Cynema

Episode Notes The final installment of my limited series examining whether the horror genre needs Oscar and Academy validation.

Episode Notes A further look into the question of horror needing validation through The Academy and its awards. Get beyond Freddy, Jason and Michael and know your horror history. My views on certain early day films and performers that deserved the golden statue.

Episode Notes The first part of a limited series looking at the latest call for Oscar recognition to the horror genre. Is it warranted? This episode looks at The Oscars and industry itself and it isn't the best picture...

Episode Notes Hindsight is always 20/20. It's also a kick in the pants. A look at how I ignored great advice and opportunity to pursue the easier, cynical path that led me astray of the early, crucial years of career. Lee knew and I ignored his words. Links for this episode: Dread Central Horror Series: https://www.dreadcentral.com/editorials/368171/swimming-upstream-filmmaker-harrisons-smith-horr...

Episode Notes The recent nostalgia rush for places like Blockbuster video ignore the undercurrents and context of the time. Should Blockbuster be mourned? Before you say "yes," listen to this account that draws the comparison of the early years of film to the early days of fast food. A quasi second part to EP 24 "Consuming Cynema." There were no "good 'ole days." It's a lie we tell ourselves.

Episode Notes We are being dumbed down and "Godzilla vs. Kong" shows audiences are perfectly fine with in their appeal for more of this. Important links: https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/godzilla-vs-kong-raises-nonsense-201556319.html https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOA6G5PhnRM&t=3s https://mashable.com/2015/12/23/force-awakens-is-no-remake/

Episode Notes "Excuse me, but isn't that why we watch monster movies? Just to see big monsters fight?" No. This episode argues the need for solid human stories in these kind of films and the disturbing continuance of "lowest common denominator" filmmaking and the dumbing down of our entertainment. Godzilla Clip referenced: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQTar_kGjZY

Episode Notes 99% SPOILER FREE! Is there something else going on at the studio level? A pattern seems to be developing in creating studio cuts but knowing there is a better cut still left behind for later release. In the wake of "The Snyder Cut" something is indeed going on...circumstantially. I use "Godzilla vs. Kong" as an example. Two links that support my thoughts: https://www.theatlantic.com/...

Episode Notes Was the beloved mob series an overrated, cynical, yet well done mob family drama or was it something more? I support my main hypotheses that The Soprano's just might be the greatest TV series of all time, but also the most existential.

Episode Notes An examination of Tobe Hooper's "Lifeforce" and how it pertains to the unstable concept of matching low budget filmmakers with large studio budgets. The results are less disasters than they are mediocre. Also a look at the Hooper vs. Spielberg "Poltergeist" debate. Bloody Disgusting Link: https://bloody-disgusting.com/movie/3447116/tobe-hooper-pretended-direct-poltergeist-steven-spie...

Episode Notes Is there a cynical side to extended universes that really means nothing more than a fancier term for "franchise?" A look at the indifference met with the announcement of a new Star Trek film and why this applies to other major franchises.

Episode Notes Low budget doesn't mean it has to suck. How we made The Special by following John Carpenter's advice and ensuring you respect your cast, crew and audience to deliver the best product you can no matter what size the budget.

Episode Notes Online and print horror magazines are not just entertainment. They have been and continue to be valuable resources, educational tools and primers that need the support to stay alive and continuing to educate burgeoning filmmakers. My career is indebted to them past and present. MY DREAD CENTRAL SERIES: https://www.dreadcentral.com/editorials/368171/swimming-upstream-filmmaker-harriso...

Episode Notes Martin Scorsese triggered the Marvel-Superhero movie fanboys with another appeal to understand film, art and film history that defines a difference between art, film and "content." A look at Hollywood's real, cynical desire to find its "fountain of youth," "holy grail" and hitting the perfect algorithm for box office success. Scorsese article: https://www.indiewire.com/2021/02/martin...

Episode Notes Is recasting an iconic role with a new actor an "error" or artistic expression? What is the difference between genuine filmmaking, narrative errors and just lazy? A look at several cases inspired by some great Twitter conversation on the topic.

Episode Notes The 1990s gave us an unusual sub-genre that focused on style over substance while delivering superior and slick production values as horror met middle school mainstream...

Episode Notes Over analysis and over zealous focus on trivial details have created a need to deconstruct movie magic, and create a cynical attitude toward filmmaking and film appreciation. Listen why.

Episode Notes A look at how cynicism plays into the remakes of both Godzilla 1998 and Kong 1976 and does it mean anything for the upcoming Godzilla vs. Kong?

Episode Notes If you believe the election was stolen, PIzzagate is real, Congressional child trafficking is real, the Deep State got Trump, this podcast is for you. The problem is...you won't listen to it and there are some very important questions to be asked of you because it's not about changing your minds.

Episode Notes A look at a somewhat new kind of entertainment Cynema that goes back to Amityville and maybe beyond. Regardless The Internet has created a hybrid hoax and it's dangerous stuff.

Episode Notes Part Two that looks at the real issues plaguing the studio and theatrical systems. Links to referenced data: http://horrorfuel.com/interview/big-apes-big-cynema http://horrorfuel.com/interview/cynema-godzilla-vs-gino https://www.rottentomatoes.com/guides/best_remakes_50_years_50_movies http://movies.about.com/od/toppicks/tp/worst-remakes.htm http://bloody-disgusting.com/news/11656/th...

Episode Notes Has COVID ruined theatrical distribution and our movie-going experience? Will streaming replace a night out? A look at the problems theaters had way before COVID and also the product we are consuming and where it's all heading in this first of a two part episode.

Episode Notes A listener suggested episode looking at the slippery, cynical slope toward censorship under the guise of protecting us from ourselves. Links: https://www.salon.com/2020/10/28/horror-movies-good-for-health-pandemic-stress-fear-anxiety-coping/ https://vocal.media/horror/reasons-why-horror-movies-are-good-for-your-health https://www.scoopwhoop.com/horror-movie-health-benefits/ https://w...

Episode Notes Few remember the third installment into a surprising "franchise" that was "Porky's." There's a reason for that.

Episode Notes Have 80s monsters changed with the times? Can the old franchises survive beyond their nostalgic demographics? A look at the cynicism that plagued Universal's classic monsters as times changed and now affect the fate of five of our favorite 80s characters.