Case and Sam are joined by DJ Nik to revivify some Xenomorphs!

 

Overview   In the latest episode of the Another Pass podcast, hosts Case Aiken and Sam Alicea, along with guest DJ Nik, delve into the complexities of "Alien Resurrection," the fourth installment of the renowned Alien franchise. They discuss the film's controversial elements, including its scientific plausibility, character dynamics, and Joss Whedon’s unique screenplay style. The conversation highlights the film's shift towards a more campy tone and examines the visual aesthetics brought by director Jean-Pierre Jeunet, particularly the impressive underwater sequences. The hosts critique the character motivations and propose improvements, with Sam suggesting clearer intentions for the scientists and more depth for the space pirates, while Nick proposes focusing primarily on the scientists and Ripley in a more claustrophobic setting. Case adds ideas for restructuring the narrative arc to enhance suspense. The episode concludes with a tease for their next discussion covering "Highlander 2: The Quickening."

 

Notes Introduction to Alien Resurrection Discussion (00:00 - 10:27)

• Case Aiken and Sam Alicea host Another Pass podcast with guest DJ Nik
• They're discussing Alien Resurrection, the fourth film in the Alien franchise
• Nik introduces himself as a host of multiple podcasts including Whiskey and Cigarettes
• Case positions this film as less respected than Alien 3, which he previously defended
• Nick describes his love for the franchise, noting the Xenomorph as 'the greatest creature ever created'
• He appreciates how each film in the franchise has different directors with different visual styles
• Sam admits she only watched the Alien films because of the podcast, as she's 'afraid of everything'

Plot Elements and Science Issues (10:27 - 20:35)

• The group discusses the questionable science of cloning Ripley to harvest the alien inside her
• The movie is set 200 years after Alien 3, with Ripley having died in the previous film
• Sam suggests the genetic material might have been recovered like in Jurassic Park
• Case notes the first three films maintained scientific plausibility while this one stretches credibility
• The movie explores Ripley as a superhuman hybrid, shifting the franchise toward sci-fi adventure
• Nick points out that Sigourney Weaver was brought back as the flagship character
• Case questions the scientists' motives for bringing the aliens to Earth

Characters and Crew Dynamic (20:35 - 30:37)

• The movie features a crew of space pirates rather than soldiers or workers as in previous films
• Sam notes the villain motivations aren't properly established, raising questions about their plans
• The group questions why the aliens are kept together in cells where they can conspire to escape
• Nick suggests this is due to 'human hubris' and scientists wanting to study their interactions
• The movie has a distinct 'Joss Whedon' style, as he wrote the screenplay
• Case appreciates the lived-in world aesthetic consistent with previous Alien films
• Sam praises the film's beautiful visuals and camera work despite her criticisms

Alien Sequences and Visual Elements (30:38 - 39:45)

• The underwater sequence with aliens swimming is praised as visually impressive
• Sam notes the unrealistic breath-holding duration in the underwater scene
• The group appreciates creative kills and set pieces in the film
• They discuss how director Jean-Pierre Jeunet brought a different visual style
• The film is described as more campy than previous entries, closer to a slasher film in space
• The cast is discussed, with Michael Wincott as the captain and Ron Perlman as an abrasive character
• Winona Ryder is described as distractingly famous for her role as the android Call

The Xenomorphs and Newborn Design (39:45 - 49:46)

• The aliens show intelligence when escaping their cells by sacrificing one of their own
• The group discusses the alien queen's live birth ability instead of egg-laying
• Case questions how this is an 'evolutionary upgrade' when it seems painful and inefficient
• The newborn hybrid alien design is praised as appropriately freaky and different
• The theme of motherhood continues from previous films in the franchise
• Nick points out how the newborn looks more human than regular xenomorphs
• Sam simply finds the newborn 'gross' and disturbing

Improving the Film - Sam's Pitch (49:46 - 01:01:06)

• Sam suggests clarifying the scientists' motives early in the film
• She proposes establishing that the main goal is creating super-soldiers like Ripley
• Sam recommends making the pirates more likeable so viewers care when they die
• She suggests giving hints about Winona Ryder's character being an android earlier
• Sam recommends establishing a military base on Earth as the destination for the specimens
• For the underwater scene, she suggests allowing characters to surface for air occasionally
• She would keep the film's ending but focus on fixing the first act and character development

Nick's Alternative Approach (01:01:06 - 01:10:07)

• Nick proposes eliminating the space pirates entirely
• He suggests focusing on scientists, Ripley, and Call (Winona Ryder's character)
• He recommends a more claustrophobic setting with military presence to explore ethics
• Nick suggests adding communication between the space station and Earth
• He proposes showing how Ripley's DNA was extracted to address audience questions
• Nick mentions that Joss Whedon's original script featured Newt instead of Ripley
• He wonders how the film might have been different if directed by Danny Boyle, who was approached first

Case's Restructuring Proposal (01:10:08 - 01:18:51)

• Case suggests making the space pirates the focus of the first act, with Winona Ryder as the viewpoint character
• He proposes revealing Ripley later as a surprise, during the basketball scene
• He recommends establishing that scientists have been successfully cloning aliens already
• Case suggests the aliens should have been in captivity longer to justify their escape methods
• He likes keeping the back half of the movie mostly intact
• The hosts share that Sigourney Weaver actually made the backward basketball shot in one take
• They conclude by mentioning their next episode will cover Highlander 2: The Quickening

Case and Sam are looking back at the earliest episodes of the show! Check out their thoughts on the seventeenth episode when Case sat down with Ben Milton and Addy Thomas and chatted about The Hobbit Trilogy!

