Send us a textIn the fog-shrouded valley where two superpowers meet, a deeply human story unfolds against the backdrop of Cold War tensions and ancient mysteries. The Gorge brilliantly pairs Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy as elite snipers stationed on opposite sides of a mysterious chasm, creating one of the most unique and compelling on-screen relationships of recent cinema.What begins as strict isolation—American and Soviet guards forbidden from contact—evolves through ingenious long-distance communication. Giant notepads, makeshift signals, and music played across the divide become the foundation of a connection that defies their orders and national identities. The chemistry between the leads is palpable even when separated by hundreds of feet of empty space, making their eventual face-to-face meeting (via a dangerous homemade zip line) all the more powerful.The film's first half excels at building both the mystery of what lurks in the foggy depths below and the tender romance developing above. Small gestures carry enormous weight—a toast across the gorge, a game of chess played at impossible distance, poetry shared in fragments. These moments of genuine human connection stand in stark contrast to the occasional monster attacks that remind us of the ever-present danger.Where The Gorge stumbles is in its third act, when our protagonists find themselves trapped in the depths they've been guarding. The revelation of what caused the gorge and its inhabitants—a joint Soviet-American research facility gone catastrophically wrong—feels rushed and underwhelming compared to the cosmic horror teased earlier. The "hollow men" monsters, while effectively creepy in glimpses, lose impact when fully revealed.Despite these shortcomings, the film remains compelling thanks to its central relationship and the performances that bring it to life. Teller brings depth to his tortured sniper, haunted by his past kills, while Taylor-Joy imbues her character with both steely resolve and vulnerability. Their journey from isolated guards to partners willing to risk everything resonates emotionally even when the plot mechanics falter.The Gorge ultimately asks what connections matter most—duty to country, scientific discovery, or the rare human bond that transcends boundaries. For anyone who appreciates character-driven stories with elements of horror, romance, and Cold War tension, this haunting tale of what lurks both within the mist and within ourselves offers a uniquely satisfying experience.Written lovingly by AIBe our friend!Dan: @shakybaconTony: @tonydczechAnd follow the podcast on IG: @hatewatchingDAT
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1:19:19
Hate Watching Prince of Persia The Sands of Time: A Video Game Adaptation That Almost Worked
Send us a textWhat happens when a big-budget blockbuster has all the right ingredients but still fails to fully satisfy? That's the puzzle at the heart of our deep dive into 2010's Prince of Persia: Sands of Time, a film that cost hundreds of millions to make but couldn't capture the magic of its video game source material.The conversation kicks off with an examination of Jake Gyllenhaal's bewildering accent and lack of charisma as the titular prince – a critical misstep that creates a void at the center of this action-adventure. "It's the worst accent of any leading man in a movie," we conclude, comparing his performance unfavorably to the natural charm of Brendan Fraser in The Mummy or the cast of Pirates of the Caribbean.The film's salvation arrives about 40 minutes in with Alfred Molina's scene-stealing performance as a tax-evading ostrich racer. His character breathes life into a previously lifeless movie, demonstrating exactly what was missing from the start: humor, heart, and genuine entertainment value. We discuss how supporting characters often make or break these big adventure films, and how Prince of Persia failed to understand this crucial dynamic.We also break down the disappointing direction choices that plague the action sequences – the choppy editing and shaky camerawork that obscure rather than showcase the parkour stunts that made the video games so special. For a franchise known for fluid movement and graceful acrobatics, the film's inability to properly capture these elements represents a fundamental misunderstanding of its appeal.Join us for this entertaining analysis of blockbuster filmmaking gone awry, and why some adventure films become beloved classics while others remain forgotten curiosities. And don't forget to tune in next week for our take on "The Gorge" starring Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy!Written lovingly by AIBe our friend!Dan: @shakybaconTony: @tonydczechAnd follow the podcast on IG: @hatewatchingDAT
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1:11:18
Hate Watching The Electric State: Robots, Humans, and One Really Bad Wig
