Midnight Movie Cowboys

Big Jake

 

John and Hunter are joined once again by western expert and all around bad hombre, Eric Zaldivar. This week, we delve into John Wayne's Big Jake, a western that comes late in the Duke's career, and co-stars more than a few frequent collaborators. 

Items discussed include the Duke's penchant for removing commies, Vulture's not-so-good list of the greatest westerns ever made, and Eric talks about his experiences working with the Duke's Big Jake co-star, Chris Mitchum, son of Hollywood legend Robert Mitchum! Don't miss this one!

Here is a link to the article Eric references about Chris Mitchum's falling out with Duke: https://jeremylr.medium.com/john-wayne-built-my-career-durango-prop-guys-and-pistoleros-with-chris-mitchum-afa7d6077ffe

 

Here is footage of the premiere of Big Jake at Knott's Berry Farm:

 

Big Jake trailer:

Stu's Views Episode 01: Destruction - Mad Butcher E.P

 

Hey all, Stu here. So, over the next 2 months or so, I'm gonna be out of action on the regular MMC episodes, due to works happening in my house. However, of a nighttime, I'll be free to record, so I'll be doing a little side solo project called Stu's Views.

 

I'll be looking at anything and everything - films, music, books etc. and if the mood strikes me, I'll record a mini episode on my thoughts on it. Now, I am not leaving the MMC, I am just purely unavailable for the near future to do any, but I will be doing these.

First episode I decided to talk about the 1987 Destruction E.P Mad Butcher. 

Dig in

Stu

Broke: Lethal Weapon, Woke: Above the Law

 

John and Hunter re-examine two old favorites, Richard Donner's buddy cop film Lethal Weapon, and Andrew Davis' Steven Seagal vehicle, Above the Law. How do they hold up?

 

Well, the title should be an indicator.

 

Join us as we re-evaluate two similar eighties action flicks with similar plots, and how our opinions on them have changed in the years since.

All the King's Men

 

John and Hunter ring in the new year with Robert Rossen's All the King's Men, an adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Robert Penn Warren. Steve Zaillian's notorious 2006 remake is also discussed, as well as the history behind the inspiration for the story, Louisiana Governor Huey P. Long. And of course, we can't help but tie it all in to recent events.

 

A note about this episode: We had some trouble getting going with recording, and during our technical issues, Hunter's audio settings were reset, so the audio on this episode is not up to our usual standards. We apologize to your ears for the inconvenience!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rock Month: Killing Joke [Part 1]

 

Ok, after an almighty long wait since the last episode, and an eternity since Rock Month from last year (it basically got shelved indefinitely), we decided to give you just ONE Rock Month episode this year, well, one band split over 2 episodes.

On this one Stu and Hunter are joined by friend of the show, and Metalocalypse look-a-like Daniel Kiestler.

We discuss the 2013 Killing Joke documentary - The Death and Resurrection Show, and the insanity of KJ frontman Jaz Coleman. We also discuss, the huge, but widely unheralded, impact of Killing Joke's music.... more to come on that one when we do Part 2 of this very special Rock Month episode.

P.S - for those of you who are excited to see RM return, savour it, this WILL be the last one we ever do. RM was fun for the 6-7 years we did it, but we've done all we could with it. We'll still discuss music on the show, heck we may even do the odd episode dedicated to a band or artists new release, or rock documentary, but in terms of Rock Month... it's dead. Sorry fam.

Enjoy

All Filler, No Killer

 

Hey gang, we're back with a quick fill-in episode. We were meant to do our Rock Month episode (still coming, so don't worry), but certain issues prevented that, so we knocked this one out to keep you tied over in the meantime.

There's a bunch of rants and tangents on here, and general observations too. The usual banter we do (that listeners seem to enjoy for some reason)

Anyway, enjoy this, it's nothin' fancy. Our Rock Month episode though, will be.

 

FM [1978]

 

Alright now, time to slip off them shoes, turn on your radio, and switch that dial to 102.1 MMC radio. This week the gang look at an Arrowshelf title (so you know darn well whose pick this is) FM from 1978.