Overview   In the latest Podcast Discussion meeting, hosts Case and Sam explored a meta-review of their previous episode on The Hobbit trilogy, originally recorded after their first year of podcasting. The discussion began with an overview of the original episode, highlighting a consensus that three films were excessive for the source material. They praised Martin Freeman’s casting as Bilbo while critiquing Peter Jackson for trying to align the film’s style with The Lord of the Rings, particularly noting that the addition of the villain Azog was unnecessary. They also pointed out issues with character design and narrative structure, suggesting a two-film adaptation could have better captured character arcs and pacing, particularly with scenes involving Smaug. The Battle of Five Armies was identified as the weakest film, marred by excessive padding and a lack of personal stakes compared to earlier battles in the franchise. The hosts expressed the importance of subtlety in fan service and connections to The Lord of the Rings while reflecting on their own views from the initial episode. They concluded by sharing their love for film and announced upcoming episodes focused on Captain America and Alien Resurrection, while encouraging listener engagement through their Discord server.

 

Notes Introduction and Episode Context (00:00 - 09:47)

• Case and Sam introduce this meta-episode reviewing a previous podcast about The Hobbit trilogy
• The original episode featured Case, Ben, and Addie discussing at 'CPOV Studios'
• They note this was recorded after completing the first year of the podcast
• Main critique established immediately: three movies was far too many for The Hobbit source material
• The hosts mention they didn't rewatch the entire trilogy for this meta-review

Initial Critique of The Hobbit Films (09:48 - 19:09)

• The hosts praise Martin Freeman's casting as Bilbo as a perfect choice that connects to Elijah Wood's Frodo
• They criticize Peter Jackson for trying to make The Hobbit fit the style and scale of Lord of the Rings
• The unnecessary villain Azog (the pale orc) is identified as a major problem
• They note Jackson used artificial narrative structures to create three separate arcs where the source material didn't support it
• Discussion of how Lord of the Rings doesn't rely on personified villains, but on evil as a force

‍️ Character and Design Issues (19:09 - 28:25)

• The hosts criticize the framing device that has Bilbo explaining the dwarven kingdom's history
• They argue Bilbo should be an uninformed viewpoint character discovering the world along with the audience
• The dwarves' inconsistent design is highlighted as problematic (either caricatures or just normal people)
• They discuss how the dwarves don't feel cohesive like in Lord of the Rings and lack distinct personalities
• Case praises the Gollum scenes as genuinely excellent despite other issues

️ Proposed Two-Movie Structure (28:25 - 37:07)

• Case suggests ending the first movie at Lake Town as a natural breaking point
• This would create a moment where Bilbo has a true choice to continue or turn back
• They discuss how this cut would make Bilbo's character arc work better for the first film
• The second film could focus on Thorin's character arc
• They criticize how the actual film cuts (especially the Desolation of Smaug ending) feel like TV cliffhangers

Smaug and Pacing Issues (37:07 - 46:35)

• The hosts praise the actual Smaug and Bilbo conversation scenes
• They criticize the extended Smaug chase/forge scenes as unnecessary padding
• Discussion of how Jackson is good at bringing book scenes to life but struggles when expanding material
• They propose that the second movie should open with the dwarves finding the door to the Lonely Mountain
• They critique the narrative weight of many extended sequences that don't actually advance the story

️ Battle of Five Armies Criticisms (46:36 - 55:45)

• The Battle of Five Armies is identified as the weakest film with the most padding
• They argue the battle should have been the third act of a movie, not an entire film
• Discussion of how the battle needed to feel smaller and more personal than Lord of the Rings battles
• They appreciate the decision to make Bilbo more active in the battle than in the book
• The hosts criticize the 'video game' quality of action sequences like the barrel rider scene

‍️ Fan Service and Connections to Lord of the Rings (55:45 - 01:04:58)

• They discuss how Legolas' inclusion made sense for the first film but was forced in later films
• They appreciate seeing Saruman before his fall to evil
• The hosts criticize heavy-handed references to Lord of the Rings (like mentioning Aragorn/Strider)
• They note how forcing connections to the original trilogy hurt the story
• Discussion of the 'video game' quality of action sequences compared to Lord of the Rings

Meta-Discussion of the Episode (01:04:58 - 01:15:51)

• Sam and Case reflect on the original episode, finding it thorough and well-argued
• Sam admits not rewatching the trilogy for this meta-review as it would be too time-consuming
• They reaffirm that the trilogy's main problem is its excessive length
• Sam praises the costumes while Case notes the 48 FPS format made everything look fake
• They discuss how watching the entire Middle-earth saga chronologically would be challenging

Final Thoughts and Upcoming Episodes (01:15:51 - 01:32:34)

• Case reiterates that a good two-movie cut exists within the trilogy's footage
• They agree the first film is the most watchable of the three
• Both hosts express their love for the first Captain America film (their next episode topic)
• Sam mentions she didn't rewatch the Hobbit films as they would take 10+ hours
• They provide information about their Discord server and social media presence
• Upcoming podcast episodes announced: Alien Resurrection and Captain America: The First Avenger

