Returning The Andy Plex alumnus Ryan Grassmeyer is back to discuss "Home for the Holidays" (1995). Why does this film endure at 30? Why is it a Thanksgiving and holiday masterpiece? It marks Jodie Foster's sophomore directorial outing. After winning 2 acting oscars and now entering her 30s, Jodie looks to take on the rediscovering of ourselves into adulthood through the lens of returning home to our families at 30. Holy Hunter loses her job in Chicago and returns home to Baltimore for Thanksgiving. Her journey is personal yet one we all go through. At 100 mins, this film is lean and jam packed with family drama, dysfunction, laughs, and tear jerks. Thanksgiving doesn't have enough films about it, and this one may just take the cake...ah...Turkey. Ryan Grassmeyer on the Web: @grassmeyer

Sketch artist and Illustrator Shaun Stroup returns after "Return of the Living Podcast" to speak on his origin story as a drawer. Discovering cinema young, and then upon reading Alan Moore's "The Killing Joke," Shaun was inspired to jump into the scene. Shaun and Andy are collaborating on a comic book currently, but Shaun has produced and designed many drawings. He resides in San Diego and is active at conventions and has multiple published pieces in magazines and collections. Shaun Stroup on the Web: IG : @ShaunStroupArt

Joining Andy Plex to discuss the Dan O'Bannon directed horror comedy classic "Return of the Living Dead" (1985) on its 40th anniversary is artist and horror movie buff Shaun Stroup. Shaun and Andy are creative collaborators and both share a deep love for "Return of the Living Dead." Why is this movie so beloved by generations of fans? What makes this such a unique zombie story? How does it perfectly balance horror and comedy without sacrificing either? Epitomizing the punk movement and anti-authoritarian sentiment of 70s and 80s "Return" is as relevant now as ever. Join these two as they go under the hood of this slimy masterpiece full of practical effects and enough BRAINNSSSSS! to shake a stick at. Shaun Stroup on the Web: IG : @ShaunStroupArt

This episode has 2 returning alumni to chat with Andy Plex about "King Kong" 1976 - Kryzstofer that 70's Guy and J "Angel" Sierra! These two screenwriters, film historians, and roomies weigh in as to why this summer giant ape remake is an underrated gem and deeply misunderstood and overlooked. This film stars Jeff Bridges, Jessica Lange in her first film, and Charles Grodin. Embodying the hippy movement of the 70s, "King Kong" touches on themes of corporate greed, environmental conservation, animal rights, and exploiting foreign soil for financial gain. The characters are well rendered, real, and powerful. These three urge you to see "King Kong" 1976 asap! Kryzstofer that 70's Guy on the Web! IG : https://www.instagram.com/kryzstofer_that70sguy/ J "Angel" Sierra on the Web! IG: https://www.instagram.com/saurian.entertainment/

Joining Andy Plex to cover the red and blue hot James Gunn directed "Superman" (2025) after its monster opening weekend is Assistant Director and actor "Onlooker" on the film Ryan J. Pezdirc ("Pez"). Pez and Andy went to film school together 20 plus years ago and then were neighbors in Albuquerque, New Mexico while both working in the film biz. Now based in Atlanta, Pez has worked on 5 James Gunn directed projects as assistant director (AD). Pez guides us through what it is to be an AD and shares set stories and experiences on many films including "Superman." Why is this film such a huge win for DC and superhero stories? Why is it striking a chord? "Superman" shows the world that you can be spectacle with substance. Tackling many current themes in the world right now while sharing an overwhelmingly positive message - "Superman" is a must see. Ryan J. Pezdirc on the Web : IMDB - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2896779/?ref_=fn_all_nme_1 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ryan.pezdirc

Joining Andy Plex for his fourth outing is Andy's father - Giovanni Maiorano! To celebrate Giovanni's 80th birthday this summer this father-son duo cover two films Giovanni saw 70 summers ago (1955) in the theater as a double bill - "It Came from Beneath the Sea" and "Creature with the Atom Brain." So put on your hazmat suits and hear Giovanni sharing stories of walking to the movies to see these films in 1955. In the "fallout" of WW2, the dropping of two atom bombs by the USA, and into the Cold War, the 1950s were a strange time. How do these two films reflect the spirit of the age? Why do monster movies capture our imagination? Giovanni Maiorano has and continues to be a massive inspiration for Andy Plex's film education so DO NOT miss this RADIOACTIVE episode!

Joining Andy Plex to discuss the 1988 sci-Fi, horror, dark comedic documentary (?) from legendary anti-authoritarian director John Carpenter - "They Live" - is stylist, art curator, and singer/songwriter Megan Tronic aka MOTHERSHIP. If you asked John Carpenter to look at 2025 in 1988 America he may have thought he was making a documentary about the future. Why does this movie continue to inspire legions of audiences around the world? Why is it a biting warning about unchecked capitalism? Now in an age where 6 companies control most of the media and we live our lives from one screen to the next, why must we be on super alert regarding the subliminal messages underneath from our overlord masters? "They Live" tackles heavy themes of enslavement through mass media and we do not heed the warnings laid here, we are doomed to be cattle herded by those in control. Megan Tronic on the Web: IG: https://www.instagram.com/meg_tronic/?hl=en

Returning to the AndyPlex to deep dive into the body horror blowout "The Substance" (2024) is horror podcaster "Everything is Scary" - Amy Drolet! Join these two as they go down the slimy and bloody rabbit hole of "The Substance." Why is this movie a powerful allegory for having a body, facing the tremendous pressures of the world around us, and advertisers? How is this film a unique lens into the female experience particularly in the world of showbiz? The Substance is a stylish visual rollercoaster ride, bloody horror piece, but is about the dangers of not loving and supporting ourselves. This film transcends the genre and has won Golden Globes and an Oscar. Also being nominated for Best Picture - this bloody romp is more than meets the eye and has plenty to say about well...Life with a body. Amy Drolet on the Web : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everything-is-scary/id1476456853 Instagram : @gutterbutterfly

Returning guest, screenwriter J "Angel" Sierra joins to talk about the 1985 horror, sci-fi, action romp from horror master Tobe Hooper - "Lifeforce." Angel and Andy reflect back at this under appreciated piece on its 40th anniversary. Why is this film great? What questions does it pose about the universe and humanities place in it? Why is space scary but also philosophical and beautiful? How does "Lifeforce" contribute to the ancient horror subject of vampires? How does it come at from a new angle? Angel speaks on this film's newly released director's cut with almost 20 more minutes, why it is a superior version of the film, and why this thing deserves a closer look.

To ring in 50 episodes and 5 years of The AndyPlex Podcast is returning alumnus, now fourpeeting - Phil Gawthorne. Screenwriter and podcaster, Phil was Andy's very first guest 5 years ago. These two have become dear friends and frequent collaborators since episode 1 "Foggy Days," discussing John Carpenter's "The Fog" (1980). They both share a deep love of John Carpenter, so it is very fitting that they deep dive into "Escape from New York" (1981). Why is "Escape from New York" an all time great film? Why does it continue to resonate 44 years later? What is about John Carpenter that endures and captures the imagination? What messages does this film ask that we heed? With Phil's screenwriting expertise - join these two as they get under the hood and see why this film's engine has lethal amounts of torque! Phil Gawthorne on the Web : Die Hard on a Blank Podcast : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/die-hard-on-a-blank/id1658664345 48 Hours of Buddy Movies Podcast : https://www.patreon.com/48HoursOfBuddyMovies

Returning for a threepeat is film historian, filmmaker, and actor Kryzstofer that 70s Guy. Kryzstofer and Andy dive deep into the troubled waters of "Lifeboat" (1944) on its 81st anniversary. Why is this movie hauntingly on the money now in 2025? How has this film managed to resonate and endure for 8 decades? Why is Hitch a master? What are the lessons he believes we must heed or die as a society, a civilization, and a species? Grab your oars and your floatation devices - this one is gonna get wet folks!! Kryzstofer that 70s Guy on the Web - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kryzstofer_that70sguy/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/kryzstofer.charles

Continuing the literary series of books/poems turned film (Episode 21 and 46) and returning to discuss the 1939 action epic "Gunga Din" is Andy Plex's own father Giovanni Maiorano! Giovanni is one of Andy's biggest film inspirations and this is one of his favorite films. "Gunga Din" is based off the Kipling poem of the same name and marks the oldest piece covered so far on the show. What makes "Gunga Din" such an enduring film at 86 years old? How does it hold up and continue to dazzle modern audiences?

