THIS WEEK: Capricorn One (1978), The Star Chamber (1983) and 2010: The Year We Make Contact (1984)

If you're anything like us, you probably associate Peter Hyams with a particular brand of '90s schlock (and we'll get there), but there was a time when he was a bona fide genre auteur, kickstarting decades of moon landing conspiracies and tackling an impossible sequel to the most acclaimed science fiction film ever made.

Donate to Palestinian Medical Aid

Support Optimism Vaccine on Patreon

THIS WEEK: Shelby Oaks (2024), Obsession (2025), Iron Lung (2026) and Backrooms (2026)

Cinema has passed you by, they said. Boomers, they called us. Hey, we know of the YouTube. The kids have officially arrived to dismantle the filmic apparatus in 2026. Should you be afraid? Tune in to find out!

Donate to Palestinian Medical Aid

Support Optimism Vaccine on Patreon

THIS WEEK: The Passing (1983), Hard (1998) and Strangers Online (2009)

John Huckert may not be a name you know, but it's a name you should. A generous patron asked us to take a look at his three decades of work on the fringes of the film industry. And while The Passing has gotten its due recognition, most of you listening won't even be able to source his other two features. Certainly not in any way that supports the filmmaker. And that's a shame. Go yell at some boutique labels. We demand Hard in 4k.

Donate to Palestinian Medical Aid

Support Optimism Vaccine on Patreon

THIS WEEK: Uncle Sam (1996), Bicentennial Man (1999) and The Patriot (2000)

We really should have posted this yesterday. Suddenly it feels downright disrespectful to discuss whatever the fuck Bicentennial Man is. Happy 250, America!

Donate to Palestinian Medical Aid

Support Optimism Vaccine on Patreon

THIS WEEK: Pecker (1998), Cecil B. Demented (2000) and A Dirty Shame (2004)

We're talking Minions and John Waters' late career attempt to recapture his degenerate underground aura... to varying degrees of success.

Donate to Palestinian Medical Aid

Support Optimism Vaccine on Patreon

THIS WEEK: Monstrosity (1987), The Weirdo (1989) and Surgikill (1989)

Milligan makes one last bid for fame and glory, as he moves to California to topple the Hollywood establishment. It doesn't go especially well, if you can believe it.

Donate to Palestinian Medical Aid

Support Optimism Vaccine on Patreon

THIS WEEK: Hairspray (1988), Cry-Baby (1990) and Serial Mom (1994)

Waters weathers the loss of his muse and becomes a true pop culture icon as we enter the 1990s. Also: Ponderosa.

Donate to Palestinian Medical Aid

Support Optimism Vaccine on Patreon

THIS WEEK: Nightbirds (1970), The Body Beneath (1970) and The Rats Are Coming! The Werewolves Are Here! (1972)

This week Andy boards the tube and crosses the Chunnel to lend a touch of American crass to the London film scene.

Donate to Palestinian Medical Aid

Support Optimism Vaccine on Patreon

THIS WEEK: Female Trouble (1974), Desperate Living (1977) and Polyester (1981)

Did John Waters predict the fame addiction that arose in the wake of social media? Absolutely. But his version was a lot more fun. Divine/Massey 2028!

Donate to Palestinian Medical Aid

Support Optimism Vaccine on Patreon

THIS WEEK: Torture Dungeon (1969), Fleshpot on 42nd Street (1972) and Blood (1973)

This week we're looking at Milligan's most prolific period and his partnership with William Mishkin, as he abandons any arthouse ambitions for a slew of barely legible grindhouse cheapies.

Donate to Palestinian Medical Aid

Support Optimism Vaccine on Patreon