With the Community movie coming to Peacock it’s a good time to revisit the six seasons before the movie. When you graduate from the series like the study group graduated Greendale, you may want more. Here are some other shows that offer their own kind of surreal, self-referential live-action comedy if you liked Community.
L-r: Joel McHale, Alison Brie, Yvette Nicole Brown, and Gillian Jacobs | Justin Lubin/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images If you liked ‘Community’ you may have ‘Scrubs’ to thank
The medical comedy Scrubs predates Community on NBC. Narrated by new resident J.D. (Zach Braff), Scrubs could break the fourth wall at any time within J.D.’s head. These included fantasy sequences, which isn’t how Community broke the fourth wall, but allowed Scrubs to get surreal.
Scrubs did have its own movie within Sacred Heart Hospital though. J.D. was writing a horror script called Dr.
L-r: Joel McHale, Alison Brie, Yvette Nicole Brown, and Gillian Jacobs | Justin Lubin/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images If you liked ‘Community’ you may have ‘Scrubs’ to thank
The medical comedy Scrubs predates Community on NBC. Narrated by new resident J.D. (Zach Braff), Scrubs could break the fourth wall at any time within J.D.’s head. These included fantasy sequences, which isn’t how Community broke the fourth wall, but allowed Scrubs to get surreal.
Scrubs did have its own movie within Sacred Heart Hospital though. J.D. was writing a horror script called Dr.
- 3/7/2023
- by Fred Topel
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Writer Alex Tse discusses a few of his favorite films with Josh Olson and Joe Dante.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Rrr (2022)
Watchmen (2009)
Superfly (2018)
The Blair Witch Project (1999)
Book Of Shadows: Blair Witch 2 (2000)
Independence Day (1996)
Clueless (1995)
Fast Times At Ridgemont High (1982) – Karyn Kusama’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Criterion Blu-ray review
William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet (1996)
The Goonies (1985)
Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom (1984)
Infested (2002)
Straw Dogs (1971) – Rod Lurie’s trailer commentary, Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Charlie Largent’s Criterion Blu-ray review, Joe Dante’s review
Altered States (1980) – Katt Shea’s trailer commentary
Return Of The Ape Man (1944)
Major League (1989)
The Sting (1973)
Angels In The Outfield (1951)
Rocky (1976)
Slap Shot (1977) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary
Eight Men Out (1988)
Heavy Metal (1981)
Fritz The Cat (1972) – Mick Garris’s trailer commentary, Charlie Largent’s Blu-ray review
The Killer Snakes (1974)
Zodiac (2007)
Se7en (1995)
Dirty Harry (1971) – Alan Spencer’s trailer commentary,...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Rrr (2022)
Watchmen (2009)
Superfly (2018)
The Blair Witch Project (1999)
Book Of Shadows: Blair Witch 2 (2000)
Independence Day (1996)
Clueless (1995)
Fast Times At Ridgemont High (1982) – Karyn Kusama’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Criterion Blu-ray review
William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet (1996)
The Goonies (1985)
Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom (1984)
Infested (2002)
Straw Dogs (1971) – Rod Lurie’s trailer commentary, Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Charlie Largent’s Criterion Blu-ray review, Joe Dante’s review
Altered States (1980) – Katt Shea’s trailer commentary
Return Of The Ape Man (1944)
Major League (1989)
The Sting (1973)
Angels In The Outfield (1951)
Rocky (1976)
Slap Shot (1977) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary
Eight Men Out (1988)
Heavy Metal (1981)
Fritz The Cat (1972) – Mick Garris’s trailer commentary, Charlie Largent’s Blu-ray review
The Killer Snakes (1974)
Zodiac (2007)
Se7en (1995)
Dirty Harry (1971) – Alan Spencer’s trailer commentary,...
- 2/7/2023
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
Comedian Jonah Ray discusses his favorite year in cinema (1994) with Josh Olson and Joe Dante.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Airport (1970)
Airport 1975 (1975)
Airport ’77 (1977)
Airplane! (1980)
Basket Case (1982)
Destroy All Neighbors (Tbd)
Satanic Hispanics (2022)
Christmas Bloody Christmas (2022)
Black Christmas (1974) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairings
Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984) – Alex Kirschenbaum’s franchise power rankings
Tales From The Crypt (1972)
Donnie Darko (2001)
Pooka! (2018)
Pooka Lives! (2020)
Harvey (1950) – Joe Dante’s trailer commentary
Ed Wood (1994)
Black Dynamite (2009)
Bride Of The Monster (1955) – Alex Kirschenbaum’s review
Glen Or Glenda (1953)
Plan 9 From Outer Space (1957)
Edward Scissorhands (1990)
Frankenweenie (2012)
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Dumb And Dumber (1994)
Austin Powers: International Man Of Mystery (1997)
Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999)
Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994)
The Mask (1994)
Wes Craven’s New Nightmare (1994)
Scream (1996)
Evil Laugh (1986)
The Hudsucker Proxy (1994)
Pulp Fiction (1994)
Forrest Gump (1994)
Clerks (1994)
The Search For One-Eye Jimmy (1994)
Cabin Boy (1994)
Scary Movie 2 (2001)
Scary Movie 4...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Airport (1970)
Airport 1975 (1975)
Airport ’77 (1977)
Airplane! (1980)
Basket Case (1982)
Destroy All Neighbors (Tbd)
Satanic Hispanics (2022)
Christmas Bloody Christmas (2022)
Black Christmas (1974) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairings
Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984) – Alex Kirschenbaum’s franchise power rankings
Tales From The Crypt (1972)
Donnie Darko (2001)
Pooka! (2018)
Pooka Lives! (2020)
Harvey (1950) – Joe Dante’s trailer commentary
Ed Wood (1994)
Black Dynamite (2009)
Bride Of The Monster (1955) – Alex Kirschenbaum’s review
Glen Or Glenda (1953)
Plan 9 From Outer Space (1957)
Edward Scissorhands (1990)
Frankenweenie (2012)
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Dumb And Dumber (1994)
Austin Powers: International Man Of Mystery (1997)
Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999)
Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994)
The Mask (1994)
Wes Craven’s New Nightmare (1994)
Scream (1996)
Evil Laugh (1986)
The Hudsucker Proxy (1994)
Pulp Fiction (1994)
Forrest Gump (1994)
Clerks (1994)
The Search For One-Eye Jimmy (1994)
Cabin Boy (1994)
Scary Movie 2 (2001)
Scary Movie 4...
- 1/17/2023
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
Director/Tfh Guru Mick Garris discusses his favorite year in film, 1986, with hosts Josh Olson and Joe Dante.
Show Notes:
Movies Referenced In This Episode
Stir of Echoes (1999)
The Sixth Sense (1999)
The Fly (1958) – Jesus Treviño’s trailer commentary
*The Fly (1986) – Katt Shea’s trailer commentary
The Fly II (1989)
Fuzzbucket (1986)
The Howling (1981) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairings
Gremlins (1984) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review, Tfh’s Mogwai Madness
Alien (1979) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairings
*Aliens (1986) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
The Terminator (1984) – Adam Rifkin’s trailer commentary
The Brood (1979) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Kramer vs. Kramer (1979)
Scanners (1981) – Mick Garris’s trailer commentary
Fast Company (1979)
Rabid (1977) – Mick Garris’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Shivers (1975)
Crimes of the Future (1970)
Crimes of the Future (2022)
Stereo (1969)
Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985) – Alan Spencer’s trailer commentary
Stand By Me...
