Midnight Local

Last week, we talked about dystopian overpopulation, so this week we’re diving into dystopian population control with the 1976 cult classic Logan’s Run. This movie is far from perfect, but it offers a lot: stunning set design, an original (if bizarre) plot, and a healthy dose of retro-futuristic quirkiness. Of course, in the world of Logan’s Run, no one lives past 30—so both Greg and Mere are long dead by now. Luckily, they’ve dodged Carousel just long enough to bring you this episode. Chapters 00:00 Exploring the Themes of Logan's Run 02:43 The Society and Its Rules 05:22 The Concept of Renewal and Euthanasia 08:02 The Journey Beyond the Dome 10:51 The Encounter with Box and the Outside World 13:12 Confrontation and Realizations 16:05 The Final Showdown and Its Implications 34:32 Exploring the Dome and Its Implications 35:17 Dystopian Narratives: Soylent Green vs. Logan's Run 37:08 The Quest for Liberation: Breaking Free from the Dome 39:37 The Aftermath: Life Beyond the Dome 42:19 The Book vs. The Film 50:43 Disneyland and Utopian Visions 55:47 The Future of Humanity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SPOILER ALERT! We LOVE the TV show Severance so much that it has come up in three of our recent episodes! So, even though it is a little different from what we usually cover on Midnight Local, we decided to dedicate an episode to the show. We talk about how horrific we think it would be to be outside of your consciousness for most of the day, the mythology of Lumen and get into our theories of where the show could be going. Is Ricken a goat? Is everyone in Kier Severed? Is it Helena or Helly R. in the finally scene? We hope there isn't a three year wait to find out. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Severance and Spoilers 02:57 Apple TV's Sci-Fi Offerings 06:00 The Premise of Severance 09:04 The Concept of Severance and Its Implications 14:58 The Mythology of Lumen and Its Lore 24:04 Theories and Speculations on Severance 27:00 Personal Reflections on Control 34:44 Navigating Pain and Discomfort 37:43 Medical Procedures and Personal Experiences 41:28 More theories on Severance 49:01 Character Dynamics and Emotional Connections 54:31 Expectations and Season Comparisons Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It is both refreshing and enraging to see the great female characters of the pre-code film era. These women were central characters with agency, desires, motives and in this case deadly control over every man she meets. We lost female characters like this for 30+ years and some could argue they were never the same. Baby Face (1933) is a dark movie about an anti-hero who uses her sex appeal to exact revenge on men. This movie was heavily censored even before the code went into effect. In the early 2000's an original copy of the film in its full form was discovered! Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Baby Face (1933) 02:59 Exploring the Pre-Code Era and Censorship 06:01 The Role of Women in Pre-Code Cinema 09:02 Character Analysis: Lily Powers and Her Journey 12:02 The Dark Themes of Baby Face 14:59 Censorship and Its Impact on the Film 17:56 The Relationships and Dynamics in Baby Face 20:58 The Ending and Its Implications 24:03 Concluding Thoughts on Baby Face and Its Legacy 34:57 The Power of Manipulation in Film 41:11 Female Empowerment and Revenge 42:47 Cultural Reflections in Historical Cinema 44:13 Critical Reception and Lasting Impact 49:03 Reality vs. Fiction in Modern Storytelling 56:41 The Importance of Narrative Integrity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We have spent nearly a century trying to make another gangster movie this good and some could argue we haven't done it yet. Being released before the Hay's code allows this movie to really speak it's mind and it does. With its loud commentary about the state of the US, strong female characters, sex, openly gay characters and nuance this movie is the perfect reminder of what the code took from us. It's a cliche for a reason, they don't make them like they used to. THE HAYS CODE: The "Don'ts" (Absolutely Forbidden) Profanity, including "God," "Jesus," or "hell" used irreverently. Nudity, in any form (including silhouettes). Illegal drug use. Sexual perversion (code word for homosexuality, fetishism, etc.). White slavery (human trafficking, especially of white women). Miscegenation (interracial romantic or sexual relationships). Scenes of childbirth, in fact or in silhouette Ridicule of clergy. Willful offense to any nation, race, or creed. The "Be Carefuls" (Sensitive Topics Requiring Caution) Use of firearms. Theft, robbery, and safe-cracking. Brutality and gruesomeness. Techniques of murder. Sympathy for criminals or crime success Adultery, if presented sympathetically or explicitly. Seduction. Sexual relationships outside of marriage. Excessive kissing or lustful embraces. Drunkenness, especially if humorous or sympathetic. Use of liquor in the presence of children. Mocking the law or law enforcement. Revenge in modern times as a moral justification. Surgical operations, unless essential to the plot. Cruelty to animals. Apparent cruelty to children. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Midnight Local and Pre-Code Cinema 06:01 The Evolution of Film Acting and Cagney's Influence 11:58 Character Development: Tom Powers and His Journey 18:00 Prohibition Era and Its Influence on the Film's Narrative 23:57 Censorship and Its Impact on Film and Society 30:03 Character Development and Censorship in Film 32:44 The Rise of Cagney and Blondell 37:05 Iconic Scenes and Their Backstories 40:39 War and Morality in Cinema 49:13 The Introduction of Jean Harlow 57:18 The Impact of Realism in Film 01:00:26 Buster Keaton and Physical Comedy 01:09:00 The Evolution of Gangster Films 01:25:29 The Legacy of James Cagney and Film History Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This movie feels like it is happening at exactly the same time, but outside of the frame lines of Clueless...and in a slightly sideways universe. What's a girl to do when her boyfriend comes back to life as a Mechanical T-Rex? This movie has the answers. Greg and Mere had a ton of fun watching and talking about this film and would love to invite you to come on in and have a ton of fun with them. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Tammy and the T-Rex 02:51 Exploring the Plot and Characters 06:00 The Insanity of the Science 09:06 The Comedic Duo and Their Scheme 12:00 The T-Rex Transformation 15:03 The Consequences of the Experiment 17:55 The Rampage Begins 20:07 The Quirky Characters of Small Town Law Enforcement 23:04 The Absurdity of the T-Rex and Its Impact 26:11 Body Shopping: A Darkly Humorous Twist 29:30 The Brain in a Jar: Exploring Identity and Existence 30:25 Low Budget Charm vs. Big Budget Expectations 36:26 Reality TV: The Illusion of Authenticity 40:52 Experiences at a Gay Sports Bar 42:04 The Intersection of LGBTQ+ Spaces 44:54 Theater Dynamics and High School Experiences 48:12 Reality TV Encounters 50:32 The Reality of Reality TV 52:17 Cultural Commentary on Gender and Media 56:56 Exploring Societal Trends and Birth Rates #movies #moviereview #filmtalk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are talking about the 1984 film 'Blood Tide,' starring James Earl Jones and the guy from Karate Kid! We analyze the film's plot and production, and discuss the implications of its psychosexual horror elements, including themes of sacrifice and insanity. This movie made us really miss the low-budget creativity of the 80s and 90s. Listen to the end for some personal anecdotes from Greg's student filmmaking days and hints into what we might be watching next. Chapters - 00:00 Opening Rituals and Childhood Stories 02:58 Exploring Blood Tide and Its Creators 06:02 Master Rakas and His Unique Style 08:49 The Craft of Blood Tide 12:02 Plot Overview and Character Dynamics 15:02 Themes of Sacrifice and Insanity 23:15 Exploring Duress and Sacrifice 24:36 The Complexity of Character Relationships 26:03 The Appeal of Low-Budget Creativity 30:10 The Role of Mythology in Storytelling 32:06 The Importance of Character Development 34:10 Cultural Reflections in Film 36:32 The Evolution of Independent Cinema 40:40 The Impact of Budget on Film Quality 47:39 Underwater Filmmaking Challenges 50:30 Scrappy Student Filmmaking 52:50 Upcoming Movie Discussions 54:00 Cultural Reflections in Horror 01:00:20 Longevity and Anti-Aging Trends 01:02:58 Malthusian Sci-Fi and Overpopulation Concerns Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Moving forward Midnight Local will be focusing on forgotten movies like the ones that show up in the unique offerings of Night Flight Plus. They explore the concept of exploitation cinema, and discuss the long lost 1981 film 'Dead and Buried'. They delve into the intricacies of horror films, the importance of special effects, and the themes of reanimation and memory. The discussion transitions into cultural commentary on punk movements and the importance of fun in society, exploring how these elements reflect broader societal issues and concludes with reflections on tolerance and understanding different perspectives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Midnight Local, hosts Greg and Meredith dive into the cult classic 'Serial Mom' directed by John Waters. They explore the film's themes of suburban life, the duality of its main character Beverly, and the societal commentary on media and celebrity culture. The conversation highlights the absurdity of the plot, the dark humor, and the film's satirical take on American values. In this conversation, they explore various themes including the fascination with celebrity murderers, the impact of social media on public discourse, and the role of misinformation in politics. They discuss the absurdity of modern entertainment and the cultural commentary of John Waters, while also touching on the dangerous ideologies propagated by figures in the manosphere. The dialogue reflects on the complexities of societal values and the need for critical thinking in an age of rapid information exchange. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Mood Setting 02:47 Exploring 'Serial Mom' and John Waters' Influence 05:56 Character Analysis: Beverly and Her Duality 08:57 The Plot Unfolds: A Mother's Grievances 12:04 Murderous Escalation: The First Kill 15:06 Cultural Commentary: Media and Celebrity 17:46 The Trial and Public Perception 20:58 The Climax: A Mother's Love and Violence 24:14 Final Thoughts on Satire and Society 38:46 The Obsession with Celebrity Murderers 42:47 The Impact of Social Media on Society 46:37 Political Commentary and the Role of Misinformation 55:50 The Future of Green Investment and Climate Change 01:05:51 The Dangerous Ideologies of the Manosphere 01:15:10 Understanding John Waters and His Cultural Commentary Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Meredith and Greg delve into the 1986 film 'The Fly' directed by David Cronenberg, exploring its themes of body horror, transformation, and the complexities of relationships. They discuss the film's opening, character dynamics, and the implications of the protagonist's transformation into a fly. The conversation also touches on the metaphorical aspects of aging and disease, the nature of the monster, and the performance of Jeff Goldblum. The hosts critique the film's world-building and reflect on the impact of body horror as a genre. The conversation turns to the differences between empathy and sympathy. They discuss the relatability of body horror and how anxiety manifests in horror films. They close on the misrepresentation of gaslighting, the impact of male creators in storytelling, and the evolution of Jeff Goldblum's persona in film. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to The Fly and Its Themes 03:00 Exploring Body Horror and Character Dynamics 06:12 The Transformation and Its Consequences 09:04 The Role of Relationships and Jealousy 11:56 The Climax and the Nature of the Monster 14:56 Metaphors of Aging and Disease 18:11 The Ending and Its Implications 20:53 Reflections on Performance and Humor 24:03 Critique of World-Building in The Fly 26:51 Body Horror as a Genre and Its Impact 34:04 Exploring Body Horror and Relatability 36:51 Empathy vs. Sympathy 39:39 Anxiety in Horror and the Cringe Factor 42:45 Gaslighting: Misunderstandings and Definitions 46:44 The Complexity of Male Creators and Their Impact 52:53 The Evolution of Jeff Goldblum's Persona 01:00:45 Reflections on Fame and Identity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Continuing their series on frightening films, Meredith and Greg talk about the 1960 Alfred Hitchcock classic, Psycho. In this conversation the hosts discuss how Hitchcock used Psycho to start to break the barriers of the Hays code, the compelling performance of Anthony Perkins and walk through the plot points of the film. They also talk about the infamous shower scene and the film's attention to detail. The discussion also leads to a general conversation about their differences in what they like about movies before concluding the episode. 00:00 - Introduction to Psycho 03:05 - How Psycho Broke the Code 07:10 - Is Hitchcock Overanalyzed? 09:57 - The Master of Suspense 13:48 - The Shock of Losing the Main Character 17:30 - First Impressions of Norman Bates 19:45 - Cinemas Most Famous Scene 28:00 - At Lose Ends After Losing Marion 32:50 - Discussing the Ending 38:25 - Sequels and the Character Arbogast 48:00 - The Remake and Vince Vaughn 53:24 - The Discussion Takes a Turn 01:02:30 - Like what you Like! 01:11:06 - Final Thoughts on Psycho Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Midnight Local, hosts Greg and Meredith delve into the fascinating world of pre-code cinema, the impact of the Hays Code, and a detailed analysis of the classic films Frankenstein (1931) and The Bride of Frankenstein (1935). They explore themes of censorship, morality, and the evolution of film, while also discussing the implications of parenting and creation as depicted in these iconic movies. The conversation touches on the queerness in cinema and how societal norms have shaped the portrayal of characters and narratives in film history. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction 01:52 - Exploring Pre-Code Cinema 03:21 - The Impact of the Hays Code 11:30 - Censorship and Its Consequences 15:06 - Frankenstein: A Classic Analysis 21:55 - Why Dr. Frankenstein is Awful 25:00 - How Censorship Changed Frankenstein 35:35 - The Bride of Frankenstein: A Deeper Look 39:08 - Queerness in Cinema: A Discussion 01:01:08 - Parenting and Creation in Frankenstein 01:03:29 - Conclusion and Reflections on Film Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, Greg and Meredith discuss the movie 'Night of the Comet' and explores the topic of spooky season movies. They mention other Halloween-themed movies that could be covered and discusses the slasher film genre. The conversation also touches on Italian horror movies, the concept of 'making it,' and the effects of the comet in the movie. The conversation concludes with a discussion of the movie's ending and the future of the characters. They touch on the comedic timing, the low budget and impressive production value, the love of movies evident in the film, and the rejection of gender norms. They also discuss the impact of restrictions and limitations on filmmaking in different eras and the role of cinema in shaping culture. Overall, they find the movie to be a fun and nostalgic experience. 00:00 - Spooky Season Movies 09:03 - The Effects of the Comet 19:06 - The Concept of 'Making It' 22:20 - Shopping Mall Scene 26:22 - Abduction and Underground Bunker 31:27 - Happy Ending and Rebuilding Civilization 33:18 - Kelli Maroney's standout performance 37:36 - A love letter to movies 40:25 - Nods and references to other movies 41:20 - The choice to not choose 44:10 - Making the most of a limited budget 48:04 - The influence of past cinema on filmmakers 53:27 - Encouraging viewers to watch Night of the Comet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices