Your Movie Rocks: Despiser - with writer/director Philip J. Cook!

Your Movie Rocks: Despiser - with writer/director Philip J. Cook!

Author: Alternate Ending December 2, 2025 Duration: 1:21:10

For our extremely special December episode, Mandy is joined once again by Andrew Milne, who has assigned her the horror-scifi-absurdist-quasi-Dante-epic Despiser (2003), a movie that is so very many things all at once that it trying to describe it can leave one flailing and floundering like a starving artist who just woke up in purgatory.  Fortunately, Mandy and Andrew have brought another guest along on this wild ride through the digital effects of the late 1990s, and he is probably the most qualified man in the world to talk about Despiser, because he's Philip J. Cook, the writer/director/producer of Despiser.

Join Mandy, Andrew, and Phil as they discuss Phil's roller coaster of a filmmaking career, the relative merits of different approaches to special effects, why Phil has a vendetta against troll dolls, and what kinds of magic can happen when filmmakers refuse to be hindered by little inconveniences like having no money.

You can back Phil's new project, Echoes of Dread, here.

You can snag a copy of Andrew's novel White Scar Across the Firmament here.

Mandy Letterboxd - Andrew Letterboxd


The conversations on Alternate Ending-Movie Review Podcast begin with a simple, shared love for cinema, but they quickly go much deeper than that. This isn't a formal critique or a dry analysis; it's the sound of three friends debating, laughing, and unpacking what they just watched, with the listener right there in the room. The goal is practical: to help you decide where to spend your valuable time and money. You'll get clear, often passionate, opinions on which new releases are worth a trip to the theater, which are perfect for a cozy night on the couch, and which you might want to skip entirely. What defines this podcast is its perspective. As the hosts note, they aren't just another group of guys rehashing classic cult favorites. The dynamic between the two hosts and their third co-host brings a distinct and engaging balance to every discussion, covering everything from big blockbusters and hidden indie gems to classic TV series. Each episode feels like a genuine conversation, one that’s as much about the experience of watching as it is about the film or show itself. Tune in for thoughtful reviews, unexpected recommendations, and the kind of easygoing rapport that makes you feel like part of the group.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Alternate Ending - Movie Review Podcast
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