Action items

• Join and participate in the Discord server for further discussion (01:31:00)

Matt aka Stormageddon emerges from a pipe to surprise Case and Sam with the power up of a movie, The Super Mario Bros. Movie! Can they make it through with only three continues?   Music by Vin Macri and Matt Brogan Podcast Edited by Sophia Ricciardi   Overview   In the podcast recording discussion titled "Another Pass at The Super Mario Bros Movie," hosts Case Aiken and Sam Alicea, joined by guest Matt (Stormageddon), delve into their cinematic experiences of the 2023 film, praising its 92-minute runtime and appeal to both children and nostalgic adult fans. They highlight standout performances, notably Jack Black as Bowser and Anya Taylor-Joy as a proactive Princess Peach, while critiquing Chris Pratt's portrayal of Mario as merely average. The hosts discuss the film’s visual splendor and numerous Easter eggs, though they express disappointment over its reliance on pop music rather than classic Mario compositions. Despite some criticisms of the plot's formulaic nature and suggestions for improvement, the overall consensus is positive, deeming the film entertaining while respecting the franchise's legacy; potential sequels and upcoming projects are also touched upon as they conclude the episode.

 

Notes Introduction to The Super Mario Bros Movie Discussion (00:02 - 08:33)

• Matt (Stormageddon) returns as a guest to discuss The Super Mario Bros Movie (2023)
• Case Aiken introduces podcast with co-host Sam Alicea
• The hosts discuss their viewing experiences of the film
• The 92-minute runtime is highlighted as a positive factor that keeps the movie from overstaying its welcome
• Initial thoughts: The film works well for both children and nostalgic adult Nintendo fans

Cast Performance and Character Representation (08:33 - 18:50)

• Jack Black as Bowser receives unanimous praise as a standout performance
• Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach also praised for making the character active rather than a damsel
• Charlie Day as Luigi received positive reviews
• Chris Pratt as Mario described as 'just fine' - not as bad as internet feared but not exceptional
• The group appreciates Charles Martinet's cameo as Mario's father and Giuseppe
• The opening commercial sequence featuring the 'Super Mario Super Show' song noted as a clever homage
• Keegan-Michael Key's performance as Toad highlighted as charming
• The film successfully modernizes Princess Peach as a proactive character rather than a damsel in distress

Music, Visuals and Fan Service (18:50 - 30:01)

• Major criticism: The film relies too heavily on pop music needle drops instead of using iconic Mario game music
• Case and Matt express disappointment that classic Koji Kondo compositions weren't featured more prominently
• The DK rap inclusion was appreciated, though Grant Kirkhope wasn't properly credited initially
• The visual design receives high praise, described as 'one of the most gorgeous animated films' they've seen
• The group appreciates the many Easter eggs and references to various Mario games
• Notable references: Mario Kart customization, power-ups, Rainbow Road, and Luigi's Mansion sequence
• Film balances content for children with nostalgic references for adult fans of the games

️ Plot Structure and Pacing (30:01 - 40:01)

• The basic plot follows Mario Brothers from Brooklyn to the Mushroom Kingdom
• Main criticism: The plot feels 'paint by numbers' and moves from set piece to set piece for fan service
• The hosts appreciate the quick pace preventing the film from becoming boring
• Donkey Kong's substantial role questioned as potentially excessive for this film
• The 'plumbing scene' at the beginning described as feeling too 'illumination-style' and skippable
• The Mario Kart sequence, while visually impressive, doesn't serve the plot significantly
• The movie makes excellent use of character power-ups during action sequences
• Luma (star creature) from Mario Galaxy highlighted as a standout supporting character

Suggested Improvements (40:01 - 50:06)

• Matt suggests removing or reducing the Kong Kingdom sequence to streamline the story
• The hosts discuss using more game music instead of pop songs for needle drops
• Fred Armisen's casting as Cranky Kong questioned; suggestions of other older actors who might have been better
• The group agrees the final act works well in terms of hero's journey storytelling
• Suggestions that Donkey Kong could have been integrated differently - as a mid-boss or obstacle rather than major character
• Discussion of how the film could have better incorporated game mechanics into the storytelling
• The movie's brief runtime (92 minutes) praised as preventing it from overstaying its welcome

Final Thoughts and Future Discussion (50:07 - 01:00:38)

• Overall positive consensus: While not groundbreaking, the film is entertaining and respects the source material
• The film succeeds as a fun, colorful movie for kids while providing nostalgic entertainment for adults
• Comparison to other video game adaptations like Detective Pikachu and Sonic
• Discussion of potential sequels and the upcoming Donkey Kong movie
• The hosts appreciate the film's visual quality while acknowledging its formulaic approach to storytelling
• Matt mentions returning for future episodes to discuss the Venom movies
• Discussion wraps with information about where to find the hosts and their other podcasts

Case and Sam are looking back at the earliest episodes of the show! Check out their thoughts on the sixteenth episode when Case sat down with Geoff Moonen and chatted about X-Men 3: The Last Stand!

Note: The original episode we're discussing was made before Elliot Page transitioned publicly.

