Podcasts Archives - Geek Hard

Originally Aired: 11/10/17 – Review Murder on the Orient Express. Talk with Ronnie Rowe Jr. of Black Cop & Star Trek and Kelly Michael Stewart of BITS Fest

We talk with actor Ronnie Rowe Jr. the star of Black Cop, a political satire about a black police officer who seeks revenge after being profiled and assaulted by his colleagues. The film has played many film festivals across Canada and the U.S. this year and is getting great reviews. Ronnie joins us to chat about the film as well as his appearance in the first season of Star Trek: Discovery. Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Ronnie Rowe Jr. first found his love for acting in elementary school doing plays like Grease, The Sound of Music and Oliver Twist. His first big break came when he was cast as one of the leads in the Woody Harrelson play A Buller for Adolf. Shortly after, he entered the small screen landing a recurring role on the hit NBC series The Firm. Since then, Ronnie Rowe Jr. has appeared in several major film and television productions including recurring roles in The Strain (FX) and Dark Matter (Syfy) and parts on Riftworld Chronicles (CBC), Murdoch Mysteries (City), Saving Hope (CTV), and The Expanse (Syfy).

Our review of Murder on the Orient Express starring Kenneth Branagh, Penélope Cruz and Willem Dafoe. Synopsis: A lavish trip through Europe quickly unfolds into a race against time to solve a murder aboard a train. When an avalanche stops the Orient Express dead in its tracks, the world’s greatest detective — Hercule Poirot — arrives to interrogate all passengers and search for clues before the killer can strike again.

We also talk with Kelly Michael Stewart who is the festival director for the Blood in the Snow Film Festival, coming to Toronto on November 23rd to 26th. The Blood in the Snow Canadian Film Festival is a unique and imaginative showcase of contemporary Canadian horror, genre, and underground cinema, that exists to challenge social boundaries, explore artistic taboos, and support and exhibit independent Canadian genre media artists. Kelly tells us all about the lineup of movies coming to this year’s fest. For more info on BITS, check out their website.

It was a great show!

Plus exclusively for our $4/month Patreon supporters, our latest Geek Hard Extra After Credits segment discussing Brian Michael Bendis move to DC Comics and The Comeback film announced by Sony Pictures.

If you’re gonna geek out, GEEK HARD!

Production Credits:

Geek Hard Logo – Candice Hibbard and Rich Robbins

Technical Production – Gary LaBarr, Recorded at the Reality Radio 101 Studio

Producers – Andrew Young & James Green

Music Credits:

Opening Music “Eterna Teen” by Mark Holman

“Busin’ Makes Me Feel Good” by M.O. Littles & Ultra Magnus

“Devil is Fine” by Zeal and Ardor

“Mercy Mercy Me” by Marvin Gaye

“Believe” by Imagine Dragons

“The Belgian Detective” by Christopher Gunning

“Thriller” by Postmodern Jukebox featuring Wayne Brady

Closing Music “Kelly’s Heroes” by Black Grape

Originally Aired: 11/10/17 – Review Murder on the Orient Express. Talk with Ronnie Rowe Jr. of Black Cop & Star Trek and Kelly Michael Stewart of BITS Fest

We talk with actor Ronnie Rowe Jr. the star of Black Cop, a political satire about a black police officer who seeks revenge after being profiled and assaulted by his colleagues. The film has played many film festivals across Canada and the U.S. this year and is getting great reviews. Ronnie joins us to chat about the film as well as his appearance in the first season of Star Trek: Discovery. Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Ronnie Rowe Jr. first found his love for acting in elementary school doing plays like Grease, The Sound of Music and Oliver Twist. His first big break came when he was cast as one of the leads in the Woody Harrelson play A Buller for Adolf. Shortly after, he entered the small screen landing a recurring role on the hit NBC series The Firm. Since then, Ronnie Rowe Jr. has appeared in several major film and television productions including recurring roles in The Strain (FX) and Dark Matter (Syfy) and parts on Riftworld Chronicles (CBC), Murdoch Mysteries (City), Saving Hope (CTV), and The Expanse (Syfy).

