Franchise Fan Guys

By Tom Breyfogle, Andy Schmidt, Skid Maher

What's Franchise Fan Guys about?

Welcome to Franchise Fan Guys! We'll be analyzing film franchises to see why some work and some don't. What does it take to build a franchise that really connects? New episodes every Tuesday.

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Franchise Fan Guys episodes:

10.31.2023
View Askew Episode One: I'm Not Even Supposed to Be Here Today
This episode we start to tackle Kevin Smith's View Askew universe. How many apologies will Skid have to issue after this one?
09.12.2023
Back to the Future Episode Three: Nobody Calls Me Chicken
We travel back to the wild west to wrap up our coverage of the BACK TO THE FUTURE franchise with the oft overlooked third installment. Was it a fitting conclusion?
09.05.2023
Back to the Future Episode Two: This Is Heavy
The Back to the Future franchise took the (at the time) rare step of filming two sequels back to back. Did the gamble pay off?
08.29.2023
Back to the Future Episode One: Great Scott!
BACK TO THE FUTURE captured the imaginations of a generation of movie goers, and sparked a franchise that is still fondly regarded today. What's the source of its magic?
08.22.2023
X-Men Episode Thirteen: What's NeXt?
We have finally come to our final episode covering the X-MEN franchise! What do we think should come next?
08.08.2023
X-Men Episode Twelve: Deadpool 2
Deadpool finally gets that X-Men Trainee jersey in the follow up to his surprise hit first movie. Does the sequel hit or miss?
08.01.2023
X-Men Episode Eleven: Deadpool
This week we take a deep dive into the Merc with a Mouth! Was it a good idea, this time, to actually give him a mouth? Find out!
07.25.2023
Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One Reaction Episode
The NEW Mission: Impossible is out and we have seen it! Did we choose to accept it, or do we disavow all knowledge of its action?
07.18.2023
X-Men Episode Ten: No Country For Old Mutants PLUS SDCC MEETUP INFO!
LOGAN was a real change of pace for the X-Men franchise. How does this serious turn serve the ongoing story? Come hang out with the Fan Guys at San Diego's Ballast Point Brewery in Little Italy Saturday July 22nd at 8pm...
07.11.2023
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny Reaction Episode
We're back with a reaction to the newest installment in the Indiana Jones franchise! Does this final chapter turn back the dial to a happier time, or does it all come unwound in the end?
05.23.2023
X-Men Episode Nine: Nobody Cares Any More
The Dark Phoenix Saga. It's hard to tell the tale of the X-Men without taking a swing at its most iconic story. Does X-MEN: DARK PHOENIX finally nail the formula?
05.16.2023
X-Men Episode Eight: Tear Down This World
X-MEN: APOCALYPSE had a lot to live up to as the follow-up to a high water mark for the franchise in DAYS OF FUTURE PAST. So...what happened?
05.09.2023
X-Men Episode Seven: We Need You to Hope Again
After both First Class and The Wolverine seemed to find some creative footing, Wolverine teased that Stewart and McKellan would be back as Xavier and Magneto–and they are. But so are McAvoy and Fassbender. This film attempts to accomplish a...
05.02.2023
X-Men Episode Six: I've Been Hiding Too Long
Much like First Class before it, THE WOLVERINE was an attempt to right the ship after a wildly disappointing predecessor. How successful was it?
04.25.2023
X-Men Episode Five: Peace Was Never an Option
This week we jump into the franchise's soft reboot, X-MEN: FIRST CLASS. From the relationships to the casting to the worldbuilding, was it successful?
04.19.2023
X-Men Episode Four: The Fool Who Got Played
This week we talk about Wolverine: Origins. While a financial success, it received a lot of critical and fan backlash. Was it deserved, and if so what went wrong?
04.11.2023
X-Men Episode Three: The Last Stand...?
X-Men 3 lost its director and marked a directional and tonal shift, taking some big risks in the process. How'd all that work out?
04.04.2023
X-Men Episode Two: Nailed to the Fridge
X2 had a lot of hype and a budget to match. Did all that extra money make its way to the screen?
03.28.2023
X-Men Episode One: Every Few Millenia
We talk about a supergroup near and dear to our hearts, the X-Men. What place do they hold in our lives, and what was the impact of this seminal superhero franchise?
03.21.2023
Alien Episode Six: This is Rumor Control...
Our usual hypothetical roadmap for the future of this franchise. Where do we go from here, and what's already in the works that we know about?
03.14.2023
Alien Episode Five: Look On My Works, Ye Mighty...
In COVENANT the secondary threat switches from androids to the aliens themselves. Does that work? Is the origin story for the species that the movie seems to establish a satisfying one?
03.07.2023
Alien Episode Four: Love the One You're With
The Alien prequels were a sizable gamble, and attempted to move the franchise in some new directions. Were they successful?
03.01.2023
Alien Episode Three: Game Over, Man!
Ellen Ripley is the heart and soul of the Alien films. Was the franchise ever able to adequately replace her? If not, did any characters come close?
02.14.2023
Alien Episode Two: Why Don't We Put Her In Charge?
The first three installments of the Alien franchise are all about Ellen Ripley. Do they function as a satisfying character arc for the protagonist? What other characters do we particularly love, and do any of the director's cuts much better...
02.07.2023
Alien Episode One: The Perfect Organism
This week we launch into our deeper dive of one of the greatest science fiction franchises of all time, ALIEN. How did this cultural monster evolve over the first three films?
01.24.2023
The Onion Chopp'd: Glass Onion a Knives Out Mystery
