As we take the week off, here are four of our most popular topics from earlier this year: Cult Films, Building a Perfect Found Footage Movie, Shipping Our Favorite Characters in Movies and TV, and Politically Incorrect Comedies.

First up, from Episode 338: We discuss the world of cult films. Specifically, what defines a movie as a “cult” film? Is it a fluke, or perhaps the right material at the right time? Do popular films ever reach cult status? Why do films like Rocky Horror Picture Show and The Room carry on for decades, while thousands of other films disappear never to be heard from again? We tackle this, as well as what cult films defined us personally as Bill Fulkerson (director of Survival of the Film Freaks) joins in on a topic many of us debate on a daily basis.

Next, we head to Episode 341: Found footage is a subgenre in which all or a substantial part of the film is presented as if it were discovered film or video recordings. The events on screen are typically seen through the camera of one or more of the characters involved, often accompanied by their real-time, off-camera commentary. The footage may be presented as if it were “raw” and complete or as if it had been edited into a narrative by those who “found” it. We discuss the highs and lows of found footage, what works and what turns us off about the entire genre. We also each put together our personal takes on the genre itself and build a perfect found footage film.

Next, we head to Episode 340: The actual term “shipping” saw its origin around 1995 by fans of the TV show The X-Files, who believed the two main characters, Fox Mulder and Dana Scully, should be or were engaged in a romantic relationship. They called themselves “relationshippers,” at first; then R’shipper, ‘shipper, and finally just shippers. The concept has spawned passionate fans of all types of media, resulting in everything from online arguments to full-on fan fiction. For this topic, we take a look at our favorite characters in both movies and television that we would love to see “get together”, as well as discuss the ones who finally have and might not have worked out as positively as we had hoped.

Finally, we come to Episode 343: Did you grow up on films like Airplane, Blazing Saddles, or There’s Something About Mary? Films that often made light of race, gender, sex, handicaps, and all other manners of things that shouldn’t be mocked? If you’re like us, you remember laughing at things that you knew, deep in your soul, were horrible to make light of. Yet, at the same time, these inappropriate outbursts of comedic inspiration broke down even the strongest composure, and even occasionally sparked a conversation that was previously too uncomfortable to have.  This topic revolves around politically incorrect comedies, and specifically if the concept of such is currently as dead as the western.

Discussed on this episode of The Hollywood Outsider Movie and TV Podcast:

Direct download: Best_of_HO_2019_Vol_1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:22pm PDT
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In an era of outrage, entitlement, and overwrought petitions, we wanted to spend one entire episode devoted to the joy of fandom. So for this special episode, we have a very open and candid discussion on the positivity and passion of fandom as we’ve experienced it. In hopes that this podcast will shine a light not on sensationalism in search of the next big outrage, but instead on the very fandom that binds us all together.

This podcast discusses a multitude of fan-related topics such as building communities, conventions, cosplay, the impact of fan reactions on storytellers, save TV campaigns, as well as several personal experiences directly related our various podcast endeavors.

We hope you find this discussion endearing and appreciative of fandom as a whole. For we're all fans too.

Discussed on this episode

Direct download: HO357_Positivity_of_Fandom.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:00am PDT
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What is the greatest vacation themed movie in history?

It is officially Summer, and you know what that means: VACATION! All across the globe, people are planning or taking a long week to relax and unwind from the stresses of the world. Therefore, we decided this was a perfect opportunity for another Movie Battle Royale! This time, 8 films decided on by a listener poll - all with a vacation theme - are vying for the title of The Greatest in the known universe!

But which will it be? There are cases to be made for all of our finalists: Jaws, The Great Outdoors, Cabin in the Woods, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, EuroTrip, What About Bob, and the two-handed punch of National Lampoon's Vacation and sequel, Christmas Vacation. Any one of them could be a winner, so take a listen as we debate, argue, and vote our way to the winner.

Also this week: a news roundup, a review of Star Wars Galaxy's Edge, 1989's Batman turns 30, our spoiler-free review of the latest X-Men film, Dark Phoenix, and much more. Come back next week for a special episode centered around the positivity and passion of fandom.

Discussed on this episode

Direct download: HO356_Vacation_Themed_MBR.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:59pm PDT
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What makes a great monster movie?

There is something uniquely special about walking into a movie and watching enormously overpowered beasts wreak absolute havoc and mayhem, occasionally even destroying a city or two in the process. It's exciting and cathartic. But why do we enjoy rooting for these gigantic beasties? What is it about these types of films and their wonton destruction that appeals to our basic human nature?

This week, we dive into the concept of monster movies, specifically what makes for a great one. We also debate what actually constitutes a monster movie - does Jason or Freddy count, and what about werewolves or vampires - and our favorite memories while watching them.

Also this week: a news roundup, reviews of Good Omens and Rocketman, a Disney version of Movie Innuendo, and then stick around after our normal show for a Godzilla: King of the Monsters spoilercast! Come back next week for a special episode centered around the positivity and passion of fandom.

Discussed on this episode

  • (0:00 – 17:10) Opening | News Roundup | Movie Innuendo
  • (17:11 – 34:06) Reviews: Good Omens, Rocketman | New Releases
  • (34:07 – 1:02:19) From The Outside In: What Makes A Great Monster Movie?
  • (1:02:20 – 1:31:58) Godzilla: King of the Monsters Spoilercast
  • Email topic suggestions or episode reactions to feedback@thehollywoodoutsider.com
  • Please support The Hollywood Outsider and gain immediate access to exclusive bonus content, including a BONUS monthly episode and Bad Movie Night, by visiting Patreon.com/ TheHollywoodOutsider
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Direct download: HO355_Monster_Movies_Godzilla.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:38pm PDT
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