Saturday, April 29, 2017

Weekend Open Thread

Orange you glad I didn't say Kristen Stewart?

Happy weekend, all. This is the last weekend of April and the last weekend before the summer movie blitz begins, so hold on to your butts. It also means we're just a month away from #Junesploitation! Hugo Stiglitz can't believe it.

What are you all watching/doing/talking about?

80 comments:

  1. I was a bit fried last weekend and didn't talk about the movies I saw at the Night Visions festival, so here goes.

    The Eyes of My Mother is haunting, disturbing and beautiful. An amazing movie.

    Cold Hell (Die Hölle) is a German thriller, where a Turkish woman happens to see a serial killer hard at work, who then starts playing a cat-and-mouse game with her. It's a great-looking and exhaustingly directed thriller with a little comedy sprinkled in, but it also deals a little with prejucides towards immigrants and a difficult family situation.

    Meatball Machine Kodoku is 100 minutes of stupid comedy, body horror, CGI blood and misogyny. Not my bag.

    Hypersomnia (from Argentina) is a pretty good mystery with a slight supernatural tinge, about women being held hostage and abused by human traffickers. It's uncomfortable viewing at times, but the story takes a few interesting turns and ties together nicely.

    The highlight of the night was 1981's Dead & Buried on 35mm film and with director Gary Sherman in attendance. A truly great 80's horror comedy!

    This week, I've been recuperating by watching hockey (my team, Tappara, won the Finnish championship for the second time in a row!) and watching the Andy Sidaris DVD set I just got. Sidaris movies are great stupid fun, with bad acting, nonsensical plots, ridiculous action and Playboy girls. I can't defend liking them, but I do.

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    1. Sidaris movies are psychedelic in the sense that they occasionally cause me to psychotically break from reality.

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  2. Watched "A Dark Song" which is a really well done indie Horror regarding a woman who hires an occultist to try and make contact with her dead son. The film would be considered "art house" I guess, due to it's slow pace, dialog driven and mostly single location style. The writing is terrific and the sense of dread is very real. It's a film I'll see myself revisiting again to delve deeper into it. It's not for everyone, but I found it really interesting.

    Also watched "Assassin's Creed". Borefest and nonsense. Marion Cotillard gives this exposition speech which felt like 5 minutes and the dialog was so poorly written you could tell she was losing her mind delivering it. Not even a fun popcorn action flick, which I was hoping for.

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    1. Have you seen The Void yet Chaybee? I've been hearing a lot about it, and wanted to know if the $7 rental was worth it.

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    2. I have. Ummm...I wasn't really a fan. There are things I liked about it but ultimately thought it was confused and a bit of a mess of ideas. I would say though that most indie Horror is worth the rental if for the only reason to support independent films. These filmmakers do know what there doing so I have faith that they will only get better and a lot of that involves us as fans of the genre to show support. You also might end up loving it!

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    3. Yeah I think I'm going to give it a rental tonight. It's a pretty miserable day in Cleveland today, and nothing in cinemas looks terribly interesting. Thanks!

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    4. It's a mash-up of all your favorite movies that doesn't quite mesh. It's not bad just not great.

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    5. Agreed. I just saw The Void at the Nashville Film Festival. I really liked the first 45 minutes, and then the film's various inspirations get the best of it.

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    6. Watched it last night and.....yep. Spot on. It's like there were 4 writers and they all wanted to make a different movie, so they just compromised and threw them all into one.

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  3. i got a big tax return, so i bought a bunch of stuff.

    my plan for the weekend is with those: close range, the love witch, buena vista social club, che, the love witch

    and maybe more, i have nothing else planned

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    1. Have you thought about concluding your mini-marathon with a third screening of The Love Witch?

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    2. i'll start with the first watch

      last night i watched Che with a friend. that's a huge chunk of time.

      Love Witch will happen tonight for sure

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    3. no surprise there, i really liked The Love Witch. i don't have anything more to say than in the review by Mr. Bromley

      i just need to watch the bonus on the blu-ray. i'll do it later

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  4. Picked up a few Scream Factory titles this week. First was the 2K restoration of The Thing. It really, really is something special. Haven't watched any of the extras or commentaries yet, but the improved picture quality alone is worth the price, and beats the hell out of my old DVD. Second was The Howling, something I've never had the chance to see before. Overall, pretty good. Aside from a really dated shot of 2 cartoon wolves having sex in front of a cartoon fire, I liked just about everything. It's considerably lighter on special features compared to the Thing disc, but I'm looking forward to going through those sometime soon too.

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  5. Grabbed a "Grindhouse" 20 pack from a thrift store the other day. Mostly Italian action from the late '60's - early '70's. Mostly boring so far, but punctuated by stunts that look like they caused instant death. I'll do my research and spin a couple of the better regarded ones during #Junesploitation

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    1. If it's this one - https://www.amazon.com/Grindhouse-Experience-Film-Feature-Collection/dp/B00KHSCBZM The price alone is worth it for "The Executioner Pt. II". That movie is madness!!

