This is a podcast looking at the impact and legacy of cult films. It’s hosted by Mark Palermo (former critic, screenwriter of Detention) and Serena Whitney (former critic, programmer of The Revue Cinema in Toronto). The movies discussed tie into screenings happening at The Revue and Thrillema, a cult series Palermo helps run in Halifax. Why do these movies endure? Is some stuff too much for modern audiences? Theme music: "Hypernormalization" by Rich Aucoin, Artwork: Ryan Wilson
Send us a text It's Big Swing Summer at the movies, or so reviewers keep telling us. We look at the risk vs. success ratio of James Gunn's nation-dividing (of course!) SUPERMAN, the revamping of Millennial totem I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER, and the animated Netflix phenomenon KPOP DEMON HUNTERS. Stay cool. Stay hydrated. Stay weird within your IP.
Send us a text This is a fantastic discussion with filmmaker Joseph Kahn (DETENTION, BODIED, TORQUE, your fave music videos) about his very cool and funny new movie ICK. He also reflects on writing DETENTION with Mark, the realities of making indie films, and why being told you have "MTV style" doesn't land when you helped create MTV style.
Send us a text We dive into Celine Song's sophomore effort MATERIALISTS (the movie and its relationship politics), and then discuss other movies that had misleading trailers. Plus, Ana De Armas kills a bunch of men, and the latest going-ons in Weird Hollywood.
Send us a text We talk the state of professional film criticism in the Letterboxd era and the growing influence of user reviews. Plus, the overstep of the BALLERINA review embargo, MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: THE FINAL RECKONING, DESTINATION: THE FINAL BLOODLINE (err?), Fear Streets, Friendships, and more.
Send us a text Join us as we discuss what makes good franchise movies while revisiting the Final Destination series. Plus, we take a look at the new '80s-set anthology film Freaky Tales, Mark reviews Sharp Corner, Serena reviews Screamboat, Trump gets weird about movie tariffs, and the longhaired ghosts of J-horror haunt us still.
Send us a text We're joined by repeat guest Ryan Jackson, looking at what Hollywood wants to say and is willing to say about race, poverty and politics through the lens of Ryan Coogler's highly acclaimed box office hit SINNERS. This ep's a scorcher.
Send us a text With the box office juggernaut A MINECRAFT MOVIE and a new season of THE LAST OF US, we look at the world of movies based on video games - how that genre has tried to keep up as games have evolved as a premiere mass entertainment. Also, China may stop showing US films, TikTok challenges vs. cinema cleanup crews, and just stop looking at your damn phone.
Send us a text Serena and Mark delve into AI Ghibli madness and people still being weird about Rachel Zegler in SNOW WHITE, before reviewing the high-concept theatrical horror-comedy DEATH OF A UNICORN and the issues raised by the hugely popular (and heavy) Netflix hit ADOLESCENCE. It's another banger.
Send us a text We talk US isolationism, and how this dog-eat-dog coveting has translated to the programming world and film biz in general. Plus, thoughts on new releases Mickey 17 and The Monkey, post-Oscars, creating new work in an age of nostalgia, and way more.
Send us a text Making movies for GenZ. What films do they watch, and why are adults so bad at writing them? Plus, HEART EYES, BABYGIRL, and the weird response to Kendrick Lamar's SuperBowl halftime. It's episode 50, fool!
Send us a text We're joined by Kris Langford and Scott Vega of the How'd You Like That Movie? podcast to review COMPANION, PRESENCE, WOLF MAN and GRAFTED. Plus, thoughts on the EMILIA PEREZ controversy, the state of US-Canada relations, female "empowerment" at the movies, and all the chaos.
Send us a text It's Season Three! We respond to David Lynch's passing, and reflect on what he meant to us and to contemporary movies in general. The film world has lost a Titan. Plus, NOSFERATU, WEREWOLVES, BACK IN ACTION, entitled indie filmmakers, and the futuristic movies we're living in now.
Send us a text It's Christmas, and we're thrilled to be joined by film critic Jen Yamato to talk the movie reviewing landscape. We also dive into the Netflix Yuletide phenomenon HOT FROSTY and its associated Romcom Christmas Widow Universe, praise some of our fave movies to watch this time of year and each give our personal holiday messages. Twice the fun. 10x the emotions.
Send us a text A potpourri blast! We predict where movies are headed in 2025, question why there's so much hate against Snow White star Rachel Zegler, and examine the new reality where the majority of Gen Z and Millennials watch movies and TV at home with the subtitles turned on.
