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, Review, Top Lists

Ryan’s 150 Favorite Films: Number 126, Penny Serenade (1941)

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!***

126. Penny Serenade (1941) Directed by George Stevens

The Movie: Julie Gardiner (Irene Dunne) reflects on her life as she listens to “Penny Serenade”.  Julie remembers the night she meet charming news reporter Roger Adams (Cary Grant). The two meet on a snow dusted New Year’s Eve and their whirlwind marriage. Julie and Roger continue their romance on his train to San Francisco.

Roger is sent to Tokyo and Julie soon joins him. Julie is pregnant and excited to spend the time with Roger. Tragedy strikes however as an earthquake rocks Tokyo. Julie loses her unborn child and her and Roger return to San Francisco.

Julie is informed by her friend Applejack (Edgar Buchanan) that her and Roger should adopt a child. Roger, meanwhile is struggling to keep his newspaper afloat, Julie focuses on a nursery for an impending arrival of a child.

Julie and Roger apply for a child, a two-year-old boy. The director of the adoption agency Miss Oliver (Beulah Bondi) and informs Roger and Julie that a five-week-old girl is available. Roger is not so sure as he wanted a boy, but when he sees the young girl he falls in love with her.

Roger and Julie are put on a one year probation for the child, where they must prove to be fit parents. During the year, Roger has lost his newspaper and does not have a stable income. Roger is told that the law will not allow him to keep his daughter. Roger makes an impassioned plea to the judge over seeing their adoption. Julie and Roger are granted custody of their daughter, Trina.

The years go by and the family continues to experience love and fulfillment. One Christmas, Julie and Roger are told that although Trina is too young to play an angel in a play, she is given the role of “echo” and they beam with pride.

Tragedy strikes the Adams’ again as in a letter to Miss Oliver, Julie informs her that Trina has died, and Roger is in the midst of a depression. Julie believes that she might be the reason and plans on leaving Roger. As Julie is about to leave, they receive another phone call from Miss Oliver. Miss Oliver informs that a two-year-old has become available. Julie and Roger decide to adopt the child and rebuild their family.

Why I Love Penny Serenade (1941): First and foremost, any film with both Cary Grant and Irene Dunne is guaranteed to be a winner (see my list, much later). Also. It is a legitimate tear jerker, which the stars deliver the goods. Grant’s plea with the judge is a highlight, in fact Grant would say this film is his best performance and he was nominated and robbed of an Academy Award. This was his first nomination.

Irene Dunne is so lovely in the film. She too loves the film as she said it reminds her of her adopted daughter.

George Stevens once again proves he is underappreciated director. He keeps the melodrama from being too wrought with clean cuts and smooth camera movements.

The use of music in the film is genius, and Dunne’s Julie reflecting on the music to high and low points of her life is pure joy and heartbreak.

Penny Serenade is a masterclass in great acting, beautifully told with charming leads and stellar direction.

Articles, Top Lists

Ryan’s 150 Favorite Films: Number 127, The Lady Eve (1941)

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!***

127. The Lady Eve (1941) Directed by Preston Sturges

Sailing on an ocean liner is the beautiful con artist Jean Harrington (Barbara Stanwyk) and her two partners in crime. Her father “Colonel” Harrington (Charles Coburn) and his partner Gerald (Melville Cooper). They have their sights set on the gullible heir to a brewery, Charles Pike (Henry Fonda). Charles is returning from an expedition in the Amazon. Charles is the talk of the ship and all the women on board. Much to their chagrin, he is shy. Charles would much rather spend his time learning about snakes than the opposite sex.

Jean gets Charles’ attention by tripping him. It works as he is charmed by her. Charles’s friend and minder, Muggsy (William Demarest) isn’t buying what Jean is selling and warns Charles about her. Charles does not believe Muggsy and continues to court her.

Jean along with her father and Gerald plan on stealing money from Charles in a card game. Jean tells her father that she does not care for Charles and to continue with the con. But love is funny and Jean saves Charles from her father and the con. Muggsy finds out the truth, tells Charles, who dumps a broken-hearted Jean.

Jean, does not like being dumped and devises another con. She re-enters Charles’s life as the sophisticated Lady Eve Sidwich, the niece of Sir Alfred McGlennan Keith (Eric Blore), who just so happens to be a conman as well, and with Jean they decide to con the wealthy of Connecticut.