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    2. It's part 2 of that series. Thanks for the recommend tho.

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    3. Looks like it's on Amazon Prime and released by Vinegar Syndrome. Woo hoo! Is it June yet???

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    4. Thanks for the heads up! Watching this on Prime now. The version they have up looks fantastic. It's always hit or miss with them.

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    5. Oh man, you are in for hell, haha! Perhaps the most annoying performance of all time with the female equivalent to "Bob" who cannot stop fake laughing throughout. And, of course, delivers the classic -
      "Heavenly coke!"

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    6. I could think of no better way to celebrate your birthday.

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    7. I'm starting "Die Hard" now because I've only seen 129 times.

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  6. Already started compiling a preliminary list for #Junesploitation. A few obvious choices, a few weird choices, a few Finnish movies because no one else is gonna write about those, and a few movies I'm sure everyone here has seen by me. Also planning to visit the local second-hand shop next week and try to find some weird gems.

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  7. Does anyone here have any interest in FTM starting a Patreon? After consideration and looking into it for a bit, I'm not sold on it. I'm not crazy about the idea of asking you all to pay for something every month and I don't like the idea of creating extra content that is not available to everyone. For now I would much rather keep the PayPal donation button active should anyone choose to use it. Just putting it out there.

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    1. Whoa, you read my mind - actually read my mind in the future because I was just thinking of that as I walked towards my computer 15 minutes ago to check out the ole Weekend Weigh-In. I was pondering whether it would be tacky to come right out and ask what people were donating or like what wouldn't be considered an insulting donation (I know, I know, anything is appreciated but still, it's a bit of a new concept so I don't know the etiquette). I can't really afford to donate a whole lot, but it's like I consider what the site has given me over the years priceless so any amount short of thousands feels, "Seriously, Sol, after all these years, $20? (or whatever). But when The Movie Crypt did their thing - even though I haven't even been listening to it on the reg lately - I threw down for them without even thinking about it - a suggested monthly contribution that just comes out of my account just works better for me...

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    2. I'm in favor of it! You guys work so hard to produce the best movie podcast and website on the internet. As far as I'm concerned, you deserve more for your work. I'd love for this site to become more financially successful so we can get more content!

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    3. I'd be ok with a Patreon but I can understand your issues with exclusive content. It would be nice to have something other than just the donate button becuase it's an easy thing to forget about for long periods of time. I like the idea of having structure to it like a Patreon.

      As an alternative though, maybe have a donation counter on the site that incentivizes donations with rewards at certain milestones. Like when the community hits $1000 in donations you do a Jan and Erika episode and at $1500 Riske and Rob both have to broadcast themselves on Facebook Live watching the 50 Shades movies.

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    4. I'm in favor of it, but only if the bonus content was Mike talking about Game of Thrones in intricate, excruciating detail, while Patrick mocks him. You could call it Shame of Thrones. Or maybe Game of Burns.

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    5. If I thought a Jan and Erika episode could raise $1,000 I would do it right quick. Shame of Thrones I will do for free. Otherwise I'm running out of ideas.

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    6. Wishmaster commentary - Patreon exclusive

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    7. I'd listen to a Wishmaster commentary if you did it like Arnold, and just said things like "oh this scene is great" and "watch this next scene, he's gonna turn the guy into glass".

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    8. The problem is that the variety of the podcasts is so broad, it's hard to think of something specific that would constitute bonus content. Like some podcasts are specifically "bad movie" shows, and their patron content is like good movies or whatever. But you do shows on movies you like, movies you don't like, directors, topics, burying stuff in the yard with Doug (?). As long as something has anything to do with movies, you can do a show on it. I'm not sure, I was listening to the Demon Knight pod the other day, and you and Adam (Adam and yourself) talked about your favorite TFTC 'sodes. That would've been a great show. But then again, I'm an idiot who never realized the only way to make it with all that fancy kicking was Broadway.

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    9. I totally get your stance on essentially creating content behind a paywall. Honestly, I hesitate dictating any choices you make because your choices in which movies to talk about make F This Movie "F This Movie" in the first place. That being said, maybe enable Patreon subscribers to vote from a shortlist of movies to talk about on a podcast every couple of months or so. Or even getting Patreon subscribers to vote from a shortlist of "I'll Watch Anything" columns. Same thing for Halloween and holiday commentaries?

      Alternatively, how about merch? Get some of that sweet Rik FTM-fest artwork on some "I survived 1987 FTM Fest" official apparel? Some "Growing Up Nerdy" underoos? A "Shitting on the Classics" mug? I dunno.

