Episode 60 - Kinji: Off the Leash

Welcome one and all, back to the cave for episode sixty! We have a really interesting examination of some of the films of acclaimed Japanese auteur Kinji Fukasaku. Beginning in the early sixties Fukasaku embarked on a career that would go on to span four decades and see him try his hand in nearly every genre. First up for us is 1968's The Green Slime. This is a gloriously action packed chunk of cinematic cheese, and I mean that in the best possible way. Lantern-jawed heroes, smoking hot ladies in shiny mini-dresses, awesome miniature work and a theme song for the ages, this has something for everyone. Then we move on to 1978's Message From Space. Clearly an effort to capitalize on the success of Star Wars, Fukasaku and his crew threw elements from everything that was hot in the late seventies into the slow-cooker and came up with pretty much a hot mess! Not without some charms, and absolutely worth a look, this disco, Star Wars, Dukes of Hazzard smash up will either delight or confound you. Lastly, we look at 2000's Battle Royale. I think it's safe to say that if Mr. Fukasaku ever created something that could truly be called a masterpeice, this is it. The progenitor of what has pretty much become a genre unto itself, the "teens fighting for survival in a post apocalyptic world" genre that has seen films like Maze Runner, Hunger Games and many others, Fukasaku's take on this concept still seems sharper and fresher than all of the copycats that have followed it's wake. Strap on your ear buds and hunker down with us for some in-depth discussion of a film maker that should be on any film-fans radar. As ever, please post comments on our Facebook page or email us at flickersfrom@gmail.com or flickersfrom@yahoo.com.

Episode 59 - Pyun-tang

Welcome one and all to episode 59 of Flickers. On this episode we are looking at three films from prolific genre director Albert Pyun. Right out of the gate we dig into Pyun's debut effort, The Sword and The Sorcerer. An insanely ambitious project to start your career with/ It is done with such youthful exuberance and ingenuity it became an almost instant cult classic. Next up, we look at one of his collaborations with JCVD, 1989s Cyborg. A straightforward post-apocalyptic pot-boiler, it delivers enough foot-face-way action to keep you interested. Finally we check out Pyun's much maligned Captain America from 1990. Filled with cheese in the best possible way, it harkens back to the classic serials of the 30s and 40s much as Raiders of the Lost Ark did. Don't believe what you read on IMDB, check it out for yourself and you'll be happy you did. As ever contact us on Facebook or at flickerfrom@gmail.com or flickersfrom@yahoo.com and thanks for coming back to the cave!

Episode 58 - The Spy Who Spoofed Me

Welcome back to the cave everyone! On this episode we slink into the world of spies and super villains. First up, we look at 1966's Kiss The Girls and Make Them Die starring Mannix himself, Mike “Touch” Connors. Featuring some amazingly bizarre 60's fashions and a solid supporting cast, including Terry-Thomas, this is a solid Bond rip off with something for everyone! Then we move on to 1968's Danger: Diabolik directed by Italian maestro Mario Bava and starring stalwart ex-patriot John Phillip Law! With spectacular production values and slam bang action, this is a sure fire crowd pleaser! If not, you need to find a new crowd. Sit back, plug in and get ready for some sixties era espionage action. Remember, leave us a review on Itunes, and thanks again for coming back to the cave. Send us email at flickersfrom@yahoo.com or flickersfrom@gmail.com or just post a message on Facebook.

Episode 57 - Shock the Monkey

Welcome to the Jungle baby! We are back, to close out the year of 2014 by focusing on two films with similar themes and VERY similar antagonists. We start off by looking at 1986's Link, from Australian director Richard Franklin and starring a young Elisabeth Shue and Terence Stamp.  Our second film is 1988's Monkey Shines by the one and only George Romero, featuring perfomances by Jason Beghe and John Pankow.  Both of these films rely strongly on performances by simian actors.  Not since Lancelot Link have we seen apes and monkeys who can really bring characters to life with such pathos and, in some instances, genuine menace. These are both great little films ( no matter what you might've heard ) and we recommend them strongly.  Please let us know what you think of the films and of the show by writing to us at flickersfrom@gmail.com or flickersfrom@yahoo.com or leave us a message on our Facebook page.

Episode 56 - Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

The topic of transformation is central to the movies in this episode of the podcast. We look at two of our favorites from our youth, starting with 1973's Sssssss, starring the one and only Strother Martin, and Dirk Benedict. This tells the story of a total stoner, who is working with snakes. Working a little TOO closely with them as a matter of fact.  We meet a king cobra that would rather we just walk away, and we have our vision obscured by terrible tempra-paint foliage. It is a fantastic little film, with a really top-notch cast and darkness aplenty.  We follow that up with 1982's The Beast Within.  This was a landmark film from our youth, so we view it squarely through rose-tinted glasses.  Starring Ronny Cox, Bibi Besch, and Paul Clemens, it is a tale of a small town in Mississippi where one family makes all the rules and ends up paying the price for their hubris. It has a cast of amazing character-actors and is MOSTLY excellent, though undeniably cheesy. Please let us know what you thought of the show by writing to flickersfrom@yahoo.com or flickersfrom@gmail.com, or by leaving a message on our Facebook page.

