Alternate Episode Title: “Unloading the Candy Sack!”

A double dosage Halloween Extravaganza! We definitely need to cover more horror movies and what better time to discuss them than during All Hallow’s Eve. We decided to do two newer movies that were released in the month of October, some good rental material to watch while curled up on the sofa with a loved one (if you’re lucky enough to have someone).

We started with Trick R’ Treat which is an anthology of interconnected stories that perfectly capture the essence of what makes Halloween such a special time of the year. Despite the low budget, this movie does a great job with atmosphere and locations. Most of the SFX are practical instead of CG which was the right way to go because everything looks authentic and will hold up very well in the years to come.

Drag Me to Hell is Sam Raimi’s attempt to return to his horror roots. A solid premise with lots of supernatural elements. The movie has plenty of intense scenes that alternate between scares and laughs. They also manage to really push the limits of the PG-13 rating. Unfortunately, most of the actors react unrealistically to their situations and the main relationship never quite rings true. Even though it never reaches the entertainment value of either Evil Dead II or Army of Darkness it’s still a fun ride.

The Hard Cast is here to get the festivities started! Let us remind you of what the true meaning of Halloween is and how to follow the rules. Not everything that people give you should go into your mouth.  Oh and remember that Charlie Brown is an asshole!

PARTICIPANTS:

• -CHRIS
• -PATRICK

Support The Hard Cast by purchasing through our referral links:

Amazon: Trick ‘r Treat [Blu-ray]
Amazon: Trick ‘r Treat DVD
Amazon: Drag Me to Hell [Blu-ray]
Amazon: Drag Me to Hell DVD

 
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Alternate Episode Title: “Starfox ripped this movie off!”

A fun 80′s anime sci-fi cult movie with a classic story, characters, and animation. This one’s got a strong Buck Rogers/Star Wars vibe going on which is a good thing in my book but may not be everyone’s cup of intergalactic tea (made with the finest moon water). Plenty of sci-fi elements: warp travel, over-the-top weapons, space dogfights, space pirates, crazy vehicles, and robots.

Probably the strongest element of the movie would be the energetic/creative action scenes which are plentiful and lots of fun. The story and world they created for Crusher Joe was well thought out and interesting especially for an animated movie. Quite a few memorable lines of dialogue and the characters had solid chemistry as well as a sense of history. Unfortunately, the movie runs about 30-40 minutes too long and could have better used that time to flesh out the characters and back-story instead of having useless scenes (disco club) which add nothing. If you can get your hands on this movie and you don’t mind old-school 80′s animation then we recommend that you give Crusher Joe a chance.

The Hard Cast is looking for some new crusher recruits to help us take on the challenges of an ever-expanding universe. So if you think you got what it takes then strap in because you’re in for the HARDest ride of your life!

PARTICIPANTS:

• -CHRIS
• -STEVEN
• -VICTOR

Support The Hard Cast by purchasing through our referral links:
Amazon: Crusher Joe – The Movie and the OVAs
 
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Alternate Episode Title: “Stop strangling me with your Intestines!”

One of the biggest Asian Cult Classics EVAR!!! For good reason too because Story of Ricky is one hell of an over-the-top roller-coaster ride. Words cannot even begin to describe this movie and nothing can prepare you for the massively brutal carnage that unfolds. All the elements come together to create an incredibly violent mash-up of orgasmic proportions!

We watched Story of Ricky with the English dub which is so ridiculously bad that it manages to push the absurdity level through the roof. Even though the action is extremely hard-hitting (just like Ricky) don’t expect complex fight choreography from this movie. The entertainment value comes from the insane amounts of gore that looks so fake that you can’t help but laugh your ass off but still somehow manages to leave you staring in complete and utter awe. It is beyond all comprehension that a movie like this even exists. Trust us when we say that you will never be the same once you’ve experienced Story of Ricky.

Not everyone shares our love and enthusiasm for this movie but we ask that those people tell that to our faces and in return The Hard Cast will spit razor blades in theirs!

PARTICIPANTS:

• -CHRIS
• -STEVEN
• -VICTOR

Support The Hard Cast by purchasing through our referral links:

Amazon: Riki-Oh – The Story of Ricky DVD

 
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Alternate Episode Title: “Long Overdue Recognition!”

