Ep. 23: Hercules (1983)

Mechanical Harryhausen monstrosities, heroic feats of strength, ancient neon cities, and bears flung into space: the atmosphere of Luigi Cozzi's Hercules is unlike any other interpretation of the mythological journey. Even within the confines of its swords and sandals genre trappings it manages to find ways to be a consistently inventive and fascinating kind of filmmaking - the kind that only a man so well versed in producing Italian genre cinema knockoffs of successful international IPs could commit himself to. It's a different kind of action this week on the show, and Jack and Vaughn dive into the weird, wild world of Lou Ferrigno's Hercules, a velvety phantasmagoria of neon lights and brute strength, an acid-drenched hero's journey that escapes every expectation.

Next week we’ll be back to Enter The Maytrix, a whole month dedicated to the cyberpunk cinema of Lilly and Lana Wachowski. Until then, for more words, thoughts, and action adoration, find us all around the internet.

Vaughn on The Twin Geeks, Letterboxd, Twitter, and Bluesky.

Jack on The Twin Geeks, Letterboxd, Twitter, and Bluesky.

Looking for more shows? Check out Jack on The STACKS and Vaughn on I’m Thinking of Spoiling Things.