Tv/Movie Rewind

Deep Blue Sea is a 1999 sci-fi monster movie directed by Renny Harlin, starring Saffron Burrows, Thomas Jane, LL Cool J, and Samuel L. Jackson.

This film may have been the first American big-budget shark movie to hit theaters since Jaws: The Revenge. Deep Blue Sea however decided to splice science-fiction into something that as much resembles Alien, or Thing from Another World.

The science is vague enough to hold together with confident lines that try real hard... and OK some of the plot could be tighter.

This is a 1950s B-movie plot, no doubt, but we think they do an admirable job of giving you enough MovieScience™ to work with, some very entertaining characters, great scenes and plenty of blood as a reward for going along.

Find and reach out to Matt on:

Letterboxd @MovieMattSiroisBluesky @MovieMattSirois.bsky.social

Facebook ⁠Movie Asylum of the Weird, Bad and Wonderful.

Follow who we follow: ⁠⁠⁠Once Upon a Geek⁠⁠⁠ and  ⁠⁠⁠TheFade Out Podcast⁠

Today, Matt and Todd tackle the fourth entry in the original Planet of the Apes saga: Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972), directed by J. Lee Thompson. Starring:

• Roddy McDowall as Caesar

• Don Murray as Breck

• Ricardo Montalbán as Armando

• Natalie Trundy as Lisa

• Hari Rhodes as MacDonald

• Severn Darden as Kolp

The first film said it all—right? The second one blew it all up—done and done. The third swept away anyone left from the second—this has to be the end...

Except it’s not.

Conquest brings the action roaring back (see Beneath), but with a chaotic crescendo that might just be the most memorable ending of the entire series.

Seriously.

You might think it has nowhere left to go.

What more is there to explore in this ape-human dynamic? This film knows that you already know the stakes. What you get here is a raw, streamlined rebellion tale with serious sci-fi edge and a cathartic payoff.

It’s arguably the most approachable film in the franchise. Accessible even if you haven’t seen the others... though you really should.

We hope you enjoy the uprising as much as we did.

Matt reviews and ranks more movies including newer ones at ⁠Letterboxd⁠

You can find out what he's following on Bluesky @MovieMattSirois.bsky.social

Check out favorites of what we follow, at: ⁠⁠⁠Once Upon a Geek⁠⁠⁠⁠ and  ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Fade Out Podcast⁠⁠ As Marcus he reviews all sorts of films but unlike here, they often they range from bad, worse, or terrible at the ⁠⁠⁠⁠MovieAsylum of the Weird, Bad and Wonderful⁠.

Today, Matt and Todd take aim at a film that needs no introduction... but we're giving it one anyway.

The Wild Bunch (1969) is a brutal, operatic action-western from the legendary Sam Peckinpah, featuring a powerhouse cast led by William Holden, Ernest Borgnine, Jaime Sánchez, Warren Oates, Ben Johnson, and Robert Ryan.

The Old West is dying, and Pike Bishop (Holden), a hardened outlaw, rallies his gang for one last big score: robbing a railway gold shipment. When the plan goes south, they're relentlessly pursued by former comrade-turned-bounty hunter Deke Thornton (Ryan). What follows is a violent, visceral masterpiece that grapples with fading codes of honor among men with a bent understanding of it.

If you’ve never seen this film, it earns our highest and easiest recommendation. Whether you’re a long-time fan of “horse operas” or just discovering the grit and grandeur of classic Westerns, The Wild Bunch is essential viewing. We think it would appeal to any action fan of all ages.

Matt reviews and ranks more movies including newer ones at ⁠Letterboxd⁠

You can find out what he's following on Bluesky @MovieMattSirois.bsky.social

Check out favorites of what we follow, at: ⁠⁠⁠Once Upon a Geek⁠⁠⁠⁠ and  ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Fade Out Podcast⁠⁠ As Marcus he reviews all sorts of films but unlike here, they often they range from bad, worse, or terrible at the ⁠⁠⁠⁠MovieAsylum of the Weird, Bad and Wonderful⁠.

Gene Hackman's incredible life included time as United States Marine, an avid Cyclist, designing award-winning homes, restoring homes, and even in SCCA racing competitions.

He also had a legendary 5-decade acting career on stage and screen accumulating 2 Oscars (5 nominations), 2 BAFTA, 4 Golden Globe and a SAG awards along the way.

He's a star with an asteroid named after him. (wikipedia)

Today our northern collaborator Logan share's his thoughts with us on some of our favorite films starring or featuring the man himself.

