Underrated

Prince of Darkness

Mon, 22 Aug 2022 07:46:51 +0000

The second film in John Carpenter's spiritual "Apocalypse Trilogy" is often lost in the shuffle when discussing the director's films. We take a look at it to decide if it's a quintessential cult classic or 80s schlock.

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Where the Wild Things Are

Mon, 08 Aug 2022 07:00:16 +0000

The epochal picture book by Maurice Sendak Where the Wild Things Are was brought to life by writer/director Spike Jonze in 2009. A failure at the box office, the film was initially criticized form many of the same reasons the book was in 1963.

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Thank You for Smoking

Mon, 25 Jul 2022 07:01:34 +0000

This week we take a look at Jason Reitman's writer and directorial debut Thank You for Smoking with special guest Larry Freid. The indie comedy had a very limited theatrical run, and slipped most people by, but does it deserve a second look?

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Inside Llewyn Davis

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 07:00:42 +0000

This week the Undercast crew is joined by Austin Olivia Kendrick to discuss one of the lesser known Cohen Brothers films, Inside Llewyn Davis. Austin is the sound designer as well as the voice actor for Atharah on the Legacy Saga podcast from Welcome Mat Radio, as well as being a star on TikTok to boot!

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Silence (2016)

Mon, 27 Jun 2022 07:00:48 +0000

The 2016 adaptation of Shūsaku Endō's novel was a passion project for director Martin Scorsese decades in the making. However the heartfelt historical religious drama was a box office bomb, largely prompting Scorsese to move to streaming releases.

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The Frighteners

Mon, 13 Jun 2022 07:00:00 +0000

This week we're honored to be joined by Phil Iscove, creator of FOX's Sleepy Hollow and host of Podcast Like it's 1999! We break down Peter Jackson's The Frighteners and take a wider look at his interesting and impactful career. Follow us! Instagram: @undercastcompany, Twitter: @undercastco, Facebook: Undercast Company. Email us at undercastcompany@gmail.com, join our Discord, or support us on Patreon! Don't forget to follow Phil as well!

Super Mario Bros.

Mon, 30 May 2022 07:00:17 +0000

We conclude 8 Bit Cinema with the granddaddy of video game films, Super Mario Bros. The first ever theatrically released video game film Mario broke new ground but disappointed fans and critics. But has it now become a cult classic?

Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City

Mon, 16 May 2022 07:00:17 +0000

Continuing our 8 Bit Cinema mini-series we look at Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City. Restarting the franchise, the film was a more faithful adaptation of the video games, directly adapting Resident Evil 1 and 2.

Assassin's Creed

Mon, 02 May 2022 07:00:45 +0000

Welcome to 8 Bit Cinema! All month long we are covering films based on video games and first up is 2016's Assassin's Creed. Don't forget to check out Derick's companion piece on the history of video game adaptations while you're here!

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The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc

Mon, 18 Apr 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Mikey Neumann joins the crew to talk about 1999's best (of two) Joan of Arc movies! A flop both critically and financially, this managed to be one of the most bizarre and fascinating blockbusters in one of the best years in cinema history.

Mercenary

Mon, 04 Apr 2022 07:00:00 +0000

It's time for our April Fool's special again and we are diving into another "So-bad-it's-good" movie! This time it's 1996 straight to video mostly forgotten action film Mercenary!

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Logan Lucky

Mon, 21 Mar 2022 07:35:18 +0000

Steven Soderbergh came out of retirement to direct this charming heist film but it failed to leave an impression at the box office.

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I Saw the Devil

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 08:00:00 +0000

We continue our revenge kick with this South Korean thriller! Do western audiences need to give this film a second look?

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The Count of Monte Cristo (2002)

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 08:00:00 +0000

The Undercast crew is joined once again by JPG to talk about the 2002 adaptation of Alexander Dumas' classic novel. Notable changes were made from the original book but did Hollywood actually improve the story with the tweaks?

Eddie the Eagle

Mon, 07 Feb 2022 08:00:00 +0000

The Winter Olympics are here and to celebrate we're taking a look at the sports biopic of one of the most unusual and inspiring Olympians ever!

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You're Next

Mon, 24 Jan 2022 08:00:00 +0000

This week we're joined by Matt from The Matt and Mark Movie Show to talk about "You're Next!" Adam Wingard's low budget horror film combines elements from genres you may not expect that has helped elevate it to a cult classic.

