Reel Comic Heroes

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)

178 - Josie & The Pussycats with Niall McGowan

In this episode, we're strumming the power chords of early 2000s pop culture with the glittering, satirical cult classic Josie & The Pussycats! Joining us is none other than Niall McGowan, co-host of Bat Minute and a connoisseur of all things comic and cinematic. Together, we dive into the neon-drenched world of Josie, Melody, and Val as they rocket from small-town dreamers to unwitting pop pawns in a plot to brainwash teens.

We explore the film's razor-sharp (and still shockingly relevant) commentary on consumerism, the music industry, and branding overload, all while appreciating the infectious soundtrack that still slaps today. Niall brings his signature wit and deep pop culture knowledge to unpack the film's surprising comic roots, its place in early-2000s cinema, and why Josie & The Pussycats deserves way more love than it got on its original release.

So slap on your cat ears, crank up the volume, and join us as we celebrate one of the most delightfully subversive "bubblegum" movies ever made!

Guest Plugs
Bat Minute, Miami Minutes

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Join us for our next movie review - Jurassic Park III

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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 Parker Posey (cut from Episode 178 - Josie & The Pussycats)

Our upcoming Josie & the Pussycats episode is jam-packed, so we had to trim some stuff out. But rather than throw out this gold, here you go.

Get ready for a wild, surreal ride through the twisted corridors of early-2000s cinema as the Reel Comic Heroes crew dives headfirst into Monkeybone—a film that's part dark fantasy, part slapstick comedy, and entirely confusing.

In this episode, we unpack the strange journey of cartoonist Stu Miley (Brendan Fraser), who finds himself trapped in a bizarre limbo world filled with oddball creatures, bad decisions, and one very horny monkey. We'll explore the film's chaotic tone, the surprisingly impressive creature design by Stan Winston Studio, and ask the big questions—like "Who exactly was this movie for?" and "Was Hollywood just... okay with this?"

We also look at director Henry Selick's jump from The Nightmare Before Christmas to Monkeybone, and how the film's troubled production and studio meddling might've buried its potential. Expect laughs, bewilderment, and a healthy dose of 2000s nostalgia (and regret).

Spoiler warning: monkey business ahead.

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Join us for our next movie review - Josie and the Pussycats

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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

176 - Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker with Alex Thompson-Forte

In this episode of Reel Comic Heroes, we dive into the animated classic Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker. Hosts Travis and Patrick are joined by special guest Alex Thompson-Forte to unravel the dark and thrilling story that brings the Clown Prince of Crime back to terrorize Neo-Gotham.

Together, they discuss the film's intense action, its shocking twists, and how it pushes the boundaries of what we expect from a Batman animated feature. From Mark Hamill's chilling performance as the Joker to the evolution of Terry McGinnis as Gotham's new protector, this episode is packed with insights, humor, and plenty of Bat-fan nostalgia.

Join us as we explore the legacy of Batman Beyond, the impact of this unforgettable movie, and whether Return of the Joker still holds up today. Tune in now—because the Joker's back, and he's got the last laugh!

Guest Plugs
Alex Thompson-Forte - Independence Day Minute, Galaxy Quest Minute

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Join us for our next movie review - MonkeyBone

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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