Mazes and Monsters (Welcome To The Basement)

[@calamusgladiofortior2814]

This movie is like the Reefer Madness for tabletop RPGs.

[@TVsMrNeil]

Hilariously, this movie aired on CBS the same year that the very same network was airing the Dungeons & Dragons cartoon on Saturday morning.

[@TheWrongHands18]

Cartoon was one year later. 1983. I began playing D and D in the late 70's and my Grandmother knew about the kid who got lost and after that everyone older than us, thought D and D was devil worshipping madness. Even at the time, I could see their POV especially in the Monster Manual which had demons and devils, etc. But, fantasy would suck without that aspect, especially the magic using and worshipping other gods and deities.

[@TheVengefulEagle]

"Beware the sacrilege!" - Tom Hanks, two time Oscar winner.

[@SleepFan771]

TheVengefulEagle "I have spells, I'm going to fly." - Tom Hanks

[@LibraGamesUnlimited]

+TheVengefulEagle I have a feeling this is one movie he would love to forget. Like the rest of us.

[@TheStewieOne]

I can least say that. Mistakes were made.

[@stevedaly1440]

On wow, that cat! I couldn't concentrate on the episode. That cat is a bundle of joy.

[@jordanromaker]

King of Kong is my favourite documentary. Seen it so many times and it never gets dull.

[@ownageintheface]

God damn. You guys are really on point this episode. Nice to see a new face in the basement. Lovely cat, Matt. Seen it? Still Alice.

[@miguelporras2515]

spoiler alert: Cici became Cecil

[@peekaboohi]

Congrats on your new kitten!! She's so adorable. I don't know how you keep from eating her face off. This was a good episode! You're both in good form!

[@brpierce]

Oh, guys...this is the GOOD "Gamer Goes Crazy Movie Starring Wendy Crewson As The Crazy Gamer's Girlfriend." It is not, however, the ONLY "Gamer Goes Crazy Movie Starring Wendy Crewson As The Crazy Gamer's Girlfriend." May I recommend Ota Richter's magnum opus, Skullduggery? Oh: and the comment about how JJ should have worn an arrow-through-the-head? Yeah, that happens in Skullduggery.

[@ndgv2]

I know it was 1982 and I know it was a made for tv movie, but this is the first time I've actually seen a movie that looks like it was filmed using a potato instead of a camera. Sometimes movies are so bad, they are good. This wasn't one of them. How does Tom Hanks look 40 in everything? You know how some actors never age? Tom turned middle aged in his twenties, and stayed there. also, how cute are those cats.

[@Qermaq]

Oh man the last scene. Ernesto is really being chill with the li'l' critter. That's awesome.

[@CounterNerd]

I thought Cici was replacing Craig there for a second. I wouldn't blame you... I'd blame society. xD HHHHHHHAH!

[@samvimes9510]

Oh man, I am so glad you guys reviewed this. My mom had me watch this when I was growing up after I made a passing comment about how D&D seemed fun. She really bought into the rising wave of extreme evangelicalism that railed against things like D&D, Star Wars, He-Man, and Thundercats for being satanic and teaching witchcraft to children. She even had a book called Turmoil in the Toybox that talked about that stuff. According to the author, even the Smurfs was full of witchcraft and evil. Luckily I never bought into that mindset, and she grew out of it eventually.

[@MrShoryuken1]

Hi guys, thanks for the shout out in Seen It! Another favourite of mine is Get Carter (the Michael Caine original not the godawful remake with Stallone). A love letter to Newcastle and 70s England as a whole. Seen it?

[@fuzer909]

Get Carter might be the best Michael Caine movie.

[@nointro]

Seriously my favorite and most looked forward to piece of television/internetainment. Thanks for all the laughs and great insights.

[@Nectarisa]

OMG, we love CiCi... more of her, please.

[@LordBaruch]

"Who knows what that cat will do?" Who'd have guessed "Turn out to be male."

[@mikecronis]

1000 Points to Matt for mentioning the Fiend Folio!!!

[@dcanmore]

saw this (made for TV) movie late night on British TV around 88/89, most remembered for having a cool Bladerunner poster on the dorm wall.

[@malkilthewizard]

One of my new favorite episodes! You guys get better and better.

[@LeSensuel]

Cici is too fricken cute, as a cat owner, we never want them to grow up.

[@ianpetroff4517]

I absolutely lost it at the surprised fire truck part, another great episode gents!

[@Lankynibs]

Cici is so cute!

[@CounterNerd]

Shen Jones *You're* so cute!

