After an entire season of Video Game Movies, it’s safe to assume that Sarah is ready to move on to her choice for season 13. But before we allow her to do that, we’ve got the season 12 wrap show to consider. In the usual wrap show tradition, we speak about the low points, the high points (yes, there are some) and what it is about video game adaptations that make it so hard to make a good one. It’s basically a one-on-one therapy session to help purge the stench from our systems and cleanse our souls for the next season. What else to expect from the episode: Discussion about which films in the lineup surprised us Other movies we watched for the season Mention of films that nearly made Dan’s list Chat about some of the lowest and highest rated video game movies A quiz prepared by Sarah We shall return! November 24th sees the beginning of season 13 which Sarah gets to choose this time. Be there or be square! Would you like to see the full lineup for season 13? The only place you can see it is on Patreon but you don’t need to be a paying member. Sign up for a free membership and get access to the lineup when it drops any day now. Instagram | TikTok | Threads | YouTube

Welcome to the final battle of Dan’s season of video game movies, where we tackle the quintessential 90s movie adaptation of Midway’s hyper-violent fighting game, Mortal Kombat (1995). We’re closing out the season in style – or perhaps lack thereof – with the second appearance of director Paul W.S. Anderson (see our episode covering Resident Evil at the beginning of the season). Dan admits this computer game adaptation is effin stupid but still finds it fun and iconic. Meanwhile, Sarah is glad it’s over for fear of any more video game movies potentially invoking mental illness upon her. This cheesy 90s action film was a massive box-office success, grossing over $120 million on a $20 million budget. We discuss the perplexing decision by New Line Cinema (who built their brand on Freddy Krueger!) to water down the signature violence and force a PG-13 rating, denying the R-rated fatalities the source material demands. Dan defends Anderson’s work, noting that the director adapted his methods on set as advised by proficient martial artist and star Robin Shou (Liu Kang). We marvel at how much dedication Christopher Lambert (Raiden) had for the project and celebrate the fact that the film features some of the first major Hollywood wirework. However, we can’t stop asking: What exactly is Goro, the animatronic monster that ate 5% of the film’s budget? We scrutinise the confusing plot, the jarring CGI and why the usually badass Sonya Blade (Bridget Wilson Sampras) gets sidelined and forced into a dress. Listen as Sarah unleashes a final FATALITY on the season’s terrible musical selections, citing the theme song as the worst soundtrack of the season–a claim Dan aggressively disputes. What to expect from this episode: We explain why the movie adaptation was forced to go PG-13, despite the game’s hyper-violent reputation. Dan and Sarah argue over the iconic (or headache-inducing) movie soundtrack. We discuss the complex animatronics required to bring Goro to life, which cost $1 million and required 13-16 operators. Critique of the film’s messy opening, where characters like Liu Kang, Sonya Blade and Johnny Cage are introduced haphazardly. Sarah shares some interesting trivia about how Kano’s character was adapted in the game’s following the release of Mortal Kombat (1995). We praise the decent fighting choreography, noting the early use of wirework in Hollywood inspired by Hong Kong action films. We discuss how Christopher Lambert’s casting as Raiden was influenced by his love for the original fighting game. And finally, we thank our podcast pals Chris and Joel at Just the Thing podcast for the shout-out on their Resident Evil: Afterlife episode, which is an excellent companion show for our Resident Evil episode. Sadly, that concludes Dan’s season of video-game adaptations but fear not, for we will return on November 24th for a brand new season and a brand new theme, as chosen by Sarah. Be sure to listen right to the end of this episode to find out what she has in store.  If you would like to find out the full lineup for the next season, sign up to Patreon as a FREE member to see the schedule when it drops, in a few weeks. If you have some loose change consider signing up as a paid member. Our £3 a month Patreon tier will grant you access to all of our end of season wrap shows for seasons 1-11 and a minimum of 2 reviews of brand new movies each month. Plus the back-catalogue of reviews from 2023, 2024 and 2025.  Enjoy the show but can’t support us financially? We get it. You could submit a review on the podcast player you’re reading this on right now. Or if you listen on Spotify and you haven’t given us a five-star rating yet, what are ye waiting for? It’s easy. If you’ve done some or all of that and still want to do more, we would love it if you tell a friend about the show.   Or come find us on social media: Instagram | TikTok | Threads | YouTube

