Rogues Gallery – Details, episodes & analysis

Let them fight... about the 2014 reboot of Godzilla! 

Nah, not really. We're all pretty positive about this inaugural entry in the Monsterverse franchise. We discuss the unusual origins of the project and its decade-long journey to the big screen, director Gareth Edwards' less is more approach to the material, some of the most common complaints fans have about it, how it compares to subsequent entries, and much more!

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The Strange Case of Lucy Chandler

You’re so cool, Brewster. We can’t stand it! Join us as we investigate one of the most impressive and underrated horror films of the 80s. This week, it’s Fright Night… for real!

Topics include: how each of us was introduced to this film, getting old enough to realize just how horny every single scene is, whether or not we agree with its classification as a horror/comedy, the tight-knit cast and how close they remain to this day, practical effects that rival the other heavy-hitters from this era, the sequel, the remake, some interesting what-ifs, and much more!

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Chris & Kristen's Web Series:
The Strange Case of Lucy Chandler

Heart of Ice has become the signature episode of Batman: The Animated Series, but it's just the tip of the iceberg (see what we did there?) We're using this bold reinvention of Mr. Freeze as a jumping-off point to talk about the history of this seminal show and why it remains our favorite adaptation of the Caped Crusader and his rogues. 

Topics include: Freeze's Silver Age origins (where he was known as Mr. Zero), his handful of appearances on the 60s Batman show, the perception of him prior to Batman: The Animated Series, the story behind this dramatically revamped iteration of the character, the surprisingly nuanced approach the creators took with so many of the villains, the incredible voice cast, how B:TAS successfully synthesized fifty years worth of Batman into something that felt new and familiar at the same time, Freeze's evolution across his subsequent appearances, how this depiction was eventually introduced into the comic books, why this remains the high watermark for so many of these characters, and much more!   Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
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Chris's Instagram & Twitter | Kristen's Instagram

Chris & Kristen's Web Series:
The Strange Case of Lucy Chandler

The Hitcher wasn't particularly well-received when it was released in 1986, but it has developed a dedicated following in the intervening years. And a big part of that is unquestionably due to Rutger Hauer's standout performance as the title character. It's as menacing, beguiling, and unusual as the film itself. So join us as we hitch a ride with this cult classic and open up a case file on the mysterious John Ryder.   Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
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Chris's Instagram & Twitter | Kristen's Instagram

Chris & Kristen's Web Series:
The Strange Case of Lucy Chandler

Be our guest as we dive into the enchanting world of Beauty and the Beast. In this episode, we explore the origins of the original fairy tale, Disney's prior attempts to bring it to the big screen, why the character of Gaston was instrumental in finally making this all work, how the film helped set the stage for the era known as the "Disney Renaissance", its direct-to-video follow-ups, the live-action remake from 2017, and much more!   Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
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Chris's Instagram & Twitter | Kristen's Instagram

Chris & Kristen's Web Series:
The Strange Case of Lucy Chandler

The legacy of The Crow is inextricably intertwined with tragedy. A devastating loss inspired the creation of the original comic book and then another would cast a shadow over its feature film adaptation.

But this blistering tale of love, revenge, and catharsis struck a chord with a legion of fans... and for one of your hosts, this was a story that found them at exactly the right time.   In this episode, we're doing a deep dive into all of it: the comic, the film, the accident, the aftermath, and so much more. Fire it up!   Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
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Chris & Kristen's Web Series:
The Strange Case of Lucy Chandler

Chris's Article About James O'Barr & The Crow

Fargo, eh? You're darn tootin'!   After the disappointing reception to their previous film, the Coen brothers decided to retreat into something much smaller in scope. And although they expected Fargo to have somewhat limited appeal, it would go on to become one of their biggest hits. 

Topics include: the nebulous nature of the movie's claim that this is based on a true story, the lengths William H. Macy went to in order to secure his role, how Roger Deakins' cinematography reinforces the major themes of the story, the origins of the film's unusual but iconic score, pushback on the idea that this is in any way punching down at Minnesotans, the movie's unexpected success, the first attempt to turn it into a television series back in 1997, the more successful incarnation that began in 2013, and much more!   Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
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Chris's Instagram & Twitter | Kristen's Instagram

Chris & Kristen's Web Series:
The Strange Case of Lucy Chandler

This is no dream. This is really happening! Join us as we move into the Bramford building and get to know the new neighbors. In this episode, we're investigating the history and impact of Rosemary's Baby.   Topics include: the state of the horror genre when this movie was released, why there was initially some resistance to the idea of hiring Roman Polanski to direct this, their atypical choices for the two lead roles and the more conventional names that were considered, how the decision to make the supernatural elements more ambiguous created multiple ways to interpret the film, the less successful follow-ups, the degree to which Polanski's controversial legacy hangs over all of this, and much more! Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
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Chris's Instagram & Twitter | Kristen's Instagram

Chris & Kristen's Web Series:
The Strange Case of Lucy Chandler

It's a brand new season of Rogues Gallery and we're kicking things off with what's become our most requested title... The Silence of the Lambs!   Topics include: Hannibal Lecter's first on-screen appearance in the film Manhunter, why director Jonathan Demme was an unlikely choice to helm this, alternate casting choices for the lead roles, how hard Jodie Foster campaigned for Clarice and the reason this project meant so much to her, Anthony Hopkins' transformative (and star-making) performance, whether or not Ted Levine's turn as Buffalo Bill has been overshadowed by the complicated and controversial aspects of that character, the unexpected critical and commercial success the movie received, all of the various attempts to cash in on that success (sequels, prequels, and TV shows), why certain iterations of Lecter are more effective than others, and much more!
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Chris's Instagram & Twitter | Kristen's Instagram

Chris & Kristen's Web Series:
The Strange Case of Lucy Chandler

Welcome foolish mortals... to the season finale of Rogues Gallery! To celebrate Halloween, we're investigating the history, development, and lasting legacy of the world's most famous haunted house attraction: Disneyland's Haunted Mansion.

Topics include: earlier iterations of the ride's plot, why the opening was delayed for so long, key differences between the Disneyland and Disney World versions, the surprisingly low-tech approach to many of the incredible effects, how the ride has evolved over the years, the reasoning behind some of the big changes made to the attraction for international parks, the two live-action movies, the Muppet special, unproduced screenplays, and much more!

Rogues Gallery will return with new episodes on January 10th!

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Chris's Instagram & Twitter | Kristen's Instagram

Chris & Kristen's Web Series:
The Strange Case of Lucy Chandler

Chris's Substack Newsletter:
Chris Fights Demons