[@Lankynibs]

Awwe thank you ^^

[@tylerrowland48838]

Shen Jones Now kiss.

[@CounterNerd]

Shen Jones No worries, and Tyler Rowland Shut up xD

[@CounterNerd]

***** Oh no, we're going through a relationship too quickly!

[@kikikyami]

Either Matt or Craig has to dress up like meatball-guy for Halloween and change hats every other jumpcut. Wouldnt that be wonderful? :)

[@orf32]

You guys should start a show where you fight crime and solve mysteries with your gaming skills! No one would stand a chance against you all!

[@marklechman2225]

"What did you think?" "It was lame." "How so?" 🤣

[@chadbrow]

I love this movie! I tried to make a sequel a few year back.

[@straker454]

Mazes and Monsters is a "far out" game. -Detective guy played by the guy that played the mayor of Amity Island from Jaws.

[@calvinjluther]

I would recommend the animated movie Batman: Mask of the Phantasm. It was pretty much ignored when it came out, though Siskel and Ebert thought it was pretty great.

[@jackleg693]

Sneakers! Love that film. Ever since I saw it I wanted a van kitted out with "tech"... I've grown up since then.

[@melothecat6662]

I don't know what it is, but there seems to be more energy in this episode. I love it, keep it up ;)

[@DreCosby]

Have you seen Katherine Bigelow's Strange Days? It was written by her ex-husband James Cameron.

[@cameronbarton5034]

Speaking of The King of Kongs, I have had the pleasure of actually meeting Billy Mitchell (the "antagonist") at a arcade convention. He was trying to sell his hot sauce (yes, really) and was taking pictures with fans of the film. He was a very nice man that liked to put on a show when he was taking pictures to make it seem like he was a villian.

[@chunchan6128]

YES!!! Airplane reference "drinking problem"

[@josephmurphy115]

Whatttt? This is like on the Horror channel right now. P.s. you guys are great.

[@jnwestray78]

This is both a great movie review and a cute cat video. Purrrrrre genius!

[@canibaloxide]

TV movie, Marquee Moon in the back ground. I see what you did there.

[@canibaloxide]

***** indeed

[@puffnisse]

What did they do?

[@canibaloxide]

puffnisse The album is by the band Television.

[@puffnisse]

Dead as Dreams Oh, that's funny. I do not notice the albums without the comments, and when I do, I don't recognise them.

[@olivermarijuanajones5041]

Its weird, but every episode I've seen of this show features an album i used to own back when i kept a record collection( pre- Spotify) right down to that stupid ass "dicco theme from Star Wars" album

[@smartrocker14]

I must say, Craig is on point this episode. Lots of good little quips

[@TheDoctorProfessor]

Wonderful new episode with a wonderful new kitten

[@endorbr]

I was thinking the same thing when he said "Hey J.J. What's happening?"

[@ChrisKewl]

I've ate at Cici's Pizza, it's quite yummy! You have one talented kitty!

[@ZaneMillecchia]

Have you guys seen Mr. Nobody? sci-fi and romance and brain hurt and I love that movie so much!

[@VonPunk]

I'd never heard of this film, it did remind me of The Fisher King a little bit. I watched 'The Visitor' (1979) last week, I kept thinking, this is sooo a Welcome To The Basement movie. Have you seen it? As for what sci-fi movies you could watch, here's some nominations, Saturn 3, Star Crash, Hunter Prey, Enemy Mine, Nemesis or Alien3.

[@SnakeEater7771]

Ah good timing, Welcome to the Basement just before I have to go to bed so I can rest till the Mazes and Monsters that are final exams for this semester in college tomorrow :D

[@olliedabson]

Craig is on point today! Great episode.

[@LibraGamesUnlimited]

If that monster was his imagination, then why did it look so crappy?

[@stanstorm]

You deserved a thumb up

[@LibraGamesUnlimited]

Stan Richardson Up where?

[@beethovensfidelio]

Chris McWilliams because his imagination apparently couldn’t afford the budget.

[@ChordToNowhere]

Cici makes me wish I could subscribe all over again.

[@meavid]

I feel like there aren't as many Robbies nowadays.

[@SleepFan771]

Craig's references in this episode are ESOTERIC AS FUCK!

[@MadamFoogie]

Aw, Cici is such a darling! I love a man who can appreciate cats.

[@DarthDJJD]

For the Sci-Fi July series, here are some suggestions: (1) The French movie "Fantastic Planet" (La Planète sauvage) (2) Dark City (3) Outland (4) Solaris (the original version) (5) Silent Running (6) Ghost in the Shell

[@rkgaustin]

Fast forward to 2020 and Tom Hanks avoided being taken down by another 'Rona.