Jean as Lady Eve meets Charles. He is so certain that he knows her that he won’t stop tripping over himself and falling. Muggsy again does not buy what Lady Eve is selling and pleads with Charles that she and Jean are one in the same.

Charles falls for the con even more when Sir Alfred tells him not to worry, Lady Eve is the sister of Jean, hence the resemblance. Jean’s plan works and she continues to court Charles who soon marries her and they leave on a train to their Honeymoon. On the train, Charles is flabbergasted by Eve’s past and all her old boyfriends. Charles literally jumps off the train to escape her.

To finish the con, Jean is told by her guys to pursue a huge divorce settlement. Jean cannot, she still loves Charles and tells Charles’s father that if she wants no money only for Charles to say to her face that their marriage is over. But he refuses and books a trip on another ship. Jean learns of this from Charles’s father and arranges to be on the same ship. On board she trips Charles as before and when he sees Jean he is so happy he kisses her and they make their way to her cabin. Once inside Charles confesses that he is still married, Jean replies “So am I darling.”

Why I Love The Lady Eve (1941): A lot of times I will watch a movie for the star. And The Lady Eve is one of those times. My first exposure to Barbara Stanwyk is the ultimate femme fatale in Double Indemnity (more on that film much later). I fell in love with her style and her sinister demeanor. When I did a deep dive into her filmography and learned she starred in a screwball comedy written and directed by Preston Sturges, I knew it was a can’t miss.

The Lady Eve is a showcase of Stanwyk’s impeccable range. She is funny, heartbroken and tough. She is the main attraction here with several of her male co-stars bringing the goods as well. Henry Fonda is fun to see as a bumbling, no confidence to be had guy. Fonda to me will always be the badass Admiral Chester Nimitz in Midway, so it was quite a treat seeing him as just a dude.

Preston Sturges delivers the laughs with a razor-sharp script and a steady hand in directing. What I love about him is his ability to seamlessly weave between genres. Sturges showed his incredible chops not even a month earlier with the great Sullivan’s Travels. He is a force in early Hollywood comedy.

Barbara Stanwyk and Henry Fonda prove that powerhouse actors, when given some of the best dialogue in the history of movies will deliver, making The Lady Eve endlessly funny and endlessly rewatchable.  

Articles, Review

Ryan’s 150 Favorite Films: Number 128-The Rod Stewart Concert Video (1984)

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!***

128. The Rod Stewart Concert Video (1984) Directed by Carolyn Raskin

The Movie: Join Rock ‘n’ Roll Superstar Rod Stewart as he performs in front of a sellout crowd in San Diego in 1984! Also included a mini Rod Stewart documentary that features Jeff Beck!

Set List:

Scotland the Brave/Infatuation/Bad For You/Tonight’s The Night (Gonna Be Alright)/I Don’t Want to Talk About It/She Won’t Dance With Me/Hot Legs/You’re In My Heart (The Final Acclaim)/Baby Jane/(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay/Young Turks/Passion/Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?/Maggie May/Some Guys Have All The Luck/Stay With Me/We’ll Meet Again

Why I Love The Rod Stewart Concert Video (1984): I have told this story many times, but this was my first memory of listening to and loving Rod Stewart. My dad was working on something in his garage and my brothers and I were most likely driving him crazy.

My dad sent us downstairs with his bootlegged copy of The Rod Stewart Concert Video and told us to pick our favorite song and let him know.

When Rod came out in a hot pink suit, canary yellow shirt and Ray Bans, singing “Infatuation” I was hooked. I ran upstairs and told my dad the first song was my favorite. My dad told me I had to watch the the whole concert. I did. Over and over again. And a life long obsession was born.

But forget all that and the heavily edited songs, seriously during “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” Stewart goes from being on the ground to instantly back up singing the final verse, it is awesome watching Stewart in his prime. He runs, jumps, spins, shimmies, and pours his heart out for the entire runtime.

There is no better introduction to the awesomeness of Rod Stewart than this grainy, but totally radical concert video.

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Ryan’s 150 Favorite Films: Number 129-Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1931)

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!***

129. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1931) Directed by Rouben Mamoulian

The Movie: Dr. Henry Jekyll (Fredric March) believes that in every man there is a duality. One part that is good and another that is evil, and he intends to conduct experiments to separate the two. Henry is engaged to Muriel Carew (Rose Hobart) and intends to marry her right away. Her father, Sir Danvers Carew (Halliwell Hobbes) informs the couple that they must wait, putting Jekyll at odds with him.

One night, Jekyll and his colleague Dr. John Lanyon (Holmes Herbert) are walking home. On their way through the seedy streets of London a woman is being attacked by a man outside her residence. Jekyll is able to fight the man off. The woman introduces herself, Ivy Pierson (Miriam Hopkins) a bar singer and lady of the night. Jekyll carries Ivy to her room where she attempts to seduced the “good” doctor. Jekyll is tempted but leaves.

Jekyll is left alone after Muriel leaves with her father to Bath. With his fiancé out of the way, Jekyll beings experimenting with drugs that he believes will unleash the “evil” doctor. His experiment works, and Jekyll disappears and the evil Hyde takes his place. Where Jekyll has a moral compass, Hyde does not. Now able to act on all of Jekyll’s impulses, Hyde goes to a music hall where Ivy is performing. He offers her money in exchange for her company. Ivy agrees and takes Hyde to her room. Once there Hyde rapes Ivy and psychologically terrorizes her. Hyde soon learns that Muriel is set to return. He tells Ivy that he is leaving, but he will return.

The next day, Jekyll is back and he is overcome with guilt. He sends Ivy money, which after she receives it, Ivy decides to see Jekyll. When Ivy recognizes Jekyll as the man who saved her, she confides in him what Hyde had done to her. Jekyll tells Ivy that she will never see Hyde again.

Intending to attend a party hosted by Sir Carew Jekyll never makes it. He turns into Hyde, runs to Ivy’s room and murders her. Hyde runs to Jekyll’s home but is denied entry by the butler. Hyde quickly writes a letter to Lanyon tells him to take chemicals from Jekyll’s laboratory and take them to his home. Hyde arrives at Lanyon’s home where the doctor demands that Hyde tell him where Jekyll is. Hyde sensing he has no other choice drinks the formula a reverts back to Jekyll. Lanyon is shocked.

Jekyll leaves and soon realizes he is losing control from turning into Hyde. He visits Muriel and breaks off their engagement and leaves. As he walks away he sees Muriel crying. Jekyll turns into Hyde once again. Hyde goes into the home and attacks Muriel. Sir Carew attempts to stop it and is beaten to death for his trouble. Hyde flees back to Jekyll’s lab and takes the formula yet again and reverts back to Jekyll.

At Carew’s home, Lanyon recognizes the walking cane that was used in Sir Carew’s murder as Jekyll’s. Lanyon accompanies the police to Jekyll’s home, where Jekyll pleads with them that Hyde has left. Lanyon tells the police that Hyde and Jekyll are one and the same. Jekyll turns into Hyde and attempts to fight the intruders. Hyde is shot by police, and transforms back into Jekyll, dead.

Why I Love Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1931): This is a truly horrifying film. It is a great showcase for Fredric March, who would win an Academy Award for his dual role of Jekyll/Hyde. The duality in the roles is remarkable. As Jekyll, March is as handsome and charming as ever, as Hyde he is absolutely terrifying. Miriam Hopkins is the object of Hyde’s desire and it’s easy to see why. She is sexy, vulnerable and puts on a tour de force of a woman suffering at the hands of a controlling man.

The horror in this film is what it says about men as a whole. The way Jekyll wants to explore his dark side is nothing short of selfish. Instead of waiting to be married he wants to explore what it’s like to control a woman that has nothing with money and threats. And although Hyde is a “different” person, in reality he isn’t, he’s just the asshole version of Jekyll.

The horror of what man is capable of is told brilliantly through the direction of Rouben Mamoulain. The transformation scene is done cleverly by having the make-up by Wally Westmore using contrasting colors and the lenses of matching colors. When the lenses were slowly removed, the colors would not appear on a black and white film, but just more of the make-up was exposed.

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde transformed what horror could mean for film. Not every horror is a monster of supernatural origin, sometimes it’s the evil lurking inside.