Overview   In the Podcast Discussion and Analysis meeting titled "Another Pass at Another Pass at X-Men 3: The Last Stand," hosts Case and Sam explored various aspects of the film "X-Men 3: The Last Stand" through the lens of their podcast format, 'Another Pass at Another Pass.' They discussed audio quality improvements with guest Geoff Moonen, while delving into the film's production limitations and character choices. Key pitches for story improvements included intertwining the Dark Phoenix Saga with Days of Future Past and critiques of character underutilization, particularly Magneto and Storm. The conversation also highlighted the film's inconsistent narrative structure and missed opportunities for deeper character relationships, particularly among female characters. The meeting concluded with plans for future episodes focusing on The Hobbit trilogy and updates on upcoming podcast content and social media engagement. Action items included listening to upcoming episodes and joining community discussions on Discord.

 

Notes ️ Podcast Introduction and Discussion Format (00:06 - 14:20)

• Case and Sam introduce the 'Another Pass at Another Pass' podcast format where they review earlier episodes
• They discuss an episode featuring Geoff Moonen about X-Men 3: The Last Stand
• Case mentions audio quality issues, noting Geoff's voice actor quality sounds good
• They explain how they added ADR (additional dialogue recording) at the end for plugs
• The original episode focused on fixing X-Men 3's issues with a sense of urgency
• Geoff and Case begin discussing production limitations of X-Men 3, including director changes
• Bryan Singer left due to time constraints and Matthew Vaughn declined for similar reasons
• They acknowledge actor limitations including James Marsden asking to be killed off

Story Improvement Pitches (14:20 - 33:45)

• Case proposes combining Dark Phoenix Saga with Days of Future Past storyline
• The pitch includes starting with future timeline showing Phoenix as a psychic 'Hound'
• Suggests Kitty Pryde as time traveler (played by Elliot Page) instead of Wolverine
• Proposes Jean Grey possessing Mystique's body, explaining Rebecca Romijn's limited role
• Geoff suggests frontloading the 'cure' storyline as the main focus with Phoenix as secondary
• They discuss the missed opportunity with Angel/Warren Worthington III character
• Critique of wasted characters including Vinnie Jones as Juggernaut
• Discussion of poor integration between the cure storyline and Dark Phoenix plot

Character Assassination and Film Issues (33:45 - 50:00)

• Both agree Magneto's characterization was inconsistent with previous movies
• Criticism of Magneto's 'the pawns go first' line showing callous disregard for other mutants
• Criticism of the third act's tactical choices as nonsensical
• Discussion of Storm's missed potential as a counterforce to Phoenix
• Critique of the film having good individual scenes but poor overall structure
• Discussion of the Mystique character being abandoned by Magneto as out of character
• Acknowledgment of good casting choices that were underutilized

Post-Episode Analysis (50:01 - 01:06:20)

• Sam states this was one of her favorite episodes featuring Case and Geoff
• Discussion of Bryan Singer controversies not known at the time of original recording
• Case acknowledges being dismissive of X-Men comics at that point in his fandom
• Praise for the creative idea of Phoenix possessing Mystique's body
• Discussion of Geoff's observation about the 'cure' storyline being an inversion of the first film
• Sam praises the urgency and focus of the original discussion
• Analysis of the film trying to be serious but failing to deliver on its stakes

️ Character Relationships and Missed Opportunities (01:06:23 - 01:26:17)

• Sam criticizes Storm's relationship portrayal, particularly with Jean Grey
• Discussion of female characters existing in 'bubbles' only relating to male characters
• Suggestion that Storm should have confronted Dark Phoenix instead of Wolverine
• Critique of the film not properly explaining Phoenix's power and danger level
• Suggestion that the 'cure' storyline could stand alone with Phoenix hints for a sequel
• Discussion of ethical questions that could have been explored more deeply
• Case suggests the Phoenix suppression by the cure could have led to a post-credits setup
• Planning for future podcast episodes including The Hobbit trilogy

Podcast Updates and Social Media (01:26:17 - 01:30:46)

• Decision to skip discussing the 2017 clip show episodes as too meta
• Next Another Pass at Another Pass episode will cover The Hobbit trilogy
• Update on recent and upcoming main podcast episodes including Farragut Forward
• Upcoming Super Mario Bros episode with Matt/DJ Storm
• Information on where to find Sam and Case on social media
• Mention of Discord server at certainpov.com
• Case's social media handle: @Case Aiken on Bluesky

 

Action items Audience

• Listen to the upcoming Another Pass at Another Pass episode on The Hobbit trilogy (01:25:37)
• Check out the upcoming main podcast episode on Super Mario Bros with Matt/DJ Stormageddon (01:26:59)
• Join the Discord server through the link at certainpov.com for community discussion (01:28:05)
• Follow Case on Bluesky at @Case Aiken (01:28:20)

Case and Sam are joined in this episode by many of the people behind the independent Star Trek fan production, Farragut Forward! Tune in for interviews with Dave Moretti, Paul Sieber, Johnny K, and John Broughton!   Overview   In the latest episode of "Another Pass," hosts dive into the intricacies of the independent Star Trek fan film project, "Farragut Forward," a labor of love that has spanned nearly 20 years. Key discussions include the challenges of independent filmmaking, covering aspects like budget constraints and the collaborative spirit of passionate crew members. Interviews with key figures such as executive producer and set designer Dave Moretti, screenwriter Paul Sieber, and director Johnny K shed light on creative solutions for set design, character development, and directing under constraints. The episode also explores post-production challenges, costume design, team dynamics, and the broader impact of Starship Farragut within the fan film community. Wrapped up with reflections on personal growth and lessons learned, listeners are encouraged to engage with Farragut Forward on platforms like YouTube and follow updates on future projects.   Notes Introduction to Farragut Forward (00:01 - 11:39)

• Hosts introduce the podcast "Another Pass" and the topic: Farragut Forward
• Farragut Forward is a Star Trek fan film project
• Case Aiken has been involved with Starship Farragut for almost 20 years
• The project has been ongoing for about 20 years
• Recently released Farragut Forward, set in the movie era of Star Trek

Independent Filmmaking Challenges (11:39 - 22:51)

• Discuss the difficulties of independent filmmaking
• Limited budget and resources
• Case was a producer and production manager on Farragut Forward
• Many crew members contributed their own money and resources
• Emphasize the collaborative nature of the project

️ Set Design and Production (22:51 - 33:52)

• Interview with Dave Moretti, executive producer and set designer
• Dave's background in community theater
• Challenges of building sets in limited space and time
• Creative solutions for set design and construction
• Emphasis on creating depth and realism in the sets

️ Visual Effects and Set Pieces (33:52 - 44:57)

• Discussion of favorite set pieces, including the Klingon Bird of Prey bridge
• Challenges of creating believable sets on a limited budget
• Use of creative techniques to enhance the visual appeal
• Importance of volunteer efforts in set construction

Screenplay Development (44:57 - 54:47)

• Interview with Paul Sieber, screenwriter and actor
• Paul's history with Starship Farragut and fan films
• Development of the Prescott character
• Evolution of the story from previous Farragut episodes to Farragut Forward

Character Development and Lore (54:47 - 01:03:59)

• Discussion of the Prescott character's backstory and evolution
• Explanation of the Mirror Universe storyline
• Development of other characters in the Farragut universe
• Balancing fan expectations with original storytelling

Directing Farragut Forward (01:03:59 - 01:12:10)

• Interview with Johnny K, director of Farragut Forward
• Johnny's approach to visual style and cinematography
• Challenges of shooting on limited sets and timeframes
• Balancing fan expectations with creative vision

Production Design and Challenges (01:12:11 - 01:22:13)

• Discussion of set design and construction challenges
• Time constraints for shooting on temporary sets
• Balancing creative vision with practical limitations
• Importance of safety on set
• ⏱️ Time Management in Filmmaking (01:22:13 - 01:29:38)
• Challenges of shooting complex scenes in limited time
• Strategies for prioritizing essential shots and coverage
• Balancing creativity with practical constraints
• Importance of planning and adaptability

Team Building and Collaboration (01:29:38 - 01:40:11)

• Discussion of assembling the production team
• Importance of finding skilled and passionate volunteers
• Networking within the fan film community
• Balancing different skill sets and personalities

Creative Problem-Solving (01:40:11 - 01:50:09)

• Examples of overcoming production challenges
• Adapting to unexpected issues during filming
• Importance of flexibility and quick thinking
• Balancing creative vision with practical limitations

️ Post-Production and Editing (01:50:09 - 01:59:14)

• Discussion of the editing process for Farragut Forward
• Challenges of working with limited footage
• Balancing pacing and storytelling in the edit
• Importance of maintaining the overall vision during post-production

Costume Design and Production (01:59:14 - 02:08:28)

• Interview with John Broughton, executive producer and costume designer
• Discussion of creating accurate Star Trek uniforms
• Challenges of producing movie-era costumes
• Importance of attention to detail in costume design

Project Management and Leadership (02:08:28 - 02:17:39)

• John Broughton's role as executive producer
• Challenges of managing a large volunteer team
• Importance of clear communication and motivation
• Balancing creative vision with practical constraints

Story Development for Future Projects (02:17:39 - 02:24:46)

• Discussion of the writing process for Farragut 2024
• Collaboration between multiple writers
• Importance of creating a strong story foundation
• Balancing fan expectations with original ideas

Fan Film Community and Legacy (02:24:46 - 02:34:43)

• Reflection on the impact of Starship Farragut
• Discussion of the wider Star Trek fan film community
• Challenges and rewards of long-term fan projects
• Importance of passion and dedication in fan filmmaking

Future of Farragut and Fan Films (02:34:43 - 02:44:31)

• Plans for upcoming Farragut projects
• Discussion of the evolving fan film landscape
• Challenges of maintaining momentum and interest
• Importance of innovation and quality in fan productions

Personal Growth and Lessons Learned (02:44:31 - 02:54:58)

• Reflections on personal development through fan filmmaking
• Lessons learned about leadership and collaboration
• Importance of managing expectations and relationships
• Balancing passion for the project with real-life responsibilities

Wrapping Up and Recommendations (02:54:58 - 03:16:16)

• Final thoughts on Farragut Forward and its production
• Encouragement for viewers to watch the film on YouTube
• Discussion of other podcasts and projects
• Closing remarks and future episode teaser

Overview

The Podcast Episode Discussion and Analysis meeting focused on the 15th episode, "Age of Ultron," exploring various facets of the film's narrative and character development. The team reviewed the movie's overall quality, noting improvements in audio and debating its stakes and perceived mediocrity. Key discussions included character arcs, particularly Tony Stark's, Ultron's rapid descent into villainy, and the effectiveness of supporting characters like Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch. Ideas for potential story changes were proposed, including enhancing Ultron's backstory and considering character deaths for emotional impact. The analysis also covered action sequences, team dynamics, and the film's role in the broader Marvel Cinematic Universe, culminating in reflections on its strengths and weaknesses. The meeting concluded with action items for listeners to engage with related content and upcoming episodes.

