paul verhoeven

Your hosts Bryan Dressel, Matt "Zombie Dog Nichola Angel" Dykes, Joel "Sommerset" Dewitte, and Ryan "Jake Peralta" Lootens take a deep dive into the 3rd film in the Robocop franchise.  This might be one of the worst films we've covered here at Binge Buddies, only next week's remake could take a swing for the top spot.  But as is usually the case, a terrible movie makes  for a fantastic conversation!

Hosts Bryan Dressel, Matt "Zombie Dog Elliot Ness RoboCop" Dykes, Ryan "Ed Tom Bell" Lootens dive into the only good Robocop sequel.  This movie is a step down from the original but not a huge one.  The Binge Buddies have a blast digging into all the craziness that this movie has to offer!  

"Thrust it! Thrust it!”
Before the sequins and controversy hit the screen, Showgirls was a script that sparked excitement for its bold take on the glitz and grunge of Las Vegas life. Helmed by Paul Verhoeven and penned by Joe Eszterhas, the duo behind the provocative hit Basic Instinct, expectations were high for this journey into the world of Vegas showgirls. Yet, the resulting film would divide audiences and critics, becoming a cult classic for some and a cautionary tale of excess for others. The backdrop was set for a film that would be discussed and dissected for years to come. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue the 1995 Golden Raspberry Awards Worst Director Nominees series with a conversation about Showgirls.

Here's a hint at what we talk about.

In this deep dive, Pete and Andy explore the contentious legacy of Showgirls, a film that's danced its way into infamy. They discuss the film's place in the 1995 Golden Raspberry Awards as a Worst Director Nominee, debating whether the film's over-the-top style was a misguided misstep or a misunderstood stroke of satirical genius. The hosts don't always see eye-to-eye, revealing a schism in their takes on the film's execution and its thematic intentions. They ponder whether Elizabeth Berkley's performance as Nomi was intentionally exaggerated to serve the film's satirical edge or if it was a misdirection that led to its critical panning. As part of their series on the Razzies, they delve into the broader conversation about what the nomination means for Showgirls and its place in cinematic history.

Here are a few other points in our discussion.

• The Dickensian description of the film by some and the evolving public opinion over time
• The comparison of Verhoeven's direction in Showgirls to his work in RoboCop and other films
• The potential allegory of Hollywood and selling out as interpreted by Jonathan Rosenbaum
• The contrasting performances, particularly Berkley's and Gina Gershon's, and their impact on the film's tone
• The undercurrents of power and gender dynamics within the narrative
• Our personal reactions to the comedic elements and whether they hit the mark or fell flat

As we peel back the layers of this high-kicking, high-stakes drama, we find a film that's as polarizing as it is fascinating. Despite its Razzie nods and the debates it sparks, Showgirls remains an electrifying topic of discussion for cinephiles and critics alike. Whether you view it as a glittering satire or a cautionary tale of excess, there's no denying the film's unique place in the landscape of '90s cinema. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!

Film Sundries

• Watch this on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at JustWatch
• Script Options
• Theatrical trailer
• You Don’t Nomi
• Letterboxd

• Start your own podcast journey with the best host in the business. Try TRANSISTOR today!
• Become a Member Today! $5 monthly or $55 annually
• Want to upgrade your LETTERBOXD account? Use our PROMO CODE to get a DISCOUNT and help us out in the process!
• Find source material for The Next Reel’s family of podcasts – and thousands of other great reads – at Audible! Get your free audiobook and 30-day free trial today.
• Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!

  Here’s where you can find us around the internet:

  • The Web
  • Letterboxd
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Threads
  • X
  • YouTube
  • Flickchart
  • Pinterest
  • Pete 
  • Andy
• We spend hours every week putting this show together for you, our dear listener, and it would sure mean a lot to us if you considered becoming a member. When you do, you get early access to shows, ad-free episodes, and a TON of bonus content. To those who already support the show, thank you. To those who don’t yet: what are you waiting for?

  What are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!

  • You can buy TNR apparel, stickers, mugs and more from our MERCH PAGE.
  • Or buy or rent movies we’ve discussed on the show from our WATCH PAGE.
  • Or buy books, plays, etc. that was the source for movies we’ve discussed on the show from our ORIGINALS PAGE.

