Bury Our Bones With Cinema

Mortal Kombat

Prepare for Kombat! This week on Bury Our Bones With Cinema, Ryan Etherington and Simon Keet step into the arena to tackle Mortal Kombat (1995), the cult classic that brought the iconic video game series to life. With its unforgettable techno soundtrack, outrageous fight scenes, and endlessly quotable one-liners, Paul W.S. Anderson’s martial arts fantasy was a game-changer for video game adaptations—and not always in the way you’d expect.
 
Ryan and Simon break down the film’s over-the-top action, campy charm, and its ability to somehow walk the line between cheesy fun and earnest spectacle. From Christopher Lambert’s eccentric Raiden to the ultimate showdown between Liu Kang and Shang Tsung, they celebrate the highs, the lows, and everything in between.
 
Jimmy Murphy’s original music and sketches take the episode to the next level, adding a fresh and hilarious spin to the conversation.
 
Whether you’re a lifelong Mortal Kombat fan or just in it for the nostalgia, this episode is sure to hit harder than a bicycle kick. Tune in—your soul may depend on it!

Pro Wrestlers in Movies: The Good - They Live and Guardians of the Galaxy

In this feel-good solo episode, Ryan Etherington shines a spotlight on pro wrestlers who made a seamless leap to cinematic greatness. Featuring Roddy Piper’s iconic turn in John Carpenter’s cult classic They Live and Dave Bautista’s breakout role as Drax in Guardians of the Galaxy, Ryan explores how these performances harnessed the wrestlers’ natural charisma, timing, and physicality to create unforgettable characters.
Through thoughtful analysis, Ryan celebrates what happens when wrestling stars find the right roles, proving that larger-than-life personas can translate beautifully to the big screen. Whether you’re into sci-fi rebellion or space-faring hilarity, this episode is a testament to when wrestlers truly hit their cinematic stride.

Pro Wrestlers in Movies: The Bad and The Ugly - Suburban Commando and Money Plane

In this riotous solo episode, Ryan Etherington steps into the ring to tackle the misfires of pro wrestlers transitioning to the silver screen. Taking a close (and cringe-worthy) look at Hulk Hogan’s out-of-place antics in Suburban Commando and the chaotic absurdity of Edge in Money Plane, Ryan explores why these films failed to capitalize on the natural charisma and larger-than-life personas of their stars.
With sharp critique and plenty of laughs, Ryan unpacks how even the biggest wrestling icons can’t save a bad script or misguided direction. Whether you’re a wrestling fan or just love a good cinematic trainwreck, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who’s ever asked, “Why did they do this?”
 

Video Game Adaptions That Got It Right - Resident Evil and Silent Hill

In this celebratory solo episode, Ryan Etherington examines the rare successes in the tricky world of video game adaptations. Spotlighting the atmospheric horror of Silent Hill (2006) and the action-packed thrills of Resident Evil (2002), Ryan explores how these films managed to translate the essence of their iconic games to the big screen. From Silent Hill’s haunting visuals to Resident Evil’s relentless energy, he breaks down what these adaptations got right—and why they still resonate with fans today.
Join Ryan as he highlights the moments where Hollywood proved that video game movies don’t have to be game over. Whether you’re into eerie fog-filled towns or high-octane zombie action, this episode is a win for gamers and cinephiles alike.

Video Game Adaptions That Got It Wrong - Street Fighter & Assassin's Creed

In this no-holds-barred solo episode, Ryan Etherington dives into the missteps of Hollywood’s attempts to bring beloved video games to the big screen. Focusing on the chaotic Street Fighter (1994) and the muddled Assassin’s Creed (2016), Ryan unpacks how these adaptations failed to capture the magic of their source material. From baffling creative choices to underwhelming storytelling, he explores why these films missed the mark for fans and newcomers alike.
With sharp insights and a dose of humor, Ryan reflects on the pitfalls of adapting interactive experiences into cinema and ponders what it will take to finally crack the code. If you’ve ever groaned through a video game movie, this episode is for you.

Great Recasting

In this insightful solo episode, Ryan Etherington delves into the art of recasting, celebrating the moments when a fresh face reinvigorates a beloved character. Highlighting Bill Skarsgård’s haunting transformation as Pennywise in It (2017) and Michael Gambon’s nuanced portrayal of Dumbledore in the Harry Potter series following Richard Harris’s passing, Ryan examines how these performances honored the essence of their characters while bringing something entirely new to the table.
 
Through thoughtful analysis, Ryan explores what makes recasting successful and why these actors proved to be perfect choices for their roles. Whether you’re a fan of spine-chilling clowns or wise wizards, this episode showcases the magic of getting it right the second time around.

Great Casting in Bad Movies

In this sharp and candid solo episode, Ryan Etherington takes a closer look at the wasted potential of brilliant casting in otherwise disappointing films. From George Clooney’s charismatic but misplaced turn as Batman in the neon-drenched Batman & Robin to Liev Schreiber’s intense and underutilized performance as Victor Creed in X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Ryan dissects how stellar actors were let down by weak scripts, poor direction, or misguided creative choices.
Through thoughtful critique and a touch of humor, Ryan explores the frustration and fascination of seeing exceptional talent trapped in subpar material—and what these performances still manage to teach us about the power of casting in cinema. This one’s for anyone who’s ever thought, “They deserved so much better.”

Sequels That Surpassed The Original

In this triumphant solo outing, Ryan Etherington explores the rare phenomenon of sequels that outshine their predecessors. Focusing on Guillermo del Toro’s stylish and kinetic Blade 2 and George A. Romero’s groundbreaking Dawn of the Dead, Ryan dives deep into what it takes for a sequel to elevate its franchise to new heights. He examines how these films not only built upon the foundations of the originals but redefined their respective genres—delivering bolder stories, richer visuals, and unforgettable thrills.
Join Ryan as he celebrates the alchemy of sequels that got it right and became legends in their own right. Whether you’re a fan of vampire-slaying action or zombie-filled social commentary, this episode is a love letter to cinematic second chances done to perfection.

Sequels We Got vs. Sequels We Actually Wanted

In this introspective solo episode of Bury Our Bones With Cinema, host Ryan Etherington takes the mic to dissect the fascinating divide between the sequels we were given and the sequels we dreamed of. Ryan delves into the bold, controversial choices of A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge and the polarizing evolution of the action juggernaut in Mission Impossible 2. Along the way, he examines the expectations audiences bring to follow-ups and how these films shaped (or shattered) those perceptions. From missed opportunities to surprising reinventions, Ryan unpacks the lasting impact of sequels that dared to deviate from what fans wanted—and what they mean in the greater cinematic landscape.
This is an episode for anyone who’s ever walked out of a theater asking, “Why did they do it like that?”

Jingle All The Way

Put that cookie down—NOW! This week on Bury Our Bones With Cinema, Jimmy Murphy and Ryan Etherington tackle the chaotic holiday madness of Jingle All the Way (1996). Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger as a desperate dad on a frenzied quest to secure a Turbo-Man action figure, this festive comedy is as ridiculous as it is nostalgic. But fair warning: Jimmy hates it, and he’s not holding back.
While Ryan valiantly defends the film’s so-bad-it’s-good charm, Jimmy dives into why this yuletide fever dream drives him up the Christmas tree. From its over-the-top antics to Sinbad’s manic postman energy, the duo explores whether Jingle All the Way is a holiday classic or just coal in cinematic form.
Whether you love it, hate it, or love to hate it, this episode is stuffed with more laughs than a stocking full of Turbo-Man merch. So strap in, avoid the mall crowds, and tune in—it’s the Christmas chaos you didn’t know you needed!