Can Hollywood's obsession with big-name stars be costing us quality entertainment? Join us for a critical look at the latest Garfield movie, where we dissect the controversial decision to cast Chris Pratt as the iconic lasagna-loving cat. We dive deep into the broader implications of this trend, questioning whether the industry's preference for celebrity voices over seasoned voiceover talent is doing more harm than good. Our discussion takes a poignant turn as we pay tribute to the late Angus Cloud, reflecting on his significant contributions to "Euphoria" and grappling with the complex legacy of the show's creator. We venture into the murky waters of separating art from the artist, scrutinizing the troubled histories of Joss Whedon, Woody Allen, and Roman Polanski.

Curious about the legacy of Brenda Starr?  Learn the intriguing details of the Brenda Starr film adaptation, including Brooke Shields' passion for the role and the financial backing from the unlikely source of Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al Ibrahim. Despite the challenges brought on by inexperienced financiers and unique script demands, the production pressed on with notable contributions from director Robert Ellis Miller and designer Bob Mackey. Dive into the fascinating casting of Timothy Dalton as Basil St. John, just before his career-defining role as James Bond, and the creative input from screenwriter Delia Ephron, who chose to use a pseudonym.

 From Timothy Dalton's Zorro-like rescue scenes to bizarre chases involving a Spanish hot dog truck, the film's blend of comic book escapades, spy antics, and absurd humor is something you won't want to miss. 

Have you ever wondered what our world would look like if significant historical events had taken a different turn? That's the fascinating premise we explore on this episode of Dispatch Ajax, starting with Nathaniel Hawthorne's whimsical "P's Correspondence" and moving on to Castillo Holford's visionary "Aristopia." Imagine a North America founded on gold or a timeline where historical figures live on to shape the world in unforeseen ways. We also delve into Sir John Squire's anthology "If it had Happened Otherwise," with speculative essays from luminaries like Winston Churchill, inviting you to ruminate on the absurdities and profound possibilities of alternate histories.

Harry Turtledove fans, rejoice! We dedicate a segment to his intricate series, from "American Empire" to "Settling Accounts," where the CSA's trajectory parallels post-WWI Germany. What would have happened if the CSA had bought Cuba or if a socialist uprising had transformed South Carolina? We also highlight other pivotal works, like "The Years of Rice and Salt," where Europe's depopulation by the Black Death leads to an entirely different global power structure. From the CSA's nationalist movements to a reimagined Second Mexican War, Turtledove's alternate timelines provide a rich tapestry of what-ifs.

To round things off, we journey through other imaginative narratives such as "The Two Georges" and "The Plot Against America," examining worlds where the American Revolution never occurred or Lindbergh defeated FDR. We explore provocative scenarios where Homo sapiens never reached the Americas in Turtledove's "A Different Flesh," and the steampunk marvels of "The Difference Engine." Whether it's atomic punk, diesel punk, or the bizarre yet intriguing idea of populating the Mississippi with hippos in "American Hippo," this episode promises a thought-provoking and entertaining exploration of alternate histories and their creative potential. Tune in, and let's reimagine history together!

Discover the secrets of the universe's hidden framework and the groundbreaking technologies that could redefine space travel! In this episode, we explore the Cosmic Mycelial Network, a vast web interlacing galaxies through dark matter and magnetic fields. Learn how the visible universe of protons, neutrons, and electrons is just a tiny fraction of the cosmos, with dark matter creating the gravitational lattice that holds it all together. We also delve into the revolutionary spore drive technology, conceptualized by stellar mycologists Paul Stamets and Strahl, which promises near-instantaneous travel across cosmic distances by tapping into a fungal web spanning the multiverse.

Uncover the ethical and strategic dilemmas of keeping the mycelial network under wraps, especially with its potential to connect to the perilous mirror universe. Hear about the consensus among powerful entities to restrict inter-universe travel due to its inherent dangers and the risk of violating the Prime Directive. Starfleet’s decision to conceal this technology underscores the immense responsibility that comes with such groundbreaking discoveries. This episode is a fascinating journey into the delicate balance between scientific advancement and the profound implications it brings. Remember, this fan-made film is an homage to Star Trek and is not affiliated with CBS Studios Inc., Paramount Pictures, or any other official entities.

What if a tiny twist in history could lead to a world where World War VII has given rise to the Ameri-Mexicanadian enclave? Join us on a wild journey through the captivating genre of alternate history, where we explore the "what ifs" that tickle our imagination and keep us up at night. We kick off with some playful banter about how minor changes could create wildly different realities, and how this fascination has woven its way into geek culture classics like "The Sixth Sense" and alternate space race scenarios.

