Movie Madness

The title suggests something equally sweet and horrible and art can be both. There is certainly a lot of art and artists on this week’s movie review episode. There are influencers and a photographer in the remake of She’s All That (He’s All That). The music and life of Guy Clark is featured in a new documentary (Without Getting Caught or Killed). There’s the story of a domino artist named Lily Hevesh (Lily Topples the World) and a guy who is good with numbers but bad with social interaction and fumigation (Mosquito State). But there is also another relationship on pandemic lockdown (Together) and another film about the final days of Ted Bundy (No Man of God). It’s enough to want to get away with John Cena and Lil Rel Howery (Vacation Friends). But wait, there’s more art in the tragic story of a beloved painter (Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed) and the whole damn shady world of art is exposed in a fascinating new documentary (The Lost Leonardo). Finally, there is another artist featured in Nia

Marvel’s latest entry, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, is here to introduce a new character into their universe. Which is not to say he does not have his own history and comic book expert, Erik Laws, joins Erik Childress for another adaptation breakdown. They discuss the problematic history of his primary antagonist, The Mandarin, and what changes have been made for modern audiences. They also certainly have a lot to say about the film itself, breaking through much of the hyperbole to discuss where the film disappoints and where it could go from here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit erikthemovieman.substack.com

The weekly movie review edition of the show is here with Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy reviewing ten new films. They remind you of a ‘80s music documentary from SXSW (Under the Volcano) as well as docs about noted activists (Unapologetic, Not Going Quietly). Steve covers a dyslexia drama (Confetti) and the new film by Sean Penn starring his daughter (Flag Day) while Erik settles for Jason Momoa getting sweet revenge vs. Big Pharma (Sweet Girl). After that they tackle new horror films from Neill Blomkamp (Demonic) and David Bruckner (The Night House), a sci-fi noir from one of the creators of Westworld (Reminiscence) and the new action film from Martin Campbell starring Maggie Q and Michael Keaton (The Protégé).   0:00 – Intro 2:30 – Under the Volcano 9:03 – Unapologetic 15:15 - Not Going Quietly 23:34 – Confetti 31:36 – Sweet Girl 41:21 – Flag Day 48:57 – Demonic 1:00:35 – Reminiscence 1:15:15 - The Protégé 1:29:55 – The Night House 1:47:32 - Outro This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss t

In their ongoing bi-annual series, Erik Childress and Sergio Mims once again hope to reach out to studios and rights holders over titles that are still only out there in the DVD format. As always they each choose ten titles to highlights and it’s a variety ranging from directors David Lean to Robert Benton. Comedies going from the political to downright silly to even more relevant 25 years later. TV shows that got their shot on the big screen. Film noirs, mysteries, spy films, swashbucklers, sports, a starring role for one of our greatest comedic character actors and the stunning debut of one of our great modern actresses. All of them still not on blu-ray and they want to know why. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit erikthemovieman.substack.com

Four new theatrical exclusive titles, a pair from Netflix and another on Apple TV highlight this week’s review edition of the show. Erik Childress handles the first of Netflix’s sports documentary series Untold with the most infamous event in NBA history (Malice at the Palace) and the latest talke from Pablo Larrain about a woman taking back control of her life in the most dramatic fashion (Ema). Steve handles duties on two of the big theatrical releases of the week with the sequel to a surprise 2016 horror success (Don’t Breathe 2) and the biopic of Aretha Franklin (Respect). Then the pair team up to see John David Washington’s latest troubles on foreign soil in the thriller, Beckett. They revisit the opening night film of this year’s Sundance which set a record deal. Does CODA live up the hype? Finally they weigh in on the video game (and everything else-inspired) Free Guy with Ryan Reynolds. 0:00 – Intro 2:52 – Don’t Breathe 2 17:33 – Malice at the Palace 25:56 – Beckett 38:55 – Ema 46:51 - Respect 58:37 –

We are getting into festival season and this episode takes us back a few weeks to when Erik Childress and Sergio Mims checked out some of the films that played at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival. Sergio handles a number of documentaries involving conductors, paintings, Rick James and Dick Gregory. Erik offers his thoughts on one of the festival award winners, another film about Ted Bundy, another better pandemic rom-com and a horror film that should draw plenty of uncomfortable laughter as well as terror. 3:10 – The Conductor 7:39 – No Man of God 11:19 – Queen of Glory 15:09 – The Novice 18:41 – Bernstein’s Wall 27:35 – Catch the Fair One 30:20 – Bitchin’: The Sound and Fury of Rick James 32:27 – The One and Only Dick Gregory 34:33 – 7 Days 38:49 – The Lost Leonardo 56:03 – We Need To Do Something 1:01:39 - Outro This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit erikthemovieman.substack.com

Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy return with reviews of seven new movies including three documentaries of various outrage including ISIS sex slaves (Sabaya), aerial journalism (Whirlybird) and the epidemic of wildfires (Bring Your Own Brigade). Udo Kier gets a chance to shine in a leading role (Swan Song) and two very different musicals from Leo Carax (Annette) and Lin-Manuel Miranda (Vivo) delight and frustrate. Finally, if you missed out on The Suicide Squad episode with Erik Laws, Steve gets his opportunity to chime in on James Gunn’s anticipated reboot of the comic book. 3:26 – Sabaya 8:34 – Whirlybird 18:24 – Annette 32:04 – Bring Your Own Brigade 40:39 – Swan Song 53:44 – Vivo 1:09:33 – The Suicide Squad 1:26:28 - Outro This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit erikthemovieman.substack.com

Erik Childress and Sergio Mims began a conversation on their WHPK radio show about the summer box office last month and have been continuing that discussion from week-to-week. On this episode you will hear the evolution of that talk as they offer perspective on behavior during the pandemic, trends that began to form in attendance, how HBO MAX and streaming have messed with the dynamics and some thoughts going forward on Disney and the lawsuit they are now facing with Scarlett Johansson. It’s a little bit of a timewarp with predictions and expectations but one that shall continue through a year that feels almost like one big experiment as studios decide where to land going forward. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit erikthemovieman.substack.com

Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy are back with this week’s movie review show. Not as many movies as last week but they have a lot to say nevertheless. From a documentary about legendary Second City master Del Close (For Madmen Only) to a twisting true tale of a hacker’s battle with the government (Enemies of the State), that is only the beginning. There is also a parkour-laden modern adaptation of Charles Dickens (Twist) as well as the first movie from the makers of The Djinn which they reviewed in Episode 227 (The Boy Behind the Door). But wait, there’s more and it’s all about the quests. Jake Johnson is on a quest for inner peace to inherit his mom’s cabin (Ride the Eagle). A collection of souls are on a quest to be born (Nine Days). Matt Damon is on a quest to clear his daughter of murder (Stillwater). Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt are on a river quest based on a Disney ride (Jungle Cruise). And finally, David Lowery and Dev Patel take us through the magnificent quest of Sir Gawain in a film you will be h

Continuing the bestow the virtues of physical media, Erik Childress and Sergio Mims go another round with some great Blu-ray and 4K titles that you may want to put into your collection or at least check out for the first time. They include one of the best Stephen King adaptations and one of the more troubled Sam Peckinpah productions. A new blu-ray about the fascinatingly crazy Australian genre history and an even nuttier martial arts/costume drama/werewolf film. The pair both give it up for the long overdue treatment for one of James Caan’s greatest films. And while Sergio was anxiously awaiting to dance all night with one anticipated 4K release, it is another that he names as one of the best releases of the year. 0:00 - Intro 4:48 - Arrow (Major Dundee, Django) 22:51 = Paramount (In Harm’s Way, My Fair Lady) 39:36 – Shout Factory (The Dead Zone, Brotherhood of the Wolf) 53:50 – Imprint (The Gambler, The President’s Analyst, The Face Behind the Mask) 1:12:02 – Umbrella (Not Quite Hollywood) 1:20:23 – Ki

Erik Childress is joined by comic book expert, Erik Laws, who had one of the worst comic book experiences watching what DC and Warner Bros. put in theaters with David Ayer’s Suicide Squad in 2016. (You can hear that on Episode 21 right here.) Not one to give up, Mr. Laws is back to check out James Gunn’s new reboot of the series. The pair discuss their thoughts on the film, whether or not Gunn has a ceiling with his template and if one of its primary characters is wearing out their welcome. Will this version generate enough good will to keep Gunn on board for future projects or will DC somehow screw this one up too. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit erikthemovieman.substack.com