Show Notes:
Movies Referenced In This Episode
Stir of Echoes (1999)
The Sixth Sense (1999)
The Fly (1958) – Jesus Treviño’s trailer commentary
*The Fly (1986) – Katt Shea’s trailer commentary
The Fly II (1989)
Fuzzbucket (1986)
The Howling (1981) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairings
Gremlins (1984) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review, Tfh’s Mogwai Madness
Alien (1979) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairings
*Aliens (1986) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
The Terminator (1984) – Adam Rifkin’s trailer commentary
The Brood (1979) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Kramer vs. Kramer (1979)
Scanners (1981) – Mick Garris’s trailer commentary
Fast Company (1979)
Rabid (1977) – Mick Garris’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Shivers (1975)
Crimes of the Future (1970)
Crimes of the Future (2022)
Stereo (1969)
Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985) – Alan Spencer’s trailer commentary
Stand By Me...
- 9/27/2022
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
Stuntman J.J. Perry, director of Day Shift, joins hosts Josh Olson and Joe Dante to discuss his favorite action flicks.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
You Only Live Twice (1967) – Dana Gould’s trailer commentary
From Russia With Love (1963) – Brian Trenchard-Smith’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairing
Day Shift (2022)
Big Trouble In Little China (1986) – Mike Mendez’s trailer commentary
The Lost Boys (1987) – Alex Kirschenbaum’s review
Fright Night (1986) – Alex Kirschenbaum’s review
The Evil Dead (1983) – Fede Alvarez’s trailer commentary
Zombieland (2009)
Traffic (2000)
Spectral (2016)
Spectre (2015)
The Exorcist (1973) – Oren Peli’s trailer commentary
Enter The Dragon (1973) – Brian Trenchard-Smith’s trailer commentary
The Way of the Dragon a.k.a. Return of the Dragon (1972) – Brian Trenchard-Smith’s trailer commentary
Rocky (1976)
Rocky II (1979)
Rocky III (1982)
Rocky IV (1985)
Rocky V (1990)
Creed (2015)
Undisputed II: Last Man Standing (2006)
The Tournament (2009)
The Shepherd: Border Patrol (2008)
X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
F9: The Fast Saga (2021)
Samaritan (2022)
Safe (2012)
Warrior...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
You Only Live Twice (1967) – Dana Gould’s trailer commentary
From Russia With Love (1963) – Brian Trenchard-Smith’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairing
Day Shift (2022)
Big Trouble In Little China (1986) – Mike Mendez’s trailer commentary
The Lost Boys (1987) – Alex Kirschenbaum’s review
Fright Night (1986) – Alex Kirschenbaum’s review
The Evil Dead (1983) – Fede Alvarez’s trailer commentary
Zombieland (2009)
Traffic (2000)
Spectral (2016)
Spectre (2015)
The Exorcist (1973) – Oren Peli’s trailer commentary
Enter The Dragon (1973) – Brian Trenchard-Smith’s trailer commentary
The Way of the Dragon a.k.a. Return of the Dragon (1972) – Brian Trenchard-Smith’s trailer commentary
Rocky (1976)
Rocky II (1979)
Rocky III (1982)
Rocky IV (1985)
Rocky V (1990)
Creed (2015)
Undisputed II: Last Man Standing (2006)
The Tournament (2009)
The Shepherd: Border Patrol (2008)
X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
F9: The Fast Saga (2021)
Samaritan (2022)
Safe (2012)
Warrior...
- 8/9/2022
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
Sterlin Harjo, co-creator of FX’s Reservation Dogs, discusses a few of his favorite movies with hosts Josh Olson and Joe Dante.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Mekko (2015)
Boy (2010)
Cool Hand Luke (1967) – Larry Karaszewski’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairings
Being There (1979) – Alan Spencer’s trailer commentary, Charlie Largent’s Blu-ray review
The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary
A Woman Under The Influence (1974)
Husbands (1970) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Stand By Me (1986)
Hamburger: The Motion Picture (1986)
This Is Spinal Tap (1984) – John Landis’s trailer commentary
The Princess Bride (1987) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Friday (1995)
One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest (1975) – Adam Rifkin’s trailer commentary
Dead Man (1995)
Powwow Highway (1989)
Airplane! (1980) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Ghost Dog: Way Of The Samurai (1999)
Stalker (1979) – Glenn Erickson’s Criterion Blu-ray review
Come And See (1985) – Larry Karaszewski’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Criterion Blu-ray review
A Clockwork Orange...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Mekko (2015)
Boy (2010)
Cool Hand Luke (1967) – Larry Karaszewski’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairings
Being There (1979) – Alan Spencer’s trailer commentary, Charlie Largent’s Blu-ray review
The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary
A Woman Under The Influence (1974)
Husbands (1970) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Stand By Me (1986)
Hamburger: The Motion Picture (1986)
This Is Spinal Tap (1984) – John Landis’s trailer commentary
The Princess Bride (1987) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Friday (1995)
One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest (1975) – Adam Rifkin’s trailer commentary
Dead Man (1995)
Powwow Highway (1989)
Airplane! (1980) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Ghost Dog: Way Of The Samurai (1999)
Stalker (1979) – Glenn Erickson’s Criterion Blu-ray review
Come And See (1985) – Larry Karaszewski’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Criterion Blu-ray review
A Clockwork Orange...
- 8/2/2022
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
Marcel The Shell With Shoes On director/co-writer/co-editor Dean Fleischer-Camp discusses some of his favorite movies with hosts Josh Olson and Joe Dante.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Marcel The Shell With Shoes On (2022)
Marcel The Shell With Shoes On (2010)
The Gods Must Be Crazy (1980)
San Andreas (2015)
Airplane! (1980) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Ghost (1990)
Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure (1985)
Beetlejuice (1988) – Alex Kirschenbaum’s review
Batman (1989)
Edward Scissorhands (1990)
Batman Returns (1992) – Alex Kirschenbaum’s review
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Ed Wood (1994)
Mars Attacks (1996)
Sleepy Hollow (1999)
Planet of the Apes (2001)
The Witches of Eastwick (1987)
8 ½ (1963) – Allan Arkush’s trailer commentary
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review, Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Westworld (1973) – Ed Neumeier’s trailer commentary
Robocop (1987) – Dan Ireland’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray and 4K Blu-ray reviews
Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983)
Alien (1979) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairings
Aliens (1986) – Glenn Erickson’s...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Marcel The Shell With Shoes On (2022)
Marcel The Shell With Shoes On (2010)
The Gods Must Be Crazy (1980)
San Andreas (2015)
Airplane! (1980) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Ghost (1990)
Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure (1985)
Beetlejuice (1988) – Alex Kirschenbaum’s review
Batman (1989)
Edward Scissorhands (1990)
Batman Returns (1992) – Alex Kirschenbaum’s review
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Ed Wood (1994)
Mars Attacks (1996)
Sleepy Hollow (1999)
Planet of the Apes (2001)
The Witches of Eastwick (1987)
8 ½ (1963) – Allan Arkush’s trailer commentary
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review, Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Westworld (1973) – Ed Neumeier’s trailer commentary
Robocop (1987) – Dan Ireland’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray and 4K Blu-ray reviews
Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983)
Alien (1979) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairings
Aliens (1986) – Glenn Erickson’s...