It’s finally here, the much talked about Assemby Review. Better late than never is what I always say. Probably one of my all time favorite war movies. Better than Taeguki and Saving Private Ryan combined which is saying a lot since I actually like both of those movies. The story, the action, the acting, the drama, the camerawork, the editing, the music, everything is just super solid in this film.

This movie has it all in spades. The action sequences are extremely visceral, in your face, and totally believable. Everything feels very authentic and this adds to the immersion factor. Even without the action, which is superb, this would still be an amazing movie. The story of a lone surviving soldier who is trying desperately to gain recognition and honor for his fallen comrades is very compelling and quite an emotional roller-coaster ride. On top of that all the performances are heartfelt and ring true. This also happens to be on those rare movies that manages to be very personal and intimate as well as epic when the situation calls for it. If you’re a fan of war movies then there’s no reason why you haven’t seem this film yet. Trust us, you won’t regret it.

If you’re ready to make your stand against insurmountable odds till you hear the Assembly call then The Hard Cast is here to document and record it for posterity. Your courage and perseverance will not be forgotten by future generations.

PARTICIPANTS:

• -CHRIS
• -STEVEN
• -PATRICK
  

Support The Hard Cast by purchasing through our referral links:

Amazon: Assembly DVD

 
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Alternate Episode Title: “Holy Hollow Exploding Moons Batman!”

Back for more punishment I see! Well I can’t say I blame you, we are kind of addictive. After all we are the stuff behind the smudge, the hutzpuh in the camel’s milk, the thing that’s looking back at you when you’re looking at your shoe, the hoodoo in the voodoo, and we’re the gibberish that’s spewing from every homeless-sexual ghost’s foul lips. We’re all these things and still you come back for more. Well loyal listener we have a treat for you because we have confessed our sins for all the world to know unfortunately I forgot to hit the record button. So instead we give you yet another episode of Prime. (hint: this is the part where you clap and cheer!)

On a side note: It has been brought to my attention that you will definitely get more out of this episode if you listen to the Dune podcast first but hey if you enjoy stumbling through life blind and confused the way I do than by all means skip that one. I have done my due diligence and you have been warned.

Another well-worn and tight episode, ready for insertion….into your ears. Enjoy if you dare!

PARTICIPANTS:

• -CHRIS
• -STEVEN
• -VICTOR
• -PATRICK

Links of Interest:
SLUTS vs STUDS
Halo: ODST – Are you an ODST (Fanboy)?
Threw It On The Ground
 
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Alternate Episode Title: “Extreme Water Mingling!”

A flop back during its theatrical release in ’84, Dune has since found its fair share of fans and become a bit of a sci-fi cult classic. I know it definitely had a big effect on me back when I was a kid. The visuals and the world within this movie have always stayed with me. I’ve always wondered how David Lynch’s career would have turned out if Dune had been a financial success at the box office.

One thing that has always blown me away about this film is the attention to detail. The sets, costumes, machinery, weapons, vehicles, and sound design are all incredibly unique and interesting. All of it really lends a sense of mystique and a strong aura of the exotic.  Some of casting choices are truly inspired and I found most of the performances to be solid and memorable. It’s too bad we will probably never be treated to an actual director’s cut of this film. One can only imagine how epic that would have been.

If you’re ready to take up the Fremen cause and ride into battle on a giant sandworm then let The Hard Cast supply you with the best thumpers and don’t forget about the water of life, the ultimate energy drink in the known universe!

PARTICIPANTS:

• -CHRIS
• -STEVEN
• -VICTOR

Support The Hard Cast by purchasing through our referral links:

Amazon: Dune (Widescreen DVD)
Amazon: Dune (Extended Edition DVD)

 
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Alternate Episode Title: “Explosive Plants FTW!”

A 90′s sci-fi action flick that was overlooked by the masses. Soldier definitely has a lot going for it, an interesting take on the future of warfare, a solid cast led by Kurt Russel, above average artistic vision, memorable lines, and well thought out action sequences that keep you on the edge of your seat. I don’t know what movie-going audiences expected back in ’98 but Soldier delivers in a big way.

As much as I like all the components that came together for this film, for me personally, Kurt Russel’s performance as Sgt. Todd is what really anchors the whole experience. Despite being over ten years old this movie still holds up pretty well even by today’s standards (other than some weak CG in a couple scenes). If you haven’t had the visceral pleasure of watching this movie then we definitely recommend you check out Soldier.

