23 - From Italy to Mexico

Episode 23 of the podcast features two very divergent films that both fall within the umbrella of exploitation cinema. The first is 1973's Ricco the Mean Machine which stars Christopher Mitchum ( son of the legendary Robert Mitchum ). It is a reworking of the classic revenge tale that includes organized crime, youthful rebellion, and soap. Featuring some of the hottest Italian actresses we have ever seen and some truly shocking moments of violence, this is not to be missed.
The second film is 1977's Tintorrera ( Spanish for Tiger Shark ). While the movie is, at first glance, a Jaws ripoff, it is actually more of a study of non-standard relationships, all set in an idyllic Mexican paradise full of mostly uninhibited tourists, crafty locals, and one very hungry shark that seems to pop up at the worst possible time. And trust us, when this shark pops up, things do NOT go well for the hapless humans that encounter it. This film is a time capsule of another time, and another place that, despite it's mostly unbridled hedonism, is still an innocent take on how we could all lead happier lives. Tintorrera is truly unique.
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Enjoy!

Episode 22 - Gary Pimpstick Sherman

We start 2012 by looking at three films from director Gary Sherman. We start with 1973's Raw Meat starring Donald Pleasance then look at 1981's Dead and Buried which stars James Farentino and finish up with 1982's Vice Squad which features an astounding performance by Wings Hauser as the nastiest pimp ever commited to celluloid, Ramrod. Gary Sherman displays his skill at crafting tight storylines and telling compelling stories that are filled with characters that seem totally real. These films succeed on most every level and they each are worth tracking down and watching. This special trilogy of films is our way of starting off 2012 with an extra big bang.
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Episode 21 - Trolling for Santa

Episode 21 of the podcast was born from a message from Daniel who got us thinking of covering films from the Scandinavian part of the world. We chose two films from 2010, Troll Hunter and Rare Exports. If you listen to the podcast, you will hear that we LOVED both of these movies and put them on the highest of pedestals. If you know of a film from a specific area of the world that might force us outside of our cultural comfort zone, please let us know by writing to us at flickersfrom@yahoo.com or by posting a message on our Facebook page.

Rest In Peace Mr. Russell

No one ever wishes to be the bearer of bad news, so I write this post with a heavy heart indeed. Legendary filmmaker Ken Russell has passed into the great beyond leaving an enormous gap in the world of bizarre and transgressive cinema. Probably most well known by mainstream audiences for Altered States, a film that delves into the world of psychedelic research and features many of his trademark flourishes, his canon includes so many more wonderfully strange and aggressively unsettling films. From the crazed drug fueled imagery of Tommy, based on the Who's album, to the gloriously blasphemous scenes of torture and debauchery featured in his high water mark film (my opinion) The Devil's, Mr. Russell never failed to press someone's buttons with his work. If you have never experienced any of his films for your self, please do. It will surely expand your cinematic horizons and maybe even blow your mind. R.I.P. Mr. Russell, you will be missed.


-Mike

Episode 20 - Magnum and Manson

Episode 20 focuses on some great prison exploitation films from opposite sides of the earth. 1973's Terminal Island and 1982's Turkey Shoot. They both posit a near future situation where socially undesirable types are shipped off to remote locations to protect the masses from either a murderous blood lust or a revolutionary mindset. In both there is violence, sexism and fantastic action set-pieces. These are not your typical exploitative fare though. Terminal Island is given an interesting spin by director Stephanie Rothman and Turkey Shoot is another in director Brian Trenchard-Smith's long career of outstanding films.
These both are well worth watching, especially if you love totally bizarre additions of things like werewolves, mini-bulldozers and evil villains who are afraid of the dark!

19 - Served Up Cold

Episode 19 of the podcast was spawned by a request from a listener for us to focus on revenge thrillers. The listener suggested 1980's The Exterminator and we chose 1988's Deadbeat at Dawn.
These are both low-budget but incredibly well executed examples of the revenge sub-genre.
The Exterminator stars Robert Ginty and Christopher George who both turn in respectable performances. Ginty is the eponymous character while George is the policeman who wants to end his vigilante justice.
Deadbeat at Dawn features the multi-talented Jim Van Bebber as writer,director,stunt coordinator, and star. It is one of the best examples of micro-budget filmmaking and is a powerful experience to this day.
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We would love more suggestions or any other type of feedback that you might want to offer.

Lucky Number 18

Episode 18 of the podcast focuses on the two films that bookend Lucky McKee's career so far. We start with May from 2002 and finish up with his newest film, 2011's The Woman. Both of these films feature female leads that are trying to make their way in a world where the odds are stacked against them ( lucky indeed ). The incredible Angela Bettis stars as the eponymous "May" and also as the unfortunate wife in "The Woman". These films are both full of issues and topics that can easily push a person's go button.
If you'd like to hear us spoiling both films, stick around after the closing music and listen to us lay out the details of both films in a new segment that was suggested by a listener.
We hope you enjoy the show and that you will continue to send us your thoughts and suggestions on the Facebook page or via email at flickersfrom@yahoo.com

17 - One in the Pink and One in the Stink

Episode 17 of the podcast focuses on 1986's Terrorvision and 1991's Shock'em Dead. These two films do not fit the traditional mold of a "good film" but they each hold their own charms. Terrorvision stars the excellent Gerrit Graham and Mary Woronov who turn in fantastic performances as hapless swingers whose happy home is invaded by a monster from another world.
Shock'em Dead stars the infamous porn star Traci Lords and none-other than Pride Fighting Championship's Stephen "The Fight Professor" Quadros. These are bad films, but they each have something in them that might make them worth watching. Listen to our discussion and see if you think there's something in there for you.
Terrorvision was suggested by a listener and we thank him profusely. Please let us know your own suggestions and you too could be thanked in a similar way or even more so.
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Special 1 - Flickers from Cimmeria

In this special episode of Flickers from the Cave, Marty is joined by guest co-hosts KMO and Olga to talk about the 2011 version of Conan the Barbarian. The talk turns frequently to the 1982 version which of course starred Arnold Schwarzenegger. Put on your leather corset and/or thong, grab your sword, make your peace with Crom and enjoy this special presentation.

16 - Not Your Father's Delorean

Episode 16 turns toward the hoary idea of time travel by looking at two magnificent examples of that genre in 2004's Primer and 2007's Timecrimes. Both of these excellent films are 100% flux-capacitor free, and at no point do morlocks enslave any characters. Read as little about these two as you can but rush as fast as possible to watch them. If you enjoy storylines that mess with your head and leave you wondering what just happened, these are sure to satisfy. Let us know your thoughts and keep those cards and letters coming in at flickersfrom@yahoo.com or on our facebook page.