Tv/Movie Rewind

Matt Sirois
  • 4.7 (10)
  • Film Reviews
  • Weekly

Two brothers, Matt & Todd talk about their favorite movies. We cover mostly up to the 90s and talk about all manner of genre films from the 'loved', 'rejected', 'stupid', 'forgotten', 'hardly known', 'underappreciated, 'silly', and 'pointless'. If you're a fan of: John Carpenter, Walter Hill, Sam Peckinpah, Steven Spielberg, John Sturges, Stallone, Schwarzenegger. If you know: Strother Martin, Brion James, Peter Jason and Dick Miller And if you know where the Fourth Crown is: Follow us on Letterboxd, Twitter and Instagram: @MovieMattSirois

  1. 2d ago

    The Thing from Another World (1951)

    Tonight, Matt & Todd wrap up their cosmic horror run with a different flavor of terror: paranoia, isolation, and one very angry space turnip. The Thing from Another World (1951) is best known today as the film that inspired John Carpenter's masterpiece The Thing (1982), though horror fans may also recognize it from the television playing in the background of Carpenter's Halloween (1978). Having first seen it over 30 years ago, we came back expecting a fun but dated 1950s monster movie. Instead, we found what we remembered: a sharp, engaging film packed with likable characters, fast dialogue, and an excellent ensemble cast. The monster may be a giant extraterrestrial plant, but the movie takes itself seriously enough that it still works remarkably well. The scares aren't likely to keep modern audiences awake at night, but the atmosphere, performances, and mounting tension remain compelling. Sometimes a classic earns its reputation honestly, and this is one of those cases. Give it a watch. We think you'll see why Carpenter loved it. The Thing from Another World (1951) stars: Margaret SheridanKenneth TobeyRobert Cornthwaite (Whit Bissell Award Winner)Douglas SpencerJames YoungDewey Martin (Whit Bissell Award Winner)Robert NicholsWilliam SelfEduard FranzSally CreightonJames Arness (as "The Thing") *Editor note: apologies for the muddled audio at times we had some technical issues in the recording. _____________ Matt has over 100+ lists for movie suggestions on Letterboxd⁠You can reach out on Bluesky: @MovieMattSirois Terrible movies often find him, even under under the alias Marcus at ⁠⁠⁠⁠Movie Asylum of the Weird, Bad and Wonderful⁠. Follow who we follow: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Once Upon a Geek⁠⁠⁠⁠ and  ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Fade Out Podcast⁠⁠

    The Thing from Another World (1951)

  2. Oct 18

    John Carpenter's: In the Mouth of Madness (1994)

    Today, Matt & Todd journey deeper into Cosmic Horror Month with 1994's John Carpenter's In the Mouth of Madness. This is a film built on questions, mysteries, and, of course, plenty of madness. Fans of H.P. Lovecraft's work will find a lot to love here, even if they won't find many clear answers. As Matt puts it, this may be Carpenter's most challenging film, but we both agree it features some of the greatest, creepiest, and most unforgettable visuals of his entire career. In the Mouth of Madness is anchored by a strong cast starring: Sam NeillJulie CarmenJürgen ProchnowDavid WarnerJohn GloverBernie CaseyPeter JasonCharlton HestonFrances Bey (unanimous Like several of Carpenter's other films, this one received a mixed reception upon release. Much like the other entries in his "Apocalypse Trilogy", 1982's The Thing and 1987's Prince of Darkness, In the Mouth of Madness has steadily gained a devoted cult following as adventurous horror fans continue to discover its uniquely unsettling and deliberately confusing experience. Yes, it's confusing and offers no easy answers, but don't let that stop you. Driving viewers toward confusion, uncertainty, and perhaps even a little madness is exactly the point. More importantly, the film is packed with some of the finest atmosphere Carpenter ever put on screen, delivering scene after scene of creeping dread, disturbing imagery, and unforgettable horror. _____________ Matt has over 100+ lists for movie suggestions on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Letterboxd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and on Bluesky: @MovieMattSirois Terrible movies often find him, even under under the alias Marcus, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Movie Asylum of the Weird, Bad and Wonderful⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow who we follow at the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Once Upon a Geek⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The FadeOut Podcast⁠⁠⁠s⁠

