Episode 4 - THE MASK

In 1994, humankind experienced an unprecedented phenomenon that experts later termed "Peak Carrey."  A cross between a major atmospheric disturbance and a mass public hysteria, the event afflicted individuals with symptoms including rubberized facial expressions, spontaneous utterances of annoying noises, and rectal vocalization.  While it is known that the films Ace Ventura: Pet Detective and Dumb and Dumber were indeed primary instigators, we also believe that The Mask played a crucial role in introducing Peak Carrey to the population.

From sad sack Everyman to living cartoon, people could not get enough of Jim Carrey in 1994.  We'll find out why as we examine The Mask.


The Mask (1994)
Directed by Chuck Russell
Produced by Robert Engleman
Screenplay by Mike Werb; Story by Michael Fallon and Mark Verheiden
Starring Jim Carrey, Peter Greene, Peter Riegert, and Cameron Diaz

Episode 3 - FERNGULLY: THE LAST RAINFOREST

1992's environmental extravaganza really is a lot like Avatar...but it's also so much more.  This week, we'll talk about the unique charms of this scrappy animated underdog that left its mark on a green generation.

Also: a brief Robin Williams tribute, who appears in the film as the voice of the magnificently manic Batty Koda.

FernGully: The Last Rainforest (1992)
Directed by Bill Kroyer
Produced by Peter Faiman and Wayne Young
Written by Jim Cox
Starring the voices of Jonathan Ward, Samantha Mathis, Tim Curry, and Robin Williams

Episode 2 - SPAWN

Todd MacFarlane's most famous creation stars in an alternately cheesy and nightmare-inducing action flick featuring the best medium-budget CGI the late '90s had to offer.   Spawn is a textbook case of striking while the iron is hot, and a dark, cynical tale of a super-anti-hero that was arguably too far ahead of its time.  We'll see you in hell!

Spawn (1997)

Directed by Mark A. Z. Dippé
Produced by Clint Goldman
Written by Alan B. McElroy
Starring Michael Jai White, John Leguizamo, and Martin Sheen