Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween to everyone taking time to read this blog, or listen to our podcast. We didn't record as scheduled this weekend, but at least we get candy, anyway. Join us next week for a look at the Resident Evil movies. That is, if you've not been eaten by zombies by then.

Pure Cheese: Barbarella (1968)

Film: Barbarella

Stars: Jane Fonda, John Phillip Law, Anita Pallenberg, various odd people

As much a costume display as a movie, Barbarella features some of the oddest characters you're likely to see on screen. No matter the quality of the film, Jane Fonda is incredibly sexy. Her striptease during the opening credits makes it all worthwhile.

Pure Cheese: Big Trouble in Little China (1986)

Film: Big Trouble in Little China

Stars: Kurt Russell, Kim Cattrall, Dennis Dun, James Hong, Victor Wong

John Carpenter went a little loopy with this movie, and I love every second of it. Kurt Russell as a truck driver? Check. Ancient Chinese sorcerer? Check. Floating eyeball spy? Check. Inflatable villain? Check. What's not to like?

Pure Cheese: The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)

Movie: The Rocky Horror Picture Show

Stars: Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick, Richard O'Brien

The quintessential cult film, Rocky Horror was a staple on the midnight show circuit for ages. I've never brought props to one of these shows, nor have I even seen the movie at a theater. Even at home, though, the fromage fountains from the screen. I'm not one to obsess over a soundtrack I consider very dated, but the sheer silliness of everything is infectious and fun.

Cavebabble Episode 83: Haunted Houses and Possessed People

Halloween is a week away, and scary movies are in the air. Tonight, we visit possessed houses and people in film, and may never turn the lights off again. Films include The Exorcist, The Amityville Horror, The House on Haunted Hill, and Paranormal Activity. We also share a few scary moments at our home. Join us if you dare! This episode is brought to you by The Dark.

Pure Cheese: Flash Gordon (1980)

Film: Flash Gordon

Stars: Sam L. Jones, Melody Anderson, Max von Sydow, Topol, Timothy Dalton, Ornella Muti

A glorious mess of clunky dialog and shimmering metallic costuming, Flash Gordon plays much like an 80s version of Barbarella. Worth watching for odd alien races alone, it approaches everything with a wink and nod. For an odd comparison, watch Max von Sydow in this film, and then in 1973's The Exorcist. It was filmed seven years earlier, yet von Sydow looks much older!

Pure Cheese: The Beastmaster (1982)

Film: The Beastmaster
Stars: Marc Singer, Tanya Roberts, Rip Torn, John Amos

A blast from my childhood, The Beastmaster is a glorious hunk of fantasy film cheese, topped with ferrets. It's the story of baby-oiled Dar and Kiri (and Dar's animal companions), and their quest for revenge on a nasty priest. I was borderline obsessed with Tanya Roberts back then, and thanks to the days of PG-rated nudity, I wasn't disappointed. Thank you, Beastmaster!

How Classic are Classics?

Is a classic movie actually classic, or simply old? We are asking ourselves this question quite a bit this week as we watch classic horror films for the podcast. So far, two of the titles are ones which (amazingly) I've never seen before, and had been concerned about watching, mostly because I knew I would be seeing them through 2000s eyes instead of 1970s ones. How did they hold up? Well, it was a mixed bag, as you can hear this weekend when I post the episode.

Cavebabble Episode 82: Minecraft Mania

It's a blocky Minecraft world, and the Cavebabblers are here to dig around in it. Minecraft is the creation of one man, Markus Persson, and continues to take the gaming world by storm, even though it's still in an alpha state. Join us for a look at this phenomenon, and our adventures in it. This episode is brought to you by Cubes.

One Bad Costume: King Kong in King Kong vs. Godzilla

Toho's version of Kong looks as if it was designed by someone who had never seen a picture of a gorilla before, instead relying on descriptions supplied by four-year-olds. With a face a mother would think twice before loving, Kong is something to behold. It's tough to root for the guy, really.

One Bad Costume: The Science Patrol in Ultraman

It's tough to get much worse than the costumes in Japan's Ultraman series. Forget the main character, though. The members of the Science Patrol are far worse offenders. Orange stretchy pants shoved into black boots, orange and white tops, and ties? Are you trying to get beaten up on the playground? Extra points for adding a thin utility belt, which seems to ride somewhere just under the ribcage. Ouch!

One Bad Costume: All Costumes in Santa Claus Conquers the Martians

Unlike several of the films I've featured in this costume list, there is nothing I enjoy about Santa Claus Conquers the Martians. It's not even good in a bad way. It's just plain horrible. The only thing worse than having to be in (or watch) this film must have been wearing these costumes. Poor things.

One Bad Costume: Bele and Lokai in Star Trek

In the classic Trek episode Let That Be Your Last Battlefield, the absurdity of racism is explored via aliens with faces of opposing colors which look identical upon first glance. It was a wonderful concept, but one which unfortunately ended at the neck. I'm not sure which makes me more uncomfortable- the bulging tights, or the muffin-top-emphasizing shirts. Either way, it all adds up to one bad costume.

Cavebabble Episode 81: Jaws-some

Amity Island is being invaded, and the Brody family is the only defense against the great white invasion. Join us for a marathon of munching as we sink our teeth into Jaws, Jaws 2, Jaws 3D, and Jaws: The Revenge. This episode is brought to you by Bad Suits.