Great Shot, Kid!: Recent Episodes
The Nerd Party
Join John and Mike for an examination of the artists responsible for your favorite film, and their work both inside and out of franchises.
In a special cross-over event, Mike and John discuss what a "Phantom Menace Special Edition" would look like, at the same age as "A New Hope" was when it was released as a Special Edition. What would change? What would stay the same? Which impulses would Lucas indulge?
Mike and John are back! This Season 2 Teaser is everything you want from this dynamic duo: A debate about what they put on their 2018 Top Ten lists, and a discussion about their work on "RetroPerspective," also on The Nerd Party!
This week follows up from last week's show as John (@kesseljunkie) and Mike (@mumbles3k) discuss Steven Soderbergh's Unsane, a film shot on an iPhone. They discuss what this did for the film, what it could mean for how big budget films are made, whether it could open the market for more filmmakers and writers to get projects made, and more.
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James Mangold came out swinging on Twitter, declaring that fans behaving like jerks will ensure that auteurs steer clear of the big franchises. He cited the treatment of Rian Johnson online as a prime example. John and Mike look further back and wonder whether the precedent was set with the treatment of Zack Snyder for Batman v Superman, or earlier....
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?Mike and John discuss the rumor that Billy Dee Williams is returning in Star Wars Episode IX, the original Predator with JCVD, what makes a director's cut, and how to restart John McTiernan's career, which at one point was positively spectacular. The guy made absolute sci-fi and action classics like Die Hard, The Hunt For Red October, Predator, Die Hard with a Vengeance, and Basic for Pete's Sake!
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?Mike and John discuss the new Halloween trailer, but more importantly highlight what fans of this, and every, horror franchise can teach other fan bases about rolling with the punches, accepting failures and moving forward with eternal hope for a new gem that captures the spirit that they love.
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Mike and John discuss Brian De Palma throwing shade at Steven Soderbergh, shooting styles, technological advancements, film presentation experiences, Christopher Nolan's efforts to keep 70mm alive, and whether there really is any magic to film prints.
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Mike (@mumbles3k) and John (@kesseljunkie) discuss alternate cuts of films they'd like to see - such as Miller & Lord's version of Solo or Edwards' first cut of Rogue One - and then John invites Mike to share his perspective on the "why" of how he reacts to new Star Wars films.
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Mike and John discuss Nick Meyer's Permanently-in-Development Khan Star Trek TV series, whether Chase Meridian can catch Lou Grant's magic, memories of when the Matrix Reloaded & celebrate the anniversary of Attack of the Clones. Along the way they discuss how to avoid dropping off the Quality Cliff while watching films, how to plan movie watching, and what they're going to watch in preparation for Solo: A Star Wars Story.
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Mike (@mumbles3k) and John (@kesseljunkie) discuss the Wall Street Journal's article about Solo strife, the legendary work of film editor Anne V. Coates, disagree about Akira Kurosawa's Seven Samurai, and discuss footwear of the rich & famous.
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Mike (@mumbles3k) and John (@kesseljunkie) discuss recent news from (the new) Star Trek 4, Star Trek Discovery design reveals, Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire, and their impressions of Marvel's massive hit, Avengers: Infinity War.
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Mike (@mumbles3k) and John (@kesseljunkie) discuss Mike's first time watching Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me, his impressions of David Lynch as a filmmaker, and the never-ending quest to figure out why no two people experience Twin Peaks the same way.
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John (@kesseljunkie) is joined by special guest Tristan Riddell (@TheInsaneRobin) from Nerd Nuptial and Punch It to discuss onscreen portrayals of AI in Star Wars & Science Fiction in general. Are 'droids truly aware? Are they pressed into servitude unfairly? But most importantly...which one is the coolest?
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Mike (@mumbles3k) and John (@kesseljunkie) discuss the credits for Solo: A Star Wars Story, their impressions from the most recent trailer, the latest writer to be hired for Star Trek Discovery - who worked on one of the most formative films in John's youth, Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers! - & many more behind-the-scenes news items from the world of film.
