Reel Ripe & Reel Rotten – Details, episodes & analysis

In the latest episode of "Reel Ripe & Reel Rotten," Wes and Clay dive into the dark, psychological world of Paul Verhoeven's "The Fourth Man." This 1983 Dutch thriller is a fascinating blend of horror, eroticism, and surrealism that showcases Verhoeven’s talent for pushing boundaries. If you’re intrigued by films that blur the lines between reality and nightmare, this episode is right up your alley.

"The Fourth Man" follows the story of a bisexual writer who becomes entangled in a dangerous affair with a mysterious woman, leading him down a path filled with ominous visions and chilling premonitions. The film is a masterclass in tension and atmosphere, with Verhoeven pulling out all the stops to keep the audience on edge. It’s a movie that lingers long after the credits roll, thanks to its haunting imagery and unsettling narrative.

Wes and Clay delve into the layers of "The Fourth Man," exploring its themes of obsession, deception, and the blurred lines between fantasy and reality. They discuss how Verhoeven uses vivid, almost dream-like visuals to create a sense of unease and how the film fits into the broader context of his career. However, the hosts also touch on the film’s "too many themes" problem, where the narrative sometimes feels overburdened by its attempts to juggle multiple ideas without fully exploring any of them. They critique its somewhat hollow criticism of Catholicism, which feels more like a superficial jab than a meaningful commentary. Additionally, Wes and Clay express concerns about the film’s ending, questioning whether it delivers a satisfying resolution or leaves too many threads dangling. Their conversation balances thoughtful analysis with a touch of humor, making it perfect for dissecting a film that’s as enigmatic as it is provocative.

One of the most interesting aspects of "The Fourth Man" is how it foreshadows elements of Verhoeven’s later work, particularly "Basic Instinct." The film’s exploration of sexuality, danger, and the unreliable nature of perception would become recurring themes in Verhoeven’s career. Additionally, "The Fourth Man" was one of the last films Verhoeven made in the Netherlands before moving to Hollywood, making it a significant turning point in his filmography.

Listeners are encouraged to share their thoughts on "The Fourth Man" in the Reel Ripe & Reel Rotten Discord server. Whether you see it as a masterpiece of psychological horror or a challenging, surreal experience, there’s plenty to discuss. Supporting the podcast on Patreon also grants access to exclusive "B-Roll" episodes, where Wes and Clay delve into more of Verhoeven’s work and other cinematic curiosities.

This episode of "Reel Ripe & Reel Rotten" is a must-listen for fans of psychological thrillers and anyone interested in exploring the darker corners of cinema. Wes and Clay’s discussion of "The Fourth Man" offers a deep dive into a film that’s as disturbing as it is captivating.

Tune in at The Pensky File or your preferred podcast platform, and check out the Patreon for more exclusive content.

In the latest episode of "Reel Ripe & Reel Rotten," hosts Wes and Clay take on Arnold Schwarzenegger's "End of Days," the 1999 supernatural action thriller that earned a mixed reception from critics and audiences alike. Known for exploring the best and worst films of notable actors and directors, Wes and Clay bring their insightful commentary and humor to this dark and ambitious film.

"End of Days" features Schwarzenegger as an ex-cop battling to prevent Satan from initiating the apocalypse as the millennium turns. This film, blending action with supernatural horror, offers a departure from Schwarzenegger’s typical roles. Despite its intriguing premise, it struggled to make a strong impact at the box office and with critics.

Wes and Clay delve into the film's attempt to merge genres and how Schwarzenegger's performance fits into his broader career. They discuss the movie’s production, its reception, and its place within the context of late-90s cinema. With their signature mix of serious analysis and light-hearted banter, the hosts provide a comprehensive look at why "End of Days" is considered a misstep in Schwarzenegger's filmography.

One notable fact about "End of Days" is its significant use of digital effects, which were cutting-edge for the time but are often seen as dated today. The film's climactic battle between Schwarzenegger’s character and Satan involved extensive CGI, which was ambitious but received mixed reviews for its execution. Another intriguing aspect is that the role of Satan was initially offered to several other actors, including Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt, before Gabriel Byrne was cast. Byrne's portrayal brought a unique blend of charm and menace to the character, adding depth to the supernatural antagonist.