 

Now for those of you who have seen it, the comparisons to WKRP in Cincinnati are unmistakable, we do go into that, but we also talk the film itself of course. A lost gem, with a pulsating soundtrack, this is one we think you need to see.... or is it? listen on and find out.

P.S - we will be doing ONE Rock Month episode this year. It was originally abandoned for 2020, but seeing as Doc Month was a disaster, we will bringing you a Rock Month episode very shortly, listen to this episode for details. 

The X-Files: D.P.O.

 

John and Hunter are back to talk about another episode of The X-Files. This time, we look at the episode "D.P.O." from season three, featuring an electrifying Giovanni Ribisi and Jack Black doing the hesher thing he used to do in everything. The content here lead to a long discussion about the nineties, Filter, Sega, the Vandals, and all kinds of other tangents relating to this episode.

Let us know if you dig these X-Files episodes! Enjoy!

 

 

Questions / Answers / Banter

 

Welcome to Week 3 of Doc Month.... NOT! Sorry folks, Doc Month is done, incomplete, but hey, you can't win 'em all.

So anyway, this episode, we decided to go casual, and do a Q & A with the MMC. There is a lot of banter in this one, a freeform, devoid of topic show.

2 hours of MMC for you all to enjoy.

Links to some of the discussions within.

Woman on the front of the Black Sabbath album cover.

Dr. Fukk Youtube Channel

 

P.S - At the time of this recording, Anthony Nesbitts' Youtube channel WAS active, unfortunately, it has now been shut down, hence why no link to it here.

Eurocrime

Ok, before you hurl your abuse, saying this was due out a month ago - we get it!! it's overdue, but life gets in the way. Anyway...

Welcome to week 2 of Doc Month. With this one, we are joined by The Bullsh*t Kid himself - Eric Zaldivar, to discuss a topic, which lately, seems to be rearing it's head on here a lot lately on the MMC - Eurocrime.

We look at the documentary Eurocrime (of which Eric was involved with it's making) to discuss, an era of years gone by - Italian crime films.

There are some hilarious stories on here, one almighty 20 minute plus tangent, and a bunch of other stuff.

Thanks for your patience, this episode will be worth it. We'll be back straight into it to bring you week 3 to close out Doc Month sooner rather than later.

Enjoy.

Doc Month: TFW No GF

 

Like, there's no Rock Month man, like, my life sucks. I just wanna die, like what is this doc month? like, why does the MMC have to be such dic-

SHUT UP YOU WHINY INCEL

Right! now, in lieu of no Rock Month this year, instead, we have decided to do Doc Month.

What is Doc Month you ask? Well, this month, we will be looking at Documentaries nobody else will cover, but ones we think you will be interested in. First one off the rank for July is Hunter's pic - TFW No GF. A documentary on the (self imposed) outcasts of society - Incels, and the struggle they have with adjusting to social life, unaided by a keyboard or monitor.

It's a sad, sometimes funny, but mostly fascinating look into the life of an Incel.

So sit back, don your cowboy hat and spurs, or oversized windbreakers, or whatever the hell individualises you, and listen on.

like, enjoy, while you laugh at my miserable life maaaannnn.

Once Upon A Time In Hollywood [Part 2]

 

Hi gang, after a very long wait, we are back with our part 2 of Quentin Tarantino's ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD.

On this one, Stu returns with Hunter and John. We are also joined by returning guest Eric Zaldivar, to take a look at Tarantino's latest film.

Stay tuned, July will be a new month that we will be dedicating a topic to. Keep your eyes and ears open.

 

Once Upon A Time In Hollywood (Part 1)

 

Howdy gang, it's been a few weeks, but we're back in the saddle, and here to present you with the first of a two part special, on Quentin Tarantino's film Once Upon A Time in Hollywood.

On this episode, Hunter and John (no Stu, he's on the upcoming Part 2) are joined by DJ extraordinaire, friend of the show, Martial Arts aficionado, Nostalgia King, and all around good guy Skeme Richards.

Sit back, listen, enjoy and look out for Part 2, coming very soon.

