Author: Ryan

As far as nerds go, there are not many reeler than Ryan. His love for movies is unmatched. He also loves comic books. When you combine comic books and movies Ryan is at his happiest. He enjoys all forms of pop culture and prides himself on knowing more then average nerds. Ryan has a couple of characters he prefers over the rest, first and foremost is Spider-Man. He also loves Ash from the Evil Dead. Ryan also enjoys Finishing people in Mortal Kombat and hopping on Goombas. He has attended Comic-Con and several Starfests with his good buddy Brad. He is amazed on how awesome Brad is at designing Reel Nerds pages. But don’t tell Brad he needs to stay humbled. Favorite movie: Army Of Darkness Favorite Genres: Action, Horror, Comic Book, Comedy

Articles, Top Lists

Ryan’s 150 Favorite Films: Number 93, Trick ‘r Treat (2007)

One of the most frequent questions I am always asked being the host of the greatest movie podcast ever (opinions may vary) is “What’s your favorite movie?” That answer has been the same since I was 11 years old. But it also isn’t as easy to explain why I love some movies more than others.

As an art form, movies are by their nature interpretative. Some people will point to a film’s box office total as a barometer for a film’s quality, this might not be true again because although it might be popular to the masses it might not appeal to you. I am looking at you Avatar, which is not one of my favorite films, not by a longshot.  

Also, if the film wins an Academy Award for Best Picture, that hardly means it’s one of my favorite films, looking at you The English Patient, in fact I hardly agree with the Academy. Having said that, I am sure that some people love Avatar and The English Patient. And that’s what makes movies so great.

I, also am not a professional critic. I love film. I try and find merit in all film. As a host of a podcast that attempts to give every movie a chance, I believe that is the best way to approach movies, let the lights go out and try and enjoy yourself. You might find a “diamond in the rough.”

When thinking of my favorite movies to share with you, my loyal listeners, I thought 100 wasn’t going to be enough. So, I am proud to present my 150 Favorite Films, right now. These will change, I know they will.

See you at the movies!

***Spoilers Ahead!!!***

93. Trick ‘r Treat (2007) Directed by Michael Dougherty

The Movie: It’s Halloween night. Emma (Leslie Bibb) and her husband Henry (Tahmoh Penikett) return home after celebrating the holiday. As they return home, Emma is already over Halloween and blows out the candle jack-o-lantern. Henry tells her that she shouldn’t do that, there’s rules. Emma ignores him and quells his superstitions by telling him to go and put on a dirty movie and she will be up soon.

Emma commences in taking down the decorations. Emma is attacked by someone, or something.

Henry wakes after he passed out and goes to the front yard looking for Emma. He finds her. Underneath a sheet. Dead. Murdered with a lollipop sticking out of her mouth.

We next pick up Charlie (Brett Kelly) as he wakes down the street, knocking over and breaking jack-o-lanterns. Charlie does not care for the rules of Halloween and steals candy from a bowl that asks to only take one. Charlie is caught by his principal, Mr. Wilkins (Dylan Baker). Mr. Wilkins lectures the boy and gives him a candy bar. Charlie eats the bar and soon vomits and dies. We learn that Wilkins is a serial killer and he laced the candy with cyanide.

Wilkins drags Charlie’s body inside and is interrupted by trick-or-treaters. There is one peculiar trick-or-treater, Sam (Quinn Lord). A child with a round burlap sack and orange footie pajamas.

Wilkins takes Charlie’s body to the backyard and attempts to bury it back there. Wilkins is interrupted by his son Billy (Connor Christopher Levins) and his cranky neighbor Mr. Kreeg (Brian Cox).

As Wilkins finally finishes burying Charlie, he hears Mr. Kreeg yell for help. Wilkins ignores him and continues inside his home. Mr. Kreeg is then attacked, by someone or something.

Wilkins goes downstairs with his son Billy and he tells them it’s time to carve jack-o-lanterns. Wilkins raises his knife and stabs it into his son! Or does he? The knife instead goes into Charlie’s severed head. Charlie is the jack-o-lantern that Wilkins and Billy are carving.

A group of teenagers are trick-or-treating and collecting jack-o-lanterns for a scavenger hunt. Macy (Britt McKillip), Chip (Alberto Ghisi) Schrader (Jean-Luc Bilodeau) and Sara (Isabelle Deluce) have bigger plans too. They meet Rhonda (Samm Todd) who loves Halloween and they take her to the local quarry. There Macy tells everyone about the “Halloween School Bus Massacre.” The story is about special needs children and a bus driver who was paid by the parents in town to “get rid” of he children. When one of the children realizes that the bus is not going where it is supposed to, attempts to turn the bus around. The bus out of control drives off a cliff and sinks into the quarry. The bus driver escapes his death. The children do not.

The children take an elevator down to the shore of the quarry and Macy places on the ground eight jack-o-lanterns. One for each of the victims of the crash. The kids split up and as Rhonda and Chip wonder off together. Suddenly, the dead children start to attack Rhonda who is terrified and in shock on what she has seen.

But it was all a prank. Rhonda was part of a cruel joke played on her by the other kids. Schrader tells the others that their prank has gone too far. Macy ignores him and kicks a jack-o-lantern into the water.

The actual dead children rise from their watery graves and have their sights set on the pranksters. Rhonda gets to the elevator, shuts the door and leaves the other children to their fate.

Rhonda leaves the quarry and sees Sam. He nods at her.

In downtown Warren Valley a group of twenty something women are looking for costumes and boys. Laurie (Anna Paquin) doesn’t seem interested in either. Laurie’s sister Danielle (Lauren Lee Smith) pleads with Laurie to find a date for their party. Danielle and Laurie are joined by their friends Janet (Moneca Delian) and Maria (Rochelle Aytes). Laurie reluctantly agrees to go to the party. Her sister and her friends are princesses. Laurie chooses “Little Red Riding Hood.”

Laurie’s friends find dates and head towards their party in the woods. Laurie stays behind for the town festival. Laurie leaves the festival and as she walks to her party she is attacked by a “vampire”.

