Episodes

  • 718: Starfighters in Their Office Chairs

    718: Starfighters in Their Office Chairs
    May 31 2024
    It’s been 40 years since the release of 1984’s “The Last Starfighter,” so we finally give this visually groundbreaking film its due. Did we find the early CGI effects as charming as the plot of a small town kid becoming a galactic hero in the distant reaches of space?

    Steven Schapansky with Joe Rosensteel, Cicero Holmes, David J. Loehr and Erika Ensign.
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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • 717: Swept up in the Deadpool of It All

    717: Swept up in the Deadpool of It All
    May 24 2024
    You just can’t kill us, unless we’re wearing something on our necks that means you can. We’re back to cover 2018’s “Deadpool 2,” which bring you… more Deadpool. Not necessarily a bad thing, but should it have tried to elevate its game? Does its ending completely invalidate the story? And what’s the serious plot element at the center of the ridiculous meta superhero action?

    Jason Snell with Kelly Guimont, Cicero Holmes and Dan Moren.
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    56 mins
  • 716: The Real Villain is Trauma

    716: The Real Villain is Trauma
    May 17 2024
    With a third movie on the way, it’s time for us to tackle an R-rated “X-Men” spinoff, everyone’s favorite glutton for punishment, 2016’s “Deadpool.” Did it pass the test of skeptical first-time viewers? Does its balance of humor and ultraviolence work? And why did we find this deeply unserious movie strangely affecting?

    Jason Snell with Erika Ensign, Kelly Guimont and Dan Moren.
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    1 hr and 20 mins
  • 715: Don't Let Books Make You Cry

    715: Don't Let Books Make You Cry
    May 10 2024
    We begin our walk through the 2024 nominees for Best Novel from the Hugo and Nebula Awards. First up: “Starter Villain” by John Scalzi, “Translation State” by Ann Leckie, and “Witch King” by Martha Wells.

    Jason Snell with Erika Ensign, Aleen Simms, Scott McNulty and Heather Berberet.
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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • 714: You Can't Protect People From "Doctor Who"

    714: You Can't Protect People From "Doctor Who"
    May 3 2024
    Put on your mouse ears and step into the TARDIS! We’re discussing the return (rebirth? regeneration?) of “Doctor Who” in 2024, this time on Disney+ (and the BBC). It’s a new era with an old showrunner. How did the 2023 specials hit us, where should curious viewers start watching, and what are our hopes for the coming season?

    Jason Snell with Erika Ensign, Steven Schapansky, Annette Wierstra and Kelly Guimont.
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    1 hr and 23 mins
  • 713: Weird Guy in the Meat Locker

    713: Weird Guy in the Meat Locker
    Apr 26 2024
    Why does discussing the overlooked 1991 classic “Dead Again” feel like we’re living a past life? Maybe it’s the shock of seeing young Sir Kenneth Branagh (attempting a weird American accent) and Dame Emma Thompson. Maybe it’s Sir Derek Jacobi making us wonder if that stutter is an “I, Claudius” reference. Maybe it’s the whole romantic fantasy thing, with a Hitchcockian past intruding on a 1990s present.

    Jason Snell with Glenn Fleishman, Erika Ensign, Annette Wierstra, Dr. Drang and Shannon Sudderth.
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    1 hr and 19 mins
  • 712: Arguably the Saddest Record

    712: Arguably the Saddest Record
    Apr 19 2024
    It’s time to celebrate the music of the first decade of this century via our 2000s album draft! From opera to show tunes, we’ve got several musical styles covered—and those are just Andy’s picks! Why do James’s picks leave us cold? What is Erika’s favorite Beat Saber band? Why does Kelly use karaoke as therapy? How does Shelly tactically use remixes? And why did Brian insist on editing this episode?

    Jason Snell with Brian Hamilton, James Thomson, Shelly Brisbin, Erika Ensign, Kelly Guimont and Andy Ihnatko.
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    1 hr and 53 mins
  • 711: Creepy Bone Owl

    711: Creepy Bone Owl
    Apr 12 2024
    Our book club reconvenes to discuss the “Shades of Magic” series by V.E. Schwab, as well as the start of a second trilogy, “The Fragile Threads of Power.” Before the spoilers begin, we’ll explain the parallel fantasy world structure and explain why it’s such a great series. Then we’ll discuss the newest book in the series. Plus: What are we reading?

    Jason Snell with Scott McNulty, Erika Ensign, Aleen Simms and Heather Berberet.
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    1 hr and 16 mins