The Deja Review

This episode of The Deja Review, Mart & Trev strap on the explosive collars and sprint headfirst into The Running Man — twice — to see which dystopian death-game does it best: ‘80s cheese or modern mean.

First up, 1987’s Arnie classic, where game shows involve chainsaws, wrestlers dressed like Christmas ornaments, and Arnold Schwarzenegger treating every kill like an open-mic night. Both hosts have an absolute blast with the neon madness, practical stunts, and pure VHS energy… but Trev draws the line at the puns.

Then they hit the 2025 remake, which dials back the lycra and actually sticks closer to the original book — darker, nastier, and way more “this could genuinely happen.” Both hosts are surprised how much they love it: sharper satire, bigger stakes, and an actual critique of reality TV instead of just blokes in spandex with flamethrowers. Mart calls it “smart sci-fi,” while Trev declares it “the rare remake that understood the assignment”… before immediately ranting that it deserved way better at the box office.

Expect debates about which version they’d survive (answer: neither), fond memories of ‘80s nonsense, and Trev attempting to fine Arnie £5 for every pun

Two long time friends, one podcast.
This is The Deja Review.

Enjoy the episode and remember to like, follow and tell your friends.

As always a massive thank you to Little Foil Fish for our theme tune - ⁠ ⁨@LittleFoilFish⁩ ⁠

Mart & Trev

Subscribe to the Podcast - ⁠ ⁨@TheDejaReview⁩

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Deja Review
01:09 Overview of The Running Man
02:06 The Original Film's Background
04:59 Character Analysis and Casting Choices
08:19 Dialogue and Writing Quality
10:16 Visual Effects and Production Quality
12:39 Cameos and Music Links
14:36 Cultural Commentary and Themes
18:03 Transition to the Remake
19:28 Remake's Development and Casting
21:25 Differences in Character Roles
23:10 Plot and Character Motivations
25:29 Filming Locations and Production Details
27:24 Advertising and Product Placement
29:21 Cameos and Easter Eggs
30:18 Cultural Parody and Social Commentary
32:43 Innovative Filming Techniques
34:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
35:04 Character Evolution and Audience Reception
38:36 Character Dynamics and Plot Resolutions
41:34 Comparative Analysis of Actors
44:59 Hunters: Original vs. Remake
45:56 Themes of Reality and Dystopia
48:45 Potential for Future Adaptations
49:58 5 to 1: Arnold Schwarzenegger

Keywords
The Running Man, movie review, remake, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Stephen King, dystopian films, Glen Powell, film analysis, social commentary, action movies, film adaptations

This episode on The Deja Review, Mart & Trev head somewhere warm and cheerful… Antarctica, where the coffee’s frozen, the pay’s terrible, and your co-worker might secretly be an alien lasagne.

First up is The Thing from Another World (1951) — the brisk, no-nonsense sci-fi where a group of scientists discover a crashed UFO and immediately make the worst possible decisions in matching parkas. Mart loves the rapid-fire dialogue and old-school monster mayhem, while Trev notes that the alien basically “a very angry carrot with legs.” Still, it’s charming, tense, and feels like a workplace drama where HR would simply say, “Have you tried shooting it?”

Then they thaw out John Carpenter’s 1982 remake, where the paranoia is thicker than the snow and absolutely no one trusts anyone. Dogs explode, heads grow legs, and Kurt Russell solves most problems with a flamethrower. Both hosts adore it — the practical effects, the dread, the beard game — with Trev declaring “It's a fantastic film.” and Mart wondering if this is the worst team-building exercise in cinema history.

Expect heated debates that will even melt this ice and the shared conclusion that if your Antarctic job involves shape-shifting aliens, maybe just stay home.

Two long time friends, one podcast.
This is The Deja Review.

Enjoy the episode and remember to like, follow and tell your friends.

As always a massive thank you to Little Foil Fish for our theme tune - ⁠ @LittleFoilFish ⁠

Mart & Trev

Subscribe to the Podcast - ⁠ @TheDejaReview

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Holiday Plans
00:59 Overview of 'The Thing' (1951)
02:30 Film Synopsis and Initial Impressions
04:56 Creature Design and Special Effects Discussion
09:49 Character Dynamics and Military Influence
15:05 Themes of Isolation and Scientific Ethics
17:58 Transition to the Remake of 'The Thing'
18:56 Details of the 1982 Remake
19:51 Comparative Analysis of Original and Remake
25:07 Special Effects and Practical Techniques
29:47 Character Analysis and Plot Development
35:08 Final Thoughts on Both Films
37:33 Hilarious Errors in Body Horror Scenes
39:57 The Ambiguity of the Ending
42:51 The Impact of Special Effects on Horror
46:14 The Power of Soundtracks in Building Tension
49:11 John Carpenter's Influence and Legacy
54:59 The Debate: Original vs. Remake
57:07 5 to 1: Kurt Russell
01:12:11 Final Thoughts and Tributes

