Episode 229: 'Venomous' (2000)/'Mad Heidi' (2023)

Explicit content warning

06/23/23 • 58 min

We start the show with a tale of two box offices. It does not come as a surprise The Flash has underperformed at the box office. It was definitely a combination of superhero fatigue, the DCEU never catching on, and Ezra’s Miller's past problems, but what factored in the most? And how far up his own butt is Wes Anderson?

The passing of Treat Williams was a major blow to genre cinema. Treat has been around for decades and was a great leading man. We decided to cover one of his more recent movies. And who would have thought that the best Covid movie ever was made over twenty years ago?

Surprisingly, Venomous was never mentioned during the phase when everyone was locked at home watching movies about global pandemics. From lockdowns to masks to citizens being subjected to fake news, the film about genetically engineered rattlesnakes is like a crystal ball from 2000. The great use of stock footage, big explosions, and frightening snakes pushed it over the top.

They do not make movies like Mad Heidi. It is an exploitation movie pure and simple. A great mix of sex appeal and over the top violence, it will appeal to fans of old school grindhouse offerings without pushing away modern audiences. Few indie movies are as franchise ready and Alice Lucy absolutely shines.

Adventures in Movies! is a part of the Morbidly Beautiful Podcast Network. Morbidly Beautiful is your one stop shop for all your horror needs. From the latest news and reviews to interviews and old favorites, it can be found at Morbidly Beautiful.

Adventures in Movies! is hosted by Nathaniel and Blake. You can find Nathaniel on Instagram at nathaninpoortaste. Blake can be found on Twitter @foureyedhorror and on Instagram at foureyedhorror. You can reach us personally or on Twitter @AdventuresinMo1.

Music in the background from https://www.FesliyanStudios.com

Music in the background from https://www.FesliyanStudios.com

Previous Episode

Episode 228: The Good, the Bad, and the Soft & Quiet of the first half of the year

Before we talk about movies, we talk about the passing of author Corman McCarthy. One of the best American writers of all time, McCarthy’s influence on cinema cannot be overstated. He was unconventional, but he was a true credit to American literature.

Remember when Fede Alvarez was a good director? A lot of people seem to since whenever they talk about him they are sure to mention 2013’s Evil Dead. That was a decade ago and he has not done anything worthwhile since. Which is just part of the reason his upcoming Alien remake has us worried.

Those aren’t the only complaints we had about upcoming movies. Disney recently revealed some changes to their upcoming releases, and it was wild to say the least. Unsure of what you want to watch in 2031? Looking forward to Blade? Can’t wait to see Rey’s next adventure in the new Star Wars movie? You better have patience.

We only review one movie this week, but it is one of the most memorable of the year. You’ll Never Find Me is a World Premiere from Tribeca that is unafraid to take risks. Lots and lots of risks. Methodical pacing leading to a wild ending, characters you don’t know what to think of, and tomato soup all play a big role in this Australian horror movie.

Our favorite episodes are the ones where we get to go back and recap previous episodes. And the midway point of the year is a great time to look back on the movies we liked the most, could not stand, and left us wanting more. You will be surprised by some of our picks.

Music in the background from https://www.FesliyanStudios.com

Next Episode

Episode 230: Chattin' about Chattanooga Film Festival

When we spoke about the disappearance of Julian Sands in January , we took for granted that we would be found. Regrettably, his remains were found this week. He was a great actor who will be missed.

We admit it. There has been too much talk about comic book movies on this show lately. But the casting of Superman and Lois Lane is impossible to ignore. We give our opinions on the new actors and what it means for the DC Extended Universe.

It has been a while since we talked about cryptids. Our first review from Chattanooga is a look at America’s most famous mythical beast. At least, that is what it sounds like. Can you have a movie called The Bigfoot Trap and have no Bigfoot?

That is not the case here, but it sure does come close. Instead of being a story about the creature, the film focuses on its two main characters. It is a mixed bag that comes together in one of the best endings we have seen this year. But is it enough to save the movie?

We love found footage movies. The two of us are not the biggest fans of the term “POV movie”, but that does not take away from our enjoyment of the sub-genre. (We are just cranky old men who have a problem when it comes to change.)

Mind Body Spirit appealed to us because it is classic found footage with a modern sensibility. There are some creepy moments, some pretty neat gore, and yes, a computer cam. The film did a lot to impress us. So what stopped it from being something special?

Music in the background from https://www.FesliyanStudios.com