Our review of Murder on the Orient Express starring Kenneth Branagh, Penélope Cruz and Willem Dafoe. Synopsis: A lavish trip through Europe quickly unfolds into a race against time to solve a murder aboard a train. When an avalanche stops the Orient Express dead in its tracks, the world’s greatest detective — Hercule Poirot — arrives to interrogate all passengers and search for clues before the killer can strike again.

We also talk with Kelly Michael Stewart who is the festival director for the Blood in the Snow Film Festival, coming to Toronto on November 23rd to 26th. The Blood in the Snow Canadian Film Festival is a unique and imaginative showcase of contemporary Canadian horror, genre, and underground cinema, that exists to challenge social boundaries, explore artistic taboos, and support and exhibit independent Canadian genre media artists. Kelly tells us all about the lineup of movies coming to this year’s fest. For more info on BITS, check out their website.

It was a great show!

Plus exclusively for our $4/month Patreon supporters, our latest Geek Hard Extra After Credits segment discussing Brian Michael Bendis move to DC Comics and The Comeback film announced by Sony Pictures.

If you’re gonna geek out, GEEK HARD!

Production Credits:

Geek Hard Logo – Candice Hibbard and Rich Robbins

Technical Production – Gary LaBarr, Recorded at the Reality Radio 101 Studio

Producers – Andrew Young & James Green

Music Credits:

Opening Music “Eterna Teen” by Mark Holman

“Busin’ Makes Me Feel Good” by M.O. Littles & Ultra Magnus

“Devil is Fine” by Zeal and Ardor

“Mercy Mercy Me” by Marvin Gaye

“Believe” by Imagine Dragons

“The Belgian Detective” by Christopher Gunning

“Thriller” by Postmodern Jukebox featuring Wayne Brady

Closing Music “Kelly’s Heroes” by Black Grape

Welcome friends to Back Issue Bloodbath, a comics-centric podcast presented by Geek Hard. Join hosts Andrew Young and Sammy Younan as they get down and dirty in the four-colour world of comic books, focusing on classic stories, new issues, comic creators and hot button topics.

Comics are suppose to be fun. But somehow, fanboy and fangirl rage always rears it’s ugly head to ruin this fun. Sometimes it’s relatively harmless. Sometimes it’s toxic and can lead to creators and fans not feeling safe. Last year, we did an episode on fan entitlement. It focused on fan anger when a certain franchise or character is not portrayed in a way that some deem “correct”. That’s part of the rage problem in comics but it’s just the tip of the iceberg. What’s even worse is that some fans are getting angry at POC and LGBTQ+ creators and threatening their lives. There’s so much rage and it’s not a good thing.

This week on Back Issue Bloodbath, Andrew and Sammy address the rage problem in fandom and try to figure out why it’s there. Some rage is warranted. Most is not. Criticism of stories is a good thing, as long as it’s constructive. If you’re hating on someone just because you don’t like their story, or worse, their gender, race and religious beliefs, that’s not cool. Listen as we discuss the Keyboard Hulks that need to turn back into Bruce Banners sooner rather than later. It’s waiting for you on the latest Back Issue Bloodbath.

Have an idea for a certain topic we should cover? Have an indie comic book you’d like us to review? Send us an email at [email protected] with “Back Issue Bloodbath” in the subject line. We’d love to hear from you. And be sure to join our Facebook page for exclusive content.

If you’re gonna geek out, GEEK HARD!

 

Welcome friends to Back Issue Bloodbath, a comics-centric podcast presented by Geek Hard. Join hosts Andrew Young and Sammy Younan as they get down and dirty in the four-colour world of comic books, focusing on classic stories, new issues, comic creators and hot button topics.

Comics are suppose to be fun. But somehow, fanboy and fangirl rage always rears it’s ugly head to ruin this fun. Sometimes it’s relatively harmless. Sometimes it’s toxic and can lead to creators and fans not feeling safe. Last year, we did an episode on fan entitlement. It focused on fan anger when a certain franchise or character is not portrayed in a way that some deem “correct”. That’s part of the rage problem in comics but it’s just the tip of the iceberg. What’s even worse is that some fans are getting angry at POC and LGBTQ+ creators and threatening their lives. There’s so much rage and it’s not a good thing.