Laurie arrives and throws the “vampire” by the bonfire and tells her sister that he bit her. The “vampire” is unmasked revealing Wilkins, who earlier had killed a woman at the festival.

Laurie and all her friends rip off their clothes and their skin to reveal they are werewolves. And they eat all their dates. Sitting on a log Sam likes what he sees.

Back in town, Mr. Kreeg the grumpy neighbor to Wilkins hates Halloween. He dresses up his dog to scare away any trick-or-treaters that might come to his door. Kreeg however won’t escape this Halloween unpunished. Supernatural happenings are terrorizing him at his home. His house is egged, his lawn is full of jack-o-lanterns and the inside of his home is scribbled and marked by Samhain and Halloween words.

Kreeg is soon attacked by Sam, who was hiding in Kreeg’s bedroom. The fight wages on with Sam cutting Kreeg’s ankle and other nasty things. Sam and Kreeg’s fight takes them downstairs where Kreeg unmasks Sam. Underneath Sam’s burlap sack is a face that resembles both a jack-o-lantern and a skull. Kreeg is able to shoot Sam whose blood looks like the inside of a pumpkin.

Sam doesn’t die though. His body comes back together and attacks Kreeg one last time by stabbing him in the leg with candy. Sam leaves Kreeg alone as he has done his Halloween tradition of handing out candy. Sam puts his mask back on and leaves.

Kreeg’s night isn’t over. After being attacked by Sam, Kreeg is now handing out candy to trick-or-treaters. The doorbell rings again and at his door are the dead children from the bus massacre. Kreeg was their bus driver and at long last he gets what he deserves as the children kill him.

Why I Love Trick ‘r Treat (2007): One of the great travesties in the last 20 years in the film world is the way Trick ‘r Treat was treated before it was released. Regulated to direct to video, and not until 2 years after it was completed. The film however was so good that it won over the horror movie crowd and has become a Halloween staple in my family.

From an icon in the making of Sam and the fun way the film presents an anthology everything works. And there isn’t a weak story in the bunch. A lot of times with anthologies one segment might not be as good as the others. Not the case with Trick ‘r Treat. All of them are fun with clever twists.

There’s gore. There’s laughs. There’s bad people getting what they deserve. I am so amazed and happy when Halloween rolls around and there is as much Sam merch as there is of Freddy, Jason and Michael. He has the strength of only one film, but that film has gained so much of a following that you cannot ignore it the way Warner Bros did when it came out.

All that being said the movie is great. Dougherty understands the genre so well. His camera moves where it needs to. The fun reveal of Sam at the end of all the stories and the way it all ties together is part of the enjoyment from the film.

Trick ‘r Treat is my favorite anthology film. It is funny, scary and gory. Add in a classic movie “villain” and you have a Halloween classic that I watch every year.

Articles, Top Lists

Ryan’s 150 Favorite Films: Number 94, Mary Poppins Returns (2018)

One of the most frequent questions I am always asked being the host of the greatest movie podcast ever (opinions may vary) is “What’s your favorite movie?” That answer has been the same since I was 11 years old. But it also isn’t as easy to explain why I love some movies more than others.

As an art form, movies are by their nature interpretative. Some people will point to a film’s box office total as a barometer for a film’s quality, this might not be true again because although it might be popular to the masses it might not appeal to you. I am looking at you Avatar, which is not one of my favorite films, not by a longshot.  

Also, if the film wins an Academy Award for Best Picture, that hardly means it’s one of my favorite films, looking at you The English Patient, in fact I hardly agree with the Academy. Having said that, I am sure that some people love Avatar and The English Patient. And that’s what makes movies so great.

I, also am not a professional critic. I love film. I try and find merit in all film. As a host of a podcast that attempts to give every movie a chance, I believe that is the best way to approach movies, let the lights go out and try and enjoy yourself. You might find a “diamond in the rough.”

When thinking of my favorite movies to share with you, my loyal listeners, I thought 100 wasn’t going to be enough. So, I am proud to present my 150 Favorite Films, right now. These will change, I know they will.

See you at the movies!

***Spoilers Ahead!!!***

94. Mary Poppins Returns (2018) Directed by Rob Marshall

The Movie: London has changed since Mary Poppins (Emily Blunt) last visited. It is the Great Depression. Michael Banks (Ben Whishaw) still lives at his childhood home at 17 Cherry Tree Lane. Michael’s children, Annabel (Pixie Davies), John (Nathanael Saleh) and Georgie (Joel Dawson) are mourning the death of their mother Kate. Michael is also three months behind on paying his loan. The shady new chairman of the bank, William Wilkins (Colin Firth) has dispatched his cronies to tell MIchael that if he doesn’t pay the loan by Friday the bank will take his home.

Michael knows that inside his home is his fathers shares to the bank that were left to him and his sister Jane (Emily Mortimer). Both the Banks’ search the house top to bottom looking for the certificates.

After finding a kite his father threw away, Georgie and his siblings head to the park to fly the kite. There, Mary Poppins descends from the sky, kite in hand. Mary accompanies the children home and informs them that she will be their nanny,

Michael goes to the bank and confronts Wilkins about the shares he owns. Wilkins denies that any evidence exists in his ledger and secretly destroys it. Back at home John and Annabel decide that they are going to sell their mother’s “priceless” bowl to pay off the debt. Georgie pleads with them not to, and in the skirmish the bowl is broken. Mary enlists the help of the Lamplighter Jack (Lin-Manuel Miranda) to visit the adventure painted on the bowl. As the five visit the Royal Doulton Music Hall, Georgie is kidnapped by a wolf, a badger and a weasel that are taking their belongings. Annabel and John save Georgie and as the children fall off the bowl they wake up in their beds. Mary realizes how badly the children are missing their mother and sings a lullaby to help them sleep.

The next morning, Mary and the children visit Topsy (Meryl Streep) with the hope of fixing the bowl. The children are heartbroken that the bowl is not priceless and visit their father at work. While they are there the mistake Wilkins for the Wolf in their adventure and confront him. Michael doesn’t believe the children and scolds them for interrupting him at work.

