Tag: horror

Ep. 05-26: The Devil’s Backbone (2001)

After losing his father, 10-year-old Carlos arrives at the Santa Lucia School, which shelters orphans of the Republican militia and politicians, and is taken in by the steely headmistress, Carmen, and the kindly professor, Casares. Soon after his arrival, Carlos has a run-in with the violent caretaker, Jacinto. Gradually, Carlos uncovers the secrets of the school, including the youthful ghost that wanders the grounds.

We’re back in the gorgeous world of Guillermo Del Toro and our first foreign language feature. The Devil’s Backbone (2001), though relatively unknown to US audiences, is an exciting early glimpse into the mind of the visual storytelling auteur. Join us as we discuss the film’s origins, its Mexican-Spanish connection, and the universal impact of such a small, unique story. Listen, as Johnny Has the Keys journeys back to the Spanish Civil War where ghosts seek answers to the savageness of humanity. 

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Ep. 05-25: Cloverfield (2008) & 10 Cloverfield Lane (2016)

CLOVERFIELD (2008)—As a group of New Yorkers enjoy a going-away party, little do they know they will soon face the most terrifying night of their lives. A creature the size of a skyscraper descends upon the city, leaving death and destruction in its wake. Using a handheld video camera, the friends record their struggle to survive as New York crumbles around them.
10 CLOVERFIELD LANE (2016)—After surviving a car accident, Michelle (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) wakes up to find herself in an underground bunker with two men. Howard (John Goodman) tells her that a massive chemical attack has rendered the air unbreathable, and their only hope of survival is to remain inside. Despite the comforts of home, Howard’s controlling and menacing nature makes Michelle want to escape. After taking matters into her own hands, the young woman finally discovers the truth about the outside world.
Welcome to the fourth of our five double features this season, and our first foray into the world of JJ Abrams (Star Trek, Star Wars, Lost). Neither one of us remembered Cloverfield (2008) very well, but Tim is always up for a giant monster movie. 10 Cloverfield Lane (2016) is the better of the two movies, with powerful performances and twists that would unnerve even M. Night Shyamalan! Join us as we discuss the pros and cons of both films and the possibilities of further expanding this universe. Listen, as Johnny Has the Keys traverses the line between catastrophic events and post-apocalypse, where there be monsters of different kinds. 

 

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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. 05-22: 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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