This week on Back Issue Bloodbath, Andrew and Sammy address the rage problem in fandom and try to figure out why it’s there. Some rage is warranted. Most is not. Criticism of stories is a good thing, as long as it’s constructive. If you’re hating on someone just because you don’t like their story, or worse, their gender, race and religious beliefs, that’s not cool. Listen as we discuss the Keyboard Hulks that need to turn back into Bruce Banners sooner rather than later. It’s waiting for you on the latest Back Issue Bloodbath.

Have an idea for a certain topic we should cover? Have an indie comic book you’d like us to review? Send us an email at [email protected] with “Back Issue Bloodbath” in the subject line. We’d love to hear from you. And be sure to join our Facebook page for exclusive content.

If you’re gonna geek out, GEEK HARD!

 

Originally Aired: 11/03/17 – Review Thor: Ragnarok. Talk with directors John Harrison about his Horrorama IV appearance and also Peter Ricq of Dead Shack.

We talk with director Peter Ricq. Peter’s new film, Dead Shack, is now available on iTunes and VOD. We got the chance to see it at Toronto After Dark 2017 and can confirm that it’s a hilarious horror comedy. Peter joins us to chat about the making of the film. A group of teens on a weekend getaway at a secluded cabin in the woods soon find themselves fighting off a serious threat to their lives. Not only that they must save their hard-partying, drunk and stoned parents from a predatory neighbour who is hell-bent on feeding them all to her undead family. Lauren Holly, Valerie Tian, Donavon Stinson, Lizzie Boys, and June B. Wilde star in this Canadian horror.

Our review of Thor: Ragnarok starring Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett. Synopsis: Imprisoned on the other side of the universe, the mighty Thor finds himself in a deadly gladiatorial contest that pits him against the Hulk, his former ally and fellow Avenger. Thor’s quest for survival leads him in a race against time to prevent the all-powerful Hela from destroying his home world and the Asgardian civilization.

We also talk with director John Harrision. John has had a storied career in film and television and was in town for Horrorama-Toronto IV (November 4th and 5th). John talks with us about his past films and shows. John Harrison began his career directing rock videos and working as 1st Asst. Director for George A. Romero. Harrison wrote and directed multiple episodes of Romero’s classic TV series, Tales from the Darkside as well as Tales from the Darkside: The Movie. Harrison reunited with mentor Romero to produce Diary of the Dead. His 6-hour miniseries adaptation of Frank Herbert’s Dune was an Emmy Award-winning success in the U.S., then internationally, both in its broadcast premieres and home video. Harrison’s Children of Dune was also an Emmy winner for the Sci-Fi Channel.

It was a great show!

Plus for our Patreon supporters, our latest Geek Hard Extra After Credits segment discussing warm comfy blanket movies.

If you’re gonna geek out, GEEK HARD!

Production Credits:

Geek Hard Logo – Candice Hibbard and Rich Robbins

Technical Production – Gary LaBarr, Recorded at the Reality Radio 101 Studio

Producers – Andrew Young & James Green

Music Credits:

Opening Music “Eterna Teen” by Mark Holman

“I Will Remember You” by Sarah McLachlan

“Water Water” by Humans

“Got Dumped Don’t Care” by Humans

“Immigrant Song” by Led Zeppelin

“Pure Imagination” by Fiona Apple

“Backroads” by Your Friendly Neighborhood

Closing Music “Kelly’s Heroes” by Black Grape

Originally Aired: 11/03/17 – Review Thor: Ragnarok. Talk with directors John Harrison about his Horrorama IV appearance and also Peter Ricq of Dead Shack.

We talk with director Peter Ricq. Peter’s new film, Dead Shack, is now available on iTunes and VOD. We got the chance to see it at Toronto After Dark 2017 and can confirm that it’s a hilarious horror comedy. Peter joins us to chat about the making of the film. A group of teens on a weekend getaway at a secluded cabin in the woods soon find themselves fighting off a serious threat to their lives. Not only that they must save their hard-partying, drunk and stoned parents from a predatory neighbour who is hell-bent on feeding them all to her undead family. Lauren Holly, Valerie Tian, Donavon Stinson, Lizzie Boys, and June B. Wilde star in this Canadian horror.

