Movie Memory Machine

Poseidon (2006) — with Lauren Pritchard and Joe Roche!

"We're trapped on a podcast about forgotten movies, but at least we’re not upside down on a sinking ship. Welcome to Movie Memory Machine."
 
Episode Description
In this episode of Movie Memory Machine, Landen and Truman are joined by comedians and writers Lauren Pritchard and Joe Roche to dissect Wolfgang Petersen’s 2006 disaster film, Poseidon. With a star-studded cast including Kurt Russell, Josh Lucas, and Richard Dreyfuss, this high-stakes remake of The Poseidon Adventure flips the disaster genre on its head. Expect fiery debates, tales of cruise ship life, and sharp critiques of why this film couldn’t keep afloat at the box office. Did Poseidon sink under its own weight, or does it deserve a second look? Climb aboard to find out.
 
Special Guests
Lauren Pritchard
Actor, Writer, Comedian
Mad TV, HBO’s True Blood, Dropout TV’s Make Some Noise, and at least five different Disney shows!
Joe Roche
Writer, Actor, Comedian
The Thundermans, Telenovela, Kill Me Deadly
Co-writer of Meth Gator and Planet Dune
Support Lauren and Joe by checking out their work in comedy and film, including Meth Gator and Planet Dune. Follow their creative projects and enjoy their unique take on storytelling!
 
Major Cast and Crew
Director: Wolfgang Petersen
Writers: Mark Protosevich (screenplay), Paul Gallico (novel)
Main Cast:
Josh Lucas as Dylan Johns
Kurt Russell as Robert Ramsey
Richard Dreyfuss as Richard Nelson
Emmy Rossum as Jennifer Ramsey
Jacinda Barrett as Maggie James
Mike Vogel as Christian
Mia Maestro as Elena
Jimmy Bennett as Conor
Andre Braugher as Captain Michael Bradford
Stacy Ferguson (Fergie) as Gloria
 
Film Synopsis
A New Year’s Eve celebration aboard the luxury ocean liner Poseidon is cut short when a massive rogue wave capsizes the ship. Stranded upside down and sinking fast, a group of survivors, led by gambler Dylan Johns (Josh Lucas) and firefighter-turned-mayor Robert Ramsey (Kurt Russell), must navigate the flooded wreckage to escape. With time running out and peril at every turn, will they survive, or will the ship become their tomb?
 
Episode Highlights
Disaster films as the “slasher movies of Mother Nature.”
Lauren Pritchard’s real-life cruise ship survival training—watertight doors and all.
The infamous flaming waterfall scene: how they pulled it off (and why).
Richard Dreyfuss’ character: groundbreaking representation or undercooked writing?
Fergie’s “lady lumps” as flotation devices—yes, we went there.
What’s your favorite disaster movie, and how does Poseidon stack up? Let us know in the comments or on social media!
Enjoyed the episode? Tell us what you think by leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform—we’d love to feature your thoughts in future show notes!
💡 Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod
🌐 Visit our website: http://www.moviememorymachine.com/
📱 Follow us on Social Media:
Facebook: Movie Memory Machine
Instagram: @MovieMemoryMachine
Threads: @MovieMemoryMachine
Bluesky: @MovieMemoryMachine
YouTube: @MovieMemoryMachine
🎵 Theme Song by Porky’s Groove Machine: https://porkysgroovemachine.com/
 
SEO Keywords
Poseidon movie podcast, Wolfgang Petersen disaster films, Kurt Russell Josh Lucas disaster movies, Fergie Poseidon role, Lauren Pritchard and Joe Roche podcast, rogue wave movie scene, Movie Memory Machine podcast