Listeners are encouraged to join the Reel Ripe & Reel Rotten community on Discord to share their thoughts on "End of Days" and other episodes. Supporting the podcast on Patreon unlocks exclusive content, including special "B-Roll" episodes that explore additional films from the featured artist's career.

This episode of "Reel Ripe & Reel Rotten" is a must-listen for fans of Schwarzenegger and those interested in the highs and lows of Hollywood cinema. Wes and Clay’s engaging discussion of "End of Days" offers both entertainment and insight, making it clear why their podcast is a favorite among film enthusiasts.

Tune in to this episode and explore more cinematic discussions at The Pensky File or on your favorite podcast platform. Support us on Patreon to get access to our exclusive "B-Roll" episodes and more bonus content!

In “The Weight of Water“, journalist Jean Janes (Catherine McCormack) begins researching the 1873 axe-murder of two sisters and discovers new information in the case. Meanwhile, her marriage to writer Thomas (Sean Penn) begins to fall apart. The show has […]

Find all of our content at The Pensky File

Links!

• https://thepenskyfile.com/links
• e-Mail : thepenskyfilevideo@gmail.com

The show has moved onto Kathryn Bigelow because Clay “deparately wanted to do her” and that means we’re starting off with the critically acclaimed “The Hurt Locker“. Directed by Bigelow and scripted by Mark Boal, The Hurt Locker is regarded […]

Find all of our content at The Pensky File

Links!

• https://thepenskyfile.com/links
• e-Mail : thepenskyfilevideo@gmail.com

The B-Roll selection for Amy Adams has Wes and Clay watching a film that both of them are unfamiliar with, 2016’s Nocturnal Animals. Directed and written by Tom Ford, Nocturnal Animals is the story of an art gallery owner named […]

Find all of our content at The Pensky File

Links!

• https://thepenskyfile.com/links
• e-Mail : thepenskyfilevideo@gmail.com

For our coverage of the “best” Amy Adams film, we discuss the intellectual science fiction of Arrival! It’s currently at 94% on Rotten Tomatoes and it secured several Academy Award nominations in 2016. Amy Adams stars as a linguist who […]

Find all of our content at The Pensky File

Links!

• https://thepenskyfile.com/links
• e-Mail : thepenskyfilevideo@gmail.com

Amy Adams stars in a truly horrible romantic-comedy where the jokes fall flat, the Irish are maligned, and Adam Scott is mis-used! “Leap Year” is a film from 2010 and is currently at 23% on Rotten Tomatoes. Adams stars as […]

Find all of our content at The Pensky File

Links!

• https://thepenskyfile.com/links
• e-Mail : thepenskyfilevideo@gmail.com

To complete our coverage of the 2019 Best Picture nominees, we have selected “A Star Is Born” as our B-Roll. It’s Bradley Cooper’s directorial debut, and he also stars as the talented but troubled rock star Jackson Maine. When Jackson […]

Find all of our content at The Pensky File

Links!

• https://thepenskyfile.com/links
• e-Mail : thepenskyfilevideo@gmail.com

This episode of the podcast covers the highest rated Best Picture nominee from 2018, Ryan Coogler’s MCU entry: Black Panther! The crown jewel of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (so far), Black Panther follows the adventures of T’Challa, the newly crowned […]

Find all of our content at The Pensky File

Links!

• https://thepenskyfile.com/links
• e-Mail : thepenskyfilevideo@gmail.com

As a special event, we’re going to cover the “ripe” and “rotten” films nominated for the 2019 Best Picture Oscar! For the low end of the spectrum, we start with Bohemian Rhapsody, a biopic about the rock band Queen, and […]

Find all of our content at The Pensky File

Links!

• https://thepenskyfile.com/links
• e-Mail : thepenskyfilevideo@gmail.com