Release Date Rewind

Run to the light and press play on this episode! Mark welcomes '80s horror enthusiasts David Gonzalez and Jack Renaud, from the new podcast Chop Talk, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Poltergeist. The PG-rated horror (and comedy?) classic was released on June 4, 1982, and static TV has never been the same. They nerd out over the practical effects and fun CGI, the pot-smoking parents, corrupt housing developers, the behind-the-scenes confusion between director Tobe Hooper and writer/producer Steven Spielberg, the sad curse that has followed members of the prodution, and praise movie MVP Zelda Rubinstein as the one and only Tangina Barrons, who actually isn't that great at her job!

In this special episode - let's call it Premiere Date Rewind - Mark welcomes longtime friends Sarah Menaquale and Kit Sheehan back on the show to row their boats to Dawson's Creek for the 25th anniversary of its series premiere! The hit Kevin Williamson show premiered on The WB on January 20, 1998, and was a staple of our generation. A hurricane, a Saturday detention, a killer, and Katie Holmes singing! Since February is the month of love, it's time to discuss all the sweet, sappy, surprising romance with these sex-crazed teens (and parents! and teachers!) of Capeside. After you're finished with this audio episode about the pilot, head to YouTube to continue the marathon in Parts 2 and 3 where they break down each episode of Season 1, then touch on favorite moments from the rest of the series: https://www.youtube.com/@releasedaterewind

School's out for summer, but Mark rewinds to '80s Antarctica with cinephile and camera expert Joe Brady for the 40th anniversary of John Carpenter's chilling film The Thing! It was released in theaters on June 25, 1982 to harsh criticism, but those critics were obviously possessed by aliens. Joe and Mark rave about Rob Bottin's insane practical special effects, Dean Cundey's cinematography, the memorable and creative title sequence, and the connection to Alien. Save us, Kurt Russell!

One of the most popular and beloved films turned 50 years old this month: The Godfather! And Mark had never seen the full movie until now - shocking, right? He brings back the mafia mistress Melissa Ward to the show so she can choose her favorite Corleone brother, discuss the dynamics between fathers and sons, reflect on violence in entertainment over the years, and decide who is best for Al Pacino's Michael: anxious American Kay Adams or Sicilian sizzler Apollonia. Plus, how do we feel about cannoli?

Mark brings back friend, screenwriter, and film student for life C.C. Webster on a little droog trip to early 1970s London to discuss Stanley Kubrick's controversial hit A Clockwork Orange for its 50th anniversary this month. They share thoughts on the strange title, to symbolism in the characters' clothing, to differences between the film and the book by Anthony Burgess. And is Euphoria the new Clockwork? They wonder what a remake of this disturbing classic could be like today, and could Patrick Bateman from American Psycho be a "brother" to Alex DeLarge?