After being wowed by Jack, the children and Mary return home. They find their father there and he appears distraught. Michael apologizes to the children and they embrace each other.

Midnight approaches and all seems lost. Michael however finds the certificates that he was looking for. Georgie mended the kite he flew with them. Michael and Jane rush to the bank. Mary, Jack and the children run to Big Ben to turn back time to help their father save their home.

Mary and the children are successful and turn back the clock five minutes. At the bank, Wilkins refuses to accept the certificate. Suddenly, Wilkins’s Uncle Mr. Dawes Jr. (Dick Van Dyke) appears and fires Wilkins for being unethical. Dawes also informs Michael that he has plenty in assets to cover the loan. Having invested the tuppence that he deposited all those years ago.

The next day at the park, Mary informs the children that it is now time for her to go. Mary opens her umbrella and floats away into the sky.

Why I Love Mary Poppins Returns (2018): How to sell a movie to Ryan. First take one of his most cherished films ever, Mary Poppins, add in his favorite actress Emily Blunt, make it a colorful musical and for good measure add a dash of Dick Van Dyke.

I remember watching Mary Poppins Returns in the theater and it hit me. The original Mary Poppins means the world to me. When Emily Blunt appears as Mary and floats down into the park, I seriously cried. I couldn’t help it. I love the original film and here I am all these years later and it is a magical experience.

Emily Blunt is amazing. She is hands down one of the best actors on the planet, period. Not only does she transform into Mary Poppins effortlessly, she sings and dances and oozes the perfect amount of charm and loveliness.

Lin-Manuel Miranda of course is charming as Jack. His ability to transform lyrics into rhythmic readings is nothing short of spectacular.

And Dick Van Dyke. I mean he is a national treasure. He is 93 years old in this film and he is dancing and singing on top of a desk, putting everyone else to shame. Again, I cried watching this. I grew up loving Dick Van Dyke. I was crying and smiling throughout his magical scene.

Beautiful cinematography and stellar direction make Mary Poppins Returns a surreal and magical return to 17 Cherry Tree Lane.

Articles

A Love Affair: Reel Reflections of My Friendship with Jonathan Tiersten

Jonathan Tiersten’s energy is palpable. We are about two hours into a shoot, and I have what I think is a really great idea. I share it with Brad, my producer, designer, director extraordinaire.  He too likes the idea. My hang-up is we have asked and Tiersten not only agreed to be in our web series, but we were poor and couldn’t pay him for his time. I don’t want to overstay, or more importantly make Jonathan work harder than we already were making him. Although this is a silly short, we are asking Jonathan to already do stunts, memorize lines, hit me in the face with a giant dildo (true story), I now have another idea. And as I think of that idea, another one pops in my head. Did I mention these ideas popped in my head AFTER Jonathan cooked us barbecue and kicked his family out of his house so we could use his beautiful home as a location for the shoot? I didn’t? Well, this story needs a lot of context.

In the fall of 2012, our podcast started to catch on. We had just had a successful time at Denver Comic-Con and we were asked to podcast from the Mile High Horror Film Festival at the Sie Film Center. We jumped at the opportunity. We were also very green and new to the whole “celebrity” interview process. We did not want to put film actors or directors on the spot but we also were hoping to have some appear on our show. I asked my fellow Nerds, “How do you think we should ask them?” We debated and debated, never moving from our seats.

At the festival there were several people I really wanted to talk to. Jeffery Reddick is the screenwriter and creator of the “Final Destination” series. I thought he would be really fun to talk to, most writers are great interviewees. The other Nerds were not familiar with “Sleepaway Camp”, the notorious slasher film from 1983. I was. I had the collector’s edition DVD set that was in a “survival kit”. I also remember renting it from the mom-and-pop video store when I was younger. My mom allowed me to rent rated R movies, and she created a weird horror movie fan for life. While most people (and rightfully so) remember Angela and the twist ending, I was also drawn to Ricky, the smart-ass cousin of Angela. Ricky was a red herring and a funny one to boot. I told the other Nerds that Jonathan Tiersten who played Ricky was here as well, and I really want to get him on the show.

I just did not have the courage to ask him.

As I was grappling with how to approach Jonathan, I looked up from whatever I was doing, and I saw him standing right in front of our booth. Jonathan smiled and said something that I can’t remember but I do remember it made me laugh. I am pretty sure he teased me after that and asked about my podcast. I told him and I told him that I knew him from “Sleepaway Camp”. I was sure he got that all the time, but he just smiled. Jonathan said, “Why aren’t you interviewing anyone?” I candidly told him that I wanted him on my show, but I did not want to take away from his fans and his booth. Jonathan again just smiled, but this smile was more of “come on, just ask”.  I still just sat there and Jonathan sensing my hesitation said, “I can record on your show, how about right now?”

After a long interview, I realized just how cool and nice Jonathan was (He will tell you differently, don’t believe him). After our interview with him, Jonathan acted as facilitator for us. He introduced us to Jeffery Reddick and Director Dan Myrick. Jonathan single handedly helped us have a successful podcast at Mile High Horror.

Flashforward almost a year and we were deep in pre-production of our web series “Reel Nerds Podshow”. I had this idea, that needed be fleshed out by a real writer. An overarching theme of our series was me being an asshole and doing whatever necessary to be famous. I had this crazy idea of asking Jonathan to play an insane version of himself that invites me over to his house to eat me. James hammered out a funny script, and now it was time to pitch it to Jonathan. I can’t remember how I got his cell phone number, but he did give it to me. I called Jonathan and pitched the idea of it to him. I told him that we are basically doing this guerilla style and we have no money, just a desire to make something memorable and funny. Jonathan not only agreed without hesitation, but he also offered his real house as a location. I sent the script to Jonathan, and we set a date to film.

