The Latecomers

Episode Notes This week, Amity and Lemuel watched the Bachman book The Running Man starring Arnold Schwarzenegger as the implausibly named Ben Richards. It’s a vast departure from the book and we discuss that along with the disappointment in directorial choices, the madness of deadly American Gladiators, the similarly implausible name of Amber, elemental gimmicks and the dangers of a flamethrower....

Episode Notes Lemuel and Amity watched the first sequel of the season with Creepshow 2 and instantly regretted it. We breakdown a problematic Native American story, a problematic sexual assault story, and a problematic (why did he have to call him a negro? Who him? Stephen King! His actual self!) hit and run. It’s a lot, y’all and we are sorry, we’ll try to do better next week. Next up: The Runnin...

Episode Notes Lemuel and Amity watched the Rob Reiner helmed coming of age tale Stand By Me and contrast childhoods of the 60s, the 80s and today. We break down the power in the performances, the problematic features, and issues with seeing child stars all grown up and vice versa. Next up: Creepshow 2 (1987) available streaming on Amazon Prime and Shudder. CW sexual assault Email us at latecomers@...

Episode Notes Lemuel and Amity watched Maximum Overdrive without ingesting any cocaine, and boy does it show. Though we’re grateful for the editing out of many a head bladder, this was a rough go but we came out the other end stronger for it. Listen along as we separate the professionals from the people that were there for the blow. Next up: Stand By Me (1986) available streaming on Dish Email us...

Episode Notes This week we visit a werewolf in (SPOILER)’s clothing – listen to find out who. We talk sad Coreys, drunk Garys and under utilized Everetts, oh my, while marveling at the lack of protective gear children were saddled with in the 80s – it’s a wonder we survived. Next up: Maximum Overdrive (1986) available streaming on Dish or on Starz Email us at latecomers@gmail.com Twitter: @latecom...

Episode Notes This holiday week we talk about a trilogy of humor with Cat’s Eye – with one problematic tale, one retread, and one surprisingly good romp. And then we get into it about movies about animals. Listen and rant along. Next up: Silver Bullet (1985) (available for rent on Amazon) Email us at latecomers@gmail.com Twitter: @latecomerspod Find Amity @ www.amityarmstrong.com and @AmityArmstro...

Episode Notes This week Lemuel and Amity watched a movie that’s barely a movie: Firestarter starring a misused cast of stars and the most problematic character we have seen so far. In a world where a movie must be made about people who have to think hard to make things happen, how do you show that? It’s a great question that no one has figured out – and that includes the director of this film. Lis...

Episode Notes Amity thought Christopher Reeves was in this and that’s only disappointment one of this franchise builder. What’s in the corn? Why’s it so mad? Who are these extra children and why haven’t they aged in three years. And most importantly, who hurt Linda Hamilton to the point of putting up with this loser? We get into it all this week. Next up: Firestarter (1984) available for rent on A...

Episode Notes In the last film of 1983, we visit Arnie Cunningham and his lady loves – the car and the girl. Only one can have his heart. We discuss parental influence, why it’s hard to make a teen fighting with his parents not sound childish and the origins of this haunting and its possible whitewashing. Next up: Children of the Corn (1984) available on Hulu Email us at latecomers@gmail.com Twitt...

Episode Notes Lemuel and Amity watched the Dead Zone and marvel at a pre “Christopher Walken” Christopher Walken and the passion with which he can say “Sarah.” We also manage to completely forget to have any conversation about the title and what it means – which makes the title so meta (Psst – it’s the part of the future he can’t see – the part that can change). Next up: Christine (1983) available...

Episode Notes Lemuel and Amity watched Cujo this week and animal lovers beware - you’re gonna hate this dog. Critical consensus was massively split on this one, which we don’t quite get. Amity only found three problems: the portrayal of advertising, aspects of property value and why two minor characters were both named Roger. But she was scared, and isn’t that the point? Next up: The Dead Zone (19...

Episode Notes We delve into Stephen King pulp this week as we watch Creepshow from 1982. The practical effects as well as the scene-chewing performances elevate these campy tales. Are they scary? Barely. Is everyone doing their very best? Absolutely. Next up: Cujo (1983) available on Amazon Email us at latecomers@gmail.com Twitter: @latecomerspod Find Amity @ www.amityarmstrong.com and @AmityArmst...

Episode Notes Lemuel and Amity tackle the 1980 classic horror film The Shining and talk casting, directorial abuse, Stephen King and black people, and how a movie can be a great film while failing to have any type of character arc. Lemuel discusses the music of Krzysztof Penderecki and Amity talks about the merits of a croquet mallet over an ax. Next up: Creepshow (1982) available on Amazon Email...

