Swords and Satire

We kick off the much beloved creepy season with The Last Witch Hunter, which is one of our favorite spooky fantasy movies, so we are happy to finally cover this witchy modern classic! Not only is it a great murder mystery with witches and their hunters (like people who hunt them, not people who hunt for them), but it also features a great, cheesy apocalypse averting ending, which is way overblown, but we are here for all of it! So is the last witch hunter, Kaulder, a fascist cop, a righteous savior, or a suave detective? Well, we figure it all depends on the way you design your D&D character, right? (Because Vin Diesel is a D&D nerd, like us.)

(intro skit sounds from Zapsplat.com, and music from audiohero.com)

Our patrons chose a fantasy classic from the 80’s, by the name of “She,” for our anniversary month that was as confusing to follow as a Werner Herzog cinematic tangent. This film is chock full of supernatural beings, who all band together in different clicks that the main characters have to fight through. Alas, there are still Nazis in the apocalypse too, those darned things are just so hard to get rid of. But maybe this movie is more prescient than we gave it credit for since the primary antagonists are Nazis of the American variety, so go figure. Apparently this movie has more going on than we initially gave it credit for too, since we stumbled our way into an interpretation that made us realize this movie is accidentally brilliant. Listen in to figure out how!

(intro skit sounds obtained from Zapsplat.com)

Our discussion on the second half of Castlevania season two is here! Jamie shares his expert knowledge about the Castlevania game series much to Cassidy’s chagrin, but he is indefatigable in his resolve to educate the masses about his favorite games of all time. But then Cassidy asks the important question on everyone’s minds, why do we feel sorry for Dracula in the end?

It’s our anniversary episode this week, three years and going strong! We are covering another classic fantasy movie as per our tradition, and in the same universe as Conan, the show mascot. Kull The Conqueror is a fantasy classic that wanted to be modern, at least when it came to class and gender equality, but it never quite stuck the landing on either. Also, by the way, this is a much kinkier movie than we remembered! Listen in on our wacky, yet insightful discussion, if you dare!

(intro skit sounds obtained from Zapsplat.com)

We are covering the first half of season two of Castlevania the show this week for your listening pleasure. The trio of heroes gear up at ye olde Belmont estate and maybe even have budding friendships, while Dracula conducts his war effort against the stinky humans, even while his allies question his sanity. Besides figuring out what Alucard would most likely sell on his Etsy site were he to have one, we also talk about Castlevania lore, vampire traits in the show, what strong female characters mean to us, and magical aphrodisiacs. But also, next week is our anniversary episode, celebrating three years of podcasting, so join us for that episode too!

What does it mean to be a man? Who do you see when you look in the mirror? Is it who you expect to see? This week we cover Mulan, the classic fantasy tale that unintentionally supports trans rights as human rights, while breaking down the binary gender roles in a fun and whimsical way. This movie is also ripe for discussion about problematic cultural representation and dehumanizing of the other. It contains multitudes, as do we all.

(intro skit sounds obtained from Zapsplat.com)

We thought it was time to cover a show about our dungeon manager’s favorite video game series, Castlevania! In season one Draculisa is born, that’s the ship name for Dracula and Lisa, but unfortunately Lisa is burned at the stake as a witch and Dracula vows to avenge her death by unleashing the armies of Hell upon the citizens of Wallachia. We also meet the powerful, yet unlikely trio of heroes, who will stand against Dracula and his hordes of demon-kind. Listen in as we wax philosophical and nostalgic about this franchise that has enchanted millions.

This week we cover an epic fantasy action flick about a princess that kicks ass, and takes names. She also gives no fucks, and is ungovernable, just like we appreciate here at Swords and Satire. And in our typical fashion of delving way too deep into fantasy movies, we spin a yarn about this seemingly shallow action movie, showing our listeners just how rich the themes truly are. And if you think a blend of barbarian and martial arts fighting styles sounds pretty cool, then you better listen in to hear all about it!

(intro skit sounds obtained from Zapsplat.com)

Here we are talking about the ultimate episode of The Wheel of Time, and did we think maybe this was the final battle? Well sure, but it turns out the war has just begun. But at least this season has a conclusion, unlike Warrior Nun, which will never be able to live down the ludicrous display of its lack of a season conclusion in our eyes. And as ever we remain hilariously confused by the fantasy character names as we discuss the last episode, so listen in to find out which characters were our favorites, and who died in the end.

This week we cover a quaint isekai anime fantasy movie about an enchanted castle, a cursed prince, an old cleaning lady with a secret, and a young shyster in training, who are all looking for love and friendship in a time of war. But we Satirists know what we are looking for…it’s the chance to dream about the beautiful, magical boy Howl! And while his castle would be a great place to cuddle in, it’s really all just held together with shoestring and whimsy, just like our show.

(intro skit sounds obtained from Zapsplat.com)