Troy and David return to Lake Dalek, in an undisclosed location in the Muskoka Region, in Ontario cottage country. This is PT. 2 of their look at SIMIAN CINEMA!!! [PT. 1 dropped on August 31] It is August of 2026 when they settled down into their Muskoka chairs, had a few brewskies, and talked about apes in genre movies. There was a lot to talk about, so, they split this into two episodes. This episode will reveal Troy and David’s top 5 Ape films. And there may be some overlap…

They previously were at Lake Dalek when they recorded their Size Matters episode(s) and Shrinkage episode(s).

In this episode, Troy and David, compare their lists of the greatest genre ape films, starting with #5 through #1. It was in PT. 1 of the Ape-isode, where Troy and David revealed their #10 through #6.

Which movies will appear on both of their lists?
Will the obvious #1 genre ape film of all time, be #1 on both Troy and David’s lists? Listen to find out.

CAST OF RAMPAGE (2018)

Dwayne Johnson (Davis Okoye)
Naomie Harris (Dr. Kate Caldwell)
Malin Akerman (Claire Wyden)
Jeffrey Dean Morgan(Harvey Russell)
Jake Lacy (Brett Wyden)
Joe Manganiello (Burke)
Marley Shelton (Dr. Kerry Atkins)
P.J. Byrne (Nelson)
Demetrius A. Grosse (Colonel Blake)


CAST OF KINGDOM OF THE PLANET OF THE APES (2024)

Owen Teague (Noa)
Freya Allan (Nova…)
Kevin Durand (Proximus Caesar)
Peter Macon (Raka)
William H. Macy (Trevathan)
Eka Darville (Sylva)
Travis Jeffery (Anaya)
Lydia Peckham (Soona)
Neil Sandilands (Koro)
Ras-Samuel (Lightning)
Dichen Lachman (Korina)




= = =

We hope you enjoy the show!

Troy and David return to Lake Dalek, in an undisclosed location in the Muskoka Region, in Ontario cottage country. It is August of 2026 when they settled down into their Muskoka chairs, had a few brewskies, and talked about apes in genre movies.

They previously were at the lake when they recorded their Size Matters episode(s) and Shrinkage episode(s).

What makes a film, an ape film? Simian Cinema, anyone?

Can a gorrilla disco?

In this episode, Troy and David, compare their lists of the greatest genre ape films, starting with #10 through #6. PT. 2 of the Ape-isode, Troy and David will reveal their top five.

Which movies will appear on both of their lists?
Will the obvious #1 genre ape film of all time, be #1 on both Troy and David’s lists? Listen to find out.

And what are the films that you cannot believe were made, that were so awful, they were good. How about:

Bela Lugosi Meets a Brooklyn Gorilla (1952).
Rated 3.6 on IMDB.

Robot Monster (1953).
Rated 3.0 on IMDB.

Troy reads the back cover of a VHS copy he has of Robot Monster.
Here is some info from a google search:.

The back cover of the classic Rhino Home Video VHS release of Robot Monster (1953) features a short synopsis describing the alien invader’s mission to wipe out humanity.

The Synopsis Summary

The Complication: Ro-Man faces a dilemma when he captures the professor’s daughter (played by Claudia Barrett) and finds himself hesitating instead of completing his orders.

The Invader: An alien creature named Ro-Man—who resembles a gorilla wearing a deep-sea diving helmet—is sent to Earth as the vanguard of an invasion.

The Mission: Armed with a destructive “calcinator death ray,” Ro-Man has successfully wiped out nearly all human life on the planet.

The Conflict: A small handful of survivors, including a professor and his family, remain immune or hidden, and Ro-Man is tasked with hunting them down.

CAST OF KING KONG (1933)

Fay Wray (Ann Darrow)
Robert Armstrong (Carl Denham)
Bruce Cabot (Jack Driscoll)
Frank Reicher (Capt. Englehorn)
Sam Hardy (Charles Weston)
Noble Johnson (Native Chief)
Steve Clemente (Witch King [as Steve Clemento])
James Flavin (Second Mate Briggs)

CAST OF KING KONG (2005)

Naomi Watts (Ann Darrow)
Jack Black (Carl Denham)
Adrien Brody (Jack Driscoll)
Thomas Kretschmann (Captain Englehorn)
Colin Hanks (Preston)
Andy Serkis (Kong/Lumpy)
Evan Parke (Hayes)
Jamie Bell (Jimmy)

= = =

We hope you enjoy the show!

