I’m a sucker for movies set on modes of transportation. There’s something about the contained space combined with the inherent sense of momentum that makes for easy, comfortable viewing. Bullet Train understands the appeal as well, using its propulsive setting to stage a story in the curious subgenre of movies about wacky assassins.
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It’s easy to dismiss The Last Samurai at first glance as just another entry in the evergreen “soldier betrays his masters and goes native” subgenre. The formula has proven to be a robust one, but the movies it’s yielded have varied widely in quality – from the acclaimed Dances With Wolves to the beautiful but paper-thin Avatar. The Last Samurai proves to be one of the category’s best entries, setting itself apart through surefooted execution and a deeply human story. Continue reading
Join me and my co-host Vil as we discuss the 1971 Japanese monster movie Godzilla vs. Hedorah. We’ll discuss the movie’s powerful jam sessions, the hallucinatory fish head sequence, and more. Spoilers ahead!
Subgenre: Psychological / Anime
Summary: A pop star’s mental state deteriorates when she transitions to an acting career. Continue reading
This week Vil and I travel to Japan with my brother Sean guest hosting. Our three movies, Executive Koala, Marebito, and The Machine Girl, are sure to bring great honor to your family. (Go to 1:35 to skip the music.)
Listen (and call in) to us at our new time, Saturdays from 5-6 P.M., through WNUR at wnur.org.
Subgenre: Found Footage / Foreign
Summary: A documentary filmmaker investigates a series of paranormal occurrences. Continue reading