Rare Cuts Media Society

Rare Cuts Media Society

Welcome to the Rare Cuts Media Society! A Book Club Style show where we dive into Movies, TV, Books, Music, and more. Each month one of us will choose a new piece of media to dive into and discuss. Make sure you watch, listen, and read along with us each month so you will be ready for our discussion. Warning: There will be Spoilers!

  1. FEB 12

    Abigail - King Diamond (1987)

    Part 1 of Concept albums - Abigail by King Diamond (1987) In this episode, your hosts Andrew, Eric, Rob, and Mike are kicking off a brand-new theme: concept albums. And what better way to start than with Rob’s Pick the 1987 metal masterpiece "Abigail" by King Diamond? This episode isn’t just a music review—it’s an exploration of the very idea of a concept album. The hosts discuss what sets a great concept album apart, from narrative cohesion and musical consistency, to the ways these records blur the lines between theme and story. Along the way, you’ll hear shout-outs to some of the genre’s giants, thoughts on everything from Pink Floyd and Taylor Swift, and a fair share of nostalgia and basement metal listening memories. Then, the crew takes a close look at King Diamond himself—the striking, face-painted Danish metal icon—and unpacks the dark horror story at the heart of "Abigail." With its operatic vocals, gothic atmosphere, and face-melting guitar solos, this album pulls the listener into a haunted mansion narrative full of horsemen, possession, and betrayal. Tune in as the hosts debate the album’s strengths and weaknesses, imagine how it might play out on the big screen (casting Willem Dafoe, naturally), and even touch on numerology, graphic novels, and why some things should never be moved out of the 18th century. Whether you’re a longtime metalhead or just curious about the wild side of concept albums, this episode is packed with spooky stories, musical insight, and the off-the-wall tangents that make Rare Cuts Media Society a cult favorite. Find out more at http://rarecutsmediasociety.com Follow RCMS: Facebook: facebook.com/rarecutsmediasociety Instagram: @rcmsociety Email: rarecutsmediasociety@gmail.com Support Rare Cuts Media Society by contributing to their Tip Jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/rare-cuts-media-society This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

    1h 15m
  2. Dick Tracy (1990)

    JAN 8

    Dick Tracy (1990)

    Part 4 of The Holiday Season - January/New Year In this episode, Eric Picks something disney for the New Year… dig into the curious case of Dick Tracy (1990)—a movie that was marketed as the next big cultural phenomenon but somehow slipped through the cracks of nostalgia. The crew kicks things off by recalling their own memories of Dick Tracy: the early-90s media blitz, video game tie-ins, trading cards, and a merchandising frenzy that spread from McDonald's to toy stores. Despite the hype, most people seem to remember the branding more than the film itself—echoing Eric Hathorn’s idea that Dick Tracy is “more famous than familiar.” But what went wrong? Was it the film’s indecisive tone—part cartoonish, part adult? Did Warren Beatty’s seriousness as the titular detective make him less relatable than a Tony Stark or Batman? The hosts explore how the movie’s world, characters, and ambitious production value were overshadowed by a marketing machine that couldn’t quite stick the landing. They also debate whether the film’s New Year’s Eve climax makes Dick Tracy the ultimate January pick, and discuss why the movie never spawned the franchise Disney hoped for. From Al Pacino’s over-the-top Big Boy Caprice to Madonna’s memorable role, the episode is packed with nostalgia, pop culture trivia, and playful speculation (including casting Willem Dafoe in a hypothetical remake). Join the Society as they rate and reflect on Dick Tracy—a blockbuster that’s become a rare cut over time—and set the stage for their next deep dive into concept albums from the world of music. Find out more at http://rarecutsmediasociety.com Follow RCMS: Facebook: facebook.com/rarecutsmediasociety Instagram: @rcmsociety Email: rarecutsmediasociety@gmail.com Support Rare Cuts Media Society by contributing to their Tip Jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/rare-cuts-media-society This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

    1h 27m
  3. Fox Hunt 1996 - Movie/Video game

    09/12/2025

    Fox Hunt 1996 - Movie/Video game

    Part 4 of James Bond Sidecars: George Lazenby In this episode, Eric Andrew, Rob, and Mike dive deep into the oddity that is "Fox Hunt," the 1996 interactive movie/video game mashup that dared to blend live-action slapstick comedy with ’90s-era full-motion video gaming. This time Eric Picked the James Bond Side Car for Georg Lazenby! This installment marks the finale of the Society’s James Bond “sidecar” arc—an exploration of unusual projects by former Bond actors—where the spotlight falls on George Lazenby’s truly unique post-Bond endeavor. Our hosts dissect everything from the messy plot and wild tone to the unexpected cast, which includes Rob Lowe, Gary Coleman, and an original score by Mark Mothersbaugh of Devo. Along the way, they debate whether "Fox Hunt" is an overlooked cult treasure or a relic better left, well, forgotten. Tune in for laughs, in-depth analysis, and plenty of nostalgia (and, yes, a few jokes about questionable production decisions and nipple-whipping). Whether you love hidden gems or just want to hear about one of the strangest Bond alumni projects ever made, this episode is sure to entertain! Find out more at http://rarecutsmediasociety.com Follow RCMS: Facebook: facebook.com/rarecutsmediasociety Instagram: @rcmsociety Twitter: @RCMSociety Email: rarecutsmediasociety@gmail.com Support Rare Cuts Media Society by contributing to their Tip Jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/rare-cuts-media-society