Articles, Review

Ryan’s 150 Favorite Films: Number 130, Dracula (1931)

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!***

130. Dracula (1931) Directed by Tod Browning

The Movie: Renfield (Dwight Frye) is on his way to Count Dracula’s Castle in Transylvania. He is a solicitor who requires the Count’s signature on a lease for a property on England, Carfax Abbey. Before he arrives at the Count’s castle he is warned by the villagers that a vampire lives there and not to go. Renfield ignores these warnings and proceeds to the Castle. On his voyage there, Renfield sticks his head out of the carriage to tell the driver to slow down, the driver is gone and the horses are being lead by a bat!

Renfield meets the charming Count Dracula (Bela Lugosi) and they discuss his lease over dinner. Dracula tells Renfield that he intends to travel to Carfax Abbey the next day. Renfield is soon under Dracula’s spell through hypnosis, and when Dracula’s Brides appear, he orders them away and attacks Renfield.

Renfield (and Dracula in a coffin) travel by the schooner Vesta to England. On the voyage there, Dracula feeds on the crew, killing them all. When the ship arrives at England, Renfield is the only survivor who is now a lunatic under Dracula’s control. Renfield is taken to a Sanatorium run by Dr. Seward (Herbert Bunston), that just so happens to be adjoining to Carfax Abbey.

Later at a London theatre, Dracula meets Seward, his daughter Mina (Helen Chandler), her fiancé John Harker (David Manners) and her friend Lucy (Frances Dade). Lucy is smitten with Dracula. Dracula enters Lucy’s room later that night and drains her blood. Lucy is seen by doctors the next day as she appears to be quite ill. Lucy perishes despite the fact she was given multiple blood transfusions.

Renfield, meanwhile is eating bugs and insects at the sanatorium, which gets the attention of Professor Van Helsing (Edward Van Sloan), who after analyzing his blood talks to Renfield about vampires. Renfield pleads with Seward to send him away. Renfield is soon called by Dracula through a wolf howl, which is interrupted by Van Helsing showing him wolfsbane, which he claims will protect him from vampires.

Dracula next sets his sights on Mina and bites her that night. Later that evening, Dracula stops by to visit Van Helsing and John. They notice the Count does not have a reflection. Van Helsing informs Dracula that he does not have a reflection and Dracula smashes the mirror and flees. Van Helsing is certain that Dracula is the vampire responsible for the attacks and deduces something must be done.

Mina leaves her room for the garden, where Dracula strikes. Mina is rescued by the maid. Mina, although weak the following morning reads stories in the newspapers about a woman in white, luring children out at night and biting them. Mina recognizes the woman as Lucy. Harker pleads with Van Helsing to let him take Mina to London, but Van Helsing orders Mina to stay under the watch of a nurse and with wolfsbane around her neck.

Dracula returns to the Seward home and confronts Van Helsing. Dracula informs him that Mina is now his and warns Van Helsing to leave. Van Helsing refuses and Dracula attempts to hypnotize him to no avail. Dracula lunges at Van Helsing, who brandishes a crucifix, forcing Dracula to retreat.

John visits Mina on her terrace when a bat appears and “talks” to Mina. Mina attacks John, but Van Helsing and Seward save him. Mina confesses her love for Dracula and tells John their love is over.

Later that night, Dracula hypnotizes the nurse caring for Mina and has her remove the wolfsbane from around her neck. Dracula takes Mina to Carfax Abbey where John and Van Helsing see Renfield running to the Count as well. Thinking that Renfield has betrayed him, Dracula kills him. Van Helsing and John wait until morning to hunt Dracula as they know he must return to his coffin during daylight. Van Helsing finds Dracula’s coffin, impales him with a stake through the heart, killing him and restoring Mina to normal.

Why I Love Dracula (1931): Although it might seem stiff to modern audiences, Dracula is one of the best gothic horror films of all time. The mood and atmosphere alone make the film a winner.

Bela Lugosi not only embodies who Dracula is, his performance would shape every interpretation of the Count going forward. In the film, he is suave as he is dangerous. Special mention to Dwight Frye as Renfield, he plays a lunatic with great enthusiasm.

