Out in the Elephant wild life of film podcasts, Fear and Loathing in Cinema sets itself apart with its irreverent blend of pop culture critique, nostalgic deep-dives, and a razor-sharp, at times almost uncomfortably candid, dissection of cinematic relics that were once scorned but now, with the benefit of time, seem worthy of a second look. Hosted by a group of unpredictable yet undeniably insightful voices; Bryan Kluger, a media director with a sharp sense of irony of offensive things; Dan Moran, a lawyer who brings an often absurd legal perspective of the film industry and Kevin Costner; Preston Barta, a film critic with a taste for the heart-warmingly obscure branch of cinema; and Chelsea Nicole, a culture critic who digs into the nuances of social dynamics and horror; Fear and Loathing in Cinema Podcast thrives in that rare space between sincere analysis and gut-busting humor.
By the 132nd episode of Fear and Loathing in Cinema, one begins to wonder if Bryan, Dan, Chelsea, and their revolving door of guests aren’t actually podcasters at all, but cultural archaeologists, digging through the cinematic rubble of the ’90s with the patience of Indiana Jones and the appetite of Mystery Science Theater 3000. This week, their excavation tool of choice is Operation Dumbo Drop, Disney’s 1995 attempt to stage a Vietnam War film with all the gravitas of Platoon, if Platoon had a wisecracking elephant in the starring role.
Our hosts, joined by the ever-game Kristi Shimek, march into the jungle with military outfits and a sturdy suspension of disbelief. The film, directed by Simon Wincer (the same man responsible for Free Willy and Billy Zane’s The Phantom, which tells you everything and nothing), stars Danny Glover, Ray Liotta, Doug E. Doug, and Dennis Leary, an ensemble that suggests Hollywood in the mid-’90s had either lost a bet or decided, in an act of cosmic whimsy, to throw darts at a casting board.
Naturally, the panel asks the questions only a podcast can ask: Why were critics in the Clinton era disappointed that Disney’s war movie wasn’t bloodier? What, exactly, was the working relationship between the actors and their elephant co-star? And is it possible that the soundtrack, yes, there was a soundtrack, is the secret masterpiece we never knew we needed?
The result is a conversation equal parts absurd and affectionate, stomping through the tonal jungle that is Disney’s wartime pachyderm adventure. By the end, you may not know whether Operation Dumbo Drop was ever meant to be a comedy, a tragedy, or a merchandising opportunity, but you’ll certainly want to hear this panel debate it. The elephant, as always, remembers, but the podcast never forgets. #911 #bagels
Available everywhere, preferably somewhere with a strong Wi-Fi connection and an open mind about elephants parachuting into combat zones.
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WRITTEN BY: BRYAN KLUGER
BRYAN KLUGER, A SEASONED VOICE IN THE REALM OF ENTERTAINMENT CRITICISM, HAS CONTRIBUTED TO A WIDE ARRAY OF PUBLICATIONS INCLUDING ARTS+CULTURE MAGAZINE, HIGH DEF DIGEST, BOOMSTICK COMICS, AND HOUSING WIRE MAGAZINE, AMONG OTHERS.
HIS INSIGHTS ARE ALSO CAPTURED THROUGH HIS PODCASTS; MY BLOODY PODCAST AND FEAR AND LOATHING IN CINEMA PODCAST; WHICH LISTENERS CAN ENJOY ACROSS A VARIETY OF PLATFORMS.
IN ADDITION TO HIS WRITTEN WORK, KLUGER BRINGS HIS EXPERTISE TO THE AIRWAVES, HOSTING TWO LIVE RADIO SHOWS EACH WEEK: SOUNDTRAXXX RADIO ON WEDNESDAYS AND THE ENTERTAINMENT ANSWER ON SUNDAYS. HIS MULTIFACETED APPROACH TO MEDIA AND CULTURE OFFERS A UNIQUE, IMMERSIVE PERSPECTIVE FOR THOSE WHO SEEK BOTH DEPTH AND ENTERTAINMENT.
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