185 - The One

Jet Li's The One arrives at the height of early-2000s sci-fi action, blending multiverse theory with high-velocity martial-arts spectacle. The film follows Gabriel Yulaw, a former agent of the Multiverse Authority who has discovered a dangerous loophole in reality: by traveling to parallel universes and killing alternate versions of himself, he absorbs their life energy and grows exponentially stronger. With only one counterpart left to eliminate, Yulaw sets his sights on Gabe Law, a mild-mannered sheriff who has no idea why he's suddenly the target of a superhuman assassin who looks exactly like him.

Though The One was met with mixed-to-negative reviews on release, it has since settled into a cult-favorite niche. For some, it's a fascinating precursor to today's wave of multiverse storytelling, previewing themes and tropes that would become mainstream decades later. For others, it's simply a blast of nostalgia: a lean, eccentric action film that embraces its own excess. Whether admired for its ambition or enjoyed for its unapologetic pulp energy, The One remains a distinctive entry in Jet Li's filmography and a snapshot of a moment when sci-fi action cinema was boldly — and sometimes bizarrely — reinventing itself.

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184 - Lara Croft: Tomb Raider

In this action-packed episode of Reel Comic Heroes, the hosts dust off their dual pistols and dive headfirst into the early 2001 adventure phenomenon that was Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, starring Angelina Jolie. Based on the wildly popular video game series, this film promised to bring one of gaming's most iconic characters to life — but did it live up to the hype?

Join us as we explore the film's ambitious blend of myth, mysticism, and globe-trotting action, discuss Jolie's star-making turn as the fearless archaeologist, and debate whether the movie's flashy stunts and early CGI hold up today. 

Grab your map, load your gear, and get ready for an expedition through ancient tombs, British manor intrigue, and the relic-hunting nostalgia of Lara Croft: Tomb Raider!

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Join us for our next movie review - The One

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183 - From Hell

In this episode of Reel Comic Heroes, we descend into the fog-drenched streets of Victorian London to unravel the grim mystery of From Hell, the 2001 adaptation of Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell's seminal graphic novel.

Johnny Depp stars as opium-addled Inspector Frederick Abberline, tasked with hunting down the elusive Jack the Ripper. 

Grab your clairvoyant visions, pour yourself a Victorian absinthe cocktail, and join us as we investigate From Hell — before Jack returns for seconds.

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182 - Ghost World

In this episode of Reel Comic Heroes, we step into the offbeat, sardonic world of Terry Zwigoff's Ghost World (2001), adapted from Daniel Clowes' cult graphic novel. We follow the misadventures of Enid and Rebecca, two recent high school graduates navigating the uncertain summer before adulthood, drifting between cynicism, friendship, and the awkwardness of growing up.

We dig into the film's unique blend of dry humor and melancholy, the pitch-perfect performances by Thora Birch, Scarlett Johansson, and a career-defining turn from Steve Buscemi, as well as how the movie translates Clowes' indie comic sensibilities onto the screen. Along the way, we explore the themes of alienation, authenticity, and the strange comedy of human connection.

Whether you're a longtime fan of indie comics, or just discovering why Ghost World continues to resonate over 20 years later, this episode is a deep dive into one of the most unconventional comic book adaptations ever made.

Guests:
Niall McGowan - BatMinute
Bubbawheat - Bubbawheat

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Join us for our next movie review - From Hell

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181 - Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back

In this episode of Reel Comic Heroes, we dive deep into Kevin Smith's wild, fourth-wall-breaking road trip comedy: Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back. Join us as we revisit the 2001 cult classic that brought the View Askewniverse full circle—and then blew it up for good measure.

We explore the film's meta-commentary on Hollywood, comic book culture, and internet fandom—years before it became the norm. From cameos galore (Will Ferrell! Mark Hamill! Carrie Fisher!) to over-the-top hijinks and surprisingly heartfelt moments, we ask the big questions: Does this movie still hold up? Is it a fitting sendoff—or cash-in—for two of indie film's most iconic stoners?

Expect plenty of nostalgia, irreverent humor, and a few "snootchie bootchies" along the way. Whether you're a die-hard View Askew fan or just curious what happens when two side characters hijack the spotlight, this episode's got something for you.

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180 - Planet of the Apes

In this episode, we travel back to 2001 and dive headfirst into the strange, ambitious, and often divisive reboot of Planet of the Apes directed by Tim Burton. Joined by returning guest Jonathan Howell (Swordboys) and first-time guest Eric Magill (The Unapologetic Geek), we peel back the prosthetics and explore what worked, what went off the rails, and what the hell was up with that ending.

From Mark Wahlberg's bewildered astronaut performance to Helena Bonham Carter's oddly alluring chimpanzee, we dissect the film's bizarre choices, its striking visual design, and how it stacks up against the legacy of the original franchise.

Whether you're a die-hard Apes fan or still recovering from the 2001 confusion, this episode is packed with laughs, hot takes, and maybe even a little appreciation for the risks Burton took.

Guests:
Jonathan Howell - Swordboys
Eric Magill - The Unapologetic Geek

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Join us for our next movie review - Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back

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Music from https://filmmusic.io: "Prelude and Action" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) - License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Music from https://filmmusic.io: "Deep Haze" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) - License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Intro/Outro by Matthew S Mendoza

In which our heroes discuss fine art.

179 - Jurassic Park III

Hold onto your butts! This week on Reel Comic Heroes, we're diving headfirst into the chaotic, avian-infested world of Jurassic Park III. Join Travis and Patrick as they dissect the questionable parenting decisions, the surprisingly effective Alan Grant survival tips, and the sheer absurdity of a talking raptor dream sequence. Was this a worthy sequel or a prehistoric misstep? We'll debate the dino-sized plot holes, the surprisingly engaging action, and whether Tea Leoni's screaming could shatter glass. We'll discuss the introduction of new dinosaurs, the pacing of the plot, and whether the film successfully captured the wonder and terror of its predecessors.

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Join us for our next movie review - Planet of the Apes (2001)

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Music from https://filmmusic.io: "Prelude and Action" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) - License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Music from https://filmmusic.io: "Deep Haze" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) - License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Intro/Outro by Matthew S Mendoza

In which our heroes discuss Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion

In which our heroes lament the Josie & The Pussycats Minute podcast that never was (cut from Episode 178 - Josie & The Pussycats)