Even Worse Than Theater Kids (Velvet Buzzsaw)

Caleb's podcast: The Natural State of WineFilm Discussed: Velvet Buzzsaw (2019), directed by Dan GilroyCast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Rene Russo, John Malkovich, Toni Collette, Zawe Ashton, Tom SturridgeWines Featured:Lovehammer Cabernet 2020, Pine Mountain, Slow Jam's VineyardDominique Renard Rosé ChampagneJordan Chardonnay 2022Key Discussion Topics:The pretension and exploitation in the contemporary art worldAuthenticity vs. hype in wine, art, and cultureHaunted/cursed art as a horror subgenre (references to The Picture of Dorian Gray, Pickman's Model)Why visual art gets more latitude for bullshit than other art formsThe film's morality play about respecting an artist's final wishesMemorable deaths: the sphere, Hobo Man, paintings that literally killReferences: HP Lovecraft's "Pickman's Model," The Devil's Candy, Candyman (2021), Nightcrawler, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia's Ongo Gablogian 

The ReturnBack from a 6-month break (Levi's "summer slumber")Spooky season timing couldn't be betterBeer of choice: Maharaja IPA from Avery Brewing ("battery acid in a can")Phantoms (1998)Directed by Joe Chappelle (Halloween: Curse of Michael Myers)Written by Dean Koontz, adapting his own novelStarring baby-faced Ben Affleck as a sheriff/ex-FBI agentFeatures Peter O'Toole bringing gravitas to exposition dumpsRose McGowan and Joanna Going in peak Miramax era rolesPlot DiscussionSmall Colorado town mysteriously empty (before it was cool)Ancient enemy that's basically primordial ooze meets ChatGPTLovecraftian influences mixed with The Thing vibesPacing issues: "It's a four-act movie pretending to be three"CGI that aged like milk left in the sunPeter O'Toole Appreciation CornerFrom Lawrence of Arabia to... thisSurvived pancreatic cancer in the '70s (absolute legend)Professional drinker, occasional actorDied in 2012 at 80October Horror PlansPumpkinhead (Kentucky hillbillies and monsters)Witchfinder General (Vincent Price at his cruelest)Discussion of recent releases: Sinners, Weapons, The Long WalkRandom TangentsSSRIs and their gill-growing propertiesThe bridge troll health guru phenomenonWhy cigarettes are actually good for you (they're not)Ben Affleck's chin as a character unto itselfRating: Mixed bag - great concept, questionable execution, worth it for Liev Schreiber's creepy giggle alone

In this episode, we dive deep into *Deliver Us From Evil* (2014), a blend of supernatural horror, crime thriller, and buddy cop movie — featuring our special guest, Lindsay Brown. Episode question: Is a bad Brooklyn accent worse than complete spiritual depravity? Spoiler: The answer is yes.

We also reflect on Levi's viewing of "Nosferatu," examining its stylistic choices and societal themes. As we rank our favorite horror films from the past year, we highlight the connections between storytelling and audience reactions. We wrap up with our exciting plans for future projects and genre explorations in podcasting.

The episode opens on an emotional note for Jonathan as he acknowledges the bittersweet moment of watching his mentee, Levi, select a film that he deems one of the worst ever made. The duo can't help but dive into the absurdity, as they reminisce about the film's gratuitous nudity, poor acting, and the unforgettable presence of Clint Howard - whose performance, while dubious, is not to be dismissed too lightly. 

Special guest Lindsey joins Levi & Johnathon for a look at Needful Things, an underrated adaption of Stephen King's novel by the same name.Do you idolatry?We idolatry.

This week Levi and special guests Caleb and Luke consider the odd man out in the Halloween franchise, Halloween III.

They're eating the dogs and they're eating the cats. But it's cool, because there are 12 sequels in the Friday the 13th franchise alone.

It's Lovecraft's birthday month, and the boys have words. Join us as we track his influence from The House by the Cemetery to Alien Romulus.

Shark month is over, but the river is filled with carnivorous fish. Join the boys as they look at Piranha (1978).