And don’t let the over 90 years old deter you from the film, some of the staging is a little stiff, but Browning does move his camera when needed giving the film a nice foreboding vibe of impending doom. The film also sports some iconic dialogue, none more so than “Children of the night. What music they make.” My personal favorite is “There are far worse things awaiting man than death.”

With an all time iconic performance, brilliant set design and cinematography, Dracula has earned its rightful title as one of Hollywood’s best horror films.

Articles, Review, Top Lists

Ryan’s 150 Favorite Films: Number 131, Night of the Creeps (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!***

131. Night of the Creeps (1986) Directed by Fred Dekker

The Movie: It’s 1959, and onboard a spaceship an alien is running down its corridors. A canister is placed in in a cannon and shot into space, which crashes into Earth. A college student and his date notice the canister crashing, believing it to be a shooting star he goes and investigates. His date is suddenly attacked and killed by an escaped mental patient with an axe. A slug launches from the canister and into the college student’s mouth.

Let us flash forward to 1986, we meet Chris Romero (Jason Lively( his friend J.C. (Steve Marshall) and the girl that Chris is in love with, Cynthia (Jill Whitlow). They meet her during pledge week at Corman University. Chris decides that he is going to impress Cynthia by joining the fraternity of her boyfriend, Beta Epsilon. In order to join the frat, the boys must steal a corpse, and plant it at a rival fraternity house.

Chris and J.C. go to the medical center and find a secret room. Inside Chris and J.C. see a corpse, and thaw it out. When the corpse tries to grab them the run like hell out of the room. The corpse now alive, attacks and kills a lab worker and walks out the door.

After the break in, Detective Ray Cameron (Tom Atkins) is assigned the case. The corpse makes its way to a sorority house, where its head splits open and slugs pour out. Detective Cameron is called to the sorority and finds the corpse with its head split open. Cameron believes it’s an axe that did the damage, from a case that has haunted him for 27 years.

Believing that Chris and J.C. are responsible for the corpse at the sorority house, they are questioned by police. The boys confess to breaking into the medical center but deny any knowledge of taking the corpse. There is a new zombie loose now, as the murdered medical student has risen from the dead and attacked a janitor.

The janitor is now one of the walking dead and attacks J.C. in a bathroom. Chris is confronted by Detective Cameron who tells him that the woman killed by the escaped lunatic was his ex-girlfriend. Cameron says that he hunted the man down, killed him and buried him underneath the sorority house. Cameron gets a call that an axe wielding maniac has killed the house mother. Cameron arrives on scene and sees to his horror that the man he killed is alive, but he is very much a zombie. Cameron blows its head off with a shotgun.

The next night as the all the girls at the sorority are getting ready for a dance, Chris learns that J.C. left him a message as he was dying. Telling him that the slugs’ weakness is heat and that he loves him. Chris gets Detective Cameron onboard and a flame thrower from the police department. They set out to stop the slugs.

The sorority house is soon under attack from a busload of zombies. Which are vanquished by our heroes. Chris and Cynthia notice that the slugs are retreating into the basement, where they find thousands of slugs in a pile. Cameron goes into the basement, pours gasoline on the slugs and blows them up with himself still in the house.

Why I Love Night of the Creeps (1986): I am a firm believer of judging movies by their covers. Night of the Creeps has one of the coolest box arts ever. I remember seeing it in all its glory at Blockbuster Video. With the tube lights flickering and the smell of microwave popcorn wafting in the air, the picture of a zombie prom date was irresistible to my friend Branden and I.

The movie itself is a blast. Gory and full of one liners it makes for a B-movie good time. Director Fred Dekker is an underrated genre writer and director. His love of 1950’s B-movies oozes from every frame. From the slugs being an alien experiment to the overall feel of the film. He is also a really well known script doctor

The cast is fun and Branden and I always point to the fraternity bro as the standard of all horror movie douche bag, only surpassed in my eyes by Trent in Friday the 13th (2009).

Night of the Creeps is a movie that feels like it was made for me. Zombies, one-liners, made in the 1980’s, 1980’s style fraternity douchebag and gore. Thrill Me!

Articles, Review

Ryan’s 150 Favorite Films: Number 132, Ghostbusters (1984)

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!***

132. Ghostbusters (1984) Directed Ivan Reitman

The Movie: Professors Peter Venkman (Bill Murray), Ray Stantz (Dan Akroyd) and Egon Spenger (Harold Ramis) work for Columbia University. They focus on the paranormal. They receive a call from the New York Public Library that there is a ghost in the stacks.

