On today's episode, we explore characters in film who are consumed by the pursuit of greatness at any cost. We delve into modern hits such as Whiplash, Black Swan, and The Prestige, while also revisiting classics like Sunset Boulevard, Amadeus, and Basquiat. Our discussion centers on Hollywood's fascination with extreme ambition, the toll it takes on these characters' personal lives and mental health, and how these stories shape the public's view of the "tortured genius." We also compare fictional narratives like Sleight with the portrayal of real-life figures in films like I, Tonya.

To wrap up, we tackle the concept of legacy in a digital world. Is the constant, ever-changing news cycle undermining the idea of lasting greatness? With every new viral trend and Hawk Tuah Girl, how long do we truly celebrate exceptional achievements before shifting our focus elsewhere?

On this special episode, we honor the extraordinary legacy of actor James Earl Jones, a voice that defined generations. From his groundbreaking roles in Dr. Strangelove and The Great White Hope, to his unforgettable performances in The Lion King and Coming to America, Jones left an indelible mark on cinema. But without question, his most iconic role was as Darth Vader in the original Star Wars trilogy, where his commanding voice became the stuff of legend. 

We also take a few moments to honor popular comic book artist and writer John Cassaday (Planetary, Astonishing X-Men, Captain America #1). Cassaday was a favorite of ours, and he and Jones both died on Monday, September 9, 2024. 

Rest in peace, gentlemen. 

Gear up for a blast from the past as we time travel to the 1980s and draft our favorite action movies. It’s like the NFL Draft, but with iconic action flicks! Your hosts battle it out over five categories to assemble their ultimate teams. Once a film is picked, it’s off the board—no repeats allowed. The categories are:

Solo Man on a Mission: One man versus all the bad guys like Commando and Die Hard.

Tune in to see which movies make the cut and who drafts the ultimate 1980s action movie team!

Wade Wilson is back and he’s brought the Ol’ Canucklehead with him!

Join us as we review the absolute bonkers ride that is Deadpool & Wolverine. We unpack why this film isn't called Deadpool 3, Hugh Jackman’s epic return as our favorite mutton-chopped Canadian, each and every surprise cameo, and all the box office records it's breaking as Marvel Studios' first R-rated movie. Plus, we debate whether or not the character of Deadpool can truly find his place in the MCU while lampooning it at the same time.

**This episode is full of spoilers if you haven't seen Deadpool & Wolverine. 

Join us on today's pod as we dive into the murky waters of fan service or ‘Stan’ service to paraphrase one Marshall Mathers.

From comic book adaptations to controversial casting choices like Hugh Jackman as Wolverine to artistic liberties taken such as the racially-diverse Norse gods in the Thor films, we explore where fandom expectations clash with creative vision.

Should creators prioritize fan loyalty or forge their own paths? Don't changes have to be made when adapting 50 to 80 year-old IPs?

Plus, we dissect the buzz around the Fantastic Four's 1960s revival and eagerly anticipate upcoming adaptations like Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips' Criminal series starring Charlie Hunnam (Sons of Anarchy, The Gentlemen). 

On this episode, Adrian recorded audio from a panel featuring writer/artist/raconteur Howard Chaykin at HeroesCon 2024 this past weekend. 

Moderated by Chris Brennaman of Infinite Realities Comics in Tucker, GA,  the panel follows Chaykin discussing his career, the true origin of his series ‘Black Kiss’, Gil Kane, personal transformation and much more.

And hey, stay until the end to hear Howard’s impromptu performance of ‘Big Bad Bill (Is Sweet William Now)’ by Jack Yellen.

Audio recorded on June 15, 2024 with permission.

When it comes to creativity, inspiration is often taken from the works of others. But where do we draw the line between influence and outright copying? Join us on this thought-provoking episode as we ponder the age-old debate: When do imitation and homage become stealing? From comic book artists like Todd McFarlane and Rob Liefeld, to filmmakers such as Brian De Palma and Quentin Tarantino, to musicians like Beyoncé and Pharrell, our conversation navigates the gray areas where creativity intersects with ethics. Was Picasso right when he said, "Good artists copy. Great artists steal?" Is imitation truly the sincerest form of flattery, or does it cross the boundaries of artistic integrity?

In the third installment of our ‘5 Comics That Explain’ series, we G-ride to the 1990s.

The conversation includes Spawn #1 and the meteoric rise of Image Comics, the death (and inevitable return) of Superman in issue #75 and the ‘Bad Girl’ craze led by scantily-clad characters such as Lady Death and Shi.

We also cover the landmark mini-series DC’s ‘Kingdom Come’ with the sterling art of Alex Ross; as well as give the nod to Neil Gaiman’s ‘Sandman’ and becoming the bedrock of DC’s late imprint, Vertigo.

Lastly, we give honorable mention to the 8 million selling ‘X-Men’ #1 by Chris Claremont and Jim Lee, the reality-bending ‘Maxx’ by Sam Kieth and the breath of diversity from Milestone Comics.

As always, thanks for listening.

On this episode, Dwight and Adrian review WRESTLEMANIA XL! As longtime wrestling fans, we totally ‘mark’ out on the Grandest Stage of Them All!

Titles change!

Heroes and villains return!

And will Cody Rhodes survive the onslaught of the Universal Champion Roman Reigns, The Rock and the combined might of the Bloodline faction?

Be it aliens, clones, or dystopian futures, we love us some science fiction. On today's podcast, we take inspiration from movieweb.com by compiling a list of nine underrated sci-fi movies. Terrific films like The Brother From Another Planet, Soylent Green, The Hidden, Equilibrium, and The Girl with All the Gifts are a few of the overlooked gems that make up our final list. We also ask questions on the pod: Are big budgets critical to the success of good sci-fi movies? Do the themes and concerns in these films often reflect the decades in which they were released? Is sci-fi as a genre better at telling cautionary tales?

Check out the movieweb.com article by Brian Accardo: https://movieweb.com/cult-classic-sci-fi-movies/#beyond-the-black-rainbow