Mike sits down with Mark Edlitz to dive into Movies Go Fourth, Edlitz’s latest exploration of film history that focuses on fourth installments in beloved movie franchises. Together, they explore the unique quirks, challenges, and unexpected triumphs of fourth films, from reinventions to revivals. Alongside a conversation about the power of nostalgia and innovation in filmmaking, this episode promises insights for fans of sequels, classics, and the less-charted cinematic territories of beloved series.

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On this special episode, we’re diving into the curious 1953 fantasy The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T. Produced by Stanley Kramer, directed by Roy Rowland, and uniquely penned by Dr. Seuss, the film stars Hans Conreid as Dr. Terwilliker, a sinister piano teacher who’s devised the “Terwilliker Method” for the obedient fingers of child pianists. Tommy Rettig plays Bartholomew Collins, an imaginative boy determined to derail Dr. T's grand plans. Join Mike, playwright David MacGregor, and critic John Monaghan as they delve into the film's quirky charms, elaborate set pieces, and iconic status.

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Mike welcomes Samm Deighan and Andrew Nette, co-editors of Revolution in 35mm: Political Violence and Resistance in Cinema from the Arthouse to the Grindhouse, 1960–1990, from PM Press.  The book explores revolutionary cinema across the globe. They discuss the themes and politics of the films covered in the book, highlighting how cinema has been used to challenge authority, incite change, and reflect social struggles. It’s a deep dive into cinema as a tool for revolution, with insights from two of the leading voices in the field of film criticism.

Order your copy from PM Press at https://bit.ly/3Ai6y8x 

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We to kick off Noirvember 2024 with a delve into Pitfall (1948), a classic film noir directed by André De Toth, starring Dick Powell as an insurance man caught in a web of deception and danger. When Powell's character falls for Lizabeth Scott’s femme fatale, his seemingly mundane life spirals into chaos, bringing betrayal, blackmail, and murder.

Ian Brownell and Philip Marinello join Mike to explore the film’s themes of moral ambiguity, post-war disillusionment, and the pitfalls of desire in this rich discussion of this noir gem.

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Set against the sun-drenched landscapes of Baja California, this film explores a cursed tale where the desert heat and shadows of folklore merge into an atmospheric terror. Mike speaks with writer/director Jeff Daniel Phillips about his latest feature film on this special episode.

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In this episode of The Projection Booth, Mike interviews Tim Hautekiet, the director behind Me, Myself & the Void (2024). Hautekiet shares insights into crafting this surreal, introspective journey that follows a stand-up comedian as he confronts himself in a mysterious "void." Exploring themes of self-discovery, friendship, and vulnerability, Mike and Hautekiet discuss the film's influences, the creative process, and its unique balance of comedy and introspection that aims to resonate with audiences on a personal level.

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In this exciting crossover episode, Mike is joined by Chris Stachiw of The Kulturecast, Father Malone of Midnight Viewing, and filmmaker Antonio Llapur for a lively discussion of Venom: The Last Dance (2024). While Chris and Mike found a lot to admire, Father Malone and Antonio weren’t as enthusiastic, leading to a spirited exchange on what works and what misses in this unique entry in the Venom franchise.

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In this episode Mike talks with Barry Keating, the co-screenwriter of Invoking Yell (2024), the latest horror from Chilean director Patricio Valladares. Set in the isolated landscapes of Southern Chile, this atmospheric found-footage film follows a group of young women trying to record a black metal demo amidst strange, paranormal occurrences in the forest. What starts as a raw music venture quickly descends into a terrifying ordeal as eerie forces begin to lurk around every corner.

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The Spirit of Halloweentown (2024) celebrates the unique Halloween festival of St. Helens, Oregon—a town that annually transforms itself in tribute to Disney’s cult-classic film Halloweentown, which was filmed there in 1998. Directed by Bradford Thomason and Brett Whitcomb, known for their nostalgic lens in Jasper Mall, the film dives into the lives of the locals who are the heart of this Halloween tradition.

As part of our Fantastic Fest coverage, Mike talks with Thomason and Whitcomb about their latest documentary film.

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#Shocktober2024 wraps up with a double dose of horror and weird science, diving into The Incredible 2-Headed Transplant, a pick from Patreon donor James Brummel. No, it’s not the two-headed flick with Rosie Greer or the one from Japan—this is Bruce Dern’s wild ride as a mad scientist, melding the body of a manchild with the head of a deranged killer in the ultimate “transplant gone wrong.”

Tim and Agatha Luz of CinemaSpection join Mike to break down this two-headed cult classic and explore the world of other split-brained cinema (The Manster, The Thing with Two Heads).

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Mike, Dr. Nicholas Schlegel, and Heather Drain bring the eerie vibe of Shocktober 2024 to new heights with a Patreon request from Kyler Fey: Bell from Hell. This sinister 1973 gem by Claudio Guerín, written by Santiago Moncada, follows John (Renaud Verley), fresh from the asylum after a stay orchestrated by his aunt, Marta (Viveca Lindfors), and her three daughters. Now he’s back—and his intentions? Is he a prankster with a wicked sense of humor, or is he dead-set on revenge?

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