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Gretchen and Martin take on the 1980s with Ken Russell's existential space baby operate, Altered States. Watch William Hurt become an Australopithecus. See Bob Baliban before he ran the kennel club for best in show. Psylocibin. Shaman. Reverse evolution. Touching the face of god. Ken Russell packed it all in there. It's a trip of a film and we loved it. 

Martin and Gretchen talk movies and more at Check the Gate. https://martinvavra.me

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It's time for the craziest film ever made to get the spotlight with Martin and Gretchen. The Boxer's Omen is the Shaw Studios crossroads of Kung fu revenge, black magic, sorcery and homunculus creating wrapped up in the real guts and gore (no really, the guts and the gore are real viscera) of outlandish fimmaking. It's an insane ride and truly the craziest film either of us have ever seen. It's not for the light of heart.*

*VIEWER WARNING*

There are live animals killed in this film. Do not watch this film if that can easily upset you. 

Martin and Gretchen talk movies and more at Check the Gate. https://martinvavra.me

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We watched the most insane Kung fu movie ever made. This is not for the light of heart, but it's one crazy ride. Download or watch on YouTube April 1st, 2025. 

Martin and Gretchen talk movies and more at Check the Gate. https://martinvavra.me

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We go to the heart of Italian cinema for this gem. Gretchen and I watch the film Danger: Diabolik. The film that I argue is the influence for so many other films and defines how we see some genres today. Amazing effects. Sexy people. Crazy escapes. This cat burglar caper is like nothing else, and we are so excited to talk about it. 

Martin and Gretchen talk movies and more at Check the Gate. https://martinvavra.me

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It's episode two. Martin and Gretchen talk about the film Dinner in America. One of the best films made in the last few years and an absolute joy to watch. I (Martin) describe it as the sweetest kick in the nuts. Go watch this film or buy it to own for yourself and have in your library. 

Martin and Gretchen talk Dinner in America. https://martinvavra.me

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Martin and Gretchen talk movies and more at Check the Gate. https://martinvavra.me

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Gretchen and I discuss the absolute gem a film, Dinner in America. Coming March 1st.

Martin and Gretchen talk movies and more at Check the Gate. https://martinvavra.me

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Episode two of Check the Gate starts talking about Dinner in America. Come check it out March 1st.

Martin and Gretchen talk movies and more at Check the Gate. https://martinvavra.me

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In our first episode, Martin and Gretchen start with the movie Godzilla: Minus One. For a decade, Gretchen and I were on the Kaijucast, a podcast dedicated to Godzilla and his rubber-suited foes. In all those years of watching Godzilla films, this is the one that I always wanted to see. Gretchen and I talk about this movie and and a few other Godzilla films. 

Martin and Gretchen talk movies and more at Check the Gate. https://martinvavra.me