Episode 238: What’s Old Is Still Old Fondly we joke about not being able to do this on the radio like we used to, but find another show that offers up 13 movie reviews in a single episode. Cause that is what you get from Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy here including documentaries ranging from sharks to Woodstock ’99 and Alvin Ailey to Val Kilmer. There are vampires on a plane (Blood Red Sky), giant flies in a trunk (Mandibles) and the end of our world played for laughs (How It Ends) and drama (Settlers). Megan Fox is hunting a serial killer (Midnight in the Switchgrass), Ben Platt has a mentally ill sister screwing up his plans (Broken Diamonds) and Mark Wahlberg takes a cross-country walk for his gay son (Joe Bell). Finally the G.I. Joe franchise gets rebooted again (Snake Eyes) and could there be a twist that gets Erik to finally like an M. Night Shyamalan movie (Old) after 22 years? 0:00 - Intro 3:10 - Playing with Sharks 9:05 – Ailey 15:15 – Woodstock: Peace, Love & Rage 26:05 – Mandibles 32:48 –

This week’s movie review episode with Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy has it all. Sharks, pigs, roadrunners, gunfights, milkshakes and basketball. That would be selling it short though as the guys wade through eight films this week including documentaries featuring Eli Roth (Fin) and Anthony Bourdain (Roadrunner). They close the book on a Netflix trilogy (Fear Street Part 3 – 1666) and try to look past a bump in the road on a filmmaker they have appreciated (Die in a Gunfight). Karen Gillan leads a pack of armed female assassins in the John Wick-ish, Gunpowder Milkshake, while Nicolas Cage appears ready to go that route until his latest turns into something entirely different (Pig). Finally, there are two more sequels for the week including one hoping to continue a new franchise (Escape Room: Tournament of Champions) and another the pair hope ends immediately (Space Jam: A New Legacy). 0:00 - Intro 2:39 – Fin 11:44 – Roadrunner 21:22 - Fear Street Part 3 - 1666 33:14 – Die in a Gunfight 43:20 - Gunpowder M

It has been a while since Erik Childress and Sergio Mims informed you of the latest and greatest in Blu-rays, but they are back with a vengeance. In this episode, they go from Criterion and Tom Noonan’s directorial debut to films that were big parts of their childhood and made their adult selves feel that age again. There are musicals and westerns, Gun Hill and Walter Hill, mad monks, killer cats and big fish. They save plenty of room for big discussions about Joe Dante’s Explorers and Cameron Crowe’s Explorers while also digging into the new Indiana Jones set now available in glorious 4K. You will feel like a kid again and want to pick these films up to be part of the library that streaming cannot rob you of. 0:00 – Intro 3:43 – Criterion (Pariah, The Signifyin’ Works of Marlon Riggs) 14:58 – Indicator (Shadow of the Cat, Nightmares) 25:23 – PBS (Hemingway) 27:19 - Shout Factory (Rasputin The Mad Monk, Explorers) 57:35 - Sony (Big Fish, Last Action Hero) 1:13:09 – Oscilloscope (What Happened Was) 1:22:16

It may not be the epic review show they just did, but Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy still talk about four films you will want to hear before deciding to check out. Steve talks about another whale documentary; the latest from “Cropsey” and “The Sons of Sam” director (The Loneliest Whale: The Search for 52). They let you know if the second installment of Netflix’s horror trilogy is any better than last week’s edition (Fear Street Part 2 – 1978) but have just as much to say about Shudder’s latest horror film (Son) and maybe even more. Finally, Steve gets to weigh in on his thoughts on Marvel’s latest (Black Widow) after the two Eriks’ in-depth look at it a few episodes prior. 0:00 - Intro 3:21 - Son 20:03 – The Loneliest Whale 27:27 – Fear Street Part 2 – 1978 40:34 – Black Widow This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit erikthemovieman.substack.com