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Begin Again

Mon, 10 Jan 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Happy New Year! To start the year off right we look at a film about getting back on your feet and getting out of a rut with John Carney's "Begin Again."

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They Came Together

Mon, 27 Dec 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Jason Kleeberg from the Force Five Movie Podcast joins us this week to talk about this absurdist rom-com satire. Written by David Wain and directed by Wain and Micheal Showalter, "They Came Together" failed to draw an audience and divided critics. Despite that it might actually be one of the best comedies of the 2010s.

The Holiday

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Happy Holidays! Taking us through; Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Years, this rom-com from director Nacy Meyers features Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz. Despite it's failure to impress critics, should this become a holiday classic?

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Runaway

Mon, 29 Nov 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Welcome to our first ever live show! Recorded live from the iconic Frida Cinema in downtown Santa Ana we talked about 1984's Runaway. Written and directed by Michael Crichton and starring Tom Selleck and Gene Simmons, the film was chosen by the Frida's founder and executive director Logan Crow!

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BONUS: Dune (2021)

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 08:00:00 +0000

We recently discussed Dune for our Patreon exclusive podcast, Undercast Film Club. We hope you enjoy this spoiler filled clip from that podcast discussing the ending of the film.

Listen to the entire episode at patreon.com/undercastcompany by signing up for as little as a dollar a month!

That Thing You Do!

Mon, 15 Nov 2021 08:00:00 +0000

This week we are joined by Tricia Aurand, screenwriter and co-host of Beyond the Screenplay! Her underrated pick is the Tom Hanks written and directed film That Thing You Do!

Death to Smoochy

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 07:00:00 +0000

We're joined today by Justin Joseph Hall of Fourwind Films who suggested the film we'll be covering. A dark comedy centered on the seedy underbelly of children's television, Death to Smoochy was critically panned and a financial flop but may yet be a cult classic.

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark

Mon, 18 Oct 2021 07:00:00 +0000

Happy Halloween! For our spooky special we are looking at the 2019 adaptation of this classic kid's horror series. The team discusses how the film adapted an anthology into a coherent narrative and talks about our favorite scary stories!

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Drag Me to Hell

Mon, 04 Oct 2021 07:00:00 +0000

We dive into spooky season with this overlooked Sam Rami flick! Is it a lost camp classic or a dated dud?

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The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)

Mon, 20 Sep 2021 07:00:00 +0000

The second film adaptation of James Thurbur's short story saw Ben Stiller both as it's star and director. Mitty harshly divided critics, earning equal praise and scorn. Despite appearing on several top ten lists for the year, it also was harshly received by half of the critics that reviewed it at the time, scoring a 51% on Rotten Tomatoes.

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The Rules of Attraction

Mon, 06 Sep 2021 07:00:00 +0000

Based on the novel by Bret Easton Ellis "The Rules of Attraction" was torn apart by critics upon release. Over the intervening years however the black comedy/drama has built up a cult following. This week the team is joined by Damian of the Can I Say Something podcast, who suggested the film! Follow us! Instagram: @undercastcompany, Twitter: @undercastco, Facebook: Undercast Company. Email us at undercastcompany@gmail.com, or join our Discord. And support us on Patreon!

Back to the Future Part III

Mon, 23 Aug 2021 07:00:00 +0000

What better grand finale could we ask for in our Summer of Sequels than the grand finale of the Back to the Future trilogy? Despite often being overshadowed by the first two films in the series, Back to the Future III manages to be one of the most satisfying conclusions to a trilogy ever made.

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Blade Runner 2049

Mon, 09 Aug 2021 07:15:02 +0000

Trapped in developmental hell since the 1990s a sequel to the cult classic Blade Runner was finally released thirty-five years after the original. The visionary director Denis Villeneuve helmed the follow up which starred Ryan Gosling, Ana de Amas and a returning Harrison Ford. Despite near universal praise from critics the film replicated the original and failed at the box office.

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Kingsman: The Golden Circle

Mon, 26 Jul 2021 07:00:00 +0000

Matthew Vaughn followed up his spy thriller based on a bestselling comic with this 2017 sequel that expanded the world. The team discusses the film and asks some questions about sequels and prequels as a whole.

