George A. Romero is forever known as the "godfather of the zombie movie," but Knightriders is a complete departure from his horror films.

A personal film that serves as an allegory for Romero's troubles with the film industry, Knightriders tells the story of a band of outsiders who joust by motorbike, performing for crowds.

But the cracks in their leader, King Billy's, utopian dream are widening.

With the group splintering, can Billy keep them together?

Join me for this discussion of an odd duck of a movie. You'll hear about how it was quite progressive for its time, uncompromising in its vision, and delightfully dips into the Arthurian legend for one hell of an ending.

Directed by George A. Romero. Starring Ed Harris, Gary Lahti, Tom Savini, Amy Ingersoll, Patricia Tallman, Christine Forrest, Warner Shook, and Brother Blue.

Connect with us on Bluesky:
@not-ni-theaters.bsky.social

And to read more of Will's writing or check out more podcast episodes, you can visit him at: willturntale.com

A kid's movie for parents who think chainsaws are a toy -- ok, not really -- Babe: Pig in the City confused audiences.

After the feel-good vibes of the original, kids and parents were ready for a sequel.

But what they got was shocking.

Profoundly darker than the original feel-good 7-time Oscar Nominee, Babe: Pig in the City didn't make back its budget, hitting close to $70 million of that $90 million spent to make it.

But with time, it has slowly found a new fanbase: those that can appreciate its ridiculous artistry.

Directed by George Miller (Mad Max), Babe: Pig in the City is flat-out gorgeous in its use of color. Its shot compositions will floor you at times, and its grown-up themes can resonate.

But did it go too far?

This podcast explores the darkness of the film, its comedy shortcomings, and setting triumphs.

Directed by George Miller. Starring: Magda Szubanski, James Cromwell, Mickey Rooney, E.G. Daily, Mary Stein

Connect with us on Bluesky:
@not-ni-theaters.bsky.social

And to read more of Will's writing or check out more podcast episodes, you can visit him at: willturntale.com

The greatest adventure -- or so the song in the movie claims.

This animated adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit was directed by the famous duo of Jules Bass and Arthur Rankin, Jr.

Released as a TV movie, it was broadcast by NBC in 1977, dividing critics but winning over some within the fanbase.

While you would think this adaptation would vanish in time or be overshadowed by the Peter Jackson live action versions of the 2010s, I'll argue with you there's still a place for it in introducing our youngest audiences to the fantasy genre and works of Tolkien (along with some appreciation from adults).

Join me for this discussion of a savage Gollum that wants to eat Bilbo rather than play tricks, a cat-like dragon Smaug, and a curious but lamentable absence of violence.

Based on The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. Directed by Arthur Rankin, Jr., and Jules Bass. Starring Orson Bean, Richard Boone, Hans Conried, John Huston, Otto Preminger, Cyril Ritchard, Brother Theodore, Glenn Yarbrough, Paul Frees, Don Messick, John Stephenson, and Jack DeLeon.

Connect with us on Bluesky:
@not-ni-theaters.bsky.social

And to read more of Will's writing or check out more podcast episodes, you can visit him at: willturntale.com

Walter Hill directed two cult classics with The Warriors and Streets of Fire, but some argue Southern Comfort is his underseen best and belongs in the same category.

An action thriller (that seems like horror), the 1981 movie evaporated from theaters worldwide, yet has found some small corners of appreciation over time.

It's the story of a small group of national guardsmen who get lost in the swamp and find themselves hunted by local Cajuns. Some audience's "spiritual cousin" to Predator, it was originally titled "The Prey."

Join me for this discussion of a movie with constant tension, masterful writing, and atmospheric hysteria.

Directed by Walter Hill. Screenplay by Walter Hill, David Giler, and Michael Kane. Starring Keith Carradine, Powers Boothe, Fred Ward, T.K. Carter, and Franklyn Seales.

Connect with us on Bluesky:
@not-ni-theaters.bsky.social

And to read more of Will's writing or check out more podcast episodes, you can visit him at: willturntale.com

A standout work of 1980s body horror, The Blob 1988 updated the campy 1958 classic with a twist of the hard stuff.

Not winning too many fans at release, almost like its titular character, The Blob's fanbase has grown with time, with many now considering it one of the strongest practical effects movies just before the dawn of CGI.

Directed by Chuck Russell and written by Russell and his pal, some writer/director named Frank Darabont (The Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile), the film gives more than just slasher-movie thrills. It actually invests in its characters and offers a glimpse at a terrifying prospect of conspiracy.

Join me for this discussion of terrifying blob effects, the film's gift for subverting expectations, and dodgy hair extensions.

Directed by Chuck Russell. Screenplay by Chuck Russell and Frank Darabont. Starring Kevin Dillon, Shawnee Smith, Donovan Leitch, Jeffrey DeMunn, Candy Clark, and Joe Seneca.

Connect with us on Bluesky:
@not-ni-theaters.bsky.social

And to read more of Will's writing or check out more podcast episodes, you can visit him at: willturntale.com

Filmmaker Walter Hill's (The Warriors) directorial debut, Hard Times is an old-school action movie about bareknuckle boxing in the depression era.

But with its light-hearted tone and breezy script, there's nothing to be sad about here.

When the mysterious drifter Chaney (Charles Bronson) rolls into town, grifter Speed (James Coburn) realizes he has the perfect fighter to take down Chick Gandil (Michael McGuire), the overlord of the New Orleans fight scene.

Join me for this discussion of what makes this 50-year-old film a solid script study for screenwriters, the age-defying physique of Bronson, and the endearing chemistry of its characters. And then, of course, the film's lasting legacy.

Directed by Walter Hill. Starring Charles Bronson, James Coburn, Jill Ireland, and Strother Martin. Produced by Lawrence Gordon.

Connect with us on Bluesky:
@not-ni-theaters.bsky.social

And to read more of Will's writing or check out more podcast episodes, you can visit him at: willturntale.com

David Cronenberg's Scanners is infamous for a scene where a psychic's head explodes.

But it's not all mindless destruction here.

This science-fiction horror, that I would argue is a thriller, holds plenty of conspiracy and a mystery to solve.

A film that helped put Canadian moviemakers on the map, the practical effects and eerie vibes keep the film fresh and help it find new audiences -- like me.

Join me for this discussion of what makes Michael Ironside and the cast so awesome, how the story's withholding keeps your interest, and a bit about the movie's lasting legacy.

Scanners is written and directed by David Cronenberg. Starring Jennifer O'Neill, Stephen Lack, Patrick McGoohan, Lawrence Dane, and Michael Ironside.

Connect with us on Bluesky:
@not-ni-theaters.bsky.social

And to read more of Will's writing or check out more podcast episodes, you can visit him at: willturntale.com

S. Craig Zahler's (Bone Tomahawk) Dragged Across Concrete is aptly named. This 159-minute neo-noir crime thriller is a slow burner that explodes into violence at a pin drop.

Join me for this episode discussing the film's gift for dialogue, its complicated characters, and unflinching attitude toward controversy.

Written and directed by S. Craig Zahler. Starring Mel Gibson, Vince Vaughn, Tory Kittles, Michael Jai White, Jennifer Carpenter, Laurie Holden, Fred Melamed, Thomas Kretschmann, and Don Johnson.

Connect with us on Bluesky:
@not-ni-theaters.bsky.social

And to read more of Will's writing or check out more podcast episodes, you can visit him at: willturntale.com