Dark Star (1974): John Carpenter and Dan O'Bannon's Science Fiction Comedy

Dark Star (1974): John Carpenter and Dan O'Bannon's Science Fiction Comedy

Why was Dark Star so important to science-fiction films to come? Dark Star began as a student film project by then-USC Students John Carpenter (Halloween) and Dan O'Bannon (Return of the Living Dead). But what started out as an amazing student film was, over the course of a few years, expanded into a full theatrical release. And while Dark Star didn't fare too well at the box office, it gained cult status on the 1980s home video circuit. It jump-started Carpenter and O'Bannon's careers and influenced, or even helped create, science fiction franchises to come, like Alien and Star Wars. But while the film's legacy is never in doubt, does it hold up today? Join me for this episode as I discuss parodying 2001, space boredom, and conversations with talking bombs. Directed by John Carpenter. Written by John Carpenter and Dan O'Bannon. Starring Dan O'Bannon, Brian Narelle, Cal Kuniholm, Dre Pahich.  Connect with us on Bluesky [https://bsky.social/about]: @not-ni-theaters.bsky.social And to read more of Will's writing or check out more podcast episodes, you can visit him at: willturntale.com [https://willturntale.com]

The Mist (2007): Two Problems With the Ending [Side Reels]

The ending to The Mist shocked audiences. The Mist has a notoriously difficult ending. Still, there are audiences who love it, including its original author, Stephen King. But I couldn't stand it, and I wanted to discuss why. Join me for this latest episode of Side Reels where I break down two reasons I loved the movie but couldn't sync with its ending. The Mist. Directed by Frank Darabont. Screenplay by Frank Darabont, adapted from The Mist by Stephen King. Starring Thomas Jane, Marcia Gay Harden, Laurie Holden, Andre Braugher, and Toby Jones. Connect with us on Bluesky [https://bsky.social/about]: @not-ni-theaters.bsky.social And to read more of Will's writing or check out more podcast episodes, you can visit him at: willturntale.com [https://willturntale.com]

Hard Boiled (1992): Action Madness On and Off Camera

How was Hard Boiled crazy on and off the screen? John Woo's Hard Boiled is considered by many to be one of the best action films of all time and possibly the director's biggest spectacle. Starring two of Hong Kong Cinema's most celebrated male leads, Chow Yun-fat and Tony Leung, the movie continues Woo's exploration of the themes of "heroic bloodshed." And there's plenty of Woo's trademark "gun-fu" here to enjoy. Join me for a discussion of how Woo's improvised approach to the film pays off, heroic bloodshed as the antidote to the western buddy-cop formula, and manic baby rescues. Directed by John Woo. Screenplay by Gordon Chan and Barry Wong. Story by John Woo. Produced by Linda Kuk and Terence Chang. Starring Chow Yun-fat, Tony Leung, Teresa Mo, Philip Chan, Philip Kwok, and Anthony Wong Connect with us on Bluesky [https://bsky.social/about]: @not-ni-theaters.bsky.social And to read more of Will's writing or check out more podcast episodes, you can visit him at: willturntale.com [https://willturntale.com]

Night of the Creeps (1986): Fred Dekker's Cult Classic Horror Comedy

Why do Horror Fans continue to love Night of the Creeps? Night of the Creeps performed poorly at the box office but has endured as a classic piece of 1980s horror. A genre mashup that includes all the things horror and science fiction, Fred Dekker created an unorthodox B movie in the mold of his favorites and came out with something fans hold dear. With practical effects from, among others, the founders of the KNB EFX Group, the cheesy and silly and disgusting fun is a throwback to times when filmmaking felt personal. When aliens toss a canister of mind-controlling slugs to Earth, it's up to two college students, a love interest, and a hard-boiled detective to stop the creeps from ruining the formal. Join me for this episode as I discuss heartfelt goodbye recordings, the joy of shotguns and flamethrowers, and how Tom Atkins is having the time of his life. Written and directed by Fred Dekker. Produced by Charles Gordon. Starring Jason Lively, Steve Marshall, Jill Whitlow, and Tom Atkins. Connect with us on Bluesky [https://bsky.social/about]: @not-ni-theaters.bsky.social And to read more of Will's writing or check out more podcast episodes, you can visit him at: willturntale.com [https://willturntale.com]

Sid and Nancy (1986): The Punk Rock Love Story Gone Wrong

Sid and Nancy shows love can be as addicting as drugs. British cult film Sid and Nancy is a Criterion collected work and a notable cult film of the 1980s.  As a member of infamous British punk rock pioneers The Sex Pistols, Sid Vicious has the stardom many young men would crave. But when he becomes involved with new girlfriend Nancy Spungen, the couples' appetite for drugs spins them out of control. Join me for this discussion of the 1986 rock biopic before that was a real thing and done in a very punk way. In this episode, I discuss the legendary Sir Roger Deakins's cinematography you can't unsee, the film's surreal moments, and Gary Oldman's wild turn in the title role. Directed by Alex Cox. Written by Alex Cox and Abbe Wool. Starring Gary Oldman and Chloe Webb. Cinematography by Roger Deakins. Music By Joe Strummer, Pray for Rain, and The Pogues. Connect with us on Bluesky [https://bsky.social/about]: @not-ni-theaters.bsky.social And to read more of Will's writing or check out more podcast episodes, you can visit him at: willturntale.com [https://willturntale.com]