Dana Gould is a horror geek of the first order. Armed with his passion for the genre and his unique comedic sensibilities he created an exceptional horror comedy show at IFC in Stan Against Evil. Join us at That’s My Entertainment as we sit down for an epic chat about all things Willard’s Mill with the man who created Stan.
Big Night in Willard’s Mill
Dana Gould – Courtesy of IFC
TME: So, Wednesday is the big night. Stan and company have had a very great story arc which really showcased each character well. Tell our readers what you can about the finale.
DG: It culminates in Stan’s ill-advised desire to go back in time and also into the past which never turns out right. He will find that what it takes to get there leads to some terrible mistakes.
When he gets there, he makes more. It’s good intentions gone wrong. One of my favorite things to write about the law of unintended consequences.
This will definitely be an example of that. Even good ideas can go wrong and I don’t think this was ever a good idea.
TME: How do you think the fans will react to it?
DG: I think the fans are going to love this because all of the characters have their moments. I think it’s a very ambitious story for a half-hour horror comedy. I sort of wrote it the way I would have written a Doctor Who episode.
It tells a story on a big canvas. You get to see Willard’s Mill had things gone differently and then you go back and forth. I think the fans are really going to like it. The last episode is the most ambitious story I’ve told so far.
A Delicate Balance
TME: Stan is a great example of the two genres of horror and comedy marrying well. It can be a delicate balance.
DG: It is a very, very delicate balance. It happens to be the only thing I know how to do.
TME: How do you integrate your background in observational comedy into Stan?
DG: That’s a great question. Writing Stan gives me an opportunity to take some of my observations about the world and give them a voice.
A great example would be in episode five where Evie and Deborah are watching The Fiancé, which is our parody of the Bachelor. The whole monologue that Stan gives about those shows, “That’s why we know marriage is sacred. We give one away as a prize on a game show.”
Those are all things that I have said to my daughters when I’ve caught them watching the Bachelor. It just gives me an opportunity to work them into the show.
Comedy Boot Camp
TME: Do you think your time on the Ben Stiller Show served as a boot camp for writing & performing? Both of which you are doing on Stan Against Evil. How did this experience help you with your writing for Stan?
DG: We are going back in time. There’s no question. What I learned the most from the Ben Stiller Show which really set the template for Stan was how to take things that I was interested in and turn that into a piece of comedy or a piece of entertainment.
At the time of the Ben Stiller Show, I had a brief period where I was really into The Doors. I’m not proud of it. Some people get into drugs, I just get into bad music. Out of that came Oliver Stone Land and it gave me an opportunity to write about the stuff I was into at the time.
That’s really what Stan is, I am a big horror movie fan and this gave me the opportunity to take the stuff I love and live in that world. At the same time, I get to be funny which I sort of have no option when it comes to that. It’s very hard for me to write anything and not try to make it funny at the end of the day.
It Came from Collinsport, Maine
TME: There was definitely an homage to American Werewolf in London with the Werepony episode. What movie or television show started your love affair with monsters and horror?
DG: Dark Shadows. I got into when I was about four years old. My older brothers used to come home from school and watch it when I was a kid.
So much of Stan is influenced by Dark Shadows. The color palette is the same, the music is very evocative of it. Then when I was about ten, eleven and twelve there was a show I watched called Kolchak: The Night Stalker with Darren McGavin.
That cemented it for me. I also grew up watching the Universal classics, those horror movies when I was a kid. That was really what sort of set the die for Stan.
TME: You can definitely see Kolchak: The Night Stalker as a Stan influence especially with the monsters. I know that you said in another interview that you are dying to get the moss monster in the show one way or another.
DG: Yes, I am! I actually have a very good idea for next season so that I can have it.
Future Plans
TME: Now that season two is ending are you already hard at work planning season three? Do you have an idea of the general direction for next season?
DG: Yes, absolutely! Very much so. I am so lucky as a writer because in addition to working with other great writers like Jessica Conrad who wrote the finale, episode eight and in addition to having great collaborators as writers, I also have this amazing cast.
It really is like a repertoire company. They get to play so many different things. They get possessed, they get to play demons. What I think will be a very interesting arc once we extricate ourselves from the corner I paint us into at the end, which I do every season, I would like to see Janet and John flip roles, not personalities.