Galaxy Quest is the second of two films starring Sigourney Weaver that Troy and David are looking at, with Special guest Rachel A. Rosen. The movie did OK with its original release, back in 1999, but has earned a cult following ever since. It is loved by both the fans of SFFH but also industry professionals. There are a number of powerful, emotional moments in the movie. The movie has a lot of heart.

Troy and David and Rachel got so carried away with a discussion of the film, that they had to break the discussion of Galaxy Quest into two episodes. This is the SECOND of the two episodes. They begin episode 1 talking about their first experience seeing the film, and then go into a bit of a history of the production. As with many films, there were a number of different actors or actors that were first considered for various roles.

CREW OF THE PROTECTOR

Tim Allen – Jason Nesmith / Com. Peter Taggart
Sigourney Weaver – Gwen DeMarco / Lt. Tawny Madison
Alan Rickman – Andrew Dane / Dr. Lazarus
Tony Shaloub – Fred Kwan / Tech Sgt Chen
Sam Rockwell – Guy Fleegman / Crewman #6
Daryl “Chill” Miller – Tommy Weber / Lt. Loredo

Thermians

Enrico Colantoni – Mathesar
Missi Pyle – Laliari ( Lolly Ari)
Patrick Breen – Quellek
Rain Wilson – Lahnk
Jed Rees – Teb

Robin Sachs – Sarris (the villain)

Justin Long – Brandon, lead nerd.

= = =

Rachel A. Rosen is the guest for this two-part (now three-part) episode that looks at two films starring Sigourney Weaver.

PT. 1 Troy and David and Rachel look at the movie Alien, including their first experiences seeing it, their favorite moments, the lasting impact of the movie, and take a close look at some of the more impactful moments in the movie. Please stay until the end of the episode, after our closing music, for some additional content. This episode (episode 9 of season 7) was dropped on May 31st, 2026.

PT. 2 This is this episode, episode 10 of season 7, dropped on June 30th, 2026, where we looked at Galaxy Quest, which also starred Sigourney Weaver. Rachel joined Troy and David to look at a film that both fans and non-fans of episodic science fiction series like.

PT. 3 This episode was supposed to drop on July 31st, but website issues delayed this. This is our final episode of a 3-episode are that looked at Sigourney Weaver. This is our second part of Galaxy Quest, episode 11 of season 7. Rachel joins Troy and David.

By Grabthar’s hammer, by the suns of Worvan, what a movie!

RACHEL A. ROSEN
https://rachelrosen.ca/

From her website:

“I’m an activist, graphic designer, and for my sins, a high school teacher. Through magic dark as Vantablack, I have somehow conjured the time to write a book series, The Sleep of Reason. If you’re looking for more disaster wizards, check out my first novel, Cascade. I’m part of the Night Beats artist collective, so if you like my ideas, you can subscribe to my newsletter.”

Rachel also has the second book in the series, “Blight”.
https://rachelrosen.ca/index.php/a-homepage-section/

Rachel A. Rosen has been a guest for four shows:

“Queer SFFH” LINK
[Season 5 Episode 13, April 20, 2024]

“Alien (Sigourney Weaver PT.1)” LINK
[Season 7 Episode 9, May 31, 2026]

“Galaxy Quest PT. 1 (Sigourney Weaver PT.2)” LINK
[Season 7 Episode 10, June 30, 2026]

“Galaxy Quest PT. 2 (Sigourney Weaver PT.3)”
[Season 7 Episode 11, August 08, 2026]

We hope you enjoy the show!

Galaxy Quest is the second of two films starring Sigourney Weaver that Troy and David are looking at, with Special guest Rachel A. Rosen. The movie did OK with its original release, back in 1999, but has earned a cult following ever since. It is loved by both the fans of SFFH but also industry professionals. There are a number of powerful, emotional moments in the movie. The movie has a lot of heart.

Troy and David and Rachel got so carried away with a discussion of the film, that they had to break the discussion of Galaxy Quest into two episodes. This is the first of the two episodes. They begin episode 1 talking about their first experience seeing the film, and then go into a bit of a history of the production. As with many films, there were a number of different actors or actors that were first considered for various roles.