    1h 17m
  4. The Molly Maguires 1970

    08/21/2025

    The Molly Maguires 1970

    Part 3 of James Bond Sidecars: Sean Connery In this week's episode, our hosts Andrew, Eric, and Rob,take a dive deep into the shadowy world of 19th-century Pennsylvania coal mines as they dissect Mike’s Pick for Sean Connery’s Bond the 1970 historical drama "The Molly Maguires," starring Sean Connery and Richard Harris. Kicking things off, the crew reminisces about their favorite Sean Connery films (with more than a few detours into his most extravagant and occasionally questionable roles), before Mike takes us on a journey into the grim realities of coal mining, labor unrest, and undercover intrigue. The hosts debate the effectiveness of the film’s stark, dialogue-free opening, share laughs about Connery’s never-changing accent, and dig into why the movie’s message, pacing, and even its very name may have doomed it to box office obscurity. Along the way, they highlight the historically murky legacy of the real Molly Maguires, the impact of labor struggles, and the surprisingly pivotal role of a barroom brawl. Is this a story about fighting back—or does it simply reinforce a sense of inevitability and defeat? And would anyone have seen this film if it was called "The Irish Boom Booms"? Grab a seat around our (figurative) pub table as we unearth the forgotten history, cinematic curiosities, and lasting question of why this rare cut remains such a seldom-seen piece of Connery’s legacy. All this and more on this episode of Rare Cuts Media Society! Find out more at http://rarecutsmediasociety.com Follow RCMS: Facebook: facebook.com/rarecutsmediasociety Instagram: @rcmsociety Twitter: @RCMSociety Email: rarecutsmediasociety@gmail.com Support Rare Cuts Media Society by contributing to their Tip Jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/rare-cuts-media-society

    1h 17m
  5. Movie: Layer Cake (2004)

    07/17/2025

    Movie: Layer Cake (2004)

    Part 2 of James Bond Sidecars: Daniel Craig Its a special milestone episode of Rare Cuts Media Society! In this 50th installment, your hosts gather to celebrate by diving into the 2004 British crime thriller, Layer Cake, starring a pre-Bond Daniel Craig. This episode is all about uncovering hidden gems, and the team brings their signature humor and insight to a film that arguably set the tone for the grittier, modern James Bond era. Kicking things off, Rob explains why he chose Layer Cake for the show’s ongoing James Bond “sidecar” theme—pointing out how Craig’s cool, collected demeanor here foreshadows his legendary 007 run. The hosts debate just how much of Bond’s DNA is present in Craig’s character, from his steely glances to his overconfidence in a world riddled with double crosses and shifting allegiances. As they break down Layer Cake’s dizzying plot twists, the team compares it to other crime classics like The Departed and Trainspotting, discussing whether the film’s relentless reversals keep viewers on their toes or leave them spinning. They also weigh in on the movie’s British setting, stylized violence, incredible cast, and era-defining soundtrack—plus a spirited discussion about the film’s infamous ending and the mysterious choice to leave Craig’s character nameless. And of course, in true Rare Cuts fashion, the hosts don’t miss the chance to imagine who Willem Dafoe could have played in this modern gangster tale. Whether you’re a fan of Daniel Craig, crime thrillers, or just love to hear a thoughtful, sometimes hilarious debate about cult classics, this episode is packed with fresh takes, nitpicks, and behind-the-scenes insights—perfect for anyone looking to celebrate 50 episodes of rare and remarkable cinema. Find out more at http://rarecutsmediasociety.com Follow RCMS: Facebook: facebook.com/rarecutsmediasociety Instagram: @rcmsociety Twitter: @RCMSociety Email: rarecutsmediasociety@gmail.com Support Rare Cuts Media Society by contributing to their Tip Jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/rare-cuts-media-society

    1h 18m

About

Welcome to the Rare Cuts Media Society! A Book Club Style show where we dive into Movies, TV, Books, Music, and more. Each month one of us will choose a new piece of media to dive into and discuss. Make sure you watch, listen, and read along with us each month so you will be ready for our discussion. Warning: There will be Spoilers!