"Thrust it! Thrust it!”
Before the sequins and controversy hit the screen, Showgirls was a script that sparked excitement for its bold take on the glitz and grunge of Las Vegas life. Helmed by Paul Verhoeven and penned by Joe Eszterhas, the duo behind the provocative hit Basic Instinct, expectations were high for this journey into the world of Vegas showgirls. Yet, the resulting film would divide audiences and critics, becoming a cult classic for some and a cautionary tale of excess for others. The backdrop was set for a film that would be discussed and dissected for years to come. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue the 1995 Golden Raspberry Awards Worst Director Nominees series with a conversation about Showgirls.

Here's a hint at what we talk about.

In this deep dive, Pete and Andy explore the contentious legacy of Showgirls, a film that's danced its way into infamy. They discuss the film's place in the 1995 Golden Raspberry Awards as a Worst Director Nominee, debating whether the film's over-the-top style was a misguided misstep or a misunderstood stroke of satirical genius. The hosts don't always see eye-to-eye, revealing a schism in their takes on the film's execution and its thematic intentions. They ponder whether Elizabeth Berkley's performance as Nomi was intentionally exaggerated to serve the film's satirical edge or if it was a misdirection that led to its critical panning. As part of their series on the Razzies, they delve into the broader conversation about what the nomination means for Showgirls and its place in cinematic history.

Here are a few other points in our discussion.

• The Dickensian description of the film by some and the evolving public opinion over time
• The comparison of Verhoeven's direction in Showgirls to his work in RoboCop and other films
• The potential allegory of Hollywood and selling out as interpreted by Jonathan Rosenbaum
• The contrasting performances, particularly Berkley's and Gina Gershon's, and their impact on the film's tone
• The undercurrents of power and gender dynamics within the narrative
• Our personal reactions to the comedic elements and whether they hit the mark or fell flat

As we peel back the layers of this high-kicking, high-stakes drama, we find a film that's as polarizing as it is fascinating. Despite its Razzie nods and the debates it sparks, Showgirls remains an electrifying topic of discussion for cinephiles and critics alike. Whether you view it as a glittering satire or a cautionary tale of excess, there's no denying the film's unique place in the landscape of '90s cinema. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!

Film Sundries

• Watch this on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at JustWatch
• Script Options
• Theatrical trailer
• You Don’t Nomi
• Letterboxd

• Start your own podcast journey with the best host in the business. Try TRANSISTOR today!
• Become a Member Today! $5 monthly or $55 annually
• Want to upgrade your LETTERBOXD account? Use our PROMO CODE to get a DISCOUNT and help us out in the process!
• Find source material for The Next Reel’s family of podcasts – and thousands of other great reads – at Audible! Get your free audiobook and 30-day free trial today.
• Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!

  Here’s where you can find us around the internet:

  • The Web
  • Letterboxd
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Threads
  • X
  • YouTube
  • Flickchart
  • Pinterest
  • Pete 
  • Andy
• We spend hours every week putting this show together for you, our dear listener, and it would sure mean a lot to us if you considered becoming a member. When you do, you get early access to shows, ad-free episodes, and a TON of bonus content. To those who already support the show, thank you. To those who don’t yet: what are you waiting for?

  What are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!

  • You can buy TNR apparel, stickers, mugs and more from our MERCH PAGE.
  • Or buy or rent movies we’ve discussed on the show from our WATCH PAGE.
  • Or buy books, plays, etc. that was the source for movies we’ve discussed on the show from our ORIGINALS PAGE.

Get access to this entire episode as well as all of our premium episodes and bonus content by becoming a Hit Factory Patron for just $5/month.

Matt Bors & Ben Clarkson, creators of the excellent sci-fi/action satire graphic novel 'Justice Warriors' join to talk about one of our main guys - Paul Verhoeven (aka Pauly V) and his landmark sci-fi/action satire 'Total Recall' starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and based on the Philip K. Dick story "We Can Remember it for You Wholesale". 

We discuss the film's long gestation period under several different producers and directors, most notably as a project for Hit Factory fave David Cronenberg. Then we go long on the film's startling prescience, it's themes of revolution against the extractive brutalist of an imperialist force, and Verhoeven's metatextual commentary on filmic reality as psycholgical mirror and wish fulfillment fantasy. Elsewhere, we discuss the dire 2012 Len Wiseman remake starring Colin Farrell and how it betrays and insults its audience by stripping away any and all subtext. 

Check out Matt & Ben's graphin novel, Justice Warriors.

Follow Matt Bors on Twitter.

Follow Ben Clarkson on Twitter. 