Violent City

 

Greetings from Italy, this week the MMC boys, along with the help of Eric Zaldivar, look at the 1970 Charles Bronson film - Violent City.

We delve into all the ridiculousness, and rapiness of this exploitation film, done only the way that Italians could make it.

So sit back and enjoy our look at this Bronson non-classic.

 

Saluti dall'Italia, questa settimana i ragazzi della MMC, insieme all'aiuto di Eric Zaldivar, guardano il film del 1970 Charles Bronson - Violent City.

Approfondiamo tutta la ridicolità e la rapidità di questo film sullo 
sfruttamento, fatto solo nel modo in cui gli italiani potevano farcela.

Quindi siediti e goditi il ​​nostro sguardo a questo non classico di Bronson.

Voglio scopare la tua donna!!!

Midnight Movie Gameboys: Death Stranding

 

It's been awhile, but Midnight Movie Gameboys is back with a quarantine special! Hunter and Garo discuss Hideo Kojima's now-prophetic Amazon package delivery simulator, Death Stranding.

We talk about how our mixed responses to the game, how we live in Kojima's dystopian future, and Kojima's messy public split with Konami.

We also discuss the videos where movie director men praise Kojima, including famous con-artist J.J. Abrams. Video below!

Theme music: "Hero Dance Party" by TeknoAXE

Falling Down

 

Mousey returns.... sort of, well his son does, well not really... nevermind. Anyway, the three of us are back on board, and we discuss the no-way-could-you-make-this-today film FALLING DOWN starring Michael Douglas.

We discuss the film, it's parallels between it and his old man's film CAT AND MOUSE (which we covered a few weeks back) and the early 90's, a time when films like this COULD get made.

So, whilst we are all in lockdown, sit back, pop your mask and gloves on, and listen on.

it's Corona time!!!!

 

Paradise Alley

Slycast host Craig Cohen returns to discuss Sylvester Stallone's directorial debut, Paradise Alley, with John and Hunter. Paradise Alley is the film where Sly cashed in his Rocky chips to do an Italian-American period epic, giving us a peek at a career Sly might've had before the trends of the eighties took over. Is it any good? Listen and find out!

We also discuss Sly's diet and workout routine, co-star Armand Assante's turn as Mike Hammer, pro-wrestling, and Tarzan movies. 

Be sure to visit Craig over at the Slycast!

 

Fletch

The gang's all here, and in this episode, we discuss "Fletch", the journalist-turned-detective classic starring Chevy Chase from 1985.

We also discuss the source novels by Gregory McDonald, the ill-fated sequel, the career of Chevy Chase, and the other "Fletch" sequels that never got made.

 

Cat and Mouse

 

Hey friends, we're back after a small delay, and to celebrate the career of the recently departed film legend Kirk Douglas, we thought we'd look at one of his lesser known titles - Cat and Mouse (AKA Mousey)

all the gang are on board this one, listen to Stu progressively lose his marbles throughout the show, while his head cold wreaked havoc on him. There's also a new feature we have added to the show, it's one only a show such as the MMC could dare to do.

So sit back, and let's raise a toast to one of cinemas giants Mr. Kirk Douglas

The Keep

Stu returns this week to discuss Michael Mann's "The Keep" with John and Hunter in celebration of its DVD release...in Australia. Sorry, lads. You'll have to keep waiting on that physical release in North America.

Speaking of, we discuss the film's troubled history, it's cult following, the numerous versions and changes to the movie that have occurred, and why we will probably never see a director's cut, despite this being the Mann film that most desperately needs one. And of course, we go on the usual tangents.

You can watch the movie on Amazon, check out the trailer below. 

Thanks for listening!

 

Beverly Hills Cop

John and Hunter ring in the new year with another rogue cop classic, "Beverly Hills Cop" (we'll do another Dirty Harry movie soon, we swear)!

We discuss topics such as the strange production history of the film, director Martin Brest, the terrible sequels, the ebbs and flows in Eddie Murphy's career, and of course, the movie itself. 

If you have a minute, go give us a review on iTunes if you enjoy the show. Thanks for listening!

