The Seat Struck Movie Podcast

Episode 184: TWISTER (1996) 09.06.2026 1sa 20dk

"Meg's gravy is famous. It's practically a food group."Shine on! This week on the podcast, Curtis and John celebrate the 30th anniversary of an iconic 90s disaster movie: Twister! We discuss this film's long, troubled production cycle; our experiences with this film; John's childhood fear of tornados; Ottawa's recent experiences with tornados and other nasty storms; the stacked cast; and how a spat over the soundtrack recording sessions led to Sammy Hagar leaving Van Halen!Before that, we run through some discussion topics, new releases, and what we watched this week.Next episode we will return to the David Lynch Watch Series to discuss WILD AT HEART.TIME STAMPS00:00:00 Introduction00:05:55 John's experience at a horror convention in Toronto00:08:15 Rise of YouTubers turned filmmakers00:11:43 RIP Anthony Head00:14:17 New Releases: Scary Movie; Cape Fear; Masters of the Universe; I Love BoostersWhat We Watched This Week00:18:58 Margo's Got Money Troubles [Season One] (Curtis)00:20:45 Palestine 36 (Curtis)00:22:35 Bridget Jones' Baby and Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy (Curtis)00:23:37 Bloody New Year (John)00:25:52 The Dirties (John)00:28:17 Freddy vs. Jason (John)00:29:57 Shivers (John)00:31:57 Deadly Eyes (John)00:33:30 Lake Mungo (John)00:36:25 The Backrooms (John)00:42:51 Obsession (John)00:42:51 TWISTER Discussion01:09:32 Our Scores for TWISTER01:15:30 What's coming up next?CREDITS AND PLUGSIntro: Humans Being - Van HalenOutro: Respect the Wind - Alex Van Halen and Eddie Van Halenhttps://johnnycakes.substack.com (check out John's recent Best of 2025 post)Follow John on Letterboxd—@johnnycakes91Curtis: https://www.the-back-row.com/ - check out 'Runstedler's DVD Pick of the Month'https://curtisrunstedler.ca/Dr Curtis Reads: https://www.youtube.com/@curtisrunstedler

Episode 183: David Lynch Watch Series #5 (TWIN PEAKS, 1990-91) 20.05.2026 2sa 29dk

That podcast you like is coming back in style! For the first time in Seat Struck history we're tackling a television series, as we deep dive into David Lynch and Mark Frost's TWIN PEAKS. Joining John and Curtis is an all-star panel of recurring guests: Simon Spiegel, Magill Foote, and Thomas Britt. We jumped right into discussion and covered a deep slate of topics, including: some notes on the production history of the show; how we were introduced to Twin Peaks; favourite characters; the iconic score; elements of the series which have aged well; the genre distinctions of "mystery" in Germany vs. North America; and many more.Next episode we will return to discuss TWISTER, in celebration of its 30th anniversary. Want more Twin Peaks? Have no fear, we will be back for episodes on Fire Walk With Me and The Return in the upcoming months. TIME STAMPS00:00:00 Introduction (background on the show)00:11:04: TWIN PEAKS discussion kicks off 00:34:42 - Favourite characters on the show01:00:40 - Leland and Nadine chatter01:10:40 - Angelo Badalamenti and Julee Cruise's contributions01:21:26 - The "thesis" of Twin Peaks01:30:05 - Recurring directors; Twin Peaks growing popularity 01:50:00 - Show and tell of Twin Peaks memorabilia.02:09:04 - Quick mention of the finale02:12:44 - Our "scores"; closing thoughts02:18:21 What's coming up next?CREDITS AND PLUGSIntro: Audrey's Dance - Angelo BadalamentiMiddle: Twin Peaks scene from The SimpsonsOutro: Just You - Angelo Badalamenti (from Twin Peaks S2 E09)Dr. Spiegel's text on spoilers (THE FEAR OF KNOWING): https://www.rombach.de/shop/article/57304375/the_fear_of_knowing.htmlTommy and Curtis's forthcoming publications here:https://edinburghuniversitypress.com/book-dis-trusting-the-digital-world-in-imaginative-literature.htmlNew Tommy Britt publication here:https://discovery.researcher.life/article/sleeping-through-the-big-lebowski-sleep-dreams-and-rest-in-the-coen-brothers-films-and-jeff-bridges-music/491e641b97c735e585ac3d652e42704ehttps://www.magillfoote.com/Magill's produced podcast: https://www.trailwentcold.com/Magill and Grant's games store: https://taigainteractive.itch.io/Check out Magill's contributions on Rue Morgue magazine! https://rue-morgue.com/Check out Magill's wife's new book (The Widow's Charm): https://caitlynpaxson.com/https://johnnycakes.substack.comFollow John on Letterboxd—@johnnycakes91Curtis: https://www.the-back-row.com/ - check out 'Runstedler's DVD Pick of the Month'https://curtisrunstedler.ca/Dr Curtis Reads: https://www.youtube.com/@curtisrunstedler