Rest in Peace Mr. and Ms. Hackman.

Matt reviews and ranks more movies including newer ones at ⁠Letterboxd⁠

You can find out what he's following on Bluesky @MovieMattSirois.bsky.social

Check out favorites of what we follow, at: ⁠⁠⁠Once Upon a Geek⁠⁠⁠⁠ and  ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Fade Out Podcast⁠⁠ As Marcus he reviews all sorts of films but unlike here, they often they range from bad, worse, or terrible at the ⁠⁠⁠⁠MovieAsylum of the Weird, Bad and Wonderful⁠.

Matt and Todd saddle up once more for another ride with Emilio Estevez as Billy "The Kid" and his posse:

Lou Diamond Phillips as Chavez y Chavez and Kiefer Sutherland as Josiah "Doc" Scurlock, in Young Guns II, the 1990 sequel to the 1988 classic.

Directed by Geoff Murphy.

Does this follow-up stand the test of time? Let's find out.

Matt has spent over three decades dismissing it, while Todd mostly overlooked it. Now, they set aside old frustrations for a fresh viewing.

Plagued by production challenges and lukewarm reviews upon release, Young Guns II was written off by many. But was that judgment too harsh? Could there be a genuinely great Western hidden beneath the criticism?

Matt reviews and ranks more movies including newer ones at ⁠Letterboxd⁠

You can find out what he's following on Bluesky @MovieMattSirois.bsky.social

Check out favorites of what we follow, at: ⁠⁠⁠Once Upon a Geek⁠⁠⁠⁠ and  ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Fade Out Podcast⁠⁠ As Marcus he reviews all sorts of films but unlike here, they often they range from bad, worse, or terrible at the ⁠⁠⁠⁠MovieAsylum of the Weird, Bad and Wonderful⁠.

Today, Matt and Todd take on the 1997 disaster epic Volcano, starring Tommy Lee Jones, Anne Heche, Keith David, and Don Cheadle; directed by Mick Jackson. Volcano is a classic '90s disaster flick, packed with dialogue that'll have you rolling your eyes; though they'll come right back around to some great effects and pure chaos.

Rotten Tomatoes almost has it right, with an average score of 5.10/10. The site's critical consensus reads: "Volcano's prodigious pyrotechnics and Tommy Lee Jones' crotchety sneers at lava aren't quite enough to save this routine disaster film."

Well, in this episode, Matt and I challenge that take with our own firmly grounded "Nuh-uh!" Okay, maybe not entirely. But our main takeaway? Volcano's prodigious pyrotechnics and Tommy Lee Jones' crotchety sneers ARE just enough to save this routine disaster film.

So there!

Volcano is a throwback spectacle. Volcano is completely 90s with cringeworthy dialogue, some truly gruesome moments that could stick with you, and enough chaotic fun to make that spare popcorn disappear. Tommy Lee Jones in peak '90s anger mode, plus a scale block getting torn up, blown up, melted, burned—pure chaos. You’ll learn nothing, but you'll have a blast watching it go down.

Matt reviews and ranks more movies including newer ones at ⁠Letterboxd⁠

You can find out what he's following on Bluesky @MovieMattSirois.bsky.social

Check out favorites of what we follow, at: ⁠⁠⁠Once Upon a Geek⁠⁠⁠⁠ and  ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Fade Out Podcast⁠⁠ As Marcus he reviews all sorts of films but unlike here, they often they range from bad, worse, or terrible at the ⁠⁠⁠⁠MovieAsylum of the Weird, Bad and Wonderful⁠.

Today, Matt and Todd dive into the original classic Clash of the Titans (1981), directed by Desmond Davis and starring: Harry Hamlin, Laurence Olivier, Judi Bowker, Maggie Smith, and Burgess Meredith.

One of the most epic adventure films of its time, Clash of the Titans premiered in the summer of 1981, bringing the legendary Laurence Olivier to the screen as Zeus, whose command for the destruction of Argos sets off a thrilling chain of events.

The film is best remembered for its groundbreaking special effects, crafted by the master of stop-motion animation, Ray Harryhausen. His work, including the unforgettable Medusa and Kraken sequences, remains influential in fantasy filmmaking.

While Clash of the Titans takes heavy liberties with legendary accuracy, it delivers a thoroughly entertaining and timeless experience—a Greek legend reimagined through the lens of English playwrights and Hollywood sensibilities.