      I reckon if you set up a Patreon page, I'd subscribe anyway just to say that I'm an official supporter of F This Movie - the best internet community going 'round. No "exclusives" necessary. (One off PayPal donations don't scream "family" to me....)

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    10. Yeah, I'm not saying it would raise $1000 in one month but it would provide a long term goal for the community to work towards over time. The potential issue with Patreon is that it might divide the community with exclusive content.

      We've seen how great this community is at working together though so I think the key is somehow coming up with ways for everyone to work towards a common goal. Even slowly pushing towards a goal provides an ongoing reason to donate.

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    11. Yeah, I don't like the idea of exclusive content either - and I wouldn't expect it or anything, but I can see how incentivization is kind of the name of that game - I like the idea of it unlocking some additional input perhaps - one level might get you a vote on one or more podcast subjects - maybe another level lets you pick a movie to be reviewed - another level might let you pick a podcast. And then of course there's the Indecent Proposal tier where Erika Bromley lets you sleep with her husband for $1,000,000. Stuff like that. But then, I wouldn't want to stifle creativity either and maybe being forced to do a write-up of a particular movie isn't cool - I don't know, just spit-ballin'!

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    12. Thanks, everyone, for chiming in on this. It's good to hear your feedback. Ross' mention of "dividing the community" is what I worry about with a Patreon but wasn't able to articulate. Each time we advertise one of the exclusives, we're only talking to SOME of you and I just don't like that idea. Plus, it sets up an expectation that everyone should pay for the show and I don't want that, either. It's nice when anyone donates any amount, but it can't become a requirement.

      A lot of podcasts that run Patreons don't also have a website that's providing content every day, so Brian's point about the variety of stuff already being offered making it hard to call something "bonus" content stands. I don't want to become some sort of 'pay for play' site, but maybe there's something to the idea of a donor 'reward' being that you can pick a movie for a podcast or something. I don't know. It all makes me feel weird and uncomfortable.

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  8. Replies
    1. Happy Birthday Chaybee!! Patrick, I think your reservations are correct in this case. Let's PayPal it up y'all!

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    2. Thanks you guys! Hmmm...Patron could be cool though. The perks are endles. A pantless video chat with Riske? A phone call from DracuDoug? Seriously though, could be cool if thought out correctly though I'm not that well versed in how Patron would work on a film site.

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    3. Happy B-Chay, Daybee! (hoo, stretching for something original there)

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    4. Haha! Thanks, Sol and Brian! Just settling in after dinner and finally getting around to checking out "Hunt for the Wilderpeople".

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    5. Ah, nice little b-day flick - I really enjoyed it.

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    6. Happy BD Chaybee! I'm surprised you sat down to watch Assasins Creed! What's that all about :)

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    7. ♪ Happy, happy birthday [Chaybee]
      We're so glad u came
      Happy, happy birthday [Chaybee]
      Here's some toys and games, hey!
      We're so excited from all of us to you
      Happy, happy birthday [Chaybee]
      We wish it was ours too! ♬

      As a musician, Chaybee, hope you understand I can't afford to sing the expensive "real" Happy Birthday song. Oh well, it's the thought that counts. :-P

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    8. Happy Birthday, Chaybee sir. Two quick things. I have been enjoying the hell out of your album. I'm convinced that it is actually changing the shape of my brain. Second, have you seen a new film called Bloodlands? It was directed by an Australian but filmed in Rumania.

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    9. Whoa! Thanks for the birthday wishes and songs haha from you all!

      JB- Really appreciate the kind words and support for the record. I was curious how you would react to it. I hope it's reshaping your in a good way :-) If the movie you're referring too is a.k.a White Settlers, I saw it last year and wasn't that into it from what I remember.

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    10. OH...you must mean this one http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4232130/?ref_=nv_sr_2

      Had not been on my radar, thanks for the heads up! Did you see it?

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    11. Long distance Happy birthday from the UK to the one and only Chaybee. :)

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    12. Even longer distance Happy Birthday to Chaybee from Finland!

      Oh, that reminds me, I was meaning to put Backwood Madness on your radar. It's a Finnish fantasy/horror coming later this year. It's about WW2 waking up ancient "spirits of the forest".

      That teaser is a year and a half old, even though they only wrapped production this spring, so the footage there might not be from the movie but made specially for the teaser. I'll report back when it's out.

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    13. Thanks so much, guys! Mikko - on my radar now, haven't heard of it! "Lake Bodom" seems to be getting lackluster reviews, did you see it?

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    14. The most I can say about Bodom* is that it's okay. Surprisingly good for a Finnish movie but it's by-the-numbers in-the-woods horror. Althought one setpiece felt original and was kind of thrilling (you'll know it when you see it).

      * It's called just Bodom in Finland, but I see it's called Lake Bodom internationally. The shorter title works here since pretty much everyone in Finland knows what it refers to, it's probably the most famous unsolved crime in Finnish history (it's pretty peaceful here).

