Episodes

  • The Handover with Sean Gilman
    Feb 22 2026

    THIS WEEK: Lifeline (1997), Bullets Over Summer (1999) and Fulltime Killer (2001)

    We're back in Hong Kong, with a trio of films that showcase a changing industry in the wake of the transition from British to Chinese rule.

    This topic was selected by one of our most excellent patrons. You too can choose a topic or slate of films for us to cover. See the link below for details!

    Donate to Palestinian Medical Aid

    Support Optimism Vaccine on Patreon

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 11 mins
  • The Mighty Death Pop! (The Films of the Insane Clown Posse)
    Feb 15 2026

    THIS WEEK: Big Money Hustlas (2000), Death Racers (2008) and Big Money Rustlas (2010)

    You may know ICP as the rapping leaders of a dubious "gang" of graps-loving clowns. You may even know them for their contributions to the science of magnetism. But did you know that they're also auteur filmmakers?

    Donate to Palestinian Medical Aid

    Support Optimism Vaccine on Patreon

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 40 mins
  • The Other Merhi (PM Entertainment)
    Feb 8 2026

    THIS WEEK: Hologram Man (1995), Last Man Standing (1995) and Rage (1995)

    Sure, you've heard of white guy karate legend Jalal Merhi, but did you know that there was a completely unrelated Merhi who was silently pumping out high-octane DTV films by the dozen throughout the 1990s? It's time our audience got to know the name Joseph Merhi.

    Donate to Palestinian Medical Aid

    Support Optimism Vaccine on Patreon

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 30 mins
  • Bram Stoker's Big Year
    Feb 1 2026

    THIS WEEK: Nosferatu (2024), Dracula (2025) and Dracula (2025)

    Turns out this Dracula character is pretty hard to kill.

    Donate to Palestinian Medical Aid

    Support Optimism Vaccine on Patreon

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 17 mins
  • Losing the War
    Jan 25 2026

    THIS WEEK: The War of the Roses (1989), The Roses (2025) and War of the Worlds (2025)

    Bloodless incompetent regurgitation. I'm sure that's how some folks would describe our podcast, but that's just a reflection of the times we live in, baby! Let's talk about remakes. Again.

    Donate to Palestinian Medical Aid

    Support Optimism Vaccine on Patreon

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 22 mins
  • Tron Fights for the Abusers
    Jan 17 2026

    THIS WEEK: Tron (1982), Tron: Legacy (2010) and Tron: Ares (2025)

    Tron is back again, after a fifteen year slumber. Why? I guess they thought a purported sex pest could help to quell growing societal anxieties surrounding the economical sustenance of the working class being wholly subsumed by the irresponsible deployment of artificial intelligence?

    Donate to Palestinian Medical Aid

    Support Optimism Vaccine on Patreon

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 30 mins
  • Maria Ford: Public Figure (More Deathstalker)
    Jan 10 2026

    THIS WEEK: Deathstalker II: Duel of the Titans (1987), Deathstalker and the Warriors from Hell (1988) and Deathstalker IV: Match of Titans (1991)

    The Deathstalker sequels led us down some bizarre rabbit holes, from Trump-appointed dignitaries to a bizarre A.I. infused IMDb profile hijacking? Or is it transcendence? We're still not sure. Let us know, Maria Ford.

    Donate to Palestinian Medical Aid

    Support Optimism Vaccine on Patreon

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 24 mins
  • Judging a Film by Its Poster (Deathstalker)
    Jan 4 2026

    THIS WEEK: Deathstalker (1983) and Deathstalker (2025)

    We're opening the new year with a discussion of the Corman classic Deathstalker, its Astron-6 "remake", and the sad state of sleaze in 2026.

    Donate to Palestinian Medical Aid

    Support Optimism Vaccine on Patreon

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 16 mins