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What are you looking for in a Star Wars director? Mike (@mumbles3k) and John (@kesseljunkie) debate director qualities they think would make for the best fit in Lucasfilm's evolving franchise. How far should they push? Are they bound by structures, or are all bets off since Lucas is no longer in charge?
Along the way they debate The Last Jedi in honor of its home release.
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With a distinguished career full of crowd-pleasing hits, Steven Spielberg doesn't seem to get the respect he deserves...or does he? As Ready Player One hits theaters, Mike (@mumbles3k) and John (@kesseljunkie) discuss the work of one of the best-known directors in film history, and how his style has changed over time, and what it's meant for public perception of him.
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Mike (@mumbles3k) and John (@kesseljunkie) share their memories and experiences through the changing landscape of movie theaters, from seating to presentation, to the role George Lucas played in reshaping the experience through the Star Wars saga.
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Mike (@mumbles3k) and John (@kesseljunkie) share their thoughts and insights into the recently-wrapped Star Wars Rebels, from touchpoints they mutually enjoyed to where they diverged. Along the way, John gets his dander up about Mike's opinion of Star Wars: The Clone Wars. What did they think of Ezra Bridger's journey? Where do they think the impactfulness of this Star Wars series lands it? Where do they see the next stories going from here?
Listen and discover those answers...and so much more!
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Mike (@mumbles3k) and John (@kesseljunkie) welcome long-time friend and @TrekFM collaborator, Brandon-Shea Mutala (@BrandonMutala), to discuss Irvin Kershner's other follow up to a surprise sci-fi hit....RoboCop 2! They also compare the Terminator franchise's sequels, debate the new rage of sequel reboots that keep the original intact, the score over the closing credits, and share memories of Peter Weller's indelible film character.
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Mike (@mumbles3k) and John (@kesseljunkie) are motivated by Kevin Smith's recent health scare to talk about his impact on films, fandom, Star Wars conversations and pop culture in general. Mike proposes that John has been too tough on "Silent Bob," and discusses some entrypoints for appreciating a modern-day filmmaker of Smith's caliber.
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Mike (@mumbles3k) and John (@kesseljunkie) are back and talking about Get Out, which John finally saw! Along the way, they discuss the similarities between a certain plot point and the Ash Tyler/Voq storyline on Star Trek Discovery, what it really means for the horror genre, the challenge that horror movies face in trying to transcend their genre, and a predilection for happy endings.
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Mike (@mumbles3k) and John (@kesseljunkie) look at an early work of one of their favorite directors as it turns 20! They discuss The Replacement Killers, starring Chow Yun-Fat, Mira Sorvino, and directed by Antoine Fuqua. They examine what it says about cultural cinematic choices, when those choices clash, and whether Fuqua would've been allowed to complete the film in today's production environment.
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Mike (@mumbles3k) and John (@kesseljunkie) fawn over one of their favorite filmmakers, Paul Thomas Anderson, and a recent "AMA" he did on Twitter to promote his new film, Phantom Thread. This spurs fun discussions on superhero cartoons, Robert Altman, Brian de Palma, Anderson's career, and gaps in their viewing knowledge. And they talk about PTA's thoughts on Star Wars and The Last Jedi!
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Mike (@mumbles3k) continues to make the case to John (@kesseljunkie) to be a baseball fan, and so this week they discuss Moneyball, starring Brad Pitt. Inevitably, the conversation turns into a debate about the role of midichlorians in the life of Jedi.
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Mike (@mumbles3k) and John (@kesseljunkie) don't just watch the archival history of filmmakers in franchises, they watch other things as well! Listen in as they join the annual debate - and debate with each other - about what they have on their Top Ten lists for 2017, including their own criteria for how films can qualify to make the list.
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?Mike (@mumbles3k) and John (@kesseljunkie) reminisce about growing up in the post-Return of the Jedi landscape when there was no new Star Wars to be had, and discover where they differed and where they shared similar journeys. Find the ways that horror films like Halloween, action movies like RoboCop, and big-scale romances like Titanic filled the hole left by Star Wars.
