Ep. 02-08: Star Wars (1977)

Episode 02-08 STAR WARS

Darth Vader and the Imperial Forces are holding Princess Leia hostage, in their quest to subdue the rebellion against the Galactic Empire. Luke Skywalker (recruited via Obi-Wan Kenobi) and Han Solo, captain of the Millennium Falcon, team-up with the amiable droid duo R2-D2 and C-3PO to rescue the imprisoned princess, assist the Rebel Alliance, and restore freedom and justice to the galaxy.

A long time ago, in a movie theater far, far away, before a gargantuan franchise was born, a sci-fi action flick thrilled not only the young but all ages, all over the world. Join us as we reflect upon first seeing this monumental film during its original theatrical release. Listen, as Johnny Has the Keys take you back to the timeless archetypal story of the hero’s journey, and how a young man from a desolate planet can rise to be a champion. Welcome to Star Wars…

Continue reading “Ep. 02-08: Star Wars (1977)” →

Ep. 02-07: Psycho (1960)

Episode 02-07 PSYCHO

Secretary, Marion Crane (Janet Leigh), is on the run after stealing money from her employer in Phoenix. Traveling back roads to avoid the police, she stops for the night at the remote Bates Motel where she meets the polite but odd proprietor, Norman (Anthony Perkins)… a young man with an interest in taxidermy who has a difficult relationship with his mother.

Alfred Hitchcock gave the world Psycho in 1960, obliterating film and genre-conventions left and right, and delivering an iconic monument that still stands tall in the canon of American films. Join us as we discuss the revolutionary aspects that lift this work above genre categorization to film classic. Listen, as Johnny Has the Keys takes you to an isolated hotel where madness and murder dwell and the only sounds are those of crickets, a distant highway, and a scream.

Continue reading “Ep. 02-07: Psycho (1960)” →

Ep. 02-06: Independence Day (1996)

Episode 02-05 “Independence Day”

Gigantic spaceships invade Earth and hover over major cities. Soon, our sense of wonder turns to terror as these extraterrestrials use powerful weapons to obliterate Earth. The President of the United States and his team must determine their weakness and combat these intruders before our planet is reduced to a cinder. Is mankind’s will to survive and the power of the human spirit enough to persevere and triumph these overwhelming odds?

Independence Day was a phenomenal success, touting the power of the human (re: American) spirit to overcome insurmountable odds. It was the beginning of writing/directing team Dean Devlin and Rolan Emmerich’s quest to destroy Earth in as many special effects extravaganzas as humanly possible. Join us as we discuss why this film was such a sentimental success. Listen as Johnny Has the Keys travels back pre-9/11 when Earth is terrorized by an intergalactic menace and a group of rag-tag Americans are our only hope.

Continue reading “Ep. 02-06: Independence Day (1996)” →

Ep. 02-05: It Follows (2014)

Teenager, Jay (Maika Monroe), sleeps with her new boyfriend, Hugh (Jake Weary), for the first time. Soon, she learns that she is the latest recipient of a fatal curse that is passed from person to person via sexual intercourse. Death, Jay learns, will follow her in various incarnations until it catches and kills her. Her friends don’t believe her seemingly paranoid claims until they also begin to see the manifestation and band together to help defend her.

Like its predecessor, Halloween (1978), It Follows is one of those low-budget, indie horror movies that went on to become hugely popular despite it having been made by a relatively unknown crew. Join David and Tim as they discuss the modest history of the film and its phenomenal success. Listen… as Johnny Has the Keys takes you to an ethereal world where sex literally means death and a casual glance over your shoulder could be your last.