    John Carpenter's: In the Mouth of Madness (1994)

  3. Oct 6

    Event Horizon (1997) w/ Mike

    Today, Matt & Todd are joined by Mike to discuss the 1997 box office flop turned cult classic, Event Horizon. Despite arriving with a strong cast, and a unique blend of science fiction and horror, Event Horizon failed to find an audience in theaters. The film struggled to recoup its budget and was quickly overshadowed by Paramount's next massive release: James Cameron's Titanic. Studio interference and difficult test screenings resulted in a somewhat muddled final cut, but beneath those compromises remains an outstanding example of cosmic sci-fi horror. While its theatrical run was disappointing, Event Horizon gradually found new life through home video, cable, and streaming. Over the years, word of mouth transformed this unsettling experience into a cult favorite. Directed by Paul W. S. Anderson, Event Horizon stars: Laurence FishburneSam NeillKathleen QuinlanJoely RichardsonRichard T. JonesJack NoseworthyJason Isaacs, Whit Bissell Award WinnerSean Pertwee, Whit Bissell Award Winner Like the lost starship from which it takes its name, Event Horizon drifts through the darkness waiting to be discovered, revealing unimaginable cosmic horrors to anyone brave enough to come aboard. Join us as we revisit one of science fiction horror's most enduring cult classics and explore why its reputation has only grown stronger with time. _____________ Matt has over 100+ lists for movie suggestions on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Letterboxd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and on Bluesky: @MovieMattSirois Terrible movies often find him, even under under the alias Marcus, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Movie Asylum of the Weird, Bad and Wonderful⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow who we follow at the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Once Upon a Geek⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheFade Out Podcast⁠⁠⁠s⁠

    Event Horizon (1997) w/ Mike

  4. Sep 29

    The Gate (1987)

    Today Matt & Todd kick off Halloween season by delving into The Gate, a 1987 supernatural horror film directed by Tibor Takács. When The Gate hit HBO, it quickly became an instant rewatch for us, we're surprised it took us so long to get to it. As 1980s horror films go, this one is fairly tame. It is PG-13, after all, but don't let that turn you off. The Gate is a lot of fun. What it lacks in sex, drugs, and splatter, it makes up for with story, atmosphere, and practical effects that still hold up nearly 40 years later. Whether you're discovering it for the first time or revisiting an old favorite, it's well worth your time. One of the things that makes The Gate stand out is that it features a cast of surprisingly likable characters. Unlike many horror films, you're not simply waiting for everyone to be picked off one by one. There's genuine heart here, which gives the story emotion often missing from the genre. We like to call it a "starter horror film." There is some genuinely creepy material that still works today, but it's accessible enough for a wide audience. The Gate stars: Stephen Dorff as GlenChrista Denton as Alexandra "Al" (Whit Bissell Award Winner - Todd)Louis Tripp as Terry ChandlerKelly Rowan as Lori LeeJennifer Irwin as Linda LeeDeborah Grover as MomScot Denton as DadIngrid Veninger as Paula (Whit Bissell Award Winner - Matt)Sean Fagan as EricLinda Goranson as Mrs. ChandlerCarl Kraines as The WorkmanAndrew Gunn as Brad A few years later, Tibor Takács returned with The Gate II: Trespassers. It's a fun sequel in its own right, though a bit more uneven than the original. While it doesn't resonate as strong, or hit the mark as well as the first film, there's still plenty to enjoy. The original is an enduring cult-classic, a status well deserved. While Trespassers may not be quite as good, it offers enough creativity and charm to make it worth a watch on its own merits. _____________ Matt has over 100+ lists for movie suggestions on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Letterboxd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ You can reach out on Bluesky:@MovieMattSirois Terrible movies often find him, even under under the alias Marcus at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Movie Asylum of the Weird, Bad and Wonderful⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow who we follow at the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Once Upon a Geek⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheFade Out Podcast⁠⁠⁠s⁠

