Return of the Jedi
George Lucas concluded the Star Wars trilogy in 1983 with Return of the Jedi — a film thought for many years to be the final Star Wars movie ever. Needing to tie up every plot thread in two hours, this conclusion has been polarizing among fans, with some in the pro-Ewok camp, others anti-Ewok. Could this film ever live up to fan expectations? And which is better: Jedi Rocks or Lapti Nek? Join Arnie, Jakob, and Stuart for their review of Return of the Jedi to find out!
Arnie C: http://nowplayingpodcast.libsyn.com/return-of-the-jedi
Reservoir Dogs – A Podcast Skit and Preview
Eight bad guys go from breakfast to a bloodbath in Reservoir Dogs. The film set the tone for crime movies in the 1990s and beyond. It also put the spotlight on indie cinema for that decade, opening doors for Robert Rodriguez, Kevin Smith, and other Miramax darlings. Most importantly, though, it introduced the world to writer/director Quentin Tarantino. The first time filmmaker became a critic’s darling with his first movie, and launched an award-winning career that has spanned over two decades. How does his first feature hold up so many years, and so many imitators, later? Donate to Now Playing to find out!
Arnie C: http://nowplayingpodcast.libsyn.com/reservoir-dogs-a-podcast-skit-and-preview
The Empire Strikes Back
When it was released The Empire Strikes Back was the highly anticipated sequel to the biggest movie of all time. And it became widely known as the best Star Wars movie ever made. With creator George Lucas taking more of a back seat, and an even bigger push on special effects, does this film live up to its reputation? Join Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob to find out!
Arnie C: http://nowplayingpodcast.libsyn.com/the-empire-strikes-back
Battle Royale II: Requiem – A Podcast Preview
After the success of Battle Royale a sequel was put into production. Original director Kinji Fukasaku was set to return, but his death passed directing duties to the writer of both films, his son Takeshi Kitano. The result is Battle Royale II: Requiem, a wholly original story that eschews the bloody fun of the original for a shocking political statement. How does this follow-up compare to the original? Donate to Now Playing and you can listen to find out!
Note: This podcast is not available for general download. The Battle Royale Retrospective Series is made as a special “Thank you” for those Now Playing Supporters who donate $10 or more between September 1, 2015 and January 31, 2016.
It is donations from listeners like you that keep Now Playing operating.
You can listen to this preview of the show now, then donate to Now Playing and hear the entire series of movie reviews!
Arnie C: http://nowplayingpodcast.libsyn.com/battle-royale-ii-requiem-a-podcast-preview
Star Wars
Star Wars. It twice became the biggest movie of all time. It has launched a billion dollar empire of movies, toys, and merchandise. It has even started a religion. But now, under the ownership of Disney, the Star Wars universe is set to expand infinitely with a new movie each year — starting with Episode VII: The Force Awakens.
Now Arnie, Jakob, and Stuart go back to where it all started — the 1977 original George Lucas film Star Wars (a.k.a. Episode IV: A New Hope). Is the Force still with Star Wars almost 40 years after its release? And which version is better, the Special Edition or the original? Listen to Now Playing to find out, then join us weekly for more Star Wars reviews culminating with The Force Awakens!
Arnie C: http://podcast.nowplayingpodcast.com/e/star-wars-1477021875/
Battle Royale – A Podcast Preview
The Japanese government has a new law to help deal with unruly, rebellious teens — Battle Royale! Each year a class of students are put in competition to kill each other, and the last survivor wins. Based on the novel by Koushun Takamil, this ultraviolent film gained acclaim for its satire and its violence. It’s also been speculated Hunger Games author Suzanne Collins used this story as the basis for her hit novel trilogy. Will the Now Playing hosts have a Battle Royale when reviewing the film? Listen to this preview, then donate to hear the whole review!
This podcast is not available for general download. The Battle Royale Retrospective Series is made as a special “Thank you” for those Now Playing Supporters who donate $10 or more between September 1, 2015 and January 31, 2016.
It is donations from listeners like you that keep Now Playing operating.
You can listen to our promotional preview of this show now, then donate to Now Playing to hear the entire series of movie reviews!
Arnie C: http://nowplayingpodcast.libsyn.com/battle-royale-a-podcast-preview
The Transporter: Refueled
It’s been seven years since the last Transporter film was released. In that time the series continued on television, but now is racing back to theaters with The Transporter: Refueled. This movie is intended to start a new trilogy of films, but without signature star Jason Statham has the series run out of gas? Listen to find out!
Arnie C: http://nowplayingpodcast.libsyn.com/the-transporter-refueled
The Transporter: Refueled
It’s been seven years since the last Transporter film was released. In that time the series continued on television, but now is racing back to theaters with The Transporter: Refueled. This movie is intended to start a new trilogy of films, but without signature star Jason Statham has the series run out of gas? Listen to find out!
Arnie C: http://podcast.nowplayingpodcast.com/e/the-transporter-refueled-1477021876/
Transporter 3
In 2008 Jason Statham came back for one last ride in Transporter 3. This time Frank has to drive the daughter of a Ukranian politician to Odessa, avoiding danger and romantic entanglements along the way. The film ended Statham’s run as the Transporter, but launched the American career of aptly-named director Olivier Megaton. Did the trilogy end on a high note? Listen to find out!
Arnie C: http://nowplayingpodcast.libsyn.com/transporter-3
Transporter 2
The first Transporter film was a modest theatrical success, but thanks to DVD sales put star Jason Statham back in the driver’s seat. Again directed by Louis Leterrier, the second Transporter film’s fast ride cemented Statham’s status as an action star. How does it measure up to the original? Listen to find out!
Arnie C: http://nowplayingpodcast.libsyn.com/transporter-2
The Transporter
If you need someone or something moved quickly, Frank Martin is your man. This former Special Ops soldier has moved to France and now works as a freelance driver for big spending criminals. His illicit career survives by strict adherence to rules, but when he breaks two of the rules he finds himself the target of a human trafficking ring. The plot is simple, but this action film from Luc Besson and Louis Leterrier launched Jason Statham’s career as an American action star. Should you go along for the ride? Listen to find out!
Arnie C: http://podcast.nowplayingpodcast.com/e/the-transporter-1477021879/
Fantastic Four (2015)
It’s been 20 years since Roger Corman first made (but never released) the world’s first Fantastic Four film, and now we get our fourth. Gone is the humor of the Tim Story duology; instead, Chronicle director Josh Trank created a grim and gritty version of Marvel’s First Family, more based on the Ultimate Comics version than any other. But behind the scenes squabbles and internet gossip led to this movie’s record low audience and critic ratings. Can this film be, if not Fantastic, any good at all? Join Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob to find out!
Arnie C: http://nowplayingpodcast.libsyn.com/fantastic-four-2015
MIssion: Impossible – Rogue Nation
In Tom Cruise’s fifth Mission: Impossible film he finally goes up against the original television series’ legendary foe — The Syndicate. This evil group of spies and assassins has infiltrated the globe and is prepared to start a revolution. With the IMF disbanded for dangerous and risky tactics, can Ethan Hunt and his team possibly uncover and stop this Rogue Nation? And even more risky, can the fifth installment of a series still retain a high level of quality? Join Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob to find out!
Arnie C: http://nowplayingpodcast.libsyn.com/mission-impossible-rogue-nation
Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol
Tom Cruise’s MIF Agent Ethan Hunt is back with a mission to literally stop the end of the world. Disavowed by his agency, can Ethan stop a madman from launching a nuclear missile? And do newcomers Jeremy Renner and Simon Pegg mix up the Impossible formula? Join Jakob, Arnie, and Stuart to find out!
Arnie C: http://nowplayingpodcast.libsyn.com/mission-impossible-ghost-protocol
Avengers: Age of Ultron coming to Blu-Ray Oct 2
MARVEL’S AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON
GET IT EARLY ON DIGITAL 3D, DIGITAL HD
AND DISNEY MOVIES ANYWHERE September 8, 2015
AVAILABLE ON 3D BLU-RAY™ COMBO PACK, BLU-RAY, DVD, DIGITAL SD AND
ON-DEMAND October 2, 2015
Includes Never-Before-Seen Deleted Scenes, Making-of Featurettes, Gag Reel and Audio Commentary
Marvel Studios reunites Earth’s Mightiest Heroes in the unprecedented movie event, Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron. Iconic heroes are forced to reassemble and face their most intimidating enemy yet – ULTRON. Pushed to the brink of their physical and emotional limits, the team must recruit both new heroes and familiar allies to face an escalating danger that threatens the entire planet.
RELEASE DATES: September 8, 2015 for Digital 3D and Digital HD
October 2, 2015 for Digital SD, 3D Blu-ray Combo Pack (3D Blu-ray+Single Disc Blu-ray+Digital Copy), Blu-ray, DVD and On-Demand
BONUS: Digital HD*, Disney Movies Anywhere (DMA), 3D Blu-ray Combo Pack, Blu-ray
- Never-Before-Seen Deleted Scenes
- Making-of Featurettes
- Gag Reel
- Audio Commentary
*Digital bonus offerings may vary by retailer
DVD:
- Making-of Featurette
FEATURE RUN TIME: Approximately 141 min.