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Star Trek Beyond

Mon, 12 Jul 2021 07:00:00 +0000

Boldly go into our Summer of Sequels series with our third installment, which covers the third film in the Star Trek reboot series. Justin Lin took over as director and impressed critics but a mediocre response at the box office stalled future sequels.

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TRON: Legacy

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 07:00:00 +0000

For the second film in our Summer of Sequels we check out the long awaited sequel to a cult classic. TRON: Legacy was released almost thirty years after the original, and with middling reviews and only a decent box office performance, was it worth the wait?

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Scream 2

Mon, 14 Jun 2021 07:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the Summer of Sequels! All summer long we are going to be looking at underrated and underappreciated sequels. First up is Scream 2, coming just a year after the release of the original. With Wes Craven and Kevin Williamson returning along with any of the cast that survived the first installment could this follow up match, or perhaps even surpass, the first film?

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Hostiles

Mon, 31 May 2021 07:55:34 +0000

We take our first trip into the old west, reviewing our first western film. This revisionist western swaps the familiar tropes from the genre for the harsh and violent realities of the time.

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Free Fire

Mon, 17 May 2021 07:00:00 +0000

This small budget film from director Ben Wheatley has flown under the radar and divided audiences. Nevertheless it remains a tight and funny film with an all star cast and a killer 70s aesthetic.

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John Carter

Mon, 03 May 2021 07:00:00 +0000

Infamously one of the biggest box office bombs ever made, John Carter allegedly lost around $200 million at the box office. An adaptation of Edgar Rice Burroughs's 1912 novel "A Princess of Mars" Pixar's Andrew Stanton helmed this big swing that divided critics and audiences.

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The Grey

Mon, 19 Apr 2021 07:00:00 +0000

Directed by Joe Carnahan and starring Liam Neeson, The Grey is based on the short story "Ghost Walker" by Ian MacKenzie Jeffers and follows a group of men surviving in the Alaskan wilderness pursued by wolves. Despite being marketed as a traditional action film The Grey and explores philosophical and theological questions.

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Cats

Mon, 05 Apr 2021 07:00:00 +0000

It's April Fools' so we're not talking about Joss Wheton's Justice League, or even Zack Snyder's Justice League. In fact we are talking about a movie so awful it makes the Josstice League look like a masterpiece.

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Tag

Mon, 22 Mar 2021 07:00:00 +0000

Based on the true story published in the Wall Street Journal, this ensemble comedy quickly disappeared from the public consciousness. We ask if perhaps it should not have been forgotten so quickly.

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Perfect Blue

Mon, 08 Mar 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Adapted from the light novel Perfect Blue: Complete Metamorphosis, Satoshi Kon's anime psychological thriller did not receive a proper release in the US when it debuted in 1997. Over the years it has gained cult status by fan who watched it on Blu-ray and DVD.

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Battle of the Sexes

Mon, 22 Feb 2021 09:09:20 +0000

Based on the legendary 1973 tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs Battle of the Sexes was directed by Valarie Faris and Jonathan Dayton. Despite accolades the film was a massive disappointment at the box office.

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This Is Where I Leave You

Mon, 08 Feb 2021 08:17:14 +0000

Johnathan Tropper adapted his novel for the screen in this 2014 dramedy. Despite an all-star cast the film under-preformed both critically and financially, and has largely been forgotten. Does this look at a family in crisis deserve another chance?

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Gods of Egypt

Mon, 25 Jan 2021 08:00:00 +0000

It's our 50th episode and this monumental event marks the conclusion of our Big Swing series! We couldn't pick a more perfect film to end on than this big budget film with mythology inspired worldbuilding that wasn't based on any existing IP. Most of all this movie is really really weird.

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Tomorrowland

Mon, 18 Jan 2021 08:00:00 +0000

We continue our series on Big Swings with Tomorrowland, directed by Brad Bird who co-wrote the film with Damon Lindeloff and Jeff Jensen. While the film was a box office dud and a critical disappointment we think it embodies the optimism and hope for the future Disney and his imagineers envisioned.

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Alita: Battle Angel

Mon, 11 Jan 2021 08:00:00 +0000

We continue our series Big Swing by talking about this 2019 film directed by Robert Rodriguez based on the manga and OVA Battle Angel Alita. Despite making around $400 million at the box office the huge price tag of this movie may actually mean it didn't turn a profit. The film clearly sets up a sequel but the jury is still out on if it will receive one.