5 For: The Mexican (2001)

In this Movie Memory Machine: Five For mini-episode, Landen and Truman take a surprising stand: The Mexican slaps. And to prove the film’s chaotic tonal tightrope is part of its charm—not a bug—they present five companion films that succeed by embracing similar contradictions. Whether it’s fate guiding a hitman, mystical roads tripping up romantic leads, or just emotional carnage delivered via British sarcasm, these movies honor the chaos, heart, and weird spiritual currents The Mexican rides.
Films Discussed:
Snatch (2000)
In Bruges (2008)
Grosse Pointe Blank (1997)
Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)
The Out-of-Towners (1970)
Topics Covered:
The spiritual cousin energy of Snatch and The Mexican: crime, ensemble chaos, and mythic overtones
Martin McDonagh’s dark absurdism in In Bruges and the idea of characters out of sync with the world
Grosse Pointe Blank as another killer with a heart, and the tonal gymnastics of balancing murder with romance
Emotional destruction via public transportation in Planes, Trains and Automobiles
The Out-of-Towners and the classic structure of fate-based comedy-of-errors
Key Takeaways:
The Mexican isn’t broken—it’s committed to a tone you just didn’t expect
These five films explore genre blending through fate, frustration, and emotional unpredictability
Fate in film doesn’t have to be mystical—it can just feel inevitable
Chaos is a mood, and sometimes the mood wins
Listener Prompt:What’s a movie you initially thought was a mess—but later realized was operating on a higher chaotic frequency? Tell us using #MovieMemoryMachine.
Support the Show!Help keep Movie Memory Machine ad-free and artist-owned! Here’s how you can support us:
Become a Patreon supporter – For as little as $1/month, you get access to bonus content for all shows on the Grunt Work Podcast Network. Join at https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod
Leave a rating and review – On Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.
Like, follow, and share on social media – We’re @MovieMemoryMachine on YouTube and @MovieMemoryPod on Letterboxd.
Tell a friend – Word of mouth is how we grow.
Join our Discord – Vote on whether films stay in modern memory or are left forgotten. Visit https://www.moviememorymachine.com for access.
Follow Us:🌐 Website: https://www.moviememorymachine.com📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MovieMemoryMachine🎞️ Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/moviememorypod/

Mini-Transmission: The Mexican

"From Brad Pitt's unfortunate driving skills to Julia Roberts sharing life lessons with a hitman, this mini-episode revisits The Mexican (2001) and its curious mix of genres."
 
Episode Description
In this mini-episode, Landen and Truman dive deeper into The Mexican (2001), exploring Brad Pitt’s knack for awkward misadventures, Julia Roberts’ surprisingly heartfelt road trip with James Gandolfini, and the film's attempt to juggle crime, comedy, and romance. They also play "Trailer Tropes," guessing which clichés made it into the marketing campaign and pondering why nobody trusted Jerry with a car.
 
Major Cast and Crew
Director: Gore Verbinski
Writer: J.H. Wyman
Main Cast:
Brad Pitt as Jerry Welbach
Julia Roberts as Samantha Barzel
James Gandolfini as Leroy
 
Film Synopsis
Jerry Welbach (Brad Pitt) is tasked with retrieving a cursed gun called "The Mexican" for his mob bosses, but things go hilariously wrong when his girlfriend Samantha (Julia Roberts) ends up bonding with a philosophical hitman (James Gandolfini). With fate, comedy, and stray bullets colliding, Jerry must figure out if the curse lies with the gun—or his own bad luck.
 
Episode Highlights
Why Jerry Welbach might be Brad Pitt's least competent character ever.
Julia Roberts and James Gandolfini’s chemistry: surprisingly sweet or oddly mismatched?
The trailer game: Which clichés did the marketing team overplay?
The mystery of "The Mexican" pistol: Is it cursed, or just poorly made?
Revisiting Gore Verbinski’s knack for blending humor with chaos.
 
What’s your favorite unexpected duo in a movie? Share your thoughts in the comments or on social media—we’d love to hear your picks!
Enjoyed the episode? Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform—we might feature your feedback in future show notes!
💡 Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod
🌐 Visit our website: http://www.moviememorymachine.com/
📱 Follow us on Social Media:
Facebook: Movie Memory Machine
Instagram: @MovieMemoryMachine
Threads: @MovieMemoryMachine
Bluesky: @MovieMemoryMachine
YouTube: @MovieMemoryMachine
🎵 Theme Song by Porky's Groove Machine: https://porkysgroovemachine.com/
 
SEO Keywords
The Mexican mini-episode, Brad Pitt movies, Julia Roberts road trips, James Gandolfini comedy roles, Gore Verbinski pre-Pirates films, cursed guns in movies, Movie Memory Machine podcast.

The Mexican (2001)

"Somewhere beyond the recesses of time and space, two podcasters pick up transmissions of movies forgotten but not gone. Welcome to Movie Memory Machine."
 
