Off The Record - 3 - 2026
Show notes
In this 3rd recording of Off the Record in 2026, Rastislav, Stewart and Ken bring some new films into the picture.
In our feature Rastislav compares two films about evil. I Saw the Devil from 2010, and Blue Velvet from 1986 represent stark opposites in how evil can be portrayed. I Saw the Devil being a Korean film directed by Kim Jee-woon and Blue Velvet by David Lynch. Both are well liked and are highly praised. One is more of a dark and psychological evil, while the other is a chaotic type. Stars include Kyle MacLachlan and Isabella Rossellini. The Korean film has Lee Byung-hun and Choi Min-sik as their main characters. Rasto gives us his impression of both films.
Stewart’s Greater pick Dangerous animals from 2025 directed by Sean Byrne — starring Hassie Harrison and Jai Courtney. The Dangerous animal in question are blood thirsty sharks off the gold coast, but the antagonist has a dark secret to be revealed to his would be captors. The film takes us slightly into the psyche of a serial killer, but remains true to the genre of a survivalist film.
Ken gives us a run-down of his man vs machine pick, Unstoppable from 2010. Directed by Tony Scott and featuring Denzel Washington with Chris Pine. The film is about a run-away train carrying dangerous chemicals and the efforts made to get the train under control. Based on real life events while still filled with action and suspense. This was Tony Scott’s last film unfortunately before he passed on. Ken gave it a fair assessment.
The Lesser pick by Stewart had an interesting premise, but fell way short in the delivery department. American Sweatshop from 2025 directed by Uta Briesewitz and starring Lili Reinhart attempts to give us an inside look into the lives of social media content moderators. The film is set in modern day Florida and the main character becomes obsessed with one of the recordings she saw while moderating. She hopes to get justice for the possible victim in the video.
And finally Ken recounted his experience with the 2016 sci-fi pick Colossal directed by Nacho Vigalondo and Anne Hathaway as the lead actor. Unfortunately there was a bit of a bait and switch as the film had a darker edge than Ken expected, rather than the whimsical sci-fi comedy he was expecting.
And one final note from Stewart is the disappointing 2026 series finale of Good Omens that left a bad taste for Stewart and seemingly the fans.
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