RATINGS: PG-13 in U.S.; PG in CE; G in CF
ASPECT RATIO: Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray & DVD = 1080p High Definition / 2.40:1
AUDIO: Blu-ray 3D & Blu-ray 2D = English 7.1 DTS-HDMA, French-Canadian 5.1 Dolby Digital, Latin Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, English DVS 2.0 Dolby Digital
DVD = English/Latin Spanish/French Canadian 5.1 Dolby Digital, English DVS 2.0 Dolby Digital
LANGUAGES: U.S.: English & Spanish
Canada: English, French
SUBTITLES: English, French & Spanish
Ant-Man
The second phase of Marvel Studios’ Cinematic Universe is going out small. Compared to their other Phase 2 films, the hero is smaller, the budget is smaller, the box office is smaller. But it’s a big moment as comics’ final founding Avenger arrives on the big screen. The film was fraught with production delays and creative changes, but can Marvel prove good things come with small packages? Join Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPAVENGERS012.mp3
Mission: Impossible III
IMF agent Ethan Hunt has had enough combat. He wants to settle down, get married, and train new agents instead of going in the field himself. But when his star pupil is captured by a ruthless arms dealer Hunt gathers a new crew for another globetrotting mission. Should you choose to accept this third impossible mission? Join Stuart, Jakob, and Arnie to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPMI03.mp3
Terminator: Genisys
It may have taken 13 years, but Arnold Schwarzenegger is back as the T-800 in his movie series that absolutely will not stop ever — The Terminator.
In the new movie Genisys Kyle Reese (Jai Courtney) goes back in time to 1984 to save the life of Sarah Connor (Emilia Clarke), but he fins 1984 very different than he expects.
Is Kyle’s trip back to the future one worth taking? Join Marjorie, Arnie, and Stuart to find out!
PLUS – listen to find out how you can win some Terminator collectibles! Contest ends July 15, 2015!
Arnie C: http://nowplayingpodcast.libsyn.com/terminator-genisys
Mission: Impossible II
Tom Cruise’s character Agent Ethan Hunt has a new mission – stop a rogue IMF agent from releasing a deadly biological weapon — and protect the woman he loves. With John Woo in the director’s chair, this film is sure to have some slow motion action and doves flying, but should you choose this second impossible mission? Join Jakob, Arnie, and Stuart to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPMI02.mp3
Jurassic World – A Podcast Preview
After three failed attempts to open a dinosaur zoo, has Masrani Global Corp finally gotten it right? We find out in Jurassic World–the first new Jurassic Park film in over a decade! With Guardians of the Galaxy star Chris Pratt in the lead this film took a record-breaking bite out of the box office. How does it compare to the original trilogy? Donate to Now Playing to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPJP04TEASE.mp3
Mission: Impossible
Mission: Impossible was a smash hit TV series in the 1960s and 70s, and it even had a revival in the late 80s. But in the 90s, producer and star Tom Cruise tried to do the impossible: create a hit movie franchise based on an old TV show. Many shows have tried to become films, but few have succeeded. Yet with noted director Brian De Palma behind the camera, a bevy of stunt work, and Cruise on the poster, this film had a better chance than most. Should you choose to accept this first impossible mission? Join Arnie, Jakob, and Stuart to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPMI01.mp3
Insidious: Chapter 3
It’s like a riddle: When does Chapter 3 come before Chapter 1? When it’s an Insidious sequel! The new film may be titled Insidious: Chapter 3 but the film is actually a prequel to the original film. Were you interested how Tucker and Specs met Elise? Or what the Bride in Black did before harassing the Lambert family? It’s all in Chapter 3, with a background story of a new demon trying to kill a high school girl. Is this an essential chapter in the Insidious story? Join Marjorie, Stuart, and Arnie to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPINSID03.mp3
Firestarter: Rekindled
Firestarter: Rekindled has Malcolm McDowell and Dennis Hopper starring in a movie based on the works of Stephen King! If this movie came out in 1982 it may have had the star power, and budget, to be a true classic. But Rekindled didn’t come out when those actors’ star power was at its peak, it was made in 2002 as an original Sci-Fi Channel two part miniseries. Does this story of Charlie’s next battle against The Shop keep with King’s original vision? Join Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPKINGFS02.mp3
Firestarter
In 1984 Stephen King had been given the moniker “The King of Horror.” Movies on his books had more hits than misses, and his every novel was a bestseller, including the tale of a pyrokinetic girl hunted by government agents — Firestarter! The heat from that book drew star Drew Barrymore, fresh off her role in the highest-grossing film of all time, E.T., With these two names combined, did the movie spark? Join Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPKINGFS01.mp3
Poltergeist (2015) – A Podcast Preview
In 1982 Tobe Hooper and Steven Spielberg revealed the terror that lay inside a child’s closet with Poltergeist. That film has been minted a classic. Now, over thirty years later, Sam Raimi hopes to recreate that feeling with a remake of the horror classic. Can a modern version live up to the original in the eyes of longtime fans Marjorie, Stuart, and Arnie? Donate to Now Playing to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPPOLT04TEASE.mp3
Jurassic Park – A Podcast Preview
In 1993 blockbuster director Steven Spielberg teamed with bestselling author Michael Crighton for Jurassic Park–the tale of genetically engineered dinosaurs run amok. The result was a crowd-pleasing success that resulted in a box office second only to E.T. for the director. As they prepare to continue the franchise anew with Jurassic World Stuart, Arnie, and Jakob dare to go into the park to review this series. Does the original film hold up over 20 years since its original release? Donate to Now Playing to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPJP01TEASE.mp3
The Human Centipede 3 (Final Sequence)
Warning: This podcast deals with a movie that has no plot, hammy acting, and a hack script we wouldn’t want to wipe our asses with. It’s not even funny bad, it’s just a boring, miserable watching experience. We want no one to give this film a penny by paying for the rental. We appreciate you listeners enough to tell you this up front – you really don’t need to watch this film. And if you want to hear why – join Arnie, Stuart, and Marjorie for this podcast review.
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPHC03.mp3
Mad Max: Fury Road
It’s been 30 years since the last Mad Max film, but creator George Miller was compelled to go again into the post-apocalyptic Outback. The film suffered production troubles, extensive reshoots, and eventually had to film with a new star: Tomy Hardy as Max. But now the movie is on screens and bringing both praise and controversy. Did the series run out of gas without Mad Mel? Join Stuart, Arnie, and Jakob to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPMADMAX04.mp3
Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome
Star Mel Gibson and director George Miller returned to the world of Mad Max one final time in 1985. With a budget larger than the previous two films combined, Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome established its place in pop culture with both catch phrases and a catchy Tina Turner song. For nearly 30 years this was thought to be the closing chapter in the series, and is Gibson’s final time playing the titular character. How does this film hold up today? Listen to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPMADMAX03.mp3
Avengers: Age of Ultron
The 2015 summer movie season kicks off in a big way with the next Marvel Cinematic Universe film Avengers: Age of Ultron. Captain America, Thor, Iron Man, the Hulk, Black Widow, and Hawkeye are back in front of the camera, all again under the direction of geek god Joss Whedon. But with three super-powered baddies and a new Vision for these heroes there is more Avengers to assemble than ever before. Now join Stuart, Arnie, and Jakob to find out how super these heroes were!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPAVENGERS11.mp3
Keep Arnie awake at The Ultimate Marvel Marathon!
We’ve long suspected that Marvelicious Toys and Now Playing Podcast host Arnie Carvalho gets less sleep than the kids at Westin Hills. So if anyone can survive The Ultimate Marvel Marathon – an 11-film binge of the entire MCU, from Iron Man to Age of Ultron – it’s Arnie.
He’ll take his seat at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Kansas City’s AMC Studio 28, and you can show your support by printing out your own Now Playing Podcast or Marvelicious Toys racing bib!
Follow Arnie on Twitter @TheArnieC and tweet your marathon pics using the hashtags #CrazyArnie and #StayAwakeArnie.
Now Playing Podcast’s Avengers: Age of Ultron review will be released Tuesday, May 5, after Arnie’s had time to recover. By the way, that marathon is sold out. So Arnie’s looking at 29-plus hours in that theater, without a lot of room to stretch. Pray for him.
Print your Marvelicious marathon racing bib!
Print your Now Playing Podcast marathon racing bib!
Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior
With the success of Mad Max director George Miller had his pick of films to direct, but he chose to return to the post-apocalyptic Australian outback for a second Mad Max film — The Road Warrior! The budget was bigger, and so were the explosions, but does that make this film better than the original? Listen to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPMADMAX02.mp3
Mad Max
In 1979 a low budget film exploded from down under to become the most profitable film of all time–Mad Max! Shot for less than half a million Australian dollars the movie launched Mel Gibson to stardom and has been a midnight movie staple. What is it about this gritty exploitation film that garners it such acclaim? Hop in and join Stuart, Jakob, and Arnie to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPMADMAX01.mp3
Steven Spielberg’s Duel
Before making it big with Jaws Steven Spielberg was honing his directing skills on television. Spielberg’s first feature-length film was, in fact, Duel a made-for-television ABC Movie of the Week. With little money and even less time the director created a suspense film that broke out of the small screen and was released theatrically in Europe and Australia But how does Spielberg’s first film hold up against his later works? Join Stuart, Jakob, and Arnie to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPP050-Duel.mp3
Furious 7
Universal thought the Fast and Furious franchise was unstoppable. With each new sequel grossing more than the previous instalment, they fast tracked Furious 7, even if it meant losing long time series director Justin Lin and new star The Rock. But when Paul Walker died before the movie was complete the cast and the creatives making the film had to rework the script to be a fitting goodbye. Can Insidious director James Wan make this film still be fast and furious while paying the fitting respects to a passed co-star? Join Stuart, Jakob, and Arnie to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPFAF07.mp3
Now Playing hosts talk Indy, Crichton and more
Dr. Jones prepares to introduce villain Mola Ram to Kali.
