Dark Discussions Podcast

The Grey aliens have affectively been some of the most frightening monsters in both folklore and film. But unfortunately, for high quality movies in the subgenre, not many stand out. A new film with the title FIRST CONTACT (2023) seemed to be a new entry into the alien monster movie. But when one watches it, the story turns into Cosmic horror too.When Dr. Ian Bradach (Paul Kandarian) discovers something strange about his property, he does some experiments. Soon he disappears and is presumed dead. When his adult children Casey (Anna Shields) and Dan (James Liddell) come to reclaim his estate, they discover that his studies may have lead to something more; a space-time continuum, and an exact point in time for first contact.The movie was written and directed by Bruce Wemple. Though only a ninety minute film, the plot examines many lofty topics including dark matter, eldritch horror, nihilism, relativism, and quantum physics. Is an average length film able to give credence to all that it is trying to get across? You co-hosts take a look at the movie and give their thoughts.

A brand new podcast on the Dark Discussions News Network talking about each episode weekly on the television series MONARCH: A LEGACY OF MONSTERS streaming on Apple+.

Kaiju monsters (also known as dinosaur sized beasts) have been a staple subgenre in the horror movie filmography all the way back to KING KONG (1933).  After World War II, the Japanese giant monster movie GODZILLA (1954) appeared and started a franchise that has lasted for almost seventy years.  Toho, the studio that brought us Godzilla, has released their latest in the franchise, GODZILLA MINUS ONE (2023).Kamikaze pilot Koichi (Ryunosuke Kamiki) survives the war only to return to Tokyo and finding it in ruins.  Trying to survive like the rest of post war Japan, he befriends a young woman, Noriko (Minami Hamabe), and the two along with an orphaned baby girl create a hodge-podge family.  Koichi gets a job clearing sea mines.  While working with his crew, Godzilla appears and endangers all of Tokyo.The movie is written and directed by Takashi Yamazaki.  With a budget of $15M USD, the film has gone on to triple its profit.  Some reviewers have stated this may be the best Godzilla movie ever made.  Your podcast co-hosts take a look at this latest release in the classic franchise and give their thoughts.

A brand new podcast on the Dark Discussions News Network talking about each episode weekly on the television series MONARCH: A LEGACY OF MONSTERS streaming on Apple+.

When Eli Roth hit the horror scene, he made a huge splash. CABIN FEVER (2002) and HOSTEL (2005) were hits. Then in 2007, the Quentin Tarantino/Robert Rodriguez movie GRINDHOUSE came out with fake trailer added to it making it feel like a true 42nd production. One of those trailers was the remarkable one created by Eli Roth advertising a fake movie called THANKSGIVING. Now sixteen years later, the true movie has been made.When a Thursday night “Black Friday” sale on Thanksgiving happens in the town of Plymouth, Massachusetts, a handful of people are killed from customer violence and the lack of police or security. Over the next year, people are pointing fingers at each other determining who to blame. When the daughter of the store owner of the massacre receives a macabre text message, a serial killer has announced their presence.The movie is directed by Eli Roth and written by Jeff Rendell based off the original faux-trailer. The movie stars Patrick Dempsey, Addison Rae, Gina Gershon, Karen Cliche, among others. Getting solid reviews by both critics and audiences alike, two questions remain. One, is the movie actually any good, and two, does it live up to the original faux-trailer. Your co-hosts take a look and give their thoughts.

A brand new podcast on the Dark Discussions News Network talking about each episode weekly on the television series MONARCH: A LEGACY OF MONSTERS streaming on Apple+.

In 2017, the Argentina horror film TERRIFIED (2017) was a hidden gem that turned into a surprised hit when it appeared on the streaming service Shudder.  The director was Demian Rugna and now in 2023 he has a new film entitled WHEN EVIL LURKS (2023).  The movie played at the film festival TIFF and has received splendid reviews.  IFC picked up the film and released it through the theaters before it, too, made it to Shudder.In a world not far in the future, “rottens” have begun popping up.  Demons, or some sort of outer being, possesses people who begin to bloat and become deformed.  However, one must exorcise them otherwise the evil will spread where folks begin to kill each other or do horrible harm to others.  Two brothers, Pedro and Jaime, are stuck in the middle of a new “outbreak” and must figure how to save their families.The movie has received fairly good reviews.  Filled with gore and over the top set pieces, some believe the film could become destined to be a cult classic.  The audience is dropped into the middle of this world unaware that things are “different”.  Does it work?  Your co-hosts take a look at this new film and give their thoughts.

A brand new podcast on the Dark Discussions News Network talking about each episode weekly on the television series MONARCH: A LEGACY OF MONSTERS streaming on Apple+.

Cyberpunk? It’s one of the most unique science fiction subgenres. Even though it hasn’t become as popular as space opera or hard science fiction, it has its hardcore fans that have made it remain in the public eye. Japan, alone, it has actually become one of the most popular science fiction story arcs. The movie DREDD (2012), like many American cyberpunk films, was not a box office success, but it has gained an amazing cult following since.In a dystopian future, the government has put in place judges to keep order in place. When a slum tower block becomes the haven of kingpin Madeline Madrigal (Lena Headey), Judge Dredd (Karl Urban) is sent along with rookie Cassandra Anderson (Olivia Thirlby) to investigate three murders. After the capture of one of Madeline’s lieutenants that could implicate her in the murders, she shuts down the building and Judge Dredd is now fighting for his life.DREDD was directed by Pete Travis from a script by A-lister Alex Garland who’s known for the novel, THE BEACH, as well as director of EX MACHINA (2015) and ANNIHILATION (2018) as well as the screenwriter for 28 DAYS LATER (2002). The movie was originally released in 3D and shockingly failed at the box office. Receiving great reviews, and paying tribute to the graphic novel that it is based on, your co-hosts take a look at the movie and are joined by special guest actor Dan Lench to discuss the film.

A brand new podcast on the Dark Discussions News Network talking about each episode weekly on the television series MONARCH: A LEGACY OF MONSTERS streaming on Apple+.