The encounter with the ghost and their subsequent dismissal from the University, they form “Ghostbusters” to capture and eliminate ghosts.

Dana Barrett (Sigourney Weaver) is haunted by a demonic dog and it lived in her fridge. She calls the Ghostbusters for help. Venkman does not take her seriously and tries unsuccessfully to seduce her.

Next up for the ‘Busters is the get a call from the Sedgewick Hotel about a ghost causing damage to their hotel. Once there the boys meet Smiler, a gooey-green ghost who loves food and “sliming people.” The Ghostbusters chase him into the ballroom and they capture him there. Gaining fame after they do. After this encounter, the Ghostbusters get a new recruit Winston Zeddmore (Ernie Hudson).

This catches the attention of Walter Peck (William Atherton) of the EPA who doesn’t believe the Ghostbusters. He asks to see the equipment but is denied. Peter meets Dana and informs her that Zuul is a demigod worshipped by Gozer the Gozerian, the shapeshifting God of Destruction. Peter goes to Dana’s home to see that she is possessed claiming to be the Gatekeeper.

Dana returns home and is possessed by Zuul and her neighbor Louis (Rick Moranis) has been possessed by Vinz Clortho, the Keymaster. Egon believes that they should stay separated.

William Peck returns to Ghostbuster headquarters with law enforcement and places the Ghostbusters under arrest. He also shuts down the containment unit which unleashes all the ghosts that the Ghostbusters have collected. Louis escapes and meets Dana at her apartment. There they go to the roof, where it transforms into a gateway between dimensions. The Ghostbusters see the Mayor where Winston is able to plead with the Mayor for their release to save the city.

The Ghostbuster arrive at the roof to see Louis and Dana transformed into demon dogs. Gozer appears as a woman and attacks. She asks the Ghostbusters to choose the form of their destructor. Stantz remembers the beloved mascot of Stay Puft Marshmallows, and Gozer takes his form and attacks. The Ghostbusters do the unthinkable and cross-streams with their proton packs and cause the Stay Puft Man to explode.

 Why I Love Ghostbusters (1984): The very first horror/comedy I remember watching was Ghostbusters. Another favorite that I would rent all the time, but not from Blockbuster, but from our local Safeway, when yes even grocery stores had movies to rent.

The script is whip smart. You appreciate it as a child, and then revel in it as an adult where it is more dirty and more fun. The special effects are still impressive, so too is the chemistry with the cast. They all are at the top of their game.

One of my great joys is showing my son movies I love. You get nervous because you wonder if he will like it as much as you do. And when he does, you just throw your hands in the air and everything you thought about the movie is validated.

Articles, Top Lists

Ryan’s 150 Favorite Films: Number 133, Top Secret! (1984)

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!***

133. Top Secret! (1984) Directed by Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, Jerry Zucker

American heartthrob rocker Nick Rivers (Val Kilmer) whose number one hit “Skeet Surfin’” has garnered him fame and a chance to perform at a cultural festival that is taking place in East Germany. But what he doesn’t know is that the East German Goverment is using the festival as a front in an attempt to untie Germany into one nation again!

When Nick arrives in East Germany after painting a beautiful painting on a moving train, he goes to dinner and meets Hillary Flammond (Lucy Gutteridge) who helps Nick at dinner because she knows a little German. But what Nick soon learns is that Hillary is part of the local resistance and she is hiding out there from the authorities. After he knocks the East Germans out with a rip-roaring cover of “Tutti Frutti”

After Nick meets Hillary again at the ballet, he saves her from the police and turns himself in. After torturing Nick to no avail Nick escapes and meets Hillary’s father, Dr. Paul Flammond (Michael Gough) who tells him he is developing a weapon that can destroy the NATO submarine fleet, he only agrees to help the East Germans so they don’t kill his daughter. Nick is captured again and taken to be executed, the East Germans think that this will cause an international problem and let’s Nick perform in front of a raucous East German, mostly female crowd.

At the end of his performance he is rescued by Hillary and he serenades her with “Are You Lonesome Tonight?”