Janet is the very open minded one and John is the hard ass. With the experiences they have had this season, I’d like to see that flip. I’d like to see Janet exert a little more control as Sheriff and try to bring this whole situation to a head.
John’s experience is going to force into play contrary to his natural role and he’s going to have to be a little more open minded. When Mulder becomes Scully and Scully becomes Mulder. I think that’s what season three should be about.
TME: When I think back to various episodes of the X-Files, there were several that pertained to the origins of characters on the show like the Lone Gunmen, the Cigarette Smoking Man and for season 11, Skinner’s backstory. Have you thought of doing something like that on Stan? We saw a bit of why Stan became a cop. Do you have any plans to go into the past for that type of story with any of the characters?
DG: Yes! The character that I think has the most potential for an interesting backstory and I sort of read into it a little bit this year is Kevin, the caretaker of the cemetery. All of those stories that he tells are true.
Just no one seems to care about them. I think at the end, at some point, so much of the curse of Willard’s Mill revolves around the cemetery, it’s not an accident that Kevin is in charge of it. I think that is all going to come together at the end.
You have to keep Evie sort of pure in the backstory because she is standing in for the audience. You have to keep her devoid of those influences for the audience’s perspective.
Will They, or Won’t They?
TME: With Denise and Kevin, the fans have a very Mulder and Scully type interest in them, in terms of their relationship.
DG: That’s exactly it! No one was more surprised than me and I play Kevin!
TME: Are there plans for future episodes to see their relationship develop?
DG: Oh, yeah! Absolutely! Because I believe in surprising the fans. People love Denise so much that they want her to be happy and if she likes this guy then they should be together. I absolutely think that there is a life for these two characters together but what that does is put Kevin in Stan’s orbit.
Kevin and Stan have a very strange relationship. I think it’s because John and I as people have a good relationship. Kevin isn’t someone that Stan would
normally like but there is a sense of respect there. Both of them are civil servants. I think we will see more of that.
The Real-Life Stan
TME: When most people think of their parents, they don’t envision them as stars of a horror-comedy show. What about your father inspired you to create Stan?
DG: It was because he was so wrong for it. I wrote a pilot for ABC called Nolan Knows Best. The premise of that show was essentially what if my father came to live with my wife and my kids and myself? That pilot got made.
I played myself. Brian Dennehy played my Dad and the show didn’t go to series but it did get made. When I saw the show, I realized that although the series didn’t go, the character worked. That you could have this intemperate, old school, misogynistic guy but most people would still like him.
To me what I want to do is take him and put him in a show where he didn’t belong. What if I took that guy and put him in the X-Files? What if Dana Scully was partnered with my Dad instead of Fox Mulder?
That was basically the origin of Stan. It’s that simple. What if I took that character and put him where he shouldn’t be but people had to deal with him anyway? It wasn’t that he did fit, it was that he didn’t fit.
What Makes Stan Tick?
TME: John C. McGinley said that Stan’s motivation in season one was “get to the chair.”
DG: Right. John’s a real actor. He has a very disciplined method that he works from and for John what motivated Stan in the first season was “get to the chair.” That’s all he wanted to do.
He was forced into retirement, so screw you. Now, with the second season he has a very different agenda. He wants to reunite with Claire to become whole. Not every episode of the second season was based on that journey.
So, what he is doing in those other episodes is he is resting and preparing for that journey. John is a very serious and dedicated craftsman. With the rest of the cast, nobody is phoning it in because everybody on the show is such a pro that’s not an accident.
Jumping the Shark Prevention
TME: Some shows, as you know when they go on in perpetuity there’s that theory of how do we not jump the shark. Do you ever think about that?
DG: Oh, yeah. Every time I start a script I’m afraid I’m going to jump the shark with it. I think to me the shark will not be jumped as long as the characters never make fun of their situation. The characters take the danger that they’re in very seriously.
The danger is always very real and the comedy comes from them behaving like regular people. That’s the American Werewolf template. The reason that movie works is because the guys don’t act like they’re in a werewolf movie. They act like regular guys.