It was a long July 4th weekend and that meant a lot of movies. Erik Childress & Steve Prokopy may have whittled it down to an even dozen but that was still plenty for this epic review show. There is true crime (The Phantom), horror (Fear Street: Part 1 – 1984, Vicious Fun) and the fight over a heart (The God Committee). Steve looks in on Heidi Ewing’s tender love story (I Carry You With Me) and Erik determines where the latest from Steven Soderbergh fits in his “retirement” resume (No Sudden Move). There is also Megan Fox handcuffed to a dead body (Till Death), a couple of standout Sundance films from both 2020 & 2021 (Zola, Summer of Soul) as well as variations of the wars in our country from the past (America: The Motion Picture), the present (The Forever Purge) and the future (The Tomorrow War). Strap in and see which are worthy of your time. 0:00 - Intro 2:37 - The Phantom 11:18 – Vicious Fun 19:36 - The God Committee 29:11 – I Carry You With Me 35:13 - No Sudden Move 45:43 – Summer of Soul 56:

Comic book expert Erik Laws is back in person to record this episode about the latest from Marvel Studios. He joins Erik Childress to talk about their new prequel/fill-in-the-blanks film about Scarlett Johansson’s Natasha Romanoff. They share their thoughts on the film and Laws fills in further blanks about the liberties taken with some of the new introductions here. Though both Florence Pugh and David Harbour should be pleased. Has the film come too late in the Universe or is it just Marvel and Disney trying to wipe out the red in their ledger when it comes to highlighting its female heroes. The discussion is all here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit erikthemovieman.substack.com

THE MOVIE MADNESS PODCAST RETURNS!  After a month’s hiatus, Erik Childress welcomes back Steve Prokopy to get caught up on the films they missed as well as this week’s new releases in theaters and on streaming. They discuss documentaries about whales (Fathom), progressive nuns (Rebel Hearts) as well as art and trauma (Mary J. Blige: My Life). Liam Neeson is a trucker on a mission (The Ice Road), Patrick Fugit is morally compromised to save his brother (My Heart Can’t Beat Unless You Tell It To) and Ilana Glazer wants Pierce Brosnan to give her a baby (False Positive). Then if you like werewolf whodunits they have just the film for you (Werewolves Within). And if you are a fan of the Fast & Furious series then F9 is more for you than them. 0:00 - Intro 3:02 – Catching Up On Releases 19:24 – Fathom 26:10 - Rebel Hearts 32:11 - The Ice Road 40:27 – My Heart Can’t Beat Unless You Tell It To 45:18 - Mary J. Blige: My Life 51:37 – False Positive 1:04:43 - Werewolves Within 1:16:30 - F9 1:42:47 - Outro This i

From the WHPK Files of the Bad Mutha Film Show, Sergio Mims and Erik Childress take a look at what the box office could look like this summer. Something that could change for the better after a positive Memorial Day Weekend. But while this conversation occurred before the holiday, Erik offered his perspective on the foolish lowballing of A Quiet Place Part II’s potential, even in a transitioning marketplace. Speaking of which, Sergio gets in his two cents about A Quiet Place Part II and Cruella, giving Erik a chance to go off again on the latter.   0:00 – Intro 7:35 – Sergio Reviews A Quiet Place Part II 17:57 – Sergio & Erik Review Cruella 38:16 – What will the Summer Box Office look like? 1:20:48 - Outro This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit erikthemovieman.substack.com

It’s a return to theaters for Memorial Day weekend as Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy review five new films that you can say at home too. They look at the horror of Funhouse and what happens when you remove Jim Carrey in Skull: The Mask. Potential horror turns into raunchy comedy as two high schoolers hit the road to ward off a potential pregnancy in Plan B. Emma Stone plays the infamous Disney villain as we discover why she may have a grudge against dalmatians in Cruella. Finally, the first movie delayed because of the pandemic arrives in theaters as John Krasinski asks us to close our mouths again in A Quiet Place Part II.   0:00 – Intro 3:09 – Funhouse 10:19 – Plan B 26:07 - Skull: The Mask 33:41 - Cruella 53:00 - A Quiet Place Part II 1:11:08 – Outro This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit erikthemovieman.substack.com