 

The X-Files: "Drive"

In this episode, John and Hunter take a look at the nineties TV conspiracy show, "X-Files". The episode we focus on is episode two of season six: "Drive". The episode was written by future "Breaking Bad" creator Vince Gilligan, and features a guest appearance by Bryan Cranston. We also talk about the show's impact as a whole, looking at it then and now, and how it figures in to the conspiracy culture of the day.

Check out the intro to the episode below!

 

 

Another State of Mind

 

Hey punks, skaters, moshers, skinheads, slam dancers and everyone else, the MMC are (finally) back with a new episode. On this one Stu and John look at the influential, low budget punk documentary from 1984 - Another State of Mind

Get on the bus with us, Youth Brigade and Social Distortion, and see a genuine DIY tour, and all the trappings that come with it.

So sit back with a pig fat infused milkshake, and listen to us talk Another State of Mind.

Watch the full thing here

 

 

Singin' in the Rain

 

This week, John and Hunter step out of the normal MMC comfort zone to talk about a musical, "Singin' in the Rain". Such an obscure pick! We talk about the film's humor! We talk about the parallels between the musical and the kung fu movie! We also ask a lot of questions, such as was Gene Kelly a huge pinko commie? Did he give money to the Irish Republican Army? What does it have to do with Saint Augustine? I don't know, listen and find out. Check the clips below to familiarize yourself, in case you've been living under a rock.

 

 

3 From Hell

 

Yeeeahhhh, you knew it was comin' motherf*cker YEAH!! Yes friends, it's that time again, a new Rob Zombie film, a new carefully critiqued MMC episode on it, and of course this episode could not be done without the presence of the Armenian madman himself Garo Nigoghossian.

So, how bad is this one? well, it's... well, you will need to listen on and find out.

Not many tangents on this one friends, just basically RZ talk.

Anyway, enjoy

See ya next episode..... YEEEEEAAAAHHHHHHHH

A Study in Tangents

 

Hey friends, yes it's been a month since the last episode (we'll blame Stu for that) but we are back with a new one, and well, whilst we do cover the 1965 Sherlock Holmes film A Study in Terror, it's primarily made up of about 80% tangents - sorry fam.

Anyway, we hope you'll enjoy this one, it's got kind of a review in there somewhere, and as stated tangents galore.

See ya next episode

Lords of Chaos

 

Aaaaaarrgghhhh, mumble mumble, cookie monster vocals and all, the MMC (all 3) are back with a new episode. This time we travel to Norway to the late 80's, and delve into the rather bizarre tale, via film, of a band from that neck of the woods - Mayhem. 

Lords of Chaos is a somewhat ambivalent look at the life (and many deaths) of Mayhem, as told by filmmaker Jonas Akerlund.

So sit back, and listen to this mind blowing (pun intended) episode of one of the strangest bands to ever have graced (or disgraced) the music scene.

Enjoy

 

The Sartana Films

 

Eric Zaldivar is back, joining John and Hunter to discuss the "Sartana" series of spaghetti westerns. We talk about the Gianni Garko films, as well as the late George Hilton's one-off as the character. 

Eric is known for his expertise on the genre, check out his video below on "His Name Was Holy Ghost" for some further trivia on the "Sartana" films!

The Street Fighter Series

Get ready to smash some x-ray skulls with John and Hunter as they examine the legendary "Street Fighter" films, starring Sonny Chiba! This is one we attempted to record years ago, but technology occasionally makes fools of us all. With the recent-ish arrival of the Shout! Select Blu-ray set, we decided to tackle all three films.

Remember, the "Sister Street Fighter" movies are not part of this series, despite what Christian Slater would have you believe!

You can watch the movies on those Shout! discs, or you can check all three films out for free at the Internet Archive. Ain't modern life grand?

 

 

 

Nemesis

 

This week, John and Hunter take a look at Albert Pyun's cyberpunk classic, "Nemesis", starring Olivier Gruner. It mixes John Woo action and William Gibson concepts nearly ten years prior to the Matrix, and remains an underseen genre-mixing movie. We also talk about Albert Pyun's career, and the qualities that make him an interesting director.