Drive down the cinematic enigma of Zyzzyx Road with Parliament After Dark! This inaugural episode of our Reel Lit/Shelf Criticism special takes a closer look at the lowest-grossing domestic film of all time, a bizarre thriller starring Katherine Heigl, Tom Sizemore, and Leo Grillo. Was it a misunderstood masterpiece, a marketing disaster, or just a mess best left buried in the Nevada desert?

Join Stephen, McKenzie, and Raegan as they explore the history behind the film’s infamous $30 box office, dissect its plot, performances, and production, and debate its merits—or lack thereof—with their signature blend of wit and insight. From cringe-worthy scenes to unexpected moments of depth, this midnight movie gets the full parliamentary treatment.

Will Zyzzyx Road get a unanimous thumbs-up or an unceremonious gavel down? Find out on Parliament After Dark!

In this Halloween special of Reel Lit, Stephen and McKenzie dive into Susan Hill's chilling novel The Woman in Black and its eerie 2012 film adaptation. They explore the haunting isolation of Eel Marsh House, examine the atmospheric use of silence, and discuss how mirrors and doubling underscore the lingering impact of grief and trauma. With their unique blend of wit and analysis, they uncover the unsettling elements that make The Woman in Black an enduring classic of ghostly horror.

In this episode of Reel Lit, we're literally shooting for the stars! Join us as we dive into Neil Gaiman's 1999 novel Stardust and its whimsical 2007 film adaptation. We explore the contrasting tones of the book's darker, more mature themes with the film's lighter, comedic adventure. From costume symbolism and the significance of the characters' names to a rogues' gallery of familiar faces (Henry Cavill, anyone?), we leave no stone—or star—unturned.

We also geek out over the surprising cast cameos and dissect the intricacies of Captain Shakespeare’s flamboyant wardrobe. Plus, we dig into the moral ambiguity of Stardust's so-called 'heroes' in our 'Most Hated Character' segment.

And, of course, we can’t resist a little banter about Halloween preparations and a tease for our next spooky episode. So, grab your Bubbling ... err ... Babylon candle and get ready for a journey to the land of Faerie!

After being robbed of an Oscar with L.A. Confidential, director Curtis Hanson bounced back with the 2000 film Wonder Boys, based on Pulitzer-Prize winner Michael Chabon's 1995 novel. Join us on Reel Lit as McKenzie and Stephen take a look at the novel and the film, examining both the concept of the doppelgänger in the novel and analyzing Grady Tripp's spells ("You make it sound like we're in a Tennessee Williams play").

There is so much to cover: hood jumping, parenthood, and just how darn difficult it is to pronounce "Monongahela." Will Dimaggio's 56-game hitting streak ever be broken? Can you ever forget an Oola? Join us as we explore even more mysteries of Pittsburgh.

In this thrilling episode of Reel Lit, join Stephen and McKenzie as they swoop into the world of Daphne du Maurier’s chilling novella (1952) and Alfred Hitchcock’s iconic film adaptation (1963), The Birds. This week, we’re excited to welcome our special guest, Dr. Brenna Wardell, a distinguished expert in film studies and Hitchcockian suspense.

From the absurdist stages of Eugene Ionesco's 'Rhinoceros' to the outrageous antics of 'Zombie Strippers,' we explore the surreal collision of existential dread and undead exotic dancers. Join us as we unpack the transformation of humans into beasts and strippers into zombies, probing the depths of societal conformity and cinematic excess.

From Lois Duncan's 1973 novel that captivated Gen X'ers to the 1997 film filled with the hottest young stars that captivated Millennials, we delve into urban legends, hook hands, and those foolish teenage years.

In the inaugural episode, we're talking Peter Benchley's 1974 best-seller and the 1975 film that began the summer movie tradition. We take a deep dive and sink our teeth into Jaws, seeing what insights we can reel in.