Our review of Thor: Ragnarok starring Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett. Synopsis: Imprisoned on the other side of the universe, the mighty Thor finds himself in a deadly gladiatorial contest that pits him against the Hulk, his former ally and fellow Avenger. Thor’s quest for survival leads him in a race against time to prevent the all-powerful Hela from destroying his home world and the Asgardian civilization.

We also talk with director John Harrision. John has had a storied career in film and television and was in town for Horrorama-Toronto IV (November 4th and 5th). John talks with us about his past films and shows. John Harrison began his career directing rock videos and working as 1st Asst. Director for George A. Romero. Harrison wrote and directed multiple episodes of Romero’s classic TV series, Tales from the Darkside as well as Tales from the Darkside: The Movie. Harrison reunited with mentor Romero to produce Diary of the Dead. His 6-hour miniseries adaptation of Frank Herbert’s Dune was an Emmy Award-winning success in the U.S., then internationally, both in its broadcast premieres and home video. Harrison’s Children of Dune was also an Emmy winner for the Sci-Fi Channel.

It was a great show!

Plus for our Patreon supporters, our latest Geek Hard Extra After Credits segment discussing warm comfy blanket movies.

If you’re gonna geek out, GEEK HARD!

Production Credits:

Geek Hard Logo – Candice Hibbard and Rich Robbins

Technical Production – Gary LaBarr, Recorded at the Reality Radio 101 Studio

Producers – Andrew Young & James Green

Music Credits:

Opening Music “Eterna Teen” by Mark Holman

“I Will Remember You” by Sarah McLachlan

“Water Water” by Humans

“Got Dumped Don’t Care” by Humans

“Immigrant Song” by Led Zeppelin

“Pure Imagination” by Fiona Apple

“Backroads” by Your Friendly Neighborhood

Closing Music “Kelly’s Heroes” by Black Grape

Welcome everyone to another episode of Don’t Make Me Watch That! – A podcast that celebrates movies and tears them down all in one sitting. Hosted by Andrew Young and Leslie Hudson, each episode presents the critique of a film from the long or recent past that one of us hates and the other one loves. Andrew and Leslie will do what they do best: fight and debate and make fun of one another. It’s all in good fun and for the love of FILM!

On this episode, Leslie is forced to watch a film starring one of her “favourite” actors, Ben Affleck, in the critically panned Jersey Girl. Directed by Kevin Smith, Jersey Girl is the story of PR guy Ollie Trinke. After his career is sidelined by an unexpected tragedy and a personal blow-up, Ollie must raise his only daughter with the help of his father (played by George Carlin). The film also features Will Smith in the role he was born to play: Will Smith. Leslie’s not a fan of Ben Affleck or movies about kids. Needless to say this film was not to her liking. Andrew has a special place in his heart for Smith’s only attempt at a PG-13 movie.

Listen as our two combatants argue the merits of Jersey Girl and cut each other up in the process. Enjoy.

If you like what you hear, we’d love to hear from you! Send us an email at [email protected] and put “Don’t Make Me Watch That!” in the subject line. Let us know if you agree with Andrew or Leslie regarding this film or make suggestions on films you’d like to hear us talk about. We may even read your email in a future episode (but only if you want us to). And be sure to like the Don’t Make Me Watch That! Facebook Page for exclusive content you won’t find anywhere else.

If you’re gonna geek out, GEEK HARD!

 

Welcome everyone to another episode of Don’t Make Me Watch That! – A podcast that celebrates movies and tears them down all in one sitting. Hosted by Andrew Young and Leslie Hudson, each episode presents the critique of a film from the long or recent past that one of us hates and the other one loves. Andrew and Leslie will do what they do best: fight and debate and make fun of one another. It’s all in good fun and for the love of FILM!

On this episode, Leslie is forced to watch a film starring one of her “favourite” actors, Ben Affleck, in the critically panned Jersey Girl. Directed by Kevin Smith, Jersey Girl is the story of PR guy Ollie Trinke. After his career is sidelined by an unexpected tragedy and a personal blow-up, Ollie must raise his only daughter with the help of his father (played by George Carlin). The film also features Will Smith in the role he was born to play: Will Smith. Leslie’s not a fan of Ben Affleck or movies about kids. Needless to say this film was not to her liking. Andrew has a special place in his heart for Smith’s only attempt at a PG-13 movie.

Listen as our two combatants argue the merits of Jersey Girl and cut each other up in the process. Enjoy.

If you like what you hear, we’d love to hear from you! Send us an email at [email protected] and put “Don’t Make Me Watch That!” in the subject line. Let us know if you agree with Andrew or Leslie regarding this film or make suggestions on films you’d like to hear us talk about. We may even read your email in a future episode (but only if you want us to). And be sure to like the Don’t Make Me Watch That! Facebook Page for exclusive content you won’t find anywhere else.

If you’re gonna geek out, GEEK HARD!

 

Welcome friends to Back Issue Bloodbath, a comics-centric podcast presented by Geek Hard. Join hosts Andrew Young and Sammy Younan as they get down and dirty in the four-colour world of comic books, focusing on classic stories, new issues, comic creators and hot button topics.

When it comes to superhero storytelling in the 1970s, there was no better than Denny O’Neil. The man had a major hand in making Batman and Green Arrow great. With artist Neal Adams, he re-introduced Two-Face, brought back the murderous Joker and created Ra’s al Ghul. He turned Green Arrow into a social justice warrior and sent him cross-country with Green Lantern to find America. While being known for his writing chops, he also stands out as prolific editor, working with great writers and artist throughout the 80s and 90s to bring us a number of great Batman stories. He’s a living legend in the comics world.

Take a listen as Andrew and Sammy pay tribute to the works of Denny O’Neil. We look back on his stellar run on The Question. We even attempt to figure out why he never quite clicked with readers on his Daredevil run. All in all, fun times are had as we relive some great stories on another edition of Back Issue Bloodbath.

For more on how Denny (along with Neal Adams) renovated and restored Batman following the campy 66 show check out Glen Weldon’s The Caped Crusade: Batman and the Rise of Nerd Culture. You can follow threads of Denny’s Bat-work that lead to seminal tales like The Killing Joke, Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth, and Batman: Year One.

Have an idea for a certain topic we should cover? Have an indie comic book you’d like us to review? Send us an email at [email protected] with “Back Issue Bloodbath” in the subject line. We’d love to hear from you. And be sure to join our Facebook page for exclusive content.

If you’re gonna geek out, GEEK HARD!

 

Welcome friends to Back Issue Bloodbath, a comics-centric podcast presented by Geek Hard. Join hosts Andrew Young and Sammy Younan as they get down and dirty in the four-colour world of comic books, focusing on classic stories, new issues, comic creators and hot button topics.

When it comes to superhero storytelling in the 1970s, there was no better than Denny O’Neil. The man had a major hand in making Batman and Green Arrow great. With artist Neal Adams, he re-introduced Two-Face, brought back the murderous Joker and created Ra’s al Ghul. He turned Green Arrow into a social justice warrior and sent him cross-country with Green Lantern to find America. While being known for his writing chops, he also stands out as prolific editor, working with great writers and artist throughout the 80s and 90s to bring us a number of great Batman stories. He’s a living legend in the comics world.

Take a listen as Andrew and Sammy pay tribute to the works of Denny O’Neil. We look back on his stellar run on The Question. We even attempt to figure out why he never quite clicked with readers on his Daredevil run. All in all, fun times are had as we relive some great stories on another edition of Back Issue Bloodbath.

For more on how Denny (along with Neal Adams) renovated and restored Batman following the campy 66 show check out Glen Weldon’s The Caped Crusade: Batman and the Rise of Nerd Culture. You can follow threads of Denny’s Bat-work that lead to seminal tales like The Killing Joke, Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth, and Batman: Year One.

Have an idea for a certain topic we should cover? Have an indie comic book you’d like us to review? Send us an email at [email protected] with “Back Issue Bloodbath” in the subject line. We’d love to hear from you. And be sure to join our Facebook page for exclusive content.

If you’re gonna geek out, GEEK HARD!