take on American values. In this conversation, they explore various themes including the fascination with celebrity murderers, the impact of social media on public discourse, and the role of misinformation in politics. They discuss the absurdity of modern entertainment and the cultural commentary of John Waters, while also touching on the dangerous ideologies propagated by figures in the manosphere. The dialogue reflects on the complexities of societal values and the need for critical thinking in an age of rapid information exchange. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Mood Setting 02:47 Exploring 'Serial Mom' and John Waters' Influence 05:56 Character Analysis: Beverly and Her Duality 08:57 The Plot Unfolds: A Mother's Grievances 12:04 Murderous Escalation: The First Kill 15:06 Cultural Commentary: Media and Celebrity 17:46 The Trial and Public Perception 20:58 The Climax: A Mother's Love and Violence 24:14 Final Thoughts on Satire and Society 38:46 The Obsession with Celebrity Murderers 42:47 The Impact of Social Media on Society 46:37 Political Commentary and the Role of Misinformation 55:50 The Future of Green Investment and Climate Change 01:05:51 The Dangerous Ideologies of the Manosphere 01:15:10 Understanding John Waters and His Cultural Commentary Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, Greg and Meredith explore the 1932 film 'The Island of Lost Souls,' a pre-code horror adaptation of H.G. Wells' 'The Island of Doctor Moreau.' They discuss the film's themes, character dynamics, and the implications of its portrayal of morality and control. The conversation also touches on the cultural and racial implications of the film, the role of women in early cinema, and the efficiency of short films compared to modern media consumption. They delve into the cinematic influences and thematic elements of 'Island of Lost Souls,' exploring its connections to other films, the innovative sound design, and the evolution of horror as a genre. They discuss the impact of H.G. Wells' work on film adaptations, the cultural censorship faced by the movie, and its legacy in the horror genre. The dialogue highlights the film's unique qualities, its historical significance, and the ongoing fascination with its themes and characters. Chapters 00:00 Nostalgia for Old Media 02:49 Exploring Pre-Code Horror 05:52 The Island of Doctor Moreau Adaptation 09:08 Character Dynamics and Relationships 12:00 The Role of Women in Early Cinema 14:53 Themes of Control and Manipulation 17:46 The Nature of Evil and Morality 20:56 Cultural and Racial Implications 23:49 The Impact of Pre-Code Restrictions 26:59 The Efficiency of Short Films 30:05 Comparing Old and New Media Consumption 35:07 Exploring Cinematic Influences 38:25 The Role of Sound Design in Horror 42:32 The Evolution of Horror Films 48:29 H.G. Wells and Adaptations in Film 52:55 Censorship and Cultural Impact 56:59 The Legacy of Island of Lost Souls Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Meredith and Greg delve into the 1986 film 'The Fly' directed by David Cronenberg, exploring its themes of body horror, transformation, and the complexities of relationships. They discuss the film's opening, character dynamics, and the implications of the protagonist's transformation into a fly. The conversation also touches on the metaphorical aspects of aging and disease, the nature of the monster, and the performance of Jeff Goldblum. The hosts critique the film's world-building and reflect on the impact of body horror as a genre. The conversation turns to the differences between empathy and sympathy. They discuss the relatability of body horror and how anxiety manifests in horror films. They close on the misrepresentation of gaslighting, the impact of male creators in storytelling, and the evolution of Jeff Goldblum's persona in film. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to The Fly and Its Themes 03:00 Exploring Body Horror and Character Dynamics 06:12 The Transformation and Its Consequences 09:04 The Role of Relationships and Jealousy 11:56 The Climax and the Nature of the Monster 14:56 Metaphors of Aging and Disease 18:11 The Ending and Its Implications 20:53 Reflections on Performance and Humor 24:03 Critique of World-Building in The Fly 26:51 Body Horror as a Genre and Its Impact 34:04 Exploring Body Horror and Relatability 36:51 Empathy vs. Sympathy 39:39 Anxiety in Horror and the Cringe Factor 42:45 Gaslighting: Misunderstandings and Definitions 46:44 The Complexity of Male Creators and Their Impact 52:53 The Evolution of Jeff Goldblum's Persona 01:00:45 Reflections on Fame and Identity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Greg and Meredith delve into the 1984 film 'Ghostbusters.' They explore themes of working-class heroism, the film's problematic elements, the unique blend of comedy and horror, and the challenges of sequels and reboots. The discussion also touches on character dynamics, the role of special effects, and the social commentary embedded in the film. The conversation also touches on parental perspectives regarding the film's appropriateness for children, Dan Aykroyd's beliefs about the supernatural, and the evolution of his career. Additionally, they critique the portrayal of authority figures in the film and discuss the legal battles surrounding the theme song. They try to answer the question, are The Ghostbusters the working class Batman(men)? 00:00 - The Anti-Batman 03:11 - Ghostbusters: A Classic 05:57 - The Resurrection of Chevy Chase and Bill Murray's Creepiness 08:46 - The Unique Blend of Comedy and Horror 12:04 - The Challenges of Sequels and Reboots 15:10 - Character Dynamics and Casting Choices 17:54 - The Role of Special Effects in Storytelling 20:48 - The Ghostbusters' Business Model 24:07 - Cultural References and Social Commentary 31:57 - Exploring Wealth and Gender Dynamics in Ghostbusters 39:40 - Parental Perspectives on Ghostbusters 41:06 - Dan Aykroyd's Beliefs and Career 46:14 - The Evolution of Dan Aykroyd 55:05 - Critique of Authority and the American Dream 01:03:09 - The Legal Battle Behind the Theme Song Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices