Out in the manly pregnancy world of film podcasts, Fear and Loathing in Cinema sets itself apart with its irreverent blend of pop culture critique, nostalgic deep-dives, and a razor-sharp, at times almost uncomfortably candid, dissection of cinematic relics that were once scorned but now, with the benefit of time, seem worthy of a second look. Hosted by a group of unpredictable yet undeniably insightful voices; Bryan Kluger, a media director with a sharp sense of irony of offensive things; Dan Moran, a lawyer who brings an often absurd legal perspective of the film industry and Kevin Costner; Preston Barta, a film critic with a taste for the heart-warmingly obscure branch of cinema; and Chelsea Nicole, a culture critic who digs into the nuances of social dynamics and horror; Fear and Loathing in Cinema Podcast thrives in that rare space between sincere analysis and gut-busting humor.
On Episode #137 of Fear and Loathing in Cinema, the four cinematic sperms finally find their egg, and what an egg it is. The year is 1994. America is wearing denim on denim without irony. The internet is a rumor. And somewhere in Hollywood, Ivan Reitman, the comedic alchemist behind Ghostbusters and Twins, asks a question no one dared to voice aloud. What if Arnold Schwarzenegger got pregnant?
Enter Junior, a film that was marketed as a comedy, played like a fever dream, and aged like a fine bottle of prenatal vitamins. The premise? Danny DeVito plays a fertility doctor (of course he does), and Arnold plays a scientist who injects himself with an experimental serum that results in, well, a baby bump. What follows is part sci-fi absurdity, part heartfelt melodrama, and entirely unhinged.
Now, in 1994, audiences recoiled. Critics politely suggested everyone involved take a long nap. The box office gave it the cold shoulder. But on Fear and Loathing in Cinema, Bryan, Dan, Chelsea, and Preston say otherwise. In our humble, movie-obsessed, caffeine-fueled opinion, Junior is not a disaster. It’s a misunderstood miracle.
We talk about the science (or lack thereof) behind male pregnancy, uncover the revelation that Mel Gibson was almost cast in the role (insert collective gasp here), and explore how a film about a man growing life inside him manages to be both tender and profoundly silly. Beneath the latex bellies and the hormonal outbursts, there’s something oddly sweet and something that feels like Ivan Reitman trying to sneak a love letter to vulnerability into a studio comedy.
And let’s be honest, Arnold sells it. The man who once shouted, “Get to the choppah!” now quietly whispers, “My body, my choice.” The performance is shockingly sincere, and by the time the credits roll, you believe him.
So, tune in. Listen everywhere podcasts are born. Bring a swaddle blanket, a pacifier, and maybe a box of tissues. Because Junior isn’t just a movie, it’s cinematic childbirth. And yes, it’s beautiful. We only wish Dan were there to actually watch it crown.

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WRITTEN BY: BRYAN KLUGER
BRYAN KLUGER, A SEASONED VOICE IN THE REALM OF ENTERTAINMENT CRITICISM, HAS CONTRIBUTED TO A WIDE ARRAY OF PUBLICATIONS INCLUDING ARTS+CULTURE MAGAZINE, HIGH DEF DIGEST, BOOMSTICK COMICS, AND HOUSING WIRE MAGAZINE, AMONG OTHERS.
HIS INSIGHTS ARE ALSO CAPTURED THROUGH HIS PODCASTS; MY BLOODY PODCAST AND FEAR AND LOATHING IN CINEMA PODCAST; WHICH LISTENERS CAN ENJOY ACROSS A VARIETY OF PLATFORMS.
IN ADDITION TO HIS WRITTEN WORK, KLUGER BRINGS HIS EXPERTISE TO THE AIRWAVES,