Episode 182: John Cassavetes Watch Series #5: (FACES, 1968) 06.05.2026 1sa 57dk

This week we are back on the retroactively titled "John Cassavetes Watch Series", as our recurring Cassavetes scholar returns to discuss his 1968 masterpiece: 1968. Jumping off from Jonathan Rosenbaum's brief review, we talked about the film's reaction to the "so-called sexual revolution"; (upper) middle class ennui; the film's detailed production history and long editing processes; the excellent performance by first-timer Lynn Carlin, and Cassavetes mainstay Seymour Cassell; and the film's influence on later Cassavetes flicks; among many other topics. Before that, we run through a quick news shoutout and cover what we watched recently.Next episode we will be joined by a BIG guest panel to discuss TWIN PEAKS.TIME STAMPS00:00:00 Introduction00:07:58 Shout Out HORRORAMA presents TORONTOSPLOITATION 2 (https://www.suspectvideo.ca/about-3What We Watched This Week00:09:16 Waiting for Guffman (Bruni)00:11:43 L'Eclisse (Bruni)00:13:53 Bound (Bruni)00:15:25 The Watermelon Woman (Bruni)00:17:25 Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice (Bruni)00:19:18 Sirāt (Bruni)00:21:05 The Drama (John)00:25:11 Hokum (John)00:27:25 Best of Enemies (John)00:31:27 Lessons of Darkness (John)00:33:43 LBJ (John)00:37:36 The Private Files of J Edgar Hoover (John)00:41:10 FACES Discussion01:43:01 Our Scores01:52:22 What's coming up next?CREDITS AND PLUGSIntro: Faces TrailerOutro: Richard Crooks - I Dream of Jeannie with the Light Brown HairRead more from John Bruni at: https://www.mediamagpies.com/https://johnnycakes.substack.comFollow John on Letterboxd—@johnnycakes91Curtis: https://www.the-back-row.com/ - check out 'Runstedler's DVD Pick of the Month'https://curtisrunstedler.ca/Dr Curtis Reads: https://www.youtube.com/@curtisrunstedler

Episode 181: David Lynch Watch Series #4 (BLUE VELVET, 1986) 29.04.2026 2sa 6dk

Curtis, John, and Magill FOOTE are BACK for the latest David Lynch watch series entry: 1987's bizarro BLUE VELVET, starring Laura Dern, Kyle MacLachlan, Dennis Hopper, Brad Dourif, and Isabella Rossellini. The boys discuss the latest news and what they watched before diving into the film. Hot topics include its links to TWIN PEAKS, the psychosexual aspects, the weirdness, and its place in Lynch's filmography. Tune in next time for John and John's deep dive into John Cassavetes' FACES (1968)!NEWS OF THE WEEKShout outsCoyote vs. ACME trailer out now!New releases: The Super Mario Galaxy Movie; The Drama; Undertone; They Will Kill You; Exit 8; Faces of Death; Hunting Matthew NicholsWHAT WE WATCHED THIS WEEKCurtis: Louis Theroux: Into the Manosphere; Lady Bird; The Testament of Ann Lee; The Lost World: Jurassic Park; Girl, InterruptedJohn Valley: Send Help; Project Hail Mary; Exit 8; Faces of Death; Hunting Matthew Nichols; EquinoxMagill: Lee Cronin’s The Mummy; Short films: Skate Witches, Carts of Darkness, Dock Ellis & the LSD No-No, The Wizard of Speed and TimeTIME STAMPS(00:00:00) Introduction(00:01:00) Shout Outs/New Releases/What We Watched This Week(01:01:10) BLUE VELVET Discussion(01:52:26) Our Scores for BLUE VELVET(01:57:57) Coming Up Next!CREDITS AND PLUGSIntro: "Blue Velvet" by Bobby VintonOutro: "In Dreams" by Roy OrbisonFollow John on Letterboxd—@johnnycakes91Curtis:https://www.the-back-row.com/ - check out 'Runstedler's DVD Pick of the Month'https://curtisrunstedler.ca/Dr Curtis Reads: https://www.youtube.com/@curtisrunstedlerCurtis's forthcoming publication here:https://edinburghuniversitypress.com/book-dis-trusting-the-digital-world-in-imaginative-literature.htmlMagill Foote:https://www.magillfoote.com/The Trail Went Coldhttps://www.trailwentcold.com/

Episode 180: NEW ROSE HOTEL (1998) 05.04.2026 57dk

Curtis, John, and special guest (and cyberpunk scholar) Dr Anna McFarlane (University of Glasgow) do a deep dive this week into Abel Ferrara's often underlooked NEW ROSE HOTEL (1998), which is adapted from cyberpunk wizard William Gibson's short story in Burning Chrome and stars Asia Argento, Willem Dafoe, and Christopher Walken. The gang discusses the differences between the story andthe film, its cyberpunk aspects, "low lives and high tech," thefilm's aesthetics, simulacra and ambiguities, and more.Tune in next time for the next David Lynch watch series installment: BLUE VELVET(1986)!TIME STAMPS(00:00:00) Introduction(00:01:42) NEW ROSE HOTEL Discussion(00:48:44) Our Scores for NEW ROSE HOTEL(00:54:56) Coming Up Next!CREDITS AND PLUGSIntro: "In this Hole" by Cat PowerOutro: "Mindfields" by The ProdigyFollow John on Letterboxd—@johnnycakes91Curtis:https://www.the-back-row.com/ - check out 'Runstedler's DVD Pick of the Month'https://curtisrunstedler.ca/Dr Curtis Reads: https://www.youtube.com/@curtisrunstedlerCurtis's forthcoming publication here:https://edinburghuniversitypress.com/book-dis-trusting-the-digital-world-in-imaginative-literature.htmlDr Anna McFarlane (University of Glasgow):https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/critical/staff/annamcfarlane

