Nerd Association: Recent Episodes
97.1 The Fan
Nerd Association is a gathering of geeks who will happily make a short story long on a variety of topics, such as movies, TV shows, video games and other esotery (but mostly those first three things). Join hosts Marc Finch (a.k.a. Chops) and Daniel Barnett (a.k.a. Daniel) as they explore the nerd universe along with their friends.
Chops and J-Lo tell you about what they watched out of curiosity with a couple of days off last week.
Chops and J-Lo break down The Fall Guy. This episode was recorded live in front of an audience that had also just seen the movie at Grandview Theater and Drafthouse.
Chops and J-Lo discuss the heat of The Idea of You, the disappointment of Challengers and pitch another Cheaper by the Dozen film.
Chops and J-Lo argue about the virtues of Fallout and How to Date Billy Walsh, but they both found Big Mood to be funny and tragic.
Chops and J-Lo breakdown Alex Garland's latest movie, Civil War, from the themes, to the movie's structure, AI posters and all things in-between.
Storms causing problems in movies. Is Invincible like his dad? Tim Robinson is getting an HBO show. Players is a bad rom-com. And, Ripley looks beautiful, but...
Chops and J-Lo have existential questions about 3 Body Problem. Plus some thoughts on the end of Curb Your Enthusiasm and the Chris Rock classic Head of State.
Chops and J-Lo continue their search for the Next Great Rom-Com with the Sydney Sweeney/Glen Powell feature "Anyone But You." They also give their thoughts on the harrowing details of "Quiet on Set."
Chops compares the two Roadhouse movies, J-Lo gives her thoughts on Jake Gyllenhaal, and excitement is brewing for some new trailer drops.
Chops and J-Lo tell you which movies to watch on Netflix (Spoiler: not Irish Wish or Damsel). Plus they compare Jurassic Park and Jurassic World.
Chops and J-Lo rank the 2023 Oscar best picture nominees 1-10 and give their final thoughts after watching the 10 Fast and Furious movies.
Upgraded isn't the next great rom-com, but it gets the job done. Chops is out on music biopics and maybe the NCAA football video game. J-Lo explains the art of flipping channels.
Chops and J-Lo break down Super Bowl commercials, halftime show and more. We catch up where they are after 8 Fast and Furious movies. Finally, thoughts on Best Picture nominee Poor Things.
Chops and J-Lo discuss watching all the Fast and Furious movies, compare Kevin Hart's new movie to an old one, talk about Snoop Dogg coaching and recap some of their favorite halftime performers.
Chops and J-Lo go over the big categories and snubs in Oscar nominations. Plus: Netflix getting more into sports programming and our favorite movie/TV couples and wedding movies since it's our anniversary!
Chops and J-Lo wrestle with The Iron Claw, plus thought's on Jake Johnson's directorial debut with Self Reliance.
The new Mean Girls is... Chops and J-Lo also explain the blandness of Leave the World Behind with some words on the Golden Globes.
Chops and J-Lo ring in the new year with the enigmatic "Saltburn," an enthralling talky "The Holdovers," and share their 2024 watchlist.
Chops and J-Lo detail their Wonka experience, critique Netflix's newfound "transparency," and go over the Christmas movies from this week (The Family Stone, Feast of the Seven Fishes, Christmas Again, and Jingle All The Way).
Hallmark Christmas movies with margaritas? Sign us up! We also go over a scoring system to decide if you should watch that random Christmas movie and detail our latest watches this December.
Chops and J-Lo break down the bafflingly absurd Family Switch, plus some quick thoughts on other Christmas movies at the end. In the middle, they discuss the understated drama of May December.
J-Lo went and saw the latest Disney movie, Wish, and she tries to keep it family friendly. Chops TV also celebrated 20 years of Elf to kick off the Christmas season. Plus quick thoughts on Thanksgiving and Upload season 3.
Loki wrapped up season two, so what are the next steps for the MCU? Chops and J-Lo give detective Poirot another shot with Death on the Nile.
J-Lo takes you back 300 million years, a spoiler free discussion about A Haunting in Venice, and Chops pines for comedies to capture large audience attention.
We review our experience handing out candy to all the neighborhood trick or treaters. Then Chops recaps the last few movies to get to his 31 days of horror.
Chops and J-Lo analyze Martin Scorsese's latest film, review the Edgar Allan Poe inspired miniseries on Netflix, and recap some other scary movies they watched this week.