We arrived at Jonathan’s house, he cut his jeans to make them “Daisy Dukes” and made a Reel Nerds t-shirt into a mid-drift. Jonathan changed the dialogue slightly and made it funnier. I also picked up that he was an amazing improviser as we went off script multiple times, much to the chagrin of Brad who was trying to direct while edit in his mind.

As we moved to the basement of Jonathan’s house where I am being held captive and cooked, we were setting up the shot and like a lightning bolt it hit me, Jonathan is an amazing musician as well. What if he grabbed his guitar and sang a song about how he was going to eat me. Keep in mind this was not in the script, and I am asking him to come up with a song on the spot. I was not sure if he would do it, but I knew that it would play really well when it all came together. I also had an idea of Jonathan chasing us up the stairs, tripping and falling on a fork, killing him with it going through his chin. The tag scene would be Jonathan waking up, still alive. Again, not scripted but would require Jonathan to have a sharp object buried into his chin. And who the hell was I to ask him to do this?

I asked Jonathan if he would be willing to do the new ideas I had. Again, no hesitation, he said yes, and delivered a bone chilling song.

When we were set to premiere the short, I asked Jonathan if he would be willing to be a guest judge at a screening of short films in Denver. Jonathan again agreed. We had dinner. We laughed. We had fun.

In between our silly short and premiere, Jonathan became a friend. I saw him perform several times live. His music is brilliant. Although Jonathan was a great actor, I always felt that his true calling was his music. Watching him perform live is watching an artist totally in the moment. He loses himself and lets his lyrics take over. I will never forget at Starfest that he was shredding so hard his fingers bled. And like all of his performances, he lost his shirt at some point.

Although Jonathan moved to California to pursue his love of tennis and teaching others the love of sport, he remained in contact with me.

Imagine my surprise that he shared with me his cover of a favorite Rod Stewart/The Faces song, “Ooh La La” that he recorded for my birthday. I could never repay that kind gesture. It was amazing. It rivals his cover of “Wicked Game”. I don’t think he has officially uploaded “Ooh La La” to his page yet, so I will just keep it for myself for now.

I was over the moon recently when Jonathan said that he has started to pick up his guitar again and is looking to performing a handful of special gigs. If he happens to be playing in your neck of the woods get out there and see him. I am not sure the last time he performed live, but it is a treat and should not be missed.

Thanks Jonathan for being a great friend, even though you never really liked me. *

*This is a long running joke that we have. Jonathan is sweet and funny but he always tells me that he never really liked me, AFTER he pays me a compliment.

Articles, Top Lists

Ryan’s 150 Favorite Films: Number 95, Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986)

One of the most frequent questions I am always asked being the host of the greatest movie podcast ever (opinions may vary) is “What’s your favorite movie?” That answer has been the same since I was 11 years old. But it also isn’t as easy to explain why I love some movies more than others.

As an art form, movies are by their nature interpretative. Some people will point to a film’s box office total as a barometer for a film’s quality, this might not be true again because although it might be popular to the masses it might not appeal to you. I am looking at you Avatar, which is not one of my favorite films, not by a longshot.  

Also, if the film wins an Academy Award for Best Picture, that hardly means it’s one of my favorite films, looking at you The English Patient, in fact I hardly agree with the Academy. Having said that, I am sure that some people love Avatar and The English Patient. And that’s what makes movies so great.

I, also am not a professional critic. I love film. I try and find merit in all film. As a host of a podcast that attempts to give every movie a chance, I believe that is the best way to approach movies, let the lights go out and try and enjoy yourself. You might find a “diamond in the rough.”

When thinking of my favorite movies to share with you, my loyal listeners, I thought 100 wasn’t going to be enough. So, I am proud to present my 150 Favorite Films, right now. These will change, I know they will.

See you at the movies!

***Spoilers Ahead!!!***

95. Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986) Directed by Tom McLoughlin

The Movie: Years after Tommy Jarvis (Thom Matthews) ended Jason Voorhees’ (C.J. Graham) reign of terror at Crystal Lake. Tommy, however, is still haunted by Jason and intends to end his torment forever.

Tommy and his friend Hawes (Ron Palillo) drive to the cemetery where Jason’s body has been buried. Tommy locates Jason’s grave and starts digging. As a storm rolls in, Tommy hits Jason’s coffin and opens it. Inside is Jason’s rotting corpse. Jason is indeed dead. Tommy, haunted by his past grabs a metal spike and stabs Jason’s corpse over and over. He leaves the post in Jason’s body and goes to get gasoline. Tommy’s plan is to burn Jason’s body to ash.

A lightning bolt hits the metal post and strikes Jason’s corpse. Jason’s eyes snap open. Jason Lives. Jason climbs out of his grave and walks towards Tommy. Hawes hits Jason in the head with a shovel. It does not affect the monster. Jason punches Hawes through the chest, ripping out his heart.

Tommy runs away and drives to the sheriff’s office. Tommy meets Sheriff Garris (David Kagen) and pleads with him to stop Jason. Garris doesn’t believe Tommy and has Deputy Cologne (Vincent Guastaferro) lock him in a cell.

The next morning, Tommy meets Garris’ daughter Megan (Jennifer Cooke) and her friends. They are the new camp counselors at Camp Forest Green, the new name for Camp Crystal Lake. Tommy pleads with them not to go there as Jason is most likely to return to a place he knows. They do not heed his warning.

Sheriff Garris escorts Tommy out of town. Tommy leads him on a chase through the cemetery to show him that he dug up Jason’s grave. When they get there, Jason’s grave is undisturbed. Martin, the caretaker (Bob Larkin) denies he covered Jason’s grave. Sheriff Garris tells Tommy to leave and never come back.

Jason on his way back to camp has killed a couple of counselors and a group of paintballers. He is close.

At camp, Jason’s terror begins anew. He mows through the counselors and after seeing a bloodbath of murder victims, Garris is convinced that Tommy is killing everyone to prove Jason is alive. Garris dispatches his police force to Camp Forest Green.

Jason quickly dispatches the police force and sets his eyes on Megan. Garris hiding from Jason hears his daughters scream and attempts to stop Jason. Garris is snapped in half for his effort.