Episode Description
In this episode of Movie Memory Machine, Landen and Truman take a wild ride through Gore Verbinski's 2001 genre-blending flick, The Mexican. Starring Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, and James Gandolfini, this mix of crime, comedy, and romance follows a cursed gun with a mind of its own, a hapless Brad Pitt getting in over his head, and Julia Roberts stealing the show on a road trip with a hitman. With its oddball pacing, colorful characters, and unforgettable El Camino moments, is this movie truly a forgotten gem or just another rental store relic? Find out in this hilarious breakdown.
 
Major Cast and Crew
Director: Gore Verbinski
Writer: J.H. Wyman
Main Cast:
Brad Pitt as Jerry Welbach
Julia Roberts as Samantha Barzel
James Gandolfini as Leroy
Bob Balaban as Bernie Nayman
J.K. Simmons as Ted Slocum
David Krumholtz as Beck
Gene Hackman as Arnold Margolese
 
Film Synopsis
Jerry Welbach (Brad Pitt) is a hapless errand boy for a crime syndicate with one last chance to clear his debts: retrieve a priceless antique pistol called "The Mexican." Along the way, everything goes hilariously wrong, from local fiestas with stray bullets to surprise friendships between his girlfriend Samantha (Julia Roberts) and a philosophical hitman (James Gandolfini). A tale of fate, curses, and miscommunication, this quirky blend of genres is as unpredictable as the gun itself.
 
Episode Highlights
The "luck vs. fate" debate: Is Jerry cursed, or is he just a screw-up?
Why Brad Pitt’s rendition of the "El Camino song" deserves its own Grammy.
James Gandolfini’s unforgettable performance as a hitman with a tender side.
The curse of The Mexican: What makes this gun so deadly—and so intriguing?
Revisiting Gore Verbinski's pre-Pirates of the Caribbean directorial style.
 
What's your favorite Brad Pitt performance, and how does The Mexican stack up? Let us know in the comments or on social media!
Enjoyed the episode? Tell us what you think by leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform—we’d love to feature your thoughts in future show notes!
💡 Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod
🌐 Visit our website: http://www.moviememorymachine.com/
📱 Follow us on Social Media:
Facebook: Movie Memory Machine
Instagram: @MovieMemoryMachine
Threads: @MovieMemoryMachine
Bluesky: @MovieMemoryMachine
YouTube: @MovieMemoryMachine
🎵 Theme Song by Porky's Groove Machine: https://porkysgroovemachine.com/
 
SEO Keywords
The Mexican podcast, Gore Verbinski movies, Brad Pitt comedy, Julia Roberts road movies, James Gandolfini hitman role, cursed objects in movies, Movie Memory Machine podcast

5 For: Six Days, Seven Nights (1998)

In this Movie Memory Machine: Five For mini-episode, Landen and Truman recommend five films that succeed where Six Days, Seven Nights sputters. These picks feature genuine chemistry, genre clarity, or at least some sense of adventure—whether it’s bickering on a boat, dodging bullets in a jungle, or modeling on a vomit-filled yacht. From golden age classics to contemporary satire, these are the movies that remembered how to have fun.
Films Discussed:
Romancing the Stone (1984)
The Lost City (2022)
The African Queen (1951)
It Happened One Night (1934)
Triangle of Sadness (2022)
Topics Covered:
Why Six Days, Seven Nights doesn’t land as a rom-com or an adventure
Romancing the Stone as a template for chemistry and swashbuckling
Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum pulling off what Anne Heche and Harrison Ford couldn’t
The surprisingly durable dynamic of reluctant travel companions (African Queen, It Happened One Night)
Triangle of Sadness as an anti-rom-com that turns yacht fantasy into capitalist nightmare fuel
Key Takeaways:
Romance works better when there’s clarity on tone and intention
Chemistry isn’t just about bickering—it’s about belief
Adventure needs more than jungle hijinks—it needs emotional stakes
If you’re going to strand two people on an island, make sure the audience wants them to stay there
Listener Prompt:What’s your favorite romantic adventure? And which film couple made you scream “just break up already!”? Let us know using #MovieMemoryMachine.
Support the Show!Help keep Movie Memory Machine ad-free and artist-owned! Here’s how you can support us:
Become a Patreon supporter – For as little as $1/month, you get access to bonus content for all shows on the Grunt Work Podcast Network. Join at https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod
Leave a rating and review – On Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.
Like, follow, and share on social media – We’re @MovieMemoryMachine on YouTube and @MovieMemoryPod on Letterboxd.
Tell a friend – Word of mouth is how we grow.
Join our Discord – Vote on whether films stay in modern memory or are left forgotten. Visit https://www.moviememorymachine.com for access.
Follow Us:🌐 Website: https://www.moviememorymachine.com📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MovieMemoryMachine🎞️ Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/moviememorypod/

Mini-Transmission: Six Days, Seven Nights

"Six days, seven nights, and zero memorable pirates. This mini-episode revisits the rom-com that made David Schwimmer’s suits the true villain."
 