Keywords
The Thing, 1951, 1982, horror, sci-fi, remakes, special effects, John Carpenter, Kurt Russell, isolation

In this bonus episode of the podcast, hosts Mart and Trev dive into their favourite films of 2025, sharing their top five picks along with honourable mentions and a few disappointments.
The conversation is light-hearted and filled with humour as they reflect on films like 'Freakier Friday', 'Sinners', and 'The Long Walk', discussing their unexpected enjoyment and the elements that made these films stand out.
They also touch on the challenges of remakes and sequels, particularly with titles like 'Spinal Tap 2' and 'The Running Man', emphasizing how these films managed to capture the essence of their originals while offering something new.

Two long time friends, one podcast.
This is The Deja Review.

Enjoy the episode and remember to like, follow and tell your friends.

As always a massive thank you to Little Foil Fish for our theme tune - ⁠ @LittleFoilFish

Mart & Trev

Subscribe to the Podcast - @thedejareview

In this engaging bonus episode, hosts Mart and Trev dive into the films they are most excited about for the upcoming year, as well as those they are less enthusiastic about.
They kick off the conversation with a light-hearted exchange about their drink choices, setting a casual tone for the discussion.
The duo shares their honourable mentions, including anticipated titles like 'Mandalorian and Grogu' and 'Evil Dead Burn,' while expressing their concerns about the transition from series to film format.
As they countdown their top five films, they explore various genres, from horror to superhero flicks, and reflect on the potential impact of new releases on established franchises.
The conversation also touches on the challenges of sequels and reboots, with both hosts expressing scepticism about certain upcoming films, particularly 'Hunger Games: Sunrise of the Reaping.' They conclude the episode by discussing their shared excitement for 'Avengers: Doomsday,' highlighting the anticipation surrounding its star-studded cast and storyline.
Overall, the episode is a blend of humour, nostalgia, and critical analysis, making it a must-listen for movie enthusiasts.

Two long time friends, one podcast.
This is The Deja Review.

Enjoy the episode and remember to like, follow and tell your friends.

As always a massive thank you to Little Foil Fish for our theme tune - ⁠ @LittleFoilFish ⁠

Mart & Trev

Subscribe to the Podcast - @thedejareview

This episode on The Deja Review, Mart & Trev head to small-town America where the schools are friendly, the football’s Friday night… and the foreign invasion happens before lunchtime.

They start with Red Dawn (1984) — a Cold War fever dream where a bunch of high-school kids ditch homework, grab some guns, and become the most organised resistance force since last orders at the pub. Mart loves the sheer ’80s confidence of it all: parachuting villains, Patrick Swayze shouting “Wolverines!”, and teenagers surviving in the woods on pure patriotism. Trev agrees it’s bonkers — but in that sincere, “they really thought this could happen” kind of way.

Then it’s onto the 2012 remake, where the same story is rebooted for a new generation with slicker visuals, fewer mullets, and an invasion that keeps changing countries depending on who’s funding the film. Mart finds it watchable enough (“It’s like a greatest-hits remix”), while Trev insists it feels more like a Call of Duty cutscene stretched to feature length.

Expect debates over which version has the better teen soldiers, confusion about international politics, and serious questions like “Who's actually in charge of the invading forces?”

Two long time friends, one podcast.
This is The Deja Review.

Enjoy the episode and remember to like, follow and tell your friends.

As always a massive thank you to Little Foil Fish for our theme tune - ⁠ ⁨@LittleFoilFish⁩ ⁠

Mart & Trev

Subscribe to the Podcast - ⁠ ⁨@TheDejaReview⁩

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Deja Review
00:42 Overview of Red Dawn (1984)
01:41 Cast and Characters
05:05 Character Dynamics and Tensions
07:29 Plot Inaccuracies and Strategic Questions
12:43 The Deer Blood Drinking Scene
17:01 Powers Booth's Character and Exposition
27:34 Transition to the 2013 Remake
28:04 Overview of Red Dawn (2013)
30:01 Character Changes in the Remake
39:33 Comparing the Two Films
53:12 Final Thoughts
55:55 5 to 1 Patrick Swayze

Keywords
Red Dawn, movie remake, Patrick Swayze, 1984 film, film analysis, Deja Review, Chris Hemsworth, cinema podcast, character dynamics, film comparison