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?It's Mike's (@mumbles3k) turn to question John (@kessejunkie) about his glowingly positive assessment of a Star Wars film, Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. What is the source of John's love for the least-hated prequel, which has nonetheless been a target of barbs and Internet witticism for more than a decade? Join Mike as he discovers the answer to this, and more.
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John (@kesseljunkie) interviews Mike (@mumbles3k) about his glowingly positive assessment of the latest addition to the Star Wars canon, Episode VIII: The Last Jedi. What insight does Mike have about Rian Johnson's magnum opus, from its themes to its structure? Settle in as two good friends have a civil discussion about a film that's turning out to be quite divisive.
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John (@kesseljunkie) and Mike (@mumbles3k) uncover the intricacies of Star Wars: The Last Jedi director Rian Johnson's Looper. What can it tell us about what he brought to that galaxy far, far away, and what we can expect from him with his new Star Wars trilogy?
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John (@kesseljunkie) and Mike (@mumbles3k) discuss the overlooked Sam Raimi classic, For Love of the Game, featuring the re-recording sound mix work of The Empire Strikes Back alum Gregg Landaker. Along the way, Mike tries to woo a disaffected football fan to the ranks of baseball watchers.
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John (@kesseljunkie) and Mike (@mumbles3k) examine Justice League and what it means for Chris Terrio's involvement in Star Wars Episode IX. What traces or trademarks exist from Terrio in the final product, and what can it tell us about what to expect from his coming work with JJ Abrams?
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John (@kesseljunkie) and Mike (@mumbles3k) look at what it means for Star Wars to have Rian Johnson as its resident visionary for a forthcoming trilogy based outside the Skywalker family history. They look at his history as a photographer, and the unique visions he's brought to his own works for hints of what this means for The Last Jedi and beyond.
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John (@kessejunkie) is joined by Missing Frames' Shawn Eastridge (@yayshawndorman) to review the career of John Mollo, the Academy Award-winning costume designer for Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back, as well as costumes for Alien, Ghandi, and many others. They look at how he's shaped sci-fi cinema for decades with a simple aestethic and an unmistakable talent for transforming concept sketches into practical costumes.
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John (@kessejunkie) and Mike (@mumbles3k) continue their look at the visual style of the live-action Star Wars franchise with the first two post-George Lucas efforts, The Force Awakens and Rogue One. They select shots from both that show they have their own identity, while adhering to the template set in the original six. Then they continue their chapter-by-chapter analysis of Splinter of the Mind's Eye.
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John (@kessejunkie) and Mike (@mumbles3k) look at Blade Runner 2049 and contrast its sequel approach to Star Wars: The Force Awakens. How were the they the same? How were they different? Is there an artistic distinction? They analyze what each wanted to achieve, and which approach produced the most resonant result. Then they look at Chapter 3 of Splinter of the Mind's Eye as they continue their chapter-by-chapter analysis.
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John (@kessejunkie) and Mike (@mumbles3k) look at the prequel Star Wars trilogy to test their theory further that the entire series subscribes to one aesthetic...and does it evolve while under the watchful eye of a singular director, George Lucas? They share three shots that define The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, and Revenge of the Sith, and how they inform their opinion of what that aesthetic is.
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John (@kessejunkie) and Mike (@mumbles3k) take a look at the original Star Wars trilogy and ask themselves the question of what defines the visual aesthetic. Though three films from three directors, they select one shot from each film that shows they are all part of one unified aesthetic. Then they continue their chapter-by-chapter analysis of Splinter of the Mind's Eye with Chapter 2, which brings Princess Leia back into the story.
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John (@kesseljunkie) and Mike (@mumbles3k) discuss JJ Abrams returning to direct Star Wars Episode IX. They discuss their expectations, what it means for the saga, and the fact that Abrams is the first since Lucas to direct more than one Star Wars film. They discuss what Chris Terrio (Argo, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice) brings to the table, and what role he'll play in shaping the concluding chapter of the Skywalkers.
