Night Of The Living Dead

Today celebrated filmmaker George A. Romero, the "Grandfather of the Zombie," turns 70. To celebrate, Cinemantics is bringing you a full month of episodes devoted to his work. We start things off with the film that put Romero on the map, Night Of The Living Dead (1968). Co-host Jeffery Heatherly and I discuss its unrelenting bleakness, shocking (for the time period) violence and how it singlehandedly created the classic cultural perception of zombies. Even after all these years, they're still coming to get you, Barbra!

Bubba Ho-Tep

Co-host Jeffery Heatherly and I discuss Don Coscarelli's Bubba Ho-Tep (2002), in which Elvis Presley and J.F.K. team up to battle an ancient Egyptian mummy. It turns out Elvis isn't really dead, J.F.K. is black, and the mummy is terrorizing the east Texas rest home in which both reside. It's a wacky film with a surprising amount of soul. Hail to the King, baby!

Shoot 'Em Up

Co-host G. Warlock Vance and I discuss Michael Davis' Shoot 'Em Up (2007), a ridiculously overblown action movie with plenty of gunfire, improbable plot twists, snarky one-liners and a badass protagonist who uses carrots as weapons. Plus, Warlock does Arnold Schwarzenegger and James Cagney impressions!

Mad Max

Co-host Ryan Houser and I discuss George Miller's 1979 classic of motorbikes and leather men, Mad Max. Boasting a pre-stardom Mel Gibson, totally insane villains, subtle homoeroticism and all the car chases you could ever want, this movie gives us our heroes back.

Gojira

Here at Cinemantics, 2010 is the Year of Godzilla. Appropriately, co-host Jeffery Heatherly and I kick off the new year with Ishirō Honda's Gojira (1954), the classic film that introduced this cultural icon. Unfortunately, it's probably the most boring entry in the series. But that doesn't mean we don't relish giving its characters snide nicknames and watching guys in rubber suits trample miniatures of Tokyo.

Mega Shark Vs. Giant Octopus

Co-host Jeffery "Quint" Heatherly and I discuss Ace Hannah's Mega Shark Vs. Giant Octopus (2009). The title is self-explanatory. With its likable characters, ridiculous dialogue and ludicrous action sequences, it's safe to say we loved this movie. Get ready for a real thrilla in Manilla.

Santa's Slay

In this special collaborative episode, Original Unoriginal Podcast host Jeffery Heatherly and I discuss David Steiman's Santa's Slay (2005), the heartwarming tale of a town beset by an ancient evil: the son of Satan, Santa Claus. But should the idea of an evil Santa scare the Dickens out of you, don't worry - there's more cheer than fear in this fun holiday flick. So we invite you on this Christmas Eve to snuggle up by the fire (with eggnog and loved ones, of course) and enjoy. From everyone at Cinemantics and the O.U.P., merry Christmas!