Case File 128: Zombieland

This week on Rogues Gallery, we're paying tribute to the late Patrick Stewart by revisiting The Next Generation cast's most celebrated big-screen adventure: Star Trek: First Contact. Following the mixed reception to Star Trek Generations, the filmmakers knew their follow-up had to deliver a more satisfying cinematic experience for fans. What emerged was a time-travel story that brought back one of the series' most terrifying adversaries, introduced a new Enterprise, and pushed Captain Jean-Luc Picard into considerably darker territory. After sharing our reactions to Stewart's passing and reflecting on his extraordinary legacy, we trace the film's development through its earlier incarnations and the creative decisions that shaped the finished product. Along the way, we dig into the Borg's terrifying redesign, the introduction of the Borg Queen and how she fundamentally changes our understanding of the Collective, and the film's parallel storylines (including how successfully we think each serves the members of this ensemble). We also discuss the shift to a more action-oriented approach, whether the Picard of the feature films feels like the same character we came to know on television, and how well First Contact balances blockbuster spectacle with the more cerebral traditions of Star Trek. Finally, we consider where this one ranks among the rest of the films, why the Borg Queen still resonates so strongly, and suggest some lesser-known Patrick Stewart performances you might want to check out. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Facebook | Instagram Chris's Instagram | Kristen's Instagram Chris & Kristen's Web Series: The Strange Case of Lucy Chandler

In 1995, Steven Spielberg and Amblin Entertainment set out to bring Casper the Friendly Ghost to the big screen. What might have been a straightforward adaptation of a beloved cartoon character became something far more ambitious: a technically groundbreaking fantasy that blended slapstick comedy, gothic atmosphere, and a somewhat controversial exploration of grief and loss. Join us as we trace the project's development and how first-time feature director Brad Silberling found himself overseeing one of the most demanding visual effects productions of its era. We dig into the pioneering computer animation that brought Casper and his uncles to life, the challenges of having actors perform opposite characters who weren't actually there, the elaborate construction of Whipstaff Manor, and the last-minute script revisions that continued even after filming began. Along the way, we discuss the film's unusual tonal inconsistencies, whether or not that had anything to do with its good-but-not-great reception, the strange circumstances that prevented a proper theatrical sequel, and much more! Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Facebook | Instagram Chris's Instagram | Kristen's Instagram Chris & Kristen's Web Series: The Strange Case of Lucy Chandler

After Halloween H20 seemingly brought the saga of Michael Myers and Laurie Strode to a definitive conclusion, the franchise found itself in an awkward position. Michael had to return, but the filmmakers were saddled with an already filmed explanation for his survival and the understanding that Jamie Lee Curtis was only willing to make a brief appearance. As it turns out, making another Halloween movie under those conditions was easier said than done. Join us as we explore the early pitches for Halloween 8 (including one particularly bizarre approach to bringing Laurie Strode back) and how the creative restrictions inherited from H20 threatened to undermine any version of a direct follow-up. Ultimately, the filmmakers settled on repurposing an existing screenplay about a webcam reality show and dropping Michael Myers into the middle of it. We dig into how this unlikely concept became one of the most widely criticized entries in the franchise and whether or not its reputation is entirely deserved Along the way, we also discuss the new cast of characters, Michael's latest mask, the kills, the film's multiple endings, and whether there was ever a version of Halloween: Resurrection that could have worked. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Facebook | Instagram Chris's Instagram | Kristen's Instagram Chris & Kristen's Web Series: The Strange Case of Lucy Chandler

After the divisive response to Friday the 13th: A New Beginning, Paramount knew it needed to bring Jason Voorhees back. But rather than simply return the series to business as usual, writer/director Tom McLoughlin took the franchise somewhere it had never quite been before. Join us as we trace the course correction that led to Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives, and how hiring a director who wasn't particularly interested in making a traditional slasher movie helped produce one of the series' most distinctive entries. We dig into the film's unusually playful sense of humor, its gothic and Universal Monsters influences, the resurrection that transformed Jason from a flesh-and-blood killer into an unstoppable supernatural force, and why audiences didn't turn out despite the return of the franchise's biggest star. We also discuss how dramatically the film's reputation has improved in the decades since its release, whether Jason Lives deserves its frequent designation as the best movie in the series, and how the undead Jason compares to the more human version who preceded him. And with Kristen making her way through the franchise for the first time, we check in on just how many of her predictions for Part VI actually came true before asking her to predict what could possibly happen next in Friday the 13th Part VII. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Facebook | Instagram Chris's Instagram | Kristen's Instagram Chris & Kristen's Web Series: The Strange Case of Lucy Chandler

