Half in the Bag: Us and Paddleton

I really like the idea of doing smaller movies every time you review the big tentpole films. I honestly find your reviews of small movies more interesting and entertaining than those for the big blockbusters I already know.

Jeffrey Amos

Also agree

Paddleton was a nice film (as far as cancer dramas can be called nice) and I'm glad you put the spotlight on it given how it'll probably be watched by about 50 people total. You joked about pairing big tentpole blockbusters with indie dramas in future HitB's but it's not a half bad idea...perhaps saving them for the 'Mike and Jay talks' is the best way to go about it though.

Adam Ageli

Yeah, I have to agree. We're only two films in and Peele is an excellent filmmaker, no doubt about it, his films look great and are distinct and the performances were excellent but the actual narrative was incredibly basic. The comedy also clashed awkwardly with the horror, perhaps because the horror felt a bit too understated.

Adam Ageli

was supremely underwhelmed by Us

Jamie Birch

I'm excited for Peele's new version of the Twilight Zone - it's maybe just me but I wish it was going to be in Black & White like the original - I feel like all the modern attempts to bring back TZ feel like they're missing that ingredient

Matt P

Just watched Paddleton. Boy, that ending. Reminded me of the real life documentary How to Die in Oregon.

Abby Kelling

Omg! Holy fucking shit! Give me that fucking Rocketeer Re:View NOW!!

Leslye Headland

Please review all the A L I E N 40th anniversary shorts when they all come out.

Youcannotfalter

Why is anyone assuming Jay would *not want* blood on his clothes?

John Webb

"Science-fiction is just fiction" is a great cue, because it's time for me to rethink that whole Star Trek thing again. I'm undoubtedly more attuned to the original series, which I've watched during childhood for the first time and as often as possible, and which has affected me greatly. It is much easier for me to watch Next Gen and be a little more distanced and critical of it, since I have never really watched Next Gen in its entirety, something which I'm currently catching up to. So far I like Next Gen, season one has a lot of that original series feel to it, but it has already its own distinct substance. But still, as captivating as Star Trek is, on its basic level it's a TV show, it's fiction, it takes place in its own universe, and as much as people are enthusiastic about its "prophetic", rather inspiring powers, the world is both technologically and mentally far, very far from the envisioned enlightened future in space. According to Keir Dullea or Gary Lockwood "2001" has a similar inspiring power on many people who watched the damn flick; and just like in the original Star Trek, there's also a vision of overcoming boundaries, and a critique of dehumanizing technocracy in 2001, and less subtle in "2010 - The Year We Make Contact." But still, looking around the world today, it is hard to believe that such an enlightened future will ever be possible, but it might also be very important to keep the vision alive right now.

Marvin Falz

I loved that the doppelganger quoted The Goonies in her smaller monologue right before she died. I think that's what started me thinking that she was the original above ground version.

Taylor Hensley

A 40+ minute Half In The Bag, absolute heaven.

hamish smith

I don't have Netflix right now, but I'm happy (1) to see it sometime and (b) to have any tent pole film review behind a few reviews of smaller, good movies. Gosh, think if you'd spent just half of your videos reviewing those instead of bad action movies and others of The Worst! I'm glad you both liked Us, which I liked very much. I was all in for the ride from start to finish - the acting, the plot, the filming, the - all the shit. I was a bit annoyed at waiting from zombie Tim to get to the boat, but I can't think of anything else. During Get Out, I was often wondering what the filmmaker was trying to say or imply. During Us, I was in the movie and wondering what the fuck was happening. Loved the end, even though no one else seemed to. Peele has said that this is an allegory of the prison system, which made me happy because I was close - I thought it might be about how environment can destroy someone or bathe them in privilege. Really nice that it was totally enjoyable without knowing or guessing the "meaning."

John Webb

That red stain on Jay’s shirt is distracting me more than it should.

Was this filmed in front of a green screen? The shadow behind Mike is screwin with my brain.

Who does your lighting?

Jeff Morrison

Jay, a little OxiClean will get that blood out.

Amy Hitchner

Going off the trailer for Paddleton, they filmed parts of it in my town or nearby. The ostrich farm is about 10 minutes from my house. There’s one there who got in a fight and he has a googly eye. Anyway, Us was pretty good.

Lauren R

Mike, that was a crazy story, thanks for sharing. And the props to Peele makes me happy. I didn't know about the Twilight Zone remake--Peele will do a great job I'm sure. I hope he keeps going places and refines his craft further. Who knew a silly comedian would make such great horror? :)

CDB Paine

Wow, Mike Stoklasa actually participated in "Hands Across America". Who knew?

RIP Joe Pilato

Poo In An Alleyway

Uh oh; Jay's been squibbed! Lol. Gotta find a good dry cleaner for that one.

Jessie Leigh

All this sweet sweet content, you're spoiling us!

Dr. Girlfriend Experience

I thought that said Paddington.

Runebee

What did we do to deserve a double billed episode?

JT V

Can’t believe you guys did Paddleton... I watched that movie on a random whim and it wrecked me.

securethong