Recovered

After 18 films of Batmans dark or campy, Supermans classic and infamous, and the two V-ing each other, the journey concludes, and it's time to tackle the Justice Leagues. Dan and Keith unpack all four hours of Zack Snyder's Justice League, examine the new scenes the studio hammered into the theatrical cut, and look at the strengths and weaknesses of each versions (yes, they each have both)... and also prove that neither of these are the "worst Justice League movie," thanks to a failed TV pilot from the 1990s that the nascent internet wouldn't allow to fade out of memory. What did Zack Snyder deliver? What was the studio looking for? How did each succeed or fail? And is the TV pilot a war crime? Find out now!

And so, after 11 movies' worth of eight Batmen, and six movies covering three Supermen, Dan and Keith arrive at their intersection: Zack Snyder's... let's call it divisive opus Batman V Superman. Keith hates, Dan likes it, they're digging into to who's right while admitting that "flawless masterpiece vs worst movie ever" discourse is just, it's just, it's exhausting. So grab your Kryptonite spear and your Lasso of Truth and let's get to unpacking Batfleck, Snyder, and the worst arguments hardcore Snyder fans employ.

John Tebbutt, your Video Vulture, is back to walk Dan and Keith through the history of Donald Westlake's Parker novels, and the feature films similar to but legally distinct from his classic anti-hero protagonist. Back in the 1960s, classic Tough Guy Lee Marvin plays "Walker," the Parker-esque crook out to wring his rightful cut of some heist money out of organized crime syndicate The Outfit in Point Blank. Then, a little over three decades later, Payback sees Mel Gibson takes on the same story as "Porter," but an ambiguous ending and unforgivable dog-related crime get the director fired and a new ending filmed. We take on both versions in our quest to find the best Pseudo-Parker. Join us for the ride, and if you're not careful, you just might learn something.

With the journey through nearly every cinematic Batman complete, Dan and Keith turn their gaze to the film history of the Man of Tomorrow, the Last Son of Krypton, Superman! From Reeves to Reeve to Routh to... 'Ry Cavill, we take on every theatrically released Superman, and review the legacy of Richard Donner in both this franchise and beyond. Keith picks apart powers and Dan tries to bring up Smallville as little as he can, for you, listeners, for you. Join us as we go up, up, and away into Super-lore!

In the wake of the 95th Oscars (recorded before they happened), Dan and Keith take on two takes of a classic war story from opposite ends of film history with All Quiet on the Western Front, and how it's evolved from the dawn of the sound era to the age of the Netflix Exclusive. First, a look the 1930 OG, the third film ever to win Best Picture, less of a story than a sketch the-absolute-opposite-of-comedy about war trauma, then jump to just recently with the 2022 version, where Keith and Dan have some disagreements over how well it translated. It's horrifyingly riveting action, differing thesis statements about the Great War, and Dan's most hated character in vintage cinema, so strap in and join us for the journey.

Dan and Keith plunge into forgotten crypts to unearth an examination of the cinematic takes on Lara Croft: Tomb Raider! First, Oscar winner Angelina Jolie takes Lara through two movies, one hyper-dumb but somewhat fun, one that's more competent but less interesting. Then, once the video games reinvent themselves to target a new audience, Oscar winner Alicia Vikander brings this new less hyper-sexualized Lara to life. And to guide our hosts through this journey, actress and Croft enthusiast Emma Gallaher is here to explain Croft Boys, easter eggs, and how little Lara Croft movies actually require constant daddy issues. Grab your pickaxe and come exploring with us!

Round two of Recovered's journey through cinematic Bat-history! We leave behind the aggressive camp of the 90s and plunge into a aggressive realism of the 21st century Bats... with a detour into things animated and block-based along the way. Will we find the Best Batman? Which two wildly different movies are the lead competitors? What makes for a happy or sad ending to a Bat-flick? Dan and Keith discuss, argue, and maybe reach consensus. Or just get tired. It's been so many Batmen.

The time has come, the promised day has arrived: Keith and Dan begin their journey through the entire cinematic history of the Dark Knight, the Caped Crusader, the goddamn Batman. This instalment takes us from the camp days of Adam West to the camp revival of Joel Schumacher, as our hosts assess each era by the aesthetics, characters, story, action, and Dan's many opinions on music. We may not find The Best Batman Movie just yet, but have we found the worst? We'll see. Strap on your utility belts, get your atomic engines to speed, and join us for the ride.

As Heath Ledger said... And here. We. Go.

We've talked about what the big superhero franchises should do next, now Dan and Keith dive into 2023's crop of reboots, remakes, and requels to see what's worth getting excited for. Evil Dead is back? Hell yes. Can an Exorcist requel compete with Conjuring spin-offs? Are we sure the Wonka origin movie isn't a joke? Which is the one we're angriest we have to root for? All this and Dan forcing Keith to think about James Bond again in part two of our look forward.

While taking a holiday break, Dan and Keith sat by roaring fires to sip seasonal beverages* and discuss not remakes that have been made, but those yet to come. Some major IPs are barreling towards rebooting; what do they need to do to improve on what's already been done? From the tone of Marvel's First Family to underused villains to criminally neglected characters, Dan and Keith and a sudden guest look into what the next wave of superhero movies should be including.

*Wine has seasons.