The Cult Popcast: Recent Episodes
thecultpopcast
A pop culture podcast for critical thinkers and casual listeners. Covering film, television, music, video games, literature, news, and ideology. ”We have no special talents, we are only passionately curious.
Dave! What can you say about this show? It’s on Hulu. It’s funny, sad, inspiring, frustrating… and delightfully weird. Dave Burd is unapologetically himself - but can he learn from his mistakes? Can he grow the f up and find true love? Let’s find out together.
Ted Lasso premiered in 2020 right when the world needed it most. The spirited positivity and optimism of the titular soccer coach filled people with hope through the covid lockdown, and made AppleTV+ a must have service in its opening year. Now, three seasons later, Ted’s story is over, but his legacy will live on in our hearts.
A lot of great shows have wrapped in the last year, and here’s another one. After five successful seasons, Amazon Prime’s The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is taking a bow. Filled with charm, laughs, and a fantastic cast, showrunner Amy Sherman-Palladino’s comedic period piece will be missed.
Here’s a fun idea for a show: a ridiculous jury trial where everything is fake and everyone is an actor, except for one regular guy who’s not in on the joke. Freevee’s new original series Jury Duty is just that. It’s actually hilarious, and most people haven’t even heard of it. Check a look. (recorded before it was nominated for any awards)
Oh wow. HBO’s quirky action-speckled dramedy Barry has come to curtain call, and show creator/writer/director/actor Bill Hader is ending it on his own terms. Love it or hate it, there’s really nothing on TV like it. Filled with surprising twists, surreal existentialism, and topical commentary, Barry’s final season is nothing if not creatively bold and original.
The Mandalorian Season 3 has dropped, and things are starting to heat up. But despite making some big moves in the story, Dave Filoni and Jon Favreau’s Disney+ Star Wars series is still prone to rambling and meandering. Let's get it together, guys! This show still has such huge potential…
Succession Season 4 is now over, and the Shakespearean saga of the Roy family has officially come to a close. With a story and setting that deftly satirize the turbulent sociopolitical times we’re living in, it’s no surprise that HBO’s hit show has captured the zeitgeist for several years now. It’s hilarious, it’s sad, and hopefully the people watching have learned something.
| Review | Holy Moses, Ari. You’ve really outdone yourself this time. Beau is Afraid is the third feature film from Ari Aster, the acclaimed A24 auteur who gave us Hereditary and Midsommar. This film is not like either of those, though. This is a batsh*t insane surrealist odyssey into the deeply troubled mind and memory of Beau Wassermann, played by Joaquin Phoenix. Strap in boys and girls. And please, be sure to take this podcast with water.
| Review | The bad batch is back, and it’s looking like a much needed win for Disney+. We pick up with Omega and the squad as they’re running dangerous odd jobs just to make a living out in this new Imperial controlled galaxy. Meanwhile, illusive new threats are rising in dark corners of the Empire. I’m just going to say it: The Bad Batch Season 2 is some good Star Wars.
| Review | You’re a wizard, Steven! We’ve got another video game cast today to talk Hogwarts Legacy, the Wizarding World action RPG from Avalanche Software and Warner Bros Games released earlier this year. Set a hundred years before the events of Harry Potter, this carefully crafted open world experience has arrived amidst some controversy. But is it good? Special guest Matt Amick is here to help us sort it out.
| Review | AppleTV+ continues to build up their growing catalog of uplifting dramadies with Shrinking, where Jason Segel plays a grieving therapist who throws caution to the wind and starts telling his clients what he really thinks. Hijinks ensue. Amd they got Harrison Ford in there too!
| Review | How do you like them Jordans? Benjamin Affleck and Matthew Damon are reunited once again in Air, the new historical bi-epic that chronicles the signing of young basketball prodigy Michael Jordan to a flailing running shoe company called Nike. Man the 80's were cool...
| Review | Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is a movie that nobody expected to be as good as it was. It was hilarious, clever, and full of heart, all while wrapped in this vividly depicted fantasy world. Clearly John Francis Daley and Jon Goldstein love the source material. Hey, you guys wanna play DnD sometime?
| Review | Dread it, run from it, Nintendo arrives all the same. And now it's here: The Super Mario Bros. Movie has smashed records to become the second highest grossing animated film of all time. That's over a billion bucks, courtesy of Brooklyn's little red plumber turned multidimensional hero.
| Review | All this, for a dog? Almost a decade after Keanu's titular once-retired hitman took the world by storm, he's back to end his desperate crusade, once and for all. With the stunts and world-building as wonderfully ambitious as ever, John Wick: Chapter 4 shows this franchise still has gas in the tank.
Rest in peace Lance <3
| Review | After over thirty years in the making, VFX legend Phil Tippet has finally completed his twisted stop motion passion project, Mad God. If you enjoy darkly macabre and generally insane art, then this one-way descent into dystopian hellscape is the fever dream for you.
| Review | Accomplished Thai director Apichatpong Weerasethakul is a master of the slow, meditative cinema. His latest film, Memoria, is no exception; it's a fascinating sensory experience that asks big questions and answers very little. Don't worry though, Tilda Swinton is here to hold your hand.
| Review | Korean cinema is back on the menu with Park Chan-wook’s Decision to Leave. Typically known for his stylish and provocative plots of sensual trysts and violent revenge, Park cools off just a little here to capture a more contemplative and intimate noir between an insomniac detective and his supposed femme fatale. From the camera play to the language dynamic - there are some pretty cool cinematic tricks on display.
| Review | Four years ago, Shazam! was a breath of fresh air in the messy DC superhero pipeline of the time. It’s sequel, Shazam! Fury of the Gods tries to capture that lightning in a bottle for a second time. Unfortunately, the movie seems doomed to failure because of massive delays, and then dropping shortly after the announcement of a hard James Gunn flavored reset for the entire Warner Brothers DC catalog. Well, there are worse ways to spend two hours on a Saturday.
| Review | Finally, a really good video game adaptation. You wouldn’t think it would be that hard to pull from years of highly successful IP, but here we are (looking at you, Halo). HBO gets it though. They’ve just created another cultural sensation with The Last of Us, a big budget television take on the classic Playstation action-adventure game of the same name. It’s been 10 years since this story took the gaming world by storm, but it’s more relevant now than ever.
| Review | Apex predator, high on cocaine… yeah, this is cinema. Elizabeth Banks’ Cocaine Bear is a campy B-movie premise wrapped in Hollywood quality production - it’s a fun, bloody, hilarious, terrifying, and heart-warming romp with a great cast. In the words of that one kid, “It seems like the kinda thing that stays with a man forever.”
| Review | Ladies and gentlemen, the next era of the Marvel Cinematic Universe has officially kicked off with Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. While deeply flawed in many ways, the latest Peyton Reed flick does give us more of the fantastic actor Jonathan Majors. There’s also some fun quantum realm aliens and Paul Rudd. Everybody likes Paul Rudd!
| Review | The boys have a super-mega-cast cooked up for today, as Gabe runs Steven through some recent horror/thriller movies he’s seen on his own. First is Knock at the Cabin, the hot new Shyamalan joint about a family contending with what may or may not be the end of the world. Next comes Missing, a stylistically inventive mystery about a girl trying to locate her mom after she’s disappeared in another country. Then we’ve got Infinity Pool, Brandon Cronenberg’s original story of a vacationing couple who discover a dark and twisted secret in their host country. And last but certainly not least, we have Skinamarink, a heavily atmospheric and very experimental micro-budget horror film that’s making waves for the sheer audacity of its execution.
| Review | Is it future or is it past? The long standing and successful intellectual property Pokémon takes the stage with the current generation named Scarlet and Violet. Steven finally gets to gush about something he sort of likes… or likes a lot? who’s to say really? Get ready to hear a whole lot of Pokémansplaining.
| Review | Another year, another smugly tone-deaf circlejerk of the cultural elite… but we just can’t look away. And many questions linger: will there be another era defining slap? Will there be upsets and bad jokes and wildly ostentatious outfits that make it impossible to see the stage if you’re sitting right behind the person in question? Let’s find out together. Get in loser, it’s the 95th Academy Awards.
| Review | Pray for mercy from... Puss in Boots! The swashbuckling feline is back and better than ever for his second “solo” film following up the original Shrek spin-off back in 2011. We catch up with Puss in his later years, as years of adventuring and roguish heroism have left him on the last of his nine lives. Deftly layering heavy themes with wholesome, hilarious fun and spectacular animation to boot, this is a flick everyone can enjoy.
| Review | It’s been almost a decade since Alejandro Iñárritu’s legendary one-two punch of Birdman and The Revenant. His new Netflix production, Bardo, is a meandering and meditative existential wide lens nonlinear dream walk through the director’s own inner self. His fears and insecurities, his loves and passions, his view on family and history and politics and culture - it’s all here, laid bare and put to screen like a surrealist stage play. It’s messy, but life is messy.
| Review | I think it’s nice that we share the same sky. Aftersun is a dreamy and wistful slice of life that tells the story of a father and daughter on holiday at a fading little resort in Turkey. Loosely inspired by writer/director Charlotte Wells’ own childhood experiences with her father, this haunting piece of fiction is a charming coming of age story set against a pervasive and foreboding sense of sadness. But first, a quick review of the new James Gray picture Armageddon Time - another film inspired by a writer/director’s childhood.
| Review | Do nothing. Stay and fight. Or leave. Sarah Polley’s big screen adaptation of the Miriam Toews novel Women Talking is the final Best Picture nomination we’ve yet to cover for this year’s Academy Awards. Described as “an imagined response to real events,” it’s a powerful story with a lot to say about religion, gender roles, power dynamics, institutionalized violence and oppression… you get the idea.
| Review | In November 2020, Donald Glover tweeted that Atlanta seasons 3 and 4 would be some of the best television ever made, on the same level as The Sopranos. Well, the show is over now, and the TCP is here to evaluate. However you feel about it, one thing is for sure: there is really nothing else like it on TV.
| Review | War is hell, always has been - but World War I was a new kind of hell for its time. Originally a novel published in 1928, Netflix’s All Quiet on the Western Front is a retelling of that infamous conflict, from the perspective of a group of young German men fighting in it. Initially filled with nationalistic pride and eager to serve their country, the boys are quickly hardened and hollowed by the terror and grim brutality of trench warfare. Joining the cast to break it all down is casual historian and wartime expert Bryce Reif.
| Review | You’d think the dynamic duo of Sam Mendes and Roger Deakins would turn out some kind of spectacular and ambitious movie, especially after their last banger, 1917. But Empire of Light is not a globetrotting thrill ride or wartime epic. It’s about a quiet little theater in a small coastal town in 1980’s England. Outside of the beautiful cinematography and some fantastic performances, this probably isn’t going to be one for the books.
| Analysis | Why choose your body over time? French pop sensation Phoenix has risen from the ashes of the pandemic with their seventh studio LP, Alpha Zulu. Coming in strong with new riffs on their classic sound, this album aims to be as timeless as The Louvre it was recorded in. But is it? Check a listen...
| Review | Adapted from Samuel D. Hunter’s stage play of the same name, Darren Aronofsky’s The Whale marks the triumphant return to the big screen for 90’s heartthrob and action star Brendan Fraser. It’s a small but powerful story of love, loss, and that old familiar struggle against the dark void of depression. This is a tough film to swallow.
| Review | Adapted from Samuel D. Hunter’s stage play of the same name, Darren Aronofsky’s The Whale marks the triumphant return to the big screen for 90’s heartthrob and action star Brendan Fraser. It’s a small but powerful story of love, loss, and that old familiar struggle against the dark void of depression. This is a tough film to swallow.
| Review | Lights, camera, action! Babylon is 2022’s latest and greatest sensationalist love letter to the history of Hollywood and cinema as an art form. It’s Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood meets La La Land and set in the roaring twenties (with perhaps a little extra coke-fueled craziness thrown in). Whether or not it’s your cup of tea, it’s clear Damien Chazelle is one hell of a director. This is a wild, irreverent, fun movie. And holy smokes, Margot Robbie!
| Review | We are not in Kansas anymore! Avatar: The Way of Water is finally out in theaters after a decade of production, and James Cameron is keen to make a few more billion dollars at the box office. Wait, there's gonna be three more? Bro.
| Analysis | Hop on the band wagon, this train’s leaving. We’re talking Bros, White Noise, Jeremy Render, 1899, Golden Globes, and our top ten films of 2022. You will hear a sneak peek at our feelings on Avatar, Babylon, The Whale, and many more.
| Review | Mike White’s smash HBO hit is back with a new season! The White Lotus is a seasonal anthology series which means we also have a new resort location and ensemble cast as well. (Except for our queen Jennifer Coolidge who is back to kick some ass.) Come watch another group of rich and privileged morons be miserable in paradise. This time, with more sex.
| Review | There’s a deep sense of irony in Luca Guadagnino making a movie about cannibalism after directing Armie Hammer in Call My By Your Name (whose career was recently upended after being exposed for a wild cannibalism kink). Art imitates life. Anyway, based on Camille DeAngelis’ novel, Bones and All is an introspective coming-of-age American road trip story with a great cast. And cannibalism. This one is real gory, folks.
| Review | Everyone knows the classic tale of the wooden boy whose nose grows when he lies, but the original story from the 19th century is quite different from the Disney version we’ve come to love over the years. Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio delivers a fresh and yet thematically faithful version of the familiar fable, complete with wonderful little musical numbers and gorgeous stop-motion animation. We’ve got ourselves another home run from Netflix.
| Review | This is what revolution looks like. Let’s call it… war. Produced for Disney by the brilliant Tony Gilroy, Andor is a shocking testament to the true narrative potential of Star Wars. This first installment of a two season series details the brutal beginning of the Rebel Alliance, whose efforts culminate in George Lucas’ original trilogy. While there are familiar hallmarks of the franchise, there’s also rich worldbuilding, intriguing drama, nuanced performances, and an appropriately timed philosophical treatise on the insidious rise of fascism all to the tune of HBO quality writing and production. This is Star Wars like you’ve never seen it. And you should see it.
| Review | An object that seems densely layered, but in reality, the center is in plain sight… that would be Rian Johnson’s Glass Onion, the latest entry from the auteur in what will be a series of films inspired by the many novels of Agatha Christie. Returning to center stage is Daniel Craig as Benoit Blanc, the world’s preeminent detective, back with his definitive southern charm to unravel yet another devious mystery.
| Review | Family, art… it’ll tear you in two. Steven Spielberg is one of the most celebrated and accomplished directors of all time, and The Fablemans is his chance to finally tell his own story. A dramatized account of the master storyteller’s formative years, this movie is just as much a love letter to Spielberg’s own family as it is to the craft and history of cinema.
| Review | The man, the myth, the Green Ranger is gone... and it feels that a great White light in the world has gone with him. We've never met him but he has left an indelible impression on Steven since his youth. We are here to talk about the legacy and passion that JDF left behind.
| Review | A quasi sequel episode to us previously talking about Netflix's The Crown. We're talking all things royal today as we discuss season five as well as the recent Harry and Meghan doc... also produced by Netflix.
| Review | Please don’t say mouthfeel. The Menu is a sleek and stylish comedy-thriller with sharp commentary on consumerism and class. Helmed by veteran prestige television director Mark Mylod, this carefully portioned film is a decadent experience amidst the mass produced garbage competing for your attention. Just take a bite and see.
| Review | I was going to write a witty description for this episode, but my small, soft brain is numb due to the sheer amount of superhero media Steven is making me consume. I will say this: the Guardians of the Galaxy are cool, and so is Kevin Bacon. See you in May for Volume 3.
| Review | Time for some season’s beatings! Santa Claus comes to town in Violent Night, a jolly little Christmas action flick that takes itself just the right amount of seriously. With equal parts Die Hard, Home Alone, and Bad Santa, this might be another holiday staple. Merry Christmas you filthy animals.
| Review | In August 2020, Chadwick Boseman passed away. The Black Panther’s legacy was iconic, and director Ryan Coogler determined not to recast the character, but to continue his story through his family. While not a perfect film, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is an inspired and bittersweet end to “Phase Four” of the MCU, and it introduces newcomer Tenoch Huerta as Namor, ruler of the underwater kingdom of Talokan (Atlantis).
| Review | The dead speak! Tales of the Jedi is a short and sweet anthology of bonus Clone Wars episodes designed to fill out the lives of two beloved characters in particular: Count Dooku and Ahsoka Tano. We get more Qui-Gon, need I say more?
| Review | “I just don’t like ya no more.” What happens when your best friend suddenly stops wanting to have anything to do with you? Enter Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson in The Banshees of Inisherin, a darkly humorous drama from Martin McDonagh set in 1920’s coastal Ireland.
| Review | Game of Thrones is back, baby! Despite the profoundly terrible end to the original show, HBO has since invested a great deal of time and money into producing more stories from the mind of George R. R. Martin. House of the Dragon is the first of these to see the light of day. Set many generations before the Mad King was deposed by Robert Baratheon and Ned Stark, this story recounts a bloody conflict within the once great Targaryen family that comes to embroil the whole continent in war.