- 7/19/2022
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
Producer Mike Finnell (Joe Dante’s long time producing partner) joins Josh and Joe to discuss a few of his favorite movies.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Avalanche (1978)
Airport (1970)
Earthquake (1974) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Matinee (1993) – Illeana Douglas’s trailer commentary, Dennis Cozzalio’s review, Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Hollywood Boulevard (1976) – Jon Davison’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairing
Deceived (1991)
Newsies (1992)
Milk Money (1994)
Rock ‘n’ Roll High School (1979) – Eli Roth’s trailer commentary
The Howling (1981) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairings
Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983)
Gremlins (1984) – Glenn Erickson’s 4K Blu-ray review, Tfh’s 30th anniversary celebration
Explorers (1985) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Innerspace (1987) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
The ’Burbs (1989) – Ti West’s trailer commentary, Tfh’s ’Burbs Mania
Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990)
Small Soldiers (1998)
A Matter of Life and Death (1946) – Glenn Erickson’s...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Avalanche (1978)
Airport (1970)
Earthquake (1974) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Matinee (1993) – Illeana Douglas’s trailer commentary, Dennis Cozzalio’s review, Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Hollywood Boulevard (1976) – Jon Davison’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairing
Deceived (1991)
Newsies (1992)
Milk Money (1994)
Rock ‘n’ Roll High School (1979) – Eli Roth’s trailer commentary
The Howling (1981) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairings
Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983)
Gremlins (1984) – Glenn Erickson’s 4K Blu-ray review, Tfh’s 30th anniversary celebration
Explorers (1985) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Innerspace (1987) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
The ’Burbs (1989) – Ti West’s trailer commentary, Tfh’s ’Burbs Mania
Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990)
Small Soldiers (1998)
A Matter of Life and Death (1946) – Glenn Erickson’s...
- 7/12/2022
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
Author and Tfh Guru Dennis Lehane joins Josh and Joe to discuss a few of his favorite movies.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Gremlins (1984) – Glenn Erickson’s 4K Blu-ray review, Tfh’s Mogwai Madness
Home Alone (1990)
Mystic River (2003)
Shutter Island (2010)
Live By Night (2016)
Gone Baby Gone (2007)
The Drop (2014)
The Shining (1980) – Adam Rifkin’s trailer commentary
Apocalypse Now (1979) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary
Apocalypse Now: Redux (2001)
Apocalypse Now: Final Cut (2019) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
The Crying Game (1992)
Diner (1982)
Sweet Smell of Success (1957) – John Landis’s trailer commentary
American Graffiti (1973) – Allan Arkush’s trailer commentary
Body Heat (1981) – Dan Ireland’s trailer commentary
Blue Velvet (1986) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Charlie Largent’s Criterion Blu-ray review
Raging Bull (1980) – Dan Perri’s trailer commentary
Picnic At Hanging Rock (1975)
Star Wars (1977)
Star Wars: The Special Edition (1997)
Manhunter (1986) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary
Public Enemies (2009)
Last of the Mohicans (1992)
Miller’s Crossing (1990) – Josh Olson...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Gremlins (1984) – Glenn Erickson’s 4K Blu-ray review, Tfh’s Mogwai Madness
Home Alone (1990)
Mystic River (2003)
Shutter Island (2010)
Live By Night (2016)
Gone Baby Gone (2007)
The Drop (2014)
The Shining (1980) – Adam Rifkin’s trailer commentary
Apocalypse Now (1979) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary
Apocalypse Now: Redux (2001)
Apocalypse Now: Final Cut (2019) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
The Crying Game (1992)
Diner (1982)
Sweet Smell of Success (1957) – John Landis’s trailer commentary
American Graffiti (1973) – Allan Arkush’s trailer commentary
Body Heat (1981) – Dan Ireland’s trailer commentary
Blue Velvet (1986) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Charlie Largent’s Criterion Blu-ray review
Raging Bull (1980) – Dan Perri’s trailer commentary
Picnic At Hanging Rock (1975)
Star Wars (1977)
Star Wars: The Special Edition (1997)
Manhunter (1986) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary
Public Enemies (2009)
Last of the Mohicans (1992)
Miller’s Crossing (1990) – Josh Olson...
- 6/28/2022
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
TV director Dan Attias discusses his favorite cinematic moments with hosts Josh Olson and Joe Dante.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Sweet Smell of Success (1957) – John Landis’s trailer commentary
Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983)
White Dog (1982)
Silver Bullet (1985)
Witness (1985)
The Verdict (1982)
Scent Of A Woman (1992)
The Piano (1993)
The Pawnbroker (1965)
Dog Day Afternoon (1975)
True Romance (1993)
Infested (2002)
A History Of Violence (2005)
The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997)
Gremlins (1984) – Glenn Erickson’s review, Tfh’s 30th anniversary links
It’s A Wonderful Life (1946) – Bill Duke’s trailer commentary, John Landis’s trailer commentary
Jaws (1975) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary
Fast Times At Ridgemont High (1982) – Karyn Kusama’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Criterion review
Heaven Can Wait (1978)
Here Comes Mr. Jordan (1941) – Glenn Erickson’s Criterion review
12 Angry Men (1957)
Dodes’ka-den (1970)
Memento (2000)
Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
Other Notable Items
Phillips Club in NYC
Tfh Guru Alan Spencer
Sledge Hammer! TV series (1986-1988)
The Garland in...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Sweet Smell of Success (1957) – John Landis’s trailer commentary
Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983)
White Dog (1982)
Silver Bullet (1985)
Witness (1985)
The Verdict (1982)
Scent Of A Woman (1992)
The Piano (1993)
The Pawnbroker (1965)
Dog Day Afternoon (1975)
True Romance (1993)
Infested (2002)
A History Of Violence (2005)
The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997)
Gremlins (1984) – Glenn Erickson’s review, Tfh’s 30th anniversary links
It’s A Wonderful Life (1946) – Bill Duke’s trailer commentary, John Landis’s trailer commentary
Jaws (1975) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary
Fast Times At Ridgemont High (1982) – Karyn Kusama’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Criterion review
Heaven Can Wait (1978)
Here Comes Mr. Jordan (1941) – Glenn Erickson’s Criterion review
12 Angry Men (1957)
Dodes’ka-den (1970)
Memento (2000)
Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
Other Notable Items
Phillips Club in NYC
Tfh Guru Alan Spencer
Sledge Hammer! TV series (1986-1988)
The Garland in...
- 9/14/2021
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
The great director discusses some of his favorite movies with host Josh Olson.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
The Alzheimer Case a.k.a. Memory of a Killer (2003)
Memory (Tbd)
The Protégé (2021)
You Only Live Twice (1967)
Cast A Deadly Spell (1991)
The Mask Of Zorro (1998)
GoldenEye (1995)
Casino Royale (2006)
Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid (1969)
Slap Shot (1977) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary
Salt (2010)
Atomic Blonde (2017) – Brian Trenchard-Smith’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairing
The Manchurian Candidate (1962) – John Landis’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Criterion Blu-ray review, Randy Fuller’s wine pairing
The Manchurian Candidate (2004)
Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
The Bridge On The River Kwai (1957) – John Landis’s trailer commentary
Oliver Twist (1948)
Dr. No (1962) – Brian Trenchard-Smith’s trailer commentary
The Guns Of Navarone (1962)
The Dirty Dozen (1967) – Ed Neumeier’s trailer commentary
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) – John Landis’s trailer commentary, Dennis Cozzalio’s 70mm reissue review
The Spy Who Loved Me...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
The Alzheimer Case a.k.a. Memory of a Killer (2003)
Memory (Tbd)
The Protégé (2021)
You Only Live Twice (1967)
Cast A Deadly Spell (1991)
The Mask Of Zorro (1998)
GoldenEye (1995)
Casino Royale (2006)
Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid (1969)
Slap Shot (1977) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary
Salt (2010)
Atomic Blonde (2017) – Brian Trenchard-Smith’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairing
The Manchurian Candidate (1962) – John Landis’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Criterion Blu-ray review, Randy Fuller’s wine pairing
The Manchurian Candidate (2004)
Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
The Bridge On The River Kwai (1957) – John Landis’s trailer commentary
Oliver Twist (1948)
Dr. No (1962) – Brian Trenchard-Smith’s trailer commentary
The Guns Of Navarone (1962)
The Dirty Dozen (1967) – Ed Neumeier’s trailer commentary
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) – John Landis’s trailer commentary, Dennis Cozzalio’s 70mm reissue review
The Spy Who Loved Me...
