Ep. 05-24: Candyman (2021)

For decades, a ghost story about a supernatural, hook-handed killer terrorized the housing projects of Chicago’s Cabrini-Green. In the present day, an artist explores the macabre history of Candyman, not knowing it would unravel his sanity and unleash a terrifying wave of violence that puts him on a collision course with destiny.

Déjà vu? Is that a mirror I see? We covered the original Candyman (1992), directed by Bernard Rose, back in our third season. Now, we’re taking on the Jordan Peele-produced sequel to the classic. Join us as we discuss the pros and cons of this beautiful film, including the magnificent cinematography and casting, as well as some slight pacing/development problems with the screenplay. Listen as Johnny Has the Keys braves the mirror once again, mustering the courage to call forth Chicago’s infamous urban legend.

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Ep. 05-23: Explorers (1985)

Ben Crandall (Ethan Hawke) spends his free time watching sci-fi films, playing video games, and reading comic books. One day, his affinity for all things fantastical yields an actual result—when he has a vivid dream about technology, his science-loving friend Wolfgang Muller (River Phoenix) creates a working spacecraft. Joined by their buddy Darren Woods (Jason Presson), the boys take off into outer space and encounter some very odd extraterrestrial life.

Ah, the 1980s… a time when child stars in kiddy Spielberg-esque fantasy films ruled the box office. Not necessarily for Explorers (1985), though, Joe Dante’s attempt to capture some of that much sought-after Goonies (1985) audience and bring it over to another studio. Join us as we discuss the hits and misses of this nostalgic effort, including its cartoon-obsessed director, its awkward edits, and the problems that arise when studios boot creators and take over. Listen as Johnny Has the Keys blasts off to space only to discover that there are kids everywhere in the galaxy, annoying parents and causing trouble as usual.

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Ep. 05-22: The Mummy (1932 & 1959)

The Mummy (1932) – A team of British archaeologists led by Sir Joseph Wemple (Arthur Byron) discover the mummified remains of the ancient Egyptian prince Imhotep (Boris Karloff), along with the legendary scroll of Thoth. When one archaeologist recites the scroll aloud, Imhotep returns to life but escapes. Several years later, Imhotep has taken on the guise of a wealthy man, as he searches Egypt for his lost love, who he believes has been reincarnated as the lovely Helen Grosvenor (Zita Johann).

The Mummy (1959) – In the 1890s a team of British archaeologists discover the untouched tomb of Princess Ananka but accidentally bring the mummified body of her High Priest back to life. Three years later, back in England, a follower of the same Egyptian religion unleashes the mummy to exact grisly revenge on the despoilers of the sacred past.

Welcome to another of this season’s double features, and what better topic to delve into than our beloved mummies? Join us as we take on two classic studios and their original takes on the cursed character, both Universal and Hammer. Listen as we discuss the pros and cons of both films, their iconic casts, placement in history, and color vs. black and white! Listen as Johnny Has the Keys awakens, stumbling for our crypt in seeking vengeance from those that disturbed our ancient slumber.

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Ep. 05-21: The Cell (2000)

Catharine Deane (Jennifer Lopez) is a psychotherapist who is part of a revolutionary new treatment that allows her to literally enter the mind of her patients. Her experience with this method takes an unexpected turn when Peter Novak (Vince Vaughn), an F.B.I. agent, seeks her help. Notorious serial killer, Carl Stargher (Vincent D’Onofrio), whose method of operation is to abduct and imprison women for 40 hours until they are slowly drowned, was caught, but is now in an irreversible coma. Novak needs Deane to explore the twisted mind of Stargher to find the current victim (still alive). However, Stargher’s damaged personality poses unprecedented dangers that threaten to foil their plans.

Tarsem Singh’s The Cell (2000) is a spectacular genre-hybrid film, featuring intoxicating elements of both sci-fi and crime/procedural dramas, serial killers to be specific. Join us as we discuss this overlooked gem, including its fantastic script, amazing visuals, and a solid cast. Listen as Johnny Has the Keys ventures into the mind of a sick and depraved serial killer, seeking that one hidden clue that will not only save the missing victim but perhaps the heroine of the story as well.