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Our theme song is Mirror by Chris Fish. 

ROBOCOP (1987) was almost certainly one of, if not the first, 18 rated movie I ever saw, an ultraviolent and pulpy satire about consumerism, urban decay, privitisation and the military industrial complex. Cheerfully sardonic world building, iconic design and an inimitable performance from Peter Weller together with a script packed full of memorable lines and some genuinely disturbing scenes that have scarred themselves forever into my psyche continue to make this a modern sci-fi masterpiece.  

We love to hear from our listeners! By which I mean we tolerate it. If it hasn't been completely destroyed yet you can usually find us on twitter @dads_film, on Facebook Bad Dads Film Review, on email at baddadsjsy@gmail.com or on our website baddadsfilm.com.

Until next time, we remain...

Bad Dads

“Dead or alive, you are coming with me.”
In 1987, screenwriters Edward Neumeier and Michael Miner developed an original story idea while working on the set of Blade Runner. They envisioned a dystopian future where privatized police forces maintained law and order. After pitching the concept to studios, Orion Pictures greenlit the production of RoboCop, directed by Dutch filmmaker Paul Verhoeven. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue the 1988 Academy Awards Best Visual Effects Nominees series with a conversation about RoboCop.

Here's a hint at what we talk about:

We dive into the amazing practical effects created by Rob Bottin and Phil Tippett, including RoboCop himself, ED-209, the toxic waste scenes, and more. We discuss Paul Verhoeven's unique directorial vision and how he used over-the-top violence to achieve a satirical tone. The film's sharp and funny social satire provides critical commentary on privatized policing and corporate greed that still resonates today.

Here are a few other points in our discussion:

• Great performance from Peter Weller as Murphy/RoboCop, plus the rest of the cast
• The love/hate relationship with the corporate characters
• How the 2014 remake compared to the original

RoboCop is a classic sci-fi action film that struck a delicate balance between intense action and dark comedy. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!

Film Sundries

• Watch this on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at JustWatch
• Script Options
• Theatrical trailer
• Letterboxd

• Start your own podcast journey with the best host in the business. Try TRANSISTOR today!
• Become a Member Today! $5 monthly or $55 annually
• Want to upgrade your LETTERBOXD account? Use our PROMO CODE to get a DISCOUNT and help us out in the process!
• Find source material for The Next Reel’s family of podcasts – and thousands of other great reads – at Audible! Get your free audiobook and 30-day free trial today.
• Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!

  Here’s where you can find us around the internet:

  • The Web
  • Letterboxd
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Threads
  • X
  • YouTube
  • Flickchart
  • Pinterest
  • Pete 
  • Andy
• We spend hours every week putting this show together for you, our dear listener, and it would sure mean a lot to us if you considered becoming a member. When you do, you get early access to shows, ad-free episodes, and a TON of bonus content. To those who already support the show, thank you. To those who don’t yet: what are you waiting for?

  What are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!

  • You can buy TNR apparel, stickers, mugs and more from our MERCH PAGE.
  • Or buy or rent movies we’ve discussed on the show from our WATCH PAGE.
  • Or buy books, plays, etc. that was the source for movies we’ve discussed on the show from our ORIGINALS PAGE.

“Dead or alive, you are coming with me.”
In 1987, screenwriters Edward Neumeier and Michael Miner developed an original story idea while working on the set of Blade Runner. They envisioned a dystopian future where privatized police forces maintained law and order. After pitching the concept to studios, Orion Pictures greenlit the production of RoboCop, directed by Dutch filmmaker Paul Verhoeven. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue the 1988 Academy Awards Best Visual Effects Nominees series with a conversation about RoboCop.

Here's a hint at what we talk about:

We dive into the amazing practical effects created by Rob Bottin and Phil Tippett, including RoboCop himself, ED-209, the toxic waste scenes, and more. We discuss Paul Verhoeven's unique directorial vision and how he used over-the-top violence to achieve a satirical tone. The film's sharp and funny social satire provides critical commentary on privatized policing and corporate greed that still resonates today.

Here are a few other points in our discussion:

• Great performance from Peter Weller as Murphy/RoboCop, plus the rest of the cast
• The love/hate relationship with the corporate characters
• How the 2014 remake compared to the original

RoboCop is a classic sci-fi action film that struck a delicate balance between intense action and dark comedy. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!