| Review | The pandemic was hard on everyone, especially celebrities. In his tragic boredom, movie star Ryan Reynolds teamed up with It’s Always Sunny’s Rob McElhenney to buy an old professional football club from Wales. Wales. FX/Hulu’s Welcome to Wrexham is the documentary series following their efforts to restore the ailing team to greatness, and revitalize the local community.
| Review | Well, well, bless my beard! There’s a new series based on Tolkien’s legendarium? And made by Amazon? Surely this won’t be divisive. Especially with it being the most expensive show in history at nearly half a billion dollars for just the first season! Today’s cast is regarding The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, and it tells the tale of the Second Age of Middle-earth.
| Review | Documenting the absurd voyage of an ill-fated luxury yacht, Triangle of Sadness is the new hilariously irreverent social satire from Ruben Östlund, complete with class warfare and political discourse. Warning: there be explosive sewage and projectile vomit.
| Review | Can you smell what The Rock is cooking? Hint: it’s another mediocre entry into a floundering DC cinematic universe. Black Adam isn’t a total waste - there is some cool CGI action, a fun peek at the Justice Society, and Pierce Brosnan chewing the scenery as Doctor Fate. Here’s to hoping James Gunn can fix DC now that he’s in charge.
| Review | She-Hulk: Attorney at Law is a show that is difficult to describe. It’s a clever sitcom with moments of genius, but ultimately it’s just another “Phase Four” Marvel Disney+ series. Think Ally McBeal, but green. And large.
| Review | If you want to dance the masque, you must service the composer. One of Gabe’s favorite movies of the year is Tár, the first feature from Todd Field after a 16 year hiatus. It’s a complex look at the human condition - a tragic and topical story of ambition, ego, and lust in a time of awareness and accountability. Also, Cate Blanchett is a force of nature.
| Review | Happy Halloween! The Disney+ content machine churns on with a very special presentation for today’s cast. Werewolf by Night is a 50 minute homage to classic creature features and vintage horror cinema. Turns out Michael Giacchino is a pretty good director too.
| Analysis | What kind of name is “The Cult Popcast” anyway? It sounds ridiculous. Today’s cast is just a little catching up for Steven and Gabe, as they soberly celebrate two hundred episodes of subjectively high quality content, and discuss what the future may hold.
| Review | Another video game episode enters the mix, and this time it's a doozie. GOTY?
| Review | Wow. So… Blonde is a heavily stylized depiction of the sensational life of Marilyn Monroe - the pulp culture icon and facade worn by troubled actress Norma Jeane. The cinematography on display here is gorgeous, and Ana de Armas gives everything she has to portray the tragic figure, but ultimately this film is kind of a wash. Andrew Dominik was clearly more interested in dwelling in the traumatic misery of his own fiction rather than capturing a more holistic perspective of Norma Jeane’s character and history.
| Review | “Life is fantastic.” Those are the words of David Bowie, the larger than life musician and performer who captured the hearts and minds of young people many times over in the course of a long, prolific career. Moonage Daydream is his story; part archival biopic and part bombastic rock opera concert experience, this film takes us beyond the characters and eras of the iconic artist, to discover the man underneath.
| Review | New Florence Pugh joint just dropped! Don’t Worry Darling is only Olivia Wilde’s second directorial feature, but it’s clear she has a keen eye and unique voice for the game. However - what would have otherwise been a surreal voyage into the mysterious and enigmatic Victory Project is unfortunately let down by a script that started strong but couldn’t fully satisfy in the end.
| Review | In 1994, an intimate little indie flick called Clerks launched the career and cult following of Kevin Smith. Now, a dozen feature films and a full generation later, Smith has returned to the Quick Stop to revisit and complete the tale of Randal and Dante. Clerks III is the capstone of a very personal journey for Smith, and, thankfully, it’s the rowdy, fun, and deeply emotional return to form for the beloved writer/director we all hoped it would be.
| Review | Every once in a while, a movie comes out of nowhere to shock and delight audiences with creative filmmaking and subversive storytelling. Barbarian is one of those. This incredibly suspenseful (and at times hilarious) horror-thriller from Zach Cregger is the dark horse screamer flick of 2022. Don’t watch any trailers, just go to the theater and watch it. If you dare.
| Analysis | Breaking Bad is a legendary TV show, but people weren’t exactly clamoring for a Saul Goodman spin-off ten years ago. Fast forward to 2022, and Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould have crafted a prequel that not only enriches the original series, but in some respects surpasses its predecessor. Better call Saul!
| Analysis | Today’s cast is a throwback to a better time - a simpler time. Steven Spielberg’s E.T. was released 40 years ago, but its mark on popular culture remains indelible. The boys recently had the chance to watch it in IMAX for its 40th Anniversary, so we’re going to talk about why it’s so good, both superficially and on a deeper level.
| Analysis | Wow, a rare music-type TCP podcast!? You know that’s right. After paying respects to the late Queen of England, the boys go over one of Gabe’s favorite LPs of the year: Jackpot Juicer from Dance Gavin Dance. Let’s pop off!
| Analysis | Neil Gaiman is one of the most beloved English authors to emerge from the tail end of the 20th century. He’s know for expansive, fantastical literary allusions and anthropomorphizing metaphysical forces. As you can imagine, such thematically lofty conceits can be difficult to translate to screen. Netflix heard that and said hold my beer, we’re adapting Gaiman’s massively popular DC comic ‘The Sandman.’ And guess what? It turned out pretty good.
| Review | Big shocker here, A24 is back at it again with another banger! Halina Reijn’s ‘Bodies Bodies Bodies’ is a hilarious and suspenseful “whodunit” thriller that adeptly balances its familiar premise with a surprisingly shrewd commentary on the psychological state of Generation Z.
| Review | If it bleeds, we can kill it. And after the bloody mess that was Shane Black’s 'The Predator' in 2018, I thought the iconic action-adventure franchise might be done for. But alas! Dan Trachtenberg’s 'Prey' breathes new life into its mythology with a more intimate period piece following a young Comanche warrior on the Great Plains of colonial North America.
| Review | ‘The Godfather’ is commonly regarded as perhaps the greatest movie ever made - but have you heard the story of how it was made? ‘The Offer’ is the new Paramount+ limited series that dramatizes the production history of the iconic film, told from the perspective of Albert Ruddy, the main producer and primary driving force behind the unlikely masterpiece.
| Review | Action/comedy/thriller ‘Bullet Train’ just rolled into theaters with an ensemble cast lead by Brad Pitt and directed by stuntman-turned-director David Leitch. Steven and Gabe wonder if it’s good and then espouse the virtues of knowing your niche and being secure as a one-off film in a Hollywood filled with spin-offs and cinematic universes. This cast is a bit of a train wreck.
| Review | I am Groot. I Am Groot. I AM Groot. I am Groot. I AM GROOT. I am Groot. I am Groot. I aM GrOoT. I AM GROOT. I AM GROOT. I am Groot. i am Groot. i AM Groot. I AM GROOT! I. AM. GROOT.
| Review | Gabe usually writes the episode summaries-which is usually his only contribution to the production of this podcast. Gabe instead went on a white water rafting trip with his family-how inconsiderate. This isn’t even a topic Steven enjoyed all that much, this should have been written strictly and solely by Gabe. So, here’s our Barry season three episode summary.
| Review | FX and Hulu have been turning up the heat recently with some quality television, and their latest out-of-nowhere sensation is ‘The Bear.’ Simply put, it’s a character drama about a young world class chef who comes back to his hometown of Chicago to run his family’s struggling sandwich shop. But this dish is more than the sum of its ingredients.
| Review | Documentaries are a special kind of film. Often designed to inform and educate, they are more concerned with reality as it is, and less about fiction or myth. But they can be just as compelling. One recent film doc that caught our attention is ‘Fire of Love.’ It’s the story of Katia and Maurice Krafft - two intrepid scientists who fell in love over their shared passion for volcanoes and dedicated their lives to studying them, together.
| Analysis | What’s a bad miracle? That’s the question at the heart of ‘Nope,’ Jordan Peele’s new movie that works both as big summer blockbuster and creatively layered commentary on the nature of our relationship with modern entertainment. Masterfully blending genre and paying homage to vintage cinema, ‘Nope’ is proof that Peele is just beginning to hit his stride. Catch this one in IMAX if you can.
| Review | The MCU has been pretty hit-or-miss since Avengers: Endgame. With a handful of new original series on Disney+ filling out Phase 4, the question remains: how can Marvel keep people interested after a decade of superhero mania? ‘Ms. Marvel’ represents an inspiring answer to that problem.