Then they start their chapter-by-chapter read through of Alan Dean Foster's 1978 novel that was a psuedo-sequel to Star Wars, Splinter of the Mind's Eye!
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In Part 2 of a special 2-part episode, Mike (@mumbles3k) welcomes special guest Nic Anastassiou to discuss his experiences as an effects editor, his work with Lucasfilm Animation for the acclaimed television series The Clone Wars, and insights into working with legendary Star Wars creator George Lucas.
They discuss the special insights into the work philosophies of filmmaking with a master storyteller, special collaborators who left an impression, and discuss Nic's favorite episodes of Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Learn first-hand what it's like to craft iconic sequences for an acclaimed show adored by fans young and old.
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Mike (@mumbles3k) welcomes special guest Nic Anastassiou to discuss his experience as an effects editor for ILM and also his time with Lucasfilm Animation for the acclaimed television series, The Clone Wars.
They discuss how he came to work at ILM, the technical challenges and changes faced through a career as an editor, the special rhythms developed to assist in workflow, and Nic's memories of helping bring to life a show loved by Star Wars fans young and old.
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John and Mike discuss Lucasfilm's ongoing directorial woes in the wake of Colin Trevorrow's firing from Star Wars: Episode IX. Was the decision from someone higher in the Disney chain? Was the script the issue? Has Lucasfilm forfeited the benefit of the doubt about the directors they hire and continually fire?
After a lively discussion, they then introduce a new read-along series for the show, a chapter-a-week examination of The Splinter of the Mind's Eye and what it could have meant for the direction of Star Wars in the very beginning.
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John (@kessejunkie) and Mike (@mumbles3k) discuss the recently-leaked news that Stephen Daldry has been selected as the director for the Obi-Wan Star Wars Story movie. What does it say about what we can expect from Old Ben in his desert years, and Star Wars standalones going forward?
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John (@kessejunkie) and Mike (@mumbles3k) continue comparing the styles of Miller & Lord to Ron Howard with a look at 22 Jump Street and Apollo 13. What else do they learn about the impact of the famous director switch for Lucasfilm's Untitled Han Solo Star Wars Anthology Movie?
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John (@kessejunkie) and Mike (@mumbles3k) compare two works: The Paper from Ron Howard and 21 Jump Street from Chris Miller & Phil Lord.
Comparing the films, they explore what the impact might be to tone, style, pacing, and look for Lucasfilm's Untitled Han Solo Star Wars Anthology Movie to have changed directors.
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John (@kessejunkie) and Mike (@mumbles3k) look at the changes George Lucas made to the Star Wars prequels with each release. We know he loves to tinker, and we know he loves to update, and we know that everyone can't stop talking about the updates to the original Star Wars trilogy that was first released 1977-1983.
But what about the changes he made to his Star Wars films first released from 1999-2005 and yet never saddled with the additional descriptor of "Special Edition"?
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John (@kessejunkie) and Mike (@mumbles3k) are back as theoretical Star Wars casting directors for the Modern Day, this time tackling the immortal sequel The Empire Strikes Back. Who did they cast as your favorite role? Who would be destined to become an aphoristic Jedi Master? Most importantly to some, who's gonna play Boba Fett?
Let us know your choices!
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John (@kessejunkie) and Mike (@mumbles3k) are back together this week, and John has a question for Mike: has something special, and irreplaceable, been lost for film's technological innovation with George Lucas no longer helming the Star Wars films? Join them as they examine the changed nature of Star Wars now that Disney is in charge of the legendary film franchise, and what it could mean for the film industry as a whole.
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Join John (@kessejunkie) as he's joined by Tristan Riddell (@TheInsaneRobin), founding member of The Nerd Party and co-host of Nerd Nuptial& Punch It. They discuss Star Wars' place in the history of video games, and whether it resides as an industry leader or a trend chaser.
