Media Ghouls

The Ghouls have their work cut out for them this episode as they take a look at one of the most forgotten Disney films of the modern era, Dinosaur. Neither Justin nor Heather have previously seen this one, and even though Ian and Emelynn have, they couldn't remember much besides iguanodons and lemurs. That's because in Disney's first CG feature film, a bunch of dinosaurs and lemurs walk across a desert to a valley. That is the majority of the plot. Much more interesting is how this movie started out as a stop motion animation directed by Robocop's Paul Verhoeven. Yes, we also found it hard to believe.

On this very special episode, the Ghouls review an anime film for the very first time! Despite spending many episodes analyzing the hell out of Disney films, the Ghouls have neglected the Japanese side of animation for far too long. That is remedied today as we dive into the dystopian masterpiece that is Akira. In a weird twist of fate, the resident anime Ghoul, Nando, has never seen this classic movie! Join us as we analyze Otomo and his team's visual mastery and how anime's march to the West started with the release of this unprecedented film!

It's time for another horror classic as the Media Ghouls examine the 1968 classic, Rosemary's Baby. Justin and Ian discuss whether or not it's possible to separate the art from the artist, the Manson murders, Satanism, and the hysteria it created in the '60s and '70s. They also find some time to discuss this mind trip of a film. With a stunning performance by Mia Farrow and a script that is wise not to reveal everything upon first viewing, Rosemary's Baby is one of the first in a style of horror that has been inherited by Jordan Peele and Ari Aster. Join us by listening to our review and pondering what kind of messed up rituals our neighbors are performing as we speak.

Ian and Justin are proud to present their review of the modern video game classic, Bioshock. With elements of horror, shooter, and rpg, Bioshock was an experience all its own when it was released in 2007. With a narrative and atmosphere littered with detail and philosophical questions, Bioshock quickly took its mantle as one of the best narrative video games ever made. Thirteen years later, the Ghouls are returning to Rapture to see if its notoriety has been preserved. Join us for this in depth retrospective on the original Bioshock and would you kindly check out Ian's full playthrough on

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Nearly 60 years in the making, Fantasia 2000 marked the end of Disney's 20th century in film. The Media Ghouls have a lot to say about the new animators and musicians' approach to the Fantasia concept. With some very high highs and some shockingly low lows, Fantasia 2000 has much to offer in its short runtime. Emelynn describes her childhood field trip experience with the film, Heather struggles to pick a favorite besides The Sorcerer's Apprentice, and Ian reveals that he hates flamingos with yo-yos.

On this week's episode, the Media Ghouls take a look at the Sergio Leone Western classic, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly! This film has a reputation that precedes it despite Justin knowing very little about it. Ian, on the other hand, has seen it about a hundred times and is prepared to tell you why it's one of the greatest films ever made. Much ado about Ennio Morricone's iconic score is made as well as some interesting genre comparisons between Westerns and the modern superhero genre, particularly about how they are critically received.

In a rare treat, Ian and Justin review a television series in this week's episode! Based on one of Media Ghouls favorite video game franchises, Castlevania is the horror video game adaptation we've always wanted. With a stellar cast and unrestricted level of violence, Castlevania is a bloody good time. The Ghouls run down their experience with the games and review each of the first three seasons of the show. Some fun tangents include a way too detailed analysis of scenes from The Lost World: Jurassic Park and Ian gushing about his favorite manga and anime, One Piece. Castlevania lore and discussion of which games have been referenced and which ones might be included in later seasons abound.

In this all new episode of Media Ghouls, Justin gets Ian to finally watch the original "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" for the first time. After reviewing many of the slasher genre's most famous films, the Ghouls go back to the beginning in this 1974 classic. Ian is stunned to see how well the film holds up as Justin sings its praises. Ian also has a chainsaw story of his own to share before the episode ends...you may want to listen with the lights on.

Pixar's first sequel gets the spotlight on the Media Ghouls retrospective of Toy Story 2! Ian has a lot to say about the various character arcs in this sequel, but what's more interesting is Justin's first experience with the film with a very special lady. Emelynn hates Cheeto fingers Al. Fernando reveals his favorite Darth Vader quote and how it's referenced in this movie (it's not the one you think). Ian puts his life on the line when he reveals his disdain for a certain red headed cowgirl.

The Ghouls are still in the mood for some Bond this week despite No Time To Die being pushed back, so it's time to re-watch one of the greatest films in the franchise! In the mid-2000s, feedback to the casting of Daniel Craig was mixed at best, but the release of Casino Royale took the character and the franchise to new heights. With an updated adaptation of the original Bond novel and a pitch perfect cast, this one begs to be discussed by the Ghouls! The first adaptations of the story are also explored, including the 1967 version's goofy soundtrack. Ian also talks a whole lot about Poker theory.