| Review | No one does it like ‘The Boys.’ Amazon’s smash hit and irreverent cultural satire has returned for a third season with all of your favorite heroes, antiheroes, and villains. Strap in - the action, gore, and political subtext are all turned up to 11. We also discuss things we have watched or know about that we may or may not do an episode on; The Inside Outtakes, Prehistoric Planet, Barry, Better Call Saul, Vortex, Memoria, The Umbrella Academy Season Three, The Offer, Spiderhead, Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, Where The Crawdads Sing, Watcher, Victoria’s Secret Angels and Demons, Jerry and Marge Go Large, The Gray Man, Outer Range, The Old Man, The Bear, Black Bird, Reservation Dogs, Tokyo Vice, The Sea Beast, Westworld, Prey, and Cheers?
| Review | On July 24, 1984, a young Mormon woman and her infant child were brutally murdered in their home. FX’s ‘Under the Banner of Heaven’ is the dramatized story of that case, the family it consumed, and the detectives who would come to unravel some of the dark history of the LDS church. Wish us luck as we try to discuss it.
| Analysis | [sinister industrial synth music intensifies, tentacles undulating moistly] After three long years of waiting, 'Stranger Things' is back with the penultimate chapter of the retro Netflix saga. Steven, Gabe, and a very special guest are here to walk you through exactly what the heck is going down in Hawkins, Indiana this time.
| Review | Thor Four with Gorr, Thor and Thor… and three sentient weapons, two screaming goats, and a partridge in a Valkyrie. Does it work? Either way, Taika Waititi got a nice paycheck for this, so there’s that.
| Review | Australian film director, Baz Luhrmann composes the new biopic, ‘Elvis,’ like a tribute symphony to a fallen god-like artist. We also learn how to pronounce Gabe’s name.
| Review | A podcast reviewing another podcast!? Where does it stop? It stops right here as an audio drama. Centering on an outstanding portrayal of a beloved character voiced by Winston Duke, ‘Batman Unburied’ is helmed by comic book and screenwriter David S. Goyer and is only found on Spotify.
| Review | Generational heritage! ‘Pachinko’ is out now on Apple TV, lead by two amazing directors, Justin Chon and Kogonada. This is the greatest native-language-epic-spanning-eighty-years-about-Japan-occupied-Korea we've ever seen. No, really. It's a doozy. And it turns out this is only the beginning.
| Review | A long time ago, in the 1970’s… George Lucas created Star Wars, one of the most successful and beloved properties of all time. Since buying out Lucasfilm in 2012, Disney has expanded the universe with new stories, oftentimes to a very divisive reception. Their latest entry is 'Obi-Wan Kenobi,' a six part episodic series about the fan favorite hero that bridges the gap between episodes three and four of the Skywalker saga.
| Review | To infinity… and beyond! All things outer space today as the boys talk ‘Lightyear,’ Pixar’s new animated feature that is also supposed to be the in-universe movie that inspired Andy to get the Buzz Lightyear action figure in ‘Toy Story.’ It’s a little confusing. But is it good? And what’s up with Star Trek these days?
| Review | Kevin’s many relationships, Kate’s confidence, and Randal’s presidency? Also, does Miguel have his own caboose with Rebecca? Ana is back to discuss the sixth and final season of ‘This Is Us.’
| Review | Sci-fi fans are eating good lately as Netflix drops the third installment of ‘Love, Death & Robots,’ the acclaimed animated anthology series from the minds of Tim Miller and David Fincher. Brought to life by a talented team of storytellers and studios from around the world, there’s a little something for everyone here (as long as you don’t mind the blood and guts).
| Review | In the near future, humanity has lost the ability to feel pain. This is our entry point into ‘Crimes of the Future,’ David Cronenberg’s latest film and his first in 20 years to showcase the body horror practical effects that made him famous. But just like with our characters, there’s a lot more going on here underneath the skin.
| Review | The magic is gone and we killed it, just like the dinosaurs were killed all those millions of years ago. We would love to report differently but based off of Steven’s favorite film of all time, the sixth movie in the franchise, ‘Jurassic World: Dominion’ feels like a giant swing and a miss.
| Review | After a quick recap of some upcoming projects we are excited... and not so excited for, we tackle another Sally Rooney book adapted to Hulu TV, ’Conversations with Friends.’ Ally is back on the cast as we discuss “the voice of a millennial generation,” the inspiration, and the subtext. Warning: This conversation has mentions of self-harm.
| Review | Earlier in the year HBO put out a heavily dramatized series by Adam McKay about the ’79/’80 Lakers; it’s called ‘Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty.’ We have invited our friend Jeff on the podcast to talk NBA lore, history, and the real Lakers feelings about this “accurate” portrayal of their franchise.
| Review | Tom Cruise has officially mastered the modern blockbuster. Amongst his highly successful ‘Mission Impossible’ franchise, Cruise has now resurrected an eighties classic with ‘Top Gun: Maverick,’ directed by Joseph Kosinski. A phenomenal sequel and excellent in its own right, this might just be the all-around “best” movie of the year.
| Review | A quick update on what’s new before we get into this very short French art feature by auteur Céline Sciamma. “Petite Maman” is a beautifully crafted magical realism story that follows Nelly, an 8-year old girl, who encounters her mother at the same age that Nelly is now.
| Review | Finally, we are caught up with ‘Atlanta.’ The long-awaited third season of Donald Glover’s hit series just wrapped, and things are crazier than ever. Joining the cast is Kenyetta from the podcast, ’Kenyetta & Jack Save the World,’ to help Steven and Gabe dig into what makes this show so good - and its cultural significance. What in the world is Afro-Surrealism anyway?
| Review | Sometimes some crimes go slipping through the cracks, but these two gumshoes are picking up the slack.
| Analysis | Bryce is back on the cast today as we jump feet first into ‘Halo,’ the new sci-fi epic on Paramount+ based on the massively popular video game franchise of the same name. A despondent Gabe helps Bryce run Steven through two decades of the iconic saga’s history before discussing the fluctuating level of quality of this latest live action adaptation.
| Review | ‘Men,’ am I right? The new Alex Garland joint is out, and it is a trip. Played as a horror story, Garland’s layered exploration of toxic masculinity is a hauntingly beautiful spectacle designed to disturb. Don’t watch this if you just had lunch-or a baby.
| Review | Ozark is finally over and has left us with so many feelings. Did it end well? Was justice served? Who survived? Will Netflix survive? A extremely big ups to the cast and crew of this unforgettable show.
| Review | ‘Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness’ is finally out and once again Mordo’s ominous warning rings true: “Forget everything that you think you know.” But does the MCU’s first “horror film” live up to the hype? And just how much campy fun and panache can the legendary Sam Raimi bring to the Disney formula? Let’s just say this one is a ride.
| Review | Marvel strikes back with, ’Moon Knight,’ a relatively unknown superhero with dueling identities-mascaraing as an Avatar for an Egyptian god. Sound confusing? You don’t know the half of it… or the third of it.
| Review | With the current trend of multiverses and meta self-referencing, you know what would be perfect? Nicolas Cage playing a version of himself in a movie about his own career. That movie now exists. ‘The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent’ is a heartfelt tribute to the renowned (and eccentric) movie star, but it’s also a celebration of film history. And Pedro Pascal is amazing too.
| Review | Haaaaaark! Auteur Robert Eggers is back with his third feature film, ‘The Northman.’ Drawn from the Scandinavian legend of Viking warrior Amleth, this old tale of revenge has echoed throughout history, inspiring storytellers from Shakespeare to Walt Disney. The question is this: if you had the chance to change your fate - would you?
| Review | The new installment of the Harry Potter spinoff franchise, ‘Fantastic Beasts’ has arrived and it begs a larger question as we discuss other pre-established franchises and the quality of their current iterations; such as ’Jurassic Park,’ ‘Halo,’ and ‘The Book of Boba Fett.’
| Review | Apple TV+ continues to build up their catalog of quality titles with ‘Severance,’ the intriguing new series from the minds of Dan Erickson and Ben Stiller. With equal parts “mystery box” science fiction and character-driven drama, this stylized show creates an immersive and surreal world that takes a fresh look at the dehumanization of the individual in the modern corporate workplace. But first, ‘After Yang,’ another near future that ponders those old familiar themes of love, loss, and connection in our ever-changing cultural landscape.