Episode Description
In this mini-episode, Landen and Truman reflect on Six Days, Seven Nights (1998), from its trailer’s false promises of pirates to Harrison Ford’s effortlessly crumpled charisma. They debate David Schwimmer’s relevance, Anne Heche’s comedic chops, and how this movie managed to sneak into both the adventure and rom-com genres without excelling in either. Also: Who’s worse at survival, Ford’s grizzled pilot or Schwimmer’s ill-fated fiancé?
 
Major Cast and Crew
Director: Ivan Reitman
Writer: Michael Browning
Main Cast:
Harrison Ford as Quinn Harris
Anne Heche as Robin Monroe
David Schwimmer as Frank Martin
Jacqueline Obradors as Angelica
 
Film Synopsis
When fashion editor Robin Monroe (Anne Heche) crash-lands on a deserted island with grumpy pilot Quinn Harris (Harrison Ford), survival takes a backseat to bickering and chemistry. Meanwhile, her fiancé Frank (David Schwimmer) faces his own tropical temptations, and pirates loom vaguely in the background. Can Robin and Quinn escape, fall in love, and survive an entire runtime of misadventures?
 
Episode Highlights
Why the trailer promised swashbuckling pirates but delivered Schwimmer instead.
Harrison Ford’s unique ability to look dashing even while crashing planes.
Anne Heche’s underrated comedic timing and her infamous cultural moment.
The trailer game: How many tropes did Buena Vista squeeze in?
Pirates in the pool: the fine art of introducing danger way too late.
 
What’s your favorite rom-com that accidentally became an adventure movie? Share your picks in the comments or on social media—we might feature them in future episodes!
Enjoyed the episode? Leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform—we’d love to feature your feedback in future show notes!
💡 Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod
🌐 Visit our website: http://www.moviememorymachine.com/
📱 Follow us on Social Media:
Facebook: Movie Memory Machine
Instagram: @MovieMemoryMachine
Threads: @MovieMemoryMachine
Bluesky: @MovieMemoryMachine
YouTube: @MovieMemoryMachine
🎵 Theme Song by Porky's Groove Machine: https://porkysgroovemachine.com/
 
SEO Keywords
Six Days Seven Nights mini-episode, Harrison Ford rom-coms, Anne Heche comedy timing, David Schwimmer 90s movies, pirate tropes in film, tropical adventure rom-coms, Movie Memory Machine podcast.

Six Days, Seven Nights (1998)

"If you've ever wondered if David Schwimmer could rival Harrison Ford as a romantic lead, Six Days, Seven Nights has your answer—and it's a resounding 'eh.'"
 
Episode Description
In this episode of Movie Memory Machine, Landen and Truman set sail on the 1998 adventure rom-com Six Days, Seven Nights. From questionable gender dynamics to the film's absolute refusal to decide if it’s a rom-com or an adventure movie, our hosts grapple with Harrison Ford’s rugged charm, Anne Heche’s would-be breakout, and David Schwimmer’s oversized suits. Spoiler: They’re not on the island—they’re lost at sea.
 
Major Cast and Crew
Director: Ivan Reitman
Writer: Michael Browning
Main Cast:
Harrison Ford as Quinn Harris
Anne Heche as Robin Monroe
David Schwimmer as Frank Martin
Jacqueline Obradors as Angelica
Allison Janney as Marjorie
 
Film Synopsis
Overworked fashion editor Robin Monroe (Anne Heche) reluctantly accepts a short-notice work trip while on vacation with her fiancé Frank (David Schwimmer). She enlists grizzled cargo pilot Quinn Harris (Harrison Ford) to fly her—but a freak storm crash-lands them on a deserted island. As Robin and Quinn contend with the wilderness, hostile pirates, and each other’s personalities, sparks fly in unexpected ways. Meanwhile, Frank finds comfort with a very willing Angelica (Jacqueline Obradors). Will Robin and Quinn escape—and should they?
 
