Coffee and Deathsticks

It's another Halloween episode which means it's time for another chat about another disappointing Halloween sequel. Danny is joined by special guest Sam Dang to discuss the ups and downs of the mixed bag that is the Halloween franchise. Like the Shape itself, the franchise is unkillable. No amount of bad acting, bad writing, or bad directing can stop it from getting back up and going about its business once more. Sam and Danny review the "epic conclusion to the saga," Halloween Ends, and then talk about the series as a whole and why it's both charming and terrible. And they answer the most important question of all: Why can't the Irish be trusted? You can follow Sam at @instasamm44, @cheesburgeractivist, and @wristopherwalken for all your film, cheeseburger and horological needs.

Danny and Kevin return to Middle-Earth to discuss the first season of The Rings of Power. The show is gorgeous. The actors are very talented. The music is fantastic. But is the show good? Is it bad? Is it neither? Is it both? Are mystery boxes really the best narrative device for an adaptation of Tolkien's world? Was the character who was Gandalf actually Gandalf? Where in the world did Carmen Sauron-diego end up being? Is this a prequel to the books or a prequel to the films? Or is it either/or depending on what your problem is? These questions need answering and your intrepid hosts do their best to find those answers.

For the first time in Coffee and Deathsticks history, Danny and Kevin watch a motion picture together in a movie theater. Not a new release, mind you, but rather a modest hit celebrating its 40th anniversary - Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. The duo look back at the genre classic while discussing the rest of the Star Trek film series and their journey as latecomers to Trek fandom. Naturally, both 9/11 truthers and incest porn are brought up during this conversation focusing on a series known for its optimism of the future.  

It's halftime in Westeros. Both factions are in their chambers discussing what they can do to win the Iron Throne in the second half. And they're all scared, because this isn't a game...of thrones. All that matters now is what's ahead. How do Rhaenyra Targaryen and Alicent Hightower come together? How does Daemon Targaryen win? The House of the Dragon can't be knocked out with one punch. Or even several punches, in succession, from the mailed fist of that little bitch boy Criston Cole. Yeah, it's halftime in Westeros. And the second half is about to begin. #thanksviserys

After shit-talking it in their House of the Dragon episode, Danny and Kevin discuss the two-part premiere of Amazon's The Rings of Power. While both agree that the show is not cheap-looking at all (like, at all, it looks gorgeous) only one enjoyed it and is looking forward to more. The other is a Negative Nori whose heart is as cold as Forodwaith. Is this show a worthy successor to the Peter Jackson trilogy? Is it a good adaptation of Tolkien's notoriously difficult-to-adapt ramblings When exactly in the bafflingly long timeline of Middle-Earth does this show take place? Where in this world is Carmen Sauron-diego? Is the gentleman in the meteor Gandalf? Spoilers, the gentleman in the meteor is almost certainly Gandalf. And spoilers, Gandalf is probably in this show. May a star shine upon your hearing of this episode.

Danny and Kevin begin an informal/infrequent series of recaps of the latest inning in the game of thrones: House of the Dragon. Will this show bring the peoples of the world back to the water cooler? Does its existence confirm that GRRM is old and tired and never going to finish A Song of Ice and Fire? Is this whole universe just tits and dragons? We discuss these and other questions such as the stupidity of recaps and pop culture podcasts on this latest recap episode of our pop culture podcast!

Danny and Kevin waded through the streams of Hulu and struck gold: The fifth entry in the Predator franchise! Or seventh, if you count the Alien vs Predator films. Which you absolutely should not. Dan Trachtenberg's Prey is a lean, mean movie machine and a worthy addition to a sturdily entertaining franchise. The film belongs on the big screen but seeing it there is not an option. Danny and Kevin discuss this, as well as flintlock pistols, sequel hooks, and so much more. Get to the wherever-you-listen-to-podcasts!

Danny and Kevin watched a flick neither wanted to see called "The Gray Man." The movie is as boring as its title. The Netflix original "film" piqued their interest due to its star-studded cast and crew as well as its eyebrow-raising 200 million dollar budget. Many talking points were raised about the actual talent level of the Russo brothers, movies made for streaming services, and shared cinematic universes. No, "The Gray Man" movie is not part of the MCU, but the duo cannot seem to shake it.

It's finally here! The highly-anticipated, long-awaited, much-debated return of Thor. And it's fine. It's fine. It's actually pretty good. It's ok. It's a Thor movie. They made another Thor movie. This is the fourth Thor movie. Danny and Kevin discuss Thor: Love and Thunder. They ponder its place in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and talk about the future of said universe. And they ask an important question about an unimportant topic: Have 14 years of MCU films broken our brains? Listen and find out.

With July 4th approaching, Danny and Kevin felt it appropriate to look back at one of the most American films ever made during its 50th anniversary year: The Godfather. The duo first review The Offer, a ten-part television limited series about the making of The Godfather that recently finished its run on Paramount +. You've probably never heard of it. During this discussion, Danny and Kevin make their boldest pitch yet: the Bob Evans Cinematic Universe or BECU. The Godfather is then reflected on and how it embodies American capitalism, the immigrant experience, and the family unit. You may be surprised to learn they are both fans of this little movie.