Dubbed over horror films work just fine. Chops and J-Lo discuss the movies they've been watching this October, and the Kardashians come up.
Chops and J-Lo breakdown three horror movies that they watched to dive further into spooky season. Plus, our thoughts on episodes one and two of "Old People Fall in Love (Golden Bachelor)."
Chops and J-Lo start off October discussing a naked dating show, Robots also dating and a new play on the high school movie. They also hit on a few other things they've recently watched.
Chops and J-Lo go over a bunch of things they've watched recently. Highlighting Winning Time, Choose Love and Theater Camp, but also mentioning Our Planet, One Piece, Fresh and more.
Chops and J-Lo theorize about what is really happening in Dillon, TX after finishing the Friday Night Lights series.
Chops made J-Lo watch the latest Adam Sandler straight to Netflix movie. Also, how to appreciate a show that is weird, funny and just ended.
Chops and J-Lo warn you about Vacation Friends 2. Then they try to fix the season two entries of Friday Night Lights and And Just Like That.
J-Lo gives her initial thoughts on the show Friday Night Lights, and Chops beams with pride over the TVs he's strategically placed around his house.
Chops and J-Lo sailed right in from the theater to spill the beans on The Last Voyage of the Demeter. Plus they ponder the state of rom-coms while discussing Red, White & Royal Blue.
Chops and J-Lo complain about And Just Like That, and discuss the new Twisted Metal adaptation.
Chops has opinions on the best character in Righteous Gemstones. J-Lo explains why the Ohio State Fair is like traveling. Plus a breakdown of a forgotten 2011 movie about butter sculptures.
Chops and J-Lo give their views on the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strike and what might happen. Plus Redbox has a weird corporate structure and some bad ideas.
A discussion about the movie "BlackBerry" also becomes a breakdown of old phones. Chops and J-Lo say, "maybe you don't" to "Maybe I Do." And what is Mattel doing with all these movie plans?
Chops and J-Lo take a trip through season 6 of Black Mirror and dine on season 2 of The Bear.
Chops and J-Lo aren't confident that No Hard Feelings is going to save the R-rated theatrical comedy, but they really enjoyed their trip to the Field of Dreams.
Chops and J-Lo discuss the latest offerings from Wes Anderson (Asteroid City) and Pixar (Elemental). Face/Off and Titanic come up a few times too!
A busy weekend for Chops TV included a show that may have missed the mark (Based on a True Story), a movie that failed the adaptation test (One True Loves), and Nicolas Cage as Dracula (Renfield).
Does I Think You Should Leave season 3 stand up to the first two? Tom Cruise wants the big screens, but other releases might take them. Shea Serrano's Primo is delightful and more things Chops and J-Lo are watching.
Chops and J-Lo got their thoughts out right after the Succession Finale for some Chops TV after dark. Also, There's a live action remake of The Little Mermaid!
The two lying hosts of Chops TV decided they needed to break down the final two episodes of "Succession" on their own weeks. They also liked the original "White Men Can't Jump" a lot more than the new one.
Chops and J-Lo on the laughs, tears and thinking of the third installment of the Guardians of the Galaxy.
Succession's final season keeps rolling along. Chops and J-Lo love James Marsden in a fake but real mockumentary. And they look at the draft from a TV product point of view.
Chops and J-Lo gave into the hype and saw The Super Mario Bros Movie. They also might be done with The Mandalorian.
Some big things have happened since we last discussed Succession. And, we rank some movies from 1993 in honor of Chops' 30th birthday (35:04).
Chops and J-Lo breakdown Air, as in Jordan. We also discuss twitter takes on remakes, reimaginings and the like (28:07). Plus, some things that aren't supposed to be funny are actually funny (47:12).
The final season of Succession is here, and the first two episodes get the Chops TV treatment. Chops and J-Lo also share their thoughts on Adam Driver's 65 (28:11) and Adam Sandler's Murder Mystery 2 (48:26).
Chops and J-Lo try to sing there way through a review of Daisy Jones & The Six. They also discuss the hybrid release model of the show, weighing pros and cons of streaming rollouts.
Chops and J-Lo try to figure what's fact or fiction in "Swarm." They lament about their (mostly J-Lo's) brackets. Also, Brian Cox hates Method acting. Plus a few more tidbits.
Chops and J-Lo break down the best picture nominees and react to the 95th Oscars. They also take a look at two series that just wrapped up their first seasons: "The Last of Us" and "Pokerface."
Welcome to Chops TV. Chops and J-Lo preview what the new podcast will entail, plus a bonus mini-breakdown of “Cocaine Bear.”
Daniel, Marc and Jen discuss the start of Mandalorian season 3 and put a bow on the final Nerd Association. Plus a teaser of more to come from this feed.
Chops and J-Lo break down "M3gan," "The Menu" and draft their GoT teams. It's a mix of killer robots, food and dragons!
Marc is joined by two special guests, Jennifer Finch and Eric Rieser, for a finale episode of House of the Dragon. They go over the last two episodes and sum up their thoughts on the season as a whole.
J-Lo joins Marc again to break down this year's nominee for the so bad it's good horror movie. But... does it pass the test?
This week, we're back in King's Landing recapping “House of the Dragon,” the HBO original series and prequel to “Game of Thrones.” Guest host Jennifer Lopez-Finch is back to dissect an ongoing rumor that has had tongues wagging in every corner of the Red Keep.
This week, we discuss the unfolding saga of "House of the Dragon," the HBO original series and prequel to "Game of Thrones." Guest host Jennifer Lopez-Finch is back to discuss the latest indecent proposal made to ensure the Targaryen line of succession.
This week, we welcome guests Adam Locke and Jonah Smith to discuss "The Silmarillion," a posthumously-published work of J.R.R. Tolkien that expands upon the vast lore of Middle-earth. We give a broad overview of the stories that serve as the backbone of the Amazon original series, "The Rings of Power" and parse the most important details from the labyrinthine text.
This week, we welcome Thrones-verse superfan Jennifer Lopez (Finch) back to the show to discuss the new HBO series 'House of the Dragon.' Will this 'Game of Thrones' prequel catch fire like its predecessor? Or will it end up like the Red Wedding?
This week, we welcome Tim Hall back to the podcast to discuss 'Jurassic World: Dominion,' the latest (and perhaps last) installment in the Jurassic Park franchise. Was this the King of the Dinosaurs or yet another Terrible Lizard (of a film)? Those are T-Rex puns, by the way...
This week, we welcome back J.D. Smith to talk about the Disney+ miniseries 'Obi-Wan Kenobi,' which sees Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen return to their Prequel Era roles as the titular Jedi master and Darth Vader. Was the Force strong with this one? And did we get more excited than when he said the thing?!
This week, we welcome special guest Laura Barnett to give the run-down on all of the teasers, trailers and gossip that resulted from Star Wars Celebration 2022 in Anaheim, including: much love for 'Obi-Wan Kenobi,' surprises from the case of 'Ahsoka,' the third season of 'The Mandalorian' and the upcoming release of 'Andor.'
This week, we explore 'Dr. Strange and the Multiverse of Madness' and go galaxy-brain with the implications of multiple realities and warring groups of ultra-intelligent cabals in the MCU, going forward. Plus, two guys named 'Benedict' in the same film? Madness.
This week, we invite Superfan Sean Brugger back to the show to discuss Disney+'s latest entry into the MCU, "Moon Knight." We get an in-depth history on the comic book protagonist and how he (they?) translated to the screen. Plus, Oscar Isaac and Ethan Hawke doing mushrooms?!
This week, we enter the bizarro-verse while discussing Judd Apatow's Netflix original film, 'The Bubble.' Marc laments the fall of a filmmaking great? Daniel endorses a comedy film? WHAT'S GOING ON?!
This week, we play a lightning round, of sorts, on the variety of topics we've been wanting to talk about: the Lakers docu-drama, 'Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2,' the latest Judd Apatow flick, the hype about 'Obi-Wan Kenobi' and more. It's good to be back...
This week, we welcome pro-gamer and video game expert Tyler Trollinger to the podcast to discuss 'LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga.' Is this the rare game that has lived up to the anticipation that preceded it? Or does our discussion about it amount to a bunch of Mumble Mode?
This week, we welcome special guest Jennifer Lopez to discuss Matt Reeves' "The Batman." Reviews hail this film as one of the first true detective movies for the Detective Comics hero, but does it scratch the crime thriller or superhero itch particularly well?