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    15. Mikko! Just watched "Bodom". It's beautifully shot though the film is really underwhelming. I agree completely, it was just "okay".

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  9. Someone spoke about a movie last week in this space called The Dark Tapes, so I thought I'd check it out. It was okay. Unusually for found footage horror the wraparound story was the most interesting aspect, involving timey-wimey stuff. I also watched The Old Dark House for the umpteenth time. Ernest Thesiger never gets old.

    If it's possible to get one of those things from Harry Potter that repel evil soul-sucking forces, I wouldn't mind having one. I don't have a Gringotts account, though, and I always sort of assumed they would be free anyway. I've never been troubled by a Dementor to my knowledge, but I get super bummed out sometimes, and who knows, it might be one of them. There are more things in Heaven and Earth, Horatio...

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    1. Unusually for a compilation horror film is what I meant to say.

      I think I probably did say that and somebody hacked the site and altered my post in order to make me look like an idiot.

      That's always happening. I don't know how I became a target for these people, but they really seem to have it in for me.

      Jerks.

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  10. Went back to school this week which cut down my movie watching :(

    Did manage to see Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2 twice though. I really really loved it. I think people that are fans of James Gunn will respond to it a lot, as well as the marvel universe more broadly. I hope you all enjoy it when it opens in America (love that Australia is one of the first for something at least). Weird thing though, it opened on a Monday. Does anyone know why this would be?

    I think I'm going to watch Philadelphia tonight, in honour of Jonathan Demme. Really loved that piece you guys wrote from earlier in the week. I think I've only seen Silence of the Lambs from him, so I'm looking to remedy that over the next couple of weeks.

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    1. Never let school get in the way of watching movies. And you can believe me on this... I'm a teacher.

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    2. I've also only seen Silence of the Lambs. Fucking newb! (That was directed towards myself btw)

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    3. I think it opened in Monday because a bunch of people would go see it on Anzac Day because thats the last day of school holidays down here

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    4. Well in that case JB, I guess I will have to proceed as usual ahaha

      Paul - I felt the same! ahaha I can confidently say now Philadelphia is soooo worth checking out. Jesus Demme directs the hell out of court room scenes even. It's really powerful.

      Russell - Yeah that makes sense! I would say that's the mystery solved.

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  12. I'm under the weather with a whole Sunday free (until 8:30PM when my overnight shift begins). But damn it, there are four movies leaving Netflix at midnight that I've never seen and I must watch so I can listen to podcasts about them (not FTM's, though those are in the rotation). So wish me luck as I drift in and out of consciousness all day long as I watch "Fantastic Four" ('05), Stephen King's "Cujo" and "Thinner," plus "Tales from the Darkside: The Movie."

    Only a month away from Junesploitation!, hooray! :-)

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  13. Last minute recommendation - "Winners Tape All: The Henderson Brothers Story" (2016) it's available on Amazon Prime and is only a little over an hour long. It's a love letter, "Christopher Guest" style mokumentary (much lower budget though; est. $1000.00) about two brothers who made SOV video Horror films in the 80's. It get's so much right about these films and you can tell that the filmmakers are huge fans so it's easy to forgive the amateurish acting. I found it really fun to watch.

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  14. Saw Colossus last night. A little frustrating since it only felt a couple steps away from greatness, but a cool original concept that is easy to recommend.

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  15. I think Patrick made the right decision, if a decision has in fact been made. Not everyone can afford what amounts to a subscription. As Gil said, merchandising could be the way to go if you kids are on your uppers, or even if you're not. The monetary return might seem negligible, but it's essentially advertising that we pay you for us to exhibit. The guy who wears the "THE END IS NIGH" sign always gets my attention when I pass him on my way to work. That probably isn't the best example to use, but I do check my news feed after seeing him — Hi, Terry! (I don't imagine he listens to this podcast, but you never know) — before I arrive at the office just in case the apocalypse is imminent and I can take the day off.

    I'm looking forward with relish to the F This Movie/Saturday Night Movie Sleepovers crossover — Do An American Werewolf in London, do An American Werewolf in London, do An American Werewolf in London.

    I was listening to the SNMS cast on Grease earlier today and Blake mentioned that he had been on an episode of F This Movie, but I do not remember which one it was and can't find it in my downloads. Typing "Blake" yields nothing except links to my Blake's 7 slash fiction collection. Can anyone tell me which F This Movie edition it was? Thanks in advance for any answers. If no answers are forthcoming from people who know, scareww you! in advance. Nah, I didn't mean that (I did mean that).

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    2. I want to say that it was the Scored to Death episode.

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    3. Thanks, Wil. Yeah, of course that must be it. Blake mentions the title of his book in every episode of SNMS. Stupid, stupid mouse.

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