We hope you love this fantasy classic as much as we do!

Matt reviews and ranks more movies including newer ones at ⁠Letterboxd⁠

You can find out what he's following on Bluesky @MovieMattSirois.bsky.social

Check out favorites of what we follow, at: ⁠⁠⁠Once Upon a Geek⁠⁠⁠⁠ and  ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Fade Out Podcast⁠⁠ As Marcus he reviews all sorts of films but unlike here, they often they range from bad, worse, or terrible at the ⁠⁠⁠⁠MovieAsylum of the Weird, Bad and Wonderful⁠.

Today, Matt & Todd get into the third entry in the classic Planet of the Apes franchise: Escape from the Planet of the Apes.

Directed by: Don Taylor Starring: Roddy McDowall, Kim Hunter, Natalie Trundy (Returning cast members.) as well asBradford Dillman, and Eric Braeden.

The original Planet of the Apes delivered a gripping, self-contained story. The sequel expanded the lore—and then promptly obliterated the planet. So, how exactly do we get a third film out of this?

Money, obviously.

But while financial motives are inevitable, what Escape delivers is far more than just a cash grab. The film flips the narrative, bringing the story to Earth. What unfolds isn’t a grand adventure as such but rather a tense exploration of fear, power, and survival—culminating in perhaps the franchise’s most haunting conclusion yet.

And yes, there are still two more of these…

Matt reviews and ranks more movies including newer ones at ⁠Letterboxd⁠

You can find out what he's following on Bluesky @MovieMattSirois.bsky.social

Check out favorites of what we follow, at: ⁠⁠⁠Once Upon a Geek⁠⁠⁠⁠ and  ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Fade Out Podcast⁠⁠ As Marcus he reviews all sorts of films but unlike here, they often they range from bad, worse, or terrible at the ⁠⁠⁠⁠MovieAsylum of the Weird, Bad and Wonderful⁠.

Today, Matt & Todd dive into the 1984 action-horror film Mutant (also known as Night Shadows), directed by John 'Bud' Cardos. Joining us is special guest Chris Kruize, co-writer of the film’s original story!

Originally conceived by John C. Kruize (our guest today) and Michael Jones, Mutant underwent screenplay revisions by Peter Z. Orton, evolving into the cult classic we know today.

Join us as we explore the history behind Mutant and why it remains so much fun for us.

While Mutant is often mistaken for a zombie movie, these are generally favorable comparisons in our opinion.

Mutant is a small-budget Genre film that rises above some of its sillier elements with strong execution in key areas.

This film is pure entertainment, succeeding by respecting its audience with committed performances, striking cinematography, and sharp direction. And let’s not forget Richard Band’s outstanding soundtrack, which elevates the experience even further.

Reach out to Chris on Bluesky @jckruize.bsky.social

Matt reviews and ranks more movies including newer ones at ⁠Letterboxd⁠

You can find out what he's following on Bluesky @MovieMattSirois.bsky.social

Check out favorites of what we follow, at: ⁠⁠⁠Once Upon a Geek⁠⁠⁠⁠ and  ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Fade Out Podcast⁠⁠ As Marcus he reviews all sorts of films but unlike here, they often they range from bad, worse, or terrible at the ⁠⁠⁠⁠MovieAsylum of the Weird, Bad and Wonderful⁠.

Apologies to the original poster creator for my butchery in order to fit it within Spotify's image size constraints...

Apologies to some of the issues we had with Shawn's audio and some colorful language...Thank you everyone for joining us on this our 200th episode!

Today Matt & Todd are joined by Shawn to discuss:

Red Dawn, a 1984 action-war film directed by John Milius, starring Patrick Swayze, Charlie Sheen, C. Thomas Howell, Thompson and Jennifer Grey.

Red Dawn probably doesn't need an introduction but if you haven't seen this in a long time we recommend a rewatch.

If you've only heard of it by reputation, it may not be quite what you expected.

Thank you for coming with us on #200 and hopefully many more!

Matt reviews and ranks more movies including newer ones at Letterboxd

You can find out what he's following on Bluesky @MovieMattSirois

Check out favorites of what we follow, at: ⁠⁠Once Upon a Geek⁠⁠⁠ and  ⁠⁠⁠The Fade Out Podcast⁠As Marcus he reviews all sorts of films but unlike here, they often they range from bad, worse, or terrible at the ⁠⁠⁠MovieAsylum of the Weird, Bad and Wonderful.