This week, we welcome back J.D. "T-Bone" Smith to reflect on 'The Book of Boba Fett' on Disney+. We examine the highs and lows of what could've been dubbed 'The Mandalorian Season 2.5' and wrestle with whether the deep-cut characters and the return of [spoiler] and [spoiler] helped or hurt this series.
This week, we continue our discussion of the Lord of the Rings novels and their modern film adaptations. Daniel gets too deep into the lore (as if that's a surprise) and Chops reveals that his wife has asked him unsuccessfully to watch the films for more than six years.
This week, we begin our discussion on the Lord of the Rings novels by J.R.R. Tolkien and the film adaptations by Peter Jackson, the first of which recently turned 20 years old. What treasure troves of hidden lore are nestled in-and-amongst the story we know from page and screen? And what did a relative first-timer struggle with, on first viewing?
This week, we return to our discussion of the series of books and movies concerning The Boy Who Lived. In Part 2, we discuss 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix' and all the books and movies that followed, as well as HBO's 20th Anniversary Reunion Special and how the tarnished reputation of J.K. Rowling impacts the appreciation of her novels.
This week, we invite Friend of the Show and Harry Potter super-fan Michael Lyons to look back at the books and movies concerning The Boy Who Lived. In Part 1, we discuss everything up-to and including 'Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire' and discuss why some of us are more invested in the series than others.
This week, we discuss the long-anticipated and much-discussed 'Spiderman: No Way Home' and how a premise that smacks of an internet meme ("No, I'M the real Spiderman!") resulted in the first billion-dollar movie of the 2020's. Plus, we update our predictions on where the MCU is headed in Phase 4 and 5.
Just in time for the holidays, we discuss - at long last - the debacle that is 'A Star Wars Holiday Special.' How is it that a piece of Star Wars media can be so bad that George Lucas has threatened violence against it - but also be partially responsible for 'The Mandalorian' and forthcoming 'Book of Boba Fett'?
This week, we analyze the formulae that bring to bear countless scores of Hallmark Christmas movies, each year. Marc waxes poetic about why he enjoys a Hallmark film and Daniel's heart grows at least one size, in spite of himself.
This week, we discuss the fall line-ups that the networks promote (primarily) through commercials during NFL games. We asked: who is watching these shows? And then uncovered a shocking conspiracy. (Plus: Daniel reveals himself to be The Grinch in a rant about Christmas.)
This week, in honor of Thanksgiving, we reignite an age-old debate around Nerd Association headquarters: what things are kid food and what things are adult food? We welcome J.D. "T-Bone" Smith, Mike "Common Man" Ricordati and Tim Hall to weigh in on where the most common Thanksgiving foods fall.
In this bonus episode, we preview Netflix's live-action remake of 'Cowboy Bebop' starring John Cho, Mustafa Shakir and Daniella Pineda. We also talk about Disney+ Day - including new details on the 'Kenobi' and 'Book of Boba Fett' series - and the trailer for 'Spiderman: No Way Home.'
This week, we welcome back Jennifer Lopez (Finch) to nerd out about Denis Villeneuve's 'Dune: Part One.' Are we hooked on it like Paul Atreides is hooked on spice? Or does it sink like the sands that trail behind Shai Hulud? Plus: everyone fauns over Oscar Isaac's beard.
This week, we welcome back super-fan Sean Brugger to discuss "Halloween Kills," currently in theatres and streaming on Peacock. Has Michael Myers lost his niche among slasher films? Can we recommend this film? Or did we expect too much of a genre film?
This week, in honor of the release of "No Time to Die," we welcome guest Charlie Williams to discuss which James Bond actor has wielded the tuxedo and Walther the best over the course of the past nearly 60 years. Is it Sean Connery, the original? Roger Moore, who appeared in the most Bond films? Or Daniel Craig, who portrayed Bond for the longest?
This week, we welcome perennial Spooky Season guest Sean Brugger to talk about 'Squid Game,' the Netflix series that has taken social media by storm. We discuss the South Korean-produced series that examines the hidden terrors of a late-stage capitalist hellscape through the lens of an underground, game show-style competition.
This week, we discuss the latest Nintendo Direct - namely, the announcement of a Mario movie starring Chris Pratt, Charlie Day, Anya Taylor-Joy and Jack Black. A post-apoc Kirby! An N64 game subscription service! The latest Metroid side-scroller! And many other big announcements from Nintendo.