Episode Highlights
Landen’s theory of the "Schwimmer-Pullman Conundrum": When the “other guy” is too likable to root against.
Truman’s deep dive into the genre of "tropical blues" as performed by Taj Mahal.
The mystery of why this adventure film has no actual adventure.
An exploration of Anne Heche’s career and the cultural backlash of her relationship with Ellen DeGeneres.
Pirates: LaCroix flavor or critical plot point?
 
What’s your favorite movie with Harrison Ford not playing Han Solo or Indiana Jones? Is it Red Hulk? Let us know in the comments or on social media!
Enjoyed the episode? Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform—we’d love to feature your thoughts in future show notes!
💡 Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod
🌐 Visit our website: http://www.moviememorymachine.com/
📱 Follow us on Social Media:
Facebook: Movie Memory Machine
Instagram: @MovieMemoryMachine
Threads: @MovieMemoryMachine
Bluesky: @MovieMemoryMachine
YouTube: @MovieMemoryMachine
🎵 Theme Song by Porky's Groove Machine: https://porkysgroovemachine.com/
 
SEO Keywords
Six Days Seven Nights podcast, Harrison Ford rom-coms, Anne Heche career, Ivan Reitman movies, tropical adventure films, David Schwimmer rom-com, 90s romantic comedies, forgotten adventure movies, Movie Memory Machine podcast

5 For: Vampire in Brooklyn (1995)

In this Movie Memory Machine: Five For mini-episode, Landen and Truman recommend five horror and comedy-adjacent films that better deliver on the potential Vampire in Brooklyn barely taps. These movies explore themes of Black identity, horror satire, and cultural storytelling—with sharper tonal control, more daring risks, and a better sense of who they’re for.
Films Discussed:
The People Under the Stairs (1991)
Def by Temptation (1990)
Tales from the Hood (1995)
Vamp (1986)
Coming to America (1988)
Topics Covered:
Black-led horror as cultural allegory (People Under the Stairs, Def by Temptation)
Satire and social commentary in Tales from the Hood
Stylish strangeness and gender politics in Vamp
Coming to America as a control group for Eddie Murphy’s star power and romantic fantasy
Why Vampire in Brooklyn didn’t commit to any of the directions these films excel in
Key Takeaways:
Black horror can be powerful and politically resonant when authorship is aligned with purpose
Genre hybridity works best when filmmakers actually want to make a hybrid—not check boxes
Coming to America gives Eddie Murphy the same romantic framing Vampire in Brooklyn denies him
The best horror comedies trust their tone—and know what they’re saying about the world
Listener Prompt:What film nailed the horror-comedy balance for you? Or which one deserves to be remembered better than Vampire in Brooklyn? Tell us using #MovieMemoryMachine.
Support the Show!Help keep Movie Memory Machine ad-free and artist-owned! Here’s how you can support us:
Become a Patreon supporter – For as little as $1/month, you get access to bonus content for all shows on the Grunt Work Podcast Network. Join at https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod
Leave a rating and review – On Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.
Like, follow, and share on social media – We’re @MovieMemoryMachine on YouTube and @MovieMemoryPod on Letterboxd.
Tell a friend – Word of mouth is how we grow.
Join our Discord – Vote on whether films stay in modern memory or are left forgotten. Visit https://www.moviememorymachine.com for access.
Follow Us:🌐 Website: https://www.moviememorymachine.com📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MovieMemoryMachine🎞️ Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/moviememorypod/

Mini-Transmission: Vampire in Brooklyn

"From fake New York sets to Eddie Murphy's triple roles, this mini-episode bites deep into the quirks of Vampire in Brooklyn (1995)."
 
Episode Description
In this mini-episode, Landen and Truman reflect on Vampire in Brooklyn (1995), Wes Craven’s ambitious mix of horror and comedy. They discuss Eddie Murphy’s portrayal of three characters, the surreal charm of fake New York City sets, and Angela Bassett’s powerful screen presence. Plus, a quick game of Mad Libs-style movie titles and a trailer breakdown that exposes this film’s marketing misfires.
 
Major Cast and Crew
Director: Wes Craven
Writers: Charlie Murphy, Eddie Murphy, Michael Lucker, Chris Parker
Main Cast:
Eddie Murphy as Maximillian / Preacher Pauly / Guido
Angela Bassett as Detective Rita Veder
Kadeem Hardison as Julius Jones
Allen Payne as Detective Justice
 
Film Synopsis
Maximillian (Eddie Murphy), the last vampire on Earth, travels to Brooklyn in search of a mate. He sets his sights on Detective Rita Veder (Angela Bassett), who is unaware of her half-vampire heritage. With the help of his undead sidekick Julius (Kadeem Hardison), Maximillian struggles to balance seduction, survival, and slapstick comedy in this horror-comedy hybrid.
 