    The Gate (1987)

  5. Sep 7

    Return to the Planet of the Apes (1975) w/ Gabe Crate

    The TV/Movie Rewind Podcast, with Matt & Todd, returns this week with a returning guest, Gabe Crate, for our return to the Planet of the Apes franchise with: Return to the Planet of the Apes (1975). This is the 6th and final installment of the series that began in 1968 and branched into at least three different timelines from its Charlton Heston beginnings, now arriving at its final, animated end. What Return lacks in animation frames, it more than makes up for in stunning art detail headed by Director Doug Wildey, settling on a more modern look at life on Earth in the 3000s. The Apes have established modern cities complete with movies, TV, radio, airplanes, the works of William Apespeare, and even a bit of kaiju action. Return to the Planet of the Apes (1975) features the voices of: Bill Hudson — voiced by Tom Williams and Richard Blackburn Dr. Zaius — voiced by Richard Blackburn Jeff Allen — voiced by Austin Stoker Judy Franklin — voiced by Claudette Nevins General Urko — voiced by Henry Corden (…wait, is that Fred Flintstone?) Cornelius — voiced by Edwin Mills and Henry Corden Zira — voiced by Philippa Harris Despite its short run (13 episodes), the series is a fascinating artifact: a high‑fantasy, high‑concept reinterpretation of Apes lore that feels like a Saturday‑morning cartoon filtered through the aesthetics of pulp sci‑fi paperback covers. It’s weird, ambitious, and absolutely worth revisiting as the final animated echo of the original Apes saga. And as peculiar as the advanced Ape society might seem to fans of the film and TV installments, these elements more closely reflect aspects of the novel (and the original Rod Serling treatment) that were hindered by film‑budget constraints. _____________ Matt has over 100+ lists for movie suggestions on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Letterboxd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ You can reach out on Bluesky:@MovieMattSirois Terrible movies often find him, even under under the alias Marcus at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Movie Asylum of the Weird, Bad and Wonderful⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow who we follow at the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Once Upon a Geek⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheFade Out Podcast⁠⁠⁠s⁠

    Return to the Planet of the Apes (1975) w/ Gabe Crate

  6. Aug 24

    Zulu Dawn (1979) & Zulu (1964)

