Nerd Legion

In this episode of Nerd Legion, we dive into 'The Sword and the Sorcerer' (1982), a surprising hit from the 1980s fantasy craze. We explore the film’s strengths, including its impressive special effects, compelling acting, and memorable cinematography. We also discuss its humorous tonal inconsistencies and the charm of its goofy yet creative elements, such as the unique three-bladed sword. Director Albert Pyun shows how to maximize each penny of a small budget while lead actor Lee Horsley demonstrates surprising acting chops as Talon in a difficult, mostly unlikeable role. Additionally, comparisons are made with other iconic films and characters of the era, including 'Conan the Barbarian' and 'Dragonslayer,' signaling its relevance and impact on the fantasy genre. Stay tuned for our verdict on whether this cult classic is worth a watch today, and get ready for our coverage of 'Andor' in the next episode.

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Join Nerd Legion as we revisit the iconic 1982 film, 'Conan the Barbarian' as part of our 1980s fantasy marathon. This episode delves into the movie that launched Arnold Schwarzenegger's illustrious career, exploring its lasting legacy, the craftsmanship behind its production, and its impact on the fantasy genre. From its highly atmospheric soundtrack by Basil Poledouris to its stunning sets and John Milius' direction, we cover all that makes this film a timeless classic. The discussion also touches on the performances of James Earl Jones and other cast members, contrasts it with other 1980s sword and sorcery films, and reflects on Conan's influence on contemporary fantasy cinema.

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In this episode of Nerd Legion, we dive deep into end the second season of 'Severance.' DoA and MonteCristo discuss problems with the season's pacing, major plot points, character developments, and whether the major payoffs are worth the price of the poor set-ups. We also analyze pivotal moments, including the rescue mission for Gemma led by Mark's innie and outie, and the implications of Lumon's Cold Harbor project. Additionally, we debate the needs for filler content, Helena's actions, the ethics of Lumon's experiments, and the series' potential future directions.  

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Welcome back to Nerd Legion! Join us as we continue our 1980s fantasy film marathon with a review of the infamous Italian-made classic, 1982's Ator the Fighting Eagle directed by Joe D'Amato. This episode dives into the movie's hilarious plot, terrible fight scenes, and unintentionally funny moments. We discuss the strange prophecy, the bizarre love story involving adopted siblings, the laughable special effects, the sub-par performance of Miles O'Keefe, and the unexpected joy of watching a very bad movie that's somehow endlessly entertaining. Quickly filmed after the release and success of Conan the Barbarian, Ator provides great entertainment as a rushed B Movie attempting to capitalize on the popularity of sword-and-sorcery films of the 80s. Don't miss out on the fun, and stay tuned for more episodes featuring our take on other 1980s fantasy films!

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In this episode of Nerd Legion, hosts Monte and DoA take a break from their 1980s fantasy marathon to discuss 'Mickey 17,' director Bong Joon Ho's latest science fiction film. They first delve into the movie's box office struggles and introduce Bong Joon-ho's history, noting his thematic blend of class conflict, environmentalism, and existentialism. The hosts critique the film for its rich moments of subtle humor and innovative concepts but argue it becomes unfocused in the second half, shifting from existential questions to heavy-handed political themes. They analyze Robert Pattinson's standout dual role performance, along with contributions from other notable actors like Mark Ruffalo and Toni Collette. The episode wraps with reflections on Bong Joon Ho’s recurring themes and a funny personal anecdote about South Korea's macaron shop craze, highlighted within the film. They conclude that while 'Mickey 17' is visually appealing and entertaining, it doesn't reach the same profound levels as the director's previous works like 'Parasite' or 'Memories of Murder.'

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Disney's 'Dragonslayer' from 1981 is the next film in Nerd Legion's 1980s fantasy movie marathon! In this episode, they discuss the intriguing plot, standout performances, particularly by Ralph Richardson as Ulrich the Sorcerer, and the visually stunning cinematography and special effects. They also explore the film's mixed tones, underwhelming lead character, and its enduring influence on contemporary fantasy media, including George R.R. Martin's Game of Thrones. Join us as we dive into the strange history behind making this underrated film and how it served as the forerunner of contemporary, gritty, and realistic fantasy fiction that dominates media today.

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Join hosts DoA and MonteCristo for another episode of Nerd Legion as we dive once more into our 80s fantasy marathon, discussing the animated cult classic 'Heavy Metal' from 1981. We reveal plans for upcoming reviews, including 'Dragonslayer', and share major updates about Star Wars, including Kathleen Kennedy's rumored retirement and the new Andor Season 2 trailer. Plus, we offer insights on the movie's legacy, its controversial content, and its impact on modern fantasy and animation. Don't miss this blend of nostalgia, critical analysis, and some laughs along the way!

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Captain America: Brave New World somehow fails to explore any interesting topics in what might be the most bland Marvel film yet released. Simply put: there is nothing "brave" about this film as it adamantly refuses to engage with interesting topics such as Captain America's role in a politically divided country, what it means to be a Black Captain America, and Sam Wilson's choice to not take the super serum. The film goes through the same motions as most Marvel film, but without any memorable scenes. Anthony Mackie is not given an opportunity to display his acting chops since the script plays it much too safe, and the movie fails to even generate a single iota of American patriotism or optimism.

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Join hosts DoA and MonteCristo for another episode of Nerd Legion as we dive once more into our 80s fantasy marathon, discussing the animated cult classic 'Heavy Metal' from 1981. We reveal plans for upcoming reviews, including 'Dragonslayer', and share major updates about Star Wars, including Kathleen Kennedy's rumored retirement and the new Andor Season 2 trailer. Plus, we offer insights on the movie's legacy, its controversial content, and its impact on modern fantasy and animation. Don't miss this blend of nostalgia, critical analysis, and some laughs along the way!

Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with Mando and get $5 off off your Starter Pack (that’s over 40% off) with promo code NERD at https://www.shopmando.com!

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Captain America: Brave New World somehow fails to explore any interesting topics in what might be the most bland Marvel film yet released. Simply put: there is nothing "brave" about this film as it adamantly refuses to engage with interesting topics such as Captain America's role in a politically divided country, what it means to be a Black Captain America, and Sam Wilson's choice to not take the super serum. The film goes through the same motions as most Marvel film, but without any memorable scenes. Anthony Mackie is not given an opportunity to display his acting chops since the script plays it much too safe, and the movie fails to even generate a single iota of American patriotism or optimism.

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