The Occasionalists Podcast

FFIV Monster Mash: The Fly (1986)

We Are back with our next selection for this year's Fright Fest; David Cronenberg's body horror, cult classic remake of The Fly. Metaphors abound in this version of the tale of a scientist being corrupted by his own creation. Death, grief, disease, aging, and legacy are just a few of the themes present throughout this movie. 
And we couldn't discuss a Cronenberg movie without talking about someone being gruesomely transformed, disfigured, or mauled and this movie brings all of it in spades!
Strap in and we'll see you in the other telepod!

Fright Fest IV: Monster Mash

It is that time of year again as The Occasionalists welcome in spooky season with our annual celebration of all things scary, the Fright Fest!
Fright Fest IV comes with one warning for all brave enough to listen: Here Be Monsters!
This year we are taking a deep dive into the creatures that have been making our skin crawl for the past 100+ years of cinema. From giant creatures, to mini monsters, from those that look like us, to those that take over us and so many more. 
Join us all month long as we Monster Mash!

1980s Movie Pitches: Guns of Steel & Operation Erebus

And we're baaack! We're rounding out the month with our 1980s Movie Pitches.
Normally, we tack on a pitch whenever we cover some other form of media (like we did with Time War a couple of months ago) but we're doing a standalone pitch this time.
Only rule: the movie has to take place in the 1980s, of course!
We also put together some incredible 80s inspired soundtracks, give some insight into the movie ideas we abandoned and give a preview of next month's Fright Fest.
Are you ready for a bloodthirsty demon, a time-traveling fitness guru and a lot of anti-Soviet sentiment? Then buckle up and enjoy our pitches!

Cinema Dissection: 1980s Double Feature - Red Dawn & The Running Man

For the second episode in our 1980s month, we are taking a deep dive into a pair of 1980s cult classic movies, Red Dawn (1984) and The Running Man (1987).
While these are by no means perfect movies, they do perfectly capture the essence of the 1980s: from the rampant Russian/fascist paranoia, to the obsession with television and game shows, to Adidas track suits, and Arnold one liners, these movies are must watch for a peek at 1980s pop culture.
Arm up, take aim and let's start the show!

The 1980s

We are diving into a brand new month here on the pod and like all good media outlets, we're FINALLY going to cover something that has made a resurgence in both pop culture and the world at large the last several years: The 1980s!
They're back baby!
Neon clothes with gargantuan logos? Check!
Over-produced synthesizer music? Check!
Russia staking its claim as the world's bad guy? Check!
Kids on bicycles having adventures in movies and tv? Check!
Put that car phone back in its bag and turn off your new cd player so you can listen to our first installment all about the 1980s.

Beyond Borders: Signals Of The World

We are back to wrap up Beyond Borders month with a deep dive into international television. We talk about the earliest smattering of British shows that were available to us as kids, all the way to the visual feast of entertainment from all corners of the globe that we enjoy now.
We answer some important questions along the way:
Why is everyone so hot?
Have they been using the same cameras for 30 years?
How many people get murdered in England every year? Millions?
Seriously, why is everyone so hot!?
We also delve into the real issues as we talk about a pair of world leaders, President Vasily Petrovich Goloborodko and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. That's right, we watched Servant of the People to compare a fictional reformer with a real one who just so happens to be fighting for his country's existence. Similarities, differences and eerie coincidences (or circumstances?) abound.
Join us!
 
 

Beyond Borders: Scenes Of The World

Our second episode of Beyond Borders month finds us talking about movies from abroad. From our early favorites to recent discoveries, foreign film has been a massive influence on our lives. 
We give everyone, especially those newer to international movies, a starting point for some accessible films as well as a few essential, landmark films to watch. 
And maybe the biggest news from this episode: PC Culture Studios is reopening! We got our COVID bailout and we were able to assemble 8 (actually 9) great foreign filmmakers to helm the studio's first anthology movie series. Title not yet determined.
We also dish on a few foreign short films and lay out a few people to watch for in the coming years. 

Beyond Borders: Sounds Of The World

The Occasionalists are back baby! Summer break is over and we are kicking off Season 8 with a road trip.
This month, we are talking international media as we go Beyond Borders. We kick off this world tour with a dive into the music of the world.
We talk about our neighbors in Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico, and explore the cutesy weirdness of Kawaii Metal.
And did you ask for an international playlist? Oh buddy, you got one!