Ten years after Freddy Krueger first invaded our dreams, Wes Craven returned to the franchise he created with something very different in mind. New Nightmare brought Freddy into the "real world," with Craven, Heather Langenkamp, Robert Englund, and John Saxon playing versions of themselves in a film that blurred the line between fiction and reality. Join us as we trace Craven's complicated history with the Nightmare on Elm Street series, what brought him back after years away, and how New Nightmare allowed him to reconsider both Freddy Krueger and the effect the character had on popular culture. Along the way, we dig into Freddy's radical redesign, the film's ambitious effects and set pieces, Heather Langenkamp's unusually personal performance, the ways real events from her life found their way into the story, and the movie's darker approach to a character who had gradually become as much comedian as monster. We also discuss the film's disappointing reception in 1994, its influence on the self-aware horror boom that followed, and how New Nightmare holds up more than thirty years after audiences weren't quite sure what to make of it. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Facebook | Instagram Chris's Instagram | Kristen's Instagram Chris & Kristen's Web Series: The Strange Case of Lucy Chandler

Released at the height of the franchise's popularity, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie brought the titular heroes to the big screen with a larger budget, redesigned costumes, and a brand new villain to contend with. Behind the scenes, however, there was an entirely different battle being fought. We trace the project's troubled development and the many changes that reshaped the film along the way. We also discuss the movie's complicated relationship with the continuity of the television series, how it was received by critics and fans, whether or not this feels suitably cinematic compared to the show, and much more! Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Facebook | Instagram Chris's Instagram | Kristen's Instagram Chris & Kristen's Web Series: The Strange Case of Lucy Chandler

Originally pitched as a television series in the early 2000s, Zombieland was ultimately reconceived as a feature film. Join us as we trace the project's unusual journey from rejected TV pilot, to low-budget direct-to-video concept, to hit studio release. Along the way, we dig into the film's distinctive sense of humor, the chemistry between its unforgettable cast, and how the story evolved as its scope grew larger. We also discuss whether Zombieland: Double Tap managed to recapture the original's magic, the ill-fated Amazon television pilot that brought the franchise full circle, where Zombieland could go from here, and much more! Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Facebook | Instagram Chris's Instagram | Kristen's Instagram Chris & Kristen's Web Series: The Strange Case of Lucy Chandler

What began as a spec script for The X-Files evolved into one of horror's most enduring modern franchises. By stripping away the traditional slasher formula and replacing the killer with fate itself, Final Destination turned everyday spaces and ordinary objects into sources of dread. We trace the project's unconventional origins and how director James Wong and writer Glen Morgan transformed a familiar teen horror setup into something more unique. Along the way, we dig into the film's elaborate death sequences, the challenge of creating tension without a physical antagonist, how later entries perfected the formula, and much more! Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Facebook | Instagram Chris's Instagram | Kristen's Instagram Chris & Kristen's Web Series: The Strange Case of Lucy Chandler

This week, we're stepping into the stylish, seductive, and deeply divisive world of Dressed to Kill. Released at the height of Brian De Palma's fascination with voyeurism, identity, and cinematic sleight of hand, the film is both a love letter to classic thrillers and a provocation in its own right. Drawing heavily from the work of Alfred Hitchcock (that's putting it mildly) while pushing further into sex, violence, and dreamlike excess, Dressed to Kill quickly became one of the most controversial films of its era. We discuss how De Palma's visual style helps put a new spin on familiar material, dig into the film's elaborate set pieces, and of course, attempt to unpack its depiction of gender and identity. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Facebook | Instagram Chris's Instagram | Kristen's Instagram Chris & Kristen's Web Series: The Strange Case of Lucy Chandler Chris's new EP on Spotify and Bandcamp

After years in development hell, a live-action adaptation of the blockbuster survival horror video game Resident Evil finally hit screens in 2002. As opposed to just retelling a story fans were already familiar with, this was intended to be a prequel featuring a new set of characters and references to the series deeper lore.  That's... sort of what this is. Not really. And as a result, the film's financial success was offset by a backlash from gamers who didn't appreciate the bait and switch. Or a Resident Evil that was light on gore and heavy on post-Matrix style action.  But now that we're on the eve of Zach Cregger's reboot, we thought it would be a good time to take a look back at where it all began for RE on the big screen. Topics include: earlier incarnations that were more reflective of the first game, George A. Romero's involvement with the project (and unceremonious departure), why Paul W.S. Anderson was exactly the right guy for the approach the producers favored, how many similarities this shares with his eventual Alien Vs. Predator film, the make-up and effects, whether or not the lack of gore is the real issue here, thoughts on the sequels, hopes for the reboot, and much more! Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Facebook | Instagram Chris's Instagram | Kristen's Instagram Chris & Kristen's Web Series: The Strange Case of Lucy Chandler Chris's new EP on Spotify and Bandcamp