After discussing Lara Croft to death last episode, this time we felt the Need for Speed as we start the engines on our episode covering this largely forgotten car movie. We shifted gears this week to Need for Speed (2014) which is a video game adaptation focused on illegal street racing and other related and non-related crimes. We spend a chunk of time analysing some of the strange casting choices, from lead Aaron Paul failing to ignite the screen with Imogen Poots, to the baffling inclusion of a disheveled Michael Keaton playing an anonymous radio commentator. We will, inevitably, unpack the horrifying behaviour of Rami Malek’s character, Finn, and try to remember Dakota Johnson’s entirely forgettable character. What to expect from this week’s episode: We analyse whether Aaron Paul’s career ever truly raced past Breaking Bad. Sarah details her notes on the sheer number of consequential off-screen deaths and subsequent crimes the characters commit. We praise the commitment to practical effects and compare the action movies car chases to classics like Bullitt and Vanishing Point. We examine why the police were not remotely concerned about shutting down Monarch’s illegal street racing operation. We spend a necessary amount of time questioning Benny (Kid Cudi) and his physics-defying, time-traveling plane. We discuss how the film could have been improved by trimming the fat (specifically two superfluous characters). We crown our newest winner of the Jason Statham King of Turds Award. Would you like to see the full lineup for season 12? The only place you can see it is on Patreon but you don’t need to be a paying member. Sign up for a free membership and get access to the lineup. If you do have some loose change consider signing up as a paid member. Our £3 a month Patreon tier will grant you access to all of our end of season wrap shows for seasons 1-11 and a minimum of 2 reviews of brand new movies each month. Plus the back-catalogue of reviews from 2023, 2024 and 2025.  Enjoy the show but can’t support us financially? We get it. You could submit a review on the podcast player you’re reading this on right now. Or if you listen on Spotify and you haven’t given us a five-star rating yet, what are ye waiting for? It’s easy. If you’ve done some or all of that and still want to do more, we would love it if you tell a friend about the show.   Or come find us on social media: Instagram | TikTok | Threads | YouTube

Welcome back to Shoot the Hostage for the 6th level of our video game movies season! This week, Dan and Sarah step into Croft Manor, ready to spill the pixelated beans on 2001’s Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. Beware of potential spoilers for the film and the first two Tomb Raider games. Directed by Simon West, we ask why this computer game adaptation failed to capture the mood of the 1996 game, having missed the memo on atmospheric puzzle solving in favour of action. We delve into the games origins and discuss the troubled production of the Tomb Raider games (the first three anyway). We critique the accents from Jolie’s suspect English cadence to Daniel Craig’s strained American attempt (whose character name had to be changed at the last minute). What else you can expect from this episode: Dan notes the extreme pressure on the game’s developers and the production stories for Tomb Raiders 1-3. We debate the movie’s bizarre character choices and feeble attempt at female empowerment. In a one-time only deal, we praise Jon Voight for delivering a solid Anthony Hopkins impression. Dan recounts the tales of securing the butler safely in the freezer in the 2nd Tomb Raider game. We critique everyone’s accents in the film and wonder why every other word is “bugger”. The use of Basement Jaxx’s “Where’s Your Head At” is cited as evidence that this film has the most 2001 soundtrack ever created. We express frustration over the final act and why we’ve covered another movie with an evil triangle. Would you like to see the full lineup for season 12? The only place you can see it is on Patreon but you don’t need to be a paying member. Sign up for a free membership and get access to the lineup. If you do have some loose change consider signing up as a paid member. Our £3 a month Patreon tier will grant you access to all of our end of season wrap shows for seasons 1-11 and a minimum of 2 reviews of brand new movies each month. Plus the back-catalogue of reviews from 2023, 2024 and 2025.  Enjoy the show but can’t support us financially? We get it. You could submit a review on the podcast player you’re reading this on right now. Or if you listen on Spotify and you haven’t given us a five-star rating yet, what are ye waiting for? It’s easy. If you’ve done some or all of that and still want to do more, we would love it if you tell a friend about the show.   Or come find us on social media: Instagram | TikTok | Threads | YouTube

We’re back for another episode in our season of video game movies and this week we’re Grid-locked in to talk about Tron: Legacy (2010). First-time feature director Joseph Kosinski was handed a massive budget and a cult classic to make sequel to. Did he succeed? Or was it user error? We talk about the uncanny valley of Jeff Bridges’ de-aged face and attempt to understand why Flynn went full cult leader for a thousand years in a computer. We also talk how unphased some characters are despite being magically transported in and out of computer programs willy nilly. What to expect from this episode: Dan unveils his spreadsheet calculating how long Flynn has been on the Grid. Sarah rants about why computer programs in the Grid are forced to wear high heels. We give appreciation for the genre-saving Daft Punk soundtrack. An analysis of Joseph Kosinski’s background as an Architect and how it could have influenced the film’s design. Links to Tron (1982) and how Tron: Legacy pays homage. We discuss why the minimal, uncredited cameo from Cillian Murphy. An examination of Michael Sheen’s “maximum oversheen” performance as Castor. We ponder why the Tron property endures and keeps getting sequels despite neither movie being a breakout hit. Would you like to see the full lineup for season 12? The only place you can see it is on Patreon but you don’t need to be a paying member. Sign up for a free membership and get access to the lineup. If you do have some loose change consider signing up as a paid member. Our £3 a month Patreon tier will grant you access to all of our end of season wrap shows for seasons 1-11 and a minimum of 2 reviews of brand new movies each month. Plus the back-catalogue of reviews from 2023, 2024 and 2025.  Enjoy the show but can’t support us financially? We get it. You could submit a review on the podcast player you’re reading this on right now. Or if you listen on Spotify and you haven’t given us a five-star rating yet, what are ye waiting for? It’s easy. If you’ve done some or all of that and still want to do more, we would love it if you tell a friend about the show.   Or come find us on social media: Instagram | TikTok | Threads | YouTube