- 8/27/2021
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
The comedian and former The Daily Show correspondent talks about his favorite Blaxploitation movies with hosts Josh Olson and Joe Dante.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Casablanca (1942) – John Landis’s trailer commentary
The Castle (1997)
The Spook Who Sat By The Door (1973) – Bill Duke’s trailer commentary
Pressure (1976)
Robinson Crusoe On Mars (1964) – Mick Garris’s trailer commentary
Boss (1975)
Django Unchained (2012) – Brian Trenchard-Smith’s trailer commentary
The Thing With Two Heads (1972) – Stuart Gordon’s trailer commentary
The Incredible 2-Headed Transplant (1971)
The Liberation of L.B. Jones (1970)
Last of the Mobile Hot Shots (1970)
Black Samurai (1977)
Truck Turner (1974)
Schindler’s List (1993)
Black Caesar (1973) – Larry Cohen’s trailer commentary
Hell Up In Harlem (1973) – Larry Cohen’s trailer commentary
Judas And The Black Messiah (2021)
Friday Foster (1975)
That Man Bolt (1973)
Blacula (1972)
Foxy Brown (1974) – Jack Hill’s trailer commentary
Dr. Black, Mr. Hyde (1976)
Willie Dynamite (1973) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Billy Jack (1971)
John Wick (2014)
The Matrix (1999)
Cleopatra Jones...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Casablanca (1942) – John Landis’s trailer commentary
The Castle (1997)
The Spook Who Sat By The Door (1973) – Bill Duke’s trailer commentary
Pressure (1976)
Robinson Crusoe On Mars (1964) – Mick Garris’s trailer commentary
Boss (1975)
Django Unchained (2012) – Brian Trenchard-Smith’s trailer commentary
The Thing With Two Heads (1972) – Stuart Gordon’s trailer commentary
The Incredible 2-Headed Transplant (1971)
The Liberation of L.B. Jones (1970)
Last of the Mobile Hot Shots (1970)
Black Samurai (1977)
Truck Turner (1974)
Schindler’s List (1993)
Black Caesar (1973) – Larry Cohen’s trailer commentary
Hell Up In Harlem (1973) – Larry Cohen’s trailer commentary
Judas And The Black Messiah (2021)
Friday Foster (1975)
That Man Bolt (1973)
Blacula (1972)
Foxy Brown (1974) – Jack Hill’s trailer commentary
Dr. Black, Mr. Hyde (1976)
Willie Dynamite (1973) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Billy Jack (1971)
John Wick (2014)
The Matrix (1999)
Cleopatra Jones...
- 8/17/2021
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
Public sightings of iconic actor Gene Wilder are as rare these days as public sightings of Willy Wonka (or Arthur Halliday). Three years ago, the retiree spoke with Robert Osborne at the 92nd Street Y in New York City in a rare public appearance. He discussed filming Mel Brooks classics like “Young Frankenstein” and “The Producers,” making Willy Wonka into his own and the state of modern Hollywood (including remakes of his own films!). The results will make you wish you could see Wilder back on the big screen.
Read More: We Miss You! Our Favorite Hypothetical Comebacks
It’s safe to assume Wilder has an old sensibility towards the industry. In this talk, he touches on his dislike for profanity in today’s films (“When they’re swearing… can’t they just stop and talk? Instead of swearing?”), confusion over what a podcast is (“Would I come on your what?...
Read More: We Miss You! Our Favorite Hypothetical Comebacks
It’s safe to assume Wilder has an old sensibility towards the industry. In this talk, he touches on his dislike for profanity in today’s films (“When they’re swearing… can’t they just stop and talk? Instead of swearing?”), confusion over what a podcast is (“Would I come on your what?...
- 7/5/2016
- by Russell Goldman
- Indiewire
Sledge Hammer! premiered on ABC 30 years ago and was cancelled after only two seasons. In a recent interview with Splitsider, creator Alan Spencer discussed his short-lived cop comedy and its upcoming revival special in San Francisco.
Sledge Hammer! starred David Rasche as a comically absurd version of Clint Eastwood's Dirty Harry character. Anne-Marie Martin and Harrison Page also starred.
Read More…...
Sledge Hammer! starred David Rasche as a comically absurd version of Clint Eastwood's Dirty Harry character. Anne-Marie Martin and Harrison Page also starred.
Read More…...
- 1/16/2016
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Today on Trailers from Hell, Alan Spencer talks 1977 Hitchcock-inspired "Rollercoaster." Director James Goldstone’s disaster thriller about a mad bomber’s plot to destroy an amusement park was the third film presented in the seat-shaking audio process known as Sensesurround. Though it stars such personable actors as George Segal and Richard Widmark and boasts some spectacular action scenes, the film was only a modest success, perhaps due in some part to its main competition that summer of 1977, "Star Wars."...
- 8/4/2014
- by Trailers From Hell
- Thompson on Hollywood
Today on Trailers from Hell, Alan Spencer revisits the over-the-top 1985 Rambo sequel "First Blood Part II," starring, of course, Sylvester Stallone. Any subtleties or ambiguous notions found in 1982's "First Blood" are blown up real good in this 1985 sequel. Co-written by Stallone and James Cameron, the second film picks up right where the first left off as Rambo is released from prison in order to rescue a squadron of POWs in Vietnam. Directed by George Cosmatos, the explosion-happy picture benefits from stellar tech credits with Tfh guru Mark Goldblatt in the editing bay, an evocative score by Jerry Goldsmith and cinematography from the brilliant Jack Cardiff.
- 7/2/2014
- by Trailers From Hell
- Thompson on Hollywood
Today on Trailers from Hell, Alan Spencer talks 1982 thriller "First Blood," starring Sylvester Stallone as the legendary Rambo. As battle scarred John Rambo, star and screenwriter Sylvester Stallone uses the post war traumas of real-life war veterans as fuel for a jingoistic revenge fantasy in the mode of "Death Wish" and "Walking Tall." Efficiently directed by Ted Kotcheff ("The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz," "North Dallas Forty"), 1982's "First Blood" is the quintessential Reagan era action film; the beleaguered Rambo takes up arms against a corrupt Washington state police department and essentially goes to war with his own government. Andrew Lazlo’s ("Southern Comfort," "Innerspace") beautiful cinematography (utilizing the lush landscapes of British Columbia) recalls Vilmos Zsigmond’s work on "The Deer Hunter" and Jerry Goldsmith’s thoughtful score conveys an...