Knives Out left the Glass Onion with a lot to live up to. How'd that work out, and did the film's main antagonist remind us of anyone in particular?
01.17.2023
That's Not a Knife: Knives Out Part One
Rian Johnson introduced the world to the Last of the Gentleman Sleuths, Benoit Blanc, in the hugely successful Knives Out. We unravel the mystery of what makes this film tick.
01.10.2023
Making a Greater Pumpkin: The Nightmare Before Christmas Part Two
As beloved as The Nightmare Before Christmas is, we never got a second film. We talk about what we might like to see next.
01.03.2023
This Is Halloween: The Nightmare Before Christmas Part One
While Tim Burton did not direct this animated classic, his vision is on full display. It's a twisted tribute to two holidays for the price of one!
12.27.2022
Blade Runner SPECIAL: Interview with Paul M. Sammon Part Three
In this final installment of our discussion with acclaimed author and filmmaker Paul M. Sammon, Paul shares some remarkable first hand accounts of the filming of the original Blade Runner as well as some in-depth discussion of Denis Villeneuve and...
12.20.2022
Blade Runner SPECIAL: Interview with Paul M. Sammon Part Two
We continue our discussion with fimmaker, Hollywood insider, author, and raconteur Paul M. Sammon. His book FUTURE NOIR: THE MAKING OF BLADE RUNNER is the seminal text analysis of this legendary classic. These moments will not be lost in time...
12.13.2022
Blade Runner SPECIAL: Interview with Paul M. Sammon Part One
This week we sit down with fimmaker, Hollywood insider, author, and raconteur Paul M. Sammon. His book FUTURE NOIR: THE MAKING OF BLADE RUNNER is the seminal text analysis of this legendary classic. He's seen things you people wouldn't believe!
12.06.2022
Blade Runner Part Four: It's a Shame She Won't Live
The franchise has continued to move forward with an animated series and comic books with more planned. But let’s say we're in charge of turning Blade Runner into a new film series. Where do we go from here?
11.29.2022
Blade Runner Episode Three: You've Never Seen a Miracle (Blade Runner 2049)
Blade Runner 2049. Given the aesthetic impact on cinema, the rise of AI, and growing popularity and solid cult status of the original, some 35 years later, a sequel was released. So….how does it compare?
11.22.2022
Blade Runner Episode Two: I Want More Life
We delve more into two of the main characters, Deckard and Rachael. How do they fit into the noir tradition? And has Blade Runners' style been co opted so much that it has lost some of its distinction?
11.15.2022
Blade Runner Part One: Tears In Rain
We begin our discussion on the Blade Runner franchise talking about the theatrical release version of the first film. What kind of impact did it have on our lives, and what makes it so special?
11.08.2022
Ghostbusters Part Three: What's After the Afterlife?
Ghostbusters: Afterlife was a moderate hit. Jason Reitman is at the helm with a new cast. Where does it go from here?
11.01.2022
Ghostbusters Part Two: What If Dead Franchises HAVE Been Rising From the Grave?
Ghostbusters II and Ghostbusters 2016 both evoked mixed reactions, for very different reasons. How were they, really?
10.25.2022
Ghostbusters Part One: Bustin' Makes Me Feel Good!
Did watching Ghostbusters for the first time feel as good as bustin'? What makes this film so special?
10.18.2022
Hellraiser: 2022 Reaction Episode
We have such sights to show you! We check out Hulu's new Hellraiser 2022. Does it give you an experience beyond limits, or does it Ceno-bite the big one?
10.11.2022
Predator Episode Four: The Next Hunt
PREY did well on a streaming service, and for the first time in a long time the PREDATOR franchise got a win (even if not a massive hit, definitely a win). So, where do we go from here?
10.04.2022
Predator Episode Three: Get to the Choppa
The more recent Predator films have been all over the map, creatively and by critical and fan response. How do they measure up?
09.27.2022
Predator Episode Two: If It Sequels, We Can Kill It
Predator is rightly known for its alien protagonist, but who is our favorite group of human prey? We also take a look at the genre bending that the films engage in, and how well Predator 2 did setting up a...
09.20.2022
Predator Episode One: Pushing Too Many Pencils
In this week's episode we talk about what makes the Predator franchise something special. What are the high and low points, and how did the franchise evolve through the years? Also Patreon subscribers, be sure to check out the bonus question...
09.13.2022
The Matrix Episode Four: Re-Resurrections
RESURRECTIONS was not as big a hit as hoped, and did not seem to reignite the franchise fires. Now we’re the new execs at WB charged with bringing the Matrix back as a franchise. We do not have to consult...
09.06.2022
The Matrix Episode Three: Existential Crisis
Matrix: Resurrections didn't seem to reinvigorate the franchise quite the way Warner Brothers had hoped. Why was this the case?
08.30.2022
The Matrix Episode Two: There Is No Spoon
The Matrix leans into its themes of reality vs perception, free choice vs destiny. How successfully was this done?
08.23.2022
The Matrix Episode One: Whoa
The original Matrix hit like an earthquake when it was released in 1999. How did we react at the time, and what is its lasting impact?
08.16.2022
Toy Story Episode Four: Infinity and Beyond
You’re the head of Pixar and eyes are on you to redeem Toy Story after a disappointing box office from Lightyear, what do you do?
08.09.2022
Toy Story Episode Three: Lightyear Reaction
Disney/Pixar's new Buzz Lightyear movie evoked mixed reactions from audiences and critics. How does the movie fit into the franchise as a whole, and does it stand on its own merits?