The following morning the meet the rest of the French Resistance, with names like Deja Vu (Have we meet before?) and Hillary’s ex-lover Nigel. Who we soon learn is a traitor! Nick beats up Nigel in an underwater bar fight, saves the world, and he and Hillary leave to go to America!

Why I Love Top Secret! (1984): I have mentioned earlier that I love movies that have stupid dialogue and actors that say them seriously and believably. Top Secret! is another film that I rented countless times at Blockbuster, laughing every time I watched it.

Val Kilmer is great as the rock icon Nick Rivers. The jokes come fast and furious but some are right in your face (see above “The Anal Intruder”).

I mean who can’t love gems like this;

“Listen to me, Hillary. I’m not the first guy who fell in love with a woman that he met at a restaurant who turned out to be the daughter of a kidnapped scientist, only to lose her to her childhood lover who she last saw on a deserted island, who then turned out to fifteen years later to be the leader of the French Underground.”

“I know it all sounds like some bad movie.”

I laughed, I singed…I laughed again. Top Secret! is a joke a minute movie I don’t want to ever end.

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Ryan’s 150 Favorite Films: Number 134, The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course (2002)

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!***

134. The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course (2002) Directed by John Stainton

The Movie: The United States has a satellite that has blown up! The pieces scatter into space and head towards Earth. They all burn up in the atmosphere, except for one, that finds its way into the Australian Outback and into the belly of a crocodile.

The United States sends in two CIA agents Vaughan Archer (Kenneth Ransom) and Robert Wheeler (Lachy Holme) to retrieve it. Meanwhile, the crocodile has been given a cattle farmer Brozzie Drewitt (Magda Szubanski) a hard time and she intends to kill it.

The Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin (Himself) and his wife Terri Irwin (Herself) are recruited by Sam Flynn (David Wenham) to relocate the crocodile before Brozzie can kill it.

Archer and Wheeler arrive in Australia and use a GPS tracking device to locate the piece of the satellite. Steve and Terri are able to capture the croc and plan on relocating it. They fly past the two agents in their boat, which they falsely believe that the Irwins have the satellite piece, not the croc. They contact the CIA and tell them they believe the Irwins plan on selling the piece of the satellite to make a multi-million dollar expansion to their zoo.

After the Irwins load the croc onto their truck, Archer and Wheeler follow them and chase them in their car. Steve believing that the agents are poachers, Steve climbs to the top of the truck and takes care of Wheeler by knocking him off the truck.

The croc is successfully relocated to a new river system, it is there that Steve discovers in its poop the satellite beacon, which he believes is nothing more than a toy the croc ate. Archer and Wheeler soon arrive and Steve still believing they are poachers leads them away from the spot the relocated the croc. Unbeknownst to Wheeler and Archer, the CIA sent another agent to Australia to help in retrieving of the beacon. Agent Jo Buckley joins the chase, in an ultralight, which she throws into Wheeler and Archer’s boat causing them to crash. Steve believes he is in a full blown “poacher war!” Steve uses a rope to lasso Buckley’s ultralight bringing her down and saving the crocs, woohoo!

Why I Love The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course: Twenty years ago, I would watch “The Crocodile Hunter” almost everyday on Animal Planet. I loved Steve Irwins passion for conservation, his knowledge of animals, and how he always seemed to save Terri. His personality was infectious and made his TV shows must watches for me.

When The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course was released I was there opening day and I had a great time. The idea of filming the parts with the Irwins as one of their documentaries was brilliant. The rest of the movie is silly but Steve’s enthusiasm and energy made for one heck of a good time. I loved the idea of making him oblivious to what was happening in the world around him, all he and Terri cared about was saving the crocs and other wildlife.

The music is fun, the film is light weight and it is a perfect family film. I miss Steve Irwin, but with his passion as a Wildlife Warrior, his message will never fade away.

Articles, Top Lists

Ryan’s Favorite 150 Films: Number 135, Evil Dead (2013)

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!***

135. Evil Dead (2013) Directed by Fede Alvarez

The Movie: At an isolated cabin in the woods, David (Shiloh Fernandez) and his friends Eric (Lou Taylor Pucci), Olivia (Jessica Lucas) and Natalie (Elizabeth Blackmore) bring his sister Mia (Jane Levy) there to help her kick her drug habit. David is not aware that Mia’s drug use has gotten out of control and she has even overdosed before. David also learns that Mia has made this pledge before, only to fall victim to her addiction time after time.