As Jason attempts to kill Megan, he is called to the lake by Tommy. Jason drops Megan and heads after Tommy. Tommy has a plan. He is going to chain Jason to the bottom of Crystal Lake, making him unable to escape. Jason attacks Tommy who is able to put the chain around Jason’s neck. Jason is able to destroy Tommy’s boat and they both go under. Megan jumps into the lake to help Tommy. And is pulled down by Jason for her efforts. Megan is able to start the boat’s propeller and moves it over to Jason, where it grinds his face and snaps his neck.

Megan brings Tommy to shore and saves his life. Under the water, Jason is still there, eyes open, waiting for his chance to kill again.

Why I Love Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986): My favorite Friday the 13th movie. I love the series and Part VI is the best one of the bunch.

We get our first experience with “zombie” Jason. In the earlier installments hinted at maybe supernatural elements were at play, writer/director Tom McLoughlin leans right into it. McLoughlin is by far the best director of the franchise in the 80’s. McLoughlin fully understood the assignment. Make the teenagers fun and funny, make Jason a scary, unstoppable killing machine. The film is ahead of its time. It makes the characters well aware of the predicament they are in, in a way that Scream would perfect 10 years later.

After the train wreck that Part V was, McLoughlin proved that you can make a cool scary movie without being gratuitous with the violence and the nudity. Look, I love when Jason is mowing people down, but there has to be some restraint in the approach. It can’t just be, put the camera here and not be creative with the violence. And don’t get me wrong, there are some brutal kills in this film, see Garris folded in half.

 You can also watch Jason Lives without any real knowledge of the series, it stands on its own very well. The ending is satisfying as we both get a heroes victory and a glimpse that Jason isn’t dead after all.

Articles, Review, Top Lists

Ryan’s 150 Favorite Films: Number 96, Love Affair (1939)

One of the most frequent questions I am always asked being the host of the greatest movie podcast ever (opinions may vary) is “What’s your favorite movie?” That answer has been the same since I was 11 years old. But it also isn’t as easy to explain why I love some movies more than others.

As an art form, movies are by their nature interpretative. Some people will point to a film’s box office total as a barometer for a film’s quality, this might not be true again because although it might be popular to the masses it might not appeal to you. I am looking at you Avatar, which is not one of my favorite films, not by a longshot.  

Also, if the film wins an Academy Award for Best Picture, that hardly means it’s one of my favorite films, looking at you The English Patient, in fact I hardly agree with the Academy. Having said that, I am sure that some people love Avatar and The English Patient. And that’s what makes movies so great.

I, also am not a professional critic. I love film. I try and find merit in all film. As a host of a podcast that attempts to give every movie a chance, I believe that is the best way to approach movies, let the lights go out and try and enjoy yourself. You might find a “diamond in the rough.”

When thinking of my favorite movies to share with you, my loyal listeners, I thought 100 wasn’t going to be enough. So, I am proud to present my 150 Favorite Films, right now. These will change, I know they will.

See you at the movies!

***Spoilers Ahead!!!***

96. Love Affair (1939) Directed by Leo McCarey

The Movie: A handsome and dashing French painter, Michel Marnett (Charles Boyer) meets a beautiful American singer, Terry McKay (Irene Dunne) onboard a transatlantic cruise. Michel is a womanizer and engaged to an heiress named Lois (Astrid Allwyn) and Terry is engaged to a man named Kenneth (Lee Bowman). Both Terry and Michel began to find the other attractive and have dinner with one another. Terry is well aware of Michel’s reputation and when people start to notice them together they agree to not dine as a couple.

Terry agrees to visit Michel’s grandmother Janou (Maria Ouspenskaya) in Maderia, which complicates Terry’s feelings for Michel more as Janou and her have a wonderful time together. Janou tells Terry that she wants Michel to settle down and get married.

As they arrive in New York, they agree to meet on the top of the Empire State Building in six months. Michel wants that time to see if he can make money as an artist. Terry breaks her engagement off and agrees to be a singer at a night club in Philadelphia.

The date arrives for the meet on top of the Empire State Building, but Terry never makes it. She is struck by a car on the way and is told she may be paralyzed. The doctors inform her that they will not know for certain for six months. Terry does not want to burden Michel if she is in fact paralyzed and does not tell him. Michel, heartbroken that Terry never arrives. He soon returns to Maderia after learning his grandmother has passed away and returns to New York to continue his work at an ad agency.

Terry is overheard singing at the garden while she is in therapy by the owner of a children’s orphanage. Impressed, Terry is asked to be the music teacher there.

Terry decides that she is going to go out for Christmas Eve and goes to a theater. There, she happens to run into Michel. Michel does not learn of Terry’s disability until the next day when he surprises her at her apartment. Michel learns finally what happened to Terry and Terry learns that Michel has changed his womanizing ways. Michel tells Terry that he will be with her, no matter how her diagnosis turns out.

Why I Love Love Affair (1939): Two words. One person. Irene Dunne. I adore Irene Dunne she is my most favorite Golden Age Hollywood Actress. She is immensely talented, beautiful and funny. All of her qualities are on full display in Leo McCarey’s Love Affair.

Dunne flexes not only her acting chops but her incredible singing voice as well. Charles Boyer is also up to the task as the dashing leading man that he is.

Although Cary Grant is my favorite actor, Love Affair is a better film than its remake An Affair to Remember. Although McCarey returned for the remake as writer director, here Dunne just outshines the talented Deborah Kerr in the role of Terry.

The black and white photography is stunning with foggy accents that pepper the voyage on the ship to the bustle of New York City every scene is alive in its own special way.

McCarey is in top form as he stated the idea for Love Affair came from his own trip across the ocean. McCarey was also growing tired of screwball comedies and wanted to stretch himself as a director. His restrained approach serves the film well.

Beautifully shot and told, Love Affair is a romantic film worth falling in love with.