What's Franchise Fan Guys about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Franchise Fan Guys episodes:

View Askew Episode One: I'm Not Even Supposed to Be Here Today

Back to the Future Episode Three: Nobody Calls Me Chicken

Back to the Future Episode Two: This Is Heavy

Back to the Future Episode One: Great Scott!

X-Men Episode Thirteen: What's NeXt?

X-Men Episode Twelve: Deadpool 2

X-Men Episode Eleven: Deadpool

Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One Reaction Episode

X-Men Episode Ten: No Country For Old Mutants PLUS SDCC MEETUP INFO!

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny Reaction Episode

X-Men Episode Nine: Nobody Cares Any More

X-Men Episode Eight: Tear Down This World

X-Men Episode Seven: We Need You to Hope Again

X-Men Episode Six: I've Been Hiding Too Long

X-Men Episode Five: Peace Was Never an Option

X-Men Episode Four: The Fool Who Got Played

X-Men Episode Three: The Last Stand...?

X-Men Episode Two: Nailed to the Fridge

X-Men Episode One: Every Few Millenia

Alien Episode Six: This is Rumor Control...

Alien Episode Five: Look On My Works, Ye Mighty...

Alien Episode Four: Love the One You're With

Alien Episode Three: Game Over, Man!

Alien Episode Two: Why Don't We Put Her In Charge?

Alien Episode One: The Perfect Organism

The Onion Chopp'd: Glass Onion a Knives Out Mystery

That's Not a Knife: Knives Out Part One

Making a Greater Pumpkin: The Nightmare Before Christmas Part Two

This Is Halloween: The Nightmare Before Christmas Part One

Blade Runner SPECIAL: Interview with Paul M. Sammon Part Three

Blade Runner SPECIAL: Interview with Paul M. Sammon Part Two

Blade Runner SPECIAL: Interview with Paul M. Sammon Part One

Blade Runner Part Four: It's a Shame She Won't Live

Blade Runner Episode Three: You've Never Seen a Miracle (Blade Runner 2049)

Blade Runner Episode Two: I Want More Life

Blade Runner Part One: Tears In Rain

Ghostbusters Part Three: What's After the Afterlife?

Ghostbusters Part Two: What If Dead Franchises HAVE Been Rising From the Grave?

Ghostbusters Part One: Bustin' Makes Me Feel Good!

Hellraiser: 2022 Reaction Episode

Predator Episode Four: The Next Hunt

Predator Episode Three: Get to the Choppa

Predator Episode Two: If It Sequels, We Can Kill It

Predator Episode One: Pushing Too Many Pencils

The Matrix Episode Four: Re-Resurrections

The Matrix Episode Three: Existential Crisis

The Matrix Episode Two: There Is No Spoon

The Matrix Episode One: Whoa

Toy Story Episode Four: Infinity and Beyond

Toy Story Episode Three: Lightyear Reaction

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