Episode 98 - The Cable Guy

Welcome to the Blast Zone, where we dive deep into the films that shook Hollywood and attempt to unearth why they stumbled and fell. But this isn't just any podcast; we're not here to dissect your run-of-the-mill bad movies. No, we're exploring the enigmatic realm of cinematic failures. I'm John Drake, film critic extraordinaire, as my Letterboxd profile proudly boasts, and I'm Ian Dukes, a soul brimming with thoughts and feelings, some of which are dedicated to the world of cinema. Today, we're dissecting "The Cable Guy." But before we plunge into that, Ian, how are you?

Remember last week when I optimistically welcomed the arrival of spring sunshine, hoping it would wash away my winter blues? Well, it seems the rain has returned. I don't know why, but there's been no sunshine this week, leaving me dissatisfied. Are you sure it's not a "discount intent," Ian? Maybe you should visit a sports equipment store, and I bet that would make it worse.

No, it appears we've swapped the weather this week, Ian. New England weather usually calls for cold and rain around this time, but today, the temperature hit 93 degrees. Yet, next week, it's forecast to plummet to about 50 degrees. Little-known fact, a week after a good Friday, there's always a weird Friday. That's the way it goes. I'm hoping this crazy weather will bring all the mosquitoes out, and they'll say, "Now's our time to shine, folks!" But then, when the temperature drops to around 33 degrees next week, they'll all freeze in their puddles. Well, I'll just urinate on them.

I don't know what's so appealing about me to mosquitoes. This April, I've been bitten five times. Oh, don't know if it's because I have diabetes or just an old wives' tale. Oh, yes, I think it's because they're attracted to CO2. Are you suggesting I'm emitting CO2? Maybe a little gassy, so it seems like hot people attract mosquito attention, which makes sense to me. Oh, well, maybe they see the heat signature from your body, like a predator. Exactly like that, mosquitoes look like predators up close. Terrifying creatures. It's too hot here; we're not prepared at all. My office doesn't have any working fans or AC, so the temperature inside the office reached 83 degrees all day. So, if I sound grumpy during this recording, it's because I'm not enjoying watching this movie.

Yes, and I'm feeling quite hot too. Understandably, this movie didn't offer a pleasant experience, and the weather isn't helping. Let's try to bring our own positive energy to this week's episode. With that spirit, have you watched anything interesting this week that you'd like to share with our listeners?

I have, Ian. I've watched something quite positive. I'm expanding a mini-theme here, focusing on unbeatable action films from 2014. Last week, I discussed "Edge of Tomorrow," and this week, I decided to rewatch the first "John Wick" film. I think we even mentioned it in that episode, how it led to a spin-off film, "Ballernina," and a TV spin-off series, "Continental." So, I thought, it's time to revisit the old John Wick films so I can enjoy the latest installment in the John Wick universe. It's been a while since I last watched it. It's more stylish, quieter, and classier than I remember. It starts as a wordless action film that hints at how he lost his wife, which almost had me shedding tears with Keanu. Very powerful. They don't utter a single word for the first 10 minutes of the film, and you're like, "Wow, this is heavy," with our friend Bridget Moynahan playing the late Helen Wick. Is her name really Helen Wick? Yes, she took a break from Nicholas Cage in "Lord of War" and came to this film to act alongside Keanu, and it didn't end well for her. Do you think it's because John Wick got his weapons from Yuri Orloff, and that's how they met? That would be fun, some sort of expanded universe, how they came together. This brings me to the point about "John Wick" I want to make, yes, I think the first one is still the best because it hints at connected things in that universe, a deeper, hidden world in the "Continental." It's a bit over-explained and over-engineered in the later installments with the "High Table" and all that. It seems a bit less plausible, but it's more realistic in the first one. I agree that leaving more to the imagination, so you wonder what this assassin society is, and they have some rules and coins, but we don't know more than that, and it feels cool the way it is. And you don't need to explain and expand on it. But the problem is it's dragged out more in the subsequent films. I haven't watched "John Wick 4" yet, but from what I've heard, it seems that theme is still ongoing, so they're still entertaining, but I think the first one will always be special. It's a great film, and I think because it's slow and deliberate, there's no action until after the first 15 minutes of the film, and the trouble starts, it really helps balance the film because most of the action in the film goes over the top, but overall, the film feels more balanced and classy because they don't start with overly explosive action from the beginning. I like that part.

In this section, the hosts discuss how the movie is somewhat awkwardly structured, with a significant portion of the film dedicated to setting up the impending confrontation between the two main characters. They suggest that it might have been more effective if the antagonist, Chip, initially appeared charming and gradually revealed his craziness. They also discuss the awkwardness of certain scenes and Chip's strange propositions. They mention that Chip's character could have been more relatable if his behavior appeared normal at first.

The hosts also touch on the basketball scene in the movie, which they find effective in portraying the discomfort of social situations where it's hard to say no. They talk about how this scene is relatable because many people have encountered overly competitive individuals in similar situations.

Additionally, the hosts discuss how social interactions and expectations have evolved over generations. They talk about how the basketball scene in the movie was more relatable because of these changing social dynamics.

The hosts also share an interesting tidbit about the film, revealing that Jim Carrey couldn't dribble a basketball convincingly, and CGI was used to add the basketball in post-production. They compare this to other actors like Adam Sandler, who would likely have practiced basketball for their roles.

The discussion highlights a specific laugh in the film, noting that it was one of the few genuinely funny moments in the movie. They find it amusing.

Now, let's dive into the essence of "The Cable Guy" and explore the intriguing cinematic enigma it presents.

The Cinematic Enigma of "The Cable Guy"

Welcome to the Blast Zone, a podcast where we delve into the movies that rocked Hollywood, and