Reiterating the F.A.Q.'s

The Phantom is frequently asked the same questions. The most frequent probably being “do you really watch all these awful movies?” In the last month alone I think I got asked that question at least 4 times. That’s an average of once a week over the course of a month.

Thankfully, there’s this neat little invention called “Frequently Asked Questions,” or “F.A.Q.” An opportunity to list out common questions. I felt it was time to revisit some of these oft-asked questions that I’ve tackled before in various postings, but this time in one handy posting for your easy reference. So here goes:

1.) ARE THE MOVIES COVERED ON “THE LATE NITE LANDFILL” RANDOMLY SELECTED?

No. This blog is driven by WABC-TV Channel 7 in New York and their schedule of late night weekend movies. The idea is that I write about these movies before they air, and provide the trailers for these movies whenever possible. You can then make up your own mind whether you want to actually watch these films as they air in real time over Channel 7, which is usually at 11:35 PM on Saturday and Sunday nights (exceptions include when sports events run overtime, in which case the movie may start at an unspecified time or be shown "already in progress;" or when epic movies like the annual showing of "The Ten Commandments" run later than usual, in which case the late movie is usually officially given an alternate start time).

2.) DO YOU (meaning ME, the “PHANTOM OF THE LANDFILL,” keeper of this blog) ACTUALLY WATCH THESE (mostly) AWFUL MOVIES?

NO WAY! The opinions I express on this blog are purely based on viewing the TRAILERS for the movies and not the movies themselves. The opinions are supplemented by commentary on previous work from the actors and directors, or by similarly-themed movies. It may very well be that some of the movies featured are worthy of your time from an entertainment standpoint ("Drive" comes to mind); although it is highly unlikely in most cases. I have attempted to watch many of the films that WABC-TV Channel 7 runs in this time slot, but often don't get past the first 10 minutes. Of course, there may come a time where Channel 7 schedules a movie I've actually seen before; if that happens, I'll be sure to mention it.

3.) WHAT DO THE OLIVE GREEN BOLD WORDS MEAN?

Any words you see that are colored olive green AND bolded are hyper-links that lead to additional content. Just click on those words and you’ll be taken to other pages featuring additional trailers, behind-the-scenes clips, interviews international TV commercials, bloopers, music videos, oddball projects (like “Circus of the Stars” appearances) and the like. It’s the Phantom’s gift to you, the discerning reader who loves to have the most potential background content at your fingertips!

4.) WHY DO YOU SOMETIMES MENTION "LIFETIME" MOVIES IN THIS BLOG?

I mention "Lifetime" movies because one of the movie packages that WABC-TV has leased is a collection of movies that originally ran on the Lifetime TV network. Lifetime has syndicated their movies from 2006 and earlier. Many of these movies have alternate versions that were created for international markets either for broadcast TV, home video release or even theatrical release. Those versions may be even longer than those that appeared on Lifetime and include elements such as profanity that would not make it to the on-air versions (but sometimes show up in the trailers I find). In addition to previously-aired-on-Lifetime flicks, the other packages that WABC has tapped for this late night slot include some real direct-to-video and direct-to-cable independent fare as well as a package of urban films (including some like "Sounder" that really are great, classic films that deserve a better timeslot and presentation).

5.) WHAT IS THE PHOTO ON THIS PAGE SUPPOSED TO BE, ANYWAY?

You may have wished you never asked: it's "spaghetti with mealworms." And it's a real dish. Of course, the thought of it would turn most of our stomachs. I thought it made an appropriate image for the Late Nite Landfill given the nature of many of the films we feature - they can be appetizing to a point, but may also leave a bad taste overall.

6.) CAN I TURN OFF THE "RECOMMENDATIONS LIST" SCROLLING AT THE BOTTOM OF TRAILERS FROM THE VIDEO DETECTIVE?

Yes, you can. Most of the trailers on this site come from either the YouTube or Video Detective sites. Recently, Video Detective has added their own form of "pop-up ads" to their trailers - with a list of "recommendations" that scroll at the bottom of the trailers. It can be quite distracting. I just learned (by accident) that you can turn the recommendations lists off. If you play a trailer and the list starts, you'll see a small white triangle outline or "down arrow" next to the list. Just click on it and the recommendations list will... "PRESTO!"... disappear, just like "magic!"