AIPT Movies Alex Harris, Matt Paul, AIPT, Tim Gardiner

It’s June, so that means it’s time for the AIPT Movies podcast’s “Junesis” series! Where we cover movies based on/revolving around video games! In this week’s episode, Alex, Tim, and Matt are joined by artist and friend Chrissy Kurpeski to discuss Edward Furlong’s unfortunate run-in with a fictional video game, 1994’s Brainscan! A fantastic concept with mixed results! Excessive milk drinking! A lovable musical motif that works no matter how often it’s overused! A very non-slashery slasher with a script from the guy who wrote Se7en! Potentially the most oddly “romantic” portrayal of voyeurism since Body Double! An entertaining cast that includes Edward Furlong being himself, a charmingly-sleepy Frank Langella, and T. Ryder Smith as the confusingly-likable gothic punk harbinger of digital doom, The Trickster! A 90s time capsule that examines the demonization of media, the growing obsession with video games, and the early stages of the internet! A movie that’s not only a great double feature pairing with 1986’s Trick or Treat, but also seems to suggest that violent video games are merely an escape from the true horrors of being a teenager! In addition, Alex shares his spoiler-free thoughts on the newest entry in one of his favorite movie series, Bad Boys: Ride or Die!

It’s June, so that means it’s time for the AIPT Movies podcast’s “Junesis” series! Where we cover movies based on/revolving around video games! In this week’s episode, Alex, Tim, and Matt are joined by comic book artist/writer Tony Sedani (Return to Rander, Skin Deep), to discuss Paul W.S. Anderson’s first journey into the world of video game adaptations, 1995’s Mortal Kombat! Endearingly dated VFX! A lovably awkward-looking four-armed monster man with back problems! A delicious turkey dinner being heartlessly discarded! Surprisingly faithful character designs! An unexplained cybernetic eye! More high kicks than you can count! A committed cast that includes Robin Shou, Bridgette Wilson, Linden Ashby, Trevor Goddard, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, and a wonderfully-miscast Christopher Lambert! An iconic EDM soundtrack that not only influenced future Mortal Kombat games, but possibly also The Matrix and 1998’s Blade! An enjoyably sincere and campy movie with vibrant colors and impressive sets that looks shockingly expensive by modern standards, which despite its watered down gore, may also be one of the most faithful and successful video game adaptations of all time! In addition, everyone shares their spoiler-free thoughts on Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, while Tony talks about In A Violent Nature, and Alex discusses the remarkably bizarre 1999 rom-com, Never Been Kissed!

It’s May, which means it’s time for the AIPT Movies podcast’s “Mayhem” series! Where we cover movies that kick ass in the literal sense! In this week’s episode, Alex, Tim, and Matt discuss Michael Mann’s “night on the town with a hitman” action-thriller, Collateral! The city of Los Angeles presented as a supporting character! Jamie Foxx and Tom Cruise in two of their best roles! Twists and turns! Early digital cinematography that grounds you in the “reality” of the story! Shocking, sudden violence! Improvisation that even the most accomplished jazz musician couldn’t see coming! A “frenemy” action thriller that ponders the pitfalls of rumination and perfectionism, in what may be a shockingly good double feature with Michael Bay’s Ambulance! Dark, empty streets and subway stations have never looked so good! In addition, Tim recommends 1978’s Mr. No Legs before he’s even seen it! While Alex shares his spoiler-free thoughts on Backdraft, Mute Witness, and what could end up being his favorite movie of 2024, The Fall Guy!

It’s May, which means it’s time for the AIPT Movies podcast’s “Mayhem” series! Where we cover movies that kick ass in the literal sense! In this week’s episode, Alex, Tim, and Matt discuss 2009’s chaotic jolt of adrenaline in movie form, Crank: High Voltage! Over the top action and visuals! A surprise kaiju battle! Disgusting sound effects! Pedro from Napoleon Dynamite! Cameos for fans of the Spice Girls, Linkin Park, Tool, and Nine Inch Nails! Jason Statham fully committing to complete lunacy! Amy Smart giving a fearless performance and delivering one of the most satisfying short fight scenes in movie history! A movie that takes (often insane and offensive) chances, coming off like a movie adaptation of a video game released by Troma! For better or worse, there’s no other movie quite like it! In addition, Tim and Matt share their spoiler-free thoughts on Late Night with the Devil, while Alex talks about Abigail, 2019’s Charlie’s Angels, 1993’s The Fugitive, and Kurt Russell’s 1997 nailbiter, Breakdown!

It’s April, so that means it’s time for the AIPT Movies podcast’s “No EscApril” series, where we celebrate the wonder of thrillers! Not quite horror, not quite action, that sweet spot in the middle where danger is afoot, and lives are still on the line! In this week’s episode, Alex, Tim, and Matt discuss Alfred Hitchock’s mistaken-identity mystery thriller, North by Northwest! Possibly the most iconic gray suit in movie history! Classic filmmaking techniques and visual effects! A cornucopia of fantastic mid-century design and fashion, featuring the work of legendary artist Saul Bass! Cary Grant being surprisingly charming while running away from an airplane! Eva Marie Saint as an early archetype for the modern femme fatale! A fun, punchy script full of twists and suspense! A movie that not only created the template for the James Bond series, but also influenced countless other movies, such as Catch Me If You Can and Total Recall (we think)! In addition, Alex shares his spoiler-free thoughts on Civil War and Law Abiding Citizen!

It’s April, so that means it’s time for the AIPT Movies podcast’s “No EscApril” series, where we celebrate the wonder of thrillers! Not quite horror, not quite action, that sweet spot in the middle where danger is afoot, and lives are still on the line! In this week’s episode, Alex, Tim, and Matt discuss Daniel Craig’s first appearance as James Bond, the gritty spy action-thriller, Casino Royale! Breathtaking stunt work that includes an incredible Parkour chase sequence! Countless exotic locations! That creepy Body Worlds exhibit! A now-classic Bond theme from the late and great Chris Cornell! Disturbing torture methods! Surprisingly tense gambling scenes thanks to veteran director Martin Campbell! A solid cast that includes Mads Mikkelsen weeping blood, Eva Green, Jeffrey Wright, an irreplaceable Judi Dench, and Daniel Craig seamlessly owning the iconic role of James Bond! A movie that adds depth and complexity to a well-established character, showing that reboots/prequels CAN work if done correctly! In addition, Tim recommends the 2009 anime, Redline, while Alex shares his spoiler-free thoughts on Ricky Stanicky and his beloved Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire!