The Monsters That Made Us

In this episode, “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” continue their journey through the world of straight-to-video Scorpion King installments. Join them as they discuss Victor Webster’s second film as Mathayus, the return of Will Kemp to the Universal Monsters Universe, the star-studded supporting cast, the blatant Indiana Jones rip-offs, the impressive fight sequences, and whether a more pronounced shift towards comedy helps or hurts The Scorpion King 4: Quest for Power.

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Join “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” as they turn the clock all the way back to the 15th century to witness the transformation of Vlad Dracula, the Prince of Wallachia, into one of the most legendary monsters the world has ever seen. They discuss Luke Evans’ fantastic performance as the warrior Dracula, the feature film debut of director Gary Shore, the undeniable influence superhero movies had on Dracula’s origin, all the cool vampire stuff that is (or should’ve been) in this movie, and how Dracula Untold was almost definitely Universal’s first attempt at launching a cinematic universe of their own.

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Not long after he was crowned the Scorpion King, Mathayus has lost his wife, his kingdom, and is back to his old mercenary ways. Join “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” as they head to the Far East for the first direct sequel to 2002’s The Scorpion King. They discuss the new Mathayus, the myriad cost-cutting measures and low-budget filmmaking techniques employed by director/cinematographer Roel Reiné, the supporting cast of movie stars (and future movie stars), including a brilliant, scenery-chewing Billy Zane, and so much more!

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In this episode, “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” got that dog in ’em! Join them as they discuss Universal’s back-to-basics approach to their 2010 remake, The Wolfman, as well as the last minute personnel changes, the reshoots a year after principle photography wrapped, the differences between the theatrical cut and the (superior) unrated director’s cut, Rick Baker’s Academy Award-winning makeup, and so much more!

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“The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” kick off a brand new feature where they sit down with fellow monster fanatics to discuss their Universal Monsters-inspired creations! Join them as they chat with Jason Ginsburg, the producer and co-writer of the brand new monster-themed rock song, “Children of the Night”! They discuss the entire creative process of bringing Jason’s song to life, as well as his history with the monsters, his experience as a Universal Studios tour guide, and so much more!

“Children of the Night” on Apple Music

“Children of the Night” on Spotify

Lyrics on Genius

Jason’s article for DailyDead.com

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It’s time to head back to kingdom of Akkad to witness the birth of a legend! Join “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” as they discuss young Mathayus in his first straight-to-DVD adventure which takes him deep into the Underworld to retrieve the Sword of Damocles, fight Randy Couture, and become the new Scorpion King. They get into the new cast, the (better) original title, the (mostly) excellent use of low-budget special effects, and why The Scorpion King 2: Rise of a Warrior is, ultimately, a goofy good time.

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“The Invisible Dan’ and “Monster Mike” leave the desert sands of Egypt and head deep into ancient China to wrap up Stephen Sommers’ Mummy trilogy with 2008’s Tomb of the Dragon Emperor! Join them as they discuss the personnel changes among the cast and crew, as well as the addition of some Honk Kong action legends, and why this third installment still manages to be entertaining despite its flaws.

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Long before the Dark Universe, Universal had plans to build a massive franchise around the world’s most famous monster hunter, but unfortunately, it never got past the first installment. Join “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” as they discuss Van Helsing as a perfect concept to unite a shared monster universe, and how Stephen Sommers’ over-the-top, more-is-more approach may have ultimately doomed it from the start.

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In this episode, “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” go WAY BACK to about 3,000 B.C. to witness the rise of the legendary Scorpion King! Join them as they discuss the first Universal Monster spin-off, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s debut as a leading man, the terrific practical effects, the horror roots of director Chuck Russell and co-star Kelly Hu, and why, despite leaving the monsters behind, The Scorpion King still succeeds as a pulpy, throwback, Conan the Barbarian rip-off by playing to everyone’s strengths and not taking itself too seriously.

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Nearly a decade after the events of The Mummy, Imhotep is back, Rick and Evy have a kid, and they’re all searching for the secret resting place of the fabled Scorpion King! Join “The Invisible Dan” and “Monster Mike” as they travel back to Egypt, then to London, then back to Egypt to discuss all the twists and turns and Stephen Sommers action crammed into 2001’s The Mummy Returns!

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