This week, we review James Wan's latest genre-reviving horror film, "Malignant," currently in theatres and on HBOMax. Does everything Wan touches turn to campy gold? And how many times can we say 'giallo' in one hour?
This week, we have a Marvel-packed episode: we talk 'Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Five Rings," Disney Plus' "What If?" series and the most-recent trailer for 'Spiderman: No Way Home.' Plus, a bonus review of 'He's All That,' for some reason...
This week, guest host Brad Murray joins us to talk about the Netflix comedy series "I Think You Should Leave with TIm Robinson." Which sketch is the best sketch? And do they succeed in making us want to leave?
This week, we review one of Chops' favorite so-bad-it's-good films, the Netflix original 'The Kissing Booth.' When is leveraging a character's dead parent for false emotional weight TOO much? Did they jump the shark with the second installment? Plus, we give an auxiliary character an overdue last name...
This week, we examine Season 1 of the Star Wars spinoff series 'The Bad Batch.' Do good soldiers really follow orders? Is the narrative or the meta-narrative more compelling? Will Chops ever watch 'The Clone Wars'?
This week, we take a look at 'Space Jam: A New Legacy' and wax poetic about EVERY WARNER BROS. CHARACTER THAT'S EVER EXISTED appearing in one place. Does this solidify Lebron as the GOAT? Where was Billy West?
This week, we discuss the AMC Original Series 'Kevin Can F**k Himself' and the paradigm shift it introduces to the 'hapless husband laugh-track sitcom.' This week also marks the introduction of a new segment on the show, 'Binge or Cringe.' Which will it be?
This week, we discuss the cultural phenomenon of the bachelor (or bachelorette) party and whether or not the extended party weekends surrounding these life events is just right or too much. Also, we revolutionize the night out with a new concept: the Designated Decision Maker.
This week, Variant guest hosts Laura Barnett and Jennifer Lopez discuss the season finale of 'LOKI.' How does it rank, compared to the other Disney+ series? Is Miss Minutes the true big bad of the next phase of the MCU? And which Loki variant is marriage material?
This week, we welcome guest Brad Murray to talk about one of the finest films ever made, 'The Shawshank Redemption.' We rave about the subtle brilliance of the move and discuss it's Ohio connections in this Leftovers episode of N.A.
This week, we take a look at the first two episodes of the Disney+ series "Loki" and it's greater implications for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. What's going on with the Sacred Timeline? And is the true villain of the series the one sitting in front of the screen?
This week, we examine John Krasinski's "A Quiet Place Part II" and how it stacks up against the original - and compare the plot to a riveting session of Dungeons & Dragons. What questions does the film leave unanswered? And what is coming in an inevitable Part III?
This week, we discuss the inventive and surprising Amazon Original Series "INVINCIBLE." What happens when Earth finds out a superman isn't so trustworthy, after all? Robert Kirkman's graphic novel (which became this series) tackles that question.
This week, as a (belated) celebration of Star Wars Day, we invite guest Eric Rieser to discuss the First Order (and Second Order and Third Order) in which you should consider watching the Star Wars Saga. In order? The Machete Method? With palette cleansers? We explore three methods for optimal viewing.
This week, we discuss the legacy of George A. Romero's "of the Dead" films and rumors of an unfinished Romero script being workshopped in Hollywood. What could it be about? Will zombies rise up to trample the bourgeoisie?
This week, we breakdown the Disney+ original "Falcon and The Winter Soldier" and discuss why it's important and why it - at times - misses the mark. Also, what does it mean for the future direction of the Marvel Cinematic Universe?
This week, we welcome guest Brandom Beam to discuss a paradigm-shifting idea by our own Marc Finch - what if we made each week six days instead of seven? We also discuss other Chops Hits such as work slippers and kid food.
This week, we're joined by Friend of the Show Sean Brugger for a discussion about 'Mortal Kombat,' both the video games and the expanding film franchise.
This week, we wrestle with 'Godzilla vs. Kong' and discuss the surprising science, controversial undertones and deep world-building of this knock-down, drag-out huge monster action flick. What happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object? Well, a third juggernaut usually appears...
This week, we discuss the trend of major film franchises expanding into the realm of television series and discuss one such upcoming series, the 'Obi-Wan Kenobi' show in-production by the House of Mouse. How have spin-off shows developed from cash-grab to pensive world-building?