Send us a textIn "The Electric State," Netflix's visually stunning but narratively bewildering $300 million sci-fi adventure, we're transported to an alternate 1990s America recovering from a robot war that never quite makes sense. What begins as a promising exploration of technology addiction and human-robot relations quickly devolves into a confusing rescue mission with emotional stakes that never land.The Russo Brothers clearly poured resources into creating a visually distinctive world based on Simon Stålenhag's artwork, but neglected to fill this beautiful shell with meaningful substance. Millie Bobby Brown portrays Michelle, a young woman searching for her brother in this post-war landscape, yet her performance lacks the emotional range needed to carry such a high-concept story. Chris Pratt as her reluctant companion Keats similarly struggles to bring depth to his character, with their on-screen chemistry noticeably absent throughout.What makes "The Electric State" particularly frustrating is its squandered potential. The premise—humans splitting their consciousness between robot bodies and virtual fantasies—raises fascinating questions about identity, addiction, and reality that remain largely unexplored. Instead, we're treated to a third act that collapses under its own illogic, culminating in an ending that contradicts the very world the film has established. The robot characters, ironically, demonstrate more personality than most of their human counterparts.For all its flaws, the film does deliver impressive visual spectacle and some standout voice performances from its supporting cast. However, these elements only highlight what might have been had the same care been applied to the screenplay. "The Electric State" ultimately stands as a cautionary tale about prioritizing aesthetics over substance—a beautiful but hollow experience that, like its virtual reality users, remains disconnected from anything meaningful.Written Lovingly by AIBe our friend!Dan: @shakybaconTony: @tonydczechAnd follow the podcast on IG: @hatewatchingDAT
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2:02:30
Hate Watching Pathfinder: Swords, Snow, and Terrible Viking Fashion Choices
Send us a textStep into the shadowy world of "Pathfinder," Marcus Nispel's forgotten 2007 action film that stands as a fascinating study in missed opportunities. Released in the same week as Zack Snyder's "300" with a comparable budget, this Karl Urban-starring vehicle attempted similar visual flair but stumbled where "300" soared.The premise holds genuine intrigue: a Viking child, abandoned and raised by Native Americans in 800 AD North America, must later defend his adoptive people when his bloodthirsty biological culture returns to pillage and destroy. It's a setup ripe with potential for exploring identity, belonging, and choosing one's own path—yet "Pathfinder" reduces these rich themes to a straightforward revenge tale drowning in murky cinematography.Throughout our discussion, we unpack the film's fundamental flaws: characters without names or development, confusing action sequences where you can barely distinguish one Viking from another, and logical inconsistencies that break immersion. The Viking villains pursue destruction for destruction's sake, forgoing more historically accurate and compelling motivations like resource acquisition or taking slaves. Even the special edition's reportedly excised sex scene becomes a curious footnote in a film already struggling with basic storytelling coherence.What makes "Pathfinder" particularly fascinating is comparing it to Nispel's later work on "Conan the Barbarian," revealing a director who seemed to learn some lessons while repeating others. For fans of Karl Urban, we recommend skipping this misfire and heading straight to "Dredd" for a masterclass in how to use the actor's talents effectively. Whether you're a student of film looking to understand what makes a movie work (by examining one that doesn't) or simply curious about this forgotten chapter in action cinema history, our deep dive into "Pathfinder" offers both entertainment and insight into how even promising concepts can lose their way in execution.Written lovingly by AIBe our friend!Dan: @shakybaconTony: @tonydczechAnd follow the podcast on IG: @hatewatchingDAT
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1:32:32
Hate Watching Conan The Barbarian: Epic Fails in Fantasy Cinema
Send us a textStep into the chaotic realm of *Conan the Barbarian* (2011) as we dissect the questionable choices that left audiences bewildered. With Jason Momoa at the forefront, the film boasted a hefty budget but struggled to deliver more than spectacular visuals. We explore how the plot muddied character arcs, particularly in the lackluster relationship dynamics, leaving viewers puzzled and unsatisfied. The podcast dives into memorable moments, such as the infamous human catapult scene, while lamenting the potential that was never fully realized. As we meander through the highs and lows, we reflect on the lessons learned from its shortcomings, solidifying *Conan* as a case study in fantasy film misfires. Tune in for our humorous analysis and decide for yourself whether it's worth a watch! Don’t forget to subscribe and share your thoughts with us!Written Lovingly by AIBe our friend!Dan: @shakybaconTony: @tonydczechAnd follow the podcast on IG: @hatewatchingDAT
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