Articles, Review, Telluride Horror Show

Suitable Flesh (2023) Review: Telluride Horror Show 14

t’s October in Colorado, which means the coolest film festival takes place in the beautiful town of Telluride. The Telluride Horror Show is a favorite of mine (and my wife and the fellow Nerds). We podcasted from there twice a long time ago. And while we haven’t brought our podcast back, my wife and I have gone back a couple of times. This year, I was able to catch seven films, short programs and soak in the scenery and the gore. Instead of just posting my thoughts of the films on Letterboxd, I thought I would also write detailed reviews with you my loyal listeners/readers my thoughts on the films I saw. So sit back, relax and lets get spooky!

Suitable Flesh (2023) Directed by Joe Lynch

Dr. Elizabeth Darby (Heather Graham) finds herself in a state hospital after she is accused of murdering her young patient Asa (Judah Lewis). Elizabeth denies that she killed Asa, but the no one believes her. Her friend and colleague Dr. Dani Upton (Barbara Crampton) visits her and tells Elizabeth she doesn’t sound competent. Elizabeth pleads with Dani to listen to her story, Dani agrees.

One afternoon after a session, Elizabeth is greeted by a distressed young man, the aforementioned Asa. He asks for Elizabeth’s help. Asa says that he read her book and believes that she is the only one who can help him. Intrigued and sensing that Asa is in real mental distress, Elizabeth asks him into her office.

Asa tells Elizabeth about his dad, who is controlling him and hurting him. Elizabeth feels obliged to help Asa. During their session Asa’s phone rings and he tries not to answer it. When he does the voice on the other side transforms Asa from a troubled young man to one beaming with confidence and sexuality.

Elizabeth develops an unhealthy obsession with Asa and is soon brought into a world of demonic possession, gruesome murders and an uncontrollable desire for Asa.

Suitable Flesh packs a wallop. Inspired by H.P. Lovecraft’s The Thing on the Doorstep, it feels like a movie from the 1980’s. The gore is spectacular invoking memories of horror favorites from years gone by.

Director Joe Lynch brings the right amount of flair to the proceedings. One death, which I won’t spoil but I will say it uses the back up camera in a vehicle in an awesome way. I love how the film slowly lets the viewer into the world. Once we get there, however, the pace is unrelenting. From insane murders to insane and steamy sex scenes, Suitable Flesh is never dull.

Heather Graham commands the screen. Her descent from professional doctor and loving wife to a woman spellbound by a mysterious young man is not only believable but when her world unravels you feel sympathy for her and her dilemma. The added bonus of having Barbara Crampton back into the Lovecraftian world is special. Crampton is mesmerizing on screen.  

Go see Suitable Flesh with as little knowledge as possible. It’s a rollercoaster of a movie that rewards the viewers to enjoy the plunge into darkness.

Grade: A

Articles, Review, Telluride Horror Show

Frogman (2023) Review: Telluride Horror Show 14

It’s October in Colorado, which means the coolest film festival takes place in the beautiful town of Telluride. The Telluride Horror Show is a favorite of mine (and my wife and the fellow Nerds). We podcasted from there twice a long time ago. And while we haven’t brought our podcast back, my wife and I have gone back a couple of times. This year, I was able to catch seven films, short programs and soak in the scenery and the gore. Instead of just posting my thoughts of the films on Letterboxd, I thought I would also write detailed reviews with you my loyal listeners/readers my thoughts on the films I saw. So sit back, relax and lets get spooky!

Frogman (2023) Directed by Anthony Cousins

In 1999, Dallas (Liam Hage) and his family are on a trip to Love Land in Ohio. Their father is film in the trip. When the family is on the side of the road, Dallas takes over and captures the legendary Frogman!

Flash forward to present day and Dallas (Nathan Tymoshuk) now grown is a joke of the internet. Nobody believes that his footage of the Frogman is real and Dallas has been floating through life ever since. After losing his “home” Dallas decides that he is going to finally prove that Frogman is real and get the footage to prove it.

Frogman is an all powerful being. Some say that a cult worships him. Some say he uses a wand like a wizard. Others say he is able to control people with his mind.

Dallas enlists the help of his best friend Scotty (Benny Barrett) and his crush but she doesn’t know it Amy (Chelsey Grant) to help him on his quest.

When the trio arrive in Love Land they meet people that believe in Frogman. In fact, most citizens embrace the notoriety that Frogman brings and have tourist-y stops and spots everywhere.

But as the group gets further and further into Frogman’s territory, they soon realize that maybe the legends are true and Frogman is truly out there.

Frogman as concept is silly. And the filmmakers had a choice. Make it as crazy as possible or play it safe. Thankfully they choose to totally embrace the crazy and pull off a pretty neat film.

I am not a fan of found footage films. The concept is inherently restricted and hampers the film in the process. And while I wish this film was played conventionally, I will give the filmmakers credit again and not taking the easy way out. I don’t want to spoil anything, but the film delivers, it doesn’t leave as many questions like so many found footage films do.

One thing I can spoil is the film is very funny. The three main characters have amazing chemistry and they truly feel like they’ve been friends for years.

Frogman as a concept is silly. As a horror film, it totally works. It’s funny and some truly fantastic practical effects. You should jump at the chance to see this film.

Grade: B

Articles, Review, Telluride Horror Show

You’ll Never Find Me (2023) Review: Telluride Horror Show 14

It’s October in Colorado, which means the coolest film festival takes place in the beautiful town of Telluride. The Telluride Horror Show is a favorite of mine (and my wife and the fellow Nerds). We podcasted from there twice a long time ago. And while we haven’t brought our podcast back, my wife and I have gone back a couple of times. This year, I was able to catch seven films, short programs and soak in the scenery and the gore. Instead of just posting my thoughts of the films on Letterboxd, I thought I would also write detailed reviews with you my loyal listeners/readers my thoughts on the films I saw. So sit back, relax and lets get spooky!