Twice a year, Now Playing Podcast holds a pledge drive, offering bonus shows as a “thank you” to listeners who support independent podcasting. This spring, hosts Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob will be reviewing the Indiana Jones films and “Goonies” for Silver Level donors, and the “Westworld” and “Jurassic Park” series’ from novelist Michael Crichton at the Gold Level.
Jakob: Indiana Jones has been requested by many, many listeners for a while. It’s always exciting getting to talk about iconic films; to get into the technical side that makes them more than just a “cool” movie, but true historic cinema.
Arnie: It’s been discussed as long as we’ve been doing Retrospective Series’. I always vetoed it, not wanting to end on a lousy film — and one I’d reviewed in the early days of Now Playing to boot.
Stuart: Lucas and Ford would tease the possibility of an Indy 5, but I never believed it was imminent.
Jakob: We found a way to end [the retrospective] — not on Crystal Skull — but on another Spielberg production about hidden treasure and booby traps that will hopefully wrap this series up more positively.
Stuart: It had been so long since I’d seen most of the Indy movies, I really was looking forward to re-experiencing it through adult eyes.
Arnie: I haven’t seen Crystal Skull since theaters–and never wanted to again!
Jakob: I do have a story for the podcast about meeting someone who had only seen Crystal Skull, which brought a unique perspective.
Stuart: [Arnie and Jakob] say they could quote every line from Raiders. I only remembered it in fragments… how did that monkey eating the poison date tie in with melting Nazis? I was excited to have a loved series on the docket.
Yul Brenner as the Gunslinger in “Westworld.”
The inclusion of Michael Crichton’s “Westworld” and “Futureworld” for Gold Level donors comes as HBO prepares to debut a JJ Abrams and Jonah Nolan series adaptation of the films, which tell the now-familiar story of chaos at a futuristic theme park. “Westworld” was released in 1973, while the sequel arrived three years later. The concept was also adapted into a 1980 television series, “Beyond Westworld.”
Stuart: They seemed like the right films to add to the four Jurassic Park’s to make it Gold Level.
Arnie: That was Stuart’s esoteric pick, but it makes sense as a tie-in to Jurassic Park. Both are theme parks run amok, brought to us by Michael Crichton.
Stuart: I don’t think I ever read a review of Jurassic Park in 1993 that didn’t mention Crichton’s Westworld as an influence.
Jakob: They’re not films I’m familiar with, but that’s one of the joys of Now Playing — getting the opportunity to watch movies that haven’t hit your radar.
The park is open.
Although “Jurassic Park” remains the most successful adaptation of a Crichton novel, there have been more than one dozen films based off his work. Crichton has also received writing credits for numerous screenplays, including 1996’s “Twister.” However, Now Playing’s Spring Donation Series may be the only time films based on his novels are reviewed on the show.
Arnie: Given that we’re doing Jurassic Park as a donation series I think we can rule out a full Crichton retrospective. It would be unfair to put “All Crichton other than Jurassic” on the main feed while Jurassic Park is locked in the vault. I don’t see Rising Sun and The 13th Warrior as big draws for a future donation drive.
Stuart: I agree with Arnie that it’s no longer a possibility as a franchise. But who’s to say a one-off of Twister or Congo might not appear when you least expect it.
Jakob: The only way I’m going to watch Twister again is if we do a “really stupid natural disaster movies” retrospective, with the likes of Volcano, Dante’s Peak, The Day After Tomorrow, and 2012. And I don’t see that happening. So, no, I’m not interested.
The first episode in the Spring 2015 pledge drive — “Raiders of the Lost Ark” — will be released to donors on April 17. Details can be found on the Now Playing Podcast website.
Fast & Furious 6
With Fast Five director Justin Lin opened the car racing franchise up to a wider audience. With in his final film in the series, Fast & Furious 6, Lin tried to continue that trend, setting Vin Diesel’s group of likeable outlaws against a European terrorist. The action set pieces were bigger, as was the box office, but can this film rev higher than the last installment? Join Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob to find out–and then come back next Tuesday as we conclude the serious with a review of Furious 7!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPFAF06.mp3
Fast Five
Director Justin Lin had one thought going into his third Fast and Furious movie–what if they didn’t make it a Fast and Furious film. Rather than focusing on fast cars and racing, Fast Five becomes an action film involving drug dealers and spectacular chases. Culling a cadre of characters from the first four films, and adding The Rock as a new nemesis for Vin Diesel’s Dominic Toretto, Fast Five set a new course for the franchise. How does this film rank for action? Listen and find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPFAF05.mp3
Listeners power Venganza Kickstarter campaign to historic finish
LISTENERS POWER VENGANZA KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN TO HISTORIC FINISH
Fans pledge more than $115,000 to fund company’s first publishing project
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Springfield, Ill. – March 19, 2015 – Proving once again that they are among the most loyal and loving fans in the world, the listeners of Venganza Media’s Now Playing Podcast rallied together in unprecedented fashion to fund the company’s first publishing project, Underrated Movies We Recommend.
A 30-day Kickstarter campaign – which began with a $40,000 goal – ended Thursday having amassed $115,482 in pledges from 1,209 listeners. They gave generously throughout the campaign and many even increased their pledges to keep the momentum going down the stretch. With each milestone reached, the Now Playing Podcast hosts added rare and exclusive rewards as a “thank you” to donors supporting the campaign and the show.
“As an independent show with no sponsors we have always relied on our listeners,” said show creator and host Arnie Carvalho. “The amount of support we’ve received has floored all of us. But I shouldn’t be shocked, I’ve always known Now Playing has the best fans in the world.
Originally conceived as an e-book, Underrated Movies We Recommend is now on track to be released in hardcover and audio format in early 2016. The audiobook became a major draw in the closing days of the campaign, as listeners jumped at the chance to hear the four hosts discuss their favorite undiscovered and underappreciated films. Behind the scenes, the hosts are already deep into the writing process, and they have already revealed nearly half of the 125 Underrated titles they’ll be reviewing in the book on Facebook and Kickstarter. All of this is happening while Now Playing Podcast is in the middle of its Fast & Furious retrospective series, covering the entire series on the show’s main feed.
About Venganza Media Inc.
Based in Springfield, Ill., Venganza Media Inc. is a privately-owned multimedia production facility and home to the Venganza Media Podcasting Network. Film fans and collectors worldwide know Venganza as the producer of Star Wars Action News, Marvelicious Toys, and the company’s flagship program, Now Playing Podcast. Since its formation in 2005, Venganza has delivered thousands of hours of entertainment to listeners, while its staff and fleet of contributors have established the company as a premier source for film reviews, celebrity interviews, and collecting news for audiences of all ages.
About Now Playing Podcast
Since its launch as a short-form, off-the-cuff movie review show, Now Playing Podcast has grown into one of the most successful and celebrated independent programs online and consistently ranks among iTunes’ Top 10 TV/Film podcasts. Its ability to stand out in a crowded field is largely attributed to Now Playing’s highly-acclaimed retrospective format, keeping listeners engaged week-after-week as its panel of critics chronicle decades of hits-and-misses while maneuvering Hollywood’s hectic release schedule.
Fast and Furious
After the third Fast and Furious movie crashed at the box office the series could have run out of gas for good–until original stars Vin Diesel and Paul Walker returned to give it a jump start! With the two headliners returning, as well as supporting cast Michelle Rodriguez and Jordana Brewster, plus Justin Lin back behind the camera, audiences hit the NOS to get to theaters! Will this film live up to the hype? Join Stuart, Arnie, and Jakob to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPFAF04.mp3
The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift
The third Fast and Furious film took a sharp turn, leaving the series’ previous actors in the dust to tell a new story about a rebellious teen racing on the streets of Tokyo. The series has a new star, a new style of racing, and a new director in Justin Lin–who would return for three more Fast and Furious installments. Does the third movie in this series have the Now Playing hosts turning Japanese? Listen now to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPFAF03.mp3
They Live
We live in a world where collusion among the rich destroy the middle class and keep the poor as working cattle. Everyone knows that. But in They Live it’s revealed that the elite are actually working with aliens and using the media to hypnotize us and keep us subservient. Can a construction worker named Nada, played by WWF’s Rowdy Roddy Piper, save the world? Listen now to find out in our review of John Carpenter’s 1988 cult classic.
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPP049-TheyLive.mp3
2 Fast 2 Furious
When The Fast and The Furious raced up the box office Universal Pictures thought they had a franchise on their hands and hit the NOS for a sequel–with or without Vin Diesel. So for 2 Fast 2 Furious Paul Walker returns as Brian O’Connor, once again going undercover to bring down a criminal mastermind. This time, though, Brian’s trash-talking bald-headed partner isn’t Dominic Turetto, but Roman Pierce played by R&B singer Tyrese Gibson. Helmed by Oscar nominated director John Singleton, is this sequel Carz in the Hood, or did this cash-grab get the Shaft? Race to NowPlayingPodcast.com to hear this review and find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPFAF02.mp3
The Incredibles
Pixar films including Toy Story, Monsters Inc., and Finding Nemo, had been smash hits. But could this success that worked on toys, fish, bugs, and beasts, work for a movie starring a roster of human characters? That was the risk they took with The Incredibles — Pixar’s first superhero film. The gamble worked and Pixar had another hit, but how does this film hold up more than 10 years later? Join Stuart, Arnie, and Jakob to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPP048-Incredibles.mp3
The Fast and the Furious
An undercover police officer infiltrates a group of thieves, but can he resist the lure of the subculture and do his duty? No, we’re not talking the Keanu Reeves/Patrick Swayze film Point Break–we’re reviewing the 2001 car racing film The Fast and The Furious. Starring Vin Diesel, fresh off the success of Pitch Black, the film raced to box office success and launched a billion-dollar franchise. But is there more to this film than fast cars and attractive women? Join Stuart, Arnie, and Jakob to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPFAF01.mp3
Ride out with Now Playing ‘Fast & Furious’ series
Now Playing Podcast has unveiled the cover art for its The Fast and the Furious retrospective, a 7-film series that begins Tuesday, Feb. 24 and runs through the release of Furious 7 in early April.