- 6/30/2014
- by Trailers From Hell
- Thompson on Hollywood
Today on Trailers from Hell, Alan Spencer unravels the many layers of 1964's "The 7 Faces of Dr. Lao." "The Circus of Dr. Lao," written by Charles G. Finney in 1935, was a cynical, trenchant satire of the small minds of small town people. George Pal, whose perennially sunny demeanor was in sharp contrast to Finney's curdled comedy, kept his rose-colored glasses firmly in place when he directed his own version in 1964 from a screenplay by Charles Beaumont. Though the pungent atmosphere is missing from Pal's adaptation, several memorable things remain including a bittersweet score from Leigh Harline ("Pinocchio"), an assortment of mythical monsters courtesy of William Tuttle and Wah Chang and, most importantly, a brilliant tour-de-force by Tony Randall as the mysterious ringmaster Lao. Randall possessed one of the most beautiful speaking voices in Hollywood and he uses it to full effect in "7 Faces," inhabiting everything from a wistful Merlin the...
- 6/13/2014
- by Trailers From Hell
- Thompson on Hollywood
Today on Trailers from Hell, Alan Spencer takes on the 1966 "Sand Pebbles," starring Steve McQueen and Richard Attenborough. Roadshow epics were going the way of the dinosaur by the time Robert Wise's "The Sand Pebbles" appeared in 1966, particularly in the wake of the small films (like that year's "Alfie" and "Georgy Girl") that were speaking to younger ticket-buyers in a way the stodgy blockbusters were not. More’s the pity because Wise’s film, about a machinist’s mate caught up in the Chinese civil war of 1926, is an ambitious attempt to examine both political and personal conflicts against an intriguing historical backdrop. Steve McQueen stars as the rebellious sailor alongside Richard Attenborough whose romance with a Chinese courtesan comes to a tragic end.
- 5/28/2014
- by Trailers From Hell
- Thompson on Hollywood
Today on Trailers from Hell, Alan Spencer takes on Charles Chrichton's 1988 comedy classic, "A Fish Called Wanda," starring John Cleese, Jamie Lee Curtis and Kevin Kline. A comic crime caper stuffed with eccentric supporting characters, "A Fish Called Wanda" is in the best tradition of British comedies like "The Lavender Hill Mob." That should be no surprise because the director, Charles Crichton, is responsible for both. Crichton's amazing career began in the thirties as an editor on "Things to Come" and "Thief of Bagdad" and ended in 1998 with "Wanda," co-written with star John Cleese. The film was enormously successful winning an Academy Award for co-star Kevin Kline and BAFTA Awards for Cleese and Michael Palin for Best Actor and Supporting Actor.
- 4/11/2014
- by Trailers From Hell
- Thompson on Hollywood
Clint Eastwood Week with Alan Spencer! concludes at Trailers from Hell, with screenwriter Spencer introducing "The Dead Pool."The fifth and final film in Eastwood’s “Dirty Harry” series is memorable for early career appearances by Liam Neeson and Jim Carrey. Directed by Buddy Van Horn whose remarkably long and action-packed career as a stunt man (beginning in 1951 with the Byron Haskin western Warpath) was sidetracked by three directorial jobs for Eastwood, including Dead Pool, Pink Cadillac and Any Which Way You Can. Versatile cinematographer Jack Green went on to provide the uniquely noirish western look for Eastwood’s oscar-winning Unforgiven.
- 4/4/2014
- by Trailers From Hell
- Thompson on Hollywood
This week on Trailers from Hell, writer and produce Alan Spencer talks Joshua Logan's outsize 1969 gold rush musical "Paint Your Wagon," starring Clint Eastwood, Lee Marvin and Jean Seberg. Movie musicals don't come with a more problematic pedigree than director Josh Logan's Paint Your Wagon. Starring two notably tone-deaf non-singers, Lee Marvin and Clint Eastwood, and written by that exemplar of "Kitchen Sink" realism, Paddy Chayefsky, Logan's film is a 2 1/2 hour musical made at a time when the genre was considered box-office poison (the film turned out to be one of Paramount's highest grossing films but never earned enough to cover its budget). Marvin, who had a No. 1 hit in the UK with his rendition of "Wanderin' Star," turned down The Wild Bunch for this.
- 4/2/2014
- by Trailers From Hell
- Thompson on Hollywood
This week on Trailers from Hell, TV writer and produce Alan Spencer talks about the fourth film in the Dirty Harry series, "Sudden Impact," starring Clint Eastwood: Though notable as the only "Dirty Harry" movie to be directed by Clint Eastwood himself, "Sudden Impact" earned its place in American culture as the movie that inspired Ronald Reagan to co-opt Harry's deadpan dare to a gun-wielding punk, "Go ahead, make my day." Bruce Surtees, Eastwood's longtime cinematographer, once again brings his distinctly hardboiled visual style to Harry Callahan's unforgiving universe.
- 3/31/2014
- by Trailers From Hell
- Thompson on Hollywood
Ryan Lambie Jun 26, 2017
35 years ago, The Thing was panned by critics. We take a look at the angry reaction and its modern status as a horror classic...
It's the summer of 1982, and director John Carpenter is on the cusp of releasing his latest movie, The Thing. For the 34-year-old filmmaker, the release marks the end of a major undertaking: the culmination of months of shooting on freezing cold sets and snowy British Columbia locations, not to mention the execution of complex and time-consuming practical effects scenes.
See related Twin Peaks season 3 episode 7 review: There’s A Body All Right Twin Peaks season 3 episode 6 review: Don’t Die Twin Peaks season 3 episode 5 review: Case Files
Carpenter was understandably proud of the results: after such independent hits as Assault On Precinct 13, Halloween and Escape From New York, this was his first studio movie (for Universal) and also his most expensive to date,...
35 years ago, The Thing was panned by critics. We take a look at the angry reaction and its modern status as a horror classic...
It's the summer of 1982, and director John Carpenter is on the cusp of releasing his latest movie, The Thing. For the 34-year-old filmmaker, the release marks the end of a major undertaking: the culmination of months of shooting on freezing cold sets and snowy British Columbia locations, not to mention the execution of complex and time-consuming practical effects scenes.
See related Twin Peaks season 3 episode 7 review: There’s A Body All Right Twin Peaks season 3 episode 6 review: Don’t Die Twin Peaks season 3 episode 5 review: Case Files
Carpenter was understandably proud of the results: after such independent hits as Assault On Precinct 13, Halloween and Escape From New York, this was his first studio movie (for Universal) and also his most expensive to date,...
- 1/17/2014
- Den of Geek
Feature Ryan Lambie 20 Jan 2014 - 06:27
John Carpenter's The Thing was panned by reviewers in 1982. We take a look at the angry critical reaction and the later reassessment...
It's the summer of 1982, and director John Carpenter is on the cusp of releasing his latest movie, The Thing. For the 34-year-old filmmaker, the release marks the end of a major undertaking: the culmination of months of shooting on freezing cold sets and snowy British Columbia locations, not to mention the execution of complex and time-consuming practical effects scenes.
Carpenter was understandably proud of the results: after the independent such independent hits as Assault On Precinct 13, Halloween and Escape From New York, this was his first studio movie (for Universal) and also his most expensive to date, with a budget of around $15m. And while The Thing had appeared in cinemas before (in the guise of Howard Hawks and Christian Nyby's 1951 sci-fi shocker,...
John Carpenter's The Thing was panned by reviewers in 1982. We take a look at the angry critical reaction and the later reassessment...
It's the summer of 1982, and director John Carpenter is on the cusp of releasing his latest movie, The Thing. For the 34-year-old filmmaker, the release marks the end of a major undertaking: the culmination of months of shooting on freezing cold sets and snowy British Columbia locations, not to mention the execution of complex and time-consuming practical effects scenes.
Carpenter was understandably proud of the results: after the independent such independent hits as Assault On Precinct 13, Halloween and Escape From New York, this was his first studio movie (for Universal) and also his most expensive to date, with a budget of around $15m. And while The Thing had appeared in cinemas before (in the guise of Howard Hawks and Christian Nyby's 1951 sci-fi shocker,...