Same thing is true of Stan. These people don’t really behave like they’re in a horror movie but a horror movie is happening around them. That would be the algorithm of the show.
TME: Because the characters play it straight while the horror is happening around them do you think that is why people identify with Stan, Evie, Denise and Leon?
DG: They behave in the way an audience would behave. It’s the reason that Brody is so important in Jaws because Brody is the only one who is afraid of the shark in the way that the audience would be afraid of the shark.
People who relate to Stan in these situations would still be making wisecracks and would also be nervous and scared. No one’s brave in the show. They are only brave when it is self-preservation.
Changing Weather
TME: There has been a shift in the industry to go a little more mainstream with entertainment. Being a fan of horror, Chiller met an untimely demise. As the creator of a horror comedy niche type of product how do you feel about that?
DG: It’s a little heartbreaking. We are the niches niche. I like to think that there is always an audience for it. I also think that horror is like comedy in that it’s not the main course. It’s a side dish.
That might have been the issue with Chiller. 24-7 of something. When I was a kid the great thing about horror movies is that they were on Saturday nights at 11:30. If you wanted to watch a horror movie, you had to wait for Saturday night.
We have a nice little niche in IFC’s schedule. All of their programming appeals to a very specific slice of the audience. I look at the schedule as a color wheel and I would like to think we have a place in that wheel.
Stan and Ash Fans Unite
TME: Were you aware that there is a movement to unite the fanbases of Stan with Ash vs Evil Dead? What are your thoughts on it?
DG: I’m incredibly touched by our fans. It’s so flattering to be a part of something that means so much to people that they would go out of their way to do that. I think Stan and Ash are absolute cousins. I totally get that. They share fans.
TME: The fans are very enthusiastic. They are out there asking for more with #KeepStanKilling and #ShovelsUpforSeason3. Do you have a message for the fans about the campaign?
DG: The thing I would stress to them is ask for more. Keep watching the show. Stay on social media and keep talking about it. The more people tune into the show the better it bodes for another season.
If we find ourselves “on the bubble” the fans will be the first to know. When they mobilize to keep a show on it’s the greatest thing. I’ve done it. My promise to them is if we get another season, I will definitely make it a season worth watching.
The Curse
TME: Since the curse is on the constable of Willard’s Mill and Evie is currently in that position, will John C McGinley eventually transition out of the show and remain behind the scenes as a producer? What is the plan for Stan’s character?
DG: The heart and soul of the show to me is the interplay between John and Janet. They are both cursed because they were both the Sheriff. I think they are sort of tied.
I know what happens to Stan at the end of the show. I’ll just leave it at that. Do I think there is a show there without Stan?
The heart of the show is Stan and Evie. They are Mulder and Scully. Without Mulder and Scully, The X-Files wasn’t that good.
The Wrap
TME: When you talked about the fans staying engaged on social media…
DG: The network pays attention to that. I get metrics every week on the ratings and what we did on social media.
TME: Anything else you would like to add, Dana?
DG: We really love our audience. I think of Stan like that little band you love that still plays. If you’re there for us, we’ll be there for you.
Catch the season finale of Stan Against Evil on IFC, Wednesday, November 22 at 10 p.m. Eastern 7 p.m. Pacific.
If you love the show tweet #KeepStanKilling #ShovelsUpForSeason3 to @IFC and @stanagainstevil on twitter.
Follow Stan Against Evil on
Twitter @StanAgainstEvil
Facebook @IFCStanAgainstEvil
website www.ifc.com
Director: Sukumar
Cast: Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, Fahadh Faasil
Genre: Action, Drama
Rating: 4.5/5
Pushpa: The Rise is a raw, adrenaline-fueled ride that showcases the underbelly of the red sandalwood smuggling trade in Andhra Pradesh. Directed by Sukumar, this movie brilliantly blends high-octane action with emotionally driven storytelling, making it a must-watch for fans of Telugu cinema and action dramas.
The narrative follows Pushpa Raj (Allu Arjun), a laborer in the red sandalwood trade, as he climbs the ranks to become a powerful figure. Born into poverty and scorned for his illegitimacy, Pushpa’s journey is marked by grit, ambition, and a fierce sense of self-respect. The film deftly balances the action-packed rise of Pushpa with moments of vulnerability, particularly in his tumultuous romance with Srivalli (Rashmika Mandanna).
