By Tim Smith & David Horton
5
88 ratings
The podcast currently has 226 episodes available.
PITCH BLACK (2000), directed by David Twohy, is a sci-fi horror film centered on a group of space travelers stranded on a desolate planet. Among them is Riddick, a dangerous convict with enhanced night vision. As darkness falls, they soon discover deadly nocturnal creatures inhabit the planet. Forced to rely on Riddick’s survival skills, the group must navigate their fear and distrust to survive the night.
Step into the darkness with our latest episode as we explore the tense, action-packed world of Pitch Black (2000). Join us as we discuss the good and bad of this sci-fi horror hybrid, diving into the screenplay, the effects, and the cast, including Vin Diesel as the enigmatic Riddick. Listen as Johnny Has the Keys navigates a hostile alien world, uncovering hidden secrets and battling deadly creatures that come alive at night.
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EXCALIBUR (1981), directed by John Boorman, is a visually stunning retelling of the Arthurian legend. The film chronicles the rise and fall of King Arthur, from his miraculous birth to his ascension as king, the formation of the Knights of the Round Table, and the quest for the Holy Grail. With the mystical sword Excalibur at its center, the film weaves themes of power, betrayal, and destiny in a dark, mythic landscape.
THE GREEN KNIGHT(2021), directed by David Lowery, is a haunting adaptation of the Arthurian legend. The film follows Sir Gawain, King Arthur’s reckless nephew, embarking on a dangerous quest to confront the mysterious Green Knight. Along the journey, Gawain faces tests of courage, honor, and mortality, all while grappling with his flaws and desires. The film’s surreal visuals and meditative pace create a rich, atmospheric exploration of myth and identity.
Prepare for an epic journey into Arthurian legend with our double-feature episode on Excalibur (1981) and The Green Knight (2021). Join us as we explore the differences between these two cinematic interpretations, from the lush, mythical landscapes to the powerful performances. Listen as Johnny Has the Keys ventures into a world of knights, quests, and mystical swords, uncovering secrets of honor, destiny, and the human spirit.
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MR. HARRIGAN’S PHONE (2022) is a horror drama based on a Stephen King novella. The film follows a young boy named Craig who befriends an elderly billionaire Mr. Harrigan. After Mr. Harrigan’s death, Craig discovers he can still communicate with him through the phone buried with him. As Craig uses the phone to seek guidance and revenge, eerie consequences unfold. The film explores themes of grief, morality, and the dark side of technology.
Step into the eerie world of technology and the supernatural with our latest episode on Mr. Harrigan’s Phone (2022). Join us as we discuss the components of this modern horror tale, diving into the screenplay, the atmospheric settings, and the performances that bring this Stephen King story to life. Listen as Johnny Has the Keys explores the chilling connection between life and death, uncovering the dark secrets of a phone that won’t stay silent—even from beyond the grave.
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THE MONOLITH MONSTERS (1957) is a sci-fi horror film directed by John Sherwood. When a meteorite crashes in a small desert town, the fragments grow into towering, crystalline monoliths that turn to stone anything they touch. As the monoliths threaten to engulf the town, a geologist and a local teacher race against time to find a way to stop the unstoppable growth. The film combines classic 1950s monster movie thrills with a unique, non-living antagonist.
Get ready to face a new kind of terror with our latest episode on The Monolith Monsters (1957). Join us as we explore the charm of this unique sci-fi horror film, from its inventive screenplay to the stark desert setting and the performances that bring the story to life. Listen as Johnny Has the Keys ventures into a world where the threat isn’t flesh and blood, but towering, unstoppable stone, uncovering secrets that could mean the difference between life and a petrifying doom.
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THE NIGHT STALKER (1972) is a horror TV movie directed by John Llewellyn Moxey. It follows investigative reporter Carl Kolchak as he uncovers a series of gruesome murders in Las Vegas. Suspecting the killer to be a vampire, Kolchak faces skepticism from the police and his editor as he hunts down the undead menace. Blending crime drama with supernatural horror, the film became a cult classic, setting the stage for Kolchak’s further adventures.
THE NIGHT STRANGLER (1973), directed by Dan Curtis, is the sequel to The Night Stalker (1972). The film follows reporter Carl Kolchak as he relocates to Seattle and stumbles upon a series of mysterious murders. The victims are all women, strangled every 21 years since the 1800s. As Kolchak investigates, he uncovers a dark secret involving immortality and ancient rituals. The film continues the blend of crime investigation and supernatural horror, solidifying Kolchak’s legacy in the genre.