You’ll Never Find Me (2023) Directed by Indianna Bell and Josiah Allen

It’s a dark and stormy night. Patrick (Brenden Rock) is sitting alone at his kitchen table. Patrick seems lost in his thoughts. Patrick also appears to be in pain, not physically but emotionally. As the storm rages on, there is a loud knock on the door. Patrick tells this “intruder” to fuck off and leave him alone. The knocks continue and a faint voice can be heard.

Patrick cautiously opens the door. We see a young woman (Jordan Cowan) standing in the rain. She explains she needs help as her car is broken down and asks to use Patrick’s phone to call for help. Patrick is hesitant and reluctantly lets her in.

The woman tells Patrick that she ran from the beach and she just needs to use his phone. Patrick produces change from his pocket and says he doesn’t have a phone but there is a pay phone on the other side of the trailer park. Patrick offers to take her to the phone when the storm clears. The woman is hesitant and doesn’t trust Patrick.

Patrick also doesn’t trust the woman. What is she doing here? Why is she out so late? As they get to know one another, the distrust and paranoia only grows.

You’ll Never Find Me, is a slooowww burn of a film. The film plays on the paranoia of the two characters and as more of their respective stories are revealed, the more the tension amps up. Which makes this film a hit and miss affair is it that it bubbles with frustration for the viewer as you keep waiting and waiting and waiting for something to happen. It almost never does.

Both actors are very good. We are basically watching a two person play and it only succeeds if the actors are top notch, which they are. The sound design as well is great. It plays an important role in the film and acts a character as well.

You’ll Never Find Me is a hard film to get too much into as you don’t want to spoil it, but again I don’t think the ending makes the slog through the film worth it. Every time I started to think it was going somewhere, it throws another “twist” to the story that neuters all momentum that it had built up and earned.

Even with strong character work turned in by the actors, You’ll Never Find Me asks too much patience from its audience to ever by an effective thriller, let alone horror film.

Grade: D+

Articles, Top Lists

Ryan’s 150 Favorite Films: Number 97, Drive (2011)

One of the most frequent questions I am always asked being the host of the greatest movie podcast ever (opinions may vary) is “What’s your favorite movie?” That answer has been the same since I was 11 years old. But it also isn’t as easy to explain why I love some movies more than others.

As an art form, movies are by their nature interpretative. Some people will point to a film’s box office total as a barometer for a film’s quality, this might not be true again because although it might be popular to the masses it might not appeal to you. I am looking at you Avatar, which is not one of my favorite films, not by a longshot.  

Also, if the film wins an Academy Award for Best Picture, that hardly means it’s one of my favorite films, looking at you The English Patient, in fact I hardly agree with the Academy. Having said that, I am sure that some people love Avatar and The English Patient. And that’s what makes movies so great.

I, also am not a professional critic. I love film. I try and find merit in all film. As a host of a podcast that attempts to give every movie a chance, I believe that is the best way to approach movies, let the lights go out and try and enjoy yourself. You might find a “diamond in the rough.”

When thinking of my favorite movies to share with you, my loyal listeners, I thought 100 wasn’t going to be enough. So, I am proud to present my 150 Favorite Films, right now. These will change, I know they will.

See you at the movies!

***Spoilers Ahead!!!***

97. Drive (2011) Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn

The Movie: The Driver (Ryan Gosling) is a Hollywood stuntman by day and a getaway driver by night. The Driver has a boss, an auto shop owner named Shannon (Bryan Cranston) who is able to convince the mob boss Bernie Rose (Albert Brooks) to fund a car for The Driver so he can race.

The Driver soon meets his neighbor, Irene (Carey Mulligan) and her son Benicio (Kaden Leos). The Driver and Irene become friends and seem to be getting close when Irene’s husband, Standard (Oscar Issacs) returns home from prison. Standard is in trouble as he owes money to an Albanian gangster named Chris Cook (James Biberi). After Standard is assaulted by Cook he is told to rob a pawn store of $40,000 to pay his debt. The Driver decides he will help by being the getaway driver for the job.

At the pawn shop, Blanche (Christina Hendricks) who works for Cook waits with The Driver. The robbery does not go as planned and Standard is killed. The Driver and Blanche leave and are pursued by another car. The Driver is able to get away and he and Blanche hide in a motel. Blanche confides in The Driver that she was going to double cross them and take a bag with $1,000,000 in it for her and Cook. Blanche is killed by one of Cook’s men and The Driver stabs that man to death.

After refusing to let Shannon hide the money, The Driver confronts Cook and tells him he will kill him. Cook tells The Driver the mobster Nino (Ron Pearlman) was the man who orchestrated the robbery. The Driver calls Nino and asks to be left alone and he will give him the money. Nino refuses.

The Driver tells Irene about Standard and the robbery. The Driver tells Irene they need to leave. When they enter the elevator, The Driver realizes that the man in the elevator is a hitman. The Driver passionately kisses Irene and then stomps the hitman to death. The Driver next confronts Shannon after he realizes that Shannon must have told Bernie about the money and Irene.

We learn from Nino that a Philadelphia mobster stashed the money at the pawn shop and plans to use the money for a new East Coast operation. Nino tells Bernie that they need to kill any witnesses that are involved in the robbery. Bernie agrees and kills Cook. Bernie next presses Shannon about The Driver’s whereabouts. Shannon refuses to tell him and is killed.

After he finds Shannon dead, The Driver chases down Nino and rams his car off the Pacific Coast Highway and onto a beach. The Driver grabs Nino and drowns him in the ocean. The Driver next finds Bernie. Bernie tells The Driver Irene will be safe, as long as The Driver gives him the money. The Driver does and is stabbed. The Driver however, stabs Bernie to death, leaving his body in a parking lot with all the money. Irene goes to The Driver’s apartment but there is no answer, The Driver is in a car, driving away.

Why I Love Drive (2011): Just a straight cool movie. Ryan Gosling’s performance is calm, cool and mean. The way he controls the camera, where he just commands you to pay attention to him onscreen made me look at him in a whole new light.

The synth laced soundtrack and score are pitch perfect for the neon light-soaked backdrop of Drive’s crime noir.