Welcome back to Shoot the Hostage, it’s the 4th episode in our season exploring the world of video game movies, and this week, Dan and Sarah are vaulting their way through the absolute mess that is Eli Roth’s 2024 Borderlands adaptation! No holding back on this one. As a fan of the Borderlands game franchise, Sarah hoped for great things from this computer game adaptation, but it left her bitterly disappointed. Dan, meanwhile, just wants a signed agreement in blood to ensure this is the last Kevin Hart movie they cover. They’ll dive into why this $115 million budget disaster only pulled in $33 million at the box-office, questioning every decision along the way, including the alleged dog-poo inspiration for Claptrap. Join them as they dissect the wildly inappropriate PG-13 rating for an 18-certificate game, the baffling casting choices (Cate Blanchett we love you but WHY) and where this game adaptation fits into the plethora of video game movies. What to expect from this Borderlands episode: Apologies for not covering the other (better) The Borderlands movie from 2013. Dan blames Sarah for making him watch Borderlands again. They ponder if the film was too expensive, even if watched for “free” on Amazon. Questions are asked about why this feels like an “Asylum version” of Guardians of the Galaxy. Sarah discusses the original Borderlands game that came out way back in 2009 and laments the films failure to capture the essence of the games. They question the odd casting, particularly Kevin Hart as Roland and Cate Blanchett as Lilith. Dan has a dream recast for the main characters. Would you like to see the full lineup for season 12? The only place you can see it is on Patreon but you don’t need to be a paying member. Sign up for a free membership and get access to the lineup. If you do have some loose change consider signing up as a paid member. Our £3 a month Patreon tier will grant you access to all of our end of season wrap shows for seasons 1-11 and a minimum of 2 reviews of brand new movies each month. Plus the back-catalogue of reviews from 2023, 2024 and 2025.  Enjoy the show but can’t support us financially? We get it. You could submit a review on the podcast player you’re reading this on right now. Or if you listen on Spotify and you haven’t given us a five-star rating yet, what are ye waiting for? It’s easy. If you’ve done some or all of that and still want to do more, we would love it if you tell a friend about the show.   Or come find us on social media: Instagram | TikTok | Threads | YouTube

We’re back for the 3rd instalment of the season, diving into the often cursed realm of video game movies. This week, we’re dissecting the very recent movie adaptation of the cult classic interactive horror game, Until Dawn (2025). Will this adaptation keep you awake Until Dawn, or will you be begging for bedtime? The film, directed by David F. Sandberg (Lights Out, Annabelle Creation, Shazam) takes a bold swing, opting for a time-loop mechanic, a decision considered a departure from the game and a choice Sarah has opinions about. What to expect from this episode: Sarah’s spoiler-filled comparison of the film to the beloved Until Dawn game. Our thoughts on David F. Sandberg’s vision and creative flair. Critiques of the film’s time-loop mechanic. Why the characters felt as distinct as different shades of beige. Praise for the practical effects. Discussion on missed opportunities. A look at where Until Dawn (2025) ranks among other horror movie and computer game adaptations. Would you like to see the full lineup for season 12? The only place you can see it is on Patreon but you don’t need to be a paying member. Sign up for a free membership and get access to the lineup. If you do have some loose change consider signing up as a paid member. Our £3 a month Patreon tier will grant you access to all of our end of season wrap shows for seasons 1-11 and a minimum of 2 reviews of brand new movies each month. Plus the back-catalogue of reviews from 2023, 2024 and 2025.  Enjoy the show but can’t support us financially? We get it. You could submit a review on the podcast player you’re reading this on right now. Or if you listen on Spotify and you haven’t given us a five-star rating yet, what are ye waiting for? It’s easy. If you’ve done some or all of that and still want to do more, we would love it if you tell a friend about the show.   Or come find us on social media: Instagram | TikTok | Threads | YouTube

