Movies watched in 2025

MaXXXine (2024, USA)

Director & Writer: Ti West

Mini-review:

MaXXXine

spooky tuesday is a (now not so new!) podcast where we’re breaking down all of our favorite slashers, thrillers, monster movies and black comedies on the new scariest day of the week.

it's the third film in a hot horror franchise AND it makes the hop to hollywood, so the comparisons between maXXXine (2024) and scream 3 were inevitable — but are they a compliment or a criticism? in our latest episode of spooky tuesday, we're covering the newest (but perhaps not final) movie in ti west's spooky saga starring mia goth. a direct sequel to 2022's x but coming on the heels of prequel pearl, this flick has a tough job striking the right tone and trying to stand alone, but one thing we can say for it is that the accent work definitely makes it stand out.

MaXXXine (2024) Ti West

Must be one goddamn fucked up horror picture.

NZ actors tend to end up in a lot of the same shows over the years it seems. I have a lot of fun spotting familiar faces, so I thought this would be a fun and silly little project, seeing which actors have repeatedly been in things that Deano was also in (not necessarily alongside). Just a bit of trivia. Enjoy!

Shortland Street (1996/1995-1996)

Dean played Nurse Harry Martin in 1996. Simon played Nurse Paul Churchill in 1995-1996.

Once again I don't have any stills of the other person on Shortland Street. Ugh, sorry. If anyone has any I'll update this!

Xena: Warrior Princess (1996,2000/1995)

Dean played two roles: Homer/Orion - S1E13 “Athens City Academy of the Performing Bards” Wiglaf - S6E9 “Return of the Valkyrie”

Simon played Nemos - S1E4 "Cradle of Hope"

Hercules: The Legendary Journeys (1995-1998/1995-1996)

Dean played a few different characters on this show: Iloran - S1E12 “The Gauntlet” Young Iolaus - S4E3 “Regrets… I’ve Had a Few”, S4E11 “Medea Culpa” and S4E20 “Twilight”. Ruun - S4E7 “Prodigal Sister”

Simon played two roles: First Soldier - S2E3 "What's in a Name?" Patronius - S2E21 "The Wedding of Alcmene"

When Love Comes (1998)

Dean played Mark, a young man who is mixed up with some people who don't take very good care of him, doing what he needs to get by. He also writes poetry/lyrics. Simon played Stephen, Mark's (slightly older) lover. Their relationship is complicated but ultimately seems to be on a healthier track by the end of the movie.

Ahh, I felt weirdly nostalgic pulling stills for this one. I think I need to rewatch it soon. They're both so young!

Serial Killers (2004)

Dean played Andrew, the actor for "Dr. Gilligan" on the in-universe soap opera ‘Heart of Hearts’ in all 7 episodes. Simon played Patrick, the actor for "Dr. Harrington" on the in-universe soap opera 'Heart of Hearts' in all 7 episodes.

These two are both hilarious on this show.

Go Girls (2009/2010-2011)

Dean plays Marco in 2 episodes, S1E2 & S1E11. Simon played Jeffrey Duff in 10 episodes, S2E3-S3E4.

Hillary (2016)

Dean played George Lowe (in all 6 episodes). Simon played "Society Chairman" in episode 2 "Louise".

The Brokenwood Mysteries (2018/2022)

Dean played Barnaby Buchanan in S5E4 "The Dark Angel". Simon played Gordon Godley in S8E1 "From the Cradle to the Grave" (the same episode Joel Tobeck is in!).

Both of their episodes were written by Tim Balme!

Under the Vines (2022)

Dean played Griffin in 5 out of the 6 episodes in S1. Simon played Rupert Shaw in episode 6.

If I am remembering correctly, Rupert comes to the vineyard after giving it a glowing review because of some arm twisting from Griffin...?

-

"The other Simon". I gotta say Simon Mead was originally "the other Simon" to me but now I'm not sure, haha.

Serial Killers (2004) - Episode 1 'On The Origin of Species'

"I know she was your wife. And I know she's dead! But you're not. And you have a hospital to run! You are alive." "Am I?"

The line delivery is SO (intentionally) hilarious in this scene because it's part of the show within the show.

Not pictured is the 32 year old Indian man who walks in claiming to be the doctor's 9 year old son. (This gets explained as being due to the casting person not having read the information on the character they were casting.) But we're just here for Deano.