The Soulless Minions of Orthodoxy - Movie Commentaries

John Pavlich (http://www.sofadogs.libsyn.com/) and Tysto (http://www.tysto.com/) join me once again for a commentary on the 1997 sci-fi film Gattaca. This film is the freshmen effort of writer and director Andrew Niccol who has been apart of many critically acclaimed and noteworthy films such as Lord of War and The Truman Show. Even if you're not interested in his works it can be said that looking at the credits of Andrew Niccol his oeuvre definitely reflects a unique eye and style.

Please join us as John, Tysto, and myself examine some of the finer points of Gattaca. Some of our discussions include -- its relevance in today's world, (was it perhaps ahead of its time?) the philosophical debate of free will versus determinism, it's place in the realm of mystery noir as well as retro sci-fi, it's wonderful score and set design, and my admiration of Ethan Hawke.

Sync Point: The black point immediately after the Columbia Pictures logo has faded away.

This commentary was recorded using a Region 1 DVD

Any comments our questions please visit or community forum: http://soullessminions.yuku.com/

I found myself alone in the Soulless Minions studio once again but thankfully I was joined by my fellow fan commentators -- Mike of Commentary Track Stars (http://maxhegel.podbean.com/) and John from Sofa Dogs (http://www.sofadogs.libsyn.com/) -- for this look at the 2000 cheerleading epic Bring It On. It might seem like an odd choice for John, Mike and myself considering that this movie is generally considered a "chick flick" in the eyes of most movie goers. But that doesn't really matter, we don't think, because this movie is just plain fun. It's poppy, bright and full of energy. And yet it's smart, clever and more nuanced than most other "teen films."

Sync Point: The black point immediately after the Universal logo has faded away.

This commentary was recorded using a Region 1 DVD.

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For this commentary we're joined by three special guest commentators--Damon Shaw and Mike Ortiz of Geek Fights (http://www.geekfights.net/) and Michael Felsher of Red Shirt Pictures (http://www.redshirtpictures.com/) for a commentary on Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith.

Well, it's Star Wars...

...enough said.

Sync Point: The first black frame immediately after the Lucas Film logo has faded to black.

The commentary was recorded using a Region 1 DVD.

Special Note: The audio quality of this commentary isn't up to our usual standards. It's not perfect but it's listenable.

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My regular co-host was out of the studio on this one but thankfully I was joined by two very special guests and fellow fan commentators--Tysto of Tysto.com (http://www.tysto.com/) and John of SofaDogs.com (http://www.sofadogs.libsyn.com/)--for this commentary on the 1999 sci-fi comedy Galaxy Quest. You don't have to be a fan sci-fi to dig this movie because it's appeal is universal.

There's comedy, drama, suspense, explosions, spaceships, and really cool looking aliens. This movie has everything. It's a treat to behold. It really is.

Which make me wonder...

Why doesn't this movie have a sequel?

Sync Point: The black point immediately after the DreamWorks logo has faded away.

This commentary was recorded using a Region 1 DVD.

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Joining us for this commentary on the 1998 film Rushmore is a very special guest and fellow podcaster Dave Alluisi of The Meandawg Top 5 and The Bookhouse Boys. Rushmore was the second film made by writer/director Wes Anderson. It was also co-written by actor Owen Wilson. It's a fine ensemble film and a touching coming of age tale and you need not be a fan of Wes Anderson and his signature style to enjoy it. If you haven't yet seen please do because it's just plain awesome in our humble opinion. It's not only strong in terms of writing and character but is also filled to the brim with many subtleties and nuances that are a real treat to look for and discover. It's a real gem.

Sync Point: The black point immediately after the Touchstone Pictures logo has faded away.

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Fellow fan commentator Tysto (http://www.tysto.com/) joined Justin and myself (Your Soulless Minions of Orthodoxy) in our recording studio for a collaborative commentary on the 1988 Sword & Sorcery Epic--Willow.

This was a blast to record because of course three heads are better than two. But also because the three of us of really like the film. Not only for nostalgia sake, but for the fact that its a stand out of its genre that still holds up today. As with other films of its kind Willow draws upon a shared pool of mythical elements - a child of prophecy, an evil queen, a lovable rogue, a hero on a journey, etc. But those familiarities shouldn't keep anyone of this generation or the last from enjoying this underrated film. Either young or young at heart Willow takes you on his journey with him.

Sync Point: The black point immediately after the Lucas Film title card has faded away.

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The Soulless Minions (AKA - Justin & Josh) are lifelong Star Trek fans. So it is with much excitement and delight that we are presenting our first Star Trek Commentary. Justin and I are looking back at the 9th Star Trek film -- Star Trek: Insurrection. The year was 1998 and Insurrection was coming off the heels of the grandeur and success of Star Trek: First Contact. So Justin and I went into this film with very high expectations. As I'm sure was the case for most Star Trek fans. However, Insurrection left us disappointed. Perhaps our combined anticipation and expectations were to simply too high. Nevertheless, Insurrection is by no means a bad movie. It was well directed by Jonathon Frakes and competently produced. The film has quality and good production values. But is it a lack of scope? Often Insurrection has been noted as being more like an episode of the series than the cinematic adventure people were expecting. Justin and I share in that outlook. But as it is Star Trek we have warm feelings for it anyway despite our disappointment. Our commentary attempts to analyze the what we feel works and what we feel doesn't work. And also why the movie feels "small" in comparison to the other Star Trek films.

Sync Point -- The black point immediately after the Paramount logo has faded away.

Looking for more Star Trek? Then please check out http://www.treknologic.com/ for episode reviews, trivia and general discussion of all things Trek.

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The mother of the Soulless Minions joins us once more with this commentary. We're taking a look at the 1996 film aptly titled -- Mother. Its was co-written and directed by Albert Brooks and among all of his films we think its one of his best. It also stars Debbie Reynolds who delivers a very funny and down to earth performance. This is simply a great movie that might appear a bit low key on the surface but under that surface it's really a strong and true to life examination of the relationship between a mother and her son. And that's a kind of relationship that isn't often examned in film. It's really a hidden gem.

Sync Point: The black point immediately after the Paramount logo has faded away.

This Commentary was recorded using a Region 1 DVD

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"SpaceCamp! Every summer, people flock there from across the country for official astronaut training on real NASA equipment...and to fulfill a dream..."

Dispite its troubled production and release SpaceCamp turned out to be a farily successfull foray into the "disaster film" sub-genre. Although it has the common formulas -- ensemble cast, reluctant hero, etc. -- it manages to rise above them and engage you emotionally. It's still a fun movie for the nostalgic and the young. Plus it has a great score by John Williams.

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What an awesome movie! Justin and I had a great time looking back on this classic from 1985. Not only is it a favorite from our youth but it holds up remarkably well considering its age. We both feel whole heartedly that there's a fair amount grace, charm and subtlety under the surface of what some may dismiss as "just another 80's movie". Having not seen it in a number of years we both found it to be surprisingly touching and heartfelt. We hope you will as well. Maybe it's not perfect but it's pros outweigh its cons.

Sync Point: The black point immediately after the MGM logo has faded away.

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