This week on Shoot the Hostage we’re returning to the pixelated trenches of video-game movies with Warcraft (2016). Expect our usual attempt into film analysis, swearing and enough spoilers to fill a dungeon raid – so make sure you’ve seen the film before you click that listen button. We’re plunging into the world of Azeroth, scrutinising director Duncan Jones’s vision and whether this computer game adaptation managed to capture the spirit of its massive source material, or if it ended up being an orc-wad cinematic experience. Join us as we explore the film’s cast, from Travis Fimmel’s Lothar to Paula Patton’s Garona, and the king himself, Dominic Cooper. We’ll also dive into the surprisingly stellar CGI for the Orcs (shout out Tobey Kebbell’s incredible mocap performance as Durotan!) contrasting with some of the physical sets, props and costumes. Here’s what to expect from this week’s expedition: We’ll dissect Duncan Jones’s direction and his legacy after Moon and Source Code. Dan will most likely bemoan the fantasy elements, possibly making a prerequisite joke about punching horses (which you should never do!) Sarah will share her perspective as a World of Warcraft player, but not the games this film is based on. Opinions on the seemingly split fan and critical reception. We’ll question if the films $160 million budget was truly visible on screen, especially concerning costumes. We’ll dive into the character portrayals by Travis Fimmel, Paula Patton, Toby Kebbell, and even the wasted talents of Ruth Negga. Debate on whether the film’s “information overload” is too obtuse for newcomers. Would you like to see the full lineup for season 12? The only place you can see it is on Patreon but you don’t need to be a paying member. Sign up for a free membership and get access to the lineup. If you do have some loose change consider signing up as a paid member. Our £3 a month Patreon tier will grant you access to all of our end of season wrap shows for seasons 1-11 and a minimum of 2 reviews of brand new movies each month. Plus the back-catalogue of reviews from 2023, 2024 and 2025.  Enjoy the show but can’t support us financially? We get it. You could submit a review on the podcast player you’re reading this on right now. Or if you listen on Spotify and you haven’t given us a five-star rating yet, what are ye waiting for? It’s easy. If you’ve done some or all of that and still want to do more, we would love it if you tell a friend about the show.   Or come find us on social media: Instagram | TikTok | Threads | YouTube

Get ready to reside in pure evil as Dan and Sarah kick off Season 12 of Shoot the Hostage with a deep dive into the 2002 action horror film, Resident Evil! After our last season got us all hooked on movies about drugs, we’re booting up a brand new theme: video game movies! And who better to start with than the master of computer game adaptations, director Paul W.S. Anderson? Join us as we explore the cult classic that spawned a franchise (and a very specific type of career for its director). We’re talking Milla Jovovich’s transformation into an action icon, her real-life romance with Anderson, and the shocking revelation that her role as Alice was nearly a damsel in distress! We also discuss the memorable contributions of Michelle Rodriguez as Rain, and the unforgettable, meat-cubed moment starring Colin Salmon. Brace yourselves for our unfiltered thoughts on the film’s dated CGI, its ”edgy” Marilyn Manson-infused soundtrack, and the curious case of the always-convenient amnesia trope. We unpack why George A. Romero’s original script was deemed too violent, and how the movie makes some surprising Alice in Wonderland connections. Is it a faithful movie adaptation? Is it even a good film? And is it truly a zombie movie, or just a reanimated corpse of a good idea? Here’s what to expect from this Resident Evil deep dive: How Resident Evil (2002) kicks off our new season of video game movie adaptations Dan’s long history with PlayStation and Sarah’s gaming preferences The career of director Paul W.S. Anderson and his frequent collaborator Milla Jovovich Why George A. Romero’s original Resident Evil script was deemed ”too violent” for Hollywood Our thoughts on the infamous laser hallway scene and Colin Salmon’s cubed fate. Why the film’s ”edgy” soundtrack, co-composed by Marilyn Manson, might give you a headache. A debate on if Resident Evil truly counts as a zombie movie and where it ranks amongst them. Insights into why computer game adaptations are notoriously difficult to get right, and how this film stacks up. Would you like to see the full lineup for season 12? The only place you can see it is on Patreon but you don’t need to be a paying member. Sign up for a free membership and get access to the lineup. If you do have some loose change consider signing up as a paid member. Our £3 a month Patreon tier will grant you access to all of our end of season wrap shows for seasons 1-11 and a minimum of 2 reviews of brand new movies each month. Plus the back-catalogue of reviews from 2023, 2024 and 2025.  Enjoy the show but can’t support us financially? We get it. You could submit a review on the podcast player you’re reading this on right now. Or if you listen on Spotify and you haven’t given us a five-star rating yet, what are ye waiting for? It’s easy. If you’ve done some or all of that and still want to do more, we would love it if you tell a friend about the show.   Or come find us on social media: Instagram | TikTok | Threads | YouTube

We are one week away from the new season but before we charge up the controllers and order a six-pack of energy drinks in preparation for Video Game Movies season, it’s time for our traditional bonus review of a new movie. We settled in to watch Ari Aster’s latest weirdo beardo offering, Eddington. No spoilers!  We are back next Monday September 8th for season 12 which is all about Video Game movies. Would you like to see the full lineup for season 12? The only place you can see it is on Patreon but you don’t need to be a paying member. Sign up for a free membership and get access to the lineup. This episode was first published on Patreon and is an example of the extra content you can get over on our £3.00 a month tier. If you sign up for that you’ll get access to all of our end of season wrap shows for seasons 1-11 and a minimum of 2 reviews of brand new movies each month.   Enjoy the show but can’t support us financially? We get it. You could submit a review on the podcast player you’re reading this on right now. Or if you listen on Spotify and you haven’t given us a five-star rating yet, what are ye waiting for? It’s easy. If you’ve done some or all of that and still want to do more, we would love it if you tell a friend about the show.   Or come find us on social media: Instagram | TikTok | Threads | YouTube