Episode 179: Movies By Actors #2: ONE-EYED JACKS (1961) 28.03.2026 1sa 19dk

"You may be a one-eyed jack around here, but I've seen the other side of your face"This week we continue the long-awaited follow up entry in our 'Movies By Actors' series by discussing Marlon Brando's sole directorial feature: ONE-EYED JACKS. We go over the troubled pre-production of this film, and the events which led to Brando taking the reins. We discuss his performance in the film, the atypical West coast setting, the revenge narrative, and John raises some crackpot theory about WHY David Lynch named the Canadian brothel in Twin Peaks after this film. Hard to believe this is the first proper Western we've ever discussed on the show and we're almost at episode 200. The world of cinema sure is ocean wide AND ocean deep. Before that, we run through some Oscars chat and a couple of RIPs, before over some new releases and talking about what we watched recently.Next episode we will be joined by a special guest to discuss Abel Ferrara's NEW ROSE HOTELTIME STAMPS00:00:00 Introduction00:07:40 Shout Outs (Oscars recap; RIP Chuck Norris and Nicholas Brendon)00:17:58 New Releases (Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man; Spacewoman; Project Hail Mary; The Bride!; Ready or Not 2: Here I Come)What We Watched This Week00:22:07 Dances with Wolves (Curtis)00:22:51 F1: The Movie (Curtis)00:24:24 Frybread Face and Me (Curtis)00:25:03 The Last Horror Film (Curtis)00:26:40 Marty Supreme (Curtis)00:31:46 We Are Pat (John)00:37:16 Nash the Slash Rises Again! (John)00:40:17 Montreal, Ma Belle (John)00:42:18 Point of Order! (John)00:45:04 Mile End Kicks (John)00:42:09 Careful (John)00:49:15 Where to Land? (John)00:50:46 ONE-EYED JACKS Discussion01:10:22 Our Scores01:14:21 What's coming up next?CREDITS AND PLUGSIntro and Outro: One-Eyed Jacks theatrical trailerhttps://www.transgendermediaportal.org/Read part one of John's best of 2025: https://johnnycakes.substack.com/p/best-of-2025-part-one-favourite-firstFollow John on Letterboxd—@johnnycakes91Curtis: https://www.the-back-row.com/ - check out 'Runstedler's DVD Pick of the Month'https://curtisrunstedler.ca/Dr Curtis Reads: https://www.youtube.com/@curtisrunstedler

Episode 178: David Lynch Watch Series #3 (DUNE, 1984) 09.03.2026 1sa 24dk

"The sleeper has awakened."This week we continue our David Lynch Watch Series and discuss his third feature, DUNE. Curtis is away, but we're pleased to be joined again by Simon and our recurring sibling guest, Billy. Considered a bête noire in the Lynch canon—we all sort of made the case for why we kind of like this surreal, industrial, grandiose, yet messy sci-fi epic. We also went over the different cut, the Lynch touch, notable cast and crew, and the film's famously production and pre-production. Of course, we also juxtaposed this against the more recent Villeneuve flicks, but tried to stay closer to this material as we could.Before that, we run through some news itemsbefore going over some new releases and talking about what we watched recently.Next episode we will return to discuss Marlon Brando's ONE EYED JACKS.TIME STAMPS00:00:00 Introduction00:07:57 Shout Outs (IFFO 2026 starts next week; Curtis back in Ottawa; Paramount-Warner Bros. merger woes)00:014:15 New Releases (EPIC: Elvis Presley in Concert; Pillion; Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die + Simon's comments; Scream VII)What We Watched This Week00:17:09 Hoppers (Simon)00:18:03 Psycho Killer (Simon)00:18:31 The Burbs (Billy)00:19:46 Umamusume: Pretty Derby - Beginning of a New Era (Billy)00:25:33 Manchester By The Sea (John)00:30:27 The Haunted Palace (John)00:32:27 The House by The Cemetary (John)00:33:57 Fear [1996] (John)00:36:04 The Art of Dying (John)00:38:34 Vice Squad (John)00:40:19 DUNE Discussion01:15:50 Our Scores01:20:14 What's coming up next?CREDITS AND PLUGSIntro: Dune OST - Main TitleOutro: Dune OST - Big Battlehttps://www.iffo.ca/ - check out the upcoming films!Follow John on Letterboxd—@johnnycakes91Curtis: https://www.the-back-row.com/ - check out 'Runstedler's DVD Pick of the Month'https://curtisrunstedler.ca/Dr Curtis Reads: https://www.youtube.com/@curtisrunstedler

