Once More, With Feelings!

The Frighteners

This week, Beth and Michelle discuss their feelings around grief, loss, and justice in The Frighteners. A 1996 film about a man who's existence is very much like the ghosts he uses to con people, until he comes to terms with his guilt and loss. 
As mentioned in the episode:
Sean Astin's "A Bad Case of Stripes" can be found Here
Jim Fyfe's Leaf Erickson skit in Encyclopedia can be found Here

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang

In tribute to the late Val Kilmer, Beth and Michelle follow the unreliable narrator, Harry, as he tries to save the girl and ends up saving himself. Val Kilmer as the world weary detective, "Gay" Perry van Shrike, becomes the surprising heart of a nuanced and layered film.
*This dark comedy includes some overtures of SA and incest so please be aware. 

Chicago

Beth and Michelle dance their way through the glitz, the glamour, and the surprisingly feminist undercurrents of the 2002 cinematic musical, Chicago. They'll unpack their deepest feelings about Velma, Roxie, and cultural injustice. Prepare for show tunes, sharp wit, and maybe a little existential angst.
 
The link to the discussed Jerry Orbach performance of “All I Care About” is Here.

Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy

Pour a glass of scotch and don your finest burgundy blazer. Beth and Michelle cannonball into the world of Ron Burgundy and the Channel 4 news team. Was Anchorman secretly a feminist masterpiece? Probably not, but they'll argue about it anyway while dissecting the film's surprisingly complex (or not) portrayal of women in the workplace. Stay Classy, San Diego.
 
Mentions:
Into Dark Fantasy? https://www.pollyschattel.com/

Lost Boys 1987

This week, Beth and Michelle are discussing the cult classic that defined a generation of teenage angst, mullets, and saxophone solos. Beyond the iconic soundtrack and Kiefer Sutherland's menacing charm, we explore the film's surprisingly deep emotional core. And into the film's undeniable homoerotic subtext, examining the charged dynamic between David and Michael. Join us as we discuss the anxieties of adolescence, the complexities of family bonds, and the enduring appeal of Santa Carla's counterculture. 
 
Make your voice heard, stand up for marginalized groups, find a platform and direction for the people. Indivisible.Org

The Shining w/ Polly Schattel

The great and wonderful Polly Schattel joins Michelle and Beth in a conversation about the classic 1980 Stanley Kubrick film, The Shining. In regards to the subject matter in the film, we do talk about abuse in various forms, including sexual as respectfully as can be done and still have an open and honest dialogue. 
You can find Polly and her work at PollySchattel.com  also you can follow Polly on BlueSky
The links and photos referenced in the episode:
Rob Ager

Short Circuit 1986

In this episode, Beth and Michelle try their best to remember the good times but still find a way to ruin nostalgia for hundreds of Gen Xers. They work really hard at not being critical of a film and focus on the feelings, but sometimes those things intersect. Johnny 5 is alive, but is he living his best life?

Strictly Ballroom (1992)

In this episode Beth and Michelle talk about one of Michelle's favorite dance films and the first of the Baz Luhrmann "Red Curtain Trilogy". If this film was any more campy, Jason Voorhees would be murdering sexy camp counselors. But there are strong emotional themes that bind the movie together and deliver in a wonderfully quirky film about dance, moving to your own beat and yes, romance.
You can find some of the references Michelle quoted here:
https://www.sbs.com.au/whats-on/article/strictly-ballroom-cheat-sheet/v6rm6q368

Tremors (1990)

Our first monster film of the podcast! Beth and Michelle talk about a surprisingly ageless horror-comedy classic, Tremors. 

In & Out (1997)

In this episode, Beth and Michelle dive deep into the 1997 film "In & Out." We explore the themes of identity, acceptance, and the pressures of societal expectations. Join us as we unpack Howard Brackett's journey, his struggles with self-discovery, and the impact it has on his relationships.
We discuss the film's portrayal of LGBTQ+ issues in the 90s and how a modern day lens changes the context. We also share our personal experiences of feeling like outsiders and the importance of finding your true self.
This episode is a safe space for anyone who has ever felt like they didn't belong. We encourage open and honest conversations about mental health and self-acceptance.
Resources:
The Trevor Project: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
Crisis Text Line: https://www.crisistextline.org/about-us/faq/
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): https://www.nami.org/
General Strike: https://generalstrikeus.com/
Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of homophobia, societal pressures, and mental health challenges. Listener discretion is advised.