- 1/17/2014
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
Admittedly, the first time I sat down to watch Bullet in the Face when it made its TV debut, I didn’t make it all the way through. In fact, I shut it off 10 minutes into the pilot. Besides a few well-delivered lines by Eddie Izzard, the sense of humor didn’t appeal to me. For the most part, it still doesn’t, but it is easier to appreciate when you go in knowing it was made by Alan Spencer, the same guy who brought us the mock cop series Sledge Hammer, and thus know to expect the show to be a very broad satirical look at whatever genre it’s playing about in. With that in mind, Bullet in the Face becomes amusing for those who enjoy genre studies taken to an extreme, but outside of that very small niche audience, Bullet in the Face is likely to be...
- 1/12/2014
- by Lex Walker
- JustPressPlay.net
Deja Vu All Over Again! continues at Trailers from Hell, with TV writer Alan Spencer introducing "Time After Time," Nicholas Meyer’s wonderfully inventive sci-fi pastiche about a time-traveling H.G. Wells and his search for Jack the Ripper in present-day San Francisco. A buoyant fantasy, nerve-wracking suspense film and one of the best romances of its decade. Malcolm McDowell, as far removed from Alex the Droog as you can get, plays the sweet-natured Wells and Mary Steenburgen is his beautiful, spacey soul-mate. With David Warner (terrifying) as the Ripper. George Pal would surely have approved. A movie that really does have something for everyone.
- 1/8/2014
- by Trailers From Hell
- Thompson on Hollywood
The Tfh Grab Bag! concludes at Trailers from Hell, with Alan Spencer introducing Mel Brooks' "Silent Movie."Brooks' affectionate 1976 tribute to silent films is oddly subdued (for a Mel Brooks film) though the good-natured comedy still contains plenty of chuckles if not outright bellylaughs. By deciding to keep his actors completely silent, Brooks lost much of the raucous verbal humor that propels so much of his best work. With cameo appearances by Burt Reynolds, Paul Newman and that chatterbox Marcel Marceau.
- 12/20/2013
- by Trailers From Hell
- Thompson on Hollywood
Get ready to journey into the intriguing, neo-noir universe of Brüteville, a dystopian city where high-octane thrills, gangster mayhem, and a generous dose of subversive, satirical bent collide! On January 21, 2014, Shout! Factory will unleash the outrageous action-comedy cult hit Bullet In The Face: The Complete Series on DVD. Creator and executive producer Alan Spencer (Sledge Hammer!) developed the series with producers and executive producers Jesse Prupas and Evi Regev of Muse Entertainment and Just For Laughs Television. All-star cast includes Max Williams (Night of the Living Dead) as Gunter Vogler, Neil Napier (Riddick) as Lieutenant Karl Hagerman, Jessica Steen (NCIS) as Commissioner Eva Braden, and Kate Kelton (Haven) as Martine Mahler, alongside special guest stars Eddie Izzard (Valkyrie, Ocean’s Thirteen) and Eric Roberts (The Dark Knight, The Expendables) as notorious crime lords. Featuring special audio commentary by Alan Spencer, Bullet In The Face: The Complete Series DVD...
- 12/14/2013
- by ComicMix Staff
- Comicmix.com
Carquake! rumbles its way to Trailers from Hell this week, with TV writer Alan Spencer introducing "Bullitt," Peter Yates’ supercharged detective blockbuster starring Steve McQueen. The film was a transitional one for Hollywood, introducing the concept of kinetic action into the gumshoe mix and making a superstar out of former TV actor McQueen. It was his favorite role. Ironically Robert L Pike’s source novel “Mute Witness” had been first purchased as a vehicle for Spencer Tracy as an aging New York cop. It was retrofitted for McQueen and relocated to San Francisco, where its groundbreaking car chase scenes were shot with new lightweight Arriflex cameras.
- 11/11/2013
- by Trailers From Hell
- Thompson on Hollywood
Box Office Busts! week concludes at Trailers from Hell with TV writer-producer Alan Spencer introducing Stanley Kramer's 1971 film "Bless the Beasts and Children."After a run of distinguished films during the sixties, socially committed producer-director Kramer’s downhill slide accelerated with this somewhat prescient but pretentious adaptation of Glendon Swarthout’s well-regarded novel about emotionally disturbed teens at a summer camp who try to prevent a buffalo slaughter. This gimmicky trailer, a faux interview between actor Bill Mumy and a supposed rep of the NRA, would have been more convincing had they cast an actor less familiar than busy character type Douglas Kennedy as the spokesman.
- 8/23/2013
- by Trailers From Hell
- Thompson on Hollywood
Go Ahead, Make My Day! week concludes at Trailers from Hell with TV writer Alan Spencer introducing the third Dirty Harry film, "The Enforcer," starring Clint Eastwood.Although Clint Eastwood had intended to direct the third Dirty Harry movie himself, his replacement of Philip Kaufman during The Outlaw Josey Wales prevented him from taking the reins on The Enforcer, so his assistant director James Fargo was drafted to do the job. Tyne Daley’s tough female cop foreshadows her role in the hit Cagney and Lacey tv series. The music is by Jerry Fielding, making this the only Dirty Harry film without a score by Lalo Schifrin. By the way, the line “Go ahead, make my day” does not actually appear until the next film in the series, Sudden Impact.
- 8/9/2013
- by Trailers From Hell
- Thompson on Hollywood
Go Ahead, Make My Day! week continues at Trailers from Hell, with TV writer Alan Spencer introducing "Magnum Force," the second of the Dirty Harry movies, starring Clint Eastwood. The title "Magnum Force" reflects the contributions of screenwriter and firearms fan John Milius, who was rewritten by a pre-Deer Hunter Michael Cimino. Director Ted Post, who had worked with Eastwood on Hang 'em High and tv's Rawhide, found the star more contentious at this stage of his career and claimed their disputes during production harmed the film. But boxoffice results topped the original.
- 8/7/2013
- by Trailers From Hell
- Thompson on Hollywood
Go Ahead, Make My Day! week starts at Trailers from Hell, with TV writer Alan Spencer introducing Don Siegel's iconic '70s vigilante classic "Dirty Harry," starring -- who else? -- Clint Eastwood.The odd conglomeration of names involved in the inception of what became Clint Eastwood's signature movie include John Wayne, Frank Sinatra, Irvin Kershner, Terence Malick and John Milius. The first two, along with Robert Mitchum and Steve McQueen and Paul Newman, turned down the role while the others were among the writers of numerous drafts, many set in New York rather than San Francisco. Bouncing from studio to studio, it almost ended up a tv movie for ABC! When Eastwood was approached he insisted on returning to the first draft and hiring Don Siegel to direct, as they had enjoyed working together on the offbeat flop The Beguiled.
- 8/5/2013
- by Trailers From Hell
- Thompson on Hollywood
The full list of judges and the lineup of the 2013 Viscera Film Festival have been revealed along with the name of this year's Inspiration Award recipient. It all happens on July 13th at the American Cinematheque’s Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood, California. Read on for the details.
From the Press Release:
The festival’s gala celebration will spotlight emerging female horror directors from around the world, including the UK, Japan, Spain, Mexico, Canada, and the Us and will serve as host to four world premieres and two Los Angeles premieres.
This year’s Viscera Film Festival lineup was carefully selected by an esteemed panel of industry judges who had the difficult task of selecting winners from the record-breaking number of entries for the 2013 festival and tour season, ultimately proving that innovative and dynamic short-form storytelling is still alive and well within the horror community.