The Andy Plex alum "Episode 31 - The Power of Podcast Compels You" Kryzstofer that 70s Guy returns for a very unique mission - defending a misunderstood or "bad" sequel "Exorcist 2 - the Heretic (1977). " Andy Plex and Kryzstofer covered the first film for its 50th anniversary and the passing of William Friedkin, but now push the envelope to go to bat for its critically poor received sequel from director John Boorman. Kryzstofer and Andy dive deep to ask why is this film a masterpiece? How is it a good sequel? How does it push the bounds of the horror medium? Why is it indeed a masterpiece? These two argue that "The Heretic" questions humanity and its power to have evil within and pass that evil on if not careful. What lessons can we heed from this tale? How does this film bring science, psychology, and religion together to analyze humanities gifts for good and potential evil? Kryzstofer is a big activist and leader in the film community. He collects film prints and begs those to take closer looks at the darker nooks and crannies of the film libraries. Kryzstofer that 70s guy on the web : https://www.facebook.com/kryzstofer.charles https://www.instagram.com/kryzstofer_that70sguy/

Returning to the AndyPlex podcast is Giovanni Maiorano, aka "Dad." Giovanni Maiorano inspired Andy to study cinema and introduced him to many classics growing up in late 80s and throughout the 90s. Andy's Dad talks about Edgar Allan Poe's work, with a special emphasis on "The Raven" poem. These two also take a deep dive look at "The Raven" (1963) directed by the late titan, Roger Corman, and starring Vincent Price, Peter Lorre, Hazel Court, and Boris Karloff. To honor the passing of cinema legend Roger Corman, Andy has been combing through his catalogue and wanted to visit this piece going into spooky season 2024. Why does Roger Corman's work endure? Why does Edgar Allan Poe's work endure.

Joining Andy to discuss film is author Scott Ryan "The Last Days of Letterman," and "Moonlighting: An Oral History." Scott has just released his new book "The Last Decade of Cinema" chronicling and studying 90s film. Scott considers this the apex of story in Hollywood and believes it's been a downhill slide since. What is about the 90s that made it so potent? Why do we find ourselves looking back? Join these two as they wax poetic about this bygone era and mine it for its lessons that still bear fruit today. Scott Ryan on the Web: https://www.tuckerdspress.com/product-page/the-last-decade-of-cinema ("The Last Decade of Cinema") https://www.tuckerdspress.com/ IG : @thelastdecadeofcinema X : @ScottLuxStory

Returning to the show after Episode 43 "Tokyo Gore Police" is podcaster ("Everything is Scary"), writer, and horror guru Amy Drolet. Amy speaks of her beginnings in Atlanta, why horror is so important to her, and why she decided to set sail for Los Angeles to pursue a life in film. Why is horror such a powerful tool to teach? What is it about being scared that is so much fun? Mayhaps it's bringing the issue to the surface so we can talk about it and then...lay it to rest? Or shall we say DROLET it to rest. Amy Drolet on the Web : "Everything is Scary" Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everything-is-scary/id1476456853 Instagram: @GutterButterfly X : @TheGoreGoreGirl

Joining Andy to discuss the 2008 Japanese splatter horror/comedy “Tokyo Gore Police” is Amy Drolet! Amy is a podcaster (“Everything is Scary), writer, and horror aficionado. Director Yoshihiro Nishimura comes from a special effects background and IT SHOWS here. “Tokyo Gore Police” is a blood drenched body horror spectacle but is also a deep allegory/satire on the dangers of unchecked privatized power - especially if extended to public services like the police! Amy Drolet on the Web : “Everything is Scary“ podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everything-is-scary/id1476456853 Instagram : Gutterbutterfly X : TheGoreGoreGirl

Returning to The AndyPlex after his journey episode "Welcome to Slime Time" is Hollywood stuntman, actor, and producer Kevin Mangold. Andy and Kevin talk about the brand new "Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire" (2024) on the 40th anniversary of the franchise. Kevin plays Slimer in the movie and these two talk about why it is an amazing sequel, furthers the franchise, and expands the story and character journeys. Why does Ghostbusters endure? What keeps people coming back as the franchise enters its fifth decade? Kevin Mangold on the web : kevinmangold.com IMDB : www.imdb.com/name/nm1077299/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1 INSTAGRAM : www.instagram.com/horacestunts/

Joining Andy to talk about his decades long journey into the film business is actor and stuntman - Kevin Mangold! Most recently Kevin breathed life (death?) into Slimer in Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024). Andy is a massive Ghostbusters fan and these two wax (slime?) poetic about the franchise and what it means to be a part of it. Together they look at Slimer's arc in the new film, and the process of playing him physically and mentally/spiritually. Kevin began acting and doing stunts in tv and film since he was a teenager. Here he talks about his journey to LA, how he got started, and what he's been up to lately. Kevin Mangold on the web : kevinmangold.com IMDB : https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1077299/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1 INSTAGRAM : https://www.instagram.com/horacestunts/

Returning from Episode 39 "The Rose Maker" is linguist and foreign film festival worker Andres Fernandez. Hear Andres' incredible journey towards being such a strong linguist and international film festival extraordinaire! Andy and Andres work together at Sofitel Beverly Hills, a French hotel. Let's get international! Andres on the Web : AndresAlexis.com