Episode 177: THIS IS SPINAL TAP (1984) 26.02.2026 1sa 50dk

"Who's in here? NO ONE!"This week, John Valley, Curtis, and special guest Dr John Bruni honour the legacy of beloved director Rob Reiner with a deep dive into THIS IS SPINAL TAP (1984), his first film and arguably the best rockumentary of all time! The boys discuss what they watched this week before diving into the film, talking about its many points of satire, rock celebrity culture, and much more.Tune in next time for the next David Lynch installment: DUNE (1984)!NEWS OF THE WEEKShout outsLots of RIPs (James Van Der Beek, Robert Duvall, Frederick Wiseman. Tom Noonan)IFFO 2026 slate announced New releases: Return to Silent Hill; Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie; Dracula; The Strangers: Chapter 3; Wuthering HeightsWHAT WE WATCHED THIS WEEKCurtis: Wuthering Heights (2025); Spinal Tap II: The End Continues; Task (HBO Miniseries); The Thursday Murder ClubJohn Valley: 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple; Primate (2026); Minnie and Moskowitz; Meet the Feebles; Daddy Longlegs; Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie; Jason XJohn Bruni: Marty Supreme; Father Mother Sister Brother; Stalker; Sorry, Baby; McCabe & Mrs. Miller; Peter Hujar’s Day; If I Had Legs I’d Kick You; No Other ChoiceTIME STAMPS(00:00:00) Introduction(00:01:08) News of the Week/What We Watched This Week(00:48:05) THIS IS SPINAL TAP Discussion(01:36:06) Our Scores for THIS IS SPINAL TAP(01:43:49) Coming Up Next!CREDITS AND PLUGSIntro: "Tonight I'm Gonna Rock You" by Spinal TapOutro: "Stonehenge" by Spinal TapFollow John on Letterboxd—@johnnycakes91Curtis: https://www.the-back-row.com/ - check out 'Runstedler's DVD Pick of the Month'https://curtisrunstedler.ca/Dr Curtis Reads: https://www.youtube.com/@curtisrunstedlerCurtis's forthcoming publication here:https://edinburghuniversitypress.com/book-dis-trusting-the-digital-world-in-imaginative-literature.html

Episode 176: David Lynch Watch Series #2 (THE ELEPHANT MAN, 1980) 10.02.2026 1sa 26dk

"My life is full because I know I am loved."This week we continue our David Lynch Watch Series and discuss his second feature, THE ELEPHANT MAN. Joining us again for the discussion is recurring guest GRANT! We went over some background on this film's origins before getting into a larger discussion on the story. We touch on the historical accuracies (and inaccuracies), the warmth and humanity at the heart of the picture, John Hurt's sublime performance, and consider where it lands among the Lynch canon.Before that, we pay quick tribute to the late Catherine O'Hara before going over some new releases and talking about what we watched recently.Next week we will return to Lynch to discuss his follow up classic, THE ELEPHANT MAN.TIME STAMPS00:00:00 Introduction00:07:23 RIP Catherine O'Hara00:08:40 New Releases (Send Help; Iron Lung; Shelter)00:12:24 Quick plug for GrantWhat We Watched This Week00:13:22 The Voice of Hind Rajab (Curtis)00:15:07 Send Help (Curtis)00:16:06 Spinal Tap II: The End Continues (Curtis)00:17:09 The President's Cake (Curtis)00:19:31 Memories of Murder (Grant)00:21:03 Nouvelle Vague (Grant)00:23:30 Father Mother Sister Brother (Grant)00:25:20 The Instructor [1981] (John)00:27:42 Kimi (John)00:29:45 Metal Detector Maniac (John)00:32:18 Aniara (John)00:34:18 ELEPHANT MAN Discussion01:17:19 Our Scores, and What's coming up next.CREDITS AND PLUGSIntro: If I Had a Million Dollars - Barenaked LadiesOutro: Adagio for StringsMagill and Grant's new games store: https://taigainteractive.itch.io/Follow John on Letterboxd—@johnnycakes91Curtis: https://www.the-back-row.com/ - check out 'Runstedler's DVD Pick of the Month'https://curtisrunstedler.ca/Dr Curtis Reads: https://www.youtube.com/@curtisrunstedler

Episode 175: David Lynch Watch Series #1 (ERASERHEAD, 1977) 01.02.2026 2sa 17dk

"In HeavenEverything is fineYou got your good thingsAnd I've got mine"Salutations, loyal Seat Struck listeners. This week we're proud to kick off our long anticipated DAVID LYNCH WATCH SERIES, starting with an introduction to the filmmaker and then chatting about his debut, avant-garde body horror: ERASERHEAD. Joining John and Curtis for the discussion is Dr. Simon Spiegel, a Professor and Senior Researcher at the Department of Film Studies of the University of Zurich. Since this is our first episode on Lynch, we spent a lot of time talking about his films writ-large, but also covered our thoughts on this surreal subject matter, its biographical leanings, the fascinating production history (well documented in the Criterion release) and the various elements which would re-occur in later Lynch works. Before that, we covered some new releases before talking about what we watched recently.Next week we will return to Lynch to discuss his follow up classic, THE ELEPHANT MAN.TIME STAMPS00:00:00 Introduction00:08:55 New Releases (Dead Man's Wire; No Other Choice; 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple)What We Watched This Week00:10:39 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (Curtis)00:12:26 Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence (Curtis)00:13:59 Rental Family (Curtis)00:15:48 Train Dreams (Curtis)00:17:17 Father Mother Sister Brother (Simon)00:19:54 The Housemaid (Simon)00:23:15 Lancelot D'Lac (John)00:28:32 Predator: Badlands (John)00:32:11 The Lost Boys (John)00:34:27 The Strange Vice of Mrs. Wardh (John)00:37:42 Brain Damage (John)00:40:42 Trick r' Treat [2007] (John)00:42:15 The Unknown Known (John)00:49:17 ERASERHEAD Discussion01:32:28 Our Scores02:02:44 An extended discussion on spoilers, and what's coming up next.CREDITS AND PLUGSIntro: Eraserhead Trailer from 1982 Outro: In Heaven - The Lady in the Radiator from 'Eraserhead'Dr. Spiegel's text on spoilers (THE FEAR OF KNOWING): https://www.rombach.de/shop/article/57304375/the_fear_of_knowing.htmlFollow John on Letterboxd—@johnnycakes91Curtis: https://www.the-back-row.com/ - check out 'Runstedler's DVD Pick of the Month'https://curtisrunstedler.ca/Dr Curtis Reads: https://www.youtube.com/@curtisrunstedler