"This year we had over 200 amazing entries,...
From the Press Release:
The festival’s gala celebration will spotlight emerging female horror directors from around the world, including the UK, Japan, Spain, Mexico, Canada, and the Us and will serve as host to four world premieres and two Los Angeles premieres.
This year’s Viscera Film Festival lineup was carefully selected by an esteemed panel of industry judges who had the difficult task of selecting winners from the record-breaking number of entries for the 2013 festival and tour season, ultimately proving that innovative and dynamic short-form storytelling is still alive and well within the horror community.
"This year we had over 200 amazing entries,...
- 6/4/2013
- by The Woman In Black
- DreadCentral.com
Today the official slate has been announced for this year's annual Viscera Film Festival, which showcases the work of female horror filmmakers from around the world. This year's lineup – selected from over two hundred entries – features thirteen short films from the Us and Canada, the UK, Japan, Spain and Mexico, and includes two Los Angeles premieres. This year's judging panel is a veritable who's-who of horror entertainment, including Jennifer Lynch, Rachel Talalay, Jeffrey Reddick, Amber Benson, Trent Haaga, Anthony Masi, Brea Grant, Andrew Van Den Houten, Elizabeth Stanley, Anthony Diblasi, Shade Rupe, Jim Vanbebber, Drew Daywalt, Kier-La Janisse, Chris Alexander, John Skipp, David Decoteau, Alan Spencer, Barbara Peeters, and prior Viscera winners Jennifer Thym and Mae Catt. The festival will be held on July 13th in a co-presentation with the American Cinematheque at the Egyptian Theatre at 6712 Hollywood Boulevard. The event includes a “bloody carpet” ceremony and after-party at the...
- 6/3/2013
- by Gregory Burkart
- FEARnet
Viscera is a non profit organization that highlights female horror filmmakers and details on the 2013 Viscera Film Festival have been announced, including the lineup of films that will be screening at the event:
“Los Angeles, CA – June 3rd, 2013 — Today, the Viscera Organization announced the stellar line-up of 13 brand new short films that have been selected to screen on July 13, 2013 in a co-presentation with the American Cinematheque at the Egyptian Theatre (6712 Hollywood Boulevard) in Hollywood for this year’s Viscera Film Festival. The festival’s gala celebration will spotlight emerging female horror directors from around the world, including the UK, Japan, Spain, Mexico, Canada, and the Us and will serve as host to four world premieres and two Los Angeles premieres.
This year’s Viscera Film Festival line-up was carefully selected by an esteemed panel of industry judges who had the difficult task of selecting winners from the record-breaking number of...
“Los Angeles, CA – June 3rd, 2013 — Today, the Viscera Organization announced the stellar line-up of 13 brand new short films that have been selected to screen on July 13, 2013 in a co-presentation with the American Cinematheque at the Egyptian Theatre (6712 Hollywood Boulevard) in Hollywood for this year’s Viscera Film Festival. The festival’s gala celebration will spotlight emerging female horror directors from around the world, including the UK, Japan, Spain, Mexico, Canada, and the Us and will serve as host to four world premieres and two Los Angeles premieres.
This year’s Viscera Film Festival line-up was carefully selected by an esteemed panel of industry judges who had the difficult task of selecting winners from the record-breaking number of...
- 6/3/2013
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
Laffapalooza! week concludes at Trailers from Hell with television writer Alan Spencer introducing "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes' Smarter Brother," written, directed and starring Gene Wilder.Baker Street was never like this! Wilder followed up his star turn in Young Frankenstein by writing, directing and starring in this well-researched period comedy featuring the great detective's younger, envious brother, who is overmatched (to say the least) by Leo McKern's Moriarty. Lots of hat-tips to Conan Doyle throughout for devout Holmes fans, but it's a sublimely silly movie on its own. Albert Finney has a cameo dissing opera singers.
- 5/10/2013
- by Trailers From Hell
- Thompson on Hollywood
Vincent Price Week is moving right along at Trailers from Hell, with TV writer Alan Spencer introducing "Theater of Blood," a hilariously creative revenge-fantasy film in which Price exacts Shakespearean punishment on the critics who have panned his stage performances over the years. Every creative artist's favorite anti-critic movie, as poorly reviewed Shakespearean actor Edward Lionheart gruesomely avenges himself on those who panned him. Probably the classiest of Vincent Price's late career vehicles, in which he's supported by the cream of British character actor royalty. Beautifully shot by Wolfgang Suzchitzky with a memorably contrapuntal romantic score by Michael J. Lewis, nuanced direction by Douglas Hickcox and a wittily literate script by Anthony Greville-Bell. Similar to Price's Dr. Phibes murder sprees, but far less cartoony and more emotionally affecting. Apologies for the poor quality of this trailer (with Danish subtitles yet) but it's...
- 2/26/2013
- by Trailers From Hell
- Thompson on Hollywood
Hot & Cold War Comedy! week continues at Trailers from Hell with TV writer Alan Spencer introducing "The Nude Bomb," a belated attempt to turn "Get Smart" into a feature film that was a surprise hit at the box office. Brit Clive Donner may have seemed an odd choice to direct, but in all probability nobody else would have been able to impose much personality on this generic Universal Studios project, which plays out pretty much like a TV movie despite the strenuous efforts of star Don Adams and some occasionally funny supporting players. Fans of the show still like this one, though.
- 1/9/2013
- by Trailers From Hell
- Thompson on Hollywood
Marty Feldman Week! concludes at Trailers from Hell with TV writer Alan Spencer introducing Mel Brooks' laugh riot "Young Frankenstein" (pronounced "Fronk-en-steen," of course!). Feldman plays bug-eyed Transylvanian servant Igor. Mel Brooks' affectionate comic homage to the Universal Frankenstein movies piles on every cliche and cartoony plot twist from the first five series entries, with appropriate attention paid to the original art direction and camera setups. When Columbia balked at the budget and black and white photography, Brooks took it to 20th Century-Fox. A boxoffice smash, later adapted into a Broadway musical. For a later generation of kids, this is the only Frankenstein they've been exposed to.
- 12/14/2012
- by Trailers From Hell
- Thompson on Hollywood
Marty Feldman Week! continues at Trailers from Hell with TV writer Alan Spencer introducing Feldman's "In God We Trust," a satire of televangelists that met with critical derision and terminated his five-year studio contract. Subtitled "Gimme that Prime Time Religion," this was Marty Feldman's reward for the boxoffice success of his previous directorial effort. Finally free of studio interference, he chose to make a trenchant satire of televangelists and religion, only to see it savaged critically and his five-picture studio deal terminated. Seldom revived or televised, it's a ripe candidate for rediscovery.
- 12/12/2012
- by Trailers From Hell
- Thompson on Hollywood
Marty Feldman Week! begins at Trailers from Hell with TV writer Alan Spencer introducing "The Last Remake of Beau Geste," which was so drastically re-cut by the studio before its release that Feldman rejected a positive New York Times review, writing the critic and telling him he was wrong. Pop-eyed Brit comic Marty Feldman directs and stars in this wacky spoof chosen from a list of titles to which Universal owned the remake rights. Taken away from him and completely recut by the studio, it nevertheless ended up a critical and financial success. When the New York Times published a rave review, Feldman wrote a long letter to the critic telling him he was wrong. Apologies for the low picture quality of this transfer.
