The Bloody Pit #233 - ROBOT JOX (1990)

Our series following the films directed by Stuart Gordon continues with ROBOT JOX (1990)! After three horror films in a row this was certainly a left turn for the man best known at the time for inventive, darkly humorous gore. The intended audience for this one is very different as the film aims for a broader appeal without quite so much blood and dismemberment. Instead, we get giant robots fighting for territory in a post-apocalyptic world. You know – family friendly! Other than the drinking and brief nudity. And we should issue a spoiler alert as we talk about everything up to the end credits.

John Hudson and I gather around his dinner table with Troy Guinn joining us in a brand-new way. Next time we may have to use a Quija board! We discuss the production of the film and the hardships encountered in crafting the special effects. The cast and their backgrounds are part of the conversation with Gordon regulars getting shout outs for their welcomed return. We talk a little about screenwriter Joe Haldeman and recommend a few of his excellent science fiction novels. The obvious similarities to PACIFIC RIM (2013) are discussed along with another key comparison to director Guillermo Del Toro’s career. So join us for dubious Russian accents, stop-motion animation and men beating each other to death for the joy of the soon to be squished crowd. Oh – and a very suggestive chainsaw! Whew.

 

If you have any comments about the films of Stuart Gordon or anything else we’ve covered on the show thebloodypit@gmail.com is the place to send them. Thank you for listening and we’ll be back soon!

CAT WOMEN OF THE MOON (1953) Poster Art

I'm not claiming this is a good film but it does have......not much, I'll admit. It's pretty bad, really. 

 

QUEEN OF OUTER SPACE (1958) Poster Art

I don't claim it's good but I will admit that I've watched it more than once!

 

Patreon - DISCLOSURE DAY (2026)

My viewing of Steven Spielberg's newest science fiction film leaves me overall disappointed with a few caveats. My suspension of disbelief was not often engaged. I discuss the question of it being partially my own fault for having seen too many Spielberg movies.

Poster Art for THE ADVENTURES OF BUCKAROO BANZAI ACROSS THE 8TH DIMENSION (1984)

 

Poster Art and Lobby Cards for DESTINATION MOON (1950)

 

Poster Art Inspired By THEY LIVE (1988)

 

Poster art for THE FABULOUS WORLD OF JULES VERNE (1961)

 

If you've never seen this fantastic film you really should seek it out! Made by Czech animator-turned-director Karel Zeman as a loving tribute to the novels of Jules Verne with the title of Invention for Destruction, it was released in 1958. In 1961 the film was belatedly released in the United States under this more famous title and by that time it had won numerous awards around the world. It is incredibly entertaining and unlike nearly anything you've ever seen before.