The release schedule can be found on the Now Playing website. While there, fans can also choose an upcoming podcast by taking part in a listener poll. The winning film will be revealed during the March 3 review of 2 Fast 2 Furious.
Kingsman: The Secret Service
From the director of X-Men: First Class and Kick-Ass comes Kingsman: The Secret Service. Like Kick-Ass, this film is also based on an original comic by Mark Millar, but now the pair are focusing on a young man trying to join an independent group of spies who pose as tailors. With a combination of new faces and established actors like Colin Firth and Samuel L. Jackson, does this new movie also kick ass? Join Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPP047-KingsmanTheSecretService.mp3
Poll lets you choose film for Now Playing Podcast
The poll will close Feb. 27.
Tuesday’s live episode of Now Playing Podcast featured plenty of bonus material for fans, including the chance to choose a movie for the hosts to review in the coming weeks.
A poll on the Now Playing website gives listeners the option to choose from Babadook, Wes Craven’s Shocker, Sinister, John Carpenter’s They Live, and The Usual Suspects.
Carpenter’s 1988 sci-fi actioner (starring Rowdy Roddy Piper!) immediately took the lead in early voting, but fans of Craven’s Shocker countered with a #VoteShocker hashtag on social media. As of Wednesday morning, They Live still led, followed by The Usual Suspects.
The poll closes Feb. 27, and the winning selection will be announced during the March 3 review of 2 Fast 2 Furious.
Listeners who don’t have a favorite in the poll can still choose a film for Now Playing Podcast to review by supporting the show’s Kickstarter campaign.
Now Playing Podcast needs your support to fund “Underrated Movies We Recommend”
Venganza Kickstarter campaign offers once-in-a-lifetime rewards
VENGANZA MEDIA KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN OFFERS ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME REWARDS
Take a seat and review a film with the hosts of Now Playing Podcast
This Kickstarter Campaign is now live! Visit it at
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1346264441/now-playing-underrated-movies-we-recommend
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Springfield, Ill. – February 11, 2015 – Despite logging nearly 500 film reviews in 8 years, the hosts of Venganza Media’s No. 1 ranked Now Playing Podcast aren’t ready to slow down, and for the first time they’re giving listeners a chance to join them on the air.
Today Venganza Media announced a Kickstarter campaign to fund the company’s first publication: Underrated Movies We Recommend. The project will see the Now Playing hosts leap from the podcast to the page with intense discussions of 100 films you might have missed, but are still worthy of your time.
The campaign begins during the Feb. 17 live review of Kingsman: The Secret Service at NowPlayingPodcast.com. To reach its $40,000 goal in 30 days, Venganza Media is giving fans the opportunity of a lifetime: choose a film, any film, and co-host an episode of Now Playing Podcast. The show will be recorded, edited, and released to the world in early 2016.
Other rewards available on Kickstarter include printed and downloadable copies of Underrated, Now Playing Podcast artwork, autographed merchandise, lifetime subscriptions to bi-annual bonus shows, and access to the prized Now Playing Podcast vault, which contains long-sought episodes released exclusively to donors and unavailable for years, including the Jaws, Alien, Evil Dead, and Poltergeist retrospective series’.
Suggested tweet: Support @NowPlayingPod #NowUnderrated book on @Kickstarter and you could co-host the show!
About Venganza Media Inc.
Based in Springfield, Ill., Venganza Media Inc. is a privately-owned multimedia production facility and home to the Venganza Media Podcasting Network. Film fans and collectors worldwide know Venganza as the producer of Star Wars Action News, Marvelicious Toys, and the company’s flagship program, Now Playing Podcast. Since its formation in 2005, Venganza has delivered thousands of hours of entertainment to listeners, while its staff and fleet of contributors have established the company as a premier source for film reviews, celebrity interviews, and collecting news for audiences of all ages.
About Now Playing Podcast
From its humble beginnings as a short-form, off-the-cuff movie review show, Now Playing Podcast has grown into one of the most successful and celebrated independent programs online and consistently ranks among iTunes’ Top 10 TV/Film podcasts. Its ability to stand out in a crowded field is largely attributed to Now Playing’s highly-acclaimed retrospective format, keeping listeners engaged week-after-week as its panel of critics chronicle decades of hits-and-misses while maneuvering Hollywood’s hectic release schedule.
Media Contact: JasonL@VenganzaMedia.com
Boyhood
The making of this film is unlike any other: director Richard Linklater and his stars convened annually over the span of twelve years to make a movie about a boy growing into a man. The sheer scope and complexity of the project is enormous, but it was completed when Boyhood hit theaters in 2014. But with all the behind-the-scenes complexity, was the final film worth it? Join Stuart, Jakob, and Arnie in this review to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPP046-Boyhood.mp3
New Podcast: Now Playing – Boyhood
The making of this film is unlike any other: director Richard Linklater and his stars convened annually over the span of twelve years to make a movie about a boy growing into a man. The sheer scope and complexity of the project is enormous, but it was completed when Boyhood hit theaters in 2014. But with all the behind-the-scenes complexity, was the final film worth it? Join Stuart, Jakob, and Arnie in this review to find out!
Arnie C: http://www.nowplayingpodcast.com/Podcasts/NPP046-Boyhood.MP3
Before Midnight
It’s been 18 years since Céline and Jesse met on that Vienna-bound train, both in real life and for the two fictional characters played by Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke. But where has time taken these two characters? The Before… films are Richard Linklater’s precursor to boyhood, returning with the same characters and actors in 1995, 2004, and again most recently in 2013, but has the series grown better with age? Join Jakob, Arnie, and Stuart as they review the final film in this series to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPBEFORE03.mp3
Now Playing Podcast to open vault during live ‘Kingsman’ show
It’s true. It’s happening. There’s photographic proof.
Now Playing Podcast officially announced Monday that it will open the vault containing its previously released donation shows on February 17, following its first-ever live review of Matthew Vaughn’s Kingsman: The Secret Service.
One listener will win the entire donation library, but they must be present for the live show and follow-up Q&A, starting at 9:30 p.m. EST.
Inside the vault — which I imagine is welded shut and bound in human flesh like the Necronomicon Ex-Mortis – are the precious few retrospective series’ that Now Playing Podcast offers listeners during its bi-annual pledge drives.
The Alien series, Child’s Play, Jaws, Evil Dead, Exorcist, Poltergeist – that’s not even half of what you’ll find inside. But the hosts promise all will be up for grabs.
Now Playing Podcast launched its first pledge drive in 2010 with reviews of the five Child’s Play movies (with a sixth film added to the series in 2013). Host Arnie Carvalho has credited listener support for keeping Now Playing on the air, and in return the hosts have continued to up the number of shows offered per donation drive (a total of 13 were available in Fall 2014) while sprinkling in secret shows like Garbage Pail Kids and Troll.
It’s been more than two years since Now Playing Podcast gave listeners a chance to loot the vault.
So why now? And what’s the catch?
“We’re not opening them for new donations,” Carvalho said. “What that means… what we are doing… we’ll reveal during our live show.”
Although just one fan will win it all, the host added that it won’t be the only opportunity to grab the long-sought donation shows.
“Hopefully 2015 will be Now Playing’s biggest year yet,” he added. “And giving listeners a chance to get these old podcasts is just the beginning.”
Before Sunset
It was unexpected that Before Sunrise, the 1995 indie romance film, would get a sequel. Long discussed by stars and director alike, the thought of Céline and Jesse reuniting on screen seemed impossible. Yet in in 2004, nine years after the original’s release, audiences were able to reconnect with these two characters. Did the two reunite in Vienna on that train platform, and what are these two like now that they’re older? Can they recapture the magic their relationship once held, and can Linklater recapture audience affection for these two lovers? Join Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPBEFORE02.mp3
Before Sunrise
It is rare for a romance film to get a sequel, but Richard Linklater’s Before Sunrise actually got two! Released in 1995, the movie tells of two strangers, Jesse and Céline, and their one night together in Vienna. But nine years later the couple returned in Before Sunset, and then in 2013 their story continued in Before Midnight. What is it about this saga that keeps the actors, director, and audiences coming back for more? Join Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPBEFORE01.mp3
The Dead Zone
After the box office success of Carrie and The Shining move movies based on Stephen King’s writings were a guarantee. And following in the footsteps of Brian DePalma and Stanley Kubrick came other stylistic directors, including John Carpenter, Rob Reiner, and David Cronenberg–director of The Dead Zone. Starring Christopher Walken as a psychic trying to stop nuclear war, the film continued King’s success in theaters. Does the film hold up over thirty years later? You don’t have to see the future to know–just listen to this episode of Now Playing to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPP045-King-DeadZone.mp3
Now Playing goes live for ‘Kingsman’ review
For the first time in its 8-year history, Now Playing Podcast will review a film live and give listeners the chance to interact with its hosts, Venganza Media officially announced on Saturday.
