In this episode, we travel to the not-too-distant future of Andrew Niccol’s minimalist sci-fi drama to take a hard look at how it addresses bioethics, eugenics, and determinism. Also, Gore Frickin’ Vidal is in this movie.

Varicon Video: A Movie Podcast

Episode 46 - Gattaca (1997)

In this episode, we wrap up our theme on classic serials by heading west to California to explore a story that starts in 1821 during the Mexican War for Independence from Spain, featuring a masked hero dressed in black...

Episode 45 - The Mask of Zorro (1998)

The sun is shining…but the ice is slippery, just like Alec Baldwin’s performance. He’s running around with a big schnoz, ripping off his face, and cackling in the breeze, while a madman is running amok and Ian McKellen stands around with nothing to do. This might be the first movie we’ve covered that gets us some mail. Who can say? The Shadow nose.

Episode 44 - The Shadow (1994)

In this episode, we fight the evil Ming the Merciless and save the lovely Dale Arden with the help of Prince Vultan as the music of Queen plays triumphantly in the background! We tackle race representation, camp, and queerness in the film, and we do exhaustive Brian Blessed impressions to entertain ourselves. And you, of course.

Episode 43 - Flash Gordon (1980)

Today we head across the pond to follow the intersecting lives of four flawed, very conflicted, contradictory people... a love- and lust-seeking quartet trying to find themselves and what they want in a partner…or rather, a stranger.

Episode 42 - Closer (2004)

In this episode, we discuss a curious entry set in the Mamet-verse that's all about sleight of hand and what could be Gene Hackman's last great movie. We're here for the gold; it makes the world go round. Join us as we unpack David Mamet's affectations and his take on the heist genre!

Episode 41 - Heist (2001)

In this episode, we go to the most beautiful place in Europe -- it's like a fookin fairytale or somethin' -- to talk about Martin McDonagh's cleverly written directorial debut!

Episode 40 - In Bruges (2008)

In this episode, we take on a detective case, or maybe it isn’t, about a body in a lake, a rich man and his daughter, two sisters running in different directions, a pink wig, and a finger in a dog’s digestive tract. If it sounds like it’s right out of a dime novel, there’s a reason for that.

Episode 39 - Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)

In this episode, we examine and scrutinize the relationship between an aging Hollywood director and his yard man, and we also discuss queer representation in front of and behind the camera in Bill Condon's award winning film.

Episode 38 - Gods and Monsters (1998)

Today we’re traveling back to 1962 for the premiere of Lawrence Woolsey’s monster movie, Mant!. We had to sign a waiver in the lobby because it’s that scary! And now, we’re settling into these plush seats with our popcorn and snacks before the picture goes up , and the crowd is electric. Join us!

Episode 37 - Matinee (1993)

Seasons greetings! Today we’re taking you to Gotham City at Christmastime, to deliver a dark chapter in the story of the caped crusader. It’s the bat, the cat, and the penguin, together at last!

Episode 36 - Batman Returns (1992)

Today we’re talking about a time travel thriller that many people might have missed or probably haven’t given much thought since its release, so we’re traveling back 20 years to revisit Frequency! In this episode, we’re going to be testing out a totally new format for the show, so be sure to let us know what you think!

Episode 35 - Frequency (2000)

Today we’re singing show tunes while we globetrot from New York to Rome to Castle da Vinci, dodging the double-crossing CIA, a Catholic secret society, and an insane, megalomaniacal couple with an interest in alchemy hellbent on destroying the global economy!

Episode 34 - Hudson Hawk (1991)

Today we settle into our second episode of our chat series with special guest Roger L. Jackson, a man with over 230 voice acting credits whose voice you’re sure to recognize. Halloween ain’t over until Ghostface speaks!  

Episode 33 - A Chat with Roger L. Jackson

Today we’re raiding the Addams family fortune for da DUBLOONS! We find our way to some dark territory in this one and head straight to the vault! If it's not clear, we absolutely adore this movie.  

Episode 32 - The Addams Family (1991)

Join Brandon and Joseph as they relive forgotten and unforgettable movies from the video store era!