What do you think Star Wars needs to do to become an industry leader in video games?
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Join Mike (@mumbles3k) and special guest Nic Anastassiou as they discuss The Book of Henry, by Star Wars: Episode IX director Colin Trevorrow. What explains the critical reaction, and the issues with finding an audience? What indicators are in there to dictate what to expect from Episode IX? Mike and Nic look at all the aspects, and share what they thought not just of the film but of the direction that brought it to life.
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Ron Howard
All movies go through troubles during production, but some mores than others. In the case of the upcoming Han Solo movie, those troubles have led to the replacement of directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller with Academy Award winner Ron Howard.
In this episode of Great Shot, Kid, John and Mike break down the behind-the-scenes shakeup of the second Star Wars Story. We speculate as to the cause of the change, and examine Howard’s filmography to see what we can expect going forward.
What do you think about the addition of Ron Howard?
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Rarely has a thirst for alternative versioning been quenched as completely as it was with the comics adaptation of The Star Wars, JW Rinzler's take on George Lucas' earliest draft of the original Star Wars script. With Mike Mayhew's wonderful art inspired and shaped by original designs, the early version came to life as can rarely be realized.
Join John (@kesseljunkie) and Mike (@mumbles3k) as they explore this early stage of Star Wars history splashed on the comics page. What nuggets do they see nested in this early version that Lucas would hold onto, or reshape, in later drafts and films? It's an archaeological examination like no other.
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Few hypotheticals have entranced long-time Star Wars fans as much as the question, “What if David Lynch directed Return of the Jedi?” In light of his later works, people debated what Lynch would have brought to the table, a filmmaker known for his abstract and independent streak.
So this week on Great Shot, Kid!, Mike (@mumbles3k) and John (@kesseljunkie) revisit Dune to glean what they can about how Lynch handles epic science fiction, what similar elements exist between it and Star Wars, what would have attracted Lucas to Lynch as a filmmaker, and how it affords a glimpse into what-might-have-been.
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Star Wars was released 40 years ago, changing the way movies were made and experienced forever.
Join John and Mike as they discuss and debate how they'd cast Star Wars (A New Hope) if they were making it today. With the different film landscape, how do you factor for unknowns? Is there something about the casting of the current franchise films that can inform how we can approach it? Who would play your favorite character?
Listen and find out!
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Rogue One: A Star Wars Story made a point to have a diverse cast, to speak to the unifying effect of a common enemy. Lucasfilm additionally made an effort to include international talent, casting overseas stars Donnie Yen and Jiang Wen in key roles.
Join John and Mike as they discuss Jiang Wen's Let the Bullets Fly. A box office success in China, they look at how well it translates to a foreign audience, what it reveals about how native language allows more nuance in actors' performances, and historical influences on Star Wars from Asian cinema.
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Few shows have engendered as much loyalty in one season as Joss Whedon's Firefly. Among its cast was Alan Tudyk as the pilot Hoban "Wash" Washburne, who is now beloved by Star Wars fans as Rogue One's wisecracking 'droid K-2SO. Cancelled due to the FOX network's nincompoopery, nonetheless fans got Serenity, a movie promising to give some sense of closure about their beloved characters.
Join John and Mike as they discuss Joss Whedon's Serenity. They reminisce about their first viewings, their changed impressions over time, and whether the movie is as equally accessible to "Browncoats" as general audiences.
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Blade II.
Following Blade's success, a sequel was inevitable. Director Guillermo del Toro then came on board to help expand on the world and mythos. Part of that expansion included the creation of "The Blood Pack," featuring Donnie Yen, now known to Star Wars fans as "Chirrut Imwe" from Rogue One.
Join John and Mike as they discuss Blade II. They look at first impressions, current reviews, world building, and Yen's impact on the film. They also discuss the return of a character thought dead in the first film and compare his return with Darth Maul's resurrected story arc in The Clone Wars and Rebels.
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In 2012, audiences were treated to a new George Lucas production, Red Tails, based on his love of history and the beginnings of the Civil Rights movement. Starring established and rising acting luminaries such as Terrence Howard, Cuba Gooding Jr., David Oyelowo, Andre Royo, and Michael B. Jordan, the World War II epic sought to tell the untold part of the Tuskegee Airmen’s tale, their part in the fight against fascism in Europe.
Join John and Mike as they discuss Lucasfilm's Red Tails, from its concept to casting, direction, and effects work. Dive into the rich history of this production and uncover history the way Lucasfilm loves to show it.
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It is a time of discovery. @mumbles3k has returned from Star Wars Celebration in Orlando, Florida, filling John with questions about what he missed. Find out first-hand if the lines were as daunting as they seemed, the panels as impressive as they wanted us to believe, and the sense of community as strong as the Living Force.
Whether you went to #SWCO or not, get the inside scoop on what you my have missed and what made attending it a worthy event of a #StarWars fan's devotion.
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As George Lucas lined up talent and tech for the Star Wars prequels, he produced a long-awaited comedy for Universal Studios called Radioland Murders. The madcap comedy centers on a series of murders one fateful night in 1939, as a fourth radio network is poised to make its national debut.
Join John and Mike as they discuss a lost Lucasfilm gem that utilized on-screen talents from Brian Benben from HBO's Dream On, to Mary Stuart Masterson, Jeffrey Tambor, Ned Beatty and Christopher Lloyd...to name a few. It also employed behind-the-scenes talents familiar to Star Wars fans, including David Tattersall and Gavin Bocquet.
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Mad Ben
Rumors persist of a Star Wars Story film centered on the Lost Years of Obi-Wan Kenobi, and will likely continue until the entire franchise is rebooted in a few decades. No official news is out yet, so for now we're left to speculate on every aspect of the supposed film from concept to execution.
In this spirit, @kesseljunkie (John) and @mumbles3k (Mike) share their thoughts on who they'd like to see direct this rumored standalone Star Wars film. Some choices are evergreen options for these projects but, true to their inimitable style, they have a few surprises in there, too.
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A Trilogy of Trilogies.
In this episode of Great Shot, Kid!, John and Mike discuss the first films of the Star Wars sequel trilogy directors. They begin their journey with The Force Awakens director J.J. Abrams' Mission: Impossible III, moving on to study The Last Jedi director Rian Johnson's Brick. They complete their journey with a look at Episode IX: No Title Yet director Colin Trevorrow's Safety Not Guaranteed.
Have you seen these works of the sequel trilogy directors? Did we hit the nail on the head with our analysis, or miss the mark? If you want to share your own thoughts, reach out to the show at www.TheNerdParty.com/Contact today!
The 'Burbs.
In 1989, a director known for a dark, quirky sense of macabre humor took on a high-profile project starring a well-known comic actor. Sound familiar? Sure it does, except the movie we're talking about here is The 'Burbs, starring Tom Hanks and Carrie Fisher. (You were thinking of Batman. Admit it.)
Join John and Mike as they discuss this comedy lost in the mists of time and Batmania. What did they think? More importantly, what did they think of the acting contribution of Carrie Fisher, known to Star Wars fans for all time as Princess Leia?
If you've seen The 'Burbs and want to share your own thoughts, reach out to the show over on The Nerd Party's site. Go to www.TheNerdParty.com/Contact today!
In the Land of Women
Cowritten by the legendary Lawrence Kasdan and his son, Jon, anticipation mounts about the upcoming Han Solo “Star Wars Story” film with each new cast announcement. The script is written, but what does it say?
In this episode of Great Shot, Kid!, John and Mike discuss In the Land of Women, written and directed by Jon Kasdan, and starring Adam Brody, Meg Ryan, Kristen Stewart, and Olympia Dukakis. What does it tell us about what we can expect from the story and characters from the next standalone film from a galaxy far, far away….?
More American Graffiti.