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Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets

Mon, 04 Jan 2021 08:00:00 +0000

To ring in the new year we are bringing you a special mini-series where we look at Big Swings! The first of witch is Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets, a 2015 film starring Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevine. "Big Swings" are the huge risks that come around every few years. They are usually flawed but incredibly interesting films. Almost always a huge failure at the box office.

They fulfill the following criteria;

1) Hugely imaginative

2) Massive special effects budget

3) Impressive worldbuilding

4) Kinda bonkers

5) Not part of an existing film franchise

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Snow

Mon, 21 Dec 2020 08:00:00 +0000

Merry Christmas! This Christmas film premiered on ABC on 2004 and has become a staple in ABC Family's annual 25 Days of Christmas block. The group debates if this is an unknown Christmas treasure or a lump of coal. We also give our picks for our favorite Christmas films of all time!

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Batman Returns

Mon, 07 Dec 2020 08:00:00 +0000

This holiday season we take a look at an underappreciated Christmas film with Tim Burton's second entry into the batman franchise. Does this film deserve to be enshrines as one of the all time alternative Christmas films?

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Sunshine

Mon, 23 Nov 2020 08:00:00 +0000

Directed by Danny Boyle and written by Alex Garland, this sci-fi thriller features a talented ensemble cast but did not make an impact at the box office. Sci-fi fans remain divided on whether the turn the film takes is over the top or brilliant. Is this one of the most underrated science fiction films of all time?

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Like Crazy

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 08:00:00 +0000

This realistic take on romance won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance in 2011, but did not receive a wide release. Despite praise for the stars Felicity Jones and the late Anton Yelchin, this indie gem remains under the radar to this day.

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Thir13en Ghosts

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Happy Halloween! Take a listen to our annual spooky Halloween special episode and get transported back to 2001 with Thirteen Ghosts!

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Haywire

Mon, 12 Oct 2020 07:00:00 +0000

This Steven Soderbergh directed film remains relatively unknown despite its all star cast.

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And don't forget, drink responsibly...

As Above So Below

Mon, 28 Sep 2020 07:00:00 +0000

This low budget "found footage" horror film directed by John Erick Dowdle and written by Dowdle and his brother Drew followed a group of treasure-hunters searching the catacombs of Paris for the Philosopher's Stone. Our humble podcasters were divided on the film, and offer a few different philosophies on going into a film.

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And don't forget, drink responsibly...

The Nice Guys

Mon, 14 Sep 2020 19:35:22 +0000

Starring Ryan Gosling and Riddle Crowe this noir comedy was a disappointment at the box office. However it’s wit and charm alongside the 70s setting makes it worth a second look.

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Elvira: Mistress of the Dark

Mon, 31 Aug 2020 07:00:00 +0000

The iconic character Elvira came to the big screen for the first time in this small budget film. Like the character herself this film has become a cult classic.

Robin Hood: Men in Tights

Mon, 17 Aug 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Despite being known as one of the most prolific parody filmmakers of all time Mel Brooks' 1993 parody of Robin Hood was maligned by critics and holds a 40% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Seven Psychopaths

Mon, 03 Aug 2020 07:00:00 +0000

The sophomore film from writer/director Martin McDonagh has largely been forgotten especially when compared to his other films. However the dark comedy's meta take on action films remains one best in recent years and this under the radar hit deserves to be revisited.

Attack the Block

Mon, 20 Jul 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Directed by Joe Cornish Attack the Block focused on a teenage street gang in south London fighting an alien invasion. Featuring future sci-fi stars John Boyega and Jodi Whittaker, along with Nick Frost, the low budget film connected with British audiences and American critics but recived an incredibly limited release and barely made a million dollars at the US box office.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows

Mon, 06 Jul 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Based on the comic book characters, 2016's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows was the follow up to the 2014 reboot. The film drew heavy inspiration from the 80s and 90s the film saw a number of fan favorite characters appear in live action for the first time. Like many TMNT movies it earned subpar reviews but this time around it was also a box office dud. Did this trip down nostalgia lane deserve better?