After eight weeks of cinematic exploration into the world of ”drugs movies” for Season 11, Dan and Sarah are back to share some of our favourite moments from the season! Sarah’s season of drugs films has certainly been a ’journey’, and not always the warm, fuzzy, hot chocolate kind. From the ’quintessential drugs movie’ vibes of Trainspotting and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and the notoriously bleak Requiem for a Dream, to the time-bending drug trips of Synchronic and the chaotic highs of Pineapple Express, this season has had it all. And yes, we’ve even managed to shoehorn in a few tangents about the American Pie franchise, Herbie, and why we’d rather live in the American Sock timeline. So, what can you expect from the ”best of drugs movies” season, you ask? Well, apart from us probably weeping under the stairs, you’ll get: Deep dives into drug-themed cinema, from the ”most paranoid movie known to man” to films that make you question reality and the human condition. Behind-the-scenes insights including how David Bowie helped secure Trainspotting’s iconic soundtrack and why Danny Boyle turned down a knighthood. Explorations of directors’ filmographies, including the unique approaches of Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead and the distinctive, often challenging, style of Gaspar Noé. Chaotic discussion, pop culture detours (like debating sexy presidents), and strong opinions on everything from Love Actually to whether Rosie Perez needed to be so ’menacing’ in Pineapple Express. Make sure to mark September 8th in your calendar as that is when we return for season 12! Would you like to see the full lineup for season 12? The only place you can see it is on Patreon but you don’t need to be a paying member. Sign up for a free membership and get access to the lineup when it drops. Enjoy the show but can’t support us financially? We get it. You could submit a review on the podcast player you’re reading this on right now. Or if you listen on Spotify and you haven’t given us a five-star rating yet, what are ye waiting for? It’s easy. If you’ve done some or all of that and still want to do more, we would love it if you tell a friend about the show.   Or come find us on social media: Instagram | TikTok | Threads | YouTube

Welcome to the Shoot the Hostage Season Eleven Wrap Show! After diving deep into the hazy world of “drugs movies” for eight episodes, Dan and Sarah are here to unpack all the highs (and occasional lows) of the season. From the gritty depths of heroin addiction to Climax-ing with LSD-infused sangria, this season was quite the trip! Sarah, who bravely curated this journey into films featuring addiction, walks us through the complete lineup in order of release: Trainspotting Synchronic Go Climax Brokedown Palace Pineapple Express Requiem for a Dream Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas They delve into the diverse drugs movies covered, from imaginary time-traveling substances to the ”everything under the sun” approach of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, examining both fictional and real-world issues. As Sarah chose the theme, Dan decided to reveal his dream “drugs movies” lineup, which has few surprises for Sarah. And prepare to test your movie trivia as Dan has a quiz for Sarah based on the films she picked. Will she remember the footwear-based concern of Raoul Duke or what Adam and Zach were stocking up on in go? This is just a taste of our Season Eleven Wrap Show – for the full version packed with more laughs, revelations, and a weird Greg Wallace based tangent, head over to our Patreon! You’ll also get exclusive access to wrap shows for all ten previous seasons. Make sure to mark September 8th in your calendar as that is when we return for season 12! Would you like to see the full lineup for season 12? The only place you can see it is on Patreon but you don’t need to be a paying member. Sign up for a free membership and get access to the lineup when it drops any day now. This episode is a preview of our season 11 wrap show which is available in full, over on our £3 a month Patreon tier. If you sign up for that you’ll get access to all of our end of season wrap shows for seasons 1-10 and a minimum of 2 reviews of brand new movies each month.   Enjoy the show but can’t support us financially? We get it. You could submit a review on the podcast player you’re reading this on right now. Or if you listen on Spotify and you haven’t given us a five-star rating yet, what are ye waiting for? It’s easy. If you’ve done some or all of that and still want to do more, we would love it if you tell a friend about the show.   Or come find us on social media: Instagram | TikTok | Threads | YouTube

This week on Shoot the Hostage, Sarah and Dan are taking a hit out of the little brown bottle as they dive headfirst into the quintessential drug-induced fever dream that is Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998). Join us as we navigate the most paranoid movie known to man, based on Hunter S. Thompson’s unreadably long-titled 1971 book. We’ll explore why Johnny Depp’s portrayal of Raoul Duke might be his career best, topped only by his co-star Benicio del Toro as Dr. Gonzo, the lawyer who leads you astray, overpays for lemon meringue pie and steals every scene he’s in.   Director Terry Gilliam was the perfect choice for this savage journey to the heart of the American dream, infusing it with his signature blend of surrealism, satire and more Dutch angles than you can shake a stick at. What to expect from the episode: The casting choices of Johnny Depp and Benicio del Toro and what could have been if the project had gotten off the ground in the 1970’s. Discussion around Terry Gilliams work and his surreal style, from Dutch angles to reptile people (thank you Rob Bottin). How the film captures the end of the American Dream. Discussions on Gonzo journalism and its relevance to modern documentary filmmaking. Our take on the Christina Ricci scene and why is still makes us uncomfortable Whether the movie glorifies drugs or is a cautionary tale of hedonism. Would you like to see the full lineup for season 11? The only place you can see it is on Patreon but you don’t need to be a paying member. Sign up for a free membership and get access to the lineup. If you do have some loose change consider signing up as a paid member. Our £3 a month Patreon tier will grant you access to all of our end of season wrap shows for seasons 1-10 and a minimum of 2 reviews of brand new movies each month. Plus the back-catalogue of reviews from 2023 and 2024.  Enjoy the show but can’t support us financially? We get it. You could submit a review on the podcast player you’re reading this on right now. Or if you listen on Spotify and you haven’t given us a five-star rating yet, what are ye waiting for? It’s easy. If you’ve done some or all of that and still want to do more, we would love it if you tell a friend about the show.   Or come find us on social media: Instagram | TikTok | Threads | YouTube

