Episode 96: Barfly

On this episode we watch the 1998 movie Pleasantville. Somewhat overlooked at the time and now considered a cult classic, Pleasantville stars Tobey Maguire and Reese Witherspoon as siblings in the 90s transported to the idyllic but sterile world of the 50s in the television show Pleasantville. We talk about how nostalgia has changed from watching this now 30 years later, plus the themes of conformity, censorship (including the censored version on the new 4K release), sex, social change and why Pleasantville has resonated over the years.Other topics include physical media corner with Criterion, the Nicolas Cage collection on the Criterion Channel, Halloween movies we watched this year, and visiting iconic movie sets in Pasadena.Songs of the WeekAcross the Universe by Fiona AppleGarbageman by The CrampsRemainders Jukebox PlaylistWebsiteFacebookInstagramYouTubeTwitter

On this episode of Remainders we wrap up our Rob Zombie Halloween double feature with 2009’s Halloween II. Zombie takes the franchise into arguably its darkest territory, a full-on grindhouse psychological horror with white horses and all. Focusing exclusively on the superior Director’s Cut of the film, we see how the trauma, violence, and deranged dream logic all build to one of the best in the franchise.Other topics include the incredible cast, one of Brad Dourif’s best performances, whether it’s more of Rob Zombie film than a Halloween film, Danielle Harris in the franchise, Zombie’s other films, new movies with Digger and You Can See Everything, Halloween night shows, the new Friday the 13th tv series, and Nosferatu at the Chapel.Songs of the WeekPet Sematary by The RamonesStreet of Dreams by The DamnedLove Hurts by Nan VernonRemainders Jukebox PlaylistWebsiteFacebookInstagramYouTubeTwitter

On this episode of Remainders we start our Rob Zombie Halloween double-feature with his 2007 remake of John Carpenter’s classic. Long time fans and defenders of Zombie’s take on these movies, we revisit the theatrical cut and Zombie’s hillbilly and brutal reimagining of Michael Myers.Other topics include October horror watchlist, new physical media and the Big 3 slasher franchises, defending the Friday the 13th remake, and artwork for Danny Elfman.Songs of the WeekHere Today, Gone Tomorrow by Ronnie SpectorMommy’s Little Monster by Social DistortionRemainders Jukebox PlaylistWebsiteFacebookInstagramYouTubeTwitter

On this episode of Remainders we finish our double-feature with Werner Herzog’s Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call – New Orleans. Nicolas Cage as Terence McDonagh, a drug-addicted and increasingly unhinged New Orleans detective navigating murder, corruption, gambling, hallucinations, and a pair of iguanas only Herzog could explain.We talk Cage all the way, Herzog’s direction, the incredible supporting cast, how it compares and differs from the original Bad Lieutenant, post-Katrina New Orleans, dancing souls, the reptilian brain, and how Abel Ferrara and Werner Herzog bring their vibes to unhinged actors.Other topics include Chicago baseball, the passing of Gerrit Graham, streaming woes, getting ready for horror movies this October, and Bruce Campbell on his recent health issues.Songs of the WeekHey Cancer by Bruce CampbellPussy Palace by Lily AllenTheme from Friday the 13th, Pt 3 by Harry ManfrediniRemainders Jukebox PlaylistWebsiteFacebookInstagramYouTubeTwitter

On this episode of Remainders we watch the 1992 crime thriller Bad Lieutenant. Directed by Abel Ferrara and starring Harvey Keitel, Bad Lieutenant is the story of a corrupt, drug-addicted New York City cop spiraling out of control and forced into contemplating his own redemption. A mean, dirty movie with an all-time performance by Keitel, we start our Bad Lieutenant double-feature with a banger.Other topics include Abel Ferrara’s career, 90s independent cinema and the elusive NC-17 rating, going to the Emmys, The Ramones 50th anniversary celebration at Hollywood Forever Cinema, and meeting Kurt Russell and completing The Thing autograph collection.Songs of the WeekPledging My Love by Johnny AceLord’s Prayer by Lords of the New ChurchRemainders Jukebox PlaylistWebsiteFacebookInstagramYouTubeTwitter