Snowpiercer

Mon, 22 Jun 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Released in 2013 Snowpiercer's message of revolution and systematic inequality is more resonant today than when it was originally released. Based on the French graphic novel Le Transperceneige created by Jacques Lob and Jean-Marc Rochette, Snowpiercer was directed by Bong Joon-ho and written by Bong and Kelly Masterson. Initially an under the radar film in the US, only receiving a limited release, the film is receiving renewed attention after Bong Joon-ho's film Parasite won best picture and best director, and the film has recently also even gotten a television adaptation.

Smokin' Aces

Mon, 08 Jun 2020 07:00:00 +0000

This week the Undercast team welcomes special guest Jason Patrick Galit to discuss the 2007 action film Smokin' Aces! Directed by Joe Carnahan the film has an all star ensemble cast that led it to box office success while being lambasted by critics.

Jason Patrick Galit (JPG) is one of the hosts of In Quest of Geek: a multi-platform production of weekly podcasts, actual-play RPGs, and Twitch streams. A pop culture critic and 'geek educator,' his work has been utilized by Comic-Con International & private businesses to enhance how people interact with media on a more inclusive level.

Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans

Mon, 25 May 2020 07:00:00 +0000

We go way back to the silent era for this film directed by German expressionist director F.W. Murnau. While it is praised by movie historians it has largely been forgotten by the movie-going public, even when compared to other silent films. Coming out just weeks before "The Jazz Singer," "Sunrise" quickly became overshadowed by the advent of "talkies."

Batman Forever

Mon, 11 May 2020 07:02:43 +0000

The third in the Batman film franchise saw Joel Schumacher take over for Tim Burton and even saw a new Batman actor with Val Kilmer. A box office success the film received abysmal reviews, but perhaps critics at the time were too harsh. The film combined the campiness of the 60s TV show and and silver age comics with the dark gritty tone of the previous two entries and writers like Frank Miller's darker takes on the character.

A Knight's Tale

Mon, 27 Apr 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Taking it's title from Chaucer's "The Knight's Tale," this 2001 film tells the tale of a young man who sets out to change his destiny and become a knight. Told in an anachronistic style with modern music, this film was directed by Brian Helgeland and stars a young; Heath Ledger, Shannyn Sossaom, Alan Tyduk, Mark Addy, Rufus Sewell, with Paul Bettany as Geoffrey Chaucer and James Purefoy as Prince Edward the Black Knight.

Bandslam

Mon, 13 Apr 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Bandslam is a 2009 teen musical comedy film directed by Todd Graff starring Vanessa Hudgens, Aly Michalka, and Gaelan Connell. The film went largely unnoticed at the box office, after a lackluster marketing campaign but managed to earn above average reviews. It also holds a special place in the heart of one of our podcasters.

The Room

Mon, 30 Mar 2020 07:18:22 +0000

APRIL FOOLS! Does anyone bother to read the description? If you do good cause then you're in on the joke; this is our April Fools Day episode, and no we aren't finally doing Batman v Superman. We're actually talking about what might be the worst movie of all time, The Room.

Sorry.

Zodiac

Mon, 16 Mar 2020 07:00:00 +0000

David Fincher's 2007 film about the Zodiac killer was a box office disappointment and failed to earn a single Oscar nomination in a crowded year. Almost a decade and a half later we reexamine it and it's effect on film.

The Rocketeer

Mon, 02 Mar 2020 08:00:00 +0000

Based on the comic character, The Rocketeer was a throwback to film serials of the 30s and classic Hollywood. However the film was a financial failure for Disney. Has the film achieved cult classic status?

The Death of Stalin

Mon, 17 Feb 2020 08:00:00 +0000

Based on the French graphic novel of the same name The Death of Stalin was directed by Armando Iannucci and co-written by David Schneider, Ian Martin and Peter Fellows. The dark satirical comedy followed the real life power struggle after the Soviet Union's dictator in 1953.

British made and independent, the film flew under the radar in the United States. However it's political message is more important than ever.

The Cabin in the Woods

Mon, 03 Feb 2020 08:01:24 +0000

Directed by Drew Goddard and written by Goddard and Joss Whedon, this 2012 film was well received by the few who saw it but has remained largely unwatched by many outside of the die hard horror community. The hosts debate their respective stance on the film and if it belongs in the decade's top tier films.

