Crackdowns, Shutdowns, and Let Downs!

In Estecow’s last episode of The Wonderer's Podcast, the duo dives into the unexpected $2.2 billion investment by movie theater chains into non-traditional attractions like pickleball courts and bowling alleys, as they try to reimagine the cinema experience beyond just movie screenings. They also discuss Matt Reeves’ approach to making the villains' makeup in the new Batman movie more realistic, creating a darker, grounded aesthetic that fans are eagerly anticipating.

The Wonderers then explore the early reviews of the Penguin show, which reveal its strong performances and gritty crime-filled narrative, setting the stage for Gotham's underworld to shine. Estecow doesn't hold back his thoughts on Joker 2, describing it as underwhelming and uninspired, much to the disappointment of fans hoping for more from the sequel.

In the realm of superhero films, they delve into the rumors of Knull’s introduction in Venom 3, which could dramatically shift the stakes of the symbiote storyline and bring in a cosmic, god-like figure to the franchise. On a sadder note, the news that Helldawg is going straight to digital prompts some nostalgic discussions, with Estecow expressing his disappointment.

Moving to the world of Disney, they dissect the company’s efforts to follow Netflix’s footsteps by cracking down on password sharing, and the ongoing lawsuit that Disney faces, which could have serious ramifications for the entertainment giant’s streaming model. Ubisoft gets roasted by the Wonderers, as they openly criticize the company’s controversial release of Star Wars: Outlaws, calling it a half-baked mess that missed the mark.

The conversation then turns to the PS5 Pro's release and the ongoing scalping issues that continue to plague consumers trying to get their hands on the console. They also touch on the layoffs at Firewalk Studios following the mismanagement behind Concord, a decision that has left many scratching their heads.

God of War's troubled PC release comes up next, with Retro_Loneliness excited about the mod that allows users to bypass the PlayStation sign-in, offering a better gaming experience. Despite the criticisms, Astro Bot manages to shine, with the Wonderers praising it as a hidden gem on the platform for its creative gameplay and polished experience.

The latest State of Play is recapped, with standout titles and predictions for future PlayStation exclusive remakes, sparking a debate on which classic games should make a return, such as Sly Cooper or Legend of Dragoon. The episode also touches on Warhammer 40k: Darktide's imminent release on consoles, drawing excitement for its brutal cooperative gameplay.

Wrapping up, they discuss the revival of the beloved Skate franchise, reminiscing on its groundbreaking physics and skate culture representation, while also acknowledging the high expectations riding on its return. Estecow's final words bring a sentimental close to a packed episode, marking the end of an era for The Wonderer's Podcast.

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Estecow (Esteban): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/este_vega?igsh=YTI4YzE2YTYwMA==⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Retro_loneliness (Nicholas): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/retro_loneliness⁠⁠