Imagine Operation Valkyrie succeeding or Heisenberg actually sabotaging the Nazi atomic bomb efforts. We dive into pivotal moments during World War II, examining how slight alterations could have redefined global events. Our conversation takes intriguing twists, comparing the Nazis' infamous deeds to those of colonial powers and pondering why World War II is often deemed a uniquely just war. We also touch on conspiracy theories and their influence on alternate history narratives, referencing works like "The Man in the High Castle" and other speculative fiction.

Celebrating the authors who have shaped this genre, we put the spotlight on Philip K. Dick and Harry Turtledove, comparing their unique storytelling approaches. We explore Turtledove's significant contributions, such as his Southern Victory and World War series, and even indulge in some geeky banter about video games like "Fallout" and "Wolfenstein." Our quirky reminders about listener ratings and local poll magazines add a fun twist to our conversation, making this episode a delightful mix of insightful commentary and lighthearted fun for every history buff and geek culture enthusiast.

Unleash your imagination with Scarface: The World is Yours as we delve into an alternate video game universe where you can rewrite the iconic film's ending. Discover how movie-based games like Titanic and Jaws Unleashed offer unique experiences, while we discuss hot topics such as Van Morrison and Eric Clapton's anti-vax stances and Mick Jagger's fictional brother. Then journey back to the 80s with Knight Rider before envisioning a new kind of shark in our version of a Jaws video game, targeting environmental polluters instead of innocent swimmers. Explore this morally ambiguous twist that opens up endless narrative possibilities in gaming.

Don't forget to subscribe, clean up cocaine from your desk, and we bid you godspeed!

Superman - arguably the Joey Chestnut of Superheroes - is marred by a dark open-secret that haunts all those who wear the cape onscreen...or so the legend goes.

Is the "Superman Curse" real or just a self-fulfilling prophecy? Since fellow Missourian James Gunn is poised to bring a fresh take on the Big Blue Boyscout, we thought we'd challenge the myth by examining the careers of actors like Brandon Routh, and Tom Welling plus give advice for compensating Dean Cain.

Ready to uncover the mysteries behind one of Hollywood's most notorious legends? Let’s unravel the eerie tales that form the "Superman Curse." From the financial and personal hardships faced by Superman's creators, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, to the tragic fates of George Reeves and Christopher Reeve, we explore how the Man of Steel’s shadow looms large over those who have brought him to life. Join us as we dissect how Superman’s original mission to combat social injustice has been misinterpreted by modern filmmakers, turning him into a Christ-like figure, and how this shift has impacted the actors who have donned the cape.

The stories get darker as we delve into the real-life struggles of actors like Christopher Reeve, whose career was dramatically altered by a tragic equestrian accident, and Margot Kidder, who faced numerous personal battles but dismissed the curse outright. We also touch on the tragic end of Lee Quigley, the infant Clark Kent, and look at how these stories have shaped the narrative of a so-called curse. Through these anecdotes, we uncover the broader implications of this urban legend on Hollywood and the careers of those graced and cursed by the Superman franchise.
As we wrap up, we reflect on the cultural impact of superhero narratives on younger audiences, pondering whether the curse is merely a myth or a cautionary tale for those who dare to wear the iconic "S." 
Join us for an episode filled with hot takes on the darkest corner of the Superman Legacy.

Hey there, Dispatchers!  We're legitimately sorry we've been a bit spotty with uploads. If you listen to this we hope you'll understand a bit more and hold on tight ( just to keep from getting thrown to the wolves). 

Gerard Butler's accent isn't the only thing that's fire-hot in this episode; our latest podcast episode delves deep into the heart of this dragon epic, exploring the risks and creative choices that defined its production. The journey begins with a discussion on the medieval-meets-military elements that gave "Reign of Fire" its unique flavor. Producer Richard 'Dick' Zanuck, known for his work on classics like "Jaws," took a calculated risk on a spec script by novice Wisconsin writers Greg Chabot and Kevin Paterka, resulting in a tale that melded apocalyptic destruction with dragon lore.

In this installment of our Sub-show The Eastside Theatre Guild, we unravel the tapestry of the cult classic "Reign of Fire." 

 We dissect Matthew McConaughey's oft-overlooked role, peeling back layers to reveal a character as complex as the dragon-riddled world he navigates. As the dragon's fiery reign draws to a close and survivors face the daunting task of rebuilding, we ponder the legacy of their struggle. With each beat of draconian wings, we invite listeners to join us in a realm where every burst of flame illuminates the resilience of the human spirit.