Episode Highlights
Nostalgia for fake New York City sets and Paramount’s iconic backlot alleys.
Angela Bassett’s transformation into a vampire queen: regal or rushed?
Eddie Murphy’s triple roles: masterful or distracting?
The Mad Libs movie title generator: What’s scarier, clowns in Ypsilanti or Chucky at Sandals Resort?
A breakdown of the trailer: marketing a horror-comedy as a buddy movie.
 
What’s your favorite horror-comedy, and how does Vampire in Brooklyn stack up? Share your thoughts in the comments or on social media—we’d love to hear your takes!
Enjoyed the episode? Leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform—we might feature your feedback in future show notes!
💡 Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod
🌐 Visit our website: http://www.moviememorymachine.com/
📱 Follow us on Social Media:
Facebook: Movie Memory Machine
Instagram: @MovieMemoryMachine
Threads: @MovieMemoryMachine
Bluesky: @MovieMemoryMachine
YouTube: @MovieMemoryMachine
🎵 Theme Song by Porky's Groove Machine: https://porkysgroovemachine.com/
 
SEO Keywords
Vampire in Brooklyn mini-episode, Eddie Murphy triple roles, Angela Bassett vampire queen, Wes Craven comedies, fake New York movie sets, horror-comedy hybrids, Movie Memory Machine podcast.

Vampire in Brooklyn (1995)

"Eddie Murphy is a vampire in Brooklyn, but the scariest thing here isn’t the fangs—it’s the script."
 
Episode Description
In this episode of Movie Memory Machine, Landen and Truman explore Vampire in Brooklyn (1995), Wes Craven’s attempt at blending gothic horror with Eddie Murphy’s comedic chops. From Murphy’s multi-character flexing to Angela Bassett’s underrated performance, they discuss the film’s awkward tonal shifts, questionable wig choices, and the baffling legacy of one of horror’s strangest hybrids. Is this a misunderstood masterpiece or just a missed opportunity? You decide.
 
Major Cast and Crew
Director: Wes Craven
Writers: Charlie Murphy, Eddie Murphy, Michael Lucker, Chris Parker
Main Cast:
Eddie Murphy as Maximillian / Preacher Pauly / Guido
Angela Bassett as Detective Rita Veder
Allen Payne as Detective Justice
Kadeem Hardison as Julius Jones
Zakes Mokae as Dr. Zeko
 
Film Synopsis
Maximillian (Eddie Murphy), the last vampire on Earth, arrives in Brooklyn to find a mate and secure his bloodline. He targets Detective Rita Veder (Angela Bassett), who is unaware of her half-vampire heritage, while enlisting a bumbling ghoul, Julius (Kadeem Hardison), as his sidekick. As the body count rises and the wigs get wilder, Maximillian’s seduction plans clash with Rita’s fight to hold on to her humanity.
 
Episode Highlights
Eddie Murphy’s triple-threat performance: genius or gimmick?
Angela Bassett’s scene-stealing moments and her journey from detective to vampire queen.
Why Julius Jones might be the real hero (or at least the funniest ghoul).
The film’s identity crisis: Is it horror, comedy, or neither?
Wes Craven’s directional struggles: Gothic meets Brooklyn, but who wins?
 
What’s your favorite horror-comedy, and does Vampire in Brooklyn deserve another bite? Share your picks in the comments or on social media—we’d love to hear your thoughts!
Enjoyed the episode? Leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform—we might feature your feedback in future show notes!
💡 Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod
🌐 Visit our website: http://www.moviememorymachine.com/
📱 Follow us on Social Media:
Facebook: Movie Memory Machine
Instagram: @MovieMemoryMachine
Threads: @MovieMemoryMachine
Bluesky: @MovieMemoryMachine
YouTube: @MovieMemoryMachine
🎵 Theme Song by Porky's Groove Machine: https://porkysgroovemachine.com/
 
SEO Keywords
Vampire in Brooklyn podcast, Eddie Murphy movies, Angela Bassett horror roles, Wes Craven comedies, 90s horror comedies, gothic horror hybrids, Movie Memory Machine podcast.