Last Podcast On The Left
Last Podcast On The Left
"This is literally paranoia central USA. It's a bunch of men with earpieces in and cameras everywhere. This is what makes people have panic attacks where they jump out of their cars when they're smoking." — Ben Kissel (describing an overwhelming security presence at a party)
"He was the rank of corporal. So that's a big deal for a bear. Not so easy to do. That's big." — Henry Zebrowski (commenting on Wojtek the bear's military rank)
"The puppets are the bad guys again? The puppets are the bad guys. Yes, because they kind of reverted back to being semi good guys, which is what I like. That's what I liked about puppet master that they start off as terrific serial killers." — Travis (discussing the Puppet Master film franchise)
The episode opens with hosts Ben Kissel and Henry Zebrowski recounting humorous anecdotes from recent social events, including an unexpectedly intense security experience at a "High Times" party and a birthday celebration where a guest brought their own video game console. The conversation then pivots to the extraordinary story of Wojtek, a Syrian brown bear adopted by Polish soldiers during World War II. The hosts detail Wojtek's journey from a young cub found in Iran to his enlistment in the Polish army, where he assisted with logistics, including carrying heavy ammunition crates. The narrative highlights Wojtek's bravery and unique role as a morale booster for the troops, culminating in his retirement to the Edinburgh Zoo.
Transitioning into film criticism, the hosts engage in a lively discussion about recent horror movie releases. They dissect films such as "Puppet Master," "Winchester," "Truth or Dare," and the "Slender Man" phenomenon, offering varied opinions and critiques on their narrative quality, scares, and overall execution. The conversation touches upon the controversial aspects of the "Slender Man" stabbing case and the cultural impact of anime, drawing parallels between fictional narratives and real-world events.
The episode concludes with further discussion on horror franchises, including the "Insidious" series and Rob Zombie's filmography, expressing anticipation for his upcoming projects. They also explore the appeal of iconic horror villains like Michael Myers and Jason Voorhees, and delve into the nuanced debate surrounding representation in film, particularly concerning actors of shorter stature and the "Leprechaun" franchise. The hosts also touch upon the darker aspects of Japanese anime and the complexities of serial killer psychology, referencing the case of Tsutomu Miyazaki.