Episode 55 - Miss Jackson if you're Naschy

Episode 55 is totally focused on the Spanish film legend Paul Naschy. We chose three of his films, 1972's The Werewolf Vs The Vampire Woman,  1973's The Mummy's Revenge, and 1976's Inquisition to get a sampling of his work in genre films.  After talking at some length about those three, we turn our attention to a magnificent documentary about Mr. Naschy, 2010's The Man Who Saw Frankenstein Cry.  This is really an impressive look at the man and his lengthy career and accomplishments.  Hosted by Mick Garris it is filled with fans, friends and family who all lovingly tell  stories about a man who clearly loved genre films, and who succeeded in a difficult career and has left behind an extensive and beloved body of work. Please let us know what you think of Mr. Naschy and his films, and let us know if there are any other legendary individuals out there that we are missing out on. Send emails to flickersfrom@gmail.com or flickersfrom@yahoo.com. You can also leave a message on the Facebook page.

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Episode 54 - Evel Cavenievel

Welcome back to the cave everyone for episode 54. Now, right up front I have to confess that we have both, at one time or another, been described as the personification of evil, but unfortunately never the personification of Evel. That title belongs to one man, and one man alone...the one...the only...Evel Knievel! This man, this legend was a hero to us both in our formative years and we can only imagine that, if you grew up in the seventies, he is significant to you as well. If not, prepare to be immersed in the glory that is Evel! First up we discuss 1971’s Evel Knievel, a biopic starring the golden-skinned George Hamilton. We can’t be sure how accurate the portrayal of Knievel’s life is in this flick, but it sure is fun to watch. See his meteoric rise from small town juvenile delinquent to daredevil superstar, all in ninety minutes! Following that, we talk about 1977’s Viva Knievel, starring the man himself! This movie has everything, insane stunts, philanthropy, Lauren Hutton, Leslie Nielsen and some of the most dangerous fashions you will ever witness. The collars alone are worth the price of admission. So, strap into your rocket bike, put on your red, white and blue helmet and hold on, this podcast is about to get EVEL!

Let us know what you thought by sending email to flickersfrom@gmail.com or flickersfrom@yahoo.com or by posting a message on our Facebook page.

Episode 53 - She Is A Belle

Hey friends! Do you like scantily clad women? How about freakish body modification? Maybe your thing is half-human/half-animal suburban beasties or even lycanthropic allegories referring  to the menstrual cycle. If any of this sounds like your cup of tea, then we have the show for you! Step right up and try some Flickers From the Cave. Episode 53 starts off with 2000's Ginger Snaps, a cool twisty tale of teenage werewolves that would make Michael Landon soil his little house! Starring Katharine Isabelle, this is a bloody good thrill ride with tons of juicy practical effects. Next up is 2012's American Mary, also starring Ms. Isabelle. This one is directed by the up and coming Soska sisters and, although considerably less fun than our first feature, it will have you squirming in your seat. Sit back, strap in and hold on!
Let us know what you thought of the show by writing to flickersfrom@yahoo.com or flickersfrom@gmail.com or by leaving a message on our Facebook page.

Episode 52 - Van Damme It!

Welcome one and all to episode 52 of Flickers From The Cave. This show has everything you could ever want, action, violence, comedy and even Dennis Rodman! We have jumped into the wayback machine and found ourselves in a time when Jean-Claude Van Damme ruled the world of cinema, the late 90s! First up, we look at 1998's “Knock Off” starring JCVD and Deuce Bigalow himself, Rob Schneider. Directed by Hong Kong legend Tsui Hark this thing has the energy of an ADD sufferer mainlining Red Bull and a plot that is utterly impossible to follow. But, no matter, the manic pace and insane action make up for any lack of cohesion in terms of plot. Next up is 1997's “Double Team”, another Tsui Hark joint but this time co-starring master thespian Rodman! The only “actor” with the ability to make JCVD's enunciation seem flawless. With a much tighter narrative and some really interesting ideas, “Double Team” is by all measurable standards the superior film, but both are totally entertaining action blasts. Pop some corn and a beer or twelve and get ready to say WTF! Let us know what you thought of the show by sending mail to flickersfrom@gmail.com or flickersfrom@yahoo.com or by posting a message on our Facebook page.

Episode 51 - Flickers from Boggy Cave

Sasquatch. Skunk Ape. Bipedal Hominid. Although known by many names, we are of course, talking about the one, the only, Bigfoot. Episode 51 finds us deep in the dark forest of our childhood subconscious. Having grown up in the seventies during what was a sort of Bigfoot renaissance, we both took in films, magazines and television containing any reference to this legendary creature. During this period of heightened interest, film makers eagerly cranked out numerous low budget flicks to capitalize on the big, hairy, zeitgeist of the day. First up, we discuss the seminal "Legend of Boggy Creek", a movie that moved Marty in a very particular way as a kid. Next we have "Creature From Black Lake". Even though it is a low budget effort, the cast is stacked with great character actors including Jack Elam and Dub Taylor. Well-directed and better than it has any right to be, it is a solid slice of seventies drive in fun. Then we dig into 1977's "Sasquatch-The Legend of Bigfoot", a flick that really wants to be an effective pseudo documentary like Boggy Creek, but it just can't muster the same visceral energy of the earlier film. Lastly, we take a look at Bob(cat) Goldthwaite's awesome "Willow Creek" from 2013. Part faux documentary and part found footage film, this thing delivers on all fronts. Fantastic performances, great direction and writing from Bobcat and a slam bang finale, this movie will not disappoint!  Please let us know what you thought of the show ( and if you believe in Bigfoots )  by sending email to flickersfrom@yahoo.com or flickersfrom@gmail.com or by posting a message on the Facebook page.