Dark Discussions Podcast Dark Discussions Podcast

Frank Herbert’s original 1965 story, DUNE, was an astounding success.  It has become one of America’s great novels, and is beloved by science fiction fans.  Most certainly apt to fit in with the space opera subset of speculative fiction, the book has been once again recently turned into a two part film series starting with director Denis Villeneuve’s first in the pair DUNE:  PART ONE (2021).  Now he’s back with the second, DUNE:  PART TWO, that has been one of 2024’s biggest successes. 
Rather than discuss the intricacies of the story, the movie stars an all-star cast.  Timothee Chalamet plays the lead role of Paul Atreides who may or may not be a promised messianic hero.  Also in the cast is Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgard, Dave Bautista, Zendaya, Charlotte Rampling, Javier Bardem, Christopher Walken, Florence Pugh, among many others.
DUNE: PART TWO (2024) received glowing reviews from critics.  With its theatrical success, Warner Brothers appears to have green lit the second book in Frank Herbert’s series DUNE:  MESSIAH.  Dark Discussions takes a look at this new film and gives their thoughts.

A weekly podcast discussing the Amazon Prime Fallout television series.

With a title like MIDNIGHT PEEPSHOW (2024), this latest film from England would spell out grindhouse or midnight movie. Also, once one takes a look, you find out it is actually a horror anthology that has a wraparound story that puts it together. With limited yet positive reviews, does the film live up to its name and its genre or is it a mixed bag like many horror anthologies seem to be.
In a back alley of the London streets there is a mysterious peepshow that caters to a certain group of people. But beyond that, a mysterious website reaches out to the more adventurous type hoping to get them to join, both as the entertainer and the customer. But once one travels down this rabbit hole, will they ever get to change their mind, rethink their choices, or are they doomed to a new life that wasn’t what they expected.
Recently released to VOD, the movie has received six official reviews on Rottentomatoes with all giving it a positive review. Yet audiences have been more mixed with a score at 60%, still positive but not the 100% that the critics have given it. Your co-hosts take a look at the film and give their thoughts. Does it live up to the exploitation title, the horror elements it suggests, and the fact that it is an anthology?

If you haven’t heard of her yet, Syndney Sweeney is possibly the most sought after actress in Hollywood. She had starring roles in shows like EUPHORIA and THE WHITE LOTUS which suddenly made her a big star. With sex appeal and acting chops, and creating her own production company, she’s been able to star in a number of surprise hits such as 2023’s ANYONE BUT YOU. Then with her appearance on SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, her hosting gig made her become a meme. Not surprisingly her latest film, IMMACULATE (2024), has arrived in theaters with a bit of a buzz following it.
Cecilia (Sydney Sweeney) heads to Italy to join a nunnery that takes care of those near the end of their life after spending their younger years taking care of the poor and sick. As a Sister, Cecilia learns the ropes and daily routine. One morning, a mysterious happening occurs that causes Cecilia to become the focus of attention to the leadership of the convent. However the strictness and rules of the convent contradict typical healthcare and her own wellbeing causing Cecilia to become concerned.  Her unease makes her begin to question if things aren’t what they appear to be.
IMMACULATE may look to be somewhat of a throwback to the nunsploitation of the grindhouse days, but it may actually be more aligned with the French Exteme Horror films of the early 2010’s. Fifty-Five Films, Sweeney’s production company, bought the rights to Andrew Lobel’s screenplay and brought on director Michael Mohan to direct, who she worked with on the film THE VOYEURS (2021). Receiving fairly favorable reviews, your co-hosts take a look at this theatrical release and give their thoughts.

Welcome to Cortana’s Communiques – A weekly discussion of the Paramount+ television series HALO based on the video game series and the universe created by XBox. Starring Pablo Schreiber and Natascha McElhone.
Series synopsis:
Aliens threaten human existence in an epic 26th-century showdown. TV series based on the video game ‘Halo’.

Once again, after a long break, I am back to discuss all things esoteric and from the bizarre. This time it is I focus upon science and film and the new gigantic box office sensation DUNE PART TWO (2024).