Step into the shadowy world of investigative horror with our double-feature episode on The Night Stalker (1972) and The Night Strangler (1973). Join us as we delve into the good and the bad of these iconic TV movies, discussing the witty screenplays (Richard Matheson), eerie locations, and Darren McGavin’s unforgettable portrayal of Carl Kolchak. Listen as Johnny Has the Keys navigates the sinister streets of Las Vegas and Seattle, unearthing dark secrets and confronting ancient evils that refuse to stay buried.
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ROBINSON CRUSOE ON MARS (1964) is a sci-fi adventure film directed by Byron Haskin. It reimagines the classic Daniel Defoe novel, placing astronaut Kit Draper on Mars after his spaceship crashes. Stranded and alone, Draper must use his wits and limited resources to survive the harsh Martian environment. He encounters an alien slave, and they bond as they fight for survival.
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DAY OF THE DEAD (1985), directed by George A. Romero, is the third installment in his iconic zombie trilogy. Set in an underground bunker after a zombie apocalypse, the film follows a group of scientists and military personnel struggling to survive. Tensions rise as they clash over how to handle the zombie threat, with one scientist attempting to domesticate the undead. The film offers a bleak exploration of human nature amid the horror of a decaying world.
Prepare to descend into apocalyptic depths with our latest episode as we explore George A. Romero’s Day of the Dead (1985). Join us as we discuss the pros and cons of this chilling installment in Romero’s zombie trilogy, including the intense screenplay, claustrophobic setting, and the powerful performances by (most of) the cast. Listen as Johnny Has the Keys navigates a world overrun by the undead, uncovering dark secrets and confronting the very essence of human survival.
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STAR TREK (2009), directed by J.J. Abrams, is a reboot of the iconic sci-fi franchise. The film follows young James T. Kirk and Spock as they join the crew of the USS Enterprise to combat the vengeful Romulan, Nero, who threatens the Federation with a powerful weapon. With time travel altering their destinies, the film attempts to blend action, humor, and character-driven drama, to revitalize the series for a new generation while honoring its legacy.
Join us as we boldly go where (doubt it) no podcast has gone before, venturing into the reboot of Star Trek (2009). In this episode, we dive into the pros and cons of the film, examining the screenplay, the visual effects, and the fresh yet familiar performances by the cast. Listen as Johnny Has the Keys embarks on a cosmic journey, crossing paths with iconic characters and exploring the uncharted territories of this revitalized sci-fi universe.
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GRINDHOUSE (2007) is a double feature directed by Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez. The film combines two exploitation-style movies: Rodriguez’s “Planet Terror,” a zombie outbreak thriller, and Tarantino’s “Death Proof,” a slasher film featuring a psychotic stuntman. Interspersed with faux trailers for other outrageous movies, “Grindhouse” pays homage to 1970s B-movies’ over-the-top violence, campy dialogue, and gritty visuals, creating a uniquely entertaining cinematic experience.
Dive into the adrenaline-fueled chaos of our latest episode as we explore Grindhouse (2007), our first foray into the world of Quentin Tarantino, and second with Robert Rodriguez (Ep. 5-19: Alita Battle Angel). Listen as we break down the pros and cons of this double feature, dissecting the screenplay, direction, effects, and stellar cast. Join Johnny Has the Keys as we navigate the gritty, blood-soaked roads of “Planet Terror” and “Death Proof,” encountering bizarre characters and uncovering cinematic secrets along the way.
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DUNE (2021)—Denis Villeneuve’s epic adaptation of Frank Herbert’s seminal novel, Dune (2021), transports audiences to the desolate desert planet of Arrakis, where conflicting factions battle for control of its most precious resource—spice. As young nobleman Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) grapples with his destiny, he becomes embroiled in a perilous power struggle that spans the cosmos. With breathtaking visuals, a stellar ensemble cast, and a sweeping score by Hans Zimmer, Villeneuve’s Dune delivers a cinematic experience that is both visually stunning and thematically rich.
Join us as we journey to the far reaches of the universe, exploring the intricacies of Herbert’s intricate world-building and Villeneuve’s visionary interpretation. From the vast sand dunes to the political intrigue that drives the narrative, Dune immerses viewers in a sprawling epic that transcends the boundaries of genre. Listen as Johnny Has the Keys dives into this modern sci-fi masterpiece, dissecting its themes of power, destiny, and the indomitable spirit of humanity in the face of adversity.
NOTE: Upon further research, Tim discovered that he is wrong with the pronunciation of Denis Villeneuve and David is right. Tim thought the name was spelled Villeneueve when it is spelled Villeneuve (the e and u in different places). Tim mispronounces the director’s name for the entire episode. Doh!
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The podcast currently has 226 episodes available.