For our seventh, and decidedly not warm and fuzzy episode in the season, Sarah’s crafty programming has us plunging into Darren Aronofsky’s Requiem for a Dream (2000)! Expect praise for Ellen Burstyn’s Oscar-nominated performance as Sara Goldfarb which had crew weeping on set. We unpack the performances of Jared Leto, alongside Jennifer Connelly, as their grand aspirations turn into a spiral of despair exploring the dark side of films about toxic relationships and the pursuit of happiness. Was that Shooter McGavin?! Find out how the film tackles the often-overlooked prescription addiction alongside street drug use, and how it uses split screen to underscore the pervasive theme of loneliness. And why did Keith David show up late to the party? What to expect from this episode: We explore why Darren Aronofsky views directing like conducting an orchestra. Sarah explains the multiple meanings behind the film’s title, ”Requiem for a Dream”. The hosts discuss Jared Leto’s controversial acting methods and why Dan enjoyed his character’s suffering. We analyse Aronofsky’s distinctive visual style, including his famous quick cuts and use of SnorriCam. Dan speculates on a Happy Gilmore sequel starring Christopher McDonald’s character from this film. Sarah and Dan debate whether the film contains intentional comedic elements, despite its grim subject matter. Season 11 runs until August 11th with 8 episodes Would you like to see the full lineup for season 11? The only place you can see it is on Patreon but you don’t need to be a paying member. Sign up for a free membership and get access to the lineup. If you do have some loose change consider signing up as a paid member. Our £3 a month Patreon tier will grant you access to all of our end of season wrap shows for seasons 1-10 and a minimum of 2 reviews of brand new movies each month. Plus the back-catalogue of reviews from 2023 and 2024.  Enjoy the show but can’t support us financially? We get it. You could submit a review on the podcast player you’re reading this on right now. Or if you listen on Spotify and you haven’t given us a five-star rating yet, what are ye waiting for? It’s easy. If you’ve done some or all of that and still want to do more, we would love it if you tell a friend about the show.   Or come find us on social media: Instagram | TikTok | Threads | YouTube

All aboard the Pineapple Express! This week on Shoot the Hostage, Sarah and Dan are blazing a trail through the sticky green jungle of films about drugs as they unpack the 2008 stoner comedy, Pineapple Express. Join us atop the podcast pineapple as we dive into the surprisingly long history of stoner comedies, from 1932’s Jewel Robbery to the anti-marijuana propaganda of Reefer Madness and how the abolition of the Hays Code in the late 60’s truly unleashed the genre with pioneers like Cheech and Chong Here’s what to expect from the episode: A look at David Gordon Green’s incredibly varied filmography Opinions on the cast performances including Seth Rogen, James Franco, Danny McBride and Craig Robinson. Critique of Dale Denton’s relationships Stoner comedies from the 70’s to the late 2000’s Discussion around the subjectivity of comedy Season 11 runs until August 11th with 8 episodes Would you like to see the full lineup for season 11? The only place you can see it is on Patreon but you don’t need to be a paying member. Sign up for a free membership and get access to the lineup. If you do have some loose change consider signing up as a paid member. Our £3 a month Patreon tier will grant you access to all of our end of season wrap shows for seasons 1-10 and a minimum of 2 reviews of brand new movies each month. Plus the back-catalogue of reviews from 2023 and 2024.  Enjoy the show but can’t support us financially? We get it. You could submit a review on the podcast player you’re reading this on right now. Or if you listen on Spotify and you haven’t given us a five-star rating yet, what are ye waiting for? It’s easy. If you’ve done some or all of that and still want to do more, we would love it if you tell a friend about the show.   Or come find us on social media: Instagram | TikTok | Threads | YouTube