The live breakdown of director Matthew Vaughn’s spy thriller Kingsman: The Secret Service is set for 9:30 p.m. EST on Feb. 17. It will be followed by a Q&A with hosts Arnie Carvalho, Jakob Brewster, and Stuart Atkinson, which listeners will be able to access via a live stream on the Now Playing Podcast website. The hosts have also promised some surprising announcements on the show about a new project for Now Playing Podcast.
Now Playing recording sessions have been known to last several hours (the raw cut of 2012’s Alien 3 review clocked in at 3 hours and 30 minutes), so an edited version of the review will also be made available for listeners who can’t stay up too late. There is no plan to release the Q&A or the unedited recording as a podcast; those are for the listeners who are able to attend the live broadcast.
Kingsman was adapted from 2012’s “The Secret Service” comic book series. Originally set for a U.S. release in November, its debut was pushed to Feb. 13, forcing Now Playing to shuffle its schedule, but opening a window to review the film with listeners in live attendance.
Carvalho, who has hosted live shows for Venganza’s Star Wars Action News and Marvelicious Toys podcasts, said the process requires four computers running simultaneously in the recording studio.
“I feel like Scotty on the Enterprise during these shows,” he said. “My office is strung up like a Christmas tree with the amount of cables running through here.”
With the addition of a live show, Now Playing continues to tinker with the format of its weekly podcast. Recent examples include November’s bonus review of the documentary Plastic Galaxy (a mash-up with Star Wars Action News) and the brilliantly edited but trippy “reverse review” of Christopher Nolan’s Memento.
Ocean’s Thirteen
“You think we need one more? You think we need one more. All right, we’ll get one more.” That quote, from 2001’s Ocean’s Eleven, seems like it could be the attitude going into Steven Soderberg’s star studded third and final installment in the Ocean’s series. The gang has now teamed up with former enemy Terry Benedict to rob a different Vegas casino. As an attempt to end the series on a high note, did this film hit the jackpot? Listen to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPO1104.mp3
Ocean’s Twelve
Director Steven Soderbergh won big with his Vegas film Ocean’s 11. So three years later he decided to double down, getting back the whole cast from the first film, including Clooney, Pitt, Damon, and Cheadle, and adding to it Catherine Zeta-Jones, Bruce Willis, and several more for a sequel Ocean’s 12. No longer based in Vegas, the crew globe-hops in an attempt to steal a Fabergé egg. Did Soderbergh’s bet pay off the second time around, or did he push his luck too far? Join Stuart, Arnie, and Jakob to find out!
Arnie C: http://www.nowplayingpodcast.com/Podcasts/NPPO1103.MP3
The Hobbit – The Battle of the Five Armies – A Podcast Preview
The Battle of the Five Armies may only have been about 50 pages in J.R.R. Tolkien’s novel The Hobbit but it is the focus of Peter Jackson’s third and final Hobbit film. It’s elves and humans versus dwarves and orcs, with a few special surprises thrown in! How does the Battle of Five Armies compare to the Battle for Middle Earth in Return of the King, and were three films warranted to tell the story from one novel? DONATE TO SUPPORT NOW PLAYING and you can listen and find out as Jakob, Stuart, and Arnie complete their Lord of the Rings Bonus Retrospective Series!
: http://www.nowplayingpodcast.com/Podcasts/NPPLOTR06TEASE.MP3
5 Now Playing episodes to stream while waiting for Santa
It’s December 24. You’ve already watched Scrooged and Christmas Vacation, and the only holiday options left on Netflix are Santa Paws and those ABC Family Christmas movies where Melissa Joan Hart falls in love with Mario Lopez.
It’s not all bad. Turn off the TV and turn up some classic episodes of Now Playing Podcast. If your relatives complain (or ask what a podcast is) just tell them these shows are holiday-themed. That’ll keep them quiet, and keep you entertained until TBS starts showing A Christmas Story at 8.
Here are 5 Now Playing episodes to stream while waiting for Santa:
That guy was also in a James Bond movie.
Does Die Hard get three recommends? The answer is obvious, but the episode is engaging for its scene-by-scene comparisons to the film’s source material; Roderick Thorp’s “Nothing Lasts Forever.” The Die Hard Retrospective Series also includes a review of Frank Sinatra’s The Detective (the first appearance of Thorp’s hero, Joe Leland) and gets better as the films get worse (there’s plenty to laugh at in A Good Day to Die Hard).
Where did they even learn to read?
Released on Christmas Eve of 2013, the Gremlins episode has hosts Arnie, Stuart and Jakob flashing back to their childhood selves and trying to figure out if they should laugh or cry during Phoebe Cates’ tragic Christmas story. There are clips of people performing that monologue on YouTube. Watch them.
Silent Night, Deadly Night Part 2
It never gets old.
Because #GarbageDay.
Honestly, I’d rather play this SNES game than watch “Batman Returns” again.
Hosts Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob put the spotlight on the Tim Burton sequel that was too dark for McDonalds. This episode is great for its exploration of early 90s Bat-mania and is stacked with behind-the-scenes trivia (Marlon Wayans still gets residuals for this movie?). Highlights include the story of how Batman-obsessed Arnie swayed Stuart into seeing the film, and (spoiler alert) the former’s reaction when Returns turned out to be a bust.
Leo listening to Arnie bash his movie.
Because December 24 is Howard Hughes’ birthday, and because this episode could have been titled The Aviator: Arnie Unleashed. The host begins his verbal assault on Scorsese’s 2004 biopic seconds after the opening credits and refuses to let up during the hourlong episode. He’s not trying to be funny, but his criticisms are hilarious. “I don’t think you’re gonna give this movie one thing Arnie, you really seem out to kill everyone down to the caterer,” co-host Stuart says at the 43-minute mark.
Ocean’s Eleven (2001)
In 2001 it’s doubtful anyone was begging for a remake of the 60’s Rat Pack film Ocean’s 11. It was the cast that grabbed moviegoers’ attention, filled with leading men George Clooney, Matt Damon, and Brad Pitt, plus a strong supporting cast and Julia Roberts as the female lead. But such star-studded films can often be debacles where the fun is had on the set, but not translated on the screen. Can director Steven Soderbergh pull off this intricate heist? Join Now Playing’s Three — Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob — to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPO1102.mp3
Willow
A young farmer must learn magic and join with a rouge warrior to travel to far away lands and save the world. No, this isn’t a review of Star Wars, but Willow–the 1988 action-fantasy film based on a story by George Lucas. Though this film closely follows the Star Wars formula can it recreate that saga’s excitement? Join Stuart, Arnie, and Jakob to find out in their review of this tale of Leprechaun meets Lord of the Rings!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPP044-Willow.mp3
Ocean’s 11 (1960)
Before there was Clooney, Pitt, and Damon there was Sinatra, Martin, and Davis starring in Ocean’s 11. This 1960 crime caper was the first film to feature The Rat Pack, with Ol’ Blue Eyes himself playing Danny Ocean. In this original vision Ocean was a former World War II commander once again gathering his troops for one final mission–to rob five Vegas casinos in one night. The film has an impressive cast, but does it hold up over fifty years later? Go all in with Arnie, Jakob, and Stuart to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPO1101.mp3
New Podcast: The Hobbit – The Desolation of Smaug – A Podcast Preview
He is fire…he is death…he is Smaug, the titular dragon in Peter Jackson’s second Hobbit film. How can a halfling and some dwarfs battle such a mighty beast? How much of the movie passes before they get there? And how many characters from the original Lord of the Rings trilogy will appear along the way? If you make a Silver or Platinum donation to Now Playing you can hear Arnie, Jakob, and Stuart discuss all this and more in this review of The Desolation of Smaug as they prepare for next week’s new release — Battle of the Five Armies!
: http://www.nowplayingpodcast.com/Podcasts/NPPLOTR05TEASE.MP3
Category: Movies & Film
Maniac (2012)
Horror film remakes have been non-stop for a decade. Of course the big films were redone, including Halloween, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Friday the 13th, and A Nightmare on Elm Street. Yet even smaller horror films, such as Black Christmas, I Spit on Your Grave, and Willard have seen updates for the 21st century. In 2012 another cult splatter film was added to that roster–Maniac. Closely based on the 1980 original, but with some daring style choices, this new Maniac did not find wide release but is slowly growing its own cult following. Can Hobbit Elijah Wood compete with Joe Spinell’s personification of serial killer Frank? Listen to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPMANIAC02.mp3
First looks at Bond, ‘Terminator’ sequels
Thursday brought back-to-back looks at sequels for two iconic film franchises that will be on the Now Playing Podcast calendar in 2015.
Director Sam Mendes introduced the cast of the 24th “official” James Bond film at a news conference in the United Kingdom. The sequel’s title, SPECTRE, was also announced, and a one-sheet for the film was released online.
SPECTRE (Special Executive for Counter-Intelligence, Terrorism, Revenge and Extortion) battled Bond throughout many of the early films in the series. It’s not yet known what role the organization will play in the sequel, or if SPECTRE will have any ties to Quantum, the group introduced in 2006’s Casino Royale and exposed by Bond in Quantum of Solace.
While SPECTRE is the 24th film in the Bond series, the Now Playing Podcast review will be No. 26 in our James Bond Retrospective Series. In 2012, Arnie, Stuart and Brock reviewed all of the Bond films, including 1967’s Casino Royale and 1983’s Never Say Never Again.
To find out how those films fit into the Bond universe, and to hear reviews of the others, check out the retrospective at NowPlayingPodcast.com.
By the way, if you want to catch up on some classic Bond, Netflix and Amazon Prime just added a handful of films from the series to their libraries.
