Let's Watch It Again : Film Reviews & Retrospectives

She's every man's dream... and your worst nightmare! Let's Watch It Again is back!

Rob Lee is joined by Lea Anderson to discuss the 1990 cult classic Def by Temptation!

Def by Temptation (1990) follows Joel (James Bond III), a divinity student from North Carolina wrestling with his faith, who heads to New York City to visit his friend K (Kadeem Hardison), a struggling actor looking for his big break. What starts as a night out bar-hopping takes a dark turn when they cross paths with a seductive woman (Cynthia Bond) who is not what she seems — she's a succubus preying on Black men across the city. With Joel squarely in her sights, K teams up with Dougie (Bill Nunn), a hard-drinking cop with a knack for the supernatural, in a race to stop her before it's too late.

In this retrospective, host Rob Lee and horror scholar Lea Anderson (Truth in This Art alum; FANGORIA columnist, SHUDDER contributor) examine the film's construction, cultural context, and legacy in Black horror.

Topics include:

• The succubus vs. vampire debate — where does Temptation actually fall?
• James Bond III as writer, director, producer, and star
• Legacy, family, and the themes hiding in plain sight
• Ernest Dickerson's cinematography and the Laurence Fishburne connection
• Def by Temptation's place in the Black horror canon from Ganja and Hess to Sinners

Def by Temptation is currently available to stream on Tubi.

Chill or Be Chilled. Let's Watch It Again is back!

Rob Lee is joined by Lea Anderson to discuss the 1995 cult classic Tales from the Hood!

Tales from the Hood (1995) is a Black horror anthology directed by Rusty Cundieff, framed by a late-night visit to a funeral home where a mortician guides three men through four supernatural morality tales addressing police brutality, domestic abuse, racism, and gang violence.

In this retrospective, host Rob Lee and horror scholar Lea Anderson (Truth in This Art alum; FANGORIA columnist, SHUDDER contributor) examine the film’s construction, cultural context, and legacy in Black horror.

Topics include:

• The anthology’s frame narrative and how it threads the segments together
• Segment-by-segment themes and social commentary
• Key performances, including Clarence Williams III and David Alan Grier
• Practical effects, puppetry, and memorable set pieces
• Production and release context: 1995 box office, competition (Casper, Braveheart, Johnny Mnemonic), and reception
• The film’s enduring relevance and place in the horror canon

"Enter the mind of a serial killer. You may never come back." Let's Watch It Again is back!

Rob Lee and artist David Ibata revisit the 1986 psychological thriller Manhunter for its 40th anniversary.

Manhunter (1986) drops us into Michael Mann's stylish, slow-burn vision of the Thomas Harris universe: FBI profiler Will Graham (William Petersen) comes out of early retirement to hunt a serial killer called "The Tooth Fairy" (Tom Noonan), all while reopening old wounds tied to the man who nearly destroyed him — Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Brian Cox). It's moody, neon-lit, emotionally raw, and dripping with 80s atmosphere — long before Anthony Hopkins made the character iconic.

In this episode, Rob and David mix straight-up nostalgia with clear-eyed takes. No fluff — just the moments we loved, the parts that aged weirdly, and why this movie still matters to us.

Topics include:

• The Red Dragon connection and how this film predates Silence of the Lambs
• Brian Cox's underrated, unsettling take on Hannibal Lecter
• Will Graham's trauma, his "gift," and getting the killer instinct back
• Tom Noonan's Tooth Fairy and the tragic, disturbing Reba scenes
• Freddy Lounds, the tabloid scumbag we love to hate
• The judo-throw-through-a-refrigerator finale (yes, really)
• Michael Mann's connection to Miami Vice and how this movie fits into his larger world (Heat, Public Enemies)
• Practical effects, 80s style, and Mann's slow, deliberate filmmaking
• Rob and David's favorite scenes and quick takes
• Where to watch it (Tubi, Amazon, YouTube) — and why you should still buy physical media

Wanna hear more Rob and company deep dives? Check out our other Thomas Harris-adjacent episodes — give it a listen and relive the nostalgia. Smell yourself.

Back by Bodacious Demand. Let's Watch It Again is back!

Rob Lee and Isaiah Winters revisit the 1991 childhood classic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze for its 35th anniversary.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze (1991) drops the turtles back into a messy, fun, 90s adventure: reconnecting with April and Splinter, fighting Tokka and Rahzar, and chasing the mysterious ooze that created them. It’s loud, goofy, full of practical effects, puppetry, and pure kid‑movie energy.

In this episode, Rob and Isaiah mix straight-up nostalgia with clear-eyed takes. No fluff — just the moments we loved, the parts that aged weirdly, and why this movie still matters to us.

Topics include:

• Pizza Propaganda
• Why the sequel went full kid-friendly and how that shapes the film
• Tokka, Rahzar, and Keno: what works and what doesn’t
• Vanilla Ice’s “Go Ninja Go Ninja Go” set piece and the Super Shredder finale
• Practical effects, puppetry, and 90s slime — what still lands
• Isaiah's NYC Rat Story
• VHS memories, the 35th anniversary screening vibe (Georgetown), and where it fit in 1991 pop culture
• Rob and Isaiah’s favorite scenes and quick takes

Wanna listen to Rob make another funny? Check out the review of the original 1990 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles review — give it a listen and relive the nostalgia. Cowabunga.

In this review, Rob Lee welcomes Dom Griffin on to the podcast to discuss 2003's Kill Bill Vol. 1.

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Kill Bill:Vol. 1 Trailer

IMDb: 8.2/10

Rotten Tomatoes:  81%

Google: 91%

Summary

After awakening from a four-year coma, a former assassin wreaks vengeance on the team of assassins who betrayed her.
A former assassin, known simply as The Bride (Uma Thurman), wakes from a coma four years after her jealous ex-lover Bill (David Carradine) attempts to murder her on her wedding day. Fueled by an insatiable desire for revenge, she vows to get even with every person who contributed to the loss of her unborn child, her entire wedding party, and four years of her life. After devising a hit list, The Bride sets off on her quest, enduring unspeakable injuries and unscrupulous enemies.

Release date: October 10, 2003 (USA)

Director: Quentin Tarantino

Genre: Wire-Fu Japan Heroine Revenge Assassin

Music composed by: RZA, Lars Ulrich, and Ennio Morricone

Distributed by: Miramax, Miramax Home Entertainment

Adapted from: Lady Snowblood

Box office: $180.9 million

Cast
Uma Thurman
Lucy Liu
David Carradine
Vivica A. Fox
Michael Madsen
Daryl Hannah
Julie Dreyfus
Sonny Chiba
Chiaki Kuriyama
Gordon Liu
Michael Parks
Jun Kunimura
Kenji Ohba
Kazuki Kitamura
James Parks
Jonathan Loughran
Yuki Kazamatsuri
Sakichi Sato
Ambrosia Kelley
The 5.6.7.8's
Yōji Tanaka
Issey Takahashi
Juri Manase
Akaji Maro
Ai Maeda
Naomi Kusumi
Hikaru Midorikawa

Additional Show notes

Dom’s Definitive Tarantino Power Rankings
Rob's Quentin Tarantino List

In this review, Rob Lee welcomes podcaster Greg Hunter on to the podcast to discuss 1993's CB4.

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CB4 Trailer

6.2/10

IMDb

52%

Rotten Tomatoes

4.1/5

Vudu

76% Google

Summary

After many failed attempts to establish themselves as rappers, Albert (Chris Rock), Euripedes (Allen Payne) and Otis (Deezer D) get their big break when nightclub owner Gusto (Charlie Murphy) is arrested. Albert assumes his name and criminal past, becoming MC Gusto, and the trio rises to fame by pretending to be recently released felons. As their fame increases, so do tensions within the group. When Gusto escapes from prison, he is furious at having his identity stolen and vows revenge.

Release date: March 12, 1993 (USA)

Director:
Tamra Davis

Cast
Chris Rock
Allen Payne
Deezer D
Charlie Murphy
Khandi Alexander
Phil Hartman
Chris Elliott

Join host Rob Lee as he invites writer Kumari Adams to delve into the captivating world of 1992's Batman Returns. In this podcast episode, they explore the dark and thrilling sequel directed by Tim Burton, discussing its memorable characters, captivating storyline, and the chemistry between the cast members. Get ready to relive the excitement and uncover hidden gems as they share their insights and perspectives on this iconic superhero film.

In this Moonlight - Movie Review, Rob Lee welcomes designer Christopher J Chester on to the podcast to discuss 2016's Academy Award Winner for Best Picture Moonlight.

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Moonlight Trailer

7.4/10

IMDb

98%

Rotten Tomatoes

99%

Metacritic

81% liked this movie

Google users

Summary

A look at three defining chapters in the life of Chiron, a young black man growing up in Miami. His epic journey to manhood is guided by the kindness, support and love of the community that helps raise him.

Release date: October 21 2016 (USA)

Director:
Barry Jenkins

Cast
Trevante Rhodes
André Holland
Janelle Monáe
Ashton Sanders
Jharrel Jerome
Naomie Harris
Mahershala Ali

Join host Rob Lee as he invites veteran entertainment writer and Director of Events & Community Engagement for WTMD and WYPR, Sam Sessa, to embark on an exciting discussion about the sci-fi masterpiece, 1997's The Fifth Element. In this captivating movie review podcast episode, they delve into the visionary world created by director Luc Besson, exploring its unique blend of action, adventure, and futuristic elements. From the stellar performances by Bruce Willis, Gary Oldman, Milla Jovovich, and Chris Tucker to the iconic costume designs by Jean Paul Gaultier, they uncover the magic and impact of this beloved cult classic.

Rob Lee welcomes Dom Griffin on to the podcast to discuss the 1987's classic meat movie Predator.

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Predator Trailer

7.8/10 IMDb

80% Rotten Tomatoes

46% Metacritic

Summary

Dutch (Arnold Schwarzenegger), a soldier of fortune, is hired by the U.S. government to secretly rescue a group of politicians trapped in Guatemala. But when Dutch and his team, which includes weapons expert Blain (Jesse Ventura) and CIA agent George (Carl Weathers), land in Central America, something is gravely wrong. After finding a string of dead bodies, the crew discovers they are being hunted by a brutal creature with superhuman strength and the ability to disappear into its surroundings.

Release date:  June 11, 1993

Director:

John McTiernan

Starring

Arnold Schwarzenegger
Carl Weathers

Writers

Jim Thomas

John Thomas