Ep. 06-28: Logan’s Run (1976)

LOGAN’S RUN (1976)—In the year 2274, society lives an idyllic, hedonistic lifestyle within the protective confines of a domed city. The belief is—when people turn 30, they are reincarnated for another blissful life cycle. Those who know the darker truth become runners and flee to a hidden sanctuary. When law enforcement officer Logan goes undercover to locate the refuge, he winds up instead trying to start a revolution with another runner, Jessica.

Welcome to our third Listener/Viewer request episode (thanks to Buck Allum for the suggestion!). The idea of Logan’s Run (1976) is a unique and grand concept. The film, unfortunately, is a little mired by its limitations and execution. Join us as we discuss the good and bad, including its cast, special effects, and screenplay. Listen, as Johnny Has the Keys flees from the sandmen, hoping to reach sanctuary and a life beyond thirty years.

SHOW LINKS:

Get Tim’s Book THE DEAD NEXT DOOR

Do you like our show? Want more cool stuff? Help us continue…

Reach out to us…

Ep. 06-22: Fahrenheit 451 (1966) & 1984 (1984)

FAHRENHEIT 451 (1966)—In a future dystopian society, books have been banned. Enforced by the fire department—whose role it is to burn them—the result is an emotionless and egalitarian society. Guy Montag, senior fireman, is much respected by his superiors and is in line for a promotion. He doesn’t question what he does or why he does it until he meets Clarisse. As his doubts grow, he begins to steal some of the books he is meant to burn.

1984 (1984)—Based on George Orwell’s classic novel, Winston Smith (John Hurt) is a government employee whose job involves the rewriting of history in a manner that casts his fictional country’s leaders in a charitable light. His trysts with Julia (Suzanna Hamilton) provide his only measure of enjoyment, but lawmakers frown on the relationship—and in this closely monitored society, there is no escape from Big Brother.

Welcome back to the dreary future worlds of dystopia. In this double feature, we discuss two of dystopian literature’s all-time classics, Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury and 1984 by George Orwell. Join us as we discuss these adaptions and whether they achieve the daunting task of translating to the silver screen. Listen, as Johnny Has the Keys travels into the not-so-distant future, where society is repressed and individualism shunned.

SHOW LINKS:

Get Tim’s Book THE DEAD NEXT DOOR

Do you like our show? Want more cool stuff? Help us continue…

Reach out to us…

Ep. 05-33: Rollerball (1975)

It is the year 2018, and we live in a dystopia where corporations have replaced countries. A violent futuristic game known as Rollerball is a popular recreational sport, with teams representing various areas around the world. One player, Jonathan E., fights for his personal freedom and threatens corporate control.

SHOW LINKS:

Get Tim’s Book THE DEAD NEXT DOOR

Do you like our show? Want more cool stuff? Help us continue…

Reach out to us…

Ep. 05-14: Escape from New York (1981)

In 1997, a major war between the United States and the Soviet Union is concluding, and the entire island of Manhattan has been converted into a giant maximum security prison. When Air Force One is hijacked and crashes into the island, the president (Donald Pleasence) is taken hostage by a group of inmates. Snake Plissken (Kurt Russell), a former Special Forces soldier turned criminal, is recruited to retrieve the president in exchange for his own freedom.

Escape From New York

Welcome to dystopian Manhattan in 1997, where only the savvy and savage survive. Escape from New York (1981) is one of those wonderful early Carpenter films with a certain je nais se quois (unlike many of his latter efforts). Join us as we discuss the film’s strengths and weaknesses, including the solid cast, crew, and cinematography. Listen, as Johnny Has the Keys has 24 hours to infiltrate the maximum security prison of Manhattan, rescue the President of the United States, and avoid global annihilation!