CREW OF THE PROTECTOR

Tim Allen – Jason Nesmith / Com. Peter Taggart
Sigourney Weaver – Gwen DeMarco / Lt. Tawny Madison
Alan Rickman – Andrew Dane / Dr. Lazarus
Tony Shaloub – Fred Kwan / Tech Sgt Chen
Sam Rockwell – Guy Fleegman / Crewman #6
Daryl “Chill” Miller – Tommy Weber / Lt. Loredo

Thermians

Enrico Colantoni – Mathesar
Missi Pyle – Laliari ( Lolly Ari)
Patrick Breen – Quellek
Rain Wilson – Lahnk
Jed Rees – Teb

Robin Sachs – Sarris (the villain)

Justin Long – Brandon, lead nerd.

= = =

Rachel A. Rosen is the guest for this two-part (now three-part) episode that looks at two films starring Sigourney Weaver.

PT. 1 Troy and David and Rachel look at the movie Alien, including their first experiences seeing it, their favorite moments, the lasting impact of the movie, and take a close look at some of the more impactful moments in the movie. Please stay until the end of the episode, after our closing music, for some additional content.

PT. 2 This is this episode, episode 10 of season 7, dropped on June 30th, 2026, will be an episode looking at Galaxy Quest, which also starred Sigourney Weaver. Rachel joins Troy and David to look at a film that both fans and non-fans of episodic science fiction series like.

PT. 3 Our following episode will be our second episode to look at Galaxy Quest, episode 11 of season 7, to be dropped on July 31st, 2026., Rachel joins Troy and David.

By Grabthar’s hammer, by the suns of Worvan, what a movie!

RACHEL A. ROSEN
https://rachelrosen.ca/

From her website:

“I’m an activist, graphic designer, and for my sins, a high school teacher. Through magic dark as Vantablack, I have somehow conjured the time to write a book series, The Sleep of Reason. If you’re looking for more disaster wizards, check out my first novel, Cascade. I’m part of the Night Beats artist collective, so if you like my ideas, you can subscribe to my newsletter.”

Rachel also has the second book in the series, “Blight”.
https://rachelrosen.ca/index.php/a-homepage-section/

Rachel A. Rosen has been a guest for two previous shows:

“Queer SFFH” LINK
[Season 5 Episode 13, April 20, 2024]

“Alien (Sigourney Weaver PT.1)” LINK
[Season 7 Episode 9, May 31, 2026]

We hope you enjoy the show!

Back in 1979 the world was introduced to Sigourney Weaver. OK – Sigourney did appear in a non-speaking role, briefly, in the movie Annie Hall two years previously. But the film that launched her incredible career was a little film called “Alien.” Most people include Alien in their top ten list of science fiction films.

The film is considered a classic, and both Troy and David had Alien in their top ten science fiction films of all time. A lot of the credit can go to the director, Ridley Scott, and to the screenplay, the alien design (thanks to H.R. Giger), the alien effects, the sets, the music, sound design, a whole host of things. But perhaps first among the many things that make this film great is the cast. The cast is incredible. Everyone is brilliant in their roles. Primarily we look to the character Ellen Ripley, a Warrant Officer and second in command of the Nostromo. Ellen Ripley was played by Sigourney Weaver.

Rachel A. Rosen is the guest for this two-part episode that looks at two films starring Sigourney Weaver.

PT. 1 Troy and David and Rachel look at the movie Alien, including their first experiences seeing it, their favorite moments, the lasting impact of the movie, and take a close look at some of the more impactful moments in the movie. Please stay until the end of the episode, after our closing music, for some additional content.

PT. 2 Our next episode, episode 10 of season 7, to be dropped on June 30th, 2026, will be an episode looking at Galaxy Quest, which also starred Sigourney Weaver. Rachel joins Troy and David to look at a film that both fans and non-fans of episodic science fiction series like.

By Grabthar’s hammer, by the suns of Worvan, what a movie!

RACHEL A. ROSEN
https://rachelrosen.ca/

From her website:

“I’m an activist, graphic designer, and for my sins, a high school teacher. Through magic dark as Vantablack, I have somehow conjured the time to write a book series, The Sleep of Reason. If you’re looking for more disaster wizards, check out my first novel, Cascade. I’m part of the Night Beats artist collective, so if you like my ideas, you can subscribe to my newsletter.”