[@Parmesana]

JJ could have worn bunny ears, after all...he was Woo-dee the Wabbit. Cici is so adorable.

[@JohnSmith-td7hd]

I loved the drunk-mother impersonations :)

[@alanbray3186]

little cici is so adorable!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@LaughingOwlKiller]

I remember seeing this years ago and I thought the disappearance of his brother had driven him to the brink. The delusions were from that and thinking the game was real was just the form it took. I was pretty young when I saw it and knew nothing of the controversies surrounding RPGs at the time, so obviously my observations were off. On the subject of Music or lack of music setting a scene, Ted is another example. Not a great film by any means, but the scene where Ted and Walberg get into the fight in the hotel room was kind of intense for a little bit. It should have been plain silly, it's a talking teddy bear fighting his owner, but the lack of music made it more serious. It was two friends who had come to blows and the lack of music seem to drive that point home.

[@Dajakaka]

The devil may not have a mullet, but he certainly created it.

[@therogermellie]

If you haven't seen it you should watch 'Withnail and I'. It's an underrated British cult classic and my favourite film.

[@SractheNinja]

Fantastic as always, Matt and Craig! I'm curious if either of you have seen Once Upon a Time in China and/or Once Upon a Time in China II, starring Jet Li. Both fantastic films, though I think it's a rare case where the sequel outdoes the first. Not sure how often you guys watch martial arts movies, but it would be great to see the genre get some more representation. Thanks for creating and continuing such an amazing show!

[@zsandmann]

For Sci-Fi July: Phase IV, Seen It? It is a bizarre art film with stunning visuals. Highly, highly recommend this movie.

[@dcanmore]

ZSandmann one of my favs from the 70s :) anther one would be Death Watch (Harvey Keitel), beat the Truman Show by 18 years or so.

[@BobfishAlmighty]

Yes! Someone who gets it. There is far too much bloody music in modern films

[@haileyshannon7548]

That JJ kid is like all the members of The Village People rolled into one!

[@DashPari]

haha I got that reference to Airplane! @ 2:20 :D

[@DrDot]

great editing at the start

[@probablyrajir638]

Cici and Ernesto for the win! And also Matt, Craig and Tona

[@guyonbench]

You should watch Cube (1997) for sci-fi July. I originally rented it at a blockbuster in probably 2000 on a whim and it is now one of my favorite sci-fi movies.

[@chelseailene]

Cici is pretty darn cute. Have you seen "Hanging Up"? It features Meg Ryan, Lisa Kudrow, and Diane Keaton (who actually directed the film) as a trio of sisters who are dealing with the impending death of their father, played by Walter Matthau (in his last film appearance). A lot of people don't like it but it's one of my favorites.

[@VinnyDaQ]

For Sci-Fi July, I recommend any thing from the golden decade (and a half) of bad sci-fi movie-making, namely 1952 - 1967. Some choice picks include "Eegah!", "Santa Claus Conquers the Martians", "The Creeping Terror", "Robot Monster", "The Horror of Party Beach", and of course, "Plan 9 From Outer Space". Just a few of the multitude of craptastic science fiction films of this period. : )

[@VinnyDaQ]

Matt, you've forgotten the old show biz adage "never work with kids or animals" (especially since you now have 2 of them on the show). An adorably fat cat was bad enough - now Cici the kitten is going to upstage you at every turn as well !!!

[@jhagen22]

Definitely watch Sneakers again! Just watched it today myself. Holds up pretty well. And is still a lot of fun! "Too Many Secrets"

[@Xilorn]

"Robbie, put down the knife! Robbie don't take a life! Robbie come back to me, Robbie- we were mean to beeee!"

[@pcwkid76]

For Sci-Fi July, I think you should watch one of the juggernauts of 80's science fiction. Featuring Maximilian Schell, the voices of Slim Pickens and Roddy McDowall, and, of course, lots and lots of robots. The Black Hole.

[@mustang6172]

You should watch "Strangeland" as it may feature the most accurate depiction of the internet in any 90's film.

[@Wilkanas]

Everybody knows that "Cool Cat" is best motion picture in feline genre.

[@phaedruslive]

Wilkanas pfft. It's no Felidae.

[@primalblueberry3701]

Wilkanas What's your profile pic from? It seems familiar but I can't quite put my finger on it...

