On this week’s episode, we discussed whether or not the decision to make Aslan a David Bowie-influenced lion voiced by Meryl Streep in a musical based on The Magician’s Nephew was a controversy or a nontroversy. Then we reviewed Resident Evil, which overperformed at the box office and earned raves from critics. It’s a movie made for gamers, which has its pluses … and its minuses. 

If you disagree and think there’s a better video game movie, leave your choice in the comments!

We’ve got a real treat for you today, folks: Richard Kelly—the director of Donnie Darko, Southland Tales, and The Box—joined us to discuss Donnie Darko’s 25th anniversary rerelease by Fathom Entertainment and Saga Arts. And, as a bonus, we got a bunch of insights into his sequel novel, which is coming out on December 15. Plus: some Southland Tales chat!

First things first: Get your tickets for the 25th anniversary showings of Donnie Darko today. It’s playing on October 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, likely in an AMC or a Cinemark near you.

Second things second: This is a bonus episode of Across the Movie Aisle, meaning that it is usually for subscribers only. We’ve decided to put out an extended preview of this episode to make sure we get in all the Donnie Darko chat. But if you notice it cutting off at 30 minutes or so and you want to get some insights into Richard’s surreal masterpiece, Southland Tales, we’ll need you to sign up for a membership to help keep the lights on around here. Fluid Karma doesn’t pay for itself, you know. 

On this week’s episode, we discussed David Ellison’s threat to flee California if Rob Bonta doesn’t wrap up his antitrust suit and the effort to secure federal production subsidies for movie studios. Then we reviewed Practical Magic 2, a terrible film. You guys are going to love this week’s bonus episode! Make sure to sign up now so you can get it delivered right to your inbox!

Hey, before we get started, a technical note: Due to a weird recording hiccup, Alyssa’s voice is slightly out of sync. I’ve gotten it as close as I can, but it’s … still not right. Sorry! Maybe just minimize the window and listen to this one. Or subscribe to your private ad-free RSS feed and get it straight to your favorite podcast app! 

The episode itself is pretty good, though! We discussed why Dolly Parton and Tim Curry were so beloved and free from culture war nonsense. Then we reviewed The Dog Stars. WARNING: Lots of spoiler chatter in this one! 

On this week’s episode we ask if dog peril should join the ranks of considerations for a Restricted rating from the MPA. Then we review The End of Oak Street, a movie with some dog peril that nevertheless earned a PG-13 rating. Make sure to swing by on Thursday for our bonus episode on Anne Hathaway. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend!

Hey, Sonny here: many thanks to Peter and Alyssa for banging this out without me. I’m on vacation this week, and despite planning to tape from my hotel room, things just didn’t quite work out. (Hotel wifi: Not always the most reliable!)

But I’ve listened to the whole thing and edited it and they did a very nice job! I probably liked Spider-Man: Brand New Day a bit more than either of them (it’s unironically the best film about male friendship I’ve seen in years, maybe a decade), but I’m biased. We’ll be back with a bonus episode this weekend—currently plan is to tape/edit Friday, post Saturday—and hope you won’t mind this minor interruption in our regularly scheduled posts. If it makes you feel any better, the Spider-Noir bonus-bonus episode is a real delight, you can watch it again while you wait for us to get back on track.

Anyway, if you liked this episode, please share it with a friend!