- 12/10/2012
- by Trailers From Hell
- Thompson on Hollywood
Known for his unique, hyper-erudite, stream-of-consciousness stand-up comedy (best showcased in the 2000 concert film "Dress to Kill"), Eddie Izzard has also spent the better part of the last two decades building a very interesting career as a character actor on both stage and screen. With the exception of his leading role on the acclaimed (though short-lived) FX series "The Riches," Izzard's main strength as an actor has been in the kind of indelible supporting roles that he plays in IFC's upcoming miniseries "Bullet In The Face." "Bullet in the Face," which is being spread out over two nights on August 16th and 17th at 10pm, shares with creator Alan Spencer's previous cult classic "Sledge Hammer!" a cracked, satirical bent. It's also met with some minor controversy for its violent content -- the show's set in a comic-book-style alternate universe full of warring gangsters, tough cops, jet-black humor and...
- 8/14/2012
- by Danny Bowes
- Indiewire
In true, lazy journalist cut-and-paste fashion, here is the ultimate question-and-answer session with Bullet in the Face writer and producer Alan Spencer. The upcoming 6-part TV series starring Eddie Izzard and Eric Roberts airs on IFC, and is darkly comedic, or comedically dark, or absurdly thrilling. There’s just no one way to categorize it (read our review here).
What was the impetus for making Bullet in the Face darker and more violent than most comedies?
You mean when compared to the behind the scenes of Two & a Half Men?
When I originally wrote Sledge Hammer! as a feature film during the late seventies, it was actually quite violent in keeping with the spirit of the genre that inspired it, namely lone vigilante cops that took the law into their own hands and strangled it with a vengeance. The people around town who read it back then, agents and executives,...
What was the impetus for making Bullet in the Face darker and more violent than most comedies?
You mean when compared to the behind the scenes of Two & a Half Men?
When I originally wrote Sledge Hammer! as a feature film during the late seventies, it was actually quite violent in keeping with the spirit of the genre that inspired it, namely lone vigilante cops that took the law into their own hands and strangled it with a vengeance. The people around town who read it back then, agents and executives,...
- 8/9/2012
- by Superheidi
- Planet Fury
Directed by Erik Canuel
Written and produced by Alan Spencer
Featuring Max Williams, Neil Napier, Kate Kelton, Jessica Steen, Eddie Izzard, Eric Roberts
This new IFC original series from Alan Spencer is far darker, more violent, and mind-bending than his classic comedic 80s series Sledge Hammer!.
Set in a city called Bruteville, which is neither American nor European but vaguely both, Bullet in the Face is a grim and violent study of modern film noir in explicit graphic novel style. Far darker and more brutal than most comedies, Bullet in the Face utilizes a sleazy cast of characters covering the tropes of crime stories: the tough-as-nails, brassy female police commissioner; the true-blue cop mourning the death of his partner; the eccentric and fabulously wealthy crime lord; the mysterious, deceitful femme fatale.
And yet it is a comedy. Career criminal Gunter Vogler is shot in the face by his girlfriend, hitman (hitwoman?...
Written and produced by Alan Spencer
Featuring Max Williams, Neil Napier, Kate Kelton, Jessica Steen, Eddie Izzard, Eric Roberts
This new IFC original series from Alan Spencer is far darker, more violent, and mind-bending than his classic comedic 80s series Sledge Hammer!.
Set in a city called Bruteville, which is neither American nor European but vaguely both, Bullet in the Face is a grim and violent study of modern film noir in explicit graphic novel style. Far darker and more brutal than most comedies, Bullet in the Face utilizes a sleazy cast of characters covering the tropes of crime stories: the tough-as-nails, brassy female police commissioner; the true-blue cop mourning the death of his partner; the eccentric and fabulously wealthy crime lord; the mysterious, deceitful femme fatale.
And yet it is a comedy. Career criminal Gunter Vogler is shot in the face by his girlfriend, hitman (hitwoman?...
- 7/31/2012
- by Superheidi
- Planet Fury
If you don't know who Alan Spencer is, screw you.
He created the amazing 80s TV series Sledgehammer, which is just about the funniest show ever made that doesn't involve cartoons.
Spencer now has a new TV project: IFC's Bullet in the Face, which stars Eddie Izzard and Eric Roberts.
Following a botched jewel heist, sociopath criminal Gunter Vogler awakens in a hospital, surrounded by cops, his head wrapped in bandages. When the bandages come off Gunter’s new face is revealed and police force him to work undercover to take down the city’s crime lords. It’s a job that no one wants, but Gunter is uniquely able to handle. Almost.
Oh God, this sounds good.
Just watch this behind-the-scenes teaser to get a taste:
Spencer's work as an indefinable hilarity to it; it's homage, mockery, and just generally original absurdism (not a word? Too bad!) that is...
He created the amazing 80s TV series Sledgehammer, which is just about the funniest show ever made that doesn't involve cartoons.
Spencer now has a new TV project: IFC's Bullet in the Face, which stars Eddie Izzard and Eric Roberts.
Following a botched jewel heist, sociopath criminal Gunter Vogler awakens in a hospital, surrounded by cops, his head wrapped in bandages. When the bandages come off Gunter’s new face is revealed and police force him to work undercover to take down the city’s crime lords. It’s a job that no one wants, but Gunter is uniquely able to handle. Almost.
Oh God, this sounds good.
Just watch this behind-the-scenes teaser to get a taste:
Spencer's work as an indefinable hilarity to it; it's homage, mockery, and just generally original absurdism (not a word? Too bad!) that is...
- 7/14/2012
- by Superheidi
- Planet Fury
IFC unveiled a slew of original series slate for the 2011/2012 season. The line-up includes a second season renewal of the network.s popular news show, Onion News Network, which received strong viewer response and critical acclaim throughout season one, currently airing. IFC has green lit four new original series: Commercial Kings from Reveille Young, Broke & Beautiful produced by 44 Pictures Whisker Wars produced by Thom Beers. Original Productions Bullet in the Face, created and written by Alan Spencer. IFC also announced two original series currently in development: an untitled variety show hosted by Comedy Death-Ray.s Scott Aukerman and Pointless created by Ethan Berlin and Eric Bryant, which came to IFC through the...
- 3/23/2011
- by April MacIntyre
- Monsters and Critics
IFC has renewed "The Onion News Network" for a second season, green-lit four new series, and announced it is developing two other shows. The first of the four green-lit shows, "Bullet in the Face," will premiere in 2012 and follow the hijinks of "a psychotic criminal turned cop after a jewelry heist goes terribly wrong." The scripted series is created, written and produced by Alan Spencer, known for "Sledge Hammer!" and "Hexed." "Commercial Kings," due to premiere on June 24 at 10 p.m., is described as a "docu-comedy" starring Rhett McLaughlin and...
- 3/22/2011
- The Wrap
At a press event in New York today, IFC announced that it has renewed freshman news show Onion News Network for a second season. Additionally, IFC has greenlit four new original docu series: Commercial Kings from Reveille; Young, Broke & Beautiful, produced by 44 Pictures; Whisker Wars, produced by Thom Beers’ Original Prods. (hint: it involves men's facial hair, not cats as the title might suggest); and Bullet in the Face, created and written by Alan Spencer. IFC also announced two original series currently in development: an untitled variety show hosted by Comedy Death-Ray’s Scott Aukerman, and Pointless, created by Ethan Berlin and Eric Bryant, which came to IFC through the New York Television Festival. In addition to Onion, IFC recently renewed two other freshman comedy series, The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret and Portlandia. Here are detailed descriptions of IFC's new series and projects in development: Commercial Kings (10 half-hour eps,...
- 3/22/2011
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
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