HE’S BACK
Now to Terminator: Genisys. The first trailer went online Thursday morning, and was met with a largely negative reaction on the Now Playing Podcast Facebook page.
As one fan pointed out, it appears the filmmakers are taking a page from 2009’s Star Trek and attempting to reboot the series within itself, creating an alternate timeline where the Arnold Schwarzenegger T-800 has been protecting Sarah Connor for years and preparing her for the arrival of Kyle Reese and the Terminator in 1984.
Judging by the early reaction, fans are ready to hate Genisys. But it’s just one trailer and a couple of really unimpressive magazine covers. There’s still plenty of time to make a better impression between now and July 1, 2015.
Terminator was one of the first series’ covered by Now Playing Podcast, back in 2009 when McG helmed the hated Terminator: Salvation. It’s worth going back to that retrospective not only to hear the reviews, but also to see just how far the show has come since those early days.
Arnold’s been waiting for you.
Maniac (1980)
1980 saw the release of several memorable slasher films, including Friday the 13th, Silent Scream, New Year’s Evil, and Prom Night. Yet of all the 1980s slashers none may be more controversial than Maniac–a low budget splatter film with its unrated violence and Tom Savini’s gore effects. The film has grown a cult following through home video but maniacal murderer Frank still lacks the name recognition of a Jason or a Michael Myers–yet it did warrant a 2012 remake starring Elijah Wood. Does Joe Spinell’s psycho killer deserve a place in the pantheon of horror icons? Listen to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPMANIAC01.mp3
New Podcast: Lord of the Rings (1978) – A Podcast Preview
Peter Jackson’s adaptation of Lord of the Rings runs over 9 hours, or 12 hours for the extended cuts. By contrast, in 1978 Ralph Bakshi’s animated adaptation claimed to tell the saga in just over two hours. In truth, this theatrical cartoon adapts half of J.R.R. Tolkien’s bestselling saga, and left audiences anticipating a conclusion that would never come. Can almost two novels be told in two hours? If you make a Platinum donation to Now Playing Podcast you can listen and find out!
: http://www.nowplayingpodcast.com/Podcasts/NPPLOTRANI02TEASE.MP3
Category: Movies & Film
The Stand
It’s considered by many to be Stephen King’s best novel of all time — The Stand. King’s fourth novel told of a superflu that wipes out humanity and sets the stage for an epic battle of good versus evil. In 1994 ABC aired a mammoth, four night mini-series that took the top three spots in the Nielsen ratings. Now it’s time for Arnie, Jakob, and Stuart to take their Stand and review this miniseries. Can the book’s epic quality be captured on a TV budget? Listen and find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPP043-TheStand.mp3
New Podcast: The Hobbit (1977) — A Podcast Preview
It took forty years for J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle Earth saga to reach screens. Despite the mass popularity of The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings books, only a short feature had been realized. Finally, in 1977, the animation studio Rankin/Bass brought the story of Bilbo Baggins to TV audiences everywhere with their animated adaptation of The Hobbit. Now Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob watch and review this NBC prime-time special as the first volume in a trilogy of animated Middle Earth films. Make a Platinum level donation to Now Playing and you can hear it now!
: http://www.nowplayingpodcast.com/Podcasts/NPPLOTRANI01TEASE.MP3
Category: Movies & Film
Now Playing plots holiday heist with ‘Ocean’s’ crew
The “Ocean’s Eleven” series starts Dec. 16
Now Playing Podcast is ringing in the New Year Rat Pack-style, and listeners can join the caper as hosts Jakob, Stuart, and Arnie cap 2014 with reviews of the original Ocean’s Eleven and the George Clooney-led Ocean’s Trilogy.
The lighthearted series is a shift for the heavily horror, sci-fi and superhero-focused show. You’d have to go all the way back to December 2011’s Rocky series to find a Now Playing retrospective without tights, gunfights or gore (except for this part).
The hosts, who spent the better part of 2014 laboring through adaptations of Stephen King’s Night Shift stories, took some time out from recording to chat about their expectations for this A-list franchise.
Q: These movies were hard to miss, what are your Ocean’s memories?
Stuart: I have only seen the first George Clooney movie, and my memory of it is vague but pleasant. I tend to like series’ with a long history to them.
Jakob: I’ve actually seen that first one a handful of times and I remember almost nothing of [Ocean’s] Twelve. I can only hope the sequels have that party vibe of Ocean’s Eleven. That’s why we decided to transition from 2014 to 2015 with these films. Everyone wants to ring in the New Year with a great party.
Stuart: I look forward to seeing the Rat Pack define the Vegas of 1960, before the town and the franchise become more of a theme park attraction with the contemporary films.
The 1960 “Ocean’s” crew
Q: Arnie, did your recent trip to Las Vegas stir Ocean’s memories?
Arnie: I actually stayed at the Bellagio, and while I didn’t encounter Terry Benedict, I did get to watch the fountain show — with Ocean’s well on my mind. I was itching to re-watch the series after that trip.
Strangely the best Vegas connection I had wasn’t from the Ocean’s series, but from The Stand. The crucifixion scene was filmed on Fremont Street in Vegas and some of the signage was very familiar!
Q: Jakob, has there been any talk of starting a “Rat Pack Retrospective”?
Jakob: There wasn’t any talk previous to the decision to cover the original Ocean’s Eleven. Whether we are open to it now? Well, I don’t want to spoil how we feel about the film.
Having covered Sinatra previously in The Detective to kick off our Die Hard series, listener feedback wasn’t great for going back to older films. But I never want to say we absolutely won’t do a series. Maybe we’ll have a “Rat Pack Retrospective” hosted by all of our fathers.
The contemporary “Ocean’s” crew
Q: Stuart, after sitting through Children of the Corn and Leprechaun, are you relieved to take a break from horror for the holidays?
Stuart: There were longer franchise options discussed – the four Gingerdead Man films might have fit nicely under the tree in a different year. But I’m not sure anyone was eager to unwrap anymore low-rent slasher flicks.
I like that we’re getting more into the spirit of New Year’s Eve with Ocean’s Eleven. We hope that listeners are feeling festive too, and won’t mind saving Santa’s Slay or You Better Watch Out for another time.
The 4-film Ocean’s retrospective begins December 16, following the 2-part Maniac series. At the same time, the Now Playing Podcast Fall Pledge Drive will continue on a separate feed, where donors can hear reviews of the Peter Jackson Hobbit films.
Big Hero 6
Ever since Disney purchased Marvel Comics a family-friendly superhero cartoon was all but guaranteed. But it’s not the Avengers, the Fantastic Four, or the X-Men who star in Disney’s first Marvel animated feature, it’s the little-known Asian team Big Hero 6. Many changes have happened adapting the team from the page to the screen, but is the result super? Join the Podcast Hero 3 of Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPP042-BigHero6.mp3
Plastic Galaxy: The Story of Star Wars Toys
George Lucas’ 1977 space fantasy Star Wars changed the way American audiences consumed films. More, though, it also changed the landscape for movie merchandising, with more money being made on toys, games, and collectibles than on the movies themselves. Now the documentary Plastic Galaxy looks back at the first generation of Star Wars toys, released between 1977 and 1985 from Kenner. Does this film capture the childhood magic of Star Wars figures, and can the documentary appeal to anyone not already obsessed with little plastic Stormtroopers? Find out in this special Now Playing/Star Wars Action News crossover podcast hosted by Marjorie, Arnie, and Jerry!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPP041-PlasticGalaxy.mp3
Interstellar
Christopher Nolan’s film Interstellar tells of an Earth that is dying; those who don’t starve to death will suffocate in an atmosphere turning toxic. Our only hope comes in the form of Cooper (Matthew McConaughey), a farmer who crashes NASA’s secret base thanks to mysterious messages from beyond. It’s an ambitious film filled with hard science and lots of discussions of love. Is it a film that has found its place in the stars, or that has crashed to its place in the dirt? Join Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPNOLAN06.mp3
The Prestige
After bringing respectability back to the Dark Knight with the 2005 film Batman Begins Nolan reteamed with two of that film’s leading actors, Christian Bale and Michael Caine, for The Prestige–an 1899 period piece about two competing illusionists. Does Nolan’s non-chronological storytelling and slight of hand produce a prestigious film? Join Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPNOLAN05.mp3
New Podcast: Leprechaun: Origins – A Podcast Preview
The Leprechaun is back and he wants his gold, but he’s no longer a rhyming fool but instead a vicious, feral creature in WWE’s reboot and reimagining of the Leprechaun franchise. Can a Lep be truly frightening, or was it just scary that they tried? If you Trick or Treat Now Playing with a pledge then you can listen and find out!
: http://nowplayingpodcast.com/Podcasts/NPPLEP07TEASE.MP3
Category: Movies & Film
Black Panther, Captain Marvel, Thor 3, Avengers 3 and 4 Announced by Marvel Studios
In a move worthy of Apple, Marvel Studios held a presentation today unveiling its third phase of films based on the characters from Marvel Comics.
While several expected titles were told, many surprises were there as well.
With this announcement, the current slate of movies from Marvel Studios are:
May 1, 2015
Avengers: Age of Ultron. Director: Joss Whedon.
Starring: Robert Downey, Jrl, Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Samuel L. Jackson, Cobie Smulders, James Spader, Elizabeth Olsen, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Paul Bettany, Don Cheadle, Hayley Atwell, Andy Serkis
View the trailer below:
July 27, 2015
Ant-Man
Director: Peyton Reed
Starring: Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Evangeline Lilly
May 6, 2016
Captain America: Civil War
Director: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
Starring: Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Chadwick Boseman
November 4, 2016
Doctor Strange
Director: Scott Derrickson
Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch (rumored)
May 5, 2017
Guardians of the Galaxy
Director: James Gunn
Starring: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper (all rumored)
July 28, 2017
Thor: Ragnarok
Director: ???
Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston (rumored)
November 3, 2017
Black Panther
Director: ???
Starring: Chadwick Boseman
May 4, 2018
Avengers: Infinity War Part 1
Director: ???
Starring: ???
July 6, 2018
Captain Marvel
Director: ???
Starring: ???
November 2, 2018
Inhumans
Director: ???
Starring: ???
May 4, 2018
Avengers: Infinity War Part 2
Director: ???
Starring: ???
These titles bring back many established heroes while bringing in new ones and meeting the call for diversity among superhero films (a female-led film and a superhero film starring a black man). Conspicuous by their absence are any additional Iron Man films, as well as any films featuring popular Avengers heroes Hulk or Black Widow.
How do you feel about this line-up of movies over the next five years? Let us know in the comments below!
Insomnia
After directing the indie hit Memento director Christopher Nolan was chosen by producer Steven Soderbergh to direct Insomnia–a crime thriller based on the 1997 Norwegian film of the same name. The result was Nolan’s first mainstream studio film starring Al Pacino and Robin Williams. Does a film about a man who can’t sleep live up to a film about a man with no memory? Don’t lose any sleep thinking about it, just join Stuart, Arnie, and Jakob to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPNOLAN04.mp3
New Podcast: Leprechaun: Back 2 tha Hood – A Podcast Preview
The Leprechaun struck gold when he went to the Hood, but will he find the same returns going Back 2 tha Hood? Stuart, Arnie, and Jakob find out in this week’s gold Donation Series podcast as they watch and review Warwick Davis’ final performance as the greedy green guy. Will their ratings match the color of the Lep’s outfit? If you make a pledge and support Now Playing you can listen and find out!
: http://nowplayingpodcast.com/Podcasts/NPPLEP06TEASE.MP3
Category: Movies & Film
New Podcast: Memento – Chronological Review
In 2001 Christopher Nolan broke into mainstream filmmaking with Memento–a noir murder mystery about a man who had no short-term memory trying to find his wife’s killer. With a quirky concept and an editing style specifically used to play with the audience’s own memories the result was an indie hit that launched the director into the public eye. Is this Tarantino-styled film remembered fondly by Arnie, Jakob, and Stuart? Do they remember it at all? Listen to find out!
: http://nowplayingpodcast.com/Podcasts/NPPNOLAN03-Chronological-HQ.MP3
Category: Movies & Film
New Podcast: Memento
In 2001 Christopher Nolan broke into mainstream filmmaking with Memento–a noir murder mystery about a man who had no short-term memory trying to find his wife’s killer. With a quirky concept and an editing style specifically used to play with the audience’s own memories the result was an indie hit that launched the director into the public eye. Is this Tarantino-styled film remembered fondly by Arnie, Jakob, and Stuart? Do they remember it at all? Listen to find out!
: http://nowplayingpodcast.com/Podcasts/NPPNOLAN03.MP3
Category: Movies & Film
Memento – Chronological Review
In 2001 Christopher Nolan broke into mainstream filmmaking with Memento–a noir murder mystery about a man who had no short-term memory trying to find his wife’s killer. With a quirky concept and an editing style specifically used to play with the audience’s own memories the result was an indie hit that launched the director into the public eye. Is this Tarantino-styled film remembered fondly by Arnie, Jakob, and Stuart? Do they remember it at all? Listen to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPNOLAN03-Chronological-HQ.mp3
Memento – Reversed Review
In 2001 Christopher Nolan broke into mainstream filmmaking with Memento–a noir murder mystery about a man who had no short-term memory trying to find his wife’s killer. With a quirky concept and an editing style specifically used to play with the audience’s own memories the result was an indie hit that launched the director into the public eye. Is this Tarantino-styled film remembered fondly by Arnie, Jakob, and Stuart? Do they remember it at all? Listen to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPNOLAN03.mp3
New Podcast: Leprechaun: In the Hood – A Podcast Preview
The Leprechaun has always had one foot in horror, the other in comedy. With his fifth film, Leprechaun: In the Hood the series focuses far more on the comedic side as the green meanie smokes weed, raps, and becomes south central’s foremost pimp–all while trying to reclaim his magic flute. If it sounds outrageous, that’s because it is. But does this inner-city scene suit the rhyming rascal? A friend with weed is a friend indeed, but a friend who donated Gold is the best I’m told! So make a Platinum or Gold donation to Now Playing, then you can listen to find out!
: http://nowplayingpodcast.com/Podcasts/NPPLEP05TEASE.MP3
Category: Movies & Film
Following
Christopher Nolan is one of the most acclaimed directors currently working in American cinema. His films bend the mind and break the box office–his Batman film The Dark Knight is the fourth highest grossing film in the US. Now Arnie, Jakob, and Stuart flash back to the director’s first film–the micro-budgeted Following. With almost no money did Nolan’s talent shine through, or is this a glorified home movie? Join us to find out! Playing during their Fall, 2014 donation drive you can join Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob and find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPNOLAN02.mp3
After lows of ‘Corn’ series, ‘Now Playing’ looks forward to Nolan films
Artwork for Now Playing Podcast Christopher Nolan Retrospective Series
Now Playing Podcast host Arnie Carvalho once read an email from a listener urging him to review only bad movies because it leads to funnier conversations.
“He said we should just be a comedy show,” the film critic said from his Manhattan hotel room on Saturday, while on a break from covering New York Comic Con.
Did that listener have a point?
“None of us wants that,” Carvalho answered. “We enjoy covering all types of movies, but if we only watched low-rent trash I think our souls would die.”
It’s a marvel he and his Now Playing co-hosts — Stuart Atkinson and Jakob Brewster – even have any life left in them after enduring nine films based on Stephen King’s Children of the Corn.
This week’s review of Children of the Corn: Genesis not only marks the climax of the Corn saga, but also an exhausting exploration of King’s Night Shift collection; more than two dozen reviews of mostly forgettable film adaptations like The Mangler, Graveyard Shift and Trucks.
Few films in the Night Shift series have been worthy of a recommend, but that hasn’t kept hardcore Now Playing listeners from making the show one of the highest rated on iTunes throughout 2014, with seven of the nine Corn reviews appearing in the Top 10 rankings for TV/Film podcasts.
“I really expected listenership to drop off as we got deep in those fields,” Carvalho said. “But our listeners are awesome.”
“I only half-jokingly say more people downloaded our review of Children of the Corn 7 than actually saw Children of the Corn 7.”
With Night Shift in the rear view, Now Playing Podcast launches its next retrospective on Tuesday: A five-episode study of director Christopher Nolan’s filmography, leading up to next month’s Interstellar.
After considering other horror properties to follow Corn — including Hellraiser and The Amityville Horror — Carvalho shifted gears and lobbied hard for a director-focused retrospective, targeting Nolan after Now Playing previously covered his Dark Knight Trilogy and Inception.
“The hosts needed some meatier films to chew on, and I also think listeners want to hear about movies they’ve actually seen,” he joked. “With the good movies we usually can have deeper conversations about filmmaking, themes, and intent.”
“The problem with the Corn series was that by the 9th film there was nothing left to say, it’s like the old joke about the definition of insanity.”
New Podcast: Leprechaun 4: In Space – A Podcast Preview
No woman on Earth would want to marry the Leprechaun, so our Irish imp has gone to space to find his bride! Can Warwick Davis’ Leprechaun bring the fun frights in this Aliens spoof? If you make a pledge and support Now Playing during their Fall, 2014 donation drive you can join Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob and find out!
: http://www.nowplayingpodcast.com/Podcasts/NPPLEP04TEASE.MP3
Category: Movies & Film
Annabelle
Last summer’s supernatural horror film The Conjuring scared up big profits for Warner Bros. Pictures. While ghostly Bathsheba terrorized the house, it was possessed doll Annabelle that stole the show. Now the porcelain poltergeist is back in her own spin-off film! The film scored much green in its opening weekend, but will it get green arrows from the Now Playing hosts? Listen to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPCONJUR02.mp3
Corn Connection: ‘Genesis’ brings series to close
This marks the final entry in The Corn Connection series, and much like the Children of the Corn films, it’s going out with a whimper.
Now Playing Podcast released its final review in the Corn retrospective on Tuesday, and after scraping the IMDB page for Children of the Corn: Genesis, I was able to find just one “star” who appeared in another film covered on the show.
Sure, there are actors you’ll recognize, like Billy Drago from The Untouchables and Cyborg 2. But I don’t see a Cyborg retrospective in Now Playing’s future. Nor do I see the hosts turning to television for The Office retrospective, just so they can reference lead actress Kelen Coleman, who guested in a few episodes as Dwight Schrute’s love interest, Isabel.
The only true connection in this final Corn film is actor Duane Whitaker, who plays the character Pritchett.
If the name doesn’t ring a bell, the face will. Whitaker’s career is loaded with various villain and hillbilly roles, most notably 1994’s Pulp Fiction, where he played the shop owner who holds Bruce Willis and Ving Rhames prisoner until Zed shows up. You know what happens next.
He’s also shown up in a slew of genre pics, everything from Feast to Tales From the Hood to From Dusk Till Dawn 2: Texas Blood Money.
But if you want to find Whitaker in the Now Playing Podcast archives, you’ll find him in the Halloween, Rob Zombie and Texas Chainsaw Massacre retrospectives.