    Today Matt & Todd explore two historically linked war epics: Zulu (1964) and Zulu Dawn (1979) We’re tackling them in reverse order of release because that’s the chronological order of the battles themselves. It’s a rare case where watching the films backwards actually gives you the forward momentum of history. Zulu Dawn (1979): The Disaster at Isandlwana Directed by Douglas Hickox, Zulu Dawn dramatizes the catastrophic British defeat at the Battle of Isandlwana in a moment that shattered the myth of imperial invincibility. The film features an enormous cast, including: Burt LancasterPeter O’TooleSimon SabelaSimon WardNigel DavenportRonald LaceyBob Hoskins…and thousands of Zulu extras whose presence gives the film its sweeping, overwhelming sense of scale. Though critically the weaker of the two films, Zulu Dawn is the necessary first chapter: a portrait of arrogance, miscalculation, and political maneuvering that pushed the British Army into an ill‑conceived invasion of Zululand. The Zulu kingdom had been cooperating with colonial authorities to that point — but the British government’s desire for expansion, coupled with manufactured provocations, set the stage for one of the empire’s most humiliating defeats. The film leans into the tragedy of command failures: scattered forces, poor reconnaissance, and a fatal underestimation of Zulu strategy. When the Zulu impis finally strike, the British camp collapses under the sheer force and coordination of the attack. It’s a war epic, but also a cautionary tale about hubris. Zulu (1964): The Stand at Rorke’s Drift Directed by Cy Endfield, Zulu is technically the “sequel,” though released 14 years earlier. It depicts the Battle of Rorke’s Drift in a desperate defensive action occurring just hours after the disaster at Isandlwana. The film stars: Stanley BakerJack HawkinsChief Mangosuthu ButheleziUlla JacobssonJames BoothMichael Caine (in his breakout role)…and, again, thousands of Zulu extras. Where Zulu Dawn is about collapse, Zulu is about endurance. A tiny British outpost, barely fortified, poorly supplied, and shaken by news of the earlier massacre, suddenly becomes the target of a massive Zulu strike. The film’s tension comes from the contrast: the Zulu forces are disciplined, coordinated, and relentless, while the British defenders are a mix of professionals, malcontents, and men simply trying to survive. The film is famous for its choreography of battle: shield walls, rifle volleys, chants, and the haunting rhythm of Zulu war songs. It’s also more character-driven, exploring class conflict, leadership under pressure, and the uneasy admiration between two sides locked in mortal combat. Neither film is a documentary. Both take liberties: compressing timelines, inventing characters, reworking the entire embodiment and sentiment of others, and shaping events for dramatic effect. But taken together, they form a compelling cinematic diptych: one battle lost through overconfidence, the next survived through grit, desperation and guile. What they absolutely nail is the sense of place: the sweeping hills of KwaZulu-Natal, the stark beauty of the African landscape, and the sheer physicality of the battles. These are rousing adventure epics, filled with unforgettable imagery and some of the fiercest large-scale combat sequences ever put on film.

    Zulu Dawn (1979) & Zulu (1964)

  7. Aug 3

    Remembering Jack Palance (with Logan)

    Today Matt and Todd are Joined by Logan to discuss the great Jack Palance. Jack Palance wasn’t just any actor, he was a force of nature who lived more lives than most people could fit into a century. Before he ever stepped in front of a camera, he was:A coal miner, a boxer, a college football star, a United States Army veteran, a sportswriter, a short‑order cook, a waiter, a lifeguard, a model… and then one of the finest actors of his generation. Commercials, stage, television, film... Jack Palance could do anything. He even recorded a country‑western album! His career spans over fifty years, dozens of genres, and a level of intensity and charisma that few performers have ever matched. Today we’re diving into some of the highlights we’ve come to love over the years and roles that show the full spectrum of what Palance could do. Know that even in the worst films of his catalogue, his performances were always top‑notch. A true professional. A legend. If you’re not familiar with him, we hope this inspires you to check out some great movies and discover why Jack Palance remains one of the most unforgettable presences in cinema history. Shane Attack! 10 Seconds to Hell Kill a Dragon Monte Walsh Chato’s Land Dracula Without Warning Alone in the Dark Young Guns City Slickers Tango & Cash Few actors could combine menace, charm, humor, and gravitas the way Jack Palance did. Few ever will.Thanks as always for listening—and we hope you enjoy revisiting one of cinema’s true originals. _____________ Matt has over 100+ lists for movie suggestions on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Letterboxd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ You can reach out on Bluesky: @MovieMattSirois Terrible movies often find him, even under under the alias Marcus at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Movie Asylum of the Weird, Bad and Wonderful⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow who we follow at the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Once Upon a Geek⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheFade Out Podcast⁠⁠⁠s⁠

    Remembering Jack Palance (with Logan)

  8. Jul 24

    Victory (aka Escape to Victory) (1981)