Episode 174: JOHNNY MNEMONIC (1995) 11.01.2026 1sa 9dk

“Preacher? That motherfucker got God and technology ass/backwards! He’ll kill anybody for money just to keep his body full of implants!” J-BoneCurtis, John, and Simon team up for 1995's JOHNNY MNEMONIC, the pre-MATRIX cyberpunk adaptation of William Gibson's short story starring Keanu Reeves, Dina Meyer, Henry Rollins, Ice T, Dolph Lundgren, and Takeshi Kitano. The boys discuss what they watched this week before diving into the film discussion. Hot topics include Gibson's source material, the B&W version, CYBERPUNK 2077, THE MATRIX, Keanu Reeves's acting, and the film's cyberpunk elements.Tune in next time as John and Curtis kickstart a new David Lynch watch series with ERASERHEAD (1977)!NEWS OF THE WEEKNew releases: Primate; Is This Thing On?; Greenland 2: MigrationWHAT WE WATCHED THIS WEEKCurtis: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix; Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince; Manchester by the SeaJohn: The Sting; The Amusement Park; Ghostly Revenge; Rise of the Animals; PVC-1; All Monsters AttackSimon: The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePantsTIME STAMPS(00:00:00) Introduction(00:01:11) News of the Week/What We Watched This Week(00:24:11) JOHNNY MNEMONIC Discussion(01:00:57) Our Scores for JOHNNY MNEMONIC(01:06:18) Coming Up Next!CREDITS AND PLUGSIntro: "Memory Johnny" by Black Rain (JOHNNY MNEMONIC OST)Outro: Excerpt from JOHNNY MNEMONICFollow John on Letterboxd—@johnnycakes91Curtis: https://www.the-back-row.com/ - check out 'Runstedler's DVD Pick of the Month'https://curtisrunstedler.ca/Dr Curtis Reads: https://www.youtube.com/@curtisrunstedlerCurtis's forthcoming publication here:https://edinburghuniversitypress.com/book-dis-trusting-the-digital-world-in-imaginative-literature.html

Episode 173: Sofia Coppola Watch Series #8 (PRISCILLA, 2023) 07.01.2026 1sa 12dk

The Sofia Coppola watch series concludes this week as John and Curtis take on PRISCILLA, Coppola's latest feature-length film starring Cailee Spaeny as Priscilla Presley and Jacob Elordi as the King. The lads discuss what they watched this week before diving into the film discussion. Hot topics include Elvis's secondary role in the film, DODGER, the Presley family's response to the film, and more.Tune in next time for a special discussion of the often maligned JOHNNY MNEMONIC (1995)!NEWS OF THE WEEKShoutouts:New releases: ResurrectionWHAT WE WATCHED THIS WEEKCurtis: Hamnet; Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban; Harry Potter and the Goblet of FireJohn: Marty Supreme; Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair (on 35mm); Alien; The Mist; Monsters, Marriage, and Murder in Manchvegas; Motel Hell; Unsane; Too Young to Die!; Carrion (video game)TIME STAMPS00:00:00 Introduction00:01:11 News of the Week/What We Watched This Week00:32:53 PRISCILLA Discussion00:55:32 Our Scores for PRISCILLA01:05:49 Coming Up Next!CREDITS AND PLUGSIntro: "My Elixir" by Sons of Raphael (PRISCILLA OST)Outro: "Blue Moon of Kentucky" by Elvis PresleyFollow John on Letterboxd—@johnnycakes91Curtis: https://www.the-back-row.com/ - check out 'Runstedler's DVD Pick of the Month'https://curtisrunstedler.ca/Dr Curtis Reads: https://www.youtube.com/@curtisrunstedlerCurtis's forthcoming publication here:https://edinburghuniversitypress.com/book-dis-trusting-the-digital-world-in-imaginative-literature.html

BONUS: John's Best of 2025 06.01.2026 49dk

(Minus Marty Supreme, which I saw a couple of days after I recorded this lol).Enjoy this piece of year-end bonus content—the audio minisode of my Best of 2025.Here's my Letterboxd list for reference: https://letterboxd.com/johnnycakes91/list/best-of-2025/

Episode 172: Found Footage Roundtable Discussion! (ft. Richard Waters) 31.12.2025 2sa 16dk

Happy Holidays! As everyone winds down for end of the year celebrations, we decided to gather a special SUPERGROUP for a discussion on FOUND FOOTAGE MOVIES. Curtis is back from Japan, and joining the boys are our recurring guests MAGILL and TOMMY BRITT, and special guest RICHARD WATERS, a filmmaker from Ireland most known for his found footage horrors (IN A STRANGER'S HOUSE, DISTORT). With the team assembled, we went deep on the subject of found footage. First and foremost, what IS a found footage film? Do found footage films always have to be horror films? Is 'The Ring' a found footage film? What about the 'Trailer Park Boys' or other series? We try to help clarify things. Following this we talked about Richard's experience making found footage, and asked a few questions about making his films and on distributing independent film in the streaming age more broadly. He was also kind enough to share a sneak mention of his upcoming feature (a SEAT STRUCK SCOOP!). We also gave some select recommendations on notable found footage movies (see the Letterboxd list below if you want to check these out).Before that, we paid tribute to the great Rob Reiner before talking about what we watched recently.Next week we will return to conclude the Sofia Coppola Watch Series, chatting PRISCILLA.TIME STAMPS00:00:00 Introduction00:03:27 RIP Rob Reiner00:06:27 New Releases (Elle McCay; Sentimental Value; Nouvelle Vague; Wake Up Dead Man)What We Watched This Week00:08:53 "The Twelve Days of Christina Ricci-mas" (Magill)00:18:03 The Secrets We Bury (Tommy)00:19:27 A Curious Man (Tommy)00:19:45 Man Finds Tape (Tommy)00:20:13 Horror in the High Desert 4: Majesty (Richard)00:21:42 Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (Curtis)00:24:25 Enigma (Curtis)00:25:23 Die My Love (Curtis)00:26:21 Hogwarts Legacy [video game] (Curtis)00:26:36 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets [and a mention of 'Wizard People, Dear Reader] (Curtis)00:31:03 Man Finds Tape (John)00:32:34 .ask (John)00:33:45 Tomorrow Never Dies (John)00:39:02 Mr. Holland's Opus (John)00:41:34 Predators [2025] (John)00:50:01 Found Footage Discussion (and interview with Richard)01:59:17 Recommendations02:08:22 Richard speaks about his new film!02:11:04 Plugs, wrap up, and what's coming p next?CREDITS AND PLUGSIntro: 'You Just Can't Beat a Good Film' 70s Bumper - The Prince Charles Cinema Outro: Auld Lang Syne - Guy Lombardo and His Royal Canadians.Richard's production company: https://www.weirdprettypictures.com/Richard's socialshttps://www.instagram.com/richmwatershttps://x.com/RichMWatersRichard's films can be streamed on platforms like TUBI, PLEX, and FOUNDTV. Availability determined by region!https://www.magillfoote.com/Magill's produced podcast: https://www.trailwentcold.com/Magill and Grant's new games store: https://taigainteractive.itch.io/Check out Magill's contributions on Rue Morgue magazine!https://rue-morgue.com/Check out Magill's wife's new book (The Widow's Charm): https://caitlynpaxson.com/For a list of noteworthy found footage films, including ones mentioned in this episode: https://boxd.it/R8VY2Follow John on Letterboxd—@johnnycakes91Curtis: https://www.the-back-row.com/ - check out 'Runstedler's DVD Pick of the Month'https://curtisrunstedler.ca/Dr Curtis Reads: https://www.youtube.com/@curtisrunstedlerTommy and Curtis's forthcoming publications here:https://edinburghuniversitypress.com/book-dis-trusting-the-digital-world-in-imaginative-literature.htmlNew Tommy Britt publication here:https://discovery.researcher.life/article/sleeping-through-the-big-lebowski-sleep-dreams-and-rest-in-the-coen-brothers-films-and-jeff-bridges-music/491e641b97c735e585ac3d652e42704e

Episode 171: THE CANDIDATE (1972) 18.12.2025 2sa 19dk

This week on the pod, special guest John Bruni returns to discuss a Robert Redford vehicle—the political satire film THE CANDIDATE. We had a long discussion on Redford's performance, how the film's satire has aged, whether McKay is a sympathetic character, and also consider this film in comparison to D.A. Pennebaker's Election and The War Room, and through Andrew Sarris' pointed, yet somewhat blinked critique. Before that, we went over the usual news and what we watched this week. (Note, my audio feed was coming in low so it has been amplified for consistent volume. Expect some drops during overlapping discussion).Next week, we welcome back Curtis for a roundtable discussion on 'found footage' films (with a special guest filmmaker).TIME STAMPS00:00:00 Introduction00:05:11 Shout outs: Netflix's plans to acquire Warner Bros. 00:12:05 New Releases (Five Nights at Freddy's 2; Jay Kelly; Hamnet; Train Dreams)What We Watched This Week00:13:12 One Battle After Another (Bruni)00:17:35 Season of the Witch (Bruni)00:19:33 The Mastermind (Bruni)00:21:09 The Last Waltz (Bruni)00:24:26 The Ice Storm (Bruni)00:26:59 Nouvelle Vague (Bruni)00:28:20 Sentimental Value (Bruni)00:26:00 Tangerine (Bruni)00:31:30 28 Years Later (John)00:36:09 Tangerine (John)00:42:44 Bone (John)00:44:54 Carnival of Souls (John)00:47:11 Long Weekend (John)00:48:40 Shivers (John)00:49:48 Fast Company (John)00:53:51 Wendy and Lucy (John)00:53:51 THE CANDIDATE discussion01:59:07 Our Scores for THE CANDIDATE02:12:50 Coming Up Next!CREDITS AND PLUGSIntro: Marquee Our Feature Presentation Snipe - 1975Outro: Hail to the ChiefRead more from John Bruni at: https://www.mediamagpies.com/Follow John on Letterboxd—@johnnycakes91Curtis: https://www.the-back-row.com/ - check out 'Runstedler's DVD Pick of the Month'https://curtisrunstedler.ca/Dr Curtis Reads: https://www.youtube.com/@curtisrunstedler

Episode 170: THE BLACKWELL GHOST (2017) Series Discussion 08.12.2025 1sa 50dk

With Curtis still away, John was joined by Magill to partake in what might be the most self-indulgent episode yet: a discussion on Turner Clay's THE BLACKWELL GHOST series of films (which as of this release is up to eight films, with a ninth on the way). While this discussion was about the filmmaker, the verisimilitude of its presentation, and the ever expanding lore, we did spend a lot of time talking about found footage filmmaking more broadly—with some specific discussion on the recent wave of no-budget 'paranormal haunt' found footage horrors by single auteurs; among them this series, Leaving D.C., Bad Ben, and others. Before that, we run through our news and what we watched this week. Next week we return with John Bruni to discuss THE CANDIDATE.TIME STAMPS00:00:00 Introduction00:02:54 New Releases (Zootopia 2; Wicked; For Good; The Running Man)00:06:30 Magill's Zootopia storyWhat We Watched This Week00:11:21 Stranger Things Season Five [Vol. 1] (Magill)00:16:12 Inherent Vice (Magill)00:19:40 An American Tail + An American Tail: Fievel Goes West (Magill)00:25:30 When We Went MAD! (John)00:36:07 Joe's Apartment (John)00:42:12 The Mummy Returns (John)00:44:04 Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (John)00:46:20 Thrilling Bloody Sword (John)01:50:18 BLACKWELL GHOST Discussion01:41:33 Coming Up Next!CREDITS AND PLUGSIntro: Marquee Our Feature Presentation Snipe - 1975Outro: Turner Clay - Original Blackwell Ghost Score (from Blackwell Ghost Soundtrack)https://www.magillfoote.com/Magill's produced podcast: https://www.trailwentcold.com/Magill and Grant's new games store: https://taigainteractive.itch.io/Check out Magill's contributions on Rue Morgue magazine!https://rue-morgue.com/Check out Magill's wife's new book (The Widow's Charm): https://caitlynpaxson.com/For a list of noteworthy found footage films, including ones mentioned in this episode: https://boxd.it/DsaW8Follow John on Letterboxd—@johnnycakes91Curtis: https://www.the-back-row.com/ - check out 'Runstedler's DVD Pick of the Month'https://curtisrunstedler.ca/Dr Curtis Reads: https://www.youtube.com/@curtisrunstedler

Episode 169: BACK TO THE FUTURE PART III (1990) 18.11.2025 1sa 15dk

"Clara was one in a million. One in a billion. One in a googolplex!"With Curtis away in Japan, John is once again joined by his brother Billy for a 100% sibling pod, going over the final entry in the Back to the Future trilogy. They run down the events of the movie, talk about the production, how this holds up as a Western, and whether this is a better movie (or worse) than Part II. Before that, they run through news and what they watched this week. Next episode John will return with a special guest to discuss a found footage series.TIME STAMPS00:00:00 Introduction00:06:30 Shout Outs (RIP Drew Struzan; Crispin Hellion Glover in Ottawa)00:11:20 New Releases (A House of Dynamite; Predator Badlands; Christy; Die My Love; The Mastermind; Black Phone 2)What We Watched This Week00:13:50 Gumby The Movie (Billy)00:18:10 A House of Dynamite (John)00:21:20 The Blue Trail (John)00:24:55 Deathstalker [2025] (John)00:20:47 No, YOU'RE WRONG! Or: Spooky Action at a Distance (John)00:30:25 Punch Drunk Love (John)00:30:44 Faces (John)00:32:00 Mondo Trasho (John)00:33:00 BTTF III Discussion01:09:06 Our Scores for BTTF III01:13:02 Coming Up Next!CREDITS AND PLUGSIntro: Main Title- Alan Silvestri (from BTTF III)Outro: Doubleback (acoustic instrumental version) - ZZ Top Credits:Follow John on Letterboxd—@johnnycakes91Curtis: https://www.the-back-row.com/ - check out 'Runstedler's DVD Pick of the Month'https://curtisrunstedler.ca/Dr Curtis Reads: https://www.youtube.com/@curtisrunstedler

