Tag: Stephen King

Ep. 05-28: Drag Me to Hell (2009)

Christine Brown (Alison Lohman) has a loving boyfriend (Justin Long) and a great job at a Los Angeles bank. But her heavenly life becomes hellish when, in an effort to impress her boss, she denies an old woman’s request for an extension on her home loan. In retaliation, the crone places a curse on Christine, threatening her soul with eternal damnation. Christine seeks a psychic’s help to break the curse, but the price to save her soul may be more than she can pay.

Sam Raimi, it’s been way too long! Four seasons ago we discussed a little movie called The Evil Dead (1981) and why we have such a connection with it. Today we’re back in horror territory (as Sam was at the time) with 2009’s Drag Me to Hell. Join us as we discuss the pros and cons of Sam’s return to horror, including the cast, screenplay, and special effects. Listen as Johnny Has the Keys has a very short time to remove a curse before demons come and drag us to hell! 

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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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