Four Play

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is one of the most influential works of horror, science fiction, and gothic literature, but does Guillermo del Toro’s long-awaited 2025 adaptation succeed in its representation of the novel? In this episode of Four Play, MonteCristo, Thorin, and Richard Lewis dig into why this debate the merits of the films visuals, story, and faithfulness to the original themes.   Whil...

Before Black Mirror, before Love, Death & Robots, there was The Twilight Zone: television’s original nightmare machine.     For this special Four Play: One Night Stand episode, MonteCristo, Thorin, and Richard Lewis step into another dimension to revisit four of the most terrifying Twilight Zone stories ever made: tales of paranoia, existential dread, and cosmic irony that still haunt audiences mo...

Suspiria is one of the most beautiful and unsettling horror films ever made. Dario Argento’s 1977 masterpiece drenches witchcraft in light and color, turning a simple story about a dance academy into a surreal nightmare of sound, architecture, and occult energy.   In this episode, MonteCristo, Thorin, and Richard Lewis close out Four Play’s Occult Horror Arc by examining how Suspiria reshaped the...

When a wealthy family hires shamans to exhume a cursed grave, they awaken something far older and far more dangerous than they imagined. Exhuma (파묘) blends Korean shamanism, feng shui geomancy, and postwar trauma into one of the most striking horror hits of the decade.   In this episode of Four Play, MonteCristo, Thorin, and Richard Lewis explore how Exhuma became Korea’s highest-grossing film o...

Hereditary marks the rebirth of modern horror with a story where fate, family, and madness collide under the control of unseen forces. Ari Aster’s directorial debut turns grief into tragedy and domestic life into ritual, where every characters fate is inescapable and preordained. With Toni Collette’s raw, unforgettable performance at its center, this film doesn’t ask if evil exists, it simply show...

Roman Polanski’s Rosemary’s Baby (1968) didn’t just invent occult horror: it cursed Hollywood itself. A young couple moves into New York’s Dakota building, only to find their new neighbors are part of an ancient Satanic conspiracy. What begins as domestic paranoia becomes a slow descent into psychological terror and a film that redefined horror forever.   Richard Lewis, MonteCristo, and Thorin ope...

What happens when journalism isn’t about uncovering corruption in boardrooms, but surviving on the front lines of a civil war? Oliver Stone’s Salvador (1986) throws James Woods into the chaos of Central America’s brutal conflict, where photojournalism becomes both a weapon and a death sentence. The hosts dissect how Salvador critiques America’s political interests abroad, captures the moral decay...

Michael Mann’s The Insider (1999) is one of the great modern journalism films: Al Pacino and Russell Crowe bring the true story of CBS, 60 Minutes, and the tobacco whistleblower Jeffrey Wigand to the screen. Thorin, Richard, and MonteCristo break down how the film depicts whistleblowing, corporate malfeasance, and the brutal costs of telling the truth, while also examining Mann’s visual style, Al...

Is NETWORK (1976) the most prophetic film ever made about television and journalism? Directed by Sidney Lumet and written by Paddy Chayefsky, Network follows news anchor Howard Beale (Peter Finch) as he unravels live on air and creates one of cinema’s most famous speeches: “I’m as mad as hell, and I’m not gonna take this anymore!” This satirical black comedy, starring Faye Dunaway, William Holden,...

Watergate, the scandal that toppled Nixon. All the President’s Men (1976) tells the story of Woodward and Bernstein, the two Washington Post journalists who “followed the money” and uncovered corruption at the highest level. But does the film hold up today or has it become a mythologized version of journalism that no longer exists?   Richard, Thorin, and MonteCristo dig into Robert Redford & Dusti...

Nicolas Cage playing twin brothers in the same film should have been a disaster, but in Adaptation (2002), it became one of his greatest performances. Charlie Kaufman’s meta-masterpiece about writer’s block, Hollywood compromise, and the agony of the creative process pushes Cage to deliver both the funniest and most heartbreaking roles of his career.     Richard, Thorin, and Monte break down why A...

Critics called Joel Schumacher’s 8MM (1999) “sleazy, appalling, and exploitative.” With Nicolas Cage as a private investigator dragged into the world of underground snuff films, James Gandolfini at his sleaziest, and a young Joaquin Phoenix in one of his earliest breakout roles, the movie was condemned as too dark and disturbing for the 1990s.   But does 8MM deserve its reputation as sleaze cinema...

