Grumpy Octopus

Del Toro Discourse Episode 6: Pan's Labyrinth

For this week's episode of Del Toro Discourse, we'll be covering the masterpiece that is Pan's Labyrinth (2006). Listen to an extra-long, extra special discussion as we dive into the film's exploration of fairytales, fauns, fascism and rave over (yet again) Doug Jones' dedication to his dual role (which successfully scared the crap out of us). Hope you enjoy!  

Del Toro Discourse Episode 5: Hellboy

For this week's episode of Del Toro Discourse we're covering another unconventional-yet-awesome superhero film, Hellboy (2004). Listen to us frantically try to remember what B.P.R.D stands for as we chat all about fabulous sets and practical effects, the first fishman of our hearts, Abe Sapien, and fire-proof clothing for absolute badass Liz Sherman. But really, it's all about our recurring Del Toro MVP, Ron Perlman as the titular character—a role that he was born to play. Hope you enjoy!

Del Toro Discourse Episode 4: Blade II

They call him The Daywalker! That’s right, for this week’s episode of Del Toro Discourse, we’ll be discussing the filmmaker’s first superhero film, Blade II (2002). Listen to us briefly discuss the OG Marvel superhero and his debut film, how every superhero sequel should have a “forget what you know” opening recap, the return of Del Toro MVP Ron Perlman, Kris Kristofferson’s glorious hair, and of course: the one, the only, the iconic Wesley Snipes. Hope you enjoy!

Del Toro Discourse Episode 3: The Devil's Backbone

Welcome back Loyal Listeners to another installment of Del Toro Discourse, where we'll be covering The Devil's Backbone (2001)! Listen to us discuss how to break it to an orphan that they're now an orphan, sublime ghostly designs, horrific armpit injuries, and the return of Del Toro MVP, Federico Luppi. Did we mention the horrific armpit injury? Hope you enjoy! 

Del Toro Discourse Episode 2: Mimic

Welcome back to the latest installment of Del Toro Discourse! In today’s episode, we’re discussing the filmmaker’s second film (and first / almost last American film) Mimic (1997). Listen to us chat about Bug Mama / entomologist Dr. Susan Tyler’s lack of glove etiquette, untapped monster storylines, casual child murder in the sewers, the genuine horror of working with the Weinsteins, and the debut of the one and only Doug Jones in Del Toro’s filmography! Hope you enjoy!

Del Toro Discourse Episode 1: Cronos

Welcome to the first official episode of our Del Toro Discourse podcast! We’re kicking it off with a bang, covering Guillermo Del Toro’s debut film, Cronos (1992)— which coincidentally is also the debut of his collaboration with Ron Perlman (who we already suspect is going to become the MVP of this podcast). Listen to us discuss how the film twists vampire mythology, introduce The G.I.C (Guillermo Injury Count), as well as chat about the hilarious morbid (or morbidly hilarious) Tito, and our imagined off-screen ballroom dancing storyline for Mercedes. Hope you enjoy!

Wachowski Watch Episode 34: The Matrix Resurrections

Wait, what’s this? We’re back? That’s right! We have revived the Wachowski Watch podcast for one last episode a la Lana Wachowski reviving Neo and Trinity for one last adventure in The Matrix Resurrections. We are delighted to return to chat about the fourth (and likely final) installment in the franchise with a Wachowski at the helm. Listen to us discuss the meta evolution of the sequels, the Sense8 reunion, and what it means to bring back icons like Keanu & Carrie-Anne. But mainly Cybebe.

Pirate Parley Episode 12: Pirates of the Caribbean - Dead Men Tell No Tales

Welcome to our final episode for this mini-podcast series, Pirate Parley! And unless Disney has other ideas, it’s also our final discussion on the final Pirates of the Caribbean installment —Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales! Audio and technical difficulties aside, listen to us chat about alternative subtitles (Pirates of the Caribbean: Legacies. Generations. Pirate Babies. Scrum’s Revenge), Faramir as our discount Norrington, Javier Bardem/Orlando Bloom/Keira Knightley all lookin’ rull good, and canon conflicts with curses and compasses. Oh, also, random spoiler alert for Blade Runner 2049, Solo: A Star Wars Story, and Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker. Sorry about that. Hope you enjoy! 

Pirate Parley Episode 11: Pirates of the Caribbean - On Stranger Tides

We’ve returned back to the Pirates of the Caribbean universe with the fourth installment, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011). Listen to us discuss this oddball installment as we talk about the back to basics mantra, Barbossa with his fancy sliced apples not giving a fuck, the mermaid and the missionary aka the breeding pair with a Splash ending, and Jack’s passion for immortality over the Pearl. Hope you enjoy! 

Pirate Parley Episode 10: The Pirates of Penzance

We return with a bit of a musical shake up in our Pirate Parley podcast, The Pirates of Penzance (1983). Listen to us talk about Kevin Kline’s leather pants. There’s probably some other stuff about pirates and musicals, but let’s be real. Kevin Kline’s leather pants. Hope you enjoy (Kevin Kline’s leather pants)!