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Join us as we dive into the quirky world of "The Burbs," the 1989 comedy-horror film starring Tom Hanks. We explore its cult following, the suburban paranoia it humorously critiques, and the memorable performances that make it a timeless classic. Important question, did Tom Hanks break our timeline when he went from comedies to dramas?
00:00 - Introduction
02:15 - Setting the Scene
05:30 - Cult Classic Status
10:45 - Themes and Satire
15:20 - Behind the Scenes
20:00 - Memorable Scenes
25:30 - Tom Hanks' Performance
30:00 - The Ending Debate
35:45 - Trivia and Fun Facts
40:00 - Conclusion
42:00 - Tangents
#Movies #FilmReview
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Last week, we talked about dystopian overpopulation, so this week we’re diving into dystopian population control with the 1976 cult classic Logan’s Run. This movie is far from perfect, but it offers a lot: stunning set design, an original (if bizarre) plot, and a healthy dose of retro-futuristic quirkiness.
Of course, in the world of Logan’s Run, no one lives past 30—so both Greg and Mere are long dead by now. Luckily, they’ve dodged Carousel just long enough to bring you this episode.
Chapters
00:00 Exploring the Themes of Logan's Run
02:43 The Society and Its Rules
05:22 The Concept of Renewal and Euthanasia
08:02 The Journey Beyond the Dome
10:51 The Encounter with Box and the Outside World
13:12 Confrontation and Realizations
16:05 The Final Showdown and Its Implications
34:32 Exploring the Dome and Its Implications
35:17 Dystopian Narratives: Soylent Green vs. Logan's Run
37:08 The Quest for Liberation: Breaking Free from the Dome
39:37 The Aftermath: Life Beyond the Dome
42:19 The Book vs. The Film
50:43 Disneyland and Utopian Visions
55:47 The Future of Humanity
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Soylent Green is one of the quintessential Malthusian science fiction films with one of the most memorable endings so we thought it was time to give it a watch. Luckily we did not end up having 40 million people in NYC as of 2022 which is usually how it goes with dystopian theories. We found the movie hard to buy into because of how over the top it is. It has some cool ideas but overall it is not surprising that the movie became more of a punch line than an enduring classic.
00:00 Introduction to Soylent Green
02:51 Cultural Impact and References
05:29 Dystopian Themes and Societal Commentary
08:25 Character Analysis and Relationships
11:09 Malthusian Dystopia and Overpopulation
13:52 Critique of the Film's Logic
16:54 The Role of Food and Consumption
19:40 The Ending and Its Implications
34:46 Soylent Green: A Dark Revelation
38:55 Relationships in a Dystopian World
40:11 Charlton Heston's Performance and Legacy
45:53 Women and Their Roles in Society
54:37 The Consequences of Overpopulation
59:20 Edward G. Robinson's Last Performance
01:03:28 Malthusianism and Its Flaws
01:06:48 Fear and Cultural Narratives
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SPOILER ALERT! We LOVE the TV show Severance so much that it has come up in three of our recent episodes! So, even though it is a little different from what we usually cover on Midnight Local, we decided to dedicate an episode to the show. We talk about how horrific we think it would be to be outside of your consciousness for most of the day, the mythology of Lumen and get into our theories of where the show could be going. Is Ricken a goat? Is everyone in Kier Severed? Is it Helena or Helly R. in the finally scene? We hope there isn't a three year wait to find out.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Severance and Spoilers
02:57 Apple TV's Sci-Fi Offerings
06:00 The Premise of Severance
09:04 The Concept of Severance and Its Implications
14:58 The Mythology of Lumen and Its Lore
24:04 Theories and Speculations on Severance
27:00 Personal Reflections on Control
34:44 Navigating Pain and Discomfort
37:43 Medical Procedures and Personal Experiences
41:28 More theories on Severance
49:01 Character Dynamics and Emotional Connections
54:31 Expectations and Season Comparisons
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We have been teasing an upcoming episode about 'Earth Girls Are Easy' (1988) for a long time and it's finally here! This movie is a wild ride. From its star filled cast, 80s defining musical numbers and cartoonish special effects it begs you to just sit back and enjoy without overthinking. We still managed to get on the topic of free speech later in the episode, but that is just how we do things on Midnight Local.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
02:57 Life Updates and Movie Discussions
06:14 The Creative Process in Film and Editing
08:57 Exploring Earth Girls Are Easy
11:53 Character Dynamics and Plot Overview
14:58 Cultural References and Nostalgia
17:59 The Nature of Relationships and Cheating
24:56 The Arrival of the Aliens
26:41 Makeovers
32:43 Theatrical Reflections and Broadway Opinions
36:03 Romantic Entanglements
39:45 The Conclusion and Alien Departure
46:55 Comedy and Free Speech
54:51 Pop Culture Reflections
59:59 Future Plans: Live Watches and Upcoming Discussions
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It is both refreshing and enraging to see the great female characters of the pre-code film era. These women were central characters with agency, desires, motives and in this case deadly control over every man she meets. We lost female characters like this for 30+ years and some could argue they were never the same. Baby Face (1933) is a dark movie about an anti-hero who uses her sex appeal to exact revenge on men. This movie was heavily censored even before the code went into effect. In the early 2000's an original copy of the film in its full form was discovered!