The antagonist, Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat (Fahadh Faasil), is introduced towards the film’s end, setting the stage for a gripping sequel. The climactic confrontation between Pushpa and Shekhawat is a masterclass in tension-building, leaving viewers eagerly awaiting Pushpa: The Rule.
Allu Arjun: This is Allu Arjun’s film through and through. His transformation into Pushpa is a revelation, from his rugged look to his unapologetic demeanor. His mannerisms, including the now-iconic shoulder rub and dialogue delivery, make Pushpa an unforgettable character.
Rashmika Mandanna: While her role as Srivalli adds emotional depth to the story, it feels slightly underutilized. However, her chemistry with Allu Arjun is undeniable.
Fahadh Faasil: Despite limited screen time, Fahadh delivers a chilling performance as the cold and calculating Shekhawat. His presence promises an explosive conflict in the sequel.
Sukumar’s direction is stellar, balancing mass appeal with nuanced storytelling. The screenplay maintains a brisk pace, seamlessly weaving action sequences with character development. The film’s raw and grounded tone is a departure from the glossy feel of many mainstream Telugu films, adding authenticity to the story.
Mirosław Kuba Brożek’s cinematography is stunning, capturing the lush forests of Andhra Pradesh and the gritty world of the red sandalwood trade.
Devi Sri Prasad’s music is another highlight. Tracks like “Srivalli” and “Oo Antava” became cultural phenomena, while the background score enhanced the film’s intensity.
Action Sequences: The action choreography is visceral and hard-hitting, perfectly complementing the film’s tone.
The film explores themes of ambition, class struggle, and self-respect. Pushpa’s refusal to bow down to societal norms resonates deeply, making him a relatable anti-hero. The story also critiques the systemic exploitation of laborers, adding a layer of social commentary.
Pushpa: The Rise is an exemplary action-drama that redefines the Telugu film industry’s global appeal. With a magnetic performance by Allu Arjun, stellar direction by Sukumar, and unforgettable music, it stands out as one of the best films of 2021. While it occasionally falters with some underdeveloped subplots, the overall experience is nothing short of spectacular.
4.5/5 Pushpa: The Rise is a cinematic feast that deserves its cult status. Whether you’re a fan of Telugu action films or a newcomer, this film is a must-watch. Its cliffhanger ending ensures that Pushpa: The Rule will be even bigger and better.
Director: Prashanth Neel
Cast: Yash, Sanjay Dutt, Raveena Tandon, Srinidhi Shetty
Genre: Action, Drama
Rating: 4.5/5
KGF: Chapter 2 is an explosive sequel to the 2018 blockbuster KGF: Chapter 1. Directed by Prashanth Neel, the film elevates the gritty narrative of Rocky (played by Yash), a man who rises from poverty to become a feared and revered leader. The sequel builds on the success of the first chapter with an even grander scale, intense drama, and jaw-dropping action sequences.
The story picks up with Rocky establishing his dominance over the Kolar Gold Fields after eliminating his rival, Garuda. As the “king of KGF,” Rocky faces new challenges, including the vengeful Adheera (Sanjay Dutt), who returns to reclaim what he believes is rightfully his. Meanwhile, political power struggles arise, with Prime Minister Ramika Sen (Raveena Tandon) intent on curbing Rocky’s influence.
The film delves deeper into Rocky’s psyche, exploring his motivations, vulnerabilities, and unrelenting ambition. It balances high-octane action with emotional depth, as Rocky continues his fight for survival and legacy.
Yash’s Star Power: Yash’s portrayal of Rocky is magnetic. His intensity and swagger make the character larger-than-life while retaining a raw, emotional core.
Sanjay Dutt as Adheera: Inspired by Viking warriors, Dutt’s Adheera is a terrifying and formidable antagonist, creating memorable clashes with Rocky.
Visual and Technical Brilliance: The cinematography by Bhuvan Gowda captures the grandeur and darkness of KGF with stunning visuals. The action sequences are choreographed to perfection, blending realism with spectacle.
Ravi Basrur’s Music: The background score enhances the drama, creating an immersive experience.