Notes Introducing Age of Ultron (00:06 - 11:07)

Discussion of Age of Ultron as the 15th episode of the podcast Movie described as 'mid' but with good elements Audio quality praised as improved from earlier episodes Debate on stakes and consequences in the film Discussion of Tony Stark's character arc across multiple films

 Character Analysis and Plot Points (11:07 - 19:57)

Critique of Ultron's rapid development and turn to villainy Praise for James Spader's voice acting as Ultron Discussion of Vision's origin and connection to Adam Warlock Debate on the effectiveness of Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch's portrayal

 Proposed Changes and Improvements (19:57 - 27:23)

Suggestion to make Ultron a corrupted version of Jarvis Discussion on potential character deaths for greater impact Proposal to include Hank Pym in the story Debate on the necessity of Quicksilver in the plot

 Ultron's Development and Team Dynamics (27:23 - 36:58)

Analysis of Ultron's character progression and body iterations Discussion on the lack of consequences for the Avengers team Debate on the effectiveness of character departures (Thor, Hulk) Critique of the team's cohesion at the end of the movie

 Action Sequences and Character Moments (36:58 - 46:53)

Praise for the Hulk vs Iron Man fight scene Discussion of Scarlet Witch's horror-like introduction Analysis of Quicksilver's power depiction and vulnerabilities Debate on the balance of humor and gravity in action scenes

️ Movie Structure and Cinematic Universe (46:53 - 54:17)

Critique of the movie's role in setting up future MCU films Discussion on the lack of team-building moments Debate on the necessity of certain plot elements (e.g., Vibranium) Analysis of the movie's place in the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe

 Character Relationships and Development (54:17 - 01:02:13)

Critique of Tony Stark and Steve Rogers' relationship development Discussion on the lack of emotional connection between characters Debate on the necessity of team conflict in this film Analysis of how this film sets up Civil War

 Film Analysis and Retrospective (01:02:13 - 01:12:58)

Reflection on the movie's strengths and weaknesses with hindsight Discussion of memorable scenes and character moments Analysis of the film's place in the MCU viewing order Debate on the effectiveness of certain plot elements and character arcs

 Deeper Analysis and Personal Reflections (01:12:59 - 01:24:36)

Further discussion on character dynamics, especially Tony and Steve Analysis of the movie's attempts to set up future conflicts Critique of the lack of emotional weight in certain scenes Reflection on the movie's role in the larger MCU narrative

 Wrap-up and Future Episodes (01:24:36 - 01:37:26)

Final thoughts on Age of Ultron and its place in the MCU Discussion of upcoming podcast episodes (Star Trek, X-Men) Promotion of other podcast projects and social media presence Closing remarks and thanks to listeners

Action items

Listeners to check out the full Age of Ultron episode if they missed it originally (01:31:16) Listeners to watch Farragut Forward on YouTube before the next main episode (01:32:59) Listeners to follow Case on Blue Sky social media platform (01:34:58) Listeners to check out the YouTube channel for full episodes and additional content (01:35:39)

Star Trek V: The Final Frontier is a movie that begs the audience to ask many questions. Why does God need a Starship? Why is Captain Kirk climbing the mountain? How many “Rows” are in “Row Row Row Your Boat”? And more! From Farragut Forward, William Jay joins Case and Sam to attempt to answer a few of these questions.

 

Overview In the latest episode of the podcast, hosts Case Aiken and Sam Alicea, along with guest William J., delve into the complexities of "Star Trek V: The Final Frontier," celebrating the film's significance within the franchise on its 35th anniversary. They provide an engaging overview of the movie's production challenges, particularly highlighting William Shatner's directorial debut and the budget constraints faced. The discussion covers character dynamics, including an analysis of Kirk, Spock, McCoy, and the antagonist Sybok, as well as critiques of pacing, plot structure, and the film’s attempts at humor. The hosts explore pivotal scenes, such as the Yosemite sequence and the galactic barrier climax, while offering constructive suggestions for improving character development and overall narrative flow. The episode concludes with reflections on the film's legacy within the Star Trek canon and a look at upcoming podcast topics, ensuring listeners are informed and engaged in the broader Star Trek conversation.   Notes Introduction and Overview (00:00 - 10:01)

• Podcast hosts Case Aiken and Sam Alicea introduce the topic: Star Trek V: The Final Frontier
• Guest William J. joins to discuss the film
• Mention of Star Trek's 35th anniversary and William Shatner's recent comments

Movie Context and Production (10:02 - 20:24)

• Discussion of Star Trek V's place in the franchise
• Comparison to previous films directed by Leonard Nimoy
• William Shatner's directorial debut and its challenges
• Budget and production issues highlighted

Character Analysis and Plot Elements (20:24 - 28:41)

• Examination of Kirk, Spock, and McCoy's roles
• Discussion of Sybok as the antagonist
• Critique of the film's pacing and structure