Welcome back to another episode, where this week, Sarah and Dan explore Brokedown Palace (1999). Join us as we break down the film’s shortcomings and unexpected moments. We delve into the representation of Thailand and the justice system depicted in the movie along with the undertones of American exceptionalism We discuss the cast, including Claire Danes (My So-Called Life and Romeo and Juliet), Kate Beckinsale (Shooting Fish and Underworld), Bill Pullman (a current favourite of Sarah’s), Lou Diamond Philips (Chavez) and a blink and you’ll miss him pre tuna sandwich Paul Walker. What to expect from the episode: Sarah reveals her past obsession with Brokedown Palace Discussion of the film’s portrayal of drugs smuggling Honest opinion about the soundtrack Exploration of the friendship theme central to the movie Explanation of why Danes was banned from Thailand Season 11 runs until August 11th with 8 episodes Would you like to see the full lineup for season 11? The only place you can see it is on Patreon but you don’t need to be a paying member. Sign up for a free membership and get access to the lineup. If you do have some loose change consider signing up as a paid member. Our £3 a month Patreon tier will grant you access to all of our end of season wrap shows for seasons 1-10 and a minimum of 2 reviews of brand new movies each month. Plus the back-catalogue of reviews from 2023 and 2024.  Enjoy the show but can’t support us financially? We get it. You could submit a review on the podcast player you’re reading this on right now. Or if you listen on Spotify and you haven’t given us a five-star rating yet, what are ye waiting for? It’s easy. If you’ve done some or all of that and still want to do more, we would love it if you tell a friend about the show.   Or come find us on social media: Instagram | TikTok | Threads | YouTube

This week on Shoot the Hostage, Sarah’s taking it all the way back to grim-town as we confront Gaspar Noé’s Climax (2018). We’ve arrived at the fourth film in Sarah’s season dedicated to movies about drugs. She explains why Climax took the fourth spot instead of the final one, which you would think, given the title, would be the natural placement. We also draw connections between Climax’s disorienting visuals and unsettling atmosphere to other controversial films seen on the characters’ interview tapes, such as Suspiria and Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom. The influence of Andre Żuławski’s Possession on Sofia Boutella’s intense performance is also discussed. Here’s what you can anticipate from this episode: Why this incredibly grim movie takes the fourth spot in Sarah’s season lineup instead of the final one. Contrasting viewing experiences: Sarah’s multiple, cathartic watches versus Dan’s two ”draining” encounters. Exploration of how Noé creates a disturbing portrayal of hedonism gone horribly wrong. Discussions on how the use of actual dancers and on-set improvisation contributes to the film’s unique realism A hypothetical and highly intellectual discission on who would win in a fight between 1 million monkeys and Nigel Farage Season 11 runs until August 11th with 8 episodes Would you like to see the full lineup for season 11? The only place you can see it is on Patreon but you don’t need to be a paying member. Sign up for a free membership and get access to the lineup. If you do have some loose change consider signing up as a paid member. Our £3 a month Patreon tier will grant you access to all of our end of season wrap shows for seasons 1-10 and a minimum of 2 reviews of brand new movies each month. Plus the back-catalogue of reviews from 2023 and 2024.  Enjoy the show but can’t support us financially? We get it. You could submit a review on the podcast player you’re reading this on right now. Or if you listen on Spotify and you haven’t given us a five-star rating yet, what are ye waiting for? It’s easy. If you’ve done some or all of that and still want to do more, we would love it if you tell a friend about the show.   Or come find us on social media: Instagram | TikTok | Threads | YouTube

Are you ready to GO all-in? This week on Shoot the Hostage our drugs season takes a detour intro the fast-paced, vibrant world of Doug Liman’s 1999 cult hit, Go – our third foray into the wild world of cinematic substances. This film boasts arguably the most aggressively late 90s cast ever, functioning as a true ensemble piece even if some weren’t A-listers at the time. We get into the raw talent of Sarah Polley as Ronna, a young adult making some truly stupid decisions over one wild night. We also delve into the magnetic Taye Diggs who improves the second act by at least 35% and the sheer chaos of Breckin Meyer.   We talk about Go’s incredible soundtrack with artists like Fatboy Slim, Steppenwolf, Massive Attack, and No Doubt. Despite Doug Liman’s initial unfamiliarity with rave culture, the film’s fast-paced energy and quick cutting brilliantly capture the hedonism of the time, without ever feeling preachy. The movie is infused with drugs, particularly ecstasy (or ”X,” which becomes a fun running visual motif throughout, and we unpack how the film blends crime thriller elements with ridiculous comedy. Here’s some other things we explore in the episode: Doug Liman’s directing style and other films from his career. The use of Melissa McCarthy and Confederated Products in other John August scripts The 90s ensemble cast, including Timothy Olyphant and Katie Holmes The film’s unique title, its possible meaning and the difficulty of searching for it online The style influenced by Tarantino, Kevin Smith, and Kevin Williamson. The script’s try-hard moments versus its enduring humour. Season 11 runs until August 11th with 8 episodes Would you like to see the full lineup for season 11? The only place you can see it is on Patreon but you don’t need to be a paying member. Sign up for a free membership and get access to the lineup. If you do have some loose change consider signing up as a paid member. Our £3 a month Patreon tier will grant you access to all of our end of season wrap shows for seasons 1-10 and a minimum of 2 reviews of brand new movies each month. Plus the back-catalogue of reviews from 2023 and 2024.  Enjoy the show but can’t support us financially? We get it. You could submit a review on the podcast player you’re reading this on right now. Or if you listen on Spotify and you haven’t given us a five-star rating yet, what are ye waiting for? It’s easy. If you’ve done some or all of that and still want to do more, we would love it if you tell a friend about the show.   Or come find us on social media: Instagram | TikTok | Threads | YouTube

No need for a temporal displacement event on your end, because Shoot the Hostage is bringing one to you! As the second stop on our season of films about drugs, Sarah and Dan delve into the minds of Aaron Moorhead and Justin Benson and their uniquely divisive independent film, Synchronic (2019) Starring Anthony Mackie and Jamie Dornan as two paramedics in a New Orleans, Synchronic introduces a made-up designer drug that promises literal time travel. We get into why this independent film about a fictional drug has been so divisive, despite its perceived simplicity. Is Synchronic a profound exploration of mortality and human connection, or just a little too straightforward for a time travel movie? We dissect the film’s ’timey-wimey’ mechanics (or lack thereof) and debate whether Anthony Mackie’s self-medicating paramedic finds purpose while facing his own mortality. From floating coffins in New Orleans to statistically improbable encounters with woolly mammoths, we explore all the bizarre and brilliant aspects of this Benson and Moorhead film. Learn why Sarah was an early adopter of Benson and Moorhead, what this film has in common with their other works such as The Endless and Resolution, and whether their experience on big-budget Marvel shows like Loki and Moon Knight might affect their future independent film projects. Here’s what you can expect from this episode: Discover why Synchronic is a surprisingly divisive independent film despite its intriguing premise. Hear our hosts debate if the movie’s portrayal of time travel is ”dumbed down” or thematically rich. Learn about the unique rules of the fictional drug and its connection to the pineal gland and age. Exploration of the deeper themes of mortality, purpose, and human connection as seen through the eyes of Anthony Mackie’s character. Get our takes on Anthony Mackie’s performance and Jamie Dornan’s emotionally absent character. Discover the shared universe elements connecting Synchronic to other Benson and Moorhead films like The Endless. Season 11 runs until August 11th with 8 episodes Would you like to see the full lineup for season 11? The only place you can see it is on Patreon but you don’t need to be a paying member. Sign up for a free membership and get access to the lineup. If you do have some loose change consider signing up as a paid member. Our £3 a month Patreon tier will grant you access to all of our end of season wrap shows for seasons 1-10 and a minimum of 2 reviews of brand new movies each month. Plus the back-catalogue of reviews from 2023 and 2024.  Enjoy the show but can’t support us financially? We get it. You could submit a review on the podcast player you’re reading this on right now. Or if you listen on Spotify and you haven’t given us a five-star rating yet, what are ye waiting for? It’s easy. If you’ve done some or all of that and still want to do more, we would love it if you tell a friend about the show.   Or come find us on social media: Instagram | TikTok | Threads | YouTube

Get ready to Choose Life (and a podcast!), because Season 11 is officially here, and we’re kicking off our brand-new theme of ’Drugs’ movies with a true behemoth of 90s films: Danny Boyle’s iconic Trainspotting (1996). Join us as we unpack why Trainspotting has captivated audiences for decades, despite its characters being, well, mostly ”assholes”. We dive deep into the film’s gritty depiction of heroin use – a portrayal that absolutely, objectively does not glamorize addiction, no matter what Bob Dole (who hadn’t even seen it!) might have thought. We’ll explore how Danny Boyle’s visionary direction, heavily influenced by Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange, delivers a visually experimental and energetic experience despite its heavy subject matter. You’ll hear about the famous ”Worst Toilet in Scotland”, which still manages to skeeve Sarah out to this day and wonder if there is ”too much poo” in this movie. We’ll dissect the infamous ”Choose Life” monologue, which turns out to be far more cynical than many might initially believe. We’ll also give our two cents on the film’s unique cast, from Ewan McGregor’s smug Renton, Robert Carlyle’s terrifying Begbie, Jonny Lee Miller’s Sick Boy, and Ewen Bremner’s surprisingly pure Spud. Here’s what you can expect from this episode: We discuss why Trainspotting was chosen to kick things off in season one. Expect a deep dive into the controversial accusations of the film ”glamorizing” drug use. We break down the unlikable, yet entertaining, ensemble of characters including Ewan McGregor’s Renton, Robert Carlyle’s Begbie, and Ewen Bremner’s Spud. We consider Trainspotting as a coming-of-age narrative, particularly for Renton. Hear about the infamous feud between Danny Boyle and Ewan McGregor. Season 11 runs until August 11th with 8 episodes Would you like to see the full lineup for season 11? The only place you can see it is on Patreon but you don’t need to be a paying member. Sign up for a free membership and get access to the lineup. If you do have some loose change consider signing up as a paid member. Our £3 a month Patreon tier will grant you access to all of our end of season wrap shows for seasons 1-10 and a minimum of 2 reviews of brand new movies each month. Plus the back-catalogue of reviews from 2023 and 2024.  Enjoy the show but can’t support us financially? We get it. You could submit a review on the podcast player you’re reading this on right now. Or if you listen on Spotify and you haven’t given us a five-star rating yet, what are ye waiting for? It’s easy. If you’ve done some or all of that and still want to do more, we would love it if you tell a friend about the show.   Or come find us on social media: Instagram | TikTok | Threads | YouTube