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We're back with another current release review as Star Wars returns to the big screen with The Mandalorian and Grogu! Joining us for the ride is special guest Mr. Dax Gordine as we dive deep into whether Mando and his lovable green sidekick truly have what it takes to command the galaxy's biggest stage. So grab your brand new Rotta the Hutt plushie, strap in, and join us for a discussion on the next chapter of Star Wars. This is the way.

Live fast, fight well and have a beautiful ending. On this week's episode, we are journeying to a minor planet in a third rate galaxy for Battle Beyond the Stars, a Roger Corman production that is arguably one of the better Star Wars knockoffs from the early 80s. The movie is also a loose remake of The Magnificent Seven / Seven Samurai with a character named Space Cowboy... I think you get the idea. Is the story behind the making of the movie more interesting than the movie itself? Did James Cameron's VFX work and James Horner's score do most of the heavy lifting? Why does Shad's ship have breasts? Should we be surprised that they still eat hot dogs in the future? Stimulate your solenoid and tingle dingle dangle prangle your transistors with the latest Film Junk Podcast.

It's a strange life. Cybernetics, genetics, lasers and all those things... I guess I'll never understand any of that stuff. This week on Film Junk we're looking back at the directorial debut of one Mr. George Lucas, a dystopian sci-fi thriller that feels like it should have a much bigger cult following than it does. THX 1138 was ahead of its time in many ways and still looks visually stunning today. Was this movie simply too bleak for the masses? Does it feel like it was directed by the same guy who made Star Wars? Are the Special Edition changes a problem? Do we all want to live in a future with personal masturbation machines? Take your sedation, buy and be happy with this week's Film Junk Podcast.

"I've seen people as they are, without pretense. I've seen their beauty and their ugliness with my own eyes." At long last, Film Junk is finally showing legendary director Akira Kurosawa a little love with a review of his 1958 epic adventure film The Hidden Fortress. Is it one of his all-time masterpieces? Many would argue not. But it is a pretty fun watch that served as a loose inspiration for Star Wars, which was our excuse for digging into it. Is Toshiro Mifune one of the manliest actors who ever lived? How do you hide gold inside wood? Should older movies be held up to the same level of plot scrutiny as modern ones? Does every fire festival serve terrible sandwiches? Grab your yari and meet us on the battlefield for the latest episode of Film Junk, you shitworm.

May the Schwartz be with you! To kick off Star Wars month here on Film Junk, we are revisiting a beloved parody film from Mel Brooks, which also happened to have been a very formative experience for a certain budding Prince of Comedy. Spaceballs may not be Brooks' most acclaimed or successful movie but it very well could be his most ludicrous. What makes a great comedy that stands the test of time? Was Spaceballs the first movie in cinema history to use an extended shot for comedic purposes? Why is there no Luke Skywalker equivalent in this movie? Do we have any hope at all for the upcoming sequel? Get surrounded by assholes and check out the latest episode of the Film Junk Podcast.

"I just feel so alone, even when I'm surrounded by other people." On this week's episode, we return to Tokyo for a bleary-eyed re-evaluation of Sofia Coppola's 2003 indie dramedy Lost in Translation. Despite being often referenced on the podcast, it was time to finally let Frank air his grievances about this era of Bill Murray's career and see how the movie holds up over 20 years later. Is it really intended as a May-September romance or is it just about the need for connection? Does the movie's view of quirky Japan feel overly snarky and borderline racist? Is it a dick move for an actor to ask if he should turn his head left or right? Has anyone actually figured out the secret whisper at the end of the movie? Pour yourself a glass of whiskey and make it Suntory time with the latest Film Junk Podcast.

"I just feel so alone, even when I'm surrounded by other people." On this week's episode, we return to Tokyo for a bleary-eyed re-evaluation of Sofia Coppola's 2003 indie dramedy Lost in Translation. Despite being often referenced on the podcast, it was time to finally let Frank air his grievances about this era of Bill Murray's career and see how the movie holds up over 20 years later. Is it really intended as a May-September romance or is it just about the need for connection? Does the movie's view of quirky Japan feel overly snarky and borderline racist? Is it a dick move for an actor to ask if he should turn his head left or right? Has anyone actually figured out the secret whisper at the end of the movie? Pour yourself a glass of whiskey and make it Suntory time with the latest Film Junk Podcast.

Who's fighting and what for? Why are we fighting? The idealism of the '60s gave way to tragedy and darkness in December 1969 as captured in the seminal Rolling Stones documentary Gimme Shelter. Directed by The Maysles Brothers and Charlotte Zwerin, this is more than just a concert film but rather a complex masterwork that would influence non-fiction filmmakers for many generations to come. Is there a difference between direct cinema and cinema verité? Is Mick Jagger's stage banter "cringe"? Should all live musical performances sound just like the original album recording? Who is better... The Beatles or The Rolling Stones? Get yer ya-ya's out on this week's episode of Film Junk.

Do you... like pineapple? On this week's episode of Film Junk, we enter the vibe zone with Wong Kar-Wai as Frank finally takes the shrink wrap off of his Criterion Blu-ray for Chungking Express. The acclaimed Hong Kong director is known for his visual poetry and sense of romance but plot often takes a backseat to mood and emotion. Can breaking the law be romantic or is it always just plain reprehensible? Does step printing create a dreamlike atmosphere or does it just look dated? Could Frank gorf 30 cans of pineapple in one night? Has Sean ever heard The Cranberries before? Profess your undying love for cinema with the latest Film Junk podcast.

Eat your heart out Hulk Hogan, it's the 40th anniversary of Rad and we're ready to revisit this slightly under the radar '80s gem. Cru and his BMX crew fight the good fight against the evil forces of Mongoose before facing the death defying Helltrack... I mean, Hecktrack. Which members of the Film Junk crew were BMX heads as kids? Did Hal Needham and his stunt team elevate this movie way beyond what it deserved? Why was the actress who played Katie erased from film history? Could $100,000 buy two houses based on 1986 gas prices? Go balls out on this week's episode of the Film Junk Podcast.