But something is amiss at the cabin. There appears to be a blood stain that goes straight into the fruit cellar. When the curious group of friends go into the cellar the discover a book, bound in plastic with barb wire wrapped around it.

Eric, decides to rip the barb wire off and read the book. Which tells him not to, but he doesn’t listen. He says words that should not be spoken, “Kunda, Astratta, Montosse, Canda.” By saying those words he unleashes unseen demons into this world.

Mia soon is tormented by an evil doppelgänger that only she can see. She begs David to take her home, David refuses. Mia steals his car and attempts to flee. When she sees the demon version of herself, she crashes the car. As she leaves the car, she is chased through the woods. Mia gets trapped by vines and one of them enters her and thus possessing her.

Mia is found and returns to the cabin. At the cabin David finds his dog beaten to death. Convinced that MIa did he barges in on her in the shower. David is horrified to see that Mia is scalding herself in the water with no reaction.

David then takes Mia from the cabin in the hopes of getting her to a hospital only to find the road is washed away. David and Mia return to the cabin.

That night Mia emerges from her bedroom, possessed, holding a shotgun. Mia screams, “You are all going to die!” Shoots David, and pukes bile all over Olivia. Eric overpowers Mia and throws her into the cellar, locking her in.

When Eric goes to check on Olivia later, he finds her sawing her face with a broken piece of mirror. Olivia turns her attention to Eric and stabs him repeatedly with a hypodermic needle. Eric kills Olivia with a toilet cover and screams. David goes to help Eric, leaving Natalie and Mia alone.

Mia is able to lure Natalie into the cellar, bites her hand and licks a box cutter, slicing her tongue in half. David returns and is able to rescue Natalie, but the damage is done.

Eric explains that according to the book, it needs five souls, when this happens “The Abomination” will be unleashed. Unbeknownst to Eric and David, Natalie’s arm is now possessed. Natalie grabs an electric carver, and cuts her arm off. But she is already possessed and attacks Eric and David with a nail gun. Natalie soon bleeds to death.

Learning that Mia must be purified by several means to escape the demons wrath, David decides that he will bury Mia alive and attempt to resurrect her after she dies. David heads into the cellar to get Mia only to be attacked by her. Eric intervenes and gets stabbed in the neck for his trouble.

David is able to sedate Mia and bury her. After she is dead, he digs her up and resuscitates her. David returns to the cabin to get the car keys and is stabbed by Eric’s reanimated corpse. Mia is locked out of the cabin, which David then shoots a gasoline can, killing himself and Eric (again) in the process.

Mia does not have time to catch her breath as blood starts to rain down from the sky, The Abomination rises from the Earth, in the form of Mia. The Abomination attacks Mia, but Mia gets off both its legs with a chainsaw. The Abomination then pushes over a Jeep onto Mia’s arm, pinning it. Mia summons all her strength with The Abomination closing in on her and rips her arm off, sticks it in the chainsaw and cuts The Abomination in half.

Why I Love Evil Dead (2013): My favorite horror series is The Evil Dead. Remakes, or in this case a reimagining of the first film was going to be a tough sell, but Sam Raimi, Bruce Campbell and Rob Tappert, the brains behind the original trilogy were onboard so I knew it was in good hands.

Evil Dead is scary, intense and once it really gets going it can be overwhelming for the non-horror crowd. The film never lets up, never giving you a chance to catch your breath. You are stuck there, just like Mia and her friends, forced to watch in horror as they are assaulted, mutilated and killed.

But that also is what makes the movie so much fun. I was lucky enough to enjoy an early screening of this film at the University of Colorado with my friends and fellow horror lovers, Matt and Tommy. Tommy is no longer with us, and I always think of him when I watch this film, he had a heart of gold and I miss him dearly.

Hats off to Jane Levy who plays Mia. She brings vulnerability, intensity and total bad-assery to the role of Mia. She is the center point of the film and I can’t even imagine how difficult this film was to make for her.

If you are in the mood for the most intense (and fun) 92 minutes you will ever experience watching a movie, pop in Evil Dead, it’s groovy.

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