Storybeater

Anthony and Andrew have a spoiler-filled discussion of the second season of Marvel's Netflix's Daredevil, discussing the structure of the series, the approaches to Elektra and Punisher, and the ongoing conversation about superhero morality. Plus, they talk about their experiences having their own work out in the world, and they endorse the Ennis/Dillon Punisher and The CW's Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.

Anthony and Andrew talk about the screenwriting challenges and successes in this year's Oscar-nominated movies, including The Martian, The Big Short, Carol, Spotlight, Brooklyn, Ex Machina, Inside Out, Bridge of Spies, and more.

 After the disappointment of Spectre, Anthony and Andrew decide to revisit one of their favourite Bond movies to try to understand why the rest of the world hates it so much. Diamonds Are Forever marked Sean Connery's brief return to his most famous role, with a flamboyant Vegas setting, some extremely quirky henchmen, and Charles Grey's triumphantly camp performance as Blofeld. 

Anthony and Andrew share their spoiler-filled thoughts on the storytelling of The Force Awakens, from the points of view of both a superfan and a skeptic. What works, what doesn't, and what do we expect to see next?

They also look back at their writing accomplishments of the year, and compare and rate some of the year's big pop culture works.

00:00:00 - 00:13:00 - Writing year-in-review

00:13:00 - 01:49:30 - The Force Awakens

01:49:30 - 02:1845 - Pop culture year-in-review

 In a giant-sized holiday special double bill, Anthony and Andrew look at the classic Ray Harryhausen movie Jason & The Argonauts, and the recent Marvel/Netflix show Jessica Jones. The discussion covers mythology, inspiration, superpowers, ensembles, and so much more.

Anthony and Andrew offer their thoughts on the new James Bond movie, Spectre, directed by Sam Mendes and written by Logan, Purvis, Wade et al. How does it hold up within the Bond canon and as a movie in its own right? How does it handle its villains and its supporting cast? What is it that makes the Daniel Craig movies so different from the other Bonds, and where does the franchise go next?

 Anthony and Andrew discuss the classic Gothic horror novel Frankstein by Mary Shelley, the iconic movie adaptation by James Whale, and the enduring influence and legacy of the Frankenstein myth, plus the different versions of the monster from tragic victim to wordless brute. 

Anthony and Andrew celebrate the impact that trash culture had on them, from the exploitation movies of Andy Sidaris to the kitsch aesthetic of Tiki, by way of Gymkata, the A-Team and much, much more.

Anthony and Andrew discuss Guy Ritchie's quirky and stylish Man from UNCLE, and the tropes, conventions, and significance of the spy genre. Can it ever emerge out of the shadow of James Bond?

Anthony and Andrew discuss the storytelling in Peyton Reed's Ant-Man. Did the prior involvement of Edgar Wright help or hurt? How does Darren Cross compare to other villains? Why are the women so poorly handled? And was the movie any good?

The conversation also meanders into a discussion of the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Does Marvel have a sustainability problem?

Plus, self-publishing, self-promotion, presentation skills, and Inside Out.