Rachel also has the second book in the series, “Blight”.
https://rachelrosen.ca/index.php/a-homepage-section/

Rachel A. Rosen has been a guest for a previous show:

“Queer SFFH” LINK
[Season 5 Episode 13, April 20, 2024]

We hope you enjoy the show!

Note: As mentioned earlier, Rachel will be back for our second Sigourney Weaver episode, on Galaxy Quest, which should drop June 30, 2026.

Everyone has that film that everyone else assumes you would have seen. This is the film that David somehow missed in his childhood. Troy invited David to his man cave, and he got to see what all the hubbub was about.

Sandra Kasturi is the guest for this two-part episode that does a deep dive on: Poltergeist (1982)

PT. 1 Troy and David and Sandra discuss any paranormal or psychic experiences they have had, and then turn to the film Poltergeist, and talk about their first experiences viewing it, and then on to the film itself.

PT. 2 The discussion on the film Poltergeist concludes. Troy and David and Sandra talk about the curse, the use of skeletons that were not mock-ups but actual skeletons of people.

Poltergeist did win the Saturn Award for Best Horror or Thriller Film.

It was nominated for three Oscars.
Jerry Goldsmith was up for Best Score. John Williams won for E.T.
Poltergeist was nominated for Best Visual Effects. E.T. won.
Poltergeist was nominated for Best Sound Effects. E.T. won.

SANDRA KASTURI
https://sandrakasturi.com/

From her website:

“I like dinosaurs. Although dinosaurs are definitely awesome, I also write poetry and fiction. I edit those same things, too.”

Sandra Kasturi has been a guest for three previous two-part shows:

“Something Wicked This Way Comes” PT. 1 LINK
“Something Wicked This Way Comes” PT. 2 LINK
[S.1 Eps 13-14; Sept 18 + Oct 2, 2021]

”Folk Horror” PT. 1 – The Wicker Man (1973) LINK
”Folk Horror” PT. 2 – MidSommar LINK
[S.3 Eps 2-3; May 14 + May 28, 2022]

“The Thing” PT. 1 LINK
“The Thing” PT. 2 LINK
[S.4 Eps 11-12; May 27 + Jun 10, 2023]

We hope you enjoy the two shows!

Everyone has that film that everyone else assumes you would have seen. This is the film that David somehow missed in his childhood. Troy invited David to his man cave, and he got to see what all the hubbub was about.

Sandra Kasturi is the guest for this two-part episode that does a deep dive on: Poltergeist (1982)

PT. 1 Troy and David and Sandra discuss any paranormal or psychic experiences they have had, and then turn to the film Poltergeist, and talk about their first experiences viewing it, and then on to the film itself.

PT. 2 The discussion on the film Poltergeist concludes. Troy and David and Sandra talk about the curse, the use of skeletons that were not mock-ups but actual skeletons of people.

Poltergeist did win the Saturn Award for Best Horror or Thriller Film.

It was nominated for three Oscars.
Jerry Goldsmith was up for Best Score. John Williams won for E.T.
Poltergeist was nominated for Best Visual Effects. E.T. won.
Poltergeist was nominated for Best Sound Effects. E.T. won.

SANDRA KASTURI
https://sandrakasturi.com/

From her website:

“I like dinosaurs. Although dinosaurs are definitely awesome, I also write poetry and fiction. I edit those same things, too.”

Sandra Kasturi has been a guest for three previous two-part shows:

“Something Wicked This Way Comes” PT. 1 LINK
“Something Wicked This Way Comes” PT. 2 LINK
[S.1 Eps 13-14; Sept 18 + Oct 2, 2021]

”Folk Horror” PT. 1 – The Wicker Man (1973) LINK
”Folk Horror” PT. 2 – MidSommar LINK
[S.3 Eps 2-3; May 14 + May 28, 2022]

“The Thing” PT. 1 LINK
“The Thing” PT. 2 LINK
[S.4 Eps 11-12; May 27 + Jun 10, 2023]

We hope you enjoy the two shows!

Troy and David talk about three movies in this two-part episode:

Gremlins (1984)
Back to the Future (1985)
Howard the Duck (1986)

PT. 1 looks at Gremlins, and begins the discussion on Back to the Future.