This week, we welcome back guest co-host Eric Barnett to conclude our epic discussion of Zack Snyder's 'Justice League' - this time, with our review of 'The Snyder Cut.' Come for the pedantic examination of film, stay for Chops' rant on what a bad playcall was made in the football game scene.
This week, guest co-host Eric Barnett joins us to take a look back at the theatrical cut of Zack Snyder's 'Justice League' in anticipation of the release of 'The Snyder Cut' on HBO Max. What made the original release so bad? And what do we hope for in the extended edition?
This week, we use the release of 'Coming 2 America' to talk about sequels. Why are they so popular in Hollywood? How do they fail and how can they succeed? How long can we talk about literary theory before people tune out?
This week, we welcome guests Tim Hall and Jennifer Lopez (Finch) to our Avengers-sized discussion of the Disney+ original 'WandaVision.' What made us laugh? What made us cry? Why was Wanda driving a Buick?
This week, we welcome guest Tim Hall to talk about (what may be) the best-worst movie ever, John Woo's 'Face/Off.' Does John Travolta do a better Nicholas Cage than Nicholas Cage? How did Nick keeping getting work? Could YOU eat a peach for hours?
This week, we discuss the streaming services we use, those we couldn't live without and how the over-abundance of streaming services available today seems strangely reminiscent of the advent of cable television.
This week, we take a look at what Big Game Advertisements hoist the Lombardi Trophy and which leave with a participation trophy. Some were unexpectedly earnest, some were expensive and disingenuous, some deserved a laugh!
This week, we have a SPOILER-FILLED episode discussing what we loved - and what we hated - about Season 2 of 'The Mandalorian.' Which jedi comes for Grogu? Who ends up with the Darksaber? Why is Din's mustache so perfectly groomed?!
This week, Daniel reveals yet another classic movie he neglected - Robert Zemeckis' 'Back to the Future' - and Chops joins Daniel's brother from another mother, Eric Barnett, in breaking down what makes the 1985 film worthy of all the hype.
This week, we welcome Craig Calcaterra from the 'Cup of Coffee' podcast to discuss our favorite films of the 1970's. We talk about some well-worn classics as well as a few sleeper hits of what was likely the best-ever decade for filmmaking.
This week, our discussion of "Borat Subsequent Moviefilm" turns into an examination of satire and a debate on whether we're living in a post-satire society. But I guess we enjoyed the employee working the fax machine...
This week, we take on your pop culture hot takes in a debate forum while eating increasingly-spicy hot sauces...in a format that is similar to but legally distinct from "Hot Ones." Coke or Pepsi? Who's the best of The Beatles? Were Ross and Rachel on a break? We discuss these and more while losing our dignity to the Carolina Reaper.
This week (you know the tune): Found-footage horror and cults on a mission; old eldritch horror and zombies' emissions; body invasion and "real" happenings; these are our favorite, spookiest things! We celebrate five weeks of horror-themed explorations by breaking down our top five favorite horror media.
This week, we tackle the dense sociological themes (no, really!) of the 1985 horror-comedy Fright Night. Why were 80's vampires movies all so similar? Why were the police in the movie's town so incompetent? Could teens be right about how dumb adults are?
This week, we examine the Japanese horror film "Audition," directed by Takashi Miike. Few films are equal parts beautiful and difficult to watch, but we break down the pertinent scenes and themes to help you take in the film that served as inspiration for films like "SAW" and "Hostel."
This week, we welcome Friend of the Show Sean Brugger to talk about the Universal Monsters Cinematic Universe (the original one) and its influence on film and filmmaking over the years. Plus (of course), we rank the monsters according to how good their films were - or how easily they could beat us in a fight.
This week, we kick off a month of Spooky Season episodes with the 2004 rom-zom-com "Shaun of the Dead." We examine all the call-backs and call-forwards, lay bare decades of zombie movie tropes and learn a little something about British ice cream treats.
This week, it's a 'Leftovers' episode featuring the original "Karate Kid." Marc waxes poetic about this nostalgic favorite while Daniel examines Daniel-san's journey through the lens of the Monomyth. There's also an above-average amount of voice acting and sound effects in this one, so...comic gold.
This week, we are joined by J.D. "T-Bone" Smith to breakdown the recently-released trailer for Season 2 of "The Mandalorian" and discuss the news, rumors and speculation about the upcoming season of the hit Disney+ show. Three nerds talk about a 1 minute, 53 second trailer for more than an hour - what's not to love?