Episode Notes Amity and Lemuel watched all three hours of the first miniseries made of Stephen King’s work – ‘Salem’s Lot. One strong woman and one mess, one old vampire and several baby vampires, two strong jawlines and James Mason – it’s a good time and most of it holds up well – minus the track suit lingerie and one of the monster designs. Listen to see what other details we unearth. Next up: T...

Amity and Lemuel tackle the first adaptation of Stephen King's work to hit the screen with Brian De Palma's 1976 classic Carrie. How does the casting match the novel? What's wrong with Chris? How soft is Tommy's hair? We answer each of these questions and more in this week's episode. Next up: Salem’s Lot (1979) available on Amazon Prime Email us at latecomers@gmail.com Twitter: @latecomerspod Find...

Episode Notes Lemuel and Amity discuss Stephen King. Who is he? How do we know him? And we map the longest season so far as we get set to discuss the screen adaptations of his work from Carrie to In the Tall Grass and all 80 items between. Homework: Carrie (1976) available on Amazon or Starz. Email us at latecomers@gmail.com Twitter: @latecomerspod Find Amity @ www.amityarmstrong.com and @AmityArm...

Seeking some resolution, Amity and Lemuel watched Battlestar Galactica’s first season finale. Is there a baby? Is Boomer okay? Why can Baltar act like this in public? Is humanity at an end? Also, learn what we are doing next season. Watch Battlestar Galactica with us - available on Hulu and Amazon Prime. Email us at latecomers@gmail.com Twitter: @latecomerspod Find Amity @ www.amityarmstrong.com a...

We've all come a long way. It's been 50 days since the original cylon attack and it's official - everyone has lost their damn minds. We ponder what anyone is thinking, if anyone has a grasp on reality and why oh why did she sleep with him?! Watch Battlestar Galactica with us - available on Hulu and Amazon Prime. Email us at latecomers@gmail.com Twitter: @latecomerspod Find Amity @ www.amityarmstro...

As we watch this episode we compare it to the hypothetical inspiration, the West Wing, we dig on Starbucks utter bad-assery, and we are grateful for Baltar’s expanding motive, if not for his expanding sex life. Also, Helo has the worst day and we feel for him. Watch Battlestar Galactica with us - available on Hulu and Amazon Prime. Email us at latecomers@gmail.com Twitter: @latecomerspod Find Amit...

This week we watched a WWII film inspired episode nominated for an Emmy for visual effects. It’s a busy one, but the action is hot and the takes are hotter. We finish off with some sound advice and left of center recommendations. Watch Battlestar Galactica with us - available on Hulu and Amazon Prime. Email us at latecomers@gmail.com Twitter: @latecomerspod Find Amity @ www.amityarmstrong.com and...

Logic has left the building on this week’s episode of Battlestar Galactica and Amity has a real question for the audience – help her, help all of us. Is she missing something? Is Baltar funny in 2005 and profoundly not in a post me-too era? What’s going on? Why are all the choices bad and all the women worse? Watch Battlestar Galactica with us - available on Hulu and Amazon Prime. Email us at late...

Amity cannot stop swearing as we discuss this episode of BSG and two very large, very glaring issues with the overall situation. We ask some hard questions, challenge the sanity and cylonness of everyone on the call sheet, and Amity says MFer like she’s channeling Samuel L. Jackson. Watch Battlestar Galactica with us - available on Hulu and Amazon Prime. Email us at latecomers@gmail.com Twitter: @...

Amity and Lemuel spend the week confused and judgey: How come no one believes the truth when it is told to their faces? How can everyone believe that they are perfect judges of character? Will Billy ever live up to his new post? And why are cylons anti doggy-style, and why can they have orgasms at all? The big questions asked – if not answered – in this week’s episode. Watch Battlestar Galactica w...

Amity and Lemuel watch Litmus, and miss the reason for the episode title entirely. We debate who is a cylon (why haven't we done that before?) and who is just a dumb human. We are reaching the end of tolerance for planet shenanigans and but we still love this so much more than Twin Peaks, so that's something. Watch Battlestar Galactica with us - available on Hulu and Amazon Prime. Email us at late...

Amity and Lemuel debate the merits of the title of this episode, the merits of planet vs. space Boomer, the merits of cylons and toasters on this week's episode. Watch Battlestar Galactica with us - available on Hulu and Amazon Prime. Email us at latecomers@gmail.com Twitter: @latecomerspod Find Amity @ www.amityarmstrong.com and @AmityArmstrong on Twitter Our Facebook group is here for those who...