Case File 074: Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom

May 19, 2023 / Christopher Schrader

When Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom was released in 1984, many audiences and critics felt it was too dark and too weird in comparison to its predecessor. But for a whole other subset of the fandom, those elements were precisely what made this one so special.

In this episode, we investigate the behind the scenes circumstances that led to an Indy sequel that zigged instead of zagged and see how the most divisive entry in the franchise holds up nearly forty years later.

Chris & Kristen's Web Series:
The Strange Case of Lucy Chandler

Chris’s Substack Newsletter:
Chris Fights Demons

Comment 0 Likes

Case File 073: The Devil Wears Prada

May 03, 2023 / Christopher Schrader

Gird your loins! The Devil Wears Prada gave Meryl Streep an opportunity to sink her teeth into a deliciously villainous character, but you might be surprised to discover how different the film is from the bestselling novel it's based on.

In this episode, we investigate the real-life inspiration for the character of Miranda, how that bolstered and hindered the development of the movie, a major subplot from the book the filmmakers decided to excise, why so many fans dislike Andy's boyfriend, how the film became a surprise hit, why the novel's two sequels were never adapted, and much more!

Chris & Kristen's Web Series:
The Strange Case of Lucy Chandler

Chris’s Substack Newsletter:
Chris Fights Demons

Comment 0 Likes

Case File 072: The Joker (The Dark Knight)

April 19, 2023 / Christopher Schrader

When it was announced that Heath Ledger would be playing the Joker, a firestorm of controversy erupted. But when The Dark Knight hit theaters in the summer of 2008, naysayers found themselves with a whole heaping plate of crow to eat. This isn't just the best villain in a Batman movie, it's one of the great movie villains PERIOD.

In this episode, we're investigating the way Christopher Nolan and his team radically reinterpreted this iconic character and forever changed the perception of what comic book movies could be.

"And here. We. Go."

Chris & Kristen's Web Series:
The Strange Case of Lucy Chandler

Chris’s Substack Newsletter:
Chris Fights Demons

Comment 0 Likes

Case File 071: The Wicked Witch (The Wizard of Oz)

April 05, 2023 / Christopher Schrader

Although it's one of the most beloved movies of all time, The Wizard of Oz was also nightmare fuel for a lot of us when we were kids. But while The Wicked Witch and her flying monkeys terrorized Dorothy and her friends on screen, it turns out the real nightmares were taking place behind the scenes.

Join us as we investigate the troubled production of one of Hollywood's most iconic films, the tragic life of its leading lady, and the enduring legacy of a magical land that exists somewhere over the rainbow.

Chris & Kristen's Web Series:
The Strange Case of Lucy Chandler

Chris’s Substack Newsletter:
Chris Fights Demons

Comment 0 Likes

Case File 070: Leprechaun

March 22, 2023 / Christopher Schrader

Try as they will and try as they might, whoever steals his gold won't live through the night! Join us for a (slightly belated) St. Patrick's Day celebration as we revisit the 1993 horror/comedy Leprechaun.

We discuss the reasons behind the bizarre tonal shifts in the film, the vaguely defined powers of the title character, how Jennifer Aniston really feels about her big-screen debut, the savage reviews, its box office success, the wild ride the sequels take viewers on, and much more!

Chris & Kristen's Web Series:
The Strange Case of Lucy Chandler

Chris’s Substack Newsletter:
Chris Fights Demons

Comment 0 Likes