    Today Matt & Todd return to the HBO classics of our early days with 1981’s Victory (also known as Escape to Victory). Before soccer was a mainstream American pastime, before the FIFA movie, HBO introduced many of us to a strange, earnest, unexpectedly thrilling hybrid: a World War II prison‑camp adventure mashed together with 30 minutes of genuinely great football choreography. The film was released in theaters but did not perform well, and didn't enjoy a wide release. Some sleepy HBO Saturday is probably the first time a lot of us saw this film. Released in the summer of 1981, Victory tells the story of Allied POWs challenged to a football match staged for Nazi propaganda. Despite its star power, Sylvester Stallone is here in full “I can do anything” mode, the film landed softly in the U.S. but resonated strongly in Europe and South America, where the sport and its legends were already cultural monoliths. And that’s the secret weapon: Pelé. The Brazilian megastar (and Whit Bissell co‑winner) choreographed the on‑field action, designing plays and sequences executed by real professional players cast as POWs and German guards. The result is a thrilling, authentic stretch of football cinema that still holds up—fast, clever, and caps an unforgettable ending. Victory is also a remake of the 1961 Hungarian film Two Half‑Times in Hell, itself inspired by disputed accounts of real matches played in occupied Ukraine between former Dynamo and Lokomotiv Kiev players and their Nazi overseers. The details vary, but the myth endures: sport as resistance, pride, and survival. Forgotten by many in the U.S., Victory remains a fantastic film worth revisiting, especially now that soccer has finally found its footing here and we're still close to a world cup hangover. Much like the sport itself, you may discover it’s actually pretty great. Main Cast: Sylvester Stallone as Captain Robert Hatch Michael Caine as Captain John Colby Whit Bissell Award Winner Pelé as Corporal Luis Fernandez Max von Sydow as Major Karl von Steiner Gary Waldhorn as Hauptmann Rainer Mueller, German coach Tim Pigott-Smith as Major Rose Julian Curry as Wing Commander Shurlock Whit Bissell Award Winner Anton Differing as Commentator The Players Victory's thrilling footlball moments brought by a long list of international pros listed here (by country of birth): (Argentina) Osvaldo Ardiles (Allied Player)(Belgium) Paul Van Himst (Allied Player)(Brazil) Pelé (Allied Player)(Denmark) Søren Lindsted (Allied Player)(England) Michael Caine (Allied Player)Bobby Moore (Allied Player)Mike Summerbee (Allied Player)Russell Osman (Allied Player)Mike Summerbee (Allied Player) Robin Turner (German Player)Laurence Sivell (German Player)(Hungary) Sándor Egervári (German Player)Ferenc Fülöp (German Player)Imre Boda (German Player)(Ireland) Kevin O'Callaghan(Netherlands) Co Prins (Allied Player)(Norway) Hallvar Thoresen (Allied Player)(Poland) Kazimierz Deyna (Allied Player)(Scotland) John Wark (Allied Player)(USA) Sylvester Stallone (Allied Player)Werner Roth (German Player) _____________ Matt has over 100+ lists for movie suggestions on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Letterboxd⁠⁠⁠⁠ You can reach out on Bluesky: @MovieMattSirois Terrible movies often find him, even under under the alias Marcus at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Movie Asylum of the Weird, Bad and Wonderful⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow who we follow at the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Once Upon a Geek⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheFade Out Podcast⁠⁠⁠s⁠

    Victory (aka Escape to Victory) (1981)
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About

Two brothers, Matt & Todd talk about their favorite movies. We cover mostly up to the 90s and talk about all manner of genre films from the 'loved', 'rejected', 'stupid', 'forgotten', 'hardly known', 'underappreciated, 'silly', and 'pointless'. If you're a fan of: John Carpenter, Walter Hill, Sam Peckinpah, Steven Spielberg, John Sturges, Stallone, Schwarzenegger. If you know: Strother Martin, Brion James, Peter Jason and Dick Miller And if you know where the Fourth Crown is: Follow us on Letterboxd, Twitter and Instagram: @MovieMattSirois

Information

  • Creator
    Matt Sirois
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    251
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Matt Sirois
  • Show Website
    Tv/Movie Rewind

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