On Cinema at the Cinema Season 4 Episode 3: "I, Frankenstein" and "Gimme Shelter"

Tim invites his acupuncturist on the show to tackle an updated monster classic and the problems with Western medicine.

Tim appears with three conspicuous red dots on his face. He his flanked by special guest, Gregg Turkington, and his acupuncturist, Dr. San, who has been monitoring Tim since his first treatment the previous day. Dr. San says that Tim is suffering from “liver fire,” and needs to “smooth out” his liver. Tim says Dr. San will be on for the next few shows, news which Gregg does not seem thrilled about.

First up for review is I, Frankenstein. Tim describes it as “Frankenstein like you've never seen him before,” and awards it five bags, though he has to quiet Gregg when he starts to talk over his rating. Gregg regards the film as among the best Frankenstein movies, and is thrilled to see Frankenstein in color AND 3D. He also awards it five bags.

Before the next film, Tim redirects the conversation into alternative medicine, and the shortcomings of modern Western medicine. Dr. San reflects that doctors over-prescribe medications instead of “balanc[ing] out emotions,” which he says stifles artistic creativity. Annoyed, Gregg pipes up and complains about the irrelevancy of the topic to a movie review show, but Tim suggests he get acupuncture to treat his stress and negativity.

Finally they review the second film, Gimme Shelter. Tim winces from a shot of foot pain while reading the synopsis, but Dr. San assures him it is normal. Tim found the plot “very confusing” and the acting underwhelming, but enjoyed seeing Brendan Fraser, and awards the film four bags. Gregg is unsure whether he should talk about the movie or medical “quackery” unrelated to movies. He advises the viewers to flip the channel since the show is obviously no longer about movies. Tim reminds Gregg that he can take the show in any direction he wants, and believes the viewers will find acupuncture interesting. Furthermore, Tim needs Dr. San at his side. Gregg retorts that Siskel and Ebert, despite their own severe medical conditions, never had doctors constantly at their side, but Tim isn't buying it. Tim says he doesn't care what Gregg thinks, and closes by praising alternative medicine as superior to “typical medicine” and Obamacare.

I, Frankenstein (2014, 92 mins.)
Tim: 5 bags of popcorn
Gregg: 5 bags of popcorn, 2 of Frankenstein's bolts

Gimme Shelter (2013, 101 mins.)
Tim: 4 bags of popcorn
Gregg: 5 bags of popcorn

• Debut appearance of Dr. San.