The latest sequel in the 'Fast & Furious' saga is now in theaters, but does 'F9' stand up to the film series legacy? Andy reviews the latest chapter of this action-packed, stunt-filled, car and pulse-racing film. While fans are sure to flock to the feature, what are the drawbacks to the casual viewer, and what impossibilities made it into the film? As far as warnings, content-wise you get about what you’d expect from the series. “F9” is rated PG-13 for language, car-related mayhem, and violence — both with guns and fists.  Fan Effect is sponsored by Megaplex Theatres, Utah's premiere movie entertainment company.

As the LEGO movie’s iconic song says "Everything Is AWESOME!!!" for American Fork, Utah friends Jennifer Smart and Susan Earls. These mothers turned wanna-be LEGO Masters can currently be seen battling fellow enthusiasts on Season 2 of Fox’s “LEGO Masters” for the coveted title, trophy, and massive cash reward. The two have become inseparable as…those super thin lego pieces that are impossible to get apart… since they met at the Utah LEGO User Group building massive creations for local events, fairs, and even FanX Salt Lake Comic Convention. Today the duo joins host KellieAnn Halvorsen to discuss their love of all things LEGOS and the fun of building something as a fandom. Fan Effect is sponsored by Megaplex Theatres, Utah's premiere movie entertainment company.

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s award-winning original Broadway hit is now set to be this summer’s runaway blockbuster hit. “In the Heights” is now in theaters and on HBO Max for audiences' enjoyment. The stunning adaptation boasts a diverse cast of characters living in the northern Manhattan neighborhood of Washington Heights. Stories of family drama, legal troubles, and the struggle for cultural identity in a changing world are woven amid stories of love, community, kindness, and triumph. In this episode of Fan Effect, hosts KellieAnn Halvorsen and Andy Farnsworth are joined by the ultimate “In the Heights” fan, who has traveled around the country to see varying stage production 15+ times, including touring and broadway casts, and seeing Lin-Manuel Miranda as the lead role.  Bobby Gibson is a projection designer & content creator for the award-winning Hale Center Theatre and has a surplus of insight into the new film version. Together guest and hosts discuss whether the film will entice audiences familiar with the stage musical as well as general moviegoers as they deep dive into the colorful neighborhood of, “In the Heights.” Fan Effect is sponsored by Megaplex Theatres, Utah's premiere movie entertainment company.

The theatre is not for everyone, but others take their seats in an audience one day and never truly leave. Today, host KellieAnn Halvorsen is joined by one such individual. Bobby Gibson is a projection designer & content creator for the award-winning Hale Center Theatre in Sandy, Utah, whose career turned from film to the stage when he fell in love with the powerful presence of live performance. Gibson chronicles his fan journey into the theatrical life and expands on the just announce Hale Center Theatre 2022 season. Together KellieAnn and Bobby gush about their favorite shows, dream performances, and a love of all things Utah Arts. Fan Effect is sponsored by Megaplex Theatres, Utah's premiere movie entertainment company.

Disney has dived back into the vault to make another live-action villain turned hero retake. This time the star is none other than the dastardly, and stylish, Cruella de Vil, with her coming-of-age story amid London’s fashion scene in the 1970s. While some might question the need for the backstory, others are living for the film's production design, soundtrack, performances, and makeup and costume design. On this deep-dive into ‘Cruella,’ hosts Andy Farnsworth and KellieAnn Halvorsen are joined by Pop Knowledge blogger and their former colleague Natalie Mollinet to break down the film, discuss the design, and of course argue a bit about their opinions. Fan Effect is sponsored by Megaplex Theatres, Utah's premiere movie entertainment company.

After a long year of coronavirus-related delays, the long-anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed suspense horror A Quiet Place has now been brought to big-screen theaters, and only big-screen theaters, in a terrifyingly good film experience. A Quiet Place 2 holds a scary amount of symmetry with its predecessor as well as the audience in the grips of silent suspense. We get more of a back story on the threatening monsters, new cast members, and a journey outside the Abbotts’ farm to try to exploit the newly discovered weaknesses of the sound-sensitive creatures. In this episode of Fan Effect, hosts Andy Farnsworth and KellieAnn Halvorsen review, analyze, and argue, about how this film lives up to the monstrous reputation of the first. Listen to the first segment for a spoiler-free experience, and be ready to dive deep into a deeper investigation after. Fan Effect is sponsored by Megaplex Theatres, Utah's premiere movie entertainment company.

In this minisode, host Andy Farnsworth reviews the latest live-action Disney villain turned hero film, this time tackling the wicked fashionista icon herself, “Cruella.” The revisioning of the evil character places a young Estella/Cruella, played by Emma Stone, in England’s 1970s fashion scene where her genius, talent, and patience is tried by her news boss played by Emma Thompson, a leading designer in London known as the Baroness. The Baroness turns out to be the true evil-genius of the film as Estella disguises herself as a mysterious avant-garde designer named, you guessed it, Cruella, and begins a guerilla-type fashion war against the Baroness.  But don’t worry, Cruella has help from friends lovers of the classic “101 Dalmatians” will recognize as well as some new adorable dogs to love. With stunning visuals, spectacular costuming, a killer soundtrack, and both talented Emmas, it’s a movie most Disney lovers will enjoy. Fan Effect is sponsored by Megaplex Theatres, Utah's premiere movie entertainment company.

For many people Halloween is more than just a holiday, It's a way of life! They find ways of celebrating the tricks-and-treats of the spooky season all year round; from Summerween to Halloweek, and even in our current month of May with Halfway to Halloween. Fan Effect host, and avid Halloweener, KellieAnn Halvorsen is joined once more by our Fear Factory friend owner and creator Rob Dunfield, and the Factory’s general manager and newly elected president of the Haunted Attractions Association International Spencer Terry. Together they take a look at why Halloween warms the hearts of so many, the Fear Factory’s Halfway-to-Halloween weekend events, and new spoopy experiences heading to the award-winning Factory this Fall. Fan Effect is sponsored by Megaplex Theatres, Utah's premiere movie entertainment company.

In this minisode, host Andy Farnsworth reviews the new DisneyPlus series, “Star Wars: The Bad Batch.” Disney celebrated Star Wars Day with fanfare, merchandise sales, and a new addition to the Star Wars saga, the ‘Bad Batch’ is an animated series that follows the aftermath of the Clone Wars from the perspective of an elite and experimental team of Clone Troopers that fans have met before. Andy looks at the characters, the story, and the animation style of the series; agreeing with KSL TV’s Dan Spindle, that it is something families and fans would likely enjoy.

Star Wars Day is finally here! And with the coronavirus pandemic finally starting to wane, fans are ready to get back to exploring the worlds they love with the people outside of their household. Today on the Fan Effect Podcast host KellieAnn Halvorsen is joined by local Star Wars fan clubs that can help you get back to action from costuming, saber fighting, and even droid building. For years Utah chapters of The 501st Legion, Mandalorian Mercs, The Rebel Legion, The Saber Guild and more have been using their passion for the Star Wars universe to raise awareness and funds for non-profit organizations like Make-a-Wish and more. As a community these fans are dedicated to “one galaxy, one goal;” using their fandom to help others.   In this episode we are joined by Mike Porter, Ruus’alor (Sergeant at Arms) of the Krayt Clan chapter of the Mandalorian Mercs, Brenda Ahlemann, Commanding Officer of the Alpine Garrison: The 501st Legion, Jakob Tice, former Commanding Officer as well as a founding member of the Rogue Base of the Rebel Legion, and Rocky Mountain Droid Builders Phillip Bareither, builder of all things astromech.