Failure to Franchise

"Evil Easter" concludes, with a look at 2013's Evil Dead...uhhh, remake? Reboot? Re-imagining? Look, whatever you want to call it, it's another movie where a bunch of kids in a cabin get murdered by demonic forces, okay? The question is, without the franchise's beloved, iconic leading man, Bruce Campbell, and with series director Sam Raimi now just in a producer role instead of in the director's chair, could new director Fede Alvarez and a brand new cast manage to capture the bloody-good-time spirit of the original trilogy? And what tone would the 2013 entry even aim for, given the tonal smorgasbord of the first three movies? Come with us as we head to the cabin, stupidly read from the obviously evil book, and seek to answer these questions, and more. Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd

Our "Evil Easter" month kicks off with Evilspeak, from 1981...or, uh, 1982. Look, we'll explain. All you need to know is this a Satanic Panic-fueled story of a bullied young cadet at a military academy who uses an Apple II computer to translate the Latin passages in a mysterious old book he finds, in the process allowing demonic forces to take over the computer, and - eventually - him, as well. Yeah, yeah, a really common story, but this one has Clint Howard in his first movie leading role! A gory cult classic that was intense enough to end up on the infamous UK "Video Nasties" list, Evilspeak still didn't manage to earn any sequels, even in a decade quick to create supernatural-slasher franchises when it could. So, what happened? We discuss this, as well as our thoughts on the film, and Clint Howard as a performer, in general. Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd

"Monster March Madness" concludes with our look at 2007's totally-normal-named Dragon Wars: D-War, the first South Korean film to receive a wide theatrical release in North America! Wow, with a fact like that, it must be something special, right? Well, yeah, sorta...just not in the way you might think. Join us as we discuss the film's, uh, interesting writer/director, Shim Hyung-rae, before delving into Dragon Wars' FX, characters, and narrative decisions. Take our word for it...this is a wild one. Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd

We're kicking off "Monster March Madness," a month dedicated to giant monster movies, with one of the biggest movies (literally) we've looked at yet, the first American attempt at adapting Godzilla as a Hollywood blockbuster. The Japanese Godzilla series is one of the longest-running, most successful film franchises in cinema history. So what could go wrong when you choose the director of a recent smash-hit sci-fi summer blockbuster and let him loose on the property, armed with cutting-edge Hollywood FX? Well, almost the entire Godzilla fanbase could answer that one for you, but we're gonna discuss it, too! And we're not doing it alone. For this episode, we've recruited two very special guests who are no strangers to this movie or Godzilla, in general - the hosts of the Kaiju Transmissions Podcast, Kyle Byrd & Matt Parmley. So join us for an epic podcast crossover as we talk unsold toys, extreme usage of Simpsons cast-members, Jurassic Park comparisons, and more. Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd The Kaiju Transmissions Podcast

"FRIENDruary" concludes, with our look at the 2018 robotic-dog movie that we swear actually exists! No, really! Based on a Kickstarter-funded short film, A.X.L. is yet another movie that combines robo-dogs with the gritty world of off-road motorbike racing. But even if you're sick of that old chestnut, maybe you'll like it more with a little helping of The Punisher himself, Thomas Jane?? Well, maybe not, but even still, why not sit back and listen to our discussion of the movie, as we try to figure out if writer/director Oliver Daly's gamble to turn his short into a big-screen adventure paid off....creatively, if not financially. Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd

We're kicking off "FRIENDruary" with a look at Paul Rudd's "favorite" movie, 1988's Mac & Me. Both a shameless rip-off of Steven Spielberg's E.T. AND a shameless fast-food commercial disguised as a movie, Mac & Me is that special sort of crazy that only Hollywood in the 80s could give us. Over the years, it's developed quite the cult following, but does it truly deserve it? We discuss that question, as well as the thin line between "cute" and "terrifying," the unbelievable alternate ending, and more. So join us for a McDonald's Dance Party and listen on! Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd

The "New Year's Punishment Party" concludes, with our look at 2008's Punisher: War Zone, Frank Castle's final big-screen adventure (to date). In the wake of 2004's Punisher film, attempts were made to create a sequel starring Thomas Jane, but over time the project evolved into a brand-new reboot with a different (and controversial) director, different leading-man, different continuity, and a vastly different tone. Starring the late, great Ray Stevenson, War Zone is an over-the-top, colorful, campy, and extremely bloody take on the Marvel Comics anti-hero. But is this wild swing of a movie truly in the spirit of the character, or is it the misguided mess many critics accused it of being at the time? Listen on to find out our thoughts. Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd

The "New Year's Punishment Party" continues, as we take a look at the second big-screen Punisher adaptation, from 2004, starring Thomas Jane and John Travolta. Made as the character was enjoying a second-wave of popularity in the comics world, and produced right on the cusp of the incoming box-office and cultural dominance of comic-book movies, The Punisher (2004) is an interesting snapshot of a strange time for the genre. But does this one get the character right? Does it improve on the lesser-known 1989 version? Does he actually wear the skull logo?? Well, yes, I'll answer that one right now...he does. Join us as we discuss the film's wild tonal swings, the eclectic mix of supporting characters, and the unique revenge plot (and whether or not said plot truly feels like a Punisher movie). Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd

Failure to Franchise is kicking off 2024 with our "New Year's Punishment Party!" No, it's not a weird S&M thing, ya freaks! Instead, we're spending January looking at not one, not two, but three failed attempts to start a movie franchise based on one of Marvel Comics most popular (and problematic) characters, Frank Castle, AKA the violent vigilante known as The Punisher. First up, we travel back to 1989, the year of Tim Burton's Batman, to look at the year's other comic book movie about a black-clad avenger. What's that? You don't remember another one? That's probably because 1989's The Punisher, starring Dolph Lundgren, was unceremoniously dumped straight-to-video in the US, and is largely forgotten today. But does the first cinematic Punisher movie deserve such a fate, or is it an underappreciated 80s action classic? Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd

The third annual "Failure to Franchise Presents Trev and Chris-Mas" wraps up (see what I did there?) with a look at 1999's The Thomas Crown Affair, a remake of the 1968 classic heist movie starring Steve McQueen and Faye Dunaway. This time around, the titular main character is played by Pierce Brosnan, taking a break from his then current role as James Bond (heard of it?), to try to add another blockbuster franchise under his belt. But despite bringing Rene Russo and Denis Leary along for the ride, getting acclaimed action director John McTiernan to helm the project, and the movie being a box-office success, Brosnan's hopes for a new franchise were still left unrealized. So what happened? Join us as we close out 2023 by discussing that very question, as well as our own thoughts on the film. Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd

The Third Annual "Failure to Franchise Presents: Trev & Chris-Tmas" kicks off with Trev's present for Chris - a critically acclaimed but audience-ignored neo-noir comic crime-thriller from a celebrated screenwriter and starring two beloved movie stars. So why the heck did The Nice Guys sink like a fish at the box office in 2016? We're here to try to figure it out, as we discuss writer/director Shane Black's distinctive aesthetic, the comic abilities of Ryan Gosling, why a bigger Russell Crowe might be a better Russell Crowe, and how a 12-year-old girl can maybe be the biggest badass in a movie full of tough-talking criminals, bruisers, and detectives. Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd

Our "DCPU" series concludes, with the most recent movie we have ever covered! That's right, we're going all the way back to, uh, earlier this year, for an in-depth look at the looong-in-the-works superhero epic, The Flash. Why are we already so confident this one will be a non-starter? Well, between the change in DC cinema leadership since its release, the multiple controversies surrounding the lead actor, and the lackluster box office, it seems a safe bet! But that's only scratching the surface of things to talk about, as we also discuss the film's questionable FX, awkward humor, nostalgia bait, arguably-ghoulish usage of deceased actors, and how weird it is to have a movie featuring beloved actor Michael Keaton return to his iconic Batman role and have it barely make a dent in the public consciousness! But of course, the question is...did we like it?? Listen on and find out. Plus, we end the show by gifting each other our next two movies, as we prepare for our annual "Failure to Franchise presents Trev & Chris-tmas." Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd

Over ten years in development. A narrative connection to a recently successful superhero franchise starter, Shazam. And a globally beloved megastar in the lead role. And yet none of that could keep 2022's Black Adam from becoming the next entry in our "DCPU" series. So what exactly went wrong with this long-in-the-works entry about one of DC's biggest anti-heroes? How much blame can fall onto that leading man, Dwayne Johnson, who promised to change the hiearchy of the DC universe, but instead walked away from the experience looking more fragile than ever before? And just how dirty did they do Henry Cavill? We discuss all this, and more, as we once again consider whether Johnson's "franchise Viagra" moniker is truly deserved. Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd

Happy HALoween!! Light your GREEN jack-o-LANTERN, and join us for an extra spooky(?) episode, as we continue our trip through the "DCPU" with 2011's Green Lantern. That's right, the superhero debacle so infamous, even its own star still frequently mocks it today. But how did a comic book movie released at the height of the character's comic popularity, and at a time when superhero movies were undeniably on the rise, end up such a pop culture punching bag? And is the reputation deserved? We discuss these questions, and more! Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd

Our look at the "DC-PU" continues, with Superman Returns, directed by...uhh, never mind. The film stars Brandon Routh, Kate Bosworth, and...uhhh...never mind about that, also. Look, clearly this isn't the easiest movie to talk about that we've ever done, for obvious reasons. But it IS, nonetheless, an important part of the history of arguably the most iconic superhero of them all - an attempt to resurrect and reboot a failed franchise and send it soaring to new heights. But was it perhaps too weighed down by its adherence to what came before? Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd

When is a Superman movie not a Superman movie? Heck, when is a superhero movie barely a superhero movie? And, just because a superstar athlete is charismatic both on and off the court, does that mean they're ready for movie stardom? We ponder all these questions and more, as our look into the "DC-PU" continues with 1997's Steel, starring Shaquille O'Neal. With a mega-producer shepherding the project and one of the world's most beloved cultural icons in the lead, this might have seemed like a can't-miss proposition back in '97. Instead, Steel's ultimate legacy might be a cautionary tale about what happens when a writer/director seemingly doesn't have the same affinity for the source material as the others involved. Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd

You've heard of the DCEU, but for the next three months, we're examining the "DC..P-U." That's right - we're looking at nearly 40 years' worth of failed DC superhero franchise starters. Kicking things off is 1984's Supergirl, a spin-off of the popular Christopher Reeve Superman series, but one so troubled and misguided that DC Comics parent company Warner Bros. washed their hands of it after financing it, and let another company altogether release it. Starring an unknown-at-the-time Helen Slater as Superman's titular cousin, and cinema icon Faye Dunaway as the evil witch Selena, Supergirl is one of Hollywood's first female-led comic book movies...which would probably be more impressive if the story didn't basically boil down to two women fighting over a man. Join us as we look at the good, the bad, and the very weird of this cult favorite(?). Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd

"Summer Surprise" concludes with what is, in some ways, our most unexpected episode yet. The randomizer has decided to send us back to a movie we both already watched together during COVID-19 quarantine, a movie neither of us were eager to visit again. It defeated us then...will it somehow defeat us again?? You'll have to listen to find out, as the discussion takes a turn, resulting in one of our most unique episodes yet. But hey, maybe that's appropriate for a Disney family movie where Josh Gad eats dirt and blows it out his ass...literally. 'Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd

"Summer Surprise" continues, with an unexpectedly relevant movie selection from the online randomizer! As Disney's recent Haunted Mansion reboot is currently bombing in theaters (most likely on its way to be covered on this show someday), we take a look back at the original cinematic take on the popular ride, from 2003. Released the same year as Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl, this was meant to seal the deal that theme-park-rides-turned-movies would be Disney's next big movie trend. Starring Eddie Murphy and from one of the co-directors of The Lion King, and based on one Disney's most beloved theme park attractions, it seemed a surefire hit. Instead, the so-so box-office performance and critical drubbing it received more-or-less put the kibosh on any ride-movies not called Pirates for quite some time. So...what went wrong? Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd

And now, back to our regularly scheduled "Summer Surprise" programming. Travel back with us to the early nineties, a time when the world was still ninja-crazy, Leslie Nielsen's star-power was so on the rise that even a few minutes of screen-time seemed like it might boost a movie, and when Hollywood was ready to see if this Rob Schneider guy from SNL could maybe cross over into movies. Clearly designed by New Line Cinema to capitalize on their Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles success, and meant as a star vehicle for a unique father-son martial arts team, the family action-comedy Surf Ninjas is admirable for its mostly Asian cast...still a rarity today, and almost unheard of from studio movies in 1993. But is that the only nice thing we'll have to say about it? Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd