Westworld: The Podcast

The original "Blade Runner" was a big influence on "Westworld." So you can imagine how excited we were about the sequel, "Blade Runner 2049." Craig, Heather, and Jake discuss the stunning visuals and world building (4:29), our favorite science fiction technology (9:23), Joi (20:04), Jared Leto and architecture (25:41), the baseline (32:40), Harrison Ford and cities (34:37), the film's treatment of women (38:10), and their favorite moments (45:52).

The original "Blade Runner" is considered one of the most influential sci-fi films ever made. "Blade Runner 2049" has big shoes to fill, but the early returns are very good. Craig, Heather, and Jake preview this exciting new sequel.

Rockstar Games dropped another "Red Dead Redemption 2" trailer and it is amazing. Craig and Kit (a new voice on the podcast) talk about the game's predecessor, the breathtaking visuals, possible storylines, and much more.

Blade Runner (1982) is a neo-noir, sci-fi classic and explores many of the same themes as Westworld. Craig, Jake, and Heather discuss facts about the film (1:42), our general impressions (6:50), how this movie is a film noir (11:11), the theme of desperation (16:26), paranoia and humanity (22:39), the treatment of women (29:21), human-robot relationships (36:28), the casting (39:32), and our favorite moments (47:54).

The neo-noir sci-fi Blade Runner is considered one of the greatest science-fiction films of all time and features many of the same themes as Westworld. In anticipation of the sequel Blade Runner 2049, we thought it would be good to visit the original. Craig, Heather, and Jake preview their discussion of the film.

So much has happened this offseason, we thought it would be good to recap everything. Craig and Heather discuss Creative Arts Emmy wins, Funko bobble heads, season 2 teasers, returning characters, and new cast members.

"Ex Machina" is one of the best new sci-fi films of the past decade. And it deals with many of the same themes as "Westworld." Craig, Jake, and a new guest Lauren Faber discuss the background of the film (0:49), their general impressions of the film and Alicia Vikander's performance (8:00), Domhnall Gleason as Caleb (13:47), Oscar Isaac as Nathan (16:12), the setting and how it played a part of the story (25:04), the ending (31:19), the film's low budget being a huge benefit (37:40), the idea of sexuality (42:17), and their favorite moments (48:40).

Hector returns! Rodrigo Santoro has been confirmed for "Westworld" Season 2. Also, Dolores doesn't have a monopoly on female robots on the verge of sentience. In "Ex Machina" (2015), Ava was kicking ass and realizing consciousness. Craig, Jake, and Lauren Faber (a new voice on the podcast) preview their discussion of the sci-fi thriller.

Cover of "Chandelier" by Alex Thompson

Michael Crichton created another theme park that goes horribly awry. "Jurassic Park" (1993) is one of the greatest and most influential sci-fi films of all time.

Craig and Jonathan talk about the background of the film (3:01), our memories of seeing the movie for the first time compared to what we think of it now (8:37), how "Jurassic Park" isn't a movie about dinosaurs (15:27), the 90s nostalgia (17:53), the superb acting (21:35), the raptors as villains (25:21), the theme park (34:24), the film's major flaw (38:11), and their favorite moments (40:36).

Exciting "Westworld" news! Jimmi Simpson announced he will be returning for season 2 and we have three new cast members joining the fold. Also Craig and Jonathan preview their discussion of another theme park gone awry, the 1993 sci-fi classic "Jurassic Park."