Before Star Wars, George Lucas made an impact with American Graffiti (examined in Episode 15 of Great Shot, Kid!). After its success, and especially after the success of Star Wars, a sequel was likely. Hence was born one of the lesser-known works of Lucasfilm.
Directed by BWL Norton, to say More American Graffiti didn’t match the artistic or commercial success of the original is a study in understatement. Join John and Mike as they explore this unique piece of American film.
Looking at Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Monsters, and Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.
The first work of a filmmaker can say a lot about their style, and what they'll bring to a franchise. In this episode of Great Shot, Kid!, John and Mike look at the first works of the filmmakers who are making, or have made, "Non-Episode" Star Wars films. (In once case, it is a Star Wars film!) Join them as they discuss The Clone Wars (directed by Dave Filoni), Monsters (directed by Rogue One's Gareth Edwards) and Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (directed by the upcoming Han Solo movie's Phil Lord and Chris Miller).
What sparks do you see in these works that excite you for their contribution to the Star Wars franchise?
Sisters.
Brian De Palma's contribution to the formation of Star Wars' opening crawl is well-documented, but probably more influential is the contribution of his long-time editor, Paul Hirsch. Mike and John continue their exploration of the editors of the original Star Wars with a look at Hirsch through the lens of "Sisters" and what it reveals about an editor adept at creating a sense of pacing, place, and urgency.
American Graffiti
In this episode of Great Shot, Kid, John and Mike continue their series on the editors of Star Wars with a look George Lucas' second film, American Graffiti. Edited by Marcia Lucas, American Graffiti tells the story of a group of high school friends in 1962 on the last night of summer before they go their separate ways.
What did you think of American Graffiti?
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20 years ago, George Lucas brought Star Wars back to theatres. This was no simple anniversary release, though, as it had “a few new surprises.”
Celebrate this anniversary with Mike Schindler and John Mills in a special (edition) episode recounting their experiences with the special editions for the first time.
Then complete your training with the Jedi Masters Matthew Rushing and John Mills for an exclusive audio commentary track from Aggressive Negotiations (http://www.thenerdparty.com/aggressive-negotiations) to bring you back to that galaxy far, far away....
What did you think of the Special Editions back in 1997?
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In 1977, Richard Chew, Marcia Lucas and Paul Hirsch won the Oscar for their work editing Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope. But prior to that film, each one had already placed their mark on the art form.
In this episode of Great Shot, Kid, John and Mike begin a new series on the editors of Star Wars with a look at Richard Chew's work on Francis Ford Coppola's The Conversation. We discuss how the use of picture reflects the use of sound, the challenges of replaying the same scene in multiple ways, and the contribution of The Clone Wars director Walter Murch.
What did you think of The Conversation?
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Breaking Bad: Ozymandias Commentary
Breaking Bad is considered by many to be one of the best television shows of all-time. "Ozymandias," the antepenultimate episode of the series, is considered to be the show's finest hour. That episode was directed by Star Wars: Episode VIII director, Rian Johnson.
In this episode of Great Shot, Kid, Mike and John present their audio commentary for "Ozymandias." We marvel at the complexity of the story, the nuance of the performances, and craftsmanship of the direction. We also speculate as to what this episode can tell us about Episode VIII.
What are your thoughts on Breaking Bad? Let us know at:
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Carrie Fisher
Carrie Fisher may be best known for her portrayal of Princess Leia in Star Wars. But that was by no means the limit of her work as an artist. In addition to her work as an actor, Fisher was a highly accomplished writer, having penned numerous books and films, including Postcards from the Edge, Wishful Drinking, and The Princess Diarist. She was also a well-regarded script doctor, having done uncredited work on films such as Hook, Last Action Hero, and the prequels.
In this episode of Great Shot, Kid, John and Mike remember Fisher's contribution to cinema.
What are your favorite memories of Carrie Fisher?
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The Rocketeer
Joe Johnston got his start at ILM on the original Star Wars trilogy. After winning an Oscar for his work on Raiders of the Lost Ark, Johnston was sent to USC by George Lucas to learn the art of directing. Since then, Johnston has been an A-list filmmaker, having directed such movies as Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, October Sky, and Captain America: The First Avenger.
In this episode of Great Shot, Kid, Mike and John take a look at one of Johnston's most beloved films, The Rocketeer. We discuss the movie's comic book origins, Johnston's influences, and what we can expect from the upcoming sequel.
What are your thoughts on The Rocketeer? Let us know at:
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Original Trilogy Double Features
The double feature is beloved movie-going tradition. What happens when two movies are paired together? How do they compliment each other. What qualities do they bring out in each other?
In this episode of Great Shot, Kid, John and Mike program their personal double features for the original Star Wars movies, pairing one movie each with A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi. Find out which movies we picked and why.
What are your personal Original Trilogy double features? Let us know at:
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Rogue One
The wait is over! Rogue One is finally here!
In this episode of Great Shot, Kid, John and Mike discuss the new Star Wars movie, Rogue One! We look at the writing, directing and photography to see if we can spot the creative stamp of the filmmakers who worked on it. We also discuss the editing, and how much changed from original script to screen.
What did you think about the movie? Let us know at:
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Zero Dark Thirty
Much has been said about the realistic protrayal of war in the upcoming Star Wars movie, Rogue One. In order to help achieve this goal, the production hired Greig Fraser as their director of photography.
In this episode of Great Shot, Kid, John and Mike are joined by Lee from Filibuster to look at another one of Fraser's movies, Zero Dark Thirty. We discuss our thoughts on the film, how Fraser's style contributes to the realism, and what that means for Rogue One.
What do you think of Fraser's work? Let us know at:
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Presentation Formats.
Now, more than ever, there are many different ways to watch a movie. Whether it's film or digital, 2D or 3D, laser or xenon. But what does it all mean?
In this episode of Great Shot, Kid, Mike and John discuss all of the various formats used to show the Star Wars movies over the years, and what to expect theatrically for Rogue One.
Star Wars Shooting Formats
Star Wars has always been on the cutting edge of filmmaking technology. In this episode of Great Shot, Kid, John and Mike look at the various fomats used to shoot the Star Wars movies. We discuss the use of film on the original trilogy, the switch to digital for the prequels, and the choices being made to shoot the Disney-era pictures.
Godzilla
Star Wars is not the first iconic science fiction property to be tackled by Rogue One director Gareth Edwards. His last movie was the successful American reboot of Godzilla.
In this episode of Great Shot, Kid, Mike and John take a look at the 2014 movie. We discuss reimagining the franchise with a larger budget, the elements which Edwards brought to the picture as director, and what we can expect from Rogue One. We also ponder whether or not John should read Catalyst prior to watching the new movie.
Rebels 3x3 Commentary
In the first episode of Great Shot, Kid, John and Mike speculated as to what Rogue One writer Gary Whitta would bring to the Star Wars universe. Since recording, we have seen the release of Star Wars: Rebels Season 3, Episode 3, The Antilles Extraction, which was written by Whitta.
In this episode, we provide audio commentary for that episode, and speculate as to what it may tell us about Whitta's contribution to Rogue One.
First Films by OT Directors
An elite few have had the opportunity to direct a Star Wars films. While many are defined by their work in a galaxy far, far away, they all came from somewhere. Those places are all widely varied.
In this episode of Great Shot, Kid, Mike and John take a look at the first films by each of the three Original Trilogy directors. We discuss George Lucas' THX 1138, Irvin Kershner's Stakeout on Dope Street, and Richard Marquand's The Legacy to see what they can tell us about their influence on the franchise.
Rogue One Writers
Welcome to Great Shot, Kid! A new podcast about the people who make Star Wars!
For our series premiere, hosts John Mills and Mike Schindler take a look at the writers of the upcoming Star Wars story, Rogue One. We discuss the origins of John Knoll's pitch, Gary Whitta past screenplays, Chris Weitz's work not only as a writer, but as a producer and director as well, and how Tony Gilroy fits into the equation.