It's Kind of a Funny Story

Mon, 20 Jan 2020 19:30:02 +0000

Based on the book by Ned Vizzini this 2010 teen comedy/drama directed by Anna Boden stars a talented ensemble cast. This heartwarming and hilarious indie failed to be noticed by critics and audiences, but it deserves to be discovered by new audiences.

Suicide Club

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 09:00:00 +0000

The Japanese indie film Suicide Club (also known as Suicide Circle) directed by Sion Sono remains largely unseen by western audiences. The film satirizes pop culture while depicting serious subject manner in a gruesomely comical manner. It was hardly reviewed in the US, and was only seen favorably by half of the few critics that discussed it but it has earned a cult following over the years.

Arthur Christmas

Mon, 23 Dec 2019 08:00:00 +0000

Merry Christmas! To celebrate the holidays this week we reviewed an underappreciated Christmas film, Arthur Christmas. From the animation studio Aardman comes a delightful film directed by Sarah Smith with the voice talents of; James McAvoy, Ashley Jensen, Bill Nighy, Hugh Laurie and Jim Broadabent.

Does this film deserve to enter the Christmas canon and become a classic Christmas film to be watched with milk and cookies every year?

Just Friends

Mon, 09 Dec 2019 08:00:00 +0000

This 2005 Christmas comedy starring; Ryan Reynolds, Amy Smart, and Anna Faris arrived to mediocre reviews. The film found a second life on cable TV in the intervening years. Today we ask if this film has become a cult classic.

Solo: A Star Wars Story

Mon, 25 Nov 2019 08:00:00 +0000

A spinoff about one of Star Wars' most popular characters Solo's troubled production and a switch in directors caused the film to become one of the most expensive films ever made. It's massive price tag and mismanaged marketing campaign led the movie to lose money at the box office despite earning almost $400 million dollars.

A number of Star Wars fans were displeased with the film and critics were divided on it. But does Solo deserve the hate it received from some? We discuss the film, along with the upcoming Obi-Wan film and the future of Star Wars and the nature of spinoffs.

Rush

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 08:01:07 +0000

The spirit of competition is on this week as we discuss the 2013 film Rush directed by Ron Howard! Starring Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Brühl as real life Formula One drivers and rivals James Hunt and Niki Lauda. Despite preforming well internationally the film failed to be a box office draw in the US, and despite high hopes failed to be nominated for a single academy award.

Ernest Scared Stupid

Mon, 28 Oct 2019 08:00:00 +0000

Happy Halloween! Get ready for our spooky Halloween special where we will be talking about "Ernest Scared Stupid." The final of the theatrically released Ernest films starring Jim Varney and directed by John Cherry saw a drop off critically and financially in previous entries. Is this a Halloween cult classic in the vein of "Hocus Pocus?"

Terminator Salvation vs. Terminator Genisys

Mon, 14 Oct 2019 07:01:01 +0000

This week we have two movies going head to head! Both Terminator Salvation and Genisys were meant to kick off new Terminator trilogies, but middling box office returns and poor reviews torpedoed future installments. As the series is about to be rebooted a third time we take a look back at the last two attempts and decide which of these was an underrated gem.

Prometheus

Mon, 30 Sep 2019 07:01:32 +0000

This science fiction thriller following a group of scientists looking for answers to humanity's biggest questions saw Ridley Scott return to the "Alien" franchise but Damon Lindelof's script moved the film to be less of a prequel and more of an original story. The film had moderate sucsess at the box office and with critics but has been lamented online for years.

Titan A.E.

Mon, 16 Sep 2019 08:02:02 +0000

The final film from legendary animator Don Bluth crashed and burned at the box office so completely the animation studio that released it closed down for good just ten days after it's release. Titan A.E. also received mixed reviews despite; it's all star cast including Matt Damon and Drew Barrymore, a creative plot, and unique villains.

Follow us at Undercast Company on Facebook and instagram, or e-mail us at undercastcompany@gmail.com. Alan and Fred can be found at dstrct6, Ariel and Sergio are Nerd Incorporated, and you can follow Derick on instagram at dericks_photos!

Monkeybone

Mon, 02 Sep 2019 07:01:44 +0000

Henry Selick has directed four films, and while "The Nightmare Before Christmas," "James and the Giant Peach," and "Coraline" are beloved classics, his only foray into live action has not been remembered as fondly. We discuss why this work by an absolute genius of a filmmaker failed so completely both financially and critically and ask if it deserved the treatment it got.