PT. 2 finishes the discussion on Back to the Future, and then moves on to Howard the Duck.

PART 2: Back to the Future & Howard the Duck
Our second episode continues our discussion about Back to the Future, and concludes with Howard the Duck.

Troy talks about his love/hate relationship with Back to the Future. He described it as having “a glorified Brady Bunch plot but with some weird incest running through it.” Marty has a weird family, with a pervy dad, and he likes to hang out with an older, eccentric man. There are also musical nitpicks that are concerning, especially the Johnny B. Good scene and its cultural appropriation.

David goes into how the opening 5-10 minutes sets up the entire film, where things mentioned or shown are then referred to later, like the term, “Chekhov’s Gun” which means if a gun is shown in act one, it must be used by act three. David also refers to this as “Sulu’s Phaser” and “Peltzer’s Sword.”

David shares his favorite quote from the movie, where Doc Brown lets Marty know how important he has been to him:

• Dr. Emmett Brown: You know, Marty, I’m gonna be very sad to see you go. You’ve really made a difference in my life. You’ve given me something to shoot for. Just knowing that I’m going to be around to see 1985. That I’m gonna succeed in this!
• [gestures at time machine]
• Dr. Emmett Brown: That I’m gonna have a chance to travel through time!

Troy and David then move on to Howard the Duck.
Many consider this a terrible movie. There was an episode on it by the webcast: TMS: This Movie Sucks. It did horribly at the box office, mainly through word of mouth and reviews. Troy mentions that one of the people working in the theatre warned Troy not to watch it.

Howard the Duck was #54 in the box office in 1986. But there were notable films that did worse that year!: 57 = Legend; 63 = Little Shop of Horrors; 68 = Labyrinth; 72 = Big Trouble in Little China; 75 = Brazil; 80 = Blue Velvet; 92 = Maximum Overdrive.

Troy and David go into the many reasons why the film failed, but also at its endearing qualities. They also summarize the triple bill, the connections between the three films they looked at in this two-episode show.

We hope you enjoyed the two shows!

Troy and David talk about three movies in this two-part episode:

Gremlins (1984)
Back to the Future (1985)
Howard the Duck (1986)

PT. 1 looks at Gremlins, and begins the discussion on Back to the Future.

PT. 2 finishes the discussion on Back to the Future, and then moves on to Howard the Duck.

PART 1: Gremlins & Back to the Future
Our first episode does cover how the three films are connected, in both screen talent, locations, producers, and directors. Each of the three films were expected to be box office smashes, following on the success of The Empire Strikes Back in 1980, Raiders of the Lost Ark in 1981, E.T. in 1982, and The Return of the Jedi in 1983.

Amblin Entertainment produced Gremlins & Back to the Future.

In Gremlins, we see Mogwai playing mini-Donkey Kong. The films do not take themselves too seriously.

We know, when the rules are mentioned, that these will be broken, and in imaginative, funny ways…

Chinese Boy: Look Mister, there’s three rules you’ve got to follow.

Rand Peltzer: Yeah, what kind of rules?

Chinese Boy: Keep him out of the light, he hates bright light, especially sunlight, it’ll kill him. And, keep him away from water, don’t get him wet. But the most important rule, the rule you can never forget, no matter how much he cries, no matter how much he begs, never, never feed him after midnight. You got it?

Rand Peltzer: Sure kid, whatever you say. Hey, listen, thanks! And have a Merry Christmas!

Troy and David then move on to Back to the Future, which was originally cast with Eric Stoltz in the lead, and had a working title: Spaceman from Pluto. Stoltz was removed, and the title changed.

A connection between the two films, is that both Back to the Future and Gremlins used the “Universal Studios Courthouse Square” backlot.

Troy recommends the book Future Boy, penned by Michael J. Fox. In it, Fox mentions that his replacing Stoltz was not welcomed by everyone, especially by Lea Thompson, but that changed.

More discussion in part 2

Troy and David come up with their top ten SFFH TV Shows of the 21st century (3rd Millennium). TV shows from the years 2001 – 2025 are considered.

How many TV shows will be on both lists? How many will be Science Fiction? Fantasy? Horror? How many will belong to more than one genre?

And, will Troy be able to sneak in a Beatles reference?

Listen to find out.

Season 7 is our ALL MOVIE season. New episodes usually the last day of the month.