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Baby Face (1933)
02:59 Exploring the Pre-Code Era and Censorship
06:01 The Role of Women in Pre-Code Cinema
09:02 Character Analysis: Lily Powers and Her Journey
12:02 The Dark Themes of Baby Face
14:59 Censorship and Its Impact on the Film
17:56 The Relationships and Dynamics in Baby Face
20:58 The Ending and Its Implications
24:03 Concluding Thoughts on Baby Face and Its Legacy
34:57 The Power of Manipulation in Film
41:11 Female Empowerment and Revenge
42:47 Cultural Reflections in Historical Cinema
44:13 Critical Reception and Lasting Impact
49:03 Reality vs. Fiction in Modern Storytelling
56:41 The Importance of Narrative Integrity
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Gold Diggers of 1933 is possibly the best and most fun pre-code movie. You will be surprised how modern it feels. This movie has it all, Busby Berkley dance numbers, strong female leads, comedy, relevant political commentary, The Great Depression and a jaw-dropping grand finale. The last number in this movie left us with so much to talk about we considered giving it its own episode. IT IS THAT GOOD.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Gold Diggers of 1933
06:04 The Context of the Great Depression
09:03 The Role of Women in the Film
12:11 Musical Numbers and Their Significance
14:55 The Technical Aspects of Filmmaking
17:56 The Legacy of Busby Berkeley
20:56 Cultural Reflections in Gold Diggers of 1933
25:38 The Bechdel Test and Representation in Film
31:43 The Cynicism of the Era
36:08 Class Struggles and Romantic Entanglements
45:41 The Final Musical Numbers and Their Impact
50:32 Plot Twists and Character Dynamics
51:05 My Forgotten Man
53:11 The Bonus Army and Historical Context
01:03:11 Artistic Imagery and Symbolism
01:06:27 The Legacy of Gold Diggers of 33
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We have spent nearly a century trying to make another gangster movie this good and some could argue we haven't done it yet. Being released before the Hay's code allows this movie to really speak it's mind and it does. With its loud commentary about the state of the US, strong female characters, sex, openly gay characters and nuance this movie is the perfect reminder of what the code took from us. It's a cliche for a reason, they don't make them like they used to.
THE HAYS CODE:
The "Don'ts" (Absolutely Forbidden)
Profanity, including "God," "Jesus," or "hell" used irreverently.
Nudity, in any form (including silhouettes).
Illegal drug use.
Sexual perversion (code word for homosexuality, fetishism, etc.).
White slavery (human trafficking, especially of white women).
Miscegenation (interracial romantic or sexual relationships).
Scenes of childbirth, in fact or in silhouette
Ridicule of clergy.
Willful offense to any nation, race, or creed.
The "Be Carefuls" (Sensitive Topics Requiring Caution)
Use of firearms.
Theft, robbery, and safe-cracking.
Brutality and gruesomeness.
Techniques of murder.
Sympathy for criminals or crime success
Adultery, if presented sympathetically or explicitly.
Seduction.
Sexual relationships outside of marriage.
Excessive kissing or lustful embraces.
Drunkenness, especially if humorous or sympathetic.
Use of liquor in the presence of children.
Mocking the law or law enforcement.
Revenge in modern times as a moral justification.
Surgical operations, unless essential to the plot.
Cruelty to animals.
