020 - Zardoz

Explicit content warning

01/24/24 • 99 min

This week, we're mixing it up and turning the tables. Scott picked the media this time, so we're going back in time to 1974 with the campy and bizarre sci-fi classic Zardoz. Starring a post-Bond Sean Connery, this film will have you scratching your head only to find yourself obsessing over the message as time passes. We recount this unusual story of a rogue Brutal "Exterminator" named Zed who learns of his own place in society and decides to overturn the apple cart of the Eternals by throwing their way of life into turmoil. Partially orchestrated by Eternal artist and Thespian Arthur Frayn, Zed becomes an experiment for Mae and Consuela, who tells us he is capable of "spontaneous and reflexive erection." We'll head on over to the Tabernacle for some touch teaching and an old-fashioned insemination session, just make sure you don't violate any of the rules or you'll be aged by an arbitrary number of years. We'll also have a quick visit with the Renegades and Apathetics, who are apparently spurned into an orgy by a bead of Connery's sweat. Finally we can all come up with a rough number for the cellophane budget on this film - seriously, did someone involved with the film have an in with a cellophane manufacturer?

Let's head on over to the vortex stone head for the gun vomiting ritual, get ready for Tuesday's mass sacrifice, and never forget - the penis is evil. Although this film is 50 years old, we're trudging through the entire thing and we might be spoiling it for you. You can watch this film on the Internet Archive in its entirety, and although it is a Dumpsterpiece - we think it's worth watching just for the 70's boobs alone. Dive into this wacky dumpster with us when the voice of the turtle is heard in the land.

Review by Roger Ebert

Review by Roger Ebert

Previous Episode

019 - Emily in Paris EP9-10 [Netflix]

We're finally wrapping up the first season of Emily in Paris (on Netflix) with episodes 9 & 10. The irony of eating American French fries at a Ralph Lauren restaurant with the American Friends of the Louvre in Paris is not lost on us. We find out that Sylvie has some hidden adornments, but still isn't a fan of Emily. We also get some insight into the world of "street wear," possibly the worst fashion trend ever, and some serious public performance art that puts Pierre Cadualt into a funk. In fact, thanks to this stunt, "Gossip Girl" gets herself into hot water and manages to get fired by Sylvie (in theory, but for the bureaucracy). Emily learns that cracking the top of Crème Brûlée can be very therapeutic, and she's probably going to need a lot of it once Mindy moves in. Gabriel finds himself a nice place in Normandie, and also finds himself a nice place somewhere else.

So take a pretentious boat ride down the Seine with us and ask yourself - what is the white? Just remember - fashion is trash!

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021 - Six Months to Live by Lurlene McDaniel

Well folks, this one is a little different. This week, we're diving into a book by an author that was recommended to us by someone in the family. Lurlene McDaniel has an impressive collection of young-adult books that deal with some pretty heavy subjects like chronic illness and loss. To convince us, Liz's brother Mike (see EP 017 - Heirs of the Force) gave us a box full of her stories for Christmas. Six Months to Live is no exception as it is a story about a 13 year old girl named Dawn Rochelle who receives the unfortunate news that she has leukemia. The rest of the book deals with her treatment, emotions, forming friendships with other kids in similar situations, and teenage love. While we wouldn't classify this as a Dumpsterpiece, the subject matter and intensity are pretty over-the-top - this is apparently how Lurlene McDaniel rolls. Remember After School Specials? Lurlene cranks that up to an 11. This story motivated us to make a donation to St Jude's Children's Research Hospital and we hope it would encourage others to do the same.

This book was an afternoon read, but it might be difficult to find. It's also difficult to read... If you're brave enough, or in the unfortunate situation where you or a loved one are dealing with childhood cancer, then this might be a bit cathartic. We think this is where Lurlene's books really shine. At any rate you can just follow along and you'll get the gist, though you might get choked up occasionally.

Goodreads

Interview with Lurlene

Author Page