Directed with confidence and flair by Nicolas Winding Refn, he would never be this cool again. The movies that he made after Drive never capture the awesomeness and confidence he has here. Refn goes too far after this film and never regains his mojo in my opinion, some of the other Reel Nerds love The Neon Demon, I do not.

The car chases, the getaway escapes all pulsate the screen with urgency and bad-assery. Drive does not follow the rules of most action films, it speeds past them.

Drive also plays with your expectations. Blanche’s death is shocking and brutal. So too is The Driver’s assault on the hitman in the elevator. It is gory and necessary, so we understand that The Driver is the hero, but he isn’t above getting his hands dirty.

From the confidence behind the camera and the cool and mean streak of The Driver in front of the camera, Drive rewards its viewers with an action film that never overplays its hand. It takes us for a ride that is breathtaking and brutal.

Articles, Top Lists

Ryan’s 150 Favorite Films: Number 98, Tommy Boy (1995)

One of the most frequent questions I am always asked being the host of the greatest movie podcast ever (opinions may vary) is “What’s your favorite movie?” That answer has been the same since I was 11 years old. But it also isn’t as easy to explain why I love some movies more than others.

As an art form, movies are by their nature interpretative. Some people will point to a film’s box office total as a barometer for a film’s quality, this might not be true again because although it might be popular to the masses it might not appeal to you. I am looking at you Avatar, which is not one of my favorite films, not by a longshot.  

Also, if the film wins an Academy Award for Best Picture, that hardly means it’s one of my favorite films, looking at you The English Patient, in fact I hardly agree with the Academy. Having said that, I am sure that some people love Avatar and The English Patient. And that’s what makes movies so great.

I, also am not a professional critic. I love film. I try and find merit in all film. As a host of a podcast that attempts to give every movie a chance, I believe that is the best way to approach movies, let the lights go out and try and enjoy yourself. You might find a “diamond in the rough.”

When thinking of my favorite movies to share with you, my loyal listeners, I thought 100 wasn’t going to be enough. So, I am proud to present my 150 Favorite Films, right now. These will change, I know they will.

See you at the movies!

***Spoilers Ahead!!!***

98. Tommy Boy (1995) Directed by Peter Segal

The Movie: After spending seven years in college, Tommy Callahan (Chris Farley) is heading home to work at his father’s (Brain Dennehy) auto parts factory. Tommy doesn’t take like too seriously and he loves to party.

Tommy is picked up at the airport by an old childhood friend, Richard Hayden (David Spade) and is taken to Callahan Auto Parts. Along the way, Tommy notices that many of the factories in Sandusky are closing, and his father’s auto parts factory is one of the last standing and vital to the economy of the city.

Tommy reunites with his father and after spending the day at the factory, they head home, where Big Tom has a surprise for Tommy. Big Tom has a “10” fiancé, Beverly (Bo Derek) and the wedding is happening soon.

Tommy soon meets Beverly’s “son” Paul ( an uncredited Rob Lowe) and is excited to have a brother and takes him out for a night on the town.

At the wedding, Big Tom suffers a fatal heart attack. Leaving half his company to his son and the other half to his new wife.

Tommy learns that the revolutionary brake pads that his father spearheaded were no in trouble as he had stretched himself thin and the banks were unwilling to lend anymore money to Callahan Auto Parts. The board is also getting pressure to sale as the Automotive King, Ray Zalinsky (Dan Akroyd) has given a lucrative offer for the Callahan Auto Parts name.

Tommy realizing that the City and the factory will close if the brake pads to not sale, leverages his half of the company for the capital to get the brake pad division going and also head out on the road to sale the brake pads with RIchard. Tommy also has a budding relationship with Michelle (Julie Warner) who is in charge of shipping.

On the road, Tommy in a novice and doesn’t understand how to sale anything. Richard meanwhile, is too cold and mechanic, which makes their pairing disastrous. After striking out multiple times, Tommy and Richard have a fight which ends with Richard knocking Tommy out with a 2×4.

At a diner, they makeup and Tommy is able to convince the waitress to make him some chicken wings. Sensing confidence in Tommy, Richard is able to help Tommy find his groove and start selling brake pads.

Back is Sandusky, we learn that Paul and Beverly are married and were conspiring to take Big Tom for all his money. Him dying complicated their plans, and Paul starts trying to sabotage Tommy.

Tommy and Richard soon sell enough brake pads to keep Callahan Auto Parts open and start to celebrate. Paul infiltrates Michelle’s office and changes orders. By doing this, everyone starts cancelling their orders, leading to Tommy losing his shares and Beverly entering an agreement to sell Callahan Auto Parts to Zalinsky.

Tommy and RIchard soon learn from Michelle that Paul and Beverly are married. Tommy devises a plan to talk to Zalinsky and confront his stepmother.

Tommy stages a bank robbery and has a TV crew follow him to the board room. In the board room, with TV cameras rolling Zalinsky, buys a million brake pads, thinking that the company is his anyways and is just playing the savior on TV. Soon, Paul and Beverly’s plan is exposed and Tommy pulled one over Zalinsky and saved his father’s company.

Why I Love Tommy Boy (1995): A showcase for Chris Farley’s incredible talent, Tommy Boy is a high school favorite.

Where Tommy Boy succeeds is not only is it funny, but it really pulls on the heartstrings. Farley, displays his wide range of acting ability for breaking your heart at one moment and breaking your funny bone the next.

Every time I watch Tommy Boy it is bittersweet. In two short years, Farley’s addictions would spiral out of control, leading to his death by drug overdose. And while his death no doubt contributes to the iconic status of Tommy Boy, it also leaves a hole in your heart realizing that we never got to see Chris’ full potential as an actor.

But, with one liners to spare, Tommy Boy is a laugh a minute comedy. It gave birth to “Holy Schnikes!” And “Fat guy in a little coat!” But, like a lot of comedies, my favorite moments are the fleeting ones. When Paul runs out of the board room in a panic, my favorite line in Tommy Boy is yelled by Chris, “Hey! You forgot your wife!”.

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