Apparent cruelty to children.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Midnight Local and Pre-Code Cinema
06:01 The Evolution of Film Acting and Cagney's Influence
11:58 Character Development: Tom Powers and His Journey
18:00 Prohibition Era and Its Influence on the Film's Narrative
23:57 Censorship and Its Impact on Film and Society
30:03 Character Development and Censorship in Film
32:44 The Rise of Cagney and Blondell
37:05 Iconic Scenes and Their Backstories
40:39 War and Morality in Cinema
49:13 The Introduction of Jean Harlow
57:18 The Impact of Realism in Film
01:00:26 Buster Keaton and Physical Comedy
01:09:00 The Evolution of Gangster Films
01:25:29 The Legacy of James Cagney and Film History
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In light of current events we couldn't ignore the 2006 film 'Idiocracy' any longer. People like to think of this film as something of a prophecy but unfortunately it is mostly just a eugenics movie that seems to trip over it's own feet. We are going to talk mostly about where this movie misses but can admit it does have some moments.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Idiocracy
02:49 Themes of Eugenics and Society
06:04 Cultural Context and Humor
08:49 Character Analysis and Plot Overview
17:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
19:06 The Absurdity of Future Society
25:57 Critique of Class and Intelligence
28:51 Political Commentary and Personal Reflections
32:54 Cognitive Dissonance
36:00 The Joy of Low-Budget Films vs. High Expectations
41:43 Existential Dread and Personal Reflection
44:08 Parenting and Media Impact
51:42 The Love of Cinema and Its Evolution
54:45 Cynicism in Film and the Search for Authenticity
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This movie feels like it is happening at exactly the same time, but outside of the frame lines of Clueless...and in a slightly sideways universe. What's a girl to do when her boyfriend comes back to life as a Mechanical T-Rex? This movie has the answers. Greg and Mere had a ton of fun watching and talking about this film and would love to invite you to come on in and have a ton of fun with them.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Tammy and the T-Rex
02:51 Exploring the Plot and Characters
06:00 The Insanity of the Science
09:06 The Comedic Duo and Their Scheme
12:00 The T-Rex Transformation
15:03 The Consequences of the Experiment
17:55 The Rampage Begins
20:07 The Quirky Characters of Small Town Law Enforcement
23:04 The Absurdity of the T-Rex and Its Impact
26:11 Body Shopping: A Darkly Humorous Twist
29:30 The Brain in a Jar: Exploring Identity and Existence
30:25 Low Budget Charm vs. Big Budget Expectations
36:26 Reality TV: The Illusion of Authenticity
40:52 Experiences at a Gay Sports Bar
42:04 The Intersection of LGBTQ+ Spaces
44:54 Theater Dynamics and High School Experiences
48:12 Reality TV Encounters
50:32 The Reality of Reality TV
52:17 Cultural Commentary on Gender and Media
56:56 Exploring Societal Trends and Birth Rates
#movies #moviereview #filmtalk
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Greg and Mere dive deeper into the film library of Nico Mastorakis with 'Blind Date' (1984). This movie is just good, not so clean fun! Is it a Thriller? Sci-Fi? Drama? Absurdist Comedy? As we have learned about the films of Mastorakis it is everything at once, nothings off the table. On the b-side we talk about film school and work experiences we have had over the years.
Chapters
00:00 11am and Far Away
03:00 Exploring Nico Mastorakis' Filmography
05:51 The Nostalgia of 80s Cinema
08:59 Blind Date: A Film Overview
11:53 Character Dynamics and Themes
15:07 The Killer's Motives and Plot Twists
18:09 The Role of Technology in the Film
21:03 The Concept of Stalking in Cinema
23:47 The Climax and Resolution
27:05 Final Thoughts on Blind Date
42:08 Selfish Heroism and Trauma
44:58 The Messy Nature of Storytelling
52:08 The Absurdity of Film Production
55:49 The Reality of Awards and Recognition
01:01:07 Teaching and Learning in Film
01:15:47 Behind the Scenes
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We are talking about the 1984 film 'Blood Tide,' starring James Earl Jones and the guy from Karate Kid! We analyze the film's plot and production, and discuss the implications of its psychosexual horror elements, including themes of sacrifice and insanity. This movie made us really miss the low-budget creativity of the 80s and 90s. Listen to the end for some personal anecdotes from Greg's student filmmaking days and hints into what we might be watching next.