Yosemite Scenes and Ship Issues (28:41 - 40:23)

• Analysis of the extended Yosemite sequence
• Critique of the Enterprise's technical problems
• Discussion of the film's attempts at humor

Alien Encounters and Rescue Mission (40:23 - 52:10)

• Examination of the Nimbus III setting and inhabitants
• Analysis of the rescue mission sequence
• Critique of Uhura's dance scene and its place in the film

Sybok's Powers and Ship Takeover (52:10 - 01:01:40)

• Discussion of Sybok's psychological abilities
• Analysis of the Enterprise crew's reactions
• Critique of the logic behind Sybok's plan

God Entity and Galactic Barrier (01:01:40 - 01:08:31)

• Examination of the film's portrayal of a god-like entity
• Discussion of the galactic barrier concept
• Critique of the film's climax and resolution

Visual Effects and Set Design (01:08:31 - 01:18:07)

• Analysis of the film's special effects
• Discussion of budgetary constraints on visuals
• Comparison to effects in other Star Trek films

Proposed Improvements (01:18:07 - 01:26:25)

• Suggestions for improving the film's plot
• Ideas for better character development
• Proposed changes to the film's pacing

Alternative Plot Ideas (01:26:25 - 01:35:20)

• Discussion of potential alternative storylines
• Suggestions for improving Sybok's character
• Ideas for enhancing the film's themes

Franchise Impact and Legacy (01:35:20 - 01:44:09)

• Analysis of the film's impact on the Star Trek franchise
• Discussion of its place in Star Trek canon
• Comparison to other odd-numbered Star Trek films

Final Thoughts and Recommendations (01:44:09 - 01:54:24)

• Overall assessment of the film's strengths and weaknesses
• Recommendations for potential viewers
• Discussion of the film's place in Star Trek history

Wrap-up and Future Topics (01:54:24 - 02:16:12)

• Summary of key points discussed
• Mention of upcoming podcast topics
• Information on where to find the hosts and guest online

Case and Sam are joined by Hope Wyatt from Mind Brain Movies (https://www.youtube.com/@Mindbrainmovies) to send off both the cast of Star Trek's Original Series AND the Enterprise-D! Tune in for this discussion of Star Trek: Generations!

 

Overview   In the Podcast Discussion meeting titled "Another Pass at Star Trek Generations," the hosts engaged in a detailed critique of the film "Star Trek Generations," focusing on uniform inconsistencies, character development, and the subplot involving Data's emotion chip. They analyzed key interactions between Kirk and Picard, critiqued the final fight scene, and proposed ways to enhance character dynamics and plot coherence, including better integration of Data's subplot. The discussion included creative pitch ideas for tying in elements from previous Star Trek episodes, improving pivotal scenes like the destruction of the Enterprise, and maximizing the potential of the Nexus concept while enhancing Kirk and Picard’s collaboration. The meeting concluded with a recap of improvement suggestions, a reflection on the film's significance within the Star Trek franchise, and a teaser for the next episode's topic.   Notes Star Trek Generations Discussion (00:00 - 15:00)

• Podcast hosts discuss Star Trek Generations movie
• Critique of uniform inconsistencies in the film
• Debate on character development and plot elements
• Discussion of Data's emotion chip subplot

Movie Analysis and Improvement Ideas (15:00 - 30:00)

• Examination of Kirk and Picard's interaction in the Nexus
• Critique of the final fight scene and its relevance
• Suggestions for improving character dynamics and plot connections
• Discussion on integrating Data's emotion subplot better

Pitch Ideas for Improving the Movie (30:00 - 45:00)

• Proposals to tie in previous Star Trek episodes (e.g., 'The Inner Light')
• Suggestions to improve the Enterprise destruction scene
• Ideas for better utilizing the Nexus concept
• Pitches for enhancing Kirk and Picard's teamwork

Final Thoughts and Wrap-up (45:00 - 62:86)

• Recap of main improvement ideas for the movie
• Discussion on balancing action and character development
• Reflections on the movie's place in the Star Trek franchise
• Closing remarks and preview of next episode topic

Case and Sam are joined by Randy Allain from the Media / Lit podcast to ask "Who are your people?" Tune in for this dissection of Solo: A Star Wars Story!

 

Overview   In the latest episode of the podcast, hosts Case and Sam welcome guest Randy from Media Lit to delve into "Solo: A Star Wars Story," rating the film as 'fine' but flawed and assigning it a C grade. The discussion highlights Alden Ehrenreich's portrayal of Han Solo, praises Donald Glover’s performance as Lando Calrissian, and critiques the characters' limited screen time, particularly for Lando and L3. The conversation shifts to character dynamics, the film’s pacing, and the handling of complex themes such as slavery, with commentary on visual effects and significant plot elements like the Kessel Run. The hosts explore the film's production history, specifically the impacts of the directorial switch from Lord & Miller to Ron Howard, and suggest improvements for pacing and character development. They propose alternative narrative structures for the heist elements and discuss how to enhance character relationships and thematic portrayals. The episode wraps up with final thoughts on the film's relevance in the Star Wars universe and additional promotional content, including Randy's other projects and plans for future episodes. Notes Introduction and Overview (00:00 - 09:20)

