Poltergeist (40th anniversary)

06/15/22 • 72 min

3 Listeners

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!

Previous Episode

Austin Powers (25th anniversary)

Mark welcomes photographer, podcaster, and actor Garrick Hoffman to the show to discuss all the hilarity of Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery, which came out 25 years ago on May 2, 1997. Garrick remembers watching this perfect sleepover movie as a kid over and over with his family, while Mark was giggling in the theater on a hot day at summer camp. They compare the Mike Myers film to James Bond, which it successfully spoofs, other popular 90s and early 2000s comedy, and even Borat. Plus, they discuss the connections to Demi Moore, Dana Carvey, and more!

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The Thing (40th anniversary)

2 Recommendations

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!