Watching With Strangers - Episode 14: NEMESIS (1992)

WWS Episode 14 - Kevin and I lovingly dismantle and analyze (to the best of our comprehension) this ambitious yet arguably well-executed tale of cyborg versus humanity from cult filmmaker legend Albert Pyun. Listen as we discuss why we like the film, what works and what works not quite as well, and at times struggle with wrapping our heads around what the Hell is happening on screen in this underappreciated Blade Runner and Terminator 2 inspired anomaly. Download the podcast for FREE on iTunes, Stitcher and PocketCast... or, listen directly here.

"Old Barn" Photograph, Rural Illinois

"Old Barn" Photograph, Rural Illinois

#ALIENday 2017 Novelty T-Shirts & Movies Ranked

I've been a fairly devout fan of the "alien" films for many years, since my tender younger years when I first delved into the world of horror and sci-fi film. However, my earliest exposure to this frightening universe was through the various comic books released by Dark Horse. I made frequent trips to my local comic book store whereas I would pick up the newest Alien and/or Predator mini-series from Dark Horse as they came available, filling in between my regular comic book purchases within the Marvel X-Men universe. Without a doubt, my absolute favorite was a 12-issue Dark Horse mini-series written by Chris Claremont (coincidentally, also a major X-Men writer at the time), Being the hopeless geek I was at the time, I purchased the limited foil-covered first issue and each of the eleven following issues with much glee and anticipation. One day I found out none other than Chris Claremont himself was going to be at my local comic book shop, in person, for one day only to sign autographs. I was giddy! I met the man (briefly and awe struck) and had both my foil-covered first issue of Deadliest Species and my X-MEN issue #1 fold-out cover featuring Jim Lee's amazing artwork signed by the man himself. Kinda wish I'd held onto the X-MEN book now, but at least I still have the Deadliest Species complete run with issue #1 signed.

As for the films, my first experience with the genre was ALIENS, an incredible action-packed sensory feast firmly secured a space in this geek's heart for the xenomorphic kind. James Cameron's ALIENS (1986) nailed what was needed to make the sequel a success. With Ridley Scott's ALIEN (1979) being an almost purely horror film, a slow burn excursion of terror, we needed to take the story to the next level. We needed more and that's what we got! What's scarier than a single xenomorph picking off humans like gnats on a humid summer day? How about hundreds of them? Oh, and they're not going to be slaughtering helpless colonists. Nope. We're sending a crew of specially trained colonial marines to neutralize this mysterious threat, but the whole thing backfires and shit gets real... real fast! From here, the franchise leaves the realm of perfection on various levels, but each still maintains something of value for the fans. Here's my list of films that exist within the xenomorph universe, ranked in the order of my personal favorites:

7. ALIEN VS. PREDATOR: REQUIEM (2007)

6. AVP (2004)

5. PROMETHEUS (2012)

4. ALIEN 3 (1992)

3. ALIEN RESURRENCTION (1997)

2. ALIEN (1979)

1. ALIENS (1986)

ALIEN CANDY T-SHIRTS

Both the Xenomorph Tootsie Roll Pop "How many licks?" and the Predator Twizzler "Makes mouths happy" versions are currently available in my Redbubble shop.

"Blow Me," New Retro 8-Bit Design Available Now

"Blow Me," is a new retro 8-bit design now available as stickers, t-shirts and more. To see all products available and to purchase, go to my iNAPiXEL shop at Redbubble.com and see what other oddities are awaiting you while you're there.

Watching With Strangers - Episode 13: PRINCE OF DARKNESS (1987)

We're back for another WATCHING WITH STRANGERS, gang! This week, Kevin and I tackle the criminally underrated 1987 John Carpenter film PRINCE OF DARKNESS staring a familiar cast of Carpenter regulars including Donald Pleasence, Victor Wong, Dennis Dun and many more! But more importantly this flick has possessed homeless people (with a cameo by Alice Cooper!) skin boiled women, Satan in a glass jar, talking beetles and MUCH more insanity. Download the podcast FREE on iTunes, Stitcher and PocketCast... or, listen directly here.

Watching With Strangers - Episode 12: THE VOID (2016)

We’ve got a special treat for you this week, gang! Kevin and I review the brand new Lovecraftian horror throwback flick THE VOID! We start with a completely spoiler free review for all those cats still on the fence about whether or not to see this super gory monster flick. We give our first impressions and film scores before diving in to the spoiler heavy portion of the show. Did we love this homage to 80s creature features or is it another tired bore of a flick trying to capitalize off the glory days of horror cinema? Download the podcast FREE on iTunes, Stitcher and PocketCast... or, listen directly here.

Watching With Strangers - Episode 11: CULT CREATURES OF THE 80s

The Watchers are back with a special “list” episode! This week Cult author Kevin Strange and I break down our 7 favorite cult creatures from the 1980s! This bonus flavor is extra packed with movie geekery. It runs over two hours long as we talk about the biggest, baddest, scariest, slimiest and sexiest movie monsters from our favorite cinematic decade, the 1980s! Download the podcast FREE on iTunes, Stitcher and PocketCast... or, listen directly here.