This week, we discuss our love for "What We Do in the Shadows," the modern vampire mockumentary produced by Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement. Anachronisms, blood, lust, bloodlust and direct addresses to the camera - we talk about why the series is likely the funniest on television, right now.
This week, we welcome J.D. "T-Bone" Smith to discuss the teaser trailer for "THE Batman" and other movies hyped during DC FanDome. We have thoughts on "THE Suicide Squad," "THE Snyder Cut" and "THE Rock" - and their roles in DC's fight to catch up to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
This week, we review the Netflix original film "Project Power," the superhero movie that isn't a superhero movie - and definitely isn't for children. Equal parts "Stranger Things" and "X-Men," this movie tackles difficult topics like distrust of government, experimentation on minority communities, the opioid epidemic - but does it try to fit too much into the runtime?
This week, we review 'Paper Mario: The Origami King,' the latest installment in the sort-of-RPG series from Nintendo. Daniel tells the heartbreaking story of an amnesiac munition and his heroic sacrifice. Marc says at least two of the games in the series aren't canon.
This week, we drink deeply of Paramount Network's "Bar Rescue" and determine what about its reality show cocktail makes it unique among business rescue shows. We also figure out that knowing you COULD own a bar is probably better than actually owning one...
This week, Marc and special guest Dr. Laura Barnett try to convince Daniel to watch "Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga." Moreover, Daniel admits that he doesn't find Will Ferrell funny. Come for the off-color jokes, stay for the heartwarming and the music, apparently!
This week, we examine the logic (and the folly) behind rumors that feuding camps at Disney might consider retconning the Star Wars sequel trilogy. Daniel and Marc dive into some deep lore to explain the theory of how it could be done (narratively) - and why they think it never will (practically.)
This week, it's another Leftovers segment featuring Danny Boyle's 2003 horror/zombie flick "28 Days Later." Or is it a zombie film? Or a horror film? All we know is that we like it and we're forever scared of contracting Rabies because of it.
This week, we welcome Jennifer Lopez (no, not that one) to discuss "Hamilton: An American Musical." With it's theatrical release on Disney+, we take a look at what makes Lin-Manuel Miranda's intricate masterpiece so brilliant - and end up discussing which of the Founding Fathers was the hottest.
This week, we welcome J.D. "T-Bone" Smith back to the podcast to discuss which actor best portrayed the Caped Crusader on the silver screen. Was Christian Bale's voice the most ridiculous? Did Michael Keaton just forget his lines? Do George Clooney's nipples REALLY look like that? Does Kevin Conroy even count?
This week, Daniel and Marc dissect the lore behind the Boonta Eve Classic podrace depicted in 'Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace.' Daniel also reminisces about the re-release of 'Star Wars Episode I: Racer' and theorizes about whether or not we've seen the last of podracing on the silver screen.
This week, Marc and Daniel discuss the Netflix original series "Space Force," created by Greg Daniels and starring Steve Carrell, John Malkovich and Lisa Kudrow. Did the eagle land with this series? Or is it a case of failure to launch? We talk about what we liked (and didn't) and use another Daniels' show, "The Office," to argue why "Space Force" might still show us something great.
This week, Daniel invites his brother, Eric Barnett, to introduce Marc and our listeners to the enigmatic singer-songwriter Tom Waits. Eric breaks down some of Waits' most interesting tracks, discusses how Waits has influenced him and others and makes the case for why everyone should listen to a modern German musical soundtrack.
This week, Daniel and Marc sit down with Matty Hayes to talk about recent protests against police brutality spurred by the killing of George Floyd, what it means to be a Black man in America and how white people can most-effectively be allies to people of color.
This week, Marc and Daniel welcome J.D. "T-Bone" Smith to the show to discuss one of his favorite films, Disney's "The Rocketeer" (1991). The trio give a spoiler-full plot synopsis of the steampunk spectacular and ponder why the film didn't perform as well as some of its conceptual peers.
This week, we look at the impact that "Trolls World Tour" may have on the future of the movie theater industry. Marc lays out the conflict between Universal Studios and AMC Theatres and asks the question: is seeing a movie in the theater even worth it?
This week, we look at the appeal of 'Animal Crossing: New Horizons' for the Nintendo Switch. Daniel explains to Marc the ethical implications of time-jumping; how to make it rich in the Stalk Market, and whether Tom Nook is really the villain he's made out to be.