| Review | Straight out of Macedonia, it’s the new Focus Features indie film by Goran Stolevski about 19th century witches and the beauty and darkness/joy and grief that make up life; and yet…
| Analysis | Sucked… into… a baaagelllll. ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’ is the ambitious new indie film from creative duo Daniels, brought to you by A24. True to its name, this movie wholeheartedly embraces its absurdist multiverse premise while balancing the quirky madness with a complex, deeply emotional journey of a family finding purpose and connection in the existential chaos of modern life. This is one you have to see to believe.
| Review | Ah, the 90s. It was a simpler time, wasn’t it? A sweeter time. Today’s cast is on 'Pam & Tommy,' the Hulu original making waves for it’s retelling of that seminal moment shortly before the turn of the century, when the zeitgeist came to a head and burst as rock and roll, sex, and pop culture smashed headlong into technology. This is the story of the internet’s first sex tape.
| Review | After a brief hiatus, the boys are back discussing “Content Storm 2022,” we talk about ‘Turning Red,’ ‘The Adam Project,’ ‘Deadpool 3,’ ‘Free Guy,’ ‘The Untitled Mario Movie,’ ‘Our Flags Mean Death’ and then landing on the new wildly salacious-horror/slasher A24 feature film, ‘X.’
| Review | High school is a weird time. Not every experience is the same, but almost every person’s journey invariably runs up against some emotional trauma. ‘Euphoria’ is a show that attempts to capture that chaotic and often scary essence of growing up and finding yourself, but it does it with dreamlike style and visual flair.
| Analysis | Well folks, it’s all led to this. We have arrived once again at the Academy Awards - and perhaps for the last time. There’s a lot to talk about here, not the least of which is Will Smith’s violent outburst at Chris Rock and consequent manic episode. What makes such a celebrated person behave like this? Steven and Gabe do some casual reporting and armchair analysis of the incident after a brief breakdown of the award results.
| Analysis | One of Steven’s favorite films of the year, the very special ‘Encanto’ is nominated for best animated feature film at the 2022 Academy Awards. Spoken about many times on this podcast, they felt it was deserving of its own episode.
| Analysis | ‘Flee’ is the true story of one man’s harrowing journey to escape war-torn Afghanistan in the 1990’s. Depicted through 2D animation, this documentary spans multiple timelines as Amin Nawabi finally discloses his past so that he may confront the truth and move forward.
| Analysis | Things take a turn for the worst in Joachim Trier’s Norwegian picture that is nominated for Best International Feature Film, ‘The Worst Person in the World;’ Following a woman in her late twenty’s as she navigates the complexities of relationships and life in our current day and age, this film has some steep competition in it’s categories. Steven, Gabe, and Ally are here to ponder the themes and examine why it may be deserving of an Oscar.
| Analysis | Last but certainly not least on this years ballot for Best Picture is ‘Drive My Car,’ a layered and meditative Japanese drama about living with sorrow. This is a beautiful film and a good reminder that no matter what you look like or how you speak, we have more in common than we know.
| Analysis | Fail to plan, plan to fail. This is the motto of Richard Williams, a man with relentless drive who dreams to give his family the world. ‘King Richard’ is the dramatic depiction of how he raised Venus and Serena Williams to become two of the greatest athletes in tennis history.
| Analysis | Next up in the running for Best Picture at the 2022 Academy Awards is 'CODA,' a wholesome coming of age story about a young girl who discovers her love for singing. The twist: her whole family is deaf. What are you willing to sacrifice to chase your dream?
| Review | Video games are back on the menu today as the boys talk ‘Elden Ring,’ the latest action RPG from acclaimed Japanese studio FromSoftware. What is a “Soulsborne” game, and what makes them so special? And why the hell was Ryan Coogler held at gunpoint on suspicion of being a bank robber?
| Review | Vengeance or hope? A question is asked and a signal is in the sky for this new rendition of a familiar Gotham City. Today we dissect Matt Reeve’s ‘The Batman.’
| Review | Do ya really wanna taste it? The boys are once again joined by the NWO crew to talk ‘Peacemaker,’ James Gunn’s new HBO show to follow up 2021’s ‘The Suicide Squad.’ A delightfully irreverent series with surprising character depth and social commentary, ‘Peacemaker’ is a breath of fresh air in a superhero saturated world.
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| Review | Steven and Gabe fall down a deep pit of grief while tearing into Disney +’s ’The Book of Boba Fett.’
| Review | I guess splitting up the final season of popular shows is a trend? Ally brings talk of morality as we touch on all things ‘Ozark’ as we spend time trying to predict who will get killed off before the show is done.
| Review | Hot on the heels of our ‘Neon Genesis Evangelion’ episode comes one for the ‘Rebuild of Evangelion’ series. These new films are the work of none other than Hideaki Anno himself. But what's the difference? And why would you remake your own show? The answers you seek are just inside...
| Analysis | It’s finally here! Our long teased and awaited ‘Neon Genesis Evangelion’ episode. We break it down the best we can; touch on all story points, Hideaki Anno, otaku culture, ‘The End of Evangelion,’ and there may be a surprise or two along the way. Things get sad and then beautiful.
| Analysis | Imagine cruising down an open road, sun on your back and wind rushing through your hair. This is a sensation Gabe rediscovers while riding a bike. It’s also a feeling evoked by ‘I Don’t Live Here Anymore,’ the latest album from Philadelphia’s Americana rock outfit ‘The War on Drugs.’
| Review | Today we “Get Back” to 1969! On this episode, Steven welcomes his mom to the cast while they talk all things Beatles and Beatle-mania, referring to director Peter Jackson’s beautifully put together “documentary” that came out on Disney +, of this infamous time in the Beatles’ life leading up to their rooftop concert.
| Review | The podcast is full of all manor of hauntings today. First, a quick review of ‘The House,’ the new stop motion animated film from Netflix. Then, a collection of old tapes sets the stage for ‘Archive 81,’ a spooky timeline-jumping serial that pays homage to classic sci-fi and horror cinema from Tarkovsky all the way to The Twilight Zone.
| Review | On the third night, he finds you. In another throwback episode, Steven and Gabe review an actual “hidden gem,” and one of the last movies to come out of 20th Century Fox. David Prior’s chilling horror-noir, ‘The Empty Man,’ is remarkable not only for its genre but also as a quality film in its own right.
| Analysis | So… what is “Devs?” Today the boys throw it back to 2020 to take a close look at Alex Garland’s enigmatic and profound limited series from FX/Hulu. With equal parts science fiction and existential philosophy, this show is one that will get inside your head and stick around for a while.
| Review | Artist Aziz Ansari released a new half hour stand up special on Netflix called, ‘Night Club Comedian,’ everyone should check it out. The boys then throw some love to the show ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ and the genius behind it.
| Review | Gabe and Steven talk about Moon Knight! Then Steven fan casts Michael C. Hall as a replacement for Oscar Isaac as he talks in detail about the latest season of ‘Dexter’ entitled, ‘New Blood.’
| Review | After another brief review by Ally of ‘Being The Ricardos,’ the heavy topics of ‘The Morning Show’ from Apple TV spark a deeper conversation about the complexities of the “Me Too” Movement and cancel culture.
| Review | Something wicked this way comes! The boys are double-dipping in witchcraft today as a Harry Potter reunion leads into a discussion about the newest adaptation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, masterfully brought to screen by Joel Coen. Oh, and Microsoft just bought Activision.
| Review | What does Davy Crockett have to do with Karate Kid? You’re about to find out. Steven’s brother Tim joins the cast once again in this surprisingly perspicacious and insightful episode about ‘Cobrai Kai’ season four.
| Review | Have you ever had a bad parent? We begin by hearing Ally’s take on Maggie Gyllenhaal’s ’The Lost Daughter,’ before we dive deep into the dysfunctional elitist Roy family as TCP does ‘Succession!’ ...Cheers and applause ensue.
| Review | A quick overview of ‘The Lost Daughter’ and ‘The Tender Bar’ precedes today's main attraction: Lin-Manuel Miranda's first feature film, ‘Tick, Tick... Boom!’ With Andrew Garfield performing as the aspiring playwright Jonathan Larson, this is one you don't want to miss.
| Review | Geralt is back! ‘The Witcher’ Season Two is out now, and Netflix has doubled down on its hit fantasy epic. But as the old adage goes - does more money mean more problems?
| Analysis | Another year, another prestigious awards ceremo-wait, what? The Golden Globes just released the awards online? Oh, ok. Steven and Gabe cover the Globes and then give their own top ten motion picture selections for 2021! Homage is also payed to more fallen artists.
| Review | We really did have everything, didn’t we? Netflix’s ‘Don’t Look Up’ is the latest star-studded satirical “dramedy” from Adam McKay, and the boys are here to talk you through the end of the world. Also, Steven gives his take on ‘Spencer.’
| Review | The guys say farewell to 2021, and to some of the artists who are no longer with us. It’s been quite a year and what better way to end it than with the new exceptional Guillermo Del Toro flick, ‘Nightmare Alley.’
| Review | Before discussing the latest Marvel Disney + show, ‘Hawkeye,’ and the contents therein, Steven and Gabe talk to the fan favorite, Nerd World Order crew, Dukes, Joe, and Alf about their feelings on ‘The Matrix Resurrections,’ and ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home.’
