The Devil's Due, Oscar Noms & First Men in the Moon: Podcast 5:3.1

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Devil's Due

Volume 5, Number 3 of the Cinefantastique Black Hole Ultra-Lounge Podcast brings you the latest news and reviews of what’s happening in the world of horror, fantasy, and science fiction cinema. The intrepid CFQ podcasting team analyzes the 2014 nominations from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, including GRAVITY and HER; and eulogizes late actor Russell Johnson, most widely known for playing the Professor on GILLIGAN’S ISLAND, who also featured prominently in several science fiction films. Steve Biodrowski exorcises THE DEVIL’S DUE, a new “found footage” horror film featuring a demonic pregnancy. Lawrence French lionizes FIRST MEN IN THE MOON with a 50th anniversary appreciation of the 1964 science fiction film, based on the novel by H.G. Wells and featuring special effects by Ray Harryhausen.
Also on the menu are this week’s home video releases for Tuesday, January 21, and a look back at the 2012 Blu-ray release of GODZILLA VS BIOLLANTE.

GRAVITY: CFQ Spotlight Podcast 4:39

Sandra Bullock confronts the void in GRAVITY.
Sandra Bullock confronts the void in GRAVITY.

Can we maybe call the year right now? Because unless Orson Scott Card appears before the preview audience of ENDER’S GAME to introduce everyone to his husband, there’s probably not going to be a better science fiction filmgoing experience than GRAVITY. Boldly pushing his long-take technique to the limit while filling the screen with stunningly realistic CG effects and a fluidly organic, mobile camera, director Alfonso Cuarón (along with his screenwriting partner and son, Jonás Cuarón), tells the tale of two astronauts (Sandra Bullock and George Clooney) struggling for survival in Earth orbit after their shuttle is destroyed, and in the process has created a revolutionary, and amazingly immersive, cinematic event.
Yes, Cinefantastique Online’s Steve Biodrowski, Lawrence French, and Dan Persons dare to compare the film to the sine qua non of mind-blowing space adventures, 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY. They also explore how Cuarón blazes new trails in cinematic storytelling, and whether, pax AVATAR, the ultimate killer app for large format 3D film may finally have been created. (Here’s a hint: the film broke October box office records.)
Plus, Dan discusses his initial impressions of the horror comedy film BAD MILO, plus what’s coming to theaters this week.