Leaving Las Vegas (1995) is Nicolas Cage at his most raw and devastating and he delivers a performance that won him an Oscar and became one of the bleakest love stories ever put on film. Cage plays Ben Sanderson, a man who moves to Las Vegas to drink himself to death, where he meets Elisabeth Shue in a career-defining role as a sex worker who chooses to love him anyway.   In this episode, Richard...

We dive into Michael Bay's 1996 action film 'The Rock' starring Nicholas Cage, Sean Connery, and Ed Harris. Richard Lewis, Thorin, and MonteCristo explore the film's iconic moments, characters, and unique blend of comedy, action, and drama. They discuss why 'The Rock' stands out as a classic in the action genre, Michael Bay's directorial choices, and the unforgettable performances from the stellar...

To conclude our Psychedelic Horror arc on Four Play, we delve deep into the film Mandy starring Nicolas Cage. We explore why this visually stunning and emotionally intense film has become a cult classic. From its incredible use of color and sound to its compelling performances and gripping storyline, Mandy is not just a movie but an experience. We also discuss the career of director Panos Cosmatos...

Join us as we delve into director Ken Russell's 1980 film 'Altered States.' This episode covers the film's psychedelic themes, its visionary yet controversial direction, and its mixed reception from critics like Roger Ebert. We discuss the film's exploration of hallucinogenic drugs, sensory deprivation tanks, and its complex narrative about a scientist's quest for absolute truth. Whether you're a...

In this episode, our hosts delve into 'Enter the Void,' a 2009 psychedelic horror film directed by Gaspar Noé. They explore its intense thematic elements, discussing the challenges and impact of Noé's unique visual and narrative style. The discussion covers the film's portrayal of the expat experience in Asia, its uncompromising approach to trauma and drug use, and its groundbreaking cinematograph...

Welcome back to 'Four Play' as we dive into our new arc on psychedelic horror! In this episode, we dissect the 1990 psychological masterpiece 'Jacob's Ladder.' We explore the film’s layered narrative, iconic practical effects, and its profound themes of trauma, war, and the afterlife. Drawing connections to Buddhist philosophy, Christian mysticism, and classic literature, we provide an in-depth an...

Join us on this episode of Foreplay as we conclude our sports film arc with a deep dive into the 1961 classic, The Hustler. Starring Paul Newman and George C. Scott, this film is about much more than just pool—it's a compelling character study and a story about obsession, personal growth, and the human cost of achieving greatness. We discuss the powerful performances, especially Paul Newman’s and...

In this episode of 'Four Play,' we delve into the inspirational sports film 'Rudy.' Join us as we discuss key themes, memorable moments, and the unbelievable true story behind the movie. From Rudy's persistence and hard work to the cinematography and remarkable performances by Sean Astin and the supporting cast, we cover it all. We also touch upon how the movie compares to other sports films like...

In this episode of Four Play, the hosts dissect the 1989 film 'Field of Dreams.' They delve into the peculiar rules of 'ghost baseball,' critique the film's sentimentality, and analyze its deeper themes of American tradition, intergenerational relationships, and personal regret. The discussion explores the broader impact of sports films in American culture, the significance of baseball in connecti...

Join us as Richard Lewis, Thorin, and Monte discuss the classic sports film 'Hoosiers.' In this episode, we explore the film's timeless appeal, Gene Hackman's nuanced performance, and why this movie, despite its predictable plot and sentimental moments, remains a beloved staple in sports cinema. From the cultural significance of small-town basketball to the profound human stories told through spor...

In this episode of Foreplay, the hosts explore one of Gene Hackman's most enigmatic and forgotten performances in the 1975 film 'Night Moves.' As the final film in their Gene Hackman Arc, they analyze the movie's subtle brilliance, its portrayal of middle-aged malaise, and its deconstruction of film noir tropes. From discussing Hackman's character, Harry Moseby, and his personal struggles to addre...

Welcome back to Foreplay! In this episode, we explore the third film in our Gene Hackman Arc: 'Unforgiven' (1992), directed by and starring Clint Eastwood. Join us as we discuss the intricate details, character portrayals, and thematic elements of this legendary Western. We'll delve into Gene Hackman's award-winning performance as Little Bill, the slow-burn storytelling, and the cinematic parallel...

In this episode, we delve deep into Francis Ford Coppola's 1974 classic, 'The Conversation,' starring Gene Hackman. We explore Hackman's exceptional performance as Harry Caul, the film's intricate narrative structure, and the thematic elements of surveillance, privacy, and paranoia. Our discussion also touches on the movie's compelling soundtrack, its connection (or lack thereof) to the Watergate...