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| Review | Steven and Gabe explain why they have been away for almost two weeks. They then touch on Amazon's 'Being The Ricardos' and then dig into how to unsuccessfully relaunch a popular twenty year old film property exemplified in Warner Brothers revival of Space Ja…no wait; we’re talking about the other revival film in 2021 that self references its own production studio, The Matrix Resurrections.
| Analysis | A special episode for a special movie for a special time of year. It is Christmas time, and moreover, it is Spider-Man time! Steven recounts, in great length and detail, the history of the live action Spider-Man franchise and what it means to him personally. All leading up to the most current iteration of a live action portrayal of Spider-Man in ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home.’ Gabe and Steven talk about the new Sony/Marvel/Disney film and what makes it potentially the best Marvel Cinematic Universe venture yet.
| Review | Ever had a pizza with licorice on top? Ever hated a Paul Thomas Anderson film? This new flick by “PTA” is sure to have you laughing and adoring these down-to-earth characters in the latest cooky venture by this idiosyncratic director. This is also the first kind of a new “Review” episode for The Cult Podcast, listen through the end to find out why!
Addendum start at 21:38. Added Thursday March 24, 2022.
| Review | After discussing the new ‘Secrets of Dumbledore’ trailer, Steven regales Gabe with his weekend adventure: taking his daughters to their first movie, Disney’s animated feature ‘Encanto.’ Then, a breakdown of Spielberg’s “techni”-colorful new adaptation of the classic broadway musical, ‘West Side Story.’
Addendum start at 27:08. Added Thursday March 24, 2022.
| Review | Be funny, when you can. A24’s latest drama is “C’mon C’mon” by Mike Mills - a beautifully intimate story about human connection and dealing with the existential turmoil of the 21st century. But first, a quick recap of the highly revered Video Game Awards.
| Analysis | On a very special video game episode, a tiny mention of ‘8-Bit Christmas,’ before we dive into a deeply personal game for Steven released by Nintendo in 2018, called ‘Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.’ Here on it’s three year anniversary, and after the final DLC character has recently been released, we invite Steven’s “Smash Group,” to the cast to dissect the game, the technicals, the history, the nostalgia, and the vices: Things get salty.
| Review | Gabe finally sees ‘Spencer,’ a tense and melancholic fable that happens to sit nicely with today’s review of Jane Campion’s ‘The Power of the Dog.’ Netflix’s latest film about the wild American frontier is a quiet lesson in storytelling and filmmaking, powerfully led by the one and only Benedict Cumberbatch.
| Review | Two biopics for the price of one! Steven tells Gabe about ‘King Richard’ and’ House of Gucci,’ two wildly different tales about having a dream and what you are willing to do to capture it. Gabe also reviews a Mexican restaurant, and the boys discuss the legacy of Sir Ridley Scott.
| Review | ‘Arcane’ is the new Netflix animated series taking the world by storm. What makes it so good? Steven and Gabe talk about the massively popular video game it’s based on, ‘League of Legends,’ and the studio behind it all, as well as what else is coming in December. Also, “Why Imagine Dragons?”
| Review | Is this the first time a live action adaptation of an anime is done well? Is it worth your time? Should Netflix “green light” a second season? Is Ed good casting? How many rice crispy treats can you eat? Will the Bebop crew ever fly again? All these questions and more answered on this episode talking about Netflix’s ‘Cowboy Bebop.’
| Review | Get everybody and their stuff together. After discussing the downfall of Jurassic Park, we review at length the beloved 1998 anime ‘Cowboy Bebop’ and why it is such a classic. We also discover what the opposite of “masterclass” is, the answer may surprise you.
| Review | If there’s something strange in your neighborhood, who you gonna call? Steven and Gabe call their new friends Mitchem and Aly from “Here’s Our Take” podcast to talk ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife,’ as well as another little gem and big indy masterpiece called ‘The Vast of Night.’ How many times can we mention Dune today?
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| Analysis | We cut into “Disney + Day,” and take a quick bite on Disney’s ‘Jungle Cruise.’ Then give a taste of Taylor Swift before we sink into the main course of Kenneth Branagh’s ‘Belfast!’ I was hungry when I wrote this.
| Review | “When you love something, you protect it.” Chloe Zhao’s ambitious new Marvel movie is now out in theaters, and it is already divisive amongst fans and critics alike. The Nerd World Order crew returns to help Steven and Gabe break down this unusual blockbuster that is supposed to set the stage for the Marvel Cinematic Universe going forward. But definitely not the X-Men.
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| Review | If you could live in any place at any time, where would it be? Edgar Wright’s new film, ‘Last Night in Soho,’ is a tribute to the glamorous 1960’s London - a magical stage set for bright hopes and dark dreams.
| Analysis | The spice must flow! There couldn’t be a better way to celebrate one hundred episodes than with Denis Villeneuve’s long-awaited ‘Dune’ “Part One.” In this episode the boys talk Denis’ history as a director, his approach to filmmaking, and his success in faithfully adapting Frank Herbert’s classic novel to the (very) big screen. This is one movie you have to see in a theater.
| Analysis | In anticipation for the new feature film adaptation of ‘Dune.’ We read the book so you wouldn’t have to, although we agree that you should. We are here to break down the 1965 all-time best selling Sci-Fi novel, ‘Dune;’ talking in depth about the themes, characters, politics, and author motivation for this beast of a book. Also, Goldfish or Cheez-Its?
| Review | We are going transatlantic in this highly “Wes Anderson-y” new Wes Anderson movie, ‘The French Dispatch.’ A love letter to the world renown “New Yorker” magazine, this anthology of short stories is quite fun and indeed features another ensemble cast.
| Review | The most successful show Netflix has ever produced, ‘Squid Game,’ has taken over the world and permeated the culture. We talk about how it got made, the themes, why it’s so popular, and what the kids are saying these days.
| Review | A quick breakdown of the DC Fandome occurs before a quick spoiler-filled review of ‘Halloween Kills.’ We then talk at length about, ‘The Last Duel,’ and Ridley Scott as a filmmaker along with his past and future projects.
Addendum start at 31:00. Added Thursday March 24, 2022.
| Review | Something that started off as a humorous one-time advertisement became an international television sensation. Apple TV’s ‘Ted Lasso’ has made a home in our hearts and minds during a more somber season of life. Our good friend, Lindsey, talks with us about the beauty, the characters, and even the mental health behind season two.
| Analysis | You know his name. After 15 years as James Bond, Daniel Craig has now finished his five-film run with No Time to Die, directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga. The boys invite company over to unpack the emotional and explosive finale, reminiscing on Craig's take of the iconic character as well as digging into some of the franchise history. How many times did Gabe see this again?
| Review | “Baaa!” Portents of doom echo through the Icelandic valley in the form of a sheep's call. In the distance you can hear a gunshot, potential infidelity, a “that’s what she said” joke, and two Americans fumble as they try to pronounce foreign names. This is the most recent A24 film, ‘Lamb.’
| Review | We begin the day by tearing into ‘Venom: Let There Be Carnage,’ just like Topher Grace tore his way into ‘Spiderman 3.’ We then switch gears and unpack the recently finished Disney/Marvel animated series, ‘What If…?’ and it's potential in the future of the MCU.
| Review | How crazy is French arthouse cinema? It turns out very. Join us as we nervously laugh our way through Julia Ducournau’s and Neon’s ‘Titane;’ A not-for-the-faint-of-heart flick full of graphic imagery and dealing with heavy themes of mental illness, sexual assault, unconditional love, and car sex.
| Analysis | The recent Mike Flanagan work for Netflix, ‘Midnight Mass,’ is full of philosophy and horror, age-old questions on faith and religion, and maintains a rich theological allegory; So, naturally, It has us talking of the cavernous themes and its relevance to our current culture.
| Review | This last Saturday was “Netflix Day,” as the lads discuss the content they are most excited about then launch into Disney Plus’ “Star Wars: Visions” and the unique beauty behind the creative forces that spawned this one-of-a-kind anthology series.