Film Sundries

• Watch this on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at JustWatch
• Script Options
• Theatrical trailer
• Letterboxd

• Start your own podcast journey with the best host in the business. Try TRANSISTOR today!
• Become a Member Today! $5 monthly or $55 annually
• Want to upgrade your LETTERBOXD account? Use our PROMO CODE to get a DISCOUNT and help us out in the process!
• Find source material for The Next Reel’s family of podcasts – and thousands of other great reads – at Audible! Get your free audiobook and 30-day free trial today.
• Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!

  Here’s where you can find us around the internet:

  • The Web
  • Letterboxd
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Threads
  • X
  • YouTube
  • Flickchart
  • Pinterest
  • Pete 
  • Andy
• We spend hours every week putting this show together for you, our dear listener, and it would sure mean a lot to us if you considered becoming a member. When you do, you get early access to shows, ad-free episodes, and a TON of bonus content. To those who already support the show, thank you. To those who don’t yet: what are you waiting for?

  What are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!

  • You can buy TNR apparel, stickers, mugs and more from our MERCH PAGE.
  • Or buy or rent movies we’ve discussed on the show from our WATCH PAGE.
  • Or buy books, plays, etc. that was the source for movies we’ve discussed on the show from our ORIGINALS PAGE.

In this episode Mike ducks an angry lap dance flying heel, while Troy marvels at flat butts in g-strings as they both slip in monkey shit reviewing Showgirls.

►Connect with 'Bald Guys & Bad Movies':
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This week on Remainders, we celebrate our 50th episode in style with the 1987 satirical classic, RoboCop. The story of Alex Murphy, a Detroit cop who is executed only to be remade by corporate America as the ultimate police enforcer. Paul Verhoeven’s action movie could be viewed as just a seminal piece of 80s action filmmaking, but that would still be selling it short. RoboCop builds upon ideas of capitalism, creeping fascism, and media propaganda in a way that very few movies can manage. I’d buy that for a dollar!

Other topics include Darren’s work at the When We Were Young festival, Halloween movies, the Music Box Theatre’s 24-hour horror festival, 1980’s Alligator and other creature features, Scorsese and first impressions of Killers of the Flower Moon, and upcoming TLB and Plain White T’s shows.

Songs of the Week

Wishes by Beach House

Looking For The Magic by The Dwight Twilley Band

Remainders Podcast Jukebox Playlist

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Nakkiah Lui (Kamilaroi/Torres Strait Islander) is one of Australia's most incisive, provocative, and funniest writers. Never one to follow convention, when she was asked to consider adapting a 'classic', Nakkiah Lui chose the divisive 90s Hollywood flop, Showgirls. Blaque Showgirls is now on at the Griffin Theatre Company.

Also, Sandaime Richard, a Japanese play inspired by Shakespeare's Richard III, was radically transformed by the Singaporean director Ong Keng Sen in a 2016 production that brought together performers from across Asia. Now, Keng Sen is revisiting the text with a troupe of students at NIDA.

Welcome to the party, pals! (pause) PAUL'S PRETTY PUNCTUAL PARTY! Where we pay our respects to another Paul, Dir: Paul Verhoeven, and his 1997 sci-fi/satire/war film "Starship Troopers." (Based on the novel by Robert Heinlein) Starring: Casper Van Dien, Denise Richards, Neil Patrick Harris, and Michael Ironside. Can a propaganda film, be wrapped in a propaganda film, and then wrapped in a delicious tortilla of satire? If not, well, they sure as hell tried. We discuss - the odds, military ranking based on acting ability, the beauty of the grey (embrace the “groutfit”), and of course HARDCORE NUDITY. 

Plot: Humans in a fascist, militaristic future wage war with giant alien bugs

Recorded 8/23
1hr 48mins

**All episodes contain explicit language**
Artwork - Ben McFadden
Review Review Intro/Outro Theme - Jamie Henwood
"What Are We Watching" Theme - Matthew Fosket
Lead-Ins Edited/Conceptualized by - Ben McFadden
Produced by - Ben McFadden & Paul Root
Concept - Paul Root

This week we review Starship Troopers from 1997! And with a heavy heart we give Pee-wee himself Paul Reubens the send off he deserves with his passing as we talk about his career in our creator profile for the week. Don't forget to check us out on Rumble and YouTube and like share and sub to them! also check us out on Spotify and where ever else you listen to your podcast and rate us. Also find us on X, Facebook and TikTok! We love you and thank you so much for your support!