Evil Dead (2013)

Mon, 19 Aug 2019 07:02:44 +0000

A soft reboot of the 1981 cult classic "The Evil Dead," Fede Alvarez made his directorial debut in this film starring Jane Levy. The film received middling reviews and moderate box office success while failing to make a cultural impact as prior entries in the franchise had. Does this remake deserve a second look?

Saving Mr. Banks

Mon, 05 Aug 2019 08:00:00 +0000

One of Disney's lesser watched live action films from recent years examines the story behind one of their most famous live action films of all time. Directed by John Lee Hancock, the film stars Tom Hanks as Walt Disney, with Emma Thompson as P.L. Travers featuring a supporting cast of; Colin Ferrell, Paul Giamatti, Bradley Whitford, and Jason Schwarzman.

The Island

Mon, 22 Jul 2019 07:01:15 +0000

Take a journey with us to the far off year of 2019! This 2005 film takes place in the not too distant future of July 2019, culminating on July 22nd (hey that's the day this episode came out!) Like most of Michael Bay's movies, this film did not impress critics, but unlike his other films it also failed at the box office.

We debate if this is just normal Bay action fare or if it’s actually a more interesting sci-fi paranoia thriller! It might even be both!

Patrick Willems Video Essay: https://youtu.be/kzzO14E-NLg?t=569

Rodger Ebert Review: https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-island-2005

Power Rangers

Mon, 08 Jul 2019 07:00:49 +0000

This reboot of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers franchise gave the world a new take on the famed teenagers with attitude. A more thoughtful and slow paced iteration, the Dean Israelite film broke barriers in a number of ways. Unfortunately the film received middling results at both the box office and from critics.

Last week may have been our shortest episode, but strap into your zords because now you are getting our longest! And listen to our podcaster's picks for their favorite Power Ranger themes (some might surprise you) and tell us your favorite too!.

Upgrade

Mon, 24 Jun 2019 08:00:00 +0000

Renown producer of great low budget horror Jason Blum teamed up with writer/director Leigh Whannell to deliver a blood and gore filled science fiction action banger. While not a major release, Upgrade quickly received good word of mouth and earned a reputation as a film that people missed in 2018.

Pete's Dragon (2016)

Mon, 10 Jun 2019 07:02:11 +0000

The 2016 reimagining of Pete's Dragon, directed by David Lowery, won over critics upon release but fizzled at the box office. In this episode we ask if audiences missed out on a great film when they passed it by.

The Sorcerer's Apprentice

Mon, 27 May 2019 07:03:56 +0000

This week we finally get to talk about a Nicholas Cage movie, this time he plays a centuries old wizard, and the disciple of Merlin himself. Sorcerer's Apprentice flopped at the box office and disappointed critics, but we think it has a certain charm.

The Prestige

Mon, 13 May 2019 07:00:59 +0000

Our apologies for some spotty audio involving a nonfunctional microphone (thankfully we were able to salvage audio from a camera) and fireworks going off down the street at Disneyland. We felt that the discussion in the episode was too good to scrap the episode, so we hope you enjoy!

While "The Prestige" may not be as well known as other Christopher Nolan films like; "The Dark Knight," "Inception," and "Dunkirk" it stands beside them as one of the best movies of the 20th century, if not of all time.

The Void

Mon, 29 Apr 2019 07:30:57 +0000

This indie ultra low budget horror movie flew under the radar, but does it deserve a closer look? Written and directed by Steven Kostanski and Jeremy Gillespie, The Void is a love letter to the horror films of the 80s. Does it hold up to those classics? There may be some disagreement on that point.

Dredd

Mon, 29 Apr 2019 07:30:18 +0000

A gritty action flick based on the iconic comic book character, Dredd was a box office flop. This underappreciated film was directed by Pete Travis and written by Alex Garlan, and we think it has all the makings of a cult classic.

Speed Racer

Mon, 29 Apr 2019 07:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the Underrated podcast! In this, our first episode we talk about “Speed Racer,” a 2008 film directed by the Watchowskis. We discuss why critics and audiences largely rejected it at the time and why (most of us) absolutely loved it.

Video Essay by Partick Willems: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxuK4NQ2NHk&t=377s

USA Today Article: https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2018/05/09/speed-racer-10-years-review/596948002/