Chapter Select

This week join your hosts Randy and Jens as they delve into the world of Rovio’s Angry Birds, weighing the first film adaptation’s successes and pitfalls, analyzing how it attempts to capture the game’s premise while crafting a narrative suitable for the big screen. They share their thoughts on the film’s voice cast, animation quality, attempts at humor, and political themes.

Jens and Randy are back to follow up on the further adventures of Dumb Lara Croft, the variant of the character portrayed by Angelina Jolie, in Jan De Bond’s The Cradle of Life. Will this reckless and selfish version of the character finally learn not to needlessly endanger all of humanity, or will she repeat all of the same mistakes again? Gerard Butler also stars as the new Daniel Craig.

In this exhilarating episode of Chapter Select, your hosts Randy and Jens transport you to the world of Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time. Join them on a magic carpet ride as they delve into the depths of this action-packed, Jerry Bruckheimer produced and Mike Newell directed adventure film, which takes inspiration from the beloved video game series. They explore the captivating story of Prince Dastan, an audacious rogue who finds himself entwined in a treacherous plot when an ancient dagger, housing the titular Sands of Time, falls into his hands. So grab your swords, tighten your turbans, and prepare to embark on an unforgettable adventure.

Chapter Select is finally back to review Ratchet and Clank, a CGI theatrical film developed in tandem with the 2016 PS4 reboot of the series. Is this movie completely redundant for fans of the game or does it stand on its own? How about if you went in completely blind like a regular movie-goer? Randy and Jens discuss.

In an unprecedented move, Randy and Jens actually went out to the movie theater for The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Was it worth the premium in effort and money? Listen to find out.

With The Last of Us firmly behind Randy and Jens, they finally get back into their comfort zone: terrible movies. Back in 2021, filmmaker Garrett Gilchrist (whom you might know for his similar restoration of The Thief and the Cobbler) released this extended rough cut of Super Mario Bros.: The Movie, utilizing over 20 minutes of additional footage from directors Rocky Morton and Annabel Jankel's work print. The "Morton Jankel Cut" is notable for its darker and grittier take on the Mario universe, incorporating slightly more elements of a cyberpunk dystopia. Randy and Jens give their thoughts and opinions on this interesting glimpse into the creative process behind a controversial movie adaptation. They discuss whether the changes made were worth the effort and whether this version improves upon the original release.

As Joel and Ellie’s long and arduous journey comes to an end, Jens and Randy reflect on how it was longer and much more arduous in the video game. Trifling complaints aside, the show sticks the landing in a major way.

Also: Jens continues not to remember either Last of Us game well AT ALL.

As Randy and Jens reach the penultimate climax of the series, Jens finds he’s completely blocked this part of the game out of his mind ever since. Still, as soon as the David character in The Last of Us started reading from the Bible, the guys knew he was going to be a horrific villain. Could there be a Bible-reading preacher on a show who is actually loving and kind? Neil Druckman says “No!”

The Last of Us brings us yet another semi-stand-alone episode, this time adapting the downloadable content chapter of the original game. Randy and Jens discuss what they liked and didn't like, and how it fits into the series as a whole.

Real life intervened in every way it possibly could to stop Randy and Jens from podcasting, but they are finally back to offer their opinions on the sixth episode of The Last of Us, entitled "Kin." While the least eventful episode of the show so far, Randy and Jens still find plenty of material to ruminate about.