| Review | We do a very quick recap of the Emmy’s and then move on to Netflix’s and Laurie Nunn’s show ‘Sex Education,’ where we talk about Season Three, the tone, the sex, the character development, and the quality.
| Analysis | What is the American Dream? And who is the dreamer? The boys talk family, deportation, and sausage after having just watched Justin Chon's new film, "Blue Bayou."
| Review | We overview the ‘Hawkeye’ and ‘Matrix’ trailers, as well as touch on the movies, ‘Candyman,’ and ‘Card Counter.’ Gabe then recaps ‘Malignant,’ while Steven watches it and reacts live.
| Review | A fun-filled positive response to Marvel’s ‘Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.’ We touch on film-making, martial arts inspiration, the future of Shang-Chi, and Michael K Williams.
| Review | Is this the most important episode we’v ever done? Maybe. We loved Neon’s film ‘Nine Days’ a life-affirming film by Edson Oda. Steven also finally gets his wish of seeing content from the upcoming ‘Spider-Man’ movie.
| Review | At first glance it may appear to be a random Star Wars animated show that is actually some of the best Star Wars storytelling we have seen in a while.
| Review | Steven talks about television commercials from the eighties before they both dive head first into the exquisite insanity that is FX’s ‘Dave’ Season Two. For more on ‘Dave’ check out Episode 19, they reviewed Season One of the show over a year ago.
| Review | Gabe expresses his desire to walk inside large houses. Steven talks about ‘The Flash’ on CW. And they both talk about James Gunn and Warner Bros’ newest smash venture, ‘The Suicide Squad;’ which is surprisingly full of social commentary.
| Analysis | The newest A24 film by David Lowery is an excellent, giant, adult fantasy epic steeped in gritty Arthurian legend and virtue. ‘The Green Knight’ is an absolute must see in our books.
| Analysis | Music is such a big part of our lives and we have yet to do an artist or album in 2021! ‘Gami Gang’ by Origami Angel is the one of the most standout albums for us so far… and the most fun! Talk of Pokemon and Spider-Man are also afoot.
| Review | "We don't get a lot of things to really care about." The latest Nicolas Cage movie is out, and it is not what you would expect. The boys talk Space Jam: A New Legacy, Anthony Bourdain, and searching for things that make life worth living.
Addendum start at 24:50. Added Thursday March 24, 2022.
| Review | As we approach an ever expanding Marvel empire, Disney Plus’ newest venture ‘Loki’ is the show to catapult us there. We welcome our friends at the ‘Nerd World Order’ to not only talk about ‘Loki’s’ impact on the future of the ‘Marvel Cinematic Universe,’ but also project theories based concretely in the history of Marvel comics: discussing Kang The Conquerer and his different iterations and even taking stabs at how the Fantastic Four and X-Men may join the good fight. This conversation is ever expanding-just like the universe itself.
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| Review | Movies are back! Marvel throws another strike in their latest theatrical installation of their ever-expanding cinematic universe with ‘Black Widow.’
| Analysis | We take a deep dive into the lore of Netflix’s animated series, ‘Castlevania,’ based on the original Nintendo Entertainment System game from 1986. Trevor joins the podcast as we talk ‘Castlevania’ game history, Otaku culture, Netflix’s cancelled ‘Zelda’ series, and Steven’s passion for Lenore.
| Review | What do Conan O’Brien, Jimmy Fallon, Britney Spears, and Olivia Rodrigo have in common? Listen to our episode on this years E3 conference!
| Review | Interested in love, death, and… robots? We are too. Here, we talk about (cue Netflix sound) ‘Love, Death & Robots: Volume 2.’
| Review | Bo Burnham’s ‘Inside’ is a masterpiece dark comedy special about what it felt like to be in quarantine.
| Review | Back to theaters for Gabe and Steven to see ‘A Quiet Place Part II,’ and what a treat!
| Review | An extremely artful labor of love just released after Aziz Ansari's critically successful Netflix original, 'Master of None,' took a four year hiatus.
| Review | It is the second to last season of NBC’s hit show ’This Is Us.’ With the back drop of Season 5 taking place during Covid 19 and the year of 2020-2021, much drama ensues, and we are here to talk about it. Spoilers!
| Review | Well... there’s been another cancellation for a Netflix series, this time it was for Mark Millar’s ‘Jupiter’s Legacy.’ Gabe and Steven recorded this reaction to the series a few weeks before and then again the morning after it was cancelled.
| Review | How do you make classic superhero tropes fresh and exciting? The guys call in a friend to talk about the latest superhero phenomenon, Amazon's animated series ‘Invincible.’ Also inside: reflections on our own mortality and spoilers.
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| Analysis | Awards season is over… So we can finally release the long awaited ’Zack Snyder’s Justice League’ episode. The boys assemble to discuss the story of the man, the movie, and the studio history that killed and resurrected “The League.”
| Review | Listen to a debate between someone who enjoyed ‘Godzilla vs. Kong’ and someone who did not. Is it possible to tell a meaningful and compelling story and make an action blockbuster at the same time?
| Review | Was that the Oscars or just another postmodern fever dream? Steven and Gabe are back to wrap up their second annual Academy Awards rundown.
| Review | The latest 'Marvel Studios' venture, 'TFATWS,' has just ended and there is so much to talk about! Full spoilers ahead!
| Analysis | In a more introspective episode we discuss ’Another Round.’ The director, Thomas Vinterberg, is up for the category of ‘Best Director’ for this movie that greatly explores mankind’s relationship with alcohol. Steven learns what the term “head canon” means.
| Analysis | Is it future? Or is it past? Our final review of the 'Best Picture' nominations for the 2021 Academy Awards is here!
| Analysis | Did you know that they changed the sound categories at the Academy Awards this year? ‘Sound of Metal’ was one of the more intriguing films that was nominated this year and we are here to talk about “Why?”
| Analysis | Wonderful, wonderful ‘Minari.’ What an inspirational and delightful film… and the story behind it is even better! Join us as we talk about this Best Picture Nominee and why we think it deserves to win!
| Analysis | ‘The Trial of the Chicago 7’ goes on trial today as we talk about this "Sorkinist" take on this event from 1969. Ally is back by popular demand, as we are enveloped in riveting conversation about revisionist history surrounding important societal and political matters.
| Analysis | Oscar season is upon us! Will ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’ win best picture? Gabe and Steven briefly talk ‘Zack Snyder’s Justice League’ and the importance of Production Design.
| Review | Steven and Gabe briefly discuss the 2021 Grammy Winners as well as talk about the 2021 Oscar nominations focusing primarily on the films they have already done episodes on; 'Mank,' 'Promising Young Woman,' and 'Nomadland.'
| Analysis | Gabe and Steven talk all things ‘Nomadland,’ Chloe Zhao, socks, and ‘Sonic the Hedgehog.’ Spoilers ahead.
| Review | We discuss the wildly popular indie game that released in 2020, ‘Hades.’ It was anticipated to be “Game of the Year,” and is almost unanimously beloved by video gamers who have the privilege of playing it. ‘Hades’ is a true masterpiece and in this episode we are joined by Scott Hendrix in an attempt to explain why it is.
| Review | Normally we would review the season as a whole, but so much is happening that half way through the season we couldn't stop ourselves. We start off spoiler-free and then get into spoilers; Discussing theories, the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe including Spider-Man and the Phase 4 slate.
| Review | It’s been one year since we started this podcast! And there is now never-before-seen material of ‘The Office’ on NBC’s streaming service, “Peacock.” For you fellow die hard ‘Office’ fans; In this episode, you may hear something about ‘The Office’ you may not know already.
| Review | ‘Promising Young Woman,’ was just released on streaming. We start with a spoiler-free discussion about the plot and film-making aspects and warn you before we get into spoilers. The following may be emotionally heavy.
| Review | A "sequel" to the 1984 film 'Karate Kid.' Why has Netflix's 'Cobra Kai' been so successful? What makes this show so good? Is it purely nostalgia or is it quality? These questions and more on today's episode!
| Analysis | Gabe and Steven review David Fincher’s new film, ‘Mank,’ with special guest Ryan George who worked on the production. They talk themes, technicals, and why this story is so relevant for the modern world.
| Review | We discuss the deeply moving Disney and Pixar animated feature film, ‘Soul.’ We also briefly discuss ‘Wonder Woman 1984’ with minor spoilers; Skip to 3:50 to miss it.
| Analysis | A potential Oscar contender with potential spoilers ahead. We discuss the beautiful motion picture released on Netflix, ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom;’ it’s social relevance and Chadwick Boseman’s final performance.
| Review | Spoilers ahead. Steven, Gabe, and Bryce take their wildly popular Instagram TV show about 'The Mandalorian' straight to your ears as they reflect on the whole of this last season on 'Disney Plus,' they also talk about the future of the show and the franchise(s) as well.
| Review | We talk about the highly anticipated video game by 'CD Project Red,' ‘Cyberpunk 2077;’ It’s critical and fan reception, along with touching on the genre of Cyberpunk itself. Also, Gabe learns about genitalia.
| Review | We discuss Netflix’s recent season of the ‘The Crown.’ We speak mainly on the feeling and themes of this season but please be warned we give spoilers while talking about the real life events along the way.
| Review | We talk about Netflix’s smash success ‘The Queen’s Gambit,’ and we can’t help but keep making ‘Arrested Development’ references.
| Review | With the latest release of PlayStation 5, ‘Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales' is a video game released with its launch. Being huge Miles Morales fans, we discuss through this iteration of him and whether or not this Spider-Man game is worth your time and money.
| Review | From the chaos comes 'Possessor,' the latest film from Brandon Cronenberg. Blurring the lines of sci-fi and existential horror, Brandon takes on his father’s legacy of thought-provoking storytelling and utilization of practical effects. There will be gore.
| Review | Schitt’s Creek swept the Emmy Awards for comedy this year without previously winning any at all. Why is that?
| Analysis | Gabe and Steven discuss the different ‘Political Ideologies’ in the United States of America. They are joined by the one and only, Jackson Hinkle, to discuss how those ideologies play out both in the two primary parties of Republican and Democratic and in each of the current presidential candidates representing those parties. They touch on a multitude of topics including Covid 19. Recorded 10-21-20
| Review | After so much “superhero fatigue,” Amazon’s ‘The Boys’ has become a cult sensation. What is it about this show that is so engaging? Gabe, Steven, and Ally discuss.
| Review | Who is Sufjan Stevens really? The legend. The saint. The musician. The man behind the myth. Who will save us from this madness?—Kristen? ...or savior Sufjan? Also, Steven does a David Lynch impression.
| Review | Gabe and Steven go over the perfectly splendid newest addition to the Netflix horror anthology series, ‘The Haunting of Bly Manor.’ They also briefly discuss Netflix’s cancel-triggerhappiness.
| Analysis | In the first Ideology episode Steven, Gabe, and Tim discuss 'Capitalism' in America. This episode dives into politics, religion, and Neoliberalism. Fasten your seatbelts, there is a lot of road covered.
| Analysis | We went outside to see ‘Tenet’ in an IMAX theater. Here is our full non-spoiler review. We also address a lot of people’s complaints about the film. WARNING: You will hear some of the score.
| Analysis | Ever seen a ten dollar bill? Thanks to Disney Plus we can now experience a semi-accurate understanding of the United States Founding Father, Alexander Hamilton. On this episode, Steven, Gabe, Ally, and Ana break down the historical accuracy, the cultural impact, and the music in this amazing and inspirational musical!
| Review | We talk about Netflix’s ‘The Devil All The Time.’ We also touch on Marvel and the Emmy’s, and Gabe learns a new baseball phrase.
| Review | Finally! If you feel lost while listening, we have an excuse! In this episode we try to make sense of the most recent Charlie Kaufman film that just hit Netflix. No spoilers up front and party in the back.
| Review | How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop? We have a very brief, yet fun, conversation about Netflix’s Season Two of ‘The Umbrella Academy.’
| Review | "Art is meant to disturb the comfortable and comfort the disturbed." A brief tribute to Chadwick Boseman; You are loved and you will be missed. We also talk about the future of Black Panther.
| Analysis | A glitch in the matrix... Gabe and Steven are joined by Ally, Kristen, and Bryce as they discuss the greatness that is Netflix's 'Dark;' A show for the history books.
| Review | We never thought it would come to this, but this basketball docu-series is so good it will leave you asking for more.
| Review | Gabe, Steven, and Ana talk about Phoebe Bridgers and her new album 'Punisher.' Gabe also learns the difference between ‘Jurassic Park‘ and ‘Jumanji.’
| Review | The guys take a quick trip to Hulu’s ‘Palm Springs’ and get stuck in a time loop with Andy Samberg. Is this paradise or eternal damnation? Warning, 'How I Met Your Mother' spoilers ahead!
| Review | What does it take to be a good Ryan Murphy show? Netflix answers with Ben Platt and Gwyneth Paltrow.
| Analysis | A video game approaches! Why is there so much controversy around The Last Of Us Part II? What do we as consumers expect from our entertainment? Gabe and Steven touch on development, story-telling, relatability, and make comparisons to Star Wars, Lost, Transformers and more.
| Review | An average and mundane exchange on a commonplace television program entitled 'Normal People' happens.
| Review | An expeditious discussion of Netflix’s ‘Ozark’ Season Three. Is it darker than ‘Dark?’ Is it Quantum Entangled to Breaking Bad? Why are we only using ’Dark’ references?
| Analysis | They fly now! Who are the Knights of Ren? How do you pronounce Trevorrow? In this episode, some pick apart and some defend the last episode in the ‘Star Wars’ Skywalker Ennealogy.
| Review | A quick reaction to FX’s ‘Dave’ Season One and, of course, what would ‘Dave’ be without Scooter Braun and Cowboy Bebop?
| Review | Review episode number one! A first of many quick reaction episodes to come. Toss a coin to your 'caster, Oh listeners of plenty.
| Review | An extended candid discussion from the Watchmen 2019 episode about prejudice, policing, and privilege in America.
| Analysis | Eggs, Arrogance, and Racism. Thirty Two years have passed since our last podcast. Damon Lindelof is present; Not physically or even vocally, but the spirit of him is here as these two idiots attempt to discuss a masterpiece. Additionally, Steven and Gabe talk about what it would mean to shed light on some of the darkness that still exists in America today.
| Analysis | Why was the 1986/87 Watchmen comic such a big deal? Did Zack Snyder’s film get it right? Is Alanis Morissette a necromancer? These questions and more answered today on this episode.
| Analysis | Is Coldplay still good? Gabe and Steven are here to find out; they dissect the band’s 8th full length album, Everyday Life.
| Analysis | Rapid exhale, then inhale. It has been ninety years since our last great feast! Gabe and Steven are joined by Ally and Kristen as they discuss beauty, tragedy, loss, pain, and death… and also ‘Midsommar.’
| Analysis | Hark! They finally reached the top! The long awaited breakdown of ‘The Lighthouse’ occurs right in front of your ears. Raving about sirens, merfolk, bad omens and the like.
| Analysis | The TCP takes a hard turn at the next light into a cherished album by Bombay Bicycle Club called 'Everything Else Has Gone Wrong.' Going track by track into the history of the band, music production, art theory, skeleton dancing and Florence Pugh.
| Review | First reactions from Gabe, Steven, and Ally immediately after watching the 92nd Academy Awards. With the help of Babu Frik, they plunge deep into the depths of what made Parasite so exquisite along with recapping the rest of the show.
| Analysis | Is this an Irishman episode or a Taylor Swift episode? The lines are blurred and probably crossed in this eventful finale of the nine Best Feature Film noms for Sunday’s Academy Awards.
| Analysis | Once again, Gabe and Steven have differing opinions, especially when it comes to Sonic the Hedgehog, and comparing JoJo Rabbit to Wes Anderson. What is satire actually? The answer may just have them breaking out in song.
Track: Ladies of the World - Flight of the Conchords (Used in reverence, please do not flag)
| Analysis | The boys are joined by Steven's wife, Ally, as they dive deep into the newest rendition of the classic coming-of-age story, Little Women. Turns out, three heads are better than two.
| Analysis | Gabe and Steven throw down with Quentin Tarantino and his love-letter to classic Hollywood. They also talk about fried chicken for four minutes.
Track: Things - LiQWYD & Le Gang
| Analysis | Marriage is complicated. And what is love anyway? The boys consider how once close people can drift apart and Gabe expresses disdain for the Coca-Cola theater ads.
| Analysis | Tomatoes, comics, and Christopher Walken. This time the guys spend a little extra time to go over a new take on a classic character.
| Analysis | What’s the fastest you’ve ever driven? Steven and Gabe take a lap through history and chat about friendship and masculinity.
| Analysis | This means war! The boys explore the barren wastelands of WWI Europe and geek out over the legendary Roger Deakins.
| Analysis | Gabe and Steven discuss Parasite as they stumble their way through the nine Best Feature Film nominations in preparation for the 2020 Academy Awards.