Ep. 04-39: Avatar (2009)

On Pandora, the fifth moon of Polyphemus, live the Na’vi—a species that appear primitive but are highly evolved. Because the moon’s environment is poisonous, human/Na’vi hybrids, called Avatars, must link to human minds to allow for free movement on Pandora. Jake Sully (Sam Worthington), a paralyzed former Marine, becomes mobile again through one such Avatar and falls in love with a Na’vi woman (Zoe Saldana). As a bond with her grows, he is drawn into a battle for the survival of her world.

AVATAR

Welcome to our coverage of yet another film by director James Cameron. Avatar (2006), one of the most popular movies in the world, is an immersive and indulgent passion project from the acclaimed and controversial director. Join us as we discuss the pros and cons of the successful franchise, spawning the popular attraction Pandora: The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, as well as the upcoming four sequels. Listen, as Johnny Has the Keys journeys to another solar system, to once again witness a timeless lesson of the importance of ecological and environmental balance.

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Ep. 04-04: Aliens (1986)

Ellen Ripley, the sole survivor of an alien attack on the mining ship Nostromo, awakens 57 years later when she is discovered drifting in space by a salvage vessel. Company officials refuse to believe her discovery of alien existence and revoke her flight officer’s license. Ripley discovers that the Company has now colonized LV-426 where her crew had encountered the alien species for the first time. Soon, all contact from the is lost and Ripley is asked to return there as an advisor to a team of tough space marines with a great deal of firepower. To be rid of her recurrent nightmares, Ripley prepares for a final confrontation with the monsters – and this time, there are hundreds.

Welcome to Johnny Has the Keys’ 100th EPISODE! Aliens (1986) is one of those rare examples of a sequel that works on multiple levels. It expands and pays homage to the original story, takes on a different movie-making aspect (action-film), and adds depth of character to ALL players, from Sigourney Weaver’s Ripley to the most minor of roles. Join us as we discuss this supreme sequel from its origins with controversial director James Cameron, the various cuts of the final product, and the overwhelming fan response to what is heralded as one of the best sequels ever made. Listen as Johnny Has the Key returns to LV-426 where an entire army of aliens awaits and Ripley prepares for an epic showdown with one badass mother.

04-04 Aliens

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Ep. 02-28: The Terminator (1984) & T2: Judgement Day (1991)

Season Finale – The Terminator(s)

A Terminator (Arnold Schwarzenegger) travels from 2029 to 1984 to kill Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton). Kyle Reese (Michael Biehn), is sent to protect Sarah because he knows that her unborn son will lead the fight against the robot apocalypse in the future. In the sequel, young John Connor (Edward Furlong), the key to civilization’s victory over the future robot uprising, is the target of a new Terminator—shape-shifting T-1000 (Robert Patrick)–sent from the future. The revamped T-800 (Schwarzenegger), has been sent back to protect the boy. As John and Sarah (Hamilton) go on the run with the T-800, the boy forms an unexpected bond with the robot.

In 1984, a young James Cameron, a student of the infamous cheap and prolific Roger Corman, brought us The Terminator, a little movie that could, if ever there was one. Revisit this classic with us as we discuss how Cameron, on an extremely small budget, produced this wow-worthy film and enormous franchise. The sequel has even more spectacular effects, as it was a showcase of CGI following Cameron’s early test run in The Abyss (1989). Join us for our Season 2 finale DOUBLE-FEATURE, as we discuss why both of these films are landmarks in sci-fi cinema history, despite their controversial director’s antics. Listen, as Johnny Has the Keys travels to the past of a robot apocalypse and ponders how conventions and tropes from the horror genre generated an unstoppable killer for science fiction fans all their own.

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Ep. 02-18: The Abyss (1989)

Episode 02-18 THE ABYSS

The navy enlists help from a nearby underwater oil rig to search for a lost nuclear submarine. Once the mission begins, they encounter a number of difficulties and discover that they may not be alone. There is something otherworldly out there in the deep.

The Abyss is not a perfect movie, but it was what many consider the official test movie for modern computer-generated effects (CGI). Join us as we discuss the highs and lows of this flawed but visually amazing film and the pros and cons of working with perfectionist director, James Cameron. Listen, as Johnny Has the Keys journeys to the bottom of the ocean, with a lovable blue-collar crew, to see what mysteries they uncover in The Abyss.