Chapters -
00:00 Opening Rituals and Childhood Stories
02:58 Exploring Blood Tide and Its Creators
06:02 Master Rakas and His Unique Style
08:49 The Craft of Blood Tide
12:02 Plot Overview and Character Dynamics
15:02 Themes of Sacrifice and Insanity
23:15 Exploring Duress and Sacrifice
24:36 The Complexity of Character Relationships
26:03 The Appeal of Low-Budget Creativity
30:10 The Role of Mythology in Storytelling
32:06 The Importance of Character Development
34:10 Cultural Reflections in Film
36:32 The Evolution of Independent Cinema
40:40 The Impact of Budget on Film Quality
47:39 Underwater Filmmaking Challenges
50:30 Scrappy Student Filmmaking
52:50 Upcoming Movie Discussions
54:00 Cultural Reflections in Horror
01:00:20 Longevity and Anti-Aging Trends
01:02:58 Malthusian Sci-Fi and Overpopulation Concerns
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High school honor student by day, h**ker by night. In this episode we dive into the 1984 film 'Angel', exploring its place in exploitation cinema, the dynamics of sex positivity, and the representation of queer identities in the 1980s. We shift to the aesthetic appeal of low-budget films and how we could make an entire podcast just about Susan Terrell. Mere talks about her nostalgia for the pre-internet days and Greg recommends sho buy a Brick. 'Angel' has a few notable sequels so let us know if you like this episode and we will watch 'Angel 2: Avenging Angel'.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Personal Anecdotes
01:30 Overview of the Movie 'Angel'
04:48 Exploration of Themes in 'Angel'
10:05 Character Introductions and Dynamics
15:00 The Killer's Role and Motivations
20:04 Queer Representation and Social Commentary
27:11 Exploring Themes of Childhood and Abandonment
30:58 The Aesthetic Appeal of Low-Budget Films
32:58 Susan Terrell's Unique Presence
35:17 The Evolution of the 'Angel' Franchise
37:15 The Punk Rock Spirit of Low-Budget Cinema
40:55 The Challenges of Modern Filmmaking
47:12 Creative Rigging and Filmmaking Innovations
48:03 Exploration of Exploitation Cinema
54:06 Nostalgia for Pre-Internet Days
56:48 The B-Side
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Moving forward Midnight Local will be focusing on forgotten movies like the ones that show up in the unique offerings of Night Flight Plus. They explore the concept of exploitation cinema, and discuss the long lost 1981 film 'Dead and Buried'. They delve into the intricacies of horror films, the importance of special effects, and the themes of reanimation and memory. The discussion transitions into cultural commentary on punk movements and the importance of fun in society, exploring how these elements reflect broader societal issues and concludes with reflections on tolerance and understanding different perspectives.
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This is an update! We are wrapping up this season of Midnight Local and will be back in January of 2025 with more episodes. We hope everyone has a great holidays, dee you in 2025.
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In this episode of Midnight Local, hosts Greg and Meredith dive into the cult classic 'Serial Mom' directed by John Waters. They explore the film's themes of suburban life, the duality of its main character Beverly, and the societal commentary on media and celebrity culture. The conversation highlights the absurdity of the plot, the dark humor, and the film's satirical take on American values. In this conversation, they explore various themes including the fascination with celebrity murderers, the impact of social media on public discourse, and the role of misinformation in politics. They discuss the absurdity of modern entertainment and the cultural commentary of John Waters, while also touching on the dangerous ideologies propagated by figures in the manosphere. The dialogue reflects on the complexities of societal values and the need for critical thinking in an age of rapid information exchange.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Mood Setting
02:47 Exploring 'Serial Mom' and John Waters' Influence
05:56 Character Analysis: Beverly and Her Duality
08:57 The Plot Unfolds: A Mother's Grievances
12:04 Murderous Escalation: The First Kill
15:06 Cultural Commentary: Media and Celebrity
17:46 The Trial and Public Perception
20:58 The Climax: A Mother's Love and Violence
24:14 Final Thoughts on Satire and Society
38:46 The Obsession with Celebrity Murderers
42:47 The Impact of Social Media on Society
46:37 Political Commentary and the Role of Misinformation
55:50 The Future of Green Investment and Climate Change
01:05:51 The Dangerous Ideologies of the Manosphere
01:15:10 Understanding John Waters and His Cultural Commentary
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In this conversation, Greg and Meredith explore the 1932 film 'The Island of Lost Souls,' a pre-code horror adaptation of H.G. Wells' 'The Island of Doctor Moreau.' They discuss the film's themes, character dynamics, and the implications of its portrayal of morality and control. The conversation also touches on the cultural and racial implications of the film, the role of women in early cinema, and the efficiency of short films compared to modern media consumption. They delve into the cinematic influences and thematic elements of 'Island of Lost Souls,' exploring its connections to other films, the innovative sound design, and the evolution of horror as a genre. They discuss the impact of H.G. Wells' work on film adaptations, the cultural censorship faced by the movie, and its legacy in the horror genre. The dialogue highlights the film's unique qualities, its historical significance, and the ongoing fascination with its themes and characters.
Chapters
00:00 Nostalgia for Old Media
02:49 Exploring Pre-Code Horror
05:52 The Island of Doctor Moreau Adaptation
09:08 Character Dynamics and Relationships
12:00 The Role of Women in Early Cinema
14:53 Themes of Control and Manipulation
17:46 The Nature of Evil and Morality
20:56 Cultural and Racial Implications
23:49 The Impact of Pre-Code Restrictions
26:59 The Efficiency of Short Films
30:05 Comparing Old and New Media Consumption
35:07 Exploring Cinematic Influences
38:25 The Role of Sound Design in Horror
42:32 The Evolution of Horror Films
48:29 H.G. Wells and Adaptations in Film
52:55 Censorship and Cultural Impact
56:59 The Legacy of Island of Lost Souls
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Meredith and Greg delve into the 1986 film 'The Fly' directed by David Cronenberg, exploring its themes of body horror, transformation, and the complexities of relationships. They discuss the film's opening, character dynamics, and the implications of the protagonist's transformation into a fly. The conversation also touches on the metaphorical aspects of aging and disease, the nature of the monster, and the performance of Jeff Goldblum. The hosts critique the film's world-building and reflect on the impact of body horror as a genre. The conversation turns to the differences between empathy and sympathy. They discuss the relatability of body horror and how anxiety manifests in horror films. They close on the misrepresentation of gaslighting, the impact of male creators in storytelling, and the evolution of Jeff Goldblum's persona in film.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to The Fly and Its Themes
03:00 Exploring Body Horror and Character Dynamics
06:12 The Transformation and Its Consequences
09:04 The Role of Relationships and Jealousy
11:56 The Climax and the Nature of the Monster
14:56 Metaphors of Aging and Disease
18:11 The Ending and Its Implications
20:53 Reflections on Performance and Humor
24:03 Critique of World-Building in The Fly
26:51 Body Horror as a Genre and Its Impact
34:04 Exploring Body Horror and Relatability
36:51 Empathy vs. Sympathy
39:39 Anxiety in Horror and the Cringe Factor
42:45 Gaslighting: Misunderstandings and Definitions
46:44 The Complexity of Male Creators and Their Impact
52:53 The Evolution of Jeff Goldblum's Persona
01:00:45 Reflections on Fame and Identity
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Greg and Meredith delve into the 1984 film 'Ghostbusters.' They explore themes of working-class heroism, the film's problematic elements, the unique blend of comedy and horror, and the challenges of sequels and reboots. The discussion also touches on character dynamics, the role of special effects, and the social commentary embedded in the film. The conversation also touches on parental perspectives regarding the film's appropriateness for children, Dan Aykroyd's beliefs about the supernatural, and the evolution of his career. Additionally, they critique the portrayal of authority figures in the film and discuss the legal battles surrounding the theme song. They try to answer the question, are The Ghostbusters the working class Batman(men)?
00:00 - The Anti-Batman
03:11 - Ghostbusters: A Classic
05:57 - The Resurrection of Chevy Chase and Bill Murray's Creepiness
08:46 - The Unique Blend of Comedy and Horror
12:04 - The Challenges of Sequels and Reboots
15:10 - Character Dynamics and Casting Choices
17:54 - The Role of Special Effects in Storytelling
20:48 - The Ghostbusters' Business Model
24:07 - Cultural References and Social Commentary
31:57 - Exploring Wealth and Gender Dynamics in Ghostbusters
39:40 - Parental Perspectives on Ghostbusters
41:06 - Dan Aykroyd's Beliefs and Career
46:14 - The Evolution of Dan Aykroyd
55:05 - Critique of Authority and the American Dream
01:03:09 - The Legal Battle Behind the Theme Song
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Continuing their series on frightening films, Meredith and Greg talk about the 1960 Alfred Hitchcock classic, Psycho. In this conversation the hosts discuss how Hitchcock used Psycho to start to break the barriers of the Hays code, the compelling performance of Anthony Perkins and walk through the plot points of the film. They also talk about the infamous shower scene and the film's attention to detail. The discussion also leads to a general conversation about their differences in what they like about movies before concluding the episode.
00:00 - Introduction to Psycho
03:05 - How Psycho Broke the Code
07:10 - Is Hitchcock Overanalyzed?
09:57 - The Master of Suspense
13:48 - The Shock of Losing the Main Character
17:30 - First Impressions of Norman Bates
19:45 - Cinemas Most Famous Scene
28:00 - At Lose Ends After Losing Marion
32:50 - Discussing the Ending
38:25 - Sequels and the Character Arbogast
48:00 - The Remake and Vince Vaughn
53:24 - The Discussion Takes a Turn
01:02:30 - Like what you Like!
01:11:06 - Final Thoughts on Psycho
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