This week on Remainders we celebrate our 100th episode with Boogie Nights. An all-time classic and favorite from the Suncoast days, we revisit one of our most watched movies and PTA’s breakthrough masterpiece. We talk the incredible ensemble cast, the transition from the party of the 70s to the chaos of the 80s, and one of the greatest film soundtracks ever. All things lead back to family in Boogie Nights.Other topics include reflections on 100 episodes of Remainders, the next 100 episodes and plans for the future, Darren’s journey in L.A. since starting the podcast, new physical media, and the passing of Screaming Mad George and 80s horror practical effects.Songs of the WeekGod Only Knows by The Beach BoysStill In Hollywood by Concrete BlondeRemainders Jukebox PlaylistWebsiteFacebookInstagramYouTubeTwitter

On this episode of Remainders we start our Paul Thomas Anderson double feature with Magnolia. PTA’s early epic of intertwined lives and coincidences vs fate and the sins of the father. A pivotal movie during the Suncoast days, we check out how this ranks among PTA’s career 25 years on.Other topics include ranking PTA, Tom Cruise and his auteur phase vs his movie star status, other PTA regulars as we get ready for Boogie Nights on our 100th episode, Christopher Nolan and The Odyssey, Bonnie Tyler and Holding Out for a Hero, and whether Short Circuit 2 has the best final chase scene ever.Songs of the WeekLetters by Eric VorelLa polizia sta a guardare by Stelvio CiprianiRemainders Jukebox PlaylistWebsiteFacebookInstagramYouTubeTwitter

On this episode we watch Lee Cronin’s The Mummy. After taking on the Evil Dead franchise and honoring Sam Raimi, Cronin stepped into a remake of the Universal monster classic The Mummy, and maintains the frenetic Dead style. A mix of influences, we’ll see where this Mummy stands in the history of the undead.Other topics include the Evil Dead franchise and rankings, Cronin’s influence from the series, the state of horror in film, visiting the Criterion Closet, honoring Sam Neill, Gilbert Gottfried and The Ramones, The Departed, and Student Bodies from Terror Vision.Songs of the WeekStrangers by The KinksAbsolutely Sweet Marie by Bob DylanRemainders Jukebox PlaylistWebsiteFacebookInstagramYouTubeTwitter

On this episode of Remainders we watch the 2008 movie The Wrestler. Part of our Mickey Rourke double-feature, The Wrestler represents the apex of Rourke’s career. Possibly too well cast as a man struggling with his past demons, The Wrestler is a perfect example of how tragedy can be comforting. We’ll see how it compares to Rourke’s performance in Barfly and where it stands in his filmography.Other topics include Aronofsky’s career, tragicomic movies, physical media and used CD stores, Spielberg and Disclosure Day, thoughts on Obsession, Kurt Russell’s first ever fan expo convention, and nu metal horror.Songs of the WeekYou Should All Be Murdered by Another Sunny DayCalifornia Blue by Roy Orbison and The Royal Philharmonic OrchestraMarry Me by Nightmare of YouRemainders Jukebox PlaylistWebsiteFacebookInstagramYouTubeTwitter

On this episode of Remainders we watch the 1987 movie Barfly. Written by Charles Bukowski, Barfly tries to capture the outsider drunk persona of Henry Chiaski, Bukowski’s alter-ego, as he lives in L.A. asking the eternal question: who am I? As part of a Mickey Rourke double-feature, we’ll check out how Rourke evolved (or devolved) in Hollywood and whether Bukowski romanticizes self-destruction.Other topics include the rest of Rourke’s career, existentialism in film, Riot Fest, new physical media by Kino Lorber, and indie-horror movies Obsession and Backrooms beating Star Wars.Songs of the WeekHere’s Your Future by The ThermalsMe Against the World by Lizzy BordenRemainders Jukebox PlaylistWebsiteFacebookInstagramYouTubeTwitter