On this week's episode of Shat the Movies, Gene and Big D dive into Steven Spielberg's epic 1987 coming-of-age war drama, Empire of the Sun. Commissioned by loyal listener Jeff S., this film takes us on a journey through World War II-era Shanghai.

Join us as we explore Spielberg’s masterful direction, the stunning cinematography, and Bale's standout performance in what many consider his breakout role. We’ll also discuss the historical significance of the film, its initial reception, and how it holds up decades later. Did Empire of the Sun earn its place as one of Spielberg’s most overlooked masterpieces, or does it fall short?

Episode Highlights:

• Christian Bale's career-launching role at just 12 years old.
• The historical context of Japan's occupation of Shanghai and how Spielberg brings it to life.
• The film’s unique narrative structure and how Spielberg sets the stage for his iconic storytelling.
• More of Big D's Tales from Blockbuster

Subscribe Now

• Android: https://www.shatpod.com/android
• Apple/iTunes: https://www.shatpod.com/apple

Help Support the Podcast

• Contact Us: https://www.shatpod.com/contact
• Commission Movie: https://www.shatpod.com/support
• Support with Paypal: https://www.shatpod.com/paypal
• Support With Venmo: https://www.shatpod.com/venmo
• Shop Merchandise: https://www.shatpod.com/shop
• Theme Song - Die Hard by Guyz Nite: https://www.facebook.com/guyznite

This week on "Shat the Movies," we’re diving into The First Power (1990)! Join us as we follow Lou Diamond Phillips’ cop on the hunt for a resurrected serial killer with a sinister supernatural ability.

We’ll unpack the film’s blend of horror, action, and thrills, exploring what makes it a unique ‘90s thriller. Whether you’re a fan or new to the film, tune in for a fun and spooky ride through this supernatural crime drama!

Plot Summary:
In the 1990 supernatural thriller The First Power, directed by Robert Resnikoff, Lou Diamond Phillips stars as Russell Logan, a tough Los Angeles detective who captures a notorious serial killer, Patrick Channing (Jeff Kober), known for his ritualistic murders. Channing, dubbed “The Pentagram Killer,” is sentenced to death and executed in the gas chamber. However, Logan soon learns that Channing’s death was only the beginning. The killer made a demonic pact granting him "the first power," a supernatural ability to return from the dead with the power of possession.

Logan teams up with psychic Tess Seaton (Tracy Griffith), whose disturbing visions had helped him capture Channing initially. Now, her psychic abilities reveal that Channing has come back from the grave, more dangerous than ever. Channing’s new power allows him to inhabit the bodies of others, making him an unpredictable and unstoppable force as he resumes his killing spree. Logan, a hardened skeptic, is forced to confront the reality of the supernatural as he battles against an evil far beyond his understanding.

As the possessed Channing terrorizes the city, Logan and Tess must race against time to stop him before he claims more victims. Their investigation leads them through dark alleys, abandoned buildings, and intense confrontations that test Logan’s resolve and Tess’s psychic abilities. The film’s blend of police procedural and supernatural horror keeps the tension high, leading to a climactic showdown between Logan and the malevolent, seemingly invincible Channing.

The First Power combines intense action, horror, and suspense, featuring a chilling performance from Jeff Kober and a gritty portrayal by Lou Diamond Phillips. Join our podcast review as we dive into this 90s thriller, exploring its unique premise, memorable scares, and whether it still delivers the chills today.

Subscribe Now

• Android: https://www.shatpod.com/android
• Apple/iTunes: https://www.shatpod.com/apple

Help Support the Podcast

• Contact Us: https://www.shatpod.com/contact
• Commission Movie: https://www.shatpod.com/support
• Support with Paypal: https://www.shatpod.com/paypal
• Support With Venmo: https://www.shatpod.com/venmo
• Shop Merchandise: https://www.shatpod.com/shop
• Theme Song - Die Hard by Guyz Nite: https://www.facebook.com/guyznite

Stressed about the biggest election of our lives? Shat The Movies will transport you back to a time when America was united against global terror and supermodels roamed the runways. Join us for the 2001 Ben Stiller comedy, "Zoolander."

Hot Sauce Steve won the Shat Fantasy Football League last season and chose "Zoolander" as his prize. This cameo comedy is a true time capsule—touching on disposable fashion, millennial celebrities and a few dated jokes.

On this episode, Gene explains why "Zoolander" should be viewed with subtitles. Big D makes the case for reviewing more movies from the 2000s. And Will Farrell proves why he's the funniest guy in every movie he graces.

Subscribe Now

• Android: https://www.shatpod.com/android
• Apple/iTunes: https://www.shatpod.com/apple

Help Support the Podcast

• Contact Us: https://www.shatpod.com/contact
• Commission Movie: https://www.shatpod.com/support
• Support with Paypal: https://www.shatpod.com/paypal
• Support With Venmo: https://www.shatpod.com/venmo
• Shop Merchandise: https://www.shatpod.com/shop
• Theme Song - Die Hard by Guyz Nite: https://www.facebook.com/guyznite