Episode 168: Spooky Canon Month IV (WEAPONS, 2025) 27.10.2025 1sa 49dk

Frights, camera, action! For the final outing of spooky season, Curtis and John take on Zach Cregger's WEAPONS (2025), starring Julia Garner, Amy Madigan, and Josh Brolin, alongside special guests Magill and Dr Thomas Britt. The boys discussed what they watched this week before diving into the film discussion. Hot topics include the "comedic" aspects of the film, parasitism, the multiple narratives and perspectives, consumption, police corruption and complacency, Gladys, the meaning of "weapons," and so much more. Have a spooktacular season!Tune in next time for the final Sofia Coppola canon entry: PRISCILLA (2023)!NEWS OF THE WEEKShoutouts:The kind folks I met in Toronto at various stores, cinemas, etc. Charlottetown Film FestivalNew releases: Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere; Chainsaw Man: The MovieWHAT WE WATCHED THIS WEEKCurtis: Brute 1976; Frankenstein (2025)John: Twin Peaks: The Return (Ep 7-9); Versus (2000); Ogroff; Kidnapped (2010); The American Scream (2010); The Long WalkMagill: Microbudget movies Pater Noster and the Mission of Light and They Call Her Death, Nirvanna the Band the Show the MovieTommy: Tron: Ares; RoofmanTIME STAMPS00:00:00 Introduction00:01:10 News of the Week/What We Watched This Week00:49:49 WEAPONS Discussion01:37:12 Our Scores for WEAPONS01:41:44 Coming Up Next!CREDITS AND PLUGSIntro: "Beware of Darkness" by George HarrisonOutro: "Locked" by Ryan Holladay, Hays Holladay, and Zach Cregger (WEAPONS OST)Follow John on Letterboxd—@johnnycakes91For a list of films covered at Genre Gems: https://letterboxd.com/johnnycakes91/list/genre-gems-2025-festival-lineup/ Curtis: https://www.the-back-row.com/ - check out 'Runstedler's DVD Pick of the Month'https://curtisrunstedler.ca/Dr Curtis Reads: https://www.youtube.com/@curtisrunstedlerCheck out Magill's games here:https://taigainteractive.itch.ioTommy and Curtis's forthcoming publications here:https://edinburghuniversitypress.com/book-dis-trusting-the-digital-world-in-imaginative-literature.htmlNew Tommy Britt publication here:https://discovery.researcher.life/article/sleeping-through-the-big-lebowski-sleep-dreams-and-rest-in-the-coen-brothers-films-and-jeff-bridges-music/491e641b97c735e585ac3d652e42704e

Episode 167: Spooky Canon Month III (THE UGLY STEPSISTER, 2025) 21.10.2025 38dk

And now, a little something to make your skin crawl! For the third entry of spooky season, Simon and Curtis discuss the period piece body horror THE UGLY STEPSISTER (2025) with special guest Dr Sean Travers. They chat about its connections to THE SUBSTANCE (2024) and GRAFTED (2024), literal and metaphorical parasites, the monstrosity of the transformed body, the pressures of patriarchal expectation, the horrors of indifference, and academic publishing. After the discussion, they also talk about what they watched recently (and what they want to watch for spooky season).Stay tuned next week for a supergroup discussion of WEAPONS (2025)!WHAT WE WATCHED THIS WEEKCurtis: The Autumn Springs Retirement Home Massacre (Philip Fracassi Novel)Simon: Black Phone 2Sean: Monster: The Ed Gein Story (Netflix Miniseries); Good Boy (2025 Leonberg Film); It Chapter One; It Chapter TwoWHAT WE WANT TO WATCHCurtis: Black Phone 2; Guillermo del Toro's FrankensteinSean: Black Phone 2; Welcome to Derry (TV Series); The Long WalkTIME STAMPS00:00:00 Introduction00:00:56 THE UGLY STEPSISTER Discussion00:27:15 What We Watched This Week/What We Want to Watch00:36:21 Our Scores for THE UGLY STEPSISTER00:37:45 Coming Up Next!CREDITS AND PLUGSIntro: "Blomserdansen" by Vilde Tuv (THE UGLY STEPSISTER OST)Outro: "Dunkelheit" by BurzumFollow John on Letterboxd—@johnnycakes91For a list of films covered at Genre Gems: https://letterboxd.com/johnnycakes91/list/genre-gems-2025-festival-lineup/ Curtis: https://www.the-back-row.com/ - check out 'Runstedler's DVD Pick of the Month'https://curtisrunstedler.ca/Dr Curtis Reads: https://www.youtube.com/@curtisrunstedlerCheck out Dr Sean Travers's monograph (Trauma in American Popular Culture and Cult Texts, 1980-2020) here:https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-13287-2

Episode 166: Spooky Canon Month II (DON'T TORTURE A DUCKLING, 1972) 12.10.2025 1sa 21dk

Pleasant screams, boils and ghouls! John and Curtis return to the spooky canon this week for its second screamy offering: 1972's DON'T TORTURE A DUCKLING, directed by Lucio Fulci and starring Barbara Bouchet (and one of Curtis's giallo favourites). The boys are also joined by their favourite librarian, the very hot and cool Katie! They discuss the film as giallo, libraries, the rural setting, misogyny and patriarchal oppression, Donald Duck, the film's taboo topics, and much more. Next week, Simon is taking the helm with THE UGLY STEPSISTER (2025)!WHAT WE WATCHED THIS WEEKCurtis: One Battle After Another; Good Boy (2025 Leonberg film)John: Grand Ciel; The Ice Tower; Dracula (2025); The Hyperboreans; #MissingCouple; Black Caesar; MegadocKatie: Chimp Crazy (HBO Miniseries)TIME STAMPS00:00:00 Introduction00:05:28 What We Watched This Week/New Releases/Shoutouts 00:39:22 DON'T TORTURE A DUCKLING Discussion01:15:41 Our Scores for DON'T TORTURE A DUCKLING01:19:36 Coming Up Next!CREDITS AND PLUGSIntro: "Quei giorni insieme a te (Theme)" by Riz Ortolani (DON'T TORTURE A DUCKLING OST)Outro: "The Adulteress' Punishment" by Riz Ortolani (CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST OST)Follow John on Letterboxd—@johnnycakes91For a list of films covered at Genre Gems: https://letterboxd.com/johnnycakes91/list/genre-gems-2025-festival-lineup/ Curtis: https://www.the-back-row.com/ - check out 'Runstedler's DVD Pick of the Month'https://curtisrunstedler.ca/Dr Curtis Reads: https://www.youtube.com/@curtisrunstedler