Ep. 03-21: Silent Running (1972)

Following the end of all botanical life on Earth, ecologist Freeman Lowell (Bruce Dern), oversees a greenhouse on a space station, preserving various plants species for future generations. Assisted by three robots, Lowell rebels when ordered to destroy the greenhouse in favor of carrying cargo, a decision that puts him at odds with the remaining (human) crew. How far will Lowell go to keep his invaluable greenery alive?

Episode 321 Silent Running

Though somewhat dated, Silent Running is a noble effort and warrants placement in the canon of classic science fiction cinema. Its geological message remains relevant—especially with today’s concerns of climate change—and Bruce Dern’s performance harkens back nostalgically to other great peers of the time. Join us as we discuss the film’s development and its ties to the George Lucas and the Star Wars franchise. Listen as Johnny Has the Keys orbits Saturn, observing the endangered vestige of Earth’s fauna and questioning how far we should go to save it.

***Note: We’ve been having some Zoom connection problems and, occasionally, briefly, you may hear a glitch or our audio (Tim’s usually) does not sync with the video. Never fear, we catch most of the audio and (with video) the error seems to correct itself shortly. We are working on solutions to this problem.***

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Ep. 03-18: Re-Animator (1985)

Herbert West has a Frankenstein fixation in that he is obsessed with overcoming the obstacle of death. He has developed a serum and convinces his skeptic roommate, Dan Cain, to join his audacious project by reanimating his dead cat. Inevitably, as the two young scientists burrow deeper into uncharted territories, their campus soon starts brimming with West’s reanimated corpses. Arch-nemesis, Dr. Hill, yearns to take credit for this astounding discovery.

Episode 18 The Reanimator

Re-Animator (1985) is Stuart Gordon’s love letter to the writings of controversial horror author H. P. Lovecraft and the second of several sci-fi/horror genre-comedy crossovers we have slated for this season. Join us as we talk about what does and doesn’t make this film work, and the hilarious memories we have regarding it. Listen… as Johnny Has the Keys enrolls for classes at Miskatonic University, where the students are conducting unusual experiments and the faculty may not quite be alive… or dead.

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Ep. 03-15: Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)

World War II planes reported missing suddenly appear in the Mojave desert. A commercial flight encounters a UFO. While working one night, lineman, Roy Neary, has an otherworldly experience… Officials determine where the visitors plan to land and create an elaborate cover-up to keep people away. However, a group of people (including Neary) go anyway… for a gathering with new, and old, friends.

Episode 315 “Close Encounters of the Third Kind”

Welcome to part one of our Very Spielberg Christmas! In this 1977, feel-good classic, we experience thrills and chills as the people of earth encounter a benevolent alien race. Join us as we discuss Spielberg’s initial foray into science fiction films, and—similar to E.T. (1982)—a fantastical take of not-so-menacing extraterrestrials. Listen, as Johnny Has the Keys climbs Devil’s Tower for an invitation-only event with visitors from another world and, who knows, perhaps the opportunity to join them for future adventures.

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Ep. 03-13: Altered States (1980)

Respected scientist and psychology professor Edward Jessup (William Hurt) combines his experiments in sensory deprivation tanks with powerful hallucinogenic drugs, convinced that it may help him unlock different states of consciousness. The experiments are a success at first, but as Jessup continues his work, he experiences altered mental and also physical states. As he spends more time in sensory deprivation, his grip on reality slips away.

Episode 03-13 Altered States

Ken Russell, the director of Altered States, is a genre unto himself. Wildly visual and often shocking, he definitely falls more into the auteur category than most directors. Join us as we discuss Altered States, a hybrid sci-fi/horror film, its fantastic cast, story, and special effects. Listen, As Johnny Has the Keys enters a surreal world, where isolation takes and mystical Mexican potions may not only cause hallucinations but could also hold the key to human evolution itself.