The Hard Cast is on a collision course with your ears and if you can’t pick up what we’re putting down then maybe you need to reevaluate your standards for movies because they just may be obsolete.

PARTICIPANTS:

• -CHRIS
• -STEVEN
• -VICTOR

Support The Hard Cast by purchasing through our referral links:

Amazon: Soldier DVD

 
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Alternate Episode Title: “Your Mother is a Friggin’ Aardvark!”

A childhood favorite of both my brother and I. It was my pleasure to introduce this classic to the rest of the crew and from all accounts they had a fantastically-dreamlike experience. Even David Bowie’s massively bulging crotch couldn’t wipe the smiles from our faces and in Steven’s case it just made him smile even harder. It really is unfortunate that Jim Henson is no longer with us.

You’d be hard pressed to find another film with this much imagination, creativity, and craftsmanship constantly being thrown at the screen, with the exception of The Dark Crystal of course. I don’t know what Jim Henson and Terry Jones were smoking when they were writing Labyrinth but whatever it was I wish more filmmakers nowadays would take a few puffs. Even to this day the characters, situations, and dialogue are so off the wall, unpredictable, and memorable that it boggles the mind. Despite all this, the story still manages to stay very grounded in common themes that the audience can always follow.

When it gets right down to it, Labyrinth is just an incredibly fun and entertaining movie that can be enjoyed by all ages. So if you think you’re ready to make your way to the goblin castle at the center of the Labyrinth then let The Hard Cast help you unleash your inner child.

PARTICIPANTS:

• -CHRIS
• -STEVEN
• -VICTOR
• -PATRICK
  

Support The Hard Cast by purchasing through our referral links:

Amazon: Labyrinth [Blu-ray]
Amazon: Labyrinth (Anniversary Edition DVD)

 
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Alternate Episode Title: “Can I shock your little trooper?”

The review/discussion of the latest entry in the Halo series has dropped! No more Master Chief, it’s time for the Orbital Drop Shock Troopers, a fan-fave, to take the spotlight or actually I should say they try to stay out of the spotlight since their objective is stealth. No longer are you traipsing across the universe, ODST takes place on Earth, more specifically the abandoned city of New Mombasa.

So you’re getting new characters, a new setting, and a slightly different play style. Oh and no more goddamn flood, which is always a plus since I really hate those slimy bitches. You get your standard Halo arsenal, same vehicles, and the same enemies that you’ve come to expect. The campaign mode is short but sweet with solid voice acting from the characters and is certainly fun to co-op with a friend or two but I have to say that the biggest draw would have to be the newly added multi-player mode Firefight. Bungie’s attempt to compete with Horde and Nazi Zombies and while not quite up to par it’s still a ton of fun and a much appreciated new feature. Adding vehicles into the mix definitely enhances the experience.

Hey trooper, if you think you’re ready to bring down the Covenant then let’s hop into that Warthog because The Hard Cast is here to put the pedal to the medal and make some brute roadkill!

PARTICIPANTS:

• -CHRIS
• -STEVEN
• -VICTOR

Support The Hard Cast by purchasing through our referral links:

Amazon: Halo 3: ODST X360
Amazon: Halo Books 1-3 (The Flood; First Strike; The Fall of Reach)

 
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Alternate Episode Title: “Did you see his massive Odin Spheres?”

So, yeah…. I guess we’re back! Through some miracle we somehow managed to escape from the vortex of infinite inferiority and we’ve returned in all our majestic glory with much fanfare (although I was kind of hoping for a parade). If you’re actually back for more than you are most certainly a masochist of the highest order and we salute you.

This is one jam packed episode with lots of content and plenty of verbal discourse. I won’t comment on the quality of this content but it’s definitely there. Some youtube talk, some TV show talk (Arrested Development), some ODST talk, and some drooling-heavy breathing-lustful talk of FF13 filled with extreme longing and perverse desire. Basically an average run of the mill conversation with Steven.

PARTICIPANTS:

• -CHRIS
• -STEVEN
• -VICTOR
• -PATRICK

 
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Victor’s attempts to write the show outline were met with much challenge. Apparently he had forgotten that the difficulty was set at Legendary and no one on his friends list was available for Co-Op.