Send us a text On this ep, we tell you how to program movies for an audience if you want to get started. We also reflect upon Netflix's live streaming of the Mike Tyson and Jake Paul fight and what it all amounted to. Plus, Mark expounds on the dawning "anti-woke" era in culture.
Send us a text We look at two new animated features, the Pharrell Williams Lego-doc PIECE BY PIECE and the surprise family hit THE WILD ROBOT, wonder when Pixar lost its grip on adults, and talk some of our favourite animated movies growing up. Plus, Serena fondly remembers CANDYMAN star Tony Todd.
Send us a text We take a look at the popular graphic horror sequels Terrifier 3 and Smile 2, and consider what this blood and nihilism is all about. Plus, we talk some of our favourite horror sequels from years past.
Send us a text We're joined by indie music star and film geek Rich Aucoin to talk the controversial JOKER: FOLIE A DEUX. And ONE OF US loves it! Is the movie a $200-million troll act, and is that ok? Plus, some of our favourite movie controversies.
Send us a text It's the Dark Side of Hollywood. We're talking the legal troubles surrounding Diddy, his freak off parties and assault scandals, and the lawless attitudes embedded in wealth and celebrity. On that note, we review the satiric beauty culture extremes of THE SUBSTANCE. It's all here.
Send us a text We review the long-time coming sequel BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE and also share our thoughts on the films and legacy of Tim Burton. We pick our highlights and lowlights from the celebrated goth-pop auteur, and what those movies meant to us and culture at large. It's showtime, indeed.
Send us a text It's back to school season, and Serena and Mark cut through the sadness with some of their favourite teen movies. John Hughes, John Singleton, and the freedom of movie characters never having homework! Plus, we look at Zoe Kravitz filmmaking debut BLINK TWICE, and discuss whether its trigger warning is justified.
Send us a text Serena returns from Fantasia Fest and gives us an early review of M. Night Shyamalan's camp/trash TRAP. Did DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE just put Marvel back on top? Plus, Mark and Serena have different takes on the surprise hit LONGLEGS. It's all here, folks.
Send us a text We review the new franchise summer movies BEVERLY HILLS COP: AXEL F. and MAXXXINE, follow up on efforts to save the Revue, examine the dissonance of shrinking attention spans and lengthy blockbusters and discuss why the cost of living has workers leaving Hollywood. Stand and unite!
Send us a text On this National holiday, we're joined by critic Justine Smith (Cult MTL, Fantasia Fest) for a banger look at Canadian horror - its legacy and highlights. Serena also gives us the lowdown on the battle to save the Revue Cinema that's been making headlines. And Justine and Mark share their thoughts on A QUIET PLACE: DAY ONE.
Send us a text With cinema attendance down this year, we look at this in the context of the box office disappointment of FURIOSA and what it could mean for the future of movie-going. Then we review BAD BOYS: RIDE OR DIE. And when are content warnings spoilers? Plus, Serena just SAW THE TV GLOW, too.
Send us a text 1999 is often mentioned as the last great movie year, but what was really different about it? Serena and Mark address the issue and discuss some of their favourite movies from that year. They then talk CHALLENGERS, THE STRANGERS: CHAPTER 1 and I SAW THE TV GLOW. Plus, all the BUFFY referenced you can stand!
Send us a text We're thrilled to be joined by actor Walter Perez (Detention, Fame, Bodied, TV's Fatal Attraction and Quantum Leap) to talk about the state of the industry, his screen inspirations growing up, and being seen as "nice" in a cruel world. Walter and Mark also reminisce on the Detention production. Also, Baby Reindeer.
Send us a text Movie trailers, what's with them? Returning guest and the Revue Cinema's trailer creator and curator Nathan Boone joins us to talk about their art and evolution. Which ones have stuck with us though the years, and what trends do we like and despise in them now?
Send us a text We’re thrilled to be joined by Brad Kane, superstar producer and writer (TOKYO VICE, WARRIOR, WELCOME TO DERRY) and former actor (BUFFY, STARSHIP TROOPERS, the f’in singing voice of ALADDIN!) to discuss adapting novels for movies and TV. We talk about our faves, geek out on our top Stephen King adaptations and formative horror films.
Send us a text We're excited to be joined by filmmaker Kevin Hartford to talk about how '80s nostalgia just won't die, as we review the reanimated '80s properties GHOSTBUSTERS: FROZEN EMPIRE and ROAD HOUSE. And we have some disagreements! Plus, Serena's struggle with "Movie Karens."