In Zombie’s Halloween 2, he played one of the hillbillies who gets killed by Michael Myers in a field after calling out the killer for trespassing. It was brutal.
Whitaker also played Dr. Bankhead in The Devil’s Rejects, another Rob Zombie picture; and one of his earlier horror roles came in 1990’s Leatherface: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre III.
So that’s that. Nine entries up, nine entries down, a few dozen connections made to the Now Playing Podcast archives. Mission accomplished. Thanks for reading!
Did we miss anyone? If you spot an actor or actress with a connection to Now Playing Podcast leave a comment and help a fellow listener!
Children of the Corn: Genesis
When Tim and Allie’s car breaks down on the desert streets of California the only help they can find is from nearby farmer Preacher and his Ukrainian wife Oksana. But one night in that house may lead to Tim and Allie’s doom as strange occurrences terrorize the young couple. What is going on, and how in the world is this a Children of the Corn film? Join Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob’s review of Children of the Corn: Genesis for their the final film in this series (for now), and reflect on all the movies adapted from Stephen King’s Night Shift stories.
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPCOTC09.mp3
The Conjuring
Last summer a low budget horror film surprised box office pundits and horror fans alike. The weekend the big-budget films RED 2 and R.I.P.D. opened, the box office champion was The Conjuring. Directed by Saw co-creator James Wan, Conjuring seemed like a retread of the horror he showcased in 2010’s Insidious, but with a based-on-real-life twist and the film became the top grossing horror film of the year. Now, as the spin-off film Annabelle hits theaters, Marjorie, Stuart, and Arnie go ghost hunting once more. Is this tale of a pesky poltergeist worth watching? Listen and find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPCONJUR01.mp3
‘Leprechaun: Origins’ director talks rebooting silly series with legit horror
When it comes time to reboot a film franchise, creators go on about returning a series or its characters to their “roots.”
In the case of 90s horror-comedy Leprechaun, starting over means starting from scratch, for any attempt at a straight remake would mean sending the monster back to a farmhouse in North Dakota.
That’s one of the glaring problems with Leprechaun, pointed out by fans and critics alike. For six films, a grinning, green-suited Warwick Davis shamed the Irish in cities big and small, in outer space, and (twice) in the “hood” — everywhere but Ireland.
“That [concept] is hard to make scary,” said Zach Lipovsky, the Canadian-born filmmaker and VFX specialist helming this year’s reboot of the oft-ridiculed franchise, Leprechaun Origins.
“The ambition was to make a legitimately scary movie from something that inherently isn’t scary; it’s not tongue-in-cheek at all,” Lipovsky told Now Playing Podcast during a Q&A session at San Diego Comic-Con. “That’s something which is challenging when you have the premise of a leprechaun.”
Convincing audiences to take a chance on a series that had gone stale more than a decade ago meant reversing the Leprechaun-out-of-water formula from the previous films. This time, the human characters venture to the monster’s birthplace, an isolated village in the Irish countryside (played here by Vancouver).
“We used tons of atmosphere; everything has that misty, foggy kind of look,” Lipovsky said. “The characters are in a very old town, a place they shouldn’t be that’s kind of lost to time.”
In order to legitimize his monster, Lipovsky went about researching Celtic lore and cryptozoology, and ruled out any look that would liken it to the character on the Lucky Charms box.
Professional wrestler Dylan “Hornswoggle” Postl was also brought in to replace Davis (Origins is produced by WWE Studios), and the actor underwent a daily three-hour makeup routine to become the creature.
“We thought maybe he came from underground – came from a gold mine or a natural cave that had gold deposits,” Lipovsky said. “[We researched] underground creatures like mole rats and Gollum, and things that kind of looked like walking scrotums.”
“The idea was to start fresh and look at the origins of leprechauns and what could be the creature – that isn’t a little guy in a green suit,” he added. “To be able to reinvent a mythology in that way is kind of awesome for a creator.”
Audiences won’t see Postl “full Leprechaun” in promotional materials, but Lipovsky promised a look more monster than human, and hinted that his Leprechaun is not so much a gold-hoarder as he is a gold-eater.
“There are some pretty disgusting scenes in the film where unfortunate people have gold on their body, and they’re in the wrong country for that,” he said.
When asked if Origins would include Easter eggs for Leprechaun fans, Lipovsky said he wanted to acknowledge the “legacy” of the franchise, adding that audiences should look for “certain iconic props” that tie into past installments.
“I think the previous franchise did an awesome job of being tongue-in-cheek, and that kind of made it what it was,” he said.
While it performed respectably upon its release in 1993, the original Leprechaun is best remembered today for having a then-unknown Jennifer Aniston in the starring role.
Some fans argue the series arrived late to the party; early 90s audiences that might have embraced the silly slasher during the genre’s heyday had moved on to “horror at home” thrillers like Pacific Heights, Unlawful Entry and The Hand That Rocks the Cradle – films in which established, well-liked actors took turns portraying the “psychopath-next-door.”
While Hollywood studios rode the wave, the Leprechaun and other low-rent villains (Pumpkinhead, Dr. Giggles, the Trickster from Brainscan) fell flat, and those that produced sequels were forced to go the direct-to-video route.
Leprechaun chose the latter, and producers continued to churn out below-average product, sending Davis’ character off Earth (Leprechaun 4) and later pairing him with rapper-actor Ice-T (Leprechaun in the Hood).
Lipovsky believes the series’ checkered history will work in his favor when audiences sit down to watch Origins.
“I actually kind of hope people tune in to it expecting something kind of fun and silly, so their guard is down; then as stuff starts to go haywire they’re just horrified,” he said. “That would be probably even better.”
And while the director is “wide open” to the idea of an Origins sequel, don’t count on seeing his monster in space.
“Maybe the Irish hood.”
New Podcast: Leprechaun 3 – A Podcast Preview
Las Vegas is a town full of folks hoping to strike gold, and where there is gold the Leprechaun can’t be far behind! Leprechaun 3 takes the titular tiny terror and sets him loose in Sin City as he attempts to reclaim his missing magic shilling. Does the Leprechaun’s magic work on the Vegas strip? What happens on the donation bonus podcast stays on the donation bonus podcast, so donate to Now Playing Podcast and find out!
: http://www.nowplayingpodcast.com/Podcasts/NPPLEP03TEASE.MP3
Category: Movies & Film
Corn Connection: No stars, but good ‘Now Playing’ links in ‘Corn’ remake
Scanning IMDB resumes for this week’s Corn Connection entry really made me feel old. 
It wasn’t so bad during the first seven films, because I knew most of the “children” in the Corn series had aged by now, and some of them are older than I am. But I got a stark reminder of my age while looking through the credits of the 2009 Children of the Corn remake for this week’s episode of Now Playing Podcast.
But this series is not called “Gettin too old for this #&$%.” So let’s take a look at where you can find the 2009 Corn players in the Now Playing archives.
It wasn’t easy.
Kandyse McClure (Vicky Stanton) – Carrie Retrospective
The biggest “star” with any link to Now Playing Podcast is McClure, who takes over for Linda Hamilton in Corn. If anyone watching the film has that funny feeling she’s been in another poorly-received Stephen King remake, it’s because she also starred as Sue Snell in the 2002 TV movie remake of Carrie.
That film was reviewed in the second entry in Now Playing’s massive Stephen King Retrospective Series. It was only last fall, but since then the show has covered so much King, there should be something to make any fan happy in the archives.
Daniel Newman (Malachai) – Batman Retrospective
The actors in this Corn film are not stars, and they’re not mentioned by name on Now Playing Podcast. But at least the shows are still entertaining.
Newman, who plays Malachai in 2009’s Children of the Corn, played “Thug No. 2 in Basement” in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises. That’s a really good listen in the Now Playing archives, and will help you get ready for the upcoming Christopher Nolan Retrospective Series, which is coming as soon as Arnie, Stuart and Jakob find a way out of the cornfield.
Robert Gerdisch (Preacher Boy) – Superman Retrospective
Gerdisch played Whitney Fordham in 2013’s Man of Steel. I assume that character is similar to the character Whitney Fordman from Smallville, but you never know with Zack Snyder.
Leo Howard (Additional Voices) – G.I. Joe Retrospective
Yes, even doing “additional voices” can count as a connection. And this kid Howard has been on camera, he appeared as “Young Snake-Eyes” in 2009’s G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra.
So, for an unimpressive sequel with an unimpressive cast, those are some pretty impressive Now Playing links.
Did we miss anyone? If you spot an actor or actress with a connection to Now Playing Podcast leave a comment and help a fellow listener!
New Podcast: The Lord of the Rings – The Return of the King — A Podcast Preview
After three years Lord of the Rings fans finally had their epic conclude with Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. Now Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob conclude their review of Jackson’s original Rings trilogy. With huge battles and Frodo’s personal battle of wills with the ring, this was Jackson’s most ambitious film in the trilogy, and it took home plenty of Oscar gold. But will it also take home recommends from the Now Playing hosts? If you make a pledge in support of our show you can now listen and find out!
: http://www.nowplayingpodcast.com/Podcasts/NPPLOTR03TEASE.MP3
Category: Movies & Film
Children of the Corn (2009)
Stephen King’s short story “Children of the Corn” ties Carrie for being adapted for screens three times. The first was the “Dollar Baby” Disciples of the Crow, then in 1984 came the well-known film starring Linda Hamilton. Finally in 2009 came a new Children of the Corn, premiering initially on the SciFi channel before getting an unrated home video release. Is the third time the charm for He Who Walks Behind the Rows? Join Arnie, Jakob, and Stuart to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPCOTC08.mp3
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