308. VAN HELSING (2004)

Karate in the Garage

We're closing out Failed Franchises for 2023 with the movie that shook the tree and told Freddy "this would make a great theme", and, boy, has it ever!

We have Stephen Sommer's 2004 return to the Universal Monsters after dropping two hits in The Mummy and The Mummy Returns, Van Helsing. Hugh Jackman and Kate Beckinsale are the fearless vampire hunters, but bring along a great cast in the hunting that aren't just human...

From IMDB: The famed monster hunter is sent to Transylvania to stop Count Dracula, who is using Dr. Frankenstein's research and a werewolf for nefarious purposes.

ENJOY!

YES. SAG-AFTRA HAVE FINALLY JOINED THE WGA, AND HAS COME TO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE AMPTP. IT'S BEEN A VERY LONG AND UPHILL BATTLE FOR NOT JUST THE MEMBERS AND THEIR FAMILIES OF BOTH UNIONS, IT HAS ALSO CAUSED A GREAT DEAL OF HARDSHIP FOR THE REST OF THE INDUSTRY'S PROFESSIONALS AND THEIR FAMILIES.

BUT ALL ISN'T BACK TO NORMAL AND WON'T BE FOR SOME TIME. THESE WORKERS AND THEIR FAMILIES ARE GOING TO BE STRUGGLING WHILE THE INDUSTRY STARTS REMEMBERING HOW TO WORK. THE OVERWHELMING BURDEN OF PUTTING FOOD ON THE TABLE AND A ROOF OVER ONE'S HEAD DOESN'T END WHEN THE DEALS ARE MADE OR EVEN RATIFIED.

THE INDUSTRY'S USUAL HIATUS/SHUTDOWN THIS MONTH IS MOST LIKELY GOING TO EXTEND ANY KIND OF BREAK FROM "NORMALCY" IN THE FREQUENCY OF WORK. IT COULD EVEN BE MONTHS INTO 2024 BEFORE PRODUCTIONS GET UP TO SPEED AGAIN. BUT EVEN IF THEY WORK THROUGH THAT USUAL "HOLIDAY HIATUS", FOR MANY FAMILIES THEY ARE GOING TO CONTINUE TO NEED ASSISTANCE, EVEN IF THEY RETURN TO WORK. THIS IS WHERE YOU CAN HELP.

IF YOU HAVE A FEW DOLLARS TO SPARE, PLEASE CONSIDER DONATING TO THE ENTERTAINMENT COMMUNITY FUND. THE FUND HELPS ALL WORKERS AFFECTED BY THE STRIKE, NOT JUST ACTORS AND WRITERS.

Entertainment Community Fund

https://entertainmentcommunity.org/support-our-work

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As always, and maybe even more than ever, here are some mental health resources for North America:

United States

https://www.mentalhealth.gov/get-help/immediate-help

https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

The Suicide Hotline phone number has been changed. Now, just text or call 988.

Canada

https://www.ccmhs-ccsms.ca/mental-health-resources-1

1 [phone]

Even though we don't say it in this episode, more NOW than ever before: PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE take care of yourselves and those around you.

Be mindful of your surroundings.

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