Dialogues and Screenplay: Rocky’s punchlines, combined with the tightly written narrative, keep the audience engaged.
While the film is a cinematic treat, its pacing occasionally falters with some scenes overstaying their welcome. The sprawling cast and multiple subplots can make the narrative feel dense at times.
KGF: Chapter 2 is a roaring success that delivers on its promise of being bigger, bolder, and better than its predecessor. It combines a compelling story with spectacular action and unforgettable performances, particularly from Yash and Sanjay Dutt. The film solidifies the KGF franchise as a benchmark for Indian action cinema.
Final Rating: 4.5/5 Whether you’re a fan of action-packed epics or compelling character-driven dramas, KGF: Chapter 2 is a must-watch that will leave you exhilarated.
Indian cinema has a long-standing tradition of delivering grand narratives that are equal parts spectacle and soul. KGF: Chapter 1 (Kolar Gold Fields), directed by Prashanth Neel, is a prime example. This gripping action-drama chronicles the meteoric rise of Rocky, a man driven by a promise and fueled by his hunger for power. Released to critical acclaim, KGF has redefined the boundaries of storytelling in Indian cinema.
Set in the 1970s, KGF follows the journey of Rocky (Yash), a young boy born into poverty in the slums of Mumbai. From a tender age, Rocky is shaped by two forces: his mother’s dying wish for him to rise above his circumstances and his unyielding ambition to command respect and fear.
His journey takes him to the gold mines of Kolar, a lawless land ruled by brutal oppressors. The film tracks Rocky’s transformation from a street-smart hustler to a feared force who challenges an empire built on blood and exploitation.
The strength of KGF lies in its compelling protagonist. Yash delivers a magnetic performance as Rocky, embodying both his raw charisma and ruthless determination. The film paints a vivid picture of a man who thrives in adversity, using every setback as fuel for his ascent. Rocky is not a mere vigilante but a strategist, whose ability to inspire loyalty and strike fear sets him apart.
The movie captures his internal conflict beautifully — while he climbs the ladder of power, he never loses sight of his mother’s dream for him. This duality makes Rocky more than just a hero; he is a symbol of rebellion, resilience, and redemption.
At its core, KGF is a commentary on systemic oppression and the human spirit’s ability to rise against all odds. The stark contrast between the opulence of the gold fields’ rulers and the crushing poverty of its workers sets the stage for Rocky’s rebellion. His fight isn’t just personal; it’s for the voiceless, the oppressed, and the forgotten.
The film doesn’t shy away from showcasing the brutal realities of poverty and exploitation, making Rocky’s triumph all the more satisfying.
Prashanth Neel’s direction is nothing short of masterful. Every frame of KGF is meticulously crafted, from the sweeping vistas of the Kolar gold fields to the grimy underbelly of Mumbai’s streets. The gritty visuals are complemented by an electrifying background score that enhances the film’s larger-than-life moments.
The nonlinear narrative, interspersed with a journalist’s account of Rocky’s rise, keeps viewers engaged and adds layers to the storytelling.
The action sequences in KGF are a visual feast. Yash’s larger-than-life persona is amplified by choreographed fights that are brutal, balletic, and breathtaking. Each confrontation feels earned, showcasing Rocky’s ingenuity and brute strength. The climax, set against the backdrop of the Kolar gold mines, is particularly unforgettable.
KGF: Chapter 1 is a cinematic triumph that combines raw emotion, relentless action, and a protagonist you can’t help but root for. Yash’s performance and Prashanth Neel’s vision elevate the film to a league of its own, making it a benchmark in Indian cinema.
KGF is more than a film; it’s an experience. It’s a story of ambition, sacrifice, and the indomitable human spirit. Rocky’s climb from the depths of poverty to the pinnacle of power is not just inspiring — it’s electrifying.
Whether you’re a fan of action-packed dramas or epic tales of rebellion, KGF delivers on every front. With its gripping narrative and unforgettable performances, it’s a must-watch for anyone who loves a good underdog story.
Rating: 4.8/5 As Rocky says in the film, “Powerful people make places powerful.” By the end of KGF, you’ll realize that Rocky is one of them — and so is this film
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