• Podcast hosts Case and Sam introduce the topic: Solo: A Star Wars Story
• Guest Randy from Media Lit podcast joins the discussion
• The movie is described as 'fine' but flawed, given a C grade
• Criticism of the scene explaining Han Solo's name origin

Cast and Characters (09:20 - 18:56)

• Discussion of Alden Ehrenreich's performance as Han Solo
• Praise for Donald Glover as Lando Calrissian
• Criticism of limited screen time for Lando and L3
• Analysis of Emilia Clarke's character Kira and her role in the plot

Character Dynamics and Plot Elements (18:56 - 27:32)

• Examination of Han and Chewbacca's meeting and relationship
• Discussion of Woody Harrelson's character Beckett and his crew
• Criticism of the movie's pacing and overabundance of plot elements

Visual Effects and World-building (27:32 - 37:11)

• Praise for the design of droid character L3
• Discussion of the Kessel Run sequence and its importance to the plot
• Criticism of the movie's handling of slavery and oppression themes

Supporting Characters and Themes (37:11 - 48:41)

• Analysis of Paul Bettany's character Dryden Vos
• Discussion of Darth Maul's cameo and its implications
• Examination of the movie's themes of rebellion and criminal underworld

Production History and Directorial Changes (48:41 - 57:10)

• Discussion of the change in directors from Lord & Miller to Ron Howard
• Analysis of how the change affected the movie's tone and style
• Speculation on what a Lord & Miller version might have looked like

Critique and Improvement Ideas (57:11 - 01:07:49)

• Suggestions for improving the movie's pacing and character development
• Discussion of how to better integrate the heist elements of the plot
• Ideas for enhancing the relationships between characters

Alternative Plot Structures (01:07:49 - 01:20:24)

• Proposal for a more 'Ocean's Eleven' style approach to the heist plot
• Suggestions for restructuring Han's backstory and relationship with Kira
• Ideas for better integrating Lando and other supporting characters

Refinement of Improvement Ideas (01:20:25 - 01:30:44)

• Further discussion on making Han and Kira's relationship more familial
• Suggestions for improving the portrayal of the criminal underworld
• Ideas for better integrating themes of corruption and rebellion

Conclusion and Podcast Information (01:30:44 - 01:40:33)

• Final thoughts on the movie and its place in the Star Wars franchise
• Information about the hosts' and guest's other projects and social media
• Details about upcoming podcast episodes and related content

Action items Unassigned

• Check out Randy's podcast Media Lit and other work (01:36:05)
• Listen to Randy's appearance on the Socially Distanced podcast for their 200th episode Avengers draft (01:36:39)
• Join the Discord for ongoing conversations about the podcast topics (01:38:49)
• Listen to the Reignite podcast for discussions on Bioware games (01:39:08)
• Tune in to the next episode about Highlander 2: The Quickening (01:39:49)

Case and Sam are looking back at the earliest episodes of the show! Check out their thoughts on the thirteenth episode when Case sat down with Ben Milton & Addy Thomas and chatted about Zoolander 2!

 

Overview

In a review of Episode 14 of the Another Pass podcast, hosts Case Aiken and Sam Alicea engage in a lively discussion about the original Michael Bay Transformers movie, highlighting its entertainment value while pinpointing areas for improvement, such as the underutilization of Transformers characters like Starscream and a disproportionate focus on human characters, particularly Shia LaBeouf. Originally joined by Tom G, they analyze scenes, praise Optimus Prime's portrayal, and suggest ways to modernize the franchise. The conversation also touches on production insights, including audio editing challenges and the regret over cutting original content. The episode concludes with reflections on actors' career transitions and a preview of future discussions, including the upcoming episode on Age of Ultron, alongside housekeeping notes.

Notes

Transformers Movie Discussion (00:01 - 09:28)

• Case Aiken and Sam Al Saya discuss Episode 14 of Another Pass podcast

• Focus on the original Michael Bay Transformers movie

• Case expresses his positive opinion of the first movie

• Sam agrees the movie was fun and good for big screen viewing

Movie Analysis (09:29 - 18:34)

• Tom G joins to discuss how to improve the Transformers movie

• Both enjoyed the movie but noted areas for improvement

• Praise for inventive use of Transformers' abilities (e.g., Starscream's dogfight scene)

• Discussion on updating Transformers for modern technology

• Criticism of too much focus on human characters, especially Shia LaBeouf

Character and Plot Discussion (18:34 - 26:20)

• Debate on the portrayal of Transformers characters, especially Starscream

• Suggestion to introduce Transformers earlier in the movie

• Criticism of underutilized military characters

• Praise for Optimus Prime's character portrayal in fight scenes

️ Podcast Production Insights (26:20 - 36:04)

• Case reflects on the episode's production quality and length

• Discussion on audio editing challenges and improvements over time

• Regret expressed over cutting content from the original recording

Actor Discussion and Franchise Impact (36:04 - 47:22)

• Analysis of Shia LaBeouf's performance and public perception

• Discussion on the challenges faced by Disney child stars transitioning to other roles

• Reflection on how sequels and actor controversies affected perception of the first movie

Final Thoughts and Future Episodes (47:22 - 59:02)

• Agreement that the first Transformers movie was solid despite franchise issues

• Discussion on upcoming podcast episodes, including Age of Ultron

• Housekeeping notes on recent and upcoming podcast content