[@Wilkanas]

Corn Cobra Well, that would be Blight from Batman Beyond. Cool guy, likes sandwiches and burning Batman alive. img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20090428042447/marvel_dc/images/4/47/Blight_DCAU_01.jpg

[@primalblueberry3701]

Wilkanas thx

[@haileyshannon7548]

What about Cats Don't Dance, Milo and Otis, Gay Purree, Oliver and Company

[@VMRCalamity]

If you haven't already, watch Prachya Pinkaew's Chocolate. Excellent film, would be a good one for a foreign film months or martial arts month.

[@christopherminjares7429]

You two should watch the Christopher Makepeace classic My Bodyguard. I promise he doesn't wear any hats in this movie but he does have a huge amount of hair.

[@aestevalis0]

Movie suggestions for Sci-fi July? Ice Pirates.

[@BlackCowBoy]

Have you guys seen the Spaghetti western's "The Sabata Trilogy" films as in "Sabata", "Adiós, Sabata" and "Return of Sabata" made in between 1969 and 1971 directed by Gianfranco Parolini?

[@EvgenyPenchev]

SciFi July Seen it: Hey guys, have you seen Ex Machina? Alex Garland did an awesome job directing and of course writing it. What do you think?

[@jensibowable]

Theres this channel called the film theorists, they've got a great video on how to win an oscar for best picture or fil or summin. I think you guys would really like this video because it shows that there is an actual formula to winning one.

[@endorbr]

Craig is on fire in this episode.

[@alexanderpaschalis4795]

Sci-Fi July suggestion:Quintet (1979) by Robert Altman.I really like your show.Greetings from Greece!!!

[@littlelagoons]

aaaaaaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH WELCOME CICI

[@chocolatechipcookiesareyum8637]

Good episode

[@erobinson55]

That former Donkey Kong champ does not have a mullet. His hair is long all over, it's just brushed back.

[@StudioErsatz]

Was wondering what you think of Claire Denis' films

[@BraffWaffle]

I know it's not really sci-fi but I'm curious. Have you seen the movie/play of the Raisin in the Sun? My 10th grade teacher made us read and watch it and I was instantly hooked. BTW love the show :D

[@ramenmustaches]

Hi guys, I have a Sci-fi suggestion for July! After you guys watched "Les Yeux..." a few months ago, I suggested Almodovar's modern flick "The Skin I Live In" and Craig very kindly responded to it. Might be an interesting one to check out! Love the show. (:

[@gorfulator]

Watch DEMON SEED from 1977 !! It's got Julie Christie and an AWESOME ending! The title sounds horrorish, but it's a great underated Sci-Fi gem.

[@Qermaq]

We all know Ernesto's voice. I think CiCi would sound like Baby Cookie but of course that's impossible. Hell ya, Matt, I'ma bite your finger fool!

[@deerclops8184]

need a dear kitten spoof with Ernesto and Cici, to adorable!

[@Zylork0122]

I love CiCi!

[@pvtjhon]

Im playing fallout 3 and wanted some music so i started up youtube and hit this... now its showing ther kitty with super creepy music in the backround. This is waaaay scarier then it should be. 5:00 to smart for me to laugh :( Ahh great video. I left Fallout 3 on the whole time. My creepy music made is soooo much better hahah 7:20 hahahahahahah There are A LOT of really good jokes in this video. This is probably my favourite Welcome to the Basement now. great episode. Sci Fi? Dune?

[@ogami72]

For sci-fi July you should check out Primer......and Matt, I saw Brazil on the big screen last night. Jealous?

[@AbstruseDecapod]

Great review, glad to see this movie still getting some play! I personally really enjoy M&M and I like some others, interpret it way differently than the knee jerk reaction that it blamed D&D. Maybe the book did, but this movie really doesn't. For anyone interested, I did a retrospective/"what else did they do" type video (amateur quality) of the actors and a bit about this movie. You can find it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aouufId6fKaUl6c

[@malletpropstudios]

Craig, your riffing was exceptional in this episode. Keep doing amphetamines or not doing amphetamines, as appropriate.

[@gooberweevil]

Lathe of Heaven for Sci fi July!!!

[@lavendergooms5156]

Hey guys, how about a good made for TV movie, The Changeling with the great George C. Scott. I have great memories of watching this with my grandmother, who died recently, every time I spent the night. It was one of her favorite movies and tells a rather sad ghost story. Also, Matt's Hoffman impression was quite shoddy, but I think he could turn it into a pretty convincing Colombo.

[@dylandagenais4167]

Wondering if you guys have seen Marjane Satrapi's The Voices. Pretty polarized views on that movie, but I really liked it.

[@nerdofgoodness3406]

I too am in college at a young age but I never turned to funky hats or suicide as a way to make friends. Did turn to tabletop gaming though...