The Summer of the Planet of the Apes continues with 2014’s “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.” It’s a sequel that’s superior in almost every way, but somehow seems a little less fun, since we can no longer root for the apes. Now there are bad guys on both sides, as Gary Oldman and a chimpanzee named Caesar act out a tragedy of Shakespearean levels.

"Dawn of the Planet of the Apes"

Jason Snell with Brian Warren, Annette Wierstra, David J. Loehr and John Moltz

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You did it, you blew it all up! And now it’s… the Summer of the Planet of the Apes! Our own troop of hairless apes tackles the well-regarded modern “Apes” trilogy this month, beginning with 2011’s “Rise of the Planet of the Apes.” James Franco is a scientist? Brian Cox runs a sketchy ape facility? Tom Felton thinks his dates want to see caged primates? Just when you think this movie has it all backward, that’s when you realize: we’re actually all rooting for the apes.

"Rise of the Planet of the Apes"

Jason Snell with Annette Wierstra, Brian Warren, John Moltz and David J. Loehr

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Boot up the Time Window and prepare your memory palace! A full season of the new, Disneyfied version of “Doctor Who” has gone by, and we’ve convened a panel of time experts to discuss the highs and lows, and where the series goes next.

Doctor Who Season 1 Wrap

Jason Snell with Steven Schapansky, Erika Ensign, Chip Sudderth and Annette Wierstra

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“Star Trek: Discovery” opened a new era in Star Trek TV, but now the series has reached its end. How did the new, slimmed-down season 5 storyline work? Were we happy with the series-ending payoff? How were the show’s many interesting characters served in their final go-round? We break it all down.

"Star Trek: Discovery" season 5/series wrap

Jason Snell with Dan Moren, Jean MacDonald, Joe Rosensteel and Erika Ensign

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With “Furiosa: A Mad Max Story” in theaters, we thought we would dip back to the original (aka, the fourth) Mad Max movie, “Mad Max: Fury Road” from 2015. It’s a big car chase followed by a race, it’s two hours long, and it’s considered one of the greatest films of all time. Witness us!

"Mad Max: Fury Road"

Steven Schapansky with Erika Ensign, Merlin Mann, Brian Warren and Kelly Guimont

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Our 2024 book club shortlist read continues with “Shigidi and the Brass Head of Obalufon”, “The Terraformers,” and “Some Desperate Glory.” We enjoyed them all, to varying degrees! Plus: What else are we reading?

2024 Awards Shortlist, part 2

Jason Snell with Aleen Simms, Scott McNulty, Erika Ensign and Heather Berberet

Next books: “The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi”, “The Saint of Bright Doors”, and “The Water Outlaws.”

What else are we reading?

Erika:

Aleen:

Scott:

Heather:

Jason:

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It’s been 40 years since the release of 1984’s “The Last Starfighter,” so we finally give this visually groundbreaking film its due. Did we find the early CGI effects as charming as the plot of a small town kid becoming a galactic hero in the distant reaches of space?

"The Last Starfighter" (1984)

Steven Schapansky with Joe Rosensteel, Cicero Holmes, David J. Loehr and Erika Ensign

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You just can’t kill us, unless we’re wearing something on our necks that means you can. We’re back to cover 2018’s “Deadpool 2,” which bring you… more Deadpool. Not necessarily a bad thing, but should it have tried to elevate its game? Does its ending completely invalidate the story? And what’s the serious plot element at the center of the ridiculous meta superhero action?

"Deadpool 2"

Jason Snell with Kelly Guimont, Cicero Holmes and Dan Moren

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With a third movie on the way, it’s time for us to tackle an R-rated “X-Men” spinoff, everyone’s favorite glutton for punishment, 2016’s “Deadpool.” Did it pass the test of skeptical first-time viewers? Does its balance of humor and ultraviolence work? And why did we find this deeply unserious movie strangely affecting?

"Deadpool" (2016)

Jason Snell with Erika Ensign, Kelly Guimont and Dan Moren

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We begin our walk through the 2024 nominees for Best Novel from the Hugo and Nebula Awards. First up: “Starter Villain” by John Scalzi, “Translation State” by Ann Leckie, and “Witch King” by Martha Wells.

2024 Awards Book Club part 1

Jason Snell with Erika Ensign, Aleen Simms, Scott McNulty and Heather Berberet

Our next books, as the shortlist reading rolls on!

What are we reading?

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